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You Are My Favorite Bad Idea
If you want a fun read that's Emily in Paris meets The Bold Type with a hint of FRIENDS... then you'll love
You Are My Favorite Bad Idea
!
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
True love is a lie,
Who taught me that?
YOU! Elan Moore knows what she wants. She wants a promotion, to go out with her steady reliable boyfriend, and to have as many fun nights with her friends as she can manage.
The only problems are... her boss thinks she's an understudy for Miranda Priestly, her boyfriend keeps writing her rain checks, the guy she never got over just breezed back into town, and her newest colleague thinks he can ruin her life.
But at least her friends are along for the ride?
Her life isn't a rom-com, it's rom-complicated!
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
True love is a lie,
Who taught me that?
YOU! Elan Moore knows what she wants. She wants a promotion, to go out with her steady reliable boyfriend, and to have as many fun nights with her friends as she can manage.
The only problems are... her boss thinks she's an understudy for Miranda Priestly, her boyfriend keeps writing her rain checks, the guy she never got over just breezed back into town, and her newest colleague thinks he can ruin her life.
But at least her friends are along for the ride?
Her life isn't a rom-com, it's rom-complicated!
- GenresRomance
539 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2024
185 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
About the author
Edwina Darke
8 books61 followersEdwina Darke is a mostly fictional person. She's also a travel junkie, a passionate foodie, and a game enthusiast. As a full time writer, she spends most of her days talking to imaginary people.
When she's not running around with her invisible friends, you can find her curled up with a good book, out for a long walk with real-life friends, or off on an adventure to some far off corner of the globe.
If you want to stay updated about future books and everything else that’s going on, check out her website www.edwinadarke.com and sign up to her newsletter!
When she's not running around with her invisible friends, you can find her curled up with a good book, out for a long walk with real-life friends, or off on an adventure to some far off corner of the globe.
If you want to stay updated about future books and everything else that’s going on, check out her website www.edwinadarke.com and sign up to her newsletter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 27, 2024
I received this book as an ARC and as a Swiftie was excited to see if the literary romanticism matched the vibes. I enjoyed the character development and trauma that existed for Elan while still having solid friendships and comedic relief sprinkled in. I enjoyed the twists and turns as well as the platonic and romantic relationship explored throughout the story. There were some storylines that felt unnecessary and slightly distracting but overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
This is a hot mess.
There’s a wonderful irony here in that Elan is a book editor and man, this needed serious editing to cut some characters and streamline the plot to create an understandable narrative. Until 22% of the book I thought Elan was going to be in a love triangle with her nice but boring boyfriend, Hunter, and the annoying but oh so charming British author, Rox (the upper class Brit stereotype is so OTT) and then Luke appears. Elan is trying to get over an unrequited love situation with Luke (he's a childhood friend turned first love and also the half brother of Lily, Elan's best friend); they had one night together before he took off and he’s returned a year later and moved into her spare bedroom . Luke is sleeping with numerous randoms and being the male friend who dislikes Elan's boyfriend. There is no indication whatsoever that he is interested in Elan other than as a protective friend and the author is spending a lot of time building up the working relationship and friendship between Elan and Rox, changing it from enemies to friends.
As this is developing, we have the subplots with various friends, work colleagues and a truly toxic mother/daughter relationship. I was losing the will to live by 55% because there are too many secondary characters - Sandy and Charles were unnecessary - the Lily & Marcus arc was too complex with Lily and Luke's backstory taking up way too much time. Then we have the horrible boss, the boyfriend's nasty mother alongside everything going on with the friends. It's too complicated and detracts from the main love story but even that doesn't have a satisfactory conclusion due to the progression and interactions in the relationships between Elan, Hunter, Rox and Luke, with Luke seemingly of less importance than Rox.
Due to that narrative, it’s my opinion that Elan ends up with the wrong person as the author seemed to be laying breadcrumbs by putting too much emphasis on the tension between Elan, Hunter and Rox, with Luke being almost reduced to a secondary character. I knew she was going to split up with Hunter and really thought Luke was going to be a slight "what if" blip before Elan realised things were never going to work out between them and she was, in fact, no longer in love with him and have an epiphany about her feelings for Rox. I was astonished when she didn't and also incredibly disappointed. It absolutely ruined the book, especially as it was so hard going with all the irritating shenanigans with the numerous subplots that disrupted the flow of the story. There were parts where the dialogue was superb and the banter between Elan and Rox highly entertaining but not enough to make this even a mediocre read. This should have been so much better.
There’s a wonderful irony here in that Elan is a book editor and man, this needed serious editing to cut some characters and streamline the plot to create an understandable narrative. Until 22% of the book I thought Elan was going to be in a love triangle with her nice but boring boyfriend, Hunter, and the annoying but oh so charming British author, Rox (the upper class Brit stereotype is so OTT) and then Luke appears. Elan is trying to get over an unrequited love situation with Luke (he's a childhood friend turned first love and also the half brother of Lily, Elan's best friend); they had one night together before he took off and he’s returned a year later and moved into her spare bedroom . Luke is sleeping with numerous randoms and being the male friend who dislikes Elan's boyfriend. There is no indication whatsoever that he is interested in Elan other than as a protective friend and the author is spending a lot of time building up the working relationship and friendship between Elan and Rox, changing it from enemies to friends.
As this is developing, we have the subplots with various friends, work colleagues and a truly toxic mother/daughter relationship. I was losing the will to live by 55% because there are too many secondary characters - Sandy and Charles were unnecessary - the Lily & Marcus arc was too complex with Lily and Luke's backstory taking up way too much time. Then we have the horrible boss, the boyfriend's nasty mother alongside everything going on with the friends. It's too complicated and detracts from the main love story but even that doesn't have a satisfactory conclusion due to the progression and interactions in the relationships between Elan, Hunter, Rox and Luke, with Luke seemingly of less importance than Rox.
Due to that narrative, it’s my opinion that Elan ends up with the wrong person as the author seemed to be laying breadcrumbs by putting too much emphasis on the tension between Elan, Hunter and Rox, with Luke being almost reduced to a secondary character. I knew she was going to split up with Hunter and really thought Luke was going to be a slight "what if" blip before Elan realised things were never going to work out between them and she was, in fact, no longer in love with him and have an epiphany about her feelings for Rox. I was astonished when she didn't and also incredibly disappointed. It absolutely ruined the book, especially as it was so hard going with all the irritating shenanigans with the numerous subplots that disrupted the flow of the story. There were parts where the dialogue was superb and the banter between Elan and Rox highly entertaining but not enough to make this even a mediocre read. This should have been so much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2024
I received this book as an ARC and as a Swiftie was excited to see if the literary romanticism matched the vibes. I enjoyed the character development and trauma the existed for Elan while still having solid friendships and comedic relief sprinkled in. I enjoyed the twists and turns as well as the platonic and romantic relationship explored throughout the story. There were some storylines that felt unnecessary and slightly distracting but overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
This book was good until
This book was good until she started getting political. Gay this and that. Conservatives are horrible people. Blah blah. Any moment I was expecting orange man bad to burst from the page. If I want all that I can watch the news. It was a turn off and nobody wants to be turned off when reading ROM Com. Don't get me wrong gay people are great . the gay people in this book are stereotypes. You can tell she thinks all gay people are the same . the fairy its insulting.
This book was good until she started getting political. Gay this and that. Conservatives are horrible people. Blah blah. Any moment I was expecting orange man bad to burst from the page. If I want all that I can watch the news. It was a turn off and nobody wants to be turned off when reading ROM Com. Don't get me wrong gay people are great . the gay people in this book are stereotypes. You can tell she thinks all gay people are the same . the fairy its insulting.
July 16, 2024
Another engrossing rom com
Edwina Darke has done it again… I was drawn into the story almost against my will. Elan is an editor at a publishing house. Her boyfriend of three months, Hunter is a workaholic, but is thoughtful and considerate of her. Rox, a British adventurer is supposed to be writing an autobiographical book and Elan has been assigned to edit it. He’s intelligent, sexy, and funny, but he hasn’t yet submitted anything after months. Elan has been close friends with cousins Lily and Luke since their childhood, and has been in unrequited love with Luke for years.
You know how some people go through life on a mostly even keel, and others have huge ups and downs, and sometimes even wild things happen to them? Elan has the second kind of life. It doesn’t rain, it pours. She speaks her mind, and it often gets her in trouble.
The big dramatic scenes were enthralling— and funny. The angst felt real. Most of the side characters were interesting and fleshed out, not just placeholders. Even though we didn’t know their back stories, we know that many are in Edwina’s head Elan has great, supportive friends that you want to meet and become part of their friend group. You want to know more about their own stories (Lily and Marcus!).
I empathized with Elan and her confusion all through the book. I even changed my mind on who I wanted her to end up with as she changed and continued to develop as a mature, responsible adult woman. This book was a roller coaster ride, fun, exciting with unexpected twists and turns, and some sadness as Elan dealt with her issues. I very much enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
Edwina Darke has done it again… I was drawn into the story almost against my will. Elan is an editor at a publishing house. Her boyfriend of three months, Hunter is a workaholic, but is thoughtful and considerate of her. Rox, a British adventurer is supposed to be writing an autobiographical book and Elan has been assigned to edit it. He’s intelligent, sexy, and funny, but he hasn’t yet submitted anything after months. Elan has been close friends with cousins Lily and Luke since their childhood, and has been in unrequited love with Luke for years.
You know how some people go through life on a mostly even keel, and others have huge ups and downs, and sometimes even wild things happen to them? Elan has the second kind of life. It doesn’t rain, it pours. She speaks her mind, and it often gets her in trouble.
The big dramatic scenes were enthralling— and funny. The angst felt real. Most of the side characters were interesting and fleshed out, not just placeholders. Even though we didn’t know their back stories, we know that many are in Edwina’s head Elan has great, supportive friends that you want to meet and become part of their friend group. You want to know more about their own stories (Lily and Marcus!).
I empathized with Elan and her confusion all through the book. I even changed my mind on who I wanted her to end up with as she changed and continued to develop as a mature, responsible adult woman. This book was a roller coaster ride, fun, exciting with unexpected twists and turns, and some sadness as Elan dealt with her issues. I very much enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
October 19, 2025
If sex and the city and friends had a baby it would be this book. ❤️ (this really should be made into a movie or mini series, just saying)
Elan is hilarious. Her witty humor and personality are brought alive in the writing. The friend group adds so much to the story and I wanted to be there to hang out with them.
Now the men. Wow the men. Why have one attractive MMC, when you can have three? Now this isn’t a why choose. This isn’t cheating. This is three men who all care for Elan in their own way. As the story develops, you don’t know who the HEA lucky man will be. It ended up with who I wanted, but that’s just me lol.
The Gala scene was my favorite of all. I mean what a mess, but wow. Hilarious and again, the writing had me feeling like I was there watching it all unfold in person.
This was my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it. So why only 4 stars? It’s actually 4 1/2 (but 1/2 stars aren’t options here). This is closed door and I would have liked a little more spice, but again, that’s personal preference.
Elan is hilarious. Her witty humor and personality are brought alive in the writing. The friend group adds so much to the story and I wanted to be there to hang out with them.
Now the men. Wow the men. Why have one attractive MMC, when you can have three? Now this isn’t a why choose. This isn’t cheating. This is three men who all care for Elan in their own way. As the story develops, you don’t know who the HEA lucky man will be. It ended up with who I wanted, but that’s just me lol.
The Gala scene was my favorite of all. I mean what a mess, but wow. Hilarious and again, the writing had me feeling like I was there watching it all unfold in person.
This was my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it. So why only 4 stars? It’s actually 4 1/2 (but 1/2 stars aren’t options here). This is closed door and I would have liked a little more spice, but again, that’s personal preference.
May 10, 2024
This is a new author to me and the ARC was provided by Hidden Gems. It was a fantastic chick lit book with so many great quotes I have notes all over my copy. I have not read much chick lit recently and this book had hints of Sex in the City, The Devil Wears Prada and others.
It is the story of Elan Moore, who is a non-fiction book editor living in New York City. To say her life is complicated would be an understatement. She working to get a promotion by working with a very difficult and eccentric adventure TV host writing his first book. She is also dating a man, who seems to be good, safe choice that she is supposed to want. Then the man she has been in love with her whole life decides he is going to be her new roommate.
It is a great story, with lots of crazy antics and turns the story takes that were not expected. I completely enjoyed the story so much and would be interested in reading more by this author.
It is the story of Elan Moore, who is a non-fiction book editor living in New York City. To say her life is complicated would be an understatement. She working to get a promotion by working with a very difficult and eccentric adventure TV host writing his first book. She is also dating a man, who seems to be good, safe choice that she is supposed to want. Then the man she has been in love with her whole life decides he is going to be her new roommate.
It is a great story, with lots of crazy antics and turns the story takes that were not expected. I completely enjoyed the story so much and would be interested in reading more by this author.
April 18, 2024
I really really wanted to love this 😭
The concept is so great but I feel like it was really poorly executed. Elan had so much chemistry and banter with one of the men in the story and it wasn’t even an option to be with them.
She’s dating someone else who is SUPER boring and at the same time, is in love with her childhood best friend who isn’t in the picture at the beginning and then shows up out of nowhere to live with her. There’s so much unneeded plot points and scenes in general that could’ve been taken out to make the story flow better and shorten it.
Rox was literally my favorite character! He’s so so funny and made me keep reading to find out what happens at the end! I just wish it ended differently! It felt super rushed yet so slow at the same time.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for the ARC! 🩵
The concept is so great but I feel like it was really poorly executed. Elan had so much chemistry and banter with one of the men in the story and it wasn’t even an option to be with them.
She’s dating someone else who is SUPER boring and at the same time, is in love with her childhood best friend who isn’t in the picture at the beginning and then shows up out of nowhere to live with her. There’s so much unneeded plot points and scenes in general that could’ve been taken out to make the story flow better and shorten it.
Rox was literally my favorite character! He’s so so funny and made me keep reading to find out what happens at the end! I just wish it ended differently! It felt super rushed yet so slow at the same time.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for the ARC! 🩵
June 13, 2024
I irony is not lost on me that Elan is a book editor, and this book needed serious editing. 30% in, I had no idea wtf was going on. Elan is in this love triangle square thing, or so it seems. It just got so confusing and more convoluted as the book went on. There were so many subplots and side quests with side characters that the point of the story went out the window. By the time I got to the end, I was exhausted. Then, who Elan ended up with was a disappointment. I knew Hunter wasn't endgame, like, duh. But Luke, really? He was endgame? How when Rox was right there?!?!!? He would have been a much better choice, and there was more chemistry between the two. Yeah, he was a bit of an ahole, but much better than her other options. I'm not a fan, but not every book is for every person
April 29, 2024
4.5 stars. I loved this book! It was a nice escape, and I love books set in Manhattan. This book has plenty of romance, but more than anything it is about being in your twenties in New York while you figure yourself out, work, have fun with your friends, and, of course, date. It's Emily in Paris meets The Bold Type meets Friends meets Sex and the City meets The Devil Wears Prada.
Elan's life: She's a tea-loving junior editor working for a publishing company. She's dating someone who's arguably perfect (if not a little controlling), but then her ex (Mr. Bad Idea), who she's not completely over comes back into her life. Then there's the hot and hard-to-ignore Rox. All of this is going on while she has to deal with her mentor slash boss, senior editor Polly, who's only mildly difficult on her best day as well as family and friend drama. I loved it.
You Are My Favorite Bad Idea is a little long at over 500 pages, but it's sophisticated and fun so you'll hardly notice.
Elan's life: She's a tea-loving junior editor working for a publishing company. She's dating someone who's arguably perfect (if not a little controlling), but then her ex (Mr. Bad Idea), who she's not completely over comes back into her life. Then there's the hot and hard-to-ignore Rox. All of this is going on while she has to deal with her mentor slash boss, senior editor Polly, who's only mildly difficult on her best day as well as family and friend drama. I loved it.
You Are My Favorite Bad Idea is a little long at over 500 pages, but it's sophisticated and fun so you'll hardly notice.
April 13, 2024
What an amazingly entertaining and enjoyable story!! I was captivated from the start and couldn't put it down. It had me laughing and crying and hoping for the best. Each character is fantastic in their own way. I have to say that this is the best book I've laid my eyes on this year. Edwina Darke has always been a favorite and this book just reminded me why. Brilliant, just brilliant!!! Highly recommend reading this and I definitely look forward to reading more from Darke.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.
June 15, 2024
4.5 stars!
I got an ARC from Hidden Gems and I’m so thankful for it!
This book was great and Im hoping for a second one!!!
I needed a break from thrillers and this was my favorite rom com type book that I’ve read so far! The author painted a good picture of Elan and her personality throughout the book. I like that she had such a supportive and successful friend group too. There’s so much more I want to know about their lives and what happens next!
Definitely excited to read more from his author and I HOPE THERES A BOOK TWO!!!
I got an ARC from Hidden Gems and I’m so thankful for it!
This book was great and Im hoping for a second one!!!
I needed a break from thrillers and this was my favorite rom com type book that I’ve read so far! The author painted a good picture of Elan and her personality throughout the book. I like that she had such a supportive and successful friend group too. There’s so much more I want to know about their lives and what happens next!
Definitely excited to read more from his author and I HOPE THERES A BOOK TWO!!!
April 12, 2024
She has all the plans for her life but her ideas are not working as well as she had expected. Her boyfriend keeps making excuses for breaking her dates. A colleague wants her promotion hopes and he has arrived back in to town. Can her life get any more complicated? How will she deal with it all? Will her life finally be what she would like? See how it all goes I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
December 13, 2024
I ABSOLUETLY loved this book! I seriously could not get enough and read it way faster than I intended to! It has the perfect amount of romance without being smut and its so quick whit funny that I found myself actually laughing as I read it. All of the characters bring something to the story and feel like they belong. At no point did the story feel forced or become hard to read. I read this on a whim and I was not disappointed at all!
June 23, 2025
Elan, Lily, and Luke have been friends almost their entire lives. Now, they are all living in NYC with jobs they enjoy. Lily has found love with Marcus, so Elan and Luke are roommates. Elan has had romantic feelings for Luke but doesn't think they are reciprocated. Luke has a revolving door of one-night stands while Elan has tried to mold herself to be the girlfriend her wealthy lawyer boyfriend wants.
April 24, 2024
I really, really enjoyed this book, and I LOVED that it was long enough to last more than a day or two. It was great to get to know the characters. They had depth and weren't completely predictable, especially for this genre of romcom type novel. I especially loved Rox! I'm looking forward to a second book (crossing my fingers)!
April 24, 2024
Almost perfect!
This wasn’t your typical girl meets boy kind of story. It was more of a girl figures out, after a bit of angst and introspection, what she really wants and isn’t afraid to ask for her HEA. Along the way we get to enjoy, or hate, all her friends and family. I didn’t want it to end. On to R’s story as fast as you can Edwina, please!
This wasn’t your typical girl meets boy kind of story. It was more of a girl figures out, after a bit of angst and introspection, what she really wants and isn’t afraid to ask for her HEA. Along the way we get to enjoy, or hate, all her friends and family. I didn’t want it to end. On to R’s story as fast as you can Edwina, please!
April 27, 2024
I was ready to get involved with this story but there was too much going on with all the characters and love interests that Elan carried. The story was actually a pretty good one abet a lot of rambling, it was not as enjoyable as I was hoping.
I received this book as an arc and am voluntarily submitting my review.
I received this book as an arc and am voluntarily submitting my review.
January 25, 2025
Loved this book. The characters were well developed and complex even the supporting characters. Loved that the author kept you guessing to the end and revealed secrets from the characters past all through the book. In answer to the Edwina's question a bit disappointed and hope there is more books about this cast of characters.
April 20, 2024
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
It was a cute story. Elan had been in love with Luke for over a decade. They had one magical night together before Luke moved to London for work. It has now been one year since that night, and Luke is back in town to room with Elan. Elan is dating a guy named Hunter. Luke is having a string of one night stands. They try to keep their relationship platonic, but their mutual attraction flares up.
There isn't a lot of angst to the book. I loved all the characters in the story. It is nice to have a group of friends that Elan does.
It was a cute story. Elan had been in love with Luke for over a decade. They had one magical night together before Luke moved to London for work. It has now been one year since that night, and Luke is back in town to room with Elan. Elan is dating a guy named Hunter. Luke is having a string of one night stands. They try to keep their relationship platonic, but their mutual attraction flares up.
There isn't a lot of angst to the book. I loved all the characters in the story. It is nice to have a group of friends that Elan does.
April 18, 2024
Darke’s best by far. A rom-com that reminds us that life is not a rom-com, while bring a rom-com with meet cutes and a very predictable HEA. Believable, complex characters; a lot of funny bits. Highly recommended.
April 19, 2024
Riveted the entire read
Will she/he/they? Stopped reading SO MANY time bc wanted story to go a certain way. *Narrator*: the characters did not cooperate.
Really well written with characters I want to know & hang out with. Great, great read
Will she/he/they? Stopped reading SO MANY time bc wanted story to go a certain way. *Narrator*: the characters did not cooperate.
Really well written with characters I want to know & hang out with. Great, great read
May 2, 2024
Great characters and story line
I've read and loved all of the Prince books but I have to say this is my favorite by far of all of your books, I couldn't put it down, I loved all of the characters especially Rox !
I've read and loved all of the Prince books but I have to say this is my favorite by far of all of your books, I couldn't put it down, I loved all of the characters especially Rox !
August 14, 2024
A wonderful story of love and friendship and all the complexities of both. An amazing cast of characters and a whole lot of humour make this a joy to read. I took away a star because IMHO she ended up with the wrong guy.
December 19, 2024
Happily enduring rom com
At first it was slow going but as I started to read it got funny and witty. Also had some sex scenes but not what I'm used to but better than I expected.
Loved it from start to finish 😀
At first it was slow going but as I started to read it got funny and witty. Also had some sex scenes but not what I'm used to but better than I expected.
Loved it from start to finish 😀
February 11, 2025
Absolutely Wonderful
Edwina Darker has rocked this book. So, so many wonderful characters. Gather up all favorite beverages and comfortable things, set back and enjoy this incredible story. I can't wait for book two.
Edwina Darker has rocked this book. So, so many wonderful characters. Gather up all favorite beverages and comfortable things, set back and enjoy this incredible story. I can't wait for book two.
February 13, 2025
FANTASTIC Read!
Compelling characters, interesting romance, and hardly any typical tropes! This one I will refer. Loved the dialogue! Read!Read!Read! Thank you for a really good read.
Compelling characters, interesting romance, and hardly any typical tropes! This one I will refer. Loved the dialogue! Read!Read!Read! Thank you for a really good read.
June 19, 2025
It took about 400 pages to get going but it was written so well that I read it so quickly and I didn’t feel like that many pages. The main girl was relatable and not infuriating which is refreshing for a romance book.
June 17, 2024
I loved this story so much! I was guessing a lot on which guy Elan would end up with. Loved your choice, Edwina.
June 22, 2024
Love this Book!!!!!
I loved everything about this book! The characters are so great and the story is so good. I can’t wait to read another book by this author!
I loved everything about this book! The characters are so great and the story is so good. I can’t wait to read another book by this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews