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Bad Blood
New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe delivers her most surprising and thought-provoking novel yet in this riveting tale of family loyalty, betrayal, and sweet revenge…
For Seth Garrett, there’s no such thing as too rich or too beautiful. His family taught him that anything less than the best simply isn’t an option. Now he’s out to prove he can be the most successful Garrett—and Rachel McNeal fits the bill. She’s pretty, hard-working, good in bed—and willing to finance his dreams. He thinks she’s perfect wife material—until he meets her relatives and discovers they’re far from perfect. No problem, Seth’s got a truly flawless replacement lined up to give him the good life he’s entitled to…
Steady and sensible, Rachel always believed the best about people. She thought Seth was the man of her dreams. But she can deal with the hurt and move on. Until she discovers the true reason Seth dumped her—and just how deep his contempt for her runs. She’s done forgiving, much less forgetting. And taking his world apart piece by piece is only the beginning of her long-game payback…
For Seth Garrett, there’s no such thing as too rich or too beautiful. His family taught him that anything less than the best simply isn’t an option. Now he’s out to prove he can be the most successful Garrett—and Rachel McNeal fits the bill. She’s pretty, hard-working, good in bed—and willing to finance his dreams. He thinks she’s perfect wife material—until he meets her relatives and discovers they’re far from perfect. No problem, Seth’s got a truly flawless replacement lined up to give him the good life he’s entitled to…
Steady and sensible, Rachel always believed the best about people. She thought Seth was the man of her dreams. But she can deal with the hurt and move on. Until she discovers the true reason Seth dumped her—and just how deep his contempt for her runs. She’s done forgiving, much less forgetting. And taking his world apart piece by piece is only the beginning of her long-game payback…
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 26, 2015
161 people are currently reading
968 people want to read
About the author
Mary Monroe
62 books2,786 followersI am the third child of Alabama sharecroppers and the first and only member of my family to finish high school. I never attended college or any writing classes. I taught myself how to write and started writing short stories around age four. I spent the first part of my life in Alabama and Ohio and moved to Richmond, California in 1973. I have lived in Oakland since 1984.
My first novel THE UPPER ROOM was published by St. Martin's Press in 1985 and was widely reviewed throughout the U.S. and in Great Britain. An excerpt is included in Terry McMillan's anthology BREAKING ICE. I endured fifteen years and hundreds of more rejection letters before I landed a contract for my second novel, GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. It was published in October 2000 by Kensington Books. GOD DON'T PLAY is my seventh novel to be published, and it landed me a spot on the prestigious New York Times Bestsellers list for the first time! My eighth novel, "BORROW TROUBLE," was released December 2006. My ninth novel, DELIVER ME FROM EVIL, was released September 2007 and my tenth novel, SHE HAD IT COMING, was released in September 2008, and my eleventh novel THE COMPANY WE KEEP, will be released March 2009.
I won the Oakland Pen Award for Best Fiction of the Year in 2001 for GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. I won the Best Southern Author Award for GONNA LAY DOWN MY BURDENS, in 2004.
I am divorced, I love to travel, I love to mingle with other authors, and I love to read anything by Ernest Gaines, Stephen King, Alice Walker, and James Patterson. I still write seven days a week and I get most of my ideas from current events, the people around me, but most of my material is autobiographical.
My first novel THE UPPER ROOM was published by St. Martin's Press in 1985 and was widely reviewed throughout the U.S. and in Great Britain. An excerpt is included in Terry McMillan's anthology BREAKING ICE. I endured fifteen years and hundreds of more rejection letters before I landed a contract for my second novel, GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. It was published in October 2000 by Kensington Books. GOD DON'T PLAY is my seventh novel to be published, and it landed me a spot on the prestigious New York Times Bestsellers list for the first time! My eighth novel, "BORROW TROUBLE," was released December 2006. My ninth novel, DELIVER ME FROM EVIL, was released September 2007 and my tenth novel, SHE HAD IT COMING, was released in September 2008, and my eleventh novel THE COMPANY WE KEEP, will be released March 2009.
I won the Oakland Pen Award for Best Fiction of the Year in 2001 for GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. I won the Best Southern Author Award for GONNA LAY DOWN MY BURDENS, in 2004.
I am divorced, I love to travel, I love to mingle with other authors, and I love to read anything by Ernest Gaines, Stephen King, Alice Walker, and James Patterson. I still write seven days a week and I get most of my ideas from current events, the people around me, but most of my material is autobiographical.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
June 29, 2021
3.25 rounded down
Gossipy morality play.
Gossipy morality play.
August 26, 2015
Was ok...nothing beats her God series though.
June 8, 2015
Great read. the storyline was unique and it held my attention from the very first page. a stand alone that was full of drama. Some parts were funny too. I liked Rachel because she wanted Seth to accept her family flaws and all. Seth chose to judge her based on her family. the way seth's life ended up was true karma
May 28, 2015
Keeps you wanting more
This book is a page Turner. The characters are easy to relate to especially the relationships. Read this book!!!! Awesome
This book is a page Turner. The characters are easy to relate to especially the relationships. Read this book!!!! Awesome
July 22, 2023
Throughly enjoyed this book! It was a laugh out loud read with some great plots, character development, and lessons. I highly recommend.
June 30, 2023
I have read lots of African-American/urban books and this is by far the best book I have read. This book has a very unique story plot that I have yet to see in any books. This book is about a woman name Rachel, who knew that the man she was dating was going to be her forever, but what happens when a trip to meet her family changes Seth’s mind? This book truly has some laugh out loud moments and it holds the reader captive. This book basically shows what happens when you decide to hurt the wrong person and how you pay for it in lots of ways. Do not hesitate read this book. It is really really good. I am considering re-reading it again soon like next week soon. You won’t be disappointed!
10/10 Recommend
10/10 Recommend
July 25, 2015
Remarkable story written by Mary Monroe who has the ability to address a sensitive subject- while surrounding the story with "people next door" characters. This combination kept me wanting to read more & hating to see the story end. Seth & Racheal were a couple that although dated for years, really didn't know each other. Seth felt his scheming plan would not cause problems, but Rachael proved that revenge is a dish best served cold. The storyline was well detailed & offered "flashbacks" to help understand the characters basis for their actions. The characters represented people from various backgrounds which helped the story seem realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Bad Blood & recommend to all.
February 2, 2025
I have officially read every single book this author has written! I’ve not been disappointed yet…, it all started with God Don’t like Ugly! She’s by far one of my favorite of all times…. I cannot wait until March 25,2025 for her latest to be released….
July 23, 2020
I started reading Monroe's work many years ago and was immediately taken by her talent. Her characters were realistic and her story lines were intriguing. Monroe created characters that I cared about and she quickly became one of my favorite authors.
Over the last few years, that has greatly changed. I am not sure if it is her publisher or if she has just became lazy, but her last 4-5 books have been terrible. Even knowing that, I keep reading her work and hoping that it will return to its former glory.
I must admit that Bad Blood is not horrible. It's just not any good. This is the ridiculous story of Seth and Rachel. The reader meets this engaged couple as they are heading to Rachel's hometown of Alabama. Rachel has neglected to tell Seth that many of her family members including her siblings have suffered from mental illness.
Seth is furious, rightly so, and after a weekend with Rachel's siblings he decides to break up with her, but first he wants to take advantage of her financially. That's it. That is the main plot line.
The most interesting thing about this book is order in which the story is told. Monroe starts in the middle of Rachel and Seth's story and then switches to the beginning. Once the reader is caught up she ends it. I give her credit for using this method because had she told this story from the beginning it would have been quite tedious and even boring.
Starting from the middle garners some sympathy for Seth. He's not a great guy, but he certainly isn't the worst. The woman that he loves and wants to marry hides that there is a history of mental illness in her family. Out of fear, he decides to call the wedding off. Out of selfishness he waits until he can afford to and courts another woman in the meanwhile. Terrible, but not worth the revenge Rachel sought until you go to the beginning and read about all of the sacrifices that she made for Seth. Then what little empathy the reader had for Seth is transferred to Rachel.
By the end, they are both rather pathetic and I did not really care for either of them. If this is the first book you are considering reading by Monroe, please don’t. Google her list of titles and start from her first book. If you're a longtime fan, I say read this one, but lower your expectations a bit.
Over the last few years, that has greatly changed. I am not sure if it is her publisher or if she has just became lazy, but her last 4-5 books have been terrible. Even knowing that, I keep reading her work and hoping that it will return to its former glory.
I must admit that Bad Blood is not horrible. It's just not any good. This is the ridiculous story of Seth and Rachel. The reader meets this engaged couple as they are heading to Rachel's hometown of Alabama. Rachel has neglected to tell Seth that many of her family members including her siblings have suffered from mental illness.
Seth is furious, rightly so, and after a weekend with Rachel's siblings he decides to break up with her, but first he wants to take advantage of her financially. That's it. That is the main plot line.
The most interesting thing about this book is order in which the story is told. Monroe starts in the middle of Rachel and Seth's story and then switches to the beginning. Once the reader is caught up she ends it. I give her credit for using this method because had she told this story from the beginning it would have been quite tedious and even boring.
Starting from the middle garners some sympathy for Seth. He's not a great guy, but he certainly isn't the worst. The woman that he loves and wants to marry hides that there is a history of mental illness in her family. Out of fear, he decides to call the wedding off. Out of selfishness he waits until he can afford to and courts another woman in the meanwhile. Terrible, but not worth the revenge Rachel sought until you go to the beginning and read about all of the sacrifices that she made for Seth. Then what little empathy the reader had for Seth is transferred to Rachel.
By the end, they are both rather pathetic and I did not really care for either of them. If this is the first book you are considering reading by Monroe, please don’t. Google her list of titles and start from her first book. If you're a longtime fan, I say read this one, but lower your expectations a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 10, 2016Disappointing
I am a fan of Mary Monroe. I love her writing style. However, this book was a letdown. It started off good, however, it went downhill from there. Don't expect too much drama.
I am a fan of Mary Monroe. I love her writing style. However, this book was a letdown. It started off good, however, it went downhill from there. Don't expect too much drama.
February 9, 2016
I have not read a Mary Monroe book in years and picked this one out of the blue. OMG I forgot how much I love her writing and her books. Time for me to purchase all the books I missed in the last ten years.
September 24, 2019
The story was convoluted and contrived, the characters were rather two-dimensional, and the writing wasn't great. Overall, a disappointing first read from this author. Not one I would recommend. 2 stars
July 23, 2015
Don't judge people
This book was written very well and it goes to show you that treating people like garbage...KARMA will get you!!!! Really enjoyed this and couldn't put it down!!
This book was written very well and it goes to show you that treating people like garbage...KARMA will get you!!!! Really enjoyed this and couldn't put it down!!
November 14, 2015
Enjoyable and a good life's lesson .
January 20, 2022
Bad Blood was a definitely good time. At times I wanted to slap everybody in this book and at times I laughed until tears came out my eyes. All I have to say is Seth and the people that raised him ain’t shit! The ending had a grip on me and I’m happy things worked out the way it did. I really enjoyed Bad Blood and I recommend this to anyone who want a good time. My key take aways are the grass ain’t greener on the other side and karma is a bitch.
September 9, 2023
Lessons: Scorned Woman 101
Foremost, “Bad Blood” was a great read with comedic moments (C5: “The dish contained a baked possum with its head still attached, garnished with yam wedges.”🫣🫨🤣😂🤭🤦🏾♀️‼️), annoyingly cruel and sinister scenes too. More so, sixty-five chapters was torturous & exasperating, yet I purpose to endure. Yes, this book was entirely too long. Thereafter, Ms. Monroe humanized the faces of the mentally challenged community and their caretakers. Also, she captured the essence of the misconceptions and stereotypes society imposes upon mental healthcare awareness/illnesses/health issues and their humanity. (IE: Janet & Earnest were both receiving SSI benefits, why wasn’t other social services offered to their family?) Meanwhile, the audacity of Seth (and his parents) to be snobbish and judgmental towards anyone, especially his selected fiancé Rachel‼️ The social façade they (his parents & his brothers endorsed) built around Seth, contributed to his delusional accomplishments, expectations and or standards for himself and a future “perfect” wife all to mitigate his prior failures & validate their family name. However, Seth learned a few valuable lessons on his matrimonial journey the hard way, “experience was the best teacher”. …Karma and her sister vengeance is/are/was treacherous! “Hate has no furry like a woman scorned‼️” Sorry Seth but your actions created these she monsters named Rachel, Caroline, Darla & Ms. Beulah🤷🏾♀️‼️Seth demonstrated disassociated behavioral tendencies, habitual liar, con artist, thief, master manipulator and shares culpability for his recklessness etc. Seth’s final Lessons: Scorned Woman 101….your health (mental or physical), peace and an apology is/was priceless. 👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽💐‼️
Foremost, “Bad Blood” was a great read with comedic moments (C5: “The dish contained a baked possum with its head still attached, garnished with yam wedges.”🫣🫨🤣😂🤭🤦🏾♀️‼️), annoyingly cruel and sinister scenes too. More so, sixty-five chapters was torturous & exasperating, yet I purpose to endure. Yes, this book was entirely too long. Thereafter, Ms. Monroe humanized the faces of the mentally challenged community and their caretakers. Also, she captured the essence of the misconceptions and stereotypes society imposes upon mental healthcare awareness/illnesses/health issues and their humanity. (IE: Janet & Earnest were both receiving SSI benefits, why wasn’t other social services offered to their family?) Meanwhile, the audacity of Seth (and his parents) to be snobbish and judgmental towards anyone, especially his selected fiancé Rachel‼️ The social façade they (his parents & his brothers endorsed) built around Seth, contributed to his delusional accomplishments, expectations and or standards for himself and a future “perfect” wife all to mitigate his prior failures & validate their family name. However, Seth learned a few valuable lessons on his matrimonial journey the hard way, “experience was the best teacher”. …Karma and her sister vengeance is/are/was treacherous! “Hate has no furry like a woman scorned‼️” Sorry Seth but your actions created these she monsters named Rachel, Caroline, Darla & Ms. Beulah🤷🏾♀️‼️Seth demonstrated disassociated behavioral tendencies, habitual liar, con artist, thief, master manipulator and shares culpability for his recklessness etc. Seth’s final Lessons: Scorned Woman 101….your health (mental or physical), peace and an apology is/was priceless. 👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽💐‼️
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April 19, 2024Dnf
March 11, 2017
I'm this book's story line was boring & didn't hold my interest.
December 12, 2021
I just don’t understand why men got to put women through all of that to figure out they messed up! This book is a trip and the men need they tail beat!
August 25, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. "Bad Blood"... So perfectly titled. I really like the way Monroe started the narrative essentially from the middle of the story, gave us the beginning of Rachel & Seth's history and then brought it altogether. I've personally known families like Rachel's who have been stereotyped and generalized by assumptions that often make no sense.
A definite page-turner.
A definite page-turner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2015
There ain't NOTHING like a woman scorned or nothing more more DANGEROUS than a country girl trading her halo for horns!!!
Mary Monroe penned an awesome page turner from beginning to end. This read is fast paced with a few twists and turns, relatable characters and issues. You won't want to put it down.
Mary Monroe penned an awesome page turner from beginning to end. This read is fast paced with a few twists and turns, relatable characters and issues. You won't want to put it down.
August 9, 2015
Great Read
This is another great read from Mary Monroe. If you enjoy her books, you will definitely enjoy this book. It reminds you of Karma and the saying "you never know how your children will turn out". I anticipate her next novel.
This is another great read from Mary Monroe. If you enjoy her books, you will definitely enjoy this book. It reminds you of Karma and the saying "you never know how your children will turn out". I anticipate her next novel.
November 4, 2015
Great read
I have not read one of her books in years. I forgot what a wonderful writer Mary Monroe is.. I was not able to put this book down until I finished it. I'm glad I purchased it.
I have not read one of her books in years. I forgot what a wonderful writer Mary Monroe is.. I was not able to put this book down until I finished it. I'm glad I purchased it.
July 15, 2015
This book was way too slow for me...I didn't even bother finishing it.
July 28, 2015
it seems like each chapter I go to is very interesting and I don't want to put the book down. most definitely a page turner for sure.
July 11, 2016
This was a good book but there are times this book drags and I'm glad I picked this up from the library.
September 4, 2015
I am a big fan of Mary Monroe, and this is another great book!
September 20, 2015
It was a very good book,but long read. Would love to see this as a movie,hope there's a part 2 in the works. All in I would recommend this book.
September 17, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Mary Monroe has a way of making you hate a character and then defending that very same character.
September 27, 2015
Loved it!!!
I loved this book!!! Definitely one of my favorites. Karma is real and Karma don't play...I would definitely recommend it.
I loved this book!!! Definitely one of my favorites. Karma is real and Karma don't play...I would definitely recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews