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Lone Star Law Series #1
Lay Down the Law
Peyton Davis is part rancher, part federal prosecutor, and all Texan. Strong and steady, she’s known for keeping her cool in every situation, but when she meets the beautiful and accomplished heiress to the Gantry oil fortune, she falls fast and hard. When she learns her new assignment is to investigate the Gantry family’s business, her entire belief system will be tested.
Lily Gantry leads a privileged and protected life and she has no idea it’s all about to blow up in her face. What she does know is that the striking rancher she met at the Cattle Baron’s Ball has the potential to steal her heart. Will she feel the same way when she finds out Peyton Davis’s investigation threatens not only her family’s fortune, but the very foundation of her identity?
Lily Gantry leads a privileged and protected life and she has no idea it’s all about to blow up in her face. What she does know is that the striking rancher she met at the Cattle Baron’s Ball has the potential to steal her heart. Will she feel the same way when she finds out Peyton Davis’s investigation threatens not only her family’s fortune, but the very foundation of her identity?
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2015
22 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Carsen Taite
51 books293 followersCarsen Taite's goal as an author is to spin plot lines as interesting as the cases she encountered in her career as a criminal defense lawyer. She is the award-winning author of a dozen novels and numerous short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 26, 2018
Great series!
March 8, 2023
Oyi! Goodreads, where is my review? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 28, 2018
This is a fast-paced exciting read but it is much more about the mystery and crime than it is about the romance. Peyton and Lily spend remarkably little time together and most of what happens is parallel journey rather than one of unity. I'm trying to decide whether to read book two or not because I don't feel Peyton and Lily's story is over and the blurbs of the subsequent books don't allude to them at all.
I had hoped that this series would be like Radclyffe's Honor series in that there is a central couple with each book dealing with another couple but keeping the original couple in the limelight while continuing the crime story.
As is stands, it has a good premise which will be interesting to follow.
I had hoped that this series would be like Radclyffe's Honor series in that there is a central couple with each book dealing with another couple but keeping the original couple in the limelight while continuing the crime story.
As is stands, it has a good premise which will be interesting to follow.
July 8, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. Lay Down the Law is the first book in a newer series for Carsen Taite. Based in Texas, you're dealing with characters from the social elite and law enforcement to Mexican drug cartels.
The two main characters are pretty likeable, except I feel like I have not really got to know them yet. The characters are not very fleshed out. I'm hoping that will change in future series books. The action and "crime" part of the book was pretty good. There was a lot going on so it's keeps you turning the page. The problem is I think all the crime and action, took away from the romance. The characters have so much craziness going on, they don't have time to be in a relationship. Because of these outside factors, the romance went from luke-warm to "I love you, were gonna raise children together" ...What, where did that come from? How are we suppose to believe that's where they are after two small dates? It's a bit of a pet peeve, of mine, when Lesfic romances jump like this U-haul stereotype.
Anyway, I still have hope for this series. Hope that the next book with fix the problems of this first one. I would recommend this as I think there was enough action to make this book an enjoyable enough read.
The two main characters are pretty likeable, except I feel like I have not really got to know them yet. The characters are not very fleshed out. I'm hoping that will change in future series books. The action and "crime" part of the book was pretty good. There was a lot going on so it's keeps you turning the page. The problem is I think all the crime and action, took away from the romance. The characters have so much craziness going on, they don't have time to be in a relationship. Because of these outside factors, the romance went from luke-warm to "I love you, were gonna raise children together" ...What, where did that come from? How are we suppose to believe that's where they are after two small dates? It's a bit of a pet peeve, of mine, when Lesfic romances jump like this U-haul stereotype.
Anyway, I still have hope for this series. Hope that the next book with fix the problems of this first one. I would recommend this as I think there was enough action to make this book an enjoyable enough read.
March 10, 2019
Carsen Taite is so good at writing characters that I’m immediately interested in and Lily and Peyton are no exception. Both women are smart, strong, and excellent at what they do, and watching their attraction grow is a whole lot of fun.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/lay-...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/lay-...
December 14, 2025
Well done!
This was a very suspenseful story! The characters were very well developed and the plot was as intense as it could be from start to finish. I feel unresolved about what will happen with Peyton's family and the ranch issues and her brother Neil. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
This was a very suspenseful story! The characters were very well developed and the plot was as intense as it could be from start to finish. I feel unresolved about what will happen with Peyton's family and the ranch issues and her brother Neil. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 8, 2021
The ending was too rush with many questions unanswered... I guess I’ll know more when I read book 2 🤔
May 25, 2015
Posted as the first of a new series of Lone Star Law crime/romances Lay Down the Law uses Ms Taite’s excellent courtroom experience and sets up a new legal hotshot.
Peyton Davis returns to her childhood home to find the family at loggerheads, her father in decline and the ranch looking unkempt. While trying to deal with all the changes that have happened while she has been a main Justice in DC, AUSA Davis is also dropped unceremoniously into her new job as taskforce leader chasing Mexican drug cartel.
Her instant attraction to the stunning Lily Gantry at the Cattle Baron’s Ball seems to be a beacon of light in an otherwise fairly heavy homecoming. But the Gantry family have issues of their own. Southern belle Lily is being bullied to sign an odd codicil to her trust fund, and increasingly wants to go in search of her birth parents. As the story unfolds their attraction becomes more of a problem than an escape and the plot lines come together into one big problem for Peyton Davis to unravel.
As always Ms Taite writes strong legal thrillers with a good mix of romance, action, crime drama, and insider knowledge. Her writing is well structured and edited, easy to read and enjoyable escapism. I will admit to some disbelief in the amount of time the new AUSA spent away from her taskforce at critical moments, it did seem a little unrealistic and allowed rather obvious mechanisms in the plot
Peyton is a great new Justice with strong morals and obvious intelligence. The Davis family is intriguing with a whole history to explore as the series unfolds, unusually matriarchal – Peyton’s relationship with her brothers gives an extra layer of tension and her mother is a woman to be reckoned with. Peyton is often between her desire for justice and her love of the land – opening up an ongoing personal battle for her to manage.
Lily is a delightful character, determined to break out of the constraints of a ‘princess’ lifestyle, she wants to earn a living, contribute to the community and explore her own past, all the while balancing her social obligations, her inbuilt good manners and her love for the adoptive parents.
Casen Taite BiogI love Carsen Taite’s books – Courtship and Switchblade were two of my favorite reads last year. When I heard a new one was in the pipeline I was really excited to get hold of it. But this one fell short. The first 85% was good and I was enjoying the build, the crime plot is complex and interesting, the family life adds a great backdrop and added drama, and the romance was struggling enjoyably. But the last 15% or so was a complete let down.
Without giving spoilers the ending was rushed in the extreme, the crime was suddenly cracked, Lily’s family mystery abruptly solved, while the Davis family drama was left hanging despite its obvious tie in to the main plot. It maybe that the various lose ends will be picked up in the next book, but this just felt unfinished, as if a word count limit had forced the author to miss out a couple of chapters. While this might not have been the deepest of crime romances it was an enjoyable read and offered the tantalizing thought of a series to come. The ending left me extremely unsatisfied.
(publisher review copy received)
Peyton Davis returns to her childhood home to find the family at loggerheads, her father in decline and the ranch looking unkempt. While trying to deal with all the changes that have happened while she has been a main Justice in DC, AUSA Davis is also dropped unceremoniously into her new job as taskforce leader chasing Mexican drug cartel.
Her instant attraction to the stunning Lily Gantry at the Cattle Baron’s Ball seems to be a beacon of light in an otherwise fairly heavy homecoming. But the Gantry family have issues of their own. Southern belle Lily is being bullied to sign an odd codicil to her trust fund, and increasingly wants to go in search of her birth parents. As the story unfolds their attraction becomes more of a problem than an escape and the plot lines come together into one big problem for Peyton Davis to unravel.
As always Ms Taite writes strong legal thrillers with a good mix of romance, action, crime drama, and insider knowledge. Her writing is well structured and edited, easy to read and enjoyable escapism. I will admit to some disbelief in the amount of time the new AUSA spent away from her taskforce at critical moments, it did seem a little unrealistic and allowed rather obvious mechanisms in the plot
Peyton is a great new Justice with strong morals and obvious intelligence. The Davis family is intriguing with a whole history to explore as the series unfolds, unusually matriarchal – Peyton’s relationship with her brothers gives an extra layer of tension and her mother is a woman to be reckoned with. Peyton is often between her desire for justice and her love of the land – opening up an ongoing personal battle for her to manage.
Lily is a delightful character, determined to break out of the constraints of a ‘princess’ lifestyle, she wants to earn a living, contribute to the community and explore her own past, all the while balancing her social obligations, her inbuilt good manners and her love for the adoptive parents.
Casen Taite BiogI love Carsen Taite’s books – Courtship and Switchblade were two of my favorite reads last year. When I heard a new one was in the pipeline I was really excited to get hold of it. But this one fell short. The first 85% was good and I was enjoying the build, the crime plot is complex and interesting, the family life adds a great backdrop and added drama, and the romance was struggling enjoyably. But the last 15% or so was a complete let down.
Without giving spoilers the ending was rushed in the extreme, the crime was suddenly cracked, Lily’s family mystery abruptly solved, while the Davis family drama was left hanging despite its obvious tie in to the main plot. It maybe that the various lose ends will be picked up in the next book, but this just felt unfinished, as if a word count limit had forced the author to miss out a couple of chapters. While this might not have been the deepest of crime romances it was an enjoyable read and offered the tantalizing thought of a series to come. The ending left me extremely unsatisfied.
(publisher review copy received)
April 28, 2015
I love it. What a great story.
Two totally different worlds, drama, action and a awesome love story. I feel that there will be a sequel because not everything is told. I hope that this will really happen and that we do not have to wait too long. Great job Carsen Taite.
Two totally different worlds, drama, action and a awesome love story. I feel that there will be a sequel because not everything is told. I hope that this will really happen and that we do not have to wait too long. Great job Carsen Taite.
August 31, 2015
Started really well and rushed towards the end. This book could have been much better than it is now with little more magic with words. Wasn't an awesome read like Carsen Taite's other books but definitely no disappointment either!
Rating: 3.5/5
Rating: 3.5/5
November 9, 2024
I am a fan of this author's works. This book is no exception. Two lives connect, one through work & the other through her family discoveries
June 10, 2015
Another good story from Carsen Taite. The only gripe I have is that it ends rather abruptly. A couple of storylines were left unresolved. A shame really, since the plot was developing quite nicely until that point. I hope we'll see a continuation in the next book in the series. Like it or not, I'm already invested in the characters and their lives.
May 6, 2015
Quite interesting story but... the ending is way too rushed and leaves many, many questions unanswered.
June 19, 2018
3.5 stars, only because the ending was super abrupt. I think this is part of a series, so I get the need to leave some loose ends. But the book should still be able to find some natural conclusion.
June 22, 2016
I feel as though I need to start this review with a disclaimer. I really like Carsen Taite as an author. I enjoy almost every book I read of hers. I purchased Above the Law and Lay down the Law at the same time. I usually devour her books. Start the book and stay up all night to find out what happens type of book. This book was not that book. I feel as though the relationship was rushed even for two lesbians. They really didn’t know one another, and I can’t imagine how they were attached at all to one another. I just didn’t much care for the romance, and the mystery/suspense wasn’t enough to keep me entertained. For me this was a bust, and what usually takes me one day I spread out over several while reading other bits of entertainment in between.
February 27, 2017
I tried this book because I enjoyed the author’s ‘Luca Bennett’ books. For the first half of the book I actually thought it might be better than the Luca books, but the story seemed to fall apart towards the end. I felt as if the author had suddenly hit her deadline and had to finish the book without the time to resolve several issues, I can only hope this is because the next book in the series starts by picking up these matters and provides some explanations and closure.
May 6, 2015
Great read! Carsen will keep you intrigued and turning pages. Love the main characters. Couldn't put it down.
February 11, 2019
I really liked the story. The family drama and issues it caused. Loved the characters. Cannot wait to read second part.
July 27, 2020
Taite is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint!!!! Thrilling, engaging, and kept me on the edge of my seat! Kind of predictable but that doesn't bother me (makes me feel smart ;) ). I loved this story and I love that the mystery/crime of it was at the forefront and that the romance took a back seat but was still kinda there. If you have an amazing story to weave, then you don't have to rely on steamy scenes and romance to keep the reader interested. It did bother me, though, that they fell in love so quickly. Super excited to read the remaining books in this series.
June 14, 2016
This is my fifth work I’ve read by Taite, and fourth book.
My favorite of the bunch still remains the first, the short story I’d read in that ‘Girls with Guns’ book. Which is strange, in its way, since that had actually been a short story that is both chronologically and by publication date, something that had occurred after the Luca Bennett trilogy.
This book here is not actually the fifth work I’d started by Taite, though. No that would have been ‘Above the Law’. Which I only realized after I’d read 12% that I didn’t have a clue what was going on - because I was reading the second book in a series. So I paused my reading of that second book.
Dale Nelson is in the first book, but is very much something of a side character. Important, but I’m not sure that I’d even put her up to even third most important in the book. No the two most important would be those with points of view. That would be Peyton Davis, and Lily Gantry.
Peyton Davis is an assistant USA attorney (AUSA). A US Attorney is president appointed (as in USA President), and is the chief federal law enforcement officer within their jurisdiction. An Assistant USA Attorney is not president appointed and could be among as many as 350 AUSAs who work for a particular US Attorney. Peyton grew up on a ranch in north Texas, and wandered off to college and law school before joining the government as a AUSA in Washington DC. The book opens with her return to her hometown as a local AUSA.
She’s back to head up a task force focused on a Mexican crime cartel. Even before she can get herself settled, and before she is even supposed to report to work for the first time, Peyton is called in to visit a crime scene. A trailer full of dead bodies. The mystery part of the story has begun.
Lily white - adjective meaning ‘pure or ideally white. Without fault or corruption; totally innocent or immaculate’. I’m not sure what Lily Gantry’s birth name had been, it might have even been Lily. But it hadn’t been Gantry, and, to put it crudely, Lily’s coloration is a topic of concern for her personally. In that her family are all quite pale in coloration. She? She’s quite a bit darker, brownish. Definitely not ‘lily white’. For she was adopted into the family. A off-spring of a woman from Mexico had been adopted into the oil rich Gantry family. She sees her parents as hers, they’ve treated her as such, and, other than the obviousness of her ‘difference look’, she’s their daughter, even if not by blood. Not that everyone in the extended family, or, for that matter, others in her class (specifically one Virginia Taylor - but then the Taylor’s are also in the oil business, and rivals with the Gantry oil company - they probably would not have been best friends anyway).
Lily has been out of the country until about six or so months before the start of this book. She’s highly educated with a degree in engineering, and with several patents in alternate fuel sources.
Peyton and Lily circle each other, and something of a budding romance begins . . . before it abruptly and rudely stops. Is interrupted. Some words that convey this idea. Interrupted by events. For, as noted, Peyton is a AUSA. Head of a task force. And her first taste of that case lead her to a crime scene involving a trailer filled with dead bodies. A trailer that is later found out to be owned by Gantry oil. In and of itself not a ‘interrupting’ type of event. I mean, they had reported the trailer stolen. No, it’s the part where this revelation that the trailer is Gantry owned, lead to Peyton learning that there’s a case currently being worked on in her office against the Gantry family. Kind of puts a different twist to a budding romance, hmm?
I’ve read books before where two circle each other, even if they shouldn’t, because of ‘cases being worked on’. But this one has an interesting twist on that theme - Peyton and Lily were circling each other before Peyton even learned of there being any case that may or may not involve the Gantry family.
So - that’s going on. A mystery involving a Mexican cartel, a Texas oil business, and a budding romance. Plus, not yet mentioned, a big old ‘family issue’ taking place within Peyton’s own family involving her family farm and her family. Her dad has health issues, and the oldest son has taken it upon himself to take charge. Despite the fact the mother is still there and technically is the owner of the place. And despite the fact that his ideas do not mesh with family heritage and desires. So, that’s in there as well. Family drama circling both of the main characters.
Oh, and one last bit - I’d mentioned that Lily was adopted, well that is a theme in the book as well - and more than just the part wherein Lily is browner than the rest of her family. No, there’s also this ‘family trust’ issue that comes up in the book, and certain potential ‘issues’ that crop up.
An enjoyable book. The Dale character is kind of thin, though has some meat - but as mentioned, she might star in the next book, but isn’t even third most important in this book. Peyton and Lily seem well formed.
A good solid four star book.
May 27 2016
My favorite of the bunch still remains the first, the short story I’d read in that ‘Girls with Guns’ book. Which is strange, in its way, since that had actually been a short story that is both chronologically and by publication date, something that had occurred after the Luca Bennett trilogy.
This book here is not actually the fifth work I’d started by Taite, though. No that would have been ‘Above the Law’. Which I only realized after I’d read 12% that I didn’t have a clue what was going on - because I was reading the second book in a series. So I paused my reading of that second book.
Dale Nelson is in the first book, but is very much something of a side character. Important, but I’m not sure that I’d even put her up to even third most important in the book. No the two most important would be those with points of view. That would be Peyton Davis, and Lily Gantry.
Peyton Davis is an assistant USA attorney (AUSA). A US Attorney is president appointed (as in USA President), and is the chief federal law enforcement officer within their jurisdiction. An Assistant USA Attorney is not president appointed and could be among as many as 350 AUSAs who work for a particular US Attorney. Peyton grew up on a ranch in north Texas, and wandered off to college and law school before joining the government as a AUSA in Washington DC. The book opens with her return to her hometown as a local AUSA.
She’s back to head up a task force focused on a Mexican crime cartel. Even before she can get herself settled, and before she is even supposed to report to work for the first time, Peyton is called in to visit a crime scene. A trailer full of dead bodies. The mystery part of the story has begun.
Lily white - adjective meaning ‘pure or ideally white. Without fault or corruption; totally innocent or immaculate’. I’m not sure what Lily Gantry’s birth name had been, it might have even been Lily. But it hadn’t been Gantry, and, to put it crudely, Lily’s coloration is a topic of concern for her personally. In that her family are all quite pale in coloration. She? She’s quite a bit darker, brownish. Definitely not ‘lily white’. For she was adopted into the family. A off-spring of a woman from Mexico had been adopted into the oil rich Gantry family. She sees her parents as hers, they’ve treated her as such, and, other than the obviousness of her ‘difference look’, she’s their daughter, even if not by blood. Not that everyone in the extended family, or, for that matter, others in her class (specifically one Virginia Taylor - but then the Taylor’s are also in the oil business, and rivals with the Gantry oil company - they probably would not have been best friends anyway).
Lily has been out of the country until about six or so months before the start of this book. She’s highly educated with a degree in engineering, and with several patents in alternate fuel sources.
Peyton and Lily circle each other, and something of a budding romance begins . . . before it abruptly and rudely stops. Is interrupted. Some words that convey this idea. Interrupted by events. For, as noted, Peyton is a AUSA. Head of a task force. And her first taste of that case lead her to a crime scene involving a trailer filled with dead bodies. A trailer that is later found out to be owned by Gantry oil. In and of itself not a ‘interrupting’ type of event. I mean, they had reported the trailer stolen. No, it’s the part where this revelation that the trailer is Gantry owned, lead to Peyton learning that there’s a case currently being worked on in her office against the Gantry family. Kind of puts a different twist to a budding romance, hmm?
I’ve read books before where two circle each other, even if they shouldn’t, because of ‘cases being worked on’. But this one has an interesting twist on that theme - Peyton and Lily were circling each other before Peyton even learned of there being any case that may or may not involve the Gantry family.
So - that’s going on. A mystery involving a Mexican cartel, a Texas oil business, and a budding romance. Plus, not yet mentioned, a big old ‘family issue’ taking place within Peyton’s own family involving her family farm and her family. Her dad has health issues, and the oldest son has taken it upon himself to take charge. Despite the fact the mother is still there and technically is the owner of the place. And despite the fact that his ideas do not mesh with family heritage and desires. So, that’s in there as well. Family drama circling both of the main characters.
Oh, and one last bit - I’d mentioned that Lily was adopted, well that is a theme in the book as well - and more than just the part wherein Lily is browner than the rest of her family. No, there’s also this ‘family trust’ issue that comes up in the book, and certain potential ‘issues’ that crop up.
An enjoyable book. The Dale character is kind of thin, though has some meat - but as mentioned, she might star in the next book, but isn’t even third most important in this book. Peyton and Lily seem well formed.
A good solid four star book.
May 27 2016
June 14, 2017
This book drew me in right from the first chapter It was an intense story and kept me guessing throughout the whole story. I'm excited to see where I he author goes with the main characters in the next book
August 29, 2023
The 'crime' aspect of the novel was really good.
Given that there was no significant milestones in the romance arc, I wish the author had left Lily and Peyton's relationship as a happily-for-now instead of the HEA, which felt rushed.
Given that there was no significant milestones in the romance arc, I wish the author had left Lily and Peyton's relationship as a happily-for-now instead of the HEA, which felt rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2020
well written, but i kinda think if you were Lily things won't be that easy. not realistic but fun to read.
May 11, 2015
Suspenseful, intriguingly tense, and with a great developing love story, this book is delightfully solid on all fronts. As the first book of the ‘Lone Star Law’ series, some of the inspiration apparently came from the magnificent television show - Dallas. I was a die-hard fan of that groundbreaking production. This book is a winner, too!
Peyton Davis has shifted her venue from DC to Dallas where she is an Assistant US Attorney. There are all manner of nuances, defined positions of power, and political machinations that are woven throughout this book. I love learning about all of these kinds of inside structures. The people stories are very fine, too. Peyton's family ranch, the Circle Six, is fairly close to Dallas and if she chooses to reside there, it is a relatively manageable commute. Her return home from DC places her smack-dab in the middle of not only a slew of political maneuverings, but also all manner of internal family difficulties that include the management of the ranch. Technically Peyton owns half of the spread along with her oldest brother and that creates another curious wrinkle, dynamic, and complication for Peyton. One doesn't have to be around Peyton for very long to know she is more than capable of handling all the irons in the fire with her name emblazoned on them. I totally adore Peyton. Thrillingly personal!
Lily is the one and only adopted child of a rich Texas family. She carries and respects the Gantry name that is a powerful component within the Texas oil industry. Her passion and training is in alternative energy, however. Nonetheless she frequently gets corralled into volunteering for charitable events that her family is noted for supporting. It is during one of these events that Lily meets Peyton for the first time and a smoldering connection ensues. Lily is a bit of a mystery in comparison to Peyton. Additionally, her family is decidedly under the microscope of the Dallas Attorney General's office and that most definitely adds some spice to the legal shenanigans going on. One of the fascinating and exciting elements in this book is getting to understand and know Lily's background plus her possible involvement in her father's potentially shady doings. Impressive eccentricities!
There is palpable heat as soon as Peyton and Lily meet for the first time. However, with the undercurrents within all the work environments, they each have doubts at times. Yet their chronicles are compelling from a business angle, and the legal fandango dances and the family clashes provide a powerful foundation and superstructure for one helluva story. This gets my A-1 recommendation!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Peyton Davis has shifted her venue from DC to Dallas where she is an Assistant US Attorney. There are all manner of nuances, defined positions of power, and political machinations that are woven throughout this book. I love learning about all of these kinds of inside structures. The people stories are very fine, too. Peyton's family ranch, the Circle Six, is fairly close to Dallas and if she chooses to reside there, it is a relatively manageable commute. Her return home from DC places her smack-dab in the middle of not only a slew of political maneuverings, but also all manner of internal family difficulties that include the management of the ranch. Technically Peyton owns half of the spread along with her oldest brother and that creates another curious wrinkle, dynamic, and complication for Peyton. One doesn't have to be around Peyton for very long to know she is more than capable of handling all the irons in the fire with her name emblazoned on them. I totally adore Peyton. Thrillingly personal!
Lily is the one and only adopted child of a rich Texas family. She carries and respects the Gantry name that is a powerful component within the Texas oil industry. Her passion and training is in alternative energy, however. Nonetheless she frequently gets corralled into volunteering for charitable events that her family is noted for supporting. It is during one of these events that Lily meets Peyton for the first time and a smoldering connection ensues. Lily is a bit of a mystery in comparison to Peyton. Additionally, her family is decidedly under the microscope of the Dallas Attorney General's office and that most definitely adds some spice to the legal shenanigans going on. One of the fascinating and exciting elements in this book is getting to understand and know Lily's background plus her possible involvement in her father's potentially shady doings. Impressive eccentricities!
There is palpable heat as soon as Peyton and Lily meet for the first time. However, with the undercurrents within all the work environments, they each have doubts at times. Yet their chronicles are compelling from a business angle, and the legal fandango dances and the family clashes provide a powerful foundation and superstructure for one helluva story. This gets my A-1 recommendation!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 17, 2015
This is another winner from Ms Taite. The cover says that this is a part of the “Lone Star Law Series” and I hope there are many more books with these characters as they are well-developed, credible characters that you come to care about. This review will not have any spoilers as the story has many twists and turns before resolving some of the issues raised. I am hoping the series continues so that the loose ends are picked up – especially around Peyton’s relationships with her brothers.
This book introduces Peyton, a lawyer moving back home to Texas with a new job after learning of her father’s ill health. She is to lead a task force investigating a drug/money laundering ring. The author is a criminal attorney in Dallas so the legal aspects are well drawn but simple enough for non-legal eagles to understand. The second main character, Lily, is a good foil for Peyton and also the aspects of the law around estates and trusts that needs explaining. I like the scene where Lily’s lawyer phones her first thing in the morning and launches into her latest advice and Lily stops her and says phone me back when I’m more human and awake. I identified with that!
The main narrative concerns the conflicts around family loyalty, weaving in sibling rivalry, adoption and senility/confusion. Ms Taite has us caring about the characters while drawing us into the investigation and the dangers around exposing large conglomerates. There are many new characters who I am hoping crop up in future stories – especially Dale – but we also get to spend time with old favourites and Skye has always been my personal favourite character in the author’s books.
This is an easy read but is complex enough to keep you interested. The characters are credible and rounded with doubts, flaws and foibles like most of us. The plot has enough conflict to keep you guessing while not necessarily leading you too easily to the outcome. The ending suits the previous events but is surprising enough to make this a satisfying read. I will continue to look forward to anything written by Carsen Taite, as I know I won’t be disappointed.
I was sent a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an independent review
This book introduces Peyton, a lawyer moving back home to Texas with a new job after learning of her father’s ill health. She is to lead a task force investigating a drug/money laundering ring. The author is a criminal attorney in Dallas so the legal aspects are well drawn but simple enough for non-legal eagles to understand. The second main character, Lily, is a good foil for Peyton and also the aspects of the law around estates and trusts that needs explaining. I like the scene where Lily’s lawyer phones her first thing in the morning and launches into her latest advice and Lily stops her and says phone me back when I’m more human and awake. I identified with that!
The main narrative concerns the conflicts around family loyalty, weaving in sibling rivalry, adoption and senility/confusion. Ms Taite has us caring about the characters while drawing us into the investigation and the dangers around exposing large conglomerates. There are many new characters who I am hoping crop up in future stories – especially Dale – but we also get to spend time with old favourites and Skye has always been my personal favourite character in the author’s books.
This is an easy read but is complex enough to keep you interested. The characters are credible and rounded with doubts, flaws and foibles like most of us. The plot has enough conflict to keep you guessing while not necessarily leading you too easily to the outcome. The ending suits the previous events but is surprising enough to make this a satisfying read. I will continue to look forward to anything written by Carsen Taite, as I know I won’t be disappointed.
I was sent a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an independent review
April 6, 2015
I have read a few books by Carsen Taite and think this is my favourite. I enjoyed the two strong characters she created in Peyton and Lily who were both working through their own family issues. I liked the strength in their convictions when dealing with some sensitive issues.
In this book we are treated to a number of different stories to follow throughout the book which made it very difficult to put the book down as you are wanting to know what happens next. I thought the twists were realistic and made the book even more exciting.
I do feel that when you have a number of different aspects to follow in the book sometimes we lose the time in creating more moments between the characters to give you a better feel for the connection between them. In saying that I don't feel it impacted the book too much just that I personally felt it lacked slightly in this aspect.
The ending did finish quickly with many aspects of the story unresolved however the cover says it is part of a series therefore I am hopeful there is a second book with these characters. If this is not the case I thought we could have had more resolution in some of the issues that arose in the book. My fingers are crossed for a second book as I would love to keep reading about these characters.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
In this book we are treated to a number of different stories to follow throughout the book which made it very difficult to put the book down as you are wanting to know what happens next. I thought the twists were realistic and made the book even more exciting.
I do feel that when you have a number of different aspects to follow in the book sometimes we lose the time in creating more moments between the characters to give you a better feel for the connection between them. In saying that I don't feel it impacted the book too much just that I personally felt it lacked slightly in this aspect.
The ending did finish quickly with many aspects of the story unresolved however the cover says it is part of a series therefore I am hopeful there is a second book with these characters. If this is not the case I thought we could have had more resolution in some of the issues that arose in the book. My fingers are crossed for a second book as I would love to keep reading about these characters.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
April 20, 2015
SOO GOOD!!!
This is the Best book I've read in the last 5 days. I know that doesn't seem so impressive but I've read 11 so....
Payton has returned to Texas to find the family and family ranch in chaos, her new job as a US ADA a trial and a new love interest the daughter of a suspected money launder. What a mess!
Lily is the daughter of an oil man. She has been away studying alternative energy sources. She arrives home to a mother who pressures her to fulfill her womanly duties and take up charity work, a father pushing her to sign a waiver before she accesses a trust fund she doesn't even want and falling for a very confusing and complex US ADA.
Oh my gosh!! I've never read anything by Ms Taite before, what a fool I have been! This book is AMAZING!!! The setting, the scenery, the people, the plot, wow.... I loved Peyton's tough on the outside, crime fighting, intensely protective of those who are hers, bad ass self.
Lily, oh Lily... So beautiful, So composed... Her whole world is crashing down around her and yet she stands so strong.
Their concern and chemistry for each other binds them when family and career threatens to tear them apart. There is a whole lot more in there too, SO GOOD! There were some questions left unanswered but I am REALLY hoping that is because they will be answered in a follow up book, Pretty Please......
This is the Best book I've read in the last 5 days. I know that doesn't seem so impressive but I've read 11 so....
Payton has returned to Texas to find the family and family ranch in chaos, her new job as a US ADA a trial and a new love interest the daughter of a suspected money launder. What a mess!
Lily is the daughter of an oil man. She has been away studying alternative energy sources. She arrives home to a mother who pressures her to fulfill her womanly duties and take up charity work, a father pushing her to sign a waiver before she accesses a trust fund she doesn't even want and falling for a very confusing and complex US ADA.
Oh my gosh!! I've never read anything by Ms Taite before, what a fool I have been! This book is AMAZING!!! The setting, the scenery, the people, the plot, wow.... I loved Peyton's tough on the outside, crime fighting, intensely protective of those who are hers, bad ass self.
Lily, oh Lily... So beautiful, So composed... Her whole world is crashing down around her and yet she stands so strong.
Their concern and chemistry for each other binds them when family and career threatens to tear them apart. There is a whole lot more in there too, SO GOOD! There were some questions left unanswered but I am REALLY hoping that is because they will be answered in a follow up book, Pretty Please......
November 17, 2017
Peyton Davis returns to her home in Texas as a federal prosecutor and rancher. Problems arise both at home and at work. During this time, she meets Lily Gantry and they instantly connect. However, will they still be able to fall in love when Peyton's investigation threatens Lily's family's company?
I thought that the action/mystery portion was interesting and well done. It even surprised me in a some cases. I enjoyed the romance portion as well but with this book being the first of its series, I thought that the romance would be more realistic and not quite so fast-paced.
Peyton and Lily are interesting characters separately and even more so when together, the chemistry being believable, although as mentioned before, a little fast with regards to their feelings.
I was also interested in reading more about Dale and if she would be able to find another love. Glad when I found out that Dale would be the main focus of the second book.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-G0
I thought that the action/mystery portion was interesting and well done. It even surprised me in a some cases. I enjoyed the romance portion as well but with this book being the first of its series, I thought that the romance would be more realistic and not quite so fast-paced.
Peyton and Lily are interesting characters separately and even more so when together, the chemistry being believable, although as mentioned before, a little fast with regards to their feelings.
I was also interested in reading more about Dale and if she would be able to find another love. Glad when I found out that Dale would be the main focus of the second book.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-G0
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