Scan barcode
amandatory_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Roni Loren never a fails to deliver! I loved O’Neal, Auden and Lennox together as a threesome and separately as couples. O’Neal’s development into a confident, sexy woman was amazing and I also loved how sex- positive this book was. I was hoping for more of a story with her mom’s murder case but wasn’t a huge plot in the book. The spice was ::chefs kiss:: and yes there is ⚔️
peneloperea's review against another edition
2.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to Good Girl Fail by Roni Loren in exchange for my honest review.
O’Neal has had a crush on her best friend's older brother for years but she’s being raised by her grandparents in a very strict household, so she’s never done anything about it. Then one day she takes a chance and it changes everything.
I struggled with this one a lot. I wanted to like it, I really did but I had such a hard time with these characters. You have O’Neal, a sheltered young woman who is desperate to make decisions for herself. She’s sick of her grandparents controlling her entire life and she wants to explore. So she makes a huge decision and takes a chance. I’m with you so far.
Then you have Auden, O’Neal’s BFF’s older brother. He’s like 22 or 23. Now we’re told he’s brought up similarly to O’Neal but the only time we ever “see” that is when the author tells us. He feels shame because he wants things his family won’t approve of and that means he’s been sheltered and brought up in a strict household, but his mom is always perfectly loving and kind, and more than willing to take O’Neal…it never felt right to me.
Then there’s Lennox who is very mature for his young age. I wish there were guys in college with me who are like Lennox. He reminded me of someone 10+ years older. He was kind, patient, and thoughtful, and playful. I struggled with accepting that Lennon was in college which made it very difficult to stay engaged.
The are some very steamy scenes for you to enjoy. For me, it didn’t work.
O’Neal has had a crush on her best friend's older brother for years but she’s being raised by her grandparents in a very strict household, so she’s never done anything about it. Then one day she takes a chance and it changes everything.
I struggled with this one a lot. I wanted to like it, I really did but I had such a hard time with these characters. You have O’Neal, a sheltered young woman who is desperate to make decisions for herself. She’s sick of her grandparents controlling her entire life and she wants to explore. So she makes a huge decision and takes a chance. I’m with you so far.
Then you have Auden, O’Neal’s BFF’s older brother. He’s like 22 or 23. Now we’re told he’s brought up similarly to O’Neal but the only time we ever “see” that is when the author tells us. He feels shame because he wants things his family won’t approve of and that means he’s been sheltered and brought up in a strict household, but his mom is always perfectly loving and kind, and more than willing to take O’Neal…it never felt right to me.
Then there’s Lennox who is very mature for his young age. I wish there were guys in college with me who are like Lennox. He reminded me of someone 10+ years older. He was kind, patient, and thoughtful, and playful. I struggled with accepting that Lennon was in college which made it very difficult to stay engaged.
The are some very steamy scenes for you to enjoy. For me, it didn’t work.
sydsquido's review against another edition
Just could not get past how much I hated the narrator's cadence
jencampbell's review against another edition
4.0
Good Girl Fail | Roni Loren
A campus exploration of “It’s always been you” with a second sexy helping (MMF)
Despite her sheltered background and the controlling influence of her religious grandparents, O’Neal steps on campus at Bennette with a plan to chart her own path. Mildly influenced by her best-friend’s brother Auden and her very first kiss, she finds a new sense of determination to pursue her own dreams rather than fulfill the rigid plan provided for her. A freshman journalist with a broken history – she soon realizes that while she may be the sharpest crayon in the box, her restricted upbringing has left her severely uneducated. Seeking a mentor and lacking a social network, O’Neal turns to Auden, and Auden realizes that there may be more to the student-teacher exchange than he anticipated. Catching feelings complicates things, and so does Lennox – Auden’s tattooed artist roommate with a softer heart than he’s realized. But is it really that complicated, or is that just your past talking?
I must admit that Roni Loren is one of my all-time FAVE romance authors so I knew that I would love this before I even started. I’m all about the complex character and emotional connection and this book delivers those in spades. I generally go for MF romances so the MMF element was extra spicy for me [and may not be for everyone] but the story developed seamlessly and the connection between each character was dynamic and electric.
Good Girl Fail has taken top marks for Campus Novels in my book – super spicy and still swoonworthy, classic third act breakup that didn’t make me cringe, and characters that I’m just not ready to let go of. I’ve read and re-read in between a few other novels and I’m sure I’ll be back again just to spend more time with O’Neal, Auden and Lennox.
4.5/5
Massive thanks to Roni Loren for providing the ARC for review!
A campus exploration of “It’s always been you” with a second sexy helping (MMF)
Despite her sheltered background and the controlling influence of her religious grandparents, O’Neal steps on campus at Bennette with a plan to chart her own path. Mildly influenced by her best-friend’s brother Auden and her very first kiss, she finds a new sense of determination to pursue her own dreams rather than fulfill the rigid plan provided for her. A freshman journalist with a broken history – she soon realizes that while she may be the sharpest crayon in the box, her restricted upbringing has left her severely uneducated. Seeking a mentor and lacking a social network, O’Neal turns to Auden, and Auden realizes that there may be more to the student-teacher exchange than he anticipated. Catching feelings complicates things, and so does Lennox – Auden’s tattooed artist roommate with a softer heart than he’s realized. But is it really that complicated, or is that just your past talking?
I must admit that Roni Loren is one of my all-time FAVE romance authors so I knew that I would love this before I even started. I’m all about the complex character and emotional connection and this book delivers those in spades. I generally go for MF romances so the MMF element was extra spicy for me [and may not be for everyone] but the story developed seamlessly and the connection between each character was dynamic and electric.
Good Girl Fail has taken top marks for Campus Novels in my book – super spicy and still swoonworthy, classic third act breakup that didn’t make me cringe, and characters that I’m just not ready to let go of. I’ve read and re-read in between a few other novels and I’m sure I’ll be back again just to spend more time with O’Neal, Auden and Lennox.
4.5/5
Massive thanks to Roni Loren for providing the ARC for review!
nikki2341's review against another edition
5.0
I need more in this universe! It was a pretty long book, but I wished it were longer! I want to know so much more about O’Neal’s mother and her best friend’s new relationship and her roommate! Gah. I really hope we get more books in this world!
naturally_caffeinated_reader's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you Roni Loren for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I loved thia book it was hot, tender, emotional, deep and executed perfectly. I really loved how sensitive moments were treated and addressed. I found it liberating and freeing and an unconventional way of exploring and discovering. I had no idea Roni Loren had such a massive indie backlist i only was aware of her books as i am OBSESSED with her traditionally published 3 book series. My hardest task now is picking which of her backlist to read next.
Do check tw before jumping in.
I loved thia book it was hot, tender, emotional, deep and executed perfectly. I really loved how sensitive moments were treated and addressed. I found it liberating and freeing and an unconventional way of exploring and discovering. I had no idea Roni Loren had such a massive indie backlist i only was aware of her books as i am OBSESSED with her traditionally published 3 book series. My hardest task now is picking which of her backlist to read next.
Do check tw before jumping in.
athenaevarinya's review against another edition
5.0
I was eagerly awaiting the release of this book and it was everything I was hoping it to be. It ticks off a lot of boxes of elements that I love to read about. I have to say that I'm now torn between which Loren book I love most, this one or "Loving You Easy". Speaking of which, Lennox reminds me of Ren in that book, funny as Lennox's nickname Len rhymes with Ren. I can also see elements of a younger Hayes in Auden.
I borrowed this book from my local library, but I will absolutely be buying this for my Nook collection.
Also while this is a stand-alone novel, I would love to see O'Neal's roommate have her own book where she finds her own happy ending (and kink). She's a great secondary character.
I borrowed this book from my local library, but I will absolutely be buying this for my Nook collection.
Also while this is a stand-alone novel, I would love to see O'Neal's roommate have her own book where she finds her own happy ending (and kink). She's a great secondary character.
jaimejustreadsromance's review
5.0
Polyamorous/ménage romances aren’t my jam and I normally wouldn’t even pick up a book with this plot but, much like O’Neal puts all of her trust in Auden, I put mine in Roni Loren to tell this story. She won me over with her Loving on the Edge series so I knew I could trust that she would impress me with Good Girl Fail and she absolutely did!!
The way she writes these characters in such a way that you can see their insecurities and flaws, while also showing how incredibly open, mature & safe they are when it comes to their sexual desires and exploring them, made for such an incredible read. You won't be able to stop yourself from falling for Auden and Lennox and you'll be cheering for O'Neal and the strength she shows as she desconstructs the purity culture she was raised in.
This book is both incredible hot and informative and I highly recommend reading it.
*I received an ARC from the author for voluntary review
The way she writes these characters in such a way that you can see their insecurities and flaws, while also showing how incredibly open, mature & safe they are when it comes to their sexual desires and exploring them, made for such an incredible read. You won't be able to stop yourself from falling for Auden and Lennox and you'll be cheering for O'Neal and the strength she shows as she desconstructs the purity culture she was raised in.
This book is both incredible hot and informative and I highly recommend reading it.
*I received an ARC from the author for voluntary review
bandherbooks's review against another edition
3.0
O’Neal Lory; Shaq; Good Girl.
New college O'Neal is now free from religiously oppressive grandparents who raised her in a conservative, sheltered, and shameful home after the death of her mother who everyone thought was being a "bad girl." Attending the same college as the mother who died when O'Neal was a baby is the first step in discovering who she is as she also explores a journalism career.
The fact Auden Blake, O'Neal's best friend's brother and childhood crush (and first and only kiss) also attends this college may have factored a bit in O'Neal's decision, but she wasn't anticipating him to have such a strong protective presence in her college life. That he seems to want to keep completely platonic even if O'Neal can sense his attraction to her (and hers to him).
Auden Blake and his roommate and sometimes bedmate Lennox immediately hone in on O'Neal's curiosity and throbbing horny-ness that is just waiting for someone to explore with her. So why not make her journey exceptional??
What emerges is a messy combination of education, voyeurism, and falling in love with more than one person, along with combatting years of in-grained shame.
Like the story, this was messy for me. It is really hot, naturally, but some of the BDSM//Kink discussions didn't land for me. O'Neal is clueless, like really clueless, and FINALLY at the end of the story her new partners are giving her books/websites to explore. BUT as a student of journalism I found it a bit hard to believe she only thought she could research sex, k1nk, and other matters of sexuality from...p0rn??
I wish there had been a bit more of O'Neal finding herself at school, or having a bit of a wider circle of friends. It really felt like she went from one insular family to almost another? We never see Auden and Lennox with anyone else either really, despite their kinks and apparent community? I did like O'Neal's roommate a lot and appreciated her care and concern for O'Neal when she doesn't check in or is missing.
Also, the hint of 'mystery' over the death of her mother and O'Neal's search into finding out who killed her or what happened panned out in a odd manner spoiler: I think this was trying to serve to show what O'Neal has in common?? with her mother?? but honestly I wish this was already known to O'Neal as part of her mother's 'party girl//sinner' tabloid/news branding.
Also, there is SO much internal unpacking of shame, but mostly from Auden, who's STILL unpacking his stuff and it got just a bit heavy for me.
As always Roni Loren pen's an exciting romance and I did really like the last scenes which were joyful and fun for the new poly triad.
CW: internalized homophobia (countered), murder (in past, grief on page), emotionally controlling parents, conservative religious viewpoints that are meant to shame//cause fear (countered). Fear of outing.
Thank you to the author for the advance copy.
New college O'Neal is now free from religiously oppressive grandparents who raised her in a conservative, sheltered, and shameful home after the death of her mother who everyone thought was being a "bad girl." Attending the same college as the mother who died when O'Neal was a baby is the first step in discovering who she is as she also explores a journalism career.
The fact Auden Blake, O'Neal's best friend's brother and childhood crush (and first and only kiss) also attends this college may have factored a bit in O'Neal's decision, but she wasn't anticipating him to have such a strong protective presence in her college life. That he seems to want to keep completely platonic even if O'Neal can sense his attraction to her (and hers to him).
Auden Blake and his roommate and sometimes bedmate Lennox immediately hone in on O'Neal's curiosity and throbbing horny-ness that is just waiting for someone to explore with her. So why not make her journey exceptional??
What emerges is a messy combination of education, voyeurism, and falling in love with more than one person, along with combatting years of in-grained shame.
Like the story, this was messy for me. It is really hot, naturally, but some of the BDSM//Kink discussions didn't land for me. O'Neal is clueless, like really clueless, and FINALLY at the end of the story her new partners are giving her books/websites to explore. BUT as a student of journalism I found it a bit hard to believe she only thought she could research sex, k1nk, and other matters of sexuality from...p0rn??
I wish there had been a bit more of O'Neal finding herself at school, or having a bit of a wider circle of friends. It really felt like she went from one insular family to almost another? We never see Auden and Lennox with anyone else either really, despite their kinks and apparent community? I did like O'Neal's roommate a lot and appreciated her care and concern for O'Neal when she doesn't check in or is missing.
Also, the hint of 'mystery' over the death of her mother and O'Neal's search into finding out who killed her or what happened panned out in a odd manner spoiler:
Spoiler
O'Neal finds the friend her mother was last seen with, who turns out to be a man who had a threesome with her mother the night she disappeared; her mom left because she wanted to give that man time to realize his queerness and and crush for a man. And that is it. No other resolution.Also, there is SO much internal unpacking of shame, but mostly from Auden, who's STILL unpacking his stuff and it got just a bit heavy for me.
As always Roni Loren pen's an exciting romance and I did really like the last scenes which were joyful and fun for the new poly triad.
CW: internalized homophobia (countered), murder (in past, grief on page), emotionally controlling parents, conservative religious viewpoints that are meant to shame//cause fear (countered). Fear of outing.
Thank you to the author for the advance copy.
livebythemoon7's review against another edition
3.0
Book Quotes:
"I know I shouldn't be turned on by this, but I think my brain might literally be liquifying as we speak."
"You look like a very good girl."
Audiobook Review:
This is an 18+ read. I first saw Good Girl Fail by Roni Loren listed as an available audiobook on NetGalley under New Adult Romance. Good Girl Fail is narrated by Samantha Summers, who has narrated several book titles. A few of the titles Samantha Summers has narrated include: Second Chance Love by M. Robinson, Tease by Melanie Harlow, and Abandoned Girl by Lexie Winston. I found Samantha's narration pace to be slower than average at 1x speed. This, of course, is not a huge issue because I just turn my listening speed up to match my comfort. She did a great job voicing the different voices, and I overall enjoyed listening to her narration.
Narration aside, I did enjoy the story as well. I did find that the story was lacking in detail. There was limited detail offered by way of the characters' appearance or surroundings. I love a detailed book that I can just get lost in, and unfortunately, Good Girl Fail just did not deliver on this aspect. Good Girl Fail is about a young woman and her immediate journey post high school of finding herself after being a very sheltered child by her grandparents. The female main character, O'Neal, decides to take on her mother's case for her journalism course in desperation to solve her case or just feel closer to her mother. This journey of self and story chasing seem to be the main plots, but the romance is very much the main focus in Good Girl Fail. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I just feel like I listened to a long book with very little substance.
I did enjoy the themes of finding self wound throughout Good Girl Fail. O'Neal's first move towards taking back her life and living for herself is choosing a college. Her grandmother wanted her to attend an all-girls private college, but this college did not offer a degree in which O'Neal was interested. She was at war with herself over pleasing her grandparents and choosing what they wanted or what she knew in her heart that she wanted. O'Neal's desires ultimately ended up winning out, and O'Neal enrolled in a college where she could pursue her career in journalism. All of this was thanks to a little motivation from her long-standing childhood crush, Auden, who had just given her O'Neal's first kiss. O'Neal keeps making choices for herself once she is at college and becomes very shocked by the desires of her heart. I felt like the book ended abruptly and left too many questions left unanswered.
There are several explicit sexual scenes throughout Good Girl Fail. Erotic scenes include oral, vaginal, anal, double, and some light BDSM themes. The scenes are detailed but, again, not as detailed as I prefer writing to be. I won't go into much detail in this section, but the explicit scenes are also a part of O'Neal's unknowing journey of finding oneself.
"I know I shouldn't be turned on by this, but I think my brain might literally be liquifying as we speak."
"You look like a very good girl."
Audiobook Review:
This is an 18+ read. I first saw Good Girl Fail by Roni Loren listed as an available audiobook on NetGalley under New Adult Romance. Good Girl Fail is narrated by Samantha Summers, who has narrated several book titles. A few of the titles Samantha Summers has narrated include: Second Chance Love by M. Robinson, Tease by Melanie Harlow, and Abandoned Girl by Lexie Winston. I found Samantha's narration pace to be slower than average at 1x speed. This, of course, is not a huge issue because I just turn my listening speed up to match my comfort. She did a great job voicing the different voices, and I overall enjoyed listening to her narration.
Narration aside, I did enjoy the story as well. I did find that the story was lacking in detail. There was limited detail offered by way of the characters' appearance or surroundings. I love a detailed book that I can just get lost in, and unfortunately, Good Girl Fail just did not deliver on this aspect. Good Girl Fail is about a young woman and her immediate journey post high school of finding herself after being a very sheltered child by her grandparents. The female main character, O'Neal, decides to take on her mother's case for her journalism course in desperation to solve her case or just feel closer to her mother. This journey of self and story chasing seem to be the main plots, but the romance is very much the main focus in Good Girl Fail. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I just feel like I listened to a long book with very little substance.
I did enjoy the themes of finding self wound throughout Good Girl Fail. O'Neal's first move towards taking back her life and living for herself is choosing a college. Her grandmother wanted her to attend an all-girls private college, but this college did not offer a degree in which O'Neal was interested. She was at war with herself over pleasing her grandparents and choosing what they wanted or what she knew in her heart that she wanted. O'Neal's desires ultimately ended up winning out, and O'Neal enrolled in a college where she could pursue her career in journalism. All of this was thanks to a little motivation from her long-standing childhood crush, Auden, who had just given her O'Neal's first kiss. O'Neal keeps making choices for herself once she is at college and becomes very shocked by the desires of her heart. I felt like the book ended abruptly and left too many questions left unanswered.
There are several explicit sexual scenes throughout Good Girl Fail. Erotic scenes include oral, vaginal, anal, double, and some light BDSM themes. The scenes are detailed but, again, not as detailed as I prefer writing to be. I won't go into much detail in this section, but the explicit scenes are also a part of O'Neal's unknowing journey of finding oneself.