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Not Guilty
Glass ceilings, red tape, rules…Some things are meant to be broken. No one expects their heart will.
Claire Weaver’s only goal is to climb the ladder of success. After winning an unwinnable toxic tort case and securing a ninety-million-dollar verdict, she’s a shoo-in for a judgeship at Kansas City’s circuit court.
The last person fire investigator Emery Pearson expects to see in court is the stranger she had the pleasure of dominating last night―only this time, Judge Claire Weaver is definitely in charge. To say she’s excited is an understatement. Claire is everything she needs―sexy, available, and not looking for a relationship.
Their day jobs clash, even as their desire burns, and a discreet sex-only arrangement is the only option. But when pushing their sexual limits threatens the boundary of their hearts, will they be guilty of breaking their own rules, or allow love to tip the scales?
Claire Weaver’s only goal is to climb the ladder of success. After winning an unwinnable toxic tort case and securing a ninety-million-dollar verdict, she’s a shoo-in for a judgeship at Kansas City’s circuit court.
The last person fire investigator Emery Pearson expects to see in court is the stranger she had the pleasure of dominating last night―only this time, Judge Claire Weaver is definitely in charge. To say she’s excited is an understatement. Claire is everything she needs―sexy, available, and not looking for a relationship.
Their day jobs clash, even as their desire burns, and a discreet sex-only arrangement is the only option. But when pushing their sexual limits threatens the boundary of their hearts, will they be guilty of breaking their own rules, or allow love to tip the scales?
229 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2021
39 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
May 13, 2021
4.5⭐️ – Kris Bryant, aka Brit Ryder, promised this story would be hot and she didn’t lie!
Claire Weaver is a newly-minted judge on the eve of her first trial. A visit to the museum to get her nerves under control ends up in sizzling sex with a stranger and her strap-on. A stranger who happens to be one of the experts involved in the trial, Emery Pearson. Now that they’re not strangers anymore, Claire and Emery can’t seem to get enough of each other. Claire loves that Emery always knows what she wants, when she wants it and how she wants it, but she’s not ready for more than casual, albeit magnificent, sex.
If you’ve read Shameless, you already know Claire and Emery. Not Guilty is told in first person from Claire’s point of view. The story begins just before the events in Shameless, then goes on to follow the protagonists after that first encounter.
I love that the author is Kris Bryant who, under that name, writes romance with a lot of emotions. As Brit Ryder, she lets chemistry take the lead and it’s pretty amazing too. Claire’s life is all about work – and her new career as a judge – and no-strings sex. She’s very good at ending things when the women she’s having sex with start to get feelings. And the idea that she would get feelings is ludicrous. Until it’s not.
Some passages are a bit abrupt, which would have bothered me a lot more had the story not been told in Claire’s voice. I can easily imagine her being busy and impatient and, yes, abrupt in her quest to advance her career as well as for pleasure. She knows what she wants and goes for it unapologetically. And if character growth is important to you as a reader, Claire is an interesting case.
This book goes from erotica with scorching naughty fun casual sex to heartstrings-tugging romance with a side of crime. In romance as in real life, overly romantic characters sometimes mistake lust for love. In this story, love grows from lust. And as I wrote in the review of Jaime Clevenger’s One Weekend in Aspen Rach and I published at Les Rêveur, this is the kind of chemistry that’s so strong it has to be rooted in compatibility beyond sex. While I enjoy Kris Bryant’s romance novels a lot, I certainly hope she keeps Brit Ryder busy too.
Technically, Not Guilty could be read as a standalone but I recommend reading Shameless first (it’s a novella, it won’t take long to read and it’s just as steamy as this book). As it is, I thought Shameless was still fresh enough in my mind to not re-read it first, but I was only half-right, and ended up reading it again immediately after I finished Not Guilty. And though I remembered what had happened between both women pretty well, I had forgotten a third character, whom I hadn’t recognised in Not Guilty. It didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story but (re)finding out about her added a new flavour to it in retrospect. TL;DR: read Shameless first then enjoy Not Guilty fully.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Claire Weaver is a newly-minted judge on the eve of her first trial. A visit to the museum to get her nerves under control ends up in sizzling sex with a stranger and her strap-on. A stranger who happens to be one of the experts involved in the trial, Emery Pearson. Now that they’re not strangers anymore, Claire and Emery can’t seem to get enough of each other. Claire loves that Emery always knows what she wants, when she wants it and how she wants it, but she’s not ready for more than casual, albeit magnificent, sex.
If you’ve read Shameless, you already know Claire and Emery. Not Guilty is told in first person from Claire’s point of view. The story begins just before the events in Shameless, then goes on to follow the protagonists after that first encounter.
I love that the author is Kris Bryant who, under that name, writes romance with a lot of emotions. As Brit Ryder, she lets chemistry take the lead and it’s pretty amazing too. Claire’s life is all about work – and her new career as a judge – and no-strings sex. She’s very good at ending things when the women she’s having sex with start to get feelings. And the idea that she would get feelings is ludicrous. Until it’s not.
Some passages are a bit abrupt, which would have bothered me a lot more had the story not been told in Claire’s voice. I can easily imagine her being busy and impatient and, yes, abrupt in her quest to advance her career as well as for pleasure. She knows what she wants and goes for it unapologetically. And if character growth is important to you as a reader, Claire is an interesting case.
This book goes from erotica with scorching naughty fun casual sex to heartstrings-tugging romance with a side of crime. In romance as in real life, overly romantic characters sometimes mistake lust for love. In this story, love grows from lust. And as I wrote in the review of Jaime Clevenger’s One Weekend in Aspen Rach and I published at Les Rêveur, this is the kind of chemistry that’s so strong it has to be rooted in compatibility beyond sex. While I enjoy Kris Bryant’s romance novels a lot, I certainly hope she keeps Brit Ryder busy too.
Technically, Not Guilty could be read as a standalone but I recommend reading Shameless first (it’s a novella, it won’t take long to read and it’s just as steamy as this book). As it is, I thought Shameless was still fresh enough in my mind to not re-read it first, but I was only half-right, and ended up reading it again immediately after I finished Not Guilty. And though I remembered what had happened between both women pretty well, I had forgotten a third character, whom I hadn’t recognised in Not Guilty. It didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story but (re)finding out about her added a new flavour to it in retrospect. TL;DR: read Shameless first then enjoy Not Guilty fully.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2021
Brit Ryder made my Saturday.
Jude's review was a distraction for me on Friday because I had work and then I had housework. (The apartment apparently wasn’t going to clean itself) And I was only able to get down to it on Saturday afternoon. Armed with a bowl of ice-cream, I settled into the couch with my kindle.
I knew this was going to be a hit before I even started because of how hot I thought Shameless was. That short erotica was pure seduction and the chemistry was electrifying. I was intrigued.
Not Guilty is not only a re-write of the museum tryst in a different POV, it develops into a full romance. We learn more about the characters besides their names and work titles. They become more than just Emery, the sexy butch fire investigator and Claire, the newly minted hot judge. Switching the POV to Claire was clever because she was a mystery before this, so it was gratifying to be able to get into her head this time.
Emery wants more and Claire does not and I understand where Claire is coming from. I enjoyed what they had originally and the shift from Emery felt sudden. Relationships are new grounds for Claire, so her initial confusion and urge to deny her feelings are understandable even though her resistence becomes less endearing after some time because of how outstanding their chemistry is.
Emery is my favourite person and I enjoyed watching her personality unfold from a sexually confident person to somebody who is also incredibly sweet. And there are gaps such as Emery’s dating life that I wish didn't go unexplained, but it did.
This one is not only sexy, it has the full package and I loved it so much. So thanks to Brit Ryder aka Kris Bryant, who has a knack for writing erotica and erotic romance, I had a wonderful Saturday.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jude's review was a distraction for me on Friday because I had work and then I had housework. (The apartment apparently wasn’t going to clean itself) And I was only able to get down to it on Saturday afternoon. Armed with a bowl of ice-cream, I settled into the couch with my kindle.
I knew this was going to be a hit before I even started because of how hot I thought Shameless was. That short erotica was pure seduction and the chemistry was electrifying. I was intrigued.
Not Guilty is not only a re-write of the museum tryst in a different POV, it develops into a full romance. We learn more about the characters besides their names and work titles. They become more than just Emery, the sexy butch fire investigator and Claire, the newly minted hot judge. Switching the POV to Claire was clever because she was a mystery before this, so it was gratifying to be able to get into her head this time.
Emery wants more and Claire does not and I understand where Claire is coming from. I enjoyed what they had originally and the shift from Emery felt sudden. Relationships are new grounds for Claire, so her initial confusion and urge to deny her feelings are understandable even though her resistence becomes less endearing after some time because of how outstanding their chemistry is.
Emery is my favourite person and I enjoyed watching her personality unfold from a sexually confident person to somebody who is also incredibly sweet. And there are gaps such as Emery’s dating life that I wish didn't go unexplained, but it did.
This one is not only sexy, it has the full package and I loved it so much. So thanks to Brit Ryder aka Kris Bryant, who has a knack for writing erotica and erotic romance, I had a wonderful Saturday.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2021
Delicious! Better than ice cream 😁
For me, this was the perfect romantic book, in a political set up, with unbelievably steamy scenes! This is a book with a romantic storyline at the core.
I really believe Kris Bryant is simply an exceptional author, but now I welcome Brit Ryder in my life (as a reviewer obviously) 😁
While this is a standalone, I definitely recommend reading Shameless. It not only sets you up for this book, but also, very enjoyable.
Three quarters into this book, I thought to myself, I really don’t want this to end! Thank god I got very busy with work so I took my time reading this! There’s twists in the storyline, there’s a bit of crime and 2 very sexy MCs. Why would I ever want this to end ? :)
My rating is a solid 5.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
For me, this was the perfect romantic book, in a political set up, with unbelievably steamy scenes! This is a book with a romantic storyline at the core.
I really believe Kris Bryant is simply an exceptional author, but now I welcome Brit Ryder in my life (as a reviewer obviously) 😁
While this is a standalone, I definitely recommend reading Shameless. It not only sets you up for this book, but also, very enjoyable.
Three quarters into this book, I thought to myself, I really don’t want this to end! Thank god I got very busy with work so I took my time reading this! There’s twists in the storyline, there’s a bit of crime and 2 very sexy MCs. Why would I ever want this to end ? :)
My rating is a solid 5.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
May 18, 2021
Butch-Femme
Strap-on sex
Back tracking to read Shameless now that I know why I feel like I should already know Emery.
Okay, I'm done reading both.
Initially, I thought backtracking to read Shameless was a bad idea due to the line-for-line dialogue that was abundantly apparent upon picking this back up. With that said, that feeling quickly passed. This story is so much more, so very much more and told from a different perspective.
On that front, I feel this book can be read as a standalone, or back to back with Shameless But if you haven't read Shameless, you're going to want to after reading Not Guilty.
The plot is great, the characters likeable, the sex off-the-charts. And everyone needs a best friend like Claire's bestie, Jenn. God, I loved her.
The ending had me scratching my head. I thought the book might loose a star because of it. I was screaming "I don't care about 'them,' I want to know about them." Then that happened with an awesome colour-me-surprised twist. Brilliant, I say. Sheer brillance.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
Strap-on sex
Back tracking to read Shameless now that I know why I feel like I should already know Emery.
Okay, I'm done reading both.
Initially, I thought backtracking to read Shameless was a bad idea due to the line-for-line dialogue that was abundantly apparent upon picking this back up. With that said, that feeling quickly passed. This story is so much more, so very much more and told from a different perspective.
On that front, I feel this book can be read as a standalone, or back to back with Shameless But if you haven't read Shameless, you're going to want to after reading Not Guilty.
The plot is great, the characters likeable, the sex off-the-charts. And everyone needs a best friend like Claire's bestie, Jenn. God, I loved her.
The ending had me scratching my head. I thought the book might loose a star because of it. I was screaming "I don't care about 'them,' I want to know about them." Then that happened with an awesome colour-me-surprised twist. Brilliant, I say. Sheer brillance.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
May 17, 2021
Kris Bryant is an amazing romance author, but when she is writing as Brit Ryder, the heat factor is so high the pages of the book almost curl up from the heat. I found that out when I read her novella Shameless, and I believe this even more after reading Not Guilty, the sequel to the novella.
In Shameless we meet Emery Pearson and Claire Weaver as the two accidentally meet and have an intense and hot sexual encounter in a museum. We see this story in first person through Emery’s eyes. In the book Not Guilty, we are looking at the tale from Claire’s point of view. Claire is at the museum for a possible one-time-only hookup before she begins her new job as a circuit court judge. She has no time for relationships, and has to be discreet because of her public image as a judge. She never bargained on seeing her one time sexual partner the very next day as a witness in her courtroom. Neither Emery nor Claire seem to want a relationship, but the desire, and yes, lust they share won’t be denied. They decide to try a “discreet sex-only arrangement”, but will that be enough?
Once I started reading this novel, it was hard for me to put it down. I had already met the two main characters in the novella. I connected with Emery then, so it’s good that the novel is told through Claire’s eyes. I will admit to being occasionally frustrated by her refusal to see what she really feels about Emery. It fits her character though, and makes the story more interesting. The secondary characters are equally well-developed and play an important role in the overall story.
This is a tale that starts with lust and gradually morphs into love, though Claire especially fights it tooth and nail. Add in a bit of criminal intrigue, and you have a story that grabs your interest and keeps you reading until the end. The author has done an amazing job weaving together the intricate details of a tale filled with eroticism, romance, and mystery.
Not Guilty could be read as a standalone novel, but I honestly believe you should read the novella first. I think it gives you a better chance of getting to know and connect with these two people, especially Emery. I recommend you read both stories in order.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review of Not Guilty. I bought Shameless.
In Shameless we meet Emery Pearson and Claire Weaver as the two accidentally meet and have an intense and hot sexual encounter in a museum. We see this story in first person through Emery’s eyes. In the book Not Guilty, we are looking at the tale from Claire’s point of view. Claire is at the museum for a possible one-time-only hookup before she begins her new job as a circuit court judge. She has no time for relationships, and has to be discreet because of her public image as a judge. She never bargained on seeing her one time sexual partner the very next day as a witness in her courtroom. Neither Emery nor Claire seem to want a relationship, but the desire, and yes, lust they share won’t be denied. They decide to try a “discreet sex-only arrangement”, but will that be enough?
Once I started reading this novel, it was hard for me to put it down. I had already met the two main characters in the novella. I connected with Emery then, so it’s good that the novel is told through Claire’s eyes. I will admit to being occasionally frustrated by her refusal to see what she really feels about Emery. It fits her character though, and makes the story more interesting. The secondary characters are equally well-developed and play an important role in the overall story.
This is a tale that starts with lust and gradually morphs into love, though Claire especially fights it tooth and nail. Add in a bit of criminal intrigue, and you have a story that grabs your interest and keeps you reading until the end. The author has done an amazing job weaving together the intricate details of a tale filled with eroticism, romance, and mystery.
Not Guilty could be read as a standalone novel, but I honestly believe you should read the novella first. I think it gives you a better chance of getting to know and connect with these two people, especially Emery. I recommend you read both stories in order.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review of Not Guilty. I bought Shameless.
May 23, 2021
4.5 stars. After reading Shameless, I just had to immediately continue with ”Not Guilty” and I’m happy to say that it packs the same punch in terms of steaminess as Shameless did, but it also delivers so much more.
It’s not necessary to read Shameless first, but I really enjoyed the combo, so I do recommend to read them both. This book is written from the POV of Claire in the first person. During her first case as a judge Claire is confronted with the sight of Emery, who she had a one-night stand with the day before. As their sexual appetites matched perfectly they decide to continue meeting, but their jobs and emotions soon get in the way of their no-strings-attached arrangement.
The start of the book is fully in the erotica genre. To give an idea, let’s just say that fans of strap-on sex will not be disappointed in this butch/femme sex arrangement. Brit Ryder aka Kris Bryant sure has a knack for writing sizzling hot sex scenes and I hope we can expect more books under the pseudonym Brit Ryder. In the acknowledgements Brit/Kris describes her struggles with writing sex scenes that are detached from romantic feelings and as the book progresses you do get some glimpses of the romance and emotions that Kris Bryant is so well known for. I was very happy with that, it gives the book and the characters the depth that makes me care about them, for me this was an excellent combination of erotica and romance.
In Shameless you get to know Emery (as it is written from her POV) and while you do not get to see things from her POV in this book there is an apparent change in her personality, showing a sweet side of her besides her passionate side and I liked her all the more for it. I wish Emery’s POV was also addressed, not because it is necessary for the story, but because you get to know her in Shameless and I wanted to know what was going on in her head, how she handles the changing feelings. Claire obviously had most difficulties of the two in acknowledging her growing feelings and it was frustrating to read at times, but very understandable at the same time.
Besides all this, there was also an interesting side story that I would like to mention. It’s about the case that Claire is working on and this little mystery gives just the right entertainment without it being distracting or taking over the storyline.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a spicy romance.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s not necessary to read Shameless first, but I really enjoyed the combo, so I do recommend to read them both. This book is written from the POV of Claire in the first person. During her first case as a judge Claire is confronted with the sight of Emery, who she had a one-night stand with the day before. As their sexual appetites matched perfectly they decide to continue meeting, but their jobs and emotions soon get in the way of their no-strings-attached arrangement.
The start of the book is fully in the erotica genre. To give an idea, let’s just say that fans of strap-on sex will not be disappointed in this butch/femme sex arrangement. Brit Ryder aka Kris Bryant sure has a knack for writing sizzling hot sex scenes and I hope we can expect more books under the pseudonym Brit Ryder. In the acknowledgements Brit/Kris describes her struggles with writing sex scenes that are detached from romantic feelings and as the book progresses you do get some glimpses of the romance and emotions that Kris Bryant is so well known for. I was very happy with that, it gives the book and the characters the depth that makes me care about them, for me this was an excellent combination of erotica and romance.
In Shameless you get to know Emery (as it is written from her POV) and while you do not get to see things from her POV in this book there is an apparent change in her personality, showing a sweet side of her besides her passionate side and I liked her all the more for it. I wish Emery’s POV was also addressed, not because it is necessary for the story, but because you get to know her in Shameless and I wanted to know what was going on in her head, how she handles the changing feelings. Claire obviously had most difficulties of the two in acknowledging her growing feelings and it was frustrating to read at times, but very understandable at the same time.
Besides all this, there was also an interesting side story that I would like to mention. It’s about the case that Claire is working on and this little mystery gives just the right entertainment without it being distracting or taking over the storyline.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a spicy romance.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2021
This was such a fun read. Not Guilty is the full-length follow-up to the short erotica Shameless. Reading Shameless isn’t required to read this one but it’s so fun I definitely recommend it and you get to know Emery a little bit better. This is erotica with romance and a bit of a mystery/thriller aspect thrown in if the other two weren’t enough for you.
Claire is a newly appointed judge and Emery is a fire investigator and both are busy with their jobs. Neither have time nor a desire for a relationship. However, their chemistry and sexual compatibility has them deciding to give a no-strings-attached relationship a try. As you can guess, it doesn’t work out too well and feelings get involved.
Erotica usually isn’t my jam as there is little character development or emotional connection. However, Brit Ryder (Kris Bryant) successfully bypassed those issues for me. Claire’s changing feelings throughout kept my attention. She did go back and forth a little and while that got annoying it also felt realistic when you’re fighting with yourself about feelings you don’t want to have. Emery’s feelings also do a one-eighty and I wished we had gotten her point of view because it seemed to happen so quickly and was so different from her feelings in Shameless that it left me a little confused.
Even though it starts out pretty heavy with the steam, I thought the romance and the side plot of the mystery kept the story moving forward. Claire’s first case as a judge is more than it seems and I liked how it let Claire and Emery get to know one another better outside of the bedroom; even if they probably shouldn’t have been working together.
The heat level is very high here (it IS an erotica) and I will say if you don’t appreciate strap-on scenes, you probably should pass on this one. If that isn’t a deal breaker for you, I highly recommend this. It’s hot and sexy and entertaining until the very end.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Claire is a newly appointed judge and Emery is a fire investigator and both are busy with their jobs. Neither have time nor a desire for a relationship. However, their chemistry and sexual compatibility has them deciding to give a no-strings-attached relationship a try. As you can guess, it doesn’t work out too well and feelings get involved.
Erotica usually isn’t my jam as there is little character development or emotional connection. However, Brit Ryder (Kris Bryant) successfully bypassed those issues for me. Claire’s changing feelings throughout kept my attention. She did go back and forth a little and while that got annoying it also felt realistic when you’re fighting with yourself about feelings you don’t want to have. Emery’s feelings also do a one-eighty and I wished we had gotten her point of view because it seemed to happen so quickly and was so different from her feelings in Shameless that it left me a little confused.
Even though it starts out pretty heavy with the steam, I thought the romance and the side plot of the mystery kept the story moving forward. Claire’s first case as a judge is more than it seems and I liked how it let Claire and Emery get to know one another better outside of the bedroom; even if they probably shouldn’t have been working together.
The heat level is very high here (it IS an erotica) and I will say if you don’t appreciate strap-on scenes, you probably should pass on this one. If that isn’t a deal breaker for you, I highly recommend this. It’s hot and sexy and entertaining until the very end.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2022
Who is this mysterious Brit Ryder author? Because I am head over heels crazy over her two books. Jk. I’m already a big Kris Bryant fan.
Shameless, the first book, came in hot and heavy, an erotic novella that delivered as promised. A dripping spoonful of honey. Yes, read it first. Not Guilty switches the pov and begins as a paraquel but builds into a full blown story after the initial events.
After a brief sexual encounter, Claire and Emery reconnect in a shocking kind of way that only the best can pull off without seeming trite. Ryder’s voice is aggressive and unapologetic and I’m here for it. The characters are adults who act the part, are flawed, but carry themselves in the world with a confidence and a self knowledge that is a brimful of sexiness. The author tries, I think, to keep it all under a strict no connections policy but feelings evolve in such a natural way that only a stone heart would complain. The book is the perfect balance of rawness and vulnerability. Perfect timing. Perfect pace. Just perfect. Hopefully, the author will continue to write many more Brit Ryder books.
Shameless, the first book, came in hot and heavy, an erotic novella that delivered as promised. A dripping spoonful of honey. Yes, read it first. Not Guilty switches the pov and begins as a paraquel but builds into a full blown story after the initial events.
After a brief sexual encounter, Claire and Emery reconnect in a shocking kind of way that only the best can pull off without seeming trite. Ryder’s voice is aggressive and unapologetic and I’m here for it. The characters are adults who act the part, are flawed, but carry themselves in the world with a confidence and a self knowledge that is a brimful of sexiness. The author tries, I think, to keep it all under a strict no connections policy but feelings evolve in such a natural way that only a stone heart would complain. The book is the perfect balance of rawness and vulnerability. Perfect timing. Perfect pace. Just perfect. Hopefully, the author will continue to write many more Brit Ryder books.
June 8, 2021
Read this after Shameless—a novella that first introduced us to Emery, a striking butch with short dark hair, light gray eyes, strong jawline, a swimmer's bod, towering at almost six feet... Ok ok, you get the idea. The publication dates for that book and this one have 4 years between them and right off the bat, it was clear Ryder's writing improved in which it’s much more confident and less experimental. She let the characters’ actions do the talking this time.
This was written in first person in Claire's POV—our mystery woman in Shameless. The plot was laced with intrigue, which gave the story more meat. For the romance, slivers of emotion slipped out when the MCs did the deed, but I remember noting in their fifth time of doing it that the whole thing still felt so impersonal (at least to me). I'm the type who needs more heart in my romance, and up until the 80% mark, I still felt nothing for the characters.
Until finally, there was this moment that tugged a little on my heartstrings:
That 👆🏻 I wanted more of that. If you understand the developments built around to get us to that moment, you'd know what I'm saying. So color me surprised when they didn't fall into a heartfelt conversation following that scene.
There was also this point where Claire called Emery her girlfriend for the first time. Considering Claire's prior aversion to intimate relationships, this felt like another big moment for me. But then Ryder... didn't... make... a big deal... out of it... and I was just...
TBF, more heart could be found at the end of that same chapter. The penultimate chapter 😐 But all these missed chances to express something more have me scratching my head. Like, am I the only one hankering for it? 😅 IDK. The more I read erotica, the more I realize maybe I shouldn't look deeper into the emotions behind the characters' actions. They leave me discontented more often than not.
*Minor peeve: The phrase "throw the book at" got used a lot.
This was written in first person in Claire's POV—our mystery woman in Shameless. The plot was laced with intrigue, which gave the story more meat. For the romance, slivers of emotion slipped out when the MCs did the deed, but I remember noting in their fifth time of doing it that the whole thing still felt so impersonal (at least to me). I'm the type who needs more heart in my romance, and up until the 80% mark, I still felt nothing for the characters.
Until finally, there was this moment that tugged a little on my heartstrings:
“They say he killed a man.”
I turn to look at her. Unguarded gray eyes gaze at me with longing and hope. I freeze because I don’t know how to navigate my feelings as my heart twists and turns.
That 👆🏻 I wanted more of that. If you understand the developments built around to get us to that moment, you'd know what I'm saying. So color me surprised when they didn't fall into a heartfelt conversation following that scene.
There was also this point where Claire called Emery her girlfriend for the first time. Considering Claire's prior aversion to intimate relationships, this felt like another big moment for me. But then Ryder... didn't... make... a big deal... out of it... and I was just...
TBF, more heart could be found at the end of that same chapter. The penultimate chapter 😐 But all these missed chances to express something more have me scratching my head. Like, am I the only one hankering for it? 😅 IDK. The more I read erotica, the more I realize maybe I shouldn't look deeper into the emotions behind the characters' actions. They leave me discontented more often than not.
*Minor peeve: The phrase "throw the book at" got used a lot.
July 31, 2021
It was exactly what I needed this week. A fun story. Relaxing. Entertaining. Low angst. Steamy scenes, a little bit of mystery, no strings relationship and a tad of romance.
I can't ask more for an erotica book.
And I love to read great chemistry from the begining.
4.5
I can't ask more for an erotica book.
And I love to read great chemistry from the begining.
4.5
June 7, 2021
Not much of an erotica fan but 😳
Good book!
Good book!
May 20, 2021
Review of ‘Not Guilty’ by Brit Ryder
Newly appointed Judge Claire Weaver has a random, but very gratifying sexual encounter in a museum. Imagine her surprise when, presiding over her very first case, she recognizes the mystery woman as one of the witnesses, Fire Investigator Emery Pearson. Balancing her commitment to her new career and her no relationship rule, Claire struggles to understand her evolving emotions towards Emery while getting partially caught in a political scandal.
I always battle some with erotica. I do not like to read about sex if not within the context of chemistry or romance if that makes any sense. Many of these stories are short, which makes it even harder for me to connect with the characters and what the author is trying to convey. Well, not Ms Ryder’s novel! ‘Not Guilty’ is the sequel to ‘Shameless’, a novella about the museum encounter told from Emery’s POV. This one is a full length novel told from Claire’s POV. One does not need to read ‘Shameless’ in order to follow this one, but why wouldn’t you?
The chemistry between the mains is undeniable, even from that anonymous first encounter. Ms Ryder wrote several steamy scenes, while also advancing the relationship and making the mains’ need for each other credible. It was so good this could have been a romance in itself. The pause in the relationship while they collaborated in the case was brilliant, and fanned both the romance and the erotica sides alike.
This was an excellent erotica novel that will not disappoint fans and new readers alike. Easy 5 stars.
ARC generously provided to me by BSB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Newly appointed Judge Claire Weaver has a random, but very gratifying sexual encounter in a museum. Imagine her surprise when, presiding over her very first case, she recognizes the mystery woman as one of the witnesses, Fire Investigator Emery Pearson. Balancing her commitment to her new career and her no relationship rule, Claire struggles to understand her evolving emotions towards Emery while getting partially caught in a political scandal.
I always battle some with erotica. I do not like to read about sex if not within the context of chemistry or romance if that makes any sense. Many of these stories are short, which makes it even harder for me to connect with the characters and what the author is trying to convey. Well, not Ms Ryder’s novel! ‘Not Guilty’ is the sequel to ‘Shameless’, a novella about the museum encounter told from Emery’s POV. This one is a full length novel told from Claire’s POV. One does not need to read ‘Shameless’ in order to follow this one, but why wouldn’t you?
The chemistry between the mains is undeniable, even from that anonymous first encounter. Ms Ryder wrote several steamy scenes, while also advancing the relationship and making the mains’ need for each other credible. It was so good this could have been a romance in itself. The pause in the relationship while they collaborated in the case was brilliant, and fanned both the romance and the erotica sides alike.
This was an excellent erotica novel that will not disappoint fans and new readers alike. Easy 5 stars.
ARC generously provided to me by BSB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2021
Oh good Lord, this book 🔥🤭
After Shameless, I honestly thought I knew what I was going into, but no, I did not. There's erotica, and then there's this book. 😆
A great book that was heavy on the heat, but also had a great romantic storyline too. I loved reading about Claire and Emery, and their pairing felt so realistic, which was a joy to follow.
I'm already looking forward to my next Brit Ryder read 🤓
After Shameless, I honestly thought I knew what I was going into, but no, I did not. There's erotica, and then there's this book. 😆
A great book that was heavy on the heat, but also had a great romantic storyline too. I loved reading about Claire and Emery, and their pairing felt so realistic, which was a joy to follow.
I'm already looking forward to my next Brit Ryder read 🤓
May 23, 2021
Since I read Shameless, the erotica novella by Brit Ryder, a pen name of lesbian fiction author Kris Bryant, I was anxiously waiting for another one. Four years later, not only Ms. Ryder is back, but we are lucky to have a full-length novel.
Claire Weaver is determined to succeed professionally and as a newly appointed judge in Kansas City, she hasn’t got the time for anything else. Well, maybe except for a quick hookup with a gorgeous butch in a museum. When her one-off fling appears in her court as an expert witness the following day, it will be hard to stay away from her…
Not Guilty partly retells the story of Shameless, this time switching from Emery to Claire’s point of view and develops the rest of their story completely. You don’t need to read Shameless to understand the events at the beginning of this novel but I strongly suggest reading it first. Firstly, because the points of view switch make it really exciting even if you know how things are going to develop and secondly because there are some subtle details that you are gonna miss if you don’t. Shameless is super hot anyway so why shouldn’t you indulge yourself?
It’s hard to write a full-length erotica novel and keep the reader’s interest throughout and I can think of very few lesfic authors who can pull this off. Ms. Ryder cleverly combined erotica scenes with a mixture of intrigue, drama, and romance. All perfectly balanced to keep readers turning pages.
Ms. Bryant’s fans know that she can write hot sex scenes and she doesn’t disappoint here either. In the book acknowledgments the author recognises that it was hard to take the emotions out of the sex scenes, which makes perfect sense. But this isn’t an unemotional book, the feelings eventually catch up with the story, along with some light intrigue and no-strings relationship drama.
If Ms. Bryant wasn’t such an accomplished romance author, I’d be tempted to ask her to dedicate herself to writing erotica exclusively. But that would be a shame so, at least we can hope that we won’t have to wait another four years for Ms. Ryder’s reappearance. Lesfic erotica fans deserve it. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher
Claire Weaver is determined to succeed professionally and as a newly appointed judge in Kansas City, she hasn’t got the time for anything else. Well, maybe except for a quick hookup with a gorgeous butch in a museum. When her one-off fling appears in her court as an expert witness the following day, it will be hard to stay away from her…
Not Guilty partly retells the story of Shameless, this time switching from Emery to Claire’s point of view and develops the rest of their story completely. You don’t need to read Shameless to understand the events at the beginning of this novel but I strongly suggest reading it first. Firstly, because the points of view switch make it really exciting even if you know how things are going to develop and secondly because there are some subtle details that you are gonna miss if you don’t. Shameless is super hot anyway so why shouldn’t you indulge yourself?
It’s hard to write a full-length erotica novel and keep the reader’s interest throughout and I can think of very few lesfic authors who can pull this off. Ms. Ryder cleverly combined erotica scenes with a mixture of intrigue, drama, and romance. All perfectly balanced to keep readers turning pages.
Ms. Bryant’s fans know that she can write hot sex scenes and she doesn’t disappoint here either. In the book acknowledgments the author recognises that it was hard to take the emotions out of the sex scenes, which makes perfect sense. But this isn’t an unemotional book, the feelings eventually catch up with the story, along with some light intrigue and no-strings relationship drama.
If Ms. Bryant wasn’t such an accomplished romance author, I’d be tempted to ask her to dedicate herself to writing erotica exclusively. But that would be a shame so, at least we can hope that we won’t have to wait another four years for Ms. Ryder’s reappearance. Lesfic erotica fans deserve it. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher
June 10, 2021
3.4 stars. Mixed feelings after finishing this one. The smut is top-notch here but everything else left me wanting for something more. The crime story had a pretty predictable and anticlimactic ending even if the buildup was decent. There's a lot of secondary characters that don't really add much to the story. Their relationship outside the great sex part was at a standstill for most of the book. The story structure outside the sexcapades is a bit lacking in general.
If you liked the novella version of this book, this is more of it. But just like the novella it lacks substance, in my opinion.
If you liked the novella version of this book, this is more of it. But just like the novella it lacks substance, in my opinion.
June 16, 2021
This book was so hot I was worried it was going to burst into flames in my hands.
When I read Shameless in 2017, I knew I needed more from Emery and Claire. Their dynamic was so damn hot that a short story was never going to be enough. I'd advise heavily, that you read Shameless first. I gave it five stars and think it's the perfect prelude to Not Guilty.
Most of you know that Brit Ryder is the pseudonym for Kris Bryant. I love Kris' books because she has been straddling the erotica line with every book she sells. When Kris' writes a sex scene, she doesn't hold back, and her character dynamics play out beautifully in the bedroom. The reader always wants more. Not Guilty? Holy shit! Brit (Kris) killed it. This is erotica, so it's built-in that there will be a lot of sex, but when it's written as well as it was in this book… It was outstanding.
Sex is one thing, but what drives this book is plot and character development. Brit was able to keep my attention from start to finish with the story and the journey it took. I was so invested in Claire and Emery that I couldn't put it down.
I loved Emery. She is sexy, deliciously confident with a kind and compassionate warmth that frankly I was not expecting but was delighted by. However, the star of the book for me is the divine, Claire Weaver. If ever a goddess walked the earth, it would be Ms Weaver. There is something unbelievably sexy about a woman who knows what she wants but, more importantly, asks for it. Claire is the prime example of what sex positivity should look like, and damn, it looks good. Her character development warmed my heart, and by the end, I was crushing hard on her.
Claire’s best friend, Jenn, was another to add to my favourite secondary character list. She is a beautiful human who also found love along the way, and no one deserved it more. I loved that Brit added some diversity by making Jenn Pansexual. We need more diverse characters in our books, so this made me very happy.
Yes… there was an Epilogue, and it was so good that I would have given it five stars all on its own if I could have.
Listen, this book is on fire in the sex department. It's not safe for work and probably any place that's not your bedroom. I want to run through all the sex scenes with you one by one and tell you why they are exceptional and sexually progressive, but my laptop would surely burn out.
What was impressive is that Brit was able to show emotional chemistry and intimacy, which I adored. It made the happily ever after much more believable.
I will stop right there because you don't want me to ruin this excellent book for you. But I will say this. It is not often you find an erotica story that is not only an outstanding sexual journey but has excellent character development and a storyline that make you want to keep reading even when the sex scenes are finished. This book is the whole package. Don't miss out; grab your copy today!
When I read Shameless in 2017, I knew I needed more from Emery and Claire. Their dynamic was so damn hot that a short story was never going to be enough. I'd advise heavily, that you read Shameless first. I gave it five stars and think it's the perfect prelude to Not Guilty.
Most of you know that Brit Ryder is the pseudonym for Kris Bryant. I love Kris' books because she has been straddling the erotica line with every book she sells. When Kris' writes a sex scene, she doesn't hold back, and her character dynamics play out beautifully in the bedroom. The reader always wants more. Not Guilty? Holy shit! Brit (Kris) killed it. This is erotica, so it's built-in that there will be a lot of sex, but when it's written as well as it was in this book… It was outstanding.
Sex is one thing, but what drives this book is plot and character development. Brit was able to keep my attention from start to finish with the story and the journey it took. I was so invested in Claire and Emery that I couldn't put it down.
I loved Emery. She is sexy, deliciously confident with a kind and compassionate warmth that frankly I was not expecting but was delighted by. However, the star of the book for me is the divine, Claire Weaver. If ever a goddess walked the earth, it would be Ms Weaver. There is something unbelievably sexy about a woman who knows what she wants but, more importantly, asks for it. Claire is the prime example of what sex positivity should look like, and damn, it looks good. Her character development warmed my heart, and by the end, I was crushing hard on her.
Claire’s best friend, Jenn, was another to add to my favourite secondary character list. She is a beautiful human who also found love along the way, and no one deserved it more. I loved that Brit added some diversity by making Jenn Pansexual. We need more diverse characters in our books, so this made me very happy.
Yes… there was an Epilogue, and it was so good that I would have given it five stars all on its own if I could have.
Listen, this book is on fire in the sex department. It's not safe for work and probably any place that's not your bedroom. I want to run through all the sex scenes with you one by one and tell you why they are exceptional and sexually progressive, but my laptop would surely burn out.
What was impressive is that Brit was able to show emotional chemistry and intimacy, which I adored. It made the happily ever after much more believable.
I will stop right there because you don't want me to ruin this excellent book for you. But I will say this. It is not often you find an erotica story that is not only an outstanding sexual journey but has excellent character development and a storyline that make you want to keep reading even when the sex scenes are finished. This book is the whole package. Don't miss out; grab your copy today!
May 16, 2021
This is a stunning book – excellent writing, two characters not found elsewhere in LesFic, a story line that Ryder moves along without getting bogged down. What else could a reader ask for? Put this book at the top of your to-be-read list.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
August 7, 2021
This was hot and steamy and beautiful, despite Claire’s stubbornness (which lowkey annoyed me), but I’m glad she saw the light and fought for Emery 🥰 they make such a beautiful couple and I loved their story. 100% recommend
May 9, 2021
Pro tip: Do yourself a favor and read (or reread) Shameless before starting Not Guilty. I had read it four years ago and remembered it [quite] fondly, but couldn't remember the specifics. It takes less than two hours to read and adds a lot of context to Not Guilty. Shameless is the story, told in first person from Emery Pearson's perspective, of a blind date held in a museum with someone she met online. Any more details would ruin the story for anyone who hasn't read it, but Not Guilty begins with the same story told from the other person's perspective.
Kris Bryant has written all types of romances: age gap, workplace, vacation, teacher/student, rich vs poor ... each with memorable characters and compelling storylines. Not Guilty is her first full-length erotic romance, and not only is it the best in its class that I've ever read, but also my new favorite of hers. Many times erotic romances seem to be simply a series of sex scenes strung together with not much storyline, almost to the point of boredom. But Not Guilty would be a fantastic story even without the numerous *cough* varied *cough* smokin' hot *cough cough* sex scenes that are NEVER boring or repetitive. The main characters are perfect for each other and their explosive chemistry leads them to begin a no-strings arrangement - NOT a relationship, they don't have time for that. This alone is worth the "price of admission".
But Bryant doesn't stop there. She weaves in a political intrigue to keep things interesting; a best friend who is so well-written that I secretly kept waiting for the other shoe to drop; a return of a previous character; and some brave story choices that probably wouldn't have worked from any other author but were jaw-droppingly awesome here. What could have been a throw-away sex manual instead became a genre-defying romance with a completely satisfying epilogue, unputdownable in every way.
Pro tip #2: once you read Shameless and read Not Guilty, go back and reread Shameless again. The set up is even more impressive than you'll remember.
Kris Bryant has written all types of romances: age gap, workplace, vacation, teacher/student, rich vs poor ... each with memorable characters and compelling storylines. Not Guilty is her first full-length erotic romance, and not only is it the best in its class that I've ever read, but also my new favorite of hers. Many times erotic romances seem to be simply a series of sex scenes strung together with not much storyline, almost to the point of boredom. But Not Guilty would be a fantastic story even without the numerous *cough* varied *cough* smokin' hot *cough cough* sex scenes that are NEVER boring or repetitive. The main characters are perfect for each other and their explosive chemistry leads them to begin a no-strings arrangement - NOT a relationship, they don't have time for that. This alone is worth the "price of admission".
But Bryant doesn't stop there. She weaves in a political intrigue to keep things interesting; a best friend who is so well-written that I secretly kept waiting for the other shoe to drop; a return of a previous character; and some brave story choices that probably wouldn't have worked from any other author but were jaw-droppingly awesome here. What could have been a throw-away sex manual instead became a genre-defying romance with a completely satisfying epilogue, unputdownable in every way.
Pro tip #2: once you read Shameless and read Not Guilty, go back and reread Shameless again. The set up is even more impressive than you'll remember.
July 24, 2022
3.75 stars
What I liked about this - Claire has an unapologetically strong libido. And she acts on it. A lot. Her body is also incredibly responsive - perhaps more than most.
What I was more iffy about - it was apparent pretty quickly that they both wanted different things from what they were doing. So while I found their initial encounter scandalously sexy, the rest didn't have quite the same impact. There also seemed to be a LOT of emphasis on a particular sexual apparatus that I would have liked to see a wee bit less of. It was fine, but give me some variety. lol That said - there was another contraption/toy that I've never seen in sapphic fiction before and so that was interesting to include.
Overall, I liked this story. I would have found it more sexy, though, if there had been something more behind their coupling sooner than later. With stories like these, it's definitely a matter of personal preference as to what works for you.
What I liked about this - Claire has an unapologetically strong libido. And she acts on it. A lot. Her body is also incredibly responsive - perhaps more than most.
What I was more iffy about - it was apparent pretty quickly that they both wanted different things from what they were doing. So while I found their initial encounter scandalously sexy, the rest didn't have quite the same impact. There also seemed to be a LOT of emphasis on a particular sexual apparatus that I would have liked to see a wee bit less of. It was fine, but give me some variety. lol That said - there was another contraption/toy that I've never seen in sapphic fiction before and so that was interesting to include.
Overall, I liked this story. I would have found it more sexy, though, if there had been something more behind their coupling sooner than later. With stories like these, it's definitely a matter of personal preference as to what works for you.
May 9, 2021
When an author writes a story so good that you actually see it play out in your mind the instant you're reading it.........This is what Kris Bryant has done with this book. Not only was it smoken hot and holy cow do i mean H O T. I loved reading it from Claire's POV and watching the story unfold right before my eyes which made me want to hurry up and keep turning the pages. Bryant has always been a favorite author of mine and this book didn't disappoint; it tastefully written and gave us a great back story into the world of Claire and Emery. As we find out very early in the story their chemistry is off the charts and spot on which took this read to a whole other level.I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
May 11, 2021
I requested Not Guilty because I gave 5 stars to the last romance I read by Kris Bryant. Brit Ryder is a pseudonym Bryant uses, I am guessing for when she writes steamier novels. First this was sizzling, steamy and burning hot. I added erotica for the first time to my goodreads categories only because the book categorizes itself as a romance/erotica.
This is a well written romance about two strong and busy women who enjoy sex. Claire Weaver is a successful lawyer and newly appointed judge. She doesn't have time to date. She meets fire investigator Emery Pearson while visiting the Nelson-Atkin Museum of Art. After flirting they begin an intimate relationship without attachments. But Emery would like to be more than bed buddies. While this is going on there are side plots including an arson case, pressure from a new mayor and connecting with Clarie's best friend Jenn. All these make for a more in-depth story like I would expect from Bryant (Ryder).
I enjoyed these butch/femme characters and loved watching their relationship grow. I will say I almost took away a star for the initial meeting in the art museum. Not that they had sex but because Claire touched a Ruebens painting. I nearly had a coronary. NEVER TOUCH THE ART!!! But the book was too good to mark down over a fictional act. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This is a well written romance about two strong and busy women who enjoy sex. Claire Weaver is a successful lawyer and newly appointed judge. She doesn't have time to date. She meets fire investigator Emery Pearson while visiting the Nelson-Atkin Museum of Art. After flirting they begin an intimate relationship without attachments. But Emery would like to be more than bed buddies. While this is going on there are side plots including an arson case, pressure from a new mayor and connecting with Clarie's best friend Jenn. All these make for a more in-depth story like I would expect from Bryant (Ryder).
I enjoyed these butch/femme characters and loved watching their relationship grow. I will say I almost took away a star for the initial meeting in the art museum. Not that they had sex but because Claire touched a Ruebens painting. I nearly had a coronary. NEVER TOUCH THE ART!!! But the book was too good to mark down over a fictional act. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2021
Yummyness
I really liked this book!!! It was sexy and engaging, intriguing and delightful. This is a companion book to Brit Ryder’s Shameless as it has parts of that book in it but it is shown from Claire’s POV and it goes much further. Claire is a brand new judge and very worried about her relationship with Emery causing problems with seeming impropriety. As much as she tries to stay away, she just can’t. However she wants no strings while Emery is looking for more. While they are figuring things out, many sexy times ensue, much to my delight!!!! There is also a bit of a mystery thrown in to keep things even more enthralling. Since this is a Brit Ryder production, it is flawlessly written with no mistakes that I could see and it not only flowed well and was technically sound, it was really, really good! I loved everything about this story. The heat, the emotions, the suspense and drama…there is so much to adore! This book can be read even if you didn’t read Shameless, but if you haven’t, I strongly suggest you go read that too because it is every bit as delicious!
I really liked this book!!! It was sexy and engaging, intriguing and delightful. This is a companion book to Brit Ryder’s Shameless as it has parts of that book in it but it is shown from Claire’s POV and it goes much further. Claire is a brand new judge and very worried about her relationship with Emery causing problems with seeming impropriety. As much as she tries to stay away, she just can’t. However she wants no strings while Emery is looking for more. While they are figuring things out, many sexy times ensue, much to my delight!!!! There is also a bit of a mystery thrown in to keep things even more enthralling. Since this is a Brit Ryder production, it is flawlessly written with no mistakes that I could see and it not only flowed well and was technically sound, it was really, really good! I loved everything about this story. The heat, the emotions, the suspense and drama…there is so much to adore! This book can be read even if you didn’t read Shameless, but if you haven’t, I strongly suggest you go read that too because it is every bit as delicious!
April 9, 2022
Erotic with romance in the background or romance with erotica on this side. I can’t decide which defines Not Guilty better but what I can tell you is that NG is 🔥🔥….. sexy hot with lots of that heat combusting whenever Claire and Emery met, more so in the 1st half of the book.
While Shameless is in Emery’s POV, NG is in Claire’s. Both are in their 30s and both do not want to be entangled in a relationship. What they want is sex with no strings, where they both matched each other with their insatiable sex appetite.
Slowly the walls which both Claire and Emery surround themselves with came tumbling down, as they realised that alone is lonely, and having a partner, that one person that they can wake up with is what they want after all. More so for Emery as that realization hit her first before Claire is on board with it.
Sure... both our MCs get their HEA but the ride getting to the endpoint was interesting with loads of heat and a mystery unraveled.
High 4+ ⭐️
While Shameless is in Emery’s POV, NG is in Claire’s. Both are in their 30s and both do not want to be entangled in a relationship. What they want is sex with no strings, where they both matched each other with their insatiable sex appetite.
Slowly the walls which both Claire and Emery surround themselves with came tumbling down, as they realised that alone is lonely, and having a partner, that one person that they can wake up with is what they want after all. More so for Emery as that realization hit her first before Claire is on board with it.
Sure... both our MCs get their HEA but the ride getting to the endpoint was interesting with loads of heat and a mystery unraveled.
High 4+ ⭐️
July 7, 2021
This was a fantastic story. I found it a little different from most stories because Claire just wanted the sex and no commitment. How could you not fall for the charming and sexy Emery. I like the background story of the arson and possible corruption. I think Claire's friend Jenn finding her special someone may have helped open Claire's heart to finding love for herself. I loved this longer version of their story.
June 19, 2021
I need a cold shower
Cold shower is a must after this one by Brit Ryder aka Kris Bryant. We get to enjoy the same writing style but the sexiness surpasses the Scoville scale. Where her usual books are habaneros, this is Ghost Chile's hot. Amazing chemistry, more angst then usually found. Worth every minute spent reading this book. Whether Kris Bryant or Brit Ryder release a book, I'm there patiently waiting for it to be available.
Cold shower is a must after this one by Brit Ryder aka Kris Bryant. We get to enjoy the same writing style but the sexiness surpasses the Scoville scale. Where her usual books are habaneros, this is Ghost Chile's hot. Amazing chemistry, more angst then usually found. Worth every minute spent reading this book. Whether Kris Bryant or Brit Ryder release a book, I'm there patiently waiting for it to be available.
October 18, 2021
What a wonderful read. It hooks you up, from the first page. Honestly putting this book down was hard thing. You love the characters from the begining. They have awesome chemistry and are perfect for each other.
Add bit of crime and it is perfect mixture of hot reading.
Add bit of crime and it is perfect mixture of hot reading.
May 14, 2021
Not Guilty is the delicious sequel that continues Emery and Claire’s story from the amazing novella, Shameless told through Emery’s POV. If you haven’t read Shameless you’ll not only miss out on Emery and Claire’s smokin’ hot beginning, but you’ll also miss out on -THE- most incredible plot twist in the history of Lesfic. Moving on to Not Guilty, the POV flips to the Honorable Judge, Claire Weaver. This woman is my new hero and is the perfect combination of sexy, classy, and powerful that Emery is irrevocably attracted to. The feeling between them is mutual because Claire canNOT get enough of the tall, dark, handsome, and equally sexy butch in Emery. Their chemistry builds to new heights that I didn’t think were possible, but the next chapter and each encounter is sexier than the last. Somehow, what they least expected to happen lands these two career driven sharks in an almost comical pickle, jealous of other suitors and falling in love. Claire is an exceptional observer of human behaviors, and as she pieces together bit by bit what is happening between them I couldn’t help but be amused as she adamantly, but erroneously, tries to convince herself not to get too close. Emery is no better for it either and their sparkling dialogue had me just as invested as their sexy times. Truly one of the best novels of the year, Not Guilty will be on my reread pile next to Shameless for a long time to come. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2025
This is a reread for me. I gave it 5 stars originally but didn't leave a review. Shame on me!
What an erotic, solid, love story! Claire and Emery are made for each other, not only sexually but they also support one another. Though this is erotic, there is a story too. A FAVORITE ! 5 stars!
What an erotic, solid, love story! Claire and Emery are made for each other, not only sexually but they also support one another. Though this is erotic, there is a story too. A FAVORITE ! 5 stars!
July 14, 2021
Exquisite!
Claire Weaver, a judge working on a high level case meets Emery on a night out and after an intense evening together, Claire didn’t expect to see Emery in her courtroom. When they recognise each other, they can’t help but end up entangled in one another’s lives, which ends up testing both of them and leaving them with many questions.
I loved this story! I have heard so many good things about it and it did not disappoint as it was so much more than I expected. Kris Bryant, writing has her alter-ego was absolutely brilliant. The story is hot, passionate and filled with drama making a really exciting read. You can really feel the passion between Claire and Emery, that instant attraction between them was just perfect.
The fact that this story concentrates on a fated meeting and builds in twists and turns to the story to make it so much more than the passionate affair you are first introduced to, made me excited for how the story was going to develop. I couldn’t put the book down as it really drew me in to the developing relationship between Claire and Emery, which was one hell of a rollercoaster because of the type of characters they were. They were both strong and determined women, they wanted different things, and yet at the same time when you really got down to it they just wanted to be loved.
An erotic story with a lovely romantic edge that makes for one tantalising and amazing story that you find yourself emotionally invested in. I adored the story and hope this is isn’t the last we’ll see of Claire and Emery as they are just magical together.
Claire Weaver, a judge working on a high level case meets Emery on a night out and after an intense evening together, Claire didn’t expect to see Emery in her courtroom. When they recognise each other, they can’t help but end up entangled in one another’s lives, which ends up testing both of them and leaving them with many questions.
I loved this story! I have heard so many good things about it and it did not disappoint as it was so much more than I expected. Kris Bryant, writing has her alter-ego was absolutely brilliant. The story is hot, passionate and filled with drama making a really exciting read. You can really feel the passion between Claire and Emery, that instant attraction between them was just perfect.
The fact that this story concentrates on a fated meeting and builds in twists and turns to the story to make it so much more than the passionate affair you are first introduced to, made me excited for how the story was going to develop. I couldn’t put the book down as it really drew me in to the developing relationship between Claire and Emery, which was one hell of a rollercoaster because of the type of characters they were. They were both strong and determined women, they wanted different things, and yet at the same time when you really got down to it they just wanted to be loved.
An erotic story with a lovely romantic edge that makes for one tantalising and amazing story that you find yourself emotionally invested in. I adored the story and hope this is isn’t the last we’ll see of Claire and Emery as they are just magical together.
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