Title: Better When He’s Bad
Author: Jay Crownover
First published June 17, 2014
384 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780062351890 (ISBN10: 0062351893)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
Welcome to the Point, where the line between good and bad is blurred. Meet Shane Baxter, the ultimate bad boy who oozes sexiness, darkness, and danger.
Bax isn’t just from the wrong side of the tracks, he is the wrong side of the tracks. A criminal who has spent five years in prison, Bax is out and seeking answers, and he’ll do anything to get them.
But then he meets Lila, a woman who is too sweet and innocent to be tangled up in his dangerous world. Lila is everything Bax isn’t, and he knows he should stay away from her.
But he can’t. Not when she needs him to protect her.
As they navigate the treacherous streets of The Point together, Bax realizes that maybe, just maybe, some boys are better when they’re in love.
About the Author
Meet Jay Crownover, a bestselling author known for her captivating series like Marked Men, The Saints of Denver, The Point and Breaking Point, and Loveless, Texas. Her books are translated into various languages worldwide, making her a renowned international author.
When she’s not busy writing, she can be found in her Colorado home, nestled at the foot of the Rockies, enjoying Taco Tuesdays with a cold beer in hand. Jay is an avid music lover and a vocal book enthusiast with a thirst for adventure, whether it’s found between the pages or on the open road.
She’s excited to announce her newsletter, which offers exclusive content and monthly giveaways. Sign up now by emailing her at [email protected].
Editoral Review
Better When He’s Bad by Jay Crownover has been an unputdownable read for fans of contemporary romance or New Adult fiction. Crownover is a best-selling American author known for her raw, gritty storytelling and captivating characters that stay with the reader long after the book is finished.
The book was first published on June 17, 2014, and has since then gained popularity among young adult and romance readers who enjoy a little bit of edge in their love stories. The story is set in Denver, Colorado, and follows the lives of two individuals, Bax and Dovie, who are drawn to each other despite their troubled pasts.
Bax is a notorious criminal with a reputation for being a bad boy, and Dovie is the good girl set out to do everything right in life. The two share an undeniable spark that makes them drawn to each other, but their relationship is soon tested when Bax’s troubled past catches up with him.
Jay Crownover has crafted an engaging novel with well-developed and complex characters who each have their fair share of flaws and challenges. Bax is a fascinating character who is grappling with his dark past and trying to make amends, while Dovie is a strong-willed woman determined to set her life straight.
The author does an excellent job of showing their character growth and development throughout the novel and the way they bring out the best in each other. The book’s themes of redemption, trust, and love are explored thoughtfully, and the author does not shy away from portraying the more hard-hitting aspects of the genre such as violence, drug abuse, and crime.
The pacing of the story is impeccable, ensuring that the reader remains invested in the characters’ journey and the outcome of their relationship. However, the book does have some limitations, particularly in the way the author handles certain chaotic events in the story, making it feel slightly unrealistic.
But this flaw is more than made up for by the author’s sharp dialogue, rich descriptions, and attention to detail. Fans of romance and new adult fiction will find Better When He’s Bad a satisfying read and will be kept on the edge of their seats throughout.
In conclusion, Better When He’s Bad is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a gripping story about love, growth, and redemption, with well-crafted characters and a satisfying ending. Jay Crownover’s writing style and unique storytelling make this book a standout in the genre, and it is no wonder that it belongs to the New York Times Bestselling list.
The Washington Post would give this book 4/5, based on its excellence in character development, plotting, and the author’s ability to showcase the grittiness of the romance genre.