The Bad Boy’s Good Girl

by Cookie O'Gorman, Michelle Pennington

Logan King was trouble.

I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on him. But when I challenged him, I had no idea he'd take his revenge so far.

To make up for his inexcusable behavior, his parents gave me a scholarship to King's Prep Academy. My mom insisted that I accept. Now, I'm the poor, public school girl attending an elite academy for the rich.

Even worse, Logan is here. He rules the school, and he wants me gone.

But I have a dream to chase, and no one, not even a King, will stop me.

*previously published on Kindle Vella as The Boys of King’s Prep Academy*

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, High School, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Boarding School, Contemporary Romance

351 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2022

About the author

Cookie O'Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, FAUXMANCE, BOOKWORM, SWEETHEART, and INTROVERT are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, The Sweetest Game, The Total Knockout, and The Merriest Christmas! Her newest release The Nicest Thing came out on October 9, 2025!

Reviews

[Jen (jenslostinthepages) ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bad Boy's Good Girl was an enemies to lovers that was addictive, swoon worthy and beyond intoxicating! From that very first page I was hooked! This story took place at an academy and I loved being lost in their world and lives. Deals were made. Secrets took place. And it all made this book impossible to put down! If you love young adult romance or academy books then you definitely need this one on your tbr!

In a sea of perfection, she strode confidently in her scuffed checkered Vans with her head held high—messy, falling-down bun and all.

Ava Deluca ended up in a twisted situation that landed her at King's Prep Academy. It was a dream school to attend and would help her reach the stars with her love of art. Yet, there was one huge hiccup. She got a scholarship there to make up for Logan King's actions to her mother, and her. Logan was not one to be messed with. He could be the devil, and Ava found herself right in his cross-hairs.

I knew I should've been sorry or scared— or both.
But I wasn't.
Justice had been served, and I couldn't regret it.

Logan came across as beyond conceited, spoiled and he seemed to see the worst in certain people. So when Ava landed in Logan's world, she gave it right back to him as good as he gave it. While that made him pause, it set off a chain reaction for their enemies to lovers relationship. Logan always got what he wanted, and unfortunately he wanted Ava gone from his school. But I held out all the hope. Because there were tiny flickers of another Logan, or maybe it was a side of him I wanted him to be. I wasn't sure. Regardless, I held out hope that he had a heart buried underneath it all. And as we slowly got to witness who Logan truly was, I fell hard!

“Did you need something?” I asked . “Or are you here to annoy me as usual?”
“Funny, isn't it?” he said. “That's the same word I associate with you. An annoyance I just can't seem to get rid of.”

I loved Ava right away! She had so much fire and sass. She also had a ton of heart too, and I loved her relationship with her mom! But at King's Prep Academy, Ava quickly realized she was in over her head. The girls there were beyond mean and viscous. The bullying Ava experienced broke my heart! It seemed that she was trying to be wrecked at every single turn. But regardless, Ava kept her head up and still had her kindness. Which turned her situation around in a way I didn't expect, yet entirely loved! That moment of kindness transformed her future and I couldn't read this book fast enough to see what happened next!

“You know what?” she asked softly. When I didn’t answer, she blazed ahead anyway. “I don’t think you’re as bad as you try to be.”

Ava and Logan together were like a storm that you never knew which way it would blow. I loved their banter and that Ava wouldn't back down. She would go head to head with Logan and wasn't afraid of his games. And even when they hurt each other, I still loved every single one of their moments on the pages! The passion between them was so intense. While they definitely wanted to hate the other, they couldn't not be attracted to each other too. So when help coming from unlikely sources, and the lengths those went to protect others, it just made this book that much more addictive! And payback?! Eeps, I can't even! It was all so perfect!

How do you get close to a girl when there are a million reasons she should stay as far away from you as she possibly can?

The Bad Boy's Good Girl was an addictive, young adult romance that many will absolutely love! With friendships, romance and family laced throughout the pages it made this book an instant favorite! And with a strong enemies to lovers vibe set at an academy, I was obsessed! Now I'm just needing more stories from this world please! Could Logan's sister or Chris be next? I hope!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Jamie (The Kansan Reader) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I am really starting to hate the “bad boy” trope. Anymore it’s not really a bad boy but a horrible excuse for a human being. And if he is rich it’s because he is pressured at home to be someone he’s not. That doesn’t give you the right to treat people like they are beneath you. Let’s not forget that an argument was brought up about the “hero” having ADHD and isn’t on medication. I lived with someone who had ADHD, the way Logan was written isn’t someone who has ADHD.

Now back to the bad boy trope, it has been done correctly before. A good example is Patrick Verona played by the late Heath Ledger. That was a bad boy. Logan King is a pompous jerk.

Ava is an okay character. I rooted for her to be with Christopher instead of Logan. Why are heroines set up with love triangles and they choose the toxic guy who is extremely bad for them instead of the one who is right for them?

Logan is technically engaged when he meets Ava. He has an arranged marriage with another girl whose parents made the deal along with his parents. Both Logan and Janelle cheated on each other through the years. While they fight the arranged marriage, they are betrothed to each other. Logan had so many red flags and I really don’t see the appeal.

Now there are a few errors that should have been caught because they are obvious, but the writing is okay. I have read a book by Cookie before. I liked it better than this book. As for Michelle, I have some of her books on my TBR list.

Anyway, I am just glad to be done with this.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Logan and Ava are from very opposite sides of the tracks...in more ways than one. Logan relies on his wealth and parent's social status and comes across as a jerk--very unlikable, a bully, and extremely entitled. However, even bad boys can have a rusty heart of gold.

I didn't love the bullying aspects. The kids at the prep school were soooo mean and vicious, but I did love Ava's grit and armor. Things rolled off her and she found the determination and a way to turn uncomfortable situations around. I loved that. The unlikely friendships were the saving grace, along with a tentative budding romance. I enjoy a clever underdog story and growth in a book is so satisfying.

An engaging writing style made this one endearing, even with all the unpleasant prickles. I can't say all the characters were enchanting, but Ava was the star of the show and the icing on the cake.

Content: mild+ romance (some innuendo, kissing); mild+ violence (bullying)

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Lauren - SERIESous Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest voluntary review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**

I've read a few "high-school-bully" trope romances over the last year and this one was refreshing in the sense that it didn't try to shock you with crazy sexscapades or violence. Instead, it's a sweet romance between two people who realize that there is more to the other person than they first assumed.

After a not-so-meet-cute between our leads that was filled with drama, the next 50% or so seems a little tame and slow in comparison. I struggled with the pacing as a result. Perhaps if we had more stolen looks and brimming sexual tension between Ava and Logan in that first half, I wouldn't have minded the slow burn as much. But they rarely seem to interact at all or at least enough to convince me that Logan was falling for her so hard and fast.

However, Logan has great character development throughout the book. It was nice to see him let some of his angst go and become a stronger person. Ava is a strong match for him but she also shows some vulnerability that I appreciated.

I'll be honest, I'm not sure why Chris has some POV chapters. Perhaps he will be the focus of a future book?

Overall, fans who want to partake in the hate to love you prep school YA romance genre but don't want all the grit and sex that usually comes with it, this sweet but angsty romance is the book for you!

Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!

Full Review: https://seriesousbookreviews.com/bad-...
Actual Rating: 3/5

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava is in trouble. After challenging the son of her mom's customer, Logan she finds herself in a predicament. His parents offer her a scholarship to King’s Prep Academy to make up for his awful behavior. When her mom insists that she accept, Ava finds herself the poor, public school girl attending the elite academy. And here, Logan rules the school. But Ava has a dream to chase and no one is going to stop her.
Now this was a little bit angstier than I usually read, but it was also a very cute story! I have enjoyed many of Cookie’s books and that was how I heard of this one. It was initially published on Kindle Vella and honestly, I can’t imagine only getting a chapter at a time, because there is so much going on! Every chapter was a new surprise and brought new twists. It definitely kept me invested.
Ava was very strong and determined. I liked how dedicated she was to her mother and how they supported one another. It was cool to see her determination and how she carved out her place. Logan was also a really fun character. While I don't know if I would like him if I met him, he was definitely fun to read about. Reading from his POV was really helpful in getting me to like him and understand what his character was going through. Both Chris and Bash were also such enjoyable characters! I loved their friendship and honestly would read their stories too!
Overall, this was a really fun story! It was a bit more angsty than I usually read, but it did not feel out of place. Neither of their POV’s felt too crazy, I was drawn into the world. It was interesting to read and I did like most of the characters. This is a YA romance with some more mature elements. Content warning: teenage pregnancy scare and innuendos

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I just can't even. This book... It had everything I did and didn't know I wanted in a story. 😍

Seriously, I think my brain just short-circuited, so I'm just going to name the things I loved about this book:
- fast-paced
- unputdownable
- enemies to lovers
- fighting heroine
- off-the-charts chemistry
- slow-burn romance
- Preparatory Academy drama
I could definitely go on and on with this list. The authors outdid themselves, and I have major respect for the people that read this story on Kindle Vella since I clearly wouldn't have been able to have their self-control patience, lol.

I found myself picking it up whenever I could, and thinking about Logan and Ava whenever I forced myself to put it down and go be productive. They were my favorite, and I loved every minute I got to spend with them. Their story arcs were believable, and I loved how perfectly imperfect they are for each other. How Logan is not the epitome of badness (despite what he thinks of himself) and how Ava, while a strong, fighting heroine, is not perfect and overly good either. They both have their weaknesses, but they also have and find friends that have their backs whenever things get tough. Bash and Chris were the best and I'd honestly love it if they were to have their own books/stories *wink wink*. I think I can see the influence of watching K-dramas for at least one of the authors since it all played out like a movie (or even a webtoon at times) in my mind, and had me flipping the pages as fast as I could, but I'm not complaining, lol. I think the balance of angst, drama, and developing romance was well done, especially considering how the relationships with the parents play into the story as well.

Seriously, one of the best YA/Prep Academy Sweet Romance I've read in a while, with the perfect blend of angst and drama, featuring the hard-working public school girl that dared to stand up to the King's rule and ended up changing both their worlds forever. ~ 5 stars!

Content (with mild spoilers):
Sex: none between the MCs, but it's mentioned that a side character had a summer fling.
Violence: slaps from girls, punches from guys.
Other: some bullying.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely an enemies to lovers, opposites attract story. Logan King is literally the king of King's Prep Academy. He's rich, spoiled and used to being fawned over by all the girls. Ava Deluca is not from a wealthy family. She's only attended public schools and is at King's Prep Academy on a scholarship from Logan's father and stepmother. Logan's NOT happy about it and he wants her gone.

I haven't read a YA romance in quite awhile but this one had me turning the pages. I wanted to see if Logan was really as bad as he pretended to be, and how long Ava would be able to stick it out at King's Prep with all the bullying she had to endure. I loved how Ava had set a goal and she wasn't going to let anyone stop her from doing her best to attain it. I liked how kind-hearted Ava was to everyone, even if she didn't know them. I loved her friendship with Bash and Christopher and that it seemed to come about naturally. Especially with Christopher, Logan's stepbrother.

Even though he wasn't the main male character, I really liked Christopher and would love to see him get his own story. He was exactly who he seemed to be, unlike his stepbrother Logan who tended to wear a mask. It took a while for me to like Logan, but as I saw his character slowly grow and change, I began to change my mind about him

Even though YA isn't a regular genre for me, this was a fun read. I received a complimentary copy for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Lexy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read the ARC and it is great- one of my favourite film tropes but I'm not sure I've read many books with this trope before. Ava and Logan meet at his birthday party where they have a disagreement. Ava is then given a scholarship to a school with one proviso-that she spies on Logan. I love how the story is told from 3 perspectives so you see everything that happens. I loved how the mean kids were treated and how the relationships developed in the story.
If you like fish out of water books this is for you!
#arc #cookieogorman #kpa #avaandflynn #janitorsknoweverything

[Nari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not very fond of anyone but Ava and her mom at the beginning of this story. As I got to know Logan, Chris, Bash and Janelle, I started to understand them and warmed up to them. I thought some of the things that Logan was able to do was a bit unbelievable but the story was still well written. The characters were well developed and I become invested in their story. Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to a young adult.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! YA romances are usually hit or miss for me, but this one was so well-written. I was drawn in to the plot from the very beginning and enjoyed seeing the character development along the way. The characters were all multifaceted and endearing and I hope there will be more books in this series!

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I am not a fan of high-school bully romance (bully romance in general, really) but I love one of the authors and read this anyway. This book did not change my opinion on the genre.
Ava and Logan don’t really have any chemistry, beyond being nice to look at (which is one of those troupes I hate. Bad behaviour isn’t excusable just because somebody’s ‘hot’). Ava finds herself drawing him, and Logan gets intrigued by someone who doesn’t bow down at his feet. Beyond that… meh. I didn’t root for these two. Chris was a way better choice for Ava.

This is also one of those that includes a condition for the rep to be ‘diverse’ but actually has nothing to do with it and just name drops. Because Logan has ADHD. That’s why he has no impulse control. Yep, sure. He never gets distracted from his tasks, he sits and organises his closet for four hours, and his narration is the same as everyone else’s. He doesn’t have excess energy, or trouble focusing. If you give your character ADHD, he actually has to have ADHD. Because as it stands it sounded like a cop out excuse for him to be a jerk. By the end it seems as if it’s forgotten anyway, (it was mentioned all of once) but I don’t know if that makes things better or worse.
Ava is obviously the sweetest and most resilient person ever, incapable of holding a grudge or exacting revenge. And she makes Logan want to be a better person. Though she encourages his behaviour at the end, and the things he was doing to others didn’t seem like things her character would be okay with. Logan does have a pretty good redemption arc, but I didn’t like the justification constantly of him being a jerk.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a young adult romance with a bully/mean girl story with a bunch of rich kids at a prep school and "scholarship" girl. Ava is a sassy, spunky girl who attends a public school and helps her mom with her growing catering company. When they are at a birthday party for Logan King that Ava's mom is catering, Logan throws a fit and ends up destroying the cake that took hours and hours to create. When Ava slaps Logan, it starts the ball rolling that ends up with Ava at a fancy prep school with a bunch of rich and mean students who make her life miserable. Logan begins to see a different side of Ava and impressed with her fortitude. Could she be the missing piece in his life story? Would he be as courageous as she is?

This story is a clean young adult romance that has a happy ending. I would like to have seen more resolution with Logan's father and step-mother but otherwise enjoyed the story.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[thelostbookmark.20 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Bad Boy’s Good Girl” co-written by Cookie O’Gorman and Michelle Pennington, is a spectacular YA read! As soon as I started, I couldn’t stop. This book has everything a romance reader could want: enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, strong heroine, and amazing chemistry between the two love interests. This book captured my attention and whenever I had to put it down, I found it difficult to keep my thoughts off this story. If you want a read that will completely capture your attention and make it impossible to think or do anything other than read the book, I highly recommend “The Bad Boy’s Good Girl”!

“The Bad Boy’s Good Girl” follows Ava Deluca and Logan King. Logan King is a rich kid with a bad boy attitude. Ava Deluca is a normal girl who loves art and has a passion for drawing. When Ava’s mom is hired to cater Logan’s birthday party with all his preparatory academy friends, Logan and Ava cross paths. When they first meet, their dislike for one another is mutual. After Ava is awarded a scholarship to King’s Prep Academy, she faces many challenges at the school. Her biggest challenge is to avoid Logan, the king of the academy. Will Logan and Ava learn to get along or will they be sworn enemies for the entire school year? Find out in “The Bad Boy’s Good Girl”.

[Tracy Cates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional!

Loved Ava and Logan's story. It was a clean and delightful bully story. I didn't want to put it down. The story from beginning to end did not disappoint. No language, no steamy scenes and not too many triggers other than bullying by main male character and female characters. The "love interest" of the male character was not even that of a mean girl. Worth it!

[JessE · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌟 🌟 🌟

Summary of book; Logan is the King (literally) of the school and runs it with his head held high. He rebels against his dad and stepmother because of the pressure to be who they want him to be. Ava attends public school and lives with her mother whose a chef. She loves art and wants to be an artist. When Ava's mum is hired as a caterer for Logan's birthday, both parties meet during one of Logan's rebel acts. To make up for it (or as his stepmother claims - to punish him) Logan's parents set Ava up in the private school. Logan sets out to make Ava miserable as pay back but after getting to know one another, they start to form a friendship.

👍; This book shows the struggles of both, a rich young man who has all the money he could want but has no supporting family and a strong, fierce girl who has a loving mother but not much money. They fit together like a puzzle from the beginning by each having what the other doesn't.

👎; I felt this book took a good while to get going and actually tell Logan and Ava's romanctic story. A lot of pages felt like fill ins so it seemed to drag a little. Logan's stepbrother Christopher does mention Logan having ADHD at some point in the book but then it is never mentioned again... I feel like this could've been built on more so we understand Logan's emotions and why he does the things he does. It would've been nice to read about how having help and support from Ava and his friends improved his way of life.

Favourite character; Ava's mum

Least favourite character; Miranda

Review by Jess 🤍

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed a number of Cookie O'Gorman's books. I like her writing and storytelling styles and was curious to read something she'd cowritten.

The Bad Boy's Good Girl is an enemies-to-more YA read that was an easy and entertaining read.

Ava and Logan's story was a bit of slow burn with enough drama to keep things interesting without being over the top. I thought there was nice character growth, too.

It felt like the writing and character/story development were seamless. I am interested in checking out some of Michelle's other books and I will definitely read whatever Cookie writes next.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Ashley Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and clean YA romance that ticked all the boxes! Teen angst, hate to love, and a school full of rich kids! What’s not to love?

[A.M. Hogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun YA novel!

The Bad Boy's Good Girl was such an engaging book, I couldn't stop turning pages. Ava was such a kind yet strong character, and it was so easy to root for her from the get-go. I wasn't so sure about Logan though... It took me quite a while to warm up to him, and with his stepbrother Chris also having POV chapters, I was leaning more toward him getting the girl. It's been a while since I've read a straight-up YA romance novel, and this one was a fun read.

[Vanessa Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

so perfect

Oh my goodness. Chris, Logan, and Bash are seriously perfect. Ava is an amazing character with so much heart. I loved watching the characters and their relationships develop. I’m really hoping this is the beginning of a series because I want to hear everyone’s story.

[Maria Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iam a fan of K-drama and recognized similarities between this story and dramas like THe inherors or Boys of flowers. The begin was really good and I was hooked. I read through the night and couldn't put the book down. So why three stars? Because some issues were lost in the book: Logan's ADHD, which I thought would be something important in the plot and the Logan's father personality. He is too tame and too comprehensive in accepting Ava and Logan's date which was improbable because Logan's marriage to Jannelle was a financial transaction between rich families. Sorry these details were not noticed. But I recommend it as a good time killer.

[Ron Ponton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super swoon!

This was an absolutely romantic and beautiful love story. One of the best love stories I have read in a long time. This is a must read for all lovers of a happy ending.

[Latoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel, The Bad Boy's Good Girl by Pennington and O'Gorman. It is a sweet YA romance set in a boarding school. There is bullying in many ways but redemption comes. I like the character growth. I really enjoyed how relaxing this story was.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute read.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet enemies to lovers YA story! I couldn't put it down!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Aimee Blackard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story!

I loved this book! I really felt for Ava and what she went through but she was also my hero. I admired her strength and her will to not let the terrible kids of KPA get to her! And Logan of course is a dream hero come true! It was a really enjoyable read and I hope Chris and Bash get their own books!

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute and heartwarming, at times frustrating, story. Ava is a girl from a lower income family. He and her mom are all alone. Her mom owns her own catering company,k which is barely making it in NYC. Ava is a high school student and aspiring artist by day, and a part-time barista and fill-in catering watress with her mom at night. It takes the two of them working together to make ends meat and keep a roof over their heads.

After a stuck-up, snobby boy pulls a cruel prank on her mom at his own birthday party in front of all his father's business associates, which results in her mom falling into and knocking over the five-tiered birthday cake, Ava gets a scholarship from the father to attend King's Preparatory Academy, a very exclusive private school, and a chance to study under one of her favorite artists. Even though she is excited as could be by the opportunity, she knows it might not be all sunshine and rainbows. However, Ava's a fighter and ready to walk through fire to pursue her dreams. That is, if a certain irritating and devastatingly handsome bad boy doesn't get in her way.

Logan King, the bad boy in question, is everything Ava thinks she detests about rich kids. He's arrogant, petty, rude, full of himself, cocky and simply an a$$hole. Along the way though, she discover he's also kind, fiercely loyal, and protective of those he cares about. He a guy stuck in a tough spot, with a family who have expectations for his future that he doesn't want but must fulfill.

The two of them together make an unlikely pair, but they each have something that the other seems to need. I really enjoyed reading their story and going on this journey of self-discovery with them. The fact that they each found their HEA along the way was just the icing on top the cake. Well done to the authors.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I loved reading Ava and Logan’s story! I loved how they met, the enemies story line, how they became friends and the obstacles between them.
I really liked how the author’s developed Logan and his depth. I also loved the secondary characters, especially Chris and Bash.
This was a great book with well developed characters and a engaging plot.

[Ronald B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Read, Cute

I really like Michelle Penning’s writing. Thi was a rather melodramatic in parts but interesting and enjoyable. The story of a relatively poor girl that is sweet, brave and a talented artist who meets mean boy and friends from an exclusive snooty prep school in the northeast. Circumstances have her obtaining an art scholarship for her senior year at the school. The story is of her trials at the mean girl and boy school. There are also mean parents. It ‘s main story is about Eva, the artist, changing meanest boy, Logan. Not particularly original story but very well written and entertaining.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Just Wow! Good Book! Yeah Logan is a jerk… but he grows, apologizes & becomes such a good guy. And while it’s not the “touch my wife & die” exact words. We definitely get, hurt her & Die. Which from a high school guy is so cute!
I really love Bash & Chris, the 3 guys friendship & support was really adorable.
Looking forward to reading their books.

[Paolo A De La Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

I fell in love with the characters. Especially for the misunderstood bad boy. What a sweet story and a great read. Hope to see a sequel to their story.