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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
3.5 Stars.
“Sometimes I feel like a normal person. Sometimes I forget I’m on parole, that I’m not really free.”
(Thank you to Jennifer Lane for providing me with an ecopy for review.)
In Bad Behavior, Grant and Sophie still have a lot to work through as they learn to deal with the loss of Logan and the constant threat of the Barbari family. When they are ordered to attend couples counseling, the two set out on a journey of sharing their past with each other. Unknown secrets and horrific past events come to light that make these two realize just how much they don't know about each other.
Grant has a past that makes him vulnerable and hesitant to open up in therapy. With the help of Hunter, their psychologist, Grant worked to confront his demons and open up to Sophie about the horrors of his childhood. A process that took the whole book to accomplish, but when it did, set him free. Even with the meddling of his family, Grant was able to overcome his father’s sadistic hold over him and to find himself.
All the while he was also watching over his nephew Ben and trying to keep the young Barbari on the straight and narrow. As he learned to be an uncle to Bean we got a glimpse into Grant’s compassion and his potential to be a wonderful father. The relationship between those two has me smiling and laughing throughout. And when push comes to shove you see the wonderful growth in Ben. One that had me wishing for a story of his own. :)
As for Sophie, I have to say that although the story was about both Grant and she I felt as though the focus wasn’t on her. This book, to me, was about Grant and his journey in healing. Sophie was there to support him throughout and to help him see the good in himself but didn’t have the problems that Grant had. She did have her own issues but they were quickly resolved and the focus turned back to Grant.
The thing that made this book so difficult to read was that practically the whole book was spent inside the Hunter’s office. I understood that they needed the counseling but it felt kind of bland to read after a while especially because of Sophie’s hand holding. The way she always rescued Grant made it a bit annoying. I felt like Grant needed to be able to take this next step for himself, without the rescuing. I think it would have been better if the two had some counseling sessions separately.
So all in all this was a good book. I will read the final book to see what comes of these and encourage you all to read the series!
Happy Reading!
“Sometimes I feel like a normal person. Sometimes I forget I’m on parole, that I’m not really free.”
(Thank you to Jennifer Lane for providing me with an ecopy for review.)
In Bad Behavior, Grant and Sophie still have a lot to work through as they learn to deal with the loss of Logan and the constant threat of the Barbari family. When they are ordered to attend couples counseling, the two set out on a journey of sharing their past with each other. Unknown secrets and horrific past events come to light that make these two realize just how much they don't know about each other.
Grant has a past that makes him vulnerable and hesitant to open up in therapy. With the help of Hunter, their psychologist, Grant worked to confront his demons and open up to Sophie about the horrors of his childhood. A process that took the whole book to accomplish, but when it did, set him free. Even with the meddling of his family, Grant was able to overcome his father’s sadistic hold over him and to find himself.
All the while he was also watching over his nephew Ben and trying to keep the young Barbari on the straight and narrow. As he learned to be an uncle to Bean we got a glimpse into Grant’s compassion and his potential to be a wonderful father. The relationship between those two has me smiling and laughing throughout. And when push comes to shove you see the wonderful growth in Ben. One that had me wishing for a story of his own. :)
As for Sophie, I have to say that although the story was about both Grant and she I felt as though the focus wasn’t on her. This book, to me, was about Grant and his journey in healing. Sophie was there to support him throughout and to help him see the good in himself but didn’t have the problems that Grant had. She did have her own issues but they were quickly resolved and the focus turned back to Grant.
The thing that made this book so difficult to read was that practically the whole book was spent inside the Hunter’s office. I understood that they needed the counseling but it felt kind of bland to read after a while especially because of Sophie’s hand holding. The way she always rescued Grant made it a bit annoying. I felt like Grant needed to be able to take this next step for himself, without the rescuing. I think it would have been better if the two had some counseling sessions separately.
So all in all this was a good book. I will read the final book to see what comes of these and encourage you all to read the series!
Happy Reading!
4.5 Stars
Bad Behavior picks up right where With Good Behavior ended. It's imperative that you read book #1 to know how Grant and Sophie got to where they are.
Once again, the psychological aspect of the story sucked me in. I was fascinated with how Jennifer Lane delved into each character with such precise detail and emotion that I felt like I truly understood them in a way that really brought the story to life.
Much like in the first book, so many things happen that it's hard to explain without spoiling the story. You really just have to read it to really appreciate it completely.
There are parts that will piss you off, parts that will make you laugh, there are intense moments where your heart will be beating at a rapid pace, but mostly you're heart will be filled with love for each and every character.
I'm looking forward to see where Sophia and Grant's story goes from here, as well as getting inside of Ben's head a little but more.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good solid romance with a little bit of drama and intrigue.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Bad Behavior picks up right where With Good Behavior ended. It's imperative that you read book #1 to know how Grant and Sophie got to where they are.
Once again, the psychological aspect of the story sucked me in. I was fascinated with how Jennifer Lane delved into each character with such precise detail and emotion that I felt like I truly understood them in a way that really brought the story to life.
Much like in the first book, so many things happen that it's hard to explain without spoiling the story. You really just have to read it to really appreciate it completely.
There are parts that will piss you off, parts that will make you laugh, there are intense moments where your heart will be beating at a rapid pace, but mostly you're heart will be filled with love for each and every character.
I'm looking forward to see where Sophia and Grant's story goes from here, as well as getting inside of Ben's head a little but more.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good solid romance with a little bit of drama and intrigue.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The second book in the CONduct series picks up shortly after the first. Sophie is still recovering from cousin Carlo's attack while preparing to start her teaching position at DePaul. Grant, still reeling from the torment his family put Sophie through, dealing with the death of his brother and the prospect of finding a new job, really doesn't want to participate in the couple's therapy sessions their PO has assigned.
But therapy is what Sophie and Grant embark on with Dr. Hunter Hayes. Hunter was working with Sophie when she was first released, but he agrees to take on the couple against his better judgement. He knows right away that things with this couple are not going to be easy. He was right.
Grant's nightmares are bad and with therapy, things seem to get worse. Reliving the nightmare he lived through and knowing that the woman he loves knows all his dirty little secrets is almost too much for him. And when Grant learns exactly what kind of relationship Sophie had with his brother, Logan, Grant snaps.
But Grant's not the only one needing to deal with issues. Sophie's dealing with her tenuous relationship with her father and trying to figure out what her professional life is going to be like now that she's teaching about psychology instead of practicing it. Plus there's her ex-professor/crush who she now works with and makes her feel inferior.
While Grant and Sophie have their own individual issues to deal with, they also need to help Grant's nephew Ben. Grant's determined to make sure Ben doesn't fall into the family business, but Ben's not fully engaged in his clean-cut lifestyle.
But as Grant and Sophie make strides in strengthening themselves and their relationship, old foes resurface and put our couple right in path of trouble. Can they finally stop the Barberi's and live happily ever after?
Sophie and Grant are as cute as ever in this addition to the series, but they both face some real hardships in their relationship. Through their counseling sessions they both learn they have their own set of issues that need to be worked on in order to ensure their relationship will be strong. It was very interesting to "watch" them work through those issues and get to the place where they can actually address those that caused the brunt of their issues.
The continued Barberi story was interesting and we get to witness Enzo Barberi first hand and how the man can still terrorize his thirty year old son....even from behind bars. My only complaint would be what happened to Enzo and the rest of the Barberi family after the events that happened at the end of the book. Maybe we'll get more of that in the third book in the series.
While not quite as heartbreaking as "With Good Behavior" but it was nice to see a good therapist help Grant and Sophie deal with their issues and work towards being healthier individuals and creating that strong, lasting, loving relationship.
Can't wait for book 3.
But therapy is what Sophie and Grant embark on with Dr. Hunter Hayes. Hunter was working with Sophie when she was first released, but he agrees to take on the couple against his better judgement. He knows right away that things with this couple are not going to be easy. He was right.
Grant's nightmares are bad and with therapy, things seem to get worse. Reliving the nightmare he lived through and knowing that the woman he loves knows all his dirty little secrets is almost too much for him. And when Grant learns exactly what kind of relationship Sophie had with his brother, Logan, Grant snaps.
But Grant's not the only one needing to deal with issues. Sophie's dealing with her tenuous relationship with her father and trying to figure out what her professional life is going to be like now that she's teaching about psychology instead of practicing it. Plus there's her ex-professor/crush who she now works with and makes her feel inferior.
While Grant and Sophie have their own individual issues to deal with, they also need to help Grant's nephew Ben. Grant's determined to make sure Ben doesn't fall into the family business, but Ben's not fully engaged in his clean-cut lifestyle.
But as Grant and Sophie make strides in strengthening themselves and their relationship, old foes resurface and put our couple right in path of trouble. Can they finally stop the Barberi's and live happily ever after?
Sophie and Grant are as cute as ever in this addition to the series, but they both face some real hardships in their relationship. Through their counseling sessions they both learn they have their own set of issues that need to be worked on in order to ensure their relationship will be strong. It was very interesting to "watch" them work through those issues and get to the place where they can actually address those that caused the brunt of their issues.
The continued Barberi story was interesting and we get to witness Enzo Barberi first hand and how the man can still terrorize his thirty year old son....even from behind bars. My only complaint would be what happened to Enzo and the rest of the Barberi family after the events that happened at the end of the book. Maybe we'll get more of that in the third book in the series.
While not quite as heartbreaking as "With Good Behavior" but it was nice to see a good therapist help Grant and Sophie deal with their issues and work towards being healthier individuals and creating that strong, lasting, loving relationship.
Can't wait for book 3.
This is book 2 in the CONduct Series. If you haven't read With Good Behavior, read that one first. "Bad Behavior" picks up where the first left off. McSailor and Bonnie are now in couples therapy, thanks to Sophie's big mouth. They both have a lot of issues and the sessions are interesting to read. I love their psychologist, Hunter, who has a crush on Grant. The characters in this series are fantastic. Grant's family is also stirring up more trouble and Grant needs to keep Sophie safe. There are parts that make you laugh and parts that make you want to cry. I can't wait to see what is in store for them in "On Best Behavior," hopefully coming soon!
4.5 Stars
Bad Behavior picks up right where With Good Behavior ended. It's imperative that you read book #1 to know how Grant and Sophie got to where they are.
Once again, the psychological aspect of the story sucked me in. I was fascinated with how Jennifer Lane delved into each character with such precise detail and emotion that I felt like I truly understood them in a way that really brought the story to life.
Much like in the first book, so many things happen that it's hard to explain without spoiling the story. You really just have to read it to really appreciate it completely.
There are parts that will piss you off, parts that will make you laugh, there are intense moments where your heart will be beating at a rapid pace, but mostly you're heart will be filled with love for each and every character.
I'm looking forward to see where Sophia and Grant's story goes from here, as well as getting inside of Ben's head a little but more.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good solid romance with a little bit of drama and intrigue.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Bad Behavior picks up right where With Good Behavior ended. It's imperative that you read book #1 to know how Grant and Sophie got to where they are.
Once again, the psychological aspect of the story sucked me in. I was fascinated with how Jennifer Lane delved into each character with such precise detail and emotion that I felt like I truly understood them in a way that really brought the story to life.
Much like in the first book, so many things happen that it's hard to explain without spoiling the story. You really just have to read it to really appreciate it completely.
There are parts that will piss you off, parts that will make you laugh, there are intense moments where your heart will be beating at a rapid pace, but mostly you're heart will be filled with love for each and every character.
I'm looking forward to see where Sophia and Grant's story goes from here, as well as getting inside of Ben's head a little but more.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good solid romance with a little bit of drama and intrigue.
*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Read this review at Smash Attack Reads! http://www.smashattackreads.com/2011/12/conduct-series-blog-tour-bad-behavior.html
Smashtastic Synopsis: Grant and Sophie are back! In the second installment in The CONduct series by Jennifer Lane, Grant and Sophie face new perils as they fight to keep their love alive. Grant continues to battle his mafia family and inner demons, all the while fighting to stay out of prison. The end of cruise season is upon him, and if he doesn’t find a new job soon, it’s back to the slammer for him! Slammer = Papa Barberi = No good. All of this is threatening his sanity, and his parole officer knew just what Grant needed: therapy.
Thankfully, he’s able to attend couple’s therapy with his gorgeous girlfriend, Sophie, who is dealing with a few issues all her own. Sophie is struggling with her past mistakes and how they could affect her future with Grant. She has to deal with a sleaze ball at work, and her father still hates Grant.
Poor Dr. Hunter has his work cut out for him with these two!
When Grant picks up on a plot that his despicable father is planning, Grant must step up to the plate and use all his learned techniques and dig deep to stand up to his ruthless father. Sophie and Grant both find themselves in hellish scenarios, but this time, our loveable couple refuse to play victims.
Interest in the book: I really enjoyed With Good Behavior and have since become great internet friends with the author. This book is definitely outside the genre norm for me but there is something so fun and exciting about following the heroic and romantic adventures of the two main characters.
Characters: Sophie Taylor is back and more magnificent than ever. Picking up the pieces of her life after an ethical blunder, Sophie is steadily finding her place in the world again. She is a nurturer who isn’t afraid of change and working on her own shit, and I love her for it. Grant is up against some serious odds in this book, but with a devoted Sophie by his side, this man can do anything! I cannot get enough of these two together. They are so relatable and likeable. I love their dedication to each other, and their ability to work through those tough pieces of life in therapy. They are rocksauce!
I am so pleased that Jen chose to elevate Ben’s role in this book. Watching Grant’s teenage nephew grow and mature throughout this book was beautiful and made me teary-eyed. He has gone through so much and Grant refuses to let their family or past bring Ben down. So much love!
And I can’t forget about Dr. Hunter, who was really a stand out for me! We got to see a lot of Jen’s expertise through Dr. Hunter, who was a pretty fantastic psychologist. He brings up the issue that many psychologists / therapists / social workers deal with: how hard it is to remain unbiased and nonjudgmental when working with someone. It was so beneficial for me to see how even Dr. Hunter struggled with remaining neutral and unattached.
I must say I’m pretty impressed at Jen’s ability to go back and forth between POVs with ease. It really allows the reader to know exactly how the characters feel and what they are thinking in the moment. Jen explains her choice to use third person omniscient in this post, and personally, I think it works.
Worldbuilding: Jennifer Lane is a practicing psychologist and it shows! I admit it is one of the biggest reasons I love this series. I get to put on my therapy hat and really dissect what is happening to the characters, and how their pasts have shaped them. Plus, Jen throws her brilliance onto the pages a la therapy, and you gain some really great insight into what makes the characters tick. You will no doubt understand the characters and their actions. I love it!
Lasting Impressions: This novel was full of suspense and romance, with a bit of sad and enlightening moments thrown in. Lots of family drama and some great action, plus some fantastic humor! I thoroughly enjoyed watching McSailor and Bonnie’s love grow as they dealt with what they can never change and accepted who they were. And together, these two can do anything.
Smashtastic Entertainment Scale: Wicked Enjoyable!
Smashtastic Synopsis: Grant and Sophie are back! In the second installment in The CONduct series by Jennifer Lane, Grant and Sophie face new perils as they fight to keep their love alive. Grant continues to battle his mafia family and inner demons, all the while fighting to stay out of prison. The end of cruise season is upon him, and if he doesn’t find a new job soon, it’s back to the slammer for him! Slammer = Papa Barberi = No good. All of this is threatening his sanity, and his parole officer knew just what Grant needed: therapy.
Thankfully, he’s able to attend couple’s therapy with his gorgeous girlfriend, Sophie, who is dealing with a few issues all her own. Sophie is struggling with her past mistakes and how they could affect her future with Grant. She has to deal with a sleaze ball at work, and her father still hates Grant.
Poor Dr. Hunter has his work cut out for him with these two!
When Grant picks up on a plot that his despicable father is planning, Grant must step up to the plate and use all his learned techniques and dig deep to stand up to his ruthless father. Sophie and Grant both find themselves in hellish scenarios, but this time, our loveable couple refuse to play victims.
Interest in the book: I really enjoyed With Good Behavior and have since become great internet friends with the author. This book is definitely outside the genre norm for me but there is something so fun and exciting about following the heroic and romantic adventures of the two main characters.
Characters: Sophie Taylor is back and more magnificent than ever. Picking up the pieces of her life after an ethical blunder, Sophie is steadily finding her place in the world again. She is a nurturer who isn’t afraid of change and working on her own shit, and I love her for it. Grant is up against some serious odds in this book, but with a devoted Sophie by his side, this man can do anything! I cannot get enough of these two together. They are so relatable and likeable. I love their dedication to each other, and their ability to work through those tough pieces of life in therapy. They are rocksauce!
I am so pleased that Jen chose to elevate Ben’s role in this book. Watching Grant’s teenage nephew grow and mature throughout this book was beautiful and made me teary-eyed. He has gone through so much and Grant refuses to let their family or past bring Ben down. So much love!
And I can’t forget about Dr. Hunter, who was really a stand out for me! We got to see a lot of Jen’s expertise through Dr. Hunter, who was a pretty fantastic psychologist. He brings up the issue that many psychologists / therapists / social workers deal with: how hard it is to remain unbiased and nonjudgmental when working with someone. It was so beneficial for me to see how even Dr. Hunter struggled with remaining neutral and unattached.
I must say I’m pretty impressed at Jen’s ability to go back and forth between POVs with ease. It really allows the reader to know exactly how the characters feel and what they are thinking in the moment. Jen explains her choice to use third person omniscient in this post, and personally, I think it works.
Worldbuilding: Jennifer Lane is a practicing psychologist and it shows! I admit it is one of the biggest reasons I love this series. I get to put on my therapy hat and really dissect what is happening to the characters, and how their pasts have shaped them. Plus, Jen throws her brilliance onto the pages a la therapy, and you gain some really great insight into what makes the characters tick. You will no doubt understand the characters and their actions. I love it!
Lasting Impressions: This novel was full of suspense and romance, with a bit of sad and enlightening moments thrown in. Lots of family drama and some great action, plus some fantastic humor! I thoroughly enjoyed watching McSailor and Bonnie’s love grow as they dealt with what they can never change and accepted who they were. And together, these two can do anything.
Smashtastic Entertainment Scale: Wicked Enjoyable!
3.5
Bad Behavior is a prime example of why I dislike taking review requests. Not because Bad Behavior is bad--it's not, not at all--but because I drag my feet when it comes time to read and review. (Sorry, Jennifer!) And I'm sure that the only reason I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first is because it was a review request. Because review requests = obligations = not as fun. So it goes.
If you thought Sophie's and Grant's adventures were over and done with after With Good Behavior, you were wrong. Though certainly not over, the suspense factor in Bad Behavior is toned down, waiting until the very end of the book before the action kicks up and we start worrying for the characters. The ending, though? I like where it's going to take the characters. There's hope for them yet.
I'm torn about how I feel about the psychologist aspects of Bad Behavior. That Sophie and Grant work on building healthy relationships with each other and their respective families was something that belongs in more books. But it did turn into a psychology lesson every now and again, which wasn't what I was looking for at the time. Sometimes even I need to turn my brain off. Crazy. But true.
But if you've read With Good Behavior, you'll want to see how Sophie and Grant fair in this installment. I had some eyebrow-raising moments with these two (Grant more than Sophie), but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless.
Bad Behavior is a prime example of why I dislike taking review requests. Not because Bad Behavior is bad--it's not, not at all--but because I drag my feet when it comes time to read and review. (Sorry, Jennifer!) And I'm sure that the only reason I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first is because it was a review request. Because review requests = obligations = not as fun. So it goes.
If you thought Sophie's and Grant's adventures were over and done with after With Good Behavior, you were wrong. Though certainly not over, the suspense factor in Bad Behavior is toned down, waiting until the very end of the book before the action kicks up and we start worrying for the characters. The ending, though? I like where it's going to take the characters. There's hope for them yet.
I'm torn about how I feel about the psychologist aspects of Bad Behavior. That Sophie and Grant work on building healthy relationships with each other and their respective families was something that belongs in more books. But it did turn into a psychology lesson every now and again, which wasn't what I was looking for at the time. Sometimes even I need to turn my brain off. Crazy. But true.
But if you've read With Good Behavior, you'll want to see how Sophie and Grant fair in this installment. I had some eyebrow-raising moments with these two (Grant more than Sophie), but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless.