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Lone Star Law Series #2
Above the Law
DEA Agent Dale Nelson paid the ultimate price for her service when her wife was killed by drug dealers. Now she’s assigned to a task force investigating the suspects and she doesn’t need the distraction of the beautiful but infuriating reporter, Lindsey Ryan. Despite her initial resistance, Dale discovers that Lindsey is as talented and capable as she is attractive. Will she get a second shot at love, or will the peril of her job rob her of the chance at happiness again?
Investigative reporter Lindsey Ryan will do whatever it takes to get the truth. As a favor,she agrees to anchor what is supposed to be a puff piece on the DEA. However, despite the reluctance of the striking Agent Nelson to share any information, Lindsey learns power and politics are at play, and exposing the truth could not only be dangerous, but could jeopardize her chance at love.
Investigative reporter Lindsey Ryan will do whatever it takes to get the truth. As a favor,she agrees to anchor what is supposed to be a puff piece on the DEA. However, despite the reluctance of the striking Agent Nelson to share any information, Lindsey learns power and politics are at play, and exposing the truth could not only be dangerous, but could jeopardize her chance at love.
264 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2016
15 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Carsen Taite
51 books293 followersCarsen Taite's goal as an author is to spin plot lines as interesting as the cases she encountered in her career as a criminal defense lawyer. She is the award-winning author of a dozen novels and numerous short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 29, 2018
After Lay Down the Law I had a good idea of what I was going to get and I wasn't expecting a story filled with romance. The solving of the crime in this installment was a little slower and much more time was spent on getting an under-the-radar task force together. Peyton's boss, Gellar, has pulled the plug on all investigations regarding the Vargas brothers to concentrate solely on the Gantry side of things and he'll be doing that himself. This means Mary from ATF, Dale from DEA, Bianca and Peyton have all been reassigned to other things and none of them are happy. Lily is still in danger from the Vargas brothers as is her biological mother, Sophia. Dale is told to be the tour guide to well-known journalist, Lindsay Ryan, who is sent to Texas as punishment for embarrassing an interviewee.
Peyton still has a foreground role but Lily and their relationship is relegated to background noise. I had hoped that there would be more from them. This novel centres on the continuing investigation of the Vargas brothers and trying to find the missing brother, Sergio, with the love interest between Dale and Lindsay.
I'm still intrigued by the law and order part of this series so I'll read the next one knowing more fully that the romance is secondary. I really do like that all the important players are women and lesbian.
Peyton still has a foreground role but Lily and their relationship is relegated to background noise. I had hoped that there would be more from them. This novel centres on the continuing investigation of the Vargas brothers and trying to find the missing brother, Sergio, with the love interest between Dale and Lindsay.
I'm still intrigued by the law and order part of this series so I'll read the next one knowing more fully that the romance is secondary. I really do like that all the important players are women and lesbian.
May 7, 2016
An enjoyable read,good of the author to pick the story right back up from where she left off in the last book,then added a journalist along with a few of her colleagues to make this story so fascinating on so many levels,love their connection and chemistry the minute they met,plus with all the corruption in law enforcement,DEA action,money laundering talks in Gov't plus much more lurking in this story-line than one will will want to believe,then there are the plot-twist and turn that this story has taken,fulfilling character development...an absolute must for all because we're left with again with a cliff hanger,there are still lots of questions .. so there's another book in this series coming...yeah!!!
March 18, 2019
This is a romantic suspense like many of Taite’s other books, and while the romance is definitely there, I’d say this one is a little more weighted towards the suspense side of things. The overarching story of the series totally had me hooked, with information being revealed at a perfect pace, and the book catches you up enough that you could read this as a standalone (although I enjoyed Lay Down the Law so much that I recommend both).
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/abov...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/abov...
June 19, 2016
This is the second book in the series by Taite. The first is Lay Down the Law, and it will make it much easier to work out what’s going on in this book if you’ve read the first in the series.
In the first book, DEA Agent Dale Nelson’s wife was killed by drug dealers. Dale has been investigating the suspects for that crime, amongst many others, as she is a specialist in the cartels operating in the area. Working with a small group of trusted law enforcement officers, Dale knows she is getting close to some of the leaders in the cartel.
It is, however, an election year. Her boss, who seems to be gunning for the rancher who laundered the money rather than the cartel members, breaks up the task force and infuriatingly assigns Dale the job of handler for a reporter.
The reporter, Lindsey Ryan, usually investigates stories with more depth and more impact, but after a mistake that cost her boss money, she is stuck doing a puff piece during the election campaign. It’s driving her nuts, and the DEA handler assigned to guide her keeps disappearing.
Taite normally handles this sort of work really well. I usually really like her work, but this didn’t grab me at all. I’d read the first book, but couldn’t remember enough of the detail for this second book to make sense. There was enough complexity in the people and the storylines to need to know a bit more depth than was provided, so the plot lines about the crimes and the criminals didn’t make a lot of sense. I stress that this is unusual for Taite’s work.
What she does handle really well is the developing tension and the romance between Dale and Lindsey. The potentially conflicting roles and priorities of agent and reporter are ripe for the tale told here, and Taite manages them well. The two women are headstrong, capable and smart, and fun to read on the page. Taite is also good at building the sense of relationship between them, so that the relationship seems to develop at a suitable pace for the characters and story she has written.
There are certainly some good aspects to this book, but I found I needed to remember bits of the first book better so that some of the storylines in the second book would make more sense. Not one of her best but quite a good read if you’ve read the first book recently.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
In the first book, DEA Agent Dale Nelson’s wife was killed by drug dealers. Dale has been investigating the suspects for that crime, amongst many others, as she is a specialist in the cartels operating in the area. Working with a small group of trusted law enforcement officers, Dale knows she is getting close to some of the leaders in the cartel.
It is, however, an election year. Her boss, who seems to be gunning for the rancher who laundered the money rather than the cartel members, breaks up the task force and infuriatingly assigns Dale the job of handler for a reporter.
The reporter, Lindsey Ryan, usually investigates stories with more depth and more impact, but after a mistake that cost her boss money, she is stuck doing a puff piece during the election campaign. It’s driving her nuts, and the DEA handler assigned to guide her keeps disappearing.
Taite normally handles this sort of work really well. I usually really like her work, but this didn’t grab me at all. I’d read the first book, but couldn’t remember enough of the detail for this second book to make sense. There was enough complexity in the people and the storylines to need to know a bit more depth than was provided, so the plot lines about the crimes and the criminals didn’t make a lot of sense. I stress that this is unusual for Taite’s work.
What she does handle really well is the developing tension and the romance between Dale and Lindsey. The potentially conflicting roles and priorities of agent and reporter are ripe for the tale told here, and Taite manages them well. The two women are headstrong, capable and smart, and fun to read on the page. Taite is also good at building the sense of relationship between them, so that the relationship seems to develop at a suitable pace for the characters and story she has written.
There are certainly some good aspects to this book, but I found I needed to remember bits of the first book better so that some of the storylines in the second book would make more sense. Not one of her best but quite a good read if you’ve read the first book recently.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
June 14, 2016
I had read the first book in the series however I did need a lot of reminding about what happened in book 1. I was able to pick up a lot as I read along so that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book too much. I really liked these two characters. Dale and Lindsey were both strong, sexy and their dialog flowed really well creating the chemistry that had me hooked.
The story line had pulled me in which complemented the sexy romance making it difficult for me to put the book down. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
The part that fell down for me and this issue is one I often experience with Carsen Taite is extremely fast endings. I have also found that she creates really good chemistry with the characters and I'm completely hooked then she completely rushes the characters getting together and then the ending. It always feels like, we are together the end. I just feel so disappointed because I had such high hopes for the two characters and I wanted to enjoy them together. I understand that this is a series however I think you can still round out a book better even in a series.
Apart from that I would definitely recommend this book.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
The story line had pulled me in which complemented the sexy romance making it difficult for me to put the book down. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
The part that fell down for me and this issue is one I often experience with Carsen Taite is extremely fast endings. I have also found that she creates really good chemistry with the characters and I'm completely hooked then she completely rushes the characters getting together and then the ending. It always feels like, we are together the end. I just feel so disappointed because I had such high hopes for the two characters and I wanted to enjoy them together. I understand that this is a series however I think you can still round out a book better even in a series.
Apart from that I would definitely recommend this book.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
April 30, 2021
Romance takes a back seat in this book... and my guess is that it is probably the same with the remaining books in the series. I’m not saying that no one falls in love or get into each other pants... That they did but it was left to the last few pages of the book, where it kinda felt rush. Like really rush... The focus is really in trying to get the bad guys/cartel down... The hunt is on Sergio Vargas. And I thought I could read further on Peyton and Lily’s relationship given how book 1 ended. But nope.. nothing much on them as well, not on their romance.
3.5 ⭐️
3.5 ⭐️
June 5, 2016
Strong women are hot! So when a book crosses your path about a no-nonsense DEA agent and a hard hitting investigative journalist well you have my attention. Read I must!
DEA Agent Dale Nelson has had a rough year. This former military turned law enforcement officer knows all about pain and loss. Her wife and lover of ten years, Maria, was gunned down and savagely killed as she picked up the morning paper. Dale and Maria had dedicated their lives to serving their country. A drug cartel that was angered by Maria trying their case in federal court made them suffer the ultimate sacrifice. Now Dale must forge on, and she will stop at nothing to find the killers and make them pay.
Lindsey Ryan finds the truth no matter what. This is her job and she is the best. She has toured the world finding stories and exposing them. Recently back from a tour in Afghanistan where she exposed the horrors of war to the people back home, she is less than pleased with being sent to Dallas for a fluff piece on the DEA. Little does she know that everything for her will change when she meets the dark and mysterious Agent Dale Nelson.
This is the second in the Lone Star Law Series. The books follow the inter-working of drug cartels, their families, US Attorneys and the DEA all involved in this fascinating web of crimes and whodunits. I’ll be honest I did not read the first one. Sometimes I like to pass on books set in my home state because I am sometimes appalled by characterizations of Texans. Taite being a Texan herself usually does a good job with the portrayal but you can only have so many cowboy wearing boot characters in my opinion. I promise we don’t all wear these (ladies especially not with a business suit). So, I passed on it. This one I am glad I didn’t. It was a really interesting story and the characters had a nice chemistry. Lindsey is a really cool character with a lot of personality and I enjoyed Dale’s subtle vulnerability. The ending was rushed, as it sometimes can be. In my humble opinion it needed about three more chapters to really round out the story, but hey what can you do. Overall nice read, and I look forward to the next is the series.
3.25 rating
My Blog: www.theromanticreaderblog.com
DEA Agent Dale Nelson has had a rough year. This former military turned law enforcement officer knows all about pain and loss. Her wife and lover of ten years, Maria, was gunned down and savagely killed as she picked up the morning paper. Dale and Maria had dedicated their lives to serving their country. A drug cartel that was angered by Maria trying their case in federal court made them suffer the ultimate sacrifice. Now Dale must forge on, and she will stop at nothing to find the killers and make them pay.
Lindsey Ryan finds the truth no matter what. This is her job and she is the best. She has toured the world finding stories and exposing them. Recently back from a tour in Afghanistan where she exposed the horrors of war to the people back home, she is less than pleased with being sent to Dallas for a fluff piece on the DEA. Little does she know that everything for her will change when she meets the dark and mysterious Agent Dale Nelson.
This is the second in the Lone Star Law Series. The books follow the inter-working of drug cartels, their families, US Attorneys and the DEA all involved in this fascinating web of crimes and whodunits. I’ll be honest I did not read the first one. Sometimes I like to pass on books set in my home state because I am sometimes appalled by characterizations of Texans. Taite being a Texan herself usually does a good job with the portrayal but you can only have so many cowboy wearing boot characters in my opinion. I promise we don’t all wear these (ladies especially not with a business suit). So, I passed on it. This one I am glad I didn’t. It was a really interesting story and the characters had a nice chemistry. Lindsey is a really cool character with a lot of personality and I enjoyed Dale’s subtle vulnerability. The ending was rushed, as it sometimes can be. In my humble opinion it needed about three more chapters to really round out the story, but hey what can you do. Overall nice read, and I look forward to the next is the series.
3.25 rating
My Blog: www.theromanticreaderblog.com
June 10, 2016
received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
This is the sixth work that I have read by Carsen Taite, and the fifth novel length work.
I had not realized it a the time I requested this book, but everything I've read by Taite has been series work. Including this book here. Which was a problem because I hadn't realized that going in - and this is the second in the series. I had some idea that this was actually the first book in a new series, not a sequel. That seems to be a pattern for me, though, with Taite work. heh. mmphs.
The first work I read was a short story - turned out that it was a new story in a trilogy Taite had worked on at some point. So I had read the end of that series before I'd ever read the first. Then I read the three books in that Luca Bennett series. And now I've read the two books in the Lone Star Law series.
Though I again almost read backwards - like I had done with the Luca Bennett series. This time, though, I caught myself - when I got to 1he 12% mark of this specific book here and was confused by what was going on - I stopped and looked closer at everything. Realized that I was in book two of a series and stopped. I did not immediately get book one and read it but shortly thereafter I did.
This is not a book that should be read by itself, or first. This book starts a week after the end of the last book's events, and continues the mystery threads that had been running throughout that first book.
There is a slight problem, though, and one of the reasons I didn't immediately realize I was reading a sequel. The main characters were changed. Which, in and of itself, is confusing. Because Peyton, the main character of the first book, is deeply involved in working on the mysteries, and, separately, 'suffers' a form of personality change detectable in this here book. As in, her personality changed. Well, enough to be noticable for me, maybe not that big of a deal. The problem is that there is some good reasons and or 'excuses' for this change, but we, the reader, are now on the outside looking in, and do not have access to these reasons.
The main character in this book here, well one of the two, is Dale Nelson. DEA Agent. She was in the first book, though something of a side character. An important side character, but still a side character. She's matched up in this book with a new character taking the role of co-book lead - one Lindsey Ryan, super reporter.
So: The characters: As noted, the main characters are DEA Agent Dale Nelson, and reporter Lindsey Ryan. The side characters are Peyton Davis, Lily Gantry, Lily's mother Sophia, Sophia's drug cartel brothers, and several other side characters from the first book.
Dale had meet the love of her life while in the military, she was working as an MP, and Maria had been working as a lawyer. They shared a deep love. Then Dale's wife was gunned down about a year before the start of this book. Dale is still mourning the loss. Somewhat to the point of somewhat impacting her job.
Lindsey is a high profile television reporter who has spent a career diving into danger (like being embedded in military units in war zones) and following her gut and not what the network wants her to do. This time Lindsey goes along with the network wishes, because of several reasons - partly because she 'ambushed' two high profile interviewees, and partly because if she 'gives in' she'll have . . . um, free . . um . . more control of her career. The network wishes involve going on assignment to Dallas to do a puff piece on the DEA and their drug program in which people can turn in their drugs.
Lindsey's devoted to her career and pursues it somewhat single-mindedly - which I mention because she doesn't exactly have any one else in her life.
So, as is somewhat normal, when the Romance part came around, the two leads - the two people with POV, bounced against each other. Which seemed . . .. Well, let me come at it another way. Dale is still mourning the loss of her wife, and somewhat plans to spend the rest of her life doing so (or, at the very least, not getting into another relationship). Lindsey is still having 'issues' with adjusting back to the first world, and has never been that good with relationships. Though she's had several. Including with the producer on to her current assignment. Neither one of them, Dale and Lindsey that is, seem to be in a good place to have any kind of relationship.
To be fair, their vague feelings of lust, and their attempts to wrap their brains around the issue seemed somewhat realistic. There were elements that I had issues with, including parts I can't mention without being spoilery, but for the most part, I just simply didn't care about either of them being in a relationship with the other. Quite frankly I didn't particularly care about either character. I neither liked nor disliked them. They weren't bland, they weren't meh, they weren't thin - they were just people I didn't particularly care that much about.
Falling back on the mystery and . . . .. There's a lot of conspiracy and weirdness going on. It's all mysterious and stuff. There's even a bit of danger and death. But, for the most part, the mystery threads just kind of bumbled along, bubbled along, with some of the mystery energy diverted to basically Dale and Lindsey investigating each other.
Hmm. This was a rather bumbling review. Sorry about that. There was just nothing that tackled my interest - not the romance, not the mystery, not the emotional troubles both of the leads face(d).
May 30 2016
This is the sixth work that I have read by Carsen Taite, and the fifth novel length work.
I had not realized it a the time I requested this book, but everything I've read by Taite has been series work. Including this book here. Which was a problem because I hadn't realized that going in - and this is the second in the series. I had some idea that this was actually the first book in a new series, not a sequel. That seems to be a pattern for me, though, with Taite work. heh. mmphs.
The first work I read was a short story - turned out that it was a new story in a trilogy Taite had worked on at some point. So I had read the end of that series before I'd ever read the first. Then I read the three books in that Luca Bennett series. And now I've read the two books in the Lone Star Law series.
Though I again almost read backwards - like I had done with the Luca Bennett series. This time, though, I caught myself - when I got to 1he 12% mark of this specific book here and was confused by what was going on - I stopped and looked closer at everything. Realized that I was in book two of a series and stopped. I did not immediately get book one and read it but shortly thereafter I did.
This is not a book that should be read by itself, or first. This book starts a week after the end of the last book's events, and continues the mystery threads that had been running throughout that first book.
There is a slight problem, though, and one of the reasons I didn't immediately realize I was reading a sequel. The main characters were changed. Which, in and of itself, is confusing. Because Peyton, the main character of the first book, is deeply involved in working on the mysteries, and, separately, 'suffers' a form of personality change detectable in this here book. As in, her personality changed. Well, enough to be noticable for me, maybe not that big of a deal. The problem is that there is some good reasons and or 'excuses' for this change, but we, the reader, are now on the outside looking in, and do not have access to these reasons.
The main character in this book here, well one of the two, is Dale Nelson. DEA Agent. She was in the first book, though something of a side character. An important side character, but still a side character. She's matched up in this book with a new character taking the role of co-book lead - one Lindsey Ryan, super reporter.
So: The characters: As noted, the main characters are DEA Agent Dale Nelson, and reporter Lindsey Ryan. The side characters are Peyton Davis, Lily Gantry, Lily's mother Sophia, Sophia's drug cartel brothers, and several other side characters from the first book.
Dale had meet the love of her life while in the military, she was working as an MP, and Maria had been working as a lawyer. They shared a deep love. Then Dale's wife was gunned down about a year before the start of this book. Dale is still mourning the loss. Somewhat to the point of somewhat impacting her job.
Lindsey is a high profile television reporter who has spent a career diving into danger (like being embedded in military units in war zones) and following her gut and not what the network wants her to do. This time Lindsey goes along with the network wishes, because of several reasons - partly because she 'ambushed' two high profile interviewees, and partly because if she 'gives in' she'll have . . . um, free . . um . . more control of her career. The network wishes involve going on assignment to Dallas to do a puff piece on the DEA and their drug program in which people can turn in their drugs.
Lindsey's devoted to her career and pursues it somewhat single-mindedly - which I mention because she doesn't exactly have any one else in her life.
So, as is somewhat normal, when the Romance part came around, the two leads - the two people with POV, bounced against each other. Which seemed . . .. Well, let me come at it another way. Dale is still mourning the loss of her wife, and somewhat plans to spend the rest of her life doing so (or, at the very least, not getting into another relationship). Lindsey is still having 'issues' with adjusting back to the first world, and has never been that good with relationships. Though she's had several. Including with the producer on to her current assignment. Neither one of them, Dale and Lindsey that is, seem to be in a good place to have any kind of relationship.
To be fair, their vague feelings of lust, and their attempts to wrap their brains around the issue seemed somewhat realistic. There were elements that I had issues with, including parts I can't mention without being spoilery, but for the most part, I just simply didn't care about either of them being in a relationship with the other. Quite frankly I didn't particularly care about either character. I neither liked nor disliked them. They weren't bland, they weren't meh, they weren't thin - they were just people I didn't particularly care that much about.
Falling back on the mystery and . . . .. There's a lot of conspiracy and weirdness going on. It's all mysterious and stuff. There's even a bit of danger and death. But, for the most part, the mystery threads just kind of bumbled along, bubbled along, with some of the mystery energy diverted to basically Dale and Lindsey investigating each other.
Hmm. This was a rather bumbling review. Sorry about that. There was just nothing that tackled my interest - not the romance, not the mystery, not the emotional troubles both of the leads face(d).
May 30 2016
May 7, 2016
To be quiet honest reading some to books from this author has been hit or miss for me and this one falls in the miss category for me. I guess there will be a second book to this since they way it ended and the main character finally get together in the last 3% of the book. It felt rush when they did get together.
Given book by NetGalley for a honest review.
Given book by NetGalley for a honest review.
July 9, 2018
More than excellent!
Another hit in the Law series. A series that is very addictive with strong and capable characters. I enjoyed every minute and highly recommend.
Another hit in the Law series. A series that is very addictive with strong and capable characters. I enjoyed every minute and highly recommend.
March 21, 2018
Dale Nelson, a DEA agent, lost her wife as she was killed by drug dealers. She's part of the task force that's investigating the ones that may be responsible for her wife's death. Lindsay Ryan is assigned to do a piece on the DEA but quickly realizes there is more to Dale's story that meets the eye.
It's been a while since I read book one to the Lone Star Law series and it took me a while to remember what happened after a bit of confusion in the second book. I suggest reading the series in order.
I enjoyed the scenes whenever Dale and Lindsey were together and was enjoying the slow burn romance until they exchanged their "I love yous." I thought that came a bit too quickly and would've liked to have seen it develop in another book.
It was nice to see a character pop up from a different series even though it was a short appearance.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-J4
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's been a while since I read book one to the Lone Star Law series and it took me a while to remember what happened after a bit of confusion in the second book. I suggest reading the series in order.
I enjoyed the scenes whenever Dale and Lindsey were together and was enjoying the slow burn romance until they exchanged their "I love yous." I thought that came a bit too quickly and would've liked to have seen it develop in another book.
It was nice to see a character pop up from a different series even though it was a short appearance.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-J4
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2016
The beginning tragedy might make you wonder if things are going to look up, but hang in there. There's excitement, mystery, and romance. Carsen is one of my favorite authors. She knows how to introduce you to characters and make you care about them almost immediately. She weaves very tight, believable stories. I would have given this 5 stars but it's the second in a series and there were a few too many issues unresolved for my liking. Hoping they get sorted out in the next book.
Net Galley Arc received for an honest review.
Net Galley Arc received for an honest review.
May 21, 2016
This is the follow-up of Lay Down the Law and kind of rounds up this story (which won't be the last where you meet Peyton, Lindsay, Dale, Mary, and the rest, I am sure). It took me a while to remember the other story and who the bad guys were, but when I was back in the middle, the story flowed. Good storyline, credible main characters, nice dynamics. And ... I definitely need more of it (the end was over way too soon). Thumbs up!
May 4, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. I'm a Carsen Taite fan. I got hooked on her Luca Bennett series, and have enjoyed almost all her books, I've read since. As much as I am a Taite fan, I must be honest, I have mixed feeling about this Lone Star Law series. I read book 1 more than a year ago, and have had this book 2, for months. But I kept forgetting to read it, which is not normal for me with Taite books. With book 3 coming out shortly, I had to read this, since I'm too anal not to read series in order. I liked it and enjoyed the read, but this series doesn't have the same feel other Taite books have.
I remember, one of my main complaints about book one, was feeling like I didn't really get to know the characters. The book has so much action, I felt like there was not enough time to delve deeper into the characters. I was hopeful this book, would give us more of a feel for them. Well that didn't happen. While the two mains from book 1, play a part in this book, it is pretty small. We have two new characters. A hard hitting reporter Lindsay and a DEA agent Dale, who I believe was in the background of book 1. While I was disappointed not to get to know the mains from book 1 more, I was happy that these new characters were pretty likeable. I really enjoyed Lindsey, and thought she was a great addition to the cast. Luckily, I do feel Taite let us feel more for Dale and Lindsey, than book 1's mains.
My other major complaint about book 1, was the insta love. It was maybe two small dates, then they were picking out baby names. Unfortunately, It was pretty much the exact same thing in this book. When the "I love you's came" I yelled "Noooooooooo!" They don't love each other yet, they like each other. Let them develop more and fall in love. Why does the book have to end in I love you? Plus, the book ended in a way that Lindsay and Dale will play some roll in book 3. Why couldn't their relationship develop in the next book? It seems like because Taite is going to make different characters the new mains in book 3, she had to sum up Lindsay's and Dale's relationship. In Taites other books, I think she develops the action and romance, at the same pace. It is just not that way in these books. The action and crime storyline, which is great to read about, just overtakes the romance and doesn't leave it enough time.
Even though I have my complaints, this is still a fun series. It is never boring, and is a good read people will enjoy. It is just that this series does not have that Taite magic, that I'm used to. Although, I want to thank Taite for the cameo of Luca. That 5 mins was my favorite of the whole book. I miss me some Luca:)
I remember, one of my main complaints about book one, was feeling like I didn't really get to know the characters. The book has so much action, I felt like there was not enough time to delve deeper into the characters. I was hopeful this book, would give us more of a feel for them. Well that didn't happen. While the two mains from book 1, play a part in this book, it is pretty small. We have two new characters. A hard hitting reporter Lindsay and a DEA agent Dale, who I believe was in the background of book 1. While I was disappointed not to get to know the mains from book 1 more, I was happy that these new characters were pretty likeable. I really enjoyed Lindsey, and thought she was a great addition to the cast. Luckily, I do feel Taite let us feel more for Dale and Lindsey, than book 1's mains.
My other major complaint about book 1, was the insta love. It was maybe two small dates, then they were picking out baby names. Unfortunately, It was pretty much the exact same thing in this book. When the "I love you's came" I yelled "Noooooooooo!" They don't love each other yet, they like each other. Let them develop more and fall in love. Why does the book have to end in I love you? Plus, the book ended in a way that Lindsay and Dale will play some roll in book 3. Why couldn't their relationship develop in the next book? It seems like because Taite is going to make different characters the new mains in book 3, she had to sum up Lindsay's and Dale's relationship. In Taites other books, I think she develops the action and romance, at the same pace. It is just not that way in these books. The action and crime storyline, which is great to read about, just overtakes the romance and doesn't leave it enough time.
Even though I have my complaints, this is still a fun series. It is never boring, and is a good read people will enjoy. It is just that this series does not have that Taite magic, that I'm used to. Although, I want to thank Taite for the cameo of Luca. That 5 mins was my favorite of the whole book. I miss me some Luca:)
April 6, 2018
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Above the law is the second book of Carsen Taite's Lone Star Law series which I recommend to read chronologicaly. According to the author, she's been inspired by watching the tv series Dallas and decided to write something similar but with lesbian main characters.
I agree with some reviewers of the first book that Ms. Taite wraps up the story in a rush and the same goes for this second installment. However, I wonder if the author somehow wanted to reproduce Dallas' "soap opera" format into these books with each installment equivalent to a whole season which ends with a cliffhanger. It works nicely on tv shows but I'm not so sure for this book.
The main characters follow the same idea of Dallas tv series: larger than life characters which are either good or bad with little room for human contradictions. For example, Dale's grieving seem to resolve too easy and too fast. The story plot doesn't seem very plausible as the heroines always prevail against all odds and recover from injuries too soon.
I've found the Lone Star Law series so far similar to Radcliffe's Honor series though I prefer the latter. It's a pity because I like this author and I think her criminal law knowledge hasn't been used as much as in previous books which makes her so unique However, I liked the (extremely short) appearance of my favourite of Ms. Taite's characters, Luca Bennet.
I recommend this book if you are looking for something similar to Radcliffe's Honor Series and if you are prepared to commit to read the rest of the series to see how the full story develops.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
Above the law is the second book of Carsen Taite's Lone Star Law series which I recommend to read chronologicaly. According to the author, she's been inspired by watching the tv series Dallas and decided to write something similar but with lesbian main characters.
I agree with some reviewers of the first book that Ms. Taite wraps up the story in a rush and the same goes for this second installment. However, I wonder if the author somehow wanted to reproduce Dallas' "soap opera" format into these books with each installment equivalent to a whole season which ends with a cliffhanger. It works nicely on tv shows but I'm not so sure for this book.
The main characters follow the same idea of Dallas tv series: larger than life characters which are either good or bad with little room for human contradictions. For example, Dale's grieving seem to resolve too easy and too fast. The story plot doesn't seem very plausible as the heroines always prevail against all odds and recover from injuries too soon.
I've found the Lone Star Law series so far similar to Radcliffe's Honor series though I prefer the latter. It's a pity because I like this author and I think her criminal law knowledge hasn't been used as much as in previous books which makes her so unique However, I liked the (extremely short) appearance of my favourite of Ms. Taite's characters, Luca Bennet.
I recommend this book if you are looking for something similar to Radcliffe's Honor Series and if you are prepared to commit to read the rest of the series to see how the full story develops.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
December 14, 2025
Very good!
I loved this series and am hooked! I think Dale my favorite of all the protagonists in the entire series so far. She had the deepest and saddest loss of all the characters, and the most to fear about rediscovering love. She was a bad ass and very sweet and bashful when in love. Overall, very good story and on to the next installment!
I loved this series and am hooked! I think Dale my favorite of all the protagonists in the entire series so far. She had the deepest and saddest loss of all the characters, and the most to fear about rediscovering love. She was a bad ass and very sweet and bashful when in love. Overall, very good story and on to the next installment!
May 15, 2017
DEA agent Dale Nelson is working hard to put the drug dealers behind bars that killed her wife. Things get complicated when the taskforce investigating the cartel responsible for the death of her wife is shaken up by politics. Dale has to act as a liaison to help Lindsey do a puff piece on the DEA. Dale and Lindsey don't see eye to eye at first but soon attraction takes over.
I loved Dale but didn't connect with Lindsey at all. I was not very interested in what was going on between them I was more interested in the secondary characters. I can't wait to see what's going to happen next especially to Bianca.
I received this book from Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
I loved Dale but didn't connect with Lindsey at all. I was not very interested in what was going on between them I was more interested in the secondary characters. I can't wait to see what's going to happen next especially to Bianca.
I received this book from Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
October 6, 2024
this book feels half baked to me and i really struggled to get into it. lindsey has no personality other than she’s a reporter and dale has no personality other than her dead wife.
June 23, 2016
ts Here!!
This is a much awaited follow up to Lay Down the Law . For reasons unknown the task force has been dismantled. However,some of the members are not willing to let go of the mission. This book focuses on Dale as she tries to work the case with out star reporter Lindsey finding out and blowing the whole operation. Can Dale keep the secret while fighting her attraction to the lively journalist or will Lindsey get herself into something too intense to get out of with or with out Dales help?
I totally adored Lay Down the Law and was thrilled when Above The Law hit the shelves(so to speak) and a more than a little relieved that some of the questions we were left in the dark about might be answered. Ms Taite delivered and then some....all the while adding more questions, Tease!! I like the mystery and intrigue in this story. It has many “sit on the edge of your seat” scenes of excitement and dread (like watch out kind of thing) and drama. Just when you thought you knew what was going to happen, SURPRISE! Here is a twist to make you crazy. The farther in to the book the more questions arise while the mystery deepens and you are more and more hooked, what a wonderful experience! I can't wait until the next book in the series is released, I know I will be giddy with relief. In the meantime I will continue to savour the anticipation. Well done Ms Taite,well done indeed!
This is a much awaited follow up to Lay Down the Law . For reasons unknown the task force has been dismantled. However,some of the members are not willing to let go of the mission. This book focuses on Dale as she tries to work the case with out star reporter Lindsey finding out and blowing the whole operation. Can Dale keep the secret while fighting her attraction to the lively journalist or will Lindsey get herself into something too intense to get out of with or with out Dales help?
I totally adored Lay Down the Law and was thrilled when Above The Law hit the shelves(so to speak) and a more than a little relieved that some of the questions we were left in the dark about might be answered. Ms Taite delivered and then some....all the while adding more questions, Tease!! I like the mystery and intrigue in this story. It has many “sit on the edge of your seat” scenes of excitement and dread (like watch out kind of thing) and drama. Just when you thought you knew what was going to happen, SURPRISE! Here is a twist to make you crazy. The farther in to the book the more questions arise while the mystery deepens and you are more and more hooked, what a wonderful experience! I can't wait until the next book in the series is released, I know I will be giddy with relief. In the meantime I will continue to savour the anticipation. Well done Ms Taite,well done indeed!
June 12, 2016
It's the second book in the Law series and it's fantastic as allways from Carsen Taite. I love her writing styles as well as the well developed stories. And I really like that the story developes further with known characters from book one, but not the main characters.
Dale who was still grieving the enormus loss of her beloved wife Maria, struggles with feelings, she didn't know she could ever feel again. And she isn't sure if she should trust her feelings or shut them out.
On the other side Lindsey, who tries to find the real important story behind the PR-stunt and at the same time feels the undeniable attraction with Dale, who will be the main person in this story. She never has mixed privat with business.
Is there a chance to find real love?
The funny part was, when Luca Bennett sneaks into the story too (that serie I love too).
Dale who was still grieving the enormus loss of her beloved wife Maria, struggles with feelings, she didn't know she could ever feel again. And she isn't sure if she should trust her feelings or shut them out.
On the other side Lindsey, who tries to find the real important story behind the PR-stunt and at the same time feels the undeniable attraction with Dale, who will be the main person in this story. She never has mixed privat with business.
Is there a chance to find real love?
The funny part was, when Luca Bennett sneaks into the story too (that serie I love too).
June 28, 2016
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. This is the second book in a series, and you do not have to read the first book, but it is recommended, to be sure to get the story line and get everything you can from the book itself. I liked the first book a lot, and this brings even more to the table, we were able to see Peyton and Lily and get to know Dale. The only problem that I had with this book that dropped the rating to a four was that it needed to be longer. Much longer, as it is not there needs to be a follow-up book. We do not get closure, Lindsay, and Dale must get together, and the book ends, I wanted to know more about them, if it even could last, especially with the threat of danger in Lindsay's career. I need another book!
June 15, 2016
Enjoyed the story and the characters even the little episode with Luca. So far I've not been disappointed with the work from Taite Carsen and her cast of characters, there's always a great story to be had.
September 29, 2020
I don't think i'm going to finish the series. I wanted to read the last book alone but read that it's a continuation so not possible. so i started from 1. which was ok. the second made me board somehow. so I dont want to get back to the story for a third time. I did like both Dale and Lindsey. I also felt like the author made P look weak unlike the first installment.
One thing I dont like in general, is when i find almost all the cast are gay's ( her friend, her boss, the strangers they meet randomly...ext) not for anything but how is that even realistic.! and this series was full of women. nothing wrong with that too, but I love diversity when having side characters.
One thing I dont like in general, is when i find almost all the cast are gay's ( her friend, her boss, the strangers they meet randomly...ext) not for anything but how is that even realistic.! and this series was full of women. nothing wrong with that too, but I love diversity when having side characters.
July 16, 2017
This book told a wonderful story of learning to love again after a tragic life altering mishap. At times it had me trying to hurry up and find out what happened next. I feel that the romance between Dale and Lindsay was a bit rushed but I am looking forward to the next book.
October 28, 2021
Another great episode in the 4 book series, Taite has a great way of combining romance with her crime/courtroom dramas and as a series junky I always love coming back to the same cast time after time.
November 28, 2024
3.5 star rating
We have here a story about the grouchy Dale. While we already know why she is so from the previous story, unfortunately this story didn't do justice to giving a background history of her loss. Anyways, glad her character found a new path.
We have here a story about the grouchy Dale. While we already know why she is so from the previous story, unfortunately this story didn't do justice to giving a background history of her loss. Anyways, glad her character found a new path.
June 11, 2019
Not a fan
I usually enjoy this author's works, but this was hard to digest. Lindsey came off reckless & self-absorbed. I did not buy her and Dale's romance at all.
I usually enjoy this author's works, but this was hard to digest. Lindsey came off reckless & self-absorbed. I did not buy her and Dale's romance at all.
June 12, 2016
The second book in Carsen Taite's series follows DEA Agent Dale Nelson and investigative reporter Lindsay Ryan. Dale is trying to keep the task force hunting the drug cartel--who may have been responsible for the death of her wife, Maria--together, even though her superiors order it to disband. On top of that, Dale is assigned to be a liaison for a television crew who are in town to do a fluff piece on the DEA initiative to get drugs off the street by allowing citizens to turn in any drugs they have without consequences.
Lindsay Ryan is used to doing substantial news pieces and dreads covering the event, but once she meets Dale she realizes there might be more to the story that meets the eye. She vows to find out the truth, even if it means putting herself, and her heart, in danger.
I haven''t read the first book, unfortunately, but this installment was a fast-paced read that I was able to finish in a day. The plot was enthralling and the characters were dynamic. I really enjoyed the complexity of Dale and Lindsay's relationship. They weren't only at odds because of the nature of their professional relationship; Dale working in secrecy and Lindsay determined to find out the truth, but also the complications that come from being widowed at a young age.
The only flaw I found, and it might not be a flaw if it is meant to be resolved in the next installment, but there seemed to be an hidden agenda by the network in sending Lindsay to cover the story--something that is brought up by Lindsay a couple of time--but we never are told what that is. Again, it might be a thread in the overall web of the story, but there seemed to be a couple of gaps. Overall, it is a well-written story. One that I would recommend to friends and family.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
Lindsay Ryan is used to doing substantial news pieces and dreads covering the event, but once she meets Dale she realizes there might be more to the story that meets the eye. She vows to find out the truth, even if it means putting herself, and her heart, in danger.
I haven''t read the first book, unfortunately, but this installment was a fast-paced read that I was able to finish in a day. The plot was enthralling and the characters were dynamic. I really enjoyed the complexity of Dale and Lindsay's relationship. They weren't only at odds because of the nature of their professional relationship; Dale working in secrecy and Lindsay determined to find out the truth, but also the complications that come from being widowed at a young age.
The only flaw I found, and it might not be a flaw if it is meant to be resolved in the next installment, but there seemed to be an hidden agenda by the network in sending Lindsay to cover the story--something that is brought up by Lindsay a couple of time--but we never are told what that is. Again, it might be a thread in the overall web of the story, but there seemed to be a couple of gaps. Overall, it is a well-written story. One that I would recommend to friends and family.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
July 20, 2016
Lindsay is a likable, sweet, and caring person that you can't help but want to succeed. Where Lindsay is open, Dale is closed off and guarded; that makes the couple a natural choice. As things normally go, just when we think they have finally gotten it right, something happens and they go their separate ways. The question is, will it be for good?
The story of Lindsay and Dale was one that I had a hard time getting into. It took me seeing them together a few times before I really started getting sucked in to their story. I loved the crime investigation aspect of the book and I am sad that we didn't get to see Lindsay more involved with the group on that.
My biggest gripe is all the loose ends left at the end of the book. I thought that surely 'The End' at the end of the book was placed there in error; however, as the book does end there, it must not be. Without spoiling too much, there is an investigation that is going on, which is pretty focused on throughout the book; however, even by the end of the book we don't know its outcome. We also find out, almost in passing, that there may be a traitor among our group of friends, but I don't recall finding out the person.
I feel the lack of properly finishing the book really hurt the book in the end. I had really enjoyed the book until that point and the book would have been a 4 or 4.5 stars for me; however, now as a reader I have to wait on the following book and purchase it to see what happens.
Having said that, Lindsay and Dale are great and I am happy to have met them; however, I don't know if I will keep a look out for the second book or not.
I received the book from Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
The story of Lindsay and Dale was one that I had a hard time getting into. It took me seeing them together a few times before I really started getting sucked in to their story. I loved the crime investigation aspect of the book and I am sad that we didn't get to see Lindsay more involved with the group on that.
My biggest gripe is all the loose ends left at the end of the book. I thought that surely 'The End' at the end of the book was placed there in error; however, as the book does end there, it must not be. Without spoiling too much, there is an investigation that is going on, which is pretty focused on throughout the book; however, even by the end of the book we don't know its outcome. We also find out, almost in passing, that there may be a traitor among our group of friends, but I don't recall finding out the person.
I feel the lack of properly finishing the book really hurt the book in the end. I had really enjoyed the book until that point and the book would have been a 4 or 4.5 stars for me; however, now as a reader I have to wait on the following book and purchase it to see what happens.
Having said that, Lindsay and Dale are great and I am happy to have met them; however, I don't know if I will keep a look out for the second book or not.
I received the book from Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2016
This was an excellent book in so many ways. It's actually my first book from this author. Taite is definitely talented at the suspenseful thriller. The criminal/lawful aspects of the book were tightly plotted, with excellent pacing, and totally engaging. My problem in this book came from the romance element. Dale and Lindsey had a lot of chemistry that both fought strongly against. Then, all of sudden, both are admitting to deep feelings about the other. Strong enough that both felt comfortable talking about things they didn't want the other to do. It seemed like there wasn't whole lot of 'get-to-know-you' or 'let's-spend-more-time-with-each-other.' They simply went from an attraction that they didn't talk about or admit to, and jumped to a full on desire to be together in a deep, loving way. In other words, it doesn't seem like an organic progression of the relationship. So while I give kudos for the suspense, I say there needs to be a bit more development for the romance to work. This is book two in this series, and I would definitely pick up the first one, and the next one as well.
I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
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