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Review: Such a Bad Influence: A Novel

Such a Bad Influence: A Novel Such a Bad Influence: A Novel by Grace Demyan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

🌅Thank you, Grace Demyan, for sending me the advanced reader copy (ARC) of Such a Bad Influence. It is a fantastic debut novel that shows what happens when grief, a blueberry farm, and a troublemaking teen collide. It was an enticing mix of heart, chaos, and small-town drama that, for the most part, kept me turning the pages.

At its core, this is Felicity’s story. Still reeling from the loss of her mother, she spends her days running the family farm and leaving voicemails on her mom’s old number. But when that phone number ends up in the hands of Alex, a foster kid recently aged out of the system, Felicity’s solitary routine is disrupted in ways she never expected. A single call for help turns into bail money, an unexpected roommate, and eventually—thanks to Alex’s wild imagination—a side hustle in “revenge consulting.” Toss in Wade, the handsome-but-complicated neighbor with a loyal dog named Juno, and suddenly Felicity finds herself surrounded by something she hasn’t had in years: people who actually feel like family.

There’s so much to love here. The dynamic between Felicity and Alex is the heart of the book, a reminder that found family often saves us when blood family cannot. Alex’s rawness, Felicity’s cautious heart, and Wade’s steady persistence made for a trio I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. The banter sparkles, the revenge escapades add a fantastic amount of mischief, and Juno the dog easily steals every scene she’s in. I also appreciated how the novel tackled heavier issues—like grief, abandonment, and the failures of the foster care system—without ever losing its sense of humor or hope.

That said, this is a debut, and it shows in spots. The pacing sometimes stumbles, and a few plot points stretch believability, especially around the revenge business. Specific emotional beats—like how Felicity functions as an adult or two-dimensional townsfolk—felt simplified when a bit more nuance could have added real depth. There were also a few times when a swift kick to Felicity’s behind would have served her well, and I almost put the book down and stopped reading because I couldn’t stomach her inability to learn from her mistakes. In the end, I’m glad I finished it. Because even with its imperfections, I found myself rooting for these characters, flaws and all.

Such a Bad Influence is messy in the best way—equal parts small-town charm, found family warmth, and gleeful chaos. If you enjoy slow-burn redemption arcs, “enemies to unlikely allies,” and a sprinkle of mischief alongside your heartfelt moments, this book belongs on your list. #SuchaBadInfluence #NetGalley #GraceDemyan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5/5 stars)

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