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Civic Duty
The verdict is love is complicated.
When Alex Verita signs up for jury duty with a documentary crew in tow, they expect a tedious case and a modest paycheck. Instead, Alex finds themself sharing lingering glances with an attractive juror, a voice actor hoping to launch her on-screen career. What Alex doesn’t know? The entire trial is staged, and the juror is part of the cast.
As genuine attraction blazes between them, Emelynn finds herself trapped between her rising career and her growing feelings for the endearing juror who has no idea they’re actually starring in a reality show. But in a courtroom where nothing is what it seems, can their connection survive when the truth is finally revealed?
Sometimes the heart’s evidence is the hardest to dismiss.
When Alex Verita signs up for jury duty with a documentary crew in tow, they expect a tedious case and a modest paycheck. Instead, Alex finds themself sharing lingering glances with an attractive juror, a voice actor hoping to launch her on-screen career. What Alex doesn’t know? The entire trial is staged, and the juror is part of the cast.
As genuine attraction blazes between them, Emelynn finds herself trapped between her rising career and her growing feelings for the endearing juror who has no idea they’re actually starring in a reality show. But in a courtroom where nothing is what it seems, can their connection survive when the truth is finally revealed?
Sometimes the heart’s evidence is the hardest to dismiss.
312 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2025
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Laina Villeneuve
17 books50 followersLaina Villeneuve admits that her real-life courtship would read like a blatant plot manipulation. But it all worked out in the end and she and her wife live in Southern California with their three children. An English professor with a passion for lesbian fiction, she also has a lifelong love for horses.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 9, 2025
would like to thank bella books for letting me read this awe inspiring book
a book about a non binary person and how getting their titles right helps to recognise them
doing your civic duty when you are called to do jury service thats how alex feels when she goes for it... what she doesnt know is that its a reality show based on how they/them react
oh theyknows its being filmed as they were told its for a documentary what they doesnt realise is that everyone is an actor/actress with definite roles to see how they can stir the pot and see how alex will react...
man this one at times was hard to read for alex.... trying to sort their feelings out and then to have it all come undown at the reveal.... i can actually say the epilogue made me cry....
educational read... and i did enjoy it a lot
a book about a non binary person and how getting their titles right helps to recognise them
doing your civic duty when you are called to do jury service thats how alex feels when she goes for it... what she doesnt know is that its a reality show based on how they/them react
oh theyknows its being filmed as they were told its for a documentary what they doesnt realise is that everyone is an actor/actress with definite roles to see how they can stir the pot and see how alex will react...
man this one at times was hard to read for alex.... trying to sort their feelings out and then to have it all come undown at the reveal.... i can actually say the epilogue made me cry....
educational read... and i did enjoy it a lot
March 30, 2025
This is possibly one of the toughest reviews I’ve wanted to write, and it has taken me some time to fully absorb the many layers found within “Civic Duty” and to find the words to describe my reaction to it. While I struggled with the believability of the court case it does raise some very important issues for consideration. The second half of the book, following the big reveal also provides a thought-provoking and sensitive discussion on the role of trust and understanding in personal and intimate relationships.
The fake court case was shown in a way that strained plausibility, and I found it hard to believe that Alex, while at time internally questioning much of what was happening around them, would never find a way to outwardly question anything. I struggled with suspending my disbelief to get through this section and it wasn’t until much later, in fact after finishing the book and sleeping on my thoughts that I came to appreciate the many layers that I had been overlooking due to my frustration (hmm, maybe some of my own internal biases creeping in?).
Despite my personal discomfort with the first half of the story, it did cover many important issues such as the role that personal biases can play in how we review the world and people around us and the implications that this can have in terms of the outcome of a court case. Even aside from the implication of bias within the court system, this is an issue which has much wider implications, as can clearly be seen in many of society’s struggles these days leading to seemingly impenetrable barriers between people. It provides a very clear lesson that we can all take away in reminding us to check how our own personal experiences can impact the way we view others around us.
The second half of the book definitely excels at covering some important societal issues including topics of trust, gender and the exploration of intimate relationships involving someone who is nonbinary. I really enjoyed the role that Sarah, the therapist employed by the TV show, played in providing Alex with much needed support and someone to talk to when Alex didn’t feel that they could talk to Emelynn. I also loved the sensitivity that Emelynn brought to the table in terms of not forcing herself on Alex or forcing Alex to talk to her, even though Emelynn, herself, was hurting. And I really appreciated the way that Emelynn approached the topic of intimacy without just assuming what Alex would enjoy.
All in all, Civic Duty was a fantastic read that I would highly recommend due to its ability to gives us much food for thought. I am very grateful to the author and Bella Books for providing me with an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The fake court case was shown in a way that strained plausibility, and I found it hard to believe that Alex, while at time internally questioning much of what was happening around them, would never find a way to outwardly question anything. I struggled with suspending my disbelief to get through this section and it wasn’t until much later, in fact after finishing the book and sleeping on my thoughts that I came to appreciate the many layers that I had been overlooking due to my frustration (hmm, maybe some of my own internal biases creeping in?).
Despite my personal discomfort with the first half of the story, it did cover many important issues such as the role that personal biases can play in how we review the world and people around us and the implications that this can have in terms of the outcome of a court case. Even aside from the implication of bias within the court system, this is an issue which has much wider implications, as can clearly be seen in many of society’s struggles these days leading to seemingly impenetrable barriers between people. It provides a very clear lesson that we can all take away in reminding us to check how our own personal experiences can impact the way we view others around us.
The second half of the book definitely excels at covering some important societal issues including topics of trust, gender and the exploration of intimate relationships involving someone who is nonbinary. I really enjoyed the role that Sarah, the therapist employed by the TV show, played in providing Alex with much needed support and someone to talk to when Alex didn’t feel that they could talk to Emelynn. I also loved the sensitivity that Emelynn brought to the table in terms of not forcing herself on Alex or forcing Alex to talk to her, even though Emelynn, herself, was hurting. And I really appreciated the way that Emelynn approached the topic of intimacy without just assuming what Alex would enjoy.
All in all, Civic Duty was a fantastic read that I would highly recommend due to its ability to gives us much food for thought. I am very grateful to the author and Bella Books for providing me with an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 30, 2025
Romance set within the world of reality television walks a tightrope: one misstep and the story risks being labeled as clichéd, melodramatic fluff. However, this is far from the case with Civic Duty by Laina Villeneuve. Despite its slightly absurd premise, the novel offers a compelling exploration of love, grounded in emotional intelligence and relatability. Through strong character development, layered conflicts, and meaningful themes, Villeneuve transforms what could have been a cheesy setup into a thoughtful and resonant story.
At the heart of Civic Duty’s success is its believable, multidimensional character development and the slow, organic evolution of its central romance. Alex and Emelynn are fully realized protagonists with distinct internal worlds. Alex arrives at jury duty expecting monotony but is soon drawn into an emotionally complex situation, while Emelynn, a voice actor hoping to break into on-screen roles, navigates her own ambitions and ethical dilemmas. Rather than relying on instant attraction, the novel allows their relationship to build gradually, shaped by the forced proximity of jury duty and complicated by Emelynn’s hidden role in the staged trial. This deliberate pacing not only enhances the authenticity of their bond but also creates space for emotional growth, allowing both characters to challenge each other and evolve in meaningful ways. Their backstories, motivations, and evolving connection lend real depth to the romance, making it resonate far beyond surface-level attraction.
What truly elevates Civic Duty, however, is its attention to conflict that extends beyond the romantic plotline. The question isn’t simply, “Will they fall in love?” It becomes something more layered and complex. There are moral issues involved. Alex and Emelynn must ask themselves if their connection can survive the deception. Furthermore, Emelynn must consider the ramifications of breaking contractual obligations. These questions transform the narrative from a conventional romantic arc into a story about trust, identity, and personal growth. By embedding emotionally resonant conflict within the relationship dynamic, Villeneuve ensures the stakes are high and the romance feels earned.
Though the setting is a fictional reality show, the emotions it evokes are deeply grounded in real life. Betrayal, fear of exposure, and the tension between ambition and intimacy are powerful, universally relatable emotions. These dynamics fuel the chemistry between Alex and Emelynn, resulting in a slow burn that simmers and intensifies over time. Proximity and secrecy amplify the emotional tension, enabling a nuanced portrayal of vulnerability and desire. Through emotionally charged, high-stakes scenes, Villeneuve skillfully reveals the complexities of human relationships.
Although Civic Duty doesn’t delve into overt satire, it maintains a tone that effectively undercuts any melodrama. By incorporating creative elements—a filming crew, a fake jury trial, actors posing as jurors, and a fabricated courtroom—Villeneuve highlights the inherent absurdities of reality television. She preserves a lighthearted style, injecting humor and irony into the storytelling when appropriate. This approach allows genuine emotional moments to resonate more powerfully with readers. Ultimately, the documentary/reality show becomes a crucible, revealing character flaws, testing ethical boundaries, and forcing Alex and Emelynn to confront what they truly want.
Final remarks…
Civic Duty by Laina Villeneuve is a well-crafted and engaging romance. By prioritizing character complexity, emotional realism, and meaningful conflict, Villeneuve avoids the clichés often associated with the reality TV romance trope. Instead, she delivers a story that is funny, thoughtful, and deeply grounded. Readers looking for a romance that offers more than just fluff will find Civic Duty refreshingly captivating and worthwhile.
Strengths…
Well-developed characters
Well-developed story arc
Entertaining storyline
Subtle satire and humor
Engaging themes
At the heart of Civic Duty’s success is its believable, multidimensional character development and the slow, organic evolution of its central romance. Alex and Emelynn are fully realized protagonists with distinct internal worlds. Alex arrives at jury duty expecting monotony but is soon drawn into an emotionally complex situation, while Emelynn, a voice actor hoping to break into on-screen roles, navigates her own ambitions and ethical dilemmas. Rather than relying on instant attraction, the novel allows their relationship to build gradually, shaped by the forced proximity of jury duty and complicated by Emelynn’s hidden role in the staged trial. This deliberate pacing not only enhances the authenticity of their bond but also creates space for emotional growth, allowing both characters to challenge each other and evolve in meaningful ways. Their backstories, motivations, and evolving connection lend real depth to the romance, making it resonate far beyond surface-level attraction.
What truly elevates Civic Duty, however, is its attention to conflict that extends beyond the romantic plotline. The question isn’t simply, “Will they fall in love?” It becomes something more layered and complex. There are moral issues involved. Alex and Emelynn must ask themselves if their connection can survive the deception. Furthermore, Emelynn must consider the ramifications of breaking contractual obligations. These questions transform the narrative from a conventional romantic arc into a story about trust, identity, and personal growth. By embedding emotionally resonant conflict within the relationship dynamic, Villeneuve ensures the stakes are high and the romance feels earned.
Though the setting is a fictional reality show, the emotions it evokes are deeply grounded in real life. Betrayal, fear of exposure, and the tension between ambition and intimacy are powerful, universally relatable emotions. These dynamics fuel the chemistry between Alex and Emelynn, resulting in a slow burn that simmers and intensifies over time. Proximity and secrecy amplify the emotional tension, enabling a nuanced portrayal of vulnerability and desire. Through emotionally charged, high-stakes scenes, Villeneuve skillfully reveals the complexities of human relationships.
Although Civic Duty doesn’t delve into overt satire, it maintains a tone that effectively undercuts any melodrama. By incorporating creative elements—a filming crew, a fake jury trial, actors posing as jurors, and a fabricated courtroom—Villeneuve highlights the inherent absurdities of reality television. She preserves a lighthearted style, injecting humor and irony into the storytelling when appropriate. This approach allows genuine emotional moments to resonate more powerfully with readers. Ultimately, the documentary/reality show becomes a crucible, revealing character flaws, testing ethical boundaries, and forcing Alex and Emelynn to confront what they truly want.
Final remarks…
Civic Duty by Laina Villeneuve is a well-crafted and engaging romance. By prioritizing character complexity, emotional realism, and meaningful conflict, Villeneuve avoids the clichés often associated with the reality TV romance trope. Instead, she delivers a story that is funny, thoughtful, and deeply grounded. Readers looking for a romance that offers more than just fluff will find Civic Duty refreshingly captivating and worthwhile.
Strengths…
Well-developed characters
Well-developed story arc
Entertaining storyline
Subtle satire and humor
Engaging themes
May 9, 2025
Alex Verita is non-binary and thinks they are appearing in a documentary about jury service. It turns out the case is staged, and is for television. Everyone on the set are actors including Emelynn Rivas, another juror. Emelynn gets to know Alex more when they help them when their car won’t start after the trial one day. It begins a new friendship between the two.
The first part of the book includes the pair getting to know each other and the antics of other jurors and the case. The second part comes after the reveal. Alex is feeling duped and doesn’t know if their feelings are real. I like how positively the set and others accept Alex’s pronouns. The case itself is lightly presented and more focused on the jurors and their interactions. There are some society issues and biases discussed as part of serving on the jury which is interesting. Sarah, a therapist employed by the show, is a stand out character and it appears that she will get her own romance story. Emelynn was also great, making sure of Alex’s comfort and rules for their intimacy.
There are funny moments but to me this was more about finding your person and tribe. Those people that will love and accept you. I enjoyed the characters a lot. The plot stretched credibility but it works. Thank you to Bella Books and the author for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
The first part of the book includes the pair getting to know each other and the antics of other jurors and the case. The second part comes after the reveal. Alex is feeling duped and doesn’t know if their feelings are real. I like how positively the set and others accept Alex’s pronouns. The case itself is lightly presented and more focused on the jurors and their interactions. There are some society issues and biases discussed as part of serving on the jury which is interesting. Sarah, a therapist employed by the show, is a stand out character and it appears that she will get her own romance story. Emelynn was also great, making sure of Alex’s comfort and rules for their intimacy.
There are funny moments but to me this was more about finding your person and tribe. Those people that will love and accept you. I enjoyed the characters a lot. The plot stretched credibility but it works. Thank you to Bella Books and the author for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
September 27, 2025
The plot of this book stressed me out! Alex thinks they are serving jury duty, but they are actually part of a reality show about the justice system and how people are treated. This is in chapter one so not a spoiler! The other point of view character is "Vicki" who isn't a member of the jury but an actress cast on the show. The book follows Vicki falling for Alex while trying to keep the plot of the show moving.
What I didn't like was that the author never really explains the point of the show and what would have happened if the trial ended differently than it did. We also don't get to see the show, what people outside the production think, or even if the show aired.
What I didn't like was that the author never really explains the point of the show and what would have happened if the trial ended differently than it did. We also don't get to see the show, what people outside the production think, or even if the show aired.
April 25, 2025
When Alex moved to California from Kentucky it was mainly because of their family not being able to accept them for the person they were. Low self esteem, caused by their ex-girlfriend constantly pulling them down, telling Alex she just couldn’t live out in the open. Hitching a ride with a family friend, they found themselves hustling for every job they could find where painting was needed.
Emelyn wanted to be an actor performing in any kind of play/show she tested for hoping this one would be the one to propel her into making a living doing what she knew she was meant to do. In the meantime she buys and flips homes with her two brothers. She also found work reading books for the authors who wanted their book to be audible.
When the powers that be decide to make a show, not just any show but a reality show on what it would be like to be on a jury. Emelyn took the job to promote her acting career pretending to be a jurist. In fact everyone there at the courthouse was fake. All but Alex, they weren’t told any of the facts but thought the case and trial were the real deal.
There was a spark between Alex and Emelyn Vicky’ but of course Alex had to be kept in the dark until the show aired. Ms. Laina does a great job making all the moving parts fit together making for a very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via Bella Books
Emelyn wanted to be an actor performing in any kind of play/show she tested for hoping this one would be the one to propel her into making a living doing what she knew she was meant to do. In the meantime she buys and flips homes with her two brothers. She also found work reading books for the authors who wanted their book to be audible.
When the powers that be decide to make a show, not just any show but a reality show on what it would be like to be on a jury. Emelyn took the job to promote her acting career pretending to be a jurist. In fact everyone there at the courthouse was fake. All but Alex, they weren’t told any of the facts but thought the case and trial were the real deal.
There was a spark between Alex and Emelyn Vicky’ but of course Alex had to be kept in the dark until the show aired. Ms. Laina does a great job making all the moving parts fit together making for a very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via Bella Books
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews