Sidebar by Carsen TaiteSidebar by Carsen Taite is a fabulous workplace romance between a federal judge and her clerk.

West Fallon has long known that she wants her work as a lawyer to make a difference, taking steps like interning at the Southern Poverty Law Center in Alabama. She has to delay that plan after law school, however, because she promised to clerk for a year for the judge who’s been the closest thing to family she’s ever had. When he holds her to that promise even after he’s forced to retire earlier than planned, West finds herself instead clerking for the older woman of her dreams.

Judge Camille Avery has had a hell of a year and is just as surprised as everyone else when she finds herself with a lifetime appointment to the federal court. Learning the ropes are a little more challenging than usual as Camille finds herself attracted to her whip-smart, insightful, flirty, butch clerk. All eyes are on Camille as her first major case proves more complicated and inflammatory than usual. Can West and Camille ignore their attraction when there’s so much at stake?

The Characters

Camille and West are really easy to like. They’re both brilliant, driven women. Camille is highly accomplished and we learn enough about West to know that it won’t be long before she is too. Their chemistry is palpable from their first meeting and I enjoyed seeing them slowly get to know and trust each other. Don’t ask me which one I like better, because I refuse to choose between them.

There are quite a few supporting characters in Sidebar, and my favourites were Hank Blair, the judge who’s the reason West returned to Dallas, and West’s roommate, Bill. Both are great examples of how families of choice can make all the difference when our families of birth let us down.

The Writing Style

It’s a Carsen Taite book, so of course it’s well written! The story is engaging, the pacing is perfect, the character work is excellent, and the romance is oh so fun to follow. Although most of her books fall firmly in the romantic suspense category, Sidebar is very much a romance with only a little bit of intrigue, and it’s great.

The Narration

Lori Prince is a good narrator and I enjoyed her narration for this book, although I didn’t love how she voiced the men. If you like audiobooks, Sidebar would be a solid choice.

The Pros

Everything?

The Cons

I was so sad it came to an end because I’d have happily read way more about these characters!

The Conclusion

Sidebar is a sexy, fun, interesting book that’s sure to delight, whether you’re a longtime fan or this is your first time reading something by Carsen Taite. I definitely recommend it!

Excerpt from Sidebar by Carsen Taite

West leaned back in her chair. It felt odd to be the one sitting comfortably while Camille stood. “Come in and sit down. You’re freaking me out with the whole towering over me thing.” She watched as Camille strode into the room and slipped into the chair Lloyd had occupied all afternoon, happy she’d chosen to stay.

“You’re staring.”Damn. Caught. But Camille didn’t sound displeased. “You’re much more fun to look at than Lloyd.”

“West.”

Camille’s tone was quiet and held a touch of reproach, but West wasn’t buying it. “Is there some reason we can’t be honest when no one else is around?”

“Honest?”

“Don’t pretend like there isn’t something going on here.” West waved a finger between them.

“If only it were that easy.”

“It’s as easy as you make it.”

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Bits and Bobs

  • ISBN number: 9781626397521
  • Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
  • Audiobook Publisher: Bold Strokes Books Inc
  • Narrator: Lori Prince

Carsen Taite Online 

Note: I received a free review copy of Sidebar by Carsen Taite. No money was exchanged for this review. I will always review books as honestly as possible and on occasion I refuse to review books.