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Time Served #2
In Her Defense
**Alternative cover edition
Caitlin Dufresne has never loved anyone as much as she loves winning. A ruthless fifth-year associate at an elite Chicago law firm, she’s on the fast track to partner...until a stupid, serious error enrages her bosses. Caitlin’s continued refusal to share work—or credit—lands her a forced two-week vacation. She needs to regroup and learn to be part of a team, not just the star.
When she meets Eli Grant, head of the firm’s IT department, Caitlin knows the overgrown frat boy isn’t her type. But too much alcohol and a very public game of Truth or Dare turn into a dirty, breathless one-night stand. Which turns into a (mostly naked) two-week fling. Which turns into something that makes Caitlin incredibly nervous, despite the great sex.
Eli shows her the many upsides to sleeping in, and for the first time ever, Caitlin has more than the law waiting for her at home. But when she returns to the office and the relentless demands of a high-profile case, Caitlin must decide if winning this one is worth losing Eli forever.
Caitlin Dufresne has never loved anyone as much as she loves winning. A ruthless fifth-year associate at an elite Chicago law firm, she’s on the fast track to partner...until a stupid, serious error enrages her bosses. Caitlin’s continued refusal to share work—or credit—lands her a forced two-week vacation. She needs to regroup and learn to be part of a team, not just the star.
When she meets Eli Grant, head of the firm’s IT department, Caitlin knows the overgrown frat boy isn’t her type. But too much alcohol and a very public game of Truth or Dare turn into a dirty, breathless one-night stand. Which turns into a (mostly naked) two-week fling. Which turns into something that makes Caitlin incredibly nervous, despite the great sex.
Eli shows her the many upsides to sleeping in, and for the first time ever, Caitlin has more than the law waiting for her at home. But when she returns to the office and the relentless demands of a high-profile case, Caitlin must decide if winning this one is worth losing Eli forever.
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First published September 7, 2015
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About the author
Julianna Keyes
15 books701 followersJulianna Keyes is a Canadian writer who has lived on both coasts and several places in between. She's been skydiving, bungee jumping and white water rafting, but nothing thrills - or terrifies - her as much as the blank page. She loves Chinese food, foreign languages, baseball and television, not necessarily in that order, and will go to her grave swearing that 'ain't' is not a word. She has volunteered in Zambia, taught English in China, and dreams of seeing pink dolphins in the Amazon. It'll happen.
She also writes happily offbeat thrillers as Elaine Murphy.
She also writes happily offbeat thrillers as Elaine Murphy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
August 8, 2015
2.5 stars. 4 stars for the first half, 1 star for the second half. Review posted August 8, 2015
^^^^^^^^Quotes taken from the first half.
The second half was a waste of my time, so I try to not bore you by posting a long rant. Also, to be honest, I don't feel like reviewing this book in great detail because I'm so bummed.
Selfish top-notch lawyer Caitlin Dufresne lives and breathes her job. More often that not she falls asleep at her desk because she's so terribly busyworking winning high-profile cases for the firm that she hardly sleeps anymore. Sleep is overrated anyway when you have the goal to end up at the highest rungs of the corporate ladder. And Caitlin, the she-devil and hell on heels, doesn't care what other people think or what price she has to pay to arrive at her destination. Who needs friends, a social life or downtime anyway? Certainly not the high and mighty Caitlin Dufresne. That's for wimps who have no career on their minds.
Then, one day, Caitlin makes a stupid mistake and, of course, there are consequences that don't please her at all. Her bosses have noticed that Caitlin's work-life balance is out of control and they are worried that she won't be at the top of her game to lead their new office in LA. Thus they decide to limit her network access and give her a mandatory holiday. Caitlin is shocked and close to a panic attack. What in God's name is the purpose of a holiday? What should she do with her free time? She doesn't even know what free time is, let alone how to relax during her time off. She refuses to give in and storms down to the IT department. To her chagrin, her rant leaves the head of the IT department, Eli Grant, rather unimpressed...
In Her Defense started off so promising and I really enjoyed the fun and entertaining first half. Granted, I could have done with less sex. On the other hand, I have no problems to admit that the smexy times were hot and well-written. Top this off with a sexy hero who stood his ground and a heroine, a highly successful, self-centered yet surprisingly likable bitch, and I couldn't help and laugh numerous times. Another really important detail I noticed was that author Julianna Keyes can actually write and the snarky dialogue and humor won me over in no time. That's why it saddens me all the more to say that the second half proved to be a total clusterfuck and I was close to trading my happy place with a straightjacket because I almost freaked out. Words can't come close to express how incredibly pissed off I was thanks to several annoying "plot twists". I really, really do hate contrived drama. I effin' loathe it!
Imagine, an extremely successful top lawyer heroine in her 30s verbalizes this astounding…pearl of wisdom:
Hmm…I'd rather not verbalize my thoughts.
@66/67%
@83%
Heroine I'd rather insert a yawn but can't because I was actually simmering with anger at this point.
@88%
*double head desk moment* It's just a question of semantics. I knew where this was going and was right. When hurt and disappointment take over, brain shuts down and some people can't think anymore. LACK OF PROPER COMMUNICATION. Huge, huge pet peeve of mine. Then again, misunderstandings and lack of communication and assumptions are perfect occasions to create contrived drama. That's another huge pet peeve of mine.
I did spend the second half trying my best to avoid an aneurism. So I guess you know how I felt. Twitching eyes, throbbing head and veins, my heart was racing like crazy and I was restraining myself not to spew too many expletives while at the same time working myself up into a frenzy. Not good.
Probably the best quote of this clusterfuck of a second half:
"(…) You're the most difficult, awesome thing that's ever happened to me. You really are the best." He holds up a hand when I try again to interject. "Yes, it's conceited when you say it, but when I say it, it's true."
I know that plenty of readers don't mind drama, so I'm pretty sure that you'd enjoy In Her Defense. Unfortunately, it's not my cuppa at all and ruined an otherwise very entertaining read for me. Since I really enjoyed the first half, I'll be giving this author another shot in the future.
Rating clarification
I rounded up to 3 stars because I really liked the author's writing.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Carina Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
^^^^^^^^Quotes taken from the first half.
The second half was a waste of my time, so I try to not bore you by posting a long rant. Also, to be honest, I don't feel like reviewing this book in great detail because I'm so bummed.
Selfish top-notch lawyer Caitlin Dufresne lives and breathes her job. More often that not she falls asleep at her desk because she's so terribly busy
Then, one day, Caitlin makes a stupid mistake and, of course, there are consequences that don't please her at all. Her bosses have noticed that Caitlin's work-life balance is out of control and they are worried that she won't be at the top of her game to lead their new office in LA. Thus they decide to limit her network access and give her a mandatory holiday. Caitlin is shocked and close to a panic attack. What in God's name is the purpose of a holiday? What should she do with her free time? She doesn't even know what free time is, let alone how to relax during her time off. She refuses to give in and storms down to the IT department. To her chagrin, her rant leaves the head of the IT department, Eli Grant, rather unimpressed...
In Her Defense started off so promising and I really enjoyed the fun and entertaining first half. Granted, I could have done with less sex. On the other hand, I have no problems to admit that the smexy times were hot and well-written. Top this off with a sexy hero who stood his ground and a heroine, a highly successful, self-centered yet surprisingly likable bitch, and I couldn't help and laugh numerous times. Another really important detail I noticed was that author Julianna Keyes can actually write and the snarky dialogue and humor won me over in no time. That's why it saddens me all the more to say that the second half proved to be a total clusterfuck and I was close to trading my happy place with a straightjacket because I almost freaked out. Words can't come close to express how incredibly pissed off I was thanks to several annoying "plot twists". I really, really do hate contrived drama. I effin' loathe it!
Imagine, an extremely successful top lawyer heroine in her 30s verbalizes this astounding…pearl of wisdom:
Hmm…I'd rather not verbalize my thoughts.
@66/67%
@83%
Heroine I'd rather insert a yawn but can't because I was actually simmering with anger at this point.
@88%
*double head desk moment* It's just a question of semantics. I knew where this was going and was right. When hurt and disappointment take over, brain shuts down and some people can't think anymore. LACK OF PROPER COMMUNICATION. Huge, huge pet peeve of mine. Then again, misunderstandings and lack of communication and assumptions are perfect occasions to create contrived drama. That's another huge pet peeve of mine.
I did spend the second half trying my best to avoid an aneurism. So I guess you know how I felt. Twitching eyes, throbbing head and veins, my heart was racing like crazy and I was restraining myself not to spew too many expletives while at the same time working myself up into a frenzy. Not good.
Probably the best quote of this clusterfuck of a second half:
"(…) You're the most difficult, awesome thing that's ever happened to me. You really are the best." He holds up a hand when I try again to interject. "Yes, it's conceited when you say it, but when I say it, it's true."
I know that plenty of readers don't mind drama, so I'm pretty sure that you'd enjoy In Her Defense. Unfortunately, it's not my cuppa at all and ruined an otherwise very entertaining read for me. Since I really enjoyed the first half, I'll be giving this author another shot in the future.
Rating clarification
I rounded up to 3 stars because I really liked the author's writing.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Carina Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
February 18, 2024
The first part of this book was a five! This author took a character from book one that I absolutely hated and made her understandable, even likable.
The last quarter of this book was a complete train wreck.
Caitlin lives for her career as a lawyer. She is cruel, calculated, and runs over anyone she seems beneath her (which is everyone).
I began to understand Caitlin’s need for success, and her complete frustration with the incompetent idiots that she works with. She is rolled tight. She doesn’t understand compassion, except when it comes to her 10 year old niece.
She makes an error late one evening when she has slept too few hours, and consumed too many energy drinks. This story is the results of that mistake.
Beautiful character arc, just wish the last quarter of the story was handled better.
The last quarter of this book was a complete train wreck.
Caitlin lives for her career as a lawyer. She is cruel, calculated, and runs over anyone she seems beneath her (which is everyone).
I began to understand Caitlin’s need for success, and her complete frustration with the incompetent idiots that she works with. She is rolled tight. She doesn’t understand compassion, except when it comes to her 10 year old niece.
She makes an error late one evening when she has slept too few hours, and consumed too many energy drinks. This story is the results of that mistake.
Beautiful character arc, just wish the last quarter of the story was handled better.
May 14, 2023
0 - 75%ish ===> 5+ stars
75 - 100% ===> 3 stars
Oh, the banter! Eli and Caitlyn's back and forth, combined with their incredible chemistry, was some of the best and most entertaining I've ever read. Author Julianna Keyes is truly a genius. 😍 Especially because she was able to so thoroughly redeem Caitlyn, the villain from the first book in the series.
Where I feel I got robbed (because I'm a bitchy, entitled reader😂) was in the last part of the book where Eli went off the rails a bit. Don't get me wrong, I adore flawed characters who mess everything up. But I kept waiting for the MC's deal with his words and actions, and when it finally came, it was too little, too late for me. I needed more bang (as in lets drop the gloves and have an all-out emotional brawl) and less fizzle (as in mature adults having muted expectations of each other.)
Still a wonderful read! Julianna Keyes has a new life-long fan in me.
75 - 100% ===> 3 stars
Oh, the banter! Eli and Caitlyn's back and forth, combined with their incredible chemistry, was some of the best and most entertaining I've ever read. Author Julianna Keyes is truly a genius. 😍 Especially because she was able to so thoroughly redeem Caitlyn, the villain from the first book in the series.
Where I feel I got robbed (because I'm a bitchy, entitled reader😂) was in the last part of the book where Eli went off the rails a bit. Don't get me wrong, I adore flawed characters who mess everything up. But I kept waiting for the MC's deal with his words and actions, and when it finally came, it was too little, too late for me. I needed more bang (as in lets drop the gloves and have an all-out emotional brawl) and less fizzle (as in mature adults having muted expectations of each other.)
Still a wonderful read! Julianna Keyes has a new life-long fan in me.
May 30, 2019
Eli is one of the better dirty-talking heroes...just, really. And that's what the misplaced truth or dare episode was really about. Caitlin is forced into a vacation to learn you can be more than one thing (which, really, word.) I didn't mind her journey at all, though some of their conflict made for odd choices...I really really like a heroine who tries. I can understand the job obsession "I just gotta figure this one thing out," and enjoyed her journey of finding who she was without her job, kind of. I enjoyed the way she arrived at her conclusion, which was independent of Eli leading her there, even though he was integral in it. And this book made my eyes sting and my heart sigh at a couple different points (may need to add in some quotes a bit later)
It worked so much better than the first book Time Servedfor me, which I liked reading but didn't enjoy--in fact I found it really heartbreaking and traumatic. It's much softer and a lot less raw. The relationship is also less complicated. So, there were odd choices, and I can't come up with a coherent review, but I really, really liked this book. With a little less jealousy and some other plot choices, I would've gone with a 4++ but as it is it's about a 3.82
It worked so much better than the first book Time Servedfor me, which I liked reading but didn't enjoy--in fact I found it really heartbreaking and traumatic. It's much softer and a lot less raw. The relationship is also less complicated. So, there were odd choices, and I can't come up with a coherent review, but I really, really liked this book. With a little less jealousy and some other plot choices, I would've gone with a 4++ but as it is it's about a 3.82
February 22, 2017
**3.5 stars**
I picked In Her Defense from the library without reading the first book in the series. (This was a conscious decision as the hero of the first book is an ex-con which is a real stretch for me.) Reading some reviews, I found out that Caitlin, the heroine here, was actually the villain of the first book. Not having read it, I didn’t know the extent of her villainy, but I was curious how Ms. Keyes would redeem her.
Soon enough I found out that Caitlin’s reputation was well deserved. She’s aggressive, cutthroat, ambitious, impatient, confident and simply the best at her job. The best part? Ms. Keyes didn’t make any excuses to justify or explain Caitlin’s personality. There wasn’t any kind of trauma in her life, that’s just the way she was. And I just loved that characterization. Why is it that women cannot be ball-busters in romance without some sort of ordeal involving their mommies or past boyfriends?
That doesn’t mean that Caitlin didn’t have some growing up to do in this book. In Her Defense is all about Caitlin and her growth. She doesn’t have any interests outside of work, no friends, no hobbies so she’s adrift when she’s told to take time off. At the beginning she’s furious and trying to work around it, which is the reason she meets Eli, expecting to steamroll him with her demands. I laughed my ass off when he simply told her no. Even though this infuriated her, this made Caitlin take notice and actually respect the guy. When they next meet at a dingy bar, you also learned that he liked the way she was. He wasn’t intimidated by her and liked that she was a strong woman.
Little by little, as she spends more time with Eli, her niece and actually sleeps at night, Caitlin realizes that she needs a more balanced life. People hate her at the office (with reason) and it dawns on her that she can still be the best without working every single hour of the day and that there’s room for kindness and patience in her life. I loved how this was not fixed as if by magic, she really gets better but this is something that you know she needs to keep working on.
I really enjoy the mismatched couple trope – i.e. waitress with rock star – so I was loving the whole “star lawyer hooking up with IT guy” until I learned of his family. I thought this was a completely unnecessary twist. This was a guy who was the head of IT in a big law firm and who flipped houses on the side. Not saying he was making millions, but I’m sure he could afford a meal at an expensive restaurant now and then.
You would expect my issues with the book would stem from Caitlin but Eli was most of the problem. I really liked him at the beginning but he turns into a douchebag in the second half the book, lying to her for no reason, doing stupid shit and getting annoyed when she had to work late. She was an workaholic so this was definitely a problem but not something she could fix in a couple of weeks. I felt he should have understood her, specially since she told him how difficult it was for her to disconnect from her work sometimes.
This is the first audio I’ve listened narrated by Shirl Rae and I really liked her. She has really good male voices, which are pivotal for me in female narrators. That said, her children’s voices need some work. Caitlin’s 10-year old nice sounded like a teenager.
I loved the end of the book and how she didn’t give up everything for him. This is something that I hate in romance…if there’s a difficult choice to be made, it seems the women are always the ones who make it.
Overall, a really good sexy romance. I’ll definitely read the next one in the series!
First posted at Badass Book Reviews.
I picked In Her Defense from the library without reading the first book in the series. (This was a conscious decision as the hero of the first book is an ex-con which is a real stretch for me.) Reading some reviews, I found out that Caitlin, the heroine here, was actually the villain of the first book. Not having read it, I didn’t know the extent of her villainy, but I was curious how Ms. Keyes would redeem her.
Soon enough I found out that Caitlin’s reputation was well deserved. She’s aggressive, cutthroat, ambitious, impatient, confident and simply the best at her job. The best part? Ms. Keyes didn’t make any excuses to justify or explain Caitlin’s personality. There wasn’t any kind of trauma in her life, that’s just the way she was. And I just loved that characterization. Why is it that women cannot be ball-busters in romance without some sort of ordeal involving their mommies or past boyfriends?
That doesn’t mean that Caitlin didn’t have some growing up to do in this book. In Her Defense is all about Caitlin and her growth. She doesn’t have any interests outside of work, no friends, no hobbies so she’s adrift when she’s told to take time off. At the beginning she’s furious and trying to work around it, which is the reason she meets Eli, expecting to steamroll him with her demands. I laughed my ass off when he simply told her no. Even though this infuriated her, this made Caitlin take notice and actually respect the guy. When they next meet at a dingy bar, you also learned that he liked the way she was. He wasn’t intimidated by her and liked that she was a strong woman.
Little by little, as she spends more time with Eli, her niece and actually sleeps at night, Caitlin realizes that she needs a more balanced life. People hate her at the office (with reason) and it dawns on her that she can still be the best without working every single hour of the day and that there’s room for kindness and patience in her life. I loved how this was not fixed as if by magic, she really gets better but this is something that you know she needs to keep working on.
I really enjoy the mismatched couple trope – i.e. waitress with rock star – so I was loving the whole “star lawyer hooking up with IT guy” until I learned of his family. I thought this was a completely unnecessary twist. This was a guy who was the head of IT in a big law firm and who flipped houses on the side. Not saying he was making millions, but I’m sure he could afford a meal at an expensive restaurant now and then.
You would expect my issues with the book would stem from Caitlin but Eli was most of the problem. I really liked him at the beginning but he turns into a douchebag in the second half the book, lying to her for no reason, doing stupid shit and getting annoyed when she had to work late. She was an workaholic so this was definitely a problem but not something she could fix in a couple of weeks. I felt he should have understood her, specially since she told him how difficult it was for her to disconnect from her work sometimes.
This is the first audio I’ve listened narrated by Shirl Rae and I really liked her. She has really good male voices, which are pivotal for me in female narrators. That said, her children’s voices need some work. Caitlin’s 10-year old nice sounded like a teenager.
I loved the end of the book and how she didn’t give up everything for him. This is something that I hate in romance…if there’s a difficult choice to be made, it seems the women are always the ones who make it.
Overall, a really good sexy romance. I’ll definitely read the next one in the series!
First posted at Badass Book Reviews.
August 22, 2015
I've seen some not so thrilled reviews of this novel but I must say I rate it a scorching and self discovering 5 stars. I liked pretty much everything going on, both Caitlin and Eli, and the ridiculously awesome sex.
Caitlin and Eli go together like peanut butter and jelly. Caitlin is the peanut butter because she has so many variations of herself and can be hard to deal. Elijah, Eli as he is known, is the jelly because he's easy on the eyes, on the ears, and willing to blend well when necessary. The two balance one another out and give the other what they need. It isn't always what they want but need and that is a very good and important thing.
There's back and forth, arguments, taunting, teasing, and sex that makes you wish you had your own Eli. Both are human, make mistakes, and seek forgiveness and to forgive. Neither party is perfect or meant to be perfect and I loved that. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass or for the sun to shine but learning how to dance around smiling in the rain and laugh at the thunder. Neither is quite happy, whole, or balanced without the other and that is why I loved reading In Her Defense.
Caitlin and Eli go together like peanut butter and jelly. Caitlin is the peanut butter because she has so many variations of herself and can be hard to deal. Elijah, Eli as he is known, is the jelly because he's easy on the eyes, on the ears, and willing to blend well when necessary. The two balance one another out and give the other what they need. It isn't always what they want but need and that is a very good and important thing.
There's back and forth, arguments, taunting, teasing, and sex that makes you wish you had your own Eli. Both are human, make mistakes, and seek forgiveness and to forgive. Neither party is perfect or meant to be perfect and I loved that. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass or for the sun to shine but learning how to dance around smiling in the rain and laugh at the thunder. Neither is quite happy, whole, or balanced without the other and that is why I loved reading In Her Defense.
July 31, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
In Her Defense by Julianna Keyes
Book Two of the Time Served series
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: September 7, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Caitlin Dufresne has never loved anyone as much as she loves winning. A ruthless fifth-year associate at an elite Chicago law firm, she’s on the fast track to partner...until a stupid, serious error enrages her bosses. Caitlin’s continued refusal to share work—or credit—lands her a forced two-week vacation. She needs to regroup and learn to be part of a team, not just the star.
When she meets Eli Grant, head of the firm’s IT department, Caitlin knows the overgrown frat boy isn’t her type. But too much alcohol and a very public game of Truth or Dare turn into a dirty, breathless one-night stand. Which turns into a (mostly naked) two-week fling. Which turns into something that makes Caitlin incredibly nervous, despite the great sex.
Eli shows her the many upsides to sleeping in, and for the first time ever, Caitlin has more than the law waiting for her at home. But when she returns to the office and the relentless demands of a high-profile case, Caitlin must decide if winning this one is worth losing Eli forever.
What I Liked:
Back in February, I read and LOVED Time Served, book one of this series. It's one of my few five-star-rated novels for 2015 so far, and one of my favorites. Rachel and Dean's story was agonizing and heartbreaking and lovely. Caitlin Dufresne was a very important character in the story, and to be honest, I HATED her. So when I saw that Julianna Keyes had written a companion novel to Time Served in Caitlin's point-of-view, I was, well, wary. Still, I really enjoyed Time Served, so I put aside my doubts, and jumped at the chance to read this one early. No regrets!
Caitlin Dufresne is Chicago's most successful lawyer, in her early thirties, and one of the most attractive. She works all the time, late into the night, early in the morning. When her bosses stiff-arm her into taking a mandatory vacation, Caitlin is furious. She has no interests outside of work. When the IT guy of the firm, Eli Grant, stumbles on her in a bar the evening of her forced mandatory vacation, sparks fly, and Caitlin and Eli find themselves very attracted to each other. Steamy weeks follow, and Caitlin is slowly finding out that she doesn't have to be made of only work work work. She finds that she can't walk away from Eli, and will soon have to decide what is worth more of the effort - Eli, or her work.
Caitlin is so different from Rachel (the protagonist of Time Served). Rachel does not make any cameo appearances in this book. In Time Served, we find Caitlin to be a cold. heartless, cruel woman who seems to be sleeping with everyone in the firm. She made me so angry in that book. But as I've gotten into her head, I can understand her so much better. She wasn't sleeping with everyone to get power or promotions, she dated men, they broke up, like any relationship. Caitlin is cold and heartless, but she isn't made of stone. While she appears to be a marble sort of perfect, she isn't.
I found that I actually really liked her. She is a fighter, a dedicated worker, and she never gives up, even when she isn't familiar with something or doesn't like it. Her attraction to Eli is instant and surprising, and she doesn't want to stop seeing him after that one time, despite the fact that he isn't her usual type. I like that Caitlin is honest and straightforward, and goes after what she wants.
I really, really like Eli, especially in the beginning. He is also honest and straightforward, and goes after what he wants. He knows Caitlin's reputation, yet he stills want to get to know her, in more than one way. He pushes their relationship to new levels, and helps Caitlin feel comfortable with many things she wasn't previously comfortable with doing. Towards the end, there is a lot of miscommunication between Caitlin and Eli, and I wanted shake them both, especially Eli. But he is such a good guy, and a hawt one, at that. Overgrown frat boy? I know the type. I wouldn't mind one, to be honest.
The chemistry between Eli and Caitlin is off the charts. Talk about steamy, right from when they meet each other. It's instant attraction, which leads to more. There are so many steamy scenes in this book, much like in Time Served. But unlike in Time Served, Caitlin and Eli didn't know each intimately previously (or at all), and have no history. I almost liked this more, because the romantic and sexual experiences between Eli and Caitlin were completely new. No history clogging their relationship. This book is so, so steamy, guys. This series, in general. Time Served and In Her Defense are both very sexy romance novels, that deliver on the sexy, and the romance.
And of course, their relationship is very tested and tried. It's physical at first, but then the pair start to care about each other. There are some minor jealousy moments on both sides, and some miscommunication. One assumes one thing, the other assumes another. But their relationship seemed like an authentic growing relationship, and I liked how developed it was.
This book goes through Caitlin's development of character very thoroughly. Caitlin doesn't know who she is if she isn't working. But the forced vacation allows her to explore areas of her life that she has not spent enough time exploring. She starts going to her niece's softball games. She goes to baseball games with Eli, and actually becomes a pretty big fan of baseball. She helps Eli remodel properties that he owns, which she doesn't love, but she likes doing it with and for him. Caitlin discovers a life outside of work, and a life with Eli.
The climax of the story surrounds Caitlin and Eli's relationship, as well as a case that Caitlin has been working on. While I found the case interesting, I was more interested in how Eli and Caitlin would resolve their relationship issues. The ending is very bittersweet up until the last few pages. I kind of like how the author dragged things out a bit, because it felt very real. The ending itself is very sweet and a good one! No need to worry about that. Keyes always delivers a happily ever after that will satisfy readers!
What I Did Not Like:
Nothing specifically that I didn't like! The author did an amazing job with this novel.
Would I Recommend It:
I would so very much recommend this novel! It's the companion to Time Served, but I personally recommend that you read Time Served before reading this one. Then you can hate Caitlin as much as I did at first, and then love her in this book. Seriously, I didn't think the author could do it well, but she really convinced me to love Caitlin in this book, despite loathing her in Time Served. This is a really great contemporary romance novel that is not cute and fluffy, but dirty and steamy and moving.
Rating:
4 stars. More like 4.5 stars, if the world would let me rate books in half stars. This novel was an excellent companion novel, and such a fulfilling adult contemporary romance! If I want my romance fix, I know Keyes is the right author to look up! I am definitely excited to read more from her in the future, related to this series or not!
In Her Defense by Julianna Keyes
Book Two of the Time Served series
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: September 7, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Caitlin Dufresne has never loved anyone as much as she loves winning. A ruthless fifth-year associate at an elite Chicago law firm, she’s on the fast track to partner...until a stupid, serious error enrages her bosses. Caitlin’s continued refusal to share work—or credit—lands her a forced two-week vacation. She needs to regroup and learn to be part of a team, not just the star.
When she meets Eli Grant, head of the firm’s IT department, Caitlin knows the overgrown frat boy isn’t her type. But too much alcohol and a very public game of Truth or Dare turn into a dirty, breathless one-night stand. Which turns into a (mostly naked) two-week fling. Which turns into something that makes Caitlin incredibly nervous, despite the great sex.
Eli shows her the many upsides to sleeping in, and for the first time ever, Caitlin has more than the law waiting for her at home. But when she returns to the office and the relentless demands of a high-profile case, Caitlin must decide if winning this one is worth losing Eli forever.
What I Liked:
Back in February, I read and LOVED Time Served, book one of this series. It's one of my few five-star-rated novels for 2015 so far, and one of my favorites. Rachel and Dean's story was agonizing and heartbreaking and lovely. Caitlin Dufresne was a very important character in the story, and to be honest, I HATED her. So when I saw that Julianna Keyes had written a companion novel to Time Served in Caitlin's point-of-view, I was, well, wary. Still, I really enjoyed Time Served, so I put aside my doubts, and jumped at the chance to read this one early. No regrets!
Caitlin Dufresne is Chicago's most successful lawyer, in her early thirties, and one of the most attractive. She works all the time, late into the night, early in the morning. When her bosses stiff-arm her into taking a mandatory vacation, Caitlin is furious. She has no interests outside of work. When the IT guy of the firm, Eli Grant, stumbles on her in a bar the evening of her forced mandatory vacation, sparks fly, and Caitlin and Eli find themselves very attracted to each other. Steamy weeks follow, and Caitlin is slowly finding out that she doesn't have to be made of only work work work. She finds that she can't walk away from Eli, and will soon have to decide what is worth more of the effort - Eli, or her work.
Caitlin is so different from Rachel (the protagonist of Time Served). Rachel does not make any cameo appearances in this book. In Time Served, we find Caitlin to be a cold. heartless, cruel woman who seems to be sleeping with everyone in the firm. She made me so angry in that book. But as I've gotten into her head, I can understand her so much better. She wasn't sleeping with everyone to get power or promotions, she dated men, they broke up, like any relationship. Caitlin is cold and heartless, but she isn't made of stone. While she appears to be a marble sort of perfect, she isn't.
I found that I actually really liked her. She is a fighter, a dedicated worker, and she never gives up, even when she isn't familiar with something or doesn't like it. Her attraction to Eli is instant and surprising, and she doesn't want to stop seeing him after that one time, despite the fact that he isn't her usual type. I like that Caitlin is honest and straightforward, and goes after what she wants.
I really, really like Eli, especially in the beginning. He is also honest and straightforward, and goes after what he wants. He knows Caitlin's reputation, yet he stills want to get to know her, in more than one way. He pushes their relationship to new levels, and helps Caitlin feel comfortable with many things she wasn't previously comfortable with doing. Towards the end, there is a lot of miscommunication between Caitlin and Eli, and I wanted shake them both, especially Eli. But he is such a good guy, and a hawt one, at that. Overgrown frat boy? I know the type. I wouldn't mind one, to be honest.
The chemistry between Eli and Caitlin is off the charts. Talk about steamy, right from when they meet each other. It's instant attraction, which leads to more. There are so many steamy scenes in this book, much like in Time Served. But unlike in Time Served, Caitlin and Eli didn't know each intimately previously (or at all), and have no history. I almost liked this more, because the romantic and sexual experiences between Eli and Caitlin were completely new. No history clogging their relationship. This book is so, so steamy, guys. This series, in general. Time Served and In Her Defense are both very sexy romance novels, that deliver on the sexy, and the romance.
And of course, their relationship is very tested and tried. It's physical at first, but then the pair start to care about each other. There are some minor jealousy moments on both sides, and some miscommunication. One assumes one thing, the other assumes another. But their relationship seemed like an authentic growing relationship, and I liked how developed it was.
This book goes through Caitlin's development of character very thoroughly. Caitlin doesn't know who she is if she isn't working. But the forced vacation allows her to explore areas of her life that she has not spent enough time exploring. She starts going to her niece's softball games. She goes to baseball games with Eli, and actually becomes a pretty big fan of baseball. She helps Eli remodel properties that he owns, which she doesn't love, but she likes doing it with and for him. Caitlin discovers a life outside of work, and a life with Eli.
The climax of the story surrounds Caitlin and Eli's relationship, as well as a case that Caitlin has been working on. While I found the case interesting, I was more interested in how Eli and Caitlin would resolve their relationship issues. The ending is very bittersweet up until the last few pages. I kind of like how the author dragged things out a bit, because it felt very real. The ending itself is very sweet and a good one! No need to worry about that. Keyes always delivers a happily ever after that will satisfy readers!
What I Did Not Like:
Nothing specifically that I didn't like! The author did an amazing job with this novel.
Would I Recommend It:
I would so very much recommend this novel! It's the companion to Time Served, but I personally recommend that you read Time Served before reading this one. Then you can hate Caitlin as much as I did at first, and then love her in this book. Seriously, I didn't think the author could do it well, but she really convinced me to love Caitlin in this book, despite loathing her in Time Served. This is a really great contemporary romance novel that is not cute and fluffy, but dirty and steamy and moving.
Rating:
4 stars. More like 4.5 stars, if the world would let me rate books in half stars. This novel was an excellent companion novel, and such a fulfilling adult contemporary romance! If I want my romance fix, I know Keyes is the right author to look up! I am definitely excited to read more from her in the future, related to this series or not!
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August 4, 2015
08/02/2015 -- I found Julianna Keyes last year and since then have read most of her books. This is the new one in the "Time Served" series and I really enjoyed it. I read so many books, a series will sometimes throw me. I feel like I should read or re-read the first books again in order to remember and better enjoy a later book. Then, I lose track of time and it just doesn't seem to happen or if it does, I'm late to the dance. This time, I just decided to read it and see what happened. I enjoyed it. I really like Ms. Keyes writing and the characters she creates for me. I think I liked this one better than I did the first in the series. So, for me, this is a 4 Star read.
I'll write a better review at some point, but wanted to get something down. A very enjoyable read.
ARC provided by the author and publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
I'll write a better review at some point, but wanted to get something down. A very enjoyable read.
ARC provided by the author and publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
October 24, 2015
I love difficult heroines, so when I read a few reviews about this book, it was an easy decision to buy it.
Our heroine, Caitlin Dufresne, was apparently the villain in the first book in this series, Time Served. She's a star at her law firm, working harder than anyone else and getting outstanding results. She also makes sure her colleagues see her disdain at their lazy work habits (imagine, doing only 14-hour days!) and that everyone is aware of just how good she is. Her non-stop working habit bites her in the ass one day, though, when sheer exhaustion causes her to make a mistake.
The partners at her law firm are not angry at her, but they are worried and want to make sure she won't just burn out. Their solution is to force her to take a holiday, and while she hands over her cases, they place restrictions on her work times, enforced by limits on when she can operate her computer. This brings her into conflict with the firm's head of IT, Eli Grant, and when they run into each other at a bar after work, the initial antagonism turns into something else.
I liked the idea of a bitchy, unapologetic heroine. However, what I got really wasn't good. My feelings about Caitlin herself were mixed, and about the romance itself wholeheartedly negative.
I'll start with Caitlin. Yes, she's unapologetic about her ambition and her sex life and doesn't suffer fools gladly at all. But at the same time, she's an asshole. There's a particular scene close to the start where she goes off at a guy in accounting who's pointed out to the partners her high level of billing, and the stuff she says to him points at some really ugly attitudes. I just couldn't buy that she'd changed by the end of the book, not without some major introspection. It was a bit like those people who go on racist rants when they're drunk and then try to blame the drink. Sorry, that was inside you, and the drink let it out.
Another problem was that Caitlin's character didn't really gel for me. She's supposed to be this fantastic litigator, but has absolutely no emotional intelligence. Well, we're told she has it when interacting with witnesses and others in the courtroom, but she demonstrates none of it outside of the courtroom. Does she just turn it off? Because she can't understand other people's motivations worth shit, and she makes quite a few decisions and assumptions here that are just plain stupid.
The romance didn't work for me at all. For starters, I found Eli very unappealing. Actually, I thought he was a passive-aggressive little shit. I think the book would have been improved by us readers seeing Eli's point of view, rather than have first-person narration from Caitlin. The way Keyes wrote it, when we have situations such as him blowing Caitlin off and lying to her about what his plans are so that he can hang out with his ex because he's "confused", he feels like a sleazy liar. If we'd been in his head I might have been a bit more sympathetic. I wasn't. I didn't want Caitlin to forgive him. I wanted her to dump him and go for someone better, because I didn't believe he loved her. Nor did I believe she loved him.
I also didn't like that Keyes found it necessary to make Eli the heir of a powerful family, rather than just simply a guy with a normal job, as is initially setu p. I think part of the problem is that Keyes has clearly no concept of what being head of IT in a corporate setting actually looks like. She (and by extension, Caitlin) seems to think a head of IT would be a basement-dwelling nerd who repairs computers (she even has him drilling holes in the walls in the new office). Erm, no, it's a corporate, management job, at least at the sort of level and in the sort of company she's describing here.
I also had issues with the portrayal of other women: they're either bitchy and desperate for men (Caitlin's colleagues, the women who are after Eli), or oblivious and unbelievable (Caitlin's sister). Ugh!
I even had problems with the cover! I know that the stuff at the bottom of the image is supposed to be a bedsheet, but my eyes keep reading it as the guy's shoulder and back, and that grip looks painful!
MY GRADE: A D. I did finish it, at least, but I enjoyed very little of it.
Our heroine, Caitlin Dufresne, was apparently the villain in the first book in this series, Time Served. She's a star at her law firm, working harder than anyone else and getting outstanding results. She also makes sure her colleagues see her disdain at their lazy work habits (imagine, doing only 14-hour days!) and that everyone is aware of just how good she is. Her non-stop working habit bites her in the ass one day, though, when sheer exhaustion causes her to make a mistake.
The partners at her law firm are not angry at her, but they are worried and want to make sure she won't just burn out. Their solution is to force her to take a holiday, and while she hands over her cases, they place restrictions on her work times, enforced by limits on when she can operate her computer. This brings her into conflict with the firm's head of IT, Eli Grant, and when they run into each other at a bar after work, the initial antagonism turns into something else.
I liked the idea of a bitchy, unapologetic heroine. However, what I got really wasn't good. My feelings about Caitlin herself were mixed, and about the romance itself wholeheartedly negative.
I'll start with Caitlin. Yes, she's unapologetic about her ambition and her sex life and doesn't suffer fools gladly at all. But at the same time, she's an asshole. There's a particular scene close to the start where she goes off at a guy in accounting who's pointed out to the partners her high level of billing, and the stuff she says to him points at some really ugly attitudes. I just couldn't buy that she'd changed by the end of the book, not without some major introspection. It was a bit like those people who go on racist rants when they're drunk and then try to blame the drink. Sorry, that was inside you, and the drink let it out.
Another problem was that Caitlin's character didn't really gel for me. She's supposed to be this fantastic litigator, but has absolutely no emotional intelligence. Well, we're told she has it when interacting with witnesses and others in the courtroom, but she demonstrates none of it outside of the courtroom. Does she just turn it off? Because she can't understand other people's motivations worth shit, and she makes quite a few decisions and assumptions here that are just plain stupid.
The romance didn't work for me at all. For starters, I found Eli very unappealing. Actually, I thought he was a passive-aggressive little shit. I think the book would have been improved by us readers seeing Eli's point of view, rather than have first-person narration from Caitlin. The way Keyes wrote it, when we have situations such as him blowing Caitlin off and lying to her about what his plans are so that he can hang out with his ex because he's "confused", he feels like a sleazy liar. If we'd been in his head I might have been a bit more sympathetic. I wasn't. I didn't want Caitlin to forgive him. I wanted her to dump him and go for someone better, because I didn't believe he loved her. Nor did I believe she loved him.
I also didn't like that Keyes found it necessary to make Eli the heir of a powerful family, rather than just simply a guy with a normal job, as is initially setu p. I think part of the problem is that Keyes has clearly no concept of what being head of IT in a corporate setting actually looks like. She (and by extension, Caitlin) seems to think a head of IT would be a basement-dwelling nerd who repairs computers (she even has him drilling holes in the walls in the new office). Erm, no, it's a corporate, management job, at least at the sort of level and in the sort of company she's describing here.
I also had issues with the portrayal of other women: they're either bitchy and desperate for men (Caitlin's colleagues, the women who are after Eli), or oblivious and unbelievable (Caitlin's sister). Ugh!
I even had problems with the cover! I know that the stuff at the bottom of the image is supposed to be a bedsheet, but my eyes keep reading it as the guy's shoulder and back, and that grip looks painful!
MY GRADE: A D. I did finish it, at least, but I enjoyed very little of it.
June 4, 2017
EDIT - 8/2. I have now read the first book of this series, Time Served. It has given me a different perspective and understanding to this book; but I'm not going to change my review. This is the review of the book as I first read it, with no pre-conceived opinions or knowledge. I'm really liking this author and series.
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Okay, this is a new-to-me author (with only a couple of books under her belt) that I might never have tried had I not noted where Michelle liked her writing. So I gave her a try…
It wasn’t a few pages in until I started cringing. First person pov, and she was like a female Drew (from ‘Tangled’ by Emma Chase). It was not attractive...at all. That and the forced attempts at humor were a huge turnoff for me; and also the fact that I just didn’t like Caitlin. She was abrasive and bitchy; willing to step over anyone and everyone who got in her way to the top of the feeding chain at her law firm. I willed myself to go on to give the book a chance.
About a third of the way in, the story began to jell for me. The forced humor was thankfully dropped, and the relationship with Eli began in earnest. The major case she was working on and investigating was interesting to me, as was her newly found personal life. She made some mistakes with Eli and others, some of them big; but she learned, she changed, and she gained understanding from her mistakes. She progressed and grew as a character right before my eyes. This book was nothing like the summary insinuates, especially after about the third chapter. It was much, much better and more; with a storyline deeper and richer than the summary implies.
Bottom line – I wound up really enjoying this story...quite a bit. Enough that I’m going to take a closer look at some of Keye’s other work. Just like Caitlin, she's growing as an author. From what I've read, the quality of her work is 'iffy' from book to book; but I found this one to be a winner for me.
---------------------------------
Okay, this is a new-to-me author (with only a couple of books under her belt) that I might never have tried had I not noted where Michelle liked her writing. So I gave her a try…
It wasn’t a few pages in until I started cringing. First person pov, and she was like a female Drew (from ‘Tangled’ by Emma Chase). It was not attractive...at all. That and the forced attempts at humor were a huge turnoff for me; and also the fact that I just didn’t like Caitlin. She was abrasive and bitchy; willing to step over anyone and everyone who got in her way to the top of the feeding chain at her law firm. I willed myself to go on to give the book a chance.
About a third of the way in, the story began to jell for me. The forced humor was thankfully dropped, and the relationship with Eli began in earnest. The major case she was working on and investigating was interesting to me, as was her newly found personal life. She made some mistakes with Eli and others, some of them big; but she learned, she changed, and she gained understanding from her mistakes. She progressed and grew as a character right before my eyes. This book was nothing like the summary insinuates, especially after about the third chapter. It was much, much better and more; with a storyline deeper and richer than the summary implies.
Bottom line – I wound up really enjoying this story...quite a bit. Enough that I’m going to take a closer look at some of Keye’s other work. Just like Caitlin, she's growing as an author. From what I've read, the quality of her work is 'iffy' from book to book; but I found this one to be a winner for me.
May 13, 2023
This was fine. The female MC was pretty one note, and that one note was super bitchy type A and selfish. The male MC was a nice guy with a big love wound... there were so SOOOO many UNNNNbelievable coincidences... like she never ever goes to a bar after work, this day she decides to go to a bar after work in Chicago, and guess who’s there??? Did you guess the male MC? Then she drives her niece to a sports thing and GUESS WHAT? Did you guess the male MC is the coach??? Because of course he is... I meaaaannnn... I have a limit to my easy story coincidence tolerance and this one hit it early on and just keep piling on.
There's sexy sex, but somehow wasn't as hot as I wanted it to be, maybe because it was all kind of just too easy.
2.5
Listened to -- Narrated by Shirl Rae
There's sexy sex, but somehow wasn't as hot as I wanted it to be, maybe because it was all kind of just too easy.
2.5
Listened to -- Narrated by Shirl Rae
June 16, 2017
**** 4 Stars ****
Can be read as a standalone.
In Her Defense started out really strong. I loved the way it introduced the complex characters. I loved the steamy moments and where the story was going, but I lost a bit of focus after the half way point.
Caitlin is the one of the best female lawyers in Chicago. She is also known as "The 'coldhearted bitch' thing. She-devil. Hell on heels." Some coworkers think she must have slept her way up the corporate ladder. Being at the top may be lonely, but it was what she lived for. When the partners forced her to take a vacation before she left Chicago to head the Los Angeles office, she did not know what to do with all the free time.
Eli Grant is head of the firm's IT department. He saw Caitlin on the cover of Chicago's Finest and thought she was the most beautiful woman. She doesn't intimate him, but he falls in love with all her personalities. He just has issues with her commitment to only one thing... work.
"So far I've met the banshee that attacked Todd on Monday, then the lonely woman at the pub, the very hot woman in the front seat of my truck and the nice lady who took her niece to a softball game. Then the banshee returned when you took the call back there. If I ask you out, who's going to show up?"
I have a love/hate relationship for Eli. In the beginning he pulls out all the stops. He's romantic, sexy, and unselfish. Then you see his flaws, and witness his moments of being a big ass. Honestly, I think the only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars is because I wasn't impressed by him towards the end of the book.
Can be read as a standalone.
In Her Defense started out really strong. I loved the way it introduced the complex characters. I loved the steamy moments and where the story was going, but I lost a bit of focus after the half way point.
Caitlin is the one of the best female lawyers in Chicago. She is also known as "The 'coldhearted bitch' thing. She-devil. Hell on heels." Some coworkers think she must have slept her way up the corporate ladder. Being at the top may be lonely, but it was what she lived for. When the partners forced her to take a vacation before she left Chicago to head the Los Angeles office, she did not know what to do with all the free time.
Eli Grant is head of the firm's IT department. He saw Caitlin on the cover of Chicago's Finest and thought she was the most beautiful woman. She doesn't intimate him, but he falls in love with all her personalities. He just has issues with her commitment to only one thing... work.
"So far I've met the banshee that attacked Todd on Monday, then the lonely woman at the pub, the very hot woman in the front seat of my truck and the nice lady who took her niece to a softball game. Then the banshee returned when you took the call back there. If I ask you out, who's going to show up?"
I have a love/hate relationship for Eli. In the beginning he pulls out all the stops. He's romantic, sexy, and unselfish. Then you see his flaws, and witness his moments of being a big ass. Honestly, I think the only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars is because I wasn't impressed by him towards the end of the book.
July 13, 2016
One cannot read the first book in the Time Served series and not be intrigued by the “villain” in the novel, aka Caitlin Dufresne, especially when Julianna decided to write Caitlin’s book as the second installment in the series. In Her Defense is an appropriate title for the book, showing Caitlin from various different perspectives, bringing to the readers a side of her we would never have seen or even being bothered to look for otherwise.
Caitlin is riding the high from the recent big win of the famous Fowler case and is focused on reaching the top, where her focus has always been since a very young age. While people see her as the lawyer that would screw over everyone else to get to the top, or even sleep her way to the top, Caitlin is in fact more than that. While her affair with one of the partners of the firm and a married one at that, has left colleagues with a less than stellar impression of her, not to mention the fact that Caitlin’s ambitions does not make her a team player, helps foster and maintain the less than favorable view of her around the firm.
However, Caitlin’s rapid ascent to the top is mired by one fatal mistake – too much work, too little rest and the high of too many Red Bulls consumed, and Caitlin finds herself forced to take leave from work, the very last thing that she wants or needs. Or so she thinks. Which is how Caitlin’s path crosses with that of Elijah Grant, the head of IT at the firm.
Though the first encounter between Caitlin and Eli leaves a lot to be desired, starting from the second coincidental meeting between them, Eli shows Caitlin that when it comes to that particular type of men she usually goes for, with Eli being the antithesis of all those requirements; even then, Eli manages to get her blood humming, her senses singing, with just a well worded command issued from his mouth.
Thus Eli and Caitlin find themselves embarking on an affair that scorches through the sheets, the stairways, the walls and any position they can find. Even though Caitlin’s prior relationships have all being about the physical aspects of more than the emotional, with Eli she finds that he is way too intuitive and in tune with her feelings to be brushed off that easily. However, for both of them to have anything meaningful and long-term between them, both Eli and Caitlin will have to let go of the shackles of their past and own up to what they are to each other, even if it means leaving themselves open and vulnerable to each other in a way they never have before.
Though told only from Caitlin’s perspective in the first person, the one thing that resonated deep within me as I read along was just how hard and fast I fell in love Eli. Before I was even halfway through the story, I realized and accepted the truth that Eli was one hell of a hero and that I would be hard pressed to find anyone else who would live up to the impression he had made on me. The fact that Julianna crafted Eli in a way that she didn’t have to continually talk about his looks, how sexy he was; basically how understated it all was, and yet every time he took the reins in the affair that was ongoing, I was ready to lie down and surrender myself to him spoke volumes. I swear that every time he said “now!” in an authoritative way, I just about lost it. And I thought Dean Barclay was the only man who could wow me in that sense. Dean was intense in a lot of ways, you can’t read his book and not be enslaved. Eli is a whole different sort of intense – you will just have to read it to find it because it is at times a bit hard to describe just how into his character I was from the minute he turned up in the story.
If ever there is a master at storytelling, it is an author who can make hatred or intense dislike turn into love. Caitlin is a character who invokes a lot of intense feelings of the negative kind in book 1 of the series. All that however changes, the minute you pick this up to read. Trust me on that. At first I was also a bit hesitant to read Caitlin’s story because I guess I truly didn’t understand or believe in the wealth of magic that Julianna holds in her fingertips when it comes to romance writing.
What drew me in when it came to to Caitlin’s character was how Julianna laid out the details of her life; where she comes from, her familial background; all of it putting together the picture of a highly ambitious woman who is not afraid to work hard and play it dirty to get to the very top. Because that’s where she has always told herself that she would be, at the top, even though it might be the loneliest place to be, but nevertheless the top it is for her.
The forced vacation could not have come at a more opportune time however, even though Caitlin might believe otherwise at first. Work had been her life and life had been all about work and nothing else when she had been forced to do so. And in being forced into taking one, she finds it in her to slow down, learn to work as a team member, even if it kills her to do so. Because that’s what Caitlin does. She works at something until she is good at it, until she is the best.
The changes that Eli brings to her life are quite significant. But that does not mean that she loses the drive that makes her essentially who she is. She is not afraid to follow her dreams, and hold her head up high in doing so, even when her heart is broken into pieces. I was glad that Julianna didn’t try to shove Caitlin’s character down the acceptable feminist mold where one sees everything as a challenge, where life is a constant battlefield where the heroine refuses to change, remains so stubborn because that is what the mold dictates.Some authors try so hard to project this image of the ultimate free spirit who itches at the very thought of settling down, who breaks out into hives at even the mere whisper of a long term relationship. Women like that for me are quite trying and tiring at times. Which is why I am so very glad that Caitlin turned out to be different. Yes, she is independent, feisty, able to hold her own and charter her own course towards the unknown. But she is also vulnerable, able to feel deeply and falls like a ton of bricks for the man who finally sees her. The real her. Even though they both make mistakes, they do come out as the winning team at the end. The angst was no less heavy in this book than the previous one in the series. But it was just as good, and the ending, just as warmth inducing.
The sex was off the charts hot. There was a Skype session in the story that would never have me look at the camera on a laptop the same way, ever again. Eli’s confidence and playful nature in bed and out of it makes him such a turn on. I soaked up and reveled in every single aspect of Eli there was to indulge in. Goes to show that heroes don’t have to have a degree in dirty talking and call every heroine they come across every term of endearment there is and constantly use phrases like “pussy” or “cunt” in order to be sexy, sound sexy and do it dirty!
The only downside to the story would have to be the fact that the story is told entirely from Caitlin’s point of view. I would have loved to see Eli’s view of things, even be it towards the end. Nevertheless, Julianna has done a stellar job in creating both Caitlin and Eli and giving readers a story they would not forget for a long while.
Rating = 4.75/5
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Caitlin is riding the high from the recent big win of the famous Fowler case and is focused on reaching the top, where her focus has always been since a very young age. While people see her as the lawyer that would screw over everyone else to get to the top, or even sleep her way to the top, Caitlin is in fact more than that. While her affair with one of the partners of the firm and a married one at that, has left colleagues with a less than stellar impression of her, not to mention the fact that Caitlin’s ambitions does not make her a team player, helps foster and maintain the less than favorable view of her around the firm.
However, Caitlin’s rapid ascent to the top is mired by one fatal mistake – too much work, too little rest and the high of too many Red Bulls consumed, and Caitlin finds herself forced to take leave from work, the very last thing that she wants or needs. Or so she thinks. Which is how Caitlin’s path crosses with that of Elijah Grant, the head of IT at the firm.
Though the first encounter between Caitlin and Eli leaves a lot to be desired, starting from the second coincidental meeting between them, Eli shows Caitlin that when it comes to that particular type of men she usually goes for, with Eli being the antithesis of all those requirements; even then, Eli manages to get her blood humming, her senses singing, with just a well worded command issued from his mouth.
Thus Eli and Caitlin find themselves embarking on an affair that scorches through the sheets, the stairways, the walls and any position they can find. Even though Caitlin’s prior relationships have all being about the physical aspects of more than the emotional, with Eli she finds that he is way too intuitive and in tune with her feelings to be brushed off that easily. However, for both of them to have anything meaningful and long-term between them, both Eli and Caitlin will have to let go of the shackles of their past and own up to what they are to each other, even if it means leaving themselves open and vulnerable to each other in a way they never have before.
Though told only from Caitlin’s perspective in the first person, the one thing that resonated deep within me as I read along was just how hard and fast I fell in love Eli. Before I was even halfway through the story, I realized and accepted the truth that Eli was one hell of a hero and that I would be hard pressed to find anyone else who would live up to the impression he had made on me. The fact that Julianna crafted Eli in a way that she didn’t have to continually talk about his looks, how sexy he was; basically how understated it all was, and yet every time he took the reins in the affair that was ongoing, I was ready to lie down and surrender myself to him spoke volumes. I swear that every time he said “now!” in an authoritative way, I just about lost it. And I thought Dean Barclay was the only man who could wow me in that sense. Dean was intense in a lot of ways, you can’t read his book and not be enslaved. Eli is a whole different sort of intense – you will just have to read it to find it because it is at times a bit hard to describe just how into his character I was from the minute he turned up in the story.
If ever there is a master at storytelling, it is an author who can make hatred or intense dislike turn into love. Caitlin is a character who invokes a lot of intense feelings of the negative kind in book 1 of the series. All that however changes, the minute you pick this up to read. Trust me on that. At first I was also a bit hesitant to read Caitlin’s story because I guess I truly didn’t understand or believe in the wealth of magic that Julianna holds in her fingertips when it comes to romance writing.
What drew me in when it came to to Caitlin’s character was how Julianna laid out the details of her life; where she comes from, her familial background; all of it putting together the picture of a highly ambitious woman who is not afraid to work hard and play it dirty to get to the very top. Because that’s where she has always told herself that she would be, at the top, even though it might be the loneliest place to be, but nevertheless the top it is for her.
The forced vacation could not have come at a more opportune time however, even though Caitlin might believe otherwise at first. Work had been her life and life had been all about work and nothing else when she had been forced to do so. And in being forced into taking one, she finds it in her to slow down, learn to work as a team member, even if it kills her to do so. Because that’s what Caitlin does. She works at something until she is good at it, until she is the best.
The changes that Eli brings to her life are quite significant. But that does not mean that she loses the drive that makes her essentially who she is. She is not afraid to follow her dreams, and hold her head up high in doing so, even when her heart is broken into pieces. I was glad that Julianna didn’t try to shove Caitlin’s character down the acceptable feminist mold where one sees everything as a challenge, where life is a constant battlefield where the heroine refuses to change, remains so stubborn because that is what the mold dictates.Some authors try so hard to project this image of the ultimate free spirit who itches at the very thought of settling down, who breaks out into hives at even the mere whisper of a long term relationship. Women like that for me are quite trying and tiring at times. Which is why I am so very glad that Caitlin turned out to be different. Yes, she is independent, feisty, able to hold her own and charter her own course towards the unknown. But she is also vulnerable, able to feel deeply and falls like a ton of bricks for the man who finally sees her. The real her. Even though they both make mistakes, they do come out as the winning team at the end. The angst was no less heavy in this book than the previous one in the series. But it was just as good, and the ending, just as warmth inducing.
The sex was off the charts hot. There was a Skype session in the story that would never have me look at the camera on a laptop the same way, ever again. Eli’s confidence and playful nature in bed and out of it makes him such a turn on. I soaked up and reveled in every single aspect of Eli there was to indulge in. Goes to show that heroes don’t have to have a degree in dirty talking and call every heroine they come across every term of endearment there is and constantly use phrases like “pussy” or “cunt” in order to be sexy, sound sexy and do it dirty!
The only downside to the story would have to be the fact that the story is told entirely from Caitlin’s point of view. I would have loved to see Eli’s view of things, even be it towards the end. Nevertheless, Julianna has done a stellar job in creating both Caitlin and Eli and giving readers a story they would not forget for a long while.
Rating = 4.75/5
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April 9, 2021
I LOVE this author's voice. I am shocked! Shocked, I tell you that I loved this heroine. She was in book one and I couldn't stand her. I get in her head for a few pages here, and I'm in love. I really enjoyed her the entire book.
What didn't work as well for me is the hero. I adored him for 75% of the book, but the other 25% of the time he was acting like a jealous baby and it got on my nerves. The hero in book one was jealous, but it fit him and worked. In this book, it came off - cringy. I didn't love his apology at the end either.
But I adore this author's work. Her banter, her flawed characters.
I'm diving into book three. I already dislike the heroine from this book - she is a horrible mother. Yes, I said it! I can't wait to be proven wrong.... :)
What didn't work as well for me is the hero. I adored him for 75% of the book, but the other 25% of the time he was acting like a jealous baby and it got on my nerves. The hero in book one was jealous, but it fit him and worked. In this book, it came off - cringy. I didn't love his apology at the end either.
But I adore this author's work. Her banter, her flawed characters.
I'm diving into book three. I already dislike the heroine from this book - she is a horrible mother. Yes, I said it! I can't wait to be proven wrong.... :)
September 27, 2015
I really liked the first part, but it really fell apart for me by the end.
I mean, even during the first part, I was a bit put off by Eli - he's always right, and it's just a question of the heroine learning from him. Blech. But there was enough other stuff going on that I was okay with it.
But in the second part? He lies to the heroine, repeatedly, about where he is and what he's doing, and it turns out he's hanging out with his ex, and this is... okay, apparently. He flips the fuck out when the heroine checks her texts during oral sex, even though she's already told him she isn't crazy about oral because she has trouble keeping her mind on the sex. He gets pissy and pouts childishly when the heroine works long hours, despite the fact that almost all of their dates consist of her either going to the baseball games he likes or helping him renovate the house he's working on. I mean, if you want to spend more time with her, how about doing something SHE likes instead of stuff YOU like, jackass?
It's not a good sign in a Romance when I'm hoping the author has maybe forgotten the HEA rule and is going to end the book with the couple broken up, but wiser and able to move on to new love. Not a good sign at all.
I really liked the heroine and the writing, so I think I'll probably give the author another try. But this book? Really didn't work for me, because Eli was such a psychotic jackass.
I mean, even during the first part, I was a bit put off by Eli - he's always right, and it's just a question of the heroine learning from him. Blech. But there was enough other stuff going on that I was okay with it.
But in the second part? He lies to the heroine, repeatedly, about where he is and what he's doing, and it turns out he's hanging out with his ex, and this is... okay, apparently. He flips the fuck out when the heroine checks her texts during oral sex, even though she's already told him she isn't crazy about oral because she has trouble keeping her mind on the sex. He gets pissy and pouts childishly when the heroine works long hours, despite the fact that almost all of their dates consist of her either going to the baseball games he likes or helping him renovate the house he's working on. I mean, if you want to spend more time with her, how about doing something SHE likes instead of stuff YOU like, jackass?
It's not a good sign in a Romance when I'm hoping the author has maybe forgotten the HEA rule and is going to end the book with the couple broken up, but wiser and able to move on to new love. Not a good sign at all.
I really liked the heroine and the writing, so I think I'll probably give the author another try. But this book? Really didn't work for me, because Eli was such a psychotic jackass.
March 26, 2025
Whew this did not work for me the way the first one did but I was still very very engrossed. I know that Caitlin is the kind of unlikable heroine who a lot of readers will hate on but you know what, I respect her drive and ambition. And I think the point she was trying to make to Eli at the end about how she tried and he just gave up on her is a really valid point and I wish he’d been made to grovel a bit more bc that scene where he throws her phone and kicks her out was not a good look and honestly, I can see why he would’ve been upset but the response to it was shitty. And that’s AFTER he lies to her and I really wish she’d asked him if he would have ever come clean had she not run into him at the movie theater. Like sorry Eli, you act like the wronged person but you weren’t some innocent in this relationship either and Caitlin forgives pretty quickly. Honestly, the 3 stars are for the engrossing storytelling and for Caitlin, Eli can take a flying leap off the roof.
March 30, 2016
Keyes can write, and she writes very good sex and very good dirty talk. In a genre filled with terrible varieties of all three of those things she is a very far above the field. This, however, left me cold.
In the first book in this series there was a very clear sense of character and the story progressed in a believable well-paced manner. The characterisation in this novel was a bit patchy for me. The heroine is the real villain of the last book, a grade A bitch and Keyes has to redeem her. She does, but seemingly by getting her to change her whole approach to life for no good reason. I kind of wish she'd got to be a career driven bitch and find love. The hero starts out very, very well and then becomes a bit of an ass. There wasn't really any good reason for him to be such an ass and it didn't seem to have any basis aside from the necessity to create conflict.
There were roadblocks placed in the story which didn't make very much sense and were seemingly there just to create conflict. At one point our high flying lawyer heroine thinks that the hero has taken her to a fake apartment photographed the two of them having sex and distributed the photos. I mean, firstly, why would he do this? Secondly, why would she jump to that conclusion? It's a batshit mental conclusion to jump too and she doesn't have any real trust issues that might mean she comes to such an extreme conclusion. There's a bit at the end where the hero seemingly declares his love for another woman but in fact it's a misunderstanding about his meaning - it's silly and designed to create a last minute wedge between them.
I sound very down on this. I'm not that down on it. I read it straight through and in one sitting and I enjoyed it, but it never captured me and a few things simply straight-up bugged me. Perhaps my expectations were unfairly elevated as a result of book one in the series. It was all fine, but I had hoped for more than just fine.
In the first book in this series there was a very clear sense of character and the story progressed in a believable well-paced manner. The characterisation in this novel was a bit patchy for me. The heroine is the real villain of the last book, a grade A bitch and Keyes has to redeem her. She does, but seemingly by getting her to change her whole approach to life for no good reason. I kind of wish she'd got to be a career driven bitch and find love. The hero starts out very, very well and then becomes a bit of an ass. There wasn't really any good reason for him to be such an ass and it didn't seem to have any basis aside from the necessity to create conflict.
There were roadblocks placed in the story which didn't make very much sense and were seemingly there just to create conflict. At one point our high flying lawyer heroine thinks that the hero has taken her to a fake apartment photographed the two of them having sex and distributed the photos. I mean, firstly, why would he do this? Secondly, why would she jump to that conclusion? It's a batshit mental conclusion to jump too and she doesn't have any real trust issues that might mean she comes to such an extreme conclusion. There's a bit at the end where the hero seemingly declares his love for another woman but in fact it's a misunderstanding about his meaning - it's silly and designed to create a last minute wedge between them.
I sound very down on this. I'm not that down on it. I read it straight through and in one sitting and I enjoyed it, but it never captured me and a few things simply straight-up bugged me. Perhaps my expectations were unfairly elevated as a result of book one in the series. It was all fine, but I had hoped for more than just fine.
September 22, 2015
Holy Crap. This book was probably one of the best books I have ever read. In all honesty, I didn't think the author could top Time Served and actually somehow make me like, let alone love, Caitlin. But yeah. I did and I do. I actually love it more than Time Served. We as readers get to see the metamorphosis of Caitlin. We see how an arrogant and selfish woman just without even realizing it begins to care about others and the relationships in her life. In the process she meets Eli. Gahh. He is perfect and amazing and Caitlin's true match but he is also flawed and dealing with his own issues and insecurities. Through them, we get to see how two people with issues of their own come together.
Despite being one of the best books I ever read, I legit wanted to throw up during the last 30% at so many different points. But that's the true sign of an amazing book!! I felt everything! And the gut punches!!! Gahhh. Perfection!!! After reading all 4 of Julianna Keyes' books back to back it's safe to say I am officially passed hooked and now onto full-on obsessed. I will read any and everything she writes!!
Despite being one of the best books I ever read, I legit wanted to throw up during the last 30% at so many different points. But that's the true sign of an amazing book!! I felt everything! And the gut punches!!! Gahhh. Perfection!!! After reading all 4 of Julianna Keyes' books back to back it's safe to say I am officially passed hooked and now onto full-on obsessed. I will read any and everything she writes!!
July 23, 2018
This book! It's everything I love in an adult romance: sexy, heart-breaking, full of tension, and so much witty banter. Caitlin and Eli make a great team -- quite possibly one of my new favorites? I loved the reality this story portrays about how relationships can be messy, and not necessarily the happily ever after we all dream of. They require work, patience, and forgiveness. Also, I think it's important that we see characters with flaws, who make mistakes, who hurt honestly, and whole heartedly. That is what creates a true connection to a story, in my opinion. If you don't already know Julianna Keyes's work, get to know it. This is my second novel I've read of her's and I am a fan. Sign me up to read whatever else she has to write!
October 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this steamy romance between a high powered workaholic lawyer and an IT professional (who also happens to belong to a respected real estate company). Caitlin and Eli have a lot of clashes, both professionally and personally as they navigate an opposites attract relationship (where they have trouble keeping their hands off of each other). But it all contributes to their growth as individuals and as a couple as they find their way to a happy ending.
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
May 1, 2019
I didn’t read the first one. However, I don’t think it’s necessary. ANYWAY- I hated Caitlin at first and didn’t want to push through initially and then Eli came through and then I was completely hooked thereafter!! Loved this book!
February 28, 2016
This book has your HEA. This book tells the story of Caitlin Dufresne and Eli Grant. This book is the second in the Time Served series. This is telling the story of Caitlin and Eli. This book could be read as a standalone. It tells the story of the current characters and does not reference the previous book but a couple times.
Caitlin is a fifth year attorney doing anything and everything to get to the top. She does not care what it takes to look good for the partners, she will do what every. She puts in more hours of time working her cases than are in one day. She spreads herself thin way to many times. That is until her one mistake and it all catches up to her. She is forced to work normal business hours and to take the vacation that she has never taken.
Eli is a very busy man. He works as an IT Tech for the firm. He is the outgoing and carefree person that everyone loves. There are many sides to Eli that a lot of people don’t know about. He has many hidden sides as well. He has many things that keep him busy besides the IT side that most people know of. He has problems sharing all sides of himself.
Caitlin and Eli meet at work but on a frustrating night in the bar they have drinks and it turns into a game of Truth or Dare. That game leads to a one night stand, so they think. Then they decide to have a two week fling before she has to leave the city to start a new office in California. During the two weeks Eli teaches Caitlin what it is like to let loose and just be free. This is hard for her to do. She has never just slept in or spent the day doing what she wants. When her time comes for the fling to end and her to move she has to choose to go back to the old Caitlin or stay the carefree one that Eli brought out in her. She is not sure if she can just turn off the hard core Caitlin. Circumstance bring the two together again but she has to decide then what is best for her.
Caitlin is a fifth year attorney doing anything and everything to get to the top. She does not care what it takes to look good for the partners, she will do what every. She puts in more hours of time working her cases than are in one day. She spreads herself thin way to many times. That is until her one mistake and it all catches up to her. She is forced to work normal business hours and to take the vacation that she has never taken.
Eli is a very busy man. He works as an IT Tech for the firm. He is the outgoing and carefree person that everyone loves. There are many sides to Eli that a lot of people don’t know about. He has many hidden sides as well. He has many things that keep him busy besides the IT side that most people know of. He has problems sharing all sides of himself.
Caitlin and Eli meet at work but on a frustrating night in the bar they have drinks and it turns into a game of Truth or Dare. That game leads to a one night stand, so they think. Then they decide to have a two week fling before she has to leave the city to start a new office in California. During the two weeks Eli teaches Caitlin what it is like to let loose and just be free. This is hard for her to do. She has never just slept in or spent the day doing what she wants. When her time comes for the fling to end and her to move she has to choose to go back to the old Caitlin or stay the carefree one that Eli brought out in her. She is not sure if she can just turn off the hard core Caitlin. Circumstance bring the two together again but she has to decide then what is best for her.
June 24, 2017
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kimberlyfaye reads.
As much as I love Julianna Keyes' writing and the feels the first book in the series, Time Served, uh served up, I was a little concerned going into this one. After all, the heroine in this book was definitely the villain in the first so I thought I might have a tough time relating to her or, honestly, wanting to see her happy. Leave it to Julianna to show me a totally different side of Caitlin and make me like her.
Caitlin and Eli were an interesting pairing. The lawyer and the IT guy? I was there for it, though. I wouldn't call the relationship between them romantic or swoony, but I was all in for these two. Caitlan needed someone that wouldn't take her crap and let her push them around. She also needed someone who was willing to push her a little bit and make her open up. Eli was that guy. When he wasn't being a bit of a jerk. I really liked him... except when I got frustrated with him. Even though it seemed like Caitlin and Eli spent nearly as much time fighting (each other and their feelings) as they did having HOT AF sexy times, I was rooting for them.
All in all, I thought In Her Defense was a great addition to the Time Served series. I breezed through this book, enjoying the character growth, sexy times and, eventually, the feels.
FAVORITE QUOTES
"I don't want to repeat history. I don't want to be someone's second choice."
In the bedroom I want what I want, immediately, and then I want to get back to work.
As much as I love Julianna Keyes' writing and the feels the first book in the series, Time Served, uh served up, I was a little concerned going into this one. After all, the heroine in this book was definitely the villain in the first so I thought I might have a tough time relating to her or, honestly, wanting to see her happy. Leave it to Julianna to show me a totally different side of Caitlin and make me like her.
Caitlin and Eli were an interesting pairing. The lawyer and the IT guy? I was there for it, though. I wouldn't call the relationship between them romantic or swoony, but I was all in for these two. Caitlan needed someone that wouldn't take her crap and let her push them around. She also needed someone who was willing to push her a little bit and make her open up. Eli was that guy. When he wasn't being a bit of a jerk. I really liked him... except when I got frustrated with him. Even though it seemed like Caitlin and Eli spent nearly as much time fighting (each other and their feelings) as they did having HOT AF sexy times, I was rooting for them.
All in all, I thought In Her Defense was a great addition to the Time Served series. I breezed through this book, enjoying the character growth, sexy times and, eventually, the feels.
FAVORITE QUOTES
"I don't want to repeat history. I don't want to be someone's second choice."
In the bedroom I want what I want, immediately, and then I want to get back to work.
September 8, 2015
In Book 1 we saw Caitlin Dufresne as a cold calculating 5th year associate lawyer, focused on her career and success, looking out for Number 1. But her we get to see the real Caitlin Dufresne, the human being, the woman behind the workaholic lawyer and she's actually not all that bad. A product of her upbringing she really has no choice in being who she is. So when she is forced by her firm to limit her working hours, prove that she can be a team player and take a vacation before she is ready to take over the LA offices, things change drastically.
Enter Eli Grant, initially the bane of her existence because he's the one responsible for restricting access to anything work related after hours. Then he shows her there is more to life than work and that you can love more than one thing. But he has his own issues and Caitlin can only tell him how she feels, the rest is up to him. Because the one thing Caitlin knows better than anyone is to never give up.
I loved book 1 (TIME SERVED) but book 2 was even better.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Enter Eli Grant, initially the bane of her existence because he's the one responsible for restricting access to anything work related after hours. Then he shows her there is more to life than work and that you can love more than one thing. But he has his own issues and Caitlin can only tell him how she feels, the rest is up to him. Because the one thing Caitlin knows better than anyone is to never give up.
I loved book 1 (TIME SERVED) but book 2 was even better.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2017
Just a couple of points.
- Heroine's personality from the start of this book is different/out of sync with the way she was in book 1. She did redeem herself in this book, but she didn't start the redemption from the same point she was at in the first book.
- The hero ended up being a total jerk which is a problem, because he started the book as a breath of fresh air, and I had high hopes for him. He lost his standing because he showed himself to be an immature asshole, who did not deserve the heroine in any way, shape or form. He also did not govel at all and kept being jerk even in the final reconciliation scene.
- Heroine's personality from the start of this book is different/out of sync with the way she was in book 1. She did redeem herself in this book, but she didn't start the redemption from the same point she was at in the first book.
- The hero ended up being a total jerk which is a problem, because he started the book as a breath of fresh air, and I had high hopes for him. He lost his standing because he showed himself to be an immature asshole, who did not deserve the heroine in any way, shape or form. He also did not govel at all and kept being jerk even in the final reconciliation scene.
October 28, 2015
We've seen a lot of anti-heroes in romance fiction but not enough anti-heroines. Well here is one of them, and she's very nicely written. In fact, the writing and Caitlin's character were so interesting that they eclipsed any disappointment I felt with the last 20% of the book. Eli was fun, the dialogue was fresh, and the secondary characters were realistic. However, a lot of silly things happen toward the end of the book that kept me from giving this 5 stars.
April 5, 2016
Wasn't sure if I was gonna connect with this MC but watching her character grow was worth it. Plus a sexy guy and some steamy scenes didn't hurt either. *wink* Seriously though, flawed characters that felt authentic and made you want to root for them. I ran the gambit of emotions while reading this one. It made for a good ride.
March 5, 2017
My summer of rereads continues & I had to revisit my favorite adult contemp romance I discovered this year! Still just as steamy the second time around.
February 17, 2024
I put off reading this one right after the first in the series, Time Served. Caitlyn was such a villain in that book. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about her story. But. I loved it.
I love that these two characters weren’t just vacant tropes symbolizing virtuous souls being deserving of love. They are flawed and imperfect. And interesting. Loved it.
I put together a new rating system for books this year.
The new rating system uses 10 criteria that I see as being distinct elements which add to my reading experience. Each criteria is rated independently out of 10, where a rating of 5 is a neutral rating; not poorly done, but not necessarily exceptionally done. Criteria includes things such as the quality of character dialogue, world building, etc. These 10 criteria scores are then averaged.
Then, there are 10 criteria which I find take away from my reading experience. Things such as misogyny which is normalized in the writing, authors which end up preaching through their characters’ dialogue, etc. There is no neutral score here. These criteria are also averaged, then taken away from the existing average score.
This yields a score out of 10, which is halved and rounded for the goodreads rating.
I’m hoping this system will help me with some more consistent ratings across genres, and will help me zero in on why a book may not have been for me (or may really have been for me).
I love that these two characters weren’t just vacant tropes symbolizing virtuous souls being deserving of love. They are flawed and imperfect. And interesting. Loved it.
I put together a new rating system for books this year.
The new rating system uses 10 criteria that I see as being distinct elements which add to my reading experience. Each criteria is rated independently out of 10, where a rating of 5 is a neutral rating; not poorly done, but not necessarily exceptionally done. Criteria includes things such as the quality of character dialogue, world building, etc. These 10 criteria scores are then averaged.
Then, there are 10 criteria which I find take away from my reading experience. Things such as misogyny which is normalized in the writing, authors which end up preaching through their characters’ dialogue, etc. There is no neutral score here. These criteria are also averaged, then taken away from the existing average score.
This yields a score out of 10, which is halved and rounded for the goodreads rating.
I’m hoping this system will help me with some more consistent ratings across genres, and will help me zero in on why a book may not have been for me (or may really have been for me).
January 29, 2018
I'm giving this a generous 4 stars since I liked it a lot better than the first in the series, though 3.5 is closer to reality. The heroine is very hard to love but fairly believable and shows growth without a complete personality overhaul, and I didn't hate the hero, which is a big plus. ;-) I like Keyes' writing style and the audiobook was well narrated by Shirl Ray.
These books aren't for everyone but this one didn't squick me like the first. This one was a bit milder and less crazymaking, which, again, is a plus in this case.
These books aren't for everyone but this one didn't squick me like the first. This one was a bit milder and less crazymaking, which, again, is a plus in this case.
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