The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo
4.5 Stars

The latest installment in the Victorian Rebels series is just one incredible revelation after another and it keeps the reader guessing from start to finish.

This review will be short so as to avoid spoiling any of the surprises interspersed throughout. Suffice it to say that the romance between the pirate known only as the Rook and the shy and sheltered Lorelai is intense and emotional. The love these two share is awe-inspiring.

While Lorelai is not the kick-ass heroine that I usually prefer, she has her own brand of strength and spirit that complement's the Rook's darker and harsher traits. Moreover, her sweet and caring nature is the perfect balm for his traumatic experiences.

All in all, a wonderful story with surprises in virtually every chapter. ( )

3.75 Stars ( )

I quite enjoyed this, read it in one sitting. I do wish I had read the previous books; this is not a full-on stand alone, as I get the sense that it built off previous stories. I picked it up for the disabled, traumatized heroine, hoping for some good angst, but this is plot-heavy and kind of romance-light (unless you count the sex). I am vaguely interested in the setup for a later romance for the abused sister-in-law, but not terribly keen on the hero, tbh. ( )

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, and then the next three were just okay for me, so I was feeling bummed that the series seemed to be petering out. But I loved this one and it has me excited all over again for the next two books in the series to come out!

2nd read- I really just enjoy this one. The hero is hardened and dangerous, but also practically worships the heroine, (and for actual qualities even, not just because she was beautiful across a ballroom or something), that juxtaposition is so much fun to read! Events are dramatic, with memory loss and pirates and all, but it really doesn't feel contrived or that it's drama just for drama's sake. And there's lots of thoughts and events from the hero's perspective.

3rd read- Dang, this hero has had such a brutal, violent past, and it's made him into a brutal, violent man. And then the heroine is so big-hearted, and sweet, and kind of timid. lol. He could so easily squish her into the dirt, but instead she becomes his everything. It's quite a tale, and one I thoroughly enjoy. ( )

My least favourite of the books so far. I could not connect with the Hero in this one, and the sudden change of heart in the Heroine seemed rushed. The twist of this story was mostly beautiful. I'm not sure redeemable one of the characters will be for his own novel, though. Also, I thought there would some kinky scenes in here, and there were not. ( )