Virginia Constance Kramer is a good girl. Until she meets the man that makes her want to be bad… fight her parents, the town, and the whole world if she has to, but first she has to get past the wall Joe Franklin has built around his heart. He thinks she’s too good, too sweet, too pure for a man like him.
She thinks being good is overrated.
Author Confession: It’s the classic opposites attract, good girl/bad boy, other side of the tracks, her first time tropey goodness you need in your life. Watch him grow into an alphamallow right before your eyes. And when the slow burn romance ignites, it will scorch your eReader.
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Good Girl was a beautifully written, emotional, slow burn romance about two broken souls who find each other. Loved Joe and Virginia! Their chemistry was undeniable.
You’ll need a box of tissues AND an ice-cold drink for this one!
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of this author’s insta-love rom-coms, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth I found in this departure. Get ready for a highly emotional love story that’s equal parts personal journey (for both main characters) and steamy romance.
The writing is simply beyond brilliant. There’s the usual incisive banter that we’ve come to expect from this author, but never before have I read such a cathartic description of grief and despair, certainly not in a romance. Be assured that not a word is out of place here, as it is imperative that we see Ginny and Joe wrestle the demons in their hearts before they’re ready to give those hearts to each other.
Ginny is about as sheltered as a high school senior can be, even though her life is crumbling around her as her family splinters in different directions to deal with a horrible tragedy. Joe comes from the absolute worst kind of family background, and the only thing he’s sure about is that he’s not ever going to be good enough for Ginny, so why even get her hopes up?
The undeniable physical chemistry these two have takes a firm back seat to the emotional connection they forge, almost completely against their will, certainly against their better judgment. It’s a slow-burn romance, especially as time must pass before Ginny is old enough to negate any legal ramifications, but the age gap is nothing compared to the emotional baggage each must come to grips with.
Ultimately, Joe’s alphamallow gruffness that tries to hide his virtuous heart is no match for Ginny’s resiliency and determination make him confront his heart. When the triumphant moment arrives – when Ginny says for all of us, “Finally!” – I almost stood up and cheered. Their HEA was so sweet, so tender, it was pure perfection. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Great Story & Audible Listen 4.5 Emotional & Heartfelt Stars
Good Girl
By: Brill Harper
Narrated by: Raven
This is a great slow burn romance, it is well written and well told with interesting storylines that grab your attention from the start and holds it to the end. The characters are complex and well developed, they are likable and relatable. Both leads have their own issues, broken in one way or another. Virginia, a HS senior, has had her share of heartache, the loss of a loved one and then then her parents separation. Virginia continues to live with her father in order to finish school. Her father buries himself in work and basically leaves her on her own. She starts to do things that she normally would not do, things that could get her in trouble and/or bring attention to herself but she gets set straight by an unlikely ally. Virginia has met Joe while he was doing a mural for the school, a community service. He has a dark past, a criminal record and is ashamed of his criminal father whom he fears he will take after. Virginia is drawn to him, but he pushes her away. I liked these two together, she was good for him and he for her. But he has a wall around his heart and believes he is bad to the bone and not worthy of her. She does not see him like that she only sees the goodness in him. I liked how their story played out, so many emotions, plus drama, angst and the build up to a wonderful romance. I loved the ending, also loved when Virginia stood up to father, she finally grew into her own person and Joe stood by her side, knowing he was worthy of her and claiming what he deserves, to be loved. Thank you Brill Harper for another great story and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, Raven is a wonderful narrator and voice performer. She brings these charters to life, gives each their own voice and personality, as well as heart and attitude. She did a great job projecting the emotions of the characters, as well as the drama of the story, into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen
This book was wonderfully written with characters that were written with such great detail and depth that I couldn’t put this book down, so I ended up reading this book in one sitting!
Love’s Power to Heal!
Poignant, beautiful coming of age love story. Virginia Kramer is a ‘good’ girl but she’s drawn to Joe Franklin, the ‘bad’ boy. They have both been damaged by loss and their rocky journey to finding love, healing and happiness is filled with emotion so keep tissues handy. Sweet but spicy. Enjoy!
I received an arc copy and am happy to leave my honest review.
Full disclosure: I really do not care for teen angst centered romances. I don’t have anything against them, they just don’t ‘call’ to me or press any of my buttons. I didn’t realize at first how young Virginia (h) was (about 17) throughout 88% of the story. (FYI: Nothing intimate happens between H/h until AFTER she’s 18). And, this is an extremely slow burn book because of that. Joe (H) is about 5 years older than Virginia (although the reader is never sure of the age gap until nearly the end of the book).
Because this isn’t my type of plot I almost didn’t finish beyond the first chapter. HOWEVER, I have read several of Ms Harper’s other books & I very much like & enjoy her writing style, her plots & characters, so despite my initial -plot meh- I finished this one.
As always, the writing itself was excellent & I found myself deeply drawn to Joe, the mystery that clung to him dampening the joie de vivre of a handsome young man at the peak of his strength & his life ahead of him. He has his art: as a tattoo artist & painter but something sad & hurt clings to his beautiful eyes. As the book progresses via alternating POVs, the reader learns more of Joe’s sad history & how it’s influenced his demeanor, his determination to never slide back into ‘bad boy’ mode & most importantly his bone deep feelings of inadequacy. I so admired Joe’s character, how he took personal tragedy to straighten himself up, accepted & recognized the assistance he received from others & WANTED so intensely to be a good man. And my heart ached for him, hoping that he would accomplish whatever would soothe & heal his heart & soul. And to do that, to be a good man & not sully beautiful, sweet, innocent Virginia, he’ll crush his heart’s desires & walk away from her.
But for me, I did not connect with Virginia at all. I do realize that her character was internally numb & distanced from her life & surroundings, due to her personal family tragedy & how her parents weren’t handling it & thereby essentially thrusting Virginia into a numb limbo. But that worked too well, even as I rationally commiserated with Virginia’s situation & her lonely abandoned & drifting attempts to avoid drowning emotionally, I just never truly became invested in her character.
And 80+% of this book is Virginia’s teen angst & musings coupled with the more intriguing & interesting angst & musings of Joe.
The writing, the plot as well as the main & supporting characters are very well written.
So, for those wanting a teen angst slow burn romance: this one is excellent.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My first time reading a story by this author. I have to say, I am hooked! This book was sweet and sensual and had so many real life issues I felt like I was right there. Joe and Virginia have an instant attraction, but because of things in their past and their age difference Joe does not think he is a good fit for his Goldilocks. Do not miss this incredibly well-written story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is definitely different then what Brill has written in the past. That being said I think you will love this book. I know I did.
It’s hot that super slow burn and then when you get close to the end it explodes. Ginny is sort of lost, and isn’t your normal teenage girl. She seems to just want to forget her life. Joe thinks he would taint Ginny and keeps her at arms length for so long.
These two completely different people find a love that can’t be stopped, changed or controlled.
I think you will fall in love with Ginny and Joe and their sweet happy ending
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Virginia went to an all-girl Catholic school and was a very good girl. Joe was older and a bad boy. Virginia’s father is the loal police sergeant and took Joe under his wing when he went off the rails a bit. Joe fell for Virginia at first sight and she felt just the same. These are two damaged people finding each other. Loved it. Fantastic read.
The story of Virginia and Joe was really good! The connection between them was so strong from the beginning, but it is far from obvious how this story ends! There is a mix of obsticals in their way, her age, both their pasts and a few other things! It is a little sad and melancholy story, but I really liked it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a quick and easy read. The storyline is well-crafted, intriguing, suspenseful, has drama and steam. The characters are defined, and likable with sizzling chemistry. I liked it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a story of Virginia who meets joe while she is in school and he is a artist .These two are both dealing with things in their lives, but also are pulled together. Awesome and beautiful story
A super quick, emotional and sexy read. This is really different from Ms. Harper’s other books. There’s much more emotion with the heroine’s storyline. I really liked the hero too. I was very happy that even though the heroine was 17 when the book started, they had no kind of sexual relationship til she turned 18. And I was really happy that he was only 5 years older than her (Ms. Harper usually writes a much larger age gap and I’m not a huge fan of that).
If you enjoyed her other books, then I think you’ll enjoy this one too!
A struggling romance and desire bloom here in this story. This will be a page turner as you follow the characters Cher with them cry and if you are like me yell at them!
This will not disappoint romance fans if you have not yet tried one of Brill Harpers books this is a wonderful story to start with.
An emotional, beautiful, heartfelt story…4.5 stars!
Brill Harper always delivers on her characters. In Good Girl, Virginia and Joe struggle with circumstances that have dealt a less than desirable future. Both have familiar family tragedies in their lives, Joe with his brother years ago, and Virginia when her sister passes just a few months. Ginny’s life is crumbling around her as her family abandons her to the emotions surrounding her sister’s death. The painful reality and emotional struggle are intense, and your heart will ache for Ginny.
It’s a beautiful story, sad, and poignant. Joe recognizes Ginny’s painful struggle and wants to help. Together these two broken souls face their demons together and find a way to healing. I loved how Brill Harper weaves a story of hope, of healing and love. It’s not a typical Brill Harper story, but the writing is so good. Good Girl is an emotional story that will touch your heart. I received and reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Oh my, this story packs quite a punch, a punch that had me reeling from the effects. Virginia is a senior in H.S., almost 18 and one day while admiring a mural on the outside wall of her private school, she meets the artist, Joe. She’s taken with the bad boy and tries her hardest to get to know him but he keeps pushing her away. Joe knows she’s jailbait and it takes all his restraint to remember that but he also sees the struggles she is going through, wanting to be seen and being reckless. He rescues her a few times and just ends up pushing her away after. They both have their own demons they have to conquer before they can truly be ready for what comes next.
Oh my my my my a slow burn between these two and raw emotions that had me reaching for the tissues a few times as tears escaped. Ginny is young but mature beyond her years and her struggles of loneliness and trying to be seen, gripped me hard….tissue times. Not only that but Joe and his demons, what he’s afraid of why he keeps pushing Ginny away, thinking it’s for her own good and that he could never be good for her….tissue times. The story packed quite a punch and I couldn’t put it down till I was done…what a read. I LOVED these two and how the slow burn becomes so much more, I LOVED how the story flowed and how there were no jealousies or other women in the background. I LOVED how it all played out and when Joe FINALLY gets it right and becomes the man for Ginny. I also can’t forget the steam, oh my, the steam, that built up until it exploded and not only was it steamy but sensual, needing a cold glass of anything to cool me down….sigh…swoon…sigh.
Kudos to the author as it’s not the usual type of book from this author, but, oh boy, it worked…darn it…it definitely worked and played with my heart strings, as the story and characters, were spot on.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*