Bad Reputation

by Callie Blake

He's everything a good girl knows to avoid...

So why is it that she can't resist?

Hollywood has never interested Peyton Greene.

As her socialite cousin's unofficial caretaker, she's seen the ins and outs of the industry. The sleaziness, the backstabbing – the constant parade of womanizing assholes who break her cousin's heart every week.

They're all bad news, and as far as she can tell, Connor Schaffer is no different.

He's six feet and two inches of cocky, smirking asshole – the panty-dropping king of one-night stands, and everything Peyton hates. But when Connor signs a unique contract with her uncle, Peyton finds their lives suddenly entwined on a daily basis.

And despite their nonstop, claws out fighting, she finds herself suddenly tangled in his sheets.

Their spark was unpredictable, the sex unbelievable, and just like that, Peyton’s world is turned upside down. For the first time in her life, she’s discovering hot lust, real pleasure and everything she swore was strictly not for her.

Long story short, Hollywood’s got this good girl screwed.

***Bad Reputation is a full-length standalone with no cheating and a HEA***

First published October 23, 2017

Reviews

[Janna ♥ I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore ♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

***This and other reviews can be found at www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com ***

*ARC*

So I will most likely be in the minority with this review but Bad Reputation just didn’t work for me, as much as I kept hoping and let’s face it I even prayed at one point, that it would finally hook it’s claws into me and have me liking it. It didn’t, not by a long shot. It had potential, it had the promise of a book that I normally would like or love, so I don’t know if it was my mood or if I just really didn’t connect with Peyton and Connor that caused this to be one I just wanted over with. It could have been the way other characters were just plain annoying and honestly pointless to the story, it could have been that by around the 40% mark I wanted to stab someone just because they annoyed me, or it could be everything above but sadly it just didn’t work for me. From what I am seeing is that a lot of people did like this one, so I am going to go with it is a me not the book situation.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love supporting debut authors, and helping to get their names out into the romance reading world. I especially love supporting them when I fall completely in love with the stories they create, and the characters that they write. I had the absolute pleasure of reading Callie Blake’s debut novel, Bad Reputation and it is a decision that I will NEVER regret. I adored this book!

I’m always attracted to novels that have to do with the Hollywood scene, especially ones where the big Hollywood star falls for the lesser known, quiet girl next door type. I’m pretty sure it’s because I will never let the dream die that one day Harry Styles is going to accidently stumble across my Facebook page and realize that he’s had it wrong this whole time, and that I am actually the girl for him. Of course, in this dream I’m also single, with no kids, have gorgeous hair, and a body that has probably never eaten a doughnut. But it is still a dream, none the less! Bad Reputation hit all my key factors for a great Hollywood romance. A. A sweet, but cocky male lead that doesn’t think he’ll ever fall in love, B. A quiet, but spunky heroine that makes me laugh, and C. lots of Hollywood drama and intrigue!

Peyton Green is like Cinderella. Her famous uncle took her in when she had nowhere else to go; however, he’s basically turned her into a babysitter for her famous cousin who is trying to break into the Hollywood scene. Peyton loves her cousin dearly, and carries around a lot of guilt and heavy responsibility when it comes to her duties as caretaker. In doing so, she’s lost herself. After Peyton’s uncle signed a contract with a big time Hollywood writer, Peyton finds her world tilting on its axis.

Connor Schaffer comes across as the biggest Hollywood asshole you’d ever meet. He’s arrogant, cocky, and the king of one night stands. But when Connor meets Peyton, he finds something he didn’t even know he was looking for. And its magical. I adored Connor and his relationship with Peyton. I loved seeing him grow as a person, and watching her come out of her shell. These two characters were so good for each other. Blake created a magnetic relationship between the two characters, and their banter and dialogue was spot on. It was funny, and romantic, and I think I wore a big idiotic smile on my face the entire time I was reading.

I honestly cannot recommend this one enough folks! The writing is well done, the pacing is spot on, and I never once found myself bored with the events being played out on the cover. I really hope that Callie Blake has more stories up her sleeve because this is one author that I want to read more from!

[PointedlyBlunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor Schaeffer is a successful screenwriter and notorious playboy. His last project was so successful that he’s expected to write a sequel; only the movie was never intended for a sequel and is guaranteed to be a bust. Famous Hollywood producer Russell Cohan approaches him with an offer: mentor his mess of an actress daughter, Kensie, so she gets better roles and stop embarrassing him and he will get Connor out of his contract to make a sequel. Connor’s stuck on the fence about accepting until he has an interesting first encounter with Kensie’s cousin/assistant, Peyton. Hoping to see more of her, he accepts Russell’s proposal.

The characters are well-fleshed out. Peyton is strong and opinionated but incredibly selfless and caring. Connor comes off as a manwhore, and he sort of is, but his transformation is significant and genuine after getting to know Peyton. Plus, he’s pretty dreamy and chivalrous a lot of the time. Their relationship is slow but intense, the attraction upping each time they see each other until they finally- FINALLY- give in.

The plot is humorous and steady. There were a couple of inconsistencies in the book (IE Peyton’s eye color), but my biggest peeve was the third-person omniscient POV. The segues from one character’s internal monologue to the next wasn’t well distinguished, so I had to go back and re-read some bits to make sure I understood it correctly. It was a little annoying, but didn’t stop me from enjoying the story.

If you want to escape for a few hours with a funny but steamy RomCom, this is a prime choice.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nightbird Novels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peyton Greene lives her life as an assistant to her socialite cousin. While her babysitting duties put her in the proximity of the New York glamorous and elite, Peyton has no desire to be a part of their ranks. Upon meeting screenwriter Connor Schaffer, Peyton lets his reputation do the talking... and she doesn't hold back from letting him know it...

While Peyton and Connor don't get along, they can agree on one thing... that they really want each other...

This was a good read! I really like Peyton and Connor. Their beginning is an entertaining love/hate scenario, but when they finally get to know each other their connection and relationship is super sexy and sweet. With the exception of maybe Connor's one friend, I can seriously say I disliked ALL of the other characters. Each and every one of them was selfish and just horrible. Luckily I loved Peyton and Connor so much that they carried the story and I could hate the supporting characters and still really enjoy this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

Check out the Blog!

https://nightbirdnovels.wordpress.com...

[The Reading Realtor Michelle Diomede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Reputation by Callie Blake

I am voluntarily reviewing this arc.

This book was like a crisp fall day. It was refreshing and leaves you shivering in the best possible way. Like, when you drive with your windows open on a 50 degree day, but put your heated seat on, so your face is like, yessssss, and you back is like, ohhhh babyyyy. But, wow did I digress! All that to say I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the relationship between the cousins, Kensie and Peyton. Kensie is a spoiled brat, but her heart is so lovable still. Peyton, she just wants to help Kensie, and is a little bit of a doormat, always putting Kensie’s feelings first, but again, her heart is in the right place. Their relationship, the love of cousin’s reminds me of my own family. I know how strong my kids are bonded to their cousins. It’s a uniquely selfless relationship, like siblings minus the rivalry, and of course in my case, minus the selfishness.
The love story is just one big giant swoon. Connor is beyond yummy. The way he falls for Peyton is just so authentic. Peyton, she just falls for this guy who is not exactly what the press has made him out to be. Their chemistry is smoldering, and their friendship is caring and so full of love. This book was a winner from beginning to end!!!!

[Nickole · Rating 5 out of 5]

rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. I really enjoyed this book. we meet Peyton, assistant and cousin to socialite Kenzie, who is always saving her from herself. we then week Connor, Hollywood writer, who just got a deal from a hotshot Hollywood mogul. what he doesnt count on is the fiery brunette that is Russell's niece. Peyton has beard the stereotypical things about Connor and dubs him a badboy. Connor wants to change her mind. he can't stop thinking about her while Peyton is pissed off at herself for thinking about him constantly. a pre-movie vacay to the Caribbean has Connor and Peyton acting on their urges. the added stress on Peyton from friends and family have her doubting her worth. Connie whisked Peyton away for a wknd of relaxation...but how long will it last? There are outside forces at work to keep them apart? will Peyton ever be free of her family and taste freedom? will Connors career go down the drain?

[Erin McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice debut novel from this author and definitely makes me look forward to more from her. The characters were well-developed and the writing was very good. There were quite a few funny moments and a lot of great scenes. It was bothersome seeing Peyton be a doormat for so long and Kensie being such a helpless spoiled brat, but gratifying to see the mean girl get her come-uppance.

The pov sometimes changed randomly from paragraph to paragraph which was disconcerting and made it harder to connect with and get into the current character’s mind. There were few other issues such as a briefly mentioned character whose name changed between references, but nothing that severely impacted the enjoyment of the story.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has all the different characters you look for in a book. Of course the hero/heroine, the BFF, the mean girl, the loser ex and of course the controlling parental figures. Should make for a good read, and it does. I had a hard time putting it down. I just wanted to find out what will happen next. There's a bit of humor in it. Some sexiness of course. And a few sweet/endearing moments as well.

Boy with a bad reputation (as a manwhore,) takes a on a job as a mentor of sorts to a young actress (his new bosses daughter) looking to clean up her own image, except he meets her personal assistant and he is instantly in lust. One problem.. the PA hates his guts and his reputation. He works hard to prove to her he is not the man the media makes him out to be.. at least not totally. In addition to the forbidden aspect of their relationship, they each have issues with their past they must work through.

My only complaint is the third person writing. A few times we were in the mind of the female lead, then the next paragraph we were in the male's mind, and it threw me off for a second until I realized it changed. (But then, I'm partial to first person pov's anyways.)

All in all, it was a good story with plenty of complex characters and situations.

*I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor can be blunt, "Connor cleared his throat. “I’m a little too hard to walk right now.” The man only has so much control, “effing heck. You can’t do that,” he murmured, unblinking as his eyes trailed up her naked body. “Peyton,” he laughed as she went to him and rose to her tippy toes for a kiss. “You can’t have breakfast without clothes on,” he said, setting his spatula aside to wrap both arms around her waist. “Not unless you want me to eff you over the sink before you eat.” I liked this book, I really liked Connor the man was full of surprises.

[Chanda Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This slow burn romance is about Connor a famous Hollywood screen writer and Peyton, the built in assistant to Kensie the leading lady in his next film. Peyton is her cousin Kensie's babysitter. Peyton goes with her just about everywhere to keep her out of trouble. Peyton knows of Connor by his playboy reputation and is not impressed when they first meet. Connor on the other hand is blown away by Peyton. She becomes the only woman in his life from that point on. He has to work hard to change her opinion and give him a chance. They have quite the adventure among the rich and famous to their HEA.

There were a couple of times I was left with unanswered questions, like why is the story based in NYC, but all things consisted the book was well written, especially for a debut book.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy provided by Hidden Gem and the author.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, I can be totally honest, this book shocked me, but in a good way. At first, I couldn’t get into the book. It was slow to take off and the cousin of our heroine completely repulsed me with her whiny and childish behavior. But, I committed myself to sticking it out and I was glad I did. I really like the love story of Connor and Peyton. Connor, while he comes off as a complete manwhore in the beginning, surprised me once he became interestedin Peyton. He was charming and arrogant, sure, but he had a very sweet side and was fiercely protective of Peyton from the beginning. I loved how he rescued her one evening…good thing because I pretty much thought he was a lost cause for awhile. Peyton is sweet and kind but is a doormat for her cousin and uncle. It broke my heart! She had sass and fire and I really enjoyed her spirited banter with Connor. These two, together, have some pretty amazing chemistry and once they finally stopped fighting it, I was blown away! I LOVED everything about their relationship, once they decided they couldn’t fight what was happening between them. I adored how Connor stopped at nothing to make Peyton’s world brighter, and how desperately he wanted to bring calm to the chaos that sometimes surrounded her. Truly, the ending was made of the best of all things!!!! There is plenty of angst in the form of an over-the-top needy cousin (who finally mans up at the end) and an snotty friend who just can’t handle her friends good fortune. There is a bit of a family issue that made me want to knock the crap out of Peyton’ s uncle on more than one occasion. Overall, I did finally enjoy Bad Reputation and I think you will too. Don’t get discouraged if you feel it starts off a little slow…it picks up in pace and leaves you wanting more at the end! I look forward to trying more books by Ms. Harper. 4 stars!

[Jaime Fertal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peyton is a woman who has lived through enough heartache she grew up with a mother who would take advantage of people close to her, and in the end her daughter ended up being the assistant to her own Cousin to make up for the funds her own mother stole from her own Brother. SO with that said she lives under her Uncles thumb doing his biding, keeping her cousin in line and being her babysitter and making sure she is on time to all her things. One day things will change when she meets Conner and she starts to do something for her that makes her happy, Conner has a bad Reputation that Peyton has read all about and is not even in the mood to fall for his charms, until she does.

What I enjoyed most about Bad Reputation is watching how Conner and Peyton meet for the first time and how he always lets her know that she really doesnt know him but what she has read in the magazines which he says isnt right, watching them start with the just now and how it will prob end in a fling in Peytons eyes at least, but Conner will keep surprising her at every turn. watching how when Peytons uncle comes up with a threat it still doesnt end with him winning.

This book was an amazing read, I had to know what was going to happen between Conner and Peyton, would he finally tame the playboy ways? would she finally get her happy ending or keep being her uncles, daughters assistant? living to serve everyone for the rest of her life. This book has Peyton and Conner an unlikely couple but they start in secret and then more builds between them. A love story! If you like stories like this, then Bad Reputation is a must!

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy.
I really loved this book, I loved how well it was written, I enjoyed the storyline and the characters were perfectly written. There's Peyton who is Kenzie's carer, the wanna be Actress but also a wild child, its Peyton's job to keep her in line. Kenzie's Dad pulls a few strings to get Kenzie a part in Connor Schaffer movie. Conner is your standard playboy, master of one night stands. Conner meets Peyton and the chemistry is there from the get go but Peyton fights with him on everything. She tries to get her distance but finds it really hard. Conner wants to be a better man so he can be with Peyton. Finally the fighting stops and things get steamy. I loved how Conner wanted to change and be a man Peyton wanted to be with. I loved how Conner didn't give up on Peyton and things paid off. Wow was a great book. Recommend all day long.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this story through Hidden Gems and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I really enjoyed this story. Peyton is sweet, intelligent, and strong... she has spent most of her life looking after her cousin and getting her cousin out of various bad situations. Connor is a love 'em and leave 'em type of Hollywood writer playboy, and between tabloids and the internet he looks like a total jerk for it. When the two are thrown together as Peyton's cousin is now working in one of Connor's movies, the sparks between them fly. It's a fun romance story and I finished in just a few hours because I couldn't put it down!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great slow burn romance! I loved Peyton's snarkiness and Connor's bluntness. Peyton's world turns upside down when she meets Connor and there is a spark she can't ignore, and she realizes that Connor is not the stuck up womanizer that she thought he was. I was so glad to she Peyton come out of her shell and start to realize she was more then just Kensie's babysitter. Callie did an amazing job with this book. I adored the ending and that epilogue was so adorable! 5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this title

[Delacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the debut novel from Callie Blake. The characters were well developed as was the plot. Side characters gave depth and conflict to the story. There is a nice amount of humour in the book, and I anticipate that I will reread this story in the future. There is quite a bit of alcohol consumption in this story- mentioned as some people do not like that in their novels. Overall, a great story. * I received an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peyton, out of guilt, has already accepted what she believes to be her lot in life - rescue her cousin Kensie from all danger in the world. Everything's going fine - until Connor Schaffer shows up, throwing her neatly ordered world on its side.

This is a light, yet engaging romance with the usual Hollywood drama, but it fits perfectly within the plot. Peyton is so unaccustomed to real love, but Connor is the perfect bad-boy-turned-awesome-boyfriend who patiently, yet determinedly shows her what she's missing.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book, and recommend it.

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book....

This is the debut novel for author Callie Blake. She totally got it on the first try. I loved the plot! The characters were well-developed and easily relatable. Connor and Peyton made a great couple. The chemistry was there and I'm glad they got their HEA in the end despite all of the roadblocks. It was a great fast-paced read that I really loved considering it's a first time novel. I look forward to reading more from this author!

[Andrea Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

****A Slow Burn, Unexpected Love Story****

 “I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book”
This story was truly amazing...! The escalating slow burn of it kept me glued to it from the beginning to very the end...! The love that Peyton and Connor found was very much unexpected but very much deserved...! Callie Blake did a great writing this...!
Definitely a must read...!!!!

[Deborah Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Arc. Here is my voluntary review. The Cindarellaesque of this story was “charming.” Colt as the handsome prince I, Peyton as the abused cousin, and of course Kensie as the doted on daughter. We even have the evil Uncle Russell thrown in for rounding the story out. After a bit of a slow start trying to navigate all of the players, it turned out to be a great book.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm already looking forward to when I can read another. I loved Peyton and Connor together!! They had such hot chemistry. The story was well written. I didn't want to put it down. I definitely recommend!
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*

[Cindy Hardegree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This very different storyline captivated me and my desire to see justice done. Witty conversation between the charismatic characters. Love found, then lost, then found only to be almost lost once again had me profoundly emotionally whipped. But the magic between Peyton and Connor. ..was magic to last forever.
I received this book as an arc and voluntarily am submitting my review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved this book as an ARC copy.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars because I found it a little hard to get into. But I read the entire book and I was happy that I kept reading. Once I was wrapped up in the story I could not put it down.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Reputation (ARC) by Callie Blake: ***** I loved it!
Sexy and well written storyline that hooked me from the very beginning. Loved the snarky, independent Peyton, and sexy Connor. Nice HEA. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this book.

[Kim F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book. I was blown away with the story, and I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want more.....I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peyton and Connor’s story was a lesson all should learn. Don’t judge people until you get to know them. Great chemistry with good storyline and characters. I voluntarily received this book to review for my honest opinion.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this debut novel by Callie Blake. I loved Connor and Peyton. Their sometimes hostile banter gave way to such a great relationship. And I really enjoyed all the other characters and how they added color to the story.

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written story about the main characters Connor and Peyton. I like the storyline and plot. The main characters are well described and develops nicely. The story has a nice flow.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Azusa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got to page 67 and the only thing I kept thinging to myself was, 'when will this finally end?' I finally gave up after just a few more pages.

I just could not get into this story. Kenzie's cousin is super annoying. She totally ruined this book for me.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Couldn't put it down. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of the book.