I had not read anything from this author, but I will be looking for her other books now!

Monica Spade is an attorney in a law firm. She specializes in health care law and she represents the local hospital in the little town of Apple Grove, WI.

Shelby St. Clair is an art teacher at the elementary school in Apple Grove. Monica and Shelby meet at an early morning workout class.

Attorney Spade becomes embroiled in a case involving the hospital when a young man, Trevor McKnight allegedly causes the death of an exchange student from Saudi Arabia. The McKnight family is powerful in the town and it will be an uphill battle to prove that Trevor's actions caused Abdul's death. Did Trevor McKnight act with conscious bias against Abdul Seif because Abdul is from the Middle East?

There is also an interesting side story about the political clout that the McKnight family wields in the construction of the town's new sports arena and how it might impact the felony murder trial of Trevor McKnight.

Between the compelling courtroom machinations and the attraction taking place between Monica and Shelby, this is an impeccably well-written legal drama with a slow burn romance front and center. Look for a surprise twist at the end of this book, too!

I was given an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review of this book.

Conscious Bias dealt with many topics such as : homophobia, workplace harassment, hate crime, felony murder, bias in many forms, and intimidation tactics.

Monica Spade was an intelligent young gay lawyer on a fast track to make partner in an all male law firm. Initially, she decided not to come out at work, fearing her male colleagues would not accept her and possibly dismiss her. But after a lawyer friend was treated harshly when his sexuality was discovered, Monica knew she had to take action. Meanwhile, in the midst of this work drama, Monica was the lawyer representing a hospital in which a young foreign exchange student from Saudia Arabia died after a bar bias altercation with another university student, Trevor McKnight, who was a member of a well known and well connected family of their local community. Bias reared its ugly head in all directions.

I enjoyed the courtroom drama which took center stage with well written scenes involving the prep work and the trial itself. The romantic aspect had a secondary role and took place mainly during early morning CrossFit classes. Monica had to keep her priorities set on the trial even though she and Shelby, a high school art teacher, wanted to take their gym relationship to another level. Their simmering chemistry was present during all their interactions.

Since this was the first book in the Monica Spade series, the author did a good job of introducing her characters. I read other books by this author so I look forward to this series continuing with a more in-depth look into the characters’ background.

I was hoping for a little more romance, but overall it was an enjoyable read. The author certainly did her research in terms of the legal aspects. I am looking forward to the next one.

Wow, I did not expect that. I don't know I read many great reviews over this book, and true to their option it was. very very informative in the legal department. I skipped most tbh since i'm into romance books, the romance was soooo minimum and that the only critic i can give, It was that good. excellent writing

thank you for giving me free copy in exchange of honest opinion

This was the first of Alexi Venice novels I have read, but it shan't be the last. Interspersed within this relevant and gripping legal thriller is a lovely and subtle romance between a teacher and an attorney. The writing was exceptionally captivating and yet comfortable. Characters were likable and the events were believable.

Very enjoyable and thank you for the opportunity to review it

I have received an ARC copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a great read and in my opinion, would be a great subject for discussion in a sociology class. The book and its narrative covered it all from cultural alliances, conscious biases to great love while allowing us to see behind the scene how trials are conducted. The author did a great job developing the characters and allowing us to see their internal conflicts and their resolutions. The way characters experience conscious bias and the way they respond to it. And then comes love and whether it is worth to risk the career over. Overall it is a fantastic, well-developed book, I am definitely looking forward to the next.

Conscious Bias is a fantastic book. The characters are interesting and well developed. The book is well written. I hope to read more by this author.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


Monica Spade is a well developed character. I love her inner monologue especially when she with Shelby at Cross fit.

All the supporting characters were great. I like the behind the scenes of how trail is conducting. How the characters experiences and responds to conscious bias. The author does a good job with this.

Hopefully there will be more adventures in the near future for Monica Spade. I was kinda hoping we see crossover with Amanda Jen and Tommy from her San Francisco series in this but maybe we will if this going to be a another series.