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Anna Curtis #1
La regola del gioco
As a newly minted Assistant U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., Anna Curtis has already developed thick skin to deal with the brutality she encounters with her daily stack of domestic violence cases. Yet when Laprea Johnson walks into Anna’s life—battered by her boyfriend on the morning after Valentine’s Day—there’s something about this particular case that Anna can’t quite shake, something that reminds the prosecutor of her own troubled past.
At the trial, Laprea makes a last-minute reversal, lying on the witness stand to free her boy-friend. Shortly after he is freed, Anna is horrified to hear that Laprea’s body has been found in a trash heap. Hastily assigned to prosecute the murder case alongside intimidating chief homicide prosecutor Jack Bailey, Anna’s heart sinks when she learns that her own boyfriend, public defender Nick Wagner, is representing the accused.
Torn between bringing the killer to justice and saving her personal life, Anna makes a series of choices that jeopardizes her career, her relationships, and her very life as she uncovers the shocking truth behind the murder.
At the trial, Laprea makes a last-minute reversal, lying on the witness stand to free her boy-friend. Shortly after he is freed, Anna is horrified to hear that Laprea’s body has been found in a trash heap. Hastily assigned to prosecute the murder case alongside intimidating chief homicide prosecutor Jack Bailey, Anna’s heart sinks when she learns that her own boyfriend, public defender Nick Wagner, is representing the accused.
Torn between bringing the killer to justice and saving her personal life, Anna makes a series of choices that jeopardizes her career, her relationships, and her very life as she uncovers the shocking truth behind the murder.
377 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2010
96 people are currently reading
3976 people want to read
About the author
Allison Leotta
11 books420 followersFor twelve years, I was a federal prosecutor in Washington, DC, where I specialized in prosecuting sex crimes, domestic violence, and crimes against children.
I started writing because I saw heartbreaking tragedies, acts of shocking evil, and vulnerable victims every day - but also moments of real heroism, true love, and healing. Given the stories I witnessed, the rich cast of characters I worked with, and my lifelong love of fiction, I had to write a book.
I wanted to create a story that would both entertain and teach about the way the criminal justice system works—and doesn’t work. I focused on a nightmare shared by domestic-violence prosecutors: losing a case and setting free an abuser who eventually kills his victim. I wanted to explore why so many women stay with boyfriends who hurt them. And I wanted to create a strong, smart female prosecutor who would empathize with her witnesses because she shared some of their experiences – but whose romantic life would suffer from those same experiences.
Law of Attraction was written in the spaces of my life between prosecuting and mommying. I started writing while I was pregnant with my first son. I would wake up at 5:00 a.m. and write for a couple of hours before heading to work. I wrote at night and on weekends. After my son was born, I wrote during his naps and after bedtime. Now, the sound of a softly snoring baby triggers a Pavlovian response in me to start typing.
In 2010, Simon & Schuster published LAW OF ATTRACTION. The Washington Post called it “a racy legal thriller, taking on a still-taboo subject.” Suspense Magazine named it one of the best books of the year, and Library Journal gave it a starred review, calling it "riveting."
The sequel, DISCRETION, will be published this July, and is available for pre-order.
I also blog about what TV crime shows get right and wrong, from my perspective as a real sex-crimes prosecutor. The ABA named my blog, the Prime-Time Crime Review, one of the best legal blogs in America.
I went to Michigan State University and Harvard Law School. Now I live in Maryland with my two sons and my husband, Michael.
I started writing because I saw heartbreaking tragedies, acts of shocking evil, and vulnerable victims every day - but also moments of real heroism, true love, and healing. Given the stories I witnessed, the rich cast of characters I worked with, and my lifelong love of fiction, I had to write a book.
I wanted to create a story that would both entertain and teach about the way the criminal justice system works—and doesn’t work. I focused on a nightmare shared by domestic-violence prosecutors: losing a case and setting free an abuser who eventually kills his victim. I wanted to explore why so many women stay with boyfriends who hurt them. And I wanted to create a strong, smart female prosecutor who would empathize with her witnesses because she shared some of their experiences – but whose romantic life would suffer from those same experiences.
Law of Attraction was written in the spaces of my life between prosecuting and mommying. I started writing while I was pregnant with my first son. I would wake up at 5:00 a.m. and write for a couple of hours before heading to work. I wrote at night and on weekends. After my son was born, I wrote during his naps and after bedtime. Now, the sound of a softly snoring baby triggers a Pavlovian response in me to start typing.
In 2010, Simon & Schuster published LAW OF ATTRACTION. The Washington Post called it “a racy legal thriller, taking on a still-taboo subject.” Suspense Magazine named it one of the best books of the year, and Library Journal gave it a starred review, calling it "riveting."
The sequel, DISCRETION, will be published this July, and is available for pre-order.
I also blog about what TV crime shows get right and wrong, from my perspective as a real sex-crimes prosecutor. The ABA named my blog, the Prime-Time Crime Review, one of the best legal blogs in America.
I went to Michigan State University and Harvard Law School. Now I live in Maryland with my two sons and my husband, Michael.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
November 14, 2015
There's no way this book was written in 2010. It was clearly written in 1987.
The evidence:
1. When Jack meets Anna, he notices her "great legs" (95). More specifically, he prefers her calves to her face (96). Now who in their right mind goes out of their way to evaluate someone's calves? Everyone knows the 2010s are all about dat ass.
2. When Anna wants to impress Nick in court, she considers wearing a "periwinkle silk jacket with a Chinese collar" (117). Not cute, Anna.
3. When Jack needs Anna's address, McGee finds it in the phone book (165-166). WTF is a phone book? And why is her address in it?
4. When Anna gets demoted to Papering, she packs "a single box filled with scrunchies, Clif Bars, [and] a package of knee-highs" (213). Anna, you own scrunchies and knee-high hosiery? In 2010? You probably deserved the demotion.
5. When Anna visits Jody, she reveals that she has a French manicure (215). To compliment your scrunchies?!
6. When Anna is stuck in Papering, she battles "an old Xerox machine" (226). There is also an earlier reference to "xeroxing police reports" (123). Xerox as a brand and a verb. Veeeerrrrry eighties.
7. When Anna ultimately cracks the case, her theory centers around a call made to a home phone (253). Give me the name of one man in his mid-twenties who lives alone and has a home phone. I dare you.
I rest my case.
The evidence:
1. When Jack meets Anna, he notices her "great legs" (95). More specifically, he prefers her calves to her face (96). Now who in their right mind goes out of their way to evaluate someone's calves? Everyone knows the 2010s are all about dat ass.
2. When Anna wants to impress Nick in court, she considers wearing a "periwinkle silk jacket with a Chinese collar" (117). Not cute, Anna.
3. When Jack needs Anna's address, McGee finds it in the phone book (165-166). WTF is a phone book? And why is her address in it?
4. When Anna gets demoted to Papering, she packs "a single box filled with scrunchies, Clif Bars, [and] a package of knee-highs" (213). Anna, you own scrunchies and knee-high hosiery? In 2010? You probably deserved the demotion.
5. When Anna visits Jody, she reveals that she has a French manicure (215). To compliment your scrunchies?!
6. When Anna is stuck in Papering, she battles "an old Xerox machine" (226). There is also an earlier reference to "xeroxing police reports" (123). Xerox as a brand and a verb. Veeeerrrrry eighties.
7. When Anna ultimately cracks the case, her theory centers around a call made to a home phone (253). Give me the name of one man in his mid-twenties who lives alone and has a home phone. I dare you.
I rest my case.
July 3, 2017
Great 1st book in the series. I enjoyed reading this. Can't wait to read the rest of this series.
December 25, 2012
A smart legal thriller about a young female Assistant U.S. Attorney in DC who discovers that the attractive guy who asks her out is a lawyer on the opposite side of a domestic violence case she's working on - he's defending the alleged perpetrator, while she represents the perp's battered girlfriend.
Legal thriller is not a genre I read much of - I think I maybe had one or two John Grishams under my belt from a decade ago before I came to this - so I can't judge if this book is a standout one or unique within its genre, but I really enjoyed it and thought it was extremely well done. It's terrific to meet a female main character who's a smart, hard-working, kickass lawyer with a hilarious sense of humor. Talk about your awesome role models for the ladies in fiction! I also loved that the author very much humanizes the (alleged!) battering boyfriend as well as the victim, the guy's girlfriend. Leotta approaches the characters who come from the 'hood with a great deal of sympathy and intimate familiarity. Of course it was fun, too, to get all the local references, since the book is set in the city where I live. And by thriller standards, I definitely thought the prose style was nice, too - clear and straightforward and never tripped me up as a reader, which is all I really ask.
Legal thriller is not a genre I read much of - I think I maybe had one or two John Grishams under my belt from a decade ago before I came to this - so I can't judge if this book is a standout one or unique within its genre, but I really enjoyed it and thought it was extremely well done. It's terrific to meet a female main character who's a smart, hard-working, kickass lawyer with a hilarious sense of humor. Talk about your awesome role models for the ladies in fiction! I also loved that the author very much humanizes the (alleged!) battering boyfriend as well as the victim, the guy's girlfriend. Leotta approaches the characters who come from the 'hood with a great deal of sympathy and intimate familiarity. Of course it was fun, too, to get all the local references, since the book is set in the city where I live. And by thriller standards, I definitely thought the prose style was nice, too - clear and straightforward and never tripped me up as a reader, which is all I really ask.
May 20, 2012
An OK book for a commute or a beach: flat and predictable characters, full of stereotypes. More of a romance novel than a mystery or legal drama. Made me feel cheap and dumb for actually finishing it and liking it as much as I did. Includes many cringeworthy moments, but I did like her prose sometimes. Overall, a good summer read for when you don't want to burden your brain with any more than moving your eyeballs. Better than James Patterson at least.
January 11, 2014
I will give this 4 stars because the legal thriller story was good...fast paced and interesting with a surprise twist. I actually read the second book in this series first and came back to get the main character's back story. I enjoyed learning more about Anna Curtis DC prosecutor, but once again her romantic encounters were the weakest part of the book. The legal action areas are much stronger. I will probably read the next one and hope the romance area is stronger or not a focus. Still, an enjoyable read.
April 19, 2012
This book kept me up late and turning pages. It's the kind of novel where you keep telling yourself you know who did it, read a few more pages and then change you're mind because now you really know who did it! Can't wait to pick up more of her novels!
June 15, 2011
It was a fun read because of the location but I thought the heroine was unbelievable and the ending just short of ludicrous.
June 24, 2013
Title: Law of Attraction
Author: Allison Leotta
Length: 279 pages
Publisher: Touchstone
Published: October 12, 2010
Genres: Legal Stories; Suspense Fiction; Fiction
My Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮
Synopsis:
As a newly minted Assistant U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., Anna Curtis has already developed thick skin to deal with the brutality she encounters with her daily stack of domestic violence cases. Yet when Laprea Johnson walks into Anna’s life—battered by her boyfriend on the morning after Valentine’s Day—there’s something about this particular case that Anna can’t quite shake, something that reminds the prosecutor of her own troubled past.
At the trial, Laprea makes a last-minute reversal, lying on the witness stand to free her boy-friend. Shortly after he is freed, Anna is horrified to hear that Laprea’s body has been found in a trash heap. Hastily assigned to prosecute the murder case alongside intimidating chief homicide prosecutor Jack Bailey, Anna’s heart sinks when she learns that her own boyfriend, public defender Nick Wagner, is representing the accused.
Torn between bringing the killer to justice and saving her personal life, Anna makes a series of choices that jeopardizes her career, her relationships, and her very life as she uncovers the shocking truth behind the murder.
Weaving expert knowledge with deft storytelling, federal sex-crimes prosecutor and Harvard Law School graduate Allison Leotta takes readers on a thrilling ride through D.C.’s criminal justice system. From the back rooms of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the flirtations and machinations of Washington’s Ivy League lawyers to the struggles of its poorest citizens on the gritty streets of Anacostia, Law of Attraction is a gripping debut from an exciting new talent.
My Review:
This was such a great, quick, easy read that I enjoyed throughout the entire story! It flowed so smoothly that it seemed to take no time to complete the entire book. It left me feeling like it was impossible to put down!
The characters were thick with detail and very in depth. They were likable characters that you wanted to read about. You couldn't help but root for Anna throughout the story, especially as the Rookie Prosecutor on her first big case that would define her entire career. I think there's a Nick in just about everyone's life.
The story was such an easy story to follow! The author wrote a detailed and concise story with such a great story line, that it left you wanting more!
This was the first Allison Leotta book for me, but it certainly won't be my last!
Author: Allison Leotta
Length: 279 pages
Publisher: Touchstone
Published: October 12, 2010
Genres: Legal Stories; Suspense Fiction; Fiction
My Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮
Synopsis:
As a newly minted Assistant U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., Anna Curtis has already developed thick skin to deal with the brutality she encounters with her daily stack of domestic violence cases. Yet when Laprea Johnson walks into Anna’s life—battered by her boyfriend on the morning after Valentine’s Day—there’s something about this particular case that Anna can’t quite shake, something that reminds the prosecutor of her own troubled past.
At the trial, Laprea makes a last-minute reversal, lying on the witness stand to free her boy-friend. Shortly after he is freed, Anna is horrified to hear that Laprea’s body has been found in a trash heap. Hastily assigned to prosecute the murder case alongside intimidating chief homicide prosecutor Jack Bailey, Anna’s heart sinks when she learns that her own boyfriend, public defender Nick Wagner, is representing the accused.
Torn between bringing the killer to justice and saving her personal life, Anna makes a series of choices that jeopardizes her career, her relationships, and her very life as she uncovers the shocking truth behind the murder.
Weaving expert knowledge with deft storytelling, federal sex-crimes prosecutor and Harvard Law School graduate Allison Leotta takes readers on a thrilling ride through D.C.’s criminal justice system. From the back rooms of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the flirtations and machinations of Washington’s Ivy League lawyers to the struggles of its poorest citizens on the gritty streets of Anacostia, Law of Attraction is a gripping debut from an exciting new talent.
My Review:
This was such a great, quick, easy read that I enjoyed throughout the entire story! It flowed so smoothly that it seemed to take no time to complete the entire book. It left me feeling like it was impossible to put down!
The characters were thick with detail and very in depth. They were likable characters that you wanted to read about. You couldn't help but root for Anna throughout the story, especially as the Rookie Prosecutor on her first big case that would define her entire career. I think there's a Nick in just about everyone's life.
The story was such an easy story to follow! The author wrote a detailed and concise story with such a great story line, that it left you wanting more!
This was the first Allison Leotta book for me, but it certainly won't be my last!
September 18, 2013
Mixed feelings 3.5 stars.
There are certain things that Leotta did very well in this debut novel, but some others were lackluster. I really liked the portions in which she is dealing with the legal thriller portion of the plot. She keeps it interesting, with a nice balance between legal proceedings and mystery solving. She also does a great job with crafting some of the characters. For example, D'marco Davis, an abuser who is the defendant in the murder case, is portrayed so vividly that you hate him from the first scene he participates in and you just want to rip him out of the book and give him what he deserves.
There are two areas in which I think that the author lost her way a little. First, there is a little too much romance in this novel, and what is even worse, some of the scenes are really cheesy. When I looked at the book overall, Leotta walked the thin line between too much romance and unreadable novel. It ended up being a little too much for me, but it did not spoil the book overall as you can see by my rating. Just to give you a sense were I'm coming from, I enjoy other series that have a component of romance, such as the In Death series by J. D. Robb. The other aspect, which is connected with the first one is that the main character, Anna Curtis, is presented as a great lawyer and brilliant mind, but some of her decisions about how to proceed with personal relationships are completely illogical. Yes, I know, this is not unheard of, many smart people act dumb when love is involved, but I felt it was over the top.
Overall, the author shows promise, since she can keep us glued to the pages for most of the story. She is very good at narrating action scenes, and her skills for writing about legal proceedings and mystery are excellent. If she could just change a little in the points mentioned above it would make for an outstanding read. The surprise she delivers at the end was outstanding, and is what made me decide to read the next one in this series. Hopefully she will realize her potential with that book.
There are certain things that Leotta did very well in this debut novel, but some others were lackluster. I really liked the portions in which she is dealing with the legal thriller portion of the plot. She keeps it interesting, with a nice balance between legal proceedings and mystery solving. She also does a great job with crafting some of the characters. For example, D'marco Davis, an abuser who is the defendant in the murder case, is portrayed so vividly that you hate him from the first scene he participates in and you just want to rip him out of the book and give him what he deserves.
There are two areas in which I think that the author lost her way a little. First, there is a little too much romance in this novel, and what is even worse, some of the scenes are really cheesy. When I looked at the book overall, Leotta walked the thin line between too much romance and unreadable novel. It ended up being a little too much for me, but it did not spoil the book overall as you can see by my rating. Just to give you a sense were I'm coming from, I enjoy other series that have a component of romance, such as the In Death series by J. D. Robb. The other aspect, which is connected with the first one is that the main character, Anna Curtis, is presented as a great lawyer and brilliant mind, but some of her decisions about how to proceed with personal relationships are completely illogical. Yes, I know, this is not unheard of, many smart people act dumb when love is involved, but I felt it was over the top.
Overall, the author shows promise, since she can keep us glued to the pages for most of the story. She is very good at narrating action scenes, and her skills for writing about legal proceedings and mystery are excellent. If she could just change a little in the points mentioned above it would make for an outstanding read. The surprise she delivers at the end was outstanding, and is what made me decide to read the next one in this series. Hopefully she will realize her potential with that book.
April 21, 2013
Excellent story with a interesting twist. It was a "can't put down" book. The story kept me captivated and the writing was excellent. It was a very easy read. Having worked in a USAO myself, I could relate to a lot of the content which was accurate. I thought the writer was excellent and plan to read her other books.
April 23, 2024
I enjoyed the crime and the courtroom elements of the book. However Anna is ridiculously immature and unprofessional in her relationships and the book had me rolling my eyes at some of the absurd stuff that happened. I won’t be reading the rest of the series.
Talia Gilbert was a fantastic reader for the audiobook.
Talia Gilbert was a fantastic reader for the audiobook.
March 1, 2024
Violence murder romance and twists
November 17, 2010
Law of Attraction is a fast, entertaining read. While this genre often is somewhat formulaic and predictable, this particular novel didn't quite fit the mold. There were plenty of developments throughout the plot that I just didn't see coming, and a few where I wonder how I missed them. The big twist at the end, I had no idea. Absolutely none. It is so very, very nice to have that happen! Normally I can see the big twist coming halfway through a novel. Not in Law of Attraction. There is a lot going on, and the plot points are well developed. Most of the characters are well-developed, with layers and facets of their personality that make them more human. Law of Attraction sucked me in from the very beginning, and didn't let me go until the very end.
Speaking of the end ... I do wonder if this is meant to be a series. Not necessarily a continuous series, but more of a series of separate stories centered on the same person (or people). You know, like the Alex Cross books by James Patterson. Anyway, there were some questions I wanted answered by the end – questions about Anna and Nick, for one. There are other questions, too, but I don't want to reveal too much! ;-)
Overall, this was a great, enjoyable book. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read (and review) it.
Speaking of the end ... I do wonder if this is meant to be a series. Not necessarily a continuous series, but more of a series of separate stories centered on the same person (or people). You know, like the Alex Cross books by James Patterson. Anyway, there were some questions I wanted answered by the end – questions about Anna and Nick, for one. There are other questions, too, but I don't want to reveal too much! ;-)
Overall, this was a great, enjoyable book. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read (and review) it.
August 12, 2013
Anna Curtis is a U.S. Attorney assigned to domestic violence cases. She defends victim, Leprea Johnson, while trying to prosecute her boyfriend for his most recent beating of her. She does not win.
Three months later, Leprea is found dead an apparent victim of her boyfriend. All the evidence and witnesses point to the boyfriend as her killer.
After a promotion, Anna deals with a boyfriend who defends Leprea's boyfriend, a chance to work with the head homicide prosecutor, a stalking by Leprea's boyfriend, romance, mystery, an eventual demotion and clues that she does not want to believe.
A very good story with lots of twists and sub plots and good character development.
I would definitely recommend this book!!!
Three months later, Leprea is found dead an apparent victim of her boyfriend. All the evidence and witnesses point to the boyfriend as her killer.
After a promotion, Anna deals with a boyfriend who defends Leprea's boyfriend, a chance to work with the head homicide prosecutor, a stalking by Leprea's boyfriend, romance, mystery, an eventual demotion and clues that she does not want to believe.
A very good story with lots of twists and sub plots and good character development.
I would definitely recommend this book!!!
December 14, 2020
A strong 3.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
This book is the first book by an attorney turned full time author. The main plot centers on a young unmarried couple who share twin four year olds as well as a history of domestic violence. When the body of Laprea, mother of the twins, is found near a dumpster, her abusive partner becomes the prime suspect. Meanwhile, Anna Curtis, a young DA is quickly promoted to second chair a murder trial. Unfortunately, it is Anna’s current beau who is spearheading the defense and things get complicated real fast! My favorite character in the book is Detective McGee who sports ties in outrageous prints - a real snappy dresser. If you like courtroom drama and investigative work, this one is for you.
This book is the first book by an attorney turned full time author. The main plot centers on a young unmarried couple who share twin four year olds as well as a history of domestic violence. When the body of Laprea, mother of the twins, is found near a dumpster, her abusive partner becomes the prime suspect. Meanwhile, Anna Curtis, a young DA is quickly promoted to second chair a murder trial. Unfortunately, it is Anna’s current beau who is spearheading the defense and things get complicated real fast! My favorite character in the book is Detective McGee who sports ties in outrageous prints - a real snappy dresser. If you like courtroom drama and investigative work, this one is for you.
August 12, 2018
This was kind of a mixed bag 3.5 Star kind of read - but I positively inhaled it, so I'm rounding it up to 4 Stars. The heroine is young, makes some seriously bone-headed decisions, but the author writes the heck out of this story and I could Not. Stop. Reading! There's a nice sense of place (the story is set in Washington D.C.), the story is super compelling, and the author has her main character working domestic violence cases - which frankly you don't see much of in the world of legal thrillers. There are issues here, but they didn't keep me from enjoying the story. I'll definitely be reading book 2.
March 24, 2019
I want to start off by saying I loved the ending to this book. I thought I had it all figured out and then Allison Leotta laughed in my face and I loved it. However the journey to the ending was...okay. It wasn't a bad read but I found myself losing interest here and there and found myself skimming quite a bit to get to the next interesting part. Overall a decent read and I'm willing to give the next book in the series a shot.
July 4, 2015
3.5. A gripping legal thriller set in D.C. Leotta's experiences as a U.S. Attorney allow her to add fascinating detail and realism to the legal aspects of the story, though the twists and turns of the plot strain credulity at times. It's still a fun read, particularly for someone like me who lives near D.C.
August 21, 2012
Totally a guilty pleasure type of book.
May 16, 2015
romance novel cloaked in murder mystery...no mystery about the plot...pretty good writing...but maybe I just don't like books about lawyers
February 21, 2011
Anna Curtis is an an assistant U.S. attorney working in Washington D.C. As a prosecutor with a strong sense of ethics, Anna is initially empowered and hopeful when she gets involved in the domestic abuse case of Laprea Johnson. Laprea has been beaten by her boyfriend D'marco for what she says is the last time, but when she recants her testimony during her trial, Anna is left angry and bewildered. Cowed by her experience in court, Anna is at first cold when the defendant's attorney, Nick Wagner, takes an interest in her. Though she and Nick have attended the same university, Anna doesn't know Nick personally and the only information she has about him is that he is attractive and he is representing Laprea's attacker. When Nick and Anna start a romance, things seem to be going very smoothly until the day there's another confrontation between D'marco and Laprea, and Laprea ends up dead. Anna of course feels responsible for Laprea's fate and immediately breaks things off with Nick, who she can't forgive for defending D'marco and eventually allowing him to regain the freedom to kill Leprea. Now Anna has been pulled into the investigation of Laprea's murder and been assigned to work with Jack Bailey, a tough criminal prosecutor who also works for the U.S. Attorney's office. But when Anna and Jack begin to uncover clues that may prove D'marco is innocent, the guilt begins to point in some very incongruous and unexpected places. Both fast paced and surprising, Allison Leotta delivers a unique crime thriller that will keep its readers guessing all the way to the very last page.
I'm not a big reader of the crime thriller genre, and usually when approached for a review of one of these books, I have to decline. My problems stem from the fact that a lot of these books feel very homogenized. When I do end up getting invested in them, it seems like they have all the same story elements, character archetypes and twists that I have come to negatively associate with this particular genre. Rarely do I find something new and unexpected, and when I do venture out and read one of these books on my own, I rely heavily on the perceptions and opinions of other bloggers whom I respect. So I'll have to be honest when I say I wasn't expecting much of this book. Now, I didn't read a lot about it and knew only the barest information when I went into it. After an intense opening section, I began to plow right through its pages and wound up being excited that I had found something new and refreshing in this genre that I could really appreciate. I think Leotta ended up pulling off a one of a kind story within these pages, and it's one that earned my esteem.
Anna Curtis was a wonderful protagonist. Though she has high standards and ideals, she's very human and has some self-esteem issues when it comes to her work. Part of my ability to bond with Anna came from the fact that she was so human, and that while she could be very tough, there was an underlying sensitivity and compassion in her that left her struggling at times. I wouldn't exactly call her troubled, but she was conflicted, and as the story moved forward, these conflicts come into play not only in her budding relationship with Nick, but in her protective instincts towards Laprea. She grew throughout this story, but a lot of the time it was uncomfortable growth spurred on by the situations she was caught up in. She never became so hard-boiled that she allowed the suffering of her client or the case itself to become something that she looked upon with jaded eyes, which I think is kind of rare. I think the thing I admired most about Anna was her persistence and her willingness to go to great lengths to find the justice that Laprea deserved, not matter what it cost her personally.
I had a bit of a hard time with Anna's decision to start a relationship with Nick, and I think she did too. Caught up in a bevy of romantic feelings, I think Anna let her guard down and let Nick in hoping their relationship might be hidden from those who could make obvious waves for the couple. I didn't exactly like Nick, or trust him for that matter, and felt that although he treated Anna with a lot of respect and love that there was something utterly smarmy about him. I think he was a little ostentatious in his relationship with Anna, and truly never thought of the repercussions that dating her might result for them both. I was a little thrilled when things didn't work out for them, but Nick was very persistent and worked desperately to not let Anna slip through his fingers. That annoyed me. I wanted him to realize the kind of jeopardy he was putting her career into, but he never did, and it seemed like he turned a blind eye to a lot of rational and level-headed behavior. In some ways there were stark similarities between Nick and Anna's relationship and the relationship between Laprea and D'marco, but they weren't immediately obvious and it took some real cogitation to work out the ways in which the situations were similar and the ways in which they were different.
The case between Laprea and D'marco was one that was fraught with intrigue and it seemed to be so clear for most of the book. There was never a doubt in my mind that D'marco had killed the woman, but in a stunning reversal, all that the reader knows to be true is flipped on its head and thrown out the window. The clues, motive and storyline said one thing, but as more and more is revealed, it's clear that D'marco is not what we first think he is. I thought Leotta did a great job with this reversal. She made D'marco just slimy and perverse enough to do something like this, and then revealed that there was more to this picture than met the eye. The relationship between Laprea and D'marco was something that was tense with emotion, regret and jealousy, and even when it was clear to me that D'marco was a horrible human being, it was also clear that there was no ultimate black and white where these two people were concerned. The conclusion of the book literally had me sitting rigid in my seat and ingesting the words compulsively, as darker figures than D'marco came tumbling out of the shadows and into the light. Though D'marco might have been capable of the murder, I questioned his innocence all the way throughout the story and came to conclude that he played a mighty part in this drama.
With a fast paced plot and characters that are so recognizably flawed and human, Leotta had me in the palm of her hand throughout the whole story. Not only is this a suspense thriller, it also asks a lot of important questions about abuse and the role a victim plays when she consistently refuses to prosecute her attacker. It asks questions about the sticky ethical situations that those representing these cases can get into, and it had unexpected dashes of romance in all the right places. This would be a great read for a book group to discuss and disseminate, and I have to say that not only did I have a great time with it, it did a lot to eliminate my prejudices towards this genre in general. A highly suspenseful and original read. Recommended.
I'm not a big reader of the crime thriller genre, and usually when approached for a review of one of these books, I have to decline. My problems stem from the fact that a lot of these books feel very homogenized. When I do end up getting invested in them, it seems like they have all the same story elements, character archetypes and twists that I have come to negatively associate with this particular genre. Rarely do I find something new and unexpected, and when I do venture out and read one of these books on my own, I rely heavily on the perceptions and opinions of other bloggers whom I respect. So I'll have to be honest when I say I wasn't expecting much of this book. Now, I didn't read a lot about it and knew only the barest information when I went into it. After an intense opening section, I began to plow right through its pages and wound up being excited that I had found something new and refreshing in this genre that I could really appreciate. I think Leotta ended up pulling off a one of a kind story within these pages, and it's one that earned my esteem.
Anna Curtis was a wonderful protagonist. Though she has high standards and ideals, she's very human and has some self-esteem issues when it comes to her work. Part of my ability to bond with Anna came from the fact that she was so human, and that while she could be very tough, there was an underlying sensitivity and compassion in her that left her struggling at times. I wouldn't exactly call her troubled, but she was conflicted, and as the story moved forward, these conflicts come into play not only in her budding relationship with Nick, but in her protective instincts towards Laprea. She grew throughout this story, but a lot of the time it was uncomfortable growth spurred on by the situations she was caught up in. She never became so hard-boiled that she allowed the suffering of her client or the case itself to become something that she looked upon with jaded eyes, which I think is kind of rare. I think the thing I admired most about Anna was her persistence and her willingness to go to great lengths to find the justice that Laprea deserved, not matter what it cost her personally.
I had a bit of a hard time with Anna's decision to start a relationship with Nick, and I think she did too. Caught up in a bevy of romantic feelings, I think Anna let her guard down and let Nick in hoping their relationship might be hidden from those who could make obvious waves for the couple. I didn't exactly like Nick, or trust him for that matter, and felt that although he treated Anna with a lot of respect and love that there was something utterly smarmy about him. I think he was a little ostentatious in his relationship with Anna, and truly never thought of the repercussions that dating her might result for them both. I was a little thrilled when things didn't work out for them, but Nick was very persistent and worked desperately to not let Anna slip through his fingers. That annoyed me. I wanted him to realize the kind of jeopardy he was putting her career into, but he never did, and it seemed like he turned a blind eye to a lot of rational and level-headed behavior. In some ways there were stark similarities between Nick and Anna's relationship and the relationship between Laprea and D'marco, but they weren't immediately obvious and it took some real cogitation to work out the ways in which the situations were similar and the ways in which they were different.
The case between Laprea and D'marco was one that was fraught with intrigue and it seemed to be so clear for most of the book. There was never a doubt in my mind that D'marco had killed the woman, but in a stunning reversal, all that the reader knows to be true is flipped on its head and thrown out the window. The clues, motive and storyline said one thing, but as more and more is revealed, it's clear that D'marco is not what we first think he is. I thought Leotta did a great job with this reversal. She made D'marco just slimy and perverse enough to do something like this, and then revealed that there was more to this picture than met the eye. The relationship between Laprea and D'marco was something that was tense with emotion, regret and jealousy, and even when it was clear to me that D'marco was a horrible human being, it was also clear that there was no ultimate black and white where these two people were concerned. The conclusion of the book literally had me sitting rigid in my seat and ingesting the words compulsively, as darker figures than D'marco came tumbling out of the shadows and into the light. Though D'marco might have been capable of the murder, I questioned his innocence all the way throughout the story and came to conclude that he played a mighty part in this drama.
With a fast paced plot and characters that are so recognizably flawed and human, Leotta had me in the palm of her hand throughout the whole story. Not only is this a suspense thriller, it also asks a lot of important questions about abuse and the role a victim plays when she consistently refuses to prosecute her attacker. It asks questions about the sticky ethical situations that those representing these cases can get into, and it had unexpected dashes of romance in all the right places. This would be a great read for a book group to discuss and disseminate, and I have to say that not only did I have a great time with it, it did a lot to eliminate my prejudices towards this genre in general. A highly suspenseful and original read. Recommended.
April 22, 2017
In her debut novel, Leotta introduces the world to Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Curtis.
As a federal prosecutor, Curtis had seen numerous domestic violence cases, but none affected her like that of Laprea Johnson. First, Curtis is devastated after Johnson lies to have her abusive boyfriend D’marco Davis released, after vehemently seeking his incarceration. Second, the case reaches a climax after Johnson is found dead in a trash heap. Curtis has another opportunity to ensure justice is served for Johnson when she is assigned to work with senior U.S. Attorney Jack Bailey on the murder trial. Despite a plethora of evidence to secure a conviction, Curtis’ instincts tell her something about the case is amiss.
Eventually, the turmoil in Curtis’ personal life causes her to comprehend why Johnson, along with other victims of domestic violence reunite with their partners. Before the domestic violence trial, Curtis had gotten involved with law school classmate Nick Wagner, who represents Davis. The relationship deteriorates, as neither can separate their personal and professional lives. Meanwhile, Curtis finds herself attracted even more to another attorney at work.
Furthermore, both cases present an opportunity for Curtis to avenge the domestic violence she witnessed as a child. Curtis is constantly fraught with guilt about her past and tries to make amends by successfully prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence.
Suspense permeates each page, keeping readers focused on finding out who killed Johnson, the killer will be brought to justice, and whether Curtis will find true love. Being a former federal prosecutor allows Leotta to make the novel insightful in two ways. One, Leotta, uses her experience to educate readers about how domestic violence kills, damages lives, and separate families. Two, Leotta provides clear explanations of legal procedures and ethical obligations lawyers must follow make this novel understandable to readers who are unfamiliar with the legal profession. Lawyers can still identify with Curtis through their experiences.
As a federal prosecutor, Curtis had seen numerous domestic violence cases, but none affected her like that of Laprea Johnson. First, Curtis is devastated after Johnson lies to have her abusive boyfriend D’marco Davis released, after vehemently seeking his incarceration. Second, the case reaches a climax after Johnson is found dead in a trash heap. Curtis has another opportunity to ensure justice is served for Johnson when she is assigned to work with senior U.S. Attorney Jack Bailey on the murder trial. Despite a plethora of evidence to secure a conviction, Curtis’ instincts tell her something about the case is amiss.
Eventually, the turmoil in Curtis’ personal life causes her to comprehend why Johnson, along with other victims of domestic violence reunite with their partners. Before the domestic violence trial, Curtis had gotten involved with law school classmate Nick Wagner, who represents Davis. The relationship deteriorates, as neither can separate their personal and professional lives. Meanwhile, Curtis finds herself attracted even more to another attorney at work.
Furthermore, both cases present an opportunity for Curtis to avenge the domestic violence she witnessed as a child. Curtis is constantly fraught with guilt about her past and tries to make amends by successfully prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence.
Suspense permeates each page, keeping readers focused on finding out who killed Johnson, the killer will be brought to justice, and whether Curtis will find true love. Being a former federal prosecutor allows Leotta to make the novel insightful in two ways. One, Leotta, uses her experience to educate readers about how domestic violence kills, damages lives, and separate families. Two, Leotta provides clear explanations of legal procedures and ethical obligations lawyers must follow make this novel understandable to readers who are unfamiliar with the legal profession. Lawyers can still identify with Curtis through their experiences.
July 19, 2012
It's been awhile since I had read any legal thrillers or crime stories and I think since I have been heavily involved in watching Criminal Minds ( I've nearly finished S2) the idea of Crime and legal thrillers have crossed into my reading sphere.
Law of Attraction by Allison Leotta is a novel that fans of Lisa Scottoline and Marcia Clark will be able to relate to as it is not everyday that a female author can write an amazing Legal Thriller as one compares the amount of females to males writing in this genre.
In Law of Attraction , we meet new Lawyer Anna Curtis who has managed to pull the Valentine's Day shift which as we learn is one of the worst days as after love comes violence. While working the day, Anna runs into an old school chum from Harvard Law - Nick Wagner, who is a Public Defender Lawyer.
Soon Anna and Nick's lives will become intertwined past the few dates that they have as Anna meets abused woman Laprea Johnson , whom we discover her husband D'Marco is Nick's Client . When Laprea turns up murdered it seems like a slam dunk case for Anna, but soon evidence does not seem to add up and the case is about to get even more spookier. Enter Jack , he is one of the main lawyers on the case and working closely with Anna. The pair as Anna can't be with Nick get closer and closer and soon Anna is forced to choose between Jack or Nick ? What happens though when the one she thought she loved and cared about is not what he seems but in fact one of the bad guys ?
Can Anna survive the mess she is in or does she wish now that she had never met either Laprea or D'Marco ?
Find out in Law of Attraction , discover how it can turn VERY Deadly.
Law of Attraction by Allison Leotta is a novel that fans of Lisa Scottoline and Marcia Clark will be able to relate to as it is not everyday that a female author can write an amazing Legal Thriller as one compares the amount of females to males writing in this genre.
In Law of Attraction , we meet new Lawyer Anna Curtis who has managed to pull the Valentine's Day shift which as we learn is one of the worst days as after love comes violence. While working the day, Anna runs into an old school chum from Harvard Law - Nick Wagner, who is a Public Defender Lawyer.
Soon Anna and Nick's lives will become intertwined past the few dates that they have as Anna meets abused woman Laprea Johnson , whom we discover her husband D'Marco is Nick's Client . When Laprea turns up murdered it seems like a slam dunk case for Anna, but soon evidence does not seem to add up and the case is about to get even more spookier. Enter Jack , he is one of the main lawyers on the case and working closely with Anna. The pair as Anna can't be with Nick get closer and closer and soon Anna is forced to choose between Jack or Nick ? What happens though when the one she thought she loved and cared about is not what he seems but in fact one of the bad guys ?
Can Anna survive the mess she is in or does she wish now that she had never met either Laprea or D'Marco ?
Find out in Law of Attraction , discover how it can turn VERY Deadly.
March 10, 2014
Allison Leotta è già stata definita una “John Grisham” al femminile ed è proprio vero.
Il suo romanzo d’esordio, LA REGOLA DEL GIOCO, è un legal thriller che si sviluppa in crescendo, man mano che le carte del processo vengono disposte in tavola. La protagonista, del primo romanzo già diventato una serie, è Anna Curtis, un sostituto procuratore alle prime armi, ma ha già dimestichezza con i casi di cui si occupa. L’ambientazione è Washington DC, dalle aule del tribunale agli interni delle abitazioni, dove brutali azioni criminali vengono perpetrate.
Anche il caso di cui si dovrà occupare Anna ha a che fare con l’universo femminile, quello molto attuale degli abusi domestici. La vittima è Laprea, selvaggiamente picchiata dal fidanzato, D’Marco Davis, padre dei suoi due figli. Oltre alla molto attuale tematica di base, la violenza all’interno della famiglia, espletata anche a livello psicologico, non soltanto legale, il romanzo sviluppa anche la vita privata della protagonista, il cui universo affettivo si intreccia con la vita professionale, dove orbitano la maggior parte dei suoi interessi.
Anna Curtis è una donna che lotta coraggiosamente per migliorare la condizione delle donne. È un’eroina che mescola tenacia e professionalità con vulnerabilità e sentimenti. La vicenda narrata in questo thriller giudiziario risulta completa e ricca di colpi di scena strategici, che la rendono avvincente e interessante da leggere.
http://youtu.be/8Wmj7hA0Hr0
August 31, 2010
Painful in its realism, talented newcomer Allison Leotta doesn’t hold back in her gritty, debut, legal thriller “Law of Attraction”.
Centered in the bowels of D.C.’s criminal justice system, novice Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Curtis spends her days submerged in the cruelty of the domestic violence cases that envelop her desk. A never-ending dose of violence has quickly helped Anna separate her emotions and her past from the job at hand until the morning Leprea Johnson walks in her door. Battered and bruised from another pitiless beating, Anna vows to help this woman. But can you really help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves?
When Leprea’s bloody corpse is discovered under a mountain of garbage, Anna will choose justice for the victim over all else, sacrificing her budding relationship with public defender Nick Wagner, her career and even risking her life.
Sharing an insider look into the intricate dynamics of the criminal justice system blended with the powerful draw of intense and realistic characters, Leotta has created more than your typical thriller. This is an author to keep your eye on.
Reviewed by Shannon Raab with Suspense Magazine
www.suspensemagazine.com
Centered in the bowels of D.C.’s criminal justice system, novice Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Curtis spends her days submerged in the cruelty of the domestic violence cases that envelop her desk. A never-ending dose of violence has quickly helped Anna separate her emotions and her past from the job at hand until the morning Leprea Johnson walks in her door. Battered and bruised from another pitiless beating, Anna vows to help this woman. But can you really help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves?
When Leprea’s bloody corpse is discovered under a mountain of garbage, Anna will choose justice for the victim over all else, sacrificing her budding relationship with public defender Nick Wagner, her career and even risking her life.
Sharing an insider look into the intricate dynamics of the criminal justice system blended with the powerful draw of intense and realistic characters, Leotta has created more than your typical thriller. This is an author to keep your eye on.
Reviewed by Shannon Raab with Suspense Magazine
www.suspensemagazine.com
April 15, 2011
A strong legal drama with heart.
I read Law of Attraction a while ago - at least four months ago - yet when I picked up my book again to sit down to write this review, all the drama and excitement came flooding back to me as if I just turned the last page. We call that staying power.
It's this kind of staying power that is going to keep readers interested and connected to this new series.
Law of Attraction is the story of Anna Curtis, a smart prosecutor, the new Assistant U.S. Attorney, who takes a chance when she is thrown into a homicide case outside of her division, domestic violence. There is something about this particular case Anna can't stay away from. Anna's past and her present collide, just as her personal and her professional lives collide.
Allison Leotta delivers everything you're looking for in a legal thriller - fast pace, twists and turns, engaging characters, powerful courtroom drama, a love story, and a heart-wrenching past that might just cause a tear to fall.
I had a feeling I was going to love this novel, and I did!
Allison Leotta has a long and successful writing career ahead of her - Law of Attraction is only the beginning! I'm keeping my eye on this author.
I read Law of Attraction a while ago - at least four months ago - yet when I picked up my book again to sit down to write this review, all the drama and excitement came flooding back to me as if I just turned the last page. We call that staying power.
It's this kind of staying power that is going to keep readers interested and connected to this new series.
Law of Attraction is the story of Anna Curtis, a smart prosecutor, the new Assistant U.S. Attorney, who takes a chance when she is thrown into a homicide case outside of her division, domestic violence. There is something about this particular case Anna can't stay away from. Anna's past and her present collide, just as her personal and her professional lives collide.
Allison Leotta delivers everything you're looking for in a legal thriller - fast pace, twists and turns, engaging characters, powerful courtroom drama, a love story, and a heart-wrenching past that might just cause a tear to fall.
I had a feeling I was going to love this novel, and I did!
Allison Leotta has a long and successful writing career ahead of her - Law of Attraction is only the beginning! I'm keeping my eye on this author.
November 18, 2011
Anna Curtis is a prosecuting attorney and a battered client brings up memories of her childhood. Which is why she feels twice as bad when her client ends up dead, after lying to free her abusive boyfriend from criminal charges. Now Anna is on the team that is putting the case together to go after the boyfriend.
Why I started this: Ran across Leotta's blog at Law and Order. When I found out that she's an US Attorney, I was enticed into looking for her book to see what she had to write.
Why I finished it: The writting style drove me nuts. I wanted to find out what happens next but I could tell that Leotta was much more concerned with plot than characters... it was distracting to the reader. Frankly the book felt more like a movie script than a novel. I could feel the camera tracking across the scene recording the thoughts of every character instead of staying with one. (This would be a fascinating movie. I just like to watch my movies and read my books. I know, crazy.) Novels let you into characters heads... Leotta didn't take advantage of that.
Why I started this: Ran across Leotta's blog at Law and Order. When I found out that she's an US Attorney, I was enticed into looking for her book to see what she had to write.
Why I finished it: The writting style drove me nuts. I wanted to find out what happens next but I could tell that Leotta was much more concerned with plot than characters... it was distracting to the reader. Frankly the book felt more like a movie script than a novel. I could feel the camera tracking across the scene recording the thoughts of every character instead of staying with one. (This would be a fascinating movie. I just like to watch my movies and read my books. I know, crazy.) Novels let you into characters heads... Leotta didn't take advantage of that.
October 27, 2012
I can't quite give it a 5, but this was a very solid, enjoyable read. I met Leotta briefly at RWA in Anaheim, and really enjoyed speaking with her, so I decided to give her debut novel a try. The author is a former prosecutor and it shows in legal details that make the book believable. The novel is set in Washington DC, and the author does a good job of making readers feel like they really are in DC, as opposed to just any generic American city. I appreciated that, and I also liked that the legal and police professionals came from a variety of races and backgrounds. As someone who practices law in the region, I recognized this as something very true of the DC area and it gave the story an added ring of authenticity.
The story works primarily as a legal thriller, though there is an element of romance thrown in. The suspense angle of the story worked very well for me, though the personal life of the main character, AUSA Anna Curtis, was a little overly dramatic for me. Even so, I liked this book quite a lot and I already have Discretion on hold at the library.
The story works primarily as a legal thriller, though there is an element of romance thrown in. The suspense angle of the story worked very well for me, though the personal life of the main character, AUSA Anna Curtis, was a little overly dramatic for me. Even so, I liked this book quite a lot and I already have Discretion on hold at the library.
November 2, 2010
What a book! The cover says it all --- a woman running through the streets of D.C. From the time you open it, you are led by Anna Curtis, a rookie federal attorney investigating a domestic violence case.
The author, Allison Leotta, herself is a federal prosecutor in D.C., specializing in sex crimes and domestic violence. She knows what she is writing, and it shows. Her characters, Anna, Laprea the battered woman, Nick the defense attorney, and Jack the prosecutor are all well-characterized.
Leotta also explains law well. For example, while the fictional lawyers and judges talked, they used acronyms and jargon such as "I can drop the APO" and "only if it's a C plea". Before you start going "huh?" her next sentence explains what those things are.
Can't you tell Leotta is a new favorite author of mine! This book is her debut, I'm eager to see more. In the meantime, I'll be reading her blog, some posts tell what the tv show SVU does right and wrong.
The author, Allison Leotta, herself is a federal prosecutor in D.C., specializing in sex crimes and domestic violence. She knows what she is writing, and it shows. Her characters, Anna, Laprea the battered woman, Nick the defense attorney, and Jack the prosecutor are all well-characterized.
Leotta also explains law well. For example, while the fictional lawyers and judges talked, they used acronyms and jargon such as "I can drop the APO" and "only if it's a C plea". Before you start going "huh?" her next sentence explains what those things are.
Can't you tell Leotta is a new favorite author of mine! This book is her debut, I'm eager to see more. In the meantime, I'll be reading her blog, some posts tell what the tv show SVU does right and wrong.
November 9, 2016
Anna Curtis is a new Assistant US Attorney in Washington,DC when she is to take down the story of a young black mom of two 4 year old twins and who works as a cashier while her mom Rose watches the kids. The woman Laprea had the kids by a baby daddy, a career criminal named D'Marco who has abused her again and again.This time she swears to testify against him. The kids have ridiculous names- D'Montrae and Dameka. The author shows all the black characters with bad grammar.
Anna is screwed over as she gets assigned to handle the case with black chief homicide prosecutor Jack Bailey, widowed dad of a cute little girl. Before this she was reunited with an old law school classmate Nick who she decides she is madly in love with in 24 hours but breaks off with him when she finds he is D'Marco's defense lawyer.
When Laprea is murdered- who did it? It could be anyone- D'Marco, Nick, the cop who got her pregnant, some other person, who? You'll find out as you zip through this book.
Anna is screwed over as she gets assigned to handle the case with black chief homicide prosecutor Jack Bailey, widowed dad of a cute little girl. Before this she was reunited with an old law school classmate Nick who she decides she is madly in love with in 24 hours but breaks off with him when she finds he is D'Marco's defense lawyer.
When Laprea is murdered- who did it? It could be anyone- D'Marco, Nick, the cop who got her pregnant, some other person, who? You'll find out as you zip through this book.
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