Another great rom com from Lana Ferguson!! This book was so good. Dani and Ezra’s chemistry was *chef’s kiss* and the enemies to lovers theme was brilliant. I also really liked the intrigue surrounding the case as well as the backstory of Ezra’s family. The supporting characters were very funny and a delight to read. Can’t wait for her next book!

A well-paced rivals-to-lovers story with just the right amount of tension and unresolved feelings. Add in some layered family drama, and it made for a satisfying read.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

"Don't you know?" I lean in brushing my lips across hers, smiling. "I've loved you for ages, Dani. I've just been waiting for you to catch up."

3.5 stars

A wobbly beginning with a fantastic middle and an OK ending.

So yeah, the beginning was a little rough for me. It was solely about sex and neither one of them being able to have a regular conversation without making a ton of innuendos are being immediately affected by them. I am all about spice, but I don't like it when it becomes the focal point of a story and is there just to rank up in 🌶️

Also, Dani was like...such a B. To Ezra, to her poor parents? That whole thing was just weird and unfair imo, so it took some time to warm up to her.

But once we actually got into the storyline and they got a little more space I really started to enjoy this. There aren't a ton of lawyer romances out there, at least that I've read, so it seemed more fresh than some other romances. And the writing here is just so great. So entertaining, engaging, and it flows so well. Lana's books are so easy to read and I've loved discovering her as newer author.

But there was a third act breakup that I didn't really care for. The typical formula: FMC feels betrayed for some reason > FMC overreacts and doesn't give MMC chance to say or do anything > FMC feels like an asshole later. Please. PLEASE. Give us a little more emotionally stable FMCs that aren't stereotypical.

But would still recommend for any romance readers 🩷

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.

This was a cute and quick read. Not my favorite book by Lana unfortunately. I found the miscommunication infuriating (I understand due to the plot some was required) but it just was wayyyy too much for me. I still think this was worth a read if you want a quick rom com but it did not live up to my expectations personally.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
•rivals with benefits
•spicy AF (and SO GOOD)
•black cat x golden retriever
•set in Austin, TX
•courtroom drama
•workplace romance (forbidden)
•cat daddy
•grumpy x sunshine

Lana Ferguson’s ability to maneuver the romance subgenres should be studied because she does it so seamlessly!! After reading Overruled in a single day, I can assure you this is one of my top reads this year. This book is everything I want in an enemies to lovers forbidden workplace romance.

Okay so let me start by saying love is not a strong enough word to describe the feelings I have for Dani & Ezra. This is a god tier black cat x golden retriever romance. And the more you read about them, the more you fall in love with them as they fall for each other. The banter is top notch and had me snickering. And the spice - SIZZLING LIKE CHILIS FAJITAS.

The way the book starts is STRONG and not what I expected- but Lana’s pacing is so smooth and timely that you just want to keep reading. Fair warning - The family backstories are enough to make you check tw’s if that could be a concern for you. But I will say- I SOBBED. God. I was wrecked. And yet Lana knows how to finish a book STRONG.

Also - did I mention it’s set in Austin?? I cannot tell you how much I love seeing South Texas repped in romance so thank you Lana!!

Thank you forever to Lana, Berkeley and NetGalley for this incredible arc in exchange for my honest review. May your coffee always be hot and may you never hit a red light.

LANA!!!! I know in the acknowledgements you said this was your favorite book you've written and I have to second that! I loved Overruled and I'm not even a law girlie. First off, this was H-O-T from the first chapter - like jesus christ woman how do you do it?? But I adored Ezra and his character development, I felt like I was kind of falling in love with him as Dani was. Dani wasn't my favorite at first, but she did grow on me and I love a capable, corporate woman. Essentially, Your Honor, I love them! Definitely a great romance with endearing characters, spice out the whazoo, and an MMC worth dying for.

Thank you to Berkley Romance, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!

My first Berkeley approval on NetGalley!! I was so excited when I saw the email, I didn’t think I was going to be approved 😂 I was so excited I ate up this book in one day 🤭

🌶️ I forgot how spicy a Lana Ferguson book is. We start off with a bang in the Prologue, and we don’t seem to stop 😆 You know from the tension between Ezra Hart and Danica Pierce that these rivals with benefits will catch feelings sooner rather than later!

⚖️ I swore off reading books about lawyers when I wanted to report fictional lawyers to the bar association 😂 but fine, I’m back… and I genuinely enjoyed the court room scenes, the back and forth between opposing counsel, and also the extra curriculars 🔥 And while I say (with the greatest of affection) that lawyers are all psychos, Ezra and Dani are the “good” kind of psycho, as well as the dynamic duo, Vera and Nate. Will we get a side story about these two?? 👯‍♀️

💪🏼 I also really enjoyed the character of Bianca Casiraghi - a strong and powerful woman who also raises up other women. I think her presence really lifted the story, and I enjoyed following her story arc.

3/5 ⭐️

I am decidedly very neutral about this book. It was entertaining don’t get me wrong but I feel like it was missing a certain spark that Lana Ferguson books usually have. I didn’t totally love the FMC, she tows the line of being mean out of competition (enemies to lovers) and literally just a jerk.

The book is easy read, quick to get through and will keep your attention.

3 Stars
ARC Review
Release: July 1, 2025

- Overview -
Overruled follows two divorce lawyers from opposing firms fighting a forbidden attraction to each other. Dani loves her work as a divorce lawyer, she enjoys helping people who are in bad situations be victorious. One of her goals is to become a partner at the firm, and only one victorious case stands in the way… and, well, Ezra. Ezra, also known as the Heartbreak Prince in the court room, is known for his charm, but unfortunately for him, Dani, is immune to his charm. When the two of them are put on opposing sides of the same case, the must decide whether fight the growing attraction between them, or to give in, and possibly risk her career.

- Characters -
Ezra, the MMC, YEARNS for most of the book, which isn’t a bad thing, but I guess I like a bit of a challenge. It does seem very cringy and a bit forced at the beginning, but it does get better over time. This book is also marketed as enemies to lovers, but the first chapter, THE FIRST PAGE has smut on it. I’m being completely serious right now. I guess I can kind of understand it because it’s no strings attached, but it really didn’t feel like true enemies to lovers. The idea of two rival lawyers was probably one of my favorite parts of this book, because it’s just so good when they’re in the courtroom together. The only bad thing is that they’re divorce lawyers, so one of them is defending a cheater, which isn’t ideal either.

Ezra is cocky, but he definitely has a sweeter side that shows as you get into the book. Dani, on the other hand, totally has ice queen vibes, which I’m here for. Together… wow, they were good together… when they weren’t having sex. I think a lot of the actual bonding between them centered around or happened because they’d hooked up, and that also annoyed me a bit. There’s also some insta love/lust involved, which in my opinion, isn’t bad, I actually enjoy it, but I know that some people dislike it.

- The Plot -
The plot itself was quite predictable, but almost in a good way. There were some twists relating to the main case itself, which I didn’t see coming, but overall it was pretty straightforward. Content wise, this book is definitely spicy, sometimes in questionable places, so beware of that. Actually, there is a scene where they may or may not do it in her parents bathroom which one, it’s her PARENTS bathroom, and two, who knows when the last time it was cleaned?? The only thing I could think of while reading that was the unsanitary-ness of that scene.

Overall, I think this book will definitely find it’s ideal audience, but unfortunately, that’s not me.

Features -
- First person
- Dual POV
- Opposing lawyers
- Daddy issues
- She’s grumpy, he’s sunshine
- Forced proximity
- Forbidden romance
- Spicy

Overruled by Lana Ferguson follows Danica Pierce and Ezra Hart, two rival divorce lawyers and sworn enemies. Dani has sworn off love after her last relationship ended badly, but she can’t seem to stop sleeping with her enemy. One tiny problem with their tryst, Ezra wants more than just hookups and Dani thinks of him as an insufferable playboy. When the biggest case of Dani’s career comes across her desk and promises a shot at making partner, her only problem is that the opposing counsel is the one man she can’t stay away from. Will Dani be able to win her case, and will Ezra be able to win her heart?

My personal opinions: I wasn’t exactly sure about this at first, but by the end I came to love it. The romance was delightful, the court cases were intriguing, and there was a cat (which always adds points in my opinion). Frankly, I did get really pulled in by the dramatics in Bianca’s case and Ezra’s family. I definitely need to read more from Lana Ferguson.

Thank you so very much to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read this e-arc!

While I wasn’t a huge fan of Under Loche and Key, I was a HUGE fan of Overruled! I used to love Suits a few years back, so getting to read a lawyer romance felt like coming home. The banter between Dani and Ezra was top tier, and when I tell you I was SAT for all the courtroom scenes, I mean it. I was practically cheering during the divorce battle because I desperately wanted Bianca to get what she deserved. Their arguments felt so realistic, especially with them literally going head-to-head in court.

If I had one wish, it would be for the prologue to show their first meeting. I just wanted to understand why Dani hated Ezra so much from the beginning. That background would’ve made their relationship more realistic to me.

You know who else I want to be happy besides our main characters? Eli. He was a total ass in the beginning, but by the end, I was completely sold on his redemption arc. I am officially requesting a sequel where he gets his own story and someone to love. Also, I selfishly just want more lawyer romance in my life!!

And lastly, I don’t think I’ve ever loathed human beings more than I loathed Alexander and Lorenzo. We all hate fantasy villains, sure, but real-life villains like them hit different. It’s the kind of evil that actually makes my skin crawl. The lengths people will go to for money or power is just straight-up vile.

Overall, I definitely think this was a hit for me! I will continue to read anything Lana puts out (especially very excited for her omegaverse sequel...).

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book was an unexpected delight. I loved the tension and chemistry between Ezra and Dani. Their jobs made their dynamic a little different than I am used to reading but it made it so interesting and fun to read. I loved the side story of the case they were working on. I was extremely engaged through the whole book.

Court is in session, and we the readers find Lana Ferguson guilty of writing an undeniably swoony, addictive romance! I literally devoured this in one sitting. I truly appreciated the deeper themes woven into the story and every quippy moment between the two leads had me giggling like a fool the whole way through. This book is really more than just a romance with great spice. It had relatable themes of difficult family dynamics, living up to expectations, work-life balance, and a few others. But DANG if Dani and Ezra are law-breaking-level hot, and what an insanely satisfying ending!

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the free eARC of this amazing read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f contemporary romance
-workplace rivals
-this is just a hookup
-starts with a bang
-hate how attractive you are
-he falls first and hard
-roasting you is my love language

I just love this book. The banter, the sexual tension, how gone he is on her and how she slowly breaks down her walls to let him in. Absolutely unputdownable.

Divorce lawyers
Enemies with Benefits
Palpable chemistry
Steamy smut
Easy, entertaining read
“This is the last time”
Endearing side characters
Open door romance

You can always count on Lana Ferguson to deliver the funniest spiciest romcom. She's an auto buy author for me and I am always looking forward to her books.

“I’ve loved you for ages, Dani. I’ve just been waiting for you to catch up.”

Ezra, how does it feel to carry the entire book on your shoulders??

Ezra was amazing. Ezra is the reason this rating isn’t like 2 stars.

3.5 stars

“I want to touch you and make you realize that all I ever think about is touching you, that sometimes it’s the only thing that gets me through the day.”

So, I guess to start, I went into this thinking there would be some great tension, rival lawyers fighting on either side of cases. That screams tension. Give me! But you know, they were already hooking up so there was zero tension. Ezra basically says he’d date her, and Dani saying, “but I hate him” blah blah. They literally had sex on page one. That’s the opposite of rivals-to-lovers tension I want.

Dani. What a fucking spoiled little brat. Her entire personality focused on the fact that she was so angry, for the last like 15 years that her parents divorced and remained best friends. That her “whole life was a lie” and “she’ll never trust again.” I’m sorry?? On what fucking privileged planet do you live on? Grow the fuck up. I wanted to strangle her so much. You don’t have an actual problem, this isn’t an actual issue. Does Lana hate women?

“I came over here because seeing you was the only thing in the world that I could think of that might make this day less of a goddamned nightmare.”

Also, I dunno if Dani was supposed to be written as good at her job but she was a literal idiot. Every single thing caught her off guard during the case, what a horrible lawyer with no poker face. And she’d just freeze each time, be overwhelmed, but Ezra was a calm and collected cucumber, so I ask again, does Lana hate women? None of the FMCs I've read have been written well by her.

You know, I hate the 1-D friends that are always featured in books like these. They all pretty much have the same voice, no substance, and exist only to comfort or tell off the FMC in some sassy way.

Most of my quotes are from Ezra. I think that says something. I have more but honestly, I don’t want to think about this anymore.

I think maybe I’m done with Lana’s books for now. I've read 3 and I haven’t really loved, or even really liked, any of them.

Thank you so much to Berkley for this ARC! I literally never get approvals from them and this is probably the last I’ll get because I basically tore it to shreds. *sobs*

4 stars.

"Overruled" by Lana Ferguson boasts a lawyerly enemies-to-lovers plot featuring excellent side characters, an adorable cat, and some delicious banter. Although it has some flaws, I did enjoy this novel for the most part. I think the enemies-to-lovers is done the right way here. Ezra and Dani are the opposing counsel on a huge divorce case ripe with scandal, intrigue, potential blackmail, cheating, and many secrets to uncover. They are hooking up outside of the courtroom, but it's purely physical... at least, it is at first. Very steamy late-night sessions quickly become "more" as Ezra and Dani find they cannot stay away from one another (despite her best efforts). While the case they're working on gets shadier and twistier, the two of them need to find a way to keep their work life and their blossoming relationship separate. It doesn't help that Dani has been burned in the past and strives to keep Ezra at arm's length as best she can while he quickly falls head over heels for her. Drama with Ezra's father and brother makes matters much more complicated when family secrets about him, too, are revealed along the way. Speaking of the drama, I thought it was riveting. Ferguson does a fantastic job making you absolutely HATE Alexander Hart (Ezra's dad) and Lorenzo (the man Ezra is defending). The drama was good enough to engage me throughout the book. I *loved* the spi. Lana writes some truly fantastic, titillating stuff here. My main complaint lies with Dani. I will say that I like how she is portrayed as a strong, competent lawyer with an amazing brain. Still, she *did* get a position in a family friend's law firm, so.... nepo-baby, much?? While her previous relationship trauma is valid, I *hated* her complaining about her parents. Her parents were divorced when she graduated from high school, and they remained the very best of friends. They are both happily remarried, and both couples (including Dani AND her friends!) get together frequently to have weekly dinners, parties etc. GIRL WHAT?! I get that divorce is traumatic for kids and teens (okay, for *everyone*), but I only *wish* my parents' divorce was as amicable as hers! I'm sure I'm not in the minority about this. If your worst problem in life is that your parents split up but remained best friends and are both in new, happy, loving marriages, your life is GOOD. Talk about first-world problems. "People are DYING, Kim!" Beyond this, the third-act breakup is expected and a bit trite, but it gets resolved rather quickly, so it didn't drag the book down too much. I do believe Dani experiences some growth toward the end of the book after she and Ezra are on the outs again, which means she's not a total lost cause, though I can see how other readers might disagree. Overall, I liked this book quite a bit! It's a quick, fast-paced read with enough here to keep readers engaged and interested.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lana Ferguson, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

After hearing praise for the author and thinking the premise sounded fun, I decided to request an ARC of this one. I had hoped to like this more. In the areas that it works it is a great book, in the areas it doesn't it is eye roll inducing. 🙄 Let's dig into this mixed bag.

Two opposing divorce attorney's bump heads in the court room and give into their desires at night. It sounds like an easy way to build tension. What killed this for me was the FMC, Dani. Her behavior was extremely immature. Every time she spoke to Ezra the MMC her side of the dialogue came across preposterous to the point of sounding cartoonish. Her words were weighed down with so much profanity that it lacked impact. Let me be clear, profanity doesn't turn me off from books, but if you want those words to have the desired effect less is more. The way she treated Ezra made me feel like he deserved better. If Dani was a male character written this way there would be zero tolerance for her behavior. Do better! Her backstory as an excuse? Puh-lease. I had zero empathy for her character and that is rare for me. Ezra the MMC was clever, warm, and humorous. His character's backstory was painful and made me appreciate the level of kindness he was able to show. Plus, he had a cat.😻 Enemies to lovers?? Not in my opinion, Dani holds it against Ezra that he's attractive and good at his job. Grow up, girl. Seriously. He isn't holding anything against her besides his body. Those are not enemies. Work related rivals maybe. There is a cute romance blooming between a pair of supporting characters that I was rooting for. The buildup and tension were palpable. I became more invested in their story than the main plot. The divorce case Ezra and Dani were working as opposing counsel on was intriguing also. As much as I didn't like Dani on a personal level, professionally speaking she was a great lawyer who cared about her client. The author's writing style is relaxed with a smooth flow, making this an easy read in that regard. The last half of the novel shows a vast improvement over the first. The spicy scenes are where this novel shines. 🔥 Ferguson writes these encounters with a creative flair that went beyond the usual song and dance. Cheers 🥂 to her for that! (If you're wondering these are explicit scenes.)

It's a little early to say if I'm an outlier or not but be sure to check out other reviews if this novel has piqued your interest.

Despite my dislike for the FMC I would give this author another try because I liked her easygoing writing style.

Thank you to Berkley for providing an Advance Readers Copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to Berkley for an early review copy.

Lana Ferguson returns to the sphere of contemporary romance in this story about two rival lawyers. Dani and Ezra are on opposite sides of a high profile divorce case, and on Dani's part, they have begrudgingly have a history of hooking up. As the divorce trial progresses, Dani realizes she has the wrong impressions of Ezra. Reader's will appreciate the banter between Dani and Ezra, and the progression of the story,