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 … 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.
“I loved everything about this book!” — Curlyhairlass
“5-Star read for me!” — M.nguyen
“This book had me hooked from page one and every page after just had me falling more and more in love with my already favorite character of the series.” — Allison Smith
“If you’re a Victorian Rebels fan, you’ll be thrilled with Morley’s spellbinding story of passion, betrayal, intrigue, and adventure. And if you’re new to this author or series, you are in for the ride of your life.” — Love at 1st read
“This is a book you need to own and savor and spend time with again and again.” — BDay
“A Dark and Stormy Knight is PERFECTION in its masterful writing!!! — GI’s Spot Reviews
Please Note: This book was originally published as A Dark and Stormy Knight
Read the Goode Girls in Order
- Book 1: Seducing a Stranger
- Book 2: Courting Trouble
- Book 3: Dancing With Danger
- Book 4: Tempting Fate
more
Dark and Stormy Knight is the #7th book in Kerrigan Byrne Victorian Rebel series. If you follow this series, this book centers on Sir Carlton Morley. In this story we are introduced to Prudence Goode, who we learn is engaged. Feeling on cloud nine, she comes upon her sister and “best friend” who is talking about her. She learns that her fiance is not as devoted to her as she thinks. Devastated, she wants to end the engagement but her family won’t let her. Since she doesn’t have a choice on who she can marry, she decides to give her virginity to a man of her choosing. She ends up going to this garden place- whose specialty is male Prostitutes. She ends up having an unforgettable encounter with one of the male “Prostitutes” there. Little does she know that the man she slept with was not a Prostitute at all , but a certain detective who will end up changing her life.
Kerrigan Bryne is one of my favorite romance authors. Every book I’ve read of hers so far I’ve always ended up enjoying and this book is no exception. I was thrilled when Kerrrigan Bryne kindly offered an advance copy of this to read. So big thanks to her and her publisher Gnarly wool publishing for providing me with a Kindle copy of this. I was kind of weary about this book, because Carlton Morley is not really my favorite character of this series. Maybe because he has gone after some of my favorite characters in the past series. But Kerrigan certainly made up for that in this book. I loved and was amused by some of his interactions with past characters in this series. Plus, learning about Carlton and his backstory makes him more relatable and likeable. I loved the pairing of Prudence and Carlton. I think knowing their backstories made me want to root for this couple. Overall I thought the story was really, I am really looking forward to the next three books in this series. If you have not read “The Victorian Rebel series” then please do so. I think this is required reading if you’re into romance.
You’ve seen Carlton Morely in the background of the other books in Kerrigan Byrne’s Victorian Rebels series. He’s the stiff Chief Inspector, the man whom others both admire and fear. His fellow Knights of Shadows paid him as much attention as they had to, and with each book, I became more and more intrigued by him. I knew he would have a fantastic story, and Kerrigan Byrne does not disappoint.
In Prudence Goode (I love that name), Byrne crafts the perfect match for Carlton, even as he endeavors to not match with anyone for longer than a few hours. Their first meeting will make you squeeze your thighs so hard, you’ll have a bruise, and then Byrne keeps you waiting for more. Prudence, you see, has agreed to marry a man she does not care about in the least, as many women of that era found themselves doing. (Pru’s sister … you’ll have to hit up the comments and let me know what you think about HER.)
As for Carlton, you learn his backstory, and it will devastate you even as it makes you adore him. He and Pru find themselves in the midst of a mystery, which reveals more and more layers of their characters. I like this couple a whole heck of a lot. I like how they grew to respect each other, even if they didn’t always show it. I loved Pru’s feistiness and her unwillingness to back down, even to the imposing Carlton.
This series brings me such joy. With each book, I fall more and more in love with Kerrigan Byrne’s historical romances.
I’ve always wanted to know more about Chief Inspector Sir Carlton Morley, especially after his childhood was briefly revealed in the previous book. And this book did not disappoint me ! As an officer of the law, he’s honorable and fair with an unwavering moral compass. He’s prowling the night disguised as the Knight of Shadows to carry out justice when the laws do not allow him to do so in daylight. In one fateful night during a murder investigation, he stumbled upon Prudence Goode, a stranger with an irresistible charm who completely threw him off his balance, and things got heated up fast between them …
As most ladies of the time, Prudence is expected to marry for the benefits of her family, even if her fiancé is known to be an unfaithful man with bastard children. She has decided to seek out a night of passion for herself before getting bound by marriage vows. And her chance meeting with Morley has changed the course of her life forever…
Without going in so much detail that could spoil the plot, I’d just say Morley is such a starchy hero and an “adorable idiot” that I feel like shaking him to make him come to his senses . But thankfully, his loyal friends who are badass heroes from previous books do the job for me! And it’s quite delightful to witness their friendships and interactions . Behind his stiff facade is a man who takes care of every little details for Prudence without her knowledge and attends to her every needs, a passionate and swoon-worthy hero that will melt your heart to a puddle ! This book is not as angsty as the others in the series, but his sweetness did make me emotional . There are unexpected elements that will keep you engaged throughout the entire book. I’d highly recommend reading this series in order, it’ll make you appreciate the reappearance of previous couples !
5 read for me!
I have been a fan of Kerrigan’s writing since I read the first book in the “Victorian Rebels” series, The Highwayman back in 2015. I have eagerly awaited the release of the next book in the series, and have not been disappointed! Kerrigan’s stories are character-driven and what wonderful characters they are. Her storytelling is addictive. I love the bad boys that are the center of this series and the strong women that challenge and tame their men.
You can enjoy this book as a stand-alone, you do not need to have read the whole series, but if you love Historical Romance with a dark side this series is for you!
I highly recommend this book and series. 5 Stars!!
Loved to finally get Morley’s story! Romantic and wonderful and unpredictable. Kerrigan Byrne does it again! Highly recommend.
What are you called?
It doesn’t matter. I’m just a shadow.
I loved this story! MORELY stole my heart and PRU earned my respect.
The prologue was magnificent! Setting the stage beautifully for Morely’s character. This tortured man had a truly horrific childhood and could depend only on himself to survive. As an adult, not much changed. Trust didn’t come easy. He learned not to love anything or anyone because all too soon, that which he loved was ripped from him.
Sex with him was nothing like she remembered, and everything she’d ever wanted.
Pru is feisty, spirited, and born before her time. Stuck living in an antiquated world where her father got to decide to whom she should marry. Love be damned. Knowing she was about to enter into a loveless relationship with a man who would surely place his needs above her own, she set out to have one night where her desires and needs were met. Little did she know, the man hiding in the shadows was not what or who she expected.
Kerrigan wrote one of the best sex scenes I’ve ever read in this book. Aside from being hot, it was tender, reverent, and full of chemistry.
What a clever story about how an intimate encounter and case of mistaken identity turned into a story about love, trust, and respect.
A Dark And Stormy Knight is book 7 of the Victorian Rebels series by Kerrigan Byrne. Sir Cartlon Morley is a ruthless Chief Inspector of Scotland’s Yard, who has made appearances in several books throughout the series. A tormented soul who stalks the night, in search of redemption and retribution until Prudence Goode literally fell into his lap. One night, their firestorm of passion burns out of control.
Inspector Morley is the most mystifying and intriguing character of the series. He is not quite a villain nor a lovable character, but he makes a helluva of impression on this reader. The Victorian Rebels is the most compelling series written by Kerrigan Byrne. From the Highwayman to the A Dark and Stormy Knight, the series keeps me on the edge of my seat. Morley joins the ranks of dark, alpha men who find redemption through their strong-willed women who bring light into their darken souls. Kerrigan Byrne is a masterful writer of deep, heartfelt stories of the human soul.
As the Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard, Sir Carlton Morley has made a distinguished and prominent name for himself. He’s made his own fortune independently of his police salary and his pay from his time as a decorated soldier and marksman. Now his main focus is justice, even if he has to prowl the streets at night as a vigilante to get it. In his youth, he was a different person, a thief and murderer, and that has shaped his need for both justice and redemption as well as his determination to steer clear of temptations. He’s quite successful at this up until he meets, entirely by chance, Ms. Prudence Goode.
Pru has always been a dutiful daughter, aware of what is expected of her, but when faced with marriage to a known philanderer, she is determined she’ll have a night of desire for herself and of her own choosing first. Her nighttime search for the right man leads her to a shadowy, decidedly dangerous man and she decides he’s exactly what she needs. But their surprising passion leads to consequences and it’s soon obvious that Carlton was right to fear temptation as it soon means he has a weakness that can easily be exploited.
Long have I waited for Carlton’s story and I must say I was not disappointed. Although this book was a bit shorter than the others of this series and I would’ve liked to see a bit more backstory on Carlton’s life and specifically how he earned his knighthood, it was still very satisfactory. I loved Carlton and Pru together and loved seeing their deepening connection. Beyond that, what I enjoyed most was the depiction of some of the harsh realities of being a police officer. As a LEO wife I felt Pru’s struggle with the toll the job took on Carlton very keenly and I think the author did an excellent job of depicting the stress and difficulty that comes with such a job and humanizing it, exploring some of the bad along with the good, rather than romanticizing it. I thought this was lovely and made Carlton an even more relatable and likable hero, as well as making Pru appear very sensible. This was a couple I was definitely cheering for and now I’m looking forward to the spin-off series with the rest of the Goode sisters’ stories.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story has a good plot. I like the steamy scene in the beginning. I wish that this scene was have continued more in the story after the marriage. Some of the words are a bit much. Keep the words simple, so that the story does not lose the reader.
I looked for the passion from the characters. I seemed very dry. The story plot is good. It needs more action and adventure to the story. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Inspector Morley returns with a vengeance and we finally get to see who will tame the Knight of Shadows. The beginning of this story hits the floor running and is explosive. Then, bam, a murder and who is the main suspect? Prudence who was the Knight’s one night stand. Can Morley protect her? I loved the murder plot but wish it has been delved into more. The tension between Morley and Prudence were definitely tension filled and when they reached culmination, just wow! I do wish that we got to see Morley and Argent (my favorite character in this series) work the murder mystery a little more. It felt rushed at the end. It was great to see a lot of the characters from previous stories. Is another series in the works? A twist at the end leads me to believe so.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
An intense, controlled, and complex hero, Carlton, loses his control over the prim heroine Pru. It was fun to read how Carlton finally falls in love. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Gnarly Wool Publishers for my honest review.
I can’t wait for each new book and then stay up because I can’t put it down.
Always great characters and witty page turner stories.
Love each book she has written and I’m glad I found her.
If you haven’t read any of her books I can highly recommend each one as I have read them all.
Since this is my first book by this author, I was totally unprepared for her masterful writing. Kerrigan Byrne creates characters with layers upon layers of complexities and contradictions. Both Carlton and Prudence are each victimized by the life they are born into. Both manage to take some measure of control of their destiny which brings them together not once but twice in a highly charged manner. Neither one of them is left unchanged and are overwhelmingly drawn to each other. They are both able to help each other find their way to the healing and love they deserve – despite the countless obstacles thrown in their path. This author writes beautifully, drawing the reader into the story and keeping you there – fully and utterly invested. The plot is tense and full of twists and a true mystery. In the end, the main characters find their HEA but the reader is still left wanting to hear more about Carlton and Pru’s life after their HEA, as well as several other characters met in the large cast of secondary characters. This is easily one of the BEST I’ve read in a while and I can’t wait to go back and read more in this series. HIGHLY recommend!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Kerrigan Bryne always brings her A game and this book is no exception. Chief Inspector Carlton “Cutter” Morley finally gets his story in a Dark and Stormy Knight. Carlton and Prudence’s story is unconventional from their first meeting. The way the end up married is very orginal. The build up to their HEA is very well written. Because their love doesn’t have quite the same backstory as the Highwayman or The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo had there isn’t quite the same punch to their coming together. Don’t let that deter you though because their is plenty of emotional punches just not the same angst. As always I’m left wanting more. I want to read the love stories of all the characters that have yet to be paired up.
Trigger warning: violence
London 1880
An intense story featuring the broken hero who has scraped and clawed his way, while dealing with tragedy and made something of himself. Yet, Chief Inspector Carlton Morley has a dark side as he searches for redemption. Kerrigan Byrne writes my favorite trope and with her amazing prose can bring the surroundings and characters to life until you can see the story unfold as in a movie.
Prudence Goode is about to be married to a rake. It seems the man she thought loved her, was a lotario and only marrying her for her money. So she decided to have a night for herself… for pure pleasure. So she seeks that out in a place of shadows and enticements and lands in the lap of Morley who is there seeking to solve a murder case.
The two become entwined and they are thrown into a journey that weaves a complicated emotional tapestry that pulls you right until the end. Another brilliant book by this spell binding author. I read this through Netgallery and the publisher
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!
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…
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!
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…
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
This was the highly anticipated story if our wonderful broody Chief Inspector Carlton Morley. Morley has appeared in the Victorian Rebels series numerous times but we’ve been graced with his heartbreaking story and full happy ending! As a fan of the author I wasn’t a bit disappointed with this book. It was so wonderfully written full of suspense, action and love. It covers a full spectrum of emotions. Morley had a great loss as a child and it changed his life forever now being the chief inspector and the renowned Knight of shadows a vigilante that does what the inspector can’t. While working a case he happens upon Prudence Goode looking for a famous “stag” to give her night of pleasure before marrying a letch of a man that only wants her dowry. After sharing a night of lust Pru is with his child since on her wedding day her soon to be husband is murdered and her the main suspect. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was satisfied with the happy ending. Five stars and I’d give it more if I could.
By Tiffany
Spellbinding!
I was completely swept away into this book! Another great, mesmerizing addition to one of my favorite series!
A Dark and Stormy Knight is addictive, engaging and completely captivating! Kerrigan Byrne always leaves me wanting more!
A truly enjoyable escape! Eek! I already ready for the next one!
Absolutely the best read! I wanted this story to continue. I wanted to know what happened after the epilogue. Kerrigan Byrne is a master with words and I don’t know how she does it. She draws you in and keeps you there. I loved these characters and the plot. I truly hope there is more to this series because I need to know what happened to some of the other characters. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
A Dark and Stormy Knight is the seventh historical romance book in the Victorian Rebels series. Sir Carlton Morley is the highly respected and somewhat feared Chief Inspector for Scotland Yard by day, but by night he is a vigilante, ridding the streets of the most dangerous of people.
While investigating a string of murders, Morley becomes entangled (quite literally) with Pru, a woman looking to engage in a night of passion before wedding her philandering fiancee.
Months later, Morley and Pru can’t stop thinking about their single night of passion. When Morley is called to a wedding to investigate the murder of the groom, Morley is shocked to see the woman who has haunted his thoughts. Pru is the prime suspect in her fiancee’s murder, but she insists she is innocent. She is also carrying Morley’s child.
Morley marries Pru at once and is determined to get to the bottom of her case. Can he solve this murder mystery before it is too late for Pru? And what happens when his investigation leads to even bigger problems? Can Pru break through the wall that Morley has built around his heart?
This is an interesting, character-driven romance novel. I was excited to read more about Morley and what made him the hard, cold, and disciplined man he is in the series. Learning more about his difficult childhood and the violent loss of his twin sister explains so much about his character. I also like that we learned more about his complex relationships with the other characters from previous books in the series.
Pru is a fabulous partner for Morley. She is a bit of a damsel-in-distresss, needing help to clear her name, but she is also smart, strong, and passionate. I like that she remains true to herself and staunch in her assertions even when no one believes her. Considering the fact that she is surrounded by vain and selfish family members (except for her younger sisters), and then a cold and distant husband, she continues to hope for better.
The romance is steamy and passionate, even though Morley often tries to keep Pru at a distance. Pru is much more willing to open up to Morley, though it frustrates and disappoints her that he questions her feelings and her innocence (in the crime). Morley, afraid to give her his heart, continually pushes her away. Years of being on the force has jaded him, and it takes Pru to break down his emotional walls. I love how well they compliment each other. From the start, Pru sees through Morley, and knows that there is more to him than meets the eye.
Though A Dark and Stormy Knight is the seventh book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. However, if you haven’t read the first six books in the series, I recommend that you do. It’s a great series with wonderful, dynamic characters and interesting stories. A Dark and Stormy Knight is no exception. Pru and Morley are well-developed and interesting, and there are several connected mysteries that make for an interesting read.
Thanks so much to the author and Xpresso Book tours for a copy of the book in exchange for my review.