The Goode girls strike again!

The first chapter of this book is draws you in and envelops you in a murder mystery you can't wait to delve further into. Mercy and Raphael have that instant attraction, the spark that seems to ruin perfectly good girls... and rakes.

And while you delve deeper... it gets a bit patchy. This book seemed short and rushed compared to other books by Ms. Byrne. The plot was there, the character were all there, it fell perfectly.... but I felt like I was reading a historical insta-love story and it threw me off.

That aside, it truly is a great book and sets the scence for other great books to follow. The ending was fitting and while short, wrapped up the loose ends that I felt like it needed to.

4.5/5

5 stars

I have always loved historical romance, but I really started delving into the fandom more aggressively at the beginning of the year thanks to Bridgerton. Kerrigan Byrne is a name that I have seen on every list of must-reads and after reading Dancing with Danger, I can see exactly why!

This book combines a murder mystery with a steaming hot romance between a sharp-tongued debutante and one of London's most dangerous gangsters. It's definitely a trope I have never encountered before and I need more ASAP. The sexual energy is absolutely off the charts and I am always a sucker for a brooding hero who falls for the one girl who can stand up to him. I absolutely flew through this one and if you are looking to fill the void after binging every period drama on Netflix, I could not recommend this book more!

Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Mercy Goode has found her way on to the scene of a murder… and she is not alone!

Form out of the shadows the ruthless and handsome head of The Fauves, Raphael Sauvageau explodes onto the scene when he sees danger for the beautiful sleuth! Now they are both arrested and have time to look back on their last acquaintance… when Raphael held Mercy hostage in the docks while trying to get his gold back from Mercy’s brother-in-law!

Soon he escapes the prison carriage holing them and leave Mercy to her fate… but not for long. The attraction between these two and their mutual interest in avenging their murdered friend keeps binging them back together. But the life of a Fauve is dangerous and there is no place for attachments…

How can a baron’s daughter and a notorious crime boss ever find happiness and a future together?

This story was filled the dark imagery and the grimy streets that we expect from Kerrigan Bryne! I love with opposites attract matches and the sizzling chemistry she creates. I only wish that there was a little more action and drama in this story, similar to the other books in the series.

Dancing With Danger by Kerrigan Byrne is scheduled to release February 9th, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Oliver Herberts Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#DancingWithDanger #KerriganByrne #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

I wanted to love this book so, so much, it's Kerrigan Byrne afterall. And while I enjoyed it (again, it's Kerrigan Byrne afterall) I didn't love it. It felt rushed. The story was a bit thin, the love story was my so dreaded pet peeve of "love at first sight" (the whole book took place in a few days) and I didn't really warm to Mercy, the heroine (but I loved the hero, Raphael). It wasn't a bad book, but it's really not a great book either. There are some interesting and good bits and old friends from previous books and those were a reason enough to keep reading it. So, while this was not one of the author's best book it was still enjoyable. And I'm still very much looking forward to Felicity's book. I'm very excited for it in fact and I can't wait to read it.

After meeting the Goode girls in Courting Trouble, I was very happy to receive the arc for the next sister: Mercy. Unlike Honoria, Mercy is more of a do-first-think-later kind of girl. Nothing like her twin sister Felicia, although the two share identical looks.
In this story, Kerrigan shows you how Mercy has a sharp brain and deduces who could be the killer of a woman in distress, who she was trying to help escape. And although everyone seems to think that the notorious rake Raphael has something to do with it, because he was at the murder scene, Mercy believes he is innocent. Although innocent... the delicious looking smuggler is certainly guilty of some other sins. Determined to find the killer, Mercy keeps ending up in tenacious situations with Raphael, who has ulterior motives to look into things. And although Raphael is highly frustrated with the Goode girl, he can't seem to take his eyes (or mouth) away from her. But when they are closing in on the killer, Mercy becomes a target. And that is something that Raphael will not have. Because although he doesn't believe in redemption or in love, he does believe in Mercy. Another great read and I can't wait for the next story of one of the Goode Girls.
Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Ms Byrne certainly knows how to write a sexy & dangerous hero with a dark & tormented past; and Raphael, being far from angelic in other than looks, definitely fits the bill. What is also nice is that she matches them with heroines who are strong and smart enough to not only stand up to them but compliment & allow them to trust enough to open themselves to love. Mercy is smart and, having seen how men can control and crush using fear, she refuses to fear anything or play at being timid or vapid. Naturally, Raphael is quite intrigued by Mercy when they first meet, and when they next meet a year later, temptation ratchets up more than a notch. There is plenty of sizzle between the two as they attempt to tease & outwit each other. Mystery also ensues as both are determined to bring to (their version of) justice the killer of a mutual acquaintance and Raphael is up to something with his underworld empire. If I have one complaint regarding this story it is that it felt it went from lust to insta-love in a blink rather than "falling in love". Otherwise it was well paced and filled with great characters, story & action, a story I can easily recommend.

Mercy tries to solve the murder of her friend. Raphael, a gang lord, comes to her rescue several times. They can’t help their attraction, even though they know they are inappropriate for each other. I can’t wait to read the next in this series. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for my honest review

I would give it a 3,5 stars, but 4 it is. I don't like to read about danger, criminals, but as long as there is romance involved, I'm in.

I was pretty confused about the names in the book, I was mixing them constantly, I haven't read first book, but I read second one.
I loved Mercy personality and the fact she's bluestocking. Everyone sees her appearance but her mind is her biggest attribute. She's funny, smart, caring and good friend.
I loved Raphael's and Gabriel's brother connection, they were so close, I'm intrigued to read 1st book to know more about them. I felt sorry for Gabriel and I hope he gets his happy end too!

The story was mysterious, funny, and little dramatic with lots of twists in between.

There were some first mentions I noticed in historical romance- visiting zoo, <spoiler>plastic surgeries, homosexual partner, female detectives...</spoiler> .

It ends with HEA.
My favourite quotes:

<b>The right woman barged into his life and turned his entire world upside down. </b>

<b>He was in trouble. No. He... was in love. </b>

<b>“I told you I only love one person on this earth, and I referred to Gabriel, but... I am in danger of falling for you, Mercy Goode.” </b>

I received ARC from Netgalley, all opinion is my own.

Themes/tropes: Victorian era, detective heroine, virgin heroine, gangster hero, twins, near insta-love, rake

Steam Level: 🍆🍆🍆 (3 out of 5)

Angst Level: 😩 (1 out of 5)

“Would you let me fuck you, Mercy Goode?”

If she won’t, I will.

The sex scenes in this one are pretty on point. But more importantly, what leads up to them is as pulse quickening as the sex scenes. When he propositions her for a night of passion, I wanted to bang the man.

And he’s hot. This is a hero that definitely inspires book boyfriend lust.

My biggest complaint with this book is that the romance moves so quickly, I feel like it gives a reader whiplash. While it’s somewhat easy to see how Mercy’s character inspires adoration, the quickness with which the hero moves to love feels a little too quick. I think part of the reason for this is that the book is so short.

But the passion is there. Some of the language in the book feels off for me given the time period, but it’s not overly bothersome.

Overall, it’s a short, fun read. More like a novella than a novel, but worth it for the fun sexiness between the two characters.

Even if they do get a little too cozy too quick for my tastes.

P.S. here’s to more doggy style in HR.

TW: character disfigurement, discussions of child abuse

#DancingWithDanger #NetGalley

Thanks to Netgalley and Oliver Heber Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third book in the Goode Girls series, and while reading the previous books in the series does provide extra depth to this book, it can be read and thoroughly enjoyed without having done so.  Mercy Goode is an outspoken bluestocking who would love nothing more than to become a detective.  When she comes across the dead body of a friend, she is enraged the apathy of the police force she vows to help solve the murder.  Raphael Sauvageau is the head of a crime syndicate, who also happens to be enamored of Mercy and offers to help her solve the murder for complicated reasons of his own.  Raphael and Mercy balance each other out well, obviously care for each other, and have a complex and compelling love story.

While I really enjoyed this story, and was happy to see Mercy and Raphael get their happy ending, I did feel 100% comfortable rooting for a happy ending for a character who did not, in my opinion, do enough work to show he was redeemed and worthy of Mercy's love.  I was able to enjoy this book without letting this get in the way, but I could see how other people might struggle with his character arc.

Oh, those Goode girls are so bad! Mercy Goode fancies herself a detective when her best friend is killed. She finds her friend Matilde dead from a broken neck along with a muddy boot print and Raphael Sauvageau hiding in the closet. To make matters worse Mercy finds herself arrested along with Raphael but Raphael's brother, Gabriel springs him before he gets to jail. Mercy overhears plans for a meeting between Raphael and Gabriel and shows up at the zoo to watch. She is a nosey little thing! But Raphael, with his dark good looks, sees her and propositions her for a night of sex. He has been infatuated with Mercy since the previous book. There is intrigue that plays out at a masquerade ball. This would make an incredible made for television movie. I can't wait for Gabriel's story to be told. Each book just gets better!

This is an amazing book.
Mercy finds mischief around every corner. Raphael is a true bad guy with a penchant for doing good things.
Perhaps he needs a bit of redemption!
Perhaps he needs a bit of Mercy!
Can the two of them find love?
This is part of a series that has been very good so far.
Kerrigan Byrne writes a great romance story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Whoa, that was a wild ride that I did not want to end, really! I read this in one sitting way into the night and it was worth every single minute. Raphael is the bad boy we all love. Kerrigan does a great job in making her characters who are on the wrong side of the law become people we sympathize with and hold dear. The emotions of Raphael and Gabriel are so on the surface that you can feel their love for each other. I tell you I cried. Yes. Blood triumphs. As for Mercy, she is a strong, independent and very intelligent woman who is not afraid and can stand up to any man and Raphael is the man she needs in her life. Kerrigan brings these two characters together and dares us to let go of them. I wanted more!

Felicity and Gabriel are next and I am excited to read their story and see how the Goodes end. I am predicting tissues will be needed.

This dashing and daring romance will sweep you off your feet!

Wow, this story hits the ground running and never lets up! We are given the most breathtaking introduction to our hero, Raphael, as he swoops in to defend Mercy at the opening murder scene. This is a fast-paced story with a true anti-hero up against an amazing woman detective who is so much more than he deserves, and he knows it.

Mercy finds her friend murdered and is immediately labeled the prime suspect, until Raphael storms in. Luckily, Mercy has the connections to quickly clear her name while Raphael disappears in the wind. But she's smart enough to know both that he knows more than he's admitting to and that he's the most direct path to solving the murder, but she sure didn't account for their incendiary chemistry along the way!

I loved every bit of this fascinating story: the gripping backstory, the tortured hero, the stunning family connection revealed towards the end, the brilliantly progressive relationship discovery that changes the entire narrative; it all works together beautifully right up to the sigh-worthy HEA. So very creative, I couldn't have loved this story more. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I loved the dynamic between Mercy and Raphael. Mercy is a fierce heroine and Raphael complemented that with his bad boy with a good heart. My heart hurt for Raphael and Gabriel. My only issue with this book was that it wrapped up quite quickly.

Dancing with Danger, the latest in the series about the Goode sisters from Kerrigan Byrne, is the type of book that will haunt you afterwards in ways both pleasant and uncomfortable. The pairing of Mercy and Raphael was expected after their electric, though exceedingly brief, meeting in the previous book; but the shape of their relationship was not what I anticipated. As their original introduction foretold (had I paid appropriate attention), they required no lengthy courtship or cat-and-mouse games to realize what was before them. Being forthright people, they only needed the impetus and opportunity to grab it. At times, it did seem like things were happening a little too quickly, but I think that was more about my desire to not have the story end than an actual problem with the unfolding of events. I would look and realize how far along I was in the book and become bereft at having finished so much so quickly. One word of caution is that the HEA isn't everything you would want it to be in a fairy tale world, but it's everything it could realistically be. While I find it frustrating, I also appreciate it.


I did receive a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review, but I couldn't love it more if they paid me to.

Ms Byrne did it again. Mercy Goode’s story is loaded with intrigue, murder, romance and a hero who is so not the norm. Raphael S is of mixed french heritage, with sure villain of a father, but Raphael is not a villain but definitely runs an illegal business and is a wanted man by the law enforcement. He boldly asks Mercy’s permission to bed her. A good mystery, a brewing romance, a cop villain who is rightly meets his ghastly end and a who did it solved in a full action packed ending.

Readers get a solid Intro to Gabriel S, brother to Raphael and his upcoming book with mercy’s twin sister Felicity who has psychological shortcomings.

Love the epilogue. I wish there will be a story at some point for the duchess.

Definitely read worthy book.

Thank you to Kerrigan Byrne and Netgalley for the ARC to read and review.

Another dark sexy hero meets his match! Raphael Sauvauge and Mercy Goode. Ms Byrne continues to bring solid mix of intrigue and romance with passion!!


The pacing was a bit quick for me. I would have liked to savor a bit more of the couple before they found their HEA. It was an excellent bridge for the next story, which is Felicity and Gabriel's.

3.5 stars rounded up. As part of the Goode Girls series, I think this is a nice extension of the plot lines set up at the end of Nora's story -- namely, with the Sauvageau brothers and Mercy/Felicity. For that reason, I would recommend it to Kerrigan Byrne fans and completists. Mercy is a joy to read. She is forthright and intent on using her armchair detective skills to solve her friend's murder even when the police write it off as an unfortunate incident that's not worth solving. She seems believably independent within the limits of her position in society (however loose), and is not timid about pursuing her interests.

As a romance, however, this fell a little short. My issues mainly were with Raphael, both feeling like he wasn't fleshed out enough and also that his whole plan to implode the Fauves and himself along with them didn't entirely make sense to me. I missed the usual flashback opening that Byrne typically features, and I think it would have really helped here to show Raphael's childhood trauma and explain how he became the person he is. The mid-story info dump wasn't as engrossing as the usual emotionally intense flashbacks. In the end, rather than being the characteristic dark bad-ass hero (or dark but do-gooder, like Titus) that we usually get in these interrelated series, Raphael just seemed a bit whiney. Perhaps also if we could see Raphael in action being the nominal leader of the Fauves, this would have made him a more interesting character. Overall, the imbalance between Mercy and Raphael dampened my enjoyment in this story slightly.

I am very much looking forward to seeing Gabriel's and Felicity's story next in this series. The groundwork laid here seems very interesting!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I don't know about you, but when I get an ARC of a Kerrigan Byrne, I drop everything and dive in. I have been loving this series and I was so ready to see what the deal was with the next Goode Sister. This family has some amazing connections by this point and I was intrigued for this one to begin with a murder mystery.

This time we get to know Mercy a bit more when she discovers the body of an abused women she was helping to get away from her husband. The prime suspect is the dashing smuggler Rapheal, who happens to be hiding at the murder scene. When they happen to get arrested together and he leaves her behind in the prison wagon, she is even more determined to learn more about him.

He has secrets upon secrets he is hiding and he is willing to share a few with her for a night of passion. But she knows she can't catch feelings because he won't be sticking around for long. Even when the sparks between are like nothing they have ever felt.

What I liked about this:
I liked seeing some of my favorite characters.
I liked the murder mystery aspect.
As always, this book is steamy and fun right from the jump.

Things I didn't like:
As always this could have used a few more chapters, especially with al the story packed into it.
This was an instalove story, more so than other by this author I have read before and it gave me a bit of whiplash.

All in all, it was a great story and it was a fun way to spend my night. A great addition to the series and it got me excited for the next couple in the series!!

4/5 stars for me.