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eesh25's review
4.0
4.5 Stars
Bad Judgement is the first book by Sidney Bell and, since I've all her other three novels, I went into this one with a general idea of what to expect: a lot of seriousness, some damaged but compelling characters, a bit (or a lot) of danger, and good writing. And I got all of that.
The book follows two characters. Brogan works for a security company and his newest job is to protect a rich asshole whose life has been threatened. It's supposed to be fairly normal job, if one that might test Brogan's abundant patience. Then comes Embry Ford, the assistant of said rich asshole, very attracted, very smart and heavy on the making-grown-people-cry-with-his-words, despite only being in his early twenties.
Brogan's is immediately intrigued, entertaining, and somehow charmed by Embry's icy demeanor, which could be considered a little strange. And though it's a terrible idea to pursue Embry, when Brogan starts to like someone and care about them, he goes all out.
I think the thing I love most about Brogan is how laid back he is. He doesn't get easily offended—or get mad in general, really—and he doesn't angst over stuff or have many secrets. He's also very aware of his own issues, like the fact that, when it comes to the people he cares about, he has no sense of self-preservation. It kind of makes him the perfect match for the extremely serious Embry, who totally makes up for Brogan's lack of angst and secrets, and then some.
So the two characters and both very different, interesting, and well-matched. Their interactions vary between fun and amusing, and emotional and heartbreaking. It's a slow burn romances that spreads over the entirely of the 450 pages and it's done very well.
The story starts off simple enough, just a bodyguard and an assistant. But there's so much more to it. A lot of stuff comes up from Embry's present and his past. He's hiding a bunch a lot and there's an added mystery element, figuring out who Embry is exactly and what he's doing. That's why the first half of the story is from Brogan's perspective (third person). The book is divided into three parts—each smaller than the last—and the first and third are from Brogan's perspective while the second is from Embry's.
This is a dark and angsty book and there might be some things that Embry does that you might not agree with, but there's no doubt that it's a really good book. The author manages to make a not-that-small novel have a great pace, and avoids quite a few cliches. I highly recommend her books and am looking forward to what she writes in the future.
Bad Judgement is the first book by Sidney Bell and, since I've all her other three novels, I went into this one with a general idea of what to expect: a lot of seriousness, some damaged but compelling characters, a bit (or a lot) of danger, and good writing. And I got all of that.
The book follows two characters. Brogan works for a security company and his newest job is to protect a rich asshole whose life has been threatened. It's supposed to be fairly normal job, if one that might test Brogan's abundant patience. Then comes Embry Ford, the assistant of said rich asshole, very attracted, very smart and heavy on the making-grown-people-cry-with-his-words, despite only being in his early twenties.
Brogan's is immediately intrigued, entertaining, and somehow charmed by Embry's icy demeanor, which could be considered a little strange. And though it's a terrible idea to pursue Embry, when Brogan starts to like someone and care about them, he goes all out.
I think the thing I love most about Brogan is how laid back he is. He doesn't get easily offended—or get mad in general, really—and he doesn't angst over stuff or have many secrets. He's also very aware of his own issues, like the fact that, when it comes to the people he cares about, he has no sense of self-preservation. It kind of makes him the perfect match for the extremely serious Embry, who totally makes up for Brogan's lack of angst and secrets, and then some.
So the two characters and both very different, interesting, and well-matched. Their interactions vary between fun and amusing, and emotional and heartbreaking. It's a slow burn romances that spreads over the entirely of the 450 pages and it's done very well.
The story starts off simple enough, just a bodyguard and an assistant. But there's so much more to it. A lot of stuff comes up from Embry's present and his past. He's hiding a bunch a lot and there's an added mystery element, figuring out who Embry is exactly and what he's doing. That's why the first half of the story is from Brogan's perspective (third person). The book is divided into three parts—each smaller than the last—and the first and third are from Brogan's perspective while the second is from Embry's.
This is a dark and angsty book and there might be some things that Embry does that you might not agree with, but there's no doubt that it's a really good book. The author manages to make a not-that-small novel have a great pace, and avoids quite a few cliches. I highly recommend her books and am looking forward to what she writes in the future.
gillianw's review
5.0
https://justloveromance.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/bad-judgment-sidney-bell/#more-13366
4.5 stars
Holy, this book was fun!
Bad Judgment is angsty in the best way and has a ton of UST (so much UST!), but it’s also thrilling, sexy, emotional and surprisingly funny. It’s probably one of the best enemies to lovers story I’ve read this year and has so many great elements that I can’t believe this is author’s first novel. FIRST!! What an accomplishment!
Brogan Smith has been newly hired as a bodyguard to a client who is notorious for being ‘difficult’. Brogan knows this is just code for being an asshole, but with a reputation for being able to handle the more special clients, he’s accepts the assignment willingly. But when he sets his sights on Embry Ford, his client’s executive assistant, he’s immediately fascinated by Embry’s good looks and his uptight demeanor.
Embry Ford is determined not to let Brogan Smith past his defenses. But resisting Brogan’s annoying yet charming banter is becoming more difficult the more time he spends in Brogan’s company. But Embry has a mission to carry out and falling for his boss’ bodyguard will only make accomplishing his dangerous task even more difficult.
The first and last third of this book is from Brogan’s POV and what a charming character he is. You definitely get the impression that he’s sweet, kind and generous to a fault – a character trait that seems to be to his own detriment. Even his best friend, Mario, accuses him of being a sap with a “fundamental need to save the people” he cares about. But watching the buttoned-up Embry thaw under Brogan’s care and concern is delicious and oh-so-satisfying. Brogan’s attempts at flirtation aren’t exactly met with enthusiasm on Embry’s part, but their banter is what elevated this book from good to great. Brogan pushes Embry’s buttons and Embry responds, almost despite himself, and some of the conversations between the two were laugh out loud funny. How can you possibly resist a novel that throws in a Schrödinger’s reference:
“Okay,” Brogan said. “Teach me something about physics then.”
“I meant working—”
“I know what you meant. We’re doing physics.”
“Force equals mass times acceleration,” Embry intoned.
“You can do better than that.”
Embry sank into a chair and scowled. This bossy thing was getting old fast. “You don’t give a shit about physics.”
“I’m a little afraid of physics,” Brogan replied, scraping his thumbnail along the table’s edge in a twitchy, nervous gesture. “I have a hard enough time with addition. Half the time I forget to carry the one. But there has to be something you can teach me that doesn’t use much math.”
Ten minutes later, this happened:
“Who the fuck would do that to a cat?” Brogan asked, looking horrified.
“They didn’t really. It’s theoretical. Just answer the question.”
“Well, how the hell do I know if it’s alive or dead if it’s in a box? I can’t see it.”
“That’s the point. The Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum mechanics would’ve meant the cat was both until you knew for sure by seeing it, and that’s—”
“Screw quantum whatever,” Brogan told him. “The cat can’t be alive and dead at the same time. If you don’t believe me, just put the damn thing in a transparent box and be done with it.”
Embry smiled. “Schrödinger would’ve liked you.”
Despite my love for Brogan, which only grew in estimation throughout the book, it’s Embry who had all my sympathy. I’m grateful the author included Embry’s POV, because everything that leads up to the climax of this book is a direct result of Embry’s tragic history. The Embry that Brogan sees in the beginning is only one facet of his complicated personality and while I’m not sure that anyone would actually ever put themselves in Embry’s position, it still makes his emotional capitulation to Brogan all that much sweeter.
All in all, I thought this was an excellent debut novel by Sidney Bell and I’ll definitely keep my eyes open for further books by this author. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a great romantic suspense novel with lots of charm and humor.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review
4.5 stars
Holy, this book was fun!
Bad Judgment is angsty in the best way and has a ton of UST (so much UST!), but it’s also thrilling, sexy, emotional and surprisingly funny. It’s probably one of the best enemies to lovers story I’ve read this year and has so many great elements that I can’t believe this is author’s first novel. FIRST!! What an accomplishment!
Brogan Smith has been newly hired as a bodyguard to a client who is notorious for being ‘difficult’. Brogan knows this is just code for being an asshole, but with a reputation for being able to handle the more special clients, he’s accepts the assignment willingly. But when he sets his sights on Embry Ford, his client’s executive assistant, he’s immediately fascinated by Embry’s good looks and his uptight demeanor.
Embry Ford is determined not to let Brogan Smith past his defenses. But resisting Brogan’s annoying yet charming banter is becoming more difficult the more time he spends in Brogan’s company. But Embry has a mission to carry out and falling for his boss’ bodyguard will only make accomplishing his dangerous task even more difficult.
The first and last third of this book is from Brogan’s POV and what a charming character he is. You definitely get the impression that he’s sweet, kind and generous to a fault – a character trait that seems to be to his own detriment. Even his best friend, Mario, accuses him of being a sap with a “fundamental need to save the people” he cares about. But watching the buttoned-up Embry thaw under Brogan’s care and concern is delicious and oh-so-satisfying. Brogan’s attempts at flirtation aren’t exactly met with enthusiasm on Embry’s part, but their banter is what elevated this book from good to great. Brogan pushes Embry’s buttons and Embry responds, almost despite himself, and some of the conversations between the two were laugh out loud funny. How can you possibly resist a novel that throws in a Schrödinger’s reference:
“Okay,” Brogan said. “Teach me something about physics then.”
“I meant working—”
“I know what you meant. We’re doing physics.”
“Force equals mass times acceleration,” Embry intoned.
“You can do better than that.”
Embry sank into a chair and scowled. This bossy thing was getting old fast. “You don’t give a shit about physics.”
“I’m a little afraid of physics,” Brogan replied, scraping his thumbnail along the table’s edge in a twitchy, nervous gesture. “I have a hard enough time with addition. Half the time I forget to carry the one. But there has to be something you can teach me that doesn’t use much math.”
Ten minutes later, this happened:
“Who the fuck would do that to a cat?” Brogan asked, looking horrified.
“They didn’t really. It’s theoretical. Just answer the question.”
“Well, how the hell do I know if it’s alive or dead if it’s in a box? I can’t see it.”
“That’s the point. The Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum mechanics would’ve meant the cat was both until you knew for sure by seeing it, and that’s—”
“Screw quantum whatever,” Brogan told him. “The cat can’t be alive and dead at the same time. If you don’t believe me, just put the damn thing in a transparent box and be done with it.”
Embry smiled. “Schrödinger would’ve liked you.”
Despite my love for Brogan, which only grew in estimation throughout the book, it’s Embry who had all my sympathy. I’m grateful the author included Embry’s POV, because everything that leads up to the climax of this book is a direct result of Embry’s tragic history. The Embry that Brogan sees in the beginning is only one facet of his complicated personality and while I’m not sure that anyone would actually ever put themselves in Embry’s position, it still makes his emotional capitulation to Brogan all that much sweeter.
All in all, I thought this was an excellent debut novel by Sidney Bell and I’ll definitely keep my eyes open for further books by this author. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a great romantic suspense novel with lots of charm and humor.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review
mdee's review
5.0
One of the best books I've read this year. So good! Great story with well developed characters. I loved Embry, but Brogan definitely stole the show for me. Highly recommended! :))
krystal6's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
tinkcourtney's review
5.0
Why did I wait so long?
This book has been recommended to me multiple times over the past year or two. I finally got around to it, and am kicking myself for waiting. It was SO good. The only bad part was how impossible it was to put down.
It was very entertaining watching Brogan, the competent, burly bodyguard, fall head over heels for Embry, the snarly young assistant to the guy Brogan is guarding. I had my heart in my throat many times, but the action/suspense was broken up by snark and humor and some amazing sexy times. I strongly recommend this.
This book has been recommended to me multiple times over the past year or two. I finally got around to it, and am kicking myself for waiting. It was SO good. The only bad part was how impossible it was to put down.
It was very entertaining watching Brogan, the competent, burly bodyguard, fall head over heels for Embry, the snarly young assistant to the guy Brogan is guarding. I had my heart in my throat many times, but the action/suspense was broken up by snark and humor and some amazing sexy times. I strongly recommend this.
mikibooks's review
3.0
Disclaimer: He dejado la lectura m/m por mediocre, en promedio, pero sobre todo por el enorme problema egomaníaco de sus autores. La posibilidad de estar en contato con sus lectores los hace, en la mayoría de los casos, comportarse como auténticos déspotas que no ven más allá de sus narices, que avivan un fanatismo ciego y sumiso, que retroalimenta a su vez la percepción que tienen de sí mismos. Creo que el problema es que buscan crear una sensación de amistad y complicidad para garantizarles ventas en un mercado muy complicado y cada vez más restringido, pero el proceso solo los vuelve más mediocres precisamente en aquello que ofrecen: la literatura.
Así que he decidido leer y sacarme de encima lo que ya tenía comprado.
Bad Jugment es un libro correcto para el género, con una buena caracterización y construcción de personajes, muy buenos diálogos, y una prosa también correcta, aunque innecesariamente larga. Le hace falta una edición que evite la reiteración, y pula la tendencia al espiral de muchas escenas. Por lo demás, es en su esqueleto, un típico libro m/m sobre todo en el romance. Nada para quemarse las pestañas.
ACTUALIZACIÓN:
Ah, otra cosa. Hay dos palabras en castellano. Dos. Y una está mal escrita. No era tan difícil chequearlo. Y además, en un momento hacen referencia a una especie de droga psicodélica, que (oh sorpresa) en EEUU la usan con fines medicinales pero en Colombia solo la utilizan con fines delictivos. Obviamente. Desastre que no puedo dejar pasar.
Así que he decidido leer y sacarme de encima lo que ya tenía comprado.
Bad Jugment es un libro correcto para el género, con una buena caracterización y construcción de personajes, muy buenos diálogos, y una prosa también correcta, aunque innecesariamente larga. Le hace falta una edición que evite la reiteración, y pula la tendencia al espiral de muchas escenas. Por lo demás, es en su esqueleto, un típico libro m/m sobre todo en el romance. Nada para quemarse las pestañas.
ACTUALIZACIÓN:
Ah, otra cosa. Hay dos palabras en castellano. Dos. Y una está mal escrita. No era tan difícil chequearlo. Y además, en un momento hacen referencia a una especie de droga psicodélica, que (oh sorpresa) en EEUU la usan con fines medicinales pero en Colombia solo la utilizan con fines delictivos. Obviamente. Desastre que no puedo dejar pasar.
malabarbie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
divapitbull's review
5.0
Bad Judgment was surprisingly entertaining! 41/2 rounding up to 5 stars for likable characters with great chemistry, awesome dialogue and bantering; and an interesting – reasonably suspenseful, original storyline. It does require some suspension of disbelief and I’m usually a staunch critic of implausible plots – but Bad Judgment overall is so well orchestrated I didn’t really mind – I just went with the story. I was initially a bit hesitant because the story is touted for being angsty and melodramatic – which I generally don’t like – and it was to an extent – but not the kind of angsty that has me ugly crying and getting a stuffed nose and going through a box of Kleenex. Truth be told I didn’t really find it pinging very high on my angst-o-meter; although it was certainly at times tense and it dealt with some tough subjects (murder, abuse, attempted rape). Then at other times the bantering between Brogan and Embry had me laughing out loud; and they gave me the warm fuzzies with their cuteness.
Brogan Smith is a 29-year-old former soldier now working personal protection for a company called Security Division. He has a reputation for being drama free and hard to rattle so he gets tapped for the Touring Industries assignment as the COO requiring protection – Joel Henniton - is generally considered to be a dick and Smith can be counted on not to let him get under his skin and punch out the client he’s supposed to be protecting. Embry Ford, 23-year-old Executive Assistant to the dick, does however get under his skin. From the moment, Brogan sees Embry he takes his breath away. But Embry isn’t just stunning; he’s also controlling, nitpicky, neurotic, moody and stubborn. He has a stick up his ass, and doesn’t laugh at Brogan’s jokes, only eats health food and cuts the crusts off his sandwiches and Brogan thinks he is the most ridiculously adorable thing ever.
As time goes on Brogan realizes there’s more to Embry than meets the eye. Even more than the fact that Embry’s playing kept male mistress to his married dick of a boss Henniton. Turns out Embry doesn’t exactly seem enamored with the abusive asshole. And Embry with his natural inclination towards organization and details and ability to terrorize office drones and interns has some other interesting moves up his sleeve as well – like krav maga moves. It’s not long before Brogan is “all in”; despite Embry doing his best to discourage him. But Brogan has one speed when it comes to people he cares about -lack of self-preservation full ahead sucker. Embry is probably the one guy who won’t take advantage of him; or at least he’s trying not to but Brogan is a care taker from childhood and the more he learns about Embry and his shadowy agenda – the more determined he is to help.
Both Brogan and Embry are damaged characters. Brogan had a difficult childhood and added 6 years of additional military induced guilt and some PTSD to the mix. Embry in comparison had a wonderful childhood; despite being painfully shy and struggling to use his words and being freakishly smart – until his entire world was horrifically torn apart in an instant. But when all is said and done –(and make no mistake, there’s a LOT to be said and done) they’re good for each other, they’re good together and there’s a definite HEA.
PSA for animal lovers: There is also an endearing Greyhound named Gizmo that nothing bad ever happens to.
Brogan Smith is a 29-year-old former soldier now working personal protection for a company called Security Division. He has a reputation for being drama free and hard to rattle so he gets tapped for the Touring Industries assignment as the COO requiring protection – Joel Henniton - is generally considered to be a dick and Smith can be counted on not to let him get under his skin and punch out the client he’s supposed to be protecting. Embry Ford, 23-year-old Executive Assistant to the dick, does however get under his skin. From the moment, Brogan sees Embry he takes his breath away. But Embry isn’t just stunning; he’s also controlling, nitpicky, neurotic, moody and stubborn. He has a stick up his ass, and doesn’t laugh at Brogan’s jokes, only eats health food and cuts the crusts off his sandwiches and Brogan thinks he is the most ridiculously adorable thing ever.
As time goes on Brogan realizes there’s more to Embry than meets the eye. Even more than the fact that Embry’s playing kept male mistress to his married dick of a boss Henniton. Turns out Embry doesn’t exactly seem enamored with the abusive asshole. And Embry with his natural inclination towards organization and details and ability to terrorize office drones and interns has some other interesting moves up his sleeve as well – like krav maga moves. It’s not long before Brogan is “all in”; despite Embry doing his best to discourage him. But Brogan has one speed when it comes to people he cares about -lack of self-preservation full ahead sucker. Embry is probably the one guy who won’t take advantage of him; or at least he’s trying not to but Brogan is a care taker from childhood and the more he learns about Embry and his shadowy agenda – the more determined he is to help.
Both Brogan and Embry are damaged characters. Brogan had a difficult childhood and added 6 years of additional military induced guilt and some PTSD to the mix. Embry in comparison had a wonderful childhood; despite being painfully shy and struggling to use his words and being freakishly smart – until his entire world was horrifically torn apart in an instant. But when all is said and done –(and make no mistake, there’s a LOT to be said and done) they’re good for each other, they’re good together and there’s a definite HEA.
PSA for animal lovers: There is also an endearing Greyhound named Gizmo that nothing bad ever happens to.
kaitlin_durante's review
5.0
Oh my feels. I was recommended this by my friend Amanda who had it gifted to her from another book friend.
I went into it with mildly high expectations because my buddy loved it so much. I was not disappointed.
The characters were unique to themselves and well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that Brogan couldn't take himself too seriously and Embry was so damaged yet kept his sassy quick answers coming even as things became complicated.
This story really threw me a bit because I wasn't expecting the depth and the connections.
This was truly a 5 star read for me!
I went into it with mildly high expectations because my buddy loved it so much. I was not disappointed.
The characters were unique to themselves and well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that Brogan couldn't take himself too seriously and Embry was so damaged yet kept his sassy quick answers coming even as things became complicated.
This story really threw me a bit because I wasn't expecting the depth and the connections.
This was truly a 5 star read for me!