Fame can bring more than popularity and with the press now hot on their heels nobody’s past is safe.

It’s the 2nd book in the Lilly’s series which can be read as a standalone because this one focuses more on Kayla and her new love interest Ty. Things were simple when the Lillys were playing local gigs at dive bars, but now they’re on their first official tour and all Kayla can see are warning signs. Desperate to escape the worry churning inside her, Kayla finds solace in quiet tour bus driver Ty Baldwin…and discovers in him a kindred spirit like no one she’s ever met before.

This was a cute bubbly romance kind of slow at times but having the audiobook really kept me engaged. I really enjoyed the diverse cast of characters throughout the book. But what really got me was Kayla and Ty’s insta-love connection. Over the course of the tour they gradually grew closer. Realizing they have so much in common this attraction eventually turned into more which I expected was going to happen. Also knew Kayla’s mom would have an issue with them dating.

I liked that we were given some backstory on the main characters allowing the author to touch on other themes aside from their romance. Kayla dealt with some grief after losing her brother, was a college dropout, living double lives, not to mention she had to deal with a toxic mother who only cared about her reputation. Ty on the other hand had problems of his own. False accusations nearly ruined his life, he’s taking care of his grandfather, and now has to deal with his past possibly being exposed.

This wasn’t an all out fav after reading but still enjoyable. I came for the romance but stayed for the drama. If you liked the first book in this series you’ll adore this one too. Special thanks to @sourcebookscasa for my gifted copy & @librofm for my ALC‼️

Rating: 3.75/5⭐️

Xio Axelrod writes about music in this amazing, lyrical, yet somehow relatable way. That stellar writing serves as backdrop to the romance. Enjoyable, and will definitely recommend. Hope we get to read more about the Lillies!

Loved this story of aspiring musicians, love, families, challenges. Absorbed in it right away, and didn’t want to put it down.

The suffocating pressures of gendered expectations combined with the freedom to be express oneself fully while navigating relationships with biological family, chosen family, friends, lovers, and co-workers sets the stage for all kinds of drama as a compelling context for Kayla and Ty's love story

The Lillys are back, and this time we get Kayla’s story. After the death of her brother, Kayla’s mom became incredibly overprotective. Now, Kayla is doing the opposite of everything her mom expects by being the drummer of the Lillys, and she is fighting to keep her past and present completely separate which becomes more challenging as the band becomes more popular. She finds herself sharing parts of herself she doesn’t share with many people with Ty, the tour bus driver who is struggling to find his own path after being released from prison, for a crime he was wrongly accused of.

I loved going back to the world of the Lillys and Kayla/Ty’s story was just so good! I love the complexity of the stories in this series. We have characters with so many layers to unpack and even the side characters have so much depth. I was so invested in both Kayla and Ty’s individual stories and that made me root for them even more as a couple. Much like in the first book, I loved the glimpses of band life and the strong women at the center of the story.

The audiobook narrated by Benjamin Charles and Tyla Collier is definitely the way to experience this story. They did a phenomenal job bringing the characters to life and I loved listening to the audiobook.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advance copies.

A very enjoyable romance about the drummer in an all girl rock band on the verge of making it big. So many things to like about this - the all girl band, the love and support they all have for one another, a glimpse at the world of rock and roll. The romance was sweet, and I really like the way the non-binary storyline was woven in - it was just part of who the people were, no big deal, no issue. The main theme seemed to be family and the pressure they can put on you to be someone you're not. This was resolved in a good way, and I was heartened by the way things turned out. Definitely a fun addition to the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

Girls with Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod is a gripping tale that delves into the complexities of identity, ambition, and the struggle for authenticity in a world that often seeks to confine individuals within narrow expectations. At the heart of the narrative is Kayla Whitman, a young woman who defies societal norms and familial pressures to pursue her passion for music as the drummer of an up-and-coming rock band.

From the outset, Axelrod immerses readers in Kayla's world, where the echoes of past admonishments—Don't be so loud. Don't act so wild. Don't take up so much space—serve as a constant reminder of the constraints placed upon her. However, Kayla refuses to be confined, using her drumsticks as a means of both rebellion and self-expression.

As the story unfolds, Kayla's journey takes her on a whirlwind tour with her bandmates, thrusting her into the spotlight and exposing her to newfound challenges and temptations. Amidst the chaos of the music industry, Kayla finds solace in the enigmatic Ty Baldwin, the tour bus driver whose quiet strength and understanding provide her with a sense of refuge.

Axelrod skillfully navigates the dynamics of Kayla and Ty's burgeoning relationship, capturing the intensity of their connection amidst the backdrop of fame and scrutiny. Yet, as their bond deepens, Kayla is forced to confront the consequences of her choices, grappling with the prospect of sacrificing her dreams or risking the unraveling of everything she holds dear.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in Axelrod's nuanced portrayal of Kayla's internal struggles and external conflicts. Through Kayla's perspective, readers are invited to explore themes of authenticity and the price of success, as she grapples with the fear of losing herself in pursuit of her ambitions.

Furthermore, Axelrod's prose is infused with raw emotion and authenticity, drawing readers into Kayla's world with vivid imagery and heartfelt reflections. The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, propelled by the tension between Kayla's desire for autonomy and the forces that seek to control her.

Overall, Girls with Bad Reputations is a captivating read that combines elements of romance, music, and self-discovery to deliver a poignant exploration of identity and ambition. Through Kayla's journey, Xio Axelrod offers a compelling reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. Whether you're a fan of rock music or simply enjoy a compelling story about love and self-discovery, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This book was so fun! I spent a lot of my late teens/early 20s doing music promotions and a hobby of mine is going to a lot of concerts and traveling for music festivals so I found it something I could relate to.
This book is actually the second book, and I hadn’t read the first so I can confirm that it can be read as a standalone as I didn’t feel lost when reading it. The characters had their own complex backgrounds, especially difficulties of just existing in society which are unfortunately really realistic; unfortunately in the sense that it actually exists. I love the idea of an all-girl alt band; I’ve seen the Linda Lindas before and they rock. Willow is also amazing. The struggles with the music industry reminded me a bit of Josie and the Pussycats. Overall, this story has a romance subplot but is really about someone living out their dream and honoring their passed brother, while also having that breakthrough conversation with her mom about being her own person and not the idea her mom has for her.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the read!

In book two, we find the Lillys preparing to go on tour, gaining more popularity with every stop. While book one focuses on Toni, the second features Kayla, the group's drummer. Growing up under the watchful eye of her controlling mother, who demanded nothing short of perfection, music and drumming was Kayla's escape. On tour, she forms a fast friendship with their bus driver, Ty, who is escaping life in his own way. But the Lillys' fame threatens to upend both Kayla and Ty's lives.

Two issues here. One: instant love. Kayla and Ty fall head over heels after interacting about twice over two weeks. Please, form a deeper, more realistic connection before vowing your deep, undying love to one another.

Second: These two have their heads in the sand, or the clouds, or both, to the most frustrating degree. Who joins a band expecting to stay hidden and not noticed by the press? Oh I'm in this band, and I want to be successful but oh, no, I am getting famous, and this is a huge problem because my parents will know I'm in a band? Are we twelve, trying to skip school? Ridiculous. And Ty, while I liked him much more, makes some insane choices where he refuses to face reality and could have improved his quality of life YEARS earlier.

Luckily, issue number one mostly vanishes as the book progresses. Kayla and Ty are cute after a while, I will grudgingly admit. Two little bookworms, quiet and reserved; they definitely are made for each other. Ty has an adorable relationship with his Pop Pop, who has raised him (and seems to be magically wealthy...). And, truly, their ability to avoid reality means they are made for one another.

There's just so much going on here. Continuing drama with Candi, a former Lilly band-mate from book one. So many details about the music industry, touring/being on the road, and more. Sometimes it all just feels... too much. The emphasis on a rock band fronted by diverse women is awesome, though.

Overall, I liked each member of the Lillys enough to get drawn into the story. I just wish everything was a bit more plausible, with more time spent on character motivations and less on minute details.

Girls With Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod picks up right where book 1 ended. This time, drummer Kayla takes center stage as she struggles to hide her secret identity from her bandmates and the press while falling head over heels for her driver Ty, who has some secrets of his own. Kayla finds solace in his quiet demeanor as her thoughts and familial expectations weigh her down. Their connection was palpable from the start.

5⭐️
This book was magic! It’s clear the author knows her stuff about the music industry. Not only was I swooning as Kayla and Ty fell for one another, but I was becoming more captivated by the band and their bonds with one another. There were so many themes that could have easily overwhelmed the story or detracted from the romance, but didn’t. This band and the women that are in it feel so real because of the many layers the author weaves into a cohesive story.

What I loved:
- Ty for his utility kilts and bookish ways.
- The found family among the band mates
- BIPOC characters
- Queer and gender non conforming rep
- Dual POV
- The long talks at the front of the bus as Ty drove them from festival to festival
- The electrifying energy of The Lillys - it felt like I was there

I adored the first book in this series and have been waiting for this second book with much excitement and Xio Axelrod delivered big time with Girls With Bad Reputations. Taking place shortly after the first book, the band is hitting the music festival scene and gaining popularity and fans, but still being jerked around by their label (and a former member). In GWBR, we learn more about Kayla, the Lillys’ incredibly talented and somewhat secretive drummer and we watch as she strikes up a friendship with the band’s bus driver, Ty, who has an interesting back story of his own. I absolutely love the way this author tackles racial injustice, sexuality, and the differences of growing up privileged and not as a minority. I loved the way Kayla and Ty started out as friends; bonding over books and music and moved into sharing pieces of their lives, to feeling an attachment neither one expected, and finally embracing a relationship. There was a nice build up to these two becoming physically involved and it was perfect for these two people who have so much in common but also didn’t want to ruin the friendship they had.

There is so much more to Kayla than meets the eye and it is all revealed throughout this story. She suffered a huge loss at a young age, one that set her on the path to being her own person and doing what made her happy. It didn’t hurt that she’s some kind of a musical savant despite the fact she doesn’t see it, her band mates really took to making sure she knew just how important she was to the band. I will say that Kayla grew up in a very upper class home with a very exacting mother, one who no doubt loved her, but she wasn’t the best at listening to her daughter. She was the apple of her father’s eye, but he also deferred a lot to her mother which sometimes set them at odds. Things come to a head in this book as the band starts to garner more press but that’s all I’m going to say on the parental front. As for the band, I felt everything that happened in this book only made them more determined and a stronger found family. I loved watching them rally around each other when the press, their ex-band member Candy, and the label tried to push them down.

As for Ty, damn that man, I loved this character. I don’t want to give away his story but let me just say he was dealt a raw deal and had to regroup and make alternate plans for his future. His grand-pop is by his side telling him every day that he can move forward with his dreams, but Ty doesn’t want the fight. For the time being he accepted a job from a friend and is driving a commercial bus, when he agrees to be the driver for a rock band he has no idea the gig will change his life in more ways than one.

This is one of those series where the band and what is going on with it takes up a lot of space in the book, I for one am okay with that and I feel the couple is given equal time. I will admit I hope that as this series plays out we will get updates on how Ty is doing as there is no doubt he and Kayla will be together.

Despite both characters being mid-twenties, they were very mature; I felt that was because they’d both dealt with some heavy things in their lives, but also because they were so well read. There was so much respect, kindness, and loyalty between these two that the big conflict wasn’t between them (they were rock solid), it came from an outside source.

Girls With Bad Reputations was an excellent addition to this series and I’m obsessed with the Lillys and I cannot wait to see where their talent takes them.

Book number 2 of the Lillys did not disappoint. I love the way the story about the band as a group or found family has developed. Now I'm off to listen the the song on Apple Music - love that Xio Axelrod developed out their website and even one of their songs.

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS for the advanced copy of this book.

The first book in this series has me hooked. The idea of reading about an all girl rock band was different but I absolutely loved it. This book is no different as it picks up where the last book left off with POV of a new band member, Kayla. The story is completely different from the last and it offers new insights into who makes up the band, Ty and Kayla’s love story was so comforting and non conflicting it was nice.

The story was a bit slow though but I liked it. Really looking forward to see whose story we see next in the Lilly’s.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

Incredible! I absolutely loved this one. Such a great book to curl up with. It was hard to pull myself away to do things, but I always looked forward to diving back in. Highly recommend!

Great set-up for a story. All female rock band just starting to really get it together. Kayla, the drummer, comes from an over achieving family rocked by the loss of the eldest son. Ever since, Kayla has hidden her music dreams from the family. When they start out on their first tour, they hire a bookish young man with a troubled past as the bus driver. Instant connection ensues. While I liked the characters, they weren't real enough for me to love them and really care about their story.

With every page Xio Axelrod made me want to tune up my Garage Band accessories and just play. That's what Girls with Bad Reputations does. It just plays... on your heartstrings! Beautiful writing, fun banter, gorgeous romance, and a full cast I rooted for. This book was a song you want to play on repeat!

3.75⭐

There's nothing like falling in love with a cast of characters and then watching them all find love. Kayla was such a fun character to follow as she navigated her past and also killed it on the drums, while sweet Ty found himself and his redemption through love. I love how music is woven into Xio's stories and it truly makes you feel like you're a groupie following this band gain momentum. Though a bit slow at times, this whole series promises such a satisfying next step. I cannot wait for the next book to see the next band member (Tiff I bet!) fall in love and the band embark on tour because I know it will be epic.

I really wanted to like this book, but it was light on the plot and the romance. I felt like I didn't see a lot of the storyline of this amazing girl band, the stakes and what it is really like to deal with the pressures of being on the road -- and I really didn't get the romance between the two main characters either.

I liked Girl with Stars in her Eyes, but this sequel was so much better! I loved Kayla's story and the relationship that brewed between Kayla and Ty. Bookworm romance is so fun!

This book just felt different from the first. Tensions were higher, the girls were closer. It was a ride and I enjoyed every second! Candi was causing more trouble, the girls were gaining more recognition, but there was also the whole side plot about Ty and his past. YMI signed Candi and a new band and was pushing them in the spotlight rather than the uber talented Lillies.

This book touched on prejudice with Ty and the false claims against him and how the color of his skin played a big part in the punishment he received for something he didn't do. It also touched on unrealistic expectations between Kayla and her mom as her mom writes Little Miss Yolanda as this perfect daughter that Kayla doesn't feel she can live up to. There was talk of loss and grief (all close family), deceit, scandal, female rivalry perpetuated by powerful men.

Xio came really far with this one and I hope that Tiff's book is next because that spitfire is my favorite and I can't wait to see what her story looks like!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an e-arc!

I went into this not realizing that this is the second book in a series, but I still very much enjoyed it and cant wait to go back to the first book!

Kayla is a very talented drummer for The Lillys, a rock band that is eager to make its name in the music industry. The band is thrilled to be going on tour and performing at some music festivals, but unfortunately the press can’t seem to let the band’s past go. The band’s former guitarist, Candi, has left the band and formed her own group, which has the same record label as The Lillys. Not only does the media pit them against each other, but the record label does as well. All The Lillys want is to move forward in the music industry and find success, but it seems like some people are determined to try to make that not happen.

When Tyrell gets the opportunity to drive the tour bus for an all girl rock band going on tour, he accepts, but only for the money. He doesn’t love to leave his elderly grandpa alone, who can do most things by himself but seems to be declining more and more. Ty plans to keep to himself and his books on tour like he usually does, until he meets Kayla. As Kayla and Ty find things they have in common, they form a friendship that turns into mutual feelings. However, Ty is weary of crossing any lines due to things that have happened in his past. As the two get closer, Kayla learns about all of the hard things Ty has had to go through.

Kayla is also hiding from most of the people in her life- her parents do not know that she’s in a band, as her mother would not approve- and Ty and her band members don’t know who she really is or what family she comes from. As the band becomes more successful and the press continue to dig into the personal lives of the band members, Kayla can’t help but be worried her secrets will come out.

I really enjoyed this book and thought that Kayla and Ty were both solid, genuine characters. I liked their connection and I especially liked how they communicated with each other when difficult things happened or truths were revealed. There was also a lot of character growth in this book, from Kayla, Ty and even Kayla’s mother. Getting to know The Lillys was also a lot of fun! I will definitely be going back to read The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes and I hope that there will be more books about the other band members in the future!

I definitely think this book is worth the read if you enjoy romances or books about music/bands. Ty will be one of your new favorite book boyfriends!