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Behavior #1

Bad Behavior

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She was sweet and pure... Until I got my hands on her. When I saw Ivy for the first time, I knew I had to have her. She's an innocent princess who fights like a wildcat and tastes like honey—and my father wants her dead. But I can't. I won't. So I tried to cut a deal with her owner; I was ready to pay for her, to keep her forever. But the man who owns her isn't willing to give her up. Worse, he wants her virginity. He'll be pissed when he learns I took it. Ivy loved every second of what I did to her. She thinks she's spread her legs for some hero but that's wrong; I'm as violent and dangerous as they come. If she doesn't believe me, she will soon. Because no one will stop me from having her... Ivy is mine, and she'll always be mine. This is book one of the 'Behavior Series' and is not intended for readers under the age of eighteen. Please note this book contains plenty of heat, but some material may be uncomfortable for some readers.

401 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 25, 2016

165 people are currently reading
351 people want to read

About the author

Leah Holt

42 books405 followers

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5 stars
135 (39%)
4 stars
110 (31%)
3 stars
73 (21%)
2 stars
19 (5%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Cécile Smits .
1,460 reviews287 followers
December 8, 2019
This is the first time i’ve read anything by Leah Holt,and if she always writes with this kind of quality,it won’t be the last.
And since this is a duet,and i am invested in finding a hea,i am going for Dirty Behaviour,right now.

Ivy has been dealt a very bad hand in life,and to make matters worse,it was her father that made it happen.
He sold her to Remo,her virginity the thing that made her valuable in his eyes.
Beaten and abused,but still a virgin,she finds herself taken. Again.
This time as leverage to make sure Remo pays the Pisani family what he owes...

Only Dante Pisani wants Ivy for himself,so he takes her to their safehouse.
And even though he ís a very bad man,he stirrs something in Ivy.....
He makes her feel safe,for the first time in a very long while.
As they spend more time together,their feelings deepen.
If only his father would understand why he can’t give Ivy back to that creep......

With pov’s from both Ivy and Dante,this story gives a great insight into the feelings of both.
Their needs,their desires,as well as their doubts.

As i already stated,i am going straight for part two.
I need to know......


Profile Image for Ähmsry.
623 reviews12 followers
October 19, 2020
This book was very good, the story is interesting created and told at a good speed, that keeps you captive. Dante’s character is well devolved and believable, Ivy’s could have used a bit more background, more story or detail. But it doesn’t matter, all in it worked well and entertained good.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
December 19, 2016

This was my first book by Leah Holt and won't be my last. I loved this story and can't wait for the next book!!!

Ivy was living in hell, being stolen & held hostage and used for payment from the man who had bought her. Dante saved her from being raped, then took her to make sure she was safe until the deal was done. Little did he know how much he was willing to give up to keep her safe!

Ivy & Dantes attraction was immediate regardless of how much they both tried to shut it down. Them together would be a recipe for disaster, especially for Dante! This book had a lot of twists that made it a real page turner.

Ivy was the type of heroine I love!!! So strong and so very fierce!!! Even in the most horrible situations she was never meek and quiet, she never backed down from a fight.

I received a ARC copy of this book for a honest review and I loved it!!!!
Profile Image for Lori  Wertz.
327 reviews5 followers
December 18, 2016
I received an arc of this book for my honest review. This was my first book by Leah Holt and I loved it. It definitely left me wanting more. I need to know what happens to Ivy and Dante. Does Dante get revenge, will he and Ivy get to live and love forever? This is definitely a 5 star book in my opinion.
Profile Image for Anne Baker.
756 reviews4 followers
December 8, 2019
A Pawn with No Choices

Just wow! This book was amazing by one of my favourite authors Leah Holt. Only she can write a really intriguing dark mafia romance, of course this is my perfect genre! A great storyline with so much action, suspense, hatred, secrets and lies all rolled up in one for this superb read. The main characters Ivy and Dante were so real and likeable, I felt I was there with them!
Why did Ivy’s father sell her to the evil Remo? Ivy now owed Dante Pasani her life with his capture of her! But nevertheless she was still only a bargaining chip for Dante’s father Bane Pasani and his partner in crime Remo!
Dante has his obligation to his father that he has to fulfil, but can he?
I highly recommend this well deserved 5 star ⭐️ read.
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,036 reviews317 followers
April 11, 2024
There are so many mafia romance books out there, so what makes this different to the rest?

The quality of writing. In many ways we didn't learn a lot about the background/lives of the hero and heroine, but I still found myself engaged by both of them and drawn into their story. There is gritty realism and at times the story is quite dark, yet there is hope as well. There are a few side characters but the vast majority of scenes are between Ivy and Dante. I liked this as it reflects the intensity of the situation that both Ivy and Dante are in.

I usually dislike a book where the hero and heroine are in full on mode instantaneously. However, with the situation they are in, the lead up to that, the events that happen etc in this case it fully makes sense. The author even cleverly weaves in 'Stockholm Syndrome' in a manner of speaking. (Don't worry that isn't a spoiler). She seems to have considered where similar genre books cross over the line of being believable, and has then taken steps to remedy this in her book.

Even up to the last few pages the author had me guessing as to how exactly the story ends. Although in some ways it doesn't end, I suspect we may read more about Ivy and Dante in a future book. And if she does write another book I will be reading it - always the acid test for me of how good an author is.
Profile Image for Jennifer Scarn.
384 reviews13 followers
December 20, 2016

I loved loved loved this. Dark romance for sure. Dante struggles with his familial pull and need to follow orders as he always has versus a new need he has for doing what is right for Ivy. As much as he didn't see himself as (what Ivy had said) a good man who was a lost boy - he really was that. This is a story about a man coming into his own and a woman who is fighting tooth and nail for life. Ivy is a commendable character and I adored her fighting spirit. We get a happy ending here but the story isn't over so it's not a complete ever after scenario yet. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book to get answers to so many burning questions. I received this book for an unbiased comment.
Profile Image for Carey’s Reviews.
628 reviews28 followers
February 6, 2017
4.5 Stars! I don't usually read dark books but I actually liked this one! Ivy is a tough, outspoken woman & I love when the main female is like that! I would've liked a little more backstory on Ivy. The main male character, Dante, was a tough, bad guy but he was also sweet, in a way. This book was super sexy too!! The only part I wasn't crazy about was the ending & that's just because I hate cliffhangers & this book had a bit of a cliffhanger/teaser-hopefully the story will continue in another book soon!! I have so many unanswered questions. But even with the ending, I'd still recommend this book!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
697 reviews11 followers
December 21, 2016
**I received this ARC in exchange for an honest voluntary review** Ivy has been taken from the guy who bought her from her family, Remo, n is now being used as leverage in order for Remo to pay up to the Pisani family. While in captivity, she is about to be raped until Dante interferes n saves her. Pretty intriguing how the relationship between Dante n Ivy develops. Loved how strong a woman n fighter Ivy was. Wish there would have been more action but it seems like that will be happening in the next book since this one ends with somewhat of a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Sarah Bay.
143 reviews9 followers
December 22, 2016
WOW!!! This was incredible!! Such a naughty read I thoroughly LOVED this. I honestly didn't know where the story was going to lead to, most books you read you know exactly who's had and who's going to do what. Though we know who's bad and who's good, we don't know how the story will unfold and i loved that. Can't wait for more!!!

I received an ARC copy of this book and I would HIGHLY recommend reading it. Fantastic!!!!
Profile Image for Bookbytch5 janet Gray.
1,459 reviews9 followers
December 19, 2016
I received an arc of this book for my honest review, Dantes was attractioned to Ivy the moment he seen her with Remo. want to know what happens with Dante and Ivy! must read. Cant wait to see what comes next. A must read
Profile Image for Karen Durant.
481 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2017
Ivy had a hard life. Being stolen, sold & traded. Until she meets Dante who decides to keep her safe. The sparks fly & I can't wait for the next book in this series to see if they get their HEA.
31 reviews
December 19, 2016
I received this arc for my honest review. Fast pace, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Need to know what happens with Dante and Ivy! must read. Cant wait to see what comes next....
7,195 reviews33 followers
December 21, 2016
OMG! A must read. Loved the plot and characters. I volunteered to honestly review an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews447 followers
December 30, 2016
Ivy was sold by her father to a bad man named Remo for her virginity and he was waiting for the right time to take that from her. He, in the meantime, was training her to get prepared for what he wanted for when he takes that from her. Her life had become horrible and a living nightmare. Dante is the son of Bane, who is the head of the Pisani mafia, and Remo owes the Pisani family money. Dante sees Ivy and ends up kidnapping Ivy as a way to force Remo to force him to pay what he owes and to save her. Ivy wont be returned until he pays back the Pisani mafia. What Dante didn’t expect was to fall in love/lust with her. The attraction between Dante and Ivy is hot and so burning, that you have to be careful not to get burned by the heat between these two. When it's time to be returned to Remo, Dante has a very hard decision to make--- will he keep Ivy and defy his father which means risking his life completely in essence to be killed or let her go and hand her over to Remo ? What will Dante do? Will he save himself or save Ivy instead?

What a great story with several twists and turns that keep you glued to the story. I loved the romantic suspense peppered with sensual heat. The ending had a huge surprise, in my opinion but you have to get this book to find it out. What a treat for this holiday season.

My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
1,708 reviews5 followers
December 28, 2016
This is the first book I've read by this author and I thought it was great! Ivy is one of the strongest heroines I've read about in a long time. She is feisty and not at all scared to stare down (and beat up) the enemy. Even when things look dire, she doesn't quit fighting for herself. Everything about Dante makes you want to hate him in the beginning, but he has a way of eventually winning you over. He is trying to do the right thing while trying to show his dad he's not a screw up. Deep down he doesn't really like doing the things he's forced to do, but what side of him will win out in the end? I couldn't put this one down.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
Profile Image for Ruza.
203 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2017
A Dark Mafia Book that will keep you on your toes. There are many twists and turns in Ivy's life ... from being sold by her father to Remo, then being kidnapped by Dante Pissani because Remo owes his father Bane Pissani money. What I really like was Ivy's strength. She fought and fought to stay true to herself throughout the craziness, until she fell in love with Dante. Dante also fought, but he pissed his father Bane off one too many times and was told to return Ivy to Remo. Will Dante choose love over family commitments? If you love Dark Mafia Books then this book is perfect for you. Note: There is a cliffhanger at the end of the book. I volunteered to review an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for DeAnn.
948 reviews7 followers
August 10, 2023
It's Different

It's a mafia kidnapping, but not in a way other such scenarios are usually presented. The love story develops quickly, but the anti-hero is more wishy-washy due to his chain of command. There's a back story that motivates the Don's behavior, but also an obligation pushing all his decisions. The sex scenes are all the steam you can enjoy but with a bit of sleaze attached. It's just different. The author does a great job of describing each setting, but she's not as great in the proofreading department; minor errors throughout. There's a sequel to this storyline, and then a third book. I'm anxious to get into the second book to see what happens after the Don... Well, you'll have to read it to find out that part!
Profile Image for Destiny Bridwell.
1,719 reviews36 followers
February 25, 2017
I got this book as an ARC for my honest opinion. This is by first book by Lean Holt. I have been really getting into the Mafia books but it is mix with dark romance and that just got me all excited. I could not wait to get my hands on this read. I was not disappoint it was well done.
Dante runs the business with his father Bane. After been double crossed by Remo. Dante kidnapped Ivy until they get what they are owed. Bane wants Ivy dead but Dante can't do it. He is normally a bit cold heart, but something about Ivy warms that dark heart of his. Will they get a chance for love or will it be back to business for Dante?
1,070 reviews28 followers
October 10, 2020
Dante, Ivy and Remo - love triangles are never good news and when Dante sees Ivy and decides he wants her of course all hell is going to break loose. Add the fact that Dante's father wants Ivy dead and you run into all sorts of extra issues. Dante has to protect Ivy not only from his father but from Remo as well and the action that follows makes for riveting reading.
I loved this story and hope to be able to read book 2 when it is available. Leah Holt is on my list of authors to be read.
Highly recommended read.
Profile Image for Maria.
892 reviews7 followers
December 27, 2016
Bad behavior is about a young girl Ivy. Her life is certainly not an easy life. When she is kidnapped from the man who bought her, she is sure that she will die but Dante has other plans for her. From the beginning there has been an attraction between the two but it is possible for Dante to keep Ivy alive? It's a great book so exciting from start to finish. It is impossible to predict what will happen. I look forward to continuing this exciting book which I definitely recommend.
Profile Image for B. Koe.
947 reviews11 followers
November 4, 2017
Stunning - loved this book!!

This book was dark, about members of the Mafia, and all about personal choice. The characters are multifaceted and yet easy to understand. However, the depravity of man depicted in the story nearly destroyed the last bastion of innocence I keep protected in my psyche. The ending, quite unexpectedly gave me hope. . . So, this is now a 5 star recommendation to adult reader who like to step into the dark . . . and find a wonderful romance.
2,694 reviews25 followers
December 27, 2016
3 1/2*
Ivy was sold to remo for her virginity he owned her he's supposed to flaunt her round & train her. Dante kidnapped her as a bargaining tool for his family. However things are never as they appear to be!
I'm hoping there is more conclusion to the story another book about his brother & more conclusion on his fathers death?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Kathyjacks.
Author 0 books145 followers
January 21, 2017
Love mob books

At first Ivy kind of got on my nerves but she grew on me. Dante was a likable hero for me even though at times I didn't know what he was thinking. This book ends on a cliff hanger and unfortunately I didn't see the next book on amazon so we will have to wait and see what happens to Dante and Ivy.
Profile Image for donna.
945 reviews
December 15, 2017
Bad Man vs A Monster

Dante saved Ivy from a monster but not for the reasons anyone would think. She was just another pawn to get the desired results supposedly. Only Dante didn't expect to find love or happiness. The monster, Remo, is a very twisted man and is stepping over bounds he shouldn't.
Profile Image for cheryl herrera.
18 reviews
December 26, 2017
Love conquers All

They say blood is thicker than water and family comes first but sometimes love conquers all. Sometimes love makes you see things about yourself which opens up your eyes. Dante found this out when he feel in love with Ivy.
This story started off slow but gained speed as you continue reading.
Profile Image for Debra  (Dragon Nanny) Phiri.
1,611 reviews19 followers
October 2, 2019
Wow- this read was good. I found myself speculating a few things about some things that go on in the book and hoping that they come to light in the next book! That doesn’t always happen in a read for me.

I love the main characters and the little surprises that go on.

The heat is high and nicely interwoven in the story it’s not just about the sex.

I am anxious to read more by Leah Holt!
1,238 reviews18 followers
September 30, 2020
Dante and Ivy had quite the story to tell. I enjoyed the first book in this series. It had heartbreak, drama and a whole lot of spice. They definitely had the chemistry. So many hard decisions had to be made and can't wait to see what the outcome to those decisions are. Definitely ready for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

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