I really enjoyed the previous book so when I started this one I had high hopes that I would love it even more because I am a huge fan of this author. I do believe my mood when I read this book is the reason why I just couldn't connect with the story. I do want to try to read it again at a later date to see if my feeling will change and if so I will update this review but at the present moment it almost feels as if a totally different person wrote this book versus the previous one. Something just felt off

Darren Melvin, isn't who he said he was in when we first meet him in Dirty Ride. Turns out he was living a double life he had his rich wife and Valentina on the side. The cop was dirtier then we that and a two timer at that. For those who have read Dirty Ride we know what how he ended up but, now two years later they are trying to frame his wife Scarlet for his death. Bentley being the best defense lawyer in town he is approached to take the case.
They tip toe around each other during the trail because hello that would be inappropriate so they just let the tension build and build. I felt horrible for Scarlet for how she had been treated by her late husband and whats even worse he was doing it to another woman at the same time. She really has a heart of gold she felt guilty because Valentina had went through the same abuse as she did. She didn't want another woman feeling how she felt during those episodes.
We do see our favorite old ladies having fun and their biker men in their own action two. That scene was intense and insane i don't know how both of the main characters kept it together.
It was nice two see that the author continues to delve in between her other series and gives us updates on those characters too.

After reading the blurb on this one, I expected more on Scarlett's case and Jaxon fighting the attraction, but this one is more about the romance and Scarlett's transformation. This is an emotional read with both, Jaxon and Scarlett, having their own things to deal with. We also have the added suspense of who actually killed Scarlett's husband and the connections to the Wind Dragons MC. Having not read the Wind Dragons series, I'm not sure if the characters mentioned were an integral part of that series, but I had no problem following the story.
Jaxon and Scarlett didn't have that same fiery chemistry as I found in Tristan and Kat's book, but their story is just as good. Jaxon is tender and patient with Scarlett as she finds herself again and they do have good chemistry.
Overall, Jaxon and Scarlett's story is a well-written, emotional tale that kept me turning pages.

This is the second book in Chantal Fernando's Conflict of Interest Series but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. I was definitely hooked with this blurb and was interested to see where the Author would take this type of situation. This was a quick read for me and overall I liked it.

Jaxon is a defense attorney hired to represent Scarlett. I don't know what exactly I was expecting from him but it wasn't for him to be as quick to jump into things as he was. He's sexy, sweet and loyal. All good qualities in a book boyfriend.

I had a bit of a disconnect with Scarlett initially and I couldn't quite put my finger on what exactly wasn't working for me. But as I kept reading she grew on me. I think she grew as a character overall and watching that was very satisfying for me.

There's an obvious connection with these two. There's no shortage of sexy times for them-which was fine but I wouldn't have minded less sexy times if we got more character development.

The writing was solid but the pacing was a little off for me. I was expecting a bit more of the book to be about the forbidden attorney/client relationship and that just wasn't there for me. Some things were glossed over and I think if they had been delved into a little deeper I would have enjoyed it more. Overall, I did like the book and will try more from this author.

Seducing The Defendant is the second book in the Conflict of Interest series. Seducing The Defendant is Jaxon's story and what a story it is. Jaxon is a hot-shot criminal defense attorney who has come back to work after being on a sabbatical due to a family emergency. His first case back is of a woman being accused of murdering her husband. After he hears the details of the case, he isn’t too sure he wants this case but decides to meet with the defendant first before making a judgement call.
Scarlett is back in town after hiding out in another country and caring for a sick relative. She gets told to come back and face murder charges—charges that she killed her husband. She does return and realizes she needs the best defense attorney to represent her and clear her of the charges so she goes and hires her the best-and that is Jaxon Bentley.
This is a story that will have you glued from start to finish. The sexual tension between Jaxon and Scarlett is intense, it’s amazing and the push/pull between them is something you can literally feel. Knowing that they are attorney and client doesn’t mean a thing to me, it just has me rooting even harder for them to get together. On top of the romance, we have a murder mystery and it was fantastic to see a re-appearance of the Wind Dragons MC in the story – Scarlett has ties to the Wind Dragons and it was great to see them in this story and to learn of Scarlett and her ties with them and what they have to do with this story. There are so many things happening in this story- things that will have you going thru a range of emotions. You have action packed, dangerous, fun, sexy, heartbreaking and passionate all teaming for top billing of emotions in this story—Scarlett and Jaxon make a great couple and it was sad when their story came to an end….but I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.


My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me ”

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! WOW!! I adore Chantal Fernando and this one just blew me away! Scarlet and Jaxon are AMAZING! Their story isn't a conventional one, but it is beautiful! I loved seeing Scarlet become more than a scared victim and I loved that Jaxon never really saw her that way. And of Course seeing some of my favorite Wind Dragon's didn't hurt at all!! It was a FIVE STAR read for sure and I can't wait for the rest of this series!!

Wow... talk about night and day with this book.

I couldn't wait to start this book. I just finished Breaching the Contract and immediately jumped into this book! I absolutely loved Breaching the Contract. Tristian and Kat's book was a good start to this series.
A series I thought was separate from any of this authors other work.

Ok.... I have a thing about cross jumping characters in series. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. In this case having read the first book in this series. Bringing in a member from the Wind Dragons into this book was a BIG WHAT moment for me. I mean... why bring in a totally different series that has nothing to do with this series.
All I kept thinking was the author is trying to get people interested in her other series. So she's dropping little hints here and there.
I was hoping for a clean break on a totally new series. I was really disappointed by this.

Because... Luckily I've read all of the Wind Dragon MC books. But I couldn't for the life of me remember these characters Demon, Darren & Valentina at all. (Because I wasn't in the right frame of mind. I had no clue I was diving back into a WD MC book!) And then I'm trying to think where this all falls into place with those books time line. Just thinking to myself...did I miss something. So here I am... searching all those books to see how this plays into the time line of the Wind Dragons.

Ughhh... I spent way too much time doing research on these characters. This most definitely was not a good crossover. So Demon and Valentina are in Dirty Ride 3.5 of the Wind Dragons MC books.... It's a novella. But, that novella is all about Valentina and Irish (a member in the MC club.). You get more of a clear picture of Darren in that book. How he really was. So I would say.... you need to read that book first then read this book to get a full picture. But beware... the time line just doesn't add up or Scarlett's character either. Considering how many years both these women have been with Darren and all the things they had done together and what he's put them through.
And they pop up again in Rake's Redemption book 4, Wild Ride, Wolf's Mate, Last Ride & Crossroads in the Wind Dragons MC series.

As you can tell...this was pretty big for me. Yes I loved the Wind Dragons series. But, it just didn't feel right in this book. Those characters played a big role in this book!

Ok... so going back and doing my research Valentina had been with Darren for 10 years. He was her 1st boyfriend and 1st love. There's was never any mention of Scarlett. Or that he was even married at all. Because in that book Darren was going crazy about Valentina. And in this book. Darren was mistreated Scarlett.. And they were married for 5 years.
Something just doesn't add up.. Scarlett met Darren right when he graduated from the police academy and Valentina had been with him before he even went to the academy. The time lines on both stories just don't add up!
I went back to double check the time line about what happens to Irish. Nope... I would have remembered about that. And it wasn't in there.

So, I'm not sure exactly when this book takes place in the time line of the Wind Dragons. Because one BIG discrepancy in this book was when Tina (Valentina) found out what happened to Darren.
I'm kind of aggravated about this.
How entwined this book is with the MC series. All the way down to the bar the MC members go to Knox's Tavern & the strip club Toxic they go to too!
I honestly am kinda surprised by all this.

Also... it doesn't help that of course Faye is in this book. She's been getting to me in the last couple books of the Wind Dragons series. Seeing her pop up in this book is kind of irritating.

It was hard for me to fully embrace this story with all these unbelievable things going on between Scarlett and Valentina and the stripper club and just everything else.
I mean at the 90% mark and on I felt like I was reading a Wind Dragon book! And not a new lawyer book like the first one!
How this book played out just overshadowed everything between Scarlett and Jaxon. And the sad and unexpected outcome of one of the characters in this book was a little shocking.
For me anyways.

But.... I'm really looking forward to Hunters story next!! I love his laid back attitude! And all the funny things he says! And I'm really looking forward to the other 2 book books coming out in this series. I just hope its not another MC takeover book.

I am a big fan of Chantal Fernando’s Wind Dragon MC series and was excited to read her newest book. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this story because I don’t usually read many books with lawyers in them. The characters in the story captured my attention and I wanted to know so much more about each character.



Scarlett, I felt so much heartache for because of the things she went through in the past few years of her life. But the strength she has throughout the story despite the possibility of going to prison was incredible.



Jaxon, I instantly loved with the way that he knew how good he was at what he does and the way that he instantly felt an attraction for Scarlett. It was obvious though there was so much more to him then just being a sexy lawyer.



Seducing the defendant is about Scarlett is accused of murdering her husband, who hires Jaxon to defend her case. But is there more between them then just a lawyer and client relationship.



Chantal Fernando has once again done a wonderful job with this story and the amazing way that she capture my attention with her intriguing storyline. I loved the mention of the characters from her other series Wind Dragons MC. This book is a definite must read for everyone.

Seducing the Defendant by Chantal Fernando is the second book in the Conflict of Interest Series.
Every book can easily be read as a standalone, there are only a few cross-over scenes. Every story is about another couple. While book one, Breaching the Contract was Katerina and Tristan's book, Seducing the Defendant is Jaxon and Scarlett's story.
Jaxon Bentley is a very determined and successful criminal lawyer. Together with Tristan he's the owner of their own law firm. Work is his life.
That is about to change, but he has no clue, yet.
He represents Scarlett Reyes, who is accused of murdering her husband, a police officer.
He digs into the case and discovers a connection to the wind Dragons MC. But will he be able to prove her innocence?
Seducing the Defendant had me at the edge of my seat. I read the book in one sitting, I had to know what happens to the characters.

This story has it all—tension, angst, suspense and heartbreak. I've smiled, laughed, cried and was angry at some point. It is not often I feel so connected to the characters, but Chantal Fernando has accomplished just that. I love the story, the characters and the words.
I give 5 stars. Thank you Chantal Fernando !

*received an arc in exchange for and honest review**

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the second book in the Conflict Of Interest series and Chantal Fernando once again nails it! She weaves an amazing story of two people who’s paths cross at the right time and what they will face together. Love the the Wind Dragons also make an appearance. You will not want to put this down book down, so get ready to meet your next book boyfriend.

Jaxon is one of the best criminal defense lawyers and when he decides to take on Scarlett’s case he knows that it will be a challenge. He also can’t deny that their is something to pulls him to her in a way he can’t ignore. Will he be able to separate personal from professional?

Scarlett has been accused of her husband’s death even though she did not commit his murder. Unfortunately it does not look good for her, especially because her husband was a cop and has other factors against her. She hopes that Jaxon will be able to help her not only with her case but also maybe with her moving on. She can’t help but act on her attraction for him and she hopes that he feels the same. But will he be able to help her with the case and clearing her name?

When some unexpected people help with her case, she begins to live again. Jaxon and Scarlett begin to navigate a relationship but will it last? Or will their pasts once again jeopardize their chance at a life together?

Book 2 in a new series by NYT Chantal Fernando. Lots of old favourites come in as a cameo appearance.
Hero is Jaxon . A partner in the law firm who you meet in book one. Heroine is Scarlet
Jaxon is taking a leave of absence from the law firm for a family tragedy but he is called back to work to represent Scarlett . Scarlet is accused of killing her husband who was a policeman 👮
The more Jaxon asks Scarlet questions the more she only answers with one word. Scarlet tells Jaxon that the money 💰 from the marriage was hers , from the family .
The more Jaxon digs into Scarlet husband the more shader the husbands character gets. He transferred all the money from a joint account to one he opened. He bought a second house where a woman he had was living. On a property he owed the husband was running a meth lab . Things didn’t add up of the policemen husband being an upstanding cop. This is where some winged dragons show up. One is a great great friend of Jaxon Another is Faye when Jaxon wants to ask questions from the policeman girlfriend. Faye shoes up
Soooo who killed the Husband. A cartel or someone else

Jaxon is a bad ass criminal defense attorney. He has recently lost his sister and has been stepping away from his job. However, Scarlett is now seeking his help. The police claim she killed her husband; she swears she didn't. Oh, and the husband? He was a cop.

Jaxon isn't sure that taking Scarlett's case is a good idea. But, something about her makes him feel like he HAS to take this case. As they begin to mount a defense for Scarlett, they discover that her husband had an entire life he was hiding from her. Scarlett knew he was a jerk (and abusive), but she is stunned at how much he hid from her!

With the twisted plot bringing in dirty cops and MC clubs, Fernando really keeps you guessing. Honestly, it seems totally possible that Scarlett will go to prison. It would be SO easy for the cops that her husband worked with to set her up. It wouldn't take much for them to manufacture evidence. Now, having said that, the plot with her accused of murder is pretty much solved by about 40% in. I was like, "Uh oh....what is going to happen now?". Seeing Scarlett and Jaxon's relationship progress was really endearing. Scarlett is embracing who she never got the chance to be, and Jaxon is opening up and accepting her in his life.

And the end....I never saw it coming. I kept waiting for 'the bad'. Everything was going so well and I just knew something would happen. But, I didn't expect THAT.

If you read Fernando's Wind Dragon series, you will love how much of a part they play in this story. If, like me, you haven't read the series, it won't affect your enjoyment of this book at all!

I would give this book 3.5 stars. This is the first book by Chantal Fernando that I have read and while I did enjoy it, I feel like the blurb misleads you into thinking this book is more suspense than it really is. And that is fine but I was expecting a little more mystery. I did not read the first book in this series but you do not have to read that book to enjoy this one. Overall, a good read and I might read the next one in the series if there is a third novel.

Seducing the Defendant is the second installment of the Conflict of Interest Series but it can be read as a standalone. 

Scarlett Reyes is accused of murdering her cop husband so she needs the best of the best as her defense attorney. So it's no surprise that she goes after Jaxson Bentley. He is the best, after all. Little did Scarlett know that Jaxson would evoke feelings from her. Feelings that shouldn't be there.  But there's just something about him that she can't shake. 

From the moment Jaxson met Scarlett, he knew he wanted to help her. Just like her, he fights against his feelings but once the trail is over, things start to progress. Their passion and feelings for each other grow but so does the danger that awaits them in the background. 

I want to start off by saying that I did enjoy this book. I really liked the way that Scarlett comes out of her shell and starts to be the woman that she used to be. Carefree, fun and flirty. I enjoyed Jaxson and think he has a big heart. But for some reason, I couldn't fully connect to them. 

I think I was caught in a Catch 22 moment. Once the Wind Dragon's became part of the story, I felt myself gravitating more to them then focusing on Jaxon and Scarlett because I like that series so much. I was dying to get a little more of them so it distracted me from what I probably should have been focusing on. At the same time, I think that element of the story and adding them is what kept the plot moving and interesting. So I was a bit conflicted. 

Again, I enjoyed the book and I look forward to the next one. Fernando is now one of my go to authors so don't let my conflicting thoughts keep you from reading. I think many people will be able to devour it and if you are new to this author then now is the perfect time to start!

Seducing the Defendant is a sexy a read with plenty of "who done it" moments.

Jaxon Bentley is a highly sought-out defense attorney and he's been asked to take on a very high profile case. Scarlett Reyes, a young and beautiful woman has been accused of murder. Yep, murdering her police officer husband. All evidence points to her guilt, but the more Jaxon works with Scarlett, the more he believes her innocence. And the attraction between the two builds. But crossing that line can be dangerous for the both of them.

Digging into the case more, Jason and Scarlett uncover a lot of secrets with the help of the Wind Dragons MC--and I love getting a little more of this MC in the book!

Seducing the Defendant is the second instalment in Chantal Fernando’s Conflict of Interest series and is another passionate, romantic and chemistry filled story that will sweep you up into a stellar romance with a heart-wrenching ending!

Jaxon Bently is a partner in a prestigious law firm and one of the most sought after criminal attorneys in the country. Known for his abilities to win every case, Jaxton is considered the best of the best, which is why he finds himself approached by Scarlett Reyes, a woman accused of killing her police officer husband. All the evidence points towards Scarlett’s guilt, but when Jaxon meets his beautiful client, he can’t help but believe her innocence. Scarlett Reyes can’t believe her estranged husband is still tormenting her, even from beyond the grave. Having finally escaped his grasp, she thought her future was looking up, only to now be accused of his murder. Hardened lawyer Jaxon may be her own hope, but with the evidence not in her favour and her husband’s colleagues determined to see her convicted of his death, will Jaxon and Scarlett be able to uncover the truth about his murder? Or will an innocent woman go to prison for a crime she didn’t commit?

Chantal Fernando is back with another deeply sensual and engaging novel in her attorney series with Seducing the Defendant. Taking readers once again into her Wind Dragons MC spin-off world, Fernando features two likable and easy to follow characters in Jaxton and Scarlett. We had previously met Jaxton in book one, Breaching the Contract, so it was nice to see him front and centre this time around.

Personally, I’m very much a fan of all the characters in this series. Scarlett and Jaxton were both easily likable and down to earth individuals who had a sexy and often sweet relationship with each other. I liked how Chantal Fernando developed their story and gave them a great relationship; they just complimented each other so nicely—they were effortless.

Plus, I adore all the minor characters who I’m looking forward to following down the track. Hunter, Callum, Riley, even Gwen all intrigue me and I’m hoping to see them feature in their own stories. Even the receptionist Yvonne is someone I’d love to see more of. Demon stole my heart in Seducing the Defendant too and will have it for a long time, even though Fernando chose to write the story the way she did.

Addictive and easy reading, Seducing the Defendant is a novel I just devoured. Emotional and heartbreaking too, I can’t wait to read the third novel as soon as it comes out. Chantal Fernando never fails to hook me from beginning to end—bring on book three!

Review by Elizabeth for Love Romance Books Blog
I Know we are really not suppose to rate it half way, but I have to in this book. There are so many times I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the whole story line. Married woman winds up in trouble because her husband is found dead. Looks like it is a cut and dry case, but in comes the defense attorney and starts turning things around. That story was great at the beginning. You were able to start putting bits and pieces together to figure out what was going on, but then, POOF now we are more into the romance part of the story, then another story line starts popping up and then on top of that I feel a fourth story comes into play. I just think there is so much going on in this book that it takes away from what had started in the beginning. So why didn't I review it lower? Because the story lines are kind of believable in this book. You can see it happening with the MC, with the wife, with the lawyer and whoever else is in this book. I liked it, but then again I didn't.

Jaxon is the defense attorney, and you love him from the beginning. It is told in his view and Scarletts throughout the book. I liked how his firm was set up, only taking the cases he wanted and that he could really dig in. So when Scarlett comes in because she is accused of her husband's death that is when the story starts to play out. There is so many pieces missing from what really happened that Jaxon calls in Demon from the MC for help, but he isn't able to give him the information that is needed. Digging further and trying to figure out what is going on, he just so happens to take a interest in Scarlett. Scarlett just wants to have her life back. It was taken away when she was with her husband, because he was not as good as everyone thinks. Scarlett starts to have feeling for her attorney. Hopefully she won't go to jail and she can figure out what she has with Jaxon. When things starts to unravel and pieces come together, you realize there is a lot happening with dirty cops.


I love this author I have read other books from her, but this one has me torn. My actual favorite character in this book is Demon. I loved him from the beginning to the end of this book. I felt his presence could have been used more, but what he did in this book made him my favorite. I liked Jaxon and Scarlett and wished that the story lines didn't change as much as the did in this book because I think I would have really loved this book. With that being said, I still love this author and I can't wait to read the next one from her.

Review by Amanda for Love Romance Books Blog
I was asked by the author for an honest review.

I liked Seducing the Defendant, though I thought that the title and description were a little misleading. I was expecting the events of the book to mainly happen leading up to and during the trial (while Scarlett would be the "defendant"). The description says "Will Jaxon be able to prove Scarlett’s innocence or are the two doomed to fail both in court and as a couple?", yet the answer to the first part of the question is answered about a quarter of the way through the book. I did like the complex story, though I felt like it wrapped up suddenly and there could have been a lot more to the story after the last chapter.

This is the first book I've read in the Conflict of Interest series and it can definitely be read as a stand alone book.

Seducing the Defendant was an excellent 2nd book in the conflict of Interest by Chantal Fernando. Jaxon Bentley represents Scarlett Reyes, who has been accused of killing her dirty cop husband. Scarlett is learning dirty secrets her husband was hiding from her and thinking she might be going to jail because all of the evidence is pointing at her. Jaxon believes Scarlett is innocent, now he has to prove it. Somewhere along the way lines are getting blurred; will Jaxon and Scarlett become more than lawyer and client?

This story had many sweet moments, it will have you laughing out loud, and it will tug at your heartstrings. I never saw this ending coming and it was very emotional. Jaxon and Scarlett are very lovable characters, like the first book the secondary characters were scene stealers. You even got to see some characters from Chantal’s Wind Dragon MC series in this book. I can’t wait to see who will be Approaching the Bench next.

Hero: Jaxon is a top notch criminal defense lawyer. Calm, loyal and hiding the pain of losing his sister, who he thinks about a lot in the story. He meets heroine when she requests him to defend her against murder charges. Jaxon’s character is an Alpha, but not over the top.

Heroine: Scarlett is a young, pretty heiress to Reyes Industries who is being accused of murdering her ex. She holds herself back due to an abusive relationship from her dead ex. She hides her looks and slowly transforms as she grows stronger under Jaxon’s influence. Typical abuse victim behavior coming into her own.

Attraction: Low to mid heat. Starts out slow due to Scarlett’s past and heats up towards the end.

Main Characters Behavior: Mature and fits character descriptions.

Safety: Brief thoughts and explanation of ex husbands abuse and mild violence with side character

Predictability: Predictable until the end. Surprise scene at the end that involves side characters.

Angst Level: Low to mid.

In the first part of this story, Jaxon is working with Scarlett to clear her from murder charges. He clears her name pretty quickly and then the story turns more into being all about Jaxon and Scarlett’s relationship. We see real character growth with Scarlett that becomes very entertaining. The story is well written. There wasn’t a whole lot of excitement until the second half of the book. The biggest thing I enjoyed was getting true quality time seeing these two as a couple.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

This is book 2 in the Conflict of Interest series.

The main character Jaxon Bentley was introduced in the first book. We know he took some time off and he's back and ready to work. His next case involves a widow Scarlett Reyes who has been accused of murdering her husband, who was a cop. Jaxon doesn't know if the woman is telling the truth but he's good at his job and he likes to win.

After deeper investigation, he realizes Darren was not a good man. He not only was cheating on Scarlett but he was a dirty cop. He's sure Scarlett is innocent but proving it's another matter.

Scarlett came back from Europe when she was accused of killing Darren. She's still trying to find herself after being abused by her husband for many years. She wishes she could make plans for her future but not knowing if she's going to remain free or if she's going to prison makes her put the brakes on her decisions, including sexy lawyers who make her heart beat faster.

It was easy to like Jaxon since I knew him from the first book. He was smart, resourceful and his connection to Demon gave him a shade of grey. Jaxon was ready to do whatever it took to keep Scarlett safe. Also, he helped her find herself and he gave her enough breathing space for her to make her own decision and choices.

Scarlett deserved happiness after so much unfairness. It was great seeing her develop a backbone and open up to Jaxon and then creating new connections and friendships. Those friendships were all so different but in a way, they made sense.

The best part was being able to see the characters from the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club series popping in. Demon in particular. He was amazing!

There's a twist I didn't see coming. It was intense. I can tell you, I didn't agree with the choice Chantal Fernando made. Why did she do it?

Overall, Seducing the Defendant was another good addition to the Conflict of Interest series.

3.5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Gallery via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.