Welcoming the Bad Boy

Hero's Welcome #3

by Annie Rains

From the bestselling author of Welcome to Forever (“Full of heart and emotion!”—Lori Wilde) comes a sweet, sexy novel about breaking all the rules. In Seaside, North Carolina, the boys on the base are heroes—but that doesn’t mean they’re always well-behaved.
 
As a preacher’s daughter, Valerie Hunt only dates the very respectable, very boring men who meet her father’s strict standards. In private, however, she leads a double life as a romance writer of steamy stories about the least respectable sorts of men. Valerie has always kept her hottest fantasies separate from her real life, but when she nearly runs a hot-blooded biker off the road, the lines begin to blur.
 
Even though Valerie almost killed him, Griffin Black can’t be angry after he learns the reason for her distracted an unruly puppy belonging to her ailing friend. As a member of the military police K-9 unit, Griffin insists on training the dog himself. But he soon wonders how he’s ever going to stay disciplined around the most alluring, down-to-earth, and totally unattainable woman he’s ever met. Valerie is the ultimate good girl. And Griffin is going to need all his old tricks to unleash her wild side.

Praise for the Hero’s Welcome series
 
“Annie Rains didn’t disappoint with this new story, and pulled me right into the book, making me fall in love once again with her characters, the small town setting and an emotional story that made my heart soar. I think I’ll never get enough of this series!”—Roberta’s Dreamworld, on Welcome Home, Cowboy
 
“Welcome Home, Cowboy is sweet and entertaining, with a little side of playfulness. The characters were loveable and the storyline was able to fully capture my attention.”—Hines and Bigham’s Literary Tryst
 
“A story that made me smile, laugh out loud, shed a tear, and sigh so deeply, while telling a tale of love, and loss.”—Books and Spoons, on Welcome Home, Cowboy
 
“Not only was it a great, heartwarming, and spicy romance, but it was a book of hope, second chances, finding strength inside oneself, and making life better. . . . Great book!”—Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews, on Welcome Home, Cowboy
 
“Don’t miss this sparkling debut full of heart and emotion!”—New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde, on Welcome to Forever
 
“A beautiful and touching story of love and loss that will grab you by the heart and hold on long after you’ve finished reading.”—USA Today bestselling author Laura Drewry, on Welcome to Forever
 
“A wonderfully written debut novel that had me fighting back tears and rooting for the couple from the first page. Annie Rains is an author to watch. I can’t wait for more!”—USA Today bestselling author Sidney Halston, on Welcome to Forever
 
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Military Romance, Loveswept

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2016

About the author

Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America's largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn't writing, she's spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

If you enjoyed the Hero's Welcome series, don't miss the short wedding story for Kat and Micah (Welcome to Forever). Get it here for FREE: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/aTSl1

For other books and happenings, sign up for my newsletter on my website: www.annierains.com

Reviews

[KAS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annie Rains is a new author for me and the book description intrigued me. Although I found it to be a fast paced read, there wasn't a whole lot of depth to the characters and not much romance to speak of either until the very end. The story was more along the lines of the two main characters, Val and Grifin, either thinking about, talking about or having sex. I just needed to have a lot more substance to the characters to care about their sex life.

I thought the connection Val and Griffin shared caring for his mother, who is an Alzheimer's patient at the local nursing home, was sweet. Also Griffin's love for his K-9 dogs was a nice touch!

*I received a copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review *

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 - Fiction is so much better than reality. Stars!

I just adore this series, Annie Rains has hit every one of my happy places with each new book from the Hero’s Welcome stories.



Supposed bad-boy, and the assumed good-girl preachers daughter, this is a trope that I always enjoy and the author gave this couple a really good story. There is a lot going on with secondary characters, and the back-stories to both the main characters, and it just gave everything added depth for me, as you would expect, appearances are certainly deceiving with Val and Griffin.

"I’m taking a break from good guys… Bad is exactly what I need this summer. The badder the better."

Val being Seaside High’s school secretary is just getting herself into the summer holiday groove, having the summer to herself seeing that her closest friends are all away with their significant others isn’t such a bad thing, as she’s on deadline, and seeing as no-one knows that she’s and author on the side, them not being around gives her the perfect opportunity to kick back and get some writing done. Only problem being is she’s lost all inspiration, and when in the past words just flowed onto the page, she’s struggling to get even the opening sentence out this time.

But then, an unplanned run in, and almost run over with Griffin Black and his motorbike, due to the yappy Pomeranian she’s babysitting turns things on in her head (as well as other parts) and a summer of casual, no-strings sexy fun, with the Tattooed, K-9 Officer gives her all-sorts of inspiration writing and otherwise.

"I fell for you, hard and fast this summer, and there’s no going back now."

What started out as fun turns into more for one of them over the course of the summer as they spend more time with each other, but the other is under the misapprehension that they will go their separate ways at the end of the holidays, even though their feelings run deeper as well…

I devoured Welcoming the Bad Boy pretty much in one sitting, and I am hoping that a few titbits dropped in this one in relation to several of the single secondary characters, that there are potentially at least a couple more books to come, especially as I really don’t want to leave the town of Seaside or its residents just yet. Annie has created such a great set up that I really hope we get to visit again and again.

I must also highlight one of the best quotes I have ever read, not majorly pertinent to the story, but Annie sums up perfectly how I feel about reading, why I read and books in general –



Hope to read more from this author soon.

ARC generously provided, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Welcoming the Bad Boy was a beautiful and heartwarming read.

From the first page I was drawn in with these endearing characters.
It warmed my heart watching Valerie and Griffin connect and move from friends to lovers.
Both Val and Griffin had big hearts, they loved hard and totally belonged together.



I'm really enjoying the Hero's Welcome series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley for the advance copy.

[Tanya (Girl Plus Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

Having read the previous two entries in the Welcome Heroes series, I was excited to continue with another story set in the fictional military town of Seaside, NC. As the daughter of a preacher, Val has always felt the pressure to live up to her father's high standards. A school secretary by day, Val writes romance novels under a pseudonym by night, knowing it would be looked down upon by her father. Griffin has just moved his estranged mother to a nursing home in Seaside and has no interest in a serious relationship. But when these two come together they both find the unexpected.

Val feels suffocated by her role as preacher's daughter and the type of men her father would find suitable. Meeting Griffin at a time when she's in serious need of inspiration for her novel seems like perfect timing. Meanwhile Griffin, a military police officer with the K-9 unit, has his hands full with work and his mother, who is suffering from Alzheimer's. Brought together again and again by the dog Val is caring for and by her volunteer work at the nursing home where Griffin's mother is living, the two enter into a summer fling. While I never saw any evidence of Griffin being a "bad boy" (do tattoos and a motorcycle automatically make a bad boy?), I enjoyed watching these two characters come together. Griffin in particular was an empathetic character. His interactions with his mother were heartbreaking and emotional. I loved the evolution of Griffin and Val's relationship and watching as they reached their happy ever after.

Welcoming the Bad Boy was another thoroughly enjoyable entry in the Welcome Heroes series. Readers (and dog lovers!) who like their romance on the sweet and light side will love this one.

Welcoming the Bad Boy is the third in a series but can easily be read as a stand-alone.

This review was originally published at GIRL PLUS BOOKS as part of the blog tour for Welcoming the Bad Boy.

[CatherineAA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this series from the final book and it was a little hard to connect with the characters, but I totally loved this installment. What can be more fun that sparks flying between a tattooed, bike-riding bad boy and a preacher's daughter? This story was so good it left me smiling a lot.

Valerie Hunt chaffs at the restrictions her being the town preacher's daughter have placed on her. She's expected to be a good example to others and date only respectable men. Only, she is itching to let her wild side out and her outlet is her secret life as a steamy romance writer. While it's not enough, she has a handle on it, until the day she meets MP Griffin Black. With his tattoos, his bike and his leather outfits, Griffin fits the picture of a rebel, the kind of man Val should stay away from because her father would disapprove. Except he is more than that.

Griffin is a hard-working officer dedicated to his job and also to his mother who he moved to a nearby facility after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, to be closer to her. And he has awakened Val's rebellious streak in ways that need more of an outlet than her writing. A summer fling is the perfect way to deal with the attraction between them and for Val, an added benefit is that he serves as motivation for her new book. But what happens at the end of the summer when both of them want more?

The appeal of this story for me lies in the way Ms. Rains captures life in a small town in such an apt way, particularly other people's expectations and perceptions. As a preacher's daughter, Val was pigeon-holed into a role that smothered her even as she tried to live up to expectations and earn her father's approval. One glance at Griffin's bike and tattoos was enough for him to be judged as a bad boy, even without getting to know him. The only place they found unconditional acceptance was in the nursing home, which was its own kind of social gathering.

WELCOMING THE BAD BOY is a lighthearted and fun story with moments of deep emotions and I really enjoyed it. Griffin's quest to make up for his past was very touching and the evolution of his relationship with Val was enjoyable even if sometimes annoying. I really had a fun time reading this book and will definitely recommend it, even as a stand-alone.


Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.


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[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One look at Griffin Black and you see bad boy, but there's more to him than meets the eye. Sure he has tattoos, owns a motorcycle and looks the part, but underneath your first impression of him you find a caring man with a heart of gold. His job has brought him to North Carolina, to work as a Marine canine trainer, and also gives him an opportunity to spend some time with his ailing mother. When his life literally collides with Valerie Hunt's alongside the road, he knows he can't let her go... there is just something about her that intrigues him.

Valerie Hunt has live her life according to her father's rules far long enough, she wants to experience things in life, that don't come from his good book and she has every intention of making it happen. For so long she's done everything she can to live up to his expectations, but she's tired on living her life according to his terms, she yearns to live out her wildest fantasies, and the minute Griffin Black walks into her life she knows he may just be the man to help her with that!

This was my first time reading a book by this author, and I can say with complete certainty that it won't be my last! I was really impressed with the writing style, and how easy it was for me to just fall right into the story, and get pulled into it right away. The story line was unlike anything else I have read in the past, which made for a refreshing change of pace, it captivated my attention right away and kept me flying through the pages. I devoured this sexy and sweet little read in one sitting! Highly recommend this one, Ms. Rain's endearing characters will steal your heart and leave you with a smile on your face!

ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like Welcome Home, Cowboy, the previous book in this series—and currently the only other Annie Rains book I've read—Welcoming the Bad Boy was a quick and easy read, and one that was just plain good.

I mean that in a positive way, of course. It was a solid story, good girl, (kinda) bad boy, some fantasy fulfillment and a handful of heart-achey moments to draw the reader in. I enjoyed Griffin and Val, and found myself smiling more often than not over their summer fling turned more relationship. It was sweet, gentle and charming, and although nothing groundbreaking, it was just the kind of book that's perfect for a pleasurable, peaceful afternoon.

Sure, Griffin—tatted-up, motorcycle riding Griffin—wasn't as bad as you might expect, given the title, but he was still absolutely swoonworthy. Give me a man that's good with kids or animals any day, and watch me fall in love. Which I did with K-9 Military Police Officer Black. It was easy to see why Val, who was hiding a fun little secret, would fall for him, which just made this book even easier to enjoy.

At the end of the day—or, more accurately, at the end of this book—my time with Griffin and Val in Seaside, North Carolina may not have been the most memorably wonderful book I've ever read, but it certainly did leave me feeling happy, and light, and like I'd love to read more from this author and in this series. Maybe Beth can be next?! ~ Beth, 3.5 stars

[Steffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the premise about this book: daughter of a preacher writing spicy romance novels under pseudonym and hooking up with a guy who is known to be a bad buy.

The story was entertaining and I enjoyed reading it. Valerie and Griffin were likeable characters and I liked the chemistry between them.

I also liked that there wasn't too much drama.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Hero’s Welcome series, but as with the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Characters from the previous books make an appearance, but it does not impact this story in any way.

I was surprised that I enjoyed this story more than Welcome Home Cowboy. I think it’s because I like the bad boy vibe, however, you can’t judge a book by its cover. What I mean by this is Griffin looks the part of the bad boy with his tattoos, motorcycle and he appears broody, but he is so much more. He is a member of the military police K-9 unit and he even adopted his previous canine partner when he was retired. He is currently training a new partner that is struggling with obeying certain commands, which frustrates Griffin because he knows the consequences if the dog doesn’t obey those commands, he is either adopted out or put down depending on the outcome of his supervisors’ review.

Griffin & Partner Jaws

Valerie is a school secretary during the school year, however, she has a secret that she has told no one about, even her best friends. She is a best-selling romance author under the pen name that she referred to as her alter ego, Sophie Evans. She writes her books while she is on summer break and she has a deadline coming up and she has writers block. She has seen Griffin around at Hero’s a local bar on occasion, but has never talked to him until she almost ran him off the road while trying to get her friend and neighbor’s dog off her lap while driving. Her neighbor (Alma) is elderly and fell after tripping over Sweet Cheeks (the dog). Griffin under the guise of giving her pointers on how to train the unruly dog, tries to woo Valerie.

Valerie

Alma (recovering from her broken hip) is in the same nursing home that Griffin’s mom is at, she has early stage Alzheimer’s. Griffin just moved her to Seaside, North Carolina from California so she can be close to him. She doesn’t know who Griffin is and can’t accept that he is her son. This really bother’s Griffin as he has unfinished business with his mother, who he hasn’t talked to in 10 years. Valerie volunteers at the nursing home reading to the ladies in the book club. She has taken up what her mother had done years ago. Valerie’s mom died when Valerie was 9 from cancer. Being the only child of the town preacher, Valerie has obligations to the church that her father is constantly volunteering her for. Her relationship is strained with her father and she can never seem to please him.

Griffin

Griffin is interested in knowing more about Valerie, but he feels that he shouldn’t get into a relationship with the obligations he has to his job and his mother, however, he is drawn to her. Valerie is looking at Griffin as a muse, but she also would like to have a summer fling with him. He could provide her with all kinds of vivid ideas!

This book had me swooning with Griffin’s efforts to court Valerie. He was so sweet to her. There was a lot of fun banter and teasing between them and I had a few laugh out loud moments. There was sweet heat and sexy times that were steamy! There are lessons to be learned in this book too, I won’t get into it, but definitely life lessons. There were parts that made my heart hurt for the characters and their predicaments. This is such a beautiful love story between two people who felt they couldn’t find room in their lives for love.

I highly recommend this sweet military romance! I can’t wait to see who is next!

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the three A Hero's Welcome Series, I think this one was so far my favorite.
We have well-developed characters with an important back story that is addressed within the text. Our two protagonist have family obstacles that need to be resolved before they can truly allow themselves to open up fully to someone. The story alternates POV’s between Griffin and Val. I have come to like that a great deal, because we (as the readers) see how their internal thoughts evolve.

Griffin and Val are so endearing. You love Griffin. He is your bad boy with all that roughness and hard exterior, but once you get to know him he is a complete softy. He is a K-9 Marine Cop. His partner and constant companion is his dog. He is training a new dog named Jaws, because his other partner, Trooper, has now retired from the military. Trooper has become Griffin’s pet at home. I love when we have some animals in a story. They have their own personalities that shine through the pages.

Griffin’s family obstacle is his Mother. He found out some startling facts when he was about the head to college that shook his whole world. Ever since then, he hasn’t spoken to his mother. Now she is ill and Griffin guilt over his mother weights him down in all other accepts of his life. It isn’t till he finally is able to talk to her and have a real conversation that the burned is able to be lifted. Till then he struggles to find a balance between helping his mother and his strong attraction to Val.

Val was born and raised in Seaside. Her father is a pastor for one of the churches in the area. Their relationship has been estranged since the death of her mother. Even though she still attends his congregation and helps him out with church duties, she still seeks for his constant approval. This need to please her father makes her hide facts about herself from everyone. The main secret she harbors is the fact that she is a romance writer, and a popular one at that. It isn’t till the-cat-is-out-of-the-bag that she finally finds herself face to face with her biggest fear – her father shunning her or criticizing her for her art.

Griffin and Val’s guilt and need of acceptance from their individual parents haunts their relationship. They both are aware that the other one needs to resolve those conflicts to be able to move on in life, but both struggle to do it.

Annie Rains first book and parts of the second, kind of leave you hanging. Not in the cliffhanger since, more with regards to how the parent-child conflict is fully resolved. In this book not only are all obstacles resolved, we are able to come full circle. I am glad that she did that. I feel that I have closure with Griffin and his mom; as well as with Val and her dad. So now the question is, who does she write about next. She sly with introducing other characters that she will write about next, but we have two different girls she may pick between. I am pretty sure the next book will be on Troy but will the love interest be Allison or Beth???? The question remains. Maybe she will answer for us? ​

[Rob. C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Another amazing book by the author of Welcome To Forever and Welcome Home Cowboy. If you've enjoyed the previous books in this beautiful series, you will definitely love Griffin and Valerie's story. If you haven't, this could be your chance to discover a wonderful series that will have you swoon, laugh, maybe even shed a tear or two at some points, and warm your heart and all the way down to your toes (watch out for a bit of heat here and there, too!).

I'll start this review by saying I'm not a fan of bad boys-the tattooed, heart-breaking, badass heroes that so many women drool after, both in books and in real life aren't usually my cup of tea. Growing up watching Disney movies, I've always loved the idea of a real Prince Charming who'd come trotting on his white horse and sweep me off my feet. Apparently, Annie Rains proved that Prince Charming can also be a tattooed, ex-military riding a Harley and still be absolutely adorable. Well, Griffin Black, even though he's all of the above, technically isn't really a bad boy at all, and I just couldn't help falling for him from the very first scene and a little more with every page I read.

I liked Valerie back in book one, so I was looking forward to her story, and I'm happy the author didn't disappoint my expectations. She is a romance author, so I immediately felt a connection with her-but that's not the only reason I liked her. I knew she was funny and a little crazy, but I wasn't expecting the softer, more romantic and naughtier side that comes out in this book, and that made me root for her from the very beginning. I suffered with her, felt her frustration and insecurities, and by seeing Griffin through her writer's eyes and imagination, I couldn't help falling for him alongside with her.

The story, as it's customary in this series, is a mix of heart-warming, emotional, funny and sexy moments all woven together to create a book you just won't be able to put down until you've reached the last page - and even then, you might end up wishing for a few more pages (or chapters). I know I did! From the very first chapter to the last page, I laughed, swooned, was close to tears, blushed a little and eventually was left with fuzzy feelings enveloping me.

The characters from book one and book two are back (yay for Micah and Lawson, Kat and Julie!) and new characters are introduced - including some adorable police dogs that stole my heart almost as fast as Griffin did.

I have to say, this book is way sexier than the others, but well, Griffin is supposedly a bad boy and Valerie is a romance author who needs real-life inspiration to get over writer's block, so... desperate times call for desperate measures!

In short, if you're looking for a sexy book boyfriend and a relatable heroine, an intense story and a beautiful happy ending, look no further: Welcoming The Bad Boy is the book for you! And if you haven't, go back and read the previous books, too. I promise the men of Seaside will sweep you off your feet.

***I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

[B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie Rains specializes in sweet romances between likable characters. Despite the title, this is another such book. Griffin Black is no bad boy. Sure, he has tattoos and rides a motorcycle, but that’s about it. He’s a Marine canine trainer stationed in a small North Carolina town. The heroine is Valerie Hunt, a preacher’s daughter who resents her father’s expectations of her and how he seems to just need her to perform duties for his congregation. But she really isn’t a rebel. She works at the local school and dedicates her free time, when she’s not writing steamy romance novels, by volunteering at the senior center where Griffin’s mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s lives. Val and Griffin begin a light-hearted romance having fun dates. And Val finds inspiration for her newest novel as she spends more time with Griffin.

Griffin is very cute as he reads the romance novel that Val has been reading to the seniors without realizing that it’s one written by Val herself. Griffin reads the novel so he can find hints on how to romance Val. How can you not like a guy who reads romance novels and who loves his dog while worrying over his sick mother? There is a little bit of a subplot as Griffin works to train a new dog. It’s quite endearing how he worries over that dog.

If you don’t mind that Griffin isn’t a bad boy and Val isn’t really a rebel, then this is an enjoyable read.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Hero's Welcome series by Annie Rains. It can easily be read as a stand alone. Two of the women in the group were paired up in previous books but their characters are only briefly featured in the books so if you haven't read them it won't impact the story. However, I now see that I missed the second book and I want to go back and get it just because I really enjoy this series!
Val is torn between being the good preacher's daughter and living her life has she wants rather than trying to always please her father. She is the good preacher's daughter but she has a secret. She is also secretly a romance author. But she has a looming deadline and writer's block.
Griffin is a stereotypical bad-boy and everything her father disapproves of. However, it seems he is the cure for her writer's block. Even though Val is determined that this will only be a summer fling, her heart quickly sees that Griffin is not really the bad-boy she thought.
This was an enjoyable contemporary romance with great characters. It does touch on some difficult points as Griffin's mother suffers from early-onset Alzheimer's. Even so there are plenty of light-hearted moments, usually featuring Sweet Cheeks, the neighbor's dog.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite book in the series, you guys (and that's saying a lot because I love them all!) First of all, we have Val, the preacher's daughter who secretly writes steamy romance novels. And then there's Griffin. Griffin may ride a motorcycle and have tattoos, but he's seriously swoon-worthy sweet too. And did I mention that he's a military K-9 officer? Yep, he wears a uniform *and* he loves dogs.

What we have here is a whole lot of WIN! Also, a whole lot of really sweet, heartwarming romance. I love the setting in Seaside, North Carolina, and I have loved getting to know all of its inhabitants too. I can't wait for Welcome Home for Christmas in a few months! :)

[Connie N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

#3 in the Hero's Welcome romance series

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What I particularly like about this series is that there's a sweet romance, of course, but there are also real struggles that the characters must face. This story doesn't exactly have the same sorts of conflicts as the characters faced in previous books, but there are still some emotional moments. Griffin has regrets over hurtful things he said to his mother now that she can't understand because of early onset Alzheimer's. And even though Val is an adult, she still yearns for her rigid father's acceptance, which he hasn't been able to give since her mother's death years ago. The characters are great--warm and loving and intelligent. They come together unexpectedly, and it's nice to watch the development of their relationship. The conflicts between them make sense since they're both dealing with their own emotional responses to their other situations. I really enjoy this series and this author and look forward to more from both.

[Mollien Fote Osterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Welcoming the Bad Boy
Series: A Hero's Welcome Novel
Author: Annie Rains
Publisher: Loveswept
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: August 2, 2016
Genre(s): Military Romance
Page Count: 269 pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:

As a preacher’s daughter, Valerie Hunt only dates the very respectable, very boring men who meet her father’s strict standards. In private, however, she leads a double life as a romance writer of steamy stories about the least respectable sorts of men. Valerie has always kept her hottest fantasies separate from her real life, but when she nearly runs a hot-blooded biker off the road, the lines begin to blur.

Even though Valerie almost killed him, Griffin Black can’t be angry after he learns the reason for her distracted driving: an unruly puppy belonging to her ailing friend. As a member of the military police K-9 unit, Griffin insists on training the dog himself. But he soon wonders how he’s ever going to stay disciplined around the most alluring, down-to-earth, and totally unattainable woman he’s ever met. Valerie is the ultimate good girl. And Griffin is going to need all his old tricks to unleash her wild side.

Review:
This is the third book of this series of stand alone novels about the military town of Seaside, North Carolina. It is the second book that I have read of this series, and I may have to check out the book that I missed. This story revolves around Griffin Black, a military police officer in the K-9 unit, and Valerie Hunt, school secretary, daughter of the local minister and secret romance writer. The plot of the story has Griffin and Valerie fighting their mutual attraction. Griffin is the bad boy with the tattoos who rides a motorcycle. Even though Valerie has the good girl image, she keeps hidden the wild girl that reads and writes romance books, and an attraction to bad boys that would shock her conservative, preacher father. Suffering from writer's block, Valerie finds some hot inspiration in the man that has become a part of her life. The chemistry between Griffin and Valerie is hot from the beginning. The book moves along at a steady pace, building to a sweet romantic HEA ending. The characters not only grow to develop strong relationships with each other, but with their parents. Both Griffin and Valerie have strained relationships with their parents. Griffin with his once vibrant mother who doesn’t recognize him due to her advance Alzheimer's. Valerie with her strict, religious, father who has kept his distance and approval from Valerie since the death of her mother. This is a sweet, moving story that is worth reading.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5
Categories
PLOT: 4 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 4 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 4 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars





Review Copy of Welcoming the Bad Boy provided by the Loveswept for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
 

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by Annie Rains, I was not aware that this was the third book in a series and I feel that this was easily read as a stand-alone novel.

Valerie Hunt is a stereotypical good girl daughter of a preacher. She volunteers at the church (or rather her father volunteers her services), she's a school secretary, she volunteers at the local old people's home and when an elderly lady falls and breaks her hip she volunteers to look after the lady's puppy. But Val has a secret, an alter-ego, unknown to any of her friends and family she is the steamy romantic novelist Sophie Evans. It's the summer holidays and Val is weeks behind deadline on her latest book but she just can't seem to find any inspiration.

Griffin Black is the epitome of a bad boy. He's tattooed, rides a motor bike and looks like he knows how to show a girl a good time. He is also a K9 officer in the Military Police. Griffin and Val know each other but they have never moved in the same circles, although in the quiet of her own home Val might, just might, admit that she finds Griffin more than a little intriguing. Griffin left home at eighteen and joined the Marines when he found out a secret about his past and he has never come back or been in regular contact with his family since. Until his mother is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease, now he's afraid that his intellectual mother may never recognise him again. He is desperate to apologise for his behaviour and tell his mother he loves her so he has moved back to town and spends as much time as he can at the home where his mother is being cared for.

Val and Griffin almost literally run into each other when Val is distracted by the puppy, Sweet Thing. Brought together by a mutual need for each other's skills, Val's friendship with Griffin's mother and Griffin's K9 training ability, Val soon finds a rich source of inspiration in the sexy bad boy. Soon Val justifies a relationship with Griffin as a summer fling, something to help her deliver her book on time, but she never imagines that Griffin could want more. Griffin has always felt 'not good enough'. Not clever enough, always getting into trouble, a disappointment to his family and not the sort of guy that women date.

This book could easily have strayed into cutesy territory with its goody two-shoes heroine, unruly puppy, forthright geriatrics and a full size blow-up man. Yet Annie Rains keeps the absurd under control. Griffin was such a lovable hero and I confess I did well up at some of the interchanges between him and his mother. Although Val could have come across as too good to be true, instead she felt like that friend we all have, the one is just the nicest. kindest person we know.

I really enjoyed this novel and I will look out for the previous books in the series, recommended for anyone who likes a bad boy meets preacher's daughter romance.

I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Bumped for release.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I received a copy of Welcoming the Bad Boy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review***

Welcoming the Bad Boy is the third book in the A Hero's Welcome series by Annie Rains. It can be read as a stand alone without having read the previous books.

Val Hunt is a romance writer going through her worst case of writer's block. She knows she can't ask her editor for anymore extensions, but somehow her Muse needs to come back to life so she can keep on writing. During the school months, she is a secretary and as a preacher's daughter is always on call for her father when he needs her assistance. While her neighbor, Alma, recuperates, she is watching her Pomeranian puppy, Sweet Cheeks, and has started a book club at the local nursing home where she's healing from a hip fracture.

Griffin Black is almost run over on his motorcycle by Val when Sweet Cheeks decides she needs a doggy kiss while in the car going to the nursing home. Griffin is a K-9 officer with the Army and has been training a new partner, Jaws, after his dog Trooper has been retired. His mother is in the early stages of Alzheimer's, he's just moved her from California to the same nursing home that Alma is recuperating in. He's having a hard time dealing with his mom not even knowing who he is.

My favorite part of the book is Val's book club ladies especially when they find out she has a romance novel in her bag of books. They are absolutely funny and very humorous as well as vocal in their opinions. The growing love story between Griffin and Val is fantastic and well written. My least favorite is Val's father expecting her to drop everything and help him out but I can't understand why he needs her help, he does get better when he finds out that she writes books during her summer breaks.

I highly recommend reading this book and the rest of the series and can't wait until the next book comes out. You'll fall in love Griffin, Trooper, Sweet Cheeks (even though Griffin can't say the name without cringing), Alma, Louise, Helen, and the rest of the women in Welcoming the Bad Boy. I'd give it a very high 4.9 stars for a rating.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Valerie Hunt is the daughter of a small town preacher and is expected to adhere to a respectable career and social lifestyle. This includes the men she dates, who are rather boring and predictable. But behind closed doors, Val leads a double life where she is a best-selling romance author. Her alter-ego becomes hard to ignore when she nearly runs a sexy biker off the road and the lines between being a respectable preacher’s daughter and the romance author she really is start to blur. Griffin Black is a member of the military police K-9 unit, and when he learns the reason he was almost involved in an accident is an unruly puppy, he offers to help train the dog and spend time with the gorgeous woman who almost killed him. Griffin isn’t the typical guy Val goes for, especially since her father wouldn’t approve of the tattooed biker, but she needs some inspiration to help with her writer’s block. Griffin has a lot on his shoulders so he doesn’t have time for relationships, but no harm can come from a little summer fling, right? When feelings start to develop and get in the way, can Griffin and Val break the rules on what’s expected of them and give themselves a shot at happiness?

This was a sweet story and a pretty quick and easy read. There were a couple times when the dialogue got a little dull so I found myself skimming a few paragraphs. The K-9 aspect of the story was new to me but the whole “good girl, bad boy” seems to be a little overdone, which I knew this was going to be about, given the title and all. The only problem I had with this book was that it got a little clichéd and cheesy at times but nothing to make me discontinue reading the story. Overall, I thought it was a fun, light, and easy read.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on From the TBR Pile

I am so in love with this series. After reading Welcoming the Bad Boy, the third book in the Hero's Welcome series, I now have another book boyfriend to add to my ever growing list. I think this one is my favorite so far. Valerie is a preacher's daughter who hides a secret from her friends and family. She is a best selling romance author. She is spending her summer volunteering at the local nursing home sharing her love of books with the residents. Griffin is with the military police on base. His mother is also a resident of the nursing home as she suffers from Alzheimer's. When the two find they have things in common, sparks fly.

As I said, I loved Griffin. He looks like a bad boy on the outside, but inside he really cares about people and his dogs. He is loyal and wants to do the right thing by his loved ones. His struggle with his mother's forgetting her only son was so heart breaking and compounded by his guilt over leaving her alone years before. I thought the author did a wonderful job of navigating the subject of Alzheimer's. Valerie is always trying to make her father proud of her and is a people-pleaser. It was fun to see her let loose a little and go after what she wanted in life. I loved these two together and was smiling in the end.

I can't wait to see who gets their own HEA next! I highly recommend this book as well as the series. Make sure to check it out!

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

The story has laughs, secrets, grief, pain, and heartbreak.

If you have not already read the below I would recommend reading those books first:
Welcome to Forever (Hero's Welcome, #1)
Welcome Home, Cowboy (Hero's Welcome #2)

This is Valerie and Griffin’s story. Valerie is a preacher’s daughter. She tries so hard to please her father but seems everything she does is not enough. She keeps a part of herself hidden from even her closest friends. She is a writer in secret and plans to keep it that way. After meeting Griffin he gives her lots of fantasies she can add to her stories. He is a bad boy so she can only have him for the summer. But what happens when she wants him forever? Griffin likes Valerie the more he is around her. But is she the right woman for him? She is a good girl but can he unleash a little bad in her? What happens when it was only supposed to be a few dates and it turned into the summer? What happens when secrets are revealed when Griffin hates secrets? Can these two overcome the secrets in order to build a future?Or is this the end of the affair?

I loved these characters and also the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story, just like the rest of the series.

This time we have Valerie’s story. We saw a little of her in previous books, and she sure had spirit. It was really fun to read her story, see how she had a lot of insecurities, and constantly feeling like she didn’t measure up to her father’s expectations. She had a great heart, and I was glad people saw that, particularly Griffin. She really needed some new love in her life, something just for her. Loved her book club, and her secret life. It was such fun to see people reading her books in front of her, lol.

Then there was Griffin, a cool guy with a troubled past. He truly needed to forgive himself regarding his mother; but as you read the book, that was close to impossible for him. I was happy to see that Val helped him heal a little, and get him close to the person he loved the most.

They both helped each other so much, and even when there were some upset moments, they were able to see the big picture.

It was a great read and great addition to the series.

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one took a while for me to get into. I felt the beginning was a bit drawn out but I'm glad I stuck with it. The story was very enjoyable and Valerie and Griffin were a great couple. Valerie is the proverbial good girl. Preachers daughter, respectable boyfriends, always helping others. But she has a secret side to her life. She's a romance writer and this is where she lives out her wildest fantasies. When she's driving down the road with her friends puppy in the car she runs Griffin Black off the road. Griffin is an officer on the town's K-9 unit. He wants to rip her a new one but when he finds out the reason she has the dog and seeing how flustered she is with the little demon, he offers to help get him trained. Spending time together lets Griffin really get to know Valerie and he's sure there is a wild women deep inside and he's determined to bring her out!

This is a great story and a book I highly recommend.

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this story and the story itself weave together and pull you into it. Everything is so well written that you feel that you know the characters and you are vested in them. I love the idea of a school secretary by day and a sexy romance writer by night! Valerie is one part preacher's daughter and one step away from being the person she really wants to be. Only problem is in a small town where everyone runs and tells her preacher father what she is doing, she is stuck being 'the good girl'. Missing her mom, Valerie continues to volunteer at the nursing home she used to visit with her mom. Add in a yappy, crazy dog and she is the perfect single woman, lol. Then she bumps into the bad boy, Griffin, and her world tilts. Valerie's inner good girl and inner bad girl battle it out and it is sooooo much fun! I loved how Griffin was so much more than just a bad boy. The relationships explored were deep including son and mom.

[Christina Montminy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an ARC from Net Galley for an honest review & I loved it!!! Annie Rains tells a wonderful story of loss & the struggle with Dementia & living up to the expectations of other people. Griffin & Val are a wonderful combination of hot & steamy & not ready for this. Griffin has so much on his plate right now that any relationship with Val would be a mistake. Val's got a full agenda of her own, including trying to write her next book by the end of her summer vacation & her writing is a secret. They begin a friendship that Val has put a time limit on but Griffin doesn't know that. Griffin has become the muse to Val's writers block & Val has become the help with his mother that he didn't expect. What neither of them realize is that their feelings for each other are growing fast & neither knows what to do when the truth comes out about Val's secret identity. Definitely recommend.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot marine? Check.
Fluffy dog? Check.
Buttoned up preacher's daughter with a heart of gold AND a secret life as a romance novelist? Check.

I basically couldn't put this book down once I started it, which was awkward when I started crying while having dinner with my husband. (Spoiler: The dog is going to be ok.) This isn't the light fluffy book I thought it would be - there are some challenging parts dealing with Alzheimer's, which might be difficult for some readers. It's a very real story and my only regret is that this is probably all I'll get to hear about Val and Griffin's story!

ARC received via NetGalley

[Ellen Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been very lucky to have been able to read all three of the books in this series. I must say, Annie Rains seems to get better worth each book that she writes. I absolutely adored Val and Griffin's story. I'll admit that it also touched me, as my Daddy suffered from Alzheimers. Unfortunately, once his hit, we didn't get the good days and bad days as most do. The entire book gave me the feelings of, appreciate every moment you have with those you love, forgive quickly and move on. You never know when you might not get another chance. This is a five star book in my eyes.
*This copy was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

[Jennifer Dicenzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Val and Griffin were great characters in this book. I loved how involved they were with the people around them. Parts of the story were things that I hadn't read about before, such as the visiting the nursing home and the military k-9 angle with training. I loved that Val was a preacher's daughter, but didn't allow her father's thinking influence her wanting to do what she wanted in life. I was really hoping that these two would fall in love and get their happy ever after.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Not only did I love the romance in this book, I loved how much it sent my emotions all over the place. There are some very poignant, touching, and tragic moments in this book, but there are also sweet moments, and I loved the opposites attract mojo between the main characters. I also loved that the town "good girl" was a secret romance novel writer. My full review will be up at - my blog on July 26, 2016. The book will be released on August 2.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griffin is always up for doing things for his girl, "he grinned and wrapped his arms around her waist now. “I’ll do favors for you all night long if that’s what you need.” Val could be real cute at times, "she pulled back and studied his face. “I thought we were going to have sex . . . um, in nature.” I loved this book, Griffin was a great guy.