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Talon Winter Legal Thrillers #2
Winter's Chance
Criminal defense attorney Talon Winter holds a man's life in her hands.
Ezekiel Frazier is just another small time drug user, until he gets pulled over in someone else's car with a gun under the seat. Now his past catches up to him and he's facing Strike Three, and a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Talon doesn't just have to battle a heartless prosecutor who's using the case to get her next promotion. She also has to deal with a social justice lawyer who wants her to throw the case for the greater good, a former investigator who wants to be more than just friends, and her own brother--fresh out of prison with nowhere else to go.
It's her chance to win a big case, and save a man's life. But can she really ignore her other chances: to fix the law, to fix her relationships, to fix her brother? She might just have to, if she really wants to be the lawyer she really wants to be.
Ezekiel Frazier is just another small time drug user, until he gets pulled over in someone else's car with a gun under the seat. Now his past catches up to him and he's facing Strike Three, and a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Talon doesn't just have to battle a heartless prosecutor who's using the case to get her next promotion. She also has to deal with a social justice lawyer who wants her to throw the case for the greater good, a former investigator who wants to be more than just friends, and her own brother--fresh out of prison with nowhere else to go.
It's her chance to win a big case, and save a man's life. But can she really ignore her other chances: to fix the law, to fix her relationships, to fix her brother? She might just have to, if she really wants to be the lawyer she really wants to be.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2017
902 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Penner
62 books164 followersStephen Penner is an author, artist, and attorney from Seattle, Washington. He has written more than 30 novels and specializes in courtroom thrillers known for their unexpected twists and candid portrayal of the justice system. He draws on his extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney to infuse his writing with realism and insight.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
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April 8, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/8/2020)! 🎁
September 17, 2022
Now THAT'S the Winter I know and love
After a fairly underwhelming debut in book one of this series, I took a break from legal thrillers for a while. Now that I've dabbled in other stories, I decided it was time to return to this series. And boy am I glad I did, because.... dang. I had no idea the second book would be THIS enrapturing. It managed to swoop in to pick up the pieces left behind from book one and then leave QUITE the impression while doing it, snagging all 5-stars. My faith in this series depicting the incredibly feisty Talon Winter that I met in Dave Brunelle's series has been reinvigorated and I'm so game for it now.
There're several different issues going on simultaneously in this story, from Talon's latest case to the arrival of her problematic brother fresh out of prison. The case itself involves a man facing life in prison for having drugs while driving a car with a gun under the seat, neither of which belong to him. The combination of factors out of his control has triggered a 3-strike law that will instantly send him to prison for life, an overly strong punishment for the crime. Talon is a firecracker lawyer who definitely struts her stuff in this one, both professionally and personally. This was precisely how she was in Dave Brunelle's series and I'm glad to have her back.
I can't think of what things I complained about in this entry, other than Talon's refusal to be a little nicer to Curt. It seems to me that, despite her feisty personality, she still comes across as mean to people she cares about. I just wish she'd be more tactful in her methods. And yet, at the same time, I don't like her when she's too tame either, as she was in book one of this series. That is just as bad, if not worse. I need a feisty Talon; otherwise, things just won't work. Such a fun read either way with some highly entertaining courtroom drama. I'm super glad to have dived back into this series. Looking forward to the next!
Click for my random commentary.
After a fairly underwhelming debut in book one of this series, I took a break from legal thrillers for a while. Now that I've dabbled in other stories, I decided it was time to return to this series. And boy am I glad I did, because.... dang. I had no idea the second book would be THIS enrapturing. It managed to swoop in to pick up the pieces left behind from book one and then leave QUITE the impression while doing it, snagging all 5-stars. My faith in this series depicting the incredibly feisty Talon Winter that I met in Dave Brunelle's series has been reinvigorated and I'm so game for it now.
There're several different issues going on simultaneously in this story, from Talon's latest case to the arrival of her problematic brother fresh out of prison. The case itself involves a man facing life in prison for having drugs while driving a car with a gun under the seat, neither of which belong to him. The combination of factors out of his control has triggered a 3-strike law that will instantly send him to prison for life, an overly strong punishment for the crime. Talon is a firecracker lawyer who definitely struts her stuff in this one, both professionally and personally. This was precisely how she was in Dave Brunelle's series and I'm glad to have her back.
I can't think of what things I complained about in this entry, other than Talon's refusal to be a little nicer to Curt. It seems to me that, despite her feisty personality, she still comes across as mean to people she cares about. I just wish she'd be more tactful in her methods. And yet, at the same time, I don't like her when she's too tame either, as she was in book one of this series. That is just as bad, if not worse. I need a feisty Talon; otherwise, things just won't work. Such a fun read either way with some highly entertaining courtroom drama. I'm super glad to have dived back into this series. Looking forward to the next!
Click for my random commentary.
January 31, 2024
could not finish
Very disappointed in this series so far, especially considering how brilliant the Brunelle series was. I just got tired of the petulant actions by Talon Winter. The author is very talented but he does not understand women very well. Talon’s attitude towards Curt was strange considering she found him sexy and interesting in the first book. A woman approaches sex differently than a man and the affair with Curt should have blossomed and sweetened not become a source of annoyance to her. The author should stick to having men be his main characters. He doesn’t understand women well enough yet to write about them.
Very disappointed in this series so far, especially considering how brilliant the Brunelle series was. I just got tired of the petulant actions by Talon Winter. The author is very talented but he does not understand women very well. Talon’s attitude towards Curt was strange considering she found him sexy and interesting in the first book. A woman approaches sex differently than a man and the affair with Curt should have blossomed and sweetened not become a source of annoyance to her. The author should stick to having men be his main characters. He doesn’t understand women well enough yet to write about them.
March 17, 2019
Hate to give the book a three
Court can determine whether the defendant receives freedom or incarceration and the right or wrong lawyer can make a difference. Racism is a fact of life and how it can effect the outcome a person’s life. I felt Talon in the novel emphasized the racial aspect of the case too much ( others of course would strongly object ). Race certainly can be a factor, the question is to what degree. If I was a juror based on the facts I would probably vote to convict and Talon would have lost the case. Slightly recommend.
Court can determine whether the defendant receives freedom or incarceration and the right or wrong lawyer can make a difference. Racism is a fact of life and how it can effect the outcome a person’s life. I felt Talon in the novel emphasized the racial aspect of the case too much ( others of course would strongly object ). Race certainly can be a factor, the question is to what degree. If I was a juror based on the facts I would probably vote to convict and Talon would have lost the case. Slightly recommend.
September 2, 2022
I loved it!!!! I liked Talon's tenacity, integrity, ethics, and strength of character. Who doesn't like someone who fights for the underdog and against all odds?? Bear was such a twist, I almost lost it. It was so easy to dislike the prosecutor and love the defender in this one. It was very suspenseful and interesting. The epilogue was perfect. I voluntarily listened to a free audio version of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a great job bringing the characters and story to life. I highly recommend this book and series.
June 8, 2020
Great read and the author needs a better proof reader
I am an avid, voracious reader. As such, I enjoy reading books wherein the author is descriptive of the scene, setting the stage and adding explanation of legal jargon. I am an attorney and had empathy for the characters, as their character and deeds are set forth. Fast read. I look forward to boot threes in this series.
I am an avid, voracious reader. As such, I enjoy reading books wherein the author is descriptive of the scene, setting the stage and adding explanation of legal jargon. I am an attorney and had empathy for the characters, as their character and deeds are set forth. Fast read. I look forward to boot threes in this series.
May 20, 2021
Expect the unexpected
Talon sharpens her skills with what seems an impossible situation. Expecting a loss, getting to the point is where she shows her syrengths. Looking forward to the next Talon Winter story.
Talon sharpens her skills with what seems an impossible situation. Expecting a loss, getting to the point is where she shows her syrengths. Looking forward to the next Talon Winter story.
June 2, 2023
The narration is brilliant and this series is just getting better and better with each book. It packs no punches and it is so well researched you can tell. The story itself is so interesting and I got involved - this ended up being a binge watch.
September 19, 2023
Really great
I really enjoyed this second installment of the Talon Winter series. Talon is a likable character who has interesting criminal cases. The legal wrangling is impressive and the personal intrigue leads to an interesting plot.
I really enjoyed this second installment of the Talon Winter series. Talon is a likable character who has interesting criminal cases. The legal wrangling is impressive and the personal intrigue leads to an interesting plot.
June 1, 2024
Talon's Claw
The protagonists is appropriately named. She is a fierce defense attorney and makes this book a great read. One of Penner's best. I'm going to download the next book immediately.
The protagonists is appropriately named. She is a fierce defense attorney and makes this book a great read. One of Penner's best. I'm going to download the next book immediately.
August 8, 2025
Great story
Talon is quite the attorney! She sees thorough the prosecutor's charges to the truth. Then she attacks mercilessly the arguments & fights to win her cases. Read to find put how she does it!
Talon is quite the attorney! She sees thorough the prosecutor's charges to the truth. Then she attacks mercilessly the arguments & fights to win her cases. Read to find put how she does it!
September 23, 2025
Winter's Chance
An interesting story, but, I still don't like Talon's character as she strikes me as immature and doesn't appreciate those that support her. Generally, she has a huge chip in her shoulder.
This will be the last Talon Winter story I read.
An interesting story, but, I still don't like Talon's character as she strikes me as immature and doesn't appreciate those that support her. Generally, she has a huge chip in her shoulder.
This will be the last Talon Winter story I read.
July 18, 2018
Great two down more to go 🙌
October 25, 2018
Winter's Choice
This was a Avery good book. It had just enough suspense to keep you interested in the story. I would recommend this book.
This was a Avery good book. It had just enough suspense to keep you interested in the story. I would recommend this book.
April 17, 2020
Good book
Talon Winter stories are very exciting. They keep you from eating, cleaning, cooking and sleeping. This book was easy to read, the story line kept your focus.
Talon Winter stories are very exciting. They keep you from eating, cleaning, cooking and sleeping. This book was easy to read, the story line kept your focus.
July 10, 2021
Exciting
This was just a thrill to read. I every time I thought I knew what was going to happen something totally went the other way. Can't wait to read the next book.
This was just a thrill to read. I every time I thought I knew what was going to happen something totally went the other way. Can't wait to read the next book.
May 19, 2022
Maybe I rushed into reading the #2 Talon Winter book. This book is not as strong as the first. I will stay away for a while
January 21, 2023
Great Runaway #2
Enjoyed disappearing into the courtroom & feeling like one of the jurors. Looking forward to running away in the #3.
Enjoyed disappearing into the courtroom & feeling like one of the jurors. Looking forward to running away in the #3.
February 15, 2024
Chance
Good read will hold your attention through out the book good ending. Interesting story lots of twist and turns. Looking forward to the rest of the stories in this series.
Good read will hold your attention through out the book good ending. Interesting story lots of twist and turns. Looking forward to the rest of the stories in this series.
March 3, 2024
Last Chance
I had never thought about the consequences when I had been on a jury. At least not in reference to guilt. Even when I was jury fore person.
I had never thought about the consequences when I had been on a jury. At least not in reference to guilt. Even when I was jury fore person.
January 13, 2025
Good read even though Winter is an arrogant, narcissistic, Self-centered person. Don't like her but the stories are good. Penner is a good easy-to-read author. Like Brunelle series better.
March 13, 2025
A real guess as to the outcome right to the last page!
December 6, 2025
Wonderfully written,
Stephan Penner’s books capture my attention and are always hard to put down. Looking forward to reading more of the Talon Winter series.
Stephan Penner’s books capture my attention and are always hard to put down. Looking forward to reading more of the Talon Winter series.
December 21, 2022
I've now read the whole Talon Winter Legal series and can strongly recommend these novels to anyone interested in richly drawn characters, interesting stories and, especially, taught legal and courtroom dramas. Talon Winter is one of the sharpest central continuing characters you'll ever read.
I've copied and pasted this review to all the Talon Winter books to try to spread the word. No need to read them in order, but I think you should.
I've copied and pasted this review to all the Talon Winter books to try to spread the word. No need to read them in order, but I think you should.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews