Romance book reviews. Reviews of books that make my heart race, have a beautiful love story, and a happy ending.

Romance book reviews. Reviews of books that make my heart race, have a beautiful love story, and a happy ending.

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Book Review – Bad Things (Tristan and Danika #1) by RK Lilley

Book Review – Bad Things (Tristan and Danika #1) by RK Lilley

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Holy hotness, guys!! You HAVE to meet Tristan Vega!!

“I’m going to fuck you hard on the hood of this car, in the pouring rain. And. You. Are. Not. Going. To. Forget. It.”

*fans self*

I loved this book!! It made me swoon, squee, and swear which pretty much is the perfect mix, right?

I couldn’t put it down. Another winner from R.K. Lilley!

When Tristan unexpectedly becomes a fixed part of Danika’s world, he throws her whole life out of whack. Fun, flirty, and bossy with a devilish charming that could get just about anyone to do just about anything, he was Trouble with a capital T and just what Danika was trying to avoid. He was ripped, tattooed and baked the hell of chocolate chip cookies. Oh, and did I mention the dimples yet? ‘cuz, SWOON!! They quickly worked out a “friends-only” rule but guess how long that lasted?

“I’m bad… when it comes to relationships, which is why I don’t do them.”
I couldn’t help it. I had to ask. “So what do you do?”
“Hookups. Brief, casual hookups. How about you?”
I shook my head, pursing my lips at him… “I do relationships. No exceptions. Never had a casual hookup in my life.”
He sighed… “Well I guess that makes things less complicated. We’ll be friends, then.”

Try as they might to keep things platonic, their feelings just could not be ignored.

Let me tell you guys, Tristan and Danika had CHEMISTY!! Off the charts, scorching chemisty! Their banter had me smiling almost non-stop. Danika was sassy and sarcastic and Tristan was bossy and charmingly charismatic and their combination made for some absolutely brilliant scenes!

“You making a move on me?” I called out to him, but I wasn’t pushing him away…
His smile was innocent enough, but i thought there was a hint of something else in his eyes.
“Just dancing, sweetheart.”

The whole book just flowed. From start to finish it kept my attention and made me steadily fall deeper and deeper in love with the story and the characters.

They were opposites in so many ways. Danika only did relationships and Tristan only did hook ups. On the surface that might just seem like personality traits but in reality it was the heart breaking events from their past that had shaped them into people who needed that. Danika came from an abusive home and craved the commitment and stability of a loving relationship. Tristan had fallen in love young and had thrown himself wholeheartedly into a relationship only to have his heart broken and trodden on by the one person he was committed to. They both had trust issues and deep hurts but at the end of the day they both cared deeply for each other… it was just a question of admitting it to themselves.

“Tell me not to kiss you.”
“Don’t kiss me.”
“Mean it.”
“I can’t.”

I have to admit, I didn’t expect how strongly and completely I was going to fall for Tristan. But guys, I fell HARD. Oh my Lord! This guy baked, had tats and dimples. That alone would melt my heart but he was also the lead singer in a rock band, was insanely protective of Danika and took “charming” to a whole new level. The things he said just made me SWOOOOON. He cared SO much her. You could feel it in every action he made.

There were times when I wanted to shake him but my heart also broke for him. You could just tell that he was one of THE good guys. You know? The one’s who’ll put their everything on the line for their girl. But after having his heart broken before, he had become guarded – determined never to put himself in that position again. Ever. But something about Danika was different and brought out the part of him that wanted to commit… he just couldn’t. Not at first. It was so hard for him to give his heart over again. But what that meant was that when he did, it was that much more meaningful because it showed not only the depth of his feelings but also the depth of his trust.

And seriously, have I mentioned how protective he was? There is just something about an Alpha who is willing to do ANYTHING for his girl that just makes my heart race.

Danika was a strong-willed yet very sweet heroine. I took a strong liking to her and felt very sympathetic to the things she went through. It was nice to have a heroine I didn’t get frustrated with. Her back story was just plain horrible. Seriously, the poor girl!! Life had really screwed her over but I absolutely adored that Tristan not only wanted to hear about it but also wanted to talk with her about it, openly, honestly.

They built a wonderful friendship filled to the very brim with scorching sexual tension… no joke, we’re talking off the charts hotness here! No kink, but Tristan was definitely Dominant in the bedroom and trust me, you will be fanning yourself …

“Danika, sweetheart?” He rasped.
“Yes, Tristan?”
“I’m done being sweet, if you don’t mind. I’d like to fuck you really hard if that’s okay.”

But all good things must come to an end. At the end of the day, they were both just so strongly shaped by their past. Tristan couldn’t do commitment and Danika couldn’t do casual and when the hurt came, it HURT. I understood where both of them were coming from but it didn’t stop it from being oh so painful.

But I loved seeing them work through it. And, as with every other part of their relationship, it was with openness and honesty. Yes, there were some pretty painful, gut-wrenching mistakes made but because of how much I felt I understood what led up to it and because of the way they worked their way back together, I never found myself frustrated with the story. Yes, I swore (out-loud) and I might have face-palmed once or twice but at the same time, I loved it! A lot of it was really about Tristan figuring out what his heart wanted. Everyone makes mistakes and everything about him was just so genuine and sincere that I couldn’t help but forgive everything he did that hurt my heart and Danika’s especially given his profuse and sincere apology. And, to be fair to him, his mistakes were never stupid, they were understandable given his past… they just hurt like fucking hell.

The ending built in intensity. There were ohhhhhhh FUCK moments, tragic moments and finally happiness.

There is no relationship cliffhanger at the end but their story is far from over. We are treated to the first chapter of the next book at the end of this one which gives a solid idea of where their story will go. Also, given some of the things we know about their future from Up In The Air, we know they have a rocky road ahead of them but I am so looking forward to seeing them work through it.

The author has confirmed that she will be making this a trilogy and she has a whole series of FAQs that I’ve linked at the bottom of the page here. I have come to really trust this author’s writing and I can’t wait to see where she takes their story next.

Timeline-wise, this book took place before In Flight and we actually get several awesome cameos from James Cavendish (the hero of the Up In The Air series) but in his pre-Bianca days. But it was cool to get to see him in a whole new light because we knew him as the kinky fuckhot lover, but in this book we actually get to see him at work.

There are no spoilers in this book for the Up In The Air series. I’d really call this a spin-off series. Many of the characters in from the UITA series not only make an appearance, but are main supporting characters in this book but at the same time, you could easily read this as a stand alone. My personal recommendation though would be to read the UITA series in full first. I think you’d get the most complete picture that way but it’s not absolutely necessary.

R.K. Lilley’s writing is addictive, her stories are captivating and you are guaranteed to fall in love with her characters. There is a reason she’s one of my favorite authors! I highly recommend this book! It was an absolutely wonderful read!

4.5+ stars!

CASTING

 

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TIMELINE CLARIFICATION

The Tristan & Danika trilogy is a spin-off of the Up In The Air trilogy (in which we first met Tristan and Danika as side characters). Both trilogies can be read on their own though and you don’t need to read them both to understand the stories. However, their timelines are interconnected.

The first 2 books of this trilogy, Bad Things and Rock Bottom, take place 5 years before In Flight (the first book in the Up In The Air trilogy). Then, chronologically, come the three books of the Up In The Air trilogy…. and then finally comes Lovely Trigger (the last book in the Tristan & Danika trilogy).

Anyone who has read the Up In The Air trilogy will know that during the course of those books, Tristan and Danika had an estranged and strained relationship but what we didn’t know was why. We saw Tristan and Danika fall in love in Bad Things, then in Rock Bottom we learned the full reason for their estrangement, which then perfectly set up the final book, Lovely Trigger which will be a second-chance romance.

So chronologically, this would be the order of the books:

  • Bad Things (Tristan & Danika #1)
  • Rock Bottom (Tristan & Danika #2) – starts right after Bad Things
  • In Flight (Up In The Air #1) – starts 5 years after the end of Rock Bottom
  • Mile High (Up In The Air #2)
  • Grounded (Up In The Air #3)
  • Lovely Trigger (Tristan & Danika #3) – starts 6 years after the end of Rock Bottom

However, the suggested reading order is to read all 3 Up In The Air books, and then the Tristan & Danika trilogy. Trust me, it all works out very clearly 🙂

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#1 — BAD THINGS
Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback | Read my Review

#2 — ROCK BOTTOM
Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback | Read my Review

#3 — LOVELY TRIGGER
Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback | Read my Review

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SPECIAL TEASER

DANIKA

“So you think I’m hot?” Tristan asked, letting those infuriating dimples do their worst.

I shrugged, giving him my steadiest eye contact. I could hide my drunk with the best of them. “You aren’t much to look at,” I said with a straight face.
He threw his head back and laughed, enjoying my sarcastic sense of humor, as always. It was one of my favorite things about him.

“You aren’t much to look at,” I said again, when he was done laughing, and just back to giving me a dangerously fond smile. “But your personality makes up for it, mostly.”

He tugged on my hair, still grinning. “You are so damned cute.”

I gave a heavy sigh. “Yes, I’m very cute. Adorable, really. I’m sorry you’ll only ever know what it’s like to have a cute personality.”

He was laughing so hard by the time I’d finished that he was doubled over. I thought that I’d never wanted to kiss anyone so badly in my life. I restrained myself, just smiling affectionately at him as he straightened.

“Where have you been all my life, Danika?”

“Not skanking it up in enough bars to find you, apparently. Silly me, spending all my time working or at school.”

“Silly you,” he said softly, touching my chin. “Didn’t you know I was out here, just waiting for a friend like you?”

My heart did a slow, painful turn in my chest. It was pathetic how easily he had me wrapped around his little finger. “Of course I didn’t know. I’d have been dancing on top of every bar in town, instead of studying, if I’d known that.”

He didn’t laugh, as I’d intended, but leaned in close. “Tell me not to kiss you,” he said, when his lips were a breath away from mine.

“Don’t kiss me,” I told him, my voice a breathless rasp.

“Mean it,” he said, crowding me into the wall. He tilted my chin up with his finger.

“I can’t,” I gasped.

The words had barely left my lips before he was kissing me.

Comments

  12. OMG!!! Awesome!!! I’m reading this one on my Kindle… and loving it!!!

    But a paperback signed would be even better! 😀

    Reply

  23. I loved the up in the air series, so I am pretty sure i’ll love this! We only got a glimpse of this couple in Grounded and I was dying to know their story!!

    Reply

  34. I seriously cannot wait to read this book. I just fell in love with Tristan just by the teaser . I honestly think this will be a great book to read. Also thanks for this amazing giveaway!!!!

    Reply

  36. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! IT WAS AMAZING! I LOVE TRISTAN VEGA!!!! UGGG when does the 2nd book come out? I can’t wait to see how their relationship transpires. One thing I do advice you will need a box of tissues toward the end of the book…OMG!!!!!

    Reply

  37. i didn’t know that they have a spin off story already out for Tristan and Danika. Thanks for this review or i would have missed out. I happened to enjoy the Up in the Air series.

    Reply

  57. I loved the book. I love all her books. James Cavendish is my #1 then it would be a close call between Tristan and Gideon LOL!! Thank you for the giveaway.

    Reply

  58. I absolutely loved this book. It would be amazing to have a signed book!! Thank you for the great giveaway.

    Reply

  85. I just finished this book. Five stars from me. One of the best that I have read this year. Can’t wait for the next book!

    Reply

  86. Thanks for the review and teaser! R.K. Lilley just never dissappoints and I am very excited for this latest book! Thank you also for the giveaway, I would love to win.

    Reply

  89. thanks 4 da giveaway!! u rule!! especially living in Pakistan….. an international giveaway is hard to find

    Reply

  94. I have heard great things about this book. Have it on my TBR list 🙂

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  99. RK wrote my favorite alpha BFF in the up in the air series and her secondary characters were so well developed I can’t wait to read about these two! Thanks for the chance at another great giveaway!

    Reply

  113. Let just say I have loved everything I have read by R.K. Lilley and I don’t doubt for a second I will LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this too!!!!

    Reply

  127. Great giveaway the review of Bad Things looks great would love to read it. Thanks for the chance to win. Good luck everyone. Happy reading 🙂

    Reply

  134. I LOVE the excerpt and the interview. I look forward to reading this book! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    Reply

  138. Whew!!! I think to read Bad Things I’ll have to set right in front of my air conditioner. HOT HOT HOT Here’s to hoping I win it, if not I will be buying it for sure!!! If the whole book is as good as the blurb then I can’t wait!! Thanks to you all for such a great giveaway!! Wishing everyone luck!!!

    Donna

    Reply

  146. So many book, but so little time!! I need to read these books!! Like NOW! I’ve heard great things and can’t wait to read them all!! Thanks for a chance in the giveaway! Happy Reading!!

    Reply

  151. Thank you for the awesome giveaway! R.K. Lilley is one of my top 3 authors! I have a tattoo dedicated to the Up in the Air series!!! That’s how much I love her.

    Reply

  154. Thank you so much for this giveaway! This book sounds awesome and Tristan is totally my type 😉

    Reply

  162. I’m so in awe of your books Bad Thongs is so incredible O can’t wait for Rock Bottom OMG I’m holding my breath(: love your books so much.!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  168. WOW!!! he cover book very sexy, i want this book for my collection!! LOL!
    Thanks for chance to win this giveaway 🙂

    Reply

  179. Thanks for this giveaway and the opportunity…I really wanna read this book and a signed paperback is a great chance!!!

    Reply

  181. Just finished this today… I feel the same way. I fell hard and fast for Tristan and loved them both from the minute they met each other!!!!!! R.K. Lilley is absofreakinglutely amazing!! 🙂

    Reply

  182. Thank you so much for the giveaway! Have the ebook and absolutely LOVED Tristan from the beginning like holy moly is he HOT!! and he can make cookies like omg I’m in heaven! R.K. Lilley has done it again! can’t wait for the next book!

    Reply

  186. Love your blog! I use the book/sales updates all the time!! It’s awesome!! Thanks for all the work you do!!

    Reply

  190. It sounds sooooo goood thnks 4 giving us (plp not living on the USA) to get the reall book and sign WOW

    Reply

  192. Really love Bad Things and all of R.K.’s books!!! ♥ Thanks for a chance to win! 🙂

    Tess xx

    tess_halim (at) hotmail (dot) com

    Reply

  203. OMG!! It was a great read!! I knew something was missing comparing notes from the Up in Air Series! Now I see there is to be a second book,,,that makes since because they were not together in the Up in Air Series!! It is a great story! I’m a new,,,huge,,,fan of RK Lilley!!

    Reply

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