Took me a while to complete this one, not because of the content , but because life happened. Enjoyed this book when I finally got around to reading it .Sam's character was so loving, accommodating and patient while Eleanor seemed like such a wildcard that it was difficult to foresee any sustained relationship between them, but Sam never wavered. They had great friends that were there for them and knew what they needed at just the right moment. Go ahead and read this one, the emotional ride will be worth it.

skye is always so amazing and all her books always make me swoon and feel something this is not the exception and I love her so Much because this book was just so cute and felt so seen

Sam <3 Love the 80's set and the fact they meet in a record store. Friends to lovers and the new epilogue turned this around for me. A sweet souther-ish romance that makes me wished I was born a bit earlier.

The writing style of this book wasn't for me, but the story is still something I would recommend to anyone who enjoys the secret relationship trope.

I'm stuck on bed rest and this was the perfect book to kill time with today. Sweet, sassy, full of 80s nostalgia. Great distraction.
A tad predictable and the epilogue almost has me throwing my phone out a window but I managed to suffer thru it. 😉

Cute friends to lovers rom com set in the 80s which was fun to read, Eleanor and Sam are good together, but I did not like how they kept hiding their relationship from others. I thought that was odd? Overall a cute read, but not a favorite.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc.

I thought this was a cute book, but I didn’t love it. I did love how the book was set in the 1980s, I thought that was really fun. I did enjoy Sam and Eleanor’s romance and the fact they met a record shop, that was adorable. I wasn’t a fan of how they kept their relationship a secret though, that felt weird to me. Overall, it’s a cute read, just not one of my favorites. It may have just not been for me. I do recommend checking it out still!

This book was an absolute delight to read. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, eager to find out what would happen next. Overall, it was an enjoyable and satisfying read that left me feeling entertained.

I am a sucker for a book set in the '80s, and I am a huge fan of this series by Skye McDonald. So, I was delighted to get my hands on an early copy of this prequel. (Even though it is part of the Anti-Belles universe, it's perfectly wonderful as a stand-alone book.)

This book has chemistry, great music, and a fantastic setting in Nashville.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this gem with me. All thoughts are my own.

Delightful and intriguing. And I loved the era of the 80’s as it brought back some memories.
Many thanks to Small Town Girl Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Loved this romance set in the 80s and all the 80s nostalgia it was perfect I loved it and it reminded me of the the nostalgia of the book ready player one

Sweet friends to lovers with lots of nostalgia. They both don’t want a complicated relationship but it’s not what their hearts are saying. Sam and Eleanor just want a carefree summer neither interested in dating…until they do but can these friends get an happy together after ? Read these beautiful book and find out. The writing is good and empathetic with solid descriptions.

In the summer of 1986, Eleanor Field plans for a drama-free Nashville vacation focused on friendship, not romance. Sam Greene, newly single and carefree, shares the same goal. However, fate brings them together at a local record shop. What starts as a playful encounter in a listening booth soon becomes complicated. Despite their undeniable chemistry, both are hesitant to start something serious. As their friendship deepens, they must confront their fears and rules about love. Will they break free from their self-imposed limitations and find a way to turn their friendship into something more?

What I enjoyed:
- The drops of 80’s music. I have never been one to listen to 80’s music, much less rock. It was fantastic to see new music.
- The friend group. You get to see them as a whole and in their individual friendships. It reminded me a lot of sitcoms, which I love!
- Sam and Elle *Hearts* Swoon. They are so sweet together. They remind me of me and my boyfriend.
- Quick storyline. ‘The Not So Nice Girl’ is an easy read to get through quickly, which I always enjoy in romances. I’m not a slow-burn girly.
What I did not enjoy:
- <spoilers> Third act conflict. I did not think it was necessary and it just upset me… But I understand that in the 80’s, that is probably exactly how it would have happened! <spoilers/>

I recommend this book if:
- You enjoy friends to lovers
- You like a little spice
- You like strong women
- You like to follow friend groups

Content Warnings:
Sexual content, domestic abuse, pregnancy, rape, abortion.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

The Not so nice girl is a love story set in Nashville in 1986.

This summer Eleanor Field wants to spend it drama-free while also listening to rock and roll and baking pastries, The last thing she wants is a romance, Sam Greene also wants a drama-free summer after graduating and recently becoming single. The two meet when Eleanor walks into the record shop.

If you enjoy the friends-to-lovers trope and are drawn to 80's rock and roll vibes, this book might be a perfect match for your tastes. It's intriguing how the writing style of Skye McDonald stands out compared to what you've encountered in adult literature. If this book has convinced you to consider it for your next book purchase, it sounds like the author's strong writing style has made a notable impact on you. Enjoy your next reading adventure!

Thank you soooooo much netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced review copy if this book💗
"I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”


Nice book!!!

This is a very cute book and I love that it is set in the 1980s! I feel that there was a good amount of character growth for both Sam & Eleanor. (It was a little strange that they called her multiple nicknames throughout the book...Len, Elle, Nora, etc.) I felt like it started a little slow and took a little time to unpack the back story but once it did, it was great.

Thank you to Netgalley, Skye McDonald, and the publisher to allowing me to read this ARC book.

Eleanor Field wants nothing more than to spend a drama-free summer in Nashville, listening to rock n' roll and baking pastries. But her plans are derailed when she walks into a local record shop and meets Sam Greene, a newly graduated, newly single guy who's looking for a stress-free summer of his own. Despite their instant attraction, neither of them is looking for anything serious. But as they continue to spend time together, their friendship lays the groundwork for something deeper.

Set in the summer of 1986, The Not So Nice Girl is a heartwarming romance about two people who find love when they least expect it. Eleanor and Sam share a mutual love of music, a deep connection, and a group of friends who bring them even closer. But can they overcome their baggage and fears to take their relationship to the next level? Can Eleanor, a free spirit who's always on the move, admit that she's found a home in Sam? And can Sam, a sweet guy who's too nice for his own good, be bold enough to say what he really wants?

With its 80s setting and rock n' roll soundtrack, The Not So Nice Girl is a nostalgic and romantic read that will transport you to a time of mixtapes, pastries, and first love. Don't miss out on this charming story of friendship, love, and the power of taking a chance.

This is the perfect summer day read. If you love books that take you back to your teenage years then this one is for you. I really enjoyed the story. Will recommend to others.

The Not So Nice Girl was incredibly fun. For someone born in the 90s I have a weird love of the 80s - so this story being set in the 80s was a huge plus for me and I enjoyed every moment of it! I loved the found family aspect and Eleanor was my absolute favorite!