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Bad Boyz #2
Still Waters Run Deep
Nothing could break them. But Karma’s a bitch...
Brodie’s living it ‘sweet’ on the straight-and-narrow. Running his own business, cashed up with his ‘six-string’ and a diamond ring, all he needs now is for Hanna to say yes. But a disturbing secret is about to unravel and one fateful night changes everything.
Broken, Brodie returns to Sydney while Hanna, struggling to pick up the pieces, lands a new role in a trendy bistro over her summer break. There, she undergoes a transformative journey where inspiration is found in the least likely of places, with the least likely of friendships. The mice come out to play while the cat is away. But Aido Parker is no mouse; he’s Brodie’s tattooed criminal brother and former leader of the Westside Boyz. It’s all fun and games with their constant banter, stolen glances and ‘harmless’ flirting… until it isn’t.
Shocking revelations lead to dangerous retributions where brotherhood, loyalty and love not only become a test of endurance, but a matter of life and death.
THE STAKES DON’T JUST RISE, THEY BITE AS THE STORY CONTINUES IN THIS EMOTIONALLY CHARGED INSTALMENT OF BAD BOYZ. “UNPUTDOWNABLE!” – ARC REVIEWER.
Brodie’s living it ‘sweet’ on the straight-and-narrow. Running his own business, cashed up with his ‘six-string’ and a diamond ring, all he needs now is for Hanna to say yes. But a disturbing secret is about to unravel and one fateful night changes everything.
Broken, Brodie returns to Sydney while Hanna, struggling to pick up the pieces, lands a new role in a trendy bistro over her summer break. There, she undergoes a transformative journey where inspiration is found in the least likely of places, with the least likely of friendships. The mice come out to play while the cat is away. But Aido Parker is no mouse; he’s Brodie’s tattooed criminal brother and former leader of the Westside Boyz. It’s all fun and games with their constant banter, stolen glances and ‘harmless’ flirting… until it isn’t.
Shocking revelations lead to dangerous retributions where brotherhood, loyalty and love not only become a test of endurance, but a matter of life and death.
THE STAKES DON’T JUST RISE, THEY BITE AS THE STORY CONTINUES IN THIS EMOTIONALLY CHARGED INSTALMENT OF BAD BOYZ. “UNPUTDOWNABLE!” – ARC REVIEWER.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy
This is my ARC review of this book. When I began this book, it felt like I was dropped in the middle of the story and it felt like I was missing parts of the story. Then I searched it up and discovered I was reading book two without realising. After completing the book I have more appreciation for the author as I was able to piece together events and relationships from book one based on all the details she sprinkled in through the different POVS. The author has done very well in establishing the story in book two.
Now onto the characters. Hannah was a lovely FMC whom I really liked. An event takes place that topples her and Brodie's worlds that creates a situation in which lead her to be in close proximity to his brother, Aiden. Aiden has a notorious reputation for flirting and sleeping with girls, but as they spend more time together, she finds he is more than what people think. Sparks fly between them while Brodie is absent.
Aido is what you call a Bad Boy with an artist's soul. He has my whole heart, and he has to be my favourite character. The chemistry was fire with Hannah, and they had me cheering for their corner.
Then we have Bodie. The younger brother, who was the one she left with on a specific night, versus Aido, " the older brother". He has shaped his whole life around for Hannah and she is everything to him. The emotions he goes through towards the beginning of the book had my heart break for him. You really felt by the end of the book how much he earned what he got.
As you can probably tell by now, this becomes a complicated entanglement by brothers as they both can say they have fallen for her. The way Kate handled this felt real, emotional, and appreciated by the end of the story. I cannot wait for the next one and have a feeling I know whoose POV it will be.
Now onto the characters. Hannah was a lovely FMC whom I really liked. An event takes place that topples her and Brodie's worlds that creates a situation in which lead her to be in close proximity to his brother, Aiden. Aiden has a notorious reputation for flirting and sleeping with girls, but as they spend more time together, she finds he is more than what people think. Sparks fly between them while Brodie is absent.
Aido is what you call a Bad Boy with an artist's soul. He has my whole heart, and he has to be my favourite character. The chemistry was fire with Hannah, and they had me cheering for their corner.
Then we have Bodie. The younger brother, who was the one she left with on a specific night, versus Aido, " the older brother". He has shaped his whole life around for Hannah and she is everything to him. The emotions he goes through towards the beginning of the book had my heart break for him. You really felt by the end of the book how much he earned what he got.
As you can probably tell by now, this becomes a complicated entanglement by brothers as they both can say they have fallen for her. The way Kate handled this felt real, emotional, and appreciated by the end of the story. I cannot wait for the next one and have a feeling I know whoose POV it will be.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was looking forward to reading the second book after reading the first one last year.
Normally these types of books wouldn't interest me at all but I found my self so invested into the characters.
This one is definitely more intense then the second and I must say a few parts made me blush.
The writing style and language might be hard for some people to swallow buy as an Aussie I felt so at home reading it.
Definitely keeping my eyes open for another book.
Normally these types of books wouldn't interest me at all but I found my self so invested into the characters.
This one is definitely more intense then the second and I must say a few parts made me blush.
The writing style and language might be hard for some people to swallow buy as an Aussie I felt so at home reading it.
Definitely keeping my eyes open for another book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐ ARC REVIEW 'Still Waters Run Deep' 🌊
This is the second book to the 'Bad Boyz Series'
💙 Good Girl/Bad Boy
💙 Forbidden Love
💙 Love Triangle
💙 Second Chance Romance
💙 Spicy
💙 Found Family
We basically continue the story from book one - 'Fire In The Stars'
Everything feels how it should be. Until the past and secrets kept, come forth to crush lives that are moving forward and rebuilding. Love is tested, trust is broken. Toxicity is at play.
Brodie and Hannah's relationship has been turned upside down due to an unannounced toxic ex girlfriend. Violence, betrayal and destruction are set in motion.
Hannah is starting a new job, trying to rebuild her heart and mind. She finds herself in close proximity to Brodie's brother Aido. The extremely flirtatious artist, who is funny with a bad reputation, especially with the women!
I loved how in this story we got to see a more personal side of the characters. Especially Aido, sides of him totally unexpected.
Under the bad boy reputation and masks of grief/trauma, we see a very talented, loyal and loving person. I can't wait to see more of him!
I was on a whirlwind of emotions reading this story, as I had in my mind how I wanted things to progress and play out. I was extremely worried at numerous pages/chapter's thinking to myself 'nooooo' lol. The past and trauma in these characters, seeing why their the way they are. This story definitely had me hooked and I'm so happy with the outcome.
I'm really looking forward to book three to see which characters we will be following next 🩵
This is the second book to the 'Bad Boyz Series'
💙 Good Girl/Bad Boy
💙 Forbidden Love
💙 Love Triangle
💙 Second Chance Romance
💙 Spicy
💙 Found Family
We basically continue the story from book one - 'Fire In The Stars'
Everything feels how it should be. Until the past and secrets kept, come forth to crush lives that are moving forward and rebuilding. Love is tested, trust is broken. Toxicity is at play.
Brodie and Hannah's relationship has been turned upside down due to an unannounced toxic ex girlfriend. Violence, betrayal and destruction are set in motion.
Hannah is starting a new job, trying to rebuild her heart and mind. She finds herself in close proximity to Brodie's brother Aido. The extremely flirtatious artist, who is funny with a bad reputation, especially with the women!
I loved how in this story we got to see a more personal side of the characters. Especially Aido, sides of him totally unexpected.
Under the bad boy reputation and masks of grief/trauma, we see a very talented, loyal and loving person. I can't wait to see more of him!
I was on a whirlwind of emotions reading this story, as I had in my mind how I wanted things to progress and play out. I was extremely worried at numerous pages/chapter's thinking to myself 'nooooo' lol. The past and trauma in these characters, seeing why their the way they are. This story definitely had me hooked and I'm so happy with the outcome.
I'm really looking forward to book three to see which characters we will be following next 🩵
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book picks up after Fire In The Stars, but the emotional intensity feels bigger and heavier this time. Just when things seem steady, old secrets resurface and everything starts to unravel. The fallout feels real, and no one comes out untouched.
Hannah is trying to move forward, stepping into a new job and rebuilding herself, while Brodie’s world is shaken by past mistakes and outside interference. Watching everything strain under pressure had me completely hooked.
And then there’s Aido. Flirtatious, sharp and a little reckless, but far more layered than his reputation suggests. The more we see of him, the clearer it becomes that there’s loyalty and depth beneath the bad boy exterior, and I loved getting to see that side of him.
This one had more tension, more drama and higher stakes, and I was fully invested the entire time.
Thank you to Kate and The Berry Agency for the ARC. I can’t wait to read Aido’s story.
Hannah is trying to move forward, stepping into a new job and rebuilding herself, while Brodie’s world is shaken by past mistakes and outside interference. Watching everything strain under pressure had me completely hooked.
And then there’s Aido. Flirtatious, sharp and a little reckless, but far more layered than his reputation suggests. The more we see of him, the clearer it becomes that there’s loyalty and depth beneath the bad boy exterior, and I loved getting to see that side of him.
This one had more tension, more drama and higher stakes, and I was fully invested the entire time.
Thank you to Kate and The Berry Agency for the ARC. I can’t wait to read Aido’s story.
February 14, 2026
***ARC REVIEW***
Where do I even begin with this!? Following Book 1, this exceeded all of my expectations. I was hooked from the start, shocked at every turn, and couldn’t believe some of the things that happened.
1. Leila, you absolute psycho!!! She literally ruined lives and hurt so many people. God, that scene when they were all out was cruel. It felt so real, as it sadly does happen out on the town.
2. Aido quickly became my favourite. His character development is unmatched, particularly knowing his backstory as a teenager …that wast really sad. It feels like something big is about to happen to him, but I hope he gets his happy ending.
3. I low-key loved the two brothers trope (when done right!). It was gut-wrenching for Brodie to see it himself, but that entire scene had me on the edge of my seat!
Where do I even begin with this!? Following Book 1, this exceeded all of my expectations. I was hooked from the start, shocked at every turn, and couldn’t believe some of the things that happened.
1. Leila, you absolute psycho!!! She literally ruined lives and hurt so many people. God, that scene when they were all out was cruel. It felt so real, as it sadly does happen out on the town.
2. Aido quickly became my favourite. His character development is unmatched, particularly knowing his backstory as a teenager …that wast really sad. It feels like something big is about to happen to him, but I hope he gets his happy ending.
3. I low-key loved the two brothers trope (when done right!). It was gut-wrenching for Brodie to see it himself, but that entire scene had me on the edge of my seat!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2026
Thank you for the Arc in exchange for my honest review!
I’m not one to start a story half way through so I read book 1 before starting this.
I was unsure at first, reading this as a Canadian trying to google some of these words 😂
However, I was quickly sucked into the stories.
I love Brodie and Hanna, and this book ended up nowhere near where I thought this story was going to be. Every guess I had was wrong. I am a sucker for a good loce
Triangle. Jealous broody men, yes please 🙏
I felt like the ending was possibly a bit rushed, but it got them where I wanted them to be regardless!
I will definitely be reading book 3!
I’m not one to start a story half way through so I read book 1 before starting this.
I was unsure at first, reading this as a Canadian trying to google some of these words 😂
However, I was quickly sucked into the stories.
I love Brodie and Hanna, and this book ended up nowhere near where I thought this story was going to be. Every guess I had was wrong. I am a sucker for a good loce
Triangle. Jealous broody men, yes please 🙏
I felt like the ending was possibly a bit rushed, but it got them where I wanted them to be regardless!
I will definitely be reading book 3!
February 28, 2026
I absolutely enjoyed this book along with book one, which you need to read first.
I really loved the representation of helping troubled teenagers and the program that was brought into this story. It was so close to home for me personally. I loved it!
There is some heavy drug use with some characters behaviours under the influence that can be quite heavy, so be sure to check the triggers.
I am so ready for book 3 for Aidos Story, he deserves so much
I really loved the representation of helping troubled teenagers and the program that was brought into this story. It was so close to home for me personally. I loved it!
There is some heavy drug use with some characters behaviours under the influence that can be quite heavy, so be sure to check the triggers.
I am so ready for book 3 for Aidos Story, he deserves so much
February 7, 2026
I got an ARC.
This is a well written spicy novel. And it has good spice. I had to forget the dicy family dynamic that are borderline toxic but if you’re ok with them then go for it.
To be honest the blurb was already a stretch for me but man did I not enjoy it. It was over the top with the drama I felt like I was watching an early WB teen series where there has to be drama ever 15 min or you’ll lose the audience. Also Facebook in 2026? Yeah no. I only finished it because it was an arc and I feel like if an author is trusting you with their work then you should do the decent thing and give it a proper chance.
This is a well written spicy novel. And it has good spice. I had to forget the dicy family dynamic that are borderline toxic but if you’re ok with them then go for it.
To be honest the blurb was already a stretch for me but man did I not enjoy it. It was over the top with the drama I felt like I was watching an early WB teen series where there has to be drama ever 15 min or you’ll lose the audience. Also Facebook in 2026? Yeah no. I only finished it because it was an arc and I feel like if an author is trusting you with their work then you should do the decent thing and give it a proper chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2026
Loved this book would highly recommend
March 2, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book 2 of the bad boyz series. What a wild ride you took me on Kate. There was heartbreak,excitement and a little violence but also healing and alot of character growth. This was another fantastic book. Congratulations on book 2 release.
Book 2 of the bad boyz series. What a wild ride you took me on Kate. There was heartbreak,excitement and a little violence but also healing and alot of character growth. This was another fantastic book. Congratulations on book 2 release.
Review of advance copy
2.5 ⭐️
I’m about to be heavily brutally honest, I loved book one, I have no idea what happened in this book.
There was way too much going on, too many topples of relationships, highs and lows. Everything was going well in the beginning and then it just shattered.
Because I read book one, in this book I don’t know what happened but all of the characters felt different. The scene of Leila SA’ing Brodie and Hanna fully not believing him of anything, seemed so out of character for their relationship, especially after last book where she just up and left with him no doubt in her mind. After that I absolutely hated Hanna and felt horrible for Brodie watching his whole world crumble. And then the 2 weeks with Aido brought everything back and I was thinking that I can actually see them together and both of them being good for each other. Which, respectfully shouldn’t have happened and they shouldn’t have fallen in love with each other. And then Brodie comes back saying things that Brodie wouldn’t say, it all seemed so out of character for him, compared to his character at the start of the book and the previous book.
I don’t even know if I’m glad Brodie and Hanna got back together and then married??? All within less than 100 pages (which was literally a day or so).
Everything in this book felt rushed and hectic and crazy. The ending was genuinely awful, and it would’ve been better to see Brodie and Hanna get back into a positive relationship rather than just fucking it out and immediately getting married.
As much as I would love to read Aidos book after this, I really don’t think I can. He always liked Hanna and now he loves her and his thoughts at the wedding, and then there’s going to be a book about him and Amber? I can see it, but I also really can’t, especially with his perspective at the end. He literally stated that he wanted to fuck Hanna, but she was now his sister in law. He obviously has a deep thing for Hanna because in the previous book he wouldn’t have dared help her with anything, or hang around these kids and show them and her respect. The way he stood up for her, was willing to kill for her, taught her how to express herself with the butterfly bullshit, told her he loved her, danced with her.
And what happened with her and Brodie this book? Literally nothing. Nothing happened. I was starting to root for Hanna and Aido because they genuinely started to seem better.
It also would’ve been so much better to have Hanna/Brodies perspective for the wedding, I don’t know why it was Aidos, it really makes no sense why the grooms brother would be narrating their wedding for us in the worst way possible.
Way too much happened in this book within what felt like little to no time. Everytime I went back to reading it, something entirely new was happening, and I just think it was way too overwhelming.
Overall, since the last book, all the characters seem entirely different, and Hanna and Brodies relationship mainly just became music and sex. It felt toxic towards the end, and I’m not even sure their love is real from how it was written, compared to book one where they were entirely stupidly in love with each other.
I really wanted to love this book, and it started happening when Aido and Hanna’s relationship/friendship bloomed, and it finally felt like something healthy. That really didn’t last though because Brodie came back and to be honest it was just a continuous crazy confuzzle from there.
I really enjoyed book one, so I was really excited for this one, but unfortunately it just didn’t click for me.
I appreciate the opportunity to ARC read from The Berry Agency.
I’m about to be heavily brutally honest, I loved book one, I have no idea what happened in this book.
There was way too much going on, too many topples of relationships, highs and lows. Everything was going well in the beginning and then it just shattered.
Because I read book one, in this book I don’t know what happened but all of the characters felt different. The scene of Leila SA’ing Brodie and Hanna fully not believing him of anything, seemed so out of character for their relationship, especially after last book where she just up and left with him no doubt in her mind. After that I absolutely hated Hanna and felt horrible for Brodie watching his whole world crumble. And then the 2 weeks with Aido brought everything back and I was thinking that I can actually see them together and both of them being good for each other. Which, respectfully shouldn’t have happened and they shouldn’t have fallen in love with each other. And then Brodie comes back saying things that Brodie wouldn’t say, it all seemed so out of character for him, compared to his character at the start of the book and the previous book.
I don’t even know if I’m glad Brodie and Hanna got back together and then married??? All within less than 100 pages (which was literally a day or so).
Everything in this book felt rushed and hectic and crazy. The ending was genuinely awful, and it would’ve been better to see Brodie and Hanna get back into a positive relationship rather than just fucking it out and immediately getting married.
As much as I would love to read Aidos book after this, I really don’t think I can. He always liked Hanna and now he loves her and his thoughts at the wedding, and then there’s going to be a book about him and Amber? I can see it, but I also really can’t, especially with his perspective at the end. He literally stated that he wanted to fuck Hanna, but she was now his sister in law. He obviously has a deep thing for Hanna because in the previous book he wouldn’t have dared help her with anything, or hang around these kids and show them and her respect. The way he stood up for her, was willing to kill for her, taught her how to express herself with the butterfly bullshit, told her he loved her, danced with her.
And what happened with her and Brodie this book? Literally nothing. Nothing happened. I was starting to root for Hanna and Aido because they genuinely started to seem better.
It also would’ve been so much better to have Hanna/Brodies perspective for the wedding, I don’t know why it was Aidos, it really makes no sense why the grooms brother would be narrating their wedding for us in the worst way possible.
Way too much happened in this book within what felt like little to no time. Everytime I went back to reading it, something entirely new was happening, and I just think it was way too overwhelming.
Overall, since the last book, all the characters seem entirely different, and Hanna and Brodies relationship mainly just became music and sex. It felt toxic towards the end, and I’m not even sure their love is real from how it was written, compared to book one where they were entirely stupidly in love with each other.
I really wanted to love this book, and it started happening when Aido and Hanna’s relationship/friendship bloomed, and it finally felt like something healthy. That really didn’t last though because Brodie came back and to be honest it was just a continuous crazy confuzzle from there.
I really enjoyed book one, so I was really excited for this one, but unfortunately it just didn’t click for me.
I appreciate the opportunity to ARC read from The Berry Agency.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Kate Laurie for this ARC read! This book promised to be an emotional roller coaster, I can say it was definitely all that and more! By the end of part 1, I was wtf? Part 2–WTF? And part 3 was WTAF? My husband asked me more than once what I was reading because my jaw was hanging. I had high expectations after book 1 and I can honestly say this book did not disappoint. Brodie and Hannah’s love is put to the test and even though my heart broke for Brodie with what he goes through, I could see how his mistakes made Hannah doubt him, and ultimately what becomes their undoing—Leila, I could have throttled! I also found myself losing sympathy and some respect for Brodie with some of the choices he made. But this can be put down to his immaturity and state of mind under the circumstances. Overall these scenarios were emotionally provoking and believable. Then we have part 2. I really enjoyed the fun interactions and chemistry between Hannah and Aido. The banter between them was some of the best I have ever read and it had me laughing out loud for the most of it. I have to say by the end I was in their corner rooting for them all the way. Then when Brodie comes back it becomes next level—the raw emotions and complexities of their characters jump off the page. I couldn’t put it down! I had to know what happens next. So many layers unfold here and even though I fell in love with Aido, it felt very satisfying how things ended up. Discovering more about Leila and her motivations was intriguing. We have some unanswered questions which I am guessing will be explored in future books and I am looking forward to reading. I absolutely loved how the book ended with Aido’s POV. Hilarious 😆 I can’t wait for his story—game on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy of this book and here is my honest review. Brilliant! 👏 👏 👏 And a thousand more claps! 👏 I have possibly got the severest book hangover I’ve had in a long time. I was so excited for this. Kate Laurie you have once again wowed and exceeded my expectations. I was taken from heartbreak to laughter to the verge of tears more than a few times. The boyz were again hilarious! Aido? He has stolen my heart and it was so good to learn more about him when he isn’t “playing it up.” I loved Hannah’s and Brodie’s romance in book one but in this book I was torn. I hoped things would end up the way they did but man o man did I almost throw my phone when THAT SCENE was interrupted. If you know you know! 😂 I cannot wait for book three. Once again a huge congratulations to the author for delivering another thoroughly enjoyable read. It was next level!
March 3, 2026
Thankyou so much Kate for my copy of "Still Water's Run Deep", I was so excited to continue The Bad Boyz series and Book 2 did not disappoint, I loved it.
The story continues with a fresh start for Brodie and Hanna but life throws a spanner in the works and a vindictive ex from the past will question where their Love and Loyalty lies!
Each chapter pulled me in and took me on a journey, I grew to develop a special bond with the characters especially Brodie. I was very emotionally invested, lots of tears and also plenty of laughs. The hidden disclosures brought so much depth and OMG the "Bombshell" moment left me gasping in shock! I now need Book 3.
Readers, this is one Riveting read!
The story continues with a fresh start for Brodie and Hanna but life throws a spanner in the works and a vindictive ex from the past will question where their Love and Loyalty lies!
Each chapter pulled me in and took me on a journey, I grew to develop a special bond with the characters especially Brodie. I was very emotionally invested, lots of tears and also plenty of laughs. The hidden disclosures brought so much depth and OMG the "Bombshell" moment left me gasping in shock! I now need Book 3.
Readers, this is one Riveting read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OK WOW !
give my heart a minute to recover from this
ok so Kate made me love and hate this characters just to fall back inlove with all of them lets just say u dont wanna miss what happens or keeps happening in the future i picked this book up and couldnt put it down it was an amazing read and i was absolutely hooked , so glad i was able to recieve an ARC pysical copy absolyely loved it cant wait for book 3 !!
give my heart a minute to recover from this
ok so Kate made me love and hate this characters just to fall back inlove with all of them lets just say u dont wanna miss what happens or keeps happening in the future i picked this book up and couldnt put it down it was an amazing read and i was absolutely hooked , so glad i was able to recieve an ARC pysical copy absolyely loved it cant wait for book 3 !!
Review of advance copy
Hi again Goodreads community! I’ve given this 5 stars because, let’s face it, if I don’t back myself and believe I’ve written a great story, how can I expect anyone else to? That being said, this book isn’t for the faint hearted. The character arcs from book 1 carry over with some complex and confronting dynamics so please check the trigger warnings. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this emotional, fun, and exciting instalment of the Boyz! Thanks so much for your support and feedback, please keep the reviews coming. Kate xx
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