I enjoy most of Taite's books. She almost always delivers a solid read. This was was good, but not anywhere close to one of my favorites of hers. I was pretty nervous when at 79% I didn't feel like I was 79% done with getting these two where they needed to be. 20% left in a book is not enough for me to buy into a blissful relationship. I felt like the ending was rushed. I think this was more of a 3.5ish star read for me, but I will round up because I like the author so much. I have already started book 2 in the series and I have high hopes of catching back up with Campbell and Wynne. Fingers crossed we get to see more of them. If you are a fan of Taite I think you should pick this one up if you have never read her before perhaps start with another book, and once you are in love with her writing, circle back to this one.

An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I really liked this book by Taite, the connection between Wynne and Campbell was amazing. She did very well setting up this series with the other partners of Campbell's new law firm, I am very excited to start reading the rest of this series. The only issue I had is that I wanted more backstory of the characters and more chances for their interaction romantically to cement the falling in love that they claimed. I ended up finishing this in one sitting unable to put it down! This was a very good romance with just enough law!

As with many books that begin a series with a group of friends where each friend will be the main protagonist in one of the books, there is some prep work to do. And this book preps the reader for the friendship of Campbell, Abby and Grace and sets the scene of their new legal firm.

This book is a very slow burn, but when it hits the accelerator, the romance is off and in fine form. I loved Campbell and can't wait to get more of her in the other books in the series. The romance between Campbell and Wynne is fraught with heaps of reasons they shouldn't be together from assumptions from when they attended the same college to working to win over the same client for their respective firms. But when they do finally make a move it was worth the wait. And I was crushing hard on Campbell by the end, swoon.

Watching Wynne lower her guard made for good reading and she was the one holding back the most so when she finally let's go, it was almost triumphant.

Also, how sexy are those legs on the cover?

For Full review: https://lesreveur.com/2020/03/29/practice-makes-perfect-by-carsen-taite/

sexy wlw novel with a law firm backdrop. I almost wish it were in audiobook so I could read it again. Wish there were were WoC though

Stevie‘s review of Practice Makes Perfect (Legal Affairs, Book 1) by Carsen Taite
Contemporary Lesbian Romance published by Bold Strokes Books 10 Jun 19

Although I’ve read a number of Carsen Taite’s stand-alone legal romances, I’m yet to properly delve into any of her series, most of which are a little lighter on the lawyers than the books I have read of hers. To make a start on bridging the gap, I picked up this, the first in a new legal romance series, featuring three women setting up their own law firm after tiring of the demands made on them if they want to make partner by the more expected route. Conflict and a love interest are provided this time around by one of their law school contemporaries, who is working for a more traditional firm, giving us a great opportunity to see more of the situations our trio of friends are trying to escape from. Campbell Clark is the first of the three to take centre stage, and she’s also the original driving force behind their firm.


As our story opens, Campbell is meeting up with her two best friends at a reunion of her whole law school class. Nothing she sees or hears counts as encouragement for her to continue along her current career path, and when she broaches the subject with her besties, they’re up for taking the plunge into the unknown as well, even if they do have a few reservations about Campbell using too much of her inheritance to finance the venture. Plan in place, Campbell is preparing to leave, when she runs into a former classmate she doesn’t recognise. Five years earlier, Wynne Garrity had been the quiet brains of the class, and while she’s had a bit of a make-over, she seems as driven as ever.

Wynne has dragged herself up from a much less privileged background than Campbell and is prepared to put up with whatever her outdated bosses want to throw at her, if that means she has a steady income to bail her family out (sometimes literally), whenever they come crying to her for support (usually of the financial variety). Wynne’s firm represents the maverick genius behind a high-profit tech firm, and when he threatens to take his business over to Campbell and her friends, Wynne is instructed to do whatever is necessary to keep him with her firm, even while appearing to be cooperating with his request to work alongside Campbell.

The two women have very different styles, which fit very neatly with their firms, boutique versus traditional, but they find themselves drawn to each other as people even as their contrasting ways of working seem to be paying off. As they get to know each other, they learn the secrets behind each other’s public images, and are developing a strong bond of trust – until Wynne’s boss hears of their after-hours meetings and steps in to cause trouble. With their trust in each other shattered, it’s down to both of them to win the case and then win back what they had before.

I like the set-up for this series very much, and can see that the three recurring heroines are going to show very different strengths and skills within their new firm, as well as in their interactions with each other and with family and (new) friends or potential partners. There were times when I wasn’t entirely happy with the conduct of this book’s heroines towards each other, but I found the case and their various actions in working it up fascinating. I also liked the various secondary characters who stepped in to help or hinder our heroines at different points and hope that we meet at least some of them again as the series progresses.

Grade: B

Carsen Taite let the humor shine through in this one and I really enjoyed this story. Looks like there are opportunities for more stories involving some of these characters. I am looking forward to the next book.
Thank you for this story.

4/5

Campbell Clark and her friends had just started their new law firm. Campbell has a shot at landing her firms first big client, the only problem is that she has to compete for it. Wynne Garrity is very close to making partner in her firm, one she keeps the big client that is threatening to leave for another company. Campbell and Wynne find themselves competing for the big client that will make or sank both or their careers, but their growing attraction might complicate things.

This is what it looks to be the first of a series and I could not be happier. This book was an easy read. Not much legal stuff as I am accustomed from this author, and while I love those heavy courtroom books, I really liked this one.

It was a light book with a very sweet romance. Can't wait for the other two in the series.

This ARC was given to me for a honest review

If you enjoy books about lawyers, this is for you! I enjoyed it even though that isn't what I typically would pick up to read. However, the story flows nicely and it is well written. The main characters are many, although it is easy to follow who is who. Campbell, Grace and Abby leave their law firms to form their own firm. They are battling to win over a client and find they are in a race with another firm with Wynne at the helm. Throw into the mix that Campbell is attracted to Wynne and vice versa. Trying to deny attraction is the key to this story.
I would recommend this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely brilliant!

Campbell, Abby, and Grace, friends since law school bravely set up shop on their own. They get the opportunity of working for a top client, but on the opposite team is Wynne Garrity – an old acquaintance from law school. Campbell is tasked with working with Wynne, and it is a battle to win the client, but emotions between them are charged.

I was hooked reading this story. It was intense, thrilling in that way legal matters get to the nitty gritty and instil tension between parties, fast paced, and laced with angst. It was absolutely perfect for me. The story built, but again as with any legal affair, it wasn’t straightforward, and wins weren’t easy – even for matters of the heart.

Very slow burn romance, which not only excites me but makes me get so lost in the story. I couldn’t put it down because I was so invested in wanting to know the outcome for Wynne and Campbell. Love could elude them if they focused too much on their careers, and that emotional balance between work and personal, love and career, were expertly balanced in this story.

Some good light rivalry adds to the tension of this story, really keeping it fresh and exciting for the reader with every chapter. You will be routing for both sides, and hoping that the outcome will be one of mediation and happy! A story to really get engrossed in.

The balance of Wynne and Campbell’s relationship was good, but I know there is more from them and hope we will see more from them in future.

Campbell and Wynne have a unique relationship. They know each other, the past a memory but they don’t know each other that well because of it. That adds to their character complexities, and adds a layer of uncertainty to their relationship. They know they are attracted to each other, and they really do complement one another perfectly. Individually they are both confident, sassy, powerful women, but they both have their insecurities, stressors, and own trials and tribulations to overcome. I loved Wynne, she was my favourite but just because I felt the story gave a more intimate look at her characters emotions, and feelings.

As my first Carsen Taite read, I wasn’t disappointed by this story and I am really excited to read more stories by this author. I can highly recommend this book.

Yes To This Legal Affair!
This is a well written book that manages to give a glimpse into the sometimes cut-throat legal world. After spending years working in Law firms (not to mention the countless hours chasing after the much coveted partnership), Campbell, Abby and Grace realize that they are better off starting their own firm. When Campbell manages to land their first big client, the new firm is asked to work with another 'big shot' firm on a case. Wynne is the lead lawyer for the rival firm and it just so happens that Campbell went to school with her although Wynne now looks very different from how she looked during law school. As the sparks fly between Campbell & Wynne, the challenge becomes how they can pursue a relationship given that they are working for rival firms trying to win the same client.
The author does a great job of building the main characters and giving us a compelling story. I also enjoyed how the secondary characters such as Seth, Jennifer, Abby & Grace were incorporated into the story. Even though the ending was rather abrupt, this was a very good read.

I enjoyed this book; was very easy to read. Characters were developed nicely and I felt I knew some of them. However I didn’t feel it went anywhere; wasn’t exciting and I wasn’t desperate to read it every day. If you want an easy read based on “normal” lesbian characters then I’d recommend this.

This is the first book in a new legal romance series by Carsen Taite. The name of the series is Legal Affairs. Since Ms. Taite is a lawyer, her books tend to center on this arena. I find her writings to be very interesting. She does not use much legalese so the average reader should understand her descriptions.

In this story there are three best friends, Campbell, Abby, and Grace, all who attended law school together. They work for different high-powered law firms, and their goal is to start their own firm. Each of the ladies has a special talent. Campbell is adept at finding and securing companies /individuals who need legal assistance and advice. Campbell’s brother has connections in entertainment and social media industry. It is through this relationship that Campbell is introduced to Braxton, a social media millionaire. Braxton is discontented with his current law firm. Campbell’s company can offer Braxton a hip, young firm that understands the legal needs in the technology field.

The company currently in charge of Braxton’s legal defense is run by lawyers who are not technologically savvy and intend to run their firm in an old school manner. Wynne Garrity works for this law firm and is responsible for meeting the needs of Braxton’s company. Wynne works very hard, but unfortunately her boss claims the accolades for any of the work Wynne performs.

A major lawsuit is filed against Braxton’s company. He decides to have both companies develop a legal strategy to avoid losing the lawsuit. When Campbell meets Wynne she is immediately interested and hopes to get her attention. Wynne, on the other hand, sees her future at the law firm directly tied to winning the case. Campbell would only be a distraction. Her personal life can wait.

Ms. Taite always tells a good story. The plot in this book is not necessarily complex nor surprising, but the characters are well developed and interesting. This is important for the first book in the series as it lays down the concrete framework. The sex scenes are minimal. Instead, readers will find an engaging story which will hook them into reading about this powerful group of women.

I recommend reading Practice Makes Perfect. It is a wonderful romance and an important series foundation book. I rate this book 4 out of 5 books.

I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.

Campbell Clark is spontaneous. This character trait serves her well at times. Her spontaneity convinces her overworked besties to quit their well-paying jobs at large established law firms to venture out on their own and open a boutique law firm. This is Campbell’s big idea and now she has to land the client’s to keep her best friends bank accounts in the green and their dream viable.

Wynne Garrity knows all about being over-worked. She is on track to being a partner at her Austin based law firm. She just has to keep killing herself to get there. Her boss is a maniacal jerk, she has zero social life and spends all of her time surrounded in paperwork. It will all be worth it, right?

Wynne and Campbell know each other from law school, Campbell popular and charismatic, Wynne hyper-focused and solitary. There two come back into each other’s life when both of their law firms are trying to woo a Facebook-like company’s account. These two are pitted against each other for the business until the proprietor decides to throw them together to work on a lawsuit. They have to work on this case all the while being the competitor. Not to mention, and this is big, they are wildly attracted to each other. Let the sparks fly!

This book has two fantastic leads, an attention-grabbing plot and that sizzling chemistry that great authors can make jump off the page. While all of Taite’s books are fantastic, this one is on that next level. This is a damn good book and I cannot wait to see what is next in this series

I always look forward to a new book release from Carsen Taite and I wasn't disappointed with Practice Makes Perfect.

Everyone loves having the so called nerd from college/school and popular girl come together. I thought Taite did this well, building up the respect and chemistry between the two. The dramas around the competition and complication of their feels really added to the story. I struggled to put the book down and am really looking forward to more books in this series!

Campbell Clark starts an own law company with 2 friends from college and has a trust fund which makes it just a little bit easier. Sounds familiar? She gets feelings for a lawyer from a competing firm and they end up having to go head to head to be able to sign a client. Sounds even more familiar?

Carsen Taite is a great writer when it comes to legal books interspersed with romance and a crime aspect. She decided to deviate a little bit to start a series more focused on romance. For me it seemed a bit too much like the Soho loft series and it falls way short in comparison. The characters are not as fleshed out and the friendship angle is written about but not felt. The ending was quite sudden, like the writer needed to make a deadline and all of a sudden the conflict that was there during the whole book got resolved in a just a few pages.

All in all I would pick up the next book to see where it goes, also because Carsen Taite doesn't write bad books and this was definitely not a bad book, but also not a home run.

I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

Carsen Taite is outstanding as a writer and working in real-life law situations. Practice Makes Perfect is another winner in this category. Instead of giving a rundown of the story, which you can read in the description of the book, I prefer to focus on the aspects of the book that I enjoyed and what made the book special.

Taite does an excellent job in character development between the 2 main characters, Wynne and Campbell. I could easily picture both women in my head and how they would react to certain situations. Campbell has all of the confidence in the world, being out on her own and forming a new law firm with two of her friends. Wynne is miserable in her position with her firm, but feels like that is the only way she can get ahead.

The sparks fly between Wynne and Campbell as they have to work together on a case while at the same time competing for future business. Campbell shows that she is on top of her game and that her new company should get the future business of their joint client until Wynne's boss finds out about the 2 lawyers getting close with each other. He pulls an underhanded trick to steal the business away and at the same time driving a wedge between the two lovers.

The ending is somewhat predictable, but sweet as well. It is a happily ever after. This is definitely an enjoyable read and well worth picking up and enjoying.

This is the first legal book I've read in awhile, and I was very impressed with how everything was explained so well. The gradual buildup between the characters was refreshing.

A mostly-wholesome tale of two lawyers, Practice Makes Perfect is a relatable, upbeat, intelligent romance novel! I loved Wynne and Campbell, and their chemistry was really fun to watch grow. Their network of friends are an excellent addition to the story, and I'm excited for Abby and Grace's stories, and hope we get a bit of the continuation of Wynne and Campbell's as well.

I'm especially hopeful that later novels might offer more of a conclusion for Wynne and Campbell, because the only negative to this novel is the abrupt ending. I understand things being left up in the air a bit, but this one just closes with the client in a weird state of limbo (and frankly not addressing the initial reason that pits Wynne and Campbell against each other).

Bonus points-I loved the local Austin references.

When Campbell Clark meets up with her friends Abby and Grace at a five-year law school reunion, she realizes all the dreams the'd talked about in school were still just that, dreams. She decides then and there to quit her job, where she's overworked and under-appreciated, and starts a new law firm with her best friends. She lands her first case, but there's she's not working it alone, she has to work with gorgeous Wynne from a competing firm. Winning the case would mean she would secure the business of the company she is representing long term, and that means working both with and against Wynne. Attraction blossoms between them, but can a romance survive such fierce competition?

Carsen Taite never disappoints, she's an excellent storyteller of all things romance and law. This book was a little different than some of her previous endeavours, as it didn't have the crime and suspense aspects, but it still had a juicy case and a sizzling romance that was absolutely perfect. This is definitely lighter than some of her other work, but just enjoy the easy and fun ride. Campbell, Abby and Grace are lovely and fascinating characters. I loved the evolution of Campbell's character from elite workaholic into focusing on her friends and a slower paced life. The touches of her family we saw really added warmth and depth to her character, as did her relationship with Wynne. I thought there was a good balance between work and romance in this book. The romance was sweet and sexy and well paced, although the ending came far too quick. I wouldn't have minded it being a little slower and more drawn out, but I know we'll be getting more soon.

The quest for the perfect secretary gave me a good chuckle all the way through as well, I loved it.

This is the perfect summer romance read, and I highly recommend it. I look forward to Abby and Grace's stories and the cases they'll tackle in the rest of this series!

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have been an avid fan of Carsen Taite for a number of years, I love her writing skills and knowledge of the legal system with the added bonus of a good thriller. So when I read the Synopsis of Practice Makes Perfect I didn't know how I was going to react.

Well I have to be honest....I didn't like it.....I Loved it.

Campbell and Wynne are great characters, they have an attraction to each other, but when put in a position where they are forced to work together as rivals they then have the add pressure of ignoring the pull towards each other.

Would I recommend - Yes ....Fantastically written and great story
1st in a series and I can't wait for the next in line