Misconduct

Penelope Douglas keeps getting better and better. I read this book in one sitting, it grabs your attention from the first page to the last, and it leaves you wanting more of Tyler and Easton.

Well done Penelope! I absolutely loved it!!

Penelope's books are just getting better and better. She is DEFINITELY my favorite writer.
I loved Easton's story and Tyler's too, it was beautiful and original.
5 "I felt so related to their personalities" stars :)

Well this book started out pretty strong for me, until about three quarters of the way through. In my head, I was giving it a solid 4 stars, but then unfortunately it sort of fizzled out.

SPOILERS:

It started for me right after their break-up. All of a sudden it seemed like they weren't really that emotionally invested with each other, let alone in love. Then as the story went on a bit more, it becomes more clear that he is really missing her, and that he was in love with her. She however only seems to miss him for all of a week and then that was about it. I mean, she continued to miss him after the first week, but just not all that much-- she didn't seem to be hurting all that much over their break-up, or hardly any mention of her thinking of him, like he had been of her. It's not that I wanted or expected her to go after him or pine away for him for months and months, but for more than a week and getting more emotion out of her would have been nice. And then when the thing happened with her brother- there was an even bigger disconnect for me with the rest of the story from that point on. I thought that was kind of out of left field and over the top- yet at the same time, not completely unbelievable, at least in regards to certain "aspects" of it. However, it took away from the already fizzling out romance and love story of Tyler and Easton, in my opinion, and just never got it back. :\ I love a good, angst filled, emotional, heart wrenching, addictive, intoxicating, all encompassing love story. This unfortunately just didn't have that for me. :(
Yet I also purchased Corrupt the other day, and I'm going to start reading that. Why?? Because Bully and especially Until You, are two of my favorite romance reads ever. They're SO GOOD. Alas though, Aflame kinda broke my heart, and I now wish I'd just left it at Until You (and all the rest up to my imagination- because it would've ended the same way it did in Aflame, but not played out the way it did the first half of Aflame), but I just couldn't help myself. I had to read Tate and Jared's story through the way Ms. Douglas chose to take it, even though I had a feeling she was going to take it in a direction that put a big prickly thorn in an otherwise oh so flawless and passionate love story.
Anyway........ Penelope Douglas is a really talented, gifted writer. As I read her stories, even parts of Misconduct, I often stop and think to myself, "Wow, this author can sure write!" She's definitely got a way with words and knows how to suck a reader right in. And that's why I'm not giving up on any of the books she writes, and I look forward to reading Corrupt next. I don't know if anything else she'll write can ever top or even just equal the wonderfulness of Bully and Until You, but I most definitely think she has it in her, and I sure do hope so! :)

PS: Forgot to mention..... so much left unanswered in Misconduct, that I would've like to have known.

There ought to have been zero to write about, since Tyler is the sort of man, who instantly threatens a teacher with losing her job if she doesn't change her teaching style to his demands. He showed his true character right from the start, and was someone to stay WELL clear of.

There really are no relationships with such egotistical, arrogant ruthless men, there is only being used.

Yet the second time she sees him in school, she is so astoundingly attracted, she allows him sexual touching in her classroom!????? It makes no sense.

There is no enjoyment in reading about ruthless men, or idiotic women allowing themselves to be used.

Suddenly instead of merely being an unbelievable romance book, or simply an excuse to write sex scenes, it tries to become a fear and terror inducing book. Was one genera not enough?

That is when I quit reading.

MISCONDUCT was my very first read from Penelope Douglas and I was BLOWN AWAY! This was INCREDIBLE! Every word. Every chapter. Every page. I fell in love with it ALL! One of my TOP FAVES of the year FOR SURE! There was so much passion embedded in every single page of this romance. I couldn’t look away. I couldn’t take a breath. I felt every emotion that each character felt. I felt it deep within my bones. I’m so giddy that I found another author’s work to fall in love with.

I LOVE me some forbidden romance! I’ve read a lot of student/teacher romances, but I’ve never come across a teacher/parent romance. Well, guess what? It was FANTASTIC! I LOVED the dynamic. It made it more real in a way, more plausible. Not only is the plot beautifully intriguing, but the characters are so complex and so powerful. Many of you romance readers will hate our hero, Tyler Marek. Many of you will love him, and so many of you will LOVE to HATE Mr. Marek. Either way, he will move you with his passion and conviction towards life and towards our female lead, Easton Bradbury.

I went through a whirlwind of emotions while reading MISCONDUCT. I was cursing Tyler’s name plenty of times and there were times I just wanted to give him a big bear hug. There were a lot of instances where I wanted to give our heroine a standing ovation or high-five or something. She was a kick-ass character for sure. She can hold her own against the big boys, even after everything she has been through. There were rough moments, tender moments, and everything in between. There was everything from kissing in the rain to screwing on a desk. There was never a dull moment. The sexy and harsh banter back and forth was delicious. Tyler and Easton pushed each other out of their comfort zones, and the end result was a whole lot of sexy goodness.

If you are looking for a romance that will have your heart skipping a beat or two, or if you are looking for a breath-catching sexy good time, THIS is the book for you! An easy ALL AROUND TOP PICK for this year!

*Gifte copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review*

Well, I cannot believe that I’m actually typing these words about a Penelope Douglas book, but I’m seriously underwhelmed.

Seriously, after the epicness of her previous books, I have to wonder what the heck I just read. Forbidden romance, defying the odds, it was all there, but I can quite honestly say that Easton and Tyler gave me whiplash. Not just, “ouch, that hurts” kind of whiplash, I’m talking about the kind that leaves you in hospital with a neck brace that you have to wear for 6-8 weeks.

I feel awful even feeling this way, because I consider myself to be a Penelope Douglas groupie, but I’d like to think that she’d expect an honest review and an honest opinion from a fan rather than me sucking up her ass and telling her that it’s wonderful, especially when I don’t feel that way.

So, onto the issues. Well, as I said, Easton and Tyler gave me serious whiplash. One second they’re fighting their attraction, the next they’re up against a fence. So what? You might ask, well…unlike in Penelope’s previous novels where her characters have that kind of chemistry, there was not transition. It was jagged and left me wondering for most of the book if Easton walked around NOLA in just her panties, cause seriously, one second she was wearing pants and the next Tyler’s fingers were pulling her panties aside. Then there was the issue of most of this book revolving around her class. Now, from what I can gather, she only taught one class a day, but it eludes to her teaching more. Majority of this book expounded on how wonderful and innovative she was as a teacher, which I found boring. We got it. She’s up to date on what kids need to learn. Then there’s the whole, she only became a teacher because it was what her sister wanted to be thing, that was never addressed in full. And tennis…yeah, what happened with that?

The whole stalker thing, which I won’t expound on since I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, was so freaking stupid that I wanted to throw my iPad across the room. All I will say is: I. DIDN’T. GET. THE. POINT.

The characters were cliche and one dimensional, there wasn’t any real growth to Easton where there needed to be. The rest of the characters, yup, they grew, they matured. Easton…nup, nothing that wasn’t, as I said before, one dimensional. It all relied on her relying on Tyler.

There were other issues I had too, like with both Tyler and Easton’s brothers, Christian’s mother, Kirsten (was her name Kirsten? I honestly can’t remember, and don’t understand why Easton and her formed a relationship. It wasn’t integeral to the story.) and with McAuliffe (I can’t remember her first name either.) but basically, there was so much stuff that was left unresolved.

So as you can see, I didn’t enjoy this book, which has be disappointed because Penelope Douglas is an amazingly talented author. I’ve loved everything else she’s produced and I hope that this is an anomoly, because I’ve been burned by other author’s that started off their career with amazing books that had me hooked and then all of a sudden took a nose dive. I’m going to hang in there because I have faith in Penelope. I like her as an author, and I hope she doesn’t see this as a character assassination, but rather as something to motivate her to step up her game and return to the greatness I know she’s capable of!!!

Wow, this story absolutely blew my mind! It was sexy, gripping and very thought-provoking! Misconduct was my first book by Penelope Douglas. I can't emphasize enough how much I'm impressed by this author's exceptional talent. This story will catch your interest from page one and hold it till the end. I have devoured this book in just a few hours because I didn't want to do anything else but reading!

Easton Bradbury is attending a Mardi Gras ball together with her brother Jack. She is bored out of her mind until she bumps into a handsome, mysterious and seductive stranger. For the first time a man is catching Easton's interest. They flirt and dance with each other. It turns out that this fascinating man is Tyler Marek, a wealthy business man and candidate for the US Senate. Easton is very disappointed and leaves without telling her surname to Tyler despite his constant asking. Where is the point when she is never going to see him again?

Six months later Easton finds a job at one of the most prestigious private schools in New Orleans. She is nervous and excited about her first year of teaching American History. During the open house at school she notices a student unaccompanied by adults. She starts a conversation with him and realizes that he is a very smart but defiant young man who seems to have a complicated relationship with his father. Never could she have imagined that his parent is Tyler Marek. The man who promised her that he will not hold back when they run into each other again. Easton and Tyler can't fight the strong pull they feel towards one another any longer. They finally give in knowing how inappropriate and dangerous their affair is for their careers and reputations. But when both start falling hard for each other Tyler has to choose between his love for Easton and his son's happiness. Can there be a happy end for all of them?

I absolutely adored this couple. It didn't bother me that Tyler was 12 years older than Easton. She was very mature for her age. Both had so many things in common - the desire to control everything and the way they carried themselves full of pride and self-confidence. No wonder they liked and understood each other - it was like looking into a mirror. They were a perfect match of two strong personalities. Easton kept Tyler at arm's lenght for a very long time refusing to open up too much about her past. At the beginning he was a mean and arrogant bastard towards Easton but he changed his behaviour when he found out about her tragic loss. When these two collide sparks are flying everywhere. Their passion and chemistry was palpable on every page. Their love scenes will leave you hot and bothered. I promise you that!

"I've been with enough women to know when it's right and when it's wrong. And when I have you in my hands, it feels more right than anything."

I recommend this captivating forbidden love story from the bottom of my heart. I'm definitely going to read more books by this fantastic author. Well done Penelope!

This was the first Penelope Douglas novel for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will go ahead and say that I listened to the audiobook version and Carrie Brach was very annoying as a narrator. She just sounded like she was mad when she spoke, so it was a bit distracting and confusing at times.

This book has a strong heroine in Easton Bradbury. She's a former pro tennis player, fresh out of grad school and a new teacher at a private school in New Orleans. She went through a lot beginning at age 16 and it eventually led to her demise as a pro tennis player. She's in NO starting over with her older brother now. Her teaching styles are a bit unorthodox though since she focuses on using social media as a tool and it gets the attention of Tyler Marek. Turns out, she met Tyler 6 months previously and they really hit it off, but now he's off limits since his son is in her class.

Tyler is a wealthy construction company owner with ambitions to run for U.S. Senator. Tyler hasn't really been a part of his son's life, but now his 14 year old is living with him while the mother is in Egypt. One thing he objects to is Easton's teaching methods. The two go head-to-head and it's quite a show when those two argue. Easton is definitely not one to back down and I applaud her for standing up to his bullying. She really put him in his place and I was cheering her on the entire time. They also made me laugh at their antics. They really were a great match for each other.

The two eventually hook up and have to keep it secret and of course towards the end, he breaks things off when it gets to be too much for him - you know the typical story. But this is a romance novel so of course they get their HEA.

But that HEA is not without some surprises. The brother revelation at the end was quite shocking for me. I didn't see that coming and I also felt that it was kind of left open and without a resolution, even in the epilogue. I would have liked a follow-up to this book or an extended epilogue to see where they were the following year after the Senate campaign was over and how Easton's relationship with her brother changed.

Overall, a great contemporary romance story with two strong and memorable lead characters.

Who knew politics could be this hot?! Freshly graduated teacher Easton falls for one of her student’s dad, who also happens to be in the running to become the next state’s Senator. Let me list all the ways this could go wrong:

- Dating your student’s dad is frowned upon by pretty much everyone
- Christian already hates his dad for being absent all his life, doing the nasty with his teacher is not a way to redeem yourself
- There is a twelve-year age difference that will invite public criticism
- In the other way around, dating your son’s teacher, while you’re running for Senator is just asking for bad polls
…

And while those are, I feel, legit concerns, when it comes to matters of the heart, reason, and sanity are rarely involved. I definitely loved the forbidden aspect of their romance. It also invited them to be creative, and Tyler Marek has one dirty mind.

There is that fear of getting caught, but also that fear of wanting more. ‘Cause when feelings start getting involved, it only becomes more complicated. That push, and pull between Tyler and Easton was quite interesting. Neither of them was looking for this, it wasn’t planned out to become more, though now it’s impossible to deny.

Tyler is quite an interesting character. He owns up to the mistakes he’s made with his son, and seeks to move forward from that, which I admire him for. Easton has her own troubled past that she has a hard time letting go off, though slowly but surely she’s getting there.

Misconduct was an amazing story I finished in one breath. The dynamic between the characters was off the charts, inside and outside of the bedroom. The depth of the characters, and the outside drama is what made it more than just a forbidden romance. Good plot development, character complexity, and easy flowing dialogue, I loved it.

MISCONDUCT is a contemporary adult, stand alone erotic romance novel by Penelope Douglas focusing on former tennis player / private school teacher Easton Bradbury, and billionaire businessman/single father Tyler Marek’s storyline.

Told from dual first person points of view (Tyler and Easton) MISCONDUCT focuses on the building relationship between Tyler and Easton. Six months earlier at the annual Mardi Gras ball, Tyler and Easton met and spent a few hot and sexy minutes in one another’s arms never exchanging last names or personal information. Fast forward to present day where Easton comes face to face with one of her new student’s father-Tyler Marek-a man who is ten years her senior and who pushes all of Easton’s buttons-both good and bad. What ensues is an anger filled personal attack against one another, head butting and public clashes for no other reason than the sexual tension that has been building for months and the potential for a taboo relationship between the teacher and a student’s father who radiates power, control and misdirected rage.

Easton is a former tennis protégé whose career died when tragedy struck her family leaving Easton in a world of controlled and obsessive chaos. Tyler Marek is a single father struggling with a teenaged son who wants nothing to do with his absentee father. Tyler is a man vying for the state senate, and a man whose need for Easton shatters his formidable control. Together our couple tries to keep secret their forbidden romance but love has a funny way of making itself known to family, friends and the power elite. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense and seductive. The world building focuses on the political power builders, single parent/family struggles, and the taboo of a forbidden love.

I had a couple of issues with the storyline: Easton’s dark and damaging past revisits in a new incarnation and with it comes a plot twist, out of left field, that I felt was unnecessary and out of place to the overall premise-there was no reconciliation to this particular revelation-only more questions. Another issue I had was the relationship between Easton and Kristen-a fellow teacher at the private New Orleans school. Once again, a change in direction, and a definite red herring, that added nothing to the original plot but more unanswered questions.

MISCONDUCT is a story about forbidden romance, family, loss, obsession, jealousy and love. There are moments of heartbreak and sorrow; moving forward and letting go. The characters are well developed, colorful, dynamic and intense-Tyler’s fourteen year old son Christian is a young man who wants his father’s love but is unsure where he belongs in his father’s life; the romance is filled with sexual tension, chemistry, emotion and love; the happily ever after is the stuff of fairy tales. MISCONDUCT is raw, aggressive, and electrifying.

When I received 'Misconduct' by Penelope Douglas a view weeks ago I was pleasantly surprised! I hadn’t known Penelope had a new book coming, but ever since reading two books from her Fall Away series, I loved her writing. So I couldn't wait to start reading this one. The book description sounded really good and I started reading as fast as I could.

As with the other books I read by Penelope Douglas this story immediately grabbed me and I couldn't stop reading! This story began just perfect, on a masked ball. Sigh.. I loved that. Right from the beginning I felt myself connecting with the characters and I loved getting to know them. I was afraid the whole age difference between the two main characters would be a bad thing, but it was fun and didn’t bother me at all.

Easton was a character I just really loved. She was strong, mysterious, ambitious, sexy and kind. Easton didn’t trust people easily.. But she had a lot of good reasons for her trust issues. She was also really funny. Especially when she reacted to something arrogant Tyler said. LOL!! This book really made me laugh.
The other main character was Tyler. He was 12 years older than Easton, but in many ways her equal. Although he was really arrogant at times, and I hate arrogant man, he had something about him that I loved from the beginning.

Not only the romance in this book was amazing and very addicting, I also really loved to read about Easton’s work as a teacher. She was a new teacher and developed a teaching program that fits today’s modern technology. A program that involved mobile phones, Twitter and Facebook. Not only did it sound like a lot of fun, but it also sounded like a perfect solution to keep teenagers attention. I really wonder if this sort of teaching program exists.

I read this book in one day and just couldn’t get enough. I loved the characters and their story and it never got boring. I was honestly sad that I finished reading ‘Misconduct’. I have another favorite book to put on my list!!

Having fallen in love with Penelope Douglas's Fall Away series, which focuses on the New Adult genre and all the drama that comes with younger characters, I was amazed and in awe of how well she has transitioned into contemporary romance.

This book was highly engaging and it completely pulled me into the characters heads in a way that I felt myself as part of the story.

Easton Bradbury is an ex-Tennis star, who rose to fame winning accolades right through her teens. Now a twenty three year old college graduate, she is about to start her teaching career at a highly prestigious school in New Orleans.

Thirty five year old Tyler Marek is an extremely successful man, having built up his empire from scratch, he is now planning on declaring his intention to run for the Senate. He is the estranged father of a fourteen year old son that he doesn't really know, but now that Christian has come to live with him for a year, he needs to juggle his very busy schedule with being involved in his son's life.

When Tyler meets Christian's history teacher he remembers her from an event 6 months prior, but she is a very different woman that he built her up to be.

This turns out to be a love/hate relationship that will keep you on your toes, and a well developed storyline that will make you fall in love with the main characters.

Tyler, oh how I fell. He was a commanding man in and out of the bedroom and he will give you butterflies and make you worship his dirty mouth in one foul swoop. I loved how he worked hard to fix his relationship with his son without being overbearing and the way he was able to read Easton was swoon worthy.

Easton was not as easy to relate to, but it didn't take me long for me to be fighting in her corner. She was closed off and cold but sassy and strong.

Another thing that I loved was that I felt like I was right there in New Orleans, with it's intense vibrancy and soul, It made me want to jump on a plane and be a part of it. Penelope has a Pinterest board which enhances the reading experience and also makes references to music which I feel added to the whole reading experience.

I don't think I could not enjoy a book by this author, there is always a perfect balance of everything I love in a book. A gorgeous forbidden romance, I highly recommend it.

Misconduct is a standalone contemporary romance, told in dual POV.

4.5 Stars

Misconduct was such a good book. I will be honest, while I have read a lot of good books lately I have found myself getting bored with reading similar stories. But I have to say this one was different. It grabbed and held my attention right from the beginning.

Easton is fresh out of college and lands a job at a private school. I really liked the way she taught her class, too. As a parent I can see how there would be concerns, but what she does is simply amazing and I can very easily see this becoming something that happens in reality, if it hasn't already. Anyways, the only complication to her job is Tyler Marek, the sexy man she had met briefly six months before.

Tyler Marek has two goals at this point in his life, to become a senator and to be present in his son, Christian's life. He has no time for women unless it's for some quickly no string attached relationship. So meeting Easton Bradbury one night is no big deal, until he sees her again, in his son's classroom as his new teacher.

I loved seeing the interactions between these two. Easton is stubborn and independent and I would say that Tyler is the same. I loved seeing them butt heads and I love that Easton always sticks up for herself. I will admit there were times I got aggravated with both of them but that quickly passed. There is a little suspense mixed in with some things that are a little unexpected and some predictability, but it was still really enjoyable. While there are some sexy scenes, it isn't overly filled with sex and that was a relief right now!
4 stars!

***ARC provided in exchange for my HONEST review. Thank you!***

I seriously loved this book. Forbidden romance with two characters that love to love/hate each other.

A chance meeting one night will change Easton’s life. One mysterious man will alter her life forever.

Easton is a teacher and when she notices how distant and closed off Christian Marek is, she wants to know why her student is so different from the others.

There comes his father, Tyler Marek. Wealthy and handsome and possibly running for the Senate. He is used getting his way.

Father and son do not have the best of relationships but add in a determined teacher and you have the perfect mix of trouble.

Tyler wants Easton but she is off limits. Easton knows it’s wrong to see a student’s parent outside school grounds but…

Their affair will take you on a wild ride. But is there going to be a happy ending for these two very different people?

I loved how the author wrote Easton. She is not your usual heroine. Her behavior and several obsessions make for a unique female character. I loved how strong she was and how she stood up for herself.

Tyler caused me whiplash! I loved that he was older and he had an air of superiority about him just because I could watch Easton destroy all his defenses.

Excellent development! I had a blast reading this.

Do not miss this book.

*****5 Stars*****

MISCONDUCT is a contemporary adult, stand alone erotic romance novel by Penelope Douglas focusing on former tennis player / private school teacher Easton Bradbury, and billionaire businessman/single father Tyler Marek’s storyline.

Told from dual first person points of view (Tyler and Easton) MISCONDUCT focuses on the building relationship between Tyler and Easton. Six months earlier at the annual Mardi Gras ball, Tyler and Easton met and spent a few hot and sexy minutes in one another’s arms never exchanging last names or personal information. Fast forward to present day where Easton comes face to face with one of her new student’s father-Tyler Marek-a man who is ten years her senior and who pushes all of Easton’s buttons-both good and bad. What ensues is an anger filled personal attack against one another, head butting and public clashes for no other reason than the sexual tension that has been building for months and the potential for a taboo relationship between the teacher and a student’s father who radiates power, control and misdirected rage.

Easton is a former tennis protégé whose career died when tragedy struck her family leaving Easton in a world of controlled and obsessive chaos. Tyler Marek is a single father struggling with a teenaged son who wants nothing to do with his absentee father. Tyler is a man vying for the state senate, and a man whose need for Easton shatters his formidable control. Together our couple tries to keep secret their forbidden romance but love has a funny way of making itself known to family, friends and the power elite. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense and seductive. The world building focuses on the political power builders, single parent/family struggles, and the taboo of a forbidden love.

I had a couple of issues with the storyline: Easton’s dark and damaging past revisits in a new incarnation and with it comes a plot twist, out of left field, that I felt was unnecessary and out of place to the overall premise-there was no reconciliation to this particular revelation-only more questions. Another issue I had was the relationship between Easton and Kristen-a fellow teacher at the private New Orleans school. Once again, a change in direction, and a definite red herring, that added nothing to the original plot but more unanswered questions.

MISCONDUCT is a story about forbidden romance, family, loss, obsession, jealousy and love. There are moments of heartbreak and sorrow; moving forward and letting go. The characters are well developed, colorful, dynamic and intense-Tyler’s fourteen year old son Christian is a young man who wants his father’s love but is unsure where he belongs in his father’s life; the romance is filled with sexual tension, chemistry, emotion and love; the happily ever after is the stuff of fairy tales. MISCONDUCT is raw, aggressive, and electrifying.

When I received 'Misconduct' by Penelope Douglas a view weeks ago I was pleasantly surprised! I hadn’t known Penelope had a new book coming, but ever since reading two books from her Fall Away series, I loved her writing. So I couldn't wait to start reading this one. The book description sounded really good and I started reading as fast as I could.

As with the other books I read by Penelope Douglas this story immediately grabbed me and I couldn't stop reading! This story began just perfect, on a masked ball. Sigh.. I loved that. Right from the beginning I felt myself connecting with the characters and I loved getting to know them. I was afraid the whole age difference between the two main characters would be a bad thing, but it was fun and didn’t bother me at all.

Easton was a character I just really loved. She was strong, mysterious, ambitious, sexy and kind. Easton didn’t trust people easily.. But she had a lot of good reasons for her trust issues. She was also really funny. Especially when she reacted to something arrogant Tyler said. LOL!! This book really made me laugh.
The other main character was Tyler. He was 12 years older than Easton, but in many ways her equal. Although he was really arrogant at times, and I hate arrogant man, he had something about him that I loved from the beginning.

Not only the romance in this book was amazing and very addicting, I also really loved to read about Easton’s work as a teacher. She was a new teacher and developed a teaching program that fits today’s modern technology. A program that involved mobile phones, Twitter and Facebook. Not only did it sound like a lot of fun, but it also sounded like a perfect solution to keep teenagers attention. I really wonder if this sort of teaching program exists.

I read this book in one day and just couldn’t get enough. I loved the characters and their story and it never got boring. I was honestly sad that I finished reading ‘Misconduct’. I have another favorite book to put on my list!!

Having fallen in love with Penelope Douglas's Fall Away series, which focuses on the New Adult genre and all the drama that comes with younger characters, I was amazed and in awe of how well she has transitioned into contemporary romance.

This book was highly engaging and it completely pulled me into the characters heads in a way that I felt myself as part of the story.

Easton Bradbury is an ex-Tennis star, who rose to fame winning accolades right through her teens. Now a twenty three year old college graduate, she is about to start her teaching career at a highly prestigious school in New Orleans.

Thirty five year old Tyler Marek is an extremely successful man, having built up his empire from scratch, he is now planning on declaring his intention to run for the Senate. He is the estranged father of a fourteen year old son that he doesn't really know, but now that Christian has come to live with him for a year, he needs to juggle his very busy schedule with being involved in his son's life.

When Tyler meets Christian's history teacher he remembers her from an event 6 months prior, but she is a very different woman that he built her up to be.

This turns out to be a love/hate relationship that will keep you on your toes, and a well developed storyline that will make you fall in love with the main characters.

Tyler, oh how I fell. He was a commanding man in and out of the bedroom and he will give you butterflies and make you worship his dirty mouth in one foul swoop. I loved how he worked hard to fix his relationship with his son without being overbearing and the way he was able to read Easton was swoon worthy.

Easton was not as easy to relate to, but it didn't take me long for me to be fighting in her corner. She was closed off and cold but sassy and strong.

Another thing that I loved was that I felt like I was right there in New Orleans, with it's intense vibrancy and soul, It made me want to jump on a plane and be a part of it. Penelope has a Pinterest board which enhances the reading experience and also makes references to music which I feel added to the whole reading experience.

I don't think I could not enjoy a book by this author, there is always a perfect balance of everything I love in a book. A gorgeous forbidden romance, I highly recommend it.

Misconduct is a standalone contemporary romance, told in dual POV.

4.5 Stars

Misconduct was such a good book. I will be honest, while I have read a lot of good books lately I have found myself getting bored with reading similar stories. But I have to say this one was different. It grabbed and held my attention right from the beginning.

Easton is fresh out of college and lands a job at a private school. I really liked the way she taught her class, too. As a parent I can see how there would be concerns, but what she does is simply amazing and I can very easily see this becoming something that happens in reality, if it hasn't already. Anyways, the only complication to her job is Tyler Marek, the sexy man she had met briefly six months before.

Tyler Marek has two goals at this point in his life, to become a senator and to be present in his son, Christian's life. He has no time for women unless it's for some quickly no string attached relationship. So meeting Easton Bradbury one night is no big deal, until he sees her again, in his son's classroom as his new teacher.

I loved seeing the interactions between these two. Easton is stubborn and independent and I would say that Tyler is the same. I loved seeing them butt heads and I love that Easton always sticks up for herself. I will admit there were times I got aggravated with both of them but that quickly passed. There is a little suspense mixed in with some things that are a little unexpected and some predictability, but it was still really enjoyable. While there are some sexy scenes, it isn't overly filled with sex and that was a relief right now!
4 stars!

***ARC provided in exchange for my HONEST review. Thank you!***

I seriously loved this book. Forbidden romance with two characters that love to love/hate each other.

A chance meeting one night will change Easton’s life. One mysterious man will alter her life forever.

Easton is a teacher and when she notices how distant and closed off Christian Marek is, she wants to know why her student is so different from the others.

There comes his father, Tyler Marek. Wealthy and handsome and possibly running for the Senate. He is used getting his way.

Father and son do not have the best of relationships but add in a determined teacher and you have the perfect mix of trouble.

Tyler wants Easton but she is off limits. Easton knows it’s wrong to see a student’s parent outside school grounds but…

Their affair will take you on a wild ride. But is there going to be a happy ending for these two very different people?

I loved how the author wrote Easton. She is not your usual heroine. Her behavior and several obsessions make for a unique female character. I loved how strong she was and how she stood up for herself.

Tyler caused me whiplash! I loved that he was older and he had an air of superiority about him just because I could watch Easton destroy all his defenses.

Excellent development! I had a blast reading this.

Do not miss this book.

*****5 Stars*****

When I heard that Penelope Douglas has a new book, I was excited and happy. I loved her writing from the previous books and I was looking forward to her next book! And I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read it sooner! I loved it so much because it was so refreshing! I haven't read a story like this before.The romance is between a teacher and a parent! Yes, yes amazing right?
Wait till you read it and see how amazing it is! I enjoyed it a lot and read it so fast because I couldn't put it down! It's captivating, sexy, funny and hot! It is different from what we used from Penelope Douglas, here the characters are more mature since they are older!
"Easton was a woman I'd wanted in my bed, but Ms. Bradbury was off-limits."
Easton is smart, strong, sweet, vulnerable but she tries to not let the others see it and sassy(I love her sass, this girl knows exactly what to say to a man like Tyler).Tyler is the perfect, cocky, sexy, possessive alpha male! He can see who she really is and he wants her and he can't stop until he has her! Easton and Tyler are the perfect combination! I loved their connection, they start both being intrigued and fascinated by each other.With smart dialogues and tension to make you want to finally see them together! There are super hot moments that make you melt and swoon through the story!!Fans of Penelope will love it and if you are not then maybe you will consider to start now!! I highly recommend it to everyone!

Overall Opinion: This was better than I thought it'd be, but I didn't love it either. I was frustrated with the H towards the end when he pushes the h away, and I also had some issues with the h and her "testing" the H. But, I did enjoy their banter and overall relationship -- so I'm going to go with 3 stars.

**See goodreads.com/NMmomof4 for my full review with spoilers**

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Easton and Tyler's story. They meet for the first time at a masquerade party where they flirt, but they end up separated at the end of the night. Six months later they meet again, but Easton is now Tyler's son's teacher. They dance around each other for a while, but eventually give in to their strong attraction and start a forbidden romance. There is some career and family drama, some personal secrets that come out, and some steamy scenes...and they get a HFN ending.

POV: This alternated between Easton and Tyler's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. This was yet another book that has their conflict resolved at the very end before we are given a jump ahead epilogue. I want some actual time as them being in a public committed relationship! Otherwise, it flowed well and I never skimmed.

Instalove: No. I felt like they had sufficient time to develop stronger feelings.

H rating: 3 stars. Tyler. I thought he was ok. I would get frustrated with his need to have everything, and I wanted him to snap out of his personal drama quicker.

h rating: 3 stars. Easton. I liked her. She was a different character with her quirky OCD tendencies along with a feisty attitude. I did get frustrated with her in the scene with her friend.

Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.

Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and some steamy scenes.

Descriptive sex: Yes

Safe sex: Not really. They don't use condoms, but they have a std status and birth control talk after they were intimate the first couple times. I don't remember any mention of past practices.

OW/OM drama: Yes

Cheating: I'd say no.

Separation:Yes

Closure: This had ok closure, but I wanted more time with them a outed couple. I would call it a HFN ending

How I got it: I got it on loan through my public library

Even your favorite author may write a book you don’t necessarily fall in love with. I’ve enjoyed all of Penelope Douglas’ books, but I didn’t get sucked into Misconduct the way I became obsessed with her previous novels. That’s not to say I didn’t like Misconduct, it’s a great book and I had a great time reading it, I just didn’t fall in love with it the way I have with her previous novels.

“What the h*ll are you doing here?” I demanded. “This is my home.”

He leaned a hand against the door frame and raised his eyebrows, a cocky smile dancing across his face.

“I made you c*me on a desk this morning,” he pointed out. “I can’t stop by your house?”

So what did I like? Well, I really loved Tyler. He was older than Easton but it wasn’t creepy and he didn’t hold it over her. I’ve read other books where the man is much older than the woman and it always felt like a power play, but it didn’t in Misconduct. I also liked how Tyler treated his son and wanted to be a part of his life, and the scenes with Christian and Tyler were funny and sweet. The wit I loved in the Fall Away series was also apparent in this novel. There’s a scene where Easton tries to distract Tyler from working while in his office. It was hilarious! Scenes like that made reading Misconduct fun.

“How come you can watch p*rn?” he blurted out sarcastically, and I heard a mother nearby gasp.

I leaned in, pulling him close by the back of the neck. “A. The controls are for R-rated movies, not p*rn,” I lied. “B. Who says I even watch p*rn? And C,” I continued, “I went to college, so I can do whatever the h*ll I want.”

What didn’t I love? Easton was a hard character to connect with. The author excels at writing strong female leads, but there was something missing from Easton’s character that prevented me from really understanding her. Maybe more background information or expanding upon her struggles while growing up and leading up her parents death would have helped. Whatever it was, something just didn’t click for me. I also was disappointed with the twist. It was cool that I didn’t expect it, but we didn’t get to delve any further into the finale. I had so many questions that were never answered it made the book feel incomplete.

He leaned in toward my ear and whispered, “You poor thing.” He sounded sinister. “You actually think there are things I can’t have?”

I enjoyed reading Misconduct, just not as much as I had hoped. But even so, Penelope Douglas is still one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

Closed off, controlling, and about as welcoming and warm as ice, Easton Bradbury, and driven, arrogant, and hard, Tyler Marek clash in this story of two people who can't and shouldn't, but do. After reading a couple of her Fall Away series, I'm convinced this author doesn't do easy with her characters, their situation, or their romance, but that's alright because it makes for a riveting story that grabs the reader and won't let them go.

The story begins when Easton goes to a masquerade with her brother hosted by some of the elite of New Orleans society. Jack is getting to the end of law school and he needs to meet the right people and get in good if he wants to land well after school. Jack has sacrificed so much for her over the years and put up with so much because of her past tennis fame and the family tragedy that she can be here for him even if smoozing is the last thing she wants to do. Easton's boredom ends when she encounters a fascinating man who isn't put off by her prickles and games or allows her to control the situation or keep him at arm's length. Their encounter is brief, but both are affected. Too bad her mystery man is none other than billionaire business man, Tyler Marek, who's preparing for a Senate race and she is his son's new history teacher.

Tyler knows the beautiful young woman is trouble. She is nothing like the women he usually has on his arm and in his bed. She is definitely not the type who would further his political career. She's fiery and unpredictable. And he can't get her out of his mind. But then he learns that she is Ms. Bradbury, his estranged and distant son's high school history teacher.

Tyler had a son when he was twenty and he screwed up when he walked away and stayed away. Now at fourteen, Christian hates him and wants nothing to do with him. But Tyler is determined. He will have Christian for a year and will do what he can to repair the relationship and prove his love for his son. Christian is his top priority even as Tyler struggles to run his business and work toward his chance at the Senate seat. But now, there is Easton- betwitching Easton who challenges him and won't be cowered even when he interferes with how she is teaching Christian and her other students.

Easton has never felt more alive than with Tyler, but being together is all wrong. It won't last and she tries to convince herself that it doesn't matter. Her career, Christian, Tyler's senate chances- it's all on the line if they keep seeing each other and it is discovered. Attraction, want, and even need may not be enough.

And then the little scary things start to happen just like they did the first time when she was being stalked.

Alright. This one started out with lots of tension and two strong-willed dominant personalities clashing. As a reader, I didn't get eased into this story. Easton and Tyler are something else and not in a good way. These are very much shades of gray and flawed characters. Easton is cold and manipulative and Tyler is arrogant.
I thought it was going to be a book that I would have to set aside.
But then the author's magic started working. I couldn't stop reading and slowly the story teased out. The two characters become better known and why they are the way they are. I became vested. They took turns telling the story of why they shouldn't be together and believing they had nothing to offer for a relationship. But in the telling, the reader can see more clearly.

This is an agonizing and tantalizing passionate affair that is torrid and furious. They are not easy people and love is most definitely a battlefield for them. But, I enjoyed how the author slowly developed things between them. Slowly grew their characters and their relationship even as the shadow of doomed love loomed over it all.

The romance was not told in isolation. These two occupy the world of New Orleans, their respective careers, and their families.
Easton and her brother have a conflicted relationship after all that has happened. He wants her to let the past go and move forward by rejoining life.
Tyler has an even more conflicted relationship with his estranged son, Christian.
I found both these other relationships were told with honest and raw emotion.

Tyler messed up and has the work of earning Christian's trust as his absent parent that wants to make right. Tyler drops the ball and makes mistakes, but I loved seeing him keep trying and caring though Christian wasn't encouraging him.

I also enjoyed that the book spent time with Easton and her class. She has an innovative teaching style and I loved getting lots of time with that particular setting and plot. Easton has her own relationship with Christian and I liked seeing that develop- first as teacher to student, but then more.

The mystery of Easton's past and what makes her the way she is comes out steadily throughout the story. Former child tennis star, parents who lived the vicarious dream, always in the limelight, stalker, and then multiple family deaths leave her barely holding it together. I went from not being drawn to Easton to rooting her on with all my might.

Tyler is not just a lover, a dad, or a man with a career, but it was a delightful surprise to see him in the son and brother role and learn how he became who he is through the short scenes with his dad.

The age difference was handled well. It is there. It has a bearing. But it wasn't even close to the main source of conflict. And I thought the humorous way that the pair of them handled it was just right. Just as in the same way, I thought the connected issue of broken and blended families on Tyler's side of things were there, felt authentic, but again didn't take over the story.

So, in summary, this was a compelling and riveting story. It grabs at the reader viscerally and slowly builds the connection to the characters and their romance. I would recommend this to Contemporary Romance fans who like a hard-fought character driven romance that is sizzling hot.

My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Penelope has always been an author that sat on my TBR list. Her books always sound good but for some reason or another I just never got to them. Then a couple weeks ago Corrupt was released and that was a book that was SO my type of book. I picked it up and devoured it. I can't believe I hadn't read her sooner. I found out about this one the day I finished Corrupt. I jumped at the chance to review it. This was completely different from Corrupt but just as addicting. Penelope is an amazing writer and I will one click her no matter what now.

Tyler and Easton have smoking hot chemistry. The scene where they meet made me an instant fan of these two. Tyler was dominate enough to believable and hot but not to much where it seemed out of character. Easton was a very love able heroine. I don't say that a lot. It takes a lot for me to like the female lead.

Over all this whole book is full of win. If you are a seasoned Penelope fan you will love this. If you haven't read her yet here is a great place to start. I really recommend this book.

I enjoyed every minute that I spent reading this book. Penelope Douglas has put a different spin on the forbidden element of the teacher romance – this one being between a young teacher and her student’s father. The writing, the storyline, and the characters were all done to perfection, keeping me completely enthralled in the book from beginning to end.

When Easton Bradbury first meets Tyler Marek at a masquerade ball, their interaction is flirtatious and fleeting, neither one of them divulging much information about themselves. Tyler was immediately captivated by Easton, regretting that their time together had ended far too quickly. Even months later, he remembered the pull and the chemistry that he felt towards her.

Easton is a former tennis player turned history teacher. She has just started her teaching career at a prestigious private school in New Orleans. What is just supposed to be a routine parent/teacher open house to introduce the teachers and the curriculum for the new academic year, quickly turns into a second meeting for Easton and Tyler. Easton is more than shocked as Tyler Marek walks into her classroom, but she tries to act professional as though they have just become acquainted. Tyler feels as though he recognizes Ms. Bradbury as well, but since she was wearing a mask the last time they met, he is uncertain. When he hears her first name being called out by another teacher, he realizes that the woman who had captured his interest all those months ago is standing before him.

Tyler Marek is a commanding, rich, successful businessman. He is used to professional success, however, he is struggling to find success in his personal life as he learns how to parent his son. He is finding it difficult to change his ways and put someone else’s needs ahead of his own. The desire to be a good father is there, he is just fumbling with the adjustment of having a teenage son under his roof.

The chemistry between Easton and Tyler can only be described as combustible. He is drawn to her feisty, no holds barred attitude. She challenges him at every opportunity, always standing up for what she truly believes in. Despite the knowledge that they shouldn’t be together, that it’s wrong to become involved, they are too attracted to each other to deny themselves. Their connection goes beyond just the physical, they end up needing each other more than they had anticipated. But with Tyler’s career, political aspirations, and his need to finally put his son first, will there be enough room in his life for Easton too?

Misconduct just hit all of the marks for me as a reader. I couldn’t have asked for a better story or characters. I was feeling the emotions along with the characters as I was reading it. As I was nearing the end of the book, I kept checking to see how many pages I had left…I wasn’t ready to close the book on their story. When an author can write a book that I never want to put down, I know that I’ve hit the jackpot. It left me in a book haze for days. This will definitely be making my list of favorite books of 2015!

Everyone was raving, talking and reviewing this book so I decided to start reading it myself. That was an amazing decision LOL Actually, this is my first book by Penelope Douglas and let’s just say I really really enjoyed it!

Misconduct is a stand-alone novel and it tells the story of Easton Bradbury (an ex tennis player who decides to start a new life as a history teacher in New Orleans with her brother after a tragic situation) and Tyler Marek (the CEO of one of the biggest industries in the world, the stranger that Easton meets during Mardi Gras and now also the parent of one of the protagonist’s students).

“Give me your last name,” he demanded quickly, pinning me with a hard stare.
“Now, what fun would that be?” I replied with his same sarcastic remark.
But he didn’t see it as funny.
“If you leave,” he warned, “there will be nothing holding me back when we run into each other again.”

Let’s just say Easton and Tyler’s first meeting was INTENSE. The room is full of tension and their dialogue is delightful. Tyler is such an alpha and Easton is kick-a**, I loved it! In my opinion, Misconduct has been one of the sexiest reads this year for me. These two together are off-the-charts smokin’. Why? Well, obviously, because their relationship is definetily forbidden.

There is quite an age-gap between them (Easton is 23 and Tyler is 35) but let me tell you, it was not an issue for me! haha Because I loved them together. They have very emotional moments and the s*x is just.. SO FREAKING H*T, they cannot stop touching each other!

I knew that look in his eyes. I may not know much about him, but I knew that look.
And we were in my classroom.
His son’s classroom.
I may have had little shame, but he had none.

“What are you doing?” I gasped.
His forehead pressed against mine, and his hands moved urgently, holding my face. “Dark spaces, quiet places,” he whispered over my mouth. “That’s all we need, Easton.”

“Oh, God,” I groaned. “I f***ing hate you.”
Why couldn’t he wait? I wanted to feel his skin.
“As long as you f***ing f*** me, I don’t care.”

I really would put even more quotes but then this would be a hell of a long review LOL Also, I liked the building of Tyler and Christian’s (his son) relationship. It starts very badly because Tyler was very young when Christian was born and did not take care of him emotionally but it all ends good.

Of course, the main issue in this book is how Easton and Tyler want each other, cannot stop thinking about one another but they also have to maintain their ‘relationship’ in secret. Also because Easton is afraid of falling in love with him after her past issues. Tyler wants to become a senator and Easton is Christian’s teacher. So yeah, it was quite emotional and sad sometimes!

It wasn’t easy to say no to something you wanted, but I was taught that while some mistakes can be overcome, others should never be made. In our hearts, we always know what’s right and wrong. That’s not the struggle.
The struggle is wanting what’s wrong for you and gauging whether or not the consequences are worth it.

Obviously, it all comes good at the end! So don’t worry, these two have a happy ending! Even though, they have a lot of difficult situations before it! I mean.. there was something almost at the end that I wasn’t expecting at all (you’ll see if you read it) but still loved it!

Therefore, my rating for Misconduct is 4.5 STARS. Why not 5 or 6? Definetely, midway through the book I was sure this was a 6 star read for me but it felt a little slow at the end for me and maybe I would have enjoyed a longer epilogue! However, this was a very good read and I really liked the chemistry between the main characters. So I totally recommend this if you want to read a good taboo novel ;)

Looking for a perfectly paced, deliciously hot yet forbidden and potentially scandalous romance? Look no further because Penelope Douglas delivers just that in her latest book. “Misconduct” is about a guarded young woman who finally meets a man worthy of her time and affections. Sparks immediately fly the moment Easton bumps into an attractive and charming man named Tyler at a random party that she was attending with her brother. Yet despite the chemistry nothing came of it that very first night that their paths crossed.

A few months pass and just as if fate had something to do with it….they bump into each other again and this time, it happens when least expected – in the classroom. Come to find out, Easton is Tyler’s estranged sons’ new American History teacher. You know this entire situation spells D.I.S.A.S.T.E.R, right? This, of course, was one of the many reasons why the story caught my attention in the first place. Not only was I curious to know how the author was going to spin a story involving such a delicate subject matter but I also needed to know if she was going to do it in a tasteful manner.

Penelope Douglas sure did not disappoint in that aspect. She managed to deliver a great story with so much panache I couldn’t help but be impressed. That wasn’t the only thing that I adored about this story…what was also great about it was the characters, particularly Easton. It was difficult for me to get a good feel on her (which was another thing that kept me enraptured) but as the story progressed I couldn’t help but be in awe with this remarkable young woman. So much happen to her in the past yet she never let that get to her. She was driven, and oh so fierce. I just loved how she was spirited and never hesitated to speak her mind.

I thought that her counterpart was just as excellent. He was aggravating at first but that all changed as he spent more and more time with Easton. I appreciated how she was able to affect him in such a way. Her character definitely complimented his extremely well. I thought that their pairing was was superb. What was amazing was that they were both in different stages in their lives but even so the author convinced me wholeheartedly that they were perfectly matched.

The only thing I found troubling about this book was….it ended! I felt that there was so much more story to tell. I’m desperately hoping Penelope Douglas will surprise us with another story about this interesting couple. I am certain you will feel the same once you read more about these two.

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