THE HIGHWAYMAN is Book 1 in Kerrigan Byrne's Victorian Rebels series. I love THE HIGHWAYMAN! It is a little bit WUTHERING HEIGHTS, a little bit PRINCESS BRIDE, with a lot of sexy thrown in. Dorian Blackwell, the Blackheart of Ben More, has the perfect devotion of Buttercup's Westley and is just as much of a dichotomy, but he has Heathcliff's disposition.

I love a good gothic romance, and THE HIGHWAYMAN has many qualities of one. Chapter One acts as a prologue that helps the reader understand the heroine and her lost love. The windswept backdrop, a castle, hidden passageways, and a hint of Scotland Yard all help paint a vivid narrative and make a riveting story. There is some very real danger coming from two different directions, which adds another layer of excitement to the story. However, I'm happy that the focus is on the complicated and beautiful love story. Kerrigan Byrne does a wonderful job of delving into Dorian's past suffering without being repetitive. Dorian is a shrewd master of manipulation, a Robin Hood figure, and a passionate man. I love the journey Kerrigan Byrne takes the reader on, following Dorian's evolution and redemption.

I like that THE HIGHWAYMAN has a strong and pragmatic heroine who doesn't wilt at the first whiff of trouble or when confronted with so many dangerous characters. Farah is an intelligent and compassionate heroine as well as being extremely likable. I like that THE HIGHYWAYMAN is told from two perspectives, giving the story depth. The fevered eroticism is delicious and the passion builds as the story progresses. Kerrigan Byrne strikes exactly the right chord of poignancy without it devolving into melodrama.

THE HIGHWAYMAN is a delightfully gothic Victorian romance with great storytelling and unforgettable characters. I look forward to reading more about Dorian's friend Christopher Argent. I eagerly await the next book in Kerrigan Byrne's Victorian Rebels series!