A new Kerrigan Byrne always gets me excited. This continues the story set up from Courting Trouble. It was obvious from the moment that met at the end of that book that there was a serious spark between Raphael and Mercy Goode and this book did not disappoint. The issue though is I think this book needed a couple more pages to develop the character and their story line. Everything felt quite rushed except scenes between the brothers which I really enjoyed. I also liked seeing Morley and Titus.

I am so looking forward to Gabriel and Felicity! These babies deserve all the love.
Thanks to NetGalley and Gnarly Wool Publishing for the ARC
( )

Dancing with Danger
3 Stars

Unfortunately, Byrne's change of publisher has had a detrimental effect on her works. The books in this spin-off from the Victorian Rebels series are shorter novellas instead of full-length novels, and this has resulted in insufficient characterization and underdeveloped plots. Moreover, there are numerous spelling and grammar errors throughout the book. This is truly disappointing as Byrne is an imaginative and creative writer.

The introduction of Raphael Sauvageau and his brother, Gabriel, at the end of the previous installment, was very intriguing, and his romance with Mercy Goode has tremendous potential. Regrettably, it remains unfulfilled as Mercy and Raphael's insta-lust romance does little more than go through the motions. They have no chemistry and their sex scenes lack true emotion and intimacy.

In addition to the romance, Byrne has also attempted to include two different suspense plots. Alas, the smaller number of pages makes it impossible to fully develop these storylines and both are convoluted and unsatisfying. The first revolves around the murder of a young socialite. However, the dearth of clues and the lack of any actual investigation means that nothing actually happens and the ultimate reveal of the villain and motive have absolutely no foundation in the book.

The second thread focusing on Gabriel and Raphael's attempt to extricate themselves from the criminal gang is woefully inadequate. Aside from some background on their history, the true nature of the gang's activities as well as the internal conflicts and loyalties are non-existent. Readers are informed of Gabriel and Raphael's plans through conversations rather than shown through actions.

Despite these issues, the climax of the story at the Midnight Masquerade is well-written and exciting. Moreover, the hints at a romance between Felicity, Mercy's quiet and shy twin, and Gabriel, Raphael's huge and disfigured brother, are much more compelling. I will be reading their story next, and I truly hope that Byrne manages to overcome the recent obstacles with her publishing. ( )

4.75 Stars

I loved it.
Lots of FAST paced action.
Great Steamy ADULT scenes.
Mercy Goode was an amazing female lead. Had a blast reading about her.
Raphael Sauvageau had so much more to his character than you first think.
Both were great mc's.

The only part lacking just a teensy tiny bit was toward the end. Things kind of come to a quick'ish conclusion.
But, there is plenty of action, suspense, mystery and steamy loving throughout.
AND Sleuthing! Mostly on Mercy's part. Would love to have more of her amazing brain figuring out mysteries.
One part really threw me into an 'Omg, I didn't expect that!' jaw dropping moment.

I am loving this series and can't wait to read the next.

Thank you Mamacita for introducing me to this author.
I love you! ( )

I really enjoy Byrne's writing, so I was stoked to receive an advance copy for reviewing purposes. These are my honest opinions about it.

The first couple chapters of this book had been included as a teaser at the end of the book before it, and they were so good. I've been champing at the bit ever since. The highlight for me was the hero. Byrne writes excellent dark heros! This one is an underworld kingpin, and it's juxtaposed so delightfully with his feelings for the heroine. He's hard and dangerous, etc. etc. and yet also finds the heroine fascinating, and clever, and adorable, and can't help but be drawn to her. It was a joy to watch. He's also quite charming, and he didn't spend half the book trying to deny having feelings, they're just new for him and a bit inconvenient. =D I liked his relationship to his brother as well, and this book made me even more interested to read his story. It should be a good one.

The heroine in comparison didn't entirely win me over, but I liked her well enough to enjoy them together and wish her well. She's a tad bit childish I thought, though not too bad, and she has a temper that didn't feel entirely reasonable (it wasn't full blown tantrums or anything, but it felt a little reminiscent of them), and a bit churlish and impulsive. But, she was clever in her field of interest, and she cared about her people, and she was brave I suppose. I think she's 20 in the book, and she may be someone I would enjoy more by the time she's 30 or something. She's been sheltered and that would her her a little more life under her belt to give her a better understanding of the world beyond her small corner of it. A bit more perspective. My feelings about it might also be a little exacerbated by the stark contrast with the hero who had to grow up early and has had lots of struggles and is quite worldly. And he's 30 I believe. So he had a head start. =)

I could have used a few more pieces of information to get to know her twin sister better. The seed for interest between her and his brother was planted the very first time they met a book or two ago. So I'm already here for it. But I feel like I have more of a handle now on who he is and where he's coming from, and she's still largely a blank page. I'm sure her most interesting points will come out well in her own book though, that's often the way with the quiet ones.

I'm not sure the mystery in the story quite gives enough clues that you could solve it before getting a few final ones near the end, but it wasn't painfully obvious the entire time either, which I definitely appreciate. (I wasn't really in it for the mystery either way, =P but it gives them some opportunities to share information and things, so it serves its purpose well enough).

This book could probably stand on its own, but I recommend reading the series in order, (and the others are good too). I read the entire book the very day I recieved it and it brought me great joy. =D I will definitely read it again at some point, and I'm already looking forward to the next one! ( )

Dancing with Danger by Kerrgan Byrne
A Goode Girls Romance #3

This was a delightful short romp of a romance that was exciting, engaging and a wee bit unbelievable but oh so very fun to read!

What I liked:
* Mercy: made me laugh as she sleuthed and tried to be so wise. A good sister, curious, intrigued by Raphael and seemed prone to getting into trouble.
* Raphael: strong, lethal, smart, giving, cunning, and definitely hero material even if a ruthless criminal. He was intrigued by Mercy and found her difficult to resist.
* The romance between Mercy and Raphael – the dance between them was fun to watch.
* Gabriel: I want to know more about him and about his backstory. I am hoping he has a book of his own.
* Felicity: Mercy’s twin but her opposite in temperament, good sister, giving, kind and worth of a book of her own.
* Wondering who Felicity will end up with as there seems to be more than one man as a potential love interest.
* The hints at the back stories of Raphael and Gabriel.
* That one of the plot possibilities was thwarted (whew).
* That there was an eventual HEA for Mercy and Raphael.
* Everything really except…

What I didn’t like:
* DI Trout…for more reasons than one.
* The way Raphael and Gabriel were raised and what they must have suffered.
* Having to wait to find out what will happen next.

NOTE: This can be read without previous books BUT I think having read the previous books might make this easier to understand and perhaps more believable.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars ( )