"Immaculate beauty poured over a spine of steel and a heart of stone."

"He had the heart of a saint, the body of a god, and the appetite of a libertine."

The only negative thing I have to say about this book is that it's too short, I finished it in the blink of an eye. Kerrigan is my comfort read author and she never disappoints.

Every time I read a book by her I say this one is my favourite but then she releases another book and I just can't pick a favorite. I loved everything about this book, it was like taking a nap on a stressing day or eating one of your favorite desserts.

It made my laugh out loud, it made me cry and it made my heart ache. I can't wait to read Mercy's and Felicity's books.

Loving this new series! A second chance romance with plenty of wit and tenderness. Byrne excels at the "damaged hero" trope, so her take on the female perspective of an "loose wife" is nuanced and complex.

Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (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 our eggplant chart 😛 )

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.

I really enjoyed this story. It had the emotional pull and angst that I adore. I really liked both characters, and I was quite surprised how much I liked Nora especially after the previous book. I think if I reread that story I will see her with new eyes for sure.

Fortunately for me, I read the Victorian Rebels serie, so I knew quite every characters involved in this story. Unfortunately I hadn't yet read the 7th volume and this book comes afterwards, because the heroine is the sister of Patience Goode, the new spouse of Chief Inspector Morley,
It this book you will follow Honoria Goode, sister of Patience who apparently was in a bad situation at the end of "Seducing a stranger". She will met her first love Titus Conleith, that she scorned to spouse William Mosby, a Viscount.

It was really difficult to go in this book knowing that I was missing a lot of information due to my lack of attention, so sad that I missed the fact that it wasn't a one shot book ! Usually I really enjoyed reading books from Kerrigan Byrne. Moreover time that I figured out everything the book was already finished.

For the one who really enjoyed the Victorian Serie and ALREADY READ ALL THE BOOKS, don't hesitate go forward. And the glimpse for the next book in this new serie (the Good sister serie) is enthralling.

Courting Trouble by Keegan Byrne is a delightful read full of suspense, anticipate and sweetness. Tough characters drawn you into the story then race past you to drive in new directions. Highly recommend. Romance, Thriller. Love story. Puzzle. Family drama. It has it all.

This is the second book in the series. I haven't read the first book but I don't feel like it's necessary to enjoy this book. I loved the back story on Titus and Honoria falling in love. When they're reunited they have to work through their past. I also loved the side characters especially her sisters. This was a good book but I felt something was missing. I will definitely check out the rest of this series though.

I love how the books in this series seem to pick up right when the last one left off. It feels like I don't miss a beat that way. Nora and Titus's story is so redeeming and sweet. She has had such a troubled past and deserves the love he can give her. I love how he works so hard to be more and better but all through the lens of loving her from afar. I can't wait to read Mercy's book!

Thanks to the publishers, author and Netgalley for an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am officially obsessed with this series and cannot wait to read more. I love how Nora is the hero, broken and disgraced and in need of kindness and Titus is her heroine - the man that coaxes her back to life and brings her the salvation she needs and helps her to find her honour once more.
I'm looking forward to Mercy and Felicity's stories, having enjoyed Prudence's and now Nora's so much.

Adultery is a huge issue for me regardless of the circumstances. I have completely turned off a book if either of the main characters does this. It's the heroine in this case and although it's not the hero she has had multiple affairs on I just can't stomach that sort of behaviour. This is the sole basis for my rating.

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book by Kerrigan Byrne. This was the first work of her that I have read but it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed this second chance romance. My only critique would be that it was a bit short. I just wanted more time with these characters.

"Courting Trouble" is a dark love story with captivating characterizations including an unexpected villain, (the heroine's father). The heroine is always trying to save the hero from disaster and ruin. Ultimately, damaging herself and their relationship but as love and Ms. Byrne would have it, they overcome the obstacles and become the better people for it and move on to a stronger, more enduring love. A love story that I wouldn't have wanted to miss.

Titus and honor were in love as adolescents, then they were cruelly torn apart, and she was forced to marry another. Years later they come together when Titus, now a doctor, saves her life. Still he has a hard time forgiving the woman who broke his heart, not knowing that she did what she did to save him.

4.5 stars

I know I sound a little bit like a broken record every time I review a book by Kerrigan Byrne. But it’s not my fault. She hits my sweet spot every time. I love heroes who are “below" their heroine. And it is even more delicious when that disparity is meaningless to the woman who loves him.

We met Nora as a side character in A Dark and Stormy Knight, the last of the Victorian Rebels books. (And let me just say, if you did not read that series, run --don’t walk-- to your favorite bookseller and snatch them all up. They are excellent.) Honestly, she didn't strike me as prime heroine material. She was banging a bunch of male escorts and was willing to let her sister marry one of her former lovers, even knowing it was a bad match. But we learn here that there is much more to her. She married her awful husband to protect the man she really loved. And all those men she's been sleeping with? They all wore Titus's face when her eyes were closed in the dark.

Titus was a servant in Nora's house when they were young. He fell for her before he was even a teenager. She came around a bit later. And for a short time, they were blissfully in love. Then her father found out and dashed any hopes she had for happiness. Now Titus is a successful doctor, which is very convenient when you consider Nora's been shot and she needs his help to recover.

There's so much lovely angst here. Neither Nora nor Titus ever stopped pining for the other. And there is all of this hurt and unfinished business between them. There is also crazy hot sexual tension and long lost love.

This hero isn't quite as tortured as the ones in the Victorian Rebels series, but he is broody and holds on to his feelings, which I still love.

Would totally recommend for historical romance fans who like their stories high on angst and repressed feels. Totally satisfying.

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.

This is my first Kerrigan Byrne read. And I really enjoyed it! It wasn't quite as dark as what I've heard about the Victorian Rebels series (which I intend to read) but there was enough that I could definitely feel that unique Kerrigen Byrne darkness every talks about.

First off, I love the name Honoria. I don't see it often, so when I do, it always stands out!

And second... THE. STEAM! (excuse me while I fetch my fan) I'm a sucker for some good steam. So A+ on that!

A few cons for me was the time gap and Honoria marrying someone else. The time gap I can handle but the other, not so much. (I was able to handle it better though because their first time was with each other, before she married someone else. So I was happy about that!) It's not a complaint on the story or writing, just a personal preference. It always turns me off! Argh! (Not sure what that last sound was, guess I'm a pirate for this review.)

We do get, obviously, the second chance romance trope with this. Not my favorite trope, (also obviously) but for those who love it, this book is definitely for you!

The secondary characters I really enjoyed. I'm super interested in the next book now! Overall it was a slightly quick but enjoyable read that kept me interested!

Thank you #NetGalley for my eARC of #CourtingTrouble !

A second chance, slow burn romance, that I really enjoyed. Excellent Historical details and set in 1880 England with flashbacks from 1865 and 68 (approx). It's beautifully written and part of a series, but it can be read as a stand alone, although reading from the beginning would round out the side characters further and flesh out the back story. My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc in return for my honest opinion.

My first 5-star review of 2021! I LOVED THIS ONE!! I had forgotten just how much I love Kerrigan Byrne's books and how beautifully written her characters are. I wasn't too sure about this one as it was a second chance romance, but as always, I was blown away!

Titus and Nora have such a beautiful, true love that made my heart swell. They had been torn apart by the worst circumstances and are brought back together in an even worse circumstances when (mild spoiler) Nora almost dies and Titus is the one to stitch her back together just as he nursed her back to health when they were younger. I was rooting for them the entire time and fell in love with both Nora and Titus. This was a second chance romance that I wasn't upset or angry at either of the characters which is a big plus! Most of the time I find myself hating one of the characters because of something horrible they did to cause the split but neither of them were horrible people which was a huge relief. Now let's get down to the nitty-gritty!

What I loved:
-Titus. Without a doubt a man that now has my heart. He is angsty and sweet and loyal.
-Nora and all of her sisters! I loved their dynamic and the love they have for one another.
-Titus being a surgeon is also a big bonus. There's something so hot about those scenes with them while he checks her wound that had my toes curling!
-The conflict didn't feel forced at all. Most of the time I can't stand whatever is standing in the way of a repaired second chance, but for this one it felt real and awful! It really had me stressed; in a good way though.
-The promise of all the other books in the series is a big plus! Knowing there are all these other books coming out after this one has me so excited!

What I didn't love:
-there was nothing major that could take away any stars, the only thing I didn't find perfect about the book is the length of them finally being together. I wanted more of the end, but again that's something that comes with sequels so I'm not upset about it. I just figured I would put this in for anyone who was not aware that this is a multi-book series and has trouble waiting for sequels because I know I'm struggling until the next one releases in February!

*I received this ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily read this book. my thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you, NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for giving me the chance to read an advanced copy!*

Loved the backstory on Titus’ love story for Honoria - it gave so much depth to the rest of the book. This was entertaining and kept me riveted to see what was going to happen next. (And I sure hope Raphael and his brother are going to woo Mercy and Felicity in the next few books!)

I love Kerrigan Byrne and every book I had the pleasure to read till today but I struggled with this one.

Maybe it’s just me but I didn’t connect to the story. I usually read a book in a week or two but this one took me almost an entire month.

There wasn’t a lot of action in this book. Basically almost 90 % of the book happens in the hospital and is about Honoria’s family and not so much of her spending time with Titus.

I understand why she decided to marry the first time but I think she was too agreeable when her father told her to marry for the second time. I was missing more spine from her. She took action into her own hands not once thinking how that may affect her relationship with Titus and Titus himself. I wish I’d like Honoria more but I just couldn’t and I think that was the part why it took me so long to finish this book.

I do love the ending and the premise of the next book. I cannot wait to hear more about the mysterious brothers especially Gabriel. I also liked seeing characters from the previous book and series.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

I really enjoyed Courting Trouble. It was my first novel by Byrne and I'm sure I'll read more of her work.

The story is slightly different than most historical romances because it's darker and there's more action. The heroine was wonderfully flawed which made her struggle and love troubles all the more convincing - and at the same time I couldn't help but root for her. What I missed was a similar depth of character in the male protagonist. Titus was just a tad too perfect to be entirely believable.

The crime subplot made the story more fast paced and spicier. All in all, a very good read. I recommend it!