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Make Me do Bad Things
A runaway bride, ex-best friends to lovers romance. Oh, and there’s a serial killer.
This is book 3, a standalone novel in the interconnected Make Me series
Bex
My wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of my life, right? But everything feels wrong. Until I see Austin Bridger in the back row—my childhood best friend who I haven’t seen in ten years. Dropping my bouquet, taking his hand, and running away feels right. But things between us are different now. He’s different. And maybe I don’t want to be just friends this time. I’m in too deep before I realize I might be in danger.
Bridger
I yearned for her my entire life. She didn’t feel the same. Still, I’d do anything for Bex Bishop. Including helping her escape her wedding and hiding her away in my remote mountain cabin for as long as she wants. It’s not forever. I’m trying not to let her in again, but she’s determined to crack me open as well as the secret that haunts this small town—there’s a serial killer, and it’s one of us.
This is book 3, a standalone novel in the interconnected Make Me series
Bex
My wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of my life, right? But everything feels wrong. Until I see Austin Bridger in the back row—my childhood best friend who I haven’t seen in ten years. Dropping my bouquet, taking his hand, and running away feels right. But things between us are different now. He’s different. And maybe I don’t want to be just friends this time. I’m in too deep before I realize I might be in danger.
Bridger
I yearned for her my entire life. She didn’t feel the same. Still, I’d do anything for Bex Bishop. Including helping her escape her wedding and hiding her away in my remote mountain cabin for as long as she wants. It’s not forever. I’m trying not to let her in again, but she’s determined to crack me open as well as the secret that haunts this small town—there’s a serial killer, and it’s one of us.
- GenresRomance
ebook
Published May 7, 2026
About the author
Rae Kennedy
7 books223 followersRae writes romances she hopes will have readers squealing, kicking their feet one minute and blushing the next. Biscuits and gravy enthusiast. She’d love to travel the world but is also an unapologetic homebody. You can find her under a cozy blanket next to the fireplace at home in the Pacific Northwest with her family and giant dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 10, 2026
ALL. THE. FEELS.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, my first from this author (and I'm danged mad at myself for it). It covers my favorite genre (romantic suspense) and one of my favorite tropes (friends to lovers), and yet...not. And that's the beauty of it.
Calling it a romantic suspense is a bit ambitious of me because even though there is suspense and it is pivotal to the plot, it doesn't dominate. The problem with a lot of romantic suspense is that it leans too heavily to one side or the other. They also tend to be filled with alpha males who can't do anything wrong and perfect women that these men fall to their knees for. It's like the characters aren't allowed to be flawed, which makes them not very relatable.
Here, however, we have a very flawed female main character. (Not so sure our male main character has any, TBH.) Blonde and blue, Bex could easily come across as very self absorbed, and yet we learn enough about her childhood and the toxic relationship she has with her mother to understand where she's coming from. More importantly, Bridger understands her and has no illusions; that is, he's always loved her in spite of/because of who she is. Because the POV is first person, alternating, we get inside both their heads and can see and appreciate the truths and above all, root for them as a couple.
The author also gives us glimpses into what exactly happened when they were children by starting each chapter with this short passage from the past. I love that because, all too often, books about second chances are filled with pages and pages of reminiscing and while that's not horrible, for me, it sometimes takes me out of the plot more than I want to be taken.
The author does a good job tying up some of the small loose ends (related to secondary characters) that otherwise would have driven me crazy. I won't get into specifics because then it'll be a spoiler, even if it would just spoil the small things. Overall, I was thoroughly satisfied with how the book ended, and if the sunflower part (a small part but I'm not going to elaborate because of the aforementioned spoilers I'm avoiding) made me tear up, well, I'm proud to own it.
Also, a dog!
It looks like there's a fourth book coming soon and I would definitely pick it up. I probably will also go back and read books one and two, even though I don't typically like reading books of a series out of order. Each book seems to be a standalone with no overarching storyline aside from the connections that the people in each book have with each other.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, my first from this author (and I'm danged mad at myself for it). It covers my favorite genre (romantic suspense) and one of my favorite tropes (friends to lovers), and yet...not. And that's the beauty of it.
Calling it a romantic suspense is a bit ambitious of me because even though there is suspense and it is pivotal to the plot, it doesn't dominate. The problem with a lot of romantic suspense is that it leans too heavily to one side or the other. They also tend to be filled with alpha males who can't do anything wrong and perfect women that these men fall to their knees for. It's like the characters aren't allowed to be flawed, which makes them not very relatable.
Here, however, we have a very flawed female main character. (Not so sure our male main character has any, TBH.) Blonde and blue, Bex could easily come across as very self absorbed, and yet we learn enough about her childhood and the toxic relationship she has with her mother to understand where she's coming from. More importantly, Bridger understands her and has no illusions; that is, he's always loved her in spite of/because of who she is. Because the POV is first person, alternating, we get inside both their heads and can see and appreciate the truths and above all, root for them as a couple.
The author also gives us glimpses into what exactly happened when they were children by starting each chapter with this short passage from the past. I love that because, all too often, books about second chances are filled with pages and pages of reminiscing and while that's not horrible, for me, it sometimes takes me out of the plot more than I want to be taken.
The author does a good job tying up some of the small loose ends (related to secondary characters) that otherwise would have driven me crazy. I won't get into specifics because then it'll be a spoiler, even if it would just spoil the small things. Overall, I was thoroughly satisfied with how the book ended, and if the sunflower part (a small part but I'm not going to elaborate because of the aforementioned spoilers I'm avoiding) made me tear up, well, I'm proud to own it.
Also, a dog!
It looks like there's a fourth book coming soon and I would definitely pick it up. I probably will also go back and read books one and two, even though I don't typically like reading books of a series out of order. Each book seems to be a standalone with no overarching storyline aside from the connections that the people in each book have with each other.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
May 31, 2026
We first met Bex in book 1 and she was quite the intriguing character-so I’m happy to have finally gotten her book. This one had a bit of everything and really hit the feels.
She is so much more than what people first see-or the impression she gives of herself; getting more of her back story and what she went through growing up was wonderful. My heart went out to her.
Bridger and Bex were best friends growing up-until one careless teenage moment changed everything. They haven’t seen eachother in 10 years-until Bex’s wedding day. The one she never makes it down the aisle to and Bridger helps her run away from-to his remote home in a small town.
Bridger was wonderful, he was patient, kind and protective! I understood his hurt when it came to Bex. Watching these two relearn one another and reconnect was great. They always had such a deep connection-but now there was attraction and tension that had me on the edge of my seat! When he finally allowed himself to give in-these two were spicy!
One of my favourite parts was the way this author shows flashbacks to their childhood. It was such a meaningful part of their story-and pulled at my heartstrings as we uncovered what ultimately severed their friendship.
She sees him and he sees her. He knows her and has always loved her. It may have taken Bex some time to catch up and understand her true feelings-but their connection really is so sweet. These two were always meant to be. I enjoyed the way they challenged eachother in the best way. To step out of they comfort zones and find their happy together. Being with him and in the small town was so good for Bex. She not only found her way to love, but also discovered more about herself and her passions.
This is the first time this author took the romantic suspense direction and I was here for it! It was a fun little subplot that kept me intrigued, guessing and following along with Bex as she explored the towns mystery.
I like how we caught up with the other two couples and what they are up to. We even got a slight tease into book 4-which I am very much looking forward to writing.
4⭐️
She is so much more than what people first see-or the impression she gives of herself; getting more of her back story and what she went through growing up was wonderful. My heart went out to her.
Bridger and Bex were best friends growing up-until one careless teenage moment changed everything. They haven’t seen eachother in 10 years-until Bex’s wedding day. The one she never makes it down the aisle to and Bridger helps her run away from-to his remote home in a small town.
Bridger was wonderful, he was patient, kind and protective! I understood his hurt when it came to Bex. Watching these two relearn one another and reconnect was great. They always had such a deep connection-but now there was attraction and tension that had me on the edge of my seat! When he finally allowed himself to give in-these two were spicy!
One of my favourite parts was the way this author shows flashbacks to their childhood. It was such a meaningful part of their story-and pulled at my heartstrings as we uncovered what ultimately severed their friendship.
She sees him and he sees her. He knows her and has always loved her. It may have taken Bex some time to catch up and understand her true feelings-but their connection really is so sweet. These two were always meant to be. I enjoyed the way they challenged eachother in the best way. To step out of they comfort zones and find their happy together. Being with him and in the small town was so good for Bex. She not only found her way to love, but also discovered more about herself and her passions.
This is the first time this author took the romantic suspense direction and I was here for it! It was a fun little subplot that kept me intrigued, guessing and following along with Bex as she explored the towns mystery.
I like how we caught up with the other two couples and what they are up to. We even got a slight tease into book 4-which I am very much looking forward to writing.
4⭐️
May 28, 2026
This is the third book in the 'Make Me...' series following Bex (Bishop) and Austin (Bridger), two childhood best friends who reconnect at a family wedding. First of all, it's not necessarily a second chance romance but there's certainly elements and that shit is my achilles heel.
I really loved this one. It's slightly different from Rae Kennedy's other books in this series as it's slightly longer (yay!!) but it also features some mystery / thriller for us true crime girlies. Whilst I personally thought this didn't need it nor would it be missed if it was removed, I did like in the foreword fhat she had mentioned she rewrote the book to include this and you can really tell. It was well written and structured and longer which I loved.
Whilst Livvy and Noah's love story is my fave of the last three books, it was nice seeing party girl Bex have her happy ending, even if it wasn't straight forward. I especially loved seeing cameos from the other characters and see their stories progressing.
I just love Rae Kennedy's writing and I'm so excited there's a 4th book in this series!
I really loved this one. It's slightly different from Rae Kennedy's other books in this series as it's slightly longer (yay!!) but it also features some mystery / thriller for us true crime girlies. Whilst I personally thought this didn't need it nor would it be missed if it was removed, I did like in the foreword fhat she had mentioned she rewrote the book to include this and you can really tell. It was well written and structured and longer which I loved.
Whilst Livvy and Noah's love story is my fave of the last three books, it was nice seeing party girl Bex have her happy ending, even if it wasn't straight forward. I especially loved seeing cameos from the other characters and see their stories progressing.
I just love Rae Kennedy's writing and I'm so excited there's a 4th book in this series!
June 6, 2026
Wow! Romance and suspense at it’s best
I loved this story from the first chapter and very happily kept reading, firstly to try and work out the dynamics of Bex and Bridger’s relationship and secondly to try and pick who the serial killer was.
I never did get it right but absolutely loved the sleuthing Bex and her friends did to try and guess who it was.
This was a story of Bex (Bishop) a mixed up woman, who I thought was very selfish at times, learning to grow and appreciate just what she always had in her life and Bridger the boy, now man, that always chose her but could never quite get her to choose him.
The little snippets at the beginning of every chapter were excellent revealing Bex and Bridger’s complicated relationship growing up and as the story progressed, their reunion and the lives they were destined to share now.
Loving how the suspense, danger, friendship, then romance and steam in this story wove together and made a truly compelling story.
Thank you Rae Kennedy and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this wonderful story.
I loved this story from the first chapter and very happily kept reading, firstly to try and work out the dynamics of Bex and Bridger’s relationship and secondly to try and pick who the serial killer was.
I never did get it right but absolutely loved the sleuthing Bex and her friends did to try and guess who it was.
This was a story of Bex (Bishop) a mixed up woman, who I thought was very selfish at times, learning to grow and appreciate just what she always had in her life and Bridger the boy, now man, that always chose her but could never quite get her to choose him.
The little snippets at the beginning of every chapter were excellent revealing Bex and Bridger’s complicated relationship growing up and as the story progressed, their reunion and the lives they were destined to share now.
Loving how the suspense, danger, friendship, then romance and steam in this story wove together and made a truly compelling story.
Thank you Rae Kennedy and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this wonderful story.
June 7, 2026
This was an enjoyable romance with a dash of suspense. The story centers on Bex and Bridger. They were childhood neighbors and Bridger was already in love with Bex all those years ago. When Bex makes a mad dash from her wedding, Bridger’s hand is the one held out to take hers and they make their escape.
Bex took a while to grow on me. She had a lot of maturing to do. Bridger, meanwhile, was such a sweetheart from the beginning. The way he cared for Bex and was willing to do anything for her was so romantic.
There was a bit of a subplot about a serial killer stalking Bex, which added a little bit of tension and suspense to things. But it didn’t take the focus off Bex and Bridger and their growing relationship.
All in all, it was a good read, and I’ll be checking out more by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bex took a while to grow on me. She had a lot of maturing to do. Bridger, meanwhile, was such a sweetheart from the beginning. The way he cared for Bex and was willing to do anything for her was so romantic.
There was a bit of a subplot about a serial killer stalking Bex, which added a little bit of tension and suspense to things. But it didn’t take the focus off Bex and Bridger and their growing relationship.
All in all, it was a good read, and I’ll be checking out more by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 19, 2026
I was provided this as an ARC and this is my honest review :
When agreeing to read this I will admit that I didn’t realize it was book 3 in an interconnected series when there were a few things I felt could be tied together better I realized it was my own fault that a few characters weren’t more “developed” but it was my fault. I absolutely loved the character development and story line of Bridger and Bex it was so enjoyable ! I was absolutely drawn in from the very first chapter and it was so refreshing to read a storyline I hadn’t read before! Bex was so complicated and so was Bridger and the twists and turns about what happened and why they had such a complicated history and it was tied up with a neat bow. I will say it was complete enough that I didn’t feel the need to go back and read books 1 and 2 but also interesting enough where I want to read about the other characters story as well ❤️. Bravo on a job well done ❤️ so thankful to have read this as an ARC.
When agreeing to read this I will admit that I didn’t realize it was book 3 in an interconnected series when there were a few things I felt could be tied together better I realized it was my own fault that a few characters weren’t more “developed” but it was my fault. I absolutely loved the character development and story line of Bridger and Bex it was so enjoyable ! I was absolutely drawn in from the very first chapter and it was so refreshing to read a storyline I hadn’t read before! Bex was so complicated and so was Bridger and the twists and turns about what happened and why they had such a complicated history and it was tied up with a neat bow. I will say it was complete enough that I didn’t feel the need to go back and read books 1 and 2 but also interesting enough where I want to read about the other characters story as well ❤️. Bravo on a job well done ❤️ so thankful to have read this as an ARC.
May 10, 2026
This would have been a 5 star read if not for the FMC who irritated the hell out of me. The serial killer sideplot was fun, but rushed by the end. We never really got a reason for his motive, and she saved herself way too quickly. Overall though, I really enjoyed the friends to lovers, unrequited love, 10 yrs of distance story with the ideal amount of angst and longing. Cant wait for book 4
Favourite Quote
She was always mine. And never was.
Favourite Quote
She was always mine. And never was.
June 4, 2026
I received this book for my honest review, and leaving a review voluntarily…. I couldn't put this book down. Childhood friends reconnect as adults and something shifts. Oh and did I mention a serial killer….lingers in the background.
Loved it all
Loved it all
June 6, 2026
Every single book she writes, I finish in under 24 hours. Every. Time. I’m obsessed.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews