I was excited to read this based on the description but found that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped. Maybe I was in the mood for something with a little more substance-I don’t know-but the whole thing just seemed like immature meets petty meets can’t-get-enough-sex. I’m not saying it was a bad book. I just think I may not have been in the right frame of mind when I read it.

This was not what I was expecting yet also was exactly what I feared would end up happening. Mac is a rich girl who just wants to focus on growing her apps and business but her parents essentially force her to go to college. While there, she meets Cooper, the town’s resident bad boy and that’s when all her wild impulses start hammering at the surface again.

This sounded so fun! But it just ended up flat for me. There is a cheating plot that goes on with the main characters and a huge secret that takes until almost the end of the book to come to light. I didn’t really feel a connection with the main couple either. I ended up liking some of the side characters more so I might pick up any companion books!

This also felt unnecessarily long. I feel like there were a lot of added drama scenes that could’ve been excluded as they didn’t really add anything and just prolonged a certain plot point. The ending also felt really rushed.

Overall, this was just not what I wanted and it was a disappointment for me! But if you’re into little sea side towns, a ton of drama and the good girl/bad boy trope, check this one out!

2/5⭐️

TW: cheating, death of a parent, abandonment from a parent, toxic relationships, sexually explicit scenes, alcohol, violence, blood.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! It has the bet trope (which as a big After fan, I can't help but love) and I like how powerful Mac was. I also really loved the beach summer vibe of this book and everything felt pretty authentic. A good summer read for sure!

After reading Elle Kennedy's full Off-Campus series (well, thank you #booktok for that one), I was intrigued to see she had written a new standalone and was instantly intrigued. Here, we follow Mac whose a chronic people pleaser who reluctantly starts college at a prestigious school in the south and Cooper, the bad boy townie she finds herself drawn to. While Mac seemingly has it all -- the prep school friends, the well-off life, parents who give her everything, and a devoted longtime boyfriend -- something seems off. All she wants to do is grow her internet business but her folks have insisted she get a degree first. So, she enrolls at Garnet College in the beachfront town of Avalon Bay. While she's used to repressing her wild impulses, something about local Cooper inspires her to let go and be free. Then, there's Cooper, who makes a She's All That-inspired bet with his friends to make Mac, the girlfriend of the boy who humiliated him, fall for him and subsequently break up with that jerk as revenge. What he didn't expect was to actually fall for her, realizing she's not like the rest of the snobby Garnet students.

Told in dual perspectives, it's chock full of juicy, compelling, and fun language that completely drew me in because, let me tell you, I was hooked. And sure, while there is some *spice* here, much like the Off-Campus books, this New Adult read seems more grounded and story-driven with vulnerable characters who have heart, dreams, and goals. Then, gah, that ending! While I appreciate a good HEA in my romance reads, I just wanted more to the story because it seemed to abruptly wrap up and I desperately wanted to see where Mac and Cooper were headed next.

I was surprised by all the 5 star review for the Good Girl Complex. This book was not for me. The story of the townies versus the rich, college preppies is a familiar one but Kennedy’s book was just on sexcapade after another. I didn’t feel the language or the nonstop sex moved the plot or character development forward. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Rating: 4/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction
Warnings: Cheating, death/abandonment of a parent + absent parents
Read if you liked: Off-Campus Series or She’s All That
Steam: 3/5
Tropes: friends to lover, forced proximity

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Good Girl Complex will be released on February 1st, 2022.

I have some mixed feelings about this book…on one hand, I really really hate the revenge-dating plot but also this couple worked and I finished it in one sitting. Elle Kennedy has the ability to create stories that suck you in.

Things I loved: I loved that Mac had her own company; this was such a good angle to the “rich girl” because she made her own money even if her parents had some. Cooper and Mac worked, I loved the banter and chemistry they had. A puppy, I love a puppy. Kennedy does talk about diversity of life situation, in this case death/abandonment of a parent and absent parents. I really loved the ending…it was pretty sweet. I’d also love to see the secondary characters in a series.

Things I didn’t care for: These books (I’m including Off-Campus because I just finished those) are lacking in diversity. This book was kind of a mess in content and I think I saw it that way because part of it was a bet + the complicated friendships.

Another slam dunk from Elle Kennedy! I cannot get enough of her words. She's a masterful story teller. I always find myself completely absorbed in the world's she creates. Good Girl Complex is one of her best! Well done!

Oh my, this book was what my soul needed. Mac's kick-ass, independence draws you in from the very beginning and the contrast of her and Cooper are on point and on fire from the very beginning. I flew threw this book and now need to read every single Elle Kennedy novel I can get my hands on. I absolutely loved this. I will 100% recommend this to anyone and everyone. So great!

I really enjoyed this one and if you are a fan of Elle Kennedy’s books then I think you will too. It has such fun elements in this one and the banter between the couple is one of my favorites in a romance novel.

Carter is fantastic and is storyline very good, I loved his character growth and honestly if you read briar u then you’ll understand when I say he’s like a mix of Garret and Dean.

Mackenzie is a really sweet character and maybe the only thing that bothered me was just how gullible she was in some of the parts in the book but other than that I loved her character and just how she saw the good in everyone.

The ending was very sweet and there were a few times I laughed out loud. It was fun lighthearted it’s definitely a good fall/spring read. I definitely recommended for anyone who loves romance with some really good spice.

This is exactly what I was needing!! I'm a big Elle Kennedy fan and Good Girl Complex is an example of why! I loooooved the premise of this book and enjoyed the way it perfectly balanced, fun, excitement, steam and feels! The banter and back and forth was amazing, giving us the addictive push and pull we love seeing in romance books.

I was drawn in from the very beginning and transported to a world that kept me glued to each page, and in true Elle fashion I'm just as invested in the side characters as much as the main ones.

The setting, pacing, plot and writing style are definitely on point and I definitely wouldn't mind revisited this universe in the future!

Another amazing book from Elle! She never disappoints! As one of those girls that binged her OC/BU series in less than two weeks, I jumped at the opportunity to read something else by her. I can't wait to be able to get this in a physical copy!

I'm here for this new Avalon Bay series by Elle Kennedy. It was the writing I've always loved from Kennedy with an exciting new setting and cast of characters. It was nice to read something set in a world other than college hockey -- not that I don't love me some college sports, I just loved how different this was. It had an 80's movie vibe with the townie versus rich kid thing it had going on. I had a lot of fun reading it.

Mac is a young woman who has grown up with every privilege she could have asked for, but is confined by what is expected of her. I loved how she was trapped between pleasing her parents and going for what she wanted. That part of the story was so relatable, whether you're rich or poor. Mac was also very likable with her wanting to do good and always willing to help others. Cooper wasn't as lovable from the start. He had some big biases and a huge chip on his shoulder. I may not have always liked him, but I enjoyed reading his POV even before he became someone to love. Mac and Cooper were opposites in what life had given them, but they complimented each other well. Their relationship was sweet and feisty all at the same time.

I was a little nervous going into Good Girl Complex. I knew going in there was a cheating aspect to the story from what I had seen on social media from the author and some early reviews I read. I am not a fan of cheating, so I was worried this wouldn't be a hit for me. Surprise, surprise. The cheating didn't bother me. That is due to Elle Kennedy's character development and plotting skills. I actually ended up liking the direction this book took with it. I was still uncomfortable in certain moments, but it wasn't horrible for me. 

One of the things that makes Elle Kennedy's NA romances so much fun is the cast of characters she gives each book/series. I loved the new people she introduced us to in this book. Cooper has a twin, Evan, who I want a book for. I also loved all of Cooper's friends (minus Heidi, but I got her in the end). Mac had a fun roommate, but her parents and Preston were awful. I loved to hate Preston. All of these characters have me wanting more books set in Avalon Bay!

So, yeah. Good Girl Complex was a strong start to a new series for Elle Kennedy. I loved where she went with this book, and I can't wait to get more stories for the rest of Cooper and Mac's gang of friends.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book, as I do with all Elle Kennedy books. Cooper was extremely swoon worthy and I hope there will be more books in this Avalon Bay world!

Calling all Elle Kennedy Fans! She's done it again!

On the outside, our protagonist Mac seems like your typical rich girl. She goes to an expensive college, where's designer clothes, and has the seemingly perfect wealthy boyfriend. When her boyfriend ends up in an altercation with the local bad boy Cooper Hartley, it throws Mac entirely off course. She soon realizes that she may want more than the life that has been planned for her by her parents and boyfriend.

I'm a simple girl. I love small-towns, bad boys, and steamy romances. And let me tell you, Good Girl Complex delivered. I was worried going into this that it would not compare to Kennedy's previous books, but it is just as fun and hot of a read as the off-campus series. I loved Mac as a character. I felt as though I truly watched her grow as the story went on, and I love that in a protagonist. Cooper was also great to read about. I felt as though he was a little less three dimensional as Mac, and sometimes read as the typical new-adult romantic interest, but totally swoon-worthy. There is clear chemistry between the two. Their interactions and relationship was definitely my favorite part of the book.

The only criticism I have for this book is that the pacing feels off at some points, especially the end. I won't spoil the book as it hasn't been released yet, but I will say that I wanted the end conflict to be drawn out more. If we got just a few more chapters of the two growing as individuals and then resolving their conflict, I would have been completely in love with the ending.

Nevertheless, I highly recommend that the new-adult romance fans out there pick this up. It is set to release on February 1st, 2022.

*Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in return of an honest review*

I liked this book. I started reading it with no expansions and it surprised in some aspects.

I liked the character development, though it's a bit faulty towards the end. The characters get too messy for my taste. Mackenzie can spit on my face and I'd thank her.

I wasn't a fan of the "I'm not like other girls" trope during the first half of the book. But it subsided and that's when I appreciated the romance more.

Good Girl Complex is the newest contemporary romance by Elle Kennedy. I have read multiple books by this author in the past so I did go into this ARC not knowing much about the actual synopsis. The story takes place in a fictional small harbor town called Avalon Bay, where storms and hurricanes are pretty common. It’s an opposites-attract romance between a rich “good girl” and the tattooed “bad boy from the wrong side of town” vibes.

Avalon Bay’s residents (including the hero) do not like the tourists/rich people who swarm their believed beach town every summer and refer to them as “clones” (because every rich person is the same to them). This is important for the premise because the story kicks off with Cooper (the hero) getting fired from his bartending side job one night after getting into a confrontation with a rich guy. Cooper, along with the idea from his twin Evan and their friends, decide he should stick it the “clone” by stealing his girlfriend, making her dump him, and shove it in his face that he/Cooper is with his girl now. But as soon as Cooper meets MacKenzie (the rich guy’s girlfriend), they have an instant connection and it becomes more than the silly revenge bet.

MacKenzie’s dad is a politician and her parents have the perfect plan for her to go to college, get a degree, marry her longtime boyfriend (whose parents have a similar background), and then sit pretty running fundraisers and charities like her mom has. Mac has kind of just gone with the flow for years of letting her family and boyfriend control her life but now that she’s at college and meets Cooper, she wants her independence. Mac is already a successful businesswoman, she’s made millions off creating a sharing app called BoyfriendFails (and it’s spin-off GirlfriendFails) where people share funny/embarrassing relationship stories.

Mac is still dating her boyfriend for half of this book, all the while spending time and getting closer to Cooper (the most they do is kiss while she’s still with her BF). I did feel like there was a bit too much packed into this read. Mac has her successful apps business, she also wants to start a new business of buying and restoring a historic boardwalk hotel. Cooper has light drama with an ex-friends with benefits. He also has drama with his mother who only comes around for money. Cooper is a construction worker who is also trying to start a furniture business on the side. Mac definitely has issues with her family, which never really felt resolved. Mac & Cooper’s relationship moves fast, they save a puppy together and move in practically right after she ditches her BF. There is a bad storm and Mac is patching up a friend’s roof during at one point in the story. Mac tries to win over Cooper’s twin and their friends and prove she’s not just some rich girl. I feel like there was just too much happening and the entire premise of trying to steal someone’s girlfriend to get back at them for getting you fired did feel a bit juvenile.

Thank you to the publisher (SMP Romance, St. Martin’s Press) for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts & review. Good Girl Complex has a publish date of February 1, 2022.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
This book follows Mackenzie/ Mac Cabot and Cooper Hartley, two individuals from opposite sides of the track. Mac grew up in a life of privilege, while Cooper’s life has consisted of a tough upbringing and having to work for what he has. This book allowed you to fall in love with these two characters and showed you even when you think two people have nothing in common, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
I enjoyed reading how Cooper started developing feelings for Mac when at first he didn’t have honorable intentions when pursuing her. I also really enjoyed the aspect of Mac finding herself and finally being able to stand up to her parents!
Saying this I did find the book a bit predictable and I knew Coopers initial intentions with Mac would be revealed to her, so I spent a lot of the book waiting for that to happen.
Also can we talk about the fact that Elle Kennedy came up with the best name for a dog!? I mean it wasn’t actually used but I freaking loved it! It was Muttley Crue. And you better believe that dog name is now on my potential future dog name list!
This book is the perfect summer read as it’s set in a cute, quaint beach town. And I can’t wait for everyone else to read this book!
I also wanted to include my favourite quote from the book:
“I thought freedom was being self-sufficient. I’m finding out that isn’t exactly true, I know this probably sounds stupid coming from me, but I feel trapped. By expectations and promises. Trying to make everyone else happy. I wish I could be selfish for once. Do what I want, when I want, how I want.”

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC early in exchange for a honest review!

First of all I love Elle Kennedy and the off campus series, so I was thrilled to get approved for this ARC. I really enjoyed this book with new characters as well but I will say I prefer the off campus series. I was expecting a little more spice and deep issues like in that series but this felt more like a family drama romance with little spice. That being said I still had a great time reading this and loved Copper and Mac as a couple. I love Elle Kennedy’s writing and I will read anything that has her name on it!

Like her other books their were funny, sad and sweet moments! Definitely worth the read!!

When I first read the description for this book, I knew that, without a doubt, it'll cement itself as one of my favourites. And it definitely did not disappoint.

I'm familiar with Elle Kennedy's previous books - particularly the Briar U and Off Campus series. I'd loved the storylines, her writing and the characters. To say this met my expectations and then some, seems like an understatement.

Good Girl Complex follows the classic rich girl/poor boy trope. Set in a small beach town, Cooper and Mackenzie come from two different worlds. Cooper's had a rough upbringing - an absent mother and a deadbeat dad who'd long passed away, he and his twin brother are making the most of their situation by helping their uncle with his construction business while picking up side jobs here and there to make ends meet. On the other hand, Mac is the product of wealth - her father's a congressman; her mother on the board of a number of charities. She's got her life set - her future with her boyfriend Preston is pretty much set in stone, with her ready to take on her mother's roles while Preston inherits his father's company. But there's still something missing.

I loved loved loved Cooper and Mac's storylines. The entire plot was predictable, but that's the beauty with this trope. After Preston gets Cooper fired from his job, he exacts a plan of revenge to steal his girlfriend away from him. He's bitter, sick and tired of being pushed around by the 'clones' of Avalon Bay. However, his plan backfires when he finds that Mac's got a bit more substance to her than the other robots he encounters. Both the character development arcs were very well done, and all loose ends tied up in the end. I particularly loved all the supporting characters, but would've loved to see more about how things turned out for Bonnie, Mac's college roommate. Hopefully in the next instalment! I also would've loved more angst towards the end, but I guess that takes away from the lightheartedness of the read.

All in all, Elle delivered an exceptional story. The plot was well paced and the conflicts well written. All in all, a great read. 4.5/5!

For readers who love:
- rich girl/poor boy
- enemies to lovers
- revenge dating

Triggers:
- cheating

I really enjoyed this book. The characters had some dimension to them, and the added bonus of Cooper's close-knit friend group made for a fun read. I really enjoyed Mac and her choice of a different path than college and still being a smashing success. I love a strong female/girl boss lead and this book did not disappoint. A few moments of steam, but mostly the focus is on the friendship Mac and Cooper are growing. I can't wait to look up some other books by this author!

Disclaimer: I received the ARC from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions are my own.