Mixed feelings, mixed expectations, mixed worlds ..... and a story that has enough elements and potential to keep the reader's attention until the very end. A book in which not everything is black and white, but a whole rainbow of feelings and descriptions that will make you get to know the characters and experience their story .....
She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, a rich heiress who from an early age must adapt to other people's hopes, other people's plans, other people's expectations. Everything must go according to the plan, a plan made by other people. Then who is she? An entitled chick or just an ordinary pawn in the world of the rich ..... Is she even allowed to feel?
He is the bad boy from the neighborhood, everything about him screams danger, get as far as possible on a neon sign, but how can she avoid all the excitement that his words arouse? How can she resist the temptation of his kisses? ...
One kiss, one risk, one feeling ... but can that feeling break the shackles of social norms? Can an unpredictable encounter break the predictability of the prison, called her life?
Elle Kennedy's style is definitely something that brings about the familiar mix of sweetness and cruelty that I have always liked in her books. As parts of this new puzzle that she has created are slowly being revealed, I am increasingly drawn to the mix of new and well-known elements that are part of her stories. With a light tone she mixes silly with serious topics and forces the reader to become more and more invested in the characters who somehow come to life through the pages, we get to know them, we get to learn how to predict their reactions in a given situation, but more and more we want to reach the end- the finale while at the same time we want it to last a bit longer. The balance of the descriptors and the details are absolutely perfect, neither too much nor too little so as not to bore the reader, but just enough to get them fully interested in the story. Unlike the previous works I have read, here the level of sexual tension, as well as the emotional attachment of the characters are not so explosive, which honestly suited me at this moment. Mackenzie is a character who is most certainly a perfect heroine, a well-mannered young lady trying to find her way, her place in this world. A girl who is not afraid to see her flaws, nor to face challenges. Cooper, on the other hand, will surely not be on my list of favorite book boyfriends. From the very beginning with that infamous bet, through the petty bourgeoisie, until the stereotyping, the hero in this story did not delight me in any way. To want to revenge upon someone who did you wrong is one thing, but to include innocent people ….definitely not my cup of tea, hot as hell or not. The idea of ​​a story about a princess and a bad boy is quite intriguing, but I'm not sure that creating such a character achieves the desired realization. I think the whole behavior of the gang is incredibly disgusting, to want revenge and ruin the life of someone you have not met is ultimately horrible, to hate someone for being different is repulsive…..
But as we all know, perfection rarely exists, maybe the characters have flaws, we all do, right? But I have to admit that this book has the potential to provide you with a perfect journey into a different world.

MacKenzie and Cooper - a disaster waiting to happen? Or the pairing of two highly attractive opposites?

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Cooper is a Townie in a small coastal North Carolina town. MacKenzie, daughter of a congressman, is "wifey" material - born and bred to be the "arm-candy" wife of an equally socially prominent scion of a filthy rich corporate big wig. - also known as "the Clones."

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Naturally the Townies resent the Clones and their pompous ways. West Side Story meets The Devil Wears Prada and then some!

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One fateful night, Cooper gets on the wrong side of MacKenzie's boyfriend, Preston. There is a bit of rough housing and Cooper loses his job, all because Preston can't keep his hands off the hired help. Lines are drawn in the sand and the Townies vow revenge against "the Clones."

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But what starts out as the perfect cat and mouse game of revenge turns into a complicated dance of red-hot attraction. Things get real, fast, and Cooper finds himself caught in his own trap.

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Elle Kennedy knows how to stoke a sizzling fire so that when these two gorgeous specimens finally give in to their undeniably incendiary sexual chemistry, you can't help but groan with relief.
FINALLY!!!!!

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Elle Kennedy surely knows how to spin a stormy, passion-laced tale! She manages to put a different spin on all the usual tropes so that you don't feel you are going down a too familiar road.
And that ending! Cooper laid it all out there - the candles, the passionate speech, the rocking chairs........
Big sigh.... way to go, Dude!

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This is my first Elle Kennedy book and I totally get why everyone loves her. She is an amazing writer and I will definitely be reading more from her. This is the basic outline of ten things I hate about you set in college, with a rich driven girl and a local bad boy, added spice, banter, and chemistry. I loved this and couldn't put it down. The two characters completely worked together. They each had solid back stories that made them feel like completely flushed out characters. I was nervous about this being about a girl cheating on her boyfriend (even if he wasn't a great a guy) but the way it handles this is something that I can still enjoy the book with. Things start out as friends but once the girl realizes she has feelings and kisses the boy she stops things and the next day tells her boyfriend about it. I felt like it was the best way to handle the situation in this plot.

The two characters romance is completely adorable and filled with chemistry. One of the best couples I've read about in a while.

This was definitely a cute and easy read. I was drawn to this because of the author and the cover - and the cover definitely sets the vibe for the book in my opinion. The book is set in the beachside town of Avalon Bay, where the community is made up of locals and wealthy (and often at least a bit entitled) students from a nearby college. Mackenzie, or Mac as she tends to go by, is technically one of those wealthy students although she is fairly down to earth and doesn't act super entitled. When Mac meets Cooper, a local bad boy of Avalon Bay, i found it to be under ideal circumstances. I wasn't the biggest fan of their first few interactions but I did like the friendship they come to have for a good portion of the book. I was also glad that nothing really happened between the two while Mac still had a boyfriend.
The side characters in the book were also pretty great. I admired how much a lot of them obviously cared for Cooper and wanted to protect him when Mac first came more into the picture. I thought how Cooper's friends came to like Mac in the end felt genuine and didn't seemed like it was being forced. I really did enjoy the friendships along with the side characters of the story.
I thought the romance wrapped up well in the end and I was happy with the outcome. The only think I did have an issue with throughout the book is that it seemed like there was a fair amount of misogyny. I felt like the views most of the men in the story had about romance and relationships seemed a bit outdated and I wasn't the biggest fan of that.
Overall I thought the book was sassy, upbeat, and a quick read. I'd give it 3.5 simply because the misogyny wasn't something I enjoyed at all and it drew my focus to that, otherwise I did find the book quite likeable. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

Such a great book! I rated Good Girl Complex five stars for its relatable characters, despite their differences, and the plotline that kept me swiping from one page to the next as fast as I could! Loved this one.

Stars: 4
Spice: 1.5
Tropes: college romance, good girl/bad boy, miscommunication/lies, cheating
MCs: Mackenzie “Mac” & Cooper

I enjoyed this book. It starts with Cooper & Mac’s boyfriend getting into it. As a way to get back at him, Cooper’s friends decide to trick Mackenzie into falling for Cooper. Their plan falls apart with Copper starts to actually fall for Mac.

Cooper & Mac had instant chemistry, and I loved their banter. Cooper was extremely sweet & his groveling after his mess up was great. This book reminded me a lot of the After series by Anna Todd. My only complaint is that this did not have an epilogue, but maybe that leaves it open for more.

In this new series by Elle Kennedy, a man set on revenge finds something a whole lot sweeter.

Cooper Hartley is your typical bad boy.
A string of one-night stands.
Tattooed.
Drop dead gorgeous.
That spells trouble for one good girl, Mackenzie "Mac" Cabot, who enters the Avalon Bay area attached, but not necessarily unavailable.

Mac becomes Cooper's target when her boyfriend, Preston Kincaid, causes him to lose his job. So, of course Cooper and his friends come up with a plan to make Preston suffer, by stealing his girlfriend. Sounds like trouble, but I was fully on board, nevertheless.

Given the situation between Mac and Preston, the plan almost seems too easy.
The two have been dating for years as some sort of Southern rich family expectation, with the end goal being marriage. Only problem is the spark has fizzled, at least on Mac's end. What we the reader also know is that Preston isn't exactly faithful as he claims to be. With that said, and given all the temptations Cooper presents, Mac is puddy in his hands.

What I enjoyed about this story was while Cooper went in with bad intentions, it is pretty clear early on that his feelings become genuine. That doesn't mean there isn't some silly drama later, but I knew that if Mac could get past the early deception, she'd see she has something very special.

This book also introduces the reader to a cast of side characters, who I'm hoping will each get their own story - especially Evan, Cooper's twin brother, and Heidi, the "troublemaker". This beachy romance was the perfect escape for the Winter Blues, and I'm looking forward to more in this series!

This is my third Elle Kennedy books and I just love reading them. Her college romances are just so swoony.

I got some West Side Story and Gossip Girl vibes from this one. Two people who come from different worlds and whose friends don’t welcome the other. Also, some insanely rich twenty year olds.

Cooper and Mack had chemistry for days. Their back and forth was amazing and I loved Cooper’s flirty ways.

I loved the side characters in this one. Elle Kennedy always fills her books with friendships that I love and it adds to the romance so much.

For my none steam reading friends, this one had quite a few spicy scenes!
★ ★ ★ ★/5
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5

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This sweet, steamy, seaside romance is one I definitely recommend!

I'm a sucker for a good good girl/bad boy, opposites attract romance and this one was so, so good! Both of the main characters were great, and the chemistry and banter between Mackenzie and Cooper was perfect. Mackenzie, the sweet people pleasing good girl, and Cooper, the damaged bad boy with a heart of gold. Their character development throughout the book was amazing.

I really liked how Mackenzie had made a name for herself outside of her family, and how she grew to independence throughout the book. I loved how one was rich and one wasn't, but neither had good families showing that money doesn't equal happiness!

I absolutely loved the setting of this book. Avalon Bay, a little seaside town with a great divide between "townies and clones". I love that it was set in the South - I grew up in South Carolina so I loved all the references to place I have been many times (Charleston, Hilton Head etc.).

I loved the side characters! From Bonnie, the energetic college roommate, to Evan, the troublesome twin, wow, they were all so good. I am hoping they all get their own book because I'm not ready to leave Avalon Bay yet!

Thank you St. martins Press for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is due for publication 2/1!

Really enjoyed this Cooper is an excellent book boyfriend and per usual Elle Kennedy delivers.

Thought parts were a tad bit rushed, but loved all of the side characters and the growth. Some angsty moments for sure but had a blast reading this in one sitting.

Steamy scenes are A+ and I'd love more from the Avalon Bay crew! This one almost felt like a good 90s-early 00s teen romance movie.

**Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review**

FIVE STARS FOR ANOTHER ELLE KENNEDY MASTERPIECE! I have yet to come across a work of fiction by this masterful author that I have not devoured and adored with every fibre of my being.

Nobody writes brooding, sexy, bad boys quite like Elle. Cooper Hartley is my newest book BF and I'm not gonna forget about him for a longggg time. This book is an epic opposites attract, rich girl/poor guy, forbidden love story - with a bet!! I don't know what it is about me, but I am a sucker for romance books with a little edge to them, and incorporating a bet is just everything of the sort to me.

I love romance books when the guy falls first, and Cooper is just EVERYTHING in this story. Both his and Mac's character development was done so well and purposefully - and those steamy scenes were BEYOND.

This book is the perfect combination of sexy and swoony - and I can't wait for everyone else to get their hands on a copy and fall in love with Mac & Coop like I have!

3.5 stars

This one was really fun and somewhat anxiety inducing for me. While I really enjoyed this story, the characters’ growth, and the romance I can’t give it a higher rating because that background anxiousness I felt while waiting for the “secret” to come out took away from the fun and love that was going on. I also felt like there was so much overdone aggressiveness when it came to the locals and the students (and the constant use of "clones" became grating). I fully understand the annoyance and frustration that the locals who have been shit on by the rich kids, but I did find myself feeling uncomfortable with the friends/side characters genuine malice and excitement to humiliate a female character when they didn’t even know her or had any interactions with her. There were scenes of them hanging out and going on about it and that felt like it was really going into the territory of unhinged and a mob mentality. Those two things sort of impeded my full enjoyment of the story.

Overall, I really adored the growth and journey that Mac went through in the story. I ended up rooting her on and reading more and more just to see what she was going to do next. The romance was nice as well and I thought that Mac and Cooper were sweet together, but to be honest I did find myself reading more for Mac's character growth over the romance.

ARC given by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I’m in the minority here and have not read the Off-Campus series YET! But I have read plenty of New Adult books and Good Girl Complex fits perfectly.

I loved the typical storyline and relationship development. New Adult books that are fairly predictable but amazing are my comfort reads!! I is a SLOW BURN! So if you struggle with those just be aware that it is worth it!

The side characters were interesting and I’m crossing my fingers for Evan’s book! Also, bumping the Off-Campus series up in my list.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy.

This is my first Elle Kennedy book. I read this in a day which never happens. I just could not put it down. While there are some issues here with cheating and lying, every single character had flaws and I feel like it made it more believable. The whole “deal” aspect of this book reminded me a lot of 10 things I hate about you. I really loved that there was a dog. I loved the tension and banter between the main characters. Overall this was really good. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher this is my honest review.

This book started off strong for me. I was immediately drawn to Cooper and the beach town setting. I was horrified but intrigued at the same time by the revenge plot storyline. I liked how Mackenzie and Cooper met and their instant chemistry and connection. Cooper was cocky as hell but I was into it! Their was some major forbidden romance tension building between the two and I enjoyed it.

I think ultimately I couldn't say that I loved this book because of the characters. It's a new adult book with college aged characters and I think I'm starting to realize that this subgenre isn't for me. Characters in this age group are a bit too immature for my taste and I found myself rolling my eyes or shaking my head at some of the things they were saying or doing.

This book was entertaining because of all the high drama and the steaminess, but overall, it wasn't for me.

⚠️: infidelity

Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin for an advanced copy of Good Girl Complex.

So this was my first Elle Kennedy book and the premise was a bit misleading for me. I didn't like the bet aspect of the beginning of the book and don't like it when cheating is the central plot line, so I DNFd the book about 25% in.

such a good book. her writing is seriously the best. this book was exactly what i needed to get out of a reading slump.

Good Girl Complex is the first in a new series by Elle Kennedy. Garnet University reminds me a lot of Briar University, from Elle Kennedy’s other new adult romance series.

To be honest, I was lukewarm about Cooper at first. But, already being a Kennedy fan, I held on, knowing that she’d manage to change my mind about him. And that she did! While Cooper is a townie and a self-proclaimed “bad boy”, he’s also arrogant and quite rude. His feelings of disdain towards the rich students who attend Garnet are realistic and based in almost all of his previous interactions with them. That said, his plans to have revenge on the jerk rich boy Preston who caused him to lose his job by seducing his girlfriend made for a somewhat unlikeable romance hero. That said, it’s clear that Cooper starts to change his mind about his nefarious plans almost immediately after meeting her. As usual, Kennedy uses her unique writing style and impeccable banter to make Cooper a character that I could fall in love with.


Both Mac and Cooper have a lot of flaws, ones that make them kind of perfect for each other. And, like with any top-notch new adult romance, their love story nicely complements their own personal growth.

I loved the setting of this book. Just like with Briar U, I feel like Avalon Bay will be able to provide the inspiration for a lot of unique and compulsively readable stories. The juxtaposition of the rich university in a poor sea-side town will make for a lot of star-crossed romances!

This book introduces an entire cast of characters for us to fall in love with. These are fabulous side characters, especially Evan and Bonnie, and I’m looking forward to seeing what kinds of shenanigans Kennedy has planned for them.

I was a little disappointed when there weren’t any little easter eggs or noticeable mentions of Briar University or any of the characters I fell in love with in her Off Campus and Briar U series. This could easily be set in the same world. Maybe in the next one!

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a great beach read, one with clever dialogue and realistically flawed protagonists.

"Good Girl Complex", by Elle Kennedy, has sparks flying all the way through! Mackenzie Cabot has grown up in privilege and wealth, but that has come with strings attached. Her politician parents have demanded a lot of her, and her future has already been decided, along with the man she's supposed to marry. As a self-described people pleaser, Mackenzie is okay with this until she goes to college and finally gets to experience some true freedom. While there, she meets a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, Cooper Hartley, who gets her heart pumping. Not only is she attracted to his looks, but she's also drawn to his laidback and rebellious lifestyle. Now she must choose if she's going to continue doing what her parents want or if she'll finally stand up for herself.

I thought this book was very cute, and there was good chemistry between Mac and Cooper. However, I feel like the ending was resolved a little too quickly. Overall, this was a fun, quick read! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I must say, this book felt a bit like a rocky road. Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy is an opposites-attract, New Adult romance. The beautiful, rich, new girl in town falls for the mysterious, tattooed, dreamboat ‘townie’. The trope and setting of this story felt very close to reality in the city I currently live in so I kind of loved that about it.

I have read a few of Kennedy’s books now and I will say she writes dialogue so enticingly. I find myself hanging on her every word and plowing through pages to keep up with the characters conversations. In this story, the female main character Mackenzie, struggles to fit within the confines of her privileged life. Her aspirations are constantly squashed and she dreams endlessly of more. Enter, Cooper. A man out for revenge against Mackenzie’s current boyfriend and she seems like the easiest target. (Who doesn’t love a good ‘dating someone as a bet’ trope?!). He is your stereotypical, irresistible, broken, bad boy and as we follow the very predictable (but who cares) storyline we get to witness their character and relationship growth.

I really enjoyed this story for what it was but ultimately, I found the plot to be lacking. It felt like there were too many plot threads thrown out but nothing was ever brought together. Characters that were heavily referred to in the first half of the story kind of just disappeared… I wanted to see the main characters work together on their ventures more and in the end, it felt like there were a lot of pieces that could have easily landed on the cutting floor.

I really appreciated that although both characters came from neglectful backgrounds Kennedy tried to add in positive influence (thank you Levi). I would recommend this book to someone just venturing out of the YA world looking for a fun read with some spice. The romance feels very young but I do believe the audience is out there for it!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. PS. The design team did an amazing job on the cover design, it's absolutely adorable.