A well written, swoon-worthy and dramatic Historical romance set in London in the late 1800's. It's slow burn, with beautifully penned steamy scenes. Excellent character development for the H/h in this Beauty and the Beast trope. I couldn't really fault the writing and this book really expresses romance one hundred percent. Great Historical details as well.

This story can be read as a stand alone if you aren't intending to read the previous books in the series. If you haven't read them and want to, there are spoilers throughout this book, so I suggest you start at the beginning of the Goode series and read them in order - this one is book four. My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in return for my opinion. 4.5 stars. 😍💗

I have been not so patiently waiting for this book and it did not disappoint. Gabriel amd Felicity are some of my favorite kind of romance, the shy girl and the bad man. Yeah, cliche, so what?
Felicity is so interesting and so different from her twin. I liked that she has personally and not only lives behind her sister. She has her own tastes and is always lost in books like I am. She was relatable and likable (different from Mercy, that was not my cup of tea), and she is so true to her emotions that they are intense and can’t help Gabriel to want to be close to her.
Gabriel is the typical bad gangster that has a soft spot for the good girl, but he is so much more than that. He has history and depth and insecurities that make him real to the readers. I felt like crying when his past was revealed, but him confiding and comforting Felicity was just everything.
I wish Kerrigan Byrne would give us more of them as soon as possible, but got to wait for the new books.

LOVED this book!!! It was a slow build romance of two vulnerable people that were perfect for each other!!! I was SO excited to read Gabriel & Felicity’s story!!! This book was romantic, had action, a mysterious plot, and minor appearances by the other couples from the past books (Raphael was particularly funny!). Kerrigan Byrne’s books flow so perfectly from one book to the next!! Her formula for writing is PERFECT!! I can’t wait to read more in this series!!!!!

FAV QUOTES:
“He’d saved Felicity Goode, because even heaven didn’t deserve her.”

“Miss Felicity, if my manhood could he threatened by learning something from a woman, then I wasn’t much of a man to begin with.”

“Touched, she turned away so he wouldn’t see the glow in her heart shining out through her eyes.”

“Because she wanted a gentle palm in which to place her tender heart. And he only knew how to make a fist.”

“She’d been his in his heart, his imagination, his every decision since that day.”

“Even if you gave your future to another. You are still mine, because you are a part of me. The only part of me I can stand.”

Thanks to Net Galley for an e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely loved this particular Goode girl! This entire series - with girls whose names are practically the antithesis of their very being (at least in terms of how they think of themselves) has been wonderful. I think Kerrigan Byrne saved the best of the lot for this book. Felicity struggles with crippling anxiety and panic attacks. She has an incredibly enormous heart and is so kind to everyone in her orbit. She is also very brave - she is continuing to find her way in spite of those challenges - and trying to take on family responsibilities with effectively no support. When she encounters Gabriel again, in the guise of Gareth she immediately feels the safety and support she's been craving.

Make no mistake Gabriel is not a traditional good guy or soft on any level. He had a horrific childhood that he twisted and forced into something more and within his tightly held control. When he finds Felicity, it is 100% love at first sight for him - but his very severe facial injuries and his life as a gangster keep him away from her. But man, when they do get together. It is so dreamy.

I highly recommend the whole series - but this book isn't to be missed.

I was extremely lucky to receive this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

Kerrigan Byrne touches all of the readers emotions in this wonderful book. Gabriel has had his disfigurement fixed, but cannot part for world's unknown without just one last look at Felicity Goode. The most gentle of the Goode sisters is in need of a bodyguard and thinks that Gabriel has come to apply for the position. Once he learns she is in danger, he cannot leave without knowing she is protected. But how long will he be able to hide the love he has for her?

This book is wonderful and readers won't want to put it down.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of Tempting Fate by Kerrigan Byrne.

I’ve been waiting for Gabriel’s and Felicity’s story and Kerrigan didn’t disappoint.

Gabriel has a painful past that shaped who he is and he feels he can’t be with Felicity as a result. Felicity lives an anxious and fearful life. She feels she lacks courage sees herself as weak. While they are meant for each other, they need to get past their beliefs about themselves to realize this.

I loved how Kerrigan shows Gabriel’s struggle with his feelings throughout the book. The writing was descriptive and beautiful.

There was a good plot twist—I was surprised by what was revealed.

I look forward to reading more stories by Kerrigan Byrne.

Oh my “goode ness” the Goode girls are back, and Felicity’s story is fantastic!
*****
Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 1.5 flames
Genre: Historical Romance
*****
Felicity, shy, clumsy, prone to panic and anxiety, has never felt like she belongs. She’s more of an observer than a participator. She has watched all her siblings fall in love and get their HEA but is that in the cards for her? Would anyone love a broken woman such as her?

Gabriel has never known kindness, love, or affection. He only knows pain and violence. But he has been in love with Felicity since their first meeting in Courting Trouble. However, he is scarred and badly disfigured, and doesn’t feel he is worthy of someone like Felicity, the epitome of goodness.

Felicity is more comfortable in her greenhouse than the ball. She is intelligent but naive and she would rather live in her romance novels than real life. She wonders what it would be like to have her own rake, privateer, or smuggler devoted to her as they are in the novels. But now Felicity is in danger, someone has tried to accost her, has been in her home, and has left her a threatening message.

Imagine Gabriel’s surprise when he is lurking to get one more look at her before he leaves to meet his brother when she, without her glasses on, barrels right into him and grabs his arm and drags him into her house to discuss employment. She thinks he is there for the bodyguard job. Gabriel can't turn away once he discovers Felicity is in danger.

Tempting Fate is a slow burn, anti-hero/redemption, historical romance chock full of suspense and an engaging story. Once again, I started the book and couldn’t stop turning the pages until I knew who was behind everything and Felicity and Gabriel's fate. I teared up, I swooned, I got mad, and I cheered for these two broken souls that truly needed each other. Tempting Fate is full of twists and turns and the twist at the end was one I was not expecting at all. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Byrne does next!

I loved Tempting Fate and the entire Goode Girls series, and highly recommend this book and series to all historical romance lovers.

This series of Goode sister gets better with each book. I wasn't sure how the pairing would work but the author did a amazing job of writing 2 "shy" people. I loved their interaction and the development of the relationship. The resolution of the external conflict was a little abrupt but it didn't take anything away from the story.

This was such a beautiful novel that tells the story of two people who feel overlooked and broken. Kerrigan Byrne is a true master of her craft as she weaves together a stunning love story of two souls that fit so perfectly together. This novel is engaging, fast paced and sweetly steamy, creating the perfect balance for a delightful and heartfelt read.

The heroine-Felicity Goode is the youngest Goode daughter, she is kind and smart and a true romantic. Gabriel Sauvageau is a scared, virgin hero who has only know pain and violence. This novel is their journey of discovering each other and recognizing the value that they each have. I was absolutely taken with Gabriel as a hero, he was so fully in love with Felicity and has been since the moment he first saw her. I love that he fully understands this emotion and draw that he has toward her and that did not scare him. I love that when Gabriel comes into Felicity's live as a personal body guard that she feels safe in his presence. It is as if her soul is recognizing its true mate.

There is a bit of mystery to solve and Felicity's life to protect which causes our hero and heroine to be in constant proximity to each other, and their feelings are able to softly bloom as they realize how well they compliment each other. I love that we get Gabriel's inner thoughts and we can see his possessive and jealous side and I love that he is only ever sweet and kind to Felicity (even though he is constantly warning her that he is dangerous). I love that Felicity and Gabriel see the true beauty in each other and their attraction is not just of the body, but of the mind and heart.

This romance to me, while it is a bit of a slow burn, was a true meeting of souls and the beautiful fruition of unrequited love. I would highly recommend this to all Kerrigan Byrne lovers, I would recommend this to people who love historical romance, and to people who love a beautiful love story of two destined souls.

How have I not read the previous books in this series! I have definitely missed out on a really amazing lead-up to this book, if the story enclosed is a testament to the previous ones. I loved all the characters, especially the two main characters who were so perfect for each other and didn't realize it at first. Kerrigan Byrne has a way of creating characters that are vibrant, flawed, and entirely relatable. I appreciate that so much in historical romance, where sometimes it can feel so long ago that it's hard to find commonalities. A good historical romance writer can show you the past in a way that allows you to see yourself in it, to feel as if you could do what they did. It's empowering and inspiring.

Gabriel Sauvageau had no intentions of ever allowing Felicity Goode to see him again. After saving her life and injuring himself in the process, he allowed everyone to think he was dead while he was really getting treatment for injuries he had sustained long ago. Injuries that had, until now, required him to wear a mask to shield his true face from the rest of the world. With a new face, he fully intended to join his brother abroad, leaving Felicity to a peaceful life without him. But when her life is in danger and she needs a bodyguard, she hires him, thinking he is Gareth Severand, a rough-looking giant of a man who makes her feel safe. Gabriel can't leave her now, and so he moves into her home and watches as she considers suitors that will allow her to keep her inheritance from her late father. She requires a man with a title, but as she spends more time with her protector, Felicity finds that what she really needs is him, Gareth. Scars and all.

This couple was so romantic, it made my heart melt as I read through the pages. Felicity was so innocent and adorable, with her bumbling ways, her quiet and unassuming demeanor, and her reluctance to let servants go. Her anxiety attacks endeared her to me further, as it made her so relatable for me, as I have suffered from the myself. In a world where composure is valued above all else, it must have been terrible for her to hide her condition from everyone. I loved how Gabriel accepted Felicity, and instead of looking on her as weak, he saw her inner strength and was completely willing to be the rock she could cling to when she felt like she was drowning. Gabriel was such a sweetheart as well, and while he was as innocent as she in the ways of a sexual relationship, he knew that what he felt for her went beyond anything he had felt before. He had literally been holding back his feelings for her for years. It made their coming together all the sweeter, when they could each love each other the way they had wanted to for such a long time.

Even if you haven't read the previous books, you absolutely can enjoy this one. However, I will be going back and reading the others, so I can fully appreciate the story. The Goode family is one not to miss.

Finally we get Felicity and Gabriel’s story! Felicity is the shy, demure, and delicate sister, the total opposite of the other Goode sisters, so her attraction to the “beastly” and savage Gabriel makes no sense. Her devastation after finding out about his death after saving her once again knows no bounds, but all is not as it seems. Due to a horrific childhood the scarred Gabriel yearns to leave his thieving ways behind and start over anew after meeting up with his brother, but there’s something about Felicity that causes him to linger in England. Fast forward a bit and Felicity unknowingly hires Garett ( Gabriel) Severand to act as her personal security after numerous mysterious attacks against her. Their attraction cannot be denied, but what happens when Felicity learns the truth about her bodyguard? This book is the end of the Goode sisters series and has a nice blend of intrigue mixed in with the heat of this historical romance that has a touch of the “Beauty and the Beast” feel to it. Gabriel’s rough and tough exterior has a soft core that gives strength to Felicity and balances her somewhat “fragile “ nature, until you come to realize there is much more depth of character to Felicity than her family gives her credit for. There’s also a nice little twist at the end that leaves you wanting more. While it’s nice to see many familiar faces from the other siblings you do not need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one, although I do highly recommend them. 5 stars.. I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.

Felicity is the youngest of four girls. Her parents have died and her siblings have married. She is now not only in charge of her household, she’s in charge of her father’s fortune. His will specifies it is all hers, including his shipping business, if she marries a title – but only if it’s a Viscount or higher. (He’s not asking for much, really.) Unfortunately, Felicity isn’t the type to care about titles - she’s a quiet, kind, giving person who wants to work in her garden and take care of those she loves.

When Felicity is attacked she puts an advertisement in the paper looking for men who can be her personal protection. She finds Gareth Severand in her yard and brings him in for an interview. When Gareth finds out why she needs protection, he immediately wants the position. Felicity hires him and moves him into her house.

Gareth is actually named Gabriel Savageau. He and his brother Raphael ran a notorious smuggling ring until they decided to get out of the business. Both Raphael and Gabriel then faked their own deaths. Raphael is married to Mercy, Felicity’s sister. The first time Gabriel saw Felicity he knew she was his, but at the time his face was disfigured. He has since had reconstructive surgery and was only at Felicity’s house to have one last look at her before he left the country. Obviously, he gets waylaid and is more than happy to protect her from whomever is out to hurt her.

Gareth and Felicity work to find out who keeps attacking Felicity and why. Gareth believes it is his old second in command, Marco, out to get Felicity to get to Gabriel. But there are other forces at work and many secrets being hidden from Felicity and Gareth.

I really enjoyed this story. I hadn’t read the first three books in this series, so I wasn’t sure if this was “standalone” enough for me to fall in. Luckily for me, it was, and I was able to enjoy the story without feeling like I was left in the dark about some things.

I really enjoyed Felicity in this story. Even though she’s pretty low-key, she stands up for what she believes in and is fiercely loyal to those she loves. She had her hang-up, but she didn’t let them take over her life and rule it.

Gabriel was not someone I thought I would enjoy as a hero, but he worked for me. He loved Felicity and was willing to do what needed to be done, and change what needed to change in order to be with her. Luckily for him, he didn’t need to change that much.

Overall it was a great story. Byrne added a twist at the end that I wasn’t expecting and that was a nice surprise. In the end I was quite happy I read the book.

Rating: 4 out of 5

A delicious historical bodyguard romance with a scarred hero and bookish heroine. The plot had the perfect amount of intrigue and suspense. The romance had a great development. Loved seeing the relationship develop into friendship with the perfect amount of pining! I devoured this book in one sitting. I absolutely recommend!

Felicity Goode is the last of her sisters looking for love. When her life is in danger, she unknowingly brings Gabriel into her life. These two are both damaged by their pasts. Together they must fight off the threat against Felicity while managing the undeniable connection they share. It's steamy, sexy, and oh so sweet. Fans will find that Gabriel was worth the wait! There are shocking revelations and surprising twists. Some of which I hope lead to more stories. I'm not ready to say goodbye to this family of characters!

This was a pretty good book. Gabriel and Felicity are characters you really feel for and have sympathies towards. They have certain niche's that I like to see play out for this genre so I was very intrigued from the start. Now, without getting too spoiler-y, I was frustrated with some vague explanation for such a physical turnaround for Gabriel. Lots of questions and kind of scratching my head a bit. The author kind of "magics" away certain things I don't think are realistic but we're forced to just move on. But as for the the story itself, it was engaging and had a good pace. I will admit the ending felt a bit rushed. I would've loved to see more of these two together and really hash out everything. Overall, it was a pretty decent historical fiction for me.

After the death of her parents, Felicity Goode inherits everything with the condition that she marries a man with a rank above Viscount. When she suffers an attack, our heroine decides she needs to hire a bodyguard.

Gabriel Sauvageau has loved Felicity from the first time they've met. After getting a new face, he always watches her from far. When she accidentally discovers him, she hires him.

This books was so good! Gabriel is a disfigured hero, who has seen and lived only violence in his life and would do anything to protect Felicity. I loved that even though she suffers of panic attacks, his presence makes her feel safer. Their chemistry was powerful but at the same time was pure.. I loved them very much..

I haven't read the rest of the series (I will have to fix this), and I loved that the writer gives us enough information from the previous books to connect the dots and meet the family, but at the same time not giving everything away.

I received a free ARC and these are my honest opinions..

I loved this book. Every word was exciting and perfect and I raced though it but didn’t want it to end. I loved the writing (no surprises here, Kerrigan Byrne has a great writing style), the plot (just enough suspense in the middle of the romantic story), loved seeing the Goode sisters and their husbands make an appearance, and most of all I loved the hero and heroine. Felicity and Gabriel were not perfect, they were flawed and they each had their personal issues to deal with but they were a joy to read about. They were eachother's oposite but still perfect for eachother. Their interaction made me smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The chemistry between them was sizzling. It is truly swoon-worthy romance; troubled, alpha male hero meets smart gentle woman and bam - he can't help falling in love with her! It was different in the sense that that Gabriel is a man who has been through alot in his life, and has somehow used his experiences to pave a successful future for himself. Truly remarkable when you consider all that he has been through. It's a miracle he didn't give up. It's what made me root for him. Felicity was a wonderful heroine and perfect for him. She was charming, slightly naive and very compassionate. I loved the two of them together and I thought the pace of the romance was perfect.
Ms. Byrne wrote a lovely, heart-warming love story and I loved it! It is a perfect example of everything I love about historical romance. If you love HR and haven’t read this one, then please do, I don’t think you will be disappointed. What a wonderful read!

*Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

I am always clamoring for the next Kerrigan Byrne book. She never fails to take a plot that sounds so bananas and dramatic but still manages tear at your heartstrings and make you care so deeply for characters that feel very real.

Gabriel and Felicity couldn't be more different then their siblings from the prior book in the series. Gabriel has deep scars both inside and out due to a horrendous childhood that left him with only his brother to trust and love. When Gabriel is called upon to save Felicity in the prior book, that all changes.

Bespeckled shy Felicity sufferers from extreme social anxiety and panic attacks and is the exact opposite of her vivacious twin sister. When her sister sets off on her honeymoon with Gabriel's brother, (you don't HAVE to read the prior book but it will help set up the dynamics.) Felicity is left with only the household staff for company. When mysterious threatening things start to happen she decides she needs to hire a bodyguard.

The very cool twists and turns toward the end add another layer onto the Goode girls and had me unable to put down the book.

Absolutely cannot wait for the next one!

Even though this is book 4 in the series, I did not have too much difficulty following along. There were some things that had happened in the previous books that involved both the main characters in this book, but I felt like I was able to catch on pretty quickly. What I loved most about this book was the absolute devotion that Gabriel felt toward Felicity. He had no intention of doing anything about it except to keep her safe from afar, he doesn’t believe he deserves anything as beautiful as Felicity. Unfortunately for him, staying away was not to be. During one of Gabriel’s self appointed guard duties he was mistaken as a bodyguard for hire that Felicity had just posted. Her financial circumstances had recently changed and that has placed her in danger. For Felicity, her life has been full of fear and anxiety, and normally facing a stranger, especially a man who is as large and scarred would have her retreating immediately, but something about this man made her feel bold, relaxed, and safe.

Felicity and Gabriel’s story definitely pulled me in from the very beginning. There are many twists and turns and secrets that were revealed, which had me turning those pages. The romance was a slow burn but with both of them so damaged, emotionally and physically, it had to be. But once they give in to their true feelings it was beautifully done. Virgin heroes are normally not a favorite, but the way Gabriel was portrayed made me love him so much more. I do, however, have to say the ending seemed a bit rushed but it did not take away my enjoyment of this book. Overall, this was a great book and I am looking forward to reading the previous and future books in this series.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

After reading the previous book, Dancing with Danger, this book was just what I was looking for!

There is nothing I love more than the redemption of a brutal hero by the love and care from a sweet and innocent heroine.

Gabriel Sauvageau, former braun of the Fauves has started a new life thanks the magic of plastic surgery. His face has been brutally disfigured since the age of 16, now he is able to go out in public and not be recognized as the monster he was.

Gabriel plans to leave England, but before he does, he must check on the lady he has loved from afar, his brothers wife sister, Felicity Goode. This excursion sets into motion the events that end in Gabriel being hired as Felicity’s personal body guard since she has had multiple suspicious attacks lately.

Oh- how I love a good forced proximity romance! This romance between Felicity and Gabriel was so sweet as they both fight with their feelings for each other. Feelings that are new for both of them! Swoon!

This story was as dark and grimy as I usually expect from Kerrigan Bryne, but in this case I didn’t miss it because the story didn’t call for it as Gabriel protected his society lady and escorted her to her balls. I loved with opposites attract match, good and evil, and the sizzling chemistry she created between Gabriel and Felicity.

Tempting Fate by Kerrigan Byrne is scheduled to release May 11th, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Oliver Herberts Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TemptingFate #KerriganByrne #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads