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Victorian Rebels #1
The Highwayman
They’re rebels, scoundrels, and blackguards—dark, dashing men on the wrong side of the law. But for the women who love them, a hint of danger only makes the heart beat faster…
STEALING BEAUTY
Dorian Blackwell, the Blackheart of Ben More, is a ruthless villain. Scarred and hard-hearted, Dorian is one of London’s wealthiest, most influential men who will stop at nothing to wreak vengeance on those who’ve wronged him…and will fight to the death to seize what he wants. The lovely, still innocent widow Farah Leigh Mackenzie is no exception—and soon Dorian whisks the beautiful lass away to his sanctuary in the wild Highlands…
COURTING DESIRE
But Farah is no one’s puppet. She possesses a powerful secret—one that threatens her very life. When being held captive by Dorian proves to be the only way to keep Farah safe from those who would see her dead, Dorian makes Farah a scandalous proposition: marry him for protection in exchange for using her secret to help him exact revenge on his enemies. But what the Blackheart of Ben More never could have imagined is that Farah has terms of her own, igniting a tempestuous desire that consumes them both. Could it be that the woman he captured is the only one who can touch the black heart he’d long thought dead?
STEALING BEAUTY
Dorian Blackwell, the Blackheart of Ben More, is a ruthless villain. Scarred and hard-hearted, Dorian is one of London’s wealthiest, most influential men who will stop at nothing to wreak vengeance on those who’ve wronged him…and will fight to the death to seize what he wants. The lovely, still innocent widow Farah Leigh Mackenzie is no exception—and soon Dorian whisks the beautiful lass away to his sanctuary in the wild Highlands…
COURTING DESIRE
But Farah is no one’s puppet. She possesses a powerful secret—one that threatens her very life. When being held captive by Dorian proves to be the only way to keep Farah safe from those who would see her dead, Dorian makes Farah a scandalous proposition: marry him for protection in exchange for using her secret to help him exact revenge on his enemies. But what the Blackheart of Ben More never could have imagined is that Farah has terms of her own, igniting a tempestuous desire that consumes them both. Could it be that the woman he captured is the only one who can touch the black heart he’d long thought dead?
356 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
1317 people are currently reading
18566 people want to read
About the author
Kerrigan Byrne
71 books5,025 followersIf you're anything like me, the best night is one spent with a brawny highlander, a mysterious werewolf, a conflicted vampire, or a hot-headed Irishman. My stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical, to paranormal, to romantic suspense. But I can always promise my readers one thing: memorable and sexy Celtic heroes who are guaranteed to heat your blood before they steal your heart. Lose yourself in the enchanted Celtic Isles, you never know who, or what, will find you...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,161 reviews
June 29, 2022
blood of my blood, bone of my bone
this was really, really good! admittedly, i don't have the most experience with historical romance but i think this one was objectively fantastic and like... very hot.
the book opens up with two orphans forging a friendship, boy and girl. flashbacks are hit or miss for me but i was instantly taken by the way these two trusted each other. their ability to shut out their bleak reality and share each other's interests... *chef's kiss*
and then PRESENT DAY! our heroine, farah leigh, is such a lil bad ass. she works for scotland yard and is trying to figure out details about her past. when a notorious highwayman/criminal is arrested though... things get interesting.
could this criminal be her beloved childhood hubby? mayhaps.
firstly, i listened to this on audio and it was incredible
second, the writing was just... brilliant? i cared about both of the characters and their backstories and the SEX, baby WHOOOOOOOOOOOO it was raunchy for a historical romance but you won't see me complaining
this isn't super eloquent, i'm a lil rusty with reviews but this book rocked. would recommend. took off a star because the final conflict was a tad unnecessary and made the book drag a bit but i'm willing to overlook it.
this was really, really good! admittedly, i don't have the most experience with historical romance but i think this one was objectively fantastic and like... very hot.
the book opens up with two orphans forging a friendship, boy and girl. flashbacks are hit or miss for me but i was instantly taken by the way these two trusted each other. their ability to shut out their bleak reality and share each other's interests... *chef's kiss*
and then PRESENT DAY! our heroine, farah leigh, is such a lil bad ass. she works for scotland yard and is trying to figure out details about her past. when a notorious highwayman/criminal is arrested though... things get interesting.
could this criminal be her beloved childhood hubby? mayhaps.
firstly, i listened to this on audio and it was incredible
second, the writing was just... brilliant? i cared about both of the characters and their backstories and the SEX, baby WHOOOOOOOOOOOO it was raunchy for a historical romance but you won't see me complaining
this isn't super eloquent, i'm a lil rusty with reviews but this book rocked. would recommend. took off a star because the final conflict was a tad unnecessary and made the book drag a bit but i'm willing to overlook it.
September 11, 2017
5 Dougan's Fairy Stars
***Major Spoilers all over this review***
OMG I loved this book so much! The Highwayman is my first Kerrigan Byrne read and it punched me right in the feels. I fell in love from page one with Farah and Dougan. Meeting as small children in an orphanage 11 year old Dougan and 8 year old Farah stole my heart with their sweet, innocent love. Dougan was the bastard child of Laird Mackenzie. When his mom died, he was tossed in the orphanage, where he was mistreated, starved, and beat. Dougan was all alone in the world, with no love or kindness, until little Farah came along and tended his switch wounded hands. From those first moments together they were soul mates. Farah won Dougan's heart and became his Fairy.
“I was thinking,” he said some time later as she paused for a drowsy yawn. “Since ye doona have any family to love anymore, ye could love me…” Instead of meeting her gaze, he studied the way the pristine white of her petticoat bandage made his hand look that much grubbier. “That is, if ye wanted.” -Dougan
“Of course I’ll love you, Dougan Mackenzie,” she said easily. “Who else is going to?” “Nobody,” he said earnestly. “Will you try to love me, too?” she asked in a small voice. He considered it. “I’ll try, Fairy, but I havena done it before.” “I’ll teach you that, as well,” she promised. “Right after I teach you to read. Love is quite like reading, I expect. Once you know how, you can’t ever imagine not doing it.”-Farah and Dougan
Little Farah was so sweet and caring. She would save parts of her meals to share with Dougan so he wouldn't be hungry, and taught him to read. They had a beautiful and pure love. They had two great years together forging a bond that would stand the test of time. Then when Dougan was 13 and Farah was 10 she told him she was suppose to marry her Daddy's lawyer when she grows up, so Dougan took his little Fairy to a church and married her in a Scottish hand fasting. Just the two of them in the church saying vows, and the vows Dougan used where so damn cute! The next night Their world was tore apart when a priest tried to molest Farah and Dougan killed him and was sent to prison.
“I’ll tell you this,” he began darkly, his eye swirling with all the intensity of last night’s storm. “There are immense differences between the Count of Monte Cristo and the Blackheart of Ben More. Edmond Dantes was given his treasure. He never had to stoop to the things I did in order to take it. In prison, he was only whipped on his anniversary. He was isolated in his own cell, which Alexandre Dumas never imagined would be preferable to what we had to endure. He was never stabbed, raped, publicly flogged, humiliated, beaten within an inch of his life, or taken ill and left for dead.” With every word, Farah’s eyes widened and she again found herself cringing back, but he didn’t allow her to retreat, bending until his compelling face was mere inches from hers. “And that is just what the gaolers did to me.”-Dorian
“It was my fault. My fault all of this befell him. Didn’t he tell you why he was incarcerated in the first place?” “He killed a priest.” “For me!” She whirled around, shocked at how close he still stood. “He killed that priest for me. He was subjected to all the suffering and indignities you just described and more because he was only trying to protect me. You don’t understand how much I regret that every day of my life! I think about it all the time. I hate myself for it!”-Farah and Dorian
At this point the story jumped 17 years ahead. We readers find out that Farah ran away from the orphanage right after Dougan was arrested. Farah has taken Dougan's last name. She was told that Dougan died in prison 10 years ago . She lived as his widow, working at the Scotland Yard. It's while at work that Farah meets Dorian the blackheart of Ben More the infamous criminal and highwayman. A few days after they met Dorian kidnapped Farah telling her that he and Dougan were like brothers in prison. He tells her they are getting married, because he was honoring a death bed wish of Dougan to protect and care for Dougan's Fairy. No he didn't ask, he told her lol. Farah was no push over though she let him know that he had to give her a child. Which was the one thing she really wanted. Dorian was a scarred, tortured hero. He couldn't stand for anyone to touch him. Having been raped and beat repeatedly while in prison Dorian was cold, bitter, and hard. He had fought, killed and destoryed for everything he had, but as much as he tried to fight it Farah was his one weakness.
“My soul recognized your soul—and was reborn. I knew there was something behind those eyes, beneath those gloves, that would give back to me what I’ve been missing all these years.”-Farah
“You can have my heart,” she offered. “You’d be a fool to give it to me,” he mocked, twisting his features into something foreign and frightening. “Then I am a fool,” she insisted. “For I already have.” “I do not suffer fools!” he hissed. “You gave your heart to Dougan, before you even knew what it meant. It is not meant for me.” She seized his fist, pressing a kiss to the scarred knuckle. “But Dorian has begun to steal it, thieving highwayman that he is.” “Then take it back!” He wrenched his fist from her grasp, pulling her off balance and forcing her to catch herself on the grass with her outstretched hands, soiling them with the mud beneath. “In my hands it will become corrupted. Poisoned. I’ll blacken it until you hate me almost as much as you hate yourself for giving it to me.” He thrust a finger at her to silence her reply. “Every part of my life has been bleak, brutal, and bloody—except you. I’ll not add your ruin to my many sins.”-Farah and Dorian
I loved Farah she was a total sweetheart, but she still had some sass to her. She was strong willed and didn't back down when facing fear. Farah was very understanding and supportive. She didn't judge Dorian for the bad things he did in life, and she didn't try to change him. All she wanted was his love and for him to let her love him in return. Dorian was everything I want in a damaged hero. He was a bad boy, that did bad things, but had good in him too. I loved that he didn't instantly turn from a harden criminal that can't stand to be touched into a sweet lover. He was in such pain. He had scars and not just on his body, but on his soul as well. He had fears, anger, rage, and he lashed out. It made Dorian and Farah's relationship feel real. It made their love all that more enjoyable when the ice walls around his heart melted for Farah. The sexual tension in this book was so high. Dorian fought his lust for Farrah because of his past, but he wanted her with an animalistic hunger.
“I’m like this all the bloody time around you. I hate it. Do you know that? I have no control. I just want to fuck and fuck and fuck until nothing matters anymore. Until we can no longer move our limbs or lift our heads to eat.” He flexed his still-hard cock inside of her. “This is supposed to go away after I come. But it doesn’t. Not with you, wife. My passion is this insatiable perversion.”-Dorian
And the sex in this book omg the sex was so good. There was some light bondage as Dorian didn't want to be touched so he would tie Farah's hand. It was so hot, and raw. He would lose himself in her. I have to say that I totally misted up a bit when Farah found out Dorian's secret. I thought it was so sweet when Farah was finally able to touch her husband. The epilogue was perfect too. It gave a nice peek into the future and a heartwarming HEA for Dorian and his Fairy. I loved everything about this book and I can't wait to read more books by this author!
“What a fool I’ve been.” His hand lifted to cup her jaw, his thumb hovering over the bruise swelling around the small split there. “I thought you were safer without me. That, for once, I was doing the noble thing. It took almost losing you—God, Farah, I’ve never been so afraid.” His jaw clenched and his own eyes seemed to glitter with raw, agonizing emotion. “I thought I could live without you. But there is no life without you. Only existence. And that is a greater hell than what awaits me after death.” Farah’s breath was stolen by a small hiccup. “Well.” She sniffed. “If you’re feeling noble in the future, just—stop. You’re rather terrible at it.”-Dorian and Farah
***Major Spoilers all over this review***
OMG I loved this book so much! The Highwayman is my first Kerrigan Byrne read and it punched me right in the feels. I fell in love from page one with Farah and Dougan. Meeting as small children in an orphanage 11 year old Dougan and 8 year old Farah stole my heart with their sweet, innocent love. Dougan was the bastard child of Laird Mackenzie. When his mom died, he was tossed in the orphanage, where he was mistreated, starved, and beat. Dougan was all alone in the world, with no love or kindness, until little Farah came along and tended his switch wounded hands. From those first moments together they were soul mates. Farah won Dougan's heart and became his Fairy.
“I was thinking,” he said some time later as she paused for a drowsy yawn. “Since ye doona have any family to love anymore, ye could love me…” Instead of meeting her gaze, he studied the way the pristine white of her petticoat bandage made his hand look that much grubbier. “That is, if ye wanted.” -Dougan
“Of course I’ll love you, Dougan Mackenzie,” she said easily. “Who else is going to?” “Nobody,” he said earnestly. “Will you try to love me, too?” she asked in a small voice. He considered it. “I’ll try, Fairy, but I havena done it before.” “I’ll teach you that, as well,” she promised. “Right after I teach you to read. Love is quite like reading, I expect. Once you know how, you can’t ever imagine not doing it.”-Farah and Dougan
Little Farah was so sweet and caring. She would save parts of her meals to share with Dougan so he wouldn't be hungry, and taught him to read. They had a beautiful and pure love. They had two great years together forging a bond that would stand the test of time. Then when Dougan was 13 and Farah was 10 she told him she was suppose to marry her Daddy's lawyer when she grows up, so Dougan took his little Fairy to a church and married her in a Scottish hand fasting. Just the two of them in the church saying vows, and the vows Dougan used where so damn cute! The next night Their world was tore apart when a priest tried to molest Farah and Dougan killed him and was sent to prison.
“I’ll tell you this,” he began darkly, his eye swirling with all the intensity of last night’s storm. “There are immense differences between the Count of Monte Cristo and the Blackheart of Ben More. Edmond Dantes was given his treasure. He never had to stoop to the things I did in order to take it. In prison, he was only whipped on his anniversary. He was isolated in his own cell, which Alexandre Dumas never imagined would be preferable to what we had to endure. He was never stabbed, raped, publicly flogged, humiliated, beaten within an inch of his life, or taken ill and left for dead.” With every word, Farah’s eyes widened and she again found herself cringing back, but he didn’t allow her to retreat, bending until his compelling face was mere inches from hers. “And that is just what the gaolers did to me.”-Dorian
“It was my fault. My fault all of this befell him. Didn’t he tell you why he was incarcerated in the first place?” “He killed a priest.” “For me!” She whirled around, shocked at how close he still stood. “He killed that priest for me. He was subjected to all the suffering and indignities you just described and more because he was only trying to protect me. You don’t understand how much I regret that every day of my life! I think about it all the time. I hate myself for it!”-Farah and Dorian
At this point the story jumped 17 years ahead. We readers find out that Farah ran away from the orphanage right after Dougan was arrested. Farah has taken Dougan's last name. She was told that Dougan died in prison 10 years ago . She lived as his widow, working at the Scotland Yard. It's while at work that Farah meets Dorian the blackheart of Ben More the infamous criminal and highwayman. A few days after they met Dorian kidnapped Farah telling her that he and Dougan were like brothers in prison. He tells her they are getting married, because he was honoring a death bed wish of Dougan to protect and care for Dougan's Fairy. No he didn't ask, he told her lol. Farah was no push over though she let him know that he had to give her a child. Which was the one thing she really wanted. Dorian was a scarred, tortured hero. He couldn't stand for anyone to touch him. Having been raped and beat repeatedly while in prison Dorian was cold, bitter, and hard. He had fought, killed and destoryed for everything he had, but as much as he tried to fight it Farah was his one weakness.
“My soul recognized your soul—and was reborn. I knew there was something behind those eyes, beneath those gloves, that would give back to me what I’ve been missing all these years.”-Farah
“You can have my heart,” she offered. “You’d be a fool to give it to me,” he mocked, twisting his features into something foreign and frightening. “Then I am a fool,” she insisted. “For I already have.” “I do not suffer fools!” he hissed. “You gave your heart to Dougan, before you even knew what it meant. It is not meant for me.” She seized his fist, pressing a kiss to the scarred knuckle. “But Dorian has begun to steal it, thieving highwayman that he is.” “Then take it back!” He wrenched his fist from her grasp, pulling her off balance and forcing her to catch herself on the grass with her outstretched hands, soiling them with the mud beneath. “In my hands it will become corrupted. Poisoned. I’ll blacken it until you hate me almost as much as you hate yourself for giving it to me.” He thrust a finger at her to silence her reply. “Every part of my life has been bleak, brutal, and bloody—except you. I’ll not add your ruin to my many sins.”-Farah and Dorian
I loved Farah she was a total sweetheart, but she still had some sass to her. She was strong willed and didn't back down when facing fear. Farah was very understanding and supportive. She didn't judge Dorian for the bad things he did in life, and she didn't try to change him. All she wanted was his love and for him to let her love him in return. Dorian was everything I want in a damaged hero. He was a bad boy, that did bad things, but had good in him too. I loved that he didn't instantly turn from a harden criminal that can't stand to be touched into a sweet lover. He was in such pain. He had scars and not just on his body, but on his soul as well. He had fears, anger, rage, and he lashed out. It made Dorian and Farah's relationship feel real. It made their love all that more enjoyable when the ice walls around his heart melted for Farah. The sexual tension in this book was so high. Dorian fought his lust for Farrah because of his past, but he wanted her with an animalistic hunger.
“I’m like this all the bloody time around you. I hate it. Do you know that? I have no control. I just want to fuck and fuck and fuck until nothing matters anymore. Until we can no longer move our limbs or lift our heads to eat.” He flexed his still-hard cock inside of her. “This is supposed to go away after I come. But it doesn’t. Not with you, wife. My passion is this insatiable perversion.”-Dorian
And the sex in this book omg the sex was so good. There was some light bondage as Dorian didn't want to be touched so he would tie Farah's hand. It was so hot, and raw. He would lose himself in her. I have to say that I totally misted up a bit when Farah found out Dorian's secret. I thought it was so sweet when Farah was finally able to touch her husband. The epilogue was perfect too. It gave a nice peek into the future and a heartwarming HEA for Dorian and his Fairy. I loved everything about this book and I can't wait to read more books by this author!
“What a fool I’ve been.” His hand lifted to cup her jaw, his thumb hovering over the bruise swelling around the small split there. “I thought you were safer without me. That, for once, I was doing the noble thing. It took almost losing you—God, Farah, I’ve never been so afraid.” His jaw clenched and his own eyes seemed to glitter with raw, agonizing emotion. “I thought I could live without you. But there is no life without you. Only existence. And that is a greater hell than what awaits me after death.” Farah’s breath was stolen by a small hiccup. “Well.” She sniffed. “If you’re feeling noble in the future, just—stop. You’re rather terrible at it.”-Dorian and Farah
October 15, 2021
I'm not much for romances with tortured or dark heroes, but I was completely sucked in by this one.
I just couldn't stop reading about these two! Their love story started out with them as children at an orphanage together and shows how the bond they formed turned out to be unbreakable well into adulthood.
So. Fucking. Sweet.
They were so faithful to the memory of each other that even a crusty old bitch like me was touched. Now, it wasn't perfect because I simply could not wrap my head around the fact that she didn't recognize him. Especially after they got married!
But I guess that's a sign of how much I enjoyed the characters and the writing. It got to be pretty ridiculous and I still loved it.
Also, you know how sometimes the ending of romances seems to get drawn waaaay out? Like, to the point that you just want to slap the couple and tell them to stop being stupid, except it's just a book and you didn't write it so you can't actually do that, so you just sort of have to deal with it and then rant a bit in a review?
Yeah.
Ok, well that didn't happen here!
They had the prerequisite misunderstanding/fight and did the breakup montage, then the author pretty much got the show on the road to their HEA.
I don't want to spoil anything for you, but I liked the plot, I liked the characters, and I liked the writing style. I'm definitely going to be checking out more of this author's stuff in the future, including the rest of this Victorian Rebels series.
Recommended for anyone looking for a good romance.
I just couldn't stop reading about these two! Their love story started out with them as children at an orphanage together and shows how the bond they formed turned out to be unbreakable well into adulthood.
So. Fucking. Sweet.
They were so faithful to the memory of each other that even a crusty old bitch like me was touched. Now, it wasn't perfect because I simply could not wrap my head around the fact that she didn't recognize him. Especially after they got married!
But I guess that's a sign of how much I enjoyed the characters and the writing. It got to be pretty ridiculous and I still loved it.
Also, you know how sometimes the ending of romances seems to get drawn waaaay out? Like, to the point that you just want to slap the couple and tell them to stop being stupid, except it's just a book and you didn't write it so you can't actually do that, so you just sort of have to deal with it and then rant a bit in a review?
Yeah.
Ok, well that didn't happen here!
They had the prerequisite misunderstanding/fight and did the breakup montage, then the author pretty much got the show on the road to their HEA.
I don't want to spoil anything for you, but I liked the plot, I liked the characters, and I liked the writing style. I'm definitely going to be checking out more of this author's stuff in the future, including the rest of this Victorian Rebels series.
Recommended for anyone looking for a good romance.
December 14, 2023
I don't have much to say about this read. It's a Victorian villain romance with a tortured, traumatized MMC who's been in love with the FMC since they were kids. The FMC is a classic virgin bodice ripper heroine who's convinced she can fix him. Since this is a romance, of course that actually works, and she heals him with her magic cooch.
Content warning: there is no on-the-page sexual assault, but discussions and themes of assault (and its resulting trauma) are central to the plot. Check my tags for other tropes.
What's interesting is that some of the tropes here were gender-reversed. Usually it's the heroine who's got abuse and trauma in her past and needs the magic dick to heal her. In this case, Dorian has been traumatized by a decades-long stint in prison and came out the other side a murderer (and implied rapist) with severe touch aversion whose sole goal is to take over the London underworld. And to marry the girl he's loved since childhood.
Content warning: there is no on-the-page sexual assault, but discussions and themes of assault (and its resulting trauma) are central to the plot. Check my tags for other tropes.
What's interesting is that some of the tropes here were gender-reversed. Usually it's the heroine who's got abuse and trauma in her past and needs the magic dick to heal her. In this case, Dorian has been traumatized by a decades-long stint in prison and came out the other side a murderer (and implied rapist) with severe touch aversion whose sole goal is to take over the London underworld. And to marry the girl he's loved since childhood.
June 22, 2022
The hills are alive with the...Victorian Rebels
I was so bloody excited when I saw The Hunter in the Audible Escape package. Yes, I know this is The Highwayman, but if The Hunter was there, then, it only follows that the rest would be there. I have waited what felt like YEARS for this series to become available in Australia... AND NOW IT'S HERE!!
It was everything I was hoping for and more. Derek Perkins has turned a fabulous story into an AMAZING experience. I wore a goofy smile for the first hour of listening. Unfortunately, it was a wee bit inappropriate considering the darkness of those initial minutes, I just couldn't help myself. I needed to 'see' Farah and Dorian again, especially their first meeting and when they fell in love. It was sweet and also a little bit heartbreaking. But, luckily I knew where I was heading and I could brace for the ugly parts.
This was the start of my love affair with the Rebels, and I loved catching up with them all. I just wish I could give it more stars because the audio, enhanced my love. I will definitely be going on with the rest of the series, and there's a pretty good chance I won't take a break until I finished.
Next up... it's time to see The Hunter fall in love with his prey.
***************************************
Tingling from this book magic...
The Highwayman gave me tingles and I felt book magic with the turn of each page. I was drawn in, living and breathing this book. Hubby and kids had to fend for themselves, phones had to be answered by someone else and food was only eaten to keep up my energy. I was looking into the lives of people that seemed real. I wanted to walk into Scotland Yard and be a character witness. I wanted to be at the dressmaker's to see how a gown was fitted. I wanted to stand against predators who attacked the less fortunate. It was an emotional read for me that left me on a high. Not many books suck me in as much, or as well as this one did. I was drawn to the characters and wanted to see them make it through.
We meet a very young Farah and Dougan who live in an orphanage. Farah sees that Dougan is in pain and helps him. They form a bond, give each other support and swear to love each other for eternity. This is a very young love that is tested from the beginning. Eventually, they are separated but neither will forget and keep their memories locked tight in their hearts.
Life goes on. Farah works in Scotland Yard and is faced with some very unsavoury characters. One of them is Dorian, a criminal mastermind who runs the bad side of town with an iron fist. Farah's boss is on an endless mission to bring him to justice with very little success. After many years of being separated from her love, Farah thinks about moving on with her boss Morley, who shows an interest in her. After meeting Farah, Dorian has a different idea.
I don't want to go into much detail as it will definitely take away from the experience if you decide to try it. I will say that this story was full of intrigue and I never felt it dragged. Besides the main characters, I loved Murdoch, Frank and Gemma. Morley was an interesting character as well and by the end I respected him. He could have easily made things worse, but he kept his dignity and that left me disappointed he wouldn't find a HEA (yet???).
This was my first Kerrigan Byrne story and it will definitely not be my last. One of the best historical romances I've ever read.
I was so bloody excited when I saw The Hunter in the Audible Escape package. Yes, I know this is The Highwayman, but if The Hunter was there, then, it only follows that the rest would be there. I have waited what felt like YEARS for this series to become available in Australia... AND NOW IT'S HERE!!
It was everything I was hoping for and more. Derek Perkins has turned a fabulous story into an AMAZING experience. I wore a goofy smile for the first hour of listening. Unfortunately, it was a wee bit inappropriate considering the darkness of those initial minutes, I just couldn't help myself. I needed to 'see' Farah and Dorian again, especially their first meeting and when they fell in love. It was sweet and also a little bit heartbreaking. But, luckily I knew where I was heading and I could brace for the ugly parts.
This was the start of my love affair with the Rebels, and I loved catching up with them all. I just wish I could give it more stars because the audio, enhanced my love. I will definitely be going on with the rest of the series, and there's a pretty good chance I won't take a break until I finished.
Next up... it's time to see The Hunter fall in love with his prey.
***************************************
Tingling from this book magic...
The Highwayman gave me tingles and I felt book magic with the turn of each page. I was drawn in, living and breathing this book. Hubby and kids had to fend for themselves, phones had to be answered by someone else and food was only eaten to keep up my energy. I was looking into the lives of people that seemed real. I wanted to walk into Scotland Yard and be a character witness. I wanted to be at the dressmaker's to see how a gown was fitted. I wanted to stand against predators who attacked the less fortunate. It was an emotional read for me that left me on a high. Not many books suck me in as much, or as well as this one did. I was drawn to the characters and wanted to see them make it through.
We meet a very young Farah and Dougan who live in an orphanage. Farah sees that Dougan is in pain and helps him. They form a bond, give each other support and swear to love each other for eternity. This is a very young love that is tested from the beginning. Eventually, they are separated but neither will forget and keep their memories locked tight in their hearts.
Life goes on. Farah works in Scotland Yard and is faced with some very unsavoury characters. One of them is Dorian, a criminal mastermind who runs the bad side of town with an iron fist. Farah's boss is on an endless mission to bring him to justice with very little success. After many years of being separated from her love, Farah thinks about moving on with her boss Morley, who shows an interest in her. After meeting Farah, Dorian has a different idea.
I don't want to go into much detail as it will definitely take away from the experience if you decide to try it. I will say that this story was full of intrigue and I never felt it dragged. Besides the main characters, I loved Murdoch, Frank and Gemma. Morley was an interesting character as well and by the end I respected him. He could have easily made things worse, but he kept his dignity and that left me disappointed he wouldn't find a HEA (yet???).
This was my first Kerrigan Byrne story and it will definitely not be my last. One of the best historical romances I've ever read.
October 20, 2020
this was exxxquisittee.
imagine this,
- kaz brekker (Six of Crows)
- cristiano de la rosa (Violent Delights)
- christian grey (Fifty Shades of Grey)
mix them all together, and we shall have . . . dorian blackheart.
my first foray into HR, and i am pleased with this. well, ive read historical romances before, but never ones that look like this (???) if you know what i mean. i think this genre even has its own set of categories, regency or bodice rippers or smth like that. i have no clue.
honestly, the story was one that we read about a lot in contemporary romances. im also tired of Hs like dorian, you know the dark and tortured kind. too wrapped up in their own misery and self pity. but whatever, i was in for a good time, and the book delivered.
not to mention, i adored the h. the historical setting gave an appeal it wouldnt otherwise have had it been set in a modern day time. youve got the feels, the angst, the intensity, the steaminess. 🔥 though a particular act in the sex scenes made me scrunch up my nose in distaste.
i listened on audio, and it was bloody fantastic. the book was british (???) and the narrator nailed it. there was a flurry of accents (london, scottish, and cockney i think). so the british-ness added some . . . class to a romance that some might consider trashy.
ps. tell me all about HR and drop me some recs if you would, please.
(read as an audiobook)
“I don’t mind battling a few demons when I’m living with their king.” She smiled. “And I think, after a time, we’ll chase them away together.”
imagine this,
- kaz brekker (Six of Crows)
- cristiano de la rosa (Violent Delights)
- christian grey (Fifty Shades of Grey)
mix them all together, and we shall have . . . dorian blackheart.
my first foray into HR, and i am pleased with this. well, ive read historical romances before, but never ones that look like this (???) if you know what i mean. i think this genre even has its own set of categories, regency or bodice rippers or smth like that. i have no clue.
honestly, the story was one that we read about a lot in contemporary romances. im also tired of Hs like dorian, you know the dark and tortured kind. too wrapped up in their own misery and self pity. but whatever, i was in for a good time, and the book delivered.
not to mention, i adored the h. the historical setting gave an appeal it wouldnt otherwise have had it been set in a modern day time. youve got the feels, the angst, the intensity, the steaminess. 🔥 though a particular act in the sex scenes made me scrunch up my nose in distaste.
i listened on audio, and it was bloody fantastic. the book was british (???) and the narrator nailed it. there was a flurry of accents (london, scottish, and cockney i think). so the british-ness added some . . . class to a romance that some might consider trashy.
ps. tell me all about HR and drop me some recs if you would, please.
(read as an audiobook)
January 29, 2021
Unpopular opinion: this book isn’t all that great.
This is the one time I wanted the hype to be true as it was for everyone else and I hate, but simultaneously don’t care, that this was a flop.
Again, it was a case where it started off great, but once we neared the halfway point, it was well on its way to... nowhere. I was left feeling hollow by the end of it.
It’s a historical romance, it’s a romantic suspense, it’s dark but has its cheesy moments, and this is not to say a story can’t encompass all these things and more, but it didn’t work for me. It was all a little too much, too dramatic. The focal point was lost. I don’t even know what the focal point was anymore, to be honest.
I want to say it’s me, but I don’t know. It could very well be the book.
This is the one time I wanted the hype to be true as it was for everyone else and I hate, but simultaneously don’t care, that this was a flop.
Again, it was a case where it started off great, but once we neared the halfway point, it was well on its way to... nowhere. I was left feeling hollow by the end of it.
It’s a historical romance, it’s a romantic suspense, it’s dark but has its cheesy moments, and this is not to say a story can’t encompass all these things and more, but it didn’t work for me. It was all a little too much, too dramatic. The focal point was lost. I don’t even know what the focal point was anymore, to be honest.
I want to say it’s me, but I don’t know. It could very well be the book.
November 12, 2021
I was recommended the Highwayman as one of the better books in this genre. I have also read many reviews and most of them praised this book. So I was positive I'm going to enjoy this book. At the end of the day, I don’t take my historical romance books very seriously. But even here I had some issues while reading this book.
We have Dorian Blackwell, the big bad mysterious highwayman, and Farah an employed independent widow. I first assumed it’s a marriage of convenience, something I love to read about in this genre. Turns out it’s not, in a way. You see, Dorian is actually Dougan in disguise who is the love of her childhood and they “married” when they were children and hence her “widow” title. She didn’t know that when she married him as a grown-up, however.
This is fine by, I don’t mind but I was forcing myself to read a book that was sometimes supposed to be light and addicting. The story wasn’t bad, just not my thing I suppose.
I’ll sum it up in several bullet points:
➼ Dorian’s character annoyed me. He was too melodramatic and honestly made me roll my eyes often. Oh, I’m so dark and tortured and soulless and vicious and a monster and blah blah blah. It was too much even for this genre. I did not care about him at all.
➼ Farah oh the perfect oh so kind lacked any character depth in my opinion. She was a typical Marie Sue.
➼ The whole I can’t touch anyone thing was resolved unrealistically and too fast.
➼ I didn’t understand why Dorian didn’t reveal his identity and why it was “dangerous” again it worked against the book for me.
➼ It wasn’t fun all the time, I didn’t enjoy reading for the most part and finished it only because I didn’t have much last so I skimmed through the last part.
➼ I wasn’t swooning over the romance like I usually am in those books.
Overall, while I understand why many like this book, it wasn’t for me. I haven’t read many historical romances so I’m still discovering this genre. I know what to avoid the more I read. It wasn’t completely bad to be clear, it had some lovely moments but enough for me to rate it 3 stars.
February 24, 2024
Review, or random thoughts?
As this book has been out awhile and there are many reviews, I’ve just compiled my random thoughts as I listened to this very melodramatic, overly descriptive book and listed them below. This was a silly read but I don’t think it was meant to be, but I enjoyed it despite its many, many flaws.
>The amount of times the word loins was used in this book… 🤣
>The audio is well done though, the narrator is doing a very dramatic, intense job of this. There is no other way to read this. 😂. However I can’t stand his female voice, why do male narrators insist on voicing women like little breathy babies?
> the MMC is either referred to by his full name, Dorian Blackwood or The Blackheart Of Ben More or both. It’s so freaking melodramatic, I can’t take it. This whole book is so dramatic, it’s worse than my 12 year old daughter.
>The descriptive language is so over-the-top, I feel like I’m reading a screen play of a ten hour long BBC miniseries.
>Good gawd! The first sex scene is over 30 minutes long on the audio. 🤭 Apex of her thighs was used among other purple prose euphemisms for female genitals.
>Two full paragraphs were dedicated to description of the office of a pretty minor character. I could honestly recreate the design including the high backed chair, the untidy desk and the antique clocks on the wall.
>I just found out this is her debut novel, I think maybe she set a goal for herself to use all the words in her first book… All. The. Words. She must have been writing nonstop for YEARS, and then fallen over in exhaustion when this thing was finished.
>I guess we are supposed to ignore the rules of the peerages and other historical accuracies, a title would not be held in abeyance for a daughter, it would go to the next male heir in line. How can she claim an earldom for her husband or children, it’s completely against the laws of primogeniture? This is the most basic info you need to know when writing historical with peers.
>It takes her 77% of the story to figure out that he is, in fact, her true love and childhood friend… seriously, duh, girl, don’t worry, this isn’t a spoiler, the reader is supposed to know this the second we meet him in adulthood.
>Honestly, he is a total ass to her, the whole beauty and the beast concept doesn’t really work unless the beast actually softens for the beauty. This guy remains cold and hard the entire book. He just wants to do dirty things to her.
> This guy’s refractory period is in the milliseconds.
> everything is wrapped up cleanly as we are told what happens rather than seeing it play out. It’s all off page, done conveniently by chance. What a weird and unexciting resolution to the major part of the suspense plot. I think the author was truly just exhausted after trying to describe carpeting and wall sconces and just had to end this thing to get her life back. 😂
Oh, Nevermind. It was a switcheroo.
> She’s 28 and worried her childbearing years are over. She better get on it, she only has time to have a half dozen kids.
> The author tells us so many times that ‘The Blackheart of Ben More’ is so dark and twisted and evil but he doesn’t seem to do anything except drink in his study and avoid his wife. Wow, what a beast.
> After pushing her away for no real reason, the entire book, he runs back to her because she sends him one letter. ONE LETTER!
>This is me enjoying it btw. I’m dying. If you read this, you definitely have to brace yourself or go in ironically, expecting an old school bodice ripper because at one point her undergarments are described as ‘disintegrating under his passionate fingers’ 🤣.
> The drama is really not as dramatic as the writing would have you believe.
> This book reminds me so strongly of Lisa Kleypas’ book Worth Any Price and I would bet money this author read that book several times. It’s too similar to not be at least inspiration for this one.
> The last half hour of the book is another extended, descriptively prosey sex scene. So at least we end as we begin. Who knew descriptive sex was so silly? She even calls him the Blackheart of Ben More when she blows him. So. Fucking. Dramatic. 🤣
> final quote to sum up this ridiculously overly dramatic book ‘I don’t think I’ll survive the bed of the infamous Blackheart of Ben More’. How the fuck is he so freaking infamous? I’m still waiting to find out. 🤪
I’m totally reading the next one to see how Byrne’s recovered from the ordeal of writing this one.
As this book has been out awhile and there are many reviews, I’ve just compiled my random thoughts as I listened to this very melodramatic, overly descriptive book and listed them below. This was a silly read but I don’t think it was meant to be, but I enjoyed it despite its many, many flaws.
>The amount of times the word loins was used in this book… 🤣
>The audio is well done though, the narrator is doing a very dramatic, intense job of this. There is no other way to read this. 😂. However I can’t stand his female voice, why do male narrators insist on voicing women like little breathy babies?
> the MMC is either referred to by his full name, Dorian Blackwood or The Blackheart Of Ben More or both. It’s so freaking melodramatic, I can’t take it. This whole book is so dramatic, it’s worse than my 12 year old daughter.
>The descriptive language is so over-the-top, I feel like I’m reading a screen play of a ten hour long BBC miniseries.
>Good gawd! The first sex scene is over 30 minutes long on the audio. 🤭 Apex of her thighs was used among other purple prose euphemisms for female genitals.
>Two full paragraphs were dedicated to description of the office of a pretty minor character. I could honestly recreate the design including the high backed chair, the untidy desk and the antique clocks on the wall.
>I just found out this is her debut novel, I think maybe she set a goal for herself to use all the words in her first book… All. The. Words. She must have been writing nonstop for YEARS, and then fallen over in exhaustion when this thing was finished.
>I guess we are supposed to ignore the rules of the peerages and other historical accuracies, a title would not be held in abeyance for a daughter, it would go to the next male heir in line. How can she claim an earldom for her husband or children, it’s completely against the laws of primogeniture? This is the most basic info you need to know when writing historical with peers.
>It takes her 77% of the story to figure out that he is, in fact, her true love and childhood friend… seriously, duh, girl, don’t worry, this isn’t a spoiler, the reader is supposed to know this the second we meet him in adulthood.
>Honestly, he is a total ass to her, the whole beauty and the beast concept doesn’t really work unless the beast actually softens for the beauty. This guy remains cold and hard the entire book. He just wants to do dirty things to her.
> This guy’s refractory period is in the milliseconds.
> everything is wrapped up cleanly as we are told what happens rather than seeing it play out. It’s all off page, done conveniently by chance. What a weird and unexciting resolution to the major part of the suspense plot. I think the author was truly just exhausted after trying to describe carpeting and wall sconces and just had to end this thing to get her life back. 😂
Oh, Nevermind. It was a switcheroo.
> She’s 28 and worried her childbearing years are over. She better get on it, she only has time to have a half dozen kids.
> The author tells us so many times that ‘The Blackheart of Ben More’ is so dark and twisted and evil but he doesn’t seem to do anything except drink in his study and avoid his wife. Wow, what a beast.
> After pushing her away for no real reason, the entire book, he runs back to her because she sends him one letter. ONE LETTER!
>This is me enjoying it btw. I’m dying. If you read this, you definitely have to brace yourself or go in ironically, expecting an old school bodice ripper because at one point her undergarments are described as ‘disintegrating under his passionate fingers’ 🤣.
> The drama is really not as dramatic as the writing would have you believe.
> This book reminds me so strongly of Lisa Kleypas’ book Worth Any Price and I would bet money this author read that book several times. It’s too similar to not be at least inspiration for this one.
> The last half hour of the book is another extended, descriptively prosey sex scene. So at least we end as we begin. Who knew descriptive sex was so silly? She even calls him the Blackheart of Ben More when she blows him. So. Fucking. Dramatic. 🤣
> final quote to sum up this ridiculously overly dramatic book ‘I don’t think I’ll survive the bed of the infamous Blackheart of Ben More’. How the fuck is he so freaking infamous? I’m still waiting to find out. 🤪
I’m totally reading the next one to see how Byrne’s recovered from the ordeal of writing this one.
December 19, 2017
Sale Alert 19Dec17: This was my favorite Historical Romance read of 2016 and it is available as the kindle daily deal for 1.99 on Amazon
5 Beautifully Broken Bastard Stars
OMG I LOVED THIS!!!
❥❥❥Dorian Blackwell you are the broken man of my dreams. ❥❥❥
Farah fell in love with a boy when she was but a wee child. They had two years together and then they were ripped apart when he was sent to a prison. Flashforward seventeen years and the real story begins.
Farah has loved that little boy she lost all her life. Enough that she pretends to the entire world she is his widow Mrs. Mackenzie. She hasn’t even had much of an inkling to ever join her life to a man’s again until she sees the brutal Dorian Blackwell the well-known Highwayman and crime lord in an interrogation room at Scotland Yard. Then she can’t seem to get ideas of the man out of her head.
Dorian is dangerous, hard and completely an enigma to Farah. One second she thinks that maybe he wants her as much as she might think she wants him. The next she isn’t sure he is safe and part of her instincts say to run from him but the rest of her says to stay with him and explore this attraction she feels towards him. One big problem though….due to the horrors he faced in prison as a boy he can’t stand to touch anyone and he definitely can’t imagine letting Farah touch him no matter how much he might want her.
Even though this is a Historical Romance it is more about healing a man that is so broken he can’t even touch anyone. It is about giving a man who has lost all hope a glimpse of what he could have if he only believed he deserved it. I thought it portrayed so well the shame that someone might feel due to years of abuse and I loved how real Dorian’s anguish seemed.
Read this for Dorian if you like broken men. But also read this for Farah if you like strong women with exceptionally giving hearts.
Thanks to my girl Joanita for sending me this book. Woman you totally know my type.
5 Beautifully Broken Bastard Stars
OMG I LOVED THIS!!!
❥❥❥Dorian Blackwell you are the broken man of my dreams. ❥❥❥
Hard, ruthless tyrant. Abused, wounded boy. An empty heart full of promise, and a soul of shadows in need of sunlight.
Farah fell in love with a boy when she was but a wee child. They had two years together and then they were ripped apart when he was sent to a prison. Flashforward seventeen years and the real story begins.
Farah has loved that little boy she lost all her life. Enough that she pretends to the entire world she is his widow Mrs. Mackenzie. She hasn’t even had much of an inkling to ever join her life to a man’s again until she sees the brutal Dorian Blackwell the well-known Highwayman and crime lord in an interrogation room at Scotland Yard. Then she can’t seem to get ideas of the man out of her head.
Dorian is dangerous, hard and completely an enigma to Farah. One second she thinks that maybe he wants her as much as she might think she wants him. The next she isn’t sure he is safe and part of her instincts say to run from him but the rest of her says to stay with him and explore this attraction she feels towards him. One big problem though….due to the horrors he faced in prison as a boy he can’t stand to touch anyone and he definitely can’t imagine letting Farah touch him no matter how much he might want her.
“You can have my heart,” she offered.
“You’d be a fool to give it to me,” he mocked, twisting his features into something foreign and frightening.
“Then I am a fool,” she insisted. “For I already have.”
“I do not suffer fools!” he hissed. “You gave your heart to Dougan, before you even knew what it meant. It is not meant for me.”
She seized his fist, pressing a kiss to the scarred knuckle. “But Dorian has begun to steal it, thieving highwayman that he is.”
Even though this is a Historical Romance it is more about healing a man that is so broken he can’t even touch anyone. It is about giving a man who has lost all hope a glimpse of what he could have if he only believed he deserved it. I thought it portrayed so well the shame that someone might feel due to years of abuse and I loved how real Dorian’s anguish seemed.
Read this for Dorian if you like broken men. But also read this for Farah if you like strong women with exceptionally giving hearts.
Thanks to my girl Joanita for sending me this book. Woman you totally know my type.
December 27, 2017
5 STARS
Ermahgerd.
My heart. MY HEART!!!!
ERMAHGERD.
First of all, I am seriously kicking myself for taking this long to start this series. Like SERIOUSLY kicking my ass. What the heck was I thinking? I was crazy! Nuts. Loony bins, I tells ya! Because this book? It was everything. All of the things! ALL OF THEM.
It combines my obsession with anti-heroes and sexy historical romance, and weaves it all together into a story that's truly spellbinding. I couldn't bring myself to set it down for even a second. I was immediately hooked from the prologue, and as I kept reading, I grew more and more addicted to the words of Kerrigan Byrne.
Dorian Blackwell. The Blackheart of Ben More. The deadliest, coldest, and most lethal king of the London underground. His name is whispered in the shadows and renowned in fear. He's scarred, both in body and soul, and knows only revenge.
Be.
Still.
My.
Ovaries.
Alright. So maybe I sound slightly deranged, but work with me here. There's a lot more depth to the man, and when you get to the heart of him, you'll see exactly what I mean.
Farah Leigh Mackenzie. Beautiful, sweet, and a woman with a spine of steel. My god but I loved her. The things she's survived and the secrets she's kept would have made a lower woman than her wither away. But she persevered and lost none of her steel core. This is a woman that gives as hard as she gets and she's not about to back down to a man that's kidnapped her and essentially propositioned her into a marriage of...convenience?
Enter my other favorite trope.
But I digress yet again.
What you need to take away from my incessant rambling is this; I LOVED THIS BOOK. LOVED it. The romance was swoon worthy, the story was deliciously addicting, the characters full of depth, mystery and secrets. I devoured it like a starving lunatic and couldn't get enough.
I immediately jumped right into book two. I can't recommend this book enough for any lovers of steamy historical romance. Period.
READ THIS BOOK.
Find me on:
In this quiet, unfettered moment, she knew him, truly saw him for what he was. Hard, ruthless tyrant. Abused, wounded boy. An empty heart full of promise, and a soul of shadows in need of sunlight."
Ermahgerd.
My heart. MY HEART!!!!
ERMAHGERD.
First of all, I am seriously kicking myself for taking this long to start this series. Like SERIOUSLY kicking my ass. What the heck was I thinking? I was crazy! Nuts. Loony bins, I tells ya! Because this book? It was everything. All of the things! ALL OF THEM.
It combines my obsession with anti-heroes and sexy historical romance, and weaves it all together into a story that's truly spellbinding. I couldn't bring myself to set it down for even a second. I was immediately hooked from the prologue, and as I kept reading, I grew more and more addicted to the words of Kerrigan Byrne.
Dorian Blackwell. The Blackheart of Ben More. The deadliest, coldest, and most lethal king of the London underground. His name is whispered in the shadows and renowned in fear. He's scarred, both in body and soul, and knows only revenge.
Be.
Still.
My.
Ovaries.
Alright. So maybe I sound slightly deranged, but work with me here. There's a lot more depth to the man, and when you get to the heart of him, you'll see exactly what I mean.
Farah Leigh Mackenzie. Beautiful, sweet, and a woman with a spine of steel. My god but I loved her. The things she's survived and the secrets she's kept would have made a lower woman than her wither away. But she persevered and lost none of her steel core. This is a woman that gives as hard as she gets and she's not about to back down to a man that's kidnapped her and essentially propositioned her into a marriage of...convenience?
Enter my other favorite trope.
But I digress yet again.
What you need to take away from my incessant rambling is this; I LOVED THIS BOOK. LOVED it. The romance was swoon worthy, the story was deliciously addicting, the characters full of depth, mystery and secrets. I devoured it like a starving lunatic and couldn't get enough.
I immediately jumped right into book two. I can't recommend this book enough for any lovers of steamy historical romance. Period.
READ THIS BOOK.
Find me on:
December 2, 2024
We need more romance novels where both characters are virgins and adults. It was very sweet how they learned to please each other.
Like most historicals, the hero takes way too long to come to his senses. Still, I really enjoyed this second chance romance.
Check the TWs. Severe abuse of a child, off-page but described.
Like most historicals, the hero takes way too long to come to his senses. Still, I really enjoyed this second chance romance.
Check the TWs. Severe abuse of a child, off-page but described.
August 13, 2015
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
From the moment Farah wipes the blood from Dougan's hands they are bound to one another, two outcasts in an orphanage. On a fateful night, Dougan violently protects Farah and they are separated, cast out into their fates. It is not until seventeen years later that Farah learns what befell her childhood friend. Dorian Blackwell, the Blackheart of Ben More, villainous fiend and king of the underworld kidnaps Farah and claims he is there to protect Dougan's "Fairy". Leaving most unsaid but what is heartbreakingly clear in the painful spaces between words, Dorian recounts his experience in jail with Dougan to Farah, how they banded together to try and survive and how Dougan would tell stories about Farah to the other boys. Dorian plans to make good on the deathbed promise he made to Dougan about eventually finding Farah and making sure she was safe. What Dougan didn't know was that Farah had her own painful past she was running from and Dorian feels he must restore Farah to her rightful place in society. There are lies, half-truths, dangers, and love but most importantly, a feeling that destiny won't be denied.
This is the first book by Kerrigan Byrne I have read; it will definitely not be my last. The Highwayman took me by surprise with its sweeping emotional romantic story. Byrne's writing had a way about it that I felt like I was walking the streets of London with Farah and Dorian, everything is described but not overly in a way that bogs you down with details; she was a master of making you feel through showing, not telling. The overall details of the story with the characters and their actions leans toward a darker tone but there is lightness to the story that springs from our main character's relationship for balance. Dorian and Farah have a certain spark between them that is at turns playful, light, deep, emotional, burning, and heavy. Their contentment to be around one another colors their dialogue at times with a lightheartedness that makes their growing love believable and investing to read.
Farah's journey from the orphanage to her position at the Police Headquarters was taken with Dougan in mind with every step. Farah very easily could have been written as a saintly martyr but instead she is shown to be while inherently goodhearted, also a steel-spined survivor; she's believable. Dorian's background and dark attitude could have easily been written to make him a Beauty and the Beast caricature but instead he is given depth of emotion. He is single-minded in his pursuit of taking care of Farah but with a yearning, stubborn streak, and desperate desires of a man still locked in an abused boy's mindset of protection mode; he's believable. When together, the author doesn't come out and tell us they want each, instead it's felt by the reader in every glance Dorian gives Farah that isn't seen and every touch Farah reaches out to give that is never felt by Dorian. There's anger, desire, hurt, hunger, lies, and love all swirling between Farah and Dorian; together they're believable.
Dorian and Farah are clearly the center piece of the story, as they should be and the structure of the story supported that with the beginning setting up Dougan and Farrah's relationship, the middle introducing Farrah to Dorian and creating their relationship, and the second half delving into the mystery and intrigue while bonding our couple more. If I were to express any complaints, which trust me are minor, it would be that Dougan's childhood origins were a bit murky and that Farrah's endangerment from her father's lawyer Warrington could have been fleshed out more in regards to how I didn't really feel the danger from Warrington as he was too much to the peripheral of the story. Byrne's secondary characters did an amazing job of adding to the story and world she created for her characters. Dorian's house full of men who were all forged in the fire together from prison, again, could have come off as bears with hearts of gold caricatures but instead are given just enough individual thoughts and emotions to make them memorable with adding to the story instead of feeling tagged on after thoughts or show stealers. Even while putting me through the wringer with Farrah and Dorian, Byrne was still able to squeeze some heartbreak out of me for Dorian's man Walters and Farrah's friend Gemma (honestly, I dare anyone not to shed at least a few internal tears over their quiet moment in the kitchen at the end). This feeling of connection to minor characters was another reason why I felt Byrne knocked this one out of the park.
Byrne's writing style reminded me a little bit of Amanda Quick's historicals, the sentences and character's actions can come off at times light and loving but you will suddenly find yourself wrecked by the hidden emotional depth and the overall story somewhat reminded me of an updated 21st century "A Rose in Winter" by Kathleen Woodiwiss. There are a couple hotter, rougher moments in this but ultimately, the story is dominated by the searing emotion between our couple. If you are a historical romance fan, then this is a must read for you. The second in the series looks to be about Dorian's friend and assassin Christopher Argent and based on the glimpses we get of Argent in this book, I'm pre-ordering.
From the moment Farah wipes the blood from Dougan's hands they are bound to one another, two outcasts in an orphanage. On a fateful night, Dougan violently protects Farah and they are separated, cast out into their fates. It is not until seventeen years later that Farah learns what befell her childhood friend. Dorian Blackwell, the Blackheart of Ben More, villainous fiend and king of the underworld kidnaps Farah and claims he is there to protect Dougan's "Fairy". Leaving most unsaid but what is heartbreakingly clear in the painful spaces between words, Dorian recounts his experience in jail with Dougan to Farah, how they banded together to try and survive and how Dougan would tell stories about Farah to the other boys. Dorian plans to make good on the deathbed promise he made to Dougan about eventually finding Farah and making sure she was safe. What Dougan didn't know was that Farah had her own painful past she was running from and Dorian feels he must restore Farah to her rightful place in society. There are lies, half-truths, dangers, and love but most importantly, a feeling that destiny won't be denied.
This is the first book by Kerrigan Byrne I have read; it will definitely not be my last. The Highwayman took me by surprise with its sweeping emotional romantic story. Byrne's writing had a way about it that I felt like I was walking the streets of London with Farah and Dorian, everything is described but not overly in a way that bogs you down with details; she was a master of making you feel through showing, not telling. The overall details of the story with the characters and their actions leans toward a darker tone but there is lightness to the story that springs from our main character's relationship for balance. Dorian and Farah have a certain spark between them that is at turns playful, light, deep, emotional, burning, and heavy. Their contentment to be around one another colors their dialogue at times with a lightheartedness that makes their growing love believable and investing to read.
Farah's journey from the orphanage to her position at the Police Headquarters was taken with Dougan in mind with every step. Farah very easily could have been written as a saintly martyr but instead she is shown to be while inherently goodhearted, also a steel-spined survivor; she's believable. Dorian's background and dark attitude could have easily been written to make him a Beauty and the Beast caricature but instead he is given depth of emotion. He is single-minded in his pursuit of taking care of Farah but with a yearning, stubborn streak, and desperate desires of a man still locked in an abused boy's mindset of protection mode; he's believable. When together, the author doesn't come out and tell us they want each, instead it's felt by the reader in every glance Dorian gives Farah that isn't seen and every touch Farah reaches out to give that is never felt by Dorian. There's anger, desire, hurt, hunger, lies, and love all swirling between Farah and Dorian; together they're believable.
Dorian and Farah are clearly the center piece of the story, as they should be and the structure of the story supported that with the beginning setting up Dougan and Farrah's relationship, the middle introducing Farrah to Dorian and creating their relationship, and the second half delving into the mystery and intrigue while bonding our couple more. If I were to express any complaints, which trust me are minor, it would be that Dougan's childhood origins were a bit murky and that Farrah's endangerment from her father's lawyer Warrington could have been fleshed out more in regards to how I didn't really feel the danger from Warrington as he was too much to the peripheral of the story. Byrne's secondary characters did an amazing job of adding to the story and world she created for her characters. Dorian's house full of men who were all forged in the fire together from prison, again, could have come off as bears with hearts of gold caricatures but instead are given just enough individual thoughts and emotions to make them memorable with adding to the story instead of feeling tagged on after thoughts or show stealers. Even while putting me through the wringer with Farrah and Dorian, Byrne was still able to squeeze some heartbreak out of me for Dorian's man Walters and Farrah's friend Gemma (honestly, I dare anyone not to shed at least a few internal tears over their quiet moment in the kitchen at the end). This feeling of connection to minor characters was another reason why I felt Byrne knocked this one out of the park.
Byrne's writing style reminded me a little bit of Amanda Quick's historicals, the sentences and character's actions can come off at times light and loving but you will suddenly find yourself wrecked by the hidden emotional depth and the overall story somewhat reminded me of an updated 21st century "A Rose in Winter" by Kathleen Woodiwiss. There are a couple hotter, rougher moments in this but ultimately, the story is dominated by the searing emotion between our couple. If you are a historical romance fan, then this is a must read for you. The second in the series looks to be about Dorian's friend and assassin Christopher Argent and based on the glimpses we get of Argent in this book, I'm pre-ordering.
November 19, 2018
*3.5 stars*
This book is low-key channelling The Count of Monte Cristo but it's also a second-chance love story. A nice enough book for when you don't know what to read.
September 29, 2020
4,5 'Love never dies' stars
First read: 26 Feb 2016 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Re-read: 24 Sep 2020 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐
This book is one of my favorite HRs and I'm seriously wondering why there aren't more dark HRs out there? I mean, historicals have the perfect setting for darkish themes. Victorian period wasn't only about balls and strolls in Hyde Park. Can you just imagine all the scenarios for kidnapping, taboo, forced marriage... tropes. Oh dear, I'm getting too excited.
Anyway, let's talk about the story now. Our H Dorian Blackwell isn't exactly an anti-hero but I like how he walks the fine edge of the dark side. He's a true crime lord of the Underworld.
But Farah is his light in the dark and despite the shaky start of their relationship, they are so adorable together. I haven't finished the series yet but so far they are my favorite couple 💘
Reading this book for the second time* I noticed that it's a little overdramatic from time to time but rather than sounding silly, it actually gives the story some special charm.
*I meant the second time officially from the beginning to the end. Otherwise, this is one of the books I keep on my nightstand, which means I read it constantly 😊
“Will you try to love me, too?” she asked in a small voice.
He considered it. “I’ll try, Fairy, but I havena done it before.”
“I’ll teach you that, as well,” she promised. “Right after I teach you to read. Love is quite like reading, I expect. Once you know how you can’t ever imagine not doing it.”
First read: 26 Feb 2016 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Re-read: 24 Sep 2020 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐
This book is one of my favorite HRs and I'm seriously wondering why there aren't more dark HRs out there? I mean, historicals have the perfect setting for darkish themes. Victorian period wasn't only about balls and strolls in Hyde Park. Can you just imagine all the scenarios for kidnapping, taboo, forced marriage... tropes. Oh dear, I'm getting too excited.
Anyway, let's talk about the story now. Our H Dorian Blackwell isn't exactly an anti-hero but I like how he walks the fine edge of the dark side. He's a true crime lord of the Underworld.
He looked like a dark autocrat who soaked velvet and damask in the blood of his enemies and then adorned the textiles with gold tassels and illuminated them with a crystal chandelier. A despot with a taste for luxury.
But Farah is his light in the dark and despite the shaky start of their relationship, they are so adorable together. I haven't finished the series yet but so far they are my favorite couple 💘
She’d won her dangerous game. She wanted the love of the Blackheart of Ben More? It was hers, and all the danger and darkness that came with it.
Reading this book for the second time* I noticed that it's a little overdramatic from time to time but rather than sounding silly, it actually gives the story some special charm.
*I meant the second time officially from the beginning to the end. Otherwise, this is one of the books I keep on my nightstand, which means I read it constantly 😊
May 7, 2020
4 stars
This is such a strange time and I’m finding myself uncertain of many things -including what day today is- but now I’m finally sure of one thing, that I’m going to spend the next few days binge reading this series because...Waw!
This was so good!! I haven’t read many historical romances but the ones I read always tend to be leaning towards the fun sweet side. This one was different. It was slightly darker. More serious, I think? I mean as serious as a historical romance could be, if that makes sense. this was a sweet second chance romance and it also has that count of Monte Cristo vibe that I really loved.
It was so addictive and enjoyable to read. Even though it was more serious, it still had that great historical banter. And there’s something about anti-heroes that just pull me in and i find myself unable to stop reading.
This is such a strange time and I’m finding myself uncertain of many things -including what day today is- but now I’m finally sure of one thing, that I’m going to spend the next few days binge reading this series because...Waw!
This was so good!! I haven’t read many historical romances but the ones I read always tend to be leaning towards the fun sweet side. This one was different. It was slightly darker. More serious, I think? I mean as serious as a historical romance could be, if that makes sense. this was a sweet second chance romance and it also has that count of Monte Cristo vibe that I really loved.
It was so addictive and enjoyable to read. Even though it was more serious, it still had that great historical banter. And there’s something about anti-heroes that just pull me in and i find myself unable to stop reading.
July 9, 2019
*4.5 stars*
Insanely angsty, insanely readable. I could NOT put this one down!
If you have the chance to listen to this series in audio, you should really do it. Derek Perkins absolutely nails the audio, delivering the voices and tones that set the stage for the story. He drew me in and didn't let me go, and I ordered the rest of the series on audio that day.
I'm a huge Kerrigan Byrne fan, and becoming a bigger fan each day. Though parts of this book were very predictable (I mean, any romance reader will see the twists coming, especially since I'm 90% sure I've read a book with a strikingly similar plot before), but I still loved every second of it.
I liked the supporting characters, the devotion the female MC has for her long-ago love, and the pain and suffering it took for everyone to get the resolution that they deserve.
I can see why some don't love this story, but I absolutely did. I found it to be an extraordinary listen, and I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for me with this series.
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Insanely angsty, insanely readable. I could NOT put this one down!
If you have the chance to listen to this series in audio, you should really do it. Derek Perkins absolutely nails the audio, delivering the voices and tones that set the stage for the story. He drew me in and didn't let me go, and I ordered the rest of the series on audio that day.
I'm a huge Kerrigan Byrne fan, and becoming a bigger fan each day. Though parts of this book were very predictable (I mean, any romance reader will see the twists coming, especially since I'm 90% sure I've read a book with a strikingly similar plot before), but I still loved every second of it.
I liked the supporting characters, the devotion the female MC has for her long-ago love, and the pain and suffering it took for everyone to get the resolution that they deserve.
I can see why some don't love this story, but I absolutely did. I found it to be an extraordinary listen, and I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for me with this series.
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March 15, 2017
I'm about to write in what will look like secret code if you haven't read what I'm talking about.
So, if you loved Z in BDB, AND you love HR, this book may be for you. Dorian is Z-light. A tortured hero filled with self-loathing and the inability to touch or be touched because of past sexual, physical, and mental abuse. He can't even bear to touch his own private parts. This would be a real problem for men, as I understand it. They seem to have a hard time NOT touching themselves. It's like, right there.
I'd like to do some further exploration of this photo. For science.
This book started out with two kids in an orphanage who love each other and do a cute little "marriage ceremony". It is innocent and sweet. Then, we are fast-forwarded to 17 years later. We meet the grown-up girl, Farah, who is working at Scotland Yard as a clerk and is a widow. She comes into contact with the notorious criminal, Dorian, and ends up being kidnapped by him.
This starts their twisty little romance. There are many things that both of them are hiding, but the main problem is Dorian's past that makes it impossible for him to have a healthy relationship. He's all angsty and broody throughout the book.
He can't even lick himself to ease the pain..
So, here's the thing: Dorian is a bad guy. Like, really really bad, but he never really does anything that bad in the book. He also does all of these good things to help others and is known as a kind of Robin Hood. So, it was a little hard to see him as this ruthless killer that he was supposed to be. And, considering he can't actually touch Farah, it makes him seem a little less dangerous. All she has to do is touch him and he loses his shit. Seems like a pretty big weakness. Don't get me wrong, I liked him and her. But, I never felt like it was that dark. I could have handled darker.
The book was still really good. I just could have used a bit more darkness, and maybe for the resolutions not to come so easily.
Okay, I'll stop now.
Just one more
So, if you loved Z in BDB, AND you love HR, this book may be for you. Dorian is Z-light. A tortured hero filled with self-loathing and the inability to touch or be touched because of past sexual, physical, and mental abuse. He can't even bear to touch his own private parts. This would be a real problem for men, as I understand it. They seem to have a hard time NOT touching themselves. It's like, right there.
I'd like to do some further exploration of this photo. For science.
This book started out with two kids in an orphanage who love each other and do a cute little "marriage ceremony". It is innocent and sweet. Then, we are fast-forwarded to 17 years later. We meet the grown-up girl, Farah, who is working at Scotland Yard as a clerk and is a widow. She comes into contact with the notorious criminal, Dorian, and ends up being kidnapped by him.
This starts their twisty little romance. There are many things that both of them are hiding, but the main problem is Dorian's past that makes it impossible for him to have a healthy relationship. He's all angsty and broody throughout the book.
He can't even lick himself to ease the pain..
So, here's the thing: Dorian is a bad guy. Like, really really bad, but he never really does anything that bad in the book. He also does all of these good things to help others and is known as a kind of Robin Hood. So, it was a little hard to see him as this ruthless killer that he was supposed to be. And, considering he can't actually touch Farah, it makes him seem a little less dangerous. All she has to do is touch him and he loses his shit. Seems like a pretty big weakness. Don't get me wrong, I liked him and her. But, I never felt like it was that dark. I could have handled darker.
The book was still really good. I just could have used a bit more darkness, and maybe for the resolutions not to come so easily.
Okay, I'll stop now.
Just one more
May 19, 2017
2.5 stars
This is a book that's very much beloved and lots of people have recommended it to me. And while historical romance isn't my top choice when picking up a romance, I do enjoy the genre. This book, just......
The plot was okay, and I really enjoyed the beginning, but near the middle to the end I felt very disconnected from the characters. I literally did not care if they ended up together or not. When I should have been feeling empathetic or heartbroken, I felt mostly blah. I felt like a sociopath, I felt nothing.
I want to read more in the series because there are conflicting reviews, but otherwise this one fell kind of flat for me.
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This is a book that's very much beloved and lots of people have recommended it to me. And while historical romance isn't my top choice when picking up a romance, I do enjoy the genre. This book, just......
The plot was okay, and I really enjoyed the beginning, but near the middle to the end I felt very disconnected from the characters. I literally did not care if they ended up together or not. When I should have been feeling empathetic or heartbroken, I felt mostly blah. I felt like a sociopath, I felt nothing.
I want to read more in the series because there are conflicting reviews, but otherwise this one fell kind of flat for me.
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June 3, 2024
"The Highwayman" is the devastating,riveting and carnal romantic novel i have waited for ages to find a opportunity to read.Its the first book i have read by Kerrigan Byrne and i am darn well pissed that i didn`t read this book much earlier.She has a very vivid imagination and a perfect sense of mixing mystery and romance together-in that she also creates unforgettable charismatic characters that readers never will be able to forget.No one warned me of this hero and his irresistible dark sexiness,nor of the heroine who dares him to love her.Two lonely children who fall in love and marry in a orphanage and later on get bitterly separated by evil human beings only to reunite again 17 years later.The agony,the darkness and the passion between Dorian and Farah was too much for my poor heart to handle.I LOVED THIS BOOK and i even now want to read it all over again!
***
"You must believe that my light is more powerful than your darkness. And so let me touch you, instead. And everywhere that my fingers touch your flesh, they will clear away the blood and filth that you see, and will leave behind the light I've always wanted to give to you.”
-Farah
***
Farah Leigh enchanted me with her sweetness and innocence as a 8 year old Child who befriends Dorian and promises to love him and never let him starve.As a 27 year old Farah Mackenzie she fires up the pages with her wit and intelligence-and her undying longing for her lost husband.She doesn`t recognise him in the brutal monster he has become when she reunites with him as a woman but still never backs away from his intimidation.For when he kidnaps her and blackmails her into marriage she makes him a deal in return to give her a child.That scene made me baffled with joyful surprise and i applauded for her bravery.She never judged him for his violent past that destroyed the boy who married her.Her light was a solace to his darkness,together they were a perfect blend of sensuality,tenderness and intensity that made them soulmates.
***
“My soul recognized your soul—and was reborn. I knew there was something behind those eyes, beneath those gloves, that would give back to me what I’ve been missing all these years.”
-Farah
***
Don`t let me talk about the hero...just DON`T!!!Because i don`t know what to mention or what to say!Dorian Blackwell is one of those heroes that takes over completely with their terrifyingly wicked appearances.He is one of those Byronic Heroes where life have destroyed him so many times that he destroys it hundred times back and never apologises for it.He is so passionate without even trying to be-instead of doing everything to carve ice around his heart.But he lost his heart to his beloved Farah who he called his Fairy as a 11 year old boy and still stays strong and faithful to the memory of his wife even after experiencing so many years of torture,blood and death.What was done to him in the prison almost made me vomit.No wonder Dorian had all this rage and suffering caught up inside him-he literally bristled with it and it all made it so shattering that i cried so many times for what he went through.As a young boy he was fiercely protective of his Fairy-despite the beatings he took Farah was the one who kept him happy.Their child-hood memories was so sweet and funny.17 years later he becomes known as the Blackheart of Ben More and has become a predatory,ice-cold and vicious devil who stirs fear in ever human being that encounters him.His restless and eternal passion,possessiveness and love for Farah made me swoon to the moon-he was so afraid of the dark urges inside of him when it came to Farah and tried to protect her from himself.He was such a fascinating broken creature that fired up the pages-his animalistic sexuality was brutal in every scene and it felt so strange being aware of a (book) hero like that!
***
“Then take it back!In my hands it will become corrupted. Poisoned. I’ll blacken it until you hate me almost as much as you hate yourself for giving it to me.” He thrust a finger at her to silence her reply. “Every part of my life has been bleak, brutal, and bloody—except you. I’ll not add your ruin to my many sins.”
-Dorian
***
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ for all fans of historical romance!Just come on,you won`t regret it.I couldn`t put this book down.What a masterful story-teller Kerrigan are and i really must check out the other books in this series about the other Anti-heroes who intrigue me!Dorian and Farah are one of the best fiery passionate couple of all times-there was so much raw dark intensity between them,i couldn`t even blink an eye for fear of missing anything out.This book would hit the box office records if this ever became a movie!JUST WOW!
***
"You must believe that my light is more powerful than your darkness. And so let me touch you, instead. And everywhere that my fingers touch your flesh, they will clear away the blood and filth that you see, and will leave behind the light I've always wanted to give to you.”
-Farah
***
Farah Leigh enchanted me with her sweetness and innocence as a 8 year old Child who befriends Dorian and promises to love him and never let him starve.As a 27 year old Farah Mackenzie she fires up the pages with her wit and intelligence-and her undying longing for her lost husband.She doesn`t recognise him in the brutal monster he has become when she reunites with him as a woman but still never backs away from his intimidation.For when he kidnaps her and blackmails her into marriage she makes him a deal in return to give her a child.That scene made me baffled with joyful surprise and i applauded for her bravery.She never judged him for his violent past that destroyed the boy who married her.Her light was a solace to his darkness,together they were a perfect blend of sensuality,tenderness and intensity that made them soulmates.
***
“My soul recognized your soul—and was reborn. I knew there was something behind those eyes, beneath those gloves, that would give back to me what I’ve been missing all these years.”
-Farah
***
Don`t let me talk about the hero...just DON`T!!!Because i don`t know what to mention or what to say!Dorian Blackwell is one of those heroes that takes over completely with their terrifyingly wicked appearances.He is one of those Byronic Heroes where life have destroyed him so many times that he destroys it hundred times back and never apologises for it.He is so passionate without even trying to be-instead of doing everything to carve ice around his heart.But he lost his heart to his beloved Farah who he called his Fairy as a 11 year old boy and still stays strong and faithful to the memory of his wife even after experiencing so many years of torture,blood and death.What was done to him in the prison almost made me vomit.No wonder Dorian had all this rage and suffering caught up inside him-he literally bristled with it and it all made it so shattering that i cried so many times for what he went through.As a young boy he was fiercely protective of his Fairy-despite the beatings he took Farah was the one who kept him happy.Their child-hood memories was so sweet and funny.17 years later he becomes known as the Blackheart of Ben More and has become a predatory,ice-cold and vicious devil who stirs fear in ever human being that encounters him.His restless and eternal passion,possessiveness and love for Farah made me swoon to the moon-he was so afraid of the dark urges inside of him when it came to Farah and tried to protect her from himself.He was such a fascinating broken creature that fired up the pages-his animalistic sexuality was brutal in every scene and it felt so strange being aware of a (book) hero like that!
***
“Then take it back!In my hands it will become corrupted. Poisoned. I’ll blacken it until you hate me almost as much as you hate yourself for giving it to me.” He thrust a finger at her to silence her reply. “Every part of my life has been bleak, brutal, and bloody—except you. I’ll not add your ruin to my many sins.”
-Dorian
***
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ for all fans of historical romance!Just come on,you won`t regret it.I couldn`t put this book down.What a masterful story-teller Kerrigan are and i really must check out the other books in this series about the other Anti-heroes who intrigue me!Dorian and Farah are one of the best fiery passionate couple of all times-there was so much raw dark intensity between them,i couldn`t even blink an eye for fear of missing anything out.This book would hit the box office records if this ever became a movie!JUST WOW!
April 1, 2022
“Through his entire godforsaken life, she’d been the source of his strength, and now that they were reunited he could conquer anything. Even the past. Especially the future. Dorian closed his eyes, identifying the space in his soul as peace and—hope. Before sleep took him, he whispered the vow into her ear that he would repeat every night until time claimed its due. I make ye my heart At the rising of the moon. To love and honor, Through all our lives. May we be reborn, May our souls meet and know. And love again. And remember.” Seventeen years ago, there was a boy who loved and protected Farah Leigh even if it cost him his own freedom. Farah and Dougan’s love knows no bounds. Farah was the first person to ever love Dougan, and he was her protector. That’s how it should’ve always been. Until one day, Dougan was taken away from Farah when he was sent to prison…and died seven years later. Now at seven and twenty, Farah is a widow who has never been able to let go of the boy whom she secretly married as a young girl. Dorian Blackwell is a criminal mastermind known for his villainous acts and ruthless ways and he has his eyes set on the lovely widowed Mrs Farah Mackenzie. When he whisks her away to his castle at the Scottish highlands, secrets of the past that have been buried for more than a decade are revealed. Are bonds of the past enough to secure a future together?
The Highwayman is the first book from Kerrigan Byrne’s historical romance series, Victorian Rebels. This one tells the story of Dorian Blackwell and Farah Leigh. I’ve been planning to read a Kerrigan Byrne book for a long time but didn’t know where to start as most of the reviews I’ve read of her books (although rated highly) aren't very encouraging because her books seem to be darker and more emotionally taxing than the usual HR books one would find in the genre. However, thank you to the person who recommended this to me. While I still prefer Devlin Byrne over the hero of this book, this one was a good read and I honestly have nothing much to say which is why it’s been so difficult for me to compose my thoughts and write a somehow comprehensible review.
I knew from the very first chapter of the book that I had to finish reading it. I loved how the first chapter showed how these two young naive kids loved each other in the way they knew how. The moment Farah appeared in the scene, I was charmed. She is all things good in Dougan’s dark life. I like how the very first words they uttered to each other the first time they met had such a nice parallel later on.
I loved the heroine. She was a sweet and innocent girl who turned into a woman who is still kind and has so much love to give and more depth because of her experiences. I think she was an amazing heroine and I liked how she was faithful to Dougan after believing him dead for many years. It is not that I wanted her to be miserable and grieve over her lost love forever, I knew that if the situation is different and her hero is another man, I would want for her to move on. However, in this book, I was glad that she stayed faithful to Dougan’s memories even after seventeen years. I must admit I was worried at first when she said her feelings for her boss were complicated and opaque. I was like, “Oh no! Is she gonna be in love with someone else?” Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. I don’t like reading about other love interests. It is a big pet peeve of mine. As much as possible, I try to avoid it so I am glad that the book did not turn towards that direction. The truth about her birth and who she really was came as a little bit of surprise but somehow it wasn’t surprising at all. I guess I am more surprised by the fact that I was right, but then again it wasn't really difficult to figure out. I kind of already had a hunch as to what her secret would be from the moment she stopped herself from uttering her last name. The reason I mentioned that is because even if she wasn't that lady at all, her character would still be the same. But that was a nice addition, I guess. The heroine had many moments where she was so loveable but there were also moments where she was somewhat irrational. I did not like how she seriously considered taking a lover just to conceive a child, considering she was in love with the hero. I was like, give him some time, space and be patient! No need to consider conceiving a baby with someone else. But of course, all’s well that ends well. I have a very low tolerance for talk of other women / other men in my romance books so forgive me if I come off as too sensitive. It’s just not my thing.
As for the hero, I felt for him. The part where the hero revealed how Farah was the first person who has ever touched him without any intentions of hurting him was moving. It reminded me of one my favorite songs of all time, especially the lyrics, “if you hold me without hurting me, you'll be the first who ever did.” I loved this hero and how he loved Farah. I loved how he protected her even when he was a kid himself and how he does not regret any of it because the thought of Farah going through pain is something he could not live with. I feel sorry for the child he had been and everything he went through, the trauma he endured and how it affected him. I feel like how he was written is accurate which is why the way he acts, his outbursts and his internal conflict were all completely understandable. I couldn’t be mad at him because I understood his motivations. I am no expert in this type of matter but I think Kerrigan Byrne did a good job when she wrote the hero’s character. He is yet another tortured hero that we encounter so frequently in this genre but the characterization of Dorian Blackwell was well done. It wasn’t shallow and he had reasons and experiences that will truly explain why he is the way he is. Also I love how he has “I would kill for you.” energy. Does that make me a bad person? I am just so into heroes who are faithful and very much in love with the heroine even if they think they are not capable of love.
You see, I really have nothing much to say. This delivered what was needed and I have no complaints. When I read the first chapter, I knew it would be the type that would make me feel many emotions. I was right. By chapter seven, I was already sobbing. When Farah revealed she went to Newgate prison everyday for the whole seven years that Dougan was there and brought him food because she made a promise that she would not let him starve again. Oh it was so heart breaking and wonderfully written. She sent letters and he never received any of it which made me sob even more! The fact that Dorian was taken aback as well. It was a poignant chapter because of the revelations and hints about what Dougan went through during his time in prison. Then I cried again when Farah finally realized the truth and she mirrored the first words she ever uttered to him. That moment in the book broke me! See, I have weakness for scenes that parallel each other, it would 100% make me an emotional mess! Theirs was a love that was and still is. It was an everlasting love. It was not always beautiful, there were separations and ugly moments but in the end it was all worth it. Their love was passionate and ardent that showed both the good and bad of an all-consuming love. They were each other’s weaknesses, but even more, they were each other’s strength.
In conclusion, it is rare to find a book that will claw its way into my heart and make me feel for the characters and everything they’ve gone through. Farah and Dorian’s love was everlasting. Heart-breaking. All-consuming. Bittersweet. A love for all time. I loved the hero and the heroine and I loved them even more as a couple. It is always good to read a book where I can truly feel and believe the love that the main characters have for each other. This was more emotionally taxing than my usual reads which makes the Happily-ever-after even more satisfying. Were there a few things I didn’t enjoy so much? Sure there were but none that are really important enough to be mentioned. Overall, I liked this one! Kerrigan Byrne’s writing style was good and I would most likely look for another book of hers to read but only when I am in the mood. Farah and Dorian’s love story made me cry several times so it deserves nothing less than four stars.
Some quotes:
When she spoke again, her voice was full of tears. “Dear friend…” Her little hand pressed against his hunched back and patted it consolingly. “I shan’t let you starve again, I promise.” → “It wasn’t just that day. I went to Newgate every night for seven years and left Dougan cheese and bread.” “No.” He retreated a step, staggered was more like it, giving her the moment she needed to gather her courage.
“The lass had been the first person to ever touch him in a way that wasn’t meant to hurt. He didn’t know why he’d been so nasty to her.” → “It had been almost twenty years since anyone had touched him in a way not meant to cause pain. To humiliate, incapacitate, and control. It had been just as long since he’d used his hands for a purpose other than defense, violence, or domination.”
Here they were again. A cold storm. A stone wall. A wounded boy. A lonely girl. “Tell me why you’re crying?” She whispered the first words she’d ever spoken to him. And he gave her the same reply, without looking up. “Go. Away.”
“She was alive! She was alive because he was still alive. And if her heart ever stopped beating, his soul would follow her.”
“That such a thing was possible seemed like a miracle. She was a miracle. He’d found her. After all these years. Mine. His body and mind, for once, were in agreement. She could never doubt his claim on her. A claim he’d staked seventeen long years ago. My Fairy.”
The Highwayman is the first book from Kerrigan Byrne’s historical romance series, Victorian Rebels. This one tells the story of Dorian Blackwell and Farah Leigh. I’ve been planning to read a Kerrigan Byrne book for a long time but didn’t know where to start as most of the reviews I’ve read of her books (although rated highly) aren't very encouraging because her books seem to be darker and more emotionally taxing than the usual HR books one would find in the genre. However, thank you to the person who recommended this to me. While I still prefer Devlin Byrne over the hero of this book, this one was a good read and I honestly have nothing much to say which is why it’s been so difficult for me to compose my thoughts and write a somehow comprehensible review.
I knew from the very first chapter of the book that I had to finish reading it. I loved how the first chapter showed how these two young naive kids loved each other in the way they knew how. The moment Farah appeared in the scene, I was charmed. She is all things good in Dougan’s dark life. I like how the very first words they uttered to each other the first time they met had such a nice parallel later on.
I loved the heroine. She was a sweet and innocent girl who turned into a woman who is still kind and has so much love to give and more depth because of her experiences. I think she was an amazing heroine and I liked how she was faithful to Dougan after believing him dead for many years. It is not that I wanted her to be miserable and grieve over her lost love forever, I knew that if the situation is different and her hero is another man, I would want for her to move on. However, in this book, I was glad that she stayed faithful to Dougan’s memories even after seventeen years. I must admit I was worried at first when she said her feelings for her boss were complicated and opaque. I was like, “Oh no! Is she gonna be in love with someone else?” Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. I don’t like reading about other love interests. It is a big pet peeve of mine. As much as possible, I try to avoid it so I am glad that the book did not turn towards that direction. The truth about her birth and who she really was came as a little bit of surprise but somehow it wasn’t surprising at all. I guess I am more surprised by the fact that I was right, but then again it wasn't really difficult to figure out. I kind of already had a hunch as to what her secret would be from the moment she stopped herself from uttering her last name. The reason I mentioned that is because even if she wasn't that lady at all, her character would still be the same. But that was a nice addition, I guess. The heroine had many moments where she was so loveable but there were also moments where she was somewhat irrational. I did not like how she seriously considered taking a lover just to conceive a child, considering she was in love with the hero. I was like, give him some time, space and be patient! No need to consider conceiving a baby with someone else. But of course, all’s well that ends well. I have a very low tolerance for talk of other women / other men in my romance books so forgive me if I come off as too sensitive. It’s just not my thing.
As for the hero, I felt for him. The part where the hero revealed how Farah was the first person who has ever touched him without any intentions of hurting him was moving. It reminded me of one my favorite songs of all time, especially the lyrics, “if you hold me without hurting me, you'll be the first who ever did.” I loved this hero and how he loved Farah. I loved how he protected her even when he was a kid himself and how he does not regret any of it because the thought of Farah going through pain is something he could not live with. I feel sorry for the child he had been and everything he went through, the trauma he endured and how it affected him. I feel like how he was written is accurate which is why the way he acts, his outbursts and his internal conflict were all completely understandable. I couldn’t be mad at him because I understood his motivations. I am no expert in this type of matter but I think Kerrigan Byrne did a good job when she wrote the hero’s character. He is yet another tortured hero that we encounter so frequently in this genre but the characterization of Dorian Blackwell was well done. It wasn’t shallow and he had reasons and experiences that will truly explain why he is the way he is. Also I love how he has “I would kill for you.” energy. Does that make me a bad person? I am just so into heroes who are faithful and very much in love with the heroine even if they think they are not capable of love.
You see, I really have nothing much to say. This delivered what was needed and I have no complaints. When I read the first chapter, I knew it would be the type that would make me feel many emotions. I was right. By chapter seven, I was already sobbing. When Farah revealed she went to Newgate prison everyday for the whole seven years that Dougan was there and brought him food because she made a promise that she would not let him starve again. Oh it was so heart breaking and wonderfully written. She sent letters and he never received any of it which made me sob even more! The fact that Dorian was taken aback as well. It was a poignant chapter because of the revelations and hints about what Dougan went through during his time in prison. Then I cried again when Farah finally realized the truth and she mirrored the first words she ever uttered to him. That moment in the book broke me! See, I have weakness for scenes that parallel each other, it would 100% make me an emotional mess! Theirs was a love that was and still is. It was an everlasting love. It was not always beautiful, there were separations and ugly moments but in the end it was all worth it. Their love was passionate and ardent that showed both the good and bad of an all-consuming love. They were each other’s weaknesses, but even more, they were each other’s strength.
In conclusion, it is rare to find a book that will claw its way into my heart and make me feel for the characters and everything they’ve gone through. Farah and Dorian’s love was everlasting. Heart-breaking. All-consuming. Bittersweet. A love for all time. I loved the hero and the heroine and I loved them even more as a couple. It is always good to read a book where I can truly feel and believe the love that the main characters have for each other. This was more emotionally taxing than my usual reads which makes the Happily-ever-after even more satisfying. Were there a few things I didn’t enjoy so much? Sure there were but none that are really important enough to be mentioned. Overall, I liked this one! Kerrigan Byrne’s writing style was good and I would most likely look for another book of hers to read but only when I am in the mood. Farah and Dorian’s love story made me cry several times so it deserves nothing less than four stars.
Some quotes:
When she spoke again, her voice was full of tears. “Dear friend…” Her little hand pressed against his hunched back and patted it consolingly. “I shan’t let you starve again, I promise.” → “It wasn’t just that day. I went to Newgate every night for seven years and left Dougan cheese and bread.” “No.” He retreated a step, staggered was more like it, giving her the moment she needed to gather her courage.
“The lass had been the first person to ever touch him in a way that wasn’t meant to hurt. He didn’t know why he’d been so nasty to her.” → “It had been almost twenty years since anyone had touched him in a way not meant to cause pain. To humiliate, incapacitate, and control. It had been just as long since he’d used his hands for a purpose other than defense, violence, or domination.”
Here they were again. A cold storm. A stone wall. A wounded boy. A lonely girl. “Tell me why you’re crying?” She whispered the first words she’d ever spoken to him. And he gave her the same reply, without looking up. “Go. Away.”
“She was alive! She was alive because he was still alive. And if her heart ever stopped beating, his soul would follow her.”
“That such a thing was possible seemed like a miracle. She was a miracle. He’d found her. After all these years. Mine. His body and mind, for once, were in agreement. She could never doubt his claim on her. A claim he’d staked seventeen long years ago. My Fairy.”
August 10, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Dorian Blackwell, is a villain, and rose up from the alleyways of the worst slums in London, to become the powerful man he is today. He does what needs to be done to survive and the horrors of his past made him into what he is today. Farah Leigh Mackenzie, hasn't had an easy time in her life. When she was young, she got married and for a short while they were happy. Until he was taken away from her, and now she is a widow and for years she hasn't even thought about another man, until she meets the dark and dangerous Dorian. Then Dorian kidnaps her and takes her up to Scotland, because her life is in grave danger and only by marrying Dorian will Farah be protected. Soon Dorian and Farah's lives are intertwined and they discover a hidden passion and an abiding love that will surprise them both. Will the terrors of their pasts haunt their futures, or will embracing their new founded love be the healing balm they need?
The Hero
Dorian Blackwell, had a rough childhood and even a tougher adulthood. He spent most of his youth in prison, and befriended a few other that have his back. The only people in the world that he has ever trusted. Dorian is deadly and dangerous and no one dares cross him. Dorian has learned how to survive in the worst of places in London, and worked his way up the ladder to be the most feared and powerful man in England. He has power and wealth and no one can touch him. He has no weakness, until he comes across miss Farah Leigh and he is lost in what she offers him.
Dorian is one sexy alpha male you could never get enough of. He is the type of character you crave to read in historical romance. I just wanted more and more of him as the story progressed. I love his dangerous allure, his sensuality and all that emotional tortured feel his character gives off. Potent to the core!!
The Heroine
Farah Leigh has been hidden away most of her life. She lost her closest friend and her husband, a man she committed herself to when she was just too young but much in love. Farah is strong and sweet and kind. She works for Scotland Yard as a secretary, and loves her work. She lives to uphold the law and she still yearns for what she once had a lost years previous. Farah isn't weak or naive, and she takes Dorian in full stride. I love that she stands up to him when no one else does; even though she fears him she doesn't back down when she truly believes in what is right. I love how her character develops and the way she treats Dorian. She handles him in just the right way, stands up to him but she also compromises with him so they both stand on even ground. She is solid both emotionally and physically. Even though she has suffered a low blow in life, she doesn't let that weaken her...it makes her even stronger.
Plot and Story Line
The Highwayman is one of the best romances I have read this year!! My goodness, I have found a new love in this author and she writes historical romance the way it should be written. Full of depth, complexities and true romance at its core. I just couldn't get enough of this author. I just want more and more, thankfully, the second book will be coming out in a few months in Feb (CHEERS!!).
So what made this story so fantastic??? Well I will tell ya all. Everything about it made it simply wonderful. First off I want to set up the story a little. It starts off with Farah and Dugan as children. They are thick as thieves, both understand each other in different ways, then slowly as they get older, they decide to handfast to each other.
But when Farah is about to get molested, Dugan protects her and ends up killing the man responsible. He goes to prison, and Farah leaves him food and letters but then he is killed. This really sets up the story on an emotional angle in a vivid way that reaches out to the reader. Then it skips ahead to when Farah is full grown, in her late twenties (we are the same age yay---so I felt it easy to relate with her) and when she gets kidnapped, she meets Dugan's closest friends. What are the odds right? Well in this book there are no such things as coincidences. We see her strike friendship with Dorian's friends, who treat her like a sister. It was quite amusing that if Dorian went overboard---he was in the dog house with his buddies because they look at Farah as family.
Then we see the romance blossom between Dorian and Farrah in quite a poignant and powerful way. Dorian is bitter and cynical, and Farrah is sweet and good natured. Patient with him, and I love how she handles him in such a positive way. Firm but kind. It takes a turn when the truth comes out, and a secret is revealed. Now this secret is slowly built up through the story, so it didn't come to a complete surprise because the author leads up to it, but the author slowly teases us until the truth is really revealed. I really couldn't get enough of these two, seeing them form a strong bond to each other, meanwhile dealing with the danger to Farrah, and the friendships that she forms with Dorian's friends. I am over the moon with this one, and its the type of story I could see myself re-reading in a couple of years. This is a story that touched me in every way. The emotion and the feelings that are poured into it are all consuming. So if you love a sexy romance full of passion, danger and mystery....pick this one up right NOW!!
The Cover
Is there a better cover?? I mean really. One I love yellow on covers, especially this golden warm yellow. I love the sexy pose, almost kiss, her beautiful gown, and man his hair. I just want to run my fingers through it.
Overall View
The Highwayman is a stimulating ride that takes you all over the British Aisles. Its a story to cry over, to laugh in those silly moments, and to flip those pages as fast as you can read them.A sweeping romance that will take your breath away. A WILD SEXY ROMP!!
Summary
Dorian Blackwell, is a villain, and rose up from the alleyways of the worst slums in London, to become the powerful man he is today. He does what needs to be done to survive and the horrors of his past made him into what he is today. Farah Leigh Mackenzie, hasn't had an easy time in her life. When she was young, she got married and for a short while they were happy. Until he was taken away from her, and now she is a widow and for years she hasn't even thought about another man, until she meets the dark and dangerous Dorian. Then Dorian kidnaps her and takes her up to Scotland, because her life is in grave danger and only by marrying Dorian will Farah be protected. Soon Dorian and Farah's lives are intertwined and they discover a hidden passion and an abiding love that will surprise them both. Will the terrors of their pasts haunt their futures, or will embracing their new founded love be the healing balm they need?
The Hero
Dorian Blackwell, had a rough childhood and even a tougher adulthood. He spent most of his youth in prison, and befriended a few other that have his back. The only people in the world that he has ever trusted. Dorian is deadly and dangerous and no one dares cross him. Dorian has learned how to survive in the worst of places in London, and worked his way up the ladder to be the most feared and powerful man in England. He has power and wealth and no one can touch him. He has no weakness, until he comes across miss Farah Leigh and he is lost in what she offers him.
“My sweet Fairy.” He exhaled on a painful breath. “You can’t imagine darkness. You are the only light I’ve ever known.”
Dorian is one sexy alpha male you could never get enough of. He is the type of character you crave to read in historical romance. I just wanted more and more of him as the story progressed. I love his dangerous allure, his sensuality and all that emotional tortured feel his character gives off. Potent to the core!!
The Heroine
Farah Leigh has been hidden away most of her life. She lost her closest friend and her husband, a man she committed herself to when she was just too young but much in love. Farah is strong and sweet and kind. She works for Scotland Yard as a secretary, and loves her work. She lives to uphold the law and she still yearns for what she once had a lost years previous. Farah isn't weak or naive, and she takes Dorian in full stride. I love that she stands up to him when no one else does; even though she fears him she doesn't back down when she truly believes in what is right. I love how her character develops and the way she treats Dorian. She handles him in just the right way, stands up to him but she also compromises with him so they both stand on even ground. She is solid both emotionally and physically. Even though she has suffered a low blow in life, she doesn't let that weaken her...it makes her even stronger.
Plot and Story Line
The Highwayman is one of the best romances I have read this year!! My goodness, I have found a new love in this author and she writes historical romance the way it should be written. Full of depth, complexities and true romance at its core. I just couldn't get enough of this author. I just want more and more, thankfully, the second book will be coming out in a few months in Feb (CHEERS!!).
So what made this story so fantastic??? Well I will tell ya all. Everything about it made it simply wonderful. First off I want to set up the story a little. It starts off with Farah and Dugan as children. They are thick as thieves, both understand each other in different ways, then slowly as they get older, they decide to handfast to each other.
“Of course I’ll love you, Dougan Mackenzie,” she said easily. “Who else is going to?”
“Nobody,” he said earnestly.
“Will you try to love me, too?” she asked in a small voice.
He considered it. “I’ll try, Fairy, but I havena done it before.”
But when Farah is about to get molested, Dugan protects her and ends up killing the man responsible. He goes to prison, and Farah leaves him food and letters but then he is killed. This really sets up the story on an emotional angle in a vivid way that reaches out to the reader. Then it skips ahead to when Farah is full grown, in her late twenties (we are the same age yay---so I felt it easy to relate with her) and when she gets kidnapped, she meets Dugan's closest friends. What are the odds right? Well in this book there are no such things as coincidences. We see her strike friendship with Dorian's friends, who treat her like a sister. It was quite amusing that if Dorian went overboard---he was in the dog house with his buddies because they look at Farah as family.
Then we see the romance blossom between Dorian and Farrah in quite a poignant and powerful way. Dorian is bitter and cynical, and Farrah is sweet and good natured. Patient with him, and I love how she handles him in such a positive way. Firm but kind. It takes a turn when the truth comes out, and a secret is revealed. Now this secret is slowly built up through the story, so it didn't come to a complete surprise because the author leads up to it, but the author slowly teases us until the truth is really revealed. I really couldn't get enough of these two, seeing them form a strong bond to each other, meanwhile dealing with the danger to Farrah, and the friendships that she forms with Dorian's friends. I am over the moon with this one, and its the type of story I could see myself re-reading in a couple of years. This is a story that touched me in every way. The emotion and the feelings that are poured into it are all consuming. So if you love a sexy romance full of passion, danger and mystery....pick this one up right NOW!!
“I make ye my heart
At the rising of the moon.
To love and honor,
Through all our lives.
May we be reborn,
May our souls meet and know.
And love again.
And remember.”
The Cover
Is there a better cover?? I mean really. One I love yellow on covers, especially this golden warm yellow. I love the sexy pose, almost kiss, her beautiful gown, and man his hair. I just want to run my fingers through it.
Overall View
The Highwayman is a stimulating ride that takes you all over the British Aisles. Its a story to cry over, to laugh in those silly moments, and to flip those pages as fast as you can read them.A sweeping romance that will take your breath away. A WILD SEXY ROMP!!
August 1, 2016
I LOVED this dark, compelling debut novel from Kerrigan Byrne, and was completely swept away by the emotional impact of the powerful and beautiful love story.
I was drawn into the story from the moment I started reading Chapter 1. Watching the friendship, the inseparable bond and the innocent young love that developed between the young orphans, Dougan Mackenzie and Farah Leigh, his “Fairy”, was so touching. To protect Farah, Dougan is forced to kill a man which leads to their dramatic separation. This was so heart-breaking and I was compelled to read on, desperate to know what happened to them.
Moving forward 17 years, Farah has been living as Mrs Mackenzie, Dougan’s widow, for the past 10 years, following his death in Newgate prison. She has carved out a decent life for herself working as a clerk in Scotland Yard but is still haunted by memories of the boy she had loved all those years ago. Called upon to take notes for an interrogation being undertaken by her employer, Sir Carlton Morley, Farah comes face to face with the notorious criminal mastermind, Dorian Blackwell, the Blackheart of Ben More. Despite his reputation, she finds herself strangely affected by this cold, ruthless man but has no idea how closely her life will be entwined with his.
Dorian Blackwell and Dougan had forged a strong brother-like bond while in Newgate prison where they suffered terrible abuse at the hands of their brutal jailers. All the pent up anger and his promise to the dying Dougan to wreak revenge on those responsible are the things that drove him to build his feared criminal empire. Now rich, powerful and ruthless, he is merciless in exacting swift and deadly revenge against those responsible for the terrible things they suffered. Scarred both inside and out by years of horrific abuse, Dorian can no longer bear people touching him. When he meets Dougan’s “Fairy”, he must fulfil his promise to keep her safe and ensure she claims her rightful inheritance, even though it means kidnapping her and persuading her that marriage to him is her only option. Perhaps Farah is the one person to see beyond the coldness and ruthlessness and awaken the gentle, vulnerable heart beneath.
If you like your heroes scarred, dark, tormented and filled with self-loathing, then you will love Dorian. I like how he never makes any excuse for who he is and what he has done and learning of the type of abuse he suffered was heart-rending. It made his feelings of self-loathing understandable.
Farah is the light to Dorian’s darkness. She is not only beautiful but also gentle and kind-hearted , and this is clearly seen in her genuine efforts to help her prostitute friend Gemma escape her abusive pimp. I loved that she never deserted Dougan when he was in prison, bringing him food every day and how his stories about her brought comfort to the other prisoners. She maybe gentle but can be tough when the need arises.
Their romance is earthy and passionate with lots of sizzling sexual tension and dark, edgy love scenes which may not be to everyone’s taste. I thought they fitted perfectly with Dorian’s aversion to touch and his deeply conflicting feelings of raw lust and reverence for the sweet, innocent Farah.
It isn’t hard to figure out the big secret Dorian has been hiding because the clues are clearly signposted. I did enjoy the fact that the reader was privy to something the heroine was not.
I loved the ex-prisoners who Dorian has given jobs to; Murdoch, “with his sad eyes and misunderstood heart”; Frank, “who was lost anywhere but the kitchens”, and poor Tallow, “who trembled more than he talked. They were all so well-drawn. There is also the elusive and mysterious Christopher Argent, a silent and lethal killer, whose story is told in the next book, THE HUNTER .
The book isn’t perfect and does have its flaws. I thought that Dorian overcame his aversion to touch far too quickly, and I felt that the storyline involving the threat to Farah’s safety should have been explored in more depth before the final climax, which seemed to come completely out the blue. Despite these criticisms, the book still deserves 5 Stars for the heart-stopping romance alone and, of course, I do love a heart-warming Epilogue.
I have to mention Ms Byrne’s wonderful writing…so emotive and evocative. As my words alone can’t do it justice, I hope these few quotes will.
If only he hadn’t so many wounds. Some that no stitch could reach deep enough to repair and so they remained open and bleeding, festering until they poisoned the body with their putrid filth.
~~~
In this quiet, unfettered moment, she knew him, truly saw him for what he was.. Abused, wounded boy. An empty heart full of promise, and a soul of shadows in need of sunlight.
~~~
His skin burned and his heart ached. He wanted. He needed. He craved.
~~~
All she knew was that she came alive beneath Dorian Blackwell’s inscrutable gaze. He watched her with an intensity she’d never before seen, and she wanted to fill his insatiable mind with images he’d not likely forget.
~~~
Farah counted the admittedly obscene amount of desserts. Perhaps they should have left out the cocoa sponge cake, or the little cream-and-fruit-stuffed cornucopias with chocolate sauce. She absolutely couldn’t have chosen between the almond cakes with the sherry reduction or the coriander Shrewsbury puffs or … the treacle and vanilla crème brûlée. Oh, dear, perhaps she and Walters had gotten a little carried away this afternoon.
MY VERDICT: A MUST READ!
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
Victorian Rebel series (Click on the book covers for more details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
I was drawn into the story from the moment I started reading Chapter 1. Watching the friendship, the inseparable bond and the innocent young love that developed between the young orphans, Dougan Mackenzie and Farah Leigh, his “Fairy”, was so touching. To protect Farah, Dougan is forced to kill a man which leads to their dramatic separation. This was so heart-breaking and I was compelled to read on, desperate to know what happened to them.
Moving forward 17 years, Farah has been living as Mrs Mackenzie, Dougan’s widow, for the past 10 years, following his death in Newgate prison. She has carved out a decent life for herself working as a clerk in Scotland Yard but is still haunted by memories of the boy she had loved all those years ago. Called upon to take notes for an interrogation being undertaken by her employer, Sir Carlton Morley, Farah comes face to face with the notorious criminal mastermind, Dorian Blackwell, the Blackheart of Ben More. Despite his reputation, she finds herself strangely affected by this cold, ruthless man but has no idea how closely her life will be entwined with his.
Dorian Blackwell and Dougan had forged a strong brother-like bond while in Newgate prison where they suffered terrible abuse at the hands of their brutal jailers. All the pent up anger and his promise to the dying Dougan to wreak revenge on those responsible are the things that drove him to build his feared criminal empire. Now rich, powerful and ruthless, he is merciless in exacting swift and deadly revenge against those responsible for the terrible things they suffered. Scarred both inside and out by years of horrific abuse, Dorian can no longer bear people touching him. When he meets Dougan’s “Fairy”, he must fulfil his promise to keep her safe and ensure she claims her rightful inheritance, even though it means kidnapping her and persuading her that marriage to him is her only option. Perhaps Farah is the one person to see beyond the coldness and ruthlessness and awaken the gentle, vulnerable heart beneath.
If you like your heroes scarred, dark, tormented and filled with self-loathing, then you will love Dorian. I like how he never makes any excuse for who he is and what he has done and learning of the type of abuse he suffered was heart-rending. It made his feelings of self-loathing understandable.
Farah is the light to Dorian’s darkness. She is not only beautiful but also gentle and kind-hearted , and this is clearly seen in her genuine efforts to help her prostitute friend Gemma escape her abusive pimp. I loved that she never deserted Dougan when he was in prison, bringing him food every day and how his stories about her brought comfort to the other prisoners. She maybe gentle but can be tough when the need arises.
Their romance is earthy and passionate with lots of sizzling sexual tension and dark, edgy love scenes which may not be to everyone’s taste. I thought they fitted perfectly with Dorian’s aversion to touch and his deeply conflicting feelings of raw lust and reverence for the sweet, innocent Farah.
It isn’t hard to figure out the big secret Dorian has been hiding because the clues are clearly signposted. I did enjoy the fact that the reader was privy to something the heroine was not.
I loved the ex-prisoners who Dorian has given jobs to; Murdoch, “with his sad eyes and misunderstood heart”; Frank, “who was lost anywhere but the kitchens”, and poor Tallow, “who trembled more than he talked. They were all so well-drawn. There is also the elusive and mysterious Christopher Argent, a silent and lethal killer, whose story is told in the next book, THE HUNTER .
The book isn’t perfect and does have its flaws. I thought that Dorian overcame his aversion to touch far too quickly, and I felt that the storyline involving the threat to Farah’s safety should have been explored in more depth before the final climax, which seemed to come completely out the blue. Despite these criticisms, the book still deserves 5 Stars for the heart-stopping romance alone and, of course, I do love a heart-warming Epilogue.
I have to mention Ms Byrne’s wonderful writing…so emotive and evocative. As my words alone can’t do it justice, I hope these few quotes will.
If only he hadn’t so many wounds. Some that no stitch could reach deep enough to repair and so they remained open and bleeding, festering until they poisoned the body with their putrid filth.
~~~
In this quiet, unfettered moment, she knew him, truly saw him for what he was.. Abused, wounded boy. An empty heart full of promise, and a soul of shadows in need of sunlight.
~~~
His skin burned and his heart ached. He wanted. He needed. He craved.
~~~
All she knew was that she came alive beneath Dorian Blackwell’s inscrutable gaze. He watched her with an intensity she’d never before seen, and she wanted to fill his insatiable mind with images he’d not likely forget.
~~~
Farah counted the admittedly obscene amount of desserts. Perhaps they should have left out the cocoa sponge cake, or the little cream-and-fruit-stuffed cornucopias with chocolate sauce. She absolutely couldn’t have chosen between the almond cakes with the sherry reduction or the coriander Shrewsbury puffs or … the treacle and vanilla crème brûlée. Oh, dear, perhaps she and Walters had gotten a little carried away this afternoon.
MY VERDICT: A MUST READ!
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
Victorian Rebel series (Click on the book covers for more details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
September 22, 2024
5 Stars!!
I'm not a normally a Historical romance reader, but, I had to give this one a try after spotting the fantastic cover on Jen's 2015 favorites collage and since it was a favorite it must have been a great read right?....Jen's pick did not disappoint!!!!
Dorian and Farah meet in the Orphanage they were living in as children, they both endured hardship and loss at early ages, and clung to one another for support until tragically they were ripped apart. Many years later they are reunited and the journey to their HEA was heart breaking, turbulent, and romantic, I fell in love at the first chapter and couldn't put it down!!! I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I'm not a normally a Historical romance reader, but, I had to give this one a try after spotting the fantastic cover on Jen's 2015 favorites collage and since it was a favorite it must have been a great read right?....Jen's pick did not disappoint!!!!
Dorian and Farah meet in the Orphanage they were living in as children, they both endured hardship and loss at early ages, and clung to one another for support until tragically they were ripped apart. Many years later they are reunited and the journey to their HEA was heart breaking, turbulent, and romantic, I fell in love at the first chapter and couldn't put it down!!! I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
April 5, 2021
📢 Sorry, excuse me, unpopular opinion coming through… 📢
*nervous laughter*
Don’t look at me like that… 👉👈
I tried to like this book… I really did! In fact, the first half was heading towards 5 stars but unfortunately, I couldn’t say the same about the second half.
I’ll start with the positives… I loved the writing! It was beautiful and poignant and my kindle copy was filled with highlights! Kerrigan Byrne has a way of drawing readers into the story right off the bat. The book also had many strong and well fleshed out secondary characters that I was invested in. The epilogue was also really cute and wholesome, and I always give bonus points if a book leaves me with a smile on my face!
Things I didn’t like so much: (minor spoilers ahead, read at your own risk)
⚜️ Farah being a Mary Sue: I just felt like she was way too perfect! Did she even really have any real flaws? I honestly can’t think of one. Overindulging in extravagant desserts does not count, okay? Neither is being too devoted and loving of assholes.
⚜️ The portrayal of Dorian’s affliction: I love tortured heroes but only if they’re well fleshed out. Part of what makes a tortured hero worth sympathizing with, is knowing exactly why he’s worth sympathizing with! What happened to him was only alluded to, and to be honest, I wish it had been more explicit. Without a proper backstory, he’s kind of just… asshole-ish.
⚜️ Handling of trauma: If Dorian’s affliction had been so debilitating in the first place, it was definitely resolved too quickly and skimmed over haphazardly. Instead of the empathy I’m sure the author wanted to evoke from readers, I only felt indifference at the end.
⚜️ The twist: I mean, the only person that didn't know about the twist was Farah which got kind of annoying LOL.
⚜️ HEA: As much as I love my fairy-tale endings, somehow EVERYONE getting an HEA just didn’t really fit with the dark tone of the story.
All in all, I felt like all the elements were there, but the execution could’ve been more impactful and emotionally gripping. Obviously, The Highwayman is a much beloved book, so I'm just going to chalk it up to me being super picky. Will I continue with the series? Probably...
Rating: 3.25/5
(Massive thanks to Lau for the BR!! 🥰 Check out her review here!)
*nervous laughter*
Don’t look at me like that… 👉👈
I tried to like this book… I really did! In fact, the first half was heading towards 5 stars but unfortunately, I couldn’t say the same about the second half.
I’ll start with the positives… I loved the writing! It was beautiful and poignant and my kindle copy was filled with highlights! Kerrigan Byrne has a way of drawing readers into the story right off the bat. The book also had many strong and well fleshed out secondary characters that I was invested in. The epilogue was also really cute and wholesome, and I always give bonus points if a book leaves me with a smile on my face!
Things I didn’t like so much: (minor spoilers ahead, read at your own risk)
⚜️ Farah being a Mary Sue: I just felt like she was way too perfect! Did she even really have any real flaws? I honestly can’t think of one. Overindulging in extravagant desserts does not count, okay? Neither is being too devoted and loving of assholes.
⚜️ The portrayal of Dorian’s affliction: I love tortured heroes but only if they’re well fleshed out. Part of what makes a tortured hero worth sympathizing with, is knowing exactly why he’s worth sympathizing with! What happened to him was only alluded to, and to be honest, I wish it had been more explicit. Without a proper backstory, he’s kind of just… asshole-ish.
⚜️ Handling of trauma: If Dorian’s affliction had been so debilitating in the first place, it was definitely resolved too quickly and skimmed over haphazardly. Instead of the empathy I’m sure the author wanted to evoke from readers, I only felt indifference at the end.
⚜️ The twist: I mean, the only person that didn't know about the twist was Farah which got kind of annoying LOL.
⚜️ HEA: As much as I love my fairy-tale endings, somehow EVERYONE getting an HEA just didn’t really fit with the dark tone of the story.
All in all, I felt like all the elements were there, but the execution could’ve been more impactful and emotionally gripping. Obviously, The Highwayman is a much beloved book, so I'm just going to chalk it up to me being super picky. Will I continue with the series? Probably...
Rating: 3.25/5
(Massive thanks to Lau for the BR!! 🥰 Check out her review here!)
June 13, 2018
3.5 stars
I've had this book on my TBR for a long long long time. I finally got around to reading it :) It was nice for a change of pace. But words like nectar and womb still make me cringe a wee bit :D lol
I've had this book on my TBR for a long long long time. I finally got around to reading it :) It was nice for a change of pace. But words like nectar and womb still make me cringe a wee bit :D lol
November 12, 2021
Re-read for the third time. This will always and forever be a favorite of mine.
August 9, 2015
The Highwayman by Kerrigan Bryne is a 2015 St. Martin's Press publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
“I'd never leave you, Fairy.
Truly?
Not even to be a pirate?
I promise. I might be a highwayman though.
Will you try to love me, too?
I'll try Fairy, but I havena done it before.
I'll teach you.”
Wow! Whoa! Is it really possible the dangerous, dark, brooding hero is back? Please, say it's true. This book blew me away! A real honest to goodness sweeping and epic love story!
Farah is a respectable widow whose husband died after a brief marriage. She now works for Scotland Yard and has perhaps decided to consider marrying again in hopes of having the children she has always wanted.
But, her plans are suddenly upended when the ruthless villain, Dorian Blackwell kidnaps her, then informs her that her birthright as been stolen by an impostor and her life is in danger. He promises he will keep her safe, but his protection comes with a high price.... she must agree to marry him and help him exact revenge on those who wronged him.
Farah knows she hasn't much choice in the matter, but there is still one stipulation she must insist upon before she agrees to this arrangement. Dorian must provide her the family she has always pined for.
Dorian is the quintessential tortured soul, scarred physically, mentally, and emotionally. Farah is the gentle soul whose strength and determination will break down the fortress Dorian has built around his heart.
“I make ye my heart
At the rising of the moon.
To love and honor,
Through all our lives.
May we be reborn,
May our souls meet and know.
And love again.
And remember.”
This is much more than a classic beauty and the beast story. This story touched me on all cylinders, had me going through the gamut of emotions, starting with sadness, anger, frustration, and fear that led on to becoming one of the most heart warming, deeply emotional and touching, epic love stories I've read in a long time.
5 stars
“I'd never leave you, Fairy.
Truly?
Not even to be a pirate?
I promise. I might be a highwayman though.
Will you try to love me, too?
I'll try Fairy, but I havena done it before.
I'll teach you.”
Wow! Whoa! Is it really possible the dangerous, dark, brooding hero is back? Please, say it's true. This book blew me away! A real honest to goodness sweeping and epic love story!
Farah is a respectable widow whose husband died after a brief marriage. She now works for Scotland Yard and has perhaps decided to consider marrying again in hopes of having the children she has always wanted.
But, her plans are suddenly upended when the ruthless villain, Dorian Blackwell kidnaps her, then informs her that her birthright as been stolen by an impostor and her life is in danger. He promises he will keep her safe, but his protection comes with a high price.... she must agree to marry him and help him exact revenge on those who wronged him.
Farah knows she hasn't much choice in the matter, but there is still one stipulation she must insist upon before she agrees to this arrangement. Dorian must provide her the family she has always pined for.
Dorian is the quintessential tortured soul, scarred physically, mentally, and emotionally. Farah is the gentle soul whose strength and determination will break down the fortress Dorian has built around his heart.
“I make ye my heart
At the rising of the moon.
To love and honor,
Through all our lives.
May we be reborn,
May our souls meet and know.
And love again.
And remember.”
This is much more than a classic beauty and the beast story. This story touched me on all cylinders, had me going through the gamut of emotions, starting with sadness, anger, frustration, and fear that led on to becoming one of the most heart warming, deeply emotional and touching, epic love stories I've read in a long time.
5 stars
November 15, 2015
5-GLORIOUS-LET-ME-BE-YOUR-FAIRY-STARS
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH.
And you know what? I'll just leave it at that. That's how much I love this book. For me, no amount of words could ever do justice to it.
If you haven't read this yet, READ IT .
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH.
And you know what? I'll just leave it at that. That's how much I love this book. For me, no amount of words could ever do justice to it.
If you haven't read this yet, READ IT .
September 5, 2023
“Love is quite like reading (). Once you know how, you can’t ever imagine not doing it.”
UNPOPULAR OPINION AHEAD
Reading The Highwayman was like riding a roller coaster. Some scenes were stunning while others ended with my patience. I had great expectations for this one and I’m sorry to say it was a disappointment.
This book is a second-chance romance with Farah (H) and Dougan/Dorian (h) as protagonists. Farah and Dougan met in an orphanage when they were children but something happens that makes them fall apart.
More than a decade later, their paths cross again. Dougan Mackenzie is now Dorian Blackwell, a man everyone is afraid of, and Farah still thinks the boy she fell in love with is dead. Neither of them are the same, but the years haven’t extinguished the flame of their first love. Would feelings be enough to bring them together again?
I make ye my heart
At the rising of the moon.
To love and honor,
Through all our lives.
May we be reborn,
May our souls meet and know.
And love again.
And remember.
I was enjoying the book until their first night together. I’m not going to discuss if it’s hot or not. But I don’t think tying and covering the mouth of a virgin in her first time is all right.
He tightened the final knot on her wrist, and then inspected it for weaknesses, not lifting his other hand from her tempting mouth. She could not touch him. She could not scream. She could not escape.
However, my main problem with the story was Dorian. I couldn’t stand him. I usually stay away from tortured heroes because few of them feel real. And I don’t think Dorian is one of them. I’m a science person. I could make a list with quotes to explain my reasons, but I think I have complained enough (sorry, Ren) and I don’t want to get angry again. So I’m only going to use one quote which I think speaks for itself.
"You (women) are so soft, so frail. (...) Like a morsel of the rarest delicacy just waiting to be preyed upon."
The rest of the story was okay. I loved the writing, how determined Farah was and the secondary characters. There are some beautiful scenes in between and I liked the epilogue, but it wasn’t enough for me to make up for the hero.
I apologize if anyone gets offended for this review, it is not my intention. I understand each person has her/his own opinion.😊
Thank you so much Ren ❤️ for the BR!! It's was so fun discussing it with you! I only hope next time we love the book we choose!! 🤣
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