A really fun and flirty romance to start with, then add in some tension on multiple fronts and you just can't help but root for the characters and hope things work out. I really enjoyed this one and read it in 1 or 2 sittings!

This is a well written and well plotted book but not one of my favourites by Ms Taite. The characters are under developed for me and Abby is a bit annoying given her way of life and occupation. I found it too much of a stretch with some of her behaviour. Roxanne as the wedding blogger was funny and sweet but again I didn't warm to her. I think it's because I found it difficult to believe that the women would get so close and intimate without some idea of their lives back home even if they had agreed not to talk about their everyday lives.

The writing is taut and the narrative flows well but I wanted to stop several times and I wanted to shake both leads and tell them to grow up a bit. The story is interesting and a look at a way of life far beyond my own and the ending is nicely done.

I will read more from Ms Taite as she is one of my favourite lesfic authors but I prefer her mystery/crime books to the romance ones.

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

This is the second book in the ‘Legal Affairs” series, so I was just waiting to see who’s romance we’d be covering this time around. And it’s…..
Abby Keane has been working on getting the law firm she’d started with her two best friends up and running. Since it’s been going so well, friends and partners, Grace and Campbell insist she take a real vacation, something the three never enjoyed at their old jobs but had promised to do so now that they were their own bosses. So off she goes, by herself, to Puerto Vallarta to spend some time relaxing at the resort ‘Azure’. She didn’t know the resort specialized in couples celebrating their honeymoons. Marriage wasn’t high on her list of things to do, it actually wasn’t on her list at all. Oh well, she’d was here to relax so, while others were enjoying the activities around her she would do exactly that.
Roxanne Daly was also planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta but her trip was to do some research on the many resorts that specialized in honeymoons. Not only for her own blog, ‘Brides Best Friends’ but for the magazine ‘Best Day Ever’. She didn’t have any one special in her life but she still hoped her turn would come, she’d meet that someone special and tie the knot herself. She’d just be spending a few days but it was going to be hard really experiencing the activities offered at the resorts which were all set up for couples. Oh well here she was at Azure, so she’d just have to make the best of it.
When they discover each other it’s sparks everywhere but not wanting the outside world to infer with their fun they decide not to talk about work or their lives before this moment in time. And enjoying each other is exactly what they’d do. Neither expected to see each other when they got back to their real world but when they did indeed run into each other, it wasn’t as they’d hoped. It seemed their work did get in the way and the idea of trying to be together was just not going to happen.
In Ms Taite’s first book in the series, we got to read about Campbell Clark, Wynne Garrity’s romance, this time, Abby and Roxanne, so I’m thinking it will be Grace Maldonado’s turn in her third book in the series. At least I along with other fans certainly hope there will be a third. Another very nice read by Ms Taite. Very enjoyable.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

Carsen taite is my go to author love love love all she has written. This is another great legal romance and it's just the beginning of the series. The author knows the court room and romance and I enjoy both. Thanks for another good read.

This is the second installment of the Legal Affairs series by Carsen Taite. You can certainly read this as a stand alone without reading Practice Makes Perfect but why would you?
I enjoyed reading about Abby and Roxanne. They certainly have the right amount of chemistry (as was obvious Mexico). Though they end up on opposite sides of the legal arena at home, Taite's special ability to tell their story will have you believing in happy endings. It was an enjoyable read with likable characters, entertaining story and a romance to put a smile on your face. I highly recommend.

Carsen never fails to write a fantastic book. This is a well used trope. Girl meets girl, they have a fling. They meet again but are on opposite sides of an issue. Carsen weaved a great story around this trope. Her stories always involve attorneys and this is no different, but it skipped a lot of the legal dramatics and made for an adorable story.

This is another great book from Carsen Taite. I feel like every time she writes a book you know you'll get a quality storyline with great writing. This book has the usual lawyer stuff but no real courtroom scenes which helps to avoid the cookie cutter style some authors fall into. The wedding topic was fresh and different from the usual thriller trope that is often attached to legal/courtroom dramas. It's also an interesting commentary on the sensationalist reality show lifestyle we exist in right now. I really liked the ending. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Abby and Roxanne meet by chance in paradise and begin a brief but exciting fling. Abby is a lawyer taking her first vacation in years while Roxanne is checking out honeymoon resorts to review for the wedding magazine she writes for. The two make a pact not to talk about work or life outside the resort, so when their tryst is cut short by Roxanne's departure both are left feeling a little heartbroken with no plans to reconnect in the future.

Back in Austin, their paths cross when Abby represents her friend's recently shuttered bridal dress stores that have left a lot of brides in the lurch. Roxanne gets handed a prime opportunity to be the voice of the disgruntled brides, setting her up in direct conflict to Abby.

But even as their jobs bring them together while dividing them, they can't seem to squelch the spark they lit on vacation. Can they overcome their differences and Abby's utter disdain for relationships, love, and marriage to make a go of it? Or will their professional goals and views of love pull them apart for good?

I've read a few novels by Carsen Taite and this one was by far my favorite. The chemistry between Abby and Roxanne starts out explosive and is strong throughout. Abby is quite prickly, so seeing her in vacation mode early on was very effective at softening some of her rougher edges. Roxanne is tremendously likable throughout and displays a stunning amount of maturity even when Abby is practicing avoidance like it's her job.

Even though I'm not a big fan of weddings I thought Taite did a great job of pairing Abby's cynicism with Roxanne's belief in marriage and love.

Lawyers, exotic locales, and wedding cake descriptions--what's not to love?

This is the second book in Taite's Legal Affairs series, which follows three friends breaking away from their high strung lives to open their own private law practice. There's no need to read the first in the series in order to enjoy this one. This one follows Abby, who thanks to her new job, is able to go on her first vacation in years. It's there that she meet Roxanne, and the two women give into their attraction for a few blissful days at the beach. Once back home though, wedding blogger Roxanne uses her new TV spot to face off against Abby, who is in a legal battle when her client closes the doors of a large chain of wedding dress shops, angering thousands of brides. Outside of paradise, the attraction still burns hot, but will their jobs keep them from knowing if what they had could have been something real?

I enjoyed this book even more than the first. I think Taite really got into the groove of these lighter books, and this fun and quirky series. This book was so vibrant, the chemistry between all the characters really jumped off the page. Getting to know all the characters a little more in this book, really let me get lost in the story and root for Abby, Grace and Campbell all the more! Taite is an incredible writer, I love the way the romance flows while still giving enough attention to the legal cases. It was a fun and enjoyable read, and definitely different from the usual fast paced thrillers Taite writes. It just goes to show Taite can really do it all!

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The gradual escalation of the romance was done well. Both women do start out only looking for and expecting a hot holiday fling. When they reconnect back home, the attraction is there but still, they’re not cooing that “I’ve found my soulmate.” I was waiting for the final conflict to rear its ugly head and had an idea how it would happen. But by then, Abby and Roxanne had enough actual interactions and conversations plus pondering what the other meant to them that the quick way the reconciliation was done still worked for me.

I did have some qualms about how Lawyer Abby juggled her case and her growing relationship with Roxanne who was kinda, sorta “the enemy.” Roxanne wasn’t, exactly, as she had no professional relationship with either the clients opposed to Abby’s client or the brides who were upset with the whole case but still it felt weird. I also didn’t care for Abby’s attitude to the women who were angry and fighting to get the dresses they’d paid for (including one interviewee who spoke of how she’d scrimped and saved to get the dress of her dreams). I understand Abby doesn’t like weddings because of her experiences with her mother’s many ceremonies and divorces but come on! these women are owed what they paid for and her casually dismissive words grated on me. The way the case is concluded also seemed more “candy coated law” than legal reality.

The romance and main characters are the reason to read this story as they not only outshine but are more prominent than the legal side. I do wish that Abby’s character hadn’t been made to be quite so anti-wedding as after a while, her protests against these ceremonies came off as unbelievable. Had she herself been left at the altar, I could have bought it but the explanation just didn’t justify her negative stance. But maybe she’s supposed to be a repressed romantic? I do like the way that the book avoided a few clashes and misunderstandings I thought I saw coming but there are a few aspects that did annoy me. B-

In Out of Practice, Abby decides to take a much needed vacation to a tropical getaway and meets Roxanne. Since Abby is the “love them and leave them” type, she is surprised at how much she is affected by Roxanne after spending a few days together. Due to Roxanne’s job as a wedding blogger and Abby’s role as the lawyer trying to help her client re-open his bridal shop, they meet again and despite the conflicts of interest, the pull to pursue a relationship is undeniable. However, can Abby overcome her skepticism in relationships? Would Roxanne, who believes in “happily ever after”, be content to have a no strings attached relationship?

I am really enjoying the Legal Affairs series. Ms. Taite knows how to weave an awesome story. Out of Practice, the second book of the series, does not disappoint. I do see a recurring theme in this series – there is a "trip" and an actual "fall" when the main characters meet. And of course, then follows the undeniable "chemistry". Then, there is the “forbidden” aspect of the relationship due to conflicting allegiances. Afterwards, the falling out due to a misunderstanding and finally the "grand gesture" to win the other person back. This story was well developed and the push & pull between Abby and Roxanne made the story more intriguing. I was also happy to get some more insight on how Campbell & Wynne’s relationship (from Practice Makes Perfect) was progressing. This was a very good read!

This book is unusual because it’s about a sharp lawyer and her clients, but manages to also deliver a rather sweet romance. Sweet in a good way, not in a cloying way. Partly this is due to the plot, which is a different sort of case than you usually read about in a book about a lawyer, but also due to the sharpness of the writing. Ms Taite is of course one of the masters in this genre. I liked all the wedding details, although I’m not convinced the cake is that crucial! The supporting cast of friends were nicely balanced, there but not an over focus. Good build up after the initial meeting, with the right amount of antagonism and clues about how they might get back together in the end. Overall an enjoyable read.

Book 2 in the Legal Affairs series by Carsen Taite. Luckily for me, this can be read as a standalone. This series deals with 3 friends who opened their own law firm in order to be their own bosses. This book focuses on Abby, who is commitment-phobic, we can say. She went on vacation at a luxury resort and meets Roxanne. Roxanne is a wedding blogger who is there to review the amenities of the resort for honeymooners. Sparks fly and they hook up. Back from vacation, they find themselves on opposite sides of a controversy where a chain of bridal stores have closed suddenly. Hundreds of brides are left stranded without wedding dresses. The company is represented by Abby and her firm. Roxanne of course, is on the side of the brides-to-be. Add to that she gets a chance to have her own TV show, and the network wants her to exploit this situation for ratings. Even though, their careers put them at odds, they are still crazily attracted to each other. Anyways, I love the characters and the writing. While the story might not be that unusual, I love the chemistry between Abby and Roxanne. It is insta-lust, which I tend to be skeptical about, but the setting and the story-line do make sense. Finally, reading this book makes me want to pick up book 1 and look forward to book 3.

**Big thanks to Bold Stroke Books for giving me an ARC for this book through Net Galley!**

I've read every Carsen Taite book out there. I've enjoyed every single one of them and loved most of them. To me, Out of Practice felt like it was rushed in the writing or the publication. The story wasn't as dense and, as others have mentioned, not as "lawyerly" as we've all come to expect from the Queen of the Courtroom. But what surprised me the most was the dozen or so fairly glaring errors that should have been caught in what I know are multiple rounds of editing. Words missing from sentences, a sentence that began with a lower-case letter, referring to the main character Abby Keane as Abby Keaton once, and "I'd love too" are a few examples.

From many other authors this would be a solid story, but I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed since it's a Carsen Taite. I loved the first installment in this trilogy and will still look forward to the third when it's out hopefully later this year.

Abby Keane, one-third of the law firm of Clark, Keane and Maldonado

Roxanne Daly, blogger and writer for Best Day Ever bridal magazine

Abby meets Roxanne in a most unusual way while they're both on their way to Puerta Vallarta, one on vacation and the other on a working trip. After a few days of first-name-only romance, they part ways rather abruptly, only to meet again under different circumstances.

They get tangled up, in more ways than one!

There is enough angst, second-guessing and conflict to keep you glued to this book. How will these sticky problems get resolved?

I really liked this book a lot. The characters will stay with you after you've finished the book.

I love books when main characters meet by accident and accident leads to something more, where something more leads to happy ever after.
This is what I love about Taite, she gets it right. I loved Abby’s character. The I don’t give a damn person, who knows what she wants and what she doesn’t.
However, who the heck can stop themselves from falling for Roxanne. The chemistry for sure was there and something else?
This book brakes your heart and rebuilds it within couple of chapters. Absolutely awesome!!

As some other readers of this author pointed out, this story was unexpected and different which in my opinion was refreshing. Not much "lawyering" going on. Different is just different; not less than; not bad; just different. The focus was on the characters and their feelings about each other, relationships, and, commitment. Roxanne Daly, blogger, "Bride's Best Friend". Abby Keane, attorney, in partnership with her two friends. Neither women is looking for love or "the one". It is during times of not looking that "the one" may fall into your lap. The chemistry between Roxanne and Abby is flirty and hot. Because this is the second read in a three read series, I liked how the author informed the reader about previous mentioned characters. For example, Wynne and Campbell.

Just to start with stating the obvious, this book is the second in what seems to be a three book series. You do not need to read the first one to enjoy this book.

I thought this was a solid read! A little short, since it's under 200 pages, but enjoyable. You just don't get the extra scenes that some authors would throw in there, like Abby meeting Roxanne's sister or some other events that are remarked on offhandedly. At least it keeps the book from moving too slowly, I guess...

It's also not a steamy book, so don't go into it thinking you'll get the hottest sex scenes between these two. They are sexy, but that's not what this author excels at. That would very clearly be law, and the women who practice it!

One of my favorite things about this book is that Abby is very clearly a commitment phobe, but Roxanne doesn't pressure her at all. She just goes with the flow and takes whatever Abby is capable of giving her in that moment. It was refreshing not to have a big drawn-out fight about it, like some lesbian books do. It is OK to fall in love at different paces ladies!

Overall, I liked this one better than the first in the series. I'll read the third when it comes out!

The story of a “single-for-life” ice queen lawyer, Abby, and a a romantic wedding blogger, Roxanne. I guess if one would have summed up for me like that I might have skipped this one. The writing style of the author is nice and easy going as always, but the characters seem lacklustre and just a bit boring to be honest.
I liked how they met and how you they both seem to struggle with feelings, one for not wanting to scare the other and one because she is insecure about all of it. The storyline that brings them back together again after they leave paradise is not entertaining at all. I honestly couldn’t find anything I liked about it.

I like Roxanne and I also like one of Abby’s best friends/partners Grace. They seem like the two most real characters and I find them the most relatable.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers, Bold Strokes Books Inc., of 'Out of Practice' for affording me the opportunity to read the book and review it. This is the first book I have read by this author and I fully intend to read her other books.

First off it was a joy to read. The words flowed on the page, the pages turned themselves. "Out of Practice" has a great storyline with well-described likeable main and secondary characters. The chemistry between the two main characters was sizzling throughout and evident throughout their quick-witted banter and other exchanges from the get go and throughout the novel. It reads well and appears natural, emphasising that chemistry and sexual attraction is multi-layered.

I enjoyed the settings, the dichotomy of Abby's mother being a serial bride and Abby being the pole opposite. There was enough push and pull in the narrative and storyline to sustain the reader's interest throughout. The sex scenes were understated and that worked well in this storyline especially between two intelligent women whose banter fuelled their chemistry. 5 stars from me!