•Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscapes for the ALC•
♡A U D I O B O O K♡
Release Feb.6
-4.5 stars!
The audiobook is good. I love how the lead drummer is a female! We rarely see that in books. I enjoyed this book a lot.

I absolutely love the characters and the story and the narration was perfect. Loved everything about it and this is currently my new favorite author.

Kayla comes from the perfect family. Her mother expects perfection. Kayla feels like she isn't perfect and just wants to be herself. She's in a band called The Lilly's and her family has no idea. Her band has no idea who her family is. Her mom isn't the nicest and kind of a snob.

The band is about to do a tour to a bunch of festivals. They hire Tyrell to be their bus driver. Tyrell has a past and he is trying to get past it. He lives with his grampa, his only family.

This was such a fun rockstar Romance. I really enjoyed getting to know the other bandmates. I read this as a standalone but I'll definitely be going back and reading the first of the series. I loved the audiobook and the narrators did a fantastic job. I can't wait to read more of the series.

This audiobook was amazing! It had so much depth and complexity and I loved it!

I didn’t realise it was book 2 in the series but it read pretty well as a standalone, though now I want to read the first book!

An all girl rock band? Yes please! They were so incredible! I loved their dynamic and the way they love and support each other!

Ty’s side of the story and want he went through infuriated me. He deserves all the good things!

Kayla has secrets and I love how she resolves everything, I wanted to give her so many hugs throughout the book.

I loved these two together SO MUCH! They just fit like puzzle pieces. Their connection was beautiful.

I loved this book!

The Girl with the Bad Reputation, Book #2 The Lillys. I'd recommend reading Book #1 The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes first to get background on the band formation, record label issues, and ex guitarist Candy.

Publication date 2/6/24, read 2/6/24

By: Xio Axelrod-1st time read author for me

Format: 📖 & 🎧

🏃🏾‍♀️Run Time: 14:16

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Dreamscape Media for this ARC and ALC🧡 ! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

The narrators are Tyla Collier and Benjamin Charles with all characters read by them. I believe the voices fit the characters with standouts of Ty and Kayla. Their voices were the most distinct, but I could easily tell the difference between all characters. The reading style did bring the story to life and the pacing was great and flowed easily with the story. The narration and the author were in sync, and they fit together perfectly.

The audiobook's flow was pretty good. The narrators paused and announced every time a new chapter came. The book had a table of contents which helped me follow along with the e-book and audio.

Summary: Kayla is done trying to be perfect for her mother. She's an academic overachiever told to be quiet and make herself small -all her mother's expectations. Kayla's "real" life is as a drummer in The Lillys. They are a female rock band on the way to stardom. Ty is their tour bus driver who connects with Kayla over books. The more famous the band becomes, the more the press threaten their peace.

My Thoughts: the romance was very sweet and Ty is a new book boyfriend of mine . He and Kayla were book lovers looking for their purpose. Together they encourage each other to be whatever they want. I loved the LGBTQIA+ and POC representation. Female empowerment, YES!


My recommendation is to read the audiobook and eBook (if possible) because you can adjust the speed, skip parts easily (if desired), and picture the characters more vividly.


Rating 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In book 2, Xio Axelrod gives us Kayla’s story. The Lillys’ star is on the rise. There are still complications with the label, but the band is hitting the festival circuit and garnering fans. But with exposure also comes press. And interest in the members of the band. And people trying to create drama for them.

And Kayla does not want the story of her life growing up juxtaposed with her position as the propulsive drummer in a rock band plastered across headlines. Let’s just say that her current lifestyle does not jive with the carefully constructed persona she wore throughout childhood.

Hitting the festival circuit also means many, many hours on the bus in close proximity to the driver assigned to their tour—the hot, caring, intelligent, and insightful driver who has a past he doesn’t want in print as well and with whom Kayla feels an instant connection.

There is something about The Lillys, y’all. Each character is so dynamic. They are fiercely devoted to each other. And Axelrod’s writing makes their performances leap from the page. I felt like I was at the concerts and sitting in the recording booths, and I just want more—more of their passion, more of their drive, more of the beat, more of how they gel together, more of Lilly prowling across the stage. Pick me up and drop me at the music festival. I am ready for it. When can we expect book 3?

I adored this one. Axelrod takes on misogyny, systemic racism, patriarchal structures, and record label machinations while crafting a tender love story and growing The Lillys’ found family. I liked how the relationship between Kayla and Ty has a gradual build and how their actions and physical intimacy reflect that. I enjoyed watching The Lillys’ circle grow just a bit more. And, though I have a soft spot for each member of the band, whip-smart Kayla is my favorite.

While you could read this one as a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes first to get background on the band, early introductions to its members, Toni and Seb’s story, and the backstory with former guitarist Candy and the record label.

The audiobook narration by Tyla Collier and Benjamin Charles is excellent. Both are new narrators for me, and I will be seeking out more audiobooks by them.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Dreamscape Media and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

I've been eagerly awaiting this book ever since devouring "The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes." It did not disappoint – it's just that good! Ty and Kayla's love story fulfilled all my expectations, making it difficult to pinpoint highlights. I wholeheartedly recommend this book; the Lillys and their friends have become my latest obsession.

Kayla, drummer for the up-and-coming band The Lillys, grapples with parental expectations, hiding her life from her demanding mother. Ty, accused unjustly in college, takes on the role of the band's tour bus driver, navigating life's uncertainties. Despite their youth, Ty and Kayla's relationship feels mature, built on respect and communication. Ty's endearing character and his genuine connection with his grandpa added depth to the story.

If you are are an audiobook person I can not recommend this audio enough! Benjamin Charles and Tyla Collier, the narrators for this book, skillfully brought the characters to life. Tyla, especially, captured Kayla's essence, establishing a profound connection that resonated throughout the narrative.

The exploration of Kayla's strained relationship with her mother and the insights into the music industry added to the book's richness. Overall, a delightful read, and I highly recommend it.

Loved the story of “Kayla” and Ty - but I really loved the story of the band and their friendships. I enjoyed the behind the scenes action of an up and coming band. This story is just the total package: romance, friendships, found family, family, baggage and triumph. Bravo, Xio! Thank you to #Netgalley and @dreamscape_media for the ARC - a totally enjoyable listen on audiobook.

Girls with Bad Reputations is a good follow up to the first in the series, The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes.

I think it is worth noting that I wouldn't define either of these books in The Lilly's series as romance since I feel like they are more about character development than about relationship development and drama. If you go in with the expectation of less romance and more character growth, you receive it better.

Kayla spends the book navigating her own feelings around living up to her parent's expectations, redefining herself as a rockstar, and also (on the side) falling in love with tour bus driver Ty Baldwin. Ty's character is amazingly sweet, and yet, very multi-dimensional - with his own struggles from his past (profiling and prejudice play a very realistic role here). While Kayla and Ty navigate their own life difficulties they depend on each other for support and friendship.

This book doesn't have super high highs or low lows, but more of a steady hum of real life running through - all that we get to glimpse through the eyes of budding rockstars.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

First of all, this is a second book in a book series. I did not know that when I read it, I never felt like I was missing something major, but you definitely meet characters and references that are referring to a past I have not yet had the pleasure of reading.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is amazing. It gently highlights so many topics like prejudice and elitism without being overly aggressive. The main character Kayla does a wonderful job of handling prejudice that gets thrown her way and her character is such a strong independent role model that still struggles with finding her place in her world. It’s a refreshingly beautiful read and dichotomy of wanting to please your parents but following your true self.
Ty is the second main character and you immediately fall in love with his ideals and his relationship with his Pop Pop. I loved watching his story unfold as he finds his justice and learns what he wants.

I was captivated by the entire story and I will be going back and reading the first book of the Lilleys.

I will not being rating this book because I did not finish this book. I stopped reading this book at the 10% mark. I don't think I am the right reader for this book. The mother and daughter relationship in this book was difficult for me to read. I do think Xio Axelrod is a good writer and appreciate the existence of the books that have been written by Axelrod. Because of the following message from netgalley "Before we send your review to the publisher, please make sure your review includes a star rating," I will select the star rating of 3 stars.

For some books when I reach the setup it’s like a mark off the checklist. Then there are some books where I’ve got all the warm feelings inside and I’m all smiles. That’s what @xioaxelrod sets up in Girls with Bad Reputations.

The book follows Kayla and Ty. Kayla has joined the band as their drummer as The Lillys are really starting out and gaining their following. Ty takes the assignment as their driver for the tour. You’ll love reading these two get to know the other and realize they like each other! In addition to the romance, the larger story includes Kayla and Ty, both having experienced difficulties in life, and now are having to make decisions to make their next steps in life. Xio crafts important stories that she executes so well!

Not only will you love Kayla and Ty, but you’ll love the rest of the Lillys and Pop Pop!

I also got the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and I loved the narrators. I thought they did such a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. Some of the moments that stick with me the most from the audiobook experience are when Kayla is drumming. I felt in awe of Kayla’s talents as if I was truly the spectator in that moment and I think the narrators adaptation of Xio’s writing really helped spur that connection.

I haven’t read the first book in The Lillys series and now I’m really excited to go back and read the first book! I also excitedly await the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy of the audiobook to listen to in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed this book and it was a great continuation of the series. The narration was also perfect for the story. Hope it continues

This book follows Kayla, a drummer in an up-and-coming band, and her relationship with the driver of her tour bus, Ty. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and I was excited to pick this one up via audio-book.

The audio narration of this story was excellent - minus the attempts at an Australian accent for one of the characters. I loved having two people narrate the two different protagonists.

Both Kayla and Ty had intensive backstories and grew a ton as characters throughout the story. I enjoyed watching them confront their pasts and explore their relationships with their families and friends, although some parts were a bit cheesy.

My least favorite part was actually the romance. Kayla and Ty had cute moments, but I was missing some angst and eventual relationship development. They went very quickly from crushing on each other to in love. In a 14 hour long audio-book, which in my opinion is too long for a contemporary romance, there should have been ample time to convince the audience these two people are actually in love.

Overall, this was an engaging story but a less successful romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Read if you like:
🚎 Forced Proximity
🥁 Bands
❤️ Romance
⏳ Coming of Age Stories

I went into this one blind and based on that, my one recommendation for other readers is to read the first book in the series before jumping into this one as there is a lot of the story tied to the first book where I was a bit lost.

Other than that, this is a heartfelt romance of two people who have had struggles and faced adversity coming together through forced proximity and an undefinable pull.

Thank you so much to the publisher for my AlC in exchange for my review!

Girls with Bad Reputations was a great audio to start February off with!

Kayla, following the loss of her brother, has been playing drums for up and coming band, the Lily's. She's living her dreams yet hiding who she truly is from her band mates and parents. Ty, looking for a fresh start after being charged with a crime he didn't commit, decides to be the bus driver for the Lily's. He can't help but noticed the redhead drummer. She can't help but notice him with his books and kilt. Forced to confront reality and stay true to onselves, each set out on the journey that they won't be able to look back from.

I was immediately drawn to this story and loved the dual pov, especially as the also had both narrators. Benjamin Charles and Tyla Collier allowed me to become invested in the story from start to finish. I remained curious about Ty's court case and how everyone wanted him to fight back yet he wanted to stay out of the spotlight. I enjoyed Kayla's relationship with her mother and the unraveling of what truly is a mother/daughter relationship by the end of the book. While Girls with Bad Reputations did have a focus on the relationship, I found it more to be women's fiction with how Axelrod deep dived into who each character truly was. I cannot wait to read more from Xio and the Lily's band!

"Girls with Bad Reputation" by Xio Axelrod is a fantastic young adult novel that blends a fast-paced narrative with an immersive exploration of the music industry's highs and lows. This captivating read offers readers a front-row seat into the lives of its dynamic characters, Kayl and Ty, providing a glimpse into the world of fame, friendship, and personal growth.

The chemistry between Kayl and Ty is undeniably cute, making their journey a joy to follow. While Ty's style choices might not align with personal preferences, the characters' authenticity and relatability shine through, making them endearing and relatable.

Having enjoyed the first book in the series, I was eager to dive into the second installment, and "Girls with Bad Reputation" did not disappoint. The author's ability to weave a compelling narrative and infuse it with the intricacies of the music industry adds depth to the story, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.

A noteworthy mention goes to the narrators Benjamin Charles and Tyla Collier, whose performances added brilliance to the audiobook. Their narration skillfully brought the characters to life, enhancing the listening experience and making it an absolute pleasure.

In conclusion, "Girls with Bad Reputation" is a must-read for young adult fiction enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the music industry. Axelrod's storytelling prowess, combined with the charming narration by Benjamin Charles and Tyla Collier, makes this book a delightful addition to the series. I eagerly anticipate more from this talented author.

Girls with Bad Reputations is the second book in The Lillys series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. It follows the band’s drummer, Kayla, as she and the band head out on their first tour. There is plenty of band drama and even a little bit of romance along the way.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. It was sweet seeing Kayla and Ty’s relationship grow and I really liked the fact that there was so much open communication between the two of them. This one hit so many important topics, including racism, in really thoughtful ways and included BIPOC and bisexual representation.

It did feel like there was a little bit too much going on for one book. There was Kayla’s past with her family, the band drama with Candi, false accusations against Ty, and more. I would have loved for there to be a little bit more focus on Ty and Kayla’s growing relationship and a bit less drama.

The narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life and enhancing their emotions.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC.

4.5 stars
I loved this book so much. Kayla and her story was so interesting and I loved seeing it evolve. Ty’s story was also amazing to read and I loved his grandpa. Both of their stories have such unique moments but as they become more famous, their secrets get harder to hide.
Ty and Kayla’s connection was beautiful and I loved the way books meant so much to both.
The rock band was such a fun and amazing concept. I loved seeing them on tour.
I didn’t know this was a book in a series which was fine and didn’t make me not know what was going on at all. I now need to read the first book though.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrators were so good. Their voices fit the characters so well and really made me see the story happen.
Everyone needs to experience the magic that was this book. It’s so good.

*Thank you Dreamscape media and netgalley for an advanced listener’s copy in exchange for an honest review,

I finished the audiobook in under 48 hours - just couldn't stop listening to it.

I really enjoyed this audiobook - the voices actors fit the characters well and the dual POV voice actors help keep the pace of the book well. The characters are all compelling - whether they are the leads or just side characters. While a lot is happening in this book in addition to the romance, I feel like it helps round out who the characters are and makes them feel more lifelike.

I didn't read the first book in the series and didn't have trouble jumping in with this book before reading the first book.

I'm not sure if I would call this a slow burn but it is not high spice. A few spicy scenes but not super explicitly described.

I loved that Ty was a bisexual and demisexual man!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ARC of this audiobook!