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Trial by Desire

(Carhart #2)

Courtney Milan (Goodreads Author)

3.59 · Rating details · 2,762 ratings · 308 reviews

She cannot forget the fire he ignited…

In the three years since her husband left her, Lady Kathleen Carhart has managed to forge a fulfilling life for herself. But when Ned Carhart unexpectedly returns, she finds her tranquility uprooted—and her deepest secrets threatened. Though she has no intention of falling for Ned’s charms, Kate can no longer deny the desire that still ...more

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Kindle Edition, 368 pages

Published October 1st 2010 by HQN Books (first published September 28th 2010)

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Mar 16, 2010 ♡Karlyn P♡ rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, genre-historical, dnf, published-2010, steam-warm

DNF at halfway point, just not feeling the romance and not caring about the hero or heroine. It was original so I can see why many gave it 5-stars, but for me I just couldn't quit skimming as I wasn't being pulled into the story. I really wanted to like it as I so enjoyed her debut, so I will read more by this author. There was a lot of 'telling' and not as much 'showing' going on too, and while it was done well for me it was just too much narrative. ...more

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Jun 08, 2011 Tina rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: z2011-reads, romance-historical

Ned Carhart left his wife Kate a mere three months after their marriage to go to China at the behest of his cousin to check out what was going on with the British and the Opium situation and to find himself. At the point of their marriage Ned considers himself something of a useless fribble with no responsibilities.

Kate is stunned and bereft.

Fast forward three years later and a lot has changed. Kate rescues women who are victims of domestic abuse and helps them to leave their husbands and reloc Ned Carhart left his wife Kate a mere three months after their marriage to go to China at the behest of his cousin to check out what was going on with the British and the Opium situation and to find himself. At the point of their marriage Ned considers himself something of a useless fribble with no responsibilities.

Kate is stunned and bereft.

Fast forward three years later and a lot has changed. Kate rescues women who are victims of domestic abuse and helps them to leave their husbands and relocate. Ned is back, strong in body and and somewhat stronger in mind, ready to take on the responsibilities of both a husband and as the heir presumptive of a Marquisate.

The two find their way back to each other. Ned still dealing with his demons while Kate is helping her riskiest 'rescue' yet, a wealthy lady of the ton whose powerful husband is relentless about getting her back.

This is only my second Courtney Milan book after the novella Unlocked and I must say I did not enjoy this one as much as I did that one.

There are three main things happening here: First, is the plot with Kate hiding her friend Louisa from her blatantly misogynistic husband the Earl of Harcroft; Second is the repairing of the sundered marriage of Kate and Ned; And third are the personal demons that Ned fights each day, which can clearly be seen as some form of Bipolarism or at the very least chronic depression (or maybe just a really extreme case of Seasonal Affective Disorder). This being the 19th century, of course, there is no diagnosis nor drugs for it, so Ned has to deal the best he can.

My problem is that of the three elements of the book, I only truly enjoyed the first. The plot to save Louisa from her husband was really exciting to read. But unfortunately that is not enough to carry the entire book that is supposed to be a romance novel.

The second element of the book -- the reparation of the marriage -- is continually derailed by the third element of the book, Ned's state of mind. The thing is, Ned's inner (and outer) dialogue about his 'winter of bleakness' feelings that sometimes come over him consumed the book and not in a good way, imo. Kate kept trying so hard to connect with him and he obfuscated. It was maddening to read. He was so emo! I couldn't take it after awhile.

Toward the end, I found myself skimming to read the parts that involved Louisa and her dastardly husband. Kate and Ned had lost me by that point.

So not a winner for me at all. ...more

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Nov 27, 2014 Feminista rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A beautiful story about estranged husband and wife. This is one of the few estranged romance stories I have ever read and liked. The best part of this romance was that both the heroine and the hero were true to one another throughout their separation. It wasn't like other stories where the hero/heroine profess to love the other, but then actually proceed to gallivant with other people. ...more

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Feb 07, 2012 Anna (Bobs Her Hair) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

Grade: C - or weak 3 stars

Smoothly written story, a confident heroine who rescues abused women and a hero that battles depression should have been an angsty historical romance so why was it a struggle to maintain interest in this book? It felt tedious.

The Story
After three years abroad, Ned Carhart returns to England and his wife. He had left to conquer his inner demons and now has control over the melancholia that nearly destroyed him. The fear still lingers that he may sink into the pit of desp ...more

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Jul 04, 2020 Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: moc-arrnged-forcd-mino, long-separation, hazy-crazy, psych-central, g-victorian-pd, _bbd, weddng-shotgun-or-for-kids-sake, secrets-shockers-scandals, me_eyes-gotta-roll, 2-plus-stars

Ned is the life of the previous book -- even more beloved and central than the mcs.
I feared (as it alwaaays happens) that when it will come to his own book, I'll be disappointed and here, I am ... disappointed.
2.65*

(view spoiler) ...more

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Apr 08, 2018 Sadie Forsythe rated it did not like it · review of another edition

OK, I won't say this is a bad book. I know Milan is quite popular. I've even read and enjoyed some of her books. But the simple fact of the matter is that I DID NOT LIKE THIS BOOK. That's the truth of it.

I found Ned horribly selfish, from start to finish. Yes, I understood that he was young and fighting demons, that he regretted having left and was trying to make amends. My problem was that he returned just as selfish as he left. I didn't find his fear a good enough excuse for the fact that he ...more

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Sep 18, 2010 Mandi rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: wishlist

Favorite Quote: “I don’t like to lose control.”

Kate inched her fingers across the coverlet to his free hand. His knuckles were heated, even though he’d been sitting in the cold. “Ned,” she whispered, “let me inside your control.”

We first meet our hero Ned in Proof By Seduction, where we learn he battles many demons, and depression is a big part of his life. At the start of Trial by Desire, Ned is not done battling his demons yet. After only three short months of marriage to Kathleen Carhart, he Favorite Quote: “I don’t like to lose control.”

Kate inched her fingers across the coverlet to his free hand. His knuckles were heated, even though he’d been sitting in the cold. “Ned,” she whispered, “let me inside your control.”

We first meet our hero Ned in Proof By Seduction, where we learn he battles many demons, and depression is a big part of his life. At the start of Trial by Desire, Ned is not done battling his demons yet. After only three short months of marriage to Kathleen Carhart, he feels his control on his life slipping. Desperate to prove to everyone he can take on any job and any situation, he takes himself off to China to look into his family’s investments. Quite a drastic measure, but Ned’s problems just don’t skim the surface of his being. They run very deep, and he needs to remove himself from the new, intense feelings he has for his wife. It is in this three year journey that he wants and needs to prove to people that he is in control of his life.

Kate is devastated to be alone, but she also has a secret. She has started to help women who are being abused by their husbands get away. In 1840 England, women have limited rights, and Kate provides money, food, and shelter to get them to safety. She puts on airs of frivolity and pretends to be obsessed with shopping so people would never suspect she is the brains behind getting these women away from their husbands. All goes well, until she helps her dear friend Louisa and her newborn escape from the very abusive Earl of Harcroft. He is very suspicious of Kate, and what do you know – he shows up at her house to demand where Louisa is the day Ned unexpectedly returns home from China. Kate’s life gets turned upside down – she not only has a husband that has returned whom she does not trust, but a very cruel man keeping a very close eye on her.

I had no idea what to expect from Ned, after meeting him in Proof By Seduction. In that book, he came across as weak, and honestly when I found out he was to be the hero in the next book I wasn’t really excited. However, I adored Proof By Seduction and Courtney Milan’s writing style, so I couldn’t let Trial By Desire pass me by. Good thing for that too! Trial By Desire is an absolutely beautiful book and although we do get a Ned who has been hardened after three years abroad, he still struggles, and we get a very intimate look into his psyche. He is so scared – so frightened that he will lose just a bit of control and slip back into the darkness. He feels this intense need to prove to everyone he is capable of handling everything. When he returns home and truly gets to know his wife, and learns her secrets – he realizes she is so capable and smart. It makes him jealous in a sense and he instantly recognizes that fear again. He also has the desire to take his wife in an unseemly fashion and it scares him. A man in control should have no such thoughts. All of this makes him want to prove even more to her that he is a capable being. When all she wants is to feel safe and secure and just be with him. He is a unique hero – not really alpha, but definitely not a beta. He is tough, and stands up for his wife, but an air of fragility runs through him. In the end, he wants to be a better man for his wife, and that endears him to me in the best possible way.

Kate is a very solid mate for him, and she learns early on of his weaknesses, but makes the decision to be quietly strong for him. I think she gets overshadowed by his character – Ned has so much going on inside and leaves Kate a little in the dust. But I still liked her mature attitude and I loved the way she handles herself with Ned and Harcroft.

The romance in this one is so sensual. It takes about half the book to get there, but oh my does Courtney Milan give us some very nice scenes. I actually enjoyed the bedroom scenes in this one more than her first book. I think part of it is that she gives us some really sexy situations, but more than that, we see Ned lose a bit of that control in each scene, and it just makes them very intimate.

I thought the plot and evil doings of Harcroft present themselves very well too. The mystery becomes much more complicated than what I originally thought would happen.

I recommend you read Proof By Seduction first so you can meet Ned and get his full journey, however, this can be read as a stand alone. Luckily, we only have to wait until January to get another book from Courtney Milan, who is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.

Rating: 4.5/5 ...more

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Apr 22, 2010 Mollie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: september, 2010, historical, romance, net-galley

I was first turned on (pun intended) to Courtney Milan thanks to Stacey's review of Proof by Seduction. Which I also ended up loving and have been eagerly anticipating this sequel for some time now!

I wasn't sure if Trial by Desire could live up to Proof by Seduction. Especially because in Poof by Seduction Ned was kind of a fuck-up. Sure, I liked him and felt sorry for him but I was wondering how Milan was going to turn Ned into hero material. But hero material he turned out to be!

Ned, determin I was first turned on (pun intended) to Courtney Milan thanks to Stacey's review of Proof by Seduction. Which I also ended up loving and have been eagerly anticipating this sequel for some time now!

I wasn't sure if Trial by Desire could live up to Proof by Seduction. Especially because in Poof by Seduction Ned was kind of a fuck-up. Sure, I liked him and felt sorry for him but I was wondering how Milan was going to turn Ned into hero material. But hero material he turned out to be!

Ned, determined to prove his self worth, has spent the last three years working in China to sort out his cousin's business issues overseas.In the process, he has transformed from the joking, bumbling screw-up to a man this in strict control of all his emotions.

During his absence, his wife Kate has spend her time shopping and gossiping, or so she's lead all of society to believe. When, in fact, she has been fighting off a number of would be 'suitors' vying to win the attentions of the woman abandoned by her husband. In additon,Kate has been taking on monumental tasks like hiding her best friend from her abusive husband, hardly the acts of the oblivious socialite she's accused of being. And, in a time, when women were still considered property, helping her friend could put Kate in a great deal of danger.

When Ned and Kate reunite a battle of wits and seduction ensues.However, Kate is still hurt by Ned's abandonment and Ned is determined not to let his emotional guard down, especially where his wife is concerned. She is the one person who could unravel it all.

I have to say I think the book's description is a bit misleading. It says that "Ned is determined to regain his wife’s trust by using unbridled seduction." However, Kate is the one that is pushing for both physical and emotional intimacy but Ned is afraid of losing his grip on his hard won control.

I love how Milan manages to balance a slew of intense topics: abuse, betrayal, and depression with romance without having it feel like some historical soap opera. Instead she weaves a tale of strength, redemption, forgiveness, and love. Courtney Milan is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.

If you haven't already, I'd highly recommend reading Proof by Seduction before picking up Trial by Desire, but it's not necessary to read them in order. Trial by Desire is out now, what are you waiting for?! Go get it! ...more

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Aug 29, 2010 Janga rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I was one of the readers of Courtney Milan’s debut novel, Proof by Seduction, who finished that book hoping that Ned Carhart, cousin to Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely, would get his own story. Trial by Desire is Ned’s story, but Ned is no longer the confused boy of POS; he is now a man, tempered by the hard experiences of three years in China. He returns to his home and his marriage, determined to uncover the secrets his wife is safeguarding even as he protects his own secret.

Trial by D ...more

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Nov 06, 2013 Emma rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

I will never ever stop being impressed by Courtney Milan's novels, mostly because not only are they the most helplessly and honestly heartfelt and romantic stories ever, they have such a PROFOUND sense of social justice to them--the plots are intelligent and they mean something and I always want to stand up and cheer and then maybe read a book or two about Victorian legal reform once they're over. God damn, she's my favourite author, and this book was great. ...more

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Mar 07, 2015 [Aengell] rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

A beautiful story with a surprisingly well working mixture of action, aspects of an thriller and well done, if not perfect, characterization.

Lady Kathleen "Kate" Carhart hasn't seen her husband in three years, when he, after only three months of being married, went on an abrupt diplomatic visit to China.
Said husband, Ned, comes back to find that his wife hasn't been a meek and silent resident of his country estate, but has some, lets say curious, projects going on.

I must applaud Courtney Mila A beautiful story with a surprisingly well working mixture of action, aspects of an thriller and well done, if not perfect, characterization.

Lady Kathleen "Kate" Carhart hasn't seen her husband in three years, when he, after only three months of being married, went on an abrupt diplomatic visit to China.
Said husband, Ned, comes back to find that his wife hasn't been a meek and silent resident of his country estate, but has some, lets say curious, projects going on.

I must applaud Courtney Milan for her ability and talent to create real, authentic, 3D characters. I was able to connect to them on an emotional level, and although that should be a regularly fulfilled requirement, it's hard to find those books.
Kate is a strong heroine without any qualms that could've made her into a stubborn, out-of-place and -time shrew. Her strength had a quietness about it, and she wasn't bitter and cold, not tiresomely so at least, despite the fact that she was left alone.
I liked that she and Ned were "only" seperated for three years, it has become somehow overused and therefore boring that many of these estranged couples in HR haven't seen each other for ten years.

Ned is a hero I don't have a clear opinion of, but if I would have to decide, I wouldn't vote in his favor. It unnerved me that his disappearance wasn't explained in a way that made me believe it. His reasons behind it were understandable, but I felt his reasoning somehow lacking.
He made up for it when he came back, but even then he came across as somehow naive and still not sure of himself, in the beginning.
I liked that his attitude towards Kate changed and developed realistically and without any major misunderstandings, but I disliked his stubborn claim not to be a burden to anyone. I hate when conceptions like that are in the hero or heroines mind until the very end, because it's simply frustrating.

As I haven't read book one from this series, I got a good first impression on hero and heroine from that book. Otherwise there is just the villain to mention as a significant secondary character, but he was, other than being a classical, radical misogynist, not very mentionworthy.

That said, Milan created an angsty atmosphere that was quite fetching and fitted the trust conflicts between the characters, their complex minds and thoughts, but also the general plot.

I would recommend it to anyone in the mood for a rather dark and emotional HR and an author in a league with Sherry Thomas and Mary Balogh. ...more

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Jul 11, 2016 Heather *Undercover Goth Queen* rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2016, ebooks-at-library, authors-who-rock, celibate-hero, series, ebooks, romance, separation, betas-do-it-better

Cute! I liked the heroine. It dragged on a little, but I'll definitely read more of Milan's work in the future. ...more

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Sep 08, 2017 rebel rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, alpha-males-are-sooo-20th-century, regency, disability-doesn-t-work-like-that

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I think I should make a new shelf: mental-illness-doesn't-work-like-that. Or perhaps disability-doesn't-work-like-that.

This entire review is one long content warning.

Since the first book, Milan has been hinting at Ned's "inner darkness," and toward the end of this book, Ned finally confesses the darkness is bouts of extreme depression. (Since it's the 1800s, Ned doesn't have a clinical term for it. Some reviewers have suggested bipolar disorder.) Ned hates this about himself: he constantly refer I think I should make a new shelf: mental-illness-doesn't-work-like-that. Or perhaps disability-doesn't-work-like-that.

This entire review is one long content warning.

Since the first book, Milan has been hinting at Ned's "inner darkness," and toward the end of this book, Ned finally confesses the darkness is bouts of extreme depression. (Since it's the 1800s, Ned doesn't have a clinical term for it. Some reviewers have suggested bipolar disorder.) Ned hates this about himself: he constantly refers to it as the "inner monster" or the "inner darkness;" thinks it makes him an untrustworthy, lazy person; and treats it as a secret that must be kept lest he burden anyone else with it. At one point in the book, he describes how he almost committed suicide over this, but then decided that he wanted to live.

For Ned, living and dealing with his mental illness means constantly practicing control in all kinds of matters (sleeping in the cold, having sex less often and not being too passionate when he does have it, exercising rigorously), never depending on anyone, and looking over his shoulder waiting for the bouts to hit him again. Three-quarters of the book are dedicated to this self-loathing and means of coping with mental illness. And the book presents this approach as helping Ned to manage his illness to an acceptable level. I know it was the 1800s and Ned didn't really have any other options, but I worry about the message this sends to readers: if you have mental illness, just decide you're not going to let it take control of your life, exercise a lot, and play weird self-control games.

When Ned's wife finally finds out, she is touchingly committed to supporting him and staying with him. But Ned's self-loathing and coping mechanisms have only diminished slightly by the end of the book. Which, on the one hand: yay for love not curing disability! But on the other hand: what a depressing read, especially when this is supposed to be a brain candy HEA story.

To add insult to injury, the story's villain (a wife beater) is vanquished because he is diagnosed with lunacy (when he is overheard to say that he can't help his violent actions). He subsequently loses all his legal rights, and it is implied that he will be sent to a sanitarium. I can't explain how deeply this bothers me. Ned and his legitimate mental illness cannot obtain a diagnosis in the story, yet Milan has him manage his illness to a degree where he can function as a "successful" member of society (of whom no one suspects a thing). Then the villain gets an obviously false diagnosis which equals a horrible fate and I just. Can't.

The other story line revolves around the heroine rescuing battered women. As such there are descriptions of domestic violence, gender-motivated assault (non-sexual), and a husband trying to find his battered wife and force her to return to him, through legal means if necessary. A woman faces the possibility of losing her child to her abusive husband through the courts.

But, you know, Ned is a feminist and consent is a thing and the heroine takes charge of her sexual desire and they never cheat on each other, so. There is that. ...more

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Aug 27, 2015 Wollstonecrafthomegirl rated it liked it · review of another edition

Gah! I wanted this to be a better book. It's really only just three stars for me. I think the problem stems from Milan trying to do to much. She should've stepped back and taken one character element away. Ned is suffering with depression (which was a little flippantly dealt with in itself but CM is probably brave for even going there in an historical) and fears losing control. He fears that control will be lost in sexual encounters with his wife. He doesn't want her to see his weakness so he so ...more

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Jun 20, 2011 ρυηүα [Punya Reviews...] rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: frustration-alert, courtney-milan

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 24, 2017 Ursula rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: difficult-but-i-liked-it

Well, what an interesting book. I read the Kindle enhanced version which gave the book a whole other dimension. The author lets you tap on symbols that take you to explanations and even audio where she (and, in one, her husband) talk about the book. It was actually fascinating to ponder the author's aim, her struggle to get an HR novel with a manic-depressive hero AND domestic violence (not the H here!) published and her own very critical opinion of this, the second book she has ever written.
I ...more

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Jul 05, 2013 rameau rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: x-inappropriate-erections, rating-theory-good-practice-not, language-english-original, read-in-2013, genre-historical, genre-romance, genre-harlequin-mills-boon, x-nippy-nipples

Quite disappointing.

I’d been saving this book, so I could savour it whenever I felt like I needed to read a really good romance novel. After the last couple of months, it felt like it was time.

Trial by Desire is a sequel to Proof by Seduction and although the couple set up is much more believable than in its prequel, the romance itself isn’t.

A scandal forced Ned and Kate to marry, but it was clear that both of them—Ned—at least needed to grow up in leaps and bounds for them to earn their (bel Quite disappointing.

I’d been saving this book, so I could savour it whenever I felt like I needed to read a really good romance novel. After the last couple of months, it felt like it was time.

Trial by Desire is a sequel to Proof by Seduction and although the couple set up is much more believable than in its prequel, the romance itself isn’t.

A scandal forced Ned and Kate to marry, but it was clear that both of them—Ned—at least needed to grow up in leaps and bounds for them to earn their (believable) happy ever after mandated by the genre. Milan’s solution is to send Ned away soon after the nuptials for three years and let him grow up into a capable man abroad.

Ned does grow up. When he comes back he’s a changed man and his reunion with his estranged wife is promising. Of course there are the familiar tropes keeping them apart: Miscommunication and a caricature villain. I’m wretchedly disappointed in the villain’s characterisation as the early promise of a multilayered characterisation for the domestic abuser is never realised. He has his internal logic that justifies the abuse but the reader is never shown why he thinks that way. Other than it’s assumed the period explains men’s attitudes towards women.

Even so, one man wanting his runaway wife back isn’t what stands between Ned and Kate and their happiness. It’s Ned himself. Milan tackles an important issue by making Ned bipolar—I assume that’s the correct diagnosis—and showing people have battled with mental illness before they had names for them. As admirable as it is to see Ned find his own solution for his mood swings, it doesn’t change the fact that his dogged insistence to cope on his own is what destroys the romance. The constant repetition of his desire to be the hero and secrets kept until the very end, don’t make him good husband material. He may have learned to stand on his own feet, but Ned doesn’t believably learn to lean on his wife, which leaves their marriage a sham.

Worse than Ned’s inability to transform from an independent man into a half a married couple, is how Kate’s plot is handled. She’s supposed to be saving battered wives from their husbands and an early feminist who learns to win her own battles, but time and time again Ned rushes to her rescue. He saves her both from a physical and a juridical attack. He’s the one who comes up with the final solution. Having read Kate’s story makes me appreciate Margaret and Jessica and all the other Milan heroines that much more.

The writing itself is uneven—which still occasionally true for Milan’s novels—and the story is boring. There are hideous amounts of telling and horrible smut euphemisms I wish never to see in a romance book again. Milan kept me engaged with the story at times but only at times.

I feel like I’ve read the worst Milan has to offer and I can go back to waiting for her next book. At least I know most of these novice mistakes won’t be repeated quite as blatantly ever again. ...more

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Sep 29, 2010 Keri rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, romance-historical, 2010s-read

We met Ned Carhart in CM's Proof of Seduction and frankly I loved Ned. He was young and sweet. The glove with the teeth mark scene is still one of the funniest to me. But this story picks up about 3 months after PoS and Ned has married Kate.

Ned though feels that he needs to grow up before he can deserve Kate, so he takes off for China....for 3 years! When our Ned comes back he is a changed man, he has filled out those broad shoulders and cheek bones.

Kate however, isn't impressed she has 3 year ...more

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Nov 10, 2017 Pamela Shropshire rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, on-my-kindle, romance

This one is about Ned, who played a significant role in Proof by Seduction. He compromised Lady Kathleen Ware, trying to set her up with Blakely, and thus ended up marrying her himself. Ned was too young and hadn't come to grips with what we now call bipolar disorder, so he went to the Far East to investigate incidents leading to the First Opium War.

When Ned comes home three years later, he finally gets to know his wife and the strong woman that is hidden underneath the frippery. Since she was 1 ...more

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Aug 15, 2017 Veronika rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance, hea, badass-hero-or-heroine, well-made-characters, abuse, adult

Well, this didn't live up to the first book, not in the least. It was an okay read, I suppose, but it simply didn't pack the feels the way I've come to expect from Milan.

The romance was fine, the characters were fine, the plot with Kate helping abused women was really lovely, but nothing seemed to live up to its full potential. I ended up simply skimming through various parts, because I was bored - bored on a Courtney Milan novel!? *cries* THAT broke my heart a lot more than anything that happen ...more

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Dec 29, 2019 Leigh Kramer rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, made-me-cry, mental-health, pining, favorites, baby-or-kid-epilogue, domestic-violence, marriage-of-convenience, married-or-partners-romance, ripped-my-heart-out

Holy angsty goodness! I felt like crying for a good portion of this story because of how fraught relations were between Kate and Ned. There was so much longing on both sides, so much to overcome in their estranged marriage. And that’s only the internal struggle!

Kate and Ned had a marriage of convenience after they were caught in a compromising position. After three months of marriage, he left her to go to China and stayed away for three years, breaking her heart in the process. It may have been Holy angsty goodness! I felt like crying for a good portion of this story because of how fraught relations were between Kate and Ned. There was so much longing on both sides, so much to overcome in their estranged marriage. And that’s only the internal struggle!

Kate and Ned had a marriage of convenience after they were caught in a compromising position. After three months of marriage, he left her to go to China and stayed away for three years, breaking her heart in the process. It may have been a marriage of convenience but she had real feelings for him and wanted more. However, Ned did not feel worthy of her and needed to prove something to himself. Now that he’s returned and could see just how much his actions negatively affected her, he wants to earn her trust back. Kate, however, doesn’t want to get her hopes up. In part because hope is hard and she’s not sure there’s any of their marriage worth saving and in part because she has a secret.

This story deals frankly with domestic violence and I want to discuss it more thoroughly so readers for whom this may be triggering can decide if they want to try this story. Kate, unbeknownst to everyone in her life, rescues women from abusive husbands and is in the process of helping the seventh woman, her friend Lady Louisa. Women had very few options at the time if their husbands abused them and even fewer rights. It’s beyond heartbreaking and Kate takes no small amount of risk in helping them. The abuse Louisa endured, as well as a couple of women Kate helped in the past, is referenced but we do not see on the page violence. However, Louisa’s husband Harcroft does threaten and hurt Kate in the story in his attempt to find his wife. Kate is not in danger for very long before Ned rescues her. Louisa does ultimately free herself of her husband in a very satisfying way but it does involve her confronting him. Overall, I thought this aspect of the story was handled well. Kate’s actions are commendable and I loved that Ned never questioned her actions, once he learned the truth. While Harcroft spews misogyny, Ned does not demean women, nor does he agree with Harcroft’s sentiments. He does have somewhat of an awakening because before this, he’s never thought about all that women endure.

The other important piece of this story is that Ned has dealt with depression since age 18, although it’s not labeled as such. He refers to it as a bleak darkness. He becomes a bit of an ascetic to ward it off and refuses help from anyone, in order to prove to himself that he can handle things. He is such a good man and takes winning Kate back seriously. But he has to learn what partnership looks like and how to accept that asking for help is not synonymous with weakness. The way that Kate ultimately proves this to him was so lovely. My heart overflowed. And I loved Ned’s gesture regarding the house for Kate at the end! These two were everything. Plus, there are some really hot scenes in this story. Another winner from Courtney Milan!

CW: domestic violence (side character), abused horse (who is rescued), violence, sexism, misogyny, broken leg due to spooked horse, depression, past suicidal ideation ...more

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Jun 16, 2017 Anita rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: my-wishlist, 2017-reading-challenge, authors-read-milan-courtney, 2019-reading-assignment-contenders

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars

I can't decide how I feel about this book. On the one hand, I really, really loved Kate, a lot! On the other hand, the main conflicts in this romance/self-revelation historical were kind of frustrating. It really wasn't until the second half of the book that things started picking up a little bit.

And I can't believe that I actually found myself annoyed with Jenny's behavior after all the things she'd been through in the first book. I hadn't expected the snobbish dismissal ...more

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Feb 16, 2020 MountainKat rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, audio, x-2020-challenge-books, x-books-read-in-2020, x-m-n-g-round-38

I usually love Courtney Milan books, but this series is harder for me to like. The biggest part fro me is the characters aren't that likable, or more that they are too self centered. In this case it was the hero - it was all about it him. Not in a bad way, but what he 'needed' was more important than anything else. Until the end at least and even then it almost had to be forced one him. Still a good story.

I listened to the audio with Elizabeth Jasicki narrating and it was good. ...more

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Sep 18, 2011 Rose rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: those who love historical romances and developed characterizations

Recommended to Rose by: Courtney Milan

Shelves: historical, mature, tbr-challenge, romance, audiobooks, hundred-harlequin-reads-dare

I originally read "Trial by Desire" in June of 2011, but I decided to re-read it in audiobook form and return to the book because I really enjoyed it. Lady Kate and Ned were both wonderful characters to get to know in the mix of events. I loved the opening of the novel where the two are reunited after quite some time apart. It takes place after the events of "Proof of Seduction" - where Ned returns from his travels as a more mature gentleman, though left unspoken - he still has his own internal I originally read "Trial by Desire" in June of 2011, but I decided to re-read it in audiobook form and return to the book because I really enjoyed it. Lady Kate and Ned were both wonderful characters to get to know in the mix of events. I loved the opening of the novel where the two are reunited after quite some time apart. It takes place after the events of "Proof of Seduction" - where Ned returns from his travels as a more mature gentleman, though left unspoken - he still has his own internal battles to fight against. Kate's distraught because Ned left against her wishes, and she's taken on a number of responsibilities in the time he's been gone. The two reunite and come to terms with each other in the midst of a difficult situation involving Lady Harcroft and her husband. Lady Louisa Harcroft left her husband with her child to escape his torrential abuse, and Kate had helped her along in the process. Unfortunately, that help can only remain a secret for so long as Lord Harcroft starts to suspect Kate was involved in his wife's disappearance.

I loved the development of the characters in this novel. Kate is a strong heroine who stands her ground and can fend for herself when faced with a number of difficult challenges. Ned has the right balance of strength and insecurity for a hero, making him identifiable as well as quite matured since the events of the previous novel. The way the two learn about how they've changed over the years and come to terms in their relationship is alluring and radiates with distinct emotional resonance. Even the conflict involving Lady Louisa and Lord Harcourt took on a vivid, contentious tone. The plot is well paced and engaging from beginning to end, while managing to take all of the perspectives and present them in ways that are engaging to read - sometimes humorous and lighthearted without being too quirky, while in others Milan shows the grief and inner/outer turmoils they wrestle with.

I definitely plan on reading more of Milan's work in the future, and I would recommend reading "Trial By Desire" as a wonderful follow-up to "Proof of Seduction."

Overall score: 4/5 ...more

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Mar 19, 2019 Jennifer rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, all-the-lies-or-secrets, second-chance, not-a-mh, part-of-a-series, safe, sad, wealthy-person, 2019, historical-british

This one is hard to rate. There were elements that made me mad and others that made me so happy.

What worked for me:
1) Courtney Milan's writing. I liked the alternating povs told in the third person.
2) The safety which is pretty much a unicorn in the land of historical romances these days. (view spoiler)
3) An H who is a decent guy, albeit completely obtuse at times.
4) A cute epilogue.

What didn't work for me:
1) The h was a ...more

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Feb 02, 2017 KimberlyRose rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fic-hurt-comfort-wobbles, fic-romance-het, own-nope-library-orangeville-owns, fic-health-issues-mental, own-nope-library-interloan, fic-historical

An intelligent, complex and mature romance that keeps the heart pounds of those ridiculous but ravenously readable bodice rippers, but removes the rage-incensing disempowerment, ignorance, and approved assholery.

This historical novel, set mid 19th century England, features concerns that, while not in any way new to humans, have a modern vocabulary. Issues sensitively crafted within include depression, suicidal feelings, obsessive compulsion, domestic violence, women's rights, borderline personal ...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Anne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: z2014-bir

Another completely fabulous historical romance. I love non-typical characters!

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Dec 08, 2015 Ana rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 21st-century, fiction, historical-fiction, north-american-literature, romance, united-states-literature

Proving yourself doesn't mean you need to kill dragons so I'm really happy about how the hero and damsel in distress part of the novel was handled. ...more

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Dec 13, 2018 Michelle Connolly rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, kindle, series, physical-mental-issue, reunited-separation-misunderstandin, couldn-t-finish, annoying-heroine, betrayed-scarred-mourning-heroine, arranged-marriage-forced-convenienc, 1-star

Trial by Desire is my second book by Courtney Milan, and I'm shockingly finding this author to be a great disappointment for me. I've read so many good reviews about her books, but I'm hontesly not understanding why. I thought I would probably like this book better than the first, as apparently reading about Ned and Kate (who are the two main characters in this book) was the only thing I enjoyed about it, but I actually disliked it even more.
At first, I wasn't quite sure what it was that I didn Trial by Desire is my second book by Courtney Milan, and I'm shockingly finding this author to be a great disappointment for me. I've read so many good reviews about her books, but I'm hontesly not understanding why. I thought I would probably like this book better than the first, as apparently reading about Ned and Kate (who are the two main characters in this book) was the only thing I enjoyed about it, but I actually disliked it even more.
At first, I wasn't quite sure what it was that I didn't like about it. The first couple of chapters were interesting enough and the plot seemed promising, but for some reason I wasn't being pulled into the story and I wasn't sure if I should blame the author's style, the pace, or the way the events were unfolding. It turned out all three were to blame, and a few other things as well.
For starters, I don't think the author and I share the same view and opinion on matters. I would constantly get confused when reading a scene because while I often imagined the characters to be upset, serious, frowning, or whatever, the author would then describe them to be smiling, or vice versa, and I found that very annoying. Imagine what that must look like in my mind's eye. The characters appeared to be unstable and fickle, switching from one emotion to the next in a matter of seconds. Also, the way the events kept unfolding seemed unnatural to me. I didn't understand the characters. I didn't get their personalities or where they were coming from, the decisiones they made, what they wanted, how they felt or their interactions between each other. I just didn't get them and, honesty, they both came out as bipolar. And at least in regards to Ned, I've learned I'm not the only reviewer who thought so.
I understand that apparently Ned had some kind of mental disorder and was constantly struggling with it throughout the book, but I don't think it was properly handled by the author. Instead of making you feel empathetic towards him, he came out as an incredibly annoying characters. Or at least that's what he came out as for me. And anyway, what's Kate's excuse? I had the same issue with both characters, not just Ned.
Lastly, after re-reading my review of the previous book, Proof by Seduction, I think fickle, unstable and bipolar characters might be the norm in Courtney Milan's books. I'd still like to give her writing one last chance though, before I completely give up on her.
In conclusion, I just don't think I should be wasteing any more time with a book that I'm simply not connecting with. ...more

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Jan 12, 2018 Sophie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2018, historical-fiction, fiction, romance

I like the idea of a romance featuring an already-married couple, and the fact that the heroine runs a sort of underground railroad for abused women is even better. But what this book really focuses on is trust. The two need to learn to trust each other with their secrets, their vulnerabilities, and their needs, and they need to learn to lean on each other, which is especially difficult for Ned. He thinks asking for help is showing weakness. He also has a mental illness, which makes him think th ...more

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About Courtney Milan

Courtney Milan

4,495 followers

Courtney Milan’s books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Booklist. She is a New York Times and a USA Today Bestseller and a RITA® winner.

Courtney lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, an exceptionally perfect dog, and an attack cat.

Before she started writing historical romance, Courtney got a graduate degree in theoretical physical chemistry from UC Berkeley. After th ...more

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Quotes from Trial by Desire

“Our marriage lasted a few months. Once you left, what remained faded faster than the ink on the license. And what's left..well, it could blow away in one tiny puff of wind."
"Well,then." he spoke with an air of certainty. "I'll try not to exhale."
"Don't bother. I stopped holding my breath years before.” — 5 likes

“It was a good thing she was wearing her mother's pearls. With those clasping her neck, she felt as if she could conquer anything. Harcroft would mock her, no doubt, if he knew her thoughts. He'd dismiss her attire as frills and furbelows-a women's only armor. Idiocy on his part.
There were a great many problems that could be solved with a visit to the mantua-maker. and fine gowns or no, this meeting promised to be a war, however politely and subtly it was joined.” — 4 likes

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