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Solomon vs. Lord #1
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Тя е от стар заможен род. Той е бедно момче от Коконът Гроув. Единственото общо помежду им е правото. Докато не сe изправят един срещу друг в най-нашумялото дело за убийство на века - случай, от който хвърчат искри, който кара медиите да полудяват и противоположностите да се привличат. Заобиколени от престъпници, измамници и други “образи”, Соломон и Лорд трябва да разрешат случая, преди да са се разорили, попаднали в затвора... или още по-лошо - в леглото.
444 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2005
6950 people are currently reading
1573 people want to read
About the author
Paul Levine
81 books558 followersThe Genius and the Tramp Fight Fascists in 1930's Hollywood
MIDNIGHT BURNING - September 2025
“Ingeniously pairs real-life friends Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin on a roller coaster ride to save America from a fascist threat within its borders.” – Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs series.
Award-winning author Paul Levine weaves historical figures into a gripping, true-to-life plot to overthrow the U.S. government in the sizzling thriller MIDNIGHT BURNING.
It's 1937 and clouds of war gather over Europe, and American fascists march at home. While the FBI chases suspected communists, Nazi agents plot an armed insurrection. When the world’s two most famous men–Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin–uncover the scheme, which includes the assassination of Hollywood’s biggest stars, they fight back with nothing but their ingenuity, raw courage, and the fierce resolve of Georgia Ann Robinson, LAPD’s first Black female officer.
Levine—praised by The New York Times for his “realistic, gritty, and fun” novels—delivers a breathtaking thriller laced with humor and a larger-than-life cast, including Charles Lindbergh, Douglas Fairbanks, William Randolph Hearst, and Joseph Goebbels.
"This could be Levine's masterpiece." - Lee Goldberg, New York Times #1 Bestselling Author
ORDER FROM AMAZON HERE.
ORDER FROM BARNES & NOBLE HERE.
ORDER FROM BOOKSHOP HERE.
**********************************************;
Jake Lassiter tackles high school football and becomes the most hated man in Miami in EARLY GRAVE, Paul Levine's sizzling legal thriller.
"An extraordinary hero stars in a legal tale as believable as it is riveting." - Kirkus Reviews
"Levine scores with this complex and witty legal thriller. This winner works even for those new to the series." - Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
When his godson suffers a catastrophic injury in a high school football game, lawyer Jake Lassiter sues to abolish the sport and becomes Public Enemy Number One. The former NFL linebacker also battles CTE, the fatal brain disease caused by repetitive head injuries. His personal life, too, hits a rocky patch. He's in couple's therapy with fiancée Dr. Melissa Gold and vows to live long enough to fix his relationship and achieve justice for his godson.
"Grounded in reality, EARLY GRAVE is a novel with heartfelt emotion, flashes of humor, and high-octane excitement." - Franco Harris, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back
STILL GOING STRONG:
CHEATER’S GAME is a stand-alone entry in the Jake Lassiter series.
"Clever, funny and seriously on point when it comes to the inequities of society and the justice system, CHEATER'S GAME is top-notch stuff from Paul Levine. His Jake Lassiter is my kind of lawyer!" - Michael Connelly
You may ORDER HERE.
ALSO AVAILABLE: BUM DEAL.
“Fascinating, fully developed characters and smart, well-paced dialogue keep the pages turning. Levine manipulates the expectations of the reader as skillfully as Jake manipulates the expectations of the jury” — Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
"Drop everything...Read it now...BUM DEAL is fantastic." - Lee Child
MIDNIGHT BURNING - September 2025
“Ingeniously pairs real-life friends Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin on a roller coaster ride to save America from a fascist threat within its borders.” – Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs series.
Award-winning author Paul Levine weaves historical figures into a gripping, true-to-life plot to overthrow the U.S. government in the sizzling thriller MIDNIGHT BURNING.
It's 1937 and clouds of war gather over Europe, and American fascists march at home. While the FBI chases suspected communists, Nazi agents plot an armed insurrection. When the world’s two most famous men–Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin–uncover the scheme, which includes the assassination of Hollywood’s biggest stars, they fight back with nothing but their ingenuity, raw courage, and the fierce resolve of Georgia Ann Robinson, LAPD’s first Black female officer.
Levine—praised by The New York Times for his “realistic, gritty, and fun” novels—delivers a breathtaking thriller laced with humor and a larger-than-life cast, including Charles Lindbergh, Douglas Fairbanks, William Randolph Hearst, and Joseph Goebbels.
"This could be Levine's masterpiece." - Lee Goldberg, New York Times #1 Bestselling Author
ORDER FROM AMAZON HERE.
ORDER FROM BARNES & NOBLE HERE.
ORDER FROM BOOKSHOP HERE.
**********************************************;
Jake Lassiter tackles high school football and becomes the most hated man in Miami in EARLY GRAVE, Paul Levine's sizzling legal thriller.
"An extraordinary hero stars in a legal tale as believable as it is riveting." - Kirkus Reviews
"Levine scores with this complex and witty legal thriller. This winner works even for those new to the series." - Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
When his godson suffers a catastrophic injury in a high school football game, lawyer Jake Lassiter sues to abolish the sport and becomes Public Enemy Number One. The former NFL linebacker also battles CTE, the fatal brain disease caused by repetitive head injuries. His personal life, too, hits a rocky patch. He's in couple's therapy with fiancée Dr. Melissa Gold and vows to live long enough to fix his relationship and achieve justice for his godson.
"Grounded in reality, EARLY GRAVE is a novel with heartfelt emotion, flashes of humor, and high-octane excitement." - Franco Harris, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back
STILL GOING STRONG:
CHEATER’S GAME is a stand-alone entry in the Jake Lassiter series.
"Clever, funny and seriously on point when it comes to the inequities of society and the justice system, CHEATER'S GAME is top-notch stuff from Paul Levine. His Jake Lassiter is my kind of lawyer!" - Michael Connelly
You may ORDER HERE.
ALSO AVAILABLE: BUM DEAL.
“Fascinating, fully developed characters and smart, well-paced dialogue keep the pages turning. Levine manipulates the expectations of the reader as skillfully as Jake manipulates the expectations of the jury” — Publishers Weekly (★starred review★)
"Drop everything...Read it now...BUM DEAL is fantastic." - Lee Child
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 411 reviews
May 11, 2024
Entertaining and well written.
January 3, 2025
I finished all of Levine's Lassiter novels, so I moved on to his Solomon & Lord series. This first installment was terrific. Gripping, funny, dramatic and emotional. I loved it.
August 3, 2015
Even though author Paul Levine doesn't look anywhere nearly old enough to have written for the ABC TV series Moonlighting that aired from 1985 to 1989, this book so reminded me of the interaction between the characters played by Cybill Shepard and Bruce Willis that I actually checked to see if his name is listed anywhere in the writing credits. The biggest difference between the TV show and the book in my mind is that the former pair were partners in a private investigation firm and the two in this book - Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord - are lawyers. Aha, I said to myself - it's also more than a little reminiscent of another more recent TV show, NBC's Harry's Law, starring Kathy Bates (there's even a list of "Solomon's Laws," the first of which is, "When the law doesn't work...work the law").
I looked for Levine's name in the credits of that show as well, but I didn't find it there either. So, I'll say simply that anyone who enjoyed the bickering, sexual innuendos and snarky one-liners on either or both of those shows most likely will love this book - the first of a series of four. The dynamic duo first meet in court when the two are opposing counsel. Lord is totally put off by Solomon's devil-may-care courtroom antics that come close to crossing the ethics line, and he's relentless in his attempts to ruffle the feathers of the newly minted state's attorney whom Solomon considers to be "hot" but way too straight-laced. Needless to say, he's successful - and as a result they both end up in the pokey on contempt charges.
Ultimately, mostly thanks to Solomon's badgering, Lord gets fired. In theory, that's not a huge problem since she's engaged to a wealthy but nice (think ho-hum) guy who wants her to join his business. But Lord isn't quite ready to give up the courtroom (nor, given her soon-to-be husband's vegetarian bent, her meat). And by now Solomon is in lust and will do just about anything to convince her she's got a place in his firm - and his bed - so let the games begin.
Then, a local millionaire bites the dust, supposedly the victim of sex play with his trophy wife gone wrong. Lord, who knows the now-widow, wants to take the case, and Solomon convinces her to let him help. Meanwhile, Solomon is fighting a battle of his own. A while back, it seems, he "rescued" his druggie sister's young son Bobby, who's been seriously abused and exhibits autistic and savant characteristics (he's a pro at anagrams, for instance). The local powers-that-be want the child put in a place where he can be prodded, poked and tested - and Solomon will do just about anything to keep that from happening.
The book follows the murder and custody cases both in and out of court, all the while showcasing the love-hate "relationship" between Solomon and Lord. In spots, the dialog is chuckle-out-loud funny; in a few others, it gets downright silly, prompting me to go with 4 stars instead of 5. Still, it's an easy-to-read romp, and now I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
I looked for Levine's name in the credits of that show as well, but I didn't find it there either. So, I'll say simply that anyone who enjoyed the bickering, sexual innuendos and snarky one-liners on either or both of those shows most likely will love this book - the first of a series of four. The dynamic duo first meet in court when the two are opposing counsel. Lord is totally put off by Solomon's devil-may-care courtroom antics that come close to crossing the ethics line, and he's relentless in his attempts to ruffle the feathers of the newly minted state's attorney whom Solomon considers to be "hot" but way too straight-laced. Needless to say, he's successful - and as a result they both end up in the pokey on contempt charges.
Ultimately, mostly thanks to Solomon's badgering, Lord gets fired. In theory, that's not a huge problem since she's engaged to a wealthy but nice (think ho-hum) guy who wants her to join his business. But Lord isn't quite ready to give up the courtroom (nor, given her soon-to-be husband's vegetarian bent, her meat). And by now Solomon is in lust and will do just about anything to convince her she's got a place in his firm - and his bed - so let the games begin.
Then, a local millionaire bites the dust, supposedly the victim of sex play with his trophy wife gone wrong. Lord, who knows the now-widow, wants to take the case, and Solomon convinces her to let him help. Meanwhile, Solomon is fighting a battle of his own. A while back, it seems, he "rescued" his druggie sister's young son Bobby, who's been seriously abused and exhibits autistic and savant characteristics (he's a pro at anagrams, for instance). The local powers-that-be want the child put in a place where he can be prodded, poked and tested - and Solomon will do just about anything to keep that from happening.
The book follows the murder and custody cases both in and out of court, all the while showcasing the love-hate "relationship" between Solomon and Lord. In spots, the dialog is chuckle-out-loud funny; in a few others, it gets downright silly, prompting me to go with 4 stars instead of 5. Still, it's an easy-to-read romp, and now I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
October 31, 2012
This book has everything I hate about traditional romance novels. The two main characters are relatively bearable... until they cross paths. They they start to argue and fight over every single thing. I swear, if one said the sky was blue the other would have started arguing with them about it. That isn't dynamic tension, that is annoying. It is because of this book - this book right here - that I am now extremely wary of reading any romance novels now.
Take that or leave it - if you enjoy romance novels generally, you'll probably like this annoying book and more power to you. This is the first in a series - last I checked there were several in it. But for me? THROW IT TO THE GROUND, MAN!
Take that or leave it - if you enjoy romance novels generally, you'll probably like this annoying book and more power to you. This is the first in a series - last I checked there were several in it. But for me? THROW IT TO THE GROUND, MAN!
September 20, 2013
Total fluff. Very shallow and predictable.
December 15, 2010
I had never heard of this author, but while at work one day I was shelving and came across it and the cover made me turn it over to read the blurb. After reading not only that, but the quotes by other authors singing the story's praises I knew I had to give it a whirl. A sexy mystery with a funny court case based in South Florida with two lawyers who had the banter of a Hepburn and Tracy? Yes, please.
And let me say, that it delivered. This was such a fun, refreshing, impossible to put down book. I believed the crazy case with the over the top characters. I was surprised by plot twists. I was enchanted by Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord's back and forth that developed into a lovely little love story. Steve especially was impossible not to pull for with his dedication to his nephew, Bobby, an autistic savant growing up with his bachelor uncle, and his uncharacteristic falling for straight-laced Victoria. She was a believable young lawyer fighting for the truth in a world where the law doesn't always work, and plans don't always go accordingly. And the author's take on life in Florida was done pitch perfect. And to top it all off, this one has heart. This isn't just a funny romp, although it does that too, but it's also impossible not to fall in love with the character's struggles, especially when it comes to Steve and Bobby. I had so much fun with this one I hated putting it down, and am ecstatic to see there are more in the series.
A lot of comparisons are made to this being the baby of Carl Hiaasen's humor and John Grisham's understanding of the courtroom. Well, thrown in Jennifer Crusie's deft handle of sexy chemistry and banter and you've got yourself a great book.
And let me say, that it delivered. This was such a fun, refreshing, impossible to put down book. I believed the crazy case with the over the top characters. I was surprised by plot twists. I was enchanted by Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord's back and forth that developed into a lovely little love story. Steve especially was impossible not to pull for with his dedication to his nephew, Bobby, an autistic savant growing up with his bachelor uncle, and his uncharacteristic falling for straight-laced Victoria. She was a believable young lawyer fighting for the truth in a world where the law doesn't always work, and plans don't always go accordingly. And the author's take on life in Florida was done pitch perfect. And to top it all off, this one has heart. This isn't just a funny romp, although it does that too, but it's also impossible not to fall in love with the character's struggles, especially when it comes to Steve and Bobby. I had so much fun with this one I hated putting it down, and am ecstatic to see there are more in the series.
A lot of comparisons are made to this being the baby of Carl Hiaasen's humor and John Grisham's understanding of the courtroom. Well, thrown in Jennifer Crusie's deft handle of sexy chemistry and banter and you've got yourself a great book.
July 29, 2017
I nearly quit near the beginning, but I hate not finishing what I've started. The reader, Christopher Lane, is pretty good although, like most men, his voices for women are inauthentic. The book is much longer than necessary but the writing is pretty good, and there is quite a bit of humor that kept me going.
The initial dialogue and description of the primary characters left me cold. They carry on like high school kids. Solomon is sexist, arrogant, derisive, while the far smarter and better educated Lord acts like a immature, infatuated, schoolgirl who is sterotyped as a "sexy former figure skater" by the publisher. On top of this, she is engaged to be married to a millionaire nice guy who is devoted to growing and promulgating avocados. It carries on this way for a while, but eventually, I found myself enjoying it, despite myself. Gradually, Solomon's softer side is shown and proves to be endearing. His devotion and relationship with his brilliant nephew Bobby, whom he has adopted but who apparently suffers from Asperger syndrome if not autism, are heartwarming. The very qualities that make Solomon so irritating, including his lack of respect for authority, works to Bobby's advantage. In addition, his understanding of the law and knowledge of case history is far greater than he lets on. Lord on the other hand is portrayed as far more naive than one would expect from a woman with her background.
In any case, their relationship seems to take precedence over the mystery, which, like a Law and Order SVU episode, isn't so very hard to figure out.
The initial dialogue and description of the primary characters left me cold. They carry on like high school kids. Solomon is sexist, arrogant, derisive, while the far smarter and better educated Lord acts like a immature, infatuated, schoolgirl who is sterotyped as a "sexy former figure skater" by the publisher. On top of this, she is engaged to be married to a millionaire nice guy who is devoted to growing and promulgating avocados. It carries on this way for a while, but eventually, I found myself enjoying it, despite myself. Gradually, Solomon's softer side is shown and proves to be endearing. His devotion and relationship with his brilliant nephew Bobby, whom he has adopted but who apparently suffers from Asperger syndrome if not autism, are heartwarming. The very qualities that make Solomon so irritating, including his lack of respect for authority, works to Bobby's advantage. In addition, his understanding of the law and knowledge of case history is far greater than he lets on. Lord on the other hand is portrayed as far more naive than one would expect from a woman with her background.
In any case, their relationship seems to take precedence over the mystery, which, like a Law and Order SVU episode, isn't so very hard to figure out.
September 15, 2012
This is an okay book....too much "fluff" for me and predictable in many ways. On the plus side is there is quite a bit of good humor in the story. I had planned to read the series but don't feel it is worth my time now. Have too many really good books waiting to be read.
November 28, 2019
3.5 stars
Interesting story. Though not as interesting and humorous as his standalones and Jake Lassiter series.
Interesting story. Though not as interesting and humorous as his standalones and Jake Lassiter series.
February 6, 2017
I was blown away reading author Paul Levine's , "Solomon Vs. Lord #1", from the first page through it's conclusion. As a fan of Levine's other series "Lassiter", I was eager to find out about this series. The protagonists Steve Solomon, and Victoria Lord are like fire and ice, or oil and water as they interact in the court room. Solomon is the bad boy defense attorney who must battle ADA Victoria Lord who is a no nonsense, and by the book at all times attorney. Solomon takes great delight in pushing Lord's buttons and getting her upset at every term. Victoria is horrified when Solomon manages to get them both sent to jail for contempt of court. The prim and proper Lord gets close to a nervous breakdown as Solomon taunts her from a couple of cells away. After Victoria loses her case to Solomon, the D.A. Ray Pincher fires Victoria. Meanwhile Charles Barksdale, 60 has died from apparent erotic asphyxia. Barksdale is a big player and one of Pincher's biggest campaign contributors. The ultra rich Barksdale who was married to Katrina,33 was into kinky sex. Naturally Victoria and Steve battle to get the job of defending the widow as the D.A. decides Katrina may have cause the "accident" killing Barksdale. As expected Solomon and Lord end up becoming partners defending Katrina. Making things far more difficult is Steve having to raise his sister's son Bobby. Bobby is an autistic savant and had been abused by his mother for years. Steve is forced to battle the state to keep custody of Bobby and keep his law practice afloat. Victoria herself is engaged to Bruce Bigby the rich CEO of Bigby Farms. As the two cases unfold both Solomon and Lord can't deny the electricity that they have between themselves. Victoria fights it pretty hard but falling for Steve is going to happen. With a collection of very interesting supporting characters this plot is pure high octane through out. difficult to put down and hilarious in parts this read was just outstanding. I'm already a big fan of author Paul Levine's "Lassiter" series, I can't wait to jump into second Solomon & Lord book. Without question five stars out of a possible five stars for, "Solomon Vs. Lord #1". Were it possible I'd give this read SIX stars. If you have not read either series from Paul Levine you're missing out on some enjoyable yarns. Both Lassiter and Solomon are must reads. Paul Levine is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
September 22, 2023
Entertaining duo who can’t seem to get along or stay apart. Their verbal jousting invigorates and exasperates the other but they are definitely a good team. Solomon seems shallow but he has a heart of gold. Lord is a bit uptight and her interaction with Solomon helps her become more flexible. And Bobby adds a whole other dimension as an autistic savant. This was a fun read with very entertaining dialogue. This is my first book by Levine but it won’t be my last.
October 20, 2017
man the author REALLY loves to describe what people are wearing
December 18, 2024
Steve Solomon, a rebellious defense attorney who makes up his own rules teams up with Victoria Lord, a former prosecutor who craves structure and order to defend a weathy woman accused of murdering her husband. This coupled with them navigating their personal lives while trying to deny their attraction to one another makes for an unexpected, sweet, and hilarious read. From the chapter titles and “Solomon’s Laws” to anagrams, acronyms and conversations with Bobby, Solomon vs. Lord is the perfect recipe for a delicious dish. 5⭐️
March 12, 2014
After reading two of Paul Levine’s Lassiter books that were at best just okay, I debated long and hard about reading Solomon Vs. Lord. Life’s too short to read mediocre books.
Early in this book, I found myself thinking, ‘Hey, this isn’t bad; much better than the other two.’ Then came the doubt that a good opening does not a good book make and the whole story would fall apart soon. That never happened. In truth, it only got better as it progressed right up to the final scene, which seemed a little weak.
Steve Solomon, like Jake Lassiter, mostly acts like a frat boy on spring break. Unlike Lassiter, who seems to wander through most of his stories like he’s semi-stoned, Solomon has his act together from the start. It’s fun to read about someone who doesn’t take himself too seriously, and the interplay between Solomon and Victoria Lord, his polar opposite, is great.
I was so disappointed in the two Lassiter books I read, I vowed I’d never read another one. And I considered not reading anything else by Paul Levine. This book changed my mind. I will read more of this series.
Mister Levine, a word of advice? Forget Jake Lassiter. Put your energy and talent into writing more Solomon & Lord novels.
Early in this book, I found myself thinking, ‘Hey, this isn’t bad; much better than the other two.’ Then came the doubt that a good opening does not a good book make and the whole story would fall apart soon. That never happened. In truth, it only got better as it progressed right up to the final scene, which seemed a little weak.
Steve Solomon, like Jake Lassiter, mostly acts like a frat boy on spring break. Unlike Lassiter, who seems to wander through most of his stories like he’s semi-stoned, Solomon has his act together from the start. It’s fun to read about someone who doesn’t take himself too seriously, and the interplay between Solomon and Victoria Lord, his polar opposite, is great.
I was so disappointed in the two Lassiter books I read, I vowed I’d never read another one. And I considered not reading anything else by Paul Levine. This book changed my mind. I will read more of this series.
Mister Levine, a word of advice? Forget Jake Lassiter. Put your energy and talent into writing more Solomon & Lord novels.
July 2, 2012
I haven't had this much fun reading for a long time. My literary tastes tend to run towards more sober themes, but I am glad I took a chance on this one! This is a fast-moving HILARIOUS read. The plot has some great little jigs and jogs, and the characters are so well fleshed out, as they say, that they each feel vibrant and real even after the book is finished. One of the trickiest things about writing humor is that your jokes must never fall flat; every quip and every funny situation has to be sharp and new. Paul Levine does this over and over again- the lines he gives his characters are surprising- no same old flirty but dull lawyer banter you've read 100 times.
I will most definitely be reading the next book in this series (was so excited to see there are more pages of these wonderful characters), as well as keeping an eye on other things Mr. Levine may crank out.
I will most definitely be reading the next book in this series (was so excited to see there are more pages of these wonderful characters), as well as keeping an eye on other things Mr. Levine may crank out.
October 29, 2018
It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a book as much as this one. The title, a clever play on the characters names, is what drew me to this book. I hesitated at first as the book was described as a “thriller” which isn’t usually my genre. Boy am I glad I took a chance on this entertaining book, which for me was as much a romantic comedy, as it was a legal drama. I loved the banter and chemistry between Steve and Victoria. These two lawyers are polar opposites which makes for lively discussions. At first, I wasn’t too sure about Steve, but the scenes with his nephew made my heart melt, which also got to Victoria. I liked this book so much that upon completion, I immediately ordered the rest of this Series. For the record this is not a cliffhanger but some of the secondary plots are still left open. Rating 4.75 Stars.
January 26, 2020
This book has a little bit of everything, love, humor and mystery in a well crafted story.
Solomon is a brash abrasive attorney and Lord is a young, by the book attorney. Together they are dynamite. Solomon shows he has heart and Lord shows she has fire. It is a push-me pull-you match.
The characters were well crafted and quirky. There were red herrings and surprises in this fun read. look forward to reading more in this series.
Solomon is a brash abrasive attorney and Lord is a young, by the book attorney. Together they are dynamite. Solomon shows he has heart and Lord shows she has fire. It is a push-me pull-you match.
The characters were well crafted and quirky. There were red herrings and surprises in this fun read. look forward to reading more in this series.
April 1, 2013
SOLOMON vs. LORD is now a Kindle exclusive!
Author's note.
Author's note.
June 16, 2020
Down and out Florida lawyer gets thrown in jail for contempt along with the young new DA. He's a smart aleck, brilliant in the courtroom, wise ass, etc.
She is traditionally trained, buying the best clothes from consignment stores and an up and comer. She gets fired and they take on a big murder case together.
He attempts to keep custody of his autistic nephew.
Funny, clever, good murder plot.
She is traditionally trained, buying the best clothes from consignment stores and an up and comer. She gets fired and they take on a big murder case together.
He attempts to keep custody of his autistic nephew.
Funny, clever, good murder plot.
May 6, 2022
YES! A very well written first in series book. Fascinated by the characters, all the legal/judicial information, and a plot line that evolves as you read with even a few surprises to prove that the reader can indeed sometimes be the last to know ;-)
June 10, 2023
Love this book, great start to a series. Usually in the first book in a series I have a hard time getting into them. That was not the case in this book… I got into it almost right away and I went in laughing. Although this book had some really serious parts and it made you think it also made you laugh. Plus the plot was really good, which, of course cement the whole thing. I’m really looking forward to reading the second book in the series especially if it’s as good as this one.
February 4, 2021
There's something here for fans of action thrillers and courtroom dramas with even a little romance thrown in for good measure. Most of all, the character development is first rate and the main protags are very likable. We're not talking a Classic here but it's just a fun read.
December 5, 2023
It didn’t get good until the end
March 21, 2012
"Liebe lebenslänglich" hatte nicht nur alles, das es normalerweise benötigt um mich bei guter Laune zu halten, sondern noch die ein oder andere besonders schmackhafte Cocktailkirsche gratis. Bei "Polly" handelt es sich nämlich in Tat und Wahrheit um einen Paul Levine und dieser gute Herr kann es sich nach eigener Aussage auch nicht erklären, warum man ihn in Deutschland nur nach namentlicher Geschlechtsumwandlung veröffentlicht hat. Für mich ebenfalls ein Rätsel, denn dieser Roman ist eben nicht wie einer seiner unzähligen Schwestern aus weiblicher Feder und gerade das macht seinen ganz besonderen Charme aus. Der lag für mich vor allem in einer sehr gelungenen Kombination aus Witz und Bodenständigkeit. So wie Herr Levine schreibt, so ist seine Geschichte: Locker und leicht, ohne seicht zu werden. Romantisch, ohne kitschig zu sein und nicht zuletzt einfach nur (im absolut positiven Sinne) zum Lachen. Er versucht gar nicht erst, in die weibliche Domäne von Gefühl und Drama einzubrechen, sondern konzentriert sich auf seine (das behaupte ich einfach mal) männliche Stärken und spielt die in einer flotten, ungezwungenen Geschichte gekonnt aus.
So kommt es, dass die weibliche Hauptperson Viktoria leider etwas blass bleibt. Bieder, rational, perfektionistisch und vor allem bald verlobt: Das sind die Eigenschaften, die sie auszeichnen und an denen sich größtenteils auch nicht viel ändert. Aber das braucht es auch gar nicht, denn sie gibt damit den idealen Gegenpart zu meinem persönlichen Highlight der Geschichte: Solomon Lord. Der männliche Hauptcharakter ist das krasse Gegenteil der braven Anwältin. Getreu seinen "Solomonschen Gesetzen" ist er das wandelnde Chaos und spielt für den Sieg im Gericht wie im Leben auch gerne (oder eigentlich sogar am liebsten) mit gezinkten Karten. Wenn er sich nicht gerade um seinen Neffen Bobby kümmert, dann reizt er Victoria gerne zur Weißglut und manchmal auch noch ganz anderen Dingen . Und ohne zu übertreiben: Das nenne ich einen Humorpart, der seinesgleichen sucht! Seine typisch (und vielleicht auch etwas klischeehaft) männliche Sichtweise zusammen mit einem oft bissigen und ironischen Humor haben mich auch gerne mitten in der Totenstille der Universitätsbibliothek laut auflachen lassen. Man nehme noch einige schrullige, sehr liebevoll gestaltete Nebencharaktere dazu und schon hat man die meiner Meinung nach absolut perfekte Besetzung für eine Anwaltsgeschichte wie diese.
Die Handlung bietet nämlich weit mehr, als nur Romantik. Sie ist auch Krimi, Gerichtsthriller und Familiengeschichte mit einer gehörigen Portion Humor. Zu viel auf einmal? Keineswegs. Paul Levine will hier in keinem Bereich das Rad neu erfinden und keine Meilensteine setzen. So wirkte die ganze Geschichte auf mich sehr ungezwungen und war einfach stimmig. Der Autor will nicht zu viel, sondern tut einfach das, was er kann und das ist eine Menge. Vor allem aus Solomons Sicht bekommt der Leser beste Unterhaltung geboten und stolpert zusammen mit ihm von einer Katastrophe in die nächste. Es wird jedoch meiner Meinung nach nie übertrieben lächerlich. Vielmehr steckt hinter der oberflächlichen Schale des Macho-Anwalts ein weicher Kern mit vielen Werten und Prinzipien, für die er sich einsetzt. Und das hebt den Roman genauso von 0815-Lektüre zum schnellen Lachen und noch schnelleren Vergessen ab, wie seine anderen unheimlich sympathischen, wenn auch nie ganz ernst zu nehmenden Charaktere.
Fazit
Den zweiten Teil der Reihe hatte ich nur verschwommen in einer kleinen, undankbaren Ecke meines Langzeitgedächtnis gespeichert. Diesen hier werde ich so schnell sicher nicht vergessen! Ihr mögt lockerere, leichte und dabei trotzdem herrlich bissige Unterhaltung? Ihr genießt gerne eine gelungene Kombination aus Komödie, Mini-Krimi und Liebesgeschichte? Dann bitte lesen!
So kommt es, dass die weibliche Hauptperson Viktoria leider etwas blass bleibt. Bieder, rational, perfektionistisch und vor allem bald verlobt: Das sind die Eigenschaften, die sie auszeichnen und an denen sich größtenteils auch nicht viel ändert. Aber das braucht es auch gar nicht, denn sie gibt damit den idealen Gegenpart zu meinem persönlichen Highlight der Geschichte: Solomon Lord. Der männliche Hauptcharakter ist das krasse Gegenteil der braven Anwältin. Getreu seinen "Solomonschen Gesetzen" ist er das wandelnde Chaos und spielt für den Sieg im Gericht wie im Leben auch gerne (oder eigentlich sogar am liebsten) mit gezinkten Karten. Wenn er sich nicht gerade um seinen Neffen Bobby kümmert, dann reizt er Victoria gerne zur Weißglut und manchmal auch noch ganz anderen Dingen . Und ohne zu übertreiben: Das nenne ich einen Humorpart, der seinesgleichen sucht! Seine typisch (und vielleicht auch etwas klischeehaft) männliche Sichtweise zusammen mit einem oft bissigen und ironischen Humor haben mich auch gerne mitten in der Totenstille der Universitätsbibliothek laut auflachen lassen. Man nehme noch einige schrullige, sehr liebevoll gestaltete Nebencharaktere dazu und schon hat man die meiner Meinung nach absolut perfekte Besetzung für eine Anwaltsgeschichte wie diese.
Die Handlung bietet nämlich weit mehr, als nur Romantik. Sie ist auch Krimi, Gerichtsthriller und Familiengeschichte mit einer gehörigen Portion Humor. Zu viel auf einmal? Keineswegs. Paul Levine will hier in keinem Bereich das Rad neu erfinden und keine Meilensteine setzen. So wirkte die ganze Geschichte auf mich sehr ungezwungen und war einfach stimmig. Der Autor will nicht zu viel, sondern tut einfach das, was er kann und das ist eine Menge. Vor allem aus Solomons Sicht bekommt der Leser beste Unterhaltung geboten und stolpert zusammen mit ihm von einer Katastrophe in die nächste. Es wird jedoch meiner Meinung nach nie übertrieben lächerlich. Vielmehr steckt hinter der oberflächlichen Schale des Macho-Anwalts ein weicher Kern mit vielen Werten und Prinzipien, für die er sich einsetzt. Und das hebt den Roman genauso von 0815-Lektüre zum schnellen Lachen und noch schnelleren Vergessen ab, wie seine anderen unheimlich sympathischen, wenn auch nie ganz ernst zu nehmenden Charaktere.
Fazit
Den zweiten Teil der Reihe hatte ich nur verschwommen in einer kleinen, undankbaren Ecke meines Langzeitgedächtnis gespeichert. Diesen hier werde ich so schnell sicher nicht vergessen! Ihr mögt lockerere, leichte und dabei trotzdem herrlich bissige Unterhaltung? Ihr genießt gerne eine gelungene Kombination aus Komödie, Mini-Krimi und Liebesgeschichte? Dann bitte lesen!
August 18, 2023
Loved the ending with the rules!
December 12, 2021
Funny and Realistic Legal Thriller
A great story. Well written humor and realism of two lawyers of opposite mannerisms and thinking. As this being my first reading of Paul Levine, I wasn’t sure what to expect. And I was surely not disappointed. From page one, through the end of the book, I kept turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. Some humor, some romance, and a bit of thriller/mystery all tied up in one great story.
A great story. Well written humor and realism of two lawyers of opposite mannerisms and thinking. As this being my first reading of Paul Levine, I wasn’t sure what to expect. And I was surely not disappointed. From page one, through the end of the book, I kept turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. Some humor, some romance, and a bit of thriller/mystery all tied up in one great story.
February 18, 2010
Roasted quail marinara. That's what Steve Solomon's nephew called a road kill sparrow drenched in tomato sauce and microwaved for 60 minutes. Steve was late getting home and his nephew announced dinner was ready. It was easier to throw out the microwave rather than clean it. Now I think that's funny, but I have a bizarre sense of humor.
"When the law doesn't work, work the law." That's Steve's motto. His legal style could have been described as throwing a grenade into a septic tank. But he has to keep the cases coming to pay for the care of his nephew, an idiot savant with a photographic memory but no social skills.
What makes this book really charming, aside from the ribaldry and word-play between Solomon and Lord, is the relationship between Bobby and Solomon who really loves his autistic-savant nephew. Bobby has a photographic memory and the ability to find patterns and relationships in words and symbols, a skill that inevitably and predictably helps to break open the case for the two sparring partners. That inevitability doesn't ruin things, it just heightens the anticipation of how it will come about.
A side plot involves Solomon's sister Janice, a deadbeat, who is attempting to get custody of Bobby and a suitably evil psychiatrist who wants Bobby institutionalized for her own medical experiments.
This book was just a lot of plain fun.
"When the law doesn't work, work the law." That's Steve's motto. His legal style could have been described as throwing a grenade into a septic tank. But he has to keep the cases coming to pay for the care of his nephew, an idiot savant with a photographic memory but no social skills.
What makes this book really charming, aside from the ribaldry and word-play between Solomon and Lord, is the relationship between Bobby and Solomon who really loves his autistic-savant nephew. Bobby has a photographic memory and the ability to find patterns and relationships in words and symbols, a skill that inevitably and predictably helps to break open the case for the two sparring partners. That inevitability doesn't ruin things, it just heightens the anticipation of how it will come about.
A side plot involves Solomon's sister Janice, a deadbeat, who is attempting to get custody of Bobby and a suitably evil psychiatrist who wants Bobby institutionalized for her own medical experiments.
This book was just a lot of plain fun.
October 30, 2015
The writing is not bad, but the story is weak. It felt as if the author could not decide what type of story he wanted to write. Is it a romantic comedy, a serious drama, a love story, a court thriller? By not focusing on one, it fails at them all.
Character development was also weak. Lord was a flat and uninteresting character. The author made may point telling us she was a great lawyer, but she did nothing in the story to show it. In fact her three major contributions were: getting fired for screaming in court, accepting a plea bargain that gave the prosecution full face saving glory for a trial she would have won, and undressing while telling a judge that her feeling for Steve were confusing so he should get custody. The only way you could tell she was a good lawyer was that the author kept saying she was.
Steve was poised for depth and growth, but was unlikable. I know you don't have to like a character you only have to care what happens to them, but Steve is said to be a caring person doing the right thing even of it is not legal. However, his actions throughout the book show him to be a sleaze and terrible person willing to screw anyone and everyone to get what he wants. There are many examples where someone helps him then he burns them.
Character development was also weak. Lord was a flat and uninteresting character. The author made may point telling us she was a great lawyer, but she did nothing in the story to show it. In fact her three major contributions were: getting fired for screaming in court, accepting a plea bargain that gave the prosecution full face saving glory for a trial she would have won, and undressing while telling a judge that her feeling for Steve were confusing so he should get custody. The only way you could tell she was a good lawyer was that the author kept saying she was.
Steve was poised for depth and growth, but was unlikable. I know you don't have to like a character you only have to care what happens to them, but Steve is said to be a caring person doing the right thing even of it is not legal. However, his actions throughout the book show him to be a sleaze and terrible person willing to screw anyone and everyone to get what he wants. There are many examples where someone helps him then he burns them.
February 5, 2023
Great zingers!
When you start passing 60, a lot of what's out there you've already read, the jokes you've already heard, the love and sex you've already experienced. So it takes a real fresh view to make you laugh. Paul Levine delivers those. A great Florida novel without the quite "over the top" aspect of Carl Hiaasen or John D. McDonald, none of the environmental issues laid out, the bimbos in bikinis aspect shows up, but it's fresh in its own way, and that's hard to do without just getting nastier, if you've had a seat at the historical waltz of shock culture since the 1960s to today. Written in 2005, maybe a little in the novel was shock culture back then, maybe I forgot. Hopefully, there's not going to be a bit of that sex circus with rich influential folks in NY and CA showing the FL connection next, where there lawyers down there trade and share women like baseball cards and beer. For now, this was a fun read, and hopefully the whole series is just as great. I remember being as naive as Victoria was in this book. It will be fun to watch her turn from a bright spring green to a richly deep jade.
When you start passing 60, a lot of what's out there you've already read, the jokes you've already heard, the love and sex you've already experienced. So it takes a real fresh view to make you laugh. Paul Levine delivers those. A great Florida novel without the quite "over the top" aspect of Carl Hiaasen or John D. McDonald, none of the environmental issues laid out, the bimbos in bikinis aspect shows up, but it's fresh in its own way, and that's hard to do without just getting nastier, if you've had a seat at the historical waltz of shock culture since the 1960s to today. Written in 2005, maybe a little in the novel was shock culture back then, maybe I forgot. Hopefully, there's not going to be a bit of that sex circus with rich influential folks in NY and CA showing the FL connection next, where there lawyers down there trade and share women like baseball cards and beer. For now, this was a fun read, and hopefully the whole series is just as great. I remember being as naive as Victoria was in this book. It will be fun to watch her turn from a bright spring green to a richly deep jade.
January 16, 2015
X rated. Victim "couldn't cry out with that doodad in his mouth" "You mean dildo." "Some female jurors might be offended" p 103. Just females? Steve's slightly autistic nephew Bobby, chased by addict mother, explains "Asphyxiophilia" p 103.
Vicky's comments are in italics "Iron Rod. Joystick. Kosher pickle .. Expunge him" p 129. She is engaged to vegan Bruce, who looks perfect, owns avocado farm and brings her lunches, but she loves steaks, breaks out from avocados. Very silly interactions.
Steve catches Katrina, convinces Vicky to be partners for just this case. Steve has Ten Laws. The partners become more like each other. Vicky echoes his Law 5 "I won't compromise my ideals to achieve someone else's definition of success" p 231.
I don't know much about law or Florida, but am curious for sequel, how series can keep up interest.
Vicky's comments are in italics "Iron Rod. Joystick. Kosher pickle .. Expunge him" p 129. She is engaged to vegan Bruce, who looks perfect, owns avocado farm and brings her lunches, but she loves steaks, breaks out from avocados. Very silly interactions.
Steve catches Katrina, convinces Vicky to be partners for just this case. Steve has Ten Laws. The partners become more like each other. Vicky echoes his Law 5 "I won't compromise my ideals to achieve someone else's definition of success" p 231.
I don't know much about law or Florida, but am curious for sequel, how series can keep up interest.
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