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Seven Exes #2
Bad Will Hunting
The sequel to Heather Wardell's laugh-out-loud hilarious reality TV send-up, "Seven Exes Are Eight Too Many"!
During her time on "Ragged Royalty", Ashley developed a reputation as the show's scowling shrew. Clever editing, no doubt, but she still hates it. Now that her stint on the show is complete, she's determined to get the revenge she deserves on the producers who made her look so awful. Without it she can't move forward and decide what comes next for her. She knows what doesn't, though--ever seeing MC or Kent or any of the other contestants again. She hates all of them and they hate her too. Who could like "Angry Ashley"?
When she meets sexy attorney Will on the flight home, she believes he can help her get everything she needs. Until he double-crosses her. Now she needs revenge on him too.
After reluctantly enlisting fellow contestant Sam's much-needed help in her "Bad Will Hunting" mission, Ashley turns up a ton of dead ends but also some exciting life-changing possibilities. But she can't get over her need to get one over on Will, and on everyone else who's wronged her.
With so much "bad will" in her way, can Ashley ever find true happiness?
During her time on "Ragged Royalty", Ashley developed a reputation as the show's scowling shrew. Clever editing, no doubt, but she still hates it. Now that her stint on the show is complete, she's determined to get the revenge she deserves on the producers who made her look so awful. Without it she can't move forward and decide what comes next for her. She knows what doesn't, though--ever seeing MC or Kent or any of the other contestants again. She hates all of them and they hate her too. Who could like "Angry Ashley"?
When she meets sexy attorney Will on the flight home, she believes he can help her get everything she needs. Until he double-crosses her. Now she needs revenge on him too.
After reluctantly enlisting fellow contestant Sam's much-needed help in her "Bad Will Hunting" mission, Ashley turns up a ton of dead ends but also some exciting life-changing possibilities. But she can't get over her need to get one over on Will, and on everyone else who's wronged her.
With so much "bad will" in her way, can Ashley ever find true happiness?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2014
4 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Heather Wardell
30 books286 followersI am a natural 1200 wpm speed reader and the author of twenty-three self-published novels including the free ebook "Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo" which has had over 400,000 downloads.
In my spare time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my cat Pearl, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.
I only record books here if I absolutely love them and hugely recommend them. I definitely read more than you see here. :)
In my spare time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my cat Pearl, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.
I only record books here if I absolutely love them and hugely recommend them. I definitely read more than you see here. :)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 2, 2015
Bad Will Hunting is the second book I’ve read from author Heather Wardell. And once again I wasn’t disappointed. Last year I read Fifty Million Reasons, Book #13 from her Toronto Series, which I enjoyed reading.
Bad Will Hunting is Book #2 from Wardell’s Seven Exes Series. Even though it’s a sequel, it is written so that it can be a standalone. I haven’t read book #1 (99% off Kindle btw) in this series and I found that there is enough information to fill you in on the first book’s major events. You don’t feel left out or in limbo as to what is happening.
The writing is fast paced and it has a very good balance between humor and drama to keep you wanting to read the book until the end. There’s a love story, predictable but a feel good one, a love story you are rooting to happen as you read the book. The characters are relatable, even though because of the background reality TV story, they would appeal more to those 20-30-something year old readers, the story contains valuable advice for adult readers regardless of their age group.
The cover, to tell you the truth, I didn’t like it at first glance. More about this on the full review on my blog.
In Bad Will Hunting, we meet Ashley as she comes back from “the island” where she was a contestant in a famous TV dating “reality show” where she was portrayed as the crazy angry chic on the show. If you’ve watched those famous dating reality shows of our times you know what I mean.
Ashley is so hurt about this that she’s hungry for revenge on the producers. On her flight back home, she meets Will, an attorney who agrees to help her. Ashley trusted this guy but was soon after deceived by him and if that was not enough he goes MIA. This infuriates Ashley even more. As if she didn’t have enough on her emotional plate, Ashley feels she also needs revenge on Will too. And so begins her journey (as they say on those reality shows) to find Will and get her reputation straightened up.
I know a lot of people when they hear or read “reality show” get misled. Don’t be fooled about the reality show-revenge plot or the hunting of “Will” the character plot of this book. This book is so much more than that. It has a depth you wouldn’t expect in a story based on those simple looking premises.nThere is more to Ashley than just an apparently angry empty-headed TV character.
Bad Will Hunting is a book that gives the reader hope. Hope that in the midst of negativity, there is always a way to find happiness. A good reminder that everything shall pass. It is full of life lessons. More about this on the full review on my blog.
Bad Will Hunting is a good read, one that I would catalog in my “Women’s Fiction with a plus” shelf. This is a perfect read for Spring or Summer. If you’re in the mood for a realistic uplifting story that will shake your life and give you hope, this is the book for you. A good read for book clubs or classrooms, as interesting discussions on anger management can surge from this story.
I feel grateful for the opportunity given to read this book, it is a story that I know I will always remember, and will read again when I need a little reminder of hope in my life. I’m looking forward to book #3 in this series, which is coming out soon this year and other work from Heather Wardell.
Bad Will Hunting is Book #2 from Wardell’s Seven Exes Series. Even though it’s a sequel, it is written so that it can be a standalone. I haven’t read book #1 (99% off Kindle btw) in this series and I found that there is enough information to fill you in on the first book’s major events. You don’t feel left out or in limbo as to what is happening.
The writing is fast paced and it has a very good balance between humor and drama to keep you wanting to read the book until the end. There’s a love story, predictable but a feel good one, a love story you are rooting to happen as you read the book. The characters are relatable, even though because of the background reality TV story, they would appeal more to those 20-30-something year old readers, the story contains valuable advice for adult readers regardless of their age group.
The cover, to tell you the truth, I didn’t like it at first glance. More about this on the full review on my blog.
In Bad Will Hunting, we meet Ashley as she comes back from “the island” where she was a contestant in a famous TV dating “reality show” where she was portrayed as the crazy angry chic on the show. If you’ve watched those famous dating reality shows of our times you know what I mean.
Ashley is so hurt about this that she’s hungry for revenge on the producers. On her flight back home, she meets Will, an attorney who agrees to help her. Ashley trusted this guy but was soon after deceived by him and if that was not enough he goes MIA. This infuriates Ashley even more. As if she didn’t have enough on her emotional plate, Ashley feels she also needs revenge on Will too. And so begins her journey (as they say on those reality shows) to find Will and get her reputation straightened up.
I know a lot of people when they hear or read “reality show” get misled. Don’t be fooled about the reality show-revenge plot or the hunting of “Will” the character plot of this book. This book is so much more than that. It has a depth you wouldn’t expect in a story based on those simple looking premises.nThere is more to Ashley than just an apparently angry empty-headed TV character.
Bad Will Hunting is a book that gives the reader hope. Hope that in the midst of negativity, there is always a way to find happiness. A good reminder that everything shall pass. It is full of life lessons. More about this on the full review on my blog.
Bad Will Hunting is a good read, one that I would catalog in my “Women’s Fiction with a plus” shelf. This is a perfect read for Spring or Summer. If you’re in the mood for a realistic uplifting story that will shake your life and give you hope, this is the book for you. A good read for book clubs or classrooms, as interesting discussions on anger management can surge from this story.
I feel grateful for the opportunity given to read this book, it is a story that I know I will always remember, and will read again when I need a little reminder of hope in my life. I’m looking forward to book #3 in this series, which is coming out soon this year and other work from Heather Wardell.
July 2, 2022
Huge disappointment after I enjoyed the first book in the series so much. Why the author chose a completely unlikable character to focus the second book on was beyond me. Ashley is a mean, messed up woman with no redeeming qualities. I have no idea what Sam or any man would see in her. And then after reading about all the horrible things Ashley has done for her entire life, we're supposed to believe that after a few sessions with the therapist she's completely changed (even though admits has more work to do) - right?!!? No one changes a lifetime of behavior that quickly. Just a terrible follow up for a good start to the series; and unfortunately the third book is to be for another unlikable character. I just don't get it because I need to at least like the main character a little bit to enjoy the story.
August 8, 2017
The way Ashley thinks got me really scared like it was revenge revenge revenge and she'd do it too, not only thinking. It did tire me a bit to read but I read through and the huge character development was very nice to read and I got so happy ~ maybe it did go a bit too fast but I'm not sure if you can put a time on acceptance so yeah.... Sam is also like so boyfriend material ❤️o❤️ I'm glad he said it was enough when it was but willing to wait.
June 16, 2019
This was more on the okay side, Ashley is so angry and vengeful and it gets old. The romance with Sam doesn't really get enough of the story to balance out the other.
January 26, 2015
Ashley can't believe how the producers of the show Ragged Royalty duped her. They made her miss her closest friend and cousins funeral under the guise that she would be on the show Stranded! in his honour, and when she finds out that she's been tricked and instead is being stranded on an island with her ex-boyfriend and a few of his other exes, she is furious and determined to get her revenge. Revenge comes in the form of Will Smith, a sexy attorney that she meets on the plane home, who tells Ashley that she should sue the producers of Ragged Royalty and make them pay.
When Ashley discovers that Will is a fraud, her anger is incensed even more and revenge remains foremost on her mind. She knows that she needs to find Will and make him pay for humiliating her in front of the Ragged Royalty producers and that she won't be able to rest until she does so. She also knows that in order to put this whole ordeal behind her she doesn't want to see anyone from the show ever again. That's why she is surprised when MC and Kent make it a point to start inviting her to their parties and gatherings, and she's even more surprised when they invite her to do a reading at their wedding. Why are these people even bothering with "Angry Ashley"? She's even more surprised when Sam, a fellow contestant on the show, starts spending time with her and helping her with her dream of starting her own hair braiding video business. Why would someone as nice as Sam want to spend time with someone like her?
Despite the new people and experiences that come into her life Ashley finds it impossible to move past her plans for revenge for those who have hurt her. With so much negativity in her life will Ashley be able to find happiness?
I have mixed feelings about Bad Will Hunting. On one hand, it was everything that I have come to expect from Heather Wardell. The writing was spot-on, as usual, and the plot was unique and it drew me in. I really enjoyed the fact that this is a sequel to Seven Exes Are Eight Too Many, one of my favourite books by this author. The cast of supporting characters were great, and I especially liked the development of Sam's character, someone who we did not get to know well in the previous book.
What I didn't like about Bad Will Hunting was Ashley. This is the tricky part for me. On one hand I know that Ashley being angry and unlikable was a key plot point, and the book would not have been the same without it. On the other hand I really, really did not like her. I understood that life has not been kind to her up to this point. Abandoned by her parents at a young age, raised by her cantankerous grandparents, losing her best friend and cousin suddenly- all of these things are bound to make a person miserable. But to me Ashley seemed to have given up on life. She refused to better herself in life because she was worried that she could fail, or that by bettering herself she would be opening herself up to being hurt in some way. I found her to be whiny and angry and fixated on revenge, and therefore she was not a very pleasant person to read about. I didn't root for her throughout the book because of her "woe is me" attitude, and I even thought that the sweet and patient Sam was far too good for someone like her. She just refused to try to make the best of her life for so much of the book.
What turned the story around for me was the ending. It was during the final quarter of the book that I came to like her, and I'm glad that I did because the conclusion saved the book for me. Ashley finally started becoming a likable person and I like how those changes in her personality changed the tone of the book.
Even though Bad Will Hunting is the sequel to Seven Exes Are Eight Too Many, it isn't necessary to read the one to enjoy the other, though that will certainly enhance your reading experience. I was especially excited at the end to read that there will be a sequel to the book that starts where this one leaves off, although this time the focus will be on the vivacious Summer. Despite the fact that Ashley was by far not my favourite person to read about, I can definitely recommend Bad Will Hunting. Heather's writing style and the fabulous conclusion will get you past the fact that Ashley is not the most sympathetic of characters for most of the book. My thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy of this book.
When Ashley discovers that Will is a fraud, her anger is incensed even more and revenge remains foremost on her mind. She knows that she needs to find Will and make him pay for humiliating her in front of the Ragged Royalty producers and that she won't be able to rest until she does so. She also knows that in order to put this whole ordeal behind her she doesn't want to see anyone from the show ever again. That's why she is surprised when MC and Kent make it a point to start inviting her to their parties and gatherings, and she's even more surprised when they invite her to do a reading at their wedding. Why are these people even bothering with "Angry Ashley"? She's even more surprised when Sam, a fellow contestant on the show, starts spending time with her and helping her with her dream of starting her own hair braiding video business. Why would someone as nice as Sam want to spend time with someone like her?
Despite the new people and experiences that come into her life Ashley finds it impossible to move past her plans for revenge for those who have hurt her. With so much negativity in her life will Ashley be able to find happiness?
I have mixed feelings about Bad Will Hunting. On one hand, it was everything that I have come to expect from Heather Wardell. The writing was spot-on, as usual, and the plot was unique and it drew me in. I really enjoyed the fact that this is a sequel to Seven Exes Are Eight Too Many, one of my favourite books by this author. The cast of supporting characters were great, and I especially liked the development of Sam's character, someone who we did not get to know well in the previous book.
What I didn't like about Bad Will Hunting was Ashley. This is the tricky part for me. On one hand I know that Ashley being angry and unlikable was a key plot point, and the book would not have been the same without it. On the other hand I really, really did not like her. I understood that life has not been kind to her up to this point. Abandoned by her parents at a young age, raised by her cantankerous grandparents, losing her best friend and cousin suddenly- all of these things are bound to make a person miserable. But to me Ashley seemed to have given up on life. She refused to better herself in life because she was worried that she could fail, or that by bettering herself she would be opening herself up to being hurt in some way. I found her to be whiny and angry and fixated on revenge, and therefore she was not a very pleasant person to read about. I didn't root for her throughout the book because of her "woe is me" attitude, and I even thought that the sweet and patient Sam was far too good for someone like her. She just refused to try to make the best of her life for so much of the book.
What turned the story around for me was the ending. It was during the final quarter of the book that I came to like her, and I'm glad that I did because the conclusion saved the book for me. Ashley finally started becoming a likable person and I like how those changes in her personality changed the tone of the book.
Even though Bad Will Hunting is the sequel to Seven Exes Are Eight Too Many, it isn't necessary to read the one to enjoy the other, though that will certainly enhance your reading experience. I was especially excited at the end to read that there will be a sequel to the book that starts where this one leaves off, although this time the focus will be on the vivacious Summer. Despite the fact that Ashley was by far not my favourite person to read about, I can definitely recommend Bad Will Hunting. Heather's writing style and the fabulous conclusion will get you past the fact that Ashley is not the most sympathetic of characters for most of the book. My thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy of this book.
November 15, 2014
I have been one of Heather Wardell's biggest fans for years now, loving her books for so many reasons. I love her writing style, which flows so easily that I usually read her books in one sitting. Her characters are so easy for me to relate to, and I always see myself in her characters in some way. Heather's plots are just right: detailed, interesting, and surprising. I love that her books are contemporary women's fiction without a lot of bedroom scenes (sometimes none at all). They are about falling in love, which is so much fun to read about.
But my favorite thing about Heather's books is the character growth in each story. I love seeing people change, and that change usually prods me to look at my own life and the areas where I need improvement. It's the mark of a great writer, the ability to move a reader towards personal growth, all from the simple act of reading a book!
When I first started Bad Will Hunting, I didn't know if I was going to be able to see myself in Ashley. She was so angry (but justly so) that it consumed her every waking thought and every action. Her anger was her driving force in life, and her only source of pleasure and satisfaction. I get mad, sure, but I've never been mad like Ashley is in Bad Will Hunting. Or course, I've never had the things that happen to Ashley happen to me. She has plenty to be righteously angry about.
So I started Bad Will Hunting thinking, "well, I'm not like Ashley, but I know this will still be a great read," simply because it's a "Heather" book. And it was! But to my surprise, Ashley really grew on me as I read her story, and by the end of the book I found several aspects in which we really were alike.
I think that everyone has at some point in their lives experienced the burning pain of loss and betrayal. I know I have, as well as the ache for revenge. Revenge makes you feel better in the moment, but it hurts you in the long run. For much of the story, Ashley doesn't know this. All she knows is that it feels like the world is out to get her and she has to look out for herself because no one else will. And then when her expectations about others' behavior are proved right, and she is hurt, she delivers retribution. Ashley's revenge sometimes exceeds her initial hurt and she ends up feeling worse than she did before...until she focuses her attention on her next target.
I understood Ashley because I too, have wanted to hurt those who have wronged me. I've never gone as far as Ashley usually does, but I have done things I'm not proud of in the name of getting back at those that hurt me. Ashley's rage is all-consuming, coiled inside of her like a poisonous snake waiting to strike. It affects every area of her life, and all of that negative energy builds on itself until finally Ashley reaches a turning point. That turning point, the crux of the story, embodied everything I love about Heather's writing. The resolution of the plot's main conflict was realistic, uplifting, and had practical applications for my own life.
In the end, Bad Will Hunting is a story about a woman who learns that acts of kindness, love, and acceptance can heal a battered heart. It's not the end point that is most important, it's the journey. I'm glad to have taken the journey with Ashley and learned some things about myself along the way.
If you are new to Heather Wardell, her first book, Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tatoo, is free on her website. Read it...you won't be disappointed!
But my favorite thing about Heather's books is the character growth in each story. I love seeing people change, and that change usually prods me to look at my own life and the areas where I need improvement. It's the mark of a great writer, the ability to move a reader towards personal growth, all from the simple act of reading a book!
When I first started Bad Will Hunting, I didn't know if I was going to be able to see myself in Ashley. She was so angry (but justly so) that it consumed her every waking thought and every action. Her anger was her driving force in life, and her only source of pleasure and satisfaction. I get mad, sure, but I've never been mad like Ashley is in Bad Will Hunting. Or course, I've never had the things that happen to Ashley happen to me. She has plenty to be righteously angry about.
So I started Bad Will Hunting thinking, "well, I'm not like Ashley, but I know this will still be a great read," simply because it's a "Heather" book. And it was! But to my surprise, Ashley really grew on me as I read her story, and by the end of the book I found several aspects in which we really were alike.
I think that everyone has at some point in their lives experienced the burning pain of loss and betrayal. I know I have, as well as the ache for revenge. Revenge makes you feel better in the moment, but it hurts you in the long run. For much of the story, Ashley doesn't know this. All she knows is that it feels like the world is out to get her and she has to look out for herself because no one else will. And then when her expectations about others' behavior are proved right, and she is hurt, she delivers retribution. Ashley's revenge sometimes exceeds her initial hurt and she ends up feeling worse than she did before...until she focuses her attention on her next target.
I understood Ashley because I too, have wanted to hurt those who have wronged me. I've never gone as far as Ashley usually does, but I have done things I'm not proud of in the name of getting back at those that hurt me. Ashley's rage is all-consuming, coiled inside of her like a poisonous snake waiting to strike. It affects every area of her life, and all of that negative energy builds on itself until finally Ashley reaches a turning point. That turning point, the crux of the story, embodied everything I love about Heather's writing. The resolution of the plot's main conflict was realistic, uplifting, and had practical applications for my own life.
In the end, Bad Will Hunting is a story about a woman who learns that acts of kindness, love, and acceptance can heal a battered heart. It's not the end point that is most important, it's the journey. I'm glad to have taken the journey with Ashley and learned some things about myself along the way.
If you are new to Heather Wardell, her first book, Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tatoo, is free on her website. Read it...you won't be disappointed!
November 10, 2014
I was lucky enough to have read beta read this book. Heather has done it once again. You do need to read Seven Exes are Eight Too Many before reading this book if you don't want spoilers on how that ends. Sure this book is about Ashley and can be a stand alone but we have many interactions with the characters in Seven Exes so it will spoil that book for you but you don't have to read it to know what is going on in this book. There are so many times you just want to scream at Ashley for her way of thinking and behavior that when she finally realized what she was doing in her desire to always get revenge on people was perfect. Ashley feels wronged in what the reality show was about and is out to want to hurt the network which leads to other things going on where she feels wronged or feels others were wronged so she takes it upon herself to get revenge on these people that wronged her often finding herself in a worse place. The things she experiences and does are things that people could and would possibly do so it is very realistic. I'm looking forward to reading Summer's book next.
September 1, 2015
I love Heather Wardell's work. I have read every one of her books after finding Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo and honestly this was not one my my favorites. It took me a VERY long time to even like the main character, I mean probably up until the last few chapters. I really liked nothing about her so it was difficult for me to get into the book. I usually read Heather's books in a short time but this one I would read, then go on to something else, come back to it hoping I would get into it, but I just never could. I'm looking forward to the next few that she is working on. They seem to be what I love and expect from her!
September 18, 2015
I loved this book. Even though I actually read it a few months ago, I still remember it quite well. It was sweet and very funny, and makes for a great light-hearted read. It’s everything I’ve come to expect from this author, which means it’s well worth reading.
At first, Ashley is not at all likable. She’s very angry and fixated on revenge, which are not pleasant traits. As the book progresses, she’s still not the most lovable heroine, but she does show enough growth and change to make for a decent read.
On the other hand, Sam is lovable from day one. He’s such a sweetheart.
Overall, this was a great romance story that is also highly amusing.
At first, Ashley is not at all likable. She’s very angry and fixated on revenge, which are not pleasant traits. As the book progresses, she’s still not the most lovable heroine, but she does show enough growth and change to make for a decent read.
On the other hand, Sam is lovable from day one. He’s such a sweetheart.
Overall, this was a great romance story that is also highly amusing.
March 5, 2015
This book starts off with a character (Ashley) that you just want to slap some sense into. But as you get to know her and her life, you understand more why she is the way she is. I personally couldn't help but cheer her on. I was also inspired by another character in the book(Becca) to make a change in my lifestyle. I have started running, and like Becca, formerly known as Big Fat Becks, I can only run for about 30 seconds, but I will keep at it.
Thank you, Heather, for the inspiration and the practice in walking in someone else's shoes.
Thank you, Heather, for the inspiration and the practice in walking in someone else's shoes.
November 9, 2014
Another fantastic book from Heather Wardell. I love her books because the stories are engaging and they always provide a thought provoking message. "Bad Will Hunting" is definitely one or her best (so far).
It is so easy to get angry at even the little injustices we face in our everyday lives, but so important to resist the need to strike back. Now if I can just remember this during my daily commute!
It is so easy to get angry at even the little injustices we face in our everyday lives, but so important to resist the need to strike back. Now if I can just remember this during my daily commute!
December 6, 2015
Not like the first book at all.
If you liked the first book in this series you may be shocked at this one. Angry Ashley is portrayed as psychotically angry. I had a very hard time reading this book. I kept reading it because I couldn't believe it had been written by the same author. The humor in the first book was completely missing. I am not sure if I will even try the third book because this one was so painful to read.
If you liked the first book in this series you may be shocked at this one. Angry Ashley is portrayed as psychotically angry. I had a very hard time reading this book. I kept reading it because I couldn't believe it had been written by the same author. The humor in the first book was completely missing. I am not sure if I will even try the third book because this one was so painful to read.
November 15, 2014
Another fantastic book. Reading Seven Ex's is a plus but you don't need to to enjoy this book. Ashley is a strong character once again. She teaches us to value the things in our lives. This story is funny and real. Heather is an amazing writer and you'll love this story.
May 8, 2015
Full review coming soon!
September 24, 2016
Wished I could give it 6 stars, smashing book
April 3, 2017
This book was so different than the first book in the series. At first, I did not like the darker tone. The first book was funny and light and this book is much deeper. I'm glad I stuck with it because I identified with Ashley and I could relate to her struggles to find hope and a better path for herself. I do think the end was a bit rushed. All the changes happened a little fast for it to be realistic, but it is a good book and has a great message.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews