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Sweet Water High #4
Flirting with the Bad Boy
I knew better than to fall for him.
1 town. 1 high school. 12 sweet romances.
Read Flirting with the Bad Boy from Michelle Pennington. It is the fourth installment of the Sweet Water High Multi-Author Series. Each book is a stand-alone but follows the school year chronologically.
There was a reason I had a no dating rule. It only leads to heartbreak.
And no one had ever tempted me to break it—until Jason. I was close to giving in, to trusting him enough to be more than friends who stood a little too close and looked at each other a little too long. But then he started dating her.
Turns out, my rule didn’t protect me from getting my heart broken.
But something is weird. He doesn’t look at her like he looks at me. And I’m going to figure out why.
1 town. 1 high school. 12 sweet romances.
Read Flirting with the Bad Boy from Michelle Pennington. It is the fourth installment of the Sweet Water High Multi-Author Series. Each book is a stand-alone but follows the school year chronologically.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2019
549 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 16, 2019
What a Sweet Story!
So cute! I'm really loving this YA Sweet Water High series. These sweet first love stories remind me of high school with all the sporting events, classes and friend drama. This book had a great forward momentum that kept me interested and invested from the very beginning. I loved how both main characters were slightly misunderstood but others and by each other until they took the time to invest and communicate. This was a sweet story!
So cute! I'm really loving this YA Sweet Water High series. These sweet first love stories remind me of high school with all the sporting events, classes and friend drama. This book had a great forward momentum that kept me interested and invested from the very beginning. I loved how both main characters were slightly misunderstood but others and by each other until they took the time to invest and communicate. This was a sweet story!
May 1, 2019
(4.5 Stars) I love a good, wholesome YA romance and this one hit that sweet spot. Amber "The Hammer," is a very driven young lady--she works extra hard at school and volleyball and has no time for guys. But when Jason rescues her, she can't help but be intrigued by this bad boy newcomer.
My favorite thing is when characters are able to dig past the surface and truly discover who they are, see those around them in a different light, and help each other become the best version of themselves and this story definitely delivered in all those aspects. They prove that while seemingly completely opposite, commonalities can always be discovered, bonds can be formed, and rules can be changed.
Amber and Jason are strong characters, yet they each have soft spots for the underdog and a passion for their sports. I loved watching the sparks develop through friendship, on the beach, and at school. This is a great series for YA lovers!
Content: mild romance; mild violence
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
My favorite thing is when characters are able to dig past the surface and truly discover who they are, see those around them in a different light, and help each other become the best version of themselves and this story definitely delivered in all those aspects. They prove that while seemingly completely opposite, commonalities can always be discovered, bonds can be formed, and rules can be changed.
Amber and Jason are strong characters, yet they each have soft spots for the underdog and a passion for their sports. I loved watching the sparks develop through friendship, on the beach, and at school. This is a great series for YA lovers!
Content: mild romance; mild violence
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
May 31, 2019
Amber is a star volleyball player, looking to play for Duke University. She doesn't want anything to distract her from getting a high GPA and playing her best, which is why she has a no dating rule. Boyfriends were "time-sucks who created way too much drama."
Her no dating rule kind of goes out the window when she gets the attention of the Jason, one of the school's football players. He's the new guy at school ands kind of a mystery--no one knows much about him, but of course there are rumors.
If you enjoy sweet YA romances, you'll really like this one. Two teenagers that are misunderstood by those who don't really know them. Jason's life is like the one Amber remembers before her mom remarried, so she understands Jason. Their relationship is completely believable and didn't feel rushed, although this is a short book.
This is part of the Sweet Water High book series which are written by different authors. This can be read as a standalone.
Her no dating rule kind of goes out the window when she gets the attention of the Jason, one of the school's football players. He's the new guy at school ands kind of a mystery--no one knows much about him, but of course there are rumors.
If you enjoy sweet YA romances, you'll really like this one. Two teenagers that are misunderstood by those who don't really know them. Jason's life is like the one Amber remembers before her mom remarried, so she understands Jason. Their relationship is completely believable and didn't feel rushed, although this is a short book.
This is part of the Sweet Water High book series which are written by different authors. This can be read as a standalone.
April 24, 2019
-‘As much as I want to change and make myself a better person for you, I’m cursed. I was born to be a certain way, and life just won’t let me be any different.”’-
Great YA story! Very similar in style to Judy Corry, Julia Keanini, Bree Livingston,... and many others who write clean romance for teens and young adults. Good storyline, likeable characters, fast-paced and short enough to keep the reader interested all the way through, yet long enough the story doesn’t feel rushed. Really good. Definitely recommend it.
Great YA story! Very similar in style to Judy Corry, Julia Keanini, Bree Livingston,... and many others who write clean romance for teens and young adults. Good storyline, likeable characters, fast-paced and short enough to keep the reader interested all the way through, yet long enough the story doesn’t feel rushed. Really good. Definitely recommend it.
April 13, 2020
I’ve been absent on goodreads for quite a while, but if feels so great to write a quick little review again. I’ve been binge reading Michelle’s books and have been disappointed by none so far. This book is the second young adult one I’ve read by her, coming in close second to Before We Say Goodbye— which was amazinG! This read was light, enjoyable, fun, and very nostalgic of high school years in way. I give this one 4 well earned stars and cannot not wait for more material from this wonderful author:)
May 13, 2019
3.5 stars Very nice. True, it is a literary equivalent of cotton candy, but well written and providing you with an appropriate dose of escapism. Guess I will try another boook in this series.
May 9, 2019
Fun YA book. I caught myself smiling and even giggling throughout the book. To be a teenager again and having a crush and flirting...
May 16, 2019
Amber, “The Hammer”, a star volleyball player on the girls team at Sweet Water High is focused on one thing - her future. That future includes volleyball, excelling in school and entering Duke University in the fall. Therefore her no - dating rule she has set for herself makes perfect sense. No distractions, no broken hearts and no boys! No boys that is until Jason Hunt enters the picture.
Jason Hunt, a star football player, is gorgeous to look at, but comes with a bad boy reputation for fighting. When a chance encounter leads Amber to become more intrigued with this “bad boy”, she starts to doubt the validity of her no-dating rule. As the sparks begin to fly between the two, Amber softens and opens her heart. Jason is more intelligent, complex and softer than anyone will gives him credit. Amber, willing to take a chance begins to fall hook, line and sinker, letting the chips fall where they may.
Flirting With The Bad Boy, the 4th book in the Sweet Water High series by Michelle Pennington is a quick and easy read with so much heart that teens, to young adults, to grandmas will want to get on board with the series. I enjoyed this light hearted book and am looking forward to the rest of the Sweet Water series.
Jason Hunt, a star football player, is gorgeous to look at, but comes with a bad boy reputation for fighting. When a chance encounter leads Amber to become more intrigued with this “bad boy”, she starts to doubt the validity of her no-dating rule. As the sparks begin to fly between the two, Amber softens and opens her heart. Jason is more intelligent, complex and softer than anyone will gives him credit. Amber, willing to take a chance begins to fall hook, line and sinker, letting the chips fall where they may.
Flirting With The Bad Boy, the 4th book in the Sweet Water High series by Michelle Pennington is a quick and easy read with so much heart that teens, to young adults, to grandmas will want to get on board with the series. I enjoyed this light hearted book and am looking forward to the rest of the Sweet Water series.
July 26, 2019
This book was SO. GOOD. Michelle's writing is masterful, and I found myself falli g in love with her words as well as her characters. Jason had me swooning from the beginning and I loved seeing him soften and Amber become more assertive throughout the story. Michelle drew me into her world and it was fun to spend a few hours there!
May 7, 2019
Definitely a 5 star ⭐️ read
Yassss finally another book with the female over 5 foot 5 ... so glad shes 5’10 ....
I just loved that but anyways....
****A possibly of some spoilers in this short review••***
I will say this I definitely enjoyed this book it actually took me a day to finish it though I finish it around 12am ish... though that still doesn’t count for the next day in my book. But I really was rooting for Amber and Jason; I kind of wanted to smack him just a little bit when he went out with Brielle but not that much because Amber did tell him to go ahead... but he also was stupid enough to actually agree to Brielle dating; to make Troy mad... but in reality Brielle wanted to date him anyways... but Brielle was actually an idiot because Jason didn’t even want her she literally was obsessed with him “poor thing” was just hating on Amber so bad it was ridiculous.
One thing I was glad Of when Jason choked the guy who wanted Amber to smell his nasty armpit that was just nasty and Troy for calling her a SLUT when she wasn’t even a SLUT!!! Jason definitely taken up for Amber a lot because he truly cared about her and was brave enough unlike the other guys to ask her out though, she rejected him the first time. But I was glad she came to her senses and her family accepted Jason unlike everybody else. That’s what I hate when people are so judgmental that they don’t see past a person behavior in their past or how they may act because of that’s what they are use too. But that person has to change for themselves or have someone who they wants to change for and that what happened with Jason which I was glad for....
Yassss finally another book with the female over 5 foot 5 ... so glad shes 5’10 ....
I just loved that but anyways....
****A possibly of some spoilers in this short review••***
I will say this I definitely enjoyed this book it actually took me a day to finish it though I finish it around 12am ish... though that still doesn’t count for the next day in my book. But I really was rooting for Amber and Jason; I kind of wanted to smack him just a little bit when he went out with Brielle but not that much because Amber did tell him to go ahead... but he also was stupid enough to actually agree to Brielle dating; to make Troy mad... but in reality Brielle wanted to date him anyways... but Brielle was actually an idiot because Jason didn’t even want her she literally was obsessed with him “poor thing” was just hating on Amber so bad it was ridiculous.
One thing I was glad Of when Jason choked the guy who wanted Amber to smell his nasty armpit that was just nasty and Troy for calling her a SLUT when she wasn’t even a SLUT!!! Jason definitely taken up for Amber a lot because he truly cared about her and was brave enough unlike the other guys to ask her out though, she rejected him the first time. But I was glad she came to her senses and her family accepted Jason unlike everybody else. That’s what I hate when people are so judgmental that they don’t see past a person behavior in their past or how they may act because of that’s what they are use too. But that person has to change for themselves or have someone who they wants to change for and that what happened with Jason which I was glad for....
May 11, 2019
Jason was a star tight-end on the Sweet Water High football team. He had a bad boy reputation and had a rough upbringing. He lived with his grandparents because his mom was a drunk and his dad had always abused her.
Amber was a star volleyballl player known as "The Hammer". She lived with her mom, stepdad and stepbrother, Ryker. She had everything she could possibly want but she remembered when she and her mom were on their own and lived a poor existence. She saw her younger self in Jason. As she got to know Jason, she saw what a wonderful person he was. But, she had rules that she lived by and one of those was she didn't date, EVER! She didn't want the drama or the heartbreak. She might just be willing to break those rules for Jason, though.
This was a sweet YA novel that a clean read with a happy ending. It is book #4 in the Sweet Water High Series and is a fun read about high school drama and how to overcome it. I was given an arc copy of this book and I offer my honest review.
Amber was a star volleyballl player known as "The Hammer". She lived with her mom, stepdad and stepbrother, Ryker. She had everything she could possibly want but she remembered when she and her mom were on their own and lived a poor existence. She saw her younger self in Jason. As she got to know Jason, she saw what a wonderful person he was. But, she had rules that she lived by and one of those was she didn't date, EVER! She didn't want the drama or the heartbreak. She might just be willing to break those rules for Jason, though.
This was a sweet YA novel that a clean read with a happy ending. It is book #4 in the Sweet Water High Series and is a fun read about high school drama and how to overcome it. I was given an arc copy of this book and I offer my honest review.
March 12, 2020
It had great potential until chapter 11 when the story line went to crap. These two didn’t even know each other to begin with. There wasn’t any development of their relationship. They went from strangers who were attracted to each other to each other’s biggest fan and “knew” each other. Then it ended.
I was disappointed
I was disappointed
December 19, 2019
Flirting with the Bad Boy
Had the potential to be really good but like one day in and they were in love which ruined it for me. Plot just moved too quickly.
Had the potential to be really good but like one day in and they were in love which ruined it for me. Plot just moved too quickly.
November 19, 2019
Amber&Jason❤️ So overall I liked the story. Amber is super focused on her goals - school, volleyball, getting into Duke. And she feels different than other girls because of her height. She has sworn off dating, since all the drama around it would be a distraction. But then comes Jason - the huge, but kind guy, who is getting easily into trouble, but who acts like a real gentleman. He is such a contradiction, but actually when you get to know him, it all makes sense. And he is interested in Amber, but she refuses to date him. So in fact that was the one thing I didn't like that much. Amber is do adamant that she doesn't want a relationship but right away does completely the opposite. I know that YA emotions change fast, but... it was too fast and progressed fast too. Otherwise the story was great - it included some issues like prejudice (on part of both kids and adults), domestic violence, step parents... I liked how Amber believed in Jason and helped him find his footing in life. And how she fought for him and wanted others to give him a fair chance.
Narrative: 1st person following Amber
Religion: none
Sensuality: chaste, only kisses
Narrative: 1st person following Amber
Religion: none
Sensuality: chaste, only kisses
October 26, 2020
It would have been a good book if the plot was stretched out. So far, every book in this series was really good because they moved slowly and gave us time to get to know the characters. This book would have been great if it was slower. They met each other, fell half in love the next day, had a fight and then fixed it within a span of a day, and then fell completely in love the 4th day. I find that somewhat hard to believe. And at the beginning, the girl(Amber) acted like she couldn't give up anything for a boy but I felt like she crumbled so fast. I wish I saw more of the breakdown of how he changed her for the better and vice versa. My final thoughts: This could have been a great book that could have gotten 5 star ratings, if the author elongated the story and didn't rush the story so much. Even if it was meant to be a short book, they should have started dating after they got to know each other more, so they should have started dating at the end of the book, after a couple of weeks. Has great potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2019
I liked this book. I wish that it was longer so that the characters were more fleshed out and the plot was more detailed. A common thing I've noticed in this series is that it is cut short of being a full fledged novel. I felt like there were so many things happening in the background that I was missing out in the character development and the developing relationship between Amber and Jason. The socioeconomic difference kind of trope and bad boy romance aren't my favorites but it wasn't too bad here. Jason's situation and how he viewed himself ... ugh it broke my heart. Breaks my heart to think so many people feel that same way about themselves. When Amber confronted her coach for the way Jason was treated ughhh my heart. She was so right. I really liked Jason. But my main thing was that it felt a little fast because the book was too short.
July 23, 2022
A sweet, hope-filled read about giving people a chance
Fast read that's part of a series, but they all can be read as a stand alone. I liked how Jason was perceived as a bad boy, but he was really gentle and respectful and completely, fiercely loyal to his people. I wonder how many other teens we could help by encouraging them to reach their potential instead of keeping them trapped in stereo types. The only thing I didn't like was when Amber changed into an over the top flirt who tried to get him to cheat on Brielle. Too much of a negative character change. There's a difference between being forceful and standing up for to what you want and turning into someone else.
My favorite of the series so far.
Clean with some violence.
Fast read that's part of a series, but they all can be read as a stand alone. I liked how Jason was perceived as a bad boy, but he was really gentle and respectful and completely, fiercely loyal to his people. I wonder how many other teens we could help by encouraging them to reach their potential instead of keeping them trapped in stereo types. The only thing I didn't like was when Amber changed into an over the top flirt who tried to get him to cheat on Brielle. Too much of a negative character change. There's a difference between being forceful and standing up for to what you want and turning into someone else.
My favorite of the series so far.
Clean with some violence.
April 30, 2019
This is a fun romance about a driven highschool-age volleyball player who falls hard for a football player from the wrong side of the tracks. As usual, Pennington does a great job of taking us inside the main character's world. I really like Amber--we intimidating, non-makeup-wearing, boy-clueless ladies have to stick together.
I wasn't sure what this book was going to be like, especially with a title like "Flirting with the Bad Boy." But as usual for Pennington, this is a clean romance with characters who are trying to do the right thing. And despite Jason's bad reputation, he has integrity and a heart for others.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't sure what this book was going to be like, especially with a title like "Flirting with the Bad Boy." But as usual for Pennington, this is a clean romance with characters who are trying to do the right thing. And despite Jason's bad reputation, he has integrity and a heart for others.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2019
This was an enjoyable story. I liked delving into Jason and Amber's characters to find out what made them tick. Jason was a driven jock that stuck up for the little guy. He seemed to be ready to defend the defenseless at the expense of himself. Amber is driven as well, to be the best at everything she does. Her drive has kept boys at arm's length, but then again she doesn't need the distraction. I loved how the couple started talking to one another. I liked how they kept finding themselves in situations that they needed to be around each other. This was an enjoyable high school romance.
April 4, 2020
Amber looks the part of a rich snob - but really she's just an insecure kid trying to figure out how she fits in. She and her mother went from being dirt poor to being wealthy when her mother remarried, but 7 years later Amber still has a hard time feeling like she really fits into her family. Jason is the new mysterious kid on the football team. He has a lot of potential, but he happens to get into fights a lot. He needs someone to believe in him and help him achieve what seems impossible to him.
May 2, 2019
Michelle , you are an amazing writer . This was a sweet romance with so much more .
You covered real issues that happen in high schools all across America 🇺🇸 . I absolutely fell in love with Jason and Amber’s high school romance .A real page turner and it played out more like a movie 🍿 🎥 then a book 📚 . Please do let this be the end of their love story . ❤️
Keep writing ✍️ your master pieces and I will keep buying them . One of your number one fans . 😉
You covered real issues that happen in high schools all across America 🇺🇸 . I absolutely fell in love with Jason and Amber’s high school romance .A real page turner and it played out more like a movie 🍿 🎥 then a book 📚 . Please do let this be the end of their love story . ❤️
Keep writing ✍️ your master pieces and I will keep buying them . One of your number one fans . 😉
May 10, 2019
Ooh...
This one was short, but soooo good! I love that the main characters were able to understand each other so well because they were both athletic and came from disadvantaged childhoods. It just added a nice depth to the story.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series being released later this month. Yay!
5 stars.
This one was short, but soooo good! I love that the main characters were able to understand each other so well because they were both athletic and came from disadvantaged childhoods. It just added a nice depth to the story.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series being released later this month. Yay!
5 stars.
October 14, 2019
Tough and soft
I really enjoyed this story, it very artfully showed the struggle to believe in yourself and what that can do for someone else when someone believes in them. Plus a very cute romance between the volleyball player and the football player. Great characters and thought out interaction kept me interested the whole time.
I really enjoyed this story, it very artfully showed the struggle to believe in yourself and what that can do for someone else when someone believes in them. Plus a very cute romance between the volleyball player and the football player. Great characters and thought out interaction kept me interested the whole time.
February 5, 2020
It was pretty cute.
The main characters rival was kinda of annoying like not in the rival is trying to win, no she would do stupid things that just bothered me. The story was really good though, the characters were cute and funny. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about a high school romance with a hard to get girl/boy.
The main characters rival was kinda of annoying like not in the rival is trying to win, no she would do stupid things that just bothered me. The story was really good though, the characters were cute and funny. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about a high school romance with a hard to get girl/boy.
April 12, 2020
I thought I would love this book, considering the 4.11 stars rating but it ended up being just OK, for me. I've had a hard time finishing it because I never got invested in this story. The plot moved too quickly, I feel like I missed something. One day they don't know each other and the other day they are in love... just weird.
December 6, 2025
This is my favorite book in the series so far. It was just so wholesome: a good family unit, respectful MMC who just wants to be given a chance to prove himself, motivated FMC who just wants to support the boy she loves. I haven't highlighted in a book as much as I did with this one; there were so many good, wholesome lines.
May 9, 2019
This was such a great book! I couldn’t put it down!! Jason and Amber are so good together and want to make each other better. I love Michelle’s books! She is such a great author and I can’t wait for her next book
July 5, 2019
Very fun high school romance complete with all the drama you expect in high school and the roller coaster ride:) very dynamic characters with lots of sparks while keeping it clean! I highly recommend this book and author! Happy reading!
September 4, 2019
Sweet story. Easy to read.
A very sweet story. Easy to read. Always enjoy books with a bad boy in them. Nice to see a tall athletic girl featured, rather than just the typical small stature cheerleader type.
A very sweet story. Easy to read. Always enjoy books with a bad boy in them. Nice to see a tall athletic girl featured, rather than just the typical small stature cheerleader type.
April 17, 2020
Adorably sweet!
Love, love, love!! ❤
Wow, and I do mean wow! This novel was excellent and thorough without becoming explicit! I love romantic novels and this one had a wonderful storyline to keep me entertained! Fabulous!
Love, love, love!! ❤
Wow, and I do mean wow! This novel was excellent and thorough without becoming explicit! I love romantic novels and this one had a wonderful storyline to keep me entertained! Fabulous!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews