Bad Reputation

Bad Bachelors #2

by Stefanie London

Wes Evans, son of Broadway royalty, just wants to achieve something without riding on his family's coattails. Too bad the whole world is talking about his sex life after the notorious Bad Bachelors app dubs him "The Anaconda." But when he sees a talented ballet dancer, he knows she is exactly what he needs to make his show a success.

Remi Drysdale only had one thought when she fled Australia for New York--never mix business with pleasure again. Ever. She gets the perfect chance to reclaim her career when a handsome stranger asks her to audition for his show. Remi promises herself not to tangle with the guy who holds her career in his hands...no matter how enticing his reviews are on the Bad Bachelors app...

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Audiobook, Adult Fiction, Fiction

379 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 7, 2018

About the author

Stefanie London is a multi-award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances and romantic comedies.

Stefanie’s books have been called “genuinely entertaining and memorable” by Booklist, and “elegant, descriptive and delectable” by RT magazine. Her stories have won multiple industry awards, including the HOLT Medallion and OKRWA National Reader's Choice Award, and she has been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA award.

Originally from Australia, Stefanie lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, lipstick, romance novels and anything zombie-related.

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sultry, emotive, and intriguing!

Bad Reputation is a humorous, alluring tale that combines the hardworking, handsome, well-hung, Wes with the beautiful, wary, dancer extraordinaire, Remi in a push-pull storyline filled with friendship, gossip, romance, seduction, jealousy, family drama, smoking tension, racy banter, witty dialogue, and sizzling chemistry.

The writing is spicy and fun. The supporting characters are gregarious, amusing, and likable. And the plot is a charming and engaging ride as it takes you from the enjoyment and challenges of making a Broadway show to the moments, mishaps, and heart breaks of the past to a heartwarming ending that leaves you with a smile.

Bad Reputation is another fantastic addition to the Bad Bachelor series, and I can’t wait to read about whose life the Bad Bachelor app turns upside down next.

Thank you to Stefanie London and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second installment of the Bad Bachelor series brings havoc for another NY bachelor and some ethical questions of a dating app gone awry. Wes Evans is behind the eight ball when he needs to cast the main female lead in his off-Broadway dance production and is looking for that diamond in the rough. When he takes his young niece to a barre class he meets instructor Remi Drysdale and is intrigued and wants her for his show when he watches her dance beautifully. Remi knows not to mix business with pleasure since she was kicked out of the Australian ballet company, when she feels an attraction for Wes. When she is given this new opportunity, she is going to do her best to make the most of it and put dance first. However, this attraction between Wes and Remi just keeps getting stronger and harder to deny. When a jealousy rears its ugly head, it creates more problems for these two and hard decisions have to be made. Both need to decide if their career choices should come first and at what cost to their personal life. Friendships will be tested and lines in the sand are drawn for both Wes and Remi. The author delves deep into these characters and I feel their struggles that each are having to deal with and how they overcome their problems. With an intriguing cast of secondary characters this contemporary romance hits all the marks on conflict, resolution and triumphs. What might have started out with good intentions, the dating app and its reviews caused more headaches for Wes and Remi and makes me wonder how it will all play out with its creator in the future. Stefanie London has created an interesting over-arcing series theme and I look forward to the next installment. I really liked this story and felt it was an enjoyable read.

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romantic story with a better narrator for the audiobook. I enjoyed the little drama towards the end and wes winning her back.

[Bambi Unbridled · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad Reputation is the second book in the Bad Bachelors series, which revolves around a dating review app a la the former DontDateHimGirl.com. I recommend reading these books in order so you have the backstory on the app, its creator, and the circle of female friends serving as our heroines. Note: This review may contains spoilers for the first book, Bad Bachelor, so proceed at your own risk.

Our hero is Wes Evans, dubbed The Anaconda on the Bad Bachelors app. Unlike our first hero, Reed McMahon, Wes' reviews are largely positive, but very sexual in nature. Initially, he doesn't heed his own objectification and stays above it all. But when it starts to have an impact on his business, a fledgling Off-Broadway show, Wes' life becomes infinitely more complicated. I thought Wes was a great hero. He was a nice guy with a unique profession, yet he didn't seem overly arrogant or snobby. I appreciated his desire to break away from his family and make it on his own. He had great work ethic, and was willing to risk everything to see his dream to fruition. Well, almost everything.

Our heroine is Remi Drysdale, a ballerina that fled to New York after ballet and relationship drama in her home country of Australia. The whole situation shook Remi's confidence and she seems to have been hiding from her aspirations for a few years. But she gets the chance of a lifetime with Wes' show, if she only has the courage to get out of her head and get back into dance. Remi was a pretty good heroine. She also worked hard, but she tended to panic and hold herself back. Luckily, Wes was very good at getting her out of her head, altering her focus, and making her shine. She did have a couple of annoying traits, namely a tendency to run off, which is one of my pet peeves. But overall, she was relatable and didn't push too many annoying heroine buttons.

The relationship between Wes and Remi was slow-building, but not quite a slow burn. The chemistry was there from the beginning, but they agreed to table any romantic interest for the sake of the show. So we see resistance to an entanglement, but more so on the part of Remi than Wes. Once they do get together, they steamed up my kindle screen. I liked that it was just "them" during those times and they seemed to shut out work and the rest of the world.

I still have a huge problem with our secondary character, Annie. She is just a loathsome person and character. I thought she may change a bit after the events of Bad Bachelor, when her app so clearly impacted our hero's life to his detriment. But the Bad Bachelor app is still going strong, and still hurting people in the process. She clearly thought her app was more important than her friendships, even though she acknowledges that not all reviews are done with good intention. So I don't see that her character will ever be redeemed for me, especially given her willingness to sacrifice good men for the sake of her perceived masses.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Have you heard of the Bad Bachelor app ? It's the new trend that allow women to rate their dates. But before we talk about it, let me tell you about the characters. Remi Drysdale is a former ballerina who give dance lessons at a studio. The Aussie went to New York to leave behind a broken heart and the ballet industry that squashed her dreams and hopes before it could begin. Wes Evans (love that name!) was a guest judge on Dance Idol, but being dubbed the Anaconda (yeah, it's what you think ;p) on the new viral app Bad Bachelor made him more famous. Some men would have taken advantage of the sultry reputation, but not Wes. The son of a famed ballerina and with a Broadway-legend for a father, he wants something that's his and prove to everyone that he can succeed on his own. With an ambitious project in mind, Wes need to find funding but above all, he must find the perfect ballerina. He'll find her the day he bring his niece to her ballet lesson (little Frankie was so adorable and funny, I wished we saw more of her).

Remi doesn't care about Wes' "big" reputation. But she left the dance world for good reasons and even if she never stopped yearning about dancing professionally again, she hesitate. Wes is a charming guy and they exchanged plenty of flirty banters before he offer her the first role in his dance production. She's gonna have to choose between sexy times or a professional opportunity because there's no way she's gonna mix business and pleasure. She's been there before, done that and she won't do the same mistake twice, thank you very much. But when Wes help her build confidence as a dancer and as a woman, how can she continue to keep her distance ?

I read the first book (which I adored) and I was curious to know more about Remi. Don't know why but when I began Bad Reputation, I thought I wouldn't like it as much as Bad Bachelor. It feels so good being wrong for something like that ;p I love that it was different from book 1, because of the dance aspect. I think the author did such a great job at describing it, the determination and abandon for a passion and how the dancer connect with the music and the movements. I'm not a fan of the rich family scene usually but in this case, I like how it was handled, that it didn't take all the space in the story and the hero's life. I loved Remi's unusual but loving parents and that Wes was smitten with her but didn't rush anything and he was smooth-talking but it's all genuine. I loved watching them fall in love and really feeling lust and affection turned to deeper emotions and love.

I said it before, the app idea make me cringe, but it brilliantly show us how social media can be a double-edged sword and in this one, I understood more why it can be a good thing for the women and why it should exist.

[Katy O. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved so much of this book! However, I HATE the actual app that the whole series is based upon and find it appalling - the fact that it continues existing despite the damage it does just upsets me :-(

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read as the Bad Bachelor app wreaks havoc on another unsuspecting bachelor. This time the target seems to be Wes "the anaconda" Evans. Working hard to get his new broadway show off the ground Wes has no time to worry about the silly app. Finding the perfect ballerina for his show is his latest objective. When he sees Remi Drysdale in a kid's ballet class he knows his search is over. Now to convince her to give the show and possibly him a chance. Then those reviews cost him a show backer and his worries start all over again.

Great read and one I highly recommend.

[Samantha (WLABB) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was really great. Great characters, great story, great chemistry. I just enjoyed every second of it. London is new to me, but I am now going to download the fist book in this series, so I can catch up, and be prepared for Annie's story.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

MS London has such a fabulous voice when it comes to writing stories that connect with readers, she brings her characters to life, makes them friends, you feel their emotions, their pain and their happiness and in this second instalment in the Bad Bachelors series we get to see Remi meet the man that will sweep her off her feet in a story of dance and love, make yourself comfortable for this one.

Remi Drysdale is an Aussie living in New York, she left Australia when her dancing career and life were turned upside down by a man, here in New York she teaches ballet and has the best friends in Darcy and Annie and living her life happily, or is she because when she meets a gorgeous man at dance lessons and is asked to try out for a new dance production, has she got the courage to go back to what has always been in her heart and be strong enough to not mix business and pleasure and have her heart broken again.

Wes Evans has grown up with a famous dancing family known on Broadway but he has decided that it is time to go out on his own with a production out of the ordinary and when he takes his niece to dance lessons he meets the person who he wants as his lead, she will be the star of the show, there is an instant attraction, of course there is also all the talk about his sexual prowess on that bad bachelor app as well which could very well throw a spanner in the works in more ways than one.

This is a fabulous story of people keeping secrets of not learning to be honest and open up, but it is a story of true love that sees Mr Genial, Wes Evans teach beautiful Remi to not think so much when dancing just to let her passions out, oh yes there are a few hurdles to cross before they reach that gorgeous well deserved HEA with the bad bachelor app causing a lot of problems for them both as well as co-dancers. This is another keeper for me MS London I loved Wes what a hero and Remi is just lovely, I am loving this series and can’t wait to see who captures Annie’s heart.

[Meli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wie auch im Vorgänger finde ich die App, die wieder eine Rolle spielt, absolut verwerflich, aber das wird auch von den Charakteren thematisiert. So fühlt sich Wes mal wie ein Produkt auf Amazon - und hat damit schon recht!

Aber abgesehen davon hat es mir wieder sehr gut gefallen!
Remi hat schon ein paar unschöne Erfahrungen mit dem Showbusiness gemacht und ihr Selbstbewusstsein als Balletttänzerin ist nicht mehr so groß wie es vorher mal war. Als sie das großartige Angebot von Wes bekommt, ist sie sehr skeptisch, vor allem, weil sie nie wieder Privates mit Geschäftlichem vermischen möchte und sie direkt erkennt, dass das mit Wes gar nicht so leicht wird.
Denn Wes ist unglaublich attraktiv und auch sehr charmant. Sein Projekt liegt ihm sehr am Herzen und er will alles dafür tun, damit es ein Erfolg wird. Und nun bedeutet es für ihn, sich Remi gegenüber professionell zu verhalten, und auch ihm fällt das überhaupt nicht leicht.
Dann ist da noch die App, die ihm Steine in den Weg legt, denn auch wenn dort nichts Schlechtes steht, wirft es ein schlechtes Licht auf ihn und das kann in seiner Branche fatal sein. Das ist gerade deswegen unfair, weil dieser ganze Klatsch so oberflächlich ist, während Wes ein wirklich lieber Typ ist, der das alles überhaupt nicht verdient.

Beide sind mit Herz und Seele bei ihrer Arbeit, doch ihre Herzen können sich auch nicht ihren Gefühlen füreinander widersetzen. Für beide steht viel auf dem Spiel und das macht das ganze Buch spannend und gefühlvoll.

Fazit
Trotz der unmoralischen App fand ich "Bad Boss" sehr gelungen! Wes ist einfach liebenswert und auch die Geschichte rund um Ballett, Karriere und Liebe war wirklich schön.

[Janae · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up steamy hot stars! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Meli Montes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟
Ich mochte das Buch aber es war nicht annähernd so gut wie der erste Teil bin jetzt ziemlich gespannt wie der letzte Band wird 🙊

[nick (the infinite limits of love) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Oh man, I just loved this book. Can I simply leave my review at that? Bad Bachelor was such a pleasant surprise for me earlier this year. I thought it would be more of a romantic comedy, but it surprised me by bringing forward not only an entertaining romance but also thought-provoking discussions about the state of social media. Finding out that Bad Reputation was set in the theater/ballet world just about sealed the deal for me and I was giddy with excitement. This book delivered on every front and I know I'm going to have the hardest time pointing out why exactly this book resonated with me.

Well, first of all, these characters were just amazing. They were brilliantly fleshed-out, so much so that they felt like actual people I knew in my real life. Not only did they have relatable issues, but they were beyond likable. Remi Drysdale used to dream of being a ballerina with a promising career. However, a shoddy experience left her fleeing her home of Melbourne to NYC, where she, unfortunately, fails to impress at auditions. As a result, she took up teaching barre at a studio, which is where she meets Wes. Remi was obviously a woman with a ton of passion, creativity, and willpower and that showed all throughout Bad Reputation. She was also someone with vulnerabilities and at times, someone who lacked confidence in herself. Her return to the ballet world does slowly bring back her courage in herself and her determination in achieving her dreams, but it wasn't easy. I may not be a ballerina, but I related a lot to what Remi was going through. I think a lot of us have gone through something similar in our lives and it was lovely to see that translated on page here.

The hero, Wes, was dealing with his own struggles. He came from a Broadway family but was venturing out on his own with plans for a new unique production. Unfortunately for him, the Bad Bachelor app was being flooded with reviews about his sex life and his well-endowed self. As a result, he had investors backing out. Wes was another charming character from Stefanie London for me. Yes, he had these obstacles facing him and the show, but he was absolutely determined to make his dance production a hit. He was hardworking, honest and absolutely genuine. And what a good guy he was.

Wes and Remi had instant chemistry. Their very first scene highlighted just how good they were together, but when Wes asks her to be the lead of his new show, they decide to not follow through with any relationship. Remi and Wes tried their hardest to stay away from each other, but in the end, their mutual attraction was too strong. I loved them together. The witty banter, the comfort-level they shared and all the swoony dialogues had the romance-nerd in my incredibly pleased. The progression of their romance was one of the best I have ever read and I think every romance reader is going to appreciate the passion and the emotions between these two. Besides the characters, I also thought the theater setting only served to set this book apart from other romance novels. The setting was as much of a part of the story as the characters and London does a beautiful job of bringing it to life. As with the first book, Stefanie London also touched on the pros and cons of the Bad Bachelor app, with social commentary. I appreciated how she was able to show how social media could have many advantages, but also many disadvantages. She did a wonderful job of depicting the female friendship between Remi, Annie, and Darcy. These girls were close and supportive friends, but in Bad Reputation, we see some cracks in their relationship that Annie is going to have to work hard to fix in the next book.

Bad Reputation was a passionate and romantic book with an outstanding setting. I can't recommend this book and this series enough. It's a series that many romance fans will enjoy, so give this one a shot.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the second book in the series - and I would recommend that you read book 1 first as there are strong links, but it probably isn't essential. Stefanie London has done a good job of catching the reader up on the basics.

Wes has broken away from his family, wanting to be successful in his own right. He keeps coming across hurdles, but a chance meeting with Remi at his niece's ballet class at least gives him a new lead dancer for his show. Then the Bad Bachelors app reviews of him cause him embarrassment and a lead funder of his project ... so up and down moments abound.

Wes and Remi fight their attraction for each other whilst they work together, until they just can't, but that too leads to all manner of issues and accusations. It does seem like the show is fated to fail, and as Wes has been funding a lot of it, he will also lose a lot. And we also feel for Remi, who has finally started to believe in herself as a dancer again.

I loved the dance elements and the difficulties of setting up a show; the rehearsals pressures; the reality of the pain that a dancer grows to expect. It is very engaging and gives intensity to the story.

The other thread is about the app, and the irony that Wes connects with Reed, not realising that he is
in a relationship with Darcy (story in book 1) who is a close friend of Remi. It is sad when Remi realises that Darcy and Annie have not been entirely honest with her, and once again gives rise to questions about the app remaining in place.

Another excellent installment, thank you.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear i always forget to review books..ugh well i really loved this book and was so excited to read it I literally got it the morning it came out! I was just so ready to dig in. Anyway so Remi was pretty awesome and i loved the ballet she did I remember from when i took ballet for a college credit and loved it ofc i wasnt doing professional ballet so ofc it wasnt as taxing on my feet and stressful but you know. I completely understood though what she felt when it came to getting something right and wanting to do it perfect because everyone depended on you. I loved how Wes made her get out of head by introducing a different way of performing im like yas gurl you got this. I loved their first meeting too hehe it was pretty cute. But oooooh i hated that stupid chick Liyah she was just so damn jealous and petty like ugh i hated her so much. Also Reed and Darcy were mentioned which made me happy especially when they flirted with each other im like stahppp lol you guys are so cute :D. I kinda figured he wouldnt help Wes because of Darcy’s friend being behind the whole thing. I was hurt for Remi but also so glad she got mad at her because Darcy didnt..she was just like this sucks but ima be the bigger person im like hell no ima be pissed so when Remi refused to be friends with her at the moment i was like good! Felt bad for Darcy though she was stuck in the middle. I was bit upset Wes even considered firing Remi even if it was for a second like screw Liyah and her threats..thats reall messed up what she did. But then when he said he would put the whole show on pause until the rumors went away and until Remi was no longer in danger of being criticized by media i was like my heartt i didnt think he was gnna do that..and Remi was saying how she wouldnt leave his side no matter what offers she got it made me happy. Also this book was not short of its steamy scenes i mean *fans self* it was so steamy lol i loved it! Wonderful book and ending! :)

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

A cute fun read with all the angsty drama of the first book.

Remi came to New York City after sabotaging her ballet career in Melbourne. After a couple of bad auditions, she decides she's not good enough to dance professionally so she becomes a ballet teacher. A chance meeting with Wes Evans, the son of ballet royalty, gives her a chance at something she thought she'd never get: a real chance to dance in an acclaimed ballet production.

Wes likes Remi, her irreverent attitude and especially the way she dances. He knows what its like to be on the outside looking in - he's there now. His own parents are not supportive of his dream - to launch a new type of ballet, one that takes it to the next level. His mother wants to come back to the fold, to stay within the traditional lines that ballet has painted for centuries but he just can't do it.

The romance between Wes and Remi is a breath of fresh air that neither of them were expecting. I liked the book and the chemistry between Wes and Remi is combustible.

~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5***** This book was recommend to me and I'm so glad I read It because it was so enjoyable. Two people struggling with their own demons, their own secrets, can they work through them and do what's right for each of them. This delved into the life of an ex ballet dancer Remi who has been through some tough times and is trying to find out where she is going. Along comes Wes who is trying to prove he can achieve his dream without his families support. Throw in some underhanded tactics from others, some unwanted media attention and trust issues and you have a great romance that kept me engaged throughout.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a copy in return for an honest review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's a bad boy full of good ideas. She's a good girl that's had a string of bad luck. In a world where reputation is everything, Wes and Remi are about to make some noise in the most delightful of ways. Bad Reputation is deceiving. London grabs attention with a little naughty in the title, but it's the heart that resides inside that is the star of the show. Despite the odds, Remi and Wes refused to quit dreaming and chose to reach for the stars. Resistance is futile when it comes to matters of the heart.

[Jooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

The concept/idea was nice. I really liked the setting of the dancing/Broadway world, but the entire story was dragged out. The slow-burn and doubts were to slow and annoying at several occasions.

[Jess Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Reputation is the second book in the Bad Bachelors series by Stefanie London. The Bad Bachelors app is at it again. It has a way of giving women a car fax on men before dating them. This book has chemistry, Jealousy, and Sinful Lust. You will love this story of an amazing ballerina and the prince of broadway royalty.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

After enjoying Book 1, I really expected to enjoy this book just as much. But unfortunately, this was just an okay read for me. I actually listened to the audiobook for this one and it made the middle of the book seem to drag on even more, so that didn't help, I couldn't exactly skim through parts quickly then.

Remi is a ballerina who is living in the U.S. after some things went down in Australia that ended her career there. She's teaching barre classes now in NY, having given up on her dream to perform again after two failed auditions.

Wes is part of a prominent NY ballet family and has set out on his own to premiere his own unique ballet show off off Broadway. Wes is also featured on the Bad Bachelor app, but not because he's bad, but because he has um a certain feature that keeps the ladies talking. (Note: I really don't get why this book is called "Bad Reputation" when that's the furthers thing from the truth with regards to Wes). Unfortunately, all that talk, even though positive, is not making investors happy since they don't want his sex life taking the spotlight from the show. At first Wes just ignores all the talk, then he sees that it's actually causing him to lose investors and that's when he begins to worry.

Wes meets Remi at her barre class since his niece is one of her students. They are instantly attracted to one another, but don't act on it. He sees her dancing the next morning by herself and she does such a wonderful job that he wants her to lead the role in his ballet. Remi agrees to audition, but she refuses to start something physical with Wes after something similar ruined her career in Australia.

So why didn't I like this one? Remi. She wasn't my favorite heroine, that's for sure. She wasn't a bad person at all, she was a very nice young lady, but I really got tired of her 'woe is me' inner dialogue. I get it that she had self-doubt and was hurt because of her past experiences in Australia, I really do. But she got into her own head all the time and I honestly got tired of hearing about it for most of the book. Remi did go through some pretty bad stuff in Australia and it broke my heart to hear her story.

I really liked Wes for the most part. He was a very nice guy, had good values, was smart and had good ethics. He did have a hard decision to make in the end there and I get why that was tough. I'm glad he was smart about it though.

There is some drama at the end there and I think that made the book better since the middle seemed to drag so much. The drama was extremely predictable though. The ending was nice and sweet, just wish we had more. I'm sure we'll see how these two are doing in the next book.

What I'm not looking forward to is Book 3. I'll read it, but I honestly hate the heroine in that one after we see how she acts in this book. I don't see how she can possibly redeem herself, but I guess we'll see.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Omg, this Bad Bachelor app is so evil. If you read book 1 then you know. It ruined someone's life. Here the reviews are positive, but if you are trying to put on a show that might fail, then maybe you do not want the press to discuss the size of your private parts instead of your show.

In book 1 we learned who made the app. In this one I got even madder at that person. I can not forgive that person. Enough is enough.

But yes to the book. Wes has a big *beeeep*. Or so the reviews say. He is a good guy. And all he wants is to have his show be a success, on its own merits.

Remy is a dancer who has given up trying to be the dancer she wants to be. She is scared of letting anyone in, and there will be drama. Though, stop and listen woman. Stop and listen!

There is dancing, trying to get ready in time for opening night. And falling in love with someone you maybe should not fall for at this moment. But like they could stop it.

Though listening to it felt long at times cos they talked a lot and sometimes about nothing. That works better in print.

I want to say more about the app creator , but can not. But I guess that person might be a main character in the next book....


Larissa Gallagher
I felt she was good at times with her voices and range. But I also felt she did not put enough emotion in her narrating.

[Amanda D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure I enjoyed this AS MUCH as the first book in the series, but I'm very interested in what will happen in the third book with Annie.

If you're a ballet nerd, you'll enjoy this, but this installment deals with issues that have more of a serious tone than its predecessor. Just keep that in mind!

[Norwyn Schäfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Sterne
Bad Boss
von Stefanie London
Forever by Ullstein
„Ja, Wes ist gut im Bett. Und dank der Bad Bachelors App weiß das ganz New York …
Wes Evans, Sohn eines Broadway-Produzenten, möchte endlich selbst etwas erreichen. Der sexy Millionär ist für seine preisverdächtigen Auftritte auf der Bühne bekannt. Doch seit die Bad Bachelors App erschienen ist, scheint die ganze Welt nur noch über sein Privatleben zu sprechen. Als er durch Zufall eine talentierte Balletttänzerin entdeckt, weiß er, dass sie genau das ist, was er braucht, um seiner neuen Show zum Erfolg zu verhelfen.
Remi Drysdale hatte nur einen Gedanken, als sie aus Australien floh und nach New York zog: Niemals wieder Arbeit mit Privatem zu mischen. Und mit Wes zu arbeiten ist die perfekte Chance, um ihre Karriere zu retten. Deshalb nimmt sich Remi vor, nichts mit dem Mann anzufangen, der ihre berufliche Zukunft in seinen Händen hält. Egal wie sehr er ihr Avancen macht und wie gut seine Bewertungen bei Bad Bachelors sind …“
Ich bedanke mich bei Netgalley und dem Forever by Ullstein Verlag für das Rezesionsexemplar des Buches.
Nachdem ich schon den ersten Teil der Reihe gelesen hatte und sehr gemocht hatte, freute ich mich umso mehr als mir der Verlag dieses Buch zur Verfügung stellte für eine Rezension.
In diesem Buch geht es wieder darum wie eine App, die eigentlich dafür gedacht ist, Frauen bei ihren Dates zu helfen auch oftmals das Leben eines der dort bewerteten Männer zu gefährden und damit auch seine Existenz. Es ist als ob ein Drache losgelassen wurde, der weder gezähmt noch eingefangen werden kann. Wenn erst einmal die Lawine ins Rollen gebracht wurde kann man nur noch die versuchen die Kollateralschäden so gering wie möglich zu halten. Socialmedia kann also durch aus auch Nachteile haben und ein Eigenleben entwickeln. In Wes Fall, konzentrieren sich die Damen in erster Linie auf erotische Anspielungen, was ihm persönlich eigentlich egal ist, sich aber beginnt auf sein Show auszuwirken und die Investoren zu beunruhigen. Wes ist eigentlich Mr. NIceguy und weit davon entfernt ein BAD BOSS zu sein wie ich finde. Er sorgt sich um seine Angestellten, ist ein guter Boss, ein gutes Onkel und Bruder und auch ein sehr liebenswerter Partner. Remi, hingegen ist eine Ballerina, die durch eine unglückliche Beziehung aus der Bahn geworfen wurde und mit innerlichen Ängsten kämpft sich wieder auf die Bühne zu begeben. Daher tanzt sich nur noch für sich selbst und gibt Ballettunterricht für Kinder. Als Wes sie tanzen sieht, ist er hin und weg. Nicht nur von ihrem Können, sondern auch von ihrer Ausstrahlung und schon schnell merken beide, dass da mehr zwischen ihnen ist. Als sie zustimmt in seiner Show zu tanzen und es zwischen ihnen gewaltig zu knistern beginnt, sorgen Spannungen mit einer der Tänzerinnen dafür, dass alles scheint den Bach runter zu gehen. Seine Show und seine Beziehung zu Remi. Durch die App und einige der Kommentare dort sieht sich Wes gezwungen eine Entscheidung zu treffen. Doch auch Remi muss sich entscheiden, denn Annie ihre Freundin und Betreiberin der App will und kann ihr nicht helfen, zu viel Eigenleben hat die App schon entwickelt und Annie hat Angst davor ihre Identität Preis geben zu müssen und die Glaubwürdigkeit der App zu riskieren, wenn sie Remi und Wes hilft. Eine Zerreissprobe für die Freundschaft und die Beziehung.
Dieses Buch war wirklich sehr schön und leicht zu lesen und die Dramatik hielt sich auch weit in Grenzen, denn erst kurz vor dem Ende des Buches wurde es noch spannend. Es wurden durchaus Fachbegriffe aus dem Ballett verwendet, was sich aber in Grenzen hielt und man nicht in jedem Satz über Fremdworte stolperte. Eine Erklärung der Firguren wäre vielleicht in einem kurzen Glossar nett gewesen, ist aber nicht zwingend erforderlich. Die Protagonisten sind sehr sympathisch und liebenswert, weder zynisch noch im Selbstmitleid ertrunken. Die Wortwahl der Autorin hat Tiefgang und Emotionen und gibt der Geschichten den richtigen Rahmen und eine wundervolle Liebesgeschichte zu sein. Man trifft auch bereits bekannte Charaktere aus dem ersten Teil wieder und erlangt auch so weitere Einblicke in deren Geschichte.
Eine zarte Liebe, die sehr viel Herz beinhaltet und eine wundervolle Rahmenhandlung hat. Auch für Nichtkenner der Ballettszene sehr lesenswert. Ich gebe dem Buch 4 sehr gute Sterne.
#belletristik #liebesroman #newadult #rezension #rezensionsexemplar #roman #bookstagram #stefanielondon #foreververlag #ullsteinverlag #bücher #bücherliebe #booklover #reading #bookadict #badboss #newyorkbachelors #leseratte #bücherwurm #bookworm #bookaholic #lesen #lesenmachtglücklich #instabooks #booknerd #readingtime #ilovebooks #netgalley #netgalleyde #ichliebelesen #buchnerd #ichliebebücher

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an intense book to read!! Bad Reputation is the second installment of the Bad Bachelors series by Stefanie London. I loved the first book, Bad Bachelor, and this was just as good! Stefanie gives us a well rounded storyline, very likeable characters, and intriguing dialog. It sucks you right in! As the story unfolds, you are right there watching everything with bated breath! Remi and Wes' story was interesting since it takes place in the ballet world-something I know nothing about. It intrigued me and Stefanie gave us a good amount of information-for those that know nothing about this-but didn't give too much to make the story drag.

Wes is putting together an off-Broadway ballet/play that veers from the norm. His family is considered ballet royalty and when he quits the family business to do this, he's questioned. It ends up going sideways quickly when a dating app called Bad Bachelors starts getting posts about him. They are not all negative, on the contrary, most are glowing! Glowing in one department-sex. He's made no bones about dating a lot, but when one poster dubs him "The Anaconda", things take a turn for the worse, and he's in the public spotlight. It's a good thing he has his production. He still needs to find a lead ballerina and fast. That is his focus. This stuff will die down...won't it??

Remi is a ballerina from Australia on a hiatus. Now living in NYC, she's currently teaching Barre Fit classes. One day she has a mom and daughter class and Wes shows up with his niece. He had no idea it was class he needed to attend, but takes it in stride when the teacher, Remi tells him to stay and take the class. Sparks fly instantly between these two. He asks her out, but she declines. When he returns the next day to talk to her, he sees her unbridled passionate dancing and knows she's the lead he's been searching for! But he wants to date her too. He decides the production must be his focus.....

Remi is drawn to him but since she left Australia, she promised to never get her pointe shoes in a bunch again. What could it hurt to go to the audition though?? She's rewarded with the lead and things take off from there!

I loved how this story unfolded. Both Wes and Remi are written very well and you get a true sense of who they are. There are plot twists and intense drama unfolding left and right! It's the perfect edge to keep you flipping those pages!! Plus the romance!! Gosh these two are angsty and combustible all at the same time! I fell in love with these two characters!

An overall great read! It's not necessary to read book one in order to read this one, but I think you would benefit. My only beef is her friend Annie. I think she is a self-centered b*tch to treat her friends as she has. I wonder? When is the cost too much for her???

Anyway, read this book! You will love it!

[Ayekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in this series and wowza! This one just knocked my socks off. I absolutely loved this story.
It's intense, the characters are so well written and you get pulled into the story from the very first page. Romance abounds, the angst is low-medium, the steam is smoking hot and the storyline is so very real you feel like you're in the front row watching this drama unfold. And unfold it does.
The series revolves around a dating app called Bad Bachelors, introduced in Book one. This story happens to target Wes who is a wealthy well known man and now known for his sizable physical attributes thanks to a photo of him with someone of vacation. Thus the topic of Wes begins on Bad Bachelors. Wes has just broken away form his well known family in the ballet/dance world to produce his own show with a friend who will choreograph the show. It's a great idea he has but still hasn't found his lead yet.
Enter Remi, an Aussie now living in NYC and teaching Barre classes after leaving Australia and being badly burned in a relationship and her professional career as a ballerina shot to hell. She's teaching a mother-daughter class when Wes brings his niece in because his sister can't make it and the niece is adamant about going. Wes is taken with Remi, asks her out, she refuses. When he returns the next day he sees her dancing and knows he's found his lead. But will she accept? Will she even talk to him? We refuses again an offer for dinner. Her fears keep her safe. Stepping out and dancing again put her at risk. Meanwhile Wes is dealing with the Bad Bachelor nonsense, his family drama and trying to sway Remi into his show. When he does the story really takes off. Remi relies a lot on her two friends Darcy and Annie, it's the three of them. The story takes some very sharp twists and turns and holy crap moments. The drama is spellbinding, a perfect balance to keep you flipping those pages. Cursing one minute and smiling the next. The heat is perfect, Wes and Remi are two great well written characters and very likable. My own two cents is that Annie is a real botch.
My final take, read the book. It's a great story, not necessary to read book one, but you might want to anyway. Great story and deserves 5 stars. Stellar read Stefanie!

*arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review*

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this second book in Stefanie London’s series Bad Bachelors. This book continues to tell the story of what can go wrong when people review you online using the Bad Bachelors review site. It is an interesting take on the dating scene and the types of reviews women will post. If you haven’t read the first book in the series, don’t worry! You can pick this one up and it does stand on its own. The characters and their backgrounds are so unique in this book.
Wes Evans comes from NYC ballet royalty. His family owns and runs one of the premier ballet schools in the city. His mother was a dancer and continues to guide and coach young dancers. Wes causes quite the stir when he leaves the family business to strike out on his own. He plans to produce and direct an Off-Off Broadway play that takes dance and audience participation in a whole new direction. He just needs to find his lead dancer.
Remi Drysdale moved to New York City to pursue a ballet career. She was a part of a dance company in Australia, but a poor relationship choice led to the need to move. After some bad experiences, Remi has given up auditioning and instead teaches barre classes at a local studio. She has just been given a promotion and the opportunity to run a new location when Wes walks in and joins a class with his niece.
Both Remi and Wes have some decisions to make. Wes wants Remi to dance for him, but he knows that nothing romantic will happen if she agrees. Remi finds herself attracted to Wes and the offer to dance is tempting, but does she still have what it takes? Both of these people have emotional as well as professional baggage and they must figure out what changes to make if a relationship is going to work.
I loved seeing behind the scenes of the New York ballet and theater world. Ms. London talks about the difficulty in building a show that will be a financial success let alone a critical one. She also shows us the lengths to which ballet dancers will go to make sure that their dreams come true.

[Mary Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
The Bad Bachelors app strikes again but this time it is after Wes Evans. He was known for his family connections in the ballet world but now he is known by the reviews being left on the app. Wes thinks if he forgets about them then they will not matter. After all they are not bad reviews, they just talk about his sex life.
Remi Drysdale left Australia four years ago and after a few bad auditions, she didn't think she was good enough for ballet anymore. Now she is a teacher at a barre studio, helping children learn ballet moves. She is doing OK until a man comes in with one of her students and he blows her away. The sparks between them is off the charts. Turns out the man is none other than Wes Evans and after he sees Remi dance, he wants her in his off-off Broadway show.
Remi accepts Wes' offer to join the show but refuses his offer for a date. She can't mix business with pleasure. Not again because in the end she will lose.
When a problem comes up, Wes has to tell Remi. But can he tell her without losing her? Can Remi trust him to pick her over the show? Will she lose everything again? Can Wes let her go if she decides that is what is best for her? What will happen to the show in the end?
I loved the first book in this series but I think Wes & Remi is my favorite couple. This story has all the feels, you are laughing one minute and crying the next. You can feel their pain and hope they get the HEA because they deserve it in the end. So sit back and enjoy this series, I loved it and hope you do too.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

The Bad Bachelor app has struck once again, and this time it may cost one good man not only his Broadway show’s backing but the love of his life as well.

I had fun with Wes and Remi’s romance. It’s fun and flirty with some major sass, banter and steam added in for good measure. Wes wasn’t looking for romance as he watched Remi dance at the dance studio, he was looking for that unknown, ready to burst into a star level dancer… he just didn’t expect to discover her in a children’s dance studio. Remi has learned the hard way that romance and business should never, ever mix. Now her love of dance and her considerable talent are teaching the younger generation the joy and love that can be expressed through dance. She’s tempted by Wes’ offer but remains determined to keep him at arms length. That didn’t exactly work out as intended as friendship turns to something more… and then that dreaded app struck making Remi’s life go off kilter once again. She has a choice to make – believe in, and trust the man she’s come to love or believe the reviews of vicious strangers up to mischief and jealousy.

Bad Reputation drew me in from the very start and didn’t let go until the final page. If you’re in the mood for a fun, entertaining, spicy and intriguing romance then I’d recommend this story and the series. You’ll enjoy yourself and be looking forward to the next installment of this series. I cannot wait to met up with the app’s creator and see how this chaos gets fixed.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Elley Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars

I adored this book. Fair warning - it does get fairly technical into ballet and dance jargon. I loved every second of it but if you don't like reading about tendus and turnout, well, you've been warned. I love that Stefanie clearly either is/was a dancer, is close with dancers, or REALLY did her research. (Ballet dancer feet are NOT pretty feet...) This book reminded me a lot of the movie Center Stage (in a good way), what with the ballerina with an inner fire being thrust into an unconventional role and the push-pull of the will-they/won't-they relationship between the dancer and director.

I really liked Remi and Wes, and Remi's parents were fun (though distant) side characters. I feel like I didn't get much of a feel for most of the side characters, who mostly fell a little flat (except Wes' mom and his niece Frankie). I kept getting Wes' sister and her husband mixed up with Remi's friend Darcy and her boyfriend, because none of them had very much personality (or very large roles, which could have had something to do with it too). The tension throughout is awesome, and this is definitely a hot, slow burn.

This is the second book in the Bad Bachelors series, and while it can be read as a stand alone without missing any key information, there are A LOT of spoilers for the first book in the series, Bad Bachelor. If that matters to you, definitely read book 1 first so you don't spoil the plot for yourself. Plus, Darcy (heroine in book 1) is a LIBRARIAN!! I'm sure going to go read it now, and I can't wait for Annie's book, which I assume will be the next in the series.