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Bad Boys & Wallflowers #2.5
The Bad Boy Billionaire's Girl Gone Wild
The second installment of a sexy, whirlwind romance about a modern-day heroine writing historical novels based on her romantic misadventures with the Bad Boy Billionaire.
Being good hasn't exactly worked out well for Jane Sparks. Her ex-boyfriend dumped her for being too predictable, and her fake fiancé, Duke Austen, is counting on her good-girl image to repair his bad-boy reputation. But everything changes with the publication of the historical romance novel she wrote based on her fauxmance with the Bad Boy Billionaire. Suddenly she's notorious, scandalous, and causing lots of trouble.
Duke Austen always admired Jane's poise and perfectly demure behavior … qualities that seemed to have vanished once she helped him land a big investment deal. But now that his company is on the verge of a 20-billion-dollar IPO, the stakes have never been higher—and Jane has never been more shocking, provocative, or wickedly irresistible. She's not at all the woman he bargained for, yet she's the only one he wants.
Duke is determined to woo his girl gone wild. She's determined to keep him guessing. But Jane is discovering that there's nothing so appealing as a billionaire who's mad, bad, and dangerously seductive …
The contemporary love story connected to Wallflower Gone Wild.
Being good hasn't exactly worked out well for Jane Sparks. Her ex-boyfriend dumped her for being too predictable, and her fake fiancé, Duke Austen, is counting on her good-girl image to repair his bad-boy reputation. But everything changes with the publication of the historical romance novel she wrote based on her fauxmance with the Bad Boy Billionaire. Suddenly she's notorious, scandalous, and causing lots of trouble.
Duke Austen always admired Jane's poise and perfectly demure behavior … qualities that seemed to have vanished once she helped him land a big investment deal. But now that his company is on the verge of a 20-billion-dollar IPO, the stakes have never been higher—and Jane has never been more shocking, provocative, or wickedly irresistible. She's not at all the woman he bargained for, yet she's the only one he wants.
Duke is determined to woo his girl gone wild. She's determined to keep him guessing. But Jane is discovering that there's nothing so appealing as a billionaire who's mad, bad, and dangerously seductive …
The contemporary love story connected to Wallflower Gone Wild.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2014
28 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
Maya Rodale
46 books1,624 followersMaya Rodale is the best-selling and award-winning author of funny, feminist fiction including historical romance, YA and historical fiction. A champion of the romance genre and its readers, she is also the author of Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation of Romance Novels, Explained. Maya reviews romance for NPR and has appeared in Bustle, Glamour, Shondaland, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and PBS. She began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence and has never been allowed to forget it.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.mayarodale.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 19, 2014
review posted on Got Fiction? Book Blog
I have mixed feeling about this. For those who don't know, Maya Rodale has this cool series called Bad Boys & Wallflowers. The first is a full-length historical romance called The Wicked Wallflower, which I loved (read the review here ). The second book is actually a contemporary novella called The Bad Boy Billionaire's Wicked Arrangement which mirrors the first book, and written in first person point of view, rather than third like the Historicals. It's a pretty cool idea. Then the third is another full-length historical, and the next after a novella, and so forth.
This review is for 2.5, so the second novella. The heroine Jane is now in a real relationship with her fake fiance Duke Austen, and it's going how they planned. Until the ex who dumped her and prompted her to move to the city is back in the picture. The actual romance is something I had hoped would be more fun, and I was expecting it to be lighter than it was.
I also hated the fiance, and hated that she even entertained the idea of getting back with him. Hated that. I liked the roommate, she was a kick! I liked Duke, but he seemed like he wasn't really involved in the story until it came time to have the sex. I wanted more of him. Jane I have mixed feelings on. I liked her, but she's the only character whose insight we get, so she's the only one who really feels like a whole character.
I liked it okay, but there is something I'm not sure everybody will like, and that's the heroine's writing career.
I like the concept of these stories, and I've already started the Historical that mirrors this one, but I don't like how Jane is Maya Rodale. I found it cute that we got to see how she picked her pen name, but I've never been a fan of authors inserting themselves into their own stories. Sherrilyn Kenyon does it all the time (ex. "She was reading her favorite Kinley MacGregor romance novel" well Kinley MacGregor is Sherrilyn Kenyon). Even Lori Foster did it with one of hers, one that I otherwise loved.
I'm really not sure about this. I predict people will either love this or hate this; think it clever, or breaking the fourth wall.
I preferred the historical by far.I want to finish the whole series, but the contemporaries kind of didn't work for me, which is a huge shame since I love the idea of them.
I would be interested to hear if this bothers any of you guys as much as it bugs me. If you don't think it'll bother you, then I bet you'd really like this story. I did like it well enough to give it a 3 star rating, I think after that fantastic Historical, though, that this fell a bit flat for me.
***ARC courtesy of Avon Addicts
I have mixed feeling about this. For those who don't know, Maya Rodale has this cool series called Bad Boys & Wallflowers. The first is a full-length historical romance called The Wicked Wallflower, which I loved (read the review here ). The second book is actually a contemporary novella called The Bad Boy Billionaire's Wicked Arrangement which mirrors the first book, and written in first person point of view, rather than third like the Historicals. It's a pretty cool idea. Then the third is another full-length historical, and the next after a novella, and so forth.
This review is for 2.5, so the second novella. The heroine Jane is now in a real relationship with her fake fiance Duke Austen, and it's going how they planned. Until the ex who dumped her and prompted her to move to the city is back in the picture. The actual romance is something I had hoped would be more fun, and I was expecting it to be lighter than it was.
I also hated the fiance, and hated that she even entertained the idea of getting back with him. Hated that. I liked the roommate, she was a kick! I liked Duke, but he seemed like he wasn't really involved in the story until it came time to have the sex. I wanted more of him. Jane I have mixed feelings on. I liked her, but she's the only character whose insight we get, so she's the only one who really feels like a whole character.
I liked it okay, but there is something I'm not sure everybody will like, and that's the heroine's writing career.
I like the concept of these stories, and I've already started the Historical that mirrors this one, but I don't like how Jane is Maya Rodale. I found it cute that we got to see how she picked her pen name, but I've never been a fan of authors inserting themselves into their own stories. Sherrilyn Kenyon does it all the time (ex. "She was reading her favorite Kinley MacGregor romance novel" well Kinley MacGregor is Sherrilyn Kenyon). Even Lori Foster did it with one of hers, one that I otherwise loved.
I'm really not sure about this. I predict people will either love this or hate this; think it clever, or breaking the fourth wall.
I preferred the historical by far.I want to finish the whole series, but the contemporaries kind of didn't work for me, which is a huge shame since I love the idea of them.
I would be interested to hear if this bothers any of you guys as much as it bugs me. If you don't think it'll bother you, then I bet you'd really like this story. I did like it well enough to give it a 3 star rating, I think after that fantastic Historical, though, that this fell a bit flat for me.
***ARC courtesy of Avon Addicts
January 20, 2014
The Bad Boy Billionaire's Girl Gone Wild is an Avon publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This second novella in the e-series by Maya Rodale coincides with it's historical romance novel- Wallflower Gone Wild.
We pick up the story with Sam suddenly deciding he is interested in Jane after she very publically becomes engaged to Duke Austen. Seeing Sam again has given Jane a lot of food for thought. Once she had thought he was the love of her life and now, well now maybe Sam did her a favor after all. Jane has stepped out of her predictable comfort zone and starts to feel a confidence she has never felt before. Suddenly, the idea of going back into a relationship with Sam isn't all the appealing.
However, the engagement to Duke is not real and Jane must continue to remind herself of that. However, it appears that her historical romance novel is getting a little notice. Rumors begin circulating that the engagement was fake.
Jane and Duke must make a decision and it will be painful no matter which way they go.
I am really enjoying this e-series that parallels the historical romance novels by this author. I have enjoyed seeing Jane become more confident and I liked the fact that Sam gambled away a good life with a good girl thinking she would be there when was ready to pick back up again... and well, that sort of backfired on him.
Duke will have to decide if he will put his company and the success he has so struggled to achieve first in his life or will he chose a life with Jane?
I can't wait to find out what will happen next in the series! Overall this one gets an A.
This second novella in the e-series by Maya Rodale coincides with it's historical romance novel- Wallflower Gone Wild.
We pick up the story with Sam suddenly deciding he is interested in Jane after she very publically becomes engaged to Duke Austen. Seeing Sam again has given Jane a lot of food for thought. Once she had thought he was the love of her life and now, well now maybe Sam did her a favor after all. Jane has stepped out of her predictable comfort zone and starts to feel a confidence she has never felt before. Suddenly, the idea of going back into a relationship with Sam isn't all the appealing.
However, the engagement to Duke is not real and Jane must continue to remind herself of that. However, it appears that her historical romance novel is getting a little notice. Rumors begin circulating that the engagement was fake.
Jane and Duke must make a decision and it will be painful no matter which way they go.
I am really enjoying this e-series that parallels the historical romance novels by this author. I have enjoyed seeing Jane become more confident and I liked the fact that Sam gambled away a good life with a good girl thinking she would be there when was ready to pick back up again... and well, that sort of backfired on him.
Duke will have to decide if he will put his company and the success he has so struggled to achieve first in his life or will he chose a life with Jane?
I can't wait to find out what will happen next in the series! Overall this one gets an A.
January 16, 2014
Another amazing novella in this wonderful series! The Bad Boy Billionaire's Girl Gone Wild was a fantastic read and I totally loved it.
Jane and Duke were both still wonderful characters. Jane came into herself a little more. Duke was still sweet, though I wanted to whack him upside the head for being so obtuse. But, he figured it all out eventually, so it wasn't a problem.
The romance was still great. Even with the problems in their relationship, it was still obvious that these two were a perfect match. And, the chemistry between them was still hot.
The plot was fast and I was hooked the entire way through.
The Bad Boy Billionaire's Girl Gone Wild was absolutely lovely. I'm loving how this series is going, with it's connected historical romances and contemporary novellas. Can't wait to read more!
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Jane and Duke were both still wonderful characters. Jane came into herself a little more. Duke was still sweet, though I wanted to whack him upside the head for being so obtuse. But, he figured it all out eventually, so it wasn't a problem.
The romance was still great. Even with the problems in their relationship, it was still obvious that these two were a perfect match. And, the chemistry between them was still hot.
The plot was fast and I was hooked the entire way through.
The Bad Boy Billionaire's Girl Gone Wild was absolutely lovely. I'm loving how this series is going, with it's connected historical romances and contemporary novellas. Can't wait to read more!
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
September 7, 2016
Rodale has written a romance serial that is a contemporary version of her current historical romance series. I really enjoyed reading the first part and seeing how she updated its historical counterpart. Reading the second part was a little different for me only because I haven't read the second book in the historical romance series yet, so I'm not sure how much they compare. But I still really enjoyed it. Rodale was able to make this story both cute and hot. I like the heroine Jane a lot (how can I not, she's a librarian). Though, this second part did need more Duke I thought. This part ends abruptly on a happy note, so I'm interested to see where she takes the story.
ARC provided through Edelweiss.
ARC provided through Edelweiss.
August 13, 2016
Don't ask why I do this to myself. The books were 99 cents, and I could read them in one sitting.
This one is moderately better than the first, but Jane still acts like a moo. Who publishes a book based on REAL PEOPLE who you genuinely care about without maybe discussing it with them first? Seriously, fuck Jane. But this was moderately more entertaining than the first in the novella series, and Duke is still a cool guy, so here are 3 generous stars.
The copy-editing did not improve in this one. Missing words abound. Sometimes half of a sentence would be GONE. WTF, Avon? D:
This one is moderately better than the first, but Jane still acts like a moo. Who publishes a book based on REAL PEOPLE who you genuinely care about without maybe discussing it with them first? Seriously, fuck Jane. But this was moderately more entertaining than the first in the novella series, and Duke is still a cool guy, so here are 3 generous stars.
The copy-editing did not improve in this one. Missing words abound. Sometimes half of a sentence would be GONE. WTF, Avon? D:
January 20, 2014
Brilliant idea to tie in a contemporary serialized romantic novella between Rodale's historical romance series!! And that it's the author of the historicals who is the main character = awesome! And that you see the dialogue of the last historical stemming from what happens in the contemporary is mind-blowing! Now I have to read the first 1.5!
February 10, 2015
Dear Maya...I see what you did there.
February 5, 2014
I adore Jane's narration. Can't wait for the next installment.
September 16, 2015
3.5 stars.
Short and sweet.
Short and sweet.
February 8, 2021
Sweet, Witty and Sexy…
Regency Era and Modern Day meet in a romance series featuring dashing rogues and the wallflowers who love them.
Librarian Jane finds herself engaged via Facebook Status Update to a man to whom she has yet to be properly introduced – the wickedly arrogant and devastatingly sexy tech bad-boy billionaire Duke Austen.
What starts out as pretend soon becomes more unaccountably real than anything that either of them have known before...
Regency Era and Modern Day meet in a romance series featuring dashing rogues and the wallflowers who love them.
Librarian Jane finds herself engaged via Facebook Status Update to a man to whom she has yet to be properly introduced – the wickedly arrogant and devastatingly sexy tech bad-boy billionaire Duke Austen.
What starts out as pretend soon becomes more unaccountably real than anything that either of them have known before...
~ Deanaera's Bloggy Book Bites
August 26, 2017
Second novella set in present day woven into this series. Here jane has to figure out exactly what she wants and how to get it. Nice job by the author of showing Jane's progression from moping over Sam to realizing that she's just fine and maybe better without him. Also kudos to her for not accepting a role as Duke's secret piece on the side. Many things transpire here that are wildly farfetched, but I'm ok to roll with it in this short format. These characters are growing on me. 3.5 stars.
September 27, 2021
This was a mess. I know it’s a short story and I didn’t read the first book but I have read all the historicals in this series and this was a hot mess. The only reason I even got 10 pages into this is because it was short and I’m behind in my reading challenge.
June 5, 2017
Not much substance to this book not sure what it was separated out from the first one
December 10, 2017
Still liking the story, another novella about the same love story that continues. Will keep reading.
December 18, 2017
Something different.
The series contains historical books about 3 wallflowers and a side story of a author writing these books on personal experiences. Hilarious.
The series contains historical books about 3 wallflowers and a side story of a author writing these books on personal experiences. Hilarious.
October 12, 2019
Leseempfehlung: eher nein. Muss ich unbedingt weiterlesen: definitiv ja!
September 17, 2021
Quirky and fun companion book to the historical series. See my review of The Bad Boy Billionaire's Wicked Arrangement for more.
January 27, 2016
Look for this review and more at my blog, Feminist Fairy Tale Reviews.
I continue to adore what Ms. Rodale is doing with this series. For those of you who are unaware, the Bad Boys and Wallflowers books are a combination of contemporary and historical romance. The heroine of the Bad Boy-titled books is an aspiring author whose historical romances are published as part of the series as well. It is a unique concept and I am thoroughly enjoying it.
The last time readers saw Jane Sparks and Duke Austen, they had decided to begin a false engagement in order to obtain funding for Duke's newest investment idea by repairing his bad boy reputation. But, like you would expect in a romance novel, both Jane and Duke begin to develop feelings for each other beyond the physical. Jane responds to the confusion she feels by writing her experiences as a historical romance entitled, The Wicked Wallflower. The Bad Boy Billionaire's Girl Gone Wild deals with the aftermath of Jane's self-publication of her historical romance. It quickly becomes a viral sensation and she has now become a scandalous bad girl in her own right. This forces the couple to really look at their "relationship" to decide if it is doing more harm than good especially with rumors flying around that it was all a hoax to begin with.
My favorite part about this book was the fact that Jane got to be the center of attention. The first novella, even though it was written from Jane's point of view, seemed to focus on Duke which was fine with me since he is an intriguing character in his own right. But, I have been really interested in Jane's character and how she is handling such a unique situation. So I was glad to see the focus shift to her and her ambitions. This is a woman who thought she had everything planned out until it all fell apart and now she is finally getting back on her feet in the most fabulous of ways. I loved the transformation and how confident she appeared by the end of the story.
Duke is not as big of a factor in this novella as in the previous one, but his presence was still felt. I liked how Ms. Rodale showed his growth as a character from being obsessed with his career to thinking more about Jane and her place in his life. Readers also have to deal with the fact that Jane's ex-boyfriend, Sam, makes a reappearance and seems to be trying to move back into the picture now that she has become such a phenomenon. I found Sam's historical counterpart in The Wicked Wallflower to be highly irritating and it was funny that those feelings moved on to Sam.
Another part of The Bad Boy Billionaire's Girl Gone Wild that I enjoyed was the mixing of the historical and contemporary. I am huge fan of historical romance so it was a blast to read about Jane's writing process and how she was inspired by her own life. I have read The Wicked Wallflower and I think that helped increase my enjoyment of these scenes since I could easily spot the tidbits that moved from one story to the other. While I don't think reading the historical romances is required to enjoy the Bad Boy books, I highly recommend it!
All in all, I really like where Ms. Rodale is taking this series and how she is developing Jane's romance to mirror the relationships of the Wallflower girls. Jane is really coming in to her own as a character and I love watching that development. The ending was very sweet and is making me want to see what happens next with Duke, Jane, and Sam. And, of course, I can't wait to read Wallflower Gone Wild when it comes out.
I continue to adore what Ms. Rodale is doing with this series. For those of you who are unaware, the Bad Boys and Wallflowers books are a combination of contemporary and historical romance. The heroine of the Bad Boy-titled books is an aspiring author whose historical romances are published as part of the series as well. It is a unique concept and I am thoroughly enjoying it.
The last time readers saw Jane Sparks and Duke Austen, they had decided to begin a false engagement in order to obtain funding for Duke's newest investment idea by repairing his bad boy reputation. But, like you would expect in a romance novel, both Jane and Duke begin to develop feelings for each other beyond the physical. Jane responds to the confusion she feels by writing her experiences as a historical romance entitled, The Wicked Wallflower. The Bad Boy Billionaire's Girl Gone Wild deals with the aftermath of Jane's self-publication of her historical romance. It quickly becomes a viral sensation and she has now become a scandalous bad girl in her own right. This forces the couple to really look at their "relationship" to decide if it is doing more harm than good especially with rumors flying around that it was all a hoax to begin with.
My favorite part about this book was the fact that Jane got to be the center of attention. The first novella, even though it was written from Jane's point of view, seemed to focus on Duke which was fine with me since he is an intriguing character in his own right. But, I have been really interested in Jane's character and how she is handling such a unique situation. So I was glad to see the focus shift to her and her ambitions. This is a woman who thought she had everything planned out until it all fell apart and now she is finally getting back on her feet in the most fabulous of ways. I loved the transformation and how confident she appeared by the end of the story.
Duke is not as big of a factor in this novella as in the previous one, but his presence was still felt. I liked how Ms. Rodale showed his growth as a character from being obsessed with his career to thinking more about Jane and her place in his life. Readers also have to deal with the fact that Jane's ex-boyfriend, Sam, makes a reappearance and seems to be trying to move back into the picture now that she has become such a phenomenon. I found Sam's historical counterpart in The Wicked Wallflower to be highly irritating and it was funny that those feelings moved on to Sam.
Another part of The Bad Boy Billionaire's Girl Gone Wild that I enjoyed was the mixing of the historical and contemporary. I am huge fan of historical romance so it was a blast to read about Jane's writing process and how she was inspired by her own life. I have read The Wicked Wallflower and I think that helped increase my enjoyment of these scenes since I could easily spot the tidbits that moved from one story to the other. While I don't think reading the historical romances is required to enjoy the Bad Boy books, I highly recommend it!
All in all, I really like where Ms. Rodale is taking this series and how she is developing Jane's romance to mirror the relationships of the Wallflower girls. Jane is really coming in to her own as a character and I love watching that development. The ending was very sweet and is making me want to see what happens next with Duke, Jane, and Sam. And, of course, I can't wait to read Wallflower Gone Wild when it comes out.
April 19, 2014
The Bad Boy Billionaire’s Wicked Arrangement & Girl Gone Wild are part of the Bad Boys & Wallflowers series by Maya Rodale. The Bad Boy Billionaire’s are a contemporary romance companion series to May Rodale’s historical romances series The Wicked Wallflowers. It is actually quite clever.
This modern day romance features Jane Sparks, a librarian and would be novelist. Jane has a brief encounter with Bad Boy Billionaire Duke Austen at an event held at the library. Thanks to the shenanigans of her friend, she accidentally announces her engagement to the Duke on Facebook. Imagine her surprise when Duke asks her to continue the charade. The tale that unfolds is delightful as Jane uses her real life experiences to write historical romances called The Wicked Wallflower and Wallflower Gone Wild. The tale that unfolds is sweet, romantic and steamy as the lines between fact and fiction blur.
I really enjoyed the way this present day tale compliments the historical fiction series. It made me giggle as the tale created quite a stir for Duke and Jane. Jane is a planner; as her ten year high school anniversary approaches it has caused her to reassess. I found her inner struggles interesting, and loved how her writing revealed her own hidden emotions. Duke is a bit of a mystery and I would have enjoyed getting his pov. He needs Jane to help ease investors’ concerns about his partying rogue image. I found Jane to be smart, naïve at times and a hopeless romantic. I enjoyed watching her find herself.
The arrangement trope is one of my favorites and while Rodale follows a familiar storyline, her twist of incorporating her historical fiction into a modern day tale was brilliant. The Bad Boy Billionaire’s Wicked Arrangement & Girl Gone Wild was predictable but utterly charming. I am anxious to see how it all works out for Duke and Jane. The final novella What A Girl Wants will release in May, 2014. You do not have to read the historical series to read the modern. They are separate, but for those who enjoy both genres it is quite fun.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
This modern day romance features Jane Sparks, a librarian and would be novelist. Jane has a brief encounter with Bad Boy Billionaire Duke Austen at an event held at the library. Thanks to the shenanigans of her friend, she accidentally announces her engagement to the Duke on Facebook. Imagine her surprise when Duke asks her to continue the charade. The tale that unfolds is delightful as Jane uses her real life experiences to write historical romances called The Wicked Wallflower and Wallflower Gone Wild. The tale that unfolds is sweet, romantic and steamy as the lines between fact and fiction blur.
I really enjoyed the way this present day tale compliments the historical fiction series. It made me giggle as the tale created quite a stir for Duke and Jane. Jane is a planner; as her ten year high school anniversary approaches it has caused her to reassess. I found her inner struggles interesting, and loved how her writing revealed her own hidden emotions. Duke is a bit of a mystery and I would have enjoyed getting his pov. He needs Jane to help ease investors’ concerns about his partying rogue image. I found Jane to be smart, naïve at times and a hopeless romantic. I enjoyed watching her find herself.
The arrangement trope is one of my favorites and while Rodale follows a familiar storyline, her twist of incorporating her historical fiction into a modern day tale was brilliant. The Bad Boy Billionaire’s Wicked Arrangement & Girl Gone Wild was predictable but utterly charming. I am anxious to see how it all works out for Duke and Jane. The final novella What A Girl Wants will release in May, 2014. You do not have to read the historical series to read the modern. They are separate, but for those who enjoy both genres it is quite fun.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
November 29, 2014
Part Two of Jane and Duke's Romance
THE BAD BOY BILLIONAIRE'S GIRL GONE WILD is the second part of the three part contemporary story of Jane and Duke. In part one, Jane and Duke end up in a fake engagement in order to help Duke get funding for his project and to get Jane a date for her high school reunion.
THE STORY: Jane and Duke ended part one with Jane going to meet her ex-boyfriend who she thinks she might still love. THE BAD BOYS BILLIONAIRE'S GIRL GONE WILD begins right where the other book left off. Jane and Duke's relationship is uncertain and hits a snag when Jane gets her romance book published (THE WICKED WALLFLOWER). People begin to guess that Duke and Jane's engagement was fake just like the one in Jane's romance novel. Jane struggles with trying to untangle her love life and also deal with the publicity of her high profile.
OPINION: I didn't like this installment as much as the first although I still like Jane and Duke's relationship. I thought that Jane was rather annoying and clueless about the impact that her romance would have on Duke and his career. While she is angry that he wants to distance himself from her romance novel, I thought she was rather oblivious about the fact that her actions harmed Duke. She seemed selfish to me and I liked her less because of it. At the same time, I liked Duke more because he is clearly enamored of Jane. I laughed out loud at his sending pictures to Jane while she was on a date with her ex.
WORTH MENTIONING: The connection between the contemporary novella and the historical romance WALLFLOWER GONE WILD was more tenuous in this pairing.
FINAL DECISION: I like the story of Jane and Duke and want to read the conclusion, but this installment wasn't as good as the first for me.
CONNECTED BOOKS: This is book 2.5 in the Bad Boys & Wallflowers series. It is the second book in the contemporary novella trilogy. I recommend reading the first novella before this one since Duke and Jane's story has been divided into three parts. It is not necessary to read the historicals to enjoy the contemporary novellas.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3.75 stars.
THE BAD BOY BILLIONAIRE'S GIRL GONE WILD is the second part of the three part contemporary story of Jane and Duke. In part one, Jane and Duke end up in a fake engagement in order to help Duke get funding for his project and to get Jane a date for her high school reunion.
THE STORY: Jane and Duke ended part one with Jane going to meet her ex-boyfriend who she thinks she might still love. THE BAD BOYS BILLIONAIRE'S GIRL GONE WILD begins right where the other book left off. Jane and Duke's relationship is uncertain and hits a snag when Jane gets her romance book published (THE WICKED WALLFLOWER). People begin to guess that Duke and Jane's engagement was fake just like the one in Jane's romance novel. Jane struggles with trying to untangle her love life and also deal with the publicity of her high profile.
OPINION: I didn't like this installment as much as the first although I still like Jane and Duke's relationship. I thought that Jane was rather annoying and clueless about the impact that her romance would have on Duke and his career. While she is angry that he wants to distance himself from her romance novel, I thought she was rather oblivious about the fact that her actions harmed Duke. She seemed selfish to me and I liked her less because of it. At the same time, I liked Duke more because he is clearly enamored of Jane. I laughed out loud at his sending pictures to Jane while she was on a date with her ex.
WORTH MENTIONING: The connection between the contemporary novella and the historical romance WALLFLOWER GONE WILD was more tenuous in this pairing.
FINAL DECISION: I like the story of Jane and Duke and want to read the conclusion, but this installment wasn't as good as the first for me.
CONNECTED BOOKS: This is book 2.5 in the Bad Boys & Wallflowers series. It is the second book in the contemporary novella trilogy. I recommend reading the first novella before this one since Duke and Jane's story has been divided into three parts. It is not necessary to read the historicals to enjoy the contemporary novellas.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3.75 stars.
May 12, 2014
Perfect... Now I just need the THIRD ONE!!!
"It's all fun and games until someone starts falling in love..."
That is a fitting quote from this book! I read and LOVED the first in this series. It fell into my lap, per the recommendation of Avon Romance. (Who is my eyes is the EPITOME of Romance. They have not steered me wrong! They are Book Gods...) As I stated in my last review, I was reading about Duke & Jane and before I knew it - the end was there. Right in front of me... no where else to go. Except to run and One-Click #2.
"This was real. On some level, this was Something."
And it went and happened again. I started reading it. My heart broke... I was proud of decisions made... And the ending (well, the ALMOST ending) was perfect! That article...(both Hers & especially HIS) was the gesture of all grand gestures. "@DukeAusten: When a $20 billion IPO isn't everything."
"She was aware that this wasn't true desire, it was the Ashbrooke affect and legions of women had been similarly afflicted. It wasn't special."
The emotions in this book were palpable. Intense. Everytime Jane choked up, I did. (And you will!) I do adore her best friend, and believe she would make an EPIC spin-off character. Full of spunk and everything a girl wants in a BFF. We all need that one person who knows us better than we do, and pushes us to our limits. Roxanna and her mysterious man.
"Perhaps happy + awful = hawful."
Duke Austen. One word. Epic. And when he reacts, it is on monumental proportions. He is the kind of man who makes you swoon even when you are not the object of his affection. You swoon watching him approach another woman. "They say you and trouble are notoriously inseparable." Silly, but he has that kind of presence. I am eager to read the rest of Maya's books based solely on his ability to write a character THAT worthy of swoon. Two books in one day good. You rocked my socks and have now left me dying for more.
"It's all fun and games until someone starts falling in love..."
That is a fitting quote from this book! I read and LOVED the first in this series. It fell into my lap, per the recommendation of Avon Romance. (Who is my eyes is the EPITOME of Romance. They have not steered me wrong! They are Book Gods...) As I stated in my last review, I was reading about Duke & Jane and before I knew it - the end was there. Right in front of me... no where else to go. Except to run and One-Click #2.
"This was real. On some level, this was Something."
And it went and happened again. I started reading it. My heart broke... I was proud of decisions made... And the ending (well, the ALMOST ending) was perfect! That article...(both Hers & especially HIS) was the gesture of all grand gestures. "@DukeAusten: When a $20 billion IPO isn't everything."
"She was aware that this wasn't true desire, it was the Ashbrooke affect and legions of women had been similarly afflicted. It wasn't special."
The emotions in this book were palpable. Intense. Everytime Jane choked up, I did. (And you will!) I do adore her best friend, and believe she would make an EPIC spin-off character. Full of spunk and everything a girl wants in a BFF. We all need that one person who knows us better than we do, and pushes us to our limits. Roxanna and her mysterious man.
"Perhaps happy + awful = hawful."
Duke Austen. One word. Epic. And when he reacts, it is on monumental proportions. He is the kind of man who makes you swoon even when you are not the object of his affection. You swoon watching him approach another woman. "They say you and trouble are notoriously inseparable." Silly, but he has that kind of presence. I am eager to read the rest of Maya's books based solely on his ability to write a character THAT worthy of swoon. Two books in one day good. You rocked my socks and have now left me dying for more.
April 29, 2014
So I don't know I found part two to be a little cheesy. Here's why: Jane is an aspiring author. She's been wanting to write a historical romance novel since she loves reading them herself. In the first book she often compares her life using terminology found in historical romances. I found the references to be a little cliche.
Jane uses what's going in her her life to be the basis of her book and we've given excerpts of the book which in fact is Rodale's first book of the series.
The cheese factor came in when Jane is trying to name her book and come up with a pen name. Honestly I found that bit to be a little cringe worthy. Jane says "I always like the named Maya" and finds a book on her shelf with the last name "Rodale" hence Maya Rodale. Reading it I felt a little embarrassed and that's not a good sign at all. It's too self referential and not in a subtle way.
And I still don't understand Duke's attraction and love for Jane. The grand gesture comes towards the end of part two and I don't get it. When they are together, they don't really talk about their feelings. We don't really know them together as a couple besides what she thinks and feels and that's so one-sided.
I also thought this part also heavily used excerpts from the second book in the series. And I didn't think it was done in a subtle "but this is what really is happening". It's like "look at my book".
In a way, I want to read part three just so I can complete the novella, but I don't want to read just to read. So we'll see. It's short in that it really can be read in one sitting, but it's not that much of a page turner.
Jane uses what's going in her her life to be the basis of her book and we've given excerpts of the book which in fact is Rodale's first book of the series.
The cheese factor came in when Jane is trying to name her book and come up with a pen name. Honestly I found that bit to be a little cringe worthy. Jane says "I always like the named Maya" and finds a book on her shelf with the last name "Rodale" hence Maya Rodale. Reading it I felt a little embarrassed and that's not a good sign at all. It's too self referential and not in a subtle way.
And I still don't understand Duke's attraction and love for Jane. The grand gesture comes towards the end of part two and I don't get it. When they are together, they don't really talk about their feelings. We don't really know them together as a couple besides what she thinks and feels and that's so one-sided.
I also thought this part also heavily used excerpts from the second book in the series. And I didn't think it was done in a subtle "but this is what really is happening". It's like "look at my book".
In a way, I want to read part three just so I can complete the novella, but I don't want to read just to read. So we'll see. It's short in that it really can be read in one sitting, but it's not that much of a page turner.
February 22, 2014
Originally given 4.5 hearts at Rookie Romance.
This novella series makes me feel all warm and giddy inside. I have yet to read the accompanying historical romances, but trust me I want to! I absolutely love how the contemporary novellas link up with the historicals.
Jane is starting to really shine in this novella, she's more confident and sassy. Sam is back in her life, but now the life she dreamed of with Sam isn't quite as appealing as it used to be. She's chasing her dreams, and living her life for herself- which is brilliant.
Duke is so, so yummy. He's smart, successful and panty-droppingly sexy- so in that respect he's not changed from the first book! He's also realising what a catch he has in Jane, although he has hard decisions to make between his company and her...
I love that Duke and Jane's relationship, whilst it has its problems, is becoming much more real. It's not just a charade anymore. There were many moments that had me squeaking in happiness, because they were so perfect!
I would recommend reading the first novella before this one, this story picks up where The Bad Boy Billionaire's Wicked Arrangement leaves off.
Honestly though, this is a fabulous installment in the series. I'm very excited to see what will happen in the next one, and I can't wait to get more Duke!
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via Edelweiss, for my honest review. Thank you!
This novella series makes me feel all warm and giddy inside. I have yet to read the accompanying historical romances, but trust me I want to! I absolutely love how the contemporary novellas link up with the historicals.
Jane is starting to really shine in this novella, she's more confident and sassy. Sam is back in her life, but now the life she dreamed of with Sam isn't quite as appealing as it used to be. She's chasing her dreams, and living her life for herself- which is brilliant.
Duke is so, so yummy. He's smart, successful and panty-droppingly sexy- so in that respect he's not changed from the first book! He's also realising what a catch he has in Jane, although he has hard decisions to make between his company and her...
I love that Duke and Jane's relationship, whilst it has its problems, is becoming much more real. It's not just a charade anymore. There were many moments that had me squeaking in happiness, because they were so perfect!
I would recommend reading the first novella before this one, this story picks up where The Bad Boy Billionaire's Wicked Arrangement leaves off.
Honestly though, this is a fabulous installment in the series. I'm very excited to see what will happen in the next one, and I can't wait to get more Duke!
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via Edelweiss, for my honest review. Thank you!
March 4, 2014
I love the idea of this serial, each installment is wedged between a full length historical book and tells the tale of Jane Sparks the “author” of these historicals and her ongoing romance with the bad boy billionaire Duke Austen. In this book Jane and Duke are on a break as the release of Jane’s first novel The Wicked Wallflower makes everyone question their relationship and puts Duke’s project in trouble.
I really enjoy these novella’s it is a unique way of telling a story and makes the full length historical novels connected to this series all the more interesting, like you are reading a story within a story. But, it isn’t just that aspect I like, Jane and Duke are great characters and I enjoy reading about their romance and guessing what they are going to do next. Duke is charming and sexy, just the kind of hero you can’t help but like and I love seeing Jane gain more confidence in herself.
I can’t wait to read the last and final installment in this mini series, I have my fingers crossed for a happily ever after!
*ARC provided by publisher
November 6, 2014
A great come back after the disappointment of Wallflower Gone Wild. This is why I like Maya Rodale, she makes it fun to read and makes you connect with the characters. I love that she has created a series of 3 novellas to compliment the Wallflowers series. It's great to see the comparisons and how the author in the book draws on her real life experiences to write her historical romance novels.
The only thing I'd say against it were there were a couple of longer than needed passages quoting the actual Wallflower books.
I was disappointed when I read some other reviews of people who didn't seem to get that this novella was part of the larger series and they either read just the three novellas and so they didn't know that they were tie ins. Or they didn't get the tongue-in-cheek part of this story. Yes the author (Maya Rodale) has the main character use her name as the pseudonym she writes the historical novels under. I found it to be quite ingenious and very quirky.
If you like, read, or are reading the Wallflower series please please please read these novellas along with them.
The only thing I'd say against it were there were a couple of longer than needed passages quoting the actual Wallflower books.
I was disappointed when I read some other reviews of people who didn't seem to get that this novella was part of the larger series and they either read just the three novellas and so they didn't know that they were tie ins. Or they didn't get the tongue-in-cheek part of this story. Yes the author (Maya Rodale) has the main character use her name as the pseudonym she writes the historical novels under. I found it to be quite ingenious and very quirky.
If you like, read, or are reading the Wallflower series please please please read these novellas along with them.
May 17, 2014
Being the good girl isn't what Jane wants anymore, and since her fauxmance with Duke has opened her eyes to new things she's not sure she wants to go back to being the wallflower.
What happens when your roommate reads your manuscript and loves it? Well if you are Jane you drink and do some editing then hit publish.
Hoping her ex Sam and her current Duke don't read it or notice the similarities is one thing but forgetting the fact that she's supposed to be the prim and proper one not the romance author and drawing attention to herself is another.
Once the media get wind of the could be truth in her books and compare it to her real life all that she and Duke have worked for can be ruined. What's a faux couple to do? Well you act like you are mad at each other, even if you can't stay away from each other.
Her ex Sam is thrown into the mix somewhere, after reading her status updates and seeing her having a good time he contacts her to meet for drinks. She sees what she had and what she wants now, and they might not be the same thing they used to be.
Maya did an awesome job on this book as well as book 1 can't wait for book 3!
What happens when your roommate reads your manuscript and loves it? Well if you are Jane you drink and do some editing then hit publish.
Hoping her ex Sam and her current Duke don't read it or notice the similarities is one thing but forgetting the fact that she's supposed to be the prim and proper one not the romance author and drawing attention to herself is another.
Once the media get wind of the could be truth in her books and compare it to her real life all that she and Duke have worked for can be ruined. What's a faux couple to do? Well you act like you are mad at each other, even if you can't stay away from each other.
Her ex Sam is thrown into the mix somewhere, after reading her status updates and seeing her having a good time he contacts her to meet for drinks. She sees what she had and what she wants now, and they might not be the same thing they used to be.
Maya did an awesome job on this book as well as book 1 can't wait for book 3!
August 28, 2015
4 Squeeeee! Stars
“ “Too bad we can’t cut and rewrite in real life,” I said.
“How much would you delete?”
“Hmm . . . I don’t know. I hadn’t thought about it.”
“God, I just want to touch you,” he said softly.
“If you touch me now . . .” I said warningly.
“Then everyone will start talking and tweeting about it and they’ll forget about that other thing you do.”
“But if I walk away . . .”
“Then I’ll be lonely tonight.”
Duke and Jane are back for another installment of the Bad Boy Billionaire series. And this time there is a bit of trouble. Sam, Jane’s ex is back, Jane self-publishes her book and it makes all sorts of internet waves and issues, and said book may cost Duke his project. It’s all drama, drama, drama – with New York City as it’s gorgeous backdrop. So the question is What Will Jane Do?! I am in so love with this series and Duke.
Bad Boy Billionaire’s Girl Gone Wild is a definite Must Read! And I can’t wait to read the final installment!
“ “Too bad we can’t cut and rewrite in real life,” I said.
“How much would you delete?”
“Hmm . . . I don’t know. I hadn’t thought about it.”
“God, I just want to touch you,” he said softly.
“If you touch me now . . .” I said warningly.
“Then everyone will start talking and tweeting about it and they’ll forget about that other thing you do.”
“But if I walk away . . .”
“Then I’ll be lonely tonight.”
Duke and Jane are back for another installment of the Bad Boy Billionaire series. And this time there is a bit of trouble. Sam, Jane’s ex is back, Jane self-publishes her book and it makes all sorts of internet waves and issues, and said book may cost Duke his project. It’s all drama, drama, drama – with New York City as it’s gorgeous backdrop. So the question is What Will Jane Do?! I am in so love with this series and Duke.
Bad Boy Billionaire’s Girl Gone Wild is a definite Must Read! And I can’t wait to read the final installment!
March 13, 2014
Let me preface this review by saying that I don’t usually read contemporary romance. However, there are some authors whose voices I love and so I have read their contributions to the genre and enjoyed them very much including Foreplay by Sophie Jordan, Private Research by Sabrina Darby, and The Bad Boy Billionaire’s Wicked Arrangement by Maya Rodale, which is the first book in her clever and oh, so fun Bad Boys and Wallflowers series.
If you want to laugh when you read a love story, this is the author for you. Rodale’s writing style is charming, funny, and adroit, and her characters and stories make you smile, laugh, and empathize. You can’t help but love them. I would even go so far as to say her writing is addictive. It just sparkles.
In this second novella we wonder, will Jane and Duke get together or is it still just pretend for appearances sake? A fauxmance (great word!)? And Jane’s old flame, Sam, is back on the scene causing Jane to rethink her feelings.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1i7ToIC
If you want to laugh when you read a love story, this is the author for you. Rodale’s writing style is charming, funny, and adroit, and her characters and stories make you smile, laugh, and empathize. You can’t help but love them. I would even go so far as to say her writing is addictive. It just sparkles.
In this second novella we wonder, will Jane and Duke get together or is it still just pretend for appearances sake? A fauxmance (great word!)? And Jane’s old flame, Sam, is back on the scene causing Jane to rethink her feelings.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1i7ToIC
March 1, 2014
Girl Gone Wild starts just were book 1 ends.
Jane leaves Duke's party to meet Sam, her ex-boyfriend. Sam seems to want her back and he makes it obvious. He seems to regret breaking up with her or maybe he likes the new Jane. She is confident and sexier.
Jane is confused. She has always wanted a life with Sam but now that Duke is in the picture she is ambivalent.
When Jane decides to publish her novel and a reporter gets a hold of the story, her relationship with Duke becomes strained. A hard decision is made and it may be the end of them as a couple.
I read this serial in a few hours. It's short and sweet. The more I read about Jane the more I like her. She is definitely more assertive and she is starting to go after the things that she wants.
What I thought was missing is more Duke. He needs more page time and of course I wouldn't mind a longer novella.
3/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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Jane leaves Duke's party to meet Sam, her ex-boyfriend. Sam seems to want her back and he makes it obvious. He seems to regret breaking up with her or maybe he likes the new Jane. She is confident and sexier.
Jane is confused. She has always wanted a life with Sam but now that Duke is in the picture she is ambivalent.
When Jane decides to publish her novel and a reporter gets a hold of the story, her relationship with Duke becomes strained. A hard decision is made and it may be the end of them as a couple.
I read this serial in a few hours. It's short and sweet. The more I read about Jane the more I like her. She is definitely more assertive and she is starting to go after the things that she wants.
What I thought was missing is more Duke. He needs more page time and of course I wouldn't mind a longer novella.
3/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
October 27, 2014
Reading all three installments of the Bad Boy Billionaire series made me realize I have a new pet peeve: authors going all meta and inserting themselves into their novels. Stop trying to be cutesy with the fourth wall. It is rarely done cleverly enough to justify how jarring (and frankly, insulting) it is to the reader. I read to immerse myself in a different world; I don't need the author winking at me from the sidelines. Spoiler alert: the heroine Jane becomes a romance novelist named, wait for it, Maya Rodale. I should have stopped reading right there, but the meta moments just kept piling on. Spoiler and marketing alert: Jane, as romance author Maya Rodale, writes historical romances about wallflowers, as in Maya Rodale's Wallflower series.
Posting the same review for all three installments because, despite my annoyance with the heroine-as-author-wink-wink, curiosity killed the cat and made me read them together in the hopes that the romantic payoff would be enough to overcome. Nope.
Posting the same review for all three installments because, despite my annoyance with the heroine-as-author-wink-wink, curiosity killed the cat and made me read them together in the hopes that the romantic payoff would be enough to overcome. Nope.
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