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Lessons in Rule-Breaking
Journalist Jess has always followed the rules when it comes to her career:
1) Never say no! Trying to extract a tell-all interview from bad boy of the art world Xander Heaton might be her own worst nightmare, but she's just going to have to grin and bear it!
2) Absolutely no flirting on the job -professionalism is key to a journalist's success. Even if Xander does have her imagining the most unprofessional scenarios…
3
) If resistance proves impossible, remember the golden rule - never kiss and tell!
One night with Xander and she's broken at least one rule...and discovered it's much more fun breaking rules than making them!
1) Never say no! Trying to extract a tell-all interview from bad boy of the art world Xander Heaton might be her own worst nightmare, but she's just going to have to grin and bear it!
2) Absolutely no flirting on the job -professionalism is key to a journalist's success. Even if Xander does have her imagining the most unprofessional scenarios…
3
) If resistance proves impossible, remember the golden rule - never kiss and tell!
One night with Xander and she's broken at least one rule...and discovered it's much more fun breaking rules than making them!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
141 people are currently reading
797 people want to read
About the author
Christy McKellen
109 books162 followersFormerly a Video and Radio Producer, Christy now spends her time writing provocative, passionate, seductive romance. When she’s not writing, she can be found enjoying life with her husband and three children, walking for pleasure and researching other people’s deepest secrets and desires.
You can find out more about her books at www.christymckellen.com
You can find out more about her books at www.christymckellen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
February 21, 2025
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC! 💌
Okay, let me just say this upfront... I really WANTED to love this book. I went into it with high hopes — spicy forbidden romance? Bad boy artist? Sensible journalist? Sounds like a recipe for a guilty pleasure masterpiece, right? Sadly... nope. 😭
The romance was flatter than a week-old soda. Like, where was the tension? The buildup? The swoon?? Jess and Xander got together faster than I could blink, and I just didn't buy into their connection at all. 🙄 There was no slow burn, no real chemistry — just instalust that never quite convinced me they were actually falling in love. 💔
The characters? Meh. 😐 Jess was... fine, I guess? But she lacked any real depth, and Xander gave me more sleazy than sexy vibes for most of the book. I wanted to root for them, but instead, I kept side-eyeing their relationship, wondering when the spark was going to show up. Spoiler: it never did. 💥
Tropes & Themes:
🔥 Bad boy hero
🎨 Forced proximity
🔥 Opposites attract
🎨 Working together
🔥 Temptation
🎨 All the spice
But here's where things really went off the rails for me... 🚨 Towards the end, there's a scene that absolutely killed any remaining goodwill I had for this book. So, Xander, the MMC, is an artist, and Jess, the FMC, is a journalist trying to interview him. He agrees to the interview if she becomes his muse. Okay, fine, I can roll with that. But Jess suffers from body dysmorphia, and after they sleep together, she finds nude portraits of herself in his studio — her body covered in paint, her face in a provocative look. And when she confronts him, he acts confused like, “I thought you’d like it. You look amazing.” Sir... what?? Knowing she’s self-conscious, he still uses their most intimate moments for commercial gain without her consent. Then, when she says how violated she feels, his response is basically, "So what do you expect me to do? Pull them off? They’re my best work." EXCUSE ME?! 😡 The audacity!! 💥
Yes, he takes them down later, but the fact that he was so nonchalant about it made me absolutely sick. 🤢
So yeah... this book was pretty boring, and I was going to give it 3 stars, but that scene? Nope. Down to 2 stars. 👎
If you love cheesy, fast-paced romance and can overlook some... questionable consent issues, maybe this will work for you. But for me? Hard pass. 🚫
Okay, let me just say this upfront... I really WANTED to love this book. I went into it with high hopes — spicy forbidden romance? Bad boy artist? Sensible journalist? Sounds like a recipe for a guilty pleasure masterpiece, right? Sadly... nope. 😭
The romance was flatter than a week-old soda. Like, where was the tension? The buildup? The swoon?? Jess and Xander got together faster than I could blink, and I just didn't buy into their connection at all. 🙄 There was no slow burn, no real chemistry — just instalust that never quite convinced me they were actually falling in love. 💔
The characters? Meh. 😐 Jess was... fine, I guess? But she lacked any real depth, and Xander gave me more sleazy than sexy vibes for most of the book. I wanted to root for them, but instead, I kept side-eyeing their relationship, wondering when the spark was going to show up. Spoiler: it never did. 💥
Tropes & Themes:
🔥 Bad boy hero
🎨 Forced proximity
🔥 Opposites attract
🎨 Working together
🔥 Temptation
🎨 All the spice
But here's where things really went off the rails for me... 🚨 Towards the end, there's a scene that absolutely killed any remaining goodwill I had for this book. So, Xander, the MMC, is an artist, and Jess, the FMC, is a journalist trying to interview him. He agrees to the interview if she becomes his muse. Okay, fine, I can roll with that. But Jess suffers from body dysmorphia, and after they sleep together, she finds nude portraits of herself in his studio — her body covered in paint, her face in a provocative look. And when she confronts him, he acts confused like, “I thought you’d like it. You look amazing.” Sir... what?? Knowing she’s self-conscious, he still uses their most intimate moments for commercial gain without her consent. Then, when she says how violated she feels, his response is basically, "So what do you expect me to do? Pull them off? They’re my best work." EXCUSE ME?! 😡 The audacity!! 💥
Yes, he takes them down later, but the fact that he was so nonchalant about it made me absolutely sick. 🤢
So yeah... this book was pretty boring, and I was going to give it 3 stars, but that scene? Nope. Down to 2 stars. 👎
If you love cheesy, fast-paced romance and can overlook some... questionable consent issues, maybe this will work for you. But for me? Hard pass. 🚫
May 22, 2025
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
2.2 stars
⭐️
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 march 27
⤿ 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 march 27
arc review 💌
⁀➴ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
🎨 painter x journalist
📝 'bad boy' mmc
🎨 italy trip
📝 forced proximity
🎨 insta attraction
📝 opposites attract
this was okay. nothing special, just a short, easy, fast paced, novella. i think it may have took me 45-60 mins to read. i wouldn't say my time was wasted per se, but do not recommend this book
jess was kinda annoying and didn't really have a personality, also the fact her on the cover she's wearing a bun but actually has a bob cut?? like um okay. the fact she has an ed/bdd and it kinda got ignored... like no character development. also was she supposed to be curvy? we didn't realize get good descriptions of the characters...
xander was the blandest, most basic, copy paste love interest ever. yk the 'bad boy' who is the f-boy and screws with the entire female population. wait ! he's a painter - omigosh so quirky and different. it's just a no. it's not giving. OH wait he has daddy issues, how original.
the thing is i didn't even hate read this, i just sped thru it and im just rating based off the writing/plot. omigosh don't get me started on the writing. so immature and was giving wattpad. like her internal horny thoughts - SHUT UPPPP!!!! like girl apparently didn't have good sexual experiences but was getting all hot and bothered being near xander bc he's that attractive, like girllll.
🖼️┆༄˖°pre-read ᝰ
soo i have been neglecting my netgalley arcs for a few months... maybe bc they literally removed access from kobos? like so rude but whatever my Kindle app on my phone is saving me rn.
heard mixed things about this but just need it to be enjoyable/somewhat entertaining. the plot/synopsis seems interesting when i requested it but the reviews are kinda worrying me... maybe it's gonna be a hate read?
thank you to netgalley the boldwood books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 march 27
⤿ 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 march 27
arc review 💌
⁀➴ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
🎨 painter x journalist
📝 'bad boy' mmc
🎨 italy trip
📝 forced proximity
🎨 insta attraction
📝 opposites attract
this was okay. nothing special, just a short, easy, fast paced, novella. i think it may have took me 45-60 mins to read. i wouldn't say my time was wasted per se, but do not recommend this book
jess was kinda annoying and didn't really have a personality, also the fact her on the cover she's wearing a bun but actually has a bob cut?? like um okay. the fact she has an ed/bdd and it kinda got ignored... like no character development. also was she supposed to be curvy? we didn't realize get good descriptions of the characters...
xander was the blandest, most basic, copy paste love interest ever. yk the 'bad boy' who is the f-boy and screws with the entire female population. wait ! he's a painter - omigosh so quirky and different. it's just a no. it's not giving. OH wait he has daddy issues, how original.
the thing is i didn't even hate read this, i just sped thru it and im just rating based off the writing/plot. omigosh don't get me started on the writing. so immature and was giving wattpad. like her internal horny thoughts - SHUT UPPPP!!!! like girl apparently didn't have good sexual experiences but was getting all hot and bothered being near xander bc he's that attractive, like girllll.
🖼️┆༄˖°pre-read ᝰ
soo i have been neglecting my netgalley arcs for a few months... maybe bc they literally removed access from kobos? like so rude but whatever my Kindle app on my phone is saving me rn.
heard mixed things about this but just need it to be enjoyable/somewhat entertaining. the plot/synopsis seems interesting when i requested it but the reviews are kinda worrying me... maybe it's gonna be a hate read?
thank you to netgalley the boldwood books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review
February 15, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley and author Christy McKellan for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕
This was a cute novella, but I think it could've benefited from being more than that. With less than 200 pages, there wasn't enough room for character development, and the relationship between the two main characters was a tad fast-paced. But it's got to be difficult to fit all that into a novella anyway.
My issue was that I really couldn't connect with the characters, and I didn't feel the chemistry between them either. But it's not a terrible read if you're looking for something short and spicy!
This was a cute novella, but I think it could've benefited from being more than that. With less than 200 pages, there wasn't enough room for character development, and the relationship between the two main characters was a tad fast-paced. But it's got to be difficult to fit all that into a novella anyway.
My issue was that I really couldn't connect with the characters, and I didn't feel the chemistry between them either. But it's not a terrible read if you're looking for something short and spicy!
March 4, 2025
i did, in fact, not have a good time.
this felt like trope-stravaganza, written just to sell and go viral. get your coin, by all means, but at least be entertaining. and please don't give me bland characters and a sleazy love interest.
this was too short, with little to no development, and it would benefit from both being longer and from another round of edits to cement the characters' personalities and make them more likable.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review!
this felt like trope-stravaganza, written just to sell and go viral. get your coin, by all means, but at least be entertaining. and please don't give me bland characters and a sleazy love interest.
this was too short, with little to no development, and it would benefit from both being longer and from another round of edits to cement the characters' personalities and make them more likable.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review!
February 11, 2025
2.75⭐
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy for review purposes!
Here comes trouble is a very quick read, not even 200 pages, but it still tries to touch on important topics. It's very fast paced, and I feel like it could've benefited from a few more chapters. I didn't really connect with the characters, they felt too different and most of the time they couldn't understand each other, and that's why more chapters were needed in my opinion.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy for review purposes!
Here comes trouble is a very quick read, not even 200 pages, but it still tries to touch on important topics. It's very fast paced, and I feel like it could've benefited from a few more chapters. I didn't really connect with the characters, they felt too different and most of the time they couldn't understand each other, and that's why more chapters were needed in my opinion.
March 3, 2025
2.75/5
In Here Comes Trouble, we read about Jess, a journalist, and Xander, a famous artist who is known to be a bad boy. Jess' boss gives her a last chance to write a good article about Xander; Xander agrees to being interviewed by Jess in exchange of having Jess as his muse for his next art exhibit. Jess and Xander embark to an adventure in Italy (only place away from London, where Xander can fully focus in his art).
Here Comes Trouble by Christy McKellen was just an ok read. The author did a good job in creating characters with their own issues/traumas; however, the relationship between the main characters lacked chemistry, which made it difficult to cheer for their relationship.
Thank you Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
In Here Comes Trouble, we read about Jess, a journalist, and Xander, a famous artist who is known to be a bad boy. Jess' boss gives her a last chance to write a good article about Xander; Xander agrees to being interviewed by Jess in exchange of having Jess as his muse for his next art exhibit. Jess and Xander embark to an adventure in Italy (only place away from London, where Xander can fully focus in his art).
Here Comes Trouble by Christy McKellen was just an ok read. The author did a good job in creating characters with their own issues/traumas; however, the relationship between the main characters lacked chemistry, which made it difficult to cheer for their relationship.
Thank you Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
February 24, 2025
This book is very shallow, features smarmy characters, a heroine who doesn't feel beautiful and hero that insists he is, pure privilege and did I mention there's nothing to it? It's thin. Very easy read though.
They are basically just perving on each other trying to sell the reader on sexual tension and it's very tiring.
Thank you to publisher and author for this book, which did not affect my review.
They are basically just perving on each other trying to sell the reader on sexual tension and it's very tiring.
Thank you to publisher and author for this book, which did not affect my review.
February 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Christy McKellen for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is short and sweet and it’s a really quick read. It’s a cute opposites attract Rom-Com about Jess and Xander who both struggle with issues from their past. I think it is worth noting that the FMC mentions her issues with an eating disorder.
Overall, I thought it was a cute story. I liked the relationship between Jess and Xander, but I would have liked more time to see their relationship grow.
Expected Publication Date - March 9, 2025
This book is short and sweet and it’s a really quick read. It’s a cute opposites attract Rom-Com about Jess and Xander who both struggle with issues from their past. I think it is worth noting that the FMC mentions her issues with an eating disorder.
Overall, I thought it was a cute story. I liked the relationship between Jess and Xander, but I would have liked more time to see their relationship grow.
Expected Publication Date - March 9, 2025
March 21, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc! It was a quick fun read even if it seemed quite rushed. Xander really annoyed me but since the story was short, it was bearable.
February 22, 2025
“The bedrooms have locks on the door so you don’t need to worry about me taking advantage of you”
Aaaaaaand that’s my queue to stop reading
Aaaaaaand that’s my queue to stop reading
April 18, 2014
We have all had some form of unpleasant encounter with those "always stick to the rules" kind of people in life. They are so focused on doing exactly what the rules of others say or making sure their own rules are followed, that it never makes for any fun at all
The person appears too strict and just down right boring, and for me I always want to shout out " Live a little!". We all know rules are good, in one's personal life and in a professional setting, so never think that rules are not necessary but when rules are all it's about and you start looking like that " No one wants to be around me" person it's is a sure sign you need something or someone to ruffle up your feathers.
In the new read from Christy McKellen this is the life of Jess, she always sticks to the rules, and if the rules are not followed she even goes as far as making a little add on to the rules to get the rules to work. That is until she meets "I want to strip you naked and make your body known to the whole world Xander.
Xander is a man like no other, he is not only a super talented artist but so scorching hot he makes all of Jess's rule-alarm-bells go up in smoke. His charm is endless and Jess has to fight all her natural in-stinks to not succumb to him, but the lure of an escape from all the rules in her life has her falling into his arms at a rapid pace and daring to live even if it is just for a few days. But when he starts to peel away her clothes she is not only lost to the magic of his talented hands but becomes addicted in wanting to peel away the canvas of his soul, if he'll let her is a whole other story and a stroke of artistic genius is all that might save them both.
I really loved this read, it was so deeply emotional it made me cry and ache so badly I had a constant supply of tissues with me. The author dug so extremely deep into the souls of both main characters it was as if she was stripping a piece of art into it's basic form before putting it all back together again to resemble a stunning artistic masterpiece.
The character of Xander was so amazingly written that I could feel his hurt, anger and pain. I felt him going into his mad artist genius world each and every time, and I wanted to be Jess in order to just be close enough to yell at him or hit him with paint ( yes paint , no jokes, read the book and you will see what I mean) just to see if I could draw him out from his world and into the real world. Through this character the author showed that we all have a goal in life but when we allow our goals to overshadow all the emotions in life that make us human we will at the end of the day be an empty shell, stuck in our own world, and when reality comes crashing into our lives we will have no idea how to deal with it because we are only use to our own world that we created.
The character of Jess was in one way awesome and in another way her and her rules drove me nuts! I wanted to see her shaken up to her very core and she her break her rules in order to feel the " I lived for once" feeling. Lucky for me the author did it for me! I laughed out loud with total glee , and yes most likely sounded mad to those around me, when Jess gets her feathers good and ruffled up by Xander. I shouted out " YES! That's it make her break those stupid rules!" and I absolutely loved every single minute of seeing Jess knocked from her pedestal. Through this character the author showed me that when we break the rules a little every now and then we not only learn something new about ourselves but the true person we are inside is revealed and instead of just being another person in the world we become something special to someone that can see beyond what we reveal on the outside.
I am taking away a message of life has many layers, some we prefer to keep hidden and others we let shine bright, but when the ones we share with the world are as fake as can be the hidden ones that show the true us will eventually wither and die, leaving us as nothing but a unfinished piece of art, let go, show the real you and you will find you are far more valuable than any other master creation in the world.
I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance reads combined with an artistic flare, the author created the perfect escape in to a world or passion, romance and a look into the world of art so real I could smell the paints, touch the pure emotion poured into the artist's creations and envision the end results with vivid clarity.
5/5 star review
" Life is a open canvas, you just need to add color and have the right artist to stroke you into a masterpiece"
The person appears too strict and just down right boring, and for me I always want to shout out " Live a little!". We all know rules are good, in one's personal life and in a professional setting, so never think that rules are not necessary but when rules are all it's about and you start looking like that " No one wants to be around me" person it's is a sure sign you need something or someone to ruffle up your feathers.
In the new read from Christy McKellen this is the life of Jess, she always sticks to the rules, and if the rules are not followed she even goes as far as making a little add on to the rules to get the rules to work. That is until she meets "I want to strip you naked and make your body known to the whole world Xander.
Xander is a man like no other, he is not only a super talented artist but so scorching hot he makes all of Jess's rule-alarm-bells go up in smoke. His charm is endless and Jess has to fight all her natural in-stinks to not succumb to him, but the lure of an escape from all the rules in her life has her falling into his arms at a rapid pace and daring to live even if it is just for a few days. But when he starts to peel away her clothes she is not only lost to the magic of his talented hands but becomes addicted in wanting to peel away the canvas of his soul, if he'll let her is a whole other story and a stroke of artistic genius is all that might save them both.
I really loved this read, it was so deeply emotional it made me cry and ache so badly I had a constant supply of tissues with me. The author dug so extremely deep into the souls of both main characters it was as if she was stripping a piece of art into it's basic form before putting it all back together again to resemble a stunning artistic masterpiece.
The character of Xander was so amazingly written that I could feel his hurt, anger and pain. I felt him going into his mad artist genius world each and every time, and I wanted to be Jess in order to just be close enough to yell at him or hit him with paint ( yes paint , no jokes, read the book and you will see what I mean) just to see if I could draw him out from his world and into the real world. Through this character the author showed that we all have a goal in life but when we allow our goals to overshadow all the emotions in life that make us human we will at the end of the day be an empty shell, stuck in our own world, and when reality comes crashing into our lives we will have no idea how to deal with it because we are only use to our own world that we created.
The character of Jess was in one way awesome and in another way her and her rules drove me nuts! I wanted to see her shaken up to her very core and she her break her rules in order to feel the " I lived for once" feeling. Lucky for me the author did it for me! I laughed out loud with total glee , and yes most likely sounded mad to those around me, when Jess gets her feathers good and ruffled up by Xander. I shouted out " YES! That's it make her break those stupid rules!" and I absolutely loved every single minute of seeing Jess knocked from her pedestal. Through this character the author showed me that when we break the rules a little every now and then we not only learn something new about ourselves but the true person we are inside is revealed and instead of just being another person in the world we become something special to someone that can see beyond what we reveal on the outside.
I am taking away a message of life has many layers, some we prefer to keep hidden and others we let shine bright, but when the ones we share with the world are as fake as can be the hidden ones that show the true us will eventually wither and die, leaving us as nothing but a unfinished piece of art, let go, show the real you and you will find you are far more valuable than any other master creation in the world.
I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance reads combined with an artistic flare, the author created the perfect escape in to a world or passion, romance and a look into the world of art so real I could smell the paints, touch the pure emotion poured into the artist's creations and envision the end results with vivid clarity.
5/5 star review
" Life is a open canvas, you just need to add color and have the right artist to stroke you into a masterpiece"
February 21, 2025
Jess is a journalist, who is close to losing her job, when an opportunity arises to interview bad boy artist, Xander. She must get close to him in order to write a career saving article about the famous artist. Xander needs positive attention from the media after his last exhibition left him with a bad reputation, whilst also finding his new muse.
I enjoyed the premise of this book - Bad boy artist X good girl journalist. However, I think it would’ve benefited by being longer. Both of the characters fell rather flat and lacked a lot of development as this was only under 200 pages.
The MMC, Xander, honestly wasn’t very likeable at all? I was hoping he would get better throughout the book but I was utterly disappointed. Jess was definitely more tolerable than Xander. She deals with body image struggles, which I felt was represented well throughout the book. But overall, I didn’t believe their characters belong together and I didn’t connect with them at all.
Although, not a dealbreaker for everyone, this book definitely lacked spice. There were a couple of scenes but definitely nothing to shout about.
This was written in third person, which is not my preference when it comes to romance books and I don’t feel like it was used as effectively as it could’ve been. There was a lack of Xander’s pov, so I never knew what he was really thinking and it was often confusing whose pov I was reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the ARC 💌
I enjoyed the premise of this book - Bad boy artist X good girl journalist. However, I think it would’ve benefited by being longer. Both of the characters fell rather flat and lacked a lot of development as this was only under 200 pages.
The MMC, Xander, honestly wasn’t very likeable at all? I was hoping he would get better throughout the book but I was utterly disappointed. Jess was definitely more tolerable than Xander. She deals with body image struggles, which I felt was represented well throughout the book. But overall, I didn’t believe their characters belong together and I didn’t connect with them at all.
Although, not a dealbreaker for everyone, this book definitely lacked spice. There were a couple of scenes but definitely nothing to shout about.
This was written in third person, which is not my preference when it comes to romance books and I don’t feel like it was used as effectively as it could’ve been. There was a lack of Xander’s pov, so I never knew what he was really thinking and it was often confusing whose pov I was reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the ARC 💌
Read
April 28, 2025DNF.
I’m a firm believer that romcoms should never be third person, and this was no exception. Perhaps if it were written in first person, I would’ve really liked it, but that didn’t happen. I tried to get through this and I just couldn’t.
No hate to the author EVER! This just wasn’t right for ME.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾.
I’m a firm believer that romcoms should never be third person, and this was no exception. Perhaps if it were written in first person, I would’ve really liked it, but that didn’t happen. I tried to get through this and I just couldn’t.
No hate to the author EVER! This just wasn’t right for ME.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾.
September 20, 2025
Came for the spicy forbidden romance and got only spicy but not really spicy at all. The Tropes are all interesting, and obviously, this is something that I should really enjoy if it's delivered well, but the writing here didn't serve.
I really wish this was written well. Thank you, Boldwood Books, for the e-arc copy.
I really wish this was written well. Thank you, Boldwood Books, for the e-arc copy.
April 2, 2025
Here comes trouble by Christy McKellen is a fun read with lots of back and forth banter between the two main characters Katie and Xander.
Katie is a junior staff writer at spark magazine. Her boss is not impressed with her latest writing piece and gives her a warning to loosen up or else she will be let go. So Katie offers to step in for a coworker who can't make it to interview Xander Heaton.
Xander Heaton is an artist and we'll know playboy. He likes to get to know his models intimately but then move on to the next one.
Katie is determined to write a career saving piece about him, but avoiding getting swooned by his charming ways won't be as easy as she thinks.
I thought the pacing was good until the end which I found a bit abrupt. Thank you to Christy McKellen for working with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
Katie is a junior staff writer at spark magazine. Her boss is not impressed with her latest writing piece and gives her a warning to loosen up or else she will be let go. So Katie offers to step in for a coworker who can't make it to interview Xander Heaton.
Xander Heaton is an artist and we'll know playboy. He likes to get to know his models intimately but then move on to the next one.
Katie is determined to write a career saving piece about him, but avoiding getting swooned by his charming ways won't be as easy as she thinks.
I thought the pacing was good until the end which I found a bit abrupt. Thank you to Christy McKellen for working with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
April 17, 2025
Here Comes Trouble was exactly what I needed to read. It had me laughing AND swooning over the romance. Xander was an irresistible MMC. While this was somewhat of a predictable read I did love it. I definitely would recommend this for a book club, beach read, plane ride, or any time you want to cozy up with a good read. This book is pretty spicy, but in a good way, not just to have spice. It was the perfect amount. Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and Chris McKellen for the advanced reader's copy that was complimentary. All opinions are my own.
April 11, 2025
I feel this book was a bit too short which made the plot move much more quickly while leaving the character development behind.
In my opinion, the foundation of a good book was there but it felt too rushed.
This is the first book I’ve read by Christy McKellen but I’ve heard so many good things about her books that I’ll definitely check out more of them!
Thank you NetGalley, Christy McKellen, and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a review.
In my opinion, the foundation of a good book was there but it felt too rushed.
This is the first book I’ve read by Christy McKellen but I’ve heard so many good things about her books that I’ll definitely check out more of them!
Thank you NetGalley, Christy McKellen, and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a review.
May 19, 2025
3.5 stars. I enjoyed both main characters opening up and sharing their struggles. However, I did not see much of the emotional connection between them. It seemed as if they hooked up a couple of times and then were confessing their love.
June 16, 2014
I absolutely loved everything about this story, I just wish there was more - that it was longer!
Actual rating - 4.5
I could not get enough of the great chemistry between Xander and Jess, from the first time they meet, I had a smile on my face by how Christy McKellen perfectly managed to develop two completely different personalities. But at the same time, those two different personalities complimented each other so well.
Xander had a bad upbringing but he is a naturally amazing artist so when his talent turns him into a famous artist, it seems to have effected him. Late nights partying, a different girl for a different week, major boosts to his self confidence...All those have made him into a wild guy but at the same time those aspects do not define who he really is. And we get to witness that very early on when he meets Jess.
Jess is the polar opposite. Shy, self-concious, follows every rule, doesn't like to break those rules...But when she meets Xander (for an interview) she can't help but be nervous no matter how hard she tries to ignore his absolutely handsome looks, his smile, that confidence, flirtations words!
Xander is losing inspiration in what to paint for a gallery job he has to finish, so he decided for a change in scenery, whilst Jess needs to write an article unlike any she has written before in order to keep her current job. They end up going to Italy and a new journey for both of the characters unravels.
The time they spend together, seemingly having a professional relationship from mainly Jess's point of view, is described in such a lovely, interesting and page turning way. The beautiful Italian villas, landscapes, restaurants, food, beaches - everything - is not described in a way that makes the reader feel bored or eager to skip to the good parts. Not at all.
Xander finally finds his true inspiration (I will let you guys guess what it is..) and he learns a few other major decisions/feelings/life-choices from the moment that he meets Jess. Jess similarly learns a few things herself, there's more to life than contemplating a way to follow every possible rule and that loving yourself for who you are is more important than anything else in order to keep you happy, to live a happy life, to enjoy moments, seconds - to enjoy everything. Xander teaches her that it's okay to live a little, to become wild, have fun, break some damn rules and for Jess to love her body because he cannot help but always mention how beautiful she is..
Christy McKellen writes in such a wonderful melodic but exciting manner that you cannot help but want to know what happens next. Most of the time whilst reading this book, I unconsciously COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN. I finished it in two sittings and I literally was disappointed that it ended because I fell in love with the characters. I wanted - needed - to find out more about what happens next!! That was the only seemingly negative part of this book that I ended up rating it 4.5, I just wish it was longer because it was that great of a story.
I wouldn't wont to spoil anything, as hard as it is not to mention so many funny - cute - lovable - romantic - laugh worthy moments, I will leave you with: I connected with the characters so much that literally? I would love to have a best friend like Jess (grounded in her own rules, head strong, funny) and boy would I LOVE TO MEET a guy like Xander ;) (confident, sexy, handsome, hot - yes I know those are all basically the same words but they deserve to be in the same sentence as Xander's character - remember, crushing on fictional characters is a norm for me ok? :P protective, adventurous, funny, flirty...the list could go on..)
I wont only recommend this book, but I will advise that you get it ASAP!! It is just one of those stories that, it may seem like a typical romance novel of a shy girl falling for a sexy confident guy, but TRUST ME, it is so much more...so much depth in every way possible...so many different personal perspectives that I'm sure all of us can relate to in one way or another...cute/sweet/hot chemistry that is pure words but somehow the author's natural talent made it seem as if you were there ... blushing ... laughing ...smiling ...frustrated ...sometimes crying..
Every possible emotion? This story engulfs within its wonderfully written pages. Thank you Christy McKellen for providing such a memorable novel, I absolutely cannot wait to read more of your books!
:)
Guys, go pick up a copy, you will not, I repeat, will not regret it in the slightest! Go!
Actual rating - 4.5
I could not get enough of the great chemistry between Xander and Jess, from the first time they meet, I had a smile on my face by how Christy McKellen perfectly managed to develop two completely different personalities. But at the same time, those two different personalities complimented each other so well.
Xander had a bad upbringing but he is a naturally amazing artist so when his talent turns him into a famous artist, it seems to have effected him. Late nights partying, a different girl for a different week, major boosts to his self confidence...All those have made him into a wild guy but at the same time those aspects do not define who he really is. And we get to witness that very early on when he meets Jess.
Jess is the polar opposite. Shy, self-concious, follows every rule, doesn't like to break those rules...But when she meets Xander (for an interview) she can't help but be nervous no matter how hard she tries to ignore his absolutely handsome looks, his smile, that confidence, flirtations words!
Xander is losing inspiration in what to paint for a gallery job he has to finish, so he decided for a change in scenery, whilst Jess needs to write an article unlike any she has written before in order to keep her current job. They end up going to Italy and a new journey for both of the characters unravels.
The time they spend together, seemingly having a professional relationship from mainly Jess's point of view, is described in such a lovely, interesting and page turning way. The beautiful Italian villas, landscapes, restaurants, food, beaches - everything - is not described in a way that makes the reader feel bored or eager to skip to the good parts. Not at all.
Xander finally finds his true inspiration (I will let you guys guess what it is..) and he learns a few other major decisions/feelings/life-choices from the moment that he meets Jess. Jess similarly learns a few things herself, there's more to life than contemplating a way to follow every possible rule and that loving yourself for who you are is more important than anything else in order to keep you happy, to live a happy life, to enjoy moments, seconds - to enjoy everything. Xander teaches her that it's okay to live a little, to become wild, have fun, break some damn rules and for Jess to love her body because he cannot help but always mention how beautiful she is..
Christy McKellen writes in such a wonderful melodic but exciting manner that you cannot help but want to know what happens next. Most of the time whilst reading this book, I unconsciously COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN. I finished it in two sittings and I literally was disappointed that it ended because I fell in love with the characters. I wanted - needed - to find out more about what happens next!! That was the only seemingly negative part of this book that I ended up rating it 4.5, I just wish it was longer because it was that great of a story.
I wouldn't wont to spoil anything, as hard as it is not to mention so many funny - cute - lovable - romantic - laugh worthy moments, I will leave you with: I connected with the characters so much that literally? I would love to have a best friend like Jess (grounded in her own rules, head strong, funny) and boy would I LOVE TO MEET a guy like Xander ;) (confident, sexy, handsome, hot - yes I know those are all basically the same words but they deserve to be in the same sentence as Xander's character - remember, crushing on fictional characters is a norm for me ok? :P protective, adventurous, funny, flirty...the list could go on..)
I wont only recommend this book, but I will advise that you get it ASAP!! It is just one of those stories that, it may seem like a typical romance novel of a shy girl falling for a sexy confident guy, but TRUST ME, it is so much more...so much depth in every way possible...so many different personal perspectives that I'm sure all of us can relate to in one way or another...cute/sweet/hot chemistry that is pure words but somehow the author's natural talent made it seem as if you were there ... blushing ... laughing ...smiling ...frustrated ...sometimes crying..
Every possible emotion? This story engulfs within its wonderfully written pages. Thank you Christy McKellen for providing such a memorable novel, I absolutely cannot wait to read more of your books!
:)
Guys, go pick up a copy, you will not, I repeat, will not regret it in the slightest! Go!
March 2, 2025
I didn't particularly enjoy this read. The premise was good - obviously, or I wouldn't have requested it - but it promised more than it delivered.
Perhaps it was because it was such a short book. There wasn't really enough time to get to know the characters or for the two main characters to even get to know each other.
I got the impression that the author was trying to convince the reader of the chemistry between Jess and Xander and it just didn't work.
Neither Jess nor Xander are that lovable either. I think I'd go so far as to call it boring.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Perhaps it was because it was such a short book. There wasn't really enough time to get to know the characters or for the two main characters to even get to know each other.
I got the impression that the author was trying to convince the reader of the chemistry between Jess and Xander and it just didn't work.
Neither Jess nor Xander are that lovable either. I think I'd go so far as to call it boring.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! The back and forth between Xander and Jess was well done and fun. Our main girl, Jess, gets an assignment to interview artist and known playboy - Xander. While at first, Xander seems to know exactly how to get under Jess' skin, they quickly develop an understanding between the two, that definitely leads to much more. I love Xander being an artist - it really brought a fun twist to this romance (I mean, paint fights? Count me in!).
While the characters both had their own baggage (don't we all), I don't feel like their pasts were overtly dark or heavy - a nice change in the romance books space for me.
If you're looking for an enjoyable read with good chemistry, likable characters and a bit of spice - definitely give this a read!
I received an ARC for NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
While the characters both had their own baggage (don't we all), I don't feel like their pasts were overtly dark or heavy - a nice change in the romance books space for me.
If you're looking for an enjoyable read with good chemistry, likable characters and a bit of spice - definitely give this a read!
I received an ARC for NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
February 21, 2025
A quick, spicy novella that could well have done with being a full length novel!
Jess is a journalist at the beginning of her career. She's not filled with confidence, but has many dreams. Faced with possible redundancy, she puts herself forward for a project so far removed from her comfort level that even she questions whether she will fulfil the job.
This is an attempt to interview artist Xander Heaton, who is also hot, a bit of a playboy, and a notoriously closed book regarding his personal life.
The story sees her kinda mess up, then she is given chance to redeem herself, by joining him in Italy for a few days to complete her interview, in return for her being his motel.
Lots of sexual chemistry there, and a few touchy subjects approached, but none in enough detail for them to become a matter of care and concern for the reader.
This is where I wanted ta full novel, to explore a bit more about both characters, so I could really understand them.
The spice factor is pretty high, if you want a quick, sizzling read, though!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
Jess is a journalist at the beginning of her career. She's not filled with confidence, but has many dreams. Faced with possible redundancy, she puts herself forward for a project so far removed from her comfort level that even she questions whether she will fulfil the job.
This is an attempt to interview artist Xander Heaton, who is also hot, a bit of a playboy, and a notoriously closed book regarding his personal life.
The story sees her kinda mess up, then she is given chance to redeem herself, by joining him in Italy for a few days to complete her interview, in return for her being his motel.
Lots of sexual chemistry there, and a few touchy subjects approached, but none in enough detail for them to become a matter of care and concern for the reader.
This is where I wanted ta full novel, to explore a bit more about both characters, so I could really understand them.
The spice factor is pretty high, if you want a quick, sizzling read, though!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
March 28, 2025
3 maybe 3.5.
I liked this book, it was a novella which is great when you just need something light in between heavy books.
I liked this book, it was a novella which is great when you just need something light in between heavy books.
February 20, 2025
Thank you Net Galley and author Christy McKellen for an ARC of your new book.
The book was a fun romance novella, just shy of 200 pages. Being so short the characters romance didn’t have lots of opportunity to grow. It had a little too long of a slow start for a novella in my opinion.
Once things heated up and I started to get to know the characters I couldn’t put it down. It was a good read and overall I enjoyed it.
The book was a fun romance novella, just shy of 200 pages. Being so short the characters romance didn’t have lots of opportunity to grow. It had a little too long of a slow start for a novella in my opinion.
Once things heated up and I started to get to know the characters I couldn’t put it down. It was a good read and overall I enjoyed it.
March 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this earc
I think this story was cute. Kind of felt like a rom com you would watch while eating ice cream and drinking wine. As it’s quite short, things were unfolding pretty quickly but somehow I think author still made us feel what she intended. Jess is someone who’s closed off and tries to keep everything in control and Xander who’s a young hot painter who lost his way. I think balanced each other pretty well and help each other to open up hidden sides they didn’t let other people see.
If you’re looking for something short and sweet, this one is for you
I think this story was cute. Kind of felt like a rom com you would watch while eating ice cream and drinking wine. As it’s quite short, things were unfolding pretty quickly but somehow I think author still made us feel what she intended. Jess is someone who’s closed off and tries to keep everything in control and Xander who’s a young hot painter who lost his way. I think balanced each other pretty well and help each other to open up hidden sides they didn’t let other people see.
If you’re looking for something short and sweet, this one is for you
February 14, 2025
Thank you to Bold Book Club/NetGalley for allowing me to read as an ARC!
This book was super cute and despite being novella-sized, had great plot pacing.
A feel good, cosy romance with some mild triggers but great spice :)
This book was super cute and despite being novella-sized, had great plot pacing.
A feel good, cosy romance with some mild triggers but great spice :)
February 3, 2025
“Here comes trouble” is the story of Jess, a junior staff writer, who has lived her life following the rules. She has been assigned to interview a well-known artist, Xander, who has a notorious reputation for being a bad boy who likes to party. Although she tries to keep her distance and keep it professional, Xander keeps trying to entice her over to the wild side.
This is the first book that I have read by Christy McKellen. It was a fast-paced spicy romance and to my surprise this rom-com managed to touch on some deeper emotional themes which gave the characters a little more depth and made their character growth more evident.
I felt like the book could have been a little longer as it seemed to be a bit too fast paced in places, but all in all, it was an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the Author for the advanced reader copy for review purposes.
This is the first book that I have read by Christy McKellen. It was a fast-paced spicy romance and to my surprise this rom-com managed to touch on some deeper emotional themes which gave the characters a little more depth and made their character growth more evident.
I felt like the book could have been a little longer as it seemed to be a bit too fast paced in places, but all in all, it was an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the Author for the advanced reader copy for review purposes.
January 31, 2025
This book was surprising!
It was fast paced and had original characters that easily became endearing.
Jess is clearly out of her comfort zone, and that’s why we see her characters grow so much. Xander is let himself get surprised and was obviously adapting to reach his goal, which is Jess of course (and it’s so cute). They grow closer as they explore each other compagnie and their connection. As much as the match was obvious, those two are so opposite from each other, I wasn’t sure it truly was gonna work. The spice was so good and the tension made me not want to put the book down.
If your looking for a quick read with feisty characters that are clearly opposite yet forced to share a close proximity, this book is for you!
It was fast paced and had original characters that easily became endearing.
Jess is clearly out of her comfort zone, and that’s why we see her characters grow so much. Xander is let himself get surprised and was obviously adapting to reach his goal, which is Jess of course (and it’s so cute). They grow closer as they explore each other compagnie and their connection. As much as the match was obvious, those two are so opposite from each other, I wasn’t sure it truly was gonna work. The spice was so good and the tension made me not want to put the book down.
If your looking for a quick read with feisty characters that are clearly opposite yet forced to share a close proximity, this book is for you!
October 6, 2014
This was an absolutely lovely read and I enjoyed every second of it. Jess is a bit of a control freak (I can relate to that!) but is so buttoned up that she's in danger of losing her much loved job on a glitzy magazine. Interviewing bad boy artist Xander is her last chance to show her editor that she has what it takes. Xander meanwhile is smarting over lacklustre reviews for his last exhibition and his playboy lifestyle is no longer filling the gaps - maybe Jess is the one to help kickstart his creativity? If he can just get her to relax... This is a gorgeous, sexy, sizzling book, perfect to curl up with on a rainy autumn day.
June 21, 2025
2.5/5⭐️
I feel like stories like this shouldn’t be novellas. Soemthing like this would be more beneficial to becoming an actual novel so that there is more plot. I felt like the characters met, and then it was wham, bam, thank you ma’am. I just needed more of a slow burn! I liked Jessica to a point, but I really didn’t enjoy Xander😭 He just seemed like a tool to me. Really wanted to like this one!
*Thank you to NetGalley, Baldwood Books, and the author Christy McKellen for the ARC!”
I feel like stories like this shouldn’t be novellas. Soemthing like this would be more beneficial to becoming an actual novel so that there is more plot. I felt like the characters met, and then it was wham, bam, thank you ma’am. I just needed more of a slow burn! I liked Jessica to a point, but I really didn’t enjoy Xander😭 He just seemed like a tool to me. Really wanted to like this one!
*Thank you to NetGalley, Baldwood Books, and the author Christy McKellen for the ARC!”
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