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Lawyers in Love #1
Legally Yours
When Julie Streeter dropped out of law school to care for her little sister, one of the things she missed most was her crush-worthy classmate, Matt Ellis. Now, he's visiting the firm where she works as a paralegal and is just as sexy now as he was then.
Matt Ellis never expected to run into Julie again--certainly not at the law firm where he's been sent to investigate leaks to the opposing team. When he finds the list of things she'd like to try before her thirtieth birthday, very sexy things, on the office copier he offers to be her list buddy while he's in town. And to his surprise, Julie agrees.
Will their mind-blowing chemistry lead to more than just a fling, or could what started out as a crush turn into something neither one of them expected?
Matt Ellis never expected to run into Julie again--certainly not at the law firm where he's been sent to investigate leaks to the opposing team. When he finds the list of things she'd like to try before her thirtieth birthday, very sexy things, on the office copier he offers to be her list buddy while he's in town. And to his surprise, Julie agrees.
Will their mind-blowing chemistry lead to more than just a fling, or could what started out as a crush turn into something neither one of them expected?
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First published May 4, 2012
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281 people want to read
About the author
Manda Collins
37 books1,573 followersManda Collins grew up on a combination of Nancy Drew books and Jane Austen novels, and her own brand of Regency romantic suspense is the result. A former academic librarian, she holds advanced degrees in English Lit and Librarianship. Her books have been favorably reviewed in Entertainment Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Publisher's Weekly, Bookpage, and USA Today. A native of Alabama, she lives on the Gulf Coast with a very stubborn cat and more books than are strictly necessary.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 13, 2012
This was ~80 pages of pure fun and sexy m/f hotness. Loved it.
(((Blow job lessons, anyone? LOL)))
Julie is about to turn 30 in two weeks so she decided to create a bucket-list of things to do before that big day. She spent the last six years raising her little sister and putting her own personal life on hold, but now that her sister is off to college all that is about to change.
Matt had a huge crush on Julie back in college, but before he could make his move Julie dropped out to raise her little sister after their parents were killed. Seeing her again at the law firm in Birmingham, Alabama (where he is on a short assignment), stirs up old desires.
The attraction and chemistry between Matt and Julie was hot and fun to read. When he discovers her list, he is more than happy to help. I loved the way they went about checking things off her list, it made me look forward to the next chapters!
Matt and Julie made a great couple, and I enjoyed their romance both in and out of bed. While they could burn up the sheets, their friendly chemistry with each other was just as fun to read. I loved the way he could tease Julie and make her putty in his hands.
This story reminded me of some of my favorite contemporary romance authors (Toni Blake, Erin McCarthy, Jill Shalvis...) Cheeky humor, hot sex, quirky but very likable characters...etc. I haven't read anything by Manda Collins before, but now I want to check out her other books. I look forward to more in this Legal series too.
Note: Manda contacted me and asked if I'd like a copy of her new self published novella, which I was happy to get as I've been wanting to try one of her books. She's been a Goodreads friend of mine for several years and recently became a published author with St. Martin's Press. My review was purely optional, but after reading this I had to gush about it. I'm very impressed.
(((Blow job lessons, anyone? LOL)))
Julie is about to turn 30 in two weeks so she decided to create a bucket-list of things to do before that big day. She spent the last six years raising her little sister and putting her own personal life on hold, but now that her sister is off to college all that is about to change.
Matt had a huge crush on Julie back in college, but before he could make his move Julie dropped out to raise her little sister after their parents were killed. Seeing her again at the law firm in Birmingham, Alabama (where he is on a short assignment), stirs up old desires.
The attraction and chemistry between Matt and Julie was hot and fun to read. When he discovers her list, he is more than happy to help. I loved the way they went about checking things off her list, it made me look forward to the next chapters!
Matt and Julie made a great couple, and I enjoyed their romance both in and out of bed. While they could burn up the sheets, their friendly chemistry with each other was just as fun to read. I loved the way he could tease Julie and make her putty in his hands.
“Of course, we’re not technically working for the same firm, so I think an argument could be made that a consensual relationship wouldn’t break any laws. At least not any corporate ones.”
He leaned into her, licking her ear lobe. “I can’t promise anything about Alabama laws, though. There are definitely some things the state frowns on that I wouldn’t mind doing with you, sugar. To you, even.”
This story reminded me of some of my favorite contemporary romance authors (Toni Blake, Erin McCarthy, Jill Shalvis...) Cheeky humor, hot sex, quirky but very likable characters...etc. I haven't read anything by Manda Collins before, but now I want to check out her other books. I look forward to more in this Legal series too.
Note: Manda contacted me and asked if I'd like a copy of her new self published novella, which I was happy to get as I've been wanting to try one of her books. She's been a Goodreads friend of mine for several years and recently became a published author with St. Martin's Press. My review was purely optional, but after reading this I had to gush about it. I'm very impressed.
June 3, 2012
Read my review at Demon Lover's Books and More
This hot little number is a fun read. While it’s marketed as an erotic romance, I would list it as more of a super sexy contemporary romance.
Julie had to drop out of law school to care for her younger sister, but now, nearing her 30th birthday, she’s feeling like she’s in a rut. Her sister is all grown up and attending college, Julie’s great job as a paralegal isn’t feeling so great, and she’s going to be *gasp* 30 in 2 weeks! It doesn’t help that her law school crush is visiting from corporate, and he hasn’t forgotten Julie. So she creates a list. Sort of like a Bucket List, but it’s her Before 30 List. Guess who finds the list?
Matt is working late one night, trying to find a leak in this office, when he finds Julie’s To Do Before 30 List. His mind is blown. They start on the first item right there in the office.
Matt sees that while they’re saying it’s short term, that he can never be short term with Julie. He wants to have a real relationship with her, but will she let him? She’s skittish and ready to bolt at the slightest hint of anything permanent. Will he be able to win her over to his side? Or will she balk at the idea of changing anything about her steady and reliable life?
***Thanks to the author for the review copy
This hot little number is a fun read. While it’s marketed as an erotic romance, I would list it as more of a super sexy contemporary romance.
Julie had to drop out of law school to care for her younger sister, but now, nearing her 30th birthday, she’s feeling like she’s in a rut. Her sister is all grown up and attending college, Julie’s great job as a paralegal isn’t feeling so great, and she’s going to be *gasp* 30 in 2 weeks! It doesn’t help that her law school crush is visiting from corporate, and he hasn’t forgotten Julie. So she creates a list. Sort of like a Bucket List, but it’s her Before 30 List. Guess who finds the list?
Matt is working late one night, trying to find a leak in this office, when he finds Julie’s To Do Before 30 List. His mind is blown. They start on the first item right there in the office.
Matt sees that while they’re saying it’s short term, that he can never be short term with Julie. He wants to have a real relationship with her, but will she let him? She’s skittish and ready to bolt at the slightest hint of anything permanent. Will he be able to win her over to his side? Or will she balk at the idea of changing anything about her steady and reliable life?
***Thanks to the author for the review copy
May 13, 2012
Really cute and fun-to-read short story by Manda Collins. This one sizzled with very likable characters and lots of hot, steamy "lessons on love."
May 11, 2012
Manda Collins is a new author for me but if LEGALLY YOURS is an example of her work I am now a committed fan! This is the cutest, sweetest, HOTTEST short romance I’ve read in a long time.In less than 70 pages I ran the gamut of reader emotions. I laughed at the amusing dialog. I had to turn on a fan when Matt decides to teach Julie how to give a BJ and discovers who the real teacher is in that little lesson. Toward the end I even teared up a bit, not because anything tragic happened but because getting to the HEA was so… sweet. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series and will be looking at Ms Collins’ other series, beginning with HOW TO DANCE WITH A DUKE.
Please see my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... on May 14, 2012
Please see my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... on May 14, 2012
May 14, 2012
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
I really enjoyed this story, I just wish it were longer. Julie and Matt had some great sexytimes together and are hella hot together. I liked that even though this was a short story it felt complete. It didn't feel rushed or as if anything was missing. It had a nice progression that felt real and true to the characters.
Julie has spent the last six years raising her younger sister and in the process has put her own personal life on hold. When Julie gets a blast from her past in the form of her old crush from law school Matt, she realizes she hasn't really done much with her personal life. With her thirtieth birthday just two weeks away she decides that it may be time to make some changes. She decides to create a bucket list of items, most of the list being sexy items that she hopes to complete before she hits thirty.
When Matt was in law school he had a huge crush on Julie. He thought she was sexy and smart but by the time he finally found the nerve to ask her out, she was gone. He never expected to see or hear from her again, especially not at the law firm he's been sent to investigate. When he spies Julie's bucket list in the office copier, he knows this is his chance to finally get closer to Julie. He offers to help Julie complete the list.
It was only supposed to be a two week fling with no attachments, no feelings. Julie would go back to living her life and Matt would go back to Washington, D.C. But when things start to get more serious between them how can they just walk away and pretend they have no feelings for one another? Neither one expected anything to come from their fling, but could a fling really turn into a relationship?
Seriously, this was a great read. If you are looking for something hot and sexy, then look no further. Not only do Matt and Julie has some sexy chemistry in the bedroom but they are also great outside of it. I hope Manda decides to write about more of these sexy lawyers, because she's definitely got me wanting more.
**ARC copy provided by the author**
I really enjoyed this story, I just wish it were longer. Julie and Matt had some great sexytimes together and are hella hot together. I liked that even though this was a short story it felt complete. It didn't feel rushed or as if anything was missing. It had a nice progression that felt real and true to the characters.
Julie has spent the last six years raising her younger sister and in the process has put her own personal life on hold. When Julie gets a blast from her past in the form of her old crush from law school Matt, she realizes she hasn't really done much with her personal life. With her thirtieth birthday just two weeks away she decides that it may be time to make some changes. She decides to create a bucket list of items, most of the list being sexy items that she hopes to complete before she hits thirty.
When Matt was in law school he had a huge crush on Julie. He thought she was sexy and smart but by the time he finally found the nerve to ask her out, she was gone. He never expected to see or hear from her again, especially not at the law firm he's been sent to investigate. When he spies Julie's bucket list in the office copier, he knows this is his chance to finally get closer to Julie. He offers to help Julie complete the list.
It was only supposed to be a two week fling with no attachments, no feelings. Julie would go back to living her life and Matt would go back to Washington, D.C. But when things start to get more serious between them how can they just walk away and pretend they have no feelings for one another? Neither one expected anything to come from their fling, but could a fling really turn into a relationship?
Seriously, this was a great read. If you are looking for something hot and sexy, then look no further. Not only do Matt and Julie has some sexy chemistry in the bedroom but they are also great outside of it. I hope Manda decides to write about more of these sexy lawyers, because she's definitely got me wanting more.
**ARC copy provided by the author**
June 2, 2012
You can find my review at Forever Book Lover.
What a sizzling hot novella from historical romance writer Manda Collins. Yikes, my kindle is still hot!!
Who knew that Manda had a "kinky" side.. Even though this is a quick read, Manda was able to write a wonderful love story with just enough spark. For those readers out there worried about it being too erotic, I would classify this more as a steamy contemporary romance.
This was boy meets girl in college has a crush, girl leaves school to take care of her sister after her parents death, and reconnect years later and they find there is something still there between them. There was more to their story than just the steamy sex scenes, even though their fling was suppose to be temporary, they both lose their hearts to one another, but are they willing to take the risk? You will enjoy this novella, and I will pick up the next in the Lawyers in Love series. Great summer book!! Not only has Manda proven that she is a wonderful historical romance writer, she has broaden her writing genre to sexy contemporary lit and is worthy to be compared to some of my other favorite authors: Lori Foster, Leslie Kelly and especially Jill Shalvis.
Thanks Manda! I was given a ebook copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2012
Lovely, light, and funny, Manda Collins' erotic romance novella gives some laugh at loud moments that will make you wake up your sleeping partner. This is a perfect read for a bus ride home or a boring waiting room. The premise is believable, the main characters are well developed, and the hero and heroine are people you'll probably recognize in your real life.
May 13, 2012
Great weekend read!
May 16, 2012
Rhys' review posted on Guilty Pleasures
Julie Streeter is in some serious trouble. She is about to do something that is only for her, and damn the consequences. Making a list of all the things that the only Julie would think nothing of is just what she needs to get back to feeling like the young law student that she is. When Matt Ellis, her law school crush and current client, finds the list and offers himself up as her test subject, Julie is both elated and scared at the idea of getting just what she wants yet not enough at the same time. Can she keep her heart out of the mix when Matt walks away or will she just being giving more of herself to him that she will never be able to replace in the end?
Matt can’t believe his luck. Not only does he get to see Julie again after all of these years, but she is actually wanting to try anything sexual that she missed out on years ago. While Matt wants nothing more than to give Julie all that he has on a temporary basis, what happens when his feelings start getting in the way of sex? Can Matt still walk away at the end of the agreement or will he be in breach of contract?
For a short story this was a great book with enough hot sex that my e-reader was steaming at the end. The story of Matt and Julie was sweet and innocent at some parts while dirty and raunchy in other parts. How these two stayed away from each other all this time, I will never know but boy am I glad that I got to see the fireworks that were going off around them from the reunion. Manda Collins is a new to me author, and I can honestly say that if the rest of the books in her Lawyers in Love series (this one is the first of many I hope) are as good as this I will definitely add her to my TBR pile in the future. If you are looking for a great story with hot sex and wonderful characters than this is the book for you.
Julie Streeter is in some serious trouble. She is about to do something that is only for her, and damn the consequences. Making a list of all the things that the only Julie would think nothing of is just what she needs to get back to feeling like the young law student that she is. When Matt Ellis, her law school crush and current client, finds the list and offers himself up as her test subject, Julie is both elated and scared at the idea of getting just what she wants yet not enough at the same time. Can she keep her heart out of the mix when Matt walks away or will she just being giving more of herself to him that she will never be able to replace in the end?
Matt can’t believe his luck. Not only does he get to see Julie again after all of these years, but she is actually wanting to try anything sexual that she missed out on years ago. While Matt wants nothing more than to give Julie all that he has on a temporary basis, what happens when his feelings start getting in the way of sex? Can Matt still walk away at the end of the agreement or will he be in breach of contract?
For a short story this was a great book with enough hot sex that my e-reader was steaming at the end. The story of Matt and Julie was sweet and innocent at some parts while dirty and raunchy in other parts. How these two stayed away from each other all this time, I will never know but boy am I glad that I got to see the fireworks that were going off around them from the reunion. Manda Collins is a new to me author, and I can honestly say that if the rest of the books in her Lawyers in Love series (this one is the first of many I hope) are as good as this I will definitely add her to my TBR pile in the future. If you are looking for a great story with hot sex and wonderful characters than this is the book for you.
August 12, 2014
2.5/5.0
The uneducated sex student will come away from this manuscript with enough information that he or she could entertain the same partner for the better part of a week!
Read full review in the 2012 July/August issue of InD’tale Magazine.
The uneducated sex student will come away from this manuscript with enough information that he or she could entertain the same partner for the better part of a week!
Read full review in the 2012 July/August issue of InD’tale Magazine.
May 19, 2012
I'm not usually a fan of novellas, but I thought this one was just the right length for the characters to seem real and for them to have a life outside the relationship, which is my usual complaint about short stories.
A steamy, short read, where we get attached to the hero and heroine.
A steamy, short read, where we get attached to the hero and heroine.
May 11, 2012
Fun, sexy novella--loved it!
Want to read
May 12, 2012$.99 short steamy read...
and a 5 star review from KarLyn?
Done. Bought it. On the kindle.
and a 5 star review from KarLyn?
Done. Bought it. On the kindle.
May 27, 2012
80 Pages of Sexy. This is HOT little short story.
May 9, 2021
This was good - different. Who knew a book about lawyers could be so interesting!
August 7, 2024
Straight to the point and a believable scenario! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
June 18, 2012
Julie Streeter had to drop out of law school to raise her younger sister after her parent’s death. Now five years later, she works as a paralegal since her sister is in college and is more independent. Her crush from law school, Matt Ellis is in town working for the opposing counsel on a case Julie’s firm has.
Julie is about to turn 30, and is tired of living a careful life. She had to take on a lot of responsibility young, and now that she has more freedom, she wants to try new things. She writes a ‘to-do list’ of sorts that lists sexual things she has never tried. She types it out late one night at the office and it includes outdoor sex, learn how to give a good blow job and try something new in bed. As she prints it off on the office printer, she doesn’t realize Matt is still at the office, and right next to the printer. He reads the list before she can get to it and is surprised to find the turtleneck wearing, yet still beautiful Julie is this adventurous. He tells her since he is leaving in two weeks when his assignment is done, he can be the man to fulfill her list, and then he’ll leave no strings attached. Julie agrees, and the sexy times begin. Except I had a hard time with finding this book very sexy.
First of all, there isn’t any build-up or sexual tension in this story. I just didn’t feel any chemistry between Julie and Matt. Yes they have sex, but I needed more….lust. Or more tension. It feels as if Matt and Julie see each other again and then they decide to have sex so matter-of-factly. We also never get to learn about Matt. What is his back story? What is his personality? It is missing throughout the book.
When Matt ‘teaches’ Julie to give a better blow job, Julie tentatively starts, admitting she is slightly afraid of a penis. The next thing you know, she is not only giving the blow job, but she puts her finger up his butt. Wait, what? For a girl who is more shy, and awkward about this, I don’t understand why her character would do that. It didn’t fit her character’s personality at all in my opinion.
I also had issues with the legal matters in this book. Matt is actually in town to try to find a leak in her office, under the guise he is there working on a case. When they are talking about legal issues with the case, Matt thinks Julie, who is only a paralegal should make decisions about their case. Yes, Julie attended law school, but she didn’t graduate nor sit for the bar exam. So why would Matt think she is qualified to make these types of decisions? I understand he wants her to have enough confidence to go back to law school, but I’m not sure that I bought into his professional lawyer persona.
The end felt rushed and I didn’t buy into the HEA. An erotic book has to have more than just explicit sex scenes in it. I need sexual tension, chemistry and characters with depth. I don’t think we get that in this book.
Rating: D
Julie is about to turn 30, and is tired of living a careful life. She had to take on a lot of responsibility young, and now that she has more freedom, she wants to try new things. She writes a ‘to-do list’ of sorts that lists sexual things she has never tried. She types it out late one night at the office and it includes outdoor sex, learn how to give a good blow job and try something new in bed. As she prints it off on the office printer, she doesn’t realize Matt is still at the office, and right next to the printer. He reads the list before she can get to it and is surprised to find the turtleneck wearing, yet still beautiful Julie is this adventurous. He tells her since he is leaving in two weeks when his assignment is done, he can be the man to fulfill her list, and then he’ll leave no strings attached. Julie agrees, and the sexy times begin. Except I had a hard time with finding this book very sexy.
First of all, there isn’t any build-up or sexual tension in this story. I just didn’t feel any chemistry between Julie and Matt. Yes they have sex, but I needed more….lust. Or more tension. It feels as if Matt and Julie see each other again and then they decide to have sex so matter-of-factly. We also never get to learn about Matt. What is his back story? What is his personality? It is missing throughout the book.
When Matt ‘teaches’ Julie to give a better blow job, Julie tentatively starts, admitting she is slightly afraid of a penis. The next thing you know, she is not only giving the blow job, but she puts her finger up his butt. Wait, what? For a girl who is more shy, and awkward about this, I don’t understand why her character would do that. It didn’t fit her character’s personality at all in my opinion.
I also had issues with the legal matters in this book. Matt is actually in town to try to find a leak in her office, under the guise he is there working on a case. When they are talking about legal issues with the case, Matt thinks Julie, who is only a paralegal should make decisions about their case. Yes, Julie attended law school, but she didn’t graduate nor sit for the bar exam. So why would Matt think she is qualified to make these types of decisions? I understand he wants her to have enough confidence to go back to law school, but I’m not sure that I bought into his professional lawyer persona.
The end felt rushed and I didn’t buy into the HEA. An erotic book has to have more than just explicit sex scenes in it. I need sexual tension, chemistry and characters with depth. I don’t think we get that in this book.
Rating: D
June 1, 2012
It was pretty good for a short story. The only thing that bothered me was that it seemed a little disconnected at times. Examples: you read about him taking off her pants, but then she talks about the feel of the wall on her back and when they're done she has to go retrieve her shirt even though she was fully clothed and all he did was take off her pants?? She says he never tried calling her, but then he says she was screening her calls. The last chapter says "one month later" and then he kisses her with the passion he's been saving for the past 2 months since they parted...what? LoL....nothing crazy, just little things here and there that bothered me that a little more editing could have fixed. OH, and the fact that there were no physical descriptions of the characters so it was hard for me to visualize them. On the plus side, I really like how it's not really rushed like a lot of romance stuff. They've had a thing for each other since law school so that's cool. Also, the sex is steamy. He's a very creative individual LoL
June 12, 2012
I had so many issues with this I just couldn't find anything to like about it at all. I found the sex scenes too graphic. I have no objection sex scenes if they are supported by romance, but I was uncomfortable by the explicit description here. I was bothered by the manner in which Lily nagged and criticized Julie's life. She's like 18 or 19 and yet she feels the right to criticize Julie and COMPLAIN that Julie is too ATTACHED to her!!! The real deal-breaker for me was the ending. Julie and Matt have a major misunderstanding and break-up, Matt realizes he loves Julie, and without ever communicating with her for an ENTIRE MONTH, he quits his job and moves back to Birmingham to be with her. And of course, she loves him too, forgives him, and of course, everything is just peachy!!!! I just find that completely lacking in credibility!! I actually didn't really like either Matt or Julie and actively disliked Lily. The most credible character in the entire story was probably Clay.
June 23, 2015
I absolutely loved the first half of the book, I thought the characters had great chemistry, hot tension and engaging characteristics. But I don't know what happened to the story after that. I had trouble putting it down last night, but when I picked it back up again this evening, it had lost its magic. I don't know if it's me or the story. Sadly, I can't give it more that 3 stars as a whole, and it's not going on my keep shelf.
July 23, 2012
Another one of my sight unseen purchases. I liked the characters' backstory, their reintroduction to each other, and the love scenes were hot. But, I just didn't feel these twp had anything in common. The romantic part fell flat and maybe that was because it couldn't fit in the short story length. Not a bad story, just okay.
May 22, 2012
Reviewed for Booked Up . Stay tuned for the review to be posted on Booked Up's goodreads account and the Blog
June 14, 2012
I definitely enjoyed this...it was a very cute and steamy short story! :)
September 23, 2012
Typical drama of a couple composed of eager-guy and commitment-phobic-girl. Meh
May 8, 2014
****3.5****
September 6, 2017
I loved it. Hot, sexy & yet tasteful. Easy reader, straight up story line and of course a good finish.
June 15, 2012
Review under construction
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews