Bad Situation (Bad Reputation #2) by K.B. Nelson Review

Hey readers, Happy Sunday! Ethan here and I'm way behind on my reviews so I'm going to try and knock a few out of the way today. First up is a new release from one of my favorite New Adult authors of mine and also a dear friend, the incredible K.B. Nelson. On the chopping block today? Bad Situation, the highly anticipated second installment in the Bad Reputation series. Before we get to my thoughts, here's a bit about the novel and our author.

Obsession.
Addiction.
Loss.

Brick Valmont lost more than an ex-lover when Apple Malloy fell in love with Jensen Moon. Forced to face his issues, he seeks counseling from a psychologist who may have an agenda of her own. Meanwhile, Brick makes a valiant effort to reel Tyra Young back into his web of deceit to prove to Apple once and for all, that he will always be the king.

Apple Malloy knows she’s a changed woman, and refuses to be dragged back into Brick’s manipulative world. When she returns home to Carolina to collect her belongings, she’s forced to face the darkest pieces of her past. She must choose between loving Jensen, or slipping back into her old ways.

Bad Situation reunites Brick, Apple, Jensen, Cece, Dom, and Tyra in an escalating game of sexual seduction. And when the games go too far, someone will be forced to pay the ultimate price.

          

 K.B. Nelson

I grew up on a farm in Ohio, but that's not very interesting, is it? When I'm not writing you can find me doing one of two things; getting lost on highways or getting lost in the lives of fictional characters. If my heart had two feet, one foot would be in romance and the other solidly in geekdom. I hope you'll all follow me on my journey through this carnival they call life. I promise there will be a happy ending. 

Find K.B. Nelson

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Goodreads *

*****

My Thoughts:

Allow me to be completely honest with you guys here. I was not anticipating this to be a novel I enjoyed, at all. While Bad Reputation definitely kept me intrigued, the idea of a redemption story for Brick gave me the worst taste in my mouth. As far as characters go, I'd never met one that I thought was damaged beyond repair. One person who never deserved a ray of hope or an ounce of salvation. Then I met Brick Valmont. This deeply disturbed guy is evil down to his very core, even after reading, I'm still not sold on him. I can say, however, that KB Nelson did an absolutely incredible job in warming my heart towards Brick and see that there can be redemption for even the darkest of souls.

Bad Situation is a whole lot like it's predecessor Bad Reputation, in fact, this almost reads as an extension of book one rather than an entirely separate novel. As told from both Apple and Brick's POV, we learn that Apple's 'happily ever after' we read in book one may not be all it's cracked up to be. With more heartbreak, more deception, and more drama, Bad Reputation sets the stage for Apple and Brick's groundbreaking finale in the best ways possible!

While I enjoyed book one, I was really turned off at times by the fact that this series is more or less about using love and sex as a game. Thankfully Nelson upped the ante in book two. While the game is still in play, the goals are a little more realistic and the sex really isn't as overbearing as book one. On a negative note, I will say that this is probably one of the most dramatic reads I've ever encountered. So much so that I had to put the book down several times and walk away. It's the good 'soap opera' kind of drama that leads me to wonder how many Daytime Emmy's Nelson has under her belt, but doesn't always appeal to me.

With twists and turns at every page, Nelson never lets the characters get too comfortable before tossing another wrench to their plans. I have to say that I was impressed with so many plot points that I didn't see coming, it was a treat to be constantly surprised. This story will definitely keep you on your toes. 

I have to add that when it comes to characters, I really think Nelson outdid herself when it came to character development with Brick and Tyra (Brick's newest conquest). While Apple ultimately fell short for me in this installment (in fact I think I could have done without her at all), Nelson's passion to redeem Brick was evident in the embodiment of Tyra. Tyra was written to perfection and really guided the story in the best of ways. In fact, I think she's become my favorite series character to-date. 

A relatively short read, fans will fly through this one in just a few sittings. I am confident that anyone who enjoyed book one will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome of book two. It's unexpected and emotional in ways I was not expecting, giving you hope for the characters at a time I thought there was none. 

With at least two more novels in this series planned, I am anxious to see how Nelson handles the stories of Cece and Dom. While Apple and Brick;s stories may be finished, Nelson has no shortage of story to tell with the predicaments she's placed her characters in. I know this reader will be anxiously awaiting!

With all this being said, I am granting Bad Situation a well-earned 4-star review. Perfect for fans of dark romance and the New Adult genre, this series is sure to be a hit! Be sure to add it to your TBR today!

*****

See my review of Bad Reputation

by clicking the cover below:

Alright folks, that's all I have for you on the topic of Bad Situation by KB Nelson. A little outside of my norm, for sure, but still a captivating story from page one! Don't miss it, add it to your TBR today. Special shoutout to the author for providing me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan