Conscious Bias, A Monica Spade Novel A legal thriller that explores visceral bias, cultural alliances, and the power of love in Apple Grove, Wisconsin. The crime- A month ago, in a drunken stupor, Trevor McKnight—son of the prominent McKnight family—punched Abdul Seif in the face at a college bar and left him unconscious on the sidewalk. Even though Abdul was rushed to the hospital, he died a few days later. Now, Trevor is on trial for the felony murder of Abdul, a Saudi foreign exchange student. The client- Monica Spade is a rising star among lawyers in her small city of Apple Grove. When the president of the hospital asks Monica to prepare high-profile physicians to testify at Trevor’s trial, she eagerly agrees, thinking their heroic attempts to save Abdul’s life will be straightforward testimony. The defense- Trevor’s slick defense lawyer deploys a number of deceptive tools to obscure the facts and shift the focus of the prosecution, including taking aim at Monica’s physician clients. The bias- Monica is shocked to find herself in the middle of a ferocious courtroom battle that uncoils demons of bias against a Muslim with dark skin who isn’t from Apple Grove. Faced with death threats and her career in jeopardy, Monica is forced to make a choice—help the hospital and DA, or succumb to the pressure of her law firm and the powerful McKnight family. The romance- While in the public eye, Monica develops romantic feelings for Shelby St. Claire, a sexy art teacher who dazzles Monica with pantherine grace at CrossFit class. Struggling with her fear of being outed at her sexist, all-male law firm, Monica must decide whether to risk her career for love and justice.