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Poppy

Rules. Order. Control.
Serve and protect.
Becoming a cop gave my life the structure I so desperately craved and the power I needed to move forward.
But being the daughter and sister of cops landed me squarely in the coddle with kid gloves category.
Except in the case of Vance Brody.
Aspen Falls PD’s most revered detective was also its most unpredictable.
Brody didn’t play by the rules. Not the department’s. And certainly not mine.

Vance

Everybody breaks the rules. Nobody is in control. Chaos reigns.
That was my philosophy, and it was up to me to make sure the job got done in spite of it all.
Even if my methods were unconventional.
Even if I crossed a line that landed my career in jeopardy.
When the captain insisted I mentor a rookie cop in order to keep my nose out of trouble and avoid a suspension, I could have never imagined just how out of order my world was about to become.
Poppy Leighton was the daughter of my idol and the sister of my colleague. She and her rule book were off-limits.
But damned if I wasn’t Aspen Falls PD’s resident maverick.
And Poppy had the power to take me down with a single shot.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2021

33 people are currently reading
222 people want to read

About the author

B.J. Bentley

22 books205 followers
Author. Cat mom. Coffee. Whiskey. Ambivert.

I've been reading romance novels since I was a tween back in the early 90s, and my mom had a Harlequin subscription. Now I write them too.

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5 stars
57 (56%)
4 stars
34 (33%)
3 stars
8 (7%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,186 reviews72 followers
January 21, 2021
So this managed to be some of the best meshing of worlds that I’ve read so far. Not only did we see the Malone men, we got a new spin on how Grant and Emerson are still in love, as well as a new couple to fall with. Vance is a tad unorthodox at times, but I couldn’t help liking him for it because his methods looked out for the victims who didn’t get justice. Poppy was reminiscent of a KA rock chick without the OTT nonsense, and she was a bonafide bad*ss. Even if she lacked some confidence, she managed to work through that to find her ultimate dream and goals in the end, so who wouldn’t love that?

My favorite person was Maya though. In part because Maya’s experiences are so true to life and also because she was treated much as Jessica Gadziala treated Alvy’s character. Normal. Present. Completely welcome in society, as she should be. We need more of this in books. And BJ delivered. She also didn’t shy away from the hard-to-chew subjects and also gave us another woman to love in Brook. We need more strong women and less mean girls as plot devices, and this author definitely gave readers strong women without overdoing a thing or detracting from anyone else in the story.
Profile Image for Karen Renee.
Author 37 books466 followers
February 2, 2021
“Women can’t afford to fight fair!”

I’m late to the KB Worlds party, but I am not late to B.J. Bentley’s writing! This book knocked my socks off. It has just the right amount of grit for a police-based romantic suspense novel, and the building sexual tension between Poppy and Vance couldn’t be beat.

Poppy is a new police officer with so much heart and a thirst to get justice for those who think justice isn’t theirs to have.

Vance is a detective who just skirts the line of rule-breaking and is a great contrast to Poppy’s insatiable need to abide by the rules.

The secondary characters bring so much life to the story. Linc nearly stole my heart when he says, “Women can’t afford to fight fair.” I’m jonesing to know more about Colin as well as Maxine. And not to give anything away, but the way Lucinda Martin is introduced is pure brilliance!

The story kept me guessing until the end, and I loved the way things were tied up. I hope B.J. takes us back to Aspen Falls soon whether it’s part of the KB Worlds or something of her own.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,927 reviews101 followers
February 8, 2021
"4
Poppy and Vance have intense chemistry and it’s completely forbidden. Vance is her co-worker, superior, and also her brother’s co-worker.
I loved the suspense with this book and there was one thing that I wasn’t expecting, so that’s great for me. I also enjoyed the banter between these two when Poppy wouldn’t take any crap.
Poppy is a woman in a man’s world so her badarse and take no chit attitude is amazing to me, and Vance has a weakness for it.

Cops, forbidden romance, suspense" ~Lindsay




A relationship so wrong that it made me feel like I was doing something wrong. LOL Poppy and Vance were perfect for one another though and so all throughout the book I cheered them on and enjoyed every bit of this story. ~Jen


Profile Image for Laundry.
241 reviews26 followers
February 3, 2021
Where are my fellow Chicago PD fans at? If you love hot cops, suspense and hot as Hades romance, Man Down is absolutely the book for you. This story is the freaking trifecta. Vance and Poppy left me yearning for more and more of their steamy and nail biting world.

Story Line: Poppy is the new kid on the block at her job as a police officer. She comes from a long line of respected cops giving her pretty big shoes to fill. She's paired up with Vance to show her the ropes. And oh does he show her a specific rope. Kidding.. kind of. No, this isn't insta-love. However, I couldn't resist the super lame pun. Anyways, Poppy and Vance have sparks, there's no denying that. However, with his position at the station and her trying to prove she belongs there, it's an uphill battle for sure. Then, mix in the fact that yes, they are cops and yes their jobs are super dangerous, well that just sounds like a recipe for a saucy, heart pumping love story. And oh yes it is. Their HEA may not be a smooth ride, but dang is it so worth it.

Interaction: I'm not going to lie to y'all. Female cops intimidate the crap out of me. Like a lot. Like I advert my eyes from them at all costs because I know I'm not nearly as bad @$$ as they are. But Poppy I could relate to. I didn't see her as a cop who was holier than thou. She was down to earth, her emotions where real and felt deep within my gut. Vance was probably the one I would have avoided eye contact with like my life depended on it. He was rough around the edges. But man, when he and Poppy bloomed (see what I did there?) he became a total soft teddy bear that I would absolutely invite into my bed. Speaking of...

Laundry: Ah yes, our favorite part of romanceland, the laundry. I freaking loved the sense of forbidden romance these two started with. It makes the laundry even hotter in my opinion. Their chemistry sent actual electric sparks through my finger tips. Seriously, y'all. If you want to feel all the heat, the angst, the pent up frustration, trust me on this - you will with Man Down.

Depth: If you're new to BJ Bentley books, you need to know that her stories never ever fall flat. They are well rounded, full of imagery so vivid you will feel like you're in these characters lives as a weird bird lady watching from afar. Okay, maybe not a bird lady, but you get what I'm saying. Now, I always promise no spoilers, so this section is vague and I'm sorry. But with a suspense novel, it wouldn't exactly be a nail biter if I told you why this book has an incredible amount of depth. Just keep in mind, Vance and Poppy are ride along partners. They are bound to find some crazy stuff on patrol. And that crazy stuff isn't run of the mill. It's twisted and jaw dropping and oh so good. I promise you're going to eat up the pages just as fast as I did.
Profile Image for Jenny.
571 reviews30 followers
February 6, 2021
I absolutely loved this excellent romantic suspense novel set in K. Bromberg’s Everyday Hero world. Vance Brody is an seasoned detective at the Aspen Falls Police Department and he’s a bit of a Maverick; he gets called to the office quite a bit due to not following procedure, but the very clear takeaway is that Vance, while a Maverick, is a good cop who will stand up for people in a justified way and he will do what’s right. Vance gets called to the office yet again and is given a choice between suspension and training a rookie, Vance chooses the Rookie.

Enter Rookie Poppy Leighton who hails from a family of cops. Her Father was a cop and her brother is a detective. Vance is immediately both attracted to Poppy, but also annoyed with needed to train a rookie. Every single one of Vance’s Alpha/protective switches are pulled when it comes to Poppy, but Poppy, while physically strong, still has a few issues. Poppy and Vance just light up the pages, they have serious chemistry with a capitol C.

The suspense part of this story is great, it’s written well and is a well plotted storyline.

A huge shining star of this story is Poppy’s friend Maya; she’s a great character who is loved and accepted in the story as she should be and she added a lot of heart to this story as well as being pretty funny too.

To this author, I say well done!
Profile Image for Sandie Chraponski.
1,751 reviews18 followers
February 10, 2021
Another great addition to the KB World of Everyday Heroes. BJ Bentley has written a compelling story with complex characters.

Poppy is a rookie with something to prove even if it’s only to herself, and Vance is a jaded detective who’s life was turned upside down when Poppy walked through the door.

Take this journey with these two, you won’t regret it, there’s some action, and then there’s more action 😏 if you know what I mean. All in all this was a great way to spend an afternoon and I’m so glad I got the chance to read this one.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
711 reviews15 followers
February 4, 2021
4
Poppy and Vance have intense chemistry and it’s completely forbidden. Vance is her co-worker, superior, and also her brother’s co-worker.
I loved the suspense with this book and there was one thing that I wasn’t expecting, so that’s great for me. I also enjoyed the banter between these two when Poppy wouldn’t take any crap.
Poppy is a woman in a man’s world so her badarse and take no chit attitude is amazing to me, and Vance has a weakness for it.

Cops, forbidden romance, suspense
Profile Image for Mrs Jayne Rushton.
1,406 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2021
Suspense, action, and a couple who sizzle together.

This was really well written and had so many twists and turns. We caught up with old favourites snd met new friends, who I hope we get to meet again.

BJ writes the best books, and this one is so easy to like.

Well done x
Profile Image for Christy Warthen.
852 reviews9 followers
January 29, 2021
Quick read!

They shouldn’t work but make a great couple with a lot of craziness on their road to an HEA.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,949 reviews23 followers
January 24, 2021
I am loving all the stories in this world and this is one of the best ones I’ve read. In fact, this may be my favorite story written to date by this author. Vance and Poppy quickly became favorite characters, even if Vance came off as a bit of a rule breaker at first. You get the suspense and drama mixed with a lot of heat and romance, making this a must read story. Make sure it’s added to your list so you do not miss out!!!
Profile Image for Lane Martin.
Author 21 books70 followers
January 24, 2021
“Buckle up, baby.” I just finished BJ Bentleys KB World contribution, Man Down, and I loved it! Vance might be a bit of a renegade, but it’s’ clear he’s one of the good guys. I wanted to go kick some butt at the gym with Poppy and her friends. Take a trip to Aspen Fall, which isn’t far from Sunnyville, and meet your next heroes.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,497 reviews66 followers
February 11, 2021
Buckle Up, Baby

REVIEWED THRU KINDLE UNLIMITED
Buckle up, babes and hold on to your seats. Loved everything about this awesome book in the Everyday Heroes World and Vance & Poppy are just the couple to show you how it's done.❤❤❤❤❤
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,642 reviews
January 27, 2021
Man Down is the first book that I have read by B.J. Bentley and it definitely won’t be my last! Vance & Poppy won me over and I loved going on their journey. I loved that there was some suspense that kept me turning the pages.

I was excited to find out that some of the side characters already have stories. I am looking forward to reading their stories and hopefully there are more adventures to come in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed this book .
2,701 reviews25 followers
January 23, 2021
4*
Vance has been in the police force  for many years he's good at his job, his methods work sometimes causing his Captain to call him in.
Poppy is new to the force but she needs experience first hand, who better to take on the Rookie but Vance.
I loved how the two interacted with each other from the start, you could feel the sparks flying.
Definitely recommend reading
Profile Image for Amy Reierson.
1,364 reviews18 followers
February 11, 2021
“She doesn’t fight fair,” Vance grumbled, springing to his feet. “She’s a woman, boy. Women can’t afford to fight fair.”
Although the sparring didn't end the way Poppy had planned, the message is absolutely true to the characters in the scene.
Poppy Leighton, Rookie Cop currently being mentored by one of Aspen PD's finest Detective Vance Brody.
Neither expected to be in this position but neither is out right complaining either. Of course the constant current of electricity and banter, sexual and physical tension, doesn't really leave allot of time for complaining with their current situations both work and personal.
All I can say is I couldn't put them down.
And the supporting characters didn't disappoint from those we know and love the Malone's to our new friends, Maxie the quirky neighbor, Maya our brave & sassy friend, Colins the Partner, Heath Leighton the big brother you want to hug and punch, Linc and Chief. On and on it's one of my favorite parts of Everyday Heroes Books the extended family.
You won't be disappointed to find where Poppy and Vance finally land however I don't think they'll every really stop sparring.

I have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
February 12, 2021
BJ Bentley is a new to me author, and I have to say that I'm in love already after experiencing Man Down. Poppy comes from a family of cops, so it's not a shock that she became one too. She's one hell of a bada** but she's a woman who goes by set rules & doesn't color outside the lines. Vance Brody is a detective who goes off script quite a bit, basically straddling the line between right & wrong, but I didn't have any issue with him since he did whatever it took to get justice. He's finally facing suspension, and the only way to not get suspended is to train Poppy which he's not happy about though she's the daughter of his idol, and works with her brother. As they work together the sparks are flying, but with his job on the ropes, and her trying to prove herself worthy, it's not exactly easy. And don't forget they're in a dangerous job which kept me on the edge of my seat because it's not like they'll be just sitting around staring at each other. Man Down was a fantastic story that I couldn't get enough of, and so I'll end with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL! 
Profile Image for Kathyjacks.
Author 0 books146 followers
February 5, 2021
This book had a bit of fun for everyone. Poppy is a new officer while Vance is a detective . He also works with Poppy’s brother . Vance idolized Poppy’s father as she came from a family of cops .Both of these situations make them being together forbidden..

I loved the banter and chemistry between Poppy and Vance . As always Bj hit the spot with this own and threw in some suspense for funsies.

Poppy was a stickler for coloring inside the lines and following rules while Vance acts like rules were made to be broken . When Vance is asked to mentor Poppy he knows he’s in big trouble .

As always I love this author’s work . Her writing flows so well it’s like a well oiled machine . You can’t go wrong by picking up a book by Bj .
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
February 11, 2021
This is a great addition to this amazing series and is Vance and Poppy’s story. Vance is a detective who is a tad unorthodox as he skirts around breaking the rules, and the last thing he wants is to have to take under his wing a rookie cop to show her the rules. Poppy is a rookie cop who comes from a family of cops and having some big shoes to fill she is determined to bid by the rules. The sparks fly between these two, and the chemistry is intense and undeniable. This is a well written seamlessly written tale which has great secondary characters, suspense, danger, intrigue, love, and is a thrilling and riveting page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
February 11, 2021
Poppy is continuing the family tradition of law enforcement but she is determined to succeed on her own merits rather than because of her family. She isn’t sure if having Vance as her partner is the best thing that could have happened due to his experience or the worst as his reputation preceded him.

Vance is a seasoned detective whose actions may be unorthodox but there is no questioning the outcome. Trying to avoid one fire he ends up with Poppy as his partner which starts a fire of a different kind and that’s when the fun really begins.

Intrigue, surprises and heat as despite the obstacles between them some things are too strong to deny.
Profile Image for Kylee.
3,005 reviews57 followers
February 11, 2021
Man Down is a gripping story that will have you on the edge of your seat as the suspense, drama and chemistry captivate you in every way. Vance and Poppy's story is full of witty banter, a little push and pull and the connection between these two is felt deep under your skin. A story that has substance, grit and is emotional all packed in one amazing storyline. These two have an attraction from the moment that they meet and at times will leave you breathless. One that loves to break the rules and one that follows them to the letter makes for an interesting journey as Poppy takes Vance to his knees. Absolutely loved their story and the epilogue gave me everything and a bit more.
1,096 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2021
“Was he the sweet, giving lover I intuitively knew he would be? Or was he the philandering playboy...”

I’ll be honest it took me a good chapter or so to get lost in this book. I’m not sure if it was the characters, what was happening in my real life that I couldn’t focus...but I’m sure glad I stuck with it. I ended up falling in love with these characters. The emotional backstories that brought them together. Their struggles. Their success. Their chemistry...fans self.

trust. vulnerable. helpless. discipline. adrenaline. fear. cherished. alive. chemistry. pride. self worth.

“We can do this together, but, baby, you gotta let me in. Lean on me. Confide in me. Depend on me. Just don’t push me away.”
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,312 reviews20 followers
February 11, 2021
Man Down will get you in the feels. Vance is one of the best detectives in the department. Poppy is the new rookie that he has to train because he can't get his temper in order. These two get a case no one really wants. Drugs are a big thing and finding the person responsible is key. As Vance tries to train Poppy their attraction is undeniable. These two have chemistry both on and off the job, however, when Poppy is threatened it's Vance that will be there to help out. But sometimes things happen and when the chips fall can Vance save Poppy or will he lose her forever?
321 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2021
Loved this story

I really enjoyed this read and would ever say it's up as one of my favorites. I loved the characters both male and the female. While Vance was our male lead he was a good mix of alpha while not being to over the top. Poppy was our female lead character and she was strong but yet still relatable and down to earth. The character growth and story line throughout this book kept you engaged till the last page. I would highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Zelda.
1,465 reviews
February 12, 2021
This book is part of the K. Bromberg's Everyday Heroes World Series and confession— I haven’t read the original series! It didn't impact my enjoyment of this story at all. Vance is a detective in the Aspen Falls Police Department. He's mentoring his idol's daughter Poppy, a new recruit with great instincts. I liked Vance because he was respectful of Poppy from the start, despite her newness. Poppy has a second job, which is more her passion & I liked the way the author incorporated this into the story. There's lots of secondary characters-colleagues, both their families & friends, and the bad guys in the cases they’re investigating. I’d love to read more in the world the author has created. The plot brought lots of action and suspense and it really ramped up as the book went on. Well written story, wonderful characters-both heroes!

I received a copy of this book. My honest opinion is voluntarily provided
Profile Image for Laurie Anne.
945 reviews18 followers
February 7, 2021
First let me say I really love the Every Day Heroes series. I think this book had good bones and a good storyline but it fell short for me. Loved the MCs and was hoping for more character development. I usually enjoy this type of trope and I do love a strong female lead. Poppy was loyal and caring and Vance was a typical strong, alpha but also sweet.
I'd be interested to read another book written in the Every Day Heroes world.
Profile Image for Shirin Rasheed.
2,833 reviews40 followers
February 11, 2021
Man Down by BJ Bentley is part of An Everyday Heroes world and it's really Good. It's a very well written romantic suspense which wl keep you hooked to the story and on the edge of your seat.

I Recommend all Readers to one Click this book now.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
637 reviews
February 13, 2021
Poppy and Vances story is amazing! This is an officer/detective book and their chemistry is great and it’s also like a forbidden love. They are total opposites in every way but the chemistry can’t be ignored.
Profile Image for Demi.
1,428 reviews33 followers
February 6, 2021
Poppy is working as a rookie cop at the same station house her brother works and her late father had his career. Poppy is given a mentor and partner Vance to help break her in. Vance has the highest arrest record in the precinct, he knows how to "bend" some rules . Poppy is observant and is a rule follower. Seemingly opposite, what Vance and Poppy have in common is a big heart and sense of right and wrong. Yet their love for one another may be the biggest thing they have in common!
Profile Image for Lana-White Hot Reads.
1,215 reviews23 followers
February 6, 2021
Super sweet love story filled with instant attraction. Lana~White Hot Reads

Vance is assigned rookie police officer Poppy Leighton and its attraction at first sight. Poppy is shocked she gets assigned such a hot mentor. Sparks fly between them and they try to keep it at bay but they can't. When things heat up, these two sure know how to handle it. This is my first book by BJ and won't be my last.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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