Jack Adams is a lawyer and as disciplined as they come. And at age 35, he has earned the trust of his mentor and boss and been handed a delicate case for the daughter of a major client. If he handles this right, his partnership is all but guaranteed. After he wins a big hearing, Jack sees the finish line in sight. But his career takes an unexpected turn when his client has other plans and Jack succumbs to her charms. Seduced and manipulated, Jack struggles to unravel the truth while he is forced to fight for his job, his law license, and even his freedom.
If you like legal thrillers that are edgy and gripping, then you will love Broken Promises. In this novel, break-out author, Nick Nichols, a long-time family law attorney, tackles all the spicy issues of divorce: adultery, addiction, power, and greed. The lead character’s error in judgment, namely, sleeping with his client, took him down a path that spiraled down into an abyss. The book serves as a cautionary tale for lawyers who might be similarly tempted.
After having this book recommended to me, I thought I would delve deeper into the legal mind of Nick Nichols. Having previously read one of his short stories, I was sure this would be a great legal drama, sharp and succinct as the reader holds on for dear life. Jack Adams is an Atlanta divorce attorney climbing the ranks of his firm in hopes of making partner by thirty-five. When two important cases fall on his desk, he can all but see the partnership solidified. One case proves challenging, with a woman bound and determined to take her husband to the cleaners for his adulterous ways. The other proves even more mind-boggling and Adams finds himself unsure how to react to the advances made by his client. What begins as simple flirtation soon turns into full-fledged scandal, as Adams is drawn into his client's web. Learning her true intentions, Adams still finds himself violating ethical boundaries, which could cost him everything. A Bar suspension, a job in jeopardy, and personal ruin begin the downward spiral for Jack Adams, and yet this is not rock bottom. When something happens to his client, all eyes turn to Adams, though he professes that he is not involved. What follows might be the fight for his life, legal and otherwise. A interesting premise for a legal thriller that, unfortunately, does not past muster with this jury of one.
While others have offered much praise for this novel, I felt that Nichols missed the mark. He had all the essential tools in his quiver, but repeatedly fell short. The cast of characters was well constructed and varied, as were their backgrounds. This permitted the story to move forward, albeit limping on certain occasions. The premise was strong and Nichols did succeed in making divorce law something more than a mundane mud-slinging affair (no pun intended), but the way by which the narrative developed and presented the 'spiral into disarray' started a process of skimming the water, as if Nichols had much he wanted to address but someone was demanding the manuscript quickly. He rushed through the latter portion of the story and offered only the most superficial of courtroom or legal stories, where I could see much opportunity for dramatic flare. Tepid at best, I am left to wonder if an editor slashed and gutted the essential aspects to his work, as I have seen writing and a narrative exponentially better in his aforementioned short story. Perhaps a switch elsewhere will garner him better results (at least from me), if he is given the chance to flourish with another project.
A decent novel, Mr. Nichols that simply did not get deep enough or explore all the avenues at your disposal. Worry not, we all stumble at times. It is picking one's self up again that separates the truly great authors from those destined for sub-par status.
Jack Adams is an up-and-coming divorce lawyer. He’s worked hard to get where he is. His mentor is pleased with his work and a partnership may be offered in the near future. He is given a case for the daughter of a major client of the law firm.
He wins a big hearing on her behalf and he thinks he’s halfway home. But the client has other ideas and Jack is taken in by long blonde hair, baby blue eyes, and a body that won’t quit. He knows it’s wrong. He knows that if found out he could lose everything he’s worked so hard for. But Jack is a man, he’s human, and he succumbs to all her charms.
But this particular client has much more in mind than an occasional fling. He loses his job, the respect of the law firm, his mentor, and then when the client is found dead, he loses his freedom.
This is an excellent legal thriller. The book is well-written with characters that are fully developed. There are many twists and turns along the way and the ending was superb.
No surprise that the author is a practicing attorney. This book smacks of realism.
Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Some books grab you by the first page, and this is one of them.
Jack Adams is a lawyer and as disciplined as they come. And at age 35, he has earned the trust of his mentor and boss and been handed a delicate case for the daughter of a major client. If he handles this right, his partnership is all but guaranteed. After he wins a big hearing, Jack sees the finish line in sight. But his career takes an unexpected turn when his client has other plans and Jack succumbs to her charms. Seduced and manipulated, Jack struggles to unravel the truth while he is forced to fight for his job, his law license, and even his freedom.