Bringing Home the Bad Boy by Jessica Lemmon

Bringing Home the Bad Boy (Second Chance, #1)

by Jessica Lemmon

Evan Downey needs a new beginning. Since the death of his wife five years ago, the brilliant tattoo artist has shut himself away in a prison of grief that not even his work can break him out of-and what's worse, Evan knows his son Lyon is bearing the brunt of his seclusion. Moving back to the lake town of Evergreen Cove where he spent his childhood summers is his last chance for a fresh start.

Charlotte Harris knows she owes it to her best friend's memory to help Evan and his son find their way again but she can't stop her traitorous heart from skipping a beat every time she looks into Evan's mesmerizing eyes. Charlotte is determined to stay strictly in the Friend Zone - until a mind-blowing night knocks that plan by the wayside. Now, if they're brave enough to let it, Charlotte and Evan might just find a love capable of healing their broken hearts . . .

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

Share
Evan Downey and his tats are smoking hot. He is the kind of guy who is a little rugged looking and comfortable in his denims with an easy, laid-back attitude. Five years ago, his world fell apart, when his wife died unexpectedly leaving him and his then three year old son Lyon. It has taken him a long time to crawl out of his despair and they are making a fresh start of it in Evergreen Cove, a small lakeside community. Charlotte Harris knows all too well, how much Evan and Lyon suffered. His wife was her best friend; she was the maid of honor at their wedding.

I fell hard for Evan from his mannerism to the way he cared for his son. I can just close my eye, picture his crooked smile, and visualize him painting. I love artistic types and Evan does both tattoos and illustrations. He made me swoon, with his bad boys looks and mature, sensitive side. *Swoons*

Charlie (Charlotte) recently ended a six-year relationship and it has left her vulnerable. She has always had feelings for Evan, but kept them in check because of her best friend. She cares deeply for them all, and her growing desire makes her feel guilty. The girl said sorry one too many times for my taste, but her feelings were genuine and I understood her.

Secondary characters have me oh so curious, from a rocker named Asher and their manager Gloria to Charlie's girlfriends. The small-town was wonderful from events to the local library. Lemmon weaved in humor and I snorted aloud. I loved the back-stories and little moments. Lyon was adorable and his interaction added to the authenticity and made me shed a tear or two.

The romance felt genuine. The chemistry and passion were off the charts. Getting the mind and heart to align was the tricky part. Evan was sexy in bed and I loved his naughty bedroom talk. The Nook overheated and each scene was wonderful. Lemmon made me believe and I found myself completely caught up in watching these two tango. I love when an author totally makes me connect. When I was not reading about them, I was thinking them. Honestly, I think I could hear the story calling me back.

Copy provided by publisher This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 28 January, 2015: Finished reading
  • 28 January, 2015: Reviewed