Kerrigan Byrne returns to her captivating Victorian Rebels series with the USA Today bestselling The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo. The bravest of heroes. The brashest of rebels. The boldest of lovers. These are the men who risk their hearts and their souls–for the passionate women who dare to love them… He is known only as The Rook. A man with no name, no past, no memories. He awakens in a … with no name, no past, no memories. He awakens in a mass grave, a magnificent dragon tattoo on his muscled forearm the sole clue to his mysterious origins. His only hope for survival–and salvation–lies in the deep, fiery eyes of the beautiful stranger who finds him. Who nurses him back to health. And who calms the restless demons in his soul…
A LEGENDARY LOVE
Lorelai will never forget the night she rescued the broken dark angel in the woods, a devilishly handsome man who haunts her dreams to this day. Crippled as a child, she devoted herself to healing the poor tortured man. And when he left, he took a piece of her heart with him. Now, after all these years, The Rook has returned. Like a phantom, he sweeps back into her life and avenges those who wronged her. But can she trust a man who’s been branded a rebel, a thief, and a killer? And can she trust herself to resist him when he takes her in his arms?
“Byrne is a force in the genre.”–RT Book Reviews
more
Lorelai grew up in a family with a timid father and a cruel brother who broke her ankle and left her crippled at the young age. One stormy day when she was 14, they rescued a young man from a graveyard, who was severely beaten and burned almost to death. As a gentle soul that she was, she helped nurse him back to life while developing a strong bond with him, her sweet, pure first love. Fast forward twenty years later, she reunited with him in a most unexpected circumstance, but he was no longer the boy she loved… And she was determined to bring him back…
The severe injuries had cost the boy his memories, and he was given the name Ash by Lorelai. Touched by her caring and gentle nature and grateful to her for giving him a new life, Ash fell in love with Lorelai during his convalescence at her home. Once again, the cruel and devilish brother had his hands in cutting Ash off their lives and turning his life upside down toward the worst hell one could imagine. His promise to come back to her had been the only thing that kept him survive through twenty years. But time and tragic events had turned him into a cold, brutal, fearsome, and infamous pirate, the King of the Sea, or simply the Rook.
I was crying for Ash, for his tragic childhood, his fifteen years of slavery, his survival against all odds, his faithful love for Lorelai. He was broken and scarred both physically and mentally, and Lorelai’s kindness had helped him survive and heal. Their fierce love was more than enough to withstand the cruelty of the past, and to nurture the hopeful promises of the future.
A 5-star read, an emotional, heartbreaking story of love, survival, healing, friendships and brotherhood, with some treasure hunting adventures.
“Lorelai. There are only two disputable facts in this world: One, that the sun will set in the west. And two, that I’ll come for you. Always.” – Ash/the Rook.
“Every time we’re broken, we get back up and limp along.” – Lorelai.
After the first few chapters, I thought that this 6th story in the Victorian Rebels series was possibly going to become my all-time favorite. While it was still a fabulous story, it didn’t surpass The Highlander. But The Rook might just be my favorite hero. Gah! I need to stop comparing all the books, because I truly enjoyed them all and the series is an unequivocal favorite. In simple terms, I love this book and the dark, dangerous, and commanding pirate hero who graces the pages.
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 6 in the Victorian rebels series. I have to say I don’t really remember the other books but gave this a shot anyway. The story was well done and I enjoyed the growth in the characters. The only problem I had was at times it seemed to drag in some parts. Overall still a good read.
This is book number six of the Victorian Rebels Series. This story is much of what I have come to expect from Kerrigan Byrne. This entire series has been one of gritty, violent and intense romance.
Lorelai is a woman with a past that haunts her. She is not the perfect’ untouched by tragedy heroine of most romance novels.
Known as the Rook this hauntingly handsome man has no past that he remembers. He only knows his present which includes this beautiful stranger who healed him.
How will his return to her life affect Lorelai? Can she trust this man who has been branded a killer, a rebel and a thief? And can she trust herself to resist him when she finds herself in his arms?
I gave this book 4.7 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization. This angsty, somewhat violent story is another of Byrne’s books that is not to be missed.
I find myself totally engaged when reading the books in this series, this one not withstanding.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily. All thoughts and impressions are my own.
The Rook has no past other than a tatoo and is brought back to health by Lorelai. Their future depends on trust to build on a new beginning. Excellent story line and setting and very much enjoyed these characters.
Ebook from Net Galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
What I really liked about this book was fact that it did not follow the typical historical romance “formula”, but featured a very creative plot and unique characters whose lives it was easy to get caught up in. Lorelai was a sweet, spirited and heartwarming heroine that you couldn’t help but instantly adore. And, The Rook was a swoon-worthy hero right out of a hopeless romantic’s fantasies. I didn’t want to put this book down!
#TheDukeWithTheDragonTattoo #KerriganByrne #NetGalley
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Kerrigan writes lush romances with rich plots. She grabs you with emotion and amazing detail, you can’t help but be swept up in the story, feeling everything her characters feel. My favorite yet!
If you love to read about strong heroines and pirates, then this story is for you. I enjoyed it very much!!
Lady Lorelai is a young girl, living with her father and sadistic older brother. An unexpected find leads the three to a young man, left naked and nearly dead by the roadside. Lorelai’s family brings him into their home to help him heal, but as he recovers they find he has no memory of his past. Lorelai and the young man, whom she’s given the name “Ash”, formed a strong attachment to each other. The one day, Ash is gone.
Twenty years pass, and Lorelai’s life has not gotten better, but worse. She’s about to be forced into marriage with a terrible brute of a man, when a stranger shows up, and the adventure begins!
This is a terrific story with intrigue, colorful characters, humor, and sizzling heat. I highly recommend this book to readers of historical romance who enjoy hot pirates, danger, and a happy ending.
the Duke with the Dragon Tattoo was an exceptionally well written and well thought out book. It easily rates 5 stars for its very original plot and well rounded characters. I enjoyed it immensely.
Slow Burn, sweet and sensual romance
Kerrigan Byrne has become one of my favorite writers in historical romance. Once again she delivers a story rich in character and description in The Duke With The Dragon Tattoo and what an amazing experience reading Ash and Lorelai’s story.
Though Ash is the name Lorelai gives the man who is found horribly beaten and half dead near an Ash tree, his identity remains a mystery throughout the book until towards the end when his memory is jolted awake. It is unbelievable what happens to this young man who is imprisoned, beaten, and left for dead. Lorelai who is 14 at the time, nurtures him to back to health, and both develop strong feelings of love and friendship.
But Ash’s fate is heartbreaking and the time with Lorelai is cut short when her cruel brother, Mortimer, sells him to merchant seamen. Twenty long years and still without his memory of the past, an amazing story unfolds around this man who is known as The Rook. The story is complex and engrossing. We really don’t get that much romance until almost the end, but it is worth the wait. Throw in a hunt for treasure, tales of becoming a duke and amassing wealth, and a mutinous crew of pirates, and you get one heck of a story. Ms. Byrne’s storytelling is imaginative and rich in descriptive detail which makes it fascinating. I love how this ties to the other characters, Dougan and Argent, in the Victorian Rebels series. I received a copy from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Byrne, the sixth book in her Victorian Rebels series, was an amazing story. This love story between tender-hearted Lorelei and fierce Ash/The Rook is heartbreakingly beautiful. Lorelei, a strong heroine, has suffered tragedy and loss yet is able to find reasons to persevere and take care of others, including her menagerie of rescued animals. Ash’s story is incredibly sad and challenging; Lorelei discovered him beaten almost to death after crawling out of a mass grave. The sole reason he survives is because of his love for Lorelei, the one and only person he has ever loved.
Ms. Byrne wrote an emotional love story; that grabs you from the start and keeps your interest throughout. I highly recommend this book to other readers, as well as the entire series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I thought this story was Amazing! Its definitely going to be added to my all time favorite romances of the year. I thought all the characters were very well written. I love the pairing of Lorelei and Ash. I liked that despite her disability ( she was crippled) that Ash found her desirable and fell in love with the person and not her exterior. I also love the sexual tension between Veronica/Sebastian, crossing fingers that this duo has their own story. Overall great plot! I highly recommend this book. I will be reading the rest of the books in this series for sure.
The newest entry in the Victorian Rebel series is a journey you won’t soon forget! From the first sentence to the last and everything in between . The Rooks story unfolds and embraces you in a ride you don’t want to end! As surely as the sun sets he will return and Lorelei will learn the Rook will not be denied and the Rook will come to understand neither shall she!
I listened to the audiobook after seeing all the hype this book was getting. I love historical romances, so it was right up my alley. And after listening to it, THIS BOOK DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
This is the first book I’ve read/listened by the author. And now I want to read all her books. A fantastic and original storyline with superb writing, The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo is a swoony, scandalous love story that overflows with heartfelt feelings and emotional turmoil. And Ash….*sigh*….his character needs another book.
“You’re not a part of my heart. You’re my whole heart.”
It’s a guaranteed heart stopper!
Historical fantasy with a duke and a tattoo. What could possibly be more captivating on a rainy weekend? I loved reading about the Rook/Ash and sweet, innocent, Lorelei.
Lorelei was a sweet and loving person. She was nothing like her brother or father. She was not deserving of the abuse she suffered for years. She only wanted to be loved and to love in return. The one she fell in love with left her years ago. Now, thirty-four years old, she was more or less sold to pay debts she did not incur. She never would have guessed this would be the change in her life she needed to make it better.
Ash/the Rook was just a boy when his world changed. He was young man when he learned the value of hard work and the deny of love. He was a man back to avenge, change, take back the life he lost and the love that he was sure was meant to be.
Lorelei and Ash’s romance was full of adventure, drama, pain, sorrow, abuse, mistrust, love and life. I LOVED these two characters from the first time I met each one of them. This one was most certainly was a page turner, an adventure to top all historical adventures.
Byrne gives me a read that takes me on a trip back to the past each and every time I pick up one of her books. I love making the journey filled with sight and sounds of the past writing in words that enmesh the mind in a visual cloud of dreams.
I LOOK FORWARD TO THE AUDIO. . . I WILL LISTEN TO IT OVER AND OVER. . . This was my best historical romance of the year.
I have to agree with all the other reviews about how really amazing this book is! It was like finding a treasure. Choosing a book to read and suddenly realizing that it is one of the best stories you have ever read! It will take you in a stormy adventure of feelings, wants, and redemption where one tortured soul will strive to survive in a cruel and unfair world. Don’t miss the opportunity to read a masterful and heart warming story! Enjoy!
A young girl nurses a nearly dead man back to health. She falls in love and he disappears. 20 years later, on the day of her wedding, the man reappears and steals her away. Why did he disappear? Where has he been? Why did he return?
~
This is my first Kerrigan Byrne novel. What I love about this book is the sophistication of the writing. I felt like I was reading a grown up version of romance novels. The language is beautiful.
This story spans 20 years. It is heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time.
I approached this book with excitement and happiness but also a little sadness. It’s always sad when a favorite series ends but I am happy with the ending. This story took us full circle and brought everything back to the events that happened before The Highwayman. Lorelei and The Rook have a beautiful love story and they fought through tragic events to be together and I was there for every moment. I cannot wait to see where we go next.
Please excuse me while I repeat myself but Kerrigan Bryne is my hope for the future of historical romance. Historical romance is my first love. I just read my first contemporary romance about 4, maybe 5 years ago but my heart will always belong to HR. When I find a new HR author, it’s so exciting because I hope their voice is one of the owns that will keep my favorite genre alive and kicking and recruit new readers. When I read The Highwayman, I shouted about that book from the rooftops. I wanted everyone to read it!! This series take me to places that I have never seen other HR authors go. The heroes who have experienced such trauma in their lives and still manage to keep a little part of their heart and soul open for love is amazing. It’s not something we are used to seeing in HR and I am thrilled! I can’t wait to see where Ms. Bryne takes us next, the love stories she still has to tell and the characters that she will share. I will continue to shout, share and beg for readers to get to know her and her beautiful stories and I truly believe that she will be one of the voices that keep this genre a vital part of the Romance world.
Awesome Victorian, historical romance that grips the reader and has the reader looking forward to learning what the tatoo was all about. Lorelai is a teen when she stumbled across a young man, Ash, who was beaten and burnt. She spent a long time nursing him back to health. Lorelei was abused by her brother. They parted then are brought back together many years later. Lorelei hasn’t changed much but Ash is now the pirate Rook. The story take you on a the ups and downs the characters suffer through. I received a complementary copy of this book via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Byrne.