Title and author: Leading the Witness by Chantal Fernando
Series: Conflict of Interest - Book 4
Publisher: Gallery Books
Releases: April 17, 2018
Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/ycxlycds
Genre: Contemporary
Author website: http://www.authorchantalfernando.com/
Rating: 4.5 Stars

The series is named Conflict of Interest, and choices made in this compelling story frequently clash with what is actually desired. Two individuals have been trading sharp-witted banter for a year, but the bar owner and lawyer assume nothing more will ever happen between them. Yet when circumstances change and the probability of Riley McMahon and Hunter Brayze becoming more than friends increases, both feel taking things slow is for the best. But their control is tested because of the mounting sexual tension whenever they are near each other. Chantal Fernando makes LEADING THE WITNESS entertaining with candid comments and always realistic events.

When Riley McMahon and Hunter Brayze met for the first time, he was a customer in her recently opened pub. Although she thinks the tattooed lawyer is exceedingly handsome and his flirting affects her, she is certainly not going to act on it since she is married, A year later, her business is doing well, and the divorce lawyer plus his coworkers at Bentley and Channing Law come in several times a week for a meal or drinks. What is not so great in her life is her impending divorce.

After Hunter finds out the man whom he will be representing in a divorce case is the husband of Riley, he knows she will lose much if he follows the wishes of his client. He also realizes winning should be most important to him, yet he secretly wants to make her vindictive husband pay her instead. As the demands of each are declared Hunter tries to keep his emotions out of the equation, because what he feels for Riley is not at all professional.

LEADING THE WITNESS has a romantic couple who will long be remembered. Hunter has been a favorite character in this series, as he is charming and always seems to have a good-natured comeback ready. In his own story, I got to know this likable man even better, and every fact learned just made him more appealing. While he has dated lots of women, his feelings for Riley are like nothing he has felt before. When she becomes available, his actions prove what a truly admirable person he is at all times. What Riley had to go through is very real, as divorces are often messy and future ex-husbands can be spiteful. I liked that she did not back down, and her determination showed she can stand up for herself. The scenes where Hunter is in lawyer mode were fascinating, and I was anxious to see how the proceedings would go. Chantal Fernando had me believing every incident could actually happen, and I was thankful for getting the views of both main characters.

There are numerous occasions where colleagues of Riley and Hunter make an appearance, and conversations are regularly amusing and caused much laughter. Yet there are also some discussions where sincere feelings are mixed in, and these moments had me sensing the truth behind the words. LEADING THE WITNESS is another engaging story in the Conflict of Interest series.

I voluntarily reviewed the book from the publisher via NetGalley, and all comments are my honest opinion

Riley has a great friend in Kat, even if Kat has selective hearing, “you haven’t had *** in over a year?” she asks , eyes going wide. “No wonder you’re so grumpy all the time. Damn, woman. How are you surviving? Doesn’t every male look good to you right now?” She glances around the bar, as if looking for p*****s." Hunter isn't bashful, “well since you’re not objecting.” He grins and lets the towel drop. “Unlike you, I’m not shy.” I liked this book, I loved Hunter and Riley.

I really enjoyed the romance between Hunter and Riley. Hunter was my favorite in how patient and thoughtful he was with Riley. I also liked how independent Riley was and how she takes a chance on Hunter. The mystery behind who burned down her bar took an interesting twist, which I liked. This was a read I'd recommend!.

Riley is dealing with her horrible marriage and is happy to spend most of her time running her own business, a pub. Hunter, a local lawyer, has been attracted to Riley since he first met her at the pub but knows she's married so he keeps some distance. When Hunter ends up representing Riley's soon to be ex in their divorce proceedings things get really complicated. I really enjoyed this second chance at love story!

Thankfully a completely standalone novel - but I will have to go back and read about the other couples from previous books :)

A fun and funny story with a bit of well done drama, not a ton of angst, and sexy humor abound.

Riley McMahon has put her blood, sweat and tears into making her pub/bar a success. Riley attributes a good part of that success to her many regular customers, regulars that include all of the employees at Bentley & Channing Law. Riley and her crew quickly befriend the lawyers from that firm, but when Riley herself is in need of a lawyer after it became clear she couldn’t salvage her marriage, she was too embarrassed to ask anyone from Bentley & Channing.

Hunter Brayze at first sight took an immediate interest in Riley, but knowing she was married, he kept his distance. Randomly he agrees to represent a guy in a divorce case as a favor to a fellow lawyer. The client ends up being a real jerk, but he gave his word to his friend and he intends to follow through. Low and behold the guy he’s representing is Riley’s husband...in his divorce from Riley! From that point, I was glued to my kindle to see what Chantal Fernando had planned! Wowzer!

I always look forward to diving into Chantal Fernando’s novels, and Leading the Witness is the perfect example of why! I have read all of the prior installments in The Conflict of Interest series and I was thrilled to get Hunter and Riley’s story. The synopsis had my interest peeked and I am so happy to say that this 4.5 star read lived up to all of my expectations! I thought the storyline was fast paced and original. I found both Hunter and Riley endearing and it was also great to catch up with past favorites. If you haven’t started this series yet I highly recommend it!

Oh my, I wish I had a Hunter in my life. Drool worthy, that's for sure. Riley needs a good man like Hunter after the disaster of her ex husband.

This book is fabulous! The story is very gripping and so much goes on that you just need to shut the family up so that you can read!

Riley has a lot of stuff going on in her life and Hunter is the last thing she thinks she needs. Silly woman! Take him and take him NOW! That's my opinion. Hunter is simply divine: alpha male, kind, patient and sexy with a capital S! There is so much sexual chemistry going on between Riley and Hunter that it's hard to understand how they hold off for so long.

This is my second book by Chantal Fernando and I'm hooked. I recommend this book; you won't be disappointed.

I have been totally waiting for Riley's book....I can't lie. And reading this blurb had my eyes popping out. Yes....give it to me, its exactly what I wanted!

Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked......

Hunter is a lawyer and he is a dreamboat! 'I’m one of a kind, Hunter replies'....oh yes you are Hunter!

Riley owns the pub down the road from his office. There has been a mutual attraction for a while but the only problem was that Riley has been trying to get things settled with her ex husband.....and let's just say her ex, Jeremy, is piece of work, I wanted to smack him!

Hunter and Riley's relationship is beautiful and it sings out through the pages....and of course there is drama!

For the record ...I love Preston