Official Synopsis:

I was issued a warning: stay away from Ben Rosenberg.

As Clifton Cove’s resident “king”, he thinks he’s entitled to anyone and anything.

The trouble is, I’ve spent my whole life following the rules and playing it safe. I know what it feels like to be the good girl. I’m the police chief’s daughter and a librarian—for adorable children, no less. My wardrobe consists of colorful sundresses and baggy jeans. I might as well have a Post-it stuck to my forehead that reads: Yup, she’s a virgin.

An all-nighter with a fictional hunk is about as exciting as my life gets, until one day, fate decides to take pity on me and shove me straight into the path of Mr. Off-Limits himself.

Oof.

Just as I suspected, every inch of him promises to be my demise. Up close, he’s tall, menacing, dangerously handsome—the type of man who’s never spent a single moment worrying about the opinions of others. A well-behaved girl would do as she’s told and avoid him at all costs, but I’m overdue for a little rebellion.

No more Friday nights sprawled out on the couch in my comfiest pajamas. No more wishing I had the courage to misbehave.

Everyone thinks Ben is going to ruin me.
They think he’ll chew me up and spit me out.

Well, Ben…go ahead.
Tempt me. Taunt me.
Make me bad.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Review:

I absolutely adore R.S. Grey’s books, so I was thrilled when I was offered the chance to read an ARC of her newest release, “Make Me Bad”! “Make Me Bad” has everything that I love in R.S. Grey novels — smart, quick-witted girl and of course, swoony guys. I love how she plays characters off of each other.

“Make Me Bad” is written from two points of view, Madison’s and Ben’s. It’s nice getting to delve inside the minds of both characters and to see how they’re misreading the vibes and emotions from each other.

Madison is a girl after my own heart–she’s a huge book lover (which obviously appeals to readers!), and is overall a relatable character. Although it’s not completely obvious at first, she’s a strong and independent girl who cares about her family and friends. Ben is the same way, although we don’t see as many interactions between him and his dad. I would’ve liked to see a little bit more of an explanation into his family, but it was fun getting to see how Madison interacted with her dad and brother, Colten. I’m not sure if there are any plans to have a book about Colten’s love life, but I’d definitely be down for that.

Madison and Ben’s stubborn refusal to believe that the other person was into them was driving me crazy! (Nothing against Rachel’s writing–it was great!) I wanted to reach through the pages and shake them, or yell at them or something. They had such sweet banter back and forth, and I loved watching their love story unfold.

Madison’s best friend Eli was a great addition to the story, and we also get to see Eli’s boyfriend Kevin, and Ben’s best friend Andy and later his girlfriend pop up throughout the book. We stan a great friendship group, which is similar to the friendship group in her other book, “A Place in the Sun.”

Speaking of “A Place in the Sun,” I was beyond excited when Georgie and Luca get mentioned! They may or may not make a super short appearance throughout the book. I absolutely adore them.

Overall, this was a lovely book, and I was not disappointed! Is it too soon to ask about Rachel’s next book?!