Illegally Yours A Laws of Attraction Novel

I've received a ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. A good book to sit back and relax with but unfortunately I just didn't feel any connection to this or any of the characters. Despite the author's great writing, I just didn't resonate with the story. I do want to give kudos to the author for having a POC main character. Overall just not my cup of tea.

“You know what I mean,” Gideon says, annoyed. “She thought he was a perv, poured a beer on his head, flirted her ass off. Some quality meet-cute stuff there. Now she’s ready to get busy except they’ve got a Pride and Prejudice crossed with legal ethics thing going on.” This is the second book I’ve read by Kate Meader, and I’m quickly becoming a fan. Ms. Meader writes incredibly deep characters, with lots of sharp edges and soft vulnerable spots, and it’s such a delight to watch the characters come together. There’s some P&P echoes here, as well – which one side character hilariously calls out – and that was just the cherry on top of this lovely book. While this is the second in the series (and I’d highly recommend the first book), this could easily be read as a stand-alone. “Can’t we put aside who we are to each other and marinate in a bubble of mutual attraction for a while?” Trinity is a whiskey sommelier – a black woman in a very white, very male field. Her younger sister, Emily, is going through a contentious divorce, and between her job and helping her sister with her kids, she has no time for anything else. Especially not a hot, eccentrically dressed lawyer with a British accent – who just happens to be representing Emily’s ex. Lucas, for his part, recognizes that their electric attraction is something special, and is willing to wait until the case is over – and the ethical issues resolved – before having some fun with Trinity. But Lucas can’t help thinking about her, and Trinity can’t stop thinking about the man who seems to see – and respect – all of her, too clearly. “I know there are a million reasons not to do this. I can only think of the one reason why we must: I need Lucas Wright more than I’ve ever needed anything. I need something for me. Someone who sees me, if only for a sparkling star-filled moment. I expect I’ll fall back into sanity, but hopefully, not too soon.” I adored these characters. Trinity is so confidant, so desperately in need to be in control of life – and Emily’s. Trinity’s love for her sister – even in all its smothering, enabling glory – is such a key part of her character, and both Lucas’ and Trinity’s messed up family histories lend a depth to their interactions. Much like Trinity, Lucas is all happy-go-lucky crazy pants on the surface, and unbelievably sweet underneath, even when it comes to telling hard truths to his clients or his friends. Their relationship is a bit slow-burn, but once they decide to go for it, it all happens pretty quickly. I loved, absolutely loved, that Lucas found Trinity’s confidence and competence at her job such a turn on. I also loved their banter and how it went from silly and sweet to ridiculously hot. “How do I tell him that I had no idea he was the one until I was so deep that I was drowning in him?” The side characters were excellent, and we get a peek at the past couple as well as a preview from what I’m assuming is the next couple, divorced Grant and Aubrey. This felt like a heavier book than the first – there’s quite a bit of childhood trauma for both characters that has to be brought out and dealt with – though I don’t think it overdid the angst. I also thought Ms. Meader showed the micro-aggressions Trinity experienced – as a black female sommelier – with a deft hand, and I found Trinity’s reason for going into her field particularly touching. She does have a touch of the “strong black woman” archetype, but I thought how she came to terms with and accepted her vulnerability was well done. Overall, if you’re looking for a steamy, witty read, I’d definitely recommend this book! I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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!

** spoiler alert ** I knew I would like this book I just didn’t know I would love this book. I gave up a night full of sleep to all it read it in 6.5 hours. I love how dynamic Misty is.. she black/mixed woman but it doesn’t define her character. Her sibling is white and that’s not the thing to give them strife. Misty likes whiskey (like any sensible drinker) and has more male friends than females. I relate to her in many ways and am glad to see her flaws. Lucas!! Oh Lucas. He is the guy of ladies wildest dream we can never imagine truly existing. British, confident, successful, nurturing, spontaneous, great with kids and willing to settle down with an older woman. Come on now.. I expected a catch Kate. I enjoyed the characters back story. Although the instalove was a bit much I moved right on passed it without giving it a second thought. I’m excited for Grant’s story however I think I’ll skip Max’s.