🖤 BAD GIRL REPUTATION by Elle Kennedy 🖤

★★★★☆

🍹 Drink Pairing: For this book I decided to go with a Virgin Mai Tai because it seemed to be Gen’s drink of choice at all the bars! It was so fun to make, and honestly sooo delicious - highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a tropical treat!

🍍 Recipe: In a shaker with ice add 4 oz. Pineapple juice, 4 oz Fresh orange juice, a small splash of grenadine, and a splash of Orgeat syrup. Shake it up and strain into a glass over ice, then top with another splash of grenadine for color and garnish with some frozen pineapple! (You can also top with some seltzer if you want a little fizz!)

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the eARC of this book!

🌟 Review: First and foremost - this book can be definitely read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading Good Girl Complex first for a better reading experience since you get some back story and can follow a bit more with the character’s journeys in the Avalon Bay universe.

I was SO excited to get this book since I really did love Good Girl Complex, I have to say I seem to be the unpopular opinion but I liked Cooper/Mac’s a little more than Evan/Gen’s! I loved seeing Evan and Gen’s growth in this book not only in their relationship, but as individuals too. There was obviously a lot they needed to process between one another while also working through grief - and honestly, just growing up a little. I was so proud of Gen for staying true to herself and focusing on getting better.

It did break my heart just a little to see Cooper and Mac from Evan’s POV as it is not always roses and sunshine (lol) but I think Elle Kennedy did such a good job of making it clear that this book was from a completely different perspective which gave Evan’s character a much more distinct voice.


Ok, done rambling now but make sure to go grab this book on Tuesday when it comes out! It’s perfect if you’re someone who loves second chance romances, small beach town settings, and some angst!

✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻/5

This one was a mix for me. Overall I really did enjoy the story, but some parts were hard for me to get by, either because they were frustrating or just because I wasn’t all that emotionally attached to the situations.

Gen was wild, to say the least. I enjoyed watching her transform when she moved back to town after her mother’s funeral. And I did enjoy her growth. But at times I was really upset about her constantly stringing Harrison along, while hopping into Evan’s bed every other night. And some moments didn’t seem as genuine as they should have been considering how determined she was to change.

Evan was easier for me to get attached to. In the beginning, I could feel his pain and where all of his feelings and actions were coming from. And I really loved his moments of redemption and growth throughout. Despite his previous actions, he really was a good guy with a good heart. And he realized he needed to grow up and change for the better, and I enjoyed watching this transformation take place.

Frustration aside, these characters had a ton of chemistry and the steam was perfection! I was definitely rooting for them to get their stuff together and just be a real couple, because the moments when it was the two of them were off the charts.

I really loved that this one was deeper than the romance. While it was about Gen and Evan coming back together after years apart, it was about the strength to overcome your past reputation to be who you really want to be. Someone who grew up. Who matured. Who overcame their weaknesses. Who is living for themselves and no one else.

And I loved that they held each other up through this process, because they were aware they weren’t changing for the other, but for themselves. And that was really the bond that brought them together and lifted them up enough to be capable of change.

Read if you like:
⚡️Dual POV
⚡️High school sweethearts
⚡️Party girl / Bad boy
⚡️Second chance
⚡️Steam

Genevieve is back in town after being away to get her life together, though it’s for her moms funeral and she is staying in town for a bit to help with the family business. While in town, there is one person she needs to avoid, her ex Evan. However, that is easier said than done.
Through the first quarter of this book I didn’t think that Gen and Evan should be together, they seemed so bad for each other. Yet, as their story progressed and you learned more about them and everything that happened my view of them shifted. They needed to be apart to better themselves before they could truly be better as a couple.
Gen and Evan’s story is all about second chances. They found their own second chance as individuals, but also with each other.
If you’re looking for a small town, second chance romance this is one to check out.

I read this book not liking Good Girl Complex so my expectations were low and I was ready to be disappointed again. But surprisingly, Bad Girl Reputation was such an improvement from the first book. I liked that the main characters are not perfect and the story was more focused on their healing and self-love rather than the drama. I loved that the main take away of the story is that everyone deserves a second chance to better themselves. I found both Genevieve and Evan interesting together and apart. I also appreciate that we see less of their friends because that one really threw me off in the first book. I like the angst and the push-pull relationship they have and when they finally got together, it was 💣

Thank you so much NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I couldn’t relate to the characters so I had a really rough time reading it. I’m sure some readers enjoy it but I feel like there was no actual character development. It felt juvenile.
There’s bit of angst and lots of ARC readers loved it but it wasn’t for me. I have read some of Elle Kennedy’s book more than a year ago and maybe my taste just shifted. I will try reading it again months later.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Evan Hartley is the boy that has owned her heart since the day that they met, but admitting that fact out loud is something she can't bring herself to do. She doesn't do attachments or commitments, they mean owning up to your feelings and that is a big no for her, which is why she left town before things got to that point. But now she is back home for her mother's funeral and the temptation to seek him out is all too high. He could be her everything... if she could just convince herself to give it a try!

Bad Girl Reputation is a angst-filled second chance love story that'll keep you captivated and in your feels from beginning to end! These two were meant for one another, they were the perfect pair, they just couldn't land on the same page and make things work. So our heroine decided to give them a break and make a clean break, but life called her home and right back into the middle of her love life with Evan.

You could see the potential there, but they both lacked a little maturity and the want to make it work, namely because of old wounds that they couldn't move past. It was kind of one of those things... you don't know what you have until it's gone, and Evan realized it the moment that Gen left town. So when she came breezing back into town for her mother's funeral he wanted to make the moment count, and reclaim what they had lost... but she was hesitant. So there was a lot of emotional tug o'war for them and torture for the reader... the will they, won't they will darn near kill ya. But have no fear they eventually they find their way... and it makes the torture so worth it! I loved meeting these two, and some of the secondary characters, I cannot wait to revisit and read the first installment. Highly recommend this one, it's words will wreck your heart in the best possible way!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

this is such a good series if you just want something where you can sit back, relax, turn off your brain, and just enjoy some messy characters trying their best to make their way through relationships.

ive seen the less-than-stellar reviews for this and, yes, the characters are immature and dont act rationally. but that honestly didnt bother me because i could see their slow progression and development. its not massive, but its there, and thats personally enough for me with this kind of story.

i enjoyed the connection between gen and evan. is it mainly physical? sure. but it doesnt really promise to be anything more than that and i could totally understand why they are so attracted to each other. their chemistry is top notch.

so again, if you are looking for a quick, entertaining read to help you avoid your own problems, then this is the one for you! lol.

I want to say thank you to St. Martins Press and Elle Kennedy for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the second book in the Avalon Bay series. I did not read the first one, and honestly, I didn't know this was a part 2 or a continuation of a series. The chemistry between Gen and Evan was so-so. I honestly didn't feel it, and it seemed only physical at some points.

Bad Girl Reputation is a trip back to Avalon Bay. Just like Good Girl Complex, this story is dual POV, just with the MC's being Evan and Genevieve, or "Gen" as we come to know her.

Gen and Evan come back together at Gen's moms funeral where they rekindle in a moment of passion that quickly reminds Gen why she left Avalon Bay in the first place. Nothing good comes from being around Evan Hartley. Gen and Evan are the ultimate dynamic duo. They're daredevils, always wanting to have a good time and one up each other. So, what happens when the party girl and the bad boy grow up?

After reading Good Girl Complex, I was excited to get more of Evan's story. However, there were times in the book where I felt like the new friend sitting around telling "remember when" stories that I didn't get because I wasn't there to experience them. I think the storyline was good, and there was a lot that could have been explored further, but so much got skipped over or felt like it was jumping around.

Ultimately, I thought the book was fine. It felt a little more YA at times and I feel like everything wrapped up pretty nicely, even if it was a bit predictable.

Bad Girl Reputation hit all the highs for me as a reader. Elle Kennedy mentions how she really enjoyed writing this book and it shows. Both Gen West and Evan Hartley are a couple who kept me on my toes and genuinely engaged with their second-chance romance. The former bad girl and bad boy of Avalon Bay are not the same wild teens they once were and are a bit bemused once they are face to face again after Gen's sudden departure a year earlier. These two fight their incredible attraction almost daily without falling back into each other's arms and bad habits and I couldn't wait to turn each page to see if they could honestly resist each other once and for all.

This book reads like a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. But it's an eye-opening one for sure as Kennedy allows Gen to maintain both her sobriety and her determination to find a new life that doesn't include Evan. However, Mr. Hartley has his own plans for both finally growing up and not continuing to be the rebellious troublemaker any longer, choosing a cleaner life like his girl. All with interesting results, that is for sure!

Both characters struggle with what their futures may look like and to not fall back into what they once upon a time. It's a true study in redemption as we get to watch Gen make amends for prior behavior while Evan takes on a younger 'brother' to give life lessons to, again at times with very amusing results.

I loved their chemistry and that clearly was the most potent part of this story. There is a painful push and pull from both at different times trying to save the other from a world of hurt. This would then often lead to passionate trysts that left them more confused and frustrated than ever before. It's almost as if they just couldn't get their timing or their thoughts in sync.

But the way Gen and Evan know each other like no one else is what keeps that tether between them even when they knew they might not make it. The special moments in 'their spot' were beautiful and heartfelt and gave me confidence that they could find a way to grow together as mature young adults. Their shared pain wrt their mothers in particular provided poignant scenes that each savored in their own way.

Evan's twin brother Cooper, who was featured in Good Girl Complex, features prominently in this book with his girl Mac by his side. Although I didn't love their story, they were much more likable in this one even when Coop was insistent on dissing Gen at every turn.

In the end, this story of second chances and the resolve to do better for yourself and your partner is full of great humor, sweet memories, and a couple who love as tenderly as they do fiercely. I loved that despite the fact that Gen and Evan had to change their ways and find a life that wasn't all mayhem and madness, glimpses of their rebellious nature were never far from the surface and provided a great laugh or two keeping things light when needed.

Elle Kennedy has a definite winner on her hands and I'm hoping we hear more from this sleepy beach town again and soon. In the meantime, I am happy to give Bad Girl Reputation a big 5 stars!

BAD GIRL REPUTATION is the second book in the Avalon Bay series and follows the stories of Cooper’s twin, Evan, and his on and off girlfriend, Genevieve. Gen left the small coastal town of Avalon Bay a year ago after hitting her perceived rock bottom. She returns for the funeral of her mother who suddenly died. She’s spent a year making changes to herself in order to change her bad girl reputation, and is planning to stay for a short period of time to help her dad straighten up the family business until he can find a replacement for her. Evan is still the irresistible bad boy that Gen always knew, so when he becomes determined to win her back, they have to decide whether their reputations can be shed and if second chances can truly work out.

The chemistry between Gen and Evan is piping hot, their history is volatile with their on-again-off-again relationship; they just can’t seem to keep away from each other. The spicy scenes are explicit and so <b><i>hot</i></b>. I love that Elle Kennedy typically (always?) writes her romances with dual perspectives which really aid the reader in getting lost in both main character’s thoughts and feelings. The character growth was well done and I really enjoyed the ending.

Overall, this is a angsty (but cute) second chance romance with two characters whose history together is long and full of passion. I loved seeing Mackenzie and Cooper included in this story! I think if I had to choose though - I prefer GOOD GIRL COMPLEX! Super interested to know if this series will continue and, if yes, which characters will be featured!

<i>I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, St Martin’s Griffin, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.</i>

The Hartley brothers return with their bad boy antics. When Gen returns to town after a year will she pick up where she left off with Even. The second book in the Avalon Bay series was as enjoyable as the first. The appearance of Shelly really did not close the story line there will maybe if there is a book 3 we will see how mom makes herself more likable.

3.5 stars!

We read Cooper and Mackenzie's story in Elle Kennedy's first book in her Avalon Bay series, "Good Girl Complex." Now, we get to learn all about Evan and Genevieve's sordid tale in "Bad Girl Reputation." This story is a slow burn second chance will-they-won't-they friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance that both jumps into the story immediately and takes a long time to unfold. In my opinion, Evan and Gen's story isn't as compelling as Cooper and Mackenzie's. Their present story is interspersed with flashbacks from their past as readers learn how they grew up together and always had each other's backs. Their relationship has always survived on mutually assured destruction, insane dares, bad upbringings, and an intense physical connection. After Gen leaves home without saying goodbye and only returns a year later for her mom's funeral, she and Evan have to prove to one another that they have grown up/will try to grow up so they can be better for themselves and for each other.

I started to get really into this book about half of the way through it. The first half is a bit slow to start. Gen shows a lot of terrific character development, whereas Evan's felt very convenient to me. I felt sooooo bad for Harrison, Gen just strung him along the entire book with no intention of anything more. There is some good banter here. It's also got a decent amount of spice to it if you're into that sort of thing. This is a quick read that I finished in a day and a half. I cannot wait for book 3 in the Avalon Bay series!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Elle Kennedy, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for providing me with an ARC copy of this book! All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for my review.

4.25 stars!

Bad Girl Reputation is the second installment in the Avalon Bay series by Elle Kennedy, and I loved being back in the small beach town setting. Each book can be read as a standalone, however, I recommend starting with Good Girl Complex which sets up the town and the two twin brothers who are the love interests in each book—and you shouldn’t miss a moment!

In Bad Girl Reputation we get Evan and Genevieve’s story, which is heavily hinted at in the previous book. These two have been friends since childhood and dated on and off since high school, so it’s a second chance romance told with a dual point of view. I picked it up while on vacation, just intending to read a few chapters, and ended up finishing it in one day! I so enjoyed picking up a book where I already knew the characters, the setting, and could quickly dive right in. It made me want to read more subsequent books in all the series I’ve started but never finished.

While Evan and Gen don’t quite have as much angst as Cooper and Mac in the first book, It’s nice to read about a couple with so much history. It makes the story easy to enjoy, knowing our characters have been close in the past and just need to find their way back together. The author did a good job of building that history and making me believe in their connection.

And we still get plenty of time with Cooper and Mac and their friends, which is fun, as well.

Evan is a straightforward character who knows what he wants, knows he’s not perfect, and it’s a nice change of pace to have a male lead with less internal complications.

Gen and Evan were both hell-raisers in their past, often involved in wild adventures together. Gen is concerned they can’t have a future that involves anything remotely “normal”. Now that she’s back in town, she’s determined to stay sober, and she’s afraid that means no Evan. The reader (and Evan) learn what drove Gen from town, and I couldn’t help but cheer Evan on as he decides to make some changes in his own life, proving to Gen his heart is hers—and that she can take him seriously.

I so enjoyed this revisit to Avalon Bay, and I’m excited to return in the next book set for next summer, The Summer Girl. While we’re out of brothers, there are plenty of friends who have their own stories to tell, as well.

Thank you to the publisher St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.

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I got 60% into this book and just don’t think this book is for me. Nothing against the book or author just not a good fit.

Elle Kennedy knows how to grab my attention and keep it. I loved this book! I loved that it gave more depth and wasn’t just a cute rom-com. The romance and character growth was well balanced. They may be flawed, but you still love them. There was some great chemistry and spice between these two 🌶 I can’t get enough of Kennedy and her writing style.

4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed this book more than the first one in the Avalon Bay series. I loved the push pull of Gen and Evan. I am always a sucker for a second chance romance so I was happy that was one of the main things in this book. I thought it was well done how they were both working on maturing and changing from their past selves. Over all I enjoyed the book.

I did not read the first book in the series but I still feel like this book can be read as a standalone. It is the second in the series.

I became of fan of Elle Kennedys books when I read The Deal. This book is very different than that series but was a still a fun read for me.

The female main character has come back to her hometown after the death of her mother. During the wake she runs into her old boyfriend, Evan. They have a very complicated past, but they are together, it is electric. Gen has straightened up and has cut back on her drinking after she realized that her drinking had gone too far. So she packed up and moved to Charleston a year ago, and she never planned on coming back.
Evan didn't know where or why Gen left so fast last year, but he couldn't get her out of his head. They had been on and off since middle school and were each others best friends, along with everything else. His brother, Cooper, thinks that he and Gen being together is a bad idea, but he knows that Gen is his everything and his end game.

This book is a second chance romance in every way possible. Both main characters are trying to improve themselves before they can be together, and Evan is trying to reunite his relationship with his mother. This book was sweet and they did enough flashbacks that I felt like I didn't have to read the first book.

It is a HEA and I enjoyed the push and pull of the main characters along with their growth throughout the story.

I did not read Good Girl but was able to follow along pretty easily. This is a second chance, friends to lovers story between Evan and Genevieve. Gen is brought back to Avalon Bay for her mother’s funeral and then stays to help out the family business.

Gen thought abruptly leaving town was the best way to fix/end her relationship with Evan. Meanwhile Evan was completely torn up and hurt by her actions. Genevieve fixed up her reputation while she was away, but will Evan be able to do the same so they can have a real shot at love? Evan and Gen still have so much chemistry between them that I was frequently begging them to just finally get together!

A new book in the series and one that picked my interest from all the rave reviews and hype that I’ve seen around all social media platforms.

I haven’t read an Elle Kennedy book in a while and was looking forward to it.

I love a good second chance romance and if they are older and hopefully wiser, I’m all in for it.
Genevieve left her hometown a while back but life had other plans for her. Going back for a funeral, and meeting up with her old friends and especially her ex boyfriend wasn’t what she wanted. Trying to take a turn on the right side of life after so many bad decisions, she’s not sure that getting back with her old habits is a wise decision.
I found her quite undecided and annoying at times to be honest. She did outgrow in the end and became a more likeable character but it took a while for me to get used to her personality.
As far as the romance story goes, it’s had everything you would expect. On and off again, steamy scenes and chemistry, as long as drawn out dialogue.
I think it’s a book that many will enjoy, some more than others.


🆓📖Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy