Evidence of Desire is book 2 in the Courting Justice series but it stands alone. I enjoyed this one much more than book 1-I thought David and Isla were more enjoyable and relatable characters for sure!
Isla is a lawyer to the stars-she helps them with things like wills, business deals, and real estate. When one of her clients is accused of murder, she knows she needs to bring in a great criminal defense attorney. Enter David Cormack from Garrison, Cormack, and Lawless. David is a former pro athlete turned Harvard educated lawyer and agrees to help Isla defend Trey Adams, another former footballer who is accused of killing his wife.
CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, and its devastating effects plays a huge role in the story. Trey suffers from it and you get a glimpse into what life was like for him and his family. David is terrified he might end up with CTE as well. It invades his thoughts DAILY. David's fear might seem a bit premature or excessive, but I think lots of people experience some type of fear like this-cancer runs in a family and you become paranoid about getting cancer for example. Isla is the opposite-she isn't afraid of any illness and never lets it stand in the way of those she loves. Her fiancee died from leukemia and she stayed with him. Trey Adams is a close friend and she has never given up on him, even when he doesn't remember her. David and Isla have an instant lust for each other, but quickly realize its more than just lust. David's fears get in the way though; while this pushing away trope is annoying, I do understand his feelings. He can't fathom subjecting someone he loves to a life like Trey's family endured. So, irritating and dumb, but understandable.
Isla is one of my favorite heroines because she isn't afraid of her soft side. She doesn't pretend she can handle everything and be badass. She pukes when she finds the body. She cries when she is upset. She knows when she is in over her head and asks for help. I love this type of heroine because she is real.
Evidence of Desire was a great story beyond the characters, too. David and Isla are trying to figure out who killed Portia Adams: was it Trey? Could it have been an intruder? Can they trust Trey's memory at all? Throw in the fact that Isla is now the executor of the Adams' estate and you have 2 pissed off Adams children! The mystery is well done and while I figured out the major part of it before it was revealed, I didn't see the secondary reveal. Blake writes great suspense and very sexy romance, and Evidence of Desire is one of my new favorites!
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: lawyers, coworkers, widow
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: standalone within an interconnected series
- Cliffhanger: no
- HEA: yes
Buried Lies by Kaylea Cross, SEALs Honor by Megan Crane, Death is Not Enough by Karen Rose,...then you will probably like Evidence of Desire!
See full review on The Book Disciple