Risky Behavior (Bad Behavior #1) by Cari Z.& L A. Witt

I LOVED this one! What a ride! I really enjoyed the way the relationship between Darren and Andreas progressed, and generally, seeing these two together, working or else... There are SO many books out there telling us of two cops/detectives being assigned together with no desire to be partnered at all or to one another, and yet this was still different and special, shouldn't expect less from Cari (also I've read another collaboration she had with Witt I enjoyed). I really can't wait to start the next one and get another fix of these two.

Everyone thinks Detective Andreas Ruffner  is a dirty cop and an junky. Though there is no proof of the matter, and though he is known for his unorthodox ways, he is also known for closing too many cases to be JUST a dirty cop. The only proof that CAN be found is of him being an a-hole especially when he is partnered. Those he doesn't seem to keep for long. It's not his fault they can't be trusted!

When rookie Detective Darren Corliss is assigned to work with Andreas he doesn't know what to expect but the fact it starts with a meeting with both IA and the Captain demanding he more than just keep an eye on his new partner he is worried he won't be able to do his job. But it doesn't take Darren long to realize that though Andreas IS an arrogant bastard he is also a good cop, one who is working hard on a HUGE case, no one around him even realizing just HOW huge it is. Andreas has been working mostly alone, in his own ways, even if some of them aren't really "by the book" to say the least, but as the bodies starts pile he (and Darren) have no choice but to amp their game. It also means they have a decision to make - CAN they trust each other, but also WHO more they can trust. I can say I was more than surprised about some of the "alliances" they made together. So don't consider anyone "bad" before proven otherwise..

I don't want to spoiler anything about the plot so I'll just say it VERY generally.. Andreas has found a very strange things about the drug dealers in the city, they seems to be walking away even when found guilty and mostly they are left on their own, it took him a while to realize the reason for that is the freaking MAYOR of the city is involved and he is running EVERYTHING  behind the scenes. Yet with Andreas reputation going after the major can be a VERY bad thing if he doesn't have TIGHT evidence of EVERYTHING. How to do that when time is running short as informants and people who used to be involved are starting to turn dead in every corner is a good question, but Darren is different, he is brand new, and he has a good reputation though his step-dad who used to be a very appreciated Commissioner before his retirement. NOW is the time to close this case. Together they can accomplish what Andreas wasn't able on his own.

While working together starts to get more easier, their attraction makes it more confusing and demanding in a different kind of a way. But in the end, with the complications and implications they act upon their attraction. I liked that it wasn't this HUGE issue - they could still work and half fun on the side. Though there was a secret Andreas HAD to share in order for them to be intimate, and though it was something that shattered his life in the past, Darren's reaction was in it's own way a sort of a cure, one Andreas needed and craved for so long. Seeing them together, Darren being the bossy one and ordering Andreas around, even if for just a kiss was sexy but also SO endearing!

While Darren and Andreas solve the case in this one, their relationship is still not totally solid. They care for one another and they will stay partners now for sure but no big words were exchanged and they clearly have a way to go. I enjoy these kind of books, were the relationship progresses though several books, it feels so genuine this way. Off to read the next one!

Rating: ★★★★★

E-Book Edition

280 pages

Read on: 3-5 March 2019

ABOUT THIS SERIES

 

Bad Behavior is a Romantic MM Suspense series by Cari Z. and L.A. Witt. It follows the newly partnered Andreas Ruffner an experienced if non-orthodox detective and rookie Darren Corliss who has just made it detective. An unlikely couple, yet unlike Andreas' previous partners it somehow WORKS, better than either of them expected.

This series was simply SUPERB. Though both are confident men who know who they are and what they want they were ego free. Once they realized they COULD trust each other and little by little became friends and lovers they were genuine towards one another, not hiding or playing games. It felt so RIGHT how they interacted. Like two guys who REALLY care for one another and isn't ashamed of it, who is willing to BE THERE for one another in the most basic ways and not think too much of what others (or the other..) would think of it. Every thing they did, every gesture was CLEAR and simply PERFECT.

I LOVED how their romance progressed. There's always A LOT going on around them, but they never forget each other. They look out for one another in every sense possible and they are MEN enough to apologize when it's needed.

I can't praise this series enough. It's well written. Emotional but not overly so. Action packed, but it's not JUST about the action, there is much going on in both Andreas and Darren's families and everything just brings them closer together.

** The 5th installment "Protective Behavior" has a different couple - Detective Mark Thibedeau from Internal Affairs and Dr. Ryan Campbell. It was also an amazing novel, it contained everything I loved about the relationship buildup of Andreas and Darren though naturally it's very different in every other aspect.

OUTSTANDING! 

Books:
1. Risky Behavior (Published 29 April 2017) ★★★★★
2. Suspicious Behavior (Published 19 August 2017) ★★★★★
3. Reckless Behavior (Published 30 December 2017) ★★★★★
4. Romantic Behavior (Published 13 January 2018) ★★★★★
5. ** Protective Behavior (Published 8 April 2020) ★★★★★
6. Cuddly Behavior (Published 15 April 2020) ★★★★½