Once Upon A Bad Boy by Melonis Johnson is the third in the Sometimes in Love series. This a story of second chances.

Actress Sadie Gold shows up for her first day of filming to find that Bo Ibarra is the stunt coordinator her movie. Bo and Sadie had been an item until just after her senior prom, when Bo broke up with Sadie. Ten years later - actually - eleven years had passed.

What will happen when Bo and Sadie have to spend time together? Will they be able to maintain their distance or will they become involved again?

This book has it all: love, romance and some laughs. It is an easy read and very enjoyable. I recommend this book even if contemporary romance is not your usual genre. Read it, I think you’ll like it.
Thank you #Netgalley and #StMartinsPress for approving my request. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

I wanted to start off by saying that this book is not a about a bad boy. I love Bo and he is such a
sweet character and I am kinda offended that he is called a bad boy. Maybe he is a naughty boy,
but who's complaining? Anyway let's get to the meat and potatoes of why we are here today.

Bo and Sadie had that young, intense love and I was there for it all the way. I could just tell from
the beginning that their love story was not going to be easy. Sadie is an actress who has been
cast in a ground breaking role as a superhero and Bo is a stunt coordinator for movies in the
windy city, Chicago. What happens when your first love, whom you haven't seen in 11 years,
is responsible for your stunts in a movie that is bound to make you an A list star? The answer
comes in sparks and hot make out sessions. Yes. Yes.

This story had great main and side characters to carry it and to keep it entertaining. In case I forgot to mention, this book three of the Summer in Love series, I previously read book 2 and this the second book that I have read in this series. I enjoyed this installment more than the second one and this book has more heart. This story is broken down to a very personal level and it gets a little political towards the middle to the end. I was also taken to a movie set and I had fun along with these characters.

The love story was dragged out but it was worth it. This is a story that many have read
before, a rich girl meets poor boy and poor boy leaves because he can't give rich girl what she
wants, but this one is so grounded and raw. Bo's family has worked for Sadie's family ever since Bo's parents emigrated to America. The family bond was powerful and I love how Bo's mother was the matriarch of the family. Sadie was born with a silver spoon, but she wanted to make it in the movie industry by her own chops and wanted to prove to Hollywood that she wasn't some spoiled heiress who needed her money to make it. They had amazing chemistry and the road to their happily ever after was rugged.

Well, I would have to say that this was almost a 5 star read if it wasn't for the rushed, abrupt ending.
When I reached the 96% and nothing was getting wrapped up, I knew that I would be unsatisfied
with the ending and I was most definitely dissatisfied. I had to keep refilling my tea cup because
this book was wonderful. Go pick it up.

Rating: ★★★ (3 Stars)
Title: Once Upon A Bad Boy
Author(s): Melonie Johnson
Character(s):
― Mercedes “Sadie Gold” Goldovitz: 29 years old, Blonde, Violet
― Bo Ibarra: Brunette, Brown Eyed
Setting: Chicago, Illinois
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: R
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s): N/A
Overall Opinion:
Once Upon A Bad Boy by Melonie Johnson was an entertaining read. The story is about second chance romance. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. Overall, I enjoyed Melonie Johnson’s writing style and the story in general. Everything flowed smoothly and there weren’t a whole lot of awkward moments as far as the writing goes.

Unfortunately, I never really connected with either character. Or maybe I never really felt the connection between the two.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for this ARC to be reviewed in exchange for my honest opinion.

To me, this book was the best of the three. I always enjoy a good second chance romance. Sadie and Bo are an opposites-attract, friends-to-lovers couple. I did like that we revisited their past since it helped build up on their relationship in the present. I also liked Sadie and Bo both individually and together. Seeing what will become of these two was interesting. Overall, this story did keep me invested to see what will happen. This was a sweet easy read made for a relaxing day.

I am loving Melonie Johnson's Sometimes in Love series.

Sadie Gold is finally getting her chance to show the world that she has what it takes to be a lead actress in Hollywood. She is tired of all the assumptions that people have about her because she comes from a family of wealth. As Sadie gets ready for the role that will hopefully change her future, she suddenly comes face to face with the man that broke her heart more than a decade ago.

As the stunt coordinator for the film, Bo Ibarra knew that he would be working side by side with Sadie. Bo has never stopped loving Sadie but he knew there was no way two people with different lifestyles could ever be together.

Sadie thought she was at peace with Bo telling her it was over between them. Now Sadie has a lot of questions-why did Bo leave her? Does he still have feelings for her?

I was not expecting Once Upon a Bad Boy to be so emotional. I enjoyed the journey Sadie goes on in finding out just how tough and strong she could be both mentally and physically. Just like the other two books in the series, we get to see how much friendship plays a part in the story. Sadie's girlfriends truly loved and supported her. I also have to give a shout out to Sadie's nana.

Bo was a great hero to read about. I loved how much he cared about his family and would do anything to help them. I liked that he was ambitious in his career. I was not a fan of how his business partner Vic reacted to a situation that involved Bo and Sadie. I just thought that since they were partners for such a longtime Vic would have listened to Bo's explanation instead of automatically judging him.

Sadie and Bo had a rocky journey as they learned to love and trust each other again. I may have shed a tear or two after reading this second chance romance.

"I'm not saying the universe has a plan for us or anything, but maybe-if it did-then this was the idea all
along. That we had to go our own ways in order get here. To this moment."

Overall, Once Upon a Bad Boy was such a fun and emotional read that you will not want to put down.

Arc provided for honest review

This was a great addition to this series. This time it's Sadie's turn to get her happily ever after. You can guess everything that is going to happen in the book but it's still fun to read this book. Bo was and still is Sadie's perfect match. It was fun to see how they were in their past. If you liked the first two books, you will enjoy this one. If you haven't read those books yet, why not?

*I received a free copy of this book via the NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

Melonie Johnson has created realistic, likeable characters in Once Upon a Bad Boy. Sadie is a good study in stereotypes. Everyone thinks growing up rich equates to have a great life but once again we're reminded that money is not the source of all happiness. Absentee parents never made her life easy. Having her career success attributed to her family's wealth stings in the worst way. She's determined to prove to the world her worth as an actress and pours her heart into the amazing role she's landed.

Bo's the one that got away and it broke Sadie's heart. She's never gotten over her first love but life goes on and some hurts are too deep to overcome. She's shocked to find he's working on the same movie and not too happy that he still makes her heart yearn.

Bo's been guilty of stereotyping Sadie too and though he regrets losing her he knows he did what was right. Or did he?

The two find quickly that what they had so many years ago still burns inside both of them. On on-set affair will do neither of their relationships any good but they're soon spending time together rekindling their love.

There some intrigue, lots of missed cues and misunderstandings. There's also a sweet love, great friends amazing family members and plenty else to keep the reader turning pages.

I enjoyed this book and think you will too.

Loved, loved, loved this book!! Love this series!! Such an awesome group of characters. I really enjoyed Sadie and felt a connection to her character. The emotions of this book seemed very real. A very addicting read. Cannot wait to see what this author does next.

4.5 Stars

Once Upon a Bad Boy is the third book in Melonie Johnson's Sometimes in Love series. It's a second chance romance between Sadie and her childhood friend/first boyfriend Bo. It's been 11 years since they last saw each other, on the night they broke up, but when Sadie arrives for the table read of the new action movie that she landed the leading role in, she discovers that Bo is the stunt coordinator and will be watching over her on set.

After the first two books, I didn't know much about Sadie, but I came to absolutely adore her and Bo. The tension and chemistry between the two is hot. My only issue with the characters is that I'm confused by Bo's background and not sure it's that well thought out.

I'd seen a spoiler online for a certain plot point so I knew the secret that Sadie was hiding and kept waiting for it to be revealed. This doesn't happen until very late in the book, but I absolutely think that the author handled it in the right way.

While this is the third in the series, it reads completely fine as a stand alone and I'd highly encourage you to pick it up even if you skipped over the first two. This is the best one yet and I can't wait til we get Ana and Delaney's stories.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Once Upon A Bad Boy, by Melonie Johnson, is book 3 in the Sometimes In Love series. Available 6-25 in booksellers and on-line. This is only the second book by Ms Johnson that I've read. Although part of a series Once Upon A Bad Boy works very well as a stand alone. There's enough explanation of backstories to fill in some blanks but it's not overdone. I like these ladies so much I have to go backwards to book one. I want to know how it all started. I found the plot to be relatable in real life. We've all had that feeling of not being good enough.

Sadie Goldovitz has become a star on the rise. She'd been on a soap opera for a few years and now has a shot a the big time. An action movie part has come her way. Her all or nothing attitude is admirable. The stunt coordinator happens to be her old boyfriend, Bo Ibarra. They haven't seen each other in a decade but the magic is still there. Both are having trouble with trust issues and the idea that it was destiny to be together again. He dumped her at prom, that's cold. I could believe Bo's feelings of inadequacy, the character was written very well. I had a little more trouble with Sadie. She fell right back in with Bo without a 2nd thought. I'd be leery of a guy that dumped me and never got in touch again. I'd still be a little mad.

All in all I enjoyed the story and will be waiting on book 4. What's in store for our ladies?

#NetGlley #MelonieJohnson #StMartin'sPress #OnceUponABadBoy #SometimesInLove. #TheWritingLush

My first Melonie Johnson book, and I came in on the middle of a series. Though, the story stands on its own. I didn’t realize this was a mid-series book until about a halfway in.

The characters were fabulous. Sadie Gold is an actress looking to star in her first big film. It’s make it or break it time for the daughter of a wealthy hotel magnate. Too bad her first day on the job has her running into her once upon a time flame, Bo Ibarra. Bo is a stunt coordinator and a reformed bad boy. The title implied bad, but he’s not as bad boy as they make him out to be. What I enjoyed about both these characters is they fit into the class warfare trope so well, and they reconnect as adults, not kids. I love a good reunion romance.

The read itself is an emotional rollercoaster, as these two rekindle what they once had. From adventures in apple picking to confronting fond and not-so fond memories, Sadie and Bo find navigating their working relationship a bit difficult with their re-emerging personal one. Plenty of conflict, plenty of drama… this is romance with a slight soap opera kind of vibe.

What didn’t work for me is that the conflict petered out mid-way through, and then took a turn for the unexpected. The author built the story in one direction and then did a quick about face, which for me didn’t play into the motivation and goals I’d seen from the characters before. I didn’t see either character truly sacrifice anything to be with the other one. Secondly there were some pacing issues that left me a little confused; as if a scene may have been cut accidently. I want to note that there is a topic that comes into play for Sadie in this book and I enjoyed the author’s take and how Sadie addressed the issue.

Overall, I wanted to love this book, and did enjoy entering the world that Johnson has created, but the buildup and subsequent resolutions were missing a few things for me. For readers who enjoy, Amy Andrews.

~ Landra

A perfect second chance romance if there ever was one! What would you do if the love of your life left you after your prom and now 10 years later was sitting across from you working on the same movie? That's right! Sadie Gold finally is moving out of soap operas and into the lead role of a movie and she got the role on her own and at the table read she discovers the stunt coordinator is none other than Bo Ibarra, her first love. Oh my. Bo is just as flummoxed when he discovers he is working with Sadie, she was his first love. Will they be able to work together and keep their hands off? Should they? Yea right! The chemistry between these two is enough to combust everything within striking distance. They have to overcome the past and work towards the future but they are up for the task. Add in the characters from the previous books in this series (great reads but not necessary for this one) and this is another hit! Definitely recommend this one. I deem it a standalone if you have not read the rest of the series.

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

Secrets and emotion fuel this second chance romance. The story line was entertaining but I must say that it did sometimes bog down in some spots. As for the characters, I liked Bo and Sadie. I thought they had very good chemistry and I enjoyed their banter. In totally this was a pretty good read for me.

This series gets better and better. Sadie gets an opportunity to reignite a lost love. Bo is the one who got away. Once again the author takes us on a wonderful journey of discovery. This couple after a decade apart has to get to know each other again and rediscover all the wonderful things that had attracted them to each other in the first place. It is a beautiful story of trusting your heart to lead you in the right direction.

This second chance romance made my breath catch more than once. Sadie and Bo couldn't seem more different but were pretty perfect for each other.

This book gives me all the Sweet Home Alabama vibes. Since that is one of my favorite movies, I had some big expectations for this book. Sadie and Bo are lovely characters and I very much enjoyed reading their story.

I hope to see Ana's HEA very soon. She needs to find her perfect cake just like all her friends have!!

Just had to hop into this one and finish the series. Sadie and Bo entertain us in this one. Being that the two were opposite with this turning into a second chance you sit back with following this where it takes us. This one also brings to light things that were in the dark giving a held breath or two. Characters are rich with personality that keeps us engaged throughout this one. You begin to enjoy it so much you are a little sad when you reach the end.

What can happen when two very important things in your life are intertwined?
Sadie Gold finally got the role of her dreams, the movie that can make her rise to stardom. On the other hand, she discovers that she will have as stunt coordinator her ex-boyfriend, the man who broke her heart, Bo Ibirra (interesting name, right?)

An unexpected encounter that can give a second chance to them ... or ... who knows ... to end her career once and for all?
4 stars

All of Sadie’s hard work to become an actress is about to pay off as evidenced by the starring role in her next movie. The last person she expected to see on the set and who she would have to work with is the boy who broke her heart in high school when he left with no notice or further contact.

Bo has come a long way from high school. He is now a stunt coordinator and if this project is successful his partner will let him take over the company and he will finally have the success and security he has always wanted. Working with Sadie will not be easy, but it is in both their best interests to forge an amicable business relationship.

As they spend time together, they realize that the chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever. There are reasons that their relationship didn’t survive the first go round, but will they be able to work through the secrets and pain of the past and have their second chance?

It was great to not only see Sadie and Bo’s relationship evolve but catch up with the other characters in this series as well.

If you haven't been reading this series by Melonie Johnson I'm not sure why. Her characters are fun, loving and just plain make me laugh. I just love reading about them. Once Upon a Bad Boy is the third book in her Sometimes in Love series. So far, each book has rocked. I'm hoping the series continues this way.

Up this time you have Sadie. You met her in the first book and got to know her a tiny bit more in the second book. You really learn about her in her own book. You see what is under the layers of bravo. She becomes a more real person and less actor for me in this book. I saw that there is more to Sadie than what meets the eye.

I'm not a huge fan of second chance romances. It's very been there...done that, for me. If I'm going to read them then I like the ones when they are kids. Sure they were legal adults but we all know they are still kids.

I liked Bo. He is a great character. You want to know more about him and his thoughts. He pulls you in. I really like him for Sadie. They work even if it took them a while to realize it.

You right off the bat know why or how come it didn't work. They weren't ready for it to work. They both needed some growing up to do. I do feel slightly lost like I was missing something about their past but I'm not sure if it was me or the book. I have a nosy issue. Why do you think I read books? It's like being in the restaurant and hearing the whispered argument and not knowing what they are saying. In books, you know!

As always you will love the humor and friendship in Johnson's books. It's one of the things that draws me to them. This has been a fun series and I can't wait for more.

While I adored the first two books in the series, I just didn’t feel the same connection to Sadie and Bo’s story. Getting Hot with the Scot and Smitten by the Brit have that fun rom-com feel to them while Once Upon a Bad Boy attempted a second-chance romance that underwhelmed me. There wasn’t enough emotional tension, angst, build-up, vulnerability and revelations that a good second-chance romance needs. I wanted more depth and focus to Sadie and Bo’s story – it felt like there were too many side-plot elements that got in the way, weren’t resolved and ultimately didn’t serve the story well and caused it to lag.

I didn’t hate it, didn’t love it, it just didn’t wow me. However, I love this group of friends and eagerly await Ana and Delaney’s stories – hopefully that flow with the feel of the fun and flirty fun of the first two books in the series.

2.5 stars