Oh Lucas Wright has it all going for him. Totally hot ☑️, Gainfully employed ☑️, Sexy accent ☑️, what's not to want to jump on and ride into the sunset? Okay so he's the attorney for your sisters soon to be ex? That's a hurdle to overcome for sure. Trinity Jones is used to taking care of herself and others but her defenses are no match for Lucas when he turns on the charm. So they have messy baggage, who doesn't? They have to figure out is where the puzzle pieces connect...

Cover was awesome, British hero with AA heroine. Execution was just okay, but would definitely read this author again.

Wow! What an absolute, wonderful, fun filled, whiskey-woman Trinity and laugh out loud, loving Lucas read! This is my second reader by this author and it was soooooo good, Lol! What do you get with a British hunk of a divorce lawyer and a Sommelier name Trinity? An exceptionally written, with lots of witty repertoire and plenty of HP references, read is what! Lol. It is funny, moving, poignant and most of all, about fighting for that love you want and holding on to it. I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down! It was real and my heart just about bled for Lucas. He was such a fun and deeply moving character. The love he had for Lizzie was stellar!! Trinity had to do a bit of letting go and allowing her sister to fall and mature on her own. Great cast of characters and I just adore Max and Charlie. I am most curious about Grant and Aubrey and hope to be reading their story soon. I just freaking loved it!!! 4.5 stars*****

Witty dialogue, snarky exchanges and smoking hot attraction turns our head with Kate Meader's second book in her Law of Attraction series. I am enjoying this series, but it's not my favorite style of this author's writing.

As a whiskey sommelier, Trinity Jones comes across men of all natures, but Lucas Wright just might take the cake for the cockiest around. He's condescending, he's smoking hot and that British accent of his ... well, she'd be more irritated if she wasn't so attracted at the same time!

A chance meeting at a bachelor party leaves Lucas wanting more! Too bad they discover he's representing her slimy ex brother-in-law who's trying to take her sister for a ride in their divorce. She should be off-limits, they both agree to that ... but there's something about her that he just can't stay away from!

Illegally Yours is a steamy, smart, sexy, scintillating love story—and it encompasses everything I love about Kate Meader’s books. From butterflies-in-the-stomach feels to absolute heartache, this book checked off all my boxes, and gave me a strong, sassy heroine and a delightfully accented, swoony hero. A must-read for lovers of all the feels romance.

“You know what I mean,” Gideon says, annoyed. “She thought he was a perv, poured a beer on his head, flirted her ass off. Some quality meet-cute stuff there. Now she’s ready to get busy except they’ve got a Pride and Prejudice crossed with legal ethics thing going on.”


This is the second book I’ve read by Kate Meader, and I’m quickly becoming a fan. Ms. Meader writes incredibly deep characters, with lots of sharp edges and soft vulnerable spots, and it’s such a delight to watch the characters come together. There’s some P&P echoes here, as well – which one side character hilariously calls out – and that was just the cherry on top of this lovely book. While this is the second in the series (and I’d highly recommend the first book), this could easily be read as a stand-alone.

“Can’t we put aside who we are to each other and marinate in a bubble of mutual attraction for a while?”


Trinity is a whiskey sommelier – a black woman in a very white, very male field. Her younger sister, Emily, is going through a contentious divorce, and between her job and helping her sister with her kids, she has no time for anything else. Especially not a hot, eccentrically dressed lawyer with a British accent – who just happens to be representing Emily’s ex. Lucas, for his part, recognizes that their electric attraction is something special, and is willing to wait until the case is over – and the ethical issues resolved – before having some fun with Trinity. But Lucas can’t help thinking about her, and Trinity can’t stop thinking about the man who seems to see – and respect – all of her, too clearly.

“I know there are a million reasons not to do this. I can only think of the one reason why we must: I need Lucas Wright more than I’ve ever needed anything.
I need something for me. Someone who sees me, if only for a sparkling star-filled moment. I expect I’ll fall back into sanity, but hopefully, not too soon.”


I adored these characters. Trinity is so confidant, so desperately in need to be in control of life – and Emily’s. Trinity’s love for her sister – even in all its smothering, enabling glory – is such a key part of her character, and both Lucas’ and Trinity’s messed up family histories lend a depth to their interactions. Much like Trinity, Lucas is all happy-go-lucky crazy pants on the surface, and unbelievably sweet underneath, even when it comes to telling hard truths to his clients or his friends. Their relationship is a bit slow-burn, but once they decide to go for it, it all happens pretty quickly. I loved, absolutely loved, that Lucas found Trinity’s confidence and competence at her job such a turn on. I also loved their banter and how it went from silly and sweet to ridiculously hot.

“How do I tell him that I had no idea he was the one until I was so deep that I was drowning in him?”


The side characters were excellent, and we get a peek at the past couple as well as a preview from what I’m assuming is the next couple, divorced Grant and Aubrey. This felt like a heavier book than the first – there’s quite a bit of childhood trauma for both characters that has to be brought out and dealt with – though I don’t think it overdid the angst. I also thought Ms. Meader showed the micro-aggressions Trinity experienced – as a black female sommelier – with a deft hand, and I found Trinity’s reason for going into her field particularly touching. She does have a touch of the “strong black woman” archetype, but I thought how she came to terms with and accepted her vulnerability was well done.

Overall, if you’re looking for a steamy, witty read, I’d definitely recommend this book!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Started reading and did not want to put it down. Great story kept me involved. I could see it, hear it and feel it. The characters were good. Lucas was hot, hunky and real. Trinity (love that name) beautiful, strong and independent.
This journey, with a lot of realities and depth, just flowed for me, tapping all my emotions.

While Meader is a favorite author of mine, I had a hard time getting into this book. It felt predictable and way too cheesy.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is a wonderful romantic romp with surprising depth and heart. Lucas Wright is a high-powered divorce lawyer – who just happens to be representing Trinity’s soon-to-be-ex brother-in-law. Chemistry crackles between these two from the start but legal ethics and Trinity’s loyalty to her sister make things complicated.

Full of banter, crossed communication, and colourful supporting characters, this is a fun romcom. But it is also a thoughtful read. Trinity is black, female, and working in a white male industry. While the book doesn’t ever get too dark, I love that the author doesn’t shy away from the complexity of Trinity’s work life. I love that Lucas observes and appreciates the intersectional challenges that Trinity experiences in various aspects of her life. As always, Kate Meader writes intelligent and reflective romance and Trinity is both a challenging and an inspiring character.

It took me a while to warm to Lucas. I was initially put off by his arrogance and he feels like a player at first. But Lucas is more complex than he initially seems, and I fell in love with the more vulnerable character we see later in the book. To a British reader, some of Lucas’ ‘Britishness’ feels exaggerated and unnecessary. Some of Lucas’ British slang is a little bit over-the-top and not always used appropriately. Lucas is also an impossibly successful 28-year-old and there are moments where his perfection is both unbelievable and incredibly irritating. But his personal life is messy enough to make him loveable and he’s got enough depth to make him interesting.

This is a book as much about family as it is about romance. Before Lucas and Trinity can commit to a relationship, they both have to work through their family relationships. I love the personal growth in this story and I love the way these two challenge each other to deal with things they’ve avoided for too long.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in the series, and is definitely worth reading. I have enjoyed all the Kate Meader books I have read, and this is no exception. I would recommend that you read Down with Love first, as it is a fun book and sets the scene for the divorce lawyers' playground.

Meader writes hot, sexy, and intelligent male leads, and Lucas fits the criteria perfectly. In fact, he is also British, which ups the levels even more (I have to admit at times his use of language is not quite right to this Brit's ear, but I forgave him!). Add in the fact that he is fun, coaches kids’ soccer, and yet has issues from his past, and he is swoon-worthy. His immediate chemistry with Trinity, and his understanding of the issues she faces are sexy too. However, the conflict of interest is huge, and his career and ethics are important.

With this kind of set up, it is always going to be fun seeing how the author manages to swing the situation around, as we know that they have to get to the happily ever after they so deserve; it is just the method that has to be discovered.

There is an interesting extra dimension and depth to this book due to the recognition of the issues which Trinity faces in her job. She is an African American woman working in the white male dominated world of sommeliers, and whilst exceptional at her job, she faces discrimination for both, It is a poignant reminder of how the outward facing still influences expectation, and is a point well made.

For an intelligent, sexy read this will serve you well. I am excited to see what comes next!

Quick(ish) Review 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this, even after a bit of a slow start. Trinity Jones, whiskey sommelier, and Lucas Wright, divorce lawyer, meet at the bar where Trin works. Lucas is the clown with a larger than life personality. Trinity doesn’t know what to make of him at first, but when they realize that her sister is the opposing party in a divorce he’s handling, things get interesting and yep, you guessed it, romance happens.

I really, really enjoy Ms. Meader’s character work. She’s written some recent favorites and when she gets into the nitty gritty, the real meat of a character’s motivations, it’s fantastic. She also doesn’t depend on the ev-ILL antagonist who’s just evil for evil’s sake. Every character lives in that gray and I like it.

Trinity and Lucas both have their own demons to battle, and I liked the chance to get to know each of them, independent of the romance. Lucas is a sweet beta hero, a bit more open and honest about his feelings to himself, even if he doesn’t show that serious side to the world. As a consequence, he was an easier character to connect with. Trinity is a harder nut to crack, but I liked that even when I didn’t agree with her choices (her blind spot, aka her sister, is frustrating), I understood why she made them and they were in character.

There’s diversity to be found in this ‘verse, as Trinity is a black woman and I LOVED that the cover (the ARC has a placeholder that I wasn’t a fan of, but the final cover is beautiful) is accurate with its portrayal of Trinity’s physical description. There are other characters of different ethnicities and sexual orientations, though I wouldn’t say there’s much time spent on fleshing out the secondary characters beyond the necessary in this book.

Now, I tend to be hypercritical of lawyer romances because I work in criminal law, so inaccuracies stick out like a sore thumb. That’s not an issue here and that’s part of my problem. The work, other than the central conflict of interest because of the divorce, isn’t a factor. Lucas occasionally goes to his office, and doesn’t go to court at all. The romance is front and center (and there’s nothing wrong with that), but I like seeing a more of the professional side of the character’s lives. That’s just me. Also, the turn from “no, no, no we can’t” to “OMG yes!” is so quick, it was a bit jarring. I was expecting a slow burn, but that turn in their relationship felt quick.


The Bottom Line

In the end (I know, I said quickish but you got full on War & Peace length review, sorey), I still enjoyed Lucas and Trin’s romance, and I cried towards the end, and that’s all due to Ms. Meader’s character work. If you like lawyer romances that are light on law but big on character, you may enjoy this.

Such a fun read!

Illegally Yours was so much more than I expected--especially with how over-the-top obnoxious Lucas started out here. Like Trinity, I spent a good portion of the beginning of the book wondering WTF was up with this guy. He was pretty obnoxious, over-the-top and fairly outrageous; was he for real? Of course we find out--just a little ahead of Trinity, since this is a dual first person POV story--that there is a whole lot going on below the surface with him and he's far more than the good time guy-slash-divorce shark that he appears.

And boy, does he have it bad for Trinity--who he soon figures out he really shouldn't even consider being with--because, ethics. (He tries. Kind of...and does take the steps he needs to eventually, an early clue that he's clearly more than just the party guy he initially comes off as.)

Trinity has her own oversized baggage, though, and her reasons for not being with Lucas don't just start and end with who his latest client is. But she soon realizes that there's more to him than most people see, and beyond that, he is the first person to really see her, which makes it hard to stay away from him. So of course she doesn't. And then she does. And then...well, they do make it to an HEA, at last. But it's hard won, and--I'm not gonna lie--made me cry, just a little.

SO GOOD.

Illegally Yours is the second book in the series, and overlaps the timeline of the first book ( Down with Love ) somewhat. Each should work fine as a standalone, though, if you haven't read the other yet. (But both will have you dying for Grant and Aubrey's story--OMG, I can't wait!)

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Such a fun read!

Illegally Yours was so much more than I expected--especially with how over-the-top obnoxious Lucas started out here. Like Trinity, I spent a good portion of the beginning of the book wondering WTF was up with this guy. He was pretty obnoxious, over-the-top and fairly outrageous; was he for real? Of course we find out--just a little ahead of Trinity, since this is a dual first person POV story--that there is a whole lot going on below the surface with him and he's far more than the good time guy-slash-divorce shark that he appears.

And boy, does he have it bad for Trinity--who he soon figures out he really shouldn't even consider being with--because, ethics. (He tries. Kind of...and does take the steps he needs to eventually, an early clue that he's clearly more than just the party guy he initially comes off as.)

Trinity has her own oversized baggage, though, and her reasons for not being with Lucas don't just start and end with who his latest client is. But she soon realizes that there's more to him than most people see, and beyond that, he is the first person to really see her, which makes it hard to stay away from him. So of course she doesn't. And then she does. And then...well, they do make it to an HEA, at last. But it's hard won, and--I'm not gonna lie--made me cry, just a little.

SO GOOD.

Illegally Yours is the second book in the series, and overlaps the timeline of the first book ( Down with Love ) somewhat. Each should work fine as a standalone, though, if you haven't read the other yet. (But both will have you dying for Grant and Aubrey's story--OMG, I can't wait!)

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

This is my first read from Kate Meader and this was not a disappointing read. This couple is great and the story is interesting and keeps you wanting to read and not wanting to put this book down.

Lucas, considered to be one of the best divorce attorneys around, is relaxing with his coworkers and friends at the local bar when he meets Trinity. Trinity is their sommelier for the evening. Lucas thinks Trinity’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever met, but makes an a** of himself. Trinity, although she thinks he’s handsome and sexy, also thinks he’s a jerk. Although he makes her heart race, family comes first. Her younger sister, niece, and nephew are all she cares about and she doesn’t have time for a relationship.

Lucas’ past has had a major impact on his life. It’s the driving force behind his chosen career. Lucas specializes in representing fathers who want custody of their children in a divorce. As a product of a time where women were given custody of their children automatically, Lucas represents fathers who may truly be the better custodial parent. When Trinity approaches him concerning her sister’s divorce, Lucas realizes there’s a conflict of interest. He can’t pursue Trinity as he represents her brother in law. All good things...

This novel has all the “feels”. It’s a story about forgiveness, overcoming your past so you can move forward with your future, and tough love. Trinity makes so many sacrifices and is selfless in ALL decisions concerning her family, often to her detriment. She lives for her sister, not herself. Although I believe family is extremely important, I think there’s a point that you have to let go. Trinity has a hard time doing this. Lucas lets his past rule his future decisions. In Trinity he sees a life he’s always wished he could have, but is too stubborn to work for it. Can Lucas and Trinity get out of their heads long enough to pursue happiness? I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

I enjoyed this read but must admit it pulled my emotions in opposite directions. To start, on one hand I really liked the forbidden element to this romance; but on the other hand it was very difficult not to have deep reservations about the long, ongoing effects of Lucas' actions against Trinity's sister. I just could not stop myself from thinking about all those family functions; like holidays and birthdays and I simply couldn't convince myself that this really wouldn't be an issue for this couple that just kept popping up. In spite of that though I did like this couple and wanted them to have a HEA. Both of these characters had emotional baggage and I like that because it evens the playing field. Lucas does start out as a bit unlikable. He is smug and has quite the attitude. As the story unfolds you delve into his character and that showcases his wit, charm and sweetness and that really raises his likability factor. As for Trinity, she was strong, sassy, smart, has a wounded heart and is a fiercely overprotective sister. I thought that they made quite the couple. Their attraction was undeniable and their chemistry was hot and steamy. The book holds your interest with lots of drama, emotional turmoil, tension and humor.

Law of Attraction book 2!

This is the second book in Kate Meader’s Laws of Attraction series. I did it read book 1, but as this is a stand alone novel, I don’t think it affected my reading of this novel.

Lucas is a divorce lawyer who comes across initially as a shallow player. However, Lucas always tries to make sure the divorces end with somewhat of a truce so children don’t feel divorce too much. Trinity comes across as a confident, cold hearted woman. However, she constantly does things for everyone else and she is a doormat to her sister. However, when you delve farther into the book, you find that their characters aren’t that way at all! Lucas is actually a nice, good guy, and Trinity...well I was not pleased about how she continued to let her sister take advantage of her! I was in that situation once myself, and thank goodness got out by stressing my own needs and time. Unfortunately, Lucas is the attorney representing her sister’s soon to be ex-husband! I found it quite a trick to have us root for Lucas with everything happening in the family and divorce!

Although I enjoyed this novel and Kate Meader’s writing style, I felt that Trinity (being a few years older than Lucas) was very difficult to consider right for Lucas. Lucas put on a persona he felt appropriate as a divorce attorney while his true personality was much more likeable. Somehow, I just didn’t enjoy this novel as much as other Kate Meader books.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I really have enjoyed many of the books by this author but I had a hard time getting into this one. Maybe the author planned to make readers wonder why Trinity would have anything to do with Lucas, the lawyer that was representing her brother-in-law in the divorce.

Maybe it was the plan to make it seem like Lucas always favored the men in a divorce so from that perspective, it was hard to like him. Later, we learn that is not the case. As the book goes on, Lucas turns out to not be the evil divorce lawyer and I actually start to like him!

Later, we learn a huge secret in Trinity's life and then the balance shifts, we see that Emily is not so blame free in this divorce. Even Trinity, has her share of blame in this family's problems, and it takes Lucas to help her see she needs to change.

I really liked the ending and how Trinity went to the trouble to find Lucas and help him through a tough time, but then he takes off. Good thing he makes a dramatic reappearance!!

I have not read book one in this series, and want to read that book so I know the story with Max and Charlie but more so the third book! What is the big secret between Grant and Aubrey?

Very quick witted, funny and paasionate. The growing bond between the two main characters is hot! Readers are gonna really enjoy this novel.

This book was so unexpected, and it really tugged my heartstrings. The first book in the series was so funny and, while this one had it's moments, it was so much more emotional.

Lucas Wright is a good-time guy. A cheeky Brit, always up for a drink and a jaunt with friends. A friend to everyone, and he's always "on". But there are things he hides, deeply, and from everyone. A painful past that still haunts him, and the constant feelings that he's not doing everything he should. So, as a lawyer, he takes on cases that help him right the wrongs of his past, since those particular ones are long beyond fixing. He fights for the rights of fathers during their divorce. He of all people knows a mother shouldn't get sole custody JUST because she's the mother. He knows he would have been better off had he ended up with his dad. Then one night, while out for his friend's bachelor party, he gets knocked out by the beauty of their whiskey sommelier. He knows he has to have her. But, he never dreamed how much life, love, excitement, and drama would come of it.

Trinity Jones is a caretaker. She takes care of her younger sister, and her nephew, and niece, especially after their husband/father's betrayal. But then, she's always looked after her sister, since their mom was pretty much absentee. She became a whiskey sommelier because it made her feel close to her grandfather, but almost everyone finds her to be out of place. They never expect a woman, much less a black woman, to be in her job. She loves to shock them all with her encyclopedic knowledge. When she meets Lucas, she finds him hot, but not serious, and far too much trouble. Then she finds out he's representing her soon to be ex brother-in-law and she knows nothing can happen between them. But that realization hurts more than it should. And she doesn't understand why she's so drawn to him. How can they overcome all the obstacles in their path? Is it even worth trying?

Lucas and Trinity had chemistry like whoa, but nothing to do with it, at least for a while. There was a bit of a slow burn, and it made everything so much more delicious. But beyond the physical, they just really GOT each other. They recognized each other's true selves, and they weren't scared of each other's revelations. Even when those revelations were WAY too slow in coming. They both needed to reexamine how they were living their lives, and if it was the healthiest and best way to be dealing with their issues. They really helped each other out with that, and it was beautiful to see such true acceptance between them.

Lucas was turned on by how good Trin was at her job. She loved how he always managed to diffuse situations with his wit and charm. They really brought out the best in each other. Watching them both learn to deal with their issues was highly emotional for me. I really felt for them. Lucas' mom was a piece of work, and Trinity's sister was a woe-is-me, privileged nightmare. Not to mention her sister's ex. They were each varying levels of problematic, and did nothing but cause issues for our couple. Individual issues and issues between them. There was so much love between Lucas and Trin, but they weren't sure if that was enough. They really had to work to learn how to be happy together.

I will also say, I am intrigued by the couple that will be in book 3, current divorced exes, Grant and Aubrey. Talk about a second chance romance! I'm looking forward to, and dreading, it in equal measure. So much angst! I highly recommend both books in the series so far. They both made me laugh, and cry, and FEEL. I love them and this author.

Title: Illegally Yours
Author: Kate Meader
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Illegally Yours" by Kate Meader

My Rationalization.....

What a beautiful contemporary romantic story this was for Lucas Wright who was a divorce attorney and Trinity Jone who was a Sommelier with her specialty being in Whiskey. This was quite a interesting story that you will see from the read that Lucas was Trinity's ex brother in law's lawyer. The drama will come 'when Trinity finds out that Lucas is representing her ex brother-in-law in a divorce proceeding against her sister Emily.'

It was quite a read seeing this British charm that Lucas used when meeting Trinity. The story had a lots of deep meaning in it as the reader will see how these two main characters had something that they seem to hold from each other due to their traumatic experiences they had suffered in their life's.

Lucas definitely processed being a 'charmer, life of the party, super smart, inordinately, witty, alpha, protective, even a sensitive side' and for Trinity a little older than Lucas but 'strong, smoking hot, super protective of her sister, independent, in control as well as a caregiver.' The reader will get off with the bantering between Trinity and Lucas which will put a smile on your face as you are reading through this story. I will say that the 'British words and phrases that came out of Lucas mouth made this read quite funny and hot read.'

I also enjoyed some of the other characters [Max, Charlie, Grant, Audrey,] to name a few which seemed to be not only a 'circle of friends' but a 'fantastic group' that seemed to care about one another and especially having each others backs. I will say I loved how this author was able to bring in the 'Harry Potter' part in the read that went to well with this story.

Will Lucas and Trinity be able to help each other find the happiness that they needed in this heartwarming story? Well, to find out this and much more you will have to pick up "Illegally Yours" to see how 'funny, sweet, romantic and just plain hot this story is!

Thank you to NetGallery and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for the read and my giving my honest opinion of the read.