Leading the Witness

Conflict of Interest #4

by Chantal Fernando

In this sizzling and thrilling fourth installment in New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando’s Conflict of Interest series, a divorce lawyer finds himself stuck between his client and the woman he desires—and soon he’ll be forced to choose sides.

Hunter Brayze doesn’t always like his clients but as the divorce attorney for Bentley & Channing Law, he doesn’t have to. So when he meets his latest client, even though he can’t stand the guy, let alone understand how any woman would ever marry him, he is still determined to win his case. But he never expects taking this client would turn his entire world upside down.

When he comes face to face with his client’s soon-to-be ex, he’s shocked to see Riley McMahon, owner of his local pub and the woman he’s wanted ever since he first laid eyes on her. He didn’t even know she was getting a divorce, and now he’s stuck defending the man who wants to screw Riley out of everything. Feeling like he’s betraying her, Hunter vows to settle this case as quickly as he can by any means possible. Because after months of flirting with Riley at the pub, and now knowing that she’ll soon be free, Hunter is determined to make her his.

But as the proceedings get messier and secrets are revealed, Hunter’s running out of tricks to keep both parties happy. And when someone sets Riley’s pub on fire, he can’t help but suspect his own client. Torn between his professional code of ethics and his intense connection with Riley, Hunter finds himself at a crossroads wondering whose interests he’ll ultimately protect.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Romantic Suspense, Ebooks

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 17, 2018

About the author

New York Times, Amazon & USA Today Bestselling Author Chantal Fernando is thirty years old and lives in Western Australia.

Lover of all things romance, Chantal is the author of the best selling books Dragon's Lair, Maybe This Time and many more.

When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.

Chantal loves to hear from readers and can be found here:

<3

FB author page:

https://www.facebook.com/authorchanta...

Reviews

[CristiinaReads୨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

➳An office romance, mixed with a bar owner character that keeps you wanting more of their undeniable chemistry towards each other...



➳When it comes down to office romances, I am a goner for sure. This novel though does not inquire so much of an office romance vibe, but the opposite kinds of world vibe where we have a divorce lawyer and a bar-tender taking place into the aspect of being two of the most stubborn characters I have ever read, but have this powerful chemistry that has honestly proved to me that there is a chance for a second opportunity at finding your one true soulmate. Hunter and Riley are both individuals that have danced around the whole idea of flirting. The reason why is because throughout that one year of knowing each other, there has been an obstacle that has put them at a stop for wanting to proceed with their "relationship." That is, that Riley is married but is in the tropes of getting a divorce. That's when the pickle kicks in and they are both yet again being put in a situation that includes morals and professionalism.

➳To make this review short and sweet (because this is the kind of romance you would indulged to if you read this beauty) I'll just go out and say and incredible this romance novel is. It is indeed one of my favorites this year and I am so glad I took part of reading it because now I will go back to read the previous books in the series. Overall, I loved everything about Hunter and Riley. Both are characters that bring out the best in each other and always end up finding a solution of how to take care of each other even through the hard times.



➳Thank you to Gallery Books for providing an ARC of this masterpiece of a romance, as I am definitely looking forward to reading the previous books in the series. I highly recommend this series if you are looking for the seductiveness that an alpha male brings.

➳ARC kindly provided by Gallery Books, in exchange for an honest review...

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[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

 
 
~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~
This one was just OK for me. There wasn't anything wrong with it per se, but it just left me a bit "meh." All the OW stuff (women he slept with...women flirting with him) got tiresome after a while. Plus, I couldn't stand Riley. I do enjoy this author's writing, so that aspect was very good. The pace was a bit slow for me. The plot was OK. I found myself losing interest halfway through. I think the combination of finding Riley annoying. How slow the relationship was moving, and the constant OW stuff just left me less than impressed with the book overall.


~HERO~
HUNTER...Honestly? Hunter was the star of this book. I loved his character. He was sweet. A good friend. A manwhore, but very recently he had toned it down. He had an endless supply of patience with Riley. Pretty much ALL my three stars are thanks to Hunter.


~HEROINE~
RILEY...Riley was another big reason this one didn't work for me. I couldn't STAND her character AT ALL. First, I hate heroines that let pride get in the way of being smart. She has an entire group of lawyer friends yet she doesn't ONCE ask a single one of them for help or advice about her divorce?? Second, she was as a bitch (IMO) and her flip-flopping about Hunter drove me nuts. Pretty much everything about her drove me up the wall. Hunter deserved WAY better in my opinion.


 

~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
Another positive point for the book was it had a fantastic cast of secondary characters. Couples and characters from previous books. Friends and coworkers of Riley's. All of them added a nice extra layer to the story.


~FAVORITE QUOTE~
"I’m pregnant,” she says, sniffing . “And I broke my chair. Probably because I’m pregnant and fat, and my chair knew I was about to get fatter, so it committed suicide because it didn’t want to have to support my fat ass any longer."


~HEAT LEVEL~
LOW. This book was WAY slow burn with no sexy times until 66% (oral) and 71%(intercourse) in. Unfortunately, because of some of the issues I already mentioned, I never felt this couple had any on page chemistry.


~ANGST LEVEL - SEXUAL HISTORIES~
LOW. This one wasn't very angsty. There are a few bumps in the road, but nothing major. Neither were virgins. Riley hadn't had sex in over a year. I have no clue about Hunter. But I got the feeling he continued to have sex with OW right until he knew Riley was getting divorced. There was quite a lot of OW stuff in this one (blah). I wouldn't say drama, but Hunter hires Annabelle a woman he slept with in the past to represent Riley. Personally, I have NO idea why the author needed to have Hunter and Annabelle be past f-ck buddies. Thye could have easily just been good friends and it would have worked just as well. It was an icky situation IMO. We are also reminded A LOT that Hunter was a manwhore. Riley constantly thinks he is sleeping with everyone around him. Plus every single woman that runs across him flirts with him (rolling my eyes). There was a bit of OM drama in the form of Riley's ex-husband.


~IN THE END~
Eh...like I said, it was OK. There were quite a few issues that kept me from rating this one higher. But I also thought it was a well written book, and I loved Hunter and a lot of the secondary characters. So a bit of a mixed bag for me. That said, I don't think I will be carrying on with anymore books in this series since both books I have read have been just been OK. It is what it is. Therefore yours truly is going to give this one a single solid thumbs up.



 

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter Brayze - Divorce attorney for Bentley & Channing Law. Hunter is known as the tatted up, playboy lawyer of the firm. He's easy going and the ladies love him. Riley caught his eye a year ago when she opened up her new Pub however she's married and off limits.

Riley McMahon - Owner of local pub called Riley's. She's got a pin up girl vibe to her. She's sweet but sassy. Married but soon to be divorced and she has a thing for Hunter. She see's the playboy in him and knows that's the last thing she needs right after a divorce.

Riley is a total sweetheart. She and her soon-to-be ex have grown apart and want different things. She just wants a quiet divorce and only wants her dog and her pub even though she is entitled to half of everything. The ex is being petty and wants to take everything away from her. Unbeknownst to Riley and Hunter, the ex hires Hunter as his divorce attorney.

I really enjoy it when an author takes a playboy and turns him into a loyal, protective boyfriend. He's been attracted to Riley for a year but knew she was off limits. The minute he finds out his new client is her husband, he's ticked that she didn't tell him but also elated to know that she will soon be free to date. He's in an impossible situation but handles it all very well.

This one is my favorite out of the series. Hunter is an easy guy to crush on and Riley was a very like-able heroine. Plus there is a great cast of side-characters in this series and the author added even more with the employees of the pub. A lot of possible future books! ARC provided by NetGalley.

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

hunter is a bit of an asshole..
weakest of the series..
but overall this series is fun times if you are in the mood for some short lawyer-themed books with steam and some suspense...
2,5 stars

[GimmeAllTheWerdssss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good start with good characters....BUT the longer it went on the less I liked the characters and then it just turned into a big pile of OTT sweetness.

Plus, it’s hard to root for a Hero who....
- Gets and ex fuck buddy to represent the heroine in her divorce proceedings
- Invites the heroine AND OW he’s fucked to his birthday party
- States “I always fuck on the first date”
- “You’re a bit of a slut” how the Heros assistant describes him
- Hero plans a first date with heroine that includes naked jacuzzi time
- States the longest he’s been without sex is since he started pursuing the heroine - less than 2 weeks at that point. BUT he’s wanted the heroine for over a year...

Also...I once had a job for 6 months where is worked with lawyers on a daily basis and I’m fairly certain I have more legal knowledge than ANY of these characters - who are supposedly the best in the area.

[Elizabeth Neal]

*Not rating, but leaving this here to help others who have the same preferences I do. Stop reading as there may be what some deem spoilers, though I've seen this information in other reviews as well.**

Hunter and Riley have known each other, and flirted with one another, for a year. Riley is married during this time, though she's unhappy and knows a divorce is imminent. Hunter is a manwhore and continued sleeping with OW even after meeting the heroine and wanting her "so much." Yes, I know, she's off limits and in his head always will be as she's married, but I'd hoped for more out of this story. Also, it seems as if every woman within his range just had to flirt with him. Please. That's just ridiculous. Lastly, Hunter hires a woman, Annabelle, that he's slept with to represent Riley. That's disgusting and disrespectful to the heroine. Is it too hard to have him be just friends or co-workers with a woman without needing to bang her or already having done so? Being intimate in the past and having her help the woman she want to become intimate with and want to make "yours," is gross in my opinion. His numerous conquests were too in my face, the constantly flirting woman was too much, and the previous conquest "working" with the heroine ruined it for me. If that stuff was missing, I would've enjoyed this so much more.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers who have read Chantal Fernando’s Conflict of Interest series are more than familiar with Hunter Brayze - the gorgeous tattooed divorce lawyer who never lacks female attention, and now in, Leading the Witness, Fernando places this playboy attorney in a rather precarious position - one that makes Hunter question his code of ethics and makes him doubt his professionalism when, for personal reasons, he’s begins to push for a quick and easy fix for his current client’s divorce settlement.

Talk about a conflict of interest…Hunter doesn’t usually care if he likes his clients or not, but not only does he have a hard time interacting with this particular man, but come to find out, the man he’s representing wants to leave his soon-to-be ex with NOTHING and she just so happens to be the one woman Hunter’s always been attracted to but never acted on due to her martial status.

Riley McMahon can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to dealing with her impending divorce. Her husband is beyond an asshat and she doesn’t deserve his mistreatment, but she endures and keeps her head held high because that’s kind of independent woman she is and will continue to be despite the shitstorm that surrounds her. But boy does Hunter Brayze throw Riley off her game and even though he didn’t mean to, he makes everything that much more complicated but what he also does is make Riley see what attraction and desire look like, and it’s definitely nothing like what she ever had with her husband.

For most of the story, Hunter and Riley can only circle around one another because their mutual attraction can’t be acted on until Riley becomes a single woman again, and even then, she seems a bit gun shy, which makes sense give what’s she’s been through, but it’s more than difficult to not give into her feelings for Hunter, so exploring that connection may already be out of her hands.

Because of the circumstances standing in Hunter and Riley’s way, it’s definitely a slow burn romance; in fact, besides flirty conversations, nothing happens until more than 60% through the story, and while it makes sense given the situation they’re dealing with, it may be something that prevents readers from connecting with the characters, but Fernando does make it clear that both Hunter and Riley want something to happen between them, it’s just a tenuous situation, and it’s something that can only begin once something else ends.

I loved Hunter since he was introduced in the series, so I’m so glad his story was told, and while it wasn’t my favorite, I still enjoyed it and was happy to see past characters and couples pop up in Leading the Witness because I love catching up with characters I’ve grown attached to and that’s what Fernando gives her readers in Hunter and Riley’s story.

4 Poison Apples The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leading the Witness is book four in the Conflict of Interest series by Chantal Fernando. Divorce Lawyer Hunter Brayze volunteer to take over a divorce case for a friend. Unbeknown Hunter's new client is the estranged husband of the woman he loves Riley McMahon, the owner of the local Irish pub. Hunter is torn between his ethics as a lawyer and protecting the woman he loves. The readers of Leading the Witness will continue to follow Hunter Brayze to see how he protects Riley McMahon to find out what happens.

Leading the Witness is an enjoyable book to read. I like Chantal Fernando portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each throughout the book. The description of the settings of this book was done well by Chantal Fernando. Leading the Witness was well written and researched by Chantal Fernando. I engaged with the plot of Leading the Witness from the start.

The readers of Leading the Witness will learn about the code of ethics and code of conduct for the legal profession and the consequences if they breached them. Also, the readers of Leading the Witness will learn about running a small pub.

I recommend this book.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review

I have adored everything I have ready by Ms Fernando, and I am a big fan of her Conflict of Interest series.

I have been waiting for Hunter's story, and Ms Fernando certainly did not disappoint. He is the hottie lawyer, hiding his tattoos under expensive suits. However he does wear his heart on his sleeve, and he has been wearing it for Riley for a long time.

I love the banter between our lovelies, and sparks sure do fly between them.

I love Riley's kick ass, I don't need your help attitude, even when it is to her detriment. I also love that she will take the help - albeit reluctantly at first - when it is offered.

Hunter's name says it all. He goes for what he wants-eventually! And oh my, how wouldn't want to be hunted by Hunter? I adore that he is so protective of his friends, would go to bat for any of them if they needed it.

I freaking love love love the banter between the guys an gals from the previous books. They are such a close knit group of friends, and they are full of bite and snark and taking the p!ss out of each other.

I don't want to say too much about the story, just know that I think it was my favourite in the whole series - so far.

I can't wait to see where Ms Fernando takes us next with these illegally hot lawyers.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I enjoyed Jaxon's book so I was looking forward to Hunter's since we got sense of him and the bar owner the firm gang frequents. And what a conflict of interest it is for Hunter and Riley. Thing is Hunter really has feelings for her, just wrong timing with the divorce and him bring her ex's lawyer. Suffice to the ex is also a prick and Riley did not have it easy with the mediation.

It's good that Hunter bided his time and was patient in the whole situation. But it wasn't too long, what with all the sexual tension between them. I liked Hunter enough Riley took me a while to like. Now for the mystery and danger part didn't come in till much later. In a way felt thrown in for the extra plot. It kind felt draggy after the initial part was solved but I was still curious how it would end.

I wished the book is the cover was connected with how Hunter is described in the book with a beard and not clean cut. But it was likable enough story wise, the romance wise which was more the focus than the law part. The writing was probably the part that was the better part. Still like the other characters so might keep on.

*** ARC provided for an honest review ***

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fabulous! The story is very gripping and so much goes on that you just need to shut the family up so that you can read!

Riley has a lot of stuff going on in her life and Hunter is the last thing she thinks she needs. Silly woman! Take him and take him NOW! That's my opinion. Hunter is simply divine: alpha male, kind, patient and sexy with a capital S! There is so much sexual chemistry going on between Riley and Hunter that it's hard to understand how they hold off for so long.

This is my second book by Chantal Fernando and I'm hooked. I recommend this book; you won't be disappointed.

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟1/2 stars

I have to admit, I struggled with getting involved in this story. I really loved the synopsis, but the story just didn’t grab me.

There seemed to be some disconnect between portions of the story. But I will say that Hunter was pretty hot in the courtroom.

All in all, Leading the Witness was an okay read for me.

Reviewed by: Dana D.

[&#x1f159;&#x1d532;&#x1d529;&#x1d537; · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed. Not only was the storyline flat. Everything that ended in court got tied up with a neat bow with little fuss. Despite going through divorce courts then against the lawyer. Also the it’s cool to burn down my pub. The sex scenes lacked passion the story was to tidy and convenient

[Alecia (The Staircase Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One name should say it all....HUNTER!

From the beginning I have been intrigued by Hunter...the hottie who hides his tattoos behind his crisp business suits. The man who hits on anything in a skirt. But as you turn the pages in Leading The Witness you will soon find that Hunter is much more than what his playboy exterior shows. He's so much more than I could have even imagined!

And then we have Riley, the bad ass bar owner with a fiery spirit and a whole lot of sass! Riley has always been a character on my mind since I started the Conflict of Interest series. Just by the tiny glimpses of her and Hunter's banter I knew she was going to be my favorite heroine in this series. But what I wasn't expecting was for Riley to have such a crazy story attached to the spitfire persona that makes up her personality.

Riley is on the brink of finally getting what she has wanted for the past year...a divorce from her douche canoe of an ex....and trust me when I say...this man is a serious ass with a capital A!

Hunter has had his sights set on Riley since the first moment he walked into Riley's bar and saw her. Their relationship has been and endless amount of sexual tension and endless flirtations but through it all Hunter never overstepped the line knowing Riley was married. Now all bets are off the table and Riley is fair game....Until he is hired to be said ex-husbands lawyer.

I absolutely loved the twist of Hunter representing the ex douche in the divorce. No matter how much he didn't want to. This showed a type of dedication to Hunter's character and his career. And even though these scenes between Hunter and Jeremy made me uncomfortable at times and literally had me wanting to punch Jeremy for being as I stated above, A HUGE DOUCHE CANOE, This face made me see Hunter in a brighter and newer light.

Riley is put through hell, what with her pending divorce and the aftereffects of said divorce. My heart legit broke for her. One thing about Riley though, she always faced the obstacles that were thrown her way head on. This one is a stubborn independent individual.

Overall, I can honestly now say, Leading The Witness is my favorite book in this entire series! I expected this to be the outcome because...hello...HUNTER, but I never imagined I would love this book as much as I loved it!



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[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book

So from the moment that Hunter was introduced in this series, I wanted his story, and it was just as i expected it to be.
The minute that Hunter saw Riley McMahon the owner of the local pub, he wanted her. Hunter is a tatted up, playboy divorce lawyer at Bentley and Channing Law. He is your usual playboy type, girls love him and he is enjoying his life.



Riley is sweet, sassy and she is getting a divorce, and the last thing she needs is to get involved with a playboy, no matter all the flirting they have been doing. All she wants is her divorce and to run her bar and live quietly with her dog.
But as with all divorces her ex is being a pain and the worse of it is, his lawyer is none other than the playboy she was been infatuated with. And imagine Hunter's surprise when he is representing the ex of the women he can't seem to get out of his head. So will Riley give him the time of day when she finds out and how will Hunter make her his women if he's the ex's lawyer??

I loved this one, Hunter was just #sigh #swoonworthy. I mean a sexy alpha male in a suit, oh yeah baby. Loved Riley, she was independent and sweet but also a bit feisty... I loved the chemistry between the two of them it was freaking HOT!!! This author always gets me with her books, draws you in from the moment you start reading :-)

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter and Riley have known each other, and flirted with one another, for a year. Riley was married during this time but unhappily married and she knows the day is coming where she will file for divorce. Hunter is a playboy who falls for the heroine yet sleeps with other women while still flirting and craving Riley during that time. Thing is, the woman he has lusted over for a full year was married and Hunter didn’t know. Riley fell for Hunter when he walked into her Pub and they flirted with one another for that year but things with south when he finds out he is her estranged husband divorce attorney. This is such an angsty read, full of passion, and twists and turns. Hunter and Riley were two people who had fallen for each other but they were damaged souls yet they couldn’t help the pull they felt towards one another. Riley’s ex is a huge jerk and I so wanted to see him get his comeuppance. I sort of wished that Hunter kicked him to the curb when he realized that he was Riley soon to be ex instead of keeping him on as a client. So I was a bit steamed over Hunter and his actions there but as the story goes on, we get to watch as Hunter and Riley interacted and oh my, the chemistry is strong and intense between these two. Also, there are so many awesome support characters in Leading the Witness that I cant wait to see who Ms Fernando writes next in this series.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

[Jenn __Garden Of REden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy's Review

I've been anticipating Hunter's book since this series began.  Something about this character just called to me and it wasn't just the numerous tattoos and glorious beard.  He is this kick butt lawyer that should be jaded by all the family law cases he takes on but, somehow has retained his ideals.  He's still fun, open minded, and believes in romance.  All those things wrapped up in a very sexy packages makes for one hell of a character.

Riley was a character I instantly fell in love with.  She was this perfect blend of independent but, also soft and open.  I was never really sure how she would react to any given situation which made for a really great read.

With two amazing lead characters I wasn't sure how the supporting characters would stack up but, I shouldn't have.  They added depth and a whole lot of humor to the story without overshadowing the original storyline.  They really rounded out the book and made it that much better.

This is by far my favorite in this series  and my only complaint is I wish there was a little more drama.  Everything ran so smoothly I was just waiting for something to spring up and take everyone off guard and while complications arose they were settled so quickly that it detracted from the overall feel of the story for me.  I'm use to major drama from this author and it just wasn't there.

[Andi Isack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a classic trope, but even so it never lose its "charm". I don't know what lawyers have, but I find him extremely sexy. Maybe it's the suit and tie look, or their job, I really don't know, but I always enjoy reading a book who's main character is a lawyer.
Back to this one. It's my first by this author. I liked the cover and the blurb. So I decided to pick it up. The story is a great combination of off limits romance and second choice romance. Because Rilley is divorcing, because she has a secret crush on the attorney. Because he is the perfect Playboy, how's aware of the power of his charm. Because he only has to snap his finger, and he gets any woman he wants. Except one. The sassy and stubborn Riley.
But the mutual attraction between them is like a fire, burning through their veins. Challenging their minds, owning their soul, breaking their routine.
Now you are going to enjoy so much their "relationship", from the off-limits part till the hot part.
Is always entertaining to see how a woman can change a man. From the Playboy to the loyal and devoted lover. Because love changes everything even a manwhore attorney.
Till next time, Chantal.

*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has pain, suspense, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Breaching the Contract (Conflict of Interest #1)
Seducing the Defendant (Conflict of Interest #2)
Approaching the Bench (Conflict of Interest #3)

This is Riley and Hunter’s story. Hunter is a divorce lawyer. There are times he does not like his clients but he will help them out. His current client is getting a divorce from the woman that Hunter has always wanted. He is stuck with his client who is determined to take away everything that Riley has. But can he help out the client when all he wants is Riley? He wants to settle but will he end up hurting Riley in the end? Will he be able to make her his if he helps her ex? As the case gets more and more crazy can he figure out how to figure out what side he wants to be on in the end?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

***ARC Provided by the Author and Give Me Books***

I enjoy forbidden romances when there really is a reason for them not to be together. Not a made up reason, or one where they feel that it is a bad idea, but a real, actual reason. In this one, Hunter is representing Riley's soon to be ex husband in their divorce.

That is a real reason.

I also enjoyed that this was resolved reasonably quickly, but both of them respected the other, and there was enough time from the divorce to the start of the new relationship. All of this combined for me to really believe that there was an actual, viable relationship between them.

I enjoyed their connection, the other characters in the story, and the story arc. I related, and sympathized, with the characters. I believed that they were real people, and I thought they reacted as people would in the situation.

The conflict of interest series are all enjoyable, and I recommend this title. It can be read as a standalone, although there are characters in this from the other previous titles.

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leading the Witness was a light and entertaining read. I was drawn into the story and was interested to see where things would lead.

I enjoyed the connection and the flirting between Riley and Hunter. It built the tension for me and I couldn’t wait for them to finally be able to act on their chemistry. I was a little surprised that there was so little of the trial/divorce since that’s all the blurb really covered. That being said, I did like that once they were finally free to explore more, they did. We still had the build and then we got to focus on them and their progression as a couple.

Fernando added in a bit of mystery, both with Riley’s past and in some issues that arose. I felt those added another dimension to the story. I was eager to see what would happen and who was behind it all.

This the first book I’ve read from Chantal Fernando and it won’t be my last. I’m ready to head back to the beginning and see where it all started!!

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's finally Hunter's turn and the sexy, tatted up lawyer does not disappoint. This one has a somewhat slower build on the romance with so many things keeping Hunter and Riley apart, but the chemistry between them is through the roof. I loved Hunter's patience as he quite literally woos Riley, breaking down her walls little by little. We also get some suspense by way of both Riley's ex and her past, and this one had some twists that I never saw coming. The story does stand on its own, but for those familiar with the wonderful characters of this series, we get plenty of peeks at past favorites and what is going on in their lives. This one did feel a bit more drawn out at times, but it's full of Fernando's trademark wit and sass, along with some intrigue and a romance that is both sweet and scorching hot. All in all, another solid addition to the series.

[Klarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about Hunter and Riley, Riley was a bar owner and married, when in walked Hunter a lawyer who defended clients and got them out of bad situations. Hunter ended up falling for Riley not knowing she was married until her soon to be ex-husband hired him to be his divorce attorney, and from there this is where their story goes full speed. Looking forward to the next story in the series.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great romance between a bar owner and her soon to be ex's husband's divorce attorney. The romance where fun and flirty and then angsty parts where not to much but enough to make the story more interesting. I havnt read the other in the series but now I badly wants to. Had a lot of fun with this book

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was like a lawyer au fanfiction which isn’t really a bad thing, and it was definitely fun but the writing was very simple and the plot was pretty cliche. Not a bad read, especially since I’m not a huge romance fan, but not exactly what I was hoping for.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to thank Page Habit for sending this annotated copy to me.

Okay, this is my own fault because for whatever reason I selected a romance book for my book for my book of the month from Page Habit, and clearly this was a mistake. I'm not huge into romance. I like books with romantic themes but my god this writing is so awful. So probably don't take my word for it, because I like a little more substance than just "oh my god I want to screw him hes so hot". Bleh.

[Arlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to read story.

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was cute. There isn't much suspense or anything that propels the plot. Its more a string of littler problems that they tackle. I really liked Hunter-I liked him in the previous books too, but this just confirmed my feelings. He and Riley are a great match and I enjoyed reading about them dealing with the struggles of a formerly taboo relationship.

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been totally waiting for Riley's book....I can't lie. And reading this blurb had my eyes popping out. Yes....give it to me, its exactly what I wanted!

Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked......

Hunter is a lawyer and he is a dreamboat! 'I’m one of a kind, Hunter replies'....oh yes you are Hunter!

Riley owns the pub down the road from his office. There has been a mutual attraction for a while but the only problem was that Riley has been trying to get things settled with her ex husband.....and let's just say her ex, Jeremy, is piece of work, I wanted to smack him!

Hunter and Riley's relationship is beautiful and it sings out through the pages....and of course there is drama!

For the record ...I love Preston

[Vicky · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I am on a re-readathon at the mo... looking for a specific book that I cannot remember the title of...

I read other reviews after I had started to re-read this... don't like man-whores... don't like OW drama being involved on any level... so, this finishes the series on a sour note for me.