Hayes and Olive are just fantastic! If you love a second chance romance this is the story for you! Olive is a take no crap kinda gal and Hayes is the man we dream of in this type of romance story. Always giving us the best plus size gals in a way that you can just feel their confidence and they 100% know exactly who they are.
When they are forced to work together at the local dog shelter, their past is shoved back in their faces. Realizing that Olive is the one who got away Hayes is determined to not let the past repeat itself. Olive is not making it easy on Hayes and I ate it all up and loved every bite!
Most importantly .... dogs and a boxer at that!!!!
READ this book!!!

I honestly love second chance romances. You don’t know what road they are going to travel down … the one of past mistakes or the one of forgive and forget – look forward to the future. Well, Model Behavior was the past mistakes and trying desperately to get Olive to forgive.

Hayes had his reasons and was totally embarrassed by them. A mother whose middle name was “obnoxious” and a sense of responsibility for his little sister. I guess he falls into the “knight-in-shining-armor” category of a man. But, his intentions were all good. When Olive stepped back into his life, he changed. He started becoming the man someone could be proud of (except his mother) and fall back in love with. But, Olive had hurdles of her own that she had to overcome as well. She didn’t know all of his reasons and he didn’t know what she went through after the break-up. Together, they started to figure everything out with the help of the Unlovabulls … especially Sadie.

What a wonderful and wonderfully written story. It was heart-breaking reading what Hayes went through and how hard he worked to reconnect with Olive. There was a part of me that just wanted to shake her at times. But, I also understood why she felt the way she did. Once I started reading this story, I fell in love with both characters and all the unlovable pups that Tricia Lynn brings into her story. Being a new grand-pup-ma, my heart was totally filled with love for all of them.

I also love the way Tricia Lynn tells a story. She knows how to bring the past together with the present … when to add a little laughter to an otherwise tense situation. She knows how to get two people to fall in love, or back in love in this case, with ease and grace. I truly enjoyed reading Model Behavior and can’t want to have more Unlovabulls in my future.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series. I think you can read this as a standalone, but it would help to have the backstory to the shelter, and Brody's link to Hayes.

I really like Olive's chance to see that her perfect life is not a whole life. That being human makes her a better PR guru, not less of one. It comes at a lot of personal cost though, and we travel that journey with her. I also found the whole entry into the world of dog training fascinating and quite different to what I expected – it is fun how it is compared to coaching football players, especially the cues that are given off through movement.

Hayes let his mother ruin his budding relationship with Olive over a decade ago and seems in danger of doing it again. Thankfully he has a very good friend in Brody, and some tough love brings him back from the edge. We don't often see such blatant abuse from a mother to a son in stories, but it is a good reminder of how parents can do untold damage to their children.

Because they had history and chemistry, it was easy to believe that they would slip back into comfort with each other, as well as pull back in surprise at that ease. It made for compelling reading, and for a level of tension which hummed along waiting for the shoe to drop!

I will definitely be reading more of this series, as there are some delicious hints at who may be next, and I would love to catch up with Hayes and Olive as well as Brody and Lisa in the future.

3.5*s

I feel bad for Hayes, he’s been abused by his mother for pretty much his entire life. And now he’s facing the end of his football career with nothing to show for it except a broken body, an empty bank account, and a whole lot of guilt. Meeting Olive again has him looking to the future a little differently, if only he can break free of his past.

Olive hit bottom and has spent years working to overcome it, so coming face to face with the man responsible is quite a shock. Letting Hayes back in could only mean trouble … or it could mean learning what it is to enjoy life.

I love how much Hayes and Olive support each other. Hayes understands that Olive is strong and can handle most things on her own, but she also needs someone who will remind her to relax. Olive does her best to make sure that Hayes realizes that he’s so much more than just a football player.

Both Hayes and Olive had childhoods that left scars they are struggling to overcome but it’s not easy and it leads to quite a few difficult moments and bad decisions. Model Behavior is not necessarily as refined as what I’m used to – the writing is a little rough and the story development was rushed in spots & slow in others – but it’s an enjoyable read. Lynne knows how to bring the heat and the angst so if that’s your kinda thing then I highly recommend Hayes & Olive’s story.

(Can be read as a stand alone but probably enjoyed a little bit more with some context provided in the first book.)

Olive was hurt when Hayes ended their relationship years earlier, but she has turned her life around and has created a successful career in PR. She has no interest in seeing Hayes again however her desire to help the kennel trumps all even if it means that they must work together for the greater good.

Hayes feels remorse both for ending his relationship with Olive and the way he did it. Hayes is trying to balance the transition from playing football to coaching as well as family expectations so when you throw his feelings for Olive into the mix you know you are in for a bumpy ride.

Olive and Hayes haven’t been in each others lives for quite a while so they must work through not only the breakup but their pasts as well but they prove that some things are meant to be and it is finally their time.

Oh I loved this book so much. Olive seems like she has everything all together. She runs a successful PR business. She has a set way for doing things. Hayes has just lost his football career and is now a coach for that team. What none of theirs friends know is that they were a couple in college. When the two end up working together to help the Unlovabulls dog shelter raise money, the past comes out. Hayes always regrets the way he ended things with Ollie and wants to at least have a chance to apologize and maybe be her friend again. She tries to actively stay away from him but finally he is able to get a chance to talk to her. These two had so much feeling to them. I loved their interactions. Hayes has a mom that I just wanted to throttle. He makes decisions in life based mostly on trying to take care of his sister and keep his mom off his back. He never seems to put his happiness first. Throw is a cute rescue dog and this book is great from start to finish. I don’t want to give anymore away as it was great from start to finish. I have read the first book in the series which you don’t have to to enjoy this one, but I loved seeing the characters again. Cant wait for more!

I love a second chance romance. Though, this one tried to break my heart into pieces before it built me back up again. Great read!

Olive is a strong, independent woman, who knows what she wants and works hard for what she has. She runs a PR firm and helps in the kennel. As a favour, she is planning several events to help raise money for it.

She is asked to plan the fundraiser with Hayes. It wouldn't be a problem if they didn't have a history. A painful one.

They were a couple in college, planning for a future together when unexpectedly he broke up with her.

She is afraid to get close again, even if the spark is very much alive because she is afraid of the person she becomes when she is with him, free and not tried down by expectation. The last time that happened is, she was pulled into a spiral that ended with a car accident.

Hayes's family is using him for his money. Now that he is just a trainer and not a player for Dallas Bulldogs, his earnings are much lower and he is in a bad spot. The worst decision he ever made, was dumping her. He is determined to get a second chance.

It's a lovely story, but overly long. There was a lot of info that was unnecessary for a story and halted its progression.

I'm loving the Unlovabulls!! Model Behavior is book two of the series, and is yet another amazing read by Ms Lynne!

Olive and Hayes were college sweethearts, until he was drafted into the NFL. When we meet them, Olive knows Hayes is in the same small city as she is, but ever since he dumped her, she's avoided him as much as possible. They're brought back together by Lily's and Brody's Unlovabulls Dog Rescue. Their story was told in Protective Instincts. Also a great read!!

Olive and Hayes were thrown together to try to get some local football players to volunteer their time for their former teammate's rescue. Hijinx, hilarity and hot, steamy scenes are everywhere!! They have a dog agility show with the NFL Pros vs agility pros; then they have a tent at the Texas State Fair with photos and autographs for donations; and lastly a gala event for $10,000 a plate plus a date and silent auction. Hayes also convinces a band to do a special concert just for the UnlovaBulls. While they are setting all these up and implementing the plans that Olive has set up, there’s all kinds of things going on in their lives. Some good and some not so good. But of course Ms Lynne wouldn’t let her readers down (I hope), and there’s a happily ever after!!

Model Behavior should be required reading for all romance authors, so they can learn how to get all the good parts of the romance genre in one book.without losing steam! I'd recommend this to anyone that likes Southern Fried Romance in a steamy package! 11\10 rating!!

This checked off everything I look for in a book. Was not disappointed. Really enjoyed this book. I will read more from this author. Must read

Oh my gosh!! Give me lovable pups, a rough and tumble football player, and you have me at hello. This is my first time reading Tricia Lynne and I can assure you it won't be my last. I graciously received a promotions box via Inkslinger PR with Protective Instinct and a download of model behavior. If you’re looking for a little ASMR please feel free to check out the TickTock of the unboxing. But first and foremost let me tell ya... Hayes Walker is mine. All mine. I am not sharing him with anyone. The second chance romance is exactly what this reader needed. It’s chemistry, sweet Pups, heart-tugging moments, and ultimately love that is everlasting. On a personal note, I lost my sweet Maggie pup after loving her for 14 years. It’s been six months and I’m still not ready for a new fur baby in my life. I really like the fact that Lynne not only recognized how impactful the loss of a pet is but she was honest and gentle with it in her books too. Thank you for that.

~Tanja

Thanks Netgalley and Carina for access to this arc.

In this case, me not finishing this book really is the old cliche "it's me and not it." I didn't notice the Publisher warning about emotional abuse and alcohol which are two of my triggers. That is on me. As to the rest, I know that (based on the glowing reviews) there is a market for this book but I am not it. There was too much internal monologuing for me and despite the fact that I love animals, too much about dogs. I also felt that the sexy was more raunchy then I like. The reintro scene of the heroine and hero made me furious at the hero - really he has no clue that dumping this woman he loved and who he knew loved him via text wouldn't make her try to avoid him for ten years?

I did like that the book addresses the issue of athletes dealing with post player life rather than just seeing them at the height of their fame on the gridiron.

A story that involved dogs? Absolutely! A dirty talking bruiser of a football player? Hell yes! A kick ass and sassy, dirty talking heroine? Bring it! Hayes and Olive were such relatable characters. Their life turmoils were believable. I loved how Olive was always able to get back up swinging after life knocked her down. Poor Hayes and his hero complex. He had to learn how to be a hero for himself. I did find the first chapter a bit of a challenge to get through since it was heavy on facts regarding dog rescue. But after that, the story telling took over. A wonderful read from a new to me author.

Hayes Walker and Olivia Russo were very much in love over ten years ago. But Hayes chose a career in football and broke up with her via a text.
After the heartbreak and missteps in her youth, Olivia is nowadays a well respected owner of a PR business while Hayes has been let go from his football team.
Hayes never told Olivia the real reason for his actions, and still after all this time his family, especially his mother, seem to be ruling his life.
When the rescue center their friends run needs help, they both team up to help them get donations. Will this give them a second chance or will the past problems with family have Hayes leaving Olivia once again?
This story is a reminder that one’s experiences during childhood and the way parents treat their children do indeed forever leave a mark on the individual. It will also affect them as they become adults. Overcoming those emotional scars might be difficult, but worth it if it means finding one’s happiness.
This book was the second one in the series and though I felt I would have benefited from reading book one, it could still be considered a standalone.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Carina Press. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Model Behavior by Tricia Lynne is the second book in her Unlovabulls series. I enjoyed this storyline quite a bit. Ms. Lynne set up her conflict well and the resolution was written in a manner that kept my attention.The two main characters, Olive Russo and Hayes Walker were fun to follow along to their Happily Ever After. This read was fun and sexy.

A good one!!

Loved all the dogs 😻 and the sensitive issues touched upon made me tear up..

Wow - Olive and Hayes - both beautiful made for each other. Glad they got a second chance.

Olive is this strong and confident person and her Hayes is equally strong and doesn't underestimate Olive in anyway. Though it was more like taking her strength for granted rather than prioritising her, he comes around and it's all super good! Even those of us who are confident and strong on the outside have our own moments and surely want our significant other to prioritise us max possible.

Am definitely reading the first book in this series and looking forward to the next.

I loved the first book in the series and was looking forward to this one and I wasn't disappointed. Olive and Hayes have a history but he owns up to his mistakes and they are able to move forward. The story is well paced and I loved seeing characters from the previous book.

Omg, I'm so in love with Hayes Walker! Strong and silent on the outside, but he melts only for "the one that got away" and the old dog at the rescue where he volunteers. All of these characters are beyond yummy!

Hayes is a former Dallas Bulldogs football player who didn't really plan for life after football and is forced into retirement. His only motivation to get out of bed is a senior dog at a local rescue he spends time with and trying to stay in shape so he might get picked up by another team. Olive is an ass kicking public relations manager that lives and dies by her to do lists. When Hayes dumps her a decade earlier, it affected her in ways that she needs to keep private. When the two come back together to plan several fundraisers for the Unlovabulls (love the spelling, btw) dog rescue, sparks fly but at what cost? Hayes could break Olives heart again and choose family or football before Olive. Or will her secrets get out? But the chemistry is stronger than every and they're having a hard time staying "just" friends.

A sweet, steamy second chance romance. I love how no nonsense Olive is and Hayes is book boyfriend material all the way. I loved how the author spun the opposites attract story and the play on both football and dog rescue work. It was really lovely how she drew the parallel between the old dog nobody will adopt, but Hayes spends time with (Sadie), and the old football player nobody wants on their team.

The love scenes are off the charts hot, I especially loved the beard ride, and I am in love with Olive and how secure she is in her 6 ft tall, plus size body. She's confident and such a strong heroine! I want to be Olive when I grow up. Plus, doggies everywhere, and the dog names crack me up. Biggie and Smallz, Kevin and Dogzilla.

Model Behavior is a must read contemporary for sports romance lovers, and dog lovers too. You will fall in love with Hayes, Olive and Sadie. I can't wait to get my hands on the next in the series. I hope the veterinarian gets her own book.