I've had a hard time with this series as a whole.  While the books were good they didn't really meet the expectations I have of a Chantal Fernando book.  In the past her books have taken hold of me and I've been unable to put them down.  With this series I'm not finding that "it" factor that causes the outside world to disappear as I fall head long into one of her stories.

While Trinity and Callum were both good characters they weren't amazing.  Their story had so much potential but, it just fell short for me.  It seemed rushed and because of it we lost out on a lot of their story.

I did really enjoy the slightly older, more worldly woman who doesn't know how to have fun meets fun loving younger man.  It was fun to see Callum both excel at his high demand and extremely professional job and show the overly serious Trinity that they could have a life outside of work.  It didn't take Trinity long to follow Callum into to his way of thinking which made for more excitement in the story.

Overall this had the potential to be an amazing book but, it fell flat for me.

Fernando's Conflict of Interest series continues to impress with it's newest addition Approaching the Bench.

In this book we meet Callum on his first day of a new job as a law clerk. The judge with whom he'll be working with is Trinity (Trinny). Trinity's icy demeanor and command of the courtroom have given her the nickname Medusa. Of course, Callum sees through Trinity's stoicism right away and he slowly works on gaining her favor through his work, and by caring for her. He brings Trinny coffee, makes sure she eats lunch, and convinces her to answer one personal question a day. They are both attracted to each other, but a personal relationship isn't ideal due to their working relationship. However, when Trinity's life is threatened the two need to go into hiding. While spending time away from the office and courtroom, they are no longer able to keep things strictly professional.

Fernando's writing style really shined in this book. She keeps things pretty short and to the point while really showing personal growth in her characters. Right from the start, it's hard to not like both Callum and Trinity since their POVs and voices are so distinctive and authentic.

Although I'm typically not a fan of heroes and heroines who have gone through the trauma of losing a parent. Trinny and Callum were able to find common ground through their losses, though, and I appreciated the care in which Fernando covered the topic of grief.

4.5 stars for Approaching the Bench!

1.5 Stars

I had made a lot of notes and comments while reading this book, but I think it comes down to this: I have tried numerous times to read indie romances and they just aren’t for me.

I’m picky with my books. I want my real world facts to be present in the books I read (i.e. it takes longer than overnight for a DNA match to come back); I want my characters to not all be carbon copies of every other book (petite woman, tall man, some tragedy in their pasts, and apparently, green eyes); I want my suspense to feel real and present, not just a plot device to get two people alone together; I want the writing and the characters to be fleshed out.

Sadly, this book had too much of the above for me to find it enjoyable.

This was a great quick read. I really enjoyed the suspense and the banter between Trinity and Callum. They were great with each other, Callum was funny, smart, and sexy. Trinity was tough, and when she let down her wall she was funny and sweet. I look forward to more.

Firstly, I have to say I LOVE the fact that this is a female judge! I love seeing women in positions of power and let me tell you Chantal Fernando NAILED it. I love how Callum breaks down Trinity in this story. Their chemistry is brilliant and hot. I really enjoyed how they play off each other regardless of the situation as well! This is a great addition to the series and a perfect short read!

"Who am I to judge the judge?"

I fell in love with the author's Wind Dragons MC series and decided to follow her into whatever she decided to write next. I must say that I'm really enjoying her Conflict of Interest series as well. I've grown quite attached to her legal team that continues to grow as each one finds love in some of the most interesting ways.

I met Callum when he was interning in the legal office, and I must say he's even more entertaining as a clerk for a female judge. His wit and charm are hard to resist, so his new boss doesn't stand a chance. They might call her Medusa behind her back, but as far as he's concerned, "The only thing she turns to stone is my cock..."

Trinity was the youngest female judge in the state when she took office, so it was important to her that she prove herself as being confident, firm, and decisive. She mastered the skill of hiding her emotions and maintaining a cold stare which earned her the nickname being used behind her back. Judge Judy as nothing on her.

When a threat is made against the judge, Callum comes to the rescue. "What an unlikely hero. My overly chatty, smart-ass law clerk." When law enforcement decides to keep them in a safe house until the threat is taken care of, they find themselves alone together. Without their heavy caseload and all those rules and regulations to keep their attraction from being a distraction, it becomes more than they can ignore.

As always, the author turns up the heat and throws in some suspense to keep things interesting. That's why I keep coming back for more. I can't get enough and I'm always ready for more, regardless of what subject she decides to tackle next. The line forms here...

I've read everything Chantal Fernando has ever written and I've enjoyed almost all of it, immensely, but something about the Conflict of Interest series isn't working for me. These books feel rushed and unfinished. Of course, they have the happily ever after and the hot love interests we all know and love from Chantal so I'll be back for more.

His woman only needs to speak once and Callum moves into action, “we can do more exploring in bed,” I say, and before I know it he has me buckled in the front seat, and we’re on the road back to the farmhouse." Callum is always anticipating time with his woman, “I can’t wait to go back home and be back in my own bed.” I look to Trinny. “Or to try out your bed.” I liked this book, I loved Callum.

I love Callum's attitude towards life! He is caring but care free even if he has many worries. A good sense of humor, a warm soul and a lot of patience when it comes to Trinity. She is a tough one to crack! But even when she wants to deny the attraction between them, she can still appreciate the little gestures he does for her. Realizing that all along he has been showing her that he is the one that can give her love like no other. The guy that will put her first. When lives are in danger she has no other choice than to change her way of living. And the best decision she makes to start changing and taking risk.... is to take a chance on him.

More, I wanted more. The picture on the front does not do Trinity justice. In the book she is a hard ass Judge. But the woman on the cover looks sweet and gentle. So I guess it's true, you can't judge a book by it's cover.