Trial by Fire Read online

  Trial by Fire

  Synopsis

  Attorney Wren Bishop knew it would be an adjustment to go from her cushy, lucrative career in big law to the public defender’s office, but she’s completely unprepared for the suspicion from her colleagues and the animus from her adversaries at what was billed as a close-knit courthouse. To top it off, her first case pits her against Lennox Roy, a gorgeous yet fierce prosecutor with a reputation for cajoling juries and breaking hearts.

  Lennox comes from a family full of bleeding hearts who believe in second, third, and fourth chances, but she’s seen firsthand the damage leniency can do. She has no patience for a softy like Wren Bishop, no matter how sexy and brilliant she might be. But when they face off over a mysterious arson case, their attraction ignites a passion that leads them to question their assumptions about the law, the truth, and each other.

  What Reviewers Say About Carsen Taite’s Work

  Her Consigliere

  “With this sexy lesbian romance take on the mobster genre, Taite brings savvy, confidence, and glamour to the forefront without leaning into violence. …Taite’s protagonists ooze competence and boldness, with strong female secondary characters. …This is sure to please.”—Publishers Weekly

  “Such a great story! I was literally living for every moment in this. Both Royal and Siobhan were strong, powerful, authoritative women who I was absolutely captivated by. Their worlds and jobs were both edgy and exciting, providing that thrill of a little bit of danger along the way, especially when their emotions and affections for one another started to show. I adored them both and genuinely couldn’t get enough of them. They were amazing!”—LESBIreviewed

  Spirit of the Law

  “I’m a big Taite fan, especially of her romantic intrigue books that are about some aspect of the law. She is one of the best writers out there when it comes to writing about courts and lawyers, so when you see a new book of hers in that category, you know you are in for a treat. And a treat is the perfect way to describe what reading Taite’s books feel like, like eating a bowl of your favorite Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.”—Lezreviewbooks

  Best Practice

  “I had fun reading this story and watching the final law partner find her true love. If you like a delightful, romantic age-gap tale involving lawyers, you will like Best Practice. In fact, I believe you will like all three books in the Legal Affairs series.”—Rainbow Reflections

  Drawn

  “This book held my attention from start to finish. I’m a huge Taite fan and I love it when she writes lesbian crime romance books. Because Taite knows so much about the law, it gives her books an authentic feel that I love. …Ms. Taite builds the relationship between the main characters with a strong bond and excellent chemistry. Both characters are opposites in many ways but their attraction is undeniable and sizzling.”—LezReviewBooks.com

  Still Not Over You

  “Still Not Over You is a wonderful second-chance romance anthology that makes you believe in love again. And you would certainly be missing out if you have not read My Forever Girl because it truly is everything.”—SymRoute

  Out of Practice

  “Taite combines legal and relationship drama to create this realistic and deeply enjoyable lesbian romance. …The reliably engaging Taite neatly balances romance and red-hot passion with a plausible legal story line, well-drawn characters, and pitch-perfect pacing that culminates in the requisite heartfelt happily-ever-after.”—Publishers Weekly

  “Out of Practice is a perfect beach read because it’s sexy and breezy. There’s something effortless about Abby and Roxanne’s relationship, even with its occasional challenges, and I loved that I never doubted that they were right for each other.”—Lesbian Review

  Leading the Witness

  “…a very enjoyable lesbian crime investigation drama book with a romance on the side. 4.5 stars.”—LezReviewBooks.com

  ““…this might be one of Taite’s best books. The plotting is solid, the pacing is tight. …Leading the Witness is a thrill ride and it’s well worth picking up.”—Lesbian Review

  Practice Makes Perfect

  “Absolutely brilliant! …I was hooked reading this story. It was intense, thrilling in that way legal matters get to the nitty gritty and instill tension between parties, fast paced, and laced with angst. …Very slow burn romance, which not only excites me but makes me get so lost in the story.”—LESBIreviewed

  Pursuit of Happiness

  “This was a quick, fun and sexy read. …It was enjoyable to read about a political landscape filled with out-and-proud LGBTQIA+ folks winning elections.”—Katie Pierce, Librarian

  “An out presidential candidate (Meredith Mitchell) who is not afraid to follow her heart during campaigning. That is truly utopia. A public defender (Stevie Palmer) who is leery about getting involved with the would-be president. The two women are very interesting characters. The author does an excellent job of keeping their jobs in focus while creating a wonderful romance around the campaign and intense media focus. …Taite has written a book that draws you in. It had us hooked from the first paragraph to the last.”—Best Lesfic Reviews

  Love’s Verdict

  “Carsen Taite excels at writing legal thrillers with lesbian main characters using her experience as a criminal defense attorney.”—Lez Review Books

  Outside the Law

  “[A] fabulous closing to the Lone Star Law Series. …Tanner and Sydney’s journey back to each other is sweet, sexy and sure to keep you entertained.”—Romantic Reader Blog

  “This is by far the best book of the series and Ms. Taite has saved the best for last. Each book features a romance and the main characters, Tanner Cohen and Sydney Braswell are well rounded, lovable and their chemistry is sizzling. …The book found the perfect balance between romance and thriller with a surprising twist at the end. Very entertaining read. Overall, a very good end of this series. Recommended for both romance and thriller fans. 4.5 stars.”—Lez Review Books

  A More Perfect Union

  “[A More Perfect Union] is a fabulously written tightly woven political/military intrigue with a large helping of romance. I enjoyed every minute and was on the edge of my seat the whole time. This one is a great read! Carsen Taite never disappoints!”—Romantic Reader Blog

  “Readers looking for a mix of intrigue and romance set against a political backdrop will want to pick up Taite’s latest novel.”—RT Book Review

  Sidebar

  “As always a well written novel from Carsen Taite. The two main characters are well developed, likeable, and have sizzling chemistry.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (UK)

  “Sidebar is a love story with a refreshing twist. It’s a mystery and a bit of a thriller, with an ethical dilemma and some subterfuge thrown in for good measure. The combination gives us a fast-paced read, which includes courtroom and personal drama, an appealing love story, and a more than satisfying ending.”—Lambda Literary Review

  Letter of the Law

  “If you like romantic suspense novels, stories that involve the law, or anything to do with ranching, you’re not going to want to miss this one.”—Lesbian Review

  Without Justice

  “This is a great read, fast paced, interesting and takes a slightly different tack from the normal crime/courtroom drama. …I really enjoyed immersing myself in this rapid fire adventure. Suspend your disbelief, take the plunge, it’s definitely worth the effort.”—Lesbian Reading Room

  “Carsen Taite tells a great story. She is consistent in giving her readers a good if not great legal drama with characters who are insightful, well thought out and have good chemistry. You know when you pick up one of her books you are getting your money’s worth time and time again. Consistency with a great legal drama is all but guaranteed.”—Romantic Reader Blog

  Above the Law

  “…readers who enjoyed the first installment will find this a worthy second act.”—Publishers Weekly

  Reasonable Doubt

  “I liked everything. The story is perfectly paced and plotted, and the characters had me rooting for them. It has a damn good first kiss too.”—Lesbian Review

  Lay Down the Law

  “This book is AMAZING!!! The setting, the scenery, the people, the plot, wow. …I loved Peyton’s tough-on-the-outside, crime fighting, intensely protective of those who are hers, badass self.”—Prism Book Alliance

  “I’ve enjoyed all of Carsen Taite’s previous novels and this one was no different. The main characters were well-developed and intriguing, the supporting characters came across as very ‘real’ and the storyline was really gripping. The twists and turns had me so hooked I finished the book in one sitting.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (London)

  Courtship

  “Taite (Switchblade) keeps the stakes high as two beautiful and brilliant women fueled by professional ambitions face daunting emotional choices. …As backroom politics, secrets, betrayals, and threats race to be resolved without political damage to the president, the cat-and-mouse relationship game between Addison and Julia has the reader rooting for them. Taite prolongs the fever-pitch tension to the final pages. This pleasant read with intelligent heroines, snappy dialogue, and political suspense will satisfy Taite’s devoted fans and new readers alike.”—Publishers Weekly

  Switchblade

  “I enjoyed the book and it was a fun read—myst
ery, action, humour, and a bit of romance. Who could ask for more? If you’ve read and enjoyed Taite’s legal novels, you’ll like this. If you’ve read and enjoyed the two other books in this series, this one will definitely satisfy your Luca fix and I highly recommend picking it up. Highly recommended.”—C-Spot Reviews

  Battle Axe

  “This second book is satisfying, substantial, and slick. Plus, it has heart and love coupled with Luca’s array of weapons and a bad-ass verbal repertoire. …I cannot imagine anyone not having a great time riding shotgun through all of Luca’s escapades. I recommend hopping on Luca’s band wagon and having a blast.”—Rainbow Book Reviews

  Beyond Innocence

  “As you would expect, sparks and legal writs fly. What I liked about this book were the shades of grey (no, not the smutty Shades of Grey)—both in the relationship as well as the cases.”—C-spot Reviews

  Nothing but the Truth

  “Taite has written an excellent courtroom drama with two interesting women leading the cast of characters. Taite herself is a practicing defense attorney, and her courtroom scenes are clearly based on real knowledge. This should be another winner for Taite.”—Lambda Literary

  It Should be a Crime—Lammy Finalist

  “Taite, a criminal defense attorney herself, has given her readers a behind the scenes look at what goes on during the days before a trial. Her descriptions of lawyer/client talks, investigations, police procedures, etc. are fascinating. Taite keeps the action moving, her characters clear, and never allows her story to get bogged down in paperwork. It Should be a Crime has a fast-moving plot and some extraordinarily hot sex.”—Just About Write

  Trial by Fire

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  By the Author

  Truelesbianlove.com

  It Should be a Crime

  Do Not Disturb

  Nothing but the Truth

  The Best Defense

  Beyond Innocence

  Rush

  Courtship

  Reasonable Doubt

  Without Justice

  Sidebar

  A More Perfect Union

  Love’s Verdict

  Pursuit of Happiness

  Leading the Witness

  Drawn

  Double Jeopardy (novella in Still Not Over You)

  Spirit of the Law

  Her Consigliere

  The Luca Bennett Mystery Series:

  Slingshot

  Battle Axe

  Switchblade

  Bow and Arrow (novella in Girls with Guns)

  Lone Star Law Series:

  Lay Down the Law

  Above the Law

  Letter of the Law

  Outside the Law

  Legal Affairs Romances:

  Practice Makes Perfect

  Out of Practice

  Best Practice

  Courting Danger Romances:

  Trial by Fire

  Trial by Fire

  © 2021 By Carsen Taite. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-861-6

  This Electronic Original Is Published By

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, NY 12185

  First Edition: October 2021

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editor: Cindy Cresap

  Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design by Tammy Seidick

  eBook Design by Toni Whitaker

  Acknowledgments

  The release of this book will mark eight years since I practiced law on a regular basis. I’m thankful for my career as a writer, but I have to admit I miss the hustle and bustle of the various county and federal courthouses in North Texas, particularly the Dallas County criminal courthouse. The Courting Danger romances are my way of revisiting the comradery, zealous advocacy, and familial feel in the large, diverse, and tight-knit community of adversaries struggling to find justice in a world that is often unjust.

  Thanks, as always, to Rad and Sandy and the entire crew at Bold Strokes Books for giving my stories a home at the best publishing house in the biz. Huge thanks to my smart, funny, and very patient editor, Cindy Cresap. Tammy, thank you for the striking covers for this entire series.

  Georgia—our daily check-ins keep me on track and motivated and I’m ever thankful for our friendship. Hugs to Ruth, Melissa, Kris, Elle, and Ali—I miss you all and can’t wait until we can all gather in person again. Paula—our frequent talks keep me sane, and I owe you many dark beers and dirty martinis for brainstorming plot points and patiently reading every draft. You are the best friend a person could have and I’m grateful we’re pals.

  Thanks to my wife, Lainey, for always believing in my dreams even when they involve sacrificing our time together. I couldn’t live this dream without you, and I wouldn’t want to.

  And to you, dear reader, thank you for taking a chance on my work and coming back for more. Every time you purchase one of my stories, you give me the gift of allowing me to make a living doing what I love. Thanks for taking this journey with me.

  Dedication

  To Lainey. I’d walk through fire with you, for you.

  Chapter One

  Tell me you’ll be done at that hellhole in time to meet me for dinner. I made a reservation for seven thirty at that new place, across from the firm.”

  Wren stared at her cell phone. Was it too much to wish the woman she was dating wouldn’t disparage her new job every time she opened her mouth? “It’s not a hellhole,” she whispered, avoiding the glare of the security guard who was barking orders at the man in line ahead of her. “And yes, seven thirty should work. I’ll meet you there.”

  “Put everything in the bin. Even your phone.” The guard was barking at her now.

  “Diane, I’ve got to go. See you tonight.” She clicked off the line before Diane could offer up further commentary, stowed her phone in her purse, and set it and her briefcase in one of the bins. The bin had barely made it through the scanner when the guard started issuing orders again.

  “Step to the side.”

  Wren did as he commanded, but when he started plowing through the contents of her briefcase like it held a cache of weapons, she pulled out her bar card and held it out to him. “I work here. My name’s Wren Bishop. This is my first day.”

  “Uh-huh,” he grunted, pointing at her purse. “Are there any other electronic devices in here?”

  He held out his gloved hand and she reluctantly handed him her purse, making a mental note to consolidate what she carried into the courthouse in the future, but hoping every day wouldn’t require a forty-five-minute wait simply to get to her desk. When he was finally done, she asked him where she could find Judge Larabee’s courtroom and received another grunt.

  The elevator was crammed beyond capacity, and Wren spoke a silent prayer it wouldn’t plummet to the ground and that the kid in the stroller next to her wouldn’t get any of his Flamin’ Hot Cheetos or cherry Dr Pepper on her new suit. When she emerged on the seventh floor, she found the courtroom she was looking for and eased open the door, dismayed to find the proceedings well under way.

  “Shante Carver deserves justice.”

  The woman who spoke stood in the well of the courtroom and pointed at an easel holding a framed portrait of a beautiful Black woman dressed in an evening gown, and the content of her speech signaled she was the prosecutor in this case, Lennox Roy. Wren had followed the news all week, but nothing she’d read in the paper or heard on the radio had prepared her for Lennox’s commanding trial presence. Lennox was tall, and fierce, and striking, and Wren stood in place, riveted by her presence. She had no idea how much time had passed when Lennox paused for the briefest of moments to stare in her direction. Feeling the burn of her glare, Wren winced slightly, and she carefully shut the door behind her, as quietly as possible. She settled into a seat in the last row of the gallery next to her new boss, Ford Rupley, and turned her focus back to the action.