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An Appearance of Impropriety
As the youngest female judge in LA, Mahalia Jackson has her career goals carefully aligned. But when her mentor tells her she needs to break her shell of professionalism and show a little heart by volunteering for the Junior Jurors program, her plans begin to falter.
Attorney JD Cash heads up the Junior Jurors program, a project born out of his own troubled past. He leverages his position as an attorney to fulfill God's calling on his life, supporting the orphans and widows of society who have lost beloved husbands and fathers to TransNation's eighteen-wheeled time bombs roaming America's freeways.
Mahalia's rule—never date a lawyer—is a straitjacket that tightens when she presides over the case where JD serves as a young widow's attorney. But when an earthquake leaves JD and Mahalia in a vulnerable position, her resolve begins to waver and she finds herself opening up to the sad-eyed lawyer. But online, anonymous colleagues and adversaries attempt to destroy Mahalia’s reputation and career.
A legal drama threaded with romance, An Appearance of Impropriety will show readers that real love is worth the risk.
Attorney JD Cash heads up the Junior Jurors program, a project born out of his own troubled past. He leverages his position as an attorney to fulfill God's calling on his life, supporting the orphans and widows of society who have lost beloved husbands and fathers to TransNation's eighteen-wheeled time bombs roaming America's freeways.
Mahalia's rule—never date a lawyer—is a straitjacket that tightens when she presides over the case where JD serves as a young widow's attorney. But when an earthquake leaves JD and Mahalia in a vulnerable position, her resolve begins to waver and she finds herself opening up to the sad-eyed lawyer. But online, anonymous colleagues and adversaries attempt to destroy Mahalia’s reputation and career.
A legal drama threaded with romance, An Appearance of Impropriety will show readers that real love is worth the risk.
320 pages, Paperback
Published January 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 24, 2026
I have discovered something new about myself--I really like legal dramas.
Nearly everything about this book was perfection. Mahalia with her stack of accomplishments and sky-high standards. JD with his heart for kids. Even the surprise twist at the end was well-executed, even if I wish it had been given more time to settle in. There was so much to keep me wondering--the text messages, the Facebook group... I needed to know what was going on.
I was also way too invested in the TransNation case. The author's experience in law shines through in her detailed writing, and I was introduced to many new vocab words!
The side characters were all excellently executed, and I love that Mahalia has both good and bad memories of her grandfather and grandmother who somewhat raised her. I feel, as authors, it's easy to make a character all good or all terrible, and Breigh's take was refreshing.
The faith content, too, was on point for these characters, and it felt so natural and realistic. Thirty-somethings will relate to the career-driven MCs and enjoy watching their journeys through some significant life changes.
Overall, An Appearance of Impropriety was an excellent read, and I'd love to read more by Breigh in the future!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Nearly everything about this book was perfection. Mahalia with her stack of accomplishments and sky-high standards. JD with his heart for kids. Even the surprise twist at the end was well-executed, even if I wish it had been given more time to settle in. There was so much to keep me wondering--the text messages, the Facebook group... I needed to know what was going on.
I was also way too invested in the TransNation case. The author's experience in law shines through in her detailed writing, and I was introduced to many new vocab words!
The side characters were all excellently executed, and I love that Mahalia has both good and bad memories of her grandfather and grandmother who somewhat raised her. I feel, as authors, it's easy to make a character all good or all terrible, and Breigh's take was refreshing.
The faith content, too, was on point for these characters, and it felt so natural and realistic. Thirty-somethings will relate to the career-driven MCs and enjoy watching their journeys through some significant life changes.
Overall, An Appearance of Impropriety was an excellent read, and I'd love to read more by Breigh in the future!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
February 7, 2026
After reading Janyna’s first book, I was an instant fan, so I was thrilled when this story released. This legal drama was so good! I really enjoyed the layers of the storyline from Mahalia and JD’s backstories, to the case JD is working on, Mahalia and her desire to advance her career and what brings JD and Mahalia together over the course of the story. I loved the surprise JD finds out about during the book and the elements that brought to the story. I don’t read a ton of legal based fiction, but I am here for Jayna’s stories. She writes them so well, that you don’t want to put them down. I am already looking forward to whatever she writes next!
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
February 4, 2026
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
This might be Jayna Breigh’s sophomore book, but she’s already proving she’s got a unique point of view to present to the world. Learning about aspects of the law I didn’t know existed (hunted heirs in her debut, The Hunted Heir; and the appearance of impropriety rule for judges in this new novel) is a definite highlight of her stories so far. I can hardly wait to see which piece of law she’ll showcase next! And she doesn’t bash the reader over the head lecture-style; instead, she wraps the fascinating law aspects into the larger tapestry of an entertaining story with characters that are easy to root for.
When I first met Judge Mahalia Jackson, two things entered my mind: 1) why name a character after a world-famous Gospel singer (and would that be addressed) and 2) was I in for yet another racism trope story that I’m beyond weary of? The character’s name took me a while to get used to and not to think of the singer as often while reading, and I was sad that the connection was not addressed in the least. Did her parents admire the singer and name their daughter after her? Was there a Mahalia in their family history, so the connection was coincidental (though not since the author could have chosen any name under the sun)? I guess I might never know.
The racism issue actually surprised me in a positive way this time. This story provided a different take on it than I’ve ever seen done in Christian fiction: it focused on colorism, which is racism within a single ethnic group that’s based on the shade of one’s skin. For Mahalia, who has rich ebony-hued skin (the cover model was perfectly cast for this role), this meant that she was bullied because her skin wasn’t a light enough shade to satisfy her childhood peers. This was fascinating to learn about, and I’m glad this book was my first exposure to such a ridiculous way of judging each other. The author handled this with grace and honesty and realism. My trepidation about one more racism trope story was put at ease pretty quickly, which enabled me to settle in to enjoy the story and see how Mahalia would overcome this lingering self-consciousness she carried with her on the daily.
I wasn’t a fan of the plethora of backstory dumps. I much prefer backstory to be woven in with a lighter touch and in smaller snippets so as not to distract from the current-day storyline but rather to enhance it. It was jarring at times and kept the pace slower for me through the first third of the book. Thankfully, once the action picked up more, the backstory dumps came fewer and farther between (though they still appeared really deep into the story). However, I admired how the characters leaned on God to overcome their rocky pasts and suffocating fears throughout the present-day portion of the story. This part was written to perfection.
There were a few odd typos and inconsistencies that slipped through. I got a good chuckle out of them, but they disrupted my reading experience. (Note: This might not be the case for every reader. I am a copyeditor, so it’s my job to notice these things. Sadly, that isn’t something I can turn off when I read for fun.)
* reigns when reins was meant
* El Niña when El Niño was meant
* one of the “skins” players didn’t shuck his shirt before playing basketball
* a preacher said to “consult the manual” (Bible) but didn’t seem to do the same where tithing was concerned
I absolutely loved the chapter-ending extras that enhanced the story by adding more mystery and suspense along the way. They weren’t at the end of all the chapters, but I adored them when they showed up. They were in the form of several different technology-related things such as DMs and emails and Instagram posts and discussion boards. The intrigue in this thread kept me flipping ahead to see when the next one would show up (but not to read it until I reached it, of course). This felt so unique and new. I hope it doesn’t get overdone by bunches of copycats, because this book rocked it beautifully.
The cover was deliciously moody and gorgeous. I absolutely love that shade of emerald in that amount of saturation, and the model is beautiful. I love her hairstyle and the pops of pink that perfectly complement the judicial robe. I also loved that the United States flag was featured since the law is a vital part of her inner workings. The designer did a magnificent job!
Mahalia’s personality makeover was a wonderful thread. I loved how she was forced outside her comfort zone with the Junior Jurors and that she reluctantly wanted to improve the more difficult things to grow in, in her personal journey. It’s not easy admitting weaknesses and even harder to work on them and earn improvements. This was written really well and showcased the challenges and the accomplishments that can be made in such a struggle toward improving oneself.
The claustrophobic forced proximity during a natural disaster was one of my favorite things. I’m such a weather nerd, and having earthquakes play a central role made me super happy. The rickety compartment was amazing too; it was played up exquisitely. The tension and banter throughout those chapters were spot-on and cemented my compassion for the leads. From that point forward, I yearned for Mahalia and JD to discover they could have a sweet romance if they were both willing to risk their reputations, livelihoods, and futures to give love a fresh chance.
The Junior Jurors was an amazing thing to watch unfold. The kids’ attitudes at the beginning were realistic, as were their personal problems, and it was neat to see how the program shaped each teenager as they went along.
Americano the cat was so spunky and fun! That little furball made me miss the kitties of my childhood and teen years.
The most magnificent thread of this entire book, for me, was the theme of seeking God’s will for one’s life. This was beautifully written in a tangible way that nearly had me reaching for my Bible to read alongside Mahalia. I loved how prayer was woven in, especially in the back half of the book. It was particularly lovely to see both leads learning to lean heavier on God than on the abilities He gave them. What a beautiful, fantastic display of real and growing-deeper faith.
I’m now curious to see what story, characters, pets, and themes Mrs. Breigh will give us next!
Content: expletives, alcohol, crude sexual term, tobacco, replacement expletives, premarital intimacy and unwed pregnancy were talked about, drugs and gambling mentioned, shower scenes
This might be Jayna Breigh’s sophomore book, but she’s already proving she’s got a unique point of view to present to the world. Learning about aspects of the law I didn’t know existed (hunted heirs in her debut, The Hunted Heir; and the appearance of impropriety rule for judges in this new novel) is a definite highlight of her stories so far. I can hardly wait to see which piece of law she’ll showcase next! And she doesn’t bash the reader over the head lecture-style; instead, she wraps the fascinating law aspects into the larger tapestry of an entertaining story with characters that are easy to root for.
When I first met Judge Mahalia Jackson, two things entered my mind: 1) why name a character after a world-famous Gospel singer (and would that be addressed) and 2) was I in for yet another racism trope story that I’m beyond weary of? The character’s name took me a while to get used to and not to think of the singer as often while reading, and I was sad that the connection was not addressed in the least. Did her parents admire the singer and name their daughter after her? Was there a Mahalia in their family history, so the connection was coincidental (though not since the author could have chosen any name under the sun)? I guess I might never know.
The racism issue actually surprised me in a positive way this time. This story provided a different take on it than I’ve ever seen done in Christian fiction: it focused on colorism, which is racism within a single ethnic group that’s based on the shade of one’s skin. For Mahalia, who has rich ebony-hued skin (the cover model was perfectly cast for this role), this meant that she was bullied because her skin wasn’t a light enough shade to satisfy her childhood peers. This was fascinating to learn about, and I’m glad this book was my first exposure to such a ridiculous way of judging each other. The author handled this with grace and honesty and realism. My trepidation about one more racism trope story was put at ease pretty quickly, which enabled me to settle in to enjoy the story and see how Mahalia would overcome this lingering self-consciousness she carried with her on the daily.
I wasn’t a fan of the plethora of backstory dumps. I much prefer backstory to be woven in with a lighter touch and in smaller snippets so as not to distract from the current-day storyline but rather to enhance it. It was jarring at times and kept the pace slower for me through the first third of the book. Thankfully, once the action picked up more, the backstory dumps came fewer and farther between (though they still appeared really deep into the story). However, I admired how the characters leaned on God to overcome their rocky pasts and suffocating fears throughout the present-day portion of the story. This part was written to perfection.
There were a few odd typos and inconsistencies that slipped through. I got a good chuckle out of them, but they disrupted my reading experience. (Note: This might not be the case for every reader. I am a copyeditor, so it’s my job to notice these things. Sadly, that isn’t something I can turn off when I read for fun.)
* reigns when reins was meant
* El Niña when El Niño was meant
* one of the “skins” players didn’t shuck his shirt before playing basketball
* a preacher said to “consult the manual” (Bible) but didn’t seem to do the same where tithing was concerned
I absolutely loved the chapter-ending extras that enhanced the story by adding more mystery and suspense along the way. They weren’t at the end of all the chapters, but I adored them when they showed up. They were in the form of several different technology-related things such as DMs and emails and Instagram posts and discussion boards. The intrigue in this thread kept me flipping ahead to see when the next one would show up (but not to read it until I reached it, of course). This felt so unique and new. I hope it doesn’t get overdone by bunches of copycats, because this book rocked it beautifully.
The cover was deliciously moody and gorgeous. I absolutely love that shade of emerald in that amount of saturation, and the model is beautiful. I love her hairstyle and the pops of pink that perfectly complement the judicial robe. I also loved that the United States flag was featured since the law is a vital part of her inner workings. The designer did a magnificent job!
Mahalia’s personality makeover was a wonderful thread. I loved how she was forced outside her comfort zone with the Junior Jurors and that she reluctantly wanted to improve the more difficult things to grow in, in her personal journey. It’s not easy admitting weaknesses and even harder to work on them and earn improvements. This was written really well and showcased the challenges and the accomplishments that can be made in such a struggle toward improving oneself.
The claustrophobic forced proximity during a natural disaster was one of my favorite things. I’m such a weather nerd, and having earthquakes play a central role made me super happy. The rickety compartment was amazing too; it was played up exquisitely. The tension and banter throughout those chapters were spot-on and cemented my compassion for the leads. From that point forward, I yearned for Mahalia and JD to discover they could have a sweet romance if they were both willing to risk their reputations, livelihoods, and futures to give love a fresh chance.
The Junior Jurors was an amazing thing to watch unfold. The kids’ attitudes at the beginning were realistic, as were their personal problems, and it was neat to see how the program shaped each teenager as they went along.
Americano the cat was so spunky and fun! That little furball made me miss the kitties of my childhood and teen years.
The most magnificent thread of this entire book, for me, was the theme of seeking God’s will for one’s life. This was beautifully written in a tangible way that nearly had me reaching for my Bible to read alongside Mahalia. I loved how prayer was woven in, especially in the back half of the book. It was particularly lovely to see both leads learning to lean heavier on God than on the abilities He gave them. What a beautiful, fantastic display of real and growing-deeper faith.
I’m now curious to see what story, characters, pets, and themes Mrs. Breigh will give us next!
Content: expletives, alcohol, crude sexual term, tobacco, replacement expletives, premarital intimacy and unwed pregnancy were talked about, drugs and gambling mentioned, shower scenes
April 28, 2026
Don't let the cover put you off. This was sooo heart warming, mature and cuuuute-ah!!!
That cover is so misleading and definitely almost made me miss out on this mature, adorable, fun, cleverly written contemporary romance. 😮💨 It was LOVELLLLYYY!!!🥰
I love that it is a story between a succesful Black lady and a successful Caucasian man in their thirties. Not to mention they lean quite deeply into their faith in God. Right up my alley. I related on several levels.
The tone of the writing is the right balance of serious and lighthearted. Plus the whole cast of characters from main to minor are all so interesting! The author does a spectacular job at using them to build a very realistic and believable world. I heartily enjoyed travelling through their world!
Because our leading lady is a Black American, having it narrated by a Black American lady was pure genius. She really made the story come alive for me (she is so good I need to find more books she's read). It was so perfectly matched. I only wish that because it was a double POV, that they would have a gotten a male narrator for the leading man. But all the same the narrator does a nice job with the man's voice too.
JD is just a good good man!! I'm like excuse me?? How wonderful are you sir? He might just be my favorite book leading man this year! More of this kind please writers of the world.
Mahalia is strong confident determined but also soft and gentle. It was so healing reading about her experiences and seeing how she navigated through life.
Quite a normal amount of legal talk (naturally). Not too much time though is spent in court. Most time was spent in the lives of the cast with forrays into the court every now and then. We mostly see the cast of characters' lives outside of it and thus how they are as every day people. I really liked that.
The characters come off as very real and this definitely makes you very invested in the story and what is going on in their lives. Caught myself literally holding my breath for their wins in life and feeling heart broken along with them for their hurts and losses. Very great immersive writing from the author.
Christian themes are threaded throughout the every day lives of the characters in practical ways and it was beautiful to read. Causes the reader to do some introspection and look carefully at how their walk with God is going. Loved this a lot.
It would have been a treat to have much much more on page interaction between the leads. Whenever they did it was cute and heart warming. They were just a good time to be honest. Also the ending felt too rushed. The author did not allow the audience to sit in the happy conclusion after all the upheaval we had experienced. I feel like we had barely gotten to take in what we had been waiting for all along. It needed an epilogue to soften the ending and give proper closure to all things.
Because of this and some bits here and there that seemed only a tad off, I took off a star. Otherwise I would have happily given it 5 stars - which I rarely give.
I really had a great time reading a book written, narrated, plus led by Black women. I should do this more often. I have experienced a world quite similar to mine in so many ways in this particular story. It's my favourite contemporary fiction book of the year so far. And coming from someone who hardly ever enjoys contemporary fiction that says a lot.
That cover is so misleading and definitely almost made me miss out on this mature, adorable, fun, cleverly written contemporary romance. 😮💨 It was LOVELLLLYYY!!!🥰
I love that it is a story between a succesful Black lady and a successful Caucasian man in their thirties. Not to mention they lean quite deeply into their faith in God. Right up my alley. I related on several levels.
The tone of the writing is the right balance of serious and lighthearted. Plus the whole cast of characters from main to minor are all so interesting! The author does a spectacular job at using them to build a very realistic and believable world. I heartily enjoyed travelling through their world!
Because our leading lady is a Black American, having it narrated by a Black American lady was pure genius. She really made the story come alive for me (she is so good I need to find more books she's read). It was so perfectly matched. I only wish that because it was a double POV, that they would have a gotten a male narrator for the leading man. But all the same the narrator does a nice job with the man's voice too.
JD is just a good good man!! I'm like excuse me?? How wonderful are you sir? He might just be my favorite book leading man this year! More of this kind please writers of the world.
Mahalia is strong confident determined but also soft and gentle. It was so healing reading about her experiences and seeing how she navigated through life.
Quite a normal amount of legal talk (naturally). Not too much time though is spent in court. Most time was spent in the lives of the cast with forrays into the court every now and then. We mostly see the cast of characters' lives outside of it and thus how they are as every day people. I really liked that.
The characters come off as very real and this definitely makes you very invested in the story and what is going on in their lives. Caught myself literally holding my breath for their wins in life and feeling heart broken along with them for their hurts and losses. Very great immersive writing from the author.
Christian themes are threaded throughout the every day lives of the characters in practical ways and it was beautiful to read. Causes the reader to do some introspection and look carefully at how their walk with God is going. Loved this a lot.
It would have been a treat to have much much more on page interaction between the leads. Whenever they did it was cute and heart warming. They were just a good time to be honest. Also the ending felt too rushed. The author did not allow the audience to sit in the happy conclusion after all the upheaval we had experienced. I feel like we had barely gotten to take in what we had been waiting for all along. It needed an epilogue to soften the ending and give proper closure to all things.
Because of this and some bits here and there that seemed only a tad off, I took off a star. Otherwise I would have happily given it 5 stars - which I rarely give.
I really had a great time reading a book written, narrated, plus led by Black women. I should do this more often. I have experienced a world quite similar to mine in so many ways in this particular story. It's my favourite contemporary fiction book of the year so far. And coming from someone who hardly ever enjoys contemporary fiction that says a lot.
March 4, 2026
I enjoyed most of this book, though I think what threw me off a little was that it’s labeled as suspense/mystery. I kept expecting the suspense to play a bigger role, but to me it read more like a courtroom drama—though it wasn’t overly heavy on the legal details, which I appreciated.
I like both Mahalia and J.D., and I found the legal aspects interesting, especially the discussions around ethics and the appearance of impropriety for lawyers and judges. The courtroom elements were engaging and some of my favorite parts of the story.
I also appreciated the thread of faith throughout the story, learning to follow God’s leading instead of chasing our own ambitions. That message really stood out to me.
I was hoping for a little more umph from the suspense side, but overall I still had a good time with it. A thoughtful read with a strong message of faith. 3.5 stars! ⭐ (I rounded up)
I like both Mahalia and J.D., and I found the legal aspects interesting, especially the discussions around ethics and the appearance of impropriety for lawyers and judges. The courtroom elements were engaging and some of my favorite parts of the story.
I also appreciated the thread of faith throughout the story, learning to follow God’s leading instead of chasing our own ambitions. That message really stood out to me.
I was hoping for a little more umph from the suspense side, but overall I still had a good time with it. A thoughtful read with a strong message of faith. 3.5 stars! ⭐ (I rounded up)
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great story! I loved it and absolutely could not put it down. If you love legal drama with mystery and romance you will LOVE this story! Amazing characters (main and side), and a captivating & compelling storyline that kept me reading all day (while ignoring my chores)!
Jimmy Dean Cash is the most endearing hero. Because of the hard life and the losses he experienced in his youth, he's worked hard to get out of poverty and put himself through law school. He uses his education and degree to live out the purpose God has for his life. Now he defends widows and orphans in court, and runs a Junior Jurors program with a local judge to help disadvantaged youth gain some great experience. He has no time for relationships with his 60+ hour work weeks.
Judge Mahalia Jackson is the youngest female judge in LA. She is smart, beautiful, very focused on her career trajectory, and closed off to just about everything else. She has definite preconceived ideas of what her future person should be like, and she's absolutely ruled out lawyers and anyone else who works in the courthouse. When her mentor Judge Goldstein has a health emergency, she takes over and helps JD Cash with his Junior Jurors Program.
This line cracked me up: ""The jingle jingle of "I Walk the line" by Johnny Cash bounced out of the speakers. Walk the line was an understatement. He'd be on a tightrope juggling bowling balls, between all these kids and his unexpected attraction to Judge Jackson."
I LOVED it, the good people, good causes, the humor, the kids, the mystery, the surprising and wonderful journey that both main characters take. I highly recommend An Appearance of Impropriety!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. I can't wait for my preordered copy to arrive on release day. I ordered it as soon as it was available for preorder. It will be positioned right next to Jayna Breigh's excellent debut novel on my keeper shelf!
Jimmy Dean Cash is the most endearing hero. Because of the hard life and the losses he experienced in his youth, he's worked hard to get out of poverty and put himself through law school. He uses his education and degree to live out the purpose God has for his life. Now he defends widows and orphans in court, and runs a Junior Jurors program with a local judge to help disadvantaged youth gain some great experience. He has no time for relationships with his 60+ hour work weeks.
Judge Mahalia Jackson is the youngest female judge in LA. She is smart, beautiful, very focused on her career trajectory, and closed off to just about everything else. She has definite preconceived ideas of what her future person should be like, and she's absolutely ruled out lawyers and anyone else who works in the courthouse. When her mentor Judge Goldstein has a health emergency, she takes over and helps JD Cash with his Junior Jurors Program.
This line cracked me up: ""The jingle jingle of "I Walk the line" by Johnny Cash bounced out of the speakers. Walk the line was an understatement. He'd be on a tightrope juggling bowling balls, between all these kids and his unexpected attraction to Judge Jackson."
I LOVED it, the good people, good causes, the humor, the kids, the mystery, the surprising and wonderful journey that both main characters take. I highly recommend An Appearance of Impropriety!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. I can't wait for my preordered copy to arrive on release day. I ordered it as soon as it was available for preorder. It will be positioned right next to Jayna Breigh's excellent debut novel on my keeper shelf!
January 28, 2026
I am not usually someone who likes legal drama, but the title and the cover of this newest release by Jayna Breigh caught my attention. This book is legal drama/romance although there is a case that plays out in the sub-plot. I appreciated that both of these characters were in their 30s unlike most of the books these days.
The female MC is a highly successful young black judge who was raised by her grandparents and given the best of everything from private schools to elite opportunities. She's able to see her success by the framed certificates and diplomas on the wall. Now she's ready to meet her Midnight Prince of her dreams...God owes her. right? I really liked seeing her internal battles of recognizing that she's chased the worlds accolades over prioritizing her faith and what to do next. It's not just a flip the switch. She struggles.
The male MC has made it his responsibility to "save the world" as a lawyer. To make up for not being able to save his mama all those years ago living as "white trash". His sole focus as a workaholic is to save every woman/child who is abused by the system. How many will it take to absolve himself of the guilt he feels? a lifetime perhaps.
A friend brings them together thru community service. A case puts him in front of her as lawyer/judge. She makes him realize there is more to life than a bank account and judicial wins. He makes her question her pursuit of the perfect black partner. Both see God working in their lives.
I high recommend this book to all my Christian fiction lovers. Even if you aren't hot on legal dramas. The story is lovely.
As a white woman, I enjoyed being immersed in the life of Mahalia. Being in her thoughts about the world around her and the challenges she faced even in her own black community. The teens Mahalia and JD worked with were my favorite for sure.
4.5 stars
*Thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
The female MC is a highly successful young black judge who was raised by her grandparents and given the best of everything from private schools to elite opportunities. She's able to see her success by the framed certificates and diplomas on the wall. Now she's ready to meet her Midnight Prince of her dreams...God owes her. right? I really liked seeing her internal battles of recognizing that she's chased the worlds accolades over prioritizing her faith and what to do next. It's not just a flip the switch. She struggles.
The male MC has made it his responsibility to "save the world" as a lawyer. To make up for not being able to save his mama all those years ago living as "white trash". His sole focus as a workaholic is to save every woman/child who is abused by the system. How many will it take to absolve himself of the guilt he feels? a lifetime perhaps.
A friend brings them together thru community service. A case puts him in front of her as lawyer/judge. She makes him realize there is more to life than a bank account and judicial wins. He makes her question her pursuit of the perfect black partner. Both see God working in their lives.
I high recommend this book to all my Christian fiction lovers. Even if you aren't hot on legal dramas. The story is lovely.
As a white woman, I enjoyed being immersed in the life of Mahalia. Being in her thoughts about the world around her and the challenges she faced even in her own black community. The teens Mahalia and JD worked with were my favorite for sure.
4.5 stars
*Thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
February 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this story set in the legal world of courtrooms and trials but that also showed who JD and Mahalia really were outside the courtroom. JD had a very tough childhood and now helps widows and orphans as they fight the corporate giants against them. He was such a great guy, from fighting for the underdog to mentoring teens so they know they can break the cycle of poverty. He was an honorable man of faith but felt he needed to focus on his career and helping as many people as he could to make up for not being able to save his mom. Mahalia was an incredibly strong woman who's excelled in her career but still hears the voices saying she's too dark or sees how she's treated differently even from within her own community. I appreciated these glimpses into another community and culture from my own. She had a certain idea of the man she was looking for and JD did not fit that plan. She also had walked away from her faith and struggled to give control back over to God. You also throw in the complication of her presiding over one of his cases and seeing each other in court and it seemed like they had some real obstacles.
It was fun to see them get to know each other even while thinking there's no way this could ever work. She really came out of her shell in the mentorship program and connecting with the teens and they brought an extra layer of drama. There were some cryptic text exchanges between different parties throughout the book that lent an air of mystery because you were trying to figure out who was who and what they meant. She was hoping to get a promotion but there were rumors and allegations swirling around so there was a sense of suspense. There was some romance but mainly the buildup of attraction as they both felt the pull but were determined not to act on it. I would definitely recommend this book from a new-to-me author but will be looking for more from her!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
It was fun to see them get to know each other even while thinking there's no way this could ever work. She really came out of her shell in the mentorship program and connecting with the teens and they brought an extra layer of drama. There were some cryptic text exchanges between different parties throughout the book that lent an air of mystery because you were trying to figure out who was who and what they meant. She was hoping to get a promotion but there were rumors and allegations swirling around so there was a sense of suspense. There was some romance but mainly the buildup of attraction as they both felt the pull but were determined not to act on it. I would definitely recommend this book from a new-to-me author but will be looking for more from her!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
February 10, 2026
This author has brought a new genre to me. One that I never thought I would enjoy. Legal dramas, to be exact. It’s not something I would have reached for before because I’m not a lover of legal things. We’ve had interactions with the courts and lawyers. After all, we’ve adopted children. And it’s not been bad, just not something that interests me to become a lawyer or part of their jobs. I also served on a jury once, and that was a unique and interesting experience.
However, this author has got me addicted!
This is the second book by this author, and you for sure want to binge both of them!
Okay, so in this book, we have Mahalia, the youngest female judge in LA, and she has worked hard to get where she is. Plus, she has this schedule of how to get to her goals, and there’s not much fun or people skills involved there. So when her mentor convinces her to volunteer with the Junior Jurors program, you know things are about to change!
Enter JD Cash, the attorney who heads up the Junior Jurors program.
Ready for this?!
Mahalia has a steadfast rule to never date a lawyer. So, of course, you know they’re gonna be attracted. Now add in a natural disaster and a lot more!
Buckle up and prepare for the ride!
This was such a great book, and I enjoyed reading it. Would read again. The characters were great and really grabbed me and held me in. I loved JD’s passion for children. And I even loved how Mahalia tried to cling to what she knew and stay away from emotions.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
However, this author has got me addicted!
This is the second book by this author, and you for sure want to binge both of them!
Okay, so in this book, we have Mahalia, the youngest female judge in LA, and she has worked hard to get where she is. Plus, she has this schedule of how to get to her goals, and there’s not much fun or people skills involved there. So when her mentor convinces her to volunteer with the Junior Jurors program, you know things are about to change!
Enter JD Cash, the attorney who heads up the Junior Jurors program.
Ready for this?!
Mahalia has a steadfast rule to never date a lawyer. So, of course, you know they’re gonna be attracted. Now add in a natural disaster and a lot more!
Buckle up and prepare for the ride!
This was such a great book, and I enjoyed reading it. Would read again. The characters were great and really grabbed me and held me in. I loved JD’s passion for children. And I even loved how Mahalia tried to cling to what she knew and stay away from emotions.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
February 6, 2026
I was impressed by Jayna Breigh's debut novel last year, and this second book proves that she won't be considered a "one-hit wonder author"! Breigh's knowledge and experience as a retired lawyer are evident in both the characters and plot of An Appearance of Impropriety. Mahalia Jackson is a career-driven judge who has no desire for a personal life until she encounters lawyer Jimmy Dean Cash.
I loved the legal jargon, compelling suspense, and intriguing characters in this story, but there was so much more! The thought-provoking plot often challenged me personally as I followed the spiritual and emotional growth of an "all by myself" judge and a "help somebody today" lawyer!
if you enjoy legal drama that's woven with faith and romance, grab a copy of An Appearance of Impropriety. You won't be disappointed!
I received a digital ARC from the author, and I also purchased my own print copy. I was under no obligation to write a review.
I loved the legal jargon, compelling suspense, and intriguing characters in this story, but there was so much more! The thought-provoking plot often challenged me personally as I followed the spiritual and emotional growth of an "all by myself" judge and a "help somebody today" lawyer!
if you enjoy legal drama that's woven with faith and romance, grab a copy of An Appearance of Impropriety. You won't be disappointed!
I received a digital ARC from the author, and I also purchased my own print copy. I was under no obligation to write a review.
February 12, 2026
Mahalia has climbed high in her profession but still plans to rise. In the process, she's been very careful to avoid any appearance of impropriety, perhaps at the cost of becoming somewhat hard. But when her mentor is injured in an accident and she takes some of his roles, she's thrown together with a man who ticks none of her official boxes but somehow intrigues her in a way she's never felt before. JD failed his mother, but he refuses to fail anyone else again. His attorney work in favour of widows and orphans keeps him more than busy, but when a brilliant judge crosses his path, he begins to question his life goals and the reasons behind them. But with a secret smear campaign working to undermine Mahalia and a secret from JD's own past coming home to roost, can they have any hope of a future together?
An enjoyable legal drama with a side of romance. It can feel a times like the big guys always have everything their own way, so it was nice to see a 'David' winning against Goliath, pitched battle and all. It was also great to watch the kids in the Junior Jurors program growing and developing, albeit with hiccups along the way. As for the romance, the pair were clearly attracted to each other from the start but had good reasons for not getting together for a long time. However, the result was that most of the book didn't have a lot of romance in it, so if that's your main interest, you might be disappointed. Personally, while I'd hate to work in the field, I found the legal background interesting - though the ending did feel a bit rushed and I would have liked to see more of them actually getting together finally. One last point: from the buildup, I kind of expected more of the campaign against Mahalia. In the end, it didn't feel very serious, or like it had a very big effect on her. Nevertheless, a good read and I look forward to more by the author. 4.5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
An enjoyable legal drama with a side of romance. It can feel a times like the big guys always have everything their own way, so it was nice to see a 'David' winning against Goliath, pitched battle and all. It was also great to watch the kids in the Junior Jurors program growing and developing, albeit with hiccups along the way. As for the romance, the pair were clearly attracted to each other from the start but had good reasons for not getting together for a long time. However, the result was that most of the book didn't have a lot of romance in it, so if that's your main interest, you might be disappointed. Personally, while I'd hate to work in the field, I found the legal background interesting - though the ending did feel a bit rushed and I would have liked to see more of them actually getting together finally. One last point: from the buildup, I kind of expected more of the campaign against Mahalia. In the end, it didn't feel very serious, or like it had a very big effect on her. Nevertheless, a good read and I look forward to more by the author. 4.5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 17, 2026
2.5⭐️
This was an average romantic legal drama for me. There was some good set up, but as things went along I didn’t feel like they were quite coming together as well as the set up seemed. The Faith themes were present and not bad but were slightly lacking for me in some ways.
All in all this was just pretty average to me, I had a good time while reading it and enjoyed my time but nothing stood out to me.
❗️An Appearance of Impropriety - mention of sending inappropriate pictures by teenagers, harassment, gossip, grief, colorism, past mentions of sex outside of marriage, drinking & gambling.
This was an average romantic legal drama for me. There was some good set up, but as things went along I didn’t feel like they were quite coming together as well as the set up seemed. The Faith themes were present and not bad but were slightly lacking for me in some ways.
All in all this was just pretty average to me, I had a good time while reading it and enjoyed my time but nothing stood out to me.
❗️An Appearance of Impropriety - mention of sending inappropriate pictures by teenagers, harassment, gossip, grief, colorism, past mentions of sex outside of marriage, drinking & gambling.
January 21, 2026
I received an advance reader copy of this book, the thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you enjoy legal drama this book is for you. It’s not usually my genre, but I enjoy learning about different facets of life, and there is a lot to learn about the judicial system through this book. There are a few twists and turns I didn’t see coming. It’s always fun when characters from previous books make an appearance, and that did not disappoint in this book. Jayna paints a vivid picture through words. This book is a great reminder that we can’t do things on our own, we need to hand things over to God. It also reminds us that it isn’t our job to save everyone and play God, it’s all in God’s hands!
I enjoyed the dynamic pull between Mahalia and JD. The way they are both on the same page that pursuing each other is out of the question, but they are drawn to each other like bees to honey. What a great reminder that God is working things out for our good!
If you enjoy legal drama this book is for you. It’s not usually my genre, but I enjoy learning about different facets of life, and there is a lot to learn about the judicial system through this book. There are a few twists and turns I didn’t see coming. It’s always fun when characters from previous books make an appearance, and that did not disappoint in this book. Jayna paints a vivid picture through words. This book is a great reminder that we can’t do things on our own, we need to hand things over to God. It also reminds us that it isn’t our job to save everyone and play God, it’s all in God’s hands!
I enjoyed the dynamic pull between Mahalia and JD. The way they are both on the same page that pursuing each other is out of the question, but they are drawn to each other like bees to honey. What a great reminder that God is working things out for our good!
February 5, 2026
from the author of the hunted heir comes another worth-reading romantic legal drama!
mahalia jackson's the youngest female judge in los angeles, working to prove she deserves a promotion. one day, jd cash walks into her courtroom with a widow to help and a corporation to take down, and she can't deny the immediate attraction. of course, she winds up working with him on a program for troubled teens, too... but her life is subject to the public eye, and no matter the connection she feels with jd, she must avoid any appearance of impropriety, especially with a promotion on the line.
throughout an appearance of impropriety, mahalia and jd continue to cross paths, and there's such a delicious tension of "they want to, but they can't." both of them are workaholics anyway, so it's maybe a little too easy for them to put aside personal feelings for the sake of their careers—but they really are admirable with the commitment to ethics and morality. i enjoyed seeing them navigate the challenge of the situation, amidst their own individual challenges.
the legal aspect of their story kept me fascinated as jd and mahalia kept the romance at bay. i know very little about the day-to-day life of a judge or lawyer, but their roles definitely intrigued me. i just loved getting a peek into what they might be like.
if you're looking for a character-driven read with some legal drama and a complicated romance—plus uplifting threads of faith—an appearance of impropriety is definitely worth the read.
(i received a complimentary copy from the author and/or publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)
considerations:
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: strong themes and mentions
—content: mentions of parental abandonment/loss, drug use, abuse, and illness
mahalia jackson's the youngest female judge in los angeles, working to prove she deserves a promotion. one day, jd cash walks into her courtroom with a widow to help and a corporation to take down, and she can't deny the immediate attraction. of course, she winds up working with him on a program for troubled teens, too... but her life is subject to the public eye, and no matter the connection she feels with jd, she must avoid any appearance of impropriety, especially with a promotion on the line.
throughout an appearance of impropriety, mahalia and jd continue to cross paths, and there's such a delicious tension of "they want to, but they can't." both of them are workaholics anyway, so it's maybe a little too easy for them to put aside personal feelings for the sake of their careers—but they really are admirable with the commitment to ethics and morality. i enjoyed seeing them navigate the challenge of the situation, amidst their own individual challenges.
the legal aspect of their story kept me fascinated as jd and mahalia kept the romance at bay. i know very little about the day-to-day life of a judge or lawyer, but their roles definitely intrigued me. i just loved getting a peek into what they might be like.
if you're looking for a character-driven read with some legal drama and a complicated romance—plus uplifting threads of faith—an appearance of impropriety is definitely worth the read.
(i received a complimentary copy from the author and/or publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)
considerations:
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: strong themes and mentions
—content: mentions of parental abandonment/loss, drug use, abuse, and illness
January 27, 2026
Oh, my goodness what a great, realistic and super interesting faith-based story filled with amazing characters and certainly a page turner from the very beginning, that I didn't want to put down.
Jayna Breigh is a new to me author and I will be looking forward to reading more.
Jayna Breigh is a new to me author and I will be looking forward to reading more.
March 11, 2026
3.5 - There were a few moments that made me want to roll my eyes, but overall a good story.
February 3, 2026
As a fan of legal dramas, I loved An Appearance of Impropriety! Judge Mahalia Jackson has her eyes set on moving up the ladder as high as she can as fast as she can. Then one day, not only does attorney JD Cash enter her courtroom, but soon she is also forced to work with him on the Junior Jurors community project. The more time Mahalia spends with JD, the more she begins to reevaluate the goals and plans she set for herself, including what kind of man could win her heart.
I love the interactions between JD and Mahalia. His character is one I loved from the start because of his heart for the underdog and righting the wrongs for people who cannot stand up for themselves. At first Mahalia seems only concerned with advancing her career, but I really enjoyed the growth we see in her character as she becomes invested in the Junior Jurors program with JD. I don’t want to give too much away about the story, but there are some underlying plot twists that challenge both Mahalia and JD in their personal and professional lives. I really love the faith thread woven into the story and how Mahalia’s roots help bring her back to a relationship with the Lord.
I have so many tabs in my book marking favorite passages, and I can’t share them all. However, there is one quote in particular describing how Mahalia sees JD:"His eyes carried the weight of a man of character." Wow! Wow! Wow! Jayna Breigh did a fabulous job with the story, the characters, and the legal drama. I am so excited to recommend this book.
I was provided an advance reader copy by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love the interactions between JD and Mahalia. His character is one I loved from the start because of his heart for the underdog and righting the wrongs for people who cannot stand up for themselves. At first Mahalia seems only concerned with advancing her career, but I really enjoyed the growth we see in her character as she becomes invested in the Junior Jurors program with JD. I don’t want to give too much away about the story, but there are some underlying plot twists that challenge both Mahalia and JD in their personal and professional lives. I really love the faith thread woven into the story and how Mahalia’s roots help bring her back to a relationship with the Lord.
I have so many tabs in my book marking favorite passages, and I can’t share them all. However, there is one quote in particular describing how Mahalia sees JD:"His eyes carried the weight of a man of character." Wow! Wow! Wow! Jayna Breigh did a fabulous job with the story, the characters, and the legal drama. I am so excited to recommend this book.
I was provided an advance reader copy by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 5, 2026
The amount of tears that welled up into my eyes over the course of this book cannot be counted. From the inner thoughts and experiences of Mahalia's life as a Black woman, to JD's childhood, and the teenagers Mahalia and JD mentored, I could not control the emotional toll this was taking on me.
I connected with both Mahalia and JD. I found a little bit of myself in both of them. I could relate to small bits of their past and enjoyed that they were both fashion forward. Their commitment to helping others, especially JD's commitment with the kids and helping the poor and widowed, was especially touching. Mahalia's faith journey was special, and once she opened her life to God's will and decided to give him control, it changed so much. The romance was total slow burn and took time to evolve. It kept me rooting for their romance to happen. Throughout the book there are moments of sadness, things that made you chuckle, or little spots of life that are so true that you feel like you’re right there.
People who enjoy books that have a strong legal leaning will enjoy this book. For Christian readers who really like faith as a central part of the story, this book will definitely deliver. And if you like totally unexpected surprises after the 50% mark, then Breigh has you covered. Overall, an excellent read worth spending time with.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I connected with both Mahalia and JD. I found a little bit of myself in both of them. I could relate to small bits of their past and enjoyed that they were both fashion forward. Their commitment to helping others, especially JD's commitment with the kids and helping the poor and widowed, was especially touching. Mahalia's faith journey was special, and once she opened her life to God's will and decided to give him control, it changed so much. The romance was total slow burn and took time to evolve. It kept me rooting for their romance to happen. Throughout the book there are moments of sadness, things that made you chuckle, or little spots of life that are so true that you feel like you’re right there.
People who enjoy books that have a strong legal leaning will enjoy this book. For Christian readers who really like faith as a central part of the story, this book will definitely deliver. And if you like totally unexpected surprises after the 50% mark, then Breigh has you covered. Overall, an excellent read worth spending time with.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
February 10, 2026
An Appearance of Impropriety is the second book I have read by Jayna Breigh, and she is an instant read for me.
If you love legal drama and romance, then this is the perfect book for you. I loved watching the FMC Mahalia Jackson character develop. She is such a beautiful, sophisticated, and career-driven woman. Watching her work through her thoughts and process. JD is such a sweet guy. I loved the heart behind his desire to help those who needed it, but also the realization that he cannot save everyone; there needs to be balance in life. The Junior Jurors program brought a fun dynamic to the story.
This romance was perfect and sweet.
Jayne Breigh did a great job intertwining faith elements throughout.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
If you love legal drama and romance, then this is the perfect book for you. I loved watching the FMC Mahalia Jackson character develop. She is such a beautiful, sophisticated, and career-driven woman. Watching her work through her thoughts and process. JD is such a sweet guy. I loved the heart behind his desire to help those who needed it, but also the realization that he cannot save everyone; there needs to be balance in life. The Junior Jurors program brought a fun dynamic to the story.
This romance was perfect and sweet.
Jayne Breigh did a great job intertwining faith elements throughout.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An Appearance of Impropriety is the first book I have read by this author and I must say I was quite impressed with what I read. This contemporary novel was a nice change from the historical fiction stories that I usually read. This novel does an excellent job of exploring the the leadership of women in the Legal System. The fact that our main character was a judge despite her young age was truly an empowering and admirable element to the story.
Our main heroine Mahalia has always set high standards for herself by always putting her career first and maintaining dignity.However, she is told that she needs to lossen up. Mahalia is reluctant at first but that changes when she meets JD a very sucessful Lawyer. Will she finally let her hair down and allow a little bit of friendly rebellion?
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions are of my own.
Our main heroine Mahalia has always set high standards for herself by always putting her career first and maintaining dignity.However, she is told that she needs to lossen up. Mahalia is reluctant at first but that changes when she meets JD a very sucessful Lawyer. Will she finally let her hair down and allow a little bit of friendly rebellion?
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions are of my own.
February 5, 2026
If y’all have tagged along here for a while, you might remember that I loved Jayna Breigh’s debut novel, The Hunted Heir. I am just as enamored of her second novel, An Appearance of Impropriety.
Mahalia Jackson (no relation to the famous singer of the same name) is the youngest female judge in Los Angeles. She’s in the running for a pretty sweet promotion, and she’s determined to achieve that goal, to make her family proud. She has some hard and fast rules about her life, one of the big ones being “no dating a lawyer” (or anyone who works in the courthouse). But plaintiff’s attorney Jimmy Dean “JD” Cash, who shows up in her courtroom ready to fight for a widow’s justice against a major trucking company, presents a big challenge to that rule. Mahalia’s struggle only grows when she’s voluntold that since her mentor, Judge Goldstein, is sidelined with a health issue, she’ll be participating in the Junior Jurors program, a mock trial program for teens—led by none other than Mr. Cash. As they get to know each other, attraction pulls at them, but maintaining a professional appearance—avoiding any appearance of impropriety—compels them to stay apart. Both are mindful of the ethical requirements imposed on them by their professions, and JD Cash, while certainly appealing, doesn’t fit Mahalia’s vision of her “Midnight Prince,” her happily ever after that she’s had in mind for years.
But not everyone wants to see Judge Jackson succeed. Soon, allegations of the dreaded appearance of impropriety are circulating, coming from those in the shadows who would like to see the young judge’s career derailed and reputation ruined. Can Mahalia and JD keep their relationship professional and above reproach? Will they risk everything to take a chance on each other?
This book, y’all! Once again, Breigh writes an engaging story set in a legal environment – she writes what she knows. Both Mahalia and JD are wonderful characters. Both had their own challenges growing up: Mahalia, the expectation that she would make something of herself, as all her family members had done; JD, the difficulty of growing up with no father, with a mother who tried her best as she fought to keep poverty and her own addiction from consuming her family. Mahalia is driven to live up to her family’s expectations by advancing up the ladder. JD spends his life saving others, fighting the guilt he feels at his inability to save his mother. Despite their very different backgrounds, they are very much alike.
The book looks at racism in a different light. The issue is not that Mahalia is black and JD is white. No, the racism comes from within Mahalia’s own people. The darker tone of her skin is often viewed as less desirable than a lighter tone, and some people have no problem expressing their thoughts about that.That just hurt my heart for her. Bad enough to be judged by people different from you. How much worse for your own people to find you somehow lacking simply because they think your skin tone is too much.
Breigh uses snippets of text messages and what appear to be social media chat conversations at the end of some chapters to convey information about situations. I liked the device, and I thought it was very effective at sharing hints without completely giving away who was saying what.
The romance is absolutely clean, but oh so swoonworthy! The tension between Mahalia and JD is deliciously frustrating, and I found myself really cheering for them to be able to put expectations aside and just let their relationship blossom. They both drew heavily on faith, especially as the story got further along, to guide their choices.
Sweet romance, a suspenseful threat to reputation and career, excellently written legal scenes, characters I love – Jayna Breigh has written another winner in my book. She’s on my must-read list!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
Mahalia Jackson (no relation to the famous singer of the same name) is the youngest female judge in Los Angeles. She’s in the running for a pretty sweet promotion, and she’s determined to achieve that goal, to make her family proud. She has some hard and fast rules about her life, one of the big ones being “no dating a lawyer” (or anyone who works in the courthouse). But plaintiff’s attorney Jimmy Dean “JD” Cash, who shows up in her courtroom ready to fight for a widow’s justice against a major trucking company, presents a big challenge to that rule. Mahalia’s struggle only grows when she’s voluntold that since her mentor, Judge Goldstein, is sidelined with a health issue, she’ll be participating in the Junior Jurors program, a mock trial program for teens—led by none other than Mr. Cash. As they get to know each other, attraction pulls at them, but maintaining a professional appearance—avoiding any appearance of impropriety—compels them to stay apart. Both are mindful of the ethical requirements imposed on them by their professions, and JD Cash, while certainly appealing, doesn’t fit Mahalia’s vision of her “Midnight Prince,” her happily ever after that she’s had in mind for years.
But not everyone wants to see Judge Jackson succeed. Soon, allegations of the dreaded appearance of impropriety are circulating, coming from those in the shadows who would like to see the young judge’s career derailed and reputation ruined. Can Mahalia and JD keep their relationship professional and above reproach? Will they risk everything to take a chance on each other?
This book, y’all! Once again, Breigh writes an engaging story set in a legal environment – she writes what she knows. Both Mahalia and JD are wonderful characters. Both had their own challenges growing up: Mahalia, the expectation that she would make something of herself, as all her family members had done; JD, the difficulty of growing up with no father, with a mother who tried her best as she fought to keep poverty and her own addiction from consuming her family. Mahalia is driven to live up to her family’s expectations by advancing up the ladder. JD spends his life saving others, fighting the guilt he feels at his inability to save his mother. Despite their very different backgrounds, they are very much alike.
The book looks at racism in a different light. The issue is not that Mahalia is black and JD is white. No, the racism comes from within Mahalia’s own people. The darker tone of her skin is often viewed as less desirable than a lighter tone, and some people have no problem expressing their thoughts about that.That just hurt my heart for her. Bad enough to be judged by people different from you. How much worse for your own people to find you somehow lacking simply because they think your skin tone is too much.
Breigh uses snippets of text messages and what appear to be social media chat conversations at the end of some chapters to convey information about situations. I liked the device, and I thought it was very effective at sharing hints without completely giving away who was saying what.
The romance is absolutely clean, but oh so swoonworthy! The tension between Mahalia and JD is deliciously frustrating, and I found myself really cheering for them to be able to put expectations aside and just let their relationship blossom. They both drew heavily on faith, especially as the story got further along, to guide their choices.
Sweet romance, a suspenseful threat to reputation and career, excellently written legal scenes, characters I love – Jayna Breigh has written another winner in my book. She’s on my must-read list!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
February 25, 2026
Judge Mahalia Jackson has life all mapped out to a ‘T’ until life and God have other plans in An Appearance of Impropriety by Jayna Breigh. Being raised by her grandparents to put God first and to get an education, Mahalia has done just that her entire life—except for maybe the God part. When Judge Jackson’s mentor Judge Goldstein tells her that she needs to show more heart in order to have a chance at the assistant supervising judge position that is opening up, Judge Goldstein suggests that Judge Jackson volunteer with Junior Jurors—a program for teens who want to learn more about the judicial system or for teens who are at risk and are attending the program to avoid jail time. Attorney JD Cash refuses to forget his Georgia roots while helping those who truly need an attorney in LA. JD’s heart shines through in all that he does—from giving and getting the best for his clients to giving back to the community through creating Junior Jurors, as well as other acts of kindness. When JD and Judge Jackson start working together with Junior Jurors, both are skeptical if the Judge will last. Surprisingly, Judge Jackson is a hit with the teens at Junior Jurors! As JD and Judge Jackson work together, they soon bond as friends, becoming just JD and Mahalia. As their bond strengthens, Mahalia decides to get closer to God, seeing the map she had for life changing right before her eyes. When an earthquake hits, Mahalia and JD get stuck in an elevator giving “an appearance of impropriety” that threatens everything Mahalia holds dear.
I love An Appearance of Impropriety by Jayna Breigh! Ms. Breigh is a new-to-me author and I love the story she’s written! I loved meeting Mahalia and JD and being drawn into the judicial world. I love the expertise that Ms. Breigh brought to the plot and how she explained the law and the way of legal proceedings in an easy-to-understand manner. Because I loved the law and government classes that I took in college, I really loved those portions in the book! It gave me Matlock type feels! I love how I saw both JD’s and Mahalia’s views on the legal system— that on the things that mattered they saw things the same way, and at the same time, they were comfortable enough in their own skin to have opposing views when they felt that it was warranted. I love how Ms. Breigh wove the legal term “an appearance of impropriety” into the plot and highlighted the importance of having that in the legal system, especially in the way Mahalia allows it to paint parts of her life. I appreciated how Mahalia viewed how she was raised and how that colored how she saw things. I admired the kind of gentleman JD was—how he gave back to others and fought for others. I loved learning about the techniques that JD used to build a case for his clients and was fascinated by how they unfolded in the plot! (Trust me, it was really unique in my eyes—so read An Appearance of Impropriety for all the details!) I loved the Junior Jurors program and how it impacted Mahalia. The most important aspect of An Appearance of Impropriety for me was the lesson of Trusting God’s Will and Plan for your life that was in the book. How that when we let go and let God, we see something beautiful unfolding better and more fulfilling than anything we could ever dream up. I love seeing the walls that came down in JD and Mahalia’s lives when they Trusted God! If you are looking for a beautiful read that encourages you to Trust Him more—with a twinge of suspense to boot—then I highly recommend An Appearance of Impropriety by Jayna Breigh!
Have you read An Appearance of Impropriety? What do you think of the book?
I would like to thank Kregel Reviewers with Kregel Publications for giving me a copy of An Appearance of Impropriety to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on my blog, Leslie’s Library Escape and Amazon.
I love An Appearance of Impropriety by Jayna Breigh! Ms. Breigh is a new-to-me author and I love the story she’s written! I loved meeting Mahalia and JD and being drawn into the judicial world. I love the expertise that Ms. Breigh brought to the plot and how she explained the law and the way of legal proceedings in an easy-to-understand manner. Because I loved the law and government classes that I took in college, I really loved those portions in the book! It gave me Matlock type feels! I love how I saw both JD’s and Mahalia’s views on the legal system— that on the things that mattered they saw things the same way, and at the same time, they were comfortable enough in their own skin to have opposing views when they felt that it was warranted. I love how Ms. Breigh wove the legal term “an appearance of impropriety” into the plot and highlighted the importance of having that in the legal system, especially in the way Mahalia allows it to paint parts of her life. I appreciated how Mahalia viewed how she was raised and how that colored how she saw things. I admired the kind of gentleman JD was—how he gave back to others and fought for others. I loved learning about the techniques that JD used to build a case for his clients and was fascinated by how they unfolded in the plot! (Trust me, it was really unique in my eyes—so read An Appearance of Impropriety for all the details!) I loved the Junior Jurors program and how it impacted Mahalia. The most important aspect of An Appearance of Impropriety for me was the lesson of Trusting God’s Will and Plan for your life that was in the book. How that when we let go and let God, we see something beautiful unfolding better and more fulfilling than anything we could ever dream up. I love seeing the walls that came down in JD and Mahalia’s lives when they Trusted God! If you are looking for a beautiful read that encourages you to Trust Him more—with a twinge of suspense to boot—then I highly recommend An Appearance of Impropriety by Jayna Breigh!
Have you read An Appearance of Impropriety? What do you think of the book?
I would like to thank Kregel Reviewers with Kregel Publications for giving me a copy of An Appearance of Impropriety to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on my blog, Leslie’s Library Escape and Amazon.
April 22, 2026
4.25 stars
Completed: Apr. 22/26
Format: audiobook ARC (own Kindle)
Narrator: Alyx Monroe - really good but the male adult voices need improvement
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s, “A comfort read—bonus points if it’s by an EOW author” - ANYTIME option — suspense is one of my favs (perhaps unusual for a comfort read but it’s something I enjoy!)
Book #39 of 2026: This is the second novel by this author and I have enjoyed both. This is a legal romantic drama with a strong, independent, career-driven female main character in Judge Mahalia Jackson. The male main character, Attorney JD Cash, is a very compassionate and giving man that encompasses true masculinity.
The two are thrown together into a great cause, albeit reluctantly from Mahalia’s standpoint. However, it ends up being something she enjoys and pushes her to lighten up and be received as someone other than harsh or unapproachable. At the same time, she has to be careful with all optics for her career pursuits — especially anything that gives the appearance of impropriety with a lawyer. However, JD is testing her strict, *No lawyers* rule for dating. Mahalia goes through a time of self-examination, testing, false accusations, and recognizing her need to focus more on God.
JD is a man of principle who planned long ago to stay away from relationships. He believes he must only focus on his vow to help those like his late mother. He helps trapped and coerced lower income women who make bad decisions. He works long hours and is focused on giving, but not really living. Mahalia puts the desire for a relationship to the test as well as an unexpected turn of events that has him re-examining his responsibilities and needs.
The author, a lawyer herself, handles the legalese aspects in the novel well. It is not overwhelming or confusing for someone not in that field themselves.
I particularly liked the youth in this novel. They are such a quirky group that add some lightness and fun to the story. In some ways, I think they end up teaching the adults as much as the adults taught them.
Though there is an immediate physical attraction between Mahalia and JD, I respected the slow burn toward romance. It fit with the characters and their circumstances.
My favourite parts of the novel are:
1. How Mahalia reflects on wisdom her pastor grandfather poured into her life.
2. The fact that JD is an example for the many good men out there who encompass true masculinity. (There are indeed men who are toxic but it has nothing to do with true masculinity. They are separate things that shouldn’t be conflated and I really respect that delineation by the author.).
3. I absolutely love how it ends. :-)
* Huge thanks to Kregal Publications, Recorded Books, and Net Galley for an advance audio copy. My rating and review are both voluntary and truthful. My review is in my own words. I have my own Kindle e-book copy.
Completed: Apr. 22/26
Format: audiobook ARC (own Kindle)
Narrator: Alyx Monroe - really good but the male adult voices need improvement
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s, “A comfort read—bonus points if it’s by an EOW author” - ANYTIME option — suspense is one of my favs (perhaps unusual for a comfort read but it’s something I enjoy!)
Book #39 of 2026: This is the second novel by this author and I have enjoyed both. This is a legal romantic drama with a strong, independent, career-driven female main character in Judge Mahalia Jackson. The male main character, Attorney JD Cash, is a very compassionate and giving man that encompasses true masculinity.
The two are thrown together into a great cause, albeit reluctantly from Mahalia’s standpoint. However, it ends up being something she enjoys and pushes her to lighten up and be received as someone other than harsh or unapproachable. At the same time, she has to be careful with all optics for her career pursuits — especially anything that gives the appearance of impropriety with a lawyer. However, JD is testing her strict, *No lawyers* rule for dating. Mahalia goes through a time of self-examination, testing, false accusations, and recognizing her need to focus more on God.
JD is a man of principle who planned long ago to stay away from relationships. He believes he must only focus on his vow to help those like his late mother. He helps trapped and coerced lower income women who make bad decisions. He works long hours and is focused on giving, but not really living. Mahalia puts the desire for a relationship to the test as well as an unexpected turn of events that has him re-examining his responsibilities and needs.
The author, a lawyer herself, handles the legalese aspects in the novel well. It is not overwhelming or confusing for someone not in that field themselves.
I particularly liked the youth in this novel. They are such a quirky group that add some lightness and fun to the story. In some ways, I think they end up teaching the adults as much as the adults taught them.
Though there is an immediate physical attraction between Mahalia and JD, I respected the slow burn toward romance. It fit with the characters and their circumstances.
My favourite parts of the novel are:
1. How Mahalia reflects on wisdom her pastor grandfather poured into her life.
2. The fact that JD is an example for the many good men out there who encompass true masculinity. (There are indeed men who are toxic but it has nothing to do with true masculinity. They are separate things that shouldn’t be conflated and I really respect that delineation by the author.).
3. I absolutely love how it ends. :-)
* Huge thanks to Kregal Publications, Recorded Books, and Net Galley for an advance audio copy. My rating and review are both voluntary and truthful. My review is in my own words. I have my own Kindle e-book copy.
January 28, 2026
“There would be allegations of impropriety against Judge Jackson if there was even a hint of something between her and someone whose case she presided over.”
Courtroom drama-romance? Yes, please! Having served on several juries in my lifetime, I’ve gained some perspective about our judicial system. So when the opportunity to read a legal drama by a former lawyer arises, my antennae rise as well. What is an insider’s scoop of the courtroom?
Jayna Breigh does not disappoint. She starts with a beautiful, young, accomplished African-American judge, Mahalia Jackson, in an LA courtroom. Mahalia is desperate to continue climbing the ladder of prestige as a judge, and is being considered for an important promotion.
Since her mentor is involved in an accident, Mahalia is dismayed to meet Jimmy Dean Cash in court, herself the judge, JD the attorney. He is the billboard “traffic stopper” attorney who encourages the public to sue for road accidents. Mahalia can’t stand him from his billboard ads.
When Mahalia discovers she must have some kind of service project on her record, she reluctantly joins JD in leading his ragtag band of Junior Jurors. “This whole project lived so far from her comfort zone that it had a different area code.” Yet, Mahalia participates and begins to see the heart that JD has for these kids. Kids who could just as easily fail before their future starts, as be successful.
Knowing that any supposed connection between them would be cause for her to be strongly disciplined and his court case to be thrown out, Mahalia and JD try to curtail their growing feelings.
I loved the angst the novel caused me. I wanted JD and Mahalia to find a way to be a couple. But if doing so meant shame? Both already had enough shame in their pasts. “They both had the need to prove themselves. When she had been elected, she was the youngest judge on the bench, and she was a woman. He came from nothing. No people. No money.”
I found that, yet again, my fave secondary character is deceased the whole book through. But we get great glimpses of Mahalia’s loving, if strict, preacher Granddaddy. He shares so many valuable insights that come back to help guide Mahalia in her life’s direction.
I loved this novel. The idea of a forbidden love, on several levels, a granddaughter who has been running from the faith she grew up with, and who has allowed hurt to direct her life. Will Mahalia ever be able to say the following? “All to Jesus I surrender, All to him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust him, In his presence daily live.
I surrender all.” Or will she continue on the path she’s charted for herself?
I could see myself in Mahalia in some ways. Not in a position of power, but worried about what those around me might think of my actions. Determined to rise above (on my own).
The more I saw of JD, the more I really loved him. He is trying to rise above his past, but his care for others is real! I pray I can learn to more like that.
I received a copy of the book from the author and Kregel Books. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“All these years she'd nursed emotional wounds because of colorism, but she'd ignored her own elitist and classist attitudes.”
“Are you freelancing in your life? Making up your own rules? Or are you following his Word?” - Steve
Courtroom drama-romance? Yes, please! Having served on several juries in my lifetime, I’ve gained some perspective about our judicial system. So when the opportunity to read a legal drama by a former lawyer arises, my antennae rise as well. What is an insider’s scoop of the courtroom?
Jayna Breigh does not disappoint. She starts with a beautiful, young, accomplished African-American judge, Mahalia Jackson, in an LA courtroom. Mahalia is desperate to continue climbing the ladder of prestige as a judge, and is being considered for an important promotion.
Since her mentor is involved in an accident, Mahalia is dismayed to meet Jimmy Dean Cash in court, herself the judge, JD the attorney. He is the billboard “traffic stopper” attorney who encourages the public to sue for road accidents. Mahalia can’t stand him from his billboard ads.
When Mahalia discovers she must have some kind of service project on her record, she reluctantly joins JD in leading his ragtag band of Junior Jurors. “This whole project lived so far from her comfort zone that it had a different area code.” Yet, Mahalia participates and begins to see the heart that JD has for these kids. Kids who could just as easily fail before their future starts, as be successful.
Knowing that any supposed connection between them would be cause for her to be strongly disciplined and his court case to be thrown out, Mahalia and JD try to curtail their growing feelings.
I loved the angst the novel caused me. I wanted JD and Mahalia to find a way to be a couple. But if doing so meant shame? Both already had enough shame in their pasts. “They both had the need to prove themselves. When she had been elected, she was the youngest judge on the bench, and she was a woman. He came from nothing. No people. No money.”
I found that, yet again, my fave secondary character is deceased the whole book through. But we get great glimpses of Mahalia’s loving, if strict, preacher Granddaddy. He shares so many valuable insights that come back to help guide Mahalia in her life’s direction.
I loved this novel. The idea of a forbidden love, on several levels, a granddaughter who has been running from the faith she grew up with, and who has allowed hurt to direct her life. Will Mahalia ever be able to say the following? “All to Jesus I surrender, All to him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust him, In his presence daily live.
I surrender all.” Or will she continue on the path she’s charted for herself?
I could see myself in Mahalia in some ways. Not in a position of power, but worried about what those around me might think of my actions. Determined to rise above (on my own).
The more I saw of JD, the more I really loved him. He is trying to rise above his past, but his care for others is real! I pray I can learn to more like that.
I received a copy of the book from the author and Kregel Books. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“All these years she'd nursed emotional wounds because of colorism, but she'd ignored her own elitist and classist attitudes.”
“Are you freelancing in your life? Making up your own rules? Or are you following his Word?” - Steve
February 11, 2026
I received this ARC paperback copy from Kregel Publishing. I was not required to leave a positive review.
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5 stars)
Just for the record, I am so embarrassed to write this review, because apparently I know pretty much nothing about the legal world.
I learned so much while reading this book about legal procedure, judges and lawyers, the different types of cases, and all of that. I knew very little going into this story, but by the end, I actually felt like I had really learned something, and that was a very refreshing feeling. The author being a retired lawyer actually made a lot of sense– all of the court scenes felt super fleshed out and real.
And, let me just say, I would not be a very good lawyer.
But, aside from that note, I was also pleasantly surprised by the faith content in this book. It was truly woven all throughout, and I appreciated that.
The romance was sweet– but honestly, I feel like it kind of took a background role to all the other fascinating plots we had going on.
Our main character really was a driven judge– I loved seeing how much she cared for the work she was doing, and our main guy was the same way, so I thought they were a very even match in terms of dedication. But, let me just say I would never want to argue with them as a couple, because, wow. They could take down anyone.
As far as content is concerned, this book dealt with quite a lot, but there were no graphic or detailed parts, if that makes sense. We do touch on predatory behavior, stalking, pregnancies out of wedlock, substance abuse, physical abuse, PTSD, racism, and a whole slew of other sad but true parts of life, so I would advise discretion for young readers.
All in all, this book taught me so much about our country’s legal system, and all of the complexities of civil court cases. I really enjoyed being able to learn about that, and I also loved the faith content. I would be honored to read more books by this author in the future, as I believe she did a fantastic job of weaving this one together. I would definitely recommend checking this story out if you’re interested in the court system. It was quite an insightful read for me.
EMOJI REVIEW!
🏛️ lots of legal and court scenes
📝 very informative
❤️ sweet romance
✝️ faith content
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5 stars)
Just for the record, I am so embarrassed to write this review, because apparently I know pretty much nothing about the legal world.
I learned so much while reading this book about legal procedure, judges and lawyers, the different types of cases, and all of that. I knew very little going into this story, but by the end, I actually felt like I had really learned something, and that was a very refreshing feeling. The author being a retired lawyer actually made a lot of sense– all of the court scenes felt super fleshed out and real.
And, let me just say, I would not be a very good lawyer.
But, aside from that note, I was also pleasantly surprised by the faith content in this book. It was truly woven all throughout, and I appreciated that.
The romance was sweet– but honestly, I feel like it kind of took a background role to all the other fascinating plots we had going on.
Our main character really was a driven judge– I loved seeing how much she cared for the work she was doing, and our main guy was the same way, so I thought they were a very even match in terms of dedication. But, let me just say I would never want to argue with them as a couple, because, wow. They could take down anyone.
As far as content is concerned, this book dealt with quite a lot, but there were no graphic or detailed parts, if that makes sense. We do touch on predatory behavior, stalking, pregnancies out of wedlock, substance abuse, physical abuse, PTSD, racism, and a whole slew of other sad but true parts of life, so I would advise discretion for young readers.
All in all, this book taught me so much about our country’s legal system, and all of the complexities of civil court cases. I really enjoyed being able to learn about that, and I also loved the faith content. I would be honored to read more books by this author in the future, as I believe she did a fantastic job of weaving this one together. I would definitely recommend checking this story out if you’re interested in the court system. It was quite an insightful read for me.
EMOJI REVIEW!
🏛️ lots of legal and court scenes
📝 very informative
❤️ sweet romance
✝️ faith content
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars
"Sweet Mahalia baby," . . . . "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"
She was so close. Moving steadily towards her next goal, Judge Mahalia Jackson could almost feel the heels of her shoes climbing higher up the ladder of success, gaining additional prestige, earning more respect in her field. There was only thing standing in her way, securing that upcoming appointment as assistant supervising judge. Then, much like a seasoned major league pitcher, the author throws a few perfectly timed curve balls which neither her readers or characters could have anticipated.
Jimmy Dean Cash, attorney at law, had vowed to stay on the straight and narrow, fully concentrating on his God given ability to defend widows and children. In doing so, he had been blessed with a wide measure of success. Unexpectedly, Cash finds himself presenting an argument before Judge Mahalia Jackson with regards to a large settlement, and for the first time in forever, JD has trouble concentrating on his case; the woman was absolutely stunning!
As if the heavens have declared their paths to cross again, Mahalia is called upon by her mentor to assist JD with a group of at-risk teens in a program called the Junior Jurors, thus demonstrating that she has a vested interest in community service while vying for her promotion. Unknown to Mahlia, not everyone is anxious to see her succeed, undercurrents of malicious intentions are bantered about in private messages and chat boards. By contrast, time spent with JD serves as a balm to her overworked soul, while being totally aware that any hint of personal connection could jeopardize everything they have worked so hard to protect . . . appearances of impropriety and all.
The inner struggle to be who you have always dreamed of being, versus who God may want you to become, is remarkably fleshed out within these characters. Not only is their spiritual tug-of-war quite authentically portrayed, but it is also swathed with rich biblical truths placed strategically within the narrative at just the right times and in all the right places.
And of course after reading this book, I'm of the opinion that every good romance needs an elevator scene!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
"Sweet Mahalia baby," . . . . "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"
She was so close. Moving steadily towards her next goal, Judge Mahalia Jackson could almost feel the heels of her shoes climbing higher up the ladder of success, gaining additional prestige, earning more respect in her field. There was only thing standing in her way, securing that upcoming appointment as assistant supervising judge. Then, much like a seasoned major league pitcher, the author throws a few perfectly timed curve balls which neither her readers or characters could have anticipated.
Jimmy Dean Cash, attorney at law, had vowed to stay on the straight and narrow, fully concentrating on his God given ability to defend widows and children. In doing so, he had been blessed with a wide measure of success. Unexpectedly, Cash finds himself presenting an argument before Judge Mahalia Jackson with regards to a large settlement, and for the first time in forever, JD has trouble concentrating on his case; the woman was absolutely stunning!
As if the heavens have declared their paths to cross again, Mahalia is called upon by her mentor to assist JD with a group of at-risk teens in a program called the Junior Jurors, thus demonstrating that she has a vested interest in community service while vying for her promotion. Unknown to Mahlia, not everyone is anxious to see her succeed, undercurrents of malicious intentions are bantered about in private messages and chat boards. By contrast, time spent with JD serves as a balm to her overworked soul, while being totally aware that any hint of personal connection could jeopardize everything they have worked so hard to protect . . . appearances of impropriety and all.
The inner struggle to be who you have always dreamed of being, versus who God may want you to become, is remarkably fleshed out within these characters. Not only is their spiritual tug-of-war quite authentically portrayed, but it is also swathed with rich biblical truths placed strategically within the narrative at just the right times and in all the right places.
And of course after reading this book, I'm of the opinion that every good romance needs an elevator scene!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Somewhere between the legal jargon, the slow‑unfolding romance, and the faith‑rooted character growth, I had to admit something to myself I’m officially a legal‑drama girl. Jayna Breigh pulled me straight into Mahalia’s world, and Alyx Monroe’s narration made it even easier to stay in there.
Mahalia is that woman: brilliant, polished, and carrying standards so high they need their own oxygen supply. Alyx Monroe captured her perfectly that controlled, professional tone with just enough softness slipping through when life starts pressing on her. And JD? Alyx gave him this warm, steady presence that made his heart for kids and his quiet strength feel so real. It’s impressive how one narrator can make two characters feel so distinct without ever sounding forced.
And let me tell you… I was way too invested in the TransNation case. The legal details, the anonymous messages, the Facebook group mess all of it had me listening like I was personally assigned to the investigation. You can tell Breigh knows the law because the writing felt sharp and confident without ever losing me. I even picked up a few new vocab words along the way.
The side characters were another highlight. Nobody felt flat or predictable. Even Mahalia’s memories of her grandparents had layers love, tension, complicated history and that nuance made her feel like a real woman with a real past, not a trope.
The faith elements were gentle and lived‑in, not preachy. Just two thirty‑something professionals trying to honor God, honor their calling, and figure out their hearts without losing themselves. Very relatable.
Audiobook vibes:
- Alyx Monroe’s narration is smooth, expressive, and easy to sink into
- Distinct character voices without being theatrical
- Perfect pacing for a story with emotional depth and legal tension
- Extremely bingeable
Overall, An Appearance of Impropriety was a thoughtful, engaging, grown‑folk listen with heart, purpose, and just enough mystery to keep me nosy. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Jayna Breigh and more narration from Alyx Monroe.
Mahalia is that woman: brilliant, polished, and carrying standards so high they need their own oxygen supply. Alyx Monroe captured her perfectly that controlled, professional tone with just enough softness slipping through when life starts pressing on her. And JD? Alyx gave him this warm, steady presence that made his heart for kids and his quiet strength feel so real. It’s impressive how one narrator can make two characters feel so distinct without ever sounding forced.
And let me tell you… I was way too invested in the TransNation case. The legal details, the anonymous messages, the Facebook group mess all of it had me listening like I was personally assigned to the investigation. You can tell Breigh knows the law because the writing felt sharp and confident without ever losing me. I even picked up a few new vocab words along the way.
The side characters were another highlight. Nobody felt flat or predictable. Even Mahalia’s memories of her grandparents had layers love, tension, complicated history and that nuance made her feel like a real woman with a real past, not a trope.
The faith elements were gentle and lived‑in, not preachy. Just two thirty‑something professionals trying to honor God, honor their calling, and figure out their hearts without losing themselves. Very relatable.
Audiobook vibes:
- Alyx Monroe’s narration is smooth, expressive, and easy to sink into
- Distinct character voices without being theatrical
- Perfect pacing for a story with emotional depth and legal tension
- Extremely bingeable
Overall, An Appearance of Impropriety was a thoughtful, engaging, grown‑folk listen with heart, purpose, and just enough mystery to keep me nosy. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Jayna Breigh and more narration from Alyx Monroe.
April 28, 2026
I usually don’t read novels with strong legal themes but loved Jayna Breigh’s debut novel so I jumped into this one without any second guessing and it was as brilliant as I knew it would be!
A character-driven legal drama that turned into a compulsive listen. Yes, this was another audio ‘read’ for me and Alyx Monroe might be my dream narrator. The tone of her voice is so soothing and pleasant to listen to and the way she infuses the characters with emotion and humour made me love them all the more!
My fear of not understanding the legal-eeze in ‘An Acceptance of Impropriety’ was unfounded. Somehow Breigh manages to create the thrill of a legal drama in layman’s terms. I never felt lost, in fact, the courtroom scenes were some of the most riveting. JD and Mahalia’s volunteer work with the Junior Jurors program for at-risk youth also helped because I got to learn the court system right along with them.
But there’s also so much more to this story than the legal drama (but, whoa, the drama!) There’s a slow burn romance that builds from misunderstanding. Opposites attract and forbidden love tropes play a part in their complicated relationship as well. JD is a knight in shining armour slaying big corporations on behalf of widows and orphans. I was so invested in his court case! Mahalia is the youngest female judge in LA and she carries that burden of expectation and scrutiny.
I love the way we got to know this hero and heroine through snippets of their backstories at pivotal moments. It helped me understand their thoughts and actions. Watching them struggle to learn from their pasts while finding the courage to create their own unique futures was exhilarating.
A stunning inspirational legal drama/romance that I’m still thinking about days after finishing it.
My thanks to RB Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/04/28/a...
A character-driven legal drama that turned into a compulsive listen. Yes, this was another audio ‘read’ for me and Alyx Monroe might be my dream narrator. The tone of her voice is so soothing and pleasant to listen to and the way she infuses the characters with emotion and humour made me love them all the more!
My fear of not understanding the legal-eeze in ‘An Acceptance of Impropriety’ was unfounded. Somehow Breigh manages to create the thrill of a legal drama in layman’s terms. I never felt lost, in fact, the courtroom scenes were some of the most riveting. JD and Mahalia’s volunteer work with the Junior Jurors program for at-risk youth also helped because I got to learn the court system right along with them.
But there’s also so much more to this story than the legal drama (but, whoa, the drama!) There’s a slow burn romance that builds from misunderstanding. Opposites attract and forbidden love tropes play a part in their complicated relationship as well. JD is a knight in shining armour slaying big corporations on behalf of widows and orphans. I was so invested in his court case! Mahalia is the youngest female judge in LA and she carries that burden of expectation and scrutiny.
I love the way we got to know this hero and heroine through snippets of their backstories at pivotal moments. It helped me understand their thoughts and actions. Watching them struggle to learn from their pasts while finding the courage to create their own unique futures was exhilarating.
A stunning inspirational legal drama/romance that I’m still thinking about days after finishing it.
My thanks to RB Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/04/28/a...
January 28, 2026
Jayna Breigh's sophomore release "An Appearance of Impropriety" is a fast-paced romantic legal drama that will keep the reader interested in the story from beginning to end.
Judge Mahalia Jackson is the youngest judge in LA County and with her upbringing from her strict grandparents, she comes across as cold and businesslike in her interactions. Her mentor keeps trying to find ways for her to thaw and show people who she really is, so when he's injured he asks her to work with a junior jurors program with high schoolers where Mahalia learns more about herself than any other place he could have placed her. She's also searching for her "Midnight Prince" but does God know more about what she needs than she does?
Attorney JD Cash comes from the south and grew up dirt poor. Due to how his mother was treated and ended up, he has compassion for widows, children and underprivilege individuals. His face is up around billboards and he's come a long way from the trailer park to one of the wealthier attorneys in LA.
Jayna's writing is so compelling and her expertise in law shines in this book. Her Christian faith elements are strong in the book and she weaves it into the book in an organic way. Her characters are well-developed and the character growth in the book is apparent. The romance has many bumps along the way including a love triangle which adds some interest into the book.
The ending is shocking and the twist will have the reader gasping! I love books that keep the reader guessing and this is one of them.
I was honored to win a copy of the physical book from the author. I was not required to write a review or positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Judge Mahalia Jackson is the youngest judge in LA County and with her upbringing from her strict grandparents, she comes across as cold and businesslike in her interactions. Her mentor keeps trying to find ways for her to thaw and show people who she really is, so when he's injured he asks her to work with a junior jurors program with high schoolers where Mahalia learns more about herself than any other place he could have placed her. She's also searching for her "Midnight Prince" but does God know more about what she needs than she does?
Attorney JD Cash comes from the south and grew up dirt poor. Due to how his mother was treated and ended up, he has compassion for widows, children and underprivilege individuals. His face is up around billboards and he's come a long way from the trailer park to one of the wealthier attorneys in LA.
Jayna's writing is so compelling and her expertise in law shines in this book. Her Christian faith elements are strong in the book and she weaves it into the book in an organic way. Her characters are well-developed and the character growth in the book is apparent. The romance has many bumps along the way including a love triangle which adds some interest into the book.
The ending is shocking and the twist will have the reader gasping! I love books that keep the reader guessing and this is one of them.
I was honored to win a copy of the physical book from the author. I was not required to write a review or positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 6, 2026
*I was given a copy by the publisher. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*
I have been looking forward to reading this book for MONTHS, and now that I've finished it I can say it's definitely lived up the the hype I gave it. I loved Jayna's writing, here tone is beautifully vivid and her characters... I can't even express how much I love her characters... We'll not the villains, she makes them far to easy to dislike! Which I love, because that just further shows her skill at bringing them to life!
This story is so good, and definitely going down as a new favorite. I enjoyed meeting Mahalia and JD, and loves seeing them working together with the Junior Jurors program! I also really loved Dean. This book tackles some difficult topics and has a beautiful theme of redemption, surrender, and trusting in God that shines brightly throughout the book.
I loved the teens in this one. I always seem to gravitate to the mentor-type characters who welcome others into their circle and offer a listening ear and wise advice. This book isna beautiful example of that, and I especially appreciated Mahalia's efforts to be more available and caring as she grows as a person. It made her more relatable, but also makes her an inspiring character that I found encouraging. Such a beautiful reminder to surrender it all to the One Who Cares, and to be more like Him along the way.
I have been looking forward to reading this book for MONTHS, and now that I've finished it I can say it's definitely lived up the the hype I gave it. I loved Jayna's writing, here tone is beautifully vivid and her characters... I can't even express how much I love her characters... We'll not the villains, she makes them far to easy to dislike! Which I love, because that just further shows her skill at bringing them to life!
This story is so good, and definitely going down as a new favorite. I enjoyed meeting Mahalia and JD, and loves seeing them working together with the Junior Jurors program! I also really loved Dean. This book tackles some difficult topics and has a beautiful theme of redemption, surrender, and trusting in God that shines brightly throughout the book.
I loved the teens in this one. I always seem to gravitate to the mentor-type characters who welcome others into their circle and offer a listening ear and wise advice. This book isna beautiful example of that, and I especially appreciated Mahalia's efforts to be more available and caring as she grows as a person. It made her more relatable, but also makes her an inspiring character that I found encouraging. Such a beautiful reminder to surrender it all to the One Who Cares, and to be more like Him along the way.
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