***4.5 Stars***

No rest for the wicked...

... and our cops Darren Corliss and Andreas Ruffner have their hands more than full this time with juggling between doing their job by solving an extremely intricate case and their personal life which proves to be a tough challenge in its own way.

Boy, could I relate to the exhaustion both men felt. After two weeks of hard work in order to start my vacation, I'm was feeling bone-tired and did not even manage to get much reading done before I went all cross eyed and sleep took over.

But at least...

I did not have to catch a serial killer while time is breathing down my neck to get him behind bars before he follows his personal pattern to kill his next victim...

I did not have a feeling to fight against windmills because the case takes some twists and turns whenever it seems to be rock-solid.

I did not have to fight my own coworkers who hate my guts due to what happened during the last case and who refuse to provide much needed backup and there is nothing you can do about it.

And finally... I did not have to deal with all the curveballs life throws their way on a personal level which especially pushes Darren -after his injury in the last book still not at the top of his game- nearly to his limits, not to say his breaking point, while a threat that has nothing to do with work is hanging over his head like a black cloud. Andreas is condemned to stand back, feeling helpless, while at the same time confronted with family problems of his own.

So, compared to everything both men had to go through, my last two weeks were a walk in the park.

At least their feelings for each other are solid and that is conveyed in every little gesture, word and look they shared. Both men have each other's back, on and off the job, and that is the one constant in this book.

"Remember back in the beginning when the chief put us together? I fought him tooth and nail. Said I didn't need a partner, and I sure as shit didn't want one. And now... I can't even imagine working without you anymore. I can't imagine living without you."

Granted, I would have wished for them to have a little bit more downtime, a little more well-deserved time together to give in to their feelings, but their shared moments are absolutely precious and I love both guys more with each book.

*I squeezed his hand. "Whatever happens, I'm not going anywhere."
He swallowed. "But what if I forget who you are?"
"Darren..." I brought his hand up to my lips. "Even if you do, I won't forget who you are."

Those who look for a steamy romance with both men getting down and dirty at any given opportunity will be disappointed, but those who love a great mystery with a romance on the side will hopefully enjoy this series as much as I do.

The mystery part is downright convincing and that is what I also love about this series. The second case contains once again not your average whodunnit. It is all about hunches and proof and solid police work, which leads to a thrilling climax that had me pacing nervously through my living room because I could not sit still, with my eyes glued to my Kindle. Umm, yeah, only interrupted by me almost tripping over my cat, but... that just as a side note. Serial killer always give me the creeps and this one was a pretty unusual creepy specimen. A reminder that appearances are often deceiving and it sure made me wonder what must be going on in some people's mind.

Now I'm sitting here so not patiently waiting for the next book, because I have a feeling that one scene in this book could lead to events that take place in the next one, which makes me a bit anxious, to say the least...

"Bad Behavior" is fast becoming a must-read series for me. After the high octane action-packed of Risky Behavior, the sequel brings an intense and emotional ride to the new level. The story practically had me grinding my teeth and on the edge of my seat the in between dabbing my eyes. (I'm not crying, there's something on my eyes!)

Picking up closely from where the first entry left off, Suspicious Behavior had partners detectives Andreas Ruffner and Darren Corliss a step up from living hell at their precinct after their last case incarcerating quite a big chunk of corrupted cops on the city. Antagonized from every direction, they have to take-up cold serial killer cases from the former detective who tried to kill them. On top of that, Darren is stressing out over family crises while still recovering from the previous near fatal wounds.

The amount of "problems" these guys have on this installment makes me want to bear-hug both of them. The anger and frustration they felt practically leapt out of the page, it feels like you can touch it! As before, the back and forth between Andreas and Darren are entertaining to follow; on case and off work. The appearance of two Andreas' kids added the cute and heartwarming factors to the story. Romance-wise, this entry also shows a sweeter and caring side of Andreas, a marked improvement, and reveal the bumpy roads their relationship has to face. Another sniffling while clutching the breast moment.

Following the previous fashion, the alternate POVs bring us closer to the characters as they show us their inner turmoil. The twist and turn of the case intermingles with their personal complications be like a one-step-forward-two-steps-back dance move. The authors really don't pull any punches in torturing these characters by putting them through one ordeal to another! The culmination even results in them acquiring more enemies than allies; which doesn't sound so good for next installment in the series. At the same time, it gets me looking forward to it.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 2 in the the Bad Behavior series. It continues with Darren and Andreas in another suspenseful police procedural.

The MCs romance developed in book 1. They are solidly a couple in this installment. We see more of the challenges they face with their families and jobs as opposed to relationship building.

I do not recommend this one as a stand-alone. There is too much backstory in book 1 that affects the story in book 2. Book 2 should be considered a continuation of what started in book 1.

The plot is another action and suspense filled ride. That's the main attraction for me in these books. They move fast, keep me guessing and explode with a big bang resolution.

Another hit from this duo of authors.

http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/suspicious-behavior-bad-behavior-2-l-a-witt-and-cari-z/

Suspicious Behavior picks up shortly after where Risky Behavior left off. Technically this could be read as a standalone but I would not recommend it since most of Darren and Andreas' relationship development and backstory took place in the first one. That's not to say they're at a standstill here but they are solidly a couple and while there are touching moments between the two the primary plotline is finding a serial killer who's been on the loose for an extended period of time.

This is in my wheelhouse. And I gobbled it up.



I affectionately refer to this kind of read as a popcorn read. It's heavy on the investigative side of finding a serial killer e.g. gathering evidence, finding patterns, following intuition, the two of them working together to piece together the evidence they were given from another precinct and trying to make it stick to their guy. The nitty gritty as it were. I thought the case was well crafted, it held my attention with some nice twists and turns and I found the pattern clever. It also highlighted each of their strengths and how much they compliment one another.

They are still persona non grata in this city due to the events of Risky Behavior. Another reason why I wouldn't recommend this as a standalone. Some of these asshats need lessons in how not to be a child masquerading around in an adult's body. Seriously? Busting taillights? *eye roll* As much as these antics annoyed me I have a feeling they're probably closer to reality than not.

The storyline involving Asher continues to be heartbreaking and takes up a significant part of the narrative. It shows the ripple effect of this illness and how it impacts not just Darren but Andreas too.

So with all of the above going on coupled with the fact that Darren is still recuperating from his injuries the sexy times are pretty much nil. What did happen, though, was a strengthening of their bond. There are several poignant quiet moments that showcased their connection. They spend every night together regardless of other obligations or the lateness of the hour and both are cuddlers which I found to be an unexpected dollop of cuteness from hardass Andreas.

There is no cliffhanger with the case though there is still a big looming question hanging over Darren and Andreas that hopefully will get answered in the next book and won't cause my face to leak.

I'm still loving this series and what these two authors are accomplishing with it. Both these characters are well developed and they've added some great secondary characters that helped push the narrative forward.

If you're a thriller fan you'll likely enjoy Suspicious Behavior too.



An ARC was provided by NetGalley.

I loved this book just as much as the first, if not more. LA Witt and Cari Z have a great voice together, and I love the developing storyline between Darren and Andreas. They're just so freaking cute together. The events that happened in the first book are mentioned frequently enough that I don't think it's necessary to have read the first book in order to appreciate this one. However, the first book is awesome, so I'd definitely recommend it. Especially as it's the story of how Darren and Andreas got together. Plus, there are ripple effects in this book from the events that occurred in the first book.

I can't wait for the next book

Suspicious Behavior is the follow-up for Risky Behavior, which was released in May 2017. If the first book plays rather heavily on the procedural/mystery while at the same time developing the romance between Andreas and Darren, this book is more about the consequences of Andreas and Darren shaking up the department (and the city) while navigating their status as something more than professional partners.

Andreas and Darren are basically pariahs at their precinct now. No one wants to work with them because they are considered traitors. Cops don’t rat out other cops. Both men resort to take a case from other precinct; cases that might link to a serial killer that has never been caught.

Urgh, I wanted to smack down the other detectives who make it difficult for Andreas and Darren to do their job. Fuc*king a$$holes! I really don’t get the whole “blue bloods” loyalty thing. Those cops exposed are dirty, damn it! Or maybe I’m never really do well with authority who abuses their power :p.

As for Andreas and Darren, I loved that they were solid, despite the problems from work or Darren’s family (as in his brother’s declining health). I think this time the spotlight falls on Darren. He is dealing with the possibility of carrying the same early-onset Alzheimer’s gene as his brother. Darren worries about that, and he worries that he cannot do his job well.

Previously Andreas is the difficult one, the jackass who doesn’t play nice with his partners. In here though, Andreas accepts his relationship with Darren. He … mellows a bit, I think. Repeatedly Andreas says that he wants to help Darren deal with both physical stress and emotional stress. He also comes forward about his health and relationship status with his daughter.

I definitely enjoyed the change!

The mystery is not as heavy as the first book; we find out who the bad guy is about halfway. I don’t mind though, I enjoyed the change towards more personal plot. Plus reading about Andreas’ interaction with his youngest daughter was ADORABLE!

So another satisfying read for me — too bad I have to wait until next year to read book #3 (damn it!). I mean the BLURB!! It promises intense action!!

RATING: 4 out of 5