kristy_k's review
1.0
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.
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.
mommasaystoread's review
4.0
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.
sbauer16's review
4.0
3.5 stars!!!
Approaching the Bench was an enjoyable read. It was shorter than I expected and the plot wasn't like I expected. Even though I enjoyed it, it was my least favorite of the series. I can't wait to read Leading the Witness!!!
Approaching the Bench was an enjoyable read. It was shorter than I expected and the plot wasn't like I expected. Even though I enjoyed it, it was my least favorite of the series. I can't wait to read Leading the Witness!!!
loverofromance's review
3.0
Approaching The Bench was such a charming read, if a bit too short for my tastes. Nothing wrong with a shorter romance, however I became so involved with this story and these wonderful characters I just wanted more. This story features a heroine that is the youngest female judge on the bench. And the hero is her legal aid. And yeah sparks fly, but when her life is put in danger and Callum saves her life, they both are put in protective custody and sent to a house in the country.
I found this story to be so sweet, sexy and fun. The bantering between these two is just awesome. The heorine is very closed off, but in her profession, she has to be tough as nails but she has some vulnerabilities that only Callum sees. Callum is fun and charming and he never takes himself too seriously. Which provides a great balance between these two here. If you are looking for a short but endearing romance grab this one....it is simply a gem!!
I found this story to be so sweet, sexy and fun. The bantering between these two is just awesome. The heorine is very closed off, but in her profession, she has to be tough as nails but she has some vulnerabilities that only Callum sees. Callum is fun and charming and he never takes himself too seriously. Which provides a great balance between these two here. If you are looking for a short but endearing romance grab this one....it is simply a gem!!
thewitchybibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
Firstly, I have to say I LOVE the fact that this is a female judge! I love seeing women in positions of power and let me tell you Chantal Fernando NAILED it. I love how Callum breaks down Trinity in this story. Their chemistry is brilliant and hot. I really enjoyed how they play off each other regardless of the situation as well! This is a great addition to the series and a perfect short read!
paddlefoot55's review
4.0
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
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.
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.
jesbruno's review
4.0
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!
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!
vickylou's review
2.0
My interest was certainly conflicted.
I didn't enjoy this one. It was very much a paint by numbers...
I didn't enjoy this one. It was very much a paint by numbers...
thebookdisciple's review
4.0
Pros for Approaching the Bench: Trinity is brilliant and has worked hard. Love a strong, intelligent heroine. Callum is so light hearted and playful, it was a perfect balance for 'Medusa'. Loved that they had a cobbled together family-family is who you chose! I liked that while she had her reservations about getting involved with Callum at first, she is willing to say "fuck it" to every one and not miss out on a relationship with a man she loves and lover her back.
Cons for Approaching the Bench: its a novella, and Callum is introduced in previous books, but I would have liked to have a bit more character development for Trinity. The plot is a bit of a stretch. Honestly, it didn't bother me that much-I'm cool with a bit of disbelief-but I know some people will be all like "Oh my gosh that would never happen".
I have enjoyed the previous books in the series, and loved getting more of the carefree Callum. Approaching the Bench is great if you want a strong, powerful female and a less serious, yet still alpha man!
- POV: dual 1st
- Tears: no
- Trope: office romance, boss/employee
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: stand alone
- Cliffhanger:
Spoiler
no - HEA:
Spoiler
yes with cute epilogue
Sweet Rivalry by K. Bromberg, Dangerous Witness by Katie Reus, Fear the Beard by Lani Lynn Vale...then you will probably like Approaching the Bench!
Approaching the Bench
