"A hot time in the new bar: one "Screaming Orgasm" coming right up!"

Mallory Carson had always lived by her own rules; all others were made to be broken. She marched to her own drummer; living on the edge was a way of life and it worked just fine for her. Mallory was the owner of "Bad Reputation", the new bar in town that catered to the young and hip. "Bad Reputation" was still in its infancy and Mallory knew that the primary ingredients for a great nightspot were good drinks, good music, and sex. She could provide the first two, and a little of the third was exactly what she intended to stir into the mix. Mallory had a knack for making things happen, which wasn't always a good thing and precisely why her brother and silent partner in the business had enlisted the help of his best friend, Shay O'Connor, to keep an eye on her.

Shay was the proprietor of "Donals", the traditional bar that had catered to local residents for several generations. Shay takes life, family, and his friendships very seriously, consequently he was all too willing to lend a hand when Dev Carson asked for a simple favor. From Shay's experience, that was what family did -- they watched out for each other, pitched in where they were needed, and even barged in where they weren't. How hard could it be to make sure his best friend's little sister wasn't up to any mischief? Surely the rumors of half-naked women dancing on the bar were just that....rumors. Walking into "Bad Reputation", Shay knew that his report back to Dev wasn't going to be a good one.

AS BAD AS CAN BE hooked me from the start, drawing me in on so many levels. Mallory is a complex woman whose past experiences permeate every aspect of her present (positively and negatively), and those experiences will make or break her future. After much parrying and thrusting (pardon the pun), Shay is determined to be a part of that future. He's able to see the sides of Mallory she tries so desperately to hide behind her seductive and larger-than-life persona, which only makes him want her more.

The physical attraction between Mallory and Shay is immediate and nearly ignites the pages; the emotional conflict between them is beautifully and tenderly rendered. It goes without saying that when they finally connect, you'll go up in flames right along with them; I personally, have suddenly developed a whole new appreciation for Harley Davidson motorcycles!

Ms. Hardy has crafted a steamy, sexy, and compelling study of the power of love and trust, the importance of family and the wisdom of letting go.

Reviewed by Maggie Ryan
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted May 8, 2003

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Summary

For Becka's neighbor, Mallory Carson, opening her own bar is a dream come true, and she'll do whatever's necessary to keep it going. Her brother—and silent partner—Dev gets nervous when he hears that she's trying outrageous hooks to draw customers into "Bad Reputation," and he sends his buddy, Shay O'Connor, to watch over her.

A local tavern owner, Shay doesn't approve of Mallory's Coyote Ugly approach to attracting a clientele. The more he tells her to clean up her act, the more Mallory gets the urge to show him just how bad she can be.

The only thing hotter than the sparks that fly around when they're together is the passion that sizzles between them.