For the Defense

Maggie Wells

Aug 2021 · A Raising the Bar Brief Book 2 · Sold by Harlequin

About this ebook

She'd bring down a criminal

With or without his lawyer’s help.

Deputy Lori Cabrera is shocked to discover that a powerful local businessman is a front for a drug-trafficking ring tucked away in her own rural Georgia community. It figures his defense attorney is none other than the distractingly handsome Simon Wingate. Can Lori convince Simon his client is guilty as sin? If she can, the big-city attorney could be putting more than his heart on the line to see that justice is served.

From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Discover more action-packed stories in the Raising the Bar Brief series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order:

Book 1: An Absence of Motive
Book 2: For the Defense
Book 3: Trial in the Backwoods

Ratings and reviews

Maggie has provided us with a fun new criminal suspense. Her books do seem to fit really well in the harlequin series and I find them quite captivating. With a good blend of intrigue and romance, it’s a book that had me flipping towards the end. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Lori and Simon’s story in For the Defense, book two in the Raising the Bar Brief series by Maggie Wells, is an emotional, suspenseful, and roller coaster ride of suspense. This sweet suspense romance brings together two characters from different backgrounds and upbringings. Deputy Lori Cabrera is shocked to discover that a powerful local businessman is a front for a drug-trafficking ring tucked away in her own rural Georgia community. It figures his defense attorney is none other than the distractingly handsome Simon Wingate. Lori grew up in the community and her family is still important to her, while Simon is somewhat of a newcomer, the grandson of Wendell Wingate the town’s former lawyer. Lori is strong, independent, and loyal to a fault while Simon is unsure of his place in town, trying to find his place. Simon’s latest client is also new to town, having opened a snake sanctuary, and under investigation for drug trafficking; through mail via purchased snakes. Lori and Simon disagree over his client despite the fireworks shooting off whenever they are together. Simon is an ideal match for Lori. He isn't intimidated by her, nor does he try to soften her. He's drawn by her strength and fierce determination; and together, there is no force, good or evil, that can stand in their way. Ms. Wells wrote an intriguing, emotional, and suspenseful story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale with sizzling chemistry, lots of red herrings, and engaged secondary characters helping Lori and Simon find a way to solve the crime and build a relationship together. I highly recommend For the Defense to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I loved getting to know Lori better as she intrigued me in the first book and she definitely has a bit of a complicated home life, but she is a strong and confident woman when it comes to her job, then there is her relationship or beginning of one with Owen boy she is not a fan of him to begin with. The fact Owen who is the new lawyer in town after taking over his grandfathers law practice works the opposite end of the law to Lori is great as they have sparks not only with work but attraction as well. While we see the relationship evolve and change between the two things are slowly escalating in town in regards to ten girls being linked to a snake park and this becomes a concern for both Lori and Owen, however Owens hands are tied as it is his new client. So settle in for a great read that has some laughs, romance, tension, danger and a twist or two with this second installment of the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

About the author

By day, Margaret Ethridge is buried in spreadsheets. At night, Maggie Wells pens tales of people tangling up the sheets. The product of a charming rogue and a shameless flirt, you only have to scratch the surface of this mild-mannered married lady to find a naughty streak a mile wide. Maggie has a passion for college football, processed cheese foods, and happy endings. Not necessarily in that order.