When I'm Bad, I'm Better

by K.F. Johnson

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and in this present-day drama, neither was the facade these four cousins expended a lifespan constructing. They say good girls finish last…but when they're bad, they're better!
Valerie's just recovered from a career ending accident when her fiancé adds insult to injury by cheating on her with her closest relative. Devastated, angry, and now financially strapped, she’s ready to break all the rules...or is she?
Yasmin's a successful attorney whose failing marriage has left a void that only a side romance has been able to fill. When a crime unexpectedly turns her life upside down, decisions will have to be made...or they'll be made for her.
Vanessa's an aspiring singer who's tired of living in the shadow of her identical twin's success. She's not getting any younger, success doesn’t come cheap and fame costs!
Amina's a beautiful bombshell who uses what she’s got to get what she wants; but she’s harboring seedy secrets that are anything but pretty. As skeletons begin to resurface, she needs them dead and buried...before she is.

204 pages, Paperback

Published December 22, 2015

About the author

K.F. Johnson is a New York native who took Atlanta by storm to attend Spelman College, graduating with a B.A. in Psychology. Later obtaining a Master in Business, K.F. wrote as a hobby, publishing her debut novel Behind Closed Doors: Love Hurts in 2012 for social media friends. It's surprise success, repeatedly reaching #1 on Amazon's Top 100 for its genre, birthed K.F.'s desire to create more.

Using her business acumen, K.F. started One Ironwoman Publishing in 2016, under which she landed features in magazines & garnered nominations for literary awards, including the Global Ebook Awards in 2018. K.F. has continued penning witty, realistic & deadly tales of revenge & suspense, where romance burns as intensely as the need for retribution; earning her the title, "The Empress of Revenge Romance & Suspense".

With her fan base cheering for more, K.F. ventured into the film industry in 2024, leaving readers anticipating both the release of her next novel & the premier date of her first novel based film, What I’d Do For Love.

Reviews

[Dee Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an enjoyable read! The story started off with a bang & kept the drama going. Though the 4 ladies had issues, Vanessa had a lot going on. Always causing confusion, she was truly one to contend with. Her actions made her a character easy to dislike...Storyline flowed at a good pace with interesting content & scenes that held my attention. While this is my first read by KF Johnson, this story has me looking forward to reading more of her books. An electronic copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

[T Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very entertaining from beginning to the end. Valerie & Vanessa I hope they can work things out for their fathers sake. It's bad when you have to go looking for love and had it all the time. Oh really hope the film can come together cause they have had one bad thing after another happen behind them keeping all of these secrets. By trying to hide them it is making them all come out but in a bad way. Some are losing relationships & some are losing family members. Your past is your past & opening up about it may help spending these situations. I guess Malik just snapped cause he ended up hurting Yasmine. Then Vanessa has done some crazy stuff & I hope she gets caught. She hurt people really bad & deserve what ever happens to her. Nicky is the only one who seems to n it have a whole lot of issue about probably in part 2. Ready for part 2 so I can know what happened
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[Mia Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goid

This was good. It was so much drama. It was a lot of people to keep up with. These 4 women had some drama. A few editing mistakes. The book was short. Plus, I'm disappointed that as long as this book been out, part two is not out yet. I would have waited to read it, but still a good read.

[Sandy Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome, amazing. This family is worth reading about . I enjoyed every page of the sisters and cousins.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book certainly starts the action going from Page One, and it doesn’t let up for the entire novel. The book follows the inter-connected stories of four women, and each of their stories is full of action, drama, sex and emotion. This book is definitely NOT for readers who are easily offended or prudish, but if you like a fun, easy-to-read story which has something going on in each chapter, and you don’t mind sexual content, then this book is well recommended. You can easily read the book in an afternoon, and each page will keep your interest. The novel almost reads like a day-time soap opera, with all the drama that is on-going, and this certainly makes the book an engaging and interesting read. This novel is not for people who want a literary piece of fiction, but if you are looking for a fun, light, raunchy read then this could be the novel you are looking for.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I m Bad, I'm Better

OMG! This book took the word scandal to a whole new level. There was so much deceit and deception in this book, I couldn't tell the good from the bad. Leading the pack was Vanessa also known as Vixen. That name was the right fit for her because she was as treacherous as they came. If she wanted it,she went after it. She didn't care who it belonged to. Yasmine should've been Vixen's sister instead of her cousin because they are both some scandalous women. Amina's past has come back to haunt her, and she doesn't even know who's behind it. She has also found out a devastating secret. I can keep going, I won't. Let's just say there's more to come in book 2.

[Pamela Johnston Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent job

The author did an excellent job with this book. Reading this book is like watching a movie. The only thing that was missing was the popcorn, soft drink, and box of movie theater candy. You get drawn in and become a part of the story. It is so vivid, that you can actually feel the characters emotions. There are lots of twists and turns, and the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. The cliffhanger threw me over the edge. I did not see it coming. Part 2 please.

[Tramaine Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about drama!!! Man...

When I first read the excerpt being read by the author on Facebook, I knew it would be juicy!! The author knows how to draw you into the storyline and keep you engaged in the story which is very important. I didn't want to put the book down. So much mess between Valerie, Amina, Tamika, and Vanessa has happened that I don't even know how they will bounce back...if they can bounce back. Their relationships have been damaged and it's clear that being family doesn't mean much. I'm ready for Part 2 asap! I'm hooked! Great job K F Johnson!

[Pat Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where's the sequel

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to see if Val and Vanessa will mend their relationship. I want to know who's after Amina and what will happen with Yas. I went to download part 2 and it looks like it's not out yet Eve though this book was released in December 2015? What? Don't leave me hanging like this.

[Catherine Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

The word for today is Drama. Can you say it with me? This book!!!! I can't find the right words to describe it. Page after page, chapter after chapter, drama, drama and more drama. But it was good. It left you hanging can wait to read book 2.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was more entertaining than a I thought. Although it was confusing and more drama filled than I like. Just read because the cover works for a challenge. I didn't hated it but not my favorite genre of books but well one should try everything at least once.

[Danielle Bigsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an awesome book... The characters kept me entertained and I couldn't put the book down. The story line flowed well and it kept me on the edge of my seat... Would definitely recommend it to others

[Maya Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was power packed from beginning down to the very last page. There really aren't but a couple of innocent parties throughout the entire book because all of them have secrets that they're trying to keep hidden. Twin sister Vanessa though...she's one crazy and self-centered chick. There isn't anything she won't do to get what she wants and no one she won't step over. Yasmin pretends to be a goody two-shoes but she's really one of the grimiest of them all. Amina's backstory is wild and this vixen is surely holding on to a past she doesn't want to get out. Valerie didn't really start changing until the very end but it's obvious she's going to be an entirely new person because of the way the people she loves have betrayed her. The book seemed kind of short to me, but maybe that's because I read it so fast. Good book. I'm looking forward to part 2.

[Quita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drama

Omg this family is dysfunctional. Sisters sleeping with each others man for different reasons. All I can say is jealousy is a bitch and I can't wait to see what's next. My mouth is still wide open in shock.

[Bili · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everybody done lost they minds

A lot of backstabbing and betrayal going on! Lots of drama! Overall, very well written and detailed but imma need all these sisters and cousins to get it together!!

[Laura Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaw dropping

When I tell you this book had me captivated from page one!!!! So much betrayal and deceit in this family!!!!! So sad how dad passed though. Can't wait for the next book. Truly a must read here folks!!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bookclub pick

A real page turner! Can't wait for sequel! Family drama at it's best! Enjoyed all of the characters being bad!

[Tanya Deloatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woo wee!!

Action, suspense, love and family!! Couldn't believe all the twists and unexpected turns that makes you say oomph out loud more than once. Looking forward to part 2!!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Omg I need part two right now. That ending was crazy!!! Everyone had.Drama and no one was innocent at all. This book surprised me at how great it was

[Patricia Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the book is there a part two coming out

[Granada Hampton · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a hard read for me. I wasn’t sure what the plot of the book was. I lost track of the characters, who was related to whom, who was dating who, etc.... I don’t even know who the main character (s) are.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I tell you this book had EVERYTHING... it did. 4 female cousins that are too wild for words. I cant wait for pt 2

[Kia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too much going on, probably will not read the second book.

[Staja Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off good. You gotta pay attention to things though and I couldn't put it down! Awesome!

[S. Reid]

I loved this book AND ITS SEQUELS!
I HATED BRENT AND VANESSA! READ THE SERIES AND FIND OUT WHY.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

With friends and family like these, who needs enemies? Geez. There's a lot of drama packed in the pages of this book. I enjoyed the characters, though I don't think I'd go so far as to say I liked them. It is interesting however to see into the mind of some of those unlikable characters and understand their position, even if it only truly makes sense in their own warped point of view. It's a reminder that nothing and no one grows in a vacuum.

I really appreciated that this is a book by and about people who too rarely get their time on the page. All the main characters are people of color, in fact I don't think there's a white face in the book, but there are also queer and trans cameos too. Plus, this is a book about women. Men are in it. They're often the motivation for the women's actions, but this is a book about women—strong, self-reliant black women. I like the way that tips the standard tropes on their head. So often in books it's women who are only present as reasons for men to do things, to go on quests or get angry or defend their honor or virtue, etc. Here, while the motivations are very different, it's the men who play the more passive role, spurring women to actions, good and bad.

The narrative style is gritty and regional. A lot of the dialogue would send a grammar nazi into convulsions, but who really speaks with proper grammar everyday of their lives? Again, this is a realism you don't often see allowed in literature. On the other side, the fact that the narration isn't in standard English doesn't absolve the author of the responsibility of editing. There are several occurrences that are clearly mistakes, mostly around punctuation and homophones. But's it's largely pretty clean.

I have a few personal pet peeve kind of complaints. As a general rule, and I've said this before, I truly dislike when authors compare their characters to celebrities as a means of telling the reader what they look like. I haven't watched television in almost 5 years and have only seen a handful of movies. I have no clue who the new generation of stars are or what they look like. It is wholly ineffective for relaying information to me and only leads to feeling alienated as a reader. (And yes, I sadly do realize how old that makes me sound.) This is the primary means of character description in this book, everyone having a celebrity lookalike. We're kind of given a reason for this, but it didn't help me at all.

Next, while I understand that not everyone views sex, monogamy, parenting, relationship in the same way and I wouldn't want them to, and I understood that for a variety of reasons (the least of which was romance) this was important to the characters, a lot of the book is dedicated to who is sleeping with whom and who is or isn't injured because of it. I appreciated the subtle ways the author created a perception of castes among people, degrees of legality and hierarchies of betrayal, legitimizing some things and people and not others, but I did get a tad tired of the constant who is f_cking who and if I'm honest, I didn't much care for the author's style of describing sex. Again, personal preference, but there you have it.

Lastly, the book ends on a cliffhanger and I just hate that. All in all, it's worth picking up though

[Fulluri · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love reading books which have a bit of a ‘Jackie Collins’ edge to them, then this would be the book for you. The story is very fast paced, full of action, drama and excitement. The story makes you want to keep on reading, and it was quickly obvious that each new chapter would be full of new drama and excitement, which makes the book hard to put down. I read the novel in one go, and while it will not be the best novel you have ever read, it is well worth the cost and the time, and you will get a fun, exciting read out of it in the process. Some reviews mention that the settings and characters in this book are from other novels by this author, but I found that this book can certainly be read as a standalone, and I was not confused at all as to what was going on in the story and who all the characters were. I really recommend this book, and I will happily read more from this author.

[KayBee's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vanessa, Vanessa, Vanessa-She ws something else and that song, Take your Man was funny as hell. She had no shame. I can't say too much without spoiling the book, but needless to say she was a standout character. These ladies brought the drama and the men didn't disappoint either. The author delivered a well structured tale of woe. Almost gave you a soap opera feel and it was good. I already pre-ordered book 2. P.s. the narrator did a good job.

[Page Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This women have a lot going on and the twins are not even the messiest ones of the group. That Yasmin is a total sneak and every one of these ladies gets some kind of payback for the damage they caused or that was caused to them. I enjoyed it.