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Out Bad

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I used to be that man.
The one you warned your daughters about and crossed the street to avoid.
Not anymore. 
Seven years ago I left the club, and everyone in it, behind me. Walked away with nothing but the clothes on my back, carrying the burden of the things I'd done.
But I won't look back. 
Not when the view in front of me looks as good as it does.
The minute I saw Gwen I knew she could save me. Take on the demons I can't seem to escape and make them beg for mercy.
Only there's more than demons coming for me. 
Because my past doesn't want to stay buried. When I left I didn't go quietly. Now it wants me to pay, and to the kind of men I used to know, there's only one thing I have worth taking.
The only thing that really matters to me. 
Gwen.

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2019

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Janice Whiteaker

71 books182 followers

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5 stars
178 (59%)
4 stars
83 (27%)
3 stars
33 (11%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Jenni.
7,024 reviews88 followers
September 6, 2019
Out Bad (Sinners or Saints Book 1) by Janice Whiteaker is a wonderful contemporary romance story with a bad boy ex-biker who has spent several years trying damn hard to turn his life around. He is full of pain and angst, guilt and turmoil, longing and want and is really hard on himself with what he has done even though he has paid for it, it still doesn’t quiet the negative thoughts he has of himself . He wants to settle down but isn’t sure he is worthy for it as much as he longs to have love and a family. I really loved this character but I wish he would have stopped putting himself down as much as he did, sometimes it was a bit overkill. He is an alpha male who is caring and when he sees something he wants he doesn’t stop to go after it.

Gwen is one sassy and independent, hard working woman but she is living with the pain of loss. She is in a job where men think with their second head making her become someone she no longer knows, she has become hardened. So when a sexy domineering man sets his sights on her, she knows she should stay away but she cant and she doesn’t know who she is in the process.

Both characters have a lot to sort through to get to a healthy place in their relationship but will they survive the truth that is yet to be told?

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to see what is next in the series.
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,161 reviews45 followers
July 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.

It has all the danger, drama, energy, steamy chemistry, found family, and engaging characters that I love to read, and I tore through it in one sitting.

Gwen is a black cat for most people she deals with in her life, but there's a really good reason for this. Joe has a rougher past than he should, but he can't help but be drawn to Gwen. His patience and adoration with her are easy to connect with, and I loved watching them navigate towards their forever.

I recommend this author and this story. I will certainly be enjoying more from her catalog of work.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
1,276 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2017
Such an amazing book! Janice has a way of sucking you into her world that she has created as if you are sitting in the same room as the characters and experiencing everything with them just as they experience it. Nothing is over the top nothing doesn't fit the stories wrap up your heart and make you want to live in the world forever!
Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
August 9, 2019
Out Bad (Sinners or Saints Book 1)
By: Janice M. Whiteaker
5 out of 5 stars

The story Out Bad (Sinners or Saints Book 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker is a romantic suspense book. It is a story that pulled me in right from the beginning and didn’t let me go until I had read the last word. The story is very romantic. There are scenes that make the temperature in the room rise. I loved reading about the two main characters. He is kind, understanding, and hardworking. He also is a man with a past and demons. Everything seems to change when he meets Gwen. Gwen is intelligent, stubborn, and could be considered a workaholic. With one meeting she finds herself not able to stop thinking of him. There is an attraction between them that they can’t deny. Will his past try to take away the one thing that matters to him? What does the future hold for both of them? Read this book to find out. This story is at times emotional and suspenseful. It had me wondering what was going to happen next as well as enjoying reading about the feelings and emotions that the two main characters have and show for each other. I enjoyed reading about the additional characters that are introduced. While many of them are helpful and friendly there are those who have their own selfish agenda. This is a story that you will not be able to put down until you have finished. It is a book that I highly recommend reading.
Profile Image for Michele A..
3,186 reviews16 followers
July 26, 2016
Joe was drawn to Gwen upon their first meeting. Joe didn't know that his best friend's wife, Gabbi, was Gwen's sister and was kind of upset that they were never introduced or mentioned to each other. Gabbi was hard to like throughout this book and was a pretty crappy sister at times. She constantly got in everyone's face and thought her wishes were law. Gwen finally had to stand up to her sister and lay out that she was a grown woman and could decide what she wanted in her life for herself. Heath warned Joe away from Gwen so many times it got tiring to read. Joe and Gwen were both looking for something with each other but both of them went into it with more trepidation because of Heath and Gabbi. Gwen did want to run away a couple of times but I gave her credit for deciding to stick it out. She really did not have a clue at times about what was going on around her, just caught up in her own world and it almost cost her in the end. Joe tried over and over to do the right thing and it was sweet to see him trying so hard to be the person he thought Gwen would need. I did like the ending and was glad I stumbled upon this book.
Profile Image for Angela.
9,299 reviews123 followers
August 28, 2019
4 Stars

Out Bad is the first book in the Sinner or Saints Series by Janice M Whiteaker. I have really loved Ms. Whiteaker’s BIG series, so I was excited to explore her other works too. This is a great contemporary romance with alpha male, reformed bad boy, and Biker/MC elements to it. There is angst, guilt, pain, inner turmoil, drama, and emotion.
I really did feel for Joe. He is such a sweet and caring bad boy turned good. He did frustrate me at times with his inner dialogue and over thinking and all the over analysing that he did. He really beat himself up for his past mistakes and spent a lot of time trying to make amends. I understand that he was looking for redemption, but the inner ‘bashing’ got a little much at times. Gwen was such a strong, independent , hardworking, smart, and sassy character- but that’s not to say she didn’t have her own issues she was dealing with. Joe set his sights on her and was determined to find a way to make her his. She was only looking for a ‘goodtime’ and was determined to keep things strictly casual. Will he find a way to get her to give him a chance? What happens when the past returns and threatens everything?
And after reading this book, I am excited to not only continue the series, but to find the connection to the Lost Boy MC series which I will dive into asap!

Thank you, Ms. Whitaker!
Profile Image for Robyn Jones.
150 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2016
Everyonce in awhile you come across an author who has the ability to take you from your world into theirs. Janice is one with that ability. I read her first book Run at the recommendation of a friend and was instantly hooked. Out bad was even better. Her characters feel like they are your friends. Just everyday people dealing with life. The chemistry between Joe and Gwen was FLAMING HOT! Plus we will all want to lick Joe. Prepare yourself! He is hot and sweet! Do yourself and go buy her books. You wont regret it.
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,843 reviews45 followers
September 9, 2019
Out Bad was a good 4 star read.

Joe first notices Gwen while out at the bar, when he asks his best friend about her he’s warned off. Which causes him to be curious as to why his best friend doesn’t want him around his sister-in-law.

I’m not into docile woman. I want one that will give me a run for my money.

Gwen has moved closer to her sister so she can spend time with her nieces. When she meets Joe there is something about him that she can’t get out of her mind. Only thing is, she isn’t looking for anything serious and Joe is beyond just a fling, he wants more.

Can Joe break down Gwens walls and get more from her? Can they have a HEA?

Gwen was a strong and sassy character. Joe was great he was an original bad boy who has turned a new leaf, he’s now sweet, caring and so much more. I quickly fell for him. These two has some very steamy moments. There are some unexpected twists and turns that added a great element to the story. I can’t wait to read more from this series. 1-click and get started today.
1,999 reviews24 followers
September 10, 2019
Out Bad (Sinners or Saints Book 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker. This is the first book in the Sinners and Saints Series but its a lot like her Lost Boys Series and I LOVED that one. Its the story of Joe a ex high ranking biker gang member who has lots of bad stuff in his past. He left the biker gang and never looked back but not without burning some bridges along the way. He has guilt by the ton for things he's done in his past but when he meets Gwen he knows no matter what he has to have her. Gwen is a sassy, hardworking some would say workaholic, beautiful woman who knows better than to get involved with a guy like Joe. Her sister Gabby just happens to be Joe's best friend Heath's wife and Gabby does her best to convince Gwen not to date Joe. Gwen finally has to tell her sister that she's a big girl and she can take care of herself even though she's not convinced. She doesn't have the time for a relationship especially with someone with as much baggage as Joe. Joe's also got some bad guys out to get him for leaving the club and the only way they know they can hurt him the most is thru Gwen. Will Joe and Gwen survive the Gangs attempt to make Joe pay? Read Out Bad to find out!
Profile Image for Caralee.
672 reviews7 followers
September 9, 2019
Out Bad ( Sinners or Saints Book 1) by Janice Whiteaker
4 Stars!!!!


I really love it when I find new authors. This book was a real good read. I found the author's style to be quite refreshing. I found the characters to be very realistic and relateable. The book kept me glued to the pages.

I really like how the story isn't predictable. The chemistry between Gwen and Joe is very electric. The way that their love story plays out is very realistic. The author has a good balance of drama and romance. I found myself routing for Gwen and Joe. I felt as though the characters just jumped right off of the page.I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,118 reviews67 followers
August 9, 2019
I loved this book and how this author created a story that pulled me in right from the beginning. The characters made me feel as if I was right there with them. A man who leaves everything behind and determined not to look back. The second he sees Gwen, he knows that she is the one to save him. What will happen when the past comes crashing into the present and the demons are not backing down? Will he be able to keep the one thing that matters the most to him? I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Maura.
2,189 reviews6 followers
September 2, 2019
This book was a little frustrating for me. It takes so long to get to the reasons why the MCs feel and deal the way they do. The events for both main protagonists are openly alluded to and we get to see their turmoil through their internal dialog.

"Woman love a hero almost as much as they love a man who is broken."

Gwen is a strong independent woman who is running away from her past. Joe is a big bag biker who is NOT his past and is working towards redemption.

I will be reading the next book on the series
Profile Image for Zoë Braycotton.
756 reviews11 followers
March 15, 2021
A great read

Joe is such a wonderful character, trying so hard to redeem himself for his past.

Gwen is one of Janice's kick ass, no nonsense kinda girl, well on the outside she is, she's just very misunderstood.

Both are struggling to move on from their pasts.

However once they open the flood gates, there is no going back.

Love will conquer all

A fantastic read, more so if you have read and love The Lost boys series, as this does have a connection.
9 reviews
October 27, 2025
Goes along with the Lost Boys series

This was a great read. I do wish I had read it before the last book, book 6, of the Lost Boys series, but it’s not like it’s needed to be read in that order. If reading along side the series, I feel like this would come in well after book 2. But, it definitely doesn’t need to follow along the series. It was nice to have another perspective along the Lost Boys world. Another great read, as always!
12 reviews
November 27, 2022
Definitely delivers!

I love how rich and deep the character are. You fall in love with them from the start. It is great to see women strong and independent. When things go awry they don't cower to be rescued. She isn't a super hero just comen sense.
621 reviews
September 20, 2025
This book started out strong and then the inner dialogue became excessive and repetitive. The book could have been cut in half. I liked Gwen and Joe together, though both of their relationship insecurities took a bit away from their strong characters.
2,579 reviews6 followers
December 29, 2021
Incredibly good romance. Unfortunately, there’s a LOT of foul language to ruin it along with x-rated intimate scenes. Joe is a hunky sweetheart and the ice queen is full of surprises.
Profile Image for Helen McNabb.
953 reviews10 followers
June 16, 2022
Very much enjoyed this story, I think it was my first read of Janice’s. I have read under Jemma and enjoy them too.
Profile Image for Angela.
9,299 reviews123 followers
August 28, 2019
4 Stars

Out Bad is the first book in the Sinner or Saints Series by Janice M Whiteaker. I have really loved Ms. Whiteaker’s BIG series, so I was excited to explore her other works too. This is a great contemporary romance with alpha male, reformed bad boy, and Biker/MC elements to it. There is angst, guilt, pain, inner turmoil, drama, and emotion.
I really did feel for Joe. He is such a sweet and caring bad boy turned good. He did frustrate me at times with his inner dialogue and over thinking and all the over analyzing that he did. He really beat himself up for his past mistakes and spent a lot of time trying to make amends. I understand that he was looking for redemption, but the inner ‘bashing’ got a little much at times. Gwen was such a strong, independent , hardworking, smart, and sassy character- but that’s not to say she didn’t have her own issues she was dealing with. Joe set his sights on her and was determined to find a way to make her his. She was only looking for a ‘goodtime’ and was determined to keep things strictly casual. Will he find a way to get her to give him a chance? What happens when the past returns and threatens everything?
And after reading this book, I am excited to not only continue the series, but to find the connection to the Lost Boy MC series which I will dive into asap!

Thank you, Ms. Whiteaker!
352 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2019
A great read about determination. Joe hasn't let anyone into his life lately due to his mysterious and dark past. He sees Gwen at a party and that all changes. He wants her but she is closed off and cold towards him. Can he break down her barriers and win her heart?
A great read. Well developed plot. Well developed characters like Joe determined to get what he wants but caring underneath or Gwen standing up for herself but vulnerable underneath. Great cast of supporting characters like the cautious Heath or the supportive Gabbi
I loved the visual detusl throughout the novel like with the scenes with the party full of life and people and colour and sights and sounds so vivid it's as if you're actually there.
I liked the mystery with their pasts with little details revealed slowly to keep you reading to find out what they did. I liked their worries of trying to put the past behind them was powerful and emotive but sometimes had repetition which could be reduced. The switch of perspectives worked well to display both sides of the story and was easy to follow with names in chapter titles. The only issue I would raise is that these first person narratives often felt like they went off tangent into thoughts and were hard to follow. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars
Profile Image for Jana.
883 reviews
August 26, 2019
Out Bad is the opening chapter to Janice M Whiteaker’s Sinners or Saints series. What an opening it was! I cannot wait to see what comes next and I absolutely love how it also connects to her Lost Boys MC series! I have read EVERY SINGLE BOOK she has written and I can only say that she gets better with every book and every series she releases and when she finishes a series I feel grief as I do not want to let go!
Out Bad is the story of Joe and Gwen. Both of them carry heavy heavy burdens and their demons seem at times too strong to be conquered! Joe hopes to redeem himself with every single act, he hopes that he will meet a woman that he has something to offer to and he will be able to build a life and family he can be proud of. Gwen I a stubborn workaholic who believes that any chance for her own family is gone and she only role she will every play is the auntie to her sister’s daughters …
The writer gives us an emotional and suspenseful story that keeps you biting your nails and I feel that I got so much more out of it because I had read the Lost Boys MC stories before I picked up Out Bad! I cannot wait to see what direction the writer will take this series!
1,999 reviews24 followers
September 11, 2019
Out Bad (Sinners or Saints Book 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker. This is the first book in the Sinners and Saints Series but its a lot like her Lost Boys Series and I LOVED that one. Its the story of Joe a ex high ranking biker gang member who has lots of bad stuff in his past. He left the biker gang and never looked back but not without burning some bridges along the way. He has guilt by the ton for things he's done in his past but when he meets Gwen he knows no matter what he has to have her. Gwen is a sassy, hardworking some would say workaholic, beautiful woman who knows better than to get involved with a guy like Joe. Her sister Gabby just happens to be Joe's best friend Heath's wife and Gabby does her best to convince Gwen not to date Joe. Gwen finally has to tell her sister that she's a big girl and she can take care of herself even though she's not convinced. She doesn't have the time for a relationship especially with someone with as much baggage as Joe. Joe's also got some bad guys out to get him for leaving the club and the only way they know they can hurt him the most is thru Gwen. Will Joe and Gwen survive the Gangs attempt to make Joe pay? Read Out Bad to find out!
Profile Image for Debi.
1,141 reviews6 followers
August 25, 2019
Out Bad (Sinners or Saints Book 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker

5 Stars

This was not my first read by this author and I loved it as much as any other I have read. I loved Joe and Gwen. Both had pasts that made them who they are today and their inner demons caused them to question a lot at the beginning of this story, but the more I read the more I fell for them completely. Then once again like so many other books I've read I found myself screaming at them...Just open up, it will make your life so much easier!! Of course they don't..Noone ever listens to me! LOL

I loved how this book flowed, I read it in one sitting and was shocked that I had finished so quickly. The twists were placed perfectly and Gwen became my hero towards the end, She actually cracked me up with her inner dialogue and her reaction to it all directly afterwards LOL

I can not wait to get the next in this series in my hands and I also can't wait for the next in the Lost Boys MC series, I loved that that was mentioned at the end of this one.

This author has become an auto one click for me

Awesome!
Profile Image for Moriah Venable.
1,411 reviews30 followers
August 31, 2019
Out Bad is the first novel in the Sinners or Saints series by Janice M Whiteaker. This is my first novel by this author.

Joe is a former bad boy who had turned over a new leaf. He has a sweet and caring personality but because of his past mistakes he still beats himself over it, while also trying to find redemption.

Gwen is a sassy, hardworking, and stubborn woman who isn’t looking for a relationship just wanting to have fun and be casual. She also has issues of her own that she is trying to get away from.

While Joe is trying to convince Gwen that they can be more, his past returns and threatens the life and relationship he has found for himself. Will be able to protect Gwen?

I am really starting to love romantic suspense stories and this one really caught up attention. The chemistry and attraction between Gwen and Joe was off the charts. The emotion and turmoil coming off from each character. I just wanted them to find peace and be happy.

I am hoping there is more in the series because I would love to read more by this author.
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,843 reviews45 followers
September 9, 2019
Out Bad was a good 4 star read.

Joe first notices Gwen while out at the bar, when he asks his best friend about her he’s warned off. Which causes him to be curious as to why his best friend doesn’t want him around his sister-in-law.

I’m not into docile woman. I want one that will give me a run for my money.

Gwen has moved closer to her sister so she can spend time with her nieces. When she meets Joe there is something about him that she can’t get out of her mind. Only thing is, she isn’t looking for anything serious and Joe is beyond just a fling, he wants more.

Can Joe break down Gwens walls and get more from her? Can they have a HEA?

Gwen was a strong and sassy character. Joe was great he was an original bad boy who has turned a new leaf, he’s now sweet, caring and so much more. I quickly fell for him. These two has some very steamy moments. There are some unexpected twists and turns that added a great element to the story. I can’t wait to read more from this series. 1-click and get started today.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,868 reviews22 followers
August 24, 2019
This wasn’t a favorite at the beginning. There was too much inter thinking and over thinking. I can see why the author did this but it got old for me fast. All the I’m not good enough or I want to be better thoughts. Some are fine but too much just becomes mind numbing. This is not to say I didn’t like the book because I did. The characters were very secretive but I enjoyed them. The dynamic between Heath/Gabbi and Joe/Gwen was fun. The teasing and advice were great for the story. Heck even Niko, the plumber apprentice, peaked my interest.

Joe is sweet. He tries every day to redeem himself for or past. It was interesting how he tries to show Gwen all that he can do for her. Make her need him...want him....love him. I loved the whole farmhouse idea. He really seemed to see what he wanted. Then do anything to go after and acquire her. He is probably the nicest, sweetest tough guy out there. Is Joe a Sinner or a Saint?

Profile Image for Robin Rankin.
1,232 reviews5 followers
August 30, 2019
Out Bad by Janice M. Whiteaker is the first book in the Sinners or Saints series and I'm excited to see what's going to happen in this series. MC style books aren't usually top of my list, mainly because I haven't found a lot that are respectful towards women. I can't say what the rest of the series will be like but it'll it's anything like this book I will be a devoted fan.

I love Joe! He is my current boyfriend and I don't know if he will be replaced for a while. He isn't perfect and has done so much put his past totally behind him and become a wonderful and successful man.

Gwen has her own past that she is still trying to get past. But the moment she met Joe she knew she had to try and move forward with her life.

I'm looking forward to following these two characters and meeting several others.

Profile Image for Heidi Eich Woodring.
214 reviews7 followers
September 9, 2019
Out bad is the start of a new series called Sinners or Saints series by Janice M. Whiteaker. And WHAT an amazing start to this series. You meet Joe, ex biker who wants to turn his life around. He continues to beat himself up for what he did when he was with an MC but he also tried often to make amends for his past. All things seem to change when he meets Gwen. Gwen, who also has her own issues from her past, is sassy, strong, smart, and beyond hardworking. The attraction between these two, is off the charts and they can’t even deny what is between them! But the question is, can these two look beyond the past and create a life together?
I have never read this author and I will say I will be reading more. The writing style and strong story lines pulled me in and I can’t wait to read more by this author and more in the series. I highly recommend this four star read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews