What an amazing debut from Grace - a huge thank you to her for an ARC of this book.

Overall, this is a beautiful portrayal of grief and the found family that can bring you through to the other side. There's romance, mischief, tears, laughter...this has it all.

The juxtaposition of the heavier theme of grief with the ridiculousness and hilarity of a prank business resulted in a perfectly balanced end of summer, early fall read. The small town idiosyncratic personalities absolutely sent me on multiple occasions... imagine a cross between Stars Hollow and and your school's PTO.

The way Felicity's character experienced and coped with grief was so raw and so real. The realistic emotions, the occasional seemingly erratic behavior, the desire just to do something right in your life was so beautifully portrayed. I think the unlikely friendship between Felicity and Alex was the backbone of my love for this book, though. Alex is grieving and coping in her own way and grew so much throughout the course of this novel. Throw in some sarcastic banter with the hot neighbor, Wade, and every piece of my character development loving heart was filled to the brim by this book.

The only thing that would have made this reading experience better would be a warm piece of blueberry pie with a big scoop of ice cream. I cannot wait to read whatever Grace puts out next!

Such a Bad Influence is one of those books that quietly sneaks up on you and ends up staying in your heart. What I loved most was how unique the story felt—it wasn’t just another small-town romance or coming-of-age tale. The blueberry farm setting was absolutely adorable and gave the whole book such a cozy, summery vibe that made me want to pack up and move there myself.

But what really stood out was the emotional depth. Following a foster teen who has aged out of the system was both heartbreaking and inspiring, and the way Grace Deyman handled themes of belonging, resilience, and finding your own family was incredibly heartwarming. The “found family” aspect was my favorite—watching unlikely connections grow into real love and support was so rewarding to read.

This book managed to be sweet, uplifting, and inspiring while still feeling grounded in real emotions and challenges. A perfect pick if you want something that blends charm, heart, and hope.

This book had all the feels! I enjoyed reading this book so much…it had me laughing and crying. Felicity and Alex’s dynamic was fun, especially while they were doing the revenge pranks. Not gonna lie, I was a bit disappointed when they stopped revenge incorporated. Didn’t know what turn the book would take from there…but Felicity going out for the Man of the Year was enjoyable. Could have spent more time with the competition, but it kept the story flowing. The love story between Felicity and Wade was a classic (popular jock meets nerdy girl) but it worked with the story well. Loved having Juno in the story and that’s when all the heartstrings were pulled. When this book is released, everyone who loves a good rom-com should definitely read!

A 4.5 read but let her have it

I loved the story and dynamic between the two main characters. Even though we started out with Alex being the narrator the rest of the book was from Felicity's perspective I don't think anything was lost or missed out on with only having one perspective. I really liked the small town gossip-y setting because it felt very relatable as to how those small towns feel. Theres only so much you can avoid and get away with when you've lived in the same place not only your whole life but also generationally. I wish Felicity's relationship building with both Alex and Wade separately felt less rushed.. it seemed like day 1 they were besties and while I dont think its unrealistic or unbelievable it just would've maybe hit slightly better if we had a little more time but honestly with how the story went I dont even know if that would've been possible. Wade and Felicity's high school back story seemed a little unnecessary but I kinda loved them so let her have it. This story covered topics that could seem too dark or sad in a not overly dark or sad way while still making sure they were taken seriously and I really enjoyed that throughout the book. 10/10 for a debut novel and also justice for Juno the lil pup who does get injured pretty seriously but doesn't die which imo is a worthy spoiler to put in here.

What a fabulous debut novel by Grace Demyan! I went through all the emotions reading this book....laughs, tears and love! Felicity felt so lost after her mother passed and feared she would lose the blueberry farm she grew up on and disappoint her mom. By chance, luck and/or fate, Alex is brought into her life and completely turns it upside down. Felicity is forced to face some serious emotions....some she is ready to face and others she is not. The same went for Alex. They were both exactly what the other needed. Throw in a high school crush gone bad, a nosy small town and a revenge-for-hire plot and this story is one you will not want to put down.

(I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and Grace Demyan.)

Loved this book. It felt realistic in Alex’s teenage angst plus the absolute heartbreak of both Alex and Felicity having no one (or so they think)! The revenge plots were incredible, how Grace through those all up is beyond me! Wade was awesome, brooding and just grumpy enough but also so vulnerable when trying to prove he wasn’t the high school jock anymore. Really enjoyed reading this book.

I loved this book by Grace! It was my first book and such a fun, quick read. The writing style was well done. The characters and storyline flowed really well and overall a very good read

I absolutely loved this book! It was such a great read with a few twists and turns. I loved how the relationship between Alex and Felicity is one of growth for both of them. The character arcs were well developed and I found this to be an easy and great read!

It was nice until the moment with the dog. It was unnessesary and I didn like it. I really want to get 3 stars but now it solid 2. In general it cute find family book.

This book is a contemporary romance set in a small town. Felicity meets Alex, a teen who has aged out of foster care, in an unexpected way. Alex has gotten herself into some trouble and with the help of Felicity, learns to find and love herself. What Felicity doesn't realize is that she too is learning some important life lessons along the way. Alex and Felicity discover themselves throughout this novel with the help of each other, their small town, and their broody neighbor Wade (don't worry, we love him).


This novel is adorable, clean, and it will definitely make you feel all of the emotions. Some moments of laughter and some of sadness. The character development of all of the main characters throughout this novel is top notch. Demyan does a great job of portraying some hard topics in a humorous and respectful manner. This book includes elements of enemies to lovers, found family, and animal loyalty.

If you are looking for a feel-good novel that will have you laughing and crying, this is a great one to pick up!

Definitely recommend this small town story where you family name means more than your individual actions or accomplishments. Demyan perfectly captured how grief, neglect and bullying can affect people, and how there are still beautiful people in this world that are genuinely good despite what life has thrown at them. This is a sweet, heart warming love story that includes enemies to lovers, second chances, found family, pride in family, and animal loyalty.

The book SUCH A BAD INFLUENCE BY GRACE DEMYAN was an absolute joy to read.

This book flowed from start to finish. I enjoyed the love and care that was put into the characters, with Felicity 27 so very lost and lonely since her mother's passing and dealing with inheriting a blue Berry farm to top it off it feels like fate when a struggling teenager 18yr old Alex falls into her life one return phone call is all it takes...

This book will have you giggling with no end.. over a town bent on silent revenge towards each other.. and a new company formed revenge incorporated..

You will find yourself not wanting to put it down, just to find out what silliness must be next... behind it all is a loving story, a romance, a friendship, a mending of hearts.. and pasts.. this book does have so many laughs... plenty of mischief and will even wet the eyes...

I had so much fun! Reading, laughing, and feeling the full weight of so many who's hearts get touched by this story..

This is the best ARC I have read to date 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 loved every moment such a pleasure, and filled me with overwhelming love.. for this little community.

Thank you Grace Demyan for this incredible blueberry experience 💙

Tabitha aka Ms Cherry 🍒

Living in an area of the country where blueberries are grown, a story featuring a blueberry farm sounded like a fun one for my summer reading, and with Such a Bad Influence by Grace Demyan I found a totally charming debut novel that made me laugh out loud, tugged at my heart, and I swooned a little, too. From the synopsis, I expected a buddy revenge plot, and I was completely surprised by the romance angle, which plays a significant role.

I loved the teamwork and banter between Felicity and Alex, as they work together and bumble through the revenge pranks to earn money to save the farm. The entire book is populated with fun characters, and the small-town cliques and politics are equally entertaining. Add to the mix a good-looking neighbor who happened to break Felicity's heart in high school and his lovable dog, and you have the makings for a sweet, highly entertaining romantic comedy.

Fans of the Finlay Donovan series and similar books will especially like this one. I loved it, and am looking forward to reading future books by this author.

Thank you to Grace Demyan for offering me the opportunity to read her novel and to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the digital ARC of Such a Bad Influence: A Novel. The opinions in this review are my own.

🌅Thank you, Grace Demyan, for sending me the advanced reader copy (ARC) of Such a Bad Influence. It is a fantastic debut novel that shows what happens when grief, a blueberry farm, and a troublemaking teen collide. It was an enticing mix of heart, chaos, and small-town drama that, for the most part, kept me turning the pages.

At its core, this is Felicity’s story. Still reeling from the loss of her mother, she spends her days running the family farm and leaving voicemails on her mom’s old number. But when that phone number ends up in the hands of Alex, a foster kid recently aged out of the system, Felicity’s solitary routine is disrupted in ways she never expected. A single call for help turns into bail money, an unexpected roommate, and eventually—thanks to Alex’s wild imagination—a side hustle in “revenge consulting.” Toss in Wade, the handsome-but-complicated neighbor with a loyal dog named Juno, and suddenly Felicity finds herself surrounded by something she hasn’t had in years: people who actually feel like family.

There’s so much to love here. The dynamic between Felicity and Alex is the heart of the book, a reminder that found family often saves us when blood family cannot. Alex’s rawness, Felicity’s cautious heart, and Wade’s steady persistence made for a trio I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. The banter sparkles, the revenge escapades add a fantastic amount of mischief, and Juno the dog easily steals every scene she’s in. I also appreciated how the novel tackled heavier issues—like grief, abandonment, and the failures of the foster care system—without ever losing its sense of humor or hope.

That said, this is a debut, and it shows in spots. The pacing sometimes stumbles, and a few plot points stretch believability, especially around the revenge business. Specific emotional beats—like how Felicity functions as an adult or two-dimensional townsfolk—felt simplified when a bit more nuance could have added real depth. There were also a few times when a swift kick to Felicity’s behind would have served her well, and I almost put the book down and stopped reading because I couldn’t stomach her inability to learn from her mistakes. In the end, I’m glad I finished it. Because even with its imperfections, I found myself rooting for these characters, flaws and all.

Such a Bad Influence is messy in the best way—equal parts small-town charm, found family warmth, and gleeful chaos. If you enjoy slow-burn redemption arcs, “enemies to unlikely allies,” and a sprinkle of mischief alongside your heartfelt moments, this book belongs on your list. #SuchaBadInfluence #NetGalley #GraceDemyan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5/5 stars)

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Why I enjoyed it:
Authentic and heartwarming debut: Grace Demyan introduces us to Felicity Lavigne, a young woman managing a family blueberry farm in Ohio while still grieving her mother. The premise is both grounded and emotionally engaging.
Unlikely duo turns into found family: When a homeless teen named Alex accidentally inherits Felicity’s late mother’s old phone number, they connect after Alex calls from jail. What starts as a favor—Felicity bails Alex out and offers her a home in exchange for a bit of help—grows into something much deeper.
Creative premise and small-town charm: Together, Felicity and Alex start a quirky revenge service to scare off vandals targeting the blueberry farm. Their bond deepens, and the idea expands when townspeople join in, adding a light-hearted yet meaningful twist.
Wintry spark: The playful exchanges and banter between characters are delightful and give the story warmth and levity.

Some minor caveats:
A tad uneven in pacing: As is often the case with debut novels, certain parts of the plot feel a bit wobbly or less polished than others. That said, the strong characters and underlying theme carry it through.

Final Thoughts:
All in all, Such a Bad Influence is a delightful and heartfelt first novel. The blend of friendship, small-town dynamics, and humorous problem-solving creates a genuinely enjoyable reading experience. While the narrative occasionally wavers in structure, the emotional payoff and character chemistry are more than worth it. That balance earns it a solid 4 stars.

I received this as an ARC from the author.

This debut from Grace Demyan is a quick and cozy read. Small-town, Found Family, and petty crime make for a cute and easy feel-good romance.

Such a Bad Influence was such a wild ride. The chemistry, the banter, and the deliciously messy drama had me flipping pages way too fast. Grace Demyan really knows how to hook you into a toxic, addictive romance that you can’t look away from. The characters aren’t perfect—and honestly, that’s what made it so entertaining. I loved the tension, the angst, and the way their connection kept pulling me back in.

The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars is because a few moments felt a little too rushed, and I wanted just a bit more depth in certain scenes. But overall, it was steamy, chaotic, and completely binge-worthy. Definitely one I’ll be thinking about for a while!

Thank you, Grace Demyan, for the gifted copy of this ARC!

I absolutely loved and devoured this story! It's a moving and beautifully written novel that I couldn't put down. The story follows Felicity as she navigates the immense grief of losing her mother. She finds an unexpected friend in Alex, a homeless teenager, and their journey together creates a powerful found family dynamic.

I particularly appreciated that the romance was a cozy subplot rather than the main focus. This allowed the central themes of grief and friendship to truly shine through. I've seen some reviews question Felicity's decisions at the beginning, but I believe that was precisely the point. Her actions, while seemingly illogical, are a raw and authentic portrayal of a character desperate to hold onto her mother in any way she could. Her grief made it impossible to act rationally, and I found this to be a powerful and realistic part of her journey.

The character progression was fantastic, balancing humor with heartwarming moments, and the setting of the blueberry farm felt like a character in itself, adding to the small-town charm. There were moments that genuinely made me a little teary-eyed, which is always a sign of a truly impactful story. This book beautifully balances humor, heart, and heartfelt shenanigans, making it a brilliant and memorable read.

All opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced by the gifted copy.

I absolutely adored this book! It is a perfect women’s fiction read with a solid side of romance. If you’re looking to laugh, cry, and fall in love with a charming cast of characters, this is a great book to try!

Felicity is a down on her luck blueberry farmer. After her mother passed away, she inherited a blueberry farm but wasn’t able to stay afloat. Struggling to cope with not only grief but a failing business, she’s in desperate need of a lifeline.

Alex is a former foster youth who aged out of the system. When she got a new phone two years ago, she also got voicemails meant for a dead woman from her daughter. In an act of desperation, she decides to go big and meet that daughter.

This perfect mix of two down on their luck women follows the chaos that ensues as Alex and Felicity not only become friends but family. The two work to save the blueberry farm and end up as the town’s pranksters. There are hilarious moments all throughout but even more so sweet ones.

Felicity and Alex help each other learn and grow into better versions of themselves. Through hard work, trust, and learning to let love into their lives again, these two become like sisters. Throw in an absolute hunk of a next door neighbor and a lovable pup and this book as an absolute masterpiece of a read!

Some elements were enjoyable while other elements fell flat. I had a hard time fully connecting with these characters. Which resulted in me not fully believing their connections and relationships as well.

The first half of the story moved way too fast. I felt I was being told things that were happening as opposed to experiencing it as a reader. I wanted to see more of Alex and Felicitys relationship progress through small moments. Same with Wade. The way he was described in the beginning made him sound like a douch bag… it wasn’t until closer to the end that we learn more of the nice deeds he did for Felicity.

I also feel this story tried to have too much going on. I feel we should have focused on the revenge business or the Man of the Year competition. Combined it almost felt like a whirlwind where nothing really mattered. There was no retribution against the Callaways. Nor for half the town treating Felicity like absolute garbage…There were wayyyy too many side characters that were completely unnecessary. The only purpose of the elderly woman was to regale tales of Felicity’s mom’s youth…

There were nice elements in this story and I enjoyed the overall arc. I just felt the story could’ve been cleaned up and presented in a more concise fashion.