This is my favourite of the 4 book series, I love the badass Jade gradually opening up to her family and love.. would have liked to know why she was seemingly cast aside by her mother who clearly loves her1 Well written combination of romance and task force drama. Great series.

This is the third in Taite's Lone Star Law series and picks up from the last book. If you haven't read the first two books in the series I'd recommend you stop reading now and go back and start from the beginning. Taite does give a summary of sorts in the first few chapters, but there's a lot going on and you'll likely enjoy the book more if you've started from the beginning. .

The series has an overarching plot that involves a rather nefarious crime cartel and a group of law enforcement officials who are working officially (and more often unofficially) to build a case against them. Each book moves the plot forward and focusing on of the women on the task force. In Letter of the Law, Bianca takes centre stage, although Peyton, Lilly, Dale and Lindsey are still involved. I actually was not overly keen on the first book in the series, but as its progressed I've become more invested and I really liked the two main characters - Bianca and Jade - and their romance. I also want to see where Taite's going to go next with Vargas investigation.

As a single mother and a federal prosecutor, Bianca stands out from the other members of the task force as she balances her home and work life and also gets dragged into the unofficial part of the investigation. Even though there are so many things pulling at her, her main focus is her daughter Emma. As part of the ongoing investigation, Bianca crosses paths with horse breeder Jade Vargas (yes that Vargas). There's some great moments between the two women who have such different priorities and experiences and Emma probably falls for Jade first (maybe she just falls for the horses). The romance works but oftentimes, it gets overshadowed by the twists and turns of the larger plot and the interruption of the Bianca'/Jade romance as the other established characters in the series pop in and out.

Letter of the Law has a fair amount of intrigue and mystery with a good dose of action and a rather fast romance. An enjoyable read.

'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review'

Just when you think you've got things straight,Ms.Taite throws you another curve-ball in this her newest and 3rd installment of the Law series. She builds layers of intrigue,like a chef crafting a multilayered cake,with each layer providing tantalizing clue or red herring to keep readers engage/guessing. But no matter how diligently readers strive to peace everything together its doubtful anyone will see or find out the final twist before its reveal maybe in the next series. The storyline is also filled with romance,mystery,murder and has the same cast of characters interacting with a few new ones added where the writing is both satisfying and spare,dialogue is brisk and realistic but as with any Taite book, not everything is as simple as it appears the narrative takes on a decidedly slow built towards it's multiple twisted ending. Nicely done by this author and i do recommend this series to everyone!

I was unable to review this book because of a conflict in my schedule. Sorry for any inconvenience this has caused the publisher or the author of the work. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review for you and I look forward to reviewing for you in the future.

As always a well written book from Carsen Taite. It had been a while since I read the previous books in the series and I didn't remember the fine details but I was able to follow the plot. It was nice seeing some familiar characters. The case the book revolved around was interesting. However, a lot had been crammed into the storyline and it felt a little rushed at times, there were also some loose ends, possibly because it's part of a series.

This was the third book of an ongoing series which I had not realised when I started reading it. Fortunately for me it did not matter. What was needed was explained early on in the book so I was able to read this as a stand alone novel and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I am now very interested in reading the first two as I enjoyed it so much.


The book is really well written with a very fluid writing style. I found it very hard to put down. I have read Taite before and have never been disappointed.


The only down side is the story is not finished so I'm guessing there is going to be a fourth. There are a lot of lose ends. Taite writes with a confidence and leads you down alleys, through twists and turns. But the story is not yet complete. I'm looking forward to book four.


Would I recommend it? A resounding YES



*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*



https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1993979225

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1CE5TTMWTDP8K/ref=pe_1572281_66412651_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

This book was the third installment in the series. It was good but it really felt rushed. The relationship between Bianca and Jade had a nice progression but there was something lacking. It think it had to do with the fact that it didn't develop fully before they confessed their love. I'm glad I was able to read this book and I recommend it to others whether you've read the first two books or have decided to read this first.

I enjoyed this part of the "Law" series and yet......
It felt very rushed in the end and the relationship didn't get a chance to really form before they declared their love for each other and the end. I have really enjoyed the crime, mystery, FBI, love stories in this series so hopefully the next one will feel more complete and put together in the end.

This was a really well written book. There was a solid mystery in the case of Gantry Oil that hasn't been solved yet so I guess there is going to be a fourth book. The love story between Bianca and Jade was very sweet and not overly sappy. Overall this was an excellent book and I cannot wait to read more.

I didn't know that this book was part of a series and I read it as a stand-alone story, which probably explains.my lack of understanding.
The beginning of the story was an information dump with so many names and so much background information that it I was completely lost who was who, what they did and whom they were with.
After a while I warmed to the main characters, but I was lost again when attraction suddenly transformed into being madly in love and happily ever after. And what happened to the fugitive uncle? All I know that the horse was found.
I'm sorry, but this story didn't keep me captivated.

What is it with me and stories with lesbians and horses? I can't seem to read anything but that these days. Not that I'm complaining too much, because for the most part they have been nice stories, but, still. Heh.

Yet another in the Lone Star mystery series. It keeps the background story of the Vargas brothers and Gantry and the murder of the AUSA going, while also having a pretty cool romance in the book as well.

This part of the series has Bianac, one of the AUSAs that had been on the case. She (and the other parts of the Texas scooby gang) meet Jade Vargas. The niece of the Vargases and co-owner of Sophia's ranch (and the owner of Ransom). And it's interest at first sight between Jade and Bianca.

It's not an easy relationship though, because they seem to be on different sides of the Vargas drama in a big way. And, yet, of course, they're still pulled towards one another. And while I was almost sure of what might happen, I wasn't totally sure what might happen romance wise.

And as for the mystery, this is one of the best (Even though it's lonnnng... heh) mysteries I've read in a long time.

Basically, the book was another step in the awesome mystery as well as a pretty interesting romance as well.

Oh, and I almost forgot (how could I almost forget) that I really liked Bianca's kid and how she was written. Perfect to a T.

I got this ARC through Netgalley on behalf of Bold Strokes Books.

As an avid fan of Carsen Taite, I was looking forward to reading this third book in the Lone Star series. Although her new book could be read as a standalone book, I highly recommend reading the others first. In Letter of the Law, Ms. Taite does a good job of providing series background to the reader. Because of the complexity of the story, however, this review does add a little sluggishness to the first few chapters.

A group of women from various backgrounds are working together to bring down the Vargas cartel. Each book in this series highlights the lives of two of the women in the group. In book three, Bianca Cruz, a federal lawyer, and Jade Vargas, a horse breeder and niece of the two Vargas brothers are featured. There is an instant attraction between Jade and Bianca, but they must deal with major roadblocks to a relationship. Not only does their professional and family background provide friction, but the two ladies also have emotional baggage. Bianca has a young daughter, and like most mothers, she is constantly trying to ensure that her daughter is being raised in a safe and healthy environment.

I’ve enjoyed the theme that Ms. Taite wove throughout this series. There are twists and turns which hold the reader’s interest. It takes a skilled writer, as is Ms. Taite, to have a one suspenseful storyline run through several books.

The book ends a little too quickly for my taste and the investigation is left hanging. Readers should be looking for another book in this series. I hope that Ms. Taite will create a fourth book to provide an update to the investigation.

Ms. Taite is a very talented writer. Her stories of mystery and intrigue provide a great backdrop for the romantic side of each story. I recommend “Letter of the Law” to everyone, but suggest that book one and two be read first. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

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

This is the third book in the Lone Star Law series by Carsen Taite. She normally specialises in legal romances, although she has dipped into a series about a bounty hunter as well.

This book deals with the ongoing joint jurisdictional investigation into a cartel, and one of the most influential businessmen in the area. Bianca Cruz has just joined the FBI as a federal prosecutor, and she is now on the case. However, she is balancing a new job, and an eleven year old daughter, when she is asked to work undercover in her spare time.

The undercover work entails getting close to a horse breeder, Jade Vargas. Jade is the daughter of one of the cartel kingpins, so is under suspicion. However, Jade has been trying to escape her family connections for years, despite being dragged back into the fold when threats arrive on her doorstep. When a gorgeous FBI prosecutor starts hanging around, it all gets very complicated.

I normally love Taite’s books. They are full of smart, capable, sassy women who balance careers, family and whatever plot they’ve been thrown into. Taite normally handles the crime plotting well, and the romance is fun. The best books for me have legal plotlines, because Taite has a fair bit of experience as a lawyer, and it shows in the work.

However, this series is not working that well for me. The idea of a series of books with different characters being the focus of a romance each time, all within the framework of a bigger plotline over the series, works better when there is a less complicated plot. However, this plot has twists galore, which have been watered down to cope with the serialisation. It makes it hard to follow the complexities of the plot (like the first two in the series), or in this case, makes the major plot a little shallow. There is no sense of threat throughout the book, as the main plot line has been subordinated to the romance. And I have to say, the romance isn’t that sparkly this time around.
I hate to say it, but this isn’t Taite’s best work. I think I’ve read all her previous books, and loved almost all of them. I hope she returns to form with the next one.

Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

I find it difficult sometimes to review a book in a series which is part way through. I don't think you would get as much out of reading this if you hadn't read parts 1 and 2 because so much of the plot flow is dependent on the previous books. I would probably give the book 3.5 if that was possible. It is a little slow to build as the author is bringing the readers in who haven't got the background on the disparate little group of characters. Jade is an excellent main protagonist with integrity and grit but she falls for Bianca a little fast for me. It is almost instantaneous and while I do believe in love at first sight I prefer my fiction to be a bit more grounded. The narrative with the horses, the crooked uncles, the impact of crime on innocent people is all well handled and having read most of Ms Taite's work I do rate her as a writer. This feels like an instalment and I am waiting now for book 4...

I was given copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

3 1/2 Stars. I'm a Taite fan. I've been hooked since her Luca Bennett series, and love her law books. However, I have been pretty clear that her Lone Star Law series, is not my favorite. I like this series, it's enjoyable, but every book misses the mark, just a bit, unlike Taite's other books. This was my favorite book of the series, but it still shared some of the issues the previous books had.

The Lone Star Law series, is based around a group of people trying to take down the Vargas cartel. Each book stars someone from that Law enforcement team. Each book also brings in a new character, a love interest for one of the law enforcement members. This book was about Bianca, a federal prosecutor, and Jade Vargas, the niece of the brothers who run the cartel. What made this book my favorite, was the main characters Bianca and Jade. Jade especially, was a great character who I instantly liked. She may even be my favorite of the whole series.

While I love the characters, and thought the pacing was good plus mixed with a little excitement... this book had the same complaint as the previous two. Not enough time spent developing them as a couple. I needed more Jade and Bianca. Like the other books, it is two sort of dates, and the characters are thinking love. It is just to darn fast, Taite needs to slow down these relationships. There is so much going on in these books, the whole ongoing investigation, that every relationship gets rushed.

I was thinking in my head, who would the next book be about. There will be a next book, since the investigation is left hanging in this one. I was starting to think maybe Tanner, since she was in this book a lot, and is single as far as I can remember. But I really hope it is not the case. I hope Taite will use book 4, to get back in touch with the previous couples. Can Peyton save her ranch and will she and Lilly last? Will Dale and Lindsey live together? Will their jobs get in the way? Can Bianca make a relationship work with a Vargas? There is so many unanswered questions in this series. I need some good focus on these couples we have tried to connect with in previous books. I just don't know if there are room for more new characters. Well, whatever Taite decides to do, I hope she at least builds on the relationship of Jade and Bianca. It feels like we just caught a glimpse of them. When I get invested in characters, I need more than just a tease.

If you have read this series, you will enjoy this book. As I said earlier, I think it is the most enjoyable one so far. If you are new to the series, you can read this without the others. The books are all entwined, so you will be missing a few things, but it is doable. Me personally, I would start at book 1.

An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.

2.5 stars- A rushed romance and instalove

Honestly, I requested this ARC because the cover kept catching my eye. I haven’t read this author before, but the blurb sounded good and I’ve been on a bit of a romantic suspense/ law enforcement romance run, so I decided to give it a try. The reader immediately meets federal prosecutor, Bianca, and it’s clear that the series storyline is a continuing arc involving a large case and investigation. I was a little concerned that would mean Letter of the Law wouldn’t work as a standalone, but the author does a very good job at summarizing the case and investigation while introducing the tow heroines of the book. That said, I was disappointed there isn’t really a self-contained story or smaller case beyond Bianca and Jade getting together, and because this is simply a portion of a massive case, I don’t know that I would consider it a standalone.

The case Bianca and her team are investigation is definitely interesting with its many players and subconflicts. I was immediately drawn in and wondered what connections the women would turn up. I also enjoyed Jade’s background as a horse woman and breeder. I found both Bianca and Jade to be strong, successful women, and I was eager to see their relationship develop. Unfortunately, beyond their initial attraction, there wasn’t really much to them getting together before they fell in love. Considering they interacted less than 5 times, I wasn’t sold on the relationship at all. I also thought the conflicts that directly involved Jade with her uncles, the ranch, and her prized stallion were a bit rushed through with resolutions. When those elements combine with a major case that had significant developments but no satisfying conclusions, I was left with feelings of indifference about the couple and series. While the writing and characters were good, there wasn’t enough spark, relationship and character development, or case advancement to entice me to continue this series.

Meh. Didn't manage to hold my attention. Running theme right now seems to be my ability to remember content from earlier books in a series.

Rushed in some places, oddly slow in others, but really nothing wrong with it other than it didn't grab me.

Federal prosecutor Bianca Cruz has two concerns, her family (including daughter, Emma), and her job. She is good at what she does on both fronts and doesn’t have time for much distraction. Ranch owner Jade Vargas is also good at what she does, horses and entanglement-free trysts with women on the road. When the two cross paths during a federal investigation involving some of Jade’s shadier relatives, the two women are drawn to each other despite initial hostilities. Jade and Bianca must learn to trust one another and hopefully overcome Jade’s relations if their relationship can bloom into something more.

The plot fits nicely into the typical romance formula with an enemies to lovers flair, but there’s a reason for the formula. It works, and Taite’s characters make it flow well. I will admit, it took me a little while to get all the characters straight in my head, but this small difficulty didn’t make the story any less enjoyable, just made me pay a bit closer attention. There are two other books in the “Lone Star Law” series, and though they probably give broader context for these characters (and I’d be interested in learning more about them), it’s not necessary to have read the others to enjoy this one.

I did set it down for a while toward the middle to scratch a sci-fi itch, but once I picked it back up, I didn’t stop until the end. I like the slow buildup of the characters’ relationship. Taite gives it time to grow and breathe, and I appreciate that. Sometimes throwing instant romance into characters’ lives makes for great entertainment, but other times I feel a bit robbed of individual character development. No complaints on that front here.

Pretty horses. Beautiful and strong women, and lots of intrigue. Couldn’t ask for more and would definitely recommend.

href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32072900-letter-of-the-law" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Letter of the Law (Lone Star Law Series, #3)" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476894715m/32072900.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32072900-letter-of-the-law">Letter of the Law</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2829153.Carsen_Taite">Carsen Taite</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1990192747">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review. No synopsis needed. This book is #3 in the Lone Star Series so there is a supporting cast from previous books. Bianca (federal prosecutor) and Jade (horse breeder w. dark connections) are the main characters. A beautifully layered thriller romance with intrigue and angst that grips and pulls you in. I highly recommend Ms. Taite's book and look forward to more. Kudos!! 4.5 stars.
<br/><br/>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/31134832-gail">View all my reviews</a>

I enjoyed continuing this series and found this book to my favorite of the three books. I think mainly because I liked the two characters the best. Something about the hardened Jade who has come from a difficult family background with Bianca the loving family life, single parent. Both strong women who I think work well together.

You have the same balance of crime investigation and romance in this book as the others. As always as a romance lover I find the romance to be rushed and always wanting more but can understand with the length of the story and the other aspects of the book the time spent on the romance needs to be cut back.

I'm not sure there is more to say but that I am enjoying this series and I look forward to the next installment.