DISORDERLY CONDUCT

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.