I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. A Dark and Stormy Knight by Kerrigan Byrne is the seventh book in her Victorian Rebels series. I have not read all of the books in the series and had no problems reading this book as a stand-alone, but I am definitely going back to read the rest of the series because they are so enjoyable to read. Sir Carlton Morley has played many roles in his life, orphaned street rat Cutter Morley, decorated war hero Carlton Morley, Chief Inspector Sir Carlton Morley of the London Police force, and the Knight of Shadows who chases down justice that the law can’t always provide. It’s as this latter persona that he first encounters Prudence Goode, who no longer desiring to be a good(e) girl decides to take control of something in her life, and seeks out the Stags of St. James to experience pleasure as she’s unlikely to find it in the marriage that’s been arranged for her by her family. The Knight of Shadows chasing down the murderer of young men with ties to the Stags of St. James meets Prudence in their garden, and she mistakes him for one of the Stags propositions him, and he enchanted by her agrees. Their next encounter is on her wedding day when she’s accused of murdering her spouse to be, and he finds out that she’s having his child. As always, Kerrigan Byrne writes captivating stories with compelling protagonists, and I stayed up way too late in order to finish reading this book. Medium Steam. Publishing Date June 2, 2020. #ADarkAndStormyKnight #KerriganByrne #HistoricalRomance #GnarlyWoolPublishing #bookstagram #MysteryAndRomance

If anyone is on the market for a dark, steamy historical romance with grit, look no further. Reading this book was an incredible experience that moved Kerrigan Byrne’s books up several slots on my TBR list. This is everything I wanted out of a historical romance: dark, damaged heroes with a tragic past, a plucky heroine who knows how to stand up for herself, an actual PLOT (!) and a complex love story that goes beyond mere physical attraction and delves deep into the psyches of the characters.

I was hesitant going into this novel because I thought that it was going to go in a certain direction (i.e., adultery), but thankfully Kerrigan Byrne did not go there. The opening of this novel was incredibly steamy. Let me just say, the way these two characters first met may have singlehandedly been responsible for the AC unit in my house breaking, because DAMN is it hot in here.

Our main character, Prudence Goode (an ironic and yet somehow suitable name if I ever heard one), is not afraid to reach out and take what she wants, even if it means circumventing all the prim and proper rules of society. Her love interest, Carlton Morley, has so many different facets to this character, and it was absolutely wonderful to see his character slowly evolve as Pru tore down his walls. They had the perfect amount of chemistry, but we also got to see them gradually form a deeper connection and recover from the trauma in both of their pasts.

I finished this book in one day when I only intended to read half of it. If I had to categorize this novel, it would be a historical romantic mystery with Gothic undertones. Byrne does not shy away from exploring the dark underbelly of society, including murder, prostitution, drug smuggling, trauma and more. The best words to describe this novel was gritty and steamy. I was so compelled by the central mystery, along with the romance. I like a little plot with my steamy historical romance, and Byrne is a master at it. Yes, the final reveal at the end was rather predictable, but that’s fine given the romance was the reason why I picked this book up in the first place.

My only issue with this novel is that sometimes the prose could get a little too purple for my liking. Other than that, this was fantastic and I am so glad I discovered Kerrigan Byrne at the start of my historical romance journey.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Dark and Stormy Knight by Kerrigan Byrne


‘“What are you called?”

A sad smile touched his lips as he lifted a lock of her hair that’d escaped its coiffure. He tucked it back in place, smoothing it down with such a tender motion, her throat ached. “It doesn’t matter. I’m just a shadow.”’


Every time Kerrigan Byrne writes a book, I’m convinced it’s my absolute favourite book, that is, until she writes another. Chief Inspector Carlton Morley has been prevalent throughout this incredible series, always on the peripheral, staid, stalwart and a little mysterious. It’s only now that we get to see into the very heart of this beautifully complex man. A man mired by grief, impaired by secrets and bruised with guilt, but a man with convictions, a heroic soul and a heart that is silently screaming for love and comfort. He was simply breathtaking. A protagonist who was layered, enticing, a little dangerous, and a whole lot jaded. His brooding was a daunting mass, sexy and alluring, constantly captivating me, making me want to get to the very heart of the man and soothe him in all ways.


‘She’d stripped him bare, laid him wide open and dangerously close to defenseless. The intimacy he felt forming between them, the bond that wove between his ribs and hers, stitching their ticking hearts together, was made of some stronger material than the steel and ice he’d encased around his heart.’


Enter Prudence Goode, a woman who was straining at the shackles being imposed upon her, a woman with a broken heart and a shattered view of the world around her. There was an endearing naivety about her, no matter how much she got knocked down, how much darkness pervaded her little world, she fought through it all, strong, loving and loyal to the very end. Prue was a remarkable heroine. Resplendent in her proclaimed innocence, defiant in the face of adversity and heartrending in her devotion. Even when those around her denied and distrusted her. She was magnificent. A heroine through and through. Selfless, sweet and deep. By integrating the dark and tempting with the sweet and innocent, author Kerrigan Byrne has given readers a taste of profound desire, an array of wickedly sensual sex scenes and a stunning and weighty love story. It isn’t simple or easy. It’s dazzling, daring, exhilarating and highly emotive. Every emotion, every sigh, skipped heartbeat and laugh will belong to this story.


It was so lovely to see all of the previous characters from this series in this one. You got a real sense of comradery, of the loyalty and ribbing that these men give each other. It’s a real, honest and slightly menacing brotherhood. Yet, somehow they produced the biggest comedic scenes here and the heartiest laughs. Particularly when it came to the discussion of kidnapping techniques.



A Dark and Dangerous Knight is an astoundingly seductive, thrilling and inspirational historical romance. Beautifully written, with wonderful characters and a sensational plot, this book will have you swooning, melting, falling, sobbing and rejoicing. And as I always say, when a book can hold you in it’s grasp like that, you know you have an absolutely tremendous author and story in your hands.

I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is Morley's story. When I heard it was coming, I was excited the series was continuing. However I hadn't really been that interested in Morley as a character. This book changed that...and more!!

Kerrigan Byrne had me crying by the end of chapter 3. I couldn't believe I was already so involved with the main characters that soon. She truly does write so well.

Chief Inspector Carlton Morley has many secrets. All of which he wants to hide. Prudence Goode has to marry a man her father chose. Their paths cross before the wedding, and lighting strikes.

On the day of the wedding, they meet again. This time, Prudence has a knife in her hand and her husband to be isn't doing well....at all. Morley must determine the truth, but he fears he risks his heart in the search.

Y'all, this book is so well written. I didn't want to put it down. It made me want to go back and read the whole series again. She left me wanting more, but in the best way possible.

Must read!!

I have waited for the story of Carlton Morley since I first read The Highwayman years ago. I can’t believe it took this long. First, let me say, if you aren’t familiar with the series, you could read this without the others because it’s impossible to not like this book, but you would be doing yourself a disservice. You should at least read The Highwayman and The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo to fully appreciate Morley and where he has come from before this book.

Nothing about the story is like I ever imagined it would be. Given Morley’s past, Prudence Goode is the opposite of who I would have imagined for him. And yet, that is exactly why they worked so well together. I didn’t foresee that he was, in fact, the darkest of the dark souls in the series and needed the brightest light. Seeing him struggle to accept where he came from and who he became and how that fit with his new relationship was an interesting journey that sucked me in from the very first pages of the story. As always, Kerrigan Byrne’s character development is intricately detailed and beautifully woven so that every action reflects who they are and who they are struggling to become. It’s truly a marvel.

I received an electronic ARC of this in exchange for an honest review, but I am already anxious for the paperback to arrive in the mail so I can reread it and sigh over all of the best parts all over again. Kerrigan Byrne’s books are among the few on my shelf that I read repeatedly, and this will be no different. I know I will discover new depths to the characters each time.

I’ve read the entire Victorian Rebels series and had enjoyed every book! I’ve been so excited for this book and it was so worth the wait!! As with all the heroes in this series, Morley has a dark and traumatic past. The heroine, Prudence, is a sweet devoted daughter who decides on one night of discrete and secretive passion before being married off to her father’s choice. However, a shocking course of events throws Morley and Pru back together. Morley and Pru had off the charts chemistry and an intense connection. Morley has been a dedicated lawman and vigilante for many years and now he has to figure out the balance. I just loved everything about the story and was completely addicted. They had great dialogue, invested side characters and all of their emotions really came through. I’m a huge fan of Byrne’s writing. The story really comes alive and she develops each character thoroughly. There’s an actual story, suspense, and no one is given a sugar coated life. It was a bonus as well to have three of the couples earlier in the series involved. To top it all off, the epilogue was fantastic.

I was so happy to finally read Morley's book! I've wanted to know more about his character since book one in the series. This book however left me wanting for from the characters and the whole plot. The ending seemed very rushed and leaving us as the reader wanting another book or continuation into a spin off series about these characters.

This is a review based on a Netgalley Arc. It's been a while since I have reviewed a book so apologise for any mistakes.

Having read previous books in the Victorian rebels I remembered Carlton Morley as an intriguing character who seem to steal the scenes he was in and always did wonder if he would have a spin off.

If you like a brooding dark rebellious main character then is book is for you as it gives you all the feels. Carlton is dark yet his facade of civility is enough to make you want to know more about him.

The storyline is well paced no side tracking off of other minor character storylines ( but I was left wanting to know about the other Goode sisters). I finished the book in one day...and I was left with wanting more I really didnt believe I had finished the book😔
The emotional level is high so be ready for tears, heart wrenching confessions and a couple of giggles
I really did feel for the Prudence in all the different stages she went through in this book especially the stage where she is happily living in a bubble but when the bubble burst, it's written in away that I actually felt her pain.

I think having read the other books in the series has made this book easier for me connect to the main characters however there is a prologue and some explanation of the presence of the other characters so it can be read as a stand alone.

Its definitely one I would reread again!

A Dark and Stormy Knight is the 7th book in the Victorian Rebels series by Kerrigan Byrne. It exceeded all my expectations! This story centers around Chief Inspector Carlton Morley. He has always been a secondary character (since book 1 of the series). This story grabs your attention immediately, with Morley going undercover one night and a beautiful woman literally stumbling/falling onto his lap. From then on sparks fly and both of their worlds will be forever changed. The chemistry between the hero and heroine sizzle off the pages of the book! Prudence is Morley's soulmate in every sense (a light to his darkness). The story also revolves around a murder which leads to action, suspense, twists and turns.

I'm so glad Byrne wrote this book. I can not recommend it enough!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review Thank You!!

First of all my heartful thanks goes to #Netgally and #Xpressobooktours for a free ARC of this beautiful book. This Author is on my auto-buy-list so I was thrilled to receive this advance copy in exchange of an honest review.
This is the 7th book in Byrne's Victorian Rebels series. I've loved each and every book to date and this one is no different. This is Chief Inspector Morley's story, which I've been waiting for with held breath. He was such an enigmatic character, always present in her other books that I just couldn't wait for him to have his own story. The first few chapters were riveting and I was instantly hooked. We get to know more about him as we read about his childhood and the painful events that happen to him as a young boy in the streets.. We finally understand his fears and struggles so when he finally meets the woman of his life the romance is so sweet and a pleasure to read. The middle of the book is the weakest part IMO as it is more character driven without much plot going on. But all in all a satisfying read. Byrne has a true gift for writing and I can't praise her enough.
REVIEW: 4****

4.5 ⭐️
Tropes: marriage of convenience

Q: I don’t know how to word this. But do you like the trope where one lead assumes the wrong thing about the other, makes judgments about the other’s character & repeatedly shares them whether explicitly or implicitly, and then eventually has to grovel? What can we call this?

You all, I love a good grovel. One where the hero is going to have marks on his knees from carpet/stone/grass for a while because he’s kneeled and apologized for so long. I knew it was going to happen in Kerrigan Byrne’s upcoming release, A Dark and Stormy Knight, and every time the hero expressed his lack of trust in the heroine, every time he rebuffed her efforts to befriend him on a true partner level, I GOT MORE EXCITED because I knew a day of reckoning was coming, and in Kerrigan’s hands it was going to be glorious.

This is Chief Inspector Carlton Morley’s Book and Prudence’s as well, Prudence who tries to wrestle some control over her life. I’m not going to delve into the plot any more than I have above because I don’t want to ruin it. But know that I am crying tears on the inside.

Kerrigan’s writing is sublime, rich, decadent. The theatricality is unreal. The pathos of each wounded soul in her books ensnares the reader—or at least it does me. My only quibble with this book is that I wanted even more honesty and openness from Carlton toward the end—but again, I don’t want to say more because I don’t want to spoil it.

What a great series.

A Dark and Stormy Knight is out on 06/02. Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

This novel was an enjoyable read about how one night changed everything for two people. Pru wants a faithful husband, someone she could love. She wants children more than anything. She tried to get out of marriage to an earl, to no avail, so she decided to take matters into her own hands. Morley is the Chief Inspector, whose past has shaped the man he has become. Morley is one person by day, another by night, and trusts no one. Everyone is a suspect, a liar, deceitful. Until he meets Pru, whom he cannot help but want to trust. Pru finds herself in a terrible situation and is "rescued" by Morley. They have a rocky road ahead of them, but Pru is determined and Morley begins to see how much Pru means to him.
I received this novel as an ARC from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! 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.

3.5 stars....

‘A Dark and Stormy Knight’ is Kerrigan Byrne’s latest in the Victorian Rebels series, a book that I’d been waiting for simply because it features yet another dark-ish and tortured male protagonist in the form of the uptight, intense and very righteous Sir Carlton Morley. Eschewing the typical format of a historical romance narrative, Morley and Prudence Goode meet, have a smexy encounter early on…and face the consequences of that near immediately along with a marriage of convenience. There’s a bit of a murder mystery to solve as well, but it isn’t primarily the focus of the story as Byrne puts the stuttering relationship between Morley and Pru in the spotlight throughout.

Morley is quite the enigma, which pretty much kept me engrossed in the book. I liked Byrne’s portrayal of his many sides: the self-policing vigilante by night, the tough and rigid Chief Inspector by day and the tightly leashed man who’d emerged out of the ruins of a tragic childhood…yet one who secretly yearned for some tenderness in his life and needed a vulnerable and emotionally open woman who could unlock that part.

Yet pairing Morley with a hand-wringing, bosom-heaving damsel in distress was still a surprise somewhat; a needy and lonely Prudence faded in some ways in contrast to the very strong, volatile and very fleshed-out personality of Morley despite trying to stand on her feet to show him how she wanted him. I’ve made no secret about how I love my heroines capable and no-nonsense, who contribute to solutions instead of getting mired in problems (sometimes of their own making) and in this manner, Pru was disappointingly passive somehow (concessions must be made nonetheless for women of the time), having spent most of the book with little ambition other than to lead a happy and easy life with a husband who loved her.

And there’s something old-fashioned about the trope-laden ‘A Dark and Stormy Knight’ that I felt keenly here: the cover that reinforces the bodice-ripper reputation of historical romances, coupled with Byrne’s prolific use of purple prose which simultaneously elevates and overly dramatises the beauty of narrative simplicity and directness (this is admittedly coming from someone who is more steeped in all things contemporary).

Still, it’s a fun read—cringey at times to be honest, because of the prose that shoots emotion into the stratosphere—and an easy one for that matter. Byrne is an author whose books I normally circle back to after a while and revisiting her Victorian world is always a welcome escape.

This book was so good that I can't wait to read the previous books! I loved Morley and Pru. They were two strng compassionate characters. There love story kept me turning the pages looking forward to where this story would go.

Kerrigan has done it again! I am speechless. She has a true art when it comes to sucking you in! From the first page to the last I never wanted to put the book down. It kept me enthralled the entire time. Only work and sleep kept me from this book! I have waited so long for Morley’s story. Pru is so prim and proper. Does she have what it takes to break down his wall? What does a man have left to give when it’s all been taken away and you must rise from the ashes? How do you learn to love when your heart no longer exist? What happens when a chance encounter turns your life up side down? What happens when that chance encounter returns but on the opposite side of the law, that same law you have built your life around? Read this book! Read it like your life depended on it. You will not be sorry!

Ever since I read the Highwayman by Kerrigan Bryne, I've been wanting to read Carlton Morley's story, and it did not disappoint. I'm not even sure where to begin, in all honesty. I would firmly recommend you read the whole series before this book, just to be familiar with the characters and the backstory.

Ms. Byrne was able to enthrall us with Sir Carlton Morley aka Cutter, combining his past perfectly with justification for his current line of work and his views. Prudence Goode waltzed right in and threw Morley for a wild ride. They were the perfect contrast and Prudence is one of my new favorite heroines by Ms. Byrne. Prudence threw him for a loop and watching Morley fall in love kept a smile on my face the whole time.

A Dark and Stormy Knight is the 7th book in the popular Victorian Rebels series. It can be read as a standalone, but many characters from previous books are either mentioned or make an appearance. So it might be a bit confusing for a new reader. Personally, I recommend at least reading The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo before picking this one up.

In this installment, our Chief Inspector Carlton Morley FINALLY gets his HEA! Such a long-awaited book! During the day, Morley is the most law-abiding police officer of them all. But at night, he becomes the Knight of Shadows, a vigilante seeking justice when the law's constraining regulations prevent him from legally punishing those who deserve it. One night, his investigation leads him to a brothel, where the heroine, Prudence Goode, quite literally falls in his lap. Prudence is engaged to a man who flaunts his infidelities and for one night only, she wants to seek her own pleasure. Pru and Morley spend one memorable night together and never expect to see each other again. Until 3 months later when Pru is accused of murder!

I really enjoyed this book! It wasn't as dark as I expected it to be and I honestly didn't envision Morley's story this way. But Kerrigan Byrne chose the perfect storyline for Morley and Pru! I really liked Pru and empathized with her a lot — her loneliness struck a chord with me. Morley was frustrating at first, but his deep love and passion for Pru totally makes up for it. Kerrigan Byrne's heroes are just so darn sexy and passionate!! As for the mystery, it was very predictable, but I didn't mind because the romance was great.

The next book is about Sebastian Moncrieff and I am so excited for it!! I hope he ends up with Veronica.

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.