The second book of the Caper Court series takes place two years later and focuses on Leo Davies, the gorgeous and enigmatic barrister introduced in the first book as a possible love interest for Anthony Cross.While Anthony was the main character of the first book, he takes a backseat in this story, which tells of Leo's convoluted plans as he weaves a web of lies and secrets around himself to try and secure his position as the next member of the Queen's Council.After receiving a tip off from a friend and fellow member of the bar regarding rumours surrounding his private life, Leo's previous confidence in his shoo-in for the Queen's Council is shattered and in his panic, he is swayed by a suggestion from his friend of a possible way to eradicate all malicious gossip and clear his reputation.But if Leo were to follow up on his friend's advice, he will be giving up a big part of his life in order to achieve his ambition. Could a place on the Queens Council and advancing his already stellar career be worth the risks and sacrifices he has to make?Caro Fraser introduces a few new characters into the story, one that plays a major role in being a necessary pawn for Leo's greater goal and another is a minor character, which I feel didn't need to exist.Rachel is beautiful, charming and harbours a dark past that prevents her from opening up to any man, until she meets Leo and falls hopelessly in love with him, clinging to him with all her heart and soul. Leo decides to use her to manipulate his questionable situation to produce a better outcome, not realising how strongly Rachel attaches herself emotionally to him, and reluctantly, him to her.Felicity works as a ditzy secretary at Rachel's firm and plays the role of a minor confidante briefly. She has problems of her own in her love, work and home life, which does not tie in smoothly with the rest of the story.The interactions between Anthony and Leo, although brief, are charged with the same hidden confusion and desire from the first book and although Leo's application to the Queen's Council was the central focus of the plot, I wished that more time was given to developing the relationship between these two men.We find out more about Leo and his past and Anthony has matured into a confident and arrogant young man, aware of his good looks and charm and not afraid to wield that power to his benefit.It was a very entertaining read.
