newfiecutie85 's review for:

Misconduct by Penelope Douglas

---

 

This book would be for someone who is in the mood for something forbidden, slow-burn, a little dangerous, and emotionally intense — with lots of power play, sexual tension, and a strong, mature romance.  It’s perfect if you want a story where boundaries are tested, sparks fly between unlikely people, and the build-up feels electric. Also great if you're craving a hero who’s confident and dominant and a heroine who's smart, independent, and a little guarded. 

 

The first half focuses a lot on building the tension between Easton and Tyler — their banter, glances, off-limits moments — so if you love slow-burn chemistry where every interaction feels heavy with meaning, you'll probably really enjoy it.  Once their relationship crosses that line, the pace definitely picks up, and the second half moves faster with more drama, steamy scenes, and emotional depth. It’s not a "rush through it in one night" type of book for most readers — it’s more of a savor the tension, enjoy the slow unraveling kind of vibe. 🔥

Spice scale I'd say it’s about a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ to 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3.5 out of 5 peppers) — pretty steamy, but balanced with plot and emotional tension.   

The build-up is intense — lots of stolen looks, close proximity, heated conversations.

When the spice happens, it’s explicit, detailed, and emotional, not just physical.

There are several spicy scenes (not just one and done), and they get hotter as the story progresses.

The forbidden aspect (teacher + student’s parent) adds this layer of danger that makes the scenes even more charged.

While there’s a plot (family drama, career ambitions, a bit of mystery involving Tyler’s political life), the heart of the story is Easton and Tyler’s personal growth — how they handle their attraction, the walls they’ve built around themselves, and the emotional risks they have to take. It’s about how they collide, challenge each other, and change — so you spend a lot of time inside their heads, feeling their tension, their doubts, their craving for connection. The external drama just adds extra heat and stakes to their relationship. 
 

I’d give Misconduct a 4/5 stars. 🌟 

• Character development is strong, with both Easton and Tyler growing emotionally and learning to open up. Their flaws are relatable and make their eventual growth feel earned and satisfying.
• The tension and slow-burn romance is absolutely gripping. The chemistry between them is electric, and the forbidden aspect adds so much to the stakes of their relationship.
• The writing is engaging and pulls you into the emotional struggles of the characters, making you root for them even when they’re at their worst.

 
 

Themes/Topics: 

• Forbidden Romance: The attraction between Easton and Tyler is forbidden (teacher and the parent of her student), making for a compelling and tension-filled dynamic.
• Emotional Growth and Healing: Both characters go through significant emotional growth, overcoming past traumas and learning to open up to love and vulnerability.
• Power Dynamics: Tyler’s wealth, influence, and control contrast sharply with Easton’s more grounded and independent life, creating a push-pull dynamic throughout the story.
• Trust and Vulnerability: A major theme is learning to trust others, especially when past experiences make it hard to do so.
• Age Gap: There’s an age gap between Easton and Tyler, which adds a layer of complexity to their relationship.