Cover Image: Illegally Yours

Illegally Yours

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ILLEGALLY YOURS - Kate Meader

#2 in the Laws of Attraction romance series

GOOD ENDING - 3 stars

Plot - 3 stars - Lucas, the "Hottie Brit," has his sights set on Trinity, the whiskey waitress who served the guys at James' bachelor party. But both are shy of relationships, with baggage of their own that neither wants to share.

Writing - 4 stars - Meader writes casually and well, easy to read and drawing me right into the story. Since we had already met Lucas (and briefly, Trinity), it was easy to slide right back into the scenario. In this book, however, I felt that the main characters, at least at first, didn't quite fit together as well as those in the previous book in this series. It wasn't as obvious to me that they were suited for each other and should work so far to develop their relationship.

Characters - 3 stars - Lucas is totally hot, but his sexiness is overshadowed by his silly craziness. He's really funny, and his comments made me laugh out loud many times. But, boy, it would definitely be tough to be with him all the time as he's practically manic and always unpredictable. Although he works hard and is obviously a professional, I was a little unhappy about his relaxation of his ethics when he wanted to be with Trinity and really dragged his feet about deciding how to handle the situation. Although it was resolved, it bothered me at the time. Trinity is less easy to know. Although she is clearly the stabilizing factor with her sister, I was a little about confused about the family dynamic since Trinity is black and it's obvious that Emily is white. If it was explained, it must have been brief because I missed it. And she annoyed me with her constant enabling and excuses for Emily's bad behavior.

Title - 3 stars - Not too sure about this title. Why in the world would you want to start off the relationship (and the book) admitting that you're doing something illegal or, at the very least, unethical? It didn't seem like the best choice for a title.

Cover - 2.5 stars - It's always risky to put faces on covers, and in this case it totally didn't work for me since these characters look totally different in my mind. I kept flashing the cover models in my head as I read the book, and in actually detracted (or at least distracted) me from the book at times. Isn't Lucas supposed to be blond? And English? The model seemed very American and definitely brunet. And I imagined Trinity to be beautiful, but this model was not particularly attractive. Altogether a disappointing cover.

Overall - 3 stars - The conflict of interest at the beginning of their relationship didn't sit well with me. Despite Lucas's supposed professionalism, I felt he delayed way too long in resolving this issue. In addition, these characters just didn't seem to fit with each other, especially at first. Lucas tried too hard to be wild and crazy, and I found him to be manic and hard to live with, even on the pages of a book. His total downs when dealing with his sister led me to believe he suffered from manic depression. Trinity started out as an overwhelming enabler who constantly kept up with her role as protector, even when it became obvious, even to her, that it was problematic for all of them. All that being said, I was happy with the ending since both characters brought out the best in each other. Trinity could tone down Lucas's wild mood swings, while Lucas brought fun and caring into Trinity's strong independence. I was happy with the resolution at the end, but I'll admit to being frustrated throughout, which is why I took off some points. However, I will definitely continue with this author and this series. You can't always have a winner.

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DNF

I will not be reviewing this book for personal reasons that I will not be disclosing. I appreciate the opportunity to read the title early.

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This second installment of Laws of Attraction is another Enemies to Lovers and Bartender meet the lawyer trope. Lucas Wright, another divorce lawyer falls for the whiskey sommelier, Trinity Jones who happens to be the sister-in-law of his big shot client. Sparks fly right when they met, but given the situation, this is a no-touch territory. Of course love knows no bounds and work ethics be damned but they will not be able to stay away from each other.

I loved Lucas, I love that he is transparent with his intentions and feelings though I can see how he can be mistaken to be a jerk. Despite his aggressive track record with women and his cut throat job, I really liked him. I thought he was funny and sweet. Trinity on the other hand had familial issues and the protectiveness over her adult sister annoyed me. I admit, I love her independence and I loved how she handled herself.

Together, Lucas and Trinity were funny and cute. They bantered like there’s no tomorrow and the tension between them was a slow hot burn. Meader did a good job with this story, not only putting the right characters together but keeping the story interesting and fun. Though I like the first installment a tiny bit better, I still recommend this book for anyone who’s in a mood a light hearted contemporary read.

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This was okay. I would have given this a 4 star review if Trinity would have been less of a doormat for her sister. The whole thing with Lucas starts as something easy. No expectations. While Lucas opens up about his past and what drives him, Trinity chooses to keep everything to herself because of how it might make her sister look. It would have made her look exactly as she was. A spoiled GROWN woman, who expected everyone else to do things for her, and not to have to give up anything in her divorce. The one line that stuck out to me the most was "He's trying to take my kid's home away from ME". Not my kids, me. Yeah, mother of the year. Trinity constantly makes excuses and enables Emily, and it was SO frustrating to read. The whole situation with Lizzie was sad, and I hated to see it end that way. Lucas and Trinity get their HEA, and it was a sweet ending. I loved the first one in this series, this wasn't my favorite, and I'm hoping Grant and Aubrey's story is great.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

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I love Kate Meader. She tells this story a little differently than her usual prose, and while I think I prefer the other style, I still loved this book. You can relate to her characters and their thoughts and feelings. I would tell anyone to read this book! And, the only reason I give this a 4 and not a 5-star rating is because nothing tops her firefighter series ...

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Kate Meader knocked this book out of the park. I have read all the books in this series so far. Trinity and Lucas are total opposites but their story is a fun, flirty read.

I really enjoyed this book. It is wrote with a dual POV, funny banter between Lucas and his friends and some sexy scenes.

I received an advanced copy for an honest review.

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Lucas meets Trinity at the bachelor party and is immediately taken with her. She is also attracted to him but it takes her a little while before acting on her feelings. She also wants to hire someone from the firm to represent her sister in her divorce. It is then that she discovers that Lucas is the sisters ex-attorney. Later she also finds out that he is also her nephew’s soccer coach. Wanting to be upset with Lucas and not be around goes up in flames when he helps her when she is sick and also takes care of the nephew at the same time. She begins to see a change in her nephew and slowly in herself. When the two of them went to be together though he actually needs his clients' permission and when she finds out more of the past is revealed that at first makes you mad but really just makes you realize how much that she has put her life aside for her sister, and allowed to be walked over. Lucas is dealing with his own issues with his family mother, and sister in England. When he calls one night and talks to Trinity she knows that something is wrong with him but he won’t say, he has been drinking whiskey which when reading the story you know is not with the character. Trinity ends up going to him and together they begin to heal from each other’s past together. A very good story and I really liked the interracial story and the characters.

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This is the first book I’ve read by Kate Meade and I can’t wait to read more from her. I loved the story, writing, and characters Lucas and Trinity! Ms. Meade sure knows how to write a contemporary romance novel! I’m partial to stories with sexy British lawyers too. Here is the publisher’s blurb on the book:

Rule #1: Never fall for your client.
Rule #2: Never fall for your client’s fiercely protective, smoking hot sister-in-law.

I’m the kind of guy who believes that everyone deserves the best legal representation money can buy—which just so happens to be me, Lucas Wright. Give me your henpecked, your cuckolded, your irreconcilable differences yearning to break free! And if you’re the bad guy in your marriage, that’s cool too. Your green is as good as anyone’s.

Tell that to Trinity Jones. It’s my job to destroy her sister—the soon-to-be ex-wife of my a-hole of a client—and Trinity’s “big sis” instincts are dialed up to the max. I admire that. I admire her. But she won’t stop me from representing my client to the best of my ability.

Not even if my chemistry with Trinity is undeniable. Not even if we can’t keep our hands off each other. Not even if she injects life into a heart assumed to be long dead.

Because when faced with a choice between love and duty, the job will always win—or at least that’s what I thought before I met Trinity . . . and suddenly conflict of interest never felt so right.

What’s not to love right? This was a great beach read for me when I was on vacation in sunny Florida. Just what I needed, and a quick read! This book can be read as a standalone as I did or part of the series. I look forward to reading another book by Kate Meade since I enjoyed this romance so much. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance genre.
*A very special thank you to Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept via NetGalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review*

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Lucas was hot British bad boy full of secrets. He is the guy everyone loves at his law firm, soccer team, and everyone wants to be his friend. Trinity has been herself for awhile, no one notices this except for Lucas. He is doing everything he can to make her take him seriously and date him. Even if he has to skirt close to the legal line. Loved that Trinity was older then Lucas :)
Meader writes characters with emotional depth that slowly unravel and leaves the reader going damn I didn't see that coming.

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I was hooked on this book as soon as I met Lucas. He was everything you want in a book boyfriend. Trinity was the perfect girl for Lucas. They balanced each other out.

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This was a NEW to me author and books! I read this a while ago but I did not update my Netgallery, but mostly work on Goodreads and amazon! I will do better. That said, this story is BEAUTIFUL, so sweet and I enjoyed every page. I would definitely recommend it!!

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Illegally Yours is part of a trilogy and really doesnt stand alone. The story was entertaining. Kate Meader writes with humor and I appreciate her stellar dialogue and the amusing situations she puts her characters into. The hero in Illegally Yours was hard to like, I was hoping for more growth and sooner! It was kind of a frenemies to lovers story, and it moves the series along well. I look forward to the final book.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

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Lucas and Trinity will have you questioning the rules of law in this tory. Lucas is hired by Trinity's sister's soon to be ex but Trinity is ready to do battle for her sister! Lucas is captivated by the spitfire but duty prevails. It doesn't matter that she is the first woman in a long time to warm his heart or the fact he can't get enough of her, it's his job to his client. Will he lose out on the one woman who could provide him his happily ever after? I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.

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The start of a New series by Kate Meader is something I am always excited for, and this book was exactly what I was hoping for. Great read!

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I’ve enjoyed all of Kate’s books, some more than others but I’ve always liked them. This one I think just wasn’t for me. I did finish it and it was ok, I can see how people would like it, but for me, it’s just more of an “It’s me, not you” kinda thing

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ILLEGALLY YOURS: This is a great read from start to finish. Meader develops characters that fit together even when they shouldn’t. This female character rocks and he adores how strong she is which makes female readers adore him! Must read book demands 5 stars.

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This is such an amazing book, full of heart, fire, and emotion that takes the reader through a whole gamut of emotions right along with each of the characters. Because of conflicts of interest due to her sister's divorce, Trinity and Lucas dating is not the best of ideas however they have this instant connection that cannot be broken. Despite their best intentions, Trinity and Lucas try to remain just friends but are unsuccessful in the best and worst of ways. Their relationship is full of up an downs, together and on individual levels. I especially appreciated the notion that such a strong, confident, and successful man has emotions. I think that is what made me love Lucas so much - him having and showing just the basic of human elements that so many men don't want to show their partners. This book is an emotional roller coaster, and I loved every moment of this book. The writing is so well done, and the author does an amazing job at reeling the reader in and feeling all the feels. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I enjoyed the first book in the Laws of Attraction series, Down with Love, and I absolutely enjoyed a glimpse of a certain cocky British dude who made me laugh in the few scenes that he was in. Lucas is the kind of hero I like - annoyingly charming, funny, and oh hell yeah, sexy! All this makes the attractive Trinity, who is very serious about teaching people the art of savoring and understanding the world of whiskey, his perfect foil.


Man, do I love good banter and it is all over Illegally Yours. Lucas and Trinity can go toe-to-toe with each other which makes their interactions simultaneously amusing and sexy. There's that word again. Trinity drives Lucas batty because she's not so easily swayed by his looks or attempts to break down her defenses. She makes him work for her attention. Of course, she's about as stoic as a wet noodle on the inside because he does make her come alive and boy, oh boy, she is tempted! But trust is something that Trinity does not give away easily.


The wrench in everything, and one that you see coming almost immediately, is that Lucas represents her future ex-brother-in-law who is hellbent on destroying her younger sister. Trinity is a fierce older sister who sees it as her job to protect her sibling from any additional pain. Unfortunately, Lucas breaches her defenses, making a sensitive and complex situation even more so. Let's also remember that it calls into question his ethical responsibilities to his client and as a lawyer overall.


I enjoyed reading Illegally Yours mostly for the excellent verbal exchanges between Lucas and Trinity. They're both so irresistible when they're going at it. Also, the other partners are pretty visible in this and they always give Lucas the business which is entertaining to no end for me. The hard part for me though was accepting any romantic move forward between them. He's a divorce lawyer and his client is public enemy number one to her family right now. I'd be reluctant to be with someone under those circumstances. I don't think I'd be able to separate the two, therefore, I struggled to believe that Trinity could turn a blind eye to that, too. I appreciated seeing a different side of Lucas which is seriously melt-your-heart magnificent, and understanding the emotional complexities of Trinity's life. This girl has a lot of baggage! Truthfully, they both do and it's interesting to see how it's shaped their worldview.


Even though I was a tad bit reserved about their romance because of the nature of his job and its connection to Trinity, but I still liked Illegally Yours. I adore Kate Meader's writing I always have fun with her books!


~ Bel

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This series keeps getting better with each installment. Kate Meader is quickly becoming one of my go to authors.

Who doesn’t love a sexy guy with an accent? Lucas was had the entire package and I loved his character. Trinity is a strong and independent woman who works as a sommelier. These two have intense chemistry and was such a fun sweet read. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

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I truly enjoyed Lucas and Trinity’s story.
Lucas is loud and sweet and funny and determined to win over Trinity.
Trinity is a care taker, always putting others first, especially family.
Learning to open up to each other almost derails their journey but love wins in the end.

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