What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bad Boy Trilogy
Three Firesparking Standalones by a USA Today Bestselling Author
Spy Thy Neighbor:
I flew across the country with one goal in my mind.... finish my book.... and perhaps lick the wounds of my shredded heart. My editor was screaming for the first draft, my agent was nagging for teasers, and my publisher was reminding me that my strict deadline was only weeks away. However, there was a dilemma: I had writer's block. Not a little spanner thrown into the works writer's block.
Writers. Block.
Just as I was about to call in defeat, I spotted him. The bearded, tattooed man who lives in the glasshouse next door. He was in a venereal, lust-filled twist with a pretty blonde who had buxom bosoms and legs that went for miles.
I should have looked away.
I should have respected his privacy.
I should NOT have taken detailed dot points on his impressive technique, well-carved physique, and droplets of sweat running down his tattooed torso.
However, each precise thrust of his hips had words flowing quicker than I could write them.
He was my inspiration. My muse. My next alpha male book boyfriend.
Everything was perfect.... until the bearded man spotted me spying on him.
The Opposite Effect:
Brax Anderson is the #1 bachelor on his side of Ravenshoe. With ruggedly handsome looks and a gorgeous heart, women swarm to him like bees to a honeypot. His grandma, friends, and a few hours between the sheets with a variety of bunnies keeps his blood pumping. He is a self-proclaimed bachelor with no intentions of settling down.
That all changes when a girl from the right side of the tracks saunters into his life. With a fire-breathing attitude and a body even hotter than that, it is not just Brax's blood pressure surging to record-breaking highs. The blonde princess tosses out callous words like they're grenades, and can spar with the best of them, but what happens when a beauty meets a beast she can't conquer?
Will Brax defy the laws of attraction? Or will the dragon finally slay the princess?
I Married A Mob Boss:
I thought waking up hungover with no recollection of the previous twenty-four hours would be the worst thing I’d encounter during my whirlwind trip to Vegas. It wasn’t... not even close. Not only did I wake up in a strange room with a platinum band wrapped around my finger, I witnessed something no woman should ever see: a gruesome murder.
If that wasn’t unscrupulous enough, the unspeakable act was done by my husband: the stranger I married.
With freshly signed alimony papers and a guilt-riddled heart, I left Vegas praying what happens in Vegas truly does stay in Vegas. My hope was left for dust when the fragment of my life I tried to forget collided into the present.
Can the guarded, tortured man I married keep me safe when he is the one I need protecting from the most?
*
For TWs please visit the author's website.
Spy Thy Neighbor:
I flew across the country with one goal in my mind.... finish my book.... and perhaps lick the wounds of my shredded heart. My editor was screaming for the first draft, my agent was nagging for teasers, and my publisher was reminding me that my strict deadline was only weeks away. However, there was a dilemma: I had writer's block. Not a little spanner thrown into the works writer's block.
Writers. Block.
Just as I was about to call in defeat, I spotted him. The bearded, tattooed man who lives in the glasshouse next door. He was in a venereal, lust-filled twist with a pretty blonde who had buxom bosoms and legs that went for miles.
I should have looked away.
I should have respected his privacy.
I should NOT have taken detailed dot points on his impressive technique, well-carved physique, and droplets of sweat running down his tattooed torso.
However, each precise thrust of his hips had words flowing quicker than I could write them.
He was my inspiration. My muse. My next alpha male book boyfriend.
Everything was perfect.... until the bearded man spotted me spying on him.
The Opposite Effect:
Brax Anderson is the #1 bachelor on his side of Ravenshoe. With ruggedly handsome looks and a gorgeous heart, women swarm to him like bees to a honeypot. His grandma, friends, and a few hours between the sheets with a variety of bunnies keeps his blood pumping. He is a self-proclaimed bachelor with no intentions of settling down.
That all changes when a girl from the right side of the tracks saunters into his life. With a fire-breathing attitude and a body even hotter than that, it is not just Brax's blood pressure surging to record-breaking highs. The blonde princess tosses out callous words like they're grenades, and can spar with the best of them, but what happens when a beauty meets a beast she can't conquer?
Will Brax defy the laws of attraction? Or will the dragon finally slay the princess?
I Married A Mob Boss:
I thought waking up hungover with no recollection of the previous twenty-four hours would be the worst thing I’d encounter during my whirlwind trip to Vegas. It wasn’t... not even close. Not only did I wake up in a strange room with a platinum band wrapped around my finger, I witnessed something no woman should ever see: a gruesome murder.
If that wasn’t unscrupulous enough, the unspeakable act was done by my husband: the stranger I married.
With freshly signed alimony papers and a guilt-riddled heart, I left Vegas praying what happens in Vegas truly does stay in Vegas. My hope was left for dust when the fragment of my life I tried to forget collided into the present.
Can the guarded, tortured man I married keep me safe when he is the one I need protecting from the most?
*
For TWs please visit the author's website.
894 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2020
347 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Shandi Boyes
98 books2,201 followersShandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.
In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.
You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!
Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi
SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)
Enigma:
Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot
Bound:
Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained
Russian Mob Chronicles:
Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me
You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!
I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...
Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU
Enjoy reading!
In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.
You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!
Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi
SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)
Enigma:
Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot
Bound:
Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained
Russian Mob Chronicles:
Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me
You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!
I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...
Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU
Enjoy reading!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 16, 2022
Spy Thy Neighbor is 5 stars worthy and going in my library.
Hunters Story - 5 out of 5
Definitely one of my favorites of the series! I love Paige, I love reading about her growth from the beginning of the story to the ending. I was on a roller coaster of feelings all throughout the book and I think this is the first book where I loved the Female Main Character more than the Guys. Holy crap was she a badass and yet vulnerable. This was probably one of the SPICIEST books in the series that I have read so far and I absolutely loved it. She was a perfect balance to Hunters personality and I love how the author wrote their relationship. I believed their relationship. It wasn’t just some ‘whirlwind of hormones and knowing he’s the one’. It was getting to know each other, learn about each other, open up to each other. And Paige was hilarious! I loved her character and how she interacted with Hunter. I love that she drew inspiration from him for her work and for her to become this confident strong woman. The end of Chapter 18 was probably one of the best written spicy scenes in the series I swear. I believed that Hunter honestly treasured her. This is going on my To Buy list for my Library. I will come back to read this over and over again.
Clara’s Story- 3 out of 5 stars
When I realized that this was Clara’s story I was so excited to read it. I love Brax since he definitely has Charlie Hunnam vibes and I was all for it. I enjoyed reading about the tattoo shop and the characters in there. There was some moments in the book where the Spicy scenes felt more realistic like in Chapter 18. The whole Chapter 18 was one of my favorite chapters honestly. However, I really didn’t like how Clara’s story developed. She went from one extreme to the next and I felt like I was getting whiplash from reading about her. She definitely started out as a Karen and then I guess grew into a semi decent human being of a Karen? Honestly I don’t know but I feel like the story really was more about Brax then her. There was some missed opportunities to strengthen her character especially during Chapter 25, I was already imagining what was going to go down when a certain someone showed up but instead that whole meeting was glossed over. I also hated how Cormack interacted with Clara in this story, it seems out of character but there’s probably more behind the scenes that was happening to explain why he was the way he was. Overall, Brax saved the story but it was only an ok read. Overall it was a decent book but not, to buy worthy.
Enrique’s Story - 2 out of 5 stars
Did we really need his story? Honestly, I read it in the hopes that there was some type of cameo from one of the other characters since Enrique’s is connected to a certain someone. The story feels short and I didn’t like Blaire at all. She never developed passed her initial character in my opinion and honestly, I think Enrique could have found someone better. The Shmexy scenes were actually enjoyable to read as we get to see a side of Blaire where I believe she is more confident and almost seems on the verge of growing and then the scene ends and we are back to where she started. It was a meh read to me honestly, there is a lot of potential where the author could have taken the story and yet decided not to. Too bad, this was the first story that I have read of hers where I honestly don’t think I would have missed out if I had skipped it. Overall it’s not, to buy worthy.
Hunters Story - 5 out of 5
Definitely one of my favorites of the series! I love Paige, I love reading about her growth from the beginning of the story to the ending. I was on a roller coaster of feelings all throughout the book and I think this is the first book where I loved the Female Main Character more than the Guys. Holy crap was she a badass and yet vulnerable. This was probably one of the SPICIEST books in the series that I have read so far and I absolutely loved it. She was a perfect balance to Hunters personality and I love how the author wrote their relationship. I believed their relationship. It wasn’t just some ‘whirlwind of hormones and knowing he’s the one’. It was getting to know each other, learn about each other, open up to each other. And Paige was hilarious! I loved her character and how she interacted with Hunter. I love that she drew inspiration from him for her work and for her to become this confident strong woman. The end of Chapter 18 was probably one of the best written spicy scenes in the series I swear. I believed that Hunter honestly treasured her. This is going on my To Buy list for my Library. I will come back to read this over and over again.
Clara’s Story- 3 out of 5 stars
When I realized that this was Clara’s story I was so excited to read it. I love Brax since he definitely has Charlie Hunnam vibes and I was all for it. I enjoyed reading about the tattoo shop and the characters in there. There was some moments in the book where the Spicy scenes felt more realistic like in Chapter 18. The whole Chapter 18 was one of my favorite chapters honestly. However, I really didn’t like how Clara’s story developed. She went from one extreme to the next and I felt like I was getting whiplash from reading about her. She definitely started out as a Karen and then I guess grew into a semi decent human being of a Karen? Honestly I don’t know but I feel like the story really was more about Brax then her. There was some missed opportunities to strengthen her character especially during Chapter 25, I was already imagining what was going to go down when a certain someone showed up but instead that whole meeting was glossed over. I also hated how Cormack interacted with Clara in this story, it seems out of character but there’s probably more behind the scenes that was happening to explain why he was the way he was. Overall, Brax saved the story but it was only an ok read. Overall it was a decent book but not, to buy worthy.
Enrique’s Story - 2 out of 5 stars
Did we really need his story? Honestly, I read it in the hopes that there was some type of cameo from one of the other characters since Enrique’s is connected to a certain someone. The story feels short and I didn’t like Blaire at all. She never developed passed her initial character in my opinion and honestly, I think Enrique could have found someone better. The Shmexy scenes were actually enjoyable to read as we get to see a side of Blaire where I believe she is more confident and almost seems on the verge of growing and then the scene ends and we are back to where she started. It was a meh read to me honestly, there is a lot of potential where the author could have taken the story and yet decided not to. Too bad, this was the first story that I have read of hers where I honestly don’t think I would have missed out if I had skipped it. Overall it’s not, to buy worthy.
January 24, 2025
Here are my overall thoughts about each book ironically in the order of the ones I like most to least.
Spy Thy Neighbor
Okay first off Hunter Kane is the funniest and sassiest man in this whole Enigma universe and you can not prove me otherwise. I have really enjoyed reading all the characters I love have there chance for a happy ending.
Paige is an amazing character who I loved to see grow with the help of hunter. I am sad we didn’t get to have Hunter’s POV through out the book. I think it would have totally killed to have a POV of hunter realizing he fucked up and going to get the book for Paige. Even if I think the note was cringy, like pookie bear, come on. I will say having Paige tie into all the characters by writing the story’s aka being the “writer” of Enigma is totally genius.
I totally would have read this book on its own even without loving the other books. That being said I would recommend reading the other books in order to get the best experience. Now on to the Next!
The Opposite Effect
First off I will say I am not very close or familiar with the whole McGergor of the story. I understand why she did what she did in the sense of having two half hearts heal into one thing. But I will still say she was so far off with what she said and did.
Did I enjoy seeing her be mugged and almost SAed no but I did enjoy having those small moments like her car being towed or her having the eviction notice. I feel like it made her a stronger person within the book.
Brax really humanized her. I think sometimes it’s hard remembering that the people that are supposed to be evil in these books are human, don’t get me wrong there are definitely characters that are just evil no doubt about it but people like Clara just trying to be loved and understanding exist.
I enjoyed the book this one you would definitely need to read the other story’s to understand but I would say definitely a solid read.
I Married a Mob Boss
Okay so cute story I will say I am happy Rico got his own story and happy ending, my only issue is if he was already under FBI protection why did he have to disappear when the whole Isabelle thing went down.
I understand that in order to get Blaire her safety and Katie safety he needed to go back to the Popov compound and all but it would have also been nice to have a story of him just trying to be normal and meeting Blaire like that.
this book was definitely my least favorite of the three. That being said I am yet to see if it was an important enough read for the rest of the series anyway.
Spy Thy Neighbor
Okay first off Hunter Kane is the funniest and sassiest man in this whole Enigma universe and you can not prove me otherwise. I have really enjoyed reading all the characters I love have there chance for a happy ending.
Paige is an amazing character who I loved to see grow with the help of hunter. I am sad we didn’t get to have Hunter’s POV through out the book. I think it would have totally killed to have a POV of hunter realizing he fucked up and going to get the book for Paige. Even if I think the note was cringy, like pookie bear, come on. I will say having Paige tie into all the characters by writing the story’s aka being the “writer” of Enigma is totally genius.
I totally would have read this book on its own even without loving the other books. That being said I would recommend reading the other books in order to get the best experience. Now on to the Next!
The Opposite Effect
First off I will say I am not very close or familiar with the whole McGergor of the story. I understand why she did what she did in the sense of having two half hearts heal into one thing. But I will still say she was so far off with what she said and did.
Did I enjoy seeing her be mugged and almost SAed no but I did enjoy having those small moments like her car being towed or her having the eviction notice. I feel like it made her a stronger person within the book.
Brax really humanized her. I think sometimes it’s hard remembering that the people that are supposed to be evil in these books are human, don’t get me wrong there are definitely characters that are just evil no doubt about it but people like Clara just trying to be loved and understanding exist.
I enjoyed the book this one you would definitely need to read the other story’s to understand but I would say definitely a solid read.
I Married a Mob Boss
Okay so cute story I will say I am happy Rico got his own story and happy ending, my only issue is if he was already under FBI protection why did he have to disappear when the whole Isabelle thing went down.
I understand that in order to get Blaire her safety and Katie safety he needed to go back to the Popov compound and all but it would have also been nice to have a story of him just trying to be normal and meeting Blaire like that.
this book was definitely my least favorite of the three. That being said I am yet to see if it was an important enough read for the rest of the series anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
This was three Stories in one book. These were Characters that played a role in the first book Enigma (Isaac and Isabel) Great story I have to write my thoughts on that book.
First book “Spy Thy neighbor “ was great from the beginning,
Middle and end. Hawk who works for Isaac as a computer hacker..and we get dive into his personal life and let me tell you it was not dull. Hawk had a neighbor who was a writer suffering from writers block and this writer her name is Paige used him as inspiration by spying him and sexual escapades until he caught her spying ..I give this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Second story “The opposite Effect “ was about Clara and how her life turned out when her Family decided to disowned her for her savage behavior. If you read Enigma you will remember Clara was obsessed with Isaac and did try to Break Isaac and Isabel up. Isaac is best friends with Clara’s brother. Isaac told her brother of her behavior and Clara was cut off from her family fortune . Then she met a Tattoo artist Brax her changed her whole outlook on life and money. I honestly enjoyed this story. I give this story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Now the Third and last story “ I married a Mob boss” this story was ok I really couldn’t get into much but it was not bad. This is Enrique story. Enrique is Isabel’s brother … who was
A part of Vladimir (Enrique dad)Popoov Russian mob. On a weekend in Vegas he ended marrying Blaire in which she was a girl he saved 10 years ago and when he first met her he was
Smitten by her. On world wind weekend they bump into
One another she’s drunk out her mind and marries him..I give this story ⭐️⭐️⭐️spice 🌶️🌶️
First book “Spy Thy neighbor “ was great from the beginning,
Middle and end. Hawk who works for Isaac as a computer hacker..and we get dive into his personal life and let me tell you it was not dull. Hawk had a neighbor who was a writer suffering from writers block and this writer her name is Paige used him as inspiration by spying him and sexual escapades until he caught her spying ..I give this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Second story “The opposite Effect “ was about Clara and how her life turned out when her Family decided to disowned her for her savage behavior. If you read Enigma you will remember Clara was obsessed with Isaac and did try to Break Isaac and Isabel up. Isaac is best friends with Clara’s brother. Isaac told her brother of her behavior and Clara was cut off from her family fortune . Then she met a Tattoo artist Brax her changed her whole outlook on life and money. I honestly enjoyed this story. I give this story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Now the Third and last story “ I married a Mob boss” this story was ok I really couldn’t get into much but it was not bad. This is Enrique story. Enrique is Isabel’s brother … who was
A part of Vladimir (Enrique dad)Popoov Russian mob. On a weekend in Vegas he ended marrying Blaire in which she was a girl he saved 10 years ago and when he first met her he was
Smitten by her. On world wind weekend they bump into
One another she’s drunk out her mind and marries him..I give this story ⭐️⭐️⭐️spice 🌶️🌶️
July 8, 2022
YES!!
This series just keeps getting better. Nothing hotter than a strong Alpha male taking control, and also releasing control. I think this was my favorite book so far, I loved Rico and Kitten...Can not wait to dive into the next one!
This series just keeps getting better. Nothing hotter than a strong Alpha male taking control, and also releasing control. I think this was my favorite book so far, I loved Rico and Kitten...Can not wait to dive into the next one!
May 29, 2023
Uhm, you be the judge
I almost quit reading the first book in the bad boy trilogy. But I hate not finishing something so I persevered and fought through. I am so glad I did. By the last book shandi was finding her writing groove and it was really good!
I almost quit reading the first book in the bad boy trilogy. But I hate not finishing something so I persevered and fought through. I am so glad I did. By the last book shandi was finding her writing groove and it was really good!
May 18, 2024
Three Amazing Stories
From a spying writer to a tattoo artist thawing a frozen heart to a gangster with a conscience. Amazing. Simply amazing. But then again, so is everything Shandi Writes.
From a spying writer to a tattoo artist thawing a frozen heart to a gangster with a conscience. Amazing. Simply amazing. But then again, so is everything Shandi Writes.
September 13, 2025
New Shandi Fan
I just finished the “Bad Boy Trilogy” and it was something special. I tried her books for the first time and I am now a fan. Love the characters, plot and progression. Each book was read in one sitting - that captivating!
I just finished the “Bad Boy Trilogy” and it was something special. I tried her books for the first time and I am now a fan. Love the characters, plot and progression. Each book was read in one sitting - that captivating!
November 25, 2020
Read these books individually bf the trilogy and LOVED them 🔥🔥🔥
May 5, 2021
Love these books
Read
May 25, 2023Love these books.
May 30, 2023
Light
Rico needs light. The One woman who can be it. Is also the one woman who he has saved more then once. She ultimately saves him. One amazing story. But has a cliffhanger.
Rico needs light. The One woman who can be it. Is also the one woman who he has saved more then once. She ultimately saves him. One amazing story. But has a cliffhanger.
July 14, 2025
the bad boys
A lot of fun to get the back story for 3 of the players. The good the bad the not so ugly.
A lot of fun to get the back story for 3 of the players. The good the bad the not so ugly.
August 11, 2024
So good..
These 3 books were amazing! Can't wait to keep reading the rest of this series. We'll written so love all the different characters.
These 3 books were amazing! Can't wait to keep reading the rest of this series. We'll written so love all the different characters.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews