My huge thanks to Rhiannon Morris at Harper Collins for sending me a copy of Bad Influence by Rosie Nixon all those months ago. It’s my pleasure finally to share my review of Bad Influence today.
Bad Influence is published by HQ on 14th August 2025 and is available for purchase through the publisher links here.
Bad Influence
Crushing it online…crashing in real life
Following an eventful stint styling Manhattan’s elite, Amber Green is back in London and ready to style her biggest client yet.
Superstar influencer Mandy Sykes is all-American and all-wrong for her new Surrey surroundings. Desperate to endear herself to the British upper crust, and to win likes from a new fanbase, the brash celebrity tasks Amber with providing all the smoke and mirrors she might need.
With only twelve weeks to prove her worth – and to earn the bonus which will secure her dream flat with her steady boyfriend, Rob – Amber’s biggest challenge is to keep her flats firmly on the ground.
But when your new boss has a private life as colourful as her designer wardrobe, and a brother-in-law whose ridiculously good looks can’t help but catch your eye, it becomes hard to tell who’s a genuine influencer, and who is simply a bad influence…
My Review of Bad Influence
Having recently been made redundant, Amber Green is thrilled to be appointed as stylist to social media influencer Mandy Sykes.
Bad Influence is a cracker of a summer read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think what works so well is the level of authority with which Rosie Nixon writes as she comes from the world of fashion and so her depiction of Amber’s life feels authentic and true.
The plot is fast paced and enormously entertaining. There are moments of drama, or humour and of emotion so that there really is something for every reader.
I haven’t read the other Amber Green novels and there’s absolutely no need to have done so to enjoy Bad Influence but I really need to catch up! Amber is a truly modern heroine. She’s a brilliant blend of calm and level headed pragmatism sprinkled with moments of sheer panic so that she’s witty and engaging. I thought her first person viewpoint was perfect. Anyone who has had to convince themselves as much as others that they are capable in their role will find her incredibly relatable.
I have a horrible feeling that Mandy Sykes is realistic too, in spite of what might seem outrageously unreasonable behaviour and demands at times. I loved the way reading about her gave me an insight into a world I would never otherwise experience. There’s a sense of The Wizard of Oz as the reader gets a glimpse behind the curtain of celebrity so effectively.
I also thoroughly appreciated Amber’s boyfriend Rob. He’s very much in the background of the story, but he provides consistency at the same time as being a catalyst for Amber’s thoughts and actions. As his narrative thread gradually unfolds, he adds both warmth and depth to the story.
And there is real depth here alongside the light-hearted entertainment. Themes are profound as Rosie Nixon explores loyalty, trust and media manipulation. The world of media influencers is laid bare (both physically and metaphorically!) highly convincingly so that Bad Influence makes the reader glad to be ordinary.
I thought Bad Influence was a perfect beach read. The clothes, the glamour, the reality of celebrity life, all combined with humour, romance and true-to-life people make it huge fun, totally engaging and fabulously entertaining. I really enjoyed it.
About Rosie Nixon
Rosie Nixon has a love of all things celebrity, royal and fashion related, having held senior positions in glossy magazines including HELLO!, Grazia, Glamour and Red.
Born and bred in London she now lives in Surrey with her two boys, her husband and two cats.
For further information, visit Rosie’s website, and find her on Instagram.
English (US) · 