A fast-paced contemporary romance that sizzles from the New York Times bestselling author of Order of Protection where passion for the law isn’t the only thing heating up the courtroom.Isla Shayne knows she’s in over her head. As former all-star linebacker Trey Adams’s personal lawyer, she’s used to handling his business dealings and private financial matters, not murder charges. She needs to … murder charges. She needs to find an experienced criminal attorney who speaks her client’s language. David Cormack of Garrison, Cormack and Lawless is exactly what she needs in the courtroom–and the only man she wants in the bedroom.
For David, taking on the Adams case means diving back into a world he thought he’d left behind and colliding head on with tragic possibilities he’s in no mood to face. There’s a reason professional football is in his past and no matter how close Isla gets to the truth he intends to leave it there.
But long days working on the case together lead to hot nights in each other’s arms. As their feelings grow, the case takes a deadly twist that could change the game between the two lovers forever.
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Off the charts marvelous!
Ex-football player David now turned super criminal lawyer knew the knocking on his door this early on a Saturday morning could only mean one thing – the world was coming to an end. Little did he know he was about to embark in defending his idol football player Trey Adams in the murder of his wife.
This gruesome murder is not like any other you have read. The usual suspects are lined up, investigated, harassed, and more, while David enlists the assistance of his entire law firm to help solve the mystery of who killed this woman. The Adams’ family lawyer, Isla Shayne, has requested his help. Meeting Isla is not only a perk but also an invitation to consider the natural chemistry they develop for each other. Steamy and realistic are but two words to describe their connection.
In the midst of all of this, David must contend with his own demons. See football players who have suffered concussions are in peril a disease called CTE – in layman’s terms, this disease is just as bad as Alzheimer’s with the additional risk of becoming brutally violent. Is he at risk? Yes! What will his future be like if he were to develop symptoms?
Be prepared for a fast-paced mystery thriller! Loved how this complex plot does not give it away until almost the very end.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy with me.
5 Star Review of Evidence of Desire (Courting Justice #2) by Lexi Blake
In my humble opinion nobody does sexy suspense books like Lexi Blake. If you like hot alpha males, some really smoking scenes and characters that will melt your heart, then look no further.
One of the things that I love about Lexi Blake is that her characters are never one dimensional, there are always so many layers and David and Isla were no exception.
When criminal attorney David Cormack agrees to take on Trey Adams’s case, he has no idea what is about to unfold or how complicated his life is about to get with Isla Shayne.
I really loved David, he was strong, yet vulnerable and Isla was the perfect woman for him.
A story of love, romance, mystery and suspense I was captivated by the story Lexi Blake wove, with quite a few twists and turns. Evidence of Desire will capture and hold your attention as you try to second guess where the story is heading.
When danger rears it’s ugly head will David and Isla come out unscathed or will their blossoming relationship be destroyed?
One click and find out.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.
Isla Shayne is the personal attorney to all-star linebacker Trey Adams and his family. David Cormack, from the law firm, Garrison, Cormac and Lawless is a former pro football player who now practices criminal law. Together they have to solve the murder of Portia Adams, Trey’s wife. This is complicated by the fact that Trey Adams has memory blanks and episodes of regressing to times in the past due to CTE, Chronic Tramatic Enchephalopathy. CTE is a brain condition associated with repeated blows to the head, a worry for all contact sports participants. This condition becomes very debiltating since some of the problems associated with it are thinking and memory difficulties, personality changes and behavioral changes which can include agressive behavior. This comes into play in this story. Due to the problems associated with this condition many of the characters in the story assume Trey is guilty of murdering his wife. It doesn’t help that Isla finds Trey in Portia’s bathroom clinging to her very bloody, very dead body. Since David is a criminal defense attorney with a pro football background Isla calls him in to defend Trey.
Evidence of Desire by Lexi Blake is book #2 in her Courting Justice series. Once again this author produces a riveting drama with compelling and emotional scenes. This isn’t a simple who-done-it. No, this is a complex, very entertaining story with two very likeable main characters and some fascinating secondary characters. There’s also an ADA who I would have liked to punch (since David couldn’t) several times. I did like seeing David’s law parters and staff reappear, Henry Garrison, Noah Lawless and Margarita Reyes. I love Noah Lawless! Other familiar characters from Lexi Blake books also appear. If you are looking for a super sensual read with plenty of action and suspense, you have found it here.
Talk about an emotional journey! Evidence of Desire had me captive from the very first scream…
Okay, I was invested before that but wow! What a story! First off, the light being shed on CTE is incredible. (Lexi Blake has definitely made a conscious effort to educate and bring light to an affliction that can happen to many.) Secondly, what a compelling way to start a book. Celebrity drama is always a conversation piece in some way or another.
I liked everything about this book. The characters, the chemistry, the case. Well, not everything there are at least two people who need to be taken behind a woodshed. I will let you figure out who they are! With that surprising twist, I can’t help but shake my head.
Evidence of Desire is murder mystery meets romance. It’s fun and intriguing. It’s also steamy and alpha effectiveness is at an all time high. All evidence points to an entertaining read.
Wow! Lexi Blake always brings us some amazing stories!
Evidence of Desire is the second book in her Courting Justice series but can be read as a standalone.
This series is bringing a whole new group of hot, alpha men and those strong sassy women that we love so much. The added bonus is seeing some of the characters from her Masters and Mercenaries series and the crossover from her Lawless series.
This book dealt with relevant subject (CTE – Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) in a way that brings this very sensitive subject front and center. Also, in true Lexi Blake fashion we have a perfect combination of memorable characters, just the the right amount of mystery and intrigue and a storyline that keeps you engaged from start to finish. So, just when you think that the mystery is solved, boom! We get another twist. Read, enjoy and can you guess who and why?
Evidence of Desire is book 2 in the Courting Justice series but it stands alone. I enjoyed this one much more than book 1-I thought David and Isla were more enjoyable and relatable characters for sure!
Isla is a lawyer to the stars-she helps them with things like wills, business deals, and real estate. When one of her clients is accused of murder, she knows she needs to bring in a great criminal defense attorney. Enter David Cormack from Garrison, Cormack, and Lawless. David is a former pro athlete turned Harvard educated lawyer and agrees to help Isla defend Trey Adams, another former footballer who is accused of killing his wife.
CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, and its devastating effects plays a huge role in the story. Trey suffers from it and you get a glimpse into what life was like for him and his family. David is terrified he might end up with CTE as well. It invades his thoughts DAILY. David’s fear might seem a bit premature or excessive, but I think lots of people experience some type of fear like this-cancer runs in a family and you become paranoid about getting cancer for example. Isla is the opposite-she isn’t afraid of any illness and never lets it stand in the way of those she loves. Her fiancee died from leukemia and she stayed with him. Trey Adams is a close friend and she has never given up on him, even when he doesn’t remember her. David and Isla have an instant lust for each other, but quickly realize its more than just lust. David’s fears get in the way though; while this pushing away trope is annoying, I do understand his feelings. He can’t fathom subjecting someone he loves to a life like Trey’s family endured. So, irritating and dumb, but understandable.
Isla is one of my favorite heroines because she isn’t afraid of her soft side. She doesn’t pretend she can handle everything and be badass. She pukes when she finds the body. She cries when she is upset. She knows when she is in over her head and asks for help. I love this type of heroine because she is real.
Evidence of Desire was a great story beyond the characters, too. David and Isla are trying to figure out who killed Portia Adams: was it Trey? Could it have been an intruder? Can they trust Trey’s memory at all? Throw in the fact that Isla is now the executor of the Adams’ estate and you have 2 pissed off Adams children! The mystery is well done and while I figured out the major part of it before it was revealed, I didn’t see the secondary reveal. Blake writes great suspense and very sexy romance, and Evidence of Desire is one of my new favorites!
“ , ? ? , . .”
It’s David’s turn for his happily ever after and OMG…it was PERFECTION! He was protective and demanding and oh so charming from the very start. Talk about a SWOONY ROMANCE, my friends! Isla Shayne was a pretty incredible heroine. She was strong and bold when she needed to be, but she also showed a vulnerable side and that spoke to the alpha side in our beloved hero. They both know loss. They both know pain. But together, they found something strong enough to leave their ghosts in the past. Their chemistry, in and out of the bedroom, was intense and passionate. There was sparks from the very start and the connection grew from there. With every turn of the page, my blushes turned a deeper shade of pink, but I just could not put it down! This was an outstanding love story full of passion, suspense, and romance! I can’t wait to see what’s next for this series!
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4.25 stars–EVIDENCE OF DESIRE is the second instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult COURTING JUSTICE erotic, romantic suspense series. This is attorneys Isla Shayne, and David Cormack’s story line. EVIDENCE OF DESIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Lawless Series, and her Masters and Mercenaries series.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Isla and David) EVIDENCE OF DESIRE follows the building relationship between attorneys Isla Shayne, and David Cormack as they are tasked with proving their client’s innocence. Isla Shayne represents the Adams family, a family engulfed in a personal and private war but a war that now focuses on the murder of Portia Adams, apparently by the man she loved. When one-time football great Trey Adams is the number one suspect in the death of his beloved wife Portia, all bets are off as Isla must battle the district attorney and the media as the vultures begin to circulate for scraps. Hiring defence attorney David Cormack opens Isla’s eyes to the possibility of her own happily ever after, a happily ever after that is threatened in more ways than one. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Isla and David, and the potential fall-out as our leading couple are targeted when they get too close to the truth.
Both Isla and David have loved and lost but none more-so than our story line heroine. Meeting David Cormack means a second chance at love but David begins to wonder if there is any future based on what he knows, and what may never be.
The relationship between Isla and David begins as a business arrangement but soon turns into something more. Threats against our heroine’s life push David into a protector and guardian role, a role for which he was willing to die. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters several who become prime suspects in the death of Portia Adams. We are introduced to Portia’s husband Trey, and their adult children Miranda and Oscar; Guardian’s football owner Carey Kendrick and his wife Amber; fellow attorneys Noah Lawless and Margarita Reyes. We are reintroduced to Henry Garrison and Win Hughes (Order of Protection #1).
The world building focuses on the search for the truth. Isla Shayne knows that Trey Adams did not, and would not murder his wife. The story line will focus on CTE –Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy-a brain disorder caused by repeated head injuries, and numerous concussions suffered by athletes in contact sports.
EVIDENCE OF DESIRE is a story of heartbreak, secrets and lies; friendship, family and betrayal: second chances and falling in love. The premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is seductive and sexy; the characters are colorful, engaging and lively. EVIDENCE OF DESIRE is a dramatic, moving and tragic story of passion, and the potential vulnerability for those unable to protect or defend themselves.
When Isla Shanye finds herself in a heap of trouble, and uncertain how to find her way out she puts a call into a friend, and it lands former turf God, now turned lawyer, David Cormack on her doorstep. The moment he walks into her disheveled life, she quickly understands all the hype about him, he exudes strength and sex appeal. He also brings a calmness to her world that she has never known, he makes her feel as though everything will be fine. And she needs that right now, especially now that the law is circling around her, and ready to put her behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit!
Evidence of Desire had it all… captivating drama, scintillating romance, and edge of your seat suspense to keep you flying through the pages! I absolutely loved this second installment in the Courting Justice series, the story line was outstanding, and the characters brought life to the pages. It was just like a night at the movies between the pages of this one, all I had to do was sit back and watch it all unfold… and boy was it a treat for my eyes! Be prepared to have your mind rocked by this one, Ms. Blake has truly put her best words in this one, the ending will leave your jaw on the floor, and have you craving more!! Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Really enjoyed this tantalizing, empowering and mysterious crime filled novel that not only is a romance but one that taught me a thing or two on a subject I had no knowledge on.
There was beauty in everything.
The Courting Justice series is one to watch out for. I am a avid fan of the Masters and Mercenaries series but the Lawless boys are racing to the top along with their counterparts. Isla Shayne represents Pro-athlete Trey Adams in all things of life, but when he finds himself in thick waters revolving a murder, can she pull him out before the sharks begin to circle? To do that, she calls in David Cormack, one of the toughest defense attorneys in the city and knowledgeable in the athlete world. But as time moves on and the case uncovers more drama, will David and Isla save Trey or will it prove to become to much?
This story had so many twists and turns that you never knew until the very end on who was the killer. And with that, I applaud Lexi Blake! Too many authors these days place too many ‘giveaways’ and by the end you already know the full reveal. Lexi had you on the edge throughout.
Evidence of Desire had a great mixture of suspense, action, knowledge of CTE and of course romance.
The story begins with page-turning thrill and mystery. David Cormack of Garrison, Cormack and Lawless is a criminal attorney and called to the scene of a recent murder. His expertise in the field, along with his NFL past are the perfect combination for the case of a lifetime. If only his past wasn’t a huge skeleton that haunts him like a plague.
Isla Shayne, a personal lawyer for the Adams’ estate used to dealing with business and financial matters, knows she’s not qualified to deal with what’s been thrown at her, feels instantly better when David enters the picture, but also an instant attraction that she hasn’t felt since her fiancé died several years ago.
Portia Adams was murdered, the wife to a former pro football player, Trey Adams. The who-done-it aspect of the crime is left hanging until the very end of the book, but I have to admit the most engrossing part of the book comes into play when we see the constant fear David lives with and that this case in particular brings those fears right to the front line.
CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) a degenerative brain disease mostly found in athletes is front and center throughout the book. It’s a disease that athletes who succumb to too many head injuries can suffer as they age and Trey Adams is a victim of this awful disease. David, himself, worries with his past that he too could become a victim of CTE and could he end up a shell of his former self like the great Trey Adams.
Over and over again we see how CTE has affected the lives of everyone around Trey, both in a good and bad way. It gives David and Isla different perspectives about taking care of loved ones, but you’ll see why as their personalities about each other emerge throughout the story. (I don’t want to give too much away.)
Even more than finding the killer, the story of living with and taking care of someone with any debilitating disease is a subject that comes front and center in this book. It’s touching and real how these characters react. They have both dealt with loss in their lives and are stubborn (given they are both lawyers) to boot. Their dynamic as they work together is good, even better is when the entire team is around, they are an infectious bunch. I’m already itching to read Noah Lawless’s book, his youth and humor is fantastic.
4 1/2 stars!! I really enjoyed this story as a whole, not just the mystery of it but the relationship aspects as well. It was so well written. First off the non stop guessing about whodunit was just so entertaining and made it impossible for me to put this down! I actually never saw that ending coming! Next, I totally love Isla and David’s relationship throughout. They have fantastic chemistry and great banter between them. They are perfect for each other! Yes they have to get over a very big hurdle but I really liked the way those scenes played out and that whole storyline. Lastly, the whole Trey/Portia storyline is simply heartbreaking but I also felt okay with where that went in the end.
This was a pretty captivating story form the beginning to end. I loved Gabe and Isla but it was also Trey and Portia’s story that had me riveted. You really feel like you get two love stories in one. Sadly, one ended in tragedy but it was still very beautiful. I almost wish we could get a book on Trey and Portia, that’s how much their story intrigued me.
Due to the nature of what happens right in the beginning, we get a whole host of side characters and each one played a big role to the overall story. Each character drew a reaction out of me, good and bad. This had a “who did it” theme and while I suspected right away who it was, I was still drawn in to the whole investigation. There was also a reason to the crime and that one stumped me at first.
As for the main couple, I loved David. He had a fear that threatened his relationship with Isla but the way Isla handled it made me completely ok with his resistance. When he wasn’t resisting, he was pretty alpha with her and I like that in my heroes. Isla was just an all around nice woman. Some may have viewed her as weak but she was just a caring person. When she needed to fight, she fought.
I really enjoyed Evidence of Desire and would recommend to pretty much any reader who wants a good love story and a good puzzle to solve.