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First & Forever Stories #4
Bad Ideas
Doctor Theo Koenig is the most annoying man I’ve ever met, and hooking up with him was a terrible idea. So, why can’t I stop myself from coming back for seconds? And thirds?
Maybe there’s more to this man than meets the eye. But will he ever show me what’s behind that cold, angry façade? Or is this destined to be nothing more than a fling I'll regret?
Bad Ideas is a doctor-nurse, opposites attract, enemies-to-lovers gay romance. It can be read as a stand-alone and is set in the world of Alexa Land’s Firsts and Forever Stories.
Maybe there’s more to this man than meets the eye. But will he ever show me what’s behind that cold, angry façade? Or is this destined to be nothing more than a fling I'll regret?
Bad Ideas is a doctor-nurse, opposites attract, enemies-to-lovers gay romance. It can be read as a stand-alone and is set in the world of Alexa Land’s Firsts and Forever Stories.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2021
76 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Land
58 books787 followersIndependent MM romance author. For more information, please visit Alexa's blog: http://alexalandwrites.blogspot.com/
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 30, 2023
Sweet and sexy romance. I loved it.
December 21, 2021
This story was really sweet but I desperately needed it to be dual POV. I really struggled to connect with these two in the beginning because really, it was all about Casey and his life for the first half of the book. Once Theo came in it felt out of place. But their story definitely improved for the second half… I just felt like I was missing some connection in the beginning. I think that would have been fixed by learning Theo’s story from Theo.
February 5, 2022
Like a greeting card...
...this book has much cheese.
Now, I'm pretty used to Land's particular brand of corny, but I feel like this was amplified from previous books. She's not the only author who seems to be piling it on lately, either, and I can't help but wonder if it's some kind of reaction (conscious or not) to the current stressful state of the world. Whatever the case, the schmaltzy sentiment makes for unrealistic and, frankly, nauseating dialogue. The book would have been fine if not for that, but I was rolling my eyes so much that it made it rather difficult to finish.
Also, the chinchillas at the end? First is the issue that the chinchilla was purchased at a pet store. No. This should not be encouraged. It's just as bad as purchasing dogs and cats from pet store. Secondly, the new (male) chinchilla was just set down next to the character's other male chinchilla without a care. You're supposed to introduce them in a divided cage so they can get used to each other without the threat of fighting. Land treating animals like a cute accessory to her story is a little infuriating. I wish authors would endeavor to be more careful with their embellishments.
...this book has much cheese.
Now, I'm pretty used to Land's particular brand of corny, but I feel like this was amplified from previous books. She's not the only author who seems to be piling it on lately, either, and I can't help but wonder if it's some kind of reaction (conscious or not) to the current stressful state of the world. Whatever the case, the schmaltzy sentiment makes for unrealistic and, frankly, nauseating dialogue. The book would have been fine if not for that, but I was rolling my eyes so much that it made it rather difficult to finish.
Also, the chinchillas at the end? First is the issue that the chinchilla was purchased at a pet store. No. This should not be encouraged. It's just as bad as purchasing dogs and cats from pet store. Secondly, the new (male) chinchilla was just set down next to the character's other male chinchilla without a care. You're supposed to introduce them in a divided cage so they can get used to each other without the threat of fighting. Land treating animals like a cute accessory to her story is a little infuriating. I wish authors would endeavor to be more careful with their embellishments.
May 3, 2022
Enemies to lovers...lite.
I enjoyed this as much as I've been enjoying the whole series. Alexa Land weaves an enjoyable story giving Casey his happily ever after too.
'Bad Ideas' is a single POV, enemies to lovers lite, contemporary romance with plenty of heat, the joy of a found family, and a very happy ending.
I enjoyed this as much as I've been enjoying the whole series. Alexa Land weaves an enjoyable story giving Casey his happily ever after too.
'Bad Ideas' is a single POV, enemies to lovers lite, contemporary romance with plenty of heat, the joy of a found family, and a very happy ending.
December 20, 2021
Fun, sweet, and romantic
Although this seems like enemies-to-lovers initially, the two MCs soon come to understand the other and support each other unconditionally. This was just full of sweet “aww” moments. I’m SUPER excited for the story featuring Lark, one of the side characters—he stole my heart!
Although this seems like enemies-to-lovers initially, the two MCs soon come to understand the other and support each other unconditionally. This was just full of sweet “aww” moments. I’m SUPER excited for the story featuring Lark, one of the side characters—he stole my heart!
May 18, 2023
I do really love this and its related series so much. Took me a hot minute to place Eden and Seth (I couldn't remember Eden's name and I read both series so very out of order). Theo and Casey were absolutely adorable. Casey has to be the most laid back and understanding person ever. Seriously. And Theo? So sweet under that prickly at-work persona. I honestly could have spent a whole second book reveling in who they were away from other people. What I really appreciated was the relative low angst, though. I'll admit that I kept waiting for something terrible to happen and it was a relief when that shoe never dropped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2023
4.5 stars
This was a slam dunk. The character development was spot on and the plot had the right amount of drama without being soapy. Yeah!
This was a slam dunk. The character development was spot on and the plot had the right amount of drama without being soapy. Yeah!
February 21, 2022
I love this found family!
I can’t wait for Larks book, he’s such a sweetie. This book was filled with love, loss, humor, and life. I loved it.
I can’t wait for Larks book, he’s such a sweetie. This book was filled with love, loss, humor, and life. I loved it.
December 31, 2021
Lovely Christmas story with Alexa Land’s signature touch
Theo and Casey are a great couple. There is enough time for the original tension between them to be believable. There are some sweet touches with kids in the hospitals and one of Casey’s roommates. The ensemble cast is good, quirky, and most have their own moments on page. And we get a little of Nana too! Highly recommended.
Theo and Casey are a great couple. There is enough time for the original tension between them to be believable. There are some sweet touches with kids in the hospitals and one of Casey’s roommates. The ensemble cast is good, quirky, and most have their own moments on page. And we get a little of Nana too! Highly recommended.
December 31, 2021
everything that miss Land writes in this universe is absolutely amazing!
and that is no different with this. Fabulous book and I already cannot wait for the next one
please don't stop :D
and that is no different with this. Fabulous book and I already cannot wait for the next one
please don't stop :D
December 20, 2021
This book rocks! There are so many factors that make Bad Ideas rise to the top of the list of my favorite Alexa Land novels: the diverse supporting cast, the found family theme, the presence of strong female characters, and darling Lark. But mostly, it’s the leading men that stole my heart – they are the sweetest couple ever. Eventually.
Casey is a pediatrics nurse in the same hospital ward as Dr. Theodore Koenig. Almost everyone on staff thinks Koenig is a wanker, including Casey, who Koenig clearly harbors major animosity toward. Well, enemies-to-lovers is a beloved trope for reasons that include fiery hot, hate sex, and when passion explodes and these enemies get down and dirty, they devour each other. *fanning myself*
Ms. Land has provided very thorough portrayals of her stars. Casey is a special guy, so selfless, lovable, and good. He loves his job as a pediatrics nurse and thrives on helping others, like his sweet, young patients. But he’s sad and lonely now that his brother and his best friend have become a couple. He has embraced his found family while he struggles with the awkwardness of Seth and Eden together.
Koenig – or Theo – is a man you’ll love to hate, but only at first. In reality, he's complex and compelling, and I could sense he was going to become a remarkable, highly sympathetic character. Vulnerability is what drives his character and it pulled on my heart strings. I got emotional over Theo and couldn’t wait for the story of his past to unravel.
He’s presented as a buttoned up, snide doctor with a god complex. When he shows up later in torn jeans and bare feet, I was floored (and a little turned on). This dichotomy is what intrigues Casey and propels him to find out more about Theo.
The supporting characters are also extremely well-developed. Casey lives in a house with his close friend/co-worker/landlord, Yolanda, her girlfriend, JoJo, and three other young men. They all have distinct personalities and contribute to a warm friends vibe. One of those men, Lark, provides most of the humor in the book. He’s a sweet cam-boy who's flighty, but also considerate, gracious and wholly appealing. And outrageously funny. The best part about Lark is that he's starring in his own book, up next in the series. Yay!
In what is a departure for Ms. Land, there are several female characters that shine in this book, including Yolanda, Jojo, and another co-worker, Darice. I loved seeing these well-written, strong young women and their positive influence on Casey. The warm welcome they give Theo is important to his character’s growth. Although JoJo doesn’t have a huge role, her understated representation as a transgender woman is excellent.
Clearly, Casey and Theo’s heart-melting romance is what makes this book wonderful, but there’s another something special I’m finding hard to quantify. With Bad Ideas, Ms. Land has solidified the Firsts and Forever Stories series with a strong found family. In addition to the residents of the hot pink Victorian where Casey lives, this supportive group cleverly includes Seth, Eden, George, and Flora from Tempted. I hope these characters can be integrated into future books to tie the series together, much like Nana Dombruso was used to unite the original Firsts and Forever series. Both series are in a shared universe in San Francisco, but I feel with this book, the new series stands on it’s own. Of course, Nana is still included this time, but to a lesser degree.
Bottom line, Bad Ideas is a great idea for you to read. While I’ve enjoyed every contemporary romance Ms. Land has written, this one’s a little extra special. Highly recommended!
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
Casey is a pediatrics nurse in the same hospital ward as Dr. Theodore Koenig. Almost everyone on staff thinks Koenig is a wanker, including Casey, who Koenig clearly harbors major animosity toward. Well, enemies-to-lovers is a beloved trope for reasons that include fiery hot, hate sex, and when passion explodes and these enemies get down and dirty, they devour each other. *fanning myself*
Ms. Land has provided very thorough portrayals of her stars. Casey is a special guy, so selfless, lovable, and good. He loves his job as a pediatrics nurse and thrives on helping others, like his sweet, young patients. But he’s sad and lonely now that his brother and his best friend have become a couple. He has embraced his found family while he struggles with the awkwardness of Seth and Eden together.
Koenig – or Theo – is a man you’ll love to hate, but only at first. In reality, he's complex and compelling, and I could sense he was going to become a remarkable, highly sympathetic character. Vulnerability is what drives his character and it pulled on my heart strings. I got emotional over Theo and couldn’t wait for the story of his past to unravel.
He’s presented as a buttoned up, snide doctor with a god complex. When he shows up later in torn jeans and bare feet, I was floored (and a little turned on). This dichotomy is what intrigues Casey and propels him to find out more about Theo.
The supporting characters are also extremely well-developed. Casey lives in a house with his close friend/co-worker/landlord, Yolanda, her girlfriend, JoJo, and three other young men. They all have distinct personalities and contribute to a warm friends vibe. One of those men, Lark, provides most of the humor in the book. He’s a sweet cam-boy who's flighty, but also considerate, gracious and wholly appealing. And outrageously funny. The best part about Lark is that he's starring in his own book, up next in the series. Yay!
In what is a departure for Ms. Land, there are several female characters that shine in this book, including Yolanda, Jojo, and another co-worker, Darice. I loved seeing these well-written, strong young women and their positive influence on Casey. The warm welcome they give Theo is important to his character’s growth. Although JoJo doesn’t have a huge role, her understated representation as a transgender woman is excellent.
Clearly, Casey and Theo’s heart-melting romance is what makes this book wonderful, but there’s another something special I’m finding hard to quantify. With Bad Ideas, Ms. Land has solidified the Firsts and Forever Stories series with a strong found family. In addition to the residents of the hot pink Victorian where Casey lives, this supportive group cleverly includes Seth, Eden, George, and Flora from Tempted. I hope these characters can be integrated into future books to tie the series together, much like Nana Dombruso was used to unite the original Firsts and Forever series. Both series are in a shared universe in San Francisco, but I feel with this book, the new series stands on it’s own. Of course, Nana is still included this time, but to a lesser degree.
Bottom line, Bad Ideas is a great idea for you to read. While I’ve enjoyed every contemporary romance Ms. Land has written, this one’s a little extra special. Highly recommended!
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2022
What a sweet holiday story! I had a feeling I was going to like this one after getting to know Casey a bit in Tempted, I just immediately took to him. I wish this had been written in dual POV though, I would have loved to know Theo's inner thoughts. Overall, the story kept me entertained and I was sad the ending came so fast.
QUICK THOUGHTS
-- Holiday/Christmas -- Doctor/Nurse pairing -- combatants to lovers -- one unexpected hook up leads to more -- keeping a relationship quiet -- some really sweet moments -- some angst -- a few missing pieces -- loved the MCs... Theo & Casey -- great family and friends -- would have loved a bit more -- an epilogue would have been great -- REALLY looking forward to Lark's story (he's a hoot)
February 7, 2022
Formulaic and forgettable, and over the top sweet, but not really in a good way— more in a totally unbelievable, fake way. So it wasn’t bad, and I can totally get behind the no-angst, no-drama story. In an attempt to go for a hurt/comfort vibe, this book really amps up the house of horrors childhood tale. Sorry, but after going through all of that, a person would be more than just a little emotionally repressed (which in this case is quickly and easily healed through good sex). I actually really love the hurt/comfort trope, but it has to be carefully balanced. Because as much as I like hurt/comfort tropes, I really hate “magic sex cures everything” stories.
So if you’re here for complete escapism sugar coma, you’ll probably be fine. Just don’t expect to come away remembering the characters or the story a week later.
So if you’re here for complete escapism sugar coma, you’ll probably be fine. Just don’t expect to come away remembering the characters or the story a week later.
May 11, 2022
Casey is such a sweet caring man and still struggling with his brother and best friend being in a relationship. He doesn't handle it well because he is working a ridiculous number of hours. I loved how he spent time with Oscar who was injured in an accident and worried about his mom who is still in a coma. Theo was really like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde but Casey thought he was gorgeous and wondered about him. He was right to tell him off about his treatment of the patients. The banquet hook-up was very hot and not surprising when they did it again. Through their hook-ups Casey finds out the reason for Theo's behavior and it is very sad. His fear of losing again makes you feel for him and watching him and Casey grow closer and then fall in love is great. I love his roommates and the planning for the clinic is wonderful and can't wait for Lark's story.
January 15, 2023
Book 4 - Casey and Theo are my favorite couple yet in Alexa Land's Firsts and Forever Stories!
Casey is down because his best friend fell for his younger brother and he's frustrated at work because of a grumpy doctor who seems to have it out for him. The thing is - spoiler alert - he does have it out for him. :-P Just not the way Casey thinks.
The sparks start flying at the holiday party and Casey's dominant side starts showing, though this doesn't get into BDSM. He just likes to take control and is the consummate flirt with a super sweet side.
There are some heavy issues discussed (Death of a sibling, tough childhoods, etc) but it's mostly low-angst and high steam levels.
Another great book in this series. I just started reading it earlier this week and I'm already 5 books in!
Casey is down because his best friend fell for his younger brother and he's frustrated at work because of a grumpy doctor who seems to have it out for him. The thing is - spoiler alert - he does have it out for him. :-P Just not the way Casey thinks.
The sparks start flying at the holiday party and Casey's dominant side starts showing, though this doesn't get into BDSM. He just likes to take control and is the consummate flirt with a super sweet side.
There are some heavy issues discussed (Death of a sibling, tough childhoods, etc) but it's mostly low-angst and high steam levels.
Another great book in this series. I just started reading it earlier this week and I'm already 5 books in!
January 25, 2022
Worth the Read…
I actually read book three yesterday and was so thoroughly thrown off by the story line that I left a rare review wondering what happened. I’ll say book four definitely brought it back around for me and I had to say how much I enjoyed this. I had to stop myself from crying so many times. I’m going to say book three was more about us getting to know Casey and this installment helped us understand his explosion and feelings of betrayal at his brother and best friend getting together. I can’t wait to read about Lark in the next book as I can tell he’s going to be a character. I’m already rooting for him. Also, I think it’ll be interesting to get back to the sex worker trope that was present in the first three books.
I actually read book three yesterday and was so thoroughly thrown off by the story line that I left a rare review wondering what happened. I’ll say book four definitely brought it back around for me and I had to say how much I enjoyed this. I had to stop myself from crying so many times. I’m going to say book three was more about us getting to know Casey and this installment helped us understand his explosion and feelings of betrayal at his brother and best friend getting together. I can’t wait to read about Lark in the next book as I can tell he’s going to be a character. I’m already rooting for him. Also, I think it’ll be interesting to get back to the sex worker trope that was present in the first three books.
December 21, 2021
Gah… Wow… I so loved this book!! I’m all swoony here ;) . I so love Casey and I’m so glad he had his story told. Theo, was… wow, anyways once you got to know him more you liked him then eventually loved him and my heart went out to him, he had a sad tough life. I’m glad Casey stuck by his side and never gave up and the both of them feel in love with each other.Awe right? From one office party hate sex to so much more, really steamy. I cried a few times to because of the angst, but when I got past that I was smiling and my heart was happy for the both of them. I loved this book and so looking forward to reading Lark’s book early next year!!
February 22, 2023
I enjoyed this book overall. But it was kind of a weird trope because it wasn’t really enemies to lovers or rivals to lovers. It was more attraction disguised as animosity to lovers.
In any event, Theo and Casey were wonderful together. I definitely felt the passion and longing. The want and need. They were also so sweet together. I bought into their relationship.
I did feel a bit of a disconnect with the idea that Casey was seen as kind of a dolt to other people. He was a wonderful and caring person and an incredibly good nurse - so not sure why that was a thing.
I do think the rumor about Theo was pretty spot on for how the gossip mill in a hospital actually works - or just any workplace in general.
In any event, Theo and Casey were wonderful together. I definitely felt the passion and longing. The want and need. They were also so sweet together. I bought into their relationship.
I did feel a bit of a disconnect with the idea that Casey was seen as kind of a dolt to other people. He was a wonderful and caring person and an incredibly good nurse - so not sure why that was a thing.
I do think the rumor about Theo was pretty spot on for how the gossip mill in a hospital actually works - or just any workplace in general.
December 19, 2021
This book is another installment in the highly enjoyable "Firsts and Forevers Stories". While it can read as a stand-alone, it's even better when read as part of the series. Casey, a nurse, finally gets his own story as he clashes with his colleague, the insufferable Dr. Theo Koenig. One night, Casey sees an entirely different side of Theo and their attraction surfaces. Can these two make love out of contention? This book has a lot of love, passion, support from friends and family, and laugh out loud humor. A low-angst, fun read!
January 1, 2022
Bad Ideas aka Casey is a big ol sweetheart!
Alexa is one of my favorite authors and this is yet another lovely romance. It’s low angst and very sweet. Casey and Theo walk that fine line of love and hate, and there’s some delicious hate s*x until they figure things out. This book has Alexa’s signature humor, some crazy things happen and lots of cameos, including Nana! Every book has new side characters that I fall in love with and this book was no exception. I can’t wait for their books!
Alexa is one of my favorite authors and this is yet another lovely romance. It’s low angst and very sweet. Casey and Theo walk that fine line of love and hate, and there’s some delicious hate s*x until they figure things out. This book has Alexa’s signature humor, some crazy things happen and lots of cameos, including Nana! Every book has new side characters that I fall in love with and this book was no exception. I can’t wait for their books!
May 6, 2022
Casey & Theo (M/M)
Thoroughly enjoyed this read. The main characters are perfect for each other... even if it took a bit to figure it out. I truly disliked Theodore at the beginning as the writer meant us to, but as Casey figured out, there is oh so much more to Theo. I love the shared house where a cast of characters support each other. Wow, and Casey, is a wonderful, upbeat, positive, sharing, caring and loving human being. I love how it all comes together at the end... just filled my heart.
❤❤❤❤❤ 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂
❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍💖
Thoroughly enjoyed this read. The main characters are perfect for each other... even if it took a bit to figure it out. I truly disliked Theodore at the beginning as the writer meant us to, but as Casey figured out, there is oh so much more to Theo. I love the shared house where a cast of characters support each other. Wow, and Casey, is a wonderful, upbeat, positive, sharing, caring and loving human being. I love how it all comes together at the end... just filled my heart.
❤❤❤❤❤ 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂
❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍💖
June 18, 2022
better than the last one
I actually liked this one. The third one made me think oh no the series is losing it but this one’s much better. They’re all a little too sappy and everything happens a little too fast but at least this story was better. I liked the doctor, he added some dimension.
I actually liked this one. The third one made me think oh no the series is losing it but this one’s much better. They’re all a little too sappy and everything happens a little too fast but at least this story was better. I liked the doctor, he added some dimension.
August 11, 2022
I kept thinking this could totally be a gay Lifetime movie (without the steamy parts ❤️🔥😉), but definitely some substance…I mean it wasn’t total fluff. I love to see the vulnerable parts of MCs—Theo was no exception. I think the author also did a good job of planting a hardy seed of doubt in the middle of the book—I’m glad it resolved.
October 8, 2023
Casey is the best! 4.5 stars
I loved Casey, and as he wore Theo down, I grew to love him, too. What I liked about Casey was he didn’t do a lot over the top, embarrassing crazy gestures to get to Theo. He really just started out wanting to be a friend and see where things went from there. This was the best in the series so far.
I loved Casey, and as he wore Theo down, I grew to love him, too. What I liked about Casey was he didn’t do a lot over the top, embarrassing crazy gestures to get to Theo. He really just started out wanting to be a friend and see where things went from there. This was the best in the series so far.
December 20, 2021
Bad Ideas
I absolutely adore this author’s books. It’s sweet romance with beautiful family connections, whether it’s family they’re born with or chosen family. I adore this book and absolutely cannot wait for Lark’s!
I absolutely adore this author’s books. It’s sweet romance with beautiful family connections, whether it’s family they’re born with or chosen family. I adore this book and absolutely cannot wait for Lark’s!
December 22, 2021
The 2 MCs were complete opposite, one nurturing and caring and the other one was standoffish and the book was good BUT there were too many monologues and the interactions between Casey and Theo was minimum compared the interactions between Casey and his roommates.
December 28, 2021
Bad ideas
I think as a nurse myself this has been my favourite of all the stories so far, my heart absolutely broke for Dr Theo but once again there is such a great message of building your own found family through close friendship
I think as a nurse myself this has been my favourite of all the stories so far, my heart absolutely broke for Dr Theo but once again there is such a great message of building your own found family through close friendship
January 11, 2022
so not a bad idea
I absolutely loved Bad Ideas!! Theo and Casey were throwing sparks from the very first scene together! I loved Casey’s wooing and how Theo gradually bloomed. Can’t wait to see more from this couple in future books!!
I absolutely loved Bad Ideas!! Theo and Casey were throwing sparks from the very first scene together! I loved Casey’s wooing and how Theo gradually bloomed. Can’t wait to see more from this couple in future books!!
January 23, 2022
Absolutely loved this story. Casey is an amazing character and so kind and relatable. I loved nanas comments and all the supporting characters. Plenty of bits to make you ‘aww’ and plenty to make you laugh too :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews