Courting Danger

This is the author's first mystery novel and it deserves a place with other fast-paced attorney sleuth stories. The protagonist, defense attorney Katherine Rochelle, lands her first murder case. Her investigation takes her close to home and back to the past to solve her grandparents' disappearance. The two events are related, but can Kate stay out of the killer's range and former cop Gabe's hot embrace long enough to expose the real villain? I read through this story fast and felt it could be right at home on the mystery shelves with books like BLONDES HAVE MORE FELONS by Alesia Holliday. Katherine is a charming sleuth and you'll cheer for her from the start. I hope sexy Gabe makes a repeat appearance in the sequel.

Katherine Rochelle is putting her life and career back on track after the disastrous fallout from her previous job at the US Attorney's office when she blew the whistle on the illegal activities of her boss/lover. She's now back in Palm Beach practicing criminal law in partnership w/ her two best friends. Her first major case is the high profile defense of Lloyd Silber, who has been accused of murdering his young assistant, Grace Roberts. Kate is from old Palm Beach money and her grandfather was a famous judge who, along w/ his wife, disappeared from the courthouse years ago. The case was never solved, and unflattering stories about the judge and possible ethical violations have circulated since he vanished. Lloyd and Grace, both of whom were friends of Kate's family, had been working on a major renovation project of the historic courthouse when Grace's murder took place. The case brings Kate together w/ the law firm's new PI, Gabriel Chavez. Sizzling hot Gabe is also putting his past behind him as he starts a new career. As the situation between Kate and Gabe starts to simmer, they both begin to wonder if they should start thinking more about the future--together. Kate can't escape the past, tho, as Lloyd's case seems to bring up new questions about her grandparents' disappearance and the possible connections to present events. There are also questions about the involvement of Kate's Aunt Hilary and Uncle Colin, who helped raise Kate; family friend Paul Scholfield, who has been nominated for a Supreme Court vacancy; the Castillo crime family; and even Kate's ex-husband. Clearly, this case has serious implications for Kate, both personally and professionally. This is an excellent romantic legal thriller with a good balance between the two elements. Kate is a smart character w/ a strong sense of justice. She is well-matched w/ Gabe, who is also a crusader at heart. The chemistry between the two is ultra hot, and they have enough common interests and goals to make them a viable, believable couple. The legal mystery is well done w/ enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the end.

A scandal involving sleeping with her boss Harold Lowell cost wealthy Palm Beach criminal defense attorney Katherine Rochelle her job at the U.S. Attorney's Office. So when she feels a proper amount of time has passed she opens up a partnership with two friends, Carling Dent and Nicole Sterling. Her Aunt Hilary orders Katherine to defend family friend Lloyd Silber accused of killing Grace Roberts. Katherine reluctantly agrees and cautiously hires private investigator Gabriel Chavez to make inquiries; her hesitation stems from her attraction to the ex-cop and not his competency as he is acknowledged as one of the best. As he digs up information, the case takes a wicked spin as it is connected to the disappearance of her grandparents years ago. Before deciding whether she should recluse herself due to a possible conflict of interests as she always wanted to know what happened to her relatives, someone tries to kill Kate. Only Gabriel keeps her safe, but she wonders who will keep her heart safe once he steals it. Fans of romantic legal thrillers will enjoy this stirring tale. The story line stars an attorney struggling to regain her reputation shattered when she had an affair with her boss; both losing their jobs. Though Gabriel is a fine male lead, Katherine is the star from her first sterling performance bringing to heel a felon, a judge, and a prosecutor in the courtroom until the final efforts to prove her client innocent and learn what happened to her grandparents. Readers will want more stories starring the "Debt, Default, and Miscarriage" legal team especially COURTING DANGER. Harriet Klausner

Stephenson is at the top of her game with this legal suspense. Classy criminal defense attorney Katherine Rochelle investigates a murder that not only places her life in danger, but has her digging into her family's past. Blend in her two friends, Carling Dent and Nicole Sterling, along with a hot private investigator, Gabe Chavez, and you've got an un-put-downable story. This book goes on my keeper shelf. I look forward to future stories by this wonderful author!

Katherine "Kate" Rochelle has been in Palm Beach's social elite since birth. She has had money all her life. For her career, she became a criminal defense attorney. Scandal hit when Kate learned her co-worker was on the take. Kate could not let such illegal matters go and dutifully turned him in. Kate is as honest as her grandfather (a judge) had been before he disappeared from his court chambers in the old courthouse over thirty years ago. However, her honesty makes the other lawyers antsy, especially those who believe Kate should have turned the other way. So Kate made her own law firm and is out to prove herself all over again. Her first case is to prove that a friend, Lloyd, did not murder Grace. Grace Roberts had been murdered in Kate's grandfather's old chambers. Since Kate does not believe in coincidences, she begins looking into a possible connection. Kate's partners, Carling and Nicole, hire a P.I. named Gabriel "Gabe" Chavez to assist her. It does not take long for Kate to realize that her life is in danger. The evidence is beginning to look as though someone high up is the culprit. Kate's debutante skills and social connections help her get some answers. Yet only Gabe's P.I. and police skills can keep her alive. ***** This story seems to be the first of a trilogy. At least, I hope Kate's partners each get their own stories. What? You say that you demand lots of action? You want suspense AND some romance as well? Then pick up this novel and RUN! Otherwise, you may not get your hands on a copy. Once readers begin talking about this title it will fly off the shelves. Excellent legal and mystery drama. ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.