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Love in Ocean Grove #3
Bea and the Bad Boy
A strong person doesn’t seek revenge. They let karma do the dirty work.
Too bad Bea isn’t strong, or at least she doesn’t think she is, which is why she jumps when the opportunity presents itself to get back at her twin brother and former best friend the summer before her senior year.
That opportunity is six-foot-two, with the wing-span of an Olympic swimmer, the abs of a professional body builder and the strong jaw of a Greek god. Unfortunately, his name is Carter Haines and is Bea’s next-door neighbor. He's also dangerous. Like, police show up at the door dangerous.
All of those things make Carter the right person for her plan and luckily for her he needs a girl just like Bea to accomplish a few of his own goals this summer. Primarily, keeping his job and not getting sent to boarding school.
The plan goes off too smoothly, throwing these two into each other’s orbit, where they learn the truth about one another, why their lives are a mess and what it’s like to really trust someone.
Bea and the Bad Boy is a standalone novel from Love in Ocean Grove, series of books about swoony first time love and toe-curling kisses for readers of all ages.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2019
103 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 20, 2019
'Bea and the Bad Boy' by Anna Catherine Field is a page-turning story that evolves from two people who don't really know much about each other into two people who find that they've been thrown together and it isn't all that bad. Actually, it's pretty good, and the fact that they begin to fall for each other is surprising to both of them, but is icing on the cake for readers.
While Bea considers herself naive and somewhat prudish – or at least that's how she thinks her classmates see her – she finds herself wrapped up in what starts out as a fake relationship with next door neighbor Carter, who is anything but those characteristics. Rather, he is what everyone considers trouble with a capital “T,” yet he also is devastatingly handsome and knows how to charm almost anyone. His life isn't so easy, though, as he deals with an overbearing yet not-so-present father who wants Carter's swimming to be his only focus. Bea finds herself constantly in her twin brother Atticus' shadow, and the fact that her best friend started dating Atticus isn't helping matters any since she no longer feels she can be friends with or confide in her. It's the reason Bea and Carter start faking a relationship – to help each other with the issues they feel are constantly plaguing them. It all turns into something more, though, and while neither of them see it coming, they both find themselves falling for the other, and their already complicated fake relationship becomes all too real, emotions and all.
Mean girls, lies, misunderstandings, friendships gained and lost, and so much more make 'Bea and the Bad Boy' a must read for any lover of young adult romance and drama.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
While Bea considers herself naive and somewhat prudish – or at least that's how she thinks her classmates see her – she finds herself wrapped up in what starts out as a fake relationship with next door neighbor Carter, who is anything but those characteristics. Rather, he is what everyone considers trouble with a capital “T,” yet he also is devastatingly handsome and knows how to charm almost anyone. His life isn't so easy, though, as he deals with an overbearing yet not-so-present father who wants Carter's swimming to be his only focus. Bea finds herself constantly in her twin brother Atticus' shadow, and the fact that her best friend started dating Atticus isn't helping matters any since she no longer feels she can be friends with or confide in her. It's the reason Bea and Carter start faking a relationship – to help each other with the issues they feel are constantly plaguing them. It all turns into something more, though, and while neither of them see it coming, they both find themselves falling for the other, and their already complicated fake relationship becomes all too real, emotions and all.
Mean girls, lies, misunderstandings, friendships gained and lost, and so much more make 'Bea and the Bad Boy' a must read for any lover of young adult romance and drama.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
April 25, 2019
Another great quick read from Anna Field! I definitely read this in one sitting.
I don't remember Bea in the first two books so this can be read as a stand-alone which was nice. I enjoyed Bea as a character. She was sassy and going through something that would be hard on anyone. I thought she was a little harsh to Katherine about the situation though because she seemed like it was Katherine's fault that they weren't talking but if she missed her friend so much then she should have talked it all out with her. Bea didn't expect for her brother and her best friend to start dating and spending so much time together which left Bea alone because she could't handle seeing them together like that.
I'm not really sure what it is with the fake relationships to real ones but lately most of the books I'm reading have that plot. This story is another one because Carter, the bad boy next door, decides to fake date Bea to sorta get back at her brother and best friend. Especially since Atticus, Bea's brother really isn't a fan of Carter's. Carter is the bad boy that lives next door and throws parties all the time and is involved with drugs. He thinks the innocent girl next door will help with his reputation and put him on the straight and narrow. They both think they will get something out of this fake relationship so they go for it. Carter isn't what you expect though and he kinda surprises you in this story. I liked him also and thought they had good chemistry together.
I was sad that this series was over but excited to find out she is writing another one this summer. I would definitely recommend this series!
I don't remember Bea in the first two books so this can be read as a stand-alone which was nice. I enjoyed Bea as a character. She was sassy and going through something that would be hard on anyone. I thought she was a little harsh to Katherine about the situation though because she seemed like it was Katherine's fault that they weren't talking but if she missed her friend so much then she should have talked it all out with her. Bea didn't expect for her brother and her best friend to start dating and spending so much time together which left Bea alone because she could't handle seeing them together like that.
I'm not really sure what it is with the fake relationships to real ones but lately most of the books I'm reading have that plot. This story is another one because Carter, the bad boy next door, decides to fake date Bea to sorta get back at her brother and best friend. Especially since Atticus, Bea's brother really isn't a fan of Carter's. Carter is the bad boy that lives next door and throws parties all the time and is involved with drugs. He thinks the innocent girl next door will help with his reputation and put him on the straight and narrow. They both think they will get something out of this fake relationship so they go for it. Carter isn't what you expect though and he kinda surprises you in this story. I liked him also and thought they had good chemistry together.
I was sad that this series was over but excited to find out she is writing another one this summer. I would definitely recommend this series!
May 15, 2019
It was good
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
**** There are spoilers in this review***•••
This book was good; I get why Bea was upset..... with her brother and her best friend... I think that if they would’ve told her and made her understand she wouldn’t have blown everything up... or she could’ve at least talk to her best friend about it, but she didn’t. I didn’t like how her brother treated her by saying things to her and not Katherine. I was glad she had Carter because he wasn’t like her brother who I kept thinking he wanted the spotlight more than his sister and didn’t want her to shine... but she got more shine than he did with her fake dating Carter... which was good.
That Sabrina girl was just horrible and the funny thing about it there are so many females in the real world who have lied or teen boys and men about they tried rapping or have done something to them. Which come to find out is a line. That’s why I said men think they can do things to females to hurt or harm them, but females can do way worse than a man can... I hated what happened to Carter mom I don’t understand how women can stay with a man who is abusive to them or their kids... there’s no such thing as love if you have to put yourself through something like that... but both Carter and Bea made each other better for one another., though Carter could’ve shut down all those rumors about him.
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
**** There are spoilers in this review***•••
This book was good; I get why Bea was upset..... with her brother and her best friend... I think that if they would’ve told her and made her understand she wouldn’t have blown everything up... or she could’ve at least talk to her best friend about it, but she didn’t. I didn’t like how her brother treated her by saying things to her and not Katherine. I was glad she had Carter because he wasn’t like her brother who I kept thinking he wanted the spotlight more than his sister and didn’t want her to shine... but she got more shine than he did with her fake dating Carter... which was good.
That Sabrina girl was just horrible and the funny thing about it there are so many females in the real world who have lied or teen boys and men about they tried rapping or have done something to them. Which come to find out is a line. That’s why I said men think they can do things to females to hurt or harm them, but females can do way worse than a man can... I hated what happened to Carter mom I don’t understand how women can stay with a man who is abusive to them or their kids... there’s no such thing as love if you have to put yourself through something like that... but both Carter and Bea made each other better for one another., though Carter could’ve shut down all those rumors about him.
August 5, 2019
When Bea's best friend Katherine and twin brother Atticus start dating, she feels betrayed and can't stand to see them together. Katherine was supposed to be her ride or die, but instead, she'd rather spend time with Atticus whenever she comes over to the house. Bea wants to do something to get back at them and to show that she doesn't need either of them. So, she comes up with the plan to fake-date her neighbor Carter, who is the residential bad boy.
Carter has to watch himself this summer because if something goes wrong, his dad will ship him off to boarding school. That's the last thing Carter wants. When Bea approaches him with the idea of dating, he sees it as a chance to appease his dad. Bea is weird, but there's something about her that puts Carter at ease. As the summer goes by, both discover things about each other that will move their hearts.
I love any story involving the bad boy with a backstory. Carter fits this perfectly and I loved learning more about him alongside Bea. I felt bad for the broken friendship between Katherine and Bea because it's obvious that it's hard on them both. BEA AND THE BAD BOY is a sweet contemporary romance that will melt your heart and is the perfect summer read.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of contemporary romance, taming the bad boy, and discovering who you are.
This review can also be found on YABC: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindi...
Carter has to watch himself this summer because if something goes wrong, his dad will ship him off to boarding school. That's the last thing Carter wants. When Bea approaches him with the idea of dating, he sees it as a chance to appease his dad. Bea is weird, but there's something about her that puts Carter at ease. As the summer goes by, both discover things about each other that will move their hearts.
I love any story involving the bad boy with a backstory. Carter fits this perfectly and I loved learning more about him alongside Bea. I felt bad for the broken friendship between Katherine and Bea because it's obvious that it's hard on them both. BEA AND THE BAD BOY is a sweet contemporary romance that will melt your heart and is the perfect summer read.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of contemporary romance, taming the bad boy, and discovering who you are.
This review can also be found on YABC: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindi...
April 30, 2019
No Expectations
‘-contrary to popular opinion, I’m not always a bad guy.”’-
The bad boy image really sticks, even when he doesn’t want it to and it doesn’t fit - not really. But sometimes reputation becomes habit-forming and it can get hard to shake. It’s just easier to let it ride.
-‘I know I need to tell him the truth about what I heard today. I should have already told him, because the stakes just got higher. I don’t want to lose Carter Haines, and I have to decide how far I’ll go to keep him.’-
There are the hangers-on, the users, the ones who only care about themselves and who care nothing about ruining someone else’s life. Then, there are the few genuine people who care - about the true person, the one behind the fake image. But can Bea save him before it’s too late?
This was such a great book! I loved the first one, really liked the second book in the series, and this one was fabulous too. I think I’m hooked on this author’s work! Little bit like Judy Corry, little bit like Julia Keanini, Kasie West, Cookie O’Gorman... if you like some of these authors you’re sure to love this series too! Very reasonably priced and really fun to read, I highly recommend Bea and the Bad Boy, as well as the other books in the series.
‘-contrary to popular opinion, I’m not always a bad guy.”’-
The bad boy image really sticks, even when he doesn’t want it to and it doesn’t fit - not really. But sometimes reputation becomes habit-forming and it can get hard to shake. It’s just easier to let it ride.
-‘I know I need to tell him the truth about what I heard today. I should have already told him, because the stakes just got higher. I don’t want to lose Carter Haines, and I have to decide how far I’ll go to keep him.’-
There are the hangers-on, the users, the ones who only care about themselves and who care nothing about ruining someone else’s life. Then, there are the few genuine people who care - about the true person, the one behind the fake image. But can Bea save him before it’s too late?
This was such a great book! I loved the first one, really liked the second book in the series, and this one was fabulous too. I think I’m hooked on this author’s work! Little bit like Judy Corry, little bit like Julia Keanini, Kasie West, Cookie O’Gorman... if you like some of these authors you’re sure to love this series too! Very reasonably priced and really fun to read, I highly recommend Bea and the Bad Boy, as well as the other books in the series.
December 4, 2023
I guess I know what the book was tying to tell me but I for some reason the writing style isn't clicking with me
In this book we will me Bea, she is "the good girl" who never had a boyfriend and always following her best friend Kathryn, until the day she discovers that her best friend and her twin brother are actually hooking up .. and she caught them in the act !!, so Bea goes through an identity crisis and became secluded from everyone, and she comes up with the perfect plan for revenge, she will fake date Carter, her brother nemesis and the bad boy of the neighborhood and Carter agrees to that plan as long as she does her role so well to chase off a girl that is clinging to him .. and as all fake dating stories go they discovers they are both misunderstood and they fall in love for real
what I like about this series so far is that it's zero drama, and that's why I'm continuing with the series even the dramatic moments are so anti climactic that I can't feel anything towards these characters, too bad because I like these ideas, but for some reason I'm not getting into them.. let's see who we have next
In this book we will me Bea, she is "the good girl" who never had a boyfriend and always following her best friend Kathryn, until the day she discovers that her best friend and her twin brother are actually hooking up .. and she caught them in the act !!, so Bea goes through an identity crisis and became secluded from everyone, and she comes up with the perfect plan for revenge, she will fake date Carter, her brother nemesis and the bad boy of the neighborhood and Carter agrees to that plan as long as she does her role so well to chase off a girl that is clinging to him .. and as all fake dating stories go they discovers they are both misunderstood and they fall in love for real
what I like about this series so far is that it's zero drama, and that's why I'm continuing with the series even the dramatic moments are so anti climactic that I can't feel anything towards these characters, too bad because I like these ideas, but for some reason I'm not getting into them.. let's see who we have next
May 4, 2019
This was the first book I’ve read by Anna Catherine Field, but I can promise you it won’t be the last! I stayed up reading to 2:30am when I needed to get up at 5:30! It was worth it.
Well written, sweet, but not sappy! Bea and her Bad Boy next door neighbor, Carter, start out by joining forces to help help each other solve a problem; the plan is to fake a dating relationship. But they got more than they bargained for as their fake relationship works so well that their personal feelings begin to morph. Each learns lessons about trust and putting the interests of the other first! I think this is why I LOVE the story. It’s not easy; it’s messy, but truth, caring and love take root. Ahh but of course there’s Sabrina who threatens everything Bea and Carter tentatively build. So great to read a good story line with characters and plots that make sense and pull you into the story with them. I enjoyed every moment!
Well written, sweet, but not sappy! Bea and her Bad Boy next door neighbor, Carter, start out by joining forces to help help each other solve a problem; the plan is to fake a dating relationship. But they got more than they bargained for as their fake relationship works so well that their personal feelings begin to morph. Each learns lessons about trust and putting the interests of the other first! I think this is why I LOVE the story. It’s not easy; it’s messy, but truth, caring and love take root. Ahh but of course there’s Sabrina who threatens everything Bea and Carter tentatively build. So great to read a good story line with characters and plots that make sense and pull you into the story with them. I enjoyed every moment!
May 8, 2019
I absolutely loved reading the third installment in the Love in Ocean Grove books. Bea is such a quirky and relatable character. In the beginning of the book she's caught up in her own anger and feelings of betrayal when her best friend starts dating her twin brother. She feels as if her best friend and brother were all she had and now they have each other. In an effort to be seen and prove herself, she starts dating the resident bad boy- Carter. Carter doesn't mind this arrangement as he needs someone to convince his Coach and Dad that he's on the straight and narrow.
As they get to know each other better, they figure out that neither one of them is who the outside world sees. This was so well written. I loved the plot, the characters, the bad boy trope. I can't wait to see another Ocean Grove book.
As they get to know each other better, they figure out that neither one of them is who the outside world sees. This was so well written. I loved the plot, the characters, the bad boy trope. I can't wait to see another Ocean Grove book.
October 14, 2019
Very sweet YA. Does mention drug use but no main characters are shown doing anything. Bea is dealing with best friend issues. Seems like she only has 1 friend. Carter lives next door and supposedly was at Bea's house to hang out with her brother, Atticus, when they were younger. We don't get to see any of those times. Bea's awkwardness is realistically written. She doesn't turn into the all-popular girl in the book with her personal growth but stays true to herself which I liked. Most of the book shows Carter and Bea together but not really as a couple. It is more about the two of them getting to know each other. Cute read.
May 15, 2019
What an amazing sweet love story!! The characters were very well developed and loveable. I love it when I feel what the characters feel and this author has written this book with such talent that I laughed and cried with them. I started pulling for Bea and Carter as soon as they first interacted with each other. The author definitely gives you that "beginning of first love feeling." I read it in a day, didn't want to put it down. Looking forward to reading more from Ms. Field. You won't regret reading this one!!
May 7, 2019
This was a quick light hearted read. Bea and Carter come up with agreement to save his job and for her to get revenge on her best friend and brother. But end up finding out they are both in it for my than just a fake relationship. Carter didn’t start out as my favorite person. He was a jerk to Bea and had the stereotypical bad boy image. But Fields turns that all around when Carter opens up to Bea about his history and and who he really is deep down.
June 6, 2019
Loved, loved, loved it
This was a completely adorable story—I loved it! I loved how Bea was a true friend and an excellent listener. I loved how Carter finally opened up to Bea and discovered the gold in her heart. Loved how their friendship blossomed into something more in such a creative way—Ms. Field is beginning to be one of my favorite authors.
This was a completely adorable story—I loved it! I loved how Bea was a true friend and an excellent listener. I loved how Carter finally opened up to Bea and discovered the gold in her heart. Loved how their friendship blossomed into something more in such a creative way—Ms. Field is beginning to be one of my favorite authors.
August 9, 2019
Loved it. It shows you never know who or where you may find love. Bea is shy, quirky and unpopular. Carter is gorgeous, dangerous and popular. What could they have in common? She wants some revenge and he needs to improve his reputation. So, they fake date but so they find out they really are attracted to each other but is that enough?
September 5, 2019
Is Carter really a bad boy?
I really enjoyed the YA book. Carter is kind of a bad boy, but he is putting up a false front because that is what is expected of him. Bea is a sweet girl, kind of nerdy. Can they shift through all their baggage and forge a real relationship? Read the book!
I really enjoyed the YA book. Carter is kind of a bad boy, but he is putting up a false front because that is what is expected of him. Bea is a sweet girl, kind of nerdy. Can they shift through all their baggage and forge a real relationship? Read the book!
October 12, 2019
I’ve found a new must click author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well written, delightful characters, heart and soul.
I admit at first I though Bea might be a bit childish for my taste, but the more her character developed the more I realized I was only seeing what everyone else was seeing and that was the point.
Can’t wait to explore more from this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well written, delightful characters, heart and soul.
I admit at first I though Bea might be a bit childish for my taste, but the more her character developed the more I realized I was only seeing what everyone else was seeing and that was the point.
Can’t wait to explore more from this author.
April 17, 2021
Good read
I really liked this book. Except Sabrina doesn’t get called out on her behavior or the shady crap she dose. I wish there was more of an ending like what happened next with them .
I really liked this book. Except Sabrina doesn’t get called out on her behavior or the shady crap she dose. I wish there was more of an ending like what happened next with them .
November 14, 2025
I liked the book other than the premise it was based upon. She did not need to heat her brother and best friend for as long as she did. It was cute and kisses only.
There was mention of drugs, sleeping around.
There was mention of drugs, sleeping around.
May 3, 2019
Quirky Bea and misunderstood Carter. Cute read, I liked.
May 14, 2019
Sweet high school romance with a twist of revenge. Loved the characters. The plot was interesting and easy to follow. I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 27, 2019
Great read
This book was such a great read. What can I say. It was perfect. I loved every part of it.
This book was such a great read. What can I say. It was perfect. I loved every part of it.
May 29, 2019
Good five star!
A well written romance novel with young lovers. I enjoyed reading this book very much. Written about young love without sex.
A well written romance novel with young lovers. I enjoyed reading this book very much. Written about young love without sex.
August 1, 2019
What a delightful read! The characters were likable, the necessary angst was not contrived, and I truly enjoyed the entire story. I look forward to reading more from this author!
September 2, 2019
This book has a very similar plot to the second - Bea and the Bad Boy agree to fake a relationship to help each other out, and of course, end up falling in love (you know it's coming, so that's not a spoiler).
October 14, 2019
Bea and the Bad boy is everything you want from a YA romance book. Sweet and simple. Finished it in 2 hours. Highly recommend
May 2, 2020
Definitely a cute, fun read!
October 10, 2020
2.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2021
I just loved it. Would have loved more scenes and details, but what I read, I loved.
February 12, 2022
It was cute enough I liked it but I could’ve used more of a build up to the relationship more like I k owes it’s fake but I don’t feel the chemistry they I would liked to have in a fake dating book.
February 22, 2022
Quick read that me relive my Wattpad days
December 29, 2024
I did not know c expect to be sitting here crying reading this book, but it happened.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews