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Unreasonable Doubt
FROM EXCITING AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANCE GARETH CHRIS
An All on the Line story
Some might think attorney Elijah Cummings has everything—a loving family, supportive friends, great looks and respect in the community. But Elijah’s problems are mounting—a suit filed against him, a financially dependent son, and an ailing mother who relies on him for care. His new gay law partner, Riley Hansen, might be what the business needs. But the younger, fresher version of himself reminds Elijah of what pains him most—the difficulty of coming out and finding love at the age of forty-two in a youth-obsessed culture.
Riley Hansen has ideas on how to attract more business, but whatever he does seems to annoy his new law partner Elijah Cummings. Having invested his savings in the firm, Riley needs to make things work with Elijah—and that starts by banishing the unprofessional thoughts he’s been having about his handsome new partner.
An All on the Line story
Some might think attorney Elijah Cummings has everything—a loving family, supportive friends, great looks and respect in the community. But Elijah’s problems are mounting—a suit filed against him, a financially dependent son, and an ailing mother who relies on him for care. His new gay law partner, Riley Hansen, might be what the business needs. But the younger, fresher version of himself reminds Elijah of what pains him most—the difficulty of coming out and finding love at the age of forty-two in a youth-obsessed culture.
Riley Hansen has ideas on how to attract more business, but whatever he does seems to annoy his new law partner Elijah Cummings. Having invested his savings in the firm, Riley needs to make things work with Elijah—and that starts by banishing the unprofessional thoughts he’s been having about his handsome new partner.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 20, 2024
One of the standout qualities of the All On The Line series is its ability to create characters that feel authentic and multidimensional. Unreasonable Doubt continues that tradition seamlessly, adding depth to the series and offering an emotionally satisfying story. This installment employs the "grumpy/sunshine" and "age gap" tropes—neither of which are my favorites. I’ve often found age-gap romances difficult to connect with, and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic can feel overdone. However, Gareth Chris subverts these expectations by crafting characters so compelling that the tropes feel fresh and meaningful. At just under 150 pages, this is a quick yet impactful read.
Elijah, introduced in a previous book "Found by Chance", takes center stage here. He is a character of remarkable depth, balancing the public image of a confident, successful lawyer with the private struggles of caring for a grandparent with dementia, managing alimony, and supporting a son fresh out of college. With so many responsibilities, Elijah feels tightly wound and on the verge of breaking. Is there room in his life for love? Enter Ryan—a determined, upbeat professional looking to bring in new business. His charm and sunny demeanor bring a refreshing contrast to Elijah’s more serious personality, creating a dynamic that is both engaging and heartwarming.
What truly elevates this book is its emphasis on emotional connection. The relationship between Elijah and Ryan is built on a foundation of trust, shared struggles, and mutual respect. Their bond transcends physical attraction, focusing instead on their emotional and social compatibility. This makes their journey together feel genuine and deeply resonant, standing out from other romances in the genre.
One of the joys of the All On The Line series is its interconnected universe, where each character’s story unfolds in their own book while also contributing to the larger narrative. While Unreasonable Doubt delivers a satisfying arc for Elijah and Ryan, some plot threads remain open. For readers unfamiliar with the series’ style, this may feel incomplete, but returning fans will recognize it as part of the series’ charm. These unresolved elements hint that Elijah and Ryan’s story isn’t over, leaving room for future exploration.
Overall, Unreasonable Doubt is a strong addition to the series, showcasing Gareth Chris’s talent for crafting emotionally rich, character-driven romances. Whether you’re a fan of the series or new to All On The Line, this book offers a heartfelt exploration of love, resilience, and finding light in unexpected places.
Elijah, introduced in a previous book "Found by Chance", takes center stage here. He is a character of remarkable depth, balancing the public image of a confident, successful lawyer with the private struggles of caring for a grandparent with dementia, managing alimony, and supporting a son fresh out of college. With so many responsibilities, Elijah feels tightly wound and on the verge of breaking. Is there room in his life for love? Enter Ryan—a determined, upbeat professional looking to bring in new business. His charm and sunny demeanor bring a refreshing contrast to Elijah’s more serious personality, creating a dynamic that is both engaging and heartwarming.
What truly elevates this book is its emphasis on emotional connection. The relationship between Elijah and Ryan is built on a foundation of trust, shared struggles, and mutual respect. Their bond transcends physical attraction, focusing instead on their emotional and social compatibility. This makes their journey together feel genuine and deeply resonant, standing out from other romances in the genre.
One of the joys of the All On The Line series is its interconnected universe, where each character’s story unfolds in their own book while also contributing to the larger narrative. While Unreasonable Doubt delivers a satisfying arc for Elijah and Ryan, some plot threads remain open. For readers unfamiliar with the series’ style, this may feel incomplete, but returning fans will recognize it as part of the series’ charm. These unresolved elements hint that Elijah and Ryan’s story isn’t over, leaving room for future exploration.
Overall, Unreasonable Doubt is a strong addition to the series, showcasing Gareth Chris’s talent for crafting emotionally rich, character-driven romances. Whether you’re a fan of the series or new to All On The Line, this book offers a heartfelt exploration of love, resilience, and finding light in unexpected places.
November 18, 2024
I enjoyed the characters in this grumpy/sunshine, age-gap romance, which also explores the older guy’s first-time experience with another man. The dynamic between the characters was compelling—one reserved and stoic, the other full of life and optimism—and their interactions brought an undeniable charm to the story. However, I felt the book wasn’t fully developed in its execution.
The story felt rushed unfortunately, particularly in its pacing. The setup was detailed, laying the groundwork for their connection, but the transition into a full-blown relationship happened so abruptly that it was hard to see how the leap from acquaintances to partners occurred. I found myself wondering how their emotional journey reached that point so quickly.
Additionally, the writing occasionally lacked smoothness, with moments that felt choppy or underexplored. While the story itself had great potential and the characters were engaging, the short length didn’t allow enough room to truly flesh out their bond or dive deeply into the emotions and complexities of their growing relationship.
That said, the premise and the grumpy/sunshine trope are delightful, and the characters left a lasting impression. With more development and polish, this story could have been something truly memorable. It’s still an enjoyable read, especially if you’re looking for a light and quick romance, but I couldn’t help but wish for a bit more depth and a steadier pace.
The story felt rushed unfortunately, particularly in its pacing. The setup was detailed, laying the groundwork for their connection, but the transition into a full-blown relationship happened so abruptly that it was hard to see how the leap from acquaintances to partners occurred. I found myself wondering how their emotional journey reached that point so quickly.
Additionally, the writing occasionally lacked smoothness, with moments that felt choppy or underexplored. While the story itself had great potential and the characters were engaging, the short length didn’t allow enough room to truly flesh out their bond or dive deeply into the emotions and complexities of their growing relationship.
That said, the premise and the grumpy/sunshine trope are delightful, and the characters left a lasting impression. With more development and polish, this story could have been something truly memorable. It’s still an enjoyable read, especially if you’re looking for a light and quick romance, but I couldn’t help but wish for a bit more depth and a steadier pace.
November 1, 2024
I must state that I was provided with a free copy of this book for my unbiased review.
In Unreasonable Doubt we meet again Elijah, the lawyer who appeared in Taken by Chance. We know that he runs his own practice with his son Timothy running the front office. We now learn that whilst there is no doubt that he is a very competent lawyer his emotional life is not in good shape; he is coping with his mother, who has had a Alzheimer's diagnosis, the aftermath of his divorce, financial strain, and coming to terms with his sexuality as a completely inexperienced gay man.
Than a new partner joins the firm. Ryan can bring in new business and he is not only very personable but extremely attractive. What can - and will - happen?
This book is a beautiful study of vulnerability; it is a moving, tender and ultimately romantic story. On the way it's great to meet again Chance, Arlo and Charlie from Take by Chance who bring wise council and a deal of fun to Elijah's life.
I greatly recommend this book.
In Unreasonable Doubt we meet again Elijah, the lawyer who appeared in Taken by Chance. We know that he runs his own practice with his son Timothy running the front office. We now learn that whilst there is no doubt that he is a very competent lawyer his emotional life is not in good shape; he is coping with his mother, who has had a Alzheimer's diagnosis, the aftermath of his divorce, financial strain, and coming to terms with his sexuality as a completely inexperienced gay man.
Than a new partner joins the firm. Ryan can bring in new business and he is not only very personable but extremely attractive. What can - and will - happen?
This book is a beautiful study of vulnerability; it is a moving, tender and ultimately romantic story. On the way it's great to meet again Chance, Arlo and Charlie from Take by Chance who bring wise council and a deal of fun to Elijah's life.
I greatly recommend this book.
January 30, 2025
Heartwarming
This was a new author for me. The story is about Elijah who is in his forties, newly out as a gay man, has a son in his twenties who lives and works with him at his law firm. He has a lot on in his plate and sells half of his business to a prominent younger lawyer to help tackle his bills. There is a lot going on in his life, his mum has dementia, he’s coming to terms with the fact that his son is now becoming a grown man and needs him in other ways and he’s never been with a man before.
Riley is excited to start this new partnership and has lots of fresh ideas of how to bring in new business but Elijah isn’t always welcoming and a bit old fashion and not good with changes. He’s also attracted to his new partner.
This is a slow burn with Elijah a bit out of control with everything going on in his life but Riley is a great addition and I like how good he was for Elijah and Tim. Lovely characters, just wish the ending was a bit longer. It was a bit abrupt.
This was a new author for me. The story is about Elijah who is in his forties, newly out as a gay man, has a son in his twenties who lives and works with him at his law firm. He has a lot on in his plate and sells half of his business to a prominent younger lawyer to help tackle his bills. There is a lot going on in his life, his mum has dementia, he’s coming to terms with the fact that his son is now becoming a grown man and needs him in other ways and he’s never been with a man before.
Riley is excited to start this new partnership and has lots of fresh ideas of how to bring in new business but Elijah isn’t always welcoming and a bit old fashion and not good with changes. He’s also attracted to his new partner.
This is a slow burn with Elijah a bit out of control with everything going on in his life but Riley is a great addition and I like how good he was for Elijah and Tim. Lovely characters, just wish the ending was a bit longer. It was a bit abrupt.
November 15, 2024
One of the best books I have read in a while. We first meet Elijah in an earlier book and so happy to see him get his own story. Elijah seems to have it all together, but underneath the facade his life is falling apart and he is an emotional wreck. I love how this book realistically depicts his life and his acceptance of himself as a middle aged man. Of course, the young lawyer he has hired for his firm, Riley, helps him accept himself. I love that this book has depth and an actual storyline. It is about the developing relationship between two men who at first push one another buttons but soon feeling emerge. I love the vulnerability show as these two men become a couple. A tender romance about the lives of two destined men helped along in life by supportive characters (some from earlier book) but still a great standalone read. I will be rereading this book as it got under my skin and into my heart.
I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
February 6, 2026
I Loved the Characters!
Wonderful characters. The author made them alive in my brain and in my heart. I was touched by the emotional toll of the mother's heath. It gave reality to the story. I enjoyed the characters interaction together. I also liked the son's relationship growth with his father. I would have appreciated a little more actual showing of the lovers physical interaction after their first time. Show me, more then just tell me. I wanted to feel their passion in my heart. Still the characters touched me emotionally. I wanted a little more time with them.
As a reader I appreciate when the writing is good with no glaring mistakes to stop my flow of reading. This author accomplished that.
This was my first read by this author. I will read more by Gareth Chris.
Wonderful characters. The author made them alive in my brain and in my heart. I was touched by the emotional toll of the mother's heath. It gave reality to the story. I enjoyed the characters interaction together. I also liked the son's relationship growth with his father. I would have appreciated a little more actual showing of the lovers physical interaction after their first time. Show me, more then just tell me. I wanted to feel their passion in my heart. Still the characters touched me emotionally. I wanted a little more time with them.
As a reader I appreciate when the writing is good with no glaring mistakes to stop my flow of reading. This author accomplished that.
This was my first read by this author. I will read more by Gareth Chris.
November 23, 2024
This book shows one of the reasons I'm a huge fan of age gap romances. We get to see the older, established lawyer Elijah dealing with all the things you have to handle as a person of his age, problems with children, aging parents, the stress of running a business and keeping up with the times while not alienating current clients. Then there is the added issue of coming out at his age. When he hires a new, younger, gay attorney to help bring new ideas and clients into the firm it's no surprise that he's both resentful of the new ideas even though they need to adopt some of them and he's also envious of the time Riley has left to left for living and new opportunities. Watching these two clash and then come to understand each other made for a wonderful read.
November 20, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up
Elijah Cummings has a lot going on in his life, and with the hiring of a new partner for his law firm, things get even hairier. Riley Hansen is ten years younger, far more hip, and out and proud. His optimistic, vibrant approach to life contrasts with Elijah's doom-and-gloom perspective. I never found Elijah likable throughout. He's grouchy, judgmental--both of himself and others--and sometimes almost inexplicably juvenile. I never got into him at all and didn't understand what Riley found attractive enough to allow Elijah all the leeway he seemed to need. The extra half-star is for Riley and the secondary characters, who all add some color to this story.
Elijah Cummings has a lot going on in his life, and with the hiring of a new partner for his law firm, things get even hairier. Riley Hansen is ten years younger, far more hip, and out and proud. His optimistic, vibrant approach to life contrasts with Elijah's doom-and-gloom perspective. I never found Elijah likable throughout. He's grouchy, judgmental--both of himself and others--and sometimes almost inexplicably juvenile. I never got into him at all and didn't understand what Riley found attractive enough to allow Elijah all the leeway he seemed to need. The extra half-star is for Riley and the secondary characters, who all add some color to this story.
November 17, 2024
I like the story and the couple, but something was missing from the book. I know it was short, but it could have used an epilogue—something to show how their relationship developed six months or a year later. And their relationship developed fast.
And I also wonder about the business partnership. They said the ad got them new clients but nothing else. Are they finally making a profit?
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
angst 1.5/5
heat 1/5
story 3/5
POV dual
And I also wonder about the business partnership. They said the ad got them new clients but nothing else. Are they finally making a profit?
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
angst 1.5/5
heat 1/5
story 3/5
POV dual
November 21, 2024
Elijah is a very late bloomer, but there is nothing wrong with that. The blurb tells you about him looking after everyone but himself and it is a bit like that. Taking on a younger partner in Riley he has doubts about everything. Riley was so very patient, he could have been a councillor he dealt with both Elijah and his son Tim in such a great way to help them both.. I loved their dynamic, once Elijah became his true self with confidence. Such a great story! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 30, 2024
Riley and Elijah ❤️
I was happy to see another side of Elijah whom was introduced previously in this series. He was seemingly well put together but boy was I ever wrong, Riley was the perfect person to help him find himself. What I enjoyed most about this read was that it was so much more than instant attraction, the build up to what these men eventually share was perfect. This was a wonderful example of Grumpy/Sunshine, love, friends and a very satisfying HEA. I recommend this book and this series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
I was happy to see another side of Elijah whom was introduced previously in this series. He was seemingly well put together but boy was I ever wrong, Riley was the perfect person to help him find himself. What I enjoyed most about this read was that it was so much more than instant attraction, the build up to what these men eventually share was perfect. This was a wonderful example of Grumpy/Sunshine, love, friends and a very satisfying HEA. I recommend this book and this series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
November 15, 2024
I enjoyed the characters in this grumpy/sunshine, age-gap, older-guy's-first-time-with-a-man book, but I did feel like the book wasn't fully developed. It's quite short (<150 pages), and the pacing didn't feel right -- a lot of set-up and then all of a sudden a relationship and I couldn't figure out how that happened. The writing just isn't smooth at times, too. Lots of potential here and I liked the story and the characters, but just felt it needed some polishing.
November 17, 2024
A great addition to the All in a line series. Though It says can be read as a standalone i would recommend reading previous books as you do have a lot of the characters popping in! Also we met Elijah in previous books nd this book follows his journey. Another beautiful storyline that is so emotive, a true romance. I also liked the fact that it wasn't a common trope (ie sports/fake boyfriend etc) and had a really good plot.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
November 17, 2024
Love the couple and how Riley stands up for Elijah, giving him much needed confidence and standing up for him, their relationship is amazing and its nice to see both characters grow especially elijah as they are together. Honestly for the side characters, I don't like the son he's a bit of an ah, but the sons boyfriend is hilarious. And the friends are cool and the dynamic with the ex wife is great.
November 9, 2024
An age difference, a bit, yes, but these two m/c’s got on like a wild fire after some compromising. A fun story with strong side characters. The story has some sadness, Elijah’s mother and her situation, yet it played well into showing his depth and his struggles. Tim was another character you can’t help but like. Easy to read and enjoyable. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
November 17, 2024
It look like he has it all but his life is a mess, he has so many problems and he is about to get a new partner. All they remind him of it what they have that he never had at his age. They want it all to work but they know they need to get him in a better place. See how it will all go for them both
November 19, 2024
Unreasonable Doubt is another fantastic book in the All on the Line series, it can be read as a standalone but I preferred it reading in order. We previously met Elijah in previous and I was so happy to get his story. This is an age gap, grumpy/sunshine, low angst, low heat read about Riley and Elijah. This was a wonderful story and lots of wonderful characters, new and old.
December 29, 2024
New author to me and I read the book in one.sitting. It was easy to read with no angst and a nce set of primary and secondary characters. Loved Elijah's son, Tim and his three friends.
Hope we hear more from this lot in another book.
Hope we hear more from this lot in another book.
November 17, 2024
Quick enjoyable read. Read in one sitting. I enjoyed it so much that I need to go and check out the previous books.
Looking forward for future books too.
Looking forward for future books too.
November 23, 2024
this was emotional read. we see the character slowing start to build something together. with all that one his plate with his mother. it was wonderful he can fall back onto some one
November 28, 2024
New to me author and I'm hooked i cant wait to read more
November 22, 2024
********** Contains Spoilers**********
I rated this book 4.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 5 stars. This is the first book that I’ve read by Gareth Chris and from the All on the Line Series. This was a quick, sweet and enjoyable read but I believe I would’ve enjoyed this book even more if I’d read the prior books in this series. I thought that Elijah and Riley were great together and I liked that after they finally admitted how they felt about each other that they took things at a slower pace, since Elijah is a recently out gay man and Riley wanted to show him that wants to build something special with each other, instead of just jumping straight into bed. I liked how Riley and Elijah’s son Tim became friends.
Even when Elijah was constantly disagreeing with all of Riley’s suggestions for bringing new business into their law firm. Tim gave Riley some insight into who Elijah is, and that Riley also told Tim that he needs to watch how he makes constant jokes about Elijah’s age as Elijah most likely takes them to heart, and being a first time out gay man in his early forties most likely believes that no one would want to date him, so why’d he even bother trying. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this series, as well more from Gareth Chris in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
I rated this book 4.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 5 stars. This is the first book that I’ve read by Gareth Chris and from the All on the Line Series. This was a quick, sweet and enjoyable read but I believe I would’ve enjoyed this book even more if I’d read the prior books in this series. I thought that Elijah and Riley were great together and I liked that after they finally admitted how they felt about each other that they took things at a slower pace, since Elijah is a recently out gay man and Riley wanted to show him that wants to build something special with each other, instead of just jumping straight into bed. I liked how Riley and Elijah’s son Tim became friends.
Even when Elijah was constantly disagreeing with all of Riley’s suggestions for bringing new business into their law firm. Tim gave Riley some insight into who Elijah is, and that Riley also told Tim that he needs to watch how he makes constant jokes about Elijah’s age as Elijah most likely takes them to heart, and being a first time out gay man in his early forties most likely believes that no one would want to date him, so why’d he even bother trying. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this series, as well more from Gareth Chris in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews