Book Review: With Good Behavior by Jennifer Lane

Title: With Good Behavior
Series: The CONduct Series, Book 1
Author: Jennifer Lane
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Sensuality Rating: Sensual
Source: review copy from author
Published: July 2010 by Omnific Publishing

In a world gripped by organized crime, family dysfunction, and dim hopes of redemption, can true love persevere? For Sophie Taylor, a beautiful psychologist who lost everything when she violated an ethical boundary, and Grant Madsen, a handsome naval officer who sacrificed everything to protect a loved one, finding that love may carry an unbearable cost.

Starting their lives over in Chicago, both are fighting influences from their family and running as fast as they can to escape the past. When their paths cross outside the parole officer's door, the attraction is instantaneous. But a hidden connection may not only shatter their fledgling love, but prove deadly to them both.

Why I Read this Book: I had recently become obsessed with the TV show Prison Break. I mentioned this in one of my monthly wrap-up posts and Ash (from Smash Attack Reads) left a comment letting me know that Grant Madsen, the male lead in With Good Behavior, was modeled after the Michael Scofield character from Prison Break. Color me intrigued when I learned that little bit of information. And so I simply had to read With Good Behavior.

What I Liked: With Good Behavior helped me with my Prison Break obsession. I had recently finished watching all 4 seasons of the TV series but I was in a serious funk – a  I just finished reading the Twilight Saga and I’m obsessing about Edward and Bella kind of funk. It was sad, really. So Ash saved me from my misery with this recommendation.

Grant Madsen had some physical similarities, as well as personality traits, in common with Michael Scofield from Prison Break. He’s easy on the eyes; he’s made some mistakes in life and his family are no saints but all in all, Grant’s a good person. He means well and he does every in his power to take care of the ones he loves. He makes sacrifices even if it means putting himself on the line. He’s not your typical ex-con.

Sophie’s character also reminded me of Sara Tancredi’s character from Prison Break. She fell for someone whom she shouldn’t have, because of her job. And just like Grant, yes, she’s made some mistakes but overall she’s a good person and means well.

What I Didn’t Like: With Good Behavior was told in 3rd person narrative from multiple point of views. While I’m fine with type this of narration, the transition from one character’s point of view to another in this book wasn’t always clear. I found myself re-reading sections to find out when the shift occurred and whose point of view I was reading.

Thirty-year old Grant has never consumed alcohol, ever, because “people in my family have addictive personalities”. I get this and can totally relate because that’s the exact same reason I choose not consume alcohol. But then something happens that completely baffles me – Sophie convinces, a little too easily I might add, Grant to take a shot of tequila “to take the edge off”. It’s too unbelievable. It made what happens next a funny scene but it put a dent in his character for me.

The main characters – Grant, Sophie, and Logan – acted much younger than their actual years, maturity-wise.

Memorable Moment:

“It’s like a huuuuge, throbbing penis piercing the skyyy.”

Overall Impression: With Good Behavior was an enjoyable story with interesting plot twists. Fans of the TV Series Prison Break will enjoy With Good Behavior and readers will get the added bonus of an actual romance, which was missing from Prison Break. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

Brianna’s Rating: