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Goode Girls #1
Seducing a Stranger
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B08JQQMTKK
This Knight of the Crown is driven by a painful past and a patient fury… and his entire life is a lie.
Sir Carlton Morley is famously possessed of extraordinary will, singular focus, and a merciless sense of justice. As a man, he secured his fortune and his preeminence as Scotland Yard’s ruthless Chief Inspector. As a decorated soldier, he was legend for his unflinching trigger finger, his precision in battle, and his imperturbable strength. But as a boy, he was someone else. A twin, a thief, and a murderer, until tragedy reshaped him.
Now he stalks the night, in search of redemption and retribution, vowing to never give into temptation, as it’s just another form of weakness.
Until temptation lands—quite literally—in his lap, taking the form of Prudence Goode.
Prim and proper Pru is expected to live a life of drudgery, but before she succumbs to her fate, she craves just one night of desire. On the night she searches for it, she stumbles upon a man made of shadows, muscle and wrath… And decides he is the one.
When their firestorm of passion burns out of control, Morley discovers, too late, that he was right. The tempting woman has become his weakness.
A weakness his enemies can use against him.
Please Note: This book was originally published as A Dark and Stormy Knight
This Knight of the Crown is driven by a painful past and a patient fury… and his entire life is a lie.
Sir Carlton Morley is famously possessed of extraordinary will, singular focus, and a merciless sense of justice. As a man, he secured his fortune and his preeminence as Scotland Yard’s ruthless Chief Inspector. As a decorated soldier, he was legend for his unflinching trigger finger, his precision in battle, and his imperturbable strength. But as a boy, he was someone else. A twin, a thief, and a murderer, until tragedy reshaped him.
Now he stalks the night, in search of redemption and retribution, vowing to never give into temptation, as it’s just another form of weakness.
Until temptation lands—quite literally—in his lap, taking the form of Prudence Goode.
Prim and proper Pru is expected to live a life of drudgery, but before she succumbs to her fate, she craves just one night of desire. On the night she searches for it, she stumbles upon a man made of shadows, muscle and wrath… And decides he is the one.
When their firestorm of passion burns out of control, Morley discovers, too late, that he was right. The tempting woman has become his weakness.
A weakness his enemies can use against him.
Please Note: This book was originally published as A Dark and Stormy Knight
294 pages, ebook
First published June 2, 2020
1353 people are currently reading
4534 people want to read
About the author
Kerrigan Byrne
67 books5,000 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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April 28, 2022
“I’ll send anyone to the devil before they hurt you. I am a knight. A man with a code. A warrior with a creed. I vow, from this moment onward to be your knight, wife. Someone who is honor bound to protect your name, your life, and your soul.”
Prudence Goode no longer wants to be good. In months, she would be married to a reprobate she once thought herself in love with. But before she allows herself to wed her unfaithful fiance who is only after her for the substantial dowry her father would provide, she craves one night of passion for herself. Passion comes in the form of Sir Carlton Morley, chief inspector of Scotland Yard. Unfortunately, the one night of passion led to unimaginable consequences for Prudence, one secret that urges her to continue her wedding to the Earl of Sutherland. But on her supposed wedding day, the earl is dead and she is the prime suspect. The man who would handle her case? Sir Carlton Morley. When her secret is revealed, Prudence may have Carlton’s protection, but she might never have his love and trust.
Seducing A Stranger / A Dark and Stormy Knight is the first book from Kerrigan Byrne’s historical romance series, Goode Girls, and the seventh book from her Victorian Rebels series. This one tells the story of the famous Scotland Yard Chief Inspector, Carlton Morley and the woman who managed to etch herself into his heart, Prudence Goode. I knew this book was going to be good and I think I picked the perfect day to read it because I really did love it so much. So much more than The Highwayman, which is where I met Carlton. Admittedly, I haven’t read the succeeding books in the Victorian Rebels but I somehow still really liked the unraveling of Carlton’s character this one managed to provide. Maybe I should’ve read the past books to watch the build up of his character. My bad. But even with the Highwayman as my only introduction to the hero of this book, this was still a superb read!
I loved loved loved this heroine! I used the word “loved'' thrice? She must be doing something good. I’ve been so lukewarm with the characters I have been encountering for the past few reads. I liked them all. They were all tolerable enough. But Prudence Goode? Oh I love her! I can’t even begin to explain what it is about her that charmed me but she just did! I love heroines just like her. The perfect balance of being agreeable without being too meek. She was a woman whose dreams were to be a wife and a mother and to have a precious family which I think is very valid, thank you very much! I do enjoy reading books with heroines like her. Prudence was just a normal girl and for some that may be boring but I really loved her. She was a heroine of her time. She took pleasure in what other people may think of as shallow. I loved how much she blabbers, especially when she was nervous. I found it quite cute but at the same time I felt sorry for her and wanted to hug her when she becomes too anxious and thinks herself unworthy of the hero and the people that surround her. She was strong in her own way. She was sweet and patient but she also knew when to put up a fight. I liked how she never gave up on wanting to prove her innocence, her attempts at getting her husband to warm up to her, and how she dealt with the situation she found herself in. I think she was perfect for Morley. She was exactly the type of person a man like him needed. Although I think this book was very much Morley’s story and how that tough man’s walls would crumble down for the right woman, I thought the heroine was equally interesting even if she wasn’t written as someone who’s quirky and whose own back story weren’t as explored as the hero’s was. Superb heroine!
Oh my god. Who would have thought I would love Sir Carlton Morley this much? How did this happen? His attempts to have Dorian arrested in The Highwayman annoyed me so I didn’t really care for his character but wow he managed to win my heart in his own book. First of all, I didn’t expect for this man to have his own deep and dark secrets. I thought he was just a supporting character in book one, forgive me for my dumbness. So many things in this book came as a big surprise to me! I was somehow lost when I read the prologue but I immediately put two and two together and was like oh my god I messed up! But after that, it wasn’t hard for me to keep track of who's who and their little friend group is actually cute which makes me want to go back and read some books from the Victorian rebels series. Now, back to Morley. This man’s childhood is so depressing and I think that explained well why he does what he does. Why he was so obsessed with Justice. This man was complex and had depth. He had three identities and I liked how those are so vastly different from each other yet at the very core, it was just Morley. This man was grumpy which in my opinion made him sexier. He was so distant and yet he opened up to Prudence like he never did before. He was just overall an ideal man. He is powerful, intimidating and a force to be reckoned with but like everyone, he has his own weakness (Prudence). I loved how he took care of the heroine in the way he knew how. He does say the wrong things most of the time but he is quickly forgiven because how can you not? This man may not be the very best husband at first but he sure was preparing to be a good father! I thought it was so cute how he took meticulous effort in preparation for fatherhood. He is definitely going to my list of favorite heroes. I loved this man! Sighing and swooning as I type this, actually.
This one definitely had more of a plot than the usual historical romance books but I really liked it. I think you have to suspend disbelief for a bit because of all the murdering plot and how the heroine was the suspect. I really enjoyed their first meeting because from that moment on I knew this couple had me! I love books wherein I can tell it was going to be good just from the first encounter between the two main characters. They make the book for me so it’s very important that I like them. To be honest, I had no clue as to who really killed the earl. I don’t read mysteries or thrillers so those types of things aren’t easy for me to figure out but apparently it was very obvious who it was from the beginning. I think what made this book enjoyable is I had absolutely no clue what’s going on most of the time but it was still a ride! I was just so focused on the development between Prudence and Morley that I somehow forgot the heroine was still the prime suspect.
I loved how the crime played a part in the relationship of our h/H! So many scenes and moments made my heart hurt for Prudence and all I wanted was to hug her! Morley was an asshole for not believing his wife but I can’t really blame him. After all, he has a successful career because it is his job to be unbiased and determine who really is a criminal. Anyway I loved how it developed from Morley actually thinking she had motives for killing her fiance, to wanting to trust her however reluctant he might be, to thinking that even if she did kill the man he wouldn’t care, and finally realizing that above all it is important that he trust her innocence because deep down he knows she won’t do such a thing, plus the fact that she’s his wife and is important to him. He was so distant, an enigma, and has the tendency to be mean but their love for each other is totally plausible because it was shown and I felt it and Prudence felt it. Anyway, he probably groveled enough (as in, foot rubs!) They are just so adorable and so in love with each other. Their banter was so cute too! I laughed so many times. I just loved every scene of them together! Kerrigan Byrne has done it. I loved The Highwayman and I thought she was a good writer then, but this book is what really sealed the deal for me. I expect nothing less when I read her other books!
This book was shorter than other HR books but it’s still packed with so much depth. I loved the main characters. I wish it was longer, not because it lacked development, but because I just needed more of Pru and Morley together! I feel like I am rambling too much now but I just loved them very much! If you haven’t read this book, do yourself a favor and pick it up because you’re really missing out! Maybe read The Highwayman at least before doing so. Though this one was somehow one of the last in the Victorian Rebels, I think it did well as an opener for the Goode Girls series. But I will say that I think it’s better read with some knowledge coming from the former series. I have to go back and read some of them. I had no complaints about this book whatsoever. I think I’ll rate this one 4.5, perhaps even a five because this couple is a favorite. One thing is for sure, I won’t forget Pru and Morley anytime soon.
Some Quotes:
He just looked at her with those alert, assessing eyes. She’d begun to feel that even his silence was an investigative technique. A weapon he used against her. An effective weapon, at that. Because she felt wounded. Bruised.
Children were born every day. Thousands upon thousands of them. It was no great happening or miracle. But he couldn’t shake the feeling his entire life had led up to this. This child. If Caroline had lived, this child might never have come to be. And, for the first time, while he still mourned her loss, he couldn’t bring himself to wish as he had before.
He wanted to feed her from his hands. To nourish her and the life within. He wanted to buy her things to adorn her loveliness. Gems and ribbons, silk and precious metals. A storm of errant whims and desires swirled and eddied within him until he felt as though his flesh could no longer contain the strength of it. He. Wanted. Her. He wanted…everything.
“I could face all this, every last individual I know and love turning their backs on me, if I could only hope that you believed me.”
“I swear, I’ve never felt fear like that before, Prudence. I’ve had you for a blink of time in my life, and yet, I’d have eaten a bullet before facing the rest of my years without you.”
Prudence Goode no longer wants to be good. In months, she would be married to a reprobate she once thought herself in love with. But before she allows herself to wed her unfaithful fiance who is only after her for the substantial dowry her father would provide, she craves one night of passion for herself. Passion comes in the form of Sir Carlton Morley, chief inspector of Scotland Yard. Unfortunately, the one night of passion led to unimaginable consequences for Prudence, one secret that urges her to continue her wedding to the Earl of Sutherland. But on her supposed wedding day, the earl is dead and she is the prime suspect. The man who would handle her case? Sir Carlton Morley. When her secret is revealed, Prudence may have Carlton’s protection, but she might never have his love and trust.
Seducing A Stranger / A Dark and Stormy Knight is the first book from Kerrigan Byrne’s historical romance series, Goode Girls, and the seventh book from her Victorian Rebels series. This one tells the story of the famous Scotland Yard Chief Inspector, Carlton Morley and the woman who managed to etch herself into his heart, Prudence Goode. I knew this book was going to be good and I think I picked the perfect day to read it because I really did love it so much. So much more than The Highwayman, which is where I met Carlton. Admittedly, I haven’t read the succeeding books in the Victorian Rebels but I somehow still really liked the unraveling of Carlton’s character this one managed to provide. Maybe I should’ve read the past books to watch the build up of his character. My bad. But even with the Highwayman as my only introduction to the hero of this book, this was still a superb read!
I loved loved loved this heroine! I used the word “loved'' thrice? She must be doing something good. I’ve been so lukewarm with the characters I have been encountering for the past few reads. I liked them all. They were all tolerable enough. But Prudence Goode? Oh I love her! I can’t even begin to explain what it is about her that charmed me but she just did! I love heroines just like her. The perfect balance of being agreeable without being too meek. She was a woman whose dreams were to be a wife and a mother and to have a precious family which I think is very valid, thank you very much! I do enjoy reading books with heroines like her. Prudence was just a normal girl and for some that may be boring but I really loved her. She was a heroine of her time. She took pleasure in what other people may think of as shallow. I loved how much she blabbers, especially when she was nervous. I found it quite cute but at the same time I felt sorry for her and wanted to hug her when she becomes too anxious and thinks herself unworthy of the hero and the people that surround her. She was strong in her own way. She was sweet and patient but she also knew when to put up a fight. I liked how she never gave up on wanting to prove her innocence, her attempts at getting her husband to warm up to her, and how she dealt with the situation she found herself in. I think she was perfect for Morley. She was exactly the type of person a man like him needed. Although I think this book was very much Morley’s story and how that tough man’s walls would crumble down for the right woman, I thought the heroine was equally interesting even if she wasn’t written as someone who’s quirky and whose own back story weren’t as explored as the hero’s was. Superb heroine!
Oh my god. Who would have thought I would love Sir Carlton Morley this much? How did this happen? His attempts to have Dorian arrested in The Highwayman annoyed me so I didn’t really care for his character but wow he managed to win my heart in his own book. First of all, I didn’t expect for this man to have his own deep and dark secrets. I thought he was just a supporting character in book one, forgive me for my dumbness. So many things in this book came as a big surprise to me! I was somehow lost when I read the prologue but I immediately put two and two together and was like oh my god I messed up! But after that, it wasn’t hard for me to keep track of who's who and their little friend group is actually cute which makes me want to go back and read some books from the Victorian rebels series. Now, back to Morley. This man’s childhood is so depressing and I think that explained well why he does what he does. Why he was so obsessed with Justice. This man was complex and had depth. He had three identities and I liked how those are so vastly different from each other yet at the very core, it was just Morley. This man was grumpy which in my opinion made him sexier. He was so distant and yet he opened up to Prudence like he never did before. He was just overall an ideal man. He is powerful, intimidating and a force to be reckoned with but like everyone, he has his own weakness (Prudence). I loved how he took care of the heroine in the way he knew how. He does say the wrong things most of the time but he is quickly forgiven because how can you not? This man may not be the very best husband at first but he sure was preparing to be a good father! I thought it was so cute how he took meticulous effort in preparation for fatherhood. He is definitely going to my list of favorite heroes. I loved this man! Sighing and swooning as I type this, actually.
This one definitely had more of a plot than the usual historical romance books but I really liked it. I think you have to suspend disbelief for a bit because of all the murdering plot and how the heroine was the suspect. I really enjoyed their first meeting because from that moment on I knew this couple had me! I love books wherein I can tell it was going to be good just from the first encounter between the two main characters. They make the book for me so it’s very important that I like them. To be honest, I had no clue as to who really killed the earl. I don’t read mysteries or thrillers so those types of things aren’t easy for me to figure out but apparently it was very obvious who it was from the beginning. I think what made this book enjoyable is I had absolutely no clue what’s going on most of the time but it was still a ride! I was just so focused on the development between Prudence and Morley that I somehow forgot the heroine was still the prime suspect.
I loved how the crime played a part in the relationship of our h/H! So many scenes and moments made my heart hurt for Prudence and all I wanted was to hug her! Morley was an asshole for not believing his wife but I can’t really blame him. After all, he has a successful career because it is his job to be unbiased and determine who really is a criminal. Anyway I loved how it developed from Morley actually thinking she had motives for killing her fiance, to wanting to trust her however reluctant he might be, to thinking that even if she did kill the man he wouldn’t care, and finally realizing that above all it is important that he trust her innocence because deep down he knows she won’t do such a thing, plus the fact that she’s his wife and is important to him. He was so distant, an enigma, and has the tendency to be mean but their love for each other is totally plausible because it was shown and I felt it and Prudence felt it. Anyway, he probably groveled enough (as in, foot rubs!) They are just so adorable and so in love with each other. Their banter was so cute too! I laughed so many times. I just loved every scene of them together! Kerrigan Byrne has done it. I loved The Highwayman and I thought she was a good writer then, but this book is what really sealed the deal for me. I expect nothing less when I read her other books!
This book was shorter than other HR books but it’s still packed with so much depth. I loved the main characters. I wish it was longer, not because it lacked development, but because I just needed more of Pru and Morley together! I feel like I am rambling too much now but I just loved them very much! If you haven’t read this book, do yourself a favor and pick it up because you’re really missing out! Maybe read The Highwayman at least before doing so. Though this one was somehow one of the last in the Victorian Rebels, I think it did well as an opener for the Goode Girls series. But I will say that I think it’s better read with some knowledge coming from the former series. I have to go back and read some of them. I had no complaints about this book whatsoever. I think I’ll rate this one 4.5, perhaps even a five because this couple is a favorite. One thing is for sure, I won’t forget Pru and Morley anytime soon.
Some Quotes:
He just looked at her with those alert, assessing eyes. She’d begun to feel that even his silence was an investigative technique. A weapon he used against her. An effective weapon, at that. Because she felt wounded. Bruised.
Children were born every day. Thousands upon thousands of them. It was no great happening or miracle. But he couldn’t shake the feeling his entire life had led up to this. This child. If Caroline had lived, this child might never have come to be. And, for the first time, while he still mourned her loss, he couldn’t bring himself to wish as he had before.
He wanted to feed her from his hands. To nourish her and the life within. He wanted to buy her things to adorn her loveliness. Gems and ribbons, silk and precious metals. A storm of errant whims and desires swirled and eddied within him until he felt as though his flesh could no longer contain the strength of it. He. Wanted. Her. He wanted…everything.
“I could face all this, every last individual I know and love turning their backs on me, if I could only hope that you believed me.”
“I swear, I’ve never felt fear like that before, Prudence. I’ve had you for a blink of time in my life, and yet, I’d have eaten a bullet before facing the rest of my years without you.”
November 23, 2020
I needed that...
When I read A Dark and Stormy Knight, I thought for about 2.5 seconds that Kerrighan Byrne had forgotten to finish the story/series. It just didn't seem to be the finale I expected for the wonderful, fantabulous, and amazing Victorian Rebels. Turns out Ms Byrne was just being a wee bit sneaky, with plans to take us from Dark and Stormy to the Goode side.
I can tell you my listening experience was a wee bit different knowing that this wasn't my last hoorah with characters I've grown to love. Sure, sure, I know the Rebels are done and dusted ... I mean happily married, but I'm kinda hoping that these Goode girls keep them around. I know it's time for me to move on, but it's just so hard to say goodbye to the Rebels.
Derek Perkins again did a marvellous job narrating, and I could easily listen to him every day. I will definitely listen to more from him in the future.
Parting is such sweet sorrow, but if I cross my fingers and make a wish, hopefully, the Victorian Rebels and their loves will visit in Goode times.
***************************
I’m always left wanting more…
I absolutely love reading historical romance and Kerrigan Byrne has written some of my very favourites. A Dark and Stormy Knight did not disappoint and gave me a happy buzz from reading a fantastic story. I could see the characters and settings, feel their emotions, and I was drawn into their world filled with murder, intrigue, and passion. The only problem with reading a great story like this one, I’m always left wanting more.
I’ve known Morley for years and in that time, held a soft spot for the very firm, strict and sexy man. I realised that Chief Inspector Carlton Morley knew the streets better than just as a lawman, and now knowing why he takes his job so seriously, I understand why he became the Knight of Shadows. Morley would need someone special to distract him from his very serious job of bringing justice to the streets. That special woman would have to catch his attention to have a chance at holding his heart while also accepting that his job is a part of him. Imagine my surprise when his special woman only wants him for a night…in the shadows.
When I first met Prudence Goode, I couldn’t believe she would settle for a loveless marriage. Yes, I knew that in those days, it was expected to marry to get ahead, but I also knew she deserved better. I hated her family for what they expected her to put up with and thought her sister an absolute cow. When she came up with the mad-capped scheme of finding happiness once before she marries, I actually didn’t begrudge her. Imagine my surprise when her happiness started by falling in the lap of a man in the shadows.
With a start like Morley’s and Prudence’s, I was gobsmacked when the next time I saw them together, Prudence is about to become Morley's next case. Things definitely went a little crazy from there and Morley is going to have to use all his skills to keep this special woman safe and his. Prudence hopes that this will be the start of something good while Morley is convinced she's about to become his biggest weakness. Together, they will have to learn to trust each other and hope that their initial attraction would grow into a happy ever after.
While A Dark and Stormy Knight was a very easy story to read, I have to admit that I was left a little unsatisfied. There were a few things that seemed unfinished and the ending was a bit abrupt. I was also a little disappointed that I didn’t get more time with the Victorian Rebels. Mena was in town and I didn’t even get to catch up with her or her sexy, brutish Highlander. The Duke came visiting numerous times but Lorelei was left at home. Yes, I did get to see Millie and Argent for a while, and Farah and Dorian were around, but I needed to see and catch up with them all. This can’t be the end…I NEED MORE!!
OK, I admit, I really did enjoy A Dark and Stormy Knight and I’m being a bit of a brat with my above complaints. I just felt that it went too quickly. I wanted to see Morley and Prudence together for longer. I wanted the Victorian Rebels and their women to be together, hanging out, having a drink or two. I also wanted to know what happened to Prudence’s family. Oooh…maybe Ms Byrne has ideas for the Goode girls???
If you’re looking for an historical romance that’s a little rough around the edges, has characters that are passionate, original and determined, with a storyline that will keep you enthralled, I highly recommend giving A Dark and Stormy Knight a try.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
When I read A Dark and Stormy Knight, I thought for about 2.5 seconds that Kerrighan Byrne had forgotten to finish the story/series. It just didn't seem to be the finale I expected for the wonderful, fantabulous, and amazing Victorian Rebels. Turns out Ms Byrne was just being a wee bit sneaky, with plans to take us from Dark and Stormy to the Goode side.
I can tell you my listening experience was a wee bit different knowing that this wasn't my last hoorah with characters I've grown to love. Sure, sure, I know the Rebels are done and dusted ... I mean happily married, but I'm kinda hoping that these Goode girls keep them around. I know it's time for me to move on, but it's just so hard to say goodbye to the Rebels.
Derek Perkins again did a marvellous job narrating, and I could easily listen to him every day. I will definitely listen to more from him in the future.
Parting is such sweet sorrow, but if I cross my fingers and make a wish, hopefully, the Victorian Rebels and their loves will visit in Goode times.
***************************
I’m always left wanting more…
I absolutely love reading historical romance and Kerrigan Byrne has written some of my very favourites. A Dark and Stormy Knight did not disappoint and gave me a happy buzz from reading a fantastic story. I could see the characters and settings, feel their emotions, and I was drawn into their world filled with murder, intrigue, and passion. The only problem with reading a great story like this one, I’m always left wanting more.
I’ve known Morley for years and in that time, held a soft spot for the very firm, strict and sexy man. I realised that Chief Inspector Carlton Morley knew the streets better than just as a lawman, and now knowing why he takes his job so seriously, I understand why he became the Knight of Shadows. Morley would need someone special to distract him from his very serious job of bringing justice to the streets. That special woman would have to catch his attention to have a chance at holding his heart while also accepting that his job is a part of him. Imagine my surprise when his special woman only wants him for a night…in the shadows.
When I first met Prudence Goode, I couldn’t believe she would settle for a loveless marriage. Yes, I knew that in those days, it was expected to marry to get ahead, but I also knew she deserved better. I hated her family for what they expected her to put up with and thought her sister an absolute cow. When she came up with the mad-capped scheme of finding happiness once before she marries, I actually didn’t begrudge her. Imagine my surprise when her happiness started by falling in the lap of a man in the shadows.
With a start like Morley’s and Prudence’s, I was gobsmacked when the next time I saw them together, Prudence is about to become Morley's next case. Things definitely went a little crazy from there and Morley is going to have to use all his skills to keep this special woman safe and his. Prudence hopes that this will be the start of something good while Morley is convinced she's about to become his biggest weakness. Together, they will have to learn to trust each other and hope that their initial attraction would grow into a happy ever after.
While A Dark and Stormy Knight was a very easy story to read, I have to admit that I was left a little unsatisfied. There were a few things that seemed unfinished and the ending was a bit abrupt. I was also a little disappointed that I didn’t get more time with the Victorian Rebels. Mena was in town and I didn’t even get to catch up with her or her sexy, brutish Highlander. The Duke came visiting numerous times but Lorelei was left at home. Yes, I did get to see Millie and Argent for a while, and Farah and Dorian were around, but I needed to see and catch up with them all. This can’t be the end…I NEED MORE!!
OK, I admit, I really did enjoy A Dark and Stormy Knight and I’m being a bit of a brat with my above complaints. I just felt that it went too quickly. I wanted to see Morley and Prudence together for longer. I wanted the Victorian Rebels and their women to be together, hanging out, having a drink or two. I also wanted to know what happened to Prudence’s family. Oooh…maybe Ms Byrne has ideas for the Goode girls???
If you’re looking for an historical romance that’s a little rough around the edges, has characters that are passionate, original and determined, with a storyline that will keep you enthralled, I highly recommend giving A Dark and Stormy Knight a try.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
May 30, 2020
I’ve read the entire Victorian Rebels series and have enjoyed every book! I’ve been so excited for this book and it was so worth the wait!! As with all the heroes in this series, Morley has a dark and traumatic past. The heroine, Prudence, is a sweet devoted daughter who decides on one night of discrete and secretive passion before being married off to her father’s choice. However, a shocking course of events throws Morley and Pru back together. Morley and Pru had off the charts chemistry and an intense connection. Morley has been a dedicated lawman and vigilante for many years and now he has to figure out the balance. I just loved everything about the story and was completely addicted. They had great dialogue, invested side characters, perfect amount of angst and the emotions were palpable. I’m a huge fan of Byrne’s writing. The story really comes alive and she develops each character thoroughly. There’s an actual story, suspense, and no one is given a sugar coated life. It was a bonus as well to have three of the couples from earlier in the series involved. To top it all off, the epilogue was fantastic. I received an ARC from NetGalley and I’m offering my honest opinion.
June 20, 2020
Loved this book. The hero and the heroine meet in a case of very sexy mistaken identity and things get super complicated from there. Loved the hero in this, I've been waiting for his book FOREVER and it did not disappoint! Also, now I'm looking forward to the next Goode sister...
As usual, A++ for Kerrigan Byrne, the best historical romance author of current times.
As usual, A++ for Kerrigan Byrne, the best historical romance author of current times.
July 15, 2020
Sir Carlton Morley is Scotland Yard’s Chief Inspector, the epitome of respectability. However, he has a secret nighttime persona, the Shadow of Night who seeks a different kind of justice from conventional law enforcement. On one particular night, while following a potential suspect, he finds himself on the grounds of an unconventional brothel where women contract with men for services. He stumbles upon Prudence Goode, the daughter of a baron who has decided to seek one night of pleasure before her marriage to a man she recently discovered has no plans to remain faithful. What was intended as an accidental, one night encounter ends up having much longer term consequences.
I’ve looked forward to this story since learning Morley was much more than a Scotland Yard agent. His origins are tragic and my hope was that he’d find an interesting partner who would appreciate the man. Pru Goode was delightful and resourceful, who wasn’t intimidated by him but admired his qualities. The circumstances that reunited them was unexpected and led to an even more interesting angle of the story. However, so much of the related investigation was behind the scenes and I missed being part of that discovery.
Some of the best moments, however, are between Morley and the other Victorian Rebels. The dialogue is often sardonic and witty, providing much needed comic relief. The romantic aspects are over the top steamy but completely in character with Pru and Morley. I continue to relish the audiobook version as Derek Perkins just owns these stories and characters. He’s pitch perfect in all areas. While the ending felt a little rushed, I still enjoyed the story as a whole and am satisfied with Carlton finally getting his moment at happiness.
(Thanks to Tantor Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I’ve looked forward to this story since learning Morley was much more than a Scotland Yard agent. His origins are tragic and my hope was that he’d find an interesting partner who would appreciate the man. Pru Goode was delightful and resourceful, who wasn’t intimidated by him but admired his qualities. The circumstances that reunited them was unexpected and led to an even more interesting angle of the story. However, so much of the related investigation was behind the scenes and I missed being part of that discovery.
Some of the best moments, however, are between Morley and the other Victorian Rebels. The dialogue is often sardonic and witty, providing much needed comic relief. The romantic aspects are over the top steamy but completely in character with Pru and Morley. I continue to relish the audiobook version as Derek Perkins just owns these stories and characters. He’s pitch perfect in all areas. While the ending felt a little rushed, I still enjoyed the story as a whole and am satisfied with Carlton finally getting his moment at happiness.
(Thanks to Tantor Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
December 14, 2020
3.5 rounded down.
Why can't I get into this author's stuff? see below in my status updates. THE INCONCEIVABLE PLOT! for one! The ridiculousness of the heroine's actions, for another. Later on, she grows on me, but what got the 2 of them together is..... REALLY CONTRIVED and I HATE that.
I compare this series to one of my all time fave HR authors (who unfortunately hasn't been producing lately) - Elizabeth Hoyt. Esp. her Maiden Lane series. I compare the vigillante plotline and the heroines in it with
, which might be one of my faves from the series.
There's just a simmering connection between the MCs that's missing from this author's books in comparison. A level of maturity perhaps that's also missing.
It was almost 4 stars tho, as I do like the Hero, I like the celibate alpha males :) But, the heroine didn't start off on the right foot with me
Why can't I get into this author's stuff? see below in my status updates. THE INCONCEIVABLE PLOT! for one! The ridiculousness of the heroine's actions, for another. Later on, she grows on me, but what got the 2 of them together is..... REALLY CONTRIVED and I HATE that.
I compare this series to one of my all time fave HR authors (who unfortunately hasn't been producing lately) - Elizabeth Hoyt. Esp. her Maiden Lane series. I compare the vigillante plotline and the heroines in it with
, which might be one of my faves from the series.There's just a simmering connection between the MCs that's missing from this author's books in comparison. A level of maturity perhaps that's also missing.
It was almost 4 stars tho, as I do like the Hero, I like the celibate alpha males :) But, the heroine didn't start off on the right foot with me
June 13, 2020
I loved everything about this book! I’ve been intrigued by Morley since the beginning of The Victorian Rebels series. I always knew he had a rough beginning, but that prologue from his childhood packed a punch! I loved the literal “bang” this book started with. Boy was that H-O-T. I won’t spoil a thing, but there were times I was fanning myself.
Gah, The Victorian Rebels! I loved seeing all the guys, and the banter & wit between them.
“If I’m honest, Morley, a bit of kidnapping is no insurmountable impediment,” Ash shrugged. “Show us a man in this room who hasn’t had to lock his lady-love in some form of prison before she’d consent to be his wife.”
Cue the giggles 🤭 I absolutely love a marriage of convenience, especially one that starts with a murder. This book was shorter (20 chapters), but it still delivered all the feels, passion, lust and fire that KB is known for. Morley is in every single book in this series, especially The Duke with The Dragon Tattoo. I had no idea that Chief Inspector Morley would slay my heart the way he did, but that is exactly what happened!
Gah, The Victorian Rebels! I loved seeing all the guys, and the banter & wit between them.
“If I’m honest, Morley, a bit of kidnapping is no insurmountable impediment,” Ash shrugged. “Show us a man in this room who hasn’t had to lock his lady-love in some form of prison before she’d consent to be his wife.”
Cue the giggles 🤭 I absolutely love a marriage of convenience, especially one that starts with a murder. This book was shorter (20 chapters), but it still delivered all the feels, passion, lust and fire that KB is known for. Morley is in every single book in this series, especially The Duke with The Dragon Tattoo. I had no idea that Chief Inspector Morley would slay my heart the way he did, but that is exactly what happened!
October 19, 2022
5 Stars on a re-read.
Yes. yes. yes! Love it still, and I think I will love it always!
5 Stars
Is it over already? Why? I could have read more. Actually, I needed more to this story!
When I read the first six books in this series in quick succession last year, I decided to keep this one for a rainy day, and it might have been one of the best reading decisions of my life, I know it sounds exaggerative, but I am quite serious.
I can read this book, hell, this series, all day, every day, forgoing work, food, and sleep.
There is something about this visceral story that calls for an equally dynamic thought production. Hence, writing a technical review feels so banal.
My Thoughts
- I've said it before, and I will say it again - Kerrigan Byrne can present you with characters who are the dregs of humanity who do atrocious things for appreciable reasons tangled up in horrible scenarios and still make you fall in love with them. If that is not a superior writing skill, then I don't know what is?
- How could you not love this final story about the conclave of reprobates? Ms Byrne took something as simple as a one night stand and twisted it into a darkly intense, fantastical theme of two people brought together by loneliness. God, the longing, the anguish, the romance - you feel it all.
- Every character is noteworthy, every aspect fits in perfectly, the story moves so quickly forward that you are the one trying to keep up with it, and all of it wrapped up in this amazing philosophical writing. It makes you wonder about your definitions of right and wrong, good and bad, and lets you know that the darkness is okay, even if you fear it.
- Carlton Morley, this Victorian Batman, how I adore him. Prudence is a perfect match for this Knight of Shadows. Both of them were extremely paradoxical and oh, so endearing. Great banter, sizzling chemistry and a phenomenal show of strength.
Special Mentions -
The cameos of Dorian, Ash and Argent. Where were Ravencroft, Gavin and the Duke?
The brilliance that is Farah Blackwell
The hellish tragedy that was the Prologue
Surprisingly and uncharacteristically sarcastic humour
"Carlton Morley always did what was expected.
So that his sins were never suspected."
"A road that became a line between them. A line as tangible as the desk behind which he stood.
Alone."
"I am a knight. A man with a code. A warrior with a creed. I vow, from this moment onward to be your knight, wife. Someone who is honour bound to protect your name, your life, and your soul."
My Recommendation
Just read it. Please. If you don't, you are missing out. Trust me.
Yes. yes. yes! Love it still, and I think I will love it always!
5 Stars
Is it over already? Why? I could have read more. Actually, I needed more to this story!
When I read the first six books in this series in quick succession last year, I decided to keep this one for a rainy day, and it might have been one of the best reading decisions of my life, I know it sounds exaggerative, but I am quite serious.
I can read this book, hell, this series, all day, every day, forgoing work, food, and sleep.
There is something about this visceral story that calls for an equally dynamic thought production. Hence, writing a technical review feels so banal.
My Thoughts
- I've said it before, and I will say it again - Kerrigan Byrne can present you with characters who are the dregs of humanity who do atrocious things for appreciable reasons tangled up in horrible scenarios and still make you fall in love with them. If that is not a superior writing skill, then I don't know what is?
- How could you not love this final story about the conclave of reprobates? Ms Byrne took something as simple as a one night stand and twisted it into a darkly intense, fantastical theme of two people brought together by loneliness. God, the longing, the anguish, the romance - you feel it all.
- Every character is noteworthy, every aspect fits in perfectly, the story moves so quickly forward that you are the one trying to keep up with it, and all of it wrapped up in this amazing philosophical writing. It makes you wonder about your definitions of right and wrong, good and bad, and lets you know that the darkness is okay, even if you fear it.
- Carlton Morley, this Victorian Batman, how I adore him. Prudence is a perfect match for this Knight of Shadows. Both of them were extremely paradoxical and oh, so endearing. Great banter, sizzling chemistry and a phenomenal show of strength.
Special Mentions -
The cameos of Dorian, Ash and Argent. Where were Ravencroft, Gavin and the Duke?
The brilliance that is Farah Blackwell
The hellish tragedy that was the Prologue
Surprisingly and uncharacteristically sarcastic humour
"Carlton Morley always did what was expected.
So that his sins were never suspected."
"A road that became a line between them. A line as tangible as the desk behind which he stood.
Alone."
"I am a knight. A man with a code. A warrior with a creed. I vow, from this moment onward to be your knight, wife. Someone who is honour bound to protect your name, your life, and your soul."
My Recommendation
Just read it. Please. If you don't, you are missing out. Trust me.
March 15, 2021
4.5 steamy stranger sex stars
Well, this one started off with a bang and then some! This is one of the best HRs I have read in awhile - very enjoyable characters, plot, steamy goodness, and some intrigue along the way!
Prudence Goode is getting married, and she's not looking forward to it. She happened to overhear her friend talking with one of her sisters about her intended, and they were not paying him compliments. After learning that he was a philanderer that allegedly has numerous bastard children who also wastes money and isn't even good in bed (talk about adding insult to injury!), she begs her parents to let her out of the marriage contract. Neither consider infidelity to be a big deal, and they refuse to allow her to call things off. Resigned to a fate of being cheated by a man considered to be a poor lover, Pru decides she is going to experience pleasure once before taking her vows, as she would take them seriously and never stray once wed. Her eavesdropping also gave her a good place to find such an experience: Miss Henrietta's School for Cultured Young Ladies, which is actually a front for male prostitution. After securing an invitation to attend a garden party there, Pru determinedly sets out to lose her v-card on her own terms. When she literally runs into a man dressed in dark clothing wearing a mask, she knows he is the one she wants - his raw sexuality greatly appeals to her, so she asks him to help her experience pleasure before she is a married woman.
Sir Carleton Morley is a well-respected Chief Inspector for the London police, and he is determined to find the perpetrator that has killed a few, young males in their prime. His investigation leads him to Miss Henrietta's School for Cultured Young Ladies... where he observes some scandalous behavior (though nothing he hasn't seen many times before), and he ends up catches a stumbling woman who propositions him on the spot to have sex with her. Though he is usually the very image of restraint, Morley cannot help but be intrigued by this beautiful lady who is straightforward in her desires. He is further surprised that he is loathe to resist her advances, and he provides her with exactly what she was looking for. But once the encounter ends, he swiftly disappears, yet he cannot stop thinking about his mystery woman in the gardens. Imagine his surprise when he attends his boss's daughter's wedding where a murder occurs that he is called on to investigate... and when he walks into the room, he finds the bride holding the knife dripping blood over the body of the groom. And it just so happens that bride is his seductive stranger from that memorable night.
Though she is barely verbal after the shocks of finding her soon-to-be husband dying and then encountering the mysterious lover that has been haunting her dreams since their shared night, Pru insists she is innocent. Morley decides to bail her out, but he is not sure that he believes her. After all, trust is something Morley does not give easily or often as he grew up in the slums of London thieving to make ends meet for himself and his twin sister. When his sister is murdered in the streets, Morley's efforts to avenge her leads to a lifelong quest to right the wrongs of those left unprotected - he not only takes a career in law enforcement, but he does his own enforcing unofficially after hours as the "Knight of Shadows," a moniker given to him by the press referring to the figure dressed in black and wearing a mask while cleaning up the riffraff on the streets. While Pru makes many efforts to prove her innocence, Morley is reluctant to believe her as his experiences have taught him very few people are trustworthy. Will his inability to trust Pru drive a wedge in their budding relationship? Can he find a way to trust her even if he can't prove her innocence? And what will happen when Pru's life is in danger when the real villain finds him/herself cornered?
What I liked:
--- Both MCs were very likeable characters, and though they were opposites in many ways, they went well together (complemented each other nicely)
--- Interesting plot that kept me glued to the pages
--- Pru was the kind of h I like - she knew what she wanted, and she went for it!
--- Steamy goodness! And right off the bat :) YUM
What I didn't like as much:
--- The "who done it" aspect felt obvious (at least to me) - not a big deal bc the story was still very engaging (and there were some surprises that I didn't see coming, especially with respect to Pru's sister Honoria)
--- I felt like Morley was a little too stubborn at times with showing (or rather not showing) his feelings for Pru
Overall, a really good story with a mystery/suspense plot line, likeable characters (and ones you love to hate!), and some delicious steamy goodness!
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Well, this one started off with a bang and then some! This is one of the best HRs I have read in awhile - very enjoyable characters, plot, steamy goodness, and some intrigue along the way!
Prudence Goode is getting married, and she's not looking forward to it. She happened to overhear her friend talking with one of her sisters about her intended, and they were not paying him compliments. After learning that he was a philanderer that allegedly has numerous bastard children who also wastes money and isn't even good in bed (talk about adding insult to injury!), she begs her parents to let her out of the marriage contract. Neither consider infidelity to be a big deal, and they refuse to allow her to call things off. Resigned to a fate of being cheated by a man considered to be a poor lover, Pru decides she is going to experience pleasure once before taking her vows, as she would take them seriously and never stray once wed. Her eavesdropping also gave her a good place to find such an experience: Miss Henrietta's School for Cultured Young Ladies, which is actually a front for male prostitution. After securing an invitation to attend a garden party there, Pru determinedly sets out to lose her v-card on her own terms. When she literally runs into a man dressed in dark clothing wearing a mask, she knows he is the one she wants - his raw sexuality greatly appeals to her, so she asks him to help her experience pleasure before she is a married woman.
Sir Carleton Morley is a well-respected Chief Inspector for the London police, and he is determined to find the perpetrator that has killed a few, young males in their prime. His investigation leads him to Miss Henrietta's School for Cultured Young Ladies... where he observes some scandalous behavior (though nothing he hasn't seen many times before), and he ends up catches a stumbling woman who propositions him on the spot to have sex with her. Though he is usually the very image of restraint, Morley cannot help but be intrigued by this beautiful lady who is straightforward in her desires. He is further surprised that he is loathe to resist her advances, and he provides her with exactly what she was looking for. But once the encounter ends, he swiftly disappears, yet he cannot stop thinking about his mystery woman in the gardens. Imagine his surprise when he attends his boss's daughter's wedding where a murder occurs that he is called on to investigate... and when he walks into the room, he finds the bride holding the knife dripping blood over the body of the groom. And it just so happens that bride is his seductive stranger from that memorable night.
Though she is barely verbal after the shocks of finding her soon-to-be husband dying and then encountering the mysterious lover that has been haunting her dreams since their shared night, Pru insists she is innocent. Morley decides to bail her out, but he is not sure that he believes her. After all, trust is something Morley does not give easily or often as he grew up in the slums of London thieving to make ends meet for himself and his twin sister. When his sister is murdered in the streets, Morley's efforts to avenge her leads to a lifelong quest to right the wrongs of those left unprotected - he not only takes a career in law enforcement, but he does his own enforcing unofficially after hours as the "Knight of Shadows," a moniker given to him by the press referring to the figure dressed in black and wearing a mask while cleaning up the riffraff on the streets. While Pru makes many efforts to prove her innocence, Morley is reluctant to believe her as his experiences have taught him very few people are trustworthy. Will his inability to trust Pru drive a wedge in their budding relationship? Can he find a way to trust her even if he can't prove her innocence? And what will happen when Pru's life is in danger when the real villain finds him/herself cornered?
What I liked:
--- Both MCs were very likeable characters, and though they were opposites in many ways, they went well together (complemented each other nicely)
--- Interesting plot that kept me glued to the pages
--- Pru was the kind of h I like - she knew what she wanted, and she went for it!
--- Steamy goodness! And right off the bat :) YUM
What I didn't like as much:
--- The "who done it" aspect felt obvious (at least to me) - not a big deal bc the story was still very engaging (and there were some surprises that I didn't see coming, especially with respect to Pru's sister Honoria)
--- I felt like Morley was a little too stubborn at times with showing (or rather not showing) his feelings for Pru
Overall, a really good story with a mystery/suspense plot line, likeable characters (and ones you love to hate!), and some delicious steamy goodness!
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
July 5, 2021
I did not expect this one to go the direction it did. Our heroine ends up pregnant after their one night of passion but unfortunately, she didn't know and married off to her intended. Until one day, her husband DIES and now she's being accused of murder. Enter our hero who is a detective who has to figure out if the mother of his child is telling the truth or not. Overall, solid read. I was just disappointed that this was the direction it led as the synopsis was a bit misleading.
June 7, 2020
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CA_aQaLDgg9/
5 Million ‘You’re My Biggest Prize’ Stars
ALL. THE. FEELS! Mind blowingly enrapturing, heart dauntingly romantic and soul touchingly emotional, A Dark and Stormy Knight is PERFECTION in its masterful writing!!!
I believed I was prepared for this book, well I was wrong, the way I fell HARD for these two, and their utterly brilliant story, surpassed all my wildest bibliophile's dreams!
He was the knighted war hero Chief Inspector because he had to be, and he’d become the Knight of Shadows because London had needed him to be.
So he wouldn’t have spent the past twenty odd years so acutely alone.
not be so bloody broken.
Ah, how my heart broke for Inspector Morley... I knew - at least I thought I did - already from the previous books how broken and lonely Carlton felt, but to witness it first hand, omg, I just wanted to wrap him in my arms, that's how utterly alone he felt, how tortured he was.
Now occupying his days as Chief Inspector and his nights as a vigilant, he has no time or desire for liaisons of any kind, not that he allows anyone to get close to him, so when Prudence falls right into his lap, their insane and palpable instant attraction doesn’t allow him to turn her away…
Morley blinked down at her, suddenly wishing he’d ever thought to steal a moment from crime reports and newspapers to crack the spine on a book of verse.
Because the woman in his arms was a poem, and he hadn’t the words to describe her.
The kind of siren that would dash a man like him on the rocks.
And still, he’d go willingly.
Kissing her was dangerous. As was the sweet detention of her arms.
Prudence Goode had just discovered all her present and future to be a farce, and that all around her were keeping her in the dark, and even making ‘fun’ of her and her cheating fiancée, and his many affairs. As she was not allowed to cancel the betrothal, she decide to make one sole decision for herself, one night at her own terms with a lover of her choosing, and let’s just say that the fates had something more planned for her than a lover for hire, lol.
That one single night replete with passion and carnal desires and fulfillments, they never expected to see each other again – not that both hadn’t tried to find one another, but the anonymity of the encounter and their common complicated situations, didn’t allow for it to happen. Well, not until Morley is called to a murder scene on a wedding day, to find none other than Prudence, the bride, covered in blood and with the murder weapon in her hands. And like things weren’t complicated enough she announces to him she’s with child, his child. Let’s just say that Morley obsession with order was blown to smithereens, lol. His solution, marriage to him!
He was a Chief Inspector. A vigilante. A knight. Her lover. A husband.
Her husband.
What a complicated man she’d married. Possessed of dichotomy between a heart capable of such unequaled valor, gallantry, and courage tied to a mind bedeviled by skepticism, enigma, and for lack of a gentler word, fear.
I absolutely ADORED Morley and Pru together! The setting of their first encounter, and then the surprise baby and marriage of convenience were the perfect stage for their passage from lust to love, and to witness their blossoming love and adoration, just made my romantic heart soar. A true EPIC LOVE STORY!
Not only were they scorching hot together - and their sexy times were epitome of steamy! - but Ms. Byrne gave them such incredible depth, and complexity, that it made me love them that much more for their fragility and their flaws as it did for their qualities. Their growth, and mature reactions even when heart broken just made me fall even hard, and the way that Carlton acknowledge his mistakes and groveled, omg, talk about a major swoon-fest. SO MANY brilliant lines - there was one there that gave me all of vibes of my favorite quote of Mr. Rochester, another of my ultimate fav - that just put him up there with the most swoon worthy of book boyfriends...
“You are the epitome of every desire or dream I’ve conceived of since before I can remember, and that is a very specific kind of torment. An unparalleled beauty, a superb lover, a woman of grace and kindness and intellect whom I can only respect and admire. A fantasy in the flesh, here in my house. With my name.”
The intimacy he felt forming between them, the bond that wove between his ribs and hers, stitching their ticking hearts together, was made of some stronger material than the steel and ice he’d encased around his heart.
Oh my, there was no chance to resist falling for this man, for this couple. A Dark and Stormy Knight left me spellbound with not only these characters but also with all the previous couples, specially with the delicious male banter and camaraderie between all the man, in particular with Dorian, Ash and Argent. I lived for those little snippets between the Victorian Rebels' males and I was left joyous as can be.
Kerrigan Byrne had me already obsessed with her exquisite and masterful writing, and this book just proved once again why she is my gothic romance queen. The genius story setting, the passionate and intricate characters, the unforgettable love story, and the suspense background, such just right from the first page and leave us with a heart warning sensation that lasts even after days of finishing the book. That is proof of the epicness right there and I’m always here for it. Already counting down the days until the next book!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
“What do you have to say for yourself?”
“I—I love you, too.”
“I want to reward you.”
“You are my greatest prize,”
ARC kindly provided by the author via Oliver Heber Books for an honest review
For full review, check out my Blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA_aQaLDgg9/
5 Million ‘You’re My Biggest Prize’ Stars
ALL. THE. FEELS! Mind blowingly enrapturing, heart dauntingly romantic and soul touchingly emotional, A Dark and Stormy Knight is PERFECTION in its masterful writing!!!
I believed I was prepared for this book, well I was wrong, the way I fell HARD for these two, and their utterly brilliant story, surpassed all my wildest bibliophile's dreams!
He was the knighted war hero Chief Inspector because he had to be, and he’d become the Knight of Shadows because London had needed him to be.
So he wouldn’t have spent the past twenty odd years so acutely alone.
not be so bloody broken.
Ah, how my heart broke for Inspector Morley... I knew - at least I thought I did - already from the previous books how broken and lonely Carlton felt, but to witness it first hand, omg, I just wanted to wrap him in my arms, that's how utterly alone he felt, how tortured he was.
Now occupying his days as Chief Inspector and his nights as a vigilant, he has no time or desire for liaisons of any kind, not that he allows anyone to get close to him, so when Prudence falls right into his lap, their insane and palpable instant attraction doesn’t allow him to turn her away…
Morley blinked down at her, suddenly wishing he’d ever thought to steal a moment from crime reports and newspapers to crack the spine on a book of verse.
Because the woman in his arms was a poem, and he hadn’t the words to describe her.
The kind of siren that would dash a man like him on the rocks.
And still, he’d go willingly.
Kissing her was dangerous. As was the sweet detention of her arms.
Prudence Goode had just discovered all her present and future to be a farce, and that all around her were keeping her in the dark, and even making ‘fun’ of her and her cheating fiancée, and his many affairs. As she was not allowed to cancel the betrothal, she decide to make one sole decision for herself, one night at her own terms with a lover of her choosing, and let’s just say that the fates had something more planned for her than a lover for hire, lol.
That one single night replete with passion and carnal desires and fulfillments, they never expected to see each other again – not that both hadn’t tried to find one another, but the anonymity of the encounter and their common complicated situations, didn’t allow for it to happen. Well, not until Morley is called to a murder scene on a wedding day, to find none other than Prudence, the bride, covered in blood and with the murder weapon in her hands. And like things weren’t complicated enough she announces to him she’s with child, his child. Let’s just say that Morley obsession with order was blown to smithereens, lol. His solution, marriage to him!
He was a Chief Inspector. A vigilante. A knight. Her lover. A husband.
Her husband.
What a complicated man she’d married. Possessed of dichotomy between a heart capable of such unequaled valor, gallantry, and courage tied to a mind bedeviled by skepticism, enigma, and for lack of a gentler word, fear.
I absolutely ADORED Morley and Pru together! The setting of their first encounter, and then the surprise baby and marriage of convenience were the perfect stage for their passage from lust to love, and to witness their blossoming love and adoration, just made my romantic heart soar. A true EPIC LOVE STORY!
Not only were they scorching hot together - and their sexy times were epitome of steamy! - but Ms. Byrne gave them such incredible depth, and complexity, that it made me love them that much more for their fragility and their flaws as it did for their qualities. Their growth, and mature reactions even when heart broken just made me fall even hard, and the way that Carlton acknowledge his mistakes and groveled, omg, talk about a major swoon-fest. SO MANY brilliant lines - there was one there that gave me all of vibes of my favorite quote of Mr. Rochester, another of my ultimate fav - that just put him up there with the most swoon worthy of book boyfriends...
“You are the epitome of every desire or dream I’ve conceived of since before I can remember, and that is a very specific kind of torment. An unparalleled beauty, a superb lover, a woman of grace and kindness and intellect whom I can only respect and admire. A fantasy in the flesh, here in my house. With my name.”
The intimacy he felt forming between them, the bond that wove between his ribs and hers, stitching their ticking hearts together, was made of some stronger material than the steel and ice he’d encased around his heart.
Oh my, there was no chance to resist falling for this man, for this couple. A Dark and Stormy Knight left me spellbound with not only these characters but also with all the previous couples, specially with the delicious male banter and camaraderie between all the man, in particular with Dorian, Ash and Argent. I lived for those little snippets between the Victorian Rebels' males and I was left joyous as can be.
Kerrigan Byrne had me already obsessed with her exquisite and masterful writing, and this book just proved once again why she is my gothic romance queen. The genius story setting, the passionate and intricate characters, the unforgettable love story, and the suspense background, such just right from the first page and leave us with a heart warning sensation that lasts even after days of finishing the book. That is proof of the epicness right there and I’m always here for it. Already counting down the days until the next book!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
“What do you have to say for yourself?”
“I—I love you, too.”
“I want to reward you.”
“You are my greatest prize,”
ARC kindly provided by the author via Oliver Heber Books for an honest review
For full review, check out my Blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
February 2, 2022
6.09.20
Audible link: 🎧 https://www.audible.com/pd/A-Dark-and...
* The narrator for this series is Derek Perkins, he’s FANTASTIC!!
4.5 Tortured Hero Stars!!
I'm a huge fan of this series and an usual this book did not disappoint! Chief Inspector Morley's backstory is both heartbreaking and tragically sad. Prudence Goode and Morley meet in a very unusual and (very) sexy way one dark night and part without knowing each other’s names. They don’t forget each other or their fateful encounter until a tragic twist of fate forces them together.
Pru is accused of a crime and it’s Chief Inspector Morley who Is called upon to arrest her but not before she manages to rock his world. If you’re a fan of this series you know things are never what they seem, now it’s up to Morley to prove her innocence and find the guilty party.
There were no boring parts to their story, it doesn’t Lag, and there are several suspicious characters to choose from as the culprit. Their story was so good I had a hard time putting it down (as usual with this series!). I absolutely love seeing characters from the previous books and how easily they all became Pru's champion, while Morley was still on the fence about her and his feelings towards her....jeez this man is stubborn!!
All-in-all another fantastic addition to the Victorian Rebels series. That said, I do have a couple complaints:
° In all the prior books we get much more interaction with the prior H&h’s...as I said we get some but not enough for my taste!
° Pru’s sister Honoria seemed to know Titus Conleith (new character?) during a intense scene and it was a bit of a tease....maybe they’ll be another VR book/couple. We shall see but I’m dying to know their connection!!!
° The ending seemed to me a bit rushed but nothing drastic just not what we’re used to I guess.
* ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
June 9, 2020
2 Sad Stars
When I saw this on KU, I smiled big, but that smile wilted rather quickly.
This book didn't have the depth and intensity I was expecting, despite the plot line and the backstory of the hero.
I never found myself truly sinking into the read and sighing in delight. Somewhat baffled since I've so enjoyed previous books.
When I saw this on KU, I smiled big, but that smile wilted rather quickly.
This book didn't have the depth and intensity I was expecting, despite the plot line and the backstory of the hero.
I never found myself truly sinking into the read and sighing in delight. Somewhat baffled since I've so enjoyed previous books.
August 30, 2020
I’ve read all seven books available in this series in seven days… yep, you read that correctly… it matched my reading mood perfectly and I just couldn’t put them down… and now I think I might have fried my brain a bit… because once I finished the last one, I fell into a mother of all reading slumps… I don’t want to pick up anything… so I will finish writing all the reviews and then just take a break from reading in general for a while… :)
This is a very emotional and intense series of historical romances to read… definitely keep that in mind going in… it varies in different books, but all main characters suffer from some sort of trauma… so depending on which installment you pick up there are trigger warnings for torture, rape, physical and mental abuse, assault… most of it happens not on the actual pages of the stories, but nonetheless has a huge impact on everything… be prepared for themes like that before picking them up…
As much as each book in this series works as a standalone, it’s best to read them in order, cause most of the characters in it are somehow connected to each other :) trust me on this :) the sixth book in this series was my very first ever Kerrigan Byrne book I’ve read and I liked it immensely better once I read the first five stories :) so I will have one short paragraph about how amazing this series is in general and then below you will find a few sentences about each story published in it so far, cause I read them so quickly one after another that they are all a blur in my mind right now :)
The writing style is absolutely spectacular and that is saying something for me, because these stories have some of the themes and tropes I am not only not a fan off, but ones I actively try and avoid in the books I read… and yet, she somehow made it work… :) not gonna lie, maybe once I reread these stories in the future I will be able to read them more critically, but as of now, all of them were 5 stars reads for me :) yes, the stories are very intense and emotional… they deal with some dark topics… and for some of you the relationships may seem rushed but I just… I couldn’t help but love all of them… the heroes of these books are usually the more troubled ones, with darker pasts… and when they love, they love with everything that’s inside them…even the darkest parts of them... they love fiercely and passionately… and I just inhaled all of it… don’t get me wrong, the heroines are no wallflowers either… :) the relationships are always intense and never easy… usually they develop pretty quickly, but they always feel well built and complex enough :) there’s action, surprising twists and turns, some gaspworthy moments and some drama… but also some sweet moments… not to mention an absolutely swoonworthy hot and sensual ones as well… like I said before, this series perfectly fit into my reading mood ;) below is a little bit about each book :) hopefully once I reread them in the future I will be able to write more coherent reviews about each story :)
The highwayman
Story about two people with a surprising connection in their past and a marriage of convenience all wrapped up in an additional mystery… :) add a scarred hero and a badass heroine and I was sold immediately :) aside from the main relationship we have some side ones forming as well which I loved with all my heart… :) it’s a very good introduction to the whole series, with some hints and foreshadowing about future main characters
The hunter
This one took me a moment to get into, because a killer for hire who is fascinated by a woman who he was hired to kill can get… tricky… especially since he’s not the best at communicating his thoughts outside to other people… but to surprise of no one, I ended up in love ;)
The highlander
This one might be my favourite out of them all, and I’m not sure why… :) it has some Beauty and the beast vibes as well as some Jane Eyre ones… the romance develops over a bit longer than usual amount of time, so that might have been a factor in my love for it… even if she’s pretending to be someone else… :) I saw some of the reveals in advance, but it was still super enjoyable :)
The duke
The synopsis of this one is a bit misleading, so let me clarify for you… our heroine works as a nurse and serving maid… she meets a duke and they spend a night together… as in, he pays for a night with her… one year later he shows up in her hospital, not remembering her and with some great injuries… and THEN she goes into a marriage of convenience to a wonderful older man and we skip forward a couple of years to when she is now a widow… again, this one has some themes I don’t like… hidden identity and whatnot, and yet… I loved it :) aside from that we have a killer mystery to which reveal I did not see coming…
The scot beds his wife
Another story with a hidden identity and quite a few other themes I don’t like in books… and yet I absolutely could understand why it had to happen like that… a lot of dramatic and surprising turns of events and a romance between very reluctant two people… which worked out surprisingly well in the end :)
The duke with the dragon tattoo
I loved this one immensely better the second time around… I remembered one big reveal about our hero who doesn’t remember his past, but aside from that nothing else… and now that I read the books in order I appreciated that much more all the familiar couples that make appearances in this one :)
The dark and stormy knight
The last currently available books went by very fast… I was curious about reading about this particular hero for a while and his story definitely did not disappoint :) what’s even better, Pru, our heroine, has three sisters, and a spin-off stories all about them is gonna be published within the next year :) I may or may not already preordered all of them… ;)
XOXO
A
This is a very emotional and intense series of historical romances to read… definitely keep that in mind going in… it varies in different books, but all main characters suffer from some sort of trauma… so depending on which installment you pick up there are trigger warnings for torture, rape, physical and mental abuse, assault… most of it happens not on the actual pages of the stories, but nonetheless has a huge impact on everything… be prepared for themes like that before picking them up…
As much as each book in this series works as a standalone, it’s best to read them in order, cause most of the characters in it are somehow connected to each other :) trust me on this :) the sixth book in this series was my very first ever Kerrigan Byrne book I’ve read and I liked it immensely better once I read the first five stories :) so I will have one short paragraph about how amazing this series is in general and then below you will find a few sentences about each story published in it so far, cause I read them so quickly one after another that they are all a blur in my mind right now :)
The writing style is absolutely spectacular and that is saying something for me, because these stories have some of the themes and tropes I am not only not a fan off, but ones I actively try and avoid in the books I read… and yet, she somehow made it work… :) not gonna lie, maybe once I reread these stories in the future I will be able to read them more critically, but as of now, all of them were 5 stars reads for me :) yes, the stories are very intense and emotional… they deal with some dark topics… and for some of you the relationships may seem rushed but I just… I couldn’t help but love all of them… the heroes of these books are usually the more troubled ones, with darker pasts… and when they love, they love with everything that’s inside them…even the darkest parts of them... they love fiercely and passionately… and I just inhaled all of it… don’t get me wrong, the heroines are no wallflowers either… :) the relationships are always intense and never easy… usually they develop pretty quickly, but they always feel well built and complex enough :) there’s action, surprising twists and turns, some gaspworthy moments and some drama… but also some sweet moments… not to mention an absolutely swoonworthy hot and sensual ones as well… like I said before, this series perfectly fit into my reading mood ;) below is a little bit about each book :) hopefully once I reread them in the future I will be able to write more coherent reviews about each story :)
The highwayman
Story about two people with a surprising connection in their past and a marriage of convenience all wrapped up in an additional mystery… :) add a scarred hero and a badass heroine and I was sold immediately :) aside from the main relationship we have some side ones forming as well which I loved with all my heart… :) it’s a very good introduction to the whole series, with some hints and foreshadowing about future main characters
The hunter
This one took me a moment to get into, because a killer for hire who is fascinated by a woman who he was hired to kill can get… tricky… especially since he’s not the best at communicating his thoughts outside to other people… but to surprise of no one, I ended up in love ;)
The highlander
This one might be my favourite out of them all, and I’m not sure why… :) it has some Beauty and the beast vibes as well as some Jane Eyre ones… the romance develops over a bit longer than usual amount of time, so that might have been a factor in my love for it… even if she’s pretending to be someone else… :) I saw some of the reveals in advance, but it was still super enjoyable :)
The duke
The synopsis of this one is a bit misleading, so let me clarify for you… our heroine works as a nurse and serving maid… she meets a duke and they spend a night together… as in, he pays for a night with her… one year later he shows up in her hospital, not remembering her and with some great injuries… and THEN she goes into a marriage of convenience to a wonderful older man and we skip forward a couple of years to when she is now a widow… again, this one has some themes I don’t like… hidden identity and whatnot, and yet… I loved it :) aside from that we have a killer mystery to which reveal I did not see coming…
The scot beds his wife
Another story with a hidden identity and quite a few other themes I don’t like in books… and yet I absolutely could understand why it had to happen like that… a lot of dramatic and surprising turns of events and a romance between very reluctant two people… which worked out surprisingly well in the end :)
The duke with the dragon tattoo
I loved this one immensely better the second time around… I remembered one big reveal about our hero who doesn’t remember his past, but aside from that nothing else… and now that I read the books in order I appreciated that much more all the familiar couples that make appearances in this one :)
The dark and stormy knight
The last currently available books went by very fast… I was curious about reading about this particular hero for a while and his story definitely did not disappoint :) what’s even better, Pru, our heroine, has three sisters, and a spin-off stories all about them is gonna be published within the next year :) I may or may not already preordered all of them… ;)
XOXO
A
June 2, 2020
How glorious it is to witness the most strait-laced, stern and obstinate hero act so out of character! To think the most selfless woman could bring such an intransigent and strong man to his knees. Brilliant!
“For future reference, you’re being neither prudent nor good.”
I have been so curious about Chief inspector Morley from the beginning of this series, wondering about his past, his upbringing and what lead him to become the figure of authority he so carefully set himself to be.
A Dark and Stormy Knight not only provides a great insight at Morley’s tragic childhood but moreover Byrne strips him off his many layers of morals and inflexibility unveiling above all the man behind the badge and the mask.
I don’t think I will recover from Morley’s cracking jokes or the peek at his inner cocky point of view!
“Now was not the time to notice her nudity. This was quite possibly a medical crisis.
He refused to glance down at her breasts.
He glanced.
He refused to look.
He looked.
Well he refused to appreciate.
Goddamnit.”
And what A. Man. *lustful eyes*
The story literally starts with a bang—pardon my crudeness but we’re not talking about guns here. By chapter three, I was so consumed with Carlton “Cutter” Morley and Prudence Goode first encounter, I had to praise the author on social media about her writing skills for delivering such a masterful and sexy wicked scene. My brain had just about fried and I could only nod my head in approval at the heroine choice of words to describe her very first completion under Morley’s tongue. “Bliss, rapture, heaven.” GIRL. SAME.
“She was too pleasured to be scandalized by their wickedness. Too captive of her passions to be worried about discovery.”
I was pleasantly surprised with the pairing of Morley with such a sweet and candid heroine. Prudence in her relentless quest for innocence revealed to be quite the headstrong woman, I liked to see that side of her, her resilience. I love the romantic concept that only a gentle and delicate touch could open Morley’s cold and steel guarded heart.
She’d stripped him bare, laid him wide open and dangerously close to defenseless. The intimacy he felt forming between them, the bond that wove between his ribs and hers, stiching their ticking hearts together, was made of some stronger material than the steel and ice he’d encased around his heart.
There’s quite a bit of angst built around Morley’s inability to trust Prudence despite her unwavering faith that at least her own husband will come to believe she’s telling the truth. Though no amount of angst could hinder the chemistry between Prudence and Morley, that he believes her guilty or innocent doesn’t matter much in Morley’s mind, Prudence became a part of him, his weakness and there’s much delight in witnessing him fail to observe the detachment he’s usually so fond of. The need to protect her and his secret yearning for love will overrule his most strongest ethics!
Why did he have to be so unspeakably handsome? Why did he have to be so categorically inaccessible?
Oh this book has it all, mystery, murder, a vigilante fighting crime, a marriage of convenience, a tortured hero, swooning romance, sinfully loaded encounters, an epilogue SO good it needs its own epilogue, all of it beautifully penned by Byrne, infused with humor, heart and drama. I’m IN LOVE!
I’ve been enjoying most of the Victorian Rebels series, I’m seriously addicted to Kerrigan Byrne brand of historical romance, she delivers sexy and passionate romance and heroes with an edge. A Dark and Stormy Knight is book 7 of the Victorian Rebels series, it reads as a standalone but in all fairness, you’d have a better understanding and appreciation of all the side characters reading at least book 1, The Highwayman which I believe is currently on sale for only 99 pennies and is an AMAZING read!
“I am a knight. A man with a code. A warrior with a creed. I vow, from this moment onward to be YOUR knight, wife. They will believe you, as I believe you. ”
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June 24, 2020
Actually I liked it because the too flowery descriptions that are Ms Byrne's trade-mark were almost absent here and it was a lovely surprise!
I'm glad that I've read Morley's story and found out what made him the way he is.
I also liked Pru, even if she was a little too much naive, but she was also a good and honest person and she deserved her HEA with Morley!
I'm glad that I've read Morley's story and found out what made him the way he is.
I also liked Pru, even if she was a little too much naive, but she was also a good and honest person and she deserved her HEA with Morley!
Read
December 30, 2020This should be Callum and Allison's story! I just discovered Kerrigans books about a month ago and have since read the entire Victorian Rebels series. She has quickly become one of my new favorites!! Please hurry with another one and keep up the great writing! You're AWESOME!!
February 23, 2025
Third reread, second listen and still I LOVE THIS BOOK
More specifically, I love Carlton Morley ♡
I loved this story the first time I read it, but the audiobook is just a masterpiece. It catapults the story to new heights~
I needed this after a couple of failed reads. I'll probably keep listening to it every year~~~
Previous reviews:
You absolutely MUST listen to the audiobook. I saw it was 'free' with Audible plus, and 're-read'/'listen for the first time' Seducing a Stranger and OH. MY. GOD.! It was a revelation. Like rediscovering the book. Absolutely beautiful. My previous review stands (including my refusal to read Honoria's story).
-----------------------------------------------
There is a specific mood I need to be in to venture in Kerrigan Byrne's world. I have read very few stories, let alone authors who are capable of combining dark with a great story and even greater characters. That doesn't mean I love everything she has written. I didn't read all of the Victorian Rebels series knowing some of the premises were either too dark or not my cup of tea.
Imagine my surprise when as I read Seducing a Stranger, I encountered elements of her dark style without the overall dark atmosphere.
I don't know, if it's because we have seen the inspector here and there and his overall strength had already been established or because we already knew his background. Most of her books start with a glimpse of the hell the heroes have gone through and the story slowly reveals the true extent of it.
This one does the same, but we already knew what was coming. Additionally, his other secret was also revealed at the beginning of the story. Consequently, the story is mostly Carlton reconciling his feeling for Pru. And it was amazing.
So many of KB's stories are about heroes coming to terms with their past/demons/traumas so that they can be better men/husbands. A good portion of the romance is lost in this and whatever evil plan the villain has.
Seducing a Stranger showed me how much other KB novels might be missing in the quest to make the darkest, most soul-wrecking backgrounds. The progress from attraction, to affection, to love. Knowing who you are, but learning to let another in.
Pru's progression is also more delicate. In general, KB's heroines are delicate. But they are already strong enough for their men when they meet again because, let's face it, 4 out of 5 KG books have a second-chance trope. Pru and Carlton have no baggage between them. They can learn each other as they are without pining for the other's past selves. Pru is sheltered and her world collapses when she is betrayed by her sister and best friend. She is vulnerable and struggles with asserting herself to Carlton, the more domineering personality. But when she does, it is beautiful. From the beginning I was cheering for her and every step forward made me love her more.
The villain's plot also barely takes any story time and is more of a set up for the next novel than a hindrance to this one. (Which I won't be reading. Abused women keeping quiet while they let other women fall into the same trap they did are my version of cheating for men: A definite NOPE in romance. Knowing KB, Honoria's horrors are probably going to matched Dorian's, but I still think her silence was unforgivable. Skipping it)
More specifically, I love Carlton Morley ♡
I loved this story the first time I read it, but the audiobook is just a masterpiece. It catapults the story to new heights~
I needed this after a couple of failed reads. I'll probably keep listening to it every year~~~
Previous reviews:
You absolutely MUST listen to the audiobook. I saw it was 'free' with Audible plus, and 're-read'/'listen for the first time' Seducing a Stranger and OH. MY. GOD.! It was a revelation. Like rediscovering the book. Absolutely beautiful. My previous review stands (including my refusal to read Honoria's story).
-----------------------------------------------
There is a specific mood I need to be in to venture in Kerrigan Byrne's world. I have read very few stories, let alone authors who are capable of combining dark with a great story and even greater characters. That doesn't mean I love everything she has written. I didn't read all of the Victorian Rebels series knowing some of the premises were either too dark or not my cup of tea.
Imagine my surprise when as I read Seducing a Stranger, I encountered elements of her dark style without the overall dark atmosphere.
I don't know, if it's because we have seen the inspector here and there and his overall strength had already been established or because we already knew his background. Most of her books start with a glimpse of the hell the heroes have gone through and the story slowly reveals the true extent of it.
This one does the same, but we already knew what was coming. Additionally, his other secret was also revealed at the beginning of the story. Consequently, the story is mostly Carlton reconciling his feeling for Pru. And it was amazing.
So many of KB's stories are about heroes coming to terms with their past/demons/traumas so that they can be better men/husbands. A good portion of the romance is lost in this and whatever evil plan the villain has.
Seducing a Stranger showed me how much other KB novels might be missing in the quest to make the darkest, most soul-wrecking backgrounds. The progress from attraction, to affection, to love. Knowing who you are, but learning to let another in.
Pru's progression is also more delicate. In general, KB's heroines are delicate. But they are already strong enough for their men when they meet again because, let's face it, 4 out of 5 KG books have a second-chance trope. Pru and Carlton have no baggage between them. They can learn each other as they are without pining for the other's past selves. Pru is sheltered and her world collapses when she is betrayed by her sister and best friend. She is vulnerable and struggles with asserting herself to Carlton, the more domineering personality. But when she does, it is beautiful. From the beginning I was cheering for her and every step forward made me love her more.
The villain's plot also barely takes any story time and is more of a set up for the next novel than a hindrance to this one. (Which I won't be reading. Abused women keeping quiet while they let other women fall into the same trap they did are my version of cheating for men: A definite NOPE in romance. Knowing KB, Honoria's horrors are probably going to matched Dorian's, but I still think her silence was unforgivable. Skipping it)
June 25, 2020
Inspector Morley's book.
It was a good read, but certainly not the best in this series.
It was a good read, but certainly not the best in this series.
June 1, 2020
This was everything I enjoy in a historical romance and more. With a heroine who makes a decision that shocked me, but that I loved, and a hero that despite his lack of trust, was adamant to claim her as his own, I didn’t want to stop reading.
Prudence and Carlton are perfect together and I loved how Carlton was immediately ensnared by her. The way he protected and possessed her was exactly what I’m looking for in a hero. He was broken but he claimed her even if he didn’t realize that’s what he was doing. Watching Carlton fall in love was one of the best things I’ve read in awhile.
This has a bit of relationship angst to it as well as some drama due to danger. With a steam level that had me looking for a fan and a cool drink, this author developed a believable chemistry between this hero and heroine. It absolutely sizzles! I also loved seeing characters from previous books in the series and watching the teasing camaraderie they have with each other.
Overall, I adored this story and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a jealous, possessive alpha hero.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Prudence and Carlton are perfect together and I loved how Carlton was immediately ensnared by her. The way he protected and possessed her was exactly what I’m looking for in a hero. He was broken but he claimed her even if he didn’t realize that’s what he was doing. Watching Carlton fall in love was one of the best things I’ve read in awhile.
This has a bit of relationship angst to it as well as some drama due to danger. With a steam level that had me looking for a fan and a cool drink, this author developed a believable chemistry between this hero and heroine. It absolutely sizzles! I also loved seeing characters from previous books in the series and watching the teasing camaraderie they have with each other.
Overall, I adored this story and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a jealous, possessive alpha hero.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
August 30, 2022
MAN, I love this author and I am so darn annoyed that I have missed reading the last three in this series. They are, of course, sitting on my kindle but UNREAD! UGH Every one of the books I’ve read by her has been a perfect blend of everything … suspense and intrigue mixed with the romance journey and friendships and just all of it! LOL Her style is also lovely because I can get lost in the story. She paints such a vivid picture with her words of what is happening that it almost feels like I’m there!! Her characters are always so so great also!! Kerrigan Byrne is an author everyone should be paying attention to if they read historical/regency fiction!
May 8, 2025
I don’t know why I want to read the sequel, but I do. Maybe because the hero is a doctor. Or maybe because we already met the heroine and she’s not entirely likable, and now I’m curious.
It’s definitely NOT because of how much I liked the first book.
There were things that I enjoyed, but overall it was a bit meh. The writing was decent (except for the spice, but we’ll get there) and a murder mystery is always a welcome addition. Still it would have been nice to delve deeper into it here. This book definitely had potential, it’s just that the execution was less than ideal.
The character and relationship development were uneven. The hero suddenly went from closed-off grump to tender lover—in a matter of seconds! I couldn’t keep up!
And the spicy scenes… 🤢 This author should really close that door. Then lock it, launch the key into orbit, and maybe seal it shut for good measure.
It’s definitely NOT because of how much I liked the first book.
There were things that I enjoyed, but overall it was a bit meh. The writing was decent (except for the spice, but we’ll get there) and a murder mystery is always a welcome addition. Still it would have been nice to delve deeper into it here. This book definitely had potential, it’s just that the execution was less than ideal.
The character and relationship development were uneven. The hero suddenly went from closed-off grump to tender lover—in a matter of seconds! I couldn’t keep up!
And the spicy scenes… 🤢 This author should really close that door. Then lock it, launch the key into orbit, and maybe seal it shut for good measure.
June 2, 2020
I want to begin this review by saying that Kerrigan Byrne is a talented genius and her writing fills my heart. I have honestly been waiting for Carlton Morley’s story for years and now it’s finally here and I am just so darn happy about it. I also have to say that Kerrigan Byrne’s publisher has really dropped the ball on this particular book being directly in their Victorian Rebels series. Sir Carlton Morley has always deserved his own story. He has been an integral part of the menagerie with the dark secrets that needed to come to light. So I say a big bravo to Kerrigan Byrne for going ahead with A Dark and Stormy Knight, Morley’s story. Thank you for making me a happy reader!
The right proper and upstanding Chief Inspector Carlton Morley is after the killer of male prostitutes plaguing London. All of his spare time I spent in the roaming the dark and dangerous streets seeking clues in his task. A loner, Morley stalks those streets with an urgency only a few could possibly understand.
After the emotional let down of discovering that her fiancé is an unfaithful rogue, Penelope Goode decides to take one night of passion for herself before being thrown into the constraints of marriage to the unscrupulous lout. She wants to give her virginity to a man of her own choosing. To achieve this, she finds herself at Miss Henrietta's School for Cultured Young Ladies, where she was given a password to gain entrance into the garden of pleasures that awaits her.
Chief Inspector Morley, in disguise, is lead to Miss Henrietta's School for Cultured Young Ladies with his own agenda of crime stopping, but when a stunning young woman literally stumbles over him, sparks fly and both of their worlds will be forever changed.
I prefer to stop here with my details of this story. This tale must be experienced individually and I strongly insist that you do. The anticipation of Carlton Morley finally meeting his match is pure exhilaration. Kerrigan Byrne uses her masterful understanding of the English language to spellbind her readers, and the reader is only too happy to be put under her spell. A Dark and Stormy Knight by Kerrigan Byrne is so worth the wait!
The right proper and upstanding Chief Inspector Carlton Morley is after the killer of male prostitutes plaguing London. All of his spare time I spent in the roaming the dark and dangerous streets seeking clues in his task. A loner, Morley stalks those streets with an urgency only a few could possibly understand.
After the emotional let down of discovering that her fiancé is an unfaithful rogue, Penelope Goode decides to take one night of passion for herself before being thrown into the constraints of marriage to the unscrupulous lout. She wants to give her virginity to a man of her own choosing. To achieve this, she finds herself at Miss Henrietta's School for Cultured Young Ladies, where she was given a password to gain entrance into the garden of pleasures that awaits her.
Chief Inspector Morley, in disguise, is lead to Miss Henrietta's School for Cultured Young Ladies with his own agenda of crime stopping, but when a stunning young woman literally stumbles over him, sparks fly and both of their worlds will be forever changed.
I prefer to stop here with my details of this story. This tale must be experienced individually and I strongly insist that you do. The anticipation of Carlton Morley finally meeting his match is pure exhilaration. Kerrigan Byrne uses her masterful understanding of the English language to spellbind her readers, and the reader is only too happy to be put under her spell. A Dark and Stormy Knight by Kerrigan Byrne is so worth the wait!
December 22, 2022
Ultimately this was just so adorable 4.5/5 and the opening act (past all the back story stuff) was so much fun and I really didn’t expect them to bang it out in that garden
April 10, 2024
I've given this an A- for narration and a B- for content at AudioGals - the narration bumps it up to 4 stars
Note: There may be spoilers for the earlier books in the series in this review.
Back in 2015/6 when I reviewed the first two books in Kerrigan Byrne’s Victorian Rebels series, I became intrigued by the secondary character of Chief Inspector Sir Carlton Morley of Scotland Yard, and like many other readers, hoped that the author planned to write his story at some point. Well, five years later, here it is; A Dark and Stormy Knight is the seventh and final(?) book in the series and… well, I can’t say it lived up to my expectations. I’m convinced the series was originally conceived as a trilogy; the later books were pretty disappointing (with book six, The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo basically being a rehash of book one, The Highwayman, still, to my mind, the best of the series), and in those books, there was what appeared to be a gradual retconning of Morley’s character going on as the author started to drop hints of his being a Batman-style vigilante with a tragic past. Sure, we didn’t get into his head in any of the earlier books, and maybe my memory is at fault, but the Carlton Morley in this book doesn’t bear much of a resemblance to the tightly controlled, uncompromising and hard-nosed copper I recall appearing in books one and two.
In the previous book, the violent death of his twin sister was revealed as the reason behind the adult Morley’s devotion to the law and relentless pursuit of justice. A kid from the streets, he’s become one of the most powerful men in London, but not content with his daytime efforts to put away as many criminals as he can, he’s also started patrolling the streets of the city by night and meting out his own form or justice to wrongdoers as a masked crusader dubbed the Knight of Shadows. In that guise, Morley has made his way to the garden of Miss Henrietta’s School for Cultured Young Ladies in order to continue his investigation into the deaths of several young men known to be part of a group called the Stags of St. James. He’s only just realised that the “school” is a brothel and the Stags are prostitutes when a young woman literally falls into his lap, and promptly – if rather inexpertly – propositions him. At first he can’t quite believe his ears, and thinks he should leave or take the young woman home, but he can’t – something about her awakens within him with all the ferocity of a hibernating beast. It had teeth and claws and tore his decency to shreds before going to work on his restraint.
Prudence Goode had been happily engaged to marry the Earl of Sunderland until her illusions were shattered when she overheard a conversation discussing the man’s frequent affairs and numerous bastards. Hurt and angry, Pru decided that what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, hence her seeking to have some sexytimes with one of the Stags of St. James.
Three months later, Morley arrives at the wedding of the daughter of Commissioner Clarence Goode, Baron of Cresthaven – his boss – only to be immediately accosted by the Vicar and all but dragged away to a room at the back of the church where he is confronted by a scene that’s shocking in more ways than one. Firstly, the bride is soaked in blood, clutching a knife and standing by the lifeless body of her fiancé. Secondly, the bride is the woman from the garden… the woman whose image and responses have taunted him for the last three months and whom he hasn’t been able to forget. And thirdly… not only did Morley shag his boss’s daughter – she’s pregnant.
Oops.
Being the honourable man he is, Morley proposes a marriage of convenience to Pru, who has no alternative but to accept. He makes sure no word of her possible involvement with the Earl’s death gets out, marries her, quickly moves her into his London mansion – and promptly leaves her to her own devices while he investigates the murder and continues his night-time activities as the Knight of Shadows.
The romance between Morley and Pru proceeds as you’d expect. He’s spent most of his life focused on the fight for truth and justice and has no intention of allowing anyone – least of all his new wife – to distract him from it; Pru wants more of the man she’d glimpsed that night in the garden, the passionate, tender lover she is sure is still there beneath the inflexible, stoic surface. I was expecting an exciting plot about a hunt for the real murderer in which Morley and Pru would have to work together in some way in order to prove her innocence… but that didn’t happen. Given the stakes – Pru could have been hanged if found guilty – that aspect of the story was very low-key. There’s an interesting sub-plot surrounding the possibility of some deep-rooted corruption in the Met (Metropolitan Police Force), but both plotlines are largely absent until near the end when the story takes an abrupt – and somewhat clichéd – turn into the Big Showdown.
Probably the biggest problem I had with the book was the writing. In the past, I’ve praised Ms. Byrne for her use of lush, lyrical language, but A Dark and Stormy Knight contains some of her purplest prose ever, and I honestly had trouble concentrating on the story because I kept being taken out of it by the incredibly flowery language. (As for the sex scenes… they went on for EVER and (I can’t believe I’m saying this), I fast forwarded through them to avoid cringing or laughing so hard I pulled a muscle). I’m quite willing to entertain the possibility that the problem is me and not the writing; Kerrigan Byrne’s melodramatic, almost gothic style wasn’t something commonly seen in historical romance back in 2015, and her impactful, insightful prose, and the visceral reactions induced by some of the darker elements of her stories were refreshingly different. I’m asking myself if it’s simply that I’ve grown out of it, but… I don’t think so. The darkness that permeated the first three books has been disappearing since book four, and here, it’s pretty much gone completely. In my review of The Duke , I mentioned the author’s ability to create larger-than-life, dangerously sexy heroes – but the cameo appearances by previous heroes Dorian, Christopher and Ash turn them into pale shadows of their former selves who would be more at home in an episode of Friends than in a darkly sensual Victorian romance.
But I DID like the central romance and the corruption sub-plot, and I liked Morley, who while perhaps not quite the individual I remembered was nonetheless a fairly compelling hero. I also liked Derek Perkins’ performance, and once again take my hat off to him for being able to utter so much overblown sentiment and affected dialogue with such aplomb. His smooth, deep tones are easy on the ear, his pacing and enunciation are excellent, and he portrays the recurring characters consistently, reprising Dorian and Farrah’s slight Scottish burr and Argent’s less polished accent and slight huskiness, for example. This is also true of his portrayal of Morley, whose upper-class accent and clipped delivery appropriately reflect the ruthlessly dedicated police inspector who takes no prisoners (not literally, of course!) Mr. Perkins effortlessly conveys the moments of humour and terror and everything in between, differentiates clearly between all the characters and portrays the female characters effectively by means of a slight raise in pitch and softened timbre. It’s an engaging and accomplished performance, and as I’ve said in previous reviews, it’s due to his participation that I’ve continued to follow this series; had he not been involved, I might have given up on it after The Duke.
Arriving at a final grade for the story has been difficult; I’ve settled on a B- mostly because I gave the previous book a C+ and this was better than that one! I think fans of the author will either lap up A Dark and Stormy Knight (there are plenty of 4 and 5 star reviews on Goodreads to indicate that to be the case) or will be as disappointed as I was that a story we’ve so long looked forward to didn’t quite make the grade.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
Note: There may be spoilers for the earlier books in the series in this review.
Back in 2015/6 when I reviewed the first two books in Kerrigan Byrne’s Victorian Rebels series, I became intrigued by the secondary character of Chief Inspector Sir Carlton Morley of Scotland Yard, and like many other readers, hoped that the author planned to write his story at some point. Well, five years later, here it is; A Dark and Stormy Knight is the seventh and final(?) book in the series and… well, I can’t say it lived up to my expectations. I’m convinced the series was originally conceived as a trilogy; the later books were pretty disappointing (with book six, The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo basically being a rehash of book one, The Highwayman, still, to my mind, the best of the series), and in those books, there was what appeared to be a gradual retconning of Morley’s character going on as the author started to drop hints of his being a Batman-style vigilante with a tragic past. Sure, we didn’t get into his head in any of the earlier books, and maybe my memory is at fault, but the Carlton Morley in this book doesn’t bear much of a resemblance to the tightly controlled, uncompromising and hard-nosed copper I recall appearing in books one and two.
In the previous book, the violent death of his twin sister was revealed as the reason behind the adult Morley’s devotion to the law and relentless pursuit of justice. A kid from the streets, he’s become one of the most powerful men in London, but not content with his daytime efforts to put away as many criminals as he can, he’s also started patrolling the streets of the city by night and meting out his own form or justice to wrongdoers as a masked crusader dubbed the Knight of Shadows. In that guise, Morley has made his way to the garden of Miss Henrietta’s School for Cultured Young Ladies in order to continue his investigation into the deaths of several young men known to be part of a group called the Stags of St. James. He’s only just realised that the “school” is a brothel and the Stags are prostitutes when a young woman literally falls into his lap, and promptly – if rather inexpertly – propositions him. At first he can’t quite believe his ears, and thinks he should leave or take the young woman home, but he can’t – something about her awakens within him with all the ferocity of a hibernating beast. It had teeth and claws and tore his decency to shreds before going to work on his restraint.
Prudence Goode had been happily engaged to marry the Earl of Sunderland until her illusions were shattered when she overheard a conversation discussing the man’s frequent affairs and numerous bastards. Hurt and angry, Pru decided that what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, hence her seeking to have some sexytimes with one of the Stags of St. James.
Three months later, Morley arrives at the wedding of the daughter of Commissioner Clarence Goode, Baron of Cresthaven – his boss – only to be immediately accosted by the Vicar and all but dragged away to a room at the back of the church where he is confronted by a scene that’s shocking in more ways than one. Firstly, the bride is soaked in blood, clutching a knife and standing by the lifeless body of her fiancé. Secondly, the bride is the woman from the garden… the woman whose image and responses have taunted him for the last three months and whom he hasn’t been able to forget. And thirdly… not only did Morley shag his boss’s daughter – she’s pregnant.
Oops.
Being the honourable man he is, Morley proposes a marriage of convenience to Pru, who has no alternative but to accept. He makes sure no word of her possible involvement with the Earl’s death gets out, marries her, quickly moves her into his London mansion – and promptly leaves her to her own devices while he investigates the murder and continues his night-time activities as the Knight of Shadows.
The romance between Morley and Pru proceeds as you’d expect. He’s spent most of his life focused on the fight for truth and justice and has no intention of allowing anyone – least of all his new wife – to distract him from it; Pru wants more of the man she’d glimpsed that night in the garden, the passionate, tender lover she is sure is still there beneath the inflexible, stoic surface. I was expecting an exciting plot about a hunt for the real murderer in which Morley and Pru would have to work together in some way in order to prove her innocence… but that didn’t happen. Given the stakes – Pru could have been hanged if found guilty – that aspect of the story was very low-key. There’s an interesting sub-plot surrounding the possibility of some deep-rooted corruption in the Met (Metropolitan Police Force), but both plotlines are largely absent until near the end when the story takes an abrupt – and somewhat clichéd – turn into the Big Showdown.
Probably the biggest problem I had with the book was the writing. In the past, I’ve praised Ms. Byrne for her use of lush, lyrical language, but A Dark and Stormy Knight contains some of her purplest prose ever, and I honestly had trouble concentrating on the story because I kept being taken out of it by the incredibly flowery language. (As for the sex scenes… they went on for EVER and (I can’t believe I’m saying this), I fast forwarded through them to avoid cringing or laughing so hard I pulled a muscle). I’m quite willing to entertain the possibility that the problem is me and not the writing; Kerrigan Byrne’s melodramatic, almost gothic style wasn’t something commonly seen in historical romance back in 2015, and her impactful, insightful prose, and the visceral reactions induced by some of the darker elements of her stories were refreshingly different. I’m asking myself if it’s simply that I’ve grown out of it, but… I don’t think so. The darkness that permeated the first three books has been disappearing since book four, and here, it’s pretty much gone completely. In my review of The Duke , I mentioned the author’s ability to create larger-than-life, dangerously sexy heroes – but the cameo appearances by previous heroes Dorian, Christopher and Ash turn them into pale shadows of their former selves who would be more at home in an episode of Friends than in a darkly sensual Victorian romance.
But I DID like the central romance and the corruption sub-plot, and I liked Morley, who while perhaps not quite the individual I remembered was nonetheless a fairly compelling hero. I also liked Derek Perkins’ performance, and once again take my hat off to him for being able to utter so much overblown sentiment and affected dialogue with such aplomb. His smooth, deep tones are easy on the ear, his pacing and enunciation are excellent, and he portrays the recurring characters consistently, reprising Dorian and Farrah’s slight Scottish burr and Argent’s less polished accent and slight huskiness, for example. This is also true of his portrayal of Morley, whose upper-class accent and clipped delivery appropriately reflect the ruthlessly dedicated police inspector who takes no prisoners (not literally, of course!) Mr. Perkins effortlessly conveys the moments of humour and terror and everything in between, differentiates clearly between all the characters and portrays the female characters effectively by means of a slight raise in pitch and softened timbre. It’s an engaging and accomplished performance, and as I’ve said in previous reviews, it’s due to his participation that I’ve continued to follow this series; had he not been involved, I might have given up on it after The Duke.
Arriving at a final grade for the story has been difficult; I’ve settled on a B- mostly because I gave the previous book a C+ and this was better than that one! I think fans of the author will either lap up A Dark and Stormy Knight (there are plenty of 4 and 5 star reviews on Goodreads to indicate that to be the case) or will be as disappointed as I was that a story we’ve so long looked forward to didn’t quite make the grade.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
June 19, 2021
I've fallen so crazy in love with Scotland Yard's ruthless Chief Inspector Sir Carlton Morley and Prim and proper Prudence Goode💘right from their delicious and steamy first encounter near a "borderline pornographic fountain, in the garden of Miss Henrietta's School for Cultured Young Ladies" at midnight.🔥The HEA couple has now become one of my all time favorites! They were both so intriguing, so captivating, and yes, so likable. I was totally ecstatic reading their every move.
In spite of the numbness I was experiencing on a daily basis due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19, the story of Morley and Pru awakened all my senses and feelings; haunting sorrow, joyous happiness of first and true love, and more, but the best was jubilant and triumphant of good over evil. Loved a perfect happy ending filled with bright and hopeful future. Sharing one of my favorite scenes:
In spite of the numbness I was experiencing on a daily basis due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19, the story of Morley and Pru awakened all my senses and feelings; haunting sorrow, joyous happiness of first and true love, and more, but the best was jubilant and triumphant of good over evil. Loved a perfect happy ending filled with bright and hopeful future. Sharing one of my favorite scenes:
"I could grovel at your feet for a decade and it wouldn't assuage my guilt."
She reached up and traced the fine divot in his chin with a fingertip. "I would say it's not necessary," she shrugged. "But if groveling is what will placate your conscience, far be it for me to stop you."
"All right, my little minx of a wife . . .I'll admit I'm new to groveling. How does one go about it?". . .
"I imagine foot rubs are excellent groveling techniques . . . And long Sunday mornings in bed."
June 9, 2020
I’ve read all of the books in this series. And, while I once loved the first one very much, I struggle to remember the books now.
I’m not sure if Morley’s exploits as the Knight of Shadows was discussed in other books, but it was given short-shrift here - To the extent that I wasn’t sure why it was part of the story.
Nothing about the story or characters felt real. I was aware the entire time that I was reading a book - slightly over the top with flowery writing.
It is hard to tell if it is the book or if it’s me. I find myself an ever-changing reader. Perhaps I would have given The Highwayman three stars had I read it today.
Either way this book lacked a shine, and, in a month, I’m likely to remember as much of it as I remembered of the rest of the series.
I’m not sure if Morley’s exploits as the Knight of Shadows was discussed in other books, but it was given short-shrift here - To the extent that I wasn’t sure why it was part of the story.
Nothing about the story or characters felt real. I was aware the entire time that I was reading a book - slightly over the top with flowery writing.
It is hard to tell if it is the book or if it’s me. I find myself an ever-changing reader. Perhaps I would have given The Highwayman three stars had I read it today.
Either way this book lacked a shine, and, in a month, I’m likely to remember as much of it as I remembered of the rest of the series.
May 28, 2021
I was not crazy about the book. I realized it was a a sub category for another series and not really book 1. I can suspend disbelief but this was a major stretch. A young virgin fiancé finds her future husband has been sleeping with multiple others and decides to go to a brothel and get rid of her virginity. I was lost in the history of many of the characters and the Knight of Shadows was a Batman of the time? The plot has a mystery in it and it was weak and obvious who did it. I ended up not liking any of the characters as they all seemed kinda icky.
I know many have loved this book and maybe it was just me. I am giving this 2.5 and rounding up. Maybe if I had read the previous series I would have enjoyed this one more. I am discovering this author is hit or miss for me.
I know many have loved this book and maybe it was just me. I am giving this 2.5 and rounding up. Maybe if I had read the previous series I would have enjoyed this one more. I am discovering this author is hit or miss for me.
December 13, 2020
This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy, historical romance novel. It has likable, engaging characters, an intriguing mystery and a happily ever after ending. I am looking forward to reading Honoria's story with great anticipation. I listened to the audio version of this novel and the narrator's voice was captivating!
December 14, 2020
4.5 to 5 stars!
I really enjoyed this one!
Seducing a Stranger is the 7th book in the Victorian Rebels series and involves our Chief Inspector Carlton Morley from past books in the series.
Carlton Morley is a complex man with rules and lines that he won't cross as the Chief Inspector for the Scotland Yard.
But Carlton Morley also has a dark side and will hunt the predators at night that the justice system can't seem to lock away. He is also the Knight of Shadows.
Yes, this was a historical romance book about Batman!
No. I kid, I kid! :D I really did love the different sides of Morley though and loved his character!
Morley is on a personal quest to find a serial killer one night when he's introduced and tempted by the beautiful and lovely Prudence Goode.
And this is the first book in the series, Goode Girls which I just love so far.
I thought the characters, steam factor and all the plot twists were well done!
I also loved the ending and immediately started the next book in the series because of that ending. Great cliffhanger on that front!
I'm definitely going to read this whole new Goode Girls series because these Goode sisters are fun, feisty and definitely characters to cheer for!
I really enjoyed this one!
Seducing a Stranger is the 7th book in the Victorian Rebels series and involves our Chief Inspector Carlton Morley from past books in the series.
Carlton Morley is a complex man with rules and lines that he won't cross as the Chief Inspector for the Scotland Yard.
But Carlton Morley also has a dark side and will hunt the predators at night that the justice system can't seem to lock away. He is also the Knight of Shadows.
Yes, this was a historical romance book about Batman!
No. I kid, I kid! :D I really did love the different sides of Morley though and loved his character!
Morley is on a personal quest to find a serial killer one night when he's introduced and tempted by the beautiful and lovely Prudence Goode.
And this is the first book in the series, Goode Girls which I just love so far.
I thought the characters, steam factor and all the plot twists were well done!
I also loved the ending and immediately started the next book in the series because of that ending. Great cliffhanger on that front!
I'm definitely going to read this whole new Goode Girls series because these Goode sisters are fun, feisty and definitely characters to cheer for!
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