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Bad Rep
Bad boy Deke Morgan spent most of his life getting it wrong. When he rescues Penelope from bullies, an unlikely friendship blossoms.
When Penny meets the bad boy in town, she doesn't know how to handle him or the feelings that begin to arise. All she knows is that she wants to get to know the boy who saved her.
Just when their relationship becomes intimate, Deke breaks it off, not wanting anything to do with her.
Heartbroken and angry, Penny goes away to Arizona State. Anything to get as far away from Deke as possible. But that doesn't stop fate from getting in her way. Chance encounters and one night stands with Deke leave Penny devastated. Until years later when she's forced to go back home.
Tattooed and working at the only tattoo parlor in town, Southern Ink, Deke knows that when Penelope finally returns home, he's given the chance to finally make amends for his cruelty towards the one woman that he can't forget and won't get over. Now that she's all grown up, he wants a second chance. He's going to have to prove to her that he's the man of her dreams. Because this time, he's not letting her go.
He's irresistible. She's unforgettable.
Sometimes the best men have the worst reputations.
When Penny meets the bad boy in town, she doesn't know how to handle him or the feelings that begin to arise. All she knows is that she wants to get to know the boy who saved her.
Just when their relationship becomes intimate, Deke breaks it off, not wanting anything to do with her.
Heartbroken and angry, Penny goes away to Arizona State. Anything to get as far away from Deke as possible. But that doesn't stop fate from getting in her way. Chance encounters and one night stands with Deke leave Penny devastated. Until years later when she's forced to go back home.
Tattooed and working at the only tattoo parlor in town, Southern Ink, Deke knows that when Penelope finally returns home, he's given the chance to finally make amends for his cruelty towards the one woman that he can't forget and won't get over. Now that she's all grown up, he wants a second chance. He's going to have to prove to her that he's the man of her dreams. Because this time, he's not letting her go.
He's irresistible. She's unforgettable.
Sometimes the best men have the worst reputations.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2016
27 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 12, 2017
★1 Star★
*Warning: This is a ranty review with offensive language and spoilers*
I read the authors blurb at the end of the story, so I feel a bit bad about what I’m about to say. Clearly she’s proud. But I HATED this fucking book. I don’t think I’ve had such disdain for a story in a long while, and the only reason I DNF it was because I wanted to be fair and absolutely sure I hated it - which I did.
Thumbs UP
The author mentioned she forked out a bit of money for the cover photography. Yes, I think it was worth it too. After all, that’s what initially sucked me into reading it.
I was initially into the story. I liked the friendship that bloomed between the MC’s. He was very protective, while she was oblivious, fairly naïve, but very sweet. They were a mismatched pair that somehow just worked.
When the shit hit the fan the first time, I felt so goddamn emotional. I felt her pain, and I hated him so much that my level of frustration made me want to cry angry tears! Kudos to the author for the writing in those moments (too bad it wasn't tears of joy).
Thumbs DOWN
*SPOILERS*
I fucking hated Deke the dick. Everything he could do to hurt her, he did.
The heroine – whose name I have forgotten and refuse to look up – was a weak-willed, spineless, pathetic excuse for a girl. She continued to cave to Dick, and got nothing but heartbreak in return. After a while I had no sympathy for her. They deserved each other.
He was a proven man-slut, yet every time they slept together, they never used condoms.
I hated his stupid nickname for her, which was so cliché. And how many nineteen year old's say "babygirl" anyway? Suited a bearded biker more than a high school boy.
His celibacy was a joke.
The déjà vu with Vera was predictable and ridiculous.
I could see the parents hooking up thing coming from a mile away.
Final Thoughts
If you want to read a story about a heroine that’s a doormat – this is the book for you!
If you’re after a story where the Hero screws the heroine then tells her to get lost – not once, but FOUR TIMES – this is the book for you!
If not, do yourself a favour and avoid it like the plague.
*Warning: This is a ranty review with offensive language and spoilers*
I read the authors blurb at the end of the story, so I feel a bit bad about what I’m about to say. Clearly she’s proud. But I HATED this fucking book. I don’t think I’ve had such disdain for a story in a long while, and the only reason I DNF it was because I wanted to be fair and absolutely sure I hated it - which I did.
Thumbs UP
The author mentioned she forked out a bit of money for the cover photography. Yes, I think it was worth it too. After all, that’s what initially sucked me into reading it.
I was initially into the story. I liked the friendship that bloomed between the MC’s. He was very protective, while she was oblivious, fairly naïve, but very sweet. They were a mismatched pair that somehow just worked.
When the shit hit the fan the first time, I felt so goddamn emotional. I felt her pain, and I hated him so much that my level of frustration made me want to cry angry tears! Kudos to the author for the writing in those moments (too bad it wasn't tears of joy).
Thumbs DOWN
*SPOILERS*
I fucking hated Deke the dick. Everything he could do to hurt her, he did.
The heroine – whose name I have forgotten and refuse to look up – was a weak-willed, spineless, pathetic excuse for a girl. She continued to cave to Dick, and got nothing but heartbreak in return. After a while I had no sympathy for her. They deserved each other.
He was a proven man-slut, yet every time they slept together, they never used condoms.
I hated his stupid nickname for her, which was so cliché. And how many nineteen year old's say "babygirl" anyway? Suited a bearded biker more than a high school boy.
His celibacy was a joke.
The déjà vu with Vera was predictable and ridiculous.
I could see the parents hooking up thing coming from a mile away.
Final Thoughts
If you want to read a story about a heroine that’s a doormat – this is the book for you!
If you’re after a story where the Hero screws the heroine then tells her to get lost – not once, but FOUR TIMES – this is the book for you!
If not, do yourself a favour and avoid it like the plague.
July 29, 2017
at 58% and already felt irritated. after one & a half years, penelope went back to her hometown and didnt demand an explanation from deke and let him fuck her in oblivion, i mean like WAT!! i dont understand why some authors write this kind of plot where the heroine sort of forgive the hero through having sex, doesn't make sense at all~~ and because of her own stupidity, she got hurt by him, like whose fault is it except her own.
chapter 23 & 24 (68%)
she still allow him to fuck her like nobody's business in vegas & she feels hurt when she is the one that wanted a one night stand. i mean like what exactly is direction the author is going with the book? just wanna finish the book quickly and get it over and done with. so fucking annoyed at this kind of writing.
chapter 26 (71%)
penelope went to SoIn to check on the team after patrick's wedding and still let deke fuck her AGAIN, when she is engaged to alan.
chapter 31 (84%)
penelope was telling deke not to hurt her again because she might not survive the fifth time. i'm like excuse me, she seem to did it to herself by allowing him to hurt her.
dont understand about veradia either, i mean did she just pretend to be penelope's friend so that she can get close to deke since she tried to push brad to penelope during prom. and penelope didnt confront her on it? like i dont understand her character.
dont understand this book AT ALL, writing is just too amateurish for my taste. should have not bother to finish it, bloody waste of my time. will not be reading anymore books from this author.
chapter 23 & 24 (68%)
she still allow him to fuck her like nobody's business in vegas & she feels hurt when she is the one that wanted a one night stand. i mean like what exactly is direction the author is going with the book? just wanna finish the book quickly and get it over and done with. so fucking annoyed at this kind of writing.
chapter 26 (71%)
penelope went to SoIn to check on the team after patrick's wedding and still let deke fuck her AGAIN, when she is engaged to alan.
chapter 31 (84%)
penelope was telling deke not to hurt her again because she might not survive the fifth time. i'm like excuse me, she seem to did it to herself by allowing him to hurt her.
dont understand about veradia either, i mean did she just pretend to be penelope's friend so that she can get close to deke since she tried to push brad to penelope during prom. and penelope didnt confront her on it? like i dont understand her character.
dont understand this book AT ALL, writing is just too amateurish for my taste. should have not bother to finish it, bloody waste of my time. will not be reading anymore books from this author.
November 30, 2017
The book was ok. Would have been much better if the H was not such an arsehole! it actually made me mad that he said he loved her since he meet her but yet he went out of his way to hurt her. Having dates with other girls, sleeping with other people, including her best friend from high school. They say actions are louder than words, if that was the case than he was screaming he hates her and not that that he loved her. The DB could not keep it in his pants and for years the h had to watch him sleep his way through the women/ girl in their little town. He said some very unforgivable things to the h not once, not twice but 4 separate times. When she turned 18, 20, 21, and when she came home to confront her father for skipping her brothers wedding. And because of that finally time, which also pissed me off cause seriously is this man so hot you loose all sense of thought. He makes out with her at his office which of course leads to sex in the office with everyone to hear and the crap that came out of his mouth just hurt me for the h... To the bone. and YES she was engaged to someone else. Who did not take well to her cheating on him so he hits her several times and then pushes her down the stairs which causes her to break her hand... So no more music career. and Yes the H knew what he was doing when he sexed up the h, he knew she would not be able to live with herself and knew she would call off the wedding. This is a guy who said he loved her and has loved her from the beginning. Over and over his actions say other wise. He had no integrity, no morals, and I honestly do not believe he loved the h like he said he did. Maybe as he got older he did but not as a teenager. He did everything possible to push the h away and hurt her like no one could. He BROKE her time and time again just cause he could. He was a selfish narcissist when it came to the h. he did not want her but be damned if anyone else could have her. The writing was good but the story would have worked so much more for me if the H was celibate the entire time he was "in love" with the h. But then again that is just me. How can you proclaim to love some one and still sleep with everything that wore a skirt. No thank you. As far as I am concerned the H can keep his STD laden rod to himself and I would of hopped the h would eventually found someone so much better than the ZERO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2018
1.5* Why did I keep reading this when neither the writing nor the characters grabbed my attention is any way? I'm not really sure except maybe its my fascination with trainwrecks. I wanted to see how many 'rejections' the h is willing to take from the H before demonstrating some backbone. To do that I just skimmed this, reading only the pertinent bits from 30% into the book..
January 2, 2017
Loved
Just something where the hero is a big jerk & the woman who loves him. Deke & Penelope were that couple, they went through so much, can they ever get their hea? I loved the writing, looking forward to more
Just something where the hero is a big jerk & the woman who loves him. Deke & Penelope were that couple, they went through so much, can they ever get their hea? I loved the writing, looking forward to more
March 12, 2023
Not a bad book but won’t read it again. Weak heroine that falls for the hero every single time even after he repeatedly breaks her heart. Hero is alpha and possessive but continues to butcher heroines heart. A lot of repeat moments. Ends in a HEA even after most of the book is soul crushing.
August 8, 2017
This book... good lord! I was all over the place with this read! I wanted to hug, kiss, smack and scream in frustration on be half of Penelope!! Rollercoaster ride is an understatement but just like Penny, I kept going back for more and more! I wanted to know what happened and just couldn't put it down. I needed to know, WHY!?! Why was everything spiraling the way it was and how was everything going to work out... cause it HAD to work out!
Deke and Penny are combustible together and yet they fit perfectly. Their connection is forged by a sense of safety with each other, something they never had with anyone else. The push and pull make everything crazy but the twists that smack you in the face are even more so! But, I couldn't get enough!
If you want something to read that isn't just a straight up easy love and romance book then this is it! There is nothing easy with Deke and Penny's story and once you start it you'll understand why the easy love doesn't do them justice!
Deke and Penny are combustible together and yet they fit perfectly. Their connection is forged by a sense of safety with each other, something they never had with anyone else. The push and pull make everything crazy but the twists that smack you in the face are even more so! But, I couldn't get enough!
If you want something to read that isn't just a straight up easy love and romance book then this is it! There is nothing easy with Deke and Penny's story and once you start it you'll understand why the easy love doesn't do them justice!
December 29, 2016
Loved
I thought this was a great book. Yes I wanted to knee Deke sometimes but he always had heart. This was a beautiful love story & I highly recommend!!
I thought this was a great book. Yes I wanted to knee Deke sometimes but he always had heart. This was a beautiful love story & I highly recommend!!
May 5, 2017
Wow.
I'm a complete mess of ugly crying happy tears! My new favorite book. Beautiful. I fell completely in love with Penelope and Deke. Absolutely beautiful.
I'm a complete mess of ugly crying happy tears! My new favorite book. Beautiful. I fell completely in love with Penelope and Deke. Absolutely beautiful.
May 5, 2017
Very written
This was such a good read. Had me from the beginning til the very end. I highly recommend this book.
This was such a good read. Had me from the beginning til the very end. I highly recommend this book.
January 13, 2018
KU
Author bit off way more than the has the ability for. Very cardboard characters.
Author bit off way more than the has the ability for. Very cardboard characters.
January 10, 2017
I have to start by saying that I picked this book up on a whim! It was initially the cover that drew me to it when I saw it on Amazon, but then I read the synopsis and it sounded like my kind of read, so I decided to give it a shot! I'm so happy I did because this book had me completely hooked! I was reading it every chance I had and I couldn't put it down until I had read a good few chapters! I was always desperate to read more too lol! I loved the relationship development between the two main characters and the plot developed at the perfect pace! The plot also had plenty of seriously hot scenes in it, which I loved! I also loved that the plot took place over years! This gave the characters room to grow and really find themselves! I just loved the plot and it had some action and suspense in it too! The romance, action and suspense definitely made an amazing plot! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Penelope 'Penny' was the main female character and I loved her! She grew a lot in this book and she was able to become a stronger person and have more confidence! Penny also went through a lot with her family life in this book and this made my feel really sorry for her, but she handled it very well and she stood up for herself when she had to! Penny was also like the ugly ducking turning into a beautiful swan in this book! She branded herself as a geek and a bit of a loner at the beginning, but then she came back and she had good friends and she looked very different! Deke was the main male character and love interest of Penny! Deke was seriously hot and the perfect book boyfriend! Yes, he hurt Penny four times and there were a few times where Deke messed up or did the wrong thing, but a few times it was miscommunications and Deke trying to do the best thing for Penny by giving her up! This actually made me respect Deke more! Deke was also seriously hot with Penny! It was very easy to see how much she meant to him and he was very, very protective of her! He was maybe a bit too overprotective, but he meant well! I just loved Deke and he also grew a lot in this book, but he never lost his bad boy charm lol! I loved that this book was written from both Penny and Deke's point of views! I was hoping that it was going to be, so I'm really happy that it was! It helped me connect more with both characters and it allowed for more things to happen in the plot! I also can't wait to read the next book in this series! I'm assuming that it might be about secondary characters from this book, as Penny and Deke's story was ended perfectly and very beautifully, but I'm not sure! I definitely see potential books for the majority of the secondary characters to have their own books! I'll be reading the next book regardless lol! I can't wait to check out this author's other books too! As I said, it was initially the cover that drew me to this book! The cover is seriously hot and suits the book perfectly! The models are the perfect Penny and Deke too!
January 12, 2017
I'm soo glad I decided to go for this book after the blurb caught my eye on my FB newsfeed. I was hooked right from the beginning Penelope's character drew me right in and then when Deke came to her rescue that was me well and truly caught up in their emotional roller-coaster ride of a relationship. Penelope was the good girl caught up with the bad boy 'Deke' who over the years had become her best friend infact they're soulmates but after giving into their feelings and spending a passionate night together things change for the worse when Deke becomes like a stranger towards her saying some very hurtful stuff in the process which results in Penelope leaving her hometown going of to college only returning a handful of times, When she does return and she sees Deke she gets glimpses of the caring boy she fell in love with only for him to treat her like crap all over again what she doesn't actually realise is that's his goal he wants her to hate him & he wants her to push her away, you'll understand more once you read the book. Deke was a total douchebag the way he behaved towards Penelope if it was me I'd have castrated him
February 1, 2017
This was a fantastic read. I literally couldn't put it down. I loved Deke, I know sometimes it seemed like he was a total jerk, but in the end I knew exactly why he was doing what he was doing and it totally melted my heart. This story was a truly to die for story. This was a man that loved with his whole heart, loved selflessly. There are not many love stories out there that show that and I think Garza captured that. A lot of the reviews bash Deke but I think they totally missed the whole point of the story. I don't think they got the plot, Deke did the most selfless think for her. He wanted her to have a better life, but in the end he realized she belonged right there with him. The ending about made me a bawling mess. I ADORED IT. This was by far my favorite book by Garza. I only wished there was more. I highly recommend! Oh and by the way did I mention it was HOT as hell!!
January 5, 2017
Whew....talk about a roller coaster ride of a book! Penelope was a better woman than I was cause I would have killed him in his sleep....while in my bed!!!
Glad to see the change in Deke towards the end and I know we got snippets of his love for her throughout the book but this whole "I'm not good enough bit" gets old when they take it to the point Deke did. He could have just told her he loved her but let her go to college, let her tell him what she really wanted....or just stayed faithful to her. That would have helped a lot in his quest for her love....to not have slept around for all those years. Yes I realized he was faithful in the end but come on....even her best friend in high school!!
Looking forward to the next book.
Glad to see the change in Deke towards the end and I know we got snippets of his love for her throughout the book but this whole "I'm not good enough bit" gets old when they take it to the point Deke did. He could have just told her he loved her but let her go to college, let her tell him what she really wanted....or just stayed faithful to her. That would have helped a lot in his quest for her love....to not have slept around for all those years. Yes I realized he was faithful in the end but come on....even her best friend in high school!!
Looking forward to the next book.
January 13, 2017
This was a great book I totally hated to see end! Deke, man what a guy. That guy had so many faces but I understood all of them. Penny was a girl head over heals in love and trying to get her happy ever after in life. These two together were explosive on all ends when together but would Deke allow that to ever happen. Look forward to more of this series!
December 30, 2016
love it :)
May 1, 2017
Shocked me ... Good Read
It was a good read. Hope we get more characters. Seem to be some back stories that could turn into good sequels.
It was a good read. Hope we get more characters. Seem to be some back stories that could turn into good sequels.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews