Ye gads. Well, uh. I'm not sure what happened but I think this is my least favourite of the <i>Victorian Rebels</i> series. Being a fan of skipping blurbs, I didn't know what I was going into beyond what had been set up in the last few books. And the opening chapters of THE DUKE WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO and the premise for the where and why of Rook's beginning (well, a certain beginning) was probably the best part. It wasn't perfect, and certainly isn't my favourite of the 'met as youngsters and later reunite as adults' trope (hello book one, you win that prize), but it was a sweet and sad and honest beginning for these two discarded souls. But after we survive the separation and reunite in a very explosive (not literally but hey stranger things have happened) way, a scene that had a serious 'holy shit!' reaction from me, after that point.. I kinda felt like we lost the plot. Because suddenly there wasn't really any.

The big wind-up to the reveal of the Rook's identity wasn't really all that shocking as I had guessed who he was already (but, yay, confirmed!) and then we have a treasure to hunt and people to reunite. And, other than the opening chapters, I was a fan of only one reunion in particular -- mostly because we finally got confirmation of some backstory. I won't reveal who but.. it's kinda sad when your favourite moments are to do with someone who <b>isn't</b> one of the main characters. There was another supporting character who I thought I could love, too, a delightful new addition to this world of Byrne's, and then he later shot it all to hell, so even that didn't save the pirate plotline. Also if he gets his own book, which it kinda feels like he might, I don't even know how to feel about that.

As for Lorelai, I liked her in theory; rescuing and saving creatures who didn't have a chance of surviving on their own, nursing them back to health to fulfill that part of her that had been so poorly neglected.. but honestly she didn't have much of a personality. She didn't stand out. She was too all over the place, never settling into one behaviour or another, but ultimately I guess that suited the Rook because dude was as changeable as yesterday's weather (hot, cold, hail, sunny).

This book felt the least fleshed out of all of them, more like a bridging novella for the series (as it also didn't feel that long despite some of the more dragging scenes), and had it been meant as that.. I might be okay with it. As it was I'm honestly not sure I can award anything higher than a two star. It feels completely contrary to how much I love this series, and this author, but I'm honestly just so disappointed by this one. I expected a lot more.

I kinda hope Inspector Morley's book is coming down the pipeline sooner rather than later (though I suspect it isn't, infact, going to be the next one after that epilogue) because while I think we might have already seen the best this series has to offer (cough THE HUNTER cough but fine okay the first three are top tier), I'm still holding out for a m/m HEA for Carlton. Please, Byrne, make my dreams come true?

2.5 stars

I am completely in love with this book. Like everyone else, I thought the original Dorian had been beaten to death. In a way he was. Now we are faced with the zombie Rook, sustained by memories like Dougan had for his Fairy. Lorelai stopped Rook from dying and he has always loved her. I will re-read this book.

Known only as the Rook, he came out of a mass grave, with no name, no memories—no past—and only a dragoon tattoo on his forearm, which provided the only key to who he is and his past. Lorelei, a beautiful but crippled woman, had rescued another handsome man she cannot forget years before—and now, again, has rescued the same one. Crippled when her brother shattered her leg while still a child, Lorelei, years ago, devoted herself to healing him (Ash), until he left her, taking a big part of her heart with him. For his part, Ash also loved Lorelei, even though he left her. Now, after all those years, the Rook (Ash) has come back, but can Lorelei ever begin to trust him after what he did? Ash has led a life that, for most, has been a notorious one, even involving killing a man, with his love for Lorelei keeping him going the entire time. Now that they finally have gotten back together, can they manage to make things work for them after all that has happened? Their reconnection began, though there were difficulties to overcome, like the fact that Ash had trouble discussing the twenty years he was gone as well as his disappearance. Both had to work to overcome what had occurred in the past and what was still very much a part of them to make things work for them.

A true romance for all romance lovers! The story of Lorelei and Ash is captivating, especially if you have read the other books in the series. Ash was no longer the Ash Lorelei had once known but was instead a fearsome pirate. Still, I loved the way Lorelei saw the Ash she had known and nurtured back to health while falling in love with him, in this “new” man. As I read I was fascinated by the author’s depiction of their haunting emotional pasts and how they were intertwined in their lives alone and together. This is a good book for anyone who enjoys a good romance, regardless whether he/she enjoys the timeframe (I personally do not, but still loved this one.). In fact, the whole series is really good, and, if you enjoyed this one, I recommend the rest. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo is the sixth book in Victorian Rebels series by Kerrigan Byrne. I started reading this series backwards and only read this book so far (silly me!) but I still thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance and will definitely go back to reading the series from the beginning. I loved Lorelei and Ash's second chance love story. The first part of the book where Lorelei and Ash met and fell in love as teenagers was my favorite; it was sweet and tender. The second part of the book takes place twenty years later when they are finally reunited but their relationship is more turbulent and they have to find a way to trust and love each other again. Second chance romance trope is my jam and so I was cheering for the Rook and Lorelei from the first page. We also meet other interesting characters, who already had or will have their stories told in other books. I can't wait to continue with the series and get to know all the Rebels and brave women who love them.

***ARC received for an honest review***

That ole Kerrigan Byrne Magic - back in action. Dannnnnnnnng, y’all. Here we go with a rambling feely-feels review that doesn’t talk much about the plot - bc spoilers.

<b>”Don’t go, she’d murmured. Stay here. With me. And so, he had. He’d lived only because she bade him to.”</b>

Basically - have you read the rest of this series? Did you love it? Did you really really really love the first one? That whole vibe with Fairy and Dougan and their lost childhood love? Do you like heroes who are super bad dudes with hearts of gold while remaining a bit psychotic?

I could quote at least 30% of the book in this review. So much swooning. So many meaningful sighs were I set down the kindle just to soak in the majesty of the Rook and his bomb-ass angsty pick-up lines. Is there anything better than a bad bad bad boy out there killin and wreaking havoc and then layin his soul bare for his lady love?

<b>”’She...is...my...peace.’”</b>

So yeah. Read the book. Read the series. Kerrigan Byrne is a favorite. And I’m off to waller in my book-hangover.

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I skimmed through the beginning of the book. About 20 percent, I thought it could have been written as a prologue easily and we would have been given the same amount of info.
Other than that I enjoyed, The Duke With the Dragon Tattoo. I had the same problem as Lorelai, I kept thinking of him as Ash. I had a hard time with The Rook. He was not the man that Lorelai needed. Every once and a while Ash would come out and I would think of the love that they shared.

The very first chapter had me extremely conflicted on how I felt about what I was reading. It has an element of emotional and physical abuse. The main character is Lorelei. She is a young noble woman constantly tormented by her elder brother. This was particularly gut-wrenching from the first page and only seems to deepen the farther you read as the past is revealed in increments. As a reader, I felt for poor Lorelei but could not tell if I was going to enjoy the story; however, this quickly changed before long!

Lorelei meets Ash. This changes everything for both characters. Their love is strange, instant, and endearing beyond words. The two young kids absolutely love each other. This is just the kind of romance my heart eats up and seeks in the romance genre. Lorelei and Ash become separated shortly after meeting and do not see each other for the next thirty years. Neither person forgets the other and they both are holding on to it.

I felt very sympathetic to what all Ash endures during his life after Lorelei. He sold into slavery and then becomes a pirate. He is very changed and Lorelei has grown but is pretty much the same. She is a bit more confident. The book at this point is exciting until the very last word. A lot happens that just happens. What do you expect when a pirate kidnaps you from your wedding altar after murdering your brother right in front you? Then marries you himself! It is all rather complicated. The adventure this romance has often cannot be found in other books of its genre. I find this incredibly refreshing. It is worth reading! The book is pretty fast paced despite my initial first glance reactions.

Kerrigan's newest book in her VICTORIAN REBELS series is a hit! I couldn't wait to find out the truth about The ROOK and his story was worth waiting for! Dark and tormented, but heroic in his own way, The Rook has little memories about his own identity but he loves the girl who saved his life years ago. Now, he is there when she needs him - whether she likes it or not! - and it was wonderful watching their love being revealed. Sexy-steamy love scenes add to the tension and the relationship in this one. I loved this book!

(My only complaint - not about the story -- is the title! This book should be (and will be to Kerrigan's readers - and me -) The Rook. The existing title is contrived, repetitive and has little if any significance to the story!)

Kerrigan is a great writer. The story she crafted is interesting and doesn’t follow a cut and paste plot line. Lorelei is an interesting female lead and her relationship with Ash is as tender as her heart and the broken animals she rescues. Ash is a tortured soul. His journey back to her, literally spanning decades and continents, has wrecked him emotionally. I did find him to be a little “too” much at times. Too dark, too broken, too extreme in some of his characteristics.
I read these books for the romance, not the sex, so I can’t comment on those scenes as I generally skip over them. There weren’t so many that it got in the way of the story. There were a lot more F*bombs than I care for, even with such villainous heroes, and it didn’t quite blend with the rest of the language.

This is a strong intense story filled with emotion. The female lead is strong and beautiful but broken in heart and ankle. The Male is a survivor and the devil but he too is broken but in mind and soul. The story takes you on a journey that spans 20 years leave you exhilarated and fulfilled. Enjoyed all the secondary characters as well. The plot is captivating and will keep you in your toes. Cant wait for more.

“Lorelai. There are only two indisputable facts in this world: The sun will set in the west, and I’ll come for you. Always.”

I received an ARC of Kerrigan Byrne’s upcoming novel, The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo and it is 5 bright, shining stars!!!! This is the 6th book in her Victorian Rebels series and Oh. My. God! SO good! Lorelai is possibly one of the strongest heroines that I have ever read. And oh, the Rook! I have cried so many times while reading this.

Kerrigan, I bow to you. Queen of angst and beautifully broken characters who finally heal through love! Everyone needs to read this!

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have been looking forward to this book for so long and it did not disappoint. I love Kerrigan Byrne's writing. She makes me feel so invested in the story and the characters. She makes me want to know what made someone the way they are. And The Rook is definitely one of those characters that I wanted to know more about. In this book we get to see the back story for him and begin to understand why he is seen as so cold and heartless. And even though I wasn't his biggest fan in the beginning, I felt so bad for his terrible circumstances I started to really root for him to find some happiness.
And Lorelei is my kind of heroine. She has been through the wringer all through her life, but she never let the world make her hard. She continues to show her strength in her kindness and the way she cares for everything around her. She has a beautiful heart and I am so glad she got her happiness too.
I may not be the best at reviews, but I will say I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend it. It is a wonderful addition to one of my favorite series.

Oh, Ms. Byrne, you have outdone yourself. I had to wait a few days to calm myself before writing this. The author really out-did herself with the description of the hero’s physical form. Her descriptions would make anyone’s mouth water. The male physique is a magnificent thing to behold and her appreciation is evident.
Also, there is a real story of endurance and lasting love here. Many of the heroes in this book series seem beyond hope until they are offered a lifeline through love and that is the enduring hope that we all wish for. Especially, those of us at a certain age.

The dangerous nature of the hero’s character was a particular treat for me because I love pirates. I don’t know why, but I do. The hero being a Duke and a Pirate hit all the right fantasy notes and that made this a true success. I can’t wait for Derek Perkin’s performance on this audiobook. I am sure he will do another fantastic job as with the other books.

If there was one thing I missed, it was that the author’s trademark humor was not in full force as it was in the other books. My biggest laugh came at the end of the epilogue and it was spot on and funny as ever.

*3.5 stars.

I've been a big fan of this series from the beginning. Kerrigan Byrne can write smoking forbidden tension like nobody's business, and it keeps me coming back for more. While The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo wasn't my favorite in the series, it delivers pirates, mayhem, and lusty sensual tension that sizzles.

I'm going to say it again and again. Can the tension get any better than this? I seriously put the book down and shouted, "Oh my god, this is intense. I need to take a breath. I'M TAKING A BREATH." I did that for most of the first half, actually.

The Rook's story is one I have wanted told for a long time. The opening had me giddy because, THAT is who Rook is?? So exciting! Lorelei was an epic heroine. She grew up in such a bad environment, but despite it all, she still has so much optimism and hope. She stole the show for me.

About halfway the plot slowed down a bit and I lost a little bit of that intensity that kept me reading early on. However, Lorelei more than made up for it. As well as a big plot twist later on and seeing some old favorite characters.

A great journey! Don't miss it!

Holy smokes! What a superb book!! These Victorian Rebels just keep getting better and better. Rook/Ash was so lost and broken, thinking he was heartless. Lorelei was a nuturer and the keeper of his heart. What he went through to get back to her was brutal. And I’m so glad her brother got what he deserved. I love how the former stories are all woven together. I can not wait for the next one!!!

I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to other romance lovers. I hope there will be another book in the series.

I received a free ARC for Netgalley.

This is a gritty, f-bomb filled historical romance with few sweet moments. Both of the
main characters have been physically abused and aren't strangers to sexual assault. Their attraction is obsessive. The plot was eye raising enough for me to finis, yet I winced along the way.
This makes me interested in the author, yet cautious if all her work has such mature thematic elements. Not what I reach for when I want historical romance.

Adult content, biblical profanity, rape, oral sex

The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By Kerrigan Byrne

I have to preface my review with, this was a phenomenal book. I find it quite difficult to review an author this tuned to the lives shared by her characters. I know this was a strong sometimes horrific read.

When Lorelai finds Ashe beaten almost to death on the road she takes him in their home and cares for him. After months he is fully recuperated. He has no memory of his past of his true name but knows that although Lorelai is above his station he loves her.

Her brother is supposed to see him to an apprenticeship but instead drugs him and sells him into slavery. It is twenty years before Lorelai and Ash meet again. I found myself delighted when he returned to save her from and undesirable marriage and killed her brother.

Being only midway into the book our author has prepared so many twists and turn and revelations your head will spin.Ms Byrne is a gritty writer and I enjoy her style very much.
I am a fan girl when it comes to her books. This is a must read.

This is the first book I've read by Kerrigan Byrne, and I was not disappointed! The Duke With the Dragon Tattoo was well written, original, and moved along swiftly. Lorelei and Ash were heartfelt characters that had overcome so much adversity. It was a wonderful love story!

""A lot can happen between now and never." Kerrigan Byrne is a master wordsmith - and has a superpower oh epic proportions. She can redeem even the worst character, make him/her loveable, and make the reader fall in love. She took the Rook from one scary dude - to a vulnerable, sweet, funny, and loveable character in 20 chapters.

This book is fast paced and is best read by those who have read others in the series. It is intimately connected - in particular to "The Highwayman." Overall - I really enjoyed this addition to the series.

My only complaint - the title. This title - along with the last one - really needed to be reconsidered. I think, very honestly, that the series was so much better with the single word. This one was even ready made - "The Rook" would have been so much better than the rather silly - the Duke with the Dragon Tattoo.

"But through all that. through everything that's been done to me, I've only ever believed in one thing." "What's that?" she whispered. "That the sun would set in the west, and that I would come for you."