Evidence of Desire

***ARC Provided by the Author and InkSlinger PR*** 4.5 Stars I love the books by Lexi Blake set in the Lawless world, or in an offshoot of it. They are so different, almost more romantic suspense, and they are so compelling and engaging. In this one, we spend some time with David, a partner at the law firm Noah Lawless is part of. Isla and David's story was no different. I loved it. I devoured it quickly, while wanting the book to last a lot longer. It has twists, and interesting characters, and complex issues that needed to be resolved. I did figure out the central "whodunnit" but I am not sure this being a surprise was really a point of the story. I know it wasn't for me. This book is well constructed, with a lot of moving parts and layers to the story. I was struck by how quickly you get to know the characters, like the ones you should, and immediately wonder about those who end up causing issues later. It's always wonderful when a book is well written from page one, finds it's footing quickly, and stays consistent throughout the entire title. The pacing was even, and the ending wasn't rushed. All in all, I enjoyed this title a lot, and I recommend it.

Talk about an emotional journey! Evidence of Desire had me captive from the very first scream... Okay, I was invested before that but wow! What a story! First off, the light being shed on CTE is incredible. (Lexi Blake has definitely made a conscious effort to educate and bring light to an affliction that can happen to many.) Secondly, what a compelling way to start a book. Celebrity drama is always a conversation piece in some way or another. I liked everything about this book. The characters, the chemistry, the case. Well, not everything there are at least two people who need to be taken behind a woodshed. I will let you figure out who they are! With that surprising twist, I can't help but shake my head. Evidence of Desire is murder mystery meets romance. It's fun and intriguing. It's also steamy and alpha effectiveness is at an all time high. All evidence points to an entertaining read.

4.25 stars--EVIDENCE OF DESIRE is the second instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult COURTING JUSTICE erotic, romantic suspense series. This is attorneys Isla Shayne, and David Cormack’s story line. EVIDENCE OF DESIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Lawless Series, and her Masters and Mercenaries series. Told from dual third person perspectives (Isla and David) EVIDENCE OF DESIRE follows the building relationship between attorneys Isla Shayne, and David Cormack as they are tasked with proving their client’s innocence. Isla Shayne represents the Adams family, a family engulfed in a personal and private war but a war that now focuses on the murder of Portia Adams, apparently by the man she loved. When one-time football great Trey Adams is the number one suspect in the death of his beloved wife Portia, all bets are off as Isla must battle the district attorney and the media as the vultures begin to circulate for scraps. Hiring defence attorney David Cormack opens Isla’s eyes to the possibility of her own happily ever after, a happily ever after that is threatened in more ways than one. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Isla and David, and the potential fall-out as our leading couple are targeted when they get too close to the truth. Both Isla and David have loved and lost but none more-so than our story line heroine. Meeting David Cormack means a second chance at love but David begins to wonder if there is any future based on what he knows, and what may never be. The relationship between Isla and David begins as a business arrangement but soon turns into something more. Threats against our heroine’s life push David into a protector and guardian role, a role for which he was willing to die. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters several who become prime suspects in the death of Portia Adams. We are introduced to Portia’s husband Trey, and their adult children Miranda and Oscar; Guardian’s football owner Carey Kendrick and his wife Amber; fellow attorneys Noah Lawless and Margarita Reyes. We are reintroduced to Henry Garrison and Win Hughes (Order of Protection #1). The world building focuses on the search for the truth. Isla Shayne knows that Trey Adams did not, and would not murder his wife. The story line will focus on CTE –Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy-a brain disorder caused by repeated head injuries, and numerous concussions suffered by athletes in contact sports. EVIDENCE OF DESIRE is a story of heartbreak, secrets and lies; friendship, family and betrayal: second chances and falling in love. The premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is seductive and sexy; the characters are colorful, engaging and lively. EVIDENCE OF DESIRE is a dramatic, moving and tragic story of passion, and the potential vulnerability for those unable to protect or defend themselves.