First Thanks to Netgallery for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

So this is the first time I have read a book by Kerrigan Byrne. I have to say I really enjoyed her writing style. When I read this book with the MC had a Tattoo. I had to read. I can only recall one other book I have read in Historical Romance with one of the MC's have a Tattoo. That alone got my attention. Then the whole amnesia thing was the closer.

So the story is Lorelei Weatherstroke is a shy abused cripple. her brother is just terrible and her father is a wimp and never stands up for her. One day she driving in a carriage and sees a naked dead man....or she thinks was dead till she sees him move. Her family stips and recuses the man by bringing him back to there home and Lorelei and a doctor nurse him back to health. When he finally wakes up he can't remember who he is or who beat him. They both pick him the name Ash. they are both young Lorelei is 14 at the time. they fall in love but a kids love...or.

A lot happens between this and when the book really gets going. I don't want to ruin it for anyone. But when The Rook comes into Lorelei life big changes come.

I have never read book by this author so that goes to say I never read the other books in the series. I had no trouble following the story. I didn't feel like I was missing anything about the story. I do wonder is Lorelei sister in-law getting a story? I would definitely read that.

4 to 4.5 Stars

This book is absolutely amazing. The story is about love, hurt and finding each other. Ash is lifted for dead and Lorelai finds him and saves him. Her brother is horrible and sends him away and Ash becomes The Rook. Lorelai was Crippled as a child by her brother. The Rook has returned after 20 years. I will not give anymore spoilers because I want you to enjoy the book as much as I did.

This is the first book by Kerrigan Byrne that I have read, and I didn't realize it was book 6 in a series. No matter. It flowed perfectly as a stand alone, and was captivating from the start. It has monsters, and cruelty, and passionate love, and intrigue, and pirates, and so much more! The story kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved it! I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!

Great Historical romance a mysterious stranger,a devil of a brother and a innocent crippled girl.
Lorliae find a wounded half dead stranger nurse hi back to health a bond begins then he mysteriously disappears.
Years later a stranger appears and saves her from an unwanted marriage is he really a stranger?
Good drama ,mystery intrigue and romance.
Really enjoyed story and characters.
Voluntarily reviewed.

Ahh, Ms. Byrne. This is one of the first 5 star historical romances I've read in a long time. The story flows, the conversations and thoughts are intelligent, there's mystery, there's allure, there's chemistry, there's resilience, and the leads are people we can understand, fall for, root for, and wow, when they come together, we as readers swoon.

The Rook is mean. He's ruthless. He's a nasty pirate with no recollection of his past. But his and Lorelei's past are connected and he's not forgotten about her, even twenty years later - vowing to come back for her.

The man who returns is not the same man she fell in love with as a teenager. This one is hardened, soulless, and angry. But inside there's still hope, and Lorelei glimpses the man he once was. The man she helped during his convalescence in her home.

And we learn more of his history, how everyone in the Victorian rebels are connected, and we're given foreshadowing into the next book. Which, I can't wait to read. I adore this series and I adore this author. She's an automatic buy for me.

I devoured The Duke with The Dragon Tattoo. I could easily say that The Highwayman and this one are my favorite in the series!I can't stop my self from keep falling in love, with the world she has created!A world of danger,lust and passion.

I loved the plot from the beginning, I was intrigued to see what will happen.There were moments it was emotional.The connection between Lorelei and Ash was amazing!They started being sweet when they were young and when they meet again after years it was full of tension and passion!There were some really hot moments between them!

"Are you wet for me?
"I-I'm..."
"Let me make you slick and slippery,"
"Make...what?"
"Let me make you writhe.And beg.And scream.I will exhaust you with ecstasy.You will come apart in my hands,beneath my mouth."

Kerrigan Byrne keeps surprising me with this series!I can't wait to see what she has next for us!

I was really excited coming into this book! I enjoyed the book THE HUNTER in this series, and the second chance romance that the blurb advertised just drew me in. THE DUKE WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO also had another trope I really enjoy in romance books: healing the love interest! While the first half of the book was a huge hit for me, the latter half kind of felt lackluster. There’s a beautiful romance that uncovers in the first half, but the second half turned darker (which is certainly a theme in this series) and cumbersome. I was starting to get disenchanted with the romance, but it was saved by the sweet ending.

In the first 20% of this book, we follow Lorelai and the Rook in their youth, while she was 14 and he 18. The Rook was a prisoner who was left for dead, but Lorelai and her family found him and eventually nursed him back to health. During this time, an undeniable attraction sang between those two as readers follow their young love and attachment. I REALLY enjoyed this scene, because it rang so true and pure. It’s the kind of wholesome love that just makes your heart ache.

“She was his prayer in the night. His song in the dark. His past and present. His future.”

But Lorelai’s brother, Mortimer, is not a good man. When he sells Rook to a ship as a slave, the future Rook and Lorelai dreamed of is shattered. From then, Rook has to become the devil to ensure his safety and survival – and, his eventual return to Lorelai. However, this return comes perhaps twenty years too late.

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

Fast forward, and Lorelai is a spinster on the wrong side of thirty who is still submissive to her evil brother. The Rook makes his way back to her, finally, and kidnaps her on his pirate ship. Okay, perhaps not the most convincing of ways to remind her of their innocent attachment in youth. But he’s no innocent. He’s had to murder, barter, and betray his way across the seas back to her, and he wants her with a ferocious passion. The only problem is… does Lorelai still feel the same for him?

After the abduction, I kind of fell disenchanted with the romance. The Rook lives up to his name as he delivers ultimatums to Lorelai and almost forces himself on her. And while he ends up making her make the decision, I was side-eyeing that behavior. I know there had to be a way to show the Rook being cruel and dispassionate, but I hoped it wouldn’t be at the expense of our heroine. Lorelai, to her credit, stands up against him and holds her ground. But at this point of the book, things started getting repetitive. Certain discussions happened every other page, and the plot literally halted at one point in favor of these repetitive thoughts and dialogue. If not for the ending, the book would have honestly ended with a bad note for me.

I guess I would recommend readers to come into this one not looking for much of a plot AT ALL, but more of a focus on the intense romance and characterization. Lorelai herself is a sweet and sunny contrast to Rook’s dark disposition, but Rook’s violent and hardened past is probably what stood out to me. Despite being crippled and abused by her evil brother, Lorelai finds optimism and love with the wounded animals she takes care of. Rook, on the other hand, is drawn to her angelic tendencies, all the while knowing he himself deserves to be in Hell. And these contrasting personalities that burn oh-so-bright despite their differences is a relationship dynamic that I really love.

I ultimately enjoyed THE DUKE WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, although the middle left things to be desired. I really need to go back to this series though, because although it can be very dark and intense, the romances are sparkling with tension and passion. I would say historical romance readers should try this series out, because the premises are very refreshing compared to many others out there!

Trigger/Content Warnings: alcoholism, physical abuse, gruesome violence, sexy times

Thank you St Martin's and Netgalley for the review copy!

What an amazing read. So much anguish and heart. Two people who couldn't be more different but perfect fit r each other. This series is finally coming full circle and yet adding new people in fall in love with.

This is the sixth in the Victorian Rebel series by Kerrigan Byrne. TBH, I fell in love with this series from book one! In this book, The Rook and Lorelei first meet when she saves his life. They truly fall in love, but circumstances and villains tear them apart. Fast forward twenty years and they meet up again, but the Rook has no memory of his past.
I love how Kerrigan weaves the lives and histories of these characters together. I love the heartbreak and renewal of their love. I love how she brings the story with the past books in the series together. The books in the series are stand alones, but become so much richer when read in order.
As long as KB keeps writing, I will keep reading!
I received an ARC from Netgalley and rated sincerely and objectively.

Received for review from Netgalley and I just had to dive straight in ! Sorry but a book about a notorious pirate just fired up my imagination particularly as the author has previously teased us with the Rook as a peripheral character. If you have a soft spot for pirates ( who hasn’t?) and a hankering for a bodice ripping romance then this is the book for you.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the whole series although sadly this one perhaps lacks action and danger but nevertheless this captive and captor story had me engrossed as previous characters are brought in which oddly enough seemed to my mind to bring a few storylines to fruition. If I’m brutal it lacked a little because I do prefer more snark from my heroines but there’s such sweetness and obvious love here that I’m not marking it down. The Victorian Rebel series has been a fabulous read but there’s a character here who I dearly hope will get his happy ending and dare I suggest I know who will tame him ? Yet for now it’s all about Lorelei and her Ash and the love that they share “always”.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

"There are only two indisputable facts in the world: The sun will rise in the west, and I'll come for you. Always."

FINAL DECISION: My favorite book since the first two in the series, this book took my breath away and I fell in love with the main characters. Passionate and dramatic with humor and underlying sweetness, the story fulfilled all the promises that began in the first book of the series.

THE STORY: The notorious pirate is known only as the Rook. A man without a past, without a name. Twenty years ago, he awoke in a mass grave and was pulled from death by Lorelei Weatherstoke. The Rook was once given the name of Ash by Lorelei who nursed the young man back to health and began to dream of a future with him. Until the moment that they were betrayed in an act which separated them for two decades. Now the Rook has returned for his revenge and to claim the woman who he has never forgotten. Lorelei, however, finds that the young man she once loved has now become someone that she should fear and flea at all costs.

OPINION: The first romance book I ever read was A Pirate's Love by Johanna Lindsey in the 1980s. Since that first taste, I've always had a soft spot for pirate heroes and I have read a lot in the intervening years. But many of those pirate hero books are problematic bodice rippers. The book (whether intentional or not) is a re-imagining of the old trope.

Here, the Rook is a notorious, dangerous and murderous villain on the high seas. He has done horrible things, but we also get to see the events which sent him on the path he is on. Significantly, however, this is not excuse but understanding. Like the other heroes in this series, the Rook has been damaged by his past. Poverty, desperation, physical and mental torture, rape and constant violence has created a man with only one weakness -- the sweet and innocent woman who cared for him and brought him back from the dead.

And this is why the power dynamic is so different in this story. The Rook can abduct Lorelei and keep her captive on a ship where his word alone rules, but he cannot impose his will upon her. Both because Lorelei is stronger than one might expect (after having survived her own trials) and the Rook cannot possess the woman he wants if he crushes everything about her that he desires. Lorelei, however, will also not be placed on a pedestal for the Rook to admire from afar. She is a woman who wants to make her own stand by the man she loves.

There were so many good moments in this book that had humor, drama, mystery, murder, betrayal and a deep and abiding romantic love between the main characters. There are significant appearances by characters from prior books. Although I had figured out some of the Rook's secrets, the reveal was so well done that I had a great sense of relief in that something from the beginning of the series was finally fulfilled. (I have to add that I love that long time readers of the series get closure on some issues without impeding new readers enjoyment).

This book reminds me of how amazing the first two books in this series was. Indeed, although the last three books were good, this book feels like the completion of a trilogy that began with the first two books.

This book goes immediately on my keeper shelf.

WORTH MENTIONING:Sometimes I read these books with great despair because almost every book introduces characters for whom I would love to read their story, but as the author turns to a new series, I fear that some of these stories might go untold. .

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE DUKE WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO is the sixth book in the Victorian Rebels series. This book can be read as a standalone, but is much more satisfying after reading the entire series. This book pays off stories that began in the first book in the series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to help in preparing this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Review will be posted on blog on August 28th.

I was offered this book in an email but wasn't aware it was the last book in a series since the synopsis or page or even the email stated that. I don't read books out of order. I wish they would add numbers to books so people know if it's a series. It seems like something I would like but I will keep it until I can read the other books.

I am sure if you read the other books in the series you would love this. Enjoy! :)

I just read The Duke With the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Byrne, which will be available at booksellers in August. I was lucky and given a free ARC so I've got plenty of info I'd like to share with you. Summer isn't over just because Labor Day is upon us. It's still hot, the pool's still open and vacations are taken. If you're looking for good books to take along with you this one should be on your list. Ms. Byrne also writes suspense tales so you can be assured this story has plenty.

We begin our story in Newgate prison. A few of the younger boys have banded together, Newgate is a dangerous place for anyone, much less a young man. We are introduced an unnamed 18 year old, a product of poverty and the streets. He's changed places with another boy to have access to the prison tattoo artist (ouch). He wants a tattoo of a sigil dragon (ouch again). A mix-up occurs, our hero is beaten to death and thrown in a mass grave, or is he dead?

Lorelia Weatherstoke is an untypical girl of 14. She's crippled, has an apathetic Father and a monster of a brother. During a carriage trip our heroine sees something, or someone, moving about in the distance and convinces her family to stop. Not a meet cute by any means. Convalescing and amnesia leads to young love and mourning when they're torn apart.

Their journey continues twenty years later. Our hero is determined to have justice, vengeance, retribution and Lorelia. Now that you have the set up, the lovers story picks up again and it's a doozy. There's murder, kidnaping, anger, disbelief, fear, passion, love, treasure hunting and even mutiny. Our hero begins to piece together all the parts of his life. The lovely Lorelia is by his side through all the tribulations. The whopper of an ending shall remain unwritten here. I want you to have the pleasure of following the story on your own. Enjoy and happy reading.

Memory Loss, A Tortured Soul, Grace and Forgiveness: No one writes an underworld historical romance quite like Kerrigan Byrne. The Rook is a superb addition to the Victorian Rebels series and finally answers several questions threaded through the previous five books. The fast paced, highly emotional, passionate interaction between the hero and heroine gets me every time and I could not put this book down.

I received an ARC in trade of an honest review.

I cannot not say enough of how much I absolutely love this author and the Victorian Rebels series and how excited I was to receive an ARC. This story is about the Rook and early something that most readers of the series would have guessed in the epilogue of The Scot Beds His Wife is confirmed.

This story is very similar to The Duke, about half of the book is telling the backstory of the couple's relationship while the second half is them coming back together after years apart. Lorelei is an amazing heroine, kind and soft-hearted but is not annoyingly weak and helpless. The Rook is another powerful 'bad boy' who immediately falls in love with her goodness and struggles with loving her and the fear of corrupting her with his own darkness.

Even though the second half of the book only takes place over roughly 3 day, the plot doesn't feel rushed or unrealistic. Other characters from previous books in the series make an appearance but they do not draw the attention away from the main characters. The only complaint that I have is that the author relied a little too much on focusing on the love they had for each other when they were younger and could have spent more time with them learning and falling in love with who they were in the present.

I did enjoy how the end of the story tied some existing characters together and there were hints throughout the book at another possible story.

I hate that this series is coming to an end. I believe that the only story left that's been confirmed is Morely's and there's a possibility of one or two more stories or novellas <spoiler>Callum and Allison from The Scot Beds his wife and Veronica and Moncrieff from this one</spoiler> if they aren't featured in the next story. Either way, I immensely enjoy this series and author and can't wait for the conclusion of the series.

Sexy and full of bite, this has been an enjoyable and exciting read. It’s not just your run of the mill historical, no, it is spiced with action adventure and mystery. A wonderful storyline with equally electrifying characters, giving this book its awesome enticing melody. I like the hero Rook with the chink in his armor, that being Lorelai. A wonderful climatic end that leaves me curious as to who is Veronica’s new husband, is it who I think it is. Anyway, this has been a truly entertaining read on all aspects.

This is number 6 in a series, but read okay enough on its own without me ever having read any of the others. I’m sure I would’ve loved it even more if I had. Overall an okay read with good character building.

***ARC provided by NetGalley***

Another exciting historical romance from Kerrigan Byrne. She never disappoints with great characters and setting.

I can’t even describe how anxious I was for this book. Kerrigan Byrne’s entire Victorian Rebels series has been nothing short of spectacular. I swear each book is more phenomenal than the last and this one was absolutely glorious. Lots of tangled connections are revealed in this intricately woven story that I promise, if you’ve read all the series, you’ll be gasping “OMG” several times. I don’t want to give anything away, but, OMG, you will be stunned.
I’d been intrigued by Dorian since the first book, and his and Lorelai’s story did not disappoint. What a tragic tale. But that made their HEA all the more sweet. I fell in love right along with them in their first meeting. Of course, Dorian wasn’t Dorian then. Lorelai found him burned and beaten under an ash tree and thus named him Ash. He had no memory of who he was or what had occurred to place him there. Like the injured animals Lorelai took in, she nursed him back to health. He was a balm for her as well. Lorelai had suffered greatly at the hands of her vile, cruel brother. She was mesmerized with Ash, someone she didn’t have to fear. I loved their budding young romance with its innocent intimacies. How they both craved each other’s nearness and touch. Lorelai’s touches quieted everything within Ash that threatened to become monstrous. For Lorelai, Ash’s touch made her feel safe and cherished.
I ached for them both twenty years later when Ash finally returned for Lorelai. He was no longer Ash. In those 20 years, he’d lost that part of himself and now was the Rook, a notorious, fearsome pirate. Lorelai didn’t recognize the violent man he’d become. She wanted to know what had changed him but was afraid to hear it. Still, she knew Ash was “locked away under the tattoos, the brutal strength, and the emptiness”. In spite of how cold and emotionless he seemed at times, she “wanted him with ferocity and feared him with timidity”. For Ash, Lorelai was his sanctuary but he no longer recognized his feelings as love. For him, love was soft and kind and what he felt for her was obsessive. He truly didn’t know who he was anymore. But Lorelai remembered who he had been and knew who he could be. They both had been broken in life, but “sometimes one must be broken in order to be healed”.
I love a dark, emotionally gripping romance. Emotional darkness and pain are essential elements for a story to be dark to me. And this book definitely had it. Both Ash and Lorelai had terribly haunting emotional pasts. I love the way Kerrigan Byrne brings the reader through that darkness. She does so with a balance of hope and wit that I need to make their HEA believable. Ash and Lorelai were each other’s light and together they were able to not only survive, but thrive.
This story could be read as a stand- alone but I recommend reading the whole series to get a real appreciation for the sheer genius Kerrigan Byrne has in weaving the characters from this series together. Many of the secondary characters come from previous books. I loved being reunited with Trenwyth and Dorian. And Morley! I have loved him since the second book and I learned so much about him in this book. I can’t wait for the rest of his story. I’m also eager to know more about Veronica and Sebastian. They were so captivating in this story and I am practically salivating to know what’s in store for them. This entire series is magnificent, so be forewarned. Once you read one, you’ll be hooked. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection

3.5 stars there is a lot of abuse & violence in this story. Too me it was a little too far fetched. I enjoyed the plot of the story, but would have liked it with a lot less violence/abuse.