With Good Behavior (The Conduct Series, #1) by Jennifer Lane

Oct 31, 2010 Nix rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-ebook, own-paperback, 2010-goodreads-choice-awards, favorites

With Good Behavior is an exceptional novel, written by an author who has a refreshing writing style and way of storytelling.

The story is centred around two parolees, Grant Madsen and Sophie Taylor, whom fate literally pushes together. Initially, they embark on a budding romance. Unbeknownst to them, however, hangs a terrible truth that could jeopardise everything – including their very lives!

Each character in this novel is an authentic human being – a product of their history. The plot is brill...more

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Feb 21, 2011 Mandy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: omnific-publishing, 2011

This review can also be found here - http://bookh00rder.blogspot.com/2011/...

I did a lot of swooning while reading With Good Behavior.

Grant Madsen and Sophie Taylor meet in an unconventional way, but as soon as they do, sparks fly. They are drawn to one another instantly. Grant and Sophie both found themselves in legal trouble due to someone elses conniving ways.

Grant is ex-military and is struggling with the downfall of his career and his family history.

Sophie, a promising psychologist loses...more

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Jul 30, 2010 Wesley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

There's something unique about this book. I think it's the characters: they're rich / real (and I'm not just talking about the main couple!) I liked the multi-layered characters, the tension that builds as you learn more and more about how the main characters are connected (whilst they remain ignorant!), the odd bits of humor and the nailbiting action at the end. I'll definitely be reading the sequel - and any other book that this author releases.

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Nov 28, 2011 Alexa Yupangco rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Review posted on Alexa Loves Books

When I read the synopsis for With Good Behavior in the email that Jennifer sent to me, I was immediately intrigued by the story. My curiosity got the better of me and I agreed to read it. I'm very glad I did, as it turns out that this story was compelling and enjoyable.

Jennifer has a fantastic way of using the simplest words to paint us a convincing and very real world. I fell in love with the Chicago she showed us through the eyes of Grant and Sophie, with elem...more Review posted on Alexa Loves Books

When I read the synopsis for With Good Behavior in the email that Jennifer sent to me, I was immediately intrigued by the story. My curiosity got the better of me and I agreed to read it. I'm very glad I did, as it turns out that this story was compelling and enjoyable.

Jennifer has a fantastic way of using the simplest words to paint us a convincing and very real world. I fell in love with the Chicago she showed us through the eyes of Grant and Sophie, with elements of both normal life and the mafia culture interspersed quite cleverly throughout everything. As a reader, I felt like I could see both the good and evil sides of the reality the two main characters lived in and I appreciated how much more real that made things (since in real life, there is always good and bad).

Sophie's calm, sweet, level-headed demeanor may be typical of a few romance heroines, but it was her background in psychology, her stubborn tenacity and determination to fight back that made me really like her. She was unwilling to settle for the circumstances she found herself in and I loved how she rebuilds her life slowly but surely after serving her time in prison.

And Grant, well, he's easy enough to fall in love with. Because there was so much emphasis on his amazing eyes, that is what I tend to imagine in my brain first when I think of him - dark, piercing, intense eyes that make your stomach flutter when they turn their gaze on you. But apart from his gorgeous eyes and physique, I think it's his caring, thoughtful attitude to Sophie that made me love him most. He's very considerate, kind and there's a sincerity to the way he feels about her that made me catch my breath whenever he thought or spoke about it.

Their relationship felt so authentic that it, on occasion, brought tears to my eyes. I loved how, despite the odds stacked against them, their feelings never wavered - and always, whether consciously or not, put the other first. Despite the particulars (both of them as parolees, the mafia family, etc), I thought that their relationship mirrored any real relationship - with its imperfections amidst the beauty.

There were, of course, a few personal qualms I had with the novel. I thought they fell in love a little too quickly; but then again, it could have been lust first, love next. I also thought some events in the story were a little too dramatized; but then again, we are talking about a mafia family after all.

Overall, the story was fast-paced, intense and there were a couple of surprising twists that got me to gasp out loud. It started off a bit too slow for me, at times becoming quite typical, but it eventually picked up the pace until I couldn't put it down. I liked where the book came to an end - and it's got me hooked enough to want to pick up the second book in the series, Bad Behavior.(less)

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Feb 20, 2012 Karla rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angst-filled, bad-boy, emotional, family-drama, funny, lots-o-crazy, pain, scrumptious-hero, second-chance, sweet-romance, strong-willed-heroine, tear-jerker, terrific-dialogue, tortured-souls, unconventional-family, tragic-death, wonderful-secondary-characters

4.5 stars! With Good Behavior is an extremely well written engaging book. It has one of the sweetest heroes I’ve ever encountered, Grant Madsen. He’s honorable, charming, emotional, and so sexy. He meets the delightful Sophie while visiting his parole officer. She’s a complete stranger to him and yet he offers her comfort in his arms. He had me at that first hug. As the two of them get to know one another, they tell each other about the circumstances and betrayal that sent them to prison, and yo...more 4.5 stars! With Good Behavior is an extremely well written engaging book. It has one of the sweetest heroes I’ve ever encountered, Grant Madsen. He’s honorable, charming, emotional, and so sexy. He meets the delightful Sophie while visiting his parole officer. She’s a complete stranger to him and yet he offers her comfort in his arms. He had me at that first hug. As the two of them get to know one another, they tell each other about the circumstances and betrayal that sent them to prison, and you feel their hurt and shame right along with them. I never rooted more for a couple than I did for these two.

Little by little we find out about Grant, his family and the tragic events from his childhood that continue to torment him and cause him so much emotional pain. Early on it’s also revealed to the reader how Sophie and Grant are intertwined, but yet when they find out, their shocked reaction made me anxious as to the future of their relationship. What ensues after that when a family member of Grant’s tries to right the wrong, brought me to tears and left me with an aching heart.

Jennifer Lane had me feeling emotionally stressed, but she also made me laugh. There is an amusing ensemble of characters that held the spotlight from time to time. Parole Officer Jerry Stone and ship captain Roger Eaton gave plenty of grief to Grant and Sophie. They always had a wise-crack about the couple’s relationship, but you knew that they wanted nothing more than for those two to find happiness and love. Always lurking in the background was Grant’s family trying to drag him down again.

The book also had some nice heat to it, although the writing in the first sex scene felt somewhat awkward. It seemed like JL was as nervous about writing that scene, as Grant and Sophie were about having sex for the first time. From there on out though, their encounters were nicely written, smooth, passionate and I was pleasantly surprised. Perhaps one of the most sensual moments was when Grant dressed… not undressed…yes dressed Sophie. Oh my Grant, you can come a put my clothes on me any day, and then take it off again...talk about fun!!

If you are looking for a unique romance that will stir all your emotions, is suspenseful, and has characters that feel real and relatable…this is the book for you.

On to Bad Behavior and more Grant and Sophie!(less)

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Jul 20, 2011 Victoria rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: crime, romance, nook-color-books, 2011

I really loved this story. From the moment Sophie and Grant met outside their parole officers door, I was hooked. I wanted to find out why they were both arrested and put in jail to what would happen between the two of them with so much fighting against them. They both have their own demons that they have to deal with, Grant more so than Sophie.

Grant comes from a mafia family. All his life he's been fighting to stay as far away from them as possible but they keep popping up and threatening those...more

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Dec 10, 2011 Jess the Romanceaholic rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, military-or-special-ops, requested-review, 2011-read, review-held, blog-tour, convict, family-issues

This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.com.

Expected Release Date: July 13, 2010
Publisher: Omnilit Publishing
Imprint: N/A
Author’s Website: http://jenniferlanebooks.com
My Source for This Book: Gift from the publisher
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, CONduct Series
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy

Overall, despite its flaws, this book was highly entertaining. With romance, family drama, the struggle to reintegrate with society after spenigng time b...more

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Sep 15, 2010 Ana rated it 4 of 5 stars

With Good Behavior made me laugh, cry and bite my nails. Once I began reading it only imperative need to do something else –like feeding my kids or having to work– could make me take a break. It´s so well paced.

The characters –all of them– are truly believable and Grant and Sophie, in particular, are absolutely endearing. As I told Jen, I love that they were not corrupted by their experience, that they can trust and love, that they can still be good. I think there is something special and despe...more

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Aug 01, 2010 Janine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Our pasts form part of who we are ~ Can we break free; choose to be different?

With Good Behavior is a genuine love story with authentic people in frighteningly realistic situations. I fell in love with both Grant and Sophie as they navigated their fledgling relationship: the giggles, the spats, the all-too-familiar fears. Meantime, quietly in the background, the danger draws near…..

For those of you who love stories about REAL people with an edge of excitement, this book is for you!

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Dec 05, 2011 Cocktails and Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour, author-provided, mystery

Grant Marsden and Sophie Taylor meet, briefly, outside their parole officers office soon after their releases from prison. Grant had just spent the past two years in Gurnee State Prison for aggravated robbery while Sophie spent a year in a woman's prison for accessory charges. Neither of them know how link their lives are.

From their brief meeting outside their PO's office, both Grant and Sophie are drawn to each other. But it's not until Grant offers Sophie a supportive hug and helps her find a...more Grant Marsden and Sophie Taylor meet, briefly, outside their parole officers office soon after their releases from prison. Grant had just spent the past two years in Gurnee State Prison for aggravated robbery while Sophie spent a year in a woman's prison for accessory charges. Neither of them know how link their lives are.

From their brief meeting outside their PO's office, both Grant and Sophie are drawn to each other. But it's not until Grant offers Sophie a supportive hug and helps her find a job that they really take the time to talk to one another. Agreeing not to talk about what landed them in jail or who they were in the past, they set out to get to know one another.

Grant is the youngest son to Mafia Godfather, Vincenzo (Enzo) Barberi. The man was an abusive drunk who terrorize Grant, his older brother Logan and their mother. While their mother was able to get them to the safety of her brother, Joe Marsden, it wasn't soon enough. Logan ran back to the only family he's ever know...that of his uncle Angelo, Enzo's younger brother. While Joe did what he could to save Grant from the Barberi influences, Logan embraces the "families" line of work. Unfortunately, Logan embraced it a little too well and that ultimately led him to the doorstep of new psychologist, Dr. Sophie Taylor.

Sophie crossed a professional line when comforting her client, Logan, turned into a sexual relationship. She knew it was wrong, but she was confident she could help Logan deal with the abuse he suffered at the hands of his abusive father and the guilt he felt when he couldn't protect his little brother. She thought Logan cared for her too, but when she's arrested by the police, he leaves her high and dry to take the blame.

As Sophie and Grant's romance heats up, their tie to Logan Barberi rears it's ugly head and both of their pasts start to catch up with them. With Grant's family after both of them, can they manage to outrun the mafia while staying out of prison?

This book is an emotional roller coaster. I swear, if there was a real Grant Marsden I would have to run up to the poor man and give him a huge, comforting embrace. Grant was one of the most emotionally gut-wrenching heroes I have ever read. The trauma this poor man has suffered at the hands of not only his father, but also his brother, is horrifying. He's a sweet, lovable man that breaks your heart every time he has to relive one of those awful moments with his family. Thankful he's met Sophie, who's more than capable of dealing with Grant and his issues.

Sophie was groomed to work with her father in his construction business. So when she choose to study psychology instead, her domineering father casts her out on her own. After her conviction, she's convinced her father hates her, not only for falling into trouble because of Logan Barberi, but because she caused the death of her mother. The woman was very good at covering up her lack of self-esteem. She took fault and blame for everything that went wrong and didn't trust her judgement in men. But McSailor (Grant's nickname) changed all that and showed Sophie that good men protect those that they love.

This book will rip your heart out for our hero and heroine while providing an excellent intrigue storyline with Grant's mafia family and what they're involved in. Have a tissue handy....you're going to need it!(less)

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Dec 22, 2010 Alisha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, books-i-own-that-i-ve-read, chick-lit, crime-novel

In the full interest of disclosure, I'm going to say this: I am so not a romance fan. The only way I even remotely get into romance is if it's Chick-Lit, Young-Adult, or fanfiction. But most of the time, I stay away from the actual entitled "romance" books. However, I used to lurk in fanfiction circles and that's how I learned about With Good Behavior and decided to try to win it on First Reads. Luckily for me, I did because it absolutely did not disappoint.

First things first: I loved Grant. Yes...more In the full interest of disclosure, I'm going to say this: I am so not a romance fan. The only way I even remotely get into romance is if it's Chick-Lit, Young-Adult, or fanfiction. But most of the time, I stay away from the actual entitled "romance" books. However, I used to lurk in fanfiction circles and that's how I learned about With Good Behavior and decided to try to win it on First Reads. Luckily for me, I did because it absolutely did not disappoint.

First things first: I loved Grant. Yes, I did! I wanted my own McSailor. He was just so sweet and loyal and hot (my imagination can do wonders, thank you very much!). Sigh. Now that I got that out of the way, let me continue with the other characters: Sophie was actually a smart heroine. That's one of my pet peeves since other romance books I've read (Twilight, Loyalty's Web, Companions of the Night) tend to start out with a smart heroine and then proceed to make her lose many IQ points when she meets a hot guy. But maybe it's because Sophie didn't start out on that high pedestal (she was just released from prison, after all), but she didn't completely irk me. Again, she was intelligent and pretty kick-ass in her own right. Plus, she retained that fiery spark even after she met McSailor and didn't go all submissive-like. Oh, and I loved the fact that she was a psychologist since I'm currently doing my undergrad in psychology.

But I absolutely loved and adored the supporting characters (I'm a supporting characters slut! I tend to love them all more than the actual main characters). Roger might've been my favorite just because he brought the funny. I was seriously laughing out loud every time he appeared on the page. I also liked Jerry Stone with his heart of gold no matter how hard he tried to hide it. I also loved Sophie's relationship with Kirsten (I'm a sucker for a good female friendship in fiction). All of the supporting characters were made of win!

My absolute favorite part of With Good Behavior was that it was action-packed. It wasn't just a romance and wasn't all "I LOVE YOU." "NO! I LOVE YOU, MORE!" There was an actual plot that was filled with twists, turns, and a whole lot of suspense. From what little I've read of other novels in the romance and chick-lit genre, this seems to be more unique. Now, I've categorized With Good Behavior as chick-lit only because the thought of creating a "Romance" shelf and have this book all lonely within it made me break out into hives (not really, but it made me supremely uncomfortable. I'm weird that way...), but it's actually way more angsty than chick-lit and should go in a romance shelf (if it were any other person, but me that is), as well as a crime/mystery shelf.

Anyway, the point of this semi-coherent and very rambling review is to say that I completely recommend With Good Behavior. It was a romance with a lot more genres packed into it. It was also a really feel-good kind of story and may be one of the only romances I may like. I'm not going to go around yelling that romance is my fave genre anytime soon, but this one didn't make me want to poke my eyes out with a Twizzler. So, it was really pretty much full of win.

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Dec 10, 2011 Laurielu Book Savvy Babes rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reads, contemporary, first-in-series, romance, review, publisher-request

With Good Behavior by Jennifer Lane is a very good contemporary romance because it offers such an original premise for a love story which takes place in Chicago. Emotion grips you for the entire length of the story. And you cannot help but swoon, laugh, cry, gasp, etc. as you read.

Sophie Taylor and Grant Madsen meet in front of Parole Officer Jerry Stone’s office where they must check in every Wednesday. Yes, this is a love story about convicted felons. But, do not let that fact detract you from...more With Good Behavior by Jennifer Lane is a very good contemporary romance because it offers such an original premise for a love story which takes place in Chicago. Emotion grips you for the entire length of the story. And you cannot help but swoon, laugh, cry, gasp, etc. as you read.

Sophie Taylor and Grant Madsen meet in front of Parole Officer Jerry Stone’s office where they must check in every Wednesday. Yes, this is a love story about convicted felons. But, do not let that fact detract you from picking up this book and reading it. This story is about so much more than their felonious situation.

There is an instantaneous attraction when they meet for the first time outside their PO's office. Unbeknownst to them their lives are deeply connected. This story offers horrific and emotionally distressing flashbacks from each of the main characters, especially from Grant. There are mob connections and abuse in their pasts that color the world they currently live in which was beyond my comprehension; but, Ms. Lane is able to illicit the the true nature of how the past can color your perceptions of the world around you. Even if you do not have the emotional reference, she is able to convey the seriousness of the tragedies that have occurred in their lives.

They are now trying to make up for their past indiscretions that caused them to sacrifice everything. The price they pay is steep and has the reader’s heart twisted up in emotion because these are two very good people whose lives have been over taken by circumstance. Finding each other, guides both Sophie and Grant on a path of emotional healing. But, the process of healing and attempting to rebuild their lives, is both cathartic and emotionally exacting.

In addition, the secondary characters add more emotional grounding for Grant and Sophie because they play a part as a sounding board and become an emotional support group which further aids Sophie and Grant’s emotional healing and confidence building. The psychological factors that add up and threaten to overwhelm the main characters make which make this novel very exciting and emotionally charged.

I really enjoyed reading With Good Behavior. Jennifer Lane has an excellent talent in story-telling. Her voice is smooth and the conveyance of using flashbacks from either Grant’s or Sophie’s perspective is uncanny and has the reader’s heart aching. There are times you just want to wrap your arms around either one, rock them back and forth while you croon supportive murmurs to them. What a great book! I am really looking forward to finding out how Grant and Sophie are doing in the next book, Bad Behavior by Jannifer Lane.

Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections
!!
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Mar 25, 2012 Sarah marked it as to-read

Shelves: books-ive-reviewed

My Opinion:

This is definitely a unique novel. The author is obviously brilliant, because nobody but a genius could come up with a plot this twisted and awesome! The plot is so interesting, I was instantly in love!
The idea or making two ex-convicts meet and fall in love outside their Parole Officer's door is priceless. In all my years of being a die hard romance novel addict, I have never read anything like With Good Behavior.
I love how dynamic and animated the story seems. The imagery is so...more My Opinion:

This is definitely a unique novel. The author is obviously brilliant, because nobody but a genius could come up with a plot this twisted and awesome! The plot is so interesting, I was instantly in love!
The idea or making two ex-convicts meet and fall in love outside their Parole Officer's door is priceless. In all my years of being a die hard romance novel addict, I have never read anything like With Good Behavior.
I love how dynamic and animated the story seems. The imagery is so vivid, the way she uses literary devices so descriptive, it feels as if I'm apart of the novel. It's very gripping. It pulls you in and won't let go.
I love how Grant and Sophie seem so real, unlike a lot of characters in romance. Jennifer created characters who have made plenty of mistakes, and have feelings. I can't tell you how many times I have read a book about a couple falling in love and the guy is this perfect man who would never burst in to tears when someone dies or something bad happens, and you can tell hes fake. But not Grant. Even if he seems embarrassed to cry in front of people, it makes the story more believable when the characters show feelings.
There's so much irony in With Good Behavior that I never wanted to put the book down. I kept waiting and waiting how everything would play out, and it just got better!
There was so much in the book that made me laugh out loud. Heck, I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter to see what funny new chapter title was next. Between laughing (mostly laughing) and crying (there was plenty of tragedy), I was hooked, right from the start. Actually, I was probably hooked from the book cover;It's very engrossing.
One of my favorite aspects of this novel it when the characters are thinking or talking about there pasts, Jennifer wrote out the scenes. It helps the reader to get a clearer picture of what happened to the character in more detail.
It is very obvious how much work Jennifer put into the creation of this novel. I was so impressed with the way she took her time with research; it's easy to tell she didn't rush through to be done with it.
With Good Behavior is a complex work of fiction. All her characters intertwined, it was interesting (yet nerve-raking) to watch it all unfold.

Recommendations??

Everyone! Adventure lovers, suspense, romance fans! I think anyone could be interested in reading With Good Behavior. I loved it, and I'm sure you will too. It was rather long though, so if your in the mood for a novella, don't look for this book. But, other than that, dig in!

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Jan 25, 2013 Christina (Christina's BookReviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: r2r

"When Karita died, the only thing that got me through was you. I was so proud to adopt you and have you as my son. Never forget that."

RECAP:

Former psychologist, Sophie Taylor has just been released on parole after serving a year in prison. Her crime? Falling in love with a criminal.

Former Navy Lieutenant, Grant Madsen is also being released on parole after serving 26 months in prison. His crime? Attempted robbery.

When these two are assigned to PO Jerry Stone their lives outside will change forev...more

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Aug 02, 2010 Emily Fisher rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I’m still reeling from the action-packed plot as you approach the end of this book!!

What an incredible ensemble of multifaceted characters. An honest reminder of the huge role that family plays in our lives (whether we want them to or not!) Also, of the important role of people with whom we CHOOSE to share our lives: friends, mentors, romantic partners. It’s so true that “no man is an island”.

This book has some humour, some heartbreak, and a lot of love. The star-crossed lovers in particular g...more

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May 28, 2012 Ren rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: request, 4-and-half-stars, almost-weep-when-read-this, abused-character, crazy-character, contemporary-romance, sadistic-psycho-chara, its-just-vanilla, new-author-2012-challenge

This copy is provided by the author
Review will be also posted at S,E,R's Awesomness

4,5 stars!

When I re-read this book again (to write a good review *blush*), I remember some lines from "Dark Shadows" movie that I'd watch weeks ago. The lines said by Barnabas Collins, and if remember well, this is what he said :

"Blood is what made us. Bind us. Curse us"

In "With Good Behavior", its his family that made, bind and curse Grant Madsen's life. Okay, With Good Behavior, or WGB is not paranormal romance...more

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Oct 12, 2011 *Babs* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, mysteries, thrillers, suspense

I have had my eye on this book for a while now and finally got to read it. I have missed out. Sophie now out of jail has to get her life back in order. She has lost her psychologist license and has 2 weeks to find a job or her Parole Officer will send her back to prison. After her meeting she sees the next person walk in. Grant Madsen also just released from jail has to get his life back on track. He was in the Navy. Once he sees Sophie he has to get to know her. Sophie has run into some issues...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Mitsy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-read, romance

The story is crazy! Sophie is a naive, book smart, beautiful, adorable, blonde! (Think -Brooklyn Decker.) Grant is a gorgeous, caring, mess. All of the characters have flaws, making them realistic.

This book has everything: violence, family issues, humor, sadness, surprises, disappointments, delights, and a love story. Not many authors can pull all those together quite as well as Ms. Lane and make it so wonderful. Yes!

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May 08, 2012 Romancing the Book rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romantic-suspense

Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reviewed by~Aubrey
Review Copy Provided by~the Author

I loved this book. I found it very engaging and very different from what is out today. It was funny, engaging and made you think in ways that a lot of romance novels do not. It could be that the author has written a dissertation in psychology which shows throughout the book in that she manages to really get into the psyche of the characters. The heroine has also written hers but has since lots her license to p...more

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Apr 25, 2012 Sophia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

When I hear a couple talk about how they first met and the story of how they got together, I am always interested. Sometimes the stories can be quite entertaining. But I guarantee that none would be half as entertaining as this one.

Grant and Sophie first meet when they both come to the first meeting with their parole officer, Jerry. Jerry gives Sophie two weeks to find a job and orders her into weekly counseling. She has just spent the last year in the pen for accessory to robbery and lost every...more When I hear a couple talk about how they first met and the story of how they got together, I am always interested. Sometimes the stories can be quite entertaining. But I guarantee that none would be half as entertaining as this one.

Grant and Sophie first meet when they both come to the first meeting with their parole officer, Jerry. Jerry gives Sophie two weeks to find a job and orders her into weekly counseling. She has just spent the last year in the pen for accessory to robbery and lost everything she had going in her life all because she was duped into thinking a guy who was her client loved her. She bumps into Grant on his way into Jerry's office where he is given the ultimatum of finding a job and getting his life back together minus his former career in the navy. Grant with the help of his Uncle Joe is able to get a job and a place to stay, but Sophie cannot find a job. It is just when Jerry prepares to send her back to prison for not getting the job that Grant helps her. Within days their friendship begins and it slowly grows into something more as they share the title of felon now and all the baggage that goes with it.
Little do the two parolees know that they have more in common than they think. The guy that got Sophie into trouble is Grant's older brother Logan. Logan and Grant are the sons of a big mafia boss. Logan stayed in The Family and Grant was able to get away because his mother's brother adopted him and brought him away after his mother's death. The Barberis will not let matters lie because when Logan hid money and guns in Sophie's office they family lost out on a lot of money and they want it back. It was Logan threatening to kill Uncle Joe if Grant did not help him with a robbery because he got into gambling trouble that gets Grant put away when the robbery is botched. And now he wants to force him to help him again.
The mob is still very interested in both Grant and Sophia and can their relationship survive when they learn the truth about their shared connection to the Barberis when the truth comes out?

The plot for this story is just incredible. The story is told in the present and through flashbacks. It is told from multiple points of view. The various backdrops were so interesting- the Department of Corrections Parole Office, Dr. Hunter's Office, the Barberi compound, the tour boat, and their various homes. I was just so fascinated learning what it was like for a person emerging from prison back into society. The mafia connection looming and overshadowing everything added a great deal of danger, tension, and sorrow to the story. I was so angry with how many generations and lives were ruined by that life. I was really rooting for Grant and Sophia in their efforts to navigate through it all.

The characters were well sketched and I found myself in tears for and with Grant (yes, he's a tender guy) and I cried over the waste that was Logan's life though I know he made several really bad choices. I laughed a lot too particularly with the dialogue between Grant and Sophie as well as both of their interactions with their parole officer Jerry. The most amusing secondary character was the irascible Roger, the ex-navy woman hating tour boat owner that gave Grant and Sophie jobs.

Jennifer Lane definitely has a gift for writing characters and their stories. I look forward to reading the next installment in the series.(less)

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Mar 19, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: guiltypleasures-madison, authorreviews

This review posted on Guilty Pleasures

Sophie Taylor and Grant Madsen are two parolees with one thing in common – Logan Barberi. He sent them both to jail. When the two are released early for good behavior they are given the same parole officer. In their weekly meetings with him, they become friends.

Both are learning to float on through life after what they've experienced. Grant, a formal naval officer can no longer do what he loves because of his record. Sophie, a former psychologist is in the...more

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Dec 29, 2010 Bookfunatic (Tessa) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

There are many “romance” books out there that give love a bad (superficial) name. Others are beautiful. This book is beautiful.

The main characters:
Grant and Sophie are intelligent, well-educated people with budding careers and good intentions. But they have failings like the rest of us, arising mainly from their upbringing and relationship with their families. This has landed them in BIG trouble and the book begins as they start to rebuild their lives after the shame/disgrace of incarceration....more

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Dec 28, 2010 Patti Loves FAB Romance rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 28, 2010 Lisa Sanchez rated it 4 of 5 stars

First off, can I just say how much I love the cover? Very eye-catching. When I first saw it, I immediately wanted to know why the military dude is in cuffs. Good stuff!

Sofie Taylor is a psychologist. She's smart, beautiful, has a huge heart and cares deeply about her work and her patients. In fact, she cares so deeply, she winds up falling for one: Logan Barberi, aka, Bad Mafia Dude. I won't post all the juicy tidbits here, but after an unfortunate series of events, Sofie ends up serving time in...more
First off, can I just say how much I love the cover? Very eye-catching. When I first saw it, I immediately wanted to know why the military dude is in cuffs. Good stuff!

Sofie Taylor is a psychologist. She's smart, beautiful, has a huge heart and cares deeply about her work and her patients. In fact, she cares so deeply, she winds up falling for one: Logan Barberi, aka, Bad Mafia Dude. I won't post all the juicy tidbits here, but after an unfortunate series of events, Sofie ends up serving time in jail. The story kicks off with Sofie visiting her parole officer, and follows her re-entry into society. She's self-conscious and ashamed of what happened and has a difficult time coming to terms with her new life ... until she meets Grant.

Grant Madsen/McSailor, a shmexy naval officer, is a geat guy with a crappy family. His father is a mafia don, his uncles, cousins, and even his brother, Logan, are all criminals. Grant's uncle, Joe, saved him from a violent childhood and raised him away from his corrupt family. But the Barberi family is powerful and heartless, and when they want something, they usually get it. Unfortunately for Grant, they want him. Grant throws away his naval career, his good name and his freedom to save the life of a loved one. Released with good behavior, Grant meets Sofie at his parole officer's office and the black cloud hovering over him dissipates, and he finds he's got something, or rather, someone to look forward to each week.

The two agree not to talk about what sent them to jail, opting to focus on their future instead. Due to this little pact, Grant has no clue Sofie knew his brother, Logan. And Sofie has no idea Grant is actually a member of the Barberi family. This makes for some interesting reading. I'm not saying anything else, I've spoiled enough already!

I loved the progression of Sofie's and Grant's relationship, and really enjoyed how the author gave these two lost souls someone to lean on during a time when they were vulnerable and unsure of themselves. Jennifer Lane did a great job showcasing the emotional roller coaster the two main characters were on. Several scenes tugged at my heart and had me sniffling, while a handful of others made me feel warm and fuzzy.

The supporting characters were funny and infuriating and added a lot of depth to an already great story. Can't wait to read what happens next.
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Sep 01, 2010 Jemma rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I’m not all too familiar with the Romantic Suspense genre, but the synopsis of this book piqued my interest and I thought I’d give it a try. I discovered an engaging story about two central characters, Grant and Sophie, who are each struggling to carve out a future whilst running from their past …. or is it really in the past?!
Deep down, Grant and Sophie are the perfect fit – and it was agonizing knowing the disaster looming up quietly behind them! (no spoilers!!)

The book is rich in human psych...more

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Aug 31, 2010 K9 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I usually stick to the “top 50 best sellers” in the bookstore, but a friend recommended this lesser known author. After reading this, I may be tempted to try out more indie books.

With Good Behavior is a quick read because of the author’s smooth writing style and tidbits in each chapter that make you want to read ‘just one more chapter’ before going to bed… and then another one…!
What I liked about the book:
 the very natural / realistic development of the...more

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Jun 15, 2012 Passion For Pages rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review posted on http://passionforpages.blogspot.ca/20...

Anyone who knows me knows I have weakness for three things: mint chocolate, Ian Somerhalder and vampires who look like Ian Somerhalder.

But there are two other things that drive me fairly crazy as well: men in uniform and bad boys. So when I read the blurb for With Good Behavior and discovered our hero, Grant Madsen, is a former Navy sailor who also happens to be an ex-con, well… let’s just say more than my interest was aroused. A man in u...more Review posted on http://passionforpages.blogspot.ca/20...

Anyone who knows me knows I have weakness for three things: mint chocolate, Ian Somerhalder and vampires who look like Ian Somerhalder.

But there are two other things that drive me fairly crazy as well: men in uniform and bad boys. So when I read the blurb for With Good Behavior and discovered our hero, Grant Madsen, is a former Navy sailor who also happens to be an ex-con, well… let’s just say more than my interest was aroused. A man in uniform who did time? This is like my ultimate naughty fantasy come true. The only thing that could have made the package better was to give the guy a Southern accent. I would have been all over that like ¬ never mind. I’ll stop now.

Back to the story.

Grant Madsen and Sophie Taylor are the two people the story is centered around. There are, of course, many other players in the game, but everything leads back to these two. Thanks to one person, their lives are tied together before they even meet outside their parole officer’s door. Oh, did I forget to mention that? Yes, both Madsen and Taylor are ex-cons. Both were sentenced because of their lack of judgement due to the same person. Only they are not aware of that little fact.

I like how the author didn’t go the normal route of one being the criminal and the other being the parole officer and suddenly forbidden love is in the air while the PO tries to save the ex-con by proving his innocence. Yeah, that’s been done. Thanks for moving us along Ms. Lane!

I also really liked how the story revealed itself by bits and pieces of flashbacks and had so many different characters thoughts and memories involved. It gave the reader a chance to see what happened from the character’s POV rather than be told how it happened from another character. By drawing different characters into the story and sharing what happened to them, it made you care for more than just Madsen and Taylor. Of course I didn’t care for all the characters, but there were ones that grew on me and I felt sad when their time came to an end.

The only thing I had trouble with was Karita. I understand why books have abusive spouses in, and in most cases the victims are women. But it’s the women like Karita that I just want to shake some sense into. Yeah, your husband is the Mafia king pin, but the asshole is beating you and your kids. Get the fuck out! If not for you then for your kids. My blood boils when I read about characters like Karita, but then I guess that’s a sign that the author is doing their job when I want to scream.

And the author definitely did her job in this novel.

** I received an ebook from the author in exchange of an honest review (less)

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Jan 16, 2011 Katie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemp, e-book

Grant and Sophie are recent parolees who one morning meet each other in their parole officer's office. They are instantly attracted to each other and soon they begin a relationship in which they both fall hard and fast. Each having a past they are not proud of they try to rebuild their life after fate has royally given them the shaft. Little do they know their pasts and their crimes are connected to the same man who has come back to haunt them again.

I enjoyed With Good Behavior, the story was o...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jennifer Lane Hi Katie, thanks for the thought-provoking review! You're the second reader who didn't think Grant was enough of an alpha male, and I find these criti...more
Jan 16, 2011 12:23pm

Katie Wow, I really admire the response, thank you. I think it is all a matter of opinion of course. I prefer the macho, alpha male type which I didn't feel...more
Jan 19, 2011 04:18pm

Jennifer Lane Hi Katie, I respect that some women prefer alpha males, and I thought your review was even-handed and thoughtful. Your review even inspired me to writ...more
Jan 19, 2011 06:21pm

Sep 30, 2012 Samantha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Finally I got around to picking up my Nook and actually reading this novel. I have read some con novels and were done poorly and sadly I do fall victim to being afraid to try another one for awhile. The characters and story in this book were exceptional. I found myself tearing up, my heart clenching, and I will admit falling for Grant myself.

Sophie and Grant meet in the most unexpected way. Outside their parole officer's office. Who would think that you could meet someone and fall in love there...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 13, 2011 Kasi Alexander rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a very well-written story with lots of action, plot twists and interesting characters. The backdrop of Chicago is blended into the book very nicely, and the subplots work well together too. It's a compelling read, especially for the psychological insights.

6 likes · like · see review

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With Good Behavior (The Conduct Series #1)

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