Scan barcode
A review by multicoloredbookreviews
Bad Intentions by Mila Kane
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I know there's that thing that's been going around social media about how teenagers and people in their early 20s look like they're at least ten years older than their actual age, but for real, who picked that whole ass man as the cover model for a story set in high school? Not that he's not handsome, but he looks closer to 28 than he does 18 LOL
I've been on a kick of bully college sports romances lately and the ups and downs have been real. I like dark romance and have virtually no triggers, but some of them have been a little more abusive than I think is justifiable, so when I stumbled across this one, featuring younger characters and boasting a very high rating, I thought I'd give it a shot.
And honestly? I think it turned out to be the most wholesome bully romance I may have ever read.
Bad Intentions was the story of a deeply hurt boy whose pain, fear and hopelessness had turned into poisoned anger, and a girl smothered under the pressure of trying to be the perfect daughter to make up for her loving parents having had to give up their youthful dreams to raise her. Her caring nature soothed his raw, wounded edges, and his recklessness and forcefulness breathed much needed freedom into her structured, suffocating life.
It was cute. They got to explore, and learn and grown together, and it was unexpectedly sweet.
The writing was a little repetitive and could have used a little polishing—especially towards the beginning—to switch all the telling that was going on for a little showing. During the first few chapters, and until I got more used to the prose style, Cayden came across like he was trying way too hard to convince me he was dangerous and badass. Because all his feelings were explained instead of described, it felt like he was putting on a front, playing a character. It came across as fake and forced. As I sunk deeper into the story, that impression lessened and the dialogue became less weird and forced, so my reading experience improved vastly, thankfully. Otherwise, I'm not sure I would have been able to finish this novel.
All in all, it had it's rough edges, but it was still an entertaining read. If you're looking for a bully romance with some angst, a generous level of spice, and that will have you rooting for the hero instead of hoping someone beats his ass and he ends up in prison, I think you'll like this one. Just remember to hold on through the rocky beginning
I've been on a kick of bully college sports romances lately and the ups and downs have been real. I like dark romance and have virtually no triggers, but some of them have been a little more abusive than I think is justifiable, so when I stumbled across this one, featuring younger characters and boasting a very high rating, I thought I'd give it a shot.
And honestly? I think it turned out to be the most wholesome bully romance I may have ever read.
Bad Intentions was the story of a deeply hurt boy whose pain, fear and hopelessness had turned into poisoned anger, and a girl smothered under the pressure of trying to be the perfect daughter to make up for her loving parents having had to give up their youthful dreams to raise her. Her caring nature soothed his raw, wounded edges, and his recklessness and forcefulness breathed much needed freedom into her structured, suffocating life.
It was cute. They got to explore, and learn and grown together, and it was unexpectedly sweet.
The writing was a little repetitive and could have used a little polishing—especially towards the beginning—to switch all the telling that was going on for a little showing. During the first few chapters, and until I got more used to the prose style, Cayden came across like he was trying way too hard to convince me he was dangerous and badass. Because all his feelings were explained instead of described, it felt like he was putting on a front, playing a character. It came across as fake and forced. As I sunk deeper into the story, that impression lessened and the dialogue became less weird and forced, so my reading experience improved vastly, thankfully. Otherwise, I'm not sure I would have been able to finish this novel.
All in all, it had it's rough edges, but it was still an entertaining read. If you're looking for a bully romance with some angst, a generous level of spice, and that will have you rooting for the hero instead of hoping someone beats his ass and he ends up in prison, I think you'll like this one. Just remember to hold on through the rocky beginning