Curses, Chaos, and Courtrooms

by Courtney Thorne

When the investigation into the campus love potion begins, Lukas Bristol is determined to see justice served. As an intern to the lead potions master on the case, he’s focused on one goal—seeing the person who ruined his life imprisoned. After the potion destroyed his last relationship, he’s sworn off romance for good. But staying detached isn’t easy when his path keeps crossing with Elsie Clarke.

Still reeling from the love potion attacks, Elsie is desperate to find her footing again. She isn’t looking for love, yet her pull toward Lukas is impossible to ignore. And while she works to hide the secret that could ruin their growing connection, she finds herself caught between fear and something dangerously close to hope.

As the case unfolds, Lukas and Elsie discover it runs far deeper than either of them imagined, full of twists that threaten their safety at Forrestbriar Academy. In a world where love and magic intertwine, even the strongest hearts can’t escape the pull of what’s meant to be.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

298 pages, Paperback

Published December 9, 2025

Reviews

[Natalie Weisman · Rating 3 out of 5]

predictable but still enjoyable and satisfying:) didn’t expect there to be a second book and wasn’t really necessary but it was fun and i was actually surprised by the outcome! was cool to see the whole trial unfold in this one after the crime being solved in the first

just a fun easy lil (much needed) read after my last very intense one lol

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

the lil ya romance was cute, but the mystery/court case piece was a mess. i know this isn’t supposed to be great writing but i fear we could’ve tried a little harder. at least it’s short so it was good enough for a fun quick read for me

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This was a cute very fast paced read (I literally read this in 2 hours)

It did take me a minute to remember what occurred in the first one and who was who but once I did I was fully engaged in the story!

Would definitely recommend if you want a cute romance with a slight mystery feel!

[Nicole Dykeman · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 - Loved the first in this series, but this sequel focused a bit more on vague magical legal stuff than the fun magic-school atmosphere from book one. Just felt less magical?

[Uswaa Sabree · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 this was such a great sequel to the first book, and seeing the court side of the magic world was so interesting. And don't get me started on that cliffhanger of an ending I need the 3rd book ASAP pleasssse courtney!!?

[Virtue Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, cliffhanger… 😭 Courtney Thorne really knew what she was doing with that ending because now I need the next book immediately.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Curses, Chaos, and Courtrooms was such a fun return to this world. The banter, magic, and courtroom chaos kept me entertained from beginning to end, and I continue to adore these characters and the found family they’ve built. There were plenty of twists, great chemistry, and just enough humor to balance the higher-stakes moments.

The pacing slowed in a few spots, which is why this lands at 4 stars instead of 5 for me, but that ending completely pulled me back in. If you’ve been enjoying this series, be prepared to finish this one with more questions than answers—and immediately want to pick up the next book.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just as engaging as book one. It was fun to revisit scenes from Potions, Poisons and Policies from a different viewpoint. It had a plot twist that was evident in the beginning, hinting at it, but once revealed I was shocked! Then thinking back on book PPP it made sense. Well played Courtney.

[Shani Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately this was bad lol.

So disappointing because I thought the first one was so sweet and fun, but this was almost painful towards the end.

It went on endlessly and felt like it was going on multiple directions.

It’s giving middle school FCAT essay vibes :/

[Sarina McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute but also, was not full captivating or believable in the motivation for the main characters. Ends on a cliffhanger that I suppose has me intrigued but the writing style was a bit of a turn off this time around.

[Kendall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the first book, and though this one was interesting I didn’t love it nearly as much as the first, I found the twist to be predictable. But I did love getting to see glimpses of Henri and Noah and their thriving relationship and Lukas is the king of forehead kisses.

[Carrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid romance! I loved the meeting between the two main characters and every step of their relationship. The conflict in the story was fine, and because of this I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the ending, but overall it was an enjoyable read!

[Faith Herbers · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 she’s cute

[cidney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this as much as the first one, but I didn’t feel the chemistry between the characters and wasn’t nearly as invested in the outcome after the 70% mark.

[Shelby Crow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the first book but this one didn't carry the same weight for me. I'll probably still read the third.

[Alli · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

[Kinley West · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still enjoyed it not as much as the first. I LOVED the first and I’d hoped for a little more banter between these two but still good. Also didn’t love the main FMC

[Ally Goodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first one was better, imo. This one has some instalove and I need the yearning tbh