What I liked about the book:
1. I legitimately liked the main characters in this one. Gen was on a self-reflective, transformative path the whole book, and I love watching characters go through transformations.

I loved that this book made it very clear that Gen was changing for herself and not for Evan or anyone else. She changed for her own well-being which is fantastic!

I also loved that Evan supported her growth through her transition and definitely helped her to keep perspective on what things made her her versus what things made her destructive to herself. I loved that she didn’t lose her feist or her spirit, she really just grew up.

Speaking of transformations, Evan had one too! He was already the bad boy, ooey gooey goodness that I love, but then he totally put some of his more destructive habits behind him for the sake of winning his childhood sweetheart back and getting out of his bad boy funk. He was able to enrich the lives of the elderly, the youth, and his own family by the steps he made to put his own destructive habits behind him. I also appreciated how he realized drinking was a problem for him, but he also didn’t want to just quit entirely. He wanted to be able to do things in moderation rather than go all out, i.e. have a beer at poker night instead of going on a bender. For someone like myself, that seems like a much more sustainable long-term solution than going completely straight-edge. To each their own, but I liked this approach especially compared to Gen’s straight-edge approach.

2. To me, childhood sweethearts is one of the best tropes out there, and this one was done right. I really felt the connection they had having grown up together and having seen each other through a bunch of shit. This solidified my rooting for them from the beginning. There came a point in the book where I was worried we weren't going to get the HEA, and I was ready to judge this book hardcore with a 2-star rating. FORTUNATELY, we got our HEA!

3. I had already fallen for Evan in Good Girl Complex, but this line had my sliding all the way home for this man:
“I do,” he says. “Want a big family, I mean. I’d even be the stay-at-home dad. Do all the diapers and make lunches and all that.”

As a financially independent, mom of one with a crazy-ass work schedule, the fastest way to my heart is saying you’re not only willing, but are comfortable enough in your masculinity, to be a stay-at-home dad. Add in a guy with the moves of a playboy and the trademark Hartley smirk, and I’ll be your sugar mama any day of the week.

What didn't do it for me:
1. While book 1 of the Avalon Bay series had really mixed messages about cheating, this book had the terrible plot of using a nice guy for your own selfish needs. Gen knew she didn’t really like Harrison, and she had no sexual attraction to him, yet she kept stringing him along. This was especially bad when she was basically jumping out of bed with Evan every night to get into Harrison’s car the next morning. Harrison deserved better.

2. I’m honestly scratching my head a bit thinking about if there is going to be another book in the series. Seems like there may be something in the works for Alana + Wyatt + Tate. However, I don’t like these characters enough to deal with their drama. I may read a Heidi + Jay book, just because that’s opposites attract for sure and that could be fun!

Special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Review for “Bad Girl Reputation”
By: Elle Kennedy

Book at a glimpse:
👱🏻‍♂️👱🏻‍♀️ Dual POV, friends to lovers
🌊 Second (third, fourth, fifth) chance for childhood friends
🐚 Beach Town
😈 Bad boy and girl
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥

Genevieve has a bad girl reputation and a past to prove it, which prompted her to up and leave Avalon Bay a year ago. Due to a death in the family, she returns home and shows her family that she is now a clean, responsible adult. But one moment of being in the presence of Evan, her first love and worst habit, has her questioning if she can maintain her newly found image.

Evan and Genevieve have been best friends and inseparable since their first kiss in 8th grade. They love big and fight big. As equal as their love for each other, bad choices and negative influences are a part of them. They are both like moths drawn to each other as the flame. But this flame that continually draws them in is one of mutual understanding and dysfunction that only the two of them can ever understand.

Tension stirs as Genevieve dates what has to be their arch nemesis, a cop. Can Evan’s old ways rekindle the sparks that always ignite? Can he prove to her he can shed his bad boy rep and adult up to be who sure needs? Or will he be a bad habit that she ultimately has to drop to stop the cycle?

Full of angst, pull and push, coming of age and the Elle Kennedy spice we all love, Bad Girl Reputation delivers!

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I could only give it 4 stars. I am very much a mood reader and my reviews tend to be based on how books made me feel and how much I wanted to keep reading. Did I ever want to DNF this book? No. But could I not put it down? Also no. But that’s not to say it’s a bad thing. This book felt like a vacation. I read is leisurely and didn’t feel that panicked ‘I need to know what happens but don’t want this to end’ feeling. I enjoyed the journey. If you liked Good Girl Complex or any of the Off Campus/Briars U books, I think you’ll enjoy this.

I'm so thankful for the chance to read the next Avalon Bay book! While I adored the first book slightly more, I did appreciate the return to Avalon Bay, these characters and the premise of this story.

I enjoyed Gen and Evan's story - the will they, won't they, as well as the almost redemption arc, where they are both better themselves. I appreciated Gen's story slightly more, her ability to better herself and make healthier choices simply for her - while Evan's development seemed tightly tied to his want for Gen.

As always, the steamy scenes were *chefs kiss* and you could feel the tension and passion between the two characters.

I'm hopeful there will be another book in the series - just based on some of the relationships (or non relationships?) between some of the side characters - other people in the larger group of friends.

CW // substance abuse; sexual assault; corrupt cop

Elle Kennedy does it again!!!

I absolutely love Elle Kennedy’s books! Her ability to create characters that I connect with and root for is incredible. I adored this book! It was such a fun and romantic read. I love that it was about second chances, and not just in love but in life. The chemistry between Genevieve and Evan was so swoon worthy that I had a permanent smile plastered on my face while reading. The banter was top notch which is to be expected when reading an Elle Kennedy book. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you #netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book - and Gen is the kind of main character I truly resonate with. Strong willed yet swayed by matters of the heart. I couldn't wait for each new development in Gen and Evan's relationship!

everybody in this book is pretty toxic lol, these two are probably better off not together but i guess it's fine

I have so many feelings about this book. I usually devour anything Elle Kennedy writes but I felt like it took me forever to read Good Girl Complex. So when I saw this one was coming out I really had high hopes for it.

I love a second chance romance, but I just felt like Evan and Gen kept mentioning how toxic their relationship was and it had me questioning if I even wanted them to be together. By the end, you kinda realize that they both had a ton of growing up to do and once they did it they're good together but idk.

I definitely think I liked it more than Good Girl Complex though, so I'm glad I got the chance to read it!

Thank you, Elle Kennedy, St.Martins Press, & Netgalley for this advanced reader's copy!!

Bad Girl Reputation, the second book in the Avalon Bay series, was a sentimental story of forgiveness, personal growth, and second chances, both for the individual and for others. As someone that did not read Good Girl Complex, the first book in the Avalon Bay series, I can say with ease that this book can be read as a standalone.

While I appreciate that both Genevieve and Evan had flaws, it seemed as though their character development was abrupt and lacking where there was potential. It's implied that both characters struggled with mediating their alcohol and drug consumption, yet we don't see in enough depth the struggle they go through when being presented with these substances. Being as it was an essential point to the plot, I would've appreciated it if the author personified the dilemma more; established it as a defining character moment. That being said, I truly wasn't rooting for Genevieve and Evan to end up together. Their romance seemed to do more harm than good.

As for the supporting characters, I saw Cooper as a man with fragile masculinity, making him unbearable to read about. He was abrasive and judgmental to the core. I suppose he must be an acquired taste though. Mac, his girlfriend, though slightly more bearable, was still intolerable at times. She had this need to protect Cooper by fighting his battles for him. It was giving very much, "Don't worry, I can change him." Never a good look. Trust me, it isn't worth it.

In regards to everyone else mentioned in the story, I personally feel as though there were too many people to keep track of. There was Harrison, the man Genevieve was seeing alongside Evan; Riley, Evan's Little Brother, Riley's Aunt whose name I can never remember, all of Genevieve's siblings, only two who are mentioned somewhat often throughout the book's entirety, and Evan's Mom, Shelley. Don't even get me started on all of Genevieve's friends and their love interests. I understand that the author's vision is to build upon these characters later on in the series, however, if a clear foundation isn't established at the beginning of the book/series, it becomes more difficult for readers to become emotionally invested.

I've never read any of Elle Kennedy's previous work, therefore there is nothing to compare Bad Girl Reputation to, though I wish I could tell you whether or not this was an improvement from Good Girl Complex. What I did notice was that there was a lot of telling rather than showing. It was always, "I told him this" or, "She told me that." While the word choice was a little too volatile at times, the drama, angst, and banter contributed to the burning tension between our protagonists, Genevieve and Evan.

It seemed as if there wasn't a main plot, just branches of sub-plot that the characters floated between. There were no consistent elements for the readers to hold onto. It seemed as though the author would start a storyline that would lead to one place, forget about it, and then remember to build onto it more than halfway through. Once again, going back to the character development, the plot was rushed and seemed anticlimactic, especially the ending. I was disappointed being as Genevieve's proposal was one of my favorite scenes. In my opinion, the author could've also developed the Hartley reunion into something more than it was. The mother-son relationship between Shelley and Evan was a sweet one and I wish we could've seen it come more to fruition.

There was an overwhelming amount of serious topics presented in this novel, including but not limited to: problematic law enforcement, drug and substance abuse, sexual assault, and the passing of a loved one. Even if it was done with good intentions, I think the author should've chosen to write one topic and do it justice rather than trying to pack multiple triggering moments into less than 400 pages.

Overall, the writing held misogynistic and stereotypical undertones that earned it only three stars from me.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with this ARC via Netgalley.

Bad Girl Reputation follows Genevieve who is back in town for her mom's funeral and to help the family get back on track. She tries very hard to keep her distance from her ex boyfriend Evan. Their relationship was filled with a lot of passion and a lot of drama. But it is hard for Genevieve to keep away from Evan since Avalon Bay is such a small town. Genevive is determined to help her dad and get out of Avalon Bay as soon as possible. But Evan has other ideas and is determined to show her that they are good together, and convince her to stay in Avalon Bay.

Elle Kennedy is one of my favorite authors, I love her books so much ( I think this was my 17th or 18th book I have read by her). So I freaked out when I got an ARC of this book. I loved this book so much. I liked how it had major call backs to Good Girl Complex and felt like it was a really good follow up book. I loved the push and pull of Genevieve's and Evan's relationship because that just made me want them to get together even more. This book, like the first one, has major Outer Banks vibes. I loved this book so much and I highly suggest it. Honestly, I suggest all of Elle Kennedy's books because they are all good. Also, ignore my bad photoshop of the cover I tried really hard lol. Thank you so much to Elle Kennedy, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the ARC of this one.

There's something to be said about redemption and second chances ❣ Elle Kennedy showed us the power of love no matter the time or distance along with the ability to be the change who you want to be while remaining true to yourself 🌞 I enjoyed finally getting to see Evan and Genevieves stories since it was mentioned in the first book and to find out what happened and why it led to them being in their current situation. The dual POV is always a favorite of mine 😊 and liked seeing how they both handled each other while also learning more about themselves. The only two things keeping me from giving it a full 5 🌟 was the chemistry seemed to be dialed down when I was expecting it to run hot a lot more than it did, and the conversations weren't all there. I also, while respecting the ending, wish there had been more 🤏 I would have loved to read more about the hotel and where Cooper and MacKenzie ended up at along with Evan and Gens big day 🤍

All in all I really did enjoy it 👍 Elle Kennedy is one of my favorite authors and I am so thankful to @netgalley for giving me this chance to read and review.

The beginning of the book was so crass, that I couldn’t connect with or support the protagonist. It was hard for me to move past that and I couldn’t finish it.

4/5 stars!

This book is the second book within the Avalon Bay series that Elle Kennedy has. It follows along Evan, Cooper’s brother (the guy from the Good Girl Complex), and Genevieve, or Gen.

First off, this book was such a quick and fun read! The banter in this book and the tension/angst is *chef’s kiss.* I laughed so much while reading this book while also feeling so deeply for the characters. I feel as though a lot of books do not show a lot of character development. Most romcoms have the regular flow to the story as the meet cute, finally get together, third act issue, and then the resolution. This one follows alongside that plot line; however, I did not see the falling out the way it did coming and again…the character development throughout is so good. So often young adults are trying to discover who they truly as in this world and learning how to cope with their own baggage from trauma, and you see that through these two character.

Essentially, Evan and Gen are childhood best friends and junior high sweethearts. They are both considered the “bad” guy/girl. Something happens in Gen’s life in her 20s where she realizes she no longer wants to associate with her bad decisions and bad reputation, and she splits town without telling anyone…including Evan. Flash forward a year, and Gen returns to Avalon Bay and has to confront her past and see where she wants to go in life. This is such a good read! Please read this book to see what happens to Gen and Evan!

A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this wonderful electronic advanced readers copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

After reading Good Girl Complex, I was so excited to see Evan get his story. The first book left you hanging on what the issues were with Evan and Genevieve. You did get some insight on their relationship, but I had no idea just how toxic it was. I’m not a huge fan of people getting their life in order ONLY when they think it will win someone back, but I did eventually come to really enjoy this book. I also really came to enjoy Shelly’s storyline. Less steamy than other books from this author, but still an overall good book.

dnf at 26% i really don't like elle kennedy's writing. this is the second book of hers i don't finish unfortunately. there's nothing special about it.

Elle Kennedy is seriously my go-to author for contemporary romance. Bad Girl Reputation went beyond my expectations by having palatable chemistry between two childhood best friends that love raising hell together - Evan and Gen. Throughout the story Gen is trying to break her bad girl tendencies and challenges Evan to do the same if he wants to be with her. Evan of course rises to the occasion and would do anything for Gen.

Ya'll the chemistry! Have a mentioned that yet? I loved both these characters and was rooting for their happily ever after.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was not for me. It was a predictable rom-com and I did not enjoy it. It starts out with the
protagonist, Genevieve, returning to her hometown after disappearing for a year. She has all kinds of attitude and it all seems centered around a “boy”, Evan. They can’t keep their hands or minds each other, blah, blah, blah. Plot was awful, as were the cardboard characters.

This sequel was just as good if not better than the first. The town and characters of Avalon Bay are so great. Everything Elle Kennedy does it great and this is no exception.

I absolutely loved it elle did an amazing job. This story was exactly what I needed it to be. The characters from this book and series will stay with me forever!

Elle Kennedy’s books are always my favorites. I loved Bad Girl Reputation so much!

Leads Genevieve and Evan has such palpable chemistry right from the start and I enjoyed reading how their lives changed over the course of their relationship. Trying to overcome bad decisions in her past, Gen encourages Evan to do the same in an effort for them to mature individually so they can be better together. I loved all the familial relationships within the West family as well as between Evan and Cooper.

5 stars! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.