Not Guilty by Brit Ryder (aka Kris Bryant) is an erotica romance that gives us two women I love because they don’t apologize for seeking sexual pleasure.
Claire Weaver’s only goal is to climb the ladder of success, and she’s well ahead of schedule doing it. After winning a toxic court case and securing a ninety-million-dollar verdict, she’s now the newest judge in Kansas City’s circuit court. Everything seems to be going right, but a chance sexual encounter with a handsome butch in a museum leaves her wanting something she never thought possible: more of said woman. The next day, to her shock and pleasant surprise, the same woman is sitting in her courtroom. Claire understands that her care-free days of sexual exploration need more discretion with her new position. But temptation is hard to resist when she has such a willing partner.
The last person fire investigator Emery Pearson expects to see in court is the woman she dominated in the restroom of the museum twenty-four hours earlier. And sitting on the bench no less. To say she’s excited is an understatement. Claire is everything she wants in a woman: sexy, available, and willing to try anything. She’s not looking for a relationship, and luckily neither is Claire.
The idea of no-strings sex looks great on paper. Their day jobs demand so much of their time, it only makes sense that they keep things casual. But as their desire for each other begins to burn out of control and push their sexual limits, it’s only a matter of time before they start pushing the boundaries of their hearts.
Will Emery and Claire break their own rules and tip the scales of love in their favor? Or will the need for discretion and propriety, as well as unspoken fears, push them further apart?
Pros And My Favourite Parts
What I love about this story is these women don’t apologize for wanting to have sex and nothing more. Well, I shouldn’t say nothing more, because of course there’s always something more. But that’s the beauty of this story. It is erotica, but Ryder shows us that Claire and Emery can have great sex, and they can also have intimacy without compromising who they are.
Emery’s job demands a lot of her, so she doesn’t have girlfriends because they want more than she can give. It doesn’t mean she doesn’t care. If anything, Emery cares a lot because while she shies away from relationships, she doesn’t shy away from intimacy. Claire intrigues her on a level she hasn’t experienced in a long time, and while she has no problem with their current situation, she wants to learn more.
Claire’s job on the bench keeps her busy and in the spotlight all the time. So she can’t have her sexual adventures discovered. Emery is willing to provide her with what she needs, discretion and physical release. But for Claire, intimacy is a feeling for those looking for love, and that’s not what she wants. She gave her heart away once already and got burned badly, and she’s not willing to do it again.
Both women have their issues with commitment, but intimacy has a way of showing them what they truly desire among the physical passion they crave from one another.
Cons And Heads Up
So, you definitely need to read Shameless before you read this one. If for no other reason, it gives you Emery’s POV on the museum scene at the beginning. That’s a scene, I feel, if you only read it here, it sounds very far-fetched that Claire would just happen to meet a hot, willing, butch in a public place to have sex with her. I know it’s fiction, but even I would have trouble buying that if I didn’t know the other side. So, definitely read Shameless first and then immediately start this one. You’ll be very happy you did.
The Conclusion
This was the continuation of the Shameless story I expected. Ryder gives us two amazing, women who share their bodies and their hearts with each other and are unashamed of their desires. The sex scenes are off-the-charts fever pitch, and they companion well against the plotline and the developing relationship between Emery and Claire. If you want a story that requires you to keep a water bottle within reach to cool yourself off, you’ll want this one and its predecessor cued up and ready to go on your e-reader.
TLDR (too long didn’t read)
Two unapologetic women who push their sexual desires with each other, and in the process push the boundaries of their hearts.
Excerpt from Not Guilty by Brit Ryder
By the time I get into my apartment, I’m down to sixty-eight minutes. I know Emery will be prompt, if she shows up at all. Even if she’s early, she won’t ring until then…I have to have something sexy to wear. I almost weep with relief when I find my little black dress hidden behind my suits. It hits me right above the knee and clings to me everywhere. I don’t bother with a bra or panties. I have thirty minutes to perfect my look and will need every second. I blow out my hair the best I can. I don’t look as polished as I did yesterday, but I still look good. There’s a knock at the door, and my heart jumps.
She takes my breath away. The genuine smile, the hair that swoops across her forehead, and she’s wearing that gorgeous uniform. I open the door wider but don’t move. She has to touch me to get inside.
I gasp when she lifts me up and walks into my kitchen. I wrap my legs around her waist. “We need to close the door,” I whisper. She brushes her lips across mine. I grab her lapels and moan into her mouth at the delicious kiss. She sets me on the counter and pushes up my dress so she’s pressed against me.
“Um. Excuse me? Does Claire Weaver live here?” a deep voice asks from the doorway.
We both freeze. It’s the delivery guy. I peek around Emery’s shoulder. “I’m Claire.”
Emery turns to block his view and walks toward him for the food.
She slips him a tip…and closes the door before he can see more of me than either of us want. I haven’t moved. I want her to see me like this – wet and ready for her. Her shoulders visibly relax once the door is locked.
She walks back to me. Her eyes flicker from my jutting breasts down to my exposed thighs. I spread my legs more for her enjoyment. She smiles and runs her hands over them, stopping right before her thumbs rub my sensitive lips. She isn’t gentle, and I gasp with pleasure. I touch her face as though I haven’t seen her in forever.
“Hi.” I brush my hands over her lips.
She kisses them and kisses me. “Hi…I’m Emery Pearson. It’s so very nice to meet you.”
“Trust me when I say the pleasure is all mine. I’m Claire Weaver.” I drape my arms on her shoulders.
“The Honorable Claire Weaver.”
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Series
Shameless
Not Guilty
Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 9781635558968
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Brit Ryder (aka Kris Bryant) Online
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Note: I received a free review copy of Not Guilty by Brit Ryder. No money was exchanged for this review. When you use our links to buy we get a small commission which supports the running of this site
