Riley McMahon - Owner of a local pub called Riley's.
Hunter Brayze - Divorce attorney for Bentley & Channing Law.
Hunter doesn’t usually care if he likes his clients or not, but not only does he have a hard time interacting with this man, but come to find out, the man he’s representing wants to leave his soon-to-be ex with NOTHING and she just happens to be the one woman Hunter’s always been attracted to but never acted on because she was married.
Torn between his professional code of ethics and his intense connection with Riley, Hunter finds himself at a crossroads wondering whose interests he’ll ultimately protect. Talk about a major Conflict of Interest!


**ARC kindly provided by via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

I love it when a book has strong, three dimensional characters. It is definitely the case with Hunter and Riley. Both characters are easy to love and root for. I addition, the surrounding characters in the book also feel well defined, not just background elements. I flew through the first part of the book, intrigued by the ethical dilemma of how Hunter was going to represent Riley's ex while he knew he was already interested in her. This plot line could have sustained the entire book, but it is resolved (well) close to the halfway mark. The second half of the book is more of a slow burn, how Hunter and Riley find their way to each other now that they are free to do so. Overall, it was a sweet bo0k with great characters and a relatable story.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This legal romance presented an interesting dilemma that the main characters found themselves in. For a year, Hunter and Riley couldn't act on the attraction that they felt towards each other because Riley was a married woman. However, even when Riley is in the process of ending her marriage, there are more complications because Hunter happens to represent her soon-to-be ex in the divorce proceedings. There are certain ethical issues that prevent Hunter from laying claim over Riley, but there's no denying just how strong the connection is between the two. Maintaining that fine balance between Hunter's professional responsibilities as a lawyer and his personal desires when it came to Riley were part of what made this a good read. The author kept the story moving forward without needing to create additional drama when there was already enough issues between Hunter and Riley. Both the main characters had strong personalities but I liked that readers get to see their softer, more vulnerable side as their relationship flourishes. Leading the Witness scored well with me and that's why it receives four stars. ♥

Divorce lawyer Hunter is one of the best in town. He and some of his colleagues have been visiting a local bar and restaurant, Riley’s, for the last year and become very friendly with the owner. Hunter has developed a secret crush on her which is a problem as she is married and off limits, so their relationship is just friendly and fun....unless she becomes free that is.
Hunter doesn’t know it yet but Riley hopes to be single very soon, she’s trying to get free of her jerk of a husband as quick as possible but her crush on Hunter will make no difference to her intentions to never start another relationship with anyone again after her bad experience with her soon to be ex. Her number one priority now is her business.
I liked how the relationship between Hunter and Riley began as a friendship, even though they both secretly wished for more, and then when it was possible, it slowly grew and matured. The plot twist was intense when he finds himself defending an unexpected client and then the tension becomes palpable between Hunter and Riley.
It’s an entertaining ride, Hunter and Riley were a great couple, and Preston, well I loved him.

LEADING THE WITNESS by Chantal Fernando was just outstanding, the best of the series if you ask me. This is book four in the series and in order to understand the flow of characters and how their relationships come about, I would highly recommend that you read book one through three.


This is Hunter and Riley's story, the chemistry between them from the first time Hunter and the rest of his firm walk into Riley's bar is smoking hot, but their paths take a long and twisted journey before they can act on their attraction, or does it? Does the line that Hunter walks cross over into client/attorney privileges?


This story flows from one page to the next and kept me captivated till the very end, from the plot to the characters you will not be disappointed. This is not my first read by Chantal Fernando and most certainly wont be my last, she is one of those authors that will become one of your must buys.


I would give LEADING THE WITNESS 4/5 stars

Readers who have read Chantal Fernando’s Conflict of Interest series are more than familiar with Hunter Brayze - the gorgeous tattooed divorce lawyer who never lacks female attention, and now in, Leading the Witness, Fernando places this playboy attorney in a rather precarious position - one that makes Hunter question his code of ethics and makes him doubt his professionalism when, for personal reasons, he’s begins to push for a quick and easy fix for his current client’s divorce settlement.

Talk about a conflict of interest…Hunter doesn’t usually care if he likes his clients or not, but not only does he have a hard time interacting with this particular man, but come to find out, the man he’s representing wants to leave his soon-to-be ex with NOTHING and she just so happens to be the one woman Hunter’s always been attracted to but never acted on due to her martial status.

Riley McMahon can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to dealing with her impending divorce. Her husband is beyond an asshat and she doesn’t deserve his mistreatment, but she endures and keeps her head held high because that’s kind of independent woman she is and will continue to be despite the shitstorm that surrounds her. But boy does Hunter Brayze throw Riley off her game and even though he didn’t mean to, he makes everything that much more complicated but what he also does is make Riley see what attraction and desire look like, and it’s definitely nothing like what she ever had with her husband.

For most of the story, Hunter and Riley can only circle around one another because their mutual attraction can’t be acted on until Riley becomes a single woman again, and even then, she seems a bit gun shy, which makes sense give what’s she’s been through, but it’s more than difficult to not give into her feelings for Hunter, so exploring that connection may already be out of her hands.

Because of the circumstances standing in Hunter and Riley’s way, it’s definitely a slow burn romance; in fact, besides flirty conversations, nothing happens until more than 60% through the story, and while it makes sense given the situation they’re dealing with, it may be something that prevents readers from connecting with the characters, but Fernando does make it clear that both Hunter and Riley want something to happen between them, it’s just a tenuous situation, and it’s something that can only begin once something else ends.

I loved Hunter since he was introduced in the series, so I’m so glad his story was told, and while it wasn’t my favorite, I still enjoyed it and was happy to see past characters and couples pop up in Leading the Witness because I love catching up with characters I’ve grown attached to and that’s what Fernando gives her readers in Hunter and Riley’s story.

4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

Leading the Witness was such an unexpectedly wild ride. I had an idea in my head what hte book would be like - but in reality it was so much better and different - in all the right ways.

From the first page, the chemistry between Hunter and Riley was palpable, and as the story progressed, it was blaringly obvious these two needed to find a way to be together because they were just right. I really enjoyed the spin on this story, from intriguing characters, to a unique spin that made this story so different from others with similar plots.

Riley was a sweetheart, in the midst of divorce, she only wanted two things - and she didn't want to cause a stir or create problems - she wanted to walk away with her business and her dog. Unfortunately for her - her soon to be ex isn't so keen on not causing problems. Riley's seen Hunter long before her divorce and has him pegged as a manwhore - something she knows she'll need to avoid post-divorce - but once she really gets to know him - she realizes he's changing.

Hunter has known Riley was off limits even though he felt something for her, so when he discovers she's divorcing - he's glad to know she'll soon be available. Unfortunately he's in a touchy position as her ex's lawyer in the divorce.

As these two work through the difficulties of the positions they are in, they really form quite the bond, and an amazing relationship is born of their chemistry and attraction. The cast of characters within the pages, really add a lot to the story, making me not only want more, but also making me want to go back and read the books I missed in the series. There's quite a family feeling to these friends and close coworkers and I love it when a group of characters compels you to know more about them all.

Hunter just patiently waits for his pray. He wants to love Riley and show her that even though she is strong and independent it doesn't hurt to have him on her corner. The temptation has been strong for both but they have resisted, because everything that is good doesn't come easy and the reward is a lifetime of happiness. Who doesn't want to be catch by hunter? Protective, considerate, attentive, sexy and much more. He even knows when to hold his tongue and not behave like a caveman... That's a smart man! Riley just knocked him off his feet. She is a good woman and from the first time he saw her he knew she was worth it. After the humongous as* she had for an ex husband she deserves a true man that will put her first. And that is exactly what Hunter is. A very entertaining easy read with the characters trying to solve all problems thrown at them in every page. Plus some swoon worthy moments.

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has pain, suspense, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Breaching the Contract (Conflict of Interest #1)
Seducing the Defendant (Conflict of Interest #2)
Approaching the Bench (Conflict of Interest #3)

This is Riley and Hunter’s story. Hunter is a divorce lawyer. There are times he does not like his clients but he will help them out. His current client is getting a divorce from the woman that Hunter has always wanted. He is stuck with his client who is determined to take away everything that Riley has. But can he help out the client when all he wants is Riley? He wants to settle but will he end up hurting Riley in the end? Will he be able to make her his if he helps her ex? As the case gets more and more crazy can he figure out how to figure out what side he wants to be on in the end?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

This book is now my second favourite in the Conflict of Interest series, sorry Leading the Witness but you just don't come close to the heart-wrenching love story that was Seducing the Defendant.
Hunter Brayze is, however, going to be a favourite book boyfriend of mine for a while.
I love when authors, but especially when Chantal, takes a previous manwhore playboy and turns him into a loyal, protective, slightly possessive partner.
One thing that I've grown to love about Chantal Fernando's books that I've read is that not only does she write superb, compelling, immersive stories that captivate me but she writes strong women characters that are equally sassy, sexy and sweet.
I absolutely love everything that Chantal Fernando writes and would definitely recommend reading this book.

Leading the Witness is the fourth book in Fernando's Conflict of Interest series. The series centers around lawyers at a law firm and the anticipation for this book has been steadily growing since book one. I was actually surprised we didn't get Hunter and Riley's story as book three of the series, but I loved Approaching the Bench so whatevs!

Hunter and Riley's book could have almost been chopped up into two pieces. First off we had Riley's divorce in which Hunter is her ex-husband's lawyer. Hunter didn't know he was defending Riley's Ex, he didn't even know she was getting a divorce. The Ex is a scumbag and there is a whole bunch of drama in keeping Hunter and Riley's friendship a secret so the divorce proceedings can progress. The second section of the book was Hunter and Riley's relationship building now that she's divorced and they are free to tackle the off-the-charts sexual chemistry they've had for over a year.

Although both sections of the book were interesting, they were so different in so many ways that the book felt choppy and unconnected. I loved the secrecy element of the divorce section but the classified nature of their attraction just up and went POOF a third to half of the way through the book. On the flip side, their courtship and relationship exploration in the second part was incredibly tender and evocative, something that was missing in the initial chapters. Alone, either of the phases of Hunter and Riley's relationships would have worked for me as a complete package. Together, though, the inconsistency of emotions and actions between H&R played havoc on the continuity of the book.

All that being said, I was glad I read this one as it wrapped up a totally phenomenal series. I've loved getting to know Hunter, Jaxon, Kat, Tristan, Scarlett, and Callum over the course of the four books. Conflict of Interest has put Chantal Fernando firmly on my auto-buy list!

I thought this was cute. There isn't much suspense or anything that propels the plot. Its more a string of littler problems that they tackle. I really liked Hunter-I liked him in the previous books too, but this just confirmed my feelings. He and Riley are a great match and I enjoyed reading about them dealing with the struggles of a formerly taboo relationship.

Hunter and Riley sucked me in from the begging and I was not disappointed!! Love this author so much. So well written.

This book is beautifully written, and Chantal Fernando hit it out of the park with this book. I couldn't help, but cheer them on.

I loved Hunter, he is a hard worker, knows what he wants and is sweet. He knows what he is doing, and knows what he wants and will be patient.

I loved Riley, she is sassy, feisty and loving. She is a hard worker, and puts her all into everything. She seems closed off, but that's her mechanism.

I loved this book, and recommend this story. wtmo

Chantal Fernando is one of those automatic downloads to my TBR list. Leading the Witness is no exception to that rule. I can always count on Chantal to write dreamy alpha male characters and whip smart female leads. Plus, all of Hunters bearded tattooed glory? Sold.

I enjoyed Hunter and Riley’s story.
I liked their chemistry and the banter throughout the book.

However, I felt as though it jumped about a bit. I found myself lost and had to read back a few times.

Other than that, I really enjoyed it. I loved getting to catch up with the rest of the couples from the series as well.

I seriously love Chantal Fernando!! She is amazing at what she does... I loved her 1st mc series, then I read all the books in this series... I think Hunter & Riley are my Faves in this series!!!!
This book was phenomenal!!! It’s a must read!!!!
Throughout all the books in this series.. you read about Hunter and his hunt of women... I knew I wanted his book., he was everything I wanted him to be and so much more..
the minute he laid eyes on Riley he wanted her but she was off limits..
Hunter is this strong man and is very possessive of things that are his.. he is very loyal this those he cares for.. so when he is asked as a favor to represent someone he does.. but when he finds out who his new client is and who they are going against... all bets are off...

I loved this... I hope we get more... maybe a certain firecracker receptionist and a bartender...???? 😍

Very good read, lawyer is attracted to bar owner. Turns out she is the wife his sleezy client is divorcing. Lots of suspense and intrigue. It strays from romance to who done it, but it's sexy enough to carry the story.

4 Stars

Leading The Witness is the fourth title in the Conflict of Interest series, and probably my favorite of the series. This title is a contemporary romance, that fits in to the office/forbidden romance tropes, featuring Hunter and Riley.

Riley is the owner of Riley's bar. She's an interesting character, stubborn, strong, independent and sassy. At times she can be a tad to prideful for her own good.

Hunter is a tattooed bad boy lawyer and underneath his colourful exterior is a heart of gold. He's a sweet, patient, reliable, fun and loyal man, who will do anything for those he cares for.

Their banter is fun, witty and flirtatious.

I really enjoyed seeing the characters from the previous titles all appear within this story line. If you are looking for a low angst contemporary romance, check out Leading The Witness.

Hunter is an attorney representing a man he doesn't like in a divorce. He finds out the client's ex wife is Riley the owner of a pub and woman he is trying to date. A messy divorce proceeding and secrets combine to disrupt everything Hunter holds dear. An interesting read, I recommend this book.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.