Byrne's fourth Victorian Rebels novel (after The Highlander), set in late 19th-century England, overflows with passion and mystery as one woman tries to keep her past hidden. Imogen Pritchard works as a nurse by day and a barmaid at night. Despite her protestations, the owner of the bar prostitutes her to the Duke of Trenwyth, Collin Talmage, for a large sum. When the battle-scarred duke is her patient a year later, he fails to recognize her; when Imogen marries an elderly peer and he leaves her a wealthy widow, the duke (who is now her neighbor) only sees the deplorable stream of poor and needy people she invites into her home. But when he learns that someone has threatened Imogen, Collin feels obligated to protect her. He is surprised by his increasing interest in her given his initial dislike. As his attraction and admiration grow, Imogen tries to keep him at arm's length, even though she has never forgotten the night they spent together and wishes there could be another. Byrne's complex characterizations make her characters believable and real in this page-turning novel full of historical details and sensuous romance.
I found this book hard to put down. It is the fourth in the series, but I felt it stood alone. Ms. Byrne's style of writing is not the usual historical romance. There are a lot of incidents of despair, violence, grit, but hope grows and shows the way to love. This is Cole's story, and he is battle-hardened with scars inside and out. The only thing keeping him going is the one night he spent with a woman who made him feel. Imogen did not forget that night either, but the outlook for her future became bleak so she took the option to help her step out of the filth. As they come together again, the secrets stay front and center until danger is knocking on Imogen's door. I highly recommend this book and the series, but be prepared for a darker journey toward the light.
I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and it is a Book Obsessed Chicks Star Review selection. This is my unsolicited review.
I received an ARC of the book in exchange for a review.
I loved this book. There was much tension and chemistry between Imogen and Cole. Cole is a multi-faceted, flawed character and had a great deal to work through. Imogen through being who she was forced Cole to reevaluate his biases and life in general. The interaction between these two characters kept me turning pages along with the events that were happening in the story.
This is the first book I've read by Kerrigan Byrne and I will definitely be reading the other books in this series.