Title and author: Seducing the Defendant by Chantal Fernando
Series: Conflict of Interest - Book 2
Publisher: Gallery
Releases: November 14, 2017
Purchase: http://tinyurl.com/y98owtlc
Genre: Contemporary
Author website: http://www.authorchantalfernando.com/
Rating: 4 Stars

Lots of issues need to be worked out in the second book of the Conflict of Interest series, where emotions are conflicted and passion runs high. There are also a wide variety of characters in the story, from dedicated lawyers to loyal bikers, and their diverse personalities made the scenes more interesting. While some attorneys are known for being straitlaced and always formal, those working for Bentley & Channing Law are often lighthearted and have much fun. I really enjoyed their banter-filled conversations at the office. Since I have read the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club series, it was great seeing several of its members again, but knowing anything about these individuals is certainly not a requirement to enjoy this novel. Chantal Fernando skillfully interweaves a previous series with her newer one to create an entertaining plus compelling story. SEDUCING THE DEFENDANT has numerous challenges, where outcomes are crucial in determining future lives.

When Jaxon Bentley is offered the chance to represent Scarlett Reyes in court, the criminal lawyer wants to speak with his potential client in person before agreeing. The wealthy woman is thought to have killed her husband, and now that his body has been found, a trial will soon be starting. During their conversation, many significant questions are asked by Jaxon. Though there is nothing to prove her innocence, he is affected by what Scarlett says and takes the case, hoping something relevant can be tracked down.

Since Scarlett’s husband was a cop, the case is even more complex. After some research reveals a person of interest who is linked to the Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club, a discreet inquiry is made by Jaxon. What the attorney discovers about the murdered man makes it seem like he was hiding plenty of secrets in his life. As Jaxon works to defend Scarlett on the murder charge by exposing the facts, the two grow unexpectedly close.

Part of SEDUCING THE DEFENDANT deals with a court case, but much of the story focuses on Jaxon and Scarlett’s relationship. At first, he is very professional, but the more he is around her, the more his feelings about the possible killer are influenced. I liked how his inner thoughts are conveyed when his viewpoints are expressed, as they let me know what he was thinking regardless of how he acted. Jaxon is definitely a man who can show a woman a good time, whether in the bedroom or out. He is thoughtful and makes certain Scarlett receives whatever will bring her happiness, and he is very attuned to her sexual desires, resulting in plenty of exceedingly sensuous encounters. She is also a very compassionate person, always willing to help those in need. Their discussions are realistic, making me feel as though their relationship was believable.

While most of the story centers around emotional topics, there is a little suspense plus one huge unforeseen development. I was deeply stunned when this incident occurred, as I was not expecting anything like this to happen. Chantal Fernando certainly caught me off guard. I am really looking forward to the upcoming books about other people associated with the law firm. SEDUCING THE DEFENDANT takes the reader on am emotional journey.

I voluntarily reviewed the book from the publisher via NetGalley, and all comments are my honest opinion

I'll be honest I'm glad I dove into this blind cause when I read the blurb it showed where the story was going. First impression this is meatier plot wise than book one which I like. I can see how it's very circumstantial the evidence to pin on the heroine really. She has secrets and as the blurb said it has to do with an MC. I'm a fan of said MC books of the author so I like this tie in.

I felt for Jaxon, he needed more time to grieve his loss but he wanted to avoid all that by immersing in work. Scarlett seemed like a likable enough person, she hid in shell after her bad relationship but now more open. I have to say I found the evidence in the case circumtantial to persecute her to begin with. Maybe I watch too many detective or law shows but it's pretty clear they just wanted pin it on someone. Thank goodness there's more but smoothtly one. Jaxon was determined too work it out. Jaxon's protective and caring side is brought out by the shy and gentle Scarlett.

The author wrote their relationship development well after the fact and it seemed natural even if it was a conflict at first. So pretty much first part of the story is the case is resolved early then moves on to the ongoing relationship. The chemistry they hid now became full on. They seem to work even better now. It's pretty good seeing both if them finding happiness. Scarlett integrates in Jaxon's world and vice versa. I wasn't expecting one part and that shook me it was dealt with faster close to the end.

All in all I like this better than first. Light read and steamy but had moments of emotion. Wind Dragon fans will remember Valentina and Irish as well others. It wrapped up faster I think the action part could've been earlier on since there was time but still it made for a finish. I hope to see Hunter's story next.

Seducing The Defendant is the second book in the Conflict of Interest series. I am loving this series. It may actually be my newest obsession in the book world.

Seducing The Defendant is Jaxon's story. Jaxon is a hot-shot criminal defense attorney, after taking a sabbatical due to a family emergency he comes back to work and finds his first case is of a woman being accused of murdering her husband. Given the details of the case he isn't quite sure if he wants to take it or not. He decides to meet the accused first and decide later.

For the past two years Scarlett has been hiding out in another country while tending to her sick aunt. When she is called back to the states for the murder of her husband, she decides to pull out the big guns and hire the best defense attorney in the country. She decides to hire Jaxon Bentley.

I loved Jaxon and Scarlett's story!

Jaxon is this sexy badass attorney inside the courtrooms but outside he's this sensitive guy just looking to ease the pain and guilt from his past. Then we have Scarlett who is this damaged woman who is slowly learning to trust in men and relationships again. With these two characters you'd think this novel would be filled with angst and emotional turmoil but it really isn't. This novel is all about love, all about moving on and getting over hurdles that life throws at you. And trust me when I say, some of these hurdles are monumental.

Along with this novel we get a glimpse into some pretty kick ass secondary characters. I am still loving the hell out of Tristan and Kat. I am also intrigued by this Hunter character, he has this playboy vibe going on but I have a feeling there is a story buried underneath that exterior.

The WDMC are one of my favorite MC's in the romance book world so imagine my excitement when I first read the blurb to Seducing The Defendant and found my favorite boys would be making a cameo appearance in this novel! I was beyond thrilled, I've missed these boys so damn much. It added an extra level of excitement to the novel for me. Just a FYI though if you haven't read Dirty Ride (WDMC #3.5) It's not necessary to read but this novel has a little something, something to do with that one. EEEK!

Being honest again, My heart broke around the ending. I can't go into detail because of spoilers but the events that took place completely obliterated my soul! I cannot believe that actually happened!! I wanted to jump through my kindle and hug Jaxon! This man has been through so much and to throw this at him along with everything else he was just starting to get over. F*CK!

Overall, It's no mystery how I felt about this novel! I loved everything about it, the passion, the mystery, and that touch of heartbreak. I cannot wait to continue on with The conflict of Interest series.

4.5 Stars for Seducing the Defendant
This is book two in the conflict of Interest Series but even though we met Jaxson Bentley in book one I think you could read these books as standalones.
Jaxson Bentley a hot criminal lawyer is defending the aloof Scarlett Reyes who has been accused of murdering her police officer husband, all the evidence is saying she did it can Jaxson prove her innocence and why did he take this case because on the face of it he will lose and Jaxson Bentley is not a loser. The attraction is instant but will their pasts get in the way of their love for each other after all one is broken and one is abused. This book had my emotions all over the place, it’s sweet yet heartbreaking and it has some unexpected twists. I loved how the author bought the Wind Dragon MC into the story without them taking it over and I loved the strength and depth of her characters, I can’t wait for book three and I really hope it’s Hunter’s story. Great read

This is the second book in the series conflicts of interest that come tell the story of Jaxon, a criminal attorney requested and one of the best in your area, so much so that he's hired to defend Scarlett being charged with the murder of her husband.No problem for him, since he is the best, just that there's a little problem: the mutual attraction between these two.

For those who followed the series of Wild Dragons, this book has a connection with our old acquaintances. How? You'll have to read to find out.But I confess that until I have read the series it took me to make the bridge, maybe because I read that the series some time already. But it is always good to see this class. If you haven't read the series of bikers, it's not a problem because this book explains everything.

Chantal Fernando created a great story filled with action, suspense, romance and brought tears to my eyes at any given time. (ugh I hate her for doing that lol).This is a great series, that makes me want to win your own characters story all. I can't wait for her book in the next book.

I enjoyed this one. It was one of those easy-peasy low angst types of reads. I thought the court case mystery would feature throughout the book, but it gets wrapped up in the first 30% and then we just get a lot of sex. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing but it also doesn't make for the most exciting of reads. That ending though, way to rip a girls heart out Miz Fernando. I think you may be on my sh!t list right now. ;D

Aside from that this one was a pleasant read. Well written and well paced. The plot although not the most exciting held my interest nonetheless. Like I said there is zero angst. There is a smidge of OW drama that quite frankly was pointless and could have been left out without changing the story in the least (SOOOO tired of this type of thing in romances lately). There was no OM drama. The sex scenes were hot and plentiful. The secondary characters were interesting and consisted mostly of other lawyers Jaxon worked with and Wind Dragons MC members.

Both main characters were extremely likable. Scarlett came off a bit weirdly at the beginning of this one. Very standoffish but then she morphed into this insecure introvert that slowly comes out of her shell with Jaxon. As I said, it was a bit odd. But I did end up liking her as a heroine. Jaxon was a great hero. Sweet. Sexy. Pretty much all in right from the start. Just a good solid hero. Lastly, it was all wrapped up in a bit of a bittersweet ending that this reader is going to pretend never happened...yup...that is what I am going to do...pretend...lalalalala.

Law and order meets MC madness in this second installment of the Conflict of Interest series.

We met Jaxon Bentley in the first book in the series, Breaching the Contract, but now we have him in all his heartbreaking, beautiful goodness.

And when he meets alleged murdered Scarlett, well things take a turn for the better in his life.

Whooo, the sexual tension between them if off the charts, and you can just feel the push/pull between them. Even though they are lawyer and client, you just need them to get together.

I won't lie though, I did have trouble connecting with Scarlett. I just didn't really get over the coldness of her character that we met at the beginning of the story. But that could just be me.

There are not enough words to explain my excitement when the Wind Dragons MC entered the story. I have missed them since their story ended, and it was great to get a few little glimpses into the club.

I really enjoyed Seducing The Defendant. I read it in one night, and now am impatient for what Ms Fernando brings us next.

The book cover and synopsis reeled me in, folks. However, this author’s writing style seems to be hit and miss with me. Let me first openly admit I’m usually not a fan of dual first person point of view storytelling, especially when it is paired with lots of inner monologues rehashing what was just said or what they should or shouldn’t be doing. Over use of the word “I” becomes inevitable, resulting in eye twitching and disengagement for this reviewer, and that is exactly what happened here. In book 1, Breaching the Contract, it was handled better, likely because it was told only from the heroine’s first person POV and inner dialogue was reined in more.

At first, the storyline itself was very intriguing, but at around 33%, everything seemed to be resolved. Then it morphed into a sing songy tone with our damsel in distress turning into a “poor is me though I’m very wealthy” about everything under the sun, including her lack of talent/insecurities in the bedroom. When crude topics of a smexy nature popped up between this barely know each other couple, I began to feel sorry and embarrassed for both of them. You see, another pet peeve I have is when the heroine is made to look stupid and overly naive and a hero who becomes overly sappy. It started to feel like a contest of words over why the other one was more special and who liked each other more.

At 40%, when they run into one of the women Jaxon had on his speed dial for his routine, meaningless hookups, I was disappointed to find he was a previous manho. Sure, he claims it was because he was so busy with his job he didn’t have time for a relationship. But pleading that as a defense just doesn’t work with this avid romantic at heart. Neither did his comment about how that woman has no shame, which is precisely why he liked to **** her. Hey, his words, not mine. Somehow Scarlett magically reforms him though.

I could go on about how their lusty/smexy scenes did not feel very romantic, but what’s the point. This time around some key concepts didn’t work. It just felt too much like she was sexually naive, despite being a widow, and decided to use him to finally get her groove going. For him, well, I grew weary of his constant commentary of how beautiful and perfect she was. Overall, there wasn’t a deep connection between them.

At 50%, when Scarlett is gal paling around and chatting over sodas at the mall with the last woman on earth she likely would, and she recently returned to a job as a librarian and animal shelter volunteer, I decided my time would be better spent elsewhere.

Here’s to hoping others really enjoy it. I personally would like to see the author decide to revert her writing style back to being more like book 1.

Title: Seducing the Defendant, Series: Conflict of Interest (Book 2), Author: Chantal Fernando, Pages: 320, stand-alone but part of a series, dual first person POV, very graphic smexy scenes, sugary sweet but wants to be naughty heroine, turns too sappy hero, needed to be more like book 1.

Book 1 -Breaching the Contract (Tristan & Katerina), Pages: 130, 9/18/17
Book 2 - Seducing the Defendant (Jaxon & Scarlett), Pages: 320, 11/14/17
Book 3 - Approaching the Bench (Trinity & Callum), 2/19/18
Book 4 - Leading the Witness (Hunter & Riley), Pages: 272, 4/17/18

(I received a free advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship or affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

I have read many of this author’s books. I have enjoyed them all too. So I was excited to break into this new book.

I was happy to see some familiar names, especially a tie into the Wind Dragons and the first book, in this new series. I really loved Jaxson. So sweet and loving and his relationship with Scarlett is so special.

However, something is missing. I never felt that big connection. The passion was missing. For me, this book read just like a regular romance, with nothing grabbing me and sucking me in.

The story is great and I loved the plot. But there were a few places that the story just did not right true. And areas that should be heartbreaking and leave me gasping for air, were just flat.

Did I miss something in this book? Did something change with the author’s writing style? I am not sure, but I really wanted to fall in love with this book. In many ways I did, but over all, it was good but not over the top. I hope she finds her mojo again for the next story in the series.

I've enjoyed other stories by Chantal Fernando and had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting invested in the plot and the characters. It often seemed on the verge of turning into something just a little more, but then it would back off. Sorry, it's hard to describe, but just when I thought it was going to really pick up (pace and plot wise), it didn't. Plenty of hot sexy times but the characters didn't seem quite as dimensional (deep) as I would have hoped.

Will I read another another by this author? Definitely because I've enjoyed other books from her before this. This one just wasn't for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I've read most of the Wind Dragons series, and in the beginning I loved them, but lately not so much. I told myself that this was it. This was the last book by this author that I would read. I'm glad I gave it one more chance because I ended up really enjoying this one for the most part. The middle dragged a little, but maybe some of the events were important for the next book. I liked the characters and the story, and I was definitely invested in the HEA, and devastated by the losses.

I found it nice to see old friends from the Wind Dragons MC and Reed in this story. Thought I found them frustrating at times and a little sad how things work out for them in this one. This story had me laughing at times, but also cringing in embarrassment as well. There were also times that I wanted to throw my kindle as well, so overall, it gave me some roller coaster emotions. These two characters have instant chemistry,but neither crosses the line. Once there are no longer any barriers, all bets are off. You can actually feel their connection, in the bedroom and out, throughout this entire book. They do hit a few stumbles on their road to happiness, but like all Chantal Fernando's books, they eventually live happily ever after. She never disappoints. This was a good book. I read it cover to cover in one sitting because I could not put it down. I love this interlocking world. I cannot wait to read the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Seducing the Defendant was an exceptionally well written book; it held my attention right away from the beginning to end. This book will make you sit on the edge of your seat and fall in love with the characters. The characters were strong and determined but sexy all at the same time and Chantel Fernando did a phenomenal job.

Scarlett Reyes goes to Jaxon Bently's law firm, after she is released on bail to see if he will take her case; I love how there is an instant attraction towards each other. I thought it was risky how he had to go to his buddy Demon, who is part of the Wind Dragons MC, to help; definitely had me concerned!!

This is the second book in The Conflict Interest Series; it can be read as a standalone book. I look forward to reading more books by Chantel Fernando, I would definitely recommend this book to other readers.

Jaxon Bentley, lawyer extraordinaire, is my new hero! His compassion, his whole demeanor is a credit to himself! I so loved this story where Jaxon defends Scarlett when she is accused of killing her husband! Jaxonn is a very thorough lawyer, doing his utmost to support his clients! His friendships with his co workers and his best friend is wonderful!
What I enjoyed about this story was the suspense, the tension, the words that flowed and the emotional moments too!
I had tears, I laughed, I sympathized with the characters and Just immersed myself into the story!
This book is a credit to the author for writing such an enjoyable read!!

I loved the first book in this series and the second book is just as good. We get taken into the life of a defense attorney as he fights for the innocence of his client. Ms. Fernando tells a great story with suspense and romance blending perfectly.
Jaxon Bentley has taken a leave of absence from his firm to deal with some personal matters. When he is requested as the attorney for Scarlett Reyes, he decides to come back in and throw himself into work. Jaxon has a feeling that Scarlett is innocent of the crime she has been accused of, but he needs to prove it. Complicating the situation are his growing feelings towards Scarlett. Jaxon never expected to be so attracted to her.
Scarlett Reyes has been accused of murdering her husband. He disappeared two years ago shortly after she left the country to take care of an ill aunt in Paris. Scarlett has returned to the United States to face the accusations. She had no idea her husband was dead and really didn’t worry when she never heard from him after leaving. Now she learns more about the man she married and finds herself facing even more danger.
I really do like the interactions between Scarlett and Jaxon. We know what is really going on and can feel the heat coming off of them. Their attraction is quite obvious. Jaxon struggles with acting on his feelings since she is his client and Scarlett has emotional scars from her marriage that make her hesitate. The way in which Ms. Fernando builds the story makes the relationship make sense.
I will admit that there is one part of the story that I did not think was necessary because I want everyone to get a happily ever after if they are good people. I don’t want to say too much since it happens near the end and I don’t want to give anything away for readers. I am sure they will understand when they read the book. It is a small moment in the midst of a great story.
This is the second book in the series, but you do not have to have read the first to follow this one. The characters overlap. This story is a standalone with none of the events overlapping.

So, the first book in this series was too short and this book was waaaay too long. I feel like Goldilocks here wondering where "just right" is. Seducing the Defendant, aside from being too long is incorrectly titled, too connected to the Wind Dragons series, and rather frustratingly boring.

Jaxon is a bit of a black box here and I would have preferred to actually get into his head more. His family appears to be nothing more than plot movers and there is no relationship to speak of. He has limited interactions with his own coworkers but those interactions are at least strong. I really liked his best friend though and how well that relationship is shown.

Scarlett (and I am so over than name already) is naive beyond belief. Her character is even less well done than Jaxon. So far, she likes cooking, gardening, and being sweet. That seems to sum her up well. She was abused and doesn't like to be touched but she's pretty much raring to go with Jaxon right away. Um,no.

Realistically, the book is over at about the 50% mark and how they save her is pretty unbelievable. The trouble is over, the conflict of interest is over, they're essentially together. And yet, there's another half of the book to go. So we go into the weeds: she gets harassed by a cop, he spends time with the best friend Demon, she makes nice with a lady from the Wind Dragons, there's some interaction with coworkers, they go on a date. Seriously, I was bored to death.

Then about the 85%-90% mark we get a "plot twist" that shifts things a bit and livens things up. And by livens things up, I mean, WTF just happened? It was bad enough that I was bored to death the second half of the book but it seriously did not need to end this way.

The book was very tied to the Wind Dragons series by Fernando and half the time I felt like I should know the people and the plotlines they represented but I'd never read the books so was completely confused. It was pretty clear that some of the reason for Scarlett being in the position she was in was explained in that series. Additionally, the best friend Demon was clearly in that series as well.

I could have lived through half a book and come back and tried Fernando again, but the ending did it for me. I'm done with these books.

This is book two in the Conflict of Interest series.

Jaxson Bentley is a defence attorney who we met in book one Breaching the Contract. He loves a challenge and that’s exactly what he gets when he’s asked to defend Scarlett Reyes who is being accused of murdering her husband a police officer.

Although I read and enjoyed this story I didn’t click with the characters as much as I’d have liked. Even though this isn’t my favourite read by this author I’ll certainly be reading more from her in the future.

I so loved this book, it was great fro beginning to end. Jaxon was the perfect guy, I loved his protectiveness and his will to do the right thing. Scarlett was just as amazing, with her life on the line she never gave up. I loved the two of them together, they were right for one another. When push comes to shove will they stay or will they let it all go?

Seducing The Defendant is a story written by an author that is very new to me here. And I have to say that I was highly impressed with how this story was developled and the characters that became larger than life. I honestly wasn’t sure how much I would like this one, since it was a spontateous acceptance of receiving this book in exchange for a review. However, I have to say that this sudden decision I am so glad for because I just found a new favorite author to devour and I can’t wait to read book one, because if its anything like this story than I am sure that I will fall in love.

Seducing The Defendent begins with our hero Jaxson Bentley, who is an defense attourney accept a difficult case but will only make his name even more prestigious. He is known to win the hardest of cases and this new one will be a new step for him. But the moment he meets with his defendent, he knows that there is something fishy about her case. Not everything is adding up here. There is a great mystery and he wants to get to the bottom of it, especially when after getting to know his defendent, he realizes that this woman is sweet and gentle and doesn’t deserve to spend time in prison for a crime she didn’t commit and soon a strong and vibrant love story develops between Jaxson and Scarlett one that is full of various emotions that trasnfers to the reader.

What a powerful story, and one which I wasn’t fully expecting here. I simply adored Jaxson and Scarlett. Jaxson is full of humor and intelligence (which is sexy in a hero). And I love how passionate he is about life but still has some vulnerabilities which makes him appear to be more human to this reader. Then we have our heroine, Scarlett. She is being accused of murdering her husband. But Scarlett is the last person who could ever do such a thing. She is sweet and kind, and so gentle. She has suffered abuse but still has a backbone of steel. I love her strength and seeing the way that being with Jaxson brings out the best in her. She really grows from being timid and afraid of her own shadow at first, to living her dreams and finding happiness and fulfillement in life. Its truly a wonderful change that we see in her.

The romance that builds between these two is simply powerful. At first its all just friends, because of the conflict of interest since Jaxson is her attourney. But then once we see them find the truth about who really killed her husband, then their romance simply beautifies even more. I love how they interact with one another here. Its simply not what you expect. They truly “get” each other and compliment each other in the every day ways. I fell in love with this couple so much and I would forget that these characters are merely fictional and not real….but this author has an amazing ability to make them come to life in a poignant way. Now there is one cliffhanger or more simply put a shocking outcome to one of the characters that I LOVED. Like really…..I wanted to tell the author WHY oh WHY do that? I don’t want to spoil it, but its the one thing that made this book a four star instead of a five star read.

Overall Seducing The Defendent is a powerful packed romance that brings together a couple who helps each other fight battles, a vibrant love tale that introduces emotiona and reality to the reader……simply a joy to read!

Arc given by netgalley for honest review..

Omg I loved Jaxon & Scarlett !!!

When Scarlett is accused of killing her husband (a cop) she knows she needs the best lawyer money can buy!! And Jaxons firm is just that... at first Jaxon isn’t quits sure he believes Scarlett .. but once he hears her story he knows he needs to..

I loved this story and was happy we got more of Tristin & Kay.. can’t wait for Hunter... hope we get hunter... ❤️❤️