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Hidden Hollows #4
Loving the Bad Boy
Can her love tame the Bad Boy?
Catalina Garcia is a cancer survivor. With the threat of her annual check up looming over her head, she decides not to wait for the results. Instead, she is going to start checking as many things off her bucket list as she can.
Until her resolve puts her face to face with the town bad boy.
Westley York never cared about his bad boy reputation with the residents of Hidden Hollows. After all, they made up their mind about him a long time ago—whether the facts were true or not. He has a week left before he’s off probation and moving on with his life.
Getting involved with the wide-eyed girl with a No. 2 pencil and a crazy to-do list? Not on his agenda.
But she’s trusting—probably a little too much, and Westley discovers that she’s determined to find her wild side, with or without him. Worried she might get herself hurt—or even killed—he reluctantly agrees to help.
It was only a week. One week until Cat finds out the results of her test and Westley is finally free of his past. Too bad all it takes is one week to fall in love.
If you like misunderstood bad boys and wild and free heroines, you’ll love the fourth book of Hidden Hollows, Loving the Bad Boy.
Catalina Garcia is a cancer survivor. With the threat of her annual check up looming over her head, she decides not to wait for the results. Instead, she is going to start checking as many things off her bucket list as she can.
Until her resolve puts her face to face with the town bad boy.
Westley York never cared about his bad boy reputation with the residents of Hidden Hollows. After all, they made up their mind about him a long time ago—whether the facts were true or not. He has a week left before he’s off probation and moving on with his life.
Getting involved with the wide-eyed girl with a No. 2 pencil and a crazy to-do list? Not on his agenda.
But she’s trusting—probably a little too much, and Westley discovers that she’s determined to find her wild side, with or without him. Worried she might get herself hurt—or even killed—he reluctantly agrees to help.
It was only a week. One week until Cat finds out the results of her test and Westley is finally free of his past. Too bad all it takes is one week to fall in love.
If you like misunderstood bad boys and wild and free heroines, you’ll love the fourth book of Hidden Hollows, Loving the Bad Boy.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2020
172 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Shanae Johnson
94 books147 followersShanae Johnson was raised by Saturday Morning cartoons and Afterschool Specials. She still doesn’t understand why there isn’t a life lesson that ties the issues of the day together just before bedtime. While she’s still waiting for the meaning of it all, she writes stories to try and figure it all out.
And by the way, the E elongates the A. So it’s pronounced Shan-aaaaaaaa. Perfect for a hero to call out across the moors, or up to a balcony. If you hear him calling her name, please send him her way!
And by the way, the E elongates the A. So it’s pronounced Shan-aaaaaaaa. Perfect for a hero to call out across the moors, or up to a balcony. If you hear him calling her name, please send him her way!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 28, 2020
The misunderstood bad boy, guilty by association
-‘“Is she the kind of girl you’d take your mask and hood off for?” asked Dinck. “You know, to stop pretending you're the Dread Pirate Roberts and show her you’re the farm boy she fell in love with, like in the story.” West had no answer for that. He wasn’t pretending he was the pirate; he was. Wasn’t he?’ ... They weren't the only ones. Another person had believed he was good beneath his mask. Cat had seen the real West. And as a thank you, he’d crossed himself off her list.’-
Life has given West and his siblings a whole lot of unfair kicks. Born to addicts, they’ve spent their entire life being judged and unfairly treated. Their reputation follows them everywhere they go based on their parents’ bad choices, not allowing them any chances in life. When West meets Cat, very accidentally, she unwittingly becomes one of his few cheerleaders in life. Her sweet innocence and full acceptance of him, how she views him as her hero, slowly begin to melt his heart and he begins, for the first time in his life, to feel he has some worth. But Cat is keeping a life threatening secret from him. Will there be time to fall in love? Or will their budding friendship be cut short?
*If you’ve watched The Princess Bride before, you will instantly remember all of the characters and lines from the movie while reading this book. If you haven’t seen the best movie of all time, perhaps this will inspire you to do so.
This is a great story! I loved it! 5 stars 🌟
-‘“Is she the kind of girl you’d take your mask and hood off for?” asked Dinck. “You know, to stop pretending you're the Dread Pirate Roberts and show her you’re the farm boy she fell in love with, like in the story.” West had no answer for that. He wasn’t pretending he was the pirate; he was. Wasn’t he?’ ... They weren't the only ones. Another person had believed he was good beneath his mask. Cat had seen the real West. And as a thank you, he’d crossed himself off her list.’-
Life has given West and his siblings a whole lot of unfair kicks. Born to addicts, they’ve spent their entire life being judged and unfairly treated. Their reputation follows them everywhere they go based on their parents’ bad choices, not allowing them any chances in life. When West meets Cat, very accidentally, she unwittingly becomes one of his few cheerleaders in life. Her sweet innocence and full acceptance of him, how she views him as her hero, slowly begin to melt his heart and he begins, for the first time in his life, to feel he has some worth. But Cat is keeping a life threatening secret from him. Will there be time to fall in love? Or will their budding friendship be cut short?
*If you’ve watched The Princess Bride before, you will instantly remember all of the characters and lines from the movie while reading this book. If you haven’t seen the best movie of all time, perhaps this will inspire you to do so.
This is a great story! I loved it! 5 stars 🌟
April 11, 2020
Another fun read in Hidden Hollows. I've been reading all the books in this series and have had fun "meeting" the different residents through each book. West and Cat are two opposites, at least on the surface that is. Cat has spent her life in treatment fighting cancer while West has been misunderstood and treated like he can do no right.
I loved watching Cat take hold of her life and dreams. She was fun to watch trying to attempt what can be considered for many as a simple task. But when her attempt goes a little awry and West happens to be passing by, you could say that fate took a hand in their lives. Cat and West soon find themselves interacting in ways that neither of them expected. West is trying to prove to Cat that she shouldn't trust him but she sees behind what everyone thinks of him.
I thought it was very creative how the author tied in, The Princess Bride. The names and the quotes. It was fun!
This was a book about appearances and how what we and others perceive isn't always what's the truth. It was a sweet love story with some ups and downs, some sorrows, mistakes, forgiveness and of course a cute couple.
These books can be read in order, out of order or as stand alones. Although, there are epilogues in each book, they are more of a preview for the next book. So if you are reading them in order then the epilogues are great little seques into the next book. If you choose to read them out of order then just know that the epilogue might not be what you expect.
Content: Clean. Some talk of cancer and recovery.
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I loved watching Cat take hold of her life and dreams. She was fun to watch trying to attempt what can be considered for many as a simple task. But when her attempt goes a little awry and West happens to be passing by, you could say that fate took a hand in their lives. Cat and West soon find themselves interacting in ways that neither of them expected. West is trying to prove to Cat that she shouldn't trust him but she sees behind what everyone thinks of him.
I thought it was very creative how the author tied in, The Princess Bride. The names and the quotes. It was fun!
This was a book about appearances and how what we and others perceive isn't always what's the truth. It was a sweet love story with some ups and downs, some sorrows, mistakes, forgiveness and of course a cute couple.
These books can be read in order, out of order or as stand alones. Although, there are epilogues in each book, they are more of a preview for the next book. So if you are reading them in order then the epilogues are great little seques into the next book. If you choose to read them out of order then just know that the epilogue might not be what you expect.
Content: Clean. Some talk of cancer and recovery.
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
February 8, 2021
My review today is on the Romance, Loving the Bad Boy. This is book four in the series Hidden Hollows. This is a great read. It's well written, humorous, and heartwarming. I know you are going to love it.
Catalina Garcia goes to her doctor appointment. She has been fighting cancer since she was a small child. It would be several days before they got the results back from her tests. Would this be her third bout with cancer? She decides she is not going to play it safe and be good any more. She makes a bucket list of all the things she has missed and still wants to do. She is tired of being the good girl and obeying all the rules. She starts by trying to hick a soccer ball. (it was really a volleyball) She hit some Wes in the face.
Westley York is trying to get a job as a security guard at the school. He really isn't skilled to do anything else but he has spent his whole life trying to protect people. Mostly protecting his siblings from a mother addicted to heroin. He even told the police his mother's stash was his so his baby sister wouldn't be born in prison. He is still on probation for that one. Not much chance he will get the job. He crosses the field only to be hit in the head will a volleyball. After being hit in the head with the ball and meeting Cat he rescues Cat from a man at the bar. He agrees to help her with her list not knowing she has been ill.
A journey of trying to cram all the things she has missed out on in the short time before they tell her she has cancer again. A delightful story! God has a plan for these two broken souls. God has a plan for you too. A plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him turn your life around, even in the midst of this chaos.
Catalina Garcia goes to her doctor appointment. She has been fighting cancer since she was a small child. It would be several days before they got the results back from her tests. Would this be her third bout with cancer? She decides she is not going to play it safe and be good any more. She makes a bucket list of all the things she has missed and still wants to do. She is tired of being the good girl and obeying all the rules. She starts by trying to hick a soccer ball. (it was really a volleyball) She hit some Wes in the face.
Westley York is trying to get a job as a security guard at the school. He really isn't skilled to do anything else but he has spent his whole life trying to protect people. Mostly protecting his siblings from a mother addicted to heroin. He even told the police his mother's stash was his so his baby sister wouldn't be born in prison. He is still on probation for that one. Not much chance he will get the job. He crosses the field only to be hit in the head will a volleyball. After being hit in the head with the ball and meeting Cat he rescues Cat from a man at the bar. He agrees to help her with her list not knowing she has been ill.
A journey of trying to cram all the things she has missed out on in the short time before they tell her she has cancer again. A delightful story! God has a plan for these two broken souls. God has a plan for you too. A plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him turn your life around, even in the midst of this chaos.
February 24, 2020
Oh my gosh! Such a sweet, yet entertaining book! A quick read with well developed characters that will fill you with hope and make you ache for a hea.
Cat Garcia is waiting to hear the results of her recent cancer check up. But no matter what, at twenty years old, she has decided that she is going to LIVE the rest of her life. Protected in a bubble by her parents her entire life, Cat now has a bucket list and she is determined to fulfill as many items as she can, beginning with making a soccer goal. She just doesn't expect the ball to contact with the face of a handsome man.
Westley York is the town bad boy but the town doesn't know him at all. An event seven years ago left him on probation for something he gladly took the blame for, but now he needs a full time job to help care for his little sister. Meeting the sweet and innocent Cat turns his life upside down so quickly he hardly knows what happened. But will the town bad boy ever deserve someone like Cat?
This book is great for all ages, clean with some slightly heated kissing, and lots of The Princess Bride movie references.
I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review
Cat Garcia is waiting to hear the results of her recent cancer check up. But no matter what, at twenty years old, she has decided that she is going to LIVE the rest of her life. Protected in a bubble by her parents her entire life, Cat now has a bucket list and she is determined to fulfill as many items as she can, beginning with making a soccer goal. She just doesn't expect the ball to contact with the face of a handsome man.
Westley York is the town bad boy but the town doesn't know him at all. An event seven years ago left him on probation for something he gladly took the blame for, but now he needs a full time job to help care for his little sister. Meeting the sweet and innocent Cat turns his life upside down so quickly he hardly knows what happened. But will the town bad boy ever deserve someone like Cat?
This book is great for all ages, clean with some slightly heated kissing, and lots of The Princess Bride movie references.
I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review
February 25, 2020
(4.5 stars) - Different but delightful!
The story is definitely not your typical kind of NA romance. Cat is tired of living around dying. West is tired of being in cages not of his own making. They're both tired of being forced to live according to everyone else's expectations.
When they get together, they find a kind of freedom they've never known. Their relationship development is so achingly sweet! I loved it!
I have 2 very minor complaints. The first was that I wanted to see how Cat responded to finally watching (or better yet, reading) "The Princess Bride" & was a little disappointed that after so much of this book revolved around that classic, it wasn't included.
And the second is that the epilogue isn't one. It's actually a sneak peek at the next book. Which I enjoy, but please don't call it an epilogue. I had been looking forward to an additional vignette from Cat & West's happily-ever-after, but then was disappointed as I realized it was actually something else that had been misnamed.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
The story is definitely not your typical kind of NA romance. Cat is tired of living around dying. West is tired of being in cages not of his own making. They're both tired of being forced to live according to everyone else's expectations.
When they get together, they find a kind of freedom they've never known. Their relationship development is so achingly sweet! I loved it!
I have 2 very minor complaints. The first was that I wanted to see how Cat responded to finally watching (or better yet, reading) "The Princess Bride" & was a little disappointed that after so much of this book revolved around that classic, it wasn't included.
And the second is that the epilogue isn't one. It's actually a sneak peek at the next book. Which I enjoy, but please don't call it an epilogue. I had been looking forward to an additional vignette from Cat & West's happily-ever-after, but then was disappointed as I realized it was actually something else that had been misnamed.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
February 24, 2020
Enjoyed this small town romance book. And if you like The Princess Bride, you’ll love West and his family and the movie references! West has the reputation of a bad boy, even though he’s never done anything to merit the rumors going around about him. But when you have parents like he did, you don’t get the benefit of the doubt. Cat is a cancer survivor, and with over protective parents, she hasn’t gotten out much. Both West and Cat have been in figurative cages for most of their lives. But together, can they they break free and live their lives as they want to?
Book in the Hidden Hollows series. Can be read as a stand alone.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Book in the Hidden Hollows series. Can be read as a stand alone.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 27, 2020
My thoughts on this book:
• Catalina Garcia Is waiting for her final cancer test results. Will the results show she is finally cancer free?
• I liked that Catalina decides to find out what life is about. She takes control of it and lives life on the edge.
• Catalina made a bucket list of activities her parents did not allow her to participate in because of her health. What will she put on her list?
• West York was looking for a job. Is he the bad boy everyone says he is?
• This was a humorous read. I like this author's sense of humor and writing style.
I was given an advance copy of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. This is the first book I've read by Shanae Johnson and it won't be my last. I really liked this book.
• Catalina Garcia Is waiting for her final cancer test results. Will the results show she is finally cancer free?
• I liked that Catalina decides to find out what life is about. She takes control of it and lives life on the edge.
• Catalina made a bucket list of activities her parents did not allow her to participate in because of her health. What will she put on her list?
• West York was looking for a job. Is he the bad boy everyone says he is?
• This was a humorous read. I like this author's sense of humor and writing style.
I was given an advance copy of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. This is the first book I've read by Shanae Johnson and it won't be my last. I really liked this book.
March 10, 2020
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Loving The Badboy . I really enjoyed this heartwarming story . Catalina Garcia is a cancer survivor . While she waits for her annual checkup she decides she's gonna check off stuff on her bucket list in case she receives bad news .
Westley York has the town of Hidden Hollows Badboy reputation . Soon he can move on in life when his probation ends .
He meets Catalina and agrees to help her with her bucket list because he's afraid she might get hurt attempting the list herself .
They quickly develop feeling for each other in that one week before her checkup and he is off probation . This is a delightful and inspiring romance . I highly recommend reading .
Westley York has the town of Hidden Hollows Badboy reputation . Soon he can move on in life when his probation ends .
He meets Catalina and agrees to help her with her bucket list because he's afraid she might get hurt attempting the list herself .
They quickly develop feeling for each other in that one week before her checkup and he is off probation . This is a delightful and inspiring romance . I highly recommend reading .
April 4, 2020
I've always had a thing for the bad boy, but his one is not. He may have a reputation but even reps can be rumors, and we all know rumors are usually false. Katalina, on the other hand, doesn't care. She's sick of cancer telling her what she can do and can't do. She's taking control of her life and seeing people for whom they seem to be how she sees the so-called bad boy. He's going to help her with her living bucket list. What she doesn't count on is falling in love with him. Who would love her, hopefully West?
Such a great love story. Something tender to my heart because my own father passed from complications to cancer, plus iconic lines from the greatest love story ever, how could you go wrong!
Such a great love story. Something tender to my heart because my own father passed from complications to cancer, plus iconic lines from the greatest love story ever, how could you go wrong!
February 26, 2020
I enjoyed this sweet, bad boy book. At first I misjudged Westley York just like everyone else in his life. Appearances and circumstances can be deceiving. I liked Catalina Garcia, who had basically lived in a protective bubble for most of her life fighting cancer. Her bucket list was interesting and I was so glad she was able to cross a few things off with West's help. I liked her second list more than the first one and I enjoyed how this story ended. This is a fun series which I am enjoying reading. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
January 30, 2021
The bad boy hero
Shanae Johnson is a favorite author with a smooth writing style and this story was no exception. I'm a fan of the not-quite-as-bad boy hero and West was so perfect in this role. The struggles of his family formed his outward toughness and his inside caring heart. Catalina was his mirror, tough inside and caring and sweet outside. The story shows that none of us is all one or the other (as referenced by the names What's mother gave her kids). I loved how West and Cat saw each other with their heart and ignored the influence of others. Such an inspiring story!
Shanae Johnson is a favorite author with a smooth writing style and this story was no exception. I'm a fan of the not-quite-as-bad boy hero and West was so perfect in this role. The struggles of his family formed his outward toughness and his inside caring heart. Catalina was his mirror, tough inside and caring and sweet outside. The story shows that none of us is all one or the other (as referenced by the names What's mother gave her kids). I loved how West and Cat saw each other with their heart and ignored the influence of others. Such an inspiring story!
May 17, 2022
This series just keeps getting better and better. I have never read so many book into a series, all at once, like I've done with this one. I don't know if it's because all books have different authors, or if it's because all books can be read as stand-alones. All I know is that they are all good, can't put down books. I also love that they are quick and easy reads, with good, glean romances. They all touch on things like cancer or depression. But this is the first book that one of the main characters is actually dealing with cancer.
I loved this book and I can't wait to get into the next one.
I loved this book and I can't wait to get into the next one.
February 25, 2020
I’ve read all of the books in the Hidden Hollows series and I have to say this wasn’t my favorite. It was just an okay read for me because it didn’t grab my attention and make me want to read in one sitting. Thankfully, we can give our own opinions in reviews. I know some will agree with me, but others will disagree. I’ve read other books by Shanae Johnson and loved them, so grab your copy and form your own opinion about Cat and West’s story.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 27, 2020
Really great book. West is known as the town bad boy. Cat has basically been kept indoors most of her life fighting her recurring cancer. She meets West in her desire to really live before the results of her current checkup calm back. Neither knows about the other’s background. Their story is so revealing, not immediately judging someone because of their past.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
March 10, 2020
So many emotions to feel throughout story. Real life issues for both Cat and West; illness, addiction, culture, family-so different backgrounds, rumor mill, consequences and so much more!
These 2 have gone through and go through so much and are now trying to live each day to the fullest, Cat with her over-protective but loving parents, West with the help and support and love from Zik his brother n the love able Dinck, his baby sister!
These 2 have gone through and go through so much and are now trying to live each day to the fullest, Cat with her over-protective but loving parents, West with the help and support and love from Zik his brother n the love able Dinck, his baby sister!
December 1, 2021
Catalina has been ill all through her childhood battling cancer. Westley has been struggling all his life since being born to addict parents who are criminally neglectful of their children. When Cat decides to just go live her life and starts out a bucket list, the first thing she manages to do is hit West in the face with a ball. The rest as they say is history. Loved the story. Plus it makes me want to watch the Princess Bride again😀
February 24, 2020
West is seen as the bad boy but is he really? Cat is seen as the sick girl but is she still? Loved how spunky Cat was and how she was not shy around West. Things are not always as they seem or as we hear them to be. Great bucket list and loved seeing them both checking off the items together. The angst was understandable and liked that is resolved quickly. A really sweet romance.
February 27, 2020
This is a story of good boy who fights against a bad boy label. West was given a rough hand and did his best to rise above and help. Cat was given a rough hand herself with the battle of a
Cancer. Together they try and see the best in themselves and each other.
A good story with good characters and many life lessons.
Cancer. Together they try and see the best in themselves and each other.
A good story with good characters and many life lessons.
April 10, 2020
Loving the Bad Boy by Shanae Johnson (3 stars)
A cute, clean romance. It was a fun read, not too much angst, but I didn’t feel like I connected with the characters. There’s insta-love and everything gets resolved quickly and easily, so it didn’t feel like I’d made any sort of connection with the characters.
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
A cute, clean romance. It was a fun read, not too much angst, but I didn’t feel like I connected with the characters. There’s insta-love and everything gets resolved quickly and easily, so it didn’t feel like I’d made any sort of connection with the characters.
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
February 23, 2020
A wonderful story about, surviving, hope and love. They both had challenges to over come. A chance meeting leads to so much more and they see Each other as who they are rather than how they are perceived. I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving
February 25, 2020
I love the Princess Bride references in this book! This was a wonderful, clean, small town romance. It had amazing characters and an enticing storyline.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 26, 2020
Loving the Bad Boy is a wonderful sweet and clean romance. The characters are realistic and drew me in. The storyline caught and held my attention throughout the book. I love a HEA and this one didn’t disappoint!
I received an ARC and have chosen to give my honest opinion.
I received an ARC and have chosen to give my honest opinion.
June 5, 2021
Wes and Catalina
Aloving story about living your life to the fullest. A good guy with a bad reputation and a cancer survivor who just wants to feel alive. Made me laugh and cry loved the characters.
Aloving story about living your life to the fullest. A good guy with a bad reputation and a cancer survivor who just wants to feel alive. Made me laugh and cry loved the characters.
May 18, 2022
A bad boy who had spent his life protecting those he love and a woman facing a limiting timeline. One step at a time. Bravo!
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2022
Great story!
I was just getting into the story when I got to the Princess Bride quotes and for a while I wasn't sure if it was cool or too cheesy. It was perfect!
This was a super sweet romance little story. I loved it.
I was just getting into the story when I got to the Princess Bride quotes and for a while I wasn't sure if it was cool or too cheesy. It was perfect!
This was a super sweet romance little story. I loved it.
February 26, 2020
I enjoyed reading Loving the Bad Boy. This is a great sweet romance book. It is interesting and fun. I liked the characters. This is a cute story.
February 29, 2020
A sweet, clean, fun romance about two people trying to get rid of reputations they don't want and work together to do it? Will feelings develop?
A really inspiring story and I highly recommend it.
A really inspiring story and I highly recommend it.
May 3, 2020
Think
Shanae, gives good lesson in this book, don’t believe gossip. Both of the main characters were not who others thought they were.
Shanae, gives good lesson in this book, don’t believe gossip. Both of the main characters were not who others thought they were.
November 3, 2020
Laid back easy reading
I didn’t like it being finished so fast. I did love the characters, insight of each and why they act as they do.
I didn’t like it being finished so fast. I did love the characters, insight of each and why they act as they do.
November 11, 2020
Enjoyable, clean romance. Westley was a good guy and Cat was also very likable. I enjoyed the many references to one of my favorite movies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews