Reviews

Bad Penny by Staci Hart

kfriend's review against another edition

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5.0

I’m quickly falling in love with Staci Hart books, my friends- these books are so much more than their insanely beautiful covers.(seriously- these are works of art), and Bad Penny is one of her best- charming, sexy, fun, and with that profound emotional jolt that I’ve come to expect from a Staci Hart read.

Penny is FANTASTIC- she really made this whole book for me. She’s as bold and interesting as her colorful sense of style- tats and purple hair included. She’s the kind of heroine that you fall in love with- she’s just that awesome. She’s funny, fierce, independent, and just so unabashedly herself- she has the kind of freeness of living that I think we all wish we could embrace. She just OWNS it- who she is, what she wants, what she thinks. But she’s also considerate, loyal to those she loves- a great friend. But, she’s also imperfect- which makes her all the more relatable, even if her imperfections are frustrating (since, of course, they are the source of dramatic conflict in this romance). She also has intense emotional insecurity, baggage from her high school days where she was hurt by someone she invested in, tamper her ability to trust others- to be vulnerable- and has put her in this box of emotional limitation when it comes to men- her 3 date rule. I love a flawed heroine- one who isn’t damaged in the traditional way but one who is boldly owning it- embracing it, even. Until Bodie comes along and challenges her robustness to protect her heart.

Bodie is so swoon-worthy- he’s understanding, he really GETS Penny, and he’s devoted to her- in fact, he’s been in love with her for a while. He knows how to compromise- he’s not the alpha dominant/control everything guy- rather he listens, he’s patient, he’s grounded, he’s rational- and as such, he’s so freaking charming- and the perfect fit for Penny’s needs, the perfect match to open her up. I love that he doesn’t want to change her- he loves her for her freedom, for her boldness, for her zeal-he wants to stand in her light, at her side, and I just love this kind of hero. Their chemistry is magnetic- and in typical Staci style, develops organically into a deeper connection through the sweet, small moments that a relationship make. Staci always knows her characters so well- every detail, ever work, every thought is in tune with their voice, with their persona- it really is magical to read.

Staci’s writing style also continues to wow me- she’s truly gifted as a technical writer, and here I love to see her wittiness shining through. This book also reads so seamlessly- the emotional pace believably integrating these two characters and aligns to the understanding we have of Penny, and the ending was the perfect way to wrap up this sexy story that is more than just a heartwarming romance, but also a story about a flawed character bumbling her way through self-growth and confronting her own imperfections.

In this case you can judge a book by its cover- like the characteristic trademark Staci covers, her stories are artistic, unique, creative and imaginative, quirky, and mesmerizing. She’s carving such a unique place within the romance world- a corner that is so incomparable to anything I’ve read. She’s a creator- she draws inspiration from a straight forward idea (a classic novel, in this case a tired trope) and makes it fresh and reinvigorated- creating characters and settings so dynamically realized. Her stories always start out interesting and fun, but they always develop into something with so many more layers of heart and thematic meaning than I expected. I always see myself and the world a little bit differently after reading her books. I can’t wait for more from her.

lisamh68's review against another edition

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4.0

Cute story.

kandisteiner's review against another edition

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5.0

Bad Penny is a bad betch. This is Staci Hart's steamiest, most hilarious writing yet, and I couldn't get enough. Between the hilarious one-liners that had me spitting out my wine and the steamy, intense scenes that had me blushing like a school girl, this romantic comedy was a home run for me.

Penny is me. She's you. She's pretty much every girl trying to figure out the dating world in 2017. Except SHE has a plan, one that's worked very well for her up until now -- until Bodie. And that's what I love most about this book. It's basically a role reversal. Here's this GIRL who doesn't have time for relationships, who doesn't want to get into feelings, who has a very strict 3 date rule. But how can you stop at just 3 nights with Bodie who is an absolute GOD in the sack, not to mention hilarious and smart to boot?

Hart always writes amazing characters, but the way these two interacted, the chemistry between them, the witty banter -- it was absolutely flawless. I fell in love right along with them, and I'm still reeling.

The Queen of romantic comedy is back and better than ever, proving yet again that no one writes sexy hilarity quite like Staci Hart. Bad Penny isn't just rom com gold, it's platinum.

If you want to laugh, read this book. If you want to swoon, read this book. And if you want to continue falling even more in love with Staci Hart and her brilliance, well... you get it. ;)

This is Staci Hart at her very best. Fun, sexy, and laugh-out-loud hilarious, Bad Penny is hands down my favorite romantic comedy of 2017. Simply brilliant!

breeze_books's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved everything in this book. Pennys bad ass attitude and Bodies super sweet, super swoony personality. I thought the whole “love at first sight” vibe was adorable. Even better that they had known each other in the past. Bodie managed to break down Penny’s walls and show her that not all relationships end in heartbreak. I read this book and tonic in 2 days, and I really enjoyed them!

syndi3's review

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 I am dilemma rating this book 3 or 4 stars. I had so much fond memory from the first book. Bad Penny has it all. The sexy romance, the hot smoldering smut. Patience, quite hero and sassy, independent heroine. 

What is missing.... is the connection between Penny and Brody. They only connect through their physical connection. Not much on emotional. I am bit disappointed with Miss Hart for not bringing out more emotional connection. 

Overall this is still enjoyable read. 

iggyebab's review against another edition

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3.0

Penny was a lot of fun. Brodie was damn near perfect. But this book was full of silly miscommunication that should’ve taken 10 minutes to fix. That particular trope makes my eye twitch, thus the 3 Stars.

greylandreviews's review against another edition

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4.0

4.25 stars
Super cute and sexy! I want to read more tattooed ladies who find their Bo!

rlp78's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow

I love this author. All of her books have been amazing and this was no exception. The way she writes her characters is incredible. Penny and Bodie were real. Their conflicts felt real and their love felt real. I also love the way this author writes friendships. The friendships are just as much a part of the story as the romance. I am expecting a story for Veronica soon!

reading_with_2_book_lovers's review against another edition

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4.0

bad penny is a Fun and serious read in one.
I loved penny abd bodie togther so much.
penny with her piercings, tattoos and out there hair colour makes the perfect main character for this read, Bodie with his hotness makes the perfect couple with penny.
I recommend this book to everyone such a great read.
I volunteered to read a copy of this book

chulaisreadingromance's review against another edition

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5.0

I’ve read this about ten times and will read it again when I need a comfort book to rely on.

Bodie and Penny are goals. They’re hot, funny, sweet and the love they have for each other is undeniable. I want Penny to be my best friend and Bodie is so sweet and understanding, he deserves that ahe lives him forever. Their story is epic and full of every single feeling I’m looking for in a super steamy romance. Every single one.

I just wish we could have other book in this series, it’s been a while since this book was released but every time I read it I have the need to see maybe Veronica and Jude? They definitely had me curious enough and I will read whatever Staci Hart writes, no matter what it is. I also want to see Penny and Bodie again for sure.

Hopefully one day.