Showing posts with label bad boys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bad boys. Show all posts

Early Book Review: The Duke (Victorian Rebels) by Kerrigan Byrne

The Duke is the forth book in the Victorian Rebels series by Kerrigan Byrne and is currently scheduled for release on February 7 2017. The previous books are (in order) The Highwayman, The Hunter, and The Highlander. You do not need to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but the books are all great fun and give series readers a little extra insight on the secondary characters of this story and the missing time of Collin's life. I some how missed reading book two, which I do plan on remedying as soon as possible.


They say that now His Grace, Collin Talmage, Duke of Trenwyth has only one hand, he might finally be a mere mortal, but no one seems willing to test the theory. Rich as Midas, big as a Viking, beautiful as Adonis, and lethal as a feral wolf, he is the English Empire’s golden son. But now he’s lost everything. Most of his family died in a terrible accident, his protégé and closest friend betrayed him on the battlefield, and his left hand was cut off while he was a prisoner of war. The only thing that’s kept him going until now is the memory of a night spent in the arms of a mysterious raven-haired woman almost a year ago. Imogen Pritchard is a nurse by day, but a fallen woman by night. Seduced on the job years ago by a Duke who mourned for the loss of his family, Imogen has never shaken the memory of the man’s despair or the pleasure he brought to her. But as the threat of betrayals, blackmail, and secrets abound, Imogen and Collin are thrown back together in a dizzying swirl of dangerous games.

The Duke covers a good chunk of time, and like the previous Victorian Rebels books features a strong broody male and a woman that has seen some of the worst ills of society and the treatment of women and the poor of their time.  Imogen's struggles to pay off her father's gambling debt lead her to working to jobs to protect what is left of her family. When fate turns against her she takes steps to hide the things she has been forced to do, and to secure her younger sister's future. The fact that she cannot forget the man that took her virtue and than her job despite saving his life makes things even harder. Collin has faced loss and betrayal. He hunts for the woman that granted him peace before a disastrous mission does nothing but offer disappointment. Little does he know that she saved his life and is right next door. The secrets and danger color every exchange and keep things very interesting. I liked the level of intrigue and think that the understanding of both sides of the story make it very compelling. Stubbornness and fear are at the heart of the conflicts between Collin and Imogen- and seeing them find their way to each other was highly entertaining, though very emotional at times. I will admit to not knowing the full extent of who the serial killer was, and that aspect of the story was full of twists and turns. I am interested to see what might be next for one secondary character in particular, and fully expect more in this series.


The Duke is another solid historical romance from Byrne. Readers that are already fans will not want to miss it, and new readers who enjoy romance with secrets and strong characters will become new fans.

Early Book Review: Zero to Sixty (Body Shop Bad Boys) by Marie Harte

Zero to Sixty is the third book in the Body Shop Bad Boys series by Marie Harte. It is currently scheduled for release on February 7 2017. The first two books were Test Drive and Roadside Assistance. While the previous books add to the character development, you will be able to enjoy the heart of the story without the previous books. However, they are great reads, so you might as well read them in order. If you don’t, the quality of this book will have you going back to see what you missed anyway. 

After her last relationship bombed, Ivy Stephens is doing her best to put her life back together. She's enjoying her job, her apartment, and the cute little puppy she's seen hanging around. In the search for the puppy she encounters a big, burly, devastatingly handsome man. Sam Hamilton is lonelier than he's ever been after his best friend's engagement. To give himself a sense of purpose, he takes in a puppy that keeps showing up around the garage where he works. The puppy has another suitor though, one who happens to be blond and beautiful. Can two wounded souls find happiness together?

Zero to Sixty is another solid contemporary romance by Harte, with characters that are scarred and scared to love. Ivy is tired of being used, and wants to start fresh. She has a good job that she loves, and now a stray puppy to love. She is not sure she is ready to dive into a new relationship, but she cannot help herself with the gentle giant, even if she is a little nervous. Sam is used to being seen as scary and worthless except by a few. He does not want to scare Ivy, but is drawn to her and wants nothing more than to be a part of her life. His scars run deep, and he worries about his self worth and hurting Ivy more than he cares about his own well being. I could picture the sheepish look on his face several times throughout the book as he struggled to communicate and find his way with Ivy. The characters were each complex, but so well written that I felt like I really knew them. Honestly, by the end I wanted to give poor Sam a hug and knock a few heads myself. The ride was emotional, funny, and heartwarming. I loved that Ivy and Sam took the time to communicate and explain their faults, fears, and pasts even as they each worried that it would drive the other away. This was another great story from Harte, and one that has me wondering what is in store for Lou and his love life next.


Zero to Sixty is a fast and fun ride, that includes a good deal of self reflection and healing for a couple. If you have enjoyed the earlier books in the series, you will enjoy this one as well.