⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you NetGalle, Dreamscape Media, and Sourcebook Casablanca for this amazing book!

Girls with Bad Reputations is not just a love story. The romance was beautiful, a not-so-slow burn, friends-to-lovers story.
But what captivated me in this book were the background stories, where our main characters come from, and why they are the way they are.

Kayla is pulling a double Hanna Montana act. Famous since childhood thanks to a series of books her mother wrote about the perfect child, Little Miss Yolanda, Kathrine - Kayla for friends - wants just to follow her late brother's dream to be a rockstar drummer.

Ty is the perfect student, but when he gets tangled in various injustices, he is forced to quit university and accept any job to help his grandfather out.
Ty is a kind soul, searching for the quiet life he was used to. After his grandfather pushes him to do something for himself he decides to take a job as a bus driver for an all-girl indie rock band, with a no fraternization closet written boldly in his contract.

Ty and Kyla met and they found each other. But like I said at the beginning of the review this book is so much more.
Kyla and her mother's relationship was what struck me the most, but there are various themes that make this book very interesting and I´m sure it will enter soon many people´s hearts.

For the audiobook, the production, like everything Dreamscape, is flawless. The voice actors did a great job interpreting the characters. I loved both of their voices.

Girls with Bad Reputations is the second book in The Lillys series but can be read as a standalone.

This book has it all ....
✔ Strangers to Friends to Lovers
✔ Pan MMC - wears a kilt!
✔ Bad-Ass Female Rockers
✔ Book Nerds in Love
✔ Tour Bus Shenanigans
✔ Secrets
✔ Found Family

Time to meet our heroine Kayla Larrington who is following her dream. There's just one tiny hiccup ... she's avoided her family and hasn't told them what she's really up to. If they knew the truth, would they be supportive of her choices and understand?

Instead of following the path of perfection her mother planned long ago, she's living her best life. All Kayla ever wanted was to live life with stick in hand while drumming on her kit.

Despite her loss, the pain impacts her decisions. If only her family's expectations of what her future looked like and her dreams could be aligned. Could they ever approve?

It's time to hit the road with The Lillys with this all-access behind the scenes from their tour bus to the music stages along the way.

Expect plenty of drama and shenanigans. Most definitely a little spicy heat, and of course lots of music.

Are you ready to meet The Lillys?

Thank you to @sourcebookscasa for an advance reader copy for an honest and fair review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Wow! Pure gold right here! Rockstar romance extraordinare!

I read the first Lilly’s book last year and it was fine, but this one - this one is fire! I completely fell in love with not just Kayla and Ty, but the rest of the band again, and Ty’s Pop. It was a completely different experience and I just loved the entire thing. The characters felt different this time around (yep, even crazy Candy, when they ran into her - I think dealing with her in book 1 was super stressful and part of my issue with it), the vibe was all positivity, and I just loved everything about who Ty was and how he lived his entire life after the crap hand he’d been dealt.

This book is just superb and I completely and totally recommend (not a strong enough word - I demand) every single one of you reading this runs out and gets a copy of it now! It’s incredible and Xio Axelrod is truly such a talented author.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca, and this is my honest feedback.

This was my introduction into Xio Axelrod's writing and I loved it! I'm definitely going to have to pick up the first book, because I am so curious about Seb and Toni's story! This is a story for all the girls out there who have been told that they're too much, too loud, or not proper enough. I identified with Kayla so much. That fear and anxiety of letting your parents down and of the expectations of being a perfect daughter. Even when you know that you've already disappointed them, somehow it still matters. Doing what is right for you hurts/harms them, and so I really empathized with Kayla. I loved how over the course of the book we get to see her relationships improve. She opens up to the Lillys and to Ty. Ty is such a strong, steady prescence and even though he had his own demons I loved that they worked through them together.

Highly recommend this book for lovers of rockstar romance, found family, and non-gender conforming MC's!

Here's the thing Xio Axelrod knows how to write a happy romance book. Even when you know something bad is going. to happen you know the relationship is strong enough, no matter what. It's a good feeling and it's a happy feeling. I read her books with so much joy.

Now, this story has so many things going on, in the sense that it talks about the injustices of the world towards Black men. I don't know how many times she shows people's reaction to Ty, just because of his skin color. It hurt, but it's real life for black men.

I loved this book with my whole heart and it's one of the best reads of 2024.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The thing that I kept thinking over and over while I read this book is that’s Xio Axelrod writes real people so well. Her characters always feel so relatable and authentic.

Girls with Bad Reputations is book 2 in The Lillys series and focuses on Kayla, the drummer, and Ty. Kayla has secrets she has been keeping from the band about the suffocating past she’s run away from. Ty had horrible things happen to him that have altered the course of his life.

I love love love how they bond over books and reading. Their feelings for each other grow quickly and I’m pleased that the conflict in the book was not to do with their relationship. It was refreshing to read. There is a steadiness to their relationship that anchored this book.

I also want to note, Axelrod writes a diverse range of characters in a beautifully normalizing way.

This series is so fun, badass, and easy to be in. I’m already ready for the next book.

I received an ARC from the Milk & Cookies Marketing team via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for a physical final copy!

TW: parental death, sibling death, prison system, racism

I finished The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes quickly and was excited to see I was approved to get an arc of this second story in The Lillys series. This book is all about The Lillys' drummer, Kayla who has kept her true identity a secret. We meet Ty their bus driver in this book, who has also not had an easy life. I love that Xio had Ty's character being a bookworm. This story was a good addition to the series. Excited to see whose story is next as we continue to follow the growth in The Lilly's career. Having each bandmember's personalities be so different will keep the stories in the series fresh and give us different views into what each member of the band is gaining from their "found" family.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

There is so much I loved about Girls with Bad Reputations! Like the first book in this series, I was initially drawn to it in part because of its focus on rock music. The main character here, Kayla, is the drummer in an all-girl rock band that’s starting to rise up in the scene. It’s clear that the author has intimate knowledge of playing music, the different parts of instruments, touring, and music industry hurdles. Throughout the novel, readers get to live and breathe the rock band experience, and I soaked up every second of it. (Extra love for the mentions of Billie Joe Armstrong, the frontman of my favorite band, Green Day!)

As much as this is a romance, Girls with Bad Reputations is about the full spectrum of experiences our cast of characters have. Sometimes it’s facing the various prejudices or assumptions of others. Kayla is a woman, and she’s one of very few female drummers in the business. A scene that stands out is how she handles a music store employee who can’t believe she’d be buying drums for herself. Another major theme is racism. Both Kayla and Tyrell are Black and have navigated this world accordingly, sometimes facing unfair expectations or allegations. In Ty’s case, he’s been accused of two crimes he didn’t commit, and his punishment was severe despite the ultimate finding of his innocence. He’s still being affected by that trial both in his employment opportunities and his ability to get accepted to a new university.

Beyond the social issues, there are also complex relationships among family and friends. Kayla has a tough relationship with her snobby, perfectionist mother. She’s also still grieving her older brother, Zach, who died a decade prior. Ty was raised by his grandfather, but at 74, he’s starting to have health issues that Ty worries about. Though Ty is somewhat of a loner at the beginning, he’s soon welcomed into the group surrounding The Lillys, including the four band members and the various people who work with them. I loved seeing the friendships between Kayla and the band and how they all stick together when things get tough. Even the secrets they keep from each other will have a way of coming out and solidifying their bond.

There is so much going on throughout this novel—all of which I greatly enjoyed—but the romance between Kayla and Ty also shines through. It’s a slow-burn love story, with two strangers becoming friends first through their many commonalities. They’re both bookworms, both are somewhat reserved yet ambitious and strong-willed, and they understand each other like no one else does. So many romances get steamy fast, but I love that these two take their time. I also appreciate how they both defy gender norms in their own way and that Ty is bisexual.

Girls with Bad Reputations is the kind of book to get lost in and savor, even though it’s a pretty quick read. I adored all the characters (including seeing the previous book’s couple), enjoyed the themes of music, family, and identity, and loved seeing Kayla and Ty’s romance slowly unfold. The Lillys has been a wonderful series so far, and I can’t wait to join the band again in the next book.

I must say that I kinda loved Kayla and Ty even more than I loved Toni and Seb... I mean I love the whole group

Anywho… Kayla is more or less living a double life keeping her life in the band secret from her parents because her mother would never approve and may have written a series of books using her as the prototype for the perfect daughter despite Kayla hating it... Ty on the other hand is a bit down on his luck having just gotten through an incident that wrecked his life leaving him a bit lost for what to do with his life... his current job leads to him being the tour bus driver for The Lillys as they perform at various music festivals... Kayla and Ty fall hard and fast for each other starting with a love of books and poetry. A lot of the book takes place during their travels with the band dealing with many highs and lows a long the way.

I loved everybody in the series but Ty’s Pop Pop was my favorite person in this book. That’s all I just needed to mention that...

What I love most about the books that o have read by the author is that though it’s romancey there isn’t an unnecessary and tedious needless conflict that breaks up the main characters for no reason... any miscommunication is talked out like adults... it’s the one thing that irks me the most in romances so I appreciate the lack of that in the 3 books I’ve read by her

I really hope Tiff gets a book next 🤞🏾

This book ROCKS! Kayla is a kick-ass drummer in an amazing all-girl group, the Lillys. They are on their way up and they are not moving slowly. This book centers around Kayla, the drummer for the group and while finding her true self on a path not pre-approved by “mom” is working out the complexities and challenges of coming of age and adulting. There is some romance, Ty has his own story. There are challenges and a lot of laughing and enjoying all of what youth has to offer. Reading this book was a huge breath of fresh air. Xio Axelrod has done nothing if not hit another one over the fence. Her insights about music, instrumental prowess, and timing are amazing. Great read, worth your time. Can’t wait for the next book!

I waiting so long for this book to come out and it did not disappoint.
Kayla is the baddest rock star drummer. Ty is the bus driver for the band. Together they make the best story ever. THis book was a I can'rt put down. I loved every minute of it .. The good, the bad ,the tears and the laughter.
It can be read as a stand alone, however you want to read all the books in this series. the two published and then like the rest of us wait patiently for the next one.

This was a cool read that I’m glad I checked out. I was interested in reading a book about a female rock band and had never read this author. I liked the connection between Ty and his Pop pop the most. Although it was a nice read I guess I was expecting more mess since it’s a rock band and the music industry is usually known for being tumultuous and cutthroat. Kayla’s conflict seemed pretty small and I wasn’t sure why it dragged for so long in the story. It all felt like it was one or two conversations away from being solved. The love story was nice but I wish we got more of them together. (Like more dates.) Still a decent read that was well written.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the arc.

Katherine Yolanda Larrington (Kayla) is the drummer for a female rock band. Tyrell Baldwin (Ty), ends up being their tour bus driver. He also has a bad reputation, but not at all deserved.

The book touches on so many topics, social and moral injustices. The justice system not being blind, but very prejudiced against people of color, as well as the good and bad in the music industry.

Ty and Kayla hit it off from day one, but it’s a slow burn romance because of all the drama surrounding the group and Ty’s dilemma with the justice system. The group gets exactly what they wanted, to be famous; Ty gets his record expunged and Kayla resolves her parental issues.

This is a book that engages you from start to finish. It’s a rockstar romance, where the FMC is it drummer, and a female rock band called the lilies. We met Kayla in the previous book and didn’t really get to know her as much as I wanted to in that book. I was so happy that this book was about Kayla, because I was intrigued by her and Seeing juxtaposition of her present with how she feels about her past as fascinating. Ty is a tour bus driver, but more importantly, he is a Sony hero in that he’s sensitive and he gets Kayla. The romance between Ty and Kayla makes sense and is enjoyable to see The way both tie, and Kayla have to deal with her past when their relationship starts to become public really makes you sad of how public can affect someone’s life. I love the camaraderie between the band members and looking forward to the next book and the series.

We were lucky to receive an ARC of Girl with Bad Reputations, by Xio Axelrod, in addition to interviewing her for our podcast. We'd like to thank her both for joining us for the interview and the ARC of this lovely book. We reviewed the book for our most recent episode, but here are the highlights:

What we liked about the book:
- The relationships between Pop Pop and Ty - it's so dynamic and supportive.
- The indepth look at the music industry.
- The instant chemistry between Ty and Kayla.

What we didn't like as much:
- Editors: JUST LET XIO DO HER THING - SHE'S FANTASTIC AT IT!

This is a total recommend from us; the link to our full podcast review can be found on our website: www.chicklitbookclubpodcast.com

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review. Once again I want to live out my Rockstar dreams because of these books. Also enjoyed the writing style

The Girl with the Bad Reputation, Book #2 The Lillys. I'd recommend reading Book #1 The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes first to get background on the band formation, record label issues, and ex guitarist Candy.

Publication date 2/6/24, read 2/6/24

By: Xio Axelrod-1st time read author for me

Format: 📖 & 🎧

🏃🏾‍♀️Run Time: 14:16

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Dreamscape Media for this ARC and ALC🧡 ! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

The narrators are Tyla Collier and Benjamin Charles with all characters read by them. I believe the voices fit the characters with standouts of Ty and Kayla. Their voices were the most distinct, but I could easily tell the difference between all characters. The reading style did bring the story to life and the pacing was great and flowed easily with the story. The narration and the author were in sync, and they fit together perfectly.

The audiobook's flow was pretty good. The narrators paused and announced every time a new chapter came. The book had a table of contents which helped me follow along with the e-book and audio.

Summary: Kayla is done trying to be perfect for her mother. She's an academic overachiever told to be quiet and make herself small -all her mother's expectations. Kayla's "real" life is as a drummer in The Lillys. They are a female rock band on the way to stardom. Ty is their tour bus driver who connects with Kayla over books. The more famous the band becomes, the more the press threaten their peace.

My Thoughts: the romance was very sweet and Ty is a new book boyfriend of mine . He and Kayla were book lovers looking for their purpose. Together they encourage each other to be whatever they want. I loved the LGBTQIA+ and POC representation. Female empowerment, YES!


My recommendation is to read the audiobook and eBook (if possible) because you can adjust the speed, skip parts easily (if desired), and picture the characters more vividly.


Rating 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have been a fan of Xio Axelrod for several years. My introduction to her writing was The Calum, an absolutely awesome story. Her latest novel, Girls with Bad Reputations, is book two of her series The Lillys. We met drummer Kayla in the first story. Kayla has a complicated life and a strained family dynamic. She lost her brother (also a drummer) when she was fifteen and struggles to fit into the life her controlling mother envisioned for her. Her parents are both rock stars in the academic world and her mother especially feels that Kayla has not lived up to her potential. To make matters even more complex, her mother has written a series of books where a totally fictious and perfect Kayla exists. As the Lillys’ star begins to ascend, Kayla is desperately seeking to keep her two lives separate. I love that the story is told from two POVs. Tyrell has returned home after a game changing episode at college. He was wrongfully accused of plagiarism and assault. While he was cleared of all wrongdoing, the stigma of the accusation remains, and his reputation is in shambles. Tyrell has returned home to his grandfather worried that his presence and his situation will bring him harm. Tyrell comes into Kayla’s orbit when he takes a job as the tour bus driver for the Lillys. Readers witness the beginning of their tender and sweet connection, but life has so many curves ahead that they must navigate. Soulfully creative Tyrell must decide on his true vocation, completely clear his name and be there for grandfather WHILE falling in love. Kayla must reconcile the life she is living with the one her mother wants her to live and decide if she wants the world to know the many parts of her story. Oh, and she too is falling in love with a great guy! Ms. Axelrod layers her story with many moving pieces, and they all come together in a rich tapestry. I received an advance copy of the ebook from Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley. All review opinions are my own.

In book 2, Xio Axelrod gives us Kayla’s story. The Lillys’ star is on the rise. There are still complications with the label, but the band is hitting the festival circuit and garnering fans. But with exposure also comes press. And interest in the members of the band. And people trying to create drama for them.

And Kayla does not want the story of her life growing up juxtaposed with her position as the propulsive drummer in a rock band plastered across headlines. Let’s just say that her current lifestyle does not jive with the carefully constructed persona she wore throughout childhood.

Hitting the festival circuit also means many, many hours on the bus in close proximity to the driver assigned to their tour—the hot, caring, intelligent, and insightful driver who has a past he doesn’t want in print as well and with whom Kayla feels an instant connection.

There is something about The Lillys, y’all. Each character is so dynamic. They are fiercely devoted to each other. And Axelrod’s writing makes their performances leap from the page. I felt like I was at the concerts and sitting in the recording booths, and I just want more—more of their passion, more of their drive, more of the beat, more of how they gel together, more of Lilly prowling across the stage. Pick me up and drop me at the music festival. I am ready for it. When can we expect book 3?

I adored this one. Axelrod takes on misogyny, systemic racism, patriarchal structures, and record label machinations while crafting a tender love story and growing The Lillys’ found family. I liked how the relationship between Kayla and Ty has a gradual build and how their actions and physical intimacy reflect that. I enjoyed watching The Lillys’ circle grow just a bit more. And, though I have a soft spot for each member of the band, whip-smart Kayla is my favorite.

While you could read this one as a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes first to get background on the band, early introductions to its members, Toni and Seb’s story, and the backstory with former guitarist Candy and the record label.

I received an advance copy of the ebook from Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

"Girls with Bad Reputations" is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of its characters with a poignancy that resonates throughout the narrative. The author skillfully weaves together a tapestry of complex characters, making this a compelling read that strikes a chord with readers who appreciate depth in storytelling.

One of the standout elements of the book is the rich and detailed backstories of the characters. Each member of the ensemble cast brings a unique history and perspective to the table, creating a tapestry of emotions that had me genuinely invested in their journeys. The protagonists' pasts are unveiled with a careful balance, allowing readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs on a personal level.

The author's approach to character development extends beyond the main characters, as the found family dynamic within the band is both beautiful and believable. The camaraderie and bond formed among the members feel authentic, and it adds a layer of warmth to the narrative. The sense of unity and support within the band creates a poignant backdrop against the challenges the characters face, underscoring the novel's exploration of the redemptive power of connection.

Moreover, the portrayal of desire is refreshingly balanced in "Girls with Bad Reputations." The narrative skillfully allows readers to delve into the inner workings of both the male and female protagonists. The exploration of the male main character's desires with as much depth as the female main character's adds nuance to the storyline, steering clear of clichés and offering a more holistic view of the characters' motivations.

In conclusion, "Girls with Bad Reputations" is a commendable novel that skillfully crafts poignant characters, intricate backstories, and a compelling found family dynamic. Readers who appreciate stories of redemption, connection, and multifaceted characters will find much to enjoy in this book. While not without its minor flaws, the novel succeeds in delivering an emotionally resonant experience that lingers even after the final page is turned.