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rogue_lurker's review
4.0
Okay, so I was so looking forward to this book that I snapped it up as soon as it was available and pretty much dropped everything to read it. I really loved the first novella [b:Shameless|35218775|Shameless|Brit Ryder|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1495650827l/35218775._SY75_.jpg|56560294] and absolutely adored Emery.. not to mention the rather smutty story and the fantastic twist. When I heard that Not Guilty is the story from the mysterious woman in red's perspective and then continues into a novel that expands the story and characters I was even more pumped. So I read it. I didn't like it. I was gutted. The swagger and charm of Emery isn't as apparent as this is all from Claire's first person POV. And I loved Emery. Stupid Claire. :(
Because I usually love Kris Bryant (Brit Ryder's alter ego) books, I thought maybe it was me so I gave it another try. Second time was the charm. I enjoyed this much more the second time and I'm really glad I gave it another shot (note to self, stop setting up expecations and just go ahead and read what the author wants to write). I still miss Emery ... and i think I was so set on a story focused on her that I didn't give Claire the proper chance.
As a newly appointed Judge, Claire is hyper vigilant of reputation and not causing scandal - she's so reserved and private that she fits the ice queen mold. But underneath that exterior is a woman of rather immense appetites (wink wink nudge nudge) and her unconventional rendezvous with Emery starts to chip away at her ideas of what and who she wants out of life. As Brit Ryder, the author writes a great sexapalooza ... there's a plot, there are characters, there are arcs, but there is sex. Lots of sex. Lots of sweaty sex. It's a fun read and the change of POV might give you pause, but Claire's an interesting character that at first I found was a bit bitchy but she grew on me.
Overall, on the second read, I enjoyed this one quite a bit.
Because I usually love Kris Bryant (Brit Ryder's alter ego) books, I thought maybe it was me so I gave it another try. Second time was the charm. I enjoyed this much more the second time and I'm really glad I gave it another shot (note to self, stop setting up expecations and just go ahead and read what the author wants to write). I still miss Emery ... and i think I was so set on a story focused on her that I didn't give Claire the proper chance.
As a newly appointed Judge, Claire is hyper vigilant of reputation and not causing scandal - she's so reserved and private that she fits the ice queen mold. But underneath that exterior is a woman of rather immense appetites (wink wink nudge nudge) and her unconventional rendezvous with Emery starts to chip away at her ideas of what and who she wants out of life. As Brit Ryder, the author writes a great sexapalooza ... there's a plot, there are characters, there are arcs, but there is sex. Lots of sex. Lots of sweaty sex. It's a fun read and the change of POV might give you pause, but Claire's an interesting character that at first I found was a bit bitchy but she grew on me.
Overall, on the second read, I enjoyed this one quite a bit.
kat_crowley11's review
4.0
I think what was missing for me was the romantic connection. It was obvious immediately that they have great sexual chemistry but to me it was lacking those small romantic moments. And i do like them as a couple i just wish it was explored more. Like way more. Because from emery’s POV in shameless it felt like a different direction.
The general plot was very interesting though. Trying to figure out how it all tied together.
Personally I wouldve liked more of emery and less of jenn and orlando. It wasnt their story but i felt like it took up a good 25%. Which is fine but emery was barely in the first half of the book.
roselinc_'s review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kburns2004's review
4.0
I really adore Kris Bryant and her writing as Brit is amazing. Ooh lord the steam and spice in this book was intense. Loved the political subplot and Jenn. Loved it
angieinbooks's review
4.0
Well, this was spicy and something I was glad not to be reading in public.
Kris Bryant's romance novels have been hit or miss with me (mostly a miss, tbh), so I wasn't sure what to expect from a Brit Ryder offering, and I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised. I don't read very much erotic fiction, and Not Guilty goes down that path very quickly. But there's a nice romance here, too. And a crime thriller that I was really into. So I have to say that I'm impressed, for the most part. I do think it could have been just a little longer--I think it would have served the romance better, but even that is a minor complaint because this was a very entertaining read.
Kris Bryant's romance novels have been hit or miss with me (mostly a miss, tbh), so I wasn't sure what to expect from a Brit Ryder offering, and I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised. I don't read very much erotic fiction, and Not Guilty goes down that path very quickly. But there's a nice romance here, too. And a crime thriller that I was really into. So I have to say that I'm impressed, for the most part. I do think it could have been just a little longer--I think it would have served the romance better, but even that is a minor complaint because this was a very entertaining read.
gayanyway's review
emotional
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
00leah00's review
4.0
This was such a fun read. Not Guilty is the full-length follow-up to the short erotica Shameless. Reading Shameless isn’t required to read this one but it’s so fun I definitely recommend it and you get to know Emery a little bit better. This is erotica with romance and a bit of a mystery/thriller aspect thrown in if the other two weren’t enough for you.
Claire is a newly appointed judge and Emery is a fire investigator and both are busy with their jobs. Neither have time nor a desire for a relationship. However, their chemistry and sexual compatibility has them deciding to give a no-strings-attached relationship a try. As you can guess, it doesn’t work out too well and feelings get involved.
Erotica usually isn’t my jam as there is little character development or emotional connection. However, Brit Ryder (Kris Bryant) successfully bypassed those issues for me. Claire’s changing feelings throughout kept my attention. She did go back and forth a little and while that got annoying it also felt realistic when you’re fighting with yourself about feelings you don’t want to have. Emery’s feelings also do a one-eighty and I wished we had gotten her point of view because it seemed to happen so quickly and was so different from her feelings in Shameless that it left me a little confused.
Even though it starts out pretty heavy with the steam, I thought the romance and the side plot of the mystery kept the story moving forward. Claire’s first case as a judge is more than it seems and I liked how it let Claire and Emery get to know one another better outside of the bedroom; even if they probably shouldn’t have been working together.
The heat level is very high here (it IS an erotica) and I will say if you don’t appreciate strap-on scenes, you probably should pass on this one. If that isn’t a deal breaker for you, I highly recommend this. It’s hot and sexy and entertaining until the very end.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Claire is a newly appointed judge and Emery is a fire investigator and both are busy with their jobs. Neither have time nor a desire for a relationship. However, their chemistry and sexual compatibility has them deciding to give a no-strings-attached relationship a try. As you can guess, it doesn’t work out too well and feelings get involved.
Erotica usually isn’t my jam as there is little character development or emotional connection. However, Brit Ryder (Kris Bryant) successfully bypassed those issues for me. Claire’s changing feelings throughout kept my attention. She did go back and forth a little and while that got annoying it also felt realistic when you’re fighting with yourself about feelings you don’t want to have. Emery’s feelings also do a one-eighty and I wished we had gotten her point of view because it seemed to happen so quickly and was so different from her feelings in Shameless that it left me a little confused.
Even though it starts out pretty heavy with the steam, I thought the romance and the side plot of the mystery kept the story moving forward. Claire’s first case as a judge is more than it seems and I liked how it let Claire and Emery get to know one another better outside of the bedroom; even if they probably shouldn’t have been working together.
The heat level is very high here (it IS an erotica) and I will say if you don’t appreciate strap-on scenes, you probably should pass on this one. If that isn’t a deal breaker for you, I highly recommend this. It’s hot and sexy and entertaining until the very end.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
kjanie's review
3.0
3.5/5 stars
This was super sexy, heaps of fun and had a unexpected dose of mystery that I also enjoyed.
For me, the only thing getting in the way of a higher rating was all the back and forth, and missed opportunities along the way. It was a bit frustrating, although I know that this is definitely a personal preference thing. Nonetheless, the book was well written, both the characters were extremely charming and loveable, and the sexiness was really off the charts amazing.
This was super sexy, heaps of fun and had a unexpected dose of mystery that I also enjoyed.
For me, the only thing getting in the way of a higher rating was all the back and forth, and missed opportunities along the way. It was a bit frustrating, although I know that this is definitely a personal preference thing. Nonetheless, the book was well written, both the characters were extremely charming and loveable, and the sexiness was really off the charts amazing.