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The Bad Boy: A gritty, edge-of-your-seat gangland thriller from Gillian Godden
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The Lambrianus are back, and they are badder than ever.
Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Adam Lambrianu understands only too well the fearsome family legacy he's inherited. He only wants to make his family proud, but as a renowned playboy and bad boy he has a wild and reckless reputation.
Scarlet Lambrianu knows her little brother needs to step up in running the family casino business and empire, but she also worries the old gangland ways don’t interest him anymore. Adam's sure he can make his own money and build his own legacy in his own unique way.
Desperate to keep Adam in line, old family friend Julie Gold is called in to help. She knows Adam has big plans, but there are rules in their world that must be followed.
But Adam is a Lambrianu and just like his infamous father before him, he knows that if you want to succeed, sometimes rules have to be broken.
Praise for Gillian
'A gritty powerful story. A must read for fans of gangland crime' Bestselling author Kerry Kaya
'The characters were so real I'm still looking over my shoulder!' Bestselling author Owen Mullen
'Exciting, breathtaking and absolutely fantastic' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'If you are looking for a great gangland, family drama series these books are for you!' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'A fast and rivetting book that will keep you burning the midnight oil!! Highly recommended' ★★★★★ Reader Review
The Lambrianus are back, and they are badder than ever.
Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Adam Lambrianu understands only too well the fearsome family legacy he's inherited. He only wants to make his family proud, but as a renowned playboy and bad boy he has a wild and reckless reputation.
Scarlet Lambrianu knows her little brother needs to step up in running the family casino business and empire, but she also worries the old gangland ways don’t interest him anymore. Adam's sure he can make his own money and build his own legacy in his own unique way.
Desperate to keep Adam in line, old family friend Julie Gold is called in to help. She knows Adam has big plans, but there are rules in their world that must be followed.
But Adam is a Lambrianu and just like his infamous father before him, he knows that if you want to succeed, sometimes rules have to be broken.
Praise for Gillian
'A gritty powerful story. A must read for fans of gangland crime' Bestselling author Kerry Kaya
'The characters were so real I'm still looking over my shoulder!' Bestselling author Owen Mullen
'Exciting, breathtaking and absolutely fantastic' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'If you are looking for a great gangland, family drama series these books are for you!' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'A fast and rivetting book that will keep you burning the midnight oil!! Highly recommended' ★★★★★ Reader Review
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2023
114 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Godden
24 books98 followersHello fellow readers. My name is Gillian Godden and i write Gangland crime books. currently published by Boldwood Publishers. i have written many different series on the subject, so if this is your genre please check them out. originally born in London, i now live in Yorkshire. i also work for the NHS.
When I come home I like to wind down and writing is my escape from the mental stresses of my day. My job is not a 9 to 5 job and I work to support my patients when they need me so my days can be long. i enjoy hearing from and meeting readers of my books. just knowing someone out there is reading my books is a bonus ;}
Take a look at my websites and hopefully join my author page for updates on forth coming books.
amazon.com/author/gilliangodden
When I come home I like to wind down and writing is my escape from the mental stresses of my day. My job is not a 9 to 5 job and I work to support my patients when they need me so my days can be long. i enjoy hearing from and meeting readers of my books. just knowing someone out there is reading my books is a bonus ;}
Take a look at my websites and hopefully join my author page for updates on forth coming books.
amazon.com/author/gilliangodden
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 3, 2023
Always love this authors books and was more than pleased that,after a break and another series,The Lambrianus were back,this being Book 5 means although you can read as a stand alone personally its best when you have read the previous 4
For me this was the best book read by GIllian Godden,there was an extra spark and it was full of storylines and rich ( in every way ) characters,it was great to be back with the daunting Julie Gold and of course the cheeky ladies man Adam,Scarlett and Knuckles……brutal at times and full on gangland but with heart and humour I loved every page and even found the bits on Cryptocurrency which usually goes over my head to be informative and interesting
Roll on Book 6 in this powerful more than readable and enjoyable series
For me this was the best book read by GIllian Godden,there was an extra spark and it was full of storylines and rich ( in every way ) characters,it was great to be back with the daunting Julie Gold and of course the cheeky ladies man Adam,Scarlett and Knuckles……brutal at times and full on gangland but with heart and humour I loved every page and even found the bits on Cryptocurrency which usually goes over my head to be informative and interesting
Roll on Book 6 in this powerful more than readable and enjoyable series
November 29, 2023
I like this author's books and have read a few of them, but I have not seen this series before. This is the 5th book in the series, and it works well as a stand-alone. When I started this book I had not realised it was so far in the series but it worked well. As I was reading I did realise that some things had happened in the past, but there is a character I have come across before; Julie Gold. There is some cross-over that I may have missed, but it doesn't matter because this book is fabulous.
The Lambrianus Family have their own business and it is run mainly by Scralet but also by her younger brother Adam. He is a ladies' man, a bruiser, not afraid to get his hands dirty and seems to get away with flashing his blue eyes and exuding charm. Yeah, he is definitely a good baddie! This is where Julie Gold comes in as a friend of the family to try and keep Adam in check and stop him rushing off and causing problems.
He has a new business idea and along with Julie he is in line to make some good profits, but then there is also the other side of his business dealings that have dire consequences. This also brings into play another part of the family.
This is a brilliant book and once I had started it, I read it over the course of a day. It is a gangland crime thriller and does show the dealings the Lambrianus have in the local area and also how they are trying to keep up with changing times. With this being the first time I have read any of this series I was pleased to have been able to keep up with the characters and their relationships within the family group. The author did a great job of adding important details where necessary and I do imagine this is
also great for readers of this series who may need the odd nudge of memory.
There is plenty of action in this story and also a time when you get to see the more family-based side of it. The dynamics are good and the author shows a "human side" to her characters rather than being all business and nothing else.
This is a series that I do wish I had started from at the beginning but reading this book as a stand-alone works amazingly well. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book as it has been left open and I need to know what the family are going to do about the threat that is looming in the future!
This is a gangland thriller and there is a reasonable amount of what you would expect. But this is also more family-based as such, the author shows how Adam is trying to navigate a relationship, how Scarlet is trying to stay the strong businesswoman but how other aspects of her life may be suffering. There is the family in Italy that also needs support and it is all connected and flows so well in the story.
I really enjoyed this book and if you are a fan of gangland family-based crime thrillers then you should look at this book, series and author. It is one I would definitely recommend.
The Lambrianus Family have their own business and it is run mainly by Scralet but also by her younger brother Adam. He is a ladies' man, a bruiser, not afraid to get his hands dirty and seems to get away with flashing his blue eyes and exuding charm. Yeah, he is definitely a good baddie! This is where Julie Gold comes in as a friend of the family to try and keep Adam in check and stop him rushing off and causing problems.
He has a new business idea and along with Julie he is in line to make some good profits, but then there is also the other side of his business dealings that have dire consequences. This also brings into play another part of the family.
This is a brilliant book and once I had started it, I read it over the course of a day. It is a gangland crime thriller and does show the dealings the Lambrianus have in the local area and also how they are trying to keep up with changing times. With this being the first time I have read any of this series I was pleased to have been able to keep up with the characters and their relationships within the family group. The author did a great job of adding important details where necessary and I do imagine this is
also great for readers of this series who may need the odd nudge of memory.
There is plenty of action in this story and also a time when you get to see the more family-based side of it. The dynamics are good and the author shows a "human side" to her characters rather than being all business and nothing else.
This is a series that I do wish I had started from at the beginning but reading this book as a stand-alone works amazingly well. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book as it has been left open and I need to know what the family are going to do about the threat that is looming in the future!
This is a gangland thriller and there is a reasonable amount of what you would expect. But this is also more family-based as such, the author shows how Adam is trying to navigate a relationship, how Scarlet is trying to stay the strong businesswoman but how other aspects of her life may be suffering. There is the family in Italy that also needs support and it is all connected and flows so well in the story.
I really enjoyed this book and if you are a fan of gangland family-based crime thrillers then you should look at this book, series and author. It is one I would definitely recommend.
December 11, 2023
The Bad Boy by Gillian Godden
Book 5 of 5 The Lambrianus
The Lambrianus are back, and they are badder than ever.
Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Adam Lambrianu understands only too well the fearsome family legacy he's inherited. He only wants to make his family proud, but as a renowned playboy and bad boy, he has a wild and reckless reputation.
Scarlet Lambrianu knows her little brother needs to step up in running the family casino business and empire, but she also worries the old gangland ways don't interest him anymore. Adam's sure he can make his own money and build his legacy in his own unique way.
Desperate to keep Adam in line, old family friend Julie Gold is called in to help. She knows Adam has big plans, but rules in their world must be followed.
But Adam is a Lambrianu, and just like his infamous father before him, he knows that if you want to succeed, sometimes rules must be broken.
What a terrific read; I really enjoyed the whole series.
Again, this story can be read as a stand-alone, but personally, I advise everyone to read the previous four books to enjoy this series fully.
It is a vicious, heartless, and all-encompassing gangland thriller with depth, spirit and grit.
I look forward to seeing what this author has in store for us next.
I want to thank publishers Boldwood Books, author Gillian Godden and Rachels Random Resources for a copy to read and review.
Book 5 of 5 The Lambrianus
The Lambrianus are back, and they are badder than ever.
Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Adam Lambrianu understands only too well the fearsome family legacy he's inherited. He only wants to make his family proud, but as a renowned playboy and bad boy, he has a wild and reckless reputation.
Scarlet Lambrianu knows her little brother needs to step up in running the family casino business and empire, but she also worries the old gangland ways don't interest him anymore. Adam's sure he can make his own money and build his legacy in his own unique way.
Desperate to keep Adam in line, old family friend Julie Gold is called in to help. She knows Adam has big plans, but rules in their world must be followed.
But Adam is a Lambrianu, and just like his infamous father before him, he knows that if you want to succeed, sometimes rules must be broken.
What a terrific read; I really enjoyed the whole series.
Again, this story can be read as a stand-alone, but personally, I advise everyone to read the previous four books to enjoy this series fully.
It is a vicious, heartless, and all-encompassing gangland thriller with depth, spirit and grit.
I look forward to seeing what this author has in store for us next.
I want to thank publishers Boldwood Books, author Gillian Godden and Rachels Random Resources for a copy to read and review.
December 16, 2023
📚📖 BOOK REVIEW 📖📚
📖 Book - The Bad Boy
✍️ Author - Gillian Godden
📕 Publisher - Boldwood books
🗓 Publication Date - 6th Dec 23
This is the latest book in the LAMBRIANUS book series! Brother and sister Adam + Scarlett are the main characters. They have taken over the ‘family Business’, especially now their parents have passed on. Julie Gold appears a previous character from Gillian’s books. Oh my days… I LOVE Julie. She made me laugh on numerous occasions! Genuinely couldn’t put this book down. I feel like I know the characters now but there is always things come up that the reader wouldn’t have known- keeping you on your toes!!
Now the ending of this book ….. wait WHAT?! 😳😫😭. I even messaged the author, to tell her I was bereft. I had a proper book ending tantrum 😂🤦🏽♀️!! Such a cliffhanger. 5 stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for sending me this ARC and allowing me to be part of the upcoming blog tour ♥️📕. #Crimea #crime #crimescene #crimeaphoto #crimeanow #crimeslab #crimeanwar #crimefiction #crimefighter #crimes #crimearepublic #crimeandpunishment #crimedrama #CrimeByDesign #crimeafirst #crimealife #crimeatrip #crimeaXrun #crimestory #CRIMEFAMILY #crimestoppers #crimen #crimeprevention #crimealove #crimereport #crimesagainsthumanity #crimepartner #CrimeNovel #crimepartners #crimesorciere
📖 Book - The Bad Boy
✍️ Author - Gillian Godden
📕 Publisher - Boldwood books
🗓 Publication Date - 6th Dec 23
This is the latest book in the LAMBRIANUS book series! Brother and sister Adam + Scarlett are the main characters. They have taken over the ‘family Business’, especially now their parents have passed on. Julie Gold appears a previous character from Gillian’s books. Oh my days… I LOVE Julie. She made me laugh on numerous occasions! Genuinely couldn’t put this book down. I feel like I know the characters now but there is always things come up that the reader wouldn’t have known- keeping you on your toes!!
Now the ending of this book ….. wait WHAT?! 😳😫😭. I even messaged the author, to tell her I was bereft. I had a proper book ending tantrum 😂🤦🏽♀️!! Such a cliffhanger. 5 stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for sending me this ARC and allowing me to be part of the upcoming blog tour ♥️📕. #Crimea #crime #crimescene #crimeaphoto #crimeanow #crimeslab #crimeanwar #crimefiction #crimefighter #crimes #crimearepublic #crimeandpunishment #crimedrama #CrimeByDesign #crimeafirst #crimealife #crimeatrip #crimeaXrun #crimestory #CRIMEFAMILY #crimestoppers #crimen #crimeprevention #crimealove #crimereport #crimesagainsthumanity #crimepartner #CrimeNovel #crimepartners #crimesorciere
December 1, 2023
I am a massive fan of this author's books and have read several. However, to my surprise, this book works perfectly as a standalone novel. Although there were a few references to past events that I may have missed, they didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. I recognized one of the characters, Julie Gold, from a previous book, but even without that knowledge, this book proved to be a fantastic read.
The Lambrianus Family owns a business primarily managed by Scarlet and her younger brother, Adam. Adam is a charming ladies' man who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, making him the pretty wrong boy. However, to keep him from causing trouble, the family enlists the help of their friend Julie Gold to keep him in check.
He has come up with a new business idea that, along with Julie's help, has the potential to generate significant profits. However, his involvement in certain business dealings may lead to severe consequences. Additionally, this situation involves another member of the family.
I just finished an incredible gangland crime thriller that follows the Lambrianus family as they adapt to changing times. The author's attention to detail was exceptional and kept me engaged throughout. A must-read for crime thriller fans!
The Lambrianus Family owns a business primarily managed by Scarlet and her younger brother, Adam. Adam is a charming ladies' man who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, making him the pretty wrong boy. However, to keep him from causing trouble, the family enlists the help of their friend Julie Gold to keep him in check.
He has come up with a new business idea that, along with Julie's help, has the potential to generate significant profits. However, his involvement in certain business dealings may lead to severe consequences. Additionally, this situation involves another member of the family.
I just finished an incredible gangland crime thriller that follows the Lambrianus family as they adapt to changing times. The author's attention to detail was exceptional and kept me engaged throughout. A must-read for crime thriller fans!
December 3, 2023
A dark and gritty gangland thriller that had me breathless and constantly looking over my shoulder! Adam Lambrianu steps up into the family business even though sister Scarlett isn't sure if he's interested. Family friend Julie Gold is stepping up to help but there are rules to be followed. I couldn't flip through the pages fast enough and it left me gasping for breath. It's fast paced and one hell of a ride showing revenge is best served cold. Adam Lambrianu is made out to be immature but I think he is quite smart and I wouldn't want to come across him that's for sure. This is the first book of the series that I have read and it can be read as a standalone but I am going to go back and read from the beginning as I think it will be even more enjoyable.
November 14, 2023
I love this Authors books. and we now have a new series. The Lambrianus children Scarlet and Adam who run the family business. OH, and our Julie Gold in it as hilarious. as normal with her schemes. Scarlet is ruthless. But so is Adam.so like his father. And not forgetting Knuckles a man of a few words. Then Adam meets Jennifer and it's the first time he has ever felt anything for a woman. Adam and his best friend Bruce with Julie go in to the biggest. stock market scam .and then someone try 's to kill Adam. and they have to find out who it is .and what a cliff hanger. can't wait for book two.an amazing read from this author.
January 6, 2024
The 5th book in the Lambrianus series,a powerful gritty and hard-hitting gangland thriller that I could'nt put down,Gillian Godden knows how to deliver.It was great finding out what the next generation of the Lambrianus family are up to and from the ending we're in for a lot more to come, I can't wait.
RECOMMENDED
Follow me on Instagram @Lovetoread2023
RECOMMENDED
Follow me on Instagram @Lovetoread2023
December 16, 2023
Excellent, gripping read
I have read from books 1 to 5 back to back, I could not put them down. The ,forth book was a real tearjerker. I had not read any of her books before but I will certainly read her others and I can't wait for the next in this series
I have read from books 1 to 5 back to back, I could not put them down. The ,forth book was a real tearjerker. I had not read any of her books before but I will certainly read her others and I can't wait for the next in this series
December 29, 2023
Good book
I thought this was the last book n the Lambrianu series but i thought there could be more to come. Do they all go to Italy and do someone kill Chris to save Adam. I did enjoy this books though
I thought this was the last book n the Lambrianu series but i thought there could be more to come. Do they all go to Italy and do someone kill Chris to save Adam. I did enjoy this books though
January 30, 2024
Omg to think I thought after the book I thought it was alll over noooo not at all all grown up Tony& frans kids carry on where they left off the ending of this one had me screaming out !! Cannot wait for the nxt one
June 18, 2024
Brilliant
I've loved the whole series this one included!!! It finished on a cliff hanger I wasn't expecting so I'm stuck waiting for the next book!!!! The lambrianus are one of my favourite families!!!
I've loved the whole series this one included!!! It finished on a cliff hanger I wasn't expecting so I'm stuck waiting for the next book!!!! The lambrianus are one of my favourite families!!!
August 27, 2025
was good to catch up with the next generation of the Lambrianu family. Keeps you on the edge of your seat most of the way through. The last page leaves you on a cliffhanger, looking forward to see what happens next
December 18, 2023
Brilliant
It's so good to have the Lambrianus back. It's just as good as all the other books. I'm looking forward to the next one.
It's so good to have the Lambrianus back. It's just as good as all the other books. I'm looking forward to the next one.
January 13, 2024
Another great read. thoroughly enjoyed this one as with all the other books by this author.
Gripping.
Gripping.
February 15, 2025
Best series this year
Need book 6 now just need more and the silvas can't put these books down always leaves you needing moor
Need book 6 now just need more and the silvas can't put these books down always leaves you needing moor
July 23, 2025
No ending
Was showing as 93% read and then ended! Just leaves you hanging! Read all her other books this one disappointed me
Was showing as 93% read and then ended! Just leaves you hanging! Read all her other books this one disappointed me
March 3, 2025
Brilliant read really enjoyed all of Gillian Goddens books great read .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2023
Wow!! Gillian Godden never disappoints and this was no exception! Scarlett and Adam Lambrianu are siblings who run a tight ship as far as the family business goes and don’t ever take an any prisoners. Scarlett though is worried that little brother Adam is a bit too reckless and calls on family friend Julie Gold to help keep him from doing anything that could backfire. The violence was not too graphic and left lots to the imagination, I love the fact that there was also some romance and the importance of trust and family is very much at the heart of this. Whatever you do never even think about crossing the Lambrianu family! A gritty page turner this is gangland at its best. Cannot wait for the next one!
January 2, 2024
The Bad Boy is the latest action-packed gangland thriller by Gillian Godden fans of the genre will thoroughly enjoy.
Adam Lambrianu was born to great wealth, power and privilege. He’s fully aware of how lucky he is – and of the legacy he has inherited from his family. Making his family proud is his number one priority – even though he is a bad boy with a fearsome reputation that precedes him. Lately, however, Adam is being pressured into running the family’s casino empire and he isn’t sure whether the way the Lambrianus do business interests him anymore.
His sister Scarlet is worried about him. The Lambrianus have always done things their way and Adam wanting to change the status quo and his interest in building his own legacy is making her nervous. Scarlet needs help to convince Adam not to stray from the path she has him set on so she calls in reinforcements: old friend Julie Gold. Scarlet is sure that Julie will convince her brother to see things her way, however, she should know that Adam is a Lambrianu male who knows only too well that in order to succeed, rules have to be broken.
Gillian Godden’s The Bad Boy is a wild ride that will leave readers barely able to catch their breath. Dark, gritty, gripping and unsettling, The Bad Boy is a powerful tale of ruthless ambition, family ties and impossible sacrifices by Gillian Godden full of chills, shocks and surprises that is a struggle to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Adam Lambrianu was born to great wealth, power and privilege. He’s fully aware of how lucky he is – and of the legacy he has inherited from his family. Making his family proud is his number one priority – even though he is a bad boy with a fearsome reputation that precedes him. Lately, however, Adam is being pressured into running the family’s casino empire and he isn’t sure whether the way the Lambrianus do business interests him anymore.
His sister Scarlet is worried about him. The Lambrianus have always done things their way and Adam wanting to change the status quo and his interest in building his own legacy is making her nervous. Scarlet needs help to convince Adam not to stray from the path she has him set on so she calls in reinforcements: old friend Julie Gold. Scarlet is sure that Julie will convince her brother to see things her way, however, she should know that Adam is a Lambrianu male who knows only too well that in order to succeed, rules have to be broken.
Gillian Godden’s The Bad Boy is a wild ride that will leave readers barely able to catch their breath. Dark, gritty, gripping and unsettling, The Bad Boy is a powerful tale of ruthless ambition, family ties and impossible sacrifices by Gillian Godden full of chills, shocks and surprises that is a struggle to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews