***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
Bestselling author Elle Kennedy returns to Avalon Bay in this sexy second chance story about two exes who can't stay away from each other, Bad Girl Reputation.
When former bad girl Genevieve West returns home for her mother’s funeral, she’s prepared to keep her distance from her ex-boyfriend, Evan Hartley. Their history is rife with turbulence. And passion. A heck of a lot of passion...which she’s trying desperately to forget.
But it’s impossible not to run into Evan in the small coastal town where they once ran wild. And the moment she sees her gorgeous ex again, it’s clear to Gen that Evan is still as unruly, sexy, and irresistible as ever. This time around, however, she’s resolved to walk a new path. No more partying. No more foolish mistakes. Her plan is to temporarily remain in town to help her father run his business, but the second he finds somebody else, she’s out of there.
Evan has other ideas. He knows they can be good together, but he just has to convince Genevieve of that, even if it means turning over a new leaf himself. But can a bad reputation ever truly be shed? Do second chances really work? Genevieve and Evan are about to find out.
Bad Girl Reputation by Elle Kennedy is the second book in her popular Avalon Bay series but can be easily read as a stand-alone.
Story Recap:
Genevieve West has returned to Avalon Bay for her mother’s funeral. She left the small town suddenly over a year ago, and this is her first time back. Her relationship with her mother was very complicated and she’s having trouble processing her feelings toward her mother. She knew when she came back that she would have to cross paths with her ex-boyfriend, Evan Hartley, but she didn’t expect to see him at the funeral. As soon as she saw him, all those feeling rushed back to her, but she knows, Evan is the only person who can derail her efforts to change her reputation.
Evan never knew why Gen left so suddenly a year ago, he only knew that it broke his heart. Now that she’s back in town, he’s determined to find out why she left and make sure she stays in town, with him.
My Thoughts:
I sure enjoyed this book very much. The characters were very realistic, and it was one intense romance. Evan and Gen have some crazy hot chemistry together, but both have hurt each other too. Gen was a bad girl and left in order to change her ways and become more responsible, and grow up. Evan has not changed, but he still loves Gen as much as ever. Gen is a bit difficult to like in the beginning, but once I found out why she left, and why it was so hard for her to return to the town, she earned a soft spot in my heart, and I could understand why she had to break Evan’s heart.
I liked the down-to-earth feeling of Avalon Bay and the community spirit. I like the way the author creates these very realistic characters, who have real problems, and deal with them in a very realistic way. There aren’t any billionaires or ivy league school graduates here, just ordinary, yet compelling characters.
Oh, and this is a bit steamy too. But, the story is the main focus of the book.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend Bad Girl Reputation to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Elle Kennedy
A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.
Elle writes romantic suspense and erotic contemporary romance for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
I felt similarly about Gen. I was prepared to not like Gen because of book 1 and how hurt Evan was. When I started it and I realized what she was trying to do, I was on her side.
I felt similarly about Gen. I was prepared to not like Gen because of book 1 and how hurt Evan was. When I started it and I realized what she was trying to do, I was on her side.
Sounds like a good book. I like the fact that the characters seemed realistic. I think that adds something to a Romance.
Have a good weekend!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
this series sounds really good! i’m glad you enjoyed it.
This sounds like a fun book. I love romances with these types of drama in them. 😀
I just love a second chance romance. And Avalon Bay sounds like a great setting!
Me too. Avalon bay is a nice setting. I like that it’s not a “perfect” small town that you see in so many romances, but it’s much more realistic.
Always nice to see ordinary characters with problems one can relate to. Great review, Wendy🙂🙂
Thank you, Mallika!
I do love it when the characters are realistic as I think you can relate more & I do enjoy some steamyness in books sometimes, great review 😊
I like a bit of steam too! But, I like to warn others who may not appreciate it.
I love when a book feels so realistic. It takes the story to a whole other level. Excellent review!
Thank you, Tessa!
This sounds wonderful. Another author I want to try, but never got the chance.
She’s pretty prolific, she has a lot of books out there.
Sounds good, you’ve convinced me.
Thank you!
I was on the fence about this one, but you’ve convinced me I need to read this one. 😀
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
Sounds great, wonderful review!
I’m so happy you enjoyed the characters <3
Thank you, Sara
This sounds so good!! I’m glad you enjoyed it so much and great review. 🙂
Thank you, Leslie!
This sounds realistic and relatable. I love stories set in small town. I might enjoy this. Amazing review!
Thank you, Yesha.
Great review Wendy! I normally like this author but hadn’t started this series.
It’s a good series so far. I hope you get a chance to get to it and enjoy it.
I loved this romance! I thought it was eve better than the first book. Great review.
This romance was special.
Glad you enjoyed this one! I love when characters feel realistic.
I do too. Thank you, Joanna.
Wonderful review Wendy. I really need to check this author out 🤗📚☕🌻💜
I enjoyed her writing very much. But, it’s spicy!
Great review Wendy!
Thank you, Rae!
I appreciate when authors write about real characters and real experiences and this book sounds like it does it well. Great review Wendy!
Thank you, Jodie!