Publication Date: 02/02/2016
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Imprint: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 432
ISBN-10: 1250076064
ISBN-13: 978-1250076069
(Received for an honest review from St. Martin's Paperbacks)
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, itunes
Kerrigan Byrne on the WEB: Website , Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads
Books in the series:
Victorian Rebel
1. The Highwayman
2. The Hunter
Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.
Excerpt from The Hunter, courtesy of MacMillan Publishers
Synopsis:
They're rebels, scoundrels, and blackguards--dark, dashing men on the wrong side of the law. But for the women who love them, a hint of danger only makes the heart beat faster...
A scandalous proposal...
Christopher Argent lives in the shadows as the empire's most elite assassin. Emotion is something he tossed away years ago, making him one of the most clear-eyed, cold-hearted, wealthiest, and therefore untouchable men in London. But when his latest target turns out to be London's own darling, Millicent LeCour, Christopher's whole world is turned upside down. Overwhelmed by her stunning combination of seduction and innocence, Christopher cannot complete the mission. She has made him feel again. Now, he will do anything to save her life, even if it means risking his own...
A perilous passion...
When Millie learns what Christopher was hired to do, she is torn between the fear in her heart and the fire in her soul. Putting herself in this notorious hunter's arms may be her only path to safety--even if doing so could be the deadliest mistake she's ever made. But how can she resist him? As the heat between her and Christopher burns out of control, danger lurks in the shadows. Is their desire worth the risk? Only the enemy knows what fate has in store...
Thoughts:
Kerrigan Byrne returns with the second book in the Victorian Rebel's series, The Hunter. After receiving many accolades for the first book in the series, some might wonder if the second book can compete. The Hunter is just as action filled and romantic as the The Highwayman. There are many contrasts in the two books that readers will appreciate. This isn't the same story, rehashed or changed a little. It's a completely different tale of love and danger, murder and and redemption. A great new story from and up and coming author!
What I liked:
Oh, where to start! As a reviewer, I read a lot of different books, historical romance to paranormal fantasy and I see a lot of author's who are very talented and others that are so-so. Kerrigan Byrne is one of those exceptions to the rule. One of those authors that throws all of your expectations and ideas of what makes a good romance out the window and makes you redefine what you believe about the genre.
Byrne's latest book, The Hunter is a novel that will make readers stand up and take notice. They will enjoy her lyrical prose and revel in her attention to detail. The Victorian era will come alive for them. But, there is something more here. Something that will make the reader think, ponder and mull over what makes a man or a woman, evil? Can evil ever be changed to good or at least something better? Is there hope for one who could be considered the villain in more ways than one? This one was thought provoking, eloquent and an enormously satisfying novel. I can already tell you, this will be one of my favorites of the year.
The hero is a dark one. Christopher is an assassin. He isn't a good guy masquerading as a bad guy, he is the real thing. Cold, calculating, appearing to have no conscience. He doesn't kill for the good of the realm he kills for money. He isn't a white knight and if he bargains with you, it will cost you dearly. Byrne does a fantastic job with this character. She makes you believe in the hero's pain and desperation. But she also makes you believe he can be saved. That love can change even the cruel of people. That it can heal long festered scars and pain. What a great character!
Millie is an actress, a beauty, an independent woman and a mother. How did she become the target of an assassin? It's a long story! Needless to say when she is faced with a man like Christopher Argent, she may be no match for his force and strength,but in every other way she is a worthy counterpart. I liked her passion and fiery nature. When faced with a choice she makes the best decision for herself and her son. I thought she had spunk and determination in spades. Another great heroine!
What I didn't like:
This isn't really something I didn't like. It's just something to keep in mind. In order for Byrne to establish the credibility of Christopher as both an assassin and an all around villainous person, she had to make the reader see his depravity. In doing that, the first chapter of this book is not for the faint of heart. It's graphic. It's vile and painful and it's necessary to the story. I wouldn't have bought Christopher as the hero any other way. I wouldn't have been nearly as invested in him were it written any other way. Well done, but not everyone's cup of tea. Just be apprised of this and don't let it decide the tone of the book for you, because there is sooo much more.
Bottom Line:
If you are a historical romance fan and do not read this book, I would have to say you are crazy. It's just that good. It's intense and passionate and full of surprises. If you haven't tried the genre and this is your first book, it might ruin you for life... LOL! It's just that good. Read it, think about it and fall in love with... I dare ya!
The Hunter is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.
I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
About the Author:
Her Newest release, THE HUNTER, has been named the one of Amazon's best books of the Month for 2016!
She lives at the base of the Rocky Mountains with her handsome husband and three lovely teenage girls, but dreams of settling on the Pacific Coast.
Kerrigan loves to hear from her readers!
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