Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Above the Law
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S): Cain, Teresa
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://carsentaite.com/
CITY:
STATE:
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
http://www.glbtchamber.com/news/details/carsen-taite-to-sign-new-book * https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/CarsenTaite
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Female.
EDUCATION:University of North Texas, B.A., 1987; University of New Mexico, J.D., 1999.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Attorney and writer. Mills & Williams L.L.P., Dallas, TX, criminal defense lawyer.
MEMBER:National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, State Bar of Texas, LGBT Law Section (past chair), North Texas Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Chamber of Commerce, Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Dallas Bar Association, Dallas Gay and Lesbian Bar Association (past president).
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Carsen Taite is a Lambda Literary Award finalist who has authored numerous novels of intrigue and suspense, some inspired by her day job as a criminal defense attorney. Taite is the pen name of Teresa Cain.
It Should Be a Crime and Do Not Disturb
In one of her first novels, It Should Be a Crime, two women meet unexpectedly and have a torrid one-night stand. This connection comes back to haunt both Morgan Bradley and Parker Casey when they meet once more several weeks later, this time not as lovers but as law professor and student, respectively. Then the pair is thrust into the midst of a major murder trial and must learn to work as a team to find justice. A contributor on the Book Dyke Web site had praise for this work, noting, “The sexual tension is wonderfully written, there’s not a lot of pounding hearts and lip-licking, there’s sharp, playful, flirty dialog which I much prefer.” The reviewer further commented on the courtroom scenes and legal preparation: “Taite knows her stuff, it shows and it makes for a really engrossing (and not confusing/jargon riddled) read.”
Do Not Disturb is more of a straightforward love-and-lust tale set in New Mexico, featuring Ainsley Faraday, an ambitious hotel manager, and rock star Greer Davis, who is on the run from scandal. An online Lambda Literary reviewer had a mixed assessment of this work, commenting: “Taite, a regular on the romance beat and a Lammy finalist, starts out very strong with what begins as a highly compelling story melding mystery and romance. But then Taite totally drops what had appeared to be a major storyline—and with no closure.”
Rush and Switchblade
In her novel Rush, Taite again employs her legal background in a thriller that mixes lesbian love with the hunt for a serial killer. Danielle Soto is an assistant district attorney in Dallas tasked with stopping a killer who appears to be attacking former sorority members. Investigating the case, she comes into contact with Ellen Davenport, executive director of the national Alpha Nu sorority, to which the victims all belonged when in college. The attraction between the two is immediate and strong, and when Ellen’s mother, who suffers from early-onset Alzheimer’s, could be the next victim, Danielle needs to ramp up the investigation. “In the end … I was cheering for both of them to find the killer and then to get together and stay together,” noted a contributor in the online Good, the Bad, and the Unread. Out in Print Web site writer Jerry L. Wheeler also had praise, commenting, “Taite knows her stuff and struts it with grace and assuredness here. If you like romance thrillers, you’ll swallow this one whole.”
Switchblade introduces bounty hunter Luca Bennett, who is involved in a mystery dealing with drugs and corrupt cops. As if that is not enough to keep her busy, she is also trying to decide if she wants to get back together with her ex-girlfriend, police officer Jessica Chance, but this is complicated by the arrival of a hot new attorney in town. “The compelling pace and suspenseful tone of this book will keep readers turning the pages to see if their suspicions are correct,” noted online GLBT Reviews contributor Jenni Frencham. A Lesbian Reading Room Web site contributor also had praise, noting: “The plot is fast and furious as always. New baddies, new allies and a great tying together of new plots with old enemies.”
Courtship and Reasonable Doubt
Courtship features Addison Riley, who has been nominated by the new president to the Supreme Court, where she could very well become the first female chief justice. Ambition gets the better of her need for privacy, and she accepts the nomination, knowing that every corner of her life will be made available for public scrutiny. Meanwhile, Julia Scott is an advisor to the president tasked with getting Riley confirmed without incident. This job is made no easier by the fact that she is very strongly attracted to the nominee. A Publishers Weekly reviewer felt that this “pleasant read with intelligent heroines, snappy dialogue, and political suspense will satisfy Taite’s devoted fans and new readers alike.” A Lesbian Reading Room contributor was also impressed by the novel, commenting: “The book is extremely well written and makes compelling reading. With twist and turns throughout, the reader doesn’t know how the story will end.”
Reasonable Doubt finds Ellery Durant loving her life after leaving her career as a criminal defense attorney. But then she is suddenly the object of a criminal investigation by the FBI, suspected of aiding one of her clients, a terrorist, in a high-level conspiracy. Sarah Flores, an FBI behavioral analyst, is on the case, but she wonders how much she can trust her instincts, especially as she finds herself attracted to Ellery. A Lesbian Reading Room contributor had a mixed assessment of this novel, noting: “I loved the concept of the plot, and the pull of the attraction, but was left, ultimately, unsatisfied.” An online Prism Book Alliance writer had a higher evaluation, commenting: “It was suspenseful without being too intense but there were some great twists to keep me guessing. It’s a very good book. I cannot wait to read the next in line that Ms. Taite has to offer.”
Lay Down the Law and Above the Law
Peyton Davis is a federal prosecutor in Lay Down the Law, but she is also a part-time rancher and a proud Texan. Meeting oil heiress Lily Gantry at the Cattle Barron’s Ball proves a high point for both, as the two quickly fall in bed and in love. But when Peyton is assigned to investigate the Gantry family business, their perfect love is tested. A Prism Book Alliance contributor had high praise for this novel, terming it “amazing.” The contributor further noted: “The setting, the scenery, the people, the plot, wow. … I loved Peyton’s tough on the outside, crime fighting, intensely protective of those who are hers, bad ass self.” Writing in the online GLBT Reviews, Cathy Ritchie also had a positive assessment, observing, “Taite offers a reasonably engrossing story featuring two protagonists worth following.” A Publishers Weekly reviewer felt that Taite “pays homage to the prime-time soap opera Dallas” with this novel.
Above the Law features DEA special agent Dale Nelson, whose wife, Maria, was killed by the drug cartels. Maria was a prosecutor committed to bringing the cartels down, and now Dale has made that mission a commitment in her life as well. When investigative reporter Lindsey Ryan and Dale meet up, both their lives change. A Publishers Weekly reviewer felt that “readers who enjoyed [Lay Down the Law] will find this a worthy second act.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, April 11, 2016, review of Above the Law, p. 44.
ONLINE
Book Dyke, https://bookdyke.com/ (July 26, 2013), review of It Should Be a Crime.
Carsen Taite Home Page, http://carsentaite.com (January 17, 2017).
GLBT Reviews, http://www.glbtrt.ala.org/ (September 25, 2014), Jenni Frencham, review of Switchblade; (August 17, 2015), Cathy Ritchie, review of Lay Down the Law.
Good, the Bad, and the Unread, http://goodbadandunread.com/ (February 8, 2014), review of Rush.
Inked Rainbow Reads, http://www.inkedrainbowreads.com/ (July 24, 2016), review of Above the Law.
Lambda Literary, http://www.lambdaliterary.org/ (November 2, 2010), Victoria Brownworth, review of Do Not Disturb.
Lesbian Reading Room, http://www.lesbianreadingroom.com/ (May 22, 2014), review of Switchblade; (January 6, 2015), review of Courtship; (April 27, 2016), review of Reasonable Doubt.
Mills & Williams L.L.P. Web site, http://www.millsandwilliams.com/ (January 17, 2017), author profile.
Out in Print, https://outinprintblog.wordpress.com/ (March 10, 2014), Jerry L. Wheeler, review of Rush.
Prism Book Alliance, http://www.prismbookalliance.com/ (April 20, 2015), Ameliah Faith, review of Lay Down the Law; (November 10, 2015), Ameliah Faith, review of Reasonable Doubt; (June 29, 2016), Ameliah Faith, review of Above the Law.
Publishers Weekly Online, http://www.publishersweekly.com/ (March 23, 2015), review of Lay Down the Law; (July 27, 2015), review of Courtship.
Romantic Reader, https://theromanticreaderblog.com/ (May 30, 2016), review of Above the Law.
Smashwords, https://www.smashwords.com/ (January 17, 2017), author profile.
Carsen Taite
Biography
Smashwords
Lambda Literary Award finalist Carsen Taite is on a mission: spin tales with plot lines as interesting as the true, but often unbelievable stories she encountered in her career as a criminal defense lawyer. She is the author of numerous short stories and eight novels: truelesbianlove.com, It Should be a Crime, Do Not Disturb, Nothing but the Truth, The Best Defense, Beyond Innocence, and Slingshot and Battle Axe - the first two books in the Luca Bennett Bounty Hunter series. She is currently working on her ninth novel, Rush, a romantic intrigue.
About Carsen Taite
Carsen Taite's goal as an author is to spin plot lines as interesting as the cases she encountered in her career as a criminal defense lawyer. She is the award-winning author of a dozen novels and numerous short stories.
Connect with Carsen on Twitter, You Tube and Facebook.
Email: Carsen@CarsenTaite.com.
Teresa Cain
Teresa Cain is an experienced trial lawyer with a professional emphasis in defense work at all stages and levels of the criminal justice system. This emphasis has included representation in federal and state court, juvenile and municipal court, as well as grand jury proceedings and pre-indictment investigations. Ms. Cain joined Mills & Williams in September 2000 following practice with a civil litigation firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Soon after joining the firm, she switched her focus to the practice of criminal defense. The magazine Texas Monthly has honored Ms. Cain, naming her to their list of "Texas Rising Stars" in 2005 and 2007
Ms. Cain received her Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico in May of 1999. Prior to law school, she earned bachelor's degrees in Business Administration and English from the University of North Texas, Denton, in 1987.Ms. Cain is a past president and current member of the Dallas Gay and Lesbian Bar Association. She is also a past Chair of the LGBT Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.
EDUCATION
University of New Mexico - J.D., 1999
University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Business Administration, 1987
BAR ADMISSIONS
State Bar of Texas
State Bar of New Mexico
COURT ADMISSIONS
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
United States District Court,
District of New Mexico
Northern District of Texas
Eastern District of Texas
MEMBERSHIPS
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
State Bar of Texas,
LGBT Law Section, past chair and current member
North Texas Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Chamber of Commerce
Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Dallas Bar Association
QUOTE:
readers who enjoyed the first installment will find this a worthy second act
Above the Law
Publishers Weekly. 263.15 (Apr. 11, 2016): p44.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Listen
Full Text:
Above the Law
Carsen Taite. Bold Strokes, $16.95 trade paper (240p) ISBN 978-1-62639-558-9
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Continuing the procedural thriller plot from 2015's Lay Down the Law, Taite sticks to the approach of minimal romance, moderate lust and angst, and maximum corruption. Dallas, Tex., DEA special agent Dale Nelson came home one day to find her wife gunned down on their front lawn. Maria Escobar had been a prosecutor deeply committed to bringing down the drug cartels operating in her Texas jurisdiction. A year later, Dale carries on that work from the enforcement side, making her job her life. Political machinations higher up the chain cause her task force to be dismantled just as investigative reporter Lindsey Ryan comes on the scene--she's been demoted and assigned to film a puff piece on a DEA outreach program, because of one too many humiliating takedowns of powerful people who complained to Lindsey's bosses. When Dale is assigned to be Lindsey's agency liaison, the scene is set for Dale's official investigation to go off the books and Lindsey's PR exercise to go off the rails. There's not a lot of time spent making the unlikely pairing of gritty cop and hotheaded journalist plausible, and the dialogue-heavy story makes the setting feel more like the New York City of Law & Order than Dallas, but readers who enjoyed the first installment will find this a worthy second act. (June)
Above the Law by Carsen Taite ~ Book Review by Ameliah Faith
Posted on 29 June 2016 by Ameliah Faith — Leave a reply
Above-the-Law-CoverTitle: Above the Law
Author: Carsen Taite
Publisher: Bold Strokes Publishing
Cover Artist: Sheri(graphicartist2020@hotmail.com)
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Publication Date: 06/14/2016
Length: Novel (~ 50K-100K)
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Drama, Fiction, Lesbian, Lesbian Romance, Mystery/Thriller, Romance
Blurb:
DEA Agent Dale Nelson paid the ultimate price for her service when her wife was killed by drug dealers. Now she’s assigned to a task force investigating the suspects and she doesn’t need the distraction of the beautiful but infuriating reporter, Lindsey Ryan. Despite her initial resistance, Dale discovers that Lindsey is as talented and capable as she is attractive. Will she get a second shot at love, or will the peril of her job rob her of the chance at happiness again?
Investigative reporter Lindsey Ryan will do whatever it takes to get the truth. As a favor,she agrees to anchor what is supposed to be a puff piece on the DEA. However, despite the reluctance of the striking Agent Nelson to share any information, Lindsey learns power and politics are at play, and exposing the truth could not only be dangerous, but could jeopardize her chance at love.
My View:
Its Here!!
This is a much awaited follow up to Lay Down the Law . For reasons unknown the task force has been dismantled. However,some of the members are not willing to let go of the mission. This book focuses on Dale as she tries to work the case with out star reporter Lindsey finding out and blowing the whole operation. Can Dale keep the secret while fighting her attraction to the lively journalist or will Lindsey get herself into something too intense to get out of with or with out Dales help?
I totally adored Lay Down the Law and was thrilled when Above The Law hit the shelves(so to speak) and a more than a little relieved that some of the questions we were left in the dark about might be answered. Ms Taite delivered and then some….all the while adding more questions, Tease!! I like the mystery and intrigue in this story. It has many “sit on the edge of your seat” scenes of excitement and dread (like watch out kind of thing) and drama. Just when you thought you knew what was going to happen, SURPRISE! Here is a twist to make you crazy. The farther in to the book the more questions arise while the mystery deepens and you are more and more hooked, what a wonderful experience! I can’t wait until the next book in the series is released, I know I will be giddy with relief. In the meantime I will continue to savour the anticipation. Well done Ms Taite,well done indeed!
BY INKEDRAINBOWREVIEWS | JULY 24, 2016 · 2:00 PM ↓ Jump to Comments
5 Star, 4.5 Star, 4 Star and 3 Star Reviews for Above the Law (Lone Star Law #2) by Carsen Taite @carsentaite #FF #Mystery
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Title: Above the Law (Lone Star Law #2)
Author Name & Publisher: Carsen Taite (Bold Strokes Books)
Publication Date & Length: June 14, 2016 – 264 Pages
Synopsis
DEA Agent Dale Nelson paid the ultimate price for her service when her wife was killed by drug dealers. Now she’s assigned to a task force investigating the suspects and she doesn’t need the distraction of the beautiful but infuriating reporter, Lindsey Ryan. Despite her initial resistance, Dale discovers that Lindsey is as talented and capable as she is attractive. Will she get a second shot at love, or will the peril of her job rob her of the chance at happiness again?
Investigative reporter Lindsey Ryan will do whatever it takes to get the truth. As a favor,she agrees to anchor what is supposed to be a puff piece on the DEA. However, despite the reluctance of the striking Agent Nelson to share any information, Lindsey learns power and politics are at play, and exposing the truth could not only be dangerous, but could jeopardize her chance at love.
Add to GoodReads
Review
FiveStars
I really enjoyed this well written and totally enthralling novel. Two strong, yet emotional character very different in outlook and personality. This novel draws you in from the opening chapter.
Along with a complex, fast moving and totally absorbing plot the tension of the growing passion between the two woman pulsates with intensity and ardor.
Right up to the final moments this book will have you hooked. Great and well executed conclusion.
Chris
FourandHalfStars
Dale works for the DEA and is still mourning the murder of her wife a year ago. When she is forced to ‘babysit’ Lindsay Ryan , famous TV reporter she’s not too pleased. She needs to keep working on a case involving a drug cartel and, along with some help from her friends, feels she is getting there. This PR job is interfering with that. I really enjoyed this book. The drugs case involved some of Dale’s friends and their family members and it was a high tension, fascinating story. I loved how the revelations kept coming and connections were made. I wanted to find out more and more. I haven’t read the first book in this series and I felt I was playing catch-up a bit. Once I got it clear in my head and worked out where all of this came from I really go into it. The highlight for me, though, was the slow-burning relationship and intense attraction between Dale and Lindsay. Both had been alone for a while and were reluctant to get involved. That didn’t stop me wanting them to just get on with it! Carsen Taite really knows how to write sexual tension and never fails to please. A great read with plenty to pique the reader’s interest.
Kitty Kat
FourStars
This was an excellent book in so many ways. It’s actually my first book from this author. Taite is definitely talented at the suspenseful thriller. The criminal/lawful aspects of the book were tightly plotted, with excellent pacing, and totally engaging. My problem in this book came from the romance element. Dale and Lindsey had a lot of chemistry that both fought strongly against. Then, all of sudden, both are admitting to deep feelings about the other. Strong enough that both felt comfortable talking about things they didn’t want the other to do. It seemed like there wasn’t whole lot of ‘get-to-know-you’ or ‘let’s-spend-more-time-with-each-other.’ They simply went from an attraction that they didn’t talk about or admit to, and jumped to a full on desire to be together in a deep, loving way. In other words, it doesn’t seem like an organic progression of the relationship. So while I give kudos for the suspense, I say there needs to be a bit more development for the romance to work. This is book two in this series, and I would definitely pick up the first one, and the next one as well.
AmyP
ThreeStar
Lindsay is a likable, sweet, and caring person that you can’t help but want to succeed. Where Lindsay is open, Dale is closed off and guarded; that makes the couple a natural choice. As things normally go, just when we think they have finally gotten it right, something happens and they go their separate ways. The question is, will it be
for good?
The story of Lindsay and Dale was one that I had a hard time getting into. It took me seeing them together a few times before I really started getting sucked in to their story. I loved the crime investigation aspect of the book and I am sad that we didn’t get to see Lindsay more involved with the group on that.
My biggest gripe is all the loose ends left at the end of the book. I thought that surely ‘The End’ at the end of the book was placed there in error; however, as the book does end there, it must not be. Without spoiling too much, there is an investigation that is going on, which is pretty focused on throughout the book; however, even by the end of the book we don’t know its outcome. We also find out, almost in passing, that there may be a traitor among our group of friends, but I don’t recall finding out the person.
I feel the lack of properly finishing the book really hurt the book in the end. I had really enjoyed the book until that point and the book would have been a 4 or 4.5 stars for me; however, now as a reader I have to wait on the following book and purchase it to see what happens.
Having said that, Lindsay and Dale are great and I am happy to have met them; however, I don’t know if I will keep a look out for the second book or not.
Tori
Above the Law (Lone Star Law Series, #2) by Carsen Taite
MAY 30, 2016 / TIFFREADS
Strong women are hot! So when a book crosses your path about a no-nonsense DEA agent and a hard hitting investigative journalist well you have my attention. Read I must!
DEA Agent Dale Nelson has had a rough year. This former military turned law enforcement officer knows all about pain and loss. Her wife and lover of ten years, Maria, was gunned down and savagely killed as she picked up the morning paper. Dale and Maria had dedicated their lives to serving their country. A drug cartel that was angered by Maria trying their case in federal court made them suffer the ultimate sacrifice. Now Dale must forge on, and she will stop at nothing to find the killers and make them pay.
Lindsey Ryan finds the truth no matter what. This is her job and she is the best. She has toured the world finding stories and exposing them. Recently back from a tour in Afghanistan where she exposed the horrors of war to the people back home, she is less than pleased with being sent to Dallas for a fluff piece on the DEA. Little does she know that everything for her will change when she meets the dark and mysterious Agent Dale Nelson.
This is the second in the Lone Star Law Series. The books follow the inter-working of drug cartels, their families, US Attorneys and the DEA all involved in this fascinating web of crimes and whodunits. I’ll be honest I did not read the first one. Sometimes I like to pass on books set in my home state because I am sometimes appalled by characterizations of Texans. Taite being a Texan herself usually does a good job with the portrayal but you can only have so many cowboy wearing boot characters in my opinion. I promise we don’t all wear these (ladies especially not with a business suit). So, I passed on it. This one I am glad I didn’t. It was a really interesting story and the characters had a nice chemistry. Lindsey is a really cool character with a lot of personality and I enjoyed Dale’s subtle vulnerability. The ending was rushed, as it sometimes can be. In my humble opinion it needed about three more chapters to really round out the story, but hey what can you do. Overall nice read, and I look forward to the next is the series.
3.25 out of 5 stars
Quote:
It was suspenseful without being too intense but there were some great twists to keep me guessing. It’s a very good book. I cannot wait to read the next in line that Ms. Taite has to offer.
Reasonable Doubt by Carsen Taite ~ Book Review by Ameliah
Posted on 10 November 2015 by Ameliah Faith — Leave a reply
Reasonable-Doubt-CoverTitle: Reasonable Doubt
Author: Carsen Taite
Publisher: Bold Strokes Publishing
Cover Artist: Shari(graphicartist2929@hotmail.com)
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Publication Date: 09/15/2015
Length: Novel (~ 50K-100K)
Genre: Action/Adventure, Crime Fiction, Drama, Lesbian, Lesbian Romance, Mystery
Blurb:
After a tumultuous career as a criminal defense attorney, Ellery Durand enjoys life without tales of drugs, death, and double-crossing. Until she wakes up one morning to find her bank accounts frozen, her face on the front page, and the peace she’s come to treasure shattered in the wake of an FBI investigation. Can she convince the agent in charge to trust her? Can she trust the feelings that grow between them?
After years investigating heinous crimes, FBI Behavioral Analyst Sarah Flores welcomes a transfer to white-collar crime and the chance to have a life of her own. Her relief is short-lived when her first case involves a terrorist plot, and all signs indicate the terrorists’ attorney constructed the framework of their evil conspiracy. Attracted to Ellery from the start, can she trust her instincts to lead her to the truth or will their attraction cast doubt on everything she holds dear?
My View:
So Good
Special agent Sarah Flores has left the BAU behind and moved to the Fraud Unit in Dallas in an attempt to have a more normal and stable life. She meets Ellery Durand through a mutual friend. Ellery has a secret that has caused her to leave her life as an attorney. A terrorist plot brings Sarah back to the BAU and make Ellery a suspect. Will Sarah’s personal interest in Ellery cost her her job? Will Ellery open up to Sarah and does their budding relationship stand a chance?
This is the second book of Ms. Taite’s that I’ve read and I must admit that I am impressed. I thoroughly this technically sound and well written story. Sarah and Ellery are very likeable. Sarah’s conflict between job and happiness is well portrayed. I felt so sorry for Ellery’s total upheaval of her life as she becomes a focus in the crime. I loved the chase to find the truth while they tried to keep their growing feelings for each other at bay. When they couldn’t, the tale was even better. I was drawn into the mystery plot line and quickly became enthralled with the book. It was suspenseful without being too intense but there were some great twists to keep me guessing. It’s a very good book. I cannot wait to read the next in line that Ms. Taite has to offer. She has definitely made it to my favorite authors list.
QUOTE:
I loved the concept of the plot, and the pull of the attraction, but was left, ultimately, unsatisfied
Reasonable Doubt – Carsen Taite
April 27, 2016Carsen Taite, Crime, Romance, ThrillerVL
Reasonable Doubt – Carsen TaiteTwo women, both determined to step away from fast paced lives and all consuming careers, dragged back into the fray by a terrorist bomb and the ensuing investigation. This is a good crime thriller concept with interesting twists and turns mixed in with a hard to resist romance.
As always Carsen Taite’s knowledge of the law makes for intriguing plots and she is extremely good at creating readable stories out of what could too easily become heavy-handed legal situations. There is enough drama and conspiracy away from the purely judicial to make for a fun ride.
The main protagonists are engaging and their supporting cast of friends and colleagues broad and varied. The range of characters adds a layer of interest and engagement to the overall experience. Ms Taite plays with the fact that deception can damage and destroy relationships we thought as solid, while casual friends can be the most reliable.
I did feel that the stereotyping was a little obvious, there are teenage psychopaths in every race and religion, but a gang of young Muslim terrorists, with white blonde girlfriends being used as suicide bombers, plays too easily on typecasting. Combined with some unfortunate homophone mistakes and untidy loose ends it left me with a sense of something unfinished.
I have genuinely loved all Ms Taite’s crime thrillers to date, so was rather disappointed to be left with a feeling this was oversimplified and, quite frankly, ended too quickly to tidy up all the story lines. I loved the concept of the plot, and the pull of the attraction, but was left, ultimately, unsatisfied.
(publisher review copy received)
QUOTE:
This book is AMAZING!!! The setting, the scenery, the people, the plot, wow…. I loved Peyton’s tough on the outside, crime fighting, intensely protective of those who are hers, bad ass self.
Lay Down the Law by Carsen Taite ~ Book Review by Ameliah
Posted on 20 April 2015 by Ameliah Faith — Leave a reply
Lay-Down-the-Law-Carsen-Taite-Prism Title: Lay Down the Lay
Author: Carsen Taite
Publisher: Bold Strokes Publishing
Cover Artist: unknown
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Blurb:
Peyton Davis is part rancher, part federal prosecutor, and all Texan. Strong and steady, she’s known for keeping her cool in every situation, but when she meets the beautiful and accomplished heiress to the Gantry oil fortune, she falls fast and hard. When she learns her new assignment is to investigate the Gantry family’s business, her entire belief system will be tested.
Lily Gantry leads a privileged and protected life and she has no idea it’s all about to blow up in her face. What she does know is that the striking rancher she met at the Cattle Baron’s Ball has the potential to steal her heart. Will she feel the same way when she finds out Peyton Davis’s investigation threatens not only her family’s fortune, but the very foundation of her identity?
Ameliah’s View:
This is the Best book I’ve read in the last 5 days. I know that doesn’t seem so impressive but I’ve read 11 so….
Payton has returned to Texas to find the family and family ranch in chaos, her new job as a US ADA a trial and a new love interest the daughter of a suspected money launder. What a mess!
Lily is the daughter of an oil man. She has been away studying alternative energy sources. She arrives home to a mother who pressures her to fulfill her womanly duties and take up charity work, a father pushing her to sign a waiver before she accesses a trust fund she doesn’t even want and falling for a very confusing and complex US ADA.
Oh my gosh!! I’ve never read anything by Ms Taite before, what a fool I have been! This book is AMAZING!!! The setting, the scenery, the people, the plot, wow…. I loved Peyton’s tough on the outside, crime fighting, intensely protective of those who are hers, bad ass self.
Lily, oh Lily… So beautiful, So composed… Her whole world is crashing down around her and yet she stands so strong.
Their concern and chemistry for each other binds them when family and career threatens to tear them apart. There is a whole lot more in there too, SO GOOD! There were some questions left unanswered but I am REALLY hoping that is because they will be answered in a follow up book, Pretty Please……
QUOTE:
Taite offers a reasonably engrossing story featuring two protagonists worth following
Book review: Lay Down the Law, by Carsen Taite
Taite Lay Down the LawTaite, Carsen. Lay Down the Law. Bold Stroke Books, 2015. Paperback. 253 p. $16.95. ISBN 978-1626393363.
Criminal defense lawyer-turned-novelist Taite, with 11 previous books to her credit, brings us the first installment in a new romantic suspense series, “Lone Star Law”.
Federal prosecutor Peyton Davis leaves a Washington D.C. post and transfers back to her native Dallas, where she can be closer to her family and their ranch, as there are personal and financial issues needing her attention. While settling in, she crosses paths with Lily Gantry, the adopted daughter of a prominent local oil family. Their mutual attraction is immediate, and a relationship looks promising. However, their road to consummation must endure several stutter steps along the way.
Peyton soon becomes embroiled in a case which appears to involve Lily’s father, who may be guilty of money laundering and dealings with a notorious drug cartel. In the meantime, Lily herself faces challenges as she seeks the birth mother she’s never met and confronts issues surrounding a family trust she is reluctant to access.
In typical suspense fashion, twists and turns abound as the two women collide within each other’s spheres, eventually leading to the inevitable happy ending, or at least happy for now. As befits their liaison’s slow but steady development, the book’s penultimate sex scene occurs within its final pages.
Taite currently lives in Dallas, so her frequent use of place names around the city is air-tight accurate. The plot becomes complicated at times, particularly Peyton’s drug cartel story line, but reader patience will likely be rewarded. The author’s fluency in legalese is also on clear display here, but not to an overwhelming degree. Her dialogue passages are skillful.
Carsen Taite offers a reasonably engrossing story featuring two protagonists worth following, if they indeed appear in subsequent “Lone Star Law” series volumes. This novel is recommended for general LGBT and mystery collections.
Cathy Ritchie
Acquisitions/Selection Services
Dallas (TX) Public Library
QUOTE:
pays homage to the prime-time soap opera Dallas
Lay Down the Law
Carsen Taite. . Bold Strokes, $16.95 trade paper (264p) ISBN 978-1-62639-336-3
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Lay Down the Law
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Recognized for the pithy realism of her characters and settings drawn from a Texas legal milieu, Taite (Courtship) pays homage to the prime-time soap opera Dallas in pairing a cartel-busting U.S. attorney, Peyton Davis, with a charity-minded oil heiress, Lily Gantry. It’s not as improbable as it first appears: Peyton’s family has fallen on hard times, but they own a ranch with a storied past, giving her entrée to Dallas society. And Lily’s father may be up to some shady shenanigans with drug lords south of the border. Peyton’s family battles over who will run the ranch, and Lily, an adoptee, seeks the truth of her birth with the help of a beautiful private investigator. While Dallas had entire TV seasons to unravel its dishy entanglements, Taite crams a great many events into a rather scant page count. More of a thriller than a romance, Peyton and Lily’s connection relies on little more than a fondly anticipated picnic, and even gut-wrenching details, like terminal cancer or a predecessor’s assassination, come across as dramatic boxes to be ticked rather than heartfelt experiences. (Apr.)
QUOTE:
This pleasant read with intelligent heroines, snappy dialogue, and political suspense will satisfy Taite's devoted fans and new readers alike.
Courtship
Carsen Taite. Bold Strokes (boldstrokesbooks.com), $16.95 trade paper (312p) ISBN 978-1-62639-210-6
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Courtship
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Taite (Switchblade) keeps the stakes high as two beautiful and brilliant women fueled by professional ambitions face daunting emotional choices. Law school dean Addison Riley realizes just how uninspiring her current relationship is when a brief encounter with campaign advisor Julia Scott makes her heart zing. Julia, now in charge of getting the president's hand-picked choice to replace the recently deceased Supreme Court Chief Justice, soon finds Addison's name on the shortlist of candidates. Admittedly taken by Addison's beauty and sharp mind, Julia finds herself in a precarious position both professionally and personally, as a past betrayal has left her ever vigilant of her reputation. As backroom politics, secrets, betrayals, and threats race to be resolved without political damage to the president, the cat-and-mouse relationship game between Addison and Julia has the reader rooting for them. Taite prolongs the fever-pitch tension to the final pages. This pleasant read with intelligent heroines, snappy dialogue, and political suspense will satisfy Taite's devoted fans and new readers alike. (Nov.)
QUOTE:
The book is extremely well written and makes compelling reading. With twist and turns throughout, the reader doesn’t know how the story will end.
Courtship – Carsen Taite
January 6, 2015Carsen Taite, Political Drama, Romance, Romance/GeneralYorkieBoi
CourtshipA story about secrecy, deception and intrigue. Carsen Taite throws the reader head on into the murky world of the political system where there are no rights or wrongs, just players attempting to broker the best deals regardless of who gets hurt in the process.
Addison Riley, dean of Jefferson University law school, is launched into the spotlight of Supreme Court nomination. With integrity and genuine loyalty at her core she struggles with the choices she must make.
Julia Scott lives her life on the fly, looking for exciting new campaigns’ to capture her attention. Her current role is to guide the presidents’ first choice through the confirmation process. Distant, focused and dedicated, with only one aim, to be successful.
Carsen Taite BiogThe two women have an instant love/ hate relationship standing on opposite sides of a moral divide. Whilst all around them fierce battles for power are played out, loyalties are brought into question and dirty trick campaigns threaten to over shadow the whole process.
The book is extremely well written and makes compelling reading. With twist and turns throughout, the reader doesn’t know how the story will end. Who will accomplish their goal? Will the attraction between Addison and Julia be too strong to deny? Will success at any cost be worth achieving?
(publisher review copy received)
QUOTE:
The compelling pace and suspenseful tone of this book will keep readers turning the pages to see if their suspicions are correct.
Book review: Switchblade, by Carsen Taite
switchbladeTaite, Carsen. Switchblade. [Luca Bennett Bounty Hunger series]. Bold Strokes Books. 2014. $16.95. 231p. PB. 978-1-62639-058-4.
The third book in this mystery series begins as Luca heads to the bondsman to get some more work to pay her bills. While rounding up the usual suspects, she finds herself with both a dog and a mystery involving corrupt cops, drugs, and a rookie who took the fall for what was obviously someone else’s fault. Luca must also decide if she wants to be friends or more-than-friends with her ex-girlfriend or the new woman on the scene. Between her love life and her working life, Luca has a lot on her plate.
Very much a typical mystery/private investigator story along the lines of Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series, this genre writing does not detract from the story. With a scruffy appearance, rundown apartment, and all her savings in a coffee can, the flawed, believable protagonist typifies the standard private investigator character. The mystery’s solution is fairly obvious from the beginning, but watching Luca struggle through the story and discover the answers on her own is enjoyable.
The compelling pace and suspenseful tone of this book will keep readers turning the pages to see if their suspicions are correct. This book would be a good addition to a public library’s mystery collection.
Reviewer: Jenni Frencham, Librarian
Cesar Chavez Middle School, Hayward (CA)
QUOTE:
The plot is fast and furious as always. New baddies, new allies and a great tying together of new plots with old enemies.
Switchblade – Carsen Taite
May 22, 2014Carsen Taite, Crime, Romance, USVL
Switchblade - Carsen TaiteLuca Bennett’s decision to keep her head down and concentrate on keeping things simple doesn’t last long. As she prepares for her brother’s wedding and her sort of date with Jess, along comes trouble in the shape of her summer fling Ronnie Moreno. At which point her plans for Jess and a quiet life go up in smoke.
On the one hand she keeps trying to stick to being a bounty hunter, on the other her curiosity and loyalty keep on pushing her detective buttons. Luca finds herself on the wrong side of the whole police department for one thing. And with 2 exes hanging around things are getting way too complicated. When Jess gives her an ultimatum Luca’s choices seem very stark, will she chose right or wrong and what will she lose in the balance?
———-
Book 3 of the Luca Bennett series and another great example of the lesbian crime/American PI genre. Luca still has a huge chip on her shoulder, is still a total bad-ass and still wants to go charging off like a bull in the proverbial. But she can no longer deny her feelings and her burgeoning desire for the “happy ever after” everybody else seems to be finding.
In this story we see Luca getting caught up between trying to find out why Ronnie’s brother has been apparently used by a scapegoat, and trying to find a way to make something work between her and Jess. The plot thickens with Ronnie back on the scene, Diamond in the shadows and Nancy asking for more. The only uncomplicated thing in Luca’s world is Cash.
Here we are moving away from the pure American PI as Luca’s emotions get the better of her. Will she fight to hold on to the bad-ass persona, or let her feelings out? Will she have the courage to admit how she feels.. and will Jess reciprocate? As we delve further into the psyche of the proverbially damaged detective we can but wonder how long Jess’s patience will last.
Casen Taite BiogThe plot is fast and furious as always. New baddies, new allies and a great tying together of new plots with old enemies. Who to trust is always the issue, quite who is telling the truth? Somebody always gets shot.. it’s just a toss up who and how badly.
I think this is my favorite of the three, definitely on my re-read list and here’s hoping Ms Taite keeps them coming.
(publisher review copy received)
QUOTE"
In the end, though, I was cheering for both of them to find the killer and then to get together and stay together.
REVIEW: Rush by Carsen Taite
by Stevie | Feb 8, 2014 | Review |
Book CoverStevie‘s review of Rush by Carsen Taite
Lesbian Contemporary Romance published by Bold Strokes Books 15 Dec 13
As a Brit, it took me a while to figure out how the title of this one tied into the plot, although I expect US readers might be more or less clued in from the start that a story about sororities and their alumnae would also have links to Rush Week. We have neither sororities nor Rush Week; (secondary) schools sometimes have alumni/alumnae associations, universities generally do, and the Oxbridge colleges do too (I can’t speak for the other collegiate universities, but I have my suspicions). And a lot of universities have Freshers’ Weeks, but, in my day at least, joining a society generally involved handing over a few pounds and turning up at meetings – no initiation involved. That said, most of the clues to the killer’s identity were there to be picked up on, even by me, and not grasping some of the other clues until later didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this gripping mystery story.
Assistant District Attorney Danielle Soto is part of a pilot project that involves prosecutors with major police investigations right from the outset, rather than only once an arrest has been made, and the case she’s been assigned to is extremely high profile. A killer is targeting well-off women in their late middle age, and about the only link between the victims is their membership of the same sorority when at university. This connection leads Danny to the office of Ellen Davenport, herself an alumna of the same sorority, albeit considerably younger than the murder victims, and also the current executive director, as well as the daughter of another prominent alumna.
The pair are attracted to each other straight away, although Danny suspects that Ellen is completely out of her league. Meanwhile, Ellen is keen to hook up, but isn’t looking for a long-term relationship with anyone – unlike Danny – due to her various family commitments. Ellen’s mother has early-onset Alzheimer’s and her father is avoiding taking any care responsibilities, leaving everything to the overworked, overstretched Ellen.
As the investigation continues, the link to the sorority becomes more obvious, and Ellen worries that her mother may be the killer’s next target, even while doing whatever she can to keep her suspicions – and indeed anything else that may link her mother to the other victims – from Danny. Then the FBI gets involved, and one of their assigned agents takes a very personal interest in Danny, much to Ellen’s annoyance.
I like the push and pull between the two heroines, and also the glimpses into the lives of high society women that we get through, especially, Danny’s eyes. There are some definite class-difference issues going on in their relationship, although some of the subtleties may have escaped my notice – I do still feel that we are seeing two highly professional women sparking off each other for all that Danny prefers beer to wine and dresses a lot more casually away from the office than does Ellen. Initially I found Danny harder to warm to, mostly because of one early comment she makes that implies her taking pride in sending convicted killers to death row (maybe that’s another influence from my non-US upbringing). Ellen, meanwhile, lost my sympathy a little when she lies in order to try to keep her mother away from the investigation. In the end, though, I was cheering for both of them to find the killer and then to get together and stay together.
Stevies CatGrade: B
Summary:
Prosecutor Danielle Soto believes her position on the sorority killer task force is a perfect way to advance her career, but her plans don’t include falling hard for a captivating woman who lives in a completely different world. When the investigation and her attraction to Ellen Davenport collide, Danny must choose between the safety of sameness and the peril of the unknown.
Ellen Davenport has secrets, but until Danny Soto entered her life, she hadn’t realized that protecting her privacy would come at such a high price. Can she explore her attraction to Danny without exposing herself and her family to danger, or must she risk everything for love?
QUOTE:
Taite knows her stuff and struts it with grace and assuredness here. If you like romance thrillers, you’ll swallow this one whole.
MARCH 10, 2014 · 9:47 AM ↓ Jump to Comments
Rush – Carsen Taite (Bold Strokes Books)
BSB-RushBuy from Bold Strokes Books
You’d think the concept of building and maintaining tension in a story would be elementary for a writer, but I can’t tell you the number of books I read (both self-published and not) that build tension nicely only to squander it or bury it under a mountain of plot details. Carsen Taite, however, works tension like a boss in all her books, inlcuding her latest, Rush.
Someone is killing alumnae members of the Sigma Nu sorority, and prosecuter Danielle Soto figures to get a career boost by being on the task force to find the murderer. That goal could be hindered, however, by her falling in love with the beautiful Ellen Davenport, head of Sigma Nu’s alumnae association. And Ellen is hiding some personal information that may just help crack the case. Can they resolve their issues long enough to catch a criminal?
Well, the question is rhetorical at best. But before we get to the happy climax, Taite throws some interesting obstacles in her characters’ ways, making the relationship between Danny Soto and Ellen Davenport prickly and tentative enough to throw you off balance. That’s the tension spoken of earlier, and Taite starts laying the foundation for that right from the beginning. She never lets up, giving each positive interaction between the two a negative outcome. Both Danny and Ellen have so many secrets and so many layers that a relationship seems impossible at the outset, and Taite does nothing to alleviate this.
And with mysterious roses being dropped off at Davenport’s doorstep by the killer as well as some other neat twists and turns, the murder mystery is pretty damn effective as well. But just when you think you have that figured out, Taite throws in a last minute quirk that surprises. But the ending is as satisfactory as one could want in a romance thriller. Taite knows her craft well, and her prose is always breezily readable with no slow spots, plot holes, or narrative gaffes. The consummate professional, she entertains both outside and inside the bedroom. Metaphorically speaking, of course.
My only minor point of contention is that she could have made more of the economic disparity between Danny (poor girl who has worked her way through law school) and Ellen (rich sorority girl). Some of those elements do cause strife between them, but it could have been more pronounced. That, however, is just my (poor boy who worked his way through university) personal taste, and I doubt anyone else but me would notice.
Carsen Taite knows her stuff and struts it with grace and assuredness here. If you like romance thrillers, you’ll swallow this one whole.
© 2014 Jerry L. Wheeler
QUOTE:
aite, a regular on the romance beat and a Lammy finalist, starts out very strong with what begins as a highly compelling story melding mystery and romance. But then Taite totally drops what had appeared to be a major storyline–and with no closure.
REVIEWS : ROMANCE : ARTICLE
‘Do Not Disturb’ by Carsen Taite
Review by Victoria Brownworth
November 2, 2010
Greer Davis is a bad girl. No matter what she does, she can’t stay out of trouble. The rock star is a combination of Courtney Love before rehab and Lindsay Lohan before rehab. She can’t seem to stay out of the tabloids. So when she meets up with good girl pop star Macy Rivers, she’s hoping to clean up her own image just a bit. But when she and Macy head off to a party, things end up anything but better for Greer. She’s left with problems far worse than a bad hangover and Macy’s career is over. For good.
Ainsley Farraday is a control freak with her eye constantly on the prize. A hotel manager who knows how to please the A-list customer, Ainsley gets a chance at her brass ring and goes for it. The opportunity is not one to pass up–an extreme makeover, hotel edition, in which she is asked to transform a small, rundown hotel into an A-list boutique “meet and be met” kind of place. Off Ainsley goes to the Land of Enchantment–New Mexico and turquoise laden-Santa Fe.
The flight out is anything but ordinary when Greer–in disguise and fleeing the worst publicity of her entire career–ends up in the seat next to Ainsley and the two consider joining the mile-high club. Romance ensues.
Taite, a regular on the romance beat and a Lammy finalist, starts out very strong with what begins as a highly compelling story melding mystery and romance. But then Taite totally drops what had appeared to be a major storyline–and with no closure. When Greer (who spends a significant portion of the story doing pseudo-transgender role play as Tray, the identity she takes on while in hiding) and Ainsley hit Santa Fe, the action starts to sputter.
The main impediment in “Do Not Disturb” is Greer Davis. Bad girls are great in fiction, but Greer is more bad than most. What she runs away from–and how she does it–will make her unlikeable as a character to many readers. And her virtual molestation of Ainsley on the plane also raises an eyebrow. (The rule should be “if you’d call the police if a man did it, then women shouldn’t do it either.”)
These factors make Greer’s personality change once she gets back home to Santa Fe and her family–plus her seeming sudden recovery from her addiction issues–hard to comprehend. Even more difficult to explain is Ainsley’s attraction to her. Are looks really everything?
——
DO NOT DISTURB
by Carsen Taite
Bold Strokes Books
Paperback, 9781602821538, $16.95
- See more at: http://www.lambdaliterary.org/reviews/11/02/do-not-disturb-by-carsen-taite/#sthash.oRfIi14C.dpuf
QUOTE:
Taite knows her stuff, it shows and it makes for a really engrossing (and not confusing/jargon riddled) read.
IT SHOULD BE A CRIME BY CARSEN TAITE
07.26.2013 by BOOKDYKE //
it-should-be-a-crimeForbidden romance coupled with high-stakes courtroom drama.
Two women meet in an alley and fulfill their mutual desire with a night of passion, neither expecting more than the few lusty hours they shared. Weeks later Morgan Bradley and Parker Casey meet again, but this time one is a law professor and the other her student. A series of events lands them in the middle of a high-profile murder trial, but the twists and turns of the case are no match for the spiral of increasing attraction as they work side by side in the defense of justice.
I decided that rather than start with one of her newer titles, I’d revisit the one that made me a fan of Carsen Taite in the first place. “It Should Be A Crime” had me interested from the opening paragraph, which is I suppose the sign of a good writer. I wanted to know who these characters were and why they were where they were. I appreciate that the answers are given slowly over time, evolving as the characters (and their relationship) evolves. I will admit to spending the first chapter trying to figure out which one was Parker and which one was Morgan (right right Parker is the bartender). Sometimes when you pair two characters with androgynous names or first names that are last names, it gets muddied, it didn’t take me long to figure it out.
One of the things I love about this story is that there is an actual story, not just a weak plotting device. The casual anonymous sex leading to the ohmygod realization on the first day of class that a very enjoyable one night stand has just turned into a potential real world complication. The sexual tension is wonderfully written, there’s not a lot of pounding hearts and lip-licking, there’s sharp, playful, flirty dialog which I much prefer. I like smart sexy women, and I love it when they get smart, sexy dialog to match. The casework, the preparation, the court scenes… all make me wish I’d gone to law school, I start having this “Paper Chase” with cute girls fantasy and wonder if it’s not too late. Carsen Taite knows her stuff, it shows and it makes for a really engrossing (and not confusing/jargon riddled) read. I know enough to feel like I’m in on it, but I’m not an expert so I appreciate the legal lessons.
I would be remiss if I didn’t point out there isn’t nearly enough sex. There I said it. The sex is hot, so hot in fact that I had to fight the urge to scan pages to get to the next sex scene. Bad thing or good thing, you decide.
One odd editorial/publishing note here is I did wonder, ever time I picked up the book, what the hell the cover had to do with the story in the book? Is that the alley they meet in? is that a gaslamp? It looks like a winding street in the old quarter of a European city, not a street in Dallas (although admittedly I haven’t spent much time in Dallas). When I picked up the book I expected given the title and cover art something completely different than what I got. I am thrilled with what I got, just still confused at why this image. *shrug* Oh well, ignore the cover, just read the book.
It Should Be a Crime by Carsen Taite