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Bad Idea #0.5
Broken Arrow
Two years I’ve been gone. Two years locked in a juvenile detention facility for a crime that took seconds to commit, losing my sense of self and direction. Two years since I’ve seen my family and friends, since I’ve seen New York City and all its chaos.
Two years have passed, but some things are still the same. There are still five of us crammed in a one-bedroom apartment in Hell’s Kitchen––six when my mother’s boyfriend decides that he and his fists should stay the night. There are still four kids here who never have enough to eat and wannabe thugs lurking the neighborhood, trying to pull me back to a life of trouble.
But now I’m a little older. A little wiser. A little bigger. A little stronger. And if I can focus on the future instead of the past, maybe I can make things a little better.
Two years I’ve been gone. But now I’m back. It’s time to check my bearings and find the right path.
Two years have passed, but some things are still the same. There are still five of us crammed in a one-bedroom apartment in Hell’s Kitchen––six when my mother’s boyfriend decides that he and his fists should stay the night. There are still four kids here who never have enough to eat and wannabe thugs lurking the neighborhood, trying to pull me back to a life of trouble.
But now I’m a little older. A little wiser. A little bigger. A little stronger. And if I can focus on the future instead of the past, maybe I can make things a little better.
Two years I’ve been gone. But now I’m back. It’s time to check my bearings and find the right path.
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About the author
Nicole French
46 books1,229 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Nicole French is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She's also a hopeless romantic, low key fashion addict, and total bookworm.
Keep up with Nicole French and receive your FREE copy of one of her books when you subscribe to her newsletter: bit.ly/NicoleFrenchNewsletter
When not writing, she is hanging out with her family, playing soccer with the rest of the thirty-plus crowd in Seattle, or going on dates with her husband. In her spare time, she likes to go running or practice the piano, but never seems to do either one of these things as much as she should.
www.nicolefrenchromance.com
Follow her on Facebook for weekly snippets and other news about her newest projects:
www.facebook.com/authornicolefrench
Other social media links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfrenchauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornicol...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nfrenchauthor/
Nicole French is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She's also a hopeless romantic, low key fashion addict, and total bookworm.
Keep up with Nicole French and receive your FREE copy of one of her books when you subscribe to her newsletter: bit.ly/NicoleFrenchNewsletter
When not writing, she is hanging out with her family, playing soccer with the rest of the thirty-plus crowd in Seattle, or going on dates with her husband. In her spare time, she likes to go running or practice the piano, but never seems to do either one of these things as much as she should.
www.nicolefrenchromance.com
Follow her on Facebook for weekly snippets and other news about her newest projects:
www.facebook.com/authornicolefrench
Other social media links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfrenchauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornicol...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nfrenchauthor/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 1, 2018
Loooooved this novella. Not that I had any doubts I would.
Usually, when novellas are prequel and only feature one of the two main characters, I'm a little skeptical. For how much I loved one character, knowing that I'm missing the romantic element is a bit of a downer. Not in this case. Being in Nico's mind was enough. More than enough. I loved seeing him become the man the he is now, not without struggles or step backs.
Moreover, I adored how this book read more like a book than a novella. It was complete and I savored every word. The old New York, the one that doesn't exist anymore, surprised me once again with its realness and Nico's familial situation made my heart ache. In Bad Idea we saw an inkling of what his past had been, but reading it was a totally different experience.
Even without being romantic, there was a uber hot scene. It was Nico's first time! Let me tell you, if at the beginning the guy didn't know what the hell he was doing, it didn't take long for him to catch up.
I loved also how, despite the darker tones, this novella was hopeful. It's the story of a pheonix rising from his undeserved ashes. Nico is a good guy at his core and seeing him not give in to the pull that would have thwarted his direction, his path, had me feeling proud of him.
Now my breath is bated waiting for the second chapter in his and Layla's story!
Usually, when novellas are prequel and only feature one of the two main characters, I'm a little skeptical. For how much I loved one character, knowing that I'm missing the romantic element is a bit of a downer. Not in this case. Being in Nico's mind was enough. More than enough. I loved seeing him become the man the he is now, not without struggles or step backs.
Moreover, I adored how this book read more like a book than a novella. It was complete and I savored every word. The old New York, the one that doesn't exist anymore, surprised me once again with its realness and Nico's familial situation made my heart ache. In Bad Idea we saw an inkling of what his past had been, but reading it was a totally different experience.
Even without being romantic, there was a uber hot scene. It was Nico's first time! Let me tell you, if at the beginning the guy didn't know what the hell he was doing, it didn't take long for him to catch up.
I loved also how, despite the darker tones, this novella was hopeful. It's the story of a pheonix rising from his undeserved ashes. Nico is a good guy at his core and seeing him not give in to the pull that would have thwarted his direction, his path, had me feeling proud of him.
Now my breath is bated waiting for the second chapter in his and Layla's story!
October 6, 2018
Why did I like this book so much?
Nico is the best! I mean... he’s hot, but that heart of his... makes all the other things fade away. He is kind and thinks about his family all the time. I have one book left in this series and I can’t wait to know how Nico will be with his True North. 😍
Nico is the best! I mean... he’s hot, but that heart of his... makes all the other things fade away. He is kind and thinks about his family all the time. I have one book left in this series and I can’t wait to know how Nico will be with his True North. 😍
January 21, 2018
WOWZA!!! This prequel made me love Nico even more than I already do! Getting his back story, into his head and his heart was like a high! Nicole French captures this character so perfectly... God, he is just imperfectly perfect.
"How do you find your north when your compass is broken? I don't have any direction. I don't have an arrow to point my way."
My heart. He owns it!
Broken Arrow sealed the deal for me. I absolutely love Nicole French's writing and I can't wait for more from her. If you haven't read Bad Idea yet, you need to get on that and then dive into Broken Arrow!!
"How do you find your north when your compass is broken? I don't have any direction. I don't have an arrow to point my way."
My heart. He owns it!
Broken Arrow sealed the deal for me. I absolutely love Nicole French's writing and I can't wait for more from her. If you haven't read Bad Idea yet, you need to get on that and then dive into Broken Arrow!!
January 27, 2018
Oh, wow - I love Nico, and this was a wonderful look at his backstory. He reminds me so much of a Katie McGarry hero, with a troubled past but still becoming a man we can love and admire. A must read for Bad Idea fans, and a great addition to the series.
August 30, 2018
Oh Nico, I feel you.
The story of some many kids in the hood, sad but true. Got me tearing up on several occasions there through out he whole series.
Sad to see this to an end...
The story of some many kids in the hood, sad but true. Got me tearing up on several occasions there through out he whole series.
Sad to see this to an end...
January 10, 2018
First of all, I LOVE Broken Arrow. Nicole French writes INCREDIBLE romance whether is 60 pages or 600. The ONLY reason I don't rate this "book" as a five star read is based entirely on my own rating system. For that reason alone, I give it 4.5 stars. Prequels serve a purpose; an important one at that...They are meant to give you backstory to a book or series that the author wants to help provide context too without overshadowing the true story line. Nicole French released one of my favorite reads of 2017 when she released Bad Idea. I would and will rate Bad Idea as a five star read, and honestly, if I had read this prequel first, I would have had an even worse book hangover from hell... (is that possible?!?!) Nico is intense and deep in a context that this prequel will only sharpen your awareness of. Reading Broken Arrow gave me a brief respite as I wait (not so patiently) for the release of the next book in the duo, Bad Ones. Can you read Bad Idea without needing to read Broken Arrow first? Absolutely, it is an incredible book that I am now working my way through for a second time in as many months. Did reading this book leave me even more in awe of Nicole French's talent? ABSOLUTELY!!! And here is the reason...I have NEVER, EVER EVER!! rated a prequel as anything other then a 3 star read. They don't mark all my boxes and I just don't enjoy them as much as I enjoy a full length book. So for me to tell a reader that they will enjoy this novella in the Bad Idea world nearly as much as they might enjoy the full length book? Well, that should speak highly of the author's storytelling abilities and make you want to read it. I honestly didn't think I could get more excited for the next book in this duo then I was after I finished Bad Idea back in November. Now? BRING IT ON because otherwise I might find myself locked up in a padded room with a straightjacket on if I have to wait much longer...
May 31, 2018
“But here’s the thing, Ms. Alvarez. How do you find true north when your compass is broken? I don’t have a direction. I don’t have an arrow to point my way. Maybe I am nothing more than a thug, Ms. Alvarez! Maybe this is what I really am!”
I've loved many book characters but Nico just owns a piece of my heart. He loves fiercely, he cares deeply for his family and friends and he does whatever is necessary to help them when in need.
Life has served some not nice hands to him but little by little and with the help of the right people he comes out standing.
That little encounter at the epilogue was a very nice surprise. I can not wait for the next book in this series.
Nicole, you're amazing. Keep writing beautiful stories!
I've loved many book characters but Nico just owns a piece of my heart. He loves fiercely, he cares deeply for his family and friends and he does whatever is necessary to help them when in need.
Life has served some not nice hands to him but little by little and with the help of the right people he comes out standing.
That little encounter at the epilogue was a very nice surprise. I can not wait for the next book in this series.
Nicole, you're amazing. Keep writing beautiful stories!
January 18, 2018
Come on- There is no way I can give this book just 5 stars. I am in love with Nico in Bad Idea and knowing his story, his character, his life before that xoxxoxo NO WORDS. Nicole French was new to me and after receiving her other book I had to read everything of hers I can get my hands on. This series has even surpassed my other favorite series and I am shocked to be saying that. There is something amazing and real about Nico, and this story was written with the perfect mixture of sexy, sad, truth, determination, and love. Thank you for allowing me to read this and write about it.
January 17, 2018
My appreciation for Nico grew so much after reading Broken Arrow! For such a young kid, his heart is so big and full for the ones he loves. He carries the world on his shoulders, but does it with pride and determination despite the cards he's been dealt. In Bad Idea we got a sense of Nico's life before Layla. We knew he was rough around the edges and well beyond his years. In Broken Arrow the events of Nico's life are told in more detail, painting a clear picture of how he got to where we first meet him in Bad Idea. I loved all the people we meet in this book who help Nico along the way. Their support clearly made a difference in the path Nico chose. I love Nicole's writing style and the flow of this book! I think it's a perfect edition to the series and brings us closer to Nico!
January 17, 2018
A prequel to Bad Idea, short but background to Nico. Nicole French is an outstanding writer and always leaves you wanting more, true talent. Can’t wait to read what she puts out next!! Thanks Nicole for this ARC!!
January 17, 2018
Yes !!! More Nico always more Nico. I was not sure I was going to dig the prequel but man oh man to see him young and wild I dug it. Also loved the Marky Mark just saying ❤️ and the other grapefruits as you called them.
January 19, 2018
Such a great introduction into Nico's past. I really enjoyed getting to know Nico in this prequel , the author really shows us all of the emotions that Nico as well as his family go threw. I can understand why Nico had such a tough wall to break threw. You will want to read this book before you read the bad idea
January 13, 2018
Wow! I absolutely loved this book!! I had the opportunity to read Bad Idea so when Nicole French announced that she was working on a prequel to Bad Idea, I had to find a way to read Broken Arrow! We all know how hard it is to watch our parents give us a better life than what they had and Nico's mom does exactly that. We see Nico struggle trying to make ends meet for his family which lands him in trouble (which we were given a glimpse of in Bad Idea). But we also see how Nico was able to push forward and become the man we got to see. Bravo Nicole French!!👏👏
January 21, 2018
Nico's story after he leaves juvie and before he meets Layla. His mentors that have faith in him and helped shape who he became after he went home. I loved this look at him and his life before love. Excellent!!
January 22, 2018
Wow what a amazing short story. This book is a fantastic read.
June 13, 2018
This book was amazing listen make a movie out of these books awesome
June 12, 2018
This book is so amazing and beautifully written.
June 4, 2018
What a great prequel, Nico definitely grabbed my attention and looking forward to more Nico in Bad Idea books.
February 7, 2018
LOVED! I love anything and everything by Nicole French!! Loved getting insight into Nico's past, and the steamy scenes were scorching!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥 Go read this y'all! And then read Bad Idea for a more mature (read: SEXIER) Nico!!!
January 8, 2018
“How do you find true north when your compass is broken?”
This is the prequel to Bad Idea. Now you get to see where Nico is coming from. I think that this was a great portrayal of a time in his life when he met some of the most influential to him. Nico was given the opportunity to get out of the life he was headed towards. He was smart enough to jump at the chances that were offered to him. Just reading this has made me adore Nico even more!!!
This is the prequel to Bad Idea. Now you get to see where Nico is coming from. I think that this was a great portrayal of a time in his life when he met some of the most influential to him. Nico was given the opportunity to get out of the life he was headed towards. He was smart enough to jump at the chances that were offered to him. Just reading this has made me adore Nico even more!!!
January 31, 2018
Brilliant book with a amazing storyline and great characters.
I decided to read this one first as its the prequel and I wanted to see how Nico became the way he is. This is his story and its a emotional ride through his life after being in detention center for two years . Its how he tries to control his anger issues, his hard family life and who he wants to be .
This is a brilliant book and I loved it .
I decided to read this one first as its the prequel and I wanted to see how Nico became the way he is. This is his story and its a emotional ride through his life after being in detention center for two years . Its how he tries to control his anger issues, his hard family life and who he wants to be .
This is a brilliant book and I loved it .
January 8, 2018
oh boy Nicole French wow Broken Arrow. Nico has just served two years in a detention centre for robbing a store, In this prequel book it tells us why he did what he did and what it was like to be in the centre and how he came out,changed and became the person that he is today. For a young lad he has had a hard life with his ups and downs, but all it took was just one person to give him that chance, i loved this book thank you here's to many more happy reading
January 17, 2018
Oh Nico! Loved this little prequel, any time you can get additional insight into a favorite hero's brain I say go for it. This one is so hot as well. What factors in to making the man he becomes? What experiences and decisions shape his still mold-able mind? Alot of times we get back story on how our heroine turned into the woman she is, and thats often relateable, for me anyway, picking something I've gone through as well, remembering how it shaped me. Nicole gives us the opportunity to do it through Nico's eyes, a unique perspective from a male pov that I really enjoyed seeing. Eye opening. Made me love Nico even more. Can't wait for the sequel to Bad Idea!
August 19, 2020
THE START OF SOMETHING GOOD
I’m loving the development of Nico and his love for his family. I’m a first time reader of this author and she captures life in a raw and authentic way that makes the reader empathize the plight of people that are undocumented or a person with a criminal record. I’m ashamed that what I thought was compassion was nothing more then surfaced understanding. The struggles that I considered taxing that I experienced truly doesn’t come close to the less then options Nico had growing up...damn we should be doing better in this day and age. Anyway, I digress and looking forward to reading the series. Thus far a GREAT start...can’t wait!
I’m loving the development of Nico and his love for his family. I’m a first time reader of this author and she captures life in a raw and authentic way that makes the reader empathize the plight of people that are undocumented or a person with a criminal record. I’m ashamed that what I thought was compassion was nothing more then surfaced understanding. The struggles that I considered taxing that I experienced truly doesn’t come close to the less then options Nico had growing up...damn we should be doing better in this day and age. Anyway, I digress and looking forward to reading the series. Thus far a GREAT start...can’t wait!
February 9, 2024
Nico. *sigh* Yeah, I'm in love with him, too. Who wouldn't be? He's a protector, a knight in jeans a white t-shirt, and hoodie. Of course he's ogled by every woman who sees him. I'm sure that even his teacher, Ms. Alvarez, is a little in love with him, too. The good news is that things remain solidly where they're supposed to between twacher and student. Her influence clearly remains with him, always. And on the day he gets his most important tat, he literally runs into Layla for the very first time. :)
May 13, 2020
This book is a prequel to the Bad Idea Trilogy. I highly recommend one reads this book before starting the series as it will open your eyes to Nico (MC). He is one of the most likable characters in the books I have come across. Now, is he perfect, hell no! He is rough around the edges and needs to learn to share his concerns to receive input on his actions. However, everything he does comes from a place of love. Definitely grab this prequel!
July 12, 2020
Nicole French is my QUEEN!!
GAH! Ms. French knows exactly how to touch my heart! Her words are perfect - painting pictures that are absolutely incredible! I love the many facets of her stories that touch all aspects of what I like to read. Intrigue, tension, suspense, tender, hot, sexy, the list goes on . . . . I found this prequel before I had started reading the Bad Ideas series. Sooo. Very. Awesome!!! Don’t miss this!
GAH! Ms. French knows exactly how to touch my heart! Her words are perfect - painting pictures that are absolutely incredible! I love the many facets of her stories that touch all aspects of what I like to read. Intrigue, tension, suspense, tender, hot, sexy, the list goes on . . . . I found this prequel before I had started reading the Bad Ideas series. Sooo. Very. Awesome!!! Don’t miss this!
January 29, 2018
Although I real!y liked bad idea, and was !looking forward to book 2 .it seems she took the easy way out .after reading it i relized she took a short cut. Now the e story is done
In short volumes .really liked the book ,but not how she set it up. I feel she scammed her readers.you just get started and it's finishined.Very disappointed.
A
In short volumes .really liked the book ,but not how she set it up. I feel she scammed her readers.you just get started and it's finishined.Very disappointed.
A
February 2, 2018
This is a great glimpse into the life Nico lived and why he is the way he is. Fresh out of a juvenile detention center, Nico is given some opportunities to get his life back on track, and get his mom out of a bad situation. I also loved seeing glimpses of characters from Bad Idea. This was a good short read, and I am quickly falling in love with Nicole’s writing.
March 15, 2018
Backstory
After reading Bad Idea and Lost Ones I finally decided to read about Nico and his backstory. What he has sacrificed for his family and all he has been through I think I love him even more. So if you want to read more of Nico please read this book. His story is heartfelt as always. One of my top favorite series this year so far. I'm excited for more to come.
After reading Bad Idea and Lost Ones I finally decided to read about Nico and his backstory. What he has sacrificed for his family and all he has been through I think I love him even more. So if you want to read more of Nico please read this book. His story is heartfelt as always. One of my top favorite series this year so far. I'm excited for more to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews