I'd like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So far this is my favorite book of the year. I've been a fan of Elle Kennedy's books for a long time so I was real excited to receive this book. I really like Elle's writing style. It's easy to read and pretty similar to her other stories.

This is a good girl/bad boy trope. A relationship that starts in revenge but ends in a HEA. I liked the main characters and I like how they both have their lives sorted out. Even at a young age Mac knows what she wants out of life and just needs to take the leap to break away from her parents and her cheating boyfriend to go out on her own. Cooper who grew up a "townie" wants to be successful and break away from his parents bad reputation. Cooper, going after Mac to get revenge on her boyfriend for getting him fired ends up falling for the rich girl.

I like the banter between the two main characters but there seemed to be a lot of fighting as well that I could have done without. That is my reason for not rating it a 5. Well that and Heidi....I wish Cooper would have dropped her as a friend. I'd love a book two where Evan and Bonnie get together. I feel they need more than a one night stand.

Perfect romance read/beach read. It is spicy. A fun, quick read where you are rooting for the main characters to get together.

The upper-class standards that tried to keep Rose away from Jack are pretty much the same standards that the upper class say why Mackenzie and Cooper can’t be together in Elle Kennedy’s New Adult Romance “Good Girl Complex”. Set in a small college town comes a story about two young fiery independent individuals who might seem very much like opposites, but their commitment, work ethic, and love for those that matter remain the same.

Cooper, his twin brother Evan, and their tight-knit circle of friends devise a revenge plan to get back on Preston, a self-entitled rich college senior who got Cooper fired. The plan was for Cooper to “steal” Preston’s girlfriend, Mackenzie, but like all such plans, they go epically wrong. Because there are feelings played around here, people. F.E.E.L.I.N.G.S.

It was a rough start for me to begin with because I dislike a romance story starting with a lie right off the bat. However, once I got through as to “why” this had to happen, I started to loosen up, especially when Coop and Mac were seriously “loosening up”. Elle Kennedy - with just a few words in two sentences - can make you feel like you’re the person in the story, feeling the sexual tension, the angst, and the chest aches. It was almost like Cooper was channeling all the guys from Briar U: he’s arrogant yet protective; aggressive yet weak at the knees for his woman; and takes serious control in the bedroom. Mac, like the women in all of Elle’s books, is badass! She did this thing…in a storm…and like…blew me away…She stands up to authority when needed and, like Cooper, doesn’t put up with crap.

If you like an open door, small town, steamy NA romance series, you’ll want to get this before book 2 comes out this year. While Coop and Mac have set the stage with their hot scenes, the supporting cast will most likely show off another great performance.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

Mackenzie “Mac” Cabot has spent her life fitting into the boxes her family has set out for her. Her father’s campaign image and social circles have dictated most of her choices for her. But after taking a hard fought gap year to build a website and pave her own way, she relents to going to college and agrees to start at Garnet College, joining her longtime boyfriend.

Cooper Hartley is a townie, having grown up in town with dysfunctional parents and an uncle who stepped in to raise him and his twin when their mom abandoned them. He has a chip on his shoulder about “clones,” the rich kids who go to school at Garnet, and has no qualms picking fights and starting arguments when clones come into his radar.

She was supposed to be part of a revenge plot: seduce the girl, get her to break up with her boyfriend, and then rub it in the guys face that Cooper won in the end. But as Cooper puts the plan into motion, he finds he actually likes Mac and she isn’t what he typically found from clones. In her case, she finds herself questioning the path that has been put in front of her, wondering if she can have her own dreams outside of what makes her parents happy.

Mac and Connor are complete opposites in so many ways. Their differences have them observing the other as a bit of curiosity, but also through a lens that sees behind the persona they try to show everyone around them. Their chemistry is immediate and has them each questioning what they thought they knew.

There were a few aspects that had me frustrated by the characters, but based on the plot direction couldn’t have been changed (they still bugged me though). At times it felt like drama for drama’s sake. But overall, this was an easy, quick read that kept me entertained. I loved a few of the side characters and would like to see more of Cooper’s brother, because there is certainly a story there. I loved Cooper’s uncle and his guidance throughout (as often as the boys let him guide them), but particularly his role towards the end of the book.

This is such a awesome, fun, and charming enemies-to-lovers story with well developed characters coupled with Hot and Steamy romance. I absolutely loved this story between the townies and the Garnet College trust fund students.

Cooper and Mackenzie’s story is magically delicious from beginning to the end. Is there anything more alluring about a romance than the chase itself. This is a slow burning, somewhat angsty, complicated romance. On paper, these characters make zero sense together. But these two have more in common then they ever imagined. Their attraction is Scorching taut with desire. But when Mackenzie finds out what was behind Cooper’s initial interest in her to begin with, will she return to her ex boyfriend Preston?

This was such a fun, addictive read. There are moments in this story so angsty and as well as moments sweet and tender I swooned. There’s no shortage of push and pull or side drama which had me on the edge of my seat. There’s also humor and hilarious banter between Cooper and Mackenzie. So adorably funny, charming and romantic. A story that entertains. I really enjoyed this book, all the swoony moments between Cooper and Mackenzie and all the possibilities. Everyone needs this book! Get it now!

Mac and Cooper come from completely different worlds. Cooper is a "townie" in his college town, and he and his friends often resent the rich college kids that come in every year and seem to act as if they own everything and everyone. Mac is one of those out of town rich kids. She comes from a family that puts a lot of pressure on her to be exactly what they want her to be and she has a hard time saying no. A lot of what she does fits in with their plan, including her boyfriend. However, she meets Cooper and finds herself drawn to him and eventually the friendship they strike up turns into something more, especially when she realizes her relationship with her boyfriend isn't what she thought it was and starts making decisions that are more true to herself. However, Cooper has been keeping things from her and things with him also aren't exactly as they seem.

I ended up loving this book and all the different characters we meet in this small beach town as we follow along on Cooper and Mac's journey. However, it took me a while to fully enjoy it because there are times early on that everyone you meet does something to make them unlikeable. I'm not sure when that changed but suddenly I was rooting for everyone, but aware that at any moment the secrets that Cooper was keeping were going to come crashing down around him and for a lot of the book I felt like I was on the edge of my seat just waiting to read what would happen next and how it would roll out and then be resolved. This book was so good and I can't wait to read more of those in Avalon Bay!

I'm gonna start by saying this isn't anything new. we've read stories like this before. did this add in a few little things? yes. I loved Cooper Hartley, I really did. Mckenzie also wasn't annoying and dumb (mostly).

This book reminded me of "after" by Anna Todd, with a few differences. If you liked that book you will absolutely love this one.

Also, Mackenzie's parents gave me Gilmore girl vibes so much. I continually thought of the grandparents in that show whenever they were brought up.

you get two points of view, written in first person. Mackenzie and Coopers.

Mackenzie, a rich girl is set out to have a housewife live with her boyfriend Preston, perfect and rich and willing to flaunt it. They go to the same college, they grew up the same way, all the rich people have this specific way of living and they both know what is to become of their life. Mackenzie is a businesswoman at heart, wanting to run her own websites and renovations while her family and boyfriend have this whole other life planned out for her. No, she gets no choice in this life. She moves to a beachfront town to go along with the parents' plan of her future and things start to go a bit differently than she and they had expected.

I loved that Mackenzie had a life of her own, her own business. She had more thoughts than <i> this boy is hot </i> although, she did also have those thoughts and for good a reason.

Cooper, a struggling townie is trying to save up money to start a better life (aren't we all). Tattooed bad boy, tall, dark, and handsome. A smirk that can make your heart pound and a heart that will melt your own... after some time.

This is not an insta love story, which I know a lot of people will love. There is tension and steamy scenes.

I really liked this story, I enjoyed waiting to see what would happen, if people would play it save or go for their passion.

I did miss the roommate after a while, I wish she had a little more time in the ending and I wish there had been a big grand opening or reveal for the businesses but it was cute. It was a cute love story and if that's what you are looking for then you will get it with this one.

Also, I love Daisy and I really wish they had gone with Potato instead because that's my dog's name lol.

Mackenzie Cabot is the consummate rich, good girl, always doing the right thing and what is expected of her, with very little complaint. She has dreams and it's not to fit into her family's mold - marry wealthy, and sit on foundation boards - in essence - just smile and look pretty.

Cooper Hartley is a townie and definitely your typical hot, bad boy. Another rich kid comes into the restaurant and acts better than everyone else and ends up getting Cooper fired. His anger enacts him to get personal - steer the rich kid's girlfriend away from him. And Mackenzie just so happens to be that girl.

This is your typical trope of good girl, wrong side of the tracks bad boy. Eventually this becomes more than revenge and more than what started as a bet. The more Mac and Cooper get to know each other - the more they start to have feelings for the other.

This was my first time reading a book by Elle Kennedy and I enjoyed it. While the story started slow for me, by the 50% mark, it started to pick up and I couldn't put it down. So what happens with our two total opposite characters with intense chemistry - you'll have to one click now.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this.

It has been awhile since I read an Elle Kennedy book and Good Girl Complex hit the spot! I really enjoy everything about this rom-com

Good Girl Complex follows a young, rich, independent college student named Mackenzie who has just started college in a small beach town called Avalon Bay. She is dating another older rich college student who expects a lot from her. She meets a townie named Casper Hartley who is everything she wants but is not looking for. He is hot, arrogant and believes in her. That is where things start to heat up.

I really enjoyed this book! The characters had good chemistry, the side characters were funny and the story was perfect. There was the right amount of steam, laughs and angst. I really hope Evan gets his book! I recommend Good Girl Complex to anyone who enjoyed a cute entertaining romcom!

Thank you so much St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a bit of a rocky start for a new series. While I liked the story well enough to enjoy it, I had a hard time empathizing with the “poor little rich girl” heroine, and many of the side characters who are going to be around throughout the rest of this new series were pretty unbearable.

Omg Elle Kennedy is amazing! I am in love with Avalon Bay. Cooper and Mac are so perfect. Mac is a girl I could be BFFs with and Cooper and Evan seem hot af!

I love how it may have all started with nefarious intentions but Cooper is so much better for her than Preston ever was. Coop is a big softy for her and everything that means something important to her.

I can’t wait to read Evans story because I need more!

Good Girl Complex is not about a good girl - this book is filled with college-aged drama including lots of relationships where cheating seems to be the norm. I felt icky while reading this, which I did all cuddled up in my warm, cozy bed while avoiding the SNOW yesterday. Maybe I’m too old for the book’s demographic (it’s New Adult, which was not specified when I requested this title), but I did not enjoy it, nor did I get much out of it, besides enjoying some of the sparring dialogue.
If you enjoy reading about love triangles and cheating and rich kid “I do whatever I want” attitudes, this book is for you! It is not, sadly, for me.
Thanks to St Martin's Press, St Martin's Griffin, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I had heard good things about other books/series by the author and I may look into those in the future.

I tried, but I had to DNF fairly quickly. These new adults were just a little too new for my tastes, and that's on me!

This was my first Elle Kennedy book so safe to say I'm not a die hard fan of hers or anything. And honestly this book was fine very quick romance with the poor little rich girl/townie trope. Lots of side characters that could have been developed further. If I had read this book a week ago I probably would've liked it better but there is some drama around Elle Kennedy right now that negatively impacted my perception of this book.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

Such a fun and sexy read! Like Gossip Girl on the beach.

Cooper Hartley hates the entitled rich kids who infiltrate his hometown every college season. When one gets him fired from his job, Cooper and his friends decide Cooper should steal his girlfriend to teach him a lesson. That’s how Mackenzie “Mac” Cabot meets Cooper Hartley. She’s only in college and dating her boring, cheating boyfriend to live up to her parents expectations.

As Cooper gets closer to Mackenzie, he realizes she isn’t just another clone trust-fund kid. But if she finds out why he pursued her in the first place, it could ruin everything for them.

The chemistry between the main characters was palpable. The character growth was great and every character was well rounded. The side characters were all interesting enough to have their own books (which may be the goal? unsure.). I would’ve liked this more if it wasn’t borderline miscommunication trope which should honestly be illegal. Like, just talk to each other and be honest. It isn’t that difficult. If you are looking for a quick, easy read, I recommend.

Tropes: rich/good girl / bad boy

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin, and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Elle Kennedy certainly knows her way around college romance. Her Off-Campus series is one of my favorites as she definitely gets inside the heads of 20-somethings quite well. With Good Girl Complex, the familiar trope of a rich girl finding love with the boy on the 'wrong side of the tracks' is given the Kennedy treatment and the results are very enjoyable.

Mackenzie Cabot is a great character. I liked that she wasn't like her fellow 'clones' who take over Avalon Bay as stuck-up students who thumb their noses at the townies. She had a spark that I just knew would enable her to escape from her robotic and demanding parents and find the life she would and has created on her own without their input or money. Her boyfriend Preston, also a student at Garnet College, is a bit of an arse and his fight with Cooper Hartley is how the great love affair between this townie and his girlfriend is started.

With revenge on his mind to get back at the nasty Preston, Cooper decides to set his sights on the beautiful Mac and all of his preconceived notions about her go by the wayside quickly. These two have real chemistry and their witty banter and determination to one-up each other is for sure the best kind of foreplay.

As the book progresses, Cooper's desire to come clean as to why he pursued Mac gets pushed to the side until the usual blow-up and break-up is inevitable. But I will say the build-up to that point is filled with truly tender moments and the chance to really open up to one another and be each other's everything. There is a sweetness to Cooper and Mac's romance that was nice to see. And despite the fact that it all happens very fast was pretty much ok for me.

However, what I will agree with that other reviewers have pointed out is that there is a real need for an epilogue. Many books by UK authors that I've read in the last few years simply end and don't give us a glimpse into what might happen after the HEA is achieved and all that jazz. And I'm usually fine with that. But there are many loose ends in this book and not knowing if more is to come for the rest of the secondary characters, I'm left feeling a bit cheated. Therefore, I do hope more is to come because Evan, Steph, Alana, Tate, and even Heidi deserve a bit of happiness as well. Not to mention how Mac and Cooper fare once they are back together.

Good Girl Complex is easy to read and isn't too angsty or intense. A great book for a lazy afternoon by the fire, I give this book 3.5 stars!

What happens when the good girl finally says enough? When she finally decides that she wants to live for herself? Will she find herself completely alone, rudderless with no direction? When Mac meets a townie who has some major chips on his shoulder, she is both captivated by him but also wary, since they are so completely different. And maybe this is what she needs in order to face the life she is currently living. She thinks she knows what she wants, but soon she will find out that she is no where near satisfied with her currently life. Cooper finds a way to bring out the best (and worst) in her but what is HIS endgame. Both will need to come face to face with their past and present in order to make a real go of it. Will they be able to forgive and forget?

Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy releases next Tues, the 1st.
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The story centers around local, Cooper, an identical twin whose trying to make a good life for himself in spite of his hard upbringing. Mac is a college student in town, who comes from a wealthy family and has found success after developing an app.
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I loved the writing of this story, Elle does an amazing job and sucks you into the story - bringing all the characters to life.
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Friends to lovers is my favorite trope! While Coop knew who she was she didn’t know him prior, so part of me wished for an accidental meeting but - I loved watching their friendship develop.
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The only thing I would have loved was an epilogue…I became so vested in Coop that I was hoping to know if his furniture business takes off and he’s finds the comfort he’s been seeking. But maybe we’ll learn that if there’s a book 2.
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The cover for this is gorgeous and would look amazing on your shelves! A huge thank you to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for an advanced reader copy.

Good Girl Complex had me hooked from page one! I devoured it in 24 hours. The revenge plot felt original and the characters all had their own well thought-out personalities. If you are looking for a rich girl/guy from the “wrong side of the tracks” trope, this book is it!

I’m happy that Elle Kennedy ensured that Mac stuck up for herself after finding out about Cooper’s lies, but didn’t let their fight drag on and on. I can really appreciate some good communication between characters, and Mac and Coop had that where it counted. If a second book comes out of this one, I will definitely be reading!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for my copy of Good Girl Complex! All thoughts are my own.

I so wanted to love this book. I saw the cover and immediately requested. I read Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series and fell down the rabbit hole of those hockey boys so quickly. But I think ultimately I was really turned off by this book. The stereotypes were STRONG, the writing not great, and I didn’t really love any of the characters. Kennedy writes pretty heavily from the male gaze but I didn’t find Cooper to be as charming as the Briar U guys. And while I appreciated the journey Mackenzie went on, I just didn’t love the rich girl stereotype. I didn’t feel called to pick it up!
Synopsis:
“Full of romance, hijinks, and longing, Good Girl Complex is Elle Kennedy at her very best.

She does everything right. So what could go wrong?

Mackenzie “Mac” Cabot is a people pleaser. Her demanding parents. Her prep school friends. Her long-time boyfriend. It’s exhausting, really, always following the rules. All she wants to do is focus on growing her internet business, but first she must get a college degree at her parents’ insistence. That means moving to the beachside town of Avalon Bay, a community made up of locals and the wealthy students of Garnet College.

Twenty-year-old Mac has had plenty of practice suppressing her wilder impulses, but when she meets local bad boy Cooper Hartley, that ability is suddenly tested. Cooper is rough around the edges. Raw. Candid. A threat to her ordered existence. Their friendship soon becomes the realest thing in her life.

Despite his disdain for the trust-fund kids he sees coming and going from his town, Cooper soon realizes Mac isn’t just another rich clone and falls for her. Hard. But as Mac finally starts feeling accepted by Cooper and his friends, the secret he’s been keeping from her threatens the only place she’s ever felt at home.” —NetGalley

What I Liked:
The Setting—I love a good New Adult/College age romance, even though I’m not in college anymore. I liked the setting of a prestigious university and the town around it. It felt summery and fun, plus it felt a lot like Charleston, which is one of my favorite places.

The First 30%—I was into the book when it first started! But then I became less and less interested and didn’t feel called to pick it up.

What Didn’t Work:
The Tropes—The rich girl/townie guy trope is normally one I like but it was just so aggressively used that I was distracted by it.

The Pacing—Like it said, the pacing in the beginning was so great and then things petered out. I would have liked to see a little more tension between Cooper and Mackenzie before they admitted their feelings.

The Side Plots—There was just so much going on between Cooper’s “townie” friends and his mom showing up towards the end, plus the initial dare/bet on top of Mackenzie’s issues with Preston and her parents. It was just a lot.

Content Warnings:
Infidelity; Fighting; Alcoholism; Sexism; Misogyny; Death of a Parent; Drug Abuse; Estranged Parental Relationships

Character Authenticity: 2.5/5 Steam Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 2/75/5

I was a HUGE fan of the Off-Campus/Briar U series, so I already knew coming into Good Girl Complex, that I'd enjoy it. Elle Kennedy does a great job at creating likable characters that you root for.