How to Misbehave (Novella) by Ruthie Knox

• Title: How to Misbehave (Novella)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Contemporary Romance
• File Size: 909 KB
• Print Length: 121 pages
• Publisher: Loveswept (January 28, 2013)
• Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
• ASIN: B00AP2VVVK
• Author's Website: http://www.ruthieknox.com/
• Notes: Quotes will need to be checked against the final copy as I read the eARC.

She was waiting to lock up the community center when the sirens started to go off. They were the only two left. As they meandered down the stairs to the shelter of the basement to wait out the threat of a tornado, she felt a little apprehensive. She'd been harboring a crush on the guy since the day they'd met. She'd been warned he was nothing but bad news and to stay far away from him because he was nothing but trouble.

After spending time together in a darkened basement talking about this and that. He began to tease her...

"So you used to be Catholic, and your're sort of a Nazzie. What does that make you now?

"A great disappointment to my mother?"

"Ah, you're nothing but trouble these days, huh?"

She snorted, still inspecting her toes. "Hardly. But I don't go to mass twice a week, and I'm not married yet, so she's not sure what to do with me anymore."

"That does sound disreputable--working seven to five, driving that little yellow car around, doing lines of cocaine in the bathroom."

Her head snapped up.

"What, no cocaine?" he asked.

"I don't even drink."(...)

He needed to stop playing with her, but by the time her wide brown eyes finished meandering their way up his legs, past his crotch, and over his chest, he was feeling so bulletproof, he couldn't resist. "Honey, somebody's got to teach you how to misbehave. You're doing it all wrong."

That's when the lights went out in the room and another one started lighting up within Amber's brain. She wanted to misbehave. And she wanted to misbehave with him.

According to Ms. Knox in the Author's note, this is the first of a series of novels and novellas about the Clark Siblings--Amber, Caleb, and Katie and their adventures finding love. In How to Misbehave, we are introduced to Amber, a typical girl-next-door type. For most of her life she's played the part of a good girl, but something about Tony, the guy she's stuck in the community center's basement riding out a storm with, brings out the bad girl side of her nature. But what girl in her right mind wouldn't be tempted by a good looking guy who can pull off the bad boy look with style? I mean after all, opposites attract.

Tony Mazzara is a nice guy wrapped in a bad boy facade. Not only do others believe he's bad news, but Tony himself believes it of himself. He'd never been good at school and dropped out before he graduated. He doesn't really have plans for the future as he lives in the moment. But when she looks at him he feels like he could do anything--be who she wants. While he'll never be a saint, something in her brings out the good guy buried within him. Will he be the one to show her how to misbehave? Will she be able to reform him? You'll have to read to find out. My lips are sealed.

Overall this one gets a 4 out of 5 roses. A very fun, lighthearted and enjoyable Novella (aka short story). It had a steamy love scene and didn't feel rushed. If you've never tried one of Ruthie's books, this would be a great way for you to sample her writing. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.