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Bad for Me #1

Bad Boyfriend

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After five years of wasting my Journalism Degree writing an advice column, my editor offers me my first real assignment.

Too bad I'll have to work alongside a Private Investigator from out of town.

Enter Grayson Cole.

The broody and secretive bad boy who took my V-Card eight summers ago then broke my heart.

After years of hating Grayson for leaving without saying goodbye, now I'm the only person who can pose as his girlfriend.

Between the long hours working together and the public displays of affection, it's getting harder to tell what's real.

I need to walk away before history repeats itself.

But when Grayson shows up at my door in the middle of the night and tells me why he really came back...

What started out as fake, becomes dangerously real…

147 pages, ebook

Published June 30, 2020

315 people are currently reading
375 people want to read

About the author

Lexi Hart

43 books275 followers
Lexi Hart is an escaped lunatic from New Zealand masquerading as an author.

She’s interviewed detectives, spent a night in a police station and been for a ride-along in the back of a police car, all in the name of research.

If you can track her down, you’ll most likely find her watching British comedies, quizzes, a combination of the two, or reading mysteries.

When her slightly malfunctioning body allows, she writes romance stories filled with twists, humor, and a whole lot of steam.

Lexi's way too impulsive to use social media, but she loves to share things that make her laugh, so if you want to stay in touch be sure to subscribe to her VIP mailing list.

www.lexihartromance.com

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5 stars
170 (31%)
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153 (28%)
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149 (27%)
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45 (8%)
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22 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Mills.
1,871 reviews171 followers
August 10, 2021
Rarely have I seen a more apt title than Bad Boyfriend. Grayson isn't just a bad boyfriend, but terrible, godawful, absolutely abysmal... and not even Isobel's boyfriend.

There's not much to recommend this book. It needs editing, chiefly for homonyms and punctuation. The plot is underwhelming because we effectively join the story after 95% of the investigation has already taken place. It's pretty disappointing to make a main character a journalist and then have their only contribution to an investigation happen by accident. Doesn't make for much of a thriller or detective story, that. "You just restored my faith in journalism"?? Are you kidding? Did I miss her actually do something?

There's slut shaming (of someone who had sex ONE time, no less). There are food hang-ups - "Do you always eat like that?" - "I've put on three pounds since you started making [cronuts]". I can barely decide if I'm more annoyed by the man who thinks he has the right to tell a woman how she should eat or by the woman who thinks three pounds is horrific. I'd quite like to punch both of them.

It's very hard to put any faith in the romance aspect of Bad Boyfriend. For one, the hero is very unlikeable and there's not much to suggest that this is a new development. Knowing that a woman named Isobel might be nicknamed Izzy is not romantic. It's obvious. I don't believe that having sex one time, eight years before, is enough to make them "the one". Nor does bickering with them over the course of a few days and having lacklustre sex - or even amazing sex - a couple of times mean you should No, girl. No, no, no. Don't do it. Find some sensible shoes and start running away from this asshole.
Profile Image for Nova.
2,710 reviews102 followers
June 18, 2020
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

It has taken her five years but Isobel has finally been asked to take on a real assignment, she is required to work beside a private investigator and pose as his girlfriend but said investigator just turns out to be none other than Grayson the man she gave her virginity to eight years ago only for him to vanish. She’s need really got over the hurt he caused, could she finally get the answers as to why he left her and will she ever forgive him when the truth comes out?

Grayson Cole is working on a case and needs a fake girlfriend and fast, he is shocked when he ends up with Isobel, he knows he broke her heart eight years ago and although he tried he never forgot her. There are still feelings a lot of heat between them but he’s unwilling to look at the past because the secrets he’s hiding. Could these secrets change everything and will Grayson be able to restore her trust in him?

This was a tension filled, action packed dramatic book with fantastic characters who really do deserve their happily ever after. Ms Hart has once again written a fabulous read and I cannot tell you how much I enjoy this authors writing. Highly recommended read and fingers crossed there is more to come in this series. 5 awesome ***** read.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
August 18, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/18/2020)! 🎁
11.6k reviews49 followers
June 22, 2020
This isn't her Agony Aunt assignment anymore

Well sign me up for a bad boyfriend if he is like Grayson Cole. because he is bad in all he most deliciously sinful and satisfying ways!!!
Bad Boyfriend is the first book in the Bad For Me series by Lexi Hart. This is the story of Isabel "Izzy" Riley and Grayson Cole.
Izzy has been working for five years at The Standard in Haven's Beach but not doing what she really wanted to do. Instead of being an investigative journalist she has been tirelessly working as the advice columnist just waiting for her break. Grayson Cole is a Private Investigator who is in need of a research assistant who can also pose as his girlfriend at events. When she is assigned to help him fireworks area going to go off but not in the good day initially. They have a history that did not end well but they will have to figure out how to either get around their history or ignore it all together. As they continue to pose feelings come back and before Izzy knows it she is being drawn into something that is dangerous, mysterious, intriguing and action packed. But then add on their romance and you get a very intriguing story with wonderful characters.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews75 followers
June 23, 2020
Bad Boyfriend is definitely an unexpected gem of a find and not what I was expecting. Izzy and Grayson's story is full of mystery, passion and twist and turns that you don't see coming.

Just when Izzy was moving on the one person who has always been in the back of her mind comes rushing back in. Grayson has secrets, not only with his about his past but with his heart. I found myself on the edge of my seat as I dove into the book, tied up in all the secrets and omitted truths as the story unfolds.

Izzy is an amazing character, at the beginning her friends and family have an image of her as being week and barely able to take care of herself. By the end not only does she prove them wrong but stands on her on feet and begins a path no one could have expected.

This fascinating story was hard to put down, with each turn of the page you want more and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,693 reviews33 followers
June 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was full of action, drama, tension, unresolved feelings and just a smart fresh story that had me taken in and involved from the very start. I hadnt expected the plot to go in that direction but so glad it did.
The story was fun, unpredictable at times and the dialogue was sharp and on the ball. I loved Grayson and Izzy. They were so good together. From the history they had, there was no way I could have guessed where it would go. Well done Lexi Hart! Definitely a favourite book now. You surprised me a few times with it and that is pure fun for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews362 followers
June 16, 2020
After five years of doing an advice column, Isabel finally is offered a “real” assignment by her editor, but she will have to work with a Private Investigator from out of town. Unfortunately, she has bad history with Grayson Cole who walked out on her and broke her heart. Now she has to pretend to be his girlfriend as a cover for his investigation?

But working long hours showing affection to the public is bringing it all back – all the good stuff, that is. And she doesn’t want to fall for him and risk her heart again! But Grayson has something to tell her that may turn things completely around. What secret has he been keeping? Can she ever trust him again?
Profile Image for Turningcover.
303 reviews4 followers
June 15, 2020
Grayson's back and Isabel has been recruited to pose as his girlfriend, while he works on a case. Needless to say, things began rocky between them. She was not over the past, and he did not want to discuss it. Can Isabel restore her trust in Grayson?
This story was intense but also entertaining. There is never a dull moment. The stress, action, and secrets keep you wanting more.
When their morals collide, how will they carry on?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,768 reviews12 followers
June 21, 2020
Wonderful written story from Lexi! Can you ever forget your first? First crush, first partner? Isabel fell for the bad boy Grayson and he’s her first. But when he left with no explanation, we’ll that will be a pain she carries for awhile. Forward years ahead Isabel is a journalist working her first assignment that will be big! Incoming Grayson is the one she has to work with! Answers are needed! Chemistry will melt hearts! I live these two characters and the drama & action will keep you on your toes!
Profile Image for Debra Soehner.
1,278 reviews10 followers
June 10, 2020
Isabelle is a wanna be reporter and Grayson is working a case that entails Isabelle pretending to be his girlfriend. Isabelle lost her virginity to Grayson 8 years before and is still carrying a torch for him. Lots of action and drama unfold but love this author and her books. Couldn’t put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,665 reviews9 followers
June 15, 2020
Grayson was now a PI and Isabel a junior reporter. He needed a fake girlfriend for a week as a cover for an investigation he was busy with. Characters who heat up the pages and just click emotionally.
An author who makes my face light up when I see a new book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Evy.
748 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2020
Wow I loved the one Wild weekend series but this is as promising as can be! I’m a fan!
I loved everything about this story, couldn’t put it down. The love, the suspense, it’s everything.
A must read, can’t wait for the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,275 reviews
June 10, 2020
Grayson and Isabel have a past that was cut short. They are pulled back together by their jobs and it is a action packed story for these two.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mandy Casey.
194 reviews8 followers
June 15, 2020
I wasn't sure what Lexi was thinking when she decided to to write a book that didn't start with "One Wild Weekend With..." but she pulled it off! Grayson and Isabel's story is a great read with lots of heat!
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
3,411 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2020
This story is really well written, has characters that are created with tantalizing depth and captivating story line.

Do yourself a favor and get this one. It is worth every penny.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
June 19, 2020
I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.
1,918 reviews9 followers
June 13, 2020
This story pulled me in from the very first page and I could not put it down. I loved the characters so much.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12.1k reviews75 followers
June 15, 2020
The author has given us characters we can care about. The story pulls you in and does not let go. With tension, action and secrets, you cannot help but keep turning the pages to find out if Grayson and Isabel will be able to have a happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,554 reviews36 followers
June 22, 2020
I thought this story would be the normal type of story - drama, angst and second chance at love. I was pleasantly surprised by the twist in the story that had all of that and more. The characters were intriguing to begin with than add the extra knowledge of the reveals and it became fascinating. Good story

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laronda.
965 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2022
Bad is the right word

I am honestly on the fence in this one, it had a bit of danger/suspense and romance and we even aorta get HEA. However, something was still missing. I liked that Grayson wasn't as heartless as Isobel thought but I wasn't feeling the reconnection.
Profile Image for Petra.
1,494 reviews
June 20, 2020
Grayson returns after eight years to investigate....something. He’s very vague about it. Isabel wants closure to the way he suddenly left her all those years ago, right after their first -and only- night together.

So when she’s asked to be his fake girlfriend for his assignment, she agrees, without knowing what she’s getting into.

I really enjoyed this romantic suspense story, which had a few twists I didn’t see coming. It makes you wonder whether you know everything that’s going on in your hometown.

I received an arc of this book and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
1,223 reviews5 followers
June 18, 2020
This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride of deceit, deception and intrigue. Izzy is a gorgeous ,independent, stubborn, single woman who has lived in her hometown her entire life. She has never gotten over her first love - Grayson. Grayson is back in town. He is good looking, bad boy who has come back to town and needs some help on a case. Izzy will be working with him. The story is filled with twists and turns, ups and downs and turnarounds you are never sure what’s going to happen. Izzy is having a hard time getting her feelings straightened out. Grayson is finding this isn’t as easy as he thought it would be. It’s a page-turner. It was an enjoyable read, original and unpredictable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
328 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2020
This story is a real roller coaster. A woman arises from a heartbroken girl eight years ago to become a reporter, she wants to report the truth and helps to expose the dirt. Now that the man broke her heart is back in town. He somehow ropes her into being his fake girlfriend. It is just not clear what he is trying to do. The story is action packed and the truth comes out one by one like peeling an onion in layers. I am thrilled to read this story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
2,797 reviews4 followers
June 16, 2020
To get her first reporting assignment, Isabel must work with a private investigator, Grayson. He needed a fake girlfriend as a cover for his investigation. He broke her heart eight years ago when he left without any explanation. Can Isabel do this? The more they work together the harder it is to not blur the lines. Will she learn why he left the first time? I enjoyed this second chance romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,577 reviews35 followers
June 25, 2020
A Good read! An entertaining, well written, emotionally deep, and engaging second chance book one in the Bad for Me series! There are twists and turns, ups and downs, suspense, secrets, action, and a roller coaster of other emotions highlighted in this page turner to keep you interested from start to finish. The characters you will love and root for; the chemistry between them is amazing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,089 reviews16 followers
July 8, 2020
Just how good is Lexi Hart. I just love her work.
This is and exceptional book written by a very good author.
This is Grayson and Isobel's story. They have history, not all that good. Now they have to work together.
Will the be able to trust each other again?
This is such a brilliant read that had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line.
I recommend that you read it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Miri.
38 reviews
May 12, 2021
This book is supposed to include at least some things of romance. But the things being portrayed here are just wrong.... Let me explain why:

Portrayal of Love:
Izzy, the main character, slept with the male lead, Grayson, when she was around 16/17. Not only did she never talk to him before, he leaves the day after. In the end, she is utterly hung up on a ONS with a boy she lusted after for one summer for 8 years. Girl, get a life!! You don't even know the boy!!! (Her sister is the only sane person in this book because she tells her this multiple times!)
The guy comes back into her life and surprise, surprise - he never forgot her, too, even though he is a cold vigilante now who doesn't trust anyone. Of course he has a sad story included so that Izzy can forgive him.
But here is what annoys me: he didn't forget her because of her body and the sex - not her character or their time together - which was (just to remind you) only ONE night. Because of that it is obvious that his infuriation is solemnly based on outward appearances. Moreover, when we read Grayson's POV, he only talks about her looks and how he wants to sleep with her...
All in all, this makes it seem like women are just accessories with curves and a vagina. Sorry, I didn't like it. I don't believe that people can love each other that much after one night together. Love is portrayed as something based on sex in this book which is purely as shallow as the characters.

Portrayal of justice:
What made me even more annoyed is the whole story about the vigilante act, in which Grayson cruelly kills a man like he has done many times in the past. Not only does the main lead think this is ok, she even comes to believe that this is is the only way to do justice.
In the way the author builds up the characters around the story, murder is flat out glorified. Grayson doesn't have consequences due to his act of killing and everybody in town seems to think that the murder was ok. I'm not saying that the person being killed in this story was not evil, but death was portrayed too lightly and the characters were too fine with it. No, just no!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mindy Root.
40 reviews
May 12, 2021
What I thought was going to be a lighter, easy read romance with a little bit of drama turned into more than this reader bargained for. A second-chance, enemy to lover type story started off in a fairly normal way, but it quickly turned into a vigilante novel with romance as a distraction. The blurb does NOT describe this book AT ALL!
This type of storyline CANNOT be wrapped up in less than 150 pages unless a previous book has set it up, which it did not. There are too many moving parts to successfully portray these characters with the depth they need for the plot. It moved quickly and without much explanation. From the start, none of it felt organic rather it was pushed along by the author without any regard for the reader, who is left wanting more - more explanation, more depth, more motivation, more EVERYTHING.
This brings me to my next point, the book was poorly written as well. It was hard to get through over half of it because the writing quality is worse than a middle school English student. The book is riddled with grammatical errors and typos. I forced myself to finish even though I knew I'd be disappointed.
Profile Image for Jackie.
1,631 reviews7 followers
April 23, 2021
Wow

So much mystery and intrigue. Liked how you thought the story was going one way and went in a completely different direction. With a who done it investigative foundation. You get the behind the scenes investigative side of the bad things that go on under the shiny surface of the world. The quote, “ where corruptions is, justice doesn’t exist” is totally right. And honestly I hope there are groups out there taking care of the Evil of the world that goes free because of those they have in their pocket. Grayson was multi layered and you really wanted to get to the heart of the story with him and why he does what he does. I like Izzy. She was strong yet vulnerable when it came to him. You could see that depots their banter and heat they were good for one another. I didn’t like her sister and all her nagging but I guess it is what a true siblong would do who thinks they know best and wants to protect their family and loved one.
Profile Image for Sarah.
154 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2021
Terrible

Needs editing. There are so many grammatical mistakes. The love interest has absolutely no redeeming qualities. Grayson belittles Isabel every chance he gets. He is a complete chauvinist who treats Isabel like she’s an airhead not worth anything more than his sexual attraction to her, even though he needs her and her investigative journalism background could help him investigate his case. He acts like he is so much better than her while claiming she’s too good for him. He tells her at one point that she looks like his maid! And I understand that no one can control how they feel about someone and Isabel feels a connection to him but she keeps insisting he can change even though it seems like he has only changed for the worse.
The writing is so fake. Everything feels rushed, but not in an intentional way. I just really hates this. I won’t read more from this author again.
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