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Bad at Love
Ever since Daniel moved to L.A. from Brazil to join the band Mischief & Mayhem, he’s become the tabloids’ bad boy. Paparazzi follow him and girls swoon over him . . . except for Sasha, who hates bad boys. When a chance encounter brings them together, Sasha sees an opportunity to get close to Daniel and write a story that will make a name for herself at the celebrity gossip magazine where she interns. But Daniel is surprisingly sweet and extremely cute—could she be falling for him?
The truth is: Daniel is hiding something. When Sasha discovers his secret, will she follow her heart or deliver the hottest story of the summer?
The truth is: Daniel is hiding something. When Sasha discovers his secret, will she follow her heart or deliver the hottest story of the summer?
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2022
19 people are currently reading
1720 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
January 26, 2022
BAD AT LOVE is an open-hearted exploration of loneliness and love, in both platonic and romantic relationships. Gabriela Martins does a wonderful job of balancing humor, turmoil and an achingly sincere romance on the backdrop of the vibrant LA music scene. You don't want to miss it!
July 4, 2022
Actual rating 4.5 stars.
Did I read this story about a pansexual girl and a demisexual boy in less than 48 hours? And did I love it? Oh, yes, I did! Bad at Love is cute, sweet, full of positive vibes, and covers several substantially diverse topics.
Gabriela Martins immediately pulled me in with her vibrant and captivating writing. The short chapters and the dual narrative constantly kept me on the edge of my seat, and smiles danced on my face. I literally flew through the pages and didn’t want to stop reading.
What I liked most about this book is the recognition I felt while reading the story, even though I’m a grown-up and have been for a long while now. The way Daniel describes demisexuality by explaining that there is a difference between recognizing that someone is attractive and actually feeling attracted to someone, just wow! It would have helped me so much if I had known back then (when I was Daniel’s age) what I know now.
Even though I liked Sasha a lot, I fell in love with Daniel from the first page. Because of the recognition and because he was such a cute cinnamon roll! And he crochets when he’s anxious! OMG, so sweet!!!
This is a story to read on a beach, in the garden, or just curled up on the couch. And if you have time, to read it in one sitting and swoon over this adorable romance. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC from Random House Children’s Book, Underlined in excange for an honest review.
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Did I read this story about a pansexual girl and a demisexual boy in less than 48 hours? And did I love it? Oh, yes, I did! Bad at Love is cute, sweet, full of positive vibes, and covers several substantially diverse topics.
Gabriela Martins immediately pulled me in with her vibrant and captivating writing. The short chapters and the dual narrative constantly kept me on the edge of my seat, and smiles danced on my face. I literally flew through the pages and didn’t want to stop reading.
What I liked most about this book is the recognition I felt while reading the story, even though I’m a grown-up and have been for a long while now. The way Daniel describes demisexuality by explaining that there is a difference between recognizing that someone is attractive and actually feeling attracted to someone, just wow! It would have helped me so much if I had known back then (when I was Daniel’s age) what I know now.
Even though I liked Sasha a lot, I fell in love with Daniel from the first page. Because of the recognition and because he was such a cute cinnamon roll! And he crochets when he’s anxious! OMG, so sweet!!!
This is a story to read on a beach, in the garden, or just curled up on the couch. And if you have time, to read it in one sitting and swoon over this adorable romance. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC from Random House Children’s Book, Underlined in excange for an honest review.
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July 16, 2022
read on my blog
rep: demisexual Brazilian protagonist, pansexual Brazilian-American protagonist, lesbian Black side character, Korean-American side character; (Brazilian author)
**I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley (thank you, Get Underlined!). These are my honest opinions, and in no way was I compensated for this review.**
After seeing the author comp this book to How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, I immediately added it to my TBR list. Add that to a “fake bad boy” description, and I couldn’t wait to read this book. Soft and swoonworthy, Bad At Love was an adorable story about knowing your worth and learning to stand up for what you want.
Daniel is a rock star in a popular, up-and-coming band called Mischief & Mayhem. The media has exaggerated his personality into a bad boy persona, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In pursuit of her music journalist dreams, Sasha interns at a new magazine. When she sneaks backstage at an event, she inadvertently runs into Daniel, who hides with her while on the run from chasing fans. Sasha’s editor offers her a scholarship that would allow her to be able to afford college in exchange for an exclusive that would put their magazine on a map. Thus, she agrees to hang out with Daniel who has his own ulterior motives for asking her out.
I really liked the characters! Both Daniel and Sasha have their own personal character arcs, and their chapters read very distinctly. Daniel wants to get out of the bad boy personality that he’s been boxed into and to have more input in the band. They got a record deal through competing on a reality show, but his other bandmates Penny, Wade, and Sam have known each other for years so he continually feels like an outsider in his own band. I liked reading about him sticking up for himself and gradually getting to know his bandmates more.
Meanwhile, Sasha desperately wants to be a music journalist but knows her inability to pay for college hinders the best path for this. She’s independent and self-driven, so she’s long since accepted this but she can’t pass up her boss’s offer of a large scholarship. I liked seeing her dreams and how she chases them no matter what.
The romance was cute! Although both of them have their own reasons for pursuing a relationship, it’s clear that both of them like each other. Their scenes together were very sweet, especially as Sasha realizes that Daniel is more than what the media says about him. They bond over music too, and both open up to each other.
Both are Brazilian (Brazilian-American in Sasha’s case) although they obviously have different relationships with their identity. Daniel emigrated to the US with his older sister to be on the reality show; part of the reason that he doesn’t talk much is because English is his second language and he doesn’t entirely feel comfortable speaking up. Sasha’s grandparents emigrated, so she doesn’t know as much about their shared backgrounds. They also talk about how Daniel is light-skinned so he has white privilege in Brazil and thus feels weird about being referred to as a person of color in the US. However, Sasha is brown and discusses how she doesn’t have that privilege.
Daniel is also demisexual, which makes his player image even more ironic. Sasha is pansexual. Penny, one of Daniel’s bandmates, is a lesbian, and Wade is Korean-American.
Bad At Love was an adorable story about learning to take up the space you deserve. I liked the characters and found the romance to be very sweet. I can’t wait to see what Gabriela Martins writes next! If you’re looking for a lighthearted, quick read, I think you should pick up Bad At Love!
alternate review:
awww this was so cute omg!! loved daniel's and sasha's personal journeys, and they were so cute together <3
original review:
from the author's twitter: "i hope you like fake bad boys, brazilian heroes, & rock bands. my summery YA how to lose a guy in 10 days is about a romcom aficionado (but that's a secret! shh!), and a girl hell-bent on ruining him... if she doesn't fall in love with him first."
this sounds so good!!
November 4, 2021
NÃO CÊS NÃO TEM NOÇÃO DESSE LIVRO NÃO EU TO TODA ME TREMENDO AQUI
August 15, 2022
Thank you so much to Random House Children's for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I read Gabriela Martin's previous YA novel Like a Love Song two months ago and absolutely loved it, so I was super excited to read Bad At Love this summer. While I don't think the novel completely lived up to my expectations, it was still a very cute, heartfelt read. I don't think I've ever read about a main character who works in music journalism before, so that was really cool to learn about in this novel.
I also adored the discussions of exploring Brazilian identities and how the three Brazilian characters in this book have different relationships with their Brazilian heritage. The queer rep in this book (pan MC, ace love interest, lesbian side character) was outstanding as well, just like in Like a Love Song. This is another YA book with incredible demi rep and I'm so happy to see Daniel become more confident in his identity as someone on the ace spectrum.
As for the reasons why I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would, I wish the resolution between Daniel and Sasha was drawn out more. Aside from the fact that I'm not a fan of really public apologies, Daniel immediately accepting Sasha's apology felt very abrupt for how hurt he felt by Sasha's actions. I think a more private, drawn out apology that allowed both parties time to heal would have felt more natural for their relationship. Otherwise, the writing style (specifically in the Daniel and Sasha's inner monologues) seemed a little off to me. Some of the dialogue also felt awkward, which was throwing me off as I read the novel. Nevertheless, I'm still excited to read Gabriela Martins' future works. I'd give this 3.75 stars rounded up.
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I read Gabriela Martin's previous YA novel Like a Love Song two months ago and absolutely loved it, so I was super excited to read Bad At Love this summer. While I don't think the novel completely lived up to my expectations, it was still a very cute, heartfelt read. I don't think I've ever read about a main character who works in music journalism before, so that was really cool to learn about in this novel.
I also adored the discussions of exploring Brazilian identities and how the three Brazilian characters in this book have different relationships with their Brazilian heritage. The queer rep in this book (pan MC, ace love interest, lesbian side character) was outstanding as well, just like in Like a Love Song. This is another YA book with incredible demi rep and I'm so happy to see Daniel become more confident in his identity as someone on the ace spectrum.
As for the reasons why I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would, I wish the resolution between Daniel and Sasha was drawn out more. Aside from the fact that I'm not a fan of really public apologies, Daniel immediately accepting Sasha's apology felt very abrupt for how hurt he felt by Sasha's actions. I think a more private, drawn out apology that allowed both parties time to heal would have felt more natural for their relationship. Otherwise, the writing style (specifically in the Daniel and Sasha's inner monologues) seemed a little off to me. Some of the dialogue also felt awkward, which was throwing me off as I read the novel. Nevertheless, I'm still excited to read Gabriela Martins' future works. I'd give this 3.75 stars rounded up.
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August 14, 2022
Having loved Like A Love Song, I was really looking forward to Gabriela's next book and I have to say I'm starting to like short contemporaries now! Bad At Love is a sweet, cute romcom with a tangible character traits. I loved the shy guy with a fake bad boy persona in a band and a girl chasing her journalist dreams pairing and what it entails for the two of them to clash. Love the representation in the book and how inclusive it felt; it's about accepting the differences with identities as well as characters just existing in their element. I do wish the book was more emotionally deep even if it was meant to be short. But if you're looking for something short and fun (like I was when I decided to read this book) or a light hearted read to get back into reading, I'd recommend this!
thank you Random House Children's for the ARC!
thank you Random House Children's for the ARC!
January 24, 2023
3.5 - A fun story about a girl working for a celebrity gossip magazine dating the “bad boy” from a rock band to try and get dirt on him for a story. I enjoyed seeing how Sasha and Daniel got to know each other and seeing how the media portrayal of “Rotten” is actually so different from who Daniel actually is. There are also some interesting conversations between Sasha as a Brazilian-American and Daniel having only moved to the US from Brazil a couple of years ago. They have different ideas of what it means to be a person of color and what type of privilege they benefit from.
The part where the book lost me a bit was the ending. It was so incredibly rushed. Some really serious things happened that needed so much more time in the book for the characters to apologize and work towards trusting each other again. But it just felt swept aside with a grand gesture and a time skip forward to a year later when everything is peachy keen.
The part where the book lost me a bit was the ending. It was so incredibly rushed. Some really serious things happened that needed so much more time in the book for the characters to apologize and work towards trusting each other again. But it just felt swept aside with a grand gesture and a time skip forward to a year later when everything is peachy keen.
July 3, 2022
Thank you so much to the author and publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, where do I even start? I picked up BAD AT LOVE by Gabriela Martins this morning, craving a fun, quick, light-hearted read, and it delivered that and more. I adored Gabriela's debut, LIKE A LOVE SONG, so this was one of my most anticipated releases, and it exceeded my (very high) expectations. So let me tell you more about it, because I need you all to pre-order it and pick it up when it comes out in August.
Some of the goodness you can find in this book:
- Brazilian main character + Brazilian American main character
- Demi-sexual rep and pansexual rep (both very casually integrated in the story)
- Music and band vibes
- LA setting
- A tender, beautiful, and sweet romance
- How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days but YA
And so much more. You know the quote “If I loved you less, maybe I could talk about it more”? Well, that is me with this book (and many others – I’m great at being a reviewer, obviously lol). But let me try my best.
Let’s start with a quick synopsis. As mentioned in my little list, it’s inspired by How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Daniel feels like an outcast within his own band, which makes it difficult for him to speak up and share his opinion when making decisions about their music. The band decided on cutting out one song Daniel worked on that meant a lot to him, and he blurts this out when they’re talking. That’s how a bet is created – if Daniel keeps a girlfriend for the whole summer, they’ll put the song back on the album. That’s because he has a reputation of a bad boy and a player. Except… that’s a total lie. He’s a softie, a romantic, and a sweetheart who’s never kissed someone. And he’s also demi-sexual. Alas, the bet is set in motion, and he starts dating Sascha.
Sascha works as a waitress and a reporter for a tabloid, writing about gossip and celebrities; something she’s not interested in because she’d much rather write about music. Her boss tells her that if she writes a big viral piece on “Rotten” aka Daniel. So she starts dating him too, recording their conversations, but quickly falling for him.
There are obviously very high stakes but it’s still light-hearted and super sweet, and it’s clear that the love that starts blooming between them is not fake in any shape or form. It’s so sweet, adorable, and tender. There’s a beautiful kind of magic in Gabriela Martins’ writing and the way that she develops characters and makes them fall for each other. I felt as connected to Sascha and Daniel as I rooted for their romance. When they kissed for the first time, I literally got butterflies in my stomach.
There was also one specific aspect of it I connected so much to, which was Daniel’s loneliness and the feeling of otherness around his band. The way he felt alone when he was around them and wasn’t sure if they wanted to be friends with them tugged at my heartstrings so much. I’ve felt this way so many times, and it was so wonderful to see him slowly open up to them and start feeling at home with them.
So yes. I obviously adored this book, and I would sell my soul to read Gabriela’s next book as soon as possible. So I hope you’re convinced to buy this lovely YA contemporary romance! Gabriela Martins is 100% an author to look out for, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next. And if you feel impatient in waiting for the release day, don’t forget to pick up LIKE A LOVE SONG right now because it’s out already and it’s just as good.
before reading: we have a cover and i LOVE it!!!! here's what Gabriela said about the book on Twitter (I'm SO excited):
- Brazilian + Brazilian American ship
- demi boy/pan girl
- How to lose a guy in 10 days but make it YA
- a punk rock band trying to prove their worth after a reality show
- a teen journalist who'll do anything for a chance to go to college
- A BET!!!
Wow, where do I even start? I picked up BAD AT LOVE by Gabriela Martins this morning, craving a fun, quick, light-hearted read, and it delivered that and more. I adored Gabriela's debut, LIKE A LOVE SONG, so this was one of my most anticipated releases, and it exceeded my (very high) expectations. So let me tell you more about it, because I need you all to pre-order it and pick it up when it comes out in August.
Some of the goodness you can find in this book:
- Brazilian main character + Brazilian American main character
- Demi-sexual rep and pansexual rep (both very casually integrated in the story)
- Music and band vibes
- LA setting
- A tender, beautiful, and sweet romance
- How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days but YA
And so much more. You know the quote “If I loved you less, maybe I could talk about it more”? Well, that is me with this book (and many others – I’m great at being a reviewer, obviously lol). But let me try my best.
Let’s start with a quick synopsis. As mentioned in my little list, it’s inspired by How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Daniel feels like an outcast within his own band, which makes it difficult for him to speak up and share his opinion when making decisions about their music. The band decided on cutting out one song Daniel worked on that meant a lot to him, and he blurts this out when they’re talking. That’s how a bet is created – if Daniel keeps a girlfriend for the whole summer, they’ll put the song back on the album. That’s because he has a reputation of a bad boy and a player. Except… that’s a total lie. He’s a softie, a romantic, and a sweetheart who’s never kissed someone. And he’s also demi-sexual. Alas, the bet is set in motion, and he starts dating Sascha.
Sascha works as a waitress and a reporter for a tabloid, writing about gossip and celebrities; something she’s not interested in because she’d much rather write about music. Her boss tells her that if she writes a big viral piece on “Rotten” aka Daniel. So she starts dating him too, recording their conversations, but quickly falling for him.
There are obviously very high stakes but it’s still light-hearted and super sweet, and it’s clear that the love that starts blooming between them is not fake in any shape or form. It’s so sweet, adorable, and tender. There’s a beautiful kind of magic in Gabriela Martins’ writing and the way that she develops characters and makes them fall for each other. I felt as connected to Sascha and Daniel as I rooted for their romance. When they kissed for the first time, I literally got butterflies in my stomach.
There was also one specific aspect of it I connected so much to, which was Daniel’s loneliness and the feeling of otherness around his band. The way he felt alone when he was around them and wasn’t sure if they wanted to be friends with them tugged at my heartstrings so much. I’ve felt this way so many times, and it was so wonderful to see him slowly open up to them and start feeling at home with them.
So yes. I obviously adored this book, and I would sell my soul to read Gabriela’s next book as soon as possible. So I hope you’re convinced to buy this lovely YA contemporary romance! Gabriela Martins is 100% an author to look out for, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next. And if you feel impatient in waiting for the release day, don’t forget to pick up LIKE A LOVE SONG right now because it’s out already and it’s just as good.
before reading: we have a cover and i LOVE it!!!! here's what Gabriela said about the book on Twitter (I'm SO excited):
- Brazilian + Brazilian American ship
- demi boy/pan girl
- How to lose a guy in 10 days but make it YA
- a punk rock band trying to prove their worth after a reality show
- a teen journalist who'll do anything for a chance to go to college
- A BET!!!
April 26, 2022
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year, so thanks Random House Children’s Books for the arc!
Bad at Love tells the story of two teenagers who couldn’t be more different: Daniel, or Rotten, as he is known by the press, is a rock star, and Sasha is an aspiring journalist who works for an online magazine and wants to attend UCLA.
Their paths cross when Daniel is running from a bunch of fans and bumps into Sasha. She helps him out but reporters find them and she becomes “the mystery girlfriend”, even though they’ve just met.
Her boss takes this opportunity and makes a deal with her: if she can get any dirt on Rotten, he’ll give her a scholarship. So after Daniel makes a bet with his friends—if he manages to stay with Sasha for the summer, his bandmates will add his song to their upcoming album—and asks her out, Sasha accepts.
I love Gabriela’s writing! It’s so much fun and easy to get into. The way she describes her characters is just incredible. They have so much depth. It’s the little details for me, like the characters talking about their origins and how they relate to where they’re from.
I also really liked the way Daniel built not only his relationship with Sasha, but with his band mates as well. The fact that he couldn’t open up to them at first but slowly started to engage with them more was awesome!
The only thing I didn’t like was that so much could’ve been avoided if the characters communicated properly. But then again, they’re teenagers. And if they had, the book would be way shorter than it was—which, I guess, was another thing I didn’t enjoy; I want more!!!
I don’t have enough words to describe the awesomeness of this book! I can’t wait to read more from Gabriela!
Bad at Love tells the story of two teenagers who couldn’t be more different: Daniel, or Rotten, as he is known by the press, is a rock star, and Sasha is an aspiring journalist who works for an online magazine and wants to attend UCLA.
Their paths cross when Daniel is running from a bunch of fans and bumps into Sasha. She helps him out but reporters find them and she becomes “the mystery girlfriend”, even though they’ve just met.
Her boss takes this opportunity and makes a deal with her: if she can get any dirt on Rotten, he’ll give her a scholarship. So after Daniel makes a bet with his friends—if he manages to stay with Sasha for the summer, his bandmates will add his song to their upcoming album—and asks her out, Sasha accepts.
I love Gabriela’s writing! It’s so much fun and easy to get into. The way she describes her characters is just incredible. They have so much depth. It’s the little details for me, like the characters talking about their origins and how they relate to where they’re from.
I also really liked the way Daniel built not only his relationship with Sasha, but with his band mates as well. The fact that he couldn’t open up to them at first but slowly started to engage with them more was awesome!
The only thing I didn’t like was that so much could’ve been avoided if the characters communicated properly. But then again, they’re teenagers. And if they had, the book would be way shorter than it was—which, I guess, was another thing I didn’t enjoy; I want more!!!
I don’t have enough words to describe the awesomeness of this book! I can’t wait to read more from Gabriela!
May 11, 2022
*4.5 Stars*
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Daniel is the new addition to the famous band Mischief & Mayhem and its official bad boy, well according to the media anyway. Actually, Daniel is pretty shy and it was all a misunderstanding. But even his band doesn't believe that.
Enters Sasha. She is doing an internship for a celebrity gossip magazine and she runs into Daniel by chance. The two are spotted together and pictures of them feed the rumor mill.
Soon after, Daniel is dared by a bandmate to date Sasha the entire summer and he takes him up on it, while Sasha decides to find a story about Daniel so that she can get a scholarship to a university.
But the two have no idea what they got themselves into.
This was very very good. I had a great time reading it and I loved so many aspects of it.
First of all, I loved the American-Brazilian rep, alongside the Brazilian rep. I loved seeing the characters talking about the differences and everything. I also loved the demisexual rep as well as the pansexual rep, as an ace panromantic person myself, this felt great.
I really enjoyed the plot, I was very into the whole journalist vs. rockstar drama and I loved both main characters right from the start.
This was a very fast very enjoyable read and while I did love this in a book, I did feel like some of the issues and some of the plot points were resolved and happened a bit too quickly.
Overall though, this was simply great and it made me long for more from Gabriela Martins. I will without a doubt reread this too.
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Daniel is the new addition to the famous band Mischief & Mayhem and its official bad boy, well according to the media anyway. Actually, Daniel is pretty shy and it was all a misunderstanding. But even his band doesn't believe that.
Enters Sasha. She is doing an internship for a celebrity gossip magazine and she runs into Daniel by chance. The two are spotted together and pictures of them feed the rumor mill.
Soon after, Daniel is dared by a bandmate to date Sasha the entire summer and he takes him up on it, while Sasha decides to find a story about Daniel so that she can get a scholarship to a university.
But the two have no idea what they got themselves into.
This was very very good. I had a great time reading it and I loved so many aspects of it.
First of all, I loved the American-Brazilian rep, alongside the Brazilian rep. I loved seeing the characters talking about the differences and everything. I also loved the demisexual rep as well as the pansexual rep, as an ace panromantic person myself, this felt great.
I really enjoyed the plot, I was very into the whole journalist vs. rockstar drama and I loved both main characters right from the start.
This was a very fast very enjoyable read and while I did love this in a book, I did feel like some of the issues and some of the plot points were resolved and happened a bit too quickly.
Overall though, this was simply great and it made me long for more from Gabriela Martins. I will without a doubt reread this too.
April 25, 2022
If you're like me, you're already keeping an eye out for beach reads this summer. Not that I go to the beach, but you know, lighthearted books to read in the summer. As far as I'm concerned, these reads should also be set in summer, and this one is! And it's an adorable YA romance, that absolutely deserves a spot on your summer reading list.
What I loved most in Like a Love Song, I also loved here: it's a queer M/F romance with a famous main character! Daniel, our Brazilian main character, is demisexual, and has a bad boy reputation that couldn't be farther from the truth, and he's taken on a bet from his bandmates to date one girl for the whole summer. Sasha, our Brazilian-American main character, is pansexual, and is out to expose him. This leads to MESS, but it's also just a really really cute story, and a very quick read as well. I can see myself rereading this a lot.
I was a huge fan of Like a Love Song, and it was so fun to see all the references, and to see how this was set in the same world.
What I loved most in Like a Love Song, I also loved here: it's a queer M/F romance with a famous main character! Daniel, our Brazilian main character, is demisexual, and has a bad boy reputation that couldn't be farther from the truth, and he's taken on a bet from his bandmates to date one girl for the whole summer. Sasha, our Brazilian-American main character, is pansexual, and is out to expose him. This leads to MESS, but it's also just a really really cute story, and a very quick read as well. I can see myself rereading this a lot.
I was a huge fan of Like a Love Song, and it was so fun to see all the references, and to see how this was set in the same world.
August 14, 2022
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.
Finding fame as a member of Mischief & Mayhem on the reality tv show, Making Music!, was a dream come true for Daniel. He uprooted his sister, and moved to LA for the opportunity, learning English as quickly as he could, and can't thank her enough. But having to be known as Rotten, the bad boy of the group, rubs the wrong way at times, and he hates the paparazzi following, and the tabloid headlines. When he comes across Sasha as he's trying to hide from the cameras, and ends up bringing her into the limelight, he ends up making a bad bet with his band mates that he can date her for the summer. The only issue - Sasha is a journalist, and getting the scoop on Rotten would cement her career, and land her a scholarship for college. As Sasha tries to get closer, they soon realise their feelings are very much real, and the secrets they're keeping may pull them apart for good.
When I started reading Bad at Love, I wasn't too sure what to expect. I haven't read anything from this author before, but heard glowing things, and honestly, I'd forgotten what the book was about - other than the fact that one of the characters was in a band. It took a little while to get into, but once I was at about chapter 5 or so, I didn't really want to put the book down. I loved both Daniel and Sasha, and they were so real, reading this was like seeing them in front of my eyes. Both had secrets, that is true, and if they had spoken to each other a lot of conflict could have been avoided, but it was understandable why they were wary with each other. Sasha really disliked bad boys, and what the tabloids had been printing about Rotten seemed to cement all her fears of him, so falling for him, or rather, for Daniel, was like a nightmare. This was the perfect summer read, and I adore how vibrant the characters and story was. I'll definitely be looking for more of Gabriela's books in the future!
Finding fame as a member of Mischief & Mayhem on the reality tv show, Making Music!, was a dream come true for Daniel. He uprooted his sister, and moved to LA for the opportunity, learning English as quickly as he could, and can't thank her enough. But having to be known as Rotten, the bad boy of the group, rubs the wrong way at times, and he hates the paparazzi following, and the tabloid headlines. When he comes across Sasha as he's trying to hide from the cameras, and ends up bringing her into the limelight, he ends up making a bad bet with his band mates that he can date her for the summer. The only issue - Sasha is a journalist, and getting the scoop on Rotten would cement her career, and land her a scholarship for college. As Sasha tries to get closer, they soon realise their feelings are very much real, and the secrets they're keeping may pull them apart for good.
When I started reading Bad at Love, I wasn't too sure what to expect. I haven't read anything from this author before, but heard glowing things, and honestly, I'd forgotten what the book was about - other than the fact that one of the characters was in a band. It took a little while to get into, but once I was at about chapter 5 or so, I didn't really want to put the book down. I loved both Daniel and Sasha, and they were so real, reading this was like seeing them in front of my eyes. Both had secrets, that is true, and if they had spoken to each other a lot of conflict could have been avoided, but it was understandable why they were wary with each other. Sasha really disliked bad boys, and what the tabloids had been printing about Rotten seemed to cement all her fears of him, so falling for him, or rather, for Daniel, was like a nightmare. This was the perfect summer read, and I adore how vibrant the characters and story was. I'll definitely be looking for more of Gabriela's books in the future!
July 19, 2022
3.75 stars** This was a cute and light read! I have been in a bit of a slump recently and this was a very easy romance to get me out of that.
I enjoyed Daniel’s character a lot; it isn’t typical to see characters as softhearted and shy as him. I liked how driven Sasha was, but I did have some trouble following her mindset at times. It was evident that she was fighting her feelings for him, but I couldn’t always tell when the shift occurred between believing him and believing he was a player.
I liked the casual representation as well! I love how no one’s identity was ever questioned and all the characters just existed in their own right.
I do wish Sam’s stereotypical comments were handled better. It was such a brief confrontation; I think it would’ve added something if he’d actually admitted his fault and his apology was more sincere.
Overall, this was a short and cute story! Thank you to Underlined for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
I enjoyed Daniel’s character a lot; it isn’t typical to see characters as softhearted and shy as him. I liked how driven Sasha was, but I did have some trouble following her mindset at times. It was evident that she was fighting her feelings for him, but I couldn’t always tell when the shift occurred between believing him and believing he was a player.
I liked the casual representation as well! I love how no one’s identity was ever questioned and all the characters just existed in their own right.
I do wish Sam’s stereotypical comments were handled better. It was such a brief confrontation; I think it would’ve added something if he’d actually admitted his fault and his apology was more sincere.
Overall, this was a short and cute story! Thank you to Underlined for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
August 2, 2024
the two stars are for the 10 things i hate about u references bc those two had zero chemistry or anything tbh
August 24, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
A cute book that’s a fast read.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrators.
The story was cute enough, there just wasn’t enough happening for me to give it a higher rating.
A cute book that’s a fast read.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrators.
The story was cute enough, there just wasn’t enough happening for me to give it a higher rating.
March 25, 2022
BRO I love everything Gabhi writes. EVERYTHING. I've been waiting for this book!!!! Since she sent me her sample chapters!!! And it was everything I could have hoped for. She somehow manages to capture all the heartwarming feelings of rom-com while making me feel so SEEEEEN with the way she writes her characters' insecurities and worries. I absolutely adore this book and I LOVE DANIEL AND SASHA SO MUCH MY LIL CUTE BBYS.
December 23, 2022
3.5 rounded up for this fun #ownvoices, dual POV, YA romance between a fake bad boy musician and a teen reporter sent to get the dirt on him. I loved the Brazilian MCs, the demi, ace and pan sexuality rep and the way the characters find love in unexpected places. Great on audio narrated by Javier Prusky and Carla Corvo.
November 29, 2022
3.5
i think authors need to have the concept of dating someone for a bet permanently wiped from their memory.
i think authors need to have the concept of dating someone for a bet permanently wiped from their memory.
August 21, 2022
This was the peeeerfect summer read! It had fun adventures in the music industry, a diverse set of characters, and a heart in the midst of it all. Plus, it's compared to How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days!
I love that this book takes place in the same universe as Like a Love Song. We get a glimpse into the lives of some of the characters we fell in love with in that book which is always nice.
Daniel is the sweetest guy ever! Throughout the book, he has a rep as this bad boy musician that is so far from the truth. This man is kind, sensitive, and just the biggest cinnamon roll. He was the perfect opposite to Sasha, our other protagonist. Sasha is on a mission to ruin said cinnamon roll which makes for an interesting story! Sasha and Daniel each go through their own arcs as they try to figure out what to do with each other and what to do with their futures.
There's also talk of white privilege and how that plays into Daniel (who looks more white) immigrating from Brazil and Sasha (who looks more like a person of color) living in the states her whole life. This, coupled with their personal troubles and growth give this book so much heart and makes the characters incredibly real. I love that we're able to get this glimpse into their minds and their hearts.
I love the famous person trope so this book was right up my alley. We get some "behind the scenes footage" as Daniel works on his music and with his band in LA. We also get to see a bit of the celebrity industry through Sasha's eyes as she tries to write the story that will gain her the recognition she craves. I always love being able to spend some time in the entertainment industry through books so this was a real treat for me.
Overall, this was a great read for summer or anytime really! I loved the characters and loved the adventure that I was able to take through them. I would absolutely recommend this book!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I love that this book takes place in the same universe as Like a Love Song. We get a glimpse into the lives of some of the characters we fell in love with in that book which is always nice.
Daniel is the sweetest guy ever! Throughout the book, he has a rep as this bad boy musician that is so far from the truth. This man is kind, sensitive, and just the biggest cinnamon roll. He was the perfect opposite to Sasha, our other protagonist. Sasha is on a mission to ruin said cinnamon roll which makes for an interesting story! Sasha and Daniel each go through their own arcs as they try to figure out what to do with each other and what to do with their futures.
There's also talk of white privilege and how that plays into Daniel (who looks more white) immigrating from Brazil and Sasha (who looks more like a person of color) living in the states her whole life. This, coupled with their personal troubles and growth give this book so much heart and makes the characters incredibly real. I love that we're able to get this glimpse into their minds and their hearts.
I love the famous person trope so this book was right up my alley. We get some "behind the scenes footage" as Daniel works on his music and with his band in LA. We also get to see a bit of the celebrity industry through Sasha's eyes as she tries to write the story that will gain her the recognition she craves. I always love being able to spend some time in the entertainment industry through books so this was a real treat for me.
Overall, this was a great read for summer or anytime really! I loved the characters and loved the adventure that I was able to take through them. I would absolutely recommend this book!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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February 28, 2023
actual rating: 3.5 stars
rep: brazilian-american pansexual MC, brazilian demisexual MC, lesbian SC
sasha and daniel’s paths crossed after one photo of them were posted online. they were standing a little bit close and it looks like they’re romantically involved. trying to ensure that she gets the college scholarship so that she can pursue a career as a music journalist, sasha agreed her boss to get some scoops on the hottest, baddest, and most playboy rockstar currently. while everyone assumed daniel aka rotten (what a name…) is promiscuous and an extreme womaniser, daniel is a rockstar who loves to crochet and is actually very shy. wanting to win a bet, daniel has to date sasha for the entire summer. while it’s a bad bet and it will eventually blow up in his face, the desire to fit into this band is real.
this was a pretty quick book. everything happened all at once at the end to cover all the bases but i’m not complaining. i actually liked that the conflict wasn’t dragged on for nothing. daniel found his place within the band while sasha worked towards love even though it scared her. a fast romance novel if you are looking for one.
rep: brazilian-american pansexual MC, brazilian demisexual MC, lesbian SC
sasha and daniel’s paths crossed after one photo of them were posted online. they were standing a little bit close and it looks like they’re romantically involved. trying to ensure that she gets the college scholarship so that she can pursue a career as a music journalist, sasha agreed her boss to get some scoops on the hottest, baddest, and most playboy rockstar currently. while everyone assumed daniel aka rotten (what a name…) is promiscuous and an extreme womaniser, daniel is a rockstar who loves to crochet and is actually very shy. wanting to win a bet, daniel has to date sasha for the entire summer. while it’s a bad bet and it will eventually blow up in his face, the desire to fit into this band is real.
this was a pretty quick book. everything happened all at once at the end to cover all the bases but i’m not complaining. i actually liked that the conflict wasn’t dragged on for nothing. daniel found his place within the band while sasha worked towards love even though it scared her. a fast romance novel if you are looking for one.
July 6, 2022
Trigger warnings:
Another lovely YA contemporary by Gabriela Martins! I loved Like A Love Song (the author's debut) and, while I think I enjoyed this one a bit less, I'm still going to be reading more from this author. This was another heartwarming read with great characters and a lovely romance!
Full review coming soon on the blog :)
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an e-ARC. This did not, in any way, influence my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bookstagram - Bloglovin'
Another lovely YA contemporary by Gabriela Martins! I loved Like A Love Song (the author's debut) and, while I think I enjoyed this one a bit less, I'm still going to be reading more from this author. This was another heartwarming read with great characters and a lovely romance!
Full review coming soon on the blog :)
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an e-ARC. This did not, in any way, influence my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bookstagram - Bloglovin'
August 8, 2022
thank you PRH international for sending me an EARC of this book!
4 stars!
I LOVED THIS BOOK! it was so so cute and so well done! the plot gives me How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days vibes which i loved, but mix it up with a sweet guy in a rock band with a fake bad boy persona and a girl who's chasing her dream of being a music journalist and accidentally ends up saving this "bad boy" from the press.
Also, THE REP?!!! 10/10!!! a brazilian-american & pansexual fmc, a brazilian & demisexual!!! mmc, and a lesbian side character!!!!! I LOVED THEM ALL SO SO MUCH AND THE DEMI REP SPECIALLY WAS SO WELL DONE! this book is truly a fun ride, tho i was stressed at times. but it's just so sweet and relatable, i loved it!
it's also such a fast and easy read! definitely recommend, specially for the queer, latine and anxiety rep! <3
4 stars!
I LOVED THIS BOOK! it was so so cute and so well done! the plot gives me How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days vibes which i loved, but mix it up with a sweet guy in a rock band with a fake bad boy persona and a girl who's chasing her dream of being a music journalist and accidentally ends up saving this "bad boy" from the press.
Also, THE REP?!!! 10/10!!! a brazilian-american & pansexual fmc, a brazilian & demisexual!!! mmc, and a lesbian side character!!!!! I LOVED THEM ALL SO SO MUCH AND THE DEMI REP SPECIALLY WAS SO WELL DONE! this book is truly a fun ride, tho i was stressed at times. but it's just so sweet and relatable, i loved it!
it's also such a fast and easy read! definitely recommend, specially for the queer, latine and anxiety rep! <3
August 30, 2022
After a random run-in, Sasha is plastered on the tabloids as rockstar slash playboy Daniel’s latest girl toy. Interning for an internet magazine and with the opportunity for a college scholarship, Sasha must write a scandalous piece to expose Daniel. But, what if getting close to him, getting to know him proves Sasha wrong… that Daniel is in fact a nice and decent guy who is the opposite of what the tabloids say?
Alright, I am a huge fan of these kinds of stories! YA celebrity (any kind of celebrity) romance, you know I’d be down for. It was predictable, definitely like a Freeform movie, but it was an easy binge, sweet, and of course loved the Brazilian rep.
Alright, I am a huge fan of these kinds of stories! YA celebrity (any kind of celebrity) romance, you know I’d be down for. It was predictable, definitely like a Freeform movie, but it was an easy binge, sweet, and of course loved the Brazilian rep.
October 22, 2022
esse é definitivamente um livro!
eu sei lá, não tinha muitas expectativas de amar esse livro mas também achei que seria um pouquinho melhor. me pareceu um pouco como se “como perder um cara em dez dias” e “starstruck” tivessem um filho e saiu esse livro. o problema é que o casal nesse livro não tinha química nenhuma. em momento nenhum torci pra eles ficarem juntos. e no final torci menos ainda.
achei que pelo menos gostaria da representatividade brasileira mas nem pra isso prestou. muito papo sobre como nascidos fora do brasil também são brasileiros e bla bla mas sinceramente não consigo engolir pessoas que não se dão nem o trabalho de aprender a nossa língua.
acho que a única coisa boa foi a maneira que a representatividade demissexual foi feita.
eu sei lá, não tinha muitas expectativas de amar esse livro mas também achei que seria um pouquinho melhor. me pareceu um pouco como se “como perder um cara em dez dias” e “starstruck” tivessem um filho e saiu esse livro. o problema é que o casal nesse livro não tinha química nenhuma. em momento nenhum torci pra eles ficarem juntos. e no final torci menos ainda.
achei que pelo menos gostaria da representatividade brasileira mas nem pra isso prestou. muito papo sobre como nascidos fora do brasil também são brasileiros e bla bla mas sinceramente não consigo engolir pessoas que não se dão nem o trabalho de aprender a nossa língua.
acho que a única coisa boa foi a maneira que a representatividade demissexual foi feita.
July 25, 2022
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Bad at Love is a dual POV story about the perceptions we have of ourselves. For Daniel, his persona as Rotten has taken over his life. And there are so many layers of himself he's living whether it be the lack of letting his bandmates know who he is, and not correcting the world about him. Whereas for Sasha, she is committed to her dream, but what happens when she has the opportunity to make a big break? For her, she has to figure out just how much her dream is worth.
Not only did I love how queer Bad at Love is - hey hey for not only pansexual rep, but also demisexual rep!!! - I love how the characters jump off the pages. They're truly the backbone of Bad at Love. I fell for Daniel's softeness and the way he's afraid of showing his softness. We can have these ideas of what it means to be a 'rockstar' and what happens when they aren't met? Whereas I instantly loved Sasha's drive and how she wants to succeed.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
Bad at Love is a dual POV story about the perceptions we have of ourselves. For Daniel, his persona as Rotten has taken over his life. And there are so many layers of himself he's living whether it be the lack of letting his bandmates know who he is, and not correcting the world about him. Whereas for Sasha, she is committed to her dream, but what happens when she has the opportunity to make a big break? For her, she has to figure out just how much her dream is worth.
Not only did I love how queer Bad at Love is - hey hey for not only pansexual rep, but also demisexual rep!!! - I love how the characters jump off the pages. They're truly the backbone of Bad at Love. I fell for Daniel's softeness and the way he's afraid of showing his softness. We can have these ideas of what it means to be a 'rockstar' and what happens when they aren't met? Whereas I instantly loved Sasha's drive and how she wants to succeed.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
August 26, 2022
This was a cute and quick read! I just wish it was longer so that we could learn more about the characters and had more time for their relationship to develop.
Check out the article I've written about this book!
Check out the article I've written about this book!
July 8, 2022
as both a pansexual and a demisexual ... i related to this book HARD. 10k stars for gabhi martins who absolutely knows her way around cute banter and stories that stick with you emotionally for a very very long time.
May 7, 2024
This was enjoyable, but it was nothing special for me. The characters were decent, the plot very predictable but entertaining enough. All in all it was an okay read.
October 25, 2024
Picking this up after the 1D news was prolly not the best idea. It had its' moments, though!
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