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Bad Behavior #5.5
Cuddly Behavior
Detective Andreas Ruffner is less than thrilled when his husband and partner, Detective Darren Corliss, announces they’ll be cat-sitting for a couple of weeks. He’s even less pleased when he realizes the cat in question is a large grumpy thing with razor-sharp claws and no regard for personal space.
When Darren deploys the puppy dog eyes, though, Andreas is powerless to say no, so they’re on kitty detail… and despite his best efforts, Andreas is a sucker for the critter shedding all over his apartment and stealing his husband’s affection.
It’s only for two weeks. Plenty of time for the cat to get on his nerves, but not nearly enough for her to trick him into falling in love with her. Right?
This 15,000 word short story is Bad Behavior book 6, and is best read after Protective Behavior.
When Darren deploys the puppy dog eyes, though, Andreas is powerless to say no, so they’re on kitty detail… and despite his best efforts, Andreas is a sucker for the critter shedding all over his apartment and stealing his husband’s affection.
It’s only for two weeks. Plenty of time for the cat to get on his nerves, but not nearly enough for her to trick him into falling in love with her. Right?
This 15,000 word short story is Bad Behavior book 6, and is best read after Protective Behavior.
59 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2020
39 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
217 books2,697 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
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 17, 2020
Andreas and a cat named Harley is the best thing ever.
This is Cute.
Funny.
Interesting.
CUTE! CUTE! CUTE! I hope to see more of Andreas and Darren and their cats in the near future.
This is Cute.
Funny.
Interesting.
CUTE! CUTE! CUTE! I hope to see more of Andreas and Darren and their cats in the near future.
April 15, 2020
A must-read for fans of furry overlords! 😼 It made me ROFLMAO, which doesn't happen often lately...
June 25, 2023
I read this for the cat. It looks so much like a mean version of my own snuggle-bug, that I couldn't not read it. Very cute.
July 22, 2020
Big gruff cats and big gruff men = so much cuteness!
July 30, 2023
This was cute even though I was a bit bored TBH. I love cats and it was nice to see them cat-sit but we still had (after 3 books and 2 novellas) them having trouble finding the time to have sex even though they are married and living together. They get cock-blocked by a cat... That was a bit much. The cat was cute and they were very cute with him. Also why do the authors refuse to give us the location of the story. That is so weird. We don't know the city or even the state everything takes place in. I'm looking for that info for a challenge that's why I'm on the hunt for the info, if anyone knows please tell me!
April 30, 2023
This was cute. As a cat lover, I can relate. A little too mushy tho. The edge to these 2 has... well... beem lost.
April 17, 2020
For all of those who want to see Andreas slayed by the haughty ball of fluff, Harley, this is the moment! Enter surly disagreeable but more or less domesticated Andreas, his loving very patient husband Darren and very unapproachable hissing attention grabber Harley which results in cuddles, purring and two human servants falling in love with her majesty the cat. Sweet, funny and light hearted story! I enjoyed their downtime and high levels of mushiness.
April 25, 2025
As most of you know, I have a group of mostly senior citizen's that read and then meet each month to discuss the chosen book...and I, somehow, became their designated...leader. We've read some really good books which the head librarian usually chooses, but sometimes the group rebels against her choices and they "vote", if you can call it that, for what they actually WANT to read. Several of the ladies have asked to read an M/M romance book...really!! Some were a bit skeptical...but most of them didn't know that this genus even existed...OH...THEY DO NOW! I knew that there were some of these books that most of the group wouldn't even understand what was happening and some others that would have the ability to give them a heart attack. As my 92-year-old lady told me..."We know what sex is, honey". I knew there were several authors that the "same sex romance" novels they write would be just a bit "unusual" to most of these folks but wouldn't send any of them to the nearest emergency room....so I chose the author. I gave them a choice between Tal Baurer, Mary Calmes or L.A. Witt; authors, that from my many, many readings of this genera knew were usually pretty mild compared to some others. They chose L.A. Witt's Cuddly Behavior because they liked the title...and they loved the cover with the big Maine Coon Cat. Now those of us that read this genus for more than the cover picture, though I will confess, I have chosen books for their covers...know that looks can sometimes be deceiving...but I trusted this author to be kind and gentle to my "know what sex is" friends. So Cuddly Behavior it was, and I really can't remember when these people had more fun.
The Review
Detective Andreas Ruffner is less than thrilled when his husband and partner, Detective Darren Corliss, announces that they’ll be "cat-sitting" for a couple of weeks. He’s even less pleased when he realizes the cat in question is a large grumpy thing with razor-sharp claws and absolutely no regard what-so-ever for personal space, except, of course her own. When Darren uses the "puppy dog" eyes, Andreas is a pool of melted butter...completely powerless to say no, so they’re on "kitty detail"… and despite his best efforts, Andreas is a sucker for this critter that's shedding all over the apartment and stealing his husband’s affection. Hey...It’s only for two weeks. Plenty of time for the cat to get on his nerves, but not nearly enough for her to trick him into falling in love with her. Right?
After everything Mark and Ryan had gone through together finally seeing them in such a domestic relationship was truly heartwarming. Their biggest decision in life had become what, and if, they were going to order takeout, or if one or both of them was going to fall asleep on the couch with the cat using the sleeping one as it's bed...or should they just to keep on working on the endless paperwork. You couldn't have asked or ever expected anything more from these two, so adding the cat to the mix was cute and so very much fun. If you are, or have ever been, "owned" by a cat you will understand completely.
My library group of senior folks, read this book a bit out of order, but I had previously read the series that this novella is a part of, so I filled them in about Mark having been injured on the job and that he had wanted Harley, his cat, to be with him while he was recovering. Oh...I forgot to mention that Harley is a "she cat", not a "he cat". Like most members of the species, she had total disregard or respect for Mark's stitches that covered most of his stomach from his surgery after his injury. Darren, Mark's friend and coworker... who had been feeding Harley while Mark was in the hospital, had suggested that he and his husband, Andreas, take her for a week or so until Mark is healed more.
At first Andreas wasn't too pleased with the situation. Cats, as you know, will be cats...doing whatever THEY want regardless of what the "only on Earth to serve me", lowly human wants, much less what, said human...expects of them. If most people were getting a "roommate"...no matter how many legs she, he, or it had... would probably want something that, at least was a tad more considerate of your wants and feelings...maybe a dog, or a horse, a cow, a giant tarantula...but a cat??? probably not...though I personally have been "owned" and well "trained" by several members of the feline species. But surprise!! it somehow actually worked for them. Oh, there were a few little glitches at the beginning, but soon a routine started to form, and the cat certainly made a big difference. Andreas and Darren, as well as Mark and Ryan, found that a cat actually was what they needed, and Harley the perfect cat for the job! Well, as perfect as most humans see a cat. Once they got to know her and she got to know them....and they recognized her "Majestic Greatness" and got over that "no sleeping on the bed" or "clawing the carpet" nonsense...well, you can see who the new "owner of the house" and of their hearts is now.
The ladies of my group, and even the guys, loved seeing the three of them together or in pairs, as long as the cat was included. The ladies in the group especially, were very happy Andreas and "Harley" had got this part of their lives together, and it was mostly stress free, at least on Harley's part. I did warn the group that not all... well, actually not most, of this genus is as "mellow" as this one was. I think there will be some rapid searching of the book section on Amazon for those authors that write a "bit more". The emergency rooms may soon be a lot busier:)
The Review
Detective Andreas Ruffner is less than thrilled when his husband and partner, Detective Darren Corliss, announces that they’ll be "cat-sitting" for a couple of weeks. He’s even less pleased when he realizes the cat in question is a large grumpy thing with razor-sharp claws and absolutely no regard what-so-ever for personal space, except, of course her own. When Darren uses the "puppy dog" eyes, Andreas is a pool of melted butter...completely powerless to say no, so they’re on "kitty detail"… and despite his best efforts, Andreas is a sucker for this critter that's shedding all over the apartment and stealing his husband’s affection. Hey...It’s only for two weeks. Plenty of time for the cat to get on his nerves, but not nearly enough for her to trick him into falling in love with her. Right?
After everything Mark and Ryan had gone through together finally seeing them in such a domestic relationship was truly heartwarming. Their biggest decision in life had become what, and if, they were going to order takeout, or if one or both of them was going to fall asleep on the couch with the cat using the sleeping one as it's bed...or should they just to keep on working on the endless paperwork. You couldn't have asked or ever expected anything more from these two, so adding the cat to the mix was cute and so very much fun. If you are, or have ever been, "owned" by a cat you will understand completely.
My library group of senior folks, read this book a bit out of order, but I had previously read the series that this novella is a part of, so I filled them in about Mark having been injured on the job and that he had wanted Harley, his cat, to be with him while he was recovering. Oh...I forgot to mention that Harley is a "she cat", not a "he cat". Like most members of the species, she had total disregard or respect for Mark's stitches that covered most of his stomach from his surgery after his injury. Darren, Mark's friend and coworker... who had been feeding Harley while Mark was in the hospital, had suggested that he and his husband, Andreas, take her for a week or so until Mark is healed more.
At first Andreas wasn't too pleased with the situation. Cats, as you know, will be cats...doing whatever THEY want regardless of what the "only on Earth to serve me", lowly human wants, much less what, said human...expects of them. If most people were getting a "roommate"...no matter how many legs she, he, or it had... would probably want something that, at least was a tad more considerate of your wants and feelings...maybe a dog, or a horse, a cow, a giant tarantula...but a cat??? probably not...though I personally have been "owned" and well "trained" by several members of the feline species. But surprise!! it somehow actually worked for them. Oh, there were a few little glitches at the beginning, but soon a routine started to form, and the cat certainly made a big difference. Andreas and Darren, as well as Mark and Ryan, found that a cat actually was what they needed, and Harley the perfect cat for the job! Well, as perfect as most humans see a cat. Once they got to know her and she got to know them....and they recognized her "Majestic Greatness" and got over that "no sleeping on the bed" or "clawing the carpet" nonsense...well, you can see who the new "owner of the house" and of their hearts is now.
The ladies of my group, and even the guys, loved seeing the three of them together or in pairs, as long as the cat was included. The ladies in the group especially, were very happy Andreas and "Harley" had got this part of their lives together, and it was mostly stress free, at least on Harley's part. I did warn the group that not all... well, actually not most, of this genus is as "mellow" as this one was. I think there will be some rapid searching of the book section on Amazon for those authors that write a "bit more". The emergency rooms may soon be a lot busier:)
May 1, 2020
Too cute ! All the fluff in this one ❤️
April 15, 2020
4.5 Stars
I'll start by saying I'm NOT a fan of cats. AT ALL. Though I did thought at a certain point I'll have a Maine Coon (probably at least partly the breed of Mark's cat). What I AM a fan of? Andreas and Darren. ~sigh~ After everything these two have gone through together seeing them in such a domestic relationship was simply heart warming. When the big decisions in life is where to order takeout from or if to fall asleep on the couch with the cat on you or keep on working on your paperwork. I couldn't have asked for more from these two so adding the cat into the mix (even with my general dislike of the spices) was still cute and fun.
While reading this novella without reading the previous installment of Mark and Ryan IS possible I think it's a silly idea considering who GREAT it was. So I'm asking you here - don't make short cuts! But generally speaking all you probably need to know is after Mark is injured on the job he could have Harley (his cat) in the house with him while recovering considering her disregard to him having stitches all over his stomach. Darren who have been feeding her while Mark was in the hospital suggested he and Andreas take her for a week or two till Mark gets better.
At first Andreas isn't very pleased with the situation. Cats will be cats - doing what the hell THEY want to do regardless of what the humans around them what or expect of them. To that I say, if I'm getting a roommate (no matter how many legs s/he/it has) I want someone who's at least a LITTLE bit considerate. But you know what, it simply worked for them. They had their little glitches at the beginning, but it didn't take them long to make a routine and being home with only the four walls can feel a bit claustrophobic and if not lonely and a pet could certainly make a difference and while a dog would have been MY choice, for men with Andreas and Darren's occupation (as well as Mark and Ryan) a cat WOULD be perfect and Harley was that for them once they got to know her and she got to know them.
It was really adorable seeing the three of them together or in pairs of human-cat. I'm happy we got this snippet of their lives together stress free. It was a true gift.
More Reviews HERE
I'll start by saying I'm NOT a fan of cats. AT ALL. Though I did thought at a certain point I'll have a Maine Coon (probably at least partly the breed of Mark's cat). What I AM a fan of? Andreas and Darren. ~sigh~ After everything these two have gone through together seeing them in such a domestic relationship was simply heart warming. When the big decisions in life is where to order takeout from or if to fall asleep on the couch with the cat on you or keep on working on your paperwork. I couldn't have asked for more from these two so adding the cat into the mix (even with my general dislike of the spices) was still cute and fun.
While reading this novella without reading the previous installment of Mark and Ryan IS possible I think it's a silly idea considering who GREAT it was. So I'm asking you here - don't make short cuts! But generally speaking all you probably need to know is after Mark is injured on the job he could have Harley (his cat) in the house with him while recovering considering her disregard to him having stitches all over his stomach. Darren who have been feeding her while Mark was in the hospital suggested he and Andreas take her for a week or two till Mark gets better.
At first Andreas isn't very pleased with the situation. Cats will be cats - doing what the hell THEY want to do regardless of what the humans around them what or expect of them. To that I say, if I'm getting a roommate (no matter how many legs s/he/it has) I want someone who's at least a LITTLE bit considerate. But you know what, it simply worked for them. They had their little glitches at the beginning, but it didn't take them long to make a routine and being home with only the four walls can feel a bit claustrophobic and if not lonely and a pet could certainly make a difference and while a dog would have been MY choice, for men with Andreas and Darren's occupation (as well as Mark and Ryan) a cat WOULD be perfect and Harley was that for them once they got to know her and she got to know them.
It was really adorable seeing the three of them together or in pairs of human-cat. I'm happy we got this snippet of their lives together stress free. It was a true gift.
More Reviews HERE
April 18, 2020
This was lightweight fun, as Andreas is gradually beguiled into falling for Mark's cat while cat-sitting her as Mark recovers. This couple is always fun together, and the opinionated cat adds charm. A cute warm ending wraps up this little taste of a favorite couple.
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
Read
April 2, 2020Available April 15.
October 19, 2020
Ornery cat? Or wise?
You will have to decide. Andreas is pretty dubious about cat sitting even for just a few days. Darren is more enthusiastic but not sure at first about crotchety cat Harley. It only takes two weeks though for Harley to upend opinions and bring both men to new conclusions. This novella was funny and sweet with a good conclusion.
You will have to decide. Andreas is pretty dubious about cat sitting even for just a few days. Darren is more enthusiastic but not sure at first about crotchety cat Harley. It only takes two weeks though for Harley to upend opinions and bring both men to new conclusions. This novella was funny and sweet with a good conclusion.
April 14, 2024
I am a cat person. A cat was the third most important character in this book. The cat was petted, revered and worshipped. Of course it was a good book.
Ok, on a more serious note, CATS! I don't understand people who don't like cats (I almost understand dog people, I like dogs as much as many other animals) but that made Andreas' falling in love - with a cat - that much sweeter.
And it's not that I dislike books where cats are kind of stirring trouble - it might be a bit hypocritical of me to complain about that while gently and lovingly complaining about my cat's big, unending, super picky stomach. After spending the night sharing my pillow with him. I still don't always like it and was pleased to see her majesty twine the punny humans around her fingers. I really like it when authors make cats all royal - it's way too common but there's a reason people are so easily manipulated when shown cute babies/animals doing cute things. Even on a page.
A nice 1,5 hour.
Ok, on a more serious note, CATS! I don't understand people who don't like cats (I almost understand dog people, I like dogs as much as many other animals) but that made Andreas' falling in love - with a cat - that much sweeter.
And it's not that I dislike books where cats are kind of stirring trouble - it might be a bit hypocritical of me to complain about that while gently and lovingly complaining about my cat's big, unending, super picky stomach. After spending the night sharing my pillow with him. I still don't always like it and was pleased to see her majesty twine the punny humans around her fingers. I really like it when authors make cats all royal - it's way too common but there's a reason people are so easily manipulated when shown cute babies/animals doing cute things. Even on a page.
A nice 1,5 hour.
April 15, 2020
Andreas and Darren DO CAT-SITTING!!!! 😻
Cuddly Behavior sets slightly in the same time-line with the end of Protective Behavior. After , Andreas and Darren end up with Mark's cat Harley for a couple of weeks.
The way this couple deal with such cantankerous cat, ESPECIALLY Andreas, is so delightful to read. Cat is a house ruler, and well, Harley sure shows the men that she's their boss, even temporarily.
I LOVED this story SO BAD! And I am so happy that in the end, Andreas and Darren . I only wish this one is longer 🤭
Cuddly Behavior sets slightly in the same time-line with the end of Protective Behavior. After , Andreas and Darren end up with Mark's cat Harley for a couple of weeks.
The way this couple deal with such cantankerous cat, ESPECIALLY Andreas, is so delightful to read. Cat is a house ruler, and well, Harley sure shows the men that she's their boss, even temporarily.
I LOVED this story SO BAD! And I am so happy that in the end, Andreas and Darren . I only wish this one is longer 🤭
December 16, 2023
Sweet, fluffy short showing the cat sitting of Mark's cat, Harley, from Andreas's and Darryl's POV. The couple never dreamed they'd allow a pet into their home but reluctantly agreed to watch Harley while Mark recuperated from his shooting-- (Protective Behavior. In only two weeks, Harley won their hearts and they are actually devastated when he needs to go home.
The epilogue is priceless and I won't give it away here but it's the highlight of the book, IMO.
This is not a standalone and not anything more than cat sitting and alone time with an established couple. But it is the perfect time of year to read this warm and fuzzy story.
The epilogue is priceless and I won't give it away here but it's the highlight of the book, IMO.
This is not a standalone and not anything more than cat sitting and alone time with an established couple. But it is the perfect time of year to read this warm and fuzzy story.
May 18, 2021
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
NOTE: The events of this book take place immediately after the events of Book 5, Protective Behavior, and as such have major spoilers for that book.
Andreas and Darren are a married couple who are also partners on the job as detectives. When Andreas’s daughter Erin’s boss Mark is injured in the culmination of the rather intense Internal Affairs investigation, he’s not in any shape to deal with his cat Harley. Erin’s recently married and her husband is a doctor and she’s super busy as well, so it seems Darren and Andreas are nominated as the cat sitters for the duration of Mark’s recovery
NOTE: The events of this book take place immediately after the events of Book 5, Protective Behavior, and as such have major spoilers for that book.
Andreas and Darren are a married couple who are also partners on the job as detectives. When Andreas’s daughter Erin’s boss Mark is injured in the culmination of the rather intense Internal Affairs investigation, he’s not in any shape to deal with his cat Harley. Erin’s recently married and her husband is a doctor and she’s super busy as well, so it seems Darren and Andreas are nominated as the cat sitters for the duration of Mark’s recovery
November 3, 2023
If you’ve read the series and know who Andreas and Darren are, this is simply … precious.
I laughed out loud on several occasions, but watching Andreas ‘fall in love’ with a cat … is simply hilarious and so endearing at the same time.
Not that Darren is any better!
A heart-warming and totally ‘sweet’ (yes, Andreas, I dare say it!) extended epilogue to the series.
I can’t believe I missed it the first-time round!
I laughed out loud on several occasions, but watching Andreas ‘fall in love’ with a cat … is simply hilarious and so endearing at the same time.
Not that Darren is any better!
A heart-warming and totally ‘sweet’ (yes, Andreas, I dare say it!) extended epilogue to the series.
I can’t believe I missed it the first-time round!
March 21, 2023
I love this series, but had put this one off because I knew it wouldn’t involve a mystery or a case. However, Darren and Andreas are one of my favorite book couple ever. And I wanted a quick read. It was perfect. I didn’t think the two characters could get any cuter. It was the perfect palate cleanser after reading some darker books. Please write more in this series!
April 25, 2020
Look, I'm a sucker for a story with a sassy animal or a cute precocious kid. This story was adorable and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it even without the benefit of reading the first 5 books in this series.
November 27, 2024
Fun short story taking place shortly after book 5. Darren and Andreas are cat-sitting for Mark's cat. While Darren's all in Andreas isn't. But the cat, of course, wins him over and I loved the ending. 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
April 20, 2020
So stinkin' cute.
May 12, 2020
5 stars
Love. It!!
Love. It!!
Want to read
March 22, 2023 🎁 Part of Bad Behavior: The Complete Collection (Bad Behavior #1-5.5) which is FREE on Amazon today(3/22/2023)! 🎁
March 27, 2023
A cute additional ending to this series.
June 29, 2023
This was cute.
September 13, 2024
What can I say? Catnip for a cat lady. Not something I associate with either author.
September 22, 2024
So adorable 🐈⬛🐈⬛😊🤭
November 24, 2024
Cats. Made this adorable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews