Down Bad

The New Romantics #2

by Brittanee Nicole, Connor Crais (Narrator), Mollie Stark (Narrator)

From New York Times Bestselling Author Brittanée Nicole of the Boston Bolts Hockey Series comes a hockey romance between the captain of the hockey team and his coach’s daughter featuring the next generation of Langfields.

Brayden Hawke, the broody, tattooed, hockey player and captain of the Boston Bolts, would never have touched me had he known I was his coach’s daughter.

But he did and now I’m determined to get him to do it again. And again.

It’s not just his touch that I crave though. My life went off the rails recently and Brayden seems to be the only person who even tries to understand what I’m going through.

Late night calls turn into clandestine confessions and it no longer feels fun trying to hide how we feel.

Just when I think we might have a chance, a positive pregnancy test changes everything. Because the baby I’m having isn’t his and I’m starting to believe I may never be either.

Down Bad is an age gap, coach’s daughter, hockey romance with a surprise pregnancy that is not his baby, but he claims anyway, featuring a brownstone like Mother Faker and many of our favorite characters from the Langfield brothers, including fan favorite Brayden Hawke from War and Vivi Langfield from A Major Puck Up.

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Sports, Audiobook, Hockey Romance, Found Family, Romance

Audible Audio

Published November 4, 2026

Reviews

[Mads · Rating 3 out of 5]

(⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5) I have mixed feelings. The first part of the book made me cringe a bit. I found Vivi initially to be almost insufferably immature & she was very whiney. And let me tell you, if I got humiliated & rejected by a man that many times, I would certainly stop trying to engage.

Already not a huge fan of an age gap, but certainly not a fan when he knew her as a child & points that out after they have a moment. Then there’s the repeating of how he never looked at her that way when she was a kid, but NOW. The constant acknowledgement of it actually makes it worse. Please stop 🫢

After learning more about Vivi, I started to like her more & Brayden, wow, what a good man. Not for a second did he question his want or devotion to her. It was admirable and he was oh so sweet. I loved getting glimpses of the Boston Bolts, their found family has been one of my all time favorites. Gavin did really irked me though, knowing him from his own book. He was awfully harsh towards his daughter & let his frustration win out far too much. I never got to witness much of a conversation between Vivi & him making up while she was pregnant, it was glossed over and wrapped up after she had the baby. But it was still surface level, I never really understood their rift and I wanted them to really sit down and talk it out as a family.

The book certainly grew on me, but it still didn’t quite stick the landing. It certainly didn’t knock War down to second place. They definitely had chemistry, but I don’t know that I totally felt the all in, let me raise your baby love. I really did love Brayden & I think he could’ve competed for top spot but I think Vivi was a little to unlikeable for me (I’m sorry 😭) It was an enjoyable read, but I didn’t find myself enraptured by it. The Boston Bolts series holds such a special place for me & I still think they’re top tier. I was really looking forward to a second gen, but it’s unfortunately missing the mark for me so far. Sat for the next book though, I’m intrigued by the sneak peek for Winnie & this down bad man.

[Lora · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐ Down Bad by Brittanee Nicole

I’m a big fan of Brittanee Nicole and will pick up anything she releases, so I went into Down Bad with high expectations. Unfortunately, this one didn’t land for me the way her other books have.

My biggest issue was Vivi. I understand she’s young, and I’m not expecting a twenty-something heroine to have everything figured out, but I never found a way into her character. She felt surface-level, and I kept waiting for a layer to be peeled back that never really came.

What frustrated me most is that the book sets up something with real potential: Vivi is adopted. I connected with her feelings about that, and there were moments that resonated. But the story only scratched the surface. This could have been the emotional core of the book, with more exploration of identity, belonging, and how those feelings shape the way she moves through relationships. Instead, it read as a trait rather than a thread that drives her growth. By the final page, she still felt like the same immature woman I met at the start.

Braden, on the other hand, is amazing. We got so much more of his thoughts, and I loved seeing his growth through his life and everything he went through. He felt like a fully realized character, and honestly, that made Vivi’s lack of depth stand out even more. I wanted her to be given the same care.

Down Bad wasn’t a bad book, and it won’t stop me from reading whatever Brittanee Nicole writes next. It just wasn’t for me, though I’d still recommend it to readers who [enjoy a romance that’s more focused on the hero / want a lighter read]

[all.the.smut.things · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Have I red this book multiple times by release day, yes. Yes I have. Brayden and Vivi are everything and I mean EVERYTHING.

I loved them. I love this story and I love this entire cast of characters. Being back at the brownstone is such a full circle moment for this world and I love everything about it.

In case you can’t tell, I adored this book. The chemistry. The connection. The characters… the ANGST. It was done so well and I will never get over it.

Brayden is perfect. The man was literally raised by Daddy War and it shows. And Vivi…. She’s messy and funding herself and still absolutely perfect.

Read this book. You will love it the way these two come together and the way Brayden shows up for her repeatedly had me in a puddle on the dang floor.

Also of you can listen to Connor Crais and Mollie Stark absolutely crush this one, please do.

✨ Hockey Romance
✨ Coach’s Daughter
✨ Age Gap
✨ Not His Baby
✨ Forbidden Romance

[Vicki (athousandbookishlives) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Brittanee for an opportunity to beta read! This is a must for the TBR!

Full review to come once the book has been officially released and I read the finished copy.

𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 5/5⭐️ | 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 3/5🌶️ | 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 3/5🔥

[jada · Rating 2.25 out of 5]

she gave me second hand embarrassment in the first part of the book then he gave me whiplash

[Bea Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will never get tired of going back to the Langfield's world. It was such a treat to see War and Ava again, along with Beckett, Gavin, Millie and all the other characters I fell in love with months ago. I still can't believe they're grandparents now! This is honestly one of my favourite things about second generation series. Getting to see characters you've loved for so long enter a whole new chapter of their lives is so special.

I found Vivi a little lost and childish at times, but I understood where her insecurities were coming from. And Brayden... well, he's definitely his father's son. My God, I adored him! His dedication to Vivi and their baby was everything.

Tyler Warren remains my favourite Brittanee Nicole MMC, but Brayden is giving his dad some serious competition! I also loved seeing Millie as a mum and couldn't help noticing the parallels between her and Vivi.

And that ending! I absolutely loved it. Oh my God, I already need Winnie and Wilde's book. I can't wait!

These characters will always have a special place in my heart. They're the reason I fell in love with sports romance, and revisiting their world is always a treat.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narration cast was fantastic. An absolutely brilliant listening experience!

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this new generation of books! They are so good. Our little Brayden is all grown up and OMG what an amazing man he is! I am serious when I say he brought me to tears a few times because he was just so sweet and caring, not to mention HOT (much like his adoptive dad Daddy War, who is my FAVE Britt guy). I loved him so much. I love seeing the children of the couples we love all grown up and getting their own love stories. It's just so beautiful!

First, let me say that the audio for this was fantastic! Everyone did their big one with this book because the narration really brought the story to life and I loved it beyond words.

I loved Vivi too! Yeah, she was a party girl and a bit of a mess, and she was pretty lost at first, but she was such a sweetheart. She's flawed and makes mistakes, but we love her even more for it. I was actually kind of angry about how HARD people were on her, especially her dad. Like I love you, Gavin Langfield, but REALLY?! Wow, kind of hypocritical... anyway!

I also loved the surprise pregnancy, and the fact that it ISN'T HIS BABY but he claims it anyway was perfect! OMG. WHAT A GREAT BOOK THIS MAKES. This is one of my fave microtropes and I was so excited once I hit like chapter 16 and knew where it was headed. I loved how Bray stepped up and became a dad. It was so heartwarming, especially because Brayden knows what it's like to be chosen and wanted, even when it's not by your biological family but by the people who choose you and make you their family. And that's exactly what he did for this baby. It was so beautiful to see! I love when everything comes full circle like this.

Bray is tatted, pierced, and constantly trying to live up to the life he was given and prove he's worthy of everything Ava and Tyler (Daddy War) gave him. He was just such a green flag and I loved him so much. And the spice was so good too! like DAMN. SUPER hot, but we can always count on Britt for that!

I am really looking forward to Winnie's book because of that cliffhanger at the end! I really want to know what happens in her book.

Thank you to Brittanee Nicole for letting me listen to this amazing book early!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta read. 10/10 absolutely no notes!!

UPDATE - Now that I've finished the ARC version of the book, I can leave a review. Let me just tell you that this book is even better the second time around and I cannot wait to listen to this on audio. I don't know what Brittanee puts in her books to make them so delicious, but I really hope she never stops. This series is so good, and I know that each book will be better than the last.

This book is the second gen of two of my favorite Brittanee Nicole characters (War & Gavin), and I hate to say it, but I think that Brayden & Vi might be even better than their parents. When it comes to War & Brayden, don't make me choose because I just can't. Also - knowing that War & Gavin are in their late 50's & early 60's? HOT HOT HOT.

I absolutely loved the connection between Brayden & Vi and loved how their stories were so similar to their parents' stories. The connection that Brittanee made with them was pure genius. These two were so much fun, extremely hot, and absolutely "down bad" for each other.

Brayden Hawke is what MMC dreams are made of. Like this man could not have been more obsessed with Vi, even when he couldn't be. The epitome of "if he wanted to, he would." He was absolutely perfect.

Vi was such an amazing character too. I loved how lost she was in the beginning but eventually found her way back to herself and her family, and eventually realized everything she wanted out of life. She had so much sass in her.

All I'm saying is that this is a top read for me for 2026, and if it's not already on your TBR - ADD IT!!

[Geeky Author · Rating 3 out of 5]

A LOT of unnecessary drama for two people who clearly wanted each other. PLEASE COMMUNICATE.

I have very mixed feelings about this one. There was a genuinely lovely story buried somewhere underneath all the stubbornness, hot-and-cold behavior, secrets, and unnecessary relationship drama.

Let's start with Vivian. Oh, this girl tested my patience! She's 22, so I understand that she's young, struggling with abandonment issues, and trying to figure out where she belongs. But my goodness, she can be incredibly whiny, petulant, and self-serving. She keeps insisting that nobody wants her, that her adoptive parents only took her in out of obligation, and that she needs to prove herself worthy of their love.

What made this particularly frustrating was having read Gavin and Millie's book in the previous generation. We already know how much Gavin loves Vivian and how far he was willing to go to adopt her, keep her in his life, and give her a family. Knowing all of that made it incredibly difficult not to see Vivian as selfish when she repeatedly rejected her parents' love and convinced herself that she was somehow unwanted. I understand where her feelings come from, especially after the way her biological mother treated her, but her refusal to communicate with the people who love her and her insistence on handling everything alone became exhausting.

That said, Gavin wasn't entirely blameless either. He disappointed me with his stubbornness and his inability to see Vivian's perspective when she decided to leave college. Asking her to leave home and reacting the way he did when he found out about her pregnancy were both overreactions, especially considering the father he had been in the previous book. But credit where it's due: he eventually bucked up, recognised where he had gone wrong, apologised, and made things right, like the great man we know him to be.

And then there's Brayden.

This man had me going back and forth throughout the book. His first interactions with Vivian were unnecessarily harsh, and he never properly apologised for the way he treated her. He repeatedly hurt her, kept her hidden, and couldn't seem to decide whether he wanted to be with her. One minute he's desperate for her, the next he's reminding her why they can't be together because Gavin is her father and his coach. And don't even get me started on his inability to defend her when other people made comments about her.

My biggest issue with Brayden was that he wanted all the intimacy without the courage to acknowledge their relationship. He wanted her in private but didn't want anyone finding out. He wanted to be close to her but kept pushing her away whenever things got complicated. At some point, you need to make a decision, stand by it, and stop making the woman you supposedly love feel like she's something to hide.

And the whole we're just friends, but we also give each other orgasms, except we won't actually sleep together because that would mean something arrangement? WHAT EVEN WAS THAT?

Are we seriously pretending that feelings can be avoided simply by drawing an arbitrary line at penetration? They were already emotionally involved, clearly wanted each other, and were behaving like anything but friends. Yet we had to endure endless internal monologues about how kissing or sleeping together would make everything more complicated. A single honest conversation could have saved us approximately half this book.

I also found the prolonged secrecy and the constant back-and-forth frustrating. The book had all the ingredients for a beautiful story about two people choosing each other, navigating an unexpected pregnancy, and building a family. Instead, so much of it was spent watching them avoid saying what they both clearly wanted.

That said, the last 100 pages were considerably better. Once Vivian finally stopped getting in her own way, allowed herself to trust the people around her, and accepted that she didn't have to do everything alone, the story started coming together. Brayden also showed exactly why, despite my many frustrations with him, I believed he was fundamentally a good man. His willingness to support Vivian through her pregnancy and accept the baby as family was genuinely lovely.

My one remaining frustration was that even after everything Brayden had done to show her that he loved her and wanted to be there, Vivian's fear of abandonment still made her jump to conclusions before he could even explain himself. At some point, I really wanted someone to tell this girl to consider therapy. She had a lot to work through before she could fully trust the people who loved her.

There was a lovely romance here, but it was buried under far too much unnecessary drama. The payoff was worth something, but getting there tested my patience considerably.

[Dik Verhoef · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Down Bad was just OK for me!
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️

Story/writing: 3.5⭐️
Characters: 4⭐️ (Brayden)
Enjoyment: 3.5⭐️
Quality Spice: 4⭐️

Tropes: MF, Surprise Pregnancy, Not his Kid, Hurt/comfort, Hockey

Down Bad was my first Brittanee Nicole book. I have mixed feelings about the story, but the audio did make up for a lot. Yes, the audiobook is great and I like both narrators. The voices for all characters were done really well.

Vivi the couch daughter was initially almost insufferably immature & she was very whiney (I hate that).
But after learning more about Vivi, I started to like her more & Brayden, wow, what a good man. Not for a second did he question his want or devotion to her. It was admirable and he was oh so sweet. And he scores also in the steamy scenes, and has a big stick so what do we want more. I liked getting glimpses of the Boston Bolts, their found family was nice to read.

The book certainly grew on me and there was definitely chemistry, but I don’t know that I totally felt the all in. I really did love Brayden more than Vivi because she was a little too unlikeable for me. She felt surface-level, and I kept waiting for a layer to be peeled back that never really came.

What frustrated me most is that the book sets up something with real potential: Vivi is adopted. I connected with her feelings about that, and there were moments that resonated. But the story only scratched the surface. This could have been the emotional core of the book, with more exploration of identity, belonging, and how those feelings shape the way she moves through relationships. Instead, it read as a trait rather than a thread that drives her growth. By the final page, she still felt like the same immature woman I met at the start.

Braden, on the other hand, is amazing. We got so much more of his thoughts, and I loved seeing his growth through his life and everything he went through. He felt like a fully realized character, and honestly, that made Vivi’s lack of depth stand out even more. I wanted her to be given the same care.

Down Bad wasn’t a bad book, but not a book I will pick up to read for a second time.
Still wanting to try more of Brittanee Nicole books.

Thing I liked:
1. Brayden is one amazing dream man
2. Nice side characters
3. The last 100 pages were considerably better
4. Nice ending
5. Did I tell you Brayden was amazing lol!
6. Good spice! Including a toy in the bedroom was done well!

Things I didn't liked so much:
1. A LOT of unnecessary drama for two people
2. Vivian was very whiney in the beginning
3. This story had more potential

Would I reread this book? No.
Would I recommend this book? No.
Would I like to read more of this author? Yes

Hopefully my review will help you decide whether you want to read this book.

Disclaimer:
This review is based on my own reading experience, moods, thoughts, reading style and likes.
So always check en read more reviews, too make a fair decision.

[Tiffany Segal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK. If you haven't ready any of Brittanee Nicole's books, especially in the Langfield world, you are missing out my friends. Start from the beginning so you understand the significance of the relationship between Bray and Vi. Two abandoned children, adopted by the most wonderful families. So, so good.

[BookishMarineMama03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brittanée! ❤️ This book was AMAZING, FANTASTIC, and EVERYTHING I could have wanted and more! THIS MAN… BRADY!!! 🥵❤️‍🔥 DOWN BAD doesn’t even begin to cover how this man feels about Vi! Coach’s daughter, age gap, “not his baby” perfection, ALL the emotions, and chemistry HOTTER THAN FIRE! 🔥🥵 This book had me laughing, swooning, and absolutely BAWLING! The love, the hurt, the healing, the family… I could seriously go on and on about everything I loved!

Brady!!! This man is gorgeous, tattooed, broody, wearing those tight-fitting T-shirts, and giving ALL the bad-boy vibes on the outside. 🥵🖤 But underneath that exterior? This man has the most BEAUTIFUL heart. He is so loving and caring, and learning more about what shaped him into the man he is today absolutely broke my heart. And War coming into Brady’s life and becoming the father figure he needed? There honestly just aren’t enough words for how much I loved their bond. 🥹❤️

Vi is just trying to figure out life, who she is, and what she really wants. She is so sweet, funny, and caring, with the biggest heart. I absolutely adored her, but my heart also broke for her. Seeing her struggle with her insecurities and carry the hurt of feeling unwanted felt so real and raw. She wants so badly to feel like she belongs, to know she is wanted, and to believe she is worthy of the love she deserves.

These two have both been through so much hurt, and that soul-deep pain is part of what draws them together. Their connection, their bond, the way they understand each other? It feels absolutely INEVITABLE. There is SO much standing in their way, and watching these two navigate everything had me feeling ALL THE EMOTIONS! The chemistry between them?! HOLY HOTNESS! 🥵🔥 The tension, the longing… HIS MOUTH!!! 🫠❤️‍🔥

Add in the most amazing family and friends! Getting to see these characters again and spend even more time with them was EVERYTHING. War, Gavin… I am telling you, ALL OF THEM! PERFECT! ❤️

I honestly don’t even know how to fit everything I loved about this book into one little review! This story made me FEEL EVERYTHING. Brady? This man is the true definition of a GREAT MAN! 🥹❤️‍🔥 The way he stood by her and her baby? EVERYTHING! I AM UNWELL! 😭❤️ INFINITY STARS!♾️

Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐♾️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

🌻Thank you to Brittanee Nicole for my eBook from your Patreon!

[Paige (wingsandsmut) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am seriously down bad for this book and with Vi & Bray!! I will never stop recommending books by Brittanée because I love her world and all the characters so much! I started this book thinking I’d savor it, but then suddenly it was 2 am and I read it in one sitting. This has one of my all time favorite tropes, so it’s no surprise I devoured it!

I loved how drawn these two were towards each other, even when Bray was fighting his attraction to the coach’s daughter. And what made it even better, how much Vi liked to tease him! Bray might have that broody exterior, but the way he cares for and supports Vi was truly precious. He’s a softie for the people he loves and it was so sweet to see….and especially seeing how he’s grown since War’s book. And Vi is all grown up too, but is trying to figure out what she wants to do and I love seeing how sweet and caring she is!

The audio for this is literally so freaking amazing!! Performed in duet with a full cast - Connor Crais is Bray & Mollie Stark is Vi! I absolutely LOVED this duo! And even though I had read this book already, I knew I’d be listening the second that audio hit my phone!

What to expect:
🏒hockey player mmc
🏒coach’s daughter
🏒piercings & tattoos
🏒age gap
🏒found family
🏒accidental pregnancy
🏒not his baby

[Dianna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS | Down Bad by Brittanee Nicole 🏒❤️‍🔥

At this point, Brittanee Nicole could announce a new book tomorrow, and I would drop EVERYTHING to read it. Seriously. This woman has become one of those authors whose books I don’t even need to read the description for anymore. I already know I’m going to love it. And Down Bad, the second book in the New Romantics series, is another perfect example of WHY!

BRAYDEN HAWKE!!! 🥵❤️‍🔥

The tattoos. The backwards hat. The broody hockey-player attitude. THE WAY THIS MAN LOVES?! Brittanee Nicole, WHERE do you find these men?! And the fact that he’s War’s son makes it even better. Like father, like son! A protective, tattooed hockey player who falls HARD for his coach’s daughter and gives us the ultimate “not his baby” romance? SIGN. ME. UP!

But what I loved most about Brayden wasn’t just the tattoos, the backwards hat, or the chemistry (although HELLO! 🔥). It was his heart. Underneath that tough exterior is a man who loves fiercely, shows up when it matters, and makes the people he cares about feel like they’re worth choosing. There is just something about a man who doesn’t run when things get complicated. And Brayden? SWOON! 🥹❤️

And VI! Oh, my heart hurt for this girl. 💔 Vivian is trying to figure out who she is, what she wants, and where she belongs. Her struggles with feeling wanted and believing she’s worthy of love felt so real. There were moments when I just wanted to reach into the book and give her the biggest hug! I loved that there was so much more to her story than just the romance.

Together, Brayden and Vi had me feeling ALL THE THINGS! The tension, the longing, the banter, the chemistry, and those little moments that make you fall even harder for a couple. And let’s not forget the SPICE! 🌶️🔥 Brittanee knows exactly how to balance the emotional moments with the swoon-worthy and steamy ones.

One of my absolute favorite things about Brittanee Nicole’s books is the found family and interconnected characters. I LOVE that we don’t have to say goodbye to characters after their books end. Getting to see them again, watch their families grow, and experience the next generation’s love stories makes these books even more special.

And getting more of WAR?! YES PLEASE! ❤️ Seeing the similarities between father and son just made me love Brayden even more. I already had such a soft spot for this family, and this book only made that attachment stronger.

I also loved the themes of family, belonging, healing, and finding someone who chooses you wholeheartedly. There is something so special about a romance that gives you all the butterflies and spice but also has so much heart behind it.

And THAT is what Brittanee Nicole does so well. She creates characters you genuinely become attached to, relationships you root for, and a world you never want to leave. One minute I’m laughing, the next I’m swooning, and then suddenly I’m getting emotional over fictional people like they’re my actual friends. 😂❤️

Brittanee Nicole has done it AGAIN! Another five-star read, another book boyfriend to obsess over, and another reminder of why she has become one of my absolute must-read authors. I will happily drop whatever book I’m reading whenever she releases something new!

If you love:

🏒 Hockey romance
❤️‍🔥 Broody, tattooed, protective MMCs
💙 Coach’s daughter
🏒 Age-gap romance
❤️ “Not his baby” trope
💙 Found family
🏒 He falls HARD
❤️ Emotional healing and learning to accept love
💙 Interconnected characters and the next generation
🔥 Spice with ALL the feelings

…then you NEED Down Bad on your TBR!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS! Brayden and Vi absolutely stole my heart, and I’m already impatiently waiting for the next book in this series! Brittanee Nicole, you have me completely hooked! 🏒❤️‍🔥

[VicReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙳𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝙱𝚊𝚍

5/5 ⭐️

↓↓
No one and I mean NO ONE can steal the top spot as fave MMC from Daddy War BUT Brayden, Brayden comes is a very very close second.

Bray and Vi are EVERYTHING! I loved everything about them and their story.

I LOVED and I mean loved the connection between these two. These two have been through so much in their childhood. They can kinda relate to each other so their bond feels deeper than most in my opinion. Vi adopted by Gavin as a baby and Bray finding a father figure with his guardian War at such a young age.

Bray, the man that you are. I fell in love with Bray almost instantly and then when he stepped in to be there for Vi in the way that he did, made me fall in love with him even harder. His heart is so damn pure and despite his childhood, he shows up for the ones he cares about and he loves so deep.

My heart hurt for Vi and how she was feeling toward herself. After learning about her adoption more she feels so lost in life. I really loved watching her grow as a person.

That moment in the hospital between Vi and Gavin 😭 sobbed

Getting more on Daddy War made me so happy. There is so much that I could go in to but I feel like I would give too much of their story away. You just have to read it to see how phenomenal this book really is.

OMG that little snip we get of the next book Let's just say I am so happy to know that we are getting it sooner than later. I HAVE to know more on Winnie and what happened in Vegas!

𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
❤️ Age Gap
❤️ Coach’s Daughter
❤️ Boston Bolts
❤️ Hockey Romance
❤️ Found Family
❤️ Text Banter
❤️ Tattooed and Pierced MMC

[Catherine M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m down bad for Bray and Vi! Brittanee Nicole absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one. Going in mostly blind was the best thing I could’ve done because this book is simply everything and easily in my top 10 read of the year.

Brayden is totally all the best part of War and I couldn’t get enough of his character. I’m not saying more beacuse I don’t want to spoil anything.

The audio was absolutely phenomenal! With an amazing multicast, I just couldn’t get enough! Connor Crais and Mollie Stark were the perfect Bray and Vi.

I’m so glad the Boston Bolts universe gets to continue with the second generation.

[Jess (lucky.bookclub) Hilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what Brittanee Nicole puts in her books, but this woman has a direct line to my heart. 😭💗

I already knew I’d love Down Bad, but somehow I think I loved it even MORE than Paper Rings. WHICH IS SAYING SOMETHING.

BRAYDEN. 🥹 That man is SO MUCH his father’s son. The way he loves with his entire heart and soul, so fiercely and completely? War raised that boy RIGHT, and I am not okay.

And Vivi? Oh, my heart. I saw so much of my younger self in her. Watching her discover that she doesn’t have to earn love, that she’s worthy of it simply by being herself, was just beautiful.

And Beckett’s early on conversation with her? ACTUAL TEARS. 😭

There were so many moments I wanted to stop and write down a quote just to hold on to the feeling a little longer. Brittanee writes love, family, and belonging in a way that gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME.

I put my other ARCs aside, devoured this in ONE DAY, and regret absolutely nothing. 😂

This is why I love reading romance. The swoons, the tears, and the overwhelming feeling of being loved exactly as you are.

Brittanee Nicole, you’ve done it again. I’m obsessed. 💗

[Megan Coggins · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

The parallels in this second gen book was on point.

Gavin and Millie’s daughter: Vi (Vivi)
War and Ava’s son: Brayden

Not his baby!
Age gap
Coach’s daughter
Hockey star

And let me repeat: the parallels to their parents were on point 🤣

The brownstone lives on in the chaos.

Bray was yes down bad.

[madmanreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️

Is Brayden Hawke as swoony, or SWOONIER, than his dad Tyler Warren?? 😏 you’ll have to read Down Bad and find out for yourself!

I absolutely DEVOURED the duet audiobook for Down Bad! This series is a must listen. And I love how with the full cast, each character is narrated by the same voice for every book. This one was narrated by Mollie Stark and Connor Crais (I see what you did there, @authorbrittaneenicole 🥹) and I couldn’t have adored these two more.

🎧 Full cast also includes Adam Gold, Megan Wicks, Samantha Brentmoor, Grayson Owens, Lucy Rivers & James Cassidy)

Read if you enjoy:

Age Gap
Coach’s Daughter
2nd Gen series
Hockey Romance
Found Family
Text Banter
Tattooed and Pierced MMC

Thank you so much to team Brittanee Nicole for the gifted copy of Down Bad!

[Laurel Ullman-bockert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every damn minute of this. War and Ava were my favorites in the first gen series so it’s not a shock that Bray and Vi were great as well.

[dee☁️ · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

This was supppper cute :))) not his baby trope I will always love youuuuu

[Amanda Lobato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I LOVED Brayden! He takes after Daddy War so much even though they aren’t biologically related. The way Brayden is always there for Vi in whatever capacity she allows him to be even if it’s only as a friend just melts your heart. This story broke me and put me back together with all the emotions and self discovery from both Brayden and Vi. I didn’t want the story to end.

[Katie Gullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*

Is Brayden Hawke…the BEST MMC Brittanee has ever written????? Dare I say he’s won out over Beckett AND Gavin?!

Man - idk how she does it but Brittanee once again wrote an absolute masterpiece. I love the Bolts world and I’m loving the New Romantics even more!!

Vi and Brayden were EVERYTHING. I loved every minute of this book.

And I’m SO PUMPED for Winnie’s book!!

[Sarah | sarah_rose_reads]

BETA💙

[lucialeelibros]

i just yes to this.

[Piu Sarkar]

My introduction to Brittaneé Nicole was with Gavin and Millie's book. And I can't wait to read their daughter's book now 😭😭

[TheMillennialMoodReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

❤️Age Gap
🏒Coach’s Daughter
❤️Boston Bolts
🏒 Hockey Romance
❤️Found Family
🏒Text Banter
❤️”not his baby”
🏒”no one has to know”
❤️Tattooed and Pierced MMC
🏒Toys as Teammates
❤️She calls him “Birthday Boy”
🏒He calls her “Mayhem”

BRAYDEN “sit still and let me eat” freaking HAWKE!!!🥵
I am so DOWN BAD for him!!! Daddy War has been my favorite MMC out of all Brittanée’s books but dare I say his son gives him a run for his money?!

I love a “not his baby” trope and Brayden was the perfect man to fill this role!!! He has this bad boy vibe with his backwards hat, black jeans and shirt covered in tattoos oh and headpieces?! Yes please! This man is such a natural caretaker and giver! He is so much like his dad, volunteering at the YMCA with the kids. If you read the first gen books then you saw him grow up and know how much went through.

Vivi Langfield (Gavin and Millie’s adopted daughter) finds herself in a bit of a mess. Shes struggling with the new knowledge that her birth mother abandoned her and despite Vi reaching out to her.. she doesn’t want anything to do with her. Viv is hurting and feels lost, worthless and to top it off her and her father Gavin are not in a good place. He’s pretty much kicked her out after she dropped out of school because again she feels lost and doesn’t know what she wants. There is a lot of misunderstanding and just lack of communication that led to the current state of their relationship.

Of course Uncle Beckett is here to help save the day and has her move in to the Brownstone to help nanny all the kids! I loved being back in the chaos that is the mom commune! Seeing all the past and new characters is such a chaotic kind of fun and I’m here for it!

Bray and Vivi chemistry was immediate! Him finding out she’s the hot little dancer on his lap making him feel all sorts of ways was so freaking hot! Of course he spirals and pushes her away and tries to “do the right thing” but that can only last so long with Vi wearing down his walls with all her sassy banter and sexy texts! They build a friendship that eventually turns into so much more! They connect deeply due to their childhood abandonment issues and he is a safe space for her and really sees her. Likewise she sees how he is such a good man! The banter and chemistry between these two is scorching! I love how she pushes his buttons!

Bray wanting to do her skin care for her?!?!? Stop it now… what a walking GREEN FLAG!!

I love seeing this little family grow! Bray continues to show up for her and defend her and I’m glad he gave Gavin the push he needed to apologize.

There is plenty of drama, family antics, and of course a DUCK or two (IYKYK) When Vivi tells Bray the babies name I lost it…🥹😭😭 the ending was so sweet and I cannot wait for Winnie’s book I was already highlighting the little clues and hints before the end!

[Carissa Farner · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏒💕 Down Bad by Brittanee Nicole 💕

Brittanee Nicole has done it AGAIN! 😍

I am so incredibly grateful to be part of Brittanee’s Besties and to have received an advanced copy of Down Bad! I devoured this book in less than 24 hours, and honestly, I wouldn’t expect anything less from one of my favorite authors! I was also lucky enough to meet Brittanee last June, which makes getting to read her books early even more special!

First of all, I LOVE THE LANGFIELDS! ❤️ Getting to dive into the next generation of Langfields is such a treat. There is something so special about revisiting families you’ve already fallen in love with while watching the next generation get their own love stories. It feels like coming home!

And can we talk about Vivi and Brayden?! 🥹💕

Vivi is no longer the little girl we remember. She’s all grown up, finding her own way, and getting her own love story! And Brayden? That man is DOWN BAD for her in the absolute BEST way! The title couldn’t be more perfect.

I loved seeing Brayden all grown up and discovering the man he’s become. Not only is he an incredible athlete, but he’s also such a genuinely good guy. The way he cares for Vivi had me swooning! Seriously, the swoon factor in this book was OFF THE CHARTS!

What I appreciated most was that neither Vivi nor Brayden had everything figured out. They both had their own struggles and personal issues to work through, but watching them navigate those challenges together was so heartwarming. Their relationship wasn’t just about falling in love. It was about growing, supporting each other, and figuring out life side by side. And I absolutely loved that!

The romance, the family connections, the familiar faces, and all those swoony moments made this such a wonderful read. I couldn’t put it down!

🏒 Tropes:
💕 Coach’s Daughter
🏡 Found Family
🔥 Age Gap
🏒 Hockey Romance
🍼 Not His Baby

If you already love the Langfields, you’re going to have so much fun with this next generation! And if you haven’t discovered Brittanee Nicole yet, you’re missing out!

A huge thank you to Brittanee Nicole and Brittanee’s Besties for the opportunity to read this ARC! I’m so grateful to be part of this amazing group and cannot wait for more Langfield stories! ❤️

Brayden being completely down bad for Vivi? YES, PLEASE! 🏒💕

[Kristina A · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨WELCOME BACK TO THE BROWNSTONE✨

Ahhh! I’m absolutely DOWN BAD for Brayden + Vivi! I couldn’t put this one down i laughed, i cried, i kicked my dang feet so hard, and i cried again! But man oh man do i love these two with my whole heart! Give me a man down bad any day from queen Brittanee!

I absolutely loved being back with the OG Bolts and to see all these guys as Dad’s and Grandpa’s make my heart oh so happy! But man did Gavin make me sob so dang hard! I definitely had a love hate relationship with Gavin with this one 🤭

Brayden, my man. I knew you would have a heart as big as your father’s but man did you exceed my expectations! Bray is sooo down bad for Vivi and he really tried to stay away but a man who is obsessed and washes her dang face! Hot damn. I’m in love!

Vivi, our sweet girl. God i love her. Vivi is 💯 on the struggle bus when we see her but i loved that she was able to lean on Bray and have the best dang character arc! We love to see it!

This one was a slow burn but honestly i didn’t even miss the spice because the text banter and tension was oh so fun and delicious! And the family chaos was probably one of my favorite parts! 🫶🏼

I did listen to this one on audio and oh my godddd Mollie Stark and Connor Crais are absolutely phenomenal! 100/10 no dang notes! But James Cassidy as Beckett!? Be still my heart! Ahhhfuckingmazing 😍

I’m oh so ready for Winnie! I need it! 🤩

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

🏒 Pro Hockey Romance
💙 Coach’s Daughter
🏒 Tattooed + Pierced MMC
💙 Age Gap
🏒 Found Family
💙 Friends to Lovers
🏒 Text Banter
💙 Toys As Teammates

[Christine Perreault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t get an ALC of this one, but when I saw you could get the audio early if you purchased directly from Brittanee’s website, I obviously had to - and I’m SO glad I did!

I feel like I say this with every Brittanee Nicole/Boston Bolts book, but Down Bad might actually be my favorite.

If you’ve read the OG Boston Bolts books, Down Bad has SO much history woven into it. We get to see all of Vivi’s uncles and their wives again, which I absolutely loved. It felt like the best kind of reunion while still giving us a completely new story to obsess over.

Down Bad is a forbidden romance between Vivi - the daughter of hockey coach Gavin Langfield from ‘A Major Puck Up’ and Brayden, the team captain who just so happens to be the son of Tyler Warren from ‘War’. Throw an age gap into that equation and I already knew this was going to be GOOD.

And the YEARNING between these two?! The absolute torture Brayden put himself through trying to stay away from his coach’s daughter? Delicious. Truly no notes.

And I’m VERY happy to report there’s no third-act breakup. Chef’s kiss. ️

Connor Crais and Mollie Stark were flawless as Brayden and Vivi, and the full cast was perfection. Again: NO NOTES

This audiobook was 12 HOURS LONG and I was genuinely sad when it ended - and if you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know how rare that is.