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Be My Bad Guy
Damsel? Check. In distress? Check. Dealing with it? Kinda.
Lacey Vigil has been trying to break up with her city’s resident billionaire superhero, Steel Heel, for a while. It’s not easy when she keeps getting kidnapped by his enemies. When her ex is late to the rescue, an evil henchmen swoops in to save her instead (he only drops her once). Lacey might have expected the scary blue mutant with wings and a tail, but not his ice coffee addiction or fanged, devil-may-care smile.
Ellis is an unethical lab experiment, a bit of a slacker, and honestly kind of a fuckboy. It wasn’t his idea to join the family business, but he wants to see his dad’s work restored to him. He’s always had a thing for the reporter from Channel 6, but when Lacey asks for his help investigating where the mutants are coming from, he refuses. Despite thirsting over the magnitude of her ass, he knows she just wants him for information. They’re on opposing sides – whoever heard of a superhero’s girlfriend and supervillain’s henchman working together?
Lacey and Ellis keep tangling in everything from breaking into secret laboratories, to surprise bagel dates, to a balcony strip tease. The closer they become, the less they can avoid the wedge between them– Steel Heel. Ellis sees the way living at the top of Steel’s tower shapes Lacey’s worldview, her people-pleasing complacency in the status quo, even when it means ignoring the shitty ways her ex treats her.
Ellis urges Lacey to stand up for herself and finally leave her superhero ex on her own terms. Everything Lacey learns about Ellis makes her question what she thought she knew about the mutant crisis— it contradicts her ex’s narrative. Lacey wants to believe Ellis is genuine in his feelings for her, but she’s not sure if she can trust her heart.
BE MY BAD GUY is a spicy M/F monster romance with a typical superhero comic book backdrop, with 68,000 words.
Lacey Vigil has been trying to break up with her city’s resident billionaire superhero, Steel Heel, for a while. It’s not easy when she keeps getting kidnapped by his enemies. When her ex is late to the rescue, an evil henchmen swoops in to save her instead (he only drops her once). Lacey might have expected the scary blue mutant with wings and a tail, but not his ice coffee addiction or fanged, devil-may-care smile.
Ellis is an unethical lab experiment, a bit of a slacker, and honestly kind of a fuckboy. It wasn’t his idea to join the family business, but he wants to see his dad’s work restored to him. He’s always had a thing for the reporter from Channel 6, but when Lacey asks for his help investigating where the mutants are coming from, he refuses. Despite thirsting over the magnitude of her ass, he knows she just wants him for information. They’re on opposing sides – whoever heard of a superhero’s girlfriend and supervillain’s henchman working together?
Lacey and Ellis keep tangling in everything from breaking into secret laboratories, to surprise bagel dates, to a balcony strip tease. The closer they become, the less they can avoid the wedge between them– Steel Heel. Ellis sees the way living at the top of Steel’s tower shapes Lacey’s worldview, her people-pleasing complacency in the status quo, even when it means ignoring the shitty ways her ex treats her.
Ellis urges Lacey to stand up for herself and finally leave her superhero ex on her own terms. Everything Lacey learns about Ellis makes her question what she thought she knew about the mutant crisis— it contradicts her ex’s narrative. Lacey wants to believe Ellis is genuine in his feelings for her, but she’s not sure if she can trust her heart.
BE MY BAD GUY is a spicy M/F monster romance with a typical superhero comic book backdrop, with 68,000 words.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2026
21 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Kate Prior
14 books446 followers#Romance author, illustrator, hermit. 💕💜💙 My office monster romances are on KU.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 21, 2026
If you watched X2 and wanted to see what Nightcrawler’s tail could do, boy is this a book for you.
Be My Bad Guy was my first experience with Kate Prior and it's not going to be my last. I largely enjoyed the book because it felt like almost everything I wanted superhero comics to do…
This book is what I called an “inherited enemies-to-lovers relationship” in my notes. Lacey is a perky reporter girl (think Meryl from Trigun but taller and thicker) who is better known for her relationship with the city’s biggest (only? hero) Clayton [he has a superhero name, but I did only refer to him via insults in my notes so…]. Ellis, a mutant minion (we think, at first) for the “mad” scientist Dr. Maestro, is one of the latest fiends to kidnap her with the intent of holding her hostage as bait for her superhero lover.
The only problem? Lacey and that big tool in spandex… aren’t together anymore and they haven’t been a real relationship for ages. On top of that, the relationship hadn’t been all that great (and was plenty toxic on his part) before that. Throw in a mutant-related mystery that gets resolved by the end of the book on top of the complicated nature of having your rebound guy (at first) be your ex-boyfriend’s enemy… and you have a story that feels like a horny comic book waiting to explode.
What I liked:
-Ellis is very good at communication, actually. It’s nice to get a ML who uses his words even when he does want to run away. (I’m pretty sure does lightly ghost Lacey a few times, to be clear, but I don’t count it as a lack of communication and instead him removing himself from a situation where he’ll express his big feelings poorly.)
-Lacey’s slow-dawning realization that her relationship with Clayton was super toxic is very well done. It felt just like the reality of being in a toxic (and dare I say, abusive) relationship where you’re like a frog in a pot and can’t see the real situation that has you in danger.
-Kate Prior is very good at making Ellis come to life. I truly could visualize him as I read. (Lacey was pretty easy to visualize as well, but Ellis was vivid as heck.)
-I love first person present tense, especially as it’s done here with the two POVs. It just felt so fresh and immediate and I was, at the action and sex scenes in particular, just fully locked in.
-“pint of jizz”
-Dr. Maestro is a kind of sweet and subversive take on the “mad scientist”. Here, he’s a doting doddering dad who just loves his kids and hates… whatever the heck Clayton is doing. There’s a scene near the book’s climax once we get our reveals and it just… hit me right in the feels. I care him.
What I wished there was more of:
-Developing the worldbuilding a bit more. This feels like – and I do hope it is – the first in a series but I wanted more of the world they lived in. Are there other villains and heroes? Why is Clayton able to get so much power [beyond the billionaire of it all]?
-Speaking of Clayton, I wasn’t satisfied by his ending… mostly because there is none? I suspect that this is because, again, this has got to be the start of a series and there are bigger bads waiting in the wings, but I did want some of the neatness that a Marvel movie would provide me with.
-“pint of jizz”
-Lacey was… a little frustrating. In my notes I acknowledge that my feelings of finding her “stressful” are because I’m reading a very realistic portrayal of a young woman trying to start a new relationship before she ends a toxic one…. And I also did just find her a little too frustrating at points. I kept pausing to yell “girl make sense” at my phone as I worked my way through the ARC. (This, might just be a “me” problem.)
Overall, this was such a solid introduction to Kate Prior’s work. Obviously, as half of my comments are “I want more of this, I want to see more”, I’m ready for well… just that.
I’m hoping for a second book in the series – because Ellis’s brother is kind of… grumpy and hot, and I hope he gets a sunshine – and will be checking out her back catalog.
[I received a copy of this book as an ARC from the author/her team in exchange for an honest review.]
Be My Bad Guy was my first experience with Kate Prior and it's not going to be my last. I largely enjoyed the book because it felt like almost everything I wanted superhero comics to do…
This book is what I called an “inherited enemies-to-lovers relationship” in my notes. Lacey is a perky reporter girl (think Meryl from Trigun but taller and thicker) who is better known for her relationship with the city’s biggest (only? hero) Clayton [he has a superhero name, but I did only refer to him via insults in my notes so…]. Ellis, a mutant minion (we think, at first) for the “mad” scientist Dr. Maestro, is one of the latest fiends to kidnap her with the intent of holding her hostage as bait for her superhero lover.
The only problem? Lacey and that big tool in spandex… aren’t together anymore and they haven’t been a real relationship for ages. On top of that, the relationship hadn’t been all that great (and was plenty toxic on his part) before that. Throw in a mutant-related mystery that gets resolved by the end of the book on top of the complicated nature of having your rebound guy (at first) be your ex-boyfriend’s enemy… and you have a story that feels like a horny comic book waiting to explode.
What I liked:
-Ellis is very good at communication, actually. It’s nice to get a ML who uses his words even when he does want to run away. (I’m pretty sure does lightly ghost Lacey a few times, to be clear, but I don’t count it as a lack of communication and instead him removing himself from a situation where he’ll express his big feelings poorly.)
-Lacey’s slow-dawning realization that her relationship with Clayton was super toxic is very well done. It felt just like the reality of being in a toxic (and dare I say, abusive) relationship where you’re like a frog in a pot and can’t see the real situation that has you in danger.
-Kate Prior is very good at making Ellis come to life. I truly could visualize him as I read. (Lacey was pretty easy to visualize as well, but Ellis was vivid as heck.)
-I love first person present tense, especially as it’s done here with the two POVs. It just felt so fresh and immediate and I was, at the action and sex scenes in particular, just fully locked in.
-“pint of jizz”
-Dr. Maestro is a kind of sweet and subversive take on the “mad scientist”. Here, he’s a doting doddering dad who just loves his kids and hates… whatever the heck Clayton is doing. There’s a scene near the book’s climax once we get our reveals and it just… hit me right in the feels. I care him.
What I wished there was more of:
-Developing the worldbuilding a bit more. This feels like – and I do hope it is – the first in a series but I wanted more of the world they lived in. Are there other villains and heroes? Why is Clayton able to get so much power [beyond the billionaire of it all]?
-Speaking of Clayton, I wasn’t satisfied by his ending… mostly because there is none? I suspect that this is because, again, this has got to be the start of a series and there are bigger bads waiting in the wings, but I did want some of the neatness that a Marvel movie would provide me with.
-“pint of jizz”
-Lacey was… a little frustrating. In my notes I acknowledge that my feelings of finding her “stressful” are because I’m reading a very realistic portrayal of a young woman trying to start a new relationship before she ends a toxic one…. And I also did just find her a little too frustrating at points. I kept pausing to yell “girl make sense” at my phone as I worked my way through the ARC. (This, might just be a “me” problem.)
Overall, this was such a solid introduction to Kate Prior’s work. Obviously, as half of my comments are “I want more of this, I want to see more”, I’m ready for well… just that.
I’m hoping for a second book in the series – because Ellis’s brother is kind of… grumpy and hot, and I hope he gets a sunshine – and will be checking out her back catalog.
[I received a copy of this book as an ARC from the author/her team in exchange for an honest review.]
January 11, 2026
An enjoyable read that started off strong with Megamind vibes, snark & banter that had me smirking to myself as I read, and a fun more unique mutant/monster design.
Unfortunately it did fizzle out a bit for me towards the middle; the FMC was quite frustrating and it felt kind of childish/immature at times in contrast to the very adult situations (both intimate and otherwise, with the whole abusive ex with a major power imbalance thing). There were a good bit of inconsistencies/minor plot holes, little things that didn’t make sense or were just too unbelievable even in the fictional world this all takes place in at least the way they were dropped in and then never expanded upon, which was hard to ignore when the characters were already annoying me. The overall plot was good though, even if I knew what was going to happen the whole time (seriously, not a single surprise to be had, but sometimes that's kind of nice) and I loved the devil-may-care bad-boy-but-actually-good-man character of Ellis. His character kind of carried the book for me, even when he was acting immature too.
The final 20 or so percent of the book brought the spark back, which is how I landed on 4 stars instead of 3. The action scenes were well-written and it was satisfying when Lacey *finally* grew a backbone. Plus I really enjoyed that after all the hinting about tail play we do get a steamy tail scene at the end. But I think at that point I was a bit fed up with the two mains acting like dumb kids vs adults in their 20s; after the big lead up to Lacey finally realizing how bad her situation with the ex was, for Ellis to just avoid her? UGH.
If you’re someone that can’t stand repeated stupid decisions, especially when the character(s) knows they’re stupid decisions, you might want to pass on this one. But if you’re someone that doesn’t take that kind of frustration to heart and you like cheeky humor, writing that borders on parody in the way it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and a story that is fairly unique, at least in terms of the monster romance market, then I would say go for it because at the end of the day, flaws and all, it was entertaining.
Unfortunately it did fizzle out a bit for me towards the middle; the FMC was quite frustrating and it felt kind of childish/immature at times in contrast to the very adult situations (both intimate and otherwise, with the whole abusive ex with a major power imbalance thing). There were a good bit of inconsistencies/minor plot holes, little things that didn’t make sense or were just too unbelievable even in the fictional world this all takes place in at least the way they were dropped in and then never expanded upon, which was hard to ignore when the characters were already annoying me. The overall plot was good though, even if I knew what was going to happen the whole time (seriously, not a single surprise to be had, but sometimes that's kind of nice) and I loved the devil-may-care bad-boy-but-actually-good-man character of Ellis. His character kind of carried the book for me, even when he was acting immature too.
The final 20 or so percent of the book brought the spark back, which is how I landed on 4 stars instead of 3. The action scenes were well-written and it was satisfying when Lacey *finally* grew a backbone. Plus I really enjoyed that after all the hinting about tail play we do get a steamy tail scene at the end. But I think at that point I was a bit fed up with the two mains acting like dumb kids vs adults in their 20s; after the big lead up to Lacey finally realizing how bad her situation with the ex was, for Ellis to just avoid her? UGH.
If you’re someone that can’t stand repeated stupid decisions, especially when the character(s) knows they’re stupid decisions, you might want to pass on this one. But if you’re someone that doesn’t take that kind of frustration to heart and you like cheeky humor, writing that borders on parody in the way it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and a story that is fairly unique, at least in terms of the monster romance market, then I would say go for it because at the end of the day, flaws and all, it was entertaining.
January 21, 2026
Ellis is too freaking adorable for words, but Imma try.
He is sweet and thoughtful and mysterious and sexy and a full on simp.
I loved everything about him!
Lacey is spicy and sweet and trying to find her way in the world.
These two had me giggling and fanning my face and raising my eyebrows a lot.
Just another book where Kate Prior does what she does and for some I am always surprised by the delights held within her pages.
Thank you Kate & BookFunnel for my ARC.
He is sweet and thoughtful and mysterious and sexy and a full on simp.
I loved everything about him!
Lacey is spicy and sweet and trying to find her way in the world.
These two had me giggling and fanning my face and raising my eyebrows a lot.
Just another book where Kate Prior does what she does and for some I am always surprised by the delights held within her pages.
Thank you Kate & BookFunnel for my ARC.
January 7, 2026
Not what I was expecting, but still so good.
Why don’t more henchgoons have romances? Henchgoons deserve love too! I loved Ellis. I loved him so much. He was hilarious and so NOT smooth, 20/10 MMC right there. He was also inherently *good* he’s a good guy! It would be near impossible not to fall for him.
Lacey was career focused, but never quite tipped over into tunnel vision so she remained likable and someone I was rooting for. Ellis was so over the moon for her it was easy to love her too.
I could not personally relate to the struggles Lacey had with her ex, but they made me furious on page so I’m going to believe that the gaslighting/abusive ex was a decently accurate portrayal.
I greatly enjoyed this book and am thankful to have been part of the early readers! Kate Prior is always an auto-buy author for me, and this was a shining example as to why.
Why don’t more henchgoons have romances? Henchgoons deserve love too! I loved Ellis. I loved him so much. He was hilarious and so NOT smooth, 20/10 MMC right there. He was also inherently *good* he’s a good guy! It would be near impossible not to fall for him.
Lacey was career focused, but never quite tipped over into tunnel vision so she remained likable and someone I was rooting for. Ellis was so over the moon for her it was easy to love her too.
I could not personally relate to the struggles Lacey had with her ex, but they made me furious on page so I’m going to believe that the gaslighting/abusive ex was a decently accurate portrayal.
I greatly enjoyed this book and am thankful to have been part of the early readers! Kate Prior is always an auto-buy author for me, and this was a shining example as to why.
December 1, 2025
Cute, clever, h0rny, and funny, this turns the superhero trope on its head, à la The B0ys.
Television weather personality Lacey’s megalomaniacal ex-BF still thinks she should continue to be his plus one to public events as well as do his bidding, all while he pops into her apartment unannounced and unwanted. Also, the so-called mutants he’s been fighting have been kidnapping her and they all seem to perish at their own hand as soon as her ex comes to her rescue.
Lab-created by a kindly and now-frail scientist, Ellis meets his celebrity crush Lacey after thirsting after her online when he and his lab-created brother kidnap her to mess with the “hero”. Neither are prepared for the sparks that fly between them, and Ellis continues to find ways to run into Lacey.
While Ellis’s feelings are reciprocated, Lacey still has ambivalence about her ex, and she’s adamant about not dating a “bad guy”. Of course nothing is as it seems with regard to the kidnapping/mutants situation, and a wild ride comes to a wilder end… but is it over?
I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Television weather personality Lacey’s megalomaniacal ex-BF still thinks she should continue to be his plus one to public events as well as do his bidding, all while he pops into her apartment unannounced and unwanted. Also, the so-called mutants he’s been fighting have been kidnapping her and they all seem to perish at their own hand as soon as her ex comes to her rescue.
Lab-created by a kindly and now-frail scientist, Ellis meets his celebrity crush Lacey after thirsting after her online when he and his lab-created brother kidnap her to mess with the “hero”. Neither are prepared for the sparks that fly between them, and Ellis continues to find ways to run into Lacey.
While Ellis’s feelings are reciprocated, Lacey still has ambivalence about her ex, and she’s adamant about not dating a “bad guy”. Of course nothing is as it seems with regard to the kidnapping/mutants situation, and a wild ride comes to a wilder end… but is it over?
I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest review.
February 26, 2026
Only okay.
This paranormal romance had all the elements I don’t like about contemporary rom-coms, and DIDN’T have the elements I love in paranormal romance. However, it was well written. Just not necessarily my cup of tea.
This paranormal romance had all the elements I don’t like about contemporary rom-coms, and DIDN’T have the elements I love in paranormal romance. However, it was well written. Just not necessarily my cup of tea.
December 6, 2025
✨ARC BOOK REVIEW✨Be My Bad Guy by Katie Prior
Rating: 🔉🔉🔉🔉
This was a really cute monster romance with some insta lust/love. The beginning was a little confusing but I caught on and it makes sense a few pages later. I figured out the plot twist pretty early, but I was still entertained. Lacey and Ellis have some good banter. I wish it was a tad longer as it felt a bit rushed at different points. I hope Adrianna gets her own book. This book is like a mix of Megamind, Superman, Gargoyles, and X-men.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Lacey Vigil has been trying to break up with her city’s resident billionaire superhero, Steel Heel, for a while. It’s not easy when she keeps getting kidnapped by his enemies. When her ex is late to the rescue, an evil henchmen swoops in to save her instead (he only drops her once). Lacey might have expected the scary blue mutant with wings and a tail, but not his ice coffee addiction or fanged, devil-may-care smile.
Lacey and Ellis keep tangling in everything from breaking into secret laboratories, to surprise bagel dates, to a balcony strip tease. The closer they become, the less they can avoid the wedge between them– Steel Heel. Ellis sees the way living at the top of Steel’s tower shapes Lacey’s worldview, her people-pleasing complacency in the status quo, even when it means ignoring the shitty ways her ex treats her.
Release Date: January 20, 2026
✨My Rating System✨
🔉🔉🔉🔉 🔉- Hit all the vibes
🔉🔉🔉🔉 - Hit some good vibes
🔉🔉🔉 - I vibed
🔉🔉 - The vibes were meh
🔉 - Barely found a vibe
DNF - Zero vibes
My rating system does not equate to the quality of the books, therefore, you’re still on your own. It’s legit just about how I vibed with the book at the time.
Rating: 🔉🔉🔉🔉
This was a really cute monster romance with some insta lust/love. The beginning was a little confusing but I caught on and it makes sense a few pages later. I figured out the plot twist pretty early, but I was still entertained. Lacey and Ellis have some good banter. I wish it was a tad longer as it felt a bit rushed at different points. I hope Adrianna gets her own book. This book is like a mix of Megamind, Superman, Gargoyles, and X-men.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Lacey Vigil has been trying to break up with her city’s resident billionaire superhero, Steel Heel, for a while. It’s not easy when she keeps getting kidnapped by his enemies. When her ex is late to the rescue, an evil henchmen swoops in to save her instead (he only drops her once). Lacey might have expected the scary blue mutant with wings and a tail, but not his ice coffee addiction or fanged, devil-may-care smile.
Lacey and Ellis keep tangling in everything from breaking into secret laboratories, to surprise bagel dates, to a balcony strip tease. The closer they become, the less they can avoid the wedge between them– Steel Heel. Ellis sees the way living at the top of Steel’s tower shapes Lacey’s worldview, her people-pleasing complacency in the status quo, even when it means ignoring the shitty ways her ex treats her.
Release Date: January 20, 2026
✨My Rating System✨
🔉🔉🔉🔉 🔉- Hit all the vibes
🔉🔉🔉🔉 - Hit some good vibes
🔉🔉🔉 - I vibed
🔉🔉 - The vibes were meh
🔉 - Barely found a vibe
DNF - Zero vibes
My rating system does not equate to the quality of the books, therefore, you’re still on your own. It’s legit just about how I vibed with the book at the time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
i received a digital copy of this book as an advanced reader copy (ARC). i have not received any compensation or incentives to influence my review on this, or any other, platform.
ok yes, i knew exactly what was going to happen but i still wanted to find out! 4.7/5 stars
potential triggers: emotional abuse/manipulation, domestic violence, impending parental death, mild on-page gore, alcohol use, graphic on-page monster/human sex, mild voyeurism
was it entertaining?
lacey is all the best and worst parts of the perpetually likeable girl next door and exactly who you would expect to see with the boy next door. she's cute, she's funny, she's gainfully employed, and she has the prototypical "clean girl" apartment. her boyfriend is, in fact, the boy next door...if the boy next door had the financial resources of lex luthor. ellis is not the boy next door. i cannot stress this enough. he is the son, and henchman, of the bad guy. you are not supposed to like him nor should you be rooting for his long-standing, one-sided crush on tv reporter, lacey. he's practically a stalker and he does crimes against her boyfriend! and yet...
despite seeing the twist coming from a mile away, yes. it was so much fun to read! i wouldn't call it insta-love, but it's a great lesson in why unrequited crushes almost never work out well. our MMC spends so much time building up the image of the FMC in his head, that it's almost heartbreaking to watch him realize that she's literally just a girl. lacey, beautiful and funny though she is, is still just a person who has her own trauma and backstory (which we, the readers, don't get very much of) that leads her to make incredibly questionable and frustrating choices over, and over, and over again.
this is not a trope forward book (and thank g-d for that). they're certainly present, but not enough to make me want to list them out in a review. this is a book with an actual plot to recommend it. and character development, which felt ever so slightly rushed towards the end, but that's my biggest fixable complaint. and it's really minor. as an aside, i am desperately holding out hope that the MMC's brother and the FMC's best friend have a story of their own coming at some point. they literally never interact on-page, but i'm delusional and i think they're perfect for each other. 4/5 stars
was it enjoyable?
oh god, yes. it took me a minute to get into it but that's a me problem. the story moves at a respectable clip and things start happening almost immediately. at no point did i feel like i was hurtling towards a conclusion, nor did it feel like there was a minimum page count to meet. i was fully invested in everyone, from start to finish. but, i will admit to cussing at lacey in my head. repeatedly. and ellis a little bit.
this is not because lacey is 19 and prone to life-threatening idiocy. this is because lacey is 26 and prone to rage-inducing bouts of obstinance and idiocy. she just...does stuff. and i'm not blaming the author for my frustration, but if you regularly find yourself getting mad at characters for doing stuff that you would never do, that's something to mentally prepare for. i'm not taking any points away for this, because it's entirely internal, but i did struggle with her decision making at times. even worse, lacey is entirely self-aware and she KNOWS that she's being dumb!!!!
if you’re someone who cares about on-page sex, it is present. it’s not gratuitous or especially plentiful, but there are 2 extended scenes, a semi-public striptease, and some moderate ogling from both MCs. 5/5 stars
was it well-written?
no notes, carry on. 5/5 stars
ok yes, i knew exactly what was going to happen but i still wanted to find out! 4.7/5 stars
potential triggers: emotional abuse/manipulation, domestic violence, impending parental death, mild on-page gore, alcohol use, graphic on-page monster/human sex, mild voyeurism
was it entertaining?
lacey is all the best and worst parts of the perpetually likeable girl next door and exactly who you would expect to see with the boy next door. she's cute, she's funny, she's gainfully employed, and she has the prototypical "clean girl" apartment. her boyfriend is, in fact, the boy next door...if the boy next door had the financial resources of lex luthor. ellis is not the boy next door. i cannot stress this enough. he is the son, and henchman, of the bad guy. you are not supposed to like him nor should you be rooting for his long-standing, one-sided crush on tv reporter, lacey. he's practically a stalker and he does crimes against her boyfriend! and yet...
despite seeing the twist coming from a mile away, yes. it was so much fun to read! i wouldn't call it insta-love, but it's a great lesson in why unrequited crushes almost never work out well. our MMC spends so much time building up the image of the FMC in his head, that it's almost heartbreaking to watch him realize that she's literally just a girl. lacey, beautiful and funny though she is, is still just a person who has her own trauma and backstory (which we, the readers, don't get very much of) that leads her to make incredibly questionable and frustrating choices over, and over, and over again.
this is not a trope forward book (and thank g-d for that). they're certainly present, but not enough to make me want to list them out in a review. this is a book with an actual plot to recommend it. and character development, which felt ever so slightly rushed towards the end, but that's my biggest fixable complaint. and it's really minor. as an aside, i am desperately holding out hope that the MMC's brother and the FMC's best friend have a story of their own coming at some point. they literally never interact on-page, but i'm delusional and i think they're perfect for each other. 4/5 stars
was it enjoyable?
oh god, yes. it took me a minute to get into it but that's a me problem. the story moves at a respectable clip and things start happening almost immediately. at no point did i feel like i was hurtling towards a conclusion, nor did it feel like there was a minimum page count to meet. i was fully invested in everyone, from start to finish. but, i will admit to cussing at lacey in my head. repeatedly. and ellis a little bit.
this is not because lacey is 19 and prone to life-threatening idiocy. this is because lacey is 26 and prone to rage-inducing bouts of obstinance and idiocy. she just...does stuff. and i'm not blaming the author for my frustration, but if you regularly find yourself getting mad at characters for doing stuff that you would never do, that's something to mentally prepare for. i'm not taking any points away for this, because it's entirely internal, but i did struggle with her decision making at times. even worse, lacey is entirely self-aware and she KNOWS that she's being dumb!!!!
if you’re someone who cares about on-page sex, it is present. it’s not gratuitous or especially plentiful, but there are 2 extended scenes, a semi-public striptease, and some moderate ogling from both MCs. 5/5 stars
was it well-written?
no notes, carry on. 5/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐🦇
You ever watch superhero movies and think "damn I want the bad guy to get the girl"? well then, here we go!
Lacey is the local weather girl for Channel 6 News. During the day she's either on camera doing her reports or working on her conspiracy board trying to figure out the cause of the city's recent mutant problem. At night, more often than she'd personally like, she's getting kidnapped by said mutants. Being the (ex) girlfriend of a superhero definitely has its drawbacks. Besides the kidnapping thing there's also the whole "he's super invasive and doesn't respect her boundaries and has not let her officially leave the relationship in the 5 months since she brought it up the first time" thing.
Ellis is a "bad guy" by all basic standards. Being the henchman for Steel Heel's arch nemesis, Maestro, doesn't leave a lot of room for interpretation on his morals. Being a mutant is just icing on the cake. Having a crush on her for an extended amount of time maaaayyyyy have had a little impact on Ellis's ability to perform his job when he and his brother have to kidnap Lacey as a set up to get her boyfriend's attention. The plan goes a little wonky and Ellis ends up saving Lacey from an explosion, instead of Steel Heel swooping in to save the day. This split second decision changes the future for everyone involved and none of them have any idea it's going to happen.
Sometimes things aren't what they seem. The good guy with the flashy suit may just be worse than the bad guy with the blue skin, tail, and wings. "Maybe it's perfectly reasonable to want to tear the pants off a guy that saves you. Even if he is blue and a little demonic looking." 💁 Yes Lacey, maybe, just maybe 😂😍 I really enjoyed so many things about this. It was funny, it was spicy, there was mystery solving (though to be fair everyone figures it out before Lacey 😂😂😂), and there were important lessons sprinkled throughout as gentle reminders that it's ok to take up space and we can do the hard things and avoiding conflict does nothing but shrink yourself into something(someone) you won't recognize or want to be. That love should feel good and not leave you feeling like you're asking too much just to be heard and seen. 🖤
You ever watch superhero movies and think "damn I want the bad guy to get the girl"? well then, here we go!
Lacey is the local weather girl for Channel 6 News. During the day she's either on camera doing her reports or working on her conspiracy board trying to figure out the cause of the city's recent mutant problem. At night, more often than she'd personally like, she's getting kidnapped by said mutants. Being the (ex) girlfriend of a superhero definitely has its drawbacks. Besides the kidnapping thing there's also the whole "he's super invasive and doesn't respect her boundaries and has not let her officially leave the relationship in the 5 months since she brought it up the first time" thing.
Ellis is a "bad guy" by all basic standards. Being the henchman for Steel Heel's arch nemesis, Maestro, doesn't leave a lot of room for interpretation on his morals. Being a mutant is just icing on the cake. Having a crush on her for an extended amount of time maaaayyyyy have had a little impact on Ellis's ability to perform his job when he and his brother have to kidnap Lacey as a set up to get her boyfriend's attention. The plan goes a little wonky and Ellis ends up saving Lacey from an explosion, instead of Steel Heel swooping in to save the day. This split second decision changes the future for everyone involved and none of them have any idea it's going to happen.
Sometimes things aren't what they seem. The good guy with the flashy suit may just be worse than the bad guy with the blue skin, tail, and wings. "Maybe it's perfectly reasonable to want to tear the pants off a guy that saves you. Even if he is blue and a little demonic looking." 💁 Yes Lacey, maybe, just maybe 😂😍 I really enjoyed so many things about this. It was funny, it was spicy, there was mystery solving (though to be fair everyone figures it out before Lacey 😂😂😂), and there were important lessons sprinkled throughout as gentle reminders that it's ok to take up space and we can do the hard things and avoiding conflict does nothing but shrink yourself into something(someone) you won't recognize or want to be. That love should feel good and not leave you feeling like you're asking too much just to be heard and seen. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐️ 2.5🌶️
Wow! There was so much to unpack in this book. Because yes, it is a fun and campy monster romance with all the drama and impossibility of a super hero movie where the intrepid damsel gets rescued by the not so evil henchman who produces a ridiculous amount of 💦. But there is so much more going on a well.
I loved that Ellis, who was visually more monstrous and being an “evil villain’s henchmen,” was clearly the better guy than the “super hero” billionaire who clearly only cared about himself. I’m definitely here for the anti-billionaire narrative.
I had kind of a love hate relationship with Lacey, mostly because as much as I hated some of her decisions, they were a bit relatable.
Lacey had the best of intentions. She was a kind and compassionate person who always tried to give people the benefit of the doubt. But it led to her being walked all over by her ex. She had an inquisitive mine and wanted what was best for her city so was on a mission to track down the origin of the mysterious ooze plaguing the city. But as soon as the investigation led her to some uncomfortable truths she refused to connect the dots.
For the longest time she allowed her terrible ex to control her life because doing what he wanted was easier than standing up for herself. She refused to acknowledge just how terrible he was because it meant that once again those closest to her were right, and she chose another terrible man.
So yeah, Lacey was an uncomfortable character for me to read and I had to sit with that for a minute. But I loved her growth because she did eventually see the error of her ways and made some big changes in her life.
We didn’t get a ton of spice in this book but the spice we got was HOT 🔥! I LOVE tail play and when there is an excessive amount of 💦.
Thank you to Kate for this ARC. I really hope we get Vin’s book because I love a grump.
Wow! There was so much to unpack in this book. Because yes, it is a fun and campy monster romance with all the drama and impossibility of a super hero movie where the intrepid damsel gets rescued by the not so evil henchman who produces a ridiculous amount of 💦. But there is so much more going on a well.
I loved that Ellis, who was visually more monstrous and being an “evil villain’s henchmen,” was clearly the better guy than the “super hero” billionaire who clearly only cared about himself. I’m definitely here for the anti-billionaire narrative.
I had kind of a love hate relationship with Lacey, mostly because as much as I hated some of her decisions, they were a bit relatable.
Lacey had the best of intentions. She was a kind and compassionate person who always tried to give people the benefit of the doubt. But it led to her being walked all over by her ex. She had an inquisitive mine and wanted what was best for her city so was on a mission to track down the origin of the mysterious ooze plaguing the city. But as soon as the investigation led her to some uncomfortable truths she refused to connect the dots.
For the longest time she allowed her terrible ex to control her life because doing what he wanted was easier than standing up for herself. She refused to acknowledge just how terrible he was because it meant that once again those closest to her were right, and she chose another terrible man.
So yeah, Lacey was an uncomfortable character for me to read and I had to sit with that for a minute. But I loved her growth because she did eventually see the error of her ways and made some big changes in her life.
We didn’t get a ton of spice in this book but the spice we got was HOT 🔥! I LOVE tail play and when there is an excessive amount of 💦.
Thank you to Kate for this ARC. I really hope we get Vin’s book because I love a grump.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This being my first foray into monster romance, Be My Bad Guy really knocked it out of the park for me with incredibly natural world building, relatable characters, gripping thrills and meet cutes in questionable places.
Lacey Vigil, meteorologist for the city of Goethal, is investigating the ooze that has appeared in the city's streets and water ways when she, once again, is kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend's rival's goons. It's always the same - tied up and blindfolded until her ex, super hero Steel Heel, must come and save her and keep the citizens focused on hope while the city is slammed with mutant attacks and ooze no one can answer for.
Except this time, her strange blue captor is her savior in more ways than one, awakening a curiosity and fight to take back her life and self-assurance. It's hard to be a single baddy on a mission when Goethal's most influential billionaire super wants to keep her for himself.
Follow Lacey and "Bat-Thing" Ellis (he hates this moniker) as they unravel the city's mysteries, sneak around in sticky situations, navigate the meaning of "good" and "bad", and flirt un-sanctimoniously at every chance they can. It's a sweet and juicy combo of great writing and lovable (and hate-able) characters just trying to figure it out in a world of greed, crazed mutants, great breakfast sandwiches and prehensile tails.
Kate's upcoming book is a can't miss for folks that love a misunderstood outcast, women empowerment, pertinent social critiques, funny quips, and cozy mysteries with a handful of spice. Check out her entire collection for more great reads!
Thank you to the author for giving me access to an early digital copy to read and review.
Lacey Vigil, meteorologist for the city of Goethal, is investigating the ooze that has appeared in the city's streets and water ways when she, once again, is kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend's rival's goons. It's always the same - tied up and blindfolded until her ex, super hero Steel Heel, must come and save her and keep the citizens focused on hope while the city is slammed with mutant attacks and ooze no one can answer for.
Except this time, her strange blue captor is her savior in more ways than one, awakening a curiosity and fight to take back her life and self-assurance. It's hard to be a single baddy on a mission when Goethal's most influential billionaire super wants to keep her for himself.
Follow Lacey and "Bat-Thing" Ellis (he hates this moniker) as they unravel the city's mysteries, sneak around in sticky situations, navigate the meaning of "good" and "bad", and flirt un-sanctimoniously at every chance they can. It's a sweet and juicy combo of great writing and lovable (and hate-able) characters just trying to figure it out in a world of greed, crazed mutants, great breakfast sandwiches and prehensile tails.
Kate's upcoming book is a can't miss for folks that love a misunderstood outcast, women empowerment, pertinent social critiques, funny quips, and cozy mysteries with a handful of spice. Check out her entire collection for more great reads!
Thank you to the author for giving me access to an early digital copy to read and review.
December 1, 2025
This was so much fun and laugh out loud hilarious. Ellis is an experiment gone wrong (or right), made in a lab of a supposedly mad scientist--he has wings, a tail, and claws. And yes, his tail is *sensitive*.
Lacey is a weather reporter and a constant damsel in distress due to her past relationship with the city's "superhero." I use the term superhero lightly because Clayton is the definition of toxic. She's a people pleaser to her constant detriment, and is letting Clayton pretend their still dating until the 'news cycle is in the right place.' She's also still living in his building and he has zero boundaries. This becomes a major issue as she starts falling in love with Ellis (they start falling in love after he kidnaps her lol). There is a fun mystery plot where Lacey is investigating where new mutants keep coming from that drives the pace of the book.
The banter in this is top tier and Ellis has the best sense of humor. He's also so down bad for Lacey from the jump. He's been crushing on her from afar when he watches her weather reports on Channel 6, but once they meet he's a goner. If you're familiar with the way Shoresy pines for Laura Mohr, that's what I'm talking about.
HOWEVER, I love that he knows he deserves all of Lacey, not just Clayton's leftovers (to be clear there is no cheating, it's just how it looks from the outside). There's a lot in this book about self worth and demanding more for yourself.
And finally, the spice. I love a monster romance, and this author never disappoints. If there's a tail, you better believe it gets involved. I loved this book and hope there are more set in this world (Vin!!)
Lacey is a weather reporter and a constant damsel in distress due to her past relationship with the city's "superhero." I use the term superhero lightly because Clayton is the definition of toxic. She's a people pleaser to her constant detriment, and is letting Clayton pretend their still dating until the 'news cycle is in the right place.' She's also still living in his building and he has zero boundaries. This becomes a major issue as she starts falling in love with Ellis (they start falling in love after he kidnaps her lol). There is a fun mystery plot where Lacey is investigating where new mutants keep coming from that drives the pace of the book.
The banter in this is top tier and Ellis has the best sense of humor. He's also so down bad for Lacey from the jump. He's been crushing on her from afar when he watches her weather reports on Channel 6, but once they meet he's a goner. If you're familiar with the way Shoresy pines for Laura Mohr, that's what I'm talking about.
HOWEVER, I love that he knows he deserves all of Lacey, not just Clayton's leftovers (to be clear there is no cheating, it's just how it looks from the outside). There's a lot in this book about self worth and demanding more for yourself.
And finally, the spice. I love a monster romance, and this author never disappoints. If there's a tail, you better believe it gets involved. I loved this book and hope there are more set in this world (Vin!!)
November 30, 2025
This was going to be a 3 star review, but the last 20% of the book brought me up to 4!
This felt like a parody cross between Batman’s Gotham and the Superman story. The FMC is constantly getting rescued by Steel Heel (ex-bf, kinda) who is fighting mutants to save the city. But then she winds up getting rescued by one of her kidnappers, a mutant who has been crushing on her for a long time. As a tv news reporter, she’s trying to find out the cause for the oozy goo showing up everywhere and eventually winds up stumbling onto something much bigger (with her bad guy’s help) and eventually realizes that maybe Steel Heel isn’t as perfect as everyone thinks.
Most of this story gave more comedic/cozy vibes than I was expecting, but the last 20% was much more action packed and those twists I ended up enjoying! There wasn’t anything wrong with this book, but I personally didn’t really feel the romantic connection between the two MC’s and the dialogue just wasn’t grabbing me. Also, the FMC wasn’t my preferred type as she lacked a backbone and did not stand up for herself when it came to her controlling ex-bf, but she did change a little at the end of the book. It did have a couple really good spicy scenes (he’s a mutant so not equipped the same as a normal guy & he has wings and a tail!). So pros and cons. I did think it was fun to see Superman/Batman style story turned into a monster romance parody.
Spice Level: 3/5.
Thank you to author Kate Prior for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This felt like a parody cross between Batman’s Gotham and the Superman story. The FMC is constantly getting rescued by Steel Heel (ex-bf, kinda) who is fighting mutants to save the city. But then she winds up getting rescued by one of her kidnappers, a mutant who has been crushing on her for a long time. As a tv news reporter, she’s trying to find out the cause for the oozy goo showing up everywhere and eventually winds up stumbling onto something much bigger (with her bad guy’s help) and eventually realizes that maybe Steel Heel isn’t as perfect as everyone thinks.
Most of this story gave more comedic/cozy vibes than I was expecting, but the last 20% was much more action packed and those twists I ended up enjoying! There wasn’t anything wrong with this book, but I personally didn’t really feel the romantic connection between the two MC’s and the dialogue just wasn’t grabbing me. Also, the FMC wasn’t my preferred type as she lacked a backbone and did not stand up for herself when it came to her controlling ex-bf, but she did change a little at the end of the book. It did have a couple really good spicy scenes (he’s a mutant so not equipped the same as a normal guy & he has wings and a tail!). So pros and cons. I did think it was fun to see Superman/Batman style story turned into a monster romance parody.
Spice Level: 3/5.
Thank you to author Kate Prior for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 5/5
Spiciness: 3/5
Spoilers!!
This book called me out in the best way possible, because if I was rescued by a mysterious kind mutant, I would also immediately reach for the vibrator as soon as I was alone.
This book was fantastic. I don't know how this book was simultaneously packed with details, dedication, banter and character growth, and it only took me a day to read. Sorcery, I tell you. It was so good, I read it, got mad I read it so quickly, and then went back for a re-read. I am in LOVE with Ellis and Lacey. The banter, the flirting, how obsessed they are with each other, and the spice! The flirty dialogue is just as spicy as the sex scenes and I was in love with both. Ellis is adorable--he's somehow sexy as hell and also a loveable dork. He was so flirty and cute, and his crush on Lacey was fantastic. Kicking my feet, fanning my face level of cute one-liners and flirtation. That man in in LOVE from page one and it was SO GOOD. Honestly, I get it though because Lacey was a badass. The only one investigating the sketchy sh*t going on in the city and keeping everyone on their toes. She also has such a good character development arc and grows a lot! I was so glad when she stood up for her self and finally told off her toxic ex! She's such a good heroine and I'm so glad she gets worshipped by her number one fan, Ellis.
Such a good book!! Please do yourself a favor and binge-read this ASAP!!!
Disclosure Notice: I received a free eARC of this book from the author. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this book early!!
Spiciness: 3/5
Spoilers!!
This book called me out in the best way possible, because if I was rescued by a mysterious kind mutant, I would also immediately reach for the vibrator as soon as I was alone.
This book was fantastic. I don't know how this book was simultaneously packed with details, dedication, banter and character growth, and it only took me a day to read. Sorcery, I tell you. It was so good, I read it, got mad I read it so quickly, and then went back for a re-read. I am in LOVE with Ellis and Lacey. The banter, the flirting, how obsessed they are with each other, and the spice! The flirty dialogue is just as spicy as the sex scenes and I was in love with both. Ellis is adorable--he's somehow sexy as hell and also a loveable dork. He was so flirty and cute, and his crush on Lacey was fantastic. Kicking my feet, fanning my face level of cute one-liners and flirtation. That man in in LOVE from page one and it was SO GOOD. Honestly, I get it though because Lacey was a badass. The only one investigating the sketchy sh*t going on in the city and keeping everyone on their toes. She also has such a good character development arc and grows a lot! I was so glad when she stood up for her self and finally told off her toxic ex! She's such a good heroine and I'm so glad she gets worshipped by her number one fan, Ellis.
Such a good book!! Please do yourself a favor and binge-read this ASAP!!!
Disclosure Notice: I received a free eARC of this book from the author. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this book early!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Henchmen falling in love with the girl. What’s not to like about that. I will split the review into two sections the parts I really liked and the parts I found could have been fleshed out.
I like the idea of a henchmen getting the girl. I like that I can see superhero influences in the characters and settings, I like that her being kidnapped is like a weekly occurrence with her and she’s very used to it. . Lacey is charming, I like that Ellis being non human isn’t ever seen as negative or he faces discrimination. I do like that Ellis and Vin weren’t just “evil” that Maestro actually seemed to care for them as sons. Lacey actually having a personality and flaws- especially considering how much Heel consumes f her life. Showing not just a bad power dynamic but also shows the reader an abusive relationship and more importantly how she had the courage and support to leave and be with a person who cared for her.
I do wish we got more about Dr Maestro especially as we didn’t get a lot of interaction between Maestro and Ellis and Vin. I would have like to see more about his supposed rivalry with Clayton, I felt their falling in love was a bit rushed- despite Ellis having a crush on her prior to the events of the book. These things most likely will be fleshed out in later books.
Between the setting and characters this book is charming and fast paced. And I am happy to read more of these characters later.
I like the idea of a henchmen getting the girl. I like that I can see superhero influences in the characters and settings, I like that her being kidnapped is like a weekly occurrence with her and she’s very used to it. . Lacey is charming, I like that Ellis being non human isn’t ever seen as negative or he faces discrimination. I do like that Ellis and Vin weren’t just “evil” that Maestro actually seemed to care for them as sons. Lacey actually having a personality and flaws- especially considering how much Heel consumes f her life. Showing not just a bad power dynamic but also shows the reader an abusive relationship and more importantly how she had the courage and support to leave and be with a person who cared for her.
I do wish we got more about Dr Maestro especially as we didn’t get a lot of interaction between Maestro and Ellis and Vin. I would have like to see more about his supposed rivalry with Clayton, I felt their falling in love was a bit rushed- despite Ellis having a crush on her prior to the events of the book. These things most likely will be fleshed out in later books.
Between the setting and characters this book is charming and fast paced. And I am happy to read more of these characters later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC Review**
Be My Bad Guy is a delightful, tropey romp through a superhero world that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I had a blast from start to finish. The book blends snarky humor, comic-book chaos, and a slow-burn monster romance that leans into the fun of its premise while still giving the characters emotional depth.
Lacey is a refreshingly self-aware “damsel” who’s tired of being treated like a plot device in her own life, and watching her unravel what she actually wants (instead of what the world expects from her) was surprisingly satisfying. Ellis, the winged henchman with a bad reputation and an iced coffee addiction, brings the perfect mix of menace, charm, and chaotic vulnerability. Their dynamic is sharp, messy, and genuinely entertaining — full of banter, questionable decision-making, and just enough spice to make fans of monster romance very happy.
What really worked for me was the way the story plays with the superhero/henchman divide while quietly interrogating who gets labeled “good” or “bad” and why. There’s a stronger emotional core here than I expected, particularly as Lacey reexamines her relationship with Steel Heel and the larger narrative she’s been living inside.
Overall, Be My Bad Guy is flirty, funny, a little feral, and unexpectedly thoughtful. If you enjoy offbeat superhero settings, morally gray love interests, and romances that balance spice with character growth, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Be My Bad Guy is a delightful, tropey romp through a superhero world that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I had a blast from start to finish. The book blends snarky humor, comic-book chaos, and a slow-burn monster romance that leans into the fun of its premise while still giving the characters emotional depth.
Lacey is a refreshingly self-aware “damsel” who’s tired of being treated like a plot device in her own life, and watching her unravel what she actually wants (instead of what the world expects from her) was surprisingly satisfying. Ellis, the winged henchman with a bad reputation and an iced coffee addiction, brings the perfect mix of menace, charm, and chaotic vulnerability. Their dynamic is sharp, messy, and genuinely entertaining — full of banter, questionable decision-making, and just enough spice to make fans of monster romance very happy.
What really worked for me was the way the story plays with the superhero/henchman divide while quietly interrogating who gets labeled “good” or “bad” and why. There’s a stronger emotional core here than I expected, particularly as Lacey reexamines her relationship with Steel Heel and the larger narrative she’s been living inside.
Overall, Be My Bad Guy is flirty, funny, a little feral, and unexpectedly thoughtful. If you enjoy offbeat superhero settings, morally gray love interests, and romances that balance spice with character growth, this one is definitely worth picking up.
January 21, 2026
Be My Bad Guy is an engaging take on superhero romance! I really liked the self-effacing nature of the hero Ellis, even if he does have a tail and wings. And his heroine Lacey is a sweet and charming woman who just happens to be the ex-girlfriend of a superhero whose claim to fame is how he protects their city from mutants like…Ellis.
This is one of those cases where two people know they shouldn’t be together yet simply can’t resist one another. I found their interactions charming. I particularly liked how Lacey doesn’t realize that she’s still deeply involved with her ex Clayton even though it’s quite clear to Ellis (and to the reader!), and how she has to actively work to overcome the ease of complacency.
I struggled a bit at the beginning of Be My Bad Guy as Prior plunges you right into this world where mutants and superheroes exist. After a chapter or so, things made better sense, so if you’re a bit bewildered at the start, it’s worth it to persevere. There are elements that aren’t quite fully explained (like why a weather reporter would be doing investigative work!), but I still loved this story that, despite mutants rampaging and superheroes smashing things, came across to me as delightful.
This is one of those cases where two people know they shouldn’t be together yet simply can’t resist one another. I found their interactions charming. I particularly liked how Lacey doesn’t realize that she’s still deeply involved with her ex Clayton even though it’s quite clear to Ellis (and to the reader!), and how she has to actively work to overcome the ease of complacency.
I struggled a bit at the beginning of Be My Bad Guy as Prior plunges you right into this world where mutants and superheroes exist. After a chapter or so, things made better sense, so if you’re a bit bewildered at the start, it’s worth it to persevere. There are elements that aren’t quite fully explained (like why a weather reporter would be doing investigative work!), but I still loved this story that, despite mutants rampaging and superheroes smashing things, came across to me as delightful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
thank you to kate prior for the arc of this book!
it's been a while since I have written a review to bear with me. Be my Bad Guy follows weather reporter Lacey, girlfriend to the hero of the city and investigator on what is causing so many mutant attacks. Ellis is a henchman of the bad guy, who has a huge crush on Lacey, and when he has to kidnap her, there's no better time for him to attempt to win her heart.
This book, like all the authors previous work, is very fun. It takes the monster romance to a side that we know, in this case, superheroes, and answers the question of what would happen If the bad guys weren't so bad?
I really liked the characters in this story and wanted them to succeed. Although I would say if you love other superhero stories the plot twist in this novella will not surprise you as much, I have to say the experience is truly enjoyable. The romance adds stakes to the already action packed story and you inevitably root for the main couple.
it's been a while since I have written a review to bear with me. Be my Bad Guy follows weather reporter Lacey, girlfriend to the hero of the city and investigator on what is causing so many mutant attacks. Ellis is a henchman of the bad guy, who has a huge crush on Lacey, and when he has to kidnap her, there's no better time for him to attempt to win her heart.
This book, like all the authors previous work, is very fun. It takes the monster romance to a side that we know, in this case, superheroes, and answers the question of what would happen If the bad guys weren't so bad?
I really liked the characters in this story and wanted them to succeed. Although I would say if you love other superhero stories the plot twist in this novella will not surprise you as much, I have to say the experience is truly enjoyable. The romance adds stakes to the already action packed story and you inevitably root for the main couple.
January 20, 2026
Gleeful Goblin Review: I love this author and her work so unreasonably much and every book that comes out from her only cements that love even more. One of my favorite things about the author's style is how a character's inner monologue is written because it feels so grounded, very like thoughts I would have if it were me in the situation instead of the character. For this book, focusing on super heroes and super villains, I thought it was brilliant how the author manages to give us a very "day in the life" point of view of how living in that type of world would be. In the best way, this book (especially from Lacey's POV) feels like if Lois Lane was dropped into the world of The Boys where super heroes and villains aren't what they seem to be.
Beyond being an excellent romance, there's layered plot that's so much fun to uncover as Lacey and Ellis get closer. This book will keep you right on the edge...of your seat. 5/5 Stars
Beyond being an excellent romance, there's layered plot that's so much fun to uncover as Lacey and Ellis get closer. This book will keep you right on the edge...of your seat. 5/5 Stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lacey Vigil seems to find herself in trouble a little too often. This won her the attention - via daring rescues - from her now ex-boyfriend the city’s resident billionaire superhero, Steel Heel. Their breakup is not public knowledge, and he keeps telling her "it's not the right time for them to tell people they aren't together." When Lacey is kidnapped (again!) evil henchman mutant Ellis swoops in to save her because Steel doesn't make it in time. Something about Ellis, wings and all, is really appealing to Lacey. He may be a bit of a fuckboy, but he lets Lacey be herself, which is a breath of fresh air from her stifling ex. Meanwhile, their growing relationship gives Lacey access to investigate a major issue brewing in the city.
I always enjoy Kate Prior's monster romances, and this one with superheroes and mutants walks the morally grey hero line. Ellis is technically an evil henchman, but he's also sweet and isn't controlling, so a sharp contrast to Lacey's toxic ex. Be My Bad Guy hit every note I needed it to hit. Some of the overall plot pacing was a little uneven for me, but I went in with some expectations and left feeling very satisfied.
Thank you to Kate Prior for an eARC. Be My Bad Guy is out 1/20/26.
I always enjoy Kate Prior's monster romances, and this one with superheroes and mutants walks the morally grey hero line. Ellis is technically an evil henchman, but he's also sweet and isn't controlling, so a sharp contrast to Lacey's toxic ex. Be My Bad Guy hit every note I needed it to hit. Some of the overall plot pacing was a little uneven for me, but I went in with some expectations and left feeling very satisfied.
Thank you to Kate Prior for an eARC. Be My Bad Guy is out 1/20/26.
January 11, 2026
I overall enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed Ellis. He is so sweet and fun and I loved his banter. Lacey was okay. She kind of annoyed me a bit. I was totally with Ellis on his viewpoint on her still helicoptering around Steel and putting up with him. I wished she would’ve come around to ditching him fully earlier in the plot.
The overall plot was okay. It was a little obvious where it was going to end up but the journey held my interest though I was a little confused on why Lacy was doing all this investigation into the ooze when she was a weather girl. There really wasn’t any like thoughts in her part of wanting to get into investigative reporting so it seemed like a hobby or something.
The end had good action which I enjoyed and I liked that Ellis made Lacey wait at the end and kinda wonder if he would come around, haha.
*ARC Review*
The overall plot was okay. It was a little obvious where it was going to end up but the journey held my interest though I was a little confused on why Lacy was doing all this investigation into the ooze when she was a weather girl. There really wasn’t any like thoughts in her part of wanting to get into investigative reporting so it seemed like a hobby or something.
The end had good action which I enjoyed and I liked that Ellis made Lacey wait at the end and kinda wonder if he would come around, haha.
*ARC Review*
November 30, 2025
A monster romance where the billionaire doesn't get the girl? Sign me up!
This mixed a fun, almost cartoonish, story of flying monsters, superheroes and TV reporters with some much deeper themes.
Lacey's battle to overcome being a people pleaser and slow realisations about how she was being treated by her ex were top notch and beautifully treated.
I really enjoyed the commentary on capitalism, vigilantism and operating outside the law.
The resolution felt a little rushed and I wanted to see more about the bad guy getting his comeuppance. But I also appreciated the lovely reconnection between Lacey and Ellis.
Thank you Kate Prior for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This mixed a fun, almost cartoonish, story of flying monsters, superheroes and TV reporters with some much deeper themes.
Lacey's battle to overcome being a people pleaser and slow realisations about how she was being treated by her ex were top notch and beautifully treated.
I really enjoyed the commentary on capitalism, vigilantism and operating outside the law.
The resolution felt a little rushed and I wanted to see more about the bad guy getting his comeuppance. But I also appreciated the lovely reconnection between Lacey and Ellis.
Thank you Kate Prior for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
December 8, 2025
I really enjoyed how down bad Ellis was for Lacey! He is definitely one of my favorite MMC, the way he talks and thinks about Lacey makes me laugh so much.
Lacey being able to stand up for herself and
not letting people walk over her or her boundaries. I love how she’s able to have character development on learning to not be a people pleaser and realize she deserves to be treated better. I love how she’s able to want more for herself and be just be better.
I usually try to look at the “antagonist” in different ways as to why they are the way that they are. But Clayton had me clenching my kindle! I need to step away with how infuriating Clayton me me feel. Which just adds on why this book showcases Kate Prior’s writing skills
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️ level 3 spice, monster x human
Lacey being able to stand up for herself and
not letting people walk over her or her boundaries. I love how she’s able to have character development on learning to not be a people pleaser and realize she deserves to be treated better. I love how she’s able to want more for herself and be just be better.
I usually try to look at the “antagonist” in different ways as to why they are the way that they are. But Clayton had me clenching my kindle! I need to step away with how infuriating Clayton me me feel. Which just adds on why this book showcases Kate Prior’s writing skills
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️ level 3 spice, monster x human
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I heard that this was a story about the bad guy getting the girl, you know I was first in line. And I was hooked right from the beginning. The introduction of Ellis and Lacey. Plus the workings of Ellis, he was just so freaking cute. Loved their will they won't they as well but.... its reached a point where I just wanted to strangle Lacey. And Mr. Steele right along with her. She was just a very frustrating character as it felt like there was growth and then so much back tracking. Things redeemed themselves towards the end but it took too long for me.
Ellis can do no wrong though love him to pieces. Lacey is lucky he is so besotted with her. Curious as where it will go because we were left with two options for the next book.
Ellis can do no wrong though love him to pieces. Lacey is lucky he is so besotted with her. Curious as where it will go because we were left with two options for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a super cute supervillain(ish lol) romance. If you've enjoyed her other books in this series (or in general), you'll like this book. The dialogue really tickles my fancy and had me giggling half the time. But this isn't just a cute vigilante/superhero/monster romance - it's also a really interesting look at relationships with narcissists and life with aging parents (different people). In addition, you get to see how those things affect a new romantic relationship. The author does a really excellent job of taking crazy situations and looking at them as if they were your mundane, daily life. That, plus the personal growth of dealing with actually normal situations makes for a super entertaining read!
December 5, 2025
I have to say this may be my favorite book from Kate yet! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC. I’ve been frothing at the mouth to dig in to this world so thank you Kate!!
First, Ellis was so precious I will defend him with my life. He was the winged Nightcrawler we all want with a soft heart and big ol’ mutant d*ck!! The characters had such great chemistry and the concept was really unique. I really really enjoyed this. I would honestly be thrilled if Kate decided to continue in this universe. Literally, go run and read this!
First, Ellis was so precious I will defend him with my life. He was the winged Nightcrawler we all want with a soft heart and big ol’ mutant d*ck!! The characters had such great chemistry and the concept was really unique. I really really enjoyed this. I would honestly be thrilled if Kate decided to continue in this universe. Literally, go run and read this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lacey is a weather girl turned reporter with a penchant for getting abducted. Ellis is a villain’s henchman with a monstrous crush. What started out as a way to get the inside scoop has quickly become something more. Soon enough, neither one can resist the temptation.
Omggg, I adore the himbo that Ellis is. I find Lacey surprisingly relatable for a superhero story too. There’s spice and yearning all wrapped up in one delicious bundle.
This one is definitely going to be a comfort read for me. 🙌🏻
Omggg, I adore the himbo that Ellis is. I find Lacey surprisingly relatable for a superhero story too. There’s spice and yearning all wrapped up in one delicious bundle.
This one is definitely going to be a comfort read for me. 🙌🏻
January 7, 2026
4.5 stars
This was great! It was cute, funny and fast paced, with a dosage of spice! I love Kate’s writing style, and this lived up to the highs of her other books, especially Love, Laugh, Lich and The Orc from the Office. I was laughing out loud throughout and the characters leapt off of the page.
I especially enjoyed Ellis’s character, the twists on the superhero genre, and the broader world that Kate created — looking forward to more books in the series (hopefully!).
Thank you to the author + book tunnel for the Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review 💕
This was great! It was cute, funny and fast paced, with a dosage of spice! I love Kate’s writing style, and this lived up to the highs of her other books, especially Love, Laugh, Lich and The Orc from the Office. I was laughing out loud throughout and the characters leapt off of the page.
I especially enjoyed Ellis’s character, the twists on the superhero genre, and the broader world that Kate created — looking forward to more books in the series (hopefully!).
Thank you to the author + book tunnel for the Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was an immediate 5 star along and rose right to the top of my list of favorite monster romances.
Lacey, our FMC is a weather woman who keeps trying to dump her city's billionaire-hero ex boyfriend Steel Heel who keeps refusing to let her go, and let's just say..... our MMC Ellis (who is a blue, winged henchman/goon who works for one of the city's bad guys, and Steel Heel's nemesis) helps her realize what she truly wants. After their initial meet-cute (kidnapping) she immediately can tell Ellis is unlike any of the other bad guys who have kidnapped her to get to Steel Heel.
The banter between Lacey and Ellis truly had me twirling my hair & kicking my feet, I was captivated and on the edge of my seat for these two to finally and truly get together. The way Ellis was written is honestly my favorite kind of MMC & I can see myself re-reading this book over and over again.
Lacey, our FMC is a weather woman who keeps trying to dump her city's billionaire-hero ex boyfriend Steel Heel who keeps refusing to let her go, and let's just say..... our MMC Ellis (who is a blue, winged henchman/goon who works for one of the city's bad guys, and Steel Heel's nemesis) helps her realize what she truly wants. After their initial meet-cute (kidnapping) she immediately can tell Ellis is unlike any of the other bad guys who have kidnapped her to get to Steel Heel.
The banter between Lacey and Ellis truly had me twirling my hair & kicking my feet, I was captivated and on the edge of my seat for these two to finally and truly get together. The way Ellis was written is honestly my favorite kind of MMC & I can see myself re-reading this book over and over again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book.
I loved the flipped superhero dynamic, the snarky banter, and how clearly the story showed the cracks in Lacey’s relationship with her so-called hero ex Steel Heel. However Ellis absolutely stole the show for me, our henchman who kidnaps the girl. He’s chaotic, soft in the right places, and the banter between him and Lacey made me laugh throughout the entire book. Add in the monster spice (including a tail), a ooze mystery to solve, and a story that actually has something to say, and suffice it to say, this was a great time.
I loved the flipped superhero dynamic, the snarky banter, and how clearly the story showed the cracks in Lacey’s relationship with her so-called hero ex Steel Heel. However Ellis absolutely stole the show for me, our henchman who kidnaps the girl. He’s chaotic, soft in the right places, and the banter between him and Lacey made me laugh throughout the entire book. Add in the monster spice (including a tail), a ooze mystery to solve, and a story that actually has something to say, and suffice it to say, this was a great time.
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