Rule #1: Never fall for your client. Rule #2: Never fall for your client’s fiercely protective, smoking hot sister-in-law. I’m the kind of guy who believes that everyone deserves the best legal representation money can buy—which just so happens to be me, Lucas Wright. Give me your henpecked, your cuckolded, your irreconcilable differences yearning to break free! And if you’re the bad guy in your … if you’re the bad guy in your marriage, that’s cool too. Your green is as good as anyone’s.
Tell that to Trinity Jones. It’s my job to destroy her sister—the soon-to-be ex-wife of my a-hole of a client—and Trinity’s “big sis” instincts are dialed up to the max. I admire that. I admire her. But she won’t stop me from representing my client to the best of my ability.
Not even if my chemistry with Trinity is undeniable. Not even if we can’t keep our hands off each other. Not even if she injects life into a heart assumed to be long dead.
Because when faced with a choice between love and duty, the job will always win—or at least that’s what I thought before I met Trinity . . . and suddenly conflict of interest never felt so right.
Praise for Illegally Yours
“Illegally Yours is funny, sexy, smart, and impossible to put down. I adored it.”—Serena Bell, USA Today bestselling author of Sleepover
“Smart, sexy banter and fast-paced fun, Illegally Yours will keep you up far past your bedtime. The chemistry between Trinity and Lucas is off the charts. I loved this book!”—Kimberly Kincaid, USA Today bestselling author of the Station Seventeen series
“Lengthy sex scenes, a hint of comedy, and a plot rich with character growth ensure Meader’s fans and newcomers will find something to love.”—Publishers Weekly
“I absolutely loved this book. . . . The heart in the story makes you want the book to never end. . . . I highly suggest this romance.”—Jagged Edge Reviews (five stars)
“This is my fifth [Kate] Meader book, and I think it’s my favorite. . . . An utterly delightful and heartwarming romance, which made me laugh a lot, and smile often.”—We Live and Breathe Books
This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
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I enjoyed this read but must admit it pulled my emotions in opposite directions. To start, on one hand I really liked the forbidden element to this romance; but on the other hand it was very difficult not to have deep reservations about the long, ongoing effects of Lucas’ actions against Trinity’s sister. I just could not stop myself from thinking about all those family functions; like holidays and birthdays and I simply couldn’t convince myself that this really wouldn’t be an issue for this couple that just kept popping up. In spite of that though I did like this couple and wanted them to have a HEA. Both of these characters had emotional baggage and I like that because it evens the playing field. Lucas does start out as a bit unlikable. He is smug and has quite the attitude. As the story unfolds you delve into his character and that showcases his wit, charm and sweetness and that really raises his likability factor. As for Trinity, she was strong, sassy, smart, has a wounded heart and is a fiercely overprotective sister. I thought that they made quite the couple. Their attraction was undeniable and their chemistry was hot and steamy. The book holds your interest with lots of drama, emotional turmoil, tension and humor.
Trinity Jones is one of those confident, caring, BA heroines you’d love to have on your side. I adored her immediately. Lucas Wright, on the other hand, took a while to warm up to. His arrogance and cheekiness were a little over the top. Each time he would always follow up with something just endearing enough to win me back.
What was almost a deal breaker? Lucas being the cutthroat attorney for Trinity’s brother-in-law in a contentious divorce from Trinity’s sister. The author asked a lot of her readers creating a hero who wooed the heroine while actively trying to destroy the one person she fiercely protected and loved most. It was a fine line, but Meader pulled it off as I trusted she would.
Illegally Yours was a fun, enjoyable, sometimes emotional story with several great moments. It held my interest–unlike most books these days–which is actually saying a lot. It didn’t “wow” me like most of Meader’s books. Admittedly, that could be blamed on my month’s long book funk that has become extremely frustrating.
Now I’m anxiously awaiting Aubrey and Grant’s story. Since book one I’ve speculated on what caused their marriage to collapse. Whatever the reason, I trust Kate Meader to make it entertaining.
3.5 stars
When Trinity Jones meets Lucas Wright while serving at the bachelor party for Lucas’ law partner, a passionate attraction flares bright but conflicts abound.
Trinity is a whiskey sommelier who has spent most of her life being the caregiver in her family and now spends a lot of time looking after her sister’s children as she’s going through a divorce. Lucas Wright is a cocky, younger Brit divorce attorney who is the “shark” representing Trinity’s brother-in-law.
Trinity projects a confident air but sees herself as the forgotten daughter, abandoned girlfriend and put-upon sister; while Lucas hides a world of pain behind his charming, quirky facade. They have to maneuver around many speed bumps on the road to their HEA.
Illegally Yours, the second book in Kate Meader’s Laws of Attraction series, is the first book I’ve read by the author. I don’t usually like books written in the first-person, but Meader’s writing and character development kept me interested. Having read it, I definitely want to read the first book and am looking forward to the third book about Aubrey and Grant.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
What can I say, I love this woman! Ever since I binge read Kate’s Chicago Rebels, I have been in love *happy sigh* She has a way of mixing the feels and heart with the sexy that is just so damn captivating you just can’t stop reading. It has been like that for me every single book I have read by her!
Illegally Yours is a mix of forbidden/close proximity/work(ish) tropes that come together explosively. Imagine if you were a divorce lawyer and you had the hots for a woman who turned out to be your client’s sister…are you imagining it? Well, you don’t have to imagine how crazy it would be because Kate writes ALL about it in Illegally Yours! And the story is not just sexy, it is fun! I wish I could give you a play-by-play because let me tell ya, the more these two tried not to give in, the more the universe said bwaahahahah, not! LOL
Like I said, I’ve never had any trouble enjoying a book by this author. Sometimes, so much so that I go back and binge other books I’ve already read LOL This is an author that should be on everyone’s radar. #TRUST
Illegally Yours is the second book in the Laws of Attraction series, but can be read as a standalone. I have to say that this book is a fast read. Illegally Yours is told from both Trinity and Lucas’ POV. I like that this was done, because as I’ve said in other reviews, I love reading both sides of the story.
It’s clear from the start that Lucas is pretty full of himself, but there’s so much more to this hardworking divorce lawyer. At times he seemed to just be after the best case for his client, but his heart got in the way. As he interacts with Trinity, it’s clear he’s working through past tragedies and trying to open up his heart. Lucas really won me over though! How sweet and caring he can be, on top of the reasons why he’s a divorce lawyer.
Trinity is a hardworking woman and her family is her everything. Her sister Emily is someone that always comes first, along with her kids. They didn’t have an easy childhood and she feels responsible for the things she loves. Trinity is pretty closed to any idea of relationships in the beginning, because she’s been betrayed many times. It’s clear she has a hard time opening up, but it was nice to see her slowly let down her walls and let someone else take care of her.
I loved that there was kind of a forbidden romance in this book, because Lucas was hired by her sister’s ex-husband. Talk about complicated! There is definitely chemistry from the start and it’s fun to see them tease each other. On top of that, it was a nice different that it took awhile before things started happening. Not like a lot of books where the couples just jump into bed with each other after just saying hello.
Another thing that had me laughing and smiling quite a few times are the references to Marvel movies, TV shows I love and of course Harry Potter. Any book that mentions Harry Potter scores points in my book!
All in all, while I loved everything I’ve talked about, Illegally Yours didn’t wow me. I think the whole divorce between Trinity’s sister and ex-husband didn’t sit right with me. I don’t know if it’s because it’s more of a thing in the background (seeing how Trinity and Lucas aren’t getting divorced) or because at times it seems like it’s completely forgotten. In the end, I honestly am not completely sure how that all went down.
Kate Meader is definitely a fun writer, but something made it harder for me to connect with and I can’t completely put my finger on it. I will definitely keep an eye out for her new releases though, because Illegally Yours was a fun read!
Lucas Wright is the shark lawyer you want on your side if you’re going through a divorce. Lucas fights for paternal rights in cases involving kids, especially after his past. Trinity Jones has always been the “mother” for her sister, so when she watches her go through a nasty divorce, of course she’s going to be there to pick up the pieces and help in any way she can, even if it means enabling her sister.
When Trinity and Lucas meet, it’s not the best first impression since Lucas is drunk, but as their paths cross again, the chemistry is undeniable. Too bad Lucas is the lawyer currently representing her scumbag brother-in-law. There are certain lines that can’t be crossed professionally or personally, but their paths keep crossing and feelings only grow stronger. With hidden secrets in both of their pasts, can they overcome the obstacles and find a way to make it work? This was definitely one I couldn’t put down!
Lucas and Trinity have experienced instalust. The problem? They can’t do anything about it. You see: Trinity’s sister, Emily, is going through a horrendous divorce from her husband Brian, and Lucas is Brian’s lawyer. There is a conflict of interest. Part of the problem is trying to work this over.
Illegally Yours is one amazing read in my opinion because it brings a lot of current issues into the light. Such as how discriminating certain jobs are towards colored individuals or women. Even more, colored women. You see, Trinity is an African American whiskey sommelier, a predominantly male career. She gets discriminated against by both men and women. She isn’t taken seriously and is mostly hit on.
Lucas is a shark of a lawyer. That is most likely the reason Brian hired him. He is ruthless. At the same time, he is hilarious. The things he says and does crack me up. He sees Trinity for what she really is. An extraordinary woman who loves her job, not caring about all the bumps in her road, and loves her family. She protects her sister and her kids. Sure, there are bumps in the road for them as well such as her strong feminist beliefs that doesn’t help their relationship at times.
Overall I give this read four stars and do recommend.
I thoroughly enjoyed Down With Love, the first book of this series, but I have a soft spot for this one as interracial romance is my jam. Add that to the fact that there’s so much about family and friendship along with romantic love in this book, I can’t help but, well, love it.
I’ve been reading Kate’s books for a couple of years now and I’ve come to expect her to deliver an engaging read. She didn’t disappoint. She never does.
Amidst the divorce proceedings of Trinity’s overly-dependent younger sister from Lucas’s douche of a client Brian, we find a slow(ish)-burn love story that skirts ethical standards (hence the title). We learn that what these two show to the world–Lucas’s loudmouth clown persona, Trinity’s dependable competence–are nothing more than masks hiding painful personal history. Neglectful parent, guilt, misplaced pride, long-held resentments, etcetera. Their slow opening up to each other matched with simmering physical attraction made their relationship work for me.
I loved the older woman-younger man scenario, the varied locations, the trivia quiz, all the pop culture references, and the fascinating side characters. Grant and Aubrey’s awesome back-and-forth in this story had me excited for their own happy-ever-after.
Kate Meader is not a completely new author to me as far as her name goes. I’ve been reviewing and blogging in the romance world for over two years, so her name is very familiar to me. But, full confession…I’ve never read one of her books. I know, I know. She’s come highly recommended–a lot–by people that I truly trust their opinions when it comes to really good reads. But there are always SO many books to choose from, and I’ll admit that I tend to stick with just a few favorites when I’m crunched for time. And lately, I’ve been crunched for time more often than not. However, when I saw this book as an option on Netgalley, the cover caught my attention, and the blurb drew me in. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to give her book a chance. The storyline seemed like something refreshingly new, and when you read as many books as I do in a week for a romance book review blog, you really do feel like too many book plots start to sound a little bit too similar. Just keeping it real here (and keep in mind this is absolutely my OPINION and not an accusation of plagiarism).
So…Illegally Yours. Let me preface this with the fact that I read the ARC version, as I usually do for reviews. And after all of the recommendations over the last year (or more??), after the first couple of chapters, I almost put it down for good. Now, just in case the author actually reads my review, I feel like I should explain something before I go on. Reading has always been my escape, but in the last three years, I’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that causes me a lot of pain some days. And sometimes that pain kind of distracts me from what would otherwise be a great book. Oftentimes, I’m self-aware enough that I don’t even pick up a new-to-me author’s book when I’m feeling that bad, because I know there’s a good chance it won’t really hold my attention due how I’m feeling physically and mentally. But…deadlines were looming. All of that to say…I ALMOST put it down and didn’t finish it. However, I kept thinking that surely those people that had recommended her to me in the past couldn’t be THAT wrong about her writing. I mean, they’re professional writers, too! So a couple of days later, I picked it back up. And y’all…I’m SO glad I did! As I suspected, the blah was totally in ME and NOT in the book.
The storyline was refreshingly different, and so were the characters. In the first couple of chapters, you think you know what kind of guy Lucas is: shallow, crude, and a player. But that’s just it. He’s not really all of those things. So give him a chance. Keep reading. I promise you’ll fall in love with this hot British guy too! And Trinity comes across as someone who is jaded and cold but has her life all figured out, and she’s got it all together. Keep reading. I promise you’ll figure out that she’s SO much more. And that their story is much deeper than you’ll think after the first two chapters. Keep reading. You’ll think there is no way these two could ever be right for each other, and that there’s no way they are going to make it happen for good. Keep reading.
NICUnurse’s Rating: When it was all said and done, and I got to “The End,” I came to the conclusion that none of my book peeps led me astray after all! So, I give Illegally Yours by Kate Meader 4.5 stars! If you like May to December romances (because even though she’s older, Trinity ultimately is not a cougar in my opinion), you’re going to love this book. And if you’ve never read a May to December romance, this just might be the one to change your mind. So grab the book…and keep. Reading!
Illegally Yours is the second book in the Laws of Attraction series by Kate Meader. You can read it as standalone but I do recommend reading Down with Love. It’s sexy and so much fun. It is also where I first started to fall for Lucas Wright.
It all started with a glass of whiskey.
Trinity knew the type. She always saw men like him in her field as a Whiskey sommelier. The British hottie was definitely full of himself. Thought he could say one word and she would fall to her knees. Maybe even thought being an asshole was a way into her pants with the way he was talking during her presentation. So when he stayed at the bar after his friends left, she had her guard up. She had to. The damn man was tempting. Stupid cheekbones, accent and the almost kiss. But, then he shocked her by saying it was better to wait.
Lucas was nervous. It was the only way to explain the way he was acting. He was not an asshole. He wished he was because then maybe he would have taken her right there. At the bar. It felt their spark. Thank God he didn’t though. He would be even more fucked when she showed up to his place of business a few days later. Looking for a lawyer for her sister who so happens to be the soon to be ex wife of his client. Lucas meet conflict of interest. Conflict of interest meet Lucas, the man you just fucked over.
A slow burn he says. It will be worth it he says. Dammit. She wanted the burn now. She also wanted to kick his ass for representing her useless foreskin of a brother in law. But, she can’t go there now. He is the enemy. And her sister Emily would not forgive her. Even though she has always taken care of her. Always. That is what family does. They come first but after getting to know Lucas, he feels so right. Can she have it both ways or will she have to chose?
I knew Lucas’s story was going to make me fall completely in love with him. The bloody hottie who loves Harry Potter and has a unique style in clothing. He is so much more than I thought he was going to be though. Be still my heart. The way he makes her feel is swoonworthy. I also fell for Trinity too. She is a badass who takes care of everyone. These two have obstacles. Within themselves and in their relationship.
Overall…It was amazing being with them on their journey. It was full of laughs, sexy times, and even some sadness. I can not wait until the next book. It’s going to be a crazy ride.
Quotes:
Trinity, love, prepare to be conquered.
“That girl will chew you up, baby.”
“I can only hope!” I drop a kiss on her head, step back, and smooth my lapels.
“How do I look, Mom?”
“Away with you. And I’ll be interrupting in about seven minutes with tea. No shenanigans.”
“Seven minutes? Challenge accepted!”
“Jesus, you are one fine woman, Trinity Jones. Looking at you is sun and starlight and what keeps my heart beating when all it wants to do is stop.”
An instant attraction at the worst possible time. Illegally Yours takes mixing business with pleasure to a whole new level. Lucas is about to break his number one rule and lose his heart in the process. Kate Meader is back to steam up bookshelves while charming her way into your heart. Lawyer, Lucas is about to get schooled in matters of the heart and Trinity Jones is happy to teach him a lesson he won’t soon forget. Let the laughter commence and the good times roll. A laugh out loud, can’t put down, piece of fun.
A delightful rom com. Trinity and Lucas are an unlikely pair. She is serious and focused. He is hyper and fun going. There is instant heat and attraction between the two. The dialogue is really of comedic proportions. The author really gets the imagination going with her use of language and the inner voice monologue of the characters. The angst that both Trinity and Lucas are dealing with in their personal lives add another level of depth to the plot of the story. It is beautiful and joyous.
Lucas Wright met an intriguing woman at a bachelor party named Trinity Jones, the instant chemistry they shared was electric, and something he wanted to explore further. But a couple days after their lust filled meeting he discovers that she just so happens to be the sister in-law of one his clients, which means taking things any further with her would go against all the rules in his book. But his heart and libido don’t seem to want to follow the rules… no matter how hard he tries to deny them!
Trinity Jones is a fiercely independent woman with a heart of gold, and the self proclaimed protector of her family. With her sister divorcing her deadbeat husband, and drama at a all time high, her protective instincts are on high alert. But they fail to detect that the man representing him in the divorce is also the man she fell head over heels for the other night at a bachelor party. As much as she likes Lucas, she just can’t seem to get past the fact that he has her brother in-laws back in the divorce, starting anything with him would only spell trouble. But convincing her heart of that fact seems to be losing battle, every time he is near the sparks start to fly and her heart skips a beat!
Within the pages of Illegally Yours you will find a story that is brimming with heartfelt emotion and toe curling sexy times. From their very first encounter you could feel the chemistry brewing between these two, and the harder they tried to deny, the stronger it became. Their relationship was supposed to be forbidden, but love found a way to bend the rules, and push boundaries to get these two lovebirds closer together. Their love connection came with many of challenges and drama, but once these two finally let love in they were unstoppable! I really enjoyed this newest installment in the Laws of Attraction series, the story line was unique and entertaining, and the characters were superbly crafted. Highly recommend this one to readers who like angst filled forbidden romance, this one is certain to put a good squeeze on your heart and stir up your emotions!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
Illegally Yours is all about Laws of Attraction. Talk about an awkward mess. Not exactly the happily ever after her sister planned for…
As the Hottie Brit, Lucas shines. As the shark divorce lawyer for the kinfolk, he’s brutal. As a interested party in Trinity Jones, he’s darn near perfect!
With enough emotional baggage to sink the Titanic, these two embark on a non- relationship, a friendship, and then….Then it gets complicated.
Sexy, sweet, and a perfect amount of realistically stubborn behaviors, Illegally Yours is a lovely distraction. Whether your one of Lucas’ Birds or not, I know that you will fall for the cheeky Brit just as hard and fast.
This is an honest review of a book that I received from the author and the publisher via NetGalley.
This story kept my interest and the characters seemed to have secrets that eventually come to light throughout the book. Trinity and Lucas seem right for each other but will her sister’s impending divorce keep them from being able to be together.
I would’ve given this book 5 stars but it seemed like the author used a lot of British slang even when it wasn’t Lucas talking. There were several words that I had to use my dictionary for and not because I don’t have a well-rounded vocabulary.
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author.(netgalley) So our lovable divorce lawyers are back. This is the second in this series, we now have Lucas story. Lucas new love interest Trinity Jones whom he officially met at a liquor tasting and who he was attracted to but ends up being a conflict of interest because he is representing her brother in law, meaning he is going to brutalize her sister. When he find this out he is besides himself and looking for ways out of this and ends up having his friends ex Aubrey to represent her. I can’t wait for Aubrey’s story, that one has me counting down..Anyhoo we also get to read about our original couple Max and Charlie..Enjoy!