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Bad as in Good
Teeming with dramatic plot twists and wickedly delightful erotic frills, a passionate story about two lovers struggling with heartbreak, heartthrobs, and self-fulfillment.
Many of us fall into unrelenting cycles that lead us to inevitable heartbreak—a knee-weakening, nearly unbearable period of withdrawal where we curse our indiscretions and promise to do better next time. But why? Why do we do this to ourselves? That’s the question Erin is constantly asking herself.
Along for the ride is Tariq, a young man battling his past as well. While their romantic lives intertwine, they find it almost impossible to break free of the merciless beast that is love and its ugly stepsister, heartbreak.
At first, Erin’s attraction to Tariq is like a drug addiction she can’t ignore, but as drama ensues and the ugly past comes back to visit, both Tariq and Erin realize how bad—as in good—love truly is.
Many of us fall into unrelenting cycles that lead us to inevitable heartbreak—a knee-weakening, nearly unbearable period of withdrawal where we curse our indiscretions and promise to do better next time. But why? Why do we do this to ourselves? That’s the question Erin is constantly asking herself.
Along for the ride is Tariq, a young man battling his past as well. While their romantic lives intertwine, they find it almost impossible to break free of the merciless beast that is love and its ugly stepsister, heartbreak.
At first, Erin’s attraction to Tariq is like a drug addiction she can’t ignore, but as drama ensues and the ugly past comes back to visit, both Tariq and Erin realize how bad—as in good—love truly is.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 29, 2014
5 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
J. Lovelace
3 books15 followersJ. Lovelace is a freelance journalist, editor, and published author. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s in Creative Writing and Public and Organizational Communications. Originally from Miami, she currently resides in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, daughter and son while pursuing a graduate education.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 25, 2015
This the book was well written and entertaining. I enjoyed reading it but didn't get it. There were some funny bits with Teona (Erin's sister) who I thought provided some light entertainment with her spoilt bratty attitude.
She was my favourite - this brat who kept on turning up and spoiling things for everyone. I used to laugh when she came into a scene.
It starts off with Tariq who finds his in-lover or wifey was cheating on him so he starts just sleeping with women all over. Fine. He meets Erin and turns her into a booty call. Fine. Erin an educated woman, with a nice apartment becomes a slave to his dick. Fine. What I didn't get was despite Tariq claiming to love Erin, he was still cheating on her. I also didn't get it when he mostly did doggy style so it wasn't like he was seeing their faces. Why not just stick to one partner?
Anyway Erin has a best friend called Lorraine who had happened to sleep with Tariq before. Fine. We soon find out that Tariq was married to some woman, at that point Erin has had enough....or has she? Well it goes in circles until she meets a new man called Louis. Ms L Lovelace has a thing for the characters who names start with the letter L.
Anyway we then find out Teona (my fave character) was engaged to Louis before. Confused? It is one hot enjoyable mess, which is why I still rate it highly.
Interesting treatment about STIs
Near the end Ms Lovelace uses an sexual infection as a reason to remove a minor character - despite this none of the characters change their sexual behaviour. I didn't understand this because of the amount of fucking Tariq, Erin and Teona did, she never raised that they were exposing themselves to this infection. Despite the rate of infection being higher in African Americans than any other ethic group in the US.
We could debate the character was an internet date however how well did Erin know Tariq or Louis for that matter? At no point did anyone suggest they went down the clinic for some testing. Just saying
If a book is left in fantasy mode, that's cool. As soon as writers starts mentioning sexual infections in an erotic novel then perhaps readers could be given a little more education. So bringing up a sexual infection made the book realistic. However given the promiscuous nature of the characters, any all of them were in danger and could have easily been infected - the danger didn't go by dropping that one character.
So overall a positive and brave move but maybe if something like that is introduced to could be kept it factual and educational so readers can learn a better way.
She was my favourite - this brat who kept on turning up and spoiling things for everyone. I used to laugh when she came into a scene.
It starts off with Tariq who finds his in-lover or wifey was cheating on him so he starts just sleeping with women all over. Fine. He meets Erin and turns her into a booty call. Fine. Erin an educated woman, with a nice apartment becomes a slave to his dick. Fine. What I didn't get was despite Tariq claiming to love Erin, he was still cheating on her. I also didn't get it when he mostly did doggy style so it wasn't like he was seeing their faces. Why not just stick to one partner?
Anyway Erin has a best friend called Lorraine who had happened to sleep with Tariq before. Fine. We soon find out that Tariq was married to some woman, at that point Erin has had enough....or has she? Well it goes in circles until she meets a new man called Louis. Ms L Lovelace has a thing for the characters who names start with the letter L.
Anyway we then find out Teona (my fave character) was engaged to Louis before. Confused? It is one hot enjoyable mess, which is why I still rate it highly.
Interesting treatment about STIs
Near the end Ms Lovelace uses an sexual infection as a reason to remove a minor character - despite this none of the characters change their sexual behaviour. I didn't understand this because of the amount of fucking Tariq, Erin and Teona did, she never raised that they were exposing themselves to this infection. Despite the rate of infection being higher in African Americans than any other ethic group in the US.
We could debate the character was an internet date however how well did Erin know Tariq or Louis for that matter? At no point did anyone suggest they went down the clinic for some testing. Just saying
If a book is left in fantasy mode, that's cool. As soon as writers starts mentioning sexual infections in an erotic novel then perhaps readers could be given a little more education. So bringing up a sexual infection made the book realistic. However given the promiscuous nature of the characters, any all of them were in danger and could have easily been infected - the danger didn't go by dropping that one character.
So overall a positive and brave move but maybe if something like that is introduced to could be kept it factual and educational so readers can learn a better way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2014
Grabbing you from the first moment, this is a story that everyone can relate to: love and its up and down sides, the draw of the bad boy, and the tendency of the past to get in the way of your present or forward movement.
Lovelace mixes in a ton of drama, erotic moments and some honest revelations as her characters are rushing to move forward without completely taking care of issues from the past, or listening to the voices (some interior, others exterior) that are warning them off.
Erin was an interesting character – desperate to claim her own independence and strength, she keeps running back to what feels ‘right’ when something doesn’t work out. Far from making her a doormat, she just has to wait for her emotional self and her ‘view of what she should be’ to catch up to one another. And then, deal with herself and her own desires, needs and image. When she finally ‘gets it’ the changes in her are extrodinary.
Tariq is a bit of a wuss: he won’t deal with being used, so instead of listening to his heart – he shuts it off. His behavior and callous disregard for Erin, even as it is apparent the connection there could be something special are hidden behind a masque of bravado and ‘big man’ that are really just hiding the lost little boy. When he gets his stuff together, he becomes the man that he should have been all along, and the growth and change is dramatic.
Louis – oh what to say about Louis. EVERYONE knows his type. In fact, he’s so self-involved and trying to be ‘something’ that he misses on all fronts. It was sad to see the influence and chaos he could create simply by being – and the fact that no one felt his overwhelming icky aura.
There are plenty of twists in this, and with a much needed (and exceedingly well created) back stories for the characters that helps readers to appreciate and understand their stories and their present. The personalities and characters are real and palpable, while the language is rougher and perhaps distasteful for some, it is one of the many different ways that people can and do speak and relate in this world. I was impressed by this book, and found it to meet and exceed my expectations with heart, heat and a great story that didn’t stint on drama.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Lovelace mixes in a ton of drama, erotic moments and some honest revelations as her characters are rushing to move forward without completely taking care of issues from the past, or listening to the voices (some interior, others exterior) that are warning them off.
Erin was an interesting character – desperate to claim her own independence and strength, she keeps running back to what feels ‘right’ when something doesn’t work out. Far from making her a doormat, she just has to wait for her emotional self and her ‘view of what she should be’ to catch up to one another. And then, deal with herself and her own desires, needs and image. When she finally ‘gets it’ the changes in her are extrodinary.
Tariq is a bit of a wuss: he won’t deal with being used, so instead of listening to his heart – he shuts it off. His behavior and callous disregard for Erin, even as it is apparent the connection there could be something special are hidden behind a masque of bravado and ‘big man’ that are really just hiding the lost little boy. When he gets his stuff together, he becomes the man that he should have been all along, and the growth and change is dramatic.
Louis – oh what to say about Louis. EVERYONE knows his type. In fact, he’s so self-involved and trying to be ‘something’ that he misses on all fronts. It was sad to see the influence and chaos he could create simply by being – and the fact that no one felt his overwhelming icky aura.
There are plenty of twists in this, and with a much needed (and exceedingly well created) back stories for the characters that helps readers to appreciate and understand their stories and their present. The personalities and characters are real and palpable, while the language is rougher and perhaps distasteful for some, it is one of the many different ways that people can and do speak and relate in this world. I was impressed by this book, and found it to meet and exceed my expectations with heart, heat and a great story that didn’t stint on drama.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
August 11, 2014
Bad as in Good starts with a bang and keeps you engrossed from page one. This book has drama like no other. Drama that will keep you wanting to know what will happen next. Throw in some good sex and you've got a winner.
I wasn't sure how I felt about Erin. Some spots I liked her and some I didn't. Going back to Tariq time and time again drove me nuts. But when her feelings for him were explained, I got it. Erin is a strong independent woman just wanting a man to treat her right. She found a man to steal her heart only he had some issues of his own that prevented their relationship. She tried moving on which seemed to be difficult at times.
Tariq is a man scorned by a woman in his past. Not once but twice and the second one was still going on. He couldn't seem to catch a break with love. I felt for him, for all he went through. I got how he could be a little reluctant to trust women. But though mean and disrespectful to Erin at first, she really got to him. I actually like Tariq a lot. I was rooting for him to straighten up the whole book.
Then comes Louis. I never cared for Louis. He irked me from the get go. Then the thing with Teona. Omg that girl drove me nuts and the fact that Louis had anything to do with her made me think even less of him. Louis just seemed off.
In the end I loved how things played out. I was happy to see Erin stand up for herself and her life.
I wasn't sure how I felt about Erin. Some spots I liked her and some I didn't. Going back to Tariq time and time again drove me nuts. But when her feelings for him were explained, I got it. Erin is a strong independent woman just wanting a man to treat her right. She found a man to steal her heart only he had some issues of his own that prevented their relationship. She tried moving on which seemed to be difficult at times.
Tariq is a man scorned by a woman in his past. Not once but twice and the second one was still going on. He couldn't seem to catch a break with love. I felt for him, for all he went through. I got how he could be a little reluctant to trust women. But though mean and disrespectful to Erin at first, she really got to him. I actually like Tariq a lot. I was rooting for him to straighten up the whole book.
Then comes Louis. I never cared for Louis. He irked me from the get go. Then the thing with Teona. Omg that girl drove me nuts and the fact that Louis had anything to do with her made me think even less of him. Louis just seemed off.
In the end I loved how things played out. I was happy to see Erin stand up for herself and her life.
November 2, 2014
We have all experienced the emotional roller coaster of love a one point in our lives and this book shows the very realistic version of that. Erin is a beautiful young lady who meets Tariq. After one date with him, Erin wants nothing to do with Tariq. He's a typical "bad boy" that is refusing to allow anyone to get close to him after being played by women in his past. As fate would have it she has to see him again as she forgot her wallet in his car. Their hearts engage in an emotional tug-of-war which they both seem to try to break free of, without much success. The past overshadows Tariq while Erin, in her haste to move forward, becomes involved with someone who is not quite as honest as she'd hoped for. Even as Erin and Tariq want to be done with one another, there's always something pulling one or the other back. Who will realize that the "bad" isn't always good? The reader will be caught up with the characters. I found the story to be smooth and there wasn't a time when I was confused. I wanted to hurry up and finish the book but at the same time I didn't want it to end. Any reader looking for romance, drama and excitement will definitely want to read this book.
Zandra Barnes
AAMBC Reviewer
Zandra Barnes
AAMBC Reviewer
October 14, 2014
As a Zane lover, I am always willing to read a Zane or a "Zane Presents" title. This book was great to read. Whenever I read a book, I love when the author places the characters in situations where I can relate. Tariq and Erin seemed real, so did Teona, Loraine and even Lorenzo. Nothing seemed out of place to me. Maybe I liked the book as much as I did because I've experienced a lot of what Erin and Tariq went through in my real life. I really enjoyed the ending too. I actually want to reread the book now that I know how it ends. I really loved reading this book. Zane titles rarely disappoint!!!
September 21, 2014
When I received Bad as in Good I was thrilled to start reading it. It was outside of my usual genre, had an inviting cover and the story sounded like something that would hold my attention.
The opening chapter kept my brow raised. What was going to happen with Tariq and his woman? Man, I felt sorry for this guy. He genuinely seemed to love Deja, despite her recent actions. I wasn't sure he would ever be able to love again. However...
Read Full Review @ Lazy Book Lovers
The opening chapter kept my brow raised. What was going to happen with Tariq and his woman? Man, I felt sorry for this guy. He genuinely seemed to love Deja, despite her recent actions. I wasn't sure he would ever be able to love again. However...
Read Full Review @ Lazy Book Lovers
October 9, 2014
I like stories that offer two different perspectives. This book was good because when certain things didn't make sense, it was eventually explained. I had to hang on until the end to fully appreciate this book because although the language could be off-putting at times, it all makes sense. The characters are real characters so I had to understand their authentic personalities. The author did a good job at making dynamic characters that took me on an emotional roller coaster. Sometimes I HATED the characters and then I ended up loving them. I really enjoyed this read and hope to get more.
November 16, 2014
I Do, I Don't...
Erin and Tariq were both running away and looking for love at the same time. When they first met, they decided that their relationship would be sex only. But when Tariq's wife showed up, all bets were off for Erin. It soon became a ride of back and forth between the two.
J. Lovelace’s “Bad as in Good” was a good read. I liked the way the author took the reader back years and then back to the present time. The ending was a big surprise for me. I enjoyed it and would recommend to others.
Reviewed by: Alice
Erin and Tariq were both running away and looking for love at the same time. When they first met, they decided that their relationship would be sex only. But when Tariq's wife showed up, all bets were off for Erin. It soon became a ride of back and forth between the two.
J. Lovelace’s “Bad as in Good” was a good read. I liked the way the author took the reader back years and then back to the present time. The ending was a big surprise for me. I enjoyed it and would recommend to others.
Reviewed by: Alice
December 9, 2014
Erin and Tariq's story was great. I felt the author was good at describing their off-timing romance. Call me crazy though but I liked Tariq and Deja's storyline. I wish the author gave me more of a background to their story. Tariq really loved Deja and there was some unfinished business between the two that would've been great to learn more about. Other than that, everythng about this book was excellent.
October 8, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book. At times the main character could be exasperating but as a woman, I got it. I loved learning about Tariq's past, it really helped me understand his present actions, you may not have liked it but you got it. I even enjoyed the side stories for the other characters. Overall, this was a well-written story.
August 31, 2015
Great read! I would have finished it a lot sooner if life didn't get in the way. It moves along quickly but gives you enough about each character so there's nothing left out. Mrs. Lovelace wraps up the novel nicely and I would love to see a sequel however, I'm assured that I will not. (insert sad face here)
September 13, 2015
couldn't get past the language.
October 6, 2014
3 Crazy Stars!
This was a good read. I wasn't thrilled with all the back and forth on Erin's part but I got it. I just couldn't connect with the characters and found them annoying at times.
This was a good read. I wasn't thrilled with all the back and forth on Erin's part but I got it. I just couldn't connect with the characters and found them annoying at times.
October 8, 2014
This is my first read by this author. I really enjoyed reading it; the characters seemed real to me. The ending really made this book come together for me. I really loved it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews