A sexy new standalone novel from the Vested Interest series.When love turns to hate—that’s where I come in.I’m Halton Andrew Smithers, attorney. Hal to my clients and friends.Messy divorces, deadbeat dads, runaway wives, cheating partners—I handle them all.I know the seedy side of love, and it isn’t pretty. I avoid emotional attachments—I’ve seen all too often when hot passion turns to frozen … hot passion turns to frozen tundra.
I satisfy myself with helping people behind the scenes. It gives me a sense of satisfaction that completes my life.
Until she enters it and everything I believe is turned upside down.
She fills a void I never knew existed, and I know without her, my life will never be the same again.
For the first time, I want to try.
For her.
But am I strong enough?
more
Halton or Hal as he known to his clients is a divorce attorney that is working to right the wrongs in the justice system. He is a product of his environment and will work himself ragged to fight for the families he takes on. What happens when the wife of his biggest rival and man he so despises seeks him out for help? He is hesitant but cannot fight the urge to help! He soon realizes that this is not just a run of the mill divorce and the more digging he does the more he realizes that his instincts were spot on . Hal does not believe in love for himself and feels as though marriage and family are just not in the cards for him but the moment he meets Fee the urge to protect becomes overwhelming .
Fiona is such a beautiful character. She has so many layers but she has become a shell of herself for a man she once loved . She is now just trying to break free and clear and does not want justice but once she meets Hal she realizes that their is so much more than just a marriage on the rocks for her.
Hal and Fee will give you the full range of emotion. You will cry, swoon, cheer and gasp but mostly you will fall in love with them and the people that they become when they are together!
Loved it !
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Halton is #6 of the Vested series. Melanie did not disappoint. I truly feel this series is always easy to connect to and is a very relatable and realistic. Just when the book ends the epilogue really pulls the story full circle. It’s nice to pick up a romance novel and not have your typical damsel in distress- this series really captures the emotions and struggles of everyone involved which is more realistic.
#dowtimereading
Favorite Quotes:
I would never throw liquor in the face of a woman, no matter what she had done. I had class and manners. And I wouldn’t want to waste the scotch.
Time in the world of the law has a totally different meaning. Urgent means I’ll get to it when convenient. As soon as possible could be next week or next month. If a lawyer says he’ll “get right back to you,” grab a coffee. Maybe a sandwich. You’re going to wait a while.
I think there is good in everyone… In fact, I’d go as far as to say, there is a little bit of perfection in everyone.
My Review:
I am enamored with the sexy men of BAM, and although Halton isn’t actually part of the BAM organization, he is BAM adjacent and sexy and successful enough to be an honorary member. All of Melanie Moreland’s books are class acts with the perfect balance and emotional tone in her emotive storylines, as well as interesting and engaging character and plot development, steamy sensuality, humor, flawed yet lovable heroes, odious baddies to despise, and a heart squeezing romance. I hope she continues with BAM until the founders are old enough for retirement.
Just when I thought the BAM world couldn’t get much better in walks Hal!
An unlovable lawyer doing good for the underdogs.
You know what they say about love?!? It will find you when you least expect it.
I cannot give this book just 5 stars. I love this world Melanie has created and I don’t want the BAM series to ever end! It may not with the new characters we keep getting introduced to. Whatever the number, I’ll read and review them all!
What can I say? Now apart from Richard, Halton is my next favorite a-hole. Oh, this series has been amazing. The BAM boys, Reid, Van, Rene! What a rollercoaster of emotions and sweetness.
Halton has believed all his life that he’s not capable or worthy of love but in comes a storm with gray hair named Fiona who needs help to get free from a man she once loved.
It has everything that Melanie’s books has, swoony A-holes, strong heroine and a bunch of meddlers to help said a-hole to get his head out of him bum hole lol. Do I recommend, well Melanie’s is one of the few authors I will read instantly without knowing what I’m getting myself into, but of course I always love it.
Another fantastic read from Melanie and a delicious addition to the Vested Interest series, one I was not expecting to be honest! Halton is a lawyer and is mentioned in previous books, but I was not expecting his story to be as good and as entertaining as it was, I was hooked from page one and could not put it down, I loved it!!
Halton is a lawyer working hard to get the best for people in a messy divorce or when fighting for custody of their kids, he believes in honesty and truth and fights tirelessly for the underrepresented. He’s seen the messy side of love too many times, and that’s fine as that’s something he doesn’t believe in – love and relationships – those are not for him, doesn’t want them, not interested in the slightest, as he knows he has nothing to offer emotionally, he is too cut off, too selfish, too cold and hard to be anything but on his own.
Fiona is the wife of one of his most hated adversaries and is looking for help. Scott, her husband has thrown her out and Fiona goes looking for Halton to help her get a divorce. Fiona brings out feelings and emotions in Halton that he just doesn’t know how to handle or why he feels like that. The more time they spend together the more attached they become. But Fiona has her work cut out to convince Halton he is a good guy, a man deserving of love and a loving relationship.
I really loved this one, Halton was so convinced he was just incapable of love and it as wonderful to watch Fiona bring out those feelings in him, she is a strong, loving and very caring person and is just what Halton needed. She has had a lot happen to her in her marriage to Scott and has a lot to overcome, Halton is there by her side through all the hiccups, always there with his strong arms to wrap around her.
The story is very well written, engaging, entertaining and with just the right amount of angst and drama to have you on the edge of your seat, but willing for Hal and Fee to have a happy ending. If you’re new to this series this is the perfect way to start and get introduced to the BAM boys, who make a few appearances in this story. Not one to be missed this!
This was an incredibly sweet and heartfelt story.
Fiona-Fee-Hutchings, needs legal help to kick her jerk of a husband to the curb and get what is rightly hers. She never thought that by going to seek help she was going to find a handsome lawyer who was going to show her how a woman really should be treated. Halton Andrew Smithers, has dedicated his life to be the best attorney he could be, long hours and volunteer work leave him very little time for a personal life, that is until Fee shows up in his office asking for his help.
This has to be on of my favorite books of this series. We have two compelling characters both with a lot of weigh on their shoulders due to their past relationships with partners and family members. Halton doesn’t think love exist and to a point I think he believes that he’s not worthy of it, but has a heart of gold when it comes to helping others as it shows in the way he protects Fee. Fee is a woman that has been manipulated by her unscrupulous ex, he had no mercy humiliating her and making her feel like she was never enough. But Fee is stronger than she thinks, and I adored how she transforms herself and helped Halton to believe different about himself. Then there’s Rene (Halton’s assistant extraordinaire) what a great character he was, always having Hal’s back and nurturing the boy within. And of course a vested interest story wouldn’t be the same without the BAM men, crazy as usual and always lending a helping hand when needed.
This is a beautiful story of two souls who embark on a journey to find love, find strength, and show each other what they were made of.
Halton hides behind his gruff exterior but he is a man who has many layers. I swooned over him through most of this book even when he thought he was being the worst kind of individual. Through the book, it’s explained why that happens. Fiona breaks through his demeanor kicking and sort of screaming. Fiona is so strong. She is a woman who is desperate for Halton’s help. She can’t use any other lawyer because she knows he will do what’s right. Her ex husband (or soon to be) is the worst kind of person. They help each other through some tough times and find leaning on each other is not a weakness.
A great story…you will hate, you will love…you will be amazed at how this story ends up. Great characters, great storyline, as well as getting a few visits from the other men in the vested interest series! You will be drawn in and want to keep reading!!
Halton by Melanie Moreland is book 6 in the Vested Interest Series. This is the story of Halton ‘Hal’ Smithers and Fiona ‘Fee’ Hutchings. I did feel this could easily be a standalone book.
Fiona is going through a divorce from a man that has emotionally drained her. Fiona knows that Halton is her soon to be ex-husband’s business rival, so she asked him if he would help with her divorce Hal hasn’t seen much of a pretty picture in relationships so he all about help those that have been wrong and doesn’t do emotions. But with Fiona she brings out something in him that he wants to be and not the harden heart he seems to be.
Enjoyed their story.
Great characters, all the feels
Book 6 in the Vested Interest series, This is an auto 1-click author for me, and I’ve been a fan of the series from the start. Note it’s not necessary to have read the earlier books (though I certainly recommend them), as while there are brief appearances by characters from those books here, you don’t need the background of their stories to enjoy this.
I usually take notes as I read but I was so invested (see what I did there?) in Hal and Fee, I didn’t want to put the book down, lol. While there were some twists to the plot, there were also some turns I found a little predictable, but I didn’t mind because it was the relationships and emotions that kept me engaged in the story. Hal and Fee have both been hurt by people who should have loved and cherished them, and I loved how they each find something in the other that they’ve been missing.
I don’t remember much about Halton from the earlier books so I was surprised at how quickly he pulled me in here. It made me laugh when everyone but Hal could see the writing on the wall in spite of all his protests that he was incapable of love. And the emotional payback when Hal finally gets his head on straight? It’s not only exactly what I want and expect from this author, it’s what I wish every author I read was capable of delivering.
Besides the characters from the earlier books, there were several additional secondary characters that added to the story. In particular, I loved Rene, who was not only Hal’s assistant, but also provided a father figure. Flamboyant and engaging, he wasn’t afraid to confront Hal when needed, and if the author wants to write a novella giving him a second chance at love (he’s a widower), I, for one, would be all over that story.
Great characters, all the feels, plus steam, humor, and a little suspense to keep things interesting. 5+ stars
B2B Kelly
This is was an amazing 4 star story that held me captive for a few hours with an amazing storyline.
Halton lives for his work. An attorney who loves to win. Fiona needs an attorney that will win her case. There’s only one problem. I’m not telling, you need to read it.
This was an highly entertaining and suspenseful story. I never knew what to expect from this storyline. What I look for mostly in my stories, are the characters. For some odd reason I didn’t connect well with them. I still enjoyed it very much. Even if it’s the 6th book in the series, it can safely be read as standalone. It is told in a dual POV with an HEA. I recommend this story and the previous ones too.
A lawyer, his lady, and love!
Halton is a sexy and swoony love story. It has emotion, humor, conflict, and arduous longing. The characters are fascinating and the heat between Halton and Fiona is blistering. I loved the push and pull that these characters displayed. It felt like friction that steadily lead to combustion.
Ms. Moreland has a gift when it comes to constructing character backstories and introducing memorable side characters. That talent is abundantly apparent here, as well. Both Halton and Fee have had personal blows and battles that have left them wounded. The beauty of their story is how they move forward. Both individually and together. And who could possibly forget, Rene? He is an integral part of both Halton and Fee’s journey. Wise, witty, and wonderful.
I also loved getting glimpses of some of the other beloved characters from the Vested Interest Series. Those interactions were fun and playful.
Halton and Fee take you on a voyage of kindness, hope, lust, friendship, trust, and yes much to Halton’s alarm…love. It is a love that comforts, persuades, and transcends carefully constructed boundaries. Until it is everything that matters!
3.5 stars.
Here we ha Halton and Fiona; he’s a family law lawyer very good at this job, and she needs that expertise to get out of an awful marriage.
I really liked Fiona, she had been through such crappy situations, I mean, that husband was an a**! Yet, she still maintained her loveliness and good spirits. I loved how she wanted to move on and that didn’t mean she had to be just as mean as her husband.
Halton was the opposite, just completed jaded, or at least that’s how he sees himself. It sucked that he didn’t see himself clearly, but it was great that those around him did and lifted him up.
There were some ups and downs, little drama and overall HEA.
*Thank you to the author for providing a copy for which I’m giving my honest opinion*
Halton is one of my favorite reads this year! This book was beautifully written. It was funny, sweet, steamy and emotional. I highlighted so many lines from this book because Melanie Moreland’s words touched my heart. I loved Halton and Fee so much. They were perfect for each other and I couldn’t get enough of them. The epilogue was one of the best…full of cuteness and sweetness and definitely one that is going to stick with me forever. Also, I can’t review this book without mentioning Halton and Rene’s relationship. OMG, they were hilarious and I enjoyed all of their conversations. I’m so glad they have each other.
Fee knows she needed help and the only person she feels can help her is Hal her husband’s biggest rival. Hal doesn’t know how to feel about the situation but he knows that deep down he must help her. Fee and Hal’s chemistry is there but with her being his client it is a slippery slope. Fee and Hal both have some demons from their past that they have to deal with.
I really enjoyed reading about Hal and Fee. Hal’s personality was a strong one whereas Fee personality was a little fragile. I loved seeing Fee come into her own over time and how Hal started to let let his guard down with everyone that is in his life.
Halton is one infuriating stubborn man but you had to love him. He is such a mix of vulnerable and strength. I’m glad he finally straighten up and opened his eyes to what was in front of him all a long.
This series keeps getting better and better! Halton is the sixth in the Vested Interest series, and here we are following Halton and Fee story. Halton is very much a dedicated divorce lawyer, willing to help his clients even when they’re the soon to be ex-wife of his rival. I love reading this series and look forward to reading more by this author.
Halton is what Melanie Moreland does best. Have an emotionally unavailable character fall in love.
Halton is our emotionally damaged lawyer and Fee, his client turned employee turned friend. Halton is this wonderful creature who roots for the underdog and the helpless. And naturally, Fee is one of those helpless.
What we see unfold is this: Halton goes from workaholic womanizer to a man rediscovering what truly is important. And Fee goes from this defeated, beaten down woman to someone who is strong and fearless.
Halton is friendly with the men of BAM, so it was nice to have a little visit from the previous characters in the series. Not my favorite of the series (sorry, not many people can beat out Van!) but definitely a worthwhile addition.
Halton Smithers, Attorney at Law, Defender of the Defenseless, Protector of the Weak, All around Knight in Shining Armour. But also Man with the Hard Heart, Lover only for Right Now, not for Forever. His past has taught him that love only hurts and doesn’t last. He only sleeps a few hours a night and throws himself into his work with long hours and working weekends. His girlfriends rarely last longer than a month and are barely noticed when they leave. His is a lonely existence.
Fiona is the wife of a lawyer with a bad reputation of doing anything to win a case. He will represent anyone and use any means, legal or not, to win. Doesn’t matter if it’s right or wrong, Scott has no moral compass. He has thrown Fiona out and wants a divorce, so she comes to his arch rival, Halton, to represent her. Her quiet demeanor and calm beauty fascinates Halton.
Fiona (Fee) with her long silver hair and gentle spirit, and Halton, with his hardened heart, have no idea what is about to happen. It appears everyone around them can see it except them. Rene, his flamboyant assistant, was the perfect Robin to Halton’s Batman, keeping him straight and focused. He was chuckling even from the hospital! The men of BAM make their appearance and it is great to see them stepping in to gather another one into their fold. Hearing their remarks as they notice the changes in their curmudgeon of a friend.
The slow burn between Fee and Halton was so tangible, you could smell the smoke as it smoldered! Their chemistry was amazing! With her raptor purr/clicks and his Chippendale performance, I was tearing up one minute and laughing another. Melanie outdid herself with this book! I loved Van so much, but now I think Halton and Fee are my new favorite couple. I love everything this woman writes!!!