Seducing a Stranger by Kerrigan Byrne

Seducing a Stranger (Victorian Rebels, #7) (Goode Girls Romance, #1)

by Kerrigan Byrne

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 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.  

Reviewed by stacey_is_sassy on

4 of 5 stars

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I’m always left wanting more…

I absolutely love reading historical romance and Kerrigan Byrne has written some of my very favourites. A Dark and Stormy Knight did not disappoint and gave me a happy buzz from reading a fantastic story. I could see the characters and settings, feel their emotions, and I was drawn into their world filled with murder, intrigue, and passion. The only problem with reading a great story like this one, I’m always left wanting more.

I’ve known Morley for years and in that time, held a soft spot for the very firm, strict and sexy man. I realised that Chief Inspector Carlton Morley knew the streets better than just as a lawman, and now knowing why he takes his job so seriously, I understand why he became the Knight of Shadows. Morley would need someone special to distract him from his very serious job of bringing justice to the streets. That special woman would have to catch his attention to have a chance at holding his heart while also accepting that his job is a part of him. Imagine my surprise when his special woman only wants him for a night…in the shadows.

When I first met Prudence Goode, I couldn’t believe she would settle for a loveless marriage. Yes, I knew that in those days, it was expected to marry to get ahead, but I also knew she deserved better. I hated her family for what they expected her to put up with and thought her sister an absolute cow. When she came up with the mad-capped scheme of finding happiness once before she marries, I actually didn’t begrudge her. Imagine my surprise when her happiness started by falling in the lap of a man in the shadows.

With a start like Morley’s and Prudence’s, I was gobsmacked when the next time I saw them together, Prudence is about to become Morley's next case. Things definitely went a little crazy from there and Morley is going to have to use all his skills to keep this special woman safe and his. Prudence hopes that this will be the start of something good while Morley is convinced she's about to become his biggest weakness. Together, they will have to learn to trust each other and hope that their initial attraction would grow into a happy ever after.

While A Dark and Stormy Knight was a very easy story to read, I have to admit that I was left a little unsatisfied. There were a few things that seemed unfinished and the ending was a bit abrupt. I was also a little disappointed that I didn’t get more time with the Victorian Rebels. Mena was in town and I didn’t even get to catch up with her or her sexy, brutish Highlander. The Duke came visiting numerous times but Lorelei was left at home. Yes, I did get to see Millie and Argent for a while, and Farah and Dorian were around, but I needed to see and catch up with them all. This can’t be the end…I NEED MORE!!

OK, I admit, I really did enjoy A Dark and Stormy Knight and I’m being a bit of a brat with my above complaints. I just felt that it went too quickly. I wanted to see Morley and Prudence together for longer. I wanted the Victorian Rebels and their women to be together, hanging out, having a drink or two. I also wanted to know what happened to Prudence’s family. Oooh…maybe Ms Byrne has ideas for the Goode girls???

If you’re looking for an historical romance that’s a little rough around the edges, has characters that are passionate, original and determined, with a storyline that will keep you enthralled, I highly recommend giving A Dark and Stormy Knight a try.

Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 20 May, 2020: Finished reading
  • 20 May, 2020: Reviewed