Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Trials of Love #1

Trial & Error

Rate this book
When Jake Taylor finds himself in the middle of a custody battle with his soon-to-be ex-wife, he realizes he already knows one of her hotshot city lawyers. Intimately. Sebastian Lloyd takes tall, dark, and sexy to a whole new level, but can Jake trust him? Or was their steamy encounter just a set up?

Sebastian Lloyd hates being a lawyer, but that’s not the biggest secret he keeps from his family. And he’s not coming out any time soon. Especially since his client’s soon-to-be-ex turns out to be the experimenting cowboy he met in a gay bar a few weeks earlier.

Jake would never do anything to jeopardize custody of his kids. And Sebastian is the enemy. So why does one touch from him have Jake wanting to have it all? As they both struggle to stay on their own sides of the courtroom, Jake realizes they aren’t the only ones with secrets and that losing his heart isn’t the only danger.

Trial & Error is a gay romance with a HEA. It is part of the Trials of Love Series

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2019

28 people are currently reading
110 people want to read

About the author

D.K. Sutton

32 books116 followers
D.K. SUTTON has a background in social work. In her off time from writing, she enjoys crocheting and spending time with her family. As an introvert, she has always been a little awkward (and a lot geeky). Turns out, those are handy traits for a writer. Her Broken series is M/M fiction, full of love and angst, and it challenges the rhetoric around being gay and religious. Her Trials of Love series and Sloan Brothers series are both M/M romance. She doesn't believe in hate and believes that people have a good side within them.

She enjoys writing about slightly flawed characters in compromising situations. She has a passion for writing LGBTQ+ stories, because the world needs more love and inclusion.


Connect with DK Sutton on Social Media
Facebook @dksuttonwrites
Facebook group facebook.com/groups/dkcafe/
Twitter @debraelq

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
32 (35%)
4 stars
28 (30%)
3 stars
20 (21%)
2 stars
4 (4%)
1 star
7 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Gustaf.
1,444 reviews196 followers
October 22, 2021
I really didn't like this book. To me this read more like a fan fiction where the author threw everything in and didn't care for much editing. Things where added upon each other, characters where introduced from left to right and everything was sprinkled with some drama and then some extra drama. It's too bad, because the premise sounded so promising. Even cute.

Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
June 18, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/18/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Kirstin.
2,105 reviews19 followers
June 3, 2019
3.5 Stars

My overall thoughts are that this was a page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. It had a lot of emotion and the family theme was inspiring.

Jake thought his life was going along fine until his wife up and left him and their 2 small children. Two months later she wants a divorce and custody and she's hired the best legal council in the city.

Sebastian is a forced to be reckoned with. His skills as an attorney are well known and prestigious. When his father's firm is given the case against Jake, he realizes that he's the man he met at a bar that he can't get out of his head. Things quickly get tangled up and both MC's have to put themselves on the line to save the other.

I loved how both MC's couldn't get enough of each other. It played out so well and their attraction was so real. The writing was done so well here that you couldn't discredit any of the quick attachments and feelings.

I enjoyed the fun back and forth between the characters and the mystery that being on the opposing teams created here. It was fun and romantic and the children's insights just added depth and reality to it all.

I felt like the plot went a bit off the rails towards the end, which seemed a bit unnecessary. The epilogue went a long way to redeem itself, though, so I rated it at 3.5 stars.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
Profile Image for Rellim.
1,676 reviews43 followers
June 2, 2019
KU. 3 stars. This was really hard for me to rate. Parts of this were 2 stars and parts were 4 stars. I liked both Jake & Bas. Jake’s personal relationships with his kids, his best friend, his brother ~ made him completely endearing. Bas was in a crazy situation trying to do the right thing and keep everyone happy.

Unfortunately, the plot was so convoluted that it made it difficult for me at times to really get into the story. It’s impossible to believe that any father as devoted as Jake is portrayed as would risk custody of his kids based on his feelings for a one-night-stand. It’s as unlikely that anyone, even someone dissatisfied with their job, would implode their career & family over the same one-night stand. Yet that’s the whole basis for the story.

While I liked the HEA & the epilogue, it was hard to ignore that, up until the time of the trial, Jake & Bas barely spent any time actually *talking* or getting to know each other in any meaningful way. It was either convos about the divorce or physical.

Yet something worked. Because I read the whole thing in one day. So, there’s that.
Profile Image for iam.
1,249 reviews159 followers
December 2, 2019
This was surprisingly nerve-wrecking and kind of slow-burn but also not.

Content warnings include: messy divorce including custody battle, frequent talk about and evidence of off-page domestic violence (does not involve protagonists), unethical attorney behaviour, miscommunication, sex on-page; mentions of murder.

I knew going in that this book would be set around the attorney drama around Jake's custody battle with his soon-to-be ex-wife, which involved her attorney being Jake's previous one-night-stand.
I liked all the drama and high-stakes twists and turns - it didn't always make sense and was very risky and not very well thought through by the protagonists, but I still had a great time reading and I got exactly what I was hoping to get it with.

Another huge bonus was Jake's kids, Myka and Eli. They were incredibly cute and I loved all scenes with them, and the love between them and their dad (and even their mom and the other adults in their lives.)

Communication was lacking in quite a huge chunk of the book, which was exasperating, but not the worst I ever read about.
The romance wasn't exactly slow-burn, but there were a ton of moment were Jake and Bas were getting close just to get interrupted, which effectivly added a sense of tension in a whole other area.
It was also more of a subplot than the main focus, I felt, despite being the catalyst for most of the drama.

Overall I had a good time reading this book. Did it always make sense? Not really. But if you want an entertaining read that will keep you biting your nails from risky situations that don't involve explosions or guns, this book is for you.

I received an ARC and reviewed honestly & voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ivy.
422 reviews12 followers
December 5, 2019
3.5 stars for Jake, Stanton and the kids
Jake Taylors raises his two kids alone since his wife abandoned them, but when she shows up one day with an army of lawyer ready to take his kids, Jake recognizes Sebastian Lloyd, one his wife’s lawyer and his last hook up.
Sebastian Lloyd hates to be a lawyer, hates to be in the closet too and having to work for Jake’s wife is the worst thing that can happen to him. He doesn’t want to take Jake’s kids away from him, but what can he do?
Trial & Error by DK Sutton is the first book in the Trials of Love series and my first book from the author.
I liked the story, I’m a fan of single dad’s books so this book was for me. It was an insta-love story. Jake and Sebastian had one night together and neither of them forgot it. When life, put them in the same path again, as enemy, they can’t resolve themselves to hurt each other. I adored this about them. Jake can lose his children, and Sebastian can lose his family, but they refuse to give up to each other. I loved them.
The book was good and the plot interesting. The story was told from Sebastian and Jake point of view. I liked the story and the plot, even if sometimes it was a little bit confusing in the writing or with the characters moods or reactions.
All in all, I really liked the story and the end was full of emotions that I enjoyed.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,078 reviews39 followers
December 19, 2019
Jake is being run through the wringer by his soon-to-be ex-wife. When he goes out one night, he has a great and very memorable experience with a guy at a bar. Imagine his surprise when he finds out that said guy is one of his wife's lawyers trying to take custody of their kids. Sebastian (Bas) was also pretty moved by his time with Jake and the two can't stay away. Sebastian learns what kind of person Jake is and wants to do anything that he can to help, even if it will cost him everything.

I really enjoyed their interactions and relationship growth. The guys had definite chemistry and were great for each other. I loved watching them come together and finally get what each of them needed. Watching Bas with Jake's kids was great. I really enjoyed this and am very much looking forward to more.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
Profile Image for Rexanna Ipock-Brown.
Author 2 books8 followers
June 2, 2019
Even though this story is about two men falling in love, it is a story about how we all search for and find that person with whom we want to spend the rest of our life. Jake is married to a woman he thought was that person. But after she left him and their kids, he decided to explore his attraction to men. After a one-night stand he decides that attraction is part of him. Too bad that one-night stand is with a member of his soon-to-be ex-wife's legal team.

Sebastian's shock at seeing Jake across the table in the legal proceedings starts him on a road to being honest with his family as well as himself. The love of these two people for each other and the love they both show Jake's kids will melt your heart and have you cheering them on to the life they all deserve.

The author's use of great dialogue and deep emotional situations add to this HEA novel. Pick up a copy and settle in for a great read.
5,704 reviews39 followers
December 2, 2019
romantic, sexy and fun read.. good story and good characters. i enjoyed this one a lot.
1 review
June 7, 2019
What a page turner. Once I started it, I finished it in a weekend. I couldn’t put it down. It’s a sweet and classic love story with romance, excitement and sexiness. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Carter Ashby.
Author 15 books210 followers
June 1, 2019
Jake and Sebastian are two sexy, yet down-to-earth characters. Star-crossed for sure, so plenty of angst. Lots of hotness. But also just a very real, very readable love story.
Profile Image for Keith.
2,154 reviews6 followers
June 11, 2019
Just Too Silly ...

I liked the preview but the story fails to deliver on that promise. The situation rapidly deteriorates to insta-luv and unrealistic setups. No high-priced practicing attorney would be sent out on run-of-the-mill surveillance, let alone two attorneys (the second to keep an eye on the first? really?) And there never was a Chevy Corolla. Yes, the Prism is very similar but it was not called a Corolla.

Sebastian “sneaks” into his office because he must delete these photos - but why not delete them from the camera before downloading to the computer? Oh, because had Sebastian done that, his brother could not catch him with the photos on his computer!

Then we have two people who had one quickie bar-bathroom hookup suddenly become infatuated with each other and unable to control themselves?
This is quickly going no place good.
Profile Image for Tina.
2,697 reviews15 followers
January 1, 2020
Trial and Error is the first book in the Trials of Love series by author D.K. Sutton. I loved this story. The right amount of angst, love, and humor to keep me turning the pages. I loved the pace of this book really was perfectly done.
Jake, he is not in a good spot when we meet him. His wife who had just up and left him and his two kids, well she is back. Now she wants full custody of the kids and is claiming Jake is an abuser. Her family is rich and able to hire the best lawyer in the state. Jake is not rich, he is not an abuser, and he has a small-town lawyer. He is not out about his sexuality either. He is gay and has had a gay encounter recently. The only one he has allowed himself since he was married.
I liked Jake, he is loyal, caring, and a great dad. He has his faults, but he is the kind of guy you want to be your friend.
Sebastian or Bas: he is the encounter Jake had in a gay bar. He is also in the closet. And works for the law firm representing Jake’s ex-wife. He never wants it to get out he had sex with Jake. It could cost him everything.
He works for his family’s law firm. Knows family is everything. But he considers being a lawyer soul-crushing. He would rather be an accountant. Numbers have never lied to him as people do.
Overall this is a great story and both men have a lot to get over before they are ready to really love each other. I loved how the kids fit in as well. They are realistic and add to the storyline. I would love to read more from this series in the future. I cannot wait to see where it goes next.

Five Shooting Stars
3,554 reviews38 followers
December 23, 2019
I loved this book!

I received an ARC and I am so glad I did.

The plot is wonderful, the characters truly human, and an ending you'll find yourself smiling about long after you've finished the story.

You have a mechanic hiding who he is, raising his two children (with the help of a nanny) after his wife leaves him and a lawyer who hates his job. Add in an overbearing brother, a great friend, a dad who has set a wonderful example and two brothers who are supportive. Luckily the two children add lots of humor and just enough inappropriateness that added to the family.

But a trial is never pleasant and when lies, acting and money are added in, times become tense and your faith in the judicial system are stretched to the limits!
Profile Image for Pontiki.
2,529 reviews9 followers
February 25, 2020
Jake is getting a divorce from the wife who ran out on him and their two children. On her side is a family law firm who’s youngest member is Sebastian.

They’re enemies, but had a hookup they now want to repeat. They each have reason to not go further, but they want to be together.

So, Bas tries to help Jake, and they protect each other’s secret. In court it all comes to a head, and a twist comes into the case.

I didn’t like Jake’s ex, but the strange plot twist was too ridiculous for me. Still, good characters with a sense of what’s right for the kids involved, and I like Jake’s best friend and nanny for the kids, Allison.

KU
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,261 reviews7 followers
December 11, 2019
Much more than I expected!!

When I read the blurb I was thinking it would be a cute read with a little sneaking around and a few close call moments. It was so much more than that. Between the kids, the brothers, and the soon to be ex wife I wondered how this could end well. Believe me it does. It was interesting how one minute I'm thinking okay this will be what catches them up to on wow that totally makes sense. So many twists and turns yet these guys fell hard pretty fast. This was definitely a hidden gem of a read.
Profile Image for Lacrymosa Quiñones.
738 reviews11 followers
December 15, 2019
I adored this book, I did not think I enjoy it so much but I was pleasantly surprised by it.

Character breakdown;

Jake: I loved how easily he was to get a long with a what a nice man he was. Even with his divorce he was still doing his best to be a good man.

Sebastian: the only thing I did not like about him was his need to put career before happiness and willingness to hurt those around him (unknowingly most of the time). His headstrong attitude was a little hard to like but he grew on me.

This author has a hit on their hands!
871 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2019
This is the first book in The Trials of Love Series. This book had a great idea that I don’t think the writing fulfilled. It was an Insta-Love story which wasn’t as successful at being believable as it could’ve been. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters interesting. I think more organization and detail would’ve helped this story. Sebastian and Jake are the MC’s of this book. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
November 29, 2019
Trial & Error is the first book in the Trials of Love series by D. K. Sutton.. it is a first time Gay romance with the dangerous twist of "enemy" to lovers. Jake and Sebastian are interesting characters and I enjoyed their interactions. The story is well written, entertaining and kept my interest. To me the story hooked me and kept me reading. It had drama, suspense, angst, sexiness and sweetness.
1,488 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2019
I’m not so sure where to classify this novel: Legal thriller? M/M love story? It doesn’t matter because the story is amazing!! This book Is about how Jake and Sebastian fought to be together and for their family. The plot is interesting, full of intrigue and misunderstandings all in the middle of a legal battle. Of course, love and family are the winners. Wonderful reading!
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,729 reviews8 followers
December 15, 2019
I really enjoyed this story.
Poor Jake is so sweet and just wants to be a good father.
This custody battle has him at his wits end.
When he meets Sebastian, the lawyer who's the enemy and sparks fly, it's confusing.
There was such an an uphill battle for poor Jake but there was also joy and laughter, not to mention sizzling chemistry between him and Sebastian.
I was thoroughly invested and rooting for them and their hard fought and well deserved HEA.

758 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2019
I really liked Trial & Error, waiting to learn how they figure it out. The pace was quick and easy to read. Jake and Sebastien were such likable characters, and they seemed to have a lot of escapades. Myka and Eli are adorable. There were a lot of interesting secondary characters. I definitely recommend this book.
973 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2021
I avoid excerpts in giveaways and failed here. There is a conflict of interest. I'm not sure how it can be resolved. The excerpt didn't intrigue me enough to continue.

At one point, Jake calls Sebastian on the phone and identifies himself as Joey. Then Sebastian calls him Jake and not Joey. Why did Sebastian do that? Was he trying to get himself or Jake in trouble?
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,957 reviews16 followers
December 14, 2019
This is definitely an interesting read. I love Jake and Sebastian. They are so great together and this story had me on my toes. I had to know what was going to happen. Definitely kept my interest and I love that in a book.
3,010 reviews46 followers
December 14, 2019
I enjoyed reading Trial & Error. The connection and chemistry between Jake and Sebastian jumps off the page and holds the readers interest. This story has some angst, heat, drama and the sweetness of the kids!
I really liked the story and the end was full of emotions that I enjoyed.
Profile Image for Patricia Nelson.
1,739 reviews20 followers
December 14, 2019
This was an interesting, fascinating, fast paced, emotionally charged, poignant, smoking hot, exciting, gritty, and totally awesome story. Filled with suspense, tension, and courtroom drama, it had me hooked from the very first page.
Profile Image for Phoenix.
645 reviews
December 14, 2019
Very good book! I found the characters to be adorable, honest, relatable and well who cant help but like them. The are at odds with kids and an ex wife in the mix. Enough of everything to keep you on your toes and fingers crossed that they find and keep thier happy ending !
108 reviews
December 16, 2019
Oh a book full of angst, friends, family and love. I really liked this book a lot, and if circumstances in real life around me had been better, this would have been even more satisfying reading.
I really liked the main characters, and their journey. Im going to reread it later.
Profile Image for Lyndsay TC.
2,248 reviews6 followers
November 30, 2019
Sebastian and Jake

Sebastian and Jake were an interesting love story. The two were from opposing sides of the courtroom yet somehow fell in love with each other. Throw in Jake's two adorable kids and it made for a heartwarming story.
620 reviews
January 7, 2020
Loved it!

This book drew me in from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved Sebastian and Jake and I didn't want their story to end. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.