4.5 STARS

Ahhh Romantic Suspense at its finest. I can't repeat it often enough: Lexi Blake is one of the best if you're in the mood for this genre and want a unique plot.

Isla loves contracts, business agreements and negotiations. When former football superstar and close friend and client Trey Adams is under investigation for killing his wife Portia, former NFL player now criminal defense attorney David Cormack is her best bet. He knows the dangers and sorrows of somebody living with chronic traumatic encephalopathy better than anyone - he may be facing this disease in the future, too.

See? Totally unique. I love this storyline so much. CTE is an actual disease and the author did extensive research on the issue professional athletes may have to deal with.

When David meets Isla he makes one major mistake. He totally underestimates the woman, who seems to only see the good in people. It almost seems like he thought her to be a bit of a pushover. But if she sets her mind to something she believes in she becomes a single-minded warrior princess who won't take no for an answer.

“See, this is where you’ve underestimated your opponent, Counselor. You see my kindness and kind of gooey middle and think it’s weakness."

David and Isla fall for each other very fast but I totally bought it. He struggles for most of the book with the decision whether to make a go of a serious relationship - what if he has CTE? I had to remind myself a couple of times that fear isn't rational and that he will understand ultimately that there are no guarantees in life but he did try my patience a little bit.

“You want some guarantee that life is going to turn out like you want it, but that’s not the way it goes. Do you intend to spend the rest of your life without love?"

Other than that he was a sweet and sexy man.

Isla's kindness and gentleness and her steely spine make her one of my favorite heroines of all the books by Lexi Blake I've read so far. When her strong will makes an appearance the sass comes out to play as well and I had so much fun with her giving it straight to her man and telling him to get his head out of his ass.

“Taking care of each other through the good and the bad and the desperate is what family does. And if you don’t see that, then maybe you aren’t the man for me. I don’t know. I’m going to sleep on it.”

I loved the suspense which isn't really a surprise to me. There are some twists and turns in typical Lexi Blake fashion, which had me reconsider my theories a couple of times.

Evidence of Desire is a worthy and excellent addition to the Courting Justice series. I was thoroughly entertained and immersed in the story and loved every word of it. I think it was even better than the first book. Now, it seems like we've met Noah Lawless's love match and I think she'll give him a run for his money if I'm right. I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Any family raised by Isla Shayne would stick together. And if the darkness came, she would be the light.

Isla and David had an instant attraction and chemistry to each other that couldn't be contained. And even though with everything going on around them, they still heated up the sheets. The story had plenty of drama and suspense to keep you intrigued.

I am a huge fan of Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series. Her spin off books are just as good. She mixes a great story with hot romance and fun characters. I also love how you get to see in to her other characters lives after their books so the stories never end.

Evidence of Desire is a smart and sexy contemporary story of mystery and romance. Criminal defense attorney David Cormack takes on a case that cuts close to home but it doesn’t stop him from falling for business attorney Isla Shayne. I loved Isla. She is smart, strong and goes for what she wants. Watching these two solve a crime and fall in love was truly enjoyable. Though this is part of a series it can be read stand alone.

5 Stars

Lexi Blake has completely blown me away with her newest romantic suspense. We are brought back to the law firm of Garrison, Cormack and Lawless, and man oh man is it a suspenseful and intriguing visit! This story has it all, loyalty, love, family, heartbreak, intensity and sexiness from beginning to end. Ms. Blake has outdone herself with this novel in my opinion. She had brought a current medical issue that is part of the sports world and built this amazing story that will keep you guessing and wondering who did what, who knew what, and who is not who they appear to be? I loved every plot twist, every hint, every piece of the puzzle through the book. I also fell in love with Isla and David, and of course loved meeting some new friends and getting to know some old ones even better. You will not be disappointed in the second book of the Courting Justice Novels, so do yourself a favor and pick it up today!

Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

Off the charts marvelous!

Ex-football player David now turned super criminal lawyer knew the knocking on his door this early on a Saturday morning could only mean one thing - the world was coming to an end. Little did he know he was about to embark in defending his idol football player Trey Adams in the murder of his wife.

This gruesome murder is not like any other you have read. The usual suspects are lined up, investigated, harassed, and more, while David enlists the assistance of his entire law firm to help solve the mystery of who killed this woman. The Adams' family lawyer, Isla Shayne, has requested his help. Meeting Isla is not only a perk but also an invitation to consider the natural chemistry they develop for each other. Steamy and realistic are but two words to describe their connection.

In the midst of all of this, David must contend with his own demons. See football players who have suffered concussions are in peril a disease called CTE - in layman's terms, this disease is just as bad as Alzheimer's with the additional risk of becoming brutally violent. Is he at risk? Yes! What will his future be like if he were to develop symptoms?

Be prepared for a fast-paced mystery thriller! Loved how this complex plot does not give it away until almost the very end.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy with me.

5 Star Review of Evidence of Desire (Courting Justice #2) by Lexi Blake

In my humble opinion nobody does sexy suspense books like Lexi Blake. If you like hot alpha males, some really smoking scenes and characters that will melt your heart, then look no further.

One of the things that I love about Lexi Blake is that her characters are never one dimensional, there are always so many layers and David and Isla were no exception.

When criminal attorney David Cormack agrees to take on Trey Adams's case, he has no idea what is about to unfold or how complicated his life is about to get with Isla Shayne.

I really loved David, he was strong, yet vulnerable and Isla was the perfect woman for him.

A story of love, romance, mystery and suspense I was captivated by the story Lexi Blake wove, with quite a few twists and turns. Evidence of Desire will capture and hold your attention as you try to second guess where the story is heading.

When danger rears it’s ugly head will David and Isla come out unscathed or will their blossoming relationship be destroyed?

One click and find out.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.

Isla Shayne is the personal attorney to all-star linebacker Trey Adams and his family. David Cormack, from the law firm, Garrison, Cormac and Lawless is a former pro football player who now practices criminal law. Together they have to solve the murder of Portia Adams, Trey's wife. This is complicated by the fact that Trey Adams has memory blanks and episodes of regressing to times in the past due to CTE, Chronic Tramatic Enchephalopathy. CTE is a brain condition associated with repeated blows to the head, a worry for all contact sports participants. This condition becomes very debiltating since some of the problems associated with it are thinking and memory difficulties, personality changes and behavioral changes which can include agressive behavior. This comes into play in this story. Due to the problems associated with this condition many of the characters in the story assume Trey is guilty of murdering his wife. It doesn't help that Isla finds Trey in Portia's bathroom clinging to her very bloody, very dead body. Since David is a criminal defense attorney with a pro football background Isla calls him in to defend Trey.

Evidence of Desire by Lexi Blake is book #2 in her Courting Justice series. Once again this author produces a riveting drama with compelling and emotional scenes. This isn't a simple who-done-it. No, this is a complex, very entertaining story with two very likeable main characters and some fascinating secondary characters. There's also an ADA who I would have liked to punch (since David couldn't) several times. I did like seeing David's law parters and staff reappear, Henry Garrison, Noah Lawless and Margarita Reyes. I love Noah Lawless! Other familiar characters from Lexi Blake books also appear. If you are looking for a super sensual read with plenty of action and suspense, you have found it here.

Talk about an emotional journey! Evidence of Desire had me captive from the very first scream...

Okay, I was invested before that but wow! What a story! First off, the light being shed on CTE is incredible. (Lexi Blake has definitely made a conscious effort to educate and bring light to an affliction that can happen to many.) Secondly, what a compelling way to start a book. Celebrity drama is always a conversation piece in some way or another.

I liked everything about this book. The characters, the chemistry, the case. Well, not everything there are at least two people who need to be taken behind a woodshed. I will let you figure out who they are! With that surprising twist, I can't help but shake my head.

Evidence of Desire is murder mystery meets romance. It's fun and intriguing. It's also steamy and alpha effectiveness is at an all time high. All evidence points to an entertaining read.

Evidence of Desire is the second book in Lexi Blake's Courting Justice series, and so far this is my favorite of the series. Although, it's too early to say since this is only the second book. I loved both the leading male and female characters though. The female character, Isla Shayne is one strong kick-butt lawyer. She's not a criminal lawyer but is a personal lawyer to Trey Adams and his family. Trey Adams is a former linebacker of the Guardians team who is now suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Isla ends up needing a lawyer for her client because she only handles Adam's family business dealings and financial matters. Not murder. She needs someone like David Cormack who is a criminal defense lawyer. David used to be apart of the same world her client was in up until he got injured on the football field and who could no longer play football. That's when David decided to go back to law school to be a lawyer. Now he has a new firm with his best friend Henry Garrison and two other lawyers.

This is when both Isla and David meet for the first time, and you would think it's instant love, but I do not consider it like that at all. Both characters are attracted to each other, but they are thrown together due to a tragedy. Poor Isla ends up in the mince of it all since she treats Trey and his family as her family. She never thought she would have to prove that her client didn't do anything wrong, even after he has had prior issues. She also needs to prove her innocence and the kids' innocence after everything.  I don't want to give anything away because this was a tremendous suspenseful contemporary romance book to read. I was on the edge of my seat when reading it. It was completely different from the first book. I became more connected to the characters and their feelings. David and his past with what he has gone through and why he has not let anyone in his life. Isla and her past and now present on what she has dealt with and continued to deal with in her life. Both are strong, determined characters that have similarities to them.

Lexi had some very steamy moments between the characters, but they were dialed down compared to Henry and Win in their book (which is the first book). David was what you would call someone who was resistant to having a happily ever after. Isla wants to love and have a family, and she finally believes she found it with David. Although, they have the crime that needs to be dealt with first. I figured out who was behind it all but was not expecting the big twist at the end of the book though. Lexi put me through the wringer in this book, especially after getting to know all the characters. I felt for everyone in this story.

I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend this to contemporary romance and romantic suspense readers out there. If you read any of Lexi's previous books/series, you will enjoy this book and this series. I look forward to the next book even more after reading this one. I'm anxious to read more about Noah Lawless and who tames him. He is a wild 'Lawless' family member.

Isla Shayne is the personal lawyer to former all-star linebacker Trey Adams who now suffers from CTE and is accused of murdering his wife. Because of his condition it breaks your heart to see the different phases that Trey goes through.

David Cormack is hired as his attorney;'and Trey's condition hits close to home for David because of his former football career. It highlights his own fears and possibilities.

There will be some heartfelt and shocking revelations surrounding this case. A wonderful second story in this series.

Wow! Lexi Blake always brings us some amazing stories!
Evidence of Desire is the second book in her Courting Justice series but can be read as a standalone.
This series is bringing a whole new group of hot, alpha men and those strong sassy women that we love so much. The added bonus is seeing some of the characters from her Masters and Mercenaries series and the crossover from her Lawless series.
This book dealt with relevant subject (CTE - Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) in a way that brings this very sensitive subject front and center. Also, in true Lexi Blake fashion we have a perfect combination of memorable characters, just the the right amount of mystery and intrigue and a storyline that keeps you engaged from start to finish. So, just when you think that the mystery is solved, boom! We get another twist. Read, enjoy and can you guess who and why?

I can't remember the last time I read a romantic suspense book. I forgot how much fun they could be. The 'who did it' aspect of the storyline really makes you focus on what you're reading to see if you can figure out all the clues before the big reveal at the end. With Evidence of Desire, I did have it figured out by the end but, it took awhile for me to get there. Then it took it one step further and completely blew me away with a twist I hadn't seen coming at all. The storyline fell together so perfectly that it had you guessing right up until the end.

Isla, man I love that name and it suited this character. She was smart, loyal, funny, and independent but you could tell she wanted someone to take care of her. She showed her strength throughout the book but, it was that last stretch of the book when it's all coming together were she really shined.

David didn't really do it for me. He was brilliant and caring, he seemed to have his life figured out, but he let his fears rule him. We'd get glimpses of who he could be when he took charge in the bedroom or whenever Isla was facing a challenge but, that would all melt away and he'd get stuck in his head. I wanted to see him become more secure and assertive without the woman in his life pushing him into it.

This was a good book with a great group of secondary characters that have me excited to see what is coming next

Evidence of Desire is book 2 in the Courting Justice series but it stands alone. I enjoyed this one much more than book 1-I thought David and Isla were more enjoyable and relatable characters for sure!

Isla is a lawyer to the stars-she helps them with things like wills, business deals, and real estate. When one of her clients is accused of murder, she knows she needs to bring in a great criminal defense attorney. Enter David Cormack from Garrison, Cormack, and Lawless. David is a former pro athlete turned Harvard educated lawyer and agrees to help Isla defend Trey Adams, another former footballer who is accused of killing his wife.

CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, and its devastating effects plays a huge role in the story. Trey suffers from it and you get a glimpse into what life was like for him and his family. David is terrified he might end up with CTE as well. It invades his thoughts DAILY. David's fear might seem a bit premature or excessive, but I think lots of people experience some type of fear like this-cancer runs in a family and you become paranoid about getting cancer for example. Isla is the opposite-she isn't afraid of any illness and never lets it stand in the way of those she loves. Her fiancee died from leukemia and she stayed with him. Trey Adams is a close friend and she has never given up on him, even when he doesn't remember her. David and Isla have an instant lust for each other, but quickly realize its more than just lust. David's fears get in the way though; while this pushing away trope is annoying, I do understand his feelings. He can't fathom subjecting someone he loves to a life like Trey's family endured. So, irritating and dumb, but understandable.

Isla is one of my favorite heroines because she isn't afraid of her soft side. She doesn't pretend she can handle everything and be badass. She pukes when she finds the body. She cries when she is upset. She knows when she is in over her head and asks for help. I love this type of heroine because she is real.

Evidence of Desire was a great story beyond the characters, too. David and Isla are trying to figure out who killed Portia Adams: was it Trey? Could it have been an intruder? Can they trust Trey's memory at all? Throw in the fact that Isla is now the executor of the Adams' estate and you have 2 pissed off Adams children! The mystery is well done and while I figured out the major part of it before it was revealed, I didn't see the secondary reveal. Blake writes great suspense and very sexy romance, and Evidence of Desire is one of my new favorites!

Isla Shayne has built her law career working for a famous retired football player, Trey Adams, and his family. She is more than their attorney taking care of the family even after a murder throws everyone into chaos. Her specialty is far from criminal defense and because she is part of the investigation, David Cormack comes in to represent the person the local ADA wants to be charged whether he is actually guilty or not. Isla has several people to deal with including the family and prime suspect who suffers from CTE: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease which has become recognized to be much more common in football players than previously thought. This devastating disease not only affects her client, but just might possibly be in David’s future as he was a pro player as well.

As Isla and David investigate the crime and try to protect their client, they become quickly intertwined in a romance. David is intensely attracted to Isla and she to him; however, after witnessing the Trey’s heartbreaking decline, he fears putting someone he loves through that demanding and exhausting trial of watching a loved one suffer. There is much family drama to deal with including Trey Adam’s two twenty-somethings offspring for whom Isla is responsible for on top of her other duties.

Much of this story centers on the brutal results of CTE: the cause and the cover up in some respects by league owners who want their players to win no matter the cost. This romantic suspense tale has several mystery and suspense elements for fans of this genre. While the CTE is an important theme, it gets a bit repetitive especially about David’s issues. Isla doesn’t come across as a legal professional though it is understandable she has been through a trauma. This story is the second in the Courting Justice series, but can be read as a standalone.

Isla & David are perfect are made for each other. If you enjoy a strong determined woman than this is the story for you. She can handle any situation including the dangerous ones. David is a hot defense attorney who I would love to have on my side. The one woman he needs to change his loneliness and need for a woman in his life. I love a good, hot love story with tension and drama.

I have to say that I enjoyed this one even more than the first book!From the first pages I find myself hooked!In my opinion it would be better if you read the first book before you read this one.

I loved the characters and especially David.He was exactly what I was looking for in a book boyfriend.Isla is also great and I really liked them together too.

This story has a little bit of everything I like, an intense romance , suspense and drama!Another fantastic read from Lexi Blake!!

Quite honestly, EVIDENCE OF DESIRE made me lose all desire to follow up on this author's books. I've never read any of her stories, but I really didn't mesh with the writing in EVIDENCE OF DESIRE. Blake has a really purposeful, straightforward way of writing the narrative. While that's fine in getting forward with the story, it leaves little room for developing character emotion and thoughts, which is important for me to get to know characters. So like I said, the writing may be fine for some people (especially as it directs the plot, making it more engaging), but I like my stories with a bit more introspection.

Basically the story follows a criminal attorney coming into the scene of a murder, with the supposed murderer being the husband of the victim. However, the family's personal lawyer knows that the ex-NFL player (alleged murderer) isn't the culprit, and thus they team together to crack the details in this case. Lots of drama and flair, and much more focused than I expected when I went in. When I mean focus, I mean the majority of the book was dealing with the legalities and processes leading up to the crime and afterwards. There was a huge focus on the legal side of things, which could not capture my attention AT ALL. I recall skimming chunks of the book because I really wasn't interested in their law jargon. My lack of sports passion was also not the best for reading this, because again, there's a heavy focus on the legal side of football that I wasn't ready for. The characters were okay (David and Isla), but did I really get to know them in the end when they were more focused on the mystery/thriller part of the plot than the romance?

Anyway, I just came into EVIDENCE OF DESIRE expecting a different kind of book. I would still recommend this one to readers up for an untangled mystery that's plot-driven. Personally, I wasn't expecting it and that really placed a burden on me while reading. If you're looking for something more light-hearted - moreso along the lines of a romcom - then pass on this one. Definitely check it out if murder/mysteries with a touch of romance are your jam!

When Isla Shanye finds herself in a heap of trouble, and uncertain how to find her way out she puts a call into a friend, and it lands former turf God, now turned lawyer, David Cormack on her doorstep. The moment he walks into her disheveled life, she quickly understands all the hype about him, he exudes strength and sex appeal. He also brings a calmness to her world that she has never known, he makes her feel as though everything will be fine. And she needs that right now, especially now that the law is circling around her, and ready to put her behind bars for a crime she didn't commit!

Evidence of Desire had it all... captivating drama, scintillating romance, and edge of your seat suspense to keep you flying through the pages! I absolutely loved this second installment in the Courting Justice series, the story line was outstanding, and the characters brought life to the pages. It was just like a night at the movies between the pages of this one, all I had to do was sit back and watch it all unfold... and boy was it a treat for my eyes! Be prepared to have your mind rocked by this one, Ms. Blake has truly put her best words in this one, the ending will leave your jaw on the floor, and have you craving more!! Highly recommend!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

Really enjoyed this tantalizing, empowering and mysterious crime filled novel that not only is a romance but one that taught me a thing or two on a subject I had no knowledge on.

There was beauty in everything.

The Courting Justice series is one to watch out for. I am a avid fan of the Masters and Mercenaries series but the Lawless boys are racing to the top along with their counterparts. Isla Shayne represents Pro-athlete Trey Adams in all things of life, but when he finds himself in thick waters revolving a murder, can she pull him out before the sharks begin to circle? To do that, she calls in David Cormack, one of the toughest defense attorneys in the city and knowledgeable in the athlete world. But as time moves on and the case uncovers more drama, will David and Isla save Trey or will it prove to become to much?

This story had so many twists and turns that you never knew until the very end on who was the killer. And with that, I applaud Lexi Blake! Too many authors these days place too many 'giveaways' and by the end you already know the full reveal. Lexi had you on the edge throughout.

Evidence of Desire had a great mixture of suspense, action, knowledge of CTE and of course romance.

"I've played the gentleman around you, but if you let me in, I'll invade and you'll see the real man underneath the suit. I'll be demanding and overly protective and I'll want you every fucking minute of the day."