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Conflict of Interest

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There is nothing Audrey Young wants more than to finally step out of her father’s shadow.

Known for being one of Boston’s most sought-after – and less than ethical – corporate attorneys, Benedict Young has always wanted the best for his daughter. Only Benedict and Audrey’s versions of “the best” have never exactly lined up...

Just weeks after passing the bar, Audrey secures an interview at Ortega & Beckham – her father’s rival firm. Filled with a mix of nerves and excitement, she heads to a small pub in South Boston the night before... for one drink.

Just. One. Drink.

Instead Audrey finds a bartender with a generous pour and Leo - the hot guy at the end of the bar who convinces her to stay for a cheeseburger and much longer than she planned. All the while, Audrey knows she doesn't have time for a relationship. So, she takes their flirty conversation for exactly what it is: harmless fun.

That is... until the next morning when she walks into her interview and comes face to face with Leo himself.

Fate isn’t something Audrey believes in, but if she did… this certainly would feel a lot like it. The only problem? Leo is her new boss.

Their chemistry may be off the charts, but they both agree their careers come first.

What Audrey and Leo both seem to forget is that all is fair in love and law.
...and some lines are meant to be crossed.

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2021

27 people are currently reading
205 people want to read

About the author

Dee Lagasse

27 books317 followers

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5 stars
81 (44%)
4 stars
53 (28%)
3 stars
35 (19%)
2 stars
11 (6%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Meegz Reads.
1,530 reviews128 followers
June 11, 2021
*5 Stars*

ARC kindly received for an honest review.

I've been lucky enough to review for Dee Lagasse since her first book, Without Warning, which is actually my favourite book of hers. But, it might just have to share the spot now with Conflict of Interest. I devoured this book. I did not want to put it down, and when I did, I couldn't wait to pick it back up and keep reading!

Leo and Audrey had me captivated from the beginning. Their meet cute and then what follows next, was lots of fun, with such great banter and chemistry between the two, that I couldn't wait to see how they would deal with their situation.

Audrey is a straight up bad-ass. She knows what she wants and she won't settle for being bullied into anything less, which is how she's gotten her amazing job in the first place. Leo sees and respects this and is a wonderful champion for her cause.

There are also some really great secondary characters in this, who added a fun dynamic and some great world building. There were also some not so great characters of course, with one I particularly despised.

The only thing I did wish was that there was a little more talk about them resolving the inevitable issue towards the end (whatever it may be in different romance books). I really enjoyed the ending, but wished that it went for a little bit longer because I loved these two so much.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Dee!

Review also on my blog - Conflict of Interest by Dee Lagasse

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Profile Image for KRT.
31 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2021
Audrey & Leo bring all the angst and love you will need for the summer! Grab your beach towel, sunglasses and a strong lemonade. Ladies, your ovaries will be hurting once you meet Leo. You have been warned :)
Profile Image for Ashlyn Powell.
100 reviews17 followers
June 3, 2021
Another freakin’ 5 star read from Dee Lagasse!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Dee has such an incredible talent for creating characters with such strong personalities; characters who are realistic, relatable, and characters I cannot help but fall in love with and root for. Leo and Audrey were no exception. They just might be my very favorite couple from Dee’s books. Another trademark of Dee’s is the depth she puts into her secondary characters. By the time this book was over, I was ready to pack my bags and head to the lake with Leo’s family, and Audrey and Leo’s friends or go eat Greek at Meraki with Audrey’s family. This story was told so beautifully. I loved it so much. Hey Dee, I WANT MORE!!!! Here’s to hoping we’ll see more of these characters in future books! I’d love to get my hands on a story for Memphis and Lucy!

Dee, thank you so much for always trusting me with early copies of your books! && in this particular case, the chance to beta read!! 🤩 I am so very glad this was the book that took my first beta reading experience. I loved it in the beta phase, and I love it so much freaking more in its final phase.

Anyways, y’all go read this book.
Profile Image for Amanda Davanzati.
689 reviews25 followers
May 24, 2021
Dee Lagasse has this perfect way of writing so that you always feel a sense of comfort. She did just that again with Conflict of Interest.

Conflict Of Interest was an enchanting read! The story was definitely kismet between Leo and Audrey! I’m not one for office romances, but this one was so much more and made head over heels for this story. Dee Lagasse can capture every little moment between two characters and show even the simplest touch and be powerful. Leo was not what I expected to be from the beginning. I will fully admit I swooned over him and was excited to read the sweet charmer that he is. Audrey is a powerhouse! She portrays the strength every women needs for themselves. She is confident, independent, and just a good overall energy. These two definitely are a power couple both in and out of the courtroom.

I do hope to see more of the characters from this world, like Leo and Audreys friends. I have not once been let down by any of Dee Lagasse’s books and after ready Conflict of Interest, I can still confirm that statement. I look forward to what Dee has in store for other books to come! I know I’ll be picking anything she writes up.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,181 reviews320 followers
June 8, 2021
This was cute. It also takes place in Boston!
Profile Image for Katie Holland.
Author 29 books220 followers
May 25, 2021
Another great book by Dee Lagasse! I would have read it all in one sitting if I'd have had the time. Leo and Audrey are great together and who doesn't love a feel good HEA! I highly recommend this book!!
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,800 reviews400 followers
May 31, 2021
As a reader nothing thrills and satisfies me more than picking something by a new to me author and then thinking why I haven't read her before. That's exactly what happened with Conflict of Interest by Dee Lagasse. She floored me with her brilliant writing. She delivered a captivating and oh so amazing mix of wit, stem and feels. One of the best office romance I have ever read.

Audrey Young had a dream. To become an established attorney and to prove her useless attorney father wrong. And she achieved it when she got appointed as associate in Boston's best firm and under the best attorney around, Leo Prescott. They have magnetic attraction and sizzling hot chemistry. And they fit at another surreal level. But they are forbidden and heaven knows that taste of illicit makes everything more irresistible.

Audrey Young is a bada$$. I bow to this queen. She has sharp wit, sharper tongue and sharpest mind. A combination of brain, beauty and heart that is admirable. She can play hard and ruthless when taking down opponents in court( specially her father). She can be stubborn and determined to make her own space. And she can also melt anyone's heart with her sweet and open and beautiful heart. And Leo Prescott matched her at every step. This man shows that a man can be alpha without overshadowing the woman or controlling her or trying to make decisions for her. He is someone from every woman's dream. Hot. Gorgeous. Confident. Smart. Charming. Kind. Witty. He pushed Audrey to reach the moon while being arrogant and self assured. I enjoyed their verbal foreplay so much! They made me laugh and swoon.This story can be hilarious and flirty fun to max. But at the same time I could also feel the nuclear hot passionate connection. It was slow burn and the heat was built slowly till I begged for the explosion. It has a big cast of friends and families and I loved that vibe so much. I relaxed and just enjoyed the swoony sexy emotional progression of their love and waited for the happily ever after!

Conflict of Interest by Dee Lagasse may be my first book but you bet I will be going to tackle her backlist as soon as I have time.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Shannon O'Connor.
Author 64 books854 followers
May 23, 2021
You need this book. I do not often say that, so believe me when I say you need this book. I am a huge fan of Dee's writing but this one hits it out of the park. I loved the writing, the characters, and the overall plot, even the ending didn't disappoint. Audrey is a brilliant, working woman who puts her career and family first. Leo is her new boss who is categorized as a womanizer but honestly I'm not sure I believe that. The chemistry between them is undeniable despite their unique working situation. I loved this book more so because it was a romance where it wasn't the woman falling after the man and risking her career, but a woman who put herself first. Audrey is strong willed and knows what she wants and doesn't, and never loses sight of that. Even when you're supposed to hate Leo for this thing, I never could because he's just so great. I don't want to spoil anything but if you're looking for a romance with a strong female lead, family ties, and a lovable couple pick this up. As usual with Dee's books I was smiling and laughing the whole time, she really outdoes herself this time.
Profile Image for Sharon Moritz-rosenthal.
2,271 reviews29 followers
May 31, 2021
This was a really wonderful story if you love fun, flirty, romantic stories with a bit of a forbidden relationship and an at work romance. It made me laugh and smile and I loved every second of it.

This is a story that takes place in Boston and the star of the story is Audrey Young, whose father is a jerk but also a high profile lawyer. She wants nothing to do with him and so she goes to law school and seeks out a job at his rival firm working under Leo who is a senior partner at her new firm.

Leo and Audrey are very attracted but because he is her direct supervisor and boss, they try to keep it just friends and boss/employee. But love does not always work that way.

I adored Leo and I loved Audrey. They were so cute and adorable together and I love how Leo respects Audrey and how she respects him. This was a really fast paced story and I absolutely adored this book from beginning until end.

I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
1,909 reviews22 followers
June 3, 2021
I loved this book by Dee Lagasse and I will read it again because I just could not get enough of Leo and Audrey. This book really had it all. There was lots of fun moments between our main characters but also their friends and family and you just feel that you want to join in with them because that is how our author has written each scene. Leo and Audrey are both loveable, strong, determined and passionate about everything they do. The story was really enjoyable and also relatable and believable. So wonderfully written and every scene was explained in great detail and not rushed so you got truly immersed in their lives. A fun read that I highly recommend and hope there will be more books to come for some of the other characters that we met as they were all great to read about. Congratulations to Dee Lagasse on another great book that no doubt will capture everyone’s heart and imagination.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
3,211 reviews72 followers
May 30, 2021
Audrey is a recent law school graduate. Not wanting to work for her controlling father she is going to his biggest competition. The night before her big interview she goes for a drink at a bar and meets Leo she has a great meal with him and they have great chemistry. Well of course Leo is the man interviewing her for the job the next day! Leo hires her on the spot and vows to keep this professional. How long can these two keep things professional for? I truly loved this book. Audrey and Leo were extremely comfortable with each other right away they shared many things in common. I enjoyed there banter and especially enjoyed this authors writing style. This was a great enjoyable quick read.
Profile Image for Ebbie ~Author Groupies.
558 reviews10 followers
June 5, 2021

I loved Conflict of Interest. It was a quick read for my because I was so captivated that I couldn’t put it down. I loved Audrey and Leo. I loved how they met before the interview by fate. I would loved to have seen their faces the next morning due that interview.

Audrey is fierce, she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. She knows what she wants and she isn’t willing to settle for anything else. Leo was a great compliment to Audrey. They had great chemistry. I loved the banter between them. This was a fun read and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
85 reviews1 follower
Read
June 7, 2021
I love the genre of romance so much and there is such a spectrum. This book is a sweet workplace romance. It is slow burn fade to black.

I love this author’s writing voice a lot. And I’m always a sucker for a hot boss/employee relationship. I really enjoyed that by the end of the book the female MC and the male MC were equals in their careers. I love the feminist stand that makes and I would love to read more books like it.

One thing I didn’t like was that it felt like the climax of the plot was unrealistic. While there was tons of sexual tension there wasn’t a lot of rising relationship tension and it felt very manufactured and I find it hard to believe that the tough sassy MC would just run away and not talk to the male MC in the way she did. It felt abrupt and unbelievable. But this didn’t ruin the overall story at all and I enjoyed the read.

Totally worth your time! Super cute romance.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristin.
987 reviews
May 28, 2021
Dee you have such a way with storytelling! You captivate the reader with your wonderful characters and make us fall in love each and every time! Leo & Audrey were no different. Leo made me swoon from the very beginning. Such a charmer, but we also got to see his vulnerable side. Audrey was a tough heroine that definitely held her own and didn’t let others push her around. Their chemistry was strong from the beginning, and their connection just grew throughout the story. Well done!!
Profile Image for Kim Doe.
402 reviews8 followers
May 27, 2021
Foolish me started this book while laying in bed last night, with the intent to read a “few” chapters. A few pages turned into half the book and I had to stop because I was falling asleep. I could not put it down. I also didn’t want it to end.

Leo is just all kinds of swoon worthy.

I wish this was a Netflix movie
Profile Image for Kat Mary.
472 reviews
June 3, 2021
I LOVED Conflict Of Interest! I'm such a fan of Dee's. I read the book in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down! Dee wrote the perfect build between Audrey and Leo. Their story flowed. There was just enough drama. I was surprised and gasped at who caused it. As with Dee's books, I really enjoy how she brings in the characters families and friends to the story. I always look forward to those parts. There is an HEA and it was perfect! Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,571 reviews53 followers
June 6, 2021
This is the first book I've read by the author and it will not be my last. Leo and Audrey were amazing! They have such great chemistry and gave me all the feels in the world. I loved their story. And I loved the side characters too which are their friends. I didn't want their story to end. I read it in just one sitting. I can't wait to read more from Dee next.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
June 29, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/29/2022)! 🎁
Profile Image for Daniele.
530 reviews4 followers
June 3, 2021
Conflict of Interest is Dee Lagasse at her best. Leo and Audrey’s chemistry is beyond magnetic. From the moment you start reading you feeling the instant connection with them, it consumes them and it consumes us while we read - in the best possible way. It made it so hard to put the book down.

When you read a book by Dee it’s like being with your best friends; you feel the brilliance of their success, you blush at the smolder that happens between them and you can’t stop smiling at all those simply happy moments. For not only does Dee give us all that with Conflict of Interest she gives us more, the romantic banter is off the charts, the family connection will hit you square in the heart, a book boyfriend to sweep you right off your feet and a heroine that finds herself without loosing herself.

Beyond 5 stars, if I could, I would give this book all the stars.
1,863 reviews7 followers
July 4, 2022
Sadly a DNF for me. It wasn’t bad just unrealistic. They meet the night before a big interview that she has with his firm. She’s hired and starts on the spot. While they claimed they now had to stay apart due to boss/subordinate they did not at all and everything was an HR nightmare waiting to happen. So much happened in like 10 days. 10 year age gap that has yet to be mentioned or an issue and I’m 70% in. Just didn’t care anymore.
Profile Image for Morgan.
28 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2021
I absolutely love Leo and Audrey! I was sucked in from the very beginning. A very well written love story! Congratulations Dee you've done it again!!!
Profile Image for K.
Author 8 books34 followers
May 25, 2021
Another lovely book with the signature Dee Lagasse touch. Swoonworthy first kisses, fantastic side characters, & a hallmark ending!
Profile Image for Cheryl Decato.
23 reviews
Read
May 25, 2021
A must read. Another job well done! Keep up the good work Dee! Kept me wanting to keep reading until it was complete!
Profile Image for Bookjunkie_Anne.
1,206 reviews
July 4, 2021
4⭐️

The author was new to me. I signed up because I loved the blurb. It was right up my alley.

This is Leo and Audrey's story.

Like a modern mix between a Cinderella story and Romeo and Juliet with a mafia twist.

It was a slow burn at first but as the story progressed, it showed Leo and Audrey really meshed well.

It's swoony and riveting.
Profile Image for Kayla.
437 reviews8 followers
May 28, 2021
Conflict of Interest was just the light feel good read I needed to kick off my summer. I have been anticipating this book for months and it definitely did not disappoint me. Per usual I find myself loving each new book this author writes. I have been lucky enough to read the authors stories from the start, and spoiler alert they just get better and better with each book released. I found myself completely consumed with this story. From the start to finish I simply did not want to put it down until I had devoured every single page. I honestly read it in a matter of days because it was just that good.

To be honest I was obsessed with the characters in this story. Not just your main ones but the secondary characters as well. They added a nice playfully fun dynamic to the story that I really enjoyed. I'm secretly also hoping that maybe we'll get some stories later on from them as well. Because there was quite a few characters I wouldn't mind getting to know better. Audrey and Leo verged on a insta love for me but the author truly made it work for these two. I just found them to be the cutest together and totally packing in the swoons department. I was absolutely rooting for them from the very start. I also found both characters to be down to earth and easy to relate too. I enjoyed their flowing banter and how easy as well as comfortably they just made their love story flow.

If I had any complaints it would be that I wish there had been just a little more angst or omph to the inevitable conflict or plot twist characters always expirence before getting their HEA. I felt that part of the story was a tad bit rushed for my taste and could have used a little extra juiciness just to break up some the feel good of this book. This complaint here may very well be me just being a greedy pants but I wanted more Audrey and Leo. The ending too came across every so slightly rushed to me. I just found myself wishing it too had been just a tad longer or packed with a little more detail. I simply just was NOT ready to say goodbye to these swoon worthy characters so soon. But with all that said I really did enjoy this read and all the characters had to offer us.

*4 STARS*
If your looking for a romance that offers you just the right amount of family bonds, a swoon worthy couple, and a strong female lead then I recommend you buying this book. It had a hallmark ending with a story bound to bring you all the down home comfort your heart needs.
Profile Image for Jinx.
879 reviews
June 15, 2021
A law office romance between a senior partner at the firm and his star associate. Told from dual perspectives.

-------------------

Main Characters: Audrey Young, attorney and newest associate at the Law Offices of Ortega & Beckham. Leonardo "Leo" Prescott Ortega & Beckham's newest senior partner and Audrey's boss.

Overview: Audrey Young worked hard all through college wanting to prove her father wrong, she was not following in his footsteps, but she was determined to do what he could, even though he had other plans for her, plans that didn't include her becoming an attorney. She's on the verge of seeing that dream come true when we meet her.

Leo Prescott is out to celebrate a big win in court when he sees Audrey for the first time. He's attracted to the beautiful woman but his life is too busy for anything romantic but he knows she's something special.

On the day of her interview Leo walks in and cancels all the other interviews, knowing instantly he's going to hire her when he sees her.... and so begins the cat and mouse game of an office romance.

The more time Leo spends with Audrey the more he's attracted to her. But they can't act on it... or can they? She's bright and intelligent and nothing like her father. Choosing to make her own name in the legal world and Leo is willing to guide her.

Mixed messages and a wayward over heard conversation lead to a misunderstanding that has Audrey questioning her decisions. Will it all work out?

--------------

Concluding Thoughts: It was an ok read. Middle of the road... just lacked a little something that could have made it better imo.
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,276 reviews58 followers
October 30, 2023
Conflict of Interest is a light-hearted, easy kind of read. My first from Dee Lagasse and I really enjoyed it. She's taken a familiar trope and given it a new flavor, so to speak, and the result is sweet and charming.

From the moment Audrey Young met Leo Prescott the day before her big interview at the law firm of her dreams, I knew these two would end up as much more than a senior partner and new associate. They have a chemistry both can't deny and once they are working very closely together it's a waiting game as to how they are going to face their attraction while simultaneously staying employed.

But I loved how Legasse takes this conundrum and doesn't allow Audrey and Leo to wait too long to find their rhythm both in and out of the office, with very understanding superiors and the full support of loved ones and co-workers. It felt more real that these kinds of relationships wouldn't necessarily be so frowned upon that Audrey and Leo would have to stay quiet and keep their pairing under wraps for most of the book. And I really liked that component. With fade-to-black kind of love scenes, I'm happy to say that you could still feel the true love that had emerged for this couple and how much they were meant to be.

I won't hesitate to read more from this gifted author in the future with Conflict of Interest a great intro to her work.

3 stars!
Profile Image for TLBC.
549 reviews12 followers
Read
July 28, 2021
Four Stars!
@tlbcgirls.read
https://triciaciak.blogspot.com/

This book was one of my favorites by Dee. I had the pleasure of Beta reading it and then reading the final copy. I am so glad she decided to publish this book.

I love a good office romance and you knew from the H and h's initial encounter the sparks were going to fly. One thing Dee does so well in her books is creating a likable hero and heroine, I feel so many times in reading romance it's hard to get into a book because you get frustrated, you don't like the main characters. Not only are her mani characters good but so are her side characters, it makes you want more of all of them. In fact, this book had me wanting more of Audrey (h) and Leo (H), they had great chemistry, fun banter and you get to know their very involved but likable families. I would've been happy with even more of all of them.

Leo and Audrey have the sweetest meet-cute and then oops Audrey ends up interviewing with Leo the next day. What will happen when the two can't leave their sparks at just one encounter? And will they be able to work together?

Read to find out and you'll see what a fun and page-turning book this is, before you know it you will be done and wanting more like me.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
June 6, 2021
Dee Lagasse is a new to me author so Conflict of Interest is obviously my first book by her, and man I LOVED IT HARD! It's the story of Audrey, a strong & sassy young lady who wants to be out of her father's shadow so she sets out on her own. A short time after passing the Bar exam, she lands an interview at her father's rival firm, and the night before said interview, she's nervous so she goes out for one drink. Of course, things took a turn when she came across a man named Leo, and they had a good time flirting, but that's all it was since she's focused on her career. Imagine her shock when she comes for the interview & Leo is the one who she'll work for. Obviously that makes things a tad more complicated since they do have chemistry in spades, but both are focused on their careers first. It's not long before the lines are becoming blurry with the sparks flying & they won't be denied for long. This story was a delight to read with amazing MCs, intense chemistry adding in a big steam factor, and a push & pull to keep you on the edge of your seat! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
June 2, 2021
Audrey has just passed the bar and wants to succeed on her own merit rather than in her dad’s shadow, and she secures an interview with a rival company. The night before her interview Audrey goes into a bar to calm her nerves and meets the charming Leo who she spends a fun time with, only problem is she comes face to face with him at her interview the following day. The chemistry between these two is combustible and undeniable. This is a beautifully written story which is fun, entertaining, and with witty banter, humor, family, and love. I was totally enthralled throughout this addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all.
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