Once Bad Intentions

A Love Story of Triumph and Redemption

By: Monique Campbell

Narrated by: Monique Campbell, Paris Robinson

Stephanie Johnson is a young, Black, and spirited, though troubled eleven-year-old girl seeking to find her place in a world that doesn’t understand her.

As she and her girlfriends navigate their experiences of friendship, family and first love together, Steph seeks a better future for herself – but will she be able to escape the hand she’s been dealt?

Once Bad Intentions is a redemptive journey into womanhood; a heartfelt story that unfolds over a decade in 90s black London, where suffering and love, humour and forgiveness, triumph and loss all co-exist as part of a passage toward redemption. Its characters are worth celebrating: self-disciplined and morally complex, big on image, and who like to floss!

©2023 Monique Campbell (P)2025 Monique Campbell

Raw and moving

"Once Bad Intentions" gripped me from the start. It's emotionally rich, with great characters and a perfect mix of sincerity, wit, and dept. A coming-of-age tale about resilience and finding one’s place in a world that often feels unwelcoming. A truly great read (or listen).

Raw, Real, and Unforgettable

Beautifully narrated and deeply moving, Once Bad Intentions pulls you into Stephanie’s world from the very first chapter. The characters feel real, the setting is vivid, and the story of resilience and self-discovery stays with you long after it ends. I loved the blend of heart, humor, and honesty. A powerful coming-of-age story that captures both the struggles and the strength it takes to grow up in a world that doesn’t always make space for you. Highly recommend for anyone who appreciates rich, character-driven storytelling.