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Better When He's Bad
Better When He's Bad
Better When He's Bad
Audiobook10 hours

Better When He's Bad

Written by Jay Crownover

Narrated by Leland King and Mia Barron

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

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About this audiobook

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jay Crownover returns with a heart-stopping new series… Welcome to the Point.

There’s a difference between a bad boy and a boy who’s bad . . . meet Shane Baxter.

Sexy, dark, and dangerous, Bax isn’t just from the wrong side of the tracks, he is the wrong side of the tracks. A criminal, a thug, and a brawler, he’s the master of bad choices, until one such choice landed him in prison for five years. Now Bax is out and looking for answers, and he doesn’t care what he has to do or who he has to hurt to get them. But there’s a new player in the game, and she’s much too innocent, much too soft…and standing directly in his way.

Dovie Pryce knows all about living a hard life and the tough choices that come with it. She’s always tried to be good, tried to help others, and tried not to let the darkness pull her down. But the streets are fighting back, things have gone from bad to worse, and the only person who can help her is the scariest, sexiest, most complicated ex-con The Point has ever produced.

Bax terrifies her, awakening feelings she never thought she’d have for a guy like him. But it doesn’t take Dovie long to realize . . . some boys are just better when they’re bad.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherHarperAudio
Release dateJun 17, 2014
ISBN9780062352279
Better When He's Bad
Author

Jay Crownover

Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men and Welcome to the Point series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she’ll settle for writing stories with interesting characters and make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

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Reviews for Better When He's Bad

Rating: 4.52054794520548 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

73 ratings20 reviews

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Let's face it... Bax is one bad ass Book Boyfriend.



    This book starts with Shane Baxter looking for his best friend. When a clue leads him to Dovie Pryce he is met with a tough redhead. At first they butt heads, but eventually a connection sparks and a relationship is formed. Together they search for her brother and his best friend. When they find him, the timing is unexpected and no one knows what will happen next.



    Let's talk about the characters. Dovie Pryce is a strong willed, young woman. She concentrates on work and school and spends her free time at a children's home. Bax is a bad boy. He isn't afraid of anything... Actually he seeks out trouble. He does have a hint of softness when it comes to Dovie though.



    The storyline was packed with suspense and twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it all pieced together, I was thrown for a loop.



    The beginning was a tad slow, but keep reading. By Chapter Three, Bax had me wrapped around his bad ass finger.



    All together I enjoyed this book a lot. I highly recommend this book to readers looking for a darker read with sexy characters.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Excellent book! Wonderful Author! All of her books are great
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    amazing can not emphasise how great this book is
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Nothing stood out as great about this story. He's another bad boy. I didn't dislike the book, but it's not memorable either.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I received this free eARC in exchange for my honest review. 2.5 stars. I've read Jay Crownover's other novels - the Marked Men series - and really enjoyed them so I was very excited to read about a "bad boy" novel. But I found myself skimming quite a bit trying to connect with the story. Yes, Bax is a bad guy. But because it is mentioned ALL OF THE TIME in this book, I feel like they were trying to remind everyone that he was bad and it got extremely repetitive. Dovie is a sweetheart. She grew up in the same environment as Bax but turned out completely different. And I'm glad she didn't give up on him when he was being a butt. I don't think I will continue this series. I didn't like Race that much so reading his story will probably be annoying. Glad I got to read this even though it wasn't up to my expectations. I will still be reading her other series though, since I really love them so far!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    enjoyed the gritty nature of the characters and storyline.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    3.5 stars really

    My quick, short, and sweet review,

    I liked this one. The writing was cleaner and the suspense storyline was cohesive and interesting. I do think there was a little something missing with the chemistry between Bax and Dovie, our leads. I do disagree that their sex scenes were severely lacking. I thought they were more emotional and serious than maybe this author's usual flair but I liked them. I mean, come on, they did it on the hood of a muscle car. I have a slight obsession with muscle cars so the car porn mentioned in here may have colored my views a little bit.(the only complaint I have here is there needed to be less pony cars and more muscle cars, specifically my chevelle SS)

    The biggest problem I had was the constant telling of how bad Bax was. People kept saying it, over and over, but I never really saw it. He boosted cars, got caught and went to jail. His character was a little too New Adult to be truly dark and I think this is the problem people are having with this book. Anyway, I liked it, thought the author's writing has definitely improved, and will be reading the next book in the series. If you're going to read this, just lower your expectations to how dark and bad the synopsis makes Bax sound.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I like stories like this, where character's go through change. Especially if they are of the troubled, bad boy breed. I understand that people can't change completely which is why I enjoyed this story so much. The main character, Bax, didn't change completely just enough to make him better than he was. The female character, Dovie, is just so sweet, caring, and slightly daring, that it's impossible not to love her. Overall, it's an intriguing, action packed story of life in a not so wonderful place. And seeing the different types of people a place like that can produce makes the story even more compelling. Adding gangsters and fist fights just puts the icing on top.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    5 "bad is better" stars! I love it when an author can make an otherwise dark character a worthy romantic hero. Jay Crownover does that, and so much more, in Better When He's Bad, the debut novel for her new series, Welcome to the Point. Seriously blending the lines between right and wrong, this book proves that some times true love is neither black nor white, but really something much closer to, turn-your-world-upside-down, gray!Shane Baxter ("Bax") is a delinquent who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, in a fictional town named The Point. Raised by a single-mother, who is a drunk, he never had much growing-up. Eventually, he turns to the streets for financial support, and earns his money hijacking cars and participating in illegal street races and underground fights. Before long his reputation as the most ruthless thug around attracts the attention of the most evil man in town, Novak. Interestingly, Bax and Novak have a long history, and while Novak initially refused to acknowledge Bax, Novak eventually comes to see him as his legacy. With such a crucial role envisioned for him, Novak, the King Pin of the local gang, will stop at nothing, including destroying everything in his path, to control Bax.We first meet Bax fresh out of the penitentiary, where he served a five-year term for stealing a very, high-end car and running away from the police. He's not out more than a few hours, when his old gang, finds him and gives him a welcome beating and an unwelcome message: Race, his best friend and the man he went to jail to protect, has gone missing. Bax immediately starts looking for Race, but instead finds his sister, Dovie Pryce. Dovie is an enigma to Bax. Notwithstanding her similar beginnings, she is pure and good and even works to help others. Eternally grateful to Race for saving her from a bad foster home, she is also determined to find save him. Given that Race told her to trust no one except for Bax, she will do anything to enlist Bax's help. Of course, Bax initially wants nothing to do with Dovie. Not only is she a hindrance to his mission, but he's not even sure what he will do with Race once he finds him, as he suspects that Race may have been the one who set him up the night he landed in jail.Although initially scared, it doesn't take long for Dovie to see what no one else can: that "Bax" is also part "Shane", and the irresistible combination of bad and evil lead to an mix that she just can't stay away from. Soon the sparks start to fly as Bax and Dovie, join together to find Race. But can a good girl like Dovie, ever truly hold on to a guy who is more evil than good? Moreover, as the chess game draws to a close in the mystery behind what led to Bax's jail time, and why Race is hiding out, can Dovie remain safe and play a role other than a pawn? Nash, in the Marked Men series, was my first Jay Crownover read and it was a 5-star experience for me. So I knew I just had to read Better When He's Bad as soon as I heard about it. Well, imagine my surprise, when I found that Better When He's Bad was even better! I was so engrossed in both the fantastic suspense and the incredibly titillating romance and passion in this story, that I devoured it from start to finish! What an amazing story that proves that life is not clear cut, and that sometimes the best in life can come from what many cast off as the worst. Thank you for the fresh perspective Jay Crownover! I love it when authors are willing to risk writing an out-of-the-box story! These are the stories that keep me reading! I can't wait for Better When He's Bold, the next book in the series!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book took me awhile to warm up to but once I was I was hooked! At first I found the narration annoying but once again, it grew on me and began to feel right. in the end I loved the book. I would highly recommend this book to everyone, its not to much of any one genre to make it boring or over the top.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    ***Copy provided in exchange for an honest review***

    "My name is Shane Baxter, Bax to most people, and I'm a thief. Got a girl? I'll take her from you. Got a sweet ride that you dropped a mint on? I'll take it from you....."

    I loved Bax! He is so bad but you can't help but love him. This was such a great read and I couldn't put it down! I love that there is so much of a story. It isn't girl meets bad boy and falls in love, blah, blah, blah. No we actually get to see how bad Bax is. He isn't one of these characters that we hear are bad but never see it. Nope, we see him fully. The mystery aspect of this book pulled me in so much! I love a good mystery with some sexy times included!

    Dovie was such a good female lead as well. BTW- I LOVE her name!! Anyways Dovie looks like a sweet, country girl who would't know a thing about surviving in The Point. But it's important to remember looks can be deceiving and her life hasn't been easy and there for sure wasn't any farm in her past! I think what I liked most about her is she stayed true to herself and she never tries to change Bax. She accepts him for who he is, she knows he's bad. But some people are better when bad and he is one of them!

    I have a feeling I am going to love this series! I cannot wait to read Race's book!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    SummaryBax is not only a bad boy, but is truly bad. He has just spend five years in prison, because of a bad choice he made and was practically set up. Now he is in search for the truth and some answers that he deserves. Bax doesn't apologize for the choices he has had to make for the life he was chosen and born into, a world where he had to learn to survive at a young age. He doesn't have many friends, but there is one man he considers his best friend, who has disappeared. On his search he discovers that Race has a sister, a sister who is too good for this life and most especially way to sweet and innocent for Bax.However, Dovie's life is in danger and with her brother in danger, Bax will protect her, but as they search for her brother, the chemistry between them builds and for the first time in his life, Bax learns what it means to love and to fight for something good instead of something bad...The HeroShane Baxter, was raised into a rough life of tough choices. He became a criminal, a thief, a racer and picked a fight wherever he could. He always knows the ins and outs of being the biggest bad boy alive. All Shane was raised in was the worst of the worst, and had to fight to survive. Bax has so many hard edges, but there is more to him than meets the eye. Baxter is in a tough spot, practically trapped in the circumstances he was raised in and has no clue how to escape the life that has molded him. Bax is such a bad boy, but you see that there is such good in him and at first it comes out in very small ways but through the story we see the true heart of him and loved seeing him change and realize he wasn't what he was born into, that he could be good when he needed to be."You made me feel like I was the king in a land of second chances"The HeroineDovie Pryce hasn't had it easy either. She was born into the same life but somehow all the bad that entered her life didn't make her into a criminal and wanting to make bad choices. She still came out as innocent and good hearted and wanting to help others. I loved her sincerity and her heart and devotion to those that she loves. But having been raised in the life she has, she also is understanding of the life and those that live it. I love how she rises above the tough circumstances she grew up with to want to help others and better herself."I had been around long enough in the worst parts of town to know the difference between a bad boy and a boy who was just bad"Plot and Story LineBetter When He's Bad, was a fantastic and emotionally warped romance that suckered me right in. Now I have such a weakness for bad boys, but this story rises to a whole new level in some unique ways. We are introduced to a place, an area that is full of crime but also of some good people stuck in some tough spots. I am so glad that I finally took a chance on this author and really liked the twists and thrills that she brings to us with this book. It is pretty intense in spots and really keep you at the edge here.“Are you scared of me?” His voice was scratchy.I met his gaze steadily in the glass. “Terrified.”His chin dipped in a little nod of acknowledgement. “Do you trust me?”“No.”I saw a shadow flit across that midnight gaze. He lifted a knuckle and rubbed at the blood smeared across his face. “You going to bed with me?”I sucked in a hard breath through my nose. I wanted to look away but he wouldn’t let me.“Probably.”Both of our characters are working together. Our hero is the king of Bad Boys, and our heroine has a soft spot for them but still has such a good heart and she gets to Bax. Bax doesn't react to women emotionally until he meets Dovie. I really liked seeing the change in him, and its a slow change and he still remains a bad boy, but he also fights for something more than just existing and surviving. I really found these two so good for each other and really make a great team. There are some wild moments, smexy moments, thrilling moments and tender and poignant moments."I think my reward is happiness, and I can't be happy without him, so my reward is living in a place where that happens."And this book really works your emotions and Crownover wrote such a beautifully dark romance that keep you going and searching for more...The Coveroh I really like this cover...the tats here are just beautiful after reading this book, it definitely connects to the story in a real way. So I always love it when cover artist pay attention to certain details.Overall ViewBetter When He's Bad is a truly tough and stimulating romance that gives you all the feels and battles that finding love brings to two people....a bad romance to fall head over heels for!!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Loved this book! Bax is the ultimate bad boy. He has grown up the hard way and is willing to do whatever it takes to survive. Fresh out of prison and looking for answers, he returns to The Point set for revenge. Bad as he is, he has a soft side. A side that Dovie Pryce sees right away.

    Great read and a great start to a new series. Can't wait to read more in this series. I definitely recommend this book to everyone.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: Realistic story filled with consequences, raw passion, and suspense. Highly recommend this to anyone that is a new adult fan.Opening Sentence: THERE ARE VERY FEW things that can kill the buzz of postsex mellowness.The Review:Shane Baxter grew up in the slums of The Pointe, and he has rightfully earned the reputation of being a thief and a fighter. He is not someone you mess with, but five years ago he found himself on the wrong side of the law that put him in jail. He is now finally free and he wants some answers as to why people he trusted sent him to jail. He doesn’t care who he hurts or what he has to do to get his answers, because there is one thing Bax is good at and that is getting what he wants. Then a new curve ball is thrown his way, an innocent and striking girl that makes him feel things he has never felt before.Dovie Pryce hasn’t lived a charmed life but she hasn’t let that make her a bitter person. Things were bad when she was a kid, but five years ago her half brother Race came and rescued her. He took her out of the slums and has been providing for her. Now he has disappeared and Dovie will do anything to find him, even trust his best friend that just got out of prison. Everything about Bax screams stay away, but even though he is terrifying Dovie can’t help but think he is the sexiest man she has ever met. With no other option, Dovie lets Bax into her life, but did she bite off more then she can chew with this bad boy?Bax is a very original character and I loved that he was so different from your typical bad boy. Growing up with a drunken mother that he had to take care of was difficult for him, but learning to take care of himself has made him who he is today. He thrives on doing things that are always in check with the law but at the same time he has a sense of loyalty to what is right and wrong. He is brutally honest and doesn’t ever try to be someone he’s not, which I found really attractive. He has this dark side to his personality that can be extremely scary but he also has a very gentle and sweet side as well. My favorite thing about Bax is that deep down he is a good person, but being bad will always be a part of him. It makes him a very sexy and intriguing man that would be extremely hard to resist.Dovie couldn’t be more opposite than Bax, which made them a great couple. Her mother was an addict and she was the illegitimate daughter of a very rich man that wanted nothing to do with her. So her childhood wasn’t ideal, but instead of that making her turn to a criminal lifestyle she decided to see the good in life and not let her future become a repeat of her past. That doesn’t mean she believes in fairytales, but she is willing to work hard to become a better person. She works at a home for children that have nowhere else to go and she is going to school to become a counselor in hopes that someday she will be able to help children like her even more. There is just something innately good about Dovie that made it easy to love and respect her.The sexual tension between Dovie and Bax was always present and they had great chemistry. But they were both realistic about things and I really liked that. She pulled out the good in him and he pulled out the bad in her which made them both more complete people. Being together in a relationship like they have isn’t easy but it’s totally worth it. I loved them together and I really made a connection with them as a couple.Better When He’s Bad is a HOT story with an intriguing plot, original characters, and raw passion. The best thing about it is that while it is a love story that is not the main focus of the plot. Instead it focuses more on the action and suspenseful part of the story, which I really appreciated. I have read so many new adult books lately that have great romance but really no other subplot, and it was refreshing to read something that had both. Crownover did such a great job making her story feel original and different with her characters as well as the plot. I felt that both Dovie and Bax were very realistic and interesting. But I also loved all the secondary characters which is perfect since a few of them are going to be getting their own stories and I honestly can’t wait! One other thing that Crownover did was she actually surprised me with some of the twist she threw in and I really commend her for that because it isn’t easy to do. Suffice to say, I completely loved everything about this book and I would highly recommend it to anyone that is looking for a sexy read full of action and suspense!Notable Scene:“Are you scared of me?” His voice was scratchy.I met his gaze steadily in the glass. “Terrified.”His chin dipped in a little nod of acknowledgment.“Do you trust me?”“No.”I saw a shadow flit across that midnight gaze. He lifted a knuckle and rubbed at the blood smeared across his face.“You going to go to bed with me?”I sucked in a hard breath through my nose. I wanted to look away but he wouldn’t let me. “Probably.”FTC Advisory: William Morrow/HarperCollins provided me with a copy of Better When He’s Bad. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was a little worried by the synopsis, that the book was going to be a lot like Marked Men. Not that was a bad thing, but I wanted a different story. And a different story I got! I really liked this book! I think that I might have liked it even more than any of the Marked Men novels. Since Better When He’s Bad is the first book in this series, I’m looking forward to book two and three.

    Right off the bat, I was hooked on Bax. The first chapter had me intrigued and I knew that I that I was going to have a hard time not finding ways to listen to this book. It was supposed to be my drive to and from work book, but unfortunately, I started it on a Friday and now I’m audio book-less for Monday morning! I digress, the plot was twisty and dark. Bax and Dovey were so perfectly matched I was antsy with anticipation for them to hook up. No, I don’t mean having sexy time. I mean, they really didn't like each other and I couldn't wait for that moment when they realize that there is more there, then someone makes a move. That’s when the story shifts, it’s my favorite part of the book.

    To read more reviews like this one, check out my site, www.ObsessiveBookNerd.com
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I love anything jay crownover writes but I am not a fan of guys who are actually doing illegal stuff after the happily ever after. I can't respect it so it kinda brought me down on bax but thats just me, and doesn't take away from how awesome jays books are.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Great suspense. Love the dialog. Would read / listen to more from this author
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It took me a little while to get into it, but once I was, I couldn't stop. I read (listened to) both books in two days. I love the characters and their chemistry. WOW.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book is absolutely amazing! I was unsure at first if this was the book for me because of how Jay Crownover describes it. She says that this is a book where the "good" guy isn't that good. Instead he is a man that just got out of jail and is looking for revenge. Now, I have to admit that I like to read about dark men, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to reach this level. I like something redeemable in my favorite male leads, and this book seemed to not be a able to give me that. Or so I thought from the description of this book.Yet, throughout the book I was proven wrong again and again. Bax is the nitty gritty toughest character I've had the pleasure to read about. He was so real and strong, yet I couldn't help sometimes despise him because he was so hard. Everything about Bax screamed heartless heartthrob, which was such a contradiction that I grew to have this love/hate relationship with him.-Sexy, dark, and dangerous, Bax isn't just from the wrong side of the tracks, he is the wrong side of the tracks. A criminal, a thug, and a brawler, he’s the master of bad choices, until one such choice landed him in prison for five years.-This description fits him perfectly, even if it doesn't tell the whole story.Dovie was a character that I grew to like pretty quickly. She definitely didn't fit into Bax's world but it was mostly because she was mostly innocent in worldly things. One thing I really admired about her character was her willingness to go above and beyond for those she loved. When push came to shove, she was right there with Bax and willing to do whatever it took to protect those she cared about.Overall, this book was an emotional roller coaster that will chew you up and then spit you out! The perfect book for those who are looking for a book to take you on an adventure in the darkest parts of the city and show you the world right under your nose. Truly a masterpiece.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    love this story and the ending. looking forward to the next book