Barrett

by Lucinda Race

Has the last man standing finally met his match?
Attorney Tallie Dorz has heard the rumors circulating through the halls of justice about the devastatingly handsome Judge Barrett Turner. As rumor has it, no woman has ever lasted longer than a couple of dates with this eligible bachelor. A chance meeting at a mutual friend’s house peaks her interest. With one long, simmering look from the enigmatic jurist, she’s captivated and wants to crack his cool facade and melt his heart.
Barrett Turner has it all; a reputation as a respected judge, money, and good looks. What he doesn’t have is someone to share his life with. He’s the last man standing among his group of close friends. A brief encounter with gorgeous woman Tallie Dorz changes all of that. The first time he sees her he’s captivated; the second time is during a meeting for a group of lawyers; and the third occurs when she appears before him in court. So much for the third time being the charm. There’s no way he would risk becoming involved with an attorney who handles family law. As captivating as she is, he won’t risk an obvious conflict of ethics.
Tallie helps another attorney by appearing, along with his client, in Judge Turner’s courtroom—her one and only appearance in family court before returning to her specialty of corporate law. Even though the judge with dark brown eyes scowled at her from the bench, she can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have him across the dinner table. Much to her surprise, Barrett calls her and asks her to have lunch, and she eagerly accepts.

When a case she’s working on puts a target on Tallie’s back, Barret realizes his feelings are more intense than just his usual fling. He vows to not let anything stop him from keeping her safe and, ultimately, winning her heart.
Can two career minded professionals open their hearts to a lifetime of love.

106 pages, Paperback

Published May 30, 2022

About the author

Award-winning and best-selling author Lucinda Race is a lifelong fan of cozy mysteries and romance novels

She spins tales of small town romance and cozy mystery—writing the kinds of stories she loves to read. Whether she’s weaving a heartwarming romance or a cozy mystery, her fingers practically fly across the keyboard.

Lucinda lives with her little dog— a shih tzu mix rescue—who is always by her side. When she’s not immersed in writing mystery, suspense, or romance, she’s wandering in her garden or curled up with a book, devouring everything she can get her hands on.


Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest on sales and new releases. https://bit.ly/LucindaRace

Reviews

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Barrett and Tallie's sweet story. The way they met and the connection they felt. The storyline was great and had just the right amount of suspense. I'm grateful for the epilogue also. If you like short, sweet, clean modern day romance, you'll love this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Last Man Standing Series by Lucinda Race. This is the first in the series I have read and after reading this one I know I am going to start at book one and read the series.
Barrett and Tallie met and from that moment I could just feel that things were going to happen for them.
This was a book that jumped off the pages and every word sizzled!!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving these Last Man Standing books. This one has a bit of suspense and action in it. We've got a judge who wants to have a wife and family but he's been focused on his career for so long it hasn't happened. But when he meets lawyer, Tallie, he knows she's the one! Unfortunately she's got someone mad at her, wanting revenge. Barrett steps right in, going into protection mode to help his new found love. Great read!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barrett and Tallie’s path to love is pure kismet. The family court judge and corporate lawyer meet almost by happenstance and not once, but three times. Barrett knows what he wants, he just hasn’t found it yet. Tallie’s heard his reputation as a man with a long dating history and she’s not about to let herself become an honorable mention. Romantic suspense adds to the tension and offers Barrett a chance to prove to Tallie he’s serious this time. There are so many terrific scenes in this story, including a trip to Newport, RI, and mention of the cliff walk and mansions. Read and enjoy!

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior ones to understand and fully enjoy this one.

I adored this sweet, clean romance. The characters were in their mid to late 30's so they were more mature. I loved the dual POV format. Getting that glimpse into their thoughts really help me to better understand them and connect with them more fully.

Barrett is a family court judge. He is the last man in his group of friends who is still single. He goes to his goddaughter birthday party where his best friend's wife has several friends to introduce him to. Tallie is a corporate law attorney who is at a friend's daughter's birthday party. There she meets a very handsome man. Barrett and Tallie immediately are intrigued with each other. The following week is a very full one for the two of them as the author really puts them into several precarious situations.

There are just a few kissing scenes so it is something that anyone would enjoy, especially if you enjoy a little suspense with your romance.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barrett is our last man standing, not because he is a playboy, but because he will not settle. He focused on his career and made it to a Judge, but his personal life did suffer a bit. Then, at his goddaughter's birthday party, he meets a mystery woman he cannot stop thinking about. They are both in for a surprise when she shows up in his courtroom.

Tallie and Barrett are great together, and she brings out the best in him. A quick afternoon read a great story with just enough suspense to keep this reader engaged.

Thank you to the Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barrett is a judge and Tallie is a lawyer. He’s attracted to her when he sees her at Jessie’s fifth birthday party, but they don’t connect. When he sees her is in his courtroom, he has a rule of not dating attorneys whose cases he’s presided over. Luckily, she was just filling in for a colleague. Grab your copy and see what happens because it’s not all smooth sailing. I’ve read several of the Last Man Standing books and this is one of my favorites.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi author series Last Man Standing. It can be enjoyed as a standalone. Barrett is the last man standing in his group of friends, they've all married and started having children. Barrett has found anyone until he meets Tallie and his goddaughters birthday party. Barrett and Tallie's story is sweet with a little mystery added in. Perfect quick beach read that had me smiling the whole time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst this is a quick read it's well written and you don't feel things are too rushed. Barrett and Tallie meet at Barrett's god daughters birthday and an attraction sparks to the point they bump into each other in quick concession making Barrett decide he will ask her out. Unfortunately for both it appears someone is after Tallie and you hope that between their attraction and relationship growing who ever is behind the attacks is caught!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a judge comes easy for Barrett, but love? The jury is out until he meets Tallie. Barrett appears to be relishing the bachelor's life. As a judge, he has a successful career with plenty of money. But women don't last more than a fling. He hasn't met the woman who'll steal his heart yet. All that changes when he meets Tallie. She's fun, flirty, and a corporate attorney. She challenges him, captivates him, and sends his heart reeling. She brings out his protective side when she's attacked not once but twice. The more time he spends in her company, the stronger his feelings surge. Can he tell her he loves her or will she turn tail and run? Can the judge and the lawyer find a romance to last a lifetime?

Barrett is a riveting romantic suspense I couldn't put down. This is my first read of a new multi-author series and I didn't know what to expect. Sure, I knew it would have romance in it. But, in all honesty, I was simply blown away by the story. First off, I adored Judge Barrett. Having a hero be a judge is so original and not often seen in romance. Attorneys yes, but not a judge. I connected with both Barrett and Tallie. Both of these characters are workaholics and both love what they do. The sparks fly between these two right away. The romance flourishes over a short period of time but it's not instalove. Tallie is an independent woman and takes her time. Even during her attacks, she makes sure not to take advantage of Barrett's kindness. It's this kind of realism that makes Barrett such a wonderful romance. The suspense took me by surprise but it was so well-written, that I was hooked right away. If you're a fan of romantic suspense, pick up Barrett. If you're a romance reader, you've got to read Barrett. Another gem by Lucinda Race, you don't want to miss out. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Allthebooks (Lynette) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet and beautiful story great for a quick beach read.

I really enjoyed the development of the characters as they got to know one another. This was a sweet romantic story about two mature adults who connected instantly, and we got a front row seat to their journey to a happily ever after. I felt the connection along their way as the story unfolded. No heated scenes so safe for all audiences. A little suspense in there, but I think this part was not fully developed because it was such a short story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tallie, corporate attorney, meets Barrett, family court judge, when she fills in for a colleague and ends up in his courtroom. They've both been focused on their careers, and haven't taken the time to find "the one" to start a family. Their story is sweet - they behave like adults, and have similar values. There's a bit of suspense, with trouble being caused by a client. This is a wonderful addition to the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Grumpy Judge Is Bought To His Knees By The Attorney

Great story! I loved how the author wrote Barrett & Tallie's tale. Tallie is an attorney that takes no BS. Barrett is a Judge that is often seen as grumpy. They meet at a mutual friends place & Barrett is immediately taken by Tallie. What follows is a bit of a cat & mouse game between them as a relationship develops.
Will they get their HEA or will Barrett not get to Tallie in time to save her?
I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story about the bachelor judge, stern reputation for inside the court and for short term dating. He is committed to his responsibility and is seeking a woman/wife for firm and solid relationship without being prepared to settle for just someone. Is she out there...Tallie is equally determined in her pursuit professionally and personally. Events bring this couple together and their characters are strong and likeable.
Enjoyable short romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judge Barrett Turner wants what his friends have but only with the right woman. He makes a connection with lawyer Tallie Dorz, but she has other troubling things going on in her life. I wouldn’t have stayed in my house after someone attacked me repeatedly. There are suspenseful moments as Barrett and Tallie try to figure out who is after her. I enjoyed reading about all the food they ate and places they visited. Their friend’s young daughter Jessie was a spunky riot.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars.

This is the first story I have read from this series and I enjoyed the characters, the friendships and seeing Barrett and Tallie get to know each other. I believed in their connection and chemistry and I felt a connection to them too. I thought the story moved along well and it held my attention.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. It's enjoyable, well written and will keep your attention from the beginning to the end. A bit of suspense in the story line will grab your attention and keep you wanting more. The characters are well developed making them easy to get to know. A short and sweet romance that's perfect for a mini escape from everyday life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their friends have been trying to set them up, but it was by chance that a young lawyer helping a co-worker just ended up in his court.

Tallie handles corporate law, Barrett is a judge focused on Families, when their paths cross again, fate is allowing them to get what they want, but not without a few bumps in the road.

Good fast story that is a perfect escape and that you will not want to put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series. This is a suspense romance with wonderful, relatable characters and a HEA. The storyline was interesting and realistic. I was entertained to the very end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lucinda Race]

I hope you enjoy this Last Man Standing book. It was a pleasure to write this novella with a judge as the bachelor and Tallie Dorz as the woman who stops him in his tracks. But before he can fall in love they need to find out who's coming after her and why.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barrett is a judge and the last of his friends that isn't married. He wants what his friends have but hasn't found the woman that is until he meets Tallie. Tallie is a lawyer that handles corporate clients. There is a spark between them, and Barrett knows that she is the one, but Tallie has a target on her back that has put her life in jeopardy because of a case she is working. Will Barrett be able to keep Tallie safe and do they have a chance to take their relationship to the next level for a happily ever after? This story had me glued to the pages in anticipation to see how their story ends!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Merged review:

Barrett is a judge and the last of his friends that isn't married. He wants what his friends have but hasn't found the woman that is until he meets Tallie. Tallie is a lawyer that handles corporate clients. There is a spark between them, and Barrett knows that she is the one, but Tallie has a target on her back that has put her life in jeopardy because of a case she is working. Will Barrett be able to keep Tallie safe and do they have a chance to take their relationship to the next level for a happily ever after? This story had me glued to the pages in anticipation to see how their story ends!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.