(Victorian Rebels, #3)
Genre: Historical Romance (Victorian)
Cover Blurb:
Can the fiercest master of battle conquer a woman’s heart?
They call him the Demon Highlander. The fearsome Lieutenant Colonel Liam MacKenzie is known for his superhuman strength, towering presence, and fiery passion in the heat of battle. As Laird to the MacKenzie clan, the undefeated Marquess has vanquished his foes with all rage and wrath of his barbaric Highland ancestors. But when an English governess arrives to care for his children, the master of war finds himself up against his greatest opponent… in the game of love.
Defying all expectations, Miss Philomena is no plain-faced spinster but a ravishing beauty with voluptuous curves and haughty full lips that rattle the Laird to his core. Unintimidated by her master’s raw masculinity and savage ways, the headstrong lass manages to tame not only his wild children but the beast in his soul. With each passing day, Liam grows fonder of Miss Mena—and more suspicious. What secret is she hiding behind those emerald eyes? What darkness brought her to his keep? And how can he conquer this magnificent woman’s heart… without surrendering his own?
♥♥♥♥♥♥
Once again, I was completely immersed in the dark, intense and compelling world of Kerrigan Byrne’s Victorian Rebels and the passionate love story between Liam and Mena.
The story opens with a powerful Prologue that had me totally riveted to the pages. Ms. Byrne does not shy away from depicting the harrowing events of Liam’s youth and how his violent, abusive, sadistic father tried to shape Liam in his own image. It isn’t easy reading but it gave me a real understanding of Liam’s character; his fear that the same tainted blood runs through his veins and that he would one day become a monster just like his father; the decision he is forced to make to protect is brothers; his belief that by becoming a soldier he could expunge his violent tendencies on the battlefield but all the violence and bloodshed only serves to confirm his belief that he is unworthy of peace or happiness.
The scars he carried upon his soul were horrid and deep as those on his back. Some of the wounds remained open and bleeding, poisoning his chances at happiness or peace.
Mena’s life has been hellish too. Mentally and physically abused by her husband for the past five years, he has now had her committed to an asylum (the reason forms part of the plot of the previous book, The Hunter, and, for those who haven’t yet read that book, I am avoiding spoilers). Once again, Ms. Byrne conveys the chilling reality of Mena’s suffering and abuse in graphic realism and it is not for the faint hearted. These scenes are a powerful indictment of Victorian society, where those without a voice could be committed to such a terrible fate without redress.
I love the scene where Mena is on her way to Ravencroft Keep, Liam’s home, and the carriage wheel fractures. The driver sets off to the keep to get help and, in the meantime, a group of dirty, bedraggled highlanders appear. Liam demands she open the door but Mena refuses point blank, not believing for one minute that he is the marquess. Their exchanges are so funny but, more than anything, I love how Mena has the courage to refuse to do as Liam says, particularly as he shows every sign of exploding at any moment!
“Do you happen to have any proof of your lordship or nobility?” she suggested, blinking pleased, expectant eyes at him as though she’d offered some sort of foolproof plan. “A signet ring, perhaps, or a seal of—”
“The fact that I havena torn this carriage apart with my bare hands is proof enough of my nobility,” he growled through lips drawn tight over his teeth. “Now open the bloody door.”
“I’m sorry, but no.” She shut the window.
It’s obvious that Liam loves his children and has done everything he could to protect them but, after such a long absence, he doesn’t know to relate to his grown-up son and daughter. I love the scenes between Mena and Liam’s children, especially the one where she has a rather clever way of persuading Andrew to read the three classics. I also enjoyed seeing the loving relationship flourishing between Liam and his children.
I like how Ms. Byrne builds the romance slowly. Yes, there is lots of sizzling sexual tension, desire and passion…
The moment they’d met had been like the whisper of a storm kissing a hot, humid day with a blessed chill. The promise of something dark and exciting gathered on the horizon, and Mena had watched that storm rumble closer with every instant they’d spent together. Every time she’d banked the fires that blazed in his eyes. Every time he’d ignited heat into her cold heart.
but they also get to know each other and share their tragic pasts. I love how two such mismatched people are so perfect for each other. Mena finds a man she can trust who will protect and cherish her and allow her to be strong, while Liam finds a woman who accepts him for who he is and offers him the chance to protect rather than hurt and finally find peace.
I liked the secondary characters especially Jani, Liam’s Indian valet, Liam’s children and Liam’s brother, Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne, whose story will be told in THE SCOT BEDS HIS WIFE (October 3rd 2017). I was also intrigued by the references to the Duke of Trewyth and look forward to reading his story in THE DUKE.
While the main focus of the story is the romance, there is an element of drama in the form of a malevolent force within the keep and Mena’s husband’s attempt to institutionalize Mena again. Dorian Blackwell (The Highwayman) and Christopher Argent (The Hunter) prove their worth as allies for Liam and this fearsome trio show no mercy when exacting revenge on those who have harmed Mena.
MY VERDICT: Another superb addition to this darkly compelling series. Highly recommended.
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS
SENSUALITY RATING: HOT
Victorian Rebels series to date (click on the book covers for more details):
Lovely review of another fantastic book by Kerrigan Byrne. I loved The Duke, and I’m betting you will, too.
Thank you so much, Rose. I have loved the first three books and I’m sure I will love The Duke too.
I’ve read the first three and loved them. I’ve got The Duke on order. Kerrigan is an awesome Author and keeps me spellbound with her writing/
Diane, I agree that Kerrigan is such an amazing writer and I have The Duke on my priority reading list.
Great review, Carol. I’ve just completed The Duke, it’s an excellent story, as is usual with Kerrigan Byrne. Not sure the male protagonist is a very endearing character – nevertheless a brilliant, dark story which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you, Wendy. I always think Kerrigan doesn’t try to redeem her heroes because nothing can ever erase their past deeds; she just offers them a different path in life.
He’s a bit of an irascible so and so! I still loved the story though. My favourite character is definitely The Highlander 😛
Great Review…loved this book….The Duke is the next one…you will love it too!!
Thank you so much, Jaci. 🙂 I have The Duke on my priority reading list.
Your reviews are always terrific, Carol, and this one is no exception. I LOVE this series and I agree that Ms. Byrne does not try to redeem her heroes as much as enlighten their path. but if you are anything like me, after reading this one you need a light and fluffy ballroom read.
Ahh! What a lovely thing to say, Dot! I know what you mean about wanting to read something lighter because, after reading The Highlander, I read Devil in Spring.
I now own all 4 books to date & really need to get started. Thank you for the excellent review!
Thank you for being so complimentary about the review, Sharlene. I always appreciate feedback.
The first three books are excellent but they are very dark in tone and I find I need to read something lighter in between. I have The Duke down to read in June.
I have been mixing things up, too. I go back and forth between contemporary and historical, paperbacks and ebooks. Lighter toned mixed with the dark.