What do you think?
Rate this book
Emerald Belles #2
Courting the Corporal
May the road rise up to meet you . . .
The Civil War has ended, but for Corporal Patrick “Rick” Fergusson the battle rages on. Still haunted by what he witnessed on the battlefield, the earnest Irishman is heading west, seeking only to be free of the past. His services are in high demand; wealthy East Coasters in need of escort clamor to join him on the journey. But one client, a beautiful lady named Cat, disturbs Rick’s newfound equilibrium.
High society widow Catriona O’Brian is anxious to get to California, even if it means traveling with the handsome corporal who seems to dislike her so. Cat no longer seeks marriage; she has pinned all her hopes on making it to the west coast and starting her own winery. Between the elements, wild animals, and hostile natives, however, everything seems to be conspiring against her. Time and again, Rick comes to her rescue. And soon, the independent lass discovers that her biggest obstacle may be the longing of her own traitorous heart . . .
The Civil War has ended, but for Corporal Patrick “Rick” Fergusson the battle rages on. Still haunted by what he witnessed on the battlefield, the earnest Irishman is heading west, seeking only to be free of the past. His services are in high demand; wealthy East Coasters in need of escort clamor to join him on the journey. But one client, a beautiful lady named Cat, disturbs Rick’s newfound equilibrium.
High society widow Catriona O’Brian is anxious to get to California, even if it means traveling with the handsome corporal who seems to dislike her so. Cat no longer seeks marriage; she has pinned all her hopes on making it to the west coast and starting her own winery. Between the elements, wild animals, and hostile natives, however, everything seems to be conspiring against her. Time and again, Rick comes to her rescue. And soon, the independent lass discovers that her biggest obstacle may be the longing of her own traitorous heart . . .
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2017
4 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Heather McCorkle
46 books315 followersFantasy & scifi in all their wonderful subgenres are my jam. Doesn't matter to me if it's indie or traditionally published, I read it all as long as it fits in those genres and piques my interest.
I'm also an award winning author~and aspiring to someday be a bestselling one. Life goals!~of paranormal, fantasy, steampunk, historical fantasy, and YA urban fantasy. When I'm not reading, editing, writing, or surfing my social networking sites, I can be found on the slopes, the hiking trails, or paddleboarding. As a native Oregonian, I enjoy the outdoors almost as much as the worlds I read about and create on the pages. No need to travel to the Great Northwest, though, you can find me on my website, in my newsletter, and on my social media sites.
I'm also an award winning author~and aspiring to someday be a bestselling one. Life goals!~of paranormal, fantasy, steampunk, historical fantasy, and YA urban fantasy. When I'm not reading, editing, writing, or surfing my social networking sites, I can be found on the slopes, the hiking trails, or paddleboarding. As a native Oregonian, I enjoy the outdoors almost as much as the worlds I read about and create on the pages. No need to travel to the Great Northwest, though, you can find me on my website, in my newsletter, and on my social media sites.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 13, 2017
Even though the Civil War has ended Corporal Patrick “Rick” Fergusson still has flashbacks of the horrors he has seen on the battlefield. The Irishman is headed west to try to escape his past.
High society widow Catriona O’Brian is anxious to get to California and this lady is no wallflower or shrinking violet so if it means traveling with Rick as her guide so be it. They both have assumptions about the other that aren't true as they find out as the story progresses. Mental health issues are addressed here as Rick suffers from PTSD but the author deals with it in an understanding and empathetic way! This book deals with some heavy subjects including Indian attacks,bison,gunfights,the woman almost getting raped but not by the hero, being stalked,separation from each other,flashbacks and more.
This is the second book in the Emerald Belles series but it works well as a standalone book.
Pub Date 27 Jun 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
High society widow Catriona O’Brian is anxious to get to California and this lady is no wallflower or shrinking violet so if it means traveling with Rick as her guide so be it. They both have assumptions about the other that aren't true as they find out as the story progresses. Mental health issues are addressed here as Rick suffers from PTSD but the author deals with it in an understanding and empathetic way! This book deals with some heavy subjects including Indian attacks,bison,gunfights,the woman almost getting raped but not by the hero, being stalked,separation from each other,flashbacks and more.
This is the second book in the Emerald Belles series but it works well as a standalone book.
Pub Date 27 Jun 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 23, 2017
Courting the Corporal is the second book in the Emerald Belles series by Heather McCorkle. Although part of a series it can easily be read as a stand alone book.
Catriona O'Brian is a high society woman, and also a widow after her husband died in the Civil War. Life has been going along nicely for her until she finds out the truth behind her husband's death. A truth that would see her shunned by others. She also finds out that her husband had bought land in California, land that needs to be settled on before a certain date or it would be lost to her, the rites of it going back to the man who sold it to her husband. Knowing that she needs to move from New York, and having such a golden opportunity to live in California where she could fulfil her dream of growing grapes and making wine, she jumps at the chance of claiming her land. Normally she would travel the long distance in a wagon, taking time to enjoy the trip etc. But the original land owner after having sold a lot of land cheaply to make money, now wants it back so that he can sell it at a higher price now the war is over. He stipulates that the time Cat originally thought she had to get to California has changed. It's much less, and if she is to make it there in time, she will have to forego comfort, and get there on horse back as speedily as she can.
In order to travel as quickly and safely as possible she needs the help of Corporal Patrick Fergusson. Since the war he has spent time helping travellers cross the country and knows the perils like the back of his hand. He isn't happy to be spiriting a high society woman on such a dangerous expedition, fearing she would wilt after very little time and make the journey arduous. But his best friend makes the request on Cat's behalf and he can't say no.
From there we read all about the couples' journey. An amazing journey of discovery for both of them, which is fraught with danger and excitement. Not only do they have to battle nature, storms, and stampeding herds, they have to escape Indians, and men hired to kill Cat before she can reach her land. With so much against them it is hard to believe she will reach her destination at all, let alone in time to claim her land. Not surprisingly, the amount of time Cat and Rick spend together makes them see each other in much different light than when they first met. Instead of barely tolerating each other they learn to respect each other, appreciate each other, and of course, fall in love with each other. They both try not to give in to their feelings, but when they do, their passion knows no bounds. The author managed to write steamy, yet emotion filled passionate scenes for our couple which were believable and not just 'thrown in there' to sell a book. Will our couple make it to California in time to claim the land, and will it really matter if they arrive after the deadline? After all, they have found love with each other, and in Rick's case, peace of mind too, regardless of the outcome, they have each other. You will have to read the book to find out what happens!
I loved the first book in this series and thought that it would be hard to match the quality of the story in this book. I was so wrong, this book is just as exciting, in fact probably moreso seeing as we got to travel across dangerous lands with our hero and heroine, joining them in their exciting adventure to California! I could only find one tiny negative in the whole book, and I could be wrong about it....but in one instance when discussing where Rick bought his leather hat, the author wrote that it was an Aussie hat. As the story is set in 'olden' times, the use of the shortened name for Australia didn't seem correct. It just didn't 'work' for me. It's not worth dropping my rating over of course, the book is definitely a 5 star treat!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Catriona O'Brian is a high society woman, and also a widow after her husband died in the Civil War. Life has been going along nicely for her until she finds out the truth behind her husband's death. A truth that would see her shunned by others. She also finds out that her husband had bought land in California, land that needs to be settled on before a certain date or it would be lost to her, the rites of it going back to the man who sold it to her husband. Knowing that she needs to move from New York, and having such a golden opportunity to live in California where she could fulfil her dream of growing grapes and making wine, she jumps at the chance of claiming her land. Normally she would travel the long distance in a wagon, taking time to enjoy the trip etc. But the original land owner after having sold a lot of land cheaply to make money, now wants it back so that he can sell it at a higher price now the war is over. He stipulates that the time Cat originally thought she had to get to California has changed. It's much less, and if she is to make it there in time, she will have to forego comfort, and get there on horse back as speedily as she can.
In order to travel as quickly and safely as possible she needs the help of Corporal Patrick Fergusson. Since the war he has spent time helping travellers cross the country and knows the perils like the back of his hand. He isn't happy to be spiriting a high society woman on such a dangerous expedition, fearing she would wilt after very little time and make the journey arduous. But his best friend makes the request on Cat's behalf and he can't say no.
From there we read all about the couples' journey. An amazing journey of discovery for both of them, which is fraught with danger and excitement. Not only do they have to battle nature, storms, and stampeding herds, they have to escape Indians, and men hired to kill Cat before she can reach her land. With so much against them it is hard to believe she will reach her destination at all, let alone in time to claim her land. Not surprisingly, the amount of time Cat and Rick spend together makes them see each other in much different light than when they first met. Instead of barely tolerating each other they learn to respect each other, appreciate each other, and of course, fall in love with each other. They both try not to give in to their feelings, but when they do, their passion knows no bounds. The author managed to write steamy, yet emotion filled passionate scenes for our couple which were believable and not just 'thrown in there' to sell a book. Will our couple make it to California in time to claim the land, and will it really matter if they arrive after the deadline? After all, they have found love with each other, and in Rick's case, peace of mind too, regardless of the outcome, they have each other. You will have to read the book to find out what happens!
I loved the first book in this series and thought that it would be hard to match the quality of the story in this book. I was so wrong, this book is just as exciting, in fact probably moreso seeing as we got to travel across dangerous lands with our hero and heroine, joining them in their exciting adventure to California! I could only find one tiny negative in the whole book, and I could be wrong about it....but in one instance when discussing where Rick bought his leather hat, the author wrote that it was an Aussie hat. As the story is set in 'olden' times, the use of the shortened name for Australia didn't seem correct. It just didn't 'work' for me. It's not worth dropping my rating over of course, the book is definitely a 5 star treat!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
May 11, 2017
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
I read the previous book in this series, Honor Before Heart and I liked it - but this book, blows the first book away. This book is about Catriona O'Brian aka Cat (Ashlinn's (from HBH) sister in law) and Corporal Patrick Fergusson aka Rick (Sean's (from HBH) best friend).
The story starts in New York, Cat has learned the truth about Michael's death and about the property he purchased in California. Cat has decided to go an stake her claim on the land and start a new life. Her marriage to Michael, though envied by many, was nothing short of a nightmare. She tells her dearest friends of the claims and they decide that since there are three claims, they will all go together. Deciding to celebrate, Cat goes to buy a bottle of wine and literally runs into Rick. She doesn't know who he is and she gives him a set down.
Sean asks Rick to act as the ladies guide to California - he agrees because he feels that he owes Sean, but he dreads having to accompany "society ladies", his past experience tells him that this will be an excruciating journey and doubts the ladies will be able to make the journey. He is shocked and delighted when he goes to visit Sean and finds Cat, the rather rude woman from the spirit shop - now he dreads the journey even more, because she is exactly the type of pampered princess he cannot abide.
They plan to leave in a week with an escort of armed men and the ladies belongings, but news comes that Ainsworth (the man that sold them the claim) has petitioned to reclaim the land as no one has claimed it, Cat is given until the middle of August to stake her claim or lose it. That means that they have less than two months to make the journey and there is no way it can be done with a wagon train. It is decided that Cat and Rick will go immediately by horseback and the others will follow.
These two set out, both with preconceived notions about the other and secrets from their past that have caused said notions. As they travel, they begin to realize how wrong they were and a friendship forms. They survive much together on this trek and their friendship and mutual respect blossom into love - but before they can start a future together - they must survive the cross country journey that is brimming with danger.
This book started out a little slow, but once Rick and Cat set out, the story takes off at a gallop and doesn't slow down until the final page. The book has a bit of everything, social prejudice, a hero with PTSD, a heroine who has been abused, Indian attacks, bison, a crazy villain set on preventing Cat from staking her claim, tornadoes, some steamy love scenes and finally healing and acceptance.
I really loved this story and would highly recommend the book - it is the second in the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone title.
I read the previous book in this series, Honor Before Heart and I liked it - but this book, blows the first book away. This book is about Catriona O'Brian aka Cat (Ashlinn's (from HBH) sister in law) and Corporal Patrick Fergusson aka Rick (Sean's (from HBH) best friend).
The story starts in New York, Cat has learned the truth about Michael's death and about the property he purchased in California. Cat has decided to go an stake her claim on the land and start a new life. Her marriage to Michael, though envied by many, was nothing short of a nightmare. She tells her dearest friends of the claims and they decide that since there are three claims, they will all go together. Deciding to celebrate, Cat goes to buy a bottle of wine and literally runs into Rick. She doesn't know who he is and she gives him a set down.
Sean asks Rick to act as the ladies guide to California - he agrees because he feels that he owes Sean, but he dreads having to accompany "society ladies", his past experience tells him that this will be an excruciating journey and doubts the ladies will be able to make the journey. He is shocked and delighted when he goes to visit Sean and finds Cat, the rather rude woman from the spirit shop - now he dreads the journey even more, because she is exactly the type of pampered princess he cannot abide.
They plan to leave in a week with an escort of armed men and the ladies belongings, but news comes that Ainsworth (the man that sold them the claim) has petitioned to reclaim the land as no one has claimed it, Cat is given until the middle of August to stake her claim or lose it. That means that they have less than two months to make the journey and there is no way it can be done with a wagon train. It is decided that Cat and Rick will go immediately by horseback and the others will follow.
These two set out, both with preconceived notions about the other and secrets from their past that have caused said notions. As they travel, they begin to realize how wrong they were and a friendship forms. They survive much together on this trek and their friendship and mutual respect blossom into love - but before they can start a future together - they must survive the cross country journey that is brimming with danger.
This book started out a little slow, but once Rick and Cat set out, the story takes off at a gallop and doesn't slow down until the final page. The book has a bit of everything, social prejudice, a hero with PTSD, a heroine who has been abused, Indian attacks, bison, a crazy villain set on preventing Cat from staking her claim, tornadoes, some steamy love scenes and finally healing and acceptance.
I really loved this story and would highly recommend the book - it is the second in the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone title.
July 16, 2017
This book was lots of new for me: a new author, and a new historical time period. I haven't read Civil War romance, or technically post-Civil War/ new American West romance before. I tend to stick firmly in Georgian or Regency England, but this was fun for me. The West setting brought back memories of reading "Little House" and drooling over Sully on Dr. Quinn when I was younger. (In my mind, this hero was totally Sully) Additionally, these main characters have Irish heritage, which always is a bit of catnip for me. All the pieces came together for this to be a fun read.
The Story-
Cat has inherited some land due to her husband's death in the war, but she has to get out to California and claim it, or she could lose it. Enter Rick, a guide to the West and former corporal in the war, who has a rough exterior, but is a smooth-talker.
My Thoughts-
This is primarily a journey book across the American west which provides tons of great opportunities for natural conflicts: native Americans, the terrain, weather, evil land-grabbers, etc. I enjoyed the immersion in this world and thought the character development of the heroine was especially strong. The hero was a tad standard for my taste, and there were times when the journey dragged. That being said, I enjoyed the story.
The Bottom Line-
I look forward to the other books in this series because I really want to see the girls start their winery in California. It was a nice, easy departure from Regency romance that felt like a palate-cleanser for me. And one really can't have enough rugged, cowboys types, can they? 4 stars
The Story-
Cat has inherited some land due to her husband's death in the war, but she has to get out to California and claim it, or she could lose it. Enter Rick, a guide to the West and former corporal in the war, who has a rough exterior, but is a smooth-talker.
My Thoughts-
This is primarily a journey book across the American west which provides tons of great opportunities for natural conflicts: native Americans, the terrain, weather, evil land-grabbers, etc. I enjoyed the immersion in this world and thought the character development of the heroine was especially strong. The hero was a tad standard for my taste, and there were times when the journey dragged. That being said, I enjoyed the story.
The Bottom Line-
I look forward to the other books in this series because I really want to see the girls start their winery in California. It was a nice, easy departure from Regency romance that felt like a palate-cleanser for me. And one really can't have enough rugged, cowboys types, can they? 4 stars
June 2, 2017
Catriona O'Brian is ready to start over and what better place to settle down than California. However, she needs an escort to travel with and Corporal Patrick 'Rick' Fergusson is perfect for the job. Yet, Catriona and Patrick's journey isn't easy, especially since someone doesn't want Catriona to achieve her dream of starting a winery. Will Patrick be able to keep Catriona safe, or will their chance at happy ever after be ripped away because of someone conspiring against her?
Historical Romance is not a sub-genre of romance I read a lot of, but when I do, it's because the blurb has enticed me enough to want to read the book. However, it wasn't just the blurb that had me choosing to read this story. It was also the recommendations I've had from other book friends to read something by this author as well as the cover and title, which had me hoping that the heroine would get her man. The way this story started had me liking the heroine immediately, as she's been through so much and is determined to have a fresh start in order to follow her dream. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time in this story that made this book a real page turner for me, as neither are all that friendly towards the other. The question is - is it because there's an instant attraction they're not ready for?
As for the dialogue, it was powerful, emotional and I liked how it shows the characters have overcome a lot, despite their painful back stories. The heroine had it tough with her husband, but she's a survivor, which is proven by how strong and brave she is when it comes to the trouble they face on their journey. I also liked her feisty attitude and how she proves that she's capable of taking on the bad guys if needed. Yet, what I enjoyed most of all about the heroine was her willingness to stick with Patrick through thick and thin, even when she has every reason to want to run and hide in a moment where he seems out of control with memories of the past.
While the hero, he's been through so much in his life with being a soldier in the war. It isn't easy for him reliving the memories, and I could sympathize with him in the moment where he believes he's lost the heroine's trust. Moreover, I liked the playful banter at times between the hero and heroine, as it shows their growing relationship is starting to tip towards them liking each other, instead of disliking each other like it seemed they did when they first met. I also liked how protective the hero was of the heroine, even though it's palpable he didn't need to be. Still, he proves he's the complete opposite to her ex.
Overall, Ms. McCorkle has penned an incredible read in this book, where the chemistry was palpable, fervent and very enjoyable to read, because these two were so deserving of their happy ever after, especially after what they've been through in the past. The way this story ended had me on the edge-of-my-seat due to the danger they face. Will they come out on top of the bad guys? However, in saying that, I liked how things turned out for Rick and Catriona, because they're meant to be together. Moreover, the epilogue made this story very interesting, as Catriona's friends are just as strong and brave as she is and I liked how they face danger head on. I would recommend Courting the Corporal by Heather McCorkle, if you enjoy Historical Romance, second chance romances or books by authors Tara Kingston, Callie Hutton or Erica Ridley.
June 27, 2017
Courting the Corporal is book two in the Emerald Belles series. We meet Catriona O’Brian, a recent widow, who learns her husband purchased land in California before he died. She is now the owner of that land. She is living in New York in high society, but she decides to take a chance at this new opportunity and head to California to plant a vineyard and make wine.
Corporal Patrick Ferguson, a veteran of the Civil War, makes his livelihood by escorting people to California. He is asked by Catriona's family to escort her to California in a timely fashion. Catriona's land borders Patrick's land so he is headed that way. Patrick views Catriona as a high society lady. He soon realizes she is not at all what he expected. As they travel across the country together, they learn much about each other. They consistently fight the physical attraction that they have for one another, but when their lives are threatened and they are separated for a couple of days, they realize they have feelings for one another and begin to court. Catriona has never been treated as kindly and as respectfully as Patrick treats her. Patrick did not think he would ever feel this way about a woman again. But he does. As they fall in love and make their way to California, they face danger every step. They are followed by men who have been hired to make sure they don't make it to California.
Courting the Corporal is a steamy western, historical romance. The characters are likable. You get a glimpse into how veterans suffer when they leave the battlefields and what they carry with them daily. You get to see how one can overcome abuse and learn to trust again. The book is well written and makes me want to read book one of this series so I can learn more about the O'Brian family.
Corporal Patrick Ferguson, a veteran of the Civil War, makes his livelihood by escorting people to California. He is asked by Catriona's family to escort her to California in a timely fashion. Catriona's land borders Patrick's land so he is headed that way. Patrick views Catriona as a high society lady. He soon realizes she is not at all what he expected. As they travel across the country together, they learn much about each other. They consistently fight the physical attraction that they have for one another, but when their lives are threatened and they are separated for a couple of days, they realize they have feelings for one another and begin to court. Catriona has never been treated as kindly and as respectfully as Patrick treats her. Patrick did not think he would ever feel this way about a woman again. But he does. As they fall in love and make their way to California, they face danger every step. They are followed by men who have been hired to make sure they don't make it to California.
Courting the Corporal is a steamy western, historical romance. The characters are likable. You get a glimpse into how veterans suffer when they leave the battlefields and what they carry with them daily. You get to see how one can overcome abuse and learn to trust again. The book is well written and makes me want to read book one of this series so I can learn more about the O'Brian family.
May 12, 2017
Let me begin by saying that when I requested this novel, I did not realize it was book two in a series. Nor did I realize that I had already read, and enjoyed, book one. That being said, you don't have to have read the first story in order for this one to make sense. This story is just as engaging as a stand alone.
I adored watching Rick and Cat find their way to romance while traversing the long and dangerous route from New York to California. It was a real treat seeing them break the mold that the other had cast them into. I enjoyed the elements of danger that appeared as well in the form of Native Americans and dangerous weather. The author has a definite gift of being able to draw the reader in and allow us to visualize the events as they happen. I do wish we had seen more of what happened once they actually reached California however, in that aspect the ending seemed rather rushed, but overall it was a well-written story that I believe will appeal to those who enjoy well written stories that take place just after the Civil War. I will definitely read more from this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
I adored watching Rick and Cat find their way to romance while traversing the long and dangerous route from New York to California. It was a real treat seeing them break the mold that the other had cast them into. I enjoyed the elements of danger that appeared as well in the form of Native Americans and dangerous weather. The author has a definite gift of being able to draw the reader in and allow us to visualize the events as they happen. I do wish we had seen more of what happened once they actually reached California however, in that aspect the ending seemed rather rushed, but overall it was a well-written story that I believe will appeal to those who enjoy well written stories that take place just after the Civil War. I will definitely read more from this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
August 1, 2017
Quite disappointed. This book is nothing close to the first book of the series.
Fergusson was one of my favourite characters in book 1. I expected something great for him.
It was just a long trip almost uneventful, from New York to California, the hero and heroine are on their own and they don't even talk to each other.
And the end... well, the epilogue is not about the hero and heroine. It sounds like another story.
And I don't understand why MacBranian who was made major before the war ended is back to sergeant and Fergusson who was made sergeant is back to corporal. That was confusing.
Fergusson was one of my favourite characters in book 1. I expected something great for him.
It was just a long trip almost uneventful, from New York to California, the hero and heroine are on their own and they don't even talk to each other.
And the end... well, the epilogue is not about the hero and heroine. It sounds like another story.
And I don't understand why MacBranian who was made major before the war ended is back to sergeant and Fergusson who was made sergeant is back to corporal. That was confusing.
July 18, 2021
A simple story, relatable characters and pleasing romance. A good beach read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews