Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Appealed, by Emma Chase {ends 2/4}

She jerks away and sets her glass on the coffee table. Then she backs up a step - putting space between us. "I'm not doing this again with you, Brent. You're not sucking me back in."

My jaw tightens. "Okay. How about you explain what that means?"

"How about you go f--k yourself with a lacrosse stick?"

Hello, Square One - long time, no see. 

This is the third book in Emma Chase's The Legal Briefs series, and I reviewed the second book, Sustained, last August. The novels are all standalone novels, even though some of the characters repeat from book to book; ie, Jake, the male main character from Sustained, makes a few appearances in this one.

Official synopsis:

When Brent Mason looks at Kennedy Randolph, he doesn’t see the awkward, sweet girl who grew up next door. He sees a self-assured, stunning woman … who wants to crush the most intimate - and prized - parts of his anatomy beneath the heels of her Christian Louboutins.

Brent has never let the loss of his leg in a childhood accident affect his ability to lead a fulfilling life. He sets high goals–and then he reaches them.

And now he has his sights set on Kennedy.
**
When Kennedy looks at Brent Mason, all she sees is the selfish, Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue-worthy teenager who humiliated her in high school to join the popular crowd. A crowd that made those years a living hell.

She’s not a lovesick social outcast anymore - she’s a DC prosecutor with a long winning streak behind her. Brent is the opposing attorney in her next case and she thinks it’s time to put him through a little hell of his own.

But things aren’t exactly working out that way.

Because every fiery exchange has her wondering if he’s as passionate in the bedroom as he is in the courtroom. Each argument and objection only makes him want her more. In the end, Brent and Kennedy may just find themselves in love…or in contempt of court.

APPEALED is a sexy, humorous romance about first crushes, second chances and the final verdict of the heart.

Both of the Legal Briefs books I've read in the series were from the male character's POV which is always ... interesting. Most "new adult" books I've read (translation of "new adult": they have some R-rated/raunchy scenes) are from the woman character's POV, because they tend to be considered "chick lit" (it's mostly women who read them). The main character here, Brent, is also unique because he lost his leg as a child, in an accident; he's a lawyer and he wears a prosthetic leg when he goes to court.

Kennedy was his childhood best friend whom also went to prep school with him, and they dated for a little bit there but then something happened that drove them apart. Brent hasn't seen her for about 14 years until she suddenly reappears back in his city ... as the prosecutor on a case he's been working. 

I overall liked this book although I liked Sustained (book #2 in the series) a little more, even though I'm giving them identical star ratings. This novel is a fun, light read, and I read it in about three days total; it would be good for a "beach read" or if you want to take a break from more serious books. I'm curious to see if there will be another book in the series, as well - Goodreads doesn't have any others listed as of yet. 

3.5 out of 5 stars.

The Legal Briefs series:

1. Overruled (purchase)

2. Sustained (purchase, read review)

3. Appealed (purchase)

GIVEAWAY:

I have one paperback copy of Appealed for a lucky reader!

Enter via the widget below. Giveaway will end on Thursday, February 4th, at 11:59pm EST, and winner will be notified via email the next day and have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner will be chosen.

U.S. residents only, please.

Good luck!

Paperback copy of Appealed