In the third installment from Chantal Fernando’s Conflict of Interest series, the hero and heroine will have to cross quite the professional boundaries in order for anything romantically to occur between them, not just because one is a judge and the other is her law clerk, but also because Judge Williams’ first sentencing defendant seeks retribution for his conviction and won’t stop until he’s achieved payback.

Even though Approaching the Bench is a novella, Fernando packs it full of suspense, drama, and sexual tension. There’s a lot on the line for both Trinity and Callum, so the situation they find themselves in which actually gives them a chance to act on all those suppressed feelings for one another is both beautiful and terrifying.

I love the fact that the heroine, Trinity Williams, is in the power position in this story, and she’s worked her butt off to achieve her title as the youngest female judge, but her career hasn’t come without sacrifices because while she understands the magnitude of her profession and the need to rule with an iron fist, she has no outlet for the typical kind of ‘fun’ women her age get to experience due to their less demanding, less male-dominated work environment.

That’s why Callum Hopkins is the perfect guy to go into Witness Protection with Judge Williams because while they’ve done nothing but butt heads in the office/courtroom due to their difference of opinion when it comes to how one should act in a professional setting, in the outside world, they’re just Callum and Trinity and they can finally give into what’s mean kindling between them and explore who they truly are and how good they can be together when all of the pressure of professionalism doesn’t apply.

I really enjoyed Trinity and Callum’s story; it’s a quick and action packed read that will keep readers’ interest from the start, and they’ll be crushing on Callum as soon as he’s introduced because he has a good head on his shoulder but he also tries not to take life too seriously or else a lot of the fun life offers will be missed.

4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

Yes... yes... yes! A thousand yeses! I really enjoyed this book! I’m not going to lie... I was scared to dive right into this book. I just didn’t want a repeat of Seducing The Defendant. The Wind Dragon’s totally took over that book! I mean... don’t get me wrong! I love the WD’s! But I was looking forward to a fresh new series! There was only one mention of a character from the WD series. I’ll get to that at the end of my review.

Overall this book was pretty spot on for me!
It really brought me back to the beginning of this series in Breaching The Contract! I devoured that book! And I totally devoured this book!

Callus was totally book boyfriend worthy! He was what Trinity needed in her life! She was so cold to everyone. She felt she had to be that way to prove that she could do her job as a judge.

“I crave independence, and I’m not willing to give mine up for a man.”

Callus was a go with the flow kinda guy. He took everything and just went with it. He slowly started to break down Trinity walls. Trying to make her laugh. Play by her rules by asking her a question a day.

“We’re opposites. You’re uptight, and I’m more laid-back.”

When a attempted kidnap happened. Callum and Trinity get thrown in a situation that forces them rely on each other and for Trinity to let her guard down and let some in fully. Callum takes this opportunity to really get to know Trinity. And just lays all his cards on the table with her.

“Don’t want to tame you. Just want you to let me in,”

I loved the way this book played out. I loved how Trinity opened herself and her heart. Didn’t play games with Callum. And I loved how Callum went all in with Trinity. The ending was perfect! I can’t wait for Hunters story! He’s the one I’m most looking forward to! I wanted his story right after Breaching The Contract! So yes! I’m excited to read his story!

So on a side note....
I’m not an author. I don’t know how hard it is to start a new series from scratch. To totally leave your old series completely must be hard. Characters from other series must pop in their heads all the time.
I thought we were over the little crossover games in the last book. And I thought we were in the clear in this book until the 91% mark.
I mean... if you haven’t read any Wind Dragons books this name will mean nothing to you. But... if you have then you totally know who his person is. I just don’t get why characters are coming through in this series. When Faye Black’s name was dropped. I just rolled my eyes. I mean why. The book was holding it’s own. Why in some way try to bring a little and I do mean a little WD in the mix.
Like I said above... I love the Wind Dragons MC series! I can’t wait for more books in that series to come out. I just don’t see the need for this series and that series to do any crossover (in this case... name drop.)
And that’s just my personal opinion.

I like these books because they are quick reads, but full of drama, mystery and great chemistry. You get to the end wanting more, but you had a full story.
This has an empowered woman in it and an age difference. I dug that. You don't see a lot of older women being the leads in stories.
Callum and Trinny have a sweet little story, but it's different from the rest.

4 Stars

I was pulled right into this story. The story has pain, suspense, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first:
Breaching the Contract (Conflict of Interest #1)
Seducing the Defendant (Conflict of Interest #2)

This is Trinity and Callum’s story. Trinity is the youngest female judge in the country and she has a little bit of a reputation. She is known as Medusa because of her stony expressions and unyielding reputation. She knows she needs to stay that way to prove herself in the male-dominated profession she works in. But her new law clerk Callum has other ideas. Callum wants his boss and knows he can change her mind and get her to be fun again. Will he get her to be fun or will it backfire when danger comes for them. What happens when they are stick together with only themselves to count on? Can these two figure out if they are good for each other before they have to face the danger again? Or will this push together make them see how wrong for each other they truly are?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

arc given by Netgalley and publisher for honest review.

I have loved all the books in this series.. I cant wait for the next. This was a really fast read for me. Trinity is one of the youngest female judges in the country.. also know as (behind her back of course) Medusa.. because her stony expressions and unyielding reputation, and her glair is that intense.. Callum is carefree and sexy to boot.. so when he gets hired as a clerk for Judge Trinity Williams.. what could go wrong...??
This book Is full of action and suspense with lots of hotness..

I cant wait for the next in the series.. Thanks again for the opportunity to read this.

A splendidly passionate, steamy romance with enough suspense to keep the blood pressure rising and loads of heat that sizzles like rain falling on hot asphalt. Approaching The Bench is such a grand read!

I really loved Callum and Trinity. These two had such strong personalities that clashed perfectly. When the chemistry between them heats up, it is HOT, overwhelming, delicious, and sexy. There is plenty of action that goes on in between the romance that made things intense and kept me on my toes. It was crazy good and entertaining and such a well written book. I can't wait for more.

I give Approaching The Bench a SIZZLING H-O-T FIVE SHOOTING STARS!

The third book in the Conflict of Interest series by Chantal Fernando,Approaching the Bench, is much like the previous books in this series- full of action and intrigue with a huge helping of sizzling passion. Trinity and Callum make a great couple in this book, with her being the boss and him just starting out in his career. Callum is a guy who sees the glass half full while Trinity is the glass half empty type of gal. Callum knows he's attracted to Trinity, and doesn't have a problem admitting it from the start. I liked Trinity and I loved how she knew there was this intense sexual attraction for her younger colleague yet she couldn’t act on it because he was her law clerk and she is in a position of power. She really had this deep attraction for him, this intense feeling for him but had to hid her feelings because of her job and because she didn’t want to at first face the feelings this younger man was causing in her. (Note, Trinity is only 6 years older than Callum.) And this wouldn’t be a Chantal Fernando book without an element of danger which this story does have. Do Trinity and Callum get to have their HEA? Only way to find out is by reading this fantastic read.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

Approaching the Bench is the third book in the conflict of Interest series by Chantal Fernando. This was a quick sexy read with a little action on the side.

Callum Hopkins is Judge Trinity “Medusa” Williams’s new young hot law clerk. Trinity is a reputation for being a tough judge; she is all business all the time. Callum has a carefree attitude that clashes his new boss. But with her past is coming after her, will Trinity and Callum fight the chemistry between them?

I love a good office romance and add some suspense, even better. Callum was great in the first two books, but now he is my hero; a true gentleman. Callum and Trinity were great together and the bantering between them was hilarious.

Chantal’s writing is very addicting; once I start reading her books I can’t put them down. Highly recommend this series; now bring on Leading the Witness!

Approaching The Bench is the latest book in the Conflict Of Interest series and one that I really enjoyed. It was a fast paced read that hooked me in almost instantly and kept my attention from the beginning to end. I am a paralegal so I tend to be a bit harder when it comes to books with attorneys in them because I do know and understand a lot of the terms and procedures. I didn’t need to worry when it came to Approaching The Bench, it was a pleasant change of pace from what I have been reading a lot of lately.

I loved Callum. He made this book in my opinion. He is sweet, he is sexy and he is determined to get underneath Trinity’s robes I mean skin or do I? He balanced her character out beautifully and I loved that once they were thrown together because of what happens you see a softer side to Trinity. She is a judge and when on the bench she doesn’t mess around, she needed the fun and lightness that Callum could bring.

I don’t want to give too much away as this book isn’t very long but even so it was not lacking at all. I can’t wait to read the next book. If you are fans of Ms. Fernando I think you will like Approaching The Bench as much as I did and if you are new to her books make sure you check her out!

Great combination of sweet and sexy with a bit of suspense thrown in. The story is fast paced and entertaining, the characters are likable, and the dialogue is witty. I've enjoyed each book in this series, but I think Callum may be my favorite hero so far. He's funny and self-assured enough to be himself without being arrogant, and as it turns out, he's exactly what the hard-nosed Judge needs in her life. He and Trinity have good chemistry and while the suspense element is secondary to the attraction between them, it does make for an interesting turn of events. I'll be anxiously awaiting the next in this engaging series.

I enjoyed this title. It was actually shorter, and a little lighter than I was expecting.

Trinity and Callum are judge and law clerk. She is by the book, a little cold, and not interested in her younger law clerk, even if he is her type. Callum is younger, just out of school, and more than a little interested in seeing what is behind the facade of his boss.

But, she is not going there with him, no matter how much she wants to...until he saves her life. I liked this twist, and the way it moved the story. I liked that we didn't spend the entire book in a judge's chambers watching 2 people flirt over their lunch and coffee orders.

As I mentioned, this book had a lighter feel to it than the previous books in the series, which was interesting and gave it a difference that I enjoyed.

The writing was strong and flowed smoothly and in such a way that I believed I was reading about real people.

I enjoyed this title, I recommend it, and I am looking forward to the next one!

While I've enjoyed all the books in the Conflict of Interest Series, I think Approaching the Bench is my favorite. We get an older judge (who is actually young) and her sexy new law clerk who is brilliant, confident and easy going. Yeah, I'm liking this. 

Trinity is the youngest judge in the state and she has worked hard to get there. Setting a precedent, she's known for being hard core and no nonsense. Hardly anyone really knows the woman behind the robes. When Callum shows up, he's starting to crack those walls she has up slowly but surely. 

When a past case puts both Trinity and Callum's lives in danger, they are forced to go into hiding and have to face their growing attraction to each other. Now that they have admitted it, will they be able to keep this up once they are safe and back in the real world? 

I think my favorite part about this is knowing that Trinity isn't as hard core as she really comes off to everyone else. There's so much more to her and Callum is the one to bring it out of her. I've always loved when someone can warm up the Ice Queens. These two are so different from each other but in ways very similar. They are perfect for each other and I love all the jokes that Callum makes about their age difference. It's light hearted and in good fun. 

Approaching the Bench is a fun romance story where the hero will melt your heart and the heroine will grow on you more than you thought could happen. If you are looking for a little bit of danger but mostly fun, loving and sexy romance, then this is the book for you!

I absolutely adore Chantal Fernando's writing style. She has a way with words and a way with telling a story that is crazily unique. I keep coming back for more. I'm officially an addict.

Approaching The Bench is the third novel in the Conflict of Interest series. This is Judge Trinity Williams and Callum Hopkins story.

When I first heard Callum and Trinity were getting the next book I thought, oh lord here we go! Trinity Williams has been nicknamed Medusa. She's a tough bird and being the youngest Judge she has to be tough, its a job requirement. After Trinity and Callum end up being the victims of a failed abduction, the police come to a conclusion that the two must go in hiding.

I really enjoyed Callum and Trinity's story. I loved Callum's ability to slowly thaw through the icy exterior Trinity used as a shield. I also loved that this novel had a strong suspense vibe, it's a case of who is after the judge and why.

The only downside, as is with all of the shorter novella types, I was left wanting more. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Callum......

Overall, I am loving the Conflict of Interest series. I love the characters and the issues they are confronted with. I highly recommend this series to everyone that loves suspense and romance!

We met Callum in the previous books in the series and I for one couldn't wait to get to know him.....or his smirk!

Trinity's inner monologue was hilarious. Uptight and standoff-ish on the outside she maybe but internally she is fabulous!

'He’s thoughtful.
He pays attention.
And he will never be mine.'

Oh Trinity how wrong you are!

A quick, fab read with sexy times.

Title and author: Approaching the Bench by Chantal Fernando
Series: Conflict of Interest - Book 3
Publisher: Pocket Star
Releases: February 19, 2018
Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/y9mfm2na
Genre: Contemporary
Author website: http://www.authorchantalfernando.com/
Rating: 4 Stars

APPROACHING THE BENCH is an entertaining addition to the Conflict of Interest series, as a spirited couple have lively conversations and experience a multitude of emotions. The story is filled with lots of delightful disagreements amongst the main characters, and I could not keep from laughing on a number of occasions. Chantal Fernando interweaves the daily routines of getting ready for cases with life outside the courtroom, and the result is constantly engaging situations.

Upon being appointed to preside over state court cases, Trinity Williams wanted to prove she was capable even though still rather young. After five years have passed, she thinks her point has been made, but she always tries to come across as strict to make certain no one questions her competency. When a new clerk comes to work with her, Trinity wonders if she and Callum Hopkins will actually get along well because his attitude is so dissimilar from her own.

To be a lawyer one day is the goal of Callum, and working for the respected judge will help him to gain knowledge and hopefully receive a favorable reference later. Though he tries to be considerate when around Trinity, she does not plan on letting them get too friendly. Yet when a threat toward the judge and clerk leads to them being put in protective custody, the line between staying professional and exploring personal desires grows very thin.

Since I met Callum in the previous books of the series, I knew he was an interesting man and would made a wonderful main character. I was definitely eager to read his book, and I learned much about his private life. His sunny disposition is infectious, and I loved how he would always look for the positive side of whatever was happening, though his background could have made him a bitter person. His interactions with others is often comical, as Callum is never at a loss for words because of his sharp wit. For someone who could have remained a secondary character, he shines in his own story.

When Callum goes to work for Trinity, her reputation does not cause him to act any differently around her than he normally would behave, and this triggered many attention-grabbing scenes. Although she plans to not let herself be affected by his charm, resisting becoming harder and harder. I so enjoyed seeing the always serious Trinity turn into someone who is more lighthearted, and her reactions were not what I expected at times. After unexpected danger threatens them both, their lives really become entangled. Chantal Fernando made the suspense believable, and I was nervous whenever outcomes looked uncertain. There are even a few surprises in the story to make a particular scene more enthralling. APPROACHING THE BENCH has an appealing couple who express genuine feelings, and plenty of humor to amuse.

I voluntarily reviewed the book from the publisher via NetGalley, and all comments are my honest opinion.

This 3rd installment of the Conflict of Series is a quick, suspenseful and sexy read.

I liked the reversal in the balance of power between Trinity and Callum, with her being the boss and him just starting out in his career. The attraction between them is undeniable, and whilst I could understand her reluctance to start anything, you just knew she wouldn't hold out forever.

I just adored Callum. We have met him in the earlier books, but now, oh my! That smirk - no wonder Trinity can't resist.

Ms Fernando turns up the heat when our lovelies end up in close quarters, and I just couldn't help but love it.

Ms Fernando is one of my aut0-buy authors, and can't wait to see what she brings us next.

**Will post everywhere else on release**

I can't stand these novella length books that are supposed to be the next in a series. I have almost given up on this author because of it, however the last book of hers I read was an actual full length novel which I enjoyed, so I gave it a shot. I found this one to be unbelievable and slightly ridiculous. Just didn't work for me.

I've had a hard time with this series as a whole.  While the books were good they didn't really meet the expectations I have of a Chantal Fernando book.  In the past her books have taken hold of me and I've been unable to put them down.  With this series I'm not finding that "it" factor that causes the outside world to disappear as I fall head long into one of her stories.

While Trinity and Callum were both good characters they weren't amazing.  Their story had so much potential but, it just fell short for me.  It seemed rushed and because of it we lost out on a lot of their story.

I did really enjoy the slightly older, more worldly woman who doesn't know how to have fun meets fun loving younger man.  It was fun to see Callum both excel at his high demand and extremely professional job and show the overly serious Trinity that they could have a life outside of work.  It didn't take Trinity long to follow Callum into to his way of thinking which made for more excitement in the story.

Overall this had the potential to be an amazing book but, it fell flat for me.

1.5 Stars

I had made a lot of notes and comments while reading this book, but I think it comes down to this: I have tried numerous times to read indie romances and they just aren’t for me.

I’m picky with my books. I want my real world facts to be present in the books I read (i.e. it takes longer than overnight for a DNA match to come back); I want my characters to not all be carbon copies of every other book (petite woman, tall man, some tragedy in their pasts, and apparently, green eyes); I want my suspense to feel real and present, not just a plot device to get two people alone together; I want the writing and the characters to be fleshed out.

Sadly, this book had too much of the above for me to find it enjoyable.

This was a great quick read. I really enjoyed the suspense and the banter between Trinity and Callum. They were great with each other, Callum was funny, smart, and sexy. Trinity was tough, and when she let down her wall she was funny and sweet. I look forward to more.