Bad Influence

Bad Love #3

by Charleigh Rose

Allie

When I moved to River’s Edge, dating was the last thing on my mind.
I definitely didn’t expect to fall for him.
Jesse Shepherd.
Popular. Star athlete. Cocky as hell.
You know the type.
But as time passed, I realized there was more lurking beneath that gorgeous exterior.
Secretive. Angry. A little bit broken.
The more I peeled back his layers, the deeper I fell.
Until I slammed headfirst into his sea of lies.


Jess

I blew my shot.
Pissed everything away—college, lacrosse, my future—only to end up right back where I started in River’s Edge.
I was content to revel in my misery, spending my days drowning in a bottomless pit of booze and girls.
Until I saw her.
Allison Parrish.
Beautiful. Sarcastic. Perpetual bad attitude.
The pretty little distraction from the shit show that was my life.
But the sins of my past were closing in on me, and I learned the hard way that nothing gold can stay.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, College, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, College Romance, Contemporary Romance

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2019

About the author

Charleigh Rose lives in Narnia with her husband and two young children. She's hopelessly devoted to unconventional love and pizza. When she isn't reading or mom-ing, she's writing moody, broody, swoony romance.

Reviews

[chan ☆]

dnf @35% because self care is not reading about lacrosse douche bags and their virginal love interests

[TJ *Book Twins Reviews* · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Distraction to Downfall Stars

OH my gah. OH MY gah. OH MY GAH!!!! Jess and Allie just stole my heart. These two characters are so utterly perfect for one another. Their love story was such a treat to watch unfold.

Jesse is the proverbial hot shot manwhore jock, or so Allie thinks. However, there’s so much more to his story. After meeting Jess and Lo in the last book I definitely felt for them both. He had a special place in my heart then, but it’s grown exponentially after reading this book. He is not what he appears. His heart is so big. I just melted and swooned at the same damn time!

Allie is a phenomenal character. If you’ve followed my reviews for any length of time, you’ve probably heard my thoughts on being boy crazy and not always connecting with the female leads in romances. Well I ate those words while reading this one. Allie is beautifully broken. Strong, brave, and independent, while also deeply wounded and flawed. She’s real and relatable. A wonderful representation of real life. I felt deeply for her.

Now put these two together and you have FIREWORKS! The chemistry is off the charts. The soothe one another. I loved seeing them together and couldn’t get enough! This author truly excels at making the explosive chemistry between her characters jump off the page!

Overall, this is a fantastic addition to one of my favorite series. I highly recommend this book to fans of the series and new readers alike. It can totally be read as a standalone!

[B(ea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

UPDATE 21/12

soOo apparently Charleigh Rose was in it with LJ Shen 🗑

@Julia was right, the heroine could’ve gotten yeast infection from that lollipop scene hagxhahsqhhzha bYE

head over to @willowwintersauthor instagram story but just incase it gone, here are the deets;

**this was sent to the author Willow Winters from an anonymous





**********
4.2 strawberry-sucker STARS ⭐️

i found book this after i searched for college romance recommendations and if you don’t already know, romance was nonexistent during my college years so i plan to redeem that by reading more romances in that setting no matter how cringe-worthy they are—excellent plan, i know.

𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝗼𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ☕︎︎

At first, I didn’t like the writing style because it felt kinda 2016-ish but then it gradually got better so everything was a lot tolerable after that. i thought of rating this 3.5stars whilst reading this but then ended up with 4.25stars because by the time i reached the end of the book, i realised the characters somehow stayed with me and lingered in my mind for couple of days so that must mean something, right?

☞︎ Plot and setting:
Anyway, the plot was plain but not in a boring way and not as heavy as i thought it’d be so the entire book had an easy flow and was easily digestible. The chemistry and sexual tension between these two characters were just 🔥
Like any other college romance, there were definitely drama and angst present in here which i loooved—zero complains on that. However, i expected to see some sports going on in here from Jess(H) but that didn’t happen since most of the events in this book took place outside of college :/

☞︎ Characters:
The characters felt a tad bit immature in the beginning of the book but then they started to grow on me once i got to know them and their background better;

• Allie (h), strong character with entertaining sassiness despite the trauma of losing a loved one (although in the begining she gave off this ‘i’m not like other girls’ bullshit vibe which irritated me but it’s cool she got that stick out of her ass eventually)
• Jesse, sexy bad boy+broken hero vibe with an unsolved dark past

* i read this a while ago so i’m not doing these characters their justice, i know. but know that i just love these two together surprisingly a lot ok ❤︎


☞︎ Now as for the 🍆steam🍑in here....

i’ll just give y’all a snip bit:

“She doesn’t know what she does to me, but I’m about to show her. I push her knees apart before tugging her shorts and underwear to the side. “Such a pretty little pussy. Let’s make it even sweeter.”

Allie gasps as I circle her clit with the sucker, and when I drag it lower to dip inside her, she clenches around it. I work it in and out, only giving slow, shallow thrusts.—
—“My two favorite flavors,” I mumble into her warm, wet pussy. “Allison and strawberry.”

aaand thAt is how you have your candy sucker, my fellow adult friends

who says you’re too old for them, hm?
be like Jess.
be 🌈𝑪𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑽𝑬🌈

OH and also, there’s something about authors using term ‘tits’ rather than ‘boobs’ or ‘breast’ that’s got me immediately thinking there’s 80% chance i’ll enjoy the book.....why is that?? is it just me?🤔

*Overall, i’ll definitely pick up more from this author (duuuh) and i highly recommend this if you’re looking a an easy college romance with surprisingly good steam + great angst.
This is book 3 in a series but can be read as a standalone so no worries.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Available Now - FULL REVIEW***

5 STRAWBERRY DUMDUM CROWNS

Charleigh Rose has given me not only my new favorite Bad Habits book but also my favorite Bad Habits couple. Jesse and Allie are everything, and their story, Bad Influence is emotional, heartbreaking, and sexy AF. Charleigh owned my heart with these two!

Jesse is a hero who will break your heart. He has that cocky, bad boy vibe, and he has just the right amount of arrogance to make him sexy, that thin line where it is entertaining and you can't help but laugh. But at the story progresses, you see the depth to his character, the brokenness that plagues his soul. This is what makes me want to wrap him up in a fictional hug and tell him he is worthy of all the things he wants in life. That is part of the reason that I LOVE Allie, because she shows him his worth, she makes him fight, and she brings the real Jesse to the surface.

Allie isn't free from her own demons from her past who haunt her. She has her own chip on her shoulder, but these fractured pieces of their personalities is what brings them together. They see a likeness in each other. They see someone who understands and loves all the broken parts, and they heal each other equally. She doesn't save him, he doesn't save her. They save each other.

I devoured this story from the moment I cracked it open. I was drawn in by Jesse's seeming spiral down into the abyss, and his interactions with Allie. I love their play and banter. Their chemistry is charged, and even their conversations fills the air with that electric charge. There are plenty of physically intimate moments between these two, and the chemistry that electrifies the air when they are simply in the room together explodes into some of the hottest scenes I've read in some time. And not because they are over the top or raunchy or explicit, but because it is Jesse and Allie. More than just their chemistry, Charleigh takes readers on journey as these young characters find their way through loss and abandonment and feelings of being unworthy, which are all feelings that most readers can relate with. Plus, we get the angst, the emotion, and the happily ever after we all love with characters who deserve the best endings.

Charleigh Rose has created pure magic with Allie and Jesse, as Bad Influence delivers emotion, angst, and steam that are the key components to any must read romance. This is definitely a book to be at the top of your TBR!

BETA READ

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God. A New Bad Love book?!?!?! I'm so freakin excited!!!!!



After falling in love with Asher, Dare & Camden (Sebastian too but thats another series) I know I could give this five stars without seeing a cover, reading a synopsis or knowing who this one will be about. Charleigh Rose is that damn good! Sooo,

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

She pushes, I push back, neither one of us wanting to be the first to bend—the first to show something real.

Classic Charleigh Rose new adult goodness. Allie and Jess were legit, “we shouldn’t do this” fire. I love it when the mains want each other too badly to resist. There’s some push and pull, but once they get going it is so good. Allie gave me some Peyton from OTH vibes, but way more likable. She just has reasons to be sad, and loves her some music. Jess. Oh Jess. The outsider trying to blend, but for all the wrong reasons. He slips back into some bad habits (lol) and struggles through this book, but you can’t help but love him. Sigh.

Easy to read. Medium levels of angst. Updates from the rest of the Bad Love crew. New characters that I already want more from. So pretty much a win on all fronts!

https://instagram.com/p/ByyyqNqA041/
^edit on IG!

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I am so glad that finally i can read this book in this series. Bad Influence is a story of Jesse and Ally. Jesse is Logan's little brother. I always feel some pull toward Jesse. He is such a lost character. He seems drifting with no real purpose.

Jesse a typical man whore who hides under his fake apperance. Deep inside he is lost. So lonely and scared. Until he meets Ally. Ally is a strong young woman. She lost her father and her mother abondaned her. But she keeps her chin up and shoulder square. Just Ally versus the world. Her fearless collide with Jesse's world.

And their relationship soon turns into explosive romance. The sex scenes are not much. But the character development is there. Their back and forth banter is emotional sometimes funny.

Overall i do enjoy this book very much.

4 sucker stars

[juli✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3 "jimmy eat world" Stars ⭐️


Love is real. Powerful. It has the potential to destroy you. To start wars and end lives. Love is a weapon. Love is dangerous, and I want nothing to do with it.


✰ My After-Reading Thoughts ✰





I just have to ask. . .was Bad Influence written by the same Charleigh Rose who got me majorly invested in a mere novella by the name of Yard Sale ? Cause I'm struggling a little. . .okay let me back up, BAD INFLUENCE wasn't a bad book, it was just. . .meh. By the time I reached the ending I just felt meh. Which sucks because at least in the beginning I feel SOME kind of emotion - mostly hate towards Jesse Shepherd, but still - whereas by the time I reached the end I was indifferent. UGH. I'm so disappointed. I wanted to like this book SO MUCH. After reading B's review coupled with my love for the aforementioned YARD SALE I was convinced that this would be at least a high 4 star read. . .


😭✨ CONVINCED PEOPLE 😭✨


I'm not sure what went wrong. . . i . . .





❓ What's This Whole Thing About ❓


BAD INFLUENCE is a tale as old as time. Bad boy Jesse Shepherd meets "good girl" - or in this case Beautiful. Sarcastic. Perpetual bad attitude. - Allison Parrish. They have a bit of fun banter but ultimately part ways. Then some months later they meet up again and can't seem to get out of each others orbits. What starts out as general dislike - mainly on Allie's part - grows into a tentative friendship, and eventually leads into the ever perfect plan of "friends-with-benifits". However, both Allie and Jesse know there's something more between them so will they take the plunge and explore what's between them?


✰ First things First, WHAT WORKED ✰


✦ Readability ✦ I have to give credit where credits due, despite me knowing early on that Jesse wasn't working for me, and that Allie wasn't working for me, I was still able to get through this book. While yes it took me a bit of time I was never angry at the story itself if that makes sense. I think the themes were all there - enemies-to-lovers, friends-with-benefits, dealing-with-grief, bad-boy-meets-good-girl, etc. etc. - they just didn't WORK. Due to the readability of BAD INTENTIONS I'm actually willing to read the previous book in the series Bad Intentions . The snippets we got of Dare and Lo got me extremely intrigued and I'm not ready to give up on CHARLEIGH ROSE as an author.


✦ The Romance ✦ Look I may not have liked Allie or Jesse all that much but I didn't mind when they got together. It was nice to read about.


“Nothing mattered to me before you. I self-sabotaged every good thing in my life before you came along. Part of me thinks I got kicked off the team on purpose, because it was easier to play that role, as fucked up as that sounds. But you make me want to be someone who deserves someone like you."


Will I probably trash on the romance a bit later on in this review? Yeah probably. But, I didn't completely hate it. Ultimately it was both a pro and con of this book. Overall, the romance was nice, but at the same time I was disappointed it wasn't better. The romance should've been better than it was simple as that.


✦ The Brother-Sister Bond ✦ I think my favorite aspect of BAD INFLUENCE would have to be the sibling relationship between Jesse and Lo. These two clearly had an unbreakable bond and would do anything for each other. Reading BAD INTENTIONS the relationship between the two siblings is even more prominently displayed, and I freaking love it. The way they continually look out for each other and just want the other to be happy? AMAZING.


“You’re a fighter, Jess. You always have been. It’s all you’ve ever known. But right now? You’re fighting for the wrong fucking thing. Fight for you. Hell, fight for Allie. But don’t waste another second fighting for her,” she says, gesturing toward Crystal, her voice resigned. “You don’t owe her a goddamn thing.”


What can I say, I'm a sucker for a strong sibling bond.


✦ Look. . . ✦





I'm honestly not sure why I originally rated this one 3.5 stars. There were things to like here, and if you want those reasons well - I'm going to be lazy - then I direct you once again to B's FABULOUS review. She has a lot nicer things to say about this book and makes a compelling case as to why you should like this book. Ultimately I didn't hate this book and when I rate a book 2 stars or below it means I really REALLY disliked said book. I didn't actively hate this book and found some aspects fun thus BAD INTENTIONS gets a 3 star rating from me!


✰ What You've all been Waiting For, WHAT DIDN'T WORK ✰





✦ Jesse "KEEP IT IN YOUR PANTS" Shepherd ✦


“He’s cute in that grungy, fuck-him-to-piss-off-your-parents kind of way.”





So. So. SO. Let's talk about Jesse Shepherd AKA the "bad boy" of the book. I started out expecting to like him, started to dislike him VERY fast, started to warm up to him, and ended the book with lukewarm feelings towards him. I don't know if I was in the wrong mood for this book, I'm not sure if I was in a manhating mood, or maybe my tolerance for BS is just at an all time low. Either way I couldn't with Jess' shenanigans for almost FIFTY PERCENT of this book. So, you may ask, "well Julia you said you went in expecting to like him. . .what changed?" WELL random voice in my head I'm glad you asked. I can pinpoint the exact scene I was DONE with Jesse -


[. . .] She [Sierra] swings the door open wider, allowing me the opportunity to see Jesse zipping his jeans.
Who hooks up in the middle of the living room when people are home? Jesse fucking Shepherd, obviously.





YUP. That's right for about 50% of the book Jesse is sleeping with other women or at least open to it. In the above scene Allie his "love interest" walks in on him zipping up his pants after having received a BJ from his ex-girlfriend Sierra (who pops up again). WHY. WHY. WHYYYY. And you know what I honestly could've looked passed this whole incident a bit more if he we didn't get the scene from his POV. He's a gander at what happened between them -


Whatever Sierra was doing down on her knees wasn’t cutting it. Like an asshole, I told her to leave. She only sucked harder.


I leaned forward, grabbed Allie’s sucker, and stuck it in my mouth before leaning back on the couch, arms crossed behind my head as I closed my eyes, pretending it was her mouth around me.





AND THEN AND THEN he has the AUDACITY to proposition Allie for sex RIGHT AFTER SHE JUST SAW HIS EX-GIRLFRIEND LEAVE.


“Maybe it’s because you tried to get with me approximately five minutes before hooking up with someone else.”

“So let’s have sex then. Right now. If you’re such a pro [. . .]”





Jesus Jesse, at least wait 24 hours before you shoot your shot. And honestly that was my problem with Jesse in a nutshell. He was just gross. He basically pulled this weird hot-cold act with Allie for reasons, was with other women, and was flaunting that shit in her face. AND THEN. AND THEN. He invites Sierra + friends BACK TO HIS HOUSE AGAIN. Just. . .no. In addition to all that bull-shit his interactions with Allie were just very. . .uncomfy. I think it was a combination of him being just grossly over-sexaul with Allie and Allie not giving it back as good as she got. Here I've provided some examples.


🤦‍♀️✨ Exhibit A. ✨🤦‍♀️ - “I’ve been known to enjoy a few cherries in my day,” he agrees suggestively, throwing an arm around my shoulders. Gross. . . .i have no words. . .


🤦‍♀️✨ Exhibit B. 🤦‍♀️✨ - He plucks the sucker from my mouth, then sticks it into his own. HE CONSTANTLY DID THIS BTW 🤢🤢


🤦‍♀️✨ Exhibit C. 🤦‍♀️✨ - I catch myself pouting at the knowledge that he was in the hot tub with those girls, even if nothing happened[. . .] what a great guy amirite ladies? let us applaud him for doing the bare minimum.


There are probably a lot more examples but I just didn't highlight them. Suffice it to say not only did their dynamic just seem off, but I felt so badly burned by Jesse that once he did start to seriously pursue Allie I just couldn't get past my deep set dislike for him. And you know what's so weird? I actually like him as a minor character in BAD INTENTIONS !! I have to ask. . .what the heck happened??


✦ Allison - AKA "the cool girl" ✦ Man this book tried to sell me the line that Allie was a "cool girl". For example, she perpetually wears Dr. Martens, listens to music on a portable CD-player (which i thought we all agreed was the worse way to listen to music), she LOVED Jimmy Eat World (which again does anyone actually like this band?), and she just gave off a real "i'm not like other girls" vibe.





I don't know if that's what the author was going for but that's what I felt like was happening. However, for me I mostly just thought she was, well, boring. Now I feel a bit bad saying that because she was kinda in mourning for most of the book so maybe that contributed to her blah personality, but I'm not so sure. I think what just really annoyed was I didn't understand WHY she was so attracted to Jesse.


This was me the whole book -





Seriously I was baffled, baffled. Keep in mind Jesse doesn't really get sweet or a least stops being gross until about 50% of the book. No the Jesse before 50% just makes creepy innuendos and advances towards Allie and she just kinda lets it happen? Or more like this thinks shit like this -


Gray sweats. Don’t look at his crotch. Do not look at his crotch. “Are you looking at my dick?” I jerk my eyes away at the sound of his voice. “What? No.”





*takes deep breath* okay so that's what type of heroine she's gonna be. YUP. She pretty much just lets Jesse get away with being a little shit because he's attractive. It annoyed the ever-loving CRAP out of me. I just couldn't. All in all this quote sums up Allie's character / character interactions with Jesse -


I find myself wondering where he disappears to. And why isn’t he in school? Why is he so hot and cold with me? But mostly, why the hell do I care?


WHY. . .WHY. Ugh, at least her and Jesse interacting makes her a little less boring.


✦ The "Big Reveal" - SPOILERS AHEAD YOU GUYS ✦ Dear New Adult authors, WHY must EVERY NA hero be involved in some underground fighting ring? W - H - Y ???? Is this a thing? Like seriously, is this a thing? And even if it is why does EVERY NA hero have to be apart of said underground fighting ring. So, for the whole book there's this big "mystery" as to why Jesse dropped out of college and where he disappears off to. Now I thought maybe it'd be something a little interesting but I had a feel the good ole underground fighting ring would make an appearance.


“So that’s the big secret? Jess hangs out at some wannabe fight club?” “No,” I say, unsure if she can even hear me. “He’s the one they’re betting on.”


And you know what's even funnier? HE'S NOT EVEN GOOD AT IT!! They remark that while he's not good at fighting he's good at taking a hit. . .bro 💀✨





Honestly his reasoning for fighting was just as stupid - he wanted to help his deadbeat mom. . .guess he didn't learn from book 2 - and ultimately this whole "big reveal" was just dumb IMO.


✰ Closing Thoughts ✰


Ultimately, BAD INFLUENCE wasn't a bad book. It just wasn't a great book. I think what really saved it from a lower rating was, surpringsly, the romance . Separately Jesse and Allie were bleh but together they were meh / awwhhh?. After about 55% I started to enjoy their interactions together and it was pretty clear they really liked each other. However, I had to get through about 60% of the book to get that awwhhh part and then the book throws stupid drama at me and then, end of book. Honestly I think if I had read BAD INTENTIONS first I would've rated this book even lower because I'm really liking Jesse's characterization in that book. All in all, I'd say if you're a huge CHARLEIGH ROSE fan and/or you really liked BAD INTENTIONS then read this one.

[Jen (jenslostinthepages) ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“So, we’re on the same page?”
“We’re not even reading the same book.”

Bad Influence is my newest obsession! I found myself laughing, sighing, swooning and even crying. I loved how much these characters meant to me and that every single time I pick up a book by Charleigh Rose, it becomes an instant favorite. Her stories are emotional, sexy as hell and the characters always become embedded in my heart. So if you love romance stories that will pull at your emotions, have fabulous banter and scenes that will have you melting into a puddle, then you definitely need to pick up one of her books!

Love is real. Powerful. It has the potential to destroy you. To start wars and end lives. Love is a weapon. Love is dangerous, and I want nothing to do with it. - Allie

Within that first chapter I was sucked right in and my heart ached for Allie. She tried her hardest to be emotionally strong and take care of herself, but she had been dealt a shit hand. Her mother would rather be with her newest boyfriend and not be bothered by her. And the way her dad died? It was horrific, life truly sucks some times. But Allie was a breath of fresh air to me. She was fierce, loyal and had the hugest heart. Her sarcasm cracked me up and her taste of music made her feel like she was a long lost friend. When Allie ended up working at the bar with Lo, I couldn't wait to see what happened next!

I study him, once again sensing that there’s more to him than his persona. I want to swim in his depths, uncover every little hidden piece that the rest of the world doesn’t get to see.

Let it be known that I had already fallen in love with Jessie Shepard back in Bad Intentions. You can easily read this book as a standalone, but I have so much love for Bad Intentions too! Jessie was Lo's younger brother and his smart mouth, Netflix obsession and take no shit attitude completely hooked me. Jessie was the ultimate bad boy who was tortured, seductive, charming and hot as fuck. *fans face* So when Jessie started showing up where Allie always seemed to be, you couldn't knock the smile off of face. The way they met had me giggling and smiling so hard.

He moves toward me, and instinctively I step backwards until my back is flush with the door. “I want you. And I’m sick of playing this game.”
I swallow hard, feeling the warmth of his skin without even touching him. “That’s not why you’re here,” I say, calling his bluff.
“No,” he admits. “But it definitely sweetens the deal.”
“You had your chance. The offer’s expired.”
“Is that so?” he asks, moving closer. “And what’s changed?” He pinches my chin between his finger and thumb and tilts it up so I’m forced to meet his gaze.
“Everything.” I don’t know why my voice comes out as more of a whisper.

Both Allie and Jessie were hurt from their pasts and were trying their hardest to find their paths in life. But while both of them were struggling with their own problems or demons, they kept running into each other. And while there was a carnal attraction between them, Allie tried her hardest to fight it. But this is Jessie Shepard we're talking about, there was no escaping him. His charm was impossible to resist and the sexual tension between them was intense. Even the moments that had me laughing so hard I couldn't catch my breath, were still sigh inducing.

He moves past me, his chest skimming my folded arms as he leans in close to my ear. I hold my breath, suppressing the shiver that’s fighting its way through me, but my traitorous heart doesn’t get the message. “See you at home.”

This story toyed with my emotions in the best of ways. I was enchanted with the push and pull that played with my heart and through it all, I fell in love. And while I know that Charleigh Rose's stories are emotional, this one hit me hard. I cried, and before I could even stop the tears from falling, I found myself sobbing. This story reached deep into my heart and Jessie and Allie's pain became mine.

She pushes off the doorframe, making her way toward me. Her arms wrap around my middle, palms flattening against my stomach, cheek pressing against my back. I squeeze my eyes shut, allowing her touch to calm the storm inside me.

So yes, a million times yes I recommend this book! Bad Influence was absolutely everything I look for in a romance story and I loved that we alternated between Allie and Jessie. I loved how important the side characters were. You have to meet Halston and Dylan, Allie's friend. Btw I would kill for Dylan's story! And I loved that we got to see all of our old favorites! If you're wanting to give Charleigh Rose a try, this is the perfect book to start with. Her writing is addicting, her characters are consuming and Bad Influence is my new favorite Charleigh Rose book!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Charleigh Rose]

You guys, Jesse is coming (insert sexual innuendo here), and he’s landed himself in some trouble. Bad Influence releases JUNE 13th!

Blogger sign ups —> https://forms.gle/G2QtJguwnRjrMhJ9A

[B.B. Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody, and I mean nobody, writes a broken, broody, bloody-knuckled bad-boy like Charleigh Rose. Bad Influence was one of my most anticipated books of 2019, and Jesse did NOT disappoint. I miss him already! 5 butterscotch flavored stars! (+ 1 strawberry for Jess)

[Miftahul · Rating 2 out of 5]

“So, we’re on the same page?” “We’re not even reading the same book.”


I recently read Guys like you and instantly fell in love with Jesse. After that i grabbed bad Influence and it was okay. The whole bad love series”s plot is really common and thats why i didnt enjoy like i thought i would. But the chemistry was on fire!! For a romance book, it was dragged a big and the “secret” he was hiding form allie was predictable. The whole book was predictable! I was disappointed that it was nothing exciting or surprising, it was like a book we get to read everyday. The characters were “we shouldnt do this cuz its wrong and stuff” but they end up doing everything. I am bored with plots like this 😫

😫😫. I felt jesse cuz he was tired of being a disappointment and felt like an outsider, it was sad. Allie annoyed me a bit but Halston and Suvillian were everything! I love them!! The lollipop sex scene was the hottest i ever read 🙌🤣, and idk why i found it cute when he kept putting the lollipop in his mouth taking form her. The nickname he gave her made me laugh 🤣 but it was so sweet. I know its weird but i like nicknames. There were some scenes that literally ruined my whole reading and it was disgusting! Anyway, i liked Lo and Dare”s chemistry but i dont think i ll read their book cuz maybe it ll have the similar plot again. Only the chemistry is good in this series.

Nothing gold can stay. Nothing perfect and beautiful can last forever. Nothing except Allison Parrish.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charleigh Rose is one of my auto-buy authors; she releases a book, I'm going to read it. I was very excited that Jesse was getting a book and I couldn't wait to have it in my hands!

All Allie wants to do is finish school and figure out what she wants to do with her life. Ever since her dad died, it's been hard to move on. When Jesse enters her life, Allie knows he's bad news. But when she starts working for his sister, it's pretty hard to ignore him. Jesse is intrigued by Allie, especially since the rest of his life is going down in flames. He's tired of being a disappointment and his past has told him nothing good ever lasts, so will Allie really last or will she slip through his fingers?

From the moment Allie and Jess meet, I love how cocky and annoying Jess is. There's nothing better than a bad boy in a new adult novel and that's exactly what Jess is. Allie, on the other hand, is just trying to figure out her life and try to figure out her future. It was fun watching her and Jess dance around each other and tease each other.

While the romance was fun, I will say that this book dragged just a bit and I was not at all a fan of Jess's big "secret" he was hiding from Allie. I felt like, at this point in the publishing world, that was a cliche and I was disappointed it wasn't something more exciting or surprising. I was happy, though, that we got to see the characters we love from Bad Intentions!

In the end, this was a fun read that had a very entertaining romance. There was a lot of back and forth and angst and I was definitely a fan! While some parts dragged, I enjoyed the book overall!

[queen_of_the_books_18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is real. Powerful. It has the potential to destroy you. To start wars and end lives. Love is a weapon. Love is dangerous, and I want nothing to do with it.

Bad Influence just sucked me in big time. I couldn’t read fast enough. Charleigh Rose just broke my heart and then put it back together again.


Jesse is self destructive. Cocky, full of swag and funny as hell. The guy had me swooning so hard.
He pushes everyone he gets close to away even though he doesn’t really mean to. He doesn’t know how to love due to a shitty home life so when he feels the need to push everyone away to protect them, he broke my damn heart. The more the story goes on the more you see him struggle with doing what’s right and breaking the cycle of his past.

Allie, god I loved her. She was equally as broken as Jesse but that girl was a fighter. She stood on her own two feet when shit got tough and came out swinging. She helped Jesse to grow and realise what sort of person he really is.

The back and forth and sexual tension between the two was off the charts and the sex scenes...PURE FIRE

This story had everything. Laugh out loud moments, angsty moments, moments where I wanted to yell, cry and hug them both.

Bad Influence is a story about love and loss. Two broken people helping each other heal. Two people navigating their way through a sometimes messed up world just doing the best they can. Two people showing each other how to mend, how to love and that it’s ok to be yourself.

[benevolent bastard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie’s been living in a lonely world ever since her father died on her birthday while he was wishing her a happy birthday. Talk about having a bad day. Ever since that day happened it’s safe to say she’s been struggling with her grief.
Jesse’s got a lot going on. He seems like the all American well popular frat boy. This manwhore is actually struggling with a lot. He’s lost on who he is and what he wants to me. Everyone around him has a direction while he’s now figuring out how to be himself.
Allie and Jesse began to fall into each other and it was cute. I loved that they were there for each other. Jesse loved Allie so fearlessly. I was jealous. I’m curious about Sully and Halson tho! I need their book!!! I always love the side characters in these novels!

[nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY DAYSSSSS!! I fell in love with Jesse back in BAD INTENTIONS and was so excited to hear he would be getting his own book. I’ve been a fan of Charleigh Rose since the beginning and I feel like her writing has just got better and better with every new release. As much as I adore BAD HABIT (which is Book 1 in this series) I feel like BAD INFLUENCE has blown all the previous books out the water.
From the minute I started reading, I was completely hooked. I fell hard for Allie, I thought she was such a relatable heroine, and more than a match for Jesse.
Loved the cameo from Asher and Briar...and my baby, ADRIAN!!! Hoping he will be getting his own book soon. HINT HINT, CR!!! *winks*

[Milla]

Not for me. This guy is just... the worst. I can get into a manwhore but this guy is really gross about it.

[Sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finally reducing my tbr!

[Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora) · Rating 5 out of 5]

➳ Rate: 5/ 5 stars

I literally just finished this baby this morning and I'm still processing this wonderful and addictive story. Jesse was so freaking hot! I love him and I really loved Allie. She was kind of fierce and I just really digged her, I want to be her bff and go to shows together.

These two had a sort of meet cute, even though it technically wasn't the first time they met. Jess is trying to keep one of his sicko hook-ups away from him and so he uses Allie has his fake girlfriend and that's how it all begins. Allie thought she would rarely see him again after that encounter since he's going to college two hours away but a lot happens in Jess's life and suddenly he is back in River's Edge for good. Allie just moved to town too and she now works at Lo's bar - Blackbear - so she's bound to see Jesse a lot especially when he comes over to give Lo a hand and help around.

There is so much to these two I can't even. They both have events in the past they are trying to get through. Allie lost her dad, her bestfriend not even a year ago and she's still very heartbroken especially now that she is back in the town where she spent all her time with him.She fnds herself basically alone in the world because her mother is barely ever there for her but at leaxst she hass a couple of friends in River Edge.
Jesse just lost something important to him and he tests his relationship with his sister over it. He is very complex. He is living a double life and no one knows half of what's going on. The person he shows to the world is a mask, a mask he uses to hide his feelings and his true self. His past messed him up real good and it's still messing with his head even now. He feels unworthy of all good things and that kinda broke my heart. Behind his manwh*re life and all the partying, Jesse is such a good guy and has such a big heart, I love him so much. Allie shows him how good his life could be, she gives him a piece of heaven, a retrieve, a solace and she gives him love. She is one of the only ones who can see the real him and see how the person he puts out in the world isn't really him.

Allie lets Jesse in, with the pretense that she can fool around with him and lose her V-card without any feelings involved, she gives in. I mean Jesse is the perfect candidate right, he's a manwhore?! At first it's just fooling around here and there, no sex but when her living situation is ruined, she finds herself sleeping at Blackbear until Lo finds her and offers her and Dare's place for her to stay until her grandma's house is available. After she moves in, Jesse decides to move back in too. He's pretty smart let me tell you. Now, under the same roof, it's much easier to hook up and spend time together... and for feelings to grow. These two I swear. I loved getting to know them and see them become much more than the friends with benefits they thought they'd be. And gah Jesse is absolute fire, that man!!

Bad Influence is an amazing story of love and finding the person who will make you see your worth. Jesse and Allie's story was much more than what I had been expecting. There is angst and there's so much emotion, I loved how these two broken souls found each other and helped each other through the bad stuff in their lives. This couple is GOLD and I will forever love them. And we cannot forget the insane chemistry they had and all the moments that will leave you scorching. Jesse sure knows how to please a woman! Allie lucked out real good (; You can be sure you'll never look at a lollipop the same way, I know I won't, not without remembering these two.

➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.

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[Book Maniac Forever · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.5 " Butterscotch Suckers" Stars ⭐️
I was so excited about Bad Influence that when I got my ARC, I jumped on it right away and couldn’t put it down! With each new book in the Bad Love Series, it’s always a pleasure to rediscover my dear characters and let’s just say that Jesse Shepherd all grown up sounded so intriguing and alluring. Charleigh Rose unquestionably fashioned another very captivating and spicy story with an emotional tone.

"I want to swim in his depths, uncover every little hidden piece that the rest of the world doesn't get to see."

I enjoyed both main protagonists as they’re more complex than what it seems. On the surface, Jesse is the typical smug jock and a manwhore, but when you peel his layers you discover a guy crumbling under expectations. It’s sad how you realize he plays a role, changing his identity to please others. On the other side, there’s Allison. She’s still mourning her father and moves to River’s Edge for college where she wants to make him proud. There’s so much on her shoulders, but she’s trying to stay strong.

There’s so much animosity between Jesse and Allie at first glance, but under it all their intense attraction is undeniable. The back and forth between them is intensely passionate! Allie is determined to not cave in front of Jesse’s unrelenting flirting and those moments are sweet and funny, but can turn so hot in a flash! This couple is certainly sexy and explosive! While the chemistry is so powerful and they connect on a physical level, the growing of their feelings brings beautiful and touching scenes!

"You went from being my distraction to my downfall."

Bad Influence is undoubtedly a solid addition to the must read Bad Love Series! I love these characters and now I’m only wanting more of them. Whose story will be next? I’m so excited to know!

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review **

[summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess and Allie gave me so many butterflies holy crap i love them

[Simran . · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 " Jesse and Allie girl " stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the third book in the Bad Love series. I was so eager to read Jess's story and it exceeded all my expectations. Each book keeps getting better that the last. I just love the way this author writes, its so captivating and keeps you glued to the pages. There's heat and chemistry between the characters. The back and forth between the two is so funny to read.

We met Jess in the last book. He's lo's younger brother. We saw him as a sexy, mischievous, carefree guy in the previous book but he's hiding so much behind that carefree persona. There were so many layers to him and after learning those with each chapter, you could see that he was hurt too and kept people at arms length. His downward spiral started when he got kicked out of the lacrosse team since he started missing practice. This is when he started to keep secrets from everyone, there were so many things happening with him. Allie was the perfect distraction for him or so he thought.

"I thought i could do it. I though I could let you go. You went from being
my distraction to my downfall, and I didn't know what the fuck to do with
that. But when I woke up and you were gone. I've never felt anything like
that in my life. I didn't expect to love you, Allie"

Allie had her own baggage to deal with. After losing her dad and her mom moving away, she moves to River's edge to start her first year at college. What she doesn't expect is to run into Jess, they had a brief encounter when they were in school but Jess doesn't remember that. she didn't admitted that she was attracted to him and tries to ignore him but that doesn't work out when he moves back home. I loved her strength, her personality, the way she cared for Jess.

"The best things in life are always unexpected, and loving
Jesse shepherd is definitely the best thing in life."

The romance is so good between them. I enjoyed how they were with each other. They understood each other so well. Allie made Jess see the good things in life and fight for them instead of ruining his life. I was happy to see that they worked out the issues between them and got heir happily ever after. I hope there's more books in this series because i just can't get enough of the people of river's edge. I highly recommend this series to everyone. ♥️

[Meredith Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah! This was my first time reading anything by Charleigh Rose and let me tell you, I was truly impressed with both the author and the book. Bad Influence is unquestionably one of the best new adult romance novels that I've ever read. It contained a little bit of everything, and checked all the marks for me. It was sexy, angsty, emotional and wonderfully written. It's a richly developed and well plotted story. Everything about it just jumped off the page, almost taking on life, as if it were happening around me. I absolutely loved it!

Jesse comes across as a cocky and arrogant bad boy, but there's more to him than meets the eye. He is a lost and broken soul, but keeps it hidden behind a facade. But as the story progresses, secrets come to light showing us exactly what torments him. We see how much he struggles internally to break the cycle as his past catches up to him. I absolutely felt for him because he had a heart of gold and was worthy of so much more than the cards he'd been dealt.

Allie is strong and brave, but haunted by her past. The brokenness that plagues her soul rivals that of Jesse's soul. Both are lost, and trying to move past all of the heartache and pain. But she was able to show Jesse his worth and to help him become the best version of himself. The happiness they found in each other while trying to heal was absolutely magical. The two of them loved hard and it was a beautiful sight to see. They were everything! A perfectly imperfect match that quickly captured my heart.

Bad Influence was a phenomenal read. I honestly had no expectations going into this book beyond hoping that I would enjoy it. Well, I was pleasantly surprised because I can honestly say that I not only thoroughly enjoyed it, but it was well beyond anything I could have expected. The writing was top-notch and everything that I hope for when reading romance. Without a doubt, this story deserves all 5 stars and more.

[TeriLyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Bad Influence generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**

5 "The best things never are...." Stars

Charleigh Rose writes amazing, edgy New Adult romance. I was swept away, back to River's Edge, pleasantly surprised at who the anti-hero of this story was and even more excited to see him paired with his perfect match. This story was a bad boy's fall from achieved grace through circumstances in which he feels a certain obligation and a quirky girl who's different than the rest trying to find a place to fit after her world gets turned upside down.

Rose worked in a pertinent theme of how we move on from devastation. "It's what we do in the aftermath that matters." takes a front row seat to the plot of this young love story and Charleigh Rose perfectly exudes the choices we can make to fulfill ourselves or our legacies. I loved this recurring theme especially at such a vulnerable age in our lives as showcased in this book. So many roads to travel that understanding and being who you are can go either way. While the girl struggles with circumstances she doesn't struggle with who she is. Juxtaposed with a boy who thinks he's one thing in life but shown he can be someone different. It makes for a seductively enthralling story.

Their relationship together is total combustion. The wit, banter, and burning chemistry held me captive from beginning to end. Plenty of emotions and vulnerability slip into the pages as both of these characters are more unassuming than you first think. I loved all the secondary characters and the roles they play in the book. There's some other unfinished relationship stories that I hope Rose gives Bad Love stories about them too. Great New Adult romance with great writing and fun story telling. Definitely recommend to romance lovers.

[Alecia (The Staircase Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Arc Received For An Unbiased review*

I'm going to keep this review quick and to the point. I just finished Bad Influence. To be honest, I liked it but I didn't love it. I needed more from the story and the connection between the characters. Something was lacking for me which made the story feel a little off.

Bad Influence is the third book in the Bad Love series and is told from the point of view of Allie and Jesse and can be read as a complete standalone. However, there were mentions of other characters I can assume are from previous books so I highly recommend checking out the series if you are the type of reader that loves the whole picture.

Having never read a novel written by Charleigh Rose, I had no clue what I was in for when I first started Bad Influence. With that being said, this was a good novel but not my most favorite. I felt the connection between Jessie and Allie was rushed in the beginning which in the end resulted in my not being able to grasp their relationship throughout the novel.

Overall, this was an okay read, but not my favorite. Maybe it'll be better if I had read the first two books before diving into this one. I may give it another read in the future.



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[vani · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5*

“Nothing gold can stay. Nothing perfect and beautiful can last forever. Nothing except Allison Parrish.”

[Lauren ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Bad Love series. It technically can be read as a standalone; however, you are introduced to Jesse in Bad Intentions. He is Lo's brother who is broody, protective; yet, an enigma though.

➤ Bad Habit: Briar and Asher (4 stars)
➤ Bad Intentions: Lo and Dare (4 stars/re-read soon)
➤ Bad Influence: Jesse and Allie

Brief Summary:
Allie moved to River Edge and is going to college nearby. She is trying to find her way through life after the tragic car accident her dad was in. She has no where to go and is staying temporarily with her friend, Halston (who lives in a dorm). Unfortunately, the RA finds out and Allie is kicked out of the dorm. Our girl is a fighter though and stubborn as hell to lean on others, so she takes matter in her own hands and has been staying at where she works (which is the diner Jesse's sister runs/own). Jesse has many masks and the one he has firmly in place when he meets/encounters Allie is this cocky playboy college guy with no care in the world. However, underneath that bravado is a swirl of emotions and he is harboring a 'big' secret. Jesse can't seem to stay away from Allie even though they got off on the wrong foot not once but twice. Allie and Jesse have an unusual bond to each other as they both consider them self "outsiders." Jesse finds out Allie is staying at Blackbear and calls it in for Lo in order to set in motion Allie being stuck with no option but to live with Jesse and Lo. What happens when these two are put under the same roof?

"This isn't a good idea," he says, his voice strained.
"The best things never are."


"Who do you think I am?"
"An outsider like me."

So, I felt the book started off great and I loved the witty banter between Allie and Jesse. However, it sorta fell flat to me when the story line became repetitive and the virgin-heroine trope became the focal point of the story. I sorta found myself skimming at times and it overall took me longer than usual to get through this book. There was also the side drama of OW/OM that was also a main theme that became boring to me as it was redundant. Additionally, I felt that there was not a good basis for development for them as separate characters and their relationship. Specifically, their relationship was this instalove. They really didn't know much about each other and it was known throughout the WHOLE book. Sure, they knew each other physically and had this bond, but it wasn't explored that much and overall their relationship lacked development. Jesse as a character - his "big" secret is revealed and it is solved within mere pages. There was all this build up and mystery surrounding it. At first it looked so promising and I highly anticipated to see what it was but then it was revealed and solved SO quickly. As for each Allie's character development, I felt that Allie forgave Jesse so quickly after their fight. Within a few pages of the last chapter they ended fighting and had their HEA. Even how she was coping with her dad's death/ her mom being distant with her was wrapped so hastily between the last chapter and epilogue. Overall, the characters could have bene flourished a bit better.


ALSO THE. SUCKER. SCENE.



... OMG.... JUST NO...

It was honestly just not my cup of tea and I was not prepared to read that.

I did really enjoy the secondary characters - Halston and Sully. So, I read Guys Like you which is a novella about these two in Team Player 2: A Sports Anthology. They ultimately were my favorite part and I am looking to do a re-read soon of this one!

3 stars read for me!

[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 'Allison and strawberry' Stars!
ARC provided by the author via Enticing Journey in exchange for an honest review.


Okay, I've been dying for Jesse Shepherd ever since meeting him in Charleigh's last book in this series (Bad Intentions), focused on the story of Jesse's sister, Lo. Now, finally we get to get inside Jesse's mind and seeing the life that has let him to become this cocky and misterious man. And he meets his perfect match in Allie, a young woman who is still lost after losing her father and now she is back to River's Edge to focus on her future. She is defintely not ready to fall in love but that happens to be impossible to stop.

Bad Influence is Charleigh Rose's newest release and the third installment in her Bad Love series. As I said, we meet Jesse Shepherd in the last book because he is the younger brother of Logan (the heroine of Bad Intentions). I just fell in love with these two siblings and their difficult story and I knew that Jesse was more than the cocky playboy he seemed to be. He hides layers and layers of secrets and Allison Parrish, with her sarcasm and her quirky personality, is about to change his game forever. These two broken people embark on a journey that becomes a beautiful love story.

Every time I think I’ve successfully separated myself from my past, and I feel like I’m moving forward, something happens to pull me right back under.

Being with him like this is bittersweet. I feel like I’m on top of the world when we’re in our own little bubble, but what happens when that bubble bursts?

Of course, Charleigh continues surprising us with this phenomenal series. I keep falling in love with crew of characters that seems to grow with every new release. Now it was time for Jesse and Allie and let me tell you, it was so worth the wait! These two and their personalities clash but they also melt together. I loved the "I hate you but I want you" back and forth, the sexual tension, the emotional moments and the burning chemistry between this couple. I loved peeling the layers of both these characters and seeing them vulnerable with each other. It was beautiful to see Jesse and his Allie girl falling in love. Yes, it did take them a while but when they got together.. GAH! SO good!

The best things in life are always unexpected, and loving Jesse Shepherd is definitely the best thing in life.

Therefore, my rating for Bad Influence is 4 STARS because I found it a fantastic example of New Adult romance, with awesome characters, a couple full of feelings and chemistry and lots of beautiful, emotional, funny and sexy moments. I loved seeing playboy Jesse falling for Allie and viceversa. These two just worked so well together and I am so glad, in the end, that they found such a strong and unique connection between them. And of course, it was great to catch up with the whole River's Edge crew and I cannot wait to see who is next in the series because I love these people so much!

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[Rochelle ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad Influence is reminiscent of innumerous romances that readers have read before—manwhore hero; innocent heroine; an enemies to lovers connection, etc. Because of this, this romance felt cliche and foreseeable leaving me saddened and neither loving nor hating Allie and Jesse. Whatever connection they formed felt lacklustre and watered-down, an unfortunate conclusion as this author’s written some steam-filled enemies to lovers romances before.

Love is real. Powerful. It has the potential to destroy you. To start wars and end lives. Love is a weapon. Love is dangerous, and I want nothing to do with it.

I found it difficult to connect with Allison Parrish—she’s immature, described as flawed and tortured (we didn’t receive enough glimpses into this) and for someone ‘strong-willed’, Allie didn’t hesitate to run away from her issues and refused to acknowledge them. Jesse Shepherd’s characterisation is meant to be shattered, a little tortured and an irresistible mess that readers can’t stay away from. I needed more chapters and further exploration into Jesse’s character to be enamoured with him, or to feel any kind of emotion for his struggles.

Further to finding it difficult to connect with either main character, Bad Influence started and ended in an abrupt fashion, it was kind of jarring and disorienting. I needed more established details to better understand and appreciate Allie and Jesse’s connection rather than be thrown into a situation of sudden, unexplained history. Other aspects that annoyed me: Jesse’s secret, even when it came so late; Allie's friend's random possessiveness that added zero substance besides convenient jealousy and the other man who didn't contribute to the overall narrative.

She pushes, I push back, neither one of us wanting to be the first to bend—the first to show something real.

Overall, Bad Influence was alright. I love this author's writing and the way she constructs her enemies to lovers romances—they're always delicious angst-ridden messes! But this didn't have that same shine the others in this series owned. It followed an overused combination of concepts that didn't make this feel different, or even exciting, as it was never given unique qualities to go beyond what it is.



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[Milica's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty alright. Lovely story and characters but nothing special, at least for me.