A Question of Counsel

 
 
Life hasn’t been easy for Aeley since she arrested her brother, and her role as a political leader leaves her feeling isolated and lonely. Days before her brother’s trial, she meets Lira, a quiet and modest scribe who makes Aeley want more than just a professional relationship.

When she attends the trial and leaves with a marriage contract, Aeley doesn’t know what to do. She must choose one of two brothers, marrying into a family she doesn’t know. Then she discovers that Lira is part of the same family—a sister to Aeley’s suitors and the family’s disgrace. And not at all opposed to an intimate relationship.

Except random acts of violence against her people test Aeley’s ability as a leader, and a web of lies and deceit threaten not only her chance at happiness, but her life…

 

A Question of Counsel is Book #1 in The Republic series.

Content notes, trigger warnings, and disclaimers: A Question of Counsel contains some explicit content, all of which is meant for adult readers.

This story touches on several serious matters, including mental health issues, domestic abuse and violence, and depictions of emotional and physical situations that could bother some readers. This includes references to the recent loss of a parent due to terminal illness, grief, depictions of PTSS/PTSD (post-traumatic stress syndrome/disorder), anxiety attacks, and the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism resulting in mild alcoholism. The references to domestic abuse and violence include psychological, emotional, physical, and verbal abuse, as well as references to exploitation.

This story also contains violent situations, a kidnapping, references to human trafficking and the trafficking of children, non-consensual touching and sexual harassment, and references to the deaths of family members. Finally, this story includes references to homophobia, bigotry, and depictions of misogyny.

Please note the story uses gender-neutral pronouns for certain characters (vem, vir, ne, they, them, their, hir, and hirself). These are not mistakes: they are the chosen pronouns of those characters.

 
 

Buy Links
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Amazon US: Kindle eBook or paperback

Amazon Canada: eBook or paperback

Amazon UK: eBook or paperback

Amazon – all other countries: eBook or paperback (links take you to the Amazon page for your country)

 

Barnes & Noble: eBook or paperback

Smashwords: eBook

Apple Books (iTunes, iBooks): eBook

Kobo: eBook

Scribd: eBook

Payhip: eBook

Google Play Books: eBook

 

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Praise for A Question of Counsel
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“Simply put, this book left me speechless. End of the story. It’s that great. It’s beyond great at this point for me. (book hangover? Yup.) The writing definitely had a historical aura for me (I don’t know about other people) and it’s beautiful. The love. The struggles. The room for growth. I’m in love with this book. It’s not just about the romance…. It’s also about friendships, trust, and relationship with people. It’s not bad to live up to a legacy but make sure to stay true to who you are. To put it bluntly, I think everyone should read this.” — Ren @ nerdychampagne (Read full review)

“This was a well-written and creatively original novella set in a world that may be different but one that can be easily understood by readers. The fact that the lead characters are two strong women makes this even more of a worthwhile read, neither of them needing to be saved or seeking validation from one another. There’s also a bit of mystery that goes on and though I did figure out who was behind the attacks in Kattal, I was surprised by what happened after the reveal. I’ll admit that, just like Aeley, there was a moment of doubt and the author getting me to question the motives of a character I like deserves bonus points. I liked the humor mixed in with the drama because it allowed the story to not be as heavy as you would expect with a subject matter as serious as the one here. As for the supporting cast of characters, Mayr was my absolute favorite, with my initial impression of him being this overly serious Head Guard being blown out of the water when his wicked but understated sense of humor and protective and brotherly nature toward Aeley coming to light. If you’re looking for a fairly quick but substantial read, I recommend you check out A Question of Counsel. It gets 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars! ♥” — Jen /Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous

“A very enjoyable well written book. Exciting situations, strong female leads and believable plots and sub plots. Blood family relations at their worst, friend family relations at their most powerful and inspirational. A novel that has both leading women with commendable traits and beliefs while still possessing human failings. In a time when sexuality between couples depended on breeding, valour, bravery, honour and in this case love rather on gender. Both women have very different personalities and upbringing, however, both have their own strengths and each compliments the others mettle as well as combatting and protecting each others weaknesses. A novel that shows strength of family does not necessarily come those we are related too but a novel which emphasis the potency and ultimately the effectiveness of true love. Anyone wanting a rich love story combined with devious subterfuge, a little light comedy, and ultimately a richly deserved happy ending should enjoy this book.” — Christine Close / Inked Reads

“This is an interesting fantasy novella featuring two complicated, interesting, and strong female leads. Both have their own thoughts and opinions and are not afraid to express them. My only complaint would be that it ended too soon. I want to know more about these two and their unique world.” — Sheryl