Mia has been Braxton's best friend for years. Even when they no longer lived in the same foster family, even after he'd aged out of the system, he'd continued look out for the one person who got under his skin and made him care.
For the last six years, Mia's been keeping her head down, putting one foot in front of the other, unable to trust anyone with her secrets—including the foster brother who's been the one bright spot in her life, as well as her secret crush.
Just one more day until Mia turns eighteen—a legal adult. Brax doesn't trust her foster father and wants her out of that house. Is proposing a marriage of convenience to your best friend a little drastic? Maybe so. But what Brax feels is so far beyond friendship. Is it possible Mia feels it, too?
Kait Nolan is a RITA® Award-winning Mississippi author who calls everyone sugar, honey, or darlin', and can wield a 'Bless your heart' like a Snuggie or a saber, depending on requirements. She believes in love, laughter, and that tacos are the world's most perfect food. When she's not writing, reading, working the evil day job, or wrangling family (both the two-legged and the four-), you can find her obsessively watching The Great British Bake Off.
A prequel set up that introduces a pair who were part of the foster system and had to show some real grit to survive, but keep their hearts and hopes for each other intact.
Rescued by the Bad Boy is not a complete story, but an introduction and teaser. I do not recommend reading it unless the reader has full intentions to continue right on into book one featuring this young couple years later as a second chance romance series.
It goes to a dark moment for Mia who is one day short of aging out of the foster care system. Her latest foster home hasn't been too bad, but she's getting a bad vibe off the husband and keeps a chair propped under her door and a pair of sharp scissors under her pillow. Just one more day and then she can be free of his creepy eyes following her. Meanwhile, Brax, who has already aged out of the system has a plan to get Mia out and safe. They've been bestfriends, but he has waited until her 18th for them to be more. But, is his plan too late?
The author gives a clear trigger warning. The situation is dire, but not graphic.
It ends on a cliffie and a teaser reveal.
I liked what I saw of them when they are younger and vulnerable and look forward to encountering them as adults and hopefully get the rest of the story.
Note: Be sure to read the content warning at the beginning of the book. This is a bit more descriptive/intense than Nolan’s other books.
Freebie prequel novella to launch her Bad Boy Bakers series. YA/NA friends to lovers to married. I enjoyed both Brax and Mia’s characters as well as their established friendship. Their new love is mired by horrific circumstances at her foster home. Great, but intense read.
This *is* a cliffhanger because the intention is to give history/backstory for Brax & Mia’s full length book, Mixed Up with a Marine.
I really appreciate when authors put in trigger warnings at the front of the book! 👏 I read this because I have numerous Kait Nolan books and I wanted to whittle down her backlog that I've stocked up. This one deals with sexual assault so it was a bit of a rough read but the author did a great job on making the reactions and all believable. Mia and Brax are a good couple. Now for those that don't care for under 18's in romance, here is your notification. But I feel you should give this a chance because of how well done this was handled. 3.5 stars rounded up.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen
Rescued By a Bad Boy de Kait Nolan Libro 0.5
Argumento:
¿Qué es un pequeño matrimonio entre amigos?
Mia ha sido la mejor amiga de Braxton durante años. Incluso cuando ya no vivían en la misma familia de acogida, incluso después de que él había superado la edad del sistema, siguió cuidando de la única persona que se metía en su piel y hacía que se preocupara por él.
Durante los últimos seis años, Mia ha mantenido la cabeza gacha, poniendo un pie delante del otro, incapaz de confiarle sus secretos a nadie, incluido el hermano adoptivo que ha sido el único punto brillante en su vida, así como su enamoramiento secreto.
Solo un día más hasta que Mia cumpla dieciocho años, un adulto legal. Brax no confía en su padre adoptivo y la quiere fuera de esa casa. ¿Proponer un matrimonio de conveniencia a tu mejor amigo es un poco drástico? Tal vez sea así. Pero lo que siente Brax va mucho más allá de la amistad. ¿Es posible que Mia también lo sienta?
Mí humilde opinión:
Rescued By a Bad Boy fue un dulce y conmovedor romance de amigos a amantes.
La historia de amor y amistad de Brax y Mía me atrapó. Es una precuela por lo que solo cuenta al apenas el comienzo. Me gustó cómo cuidaba Brax a Mia, el vínculo especial que tenían. Hay una escena sensible dónde ella casi es abusada pero Brax la rescata. Hay un secreto grande que oculta Mía que debe ser peligroso porque no puede contarlo a nadie ni a Brax. Me tiene intrigada y sé que esto va a destruir su relación.
El final me dejó muy angustiada la verdad y tengo miedo de leer el siguiente libro. Seguramente retomará desde el momento en que Mía va encontrarse con su padre, tengo muchas preguntas, no sé qué pasa con su padre pero no parece ser nada bueno.
El inicio de este librito fue bueno pero no tengo ganas de pasar por la angustia que sé que habrá en el siguiente libro, voy a evitar ese aunque fue muy lindo leer esta historia de amor adolescente, me quedo con eso y ya.
This was a pretty quick read, but I liked getting background on Mia and Brax.
There was a great connection there and it was sad what Mia was living with but I liked(?) that Brax didn't even hesitate when Valentina told him Mia had left early. Whatever instinct he had about things was right on the money and while it's sad, at least they were able to stop Wyatt.
The end is not quite a cliffhanger but it definitely raises all kinds of questions and I'll admit I'm glad I have the next book already on hand because I'd like to know what pulled them apart and how they get back together. Along with what's going on with Mia's family.
This is a prequel to a new series. I can’t wait for the series to start! I can’t imagine being in foster care, but I was glad Mia had Braxton who was in foster care looking out for her. She is staying in a house with a real creeper of the man in the house. Once again, I was glad that Braxton was watching over her. Luckily Mia was turning 18 so her and Braxton could be together. There was something going on with Mia that is secretive. The ending of the book makes me want the next book now! I strongly encourage you to read this so one the next book comes out you will know what is happening.
ARC for honest review with no compensation Received from BookSprout 4.5 stars
Rescued by a Bad Boy by Kait Nolan is a novella and a prequel to the first book in Ms Nolan ‘s new series, Bad Boy Bakers.
Braxton and Mia, best friends who grew up in the same foster home until he aged out. He has kept watch over Mia while still living in the foster home but when she’s almost aged out something happens which leads to Mia leaving and leads us to book 1 called Mixed Up with a Marine.
It was a free prequel. It had the tropes I like -- friends to lovers, protective hero, a woman who needs help. BUT. Since Book #1 is their actual story, and it's a second chance romance, you know something went wrong somewhere. And, after reading this book, what went wrong is that she was an idiot. She didn't tell her husband the truth about her past because it was against the rules. But meeting her estranged father was against the rules too, so if you can do one, why not the other? Especially as her husband was the only one who had stayed by her side for eight years and never let her down? She is an idiot and I won't read their second chance story because I want to strangle her with my bare hands. That is all.
Short and sweet novella to set up Nolan's Bad Boy Baker series. It was easy to sympathize with Mia's situation, feeling unsafe in her foster home. Thank goodness she had best friend Braxton for support. Not sure where the "bad boy" aspect came from because he was a total sweetheart. The care and concern he had for Mia was amazing. But the choice Mia made at the end (when there seemed to be so many other smarter, more logical, options) left me frustrated. Even so, I'm curious enough to continue on and see how their story plays out.
For any of you who know Kait Nolan's work, you know that she has written a series of books about a group of people who went through the foster system. Because of the love and support of the woman who became their foster mother, these now, adults, continue to be close to each other and are, for the most part, well adjusted people. I loved the way Nolan wrote about the positive aspects of foster care. However, in the real world, this is not always the case. "Rescued By a Bad Boy" gives us a glimpse into the other side of the foster system. Mia and Brax grew to rely and trust only each other from a very early age. Their experiences with their foster families were not the same as those in the "Misfit Inn' or the "Men of the Misfit Inn" series. I applaud Nolan for taking a chance and giving her readers a taste of the stories we so often hear about - the stories that are not pretty, but need to be told. This novella is only five chapters and I will say that chapter 2 is intense. This is a precursor to "Mixed Up With a Marine", the continuation of Mia's and Brax's story. Nolan did a wonderful job of setting the scene and giving us a few clues as to what happens next. Being a fan of Nolan's writing for several years now, I have no doubt that she will do right by her characters. She is a gifted storyteller and will leave you wanting to know how it all works out for Mia and Brax.
This prequel is an amazing start to the new Bad Boy Bakers series. Brax and Mia have been best friends since they were kids. Mia and Brax were in foster care and they were placed in the same home and became friends. Now that Brax has aged out he makes time around his two jobs to walk Mia to school in the morning and walk her home. As they grew up Brax began to see Mia as more than just a friend but never acted on it not knowing that Mia sees him the same way. Mia is about a day away from turning eighteen and Brax wants to do something special for her. As school is almost over Mia is called to the office and is shocked to see her foster father waiting to take her home. She freaks out and thinks about Brax picking her up and not finding her. When Brax shows up to pick up Mia he can't believe her foster father picked her up. He runs to her house and finds her foster father about to abuse her. Brax gets her out of the house and takes her to his apartment where they finally tell each other how they feel. After that Brax proposes to Mia and they get married. Years later Mia's dad calls her and asks her to meet him hours away from her house. She goes thinking she'll tell Brax when she gets back home later. She doesn't get to tell Brax anything and they're both left heartbroken. Will Mia ever be able to tell Brax what really happened?
Brax and Mia's story was heart-wrenching and emotional, with some suspense, dark elements, and villains. This couple met in the system, although Brax is no longer within it. He looks out for Mia; they have always had this intense connection. Brax senses trouble brewing where Mia is concerned and has been extra cautious. He knows what is coming Mia's way, but he hopes he is there in time to stop it.
Although the couple has always been friends, each of them has always secretly desired the other. A Fake Marriage of convenience solves that problem, but would it truly be fake if they confessed their feelings?
A lot was packed into this prequel. Mia holds a dangerous secret mysterious people in and out of her life hazardous people. We loved Mia and Brax as a couple of soulmates for sure but, life sends them yet another curveball the story ends on a cliffhanger and leaves you wanting more. Their story broke our hearts but, we loved it.
PS - We highly suggest reading this prequel before the next book as it gives the history of Mia and Brax and their unwavering love for one another. It also gives you incite into what went wrong, who was suspected/ responsible for what happened next. Gives you a clue as to what the secret is. Because they meet again by chance and there is nothing in their heart but, hatred now where there had only been love.
Rescued by a Bad Boy is a Bad Boy Bakers prequel. Mia and Brax have been foster friends for years, but with him having aged out and her living in an extremely dangerous house, Brax just wants to protect and love Mia. A rescue, a marriage, and secrets lie between them, though. Could this be the beginning of their happily ever after, or will the secrets rip them apart?
Oh my goodness, I seriously felt like I was reading on the edge of my seat with my heart pounding right from the very beginning! I knew because this was a prequel that things weren’t going to end perfectly, but I didn’t expect all of this to happen and I am seriously excited for their full length book to come out soon! Mia is a bit jaded with life, but I love that her heart still beats for Brax. She’s brave and stronger than she thinks, and really allows her love to guide her actions. Brax is so similar, closed off from others, but everything he does is with Mia in mind. Her protection, her safety, her comfort, and giving her simple joys that she wouldn’t otherwise receive. I loved them together! I loved their chemistry! I loved their connection! And gosh, I can’t wait for more! Great, quick, heart pounding, romantic read!
Wow!! What a Prequel!! This is one I won’t need to review before reading Mia & Brax’s 2nd chance romance, Mixed Up With A Marine. This prequel story is powerful - explosive powerful - and so intense it’s burned into a forever place in my mind. Their backstory begins six years after they’ve met and supported each other in the foster care system, and on the eve of Mia’s 18th birthday, when she can legally put the system behind her. There’s so much more of their history that we don’t know, especially Mia’s situation that she cannot share with Brax. What we do learn in Rescued By A Bad Boy, is that they have loved each other deeply for many years despite their tender age. There’s so much potential for an HEA there. And April 8th can’t get here quick enough!! Luckily, we can get glimpses of grown-up Mia in Bring It On Home, and grown-up Brax in Come A Little Closer. I had to go back and look at both novels, meaning only to only skip to the parts where they appear; but they’re both such great stories that I ended up reading them completely through again! Great reading!!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
TRIGGER WARNING (with a minor spoiler alert): This particular story is darker than most of what I've written. There are themes of sexual assault (with a rescue before things get super bad), so sensitive readers should be forewarned.
As an ARC reader has this is an honest opinion. I attached Ms. Nolan's Trigger Warning which appears in her foreword. As a previous foster mom, this story, sadly is spot on with things that happen to the kids in the system. Thankfully there are amazing foster parents like Joan. Mia wasn't as lucky in having a safe foster home but has a Knight in Shining Armor in Braxton. This story is a prelude to Ms. Nolan's kick off to a new series starting with "Mixed Up With A Marine". Overall quality of writing is wonderful with well rounded characters and storyline. There is no cheating and it does end on a heartfelt note. I can't wait for the story to continue! Enjoy. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spoiler alert - Some detailed info from the book. This prequel had so much in it, from humor, love, anger (from me toward a part in the book) to aggravation at Kait Nolan. Her prequels are great teasers. You get hooked into the characters of Mia and Braxton. You read intently soaking up all the info; the good, the bad and the ugly. This book by itself was well written and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Braxton and what he did for Mia. How he took care of her and spoiled her as best he could. And Mia, secretly in love with Braxton, but wary because she is uncertain those feelings are returned. Not only does Kait do a great job explaining the past of Mia and Braxton, but she hides intrigue in there. A “what the heck is going on with that?”moment where you know you will be patiently waiting for the complete book to come out. Loved this prequel and very excited to read about the Bad Boy Bakers and the ladies that win their hearts.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Rating System (as of 8/14/2025): ⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF ⭐⭐ : This could have been so much better. ⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book. ******************************************************************************
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Triggers: Foster Care System Homeless Teens Attempted Sexual Assault Death of a Parent
Trope: Friends to Lovers ****************************************************************************** Summary: This a novella. The FMC and MMC met in foster care. He was considered a troubled child until he straightened up to be her protector. Years later he has aged out of the system but is still looking out for her. They marry but then she disappears.
Review: This is my first time reading anything by this author. This novella intrigued me enough to read the follow-up to this story.
Braxton and Mia have been best friends since they ended up in the same foster home six years ago. Braxton has been watching out for Mia ever since he aged out of the foster home. He doesn't trust the foster father. Mia is about to turn eighteen and just wants to graduate from high school and see her best friend. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I love how Braxton is so sweet, protective and caring towards Mia. The story of Braxton and Mia's start in life is rougher than her usual stories. Without wanting to spoil the story, there is a potential trigger event. The author handles it very well. This prequel highlights their teenage relationship before the book 'Mixed Up with a Marine'. I look forward to reading about their adult one.
This is a prequel to a new series. It follows teens Mia and Brax, both foster children who have had less than stellar experiences in their home placements. They’ve been friends since the first day they met. On her eighteenth birthday, Mia finds herself in a compromising position with her foster father; Brax comes to her rescue. He takes her under his wing to protect her, and things progress from there.
Another wonderful teaser from Kait Nolan. It’s short, but it packs a lot into the story, doing a good job of setting the scene for what will follow in the first book in the series. I look forward to seeing how things develop.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
What a wonderful introduction to this talent author’s new series titled, Bad Boy Bakers. In this prequel, we are introduced to Mia Torres and Braxton Whitmore. They met six years ago as foster kids and have been best friends since. Each secretly in love with the other. Even when Brax was out of the system, he still was keeping Mia safe. When Mia is in danger, Brax rescues her and proposes marriage. Their lives seems perfect , but what happens when Mia’s past comes back to cause problems. This was a quick read that will grab your attention from the first page, and will leave the reader anxious to read the first book in the series. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Booksprout. The opinions are solely my own.
Mia and Brax met as children when they were in the foster system. Brax aged out but had remained close in case Mia needed him. She is with a family where the father makes her nervous. When he attacks her, Brax steps in to rescue her. This is a touching story of these two young people, who are trying to make a life for themselves. There is something in Mia’s past that she is keeping a secret. This is a beginning of a relationship but it is not a HEA. Waiting for the rest of the story, which is supposed to be out soon. But this serves as a great beginning for these two people. It isn’t pretty, but it does have some good moments. And a great start to what I am sure will be a great story. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I think this book has the darkest theme and gives the most mysterious vibe of all of Nolan's books I read. The story begins with some sensitive topics and Mia's situation is heartbreaking. I am so glad she has Braxton as her best friend and what he did to help set her free is very sweet. But Mia has a secret that she keeps it from Braxton and because of it, Mia has to leave him behind. Of course, as this book is a prequel of their second chance, their story will be continued in "Mixed Up With The Marine." I am so intrigued how Mia's secret will be unfolded. And because I'm a sucker for second chance romance, I can't wait to read it and hope they would be ended up HEA.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Written in third person from a dual perspective, this prequel begins a new spin off series set in Eden’s Ridge, Tennessee. The story follows Mia and Brax from the eve of Mia’s eighteenth birthday to nearly three years later. They are best friends who both feel more. When Brax suggests a marriage of convenience to offer Mia protection, their mutual love is revealed. Thought book one can be read without the prequel, I feel like it is an important look at the history the two characters share prior to being apart. There is heat, romance, and some angst along the way. This prequel does end in a little bit of a cliffhanger leading into book one.
TW: Readers should be aware that there is a scene of attempted sexual assault involving the heroine but not the hero.
I really enjoyed this beginning to Mia and Brax’s best friends, marriage of convenience romance. This prequel does not get us to their HEA, it is just the beginning and ends on a cliffhanger. As long as you understand that, you’ll enjoy the story. Mia is in the foster system and not in a good home. Brax was in Mia’s first foster home with her. They became best friends and he taught her how to take care of herself. They are both secretly in love with each other but when evil comes for her, things change. Despite being short, the prequel was well written and included three dimensional characters, and an engaging storyline. I am going to read the rest of their story in book one because I am hooked in now.