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The Loyal Boys #2
Bad Boy
Linc
This small town is stifling, and my parents are overbearing. They only care about how others perceive us and sustaining the family legacy. I’m drowning from the pressure they’ve placed on me to be the perfect son, have perfect grades, and wear perfect, preppy clothes. No parties, no friends, no trouble, and certainly no fun.
But everything changes when chaos storms into town in the form of Remington Michaels. The mysterious and dangerous new kid everyone is whispering about. They say he killed someone at his old school. That he’s a brutal fighter. But I don’t believe it. Not with the way he’s always there—protecting me, watching me, touching me.
I have no idea what’s brewing between us, but I’m helpless to stop it when we find ourselves sharing a cabin and becoming friends with benefitsall in the first week. You see, he really is a bad boy. But maybe, just maybe, I could be good for him.
Remi
After getting arrested and expelled from my old school in Detroit, Mom had no choice but to move us back to her hometown. Somewhere I’ve never even been. And we’re staying with my eccentric grandpa, whom I’ve never even met.
This new neighborhood—this new school—isn’t what I expected for a place tucked deep in the mountains of North Carolina. The elitism, the bullies, the social structures—I want no part of it. But then I meet the shy, stumbling Lincoln Anderson. He ignites something inside of me, and I’m drawn to him—his goodness, his quiet resolution. I can’t leave him alone. Won’t leave him alone. Even when an unknown threat from my past endangers everything.
I’m no stranger to putting my fists up, and it doesn’t take long to decide that I’ll wreck anyone who steps near Linc. The thing is, he doesn’t want me to. They say I’m a bad boy, but I think maybe I could be good for him.
Bad Boy is a 96,000-word friends-with-benefits-to-lovers gay romance. It is book two in The Loyal Boys Series, a collection of standalone contemporary M/M romances. You can expect opposites attract, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, and steamy first times. This novel is intended for 18+ readers and contains explicit scenes, violence, language, and bullying from outside sources. See Author’s Note for a full list of Content Warnings.
This small town is stifling, and my parents are overbearing. They only care about how others perceive us and sustaining the family legacy. I’m drowning from the pressure they’ve placed on me to be the perfect son, have perfect grades, and wear perfect, preppy clothes. No parties, no friends, no trouble, and certainly no fun.
But everything changes when chaos storms into town in the form of Remington Michaels. The mysterious and dangerous new kid everyone is whispering about. They say he killed someone at his old school. That he’s a brutal fighter. But I don’t believe it. Not with the way he’s always there—protecting me, watching me, touching me.
I have no idea what’s brewing between us, but I’m helpless to stop it when we find ourselves sharing a cabin and becoming friends with benefitsall in the first week. You see, he really is a bad boy. But maybe, just maybe, I could be good for him.
Remi
After getting arrested and expelled from my old school in Detroit, Mom had no choice but to move us back to her hometown. Somewhere I’ve never even been. And we’re staying with my eccentric grandpa, whom I’ve never even met.
This new neighborhood—this new school—isn’t what I expected for a place tucked deep in the mountains of North Carolina. The elitism, the bullies, the social structures—I want no part of it. But then I meet the shy, stumbling Lincoln Anderson. He ignites something inside of me, and I’m drawn to him—his goodness, his quiet resolution. I can’t leave him alone. Won’t leave him alone. Even when an unknown threat from my past endangers everything.
I’m no stranger to putting my fists up, and it doesn’t take long to decide that I’ll wreck anyone who steps near Linc. The thing is, he doesn’t want me to. They say I’m a bad boy, but I think maybe I could be good for him.
Bad Boy is a 96,000-word friends-with-benefits-to-lovers gay romance. It is book two in The Loyal Boys Series, a collection of standalone contemporary M/M romances. You can expect opposites attract, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, and steamy first times. This novel is intended for 18+ readers and contains explicit scenes, violence, language, and bullying from outside sources. See Author’s Note for a full list of Content Warnings.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2023
274 people are currently reading
1560 people want to read
About the author
Charli Meadows
7 books395 followersCharli Meadows is an obsessive reader, avid bookstagrammer turned PA, and now an author herself. Lover of all romance, she plans to write a little bit of everything, but make it sweet and spicy.
Living in North Carolina with her husband and young daughter, you can usually find Charli working her boring corporate job or at home playing video games, if she’s not reading, writing or daydreaming about books.
Living in North Carolina with her husband and young daughter, you can usually find Charli working her boring corporate job or at home playing video games, if she’s not reading, writing or daydreaming about books.
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June 26, 2024
|| 1.0 star ||
This. Was. So. Bad.
I don’t even want to say too much about it, honestly. This book was just awful. Plain and simple.
The plot was ridiculous, the characters were embarrassing, the writing made me cringe, and the romance was boring to say the least.
Also, absolutely nothing interesting happens in this book. What’s the point of writing a super over-the-top insane bad boy story if you’re going to make is so dull? Nothing lived up to its potential, and I’m not sure I have a better word to describe this book other than “ridiculous”.
I never would have made it through the book if I didn’t skim like crazy. It’s absolutely dreadful to get through the whole thing and I don’t recommend doing it.
Honestly, if you, for some reason, do want to give this book a chance, at least just DNF when you’re not vibing with it early on. Trust me: It does not get better. I would say it possibly only gets worse.
'The Loyal Boys' series:
1. Cali Boy - 3.5 stars
2. Bad Boy - 1.0 star
This. Was. So. Bad.
I don’t even want to say too much about it, honestly. This book was just awful. Plain and simple.
The plot was ridiculous, the characters were embarrassing, the writing made me cringe, and the romance was boring to say the least.
Also, absolutely nothing interesting happens in this book. What’s the point of writing a super over-the-top insane bad boy story if you’re going to make is so dull? Nothing lived up to its potential, and I’m not sure I have a better word to describe this book other than “ridiculous”.
I never would have made it through the book if I didn’t skim like crazy. It’s absolutely dreadful to get through the whole thing and I don’t recommend doing it.
Honestly, if you, for some reason, do want to give this book a chance, at least just DNF when you’re not vibing with it early on. Trust me: It does not get better. I would say it possibly only gets worse.
'The Loyal Boys' series:
1. Cali Boy - 3.5 stars
2. Bad Boy - 1.0 star
January 15, 2023
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. ***
Bad Boy is the newest entry in The Loyal Boys series. This story focuses on Linc, the shy loner, and Remi the friendly bad boy. Remi is new to the area and Linc is tasked as his student advisor. What should be a simple platonic dynamic, changes instantly once they meet. Their chemistry, connection, and instant comfortability with one another create many charged moments that lead to much more.
Linc and Remi are the perfect combinations of opposites attracting. One of my favorite aspects of Charli Meadow's writing is how she shows the instant connection between her characters. Linc and Remi have their own problems, but once they meet all of their issues disappear. The effortless writing style creates a magical appeal, where the characters just get one another and would do anything to make the other happy.
Another great aspect of this story is the balance between the lighter and heavier subjects that are sprinkled throughout the story. Both Linc and Remi have serious problems, which I think were handled very well. I enjoyed how instinctively protective Linc and Remi are.
Overall, I loved this story and its characters. I loved the relationship that naturally develops between Linc and Remi. There is a great blend of sweet and swoony moments alongside dark and intense ones.
Cannot wait for the next one in this highly entertaining series!!!
Bad Boy is the newest entry in The Loyal Boys series. This story focuses on Linc, the shy loner, and Remi the friendly bad boy. Remi is new to the area and Linc is tasked as his student advisor. What should be a simple platonic dynamic, changes instantly once they meet. Their chemistry, connection, and instant comfortability with one another create many charged moments that lead to much more.
Linc and Remi are the perfect combinations of opposites attracting. One of my favorite aspects of Charli Meadow's writing is how she shows the instant connection between her characters. Linc and Remi have their own problems, but once they meet all of their issues disappear. The effortless writing style creates a magical appeal, where the characters just get one another and would do anything to make the other happy.
Another great aspect of this story is the balance between the lighter and heavier subjects that are sprinkled throughout the story. Both Linc and Remi have serious problems, which I think were handled very well. I enjoyed how instinctively protective Linc and Remi are.
Overall, I loved this story and its characters. I loved the relationship that naturally develops between Linc and Remi. There is a great blend of sweet and swoony moments alongside dark and intense ones.
Cannot wait for the next one in this highly entertaining series!!!
dnf
January 19, 2023DNF @ 8% … Charli Meadows and I don’t seem to be a match and that’s okay! Cali Boy was not for me but the ~bad boy~ vibes got me to try and read this so here we are!
Edit: Can someone who read this tell me what ended up happening with the grandpa and the mom?
Edit: Can someone who read this tell me what ended up happening with the grandpa and the mom?
June 26, 2023
I love this Loyal Boys series by Charli Meadows! One of my favorite things about each book is how "loyal" and protective and caring one of the MCs are in each book. This is my favorite of the series, but I have thoroughly enjoyed them all.
Start as friends, then make him more. Make him mine.
Remi got into some trouble back in Detroit, which is why he and his mom moved back to North Carolina. Apparently, Remi’s mom comes from money, but Remi had no clue because his mom never spoke about it.
Once they get to NC, Remi has to go to the school to meet his student advisor (Lincoln) and pick his classes. Remi is immediately taken by Linc and just decides to enroll in the exact schedule that Lincoln has, AP classes and all LOL, in order to be able to spend time with him.
His presence is magnetic, all-consuming, devouring. There’s no other way to put it. He’s a force of nature. And I’ve known him all of two hours.
Remi is bi and Linc is gay, but neither of them have any experience with guys. So there are many hot firsts in this book!
I can smell mint toothpaste on his breath, and I’m fucking dying for a taste. I’ve never kissed a boy before, but the thought gets me so excited, so fucking horny.
Remi and Linc are amazing together. The photo booth scene???? Damn. The cabin scenes! The spice in this book is fantastic.
I didn’t even touch his cock. He didn’t even touch his cock. No one touched his cock. And he came. Fuuuck.
Turns out Linc gets bullied badly by some jerks at school. Remi is not about to let that shit fly now that he’s around. Remi was into underground fighting in Detroit and he is ready and willing to protect his new friends at all costs.
His rough, hard exterior is tempered with tenderness when it comes to me. And there’s just something so attractive about that. Knowing he’s soft for only me.
I LOVE Remi so much. I want a Remi. I also love his Gramps and the whole family/found family vibe in this book once Remi and his mom got to North Carolina.
“Show me everything inside your soul, Remi. Let me carry the burden with you, handle the lows and celebrate the highs. We’re a team. Can’t you see that? We’ve been a team since day one.”
I am super intrigued by Gus. Charli - can we get like some crazy Gus/Jared cross over? I feel like it would be amazing. Like a football camp or college football team. Also, I love all of the nicknames in this series. Remi calling Linc “Preppy”. OMG. So freaking adorable.
Start as friends, then make him more. Make him mine.
Remi got into some trouble back in Detroit, which is why he and his mom moved back to North Carolina. Apparently, Remi’s mom comes from money, but Remi had no clue because his mom never spoke about it.
Once they get to NC, Remi has to go to the school to meet his student advisor (Lincoln) and pick his classes. Remi is immediately taken by Linc and just decides to enroll in the exact schedule that Lincoln has, AP classes and all LOL, in order to be able to spend time with him.
His presence is magnetic, all-consuming, devouring. There’s no other way to put it. He’s a force of nature. And I’ve known him all of two hours.
Remi is bi and Linc is gay, but neither of them have any experience with guys. So there are many hot firsts in this book!
I can smell mint toothpaste on his breath, and I’m fucking dying for a taste. I’ve never kissed a boy before, but the thought gets me so excited, so fucking horny.
Remi and Linc are amazing together. The photo booth scene???? Damn. The cabin scenes! The spice in this book is fantastic.
I didn’t even touch his cock. He didn’t even touch his cock. No one touched his cock. And he came. Fuuuck.
Turns out Linc gets bullied badly by some jerks at school. Remi is not about to let that shit fly now that he’s around. Remi was into underground fighting in Detroit and he is ready and willing to protect his new friends at all costs.
His rough, hard exterior is tempered with tenderness when it comes to me. And there’s just something so attractive about that. Knowing he’s soft for only me.
I LOVE Remi so much. I want a Remi. I also love his Gramps and the whole family/found family vibe in this book once Remi and his mom got to North Carolina.
“Show me everything inside your soul, Remi. Let me carry the burden with you, handle the lows and celebrate the highs. We’re a team. Can’t you see that? We’ve been a team since day one.”
I am super intrigued by Gus. Charli - can we get like some crazy Gus/Jared cross over? I feel like it would be amazing. Like a football camp or college football team. Also, I love all of the nicknames in this series. Remi calling Linc “Preppy”. OMG. So freaking adorable.
January 17, 2023
Christ. This was bad. Really, just-
no.
Writing = cringey
Plot = atrocious
Romance = mediocre
Okay the romance was cute and I like how there was no dumb third act conflict and the trust and loyalty Rem and Linc built. All goods, and nice and fun and whatnot. Especially the beginning. the arcade kiss was HOT . but man. I just wanted for them to have one damn conversation that wasn't so fucking deep or full of their undying love for each other (ofc after they met and hit it together) like Jesus Christ mate. I would barf if someone told ily more than i-lost-count times a day, or chapter. Sure it's cute shit but c'mon, you have better things to talk about!
It's the only reason why I'm giving it a 2.75-stars. I was thinking of being kind and giving it a 3, but man, the descent of 60% and onwards was just plainstakingly hideous. I wanted to dnf every couple of pages and i practically skimmed the last 10%
And I'm more mad I already started 17 days into the new year, it took fucking 17 DAYS-until I reached an almost 1 star book. ALMOST!
Writing = cringey
Plot = atrocious
Romance = mediocre
Okay the romance was cute and I like how there was no dumb third act conflict and the trust and loyalty Rem and Linc built. All goods, and nice and fun and whatnot. Especially the beginning. the arcade kiss was HOT . but man. I just wanted for them to have one damn conversation that wasn't so fucking deep or full of their undying love for each other (ofc after they met and hit it together) like Jesus Christ mate. I would barf if someone told ily more than i-lost-count times a day, or chapter. Sure it's cute shit but c'mon, you have better things to talk about!
It's the only reason why I'm giving it a 2.75-stars. I was thinking of being kind and giving it a 3, but man, the descent of 60% and onwards was just plainstakingly hideous. I wanted to dnf every couple of pages and i practically skimmed the last 10%
And I'm more mad I already started 17 days into the new year, it took fucking 17 DAYS-until I reached an almost 1 star book. ALMOST!
February 3, 2023
3.5 stars. Rounded up because of the Grandpa
I wasn’t the biggest fan of this author’s first book “Cali Boy”, but I figured I would give her a second chance with this one. I think I am done with the chances now. It’s not that this was a horrid book because I liked a lot about it and I liked this one way better than “Cali Boy,” but I don’t think I can read anymore High School romances. Especially dramatic ones like this one. There was so much going on. The fighting, the bullying, the rich kids, the parents, etc. It was a little ridiculous at some parts. It was also pretty immature at some parts. I also hated that Remi called Linc “Preppy” for a nickname.
I did enjoy the spicy scenes, though. I gave the author an A+ for that in her last book and this wasn’t any different. They were quite good. I was also a big fan that she made Linc have heterochromia (2 different colored eyes). I was obsessed with that. That’s so cool. The grandpa was probably my favorite. He was such a sweetie. I wanted to hug him. He just wanted to make food for his daughter and grandson and spoil them with gifts, and I was rocking with that. All hail Richard.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of this author’s first book “Cali Boy”, but I figured I would give her a second chance with this one. I think I am done with the chances now. It’s not that this was a horrid book because I liked a lot about it and I liked this one way better than “Cali Boy,” but I don’t think I can read anymore High School romances. Especially dramatic ones like this one. There was so much going on. The fighting, the bullying, the rich kids, the parents, etc. It was a little ridiculous at some parts. It was also pretty immature at some parts. I also hated that Remi called Linc “Preppy” for a nickname.
I did enjoy the spicy scenes, though. I gave the author an A+ for that in her last book and this wasn’t any different. They were quite good. I was also a big fan that she made Linc have heterochromia (2 different colored eyes). I was obsessed with that. That’s so cool. The grandpa was probably my favorite. He was such a sweetie. I wanted to hug him. He just wanted to make food for his daughter and grandson and spoil them with gifts, and I was rocking with that. All hail Richard.
January 14, 2023
This was batshit crazy, way too quickly paced, completely over the top, and ridiculously unbelievable, BUT I absolutely loved it anyway 😂
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January 4, 2023
Bad Boy is the story of Remi, who comes from a troubled background, survives the streets of Detroit, and supports his mom by participating in underground fights until he has to move to North Carolina. Linc is a sweet, intelligent boy with a southern drawl who has his life mapped out by his emotionally detached parents. Except for two juniors he occasionally hangs out with, he has no friends in his year until Remi walks into his life.
“His presence is magnetic, all-consuming, devouring. There is no other way to put it. He is a force of nature. And I’ve known him for all of two hours.”
They had chemistry right from the start! So while their relationship may seem fast, it just felt natural. I love how protective Remi is towards Linc, becoming his champion.
“You’ve got it all wrong, Remi’s the one who’s been watchin’ my back….the only one”
They go from strangers to friends with benefits to lovers, but there is no denying their feelings for one another. Remi is charismatic and outgoing, just the type of person Linc needs to bring him out of his shell and help him gain self-confidence. Remi also needed Linc, someone who is calm to match his high energy, who he can be vulnerable with and ground him.
“I will do anything for him. Tell him anything. My deepest darkest secrets. I would jump off a cliff if it meant he didn’t have to.”
The sex was hot and well-written. I love how they got to explore their sexuality with one another and learn what they liked. I will not lie; I loved it every time Remi said “Good Boy” to Linc. The dirty talk and praise were lovely.
Overall, this was another excellent book by Charli Meadow! I adored Cali Boy, so I can’t even tell you how happy I was when I learned we were getting a series within the same world!
If you enjoy friends with benefits to lovers, opposites attract, first times, and small-town romance, this is it!
“His presence is magnetic, all-consuming, devouring. There is no other way to put it. He is a force of nature. And I’ve known him for all of two hours.”
They had chemistry right from the start! So while their relationship may seem fast, it just felt natural. I love how protective Remi is towards Linc, becoming his champion.
“You’ve got it all wrong, Remi’s the one who’s been watchin’ my back….the only one”
They go from strangers to friends with benefits to lovers, but there is no denying their feelings for one another. Remi is charismatic and outgoing, just the type of person Linc needs to bring him out of his shell and help him gain self-confidence. Remi also needed Linc, someone who is calm to match his high energy, who he can be vulnerable with and ground him.
“I will do anything for him. Tell him anything. My deepest darkest secrets. I would jump off a cliff if it meant he didn’t have to.”
The sex was hot and well-written. I love how they got to explore their sexuality with one another and learn what they liked. I will not lie; I loved it every time Remi said “Good Boy” to Linc. The dirty talk and praise were lovely.
Overall, this was another excellent book by Charli Meadow! I adored Cali Boy, so I can’t even tell you how happy I was when I learned we were getting a series within the same world!
If you enjoy friends with benefits to lovers, opposites attract, first times, and small-town romance, this is it!
January 9, 2023
"With every passionate moment and traded truth, we become more entwined."
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
I cannot put into words just how wonderful this book was! I enjoyed the first book from this author, but this one was in a whole other league! It was spicy and sweet and had major 'touch him and die' vibes going on! Remi was the bad boy from Detroit who moved to a southern small town with him mother, and Linc is the nerdy sweet good boy with his whole future planned out for him by his family. Meeting for the first time at Remi's school orientation, there is an instant chemistry and attraction they cannot fight, leading to a FWB arrangement. Remi is crazy protective of Linc, going as far as getting into physical fights with anyone who dare say a bad word about Linc, and also encouraging him to blossom into his true unapologetic self. The plot was well written and relayed to the relationship well and the character development was done is such a wonderful way, allowing me to get to know the characters as both individuals and as a couple, as well as some wonderful side characters! Overall this was a really great read that evokes a lot of emotions and was a great read to start the year!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ FWB to Lovers
❣️ Forced Proximity
❣️ Hurt/Comfort
❣️ Opposites Attract
❣️ HEA
Trigger and Content Warnings: Alcohol, bullying (outside the MCs), fighting, violence, homophobia, parental neglect, physical abuse of a parent (flashback), mentions of teenage pregnancy.
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
I cannot put into words just how wonderful this book was! I enjoyed the first book from this author, but this one was in a whole other league! It was spicy and sweet and had major 'touch him and die' vibes going on! Remi was the bad boy from Detroit who moved to a southern small town with him mother, and Linc is the nerdy sweet good boy with his whole future planned out for him by his family. Meeting for the first time at Remi's school orientation, there is an instant chemistry and attraction they cannot fight, leading to a FWB arrangement. Remi is crazy protective of Linc, going as far as getting into physical fights with anyone who dare say a bad word about Linc, and also encouraging him to blossom into his true unapologetic self. The plot was well written and relayed to the relationship well and the character development was done is such a wonderful way, allowing me to get to know the characters as both individuals and as a couple, as well as some wonderful side characters! Overall this was a really great read that evokes a lot of emotions and was a great read to start the year!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ FWB to Lovers
❣️ Forced Proximity
❣️ Hurt/Comfort
❣️ Opposites Attract
❣️ HEA
Trigger and Content Warnings: Alcohol, bullying (outside the MCs), fighting, violence, homophobia, parental neglect, physical abuse of a parent (flashback), mentions of teenage pregnancy.
November 1, 2023
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
His rough, hard exterior is tempered with tenderness when it comes to me. And there’s just something so attractive about that. Knowing he’s soft for only me.
I read and absolutely loved Cali Boy and Lost Boy, but I put off reading this book because of the friends with benefits element. I had *no* reason whatsoever to worry about it though. These boys only had eyes for each other and they were solid from the start. It just took them a little while to call it a relationship. So if you’re like me and don’t like FWB, you would probably be totally fine with this book.
“Make a funny face or something, for fuck’s sake. Or we could kiss.” “K-kiss?” I stutter, and I really don’t know why. I’ve never had a problem speaking articulately before.
There’s just something special about this series. I have loved every single MC in all three books, and the stories are super sweet, entertaining, hot as hell, at times suspenseful, and have a family element I really enjoy. Bad Boy is certainly no exception. I especially enjoyed how Lincoln is this bespectacled nerdy virgin who doesn’t swear, and he’s also a 🍆 hungry (and rather filthy) boy who likes praise in bed.
Linc stiffly shakes hands with our teacher, and I snort. So fucking proper and polite. But the fact that he’s actually a freak in bed, and it’s just for me. . . Shit.
My only wish for this book was for the ‘big happening’ to last a little longer, or happen sooner. The book was well paced generally, but the suspenseful climax felt just a tad rushed. Still super good, though. There’s no doubt about it. I also really like characters who have been through the wringer and have chips on their shoulders, but are still good people. Remi is definitely all that, as well as super loyal and protective.
It’s the full-circle realization that I don’t want to be friends. Or best friends. I want to be more, so much more. I’m talking life-altering, soul-consuming, the I-can’t-breath-without-you type of more.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Bad boy
High school
Nerdy MC
Friends with benefits
Friends to lovers
Virgin MC
Opposites attract
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
Lonely & touch starved MC
Only one bed
Mild praise kink
Snowballing
Handsfree 💦
Dirty talk
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Bullying (not between MCs)
Graphic violence
Mentions of past abuse (some details)
Mentions of teenage pregnancy (MCs mom)
Moped accident
Underage drinking
Smoking marijuana
Homophobia
Fighting
Parental neglect
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 18 and 18
An inappropriate giggle bubbles up from that awkward place inside me that misinterprets social cues and laughs at inopportune times.
Outside, he has a homemade quilt tucked around his legs, his plate of sandwiches perched atop his knees. He’s back in his Blue Ridge Prep Treasurer hoodie and looking cute as ever in his wire-framed glasses and chipmunk cheeks as he chews without worrying about who’s watching.
His rough, hard exterior is tempered with tenderness when it comes to me. And there’s just something so attractive about that. Knowing he’s soft for only me.
I read and absolutely loved Cali Boy and Lost Boy, but I put off reading this book because of the friends with benefits element. I had *no* reason whatsoever to worry about it though. These boys only had eyes for each other and they were solid from the start. It just took them a little while to call it a relationship. So if you’re like me and don’t like FWB, you would probably be totally fine with this book.
“Make a funny face or something, for fuck’s sake. Or we could kiss.” “K-kiss?” I stutter, and I really don’t know why. I’ve never had a problem speaking articulately before.
There’s just something special about this series. I have loved every single MC in all three books, and the stories are super sweet, entertaining, hot as hell, at times suspenseful, and have a family element I really enjoy. Bad Boy is certainly no exception. I especially enjoyed how Lincoln is this bespectacled nerdy virgin who doesn’t swear, and he’s also a 🍆 hungry (and rather filthy) boy who likes praise in bed.
Linc stiffly shakes hands with our teacher, and I snort. So fucking proper and polite. But the fact that he’s actually a freak in bed, and it’s just for me. . . Shit.
My only wish for this book was for the ‘big happening’ to last a little longer, or happen sooner. The book was well paced generally, but the suspenseful climax felt just a tad rushed. Still super good, though. There’s no doubt about it. I also really like characters who have been through the wringer and have chips on their shoulders, but are still good people. Remi is definitely all that, as well as super loyal and protective.
It’s the full-circle realization that I don’t want to be friends. Or best friends. I want to be more, so much more. I’m talking life-altering, soul-consuming, the I-can’t-breath-without-you type of more.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Bad boy
High school
Nerdy MC
Friends with benefits
Friends to lovers
Virgin MC
Opposites attract
Forced proximity
Hurt/comfort
Lonely & touch starved MC
Only one bed
Mild praise kink
Snowballing
Handsfree 💦
Dirty talk
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Bullying (not between MCs)
Graphic violence
Mentions of past abuse (some details)
Mentions of teenage pregnancy (MCs mom)
Moped accident
Underage drinking
Smoking marijuana
Homophobia
Fighting
Parental neglect
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 18 and 18
An inappropriate giggle bubbles up from that awkward place inside me that misinterprets social cues and laughs at inopportune times.
Outside, he has a homemade quilt tucked around his legs, his plate of sandwiches perched atop his knees. He’s back in his Blue Ridge Prep Treasurer hoodie and looking cute as ever in his wire-framed glasses and chipmunk cheeks as he chews without worrying about who’s watching.
June 20, 2023
✰ 3 stars ✰
“Think about it. Our first date was at the arcade, along with our first kiss. We’ve been on vacation together. Fucked. Met each other’s parents.
We’ve pretty much been boyfriends since day one. Just on an accelerated timeline or some shit.”
He. . . he’s not wrong. I’ve felt it all along.
“Boyfriends,” I echo. It sounds good. It sounds right.”
While I did see a slight improvement with the writing in Bad Boys, it was only sheer stubbornness and true grit of not denying books on my tbr that drove me to complete it. And as much as I find it laughable at how insta-love, Remi and Linc's relationship was, I honestly didn't mind it, as much as I thought I would. 🤷🏻♀️
There were still moments that had me rolling my eyes and thinking, 'Really'? The sudden arranged marriage, the pursuit of danger from Remi's past, the pseudo-fight club scenes; but, once I had resigned myself to the thought that this is what the series is going to feel like, while reading. I guess, I had an okay time with this one. ☺
The Loyal Boys series is really about how the two romantic interests are interested in each other instantly, but decide to play along the card of 'friends with benefits' first, before saying, 'what the heck, I like you, let's just get it out of our systems and become mutually exclusive' So, again, if that is the tagline of the series, then I'm just gonna have to deal with it. I didn't even mind the writing so much, this time around; I would appreciate it, though, if the parents weren't always painted in such a bad light.
And Remi's grandpa - best part about this book. 👍🏼👍🏼
“Y-you really mean all that?”
“I never say shit I don’t mean. You know that.”
“You’re the one good thing in my life, Remi. The only thing. And that’s scary. Because I don’t want to lose you.”
“How would you lose me, Linc? I only just got here. I’m not fucking going anywhere. Whether you like it or not, I’m in your corner.”
C'mon, even you'll have to admit, that that's a little bit adorably endearing! 🥹🥹 And Remi and Linc were - in the strangest sense at how they were practically glued to each other - right from the start. 🩶🩶 As cringe-y at times as it was at how lovey-dovey they were so soon, it was surprisingly a very quick read, because the side stories were even more fast-paced than the progress of their relationship! 😀 But, if we could just tone down the usage of nicknames in this book, I would be so so happy; there's only so many times, I can hear the word 'Preppy' before I start thinking there's some ulterior reasoning behind it. 🥴
And if you're wondering if I'm still going to read the next part of the series, then, sure, why not? 💜 Who knows? There could be an improvement with each book in this series, that might just make me grateful that I continued to give it a chance.
“Our trust runs deep, and our loyalty never wavers. This isn’t about doing what’s right or wrong.
Good or bad. It’s about doing what makes us happy. What fulfills us and brings us joy. This is our life, and we’ll live it how we damn well please.”
“Think about it. Our first date was at the arcade, along with our first kiss. We’ve been on vacation together. Fucked. Met each other’s parents.
We’ve pretty much been boyfriends since day one. Just on an accelerated timeline or some shit.”
He. . . he’s not wrong. I’ve felt it all along.
“Boyfriends,” I echo. It sounds good. It sounds right.”
While I did see a slight improvement with the writing in Bad Boys, it was only sheer stubbornness and true grit of not denying books on my tbr that drove me to complete it. And as much as I find it laughable at how insta-love, Remi and Linc's relationship was, I honestly didn't mind it, as much as I thought I would. 🤷🏻♀️
There were still moments that had me rolling my eyes and thinking, 'Really'? The sudden arranged marriage, the pursuit of danger from Remi's past, the pseudo-fight club scenes; but, once I had resigned myself to the thought that this is what the series is going to feel like, while reading. I guess, I had an okay time with this one. ☺
The Loyal Boys series is really about how the two romantic interests are interested in each other instantly, but decide to play along the card of 'friends with benefits' first, before saying, 'what the heck, I like you, let's just get it out of our systems and become mutually exclusive' So, again, if that is the tagline of the series, then I'm just gonna have to deal with it. I didn't even mind the writing so much, this time around; I would appreciate it, though, if the parents weren't always painted in such a bad light.
And Remi's grandpa - best part about this book. 👍🏼👍🏼
“Y-you really mean all that?”
“I never say shit I don’t mean. You know that.”
“You’re the one good thing in my life, Remi. The only thing. And that’s scary. Because I don’t want to lose you.”
“How would you lose me, Linc? I only just got here. I’m not fucking going anywhere. Whether you like it or not, I’m in your corner.”
C'mon, even you'll have to admit, that that's a little bit adorably endearing! 🥹🥹 And Remi and Linc were - in the strangest sense at how they were practically glued to each other - right from the start. 🩶🩶 As cringe-y at times as it was at how lovey-dovey they were so soon, it was surprisingly a very quick read, because the side stories were even more fast-paced than the progress of their relationship! 😀 But, if we could just tone down the usage of nicknames in this book, I would be so so happy; there's only so many times, I can hear the word 'Preppy' before I start thinking there's some ulterior reasoning behind it. 🥴
And if you're wondering if I'm still going to read the next part of the series, then, sure, why not? 💜 Who knows? There could be an improvement with each book in this series, that might just make me grateful that I continued to give it a chance.
“Our trust runs deep, and our loyalty never wavers. This isn’t about doing what’s right or wrong.
Good or bad. It’s about doing what makes us happy. What fulfills us and brings us joy. This is our life, and we’ll live it how we damn well please.”
February 9, 2023
ETA: well, I finished it. This book is very one dimensional and all of the characters exceedingly immature. When writing new adult, it’s one thing to write a teenager accurately, but it’s another to write them… too accurately? lol. As an adult, it’s very hard for me to invest myself into characters that are very purposefully self destructive and secretive because they’re too immature to know better. When writing that and in the next chapter having graphic sex scenes… it just felt a little too squicky for me. Not sure I’ll keep reading this author.
———————————-
DNF at 50%. Might try and come back to finish but the cliche’s have me cringing pretty hard. I do appreciate the author leaving a pretty detailed list of CW/TW’s at the beginning. I wish they all did that.
———————————-
DNF at 50%. Might try and come back to finish but the cliche’s have me cringing pretty hard. I do appreciate the author leaving a pretty detailed list of CW/TW’s at the beginning. I wish they all did that.
January 8, 2023
"I'm going to flip his life upside down.
I love myself a Bad Boy. As soon as a I saw a teaser for this book along with the title I knew I had to get my hands on it. I wasn't disappointed. Remi is our bad boy and after the life he's lived he has no fucks left to give. I wouldn't either if I were him. All his life the adults who are supposed to protect him have let him down. From his mother who had him as a kid herself and spent most of her time working, to his drunk of a father who had no qualms about putting his hands on his own son. It's no wonder he's leery of anyone in a position of authority. No one ever looks beyond the bad boy exterior, no one except a shy, preppy boy named Lincoln.
"You can be vulnerable in front of me. You don't have to be so tough all the time. Let me fight for you sometimes, too. Show me what's underneath all this beautiful art."
I adored how almost immediately after meeting Remi felt the pull towards Linc. From his nervous stuttering to the shy blushes, Remi found himself enamored. He wanted to know this boy, this perfectly put together guy who rode into his fucked up life on a moped of all things. Lincoln finds himself equally caught up. His life hasn't been easy either. Lincoln's never had anyone in his corner. Meeting Remi turns his ordered life on its head and it's something he never saw coming, yet desperately wished for.
"He's also suffered in silence, in his own way. His controlling parents. The bullies. The isolation. The loneliness. It's probably why we connected so instantly. We're kindred spirits, and I'm never fucking letting him go."
Remi and Linc's journey is full of heat and plenty of feels. They read a bit older than your average 18 year olds, especially Remi. I guess that's what happens when you have to learn to take care of yourself at such a young age. I really loved these two together and wish we got to see a glimpse of them farther into the future, maybe see Remi taking over his grandfathers company. For that reason I'll say this one ends on a solid HFN. I look forward to see what comes next from author Charli Meadows, especially if they delve into the paranormal like they mention at the end of Bad Boy.
I love myself a Bad Boy. As soon as a I saw a teaser for this book along with the title I knew I had to get my hands on it. I wasn't disappointed. Remi is our bad boy and after the life he's lived he has no fucks left to give. I wouldn't either if I were him. All his life the adults who are supposed to protect him have let him down. From his mother who had him as a kid herself and spent most of her time working, to his drunk of a father who had no qualms about putting his hands on his own son. It's no wonder he's leery of anyone in a position of authority. No one ever looks beyond the bad boy exterior, no one except a shy, preppy boy named Lincoln.
"You can be vulnerable in front of me. You don't have to be so tough all the time. Let me fight for you sometimes, too. Show me what's underneath all this beautiful art."
I adored how almost immediately after meeting Remi felt the pull towards Linc. From his nervous stuttering to the shy blushes, Remi found himself enamored. He wanted to know this boy, this perfectly put together guy who rode into his fucked up life on a moped of all things. Lincoln finds himself equally caught up. His life hasn't been easy either. Lincoln's never had anyone in his corner. Meeting Remi turns his ordered life on its head and it's something he never saw coming, yet desperately wished for.
"He's also suffered in silence, in his own way. His controlling parents. The bullies. The isolation. The loneliness. It's probably why we connected so instantly. We're kindred spirits, and I'm never fucking letting him go."
Remi and Linc's journey is full of heat and plenty of feels. They read a bit older than your average 18 year olds, especially Remi. I guess that's what happens when you have to learn to take care of yourself at such a young age. I really loved these two together and wish we got to see a glimpse of them farther into the future, maybe see Remi taking over his grandfathers company. For that reason I'll say this one ends on a solid HFN. I look forward to see what comes next from author Charli Meadows, especially if they delve into the paranormal like they mention at the end of Bad Boy.
January 15, 2023
i liked this better than book #1. my main issue with that was the misogyny (glad we decided to discard that) and that it started super over the top and then it was rather dull.
this one is super ott and insta but it’s consistent. i love improvement.
if you don’t like insta love/attraction/whatever, this book isn’t for you. bad boy that takes one look at nerdy/shy guy and decides that nerdy is his. i definitely enjoy that.
there are still some issues with one dimensional characters but, again, a big improvement from the previous book. we went from either super good or super bad to some grey characters. not all, but it’s a start.
my major issue was that sometimes we passed the line of over-the-top-love-it and we went into what-the-fuck-am-i-reading territory, which is a dangerous place because i start laughing and i can’t take the book seriously. it just gets me out of the story.
There’s no other way to explain what happens next as a warrior cry pours from my lips. I take a running leap at the trash cans and dumpster, climbing them like fucking stairs to heaven before I jump to the fence.
i couldn’t stop laughing, i was in fucking tears.
still, i have faith in this author. if she continues to improve so much i can definitely see myself absolutely love her books.
this one is super ott and insta but it’s consistent. i love improvement.
if you don’t like insta love/attraction/whatever, this book isn’t for you. bad boy that takes one look at nerdy/shy guy and decides that nerdy is his. i definitely enjoy that.
there are still some issues with one dimensional characters but, again, a big improvement from the previous book. we went from either super good or super bad to some grey characters. not all, but it’s a start.
my major issue was that sometimes we passed the line of over-the-top-love-it and we went into what-the-fuck-am-i-reading territory, which is a dangerous place because i start laughing and i can’t take the book seriously. it just gets me out of the story.
There’s no other way to explain what happens next as a warrior cry pours from my lips. I take a running leap at the trash cans and dumpster, climbing them like fucking stairs to heaven before I jump to the fence.
i couldn’t stop laughing, i was in fucking tears.
still, i have faith in this author. if she continues to improve so much i can definitely see myself absolutely love her books.
May 20, 2023
4.5 stars. This was another awesome book by Charli Meadows! This is book 2 in the series but is a complete standalone. I recommend book 1 as I absolutely loved it but it doesn’t need to be read to read this one. This book had kind of the same theme as the first one, a possessive MC without being toxic and I was all here for it.
Remi and Linc were amazing together from the very first moment. Their chemistry was off the charts and I loved how Remi was all about Linc right away. He was the protector that Linc needed!
There were some crazy situations in this book that might have been a bit over the top but the story was still fantastic. I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
Remi and Linc were amazing together from the very first moment. Their chemistry was off the charts and I loved how Remi was all about Linc right away. He was the protector that Linc needed!
There were some crazy situations in this book that might have been a bit over the top but the story was still fantastic. I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
May 12, 2023
reread May 2023
3/5 stars
3/5 stars
January 15, 2023
4.5 stars for me! Charli's second book is just as endearing, sweet, and steamy as the first one! I'm loving how this author writes and the characters and romances she has created, so I predict this is just going to become an auto-buy author for me.
This is a stand-alone in the Loyal Boys series, and I love all the great tropes we got in this one! We have Linc, the sweet, lonely, small town boy constantly seeking perfection and acceptance from his parents. Enter Remi - the quintessential bad boy, who drinks, fights, has tattoos - and is totally, completely besotted with Linc! I loved Remi and his brash outward behavior, and how he'd just melt around Linc. I also liked Remi's family and his grandfather.
These two! So adorable and sweet! I love the intense protective instincts that Linc brought out in Remi, and how Remi brought Linc out of his shell. Things move quickly for the two, but it also felt very natural and perfect of them. I love all the firsts they got to experience with each other in this one as they explore and find what they each like.
There is some action and conflict in this throughout the story, of someone threatening Remi. No spoilers, but I enjoyed how it all played out. I did think some aspects of Remi - his fighting, were maybe a bit over the top, but it didn't super detract from my love of reading this one.
Also? "Good boy" - yeah, ok, I get it lol *melts*
I cannot wait for what this author has in store for us next!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is a stand-alone in the Loyal Boys series, and I love all the great tropes we got in this one! We have Linc, the sweet, lonely, small town boy constantly seeking perfection and acceptance from his parents. Enter Remi - the quintessential bad boy, who drinks, fights, has tattoos - and is totally, completely besotted with Linc! I loved Remi and his brash outward behavior, and how he'd just melt around Linc. I also liked Remi's family and his grandfather.
These two! So adorable and sweet! I love the intense protective instincts that Linc brought out in Remi, and how Remi brought Linc out of his shell. Things move quickly for the two, but it also felt very natural and perfect of them. I love all the firsts they got to experience with each other in this one as they explore and find what they each like.
There is some action and conflict in this throughout the story, of someone threatening Remi. No spoilers, but I enjoyed how it all played out. I did think some aspects of Remi - his fighting, were maybe a bit over the top, but it didn't super detract from my love of reading this one.
Also? "Good boy" - yeah, ok, I get it lol *melts*
I cannot wait for what this author has in store for us next!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2023
I do like this series.
And I liked this second installment. Even though I do have to admit I got a little tired of Remi's bad boy attitude halfway.
I liked how protective he was of Lincoln and how sweet he was to him. But his whole attitude towards other people got on my nerves a bit.
And I liked this second installment. Even though I do have to admit I got a little tired of Remi's bad boy attitude halfway.
I liked how protective he was of Lincoln and how sweet he was to him. But his whole attitude towards other people got on my nerves a bit.
January 22, 2023
*sigh* I really hope this author continues creating stories I like. We're two for two now.
✅ Bad boy pursuing good boy
✅ Insta-lust/attraction
✅ No silly misunderstandings or pushing away
✅ Low angst...there's some outside of the relationship with Linc's parents and Remi's past, but nothing to stress me out or make my gut clench.
✅ Sweetness. I love how different they were, but Remi brought Linc out of his shell.
✅ Possessiveness/obsession. I love how Remi protected Linc against his bullies.
My little niggles:
⛔️ Remi got on my nerves a little with how he treated adults in his life. I get why he was jaded, but I'd hoped he'd come around a little quicker than he did. But once he did, he realized there were good people out there.
⛔️ I started skipping the sex scenes. I had to remind myself it's probably pretty typical of horny high school boys, but I'm more about the sweet words and touches. They just seemed to get a bit repetitive.
⛔️ I wish we'd had some closure with Linc's parents. I needed them brought down a notch or two.
I can't wait for whatever Charli comes up with next.
✅ Bad boy pursuing good boy
✅ Insta-lust/attraction
✅ No silly misunderstandings or pushing away
✅ Low angst...there's some outside of the relationship with Linc's parents and Remi's past, but nothing to stress me out or make my gut clench.
✅ Sweetness. I love how different they were, but Remi brought Linc out of his shell.
✅ Possessiveness/obsession. I love how Remi protected Linc against his bullies.
My little niggles:
⛔️ Remi got on my nerves a little with how he treated adults in his life. I get why he was jaded, but I'd hoped he'd come around a little quicker than he did. But once he did, he realized there were good people out there.
⛔️ I started skipping the sex scenes. I had to remind myself it's probably pretty typical of horny high school boys, but I'm more about the sweet words and touches. They just seemed to get a bit repetitive.
⛔️ I wish we'd had some closure with Linc's parents. I needed them brought down a notch or two.
I can't wait for whatever Charli comes up with next.
January 14, 2023
⭐︎
4.25 "Bad Boy" Stars Rounded Down!
⭐︎
A very enjoyable second installment by this new author.
This is a standalone and can be read without reading the first, as it takes place in a whole different state, so we don't even see the MC's from the first book.
In this insta-love? Hell yes. These two are declaring love by the 2 week mark, coming out after a little over a month of dating after Linclon was so scared to only a month ago.
It is somewhat over the top? Hell yes. Remi has someone sending him threatening texts once he's in the small North Carolina town he and his mother moved to.
Because now Remi has money, as it turns out his mom comes from money. But for 18 years of his life, they've lived poorly up in Detroit, so Remi doesn't fit the "rich boy" image in the least. Even as he has to go a private, rich people high school.
And that person, of course, continues the threatening messages and then tries to hurt and/or maybe kill Remi late in the book, and with who it is, it seems over the top. Although, with such a shitty person, is it that over the top? Not completely, to me at least. Shitty people will do shitty things to anyone when all they care about is themselves, after all.
The climax of the story with that person, however, was pretty over the top, in my opinion. But then it was super easy to deal with them, so the build up felt like it was for nothing, basically. All that trouble and worry and anxiety and they were easily taken out.
Oh well, despite those things, I enjoyed the hell out of this. I couldn't put it down.
Despite how fast things move between Remi and Lincoln, I adored them anyway. I felt their connection from the start, and just adored them together. Lincoln was so sweet and adorable and I just loved him. He was brave in different ways than Remi, and him being so sweet and kind and lovable didn't take away from when he stood up for himself, even if it was fewer than Remi, who was ready to post up with anyone who looked at Lincoln the wrong way.
Which, since Lincoln is being bullied by assholes, was a lot.
Which, of course, I LOVED. I loved where one MC is a sweet person who just wants peace, to the point where they take shit from assholes, but here comes a big, badass dude who falls for him and will fuck anyone up who hurts them and is ready to throw fists at any moment for their boo.
That's Remi. He's a fighter, he was literally arrested for illegal underground fighting. He can fuck you up, even though he's only 18 years old. But lived a tough life, in near poverty his whole life, and with an abusive, deadbeat father on top of that. He's had to grow up fast and mean.
But of course, around Lincoln, a ray of sunshine, he melts. Their connection is just instant, and while yeah, it's very rushed, I found myself not really minding too much in the end.
Because these two just fit together, and they worked so well together from the jump. Lincoln softened all of Remi's rough edges, and Remi got Lincoln to let go and live a little. The "Bad Boy" and the Goodie Two Shoes balanced each other out so well.
So yeah, this wasn't perfect, and the plot wasn't always the best part of this. But I don't care much about plot when the characters/relationships are so good, and the relationships were so good in this that I just can't give this a lower rating. I loved Remi and Lincoln together too much.
So I highly recommend this. If you enjoyed the first book by this author, I think you'll enjoy this. Definitely two thumbs up from me.
I can't wait for more in the future from this lovely author! 😍🥰😘
My Ratings for The Loyal Boys Series:
☀️ Cali Boy: 4.5 stars (my review)
☀️ Bad Boy: 4.25 stars
A very enjoyable second installment by this new author.
This is a standalone and can be read without reading the first, as it takes place in a whole different state, so we don't even see the MC's from the first book.
In this insta-love? Hell yes. These two are declaring love by the 2 week mark, coming out after a little over a month of dating after Linclon was so scared to only a month ago.
It is somewhat over the top? Hell yes. Remi has someone sending him threatening texts once he's in the small North Carolina town he and his mother moved to.
Because now Remi has money, as it turns out his mom comes from money. But for 18 years of his life, they've lived poorly up in Detroit, so Remi doesn't fit the "rich boy" image in the least. Even as he has to go a private, rich people high school.
And that person, of course, continues the threatening messages and then tries to hurt and/or maybe kill Remi late in the book, and with who it is, it seems over the top. Although, with such a shitty person, is it that over the top? Not completely, to me at least. Shitty people will do shitty things to anyone when all they care about is themselves, after all.
The climax of the story with that person, however, was pretty over the top, in my opinion. But then it was super easy to deal with them, so the build up felt like it was for nothing, basically. All that trouble and worry and anxiety and they were easily taken out.
Oh well, despite those things, I enjoyed the hell out of this. I couldn't put it down.
Despite how fast things move between Remi and Lincoln, I adored them anyway. I felt their connection from the start, and just adored them together. Lincoln was so sweet and adorable and I just loved him. He was brave in different ways than Remi, and him being so sweet and kind and lovable didn't take away from when he stood up for himself, even if it was fewer than Remi, who was ready to post up with anyone who looked at Lincoln the wrong way.
Which, since Lincoln is being bullied by assholes, was a lot.
Which, of course, I LOVED. I loved where one MC is a sweet person who just wants peace, to the point where they take shit from assholes, but here comes a big, badass dude who falls for him and will fuck anyone up who hurts them and is ready to throw fists at any moment for their boo.
That's Remi. He's a fighter, he was literally arrested for illegal underground fighting. He can fuck you up, even though he's only 18 years old. But lived a tough life, in near poverty his whole life, and with an abusive, deadbeat father on top of that. He's had to grow up fast and mean.
But of course, around Lincoln, a ray of sunshine, he melts. Their connection is just instant, and while yeah, it's very rushed, I found myself not really minding too much in the end.
Because these two just fit together, and they worked so well together from the jump. Lincoln softened all of Remi's rough edges, and Remi got Lincoln to let go and live a little. The "Bad Boy" and the Goodie Two Shoes balanced each other out so well.
So yeah, this wasn't perfect, and the plot wasn't always the best part of this. But I don't care much about plot when the characters/relationships are so good, and the relationships were so good in this that I just can't give this a lower rating. I loved Remi and Lincoln together too much.
So I highly recommend this. If you enjoyed the first book by this author, I think you'll enjoy this. Definitely two thumbs up from me.
I can't wait for more in the future from this lovely author! 😍🥰😘
My Ratings for The Loyal Boys Series:
☀️ Cali Boy: 4.5 stars (my review)
☀️ Bad Boy: 4.25 stars
January 2, 2023
Content warning see authors note.
You need to read this book, what a great start to the year, this book has set a high bar for my reads this year. Charli can write a damm book! It had me sucked in from the start and it just didn’t let up. I’ve been looking forward to this book since Cali boy was out which by the way was in my top reads last year and this did not disappoint! It is jam full of so many things!!
Linc is just trying to get through school, he keeps his head down and his grades high, he tries to avoid his bully’s and his parents. His future is all planned but he don’t want it, but also don’t know what to do to change it. But like the good boy he is he finds himself back at school one Sunday waiting to to show around the new kid.
Remi has so far lived a crappy life with just his mum and dead beat dad, getting himself into trouble that ends up taking him and his mum back to her home town, he hopes this place is better than where they were. First step,sort out his new school lessons, but what he finds is a nerdy boy with pretty eyes.
I absolutely love these two boys, it comes at your fast but it’s genuine, you get all the feels in this book, I even cried and I’m not a crier!! It’s an emotional journey they both go on and I love the affection and possessiveness and the spicy times these two have. It consumed me and it’s already staying on my list of top reads.
I can’t wait for what charli gives us next!!
This book is -
Friends with benefits
Bad boy/good boy
Benefits to lovers
Forced proximity
Steamy first times
Hurt/comfort
Opposites
One bed
Dirty talk
Boy next door
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
You need to read this book, what a great start to the year, this book has set a high bar for my reads this year. Charli can write a damm book! It had me sucked in from the start and it just didn’t let up. I’ve been looking forward to this book since Cali boy was out which by the way was in my top reads last year and this did not disappoint! It is jam full of so many things!!
Linc is just trying to get through school, he keeps his head down and his grades high, he tries to avoid his bully’s and his parents. His future is all planned but he don’t want it, but also don’t know what to do to change it. But like the good boy he is he finds himself back at school one Sunday waiting to to show around the new kid.
Remi has so far lived a crappy life with just his mum and dead beat dad, getting himself into trouble that ends up taking him and his mum back to her home town, he hopes this place is better than where they were. First step,sort out his new school lessons, but what he finds is a nerdy boy with pretty eyes.
I absolutely love these two boys, it comes at your fast but it’s genuine, you get all the feels in this book, I even cried and I’m not a crier!! It’s an emotional journey they both go on and I love the affection and possessiveness and the spicy times these two have. It consumed me and it’s already staying on my list of top reads.
I can’t wait for what charli gives us next!!
This book is -
Friends with benefits
Bad boy/good boy
Benefits to lovers
Forced proximity
Steamy first times
Hurt/comfort
Opposites
One bed
Dirty talk
Boy next door
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 1, 2023
“He’s my peace. The best thing in my life. Our connection is so deep it fucking resonates in my bones.”
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Bad Boy, the upcoming release from Charli Meadows, and I loved it! Cali Boy was one of my favorite reads of 2022, so I was so excited to dive back into the author’s words again. 🙌🏻🖤
Highlights:
🖤bad boy/virgin
🖤opposites attract
🖤hurt/comfort
🖤dirty talk/praise
🖤forced proximity/one bed
🖤steamy first times
Remi and Linc were amazing. Remi was a bad boy on the outside with a sweet candy interior. Linc was the innocent boy next door, but had a wild side once let loose. A match made in smutty heaven. 🙌🏻🥵 The way Remi protected and comforted Linc was perfection—could not get enough. 🫠
Favorite quote:
“We may have started this whole thing as friends with benefits, but that was just a ruse—a farce. He was in my air space from the beginning, flying undetected, and we were going to collide sooner or later. It was inevitable. Our collision of souls. Two people meant to be in each other’s lives from the beginning.”🖤
I have loved everything from Charli so far, and I am so excited to see what else she has in store for us with her future books. 👏🏻👏🏻
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Bad Boy, the upcoming release from Charli Meadows, and I loved it! Cali Boy was one of my favorite reads of 2022, so I was so excited to dive back into the author’s words again. 🙌🏻🖤
Highlights:
🖤bad boy/virgin
🖤opposites attract
🖤hurt/comfort
🖤dirty talk/praise
🖤forced proximity/one bed
🖤steamy first times
Remi and Linc were amazing. Remi was a bad boy on the outside with a sweet candy interior. Linc was the innocent boy next door, but had a wild side once let loose. A match made in smutty heaven. 🙌🏻🥵 The way Remi protected and comforted Linc was perfection—could not get enough. 🫠
Favorite quote:
“We may have started this whole thing as friends with benefits, but that was just a ruse—a farce. He was in my air space from the beginning, flying undetected, and we were going to collide sooner or later. It was inevitable. Our collision of souls. Two people meant to be in each other’s lives from the beginning.”🖤
I have loved everything from Charli so far, and I am so excited to see what else she has in store for us with her future books. 👏🏻👏🏻
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
June 23, 2025
All. The. Stars!!!
✨✨✨✨✨/✨✨✨✨✨
I loved everything about this book!
Exactly what I needed in a story like this. And the boys were 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Charli Meadows has made leaps and bounds since book one.🌈💖💞
*Favorite
*To re-read
* Reread March 19,2025
I loved it all over again. More than two years since I first read it and had forgotten most of it, so it felt new. I loved the dynamic between Remi and Linc, so good. All the feels.
*Reread June 23, 2025
perfect, no notes🫶🌈✨
✨✨✨✨✨/✨✨✨✨✨
I loved everything about this book!
Exactly what I needed in a story like this. And the boys were 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Charli Meadows has made leaps and bounds since book one.🌈💖💞
*Favorite
*To re-read
* Reread March 19,2025
I loved it all over again. More than two years since I first read it and had forgotten most of it, so it felt new. I loved the dynamic between Remi and Linc, so good. All the feels.
*Reread June 23, 2025
perfect, no notes🫶🌈✨
January 4, 2023
I loved Bad Boy just like I loved Cali Boy! I was so excited to learn that these would be part of a series and so grateful that I received an ARC. I love the way Charli tells stories while also making you feel like you’re in the book with the characters, and Remi and Linc’s story was no different. Not really sure she could write a bad book honestly.
January 1, 2023
I loved it! Charli, you have outdone yourself! Thank you so much for this amazing ARC that I finished in one day! I love that you write characters like Remi (bad boys who are really cinnamon rolls) and sweet redheads like Linc are my greatest loves! Please keep them coming!
January 15, 2023
"He was in my air space from the beginning, flying undetected, and we were going to collide sooner or later. It was inevitable. Our collision of souls. Two people meant to be in each other’s lives from the beginning."
Bad Boy is the second book in the standalone series 'The Loyal Boys' by new author Charli Meadows. This follows her wonderful 2022 debut novel Cali Boy and is an angsty, MM, opposites attract with a hard won HEA.
Set in the final year of high school (both MCs are of age), Bad Boy is Linc and Remi's story. Linc is the nerdy loner, who is still in the closet, with rich but unfeeling parents who have his life all planned out for him. Enter bi bad boy Remington, returning with his mom to her home town to finish his schooling, with some skeletons in his closet just waiting to follow him to the sleepy mountains of North Carolina.
You'll want to read this one, especially if you love:
❣️MM
❣️Opposites attract
❣️Hurt/comfort
❣️First times
❣️Friend-to-lovers
❣️"Mine"
❣️All the steam
4 steamy stars
Bad Boy is the second book in the standalone series 'The Loyal Boys' by new author Charli Meadows. This follows her wonderful 2022 debut novel Cali Boy and is an angsty, MM, opposites attract with a hard won HEA.
Set in the final year of high school (both MCs are of age), Bad Boy is Linc and Remi's story. Linc is the nerdy loner, who is still in the closet, with rich but unfeeling parents who have his life all planned out for him. Enter bi bad boy Remington, returning with his mom to her home town to finish his schooling, with some skeletons in his closet just waiting to follow him to the sleepy mountains of North Carolina.
You'll want to read this one, especially if you love:
❣️MM
❣️Opposites attract
❣️Hurt/comfort
❣️First times
❣️Friend-to-lovers
❣️"Mine"
❣️All the steam
4 steamy stars
August 3, 2024
Who is madder about this rating than me?
Nobody.
I don't get it - y'all rating this over 4 stars because Remi is such a bad boy when he literally has nothing to qualify him as such. NOTHING. Maybe except that he calls his mother Ma.
It's funny, Remi (the bad boy) gets caught illegally fighting in Detroit, and his Ma decides it's time for them to move back to some Carolina bumfuck nowhere, where she is from. From this point on, this is basically Gilmore Girls, only Emily (Lorelai's Mom) isn't alive anymore. Grams Keller = Richard Gilmore, and Remi = Rory. Oh and Linc = Dean. Lol. This comparison got me through the book basically.
Conversely, the spice is hotttt, 3.5/5🔥 But, happens out of the blue, and their entire story is so OTT, that I very soon into it gave up on it being a serious romance and just pretended it was Queer Gilmore Girls to the end. That made it fun. The writing (I see a lot of readers complain about that) actually wasn't too bad for me, but the plot was nonexistent. Meadows should have gone with the GG plot too, would have made for such a good book 😵💫🤡
Nobody.
I don't get it - y'all rating this over 4 stars because Remi is such a bad boy when he literally has nothing to qualify him as such. NOTHING. Maybe except that he calls his mother Ma.
It's funny, Remi (the bad boy) gets caught illegally fighting in Detroit, and his Ma decides it's time for them to move back to some Carolina bumfuck nowhere, where she is from. From this point on, this is basically Gilmore Girls, only Emily (Lorelai's Mom) isn't alive anymore. Grams Keller = Richard Gilmore, and Remi = Rory. Oh and Linc = Dean. Lol. This comparison got me through the book basically.
Conversely, the spice is hotttt, 3.5/5🔥 But, happens out of the blue, and their entire story is so OTT, that I very soon into it gave up on it being a serious romance and just pretended it was Queer Gilmore Girls to the end. That made it fun. The writing (I see a lot of readers complain about that) actually wasn't too bad for me, but the plot was nonexistent. Meadows should have gone with the GG plot too, would have made for such a good book 😵💫🤡
January 14, 2023
3.25-3.5 stars
I loved the couple.
I loved the couple.
November 25, 2023
Safety info:
• H1 is a virgin and has never been with a guy or girl. Has only kissed a girl (one?) time before when he was younger and nothing else.
• H2 has hooked up with multiple girls before (not manhoe vibes though) but has never kissed a boy or hooked up with a boy.
• No OW/ OM
• one on page versatile scene but it’s said it happens more than once after the first time. Mainly on page strict roles though
• H1 is a virgin and has never been with a guy or girl. Has only kissed a girl (one?) time before when he was younger and nothing else.
• H2 has hooked up with multiple girls before (not manhoe vibes though) but has never kissed a boy or hooked up with a boy.
• No OW/ OM
• one on page versatile scene but it’s said it happens more than once after the first time. Mainly on page strict roles though
July 31, 2023
Charli Meadows can do no wrong. I absolutely LOVED this. Remi was smitten from day one, I’d say as soon as he laid eyes on Linc. And vice versa. And these boys moved QUICK, which I did not hate at all. Remi was so enraptured with Linc, that he just wanted more and more and more. And sweet Linc couldn’t believe the new sexy bad boy wanted him, even though Linc is gorgeous.
Bad boy, Remi, was forced to move to his mothers hometown with his grandfather (the mom went too, don’t worry) after they started struggling financially after Remi got arrested. After he arrived, he had to register for his new school, and that’s where he met Linc who was his advisor and guide. And boy, Remi was obsessed with the cute preppy boy with heterochromia eyes who had a slight southern drawl. And Linc couldn’t believe the picture perfect bad boy was flirting with him. And then, Remi signed up for ALL of the same classes that Linc was in, including FOUR SCIENCE CLASSES just because he wanted to be with Linc all day. After they went to hang out (which was basically a date), Remi made his move real quick and Linc was helpless to deny. And from there, their relationship blossomed. This includes, Remi fighting Lincs bullies on the regular, sharing a cabin on their school trip, Remi remembering every single word that Linc has ever uttered, some first times, Remi standing up to Lincs controlling parents, etc. I also loved the moments Remi had with his sweet as pie grandpa, and with Otto who became somewhat of a father figure to him later on in the story.
I loved their story, it was so beautiful. We got to see the bad boy who engages in underground fighting who was a big softie for his preppy boy. And Linc who used to let himself be controlled by parents becoming free and happy with Remi and doing whatever their hearts desired. I can’t wait to read more Charli Meadows.
Favorite quotes/scenes:
“This boy. . . this boy has me all twisted up inside, and I’m ready to fucking unravel for him.” (Remi)
“I want to see him tomorrow, the day after that, and every day for the foreseeable future. I’ve set my sights on him, and there’s no stopping these new and exhilarating feelings fluttering through me.” (Remi)
“I chuckle at how fucking cute and sexy he is. He has no idea, either. Everything he’s self-conscious about, I’m completely and unhealthily obsessed with. His mismatched eyes, his quirky personality, his intelligence, his kindness, his fucking innocence.” (Remi)
“I love his voice, his laugh, his eyes, his smile. . . Fuck, he’s captivating. And it’s hard not to be completely and totally obsessed.” (Remi)
“This big, tough boxer is soft for me. Only me.” (Linc)
“You’re the one good thing in my life, Remi. The only thing. And that’s scary. Because I don’t want to lose you.”
“How would you lose me, Linc? I only just got here. I’m not fucking going anywhere. Whether you like it or not, I’m in your corner.”
“I am bisexual and proud, and I am definitely Lincoln’s boyfriend and proud. I will climb Mount fucking Mitchell and scream from the top of my lungs to the entire state that I am Lincoln Anderson’s boyfriend.” (Remi)
“Show me everything inside your soul, Remi. Let me carry the burden with you, handle the lows and celebrate the highs. We’re a team. Can’t you see that? We’ve been a team since day one.” (Linc)
“I swear all I’ll ever need is the light emanating from Lincoln, from his heart and soul. With every passionate moment and traded truth, we become more entwined. There’s no going back. He’s mine. I fucking love him.” (Remi)
“He was in my air space from the beginning, flying undetected, and we were going to collide sooner or later. It was inevitable. Our collision of souls. Two people meant to be in each other’s lives from the beginning. And there’s nothing left to do but make up for lost time and love him with every fucking fiber of my being.” (Remi)
Bad boy, Remi, was forced to move to his mothers hometown with his grandfather (the mom went too, don’t worry) after they started struggling financially after Remi got arrested. After he arrived, he had to register for his new school, and that’s where he met Linc who was his advisor and guide. And boy, Remi was obsessed with the cute preppy boy with heterochromia eyes who had a slight southern drawl. And Linc couldn’t believe the picture perfect bad boy was flirting with him. And then, Remi signed up for ALL of the same classes that Linc was in, including FOUR SCIENCE CLASSES just because he wanted to be with Linc all day. After they went to hang out (which was basically a date), Remi made his move real quick and Linc was helpless to deny. And from there, their relationship blossomed. This includes, Remi fighting Lincs bullies on the regular, sharing a cabin on their school trip, Remi remembering every single word that Linc has ever uttered, some first times, Remi standing up to Lincs controlling parents, etc. I also loved the moments Remi had with his sweet as pie grandpa, and with Otto who became somewhat of a father figure to him later on in the story.
I loved their story, it was so beautiful. We got to see the bad boy who engages in underground fighting who was a big softie for his preppy boy. And Linc who used to let himself be controlled by parents becoming free and happy with Remi and doing whatever their hearts desired. I can’t wait to read more Charli Meadows.
Favorite quotes/scenes:
“This boy. . . this boy has me all twisted up inside, and I’m ready to fucking unravel for him.” (Remi)
“I want to see him tomorrow, the day after that, and every day for the foreseeable future. I’ve set my sights on him, and there’s no stopping these new and exhilarating feelings fluttering through me.” (Remi)
“I chuckle at how fucking cute and sexy he is. He has no idea, either. Everything he’s self-conscious about, I’m completely and unhealthily obsessed with. His mismatched eyes, his quirky personality, his intelligence, his kindness, his fucking innocence.” (Remi)
“I love his voice, his laugh, his eyes, his smile. . . Fuck, he’s captivating. And it’s hard not to be completely and totally obsessed.” (Remi)
“This big, tough boxer is soft for me. Only me.” (Linc)
“You’re the one good thing in my life, Remi. The only thing. And that’s scary. Because I don’t want to lose you.”
“How would you lose me, Linc? I only just got here. I’m not fucking going anywhere. Whether you like it or not, I’m in your corner.”
“I am bisexual and proud, and I am definitely Lincoln’s boyfriend and proud. I will climb Mount fucking Mitchell and scream from the top of my lungs to the entire state that I am Lincoln Anderson’s boyfriend.” (Remi)
“Show me everything inside your soul, Remi. Let me carry the burden with you, handle the lows and celebrate the highs. We’re a team. Can’t you see that? We’ve been a team since day one.” (Linc)
“I swear all I’ll ever need is the light emanating from Lincoln, from his heart and soul. With every passionate moment and traded truth, we become more entwined. There’s no going back. He’s mine. I fucking love him.” (Remi)
“He was in my air space from the beginning, flying undetected, and we were going to collide sooner or later. It was inevitable. Our collision of souls. Two people meant to be in each other’s lives from the beginning. And there’s nothing left to do but make up for lost time and love him with every fucking fiber of my being.” (Remi)
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