In Her Defense

By: Julianna Keyes

Narrated by: Shirl Rae

Caitlin Dufresne has never loved anyone as much as she loves winning. A ruthless fifth-year associate at an elite Chicago law firm, she's on the fast track to partner - until a stupid, serious error enrages her bosses. Caitlin's continued refusal to share work - or credit - lands her a forced two-week vacation. She needs to regroup and learn to be part of a team, not just the star.

When she meets Eli Grant, head of the firm's IT department, Caitlin knows the overgrown frat boy isn't her type. But too much alcohol and a very public game of Truth or Dare turn into a dirty, breathless one-night stand. Which turns into a (mostly naked) two-week fling. Which turns into something that makes Caitlin incredibly nervous, despite the great sex.

Eli shows her the many upsides to sleeping in, and for the first time ever Caitlin has more than the law waiting for her at home. But when she returns to the office and the relentless demands of a high-profile case, Caitlin must decide if winning this one is worth losing Eli forever.

Book two of Time Served

©2015 Julianna Keyes (P)2015 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

3.5 OK.... BUT I JUST DIDN'T FEEL THE 'SIZZLE'

I liked this story but I just didn't love it - there were the annoying parts as successful star Lawyer the hardass Caitlin stepped on anyone, and their feelings, to get what she wanted. There were the yummy parts when Eli came into the picture and started to melt the Ice Queen and showed her that there may just be more to life than work. And then there were the very sexy parts as Eli taught Caitlin how to slow down and enjoy the ride not just the destination.

What I didn't feel was the building romance and any sizzling connection between them - if they weren't falling out then they were f'ing. Oh, there were chapters when I thought finally they would both get their act together and then the relationship could work but then misunderstandings, jumping to conclusions and lost time when Caitlin would be consumed again with her work, would get in their way. Even the ending was a bit anti-climactic and not sigh-worthy because once again, in between the "I love yous" Caitlin argued to get her way. I think my basic problem was that I just didn't like Caitlin.... yes she did undergo major character growth but it wasn't enough for me to reconnect with her. Eli gave the relationship a good try and was patient and understanding and I don't blame him for kicking her out when he caught her texting while he was 'occupied' between her thighs!

Worth a credit? Told from Caitlin's POV, a good narrator who did the male voices really well and plenty of other listeners have given this 4/5 stars so I'm sure I'm very much in the minority here. However, when you just can't connect to a book (for whatever reason) then the story looses its appeal in some way, I preferred the first book in this series (somehow the review was lost) but I don't think I'll be carrying on with this series. Looking back on this listen IMO I think no to a credit but yes if it's on sale.