I went into this book completely blind as I haven't read any of the series before but I was delighted to discover that I could enjoy it without any confusion over characters or past events.

As a gangland thriller I was expecting the gore and violence although it wasn't overdone. I was always rooting for Adam no matter how bad the acts he was committing. He was disarmingly charming and good-looking and made getting away with murder look like a fun little diversion on the way to a party. The champagne lifestyle added glitz and glamour to an otherwise dark and dangerous existence.

I found myself glued to this book as there was so much going on I couldn't put it down. Aside from Adam and his investment scam he also had a new love interest.

The rest of the family had their own issues. Scarlet, the business woman had a lot on her shoulders. Katie had husband problems in Italy. We also met Knuckles and Julie Gold who tried to help.

This is a smart and witty read with characters I shouldn't really like but can't help falling for their charm.

The book ends with a cliffhanger so it comes as no surprise that I'll be looking out for book six in the series when it's released.

The Bad Boy is the latest action-packed gangland thriller by Gillian Godden fans of the genre will thoroughly enjoy.

Adam Lambrianu was born to great wealth, power and privilege. He’s fully aware of how lucky he is – and of the legacy he has inherited from his family. Making his family proud is his number one priority – even though he is a bad boy with a fearsome reputation that precedes him. Lately, however, Adam is being pressured into running the family’s casino empire and he isn’t sure whether the way the Lambrianus do business interests him anymore.

His sister Scarlet is worried about him. The Lambrianus have always done things their way and Adam wanting to change the status quo and his interest in building his own legacy is making her nervous. Scarlet needs help to convince Adam not to stray from the path she has him set on so she calls in reinforcements: old friend Julie Gold. Scarlet is sure that Julie will convince her brother to see things her way, however, she should know that Adam is a Lambrianu male who knows only too well that in order to succeed, rules have to be broken.

Gillian Godden’s The Bad Boy is a wild ride that will leave readers barely able to catch their breath. Dark, gritty, gripping and unsettling, The Bad Boy is a powerful tale of ruthless ambition, family ties and impossible sacrifices by Gillian Godden full of chills, shocks and surprises that is a struggle to put down.

📚📖 BOOK REVIEW 📖📚

📖 Book - The Bad Boy
✍️ Author - Gillian Godden
📕 Publisher - Boldwood books
🗓 Publication Date - 6th Dec 23
This is the latest book in the LAMBRIANUS book series! Brother and sister Adam + Scarlett are the main characters. They have taken over the ‘family Business’, especially now their parents have passed on. Julie Gold appears a previous character from Gillian’s books. Oh my days… I LOVE Julie. She made me laugh on numerous occasions! Genuinely couldn’t put this book down. I feel like I know the characters now but there is always things come up that the reader wouldn’t have known- keeping you on your toes!!
Now the ending of this book ….. wait WHAT?! 😳😫😭. I even messaged the author, to tell her I was bereft. I had a proper book ending tantrum 😂🤦🏽‍♀️!! Such a cliffhanger. 5 stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for sending me this ARC and allowing me to be part of the upcoming blog tour ♥️📕.

I like this author's books and have read a few of them, but I have not seen this series before. This is the 5th book in the series, and it works well as a stand-alone. When I started this book I had not realised it was so far in the series but it worked well. As I was reading I did realise that some things had happened in the past, but there is a character I have come across before; Julie Gold. There is some cross-over that I may have missed, but it doesn't matter because this book is fabulous.

The Lambrianus Family have their own business and it is run mainly by Scralet but also by her younger brother Adam. He is a ladies' man, a bruiser, not afraid to get his hands dirty and seems to get away with flashing his blue eyes and exuding charm. Yeah, he is definitely a good baddie! This is where Julie Gold comes in as a friend of the family to try and keep Adam in check and stop him rushing off and causing problems.

He has a new business idea and along with Julie he is in line to make some good profits, but then there is also the other side of his business dealings that have dire consequences. This also brings into play another part of the family.

This is a brilliant book and once I had started it, I read it over the course of a day. It is a gangland crime thriller and does show the dealings the Lambrianus have in the local area and also how they are trying to keep up with changing times. With this being the first time I have read any of this series I was pleased to have been able to keep up with the characters and their relationships within the family group. The author did a great job of adding important details where necessary and I do imagine this is
also great for readers of this series who may need the odd nudge of memory.

There is plenty of action in this story and also a time when you get to see the more family-based side of it. The dynamics are good and the author shows a "human side" to her characters rather than being all business and nothing else.

This is a series that I do wish I had started from at the beginning but reading this book as a stand-alone works amazingly well. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book as it has been left open and I need to know what the family are going to do about the threat that is looming in the future!

This is a gangland thriller and there is a reasonable amount of what you would expect. But this is also more family-based as such, the author shows how Adam is trying to navigate a relationship, how Scarlet is trying to stay the strong businesswoman but how other aspects of her life may be suffering. There is the family in Italy that also needs support and it is all connected and flows so well in the story.

I really enjoyed this book and if you are a fan of gangland family-based crime thrillers then you should look at this book, series and author. It is one I would definitely recommend.

A dark and gritty gangland thriller that had me breathless and constantly looking over my shoulder! Adam Lambrianu steps up into the family business even though sister Scarlett isn't sure if he's interested. Family friend Julie Gold is stepping up to help but there are rules to be followed. I couldn't flip through the pages fast enough and it left me gasping for breath. It's fast paced and one hell of a ride showing revenge is best served cold. Adam Lambrianu is made out to be immature but I think he is quite smart and I wouldn't want to come across him that's for sure. This is the first book of the series that I have read and it can be read as a standalone but I am going to go back and read from the beginning as I think it will be even more enjoyable.

The Bad Boy by Gillian Godden.
The Lambrianus Book 5.
The Lambrianus are back, and they are badder than ever.
I really enjoyed this book. I am enjoying this series. The story and characters. I'm looking forward to the next book. 4*.

I'm totally hooked on this author's gangland thrillers, and her latest release is just as exceptional as the rest.

‘The Bad Boy,’ follows Scarlet and Adam, the Lambrianus siblings, as they take over the family business. There are so many unexpected twists and turns, and Julie Gold's cunning schemes are a real highlight. Adam's just as ruthless as his dad, and Scarlet's a total force to be reckoned with. Knuckles is a bit of a mystery man, and Adam's relationship with Jennifer is a real game-changer. The ending is a total cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Overall, this book is a fantastic reminder of the power of perseverance and determination.

If you're a fan of this genre or author, you've got to read it. It's a great addition to any collection!

I am a massive fan of this author's books and have read several. However, to my surprise, this book works perfectly as a standalone novel. Although there were a few references to past events that I may have missed, they didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. I recognized one of the characters, Julie Gold, from a previous book, but even without that knowledge, this book proved to be a fantastic read.

The Lambrianus Family owns a business primarily managed by Scarlet and her younger brother, Adam. Adam is a charming ladies' man who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, making him the pretty wrong boy. However, to keep him from causing trouble, the family enlists the help of their friend Julie Gold to keep him in check.

He has come up with a new business idea that, along with Julie's help, has the potential to generate significant profits. However, his involvement in certain business dealings may lead to severe consequences. Additionally, this situation involves another member of the family.

I just finished an incredible gangland crime thriller that follows the Lambrianus family as they adapt to changing times. The author's attention to detail was exceptional and kept me engaged throughout. A must-read for crime thriller fans!

Wow!! Gillian Godden never disappoints and this was no exception! Scarlett and Adam Lambrianu are siblings who run a tight ship as far as the family business goes and don’t ever take an any prisoners. Scarlett though is worried that little brother Adam is a bit too reckless and calls on family friend Julie Gold to help keep him from doing anything that could backfire. The violence was not too graphic and left lots to the imagination, I love the fact that there was also some romance and the importance of trust and family is very much at the heart of this. Whatever you do never even think about crossing the Lambrianu family! A gritty page turner this is gangland at its best. Cannot wait for the next one!

The Lambrianaus are back
Adam was born with a silver spoon and he is wild
Scarlet is worried about him
Julie Gold is called to help him
But Julie knows that he does not
I had and ARC

I love this Authors books. and we now have a new series. The Lambrianus children Scarlet and Adam who run the family business. OH, and our Julie Gold in it as hilarious. as normal with her schemes. Scarlet is ruthless. But so is Adam.so like his father. And not forgetting Knuckles a man of a few words. Then Adam meets Jennifer and it's the first time he has ever felt anything for a woman. Adam and his best friend Bruce with Julie go in to the biggest. stock market scam .and then someone try 's to kill Adam. and they have to find out who it is .and what a cliff hanger. can't wait for book two.an amazing read from this author.

Brilliant gripping book I loved it and Julie Gold just makes this book. The story and the characters are great and bring the book alive can't wait for Gillian's next book.

Always love this authors books and was more than pleased that,after a break and another series,The Lambrianus were back,this being Book 5 means although you can read as a stand alone personally its best when you have read the previous 4
For me this was the best book read by GIllian Godden,there was an extra spark and it was full of storylines and rich ( in every way ) characters,it was great to be back with the daunting Julie Gold and of course the cheeky ladies man Adam,Scarlett and Knuckles……brutal at times and full on gangland but with heart and humour I loved every page and even found the bits on Cryptocurrency which usually goes over my head to be informative and interesting
Roll on Book 6 in this powerful more than readable and enjoyable series


#FORBLOGTOUR