I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Sidebarred (The Legal Briefs, #3.5) by Emma Chase Series: The Legal Briefs
on April 24, 2016
Genres: Contemporary
Goodreads
Coda to The Legal Briefs Series is A Treat for Fans
“This is my life now.”
FINAL DECISION: A love letter for fans of the Legal Briefs series, SIDEBARRED takes readers into the adjustments and joys of the happily ever after of Jake, Chelsea and the six children they are raising.
THE STORY: Two years of marriage have managed to be wonderful and yet things are changing again for Jake and Chelsea. They have managed to navigate raising six children and two careers. Happily ever afters are something that a couple has to keep working at and desires and wants might change as well.
OPINION: The story of a man who loves his wife, the children he has taken on as his own and his friends, SIDEBARRED does not take the route of creating unnecessary discord between Jake and Chelsea. Instead, this novella emphasizes how much these two love one another, their willingness to talk and work through their problems and the compromise essential to any good marriage.
This novella was not necessary to the series and one could read the series without it, but as a fan of the characters of the Legal Briefs series, I enjoyed spending just a little more time with these people. Having Jake be the focus of the novella was appropriate because having taken on being the father of six children, he has the most difficult road amongst all the characters of the series.
Fans of the series will be pleased to get an update on all the couples and the adorable McQuaid children. I loved the adorable epilogue to APPEALED but SIDEBARRED brings the series to a close in a sensitive, emotional and funny way.
WORTH MENTIONING: 17 years later epilogue.
CONNECTED BOOKS: SIDEBARRED is book 3.5 in the Legal Briefs series. It really should be read after the series because it depends upon readers knowing the characters, but at the minimum SUSTAINED should be read.
STAR RATING: I give this novella 5 stars.