Disorderly Conduct

August 14, 2017
A no-strings-attached physical arrangement takes a turn for the messy and coercive when police academy cadet Charlie Burns and caterer Ever Carmichael begin navigating a complex relationship. He’s all but married to his work, and she lives by a “30 days and it’s over” relationship credo passed down by her mother. When they break up at the end of the allotted month, Charlie realizes he wants more from Ever. His strategy: act as her friend, sabotage any other dates she goes on, and catfish her online in another persona, all to win her affections for good. Meanwhile, Ever, now searching for true love, remains susceptible to Charlie’s physical charms; they wind up in bed frequently, despite being “just friends.” The end goal is a traditional romantic happily-ever-after, but this particular story seems more like a cautionary tale of an obsessive stalker with rage issues (such as assaulting a fellow cadet) and a brainwashed victim who’s far too willing to forgive his excesses and trespasses. Bailey (Too Hard to Forget) packs this story with copious scenes of steamy sex, powerful chemistry between the leads, and enjoyable supporting characters, but they don’t mitigate the abusive aspects. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary.

August 1, 2017
When Charlie and Ever meet, it seems like a match made in heaven for two people determined to have a no-strings-attached relationship, but when the rules--and their feelings--change, it'll take some missteps and a few high jinks before they realize they're meant for each other.Ever's mother taught her their family tradition well--do not depend on men, financially or emotionally. Avoid relationships, which means shutting them down after a month, and always choose unavailable partners. Lately Ever's been ignoring men and focusing on her catering business. She's a little surprised when she meets Charlie, a police academy recruit, and their sexual chemistry is off the charts. Charlie comes from an NYPD legacy family that expects him to be the best in his class, so he tells himself that their nothing serious affair is just what he wants. Meanwhile, Ever is confused. After a lifetime of emotional distance, her mother confesses she's lonely and encourages Ever to look for love. Knowing Charlie is unavailable, she breaks it off to look elsewhere, while Charlie proposes a friendship and does everything he can to secretly sabotage her search, even as the two discover things about each other their hurried sexual encounters never offered. By the time they admit their true feelings for each other, there are huge new layers of distrust along with more authentic connections, and it will take some soul-searching to get to the truth of their love. Bailey's humor, realism, and great writing make this a fun, compelling read, though at times the main characters' obliviousness and immaturity bog down the journey. Recommended for readers who don't mind gritty language. Blazing hot sex scenes heighten the tension of this emotional exploration of passion and love, tempered by moments of winsome romance and slapstick comedy.

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.