The Highwayman (Victorian Rebels, #1)

by Kerrigan Byrne

[stacey_is_sassy]

The hills are alive with the...Victorian Rebels

I was so bloody excited when I saw The Hunter in the Audible Escape package. Yes, I know this is The Highwayman, but if The Hunter was there, then, it only follows that the rest would be there. I have waited what felt like YEARS for this series to become available in Australia... AND NOW IT'S HERE!!

It was everything I was hoping for and more. Derek Perkins has turned a fabulous story into an AMAZING experience. I wore a goofy smile for the first hour of listening. Unfortunately, it was a wee bit inappropriate considering the darkness of those initial minutes, I just couldn't help myself. I needed to 'see' Farah and Dorian again, especially their first meeting and when they fell in love. It was sweet and also a little bit heartbreaking. But, luckily I knew where I was heading and I could brace for the ugly parts.

This was the start of my love affair with the Rebels, and I loved catching up with them all. I just wish I could give it more stars because the audio, enhanced my love. I will definitely be going on with the rest of the series, and there's a pretty good chance I won't take a break until I finished.

Next up... it's time to see The Hunter fall in love with his prey.

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Tingling from this book magic...

The Highwayman gave me tingles and I felt book magic with the turn of each page. I was drawn in, living and breathing this book. Hubby and kids had to fend for themselves, phones had to be answered by someone else and food was only eaten to keep up my energy. I was looking into the lives of people that seemed real. I wanted to walk into Scotland Yard and be a character witness. I wanted to be at the dressmaker's to see how a gown was fitted. I wanted to stand against predators who attacked the less fortunate. It was an emotional read for me that left me on a high. Not many books suck me in as much, or as well as this one did. I was drawn to the characters and wanted to see them make it through.

We meet a very young Farah and Dougan who live in an orphanage. Farah sees that Dougan is in pain and helps him. They form a bond, give each other support and swear to love each other for eternity. This is a very young love that is tested from the beginning. Eventually, they are separated but neither will forget and keep their memories locked tight in their hearts.

Life goes on. Farah works in Scotland Yard and is faced with some very unsavoury characters. One of them is Dorian, a criminal mastermind who runs the bad side of town with an iron fist. Farah's boss is on an endless mission to bring him to justice with very little success. After many years of being separated from her love, Farah thinks about moving on with her boss Morley, who shows an interest in her. After meeting Farah, Dorian has a different idea.

I don't want to go into much detail as it will definitely take away from the experience if you decide to try it. I will say that this story was full of intrigue and I never felt it dragged. Besides the main characters, I loved Murdoch, Frank and Gemma. Morley was an interesting character as well and by the end I respected him. He could have easily made things worse, but he kept his dignity and that left me disappointed he wouldn't find a HEA (yet???).

This was my first Kerrigan Byrne story and it will definitely not be my last. One of the best historical romances I've ever read.