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.

I love Chantal Fernando's series Conflicts of Interest! A must read!  I've been reading along since book 1 and I could not wait for Hunter to get his story.

3.5 Stars

Leading the Witness was a light and entertaining read. I was drawn into the story and was interested to see where things would lead. 
I enjoyed the connection and the flirting between Riley and Hunter. It built the tension for me and I couldn’t wait for them to finally be able to act on their chemistry. I was a little surprised that there was so little of the trial/divorce since that’s all the blurb really covered. That being said, I did like that once they were finally free to explore more, they did. We still had the build and then we got to focus on them and their progression as a couple. 
Fernando added in a bit of mystery, both with Riley’s past and in some issues that arose. I felt those added another dimension to the story. I was eager to see what would happen and who was behind it all. 
This the first book I’ve read from Chantal Fernando and it won’t be my last. I’m ready to head back to the beginning and see where it all started!! 
~Erin

So from the moment that Hunter was introduced in this series, I wanted his story, and it was just as i expected it to be.
The minute that Hunter saw Riley McMahon the owner of the local pub, he wanted her. Hunter is a tatted up, playboy divorce lawyer at Bentley and Channing Law. He is your usual playboy type, girls love him and he is enjoying his life.

Riley is sweet, sassy and she is getting a divorce, and the last thing she needs is to get involved with a playboy, no matter all the flirting they have been doing. All she wants is her divorce and to run her bar and live quietly with her dog.
But as with all divorces her ex is being a pain and the worse of it is, his lawyer is none other than the playboy she was been infatuated with. And imagine Hunter's surprise when he is representing the ex of the women he can't seem to get out of his head. So will Riley give him the time of day when she finds out and how will Hunter make her his women if he's the ex's lawyer?? 
I loved this one, Hunter was just #sigh #swoonworthy. I mean a sexy alpha male in a suit, oh yeah baby. Loved Riley, she was independent and sweet but also a bit feisty... I loved the chemistry between the two of them it was freaking HOT!!! This author always gets me with her books, draws you in from the moment you start reading

4.5 Stars
Review by Flavia

3.75 stars--LEADING THE WITNESS is the fourth instalment in Chantal Fernando’s contemporary, adult CONFLICT OF INTEREST erotic, romance novella series focusing on the legal team at Bentley and Channing Law. This is family law attorney Hunter Brayze, and bar owner Riley McMahon’s story line. LEADING THE WITNESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hunter and Riley) LEADING THE WITNESS follows the building relationship between attorney Hunter Brayze, and bar owner Riley McMahon. For over a year Hunter and the partners at the law offices of Bentley and Channing have frequented Riley’s bar-a local bar and tavern serving great food and the perfect atmosphere for our story line her. Meeting Riley McMahon gave purpose to Hunter’s late night fantasies but what Hunter never expected to be the lawyer for the opposition in Riley’s divorce against her pr*ck of an ex. Without the ability to help the woman that calls to his heart, Hunter makes it possible so that Riley is able to get the best defense against the accusations and threats by her determined ex. With Riley’s divorce behind them, Hunter begins his slow seduction of our story line heroine only to be brought back to reality when said ex makes another attempt to destroy any happiness for Riley, this time going after the attorney in question.  What ensues is the building romance between Riley and Hunter, and the potential fall-out as Riley’s bar is targeted, and ethical misconduct threatens on the horizon.

Riley McMahon can’t soon be rid of her maddening ex-husband but embarrassment and pride stopped Riley from approaching the gang at Bentley and Channing. Hunter Brayze had no idea that his newest client was Riley’s soon to be ex-husband, a man Hunter considers a douche and an a$$hole.   

The relationship between Riley and Hunter is one of immediate attraction but Hunter knew Riley was married, and he was never willing to cross the line into dangerous territory. For close to a year Hunter has dreamed about making Riley his own but it wasn’t until they were seated across from one another during the divorce hearings did Hunter ever consider making Riley his own. The $ex scenes are limited, intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. Hunter Bentley is the epitome of perfection from looks to suits, seduction and acceptance of our story line heroine.

Most of the previous story line couples plays secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Hunter’s parents, and his struggling sister Cleo as well as Riley’s employees: restaurant cook Cheffy, bartenders Izaac and Preston, server Callie, and Riley’s ex-husband Jeremy Rodgers.

LEADING THE WITNESS is a sexy story with limited conflict, low level angst and great sexual chemistry. The bulk of the drama is between Riley and her ex-husband, a man who is hoping to destroy out story line heroine. From the outset Jeremy Rodgers is hoping for a clean sweep leaving Riley with nothing including the loss of her bar. The premise is entertaining; the romance is slow to build, passionate and seductive; the characters are energetic and lively.

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I enjoy forbidden romances when there really is a reason for them not to be together. Not a made up reason, or one where they feel that it is a bad idea, but a real, actual reason. In this one, Hunter is representing Riley's soon to be ex husband in their divorce. 

That is a real reason.

I also enjoyed that this was resolved reasonably quickly, but both of them respected the other, and there was enough time from the divorce to the start of the new relationship. All of this combined for me to really believe that there was an actual, viable relationship between them.

I enjoyed their connection, the other characters in the story, and the story arc. I related, and sympathized, with the characters. I believed that they were real people, and I thought they reacted as people would in the situation.

The conflict of interest series are all enjoyable, and I recommend this title. It can be read as a standalone, although there are characters in this from the other previous titles.

New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando “turns up the heat” (RT Book Reviews) in this steamy standalone novel when a divorce lawyer finds himself stuck between his client and the woman he desires—and soon he’ll be forced to choose sides.

Hunter Brayze doesn’t always like his clients but as the divorce attorney for Bentley & Channing Law, he doesn’t have to. So when he meets his latest client, even though he can’t stand the guy, let alone understand how any woman would ever marry him, he is still determined to win his case. But he never expects taking this client would turn his entire world upside down.

When he comes face to face with his client’s soon-to-be ex, he’s shocked to see Riley McMahon, owner of his local pub and the woman he’s wanted ever since he first laid eyes on her. He didn’t even know she was getting a divorce, and now he’s stuck defending the man who wants to screw Riley out of everything. Feeling like he’s betraying her, Hunter vows to settle this case as quickly as he can by any means possible. Because after months of flirting with Riley at the pub, and now knowing that she’ll soon be free, Hunter is determined to make her his.

But as the proceedings get messier and secrets are revealed, Hunter’s running out of tricks to keep both parties happy. And when someone sets Riley’s pub on fire, he can’t help but suspect his own client. 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. 

Review:

I have been wanting to read this Author for a while and finally had the opportunity to read and review this book.  I really enjoyed her writing style, voice and characters.  I am always a sucker for good fun and snarky dialogue and this book had that in spades.

I really liked Riley and Hunter, they are good for each other.  The buildup to them finally coming together was well-done, but happened really late into the book.  That Riley has overcome a lot in her life made her very likeable, especially when it came to her ex who was a jerk.  I was very happy when she finally got her dog back.  Hunter is a top-notch lawyer, but from his description he does not look like any lawyer I have seen....tattoos, beard, which is a nice break from the normal looks for a lawyer.  He is also a complete playboy, though that changes when he meets Riley.  He does walk a fine line with trying to help Riley when her husband is his client.  For more than half of the book, they orbit each other and none of the sexy happens until Riley is free from her husband.  Then the chemistry really takes off and you get to see how they function as a couple.

Like I said this is the first book I have read by this Author and I really enjoyed it.  I did not have any issues with reading this book out of series order and actually got to meet some of the others in the series and I am definitely curious about them now.
4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

Sadly, this wasn’t the book for me. Hunter, the main guy in the story, came off way too aggressive. He was just too into Riley, the main female character. It was almost like he was in love with her without even being in a relationship with her yet. He just came off weirdly, I can’t exactly explain it. I had issues connecting with Hunter pretty much throughout the entire story.

On the other hand, I liked Riley. She was a strong, independent woman who could take care of herself. She didn’t want more than her share of things and didn’t want anyone else handing her anything that she didn’t earn herself. I could admire that in her character. Although at times she was quite stubborn but I think that’s just her personality to only rely on herself to not burden others.

I also loved Riley’s group of friends and bar employees. They all meshed very well together and were such a well rounded group of friends. I love their interactions with each other and wished for more scenes with them together.

As far as my rating goes….I had some issues with this story. For one, it did a few too many fast forwarded moments. I had trouble keeping up with the time jumps. I found myself having to go backwards and see where they mentioned a time jump to see why things were the way they were. I also didn’t care for the plot twists. Some you could see from miles away, while others felt very unnecessary.

Overall, it wasn’t that bad. The conversations between Riley and her bar mates were awesome. I loved all the bar scenes in general, they were my favorite. The romance side…..I didn’t care for sadly. It just didn’t flow very well.

Leading the Witness is the fourth instalment in Chantal Fernando’s delectable Conflict of Interest series and is another deeply sexy and enjoyable romance full of chemistry, attraction and budding love. 

Hunter Brayze is a family divorce lawyer, used to wanting the best for his clients. So when a friend calls in a favour and asks him to represent someone that’s Hunter’s plan, until he comes face to face with his client’s soon-to-be-ex and discovers it’s the owner of his local pub and the woman Hunter has desired for more than a year. Riley McMahon has finally realised her dream of opening her own pub and knows if she can just get her divorce finalised with her greedy ex, everything will be perfect, especially with the sinfully sexy and bearded Hunter providing her eye candy every day at work. With Hunter forced to put his feelings for Riley aside for the sake of a fair case, Hunter is determined to do his job to the best of his abilities, while not screwing Riley over in the process. Torn between his professional code of ethics and the woman he wants more than anything, will Hunter be able to convince Riley to give him a chance now that she’s single or will her ex continue to ruin her life? 

As with every other Chantal Fernando novel I’ve read, I really enjoyed Leading the Witness. We first met Riley when Hunter and Jaxon stopped at her newly opened pub for lunch during a previous novel and of course we’ve known Hunter throughout the series. Sparks flew between the sexy bearded lawyer and the bar owner straight away and Leading the Witness finally allows readers to see this spark blossom into a fully realised romance as Hunter and Riley take centre stage in this novel. 

Chantal Fernando details Hunter and Riley’s romance through their varying POV’s, allowing for a well told and detailed story. Leading the Witness is sexy without an overload of sex scenes, instead developing the relationship over time and building on the tension and attraction that simmers between them. 

Hunter and Riley were great characters to follow and I genuinely liked them. Hunter truly cared about Riley, enough to wait for her for a year when he believed she was unavailable and then as he slowly began to court her, not wanting her to rush into anything she wasn’t ready for. Riley on the other hand was a sweetie; an honest, hardworking woman who had been in a loveless marriage and was finally finding happiness for herself. 

Chantal Fernando includes a lot of great interactions with the employees at Riley’s pub who were true friends to Riley; Callie, Preston, Isaac and even Cheffy. They were real characters, especially Callie and Preston who I thought were so much fun to follow.  

Sexy but fun, Leading the Witness is another great read from Chantal Fernando who never fails to satisfy! I highly recommend this series as the romance and characters are brilliant and you won’t be sorry if you give it a go!

Having read the first two but somehow missing the third one I could not pass this one. This series is quite the page turner with it slowly winding itself around you as you read it and when you realize it oops too late haha. This one is a stand alone but centers around Hunter and Riley. The lawyer that he is puts him up against her but that is the wrong way for him. Things will turn one way even though he wanted a different way with heat coming into play also. The action is this one will also pull you along thinking at times her trying to be ex would need you to wear some big boots it is deep coming from him. Events will get hot and heavy in different ways that when things come to light you will be caught with your mouth open.

I know that yall get tired of me reviewing the same authors but let me tell you.  Some are worth reading over and over.  Ms. Fernando is no exception.  I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about the cases and relationships at Bentley & Chaney.  Believe me, I swear Jaxson got a woody in this one when it came to the malpractice suit filed.  I just loved him.  Heck, I loved all of them but Hunter is probably my favorite.  We meet him in the first book and it was fun getting to know the real Hunter in this book.

Plus, he has a beard.  *swoon*  And Riley makes note of it at times.  What really stood out for me was that once the divorce stuff was done, we got the romance.  Ms. Fernando takes her time with Hunter and Riley.  This is definitely a friends to lovers book and it’s done quite well.  We get to know their thoughts and fears before they get together and trust me, I totally understood Riley’s concerns.  Not to mention Hunter’s reputation in the previous books.  What was really interesting to me was how Riley really went for it with Hunter.  Read the last teaser and that explains Riley in a nutshell.  *wink*

There is a small mystery about Riley’s Pub and I NEVER saw that resolution coming at all.  Bravo Ms. Fernando.  Genius!  And the malpractice suit was genius, too.  I just reading Jaxson’s reaction to it.  He’s such a bad*ss.  That said, I really wanted Riley’s to get more than a slap on the wrist.  He needed to be slapped upside his head but Hunter, Tristan, and Jaxson.  I would have brought popcorn.  Riley’s co-workers are a HOOT!!!  Callie needs her own book.  I won’t say why she just needs one.  Preston…I want that man pouring my drinks.  Just saying.

I hope that this is not the last book in the series.  There are other players.  Callie, Yvonne…just name a few.  We get updates from the previous couples and yes, stopping saying Medusa.  I loved when Callum went off on them about them.  Keep writing Ms. Fernando and I’ll keep reading.

I received an ARC of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

Riley is in the midst of divorcing her husband and has opened her own pub, a dream she has always had. Even though she works hard and long hours it doesn't matter because she has wanted this for so long.

Hunter is a lawyer at a law firm and he and his colleague's have pretty much been regulars since Riley opened. Hunter and Riley have a flirt going on, they are both attracted to one another but Riley keeps it at flirting since her life is a bit hectic with a new pub and a divorce.

Hunter takes on a new client as a favor to a friend, a divorce case. Guess who the soon to be ex is?

Will Hunter and Riley survive? Will they get together? Will her ex turn him against her?

I loved this story!! I am a fan of the author and this is the first in this series I have read but can't wait to track down the previous ones!

Hunter is HOT and confident, ok a little arrogant but not rude about it. Riley is a beautiful young woman with sass but she holds something close to her that fills her with guilt. She figures no one will ever want her....

This couple is what every couple wants: a partner, a friend, a lover and the one they grow old with. They have a very natural comfort with one another and have fun and of course great sex.

I also enjoyed the people they surrounded themselves with. Riley with her staff/friends and Hunter's co-workers/friends. They are truly family who take care of one another. I also enjoyed the LOL moments I had while these characters were interacting.

So, I love it and recommend!

At this time I do not wish to leave a review, I respect the author's work and while I did not connect with the characters in this book or the plot I'm sure that many will enjoy it. The blurb was great but I just couldn't get into the plot. Thank you for the ARC that was gifted. I look forward to reading other titles in the future. I have enjoyed this author's work before but this book was one that I didn't enjoy.

Just as much excitement as the previous Conflict of Interest stories. Hunter and Riley don’t disappoint in their tale of love and loss.  They’ve danced around each other for the past year, but now that Riley is divorced, Hunter can make his move. It’s not hard to see that Riley’s ex-husband is going to be trouble, but there may be a curveball here to throw you off. Read and find out!!
5 stars!

Review	I love a sassy heroine and Riley is all that and a bottle of wine. (Lame, I know but very true.) Leading the Witness is my first foray into this series but what a start. 

Sassy Riley and her bar of misfits (term used lovingly) are a dose of happy medicine. They constantly cause smiles, smirks, and giggles. With wild conversations, inappropriate behavior, and full on family style friendships it's easy to see why people gather at Riley's. I just wish I knew where it was at!

Leading the Witness is friends to...well, I can't give away all the secrets. It's sweet, sexy, and fun. Whether it's your first or last of the series, it's worth the time.


Oh and be on the lookout for full moons!!!

when hunter brayze meets riley mcmahon in leading the witness, he's totally taken with her, but knows it won't go anywhere because she is married. as a family law expert who has handled many a divorce case, it's a line he won't cross. so he flirts, and he teases, but he knows it won't go anywhere. she is married.

when his friend calls in a favor to ask him to represent some guy who has heard that hunter is the best there is and he finds himself sitting across the table from riley. horrified because he is now in the unenviable position of representing riley's douchebag ex, he's also horrifically conflicted because now he knows. riley is available.

but first they need to get through this divorce.

riley didn't want to bother her lawyer friends/best clients at her pub for advice. she didn't want people to know about her divorce. and it blows up in her face spectacularly. now they can't help her out. in fact they need to actively work against her.

in spite of this hunter still finds ways to be with her. and when it's done. she can't stop herself from agreeing to explore the tension between them. being with hunter is a balm to her soul. he listens to her. he respects her. he takes care of her, but also lets her take care of herself. he builds her up when she hadn't realized how broken down she was.

there was maybe one too many subplots, but i enjoyed spending time with these characters so it's all good.

**leading the witness will publish on april 17, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/gallery, threshold, pocket books (gallery books) in exchange for my honest review.

I love this series!!! Chantal Fernando is one of my all time favorite authors and I just adore this series! Each book is a stand alone, but I love that we get to see the other characters that we have already fallen in love with! 
Hunter and Riley may be my new faves of this series! They are perfectly imperfect! 
FIVE HUGE STARS!!

Leading The Witness is a sexy, swoon worthy romance bursting with sweetness. Another fantastic addition to this series! I’ve been dying for this book since Hunter first walked into Riley’s pub in a previous book. These two have chemistry that is off the charts! That chemistry turns into something much deeper now that we finally get their story.

Hunter has intrigued me for quite some time now. The sexy bearded lawyer hiding tattoos under his suits. I mean, who could resist that? Add in his kind heart and the man is delicious! I adored him and Riley together. They fit together perfectly making a couple that I quickly fell in love with.

I’m so disappointed and heart broken about this book. Since the start of this series Hunter’s book was the one I was most looking forward to. I loved book 1... Book 2 was meh for me and book 3 brought me back into this series. 
So once I got this book I jumped right in. 
Hunter’s a bit of a bad boy.... Tattoos, a beard and a little surprise down under! A bit of a ladies man. I couldn’t wait for his story!

Once I started reading his story I kept waiting and waiting for something. Then we have the little twist. Hunter is representing Riley’s ex. But as I was reading I was still waiting for something to happen. 
Nothing... just nothing was going on. I kept waiting for drama from the ex to happen. I kept waiting for something to happen between Hunter and Riley. This book was really slow. Besides a few kisses here and there. Nothing has happened between them at all. Riley wants to take things super slow and Hunter is respecting that. 
Ok... I get that. But waiting until 66% into the book for something other than kissing to happen is way too long. And still no sex!! You have to wait until 71% for that!
I would say things start to pick up after that. But still kinda slow.

Overall... this book was really different from all the other books in this series. Book 1 to 3 were pretty much filled with drama. This book feels like it was just floating along with no cares in the world. Lots of denying themselves of being happy. Lots of dancing around each other. I wasn’t feeling it.
I’m glad there wasn’t any members from the Wind Dragons in this book.(I still love them! But just want a fresh start in a new series!) But there was mentioned of places (club/bar) from that series.
This wasn’t a bad read. I'm happy for the way it ended. I was just expecting something different with Hunter’s story. I was hoping there would be a little more drama than what we had. I was happy to read how the other characters were doing from the other books in this series. It was good to see how happy they were.

3.75 stars

I enjoyed Jaxon's book so I was looking forward to Hunter's since we got sense of him and the bar owner the firm gang frequents. And what a conflict of interest it is for Hunter and Riley. Thing is Hunter really has feelings for her, just wrong timing with the divorce and him bring her ex's lawyer. Suffice to the ex is also a prick and Riley did not have it easy with the mediation.

It's good that Hunter bided his time and was patient in the whole situation. But it wasn't too long, what with all the sexual tension between them. I liked Hunter enough Riley took me a while to like. Now for the mystery and danger part didn't come in till much later. In a way felt thrown in for the extra plot. It kind felt draggy after the initial part was solved but I was still curious how it would end. 

I wished the book is the cover was connected with how Hunter is described in the book with a beard and not clean cut. But it was likable enough story wise and romance wise which was more the focus than the law part. The writing was probably the part that was the better part. Still like the other characters so might keep on.