Bad Influence

by Rosie Nixon

Crushing it online…crashing in real life

Following an eventful stint styling Manhattan’s elite, Amber Green is back in London and ready to style her biggest client yet.

Superstar influencer Mandy Sykes is all-American and all-wrong for her new Surrey surroundings. Desperate to endear herself to the British upper crust, and to win likes from a new fanbase, the brash celebrity tasks Amber with providing all the smoke and mirrors she might need.

With only twelve weeks to prove her worth – and to earn the bonus which will secure her dream flat with her steady boyfriend, Rob – Amber’s biggest challenge is to keep her flats firmly on the ground.

But when your new boss has a private life as colourful as her designer wardrobe, and a brother-in-law whose ridiculously good looks can’t help but catch your eye, it becomes hard to tell who’s a genuine influencer, and who is simply a bad influence…

‘This riotous romp is a thrilling and fun ride’ Heat

‘This is a must read for Devil Wears Prada and Shopaholic fans!’ Adele Parks

‘Funny, showy, but also poignant, this is a fashionista’s dream book’ Sun

‘Absolutely riveting, and so true!’ Joan Collins

Genres: Romance

384 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 11, 2026

About the author

Rosie Nixon is Editor-in-Chief of HELLO! where she has worked for the past eight years and has a love of all things celebrity, royal and fashion-related. Rosie previously held senior positions at glossy women's magazines including Grazia, Glamour and Red. In her career she has been lucky enough to attend a multitude of glamorous award ceremonies, premieres and showbiz weddings all around the world. Ever discreet and protective of the big stars she has worked with, Rosie's experience has undoubtedly enabled her to write her debut novel, The Stylist and the sequel coming in 2017, Amber Green Takes Manhattan.

Reviews

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having recently been made redundant, Amber Green is thrilled to be appointed as stylist to social media influencer Mandy Sykes.

Bad Influence is a cracker of a summer read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think what works so well is the level of authority with which Rosie Nixon writes as she comes from the world of fashion and so her depiction of Amber’s life feels authentic and true.

The plot is fast paced and enormously entertaining. There are moments of drama, or humour and of emotion so that there really is something for every reader.

I haven’t read the other Amber Green novels and there’s absolutely no need to have done so to enjoy Bad Influence but I really need to catch up! Amber is a truly modern heroine. She’s a brilliant blend of calm and level headed pragmatism sprinkled with moments of sheer panic so that she’s witty and engaging. I thought her first person viewpoint was perfect. Anyone who has had to convince themselves as much as others that they are capable in their role will find her incredibly relatable.

I have a horrible feeling that Mandy Sykes is realistic too, in spite of what might seem outrageously unreasonable behaviour and demands at times. I loved the way reading about her gave me an insight into a world I would never otherwise experience. There’s a sense of The Wizard of Oz as the reader gets a glimpse behind the curtain of celebrity so effectively.

I also thoroughly appreciated Amber’s boyfriend Rob. He’s very much in the background of the story, but he provides consistency at the same time as being a catalyst for Amber’s thoughts and actions. As his narrative thread gradually unfolds, he adds both warmth and depth to the story.

And there is real depth here alongside the light-hearted entertainment. Themes are profound as Rosie Nixon explores loyalty, trust and media manipulation. The world of media influencers is laid bare (both physically and metaphorically!) highly convincingly so that Bad Influence makes the reader glad to be ordinary.

I thought Bad Influence was a perfect beach read. The clothes, the glamour, the reality of celebrity life, all combined with humour, romance and true-to-life people make it huge fun, totally engaging and fabulously entertaining. I really enjoyed it.

[Emily Glacken · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley for the early eARC copy.
This eye opening story about what is actually involved in the world of "influencing" was a great way to reflect on my personal use of social media and how much I take seriously. There is so much curating and "faking" out there that these influencers can easily become "bad influences" as this book implies. Our FMC, Amber, deals with helping her client that she is styling through some of these important decisions about what she should put out on the internet and whether truth or glam is the way to go. I was definitely expecting more of a romance in this book as I believe that is how it is marketed, but the parts of this book that had romance made my feel a little uncomfortable because of the trope and the plot the author took with our FMC and her love life. I still did enjoy that deep dive into better understanding that what influencers put out into the world is the good stuff that they want people to see, but that behind the scenes, things are not always so perfect.

[Chloe Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been AGES since I read Amber Green Takes Manhattan, so long that I can only vaguely remember the plot. I feel like I need to go back to the beginning for a re-read! Nevertheless, I really enjoyed Bad Influence, which revisits Amber now she is back in England.

Amber was enjoying her job as a window dresser in Selfridges, but she is unfortunately made redundant. However, they say that everything happens for a reason, and Amber is immediately contacted by a representative for famous American influencer, Mandy Sykes. Following a successful interview, Amber takes on the job as Mandy’s live-in stylist. This puts pressure on Amber’s relationship with boyfriend Rob, as they are not allowed any face to face contact for the twelve week period.

Working with Mandy is a whirlwind! There’s mishaps galore as Amber tries to make Mandy see that she needs to love herself first and foremost. But can she get through to her?

Humorous, engaging and fun, with sprinkles of romance throughout. I was well and truly sucked into Amber’s world. I loved the focus on the darker side of social media, and what might be going on behind the scenes of influencers just like Mandy. I really liked Amber and I empathised with her struggles over whether Rob was the right person for her. The only little thing I was left wondering about was would Rob really forgive Amber so easily for what she did? I’m not so sure! Even still, a really enjoyable read 😊

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is a really fun, easy read, and I had a great time with it! I was expecting a little more romance and I envisioned her ending up with the other guy in the story so the way that played out threw me off a bit 🤣 really enjoyed this though! Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me a proof copy.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩷 Blurb -
Crushing it online…crashing in real life
Following an eventful stint styling Manhattan’s elite, Amber Green is back in London and ready to style her biggest client yet.
Superstar influencer Mandy Sykes is all-American and all-wrong for her new Surrey surroundings. Desperate to endear herself to the British upper crust, and to win likes from a new fanbase, the brash celebrity tasks Amber with providing all the smoke and mirrors she might need.
With only twelve weeks to prove her worth – and to earn the bonus which will secure her dream flat with her steady boyfriend, Rob – Amber’s biggest challenge is to keep her flats firmly on the ground.
But when your new boss has a private life as colourful as her designer wardrobe, and a brother-in-law whose ridiculously good looks can’t help but catch your eye, it becomes hard to tell who’s a genuine influencer, and who is simply a bad influence…
❤️ Review -
I really enjoyed this novel. It's the first novel that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. I loved Amber's character and following on her journey when she starts working for the hard to please American Influencer, Mandy Skye's. I also loved that the story shows her vulnerable side, when she isn't allowed to see her Boyfriend or family for 12 weeks whilst, she is on the job. There were also some funny parts, which made me smile. Overall, an enjoyable and entertaining read that I highly recommend to other readers.
💝 Thank you to HQ Stories/ Blogger HQ for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Haxxunne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything turns out great
—
In the last part of Nixon’s fashion-focused trilogy, Amber Green is now in London. As the book starts, she’s just lost her job when one of the world’s biggest influencers reaches out. Maddy Sykes is preparing to move to the UK and she needs a stylist 24/7 for three months while Mandy tries to break into the UK celebrity scene. With no other choices, but this one being pretty good, Amber signs on the dotted line, including three months away from her long-term boyfriend Rob. The trouble is that Maddy’s live-in team includes personal trainer Jimi is easy on the eye, and Amber’s heart flutters. Will Amber be able to resist the temptation of Jimi, or will she abandon Rob for the sexy PT? And will she be able to influence Maddy’s look to engage the British public, or fail in this desperate stage of her career?

I was expecting more romance, more bad influences, more fashion, but definitely more romance. I felt this was a perfectly even piece of writing but it failed to use the strong set-up to build tension and really test Amber’s romantic intentions with Rob and Jimi, or the narrative in Amber’s relationship with Maddy to really look at what bad influences might be. None of Amber’s suggestions ended up in near- or actual disaster, everything turned out great, all on a pretty even keel, which isn’t really a novel, more like a family Christmas circular. If you’re looking for a book that won’t touch the edges of your narrative expectation, here’s the perfect candidate.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been far too many years since I was last able to sit down with a book in the Amber Green series, so I was delighted to see this new release on the schedules.

And the author hasn't lost any of her spark, this was so funny, and just an all around highly enjoyable read.

It was great to catch up with Amber, and although I didn't remember everything from the previous books clearly, there are enough reminders to have made me feel at home fairly quickly back within this world. I love Amber's outlook on life, and her attitude is very can do most of the time.

There is also an overlying message within these pages, one that women especially everywhere should take heed - about body positivity, and learning to love yourself.

As this is what Amber is trying to get her new personal stylist client, Mandy to do. She has been hired as part of her live in team for three months, and it's an interesting group of people that are trying to raise influencer Mandy's profile in the UK.

The story feels a bit bonkers at times, its definitely light hearted and entertaining, and I was loving every second of it.

I'm sorry to hear this is the end of the trilogy, I am hoping there may yet be more books, but get the feeling this may be the end based on the notes in the back matter. Either way, this was a wonderful book to read on a hot summer's day while skiving in the garden!

Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Lisa (Two Bookish Brits) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I seen the description for this I just knew it would be a read I would enjoy and I was right, it was a good one.

I had no idea that this book was the third in the series but it didn’t make the story any less easier to follow.

I loved how easily read this book was. The authors writing flows easily and the story told is so clear to see.

I wasn’t a fan of the relationship between Rob and Amber. For a woman who claims to love someone she so easily fell for the charm of another man whilst claiming she was in love. Her boyfriend was struggling whilst she was straying, so annoying. I found myself skimming pages where she and the other guy were on because I didn’t care for their friendship at all. But this right here is a ME problem lol, I feel to much about fictional characters.

I was a big fan of the self love aspects of the book. The way women are made to feel about their bodies and the way they look is ridiculous. I love how positive Amber was and how her positivity shone on those around her.

This is my first time reading this author and I now know it won’t be my last.

Bad Influence was a fun easy to read chick-lit romance about fashion, self love and finding one’s self whilst doing what one loves.

[Adaliareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑭𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅. 𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 💜

I love when a book surprises me. This was exactly the type of book I needed right now. It was so easy to read and uplifting for me.

Whilst this is categorised as a romance novel, I think it falls more into the contemporary fiction and chick lit genre.

There is romance there, but this is an already developed relationship between Amber and her boyfriend Rob who now live together.

It is part of a series and is the third book, however it can easily be read as a standalone. Rosie did a great job of adding in all the necessary backstories so I didn’t feel lost at any point. It gave me a better sense of Amber as a character as well, especially with the past eventful (to say the least) jobs and life experiences she’s had.

I found myself curious to what Amber’s next venture will be, and I hope to be able to read about it if there is a next instalment. I will definitely be going back and reading the first two books in the series.

Although I am yearning for Autumn, this was a great story to end summer with 💛

Thank you @hqstories for my copy 💜

[WhatFrizRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amber Green is presented with an opportunity at just the right time but can she really handle working with the demanding American talent who has hired her with some very particular terms and conditions?

This is an easy but engaging read; the characters are likeable and realistic, the themes that run through the book are largely to do with social media, authenticity and relationships and are all explored naturally within the plot. Pregnancy and motherhood feature quite prominently too. I didn't realise before reading that this is the third book in a series all about Amber Green - however this didn't affect my enjoyment nor understanding of the book.

It wasn't overly predictable which is a nice change with this genre - and I did find myself swept up in the story, needing to know how it ended!!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️Spoiler Free Review⭐️

Thanks to @netgalley, the author & publisher for the ARC.

This was a fun, easy reading, chick-lit, book. I didn't realise it was the 3rd book in the Amber Green series but it didn't affect the storyline, for me. The characters were ok, I wasn't overly invested in them, and if I'm being totally honest, I found I could skip through some pages. That being said, I enjoyed the fashion side of it, and the self-love aspect. It would make an ideal holiday read where you just want to kick back, relax and not think too hard.

[isabella lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was fine but i didn’t feel totally invested in the characters or the story

as it went on it i realised it felt like a sequel and then i looked into it and found out it’s part of a series which makes sense, maybe i would’ve enjoyed it more if id read the other books first

i did like the messages about self love etc although they did feel a little over the top/forced

thank you to netgalley and HQ for this arc!!

[Joebella P Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a little deviation from my normal
Dark thriller reads, but every now and then I love a light hearted read in between the thrillers. This was the perfect book for that, so much fun to read. Thanks to @hqstories for sending me this. PR/GIFTED.

Amber Green has recently been made redundant. Luckily an amazing opportunity arrives to style famous influencer Mandy Sykes. Mandy is moving to the UK and wants to build her fan base here and needs Amber to help her fit in with British style. Amber has 12 weeks to prove herself and possibly earn a huge bonus which could mean her and Rob could buy their dream flat. Mandy’s private life is chaotic, she’s has a gorgeous brother in law who could be a distraction, will Amber survive the 12 weeks in the influencer world?

This was an incredibly easy, fun read. I loved the character of Amber. She’s funny, with a dry wit that is entertaining. It made me laugh quite a few times particularly with the British humour compared with Mandy and her American ways.

Mandy’s character was very typical over the top American, loads of crazy ideas and outrageous behaviour . You didn’t know what she was going to do or suggest next. I imagine there are many influencers like this, and behind the scenes could be quite similar to Mandy. Mandy did have a softer side and it was nice to see that more emotional side come out through her relationship with Amber in the book.

This book is full of drama, light hearted and entertaining with lots of humour. I didn’t know there were other books in this series, but this has definitely made me want to go read those now. I’d recommend this if you want a fun read