BOOK: GIRLS WITH BAD REPUTATIONS
AUTHOR: XIO AXELROD
PUB DATE: FEBRUARY 2023
👩🏽‍🎤🧑🏾‍🏫
REVIEWThanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🧑🏾‍🏫👩🏽‍🎤
What drew me in was the amazing cover. Have you seen it? It's beautiful! But, the book was actually very good. I'm glad it lived up to its amazing cover.
👩🏽‍🎤🧑🏾‍🏫
I liked the MCs, both of them were amazing, and they were going through a lot, especially Ty. He was wrongfully accused, and it wrecked his career. Death was too good for the girl who lied against him. But, I liked that he sought legal restitution, he deserved it. I liked his grandfather too, Van. He was a good man
🧑🏾‍🏫👩🏽‍🎤
For Kayla, I liked her too. I liked her love for drumming and her band. She also had a lot of trauma from her dead brother and her overbearing mother. I'm glad she and her mother reconciled. But, her mother was my least favorite character. I did not forgive her and I also didn't like how her father was standing by, watching and doing nothing. I hate passive parents who watch their partners wrong their kids but do nothing.
👩🏽‍🎤🧑🏾‍🏫
I liked Kayla and Ty's relationship. It was a merging of souls before their bodies. I liked that there was no lust at the beginning of the book. I liked that they talked and found each other. They were really cute together.
🧑🏾‍🏫👩🏽‍🎤
I loved the Lilly's. The band was amazing, and I liked how they were a family. I liked the crew too. I liked learning about touring musicians. It was an experience and I really want to see one.
👩🏽‍🎤🧑🏾‍🏫
This book was definitely worth the read and you should definitely read it.
🧑🏾‍🏫👩🏽‍🎤

I'm a big fan of Xio Axelrod and have been eagerly awaiting the next story about the Lillys band since I read The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes back in 2021. And Girls with Bad Reputations was worth the wait!

We pick up with the Lillys taking their music to the next level and going on the festival tour circuit. We are focusing on drummer Kayla who we learn has quite the complicated family life - she lost her brother when she was young, and has a very tense and difficult life with her mom.

We quickly meet Ty, who has his own difficult past - he lost both his parents and was raised by his Grandtaher and was falsely accused of both plagarism and assault while in college. He's trying to startover with his new gig driving buses - including the tour bus for the Lillys tour.

This was such a quick and enjoyable read. Xio does an incredible job with character development, and weaving in important issues and perspectives into her stories. I become invested so quickly, and it was especially fun to reunite with these characters a few years later.

Girls with Bad Reputations is out TOMORROW!!

Big thanks to NetGalley, SourceBooks and Milk and Cookies for the ARC!

Will post on goodreads, retail sites and my bookstagram @scottonreads

This is such an engaging read - both a love story between Kayla and Ty and the second part of the adventures of young all-girl rock band the Lillys. The first chapters would be clearer if you've read the first instalment but each novel stands alone. This one focuses on the band's drummer Kayla, her complicated family history and the way that she navigates her privacy and her family. The romance is only one aspect and while I was following Kayla and Ty, there's equal space given to the machinations of the band itself - details of the tour, PR and the press, sabotage from an ex-member, demands and deadlines. We also meet Ty's grandad and have some insight into Ty's university experience.

There's such engaging representation here, Ty is gorgeous and enigmatic, both to Kayla and us. He's quirkily dressed, a student and a thinker, he's been victimised at uni, which has been perpetuated by his colour and apparent lack of social status. He also has a strong moral compass, is (probably) Pan, although this is unspoken. Kayla is drawn to him. One thing I loved is the easy acceptance of all the differences in these young people - both intriguing and inspiring.

The romance itself is slow burn and almost fade to black - maybe half a 🌶? Still so satisfying given their journey together. There's swoon, and love, but also caretaking and liking, which makes it all the sweeter.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC.

I am excited to write this review. This was a fun book to read. It follows Kayla, a drummer for her band, The Lillys and their rise into fame. Kayla, born Katherine, grew up in a family where expectations for her were high. Being in a band means keeping it a secret from Kayla's family, who question many of her choices in life (at least the choices they KNOW about). We also meet Ty, a person who is convinced his life is over after being accused for an offense he did not commit. He takes a job on the road as a driver for the Lillys' tour bus driver. He and Kayla become fast friends and quite attracted to each other. But they each have demons they have to exorcise in their lives.

I thought this book would be a lot of fun to read and it was. I was surprised to also really connect with the characters, rooting for them and liking them. I love when that happens. This is why I read!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

Kayla is the drummer for the Lillys, a band that is just on the brink of becoming well known. But her feelings about making it are mixed because she was raised to always be the perfect good girl and is going against her parents' wishes. When she meets Ty, their tour bus driver, she recognizes a man with similar challenges.

I loved getting more insight into Kayla, and I thought Ty was the absolutely perfect book boyfriend. For one thing, both of them love books and share a language of what they've read. Beyond that, the two have amazing chemistry and are so good at listening to each other.

I really appreciated not just the bisexual representation, but also that the characters automatically introduced themselves with their pronouns. I also felt Ty's backstory with the criminal justice system and racism was so important and so well woven in. There is grief and growth and drama and so much emotion in this fantastic story.

I think it probably helps to read Girl with Stars in Her Eyes (first in the Lillys series) to better understand the band dynamics and drama with their label. But the romance in Girls with Bad Reputations definitely stands alone. I absolutely loved it from beginning to end.

4.5 stars rounded up

Thanks to @sourcebookscasa for the digital galley of Xio Axelrod's Girls with Bad Reputations, which will be published on Tuesday! The second in The Lillys series (after The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes), this book follows Kayla, the Lillys' drummer, who has been hiding her privileged upbringing from the band. Her mother, an accomplished university president, is also the author of The Little Miss Yolanda series, all about a perfect little girl—the girl her mother wants her to be.

As the Lillys begin to garner positive attention, their music festival tour brings them Ty, their tour bus driver. Ty has his own secrets, a past that led him to drop out of college and that has left him worried about his grandfather—his only family—and how he'll take care of him.

I really loved the way Kayla and Ty's relationship developed through this novel. Their shared love of reading of course touched my heart, and I enjoyed watching the continuation of the band's story. I thought the way that the characters dealt with their very different pasts was compelling, and the careful way they build a romance from friendship was so sweet.

Girls with Bad Reputations was a great book to start February off with!

Kayla, following the loss of her brother, has been playing drums for up and coming band, the Lily's. She's living her dreams yet hiding who she truly is from her band mates and parents. Ty, looking for a fresh start after being charged with a crime he didn't commit, decides to be the bus driver for the Lily's. He can't help but noticed the redhead drummer. She can't help but notice him with his books and kilt. Forced to confront reality and stay true to onselves, each set out on the journey that they won't be able to look back from.

I was immediately drawn to this story and loved the dual pov. I remained curious about Ty's court case and how everyone wanted him to fight back yet he wanted to stay out of the spotlight. I enjoyed Kayla's relationship with her mother and the unraveling of what truly is a mother/daughter relationship by the end of the book. While Girls with Bad Reputations did have a focus on the relationship, I found it more to be women's fiction with how Axelrod deep dived into who each character truly was.

"Girls with Bad Reputation" by Xio Axelrod is a fantastic young adult novel that blends a fast-paced narrative with an immersive exploration of the music industry's highs and lows. This captivating read offers readers a front-row seat into the lives of its dynamic characters, Kayl and Ty, providing a glimpse into the world of fame, friendship, and personal growth.

The chemistry between Kayl and Ty is undeniably cute, making their journey a joy to follow. While Ty's style choices might not align with personal preferences, the characters' authenticity and relatability shine through, making them endearing and relatable.

Having enjoyed the first book in the series, I was eager to dive into the second installment, and "Girls with Bad Reputation" did not disappoint. The author's ability to weave a compelling narrative and infuse it with the intricacies of the music industry adds depth to the story, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.

In conclusion, "Girls with Bad Reputation" is a must-read for young adult fiction enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the music industry. Axelrod's storytelling prowess, combined with the charming narration by Benjamin Charles and Tyla Collier, makes this book a delightful addition to the series. I eagerly anticipate more from this talented author.

Girls with Bad Reputations is the second book in The Lillys series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. It follows the band’s drummer, Kayla, as she and the band head out on their first tour. There is plenty of band drama and even a little bit of romance along the way.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. It was sweet seeing Kayla and Ty’s relationship grow and I really liked the fact that there was so much open communication between the two of them. This one hit so many important topics, including racism, in really thoughtful ways and included BIPOC and bisexual representation.

It did feel like there was a little bit too much going on for one book. There was Kayla’s past with her family, the band drama with Candi, false accusations against Ty, and more. I would have loved for there to be a little bit more focus on Ty and Kayla’s growing relationship and a bit less drama.

The narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life and enhancing their emotions.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC.

Fast-paced, set me right into the world of this novel. I loved the girls, especially seeing them in action as musicians. The title is what got me - of course I had to read it (and it did bring Joan Jett to mind). Thanks for the ARC!

4.5 stars
I loved this book so much. Kayla and her story was so interesting and I loved seeing it evolve. Ty’s story was also amazing to read and I loved his grandpa. Both of their stories have such unique moments but as they become more famous, their secrets get harder to hide.
Ty and Kayla’s connection was beautiful and I loved the way books meant so much to both.
The rock band was such a fun and amazing concept. I loved seeing them on tour.
I didn’t know this was a book in a series which was fine and didn’t make me not know what was going on at all. I now need to read the first book though.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrators were so good. Their voices fit the characters so well and really made me see the story happen.
Everyone needs to experience the magic that was this book. It’s so good.

*Thank you Soucebooks Casablanca and netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't read The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes but this new installment of The Lillys Series definitely made me want to. I adored all the characters and their bold personalities. I must warn you it's impossible not to fall in love with our main characters Kayla and Ty.

This was a beautifully written story . This story story really hooked me in and took hold of my emotions. I wasn't expecting to feel so deeply for these characters. I admired Kayla's passion and determination to live the life of her choosing. Although she rebelled against her parent's wishes she still thought of how her actions would effect them. Ty Baldwin was a swoon worthy MMC and I couldn't help but fall in love with his Granddad too! I enjoyed Ty and Kayla's transition from friendship to lovers. The way that they both exposed themselves and allowed each other to be vulnerable and comfortable in their own skin struck a cord with me.

I appreciated the way Xio Axelrod approached the topic of grief and racism in this book. It was interesting to see how Ty and Kayla approached misogyny and racism. I loved how they were able to teach each other things and change their own perspectives based on past experiences. Their relationship was built on mutual respect and overall kindness and I couldn't have asked for a better love story.

Xio's writing made me want to be at a concert or in the recording studio with this crew. I definitely want to add The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes to my TBR and learn more about this crazy crew.

All her life, Kayla Whitman has lived under the pressure of being "the perfect little girl"... but now she found her groove beating the drums in an all girl group, The Lillys. There, under an alias, she's no longer her mother's daughter, the inspiration for children's books. She's loud and wild and free. She's made her own little family with the band. Everything is going her way while they are playing local gigs, but they are getting bigger and pretty soon she won't be able to keep her lives separate. She finds solace in her kinship with the bus driver for their tour: Ty Baldwin. He's like no one she's ever met before and their connection is immediate and intense. He's a bookworm, a poet and a sight for sore eyes. 

As their fame grows, the press starts to sniff secrets, Kayla's and Ty's. Will she be able to pursue her dream or have to give it all up? Will there be room for Ty in her life?

In the same vein of The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes, we get a backstage pass to the life of a band on the verge of breaking big. 

I loved every single character in this book and I loved how Xio Axelrod veered away from clichés. Yes, her mother is domineering but she's not portrayed as a villain. Yes, Ty has a past he hides but he doesn't play the victim. We hope he gets justice for what was done to him and it's heartbreaking to understand why he's just tired to fight back. Their romance is sweet and slow. And it's fun to follow the band on tour. 


Rep: black MCs and author. Non gender-conforming MCs

Possible triggers: mentions of loss of loved ones, systemic racism, estranged relationship with a parent

I wish I would have realized this was the second book in an interconnected series right away as my personal preference is to always start at the beginning. but with that being said, this can be read as standalone and I still enjoyed Kayla and Ty's story.

I thought it was good, but didn't realize that this book continued the storyline from "The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes". The Lillys #2 continues from Toni and Seb to Kayla the resident drummer who defies her family more specifically her mother and the lifestyle her mother has mapped her to mirror the Book Series she created of Little Miss Yolanda and her proper upbringing, style and education. Kayla or Katherine Yolanda Larrington like her brother Zach who she idolized were always trying to get from under their mother's ruling of of their lives. Zach a drummer, did not get to fulfill his dream and Kayla and equally talented drummer wants to live her life as a musician. Hiding from her family and hiding her past from the band, is all about to be exposed when a nosey reporter starts snooping into each band members past. Not only Kayla but their new driver Ty of the band bus who Kayla is attracted to has a past where he is innocent of plagiarism and assault of a female who blamed him to save face with her wealthy family. It was good, but book #1 is still my favorite.

I absolutely loved Axelrod's first book in this series, The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes. So, I was eagerly awaiting this one and snagged it as soon as the opportunity presented itself. What a wonderful continuation of this series! As much as I adored Toni and Seb's story, Kayla and Ty also took a piece of my heart.

Kayla and Ty are such kind and sensitive people. Kayla has been the "good little girl" her whole life in an attempt to keep her mother happy. The stress of living up to her mother's expectations of what a strong young black woman should be was daunting and her mother discounted Kayla's own gifts because she was too blinded by what she interpreted success to be. The. book really wove around Kayla finding herself in a solid way = - enough to own her love and passion for music to everyone, including her parents and to be able to tell her friends who she really was. So, when she meets Ty, it's almost perfectly fitting. He has been jostled around and is trying to find his way too. Instead of having an overbearing parent or parents, Ty only has his grandfather. Also, Ty has been through some things as a young black man who was falsely accused and never had the wrongs righted, he's very limited on his future options. Even though they are both in flux, they can't help but be drawn to one another. They're souls seem to connect.

It's fun to be back in the world of the Lillys and seeing more of their lives. I'm looking forward to future books.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The audio was fantastic. It truly made the reading/listening experience even more special because the narration was really spot on. 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for the early copies of both the ebook and audiobook. I enjoyed reading and listening to them both.

I voluntarily listened and reviewed an audio of this book via NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: February 6, 2024
Series: The Lillys
Pages: 448 / Audiobook 14 hrs 17 minutes

Not having read any books by author, Xio Axelrod, I was intrigued to read this story of the Lillys, an up-and-coming girl band making their way as musicians. This story is of Mikayla Whitman, the drummer falling for Tyrell, the band driver. As I was drawn more and more into the story, I made the decision to audiobook and listen to the rest of the book. I am glad I made the change as this was fun and emotional story that had a slow burn romance attached to it. The characters in the story were likeable in their own sort of way. Although the main characters are quite young, they seemed mature and had respect for one another in their relationship. Not big on dual POVs and a lot of backstories, however they helped and worked well for the plot. Well-written and entertaining. My only takeaway is the narration. I thought Benjamin Charles’ vocals were very good when performing, however Tyla Collier’s a bit spotty at times for the male performance. All in all, this was a very good book in this series.

Yes I know these books are focused on the women in the band. And yes I know they are romances and I don't like romances. But the character of Tyrell Baldwin totally makes this book for me! I would have been completely fine if the entire book had been about him! Not that I didn't enjoy learning more about Kayla, the progress of the band towards stardom, and the foreshadowing of some of the histories we will find out about the other women in future books, but a bookworm in a kilt? Yes please! I want to have lunch and a good ol' conversation with Ty! Needless to say, if for no other reason than to see if Ty shows up, I'll be waiting for the next book in the series! Yes they are romance, but that isn't the main focus and the series makes a nice break from my normal murder and mayhem reading.

The Lillys are back and they are taking their show on the road!

I’m so happy to be back in the world of the Lillys, rocking out and going on an absolute emotional rollercoaster! In this installment we follow Kayla & Ty whose stories are full of love, loss, resilience, strength, books, music and of course - some romance along the way!

🎸 Rock n’ Roll
📚 Bookish
❤️‍🩹 Complicated Family Relationships
🫶 Found Family
🧳 Tour Bus Adventures
🎫 Live Music
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn

I seriously can’t recommend this series enough and I can’t wait to see what Xio Axelrod has in store for us next!


Method Read: 📖 & 🎧

🎧 Tyla Collier & Benjamin Charles did an amazing job bringing the story to life! 🎧

Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

DNF @ 8%

Okay, this could totally just be a me thing, after working in the sexual violence field since college and knowing what I know about the statistics. Ty, one of the main characters, was "falsely accused" of assault by a girl in college, and it derailed his dreams and took away his academic scholarship. Men like to cry, "But what about the false accusations?" but the percentage of false accusations is VERY low. Like, we're talking a single digit number. I felt that Ty being falsely accused perpetuated this myth that women lie about sexual assault, and look how it ruined this one man's life! He's still living with his grandpa, couldn't get his college degree, went into debt from the legal fees, and is having a hard time finding a job. It might not be a dealbreaker for you. I wanted to see if I could get past it, so I waited a few days before deciding that I couldn't. I liked the writing itself. I felt drawn into the story right away. This was one of my anticipated reads for February, so I'm disappointed.

"He'd accused a legacy student—a girl with the name of her family emblazoned on a wing of the university hospital—of filing a false claim. Of cheating. Meredith Stanwick had been a friend, he'd thought. They'd even hooked up a few times when studying had turned to teasing and teasing to flirtation. And yet, to cover her own ass, she had falsely accused him of assault. Assault. Him!" (quote may be different in final copy)

Thank you to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.