Arresting Behavior

Uniform Encounters #2

by Morticia Knight

Attraction between a detective and an accused killer rarely ends well. Especially since the seductive Quinn is Jake’s prime suspect in a series of gruesome murders...

Being promoted to detective so early in his career is like a dream come true for Jake. However, his first case makes him wonder if he’s cut out for the job. A serial killer is on the loose and the city is counting on him to bring the psycho to justice.

All Quinn wants is to be left alone to pursue his art. He lives on the edge of the rez, convinced his tribe doesn’t accept him. When he’s tied to the recent killings in Mesa, he knows he’ll be dragged in by the deceitful cops and blamed for everything.

What happens next takes both Jake and Quinn by surprise. They’re gripped by a forbidden attraction and now Jake has everything to lose. Not only is his reputation and career on the line, but so is his heart.

Can Jake find the elusive predator responsible for such horrific deaths? Or will he be the murderer’s next target?


Reader Advisory: This book contains mild BDSM elements, graphic murder descriptions

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Romance, Contemporary, Mystery, Gay, Suspense

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 20, 2013

About the author

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Morticia Knight spends most of her nights writing about men loving men who explore the sweeter side of kink. If there happens to be some friendly bondage or floggings involved, she doesn’t begrudge her characters whatever their filthy little hearts desire. Even though she’s been crafting her tales for more years than she’d like to share—her adventures as a published author began in 2011. With over 70 gay/bisexual romance books and stories available, Morticia is bound to have something for your sexy HEA reading pleasure!

Morticia resides on the North Oregon coast where the fierce winter storms, gray skies and ocean views all conspire to spark her endless imagination.

Reviews

[Steelwhisper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty solid nice fluff.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this second book in the series as the thought of a homicide detective, grisly murders, and an interracial romance sounded like a whole lot of fun.

Jake has just made homicide detective the month before and he and his partner, Maggie, have been assigned to the grisly murders with the nickname "The Bondage Butcher". The only possible suspect is Quinn, a Native American painter, who has been seen with all three victims but they can not locate him to come in for questioning. Jake is tired of meaningless physical encounters and is determined to try and work on finding an actual relationship.

Quinn is a loner by nature and since he feels betrayed by the response of some of his tribe when they discovered he was gay, Quinn stays away from pretty much everyone and has convinced himself that he needs no one emotionally. When these two join forces to try and catch a killer the sparks fly and the desert heats up!

Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews

[Pati · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though I really liked Jake & Quinn I just cannot give this more than a 2 star rating, for several reasons.

I chose to read a romantic suspense story not a history or travel story. I ended up skimming quite a bit because I was bored with being told so much of the history & so much description.

Furthermore once again, sadly, another book set in America using British words, spelling and grammar.

I love British authors and I enjoy reading books that are based in another country using their own words and grammar. However, when it's based in the US I expect American words, spelling & grammar. Otherwise I'm continually pulled out of the story.

In America we say air conditioner not window cooler, crime scene not murder site, ambulance not medic van, forensic specialist not forensic master, while not whilst, learned not learnt, smelled not smelt.

We spell some words differently..
defense not defence, tires not tyres.

And here it is grammatically incorrect to say "she'd got" and "had got" those should be she'd gotten and had gotten.

And finally, though I won't spoil the story by saying too much I will say that I grew up in a law enforcement family and was truly disappointed by a couple of huge things that the cops did and did not do in this story that no american police officer would ever do and not do. Sadly, these mistakes were what kept me from being able to give this book a higher rating.

On a side note, I just want to add that according to the author's GRs page she is from Los Angeles. Which really leaves me wondering why in the world this book contains all of the British words, spelling and grammar.

[D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing special and it was bit boring and I didn't expect Jake will do a hook-up just like Tom did but thank God with no details. I was surprised that Jake's ONS was that Reggie guy. The same guy who fucked Tom. Well, it made wonder which MC he ever fucked other than Tom and Jake.

[Patti Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake is a detective assigned to the Bondage Butcher murders. While investigating the third murder he finally gets to meet Quinn. Quinn has been a person of interest but has been avoiding the police. Quinn lives close to the reservation but in the house his grandfather raised him. Once Quinn took over the house he changed it to suit his needs. Quinn spends a lot of his time at the house painting when the spirits move him. Quinn also writes poetry and occasionally does some reading at the local coffee shop. After hearing about the third murder Quinn calls one of the guys he spends time with to meet and make sure he is okay. When Quinn goes to meet him the police catch Quinn and take him in to the station to have a chat. The Bondage Butcher is attacking people who have been close to Quinn. After spending time with Quinn, Jake realizes that Quinn is not the killer. Jake and Quinn spend time together. Will Jake find the love he is looking for and solve this case? Quinn is falling for Jake but is unsure how to handle his feelings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 4 out of 5]

review written for http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Review: Jake is assigned to a serial killer case. The prime suspect is Quinn an artist that lives on the Rez and isn’t very cooperative. All three cases have been ex-lovers of Quinn.
Quinn is upset about the murder of his ex-lovers. He wants justice but doesn’t like cops much, until he meets Jake. Both men are tired of being alone and now just getting laid isn’t enough. Will their meeting become more than professional?
This was a pretty good murder mystery. There were lots of suspects and motives, the storie moved fast and the romance helped to ease some of the gruesomeness of the killings. I loved Quinn and Jake and I really loved their romantic interludes, very sexy, very romantic and very hot. The mystery was good I felt there were a few things not quite resolved such as A couple of the men sort of dropped off the radar by time the story finished. I would have liked a little more closure with those characters and with His female partner. But all in all it was a very good story and I will definitely be following this series.
Recommendation: If you like men in uniform, artists, Native American, mystery and suspense with some pretty hot sex and a little bondage this is for you.

[Janie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly loved Quinn and Jake together and their connection was just so well described it was like I was a part of it. I do have to say I was completely wrong in my guess of who the murderer was but I am seriously glad I was. I would love to read more about where their lives go together now and if they ever do adopt.

[~SexyBookWorm~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I gave this book the rating I did because of how well this was written. Story wise I liked the first in the series better. This was just too deep for me.
But I did like quinn's spirituality and his connection to his native roots.
There was just a lot of background noise in this book.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blew me away a fantastic read
First of all let me tell you that this book has everything!! I was totally hooked and I could not put it down. read it well into the night and didn’t even care that i Lost sleep!!!! The story is so addictive and you can’t help but like Quinn and Jake.
Jake has just made detective in homicide and is on his first case with his friend and partner Maggie. They are after a serial killer and their suspect is Quinn. It seems to be that past one night stands Are being killed. In the most gruesome ways. But Jake has a problem, after seeing a photo of Quinn Jake cannot hide his attraction to him. And Jake can’t understand this. why would he be attracted to a serial killer?? But when Jake meets Quinn for the first time he knows he’s a victim here and could not be the serial killer. But he also knows nearly instantly that Quinn could be his future!
Quinn hasn’t had an easy life he lives on the reservation but far away from people. When he was younger he got outed because he’s attractions to a boy and they’ve never fully excepted him back. Quinn is an artist and enjoys writing poetry but he’s definitely not looking to settle with anyone he enjoys his life that is until somebody starts killing men he slept with. And he knows the police think he’s the serial killer. But it’s not until he meets Jake that things start to make sense for him. He knows he has to find the serial killer so he could have a future with Jake.
Oh my gosh Quinn is just this amazing guy who has gone through so much already to now have to suffer The thoughts that somebody is killing innocent men to get to him. But the changing Quinn when he meets Jake is just like night and day he cannot help his attraction, he cannot help just touching Jake it’s like they are magnets and they can’t keep away from each other. But Jake lives by the rules and he is struggling with,, he’s not questioning his attraction to Quinn because he knows Quinn is the man for him but he’s also insecure about the thought that maybe Quinn just wants him for a one night stand. There’s so many questions in Jakes mind that he needs answers but first I need to work together to get the serial killer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder most foul is committed in Mesa involving three previous hook ups of Quinn's being the victims thus leading the primary investigators Jake and Maggie into labeling Quinn the primary suspect. The problem for Jake is that as the one and only gay detective on the force doubts fill his mind as to Quinn's guilt, just because the victims were gay doesn't mean that Quinn is the culprit. That could just be Jake's insta-attraction to Quinn, but his instincts also are screaming in his head that Quinn's guilt by association just doesn't add up. As for Quinn, he's a reclusive artist that lives for the art he creates that reflects his Indian heritage. Quinn is also dealing with his tribe's prejudices in that he is of mixed blood, so he isn't looked on as pure Indian. He only connects with other men when his sexual needs urge him to venture out into the real world. When these two men agree to combine their lives and reputations to find the true villain both come to discover that each needs the other emotionally and physically to complete their worlds. I liked the investigative side to this story, with its negative and positive techniques, pre-conceived judgements, and inventive tactics leading to a satisfactory conclusion. The villain's motives were abhorrently sociopathic and violently described. Be warned, not for the faint of heart. There two great secondary characters in Maggie Sullivan, Jake Gutierrez's homicide partner, who also must deal with police prejudices as she is the only female cop in the Mesa department. Quinn's lifelong friend Richard also plays an important role in this story as Quinn's staunch and faithful friend. For the ARC I received I am leaving my honest and voluntary review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake is a cop who works for the homicide division. He and his partner catch a murder investigation that is linked to a growing number of killings that are the work of a serial killer. There is someone that the police are suspicious might be the killer. Quinn is an artist who lives on the edge of the reservation, keeps to himself, and does not like the police. And he is gay, the victims have been gay and the police believe because he knew the victims he might be their man. Quinn and Jake are an unlikely pair but the attraction they feel for one another is real and there is every reason from both of their perspectives to ignore it. However, they are attracted and it becomes obvious to Jake pretty early that Quinn is not the one they are looking for. They decide to work together to try to get to the bottom of who is doing these grisly murders. Navigating the search for the killer is not their only complication. They are very different people and they have to decide not only if they want a relationship, but if they are building something that lasts. This was a well written tale with gritty elements and lots of emotions to wade through. Good to the last word.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting, suspenseful, entertaining and romantic story. When Jake and his partner Maggie are assigned the gruesome high profile case of The Bondage Killer, he's unprepared for the 3rd victim. John was a man that Jake had busted a year before, and had tried to help. He was a drug adicted, sweet, happy guy with model looks, and when Jake saw him at the crime scene, he felt guilty that he hadn't tried harder to help him. He became very angry and determined to put the person responsible behind bars. Quinn was the top suspect, which irritated Jake even more because he found Quinn distractingly attractive. Quinn was freaking out because all three men who were killed were men he had had hookup relationships with. There was more than mere attraction between Jake and Quinn, an almost magnetic pull was so strong neither man could ignore it. They end up working together to solve the case, while trying to keep themselves to a platonic relationship until it was over. I absolutely loved both Jake and Quinn. Jake's vulnerability and Quinn's sweetness go together like peanut butter and jelly. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I really enjoyed this Read! Quinn and Jake were very likable characters and were well developed. They were both tough yet sensitive in their own way. Despite growing up in very different worlds their attraction and pull toward one another was instant! You could really feel it! Two truly lonely guys brought together as detective and possible suspect. Despite the situation they both instinctively trusted each other. The first half of the book is more of a slow burn as they start work on the murder case together and try to develop a professional relationship..... But half way through their chemistry is impossible to resist and some steamy times together start up! They are both hot and sweet! The possible suspects are laid out and I do not want to give anymore away! You will want to solve this case and romance with them! I received an ARC of this book and I recommend to those who enjoy a romance with steamy times, sweet times, and a good murder mystery at the core! Cannot wait for the next in the series!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a string of gay men have been slaughtered, Homicide Detective Jake Gutierrez has one suspect in mind, the elusive Quinn. These men that have been murdered are all lovers of Quinn’s and he is growing more fearful that his other partners might be the next victims of the Bondage Butcher. Jake has finally gotten his hands on Quinn and it becomes quickly apparent that Quinn had absolutely nothing to do with these deaths. Deciding to work together to find the killer, sparks start flying and the question of being romantically involved starts to fester.

The author did an amazing job of balancing out the hunt for the killer and the budding relationship between Jake and Quinn. Arresting Behavior was a real page turner. There were just so many options of who the killer could be and the steaminess between characters was amazing. I will definitely be reading more of this authors work.

18+ steaminess, no cliffhanger

This book was given to me for free and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake is a cop. Quinn doesn't trust cops. The two men meet because of a series of vicious murders. They shouldn't be attracted to each and they certainly shouldn't act on that attraction but the universe has other ideas. I'm going to keep this simple. I went into this story with zero expectations except for the book description. I was pleasantly surprised! The characters are thoughtful and their actions are reasonable. The bad guy is certifiable. The setup is believable. I appreciated that the author gave lots of false leads to solve the crimes. I found myself rooting for the characters to end up with a happily ever after. I didn't give it five stars because I didn't finish the book and look for more and I didn't hug my Kindle. I will certainly read my by this author because I really enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake had been promoted to detective early in his career and in his first case, he is after a serial killer. Quinn just wants to be left alone to pursue his art while living on the edge of the rez but having been tied to the recent killings he becomes the prime suspect. When Jake and Quinn meet they are gripped by a forbidden attraction putting Jake's heart, reputation and career on the line. Can Jake find the killer before someone else is killed or even will he be the next victim?

This is a steamy story with the smoking hot passion between the two men that they cannot deny and the graphic violence used by the serial killer. I loved the connection between Jake and Quinn and the way that they were both caring for each other in their own way. The mystery as to who the serial killer was a nice part of the story as I suspected different people as the story developed. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with lots of mature content and some BSDM-like scenarios.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

When Jake takes on his latest case, he never expected it to change his life. When he meets the main suspect Jake cannot deny the instant attraction to Quinn. Little does Jake know but Quinn is feeling the same attraction. The two must figure out not only where they will go with that attraction but also who is killing the men in Quinn’s life.

I enjoyed Jake and Quinn’s story. Both men have strong personalities, and it was nice to see the way they worked together. Jake and Quinn both go through some self-searching as they worked towards a happy ending. I enjoyed seeing the way they both supported each other and fought to find their way. Their story is a sweet read that pulls you in with good characters and plot.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an OK read for me. The two MCs chemistry to me wasn't all that believable but I got through it. I wanted to see the outcome of the killer and I had guesses but the author did good with not making it too predictable. I have enjoyed a lot of the author passed books but this one was a "meh'' for me. Just a little disappointed in the MCs characters...I didn't like or hate them...they were just OK with the story/romance. I did like one sweet scene where Quinn was taking care of Jake...that was lovely, sensual and special. All in all it was good enough for me to finish and I'm glad they had a nice HEA. I'm still a fan of the author and will keep reading future books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
I thought that this was a really good book. Jake and Quinn were great together. Jake is investigating three murders and Quinn is the number one suspect. Once these two finally meet, they can't help the connection or the pull they feel. I really liked the suspense, steam, connection, love, little twists and turns, and the really sweet HEA that this book had. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to see what the next book has in store for us. I would recommend this book and Ms. Morticia as a great author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kirribilligirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Flat, one-dimensional characterization.

This was a strange read. The author flirted with concepts of spiritual connection and the deep emotions both Jake and Quinn were experiencing. However the characters remained flat and one dimensional. At no time was I immersed in the story. What amused me was Quinn and Jake's internal thinking was so feminine in voice.
The author captures the beauty of both men, but they sound more like how women experience and express attraction and lust. There are better books out there to invest your money in.

[Marsha L Respess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Jake and understood why he was dazzled by Quinn. Quinn was wonderful yet so alone and cut off except for Richard and Jake was perfect for him. I was trying to figure who the murderer was and actually had one person as a suspect but only realized who is was when that person attacked and kidnapped Jake. I was so glad that he was rescued and that Maggie was the one to take him down and thrilled that Jake decided to not be a homicide detective anymore. He and Quinn and Richard will do wonderful things together at the center.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars overall!

Jake is a detective. Promoted very early in his career. Quinn is an artist who enjoys being by himself. Total opposites who come together in the most interesting of ways.
An intriguing mystery of people dying and a mystery designed to keep you on your toes from beginning to end.

**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**

[Adrianna Budek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this mystery/love story

A newly minted Mesa City PD detective, Jake Guiterez, and, well, his ?suspect, a Native American/Alaskan, Quinn Verdugo, who lives on the res, what could go wrong did go wrong. There's a serial killer on the loose, targeting gay men. Men whom Quinn has known, has been with. The ending is very satisfying, and a HEA-in-the-making for Jake and Quinn. Read their story.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

So ridiculous. Giving it two stars because I managed to finish it but it was bad. The writing is terrible - it tells but not shows, it treats the readers as idiots who need everything spelt out and the flowery “soul connection” bits were unnecessary. I’m not capable of properly assessing this as I’m not NA but I wasn’t comfortable with the way Quinn’s native heritage was tokenised. Overall not for me.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable book! An edge of your seat story with suspense, action, intrigue, and a loving romance in the middle of murder! Quinn and Jake are such great characters! Theirs is a very sweet romance! Very well written story! Very highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a scary thought. Your past play partners are being killed one by one. Who is out to get you and why. The author does a great job of keeping you guessing what happens next. I did not like the police chief or understood his bigotry, but I think a lot of times, you never do.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Arresting Behavior by Morticia Knight. I liked Jake and Quinn, but I had a hard time feeling the chemistry between them. I did like Jake's best friend and partner on the squad, Maggie. She was feisty, and you could feel the affection she had for Jake.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and Dangerous!

Arresting Behavior: WOW! Excellent story and dialog! Fantastic characters. Jake and Quinn had a connection right from the start. There was never a dull moment in the town of Mesa. Where there a lot of hot men and lots of danger. They all work well together. Great story!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really suspenseful romance. The end had me nail biting and on the edge of my seat hoping for the best. Jake and Quinn were awesome. What a great switch for Jake at the end of the story. Lots of feels. Looking forward to more in this series.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m normally not a big fan of mystery books but this was great. The characters were so wonderful and I was kept guessing throughout the story. I really enjoyed this book and I am loving the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.