What do you think?
Rate this book
Bad Behavior #5
Protective Behavior
Detective Mark Thibedeau is perfectly happy doing his job in Internal Affairs and going home to his cat. Still, when his assistant wants to set him up on a blind date, he can’t help but be intrigued.
Dr. Ryan Campbell loves the frenetic pace of working in an emergency department. He likes his life and doesn’t need anyone. But that guy his colleague wants him to meet does sound pretty interesting.
It’s instant chemistry when they meet—and instant chaos.
That chaos isn’t just phone calls interrupting dates. When a patient comes into the ED rapidly bleeding out from a gunshot wound, Ryan suddenly finds himself in possession of evidence that could very well put two white cops in jail for killing an innocent black man in cold blood.
Not sure what else to do, Ryan takes the evidence to the only cop he can trust—Mark.
Now Mark is investigating a delicate case, and Ryan is a material witness, and putting their fledgling relationship on hold is the least of their problems. Dirty cops stalk Ryan and his colleagues. Higher-ups question Mark’s investigative integrity at every turn. Worse, he’s tugging at threads of a citywide systemic problem of cops getting away with racially motivated murder.
And there are cops with blood on their hands who will gladly kill to keep that system running.
CW: Racially motivated violence, white-cop-on-black civilian violence
This book is #5 in the Bad Behavior series, but can be read as a standalone.
Dr. Ryan Campbell loves the frenetic pace of working in an emergency department. He likes his life and doesn’t need anyone. But that guy his colleague wants him to meet does sound pretty interesting.
It’s instant chemistry when they meet—and instant chaos.
That chaos isn’t just phone calls interrupting dates. When a patient comes into the ED rapidly bleeding out from a gunshot wound, Ryan suddenly finds himself in possession of evidence that could very well put two white cops in jail for killing an innocent black man in cold blood.
Not sure what else to do, Ryan takes the evidence to the only cop he can trust—Mark.
Now Mark is investigating a delicate case, and Ryan is a material witness, and putting their fledgling relationship on hold is the least of their problems. Dirty cops stalk Ryan and his colleagues. Higher-ups question Mark’s investigative integrity at every turn. Worse, he’s tugging at threads of a citywide systemic problem of cops getting away with racially motivated murder.
And there are cops with blood on their hands who will gladly kill to keep that system running.
CW: Racially motivated violence, white-cop-on-black civilian violence
This book is #5 in the Bad Behavior series, but can be read as a standalone.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2020
79 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
216 books2,694 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 18, 2020
4.25 stars
A wonderful addition to this series. Who knew Mark was such a softie. Clearly not me.
The writing is good and the case easy to follow, it hit close to home and was heartbreaking because it mirrors what is happening in RL.
Mark and Ryan fit together, the relationship development was well done.
Like the previous books in this series, this is low on steam and heavy on the story, i didn't mind at all.
Overall, it was a solid good read.
A wonderful addition to this series. Who knew Mark was such a softie. Clearly not me.
The writing is good and the case easy to follow, it hit close to home and was heartbreaking because it mirrors what is happening in RL.
Mark and Ryan fit together, the relationship development was well done.
Like the previous books in this series, this is low on steam and heavy on the story, i didn't mind at all.
Overall, it was a solid good read.
December 17, 2022
4.5***** stars
Awww, I honestly hadn’t expected to love it so much even though I was really looking forward to the book that this time didn’t feature Detectives Andreas Ruffner and Darren Corliss but the Internal Affairs Detective Mark Thibedeau who was onto their asses hard in book one.
And having not read the blurb prior I also didn't expect such a gripping investigation. I was seriously hooked.
The romance between Mark and ER Doctor Ryan was just how I like them. Mature characters that are openly communicating, intense chemistry, hurdles to overcome and a dramatic showdown on their way to their deserved HFN.
Mark's & Ryan's story feels a bit unfinished, tho, but as this book is already two years old I don't dare to hope for a continuation of some sort. And okay, there could've have been a teeny tiny bit more smut *lolll
****************
Bad Behavior Series:
Book 1 - Risky Behavior - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Suspicious Behavior - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Reckless Behavior - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Romantic Behavior - 3.5 stars (novella)
Book 5 - Protective Behavior - 4.5 stars
Book 6 - Cuddly Behavior - tbr (novella)
Awww, I honestly hadn’t expected to love it so much even though I was really looking forward to the book that this time didn’t feature Detectives Andreas Ruffner and Darren Corliss but the Internal Affairs Detective Mark Thibedeau who was onto their asses hard in book one.
And having not read the blurb prior I also didn't expect such a gripping investigation. I was seriously hooked.
The romance between Mark and ER Doctor Ryan was just how I like them. Mature characters that are openly communicating, intense chemistry, hurdles to overcome and a dramatic showdown on their way to their deserved HFN.
Mark's & Ryan's story feels a bit unfinished, tho, but as this book is already two years old I don't dare to hope for a continuation of some sort. And okay, there could've have been a teeny tiny bit more smut *lolll
****************
Bad Behavior Series:
Book 1 - Risky Behavior - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Suspicious Behavior - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Reckless Behavior - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Romantic Behavior - 3.5 stars (novella)
Book 5 - Protective Behavior - 4.5 stars
Book 6 - Cuddly Behavior - tbr (novella)
December 17, 2022
Reading this book reminded me why I’ve only read the first book in the series . You see, I love police investigation/police action and I love romance but I really really need a good balance between them (although I confess that a lot of investigation and less romance annoys me more than a lot of romance and less investigation lol )
This book left me frustrated and thinking (mostly praying) “There’s gotta be a sequel somewhere!”-spoiler:there isn’t!
Why would the author introduce to me those 😍 MCs and then keep them apart the entire book ??? I think there are only 40 pages of 210 where they’re together. Oh,no no, not actually together but TRYING to get together and failing because jobs, then 3 kisses, a handjob/BJ and a night watching movies because witness/cop and that’s it . And when the case ended, when I thought that I can finally enjoy them , the book ends 😳 Just like that!
I LOVED Mark and Ryan! I loved that they’re older (I think everybody knows by now that my ideal MC is a guy over 40) and I loved their sweet, quiet and soothing romance. Ahhhh, I’m so frustrated, I wanted more!! I need to find a book with older MCs now to fix the craving this book left me with!!! 🤣🤣🤣
Also, I have a bone to pick with Mark: He ghosted Ryan (with reason, though he could have let him know) but he never once thought that Ryan might be in trouble. What kind of police are you not to think of the worst case scenario? He told you he was being harassed and that his colleague was followed and threatened and you never once worried while you ghosted him for a week?? He annoyed me a bit ..I still love him though..
So yeah, that’s why I didn’t go on with the series… It has waaay too much police work and too little romance. Although if I think hard about it I also remember that they (the main MCs of the series) got together too quickly for my tastes..I think. I might confuse the series though…
This book left me frustrated and thinking (mostly praying) “There’s gotta be a sequel somewhere!”-spoiler:there isn’t!
Why would the author introduce to me those 😍 MCs and then keep them apart the entire book ??? I think there are only 40 pages of 210 where they’re together. Oh,no no, not actually together but TRYING to get together and failing because jobs, then 3 kisses, a handjob/BJ and a night watching movies because witness/cop and that’s it . And when the case ended, when I thought that I can finally enjoy them , the book ends 😳 Just like that!
I LOVED Mark and Ryan! I loved that they’re older (I think everybody knows by now that my ideal MC is a guy over 40) and I loved their sweet, quiet and soothing romance. Ahhhh, I’m so frustrated, I wanted more!! I need to find a book with older MCs now to fix the craving this book left me with!!! 🤣🤣🤣
Also, I have a bone to pick with Mark: He ghosted Ryan (with reason, though he could have let him know) but he never once thought that Ryan might be in trouble. What kind of police are you not to think of the worst case scenario? He told you he was being harassed and that his colleague was followed and threatened and you never once worried while you ghosted him for a week?? He annoyed me a bit ..I still love him though..
So yeah, that’s why I didn’t go on with the series… It has waaay too much police work and too little romance. Although if I think hard about it I also remember that they (the main MCs of the series) got together too quickly for my tastes..I think. I might confuse the series though…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2020
I liked this and as a POC myself, I appreciated it even more given the nature of the subject matter. It was handled quite well in my opinion but made me sad with how the system is skewed negatively against POC generally. I still enjoyed it though.
I however thought the romance took a background role to the investigation which was a bummer because I didn't think it was fair that one aspect suffered because of the other. There could've been a better way to merge these two facets of the story since I loved Mark and Ryan's chemistry.
Also, while the ending was satisfying, it brought to mind again how real life doesn't work out that way and that bummed me all over again.
I however thought the romance took a background role to the investigation which was a bummer because I didn't think it was fair that one aspect suffered because of the other. There could've been a better way to merge these two facets of the story since I loved Mark and Ryan's chemistry.
Also, while the ending was satisfying, it brought to mind again how real life doesn't work out that way and that bummed me all over again.
July 21, 2020
I couldn't possibly have picked a more current plot than the one in this story. The theme here is Black Lives Matter. It's too bad real life doesn't solve it's problems like a well told plot can. Still, it does give hope that our problems have solutions .
The only thing that kept me from giving a full five stars here is that I wanted the romance more developed. But I'd stil give it 4.5 stars. This entire series has been exceptional.
The only thing that kept me from giving a full five stars here is that I wanted the romance more developed. But I'd stil give it 4.5 stars. This entire series has been exceptional.
July 31, 2023
3.5 rounded down. This was nice both for the investigation and relationship. I still had niggles. The villains were a bit dumb, I mean I got their motivation but they should just have stopped trying to interfere. Also, it is a BLM case of white officers killing a black man, there is a video (not a spoiler) and I kept wondering why no one was releasing it and why the dead man's family didn't really play a role when I've heard testimony from the "say her name" collective in which the parents of the victims were their children's best advocates. Not a white Internal Affairs cops and his white boyfriend. I think that the fact that everyone wanted to keep the story quiet and sweep it under the rug was well done and realistic. The resolution was a bit too easy and perfect but I didn't mind.
The romance: the 2 MCs meet on a blind date before everything starts and then they are having a hard time to see each other because they are both VERY busy (that already happened in the rest of the series so it felt like too much) then Ryan (the doctor) tries to save the black man's life in the ER where he works and thus collects evidence he brings to the Internal Affairs MC (Mark) which makes him a witness so they can't date anymore. That was taken too far for me. I mean people are allowed to have a life outside of work. Yes, I get that the investigation is sensitive because the whole department wants to protect cops at all cost but still. This definitely put a damper on the relationship development. Yes they still see each other to support each other in a meaningful way but it also meant that things progressed rather quickly (relationship-wise). I wish we got more for the couple after the case wrapped up (in a very OTT way). We needed a few dates or at least a real epilogue!
We still don't know where this series takes place, now that I've finished it I have to settle for "the city" which is a miss especially when tackling a BLM case: geography matters a great deal so not knowing was not nothing in this particular context.
The romance: the 2 MCs meet on a blind date before everything starts and then they are having a hard time to see each other because they are both VERY busy (that already happened in the rest of the series so it felt like too much) then Ryan (the doctor) tries to save the black man's life in the ER where he works and thus collects evidence he brings to the Internal Affairs MC (Mark) which makes him a witness so they can't date anymore. That was taken too far for me. I mean people are allowed to have a life outside of work. Yes, I get that the investigation is sensitive because the whole department wants to protect cops at all cost but still. This definitely put a damper on the relationship development. Yes they still see each other to support each other in a meaningful way but it also meant that things progressed rather quickly (relationship-wise). I wish we got more for the couple after the case wrapped up (in a very OTT way). We needed a few dates or at least a real epilogue!
We still don't know where this series takes place, now that I've finished it I have to settle for "the city" which is a miss especially when tackling a BLM case: geography matters a great deal so not knowing was not nothing in this particular context.
February 13, 2023
I’ll be honest I skimmed from 70% onwards.
I care a lot about political movements in the world and that’s exactly why I tend to avoid books that centre around them because it just reminds me how awful the world is and I generally read to make me forget about real life.
I really enjoyed the start of this but then the romance took a backseat and the crime became the centre focus. I wish we’d at least had more time of Mark and Ryan being together at the very end but we didn’t even get that.
If you enjoy reading books that have plots reflecting real world issues then you’d probably enjoy this a lot more than I did.
I care a lot about political movements in the world and that’s exactly why I tend to avoid books that centre around them because it just reminds me how awful the world is and I generally read to make me forget about real life.
I really enjoyed the start of this but then the romance took a backseat and the crime became the centre focus. I wish we’d at least had more time of Mark and Ryan being together at the very end but we didn’t even get that.
If you enjoy reading books that have plots reflecting real world issues then you’d probably enjoy this a lot more than I did.
May 1, 2020
An enjoyable read, great pace ... certainly lots of pent up frustration !
April 11, 2020
This was one intense story! The fun part was to get to know Mark Thibedeau as a man and not as antagonistic SOB that he was in the beginning of the series. There is so much more to the man than anyone knows. The romance took a back seat here, and the story was more focused on the investigation, political haranguing and the matter of prejudice and racism among the brothers in blue. The fact that it's a real chance that the things that are described in this book can be happening right now anywhere is scary to even contemplate. The subject is so relevant to today that I found it fascinating to read the way authors brought the issue to light. Thank you for that.
The chemistry between two men, Ryan and Mark, is undeniable and their brief encounters are charged with raw emotions and intense longing. Both men have just begun their journey to something long and serious, when everything is suddenly shut down between them. But justice needs to be served and there is no time to lose. I loved the investigation, Mark's work ethics and attention to detail but also how despite wanting Ryan so bad he withstood the temptation in order to take the killer away from the streets where they can still do more damage.
Ryan is a doctor who is used to thinking fast on his feet, used to intense situations where one wrong move can cost someone their life, but when he gets tangled into the world of corruption, deadly secrets and subterfuge, he flounders badly. And the worst part is that at the helm of the most important investigation is the man that he just found and already has strong feelings for. But Ryan is no slouch either. He can hold his own as well as be compassionate and gentle when it's needed. I liked Mark and Ryan together. Despite their hectic lives they fit well, have many common interests as well as circle of acquaintances, are on the same page as to what they want from a relationship and, my gosh, want to f*(k each others brains out if only the circumstances allow it. The steam level in this book is mild but what there was of it was awesome.
All in all, this was a wonderful addition to the series. Side characters who were main characters in previous books made appearances, new characters featured showed Mark as well as Ryan as multifaceted personalities with a lot to offer professionally and personally. I enjoyed this book a lot.
The chemistry between two men, Ryan and Mark, is undeniable and their brief encounters are charged with raw emotions and intense longing. Both men have just begun their journey to something long and serious, when everything is suddenly shut down between them. But justice needs to be served and there is no time to lose. I loved the investigation, Mark's work ethics and attention to detail but also how despite wanting Ryan so bad he withstood the temptation in order to take the killer away from the streets where they can still do more damage.
Ryan is a doctor who is used to thinking fast on his feet, used to intense situations where one wrong move can cost someone their life, but when he gets tangled into the world of corruption, deadly secrets and subterfuge, he flounders badly. And the worst part is that at the helm of the most important investigation is the man that he just found and already has strong feelings for. But Ryan is no slouch either. He can hold his own as well as be compassionate and gentle when it's needed. I liked Mark and Ryan together. Despite their hectic lives they fit well, have many common interests as well as circle of acquaintances, are on the same page as to what they want from a relationship and, my gosh, want to f*(k each others brains out if only the circumstances allow it. The steam level in this book is mild but what there was of it was awesome.
All in all, this was a wonderful addition to the series. Side characters who were main characters in previous books made appearances, new characters featured showed Mark as well as Ryan as multifaceted personalities with a lot to offer professionally and personally. I enjoyed this book a lot.
Read
March 25, 2020Available April 8.
Read
April 30, 2023I'm just not very interested in Mark and Ryan...
April 23, 2025
Detective Mark Thibedeau is perfectly happy doing his job in Internal Affairs and going home to his cat. Still, when his assistant wants to set him up on a blind date, he can’t help but be intrigued. Dr. Ryan Campbell loves the frenetic pace of working in an emergency department. He likes his life and doesn’t need anyone. But that guy his colleague wants him to meet does sound pretty interesting. It’s instant chemistry when they meet—and instant chaos.
We get to know Mark Thibedeau from the previous books. There is so much more to him than we ever could have imagined. Anyway...on to this one. The romance takes somewhat of a "back seat" this time, and the story focuses more on the investigation, the political and the matters of prejudice and racism among the police department rears "it's ugly head". The subject is relevant to today, and I found it interesting...but then L.A. Witt has a habit of bringing current topics into her stories.
The chemistry between the two men, Ryan and Mark, is undeniable and their brief encounters are charged with emotions and intense longing. Both men have just begun their journey to something long and serious, when everything is suddenly "shut down" between them, and justice still needs to be served. I liked the investigation parts, along with Mark's work ethics and attention to detail, and how despite wanting Ryan almost more than his next breath, he withstood the temptation in order to take a killer off the streets.
Ryan is a doctor who is used to making lightning quick decisions in often intense situations where one wrong move can cost someone their life. When he finds himself caught up in a world of corruption and deadly secrets, he flounders badly. The worst part is that at the top of the most important investigation is the man that he had only just found and already has developed very strong feelings for. Ryan has shown that he can take care of himself while still being compassionate and gentle. I really liked Mark and Ryan as a couple. Despite their busy and sometimes dangerous lives they just fit. They have so many common interests as well as friends that respect them. If you are looking for a story that is filled with steam...this probably isn't what you are looking for. The steamy level is fairly mild compared to other books by this author...but what there was can only be described as awesome.
Overall, this can take its place as a wonderful addition to the series. Characters from previous books made appearances. I aways like the reappearances of past characters. Another good offering by one of my many favorite authors in the M/M romance genera.
We get to know Mark Thibedeau from the previous books. There is so much more to him than we ever could have imagined. Anyway...on to this one. The romance takes somewhat of a "back seat" this time, and the story focuses more on the investigation, the political and the matters of prejudice and racism among the police department rears "it's ugly head". The subject is relevant to today, and I found it interesting...but then L.A. Witt has a habit of bringing current topics into her stories.
The chemistry between the two men, Ryan and Mark, is undeniable and their brief encounters are charged with emotions and intense longing. Both men have just begun their journey to something long and serious, when everything is suddenly "shut down" between them, and justice still needs to be served. I liked the investigation parts, along with Mark's work ethics and attention to detail, and how despite wanting Ryan almost more than his next breath, he withstood the temptation in order to take a killer off the streets.
Ryan is a doctor who is used to making lightning quick decisions in often intense situations where one wrong move can cost someone their life. When he finds himself caught up in a world of corruption and deadly secrets, he flounders badly. The worst part is that at the top of the most important investigation is the man that he had only just found and already has developed very strong feelings for. Ryan has shown that he can take care of himself while still being compassionate and gentle. I really liked Mark and Ryan as a couple. Despite their busy and sometimes dangerous lives they just fit. They have so many common interests as well as friends that respect them. If you are looking for a story that is filled with steam...this probably isn't what you are looking for. The steamy level is fairly mild compared to other books by this author...but what there was can only be described as awesome.
Overall, this can take its place as a wonderful addition to the series. Characters from previous books made appearances. I aways like the reappearances of past characters. Another good offering by one of my many favorite authors in the M/M romance genera.
April 18, 2020
3.5 Stars
While I enjoyed the police procedural work for the most part, this book got bogged down in trying to make a point. The last 10% in particular dragged, really dragged, and If Protective Behavior was solely about the case of the young man who was murdered then the ramifications of the dirty cops being the focus, as well as the MCs actually having a romance, then it would have been better. And to be honest, Mark and Ryan are generic. I'll forget their names pretty quickly, whereas Andreas and Darren - Risky Behavior Suspicious Behavior and Reckless Behavior - are unforgettable.
It's a shame about this story because this pair write well together and the writing was sharp for the most part, the social commentary well meant, it just lost its way. The fact that it's kind of sort of not really a romance made it seem unsure of itself within genre. It's not a HEA, it's not a HFN. I don't know what it is, we're comfy right now? We're alive right now? I could have been a better IA detective right now? The authors trying too hard to make a point made it seem preachy, lessening the overall impact... in all directions.
While I enjoyed the police procedural work for the most part, this book got bogged down in trying to make a point. The last 10% in particular dragged, really dragged, and If Protective Behavior was solely about the case of the young man who was murdered then the ramifications of the dirty cops being the focus, as well as the MCs actually having a romance, then it would have been better. And to be honest, Mark and Ryan are generic. I'll forget their names pretty quickly, whereas Andreas and Darren - Risky Behavior Suspicious Behavior and Reckless Behavior - are unforgettable.
It's a shame about this story because this pair write well together and the writing was sharp for the most part, the social commentary well meant, it just lost its way. The fact that it's kind of sort of not really a romance made it seem unsure of itself within genre. It's not a HEA, it's not a HFN. I don't know what it is, we're comfy right now? We're alive right now? I could have been a better IA detective right now? The authors trying too hard to make a point made it seem preachy, lessening the overall impact... in all directions.
August 31, 2024
It bugs me to score this with just 1 star, but ...
I understand that this might be a BIG issue in the usa, and it's a good thing for Witt to actually write about it.
White police officers killing black ppl and racism within the police force.
But - it was poorly written 😖
Normally I like her books, but this just ... it had no momentum forward, it was full of bad clichés, the characters were weak with no personality, and I scrolled over the spice because it just made me cringe.
That being said.
You might like it, but it's not one of her books I will recommend.
Merged review:
Painful... and not in a good way.
I understand that this might be a BIG issue in the usa, and it's a good thing for Witt to actually write about it.
White police officers killing black ppl and racism within the police force.
But - it was poorly written 😖
Normally I like her books, but this just ... it had no momentum forward, it was full of bad clichés, the characters were weak with no personality, and I scrolled over the spice because it just made me cringe.
That being said.
You might like it, but it's not one of her books I will recommend.
Merged review:
Painful... and not in a good way.
October 24, 2020
Kudos to these authors for taking on such an important, topical story and having one of the white main characters do some serious soul searching (yay, self-reflection!), but... in the end, the 'white saviour' narrative so popular in literature is only reinforced. I would have liked some BIPOC characters to be the center of this story instead of just as the catalyst.
April 10, 2020
Our surprise has arrived and it was perfectly timed! It was also something I REALLY wanted or rather hoped Cari and L.A. would write - Mark's story! YAY! I LOVED this book. The story of Mark and Ryan was beautiful and heartfelt and exactly what I needed to read. Their romance was so tender and sweet even with the chaos and uncertainty around them.
Remember Detective Mark Thibedeau from the Internal Affairs Bureau? The guy who doesn't know how to have fun? Well, now that Erin Ruffner (Andreas' daughter) is working for him and more than that have really came to care for him she decides to find him a date! With a bit of help from her boyfriend an Orthopedic doctor she sets Mark up with his co-worker Ryan.
Mark isn't sure what he thinks of the idea of a date, a BLIND date. Who goes to those these days? But from the little texting he did with Ryan he seemed like a nice guy so why not? But when Ryan's smile literally fills Mark's world when he first sees him he knows he is a goner. Too bad the date is cut short due to a situation at the hospital where Ryan works. Sadly this seems to happen too many times to count, making it very hard for them to actually find a time for even the second date. Mark knows what it's like being a cop himself, even if his job now is mostly a desk job. But it sure gets frustrating!
Dr. Ryan Campbell works in an emergency department at the All Saints hospital. He might admit he is a bit lonely but who has time to actually date? But after meeting Mark for the first time he suddenly WANTS to date at the most stressful and intense time when he literally have NO time to meet the guy or if he does, their schedule is totally backwards. At least Mark totally gets it..
Yet from just a frustrating situation of not getting to see each other things take a totally different turn when a young black guy arrives at the hospital with a deadly gunshot wound. He has a very short interaction with the guy before he dies but the behavior of the two Officers - Russel and DeMarco is more than strange entering the emergency room demanding the guy's belongings when he is still fighting for his life. Ryan throws them out and instead of giving them the cell phone he was clutching he takes it home with him. After hearing the recording he is almost paralyzed with fear. Not knowing what to do he goes to Mark.
Mark isn't appreciative of the way the phone got to Ryan's hands especially because it means he can't use it as evidence.. But after hearing what's on it, it's pretty obvious Mark Fredericks, the guy who Ryan was unable to save, was murdered by the same officers who came into the hospital. From then on, Mark does his best to do his job and investigate the wrong doing of these two officers. It's more difficult with the unacceptable evidence he has and with the fact that his findings in the previous novels in the series shown, he has recently taken down A LOT of dirty cops in the city and NO ONE is happy he is now trying to put down two (more) appreciated officers. Also since Ryan is now involved, having talked to Martin and taken the phone from him it's a REALLY bad idea to keep on dating even if they didn't have the time anyhow.. Yep, the frustration keeps building up..
But it's not JUST frustration, there is also fear when these two officers start to harass and even threaten Ryan. He tries working himself to the ground (being around people at a place filled with cameras) but even he needs to rest and with the car parked outside his house at all hours he is starting to lose his calm. When the investigation starts to progress things get even worse and now Ryan's life might be on the line as well.
This book started more tender, with the two guys wanting to get to know each other, and though they didn't get to meet a lot, they did have quite a lot of meaningful conversations and with what they both had to deal with, they became closer faster than usual. So when things start to get hectic Mark is truly worried about Ryan and even though Ryan doesn't want to make things difficult he feels like he truly NEEDS Mark at his side. These two were really lonely. They might have had their job which they both loved, but in times like these, they felt like they needed each other and even though it wasn't easy, in the end it was totally worth it!
The story ends with a sweet HFN. I wonder if it means we'll get more of these two, though we'll be getting a short novella of Andreas and Darren taking care of Mark's cat (while he was unable to be in his house for a while) in a week from now. I hope we will! There is a bit more to the story that just the murder of Martin Fredericks. When Mark start to dig he finds a lot of things he wish he hadn't but now that he has he needs to address these as well even if it might cost him his job.
These are difficult times which is exactly why I think it's important to keep doing the things we enjoy and brings us peace. For me it's reading. This Passover we have been an a real total and absolute quarantine for 2 days, not allowed to leave the house even to buy food (Now we are back to "regular" quarantine which is less strict). I wasn't stressed. I had everything I needed and together with this book the time went by at exactly the right pace. So especially if you are stuck now at home without your usual "cheer" HIGHLY recommend you give this one a go, and if you haven't read any of the other books in the series, you don't actually HAVE TO as this talks about a different couple, and yet, I think it would be better - first because this series is AWESOME and second because there are a few things mentioned that would definitely spoiler for you.
More Reviews HERE
Remember Detective Mark Thibedeau from the Internal Affairs Bureau? The guy who doesn't know how to have fun? Well, now that Erin Ruffner (Andreas' daughter) is working for him and more than that have really came to care for him she decides to find him a date! With a bit of help from her boyfriend an Orthopedic doctor she sets Mark up with his co-worker Ryan.
Mark isn't sure what he thinks of the idea of a date, a BLIND date. Who goes to those these days? But from the little texting he did with Ryan he seemed like a nice guy so why not? But when Ryan's smile literally fills Mark's world when he first sees him he knows he is a goner. Too bad the date is cut short due to a situation at the hospital where Ryan works. Sadly this seems to happen too many times to count, making it very hard for them to actually find a time for even the second date. Mark knows what it's like being a cop himself, even if his job now is mostly a desk job. But it sure gets frustrating!
Dr. Ryan Campbell works in an emergency department at the All Saints hospital. He might admit he is a bit lonely but who has time to actually date? But after meeting Mark for the first time he suddenly WANTS to date at the most stressful and intense time when he literally have NO time to meet the guy or if he does, their schedule is totally backwards. At least Mark totally gets it..
Yet from just a frustrating situation of not getting to see each other things take a totally different turn when a young black guy arrives at the hospital with a deadly gunshot wound. He has a very short interaction with the guy before he dies but the behavior of the two Officers - Russel and DeMarco is more than strange entering the emergency room demanding the guy's belongings when he is still fighting for his life. Ryan throws them out and instead of giving them the cell phone he was clutching he takes it home with him. After hearing the recording he is almost paralyzed with fear. Not knowing what to do he goes to Mark.
Mark isn't appreciative of the way the phone got to Ryan's hands especially because it means he can't use it as evidence.. But after hearing what's on it, it's pretty obvious Mark Fredericks, the guy who Ryan was unable to save, was murdered by the same officers who came into the hospital. From then on, Mark does his best to do his job and investigate the wrong doing of these two officers. It's more difficult with the unacceptable evidence he has and with the fact that his findings in the previous novels in the series shown, he has recently taken down A LOT of dirty cops in the city and NO ONE is happy he is now trying to put down two (more) appreciated officers. Also since Ryan is now involved, having talked to Martin and taken the phone from him it's a REALLY bad idea to keep on dating even if they didn't have the time anyhow.. Yep, the frustration keeps building up..
But it's not JUST frustration, there is also fear when these two officers start to harass and even threaten Ryan. He tries working himself to the ground (being around people at a place filled with cameras) but even he needs to rest and with the car parked outside his house at all hours he is starting to lose his calm. When the investigation starts to progress things get even worse and now Ryan's life might be on the line as well.
This book started more tender, with the two guys wanting to get to know each other, and though they didn't get to meet a lot, they did have quite a lot of meaningful conversations and with what they both had to deal with, they became closer faster than usual. So when things start to get hectic Mark is truly worried about Ryan and even though Ryan doesn't want to make things difficult he feels like he truly NEEDS Mark at his side. These two were really lonely. They might have had their job which they both loved, but in times like these, they felt like they needed each other and even though it wasn't easy, in the end it was totally worth it!
The story ends with a sweet HFN. I wonder if it means we'll get more of these two, though we'll be getting a short novella of Andreas and Darren taking care of Mark's cat (while he was unable to be in his house for a while) in a week from now. I hope we will! There is a bit more to the story that just the murder of Martin Fredericks. When Mark start to dig he finds a lot of things he wish he hadn't but now that he has he needs to address these as well even if it might cost him his job.
These are difficult times which is exactly why I think it's important to keep doing the things we enjoy and brings us peace. For me it's reading. This Passover we have been an a real total and absolute quarantine for 2 days, not allowed to leave the house even to buy food (Now we are back to "regular" quarantine which is less strict). I wasn't stressed. I had everything I needed and together with this book the time went by at exactly the right pace. So especially if you are stuck now at home without your usual "cheer" HIGHLY recommend you give this one a go, and if you haven't read any of the other books in the series, you don't actually HAVE TO as this talks about a different couple, and yet, I think it would be better - first because this series is AWESOME and second because there are a few things mentioned that would definitely spoiler for you.
More Reviews HERE
June 30, 2021
Excellent narration once again, but the story in this one wasn't quite as compelling as in the original arc.
April 30, 2020
*3,75 stars*
I adored Andreas and Darren and the Bad Behaviour series, and it was nice coming back for a revisit to see how Mark, the ‘difficult’ IA officer we met before finds his own HEA. And he does with Ryan, a doctor from the same hospital as Zach, who is the boyfriend of Andreas’s daughter Erin.
Mark and Ryan are ‘older’ MCs (if you are happy to put a near 40-year old into that category 🙄) and I loved that – mostly - they act like the responsible adults they are. And for the teeny second they don’t, I surely wouldn’t and couldn’t blame them!
Both Mcs are ultimately sympathetic, but their relationship develops incredibly (and maybe too) quickly. But then, the attraction is there and with the demands of their jobs they have to make most of every minute they get together.
There’s plenty of drama and angst in this one, and both men suffer quite a bit, physically and mentally, before the culprits get caught. While I get that Mark hasn't much choice but to keep his distance from Ryan, I have no idea why Ryan isolates himself in his home when he has plenty opportunity to call upon the help of others.
The topic of police corruption and brutality is a horrifying one, and the authors do put their point and the complexity of the issue very well across.
This was a good read, but it didn’t stir the same feelings as the previous books.
I adored Andreas and Darren and the Bad Behaviour series, and it was nice coming back for a revisit to see how Mark, the ‘difficult’ IA officer we met before finds his own HEA. And he does with Ryan, a doctor from the same hospital as Zach, who is the boyfriend of Andreas’s daughter Erin.
Mark and Ryan are ‘older’ MCs (if you are happy to put a near 40-year old into that category 🙄) and I loved that – mostly - they act like the responsible adults they are. And for the teeny second they don’t, I surely wouldn’t and couldn’t blame them!
Both Mcs are ultimately sympathetic, but their relationship develops incredibly (and maybe too) quickly. But then, the attraction is there and with the demands of their jobs they have to make most of every minute they get together.
There’s plenty of drama and angst in this one, and both men suffer quite a bit, physically and mentally, before the culprits get caught. While I get that Mark hasn't much choice but to keep his distance from Ryan, I have no idea why Ryan isolates himself in his home when he has plenty opportunity to call upon the help of others.
The topic of police corruption and brutality is a horrifying one, and the authors do put their point and the complexity of the issue very well across.
This was a good read, but it didn’t stir the same feelings as the previous books.
April 10, 2020
While the writing is solid, as always... and the story is quite important; raising issue about racially motivated arrests and shooting by police officers, in overall this made me rather uneasy because...
Thus, the rating for the book.
Thus, the rating for the book.
April 13, 2020
Low on the romance + steam, heavy on the police, and a little too “white savior” for my taste. I do hope there’s another book for these two though because their relationship seemed very unresolved. Tentative HFN at best.
July 9, 2021
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2021/07/09/...
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bit
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bit
April 18, 2020
Good read.
need-to-finish
May 3, 2020Making a note to come back to this one later when the audiobook is out. Read the sample off Amazon, but that first 10% of the book is bone dry and nothing like the previous books in this series. It’s been a blind date and a coffee meet-up and just overall fluff so far? The blurb promises more, but that hasn’t happened yet.
I vaguely remember Mark from the other books, but both Mark and Ryan’s ages are throwing me off while reading this book. This is told from their alternating viewpoints in first-person. They’re 45 and 42 but read like they’re in their twenties, unfortunately.
We’ll see how much I like the story after the audiobook comes out since I do love Michael Ferraiolo’s narrations.
I vaguely remember Mark from the other books, but both Mark and Ryan’s ages are throwing me off while reading this book. This is told from their alternating viewpoints in first-person. They’re 45 and 42 but read like they’re in their twenties, unfortunately.
We’ll see how much I like the story after the audiobook comes out since I do love Michael Ferraiolo’s narrations.
December 30, 2021
This is the first book that I have read with an Internal Affairs viewpoint being the focus. The authors hit a lot of issues that are relevant to life today and did it well. It's not often that I don't like a book by Ms Witt. Both Mark and Ryan were extremely interesting and likable. Great series!
October 14, 2023
I didn't think I'd like this one as much because it wasn't about Darren and Andreas but I adored it. The story was gripping and I loved Ryan and Mark! I wish there was more!
May 1, 2020
Nice enough read but the romance arc becomes a crime arc half way through, which doesn't help the story.
September 4, 2020
An Internal Affairs detective, a doctor in the ED, a young black man dead on the table, two white officers, and a recording on a phone. This is the plot of the fifth volume in the ‘Bad Behavior’ series and I was truly excited to jump into this story. I loved the first four novels featuring Andreas and Darren, but the idea of a story focusing on Mark, the IAB detective who initially had it out for Andreas, and Ryan, the emergency department doctor who became friends with Andreas (shocking all by itself)… well, my heart was racing in anticipation. L.A. Witt and Cari Z. did not disappoint! I was turning pages so fast I was afraid I might burn out my e-reader *grins*.
The plot of ‘Protective Behavior’ is taken straight from the headlines that have, unfortunately, become more and more frequent in the past two decades. It’s spawned a movement, “Black Lives Matter”, and it’s a vital protest against the number of innocent black men and women killed by white police officers all claiming they feared for their lives. I find it hard to believe that you’d be afraid for your life when you’re shooting someone in the back who is running away.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
The plot of ‘Protective Behavior’ is taken straight from the headlines that have, unfortunately, become more and more frequent in the past two decades. It’s spawned a movement, “Black Lives Matter”, and it’s a vital protest against the number of innocent black men and women killed by white police officers all claiming they feared for their lives. I find it hard to believe that you’d be afraid for your life when you’re shooting someone in the back who is running away.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
April 28, 2020
3.5
Chemistry, and a lot of suspense. So if that’s not your jam I wouldn’t recommend. Because honestly the pair really hadn’t spent that much time together. They had a few dates that were interrupted then everything went to crap. They had amazing chemistry and mutual respect for one another. I’m hoping this isn’t their only book, or I’ll be very disappointed. It felt like the start of their relationship but that’s about it. The writing was good. The story was great. Being a POC it’s really nice to get some kid of justice even if it’s in a book. The one smexy time they did have was extremely hawt.
I guess we’ll see what’s next
Chemistry, and a lot of suspense. So if that’s not your jam I wouldn’t recommend. Because honestly the pair really hadn’t spent that much time together. They had a few dates that were interrupted then everything went to crap. They had amazing chemistry and mutual respect for one another. I’m hoping this isn’t their only book, or I’ll be very disappointed. It felt like the start of their relationship but that’s about it. The writing was good. The story was great. Being a POC it’s really nice to get some kid of justice even if it’s in a book. The one smexy time they did have was extremely hawt.
I guess we’ll see what’s next
November 17, 2022
I hope we'll see more of them because they're adorable.
I really liked how the story was handled and I wish more people would be like Mark in the police ... but well 😬
I really liked how the story was handled and I wish more people would be like Mark in the police ... but well 😬
December 15, 2023
So glad I got to listen to this in audio as Michael is one of my favorite narrators. It took me only a short time to remember the main character, Internal Affairs cop Mark Thibedeau, but once I did, all the dominoes of the previous stories fell into place. That's what happens when you let a few years go by before finishing a series.
In this one, ER physician Ryan Campbell becomes an inadvertent witness to police brutality, i.e., murder of a young Black man. He had recent met Mark on a blind date and not knowing what else to do, he seeks his advice. This begins a long chain of events that leads Mark deep into an investigation and puts Ryan in the crosshairs of a pair of dirty cops. It's a hair-raising adventure that ultimately leads to a HFN but it's not short on action. That's for sure.
One more short to finish the series and I do believe I'll be purchasing that today.
In this one, ER physician Ryan Campbell becomes an inadvertent witness to police brutality, i.e., murder of a young Black man. He had recent met Mark on a blind date and not knowing what else to do, he seeks his advice. This begins a long chain of events that leads Mark deep into an investigation and puts Ryan in the crosshairs of a pair of dirty cops. It's a hair-raising adventure that ultimately leads to a HFN but it's not short on action. That's for sure.
One more short to finish the series and I do believe I'll be purchasing that today.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews