Bad Reputation
Author: Emma Barry
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: A
What I’m Talking About:
In his youth, Cole James played the loved-by-all bad boy on Central Square. He was the darling of the show, and to this day, fans only remember him for that role. Now in his early 40s, Cole’s worked hard to become a better actor, make right his mistakes of the past, and has a chance for real stardom on the hit streaming show, Waverley.
Maggie is a former high school drama teacher who was fired after a complaint that the production she was directing for the students was too risqué. Although she won her wrongful termination suit, she gave up her 16-year teaching career. While speaking about the situation on a press appearance, the director of Waverley asked her if she’d like a job as the show’s intimacy coordinator.
Bad Reputation is the wonderful story about learning and moving on from the past while on the road to discovering who you are meant to become. It’s equal parts personal and romantic journey, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with this couple. Maggie and Cole are both sensitive, caring souls who click immediately, but understand there is a line drawn in the sand. Barry draws out longing sighs and almost kisses for over half the book. They grow close over shared stories and the innate intimacy of their working conditions. The tension Barry creates as they get to know one another and struggle to maintain professionalism is palpable. And I love that they don’t compromise their professional morals. It’s slow and perfect.
Barry creates likable characters for whom I want to cheer. They are flawed and have insecurities, but they love with their whole self and genuinely want to be the best versions of themselves. Cole and Maggie’s romance works because the pair are on equal ground. Each thinks the other is amazing but they aren’t worthy, yet they are willing to try to be worthy rather than walk away. And I absolutely LOVE that even at her lowest and doubting it all, Maggie never questions their love. I feel like this message/storyline isn’t given enough page time in romances, and I appreciate how Barry spins their journey to an HEA.
In the end, I adored Bad Reputation and the main couple Maggie and Cole. I love how the author takes time to build their relationship, making it rock solid. I appreciate the curves tossed their way and how the characters handle themselves. I highly recommend this contemporary romance to all.
My Rating: A Loved It
Jen
About the Book:
Cole James’s reputation as Hollywood’s favorite himbo no longer suits him. His fans can’t separate the real man from the character he played on a soapy teen drama decades ago. But that’s going to change with Waverley, the hit streaming historical romance series.
Maggie Niven hates her own notoriety. Fired for directing a divisive play, Maggie takes her fight against censorship public. When Hollywood comes calling, she becomes the new intimacy coordinator for Waverley. But it’s harder than she imagined to focus on the job.
Cole isn’t what she expected—and Maggie is more than he dreamed of. As filming gets underway, the cast’s old traumas lead to real intimacy, and Cole and Maggie struggle with feelings they shouldn’t have. Having an affair on set could destroy his comeback and her new career.
The show must go on. But if Cole and Maggie want a happy ending, they’ll have to start doing things their own way.
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Publisher: Montlake
Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (319 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Author
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)