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Southern Comfort #.7
Justice
Waking up next to a dead stranger with no memory of how he got there should be the worst day of Caitlin Cavanaugh’s life. However, what seems to be a clear case of self-defense soon puts Caitlin on the defensive, as evidence left behind at the scene doesn’t match up with her story. But proving her innocence becomes the least of her problems...
Criminal defense attorney Jack Wellington is highly sought after in the courtrooms of Savannah… not to mention the bedrooms of its female denizens. Jack believes himself to be hardened against the darker aspects of human nature, as well as the emotional plight of those he both cross-examines and defends. But when he encounters Caitlin in the hospital following her morning ordeal, something about the frightened but defiant romance novelist pulls at him.
Jack’s attraction to his client continues to grow as what started as a simple enough case turns into a fight to save Caitlin’s life. Old friends, ex-lovers and even her own family – someone among them wants Caitlin dead. And both of them learn what lengths some will go to in order to avoid justice.
Criminal defense attorney Jack Wellington is highly sought after in the courtrooms of Savannah… not to mention the bedrooms of its female denizens. Jack believes himself to be hardened against the darker aspects of human nature, as well as the emotional plight of those he both cross-examines and defends. But when he encounters Caitlin in the hospital following her morning ordeal, something about the frightened but defiant romance novelist pulls at him.
Jack’s attraction to his client continues to grow as what started as a simple enough case turns into a fight to save Caitlin’s life. Old friends, ex-lovers and even her own family – someone among them wants Caitlin dead. And both of them learn what lengths some will go to in order to avoid justice.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2016
119 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Clark O'Neill
23 books247 followersOne fine day in the not-too-distant past, Lisa Clark O’Neill left Wittenberg University with a BA in English, which she promptly neglected. After working as an interior designer, decorative artist, and Montessori art teacher (there may have been a BA in art as well,) she finally settled into the role of mother to two very fine children. However, two years of doing the stay-at-home-mom brain cell melt drove her to pull out a pen and one of her old college notebooks. That turned into six manuscripts. Lisa spent subsequent years avoiding housework by burying her nose in just about every romance novel she could get her hands on, after completely falling in love with the genre. Her own work falls into the romantic suspense sub-genre, with strong comedic undertones. Two of Lisa's recent novels, Circumstantial Evidence and Malice, were chosen as Best Reads of 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 23, 2017
Romantic suspense writer Caitlin Cavanaugh wakes up with one heck of a hangover, especially when she finds a dead man in her bedroom and no memory of the night before. She's the primary suspect and her brother asks his friend Jack Wellington, Savannah's top criminal defense attorney, to help her out of this mess.
Obviously, this story captured my attention immediately. The clues and red herrings develop slowly, which gave me time to go down some dead end paths before I settled on the right one. Caitlin's no shrinking violet and Jack's definitely not your shy, retiring type so they add even more tension.
O'Neill is my auto-buy author and I love this series. This was a compelling story with lots of twists and surprises. Even though I'd figured out the mystery before the reveal, there was still one more element that I hadn't foreseen. I'm jumping right into the next book.
Obviously, this story captured my attention immediately. The clues and red herrings develop slowly, which gave me time to go down some dead end paths before I settled on the right one. Caitlin's no shrinking violet and Jack's definitely not your shy, retiring type so they add even more tension.
O'Neill is my auto-buy author and I love this series. This was a compelling story with lots of twists and surprises. Even though I'd figured out the mystery before the reveal, there was still one more element that I hadn't foreseen. I'm jumping right into the next book.
August 27, 2016
Нечитец побежден новинкой от любимой Лизы))
Это уже третий (и вроде как последний) приквел к серии "Хорошо на Юге", на сей раз про старшего из братьев Веллингтонов - Джека.
Он адвокат по уголовным делам, весьма жесткий и хладнокровный, но новое дело даже его не оставляет равнодушным. И дело не только в симпатии к клиентке - Кейтлин Кавано, - но и в весьма запутанных обстоятельствах преступления.
В один "прекрасный" день Кейтлин просто проснулась рядом с трупом совершенно незнакомого человека, ничего не помня о прошедшей ночи. И теперь ее не то чтобы открыто обвиняют в убийстве, но приятного в постоянных допросах мало. Самообороной тоже не пахнет, судя по уликам, да еще и множество мелких нестыковок и странностей подливают масло в огонь.
Начинается все с распутывания клубка улик и предположений, а заканчивается борьбой за жизнь Кейтлин, причем все покушения тоже какие-то странные.
Герои читателям серии уже знакомы, но оттого обстоятельства их встречи не стали менее интересными. Джек оказался именно таким, каким его описывали в предыдущих книгах - настоящей зубастой акулой, всегда добивающейся своей цели. Но при этом еще и очень умным, внимательным мужчиной.
Кейтлин на первый взгляд кажется хрупкой, ранимой и наивной, эдакой эфемерной блондинкой, но быстро понимаешь, что она боец. Весьма саркастичный и сообразительный - не даром писательница))
Короче, герои в стиле автора - если не идеальны, то близки к тому)) А еще (что мне очень и очень нравится) они не играют в игры. Не мусолят свои возникшие чувства, не придумывают страданий на пустом месте, не выносят друг другу мозги. Они честны и прямолинейны.
Детективная линия тоже хороша. Конечно, тот подозреваемый, на которого автор нас активно выводила, сразу показался мне сомнительным, и я была готова к неожиданностям. Но когда раскрылось, что же на самом деле произошло той ночью... ну, шоком свои впечатления не назову, однако удивилась я однозначно. Не пожалела Лиза некоторых второстепенных персонажей... в плане ударов судьбы, но тут, наверное, впору обратиться к названию. Что есть справедливость?
Вообще, мне понравилось, что в романе поднимается тема закона и справедливости. Всегда бесило, когда в фильмах и книгах полицейские или прокуроры брызжут ядом в сторону адвокатов, мол, вот, гады такие, защищают кого ни попадя. А к чему тогда вообще вся система? К чему право на адвоката, если человека потом будут огульно осуждать за его работу? Не можете доказать, что кто-то виновен, не лайте на другого за свои неудачи. Джек в этом плане очень интересный персонаж. Он и явно виновных преступников защищал, но благодаря особой философии не погряз в самобичевании и депрессии.
Итого, история хороша во многих смыслах. И любовь не слащавая, и расследование интересное, и развязка небанальная, и со старыми героями рада была увидеться)) Жду новых книг автора.
Это уже третий (и вроде как последний) приквел к серии "Хорошо на Юге", на сей раз про старшего из братьев Веллингтонов - Джека.
Он адвокат по уголовным делам, весьма жесткий и хладнокровный, но новое дело даже его не оставляет равнодушным. И дело не только в симпатии к клиентке - Кейтлин Кавано, - но и в весьма запутанных обстоятельствах преступления.
В один "прекрасный" день Кейтлин просто проснулась рядом с трупом совершенно незнакомого человека, ничего не помня о прошедшей ночи. И теперь ее не то чтобы открыто обвиняют в убийстве, но приятного в постоянных допросах мало. Самообороной тоже не пахнет, судя по уликам, да еще и множество мелких нестыковок и странностей подливают масло в огонь.
Начинается все с распутывания клубка улик и предположений, а заканчивается борьбой за жизнь Кейтлин, причем все покушения тоже какие-то странные.
Герои читателям серии уже знакомы, но оттого обстоятельства их встречи не стали менее интересными. Джек оказался именно таким, каким его описывали в предыдущих книгах - настоящей зубастой акулой, всегда добивающейся своей цели. Но при этом еще и очень умным, внимательным мужчиной.
Кейтлин на первый взгляд кажется хрупкой, ранимой и наивной, эдакой эфемерной блондинкой, но быстро понимаешь, что она боец. Весьма саркастичный и сообразительный - не даром писательница))
Короче, герои в стиле автора - если не идеальны, то близки к тому)) А еще (что мне очень и очень нравится) они не играют в игры. Не мусолят свои возникшие чувства, не придумывают страданий на пустом месте, не выносят друг другу мозги. Они честны и прямолинейны.
Детективная линия тоже хороша. Конечно, тот подозреваемый, на которого автор нас активно выводила, сразу показался мне сомнительным, и я была готова к неожиданностям. Но когда раскрылось, что же на самом деле произошло той ночью... ну, шоком свои впечатления не назову, однако удивилась я однозначно. Не пожалела Лиза некоторых второстепенных персонажей... в плане ударов судьбы, но тут, наверное, впору обратиться к названию. Что есть справедливость?
Вообще, мне понравилось, что в романе поднимается тема закона и справедливости. Всегда бесило, когда в фильмах и книгах полицейские или прокуроры брызжут ядом в сторону адвокатов, мол, вот, гады такие, защищают кого ни попадя. А к чему тогда вообще вся система? К чему право на адвоката, если человека потом будут огульно осуждать за его работу? Не можете доказать, что кто-то виновен, не лайте на другого за свои неудачи. Джек в этом плане очень интересный персонаж. Он и явно виновных преступников защищал, но благодаря особой философии не погряз в самобичевании и депрессии.
Итого, история хороша во многих смыслах. И любовь не слащавая, и расследование интересное, и развязка небанальная, и со старыми героями рада была увидеться)) Жду новых книг автора.
October 17, 2016
Read this in the trilogy and really enjoyed it. More review to come.
December 12, 2022
3/5; 3 stars; B
While I enjoyed the suspense part of this story and a chance to see another side of Jack, there were seem really crazy editing errors and such within the story that put me off.
While I enjoyed the suspense part of this story and a chance to see another side of Jack, there were seem really crazy editing errors and such within the story that put me off.
September 4, 2016
I've read all Ms. O'Neill's books and thoroughly enjoyed most of them but this one was a bit of a trial to read.
Sweet but sassy romance writer Caitlin Cavanaugh wakes up to a raging hangover and a dead lover. Screaming, she runs naked from her home into the arms of her neighbor. Talking to the police and finding that she literally can't remember anything that happened to her over the last twelve hours frightens her even more than waking up to a dead body. Being a romantic suspense writer who's done her research Caitlin knows the missing hours and lack of struggle shown by her bruise less skin don't look good for her. It seems a pretty open and shut case of murder.
Jack Wellington is a defense attorney extraordinaire. When he first takes on Caitlin's case he sees a small, fragile looking young woman who lacks any sense of style. But as he gets to know Caitlin he can't help but be attracted to her tough as nails, practical demeanor.
Let me say right off the bat this book hit a few of my top "don'ts'. The first is - don't write about romance writers. I've read countless books that have done this and only one or two of them have worked. It's a distraction - I'm constantly being reminded that I'm reading a book by the endless reminders of what the main character does for a living. So, just don't.
Don't confuse a smart mouth with a smart brain. Caitlin keeps falling into the killer's hands because of her "Yes, I'm not supposed to be alone but I'm just. . . " going to the bathroom, getting some aspirin, picking something up at my apartment, walking to lunch in a crowded area. . . She always has a reason for being out and about and available for the determined killer to take shots at her. In real life, this might be perfectly plausible but in a book, where our writer has to look at things from every angle, it makes the heroine look extremely TSTL. And while we are at it, anyone who suffers asthma attacks induced by panic attacks and is being chased by killers should probably carry her inhaler everywhere. Especially given the unusual severity of Caitlin's attacks. I carry mine almost everywhere and don't have attacks near as often as this lady.
Also, don't confuse a smart mouth with strength. Caitlin gets points for not falling apart while all this is happening (if one doesn't count stress induced asthma attacks on a regular basis) but nothing about this woman suggested strength. I'm not someone who requires a heroine to be strong and resilient, especially when she is under attack by a relentless homicidal maniac, but I don't want characters lauding the strength that someone doesn't have. This gal didn't have strength but she did have something that was apparently better - she had awesome friends willing to sacrifice for her. Make a virtue of that rather than one she doesn't have.
A final don't - don't write uber villains. Seriously. Most crimes are committed by ordinary people who have just enough evil running through them to cross the line when they want something they can't have or want to avoid something they don't care for, whether that's prison or poverty or a divorce. RS has started to depend a tad too much on lunatics who make Hitler look like a sweet, rational guy. Read some true crime and remind yourself that unsolved cases spring up from ordinary events.
The story had lots of potential but the problems with the heroine and villain really kept it from a better rating. That said, I did enjoy meeting new character Elise and I suspect I met her hero as well, so I hope we see them get their own story. I thought the intensity of the opening was excellent. Ms. O'Neill's prose is, as always, wonderful.
Sweet but sassy romance writer Caitlin Cavanaugh wakes up to a raging hangover and a dead lover. Screaming, she runs naked from her home into the arms of her neighbor. Talking to the police and finding that she literally can't remember anything that happened to her over the last twelve hours frightens her even more than waking up to a dead body. Being a romantic suspense writer who's done her research Caitlin knows the missing hours and lack of struggle shown by her bruise less skin don't look good for her. It seems a pretty open and shut case of murder.
Jack Wellington is a defense attorney extraordinaire. When he first takes on Caitlin's case he sees a small, fragile looking young woman who lacks any sense of style. But as he gets to know Caitlin he can't help but be attracted to her tough as nails, practical demeanor.
Let me say right off the bat this book hit a few of my top "don'ts'. The first is - don't write about romance writers. I've read countless books that have done this and only one or two of them have worked. It's a distraction - I'm constantly being reminded that I'm reading a book by the endless reminders of what the main character does for a living. So, just don't.
Don't confuse a smart mouth with a smart brain. Caitlin keeps falling into the killer's hands because of her "Yes, I'm not supposed to be alone but I'm just. . . " going to the bathroom, getting some aspirin, picking something up at my apartment, walking to lunch in a crowded area. . . She always has a reason for being out and about and available for the determined killer to take shots at her. In real life, this might be perfectly plausible but in a book, where our writer has to look at things from every angle, it makes the heroine look extremely TSTL. And while we are at it, anyone who suffers asthma attacks induced by panic attacks and is being chased by killers should probably carry her inhaler everywhere. Especially given the unusual severity of Caitlin's attacks. I carry mine almost everywhere and don't have attacks near as often as this lady.
Also, don't confuse a smart mouth with strength. Caitlin gets points for not falling apart while all this is happening (if one doesn't count stress induced asthma attacks on a regular basis) but nothing about this woman suggested strength. I'm not someone who requires a heroine to be strong and resilient, especially when she is under attack by a relentless homicidal maniac, but I don't want characters lauding the strength that someone doesn't have. This gal didn't have strength but she did have something that was apparently better - she had awesome friends willing to sacrifice for her. Make a virtue of that rather than one she doesn't have.
A final don't - don't write uber villains. Seriously. Most crimes are committed by ordinary people who have just enough evil running through them to cross the line when they want something they can't have or want to avoid something they don't care for, whether that's prison or poverty or a divorce. RS has started to depend a tad too much on lunatics who make Hitler look like a sweet, rational guy. Read some true crime and remind yourself that unsolved cases spring up from ordinary events.
The story had lots of potential but the problems with the heroine and villain really kept it from a better rating. That said, I did enjoy meeting new character Elise and I suspect I met her hero as well, so I hope we see them get their own story. I thought the intensity of the opening was excellent. Ms. O'Neill's prose is, as always, wonderful.
October 19, 2016
Excellent
I love a good mystery and especially love it when I have a laundry list of suspects all lined up. At different points I think I suspected 75% of the characters. I really liked the two main characters. Caitlin was a little stubbornly willful to the point of her own detriment but she pulled her act together and showed she had spine and steel in her bones as well as an intelligent mind. To me that makes an excellent character. She developed and did not stay stagnant. Jack... well I have always liked Jack even though he does an excellent job at being a pompous ass. But it's a charming one and he wins me over every time even when he is being his most calculating. I loved the side characters too, especially Connie. She was a fun addition to the mix. A good foil for introverted Caitlin. It was also fun watching Jack realize his feelings and even more fun watching Caitlin recognize them.
An excellent story with witty dialog and a good solid mystery made this book good, the addition of a lovely romance made it spectacular! Five glorious stars!
I love a good mystery and especially love it when I have a laundry list of suspects all lined up. At different points I think I suspected 75% of the characters. I really liked the two main characters. Caitlin was a little stubbornly willful to the point of her own detriment but she pulled her act together and showed she had spine and steel in her bones as well as an intelligent mind. To me that makes an excellent character. She developed and did not stay stagnant. Jack... well I have always liked Jack even though he does an excellent job at being a pompous ass. But it's a charming one and he wins me over every time even when he is being his most calculating. I loved the side characters too, especially Connie. She was a fun addition to the mix. A good foil for introverted Caitlin. It was also fun watching Jack realize his feelings and even more fun watching Caitlin recognize them.
An excellent story with witty dialog and a good solid mystery made this book good, the addition of a lovely romance made it spectacular! Five glorious stars!
November 27, 2018
JACK WELLINGTON
CAITLIN CAVANAUGH
Read 27/11/18 | 4 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book synopsis: Waking up next to a dead stranger with no memory of how he got there should be the worst day of Caitlin Cavanaugh’s life. However, what seems to be a clear case of self-defense soon puts Caitlin on the defensive, as evidence left behind at the scene doesn’t match up with her story. But proving her innocence becomes the least of her problems...
Criminal defense attorney Jack Wellington is highly sought after in the courtrooms of Savannah… not to mention the bedrooms of its female denizens. Jack believes himself to be hardened against the darker aspects of human nature, as well as the emotional plight of those he both cross-examines and defends. But when he encounters Caitlin in the hospital following her morning ordeal, something about the frightened but defiant romance novelist pulls at him.
Jack’s attraction to his client continues to grow as what started as a simple enough case turns into a fight to save Caitlin’s life. Old friends, ex-lovers and even her own family – someone among them wants Caitlin dead. And both of them learn what lengths some will go to in order to avoid justice.
CAITLIN CAVANAUGH
Read 27/11/18 | 4 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book synopsis: Waking up next to a dead stranger with no memory of how he got there should be the worst day of Caitlin Cavanaugh’s life. However, what seems to be a clear case of self-defense soon puts Caitlin on the defensive, as evidence left behind at the scene doesn’t match up with her story. But proving her innocence becomes the least of her problems...
Criminal defense attorney Jack Wellington is highly sought after in the courtrooms of Savannah… not to mention the bedrooms of its female denizens. Jack believes himself to be hardened against the darker aspects of human nature, as well as the emotional plight of those he both cross-examines and defends. But when he encounters Caitlin in the hospital following her morning ordeal, something about the frightened but defiant romance novelist pulls at him.
Jack’s attraction to his client continues to grow as what started as a simple enough case turns into a fight to save Caitlin’s life. Old friends, ex-lovers and even her own family – someone among them wants Caitlin dead. And both of them learn what lengths some will go to in order to avoid justice.
September 26, 2019
This hasn’t exactly been an easy way to fall for someone...
Defense lawyer Jack is a shark. He knows what it takes to win until he meets Caitlin. Waking up to a dead body and having no idea what happened should only happen in the books she writes, but here she is none the less. Can Jack keep her safe and out of jail? One of the best in this trilogy! Amazing read! Super series! Enjoy!!!
Defense lawyer Jack is a shark. He knows what it takes to win until he meets Caitlin. Waking up to a dead body and having no idea what happened should only happen in the books she writes, but here she is none the less. Can Jack keep her safe and out of jail? One of the best in this trilogy! Amazing read! Super series! Enjoy!!!
June 3, 2017
Riveting.
I loved this book. I was swept away with the characters and plot line. I didn't see the end coming at all. As always I felt I was right there in the middle of the book working with the characters to get to the bottom of the issue. I just bought Mr. Write. Can't wait to start it!!!!
I loved this book. I was swept away with the characters and plot line. I didn't see the end coming at all. As always I felt I was right there in the middle of the book working with the characters to get to the bottom of the issue. I just bought Mr. Write. Can't wait to start it!!!!
October 1, 2019
Yes, another good book
Really liked the twists and turns in this one. Caitlyn just couldn't catch a break. Jack was a good match for her, him being so professional. Caitlyn needs another best friend. Connie wasn't one. Good twist on one character, I had him pegged wrong.
Really liked the twists and turns in this one. Caitlyn just couldn't catch a break. Jack was a good match for her, him being so professional. Caitlyn needs another best friend. Connie wasn't one. Good twist on one character, I had him pegged wrong.
May 6, 2017
Could be six stars.
This is the best yet. Got to read them all. Very good writer. Can't wait to get started on the next book.
This is the best yet. Got to read them all. Very good writer. Can't wait to get started on the next book.
August 25, 2017
Such a fun read...and it was almost like I knew some of these characters!
September 11, 2017
Ms. Clark-O'Neill is a recent find for me - I enjoy her writing style and characters. A fun, fast paced read - just the way I like um!
January 6, 2018
3.5 Didn't care for this one as much as the first two. Missed the humour of the last book. Still a good read. Great location.
August 7, 2019
Justice review
Justice is the third fast paced romantic suspense book in The Southern Comfort Prequel Trilogy series written by author Lisa Clark O'Neill.
Justice is the third fast paced romantic suspense book in The Southern Comfort Prequel Trilogy series written by author Lisa Clark O'Neill.
October 23, 2019
Fantastic! Had a VERY hard time putting down for sleep, food, etc. etc. Hope Lisa keeps ‘me coming. Love her books.
September 18, 2016
Wow
Great twists and turns. I did not see the end coming down the way it did and was so happy to have it be more complex than i thought. Great read hope she writes a story for Lance it would be great.
Great twists and turns. I did not see the end coming down the way it did and was so happy to have it be more complex than i thought. Great read hope she writes a story for Lance it would be great.
September 7, 2016
Lisa Clark O'Neill has done it again with another sexy suspense novel, this time featuring the oldest Wellington brother, Jack, a criminal defense attorney who "is highly sought after in the courtrooms of Savannah… not to mention the bedrooms of its female denizens," and smart, sassy romance novelist Caitlin Cavanaugh.
This book will have you guessing who did it almost until the very end, and when you think you know it all. Pow!
O'Neill needs to write faster because I just gobble her books up like potato chips.
This book will have you guessing who did it almost until the very end, and when you think you know it all. Pow!
O'Neill needs to write faster because I just gobble her books up like potato chips.
December 22, 2016
As a voracious reader and an author myself, I find as I read I can often guess the turn of events about to take place in a book, which sucks some of the joy from reading. I don't have this problem with O'Neill's books, and Justice is no exception. Well-written, quick pace, several twists. Thought I had it figured out and was totally surprised by the ending. Loved it.
July 2, 2017
Great last book of the Southern Comfort series. Loved the characters and the story. I had my suspects and it turned out I was right about who, but I was really surprised about what happened that night.
September 19, 2019
Quite good! There was lots of depth to the characters and the story plot. If you love a classic "whodunit" with romantic overtones then this is it. I actually felt it was one of the author's better books (although most of them are quite good).
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews