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Back to You #3
Dirty Bad Boy
I'm not a total dick…
Most days, I'm a damned decent guy. Just not around my buddy's sister.
She's sexy as sin, sharp as hell, and she's also the lush little harpy who's been rubbing me wrong since we were kids.
I don't want to do her a favor…
If it had been any other damsel in distress looking to shake some unwanted attention, I'd have been the perfect fake boyfriend for all of five minutes.
But Laurel brings out the bastard in me, and five minutes hardly seemed enough time to make her squirm.
She wants to one-up me, and I want to win.
But maybe I need a favor too...
Most days, I'm a damned decent guy. Just not around my buddy's sister.
She's sexy as sin, sharp as hell, and she's also the lush little harpy who's been rubbing me wrong since we were kids.
I don't want to do her a favor…
If it had been any other damsel in distress looking to shake some unwanted attention, I'd have been the perfect fake boyfriend for all of five minutes.
But Laurel brings out the bastard in me, and five minutes hardly seemed enough time to make her squirm.
She wants to one-up me, and I want to win.
But maybe I need a favor too...
5 pages, Audiobook
First published November 13, 2018
301 people are currently reading
1455 people want to read
About the author
Mira Lyn Kelly
98 books2,761 followersFor Mira's latest book news, sign up for her newsletter at http://www.miralynkelly.com/newsletter
Hard core romantic, stress baker, and housekeeper non-extraordinaire, Mira Lyn Kelly is the USA TODAY bestselling author of more than a dozen sizzly love stories with over a million readers worldwide. Growing up in the Chicago area, she earned her degree in Fine Arts from Loyola University and met the love of her life while studying abroad in Rome, Italy… only to discover he’d been living right around the corner from her back home. Having spent her twenties working and playing in the Windy City, she’s now settled with her husband in rural Minnesota, where their four amazing children and two ridiculous dogs provide an excess of action and entertainment. When she isn’t reading, writing, or running the kids around, she loves watching the Chicago Blackhawks and action/adventure movies, blabbing with the girls, and cooking with her husband and friends.
Hard core romantic, stress baker, and housekeeper non-extraordinaire, Mira Lyn Kelly is the USA TODAY bestselling author of more than a dozen sizzly love stories with over a million readers worldwide. Growing up in the Chicago area, she earned her degree in Fine Arts from Loyola University and met the love of her life while studying abroad in Rome, Italy… only to discover he’d been living right around the corner from her back home. Having spent her twenties working and playing in the Windy City, she’s now settled with her husband in rural Minnesota, where their four amazing children and two ridiculous dogs provide an excess of action and entertainment. When she isn’t reading, writing, or running the kids around, she loves watching the Chicago Blackhawks and action/adventure movies, blabbing with the girls, and cooking with her husband and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
March 18, 2021
I am going to make my review short.
Dirty Bad Boy is OK. The story/ plot is predictable. Little boring. The forbidden romance is only felt/ addressed at the beginning. Then it is all about sex. And the sex scenes are... nothing new. Just enough to keep the story going.
I wish Miss Kelly can give more depth on the character development and chemistry. And more drama/ plot so the story can come alive.
3 stars
Dirty Bad Boy is OK. The story/ plot is predictable. Little boring. The forbidden romance is only felt/ addressed at the beginning. Then it is all about sex. And the sex scenes are... nothing new. Just enough to keep the story going.
I wish Miss Kelly can give more depth on the character development and chemistry. And more drama/ plot so the story can come alive.
3 stars
July 27, 2023
4**** stars
re-listen July 2023
This book is not even particularly special but the banter between Jack and Laurel and the writing overall is just damn entertaining. (I gave it 5 stars two years ago.)
Here’s my absolute fave part.
The moment Jack proposes their fake engagement:
Really, this just is the best proposal I’ve ever heard and I was dying from laughter. 💀 Twice —as I’m on a re-listen here.
first listen: October 2021
***************
Back To You Series:
Book 1 - Hard Crush
Book 2 - Dirty Player - 4.0 stars
Book 3 - Dirty Bad Boy - 4.0 stars
re-listen July 2023
This book is not even particularly special but the banter between Jack and Laurel and the writing overall is just damn entertaining. (I gave it 5 stars two years ago.)
Here’s my absolute fave part.
The moment Jack proposes their fake engagement:
“Laurel Matthews, you’ve been the thorn in my side since we were six years old.” […]
“I’ve known a lot of women through the years. A lot. Sexy women. Satisfied women. Women who spend years trying not to moan my name when they meet their Mr. Right. But never in my life have I met a woman who could rub me as wrong as you. You put glue on my pants. Knotted my shoelaces. Made my Bumblebee Transformer marry your dumb Strawberry Shortcake. Changed the code on my bike lock and ruined my chances with Denise Locklain… all before we were ten. But even now, you manage to make each day suck harder than the last. And when I think of you, Laurel, you make me want to get even.”
“You make me want to sabotage your best days and darken your brightest moments. Baby, if you’ll give me this chance, I swear to be the pee in your cornflakes every morning for the next two months.”
Really, this just is the best proposal I’ve ever heard and I was dying from laughter. 💀 Twice —as I’m on a re-listen here.
first listen: October 2021
***************
Back To You Series:
Book 1 - Hard Crush
Book 2 - Dirty Player - 4.0 stars
Book 3 - Dirty Bad Boy - 4.0 stars
July 19, 2022
⭐⭐⭐
Quick easy read…. But a little bit repetitive/formulaic.
Quick easy read…. But a little bit repetitive/formulaic.
November 5, 2018
5 - "I’m the whole package… People get ideas." Stars!
You know you are onto a winner with a book when you start it late afternoon, and forego your dinner in order to finish it. Dirty Bad Boy is a book that did that to me, and was a great addition to the Back to You series.
"Trust me you’re the last woman I’m interested in screwing."
I love a good frenemies-to-lovers romance, and add in to that, that Jack is also Laurels brothers’ best friend, and these two had all-sorts of chemistry sizzling off the page. Fake relationships are also another trope I generally get along well with, and because of that, the great story and the likeable characters the author gave me, I ended up with soup for my dinner instead of the planned roast because I didn’t want to put it down.
"This doesn’t mean anything…"
"It means something…"
I have read a few books by Mira in the last couple of months, and all of them have been absolutely outstanding. This one was the shortest by far, but it didn’t lack in anyway. The story was sharp, the dialogue witty, the characters extremely likeable and the sexy-times hot and plentiful. A great all round read. I’d just recommend you don’t start it prior to cooking any meals, or make sure you have got someone on hand to take over the cooking for you so you can read to the end undisturbed!
ARC generously provided by the author, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.
You know you are onto a winner with a book when you start it late afternoon, and forego your dinner in order to finish it. Dirty Bad Boy is a book that did that to me, and was a great addition to the Back to You series.
"Trust me you’re the last woman I’m interested in screwing."
I love a good frenemies-to-lovers romance, and add in to that, that Jack is also Laurels brothers’ best friend, and these two had all-sorts of chemistry sizzling off the page. Fake relationships are also another trope I generally get along well with, and because of that, the great story and the likeable characters the author gave me, I ended up with soup for my dinner instead of the planned roast because I didn’t want to put it down.
"This doesn’t mean anything…"
"It means something…"
I have read a few books by Mira in the last couple of months, and all of them have been absolutely outstanding. This one was the shortest by far, but it didn’t lack in anyway. The story was sharp, the dialogue witty, the characters extremely likeable and the sexy-times hot and plentiful. A great all round read. I’d just recommend you don’t start it prior to cooking any meals, or make sure you have got someone on hand to take over the cooking for you so you can read to the end undisturbed!
ARC generously provided by the author, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.
October 3, 2020
"You were the girl, the one I'd wanted forever."
Jeez. I feel all shaky and giddy after reading this.
Keeping it honest as usual, Jack's book was the one I felt less inclined to read, maybe because I just wasn't feeling him. Now that I know the story behind it all, that's definitely changed.
I'm having trouble categorizing this book. It could be a "fake fiancé" story, or "enemies to lovers". It's sort of a second chance story, but a million times better, and kicks you right in the feels when you realize these two were meant to be from the start, but life (and other things) got in the way.
Laurel has been alone for a while, but a certain co-worker is kind of pressing her into a date, and she needs someone to save her. Jack is not the knight in shining armor she was expecting, but he does save her from that situation. Even if they hate each other and are at each other's throats on a constant basis.
Do they, really? Hate each other, I mean? And ever since they were kids?
This book is hot and sexy. Jack is such an amazing character and it's nice to see past the mask he wears. Laurel is the strong, but loving female character we need, who is not about to put up with him. The teasing going on is awesome, the chemistry between them is off the charts. And don't even get me started on the contact names on their phones!
Mira hits it out of the park - again! - with this one. Flawlessly written, it gets you from the start.
Jeez. I feel all shaky and giddy after reading this.
Keeping it honest as usual, Jack's book was the one I felt less inclined to read, maybe because I just wasn't feeling him. Now that I know the story behind it all, that's definitely changed.
I'm having trouble categorizing this book. It could be a "fake fiancé" story, or "enemies to lovers". It's sort of a second chance story, but a million times better, and kicks you right in the feels when you realize these two were meant to be from the start, but life (and other things) got in the way.
Laurel has been alone for a while, but a certain co-worker is kind of pressing her into a date, and she needs someone to save her. Jack is not the knight in shining armor she was expecting, but he does save her from that situation. Even if they hate each other and are at each other's throats on a constant basis.
Do they, really? Hate each other, I mean? And ever since they were kids?
This book is hot and sexy. Jack is such an amazing character and it's nice to see past the mask he wears. Laurel is the strong, but loving female character we need, who is not about to put up with him. The teasing going on is awesome, the chemistry between them is off the charts. And don't even get me started on the contact names on their phones!
Mira hits it out of the park - again! - with this one. Flawlessly written, it gets you from the start.
April 16, 2019
This was a quick read from Mira Lyn Kelly. It was a friends/enemies to lover’s story between Laurel and Jack. They each needed the other to help take care of some issues that was happening. Her issue was a guy who just wouldn’t get the hint that she wasn’t interested and when she ran into Jack in a bar, he was the answer to her problem. Jack took advantage of this situation when he went to a meeting where one of the attendees was trying to hook Jack up with her family member. However due to a misunderstanding when they were young, they are both a little reluctant to work with each other, more on Laurel's side than Jack's. They suck it up to get what they want and as a result their relationship grows into something real. This book had all the feels and I can't wait to read Vaughn and Natalie's story.
October 2, 2022
5+ dreamy stars
I am too tired to write a full review but I'll just say this:
I freaking loved it!
LOOOOOVED IT!!!
That is how the 'forbidden best friend's sister' trope should be done!
I am too tired to write a full review but I'll just say this:
I freaking loved it!
LOOOOOVED IT!!!
That is how the 'forbidden best friend's sister' trope should be done!
November 6, 2018
I am all kinds of stupid happy and ridiculous giddy AGAIN you guys! Holy frikking balls, Mira just keep hitting it out of the park!
November 7, 2018
Mira has another hit on her hands with Dirty Bad Boy and this is my favorite book of the series.
I absolutely loved Jack and Laurel. Jack is so tough on the outside, with his trade mark smirk, but on the inside Laurel has been his since he was 6 years old. Life happens, people/things stand in their way, but Jack is there for Laurel When she needs him.
You see heart break at an early age and just when things seem to be looking up for both Jack and Laurel - bam, your heart is broken in two. It leaves you wondering what will happen to Jack and Laurel.
This is a must read book by Mira Lyn Kelly.
ARC provided by author for an honest review.
I absolutely loved Jack and Laurel. Jack is so tough on the outside, with his trade mark smirk, but on the inside Laurel has been his since he was 6 years old. Life happens, people/things stand in their way, but Jack is there for Laurel When she needs him.
You see heart break at an early age and just when things seem to be looking up for both Jack and Laurel - bam, your heart is broken in two. It leaves you wondering what will happen to Jack and Laurel.
This is a must read book by Mira Lyn Kelly.
ARC provided by author for an honest review.
January 19, 2022
tropes: fake engagement
March 23, 2022
Inhalt:
Beste Feinde sind manchmal genau die Richtigen
Laurel hat ein Problem. Der Sohn ihres Chefs will einfach nicht einsehen, dass sie kein Interesse an ihm hat. Daher bleibt ihr nur eins: Sie muss einen Fake Boyfriend an Land ziehen! Doch der Einzige, der ihr dafür einfällt, ist Jack, der beste Freund ihres Bruders, der ihr schon seit ihrer Kindheit gewaltig auf die Nerven geht. Jack willigt ein, aber unter der Bedingung, dass sie die Farce zwei Monate lang aufrechterhalten, damit er einen wichtigen Business-Deal unter Dach und Fach bringen kann. Eigentlich die perfekte Kombination, besteht hier doch keinerlei Gefahr, dass Jack aus Versehen Gefühle für sie entwickeln könnte. Doch sie hat die Rechnung ohne das heiße Prickeln zwischen ihnen gemacht, das mit jedem ihrer Fake Dates an Intensität zunimmt …
Quelle: goodreads.com
Meinung:
Vielen Dank an den Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar!
Das habe ich jetzt vom Lügen.
Das Cover gefällt mir wieder sehr gut, wie ich immer wieder sage, mag ich Männer in Anzügen, ohne Gesicht, auf Covern. Hier passt es auch zum Rest der Reihe.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist wirklich gut und angenehm zu lesen. Man liest aus Sicht von Laurel und Jack, wodurch man beide besser kennen lernt. Die Gefühle und auch der Witz kamen gut bei mir an, obwohl das Buch nicht allzu lang ist, das hat die Autorin wirklich gut gemacht.
Zu Beginn lernt man Laurel kennen, die sich vor einem Date mit einem Kollegen drücken will und dabei einen erfundenen Freund vorschiebt. Glücklicherweise trifft sie auf Jack, einen alten Schulfreund, der ebenfalls eine Freundin braucht und so helfen sich die beiden gegenseitig.
Bereits der Einstieg in das Buch ist mir sehr leicht gefallen. Ich mochte Laurel sofort und auch Jack war mir gleich sympathisch. Ich liebe Fake-Dating als Plot, so habe ich mich auch schon sehr auf das Buch gefreut. Erst letzten Monat habe ich auch so ein ähnliches gelesen, welches leider recht schlecht war. Es gab ein paar Parallelen zwischen den Büchern, aber dieses hier hat einfach alles besser gemacht.
Laurel mochte ich sofort. Sie ist witzig, nett und spielt ihre Rolle als Fake-Freundin perfekt. Auch wenn sie hin und wieder ein paar Scherze auf Kosten von Jack macht, aber er fand es ebenso witzig. Ich mochte sie einfach sehr gerne, auch wenn hin und wieder die Tiefe gefehlt hat, was bei einem so kurzen Buch aber nicht sehr verwunderlich ist.
Jack fand ich auch toll. Zwar ist er stinkreich, aber er wirkte auf mich nicht irgendwie überheblich oder arschig. Er war mehr ein normaler Kerl, der mit Freunden ausgeht und eben zufällig Geld hat. Er hats nie an die große Glocke gehängt und das machte ihn für mich wirklich sehr sympathisch. Man merkt auch schnell, dass er in Laurel verschossen ist, schon von Anfang an.
Die Geschichte ist nicht neu, die beiden daten und tun so, als wären sie verlobt, weil er einen Deal abschließen will und sie sich einen Kollegen vom Hals halten will. Das Ganze soll zwei Monate so gehen, aber natürlich kommen sie sich dabei näher. Für mich war das Buch aber ein Highlight, da beide vollkommen einverstanden mit allem waren, sich nicht gehasst haben, sondern schon zuvor sowas wie Freunde waren und auch ein paar Leute in ihr Geheimnis eingeweiht sind.
Die Liebesgeschichte konnte ich sehr gut nachvollziehen, sie wirkte nicht gestellt oder erzwungen. Ich fands richtig süß, wie viel Spaß die beiden zusammen haben können und durch ihre gemeinsame Vergangenheit haben sie auch imemr etwas, über das sie reden können. Aber kein Liebesroman kommt ohne Drama aus und das war tatsächlich sehr gut gemacht. Es gab keinen unnötigen Streit zwischen ihnen und keiner von ihnen hat es versaut, es war etwas von außen, dass sie auseinander getrieben hat. Ich muss sagen, dass ich damit nicht gerechnet habe, weil es etwas plötzlich kam, aber im Nachhinein kann ich sagen, dass es doch gewisse Anzeichen gegeben hat. Es hat gepasst und ich konnte Laurel in jedem Moment verstehen.
Das Ende war dann auch gut gemacht, alles wurde rund abgeschlossen und obwohl das Buch so kurz war, wurden die Gefühle sehr gut transportiert und ich hatte nicht das Gefühl, dass irgendwas zu schnell ging.
Fazit:
Band eins der Reihe hat mich ja ziemlich enttäuscht, aber dieser hier hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Ich mochte die Charaktere, den Plot und die Liebesgeschichte. Alles hat zusammen gepasst und ich hatte sehr viel Spaß beim Lesen. Schade nur, dass das Buch so kurz war, von mir aus hätte es auch 200 Seiten länger sein können. Ich vergebe 5 Sterne.
Beste Feinde sind manchmal genau die Richtigen
Laurel hat ein Problem. Der Sohn ihres Chefs will einfach nicht einsehen, dass sie kein Interesse an ihm hat. Daher bleibt ihr nur eins: Sie muss einen Fake Boyfriend an Land ziehen! Doch der Einzige, der ihr dafür einfällt, ist Jack, der beste Freund ihres Bruders, der ihr schon seit ihrer Kindheit gewaltig auf die Nerven geht. Jack willigt ein, aber unter der Bedingung, dass sie die Farce zwei Monate lang aufrechterhalten, damit er einen wichtigen Business-Deal unter Dach und Fach bringen kann. Eigentlich die perfekte Kombination, besteht hier doch keinerlei Gefahr, dass Jack aus Versehen Gefühle für sie entwickeln könnte. Doch sie hat die Rechnung ohne das heiße Prickeln zwischen ihnen gemacht, das mit jedem ihrer Fake Dates an Intensität zunimmt …
Quelle: goodreads.com
Meinung:
Vielen Dank an den Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar!
Das habe ich jetzt vom Lügen.
Das Cover gefällt mir wieder sehr gut, wie ich immer wieder sage, mag ich Männer in Anzügen, ohne Gesicht, auf Covern. Hier passt es auch zum Rest der Reihe.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist wirklich gut und angenehm zu lesen. Man liest aus Sicht von Laurel und Jack, wodurch man beide besser kennen lernt. Die Gefühle und auch der Witz kamen gut bei mir an, obwohl das Buch nicht allzu lang ist, das hat die Autorin wirklich gut gemacht.
Zu Beginn lernt man Laurel kennen, die sich vor einem Date mit einem Kollegen drücken will und dabei einen erfundenen Freund vorschiebt. Glücklicherweise trifft sie auf Jack, einen alten Schulfreund, der ebenfalls eine Freundin braucht und so helfen sich die beiden gegenseitig.
Bereits der Einstieg in das Buch ist mir sehr leicht gefallen. Ich mochte Laurel sofort und auch Jack war mir gleich sympathisch. Ich liebe Fake-Dating als Plot, so habe ich mich auch schon sehr auf das Buch gefreut. Erst letzten Monat habe ich auch so ein ähnliches gelesen, welches leider recht schlecht war. Es gab ein paar Parallelen zwischen den Büchern, aber dieses hier hat einfach alles besser gemacht.
Laurel mochte ich sofort. Sie ist witzig, nett und spielt ihre Rolle als Fake-Freundin perfekt. Auch wenn sie hin und wieder ein paar Scherze auf Kosten von Jack macht, aber er fand es ebenso witzig. Ich mochte sie einfach sehr gerne, auch wenn hin und wieder die Tiefe gefehlt hat, was bei einem so kurzen Buch aber nicht sehr verwunderlich ist.
Jack fand ich auch toll. Zwar ist er stinkreich, aber er wirkte auf mich nicht irgendwie überheblich oder arschig. Er war mehr ein normaler Kerl, der mit Freunden ausgeht und eben zufällig Geld hat. Er hats nie an die große Glocke gehängt und das machte ihn für mich wirklich sehr sympathisch. Man merkt auch schnell, dass er in Laurel verschossen ist, schon von Anfang an.
Die Geschichte ist nicht neu, die beiden daten und tun so, als wären sie verlobt, weil er einen Deal abschließen will und sie sich einen Kollegen vom Hals halten will. Das Ganze soll zwei Monate so gehen, aber natürlich kommen sie sich dabei näher. Für mich war das Buch aber ein Highlight, da beide vollkommen einverstanden mit allem waren, sich nicht gehasst haben, sondern schon zuvor sowas wie Freunde waren und auch ein paar Leute in ihr Geheimnis eingeweiht sind.
Die Liebesgeschichte konnte ich sehr gut nachvollziehen, sie wirkte nicht gestellt oder erzwungen. Ich fands richtig süß, wie viel Spaß die beiden zusammen haben können und durch ihre gemeinsame Vergangenheit haben sie auch imemr etwas, über das sie reden können. Aber kein Liebesroman kommt ohne Drama aus und das war tatsächlich sehr gut gemacht. Es gab keinen unnötigen Streit zwischen ihnen und keiner von ihnen hat es versaut, es war etwas von außen, dass sie auseinander getrieben hat. Ich muss sagen, dass ich damit nicht gerechnet habe, weil es etwas plötzlich kam, aber im Nachhinein kann ich sagen, dass es doch gewisse Anzeichen gegeben hat. Es hat gepasst und ich konnte Laurel in jedem Moment verstehen.
Das Ende war dann auch gut gemacht, alles wurde rund abgeschlossen und obwohl das Buch so kurz war, wurden die Gefühle sehr gut transportiert und ich hatte nicht das Gefühl, dass irgendwas zu schnell ging.
Fazit:
Band eins der Reihe hat mich ja ziemlich enttäuscht, aber dieser hier hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Ich mochte die Charaktere, den Plot und die Liebesgeschichte. Alles hat zusammen gepasst und ich hatte sehr viel Spaß beim Lesen. Schade nur, dass das Buch so kurz war, von mir aus hätte es auch 200 Seiten länger sein können. Ich vergebe 5 Sterne.
November 26, 2018
4.5 Enemies to Lovers Stars!!
“It’s the kind of dictate that should have her eyes narrowing, her stubborn chin rising in challenge. But for once, this woman who has been fighting me for as long as I’ve known her doesn’t fight me at all.”
Dirty Bad Boy is the third book in the Back To You Series and can be read as a standalone novel. Dirty Bad Boy is a fun and sexy enemies to lovers romance. And when you add a fake relationship into the mix, you’ve got the recipe for one entertaining read.
When we first meet with Jack & Laurel, I had a feeling that their story was going to be just what I was looking for. Right off the bat, you could feel the tension and chemistry just oozing off the two of them. The more they were around one another, the more I wanted. I just couldn’t get enough. I found myself totally devouring their story, yet never wanting it to end. These types of stories are one of weakness and in my opinion, this one was done just right.
From an fun and entertaining story-line, to fantastic characters with great chemistry, to frustrating moments and ones that thrill your heart. This book had just the right mix of sexy good times with some drama sprinkled along the way. I thought this story was well written and held my interest the entire time. I had a lot of fun getting swept up in Jack & Laurel’s story and look forward to checking out more in this series. This is my first book by this author and it most certainly won’t be my last.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
“It’s the kind of dictate that should have her eyes narrowing, her stubborn chin rising in challenge. But for once, this woman who has been fighting me for as long as I’ve known her doesn’t fight me at all.”
Dirty Bad Boy is the third book in the Back To You Series and can be read as a standalone novel. Dirty Bad Boy is a fun and sexy enemies to lovers romance. And when you add a fake relationship into the mix, you’ve got the recipe for one entertaining read.
When we first meet with Jack & Laurel, I had a feeling that their story was going to be just what I was looking for. Right off the bat, you could feel the tension and chemistry just oozing off the two of them. The more they were around one another, the more I wanted. I just couldn’t get enough. I found myself totally devouring their story, yet never wanting it to end. These types of stories are one of weakness and in my opinion, this one was done just right.
From an fun and entertaining story-line, to fantastic characters with great chemistry, to frustrating moments and ones that thrill your heart. This book had just the right mix of sexy good times with some drama sprinkled along the way. I thought this story was well written and held my interest the entire time. I had a lot of fun getting swept up in Jack & Laurel’s story and look forward to checking out more in this series. This is my first book by this author and it most certainly won’t be my last.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
October 31, 2018
Jack and Laurel have been in a love/ hate relationship since they were 6 years old. They fight constantly. But when they both have to appear to be in a relationship to avoid others, they have to try to be nice to each other. This is easier for jack, he's a fun loving guy. But he broke Laurel's heart when they were teens. She has been able to avoid him since then.
Laurel is up for a promotion at work but the boss's son is trying to date her. She makes up a fake boyfriend and Jack is her only option. Jack is more than happy to play along, he also needs a fake girlfriend. But can they make others believe it? This is a great enemies to lovers book that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Laurel is up for a promotion at work but the boss's son is trying to date her. She makes up a fake boyfriend and Jack is her only option. Jack is more than happy to play along, he also needs a fake girlfriend. But can they make others believe it? This is a great enemies to lovers book that I thoroughly enjoyed!
March 17, 2025
This did not have the flow or the relationship development of the others in the series. It was fine, but it felt slight and rushed. I wanted better for Jack who was a part of bringing together so many other couples in Kelly's other books. A 2.5 if I am being honest, though I will say I listened to this on a rather crowded subway and it did make me blush so the heat was there, but heat is not nearly enough.
April 7, 2021
Contemporary romance with two popular tropes, best friend's sister and fake dating
Jack is the gorgeous, ripped, privileged scion of a Chicago-based, massively wealthy, real-estate-mogul family. For the past 10 years he has engaged in a classic, romance-novel-style, "enemy" relationship with his best friend's beautiful twin sister, Laurel. Their supposed mutual dislike has consisted mainly of frequent verbal barbs exchanged between the two of them as an only partially effective sublimation of a strong sexual attraction neither has been willing to pursue. Jack, because he only believes in uncommitted sex and cannot maintain a friendship with his best bud if he engages in "one and done" with said friend's beloved sister. Laurel, because she does not respect Jack's horndog ways and has no intention of being another notch on the proverbial bedpost.
At the start of the story, Laurel has been trying so hard to not date good-looking, egotistical, promiscuous jerks like Jack that she hasn't had a date in three years with anybody who even remotely excites her physically. Enter the plot device that at long last breaks down the sexual barriers between playboy Jack and sexually frustrated Laurel: each of them firmly believes they need a fake boy/girlfriend to fend off the unwanted advances of other people who are pursuing them, who cannot safely be dissuaded by a simple, "No thank you; I'm not interested." As a result of their fake-dating pact, constant, close, physical proximity is now available for the first time in their longtime relationship, effectively eroding the mutual, sexual taboo between them, and much vigorous boinking ensues. Until an extremely melodramatic event occurs involving a sexual predator from Laurel's past about which I have very mixed feelings.
Mira Lyn Kelly is certainly a polished and prolific writer, who keeps a great many of her loyal fans happy. I'm sure many of her fans will enjoy this book.
Jack is the gorgeous, ripped, privileged scion of a Chicago-based, massively wealthy, real-estate-mogul family. For the past 10 years he has engaged in a classic, romance-novel-style, "enemy" relationship with his best friend's beautiful twin sister, Laurel. Their supposed mutual dislike has consisted mainly of frequent verbal barbs exchanged between the two of them as an only partially effective sublimation of a strong sexual attraction neither has been willing to pursue. Jack, because he only believes in uncommitted sex and cannot maintain a friendship with his best bud if he engages in "one and done" with said friend's beloved sister. Laurel, because she does not respect Jack's horndog ways and has no intention of being another notch on the proverbial bedpost.
At the start of the story, Laurel has been trying so hard to not date good-looking, egotistical, promiscuous jerks like Jack that she hasn't had a date in three years with anybody who even remotely excites her physically. Enter the plot device that at long last breaks down the sexual barriers between playboy Jack and sexually frustrated Laurel: each of them firmly believes they need a fake boy/girlfriend to fend off the unwanted advances of other people who are pursuing them, who cannot safely be dissuaded by a simple, "No thank you; I'm not interested." As a result of their fake-dating pact, constant, close, physical proximity is now available for the first time in their longtime relationship, effectively eroding the mutual, sexual taboo between them, and much vigorous boinking ensues. Until an extremely melodramatic event occurs involving a sexual predator from Laurel's past about which I have very mixed feelings.
Mira Lyn Kelly is certainly a polished and prolific writer, who keeps a great many of her loyal fans happy. I'm sure many of her fans will enjoy this book.
November 11, 2018
This book really blew away all expectations!!! Mira had reached out to me about reviewing it, but I didn't think I had the time. After reading the blurb I quickly decided I needed to make time. I'M SO GLAD I DID!!
I absolutely loved everything about Jack and Laurel. From the moment she walked into the bar and THOUGHT of Jack I was glued. I was so curious about their past, how they knew each other and how Jack would play along. The constant bickering and nods to their past was so addicting!! Was almost like watching an old married couple LOL. I really loved how long they'd known each other, and it really seemed like as they stayed together it was as if they'd never been apart.
The bullheadedness of these two was outrageously good! They both didn't want to admit anything, especially as circumstances would change and that was hysterical. To see the banter and the constant amount of "holding back" what they wanted to do, it really made such a difference in this book. Having the dual POV made this book soooooooooo much better! I loved that we really got to see what both of them were thinking, but never at the same time. It really helped the story flow so well!
Between their subtle changes, friends comments, and their "moments" this book really was just so good! I loved every single minute of this story and can't wait to go back and read the others stories! It made such a great standalone, that I had no clue it was in a series!
I absolutely loved everything about Jack and Laurel. From the moment she walked into the bar and THOUGHT of Jack I was glued. I was so curious about their past, how they knew each other and how Jack would play along. The constant bickering and nods to their past was so addicting!! Was almost like watching an old married couple LOL. I really loved how long they'd known each other, and it really seemed like as they stayed together it was as if they'd never been apart.
The bullheadedness of these two was outrageously good! They both didn't want to admit anything, especially as circumstances would change and that was hysterical. To see the banter and the constant amount of "holding back" what they wanted to do, it really made such a difference in this book. Having the dual POV made this book soooooooooo much better! I loved that we really got to see what both of them were thinking, but never at the same time. It really helped the story flow so well!
Between their subtle changes, friends comments, and their "moments" this book really was just so good! I loved every single minute of this story and can't wait to go back and read the others stories! It made such a great standalone, that I had no clue it was in a series!
November 11, 2018
Every Mira Lyn Kelly book is so easy to dive right into and you don't want to come up for air until the last word is read. With Dirty Bad Boy it's no different!
From funny first lines, quirky side characters, and hilariously awkward predicaments, you easily get sucked right in.
Laurel is trying to get her boss' creeper son to get away from her by making up a boyfriend. Unfortunately the closest available help is her brother's best friend who's also been the thorn in her side since they were kids. But desperate times and all. He'll play along but only if she does the same so that he can close a big business deal.
These two! They're so funny! They love tormenting each other every chance they get and they've been doing so since kindergarten when Jack became best friends with Laurel's twin brother.
Except every bit of sarcasm and jabs exchanged does have an underlying anger and hurt behind it. Discovering pains from the past changes their fake relationship in the present.
I loved this book!!! It was so awesome and funny and fun and I love this group of friends! (Check out the first two books in this series to meet the other two couples. Their stories are great too! You won't be disappointed!)
From funny first lines, quirky side characters, and hilariously awkward predicaments, you easily get sucked right in.
Laurel is trying to get her boss' creeper son to get away from her by making up a boyfriend. Unfortunately the closest available help is her brother's best friend who's also been the thorn in her side since they were kids. But desperate times and all. He'll play along but only if she does the same so that he can close a big business deal.
These two! They're so funny! They love tormenting each other every chance they get and they've been doing so since kindergarten when Jack became best friends with Laurel's twin brother.
Except every bit of sarcasm and jabs exchanged does have an underlying anger and hurt behind it. Discovering pains from the past changes their fake relationship in the present.
I loved this book!!! It was so awesome and funny and fun and I love this group of friends! (Check out the first two books in this series to meet the other two couples. Their stories are great too! You won't be disappointed!)
November 11, 2018
How have I never read anything by this author before!? Dirty Bad Boy has placed Mira Lyn Kelly right up on my top 5 must read authors!
Frenemies! With a second chance! Writing GOLD!
I think what I adored the most about this story was the verbal sparring between Jack and Laurel. This story was an emotional win for me. I found myself running through several emotions from beginning to end. Anger, glee, sadness, fear. I laughed, I cried. It.Was.All.There. I read to feel, to be entertained and that was exactly what I got from page one.
I peeked at other reviews to see how others were rating this story and it is getting great reviews. Some even mentioned that they had sneak peaks of Jack in the previous stories. Easily going back to read the previous two books will not be a hardship. Mira Lyn Kelly created a great group of friends that I can't wait to learn more about! And then I am going to dig into her other work as well. I hope she doesn't mind me stalking her....hmm.
If this book is on your TBR move it to READING the minute it releases. You will not be disappointed!
Giving Dirty Bad Boy 5 stars!
Review by Corrie H. for Lamplight Review and Promotion
**I received and ARC for an honest review
Frenemies! With a second chance! Writing GOLD!
I think what I adored the most about this story was the verbal sparring between Jack and Laurel. This story was an emotional win for me. I found myself running through several emotions from beginning to end. Anger, glee, sadness, fear. I laughed, I cried. It.Was.All.There. I read to feel, to be entertained and that was exactly what I got from page one.
I peeked at other reviews to see how others were rating this story and it is getting great reviews. Some even mentioned that they had sneak peaks of Jack in the previous stories. Easily going back to read the previous two books will not be a hardship. Mira Lyn Kelly created a great group of friends that I can't wait to learn more about! And then I am going to dig into her other work as well. I hope she doesn't mind me stalking her....hmm.
If this book is on your TBR move it to READING the minute it releases. You will not be disappointed!
Giving Dirty Bad Boy 5 stars!
Review by Corrie H. for Lamplight Review and Promotion
**I received and ARC for an honest review
May 4, 2020
Dirty Bad Boy is the third and final book in the Back to You series by Mira Lyn Kelly. Three books. Three second chance stories Six classmates. I loved that they were all connected but three totally different storylines involving second chances. I enjoyed each one for different reasons. They just kept getting better and better. I read one a day over the last three. Jack & Laurel are up and I do believe it’s my favorite.
They met when they were six on the kindergarten playground. Jack so wanted to pull Laurel’s hair but he always wanted to be friends with Laurel’s twin brother, Law. It was a good decision since they became the best of friends while him and Laurel became little enemies. They haven’t seen each other since High School but they had Law between them to catch up. But now, ten years later, a chance meeting changes everything. She needed a fake boyfriend and he was happy to lend his mega-watt smile for a price. He needed more than one outing. He needed two months of fake dating and he knew she would be perfect for the job. No chance of catching feelings. I mean...they barely tolerated each other. Should be easy, right?
So, so wrong! It’s complicated to say the least especially after a kiss to rock them both of their game.
Oh, Jack. Cocky, hot AF, sweet, and and funny Jack. I had been falling for this man throughout the first two books and to see him fall was amazing. And Laurel, smart, beautiful, sassy Laurel was the perfect one to bring him to his knees. I loved it! Their banter. Their passion. Their connection.
Quotes:
I shouldn’t be getting off on the undiluted murder in Laurel Matthews’s eyes, but—well, hell—that’s the kind of history we’ve got.
“Jack Hastings, is that the best you can do?”
“Don’t say cocktail. It sounds like porn when you say it.”
They met when they were six on the kindergarten playground. Jack so wanted to pull Laurel’s hair but he always wanted to be friends with Laurel’s twin brother, Law. It was a good decision since they became the best of friends while him and Laurel became little enemies. They haven’t seen each other since High School but they had Law between them to catch up. But now, ten years later, a chance meeting changes everything. She needed a fake boyfriend and he was happy to lend his mega-watt smile for a price. He needed more than one outing. He needed two months of fake dating and he knew she would be perfect for the job. No chance of catching feelings. I mean...they barely tolerated each other. Should be easy, right?
So, so wrong! It’s complicated to say the least especially after a kiss to rock them both of their game.
Oh, Jack. Cocky, hot AF, sweet, and and funny Jack. I had been falling for this man throughout the first two books and to see him fall was amazing. And Laurel, smart, beautiful, sassy Laurel was the perfect one to bring him to his knees. I loved it! Their banter. Their passion. Their connection.
Quotes:
I shouldn’t be getting off on the undiluted murder in Laurel Matthews’s eyes, but—well, hell—that’s the kind of history we’ve got.
“Jack Hastings, is that the best you can do?”
“Don’t say cocktail. It sounds like porn when you say it.”
November 11, 2018
Enemies who are faking an engagement AND he’s her brother’s best friend!? It’s like Mira Lyn Kelly knows all my fondest wishes!!!
Dirty Bad Boy delivers on every level; snarky banter, a legitimate reason for the adversarial relationship to exist and, more importantly, end (nothing bothers me more than an enemies story where the reason for being enemies is thin or where it’s something that really can’t be forgiven), super steamy sexy times, and some seriously romantic notions by a seriously hot bad boy!
One of my favorite things about this book was the contact names used during the text chats, so much fun! It was a great way to show the humor of the characters but also give the reader a glimpse of their evolving feelings for one another.
While this is book three in the Back to You series you can really and truly jump in with this deliciousness...but you will absolutely want to read the first two books and the fourth book once you meet them in Dirty Bad Boy.
Dirty Bad Boy delivers on every level; snarky banter, a legitimate reason for the adversarial relationship to exist and, more importantly, end (nothing bothers me more than an enemies story where the reason for being enemies is thin or where it’s something that really can’t be forgiven), super steamy sexy times, and some seriously romantic notions by a seriously hot bad boy!
One of my favorite things about this book was the contact names used during the text chats, so much fun! It was a great way to show the humor of the characters but also give the reader a glimpse of their evolving feelings for one another.
While this is book three in the Back to You series you can really and truly jump in with this deliciousness...but you will absolutely want to read the first two books and the fourth book once you meet them in Dirty Bad Boy.
November 11, 2018
This is my first taste of the Back to You series. It was a very appetizing morsel. Both Laurel and Jack were enjoyable characters. Be careful what you wish for. Laurel thought she was just going to use Jack for a quick escape but little did you realize that he wanted her for "two months". Well the joke was on both of them as they end as they ended up together "forever".
The witty banter between these two had be chuckling. Although, I must admit that Jack had one up on Laurel. The sexual tension was hot. Yet, not as hot as when they hooked up. The wedding was great. Oh, yes; there was a wedding. A fake wedding. You can't have a fake relationship with an engagement without a fake wedding. The feelings Laurel and Jack had for one another was not fake but real. If you are in the mood for some fun reading, you need to pick up a copy of this book.
The witty banter between these two had be chuckling. Although, I must admit that Jack had one up on Laurel. The sexual tension was hot. Yet, not as hot as when they hooked up. The wedding was great. Oh, yes; there was a wedding. A fake wedding. You can't have a fake relationship with an engagement without a fake wedding. The feelings Laurel and Jack had for one another was not fake but real. If you are in the mood for some fun reading, you need to pick up a copy of this book.
November 5, 2018
I have been looking forward to Jack’s story since I met him in Hard Crush and this book did not disappoint! I could not put this book down once I was started- it was so freaking good! And HOT!
Laurel was the perfect woman for Jack, they were childhood friend’s but never really got along. They traded more barbs than jokes. But it was more to hide the real feelings that Jack was harboring towards his best friend’s twin sister.
Laurel needs Jack to fake being her boyfriend to ward off a co worker that has a bit of a crush on her. It was fun reading the zingers these two had for each other when he was her “boyfriend”. Of course Jack needs Laurel to be his fake fiancée for a couple months so he can close an important work deal. She begrudgingly says yes but more so because she doesn’t want to have to relive the past when her and Jack had a moment as teenagers.
I really enjoyed how Laurel was able to finally see the Jack that she heard about all her life- the fun, happy guy and not the guy that was always giving her a hard time. Not that she didn’t give it back to him. These two had quite the chemistry between them from the second they were together. And every time after. Jack was so attracted to Laurel that it was hard for him to keep his eyes, mouth, hands to himself. These two set my kindle on fire when they got together, it was so hot!
This book was fabulous and I can’t wait for more in the series!
Laurel was the perfect woman for Jack, they were childhood friend’s but never really got along. They traded more barbs than jokes. But it was more to hide the real feelings that Jack was harboring towards his best friend’s twin sister.
Laurel needs Jack to fake being her boyfriend to ward off a co worker that has a bit of a crush on her. It was fun reading the zingers these two had for each other when he was her “boyfriend”. Of course Jack needs Laurel to be his fake fiancée for a couple months so he can close an important work deal. She begrudgingly says yes but more so because she doesn’t want to have to relive the past when her and Jack had a moment as teenagers.
I really enjoyed how Laurel was able to finally see the Jack that she heard about all her life- the fun, happy guy and not the guy that was always giving her a hard time. Not that she didn’t give it back to him. These two had quite the chemistry between them from the second they were together. And every time after. Jack was so attracted to Laurel that it was hard for him to keep his eyes, mouth, hands to himself. These two set my kindle on fire when they got together, it was so hot!
This book was fabulous and I can’t wait for more in the series!
November 11, 2018
This is such a wonderful read. Fun, steamy and emotional, this book brings a whole lot to the table. This well written, fast paced read quickly sucks you into this enemies-to-lovers romance. It was so easy to fall for Jack and Laurel. These two share history. Some good and some bad and that adds lots of complexity and complications to their relationship. Their witty dialogue was entertaining, their chemistry sizzling and the real way they felt about each other so obvious and poignant, that you are rooting for them all the way to the end of he book. Jack was amazing and Laurel was really his perfect match. A truly delightful romance that is completely enjoyable and totally swoon worthy. This is my independent, honest review.
November 6, 2018
My FAVORITE Back to You book to date!
I fell hopelessly in love with Jack and Laurel from their very first encounter. The previous book left me wanting and needing their story, and Ms. Kelly did NOT disappoint.
I have been in a bit of a reading slump lately and I desperately needed a book to get me out of it and Dirty Bad Boy accomplished that by leaps and bounds. Start to finish in one sitting. There was no putting down this book, there was no passing go, there was no $200. I was in book jail if you will, and loved every single second of it.
The chemistry between Jack and Laurel was soo hot. Their sexual tension, the moments of if...not when got my heart racing. It's all about the build up and they did not let me down. The fact that they start off as enemies only makes it better. Kelly writes fantastic wit and banter between the two, I had a permanent smile on my face the entire time.
This book is the perfect mix to get your swoon on, your blood pumping, and your heart racing. I've already got it down for one of my top reads of 2018.
I fell hopelessly in love with Jack and Laurel from their very first encounter. The previous book left me wanting and needing their story, and Ms. Kelly did NOT disappoint.
I have been in a bit of a reading slump lately and I desperately needed a book to get me out of it and Dirty Bad Boy accomplished that by leaps and bounds. Start to finish in one sitting. There was no putting down this book, there was no passing go, there was no $200. I was in book jail if you will, and loved every single second of it.
The chemistry between Jack and Laurel was soo hot. Their sexual tension, the moments of if...not when got my heart racing. It's all about the build up and they did not let me down. The fact that they start off as enemies only makes it better. Kelly writes fantastic wit and banter between the two, I had a permanent smile on my face the entire time.
This book is the perfect mix to get your swoon on, your blood pumping, and your heart racing. I've already got it down for one of my top reads of 2018.
April 19, 2021
"You were THE girl. The one I'd wanted forever."
A sexy and sweet story, Dirty Bad Boy is a fake relationship turned romance between two childhood nemeses.
In Mira Lyn Kelly's romantic, funny style, she tells the story of Jack and Laurel getting a second-chance at something real. The concept of a romance between two people who've been at each other's throats since they were kids was unique and fun. I really liked both Laurel and Jack as characters. Their story was fresh and entertaining. It's low on angst, but still high on heart.
A sexy and sweet story, Dirty Bad Boy is a fake relationship turned romance between two childhood nemeses.
In Mira Lyn Kelly's romantic, funny style, she tells the story of Jack and Laurel getting a second-chance at something real. The concept of a romance between two people who've been at each other's throats since they were kids was unique and fun. I really liked both Laurel and Jack as characters. Their story was fresh and entertaining. It's low on angst, but still high on heart.
November 12, 2018
LOVED!! This is a fun, sexy, sassy frenemies to lovers story that is full of all sorts of goodness. Once I started this book there was no way I was putting it down. the story grabbed my attention right from the start while the snarky banter between Jack and Laurel just kept me giggling. The book is very well written and will keep you entranced as Jack and Laurel's relationship evolves with a wonderful slow burn. This is a light sexy read that I definitely recommend.
January 20, 2024
Jack and Laurel are one of my favorite couples! I think I just need to admit enemies to lovers is more my jam than friends to lovers. They were childhood friends, but Jack always loved Laurel. Her twin brother, Law, put a stop to that, forbidding Jack from dating his sister. So he broke her heart, treated her horribly. Fast forward a decade, and Jack needs a fake girlfriend to deal a business deal. he propositions Laurel for the job. What could go wrong?
Plenty.
Plenty.
November 12, 2018
I LOVED this book! Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes! This one had me flipping the pages.
The chemistry was off the charts! The story had me laughing out loud in parts. And the characters had me falling in love right along with them!
Another 5 star read from Mira!
Will not be disappointed! Must read!
The chemistry was off the charts! The story had me laughing out loud in parts. And the characters had me falling in love right along with them!
Another 5 star read from Mira!
Will not be disappointed! Must read!
December 6, 2018
This is a fun and sexy best friend's sibling/enemies to lovers trope romance! Jack and Laurel have known each other for years, but have always been at odds (which of course, hides their secret attraction). When Laurel reluctantly enlists Jack's help to play the role of a fake boyfriend to fend off a work colleague, he gets her to return the favour for similar reasons. With their fake relationship making them spend time together, it's not long before that simmering attraction is impossible to ignore. Laurel harbors a secret, the reason she's not close to her parents anymore that she eventually confides in Jack in some more emotional moments, making this a romcom with a serious side. I loved the banter between these two, the steamy sex, and how their relationship develops into something true. Plus, Laurel's best friend Margo is a hoot! Their conversations made me laugh out loud. It's a fun and entertaining read.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
November 26, 2018
Enjoyable, light and easy read.
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