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Goode Girls #2
Courting Trouble
A brand-new deliciously wicked romance series from USA Today Bestselling Author Kerrigan Byrne. The Goode Girls are aren't simply good, they're stunning.
Doctor Titus Conleith emerged from his time as a battlefield surgeon with a mysterious fortune, a lethal secret, and a demon on his back. Ruthlessly intelligent, he was able to lift himself from his beginnings as coal-stained bastard through merciless discipline and inexhaustible skill. Alone by choice, he swore never to open his heart to another. Not after Honoria Goode. The heiress who shattered his hopes and then tread upon the shards of his heart with her bejeweled slippers. The beauty with whom he shared his first taste of passion, before she gave her hand to another.
The woman whose life he just saved from bleeding out on his table...
Honoria's life as a Viscountess has been nothing but a misery she'd brought upon herself with her own cowardice. Trapped for years in a loveless marriage to a cruel rake, she has been widowed by the consequences of his villainy. Now, she must face the man with the blazing golden eyes of the boy she once worshiped, and the dark past they both share.
As their passion reignites with the same fervor of their youth, Honoria can't help but begin to wonder...
Will he allow her the second chance she doesn't deserve?
Doctor Titus Conleith emerged from his time as a battlefield surgeon with a mysterious fortune, a lethal secret, and a demon on his back. Ruthlessly intelligent, he was able to lift himself from his beginnings as coal-stained bastard through merciless discipline and inexhaustible skill. Alone by choice, he swore never to open his heart to another. Not after Honoria Goode. The heiress who shattered his hopes and then tread upon the shards of his heart with her bejeweled slippers. The beauty with whom he shared his first taste of passion, before she gave her hand to another.
The woman whose life he just saved from bleeding out on his table...
Honoria's life as a Viscountess has been nothing but a misery she'd brought upon herself with her own cowardice. Trapped for years in a loveless marriage to a cruel rake, she has been widowed by the consequences of his villainy. Now, she must face the man with the blazing golden eyes of the boy she once worshiped, and the dark past they both share.
As their passion reignites with the same fervor of their youth, Honoria can't help but begin to wonder...
Will he allow her the second chance she doesn't deserve?
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2020
450 people are currently reading
1467 people want to read
About the author
Kerrigan Byrne
73 books5,049 followersIf you're anything like me, the best night is one spent with a brawny highlander, a mysterious werewolf, a conflicted vampire, or a hot-headed Irishman. My stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical, to paranormal, to romantic suspense. But I can always promise my readers one thing: memorable and sexy Celtic heroes who are guaranteed to heat your blood before they steal your heart. Lose yourself in the enchanted Celtic Isles, you never know who, or what, will find you...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 491 reviews
December 30, 2020
3 stars
I didn’t know that this was a spin-off to the Victorian rebels series which was a pleasant surprise. It was nice seeing a certain someone again!!
I really enjoyed most of the books I read by Kerrigan Byrne. This might not be on my top books by her, but it’s still a good start for what’s to come in the series. I enjoyed it enough to finish it in one setting. My main issue is that it was so short and kinda fast. I don’t think we get enough of the two mains characters together. I wanted to see more of them with each other. And to get to know them more? This just felt like an intro for the next books.
This wasn’t as dark as the other Kerrigan Byrne books that I’ve read, but it was still full of some action. It’s kinda the basic second chance romance of two young lovers separated due to difference in class with a martyr heroine and a sweet hero. I enjoyed the book but I didn’t care about these two so much honestly. HOWEVER, I’ve got my eyes on the next book because that sneak peak we got made me so freakin excited for it! Because the hero is like the “bad guy” and I think I like both him and the heroine already.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this copy
I didn’t know that this was a spin-off to the Victorian rebels series which was a pleasant surprise. It was nice seeing a certain someone again!!
I really enjoyed most of the books I read by Kerrigan Byrne. This might not be on my top books by her, but it’s still a good start for what’s to come in the series. I enjoyed it enough to finish it in one setting. My main issue is that it was so short and kinda fast. I don’t think we get enough of the two mains characters together. I wanted to see more of them with each other. And to get to know them more? This just felt like an intro for the next books.
This wasn’t as dark as the other Kerrigan Byrne books that I’ve read, but it was still full of some action. It’s kinda the basic second chance romance of two young lovers separated due to difference in class with a martyr heroine and a sweet hero. I enjoyed the book but I didn’t care about these two so much honestly. HOWEVER, I’ve got my eyes on the next book because that sneak peak we got made me so freakin excited for it! Because the hero is like the “bad guy” and I think I like both him and the heroine already.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this copy
December 22, 2020
Here's the thing: the writing is good. Or at least, this particular book's writing is good. I seem to recall I sometimes had issues with this author's style in the past.
It's passionate. Angsty. Pulling at emotions I like to pull.
BUT.
The damn heroine!! From the first page I didn't like her! Later her sisters paint her like a role-reversal of being the "heroic rake" - bc she took lovers while married, lovers who her jealous husband killed, who looked like her "true love" and enjoyed it.
The "Hero" on the other hand, is much more restrained, tho he's also certainly taken lovers (or rather "the few" of those women he had took him) in the 10 yrs they were apart. Had one when they re-met as well.
This kind of stuff in general and here in particular PISSES ME OFF. not so much bc of adultery or having sex with other ppl, but bc BOTH CHARACTERS WERE IN LOVE AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN BUT COULDN'T GET THEIR SHIT TOGETHER!
Case in point - why couldn't she pick HIM when she decided to have a lover who looked like him? her answer was that her crazy husband would kill him. Hmm. And all this 10 years of separation only came to a close bc the crazy husband shot her, and got shot dead in return by her sister's protective husband. So....
If this didn't come to pass, if her crazy husband hadn't been killed and she hadn't been bleeding to death demanding to be taken to HIS hospital, they would never have gotten back together??
Later she does a (stupid) grand gesture to win him back and find a way for the 2 of them together. Eh... you couldn't have thought of this sooner within the 10 years????
OK, I get that both of you were too young when you entered like a martyr into a loveless marriage to "save him," and unlucky you, your husband turned out to be a maniac. And then she was like - if only I loved my husband or had any respect for him, maybe things would be diff... as in maybe he wouldn't have been crazy? or dead? or you wouldn't now be with your "ONE TRUE LOVE"??
I mean, it was just plain unsatisfying! This whole plot and these 2 characters! Even the Hero, who is the type of Hero I like, did barely anything and it was all about the heroine and I REALLY don't like her... that whole thing just ruined it for me.
2.5 rounded up for the good writing.
It's passionate. Angsty. Pulling at emotions I like to pull.
BUT.
The damn heroine!! From the first page I didn't like her! Later her sisters paint her like a role-reversal of being the "heroic rake" - bc she took lovers while married, lovers who her jealous husband killed, who looked like her "true love" and enjoyed it.
The "Hero" on the other hand, is much more restrained, tho he's also certainly taken lovers (or rather "the few" of those women he had took him) in the 10 yrs they were apart. Had one when they re-met as well.
This kind of stuff in general and here in particular PISSES ME OFF. not so much bc of adultery or having sex with other ppl, but bc BOTH CHARACTERS WERE IN LOVE AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN BUT COULDN'T GET THEIR SHIT TOGETHER!
Case in point - why couldn't she pick HIM when she decided to have a lover who looked like him? her answer was that her crazy husband would kill him. Hmm. And all this 10 years of separation only came to a close bc the crazy husband shot her, and got shot dead in return by her sister's protective husband. So....
If this didn't come to pass, if her crazy husband hadn't been killed and she hadn't been bleeding to death demanding to be taken to HIS hospital, they would never have gotten back together??
Later she does a (stupid) grand gesture to win him back and find a way for the 2 of them together. Eh... you couldn't have thought of this sooner within the 10 years????
OK, I get that both of you were too young when you entered like a martyr into a loveless marriage to "save him," and unlucky you, your husband turned out to be a maniac. And then she was like - if only I loved my husband or had any respect for him, maybe things would be diff... as in maybe he wouldn't have been crazy? or dead? or you wouldn't now be with your "ONE TRUE LOVE"??
I mean, it was just plain unsatisfying! This whole plot and these 2 characters! Even the Hero, who is the type of Hero I like, did barely anything and it was all about the heroine and I REALLY don't like her... that whole thing just ruined it for me.
2.5 rounded up for the good writing.
April 3, 2021
3 - 3/5 stars
I liked this story overall, but I felt like it dragged in some parts and that the angst was overdone. Though this book can technically be read as a stand alone, I would strongly suggest reading book 1 in this series as the h is introduce there and it's where her story really begins (the author does provide some catch-up" information in this one but not extensively). If you have not read book 1, this review will contain spoilers.
Honoria ("Nora") Goode has only ever loved one man, but she gave him up long ago when her father discovered their secret romance and threatened to destroy him if she didn't because that man was a servant and, in her father's eyes, not worthy of her hand. Part of her "penance" for going against her father's plans for her included marrying a vile man that made both of their lives miserable, used her father's business to conduct illegal activities, and took her younger sister hostage to try to escape justice. Nora could not bear to let any harm come to her sister, so she stepped out and allowed herself to be the target of her husband's wrath and took the bullet meant to end her life. But her sister's ever-resourceful husband and his unlikely notorious friends quickly shuttle her to a surgeon they know that has an establishment nearby. Though she is losing consciousness quickly, Nora hears the name of the person they are taking her to: Dr. Titus Conleith, and with what might be her final breath, she weakly begs them not to bring her there.
Titus Conleith has now saved Nora's life twice. The first time was as a child when she came down with fever, and as he had been exposed to that fever (since it took his family and orphaned him at a young age), he was left with the family doctor to help care for her. Though he was already struck dumb with his feelings about Nora, they deepened in that encounter as he also found his calling in working to save her life and began studying and training with the doctor. When Nora returned from finishing school, she sees Titus in a different light and their love affair begins. They make plans to run away together, but the next morning Nora tells Titus that she does not want him and could never be with a commoner, and she proceeds to marry a titled gentleman immediately after so coldly dismissing him. Now, as she recovers in one of his medical facilities, all of his feelings come rushing back - the love, the lust, and the betrayal. But as he spends more time with his patient and once lover, he sees that she is still the same caring woman she was before she so harshly broke his heart. Why did she walk away from him so many years before? Can he resist falling in love with her again? If he does succumb to his feelings, will be be able to trust her not to destroy him again? And when she places herself in harm's way once again, can he save her a third time?
What I liked:
--- The H was very likeable; I wasn't sure I would like the h very much based on her behavior in the first book of this series, but she grew on me as I understood her reasons for that behavior
--- Revisiting of the characters from the first book
--- Steamy goodness
What I didn't like as much:
--- Dragged in some places
--- Though Nora's actions in the first book were more understandable when we learned about the things her father forced on her, it still felt like Nora did things that were hard to forgive
--- Some of the things the h did, especially later in life, didn't make sense to me
Overall, I liked the story and the H; the steamy goodness was nice (what steam we got), and I am looking forward to the next story as the author dangles a carrot towards the end of this book that definitely has me interested.
Plot --- 3.5/5
Main Charac2ters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 3/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
I liked this story overall, but I felt like it dragged in some parts and that the angst was overdone. Though this book can technically be read as a stand alone, I would strongly suggest reading book 1 in this series as the h is introduce there and it's where her story really begins (the author does provide some catch-up" information in this one but not extensively). If you have not read book 1, this review will contain spoilers.
Honoria ("Nora") Goode has only ever loved one man, but she gave him up long ago when her father discovered their secret romance and threatened to destroy him if she didn't because that man was a servant and, in her father's eyes, not worthy of her hand. Part of her "penance" for going against her father's plans for her included marrying a vile man that made both of their lives miserable, used her father's business to conduct illegal activities, and took her younger sister hostage to try to escape justice. Nora could not bear to let any harm come to her sister, so she stepped out and allowed herself to be the target of her husband's wrath and took the bullet meant to end her life. But her sister's ever-resourceful husband and his unlikely notorious friends quickly shuttle her to a surgeon they know that has an establishment nearby. Though she is losing consciousness quickly, Nora hears the name of the person they are taking her to: Dr. Titus Conleith, and with what might be her final breath, she weakly begs them not to bring her there.
Titus Conleith has now saved Nora's life twice. The first time was as a child when she came down with fever, and as he had been exposed to that fever (since it took his family and orphaned him at a young age), he was left with the family doctor to help care for her. Though he was already struck dumb with his feelings about Nora, they deepened in that encounter as he also found his calling in working to save her life and began studying and training with the doctor. When Nora returned from finishing school, she sees Titus in a different light and their love affair begins. They make plans to run away together, but the next morning Nora tells Titus that she does not want him and could never be with a commoner, and she proceeds to marry a titled gentleman immediately after so coldly dismissing him. Now, as she recovers in one of his medical facilities, all of his feelings come rushing back - the love, the lust, and the betrayal. But as he spends more time with his patient and once lover, he sees that she is still the same caring woman she was before she so harshly broke his heart. Why did she walk away from him so many years before? Can he resist falling in love with her again? If he does succumb to his feelings, will be be able to trust her not to destroy him again? And when she places herself in harm's way once again, can he save her a third time?
What I liked:
--- The H was very likeable; I wasn't sure I would like the h very much based on her behavior in the first book of this series, but she grew on me as I understood her reasons for that behavior
--- Revisiting of the characters from the first book
--- Steamy goodness
What I didn't like as much:
--- Dragged in some places
--- Though Nora's actions in the first book were more understandable when we learned about the things her father forced on her, it still felt like Nora did things that were hard to forgive
--- Some of the things the h did, especially later in life, didn't make sense to me
Overall, I liked the story and the H; the steamy goodness was nice (what steam we got), and I am looking forward to the next story as the author dangles a carrot towards the end of this book that definitely has me interested.
Plot --- 3.5/5
Main Charac2ters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 3/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
November 27, 2020
There is only one man who can save her…
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Honoria Goode finding her happy ever after. When I was first introduced to her, she seemed shallow, selfish and a bit of a princess. It wasn’t until she put her life in danger to protect her sister, we realise that nothing is as it seems. Courting Trouble gives us the real Nora and introduces us to the only man she’s ever loved, who will save her … again.
Titus Conleith has made something of himself. From a dirty kid doing any job for a roof over his head and a few scraps of food, to a well-respected doctor, Titus knows how to work hard to get what he wants. He’s had a hard life, but he overcame many obstacles to be where he is now. Working as a medic in the war, and stitching up hardened criminals, were nothing compared to the torture of trying to save the only woman he has ever loved. She’s also the only woman who has broken his heart.
It was a tough journey to happy ever after for Titus and Honoria. While it was obvious that this couple were meant for each other, I hated that Honoria’s father was the obstacle to their happiness. Their first attempt at love was thwarted because of Honoria’s fear. Their second attempt nearly came to the same conclusion, but maturity makes them look beyond what is right in front of them. Finally, with Titus’ help, Nora realises that her father isn’t the only one who can make decisions for her. She realises, with a good man at her side, she can make her own decisions and control her destiny.
While I really enjoyed Courting Trouble, I felt like it was missing something. This is going to sound bad, but I missed the journey from darkness to light that I’ve come to expect from Kerrigan Byrne. Sure, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses, but I never had to brace for attacks, betrayals, or deplorable injustices. I kind of missed the emotional rollercoaster of starting with a horror show to finishing with a giddy smile on my face. It was good, just not the same…which for some is probably good. 😉
I have to tell you that I am REALLY looking forward to Mercy and Felicity’s stories. There is this one particular scene that I loved where they both are talking to Nora about romance and mystery stories. It was something I found very easy to relate to and like them, I take my vast experience with reading romance to apply to everyday life. Both Mercy and Felicity are adamant that they never want to marry … HAHAHAHAHAHA!! Famous last words.
Courting Trouble was a pleasure to read and I’m so glad I got to meet the real Honoria and the man who has been in love with her since he was a 10-year-old boy. If you are a fan of historical romance and enjoy reading about a second chance at love come good, I highly recommend giving Goode Girl Romance #2 a try.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Honoria Goode finding her happy ever after. When I was first introduced to her, she seemed shallow, selfish and a bit of a princess. It wasn’t until she put her life in danger to protect her sister, we realise that nothing is as it seems. Courting Trouble gives us the real Nora and introduces us to the only man she’s ever loved, who will save her … again.
Titus Conleith has made something of himself. From a dirty kid doing any job for a roof over his head and a few scraps of food, to a well-respected doctor, Titus knows how to work hard to get what he wants. He’s had a hard life, but he overcame many obstacles to be where he is now. Working as a medic in the war, and stitching up hardened criminals, were nothing compared to the torture of trying to save the only woman he has ever loved. She’s also the only woman who has broken his heart.
It was a tough journey to happy ever after for Titus and Honoria. While it was obvious that this couple were meant for each other, I hated that Honoria’s father was the obstacle to their happiness. Their first attempt at love was thwarted because of Honoria’s fear. Their second attempt nearly came to the same conclusion, but maturity makes them look beyond what is right in front of them. Finally, with Titus’ help, Nora realises that her father isn’t the only one who can make decisions for her. She realises, with a good man at her side, she can make her own decisions and control her destiny.
While I really enjoyed Courting Trouble, I felt like it was missing something. This is going to sound bad, but I missed the journey from darkness to light that I’ve come to expect from Kerrigan Byrne. Sure, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses, but I never had to brace for attacks, betrayals, or deplorable injustices. I kind of missed the emotional rollercoaster of starting with a horror show to finishing with a giddy smile on my face. It was good, just not the same…which for some is probably good. 😉
I have to tell you that I am REALLY looking forward to Mercy and Felicity’s stories. There is this one particular scene that I loved where they both are talking to Nora about romance and mystery stories. It was something I found very easy to relate to and like them, I take my vast experience with reading romance to apply to everyday life. Both Mercy and Felicity are adamant that they never want to marry … HAHAHAHAHAHA!! Famous last words.
Courting Trouble was a pleasure to read and I’m so glad I got to meet the real Honoria and the man who has been in love with her since he was a 10-year-old boy. If you are a fan of historical romance and enjoy reading about a second chance at love come good, I highly recommend giving Goode Girl Romance #2 a try.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
January 22, 2021
I'm a huge fan of Kerrigan Byrne, and I've read a ton of her stuff, but Courting Trouble wasn't her strongest effort.
I think it helps if you've read at least a few books in this author's Victorian Rebels series as the Goode Girls books are spin-offs. Otherwise, it feels a bit like you have been thrown in the middle of the action (it still felt like that a little to me, TBH).
I love this author's angsty, angsty-pain books, and how she always puts the MCs through the ringer. All of the HEAs are hard won, and I really enjoy that. However, with Courting Trouble, it felt like the female MC just got into her own way. There was a lot of communication issues, and so many things could have been resolved in an easier, less painful way. It was frustrating.
Even though the book took me awhile to finish and I wasn't completely satisfied, the author still did a few things very right. I enjoyed the vibrant chemistry between the MCs (the I hate you and I love you type of energy), and the fact that one of the MCs is a doctor (I love me some medical content). Also, Kerrigan Byrne can write, and I never feel like I'm reading a book that was poorly conceived.
I don't know if this particular series from this author is my favorite (I'll stick with the Devil You Know books, thank you very much), but it was still an enjoyable, if flawed, read.
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I think it helps if you've read at least a few books in this author's Victorian Rebels series as the Goode Girls books are spin-offs. Otherwise, it feels a bit like you have been thrown in the middle of the action (it still felt like that a little to me, TBH).
I love this author's angsty, angsty-pain books, and how she always puts the MCs through the ringer. All of the HEAs are hard won, and I really enjoy that. However, with Courting Trouble, it felt like the female MC just got into her own way. There was a lot of communication issues, and so many things could have been resolved in an easier, less painful way. It was frustrating.
Even though the book took me awhile to finish and I wasn't completely satisfied, the author still did a few things very right. I enjoyed the vibrant chemistry between the MCs (the I hate you and I love you type of energy), and the fact that one of the MCs is a doctor (I love me some medical content). Also, Kerrigan Byrne can write, and I never feel like I'm reading a book that was poorly conceived.
I don't know if this particular series from this author is my favorite (I'll stick with the Devil You Know books, thank you very much), but it was still an enjoyable, if flawed, read.
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October 23, 2022
After a humble beginning as an orphan working in an aristocratic household, Dr. Titus Conleith spent time as a battlefield surgeon and finally completed his university training with the help of a mysterious benefactor. He’s devoted to his work, but otherwise alone, knowing he cannot saddle a woman with the shattered remains of his heart. Even after twelve years he’s still angry and in love with Honoria Goode, the first love who ripped out his heart when she agreed to the marriage her father arranged for her rather than run away with him.
Honoria has always been dutiful and when her father demanded she marry Viscount Woodhaven, she agreed even knowing it made her a coward. She’s spent the past twelve years trapped in a marriage to a cruel man and now finds herself widowed and embroiled in scandal thanks to his criminal activity. Now, injured and in need of medical treatment, Honoria’s life is once again in the hands of the man she once adored and has always loved. She knows she doesn’t deserve it, but Honoria can’t help but wonder if Titus might give her a second chance to love him properly.
This is one of the better and more well-executed second chance books I’ve read. I loved the fact that the pace was pretty fast and the elements which tend to annoy me with this trope didn’t really factor in for long enough to be an issue. Titus was very raw and real as a hero and I loved how he’d scraped to get to where he was and remained so intent on improving the lives of the poor. Honoria’s tendency to martyr herself and not be open with Titus was annoying, but thankfully didn’t last long thanks to her sisters talking sense into her. I loved the hero/heroine role reversal here with it being Honoria who made the grand romantic gesture to get Titus back for good and establish their HEA. The emotions here were touching, but not too over the top and I enjoyed this couple. I especially enjoyed Titus putting Honoria’s father in his place and the camaraderie between Dorian Blackwell, Carlton Morley, and Titus. I look forward to the other sisters’ stories now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Honoria has always been dutiful and when her father demanded she marry Viscount Woodhaven, she agreed even knowing it made her a coward. She’s spent the past twelve years trapped in a marriage to a cruel man and now finds herself widowed and embroiled in scandal thanks to his criminal activity. Now, injured and in need of medical treatment, Honoria’s life is once again in the hands of the man she once adored and has always loved. She knows she doesn’t deserve it, but Honoria can’t help but wonder if Titus might give her a second chance to love him properly.
This is one of the better and more well-executed second chance books I’ve read. I loved the fact that the pace was pretty fast and the elements which tend to annoy me with this trope didn’t really factor in for long enough to be an issue. Titus was very raw and real as a hero and I loved how he’d scraped to get to where he was and remained so intent on improving the lives of the poor. Honoria’s tendency to martyr herself and not be open with Titus was annoying, but thankfully didn’t last long thanks to her sisters talking sense into her. I loved the hero/heroine role reversal here with it being Honoria who made the grand romantic gesture to get Titus back for good and establish their HEA. The emotions here were touching, but not too over the top and I enjoyed this couple. I especially enjoyed Titus putting Honoria’s father in his place and the camaraderie between Dorian Blackwell, Carlton Morley, and Titus. I look forward to the other sisters’ stories now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 3, 2025
4,5 stars
I had a good feeling about this book and I was right.
This was so good! Titus Conleith, the man you are 😭
Second-chance romance is hit or miss for me, and this story does resemble Again the Magic (which was a miss, btw lol), but it delivered!
Nora and Titus were just meant to be. Nora was a complex character and not immediately likable. I didn’t fully understand her in the previous book, and even here, it took me a moment to warm up to her. Titus, on the other hand—this man! 😍 He was so perfect. I love a tormented hero, and I have a soft spot for physicians (probably because of Gilbert).
I would’ve given this book all the stars if it weren’t for the third-act breakup. Dear authors: please stop. Not in a second-chance romance. They already HAD a breakup! Have we not suffered enough?! 😭
I had a good feeling about this book and I was right.
This was so good! Titus Conleith, the man you are 😭
Second-chance romance is hit or miss for me, and this story does resemble Again the Magic (which was a miss, btw lol), but it delivered!
Nora and Titus were just meant to be. Nora was a complex character and not immediately likable. I didn’t fully understand her in the previous book, and even here, it took me a moment to warm up to her. Titus, on the other hand—this man! 😍 He was so perfect. I love a tormented hero, and I have a soft spot for physicians (probably because of Gilbert).
I would’ve given this book all the stars if it weren’t for the third-act breakup. Dear authors: please stop. Not in a second-chance romance. They already HAD a breakup! Have we not suffered enough?! 😭
January 4, 2021
“Not a word was said in the darkness, as their virtue was relinquished to the other. They communicated in sighs and hitches of breath. They spoke with their fingertips and their features. The language that was created the moment one human had ever desired another.”
How does KB hit that sweet spot time and time again!? Her writing is flawless, and her ability to draw you in is pure magic. I loved this book so much for a few reasons:
It felt like I was back in The Victorian Rebels series, and that series is pure gold!
Second chance romance. Virgin hero & heroine.
Falling in love with someone below your station always appeals to me. Gotta love the slightly forbidden.
I love that the story starts when Titus is 14, and Nora was 17, and that it spanned the course of almost 15 years!
I also love when a man lays claim on his woman and snatches her up! So much drama, suspense, intrigue and passion in this story. Of course the usual KB steaminess and smexiness. She Is Queen!
I love how every man in Nora’s life made her feel unworthy...until Titus. Now that is a real man.
How does KB hit that sweet spot time and time again!? Her writing is flawless, and her ability to draw you in is pure magic. I loved this book so much for a few reasons:
It felt like I was back in The Victorian Rebels series, and that series is pure gold!
Second chance romance. Virgin hero & heroine.
Falling in love with someone below your station always appeals to me. Gotta love the slightly forbidden.
I love that the story starts when Titus is 14, and Nora was 17, and that it spanned the course of almost 15 years!
I also love when a man lays claim on his woman and snatches her up! So much drama, suspense, intrigue and passion in this story. Of course the usual KB steaminess and smexiness. She Is Queen!
I love how every man in Nora’s life made her feel unworthy...until Titus. Now that is a real man.
January 2, 2021
10/15/2020 Update: A Dark and Stormy Knight was renamed Seducing a Stranger and is now Book 1 of the Goode Girls series. This series is available in Kindle Unlimited.
12/24/2020 Review: This is a spin-off series of Victorian Rebels series. Honoria is the older sister of the heroine (Prudence) in A Dark and Stormy Knight/Seducing a Stranger, while Mercy and Felicity are their younger twin sisters. I am looking forward to this series, particularly Mercy's books.
This is a short book and I was able to finish listening to the audiobook in one day. Interestingly, the audiobook has two narrators, Derek Perkins and Stella Hunt. It took a while to get used to Stella's narration because I'm more used to hearing just Derek's narration whenever I listen to Kerrigan Byrne's audiobooks.
This book isn't as dark as the books in the Victorian Rebels series. The hero Titus doesn't have a terribly tortured, tragic past. Our heroine is actually the one with the tortured past. The twin sisters even pointed out that Honoria was the hero in her own love story and that Titus was her heroine. lol The plot is one we've seen/read several times before: young lovers separated due to class, a martyred heroine, and a second chance at love. Not one of Kerrigan Byrne's best books, so you should definitely check out her other books.
We get a sneak peek at the heroes from books 3 and 4 and I for one cannot wait to read more about them!
12/24/2020 Review: This is a spin-off series of Victorian Rebels series. Honoria is the older sister of the heroine (Prudence) in A Dark and Stormy Knight/Seducing a Stranger, while Mercy and Felicity are their younger twin sisters. I am looking forward to this series, particularly Mercy's books.
This is a short book and I was able to finish listening to the audiobook in one day. Interestingly, the audiobook has two narrators, Derek Perkins and Stella Hunt. It took a while to get used to Stella's narration because I'm more used to hearing just Derek's narration whenever I listen to Kerrigan Byrne's audiobooks.
This book isn't as dark as the books in the Victorian Rebels series. The hero Titus doesn't have a terribly tortured, tragic past. Our heroine is actually the one with the tortured past. The twin sisters even pointed out that Honoria was the hero in her own love story and that Titus was her heroine. lol The plot is one we've seen/read several times before: young lovers separated due to class, a martyred heroine, and a second chance at love. Not one of Kerrigan Byrne's best books, so you should definitely check out her other books.
We get a sneak peek at the heroes from books 3 and 4 and I for one cannot wait to read more about them!
September 13, 2021
Courting Trouble is the second book in the Goode Girls series. Honoria Goode and Titus Conleith are two young lovers from different social circle. Instead of being together they are separated and 10 years later, their second chance romance is rekindled but there is still much conflict, angst and miscommunication.
I did enjoy this story. I just would have liked more of Nora and Titus enjoying their HEA. But I am hooked on these Goode Girls and I can’t wait to just into book 3!!
I did enjoy this story. I just would have liked more of Nora and Titus enjoying their HEA. But I am hooked on these Goode Girls and I can’t wait to just into book 3!!
December 1, 2022
FIVE DELICIOUSLY ANGSTY STARS!!!!
I am a complete and utter sucker for angst-filled romance. Secrets, miscommunications and hidden truths…..
I gave A Dark and Stormy Knight, the first book in the Goode Girls Romance series, five stars solely for Carlton Morley.
I am giving this book five stars for the amazing story!
I just LOVE Nora and Titus.
Individually, they are great.
Together, they are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.
They can simply be in the same room together and the whole room ignites.
I am in awe of Kerrigan Byrne. She is a master of her craft and the passion and angst she creates within her fictional world is second to none.
Now if you excuse me, I’m going to go hose myself down and move on to the next book in this series.
I am a complete and utter sucker for angst-filled romance. Secrets, miscommunications and hidden truths…..
I gave A Dark and Stormy Knight, the first book in the Goode Girls Romance series, five stars solely for Carlton Morley.
I am giving this book five stars for the amazing story!
I just LOVE Nora and Titus.
Individually, they are great.
Together, they are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.
They can simply be in the same room together and the whole room ignites.
I am in awe of Kerrigan Byrne. She is a master of her craft and the passion and angst she creates within her fictional world is second to none.
Now if you excuse me, I’m going to go hose myself down and move on to the next book in this series.
December 8, 2020
Those Goode girls just keep on giving!
Who'd have thought that this series could get any better? We first briefly meet Honoria (Nora), Viscountess Woodhaven, in A Dark and Stormy Night, contemplating seeking pleasure with the Stags of St James at the School for Cultured Young Ladies--a front for more lascivious practices. As Nora explains later in Courting Trouble to her sister Prudence, "my time with the Stags of St. James was nothing more than selfish pleasure. A diversion I paid for so I wouldn’t have the complication of emotion." Then Nora had been a client of the house.
The story of Nora Goode, Prudence's sister, is one of bullying and abuse by the males she's related to, sacrifices made for those she loves, and deep despair. The only man Nora ever loved was Titus Conleith, originally a boy-of-all-work in the Baron of Cresthaven (Goode)household. Years later Titus, now a talented doctor, is operating various hospitals for the poor. Titus thinks never to see Nora again, that is until he finds her bleeding out on his operating table, having been shot by her husband.
Characters from the other Victorian Rebels stand behind Titus as he tries to protect Nora, but who will protect her from herself.
Another absorbing read that straddles life between the darkest stews of London and the ton, encompassing these bold Victorian Rebels. Normally we're talking about the 'bad boys'. Here we follow the fortunes or rather misfortunes of a bad girl, despite being a Goode.
An Xpresso Book Tours ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
Who'd have thought that this series could get any better? We first briefly meet Honoria (Nora), Viscountess Woodhaven, in A Dark and Stormy Night, contemplating seeking pleasure with the Stags of St James at the School for Cultured Young Ladies--a front for more lascivious practices. As Nora explains later in Courting Trouble to her sister Prudence, "my time with the Stags of St. James was nothing more than selfish pleasure. A diversion I paid for so I wouldn’t have the complication of emotion." Then Nora had been a client of the house.
The story of Nora Goode, Prudence's sister, is one of bullying and abuse by the males she's related to, sacrifices made for those she loves, and deep despair. The only man Nora ever loved was Titus Conleith, originally a boy-of-all-work in the Baron of Cresthaven (Goode)household. Years later Titus, now a talented doctor, is operating various hospitals for the poor. Titus thinks never to see Nora again, that is until he finds her bleeding out on his operating table, having been shot by her husband.
Characters from the other Victorian Rebels stand behind Titus as he tries to protect Nora, but who will protect her from herself.
Another absorbing read that straddles life between the darkest stews of London and the ton, encompassing these bold Victorian Rebels. Normally we're talking about the 'bad boys'. Here we follow the fortunes or rather misfortunes of a bad girl, despite being a Goode.
An Xpresso Book Tours ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
November 30, 2020
*Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.*
This was such a delicious addition to The Goode Girls series. I was so intrigued by Honoria and Dr. Titus after finishing Dark and Stormy Knight/Seducing a Stranger earlier this year. I am so happy to have more Kerrigan Byrne that is coming out through another avenue. I am loving the feel of it and getting to see more of my Victorian Rebels characters.
This book was too quick for me but it was also filled with so much deep back ground for the characters. This books starts where the previous one ended, with Honoria injured and her horrible husband dead. She awakens in the care of her star-crossed love. Dr. Titus Conlieth. The man whose heart she broke when she broke her own.
He used to be a stable boy and they had fallen in love when she returned from finishing school. She was far above him but she craved his touch. She spent 3 months with him, enjoying pleasure and giving it in return and then she was whisked away to marry a Peer and he went off to school to be a doctor. She made the sacrifice to save his career, but he never knew.
Now she is in his care and Titus is doing everything he can to ignore the pull he feels towards Nora, the debutante he craved and had but lost in just a few cruel words from her lips.
Now he is the most successful and progressive doctor of his time. Consultant to the Black Heart of Benmore. And he cannot forget the beauty who was so far out of his reach.
I enjoyed their story so much. It was split between their time before and after. I anticipated the break up, and luckily we had the hope of them being back together. The angst was so real and I loved every second of time I spent with them.
Honestly my biggest complaint was that this was more like a novella. This series has been really short for both entries and I just want more!!!! But that is an authors prerogative and I understand wanting to have some series of various length. I just enjoy the story so much and I want it so much more.
I was happy to see the character growth in such a short book and I believed that we have two characters who are just tired with where they have ended up.
4/5 Stars for me
This was such a delicious addition to The Goode Girls series. I was so intrigued by Honoria and Dr. Titus after finishing Dark and Stormy Knight/Seducing a Stranger earlier this year. I am so happy to have more Kerrigan Byrne that is coming out through another avenue. I am loving the feel of it and getting to see more of my Victorian Rebels characters.
This book was too quick for me but it was also filled with so much deep back ground for the characters. This books starts where the previous one ended, with Honoria injured and her horrible husband dead. She awakens in the care of her star-crossed love. Dr. Titus Conlieth. The man whose heart she broke when she broke her own.
He used to be a stable boy and they had fallen in love when she returned from finishing school. She was far above him but she craved his touch. She spent 3 months with him, enjoying pleasure and giving it in return and then she was whisked away to marry a Peer and he went off to school to be a doctor. She made the sacrifice to save his career, but he never knew.
Now she is in his care and Titus is doing everything he can to ignore the pull he feels towards Nora, the debutante he craved and had but lost in just a few cruel words from her lips.
Now he is the most successful and progressive doctor of his time. Consultant to the Black Heart of Benmore. And he cannot forget the beauty who was so far out of his reach.
I enjoyed their story so much. It was split between their time before and after. I anticipated the break up, and luckily we had the hope of them being back together. The angst was so real and I loved every second of time I spent with them.
Honestly my biggest complaint was that this was more like a novella. This series has been really short for both entries and I just want more!!!! But that is an authors prerogative and I understand wanting to have some series of various length. I just enjoy the story so much and I want it so much more.
I was happy to see the character growth in such a short book and I believed that we have two characters who are just tired with where they have ended up.
4/5 Stars for me
December 14, 2020
4.5 to 5 stars!
I loved Courting Trouble, the 2nd book in the Goode Girls series!
I wasn't sure what to think about Honoria Goode from the first book in the series. You get the impression that she's not that involved or nice to her sister Prudence Goode.
But that is not the case!
I don't want to get too much into her character because I feel like that would be a spoiler with the first book and circumstances. Just know she's much more complex and broken then what she shows on the surface. And you'll find out why too.
But this is a book about past loves and second chances.
I'm usually not a fan of that type of romance plot but I loved this one!
Our Nora Goode was much more innocent and happy back when she fell in love with Titus Conleith.
Titus Conleith has loved Nora since he was 10 years old and one day, their friendship and love developed into so much more.
Titus and Nora do not get that happy ending when they were young. Nora ends up marrying per her father's wishes and Titus becomes a famous surgeon and battle medic when he was in the military.
Man, this book made me sad and mad!!
I hate the Mom & Dad of all the Goode sisters. What miserable and shitty parents they have!
I liked how this whole book was written, the characters and definitely loved the ending. I loved how our wonderful and broken Nora gets a second chance to happiness. So well done!
I loved Courting Trouble, the 2nd book in the Goode Girls series!
I wasn't sure what to think about Honoria Goode from the first book in the series. You get the impression that she's not that involved or nice to her sister Prudence Goode.
But that is not the case!
I don't want to get too much into her character because I feel like that would be a spoiler with the first book and circumstances. Just know she's much more complex and broken then what she shows on the surface. And you'll find out why too.
But this is a book about past loves and second chances.
I'm usually not a fan of that type of romance plot but I loved this one!
Our Nora Goode was much more innocent and happy back when she fell in love with Titus Conleith.
Titus Conleith has loved Nora since he was 10 years old and one day, their friendship and love developed into so much more.
Titus and Nora do not get that happy ending when they were young. Nora ends up marrying per her father's wishes and Titus becomes a famous surgeon and battle medic when he was in the military.
Man, this book made me sad and mad!!
I hate the Mom & Dad of all the Goode sisters. What miserable and shitty parents they have!
I liked how this whole book was written, the characters and definitely loved the ending. I loved how our wonderful and broken Nora gets a second chance to happiness. So well done!
March 22, 2023
I tend to say that some books should have been like 100 pages shorter but this one...should have 100 more. Why was it so short? Actually given the pages I think Miss Byrne did a great job portraying everyone. I loved how H from previous novels played a part in this story and I loooved Titus even though he is not my favourite type of H. I would give it 4 stars but again given the length I think she did a great job so 5 stars from me for a lovely second chance novel.
December 20, 2020
4.5 Stars
Courting Trouble takes place immediately after Seducing a Stranger. Honoria Goode has been shot by her husband and is now under the care of Dr. Titus Conlieth, the man who was her first everything.
In short, this was another Kerrigan Byrne winner!
I'm a huge fan of this author's writing. The vivid picture she depicts through artful prose amaze me in every single book. There are often points where I will reread sentences and/or passages, simply because I'm in reader awe. Couple that with her seductively swoony romances, bad and brooding heroes, and complicated backstories and I'm drowning in reader lust.
Not to contradict myself, but imagine my surprise when this book revealed an atypical hero for this author. More of a healthy and whole beta hero to her often broken alphas. Titus had served in the military, but he was an educated doctor/scientist who's committed to his patient care. He was also an orphan, but not with the scars that so many of Byrne's heroes are inflicted with. His biggest scar was having been spurned by Honoria when he was 17/18 years old. I loved this anti-"Victorian Rebel" hero.
So far, these indie-published, Victorian Rebels spin-off stories are slightly shorter in length, which worked perfectly for a second chance romance like Titus and Honoria's. Honoria was a questionable character in the previous book, but she was redeemed by a sweetly romantic and then tragic back story. The conflict in this story was intriguing, which then became exciting and fun. Of course, that was partly due to an appearance by the Blackheart of Ben More. His rascally interactions are always so much fun. We're also introduced to the hero for Mercy's book and I can't be any more excited. Overall, a romantic and fun addition to the Victorian Rebels/Goode Girls series.
December 3, 2020
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Courting Trouble is the second book in the Goode Girls series and it features an angsty second chance romance between two lovers who were torn apart because of their difference in social class. The author quickly summarizes the events from the first book Seducing a Stranger/A Dark and Stormy Knight during the prologue. If you've read Morley's book, then the prologue will act as a quick refresher. If you're new to Kerrigan Byrne, you will get a short breakdown of the events that unfolded in the first book. But keep in mind that the events from the first book heavily influence the turn of events in Courting Trouble. Furthermore, the prologue might be an information overload if you didn't read Seducing a Stranger/A Dark and Stormy Knight.
When it comes to second chance romance, I typically enjoy this trope the most in historical romance. I can't really explain why...but historical romance writers really do this trope justice. And if there's one thing that Kerrigan Byrne does best, it's a second chance romance involving two people who loved each other when they were younger. Titus Conleith used to work for the Goode family and he fell in love with Honoria, the eldest Goode sister, at first sight. It's not until they were young adults that Nora noticed Titus. But when Nora's dad finds out about their affair, the two young lovers are torn apart.
Now almost a decade later, Nora has been shot and the doctor who is operating on her is none other than Titus himself. After Nora wakes up, things are formal, stiff, and a bit awkward between her and Titus. There is a lot of unresolved tension between them and the angst is quite delicious. I really enjoyed the pivotal scene where the barriers are down and Titus and Nora finally talk things out. My absolute favourite part of this book though is the flashback chapters when Titus and Nora were younger. These chapters really solidified their love for each other and man, I just LOVE Titus so damn much. I think this is the closest Kerrigan Byrne has come to writing a gamma hero.
I do think that Nora treated Titus unfairly the second time around. She refused to even consider alternative solutions with Titus and while I do understand her motivations, her actions still bugged me. The climax is a bit cheesy and dramatic, but it gives Titus and Nora that final push. The climax also introduces two anti-heroes who will obviously get their own stories. At least, I hope they will lol. I read a teaser for the next book and I am SO EXCITED for it now!!! Based on the teaser that I read, I noticed that the Goodreads synopsis for Dancing with Danger is incorrect, but the Amazon one seems to be correct. I have my own thoughts on who I want Felicity to end up with...and I hope I am right lol.
Courting Trouble is the second book in the Goode Girls series and it features an angsty second chance romance between two lovers who were torn apart because of their difference in social class. The author quickly summarizes the events from the first book Seducing a Stranger/A Dark and Stormy Knight during the prologue. If you've read Morley's book, then the prologue will act as a quick refresher. If you're new to Kerrigan Byrne, you will get a short breakdown of the events that unfolded in the first book. But keep in mind that the events from the first book heavily influence the turn of events in Courting Trouble. Furthermore, the prologue might be an information overload if you didn't read Seducing a Stranger/A Dark and Stormy Knight.
When it comes to second chance romance, I typically enjoy this trope the most in historical romance. I can't really explain why...but historical romance writers really do this trope justice. And if there's one thing that Kerrigan Byrne does best, it's a second chance romance involving two people who loved each other when they were younger. Titus Conleith used to work for the Goode family and he fell in love with Honoria, the eldest Goode sister, at first sight. It's not until they were young adults that Nora noticed Titus. But when Nora's dad finds out about their affair, the two young lovers are torn apart.
Now almost a decade later, Nora has been shot and the doctor who is operating on her is none other than Titus himself. After Nora wakes up, things are formal, stiff, and a bit awkward between her and Titus. There is a lot of unresolved tension between them and the angst is quite delicious. I really enjoyed the pivotal scene where the barriers are down and Titus and Nora finally talk things out. My absolute favourite part of this book though is the flashback chapters when Titus and Nora were younger. These chapters really solidified their love for each other and man, I just LOVE Titus so damn much. I think this is the closest Kerrigan Byrne has come to writing a gamma hero.
I do think that Nora treated Titus unfairly the second time around. She refused to even consider alternative solutions with Titus and while I do understand her motivations, her actions still bugged me. The climax is a bit cheesy and dramatic, but it gives Titus and Nora that final push. The climax also introduces two anti-heroes who will obviously get their own stories. At least, I hope they will lol. I read a teaser for the next book and I am SO EXCITED for it now!!! Based on the teaser that I read, I noticed that the Goodreads synopsis for Dancing with Danger is incorrect, but the Amazon one seems to be correct. I have my own thoughts on who I want Felicity to end up with...and I hope I am right lol.
December 11, 2020
apparently Kerrigan Byrne is an author that cannot do wrong in my eyes… ;) because this was too short for my liking, I would have loved it to be longer to show more of a build up of the relationship… it’s a second chance romance, which is a trope I personally don’t like and try to avoid in stories most of the time… AND it has this I-am-making-a-decision-for-the-both-of-us-to-keep-you-safe… which is another thing I am not a fan of in the books… AND YET ;) I gave it 5 stars :) don't ask me to explain it logically, cause I can’t ;) there’s just something absolutely magical in her writing style and the way she creates these characters and their stories ;) take that however you want ;)
XOXO
A
XOXO
A
September 10, 2021
Angsty heroine has been abused by all the men in her life except the H. He's younger than her and has loved her forever. Her sisters are wonderfully different, she's tragic and trying to protect the love of her life. He is a good man but naïve compared to the h. I liked their story, a good adventure with a well deserved HEA.
June 14, 2022
The book was well-written hence the 2 stars.
But i really hate Honoria. She’s the absolute worst. How could anyone be so incredibly stupid, I don’t know. I think the author tried to make her a damaged, complicated character. But no. She is just an idiot. She is a coward. I hate her so much.
Nora & Titus: we’re in love lets have sex
Nora: oh but i cant marry you cuz you suck (but secretly it’s bc my dad said i have to marry another and i cant help it bc he said he will ruin you if i chose you)
*10 yrs later*
Nora: my husband is an actual psycho so let me have an affair with his bff. Let me also hire 4 different prostitutes who look like Titus….. INSTEAD OF JUST FINDING HIM...
*husband dies and almost kills Nora but Titus saves her in surgery*
Titus: you fucked them when i was right here this whole time
Nora: but my husband coulda killed you. I totally thought you were incompetent and incapable of protecting yourself
Titus: k i forgive u let’s fuck then let’s talk later
Nora: can’t actually talk, i have to leave u again bc my dad said i’ll ruin u and i have to be a martyr and give up bc i never want u to be ruined
Titus: wtf……you don’t need to do that, i won’t be ruined just trust me. I want to be with you
Nora: no i’m a martyr, and i don’t have faith in you so im gonna run away again *runs away*
If i could re-write this book, i’d let Honoria die the first time around and let Titus meet someone else. Someone who actually knows how to love and have faith him.
“Though her shoulder was healing nicely, the rest of Nora remained one jagged, bleeding wound. And only one doctor in the world could hope to stitch her back together.”
But you’re the one who left him, you fool.
“She’d thrown herself on a sword, becoming a martyr to misery out of some misguided sense of honor.”
Exactly. I guess Titus deserved her if he knew this and stayed with her anyway.
But i really hate Honoria. She’s the absolute worst. How could anyone be so incredibly stupid, I don’t know. I think the author tried to make her a damaged, complicated character. But no. She is just an idiot. She is a coward. I hate her so much.
Nora & Titus: we’re in love lets have sex
Nora: oh but i cant marry you cuz you suck (but secretly it’s bc my dad said i have to marry another and i cant help it bc he said he will ruin you if i chose you)
*10 yrs later*
Nora: my husband is an actual psycho so let me have an affair with his bff. Let me also hire 4 different prostitutes who look like Titus….. INSTEAD OF JUST FINDING HIM...
*husband dies and almost kills Nora but Titus saves her in surgery*
Titus: you fucked them when i was right here this whole time
Nora: but my husband coulda killed you. I totally thought you were incompetent and incapable of protecting yourself
Titus: k i forgive u let’s fuck then let’s talk later
Nora: can’t actually talk, i have to leave u again bc my dad said i’ll ruin u and i have to be a martyr and give up bc i never want u to be ruined
Titus: wtf……you don’t need to do that, i won’t be ruined just trust me. I want to be with you
Nora: no i’m a martyr, and i don’t have faith in you so im gonna run away again *runs away*
If i could re-write this book, i’d let Honoria die the first time around and let Titus meet someone else. Someone who actually knows how to love and have faith him.
“Though her shoulder was healing nicely, the rest of Nora remained one jagged, bleeding wound. And only one doctor in the world could hope to stitch her back together.”
But you’re the one who left him, you fool.
“She’d thrown herself on a sword, becoming a martyr to misery out of some misguided sense of honor.”
Exactly. I guess Titus deserved her if he knew this and stayed with her anyway.
October 30, 2022
Wow. Bryne captured the essence of someone who grew up neglected only to find herself forced to marry an abusive malignant narc. She captures the emotional abuse that chips away at your soul, the fear that leaves you both scared and numb, the perpetual cloud of shame and guilt, the disconnect you feel from your own body, the reprieve you attempt to find through meaningless sex. This was a heart wrenchingly beautiful story. Titus was her perfect match. He embodies the type of man you want after being emotionally wrecked; stable, responsible, steadfast, deeply loving, manly without being domineering. This one hit close home. Bryne is a very insightful author.
December 5, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for a arc copy for a honest review.
I was so happy excited to get a chance to read a review Courting Trouble. Even though it was a quick read I still enjoyed reading this book. Happy gave this book 5 stars
Happy Reading
Lisa
I was so happy excited to get a chance to read a review Courting Trouble. Even though it was a quick read I still enjoyed reading this book. Happy gave this book 5 stars
Happy Reading
Lisa
February 10, 2021
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖 (4 books)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 (4 butterflies)
Romance: 💕💕💕💕 (4 hearts)
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔 (4 broken hearts)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡ (4 lightnings)
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 (3 fires)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 (4 peaches)
Number of Sex Scenes:🍆🍆 (2 eggplants) - I debated between 2 and 3 but I guess it's 2
(All these are personal opinion 1-5 except the eggplants, which follows The Ton and the Tartans facebook group eggplant chart :P )
This is book 2 of the series, but it is a continuation of the Victorian Rebel series, in a way. If you are completionist, you will want to start with book 1 of the Victorian Rebel series, The Highwayman. (And you should...it's amazing. BUT, if you are sensitive to triggers, please search reviews or ask here as many of her books are on the darker side). I read book 1 of this series when it was marketed as book 7 of the Victorian Rebel series so I didn't really give a second glance to Nora in that book. This book starts literally at the very end of a dramatic scene from the first book though, so probably best to read in order.
Give this book if you want
-The best hero. Seriously he will just make you adore him, he loves Nora so much and is so protective over her, even when he's so young.
-Angsty. So much angst. An all is lost moment that rather breaks your heart and destroys them before they can come together again years later.
-A shorter novel - it definitely has the feeling of a complete book, but goodreads counts it at 220 pages. I was loving it so I definitely would have adored some more pages.
-A story where the roles of the stereotypical hero and heroine are reversed. The hero loves first and while I wouldn't consider Nora a female rake, she's not chaste in her marriage. (No cheating between Titus and Nora)
-A second chance romance trope
-An Irish hero!
-An ex-soldier hero - he tended to the wounded
-A doctor hero - I love how Byrne established how his background got started
-Class differences - hero works for the heroine's family. Heroine is the daughter of a Baron
-While not an age gap, the heroine is actually older than the hero by 3 years (I felt it more reading their initial interactions when they were in their teens.)
-I am marking this as a childless HEA and will change if that changes with future books. The heroine thinks she's barren
-Moderate steam - There's only 1 long detailed sex scene, but combined with the remembered scenes, kiss, and the shorter length of the book it feels steamier
Almost half the book takes place in the past. Titus has been in love with Nora since he was 10. Byrne does a fantastic job of creating this wanting, longing, and true love forming even though they are so young. More scenes happen when Titus is 14 and Nora is 17 (nothing sexual). The final scenes of their past takes place when Nora is 20 and Titus is 17 and she's returning home after being sent away to school.
I love that time was spent on their past. It's one of the things I dislike about second chance romance is so much of their story is usually skipped over or missed and I didn't feel like that at all here. I felt like I got to experience the butterflies, the lust, the love, the devastation, remorse and hurt prior to the reconciliation years later. And it felt so much powerful because of that reason.
I adore that Byrne really describes her heroes. There's so many books that I can't even figure out their eye color but Byrnes...I see them. I can touch them in my mind and they are glorious. She spends time on them and it makes it so much better. I adored Titus, so so much.
Another thing I loved was that Byrne named each chapter in this book. I used to adore that when I read HR in high school and I feel like I hardly ever see it anymore.
Locations of kisses and sex
Safety warning:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖 (4 books)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 (4 butterflies)
Romance: 💕💕💕💕 (4 hearts)
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔 (4 broken hearts)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡ (4 lightnings)
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥 (3 fires)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 (4 peaches)
Number of Sex Scenes:🍆🍆 (2 eggplants) - I debated between 2 and 3 but I guess it's 2
(All these are personal opinion 1-5 except the eggplants, which follows The Ton and the Tartans facebook group eggplant chart :P )
This is book 2 of the series, but it is a continuation of the Victorian Rebel series, in a way. If you are completionist, you will want to start with book 1 of the Victorian Rebel series, The Highwayman. (And you should...it's amazing. BUT, if you are sensitive to triggers, please search reviews or ask here as many of her books are on the darker side). I read book 1 of this series when it was marketed as book 7 of the Victorian Rebel series so I didn't really give a second glance to Nora in that book. This book starts literally at the very end of a dramatic scene from the first book though, so probably best to read in order.
Give this book if you want
-The best hero. Seriously he will just make you adore him, he loves Nora so much and is so protective over her, even when he's so young.
-Angsty. So much angst. An all is lost moment that rather breaks your heart and destroys them before they can come together again years later.
-A shorter novel - it definitely has the feeling of a complete book, but goodreads counts it at 220 pages. I was loving it so I definitely would have adored some more pages.
-A story where the roles of the stereotypical hero and heroine are reversed. The hero loves first and while I wouldn't consider Nora a female rake, she's not chaste in her marriage. (No cheating between Titus and Nora)
-A second chance romance trope
-An Irish hero!
-An ex-soldier hero - he tended to the wounded
-A doctor hero - I love how Byrne established how his background got started
-Class differences - hero works for the heroine's family. Heroine is the daughter of a Baron
-While not an age gap, the heroine is actually older than the hero by 3 years (I felt it more reading their initial interactions when they were in their teens.)
-I am marking this as a childless HEA and will change if that changes with future books. The heroine thinks she's barren
-Moderate steam - There's only 1 long detailed sex scene, but combined with the remembered scenes, kiss, and the shorter length of the book it feels steamier
Almost half the book takes place in the past. Titus has been in love with Nora since he was 10. Byrne does a fantastic job of creating this wanting, longing, and true love forming even though they are so young. More scenes happen when Titus is 14 and Nora is 17 (nothing sexual). The final scenes of their past takes place when Nora is 20 and Titus is 17 and she's returning home after being sent away to school.
I love that time was spent on their past. It's one of the things I dislike about second chance romance is so much of their story is usually skipped over or missed and I didn't feel like that at all here. I felt like I got to experience the butterflies, the lust, the love, the devastation, remorse and hurt prior to the reconciliation years later. And it felt so much powerful because of that reason.
I adore that Byrne really describes her heroes. There's so many books that I can't even figure out their eye color but Byrnes...I see them. I can touch them in my mind and they are glorious. She spends time on them and it makes it so much better. I adored Titus, so so much.
Another thing I loved was that Byrne named each chapter in this book. I used to adore that when I read HR in high school and I feel like I hardly ever see it anymore.
Locations of kisses and sex
Safety warning:
December 10, 2020
A wonderful second-chance historical romance riddled with miscommunication, Courting Trouble is the second book in the Goode Girls series but can totally be read as a standalone. The story begins when Nora is taken to Dr. Titus Conleith with a gunshot wound. Titus is stunned to see his old love wounded and in his clinic. He’s never gotten over his first love and still feels the sting of rejection.
When Honoria, or Nora, wakes up in the clinic of her first love, she learns that her horrible husband is dead and she is free. However, her husband’s shady dealings, as well as her father’s unforgiving demands, haunt Nora. When Titus offers to keep her safe, Nora must face her past and confront the obstacles in her present before she can move on.
I love the romance between Nora and Titus. Their feelings for each other span years and their love is strong. Neither really emotionally moved on after their break-up, and their desire to be together is palpable. However, neither feels worthy of the other. Titus because of his non-noble standing in society, and Nora for her questionable past. She doesn’t excuse her behavior but feels tremendous guilt over how her actions detrimentally affected others. Titus tries to remain impassive and unaffected by Nora’s presence, but his life-long love for her is hard to squelch and ignore. Their chemistry is fantastic, and it is clear that they are made for each other.
The flashbacks, which detailed Titus and Nora’s relationship when they first met as teenagers and into their late teens, add so much depth to the characters and the story. You can understand why Nora feels so compelled to follow her path. You also realize how deeply Titus loved Nora and continues to love her. Theirs is a love that’s enduring and true, and the flashbacks show where that love began.
This is a quick-paced and captivating historical romance with dynamic characters and a fascinating and complex mystery. Danger, thievery, potential death threats, and more make for an intriguing read, as do the well-developed characters. I’m excited to read future books in the series to learn more about the Goode sisters and the shady events that they become unintentionally embroiled in. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Gnarly Woods Publishing, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
When Honoria, or Nora, wakes up in the clinic of her first love, she learns that her horrible husband is dead and she is free. However, her husband’s shady dealings, as well as her father’s unforgiving demands, haunt Nora. When Titus offers to keep her safe, Nora must face her past and confront the obstacles in her present before she can move on.
I love the romance between Nora and Titus. Their feelings for each other span years and their love is strong. Neither really emotionally moved on after their break-up, and their desire to be together is palpable. However, neither feels worthy of the other. Titus because of his non-noble standing in society, and Nora for her questionable past. She doesn’t excuse her behavior but feels tremendous guilt over how her actions detrimentally affected others. Titus tries to remain impassive and unaffected by Nora’s presence, but his life-long love for her is hard to squelch and ignore. Their chemistry is fantastic, and it is clear that they are made for each other.
The flashbacks, which detailed Titus and Nora’s relationship when they first met as teenagers and into their late teens, add so much depth to the characters and the story. You can understand why Nora feels so compelled to follow her path. You also realize how deeply Titus loved Nora and continues to love her. Theirs is a love that’s enduring and true, and the flashbacks show where that love began.
This is a quick-paced and captivating historical romance with dynamic characters and a fascinating and complex mystery. Danger, thievery, potential death threats, and more make for an intriguing read, as do the well-developed characters. I’m excited to read future books in the series to learn more about the Goode sisters and the shady events that they become unintentionally embroiled in. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Gnarly Woods Publishing, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
December 16, 2020
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
Dorian Blackwell (The Highwayman - Victorian Rebels Series) uses Dr. Titus Conleith to remove bullets and patch up the men who can't visit a hospital. When Honoria Goode is shot by her husband and is bleeding out, she requests to be taken to him, a man who loved her once and lost her. If you like prose, good prose with vivid imagery, this book will be a delight. This is a great second-chance romance.
As a ten year old, Titus Conleith was orphaned and ended up as a houseboy in a wealthy household where he fell in love with the princess of the house. He found his calling as a doctor when he helped the doctor save Honoria's life. As a young man their relationship was discovered and he was summarily tossed from the house. A lot od pressure was put on Honoria and when Titus came back for her, she denied him.
Life for Honoria Goode went from heaven in Titus's arms to hell on earth with the husband her father demanded she marry. Ten years later she ends up near death in the dockside sugary of Dr. Titus Conleith having been shot by her own husband, who was killed by her brother -in-law, Sir Carlton Morley Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard. Her husband's actions, her shooting and her scandalous behavior have caused her family to be embroiled by scandal and her father is again attempting to tear the lovers apart in order to protect his name and reputation.
Dorian Blackwell (The Highwayman - Victorian Rebels Series) uses Dr. Titus Conleith to remove bullets and patch up the men who can't visit a hospital. When Honoria Goode is shot by her husband and is bleeding out, she requests to be taken to him, a man who loved her once and lost her. If you like prose, good prose with vivid imagery, this book will be a delight. This is a great second-chance romance.
As a ten year old, Titus Conleith was orphaned and ended up as a houseboy in a wealthy household where he fell in love with the princess of the house. He found his calling as a doctor when he helped the doctor save Honoria's life. As a young man their relationship was discovered and he was summarily tossed from the house. A lot od pressure was put on Honoria and when Titus came back for her, she denied him.
Life for Honoria Goode went from heaven in Titus's arms to hell on earth with the husband her father demanded she marry. Ten years later she ends up near death in the dockside sugary of Dr. Titus Conleith having been shot by her own husband, who was killed by her brother -in-law, Sir Carlton Morley Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard. Her husband's actions, her shooting and her scandalous behavior have caused her family to be embroiled by scandal and her father is again attempting to tear the lovers apart in order to protect his name and reputation.
December 16, 2022
I don’t think I’m a good enough person to like this book lmao she saw herself as a martyr and I saw her as rather annoying. I liked the angst but I also didn’t lol I just don’t like to hurt this much while reading a romance. When the angst causes physical pain especially via abusive partners I just HURT. Like the earl takes all hurts but bc it’s so much love? Idk.
I tried to go outside of my comfort zone because this was a teaser at the end of a novella by Kerrigan that I loved and the teaser was good. I was like Oo he’s gonna be a hot doctor so I was intrigued. The book was short enough that it wasn’t supremely annoying but I was still like GIRL. I did appreciate the bastard getting his brains blown out in the first chapter. I am reading the next book so stay tuned. Kerrigan’s a great writer so I did have a good time with the writing and storytelling.
I tried to go outside of my comfort zone because this was a teaser at the end of a novella by Kerrigan that I loved and the teaser was good. I was like Oo he’s gonna be a hot doctor so I was intrigued. The book was short enough that it wasn’t supremely annoying but I was still like GIRL. I did appreciate the bastard getting his brains blown out in the first chapter. I am reading the next book so stay tuned. Kerrigan’s a great writer so I did have a good time with the writing and storytelling.
August 30, 2023
3.5 stars ⭐️
Second chance romance between the lower and upper classes. Love conquers all.
Second chance romance between the lower and upper classes. Love conquers all.
September 1, 2023
Similar story line as “ Again the Magic” by Lisa Kleypas! If you loved that book, you’ll love this as well.😍
Loved all the endless pining from the servant class H here!🥹
Safe
Loved all the endless pining from the servant class H here!🥹
Safe
December 8, 2020
4.5 STARS!
Hey, The audio is Duet Narration!
Another winner from Kerrigan Byrne!
Honoria is Prudence's sister from book 1 Goode Girls series & another spin off from the Victoria Rebels series.
Titus is the orphan boy that loves Honoria his whole life.
Titus is sent away from Honoria but is apprenticed to be a Doctor's assistant, then Titus becomes a Doctor.
Meanwhile Honoria's awful father arranges a marriage to a Duke that is an abuser, a criminal and gross pig.
Honoria's sweet personality and spirit is just about snuffed out.
Honoria is hurt by her husband & her way back is not easy. Her father and other men try to keep her down.
Titus have a reunion but Titus has lost respect for "Nora". Their past is told in flashbacks.
Ironically Titus, the poor orphan boy has become very well respected as a Doctor with great innovations and skill. Honoria has struggled and is despaired of ever having a happy life or someone to love her. Her reputation has been severely damaged.
I loved the duet narration! Derek Perkins as always is perfect and Stella Hunter is perfect as Honoria.
I loved how Titus and Honoria reunited and got to know each other - as adults. They'd both been through so much. They still have to find a way to be together.
I love this book and the narration. I received an audio copy from the author.
Hey, The audio is Duet Narration!
Another winner from Kerrigan Byrne!
Honoria is Prudence's sister from book 1 Goode Girls series & another spin off from the Victoria Rebels series.
Titus is the orphan boy that loves Honoria his whole life.
Titus is sent away from Honoria but is apprenticed to be a Doctor's assistant, then Titus becomes a Doctor.
Meanwhile Honoria's awful father arranges a marriage to a Duke that is an abuser, a criminal and gross pig.
Honoria's sweet personality and spirit is just about snuffed out.
Honoria is hurt by her husband & her way back is not easy. Her father and other men try to keep her down.
Titus have a reunion but Titus has lost respect for "Nora". Their past is told in flashbacks.
Ironically Titus, the poor orphan boy has become very well respected as a Doctor with great innovations and skill. Honoria has struggled and is despaired of ever having a happy life or someone to love her. Her reputation has been severely damaged.
I loved the duet narration! Derek Perkins as always is perfect and Stella Hunter is perfect as Honoria.
I loved how Titus and Honoria reunited and got to know each other - as adults. They'd both been through so much. They still have to find a way to be together.
I love this book and the narration. I received an audio copy from the author.
December 9, 2020
Kerrigan Byrne is honestly my favorite historical romance author and an automatic read of anything and everything that she writes. Her Victorian Rebels and Devil You Know series are just different from most other formulaic historical romance books in the sense of the grittyness of what the heroines endure as well as the strength that both the men and women display. There have been a few misses here and there, but for the most part every single one of her books has been extraordinarily refreshing.
Except for her latest 3 books.
THE GOOD
1) Titus is three years younger than Honoria, which is one of the first times apart from Outlander that you read about the man being younger than the woman. Seeing as how I personally am dating a younger guy, I felt a squee of glee at seeing that represented on paper.
2) Titus is also shown in his early years as being a very kind, gentle man. So often, Byrne's male characters are hard and damaged. While Titus might have fought in the same war as Carlton Morley, he emerged not nearly as damaged.
3) Another rare thing is that Honoria Goode isn't a virgin. She has sex at 20, marries her husband, and cheats on him several times with various male prostitutes. This made for an interesting theme on the effect this had on her and the backlash she received from the ton.
THE BAD
1) This book felt surprisingly short. Too short. 40% of it was almost in flashbacks from the time period when she was 17 and then when she was 20. The problem was it felt like the flashbacks were all part of one major prologue versus the actual story, so when we finally caught up to modern day, there wasn't as much to say from a plot perspective.
2) This book felt too safe. There was no clear opposing force or villain, but rather the mere threat that someone wanted information that Honoria didn't have.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Kerrigan Byrne can do no wrong, but her latest books have definitely felt and read safer and more tame.
Except for her latest 3 books.
THE GOOD
1) Titus is three years younger than Honoria, which is one of the first times apart from Outlander that you read about the man being younger than the woman. Seeing as how I personally am dating a younger guy, I felt a squee of glee at seeing that represented on paper.
2) Titus is also shown in his early years as being a very kind, gentle man. So often, Byrne's male characters are hard and damaged. While Titus might have fought in the same war as Carlton Morley, he emerged not nearly as damaged.
3) Another rare thing is that Honoria Goode isn't a virgin. She has sex at 20, marries her husband, and cheats on him several times with various male prostitutes. This made for an interesting theme on the effect this had on her and the backlash she received from the ton.
THE BAD
1) This book felt surprisingly short. Too short. 40% of it was almost in flashbacks from the time period when she was 17 and then when she was 20. The problem was it felt like the flashbacks were all part of one major prologue versus the actual story, so when we finally caught up to modern day, there wasn't as much to say from a plot perspective.
2) This book felt too safe. There was no clear opposing force or villain, but rather the mere threat that someone wanted information that Honoria didn't have.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Kerrigan Byrne can do no wrong, but her latest books have definitely felt and read safer and more tame.
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