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Bad Reputation
A reputation, a mistake, and years of separation.
Melanie Danvers thinks her life is on track. She has a successful career, great friends, and a special someone in her life. But when she least expects it, fate throws her a curveball—a face from the past—the man who deemed their one night together a mistake.
After eight years away, a temporary work contract brings Steven MacAlistar back to his hometown—a place to which he thought he’d never return. It only takes one encounter with Melanie to make him realize that despite the long absence, his heart has never left.
Inextricably linked, Melanie and Steven discover they have their own lessons to learn, mistakes to forgive, and fears to overcome before they can even hope for a future together. With all there is to lose and reputations to salvage, will Melanie and Steven finally take that bold leap of faith and get their happily ever after? ‘Bad Reputation’ is a sweet, clean romance novel with a HEA. It is the first book in the ‘New Haven’ series by Samantha J. Ball.
Melanie Danvers thinks her life is on track. She has a successful career, great friends, and a special someone in her life. But when she least expects it, fate throws her a curveball—a face from the past—the man who deemed their one night together a mistake.
After eight years away, a temporary work contract brings Steven MacAlistar back to his hometown—a place to which he thought he’d never return. It only takes one encounter with Melanie to make him realize that despite the long absence, his heart has never left.
Inextricably linked, Melanie and Steven discover they have their own lessons to learn, mistakes to forgive, and fears to overcome before they can even hope for a future together. With all there is to lose and reputations to salvage, will Melanie and Steven finally take that bold leap of faith and get their happily ever after? ‘Bad Reputation’ is a sweet, clean romance novel with a HEA. It is the first book in the ‘New Haven’ series by Samantha J. Ball.
- GenresClean Romance
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2020
11 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 5, 2023
Loved the start to this series. As I also have a series set in CT, I could see our characters meeting at some point. The characters were real & making fresh starts. This is a closed door romance, which I prefer.
December 23, 2025
Bad Reputation is the first book I have read written by Samantha J. Ball. Wow, this book hooked me in from the very beginning.
I had the pleasure of enjoying the audiobook of this copy, narrated by Lisa Lynn Sandlin, and her narration was spot on. She truly brought this story to life and made it feel so immersive. I was right there with Melanie and Steven.
Melanie struggled with telling her secret to Steven. I definitely did not love that Steven kept judging and kept coming back to Melanie’s high school reputation. This does have the secret baby troupe. I think this might be the first or second book I have read with that troupe, and I didn’t hate it. I didn’t think I liked secret baby, but Samantha wrote it really well.
There was a lot going on in this book. I loved the book overall and look forward to finding out what comes next for the friends group. There were a few things I didn’t like, but overall, the things I liked won out. I could not press pause in this book and found myself listening to it late into the night.
This is a closed-door romance. There is a lot of dialogue/thoughts about them not wanting to go too far, especially with their past. There were a few make-out scenes that were a little much for me personally. There was a scene that implied going too far (spoiler), and we find out that it is the case at the end of the book. I was a little surprised by this because of their past and everything Melanie went through. This is not a Christian book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I had the pleasure of enjoying the audiobook of this copy, narrated by Lisa Lynn Sandlin, and her narration was spot on. She truly brought this story to life and made it feel so immersive. I was right there with Melanie and Steven.
Melanie struggled with telling her secret to Steven. I definitely did not love that Steven kept judging and kept coming back to Melanie’s high school reputation. This does have the secret baby troupe. I think this might be the first or second book I have read with that troupe, and I didn’t hate it. I didn’t think I liked secret baby, but Samantha wrote it really well.
There was a lot going on in this book. I loved the book overall and look forward to finding out what comes next for the friends group. There were a few things I didn’t like, but overall, the things I liked won out. I could not press pause in this book and found myself listening to it late into the night.
This is a closed-door romance. There is a lot of dialogue/thoughts about them not wanting to go too far, especially with their past. There were a few make-out scenes that were a little much for me personally. There was a scene that implied going too far (spoiler), and we find out that it is the case at the end of the book. I was a little surprised by this because of their past and everything Melanie went through. This is not a Christian book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
September 12, 2022
An adorable tale about second chances
If you enjoy a miscommunication trope, then you'll love Bad Reputation. I'm not usually a fan of the trope, but I rather enjoyed this one. The story was very engaging, and I actually struggled to put it down. Melanie and Steven were so likeable, and the chemistry between them was fire.
Although, at times, Steven could be frustrating, I couldn't stay mad at him because deep down he's such a sweetheart, and he burns for Melanie. Plus he's in the dark. So he's sort of at a disadvantage.
The side characters also added to the depth of the story, such as sweet Sophie, firecracker Alex, teddy bear Jack, protective Zac and misunderstood Julie.
Definitely a recommendable read.
If you enjoy a miscommunication trope, then you'll love Bad Reputation. I'm not usually a fan of the trope, but I rather enjoyed this one. The story was very engaging, and I actually struggled to put it down. Melanie and Steven were so likeable, and the chemistry between them was fire.
Although, at times, Steven could be frustrating, I couldn't stay mad at him because deep down he's such a sweetheart, and he burns for Melanie. Plus he's in the dark. So he's sort of at a disadvantage.
The side characters also added to the depth of the story, such as sweet Sophie, firecracker Alex, teddy bear Jack, protective Zac and misunderstood Julie.
Definitely a recommendable read.
July 28, 2024
Audiobook Review⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
How could I resist this title! For me it screams a Taylor Swift song. Bad Reputation is the first book in the New Haven series. The series follows the lives of a group of people who are linked through family, friends, and employees. All books in series can be read as a standalone.
The miscommunication troupe is not my favorite and there was a lot of that between the MC’s. That being said the author did a great job with it in this book. The MMC had me wanting to grab him and shake him!! They just needed to talk to each other more and the problems would have been avoided!! Isn’t that the truth about life too!! How much we could avoid if we talked more about things!!! Don’t worry though, it ended good!
The audiobook was narrated by Lisa Lynn Sandlin, she did an excellent job. Her tone was perfect and portrayed all the emotions evoked in the book so well. I would definitely recommend the audio!
🤍 Sweet- Kisses only
🖤 Dual POV
🤍 No swearing and no cliffhanger
🖤 Secret baby
🤍 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Second chance love
🤍 Adorable kid
How could I resist this title! For me it screams a Taylor Swift song. Bad Reputation is the first book in the New Haven series. The series follows the lives of a group of people who are linked through family, friends, and employees. All books in series can be read as a standalone.
The miscommunication troupe is not my favorite and there was a lot of that between the MC’s. That being said the author did a great job with it in this book. The MMC had me wanting to grab him and shake him!! They just needed to talk to each other more and the problems would have been avoided!! Isn’t that the truth about life too!! How much we could avoid if we talked more about things!!! Don’t worry though, it ended good!
The audiobook was narrated by Lisa Lynn Sandlin, she did an excellent job. Her tone was perfect and portrayed all the emotions evoked in the book so well. I would definitely recommend the audio!
🤍 Sweet- Kisses only
🖤 Dual POV
🤍 No swearing and no cliffhanger
🖤 Secret baby
🤍 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Second chance love
🤍 Adorable kid
December 18, 2024
This was a fun read! The anticipation of "When will he discover her secret?" kept me reading till the end. It's a very romantic book, so if you like lots of kisses and romance, this book is for you! However it is clean - if it were a movie, it would probably be rated PG. It is also the first of a series, so I could tell there were minor characters whose stories will be in books to come. Overall, it is a very entertaining book.
August 3, 2024
I absolutely loved this clean second-chance romance audiobook! It's the perfect blend of swoon-worthy and heartwarming moments. The narrator's skillful delivery truly made it unforgettable. Perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good love story!
August 23, 2025
What a story of miscommunication! I don’t think I’ve ever come across such a tortuous couple in any book I’ve read or listened to. I actually found myself talking back to my phone while listening — explaining to Stephen what his problem was (yes, I was that listener), and fussing at Melanie for not being upfront when she had the chance. I caught myself saying things like, “Come on, Melanie! You don’t mean that — you should have just said it already!” That level of emotional involvement says a lot about how invested I was in their story.
Despite the rocky relationship moments, this is ultimately a cute and sweet romance. The warmth of the community shines through, with a strong friend group and supportive family members who add depth and encouragement to Melanie and Stephen’s journey.
This is a closed-door romance, though I’ll admit it almost crossed a line for me at times. The make-out scenes are not graphically described, but they do get fairly intense. For example, there’s a moment where the hero removes his hand from under the heroine’s dress after nearly taking things further, stopping himself out of respect. (Possible spoiler ahead:) There’s also an implied pre-marital intimate moment that is later confirmed. Since this isn’t necessarily a Christian fiction novel, that’s worth noting if you prefer stories that stay strictly chaste. Personally, I was a little surprised by it. That said, the intimacy remains fully closed-door and is written for an adult audience, but it’s not a book I would hand to a teen reader. **Note added because I have been told that the next books aren't as intimate as this one. There are no more fade-to-black scenes.** This story is wonderful, and I am very much looking forward to the next books in the series.**
The narration is very good. Lisa Lynn Sandlin does an amazing job with such a vast cast of characters, making this story an enjoyable and entertaining audiobook.
I was gifted an Audible code for this audiobook, but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
TW: teen pregnancy, abandonment, single parenting, gossip, lies, secrets, judgemental attitude, miscommunication trope, pre-marital sex (implied)
Despite the rocky relationship moments, this is ultimately a cute and sweet romance. The warmth of the community shines through, with a strong friend group and supportive family members who add depth and encouragement to Melanie and Stephen’s journey.
This is a closed-door romance, though I’ll admit it almost crossed a line for me at times. The make-out scenes are not graphically described, but they do get fairly intense. For example, there’s a moment where the hero removes his hand from under the heroine’s dress after nearly taking things further, stopping himself out of respect. (Possible spoiler ahead:) There’s also an implied pre-marital intimate moment that is later confirmed. Since this isn’t necessarily a Christian fiction novel, that’s worth noting if you prefer stories that stay strictly chaste. Personally, I was a little surprised by it. That said, the intimacy remains fully closed-door and is written for an adult audience, but it’s not a book I would hand to a teen reader. **Note added because I have been told that the next books aren't as intimate as this one. There are no more fade-to-black scenes.** This story is wonderful, and I am very much looking forward to the next books in the series.**
The narration is very good. Lisa Lynn Sandlin does an amazing job with such a vast cast of characters, making this story an enjoyable and entertaining audiobook.
I was gifted an Audible code for this audiobook, but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
TW: teen pregnancy, abandonment, single parenting, gossip, lies, secrets, judgemental attitude, miscommunication trope, pre-marital sex (implied)
November 6, 2025
I'm going to be very upfront.....I adored this story & the audiobook narration by Lisa Lynn Sandlin was spot on!
First, have you ever been in a situation where you get a reputation? Good or Bad, those reputations can follow you after everyone has moved on? Then you will relate to Melanie in this book but she has moved on and made a life with friends, family, & a special person in her life. Then suddenly she is back to feeling like she is having to deal with the return of her bad reputation. Stephen has returned after 7 years, which we learn early on was not expected by her....EVER! Now what is she going to do to fix her reputation, along with the sudden return of her feelings? Stephen is surprised to run into Melanie after all these years, too. These two were just so much fun to listen to the story of what happens. ((Swoon))
I'm so wanting to tell you about all the amazing things that happen & people in this book...... but I also don't want to spoil it for you! But let me just say that this book is worth your time!
Samantha J. Ball wrote a book that just pulls you in & quickly you are involved in the story she has written. Lisa Lynn Sandlin read this book like a true professional actor that made the book come even more alive for me! I was truly stuck at 39 minutes left....not wanting to have it end. This is NOT a lie... I actually messaged & told them both that I didn't want to finish the audiobook because I loved it so much! So I didn't end it because I adored the book & the way I was hearing it for a bit longer after both of them assured me that I would love the end & that there are more books in this series. I've never put off finishing a book like this before! Please go listen to this book & then let me know what your thoughts were! I'd love to hear if anyone else has the same issue.
I was given the audiobook by the author & narrator but this is me telling you from my own opinion......you will NOT want to miss this book!!
First, have you ever been in a situation where you get a reputation? Good or Bad, those reputations can follow you after everyone has moved on? Then you will relate to Melanie in this book but she has moved on and made a life with friends, family, & a special person in her life. Then suddenly she is back to feeling like she is having to deal with the return of her bad reputation. Stephen has returned after 7 years, which we learn early on was not expected by her....EVER! Now what is she going to do to fix her reputation, along with the sudden return of her feelings? Stephen is surprised to run into Melanie after all these years, too. These two were just so much fun to listen to the story of what happens. ((Swoon))
I'm so wanting to tell you about all the amazing things that happen & people in this book...... but I also don't want to spoil it for you! But let me just say that this book is worth your time!
Samantha J. Ball wrote a book that just pulls you in & quickly you are involved in the story she has written. Lisa Lynn Sandlin read this book like a true professional actor that made the book come even more alive for me! I was truly stuck at 39 minutes left....not wanting to have it end. This is NOT a lie... I actually messaged & told them both that I didn't want to finish the audiobook because I loved it so much! So I didn't end it because I adored the book & the way I was hearing it for a bit longer after both of them assured me that I would love the end & that there are more books in this series. I've never put off finishing a book like this before! Please go listen to this book & then let me know what your thoughts were! I'd love to hear if anyone else has the same issue.
I was given the audiobook by the author & narrator but this is me telling you from my own opinion......you will NOT want to miss this book!!
August 6, 2025
4.75 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 - ALC review
This was a story of second chances for Melanie and Stephen. I couldn't stop listening - I had to find out how else he'd jump to the wrong conclusion, and when he'd finally learn the truth and would Melanie tell him or someone else.
Melanie, Stephen and Sophie are such lovable, likeable, relatable characters. Melanie and Stephen knew each other in high school, life took them different directions, and 8 years later they ended up working together and got a second chance - but a false reputation and a secret linger between them. A wonderful story of love's struggles, challenges, learning to trust each other, and speak the truth. And the ending Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!! Don't worry it's happy. I laughed and cried, screamed in frustration with both Melanie and Stephen, cheered and more throughout the story. I can wait to read the other books in this series and see the relationships all grow and change ❤️😁❤️
The narrator of this audiobook @narratorlisalynn did an amazing job! I loved listening to her!
Thank you @authorsamanthajball for providing me a copy of the Audiobook. This review reflects my honest and true thoughts and experiences with the story.
#closeddoorromance #audiobook #advancelistenerreview #booksread2025
This was a story of second chances for Melanie and Stephen. I couldn't stop listening - I had to find out how else he'd jump to the wrong conclusion, and when he'd finally learn the truth and would Melanie tell him or someone else.
Melanie, Stephen and Sophie are such lovable, likeable, relatable characters. Melanie and Stephen knew each other in high school, life took them different directions, and 8 years later they ended up working together and got a second chance - but a false reputation and a secret linger between them. A wonderful story of love's struggles, challenges, learning to trust each other, and speak the truth. And the ending Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!! Don't worry it's happy. I laughed and cried, screamed in frustration with both Melanie and Stephen, cheered and more throughout the story. I can wait to read the other books in this series and see the relationships all grow and change ❤️😁❤️
The narrator of this audiobook @narratorlisalynn did an amazing job! I loved listening to her!
Thank you @authorsamanthajball for providing me a copy of the Audiobook. This review reflects my honest and true thoughts and experiences with the story.
#closeddoorromance #audiobook #advancelistenerreview #booksread2025
August 14, 2025
I loved this sweet romance by Samantha J Ball! Melanie has her life all in order. She’s got a high-powered career, a great family and group of friends, and everything is going well.
She’s also keeping a huge secret, and that secret is about to explode when her ex Steven comes back into her life. She and Steven knew each other back in high school. Now he’s been hired as an engineer on a project she’s working on, too. And Melanie is keeping an eight-year-old secret from him…
Okay, I loved this! Second chance romances and secret baby trope are two of my favorites and Sophie was such a gem. There was lots of miscommunication as Melanie and Steven worked their way back into each other’s lives, and also lots of steamy kisses. I loved how much Sophie wanted a daddy in her life, and having this set right around the holidays, at Thanksgiving and Christmas, was just perfect. Their ice-skating scenes were lovely. I really liked the friend group in this one and am looking forward to book two! 5/5 stars.
She’s also keeping a huge secret, and that secret is about to explode when her ex Steven comes back into her life. She and Steven knew each other back in high school. Now he’s been hired as an engineer on a project she’s working on, too. And Melanie is keeping an eight-year-old secret from him…
Okay, I loved this! Second chance romances and secret baby trope are two of my favorites and Sophie was such a gem. There was lots of miscommunication as Melanie and Steven worked their way back into each other’s lives, and also lots of steamy kisses. I loved how much Sophie wanted a daddy in her life, and having this set right around the holidays, at Thanksgiving and Christmas, was just perfect. Their ice-skating scenes were lovely. I really liked the friend group in this one and am looking forward to book two! 5/5 stars.
May 16, 2025
I loved this second chance romance! The MCs were friends in high school but lost touch after graduation. Then low and behold end up meeting once more eight years later. Steven the MMC, is a travels a lot for work and ends up coming back to New Haven for his current contract, exactly where Melanie, the FMC, works. Thrown together by work they start to get reacquainted, flaming old feelings back to life. Steven is much more for this relationship then Melanie at first because she holds secrets then she doesn't want to let out. Becoming friends, they get closer and closer until the tension can no longer be denied and they give in.
But it's not an easy relationship by any means, they have so many mistakes, misunderstandings, history and secrets between them. They work through all of this and more, growing to really understand each other, see that misconceived ideas were false, learning to forgive and trust, to let someone into their hearts and lives.
Most of the time they were hanging out with friends so you get to see lots of different interactions with different characters and the relationships between them. There are many friendships, brotherly love between blood relatives and chosen ones, the love of children, and possible other blossoming romances.
Speaking of romance there is lots of tension, banter, and flirting! There is lots of sweet heartfelt moments, as well as deep honest moments, there is pain and healing, mistakes and growth. An interesting story that will keep you reading. And as a reader you know this big secret and the whole time I was just waiting for it to be spilled and for the truth to come out so in keeps you on your toes lol. The ending you get everything you wished for, and it ends on such a happy not it will leave you satisfied and smiling.
Content: Closed-Door/passionate kisses, intimacy implied and wanted, it's a bit lusty but never goes past kisses on page.
But it's not an easy relationship by any means, they have so many mistakes, misunderstandings, history and secrets between them. They work through all of this and more, growing to really understand each other, see that misconceived ideas were false, learning to forgive and trust, to let someone into their hearts and lives.
Most of the time they were hanging out with friends so you get to see lots of different interactions with different characters and the relationships between them. There are many friendships, brotherly love between blood relatives and chosen ones, the love of children, and possible other blossoming romances.
Speaking of romance there is lots of tension, banter, and flirting! There is lots of sweet heartfelt moments, as well as deep honest moments, there is pain and healing, mistakes and growth. An interesting story that will keep you reading. And as a reader you know this big secret and the whole time I was just waiting for it to be spilled and for the truth to come out so in keeps you on your toes lol. The ending you get everything you wished for, and it ends on such a happy not it will leave you satisfied and smiling.
Content: Closed-Door/passionate kisses, intimacy implied and wanted, it's a bit lusty but never goes past kisses on page.
September 1, 2025
Let’s be real for a moment… who ever really loves high school? Absolutely no one that I know of. It’s filled with nothing, but hormone raging gossips who just like to stir up drama. And our MFC Melanie is a victim of a vicious rumor that leads her to be a single mother with trust issues. I am glad that this novel ended with a happily ever after, but I will say that I was not a big fan of the love interest aka Steven. Regardless of that, the drama, tension, and complex characters are what had me coming back for more!
P.s. Ms. Lisa Lynn Sandlin did a fantastic job narrating this novel!
P.s. Ms. Lisa Lynn Sandlin did a fantastic job narrating this novel!
August 29, 2025
I was hooked on Bad Reputation from the very start. I just had to know how Stephen would react to the big secret! The audio brought the whole story to life in such a dynamic way, making the emotions sharper, the tension more gripping, and the swoony moments even sweeter. It felt like I was right there in New Haven, experiencing every twist and turn alongside the characters who became more than just names on a page, they felt like friends I didn’t want to say goodbye to.
February 23, 2025
I enjoyed the audiobook narration, but the book's premise and how the secret kept lingering just wasn't for me. I plan to listen to the next book in the series.
June 19, 2024
A sweet and clean romance that packs plenty of sizzle.
What a delightful story!! How could two people so obviously perfect for each other have so many mishaps and false starts? Samantha J. Ball is a master of the miscommunication trope! Beautifully narrated by Lisa Lynn Sandlin (check out the audio version!), I was hanging on every word until the happy ending actually happened! If you enjoy sizzle without spice, you’ll love Bad Reputation!
What a delightful story!! How could two people so obviously perfect for each other have so many mishaps and false starts? Samantha J. Ball is a master of the miscommunication trope! Beautifully narrated by Lisa Lynn Sandlin (check out the audio version!), I was hanging on every word until the happy ending actually happened! If you enjoy sizzle without spice, you’ll love Bad Reputation!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews