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ajsgbf's review against another edition
5.0
There were a lot of thoughts I had about this book. For starters, I am glad to learn that L. J. Shen’s new book didn’t feature a half-naked man on its cover. It’s her preference entirely but it's hard for me to take the book seriously then. Don’t get me wrong, I still ended up devouring a ton of her books that did feature scantily clad men on their cover (and thoroughly enjoyed said books) but not before cringing each time I opened my iPad and took a look at my library.
Moving on, the first thing that became apparent to me was the fact that L.J. Shen’s writing style has majorly evolved. I really enjoyed reading this book and finished it in under a day. I was happy to see she didn’t feel the need to state that the male love interest was a millionaire or god forbid the proverbial billionaire that seems to be dime a dozen in the world of romance novels. I mean I get the appeal obviously but it makes the plot truly unrealistic. (9 out of 10 times romance novels today feature a male love interest who is either a billionaire of some kind or has a construction company). That being said, L.J. Shen clearly got the memo and while she made subtle infusions of Cruz’s wealth, she didn’t go overboard and that was much appreciated.
I also really appreciated the fact that the main protagonist, Tennessee, had an aversion to foul language. I get this entirely although I am not sure I like the word “gasshole” primarily because I hate the swear word it's meant to indicate. The G added before it just makes it all the worse. I am glad I got over this aversion early on though because it was featured a whopping 9 times.
Either way, this book made for a great read after a horribly long work week. Well done L.J. Shen, you truly deserve your spot as one of my favourite authors.
Moving on, the first thing that became apparent to me was the fact that L.J. Shen’s writing style has majorly evolved. I really enjoyed reading this book and finished it in under a day. I was happy to see she didn’t feel the need to state that the male love interest was a millionaire or god forbid the proverbial billionaire that seems to be dime a dozen in the world of romance novels. I mean I get the appeal obviously but it makes the plot truly unrealistic. (9 out of 10 times romance novels today feature a male love interest who is either a billionaire of some kind or has a construction company). That being said, L.J. Shen clearly got the memo and while she made subtle infusions of Cruz’s wealth, she didn’t go overboard and that was much appreciated.
I also really appreciated the fact that the main protagonist, Tennessee, had an aversion to foul language. I get this entirely although I am not sure I like the word “gasshole” primarily because I hate the swear word it's meant to indicate. The G added before it just makes it all the worse. I am glad I got over this aversion early on though because it was featured a whopping 9 times.
Either way, this book made for a great read after a horribly long work week. Well done L.J. Shen, you truly deserve your spot as one of my favourite authors.
daisyknox's review against another edition
5.0
All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
This story’s much lighter than the usual angsty fare from LJ Shen but she killed it with Tennessee and Cruz. Tennessee’s snark and the attitude she gives the world are epic. This is one of those small towns where everyone knows (or thinks they know) everyone else’s business and this place has treated her horribly. She’s been the town joke for years, ever since her HS sweetheart knocked her up then disappeared when she refused to abort her child. Tennessee hides behind her revealing thrift store clothes and heavy makeup because she doesn’t have the confidence to be herself. It’s no wonder since her family treats her like garbage and she has no friends, thanks to all the gossip.
Enter Cruz Costello, town golden boy who has secretly loved her since they were kids. He pined after her for years but when he finally worked up the courage to ask her out, his so-called best friend intentionally beat him to it and the rest is history. They’re forced together against their will where the hate spirals into a torturous love-hate relationship, but once the forced proximity ends, they realize the love isn’t fleeting.
Tennessee wants to keep their relationship under wraps to avoid drama because nobody thinks she’s worthy of him but Cruz wants to go public so her refusal tears them apart. She needs to learn to stand up for herself, especially to her family but will she force herself to confront them or will she continue to suffer silently, since their abuse is all she’s ever known?
I love these characters, especially the way Tennessee transforms and finally begins to put people in their places. Cruz clearly loves her, but he’s no pushover blinded by love, so he makes her prove that she loves herself first. There’s a fantastic supporting cast including her whiny self-absorbed sister, his scheming ex and her deadbeat baby daddy, plus a slew of busybody townsfolk and overbearing family members. The romance is sweet, the subplots are riveting and the whole book is hilarious. I loved everything about Bad Cruz and hope we’ll see more rom-coms from LJ soon.
ishita19's review against another edition
5.0
Never knew what I was missing out on until I read this book... It is definitely a must read!
madison_taylor's review against another edition
2.0
I would skip this one. The main character is sexually harassed, and it's never really addressed. There is also a lot of slut shaming. I finished it, but it wasn't worth the time
shreyaradkn's review against another edition
3.0
if you want to read a book that makes little to no sense but is somehow still enjoyable, this one is perfect. the characters were described as one thing but the opinion the author wanted us to have was the opposite which highkey made no sense. i didn't really love any of the main characters and cruz was beyond annoying. bro knew absolutely nothing but was still somehow a rich successful doctor. the hot and cold relationship they had at the beginning also doesn't really work. this book has weird similarities to so many other books on kindle unlimited, single mother finding the love of her life but at least it's an easy somewhat tolerable read.
thereadrose's review against another edition
1.0
I... just can't.
“Toxic” is what comes to mind when I think of this book.
I honestly can't think coherently right now, because I'm just flabbergasted by all of the slut shaming, body shaming, women being vile to other women, and just everything in this book. Hell, even the love interest Cruz was toxic. He kept trying to “convince” her to have sex with him, when she is clearly traumatized. No thanks.
I know not every book is made to make the reader learn something And have lessons and that some books are solely for entertainment... But this was not it.
“Toxic” is what comes to mind when I think of this book.
I honestly can't think coherently right now, because I'm just flabbergasted by all of the slut shaming, body shaming, women being vile to other women, and just everything in this book. Hell, even the love interest Cruz was toxic. He kept trying to “convince” her to have sex with him, when she is clearly traumatized. No thanks.
I know not every book is made to make the reader learn something And have lessons and that some books are solely for entertainment... But this was not it.
carleysbooktalk's review against another edition
5.0
Hilarious. This book drew me in at the prologue. LJ Shen has a way of writing that captivates the readers and keeps them biting the whole way through the book. The worry banter between Cruz and Tennessee makes you laugh out loud. Bad Cruz is hilarious, touching, and makes you mad and happy at the same time. 5 stars and a must read!!
toania's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
kaciewithak's review against another edition
4.0
Fun summer read!
Love the characters. You almost feel uncomfortably bad for the MC, but it makes it so much better when she’s vindicated.
I enjoyed it, and would recommend! I read it on the beach, which made it even more enjoyable
Love the characters. You almost feel uncomfortably bad for the MC, but it makes it so much better when she’s vindicated.
I enjoyed it, and would recommend! I read it on the beach, which made it even more enjoyable