The Bad Boy Bargain by Kendra C. Highley Pages: 217
Published by Entangled, Crush on November 14, 2016
Genres: Young Adult, contemporary, Romance
Source: eARC from Publisher
Baseball player Kyle Sawyer has many labels: bad boy, delinquent, ladies’ man, fearless outfielder… Only one of them is actually true. But then sweet ballet dancer Faith Gladwell asks him to help wreck her reputation, and everything goes sideways.
Faith knows a thing or two about love, and what she had with her cheating jerk of an ex wasn’t it. When he starts spreading rumors about her being an Ice Queen, Faith decides it’s time to let a little bad into her life.
Lucky for her, Kyle Sawyer—dark, dangerous, totally swoonworthy Kyle Sawyer—is landscaping her backyard over Spring Break. Shirtless. And if she can convince him to play along, “dating” Kyle will silence the rumors.
But Faith’s plan threatens to expose Sawyer’s biggest secret of all…and that’s a risk he’s not willing to take.
Disclaimer: This book contains drop-the-book-and-fan-yourself kisses...and touches. Fall in love with a bad boy at your own risk.
The Bad Boy Bargain is a young adult contemporary standalone romance by author Kendra C. Highley. This book is chock full of cuteness. That is the best way to describe it. It is like a smile in a box. I thoroughly enjoyed The Bad Boy Bargain. Lately I have been finding myself gravitating more towards New Adult for my contemporary romances, and young adult for my fantasies. Oftentimes I am finding young adult contemporaries just a bit too immature in the characters. But the big exception to this seems to be the Entangled Crush line. I really enjoy their YA romances for the most part. (And I don’t think that just because a book is young adult that the characters get a free pass on being immature- not all young adults are immature, and I expect that to follow through in YA books too!)
The main characters in The Bad Boy Bargain were a breath of fresh air in this regard. And yes, even though the book had a “revenge” theme, I thought Faith and Kyle were great. I thought they were age appropriate and still mature. Kyle really won me over. I wish more book characters were like him. I found it hilarious how he was trying to hold on to his (completely fake) bad boy/player reputation so hard. It couldn’t be further from the truth, and I have no idea how he fooled his friends for as long as he did. Faith’s mom was the only one that seemed to see through his ridiculous act that didn’t match any of his actions. He is a sweetheart and a big ole softie. Plus, when he would get awkward around Faith, it melted my heart. He is just too darn adorkable. Every time she danced in front of him, my mouth hurt because I was grinning so big. He is just too darn cute.
Faith and Kyle are so good together, and not because she is a good girl and he is a bad boy. No, these two are not opposites at all. They are both good, and I loved seeing the good guy get the good girl. It made this book feel super sweet and it gave me all kinds of warm fuzzies. Bottom line: if you are looking for a quick young adult romance that is super cute and has characters you will love (who are not at all annoying) check out The Bad Boy Bargain. I loved the mature, yet still age appropriate, characters featured in this extra cute romance.
The Bad Boy Bargain by @KendraHighleyis a book 'too cute to miss'- @BookBriefs #review & #Giveaway @entangledteen #YA #Romance Click To Tweet
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About Kendra C. Highley
Kendra C. Highley lives in north Texas with her husband and two children. She also serves as staff to four self-important and high-powered cats. This, according to the cats, is her most important job. She believes in everyday magic, extraordinary love stories, and the restorative powers of dark chocolate.
John Smith
I am most excited to read “The Bad Boy Bargain” because it looks like fun.
Victoria
My favorite sports romance has to be Double Full by Kindle Alexander…the entire Nice Guys series is pretty amazing 🙂
Angelica Dimeo
I am excited to read this book because I love a good romance book
Rita Wray
Sounds like a fun read.
Cathy French
I don’t think I have a favorite sports romance story. I’m hoping this one will be the best one
Kristin (Book Sniffers Anonymous)
Great review. I read this book last week and I completely agree with you. I haven’t been reading too much YA because it does tend to fall a bit on the immature side a lot. However, this one was really well done. I loved Kyle’s character but, just like you, I can’t figure out how no one caught on to all his lies. :\
Natalie
I am excited to read this because I love romance novels and sports!
Kathy Ross
I’m excited because first it’s a romance and second I like the way to described it as being a breath of fresh air.
Morgan
Great review! I like reading about good girls/bad boys and revenge plots so I’ll definitely have to pick this one up 🙂
Edye
I don’t have a favorite sports romance.