The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Byrne Pages: 384
Length: 9 hours 59 minutes
Series: Victorian Rebels #6
Genres: Historical Romance
Setting: England
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Narrator: Derek Perkins
Also in this series: The Scot Beds His Wife
Also by this author: The Scot Beds His Wife, How to Love a Duke in Ten Days, All Scot and Bothered, The Devil in Her Bed
Goodreads
The bravest of heroes. The brashest of rebels. The boldest of lovers. These are the men who risk their hearts and their souls—for the passionate women who dare to love them…
He is known only as The Rook. A man with no name, no past, no memories. He awakens in a mass grave, a magnificent dragon tattoo on his muscled forearm the sole clue to his mysterious origins. His only hope for survival—and salvation—lies in the deep, fiery eyes of the beautiful stranger who finds him. Who nurses him back to health. And who calms the restless demons in his soul…
A LEGENDARY LOVE
Lorelei will never forget the night she rescued the broken dark angel in the woods, a devilishly handsome man who haunts her dreams to this day. Crippled as a child, she devoted herself to healing the poor tortured man. And when he left, he took a piece of her heart with him. Now, after all these years, The Rook has returned. Like a phantom, he sweeps back into her life and avenges those who wronged her. But can she trust a man who’s been branded a rebel, a thief, and a killer? And can she trust herself to resist him when he takes her in his arms?
“Byrne is a force in the genre.”—RT Book Reviews
Ok, so truth time: The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo and Kerrigan Bryne came HIGHLY recommended from several trusted book buddies (mostly, Renee at Addicted to Romance). When she tells me she loved a book, usually I will as well. So, I dove into this book with high expectations.
We are introduced to our characters at different ages. First, when they are young, then 20 years later. Lorelei is one of those characters you will love instantly. She is sweet, kind, and compassionate. She is also desperate for love because her brother is a mega douche! The story gave me a bit of a Princess Bride vibe (which I love). She the titled daughter, he is a nobody, they fall in love, he disappears only to return years later on the eve of her wedding as a pirate.
Ash/The Rook never forgot about Lorelei and waited 20 years to claim her. But, now Lorelei is pissed as hell at him! For 20 years she was subjected to her horrid brother and Ash broke his only promise to her. Obviously, he has reasons and you, the reader, have to wait with Lorelei to figure out what is going on with him. I loved these two together even after he became the ruthless Rook. They are so different, yet perfect for one another.
I was in love with The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo! Even when The Rook was being a douche, I was rooting for him and Lorelei! These characters are lovable in so many ways. If you are fans of the second chance romance, I think this gives the trope a unique twist. If you love the fairytale type feel of a story, Ash and Lorelei’s story will enchant you!
If you are an audiobook fan, Derek Perkins is flawless! His narration is wonderful throughout the story!
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: secret identity, forced marriage, second chance
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series
- Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
- HEA: View Spoiler »
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The Princess Bride by William Goldman, The Highland Chieftain by Amy Jarecki, Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean…then you will probably like The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo!
The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo
Holly enjoyed the first half of this book and not so much the second part but thanks for sharing your thoughts because I’m still going to add that to my to buy list. Great review, Sam!
Lovely review you have here darling. I am so HAPPY you grabbed this book up and LOVED it like I did. These two were so good together, and I loved Rook.