This is the third book in the series and my favorite one so far. Bo and Sadie were childhood sweethearts but from different walks of life. Bo’s family was the hired help and they worked for Sadie’s grandmother. Bo knowing Sadie wanted to become an actress and see the world breaks up with her...fast forward 11 years, Sadie is the actress she wanted to be and Bo has a stunt company. When Bo is hired to be the stunt coordinator on Sadie’s movie sparks fly. It’s time for answers and maybe a second chance at love.

This is the third in a series called Sometimes in Love and it’s a winner all the way around. No need to read all of the books but it does help understand some of the back story.

And just wow. Sometimes in a series, the story becomes predictable and slow. This one should have been the first in the series because I almost gave up on that one. Each story gets better and so does writing, like the author wasn’t sure of her talent. I want to make it crystal clear – she knows how to write a story! This one is an award winner contender!

Sadie Gold is a successful actress who is playing her lifelong dream, the part of an action hero. The stunt coordinator turns out to be none other than Bo Ibarra, the guy who dumped her years ago on prom night with no explanation.

Both of them have secrets that they would rather keep that way but the attraction between them is undeniable. That secret will be hard to keep and stay professional. Neither one of them wants to fail at this project so they manage to keep hands off for the most part.

The author throws many curves at the reader that you certainly don’t expect and it keeps you intrigued from page to page. The HEA is achieved but no without some very surprising ups and downs. Definitely a book you need to read!

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for the review.

I'm so glad I found Melonie Johnson. I can't say enough about her books. She knocked it out of the park again with Once Upon a Bad Boy.
This story follows Sadie and Bo who were childhood sweethearts. Years later, the are brought back together when Sadie gets a leading role in a new film and Bo is her stunt coordinator. Old flames are reignited but so are old wounds. The reader is brought on an emotional journey with both characters and in the end we are not disappointed.
The book deals with sensitive subjects but also love, loss, hurt and anger. Each main character and supporting character have a back story and it is intricately woven in to the story. Characters from previous books make appearances and we are given insight into how their lives have progressed.
All in all, it was an easy, enjoyable read. It kept me interested and I can't wait to see if Bo and Sadie pop up in another story. This was an ARC but it was very polished with minimal typos. I am looking forward to more books from this author.

I'm bummed to say me and this author's style did not mesh. I did not finish Getting Hot with the Scot and don't have an inclination to try the rest of the series.

Sweet, second-chance romance. The third person writing was good. The characters weren't super easy to relate to because of their circumstance but that made them more charismatic. Caught up in the sort of fantasy of them was a great part of their allure. I had a few issues with the mains and the secondary's. The plot was interesting but it lingered a bit and got caught up in frivolous details but then there were also some details I felt weren't fully fleshed out that I would have liked to of seen more developed. I was charmed easily in more than several sections of the book and the tender, nostalgic moments were written with great vulnerability and honesty.

What most stood out was that these two main characters were childhood sweethearts from very opposite lifestyles. I love that in a story and this one with it's lovely memories provided that much more charm. These two were always and still are on different paths and seeing them discover their own selves and rediscover each other always make for great romance. I was entertained and feel good about the book it just didn't wow me. Once Upon a Bad Boy is the kind of sweet, contemporary romance I'd recommend for an easy reading day on vacation.

I am honestly shocked that I enjoyed this one when the others in this series was a doozy for me. Once Upon A Bad Boy is a cute summer feeling second chance romance that had me feeling all the things. I really enjoyed our main characters and the chemistry between them wasn't only steamy and intense but also believable and natural. Bo and Sadie are probably without a doubt my favorite couple from this series and I wouldn't mind reading more from these two! There were some issues that I had in regards to dialogue near the end that felt forced/rushed which is why I knocked a few stars off as it pulled me out of the story on several occasions; but overall I really enjoyed myself with this one!

Once Upon a Bad Boy by Melonie Johnson is the 3rd book in her Sometimes in Love series. Sadie Gold, whom we met in the previous books, and our heroine in this story, is training for her upcoming movie. Sadie is determined to prove that she is a good actress, especially with this leading role that could change her life.

Sadie comes from a wealthy family, and has continually fought off the reputation of a spoiled rich girl, which she is anything but that. When she and her co star are told that they will need training for all the stunts that are in the movie, Sadie is shocked to discover her ex-boyfriend from high school is the trainer.

Bo Ibarra, our hero, has successfully risen from a life of struggle for his family growing up as a teenager to a partnership in movie stunts business. Years ago (11 years), Bo took Sadie to the prom, only to leave her after it was over, without so much as a reason. In truth, Bo felt there could be no future for their relationship, as she came from wealth and he was poor. Sadie was heartbroken, not understanding why he dumped her. Now with the two of them working together, Sadie tries to keep her distance, but both of them slowly feel the attraction that they had years before is still there. Can Sadie forgive Bo for breaking her heart? Does Bo feel secure enough in his life to pursue Sadie for a second chance?

I enjoyed seeing Sadie step up her performance in the movie, as well as her accepting the help from Bo for perfecting the stunts. This did lead to at first a friendship, but eventually turning into a wonderful sexy romance. I loved Sadie, as she made a fabulous heroine. The best part of this story, was Sadie friends, especially Ava. The group together were a blast. I also thought that Bo’s sister was not nice, and did some unforgivable things in the past against Sadie. But by the end, they both reconciled their differences, as Sadie proved that she was not driven by her family’s money, and not spoiled, as others may have thought of her. I did like Bo a lot, as he was friendly and hot, though I thought what he did when he left her without discussing things with her was not nice. Bo realizes that he loves Sadie, but will he be able to get past a secret Sadie has kept all these years?

Once a Bad Boy was a nice second chance romance written well by Melonie Johnson. If you love contemporary romance with a bit of everything, great couple, wonderful secondary characters, I suggest you read this fun enjoyable book.

I love how Melonie Johnson develops her plots and characters and this books met all my expectations.
I had fun, rooted for the characters and couldn't put it down.
I look forward to reading the next work by Ms Johnson.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

This is such a cute series. I’m looking forward to reading more books about these amazing strong women. I love a good second chance romance. This story hit the spot.

I thought this was a cute romance book, it appears to be #3 in a series, but can be read in a standalone, because I haven't read the other two.

So here are two things that bothered me about the book. First, Bo is supposed to be a bad boy right? He was nothing of the sort. The only bad boy thing about him was that he road a motorcycle and knew how to jump off of things (or tell people how to in this case) he was too goody goody in this book, too nice, not nearly enough bad boy to pass as one. This entire book I would classify as a "Sweet romance" type book, which sort of brings me to my second thing, the sex. The sex was a little bit more "hot sex" type, that didn't jibe very well with the "Sweetness" of this book. once I read one sex scene i skimmed the rest, and since i skimmed, it was a very G rated romance. I feel like if they cut back on the sex to make it less it would be a harlequin romance type book. So basically I feel the title is misleading.

Aside from that, like I said, it was nice and cute, everything wrapped up in a little bow, it's more of a boy next door romance, and there is nothing wrong with that, I actually really enjoyed the book. I would read her other ones, and would likely enjoy those as well, it was well written and the characters were easy to picture, great worldbuilding. I liked it

This is the third book Sometimes in love series. Once upon a Bad Boy is easy to read, a pager turner. It is a well written, entertaining and a good storyline. I thought Sadie and Bo was wonderful characters. I truly enjoyed reading this story.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and St. Mark's Press.

Once Upon a Bad Boy by Melonie Johnson is the third steamy book in a series of stories about five friends, some since they were very young. Having read the first two books, I was looking forward to learning which remaining friend would be highlighted. This book focused on Sadie, the actress, and Bo, the stunt coordinator in her new blockbuster movie, also her friend turned boyfriend from when they were young children to teens. The two of them did not have an amicable breakup, so you know this reunion would not be a pretty one. I enjoyed the majority of this book, but had an issue toward the end with something that had happened in Sadie’s past that I felt was completely unnecessary to add to the story. I know the author used it as the drama of their relationship, but do not feel it fit the genre of this book. For me, bringing heavy topics into fun stories does not work, especially if I feel the author is doing it to add in a political stance, regardless of which side they may be on, just not something I care to read about in a book meant to be for enjoyment.

This book, featuring Sadie and Bo, was a friends to lovers, and a 2nd chance trope.
So it's over 10 years later where their paths cross unexpectedly, and their chemistry is even hotter now, than it was! I think Bo's tastes have made the Bad Boy better.
Now working with each other on a set, they thought they could be professional and discreet. That usually never works out, for anyone, so it brought a bit of drama and angst into play, along with secrets.
It was a good story. Maybe a bit predictable in certain aspects, but still likeable as both mains had a wicked sense of humor that had me chuckling or full out laughing. A lot of new characters, plus appearances by some we'd met in the earlier journeys, all meshed rather well.
I felt a shift! The focus had changed. This wasn't as light as it'd been, and there was controversy over real issues, I feel that aren't nearly so clear cut nor easily dealt with.
Emotional overload then an HEA that came a bit too pat, but still gave me that happy sigh!
Looking forward to the next one, hoping it's Ana!
I received an advance copy thru NetGalley and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion.

Once A Upon A Bad Boy is the third installment of the Sometimes in Love Series by Melonie Johnson. I have been lucky to have read the first two and this newest story Sadie and Bo is just as terrific if not better. Bo and Sadie have been longtime friends and previous lovers. They met as kids when Sadie would spend summers with her grandmother on her estate north of Chicago. Bo’s family lived and still live on the estate taking care of the horses and property. Sadie and Bo have not seen each other for over a decade when they are thrust together while Sadie is filming her new movie. Bo is the stunt coordinator for the film. As they struggle with their still smoldering attraction to each other they must contend with remaining professional while on set. Someone has been sabotaging Sadie’s reputation by releasing untrue and inappropriate stories about Sadie on the internet. Both, Bo and Sadie are keeping secrets from the other that stem from their teenage years and choices they made as teens. When the threats to Sadie and Bo’s career escalate each are again faced with new choices that can affect their futures. Will they share those secrets? Will those secrets tear them apart or has fate brought them back together for a second chance? This story is more emotional than the first two but in such a way that it will tug at your heart. I felt so much for these two even shed a few tears before reaching the conclusion. A great summer read. I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review. Totally recommend Once Upon A Bad Boy by Melonie Johnson.

I opened this third book with such high expectations. I loved the first two books of the series, but I dragged my behind through this book. I simply could not concentrate long enough to enjoy this.


WARNING: SPOILERS...SERIOUSLY, STOP READING!




The good: What did I like about this book? The way Ms. Johnson handled the sticky issue of abortion. It was done in a compassionate, not sensationalized manner. Sadie's character had a good character arc and growth.
The depiction of the relationship between Sadie and her nana.



What did I not enjoy? Let me point out the obvious: Why in God's name Bo's last name would be Ibarra if his dad is Irish. He would be Bo Maguire, not Bo Ibarra and yet there are multiple mentions ( Chapters 2,4 and 5) Bo with this name configuration. Errors like these are distracting and can derail the reader experience.

Secondly, it's very doubtful that there would be all this mention of "mamá" and of these smattering of Spanish words. Why? Because due to the way Hispanics are treated, most Hispanic moms would not emphasize their heritage to help their children fit in and avoid being singled out and attacked with racial slurs. Also, Bo's dad is Irish. That would "water down" this behavior considerably. Thirdly, Sadie's nickname would have been "Abejita", not "Abeja". Nicknames in Spanish are used in diminutive form. Never in the history of cute nicknames has a nickname in Spanish has not been given that treatment.

And Fourthly, Bo's mother is a veterinarian. Why would she not go back to work when Bo's dad had the accident to support her family? That's what any Hispanic woman would have done.

I ask every author out there that before they attempt to write a book that includes a person of color, they do research and actually communicate with someone FROM said race ( preferable people that actually has a life similar to your character so that you can write an accurate depiction)

Once Upon a Bad Boy (Sometimes in Love, #3) by Melonie Johnson This is the third book in the SOMETIMES IN LOVE SERIES... Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview and review this book. This a wonderful second chance romance .. Bo and Sadie friends from an early age, then lovers in their teens... they are from different worlds ...hers money his not... there is laughter, tears, angst, finding each other again and then almost losing each other again... They are fun times with old friends from the first two book (but this can be read as a stand alone), also plenty of steam all getting us to a very HEA.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining Wonderful characters Realistic Romantic Easy-to-read Great world building Page-turner Steamy Happily Ever After Funny

JANEANE

This is the 3rd book in the Sometimes In Love series, however it could be read as a standalone - and to me, most the time reading I forgot there were 2 books before this one!

This is a lovely second chance romance - I mean, most of us love one of them, don't we?

Childhood friendships, firsts for everything, first heartbreaks.

At different times throughout the book, I disliked both Sadie and Bo, however as the story progressed I got over that. They both have such different outlooks on what caused them to be apart, you can't help but understand their feelings.

And oh those feelings - there is still that spark between them that has never dimmed.

I did like the little glimpses of the couples from the first two books, however liked that that they were not a big part in this story, as Bo and Sadie needed all the time to get their sh!t together.

Sweet, sexy and emotional, I think this is my favourite of the three books so far.

Now I need Ava and Delancey's story ASAP.

Oh, and I need a doughnut!


BIANCA

Sadie & Bo.

I really liked it! It was an adorable and sweet and funny
Hollywood-in-Chicago-Second-Chance-Romance!

Lots of cute and romantic moments. Some heartbreaking and sad moments. Lots of family and friends moments.
I really adored Bo and Sadie - plus all the others. Like the girls from the previous books and Sadie's bestie Ana and her co-star Ryan. Great cast. Great book.

I wouldn't mind seeing this series on tv one day!

Like with the first books, I've had problems with some of the writing. Melonie uses those weirdly constructed sentences a lot. It probably has an official grammatical name.
I don't like it at all - no idea why.
Examples - I don't have my kindle here right now - I highlighted some. But I think I can create some of my own ... let me think ... A german girl, Bianca has problems understanding this sh*t. / An artist, he never had enough money for food.

Know what I mean????? So weird!

This 3rd book in the Sometimes in Love Series by Romance Author Melonie Johnson is a great read! I loved this well written second-chance love story about Sadie and Bo! I love everything about this one from how they ended up working together to the secrets that were unveiled. There was a bit of everything wonderful in this one from the small town, the cowboy, the family history, the movie-star, the whole thing! I would easily recommend this one and even though it is the 3rd in the series, it could be a standalone (Although you should just read all three of these in order because they are all great…LOL). The author writes a well-flowing storyline and the characters are fantastic. Highly recommend this at 4.5 stars!

I enjoyed this book......goes right along with the first two. This one is fast paced and I really enjoyed getting to know Bo and Sadie.....and who doesn’t love a second chance romance. These two belonged together and I’m glad they found their way back to each other.

I really loved the main characters, Sadie and Bo; and their shared history in this story. I have read the first 2 books in this series and you only get a superficial take on Sadie. I loved that we learn all about her history and the "here & now". I applaud the author for making our heroine the star in an action/adventure movie (based on book, of course).

Without giving away too much of the story, let's just say that Sadie's past (Bo) comes face-to-face with her at the onset of the action/adventure movie that she has been training for over the past few months to get in shape for the character and be able to do some of her own stunts. She feels that this movie will make or break her career and is thrilled that the producer is taking a chance on a former Soap Opera star. She never, ever, thought she would see Bo again after he broke up with her at her senior prom.

This is a second chance love story and I like this story the best out of the first 3 in this series. I can't wait to see what happens in the next story!!!