They Know If You've Been Bad or Good

Naughty or Nice #3

by Alta Hensley

This holiday season is about to get extra toasty in this dark, why choose, forced-proximity Christmas stalker romance, the third and final installment of Alta Hensley’s New York Times bestselling Naughty or Nice series!



Christmas romanceWhy chooseMilitary romanceStalkingOne last jobForced proximityM/M/FSecond chance romanceOnly one bed

Genres: Christmas, Dark Romance, Holiday, Romance, Why Choose, Mystery, Erotica

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 22, 2026

About the author

Alta Hensley is a NYT & USA Today bestselling author of dark romance where the villain always gets the happily ever after.

Twisted, clever, and occasionally unhinged, her books deliver morally gray anti-heroes, sharp-tongued heroines, and happily ever afters that taste even sweeter after a little ruin. With a signature blend of grit, wit, and heat, Alta’s stories prove one thing: Villains deserve love too.

Alta lives on the foggy coast of Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of dogs who think they’re in charge. When she’s not writing redemption for the irredeemable, she’s walking the coastline or sipping craft beer in eccentric little bars that feel like they belong in her books.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltaHensleyA...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alta-Hensley/e...
Website: www.altahensley.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/altahensley
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alta-...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altahensley
Join her mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Reviews

[Lauren Bussiere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley :

This book has had me in a chokehold since day 1. I can’t ever resist a little stalker romance and this was *chefs kiss*.
Perfect amount of swoony, heart wrenching moments, combined with page-turning suspense on what was going to happen next. I loved every minute.
Thank you Alta Hensley for this little Christmas in July delight and putting it up on Net Galley for us to find! I hope you aren’t finished with this series because it is absolutely fantastic.

[booksvanereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

they def know that I have been bad or good...loved being back in this world by Alta. The whole story between Knox, Hailey, and Liam had me on the edge of my seat for a bit, felt like it got really intense really fast and def way more intense right off the beginning. BUT BOY WAS IT A FUN AND HOT RIDE. Loved getting snippets of Chloe and Sloane (book 1 and 2). Def felt like a little Christmas spirit in July.

ty @avon for the earc.

[The Wisteria Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first two books in the Naughty or Nice series, so I was excited to read this one. This book follows Hailey, who has spent the last five years trying to leave her past as a jewel thief behind. But when her ex-boyfriend Liam suddenly comes back into her life and tells her that the people they once stole from have found them, she is pulled right back into the danger she thought she had escaped.
One of the things I enjoyed most was Hailey’s backstory and the way her past slowly caught up with her. I also liked getting to see familiar characters from the earlier books, especially Sloane and Chloe
Knox’s stalking was honestly kind of funny to me because Hailey knew exactly what he was doing the entire time and actually enjoyed it. Their dynamic was entertaining, and I liked the little bit of dry banter between them.
I also liked the history between Hailey and Liam. They had a lot of unresolved feelings after being apart for five years, and I enjoyed seeing some of that come back to the surface. The found family side of the story was sweet too. All three characters were lonely in different ways, so I understood why being together made them feel like they had finally found somewhere they belonged.
My favorite character, though, may have been the Kidnapper . She was completely unhinged, but also hilarious. One minute she was threatening to kill everyone, and the next she was talking about therapy, self-care, and how proud her therapist would be of her. She was unpredictable and definitely made the story more entertaining for me.
This book though just did not work for me quite as well as the first two books. A large part of the story takes place inside the cabin, and most of the focus was on the relationship and intimate scenes. Since M/M/F romance is not usually my personal preference, I skimmed through some of those parts and found myself wishing there had been a little more focus on the stolen diamond, the danger, and the suspense.
I also would not really call this a Christmas read. It takes place around Christmas and there are a few holiday moments, but it did not feel very festive to me. The Christmas setting felt more like a backdrop than an important part of the story.
The ending was where things became a little too much for me. After spending so much of the book inside the cabin, everything suddenly happened at once—an avalanche, snowmobiles, a cracking frozen lake, a shootout, mercenaries, helpful locals, and even the Russian mafia showing back up. It was entertaining, but it also felt a little random and over-the-top.
Overall, this was still an okay read, and I can see readers who love dark romance, stalker romance, forced proximity, why choose relationships, and lots of spice really enjoying it. It just was not my favorite in the series, and I personally enjoyed Books 1 and 2 more.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Alta Hensley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of They Know If You’ve Been Bad or Good. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

[Reanna Abare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ended up being my favorite book in the series so far! I loved it so much that I already have my physical copy preordered. I actually had to hunt down the first book with the sprayed edges, so there was no way I was missing this one! I also somehow went into this completely blind and had no idea it was a why choose romance needless to say, I was very happy when I figured that out!

This book has so many things I love Christmas vibes, second chance romance, multiple POVs, suspense, mystery, one bed, a cabin in the woods, protective MMCs, and yes stalking. 😂

Hailey was such a badass FMC. She's strong, capable, and has a past that slowly unfolds throughout the story, which kept me hooked. Knox had me from the beginning. The fact that he'd been watching over Hailey for a year is exactly the kind of morally gray, overprotective energy I love in my romance. And then Liam enters the picture, I'll keep quiet because I don't want to spoil anything, but I absolutely loved what he brought to the story.

The relationships were definitely my favorite part. The chemistry, tension, and slow burn build between the characters felt natural, and I loved watching each relationship develop over the course of the book.

I also recommend reading the first two books before picking this one up. You meet Hailey and Knox earlier in the series, and seeing familiar characters return made this story even more enjoyable.

My only reason for giving this 4 instead of 5 stars is the ending. It felt like a cliffhanger, but I couldn't find any confirmation that this is the first part of a duet or series. If another book is planned, I wish that had been made a little clearer because I definitely wasn't ready for the story to end where it did!

Overall, this was my favorite book in the series so far, and if you're looking for a dark Christmas romance with suspense, mystery, protective MMCs, and why choose romance, I'd definitely recommend adding this one to your holiday TBR.

Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Nicole (literary_nics) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three books into this trilogy and Alta Hensley finally wrote the one where I couldn't call a single beat coming.

Hailey Parker ran from her old life and built a nice boring one: assistant to a jewelry designer in NYC and he past safely buried. Except not quite, Knox, her boss's billionaire boyfriend's head of security, has been watching her long before this book started, and Hailey has known the entire time. And loved it. Then Liam shows up: her ex, her ex-partner-in-crime, standing outside her Brooklyn apartment because the mobster they robbed five years ago finally caught up. The only way out is back into the frozen middle of nowhere to dig up the diamond she buried and hoped never to think about again, with a man who's been quietly obsessed with her, and a man who used to help her commit felonies, both along for the ride.

What worked: the second Knox clocks that Hailey has known he's been stalking her, and that she never once tried to stop it, is one of the best reversals in the trilogy. A silent, watching man getting caught red-handed by a woman who was one step ahead of him the whole time, and then just... asking her out? Deranged. Perfect. Liam showing up like a bad memory with a body count only raised the stakes further. This is easily the strongest entry in the trilogy, Hensley finally trusts the reader to sit in the dread instead of over-explaining it.

Why not 5 stars: the wilderness standoff earns every second of its tension, then the ending sprints to resolve the whole dynamic in what felt like four pages flat. I wanted to marinate in that landing, not blink and miss it.

Trope Chaos Check
✨ Why choose (chaos, as promised)
✨ Forced proximity, snowed-in-cabin division
✨ Stalker who gets caught, and asks her out anyway (she knew the whole time, iconic behavior)
✨ Secret criminal past resurfacing
✨ Christmas-adjacent dread, sleigh bells, but make it a hostage situation

★★★★☆ The most unpredictable book in the trilogy, docked one star for an ending that deserved a slower unwrap.

Huge thanks to Avon for the ARC, I did not need to be this stressed out during the holidays and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

[NewariMaicha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4⭐


Tropes: Why choose, one bed three people, MMF, Dark romance, Secrets and lies, Obsession, Morally black hero, Twisted mind games


Favorite Quote: “I’ve confessed to stalking her, and she’s looking at me like I’ve given her a gift.”


Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the eARC.


Christmas in July?! Sign me up! I have zero regrets. Reading Christmas book this time of the year. This series has become one of my favorite holiday guilty pleasures because it somehow combines Christmas vibes with dark romance, suspense, and obsession so perfectly.


If you loved the first two books, you're going to have a great time with this one. While some of the dialogue felt a little generic at times, it never took away from how addictive the story was. I kept telling myself "just one more chapter" until suddenly I was at the end.


The story blends the intensity of a kidnapping thriller with an MMF romance that completely exceeded my expectations. I wasn't expecting to become so invested in the relationship between all three characters, but the chemistry, emotional tension, and loyalty between them made every interaction impossible to look away from.


Hailey is intelligent and far more aware than people give her credit for. She knows Knox, her dangerously attractive stalker, is watching her, and somehow their dynamic is both unsettling and incredibly compelling. Then there's Liam, her ex, who's just as determined to protect her. Double the protectiveness, double the obsession, and plenty of chaos.


The mystery kept me hooked, but let's talk about the tension... because WOW. The chemistry wasn't just between Hailey and the guys, but between Liam and Knox too. The slow build, the longing, and the spice were absolutely top tier. This checked every single box I want in an MMF romance.


If you're looking for a fast-paced, spicy romance packed with obsession, mystery, emotional tension, and characters who will have you glued to the pages, add this one to your TBR immediately.

[Caitlynn Burnaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild, sexy ride! I gripped the edge of my seat from chapter one!

There's something sinfully thrilling about a romance that begins with a bit of light stalking, but the story takes an almost humorous turn when it just so happens that our FMC Hailey is sort of...okay with it. They Know if You've Been Bad or Good follows the lives of Hailey, Knox, and Liam as they are confronted with the decisions of their pasts and are forced to reconcile those choices with who they've become. As they wrestle with their inner demons, they find themselves wrestling in another way too. It's spicy, it's surprisingly sweet, and it's a whole lot of dangerous holiday fun!

Alta Hensley has written another fantastic Christmas coded, slightly dangerous, definitely devious, romance where the characters wouldn't dare to deny their obvious connection or their desire. I love how quickly the story moves along - making it a great book for a weekend - or, in my case, one sitting. I couldn't put it down! The quick plot pace really works in books that lean into the thrill and the suspense. I also thoroughly enjoyed the why-choose/poly romance relationship dynamic and felt the deep connection and history between the characters. The secrets, the betrayal, the lies, and the threat of death round out the elements that captivate you and hold you in the pages.

This is a fantastic conclusion - and my personal favorite - of the interconnected series! Its spicy, hot moments balance the freezing Canadian wilderness. Read responsibly, or don't, you'll have a fantastic time either way! Thank you to Avon Books, Alta Hensley, and NetGalley for an early copy to read and review!

[Jennah Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:

2 stalkers and a hidden past that’s catching up with her, Hailey has no choice but to face it.

Hailey is an assistant to a Jewelry designer, she catches the eye of Knox, her boss’ security guard. Hailey and Knox play a little cat-and-mouse game. Knox stalks Hailey for her protection and his obsession, working up the courage to ask her out. Until after their date he catches someone else in the shadows, stalking…watching.

Liam, Hailey’s ex-boyfriend and ex-partner in crime, watches from the shadows. After 5 years he finds her, warns her - that their secret from the past has found them. But what none of the trio know, is there is someone else watching - watching all of them.

I enjoyed the cat-and- mouse game between Knox and Hailey. I loved the chemistry between Knox and Hailey, Knox and Liam, and the spice between the trio. Hailey and Liam have that past history so you know the chemistry is there, but it just felt more intense Knox and Hailey, Knox and Liam.

I enjoyed the storyline, it was intense and it fit the character’s personalities well. But it did feel like there was a huge push to hit the ground running. One minute there’s a relationship building between Knox and Hailey and next thing the three of them are imprisoned and trying to figure out how to survive. Overall, I enjoyed everything this had to offer, I just wish I got to see more development between Knox and Hailey.

[Veeka · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 (rounded to 3) ⭐️

I loved the beginning of the book and was immediately hooked. A stalker why choose romance set in Christmas time?! I’m sold!

The beginning with the push and pull between Knox and Hailey was so fun and learning more about their past and history really made things interesting. However, where this book sort of fell off for me, was the introduction to Liam. When we learn she has another stalker I was so excited to see that aspect and what that was going to do to the story. But I just found his character and his addition to the story so odd. His behavior and the way that Hailey acts around him was just so hot and cold and really threw me out of the story and the momentum that was building. In one breath she talks about how she hasn’t seen him in years and that he crushed her and broke her heart and then a chapter later drops everyone and everything to go with him just because he said so. Even Knox calls her out on it because it was such a whiplash moment.

I really wanted to like this story because everything about it is right up my alley but the more it went on the less interested I got.

If you enjoy:
- Christmas Setting
- Stalker Romance
- Hidden past
- Ex-Military MMCs
- Why choose (MMF)
- Second chance
- One last job
- One bed
This is a story you should check out!

Thank you Avon, Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Elly Christmas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. My opinion is 100% my own and has not been influenced in any way.

I was so excited to have Knox and Hailey; the sparks had been flying, and his stalking here was delicious. The twist of her being stalked by another guy who is from Hailey's past. There were some unresolved feelings there, and when they got kidnapped. I was thinking, okay, they're gonna work through them and move forward with Knox and Hailey. But no, it they became an M/M/F, and honestly, that is not to my taste. I ended up skimming the spice scenes. They lasted too long and didn't really add anything to the story.

The whole relationship with Laim with Knox, and Hailey didn't mesh in my mind; it was hot and cold. Which gave me mixed signals, like okay, cool, you're the one who broke her heart and got away. That's awesome, but can we get with Knox, who is down for you, without adding Laim to this? No, oh okay, cool. Honestly, my biggest issues were with Laim. His relationship with Knox and Hailey seemed forced.

A lot of the book, as I said, was sex, which made me kinda sad. I wanted more plot, plot. As per the norm of this series, the ending was rushed with loose ends that made me feel like it wasn't really over.

Overall, this was okay; it wasn't really a Christmas setting but more like a holiday setting, which is cool.

[Second Chapter Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

I went into this without reading the first two books, and honestly, I never felt lost. Alta Hensley does a great job giving you enough background to enjoy this as a standalone while still making me want to go back and read the rest of the series.

This was a fun, fast-paced dark romance with forced proximity, suspense, plenty of twists, and a Christmas setting that somehow works really well. The isolated cabin kept the tension high, and I was invested in Hailey, Liam, and Knox from the beginning. The chemistry was there, the stakes kept getting higher, and I found myself flying through the pages to see how everything would come together.

The only reason this is a four-star read instead of five is that I wanted a little more emotional depth in a few of the bigger relationship moments. The story moves quickly, which kept me turning the pages, but I would've loved a few scenes to slow down and let those moments hit a little harder.

Overall, this was an entertaining read and a great introduction to the series. If you enjoy dark romance, why choose, forced proximity, suspense, holiday settings with a darker twist, and morally gray characters, I think you'll have a lot of fun with this one. I'll definitely be going back to read books one and two.

[Jennifer Kirshman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book off STRONG. Like, ohhh, this is going to be messy in the best possible way strong.

A stalker… whose stalkee already has another stalker? Add in a love triangle, betrayal, lies, secrets, and enough questionable decisions to keep me turning pages? YES. Give me the chaos. The plot had so much potential, and for a good portion of the book, I was completely invested in trying to figure out who was lying, who was manipulating who, and just how deep the mess was going to get.

But toward the end, things started getting a little… what exactly is happening here? 😅 The storyline became a bit messy, and I was left with quite a few unanswered questions. I needed more resolution and a little more explanation before everything wrapped up.

Overall, this was an intriguing and twisty read with a solid premise, plenty of suspense, and enough betrayal to keep things interesting. I just wish the ending had been a little cleaner and tied up more of the loose ends.

Tropes/Things to Expect:
🎄 Stalker romance
🖤 Dark romance
🔺 Love triangle
🤥 Betrayal and lies
🔪 Suspense and obsession
🎭 Secrets and questionable decisions

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC.

It’s true that some books just need the right timing when being read by a reader. This book was funny, hot, and a quick read.

You like spicy? You get spicy! 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
You like spicy with a romance driven plot? You get that too! 🌶️🧑‍❤️‍💋‍🧑
You want to laugh at the witty quips from all the characters? This book is for you! 🤣

Right off the bat, I knew I was going to be entertained when the content warnings comprise of:
- Stalking (now a group activity)
- Googly-eyed Santa sweater that honks when you press its nose (The real horror of this book $
- Nonconsensual Canadian vacation
- Aggressive Christmas cheer

Even the villain was comical! 😆

Overall, I enjoyed reading this. Three people kidnapped and stuck in a cabin for ten days where they not only have to figure out how to resolve their issues with each other but also survive and outwit the demands of their captor. I did find their plans to outsmart the villain a little loose, fallible, and slightly unrealistic. The world building is also pretty limited. However, this again is more relationship driven, so something to keep in mind when reading this book.

[Alexandria (Ink Stained Sorceress) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Avon and Harper Voyager for allowing me to read this as an ARC through NetGalley!

I really enjoyed the first two in the Naughty or Nice series and was so excited when I saw the third would be a Why Choose. And oh, I was soooo in love with Knox, Hailey, and Liam’s dynamic and characters.

They were all so different but fit perfectly together like a dark romantic puzzle. Knox was strong, obsessive, but incredibly tender when it came to Hailey, and I loved that. Liam was enigmatic and immediately made you smile with his wit and character. Hailey was so smart and full of emotion, even though she wasn’t one to want to wear it on her sleeve.

The only reason it didn’t get a full five stars for me is that it felt really rushed at the end, and I feel like we didn’t get a super satisfying ending. It felt almost like a cliffhanger but not really? It just didn’t feel like their story was over, even though it ended!

Overall though, the spice, the romance, and the heat and tension were all there and fantastic. A great holiday dark romance! Definitely will be getting the physical copy to match my other two with those beautiful sprayed edges!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit I went into this somewhat blind. I was aware of the first two books, but have not read them. Plus, I did not know it was a MMF why choose! What a happy surprise that was!! I love dark (slightly dark), sexy (A++ on that), morally gray (yes, please!) and add some thriller/suspense to it and you have I am hooked. Here we have Hailey starting a new relationship with Knox only to be thrown back into close quarters with Liam, her ex. Alta creates a riveting story about her present and past colliding and merging in a way Hailey couldn’t have imagined. And on top of all the romance, relationships and steaminess, there is a whole plot about a stolen diamond, who has it, who wants it and who will end up with it. Excellent writing and great job with the characters. The main female and male characters are delicious and the female bad guy is a hoot. My only criticism would be that there is minimal Christmas content. Basically they decorate a tree and that’s about it. Overall a fun story to read and would definitely recommend. I appreciate receiving this early copy from Avon and Harper Voyage through NetGalley.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
I read the second book in this series and really liked it! So I was super excited to see that I had received this ARC.

We learn that Hailey has a stalker that she has known about for a while but doesn’t mind it and she knows who he is. When Liam enters the picture, things turn sideways and I don’t want to spoil much but….. they end up being snowed in at a cabin and there’s only one bed!

I really enjoyed how we got to see all of their relationships grow all together and with each of them. I liked the mystery aspect and trying to figure out what was going to happen. The spice was good, and I would highly recommend if you are looking for a MMF romance with stalking and some mystery.

Favorite Quotes:

“I’ve confessed to stalking her, and she’s looking at me like I’ve given her a gift.”

“I’m taking a shower,” I say abruptly. Liam blinks. “She’s in there.” “I know.”

Knox is standing there. “Door was locked,” I manage. “Was.” He takes a step closer, his eyes raking over the sliver of me visible past the curtain.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC

[Pam (Phoenix) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Alta Hensley, Netgalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for an ARC.

ARC Review
3.5⭐
September 22, 2026

• Loved the FMC. Total bad*ss and definitely has an interesting background
• Loved both MMC but Knox definitely has my twisted dark romance heart ❤️‍🔥
• Ugly Christmas sweater 🤣
-Love future story where everyone goes out together in them. Can just picture all these big strong stalker men in ugly Christmas sweater 🤣
• Amazing built up frustrated chemistry between everyone and just makes the story so much better 🥵 ❤️‍🔥
• Multiple POV
• Crazy hilarious villain

•• Did feel like the ending was rushed and cliffhanger ending 🧐 🤔


Favorite Lines/Quotes
-- She’s smiling, really smiling, and my heart expands until I can barely breathe.

-- “Because I like it,” she says softly. “Because you make me feel protected and exposed at once. Because I’ve never felt more seen.” Her eyes hold mine. “You look at me like I’m the only thing in the world worth watching. Do you have any idea what that feels like?”

-- “Hurt me in the best way possible.”

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

He Knows When You’re Naughty is a dark Christmas romance that blends suspense, danger, and forced proximity with a snowy Canadian wilderness setting. When Hailey is forced back into her criminal past to recover a stolen diamond, she’s caught between the man she once loved and the one determined to protect her.

I enjoyed the winter atmosphere, the remote cabin setting, and the mystery surrounding the hidden diamond. The story kept me turning the pages, and I liked watching the twists unfold as the truth finally came to light.

This is definitely a romance-first story with plenty of spice and a why choose relationship, so it wasn’t my usual genre. I skipped the spicier scenes, but I still had fun following the suspense and seeing how everything came together.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Not my usual genre, but the mystery, winter setting, and fast pace kept me reading late into the night.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Know If You’ve Been Bad or Good was a fast-paced, addictive read that had me hooked from the beginning. If you enjoy morally gray characters, high-stakes suspense, and relationships that refuse to fit into a traditional box, this one is worth picking up.

The story blends the intensity of a kidnapping thriller with a complicated multi-partner romance that somehow makes you root for every relationship. I wasn’t expecting to become so invested in the connection between all three characters, but the emotional tension, loyalty, and chemistry made it work in a way I didn’t see coming.

The pacing never let up, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, the ending delivered a twist that genuinely caught me off guard.

If you’re looking for a spicy, suspense-filled romance with obsessive characters, emotional complexity, and plenty of “just one more chapter” moments, I’d definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️I loved the first two books in this series so it was no surprise that I loved book 3 as well. I was definitely intrigued by Hailey & Knox when they first met in ‘He knows When You’re Awake’ and their story did not disappoint

The suspense, the why choose MMF romance, the storyline, the snowy setting, the characters, the writing style, I loved it all and I couldn’t get enough. Knox, Liam and Hailey work in a way that grabbed ahold of me right away. Even after the lies, the betrayal, the omissions and the stalking they were drawn to each other in a perfectly satisfying way.

The ending left me wanting so much more! This could have been 150+ pages longer and I would have eaten it up!

I’m bummed that this is the final installment of the ‘Naughty or Nice’ series but it did elude to a new series that interconnects with Cole Asher’s world. Here’s hoping! 🤞🏻

Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Voyager Publishing for the advance copy of ‘They Know If You’ve Been Bad Or Good’

[Kristina Konrady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas in July and a why choose romance?! What more could a girl ask for!

This was a fun ride! It had all the things I love, why choose, strong FMC, stalkers, second chance romance, one bed, and secrets galore!

The beginning of the story really hooked me. The relationship between Hailey and Knox starts out with him stalking her until he works up the nerve to ask her out. Their dynamic from that point is so sweet but Hailey has secrets and they're about to catch up to her. Enter Liam, Hailey's ex-boyfriend. The past has come back to haunt them and they have one more job to do before they can go on with their lives, but getting in and out would be too easy...

This would have been 5 stars except the ending felt like more of a cliffhanger than an actual conclusion. I wish there was just a little bit more!

🌲 Christmas Dark Romance
❤️ St@lker
💀 Why Choose
🌲 MMF (Sword Crossinggg)
❤️ Only One Bed
💀 Second Chance
🌲 One Last Job
❤️ Forced Proximity

[Kelsey reviews•books · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know what!? This was a really fun read. I’m not typically into why choose, and that part still stressed me out here, but I really enjoyed the dynamic that each of these characters brought to the table. This was festive in the way that Die Hard is festive, and it works so well for this book because there is a great adventurous plot that is built around the romance.

I felt that each character was thoughtfully written, and despite the fact, I haven’t read books one and two I felt that the supporting characters that were from those books were incorporated in a way that didn’t make me feel like I was dropped into the middle of something.

Read this if you like:
- stalker romance
- why choose
- morally grey characters
- second chance
- adventure

A big shout out to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an advanced copy of this book and exchange for my honest review. This book comes out September 22.

[Toni Thomason · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like your holiday romances with a little danger, a lot of spice, and plenty of suspense, They Know if You've Been Bad or Good is one wild ride! 🎄🔥 From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked by Hailey, Knox, and Liam's complicated history and undeniable chemistry. The story moves at a breakneck pace, making it impossible to put down, and the mix of mystery, secrets, betrayal, and romance kept me turning pages long into the night.

What I loved most was how the emotional connections between the characters balanced all the thrilling twists. The why-choose romance felt natural because of their shared history, and the chemistry between all three was impossible to ignore. Set against a snowy, remote backdrop, this book perfectly blends holiday vibes with danger, passion, and heart. It was easily my favorite book in the series and the perfect weekend binge for readers who enjoy romances that are equal parts suspenseful, steamy, and unforgettable. ❄️📚✨

[Jennie Stiehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first two books in this series and was waiting for this book.

I will say I really enjoyed the first half to 60% of the book, and then I felt it went downhill from there. I did enjoy the chemistry between Knox and Hailey, but then it felt like Liam was an afterthought and the chemistry was gone and it was a hot mess.

The last 1/3 of the book was a mess in my opinion and would have preferred less of the villain antics and story line. That section of the book went on for way too long, I was ready for the book to be over and there was still 20% left of the book.

I gave it 3 stars because while I didn't like the end of the book I enjoyed the majority of it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and HarperCollins, and Alta Hensley for the early access to the book in exchange for an honest review.

[📖 Amanda 📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for my Advanced Listener’s Copy!


Why therapy when you can just move to New York, design jewelry, and let two different men completely ruin your life? 💁🏼‍♀️

⭐️ 4/5 ⭐️

Hailey thought she escaped her past. Instead, she’s in New York doing assistant jewelry stuff and drooling over Knox, a security guard who apparently moonlights as her "night time protector." Too bad her ex didn't get the memo about staying buried, forcing Hailey to put her jewelry-making hobby on hold.

The Good:
- I didn’t want to put it down
- Was waiting for the “why choose” trope 🤣
Not so Good:
- A bit repetitive
- Predictable but satisfying
…
They Know if You’ve been Bad or Good by Alta Hensley
Kindle Edition 📱 by NetGalley
Available on September 22, 2026
.
Read my reviews on:
https://linktr.ee/DeutscheMausi
.

[Hana Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sent this ARC in exchange for a review 🎄❤️🔪

Okayyyyy I read all 3 of these books, and I must say, in the beginning I was super into it but ya lost me in the final half :/ I felt like once Liam and Knox’s history was revealed, the plot was a little lost and it was just mostly insane threesomes everywhere, which cool! But also, like I wanna know more about the actual plot. I really liked Knox but I felt like we didn’t truly learn that much about him, or explore his individual relationship with Hailey. It was mainly just stalking, stalking, kidnapping, threesome, threesome, rescue, threesome. I just felt like the plot storyline could’ve been explored a little bit more and a little less sex scenes. I wouldn’t consider myself a prude either, I just wanted more info on their background as thieves.

[Maggan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like the other books in this series, the plot was obviously unhinged and if you know me, you know I love me an unhinged plotline. I was already so excited about Knox and Hailey since the last book and add to that Liam, who is a love interest for BOTH of them?!?! Yes pleaseee, I love it. The spice definitely hits and is delicious, so you will absolutely be fed.
I did feel like the build up between Knox and Hailey more than Hailey and Liam, just because there was more time. I think the tension between Knox and Liam was great and I was just waiting for them to snap.
There were a few inconsistencies in the plot and the writing is quite staccato, but overall I really enjoyed it!

Thank you Avon for the ARC!

[SiSi ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started off interesting and it did stay that way nearly all the way through.

I did like the chemistry between Knox and Liam and then them with Hailey. There was so much tension turned spicy! 🥵

The whole plot was kind of fun, it had stalking that turned into something else and then had all the holiday vibes.

Imagine being trapped with your ex boyfriend and current boyfriend. What could go wrong? Nothing besides the fact that Hailey used to be a thief along with Liam and the past absolutely caught up with them.

I enjoyed how everything played out between the three and the whole story was just a fun time. Perfect if you enjoy why choose, second chance, Christmas vibes and of course, stalking. 😏

[Read Casual · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Know if You’ve been Bad or Good is funny and sexy from beginning to end.

Hailey may not be the most extroverted but she is smart! She is aware she’s being stalked by Knox and she puts up with it because she likes it. 😏

As she begins to see a future with Knox her past comes calling. Knox might have been the type to follow her home and track her coffee order in a notebook…but he’s not the one leaving flowers on her doorstep. It turns out her ex Liam is also watching.

As Hailey’s past catches up with her the plot twists from cute rom com to action thriller…and there’s only one bed in the cabin they get locked into. I bet you’ll never guess what happens next 😉

Content warnings include: Candy cane used as a weapon of seduction.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

St@lker romance
Forced proximity
Why choose
Military romance
Dark Christmas romance
Mmf
One last job
Second chances
Only one bed
Obsession
Found family
Twisted mind games
Please check the TW page

“I never forgot you. Not once. Not ever.”

“I’ve confessed to st@lking her, and she’s looking at me like I’ve given her a gift.”

Such an entertaining read!
I love the audios for the first book and had to jump on this! It’s hard to refuse a light st@lker romance, 🖤
The perfect amount of spoon worthy heart wrenching moments that kept me turning the pages. With enough tension and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. Knox, Hailey and Liam had great chemistry, so hot! I was here for it. I love their dynamics. It was kind of humorous too. And loved the bit of banter.
Oh, and I love Hailey‘s backstory. And the history between Hailey and Liam, after being apart for a while. Seeing them work through their unresolved feelings. And I loved seeing characters pop-up from book one too. I was definitely not left disappointed with this read!