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Courting Danger #2
Trial and Error
When gunshots ring out in Judge Nina Aguilar’s courtroom, every one of her regrets flashes before her eyes. One of those regrets—her first love—reappears in her life in the most surprising way, and everything about their reunion signals that falling for Franco again would be a dangerous move. Even though she’s still as stunning and brilliant as Nina remembers.
Attorney Franco Rossi vowed she’d never return to Dallas, but when an old friend’s son is accused of murder, she books the next flight. Her homecoming triggers bitter memories, but learning the only woman she’s ever truly loved is the judge assigned to the case really throws her. Franco is convinced she and Nina have no future, yet chemistry and circumstance keep bringing them together. Will history, good and bad, repeat itself?
They’ll have a chance to find out if they survive the danger headed their way.
Attorney Franco Rossi vowed she’d never return to Dallas, but when an old friend’s son is accused of murder, she books the next flight. Her homecoming triggers bitter memories, but learning the only woman she’s ever truly loved is the judge assigned to the case really throws her. Franco is convinced she and Nina have no future, yet chemistry and circumstance keep bringing them together. Will history, good and bad, repeat itself?
They’ll have a chance to find out if they survive the danger headed their way.
242 pages, Paperback
Published June 14, 2022
15 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Carsen Taite
51 books293 followersCarsen Taite's goal as an author is to spin plot lines as interesting as the cases she encountered in her career as a criminal defense lawyer. She is the award-winning author of a dozen novels and numerous short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 18, 2022
Franco Rossi returns home to Dallas at a request from an old college friend. The friend’s son is being accused of murder and Franco is the best lawyer around. Unforeseen circumstances place Franco and her ex girlfriend in the same courtroom when a shooter goes on a rampage throwing Franco and Nina into each other’s world. Trial and Error is an apt title for this second chance romance/drama.
Taite has found the perfect balance point between romance and drama in this novel. This gives both sides time to develop and engage the readers. The second chance connection may appear to move quickly however surviving a life and death situation definitely propels decisions to grab hold of happiness when it is right in front of you.
It is always fun to see old characters grace Taite’s new novels. P.I. Skye Keaton appears briefly but is then given to us again in a short story added to the novel. This is a pleasant surprise.
Taite’s writing is in fine form giving readers yet another must read book in Trial and Error.
I received an advance review copy from Bold Stroke Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Taite has found the perfect balance point between romance and drama in this novel. This gives both sides time to develop and engage the readers. The second chance connection may appear to move quickly however surviving a life and death situation definitely propels decisions to grab hold of happiness when it is right in front of you.
It is always fun to see old characters grace Taite’s new novels. P.I. Skye Keaton appears briefly but is then given to us again in a short story added to the novel. This is a pleasant surprise.
Taite’s writing is in fine form giving readers yet another must read book in Trial and Error.
I received an advance review copy from Bold Stroke Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 20, 2022
3.5⭐️ – When I reviewed Trial by Fire, I wrote that I hoped Nina would get her book, and here she is! Everything I love in Carsen Taite’s books is in this one: the law, the flawed characters, the excitement of the plot. What’s also there, and I wish it wasn’t, is the rushed resolution. Although it’s not so much rushed as far-fetched.
What’s the book about? Nineteen years ago, Nina’s girlfriend left her without much of an explanation. They haven’t seen each other since freshman year, then a former mutual friend asks Franco for help and she ends up in Nina’s courtroom.
Second-chance romance is one of my favourite tropes. In this case, the characters were still very much in love when they broke up and both have tried to move on for almost two decades. I bought the chemistry right away and was rooting for the MCs to find their way back to each other. I knew they would but MCs have a tendency to get in their own way that sometimes makes me want to shake them silly. These two never completely cross the line into annoying territory, in part thanks to everything else that happens to and around them: gunshots in Nina’s courtroom, Franco’s dad’s health, the case, Lennox’s brother’s case… I would have liked a little more about Nina’s campaign for re-election, which felt like an afterthought. As usual, however, I liked the characters, and I love coming across people I’ve met in other books. Lennox and Wren, from Trial by Fire, were a given but there were others I didn’t expect. One of them is Skye Keaton, my favourite bad girl turned good in this universe. Her appearance in this book isn’t extensive but there’s a short story with her as the MC after the novel itself, which you might have already read as it was part of the Amor and More BSB anthology a few years ago. Either way, it’s a nice addition.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog: Jude in the Stars
What’s the book about? Nineteen years ago, Nina’s girlfriend left her without much of an explanation. They haven’t seen each other since freshman year, then a former mutual friend asks Franco for help and she ends up in Nina’s courtroom.
Second-chance romance is one of my favourite tropes. In this case, the characters were still very much in love when they broke up and both have tried to move on for almost two decades. I bought the chemistry right away and was rooting for the MCs to find their way back to each other. I knew they would but MCs have a tendency to get in their own way that sometimes makes me want to shake them silly. These two never completely cross the line into annoying territory, in part thanks to everything else that happens to and around them: gunshots in Nina’s courtroom, Franco’s dad’s health, the case, Lennox’s brother’s case… I would have liked a little more about Nina’s campaign for re-election, which felt like an afterthought. As usual, however, I liked the characters, and I love coming across people I’ve met in other books. Lennox and Wren, from Trial by Fire, were a given but there were others I didn’t expect. One of them is Skye Keaton, my favourite bad girl turned good in this universe. Her appearance in this book isn’t extensive but there’s a short story with her as the MC after the novel itself, which you might have already read as it was part of the Amor and More BSB anthology a few years ago. Either way, it’s a nice addition.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog: Jude in the Stars
May 15, 2022
3.5*
Carsen Taite is one of the best at writing stories with lawyers and judges and plots involving complex cases and the judicial system. And this story showcases that very well 👌🏻
So, this story is about Franco, a lawyer, and Nina, a judge. They both met during high school and college and were college sweethearts and the love of each other’s lives until, out of nowhere (but not really, because we learn more about what happened to Franco and her dad and why she did what she did), Franco broke up with Nina and then they went their separate ways.
Two decades later, as a favor to an old friend, Franco goes back to her hometown, Dallas, where Nina is a judge now. Circumstances make Nina the judge in charge of the case Franco’s there to see if she’ll take or not, but that day a shootout takes place in Nina’s courtroom and they both see their lives flash before their eyes and all the regrets they have and how their story is very much still unresolved. And after that, it’s just them trying to solve the case and dealing with their old and new feelings.
I was enjoying this book immensely until the end, to be honest. I was legit flipping the pages back and forth to try and see if I had missed a chapter somewhere… Because the book ended out of nowhere 😩 And I lowkey feel cheated, because I was super invested in their story and after all the hard times and all the “let’s just be friends” going on between Franco and Nina, that ending felt super rushed and it feels like another chapter is needed to conclude things. I legit need an epilogue or something so I can get closure and actually see them getting together and doing stuff together and not just an “ending” with them basically being “only friends” throughout the whole book and in the end, after a somewhat threatening event, they get all cuddly and one of them simply asks the other if they are a “thing” and the other says they are. Like, after being super invested, my romantic self needs more than this. An epilogue would’ve made a very big difference and it would’ve given the readers more closure, but that’s just my opinion.
Anyways… Overall, the story is super good and interesting and I loved reading about the ins and outs of all things law and being able to feel the tension between Nina and Franco. But that ending really dampened things for me and that’s why I’m only giving this 3.5*.
I received and Advanced Review Copy (ARC) from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
Carsen Taite is one of the best at writing stories with lawyers and judges and plots involving complex cases and the judicial system. And this story showcases that very well 👌🏻
So, this story is about Franco, a lawyer, and Nina, a judge. They both met during high school and college and were college sweethearts and the love of each other’s lives until, out of nowhere (but not really, because we learn more about what happened to Franco and her dad and why she did what she did), Franco broke up with Nina and then they went their separate ways.
Two decades later, as a favor to an old friend, Franco goes back to her hometown, Dallas, where Nina is a judge now. Circumstances make Nina the judge in charge of the case Franco’s there to see if she’ll take or not, but that day a shootout takes place in Nina’s courtroom and they both see their lives flash before their eyes and all the regrets they have and how their story is very much still unresolved. And after that, it’s just them trying to solve the case and dealing with their old and new feelings.
I was enjoying this book immensely until the end, to be honest. I was legit flipping the pages back and forth to try and see if I had missed a chapter somewhere… Because the book ended out of nowhere 😩 And I lowkey feel cheated, because I was super invested in their story and after all the hard times and all the “let’s just be friends” going on between Franco and Nina, that ending felt super rushed and it feels like another chapter is needed to conclude things. I legit need an epilogue or something so I can get closure and actually see them getting together and doing stuff together and not just an “ending” with them basically being “only friends” throughout the whole book and in the end, after a somewhat threatening event, they get all cuddly and one of them simply asks the other if they are a “thing” and the other says they are. Like, after being super invested, my romantic self needs more than this. An epilogue would’ve made a very big difference and it would’ve given the readers more closure, but that’s just my opinion.
Anyways… Overall, the story is super good and interesting and I loved reading about the ins and outs of all things law and being able to feel the tension between Nina and Franco. But that ending really dampened things for me and that’s why I’m only giving this 3.5*.
I received and Advanced Review Copy (ARC) from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
May 16, 2022
Judge Nina Aguilar has just entered her courtroom when her eyes were drawn to a beautiful woman standing in the back of the room. Her heart sank just as it was beginning to beat wildly. Seeing Franco Rossi, her first love, is a shock to say the least. When shots ring out, Franco ensures that her young client is safe and then begins looking for the Judge. At first, neither woman can begin to let go of the hurts from long ago. Franco realizes that she hasn’t gotten over her love for Nina. Nina isn’t sure she can ever let go of Franco having dumped her.
Taite has written a slow burn romance as her characters allow themselves to explore the possibility of reigniting a former love affair. There isn’t a lot of angst, but Nina has carried the hurt Franco caused her and refuses to either let it go or get over it and continues to stoke the hurt even after Franco indicates she’d like to perhaps rekindle the relationship.
Taite’s writes some of the best attorney romances in any genre, and this one is no exception. Taite’s fans will love this book, readers new to this author’s books might not love this book as much as Taite’s fans will. Perhaps someone looking for a place to start reading Taite, should look at some of her earlier books.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
Taite has written a slow burn romance as her characters allow themselves to explore the possibility of reigniting a former love affair. There isn’t a lot of angst, but Nina has carried the hurt Franco caused her and refuses to either let it go or get over it and continues to stoke the hurt even after Franco indicates she’d like to perhaps rekindle the relationship.
Taite’s writes some of the best attorney romances in any genre, and this one is no exception. Taite’s fans will love this book, readers new to this author’s books might not love this book as much as Taite’s fans will. Perhaps someone looking for a place to start reading Taite, should look at some of her earlier books.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
June 18, 2022
I think we can all agree that Carsen Taite writes some cracking books! Although Trial and Error isn’t my favourite, but is still very engrossing, it is an excellent read. But things seemed to be a bit rushed.
If you're a fan of Carsen Taite, enjoy courtroom drama and second chances romance, then you'll enjoy this new read.
I've to give Trail and Error a 3.4 out of 5
If you're a fan of Carsen Taite, enjoy courtroom drama and second chances romance, then you'll enjoy this new read.
I've to give Trail and Error a 3.4 out of 5
December 1, 2024
4⭐️
Carsen Taite is one of the best authors in of law and courtroom stories. And this one is no exception.
New characters and also some from the previous book, and some from other of her books are coming together to take down some bad guys and also find love.
Carsen Taite is one of the best authors in of law and courtroom stories. And this one is no exception.
New characters and also some from the previous book, and some from other of her books are coming together to take down some bad guys and also find love.
Read
May 17, 2022Nina Aguilar hasn't seen Franco Rossi for nineteen years. Franco was the great love of Nina's life but broke up with her shattering her world. As if seeing her in her courtroom isn't bad enough, a gunman starts shooting, putting both of their lives in jeopardy. Franco is prominent defense attorney who returned to Dallas to help an old college friend's son and is stunned to see that her former love is now a judge. After so many years apart, fate seems to want to give the women another chance.
I like both Nina and Franco and it was great to see characters from previous books, Lennox, Wren and Skye but the book fell a little flat for me. The ending was kind of anticlimactic as far as the case that brought Franco to town was concerned and I would have liked to have gotten more of the two together as a couple in the present. There were a few flashbacks during the book that gave us a feel for the couple they were during their time together during college but the time they spent together after Franco returns to town after they resolved the past wasn't very extensive. Overall, this wasn't a bad read and I did find the characters to be interesting. I just wanted more from the story and more romance.
An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
I like both Nina and Franco and it was great to see characters from previous books, Lennox, Wren and Skye but the book fell a little flat for me. The ending was kind of anticlimactic as far as the case that brought Franco to town was concerned and I would have liked to have gotten more of the two together as a couple in the present. There were a few flashbacks during the book that gave us a feel for the couple they were during their time together during college but the time they spent together after Franco returns to town after they resolved the past wasn't very extensive. Overall, this wasn't a bad read and I did find the characters to be interesting. I just wanted more from the story and more romance.
An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
June 25, 2022
Trial and Error by Carsen Taite, narrated by Paige McKinney
I love when writers bring their expertise in a subject matter into their novels. Carsen Taite is one of them, as a retired criminal defence attorney, her legal thrillers are unique in our genre. I’m always happy to pick up one of her books that feature heavily on law.
When Judge Nina Aguilar witnesses a shooting in her own courtroom, her life priorities change and her first love comes to mind. But when said first love, Franco Rossi, appears back in her life, she’ll have to decide whether falling back in love with her is worth it…
This is book 2 in the above-mentioned series which started with Trial by Fire, published in October 2021. The protagonist in this book is Judge Nina Aguilar, who was a secondary character in book one.
I really enjoy when Carsen Taite’s books are equal parts legal thriller/mystery and romance. This is the case of Trial and Error, I loved the legal part of the plot better than the romance. Even though I love the second chances trope, the “will-they/won’t-they” tension, I just couldn’t feel a strong chemistry between these mains. I really liked Nina as a secondary character in the previous book but no so much in this one, she seemed more strong-minded than in this story. Of course, this is a matter of personal taste so take it with a pinch of salt.
I’ve noticed in Ms. Taite’s previous work that her stories seem to finish more or less abruptly, and it happens here again. Maybe an extra chapter or two would have sufficed to tie all loose ends of the plot. It seems as if something is missing to make the story feel complete.
The audiobook was narrated by Paige McKinney who did an overall good job with the performance of emotions and general narration tone. I didn’t like her voice for Franco, but again, this is a matter of personal choice. Overall, this is a good summer read/listen. 4 stars.
Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins
I love when writers bring their expertise in a subject matter into their novels. Carsen Taite is one of them, as a retired criminal defence attorney, her legal thrillers are unique in our genre. I’m always happy to pick up one of her books that feature heavily on law.
When Judge Nina Aguilar witnesses a shooting in her own courtroom, her life priorities change and her first love comes to mind. But when said first love, Franco Rossi, appears back in her life, she’ll have to decide whether falling back in love with her is worth it…
This is book 2 in the above-mentioned series which started with Trial by Fire, published in October 2021. The protagonist in this book is Judge Nina Aguilar, who was a secondary character in book one.
I really enjoy when Carsen Taite’s books are equal parts legal thriller/mystery and romance. This is the case of Trial and Error, I loved the legal part of the plot better than the romance. Even though I love the second chances trope, the “will-they/won’t-they” tension, I just couldn’t feel a strong chemistry between these mains. I really liked Nina as a secondary character in the previous book but no so much in this one, she seemed more strong-minded than in this story. Of course, this is a matter of personal taste so take it with a pinch of salt.
I’ve noticed in Ms. Taite’s previous work that her stories seem to finish more or less abruptly, and it happens here again. Maybe an extra chapter or two would have sufficed to tie all loose ends of the plot. It seems as if something is missing to make the story feel complete.
The audiobook was narrated by Paige McKinney who did an overall good job with the performance of emotions and general narration tone. I didn’t like her voice for Franco, but again, this is a matter of personal choice. Overall, this is a good summer read/listen. 4 stars.
Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins
June 1, 2022
Trial and Error by Carsen Taite is one of the novels I’ve been looking forward to. This is the second book in the “Courting Danger Romances”. I enjoyed the first edition in the series, Trial by Fire, and I’m pleased to report that I liked this one as well.
The story really starts off with a bang…almost literally. Judge Nina Aguilar’s courtroom suddenly becomes a shooting gallery right after she enters the courtroom and moments after Nina spots someone special from her past. Franko (Frances) Rossi had been Nina’s first love, but there was a bad breakup between them almost twenty years ago. Now Attorney Rossi is back and it looks like she may be defending a suspect in Nina’s court…if they both survive the shooting.
This tale is not only a slow-burn, reunion romance, but it has two mysteries that create quite a bit of intrigue and thrills in the story. One of the mysteries is carried over from the first book and involves Wren and Lennox, the main characters in Trial by Fire, and secondary characters in this novel. The other involves Franco’s client who is charged with murdering his girlfriend, the daughter of a very rich and powerful man. The major setting for both novels is the Dallas courthouse and the surrounding area and is well described in both books. The characters are all well-developed. Including folks I am already familiar with, which made everything more realistic in this tale. There was the perfect amount of angst in the love story of Franco and Nina, and the romance fits nicely with the mysteries.
This book does have an open ending. Not everything is finished in this tale, but luckily there is at least one more novel in the series, and it will be out this September. This is not a good standalone novel. You need to read these two stories in order. Then we will all be ready for the next book coming soon.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/...
The story really starts off with a bang…almost literally. Judge Nina Aguilar’s courtroom suddenly becomes a shooting gallery right after she enters the courtroom and moments after Nina spots someone special from her past. Franko (Frances) Rossi had been Nina’s first love, but there was a bad breakup between them almost twenty years ago. Now Attorney Rossi is back and it looks like she may be defending a suspect in Nina’s court…if they both survive the shooting.
This tale is not only a slow-burn, reunion romance, but it has two mysteries that create quite a bit of intrigue and thrills in the story. One of the mysteries is carried over from the first book and involves Wren and Lennox, the main characters in Trial by Fire, and secondary characters in this novel. The other involves Franco’s client who is charged with murdering his girlfriend, the daughter of a very rich and powerful man. The major setting for both novels is the Dallas courthouse and the surrounding area and is well described in both books. The characters are all well-developed. Including folks I am already familiar with, which made everything more realistic in this tale. There was the perfect amount of angst in the love story of Franco and Nina, and the romance fits nicely with the mysteries.
This book does have an open ending. Not everything is finished in this tale, but luckily there is at least one more novel in the series, and it will be out this September. This is not a good standalone novel. You need to read these two stories in order. Then we will all be ready for the next book coming soon.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/...
June 2, 2022
This is the second book in the Courting Danger Romance series and I liked it very much.
This is a second chance romance with a big bang. The bang isn’t in the romance but in the the court room proceedings. Taite knows her stuff when it comes to these procedurals and I am here for all of it. We have some flashbacks in this story, and I don’t mind them much but I think I would have been fine without them. The way we get to know about Nina and Franco’s past could have been handled differently, but I understand the choice.
I liked Nina in the first book of the new series and I am pretty excited that she stayed on top form. Franco is a new addition and she is lovely too. It’s also good tot check back in with Wren and Lennox, they are a fun couple. I can see where the next book will go and I hope we get to know these characters even better. This book was more about the crimes and courtroom than the romance, it took forever for the second chance to actually happen and when it finally did “The End”….
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
This is a second chance romance with a big bang. The bang isn’t in the romance but in the the court room proceedings. Taite knows her stuff when it comes to these procedurals and I am here for all of it. We have some flashbacks in this story, and I don’t mind them much but I think I would have been fine without them. The way we get to know about Nina and Franco’s past could have been handled differently, but I understand the choice.
I liked Nina in the first book of the new series and I am pretty excited that she stayed on top form. Franco is a new addition and she is lovely too. It’s also good tot check back in with Wren and Lennox, they are a fun couple. I can see where the next book will go and I hope we get to know these characters even better. This book was more about the crimes and courtroom than the romance, it took forever for the second chance to actually happen and when it finally did “The End”….
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
June 5, 2022
Trial and Error starts out when Judge Aguilar catches sight of her ex girlfriend, Franco Rossi, in her court room. Franco is back in Dallas standing in as lawyer for a case as a favor for an old friend. Before either Nina or Franco can figure out where they stand with each other they are thrown into the search for a murderer on the loose.
This was a fast paced adventure that was fun to read. They are in the same universe as some of the author's other books and Wren and Lennox from Trial by Fire make appearances in more than a few scenes. I'd say this was more of a thriller than mystery because the culprit wasn't hard to guess but the were a few surprises on the way. I did have a hard time with the last few scenes as one of the two MCs makes a big decision that is totally opposite of what she had been saying the entire book and they don't have any private conversation that helps us understand why before the book ends. This made the end feel a bit abrupt and I would have liked a bit more there. It was still an entertaining read and, a with all her books, very well written. Taite's experience as a lawyer lend an authenticity to the story that you don't always get with this type of fiction.
This was a fast paced adventure that was fun to read. They are in the same universe as some of the author's other books and Wren and Lennox from Trial by Fire make appearances in more than a few scenes. I'd say this was more of a thriller than mystery because the culprit wasn't hard to guess but the were a few surprises on the way. I did have a hard time with the last few scenes as one of the two MCs makes a big decision that is totally opposite of what she had been saying the entire book and they don't have any private conversation that helps us understand why before the book ends. This made the end feel a bit abrupt and I would have liked a bit more there. It was still an entertaining read and, a with all her books, very well written. Taite's experience as a lawyer lend an authenticity to the story that you don't always get with this type of fiction.
May 25, 2022
4 star Very good second chance romance and mystery. The mystery was very good and all the pieces worked. And the legal info is very interesting and believable. But I would have liked a little more physical contact between the 2 mc. And I was startled at the abrupt ending. I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2022
This new story from the series Courting Danger Romances is set in the Dallas courthouse and continues the thread that started by Trial by Fire, although there are also characters from The Best Defense, including a final gift related to it. In any case, this novel and the others, like most of this author's stories, are within the judicial and police romances.
On this occasion three teenage friends, two of them ex-girlfriends during high school, have to meet again due to a legal matter, one of them being the mother of a young man accused of murder, and the other two, those who are ex-partner, being the reluctant defender of the young man and the accidental judge in the court where the case should be heard.
Franco Rossi had an event in her past that has affected her since it happened 20 years ago. At that moment, she left everything behind, her family, her girlfriend Nina. Everything happened very quickly, without Franco giving many explanations, so things were falsely closed and Nina was left with many doubts that she could now resolve. If she wanted it. And also if Franco wanted it.
But despite the fact that at first neither of them had in mind to reconnect, things seem to be lining up to not allow them to avoid it.
The part of the romance is correct, well developed, with the ups and downs that the matter requires, since they have a past and a present that are intermingled throughout the story. But the issue of the judicial matter, which on other occasions was better developed, was left unfinished here because its resolution was sudden and little reasoned. In fact, the book would need a final summary chapter or an epilogue. That has detracted my final consideration.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
On this occasion three teenage friends, two of them ex-girlfriends during high school, have to meet again due to a legal matter, one of them being the mother of a young man accused of murder, and the other two, those who are ex-partner, being the reluctant defender of the young man and the accidental judge in the court where the case should be heard.
Franco Rossi had an event in her past that has affected her since it happened 20 years ago. At that moment, she left everything behind, her family, her girlfriend Nina. Everything happened very quickly, without Franco giving many explanations, so things were falsely closed and Nina was left with many doubts that she could now resolve. If she wanted it. And also if Franco wanted it.
But despite the fact that at first neither of them had in mind to reconnect, things seem to be lining up to not allow them to avoid it.
The part of the romance is correct, well developed, with the ups and downs that the matter requires, since they have a past and a present that are intermingled throughout the story. But the issue of the judicial matter, which on other occasions was better developed, was left unfinished here because its resolution was sudden and little reasoned. In fact, the book would need a final summary chapter or an epilogue. That has detracted my final consideration.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
May 24, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
I’ve never read this author before or an F/F book, so I was on totally new territory, and I very much enjoyed this book.
It was smooth, thrilling, tense, chemistry driven, emotional and very well written.
Some of the characters and their relationships were a mystery to me, but not for much longer, I’m looking forward to reading the books I’ve missed from my blinker stage.
Great characters and entertaining storyline.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
I’ve never read this author before or an F/F book, so I was on totally new territory, and I very much enjoyed this book.
It was smooth, thrilling, tense, chemistry driven, emotional and very well written.
Some of the characters and their relationships were a mystery to me, but not for much longer, I’m looking forward to reading the books I’ve missed from my blinker stage.
Great characters and entertaining storyline.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
May 19, 2022
Carsen Taite draws upon her time as a lawyer to write exciting legal romances. Continuing in her Courting Danger series this is a second chance romance. Franco Rossi who lives in Houston gets a call from an old friend. Her son has been arrested for murdering his college girlfriend. Franco agrees to come to Dallas to represent him at bail hearing and look at the case. She never expects to see her high school sweetheart and love of her life sitting as the judge on the case.
Judge Nina Aguilar didn’t know Franco has gone on to be a successful lawyer. She is still a little hurt and angry but the temptation to get closure and maybe friends is great. She needs to be careful as she is the judge in the case but so far it is all very preliminary. The case is interesting and brings in a reoccurring character, private investigator Skye Keaton. Also Nina’s best friends, Lennox and Wren are featured as well. They were the leads in Taites last novel.
I always enjoy second chance romances and regret the years the two have remained apart. Both Franco and Nina are very likable and I wanted them to come together. For me the ending is just disappointing. I've mentioned in other reviews the author will throw in a quick love scene because the focus is on the legal case. In this case I got the words but no more heat that a passionate kiss. I have no clue how they were going to put their lives together. And the case is vaguely wrapped up as well. I’m enjoying the series because I love legal romances. But I prefer more sparks. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)
Judge Nina Aguilar didn’t know Franco has gone on to be a successful lawyer. She is still a little hurt and angry but the temptation to get closure and maybe friends is great. She needs to be careful as she is the judge in the case but so far it is all very preliminary. The case is interesting and brings in a reoccurring character, private investigator Skye Keaton. Also Nina’s best friends, Lennox and Wren are featured as well. They were the leads in Taites last novel.
I always enjoy second chance romances and regret the years the two have remained apart. Both Franco and Nina are very likable and I wanted them to come together. For me the ending is just disappointing. I've mentioned in other reviews the author will throw in a quick love scene because the focus is on the legal case. In this case I got the words but no more heat that a passionate kiss. I have no clue how they were going to put their lives together. And the case is vaguely wrapped up as well. I’m enjoying the series because I love legal romances. But I prefer more sparks. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)
June 23, 2022
Trial and Error is book two in the Courting Danger Romance series. In book one, Trial by Fire, we met Wren and Lennox, and Lennox's best friend Nina, who was one of the mains in this second book. I remember reading Trial by Fire last year and hoping that Nina got her own story, and luckily she did. I will admit though that for me, the way she was portrayed in book one felt a bit different in book two. Regardless, I still liked her as a character.
Franco, her love interest, is also a good character. Franco and Nina have history from many years prior, but meet again serendipitously in Nina's court room. I liked the way Taite explored their romantic history, as well as the reasons for their break up. However, I would've liked to have seen more development in the reinvigoration of their romance in present day, as it felt a bit too simplistic in the way they let the drama from the past go.
Carsen Taite's novels typically feature a legal drama and this is no exception. The ending of the case that bought Franco into town was anticlimactic, which is a shame as it was intriguing for the majority of the novel but the conclusion felt rushed and not quite resolved. I would've liked to have had more knowledge on the why.
There were a few inconsistencies within the novel, and I think another edit would've resolved these for the reader. Regardless, Trial and Error is another good read from Carsen Taite.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Franco, her love interest, is also a good character. Franco and Nina have history from many years prior, but meet again serendipitously in Nina's court room. I liked the way Taite explored their romantic history, as well as the reasons for their break up. However, I would've liked to have seen more development in the reinvigoration of their romance in present day, as it felt a bit too simplistic in the way they let the drama from the past go.
Carsen Taite's novels typically feature a legal drama and this is no exception. The ending of the case that bought Franco into town was anticlimactic, which is a shame as it was intriguing for the majority of the novel but the conclusion felt rushed and not quite resolved. I would've liked to have had more knowledge on the why.
There were a few inconsistencies within the novel, and I think another edit would've resolved these for the reader. Regardless, Trial and Error is another good read from Carsen Taite.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2022
Attorney Franco Rossi returns to Dallas when an old friend asks for help when her son is accused of murder. And she ends up in the courtroom of Judge Nina Aguilar, the love of her life. The shock of seeing each other after 19 years is aggravated when bullets start flying. We are then drawn into a fast paced rhythm when Franco tries to solve the mystery of not just this murder but another one that took place a while back when Lennox Roy’s brother was jailed. The same Lennox from Trial By Fire. Both Lennox and Wren have a solid presence in this book. Skye Keaton from The Best Defense makes a cameo as well. The book is just great right until the end that is so abrupt. Another chapter or an epilogue would have made this book a knock out. We do have a bonus short staring Skye and Aimee from the Best Defense but it still misses a proper ending.
Free ARC via NetGalley.
Free ARC via NetGalley.
June 27, 2022
I liked the second chance romance concept of this book and I think that it was given more emphasis compared to the Devon case conflict/plot as the characters haven't really thoroughly discussed Devon's case not until past halfway through the book. Also, I figured the author's way of writing a quick resolution of a problem at the end of her books, and in this one, it happened as well. Not to mention, Franco and Nina's second take on romance happened and ended so abruptly. I wish it could've been given a sort of shed of light as to how they both went from rehashing the pain of the past to rekindling back their love together.
May 31, 2022
3.5
Inside the Justice System: trial and tribulation
I really like how Carsen Taite who was for a long time part of the justice system gives a very thorough glimpse into the pits and pitfalls of the system. Her depiction of the court house, the wheelings and dealings and going-ons of judges, prosecutors and defenders feels totally real. I was very much engrossed into the setting. Since this is a sequel to Trial by Fire which is set in the same environment we get to meet again some of the previous characters.
What I liked is the perfect start: what a fast and furious beginning! It really gripped me. And I loved how the romance and the investigation were interwoven. The second chance romance is in my opnion well done - I enjoyed the slow rebuilding of trust.
The end both of the romance and of the trial was very quick and I was a bit baffled because the resolution was only sketched out and felt rushed - at that point it felt more like a longish novella than a fully fleshed out novel. I am sure the third novel in this new series will give us more about the dark secrets yet hidden in the background.
Inside the Justice System: trial and tribulation
I really like how Carsen Taite who was for a long time part of the justice system gives a very thorough glimpse into the pits and pitfalls of the system. Her depiction of the court house, the wheelings and dealings and going-ons of judges, prosecutors and defenders feels totally real. I was very much engrossed into the setting. Since this is a sequel to Trial by Fire which is set in the same environment we get to meet again some of the previous characters.
What I liked is the perfect start: what a fast and furious beginning! It really gripped me. And I loved how the romance and the investigation were interwoven. The second chance romance is in my opnion well done - I enjoyed the slow rebuilding of trust.
The end both of the romance and of the trial was very quick and I was a bit baffled because the resolution was only sketched out and felt rushed - at that point it felt more like a longish novella than a fully fleshed out novel. I am sure the third novel in this new series will give us more about the dark secrets yet hidden in the background.
May 25, 2022
Nina Aguilar first appeared in “Trial by Fire” (which incidentally was my first Carsen Taite book) and she was such a vibrant character! So I was thrilled to bits when she got her own story. After reading “Trial by Fire” I actually hunted down Skye Keaton’s story as well. So for me, many of the characters that appear in this book felt quite familiar and I enjoyed connecting with them again.
It’s so hard balancing a good law & order story with romance and especially a second chance romance at that, but Taite does a really great job providing a compelling and page turning narrative. There’s a couple of mysteries here, the criminal kind that drives the intro of Franco, Nina’s high school sweetheart. The relationship kind where we wonder why it all came to an end and a cold case from the first book in this series. All of them are weaved in wonderfully and totally intrigued and pulled me in. So much so that I didn’t realize till very very late that I was almost at 80% and the story was beginning to reach its climactic juncture.
I also think this was the point where there was an expectation mismatch. The last 10% of the book wrapped up way too quickly to the point that it almost felt abrupt. The mystery loose ends were closed but way too fast for me and then lastly, the one thing I’m really sad about - the lovely slow burn second chance romance between Nina and Franco that was so well done throughout this book. That too met a very staid HEA end.
Trial by Error is a great read and aside from my whinging about the rapid end was quite enjoyable.
Thank you Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s so hard balancing a good law & order story with romance and especially a second chance romance at that, but Taite does a really great job providing a compelling and page turning narrative. There’s a couple of mysteries here, the criminal kind that drives the intro of Franco, Nina’s high school sweetheart. The relationship kind where we wonder why it all came to an end and a cold case from the first book in this series. All of them are weaved in wonderfully and totally intrigued and pulled me in. So much so that I didn’t realize till very very late that I was almost at 80% and the story was beginning to reach its climactic juncture.
I also think this was the point where there was an expectation mismatch. The last 10% of the book wrapped up way too quickly to the point that it almost felt abrupt. The mystery loose ends were closed but way too fast for me and then lastly, the one thing I’m really sad about - the lovely slow burn second chance romance between Nina and Franco that was so well done throughout this book. That too met a very staid HEA end.
Trial by Error is a great read and aside from my whinging about the rapid end was quite enjoyable.
Thank you Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2022
Second chance romances are a favorite of mine. The push and pull and the will they or will they not get back together. I also like court procedures because I learn something every time I read and this read was no exception.
Judge Nina Aguilar, likeable and full of style. Nina is also hurting from a loss love. Attorney Franco Rossi, talented, loner that believes asking for help makes you appear weak, and she is struggling with relationship decisions she made many years ago. Franco also has a dad that she is worried about. As Nina and Franco interact with each other they toss in digs, some helpful others not so much. The supporting characters which appeared in the previous books provide some interesting commentary. There are several moving pieces that lead me to believe there will be another read in this series.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
Judge Nina Aguilar, likeable and full of style. Nina is also hurting from a loss love. Attorney Franco Rossi, talented, loner that believes asking for help makes you appear weak, and she is struggling with relationship decisions she made many years ago. Franco also has a dad that she is worried about. As Nina and Franco interact with each other they toss in digs, some helpful others not so much. The supporting characters which appeared in the previous books provide some interesting commentary. There are several moving pieces that lead me to believe there will be another read in this series.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
May 27, 2022
Franco Rossi said she would never return to Dallas again. So far she’s kept herself away from the city where she grew up. The only thing that takes her back is her father once in a while but when she sees him this time she realizes he’s getting older and the home where she grew up is falling into disrepair. If she didn’t get a call from an old school friend Jenna looking for her help when her son is charged with the murder of his girlfriend. Another reason she doesn’t want to go back to Dallas is the fear she might run into her girlfriend Nina Aguilar. They were together from the time they attended high school, went onto college, both with the dream of becoming lawyers, working and living together but life happened. Franco’s life takes a turn when she pleads guilty to a crime. Now her dream is gone and she refuses asking Nina for some help. Instead she leaves and it’s been long enough for her to overcome the past and she goes on to become a lawyer. A very successful lawyer.
Nina loved Franco, everything about her and she too had to say goodbye to the dream they shared. After a while she gathered herself together and not only did she become a lawyer she has gone on to becoming a judge. She has good friends but has kept away from relationships. How could she settle when the only woman she loved goes and doesn’t even look back.
When a shooting takes place in Nina’s courtroom Franco is there looking for information regarding the murder of a young woman and the young man accused of killing her. Never did she expect to see Nina and Nina can’t believe her eyes when she sees Franco. Maybe now she will get some answers as to what happened, why Franco left her.
Ms Taite has done it again, writing a story set in a courtroom. Great characters with some interesting twists and turns. Very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Nina loved Franco, everything about her and she too had to say goodbye to the dream they shared. After a while she gathered herself together and not only did she become a lawyer she has gone on to becoming a judge. She has good friends but has kept away from relationships. How could she settle when the only woman she loved goes and doesn’t even look back.
When a shooting takes place in Nina’s courtroom Franco is there looking for information regarding the murder of a young woman and the young man accused of killing her. Never did she expect to see Nina and Nina can’t believe her eyes when she sees Franco. Maybe now she will get some answers as to what happened, why Franco left her.
Ms Taite has done it again, writing a story set in a courtroom. Great characters with some interesting twists and turns. Very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
May 21, 2022
After returning to Dallas, lawyer Franco Rossi enters a courtroom to meet with a potential client she immediately locks eyes with Judge Nina Aguilar her ex girlfriend she thought she's spend her life with. At the same time disaster hits the courtroom and she rushes to help Nina.
After the dust settles and their paths continue to cross but Nina's friends aren't sure this is a good idea especially when they find out why Franco once disappeared.
Nina's life may be in danger but not from Franco, will it be too late for them to reconnect and hope for a future together?
This addition to the Courting Danger Romance series does not disappoint.
Carsen Taite brings together a fascinating legal case along with some favorite character from the series.
Highly recommend this.
After the dust settles and their paths continue to cross but Nina's friends aren't sure this is a good idea especially when they find out why Franco once disappeared.
Nina's life may be in danger but not from Franco, will it be too late for them to reconnect and hope for a future together?
This addition to the Courting Danger Romance series does not disappoint.
Carsen Taite brings together a fascinating legal case along with some favorite character from the series.
Highly recommend this.
August 26, 2022
Another cracking book in this series by Carsen Taite, a well thought through crime book, set within the courts. When Franco returns to Dallas to take on the case of a friend's son, it brings her back to her ex Nina, who is now the judge on said case. Lennox and Wren are Nina's best friends and suspicious of Franco, which adds tension, if more were needed. I really enjoyed this book, the story is gripping, the characters are well developed and believable. Once again I couldn't put it down and it was easy to read. Definitely an author to follow.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2022
Second chance love is set in a courtroom drama. As always Carsen Taite's books are filled with minutia details about the legal system in Dallas Texas. This story was enjoyable but I would have liked more from the romance and the legal story. Both at the end of the book seemed rushed and wrapped up very quickly. I did enjoy learning more about Carsen's various cast of recurring characters. If you love books where by an author revisits other MC from other novels and you learn more you will probably enjoy this book.
July 30, 2022
3 stars. I read this all in one go as I was getting my hair braided. It was fine. An entertaining way to pass the time but nothing amazing. I think all of the drama surrounding the past and why Nina and Franco felt super forced. I also wasn’t really feeling their chemistry so I never did buy into their romance. However, the plot itself with the case and all of that was so fascinating and what held my attention the most. It was gripping. I liked the writing and I thought Franco and Nina were great characters as individuals I just wish I believed in their romance and second chance.
June 2, 2022
Enjoyable read that held my interest all the way through, which doesn’t always happen with crime storylines. I liked that the two leading characters were both mature and happy in their careers, but missing out on love. Some dramatic moments, that could have been more menacing, especially near the end, which was far too abrupt! The percentage read said 89%, so it was unexpected too. Most annoying and drops a star because it really affected the story.
July 14, 2022
This was an easy read. Franco ran into Nina after 19 years. Franco is a defense lawyer asked to defend Devon, who is accused of murder. Nina is Franco's old girlfriend, who France left 19 years ago. The plot is simple and easy to figure out. The characters seem incomplete and fall back into old ways to readily. I recommend this book for romance and crime readers who do not expect too much
June 26, 2022
Great read
I do wish it was bit longer or the findings took bit longer to be discovered.
But the story was great.
I do wish it was bit longer or the findings took bit longer to be discovered.
But the story was great.
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