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Lacey Good Girl. At Riverbourne Preparatory, that title made me desirable. All a rich boy wants is a pretty and obedient woman on his arm. And I was most definitely both of those things. But at Arcadia High? Being a good girl made me a target. I became a trophy for the spoilt, an end-of-year reward for those willing to play the bad boys. Each side wants me so the other can't have me. Schoolyard bullies who fight over the same damn toy. The city kids have arrived to reclaim what's theirs, and the country? Well. Those boys sure don't give in without a fight.

308 pages, Paperback

Published January 3, 2020

243 people are currently reading
306 people want to read

About the author

Max Henry

52 books1,011 followers
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Born and raised in Canterbury, New Zealand, Max now resides with her family in beautiful and sunny Queensland, Australia.
 Life with two young children can be hectic at times and, although she may not write as often as she would like, Max wouldn’t change a thing.


An avid lover of stories from a young age, she enjoys nothing more than to get lost in the pages while the characters dictate what direction she takes. Her favourite genre to write is new adult and the events in her stories may or may not be related to real life experiences (only she will ever know for sure).


In her down time, Max can be found at her local gym brainstorming through a session with the weights. If not, she’s probably out drooling over one of many classic cars on show that she wishes she owned.

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5 stars
175 (45%)
4 stars
130 (33%)
3 stars
60 (15%)
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15 (3%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Irma *Irma The Book Whisperer*.
1,739 reviews148 followers
September 14, 2019
“When do you want to be home by?”
A humourless laugh slips from her throat. “Never. It’s not my home.”


The continuation of Tuck and Lacey and city vs. country. My feelings are the same as they were after reading the first book. I love Lacey and Tucker and hate her relatives, lol.
Profile Image for Anna Theurer (Anna's Bookshelf).
774 reviews59 followers
August 17, 2019
4.5 stars This author takes the high school bully romance trope to a whole new level in the second book of her Arcadia High Anarchists series. I thought Good Girls (book 1) was a great read, but Bad Boys surpassed my expectations. Not even halfway in and I found myself gasping at some of the cruel pranks and pretty much told my husband that I couldn’t go on date night because I needed to see what happens. This book is told from both Lacey’s and Tuck’s POV. It is city vs country. Freedom vs. money and privilege. Where does Lacey belong? Where does she want to belong?

Lacey remains a strong character and she continues to grow on me. I really liked her in the pervious book, but I absolutely loved her in Bad Boys. She finds herself on a journey of self discovery as she tries to navigate getting thrown back in with the vane and privileged sharks at Riverbourne all while leaving pieces of herself behind in Arcadia. The bullying that she endures and the family upheaval pulled at my heart stings. I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a big hug all while telling her that things will eventually get better. Tuck plays a much larger role in this book, which I loved. I enjoyed watching his feelings towards Lacey grow and how he continued to stick by her. At times, my heart broke for him as well as the author further develops his character.

Many of the secondary characters from book 1 are also present in Bad Boys and it was interesting to see what role they each served. There were a few that I really wanted to smack, but then you have others like Beau and Maggie who are the types of friends that I’d love to have in my corner. This is a story about looking inward and finding oneself, friendship, trust, and mind games. There are interesting family dynamics amongst the characters, secrets, betrayals, and shocking revelations that are sure to keep you entertained until the very end and leaving you wanting to immediately dive into the next book. As this is book 2, it is not a standalone so be sure to read Good Girls first. I read a complimentary version of this book.
2,298 reviews91 followers
March 12, 2021
Lacey goes through a lot of self reflection and at the age she is it’s hard enough just being a teenager let alone managing the emotional turmoil she goes through, constantly. My heart really went out to her so many times and found her to be the most ‘real’ character except for Maggie and co.

Boy when this author thinks up punishment she really goes all out, poor Gayle and Lacey. And when she sets up people- wow, does the sting burn! Dr Thorpe became my hero instantly! 🤣 The storyline becomes a lot clearer in this second book yet there is still so much to know.

I have to admit these characters all grow on you, well okay not most of the Riverbourne ones I will admit. We see a lot of growth in many of the characters too as well as personal issues but none more than Lacey. The gradual character development is spot on and makes you want all of the books in this series now! I literally couldn’t put this book down.

Bring on book 3!
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,842 reviews119 followers
August 17, 2019
One step forward two steps back! As Lacey and Tuck try to find their way back they discover their worlds hold more secrets and lies then ever imagined and they must fight to expose it all and find out who will come out on top! The web is spinning out of control and I’m too caught up to stop now! I can’t wait to see what else comes their way because one this is certain; max Henry can pull surprises better than anyone I know and this series has only just begun! If you haven’t stared it yet grab book one now because you don’t want to miss out on this crazy wild world she has created!
Profile Image for D.L. Gallie.
Author 77 books437 followers
September 24, 2019
Thus series just keeps getting better and better
I cannot wait for the next o e
Profile Image for Michelle.
756 reviews16 followers
July 25, 2020
I love how the characters grow and develop with each new book. You learn more bits and pieces about them as you go. Particularly Lacey in this one! Whew, talk about a lot to work through. I highly recommend it.
226 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2021
two outta five

half of this book was just about lace's identity crisis but oh well. IT IS PISSING ME OFF HOW YOUG THEY ACT. every character seems so immature, i was hoping to see some character development in this book but i did not receive that whatsoever.
Profile Image for Linda Lee.
1,361 reviews17 followers
August 23, 2019
This series has me hooked and I am eagerly waiting for the third book Rich Riot to land on my iPad. I'm loving the story line, the varied personalities of the characters and I need more now. Where are our alliances with those we think we know or those we are getting to know? So many secrets and too much backstabbing. Family and friends, city or country, the privileged or those not entitled...these are the choices. This is such an intriguing series with lots of twists and turns. Couldn't put it down!
Profile Image for Natalie Miernicki.
768 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2019
Wow... where to start with this story! I could not put this book down, I read it in one sitting it's just that addictive! High school is hard, it's even harder when your families drama and secrets keep you as an outcast from everyone. This book will have you screaming at your kindle it's full of angst... you will be hooked from the first page until the last. Bring on the next story, I need more!!
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,625 reviews150 followers
August 23, 2019
Book two finds Lacey back at Riverbourne. It's no exaggeration to say she's now fighting for survival . With so many people trying to break her and bring her down we see a different Lacey. I liked her more in this one, she's sassy stronger and more determined. Tuck is protective towards Lacey but with a take charge attitude. We find out some answers but more secrets are waiting to be discovered. After that ending I need the next book ASAP.
Profile Image for ❤️Melanie G.&#x1f4d6;&#x1f49b;.
2,235 reviews
August 27, 2019
Wow...theses kids gave way to much money and time on their hands. The parents aren’t much better either. The drama continues and Colt is in some serious shit. Lacey and Greer’s friendship has me wondering, with friends like that? Tucker...where can I find one if him. Lacey is lucky to have him and he to have her. Wonder what happens next, can’t wait.
8 reviews
April 15, 2021
Tbh overall it was a pretty good book, but there are some things that pissed me off, (there might be some spoilers). First is why tf Lacey wants to forgive her brother and "stand by him", like bitch he literally raped someone and treats you like shit why would you want to even speak to him again. Plus he doesn't even make an effort to reconnect/be nice with Lace. Then there were some confusing parts where the author didn't tell us the whole story of what happened between Colt and Maddy and the author doesn't clearly tell us who does and doesn't know at first. Its kind of all a mess and could've been explained better and not until the very end of the book (which also pissed me of).
The relationship between Lacey and Tuck is still really cute and I enjoy it, BUT literally every 20 pages Tucker thinks about how another girl is "quite pretty", like I know its unrealistic for him NOT to think another beautiful woman IS in fact beautiful, but it still kinda bothers me. Like he's with Lacy and in his mind he thinks about Maggie and Maddy (and someone else who I don't remember) as hot or beautiful, like shut up, don't think about it.

Anyways that's about it will all my "annoyances" with this book. Im kind of just left frustrated after reading it. Hope y'all enjoy my review :) cya
Profile Image for S.A.
246 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2025
I just HAD to continue this series after the first one! Honestly, I was just so shocked as I realised just how crazy, mental, disgusting and b*tchy/petty all girls (and even some boys) are! The incident with gayle shook me to the core, I hate colt and all his traitorous ways- I mean stealing his best friends’ girls (yes plural!!!) and I think he made his bed and should lay in it, as well as alicia (Lacey’s mother) I honestly get that Lacey has that family, blood-bonded love for them, she needs to leave them, cut them off, it gets to a point when she should have no love/like left for them, she needs to realise it ASAP or I’m going to crash out! I hate Lacey’s dad for letting her leave and not believing her, I hate gayle for not speaking up(although understandable it still pissed me off), I hate.. a lot of people to be honest, ha! The rivalry between the country versus the city in contrast with the undeniable love between tuck and Lacey and I can’t seem to get enough of it! Max henry took it to a whole another level but I’m here for it! I would highly recommend and I am absolutely continuing the series after this! Xoxo
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
July 24, 2020
Max Henry has really taken me on a fantastic ride in the Arcadia High Anarchists, and I'm completely here for it for real!  Bad Boys is Book 2 and since it's a continuing storyline, you HAVE TO READ Good Girls (Book 1) and I seriously suggest reading High Horse (Book 0 so the prequel) FIRST AND IN ORDER.  Things have taken a turn for Lacey who is really developing into a girl that I would have her back fully at this time.  She's back in the city with all of the snobby entitled kids she used to be a part of, but nowadays, she's more comfortable in Arcadia & with Tuck, and since she's no longer part of the Chosen, she's having to really watch her back since so many are trying to take her down.  (I would literally murder teenagers if they treated my kids like that).  I swear that I was calling these particular teenagers some very colorful names throughout as they were very nasty.  There are more twists coming in hot, and for every question answered from previous books, there are 20 more being asked.  So, I'm on to the next book because I cannot wait!  HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!   
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,054 reviews65 followers
July 10, 2020
Review by: Jennifer
(5 stars)

WHATTTTTT!!! Holy crap the hits just keep coming with this series, I stayed up till four in the am reading this installment, I just had to know what's going on. Secrets, so many secrets are being kept. Lacey really thinks she knows what's really going on, but she doesn't seem to know that half of it, little snippets are revealed throughout BUT we are still in the dark on some matters. She pushed Tuck away at the end of Good Girls, and now Lacey, Colt and her mother are back in the city, Lacey's world rocked yet again. Back where everything started, but things are definitely not the same. Now, Lacey is on the bottom and not a part of The Chosen anymore, and they are letting her know it. Colt has his own agenda, and we just know he is up to no good, while her mother is such a freaking cow, I just want to reach in and throat punch her! I give this 5 stars.
Profile Image for lavínia.
54 reviews11 followers
August 27, 2021
tinha tudo pra ser bom peguei spoiler dos outros livros e agora estou PUTA da vida incomodada irritada obg lacey por passar a energia go girl give us nothing como ngm EU TAVA GOSTANDO DE VC SUA MALDITA
Profile Image for Charli.
905 reviews11 followers
July 18, 2020
This story is just getting better and better. Fresh take on Bully Romance city vs country and they are both as bad as one another! Looking forward to continuing the series.
Profile Image for Laura.
331 reviews4 followers
December 31, 2019
Loved this book!

I am really enjoying this series. Not my type of book., however it draws you in. I have been reading nonstop. Great storyline and characters.
Profile Image for Payne’s Bookworm Reviews (Samantha Payne).
596 reviews16 followers
August 19, 2019
DAMN!!! I thought book 1 ‘Good Girls’ was fatabulous well ‘Bad Boys’ just took the lead by a mile... I just can’t get enough of Tuck and Lace. I love how they both bring the best out of each other and just grow and flourish from one another.

I am so glad that this book was released as early as it was, as I don’t think I would have been able to keep my sanity for much longer waiting to see what was going to happen to Lace after the way book 1 ended. If you haven’t read ‘Good Girls’ yet it is highly recommend you do as this book ‘Bad Boys’ starts where book 1 ends and that is at a cliffhanger.

This book is full of twists and turns and so much suspense, whilst still having a steamy romantic relationship blossoming.

Lacey had finally appreciated and understand how Arcadia High works, when her life is once again being turned upside down and being forced to move again. But this time not all the family will be going and things are MOST definitely not going to be like they were. The City girl now wants to stay in the country but when her parents decide it best she goes back to the City where her old life was. Is the City turned Country girl going to be able to go back to her old ways?

Tuck oh so sweet, gorgeous, sexy Tuck and MINE! #TUCKISMINE!!! This book has a lot of Tuck’s POV and it gives us a glimpse into his life at home and the relationship with his dad, school and his friends and into his mind, and i loved every moment of it. (I need more of Tucks POV)

I really enjoyed every single moment of this book. I was turning each page with determination to see what was going to happen next. My heart broke constantly for Lacey with the constant bullying and not being trusted and or believed in. But then it would swell with love every time she was with or thought of Tuck, the strong bond between them is so sweet, dreamy and wishful... i was so disappointed when the book finished as I wasn’t ready for it to end and I can’t believe it’s ended on once again another cliffhanger. Seriously Max you and I need to have a chat about making us wait for the next book. All jokes aside thank you Max for writing such wonderful characters and addictive stories and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Lacey and Tuck and the rest of the Arcadia and Riverbourne members.
Profile Image for Nadia Debowska-Stephens (Obsessed by Books).
1,080 reviews28 followers
August 22, 2019
“Here I have the offer of freedom. No amount of money can buy the sense of relief and joy that brings. I haven’t had a single choice in what happens to me up to this point in my life. Maybe for once, I should?”

Lacey is no longer blinded by all that glitters and can now actually see the truth. Returning to her prestigious school she is at the bottom of the food chain and this gives her time to reflect on how she once behaved. Missing her simpler lifestyle in the country, her current situation highlights everything she has been so misguided about. Longing for the young man that made her feel alive and the only real friend she has ever had, she also knows her brother is hiding something but what will she do when she finds out the whole truth?

Bad Boys ramps it up, with sexual tension building between Lacey and Tuck and the will they/won’t they between Maggie and Beau. Focusing on peer groups and the divides between the in crowds and those who are bullied by them this story is a wickedly sinful high school romance that delivers a swoon worthy alpha male whilst battling to do the right thing. Tuck is older than his age, living with an emotionally detached father after his mother passed away has shaped him, leaving just hints of immaturity that reflect his true age but mostly he is an amazing young man wiser beyond his years. Maggie is sassy and kick ass and we all wish to have a friend like her. Other characters show resolve, maturity and become far more likeable in this second part of their story. I loved Lacey’s fierceness as she decides what is right and who she wants to be. Her family... insert a hard eye roll... well all I can say is I can’t wait to see what karma has in store for them! This is so much more than a high school bullying romance I totally loved this addition to the story so far and can’t wait to see where we go from here!


A five star be who you want to be read.

~*~ Reviewed on behalf of Obsessed by Books ~*~
Profile Image for Marnie.
1,283 reviews30 followers
August 22, 2019
🌟🌟🌟 Once started, there is no putting this book down until it’s done 🌟🌟🌟

Bad Boys picked up exactly where Good Girls finished, and you absolutely have to have read that book first. This is an ongoing series, so you must start at the beginning, especially as the bombshells dropped in Good Girls were slowly revealed. Seriously, I had to read it is a single sitting because the story sucked me in more with each page I turned.

How Max Henry put secrets on top of secrets in this series, I have no idea, and she was a total master at keeping me guessing.

The episodes of bullying were next level, so much so, that I could never have dreamed that people would want to inflict this much pain and suffering onto another person, and it made our school antics seem like child’s play. I felt helpless tears of anger at the punishment of perceived slights dished out to those considered below the levels of ‘the chosen’ in the school society. I seriously just wanted to hurt them, these narcissistic young people who are the business owners and bankers of tomorrow. The networking and shoulder tapping of success now starts at childhood level.

The message I’ve received so far in this series is that I hate the hypocrisy of the rich and upper class, and it seems that money and morals are mutually exclusive.

Once again, Lacey shone in my eyes. There is no way she was perfect, but she acknowledged her past shallow faults and held her head high as she lived with the consequences. I loved her for her internal strength, her integrity and her resilience. Tuck and his Arcadia buddies are just awesome. They fight, yet they have each other’s backs, and this is where Lacey finds her ‘tribe’.

Holy crap, I loved this book and find myself on edge as I wait for Ms. Henry to release RICH RIOT: Arcadia High Anarchists #3. Without reservation, I absolutely recommend this series as a guaranteed great read! 5 Stars!
Profile Image for Sonya.
393 reviews
November 21, 2019
Something different with little bit of darkness

I really enjoyed this book, it’s been a lot different to what expected. The characters give way to some strong stubborn personalities. There a lot of mysteries and dark secrets to cover and that’s what has me so invested in series from this very first book. I can’t wait for next book
Profile Image for Clare Harrison.
1,074 reviews16 followers
August 21, 2019
Just as things were starting to settle down, as the students of Arcadia were beginning to accept her, everything changes once again.

Arcadia High no longer her place of education, nor Arcadia her home.

Riverbourne their destination once again but life isnt as it was.

School life has altered drastically, will she ever be truly welcome back as one of the original chosen.

He cant believe shes gone after everything they went through. Can he bring her back to Arcadia or is she lost to him?

This is a direct continuation from book one in the series "good girls" so that the best place to start!

Book one was all about the family settling into Arcadia, where as this book is about fighting for survival, fighting to find where she belongs, who's on her side and who she truly is.

I read this in one sitting! The dynamics between brother and sister, friend and foe, had me both fascinated and captivated at the same time.

Lacey blooms in this book, it's almost as if this is her awakening, whilst her brother Colt starts to wither, as his past catches up to him.

Tuck continues to be his rugged gorgeous self and I cant get enough of him. Theres so much more to him than just being a country boy.

I'm completely smitten with both the characters and storyline of this series and I cant wait to see what's going to happen next!!




339 reviews7 followers
August 21, 2019
This is the second in The Arcadia High Series, you need to read Good Girls first as this continues straight on.
Another fantastic installment in this series leaving me waiting for more once again!
I love how steady this story is. There’s no rush to get to the end, although the story is gripping and keeps you moving throughout. You certainly want to get to the end but it’s not a race to finish.
I love Lacey in this book. Shes a little sassier than in Good Girls and while I thought she was finding her feet again, maybe not  I’ve definitely been channeling my inner Lacey this week!
Tuck is, well, Tuck is absolutely swoon worthy! He’s perfect, in an imperfect teenage kind of a way. He is kind, sweet, he takes charge and takes action. I also like that hes a bit of a trouble maker and he’s not about to back down from a challenge.
There are some really great secondary characters coming through in this book. I already loved Mags but Greer is coming on and I’m even warming to Johnson and Beau.
That end though, OMG that end. Why, Max, oh why must you do this to me! Now to patiently, not so patiently, wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Heather Kerby.
700 reviews6 followers
August 27, 2019
Bad Boys is a great follow up to The Good Girls. Tuck, and Lacey's relationship is one for the ages. They both have the mean spirit it takes to be at the top of their respective towns, however they are sweet with each other.

I love Tuck's protective instincts with Lacey. He wants to keep her safe, and keep her to himself. Lacey is unsure and not confident in her relationship with Tuck. She questions why he wants her when he can have whomever he wants. Outside of their growing relationship he doesn't take crap from anyone, and doesn't care who he hurts. Lacey shows a confidence in herself that few can fake, and gives the queen a bee a run for her money.

This is not your typical bully romance in that Lacey is not bullied so much by Tuck but by her peers trying to keep her down. There are definitely dark times in this book from Libby making a point in her position at the top of the Hierarchy to Lacey finding out what Colt really did to Mandy from Arcadia while she was dating one of his friends.

I enjoyed every minute of this book, and can't wait to see how things end in book 3. This is a great love story that shows just how similar two very different towns can be.
Profile Image for Jillian.
158 reviews
September 21, 2019
I struggled with these books. In the first book I started out disliking Lacey because of how spoiled and entitled she acted, I didn’t think she deserved the bullying of course and I was just waiting for her to get a break or something. Now she’s back at her old school and it’s even worse for her. How Colt turned against her and allowed it made me absolutely hate him. And her mom, don’t even get me started on her I just wanted Lacey to stand up for herself and let them all have it. Even her dad seems to ignore her asking for help.

And the school?? WTH I couldn’t get over how they reacted and what they said to her. Smh

Tuck and Maggie are the only ones there for her. I love how he has finally admitted to himself and everyone how he feels and just wants to have Lacey in his life and with him always. I like that he has formed a friendship with Maggie as well.

When I saw that this is the 2nd cliffhanger of sorts I was kind of mad. Especially because i have to wait for the next book because i feel like I’ve gone this far and need to see it through. Hoping for a hea in the 3rd book🤞🏾🤞🏾

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