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
I’ve been waiting since book one of the Victorian Rebels series for Morley to get his HEA, and it was completely worth the wait!
***
The story begins when Cutter Morley is still a young boy living on the streets of London. We learn more about his heartbreaking past, which provides some insight into how he’ll eventually become the dark, focused, broody knight and Chief Inspector Carlton Morley we first met in The Highwayman.
It’s 25 years later when we meet our heroine, Prudence Goode. She’s the daughter of a wealthy baron and engaged to be married to an impoverished lord. When she learns some upsetting news about her future husband, she decides to enjoy one night of recklessness before she marries. During her adventure, she and Morley meet. Their first encounter is delicious and memorable, but the two part ways without even knowing each others names. Several months later, the couple meets again under less desirable circumstances, and Pru finds herself at the center of a mystery and at the mercy of Chief Inspector Morley.
***
This book is a little shorter than the first six books in the series, and you can feel that in the pacing. It’s a quick read, and the action never lags.
Morley is cynical, distrustful, and tries to remain aloof, but he’s also thoughtful, kind, and steadfast in his desire for justice. As Pru says, “He’s a paragon.”
“In a rare show of the affection they once shared, Ash bumped his shoulder with his own. ‘You are the best of us, Morley. Always were.’“
I adore Pru. Right now, I feel like we’ve had a slew of heroines in historical romance that are ahead of their time and making history – inventing things, becoming doctors, challenging the status quo – and while I love that (and we NEED that), there’s something really relatable about a heroine who is not… extraordinary.
“She’d no great need to be an accomplished and influential noble matron, nor a single woman with progressive sensibilities … She didn’t dream of an important life, just a happy one.”
While Pru might not be looking to lead a bold life, she is smart, brave, and kind, things that make her a really likable heroine, regardless of her accomplishments.
I loved getting to see the heroes (and Farah!) from the previous books, and the scenes where we see the brotherhood that’s developed between these formerly broken men are amusing, light-hearted moments that balance out the darker ones.
I’m not sure if this is the end of Victorian Rebels – a remark from Pru’s sister, Honoria, at the end of book makes me think not – but if it is, it’s a satisfying ending to see all of heroes and heroines living their hard-won and much-deserved HEAs.
(I highly recommend reading this series in order – it’s so good – but if want to read it as a standalone or if it’s just been awhile since you started the series, you should be fine. Kerrigan provides enough details to either refresh your memory or fill in the blanks.)
***
ARC provided by Kerrigan Byrne/Oliver Heber Books & Gnarly Wool Publishing for an honest review.
We’ve been waiting thru 6 books for Chief Inspector Sir Carlton Morley to find love. But love found him. Tripped over him, actually. And he hasn’t the foggiest idea what to do about it.
In this book, we learn Morley’s dark past, and how it has shaped him into the man he is now. The pain, heartbreak, and loss. And his need for justice. It’s during that quest for justice that he meets Prudence. And she chooses him.
Their path to love isn’t calm, or easy. Morley doesn’t know what to do with Prudence other than keep her safe. But she wants him, not safety, and has to convince him to take a chance.
This book was all it needed to be. Morley is finally able to release his demons and relish the memories they hid. The brotherhood between Morley, Blackwell (book 1), Argent (book 2), and Ash (book 6) is one of my favorite parts. They didn’t start out all liking each other, and some days it’s still iffy. But they will ALWAYS have each other’s backs without being asked. And the sisterhood of their women is just as amazing. They welcomed Pru in just like she had always been a part of them, as they have done with each new addition along the way. Found family is just as strong, or stronger in many cases, as blood family.
This book is a 5 star book. I cannot wait for more of this series.
This absolutely had everything I wanted out of a romance. It was captivating, passionate, intriguing suspenseful, and had a unconventional romance storyline. Featured a gloriously complicated and powerful hero with hidden depths and secrets and a beautiful, naive, fearless, rebellious, and loving heroine. Characters that come to life as you read, their emotions and feelings jumping off the page into your heart. I was swept away by their story, their heat and their sizzling connection that kept me spellbound, and turning the pages. I was captivated from the beginning until the end.
Prudence Goode has just found out that her fiancé, was a selfish rake, unable to escape her betrothal even after pleading with her father, she decided that she no longer wanted to be good, and before she took her marriage vows and was married, she would claim a night of pleasure for her very own. One night that she would control with her desires, before her father foisted her off on the highest ranking noble desperate enough to have her at her age. God what a fool she had been. But when she stumbles onto the lap of the most beautiful man she’d ever seen she didn’t hesitate in the slightest.
Chief Inspector Morley is a powerful, leader of men, charged with enforcing the law in all of London. By night he is a lethal vigilante righting wrongs with the justice of the streets, where the system had failed. But when a murder investigation, brings him to a enchanting and infamous pleasure garden, an unknown beauty tumbles into his lap and makes him an offer he cannot refuse. No names, no promises, no tomorrows. Only an all consuming passion.
What does fate have in store for these two? Will they meet again? You definitely don’t want to miss their story.
This book was intoxicating, it drew me in and kept me in it’s thrall the entire time. I could not put it down. Fans of Kerrigan, have long waited for Carlton’s book. He is paired with Prudence a lovely lady of 29, who never thought she would marry… she is betrayed by her fiancée and seeks solace from a stranger. . . Carlton . A tragic event puts them back into each other’s orbit. They come together thru extraordinary circumstances and work their way through many obstacles to find their truth, their love and their future.
As always it is a treat to revisit the cast of characters from the rebels series as they interact with the couple. It was a joy to read and cannot recommend it more.
4.5 Stars!
The author alluded to Morley’s darker back story in The Duke (#4) and I’ve waited for his separate book ever since. I loved how Byrne connected the “Victoria Rebel” from every prior book and gave us this crowning story in the series. The scenes with some of the previous heroes were entertaining to say the least. If I hadn’t known this was a Victorian historical, I might have thought I was reading about the “Hot Bunch” from Kristen Ashley’s Rock Chick Series with all of their alpha-maleness and cheeky banter.
The romantic trope within this book was a favorite – a marriage of convenience with a murder mystery twist. The prologue and beginning chapter were fabulous set-ups for both. This book is a bit shorter than the rest of the series and moves at a slightly faster pace, but the author still managed to deliver a well-developed story and characters. Morley has evolved over the series from who I had originally pictured and I loved this dark and brooding officer of the law. Who knew all of this was behind the man we first met in The Highwayman? Overall, the romance was sweet, Morley was amazing, and the story was outstanding.
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.
A Dark and Stormy Knight is as good as I expected and so much more. I anticipated the dark–heh, it’s in the title itself–but I also got soft and light.
Dark is, of course, Morley. Chief Inspector by day, Knight of Shadows by night. He was Cutter in the past, Carlton at present. Broody, aloof, distrustful.
Soft is Pru. Intrepid virgin who wanted to give her body to a man of her own choosing and not to a cheating fiancé who was only marrying her for her dowry. An innocent with blood on her hands, a terrible (except for the twins) family, and a baby in her belly.
Light is the other Rebels – Dorian, Argent, and Ash. These men who’ve found forever love provided many of the funny moments in the book, most of them when they were needling Morley. Their and Farah’s support is a highlight for me.
I should also add steamy. That garden scene alone deserves 3 flames. Whoa.
There were so many moments in the book that affected me. I’ve shed some tears over what happened to Morley’s sister, at Pru’s longing for her husband’s trust, and at Morley’s vow.
If the series ends here, I would be okay with this satisfying story. But I’ll be happier if KB writes the stories of a few more couples she’d already introduced. Keep ’em coming, Kerrigan!
It’s haunting, steamy and beautiful. All the stars in the world for this epic love story.
That’s the only thing I can say without giving any spoilers because you’re definitely in for a treat.
If you read the author’s books before you know that you’ll get a perfect dark and captivating live story and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for????
Sir Carlton Morley is famously possessed of extraordinary will, singular focus, and a merciless sense of justice. As a man, he secured his fortune as Scotland Yard’s ruthless Chief Inspector. As a decorated soldier, he was legend for his unflinching trigger finger & earned the name Deadeye. 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 craves just one night of desire before marrying a philanderer. On the night she searches for it, she stumbles upon a man made of shadows, muscle and wrath… And decides he is the one.
This is the seventh book in this brilliant series & I was in seventh heaven reading it, I love Carlton & have been waiting for his story & what a captivating, enthralling read it was. Carlton is tortured & hides his childhood until Pru works her magic & demolishes all his long standing walls. The road to their HEA wasn’t easy by any means but it was engrossing & I couldn’t put it down. There were murders to solve, illegal goods being importing as well as a couple, whose chemistry was electric
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A Victorian Dark Knight.
Finally! We get Chief Inspector Carlton Morley’s story. This book connects all the original Victorian Rebels, mainly from The Highwayman and The Hunter. Carlton/Cutter’s (dual identities are a consistent theme) prologue is the terrible thing that is the catalyst for the man he will become (the best prologue is still The Hunter).
Carlton wears many masks and his story has been quietly interwoven with those of the two Dorian Blackwell’s but in a way his story is much closer to Christopher Argent’s.
He meets Prudence Goode in a not meet cute, but a rather a definite meeting of their bodies. Prudence is later caught red handed and is accused of offing her fiancé at the church. Prudence is the perfect foil for Carlton.
Why this book deserves 10 stars is how well it’s tightly crafted with poetic and lyric word smithing. Every sentence is infused with imagery and eloquence. A story seeped with emotion and hope.
A fitting conclusion to the Victorian Rebels series.
Highly recommend.
Purchased.
“I don’t allow myself the luxury of romance..”
Morley was running on fumes when he met Pru. His job and vigilante pursuits had more than run him down, physically and mentally. An unexpected encounter with Pru turned him on his axis.
“He was the danger you never saw coming until it was too late.”
I loved Pru’s persistence in breaking down Morley’s barriers. Kerrigan Byrne gave us a heroine who worked at relationships, be it family or love. It took someone like Pru to heal Morley’s emotional scars.
“It hurts to remember, but it would be worse to forget.”
I stumbled on Kerrigan Byrne’s work last year after an opportunity to read and review How to Love a Duke in Ten Days but this is my first time reading one of the Victorian Rebels! Reading it as a standalone worked perfectly well, but I admit I would have enjoyed it more if I had the other books to reflect on for the cameos.
The first meeting of our dear couple, Morley and Prudence, is steamy and scandalous and I seriously loved it. I don’t often see intimacy with a stranger in historical romances, especially in an outdoor setting, so this was quite thrilling and a bit wicked. The bulk of the story occurs after the anonymous coupling complete with a mystery and betrayals aplenty. I flew through this story in two or three sittings so it is clear Byrne knows how to captivate an audience, particularly this reader that always has at least five books on the go.
I think Morley had to be my favorite part of this particular book. He is just tortured and flawed enough to tarnish that shiny armor. His interactions with co-workers and friends combined with his inner thoughts showcased how complicated he was. Even when he was being a twit he was easy to love.
Prudence seemed to play second fiddle throughout the entire story. I usually enjoy the sunshine/grumpy trope but in this case, her sunshine wasn’t as vibrant or compelling as Morley’s background and grumpy nature. Prudence had a distinct lack of agency or any real desire to change her circumstances even in the smallest way. I suppose she is meant to be exceedingly prim and proper as is typical of the time but it didn’t sit as well with me. I can’t delve into this too much without risk of spoilers, but even with her interactions with family and friends she just seems to let things happen around her and she is content with that. While I experienced sympathy pains when Prudence was clearly lonely, I didn’t see as much character growth or development for her to really grow on me. While that was a bit disappointing, when she is paired with Morley I felt like their differences made for a delightful contrast.
Overall, A Dark and Stormy Knight was romantic, steamy, and engaging. Even though Morley and Prudence’s story is set a bit later than the other historical romances I’ve read, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I plan on circling back and getting to know the other rebels and their paramours. Kerrigan Byrne is quickly becoming one of my historical rom author favorites.
CW: Sibling death
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have read three of the books in this series, and am enjoying them more with each installment. Kerrigan Byrne has a knack for intriguing characters and delicious banter – not to mention smoking hot love scenes.
Sir Carlton Morley of Scotland Yard is haunted by a tragic past, and he uses his resources as Chief Inspector – and sometimes non-sanctioned methods – to be the hero to those who are unable to help himself. When his path crosses with Miss Prudence Goode in a moonlit garden, their chemistry is immediate, and burns white-hot. What was meant to be one night of passion before a lifetime locked in a disappointing society marriage becomes a life-changing experience for them both. And when Prudence’s aristocratic fiance dies the morning of their wedding, Pru’s only salvation is Morley’s tenacity.
I enjoyed the story very much with the fast paced action, witty dialogue, and stunning emotional scenes. I couldn’t put this book down, for fear of not knowing what would happen next. This book – and series – is highly recommended. You will not be disappointed!
It had been SO long since I’d last sat down and read a book in one sitting. No more. Morley’s story was everything I’d hoped for and another gem for the Victorian Rebels series. There were just enough humorous moments and heartwarming moments to temper the angst, and the action and Morley’s inner battles kept me turning pages. Pru was a perfect foil for him, and the appearances of previous characters were enjoyable and not overwhelming. A hearty five stars.
Fabulous! A Dark And Stormy Knight is a spectacular historical romance by Kerrigan Byrne. Ms. Byrne has once again delivered a book that will keep you glued to your e-reader from start to finish. This book is well-written and the characters are phenomenal. Chief Inspector Carlton Morley has gone from orphaned pickpocket to military service to Chief Inspector by day and Knight of Shadows by night. Prudence is being forced to marry but is determined to give herself to someone of her choice before the vows. Carlton and Pru’s story is packed with drama, humor, smoking hot sexy bits, action and suspense. I loved this amazing story and look forward to my next book by Kerrigan Byrne. A Dark And Stormy Knight is book 7 of the Victorian Rebels Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Unputdownable.
A riveting read. Naive, on-the-shelf Prudence Goode believes she is on the way to a happy marriage with George Hamby-Forsyth, Earl of Sutherland, until she finds out that she has been deceived and her dowry is the draw. The revelations lead to a possibly unwise decision and from that point on her life spirals out of her control. Carlton Morley believes that his obsession with the beautiful woman who accosted him one dark night will lead to his downfall; everyone lies, so how can he trust her but his need to protect her trumps everything else.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and Oliver Heber Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Even though this one is the shortest in the series so far, I REALLY LOVED IT!!! The pace was perfect and even the events that happened. It was such a fast read that I couldn’t put it down! Oh my gosh and Carlton’s different sides of him. I could gush about him all day! He could be all growly/angry man one moment, but then shows his softer side. I did want more in the ending though! I can’t wait to read more in this world! Definitely one of my favorite historical series.
This COVER is also one of my favs!
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Victorian Rebels series is fantastic and this one does not disappoint. Morley’s story is a page turner from the start. The characters come to life and drag you into their story. It’s a well written, well plotted, action packed, steamy, and utterly romantic story. I highly recommend this book.
I am in absolute awe at how well Kerrigan Byrne can write! This story touched my heart so deeply and I could feel the pain that Carlton felt growing up, I could feel the helplessness, the lack of hope, love and caring that was denied him. The prologue is very intense!! Yet, he rises above it all and you want nothing but to cheer him on as the Chief Inspector of Scotland Yard and as the Shadow Knight.
The way he and Prudence meet is quite unusual but oooooh my lord, it sure made me want to fan myself! lol So delicious!! Three months after that first meeting, they meet again and that’s when the adventure begins. Fraught with danger and suspicions, both Pru and Carlton must learn to trust each other, something Carlton has always had a hard time with. Breaking down his barriers and unlocking the steel around his heart is what Pru wishes with all her heart. I loved both characters and she is exactly what he needs in his life!!
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
“He became the thing from which nightmares ran…”
Chief Inspector Sir Carlton Morley has been using his tortured and dark past to motivate him in finding justice for the weak and seeking vengeance on the corrupt. Donning a mask and embracing the darkness, he becomes known as the Knight of Shadows…a vigilante that has grown popularity amongst the ton as well as the common folk for his deeds. While investigating a series of murders, Carlton finds himself lost in the embrace of the most beautiful soul he’s ever encountered…and one that tempts him like no other. A night of sin turns into a haunting memory until the day he has to make a choice to fully embrace his past and take a chance on love or to forever be alone in the prison he has built around his heart…
Prudence Goode has been deceived into a marriage she’s discovered has been made only for her sizeable dowry. Her fiancé is a well-known rake with numerous bastards she will be forced to finance. Hurt more than she thought possible, Pru decides that if she will be taking vows she’ll hold sacred even if her would-be husband won’t, she deserves a chance at just one night of passion on her own terms. But who could have ever foreseen her choice of lovers would end up being her avenging knight…or her executioner…
O M G! I can’t tell you how much I loved Carlton & Pru’s romance! I’ve been reading Kerrigan Bryne’s Victorian Rebels series since she published The Highwayman! A Dark and Stormy Knight is everything I hoped for Carlton to get in his much deserved HEA! While this is the 7th in the series, it could be read standalone, but to truly appreciate Carlton’s character, I’d highly recommend binge reading ALL OF THEM!! Loved Loved Loved!!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **