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Defend Me, Attorney

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"If pleading guilty means protecting you, I will."

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Josh Gonzales

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for E N Z O.
489 reviews77 followers
July 2, 2022
1.5 STARS

This is an interesting one.

I initially have no plans in reading this because books revolving around law politics doesn't really interest me. But when I heard that it was short and could be read in one sitting, I decided to check it out to pass the time.

And... it was kind of a mess.

Disclaimer:
This review is solely for the wattpad version of this book only. I have not read the published book.

CHARACTERS:

1. Courtney
The main character that barely has any personality. I don't even remember her name most of the time. She's the most passive narrator I've ever encountered. It felt like she's just there for the sake of furthering the plot. She doesn't have hobbies, doesn't have friends outside of politics, doesn't have a life outside of court. All she has is a ridiculous motivation to pursue law to save the love of her life.

2. Traise
He was intriguing in the first few chapters, especially when you don't know what his true motivations are. But when his romance with a certain someone started to take over the plot, he became a very generic love interest. His demeanor flip flops so much that if there was no name given to him, he would be indistinguishable. To begin with, he also has no personality. Falling head over heels for someone is not a personality. Being an accused isn't a personality. The only thing that the book constantly reminds you of him was that he was kind. But was he really?

3. Tyler
Probably the most interesting character in the whole book. I appreciated how he wasn't what you initially expected him to be, and how there are multiple layers and sides to his character. Even though he's a bit of a stereotype for an anti-hero, compared to the other characters, he stands out. I won't specify any specific scenes he's in, but there are actions that he did that are almost unforgivable, but you can't seem to hate him for it. His intentions are twisted and manipulative, and I love how unapologetic he was about it. I actually prefer morally grey characters and it's so rare to find them in wattpad books. Most of the time, writers tend to humanize them at the end, giving them a redemption arc that clearly nobody needs.

But my main issue with him is where the author took his character. Again, no specifics, but I didn't like where his story arc ended up. In the beginning, he was hinted as belonging neither in the good or bad side, so I became excited to read more about him. But by the end, the author decided to abandon what could have been a well-developed character, into one of the love interests in a ridiculous love triangle. He became a mess when he didn't end up with the girl he likes, leading on to becoming a womanizer, and in the last chapter, returned back into being a love interest, but this time, with a new girl. Like, what the heck? Possibly in the hands of a better writer, his character work could've been done better.

4. Avery
I don't really have much to say other than her character is so typical and one-dimensional. She's Courtney's enemy, and a more sassy and competitive version of her. What's new? And by the end, it seems like she's even going to have a romantic relationship with a certain someone, which literally makes no sense since they barely interacted through the course of the book.

ROMANCE:
Speaking of relationships, the romances in this were completely unnecessary. All the romances have no chemistry, and most of them came out of nowhere. Yes, there were multiple romances in this, and one even began with a love triangle. They were poorly developed and made no sense. It's as if the author wanted to add romance just because romance is the most popular genre on wattpad, and by adding it would give him double the readership than if he just sticked with political intrigue. But in this case, it's so obvious that it's forced. Just because you have two female and two male characters, does not mean they should be paired like a freaking bachelor and bachelorette.

MAIN PROBLEMS:
My main issue in this is the pacing. The beginning instantly grabs your attention as you are immediately placed into the conflict, and from there, navigate your way through many plot twists and reveals. But the middle part felt meandering, there were quite a few filler scenes here and there that I don't think would've affected the book even if it were removed. Stakes are high, but the tension is not there. I wasn't on the edge of my seat when clearly this was the goal of the author, to keep you guessing and keep you swiping and scrolling the pages to know what happens next. But instead I found myself dozing off and wanting to pick up something else. One of the reasons was that I didn't really care for any of the characters. If one of them dies, I won't even move a muscle. On a positive note though, the last two chapters were action-packed and the most exciting parts of the whole story. But two to three chapters of adrenaline rush isn't enough to save a rather mediocre plot.

There are times when I was like "Wow, this author really knows what he's writing about and probably did a lot of research into this." But there are times when I thought "This seems a little amateurish." It had a lot of inconsistencies when it comes to the quality, especially towards the end. It became a hot mess. The characters switched personalities so much that they didn't even feel like the same characters anymore. Having personalities is great, but if you switch so much from one to the other, it became unrealistic.

This isn't the worst book I've read on wattpad, but it's definitely one that I don't see myself remembering in the future.

The concept was ambitious, unique, and intriguing, but for me it could've been executed better. I appreciated the bravery of the author in writing this, especially posting it on wattpad while it's still in it's early drafts, but I hope that in the published version, these mistakes would be fixed by the editors.
Profile Image for iyah.
6 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2022
"Seryoso ba 'to?"

I was saying this most of the time while reading. Sobrang daming twist and revelations, literal na mapapa-WTF ka. Hahahahaha. I didn't expect the sudden betrayals from the characters too. Reading this, feeling ko para akong pinaglalaruan ng author. That's when I knew that this book was one of a kind. It made me get out of my reading slump and I really like the author's writing style. Sobrang daling maintindihan, at nakaka-relate ako kahit hindi ako nagstudy ng law or anything. The ending was satisfactory, I guess. Medyo nakulangan lang ako sa romance parts but it's okay since hindi naman romance talaga ata yung focus ng story. Overall, it was a good book! I'll definitely recommend it to my friends and readers who want to feel like they're on a roller coaster ride!
Profile Image for Bia.
2 reviews
September 11, 2025
Courtney, even as a student, shows a powerful will—she never gives up, even when she is at her lowest. She carried so much weight just to fight for the person she loved. This story is truly intriguing, and it pushes your curiosity to its limits. Nothing came easy for them, and in the end, you’ll understand why they acted the way they did—whether it’s Courtney, Traise, Avery, or even Tyler.

I especially loved how, toward the end, Courtney finally received the support she needed from her father. That moment felt important because it showed how much she longed for that kind of reassurance. I was also glad when Courtney, Traise, and Tyler finally learned the truth. It proves that it is never too late to know everything. Still, I can’t imagine how tormenting it must have been for them—to wait for the truth while being trapped in lies. That kind of waiting must feel maddening, especially when the truth itself is painful.

The story also made me reflect on justice. For me, the death penalty should never be an option—especially when investigations are often filled with errors. It is better for someone to suffer lifelong imprisonment than to lose their life unjustly. I truly believe that the law can be twisted in many different ways, especially by intelligent people. That’s both frustrating and fascinating at the same time. In the end, I firmly stand by the principle: innocent until proven guilty.

It also reminds us to be careful about the people we trust—our friends, our partners—because they might turn out to be our enemies in the future. But at the same time, it’s hard if you isolate yourself and never talk to anyone. Just like with Newt in the story—you would never have guessed he had a hidden agenda.

Lastly, I loved the wisdom Courtney’s father shared: that she should not think of herself as the manipulator or creator of the game, because being a mere player is already enough. A player still knows how to move, and sometimes, that alone can make you the destroyer of the game. And that’s the lesson I take with me: be the catalyst—spark change, and break the games that should never have existed. Break down the games that should never have existed in the first place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for rxia.
7 reviews
July 6, 2022
ANG GANDAAA!! sobrang daming twist and revelations, mapapa-wtf ka talaga sa mga nangyayari at nalalaman mo. sa una pa lang may duda na ako sa ibang characters eh HAHAHAHAHA tama nga ako. kahit di ka maglalaw sa future may matutunan ka pa rin habang binabasa mo siya. overall, it was a good book!

bye bye doc and atty hehehehe love u both!!
Profile Image for Felicity.
16 reviews
April 30, 2023
Nitong Sabado sinubukan ko siya basahin kasi naisip ko sayang 'yung 250 pesos kung itatambak ko lang sa shelf ko HSHSJJSKS. Hindi na ako masyadong sanay magbasa ng physical books so muntik ko na rin siya sukuan like the others pero buti na lang at naitawid ko 'to and I was able to finish it in just two days. Marami akong observations habang binabasa ko 'to, some are good and 'yung iba naman— meh.

The Good:

1. Very interesting ang genre ng story. Correct me if I'm wrong pero bihira lang ang mga sumusulat ng stories sa Wattpad na law ang main event. Kadalasan kasi, subplot lang siya. So it's refreshing to see. Nakakatuwa.

2. It tackles socio-political issues that are very much relevant today, especially in our country. Given na the story revolves around law, it's nice to see na nagagamit ng author 'yung platform niya to share his knowledge, and in a way, educate his audience. Kasi sa panahon ngayon, kailangang-kailangan natin ng mga kabataang Pilipino na maalam sa kung paano gumagalaw ang lipunang kinabibilangan nila.

3. Tyler Scott. Need I say more? HAHHAJAJSK


Meeeeeeh:

1. Don't get me wrong, I like the plot. I think it's very interesting, pero mej nakulangan kasi ako sa execution niya. I didn't gave what it's supposed to give, ika nga nila.

2. The romance subplot is cringey and a hot mess. Look, I appreciate a good romance subplot especially if it's done well. But... this ain't it, sorry. Naisip ko nga na Traise and Courtney should've just stayed friends kasi to be honest I don't feel the chemistry at all :(

3. Courtney has no personality at ang tanging ambag niya lang sa kwento ay ang mga mali niyang desisyon sa buhay. Her character would've been good as dead if she wasn't driven by her impulsiveness, kasi ayun na lang ang "interesting" sa kanya.

4. It's not as revolutionary like what others said. Yes, may gulat factor siya sa bawat chapters pero I think it's because sobrang daming aspects of the plot na tinago ng writer from the audience unecessarily kaya ganoon. Kasi if ilalagay mo 'yun to their respective places, sobrang predictable ng answers to your millions of questions.


'Wag niyo ako i-cancel. These are just my personal opinion and observations while reading the book. Hindi naman tayo pare-pareho ng preference, views, and beliefs so to each his own. I really enjoy reading this naman and marami akong natutunang mga bagong bagay from it. I'm also really looking forward reading the second book of this kasi nakikita kong malaki ang potential ng story ni Avery mweheheh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ally.
9 reviews
November 17, 2024
characters without solid personality 🥲. the twists were very out of place and it felt like it was just there for the story to be full of twists even if it’s unnecessary 😭. ‘twas straight up fantasy for me 🥲
Profile Image for anri .
26 reviews6 followers
May 2, 2022
even if it's mind blowing. this book is super recommended!
Profile Image for ArtbyKarla Gaudier.
83 reviews18 followers
April 11, 2025
Josh Gonzales' Defend Me, Attorney is a Wattpad story that immediately draws you in with its high-stakes premise and emotional undercurrent. As someone who reads stories with a critical lens yet always roots for rising authors, I found this book promising especially for readers who love legal drama laced with emotional tension and character-driven arcs.

The strength of this story lies in its pacing and the way it builds tension across its chapters. Gonzales understands the beat of the genre well, there’s just enough intrigue to keep you flipping the pages, wondering how the protagonists will navigate their increasingly complicated situation. The setup is well thought out, and while the writing shows signs of a new author still finding their voice, the core of the story remains intact: emotionally charged, suspenseful, and layered with potential.

What really caught my attention is how Gonzales uses foreshadowing, not in a heavy-handed way, but just enough to leave you guessing and invested. It’s in these moments that his storytelling starts to shine. While the prose could use tightening, the buildup of tension through carefully placed plot hints adds a refreshing edge to the narrative.

The characters, though not yet fully polished, are well-crafted enough to make you care. Their decisions, conversations, and dilemmas are sometimes raw and imperfect, but they carry emotional weight. The dialogue in particular is one of Gonzales’ stronger points, it’s intense, occasionally dramatic, and always aimed at pushing the conflict forward. That said, there are scenes and lines that veer into cringe territory, as is common with many early works, especially on platforms like Wattpad. But it’s also clear that this is a writer who learns from those moments and uses them to sharpen his storytelling instincts.

Defend Me, Attorney isn’t without its flaws, but that’s exactly why it’s compelling. It’s the kind of book that reminds us why we support emerging writers: because their growth is part of the reading experience. Gonzales has laid the groundwork for something greater, and with more polish, his future stories could easily become standouts in the genre.

For readers who enjoy emotionally charged drama, developing character arcs, and a taste of legal suspense, this is a worthy addition to your Wattpad shelf.
Profile Image for Bernard Christopher.
Author 1 book8 followers
October 1, 2023
#BernardReads 📚 | BOOK REVIEW

DEFEND ME, ATTORNEY by #JoshGonzales (Law Series Book 1) ⚖️

It's so unusual for me to read anything near reality. Sanay kasi sa speculative fiction. I've bought this one in a bookshop in Baguio out of curiosity on its popularity, specially during the pandemic.

We'll, the first half of the story was one of the most intriguing I've read so far. Good storytelling and emotional description. Lines are hitting.

My main concern at start would be romanticising bad behavior. But since the author might have been careful with the subject, it would be okay. Since many young readers would come across this very popular story.

There were some tumblings sa plotlines and weak motivations but it was fun and entertaining.

There were also character dynamics that works and some that doesn't work for me. Minsan, para tuloy playtime ang nangyayaring trials. Pero baka ganoon nga talaga in real life. They're playing over someone's life.

In the second half, many complications were happening too fast. Parang naipon ang bala ni author, sabay-sabay inilabas with little time to contemplate. But all are intriguing. I just go with flow for entertainment, not to look for plot holes haha.

"What the hell was happening?" says Courtney, the main character. And that sums up the book in one sentence.

Overall, it was entertaining. Recommended for fans of fictionalized law drama with K-ish romance subplot.

#defendmeattorney #dma #lawseries #bookreview
Profile Image for Atinay.
2 reviews
April 16, 2025
i'm not even done but i already know whats my verdict with this book. is it interesting? yes, a good plot lost to poor execution. For one, the dialogues and the romance sub genre is so (forgive my word) corny. No one talks like that "I am the game changer" 🤨 good heavens🤦 but the thing i hated the most was the character of Courtney. Was she supposed to be the main character? cause it felt like she was just a mere observer and story teller. halfway the book and there was no development. She was the same impulsive character from chapter 3 all the way to chapter 12 that i just wanna pull my hair out. she was aggressive but the author forgot to give her any strong points. its like the author gave all the wit to traise and tyler and left none for our supposed main character. i was hoping that she would be this strong and strategic lawyer but the events did not really show that. Gosh, even avery was so much better. And that random attempted r*pe? what was that for?🤨

a good plot lost to a poor execution.

edit: come to think of it, tyler and avery had the most personality. traise also felt like a mere tragic backstory tho he was very smart😭 but this entire book couldve been about Avery, the prosecutor, and tyler, the former prosecutor who's now part of the defense. that wouldve been more exciting -- better tension and possibly a better romance arc
Profile Image for ★彡.
101 reviews
October 30, 2022
this book is the definition of a mindblowing book 🤯 I swear, this story has the most plot-twisting scenes I have ever read 😭 and everything was perfectly executed too !! like while I was reading this book & every time there was a mind-boggling revelation scene I always think how josh (the author) came up with this kind of plot 😭 his brain is amazing ngl

and I felt so dumb the whole time I spent reading about this book 😭 I do good in school but this made me feel like I don’t know a thing about life 💀 & if u wanna feel dumber than u already are, read this. just kidding. but anyway, this book was amazing !! totally recommend. <3

and the ending was nice but honestly, I think they deserve more 😭 wish this book was until chapter 20 instead of 16:( and it would have like 4 extra chapters of them being with each other and living happily ever after. just add some sweet scenes yk. 😿 but I guess this book is more of law/suspense/politics than romance. 😭 but it’s okay I still love traise & courtney <3

anyway, great book !! I think I’m gonna rest my brain for a little while before reading book 2 💀 jk
5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Jhon Christian Rozano.
32 reviews
July 24, 2021
The thing is, some parts of the story seem a little bit superfluous; the other parts are also fast enough not to be told and narrated in a constant manner. I guess, I find this book a bit easy to read. I also have a problem with the flow of the story. The events happened with a click that I could not comprehend more thoroughly. It also entails technical definitions, which, I must say, is good enough for the readers.

There are unexpected events that capture my holistic attention into diving and delving more into the book. I like the way the author reveals plots and twists for every chapter. However, there is a lack of formal engagement of the characters so that the story goes flawless. Overall, I find this book interesting and great!
Profile Image for ella.
23 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2022
WTF DID I JUST READ??? THIS PEICE OF WORK IS BRILLIANT. WTF WTF THE PLOTTWIST WHEN I SAY FULL OF PLOTTWIST, IT'S LITERALLY FULL OF POTTWISTS. I CANNOT EVEN COMPREHEND EVERY TWISTS AND REVELATIONS OF THIS BOOK. IT'S MIND BLOWING, SABOG UTAK KO, DI MAKA PANIWALA. AFTER ALL NA PINAGDAANAN NILA, WOW HAPPY ENDING PARIN?? each chapter beginning from the half of the book left me jaw dropped, open-mouthed, and just shocked, basically. I think mga mura/bad words lang ma de-describe ko sa kung ano laman ng book na 'to. This made me want to read more wattpad books, honestly. I dislike wattpad but after reading this, wow. It change my mind.
Profile Image for Eikerz Dy.
10 reviews
September 7, 2025
It's ver interesting — well as for me—because I'm into law. I love every chapters, I love the writing style, I love the characters, I'm in love with basically everything about this story. There's a lot of twists, when I say twist—a real freaking twist! There are time where you'll feel like its the end, there's a time where its full of giddiness, but of course the thrill and tense of the story never stops. Even in the end.


PS: I've been eyeing this book for quite some time now and I'm so happy that I decided to read it. READ IT, ITS VERY GOODDD AHHHH (I'm planning to read the next book 'Covict me, Attorney' but I don't have time to do so lmao)
6 reviews
August 26, 2021
If you're looking for a motivation or reason to pursue law, or just to get some idea about law without reading boring textbooks or so whatever, then I recommend you to read this. I read this 4 hours straight because of boredom, and I was happy to encounter a new type of story where it does not revolve around romance. Also, this motivates me more to pursue law. This gives me idea on how law works. Just like what others said, the characters personality lacks, but I recommend you to read the whole series on Wattpad, so you can understand it more.
Profile Image for Cam.
46 reviews5 followers
July 28, 2024
The female lead is too bland for my taste, and imbis na maging brilliant lawyer, mas naging damsel-in-distress and naging passive receiver siya ng nangyayari sa plot. Hindi niya kaya makipagsabayan ng pang-inis kay Avery, and imbis na kay Avery ako mainis eh mas humanga ako kay Avery na 'di hamak na mas interesting kaysa sa kanya.

Ang dami ring ideas na medyo all-over the place na. The attempt to be mind-blowing was there, but hindi ako nag-enjoy sa revelations. Or maybe dahil nga wala rin akong naging pake sa female lead. 'Di ko nga rin tanda pangalan niya.
5 reviews
November 15, 2021
i had fun reading this and learned a lot abt politics and laws. sometimes i could not understand the terms but it's okay. the plot was great, i didn't expect the ending i mean, the plot twist bcs it was totally opposite of the theories i've made while reading. i didn't like the writing style of the author maybe bcs i like the formal and descriptive one and this story has a lots of slangs and jokes in it that makes me feel like it became messy or smthn
1 review
January 6, 2024
I rated this book 4 stars only because i wanted it more. The plot twist never disappoint. I wish mas mahaba pa siya ng konti but i still recommend this book it's a good read it you want to read in one sitting.
Profile Image for Mikee Dogelio.
8 reviews
July 4, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I can confidently say that the heart and soul of the novel lie in its emotionally charged and suspenseful storytelling. If you're into dramatic, high-stakes narratives, this one is definitely a must-read!
Profile Image for Ali.
14 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2021
I don't really like her reason about pursuing law , like this book is badly written
Profile Image for _ Ela.
11 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2022
Maganda pero wala akong maintindihan minsan HAHAHAHAHAHHAA hello di naman ako Law student. Pero may matutunan ka dito.
Profile Image for lialoui.07.
2 reviews
June 23, 2022
Grabeee Ang gandaaaaa shuta kahit medj naubos braincells ko ok 100% will reread again
Profile Image for Chinleigh Pagsinohin.
3 reviews
February 4, 2023
Oh my gosh! I felt like I got a fever because of all the shock and anger! I really love this book, maraming plot twist!
17 reviews
July 23, 2023
I LOVED THIS SM so interesting! all of the time kapag hinuhulaan ko killer, lagi akong mali it's so hard 😭 i really loved this so many plot twist yet super good
6 reviews
May 23, 2024
If you like thriller and romance. Ito ang para sayo
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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