New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando “turns up the heat” (RT Book Reviews) in this steamy standalone novel when a divorce lawyer finds himself stuck between his client and the woman he desires–and soon he’ll be forced to choose sides. Hunter Brayze doesn’t always like his clients but as the divorce attorney for Bentley & Channing Law, he doesn’t have to. So when he meets his … to. So when he meets his latest client, even though he can’t stand the guy, let alone understand how any woman would ever marry him, he is still determined to win his case. But he never expects taking this client would turn his entire world upside down.
When he comes face to face with his client’s soon-to-be ex, he’s shocked to see Riley McMahon, owner of his local pub and the woman he’s wanted ever since he first laid eyes on her. He didn’t even know she was getting a divorce, and now he’s stuck defending the man who wants to screw Riley out of everything. Feeling like he’s betraying her, Hunter vows to settle this case as quickly as he can by any means possible. Because after months of flirting with Riley at the pub, and now knowing that she’ll soon be free, Hunter is determined to make her his.
But as the proceedings get messier and secrets are revealed, Hunter’s running out of tricks to keep both parties happy. And when someone sets Riley’s pub on fire, he can’t help but suspect his own client. Torn between his professional code of ethics and his intense connection with Riley, Hunter finds himself at a crossroads wondering whose interests he’ll ultimately protect.
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Readers who have read Chantal Fernando’s Conflict of Interest series are more than familiar with Hunter Brayze – the gorgeous tattooed divorce lawyer who never lacks female attention, and now in, Leading the Witness, Fernando places this playboy attorney in a rather precarious position – one that makes Hunter question his code of ethics and makes him doubt his professionalism when, for personal reasons, he’s begins to push for a quick and easy fix for his current client’s divorce settlement.
Talk about a conflict of interest…Hunter doesn’t usually care if he likes his clients or not, but not only does he have a hard time interacting with this particular man, but come to find out, the man he’s representing wants to leave his soon-to-be ex with NOTHING and she just so happens to be the one woman Hunter’s always been attracted to but never acted on due to her martial status.
Riley McMahon can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to dealing with her impending divorce. Her husband is beyond an asshat and she doesn’t deserve his mistreatment, but she endures and keeps her head held high because that’s kind of independent woman she is and will continue to be despite the shitstorm that surrounds her. But boy does Hunter Brayze throw Riley off her game and even though he didn’t mean to, he makes everything that much more complicated but what he also does is make Riley see what attraction and desire look like, and it’s definitely nothing like what she ever had with her husband.
For most of the story, Hunter and Riley can only circle around one another because their mutual attraction can’t be acted on until Riley becomes a single woman again, and even then, she seems a bit gun shy, which makes sense give what’s she’s been through, but it’s more than difficult to not give into her feelings for Hunter, so exploring that connection may already be out of her hands.
Because of the circumstances standing in Hunter and Riley’s way, it’s definitely a slow burn romance; in fact, besides flirty conversations, nothing happens until more than 60% through the story, and while it makes sense given the situation they’re dealing with, it may be something that prevents readers from connecting with the characters, but Fernando does make it clear that both Hunter and Riley want something to happen between them, it’s just a tenuous situation, and it’s something that can only begin once something else ends.
I loved Hunter since he was introduced in the series, so I’m so glad his story was told, and while it wasn’t my favorite, I still enjoyed it and was happy to see past characters and couples pop up in Leading the Witness because I love catching up with characters I’ve grown attached to and that’s what Fernando gives her readers in Hunter and Riley’s story.
4 Poison Apples
“Only the strong can forgive.”
I’m really enjoying this series. I’ve become really attached to the Conflict of Interest characters and look forward to catching up with them as each new book in the series is released. They are a tight-knit group who have each other’s backs, but they also have a sense of humor and give each other a hard time. Their witty banter is highly entertaining. And I must say, they’re as talented in the bedroom as they are in the courtroom which makes for a very sexy read.
Hunter…sigh. Let’s just say that he looks very sexy in a suit, and even better out of it. Riley might be married, but she’s not blind. Any woman would admit that, “He’s the type of man songs are written about. Books are dedicated to. Movies are made with fucking Jason Mamoa playing him.” He caught her attention the first time he walked into her Pub and he’s kept it ever since. What? She can’t help seeing him when he comes in with his co-workers to have lunch a few times a week for the last year, right? That group of lawyers has become loyal customers and good friends. She trusts them, but that doesn’t mean she takes advantage of their friendship by asking for favors. Nope, they have no clue she’s in the process of getting a divorce, at least not until her future ex-husband is already Hunter’s client.
What a dilemma that ends up being for Hunter. Imagine his surprise when he discovers that the woman he’s lusted over for the past year was married to that jerk? No wonder she wants to divorce him! But, he’s already committed to representing him. Why didn’t Riley talk to him and ask for help? He’d much rather have been her lawyer and would have enjoyed crushing the idiot she was divorcing. But his hands were tied. He couldn’t discuss the case with her and he couldn’t warn her about what her asshole husband was planning. The only good thing to come out of the situation was that at the end she would be divorced, and he planned to make her his.
This story got me riled up and her ex-asshole had me glad that #KindleThrowing wasn’t a crime or I’d have been serving time. But you can bet I’d be hiring #HotHunter to defend me if it was. I’d like to get a good look at those tatted arms when he rolls up the sleeves of his white shirt…more sighing.
There are so many awesome support characters in Leading the Witness that I can’t imagine the author not continuing this series and allowing us to spend some more time with them. Are you with me? The line forms here…
I love love loved this book!! Riley and Hunter are so perfect for each other!! Her ex is just awful!!! Callie with the spray bottle and Kat with the chair had me laughing out loud and having to read those parts to my husband. Another awesome book. I hope we get more stories of other characters.
This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased, honest opinion.
Sadly, this wasn’t the book for me. Hunter, the main guy in the story, came off way too aggressive. He was just too into Riley, the main female character. It was almost like he was in love with her without even being in a relationship with her yet. He just came off weirdly, I can’t exactly explain it. I had issues connecting with Hunter pretty much throughout the entire story.
On the other hand, I liked Riley. She was a strong, independent woman who could take care of herself. She didn’t want more than her share of things and didn’t want anyone else handing her anything that she didn’t earn herself. I could admire that in her character. Although at times she was quite stubborn but I think that’s just her personality to only rely on herself to not burden others.
I also loved Riley’s group of friends and bar employees. They all meshed very well together and were such a well rounded group of friends. I love their interactions with each other and wished for more scenes with them together.
As far as my rating goes….I had some issues with this story. For one, it did a few too many fast forwarded moments. I had trouble keeping up with the time jumps. I found myself having to go backwards and see where they mentioned a time jump to see why things were the way they were. I also didn’t care for the plot twists. Some you could see from miles away, while others felt very unnecessary.
Overall, it wasn’t that bad. The conversations between Riley and her bar mates were awesome. I loved all the bar scenes in general, they were my favorite. The romance side…..I didn’t care for sadly. It just didn’t flow very well.
One name should say it all….HUNTER!
From the beginning I have been intrigued by Hunter…the hottie who hides his tattoos behind his crisp business suits. The man who hits on anything in a skirt. But as you turn the pages in Leading The Witness you will soon find that Hunter is much more than what his playboy exterior shows. He’s so much more than I could have even imagined!
And then we have Riley, the bad ass bar owner with a fiery spirit and a whole lot of sass! Riley has always been a character on my mind since I started the Conflict of Interest series. Just by the tiny glimpses of her and Hunter’s banter I knew she was going to be my favorite heroine in this series. But what I wasn’t expecting was for Riley to have such a crazy story attached to the spitfire persona that makes up her personality.
Riley is on the brink of finally getting what she has wanted for the past year…a divorce from her douche canoe of an ex….and trust me when I say…this man is a serious ass with a capital A!
Hunter has had his sights set on Riley since the first moment he walked into Riley’s bar and saw her. Their relationship has been and endless amount of sexual tension and endless flirtations but through it all Hunter never overstepped the line knowing Riley was married. Now all bets are off the table and Riley is fair game….Until he is hired to be said ex-husbands lawyer.
I absolutely loved the twist of Hunter representing the ex douche in the divorce. No matter how much he didn’t want to. This showed a type of dedication to Hunter’s character and his career. And even though these scenes between Hunter and Jeremy made me uncomfortable at times and literally had me wanting to punch Jeremy for being as I stated above, A HUGE DOUCHE CANOE, This face made me see Hunter in a brighter and newer light.
Riley is put through hell, what with her pending divorce and the aftereffects of said divorce. My heart legit broke for her. One thing about Riley though, she always faced the obstacles that were thrown her way head on. This one is a stubborn independent individual.
Overall, I can honestly now say, Leading The Witness is my favorite book in this entire series! I expected this to be the outcome because…hello…HUNTER, but I never imagined I would love this book as much as I loved it!
4 Stars
Leading The Witness is the fourth title in the Conflict of Interest series, and probably my favorite of the series. This title is a contemporary romance, that fits in to the office/forbidden romance tropes, featuring Hunter and Riley.
Riley is the owner of Riley’s bar. She’s an interesting character, stubborn, strong, independent and sassy. At times she can be a tad to prideful for her own good.
Hunter is a tattooed bad boy lawyer and underneath his colourful exterior is a heart of gold. He’s a sweet, patient, reliable, fun and loyal man, who will do anything for those he cares for.
Their banter is fun, witty and flirtatious.
I really enjoyed seeing the characters from the previous titles all appear within this story line. If you are looking for a low angst contemporary romance, check out Leading The Witness.
I love a sassy heroine and Riley is all that and a bottle of wine. (Lame, I know but very true.) Leading the Witness is my first foray into this series but what a start.
Sassy Riley and her bar of misfits (term used lovingly) are a dose of happy medicine. They constantly cause smiles, smirks, and giggles. With wild conversations, inappropriate behavior, and full on family style friendships it’s easy to see why people gather at Riley’s. I just wish I knew where it was at!
Leading the Witness is friends to…well, I can’t give away all the secrets. It’s sweet, sexy, and fun. Whether it’s your first or last of the series, it’s worth the time.
Oh and be on the lookout for full moons!!!
Leading the Witness is the fourth book in the Conflict of Interest series by Author Chantal Fernando. I had been looking forward to Hunter and Riley’s story since Seducing the Defendant and this has become my favorite book in this series.
Hunter has been flirting with Riley seen the first time he walked into her bar “Riley’s” but with Riley being married Hunter has just been her customer/friend. When Hunter walks into mediation with his new client, he is surprised to find out that the soon-to-be ex-wife is Riley. Now, how long will Hunter wait till he asks Riley out?
I love all the characters in this series; it was great to see everyone and get a little surprise from Kat and Tristan. At times the secondary characters stole the story and the bantering between Kat/Hunter and Jaxon/Hunter was hilarious. Here’s hoping Yvonne will be getting a book of her own.
I have been waiting a long time for this book, Chantal Fernando did not disappoint as usual with the previous books in this series. In Leading the Witness hot, sexy Hunter finally gets his book and Riley is just the girl to give him a run for his money. The sex is hot, the anticipation hotter, and the story line the hottest yet.
Hunter isn’t your typical family lawyer, tattoos, well built and a nice little surprise that you will need to read about. He is as cool as they come and an alpha.
Riley on the other hand works hard for what is hers and when her sleazy ex-husband tries to ruin it all, the legal team at Hunters’ firm step up.
Friendships are made, people get ticked off and everyone gets an HEA. A fire, a raging mad ex, and some drugs all make this come full circle. This is one book you don’t want to miss in the series. A fast read that I give five stars.
**Review by Terren, Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night w/ Books**
Leading The Witness is a sexy, swoon worthy romance bursting with sweetness. Another fantastic addition to this series! I’ve been dying for this book since Hunter first walked into Riley’s pub in a previous book. These two have chemistry that is off the charts! That chemistry turns into something much deeper now that we finally get their story.
Hunter has intrigued me for quite some time now. The sexy bearded lawyer hiding tattoos under his suits. I mean, who could resist that? Add in his kind heart and the man is delicious! I adored him and Riley together. They fit together perfectly making a couple that I quickly fell in love with.
It’s finally Hunter’s turn and the sexy, tatted up lawyer does not disappoint. This one has a somewhat slower build on the romance with so many things keeping Hunter and Riley apart, but the chemistry between them is through the roof. I loved Hunter’s patience as he quite literally woos Riley, breaking down her walls little by little. We also get some suspense by way of both Riley’s ex and her past, and this one had some twists that I never saw coming. The story does stand on its own, but for those familiar with the wonderful characters of this series, we get plenty of peeks at past favorites and what is going on in their lives. This one did feel a bit more drawn out at times, but it’s full of Fernando’s trademark wit and sass, along with some intrigue and a romance that is both sweet and scorching hot. All in all, another solid addition to the series.
3.75 stars–LEADING THE WITNESS is the fourth instalment in Chantal Fernando’s contemporary, adult CONFLICT OF INTEREST erotic, romance novella series focusing on the legal team at Bentley and Channing Law. This is family law attorney Hunter Brayze, and bar owner Riley McMahon’s story line. LEADING THE WITNESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Hunter and Riley) LEADING THE WITNESS follows the building relationship between attorney Hunter Brayze, and bar owner Riley McMahon. For over a year Hunter and the partners at the law offices of Bentley and Channing have frequented Riley’s bar-a local bar and tavern serving great food and the perfect atmosphere for our story line her. Meeting Riley McMahon gave purpose to Hunter’s late night fantasies but what Hunter never expected to be the lawyer for the opposition in Riley’s divorce against her pr*ck of an ex. Without the ability to help the woman that calls to his heart, Hunter makes it possible so that Riley is able to get the best defense against the accusations and threats by her determined ex. With Riley’s divorce behind them, Hunter begins his slow seduction of our story line heroine only to be brought back to reality when said ex makes another attempt to destroy any happiness for Riley, this time going after the attorney in question. What ensues is the building romance between Riley and Hunter, and the potential fall-out as Riley’s bar is targeted, and ethical misconduct threatens on the horizon.
Riley McMahon can’t soon be rid of her maddening ex-husband but embarrassment and pride stopped Riley from approaching the gang at Bentley and Channing. Hunter Brayze had no idea that his newest client was Riley’s soon to be ex-husband, a man Hunter considers a douche and an a$$hole.
The relationship between Riley and Hunter is one of immediate attraction but Hunter knew Riley was married, and he was never willing to cross the line into dangerous territory. For close to a year Hunter has dreamed about making Riley his own but it wasn’t until they were seated across from one another during the divorce hearings did Hunter ever consider making Riley his own. The $ex scenes are limited, intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. Hunter Bentley is the epitome of perfection from looks to suits, seduction and acceptance of our story line heroine.
Most of the previous story line couples plays secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Hunter’s parents, and his struggling sister Cleo as well as Riley’s employees: restaurant cook Cheffy, bartenders Izaac and Preston, server Callie, and Riley’s ex-husband Jeremy Rodgers.
LEADING THE WITNESS is a sexy story with limited conflict, low level angst and great sexual chemistry. The bulk of the drama is between Riley and her ex-husband, a man who is hoping to destroy out story line heroine. From the outset Jeremy Rodgers is hoping for a clean sweep leaving Riley with nothing including the loss of her bar. The premise is entertaining; the romance is slow to build, passionate and seductive; the characters are energetic and lively.