My first impression of Such a Bad Influence is that the characters and plot are wholly original. There are no cliches in this book. With an authentic, yet funny voice, the narrative quickly became something I couldn’t stop reading. It’s unlike any book I’ve read before. Its themes are quite deep and profound, but it’s told with such levity.

It also has a significant romance which I wasn’t expecting based on the description. A very nice surprise as Wade and Felicity are quite the duo. He’s definitely one of the better written male love interests I’ve encountered in recent books.

This book is easily a five star read. It’s original and funny without trying too hard. The book equivalent of the girl at school who doesn’t care what other’s think about her because she’s too focused on being happy.

Thank you to Lake Union and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

‘Such a Bad Influence’ was a fun, drama-filled ride that kept me turning pages! Grace Demyan really leans into the messiness of relationships—friendships, family, and everything in between—and I appreciated how unapologetically bold some of the characters were. There’s a chaotic energy to the story that makes it hard to look away, kind of like watching a reality show you secretly love (which I very much do).

I wouldn’t say I loved every character or decision made (which honestly felt intentional), but there’s something refreshing about a book that lets its characters be flawed and real. The pacing was quick, the dialogue sharp, and it definitely delivered on the entertainment factor.

Overall, a solid read when you’re in the mood for something juicy and a little unhinged—in the best way!

This book was such a surprising little gem. It’s quirky, emotional, and full of heart — the kind of story that sneaks up on you and suddenly you’re fully invested in a blueberry farm, a revenge business, and two beautifully messy characters.

Felicity, the lonely blueberry farmer still grieving her mom, and Alex, a tough, sarcastic teen who’s been through the worst of the foster system, are complete opposites — but somehow, they just click. Their growing friendship was my favorite part. It felt real and earned, full of awkward moments, arguments, and love that neither of them really knew how to express. The voicemail connection? So clever and strangely moving.

The revenge-for-hire plot added humor and chaos (in the best way), but it never overshadowed the emotional depth. It’s about grief, found family, survival, and figuring out how to keep going even when life hasn’t been kind. I teared up a few times, laughed out loud a couple more, and stayed up late finishing it.

Why not 5 stars? A few pacing issues here and there, and I wish some side characters had been fleshed out more — but overall, I really loved this. It’s heartfelt without being too sappy, funny without being shallow. A story about two people who needed each other more than they knew, wrapped in blueberries and a little bit of chaos.

Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a unique, offbeat, and emotional read. 💙

Whoa! Where has this book been hiding?! I read it in a single day and can’t recommend this novel enough. The characters are amazing, the plot is exciting and fun, and I loved the heavy themes of grief and love and kindness. Overall, a great 5 star read.

This was a quick and cute read! I liked the characters, the small-town drama and the evolution of Alex and Felicity’s friendship throughout the book.

This surprised me by being rather more than the usual lighthearted small town romance. It had more depth and nuance . Well written too, an excellent read.

I liked this book! It's such a lovely book, you won't regret reading it.
I highly recommend reading it.

I really enjoyed this! I loved seeing how Felicity’s and Alex’s relationship progressed throughout the book and I enjoyed the romance subplot and how it wasn’t too in your face. Overall, it was a good read with lots of humor!

Such a Bad Influence by debut author Grace Demyan, published by Lake Union Publishing is a diamont I stumbled upon. I read the blurb and was intrigued.
I started reading and very soon I was unable to put the book down. I read the whole story, cover to cover in one single sitting, breathlessly craving more.
It was a pleasure to read how Felicity came out of her shell and grew a backbone. A plaesure to read how Alex for the first time in a long time having family who really cared about her. And familky isn't always about blood.
A wonderful story, excellent written and beautifully told that's hands down my fav read in 2025 so far.
I recommend this gem of a story that deserves all the stars.

The characters in this book are just amazing. They are both real and unreal and will collectively break your heart. The idea behind the plot is an unusual one - a dead parent’s phone number leads to a connection to a stranger - but it works without taking a beat and develops into the most satisfying life transition story you will read. I loved the town and the idea of revenge turning a profit. I also liked that the author didn’t make everything perfect - not everything went as planned and not everyone got what they wanted, and that’s okay. It’s a lovely, lovely book.