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Crime & Defense #1
It Should Be a Crime
Forbidden romance coupled with high-stakes courtroom drama.
Two women meet in an alley and fulfill their mutual desire with a night of passion, neither expecting more than the few lusty hours they shared. Weeks later Morgan Bradley and Parker Casey meet again, but this time one is a law professor and the other her student. A series of events lands them in the middle of a high-profile murder trial, but the twists and turns of the case are no match for the spiral of increasing attraction as they work side by side in the defense of justice.
Two women meet in an alley and fulfill their mutual desire with a night of passion, neither expecting more than the few lusty hours they shared. Weeks later Morgan Bradley and Parker Casey meet again, but this time one is a law professor and the other her student. A series of events lands them in the middle of a high-profile murder trial, but the twists and turns of the case are no match for the spiral of increasing attraction as they work side by side in the defense of justice.
265 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2009
20 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Carsen Taite
51 books294 followersCarsen Taite's goal as an author is to spin plot lines as interesting as the cases she encountered in her career as a criminal defense lawyer. She is the award-winning author of a dozen novels and numerous short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 8, 2017
Loved it! Don't know why I waited so long to read a Carsen Taite book. But now that I have I can't wait to read many more of hers. The romance was good, the characters likable, and the crime storyline was wonderful. A nice fast pace book that you won't want to put down. If you like crime dramas or really just romance with a great storyline... read this!
October 19, 2019
This book was recommended by not one but two Lesfic Gurus. My first by Ms.Taite.
The Legal Element
Well written/explained, didn't have to fire up Wikipedia every few terms/sentences. If you are a fan of legal drama/movies, it'll be a walk on the green mile.
The Crime
-The curse for not listening to the singer MC Hammer, he repeated the same line 27 times in his one hit wonder. When we watch similar scene in movies/ dramas, we scream out loud, "Don't touch it!"
- the crime storyline could use some work/attention, I find it weak and predictable.
The Romance
- beginning of the story - 4.²¾
- unfortunately, after the solid silver beginning, the leads decided to act younger and annoy the heck out of me with their longings/insecurity/ unclaimed baggages.
- one too many scenes of one of the leads entering a room/restaurant/office/hallway and the other lead + another woman interacting with their clothes on,
hands on their own sides and walking out immediately after + sulking away. If I had done the same thing when I saw the lunch lady talking to the other female students back in primary school, I would have lost my baby fat ages ago.
Overall
- looks up, hmm quite sure I'm not a fan but this is definitely the case of "It's not me, it's you."
Since many book girlfriends love this, go ahead and check this book out.
Lesfic Gurus
- it's not you, it's me
2·⅛
The Legal Element
Well written/explained, didn't have to fire up Wikipedia every few terms/sentences. If you are a fan of legal drama/movies, it'll be a walk on the green mile.
The Crime
-The curse for not listening to the singer MC Hammer, he repeated the same line 27 times in his one hit wonder. When we watch similar scene in movies/ dramas, we scream out loud, "Don't touch it!"
- the crime storyline could use some work/attention, I find it weak and predictable.
The Romance
- beginning of the story - 4.²¾
- unfortunately, after the solid silver beginning, the leads decided to act younger and annoy the heck out of me with their longings/insecurity/ unclaimed baggages.
- one too many scenes of one of the leads entering a room/restaurant/office/hallway and the other lead + another woman interacting with their clothes on,
hands on their own sides and walking out immediately after + sulking away. If I had done the same thing when I saw the lunch lady talking to the other female students back in primary school, I would have lost my baby fat ages ago.
Overall
- looks up, hmm quite sure I'm not a fan but this is definitely the case of "It's not me, it's you."
Since many book girlfriends love this, go ahead and check this book out.
Lesfic Gurus
- it's not you, it's me
2·⅛
February 16, 2022
This was perfectly fine. Usually when I listen to audiobooks, I tend to spend time with much longer chunks of the story at once, while I go for a walk etc. but I hurt my foot, and haven’t been able to do that, and it’s really thrown my audiobook listening off. I absorbed this in much smaller sections—a chapter here or there, and it threw me out of the story, a bit. It didn’t really help that so much of it was focused on the legal case. Normally, I would have found that a bit more interesting, but in this specific case it made it a little harder to jump in and out.
I liked both Morgan and Parker fine, though I was a bit more on Morgan’s side of things. This was my first book of this authors and I would pick up another title—especially if Lori Prince is narrating it too.
I liked both Morgan and Parker fine, though I was a bit more on Morgan’s side of things. This was my first book of this authors and I would pick up another title—especially if Lori Prince is narrating it too.
December 16, 2023
【4.25 Stars】➠ Hotness: 🔥/5
This was my first ever book read by Carsen Taite. There’s a reason why it’s her best seller, it’s because the book was awesome! This came out years and years ago. For its time, it was a unique take on sapphic fiction because Taite depicts an age-gap relationship between a professor and student. Now, writing this, in 2023, there are many sapphic fiction novels that have these tropes/plots.
I thought both fmcs (Morgan and Parker) were fleshed out and had enough layers. I’m a sucker for plots that begin as a one-night stand and Taite delivered this beautifully. I am excited to read more books by Taite, especially since The Best Defense is the sequel to this one. I’m glad we are able to follow along with some of the characters that felt like they needed more time in the story.
The book feels like a classic that everyone should read if they like mystery and crime solving stories!
➢Happy reading!
This was my first ever book read by Carsen Taite. There’s a reason why it’s her best seller, it’s because the book was awesome! This came out years and years ago. For its time, it was a unique take on sapphic fiction because Taite depicts an age-gap relationship between a professor and student. Now, writing this, in 2023, there are many sapphic fiction novels that have these tropes/plots.
I thought both fmcs (Morgan and Parker) were fleshed out and had enough layers. I’m a sucker for plots that begin as a one-night stand and Taite delivered this beautifully. I am excited to read more books by Taite, especially since The Best Defense is the sequel to this one. I’m glad we are able to follow along with some of the characters that felt like they needed more time in the story.
The book feels like a classic that everyone should read if they like mystery and crime solving stories!
➢Happy reading!
November 30, 2017
This is only the second book by Taite that I've read. After reading Courtship I decided I must read more of her books. I'm going to enjoy the ride. This book was one of her first books and you or rather I could hardly tell. I enjoyed both the MCs and I liked they were late thirties-forties. So the dilemma is - do I read the sequel or skip ahead to a more recent book of hers that caught my eye? I think I'll win either way.
July 30, 2018
I thought and hoped I would like it better the second time around, but it still felt like a peanut story to me. Enjoyable to read but not very fulfilling.
Maybe I just felt jealous of those two beautiful, accomplished, successful and intelligent women.
They do seem to have everything and they surely do at the end.
I didn't really buy the melodrama of the professor versus student status, probably because between their age and the fact that, duh!, Parker is on her last year, come on, they could have just talk about it and look at it and find a way about it without feeling that much misery.
Maybe I just felt jealous of those two beautiful, accomplished, successful and intelligent women.
They do seem to have everything and they surely do at the end.
I didn't really buy the melodrama of the professor versus student status, probably because between their age and the fact that, duh!, Parker is on her last year, come on, they could have just talk about it and look at it and find a way about it without feeling that much misery.
January 27, 2018
I’m normally not into crime books but this one was incredible ! Both characters are amazing. I just couldn’t put the book down!
March 16, 2018
I am definitely gonna read more Carsen Taite books.
June 29, 2023
Very predictable plot and the romance wasn’t that mind blowing, the MCs kept making stupid decisions and the misunderstanding was tiresome
Nevertheless i will probably check more books by the author because i am a sucker for anything related to law 🤣.
Nevertheless i will probably check more books by the author because i am a sucker for anything related to law 🤣.
June 29, 2011
This is my first Carsen Taite book. I’ve been meaning to read one for quite a while since my first love is mystery/crime/suspense and her books seem like good crime stories. I wasn’t disappointed; it was a great read all around.
Both Morgan and Parker are interesting characters in their own right. What I liked was that they were equally matched, both having some strengths and weaknesses that got balanced as their romance develops. Sometimes their reactions and actions contradicted their general personalities, which meant that both of them weren’t stuck in fixed ways of being, making them more fun as characters. Also, the power difference dynamic brought out some interesting qualities in both women, and not in expected ways.
Morgan is a famous and well known criminal lawyer. She’s pretty much at the top of her game and has become an expert at what she does. After seeing her long term (romantic) partner with someone else, she decides that a one night hook-up is just the ticket, something that’s totally out of character for her. Later on, she does say that she feels love is more about the practicalities of relationships: paying bills, mortgages, bank accounts, shared responsibilities and this is who I felt Morgan thinks she is, and who she’s probably been until now. But Parker brings out the more passionate, unpredictable and wild side of Morgan, which keeps Morgan on her toes, trying to keep her normally unflappable self, unflappable. It’s not easy though since Parker occupies her mind regularly, in ways she’s never known before.
Parker is also a complex and fun character. On the one hand, her only long term relationship ended in disaster due to differences in opinion about ethics and a definite betrayal, but on the other hand, she basically only has one night stands, never really going past the first time with someone. She’s a bit of a player and blows off those one night people, even if she does try to do it nicely. A former cop, she got disillusioned by the Blue code of Silence over unethical cop behavior and is now channeling her do the right thing standard into being a criminal lawyer. She’s more passionate though and less clinical in her way of thinking than Morgan is as well as being just a bit more soft and heartful in her approach. She’s much more willing than Morgan to see what her feelings are about in this and to cross her personal line to explore with Morgan.
Of course, outside of the excellently written crime drama of this story, which was perfectly paced to keep up some mystery, this is foremost a romance. And there are obstacles that both Morgan and Parker need to get over to eventually have their HEA. In this case, it’s a matter of ethics, a running theme throughout the book. Morgan is Parker’s professor as Parker is in her last semester of law school, and their feelings for each other are hard to keep separate from their personal rules about never getting involved with someone they work with or have a more business like relationship with.
This is a legitimate foil for them since they hooked up before they each knew they would have any kind of working relationship. And then there are a few other issues like Parker’s ex being the picture and a real estate agent helping Morgan find a house that seem derail their relationship even further. The blow hot/cold by Morgan, who is really uncertain about how to deal with this new development, did get drawn out a bit too much at times for me. But Carsen Taite managed to rein that element back in each time just when it would start to become too much.
I would have given this book five stars or an A+ because it’s a well written story that flows nicely. However, even though I liked the development of the romance between Morgan and Parker, it was missing some spice, or spark that I needed to feel that these two would die without each other. Other than that, I highly recommend this book. And for what it’s worth, I really got off on the lawyerly/crime technical part. As a crime drama it’s clear that Carsen Taite knows what she’s talking about.
Heat Level: 3- some sexual scenarios, nothing too graphically written.
Both Morgan and Parker are interesting characters in their own right. What I liked was that they were equally matched, both having some strengths and weaknesses that got balanced as their romance develops. Sometimes their reactions and actions contradicted their general personalities, which meant that both of them weren’t stuck in fixed ways of being, making them more fun as characters. Also, the power difference dynamic brought out some interesting qualities in both women, and not in expected ways.
Morgan is a famous and well known criminal lawyer. She’s pretty much at the top of her game and has become an expert at what she does. After seeing her long term (romantic) partner with someone else, she decides that a one night hook-up is just the ticket, something that’s totally out of character for her. Later on, she does say that she feels love is more about the practicalities of relationships: paying bills, mortgages, bank accounts, shared responsibilities and this is who I felt Morgan thinks she is, and who she’s probably been until now. But Parker brings out the more passionate, unpredictable and wild side of Morgan, which keeps Morgan on her toes, trying to keep her normally unflappable self, unflappable. It’s not easy though since Parker occupies her mind regularly, in ways she’s never known before.
Parker is also a complex and fun character. On the one hand, her only long term relationship ended in disaster due to differences in opinion about ethics and a definite betrayal, but on the other hand, she basically only has one night stands, never really going past the first time with someone. She’s a bit of a player and blows off those one night people, even if she does try to do it nicely. A former cop, she got disillusioned by the Blue code of Silence over unethical cop behavior and is now channeling her do the right thing standard into being a criminal lawyer. She’s more passionate though and less clinical in her way of thinking than Morgan is as well as being just a bit more soft and heartful in her approach. She’s much more willing than Morgan to see what her feelings are about in this and to cross her personal line to explore with Morgan.
Of course, outside of the excellently written crime drama of this story, which was perfectly paced to keep up some mystery, this is foremost a romance. And there are obstacles that both Morgan and Parker need to get over to eventually have their HEA. In this case, it’s a matter of ethics, a running theme throughout the book. Morgan is Parker’s professor as Parker is in her last semester of law school, and their feelings for each other are hard to keep separate from their personal rules about never getting involved with someone they work with or have a more business like relationship with.
This is a legitimate foil for them since they hooked up before they each knew they would have any kind of working relationship. And then there are a few other issues like Parker’s ex being the picture and a real estate agent helping Morgan find a house that seem derail their relationship even further. The blow hot/cold by Morgan, who is really uncertain about how to deal with this new development, did get drawn out a bit too much at times for me. But Carsen Taite managed to rein that element back in each time just when it would start to become too much.
I would have given this book five stars or an A+ because it’s a well written story that flows nicely. However, even though I liked the development of the romance between Morgan and Parker, it was missing some spice, or spark that I needed to feel that these two would die without each other. Other than that, I highly recommend this book. And for what it’s worth, I really got off on the lawyerly/crime technical part. As a crime drama it’s clear that Carsen Taite knows what she’s talking about.
Heat Level: 3- some sexual scenarios, nothing too graphically written.
August 1, 2022
Everything I never knew I needed! I grew up reading Grisham and Baldacci and this fed that legal thriller craving with a strong and satisfying sapphic storyline. The author also handled the professor/student power imbalance dilemma quite well. I found both FMC to be flawed but lovable and badass :)
It was also such an intimate look at the law school environment and taught me a couple interesting legal tidbits that lent a lot of credibility to the story. I will be adding more Carsen Taite to my TBR pronto.
I loved it. 4.5 stars.
8/1/22 Edit: Re-read this on a whim and unfortunately it seems I’ve been reading a lot of sapphic thrillers and have more to compare it to. This time around I felt the relationship had a compelling foundation and a sweet ending but not enough development :(
The leads don’t spend enough screen time together for my liking.
4 stars
It was also such an intimate look at the law school environment and taught me a couple interesting legal tidbits that lent a lot of credibility to the story. I will be adding more Carsen Taite to my TBR pronto.
I loved it. 4.5 stars.
8/1/22 Edit: Re-read this on a whim and unfortunately it seems I’ve been reading a lot of sapphic thrillers and have more to compare it to. This time around I felt the relationship had a compelling foundation and a sweet ending but not enough development :(
The leads don’t spend enough screen time together for my liking.
4 stars
November 11, 2020
I chose this to be my first Carsen Taite book after reading the blurb. Because it's a teacher-student romance, I knew I picked a good one even before reading it.
Unlike many teacher-student romance books, this one was slightly different. Instead of some young 18 year old crushing on her teacher, Parker is an older student, a former Detective - closing the gap on the power inbalance in the relationship.
The author really did a phenomenal job in writing this book. The case itself was great and the romance was even better. The sexual tension between Morgan and Parker was uncomparable most other books I've read. And it got better and better as the story progressed.
Unlike many teacher-student romance books, this one was slightly different. Instead of some young 18 year old crushing on her teacher, Parker is an older student, a former Detective - closing the gap on the power inbalance in the relationship.
The author really did a phenomenal job in writing this book. The case itself was great and the romance was even better. The sexual tension between Morgan and Parker was uncomparable most other books I've read. And it got better and better as the story progressed.
September 23, 2017
*Sorry for any mistake, english is not my primary language*
I don't know exactly why I managed to finish this book since at various times I wondered why I was still reading it ... But anyway ... I believe that the sex scenes helped a lot in my persistence as well as the fact that the characters didn't jump right into the "swear of love".
Some points that decreased the book's potential and could have been improved:
1. At the beginning of the story the author reports that the character Morgan had just caught her 10-year-old partner with another woman in a bar.
I understand that the book has a small number of pages but the way that MC treats this discovery (even if it was not the first time something like this happened) is very indifferent and distant. As if 10 years together with the same person was nothing. The next day she has decided to move, ends things quickly with the ex and then is already in another.🙃
It's just ... Yeah, it could have been better portrayed.
2. One of Morgan's friends tries to arouse in her the desire to help in one of his cases. The character is reluctant but somehow, without even trying to enthral her, this friend gets her to agree to work on it.
If the character was not willing to help with the case, how come without her friend instilling a valid curiosity, she ends up accepting?
If the author had disclosed that MC accepted it because she was doing her friend a favor or because the case had certain difficulties that made her intrigued or something similar, it would be easy to agree with the narrative. However, the author doesn't explain any of this.
Only that for no apparent reason MC accepts the proposal.
And then there is not even one explanation why the friend of the character has accepted the case himself, since the client has no relation to any of them, has no money to have hired, has no crucial information to offer in his defense. Anything. He's just ... Has Nothing.
3. Sometimes when the characters are talking to each other, telling a story of a moment in their lifes, the impression is that the author ends up entering the dialogue, so that it doesn't look like a character talking to the other but rather the narrator narrating the story in a 3 point of view or something.
I read the same paragraph twice and could not get this impression out of my head that the narrator ended up mingling with the character's personality in the conversation.
4. The author tells us the age of the main characters but at certain times they seem to be much younger mentally and emotionally than the supposed age.
Parker is then the champion to look like a teenager on some occasions.
5. The end seemed forced and rushed. The resolution between MC and the suspect in the case was very artificial and the way the characters ended up in the "I love yous" and the distress after a dangerous situation ... again, it seemed forced.
Anyway, taking away these points that could have been improved I feel that the author's writing has potential and I really enjoyed all the technical procedure and assembly of the case.
Of course, the smut parts were great too.😅
In summary, a 2.5 to 3 stars.
This is a light and quick read for a Saturday in the park or an easy read between the trip from work to home.
I don't know exactly why I managed to finish this book since at various times I wondered why I was still reading it ... But anyway ... I believe that the sex scenes helped a lot in my persistence as well as the fact that the characters didn't jump right into the "swear of love".
Some points that decreased the book's potential and could have been improved:
1. At the beginning of the story the author reports that the character Morgan had just caught her 10-year-old partner with another woman in a bar.
I understand that the book has a small number of pages but the way that MC treats this discovery (even if it was not the first time something like this happened) is very indifferent and distant. As if 10 years together with the same person was nothing. The next day she has decided to move, ends things quickly with the ex and then is already in another.🙃
It's just ... Yeah, it could have been better portrayed.
2. One of Morgan's friends tries to arouse in her the desire to help in one of his cases. The character is reluctant but somehow, without even trying to enthral her, this friend gets her to agree to work on it.
If the character was not willing to help with the case, how come without her friend instilling a valid curiosity, she ends up accepting?
If the author had disclosed that MC accepted it because she was doing her friend a favor or because the case had certain difficulties that made her intrigued or something similar, it would be easy to agree with the narrative. However, the author doesn't explain any of this.
Only that for no apparent reason MC accepts the proposal.
And then there is not even one explanation why the friend of the character has accepted the case himself, since the client has no relation to any of them, has no money to have hired, has no crucial information to offer in his defense. Anything. He's just ... Has Nothing.
3. Sometimes when the characters are talking to each other, telling a story of a moment in their lifes, the impression is that the author ends up entering the dialogue, so that it doesn't look like a character talking to the other but rather the narrator narrating the story in a 3 point of view or something.
I read the same paragraph twice and could not get this impression out of my head that the narrator ended up mingling with the character's personality in the conversation.
4. The author tells us the age of the main characters but at certain times they seem to be much younger mentally and emotionally than the supposed age.
Parker is then the champion to look like a teenager on some occasions.
5. The end seemed forced and rushed. The resolution between MC and the suspect in the case was very artificial and the way the characters ended up in the "I love yous" and the distress after a dangerous situation ... again, it seemed forced.
Anyway, taking away these points that could have been improved I feel that the author's writing has potential and I really enjoyed all the technical procedure and assembly of the case.
Of course, the smut parts were great too.😅
In summary, a 2.5 to 3 stars.
This is a light and quick read for a Saturday in the park or an easy read between the trip from work to home.
October 26, 2012
This book started off very hot and interesting. Cheating ex, back ally action with a stranger at a bar, hot character descriptions... Then it got into the actual story; the lawyer teaching a class, and the woman she met in the alley is a student. There was an interesting high profile case they worked on that took up most of the book. I found that i was starting to lose interest the more and more the story became about the legal issues. I'm not saying that it was bad, I'm just not big on legal themed stories. And unfortunately, by the time it dropped back into the romance here and there, i found i didn't care any more. I would have taken some of the lengthy legal talk out of the middle, and added more time to the relationship and a less abrupt ending. But that's just me. You may like those very things that i found boring.
The author did a decent job of the hot and steamy, but after the beginning of the book, there wasn't much more. Her writing style was decent and well edited.
Having said that, please note that -i- found it uninteresting. Doesn't mean that you will. And it doesn't speak at all to the author's ability to write or tell a story. I liked the strong start, and have no doubt if it kept my interest it might have gotten 4 or 5 stars.
The author did a decent job of the hot and steamy, but after the beginning of the book, there wasn't much more. Her writing style was decent and well edited.
Having said that, please note that -i- found it uninteresting. Doesn't mean that you will. And it doesn't speak at all to the author's ability to write or tell a story. I liked the strong start, and have no doubt if it kept my interest it might have gotten 4 or 5 stars.
November 17, 2018
This author has fascinating skill to make her readers love LAW. I feel as if I am in the book sometimes and observing the characters in the court room or investigations. No dissapointments here, glad I chose this book for a weekend read.
November 14, 2020
Great book!
I really enjoyed this book! It was very suspenseful. The relationship between Parker and Morgan was sexy and intense. The murder mystery aspect was awesome! Looking forward to more!
I really enjoyed this book! It was very suspenseful. The relationship between Parker and Morgan was sexy and intense. The murder mystery aspect was awesome! Looking forward to more!
October 5, 2021
gerald
gerald rivera
gerald rivera
November 2, 2011
Morgan, a famous defense lawyer, is newly back in her home town, having moved across town to take up an academic post and move into a new home with her longtime lover, only to discover that her lover has other ideas. Planning to drown her sorrows, she takes the wrong door out of the bar, and has to be rescued by one of the barstaff. They spend the night together, only to discover later that Parker is one of the more mature students on the course Morgan is teaching. When the opportunity comes up for Morgan and three of her students, including Parker and the other former police officer in the group, to provide the defense in what seems to be an open and shut case, the women have to try and work together while deciding between their attraction and keeping a professional distance until the course and the trial are over.
I liked this book a lot, although there were a few points early on where I would have edited it differently, but the official blurb doesn't fully do it justice. A big cast of richly drawn characters, and mostly believable situations for the standards of the genre.
I was already a fan of Carsen Taite's video posts on the Women and Words blog; now I need to read more of her books.
I liked this book a lot, although there were a few points early on where I would have edited it differently, but the official blurb doesn't fully do it justice. A big cast of richly drawn characters, and mostly believable situations for the standards of the genre.
I was already a fan of Carsen Taite's video posts on the Women and Words blog; now I need to read more of her books.
November 23, 2017
This is such a great book. The author is doing great on mixing the romance and the murder case together. It was interesting and made me want to see what was actually happened behind that murder. Camille, even though, she didnt show up in this book, beside had been mention everywhere about during the investigate things and things from her friends, she sounded such a sweet girl. If she alive, she would be the character that like alots i guess. Poor her on what happened. well anyway i also like both main characters.
One thing that i dont like tho
Beside that i like everything about this book :)
One thing that i dont like tho
Beside that i like everything about this book :)
February 10, 2015
3.5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The story is not incredibly original but in terms of lesbian romance, it does the work. I quite like stories that start with a night of passion, because that usually means there's a very strong chemistry between the characters. It Should Be A Crime is HOT and the spark between the girls is obvious. I like readng about feelings that turn from sexual to romantic. We don't read that enough. The plot is also quite exciting, the prof/student plotline and the murder investigation plotline keep the readers interested. The changing dynamics of power/submission is also delightful to read.
But, still, I feel like there was a lot of untapped potential. The main problem for me was the lack of scenes with just Casey and the teacher. I also was disappointed at the end of the book because I'd'spent the whole story waiting for an explosive ending and there wasn't much of one. It's a typical romance story focused on the chasing that leaves you unsatisfied because you don't really get to read about the women together. This needs a sequel!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The story is not incredibly original but in terms of lesbian romance, it does the work. I quite like stories that start with a night of passion, because that usually means there's a very strong chemistry between the characters. It Should Be A Crime is HOT and the spark between the girls is obvious. I like readng about feelings that turn from sexual to romantic. We don't read that enough. The plot is also quite exciting, the prof/student plotline and the murder investigation plotline keep the readers interested. The changing dynamics of power/submission is also delightful to read.
But, still, I feel like there was a lot of untapped potential. The main problem for me was the lack of scenes with just Casey and the teacher. I also was disappointed at the end of the book because I'd'spent the whole story waiting for an explosive ending and there wasn't much of one. It's a typical romance story focused on the chasing that leaves you unsatisfied because you don't really get to read about the women together. This needs a sequel!
December 3, 2017
I didn't expect to particularly like this one, but I ended up not being able to put it down. The book regularly shifts perspective between Parker and Morgan, but I loved how details about Parker were let out slowly, like her age, the fact that she's a former cop, the fact that she's specifically a former homicide detective. I was also pleasantly surprised to be completely wrong about who the killer was. It's well worth a read, but clear your evening.
2017 reread: still loved it!
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/crime...
2017 reread: still loved it!
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/crime...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2018
My 1st Carsen Taite book which I enjoyed very much. Ms. Taite's background in criminal law gives her law-&-order-related books a touch of realism in that world. Add in some sexy romance & voila! A bloody good read!
I'd also recommend the sequel, "The Best Defense," too.
I'd also recommend the sequel, "The Best Defense," too.
June 3, 2019
Really enjoyed this book - though slightly worried her books are rather the same - legal (love that side of her tales) - shouldn't be in a relationship - lots of angst - but Don't let my fears worry you. Loved it.
March 13, 2016
Sadly a bit dull most of the time, but engaging enough once I got into it.
July 2, 2017
One of my favorite Carson Taite books.
May 19, 2020
It started out great, but I was so disappointed. I always thought the two MCs would have some screen time, but no...
April 21, 2021
I listened to the audiobook since Lori Prince is one of my favorite narrators. As it turns out, even Lorie couldn’t help me enjoy this one. The characters are either bland, convenient plot pushers (in the case of Parker’s roommates and best bud); really, REALLY corrupt cops that routinely get away with crazy illegal evidence tampering (in the case of literally the entire police force other than Parker); or they’re just flat or unlikable. Morgan especially is the worst; she’s selfish and cold, and I could not figure out what her appeal was other than being gorgeous.
The story is this sort of half legal drama/half police procedural that never fully commits to either approach, so narratively it became a mess. There were also several points where I raised my eyebrows, thinking “I’m no lawyer/cop, but I’m PRETTY SURE that’s not how [fill in blank] works.” For example, a murder happens and then just a couple weeks later it’s going to trial? Don’t these trials generally take months, in some cases years, to occur? And the hotshot legal team has not spent hours and hours and HOURS poring over every minute detail, prepping witnesses, tagging evidence, etc? Yes, we see them dedicating a lot of time to getting ready; but again, it’s all crammed rather unrealistically into a couple weeks and they really have only managed to scratch the surface of their defense by the time they go to trial. I get that these details often have to be fudged or stretched a little to keep the story moving along, but it really beggared belief at times.
I think most people can get past that. I’m just someone who appreciates a really well done crime drama, so when I see those kinds of holes, I zone right in on them. Still, my hat’s off to the author for finding her niche with lesfic legal dramas. There aren’t tons of them. This was not my jam, but judging by other reviews many other people liked it.
The story is this sort of half legal drama/half police procedural that never fully commits to either approach, so narratively it became a mess. There were also several points where I raised my eyebrows, thinking “I’m no lawyer/cop, but I’m PRETTY SURE that’s not how [fill in blank] works.” For example, a murder happens and then just a couple weeks later it’s going to trial? Don’t these trials generally take months, in some cases years, to occur? And the hotshot legal team has not spent hours and hours and HOURS poring over every minute detail, prepping witnesses, tagging evidence, etc? Yes, we see them dedicating a lot of time to getting ready; but again, it’s all crammed rather unrealistically into a couple weeks and they really have only managed to scratch the surface of their defense by the time they go to trial. I get that these details often have to be fudged or stretched a little to keep the story moving along, but it really beggared belief at times.
I think most people can get past that. I’m just someone who appreciates a really well done crime drama, so when I see those kinds of holes, I zone right in on them. Still, my hat’s off to the author for finding her niche with lesfic legal dramas. There aren’t tons of them. This was not my jam, but judging by other reviews many other people liked it.
March 16, 2020
Carsen Taite is quickly becoming one of my favourite lesfic authors. Her courtroom drama scenes and case work scenes are just great, they suck you in and drag you along. Plus she writes her characters well with realistic dialogue and action. This book was a bit of a slow start but when it got into it, I couldn't out it down. The chemistry and conflict between the two main characters is strong. Circumstance and supporting characters add to the tension. Over all, This was a great little read.
August 13, 2021
Overall, it's a good book, eye-catching and well-written. That being said, I confess that for me it wasn't enough. I didn't particularly like the development of the romance. I thought it ended up getting a bit juvenile. A tremendous lack of communication and a lot of immaturity for two adult women. I would have liked to have seen a lot more scenes of the two of them developing the relationship and this simply didn't happen.
July 28, 2020
This book was a page-turner for me. I liked that the dive into the police procedural, academia, legal and romance elements were of the right depth, just enough to keep the pace and the reader engaged.
I also think that the author has created an interesting cast of characters and "world" that can carry a series.
I also think that the author has created an interesting cast of characters and "world" that can carry a series.
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