BOOK REVIEW: Bringing Home The Bad Boy by Jessica Lemmon

Bringing Home The Bad Boy (Second Chance #1)
by Jessica Lemmon (Goodreads, Website, Twitter)
Published by Forever on January 27th, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Format: eARC (388 pages)
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Bad Boy Is Back

Evan Downey needs a new beginning. Since the death of his wife five years ago, the brilliant tattoo artist has shut himself away in a prison of grief that not even his work can break him out of-and what's worse, Evan knows his son Lyon is bearing the brunt of his seclusion. Moving back to the lake town of Evergreen Cove where he spent his childhood summers is his last chance for a fresh start.

Charlotte Harris knows she owes it to her best friend's memory to help Evan and his son find their way again, but she can't stop her traitorous heart from skipping a beat every time she looks into Evan's mesmerizing eyes. Charlotte is determined to stay strictly in the Friend Zone-until a mind-blowing night knocks that plan by the wayside. Now, if they're brave enough to let it, Charlotte and Evan might just find a love capable of healing their broken hearts...

This book just took romance to the next level. A new addition to my favorites shelf, Bringing Home The Bad Boy is a beautiful romance, with lots of heartbreaking moments that will make you shed tears. I'm not going to deny that I expected this book to be a simple light hearted read, but this book appeared so much more than a love affair between a widower and his late wife's best friend.

Several years after the sudden death of his wife, Evan Downey decides to return to his childhood town, Evergreen Cove, where he had grown up as one of the town troublemakers. Now, with his seven year old son, Lyon, moving back might probably help get their lives back on track, hopefully, with the help of Charlie, his late wife's best friend.

Charlie Harris has always had a crush on Evan ever since they were teenagers, but unfortunately for her, he only had eyes for Rae, and she's happy for them, until it all came crashing down the day she finds out of Rae's passing. Ever since then, she's vowed to help the boys get back on track again, especially in helping Evan raise his adorable son.

Reading about Evan wasn't as depressing as I thought. He isn't exactly a bad boy, per se, other than the fact that he used to be one of the notorious teens in town, and a rebellious streak in him, but Evan's character wasn't what I expected. I had been expecting a depressed widower, probably with an addiction of some sorts while in mourning for Rae. However, what I got was introduced to, was a fantastic single father trying his best just for the sake of his son. He's sweet, an amazing father and on top of that, he's also a talented artist. What more can you ask for? However, he did have his depressing moments, especially the times when he would talk about Rae and how he had lost her too soon.

Meanwhile, Charlie was too fragile to begin with. Her character was what added to the heartbreaking factor of this book. I wouldn't say she was "broken" from a previous relationship, however, the result somewhat wired her in a wrong way, to the point that it made her seem such an insecure character. Reading about her budding relationship with Evan was beautiful, especially in the way Evan pursued her, but every single time, she feels guilty towards Rae.

Lemmon did a great job at creating such realistic and raw characters along with the matching outstanding plot. Another thing I loved about this book was Lyon's refreshing character. Although he wasn't an extremely bubbly child, he brought light and cheeriness into the book. I could just imagine a little boy with cute curls and amazing smile! Totally adorable.

Bringing Home The Bad Boy was a book I didn't expect to love. But hey, I'm a sucker for a good romance novel and this is it. If you're like me, and love book that "might" give you a good cry and make you swoon at the same time, you definitely need to pick this one up.