A flirty standalone novel* from New York Times and international bestselling author Elle Kennedy!One night with him will change her life…Between her waitressing job, volunteer work, and college classes, there are never enough hours in Maggie Reilly’s day. Especially not for a relationship. Luckily, she’s got the perfect arrangement: a lover she meets three or four times a year. But when she … three or four times a year. But when she shows up at the hotel expecting to hop into bed with one man, she accidentally ends up with another—Ben Barrett, Hollywood’s most notorious bad boy.
Ben, determined to lay low after another scandal, just wants some much-needed sleep. What he gets is a scorching make-out session with a gorgeous, naked redhead. He won’t accept her apology, but what he will accept is a place to hide out…and if there’s some hot, no-strings sex involved, why the heck not?
But Ben soon discovers that one week with his sassy, bed-hopping waitress is definitely not enough. He wants more. A lot more.
Now he needs to convince relationship-averse Maggie that a bad boy might be oh so good for her—and the best thing that’s ever happened to both of them.
* Previously published in 2008, Bad Apple (formerly Midnight Encounters) features almost entirely new content, including a point-of-view switch. Enjoy this new version of an old favorite!
more
• •
: Bad Apple
: Elle Kennedy
: 3.5/5
I loved absolutely loved how the characters met. It was a really funny, but also interesting setting and it immediately set the bar for the rest of the book. This won’t be for everyone, there will be people who will not enjoy this first meeting, but that’s OK. We are not all the same and I did enjoy it. The story was a bit predictable at times (sometimes even cliché) and I felt the characters lacked a bit of depth at times. That said, it was a super enjoyable and sexy dare I say steamy romance. I liked the pacing and I flew through the book. I did enjoy reading this book and I do like Elle’s writing, but this one just didn’t click with me as some other books from her. Overall, I do think you should give this book a chance, because it is really enjoyable and you might love it better than I did!
A lot of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
I never read the previously released version ‘Midnight Encounters’ so this was a new read for me. Once I started reading, I was hooked and then puff it was the end but this is really not a surprise for me with Elle Kennedy books.
Maggie Reilly is a strong, goal oriented, sassy and beautiful woman. She has an extremely busy schedule and between her waitressing job, college classes and volunteer work, she doesn’t have anytime for fun. Only time she enjoys herself is when her two-times a year hookup Tony, who is a travel writer, visits New York. On one of the two days she will get lucky, thanks to a storm, delayed flight and miscommunication, she finds herself in bed with Hollywood’s bad boy actor Ben Barrett. Behind the bad boy image, Ben is really sweet, thoughtful, charming and cocky as hell Ben’s life is in chaos with a scandal and it becomes impossible to hide from paparazzi. During his hideout attempt from paparazzi, a fiery redhead, who kisses the hell out of him, invades his room. After an embarrassing realization and rushed out exit from the hotel room, the only thing Ben has is her offer for free drinks and a piece of clothing she left behind. When Ben realizes, she has no idea who he is and she is acting like he is a regular person, he comes up with an idea. He tries to convince Maggie to let him crash at her place for a week in exchange for him being her boy toy. Even though, Maggie is reluctant to let Ben crash at her place for a week, his tenacious attitude and hard to resist charm wins her over. It was really cute to watch Ben keep pushing Maggie out of her comfort zone and trying to make her realize it is ok to take a break and do something for herself. It was really sweet to see how their no-strings hookup evolves and make two anti-relationship people to crave for love and relationship. But in the end it will all come down to Maggie and the choice she will make, love or career…
‘Bad Apple’ was a sweet, inspiring and heartwarming story, you will devour. If you are looking for a fast, fun read this book is just for you.
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Yes
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
This was fast-paced, super-sexy, and a lot of fun. It also had a lot of heart from both Ben and Maggie. A fairly quick read that hit all the marks!
This was a fun one! It was a super quick read and just a great romance from beginning to end. Maggie and Ben were both so much fun and they had some great banter. They meet each other in not the most normal of circumstances and from there it is just a whirlwind! I had so much fun with Maggie and Ben. They both come from very different worlds, but they just work together. Their chemistry is off the charts and they play off one another in the best ways. And like all Elle Kennedy books, this book is fire. Some of these scenes are just off the charts and it’s all just so good. But I also loved how these two complemented each other. They are both a bit lost in their own ways, but coming together they start to find what they have been looking for. It is then just a matter of these two deciding if their differences and the complications that come from a relationship like this are worth it in the end. All in all, I speed through this book and it is simply a fun escape. Elle Kennedy never disappoints.
This was a sweet, fun, and entertaining story . The chemistry between Ben and Maggie is undeniable. It was whirl wind romance that was super fast but it was an enjoyable journey to go on.
Novellas tend to be hit or miss for me, especially when they’re not essentially a bonus story in a series I love. I should’ve known Elle Kennedy would deliver a fantastic novella. Did Bad Apple leave me wanting more? Absolutely, because I am a greedy reader. But it was also a complete and satisfying story. Elle totally knocked it out of the park.
Bad Apple starts off with a bang with a super awkward (and sexy) meet-cute between Maggie and Ben. Their unconventional introduction leads to a little bit of a chase and an “expiration dating” story. And my gods is it steamy. I thought maybe this story would be more heat than feels, but I got a dose of both.
Favorite Quotes:
“I don’t want to deflower you. I want to fuck you.”
“Eight days, Barrett. Don’t complicate my life.”
You want to know something crazy? I didn’t start reading Elle Kennedy until earlier this year! Blasphemy. Bad Apple is a republished book of Elle’s with a new cover and content. And I really enjoyed this hot little novella!
Elle is quickly becoming one of my auto-buy authors, I’ve got quite the backlist to her work so I was pretty happy to check off this quick read off my TBR.
When it comes to Maggie and Ben, I’m not really a fan of the no-strings attached sort of relationship, but this was actually a cute read and it was fun watching these two fall in love. The banter was definitely one of the highlights of this book, Elle writes it so well.
Even though this was a such a short read, the emotions were packed in and I wasn’t expecting that at all. It really pulled at my heart.
I have no idea how this was originally written, but I loved every bit of Bad Apple.
**I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY READER’S COPY FROM THE AUTHOR THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR CONTENT OF MY REVIEW**
Elle Kennedy
Bad Apple is a fun, sexy romance between a movie star and a waitress with a destiny she’s been working toward her whole life. Full of witty banter and hot chemistry, Bad Apple is the perfect read for sitting on the beach soaking up the sun’s rays.
Bad Apple begins with a misunderstanding. A very sexual misunderstanding. The main character, Maggie, unknowingly hops into movie star Ben Barrett’s bed thinking the room belongs to her long time friend with benefits. Ben is immediately drawn to Maggie and thus beings his quest woo a reluctant Maggie.
Ben and Maggie’s chemistry is red hot from the moment they meet. They sizzle together on the page and make readers yearn for them to be back together when they’re not.
Maggie is driven and focused with little time for a social life, let alone a romantic one. While Ben is laidback and carefree. His career has afforded him the ability to view life as an adventure rather than something to be conquered. This difference in personality leads to some fun and serious clashes.
Overall, Bad Apple is the perfect beach read. It’s steamy and fun with the perfect amount of drama to make you swoon.
I will always and forever be swept away by these famous person finds love with a regular civilian storylines. I adore a good fairytale, and Bad Apple was the best kind of Cinderella story. Only – you know – dirtier.
Like, way dirtier.
Hoo boy, the heat between Maggie and Ben was scorching. Their chemistry smoked up my Kindle and set my pulse racing. But the best part, for me, is that it wasn’t just physical. The banter between them was the sort of smart, playful stuff that I find completely irresistible. There’s also a lot of heart to this story which allowed buy into their fast and furious little love story.
Bad Apple truly reads like a sexy fairytale and my heart went enthusiastically along for the ride. This is a quick and easy read, packed to the brim with heat, humor, and heart. It was the perfect escape from reality on a hot summer day. Definitely worth the read! ~ 4.5 Stars
This was such a fun read.
Maggie is very goal oriented and determine to stick to her schedule. It’s the only way to fit everything in to her hectic, crammed packed schedule.
Ben is trying to hit from the limelight. He is tried of being followed by paparazzi and just wants a break.
These two have one of the funniest meet cutes ever. It’s awkward, embarrassing, and perfect for their personalities.
This first meeting turns into days of amazing banter, helping each other see that there is more to life, and determining what is important. I loved how their relationship developed.
This book is a revamped version of the book that was previously released in Midnight Encounters.
– A Arc was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.-
Ce roman a été publié en 2008 mais a été complètement modifié pour cette réédition. J’ai passé un excellent moment de lecture avec cette comédie romantique comme je les adore. Nous avons un héros plus que séduisant , une héroïne qui ne croit plus en l’amour et une rencontre épique qui va chambouler leur monde.
La routine de Maggie Reilly est plus que rodée et rien n’est laissé au hasard . Dans cet emploi du temps de ministre , elle n’a pas le temps à consacrer à une relation amoureuse . Elle tente de finir ses études pour réaliser son rêve et devenir assistante sociale , elle est bénévole dans un centre d’accueil et elle travaille le soir dans un bar. Ses seuls moments de détente sont quand son sex friend Tony est de passage à New York et qu’elle s’octroie une parenthèse sensuelle . Pas de complications car tout est clair entre eux et ils se savent se satisfaire mutuellement . Mais voilà un quiproquo va emmener la jeune femme à se jeter dans le lit d’un inconnu pas si inconnu que cela . Elle ne le reconnaîtra pas et ne pourra que se confondre en excuses.
Aussi quand Ben Barrett vient la voir au bar dans lequel elle travaille , elle va tout mettre en œuvre pour repousser sa proposition alléchante car il est hors de question qu’il vienne compliquer sa vie . Mais le charme opère et l’alchimie sexuelle n’a jamais été autant intense qu’avec cette célébrité . Il va la faire sortir de sa routine pour lui ouvrir les portes de son monde en toc. Elle aura beau lutter contre son attirance , elle ne pourra pas s’empêcher de vivre cette parenthèse avec lui. Les règles seront claires et au bout de huit jours , chacun retournera à sa petite vie . Nous avons des chapitres écrits du point de vue du héros ce qui nous permet de comparer leur ressenti . Et si pour une fois dans sa vie elle se laissait aller à rêver ?
Ben Barrett est un acteur très reconnu dont la vie fait la une des tabloïds . Les pires atrocités sont dites à son sujet mais il arrive à un point de non retour . Être sous le feu constant des projecteurs est épuisant et il n’en peut plus . Aussi quand il tombe sur la seule jeune femme immune à son charme et qui se fiche éperdument de savoir qui il est, il ne peut pas passer à côté de ce moment inédit . Avec elle, il va réapprendre la véracité de la vie, des émotions et il pourra lui parler librement sans avoir peur d’être trahi . Le passé de Maggie est très émouvant et même si celui de Ben n’est pas aussi éprouvant que celui de la jeune femme, Il arrive à un moment de sa vie où il va devoir faire les bons choix . Se laissera t il guider vers la bonne voie ou va t il prendre le risque de l’exposer à son monde toxique ?
Bref, je découvre ce roman d Elle Kennedy et je ne peux que vous le conseillez si vous lisez en VO . Tous les ingrédients sont réunis pour nous offrir une romance qui vous colle un sourire aux lèvres du début à la fin. Et si les rencontres inopportunes pouvaient mener à des contes de fées des temps modernes ?
„I figured out it’s okay to allow a few complications into my life, because sometimes complicated is better than being alone. Being lonely.”
Oh, how I enjoyed this book! Bad Apple is the perfect combination of funny moments, steamy scenes and everything delicious! This book is a proof that even when you have all your life mapped out, you can’t fight the kismet. Uncomfortable and hilarious meet-cute turned into beautiful love story. It took only one night and embarrassing mix-up for Maggie and Ben to get under each other’s skin. And it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to them.
Maggie Reilly is a poor student who works hard to get by and finish her education. She doesn’t have time for boyfriends and relationships, so she has a simply arrangement- she meets her lover three times a year in a hotel room. But one miscommunication led her in the room occupied by a stranger, who happened to be the Hollywood heartthrob Ben Barrett. Ben is going through another scandal and he decided to lay low, that’s why he rented a room in a two-bit hotel, instead of occupied by paparazzi five-star one. But he never expected that he’ll wake up in the middle of the night with a strange woman in his bed. And what’s more unbelievable? She has no idea who he is. The taste of normalcy gave him a brilliant idea- as an apology Maggie will provide him a place to hide and in exchange he’ll replace her regular lover. It’s a win-win, right? But neither one of them haven’t predict that only one week in each other’s presence will wake up strong feelings. But can Ben convince Maggie that he’s worth breaking her no-relantionships rule?
This story was incredibly entertaining! I loved everything, from Maggie and Ben’s hilarious first encounter to the very last sentence. I adore Ben, who despite hotshot actor position is pretty laid back and down to earth. I admire Maggie, her diligence, determination and sassiness. Although it seems that they’re living in two different worlds, they are perfect for each other. I couldn’t get enough of their interactions and their intimate moments were so insanely hot! The chemistry between these two was palpable from the start and believe me, the steam was coming up from my Kindle!
Elle Kennedy has such a flawless writing style that I’m always captivated by her stories. And Bad Apple is another masterpiece in her collection. Highly recommend!
Actor Ben Barrett just wants to sleep. Unfortunately, the paparazzi keep him from getting the rest he needs so he checks into a hotel where no one is likely to know him.
Maggie Reilly can’t wait for her work shift to get over so she can meet up with her semi-annual hookup, Tony. She doesn’t believe in relationships — but with work and school and volunteer work, she’s looking forward to the release being with Tony brings. Only things go awry when she meets Ben instead (great scene), and he ends up making a deal with her — sleep in exchange for the release that she missed from the Tony-mixup.
Maggie goes along with the plan — she just doesn’t count on falling for Ben — and falling for him hard, especially when Ben and Maggie really click together. They are super steamy together and from their physical connection, they start really liking each other, but Ben’s career and scandals catch up to them in a not-so-good way.
I devoured this book in just a few nights and really loved this story! It’s got all the right elements of contemporary romance in a perfect mix — the story is hot and steamy when it needs to be and things get serious in a very believable way. When everything falls apart for Maggie and Ben, I was devastated, which makes the HEA all the more special. And did you see that cover? Scorchin!
If you are a looking for a fast read, great characters, steamy bedroom action and an HEA you can root for, Bad Apple might just do it for you, like it did for me!
4 Star review of Bad Apple By Elle Kennedy
Elle Kennedy is a new author to me and I couldn’t wait to read Bad Apple.I really enjoyed the story of Maggie Reilly and Ben Barrett and found myself totally invested in them achieving their happily ever after.
This book was hot and steamy as the chemistry between Maggie and Ben intensified as the story progressed. The banter between them was amusing and had me laughing out loud at times.
I loved how Ben was able to help Maggie realize that she could relax the rules she had imposed on herself and live life a little without compromising whilst Maggie’s support of Ben was heart warming.
The connection between Maggie and Ben was not only physical but emotional and that brought additional layers to their story which I really enjoyed. Maggie and Ben really do complement one another if only Ben can convince Maggie to take a chance on a bad boy.
Although not a particularly long book, Elle Kennedy certainly packed a lot into it and I will be reading more from her as soon as possible.
I really loved and enjoyed this fun, loving and heartwarming story. I couldn’t stop smiling when reading and just fell hard for the characters. It’s definitely a story that will pull on your heartstrings and leave you hoping for a happy ending. I was sad to see the story end. It has definitely become a favorite of mine 🙂
Maggie is trying to make ends meet and hoping to one day finish her college degree while working different jobs. She has had to make a lot of sacrifices along the way but wouldn’t want it any other way and doesn’t have time for anything else. She and Ben meet through a weird coincidence and lose track of one another but life has other plans for them. Although Maggie doesn’t seem to know he’s a famous actor, there’s this chemistry between them that is very hard to deny. Ben is trying to escape the paparazzi following him all around and is tired of everything that has nothing to do with his acting skills. Being with Maggie, it all seems to be going effortless and their friendship is growing fast but Maggie doesn’t want any distractions from her goals. Will Ben be able to let her walls come down and will they find a happy ending together?…
From the first paragraph I was hooked.
A terrific read .
A stand alone that was perfect .
I laughed so much while I was reading, their swoony moments are to die for …
Add in their sassiness this book was a true treasure to read..
It is hot and very sexy also with great humour.
A waitress who is so much more meets the Bad boy and it works !
Their chemistry was perfect …. I loved this book …