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Review

“What happens when the party girl and the bad boy grow up?”

3.5 stars

The second book in the Avalon Bay series, this is a second-chance-romance between an adventure-seeking party-girl and her bad boy, both fighting hard to overhaul their bad reputations and start fresh… yet they can’t stay away from each other.

In the first book of this series, Good Girl Complex, we were introduced to Evan Hartley. He is the twin brother of Cooper (hero of the first book), and is a light-hearted player who lives his life to the fullest. There was also mention of Genevieve, his high school sweetheart, one true love, and the girl who got away when she suddenly left town a year earlier.

Genevieve lost herself to her partying. Always looking for excitement and the next rush, she was high on life, until she hit rock bottom. Shaken and devastated, she left town and didn’t look back, and she has worked hard to overhaul her life, stay away the party lifestyle, and start fresh. Her mother’s death brings her back to Avalon Bay, and though she only plans to be in town for a few days, her father needs her help, so she agrees to stay temporarily until things get sorted out.

From the moment that Evan and Gen see each other, we see their sizzling chemistry. There is so much history between them, so much passion and intensity, and there is still so much love. It’s hard to resist, especially when Evan makes it clear that he wants Gen back, but she is terrified of falling into old patterns of behaviour, and reigniting the toxic off-and-on that defined their relationship.

“You know we can’t stay away from each other … we spent our whole relationship trying. Doesn’t work.”

But their connection is incredible. Despite their twisted past, there is an ease to them together, they fall back towards each other, and it’s so natural. They know everything about each other, they care for each other deeply, and their passion for each other is so strong. But Gen’s reasons for not giving in are understandable. Evan also gets it, and he’s prepared to prove that he can also change, and it’s gorgeously entertaining watching him do just that.

Right here, the two of us, is the only thing that’s ever made sense to me. And whatever she tells herself, I know she feels it too.
“Trust me, baby. Give us a chance to be good for each other. How am I ever going to convince you we can if you won’t try?”

There’s a lot of push and pull in their story, and I truly felt for both Evan and Genevieve. She is trying so hard to turn her life around and do the right thing, while Evan just wants his girl back. The pull between them irresistible, and we see just how on fire they are for each other, and how amazing they could be together.

God, we were invincible together. Untouchable. With Evan, I was never bored a minute in my life.

Sure, we’ve had our toxic moments, the fights, the reckless nights. But there were great times as well. Together, we’re fusion. Perfect energy.

It’s a heartfelt second-chance-romance, and there is some drama, and I was frustrated at some of Genevieve’s actions, but Evan’s determination and playfulness is a great balance which keeps the feeling of the book light and fun. And watching Evan so honestly, openly and earnestly fight for his girl is so, so gorgeous to see.

“There’s no version of this” – I gesture between us – “where we don’t get together, Fred. One way or another. I can tell you that for certain.”
“And to hell with the collateral damage.”
“Yes.” Without hesitation
“While it all burns around us.”
“I like it that way.” Because nothing else matters when she’s mine. Nothing. She’s everything and all of it.

There’s external dramas happening which they’re both also dealing with, and both of their families play a part in the story. Evan’s drama continues on from the last book, and there’s some great progression there. Gen’s family, in particular, are a great bunch, and I really loved seeing so much of them. There’s also a whole lot of drama in this group of friends – I haven’t wrapped my head around who everybody is and how they all intermingle, but there are stories there just begging to be told, and I’m keen to continue on with this series.

It all comes together really well, I enjoyed watching the story unfold, and I was so satisfied at the resolution, which happened just as I was hoping it would. I loved watching Evan and Genevieve figure out who they need to be, and find their way back to each other.

This is a fun read, with great chemistry, and I really enjoyed it.

3.5 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

Avalon Bay