This book was a huge miss for me!

Hazel was honestly one of the most annoying characters. None of her decisions were smart or made sense and it was really frustrating to read. The plot didn’t suck me in. The characters weren’t intriguing,

I’ve heard great things about Ivy Smoak so I’m definitely willing to give her another try. Some books just aren’t meant for everyone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have been provided with a review copy of Bad Things Feel Best from NetGalley for an impartial review. This book was just so easy to get lost in. I completely got lost in the story and I just loved getting to see these new characters come together. I just absolutely love this story and I just didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

Nothing could have prepared me for this kind of remarkable storytelling or the many marvellous twists and turns along the way. An absolute must-read that I am shout-recommending from the rooftops.

I have to say, that I enjoyed reading of this mystery/romance book. The plot was thrilling and keeping me on nails and needles. The attraction between both main characters was almost touchable. It was amazing to feel the anxiety yet feel hot and bothered. And let me tell you, you would want to solve the riddle. Don't let your mind or assumptions take over.
I woud say to someone who truly enjoys a little bit anxiety mixed with some steam, this is the perfect book.

This was definitely different than other stories I've read by Ivy. Hazel has taken a job that she's super excited about. She wants to write her own novels one day, and what better way to learn than to be the assistant to a best seller. Hazel quickly realizes things are not what they should be. Mr. Remington is very distant and formal. She feels like things are very creepy and she can't help but venture into areas she's been told to stay out of. Through twists and turns Hazel can't decide what's real and what's fantasy! I thought it was very well written, and I loved the entire story!

I'm not super familiar with Ivy Smoak's writing but have heard good things and was so excited to get a copy of this book. Thanks Montlake & NetGalley! Spicy, dark, and the storyline itself kept my interest throughout. I like the idea of a thriller/mystery mixed with romance but overall I felt like the pace was really slow. There are times I enjoy a slow burn but I feel like this just needed a bit more to take it over the top. I like the characters, the force proximity, and enemies to lovers tropes. 3.5 stars.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

DNF. I just couldn't get into this book. I tried and tried. I couldn't connect with the characters at all.

Bad Things Feel Best is a bit of a departure from Ivy Smoak's usual style of book. Quirky and mysterious characters, and many twists and turns in the plot as Hazel Fox tries to figure out what is going on with Mr Remington and the rest of the inhabitants of the old beach house.

I felt like I was losing brain cells while reading this. I’ve read other books by this author so I wasn’t expecting this to be so horribly written. Aside from the writing, the plot was just….bad? The plot summary sounded similar to “Verity” but it wasn’t like that at all. However lol once I got into the book, I wanted to know how the mystery would be resolved so I kept going. Do I recommend this book tho? No lol The plot progressed so slowly and kept going around and around in the same circles. The characters were ridiculous and the mystery reveal was anticlimactic.

This novel was a Jack of all trades and master of none- lots of tropes packed into a suspenseful romance- an interesting main female character but the execution created a bit of confusion. Vague side characters didn't really enrich the story. Not a terrible read as it was entertaining but not my favorite

A really enjoyable read crammed full of mystery, suspense, betrayal and lies. I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down

A young writer searching for inspiration instead finds danger, betrayal, and romance in a spellbinding novel by USA Today bestselling author Ivy Smoak.

Bad Things Feel Best wasn't quite what I expected. I enjoyed the MFC Hazel, however, I felt sometimes she set herself up for failure by being a little to snoopy. The rest of the characters were so vague. I understand that played a part in the story but I love fully developed characters. There was a nice twist at the end to wrap up the book. It was a nice grumpy×sunshine wrapped in suspense.

Thank you @netgalley and @amazonpublishing for allowing me to read and review this book.

Bad Things Feel Best by Ivy Smoak is a thrilling and captivating novel that takes readers on a journey filled with danger, betrayal, and unexpected romance. Hazel Fox, a young writer in search of inspiration, finds herself embroiled in a web of secrets and mystery when she arrives at her new job on a private island.

Expecting to work with a renowned novelist, Hazel is surprised to discover that she will instead be assisting Mr. Remington, a man who immediately unsettles her. Cold, strict, and seemingly determined to make her quit, Mr. Remington exudes an intense aura that both intrigues and frightens Hazel. As she delves deeper into the enigma that is Mr. Remington, she realizes that he is harboring secrets, ones that could prove dangerous.

Smoak's storytelling is gripping and atmospheric, immersing readers in the secluded and beautiful estate where the story takes place. The author expertly crafts an air of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers guessing and on the edge of their seats. The chemistry between Hazel and Mr. Remington is palpable, adding a layer of romance and tension to the narrative that elevates the reading experience.

Hazel's determination to uncover the truth and her willingness to get close to Mr. Remington despite the risks showcases her strength and resilience as a character. While the plot unfolds, the author skillfully unveils the layers of mystery surrounding Mr. Remington, keeping readers captivated and eager to uncover the truth alongside Hazel.

The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with twists and turns that keep the momentum going. Smoak's writing style is engaging and evocative, allowing readers to vividly picture the island setting and the characters' emotions. The exploration of the concept that "bad things feel best" adds depth to the story, delving into the complexities of human desires and the allure of the forbidden.

Overall, Bad Things Feel Best is a suspenseful and enthralling novel that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. Ivy Smoak's ability to create compelling characters, craft an atmospheric setting, and weave an intricate plot makes this book a must-read for fans of romantic suspense.

At first, I was a bit skeptical about the book because the start was a bit slow and weird to my liking. But once the story got started, my enjoyment also grew. I was sure I guessed the secret but turns out I was only half right.
The characters are great even though Mr. Remington is weird, he also grows on you. He’s silently caring while also a bit of a jerk.
While the ending is good, the romance is very slow and old-fashioned. There’s not much super hot romantic scenes but somehow it still works for the book.
All in all, this turned out to be a great book and I especially loved the ending. It managed to surprise me.

*ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley

So I’ve read a few books by Ms. Smoak that I enjoyed.
But this one didn’t work for me. The mix of different tropes taking place made the story confusing.
Was it a comedy, a thriller, a suspense story taking place along with the budding romance taking place? There was too much going on so the romance part of it lacked for me.
It’s a really slow burn. I think because the characters didn’t really get a chance to know one another.
Hazel is budding romance author. So when she gets a chance to be an assistant to a well known romance author she jumps on the chance.
But instead of meeting the actual author she meets the assistant, Mr. Remington.
Mr. Remington is strange with even stranger rules. He may be handsome. But his weirdness overshadows everything else.
I didn’t feel any chemistry at all between the two. There was no heat or passion coming from them.
So when they fall in love I didn’t see it or feel it. The lust was pretty nonexistent as well.
Again in my humble opinion I think because there was so many different directions the story was going, the romance part didn’t develop on the level it should have.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

A young writer searching for inspiration instead finds danger, betrayal, and romance in a spellbinding novel by USA Today bestselling author Ivy Smoak.

It’s almost like he wants her to think he is a monster.

Mr. Remington was so swoony, my goodness. I was excited for the potential of the bigger secret coming to fruition, and everything sort of added up to make the reader think it was a no brainer of how it would end, but Ivy Smoak really kept us in suspense.

I love the classic southern old school vibes that the Remington guys brought to this story. I also loved how Ivy was able to tell this story and keep it steamy and sexy without all the smut.

I’m really hoping there’s a continuation of this story because we need answers 👏🏼

This is my first book I’ve read from Ivy Smoak and I was not disappointed! Definitely worth a read ✨💕

This was a new to me author so I went into it not knowing what to expect.
Let's start with Hazel, she was a little too naive for me. It became pretty tiresome at several points in the story.
The creepy factor was on point, it was pretty predictable once you got past the first half of the story. I was never expecting to read a story with the twist it had because it is not my normal.
It helped my attention but I was not super into the slow burn.

This was an enjoyable quick read. It gave verity vibes with the writer trying to get her inspiration. It was creepy and atmospheric with the ocean front mansion. Though you could see the twist coming, it didn’t take away from the story line.

This is the first book by this author I have read and I would for sure pick up more by her!

BAD THINGS FEEL BEST by Ivy Smoak

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️/5

‘She’s going to push away her fears for one intoxicating touch. It is always the things that are bad for us that feel the best. And only time can teach you such lessons.’

A new gripping, suspenseful, edge of your seat book by Ivy Smoak. From the moment I began reading ‘Bad Things Feel Best’ I knew I was in for some very interesting reading material. Each turn of the page drew me deeper into the story. Certain aspects of this book brought be back to Tanner Rhodes another character of hers, because he also is ‘old fashioned’ and very secretive. Smoak always has you descending down this never ending slope, constantly guessing what’s going to come out at the end of her stories. I could not put this book down, I was utterly addicted.

Thanks Ivy once again for holding my brain captive by your words, your characters, and your artistry. You will always remain one of my favorite authors. Your writing is uniquely underrated, it can make you laugh out loud, cry a thousand tears, or in this instance send chills up your spine. Mr. Remington has found a spot in my soul next to Matthew Caldwell, Professor Hunter, and Tanner Rhodes.