I really enjoyed this audiobook and reading along with it. This was my first time hearing these narrators and my first book by Xio. Her personal knowledge of the music industry really played a huge part in my enjoyment!

Such a great story about a girl band and their journey together. It made me very interested in the rest of the series.

Cute but a bit long. I hadn't read book 1 but gave this a try - and it does stand well on its own even if I didn't 100% follow every subplot. I found the love story cute but I did wish the false charge hadn't bee rape. Although I found a few parts unrealistic and the details about the band really felt overwhelming and bogged down the story at times. It didn't concentrate on the romance as much as I thought it would but I did find the band stuff interesting too!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

I went into this not realizing it was Book 2 of a series, but it didn't matter! I was pulled right in. I loved Kayla and Ty, together and separately. There are some heavy topics covered sensitively and enough rock and roll glam to lighten it up. The steam is great and the love story too. Now I need to go back and read book 1!

Thank you so much to Sourcebook for the ebook!!

This book is out now.

I AM SO MAD AT MYSELF FOR NOT PICKING THIS UP SOONER!

I was enthralled from the story of Kayla from the very beginning. The way Xio has built this rock band world has been so fun to see and read about.

I love how we got a little bit of her backstory and how the death of her brother affected her into her adulthood. I also loved the growth that Kayla had with her parents. I was frustrated for her and just wanted to shake her mother. I was so glad that by the end they were able to have a long overdue conversation. I love seeing Kayla's relationship with the other band members! I don't recall seeing as much of the other personalities in the first book as I did in this one. And I really feel like we may be getting her book next??

Oh sweet Ty! Just give the man all the books in the world! He just is trying to get by day to day and lead such a quiet life. I love his relationship with his grandfather who raised him. He went through some challenges in college that change the course of his life and truly just wants to work and earn enough money to keep his head above water. The opportunity to drive a tour bus for the Lilly's comes at the perfect time! He found this community of family and what better way to get close to people than the forced proximity of a bus.

Kayla and Ty together was just so sweet to see! I love how they bonded over reading and talking about books. They were able to open up to one another and I just loved seeing their time together throughout the book. I just love them together! We got to see Seb & Toni in this and it makes me excited that we will also get to see Kayla & Ty in future books.

This book is a lofty book coming in close to 450 pages but let me tell you. It did not feel like that at all. I thought the pacing was great and that it moved quick.

I really enjoyed the first book but this one was just SO good!! I am very excited to see what is next for Axelrod as well as the success of the Lillys!

I’m a HUGE fan of The Lillys @thelillysrock series & was totally hooked with the first book --The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes.

#GirlswithBadReputations follows the story of Kayla, drummer for The Lillys. (You don’t need to read the first book to enjoy this one!) If I had a drum kit , I would’ve totally created a vid for this release (instead, I did a cover recreation).

Kayla tries to forge her own path away from the eyes of her controlling mother who expects her to be perfect. When Kayla and The Lillys go on tour, Kayla meets Ty, the pensive, quiet driver of their tour bus.

This is a romance at heart and oh, I fell in love with Ty. A reader and writer with a killer fashion sense, Ty is a sensitive soul who complements Kayla AND fits right in with the Lillys family. I enjoyed how they got to know each other and the way they blended into each other’s lives.

I also appreciate the way the author balanced various storylines with depth and finesse that doesn’t detract from the romance —such as Kayla’s relationship with her parents, Ty’s story amidst a larger backdrop of systemic/academic racism, all the while delving into the lives of the other Lillys and the music industry. The author also hints at bigger storylines that I just know we’ll see in the future. Lastly, I love all the nods to literature (books are a big part of this story) and of course, the nods to music. I personally love the bands/artists mentioned in the book which is just gravy for me.

I’m so glad I was able to meet the author at @steamylitcon last year. Not only is she an amazing writer, but @xioaxelrod is also a stellar musician- she wrote and performed Hurt U for this book.

This book is GOLD, folks! It is pitch-perfect. Highly recommend! Thank you @netgalley & to the Milk & Cookies team for the ARC. Thank you to @librofm for the audiobook. The narration by @tyla_collier @benjamincharlesvoice was superb!

I freaking adore Kayla and Ty. They were just so sweet and supportive of each other from day one even though they both had very good reasons to remain guarded. I love this series and was spoiled by reading the first two books so close together. Now the desperate wait for the next to be released.

This was a fun read! I really enjoyed the first book in The Lillys series, and this one was no different! I loved getting to be on the road with them, and getting to know more about them as individuals!

Ty & Kayla were a lot of fun! There was a bit of insta love for me, which I'm not big on, but in a way I felt it worked! I felt they were both mature for their ages, considering the lives they have lived already. And when you know, you know!

I did find it to be a tad long, but overall I really enjoyed the story! And I can't wait for more books so that I can get an update on all the characters again!!!

5 out of 5 stars!!!!

I am absolutely in love with this series, the first book sucked me in like nothing else and this one was no different especially since the main character and i share a first name... nbd. LOL

Honestly though this book was just a perfect read for me, Kayla and Ty's relationship and their love story just made my heart happy. With the main backdrop of the Lilly's being on tour you get to see the ups and downs of that. I honestly just can't get enough of this series and cant wait for the next book I'm dying!!!! This book did trigger me a little there are some not so healthy mother and daughter relationship things in this.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC in exchange for an honest review...

Fame can bring more than popularity and with the press now hot on their heels nobody’s past is safe.

It’s the 2nd book in the Lilly’s series which can be read as a standalone because this one focuses more on Kayla and her new love interest Ty. Things were simple when the Lillys were playing local gigs at dive bars, but now they’re on their first official tour and all Kayla can see are warning signs. Desperate to escape the worry churning inside her, Kayla finds solace in quiet tour bus driver Ty Baldwin…and discovers in him a kindred spirit like no one she’s ever met before.

This was a cute bubbly romance kind of slow at times but having the audiobook really kept me engaged. I really enjoyed the diverse cast of characters throughout the book. But what really got me was Kayla and Ty’s insta-love connection. Over the course of the tour they gradually grew closer. Realizing they have so much in common this attraction eventually turned into more which I expected was going to happen. Also knew Kayla’s mom would have an issue with them dating.

I liked that we were given some backstory on the main characters allowing the author to touch on other themes aside from their romance. Kayla dealt with some grief after losing her brother, was a college dropout, living double lives, not to mention she had to deal with a toxic mother who only cared about her reputation. Ty on the other hand had problems of his own. False accusations nearly ruined his life, he’s taking care of his grandfather, and now has to deal with his past possibly being exposed.

This wasn’t an all out fav after reading but still enjoyable. I came for the romance but stayed for the drama. If you liked the first book in this series you’ll adore this one too. Special thanks to @sourcebookscasa for my gifted copy & @librofm for my ALC‼️

Rating: 3.75/5⭐️

Xio Axelrod writes about music in this amazing, lyrical, yet somehow relatable way. That stellar writing serves as backdrop to the romance. Enjoyable, and will definitely recommend. Hope we get to read more about the Lillies!

Loved this story of aspiring musicians, love, families, challenges. Absorbed in it right away, and didn’t want to put it down.

The suffocating pressures of gendered expectations combined with the freedom to be express oneself fully while navigating relationships with biological family, chosen family, friends, lovers, and co-workers sets the stage for all kinds of drama as a compelling context for Kayla and Ty's love story

The Lillys are back, and this time we get Kayla’s story. After the death of her brother, Kayla’s mom became incredibly overprotective. Now, Kayla is doing the opposite of everything her mom expects by being the drummer of the Lillys, and she is fighting to keep her past and present completely separate which becomes more challenging as the band becomes more popular. She finds herself sharing parts of herself she doesn’t share with many people with Ty, the tour bus driver who is struggling to find his own path after being released from prison, for a crime he was wrongly accused of.

I loved going back to the world of the Lillys and Kayla/Ty’s story was just so good! I love the complexity of the stories in this series. We have characters with so many layers to unpack and even the side characters have so much depth. I was so invested in both Kayla and Ty’s individual stories and that made me root for them even more as a couple. Much like in the first book, I loved the glimpses of band life and the strong women at the center of the story.

The audiobook narrated by Benjamin Charles and Tyla Collier is definitely the way to experience this story. They did a phenomenal job bringing the characters to life and I loved listening to the audiobook.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copies.

A very enjoyable romance about the drummer in an all girl rock band on the verge of making it big. So many things to like about this - the all girl band, the love and support they all have for one another, a glimpse at the world of rock and roll. The romance was sweet, and I really like the way the non-binary storyline was woven in - it was just part of who the people were, no big deal, no issue. The main theme seemed to be family and the pressure they can put on you to be someone you're not. This was resolved in a good way, and I was heartened by the way things turned out. Definitely a fun addition to the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

Girls with Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod is a gripping tale that delves into the complexities of identity, ambition, and the struggle for authenticity in a world that often seeks to confine individuals within narrow expectations. At the heart of the narrative is Kayla Whitman, a young woman who defies societal norms and familial pressures to pursue her passion for music as the drummer of an up-and-coming rock band.

From the outset, Axelrod immerses readers in Kayla's world, where the echoes of past admonishments—Don't be so loud. Don't act so wild. Don't take up so much space—serve as a constant reminder of the constraints placed upon her. However, Kayla refuses to be confined, using her drumsticks as a means of both rebellion and self-expression.

As the story unfolds, Kayla's journey takes her on a whirlwind tour with her bandmates, thrusting her into the spotlight and exposing her to newfound challenges and temptations. Amidst the chaos of the music industry, Kayla finds solace in the enigmatic Ty Baldwin, the tour bus driver whose quiet strength and understanding provide her with a sense of refuge.

Axelrod skillfully navigates the dynamics of Kayla and Ty's burgeoning relationship, capturing the intensity of their connection amidst the backdrop of fame and scrutiny. Yet, as their bond deepens, Kayla is forced to confront the consequences of her choices, grappling with the prospect of sacrificing her dreams or risking the unraveling of everything she holds dear.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in Axelrod's nuanced portrayal of Kayla's internal struggles and external conflicts. Through Kayla's perspective, readers are invited to explore themes of authenticity and the price of success, as she grapples with the fear of losing herself in pursuit of her ambitions.

Furthermore, Axelrod's prose is infused with raw emotion and authenticity, drawing readers into Kayla's world with vivid imagery and heartfelt reflections. The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, propelled by the tension between Kayla's desire for autonomy and the forces that seek to control her.

Overall, Girls with Bad Reputations is a captivating read that combines elements of romance, music, and self-discovery to deliver a poignant exploration of identity and ambition. Through Kayla's journey, Xio Axelrod offers a compelling reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. Whether you're a fan of rock music or simply enjoy a compelling story about love and self-discovery, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This book was so fun! I spent a lot of my late teens/early 20s doing music promotions and a hobby of mine is going to a lot of concerts and traveling for music festivals so I found it something I could relate to.
This book is actually the second book, and I hadn’t read the first so I can confirm that it can be read as a standalone as I didn’t feel lost when reading it. The characters had their own complex backgrounds, especially difficulties of just existing in society which are unfortunately really realistic; unfortunately in the sense that it actually exists. I love the idea of an all-girl alt band; I’ve seen the Linda Lindas before and they rock. Willow is also amazing. The struggles with the music industry reminded me a bit of Josie and the Pussycats. Overall, this story has a romance subplot but is really about someone living out their dream and honoring their passed brother, while also having that breakthrough conversation with her mom about being her own person and not the idea her mom has for her.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the read!

In book two, we find the Lillys preparing to go on tour, gaining more popularity with every stop. While book one focuses on Toni, the second features Kayla, the group's drummer. Growing up under the watchful eye of her controlling mother, who demanded nothing short of perfection, music and drumming was Kayla's escape. On tour, she forms a fast friendship with their bus driver, Ty, who is escaping life in his own way. But the Lillys' fame threatens to upend both Kayla and Ty's lives.

Two issues here. One: instant love. Kayla and Ty fall head over heels after interacting about twice over two weeks. Please, form a deeper, more realistic connection before vowing your deep, undying love to one another.

Second: These two have their heads in the sand, or the clouds, or both, to the most frustrating degree. Who joins a band expecting to stay hidden and not noticed by the press? Oh I'm in this band, and I want to be successful but oh, no, I am getting famous, and this is a huge problem because my parents will know I'm in a band? Are we twelve, trying to skip school? Ridiculous. And Ty, while I liked him much more, makes some insane choices where he refuses to face reality and could have improved his quality of life YEARS earlier.

Luckily, issue number one mostly vanishes as the book progresses. Kayla and Ty are cute after a while, I will grudgingly admit. Two little bookworms, quiet and reserved; they definitely are made for each other. Ty has an adorable relationship with his Pop Pop, who has raised him (and seems to be magically wealthy...). And, truly, their ability to avoid reality means they are made for one another.

There's just so much going on here. Continuing drama with Candi, a former Lilly band-mate from book one. So many details about the music industry, touring/being on the road, and more. Sometimes it all just feels... too much. The emphasis on a rock band fronted by diverse women is awesome, though.

Overall, I liked each member of the Lillys enough to get drawn into the story. I just wish everything was a bit more plausible, with more time spent on character motivations and less on minute details.

Girls With Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod picks up right where book 1 ended. This time, drummer Kayla takes center stage as she struggles to hide her secret identity from her bandmates and the press while falling head over heels for her driver Ty, who has some secrets of his own. Kayla finds solace in his quiet demeanor as her thoughts and familial expectations weigh her down. Their connection was palpable from the start.

5⭐️
This book was magic! It’s clear the author knows her stuff about the music industry. Not only was I swooning as Kayla and Ty fell for one another, but I was becoming more captivated by the band and their bonds with one another. There were so many themes that could have easily overwhelmed the story or detracted from the romance, but didn’t. This band and the women that are in it feel so real because of the many layers the author weaves into a cohesive story.

What I loved:
- Ty for his utility kilts and bookish ways.
- The found family among the band mates
- BIPOC characters
- Queer and gender non conforming rep
- Dual POV
- The long talks at the front of the bus as Ty drove them from festival to festival
- The electrifying energy of The Lillys - it felt like I was there

I adored the first book in this series and have been waiting for this second book with much excitement and Xio Axelrod delivered big time with Girls With Bad Reputations. Taking place shortly after the first book, the band is hitting the music festival scene and gaining popularity and fans, but still being jerked around by their label (and a former member). In GWBR, we learn more about Kayla, the Lillys’ incredibly talented and somewhat secretive drummer and we watch as she strikes up a friendship with the band’s bus driver, Ty, who has an interesting back story of his own. I absolutely love the way this author tackles racial injustice, sexuality, and the differences of growing up privileged and not as a minority. I loved the way Kayla and Ty started out as friends; bonding over books and music and moved into sharing pieces of their lives, to feeling an attachment neither one expected, and finally embracing a relationship. There was a nice build up to these two becoming physically involved and it was perfect for these two people who have so much in common but also didn’t want to ruin the friendship they had.

There is so much more to Kayla than meets the eye and it is all revealed throughout this story. She suffered a huge loss at a young age, one that set her on the path to being her own person and doing what made her happy. It didn’t hurt that she’s some kind of a musical savant despite the fact she doesn’t see it, her band mates really took to making sure she knew just how important she was to the band. I will say that Kayla grew up in a very upper class home with a very exacting mother, one who no doubt loved her, but she wasn’t the best at listening to her daughter. She was the apple of her father’s eye, but he also deferred a lot to her mother which sometimes set them at odds. Things come to a head in this book as the band starts to garner more press but that’s all I’m going to say on the parental front. As for the band, I felt everything that happened in this book only made them more determined and a stronger found family. I loved watching them rally around each other when the press, their ex-band member Candy, and the label tried to push them down.

As for Ty, damn that man, I loved this character. I don’t want to give away his story but let me just say he was dealt a raw deal and had to regroup and make alternate plans for his future. His grand-pop is by his side telling him every day that he can move forward with his dreams, but Ty doesn’t want the fight. For the time being he accepted a job from a friend and is driving a commercial bus, when he agrees to be the driver for a rock band he has no idea the gig will change his life in more ways than one.

This is one of those series where the band and what is going on with it takes up a lot of space in the book, I for one am okay with that and I feel the couple is given equal time. I will admit I hope that as this series plays out we will get updates on how Ty is doing as there is no doubt he and Kayla will be together.

Despite both characters being mid-twenties, they were very mature; I felt that was because they’d both dealt with some heavy things in their lives, but also because they were so well read. There was so much respect, kindness, and loyalty between these two that the big conflict wasn’t between them (they were rock solid), it came from an outside source.

Girls With Bad Reputations was an excellent addition to this series and I’m obsessed with the Lillys and I cannot wait to see where their talent takes them.

Book number 2 of the Lillys did not disappoint. I love the way the story about the band as a group or found family has developed. Now I'm off to listen the the song on Apple Music - love that Xio Axelrod developed out their website and even one of their songs.