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Cabrini Law #1
Risk Assessment
All they have left is their pride.
Elliot Smith was once a hotshot attorney, but those days are long gone. A midlife crisis of conscience has left him with shattered confidence, abandoned by his former friends and scraping by at a legal aid clinic. When a smoking hot bad boy rescues him from the side of the road, Elliot is sure he doesn’t stand a chance.
After a misspent youth boosting cars, Lucas Kelly runs his own garage and is finally getting his life back on track. He isn’t about to risk everything by daring to hope for something more, especially not with a man so far above his pay-grade.
The heat between them is enough to have them questioning everything they thought they knew about themselves. But is explosive chemistry enough to keep them together when Elliot’s career threatens to drive them apart?
Elliot Smith was once a hotshot attorney, but those days are long gone. A midlife crisis of conscience has left him with shattered confidence, abandoned by his former friends and scraping by at a legal aid clinic. When a smoking hot bad boy rescues him from the side of the road, Elliot is sure he doesn’t stand a chance.
After a misspent youth boosting cars, Lucas Kelly runs his own garage and is finally getting his life back on track. He isn’t about to risk everything by daring to hope for something more, especially not with a man so far above his pay-grade.
The heat between them is enough to have them questioning everything they thought they knew about themselves. But is explosive chemistry enough to keep them together when Elliot’s career threatens to drive them apart?
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2019
196 people are currently reading
757 people want to read
About the author
Parker St. John
19 books508 followersGay romance author living in the rainy Pacific Northwest who adores strong alpha men, rugged cowboys, blue collar smokeshows, mortal enemies and childhood friends who will make you SWOON when they fall in love!
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
April 15, 2020
Audiobook - 5 stars
Story - 3.5 stars
I liked this one more that i thought i would. For a debut novel this was pretty solid. The story of a Lawyer and a Mechanic, brought to life by the amazing voice of Kirt Graves.
I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters, the story flowed so well.
I will be listening to the rest, hope they come out on audio soon.
Story - 3.5 stars
I liked this one more that i thought i would. For a debut novel this was pretty solid. The story of a Lawyer and a Mechanic, brought to life by the amazing voice of Kirt Graves.
I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters, the story flowed so well.
I will be listening to the rest, hope they come out on audio soon.
June 13, 2020
Audio 5 Stars
Story....4.25 stars
As far as debut novels go, this one was pretty darn good. My only complaints are that it was too short and the story felt a bit rushed. Even so, I still felt the connection and chemistry between the MCs. And that's what mattered the most to me.
I will definitely be continuing this series as the audiobooks, narrated my Kirt Graves, come out in May and June. 🎧❤🎧❤
Story....4.25 stars
As far as debut novels go, this one was pretty darn good. My only complaints are that it was too short and the story felt a bit rushed. Even so, I still felt the connection and chemistry between the MCs. And that's what mattered the most to me.
I will definitely be continuing this series as the audiobooks, narrated my Kirt Graves, come out in May and June. 🎧❤🎧❤
November 18, 2020
I just finished Parker St. John's Down Low, the first book in the new Down Home series, and loved it, so I decided to check out the author's previous work.
While Risk Assessment isn't on the same level as Down Low, mostly because it's a novella with slightly rushed relationship development, it's still a great story with complex characters, steamy lovin', and a HEA.
I'll be reading the other books in this series. I'm so happy I found this author.
While Risk Assessment isn't on the same level as Down Low, mostly because it's a novella with slightly rushed relationship development, it's still a great story with complex characters, steamy lovin', and a HEA.
I'll be reading the other books in this series. I'm so happy I found this author.
May 27, 2020
3.5 ⭐️ Lots to love in this debut work!
1. Kirt Graves is the narrator. This shows the intelligence of the author.
2. Characters are VERY imperfect!
3. Age gap, 40 yo & 27 yo!!
4. Education/career gap: lawyer & an ex-con mechanic/shop owner.
5. Non-communication trope done well—who knew it could be done well?!
6. Hot mechanic.
7. Hot mechanic with stubble.
8. Hot mechanic with stubble who rides a motorcycle.
9. Hot mechanic with stubble who rides a motorcycle and carries a big heart.
Can be better:
1. Don’t tell me how much the other character makes you laugh...SHOW ME!
2. Give me more growly, bossy sexy times 🤤
Happy to have stumbled upon this author!
My rec? I already have the second book downloaded on my phone. Thanks, Hoopla!
1. Kirt Graves is the narrator. This shows the intelligence of the author.
2. Characters are VERY imperfect!
3. Age gap, 40 yo & 27 yo!!
4. Education/career gap: lawyer & an ex-con mechanic/shop owner.
5. Non-communication trope done well—who knew it could be done well?!
6. Hot mechanic.
7. Hot mechanic with stubble.
8. Hot mechanic with stubble who rides a motorcycle.
9. Hot mechanic with stubble who rides a motorcycle and carries a big heart.
Can be better:
1. Don’t tell me how much the other character makes you laugh...SHOW ME!
2. Give me more growly, bossy sexy times 🤤
Happy to have stumbled upon this author!
My rec? I already have the second book downloaded on my phone. Thanks, Hoopla!
dnf
June 13, 2020dnf @ 60%
March 2, 2023
3.5*** stars
The story as well as the audio performance were both a bit underwhelming but it was nonetheless a nice and enjoyable companion to listen to while working today. The cover is pretty hot, tho *smirks
*the audio was free with my audible subscription.
*************
Cabrini Law Series
Book 1 – Risk Assessment - 3.5 stars
Book 2 – Murder Aforethought - audio tbr
Book 3 – Other than Honorable
Book 4 – Reckless Conduct
The story as well as the audio performance were both a bit underwhelming but it was nonetheless a nice and enjoyable companion to listen to while working today. The cover is pretty hot, tho *smirks
*the audio was free with my audible subscription.
*************
Cabrini Law Series
Book 1 – Risk Assessment - 3.5 stars
Book 2 – Murder Aforethought - audio tbr
Book 3 – Other than Honorable
Book 4 – Reckless Conduct
January 14, 2021
This was Parker St. John's debut novel? Pretty damn good. Nothing exactly new but great characters (all of them), terrific, believeable chemistry with a well written plot that easily held my attention. Obviously, since I finished it off in just a few hours.
I'm genuinely looking forward to the rest of the series!
I'm genuinely looking forward to the rest of the series!
Want to read
April 19, 2020Kindle freebie 4/19/20
June 3, 2020
Audiobook: ***4 Stars***
Story: ***3.5 Stars***
Story: ***3.5 Stars***
November 8, 2019
** 4.5 stars **
For a first timer Parker St. John did a wonderful job on creating two imperfect characters who struggle with self-worth and society's expectations for them. Told from dual POV and being mildly suspenseful and slightly angsty, this is a story of two men who met by accident and were brave enough to believe in themselves and possibility of happiness. Both men fall for each other quickly, but it does not read as insta love.
Elliot Smith was a hot shot attorney with wealth and working his way up the corporate ladder. But behind closed doors he was cracking - money is not everything when you don't recognize yourself anymore. After changing his life he tries to find himself again. There were moments when Elliot did sound a bit high on the instep, but he was fortunate enough to have people around him to set him straight. He had to see that if he wanted to make a difference in someone else's life, he had to start change within himself. I liked his determination to do and be better. I enjoyed his shy demeanor when he was with Lucas but also the way he went after what he needed even when he was scared to do so.
Lucas Kelly used to be a bad boy through and through. But after prison and life taking him down a peg or two, he wants to have a stable life. He is almost there - he owns his garage, he has good friends. So what if he is lonely? Happiness is simply not for him. But he does not expect a moment of kindness to bring a man into his life who will change him and how he sees himself. Lucas has a way to go to leave his issues behind. I liked that despite his misgivings he gave Elliot and himself a chance. They complemented each other well.
The suspense was mild but there were plenty feelings between the MCs to keep me interested in how the story would play out. The secondary characters were diverse and had an air of mystery about them that made me wonder what made them tick. I enjoyed the steady tempo of the book with a bit of steamy times and a bit of investigating. That together with both MCs trying to find their way to be with each other made for a wonderful reading. I liked the writing style and would like to find out what the author comes up with next. I recommend it. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
For a first timer Parker St. John did a wonderful job on creating two imperfect characters who struggle with self-worth and society's expectations for them. Told from dual POV and being mildly suspenseful and slightly angsty, this is a story of two men who met by accident and were brave enough to believe in themselves and possibility of happiness. Both men fall for each other quickly, but it does not read as insta love.
Elliot Smith was a hot shot attorney with wealth and working his way up the corporate ladder. But behind closed doors he was cracking - money is not everything when you don't recognize yourself anymore. After changing his life he tries to find himself again. There were moments when Elliot did sound a bit high on the instep, but he was fortunate enough to have people around him to set him straight. He had to see that if he wanted to make a difference in someone else's life, he had to start change within himself. I liked his determination to do and be better. I enjoyed his shy demeanor when he was with Lucas but also the way he went after what he needed even when he was scared to do so.
Lucas Kelly used to be a bad boy through and through. But after prison and life taking him down a peg or two, he wants to have a stable life. He is almost there - he owns his garage, he has good friends. So what if he is lonely? Happiness is simply not for him. But he does not expect a moment of kindness to bring a man into his life who will change him and how he sees himself. Lucas has a way to go to leave his issues behind. I liked that despite his misgivings he gave Elliot and himself a chance. They complemented each other well.
The suspense was mild but there were plenty feelings between the MCs to keep me interested in how the story would play out. The secondary characters were diverse and had an air of mystery about them that made me wonder what made them tick. I enjoyed the steady tempo of the book with a bit of steamy times and a bit of investigating. That together with both MCs trying to find their way to be with each other made for a wonderful reading. I liked the writing style and would like to find out what the author comes up with next. I recommend it. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
June 13, 2020
This was a really enjoyable read by a new to me author.
What I loved:
- The interesting set up of a law firm dealing with the less illustrious cases in this world and attorneys really knocking their pan in for some people who need the help.
- The scenario: an attorney falling for an ex-con, and the other way round. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to buy it, but … the author totally convinced me. For me this is working.
- But most of all I loved the two MCs and their age gap. Elliot is such a good guy, but with very little confidence and self-belief. And Lucas is just one of those guys you can’t help swoon about – tall and dark and with that slightly dominant, bad boy vibe. And of course, deep down, utterly vulnerable. Not only Elliott was smitten!
- The sex is fabulously hot. I loved the element of power play in the bedroom, but don’t worry it is quite tame.
Sooooo, there’s only one thing left to do – heading straight for book 2! Maks is definitely an intriguing guy!
What I loved:
- The interesting set up of a law firm dealing with the less illustrious cases in this world and attorneys really knocking their pan in for some people who need the help.
- The scenario: an attorney falling for an ex-con, and the other way round. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to buy it, but … the author totally convinced me. For me this is working.
- But most of all I loved the two MCs and their age gap. Elliot is such a good guy, but with very little confidence and self-belief. And Lucas is just one of those guys you can’t help swoon about – tall and dark and with that slightly dominant, bad boy vibe. And of course, deep down, utterly vulnerable. Not only Elliott was smitten!
- The sex is fabulously hot. I loved the element of power play in the bedroom, but don’t worry it is quite tame.
Sooooo, there’s only one thing left to do – heading straight for book 2! Maks is definitely an intriguing guy!
May 23, 2020
Solid debut book and I'm eager to read the next one. Loved the attention paid to how hard ex-felons have it after serving their time or being released - finding a job, paying restitution, parole restrictions, rebuilding trust - and that the faults of the justice system weren't glossed over (plea bargains, juveniles charged as adults, etc.).
Kirt Graves did a great job with the narration, too!
Kirt Graves did a great job with the narration, too!
dnf
July 17, 2020DNF at 57%
September 3, 2021
3.5 star 💫
(Age-difference, status difference, predictable suspense/mystery, a bit of angst)
The Cabrini Law series revolves around attorneys who work for Cabrini law firms in a way of social service.
The first book is the story of Eliot Smith, the high shot attorney who has switched to this non-profit law firm, leaving his lucrative job. He has lost his friends, his boyfriend cheated on him and now at 42, he is at his lowest.
Accidently, he meets Lucas Kelly who owns a mechanic shop. The connection between them is insta and sizzling hot. But, we also get the trademark Parker st John's angst. It is mostly because of the age difference and difference in their social status and the Eliots' duchy ex. Moreover, Lucas has spent his younger years in jail and he hates attorneys. But, Eliot believes in them and is hell-bent on making the relationship work.
There was mystery and action involving the side plot of cases in the law firm. If the story was a bit longer, it could have been a 4 star read but I love the MCs and the narration by Kirt Graves.
And, what is this author's obsession with no lube and no condoms??? Not that I am complaining, it's hot but I am seeing this pattern in most of her books.
(Age-difference, status difference, predictable suspense/mystery, a bit of angst)
The Cabrini Law series revolves around attorneys who work for Cabrini law firms in a way of social service.
The first book is the story of Eliot Smith, the high shot attorney who has switched to this non-profit law firm, leaving his lucrative job. He has lost his friends, his boyfriend cheated on him and now at 42, he is at his lowest.
Accidently, he meets Lucas Kelly who owns a mechanic shop. The connection between them is insta and sizzling hot. But, we also get the trademark Parker st John's angst. It is mostly because of the age difference and difference in their social status and the Eliots' duchy ex. Moreover, Lucas has spent his younger years in jail and he hates attorneys. But, Eliot believes in them and is hell-bent on making the relationship work.
There was mystery and action involving the side plot of cases in the law firm. If the story was a bit longer, it could have been a 4 star read but I love the MCs and the narration by Kirt Graves.
And, what is this author's obsession with no lube and no condoms??? Not that I am complaining, it's hot but I am seeing this pattern in most of her books.
June 9, 2020
Did I love this book? No. Did I like this book? Yes. Does the series have potential? Absolutely! I’m not really in a reviewing mood so this will be brief. The writing was solid. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel. It had a good amount of sizzle and was fun. The main characters were likable and the side characters were begging for their own books in a way that was hard to ignore. I found it to be a little too insta-lust/love for my liking. And I didn’t find the plot all that great. It felt like not that much really happened and lacked depth. The characters didn’t always feel fully fleshed out. But like I said it has potential to be a fun series. I’m going to read book two next to see if I want to continue with the series. I feel that sometimes, with series that I’m on the fence about, they seem to get better as they go and am hoping that’s the case with this one.
February 4, 2021
Angsty, sexy and full of emotion
This was a cracking good book.
Even with its limits as a novella length, there was still some great character development and world building for the wider series.
I loved both men, flawed and carrying baggage they find hard to put aside.
And I felt the dramas in their relationship were completely truthful to the narrative.
This was a cracking good book.
Even with its limits as a novella length, there was still some great character development and world building for the wider series.
I loved both men, flawed and carrying baggage they find hard to put aside.
And I felt the dramas in their relationship were completely truthful to the narrative.
November 4, 2020
4.5 stars!
I really don't know why this debut novel from this author, who is quickly becoming one I love, has such a low rating.
I get that it is a little rushed, hence my .5 stars off, and this could have been longer, yes. But overall this was written really well, and the connection between Elliot and Lucas is almost immediate, and really well written and passionate and believable.
Elliot is a 41-year-old lawyer who gave up a cushy job to work a lesser paid, but more rewarding job as a defense attorney for those who can't afford a high end lawyer. When his car breaks down on the side of the road, a sexy, younger man named Lucas, 27, pulls to the side to help and there is an instant connection between them.
Only Lucas is a ex-con and is close to being done with parole and has a great disdain for lawyers.
But there's something about the kind, sweet Elliot that Lucas can't get out of his head.
But they both feel that they don't do deserve the other, and Lucas has had a lot of shit happen to him that he thinks that Elliot will leave him eventually. But they can't help but start to fall for each other.
I adored these two together, they just worked.
This was an immense pleasure to read, and I highly recommend it, especially if the rating is making people iffy. Don't be, this is much better than the overall rating makes it seem.
A great second outing for me for this author. Onto the next in this series. (Although this took me hours to write because of election night stress, so JOY👍)
I really don't know why this debut novel from this author, who is quickly becoming one I love, has such a low rating.
I get that it is a little rushed, hence my .5 stars off, and this could have been longer, yes. But overall this was written really well, and the connection between Elliot and Lucas is almost immediate, and really well written and passionate and believable.
Elliot is a 41-year-old lawyer who gave up a cushy job to work a lesser paid, but more rewarding job as a defense attorney for those who can't afford a high end lawyer. When his car breaks down on the side of the road, a sexy, younger man named Lucas, 27, pulls to the side to help and there is an instant connection between them.
Only Lucas is a ex-con and is close to being done with parole and has a great disdain for lawyers.
But there's something about the kind, sweet Elliot that Lucas can't get out of his head.
But they both feel that they don't do deserve the other, and Lucas has had a lot of shit happen to him that he thinks that Elliot will leave him eventually. But they can't help but start to fall for each other.
I adored these two together, they just worked.
This was an immense pleasure to read, and I highly recommend it, especially if the rating is making people iffy. Don't be, this is much better than the overall rating makes it seem.
A great second outing for me for this author. Onto the next in this series. (Although this took me hours to write because of election night stress, so JOY👍)
July 28, 2020
Great story with amazing characters, excellently narrated by Kirt Graves!
I'm looking forward to reading/listening to the following books of this series. :)
4.5 stars
I'm looking forward to reading/listening to the following books of this series. :)
4.5 stars
October 19, 2021
Story 4 stars
Audiobook 5 stars
Audiobook 5 stars
November 24, 2019
4.5 stars Lucas and Elliot
That was one nice entertaining story. It was smoothly, appetizingly written and had a good plot.
Elliot left everything behind, his job, his so-called friends and his cheating ex. He is lonely and quite miserable.
When his car is broken he meets garage owner Lucas. Elliot feels a strong attraction to Lucas. Lucas flirts with him until he’d understand Elliot is an attorney. Lucas has a record and he doesn’t like attorneys. Elliot has to convince him he is on his side.
Everything seems to go just fine between Elliot and Lucas until Elliot his work gets in the way.
A future together seems of the hook. It’s getting ugly.
Fuck they are hot together, smoldering sensuality dripped off the pages. Lucas can give Elliot exactly what he desperately needs and never could experience before.
All those underlying emotions. Excellent done.
Both men had nicely flawed personalities and their characteristics, they felt real and approachable. Secondary characters as colleagues, friends, family and exes were a good addition. Im looking forward to Maksim’s story!
Overall a balanced and plausible story with great environments. It was an entertaining journey with a touch of crime, emotional at times, steamy at times and down to earth at times.
That was one nice entertaining story. It was smoothly, appetizingly written and had a good plot.
Elliot left everything behind, his job, his so-called friends and his cheating ex. He is lonely and quite miserable.
When his car is broken he meets garage owner Lucas. Elliot feels a strong attraction to Lucas. Lucas flirts with him until he’d understand Elliot is an attorney. Lucas has a record and he doesn’t like attorneys. Elliot has to convince him he is on his side.
Everything seems to go just fine between Elliot and Lucas until Elliot his work gets in the way.
A future together seems of the hook. It’s getting ugly.
Fuck they are hot together, smoldering sensuality dripped off the pages. Lucas can give Elliot exactly what he desperately needs and never could experience before.
All those underlying emotions. Excellent done.
Both men had nicely flawed personalities and their characteristics, they felt real and approachable. Secondary characters as colleagues, friends, family and exes were a good addition. Im looking forward to Maksim’s story!
Overall a balanced and plausible story with great environments. It was an entertaining journey with a touch of crime, emotional at times, steamy at times and down to earth at times.
September 3, 2020
How do I rate this one... let's say that Quarantine Brain got me and this book reminded me that you have to take genre books on their own measure. By that yardstick, if you like the things this is selling, the author does them very efficiently, viz, older/younger, white/blue collar, sexytime setups with all the sense (and dialogue) of a porn movie. You know if your brain has switched off sufficiently for these things to work.
Mine weakly kept sputtering during the first fifteen percent, so I had some stray, yet believe me, TOTALLY UNNECESSARY thoughts, like:
Then the first sex scene happened, and thinking brain went, "You know what? I CLEARLY don't need to be here. Seeya later, loser!" CORRECT. I had been looking for things like sense and nuance, you see, and this is not that book! I would have been so disappointed if my lone brain cell had tried to manufacture any! It is Pornland Logic Day, and you are a horrible horny goose.
The sex scene that made me check out of the building was when Lawyer Guy comes back to Mechanic Ex-Felon's shop, and confesses what ought to be a gross violation of privacy, except words do not matter to these people/cardboard porn tropes, it's just setup for Mechanic Ex-Felon to exercise his psychic top powers and go (paraphrased), "I know what you want... you totally want oral sex, here, in the middle of the day, in a mechanic's garage. This is a normal thing people do within five minutes of being told someone looked up your criminal record." This is not normal people logic. This is setup barely worthy of a Bang Bros gay porn film. This was where my brain exited my skull and never came back, and I finally got on board with this book to enjoy it as it was meant to be enjoyed.
But like, wash your hands before you go around sticking them in people's mouths, Ex-Felon Mechanic dude. Not even Quarantine Brain could get me to avoid 😬 at that one.
Mine weakly kept sputtering during the first fifteen percent, so I had some stray, yet believe me, TOTALLY UNNECESSARY thoughts, like:
Then the first sex scene happened, and thinking brain went, "You know what? I CLEARLY don't need to be here. Seeya later, loser!" CORRECT. I had been looking for things like sense and nuance, you see, and this is not that book! I would have been so disappointed if my lone brain cell had tried to manufacture any! It is Pornland Logic Day, and you are a horrible horny goose.
The sex scene that made me check out of the building was when Lawyer Guy comes back to Mechanic Ex-Felon's shop, and confesses what ought to be a gross violation of privacy, except words do not matter to these people/cardboard porn tropes, it's just setup for Mechanic Ex-Felon to exercise his psychic top powers and go (paraphrased), "I know what you want... you totally want oral sex, here, in the middle of the day, in a mechanic's garage. This is a normal thing people do within five minutes of being told someone looked up your criminal record." This is not normal people logic. This is setup barely worthy of a Bang Bros gay porn film. This was where my brain exited my skull and never came back, and I finally got on board with this book to enjoy it as it was meant to be enjoyed.
But like, wash your hands before you go around sticking them in people's mouths, Ex-Felon Mechanic dude. Not even Quarantine Brain could get me to avoid 😬 at that one.
June 19, 2020
Risk Assessment is very much fast and furious.
Neck-breaking pace, scorching sex scenes, succinct scenes, strong writing, believable dialogue.
Quite impressive for Parker St. John's debut book.
Kudos to St.John's choice of editor and damn good decision on Kirt Graves as the narrator on the audiobooks.
He gives Lucas this deep, rough, guttural voice that is incredibly sexy.
Character-driven storyline
Opposites attract
Insta-attraction
Reformed felon, mechanic and business owner Lucas Kelly has a type. Unattainable men of a certain class. He enjoys the chase, capture and release. Added benefit they reinforce what he thinks of himself. A felon.
Elliot Smith ex-corporate lawyer now working in a non-profit legal aid clinic is riddled with insecurities. Blind to his own self-worth, self deprecating towards his age, appearance, personality, sexual prowess. His entire being. What's a man to do when he's faced with an opportunity with man he considers out of his league . He's an opportunist at the end of the day.
A story about:
Perception
Projecting personal insecurities
Self-worth
Self-sabotage
Assumptions
Judgement
Cynicism
Solid romance. My one niggle is the fact that this story is too tight. Too much editing most likely. A few more scenes with Elliot and Lucas would have strengthen the emotional impact of the story.
The story moves quite quickly before cementing the relationship from infatuation, incredible sexual chemistry to love and emotional bond.
I seriously loved St John's handle on dialogue. Nothing brings me more joy than some realistic and believable dialogue. I also seriously appreciated what was done with Elliot's ex-boyfriend's character. I truly did not see the twist coming and expected a predictable outcome. I love a writer that surprises me.
~ 4.25 Stars~ It's almost there, I am feeling hopeful for the next installment because it has way more pages and I just know St.John is going to excel with Maksim Kovalenko. Not to mention Kirt Graves doing a Ukrainian accent, hopefully, fingers crossed.
Highly recommend to those looking for a well written, character-driven, opposites attract, steamy romance.
Neck-breaking pace, scorching sex scenes, succinct scenes, strong writing, believable dialogue.
Quite impressive for Parker St. John's debut book.
Kudos to St.John's choice of editor and damn good decision on Kirt Graves as the narrator on the audiobooks.
He gives Lucas this deep, rough, guttural voice that is incredibly sexy.
Character-driven storyline
Opposites attract
Insta-attraction
Reformed felon, mechanic and business owner Lucas Kelly has a type. Unattainable men of a certain class. He enjoys the chase, capture and release. Added benefit they reinforce what he thinks of himself. A felon.
Elliot Smith ex-corporate lawyer now working in a non-profit legal aid clinic is riddled with insecurities. Blind to his own self-worth, self deprecating towards his age, appearance, personality, sexual prowess. His entire being. What's a man to do when he's faced with an opportunity with man he considers out of his league . He's an opportunist at the end of the day.
A story about:
Perception
Projecting personal insecurities
Self-worth
Self-sabotage
Assumptions
Judgement
Cynicism
Solid romance. My one niggle is the fact that this story is too tight. Too much editing most likely. A few more scenes with Elliot and Lucas would have strengthen the emotional impact of the story.
The story moves quite quickly before cementing the relationship from infatuation, incredible sexual chemistry to love and emotional bond.
I seriously loved St John's handle on dialogue. Nothing brings me more joy than some realistic and believable dialogue. I also seriously appreciated what was done with Elliot's ex-boyfriend's character. I truly did not see the twist coming and expected a predictable outcome. I love a writer that surprises me.
~ 4.25 Stars~ It's almost there, I am feeling hopeful for the next installment because it has way more pages and I just know St.John is going to excel with Maksim Kovalenko. Not to mention Kirt Graves doing a Ukrainian accent, hopefully, fingers crossed.
Highly recommend to those looking for a well written, character-driven, opposites attract, steamy romance.
October 9, 2020
I liked this book so much. Much more than I thought I would going in.
Elliot and Lucas were two quite different characters and yet they fit together. A lawyer and an ex con. Perfect, right? I have been reading many mysteries lately and this is by far one of my favorites. I'm not even sure if I would call it a mystery, sure there was some mystery going on but the main focus of this book is Elliot and Lucas. Well, and Elliots case. So okay, a bit of a mystery, just not the usual kind. The plot didn't turn out the way I imagined it would turn out by reading the blurb, thank god. I liked Lucas way too much for anything bad happening to him.
The only concern I had was that the pacing and structure was a bit of. Sometimes the "mystery" took up too much space, leaving the romance hanging for chapters and the other way around. But it's this authors debut, right? So I can forgive that to some extent.
Elliot and Lucas were two quite different characters and yet they fit together. A lawyer and an ex con. Perfect, right? I have been reading many mysteries lately and this is by far one of my favorites. I'm not even sure if I would call it a mystery, sure there was some mystery going on but the main focus of this book is Elliot and Lucas. Well, and Elliots case. So okay, a bit of a mystery, just not the usual kind. The plot didn't turn out the way I imagined it would turn out by reading the blurb, thank god. I liked Lucas way too much for anything bad happening to him.
The only concern I had was that the pacing and structure was a bit of. Sometimes the "mystery" took up too much space, leaving the romance hanging for chapters and the other way around. But it's this authors debut, right? So I can forgive that to some extent.
April 12, 2023
3.75 stars
“Lucas nudged him gently back, and for possibly the first time in his life, Elliot felt completely natural taking a man by the hand. Lucas’s rough palm slid against his own, and their fingers linked together. There was no hesitation, no sense that he didn’t belong in his own life as he squeezed Lucas’s hand and led him into the dark recesses of the house.”
— lawyer vs ex-con mechanic
— age gap
— hurt/comfort
— class differences
— praise kink
“Lucas nudged him gently back, and for possibly the first time in his life, Elliot felt completely natural taking a man by the hand. Lucas’s rough palm slid against his own, and their fingers linked together. There was no hesitation, no sense that he didn’t belong in his own life as he squeezed Lucas’s hand and led him into the dark recesses of the house.”
— lawyer vs ex-con mechanic
— age gap
— hurt/comfort
— class differences
— praise kink
September 25, 2022
Elliot Smith, tall, healthy, and intelligent, but he was also a middle-income, middle-aged man who wasn’t particularly witty or charming. After two decades of being a corporate attorney, Elliot felt that Halfway through life with nothing to show for it but money and cynicism. quite his high profile job and started working for Cabrini Legal Clinic.
Elliot meets Lucas Kelly, when his piece of shit used Prius breaks down in the pouring rain.
Lucas is putting his life in order. With just one month left of his parole, he will be a free man and the owner of the garage he used to work at. The same garage Elliot's broken down car is hauled to.
Elliot and Lucas's story is one of damaged souls, who have trouble with their own self-worth, making it hard for Lucas to understand why someone as educated and sophisticated as Elliot would want to be with him. Elliot, on the other hand does not understand that someone as Lucas, young and good looking would be interested in middle-aged him.
In the midst of all the relationship struggles, Elliot has a difficult and dangerous legal case to deal with, but gets help from Maksim Kovalenko and Miguel Acosta.
Part of the Cabrini Law Series that is best enjoyed when read in order:
January 5, 2020
I'm starting to think I'm in a crazy bubble, cause these books others seem to love I find unutterably bland.
This book was...fine. Not the worst thing I've read, but lots of man pain and not communicating hold them back blah blah blah. No real story here other than the main characters relationship, which I felt was mostly developed off screen, so that the author could spend pages and pages describing how they both felt they weren't good enough for the other.
Just *yawn*
Wake me up when m/m gets good again, I am grumpy at the quality of books lately.
This book was...fine. Not the worst thing I've read, but lots of man pain and not communicating hold them back blah blah blah. No real story here other than the main characters relationship, which I felt was mostly developed off screen, so that the author could spend pages and pages describing how they both felt they weren't good enough for the other.
Just *yawn*
Wake me up when m/m gets good again, I am grumpy at the quality of books lately.
November 15, 2021
Nothing new under the sun... I went into this one misguided, thinking it was going to be about a private detective or something (that's what I get for not reading the blurb...), but the lawyer approach wouldn't have been bad either, if this book would have been about that. Instead I got a typical romance where everything is instant and the conflict came due to miscomunication... Also, the writting wasn't exactly to my liking, it was confusing at times. Not for me after all.
March 23, 2021
Nah it wasn't for me. Dnf at chapter 8.
December 4, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Risk Assessment is the debut novel from author Parker St. John and begins the Cabrini Law series. It opened with a good start with an introduction of the Elliott and Lucas and them meeting when Elliott’s car breaks down. I liked Lucas immediately, as well as the heat that was obvious between the men from the start.
Lucas is almost finished with parole after doing time for stealing cars. He has turned his life around and now owns the garage, but he still feels like he will never be good enough. Elliott left his cheating boyfriend and his high paying job and now works long hours at a legal aid firm, but he feels he can make a difference.
Lucas was more intriguing to me than Elliott and I would have liked more depth to Lucas than we got. He is 27 to Elliott’s 40, but he is the one that takes control and Elliott is completely on board with handing over that control. There is a push and pull between the men and the tension in their relationship comes from Lucas thinking that he can’t possibly fit into Elliott’s life. Their relationship jumps forward in time and weeks pass and I would have liked to have spent more time with them during those weeks.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Risk Assessment is the debut novel from author Parker St. John and begins the Cabrini Law series. It opened with a good start with an introduction of the Elliott and Lucas and them meeting when Elliott’s car breaks down. I liked Lucas immediately, as well as the heat that was obvious between the men from the start.
Lucas is almost finished with parole after doing time for stealing cars. He has turned his life around and now owns the garage, but he still feels like he will never be good enough. Elliott left his cheating boyfriend and his high paying job and now works long hours at a legal aid firm, but he feels he can make a difference.
Lucas was more intriguing to me than Elliott and I would have liked more depth to Lucas than we got. He is 27 to Elliott’s 40, but he is the one that takes control and Elliott is completely on board with handing over that control. There is a push and pull between the men and the tension in their relationship comes from Lucas thinking that he can’t possibly fit into Elliott’s life. Their relationship jumps forward in time and weeks pass and I would have liked to have spent more time with them during those weeks.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
February 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this. Elliot was a hotshot lawyer who moved to non-profit work after realizing that he didn't want to continue to sacrifice his ethics and soul in the world he was in. Lucas was a former convict who is trying to turn his life around. He has been doing well, but he still struggled with believing that he has self worth. The two guys were exactly what the other needed and they learned a lot from each other. Where we see both guys seemingly doing well in their world, it was nice to see their insecurities and work through them. I liked the Cabrini Law office staff, and I can't wait to read more about them. Excellent story and relatable, fun, and lovable characters.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
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