In the glittering world of Hamptons high society and Manhattan power plays, Kat Singleton delivers her most emotionally complex billionaire romance yet with Bad for Business, the second standalone novel in her Pembroke Hills series. Following the success of In Good Company (2025), Singleton returns readers to the exclusive country club setting where privilege meets passion, and professional obligations collide with matters of the heart.
The Setup: More Than Just a Summer Assignment
Bad for Business introduces us to Camille Vaughn, a driven twenty-four-year-old publicist desperate to prove herself worthy of partnership at her father’s prestigious PR firm, Vaughn PR. When billionaire heir Ryker Davenport becomes embroiled in a scandal that threatens his inheritance of Davenport Media, Camille finds herself assigned to the most impossible task of her career: rehabilitating the reputation of a man who knows exactly how to get under her skin.
The twist? Their “complicated history” stems from a passionate New Year’s Eve encounter that left Camille fleeing in the morning and Ryker questioning everything he thought he knew about connection and vulnerability. Now forced together for an entire summer in the Hamptons, both must navigate the treacherous waters of professional obligation while battling an undeniable attraction.
Character Development: From Antagonists to Allies
Camille Vaughn: The Driven Perfectionist
Singleton crafts Camille as a beautifully flawed protagonist whose prickly exterior masks deep-seated insecurities about love and worthiness. Her relationship with her emotionally distant father drives much of her character development, creating a woman who has learned to prioritize professional achievement over personal happiness. Camille’s journey from someone who views herself as “unlovable” to recognizing her own worth forms the emotional backbone of the novel.
The author skillfully portrays Camille’s internal conflict between her genuine talent as a publicist and her desperate need for paternal approval. Her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude make her a formidable match for Ryker, while her vulnerability beneath the surface adds depth that prevents her from becoming a stereotypical ice queen character.
Ryker Davenport: The Reformed Golden Boy
Rather than crafting another arrogant billionaire hero, Singleton presents Ryker as a man genuinely struggling with legacy, expectation, and personal identity. His “reckless” behavior stems not from entitled carelessness but from the pressure of living up to his deceased mother’s memory while trying to earn his father’s respect. This emotional foundation transforms what could have been a typical bad boy redemption into something more nuanced.
Ryker’s evolution throughout the summer showcases Singleton’s understanding of character growth. His initial antagonism toward Camille masks his hurt over her morning-after departure, and watching him learn to be vulnerable while maintaining his inherent charm creates a compelling romantic hero.
The Romance: Enemies to Lovers Done Right
The enemies-to-lovers arc in Bad for Business succeeds because both characters have legitimate reasons for their initial animosity. Their banter crackles with tension that stems from real hurt rather than manufactured conflict, and Singleton takes the time to build their relationship organically. The transition from professional antagonists to reluctant allies to lovers feels earned rather than rushed.
The “black cat x golden retriever” dynamic promised in the book’s description delivers beautifully. Camille’s sharp edges complement Ryker’s natural warmth, and their opposites-attract chemistry sizzles on every page. The sexual tension builds slowly and purposefully, making their eventual coming together all the more satisfying.
Setting and Atmosphere: The Hamptons as Character
Singleton uses the exclusive Pembroke Hills Country Club and the broader Hamptons setting as more than mere backdrop. The rarefied world of summer estates and country club politics becomes integral to the plot, providing both the pressure cooker environment necessary for character development and the social dynamics that drive the external conflict.
The author’s depiction of this elite world feels authentic rather than caricatured, presenting the wealth and privilege without completely vilifying or romanticizing it. The contrast between the public personas required at country club events and the private moments at the Davenport estate creates natural tension and allows for both character growth and relationship development.
Writing Style: Accessible Yet Engaging
Singleton’s prose strikes an effective balance between contemporary romance accessibility and emotional depth. Her dual POV structure allows readers to understand both Camille’s defensive mechanisms and Ryker’s genuine confusion and hurt over their past encounter. The dialogue sparkles with wit and authenticity, particularly during the couple’s verbal sparring matches.
The pacing moves smoothly between character introspection, romantic development, and plot advancement. Singleton doesn’t rush her characters’ emotional growth, allowing both Camille’s journey to self-worth and Ryker’s path to genuine maturity to unfold naturally throughout their summer together.
Strengths That Elevate the Narrative
- Character Depth: Both protagonists feel like real people with genuine motivations rather than romance novel archetypes. Camille’s struggle with her father’s dismissal and Ryker’s pressure to honor his family legacy create authentic stakes beyond the romance.
- Emotional Stakes: The professional consequences for both characters add weight to their personal journey. Camille’s career ambitions and Ryker’s family legacy create genuine external pressure that enhances rather than detracts from their romantic development.
- Supporting Cast: Characters like Jude and the various board members feel fully realized rather than existing merely to advance the plot. The glimpse of Lucy’s story from In Good Company provides nice continuity for series readers.
- Realistic Conflict Resolution: Both characters must genuinely grow and change to make their relationship work. Camille’s decision to quit her father’s firm and start her own company demonstrates real character growth, while Ryker’s maturation into genuine leadership feels earned.
Areas for Improvement
- Predictable Plot Points: While the character development surprises, certain plot elements follow familiar patterns. The father’s inevitable refusal to promote Camille and the board’s eventual approval of Ryker feel somewhat telegraphed.
- Secondary Romance Setup: The hints at future books in the series occasionally feel forced rather than organic to the current story, particularly the setup for Jude and Charlotte’s upcoming romance in More than Friends.
- Pacing in the Middle: The summer timeline occasionally feels compressed, with some relationship developments happening quickly after extended periods of antagonism.
Comparison to the Series and Author’s Work
Bad for Business builds effectively on the world established in In Good Company while standing completely on its own. Readers don’t need familiarity with Cal and Lucy’s story to enjoy Camille and Ryker’s romance, though series fans will appreciate the connected setting and occasional character crossovers.
Compared to Singleton’s Black Tie Billionaires series (Black Ties and White Lies, Pretty Rings and Broken Things, Bright Lights and Summer Nights), this Pembroke Hills installment feels more grounded and emotionally mature. The Hamptons setting provides a more intimate backdrop than the previous series’ more varied locations, allowing for deeper character exploration.
Final Verdict: A Romance Worth the Investment
Bad for Business succeeds as both a standalone romance and a series installment by prioritizing character development over plot gimmicks. Singleton has crafted two protagonists whose growth feels authentic and whose romance develops organically from genuine conflict to deep emotional connection.
While the book occasionally relies on familiar romance tropes, the execution elevates the material beyond its predictable elements. The emotional stakes feel real, the character growth is earned, and the romantic payoff satisfies without feeling unearned.
For readers who enjoy contemporary billionaire romance with emotional depth, sharp dialogue, and genuine character development, Bad for Business delivers exactly what it promises. It’s a worthy addition to the Pembroke Hills series and positions the upcoming More than Friends (releasing March 24, 2026) as a highly anticipated continuation of this engaging world.
Recommended for Readers Who Enjoyed
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
- The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Series Reading Order
For optimal enjoyment of the Pembroke Hills world:
- In Good Company (2025) – Cal and Lucy’s story
- Bad for Business (2025) – Camille and Ryker’s story
- More than Friends (March 24, 2026) – Jude and Charlotte’s upcoming story
Bad for Business proves that sometimes the best business decision is following your heart, even when it leads you straight into the arms of someone who was supposed to be off-limits. Singleton has delivered a romance that’s anything but bad for readers seeking emotional depth alongside their billionaire fantasy.