REVIEWED by Jen B.

TITLE:  Risky Behavior

SERIES:  Bad Behavior #1

AUTHORS:  L.A. Witt and Cari Z.

PUBLISHER:  Riptide Publishing

LENGTH:   309 Pages

RELEASE DATE:  May 1, 2017

BLURB: 

It’s day one of Darren Corliss’s career as a detective, and not only has he been assigned a notoriously difficult partner, but the guy might also be a pill-popping dirty cop. Internal Affairs needs proof, and Darren gets to be their eyes and ears whether he wants to or not.

Detective Andreas Ruffner doesn’t play by the rules, and he doesn’t play well with others. With bodies piling up and a list of suspects who are way above his pay grade, the last thing he needs is a wet-behind-the-ears kid for a partner. Or babysitter. Not even if that partner is easy on the eyes.

As Darren gains Andreas’s hard-won trust, they both realize there’s more than just mutual suspicion simmering beneath the surface. But their investigation is heating up as quickly as their relationship, and Darren has no choice but to go along with Andreas’s unorthodox—and borderline unethical—methods. As IA puts the squeeze on Darren to give up the man he’s falling for, he has to wonder—is Andreas the only cop left in this town who isn’t dirty?

 I realized this is one of my favorite trope’s – cops/detectives reluctantly become partners then realize as they solve whatever case that they have intense chemistry/feelings.  So when two super strong writers put this book out there, I could not help but grab it.  I don’t even think I read the whole blurb.  😀  I was not disappointed at all!

It is pretty clear from the get go that there is more to Andreas’ story.  From the outside, it appears he has trouble keeping partners, everyone believes he is a dirty cop, addict and all-around a-hole.  Darren quickly sees or feels things aren’t quite the way he has heard.  He is in a bit of a spot though, as he must try to gain Andreas’ trust, while, at the same time, Internal Affairs has charged him with reporting on any of Andreas’ activities that would give them the evidence they need to get rid of him.

It doesn’t take long for some of the secrets to come to light.  There are reasons for Andreas’ secrets and as Darren slowly gains Andreas’ trust, he learns more and more.  When they realize they can trust each other, the focus turns back to the case, which is leading them up the chain from cops to judges to the Mayor.  They have little time to figure out a way to uncover it all in a way that will disable the ring and take care of the issues at hand with enough evidence to make it all stick.

Darren and Andreas are perfect for each other.  Darren doesn’t back down to Andreas and puts himself on the line to back him up to gain his trust.  It pays off, and their bond grows.  They have amazing chemistry, and even once Andreas’ big closely-held secret comes out, Darren doesn’t shy away.  To the contrary, he pushes even more to give Andreas something he never thought he would have again.

I was pulled into this story from the first pages and it kept hold right to the end.  It is full of high intensity and lots of action, both with the case and the relationship.  I was definitely not ready for it to end and cannot wait for the next book to see how these guys are making out and where the next case will take them.  Definitely recommend!