There was a lot I liked about this book, and I definitely enjoyed Danica and Ezra more toward the end of the book than I did at the beginning.

This is often the case as the longer a book goes, the better you get to know the characters, but in this one it was more that the parts of the story where they really didn't get along aside from friends with benefits felt a little forced and like the author needed them to not get along for a while and went with this...and it didn't make sense for as long as it was used as a plot device.

Once the story got past that and started focusing on who they were to one another, it really started to work and I was able to enjoy the characters and the story.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

This was such a fun book that was VERY different than anything I have read before (well, in the sense that they’re lawyers, not the romance) I thought the actual romance between Ezra and Dani was fun and while the miscommunication was a bit frustrating, I thought they resolved it quickly and how a normal couple would.

The whole plot with Ezra’s father being an actual villain that is represent of a villain in a dark romance was a bit jarring which is why I’m taking off one star.

The spicy scenes were SPICY. She’s killer at writing them. I applaud her.

Overall, I am absolutely open to reading more books from this author, and if there’s a book about Nick and Vera I will be tuning in.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

EXCUSE ME. I dare say this is the *best* enemies to lovers workplace rom ive read this year!! maybe top 3 of all time?! holyyy smokes. I love every single one of Lana’s love stories but she was channeling some kind of banter magic when she wrote these two. 😍 the way Dani and Ezra matched wits?!? gah I’m a sucker for smart bickering!! and the spice may have hit early but somehow it still felt like a slow burn?! the mutual secret pining except Ezra was down bad bad for her?! OBSESSED. and then the mutual vulnerability to emotional growth?? I couldn’t put this one down!! dang I loved it!

When he falls hard, so do I… and Ezra falls first and fast in the new Lana Ferguson romance.

What used to be ambition at work quickly shifts into full-on determination to win over Danica. But the job is easier said than done due to her being happily married to her job.

Danica is the FMC for the women who work hard, who thrive, and who refuse to apologize for their success. She’s the top lawyer in her region but when her fiercest opponent in court becomes her biggest distraction too, things get complicated. The question becomes - can Ezra argue his way into her heart, afterall?

This is a delicious twist on enemies-to-lovers because they’re not just emotionally at odds, they’re literal professional rivals. One wins, the other loses. It creates amazing tension

While Danica’s avoidance of emotional connection (and even basic communication) was frustrating at times, the depth and trauma of her backstory made it all make sense for her character. Both characters are layered with a dark history to contend with.

I really enjoyed this book, but am still so hung up on how this couple started off.

Possible minor spoilers ahead.

Dani and Ezra are two divorce attorneys on opposing cousels--so we've got that workplace rivalry thing going from the start, but the kicker is they've already been "hate" hooking up for a few months. Their angsty banter is great, they clearly don't get along at the start, so there is very clear growth in the relationship. We see both of them working through baggage with marriage and family, and they are pitted against each other in a really high-profile divorce case.

If I wasn't dumped right into their already established casual hook-up situation, I'm not sure if I would have been sold--they really seemed to hate each other. I believed it because it was established, but I so frequently found myself zoning out wondering who had initiated their first hook-up? Who asked to exchange numbers? Basically, my brain was so distracted by the who, what, when, where, why and how of it all.

I really enjoyed the book as a whole. I did love to see the character growth, and the natural chemistry between the pair was very apparent. The book very much gives us the "he fell first" vibe, but I still wanted more of the backstory. I'm rounding up, if given the option, this would probably be a 3.5 star for me.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Lana has become an author where I am preordering and looking forward to her books! She does a wonderful job with banter and build up, and her characters seem to come off one way when really they are another way in actuality. I really enjoyed Dani and Ezra! I liked that we are starting the story off where they are already in a situation ship of sorts, but Ezra wants more. Dani was so turned off by relationships. It was fun to watch Ezra change her mind about what they could look like. I once again LOVED the banter in this one, but there was an added element of banter in a professional setting because they were both lawyers. I liked that this banter and arguing was 1000% foreplay for them. I really liked Ezra! Dani had this perspective of him that was just wrong, and the more we learned about his life circumstances the more my heart broke for what he had been through and how he had learned to play a part. I always love when main characters are able to better each other- and that was the case in this one. Both of them had been set on courses in their lives and kind of taken a back seat to those circumstances. But after some time together and some prodding, they were able to push each other out of their comfort zones for the betterment of themselves. Also let me tell you Lana KNOWS how to do some SPICE. Ezra had the most wonderful mouth in the bedroom- he loved getting Dani all riled up, and I am here for it!

Dani knows she needs to stop this situation ship she has found herself in with her rival attorney, Ezra. But it’s like she looses all sense around him. He makes her body sing and her mind race in the best and worst way. They could never be more. It just wouldn’t work. And then Dani gets the case of her career. The one that is going to bring her all the way to the top. And who is the opposing counsel- Ezra. The same Ezra who she has pushed pause on and asked to keep things professional. But the more she is around Ezra the more she realizes she doesn’t want him to not be in her life outside of work. She doesn’t want to walk away from him. As scary as it is, she wants to explore this pull between them. And so they do. She is honest about her fears. She was led to believe something when she was younger and that has forever altered how she sees relationships. Ezra though is so much different than she thought. She thought he was a playboy and a user. When in reality, he is a sweetheart. He is dedicated. He has a lot going on in his family that is just tragic. But when something comes out in this case that no one else should know, Dani goes into protective mode. She pushes him away and then realizes she made a mistake. Now she has to figure out if what she feels for him is worth embracing or if she is going to continue to run scared for the rest of her life.

Ezra has one thing in his life that he looks forward to- his time with Dani. His rival counsel on most of his cases. The woman who is so prickly on the outside but who he can make sing with how he touches her. The woman who makes him want more. But he recognizes he can’t push her. He has to go at her pace. But when she acknowledges that there is in fact something between them and wants to pursue it, he almost has to pinch himself to make sure he isn’t dreaming. Is this real life? The woman of his dreams wants to try things out with him. So slowly but surely she lowers her walls around him. She lets him in. And Ezra understands how big of a gift that is. So he does the same. He lets her see behind the mask that is his family. And she doesn’t run away. In fact she digs her heels in an wants to help. All seems to be so well until something happens in their case. Something that freaks Dani out and makes her misjudge. And now Ezra is questioning a lot and realizing he is done with the way things were. He knows she is his endgame but also knows he has to wait for her to get there. He just hopes that she does.

I really enjoyed this one! The characters were loveable an relatable. Dani was so terrified of letting someone in. Giving someone the power to hurt her- and who hasn’t felt that way before. Meanwhile Ezra was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He needed a push and Dani gave it to him. I loved how their relationship blossomed. And though the angst was different - I enjoyed that as well. It was more of a who will acknowledge that this thing is real versus just a hook up. I would not be opposed to a book about Dani’s coworkers- just saying Lana. I definitely recommend this one for a fun, laugh out loud, sexy rom com with some large feelings!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is a great romance book, loved seeing the relationship between Dani and Ezra. Lana Ferguson is a fantastic writer and storyteller.

I honestly loved this book. I had been listening to such terrible books and this one was everything I didn’t know I needed. It was constantly engaging and I didn’t want to stop listening. Yes the spice was amazing, but there was an actual plot. Law has always been fascinating to me and I loved listening to it. I will definitely be recommending this book to others!!

✨ Review ✨ Overruled by Lana Ferguson

Thanks to Berkley and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

Full of the main characters fighting -- fighting their attraction for each other and fighting in the courtroom.

In this enemies-to-lovers lawyers romance, there's great tension and banter between the main characters, Dani and Ezra are opposing counsel regularly on divorce cases. I flew through the pages they were fighting with each other. However, the rest of the plot though felt a little slow and felt full of highs and lows where it soared and dragged

Most importantly, Purrgood Marshall, the geniously-named cat, was one of my favorite parts 🐱

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: f/m contemporary romance
Setting: Austin, TX
Pub Date: Jul 01 2025

Read this if you like:
⭕️ enemies-to-lovers
⭕️ courtroom drama
⭕️ complicated families

📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ve liked Lana Ferguson’s other books, but Overruled didn’t hit the mark for me. Danica was exhausting. She was indecisive, defensive, and the way she acted toward her parents felt bratty and immature. I kept waiting for her to grow or reflect, but it never really happened.

I didn’t dislike Ezra and Danica as a couple, but their connection didn’t really spark for me either.
The romance also took a backseat to the constant family drama for both characters. Still, it wasn’t a total miss but just not my favorite.

💼 What You Can Expect:
• Grumpy x sunshine
• He falls first
• Enemies with benefits
• Workplace Romance

📖 Final Score: 3 stars
🗓️ Pub Date: July 1, 2025
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

📖 Ok I liked this! I’ve never been super interested in law or courtroom scenes, but I thought the author did a fantastic job writing it into the story.

I really loved Ezra and Dani, despite their shortcomings and enjoyed their chemistry!

The subplots were deep and well written and kept me intrigued. Overall, I’m so glad I picked it up! Another quick, romantic, easy-to-love story by Lana Ferguson!

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (& front page 1)

Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for an arc in exchange for my review.

This one was super fun! Great banter, and I loved their rivalry! Very much a golden retriever x black cat dynamic. The "its the last time" aspect was so funny!

Was this occasionally over-the-top? Yes. Did I sometimes question the logistics and/or the sheer volume of sexual tension packed into a single book? Also yes. Did I enjoy every messy, banter-filled, steamy second of it? Absolutely. Overruled is pure guilty pleasure. The legal backdrop is mostly there for vibes, but the enemies-to-lovers heat is undeniable. I had a great time with these characters even when I was side-eyeing their decisions. It’s dramatic, sexy and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which honestly made it all the more enjoyable. Not a five-star literary gem, but if you're in the mood for something hot, fast-paced, and delightfully chaotic, this one delivers. Solid romance escape read.

Read this if you like:
•enemies to lovers
•lawyers
•banter

I really liked the banter in this one. Family baggage makes it interesting too. And I love that we follow a case and they’re opposing counsel. Thank you Berkley for eARC!

What a fun, flirty, and deliciously spicy read! I was fully hooked from the opening argument. The banter between Dani and Ezra? Immaculate. The tension? Fantastic. And let’s just say Ezra Hart was so down bad, I couldn’t get enough.

Danica Pierce is a powerhouse divorce attorney who’s got no time for love and every intention of making partner. Her focus is razor-sharp…until a certain charming rival shows up on the wrong side of the courtroom.

Ezra might be the enemy on paper, but the real conflict is what’s simmering under all their sparring. As secrets come to light and emotional walls start to crack, Dani’s left questioning what’s more dangerous, falling for her rival or risking her heart again.

Smart, steamy, and full of heart, this book had me grinning one page and blushing the next. Fans of enemies with benefits, lawyer drama, and men who are absolutely feral for the heroine: this one’s for you!

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley and the author for sending me an advance e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

My rating: 4.25 stars
What you can expect:
- Loathe to love
- Divorce lawyers
- Opposing counsels
- Family drama
- Golden retriever MMC
- Black cat FMC
- Great banter
- SPICE (since the prologue)

My thoughts:
This was such a fun fun read and the perfect story for fans of lawyer tv shows.
I knew what I could expect of Lana and she didn't disappoint: fantastic banter, great characters and amazing spice. I had the best time with this book.
Dani and Ezra's chemistry was toe-curling good, and I was pleasantly surprised with their background stories, too (especially hers, actually. That was a fun twist to the divorced-parents trope).

His family drama was a bit too much for me, if I'm completely honest, but I liked how Ezra used his karma-loaded fists against this guy's nose. I'm not pro-violence but some people really do be asking for it, so THAT was really satisfying. It was also really vindicating to read how the other scumbag got what he deserved in the end. I was literally holding my breath during the final trial scenes and they DELIVERED.

In all truth, I don't know what I enjoyed more: their continuous loathing of each other as foreplay, the actual explosion of the tension each and every time, or the resolution of the whole family ordeal.
Also, this is my official petition to Lana: we need Eli's redemption book. Please!! (and thank you).

I have enjoyed all the books I have read by Lana Ferguson so far, and this one takes the number one spot hands down for me. The banter between Dani and Ezra was just SO GOOD. I loved how feisty Dani was towards Ezra and honestly so did he. Ezra was so down bad for Dani from the very beginning, while she was always in her head, fighting her feelings for him.

-Rival Lawyers
-Enemies with benefits
-he falls first
-workplace romance

I apparently did not know how much I need a fun little law themed romance in my life until I picked up Overruled. Once I started, I flew through this book and had so much fun with the banter and tension. If Law and Order and The Hating Game had a baby - it would be Dani and Ezra’s relationship. This was a spicy hate to love story with the sassiest, take no BS FMC and an irresistible golden retriever MMC. It’s such an enjoyable workplace romance that also delves into the topic of difficult family dynamics. Overall - this was another great read from Lana Ferguson and I’m so eager for her next book!

Thank you Netgalley & Berkley Pub / Berkley Romance for the opportunity to read and review this eARC 🫶🏼

3⭐

when two divorce lawyers also happen to be work-rivals-with-benefits, things can get a little... messy. which is exactly what entails in this fun and fast-paced romance. the drama was JUICY and that's mostly what kept my interest piqued. otherwise, this was a bit mid at best. not a super memorable romance and yes, while both the mmc and fmc have been through some crazy things in their upbringing, i just couldn't connect to them. i did feel for ezra though, seeing that he had a rougher childhood. the spice was a bit over the top in my opinion, and kind of cringed me out one too many times 😭 i thought they were fine together but it took them so long to finally get together. the entire time i was thinking that it was just going to get messier, which it did.

thank you to berkley romance for the e-ARC and PRH audio for the audiobook!

Overruled by Lana Ferguson
Narrated by Connor Crais and Samantha Summers
Standalone Contemporary Romance.
3.5 Stars

I requested an ARC of Overruled by Lana Ferguson and was thrilled to be approved for both the paperback and the audiobook. I love lawyer books, and it’s been a hot minute since I’ve read one. Opposing counsel? Yes, please! I enjoyed the listen, but I can’t say I loved anything more than the MMC and the client.

Dani and Ezra work at rival divorce law firms and find themselves in a hate-sex situation. Mostly, she hates him and he teases her. Every time they hook up, she claims it’ll be the last time—but of course, it never is. Dani is so mean to him, and he keeps pushing her buttons in this cocky, flirty way. I can’t blame her for caving.

They end up on opposite sides of a divorce case, and this part really pulled me in. I especially loved Dani’s client, and the case kept me fully invested. There was a LOT of sex in this book. Normally, I enjoy steamy romance, but the sex here was so frequent and so vanilla that I started zoning out. The scenes were well-written, but they seemed to be the only form of communication the couple had.

Ezra definitely falls first, and I adored him. He’s cocky, smirky, and always riling her up. He calls her “Sour Patch,” which is honestly perfect for her. They’re both in their thirties, but neither really acts like it, especially Dani.

Ezra has real family trauma, but Dani’s issues annoyed me more. She’s been angry at her parents for over ten years because they divorced when she was eighteen and told her they had only stayed together for her. She thought they were madly in love, but they said they’d always just been best friends. Now they’re both remarried and still close, and honestly, they seem like great parents. I couldn’t understand why she held onto that anger for so long. Ezra’s family situation is more complicated, but even he’s in his thirties and still letting his dad run his life. He had valid reasons, but he should’ve fixed things a lot sooner.

I love a good hate-to-love romance, and at first this had all the fun I was hoping for. The banter between Dani and Ezra was great, in and out of the courtroom. And I have to say, Connor Crais’s narration made it even better.
"Tell me to leave, Dani." Ezra's voice is quiet now, and I can feel the warmth of his breath only inches from my mouth. "Or I'm going to kiss you. Tell me to leave, or you're going to let me kiss you."

Likes:

•The hate-to-love at first.
•I loved Ezra.
•How he loves to ruffle her feathers.
•The divorce case they were on opposing sides of. I loved the female client.
•The banter.
•The sex was well written.
•I liked his family story.
•I liked the story of her friends’ little side “romance”.
•He uses her name all the time, and it made him so sexy!

Dislikes:

•I never thought I’d say this, but too much sex. While it was well written, it just got boring. Every time I thought they would finally talk, they just bone each other.
•Her family trauma just kind of pissed me off.
•Huge lack of communication.
•The way it all wrapped up felt rushed compared to the rest of the book, even though I liked the ending itself.

The Narration:
The narration is a big reason why I enjoyed Overruled as much as I did. Connor Crais was perfect as the sexy, teasing attorney. Samantha Summers nailed prickly Dani. Their chemistry made the banter and steamy scenes even better.

The Down & Dirty:
I have mixed feelings about Overruled. I enjoyed listening to it, especially Connor Crais’s flirty teasing as Ezra. However, I never loved the FMC, which is a big deal for me when it comes to fully enjoying a romance. I found her mean to him for no real reason, and instead of being mad at her parents for over ten years, I felt like she should appreciate them more. The sex scenes were vanilla and so frequent that they got boring, which made it hard to rate the heat level. If I’m going by quantity, it’s easily over a 4. But in terms of how hot it actually felt? More like a 3. Still, I really liked the storyline, especially the cases they worked on. I loved the sexy banter, the MMC, and Dani’s client and coworkers. If you like very steamy courtroom romances, I would recommend Overruled by Lana Ferguson. It reminded me how much I love a good lawyer book.

Rating: 3.5 Stars, 3.5 Heat, 4.5 Narration