Kat Singleton’s “Bad for Business” proves that mixing business with pleasure isn’t always a disaster—sometimes it’s exactly what both your career and your heart need. The second installment in the Pembroke Hills series delivers a sophisticated enemies-to-lovers romance that skillfully weaves together second chances, family expectations, and the intoxicating backdrop of the Hamptons elite.
Camille Vaughn has spent her entire career fighting to prove herself at her father’s PR firm, where nepotism accusations follow her like shadows. When she’s assigned to rehabilitate the image of billionaire heir Ryker Davenport—the same man who disappeared after their passionate New Year’s Eve encounter—she faces her most challenging client yet. Ryker, meanwhile, is grappling with the weight of taking over Davenport Media while processing the recent loss of his mother, making him unpredictable and emotionally volatile.
A Story Built on Miscommunication and Mended Hearts
What sets “Bad for Business” apart from typical billionaire romances is Singleton’s nuanced approach to second-chance love. The initial conflict between Camille and Ryker stems from a genuine misunderstanding—he left to get breakfast the morning after their night together, while she assumed he’d abandoned her. This foundation of miscommunication feels authentic rather than contrived, giving their animosity real weight.
Singleton excels at crafting dialogue that crackles with tension and unresolved attraction. The banter between Camille and Ryker shifts seamlessly from cutting remarks to reluctant flirtation, creating a push-and-pull dynamic that keeps readers invested. Camille’s “black cat” personality—guarded, sarcastic, and professionally driven—contrasts beautifully with Ryker’s “golden retriever” energy when he’s not wallowing in grief and resentment.
The Hamptons setting isn’t merely decorative but serves as a crucial element in the story’s development. Pembroke Hills Country Club becomes a character unto itself, representing the world of expectations and appearances that both protagonists must navigate. The exclusive atmosphere heightens the stakes of their professional arrangement while providing intimate spaces for their relationship to evolve.
Character Development That Rings True
Singleton demonstrates remarkable skill in character development throughout the novel. Camille’s journey from someone desperate to prove herself to someone who recognizes her worth is particularly well-executed. Her relationship with her demanding father feels genuine, capturing the complex dynamics of a daughter seeking approval while maintaining professional integrity.
Ryker’s character arc addresses grief, responsibility, and redemption with sensitivity. His mother’s recent death isn’t used as a simple plot device but as a genuine source of character motivation that influences his decisions throughout the story. The way Singleton handles his emotional journey—from reckless heir to worthy successor—feels earned rather than rushed.
The supporting cast, particularly the glimpses of characters from “In Good Company” and hints at the upcoming “More than Friends,” creates a rich tapestry that connects the Pembroke Hills universe. This interconnected approach adds depth to the world-building without overwhelming new readers.
Strengths That Elevate the Genre
- Sharp Writing Style: Singleton’s prose is clean and engaging, with a particular talent for internal monologue that reveals character depth without becoming repetitive. The alternating perspectives between Camille and Ryker provide insight into both characters’ motivations without feeling redundant.
- Emotional Authenticity: The romantic development feels organic, progressing from genuine animosity through reluctant attraction to deep emotional connection. The physical chemistry is palpable, but Singleton ensures the emotional connection develops alongside the physical attraction.
- Professional World-Building: The PR industry backdrop is well-researched and believable, giving Camille’s expertise credibility and making the professional stakes as compelling as the romantic ones.
Areas for Improvement
While “Bad for Business” succeeds in many areas, some elements could be stronger:
- Pacing Issues: The middle section occasionally slows as the characters circle their attraction, and some readers might find the extended period of denial slightly frustrating, though this aligns with the “hate-to-love” premise.
- Secondary Character Development: While the main characters are fully realized, some secondary characters feel more functional than fully developed, existing primarily to advance the plot rather than enriching the story world.
- Predictable Elements: Certain plot points, particularly around the board’s eventual acceptance of Ryker, follow expected patterns. While the execution is solid, more surprising developments could have elevated the tension.
The Series Connection
“Bad for Business” works excellently as both a standalone novel and as part of the Pembroke Hills series. Readers of “In Good Company” will appreciate the connections to Lucy and Cal’s story, while newcomers won’t feel lost. The setup for “More than Friends,” featuring Jude and Charlotte, creates anticipation for the series’ conclusion without detracting from Camille and Ryker’s story.
The consistency in Singleton’s world-building across the series is commendable, maintaining the luxurious Hamptons atmosphere while exploring different relationship dynamics and character types. Each book offers a distinct flavor while maintaining the series’ overall identity.
Perfect for Readers Who Enjoy
- Enemies-to-lovers dynamics with genuine emotional stakes
- Billionaire romances that focus on character development over wealth displays
- Professional settings where workplace dynamics drive relationship tension
- Second-chance romances built on real misunderstandings rather than manufactured drama
- Series connections that reward loyal readers while welcoming newcomers
Similar Books Worth Reading
If “Bad for Business” appeals to you, consider these comparable reads:
- “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne – Another professional enemies-to-lovers with sharp banter
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry – Second-chance romance with emotional depth
- “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang – Unconventional romance with authentic character development
- “The Spanish Love Deception” by Elena Armas – Workplace dynamics and strong heroine
- “People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry – Friends-to-lovers with past complications
Final Verdict
“Bad for Business” delivers exactly what contemporary romance readers crave: authentic characters, genuine emotional stakes, and a love story that feels both inevitable and hard-won. While it doesn’t reinvent the billionaire romance wheel, Singleton’s skilled execution and attention to character development elevate familiar tropes into something genuinely engaging.
The novel succeeds as both an entertaining summer read and a satisfying character study, proving that sometimes the best business decision is following your heart. Camille and Ryker’s journey from antagonistic business partners to devoted lovers feels authentic, passionate, and ultimately hopeful.
For readers seeking a romance that balances steamy scenes with emotional depth, professional ambition with personal growth, “Bad for Business” proves that mixing business with pleasure can indeed be very good for the heart.
