The Highwayman

To Tempt a Highlander Series # 1

By: Kerrigan Byrne

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award, Romance, 2016

Dorian Blackwell, the Blackheart of Ben More, is a ruthless villain. Scarred and hard-hearted, Dorian is one of Victorian London's wealthiest, most influential men who will stop at nothing to wreak vengeance on those who've wronged him... and will fight to the death to seize what he wants. The lovely, still innocent widow Farah Leigh Mackenzie is no exception-and soon Dorian whisks the beautiful lass away to his sanctuary in the wild Highlands.... But Farah is no one's puppet. She possesses a powerful secret-one that threatens her very life. When being held captive by Dorian proves to be the only way to keep Farah safe from those who would see her dead, Dorian makes Farah a scandalous proposition: marry him for protection in exchange for using her secret to help him exact revenge on his enemies. But what the Blackheart of Ben More never could have imagined is that Farah has terms of her own, igniting a tempestuous desire that consumes them both. Could it be that the woman he captured is the only one who can touch the black heart he'd long thought dead?

©2015 Kerrigan Byrne (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Captured me from page one and never let go. Romantic, lush, and suspenseful." (Suzanne Enoch, author of The Devil Wears Kilts)

"[Narrator Derek] Perkins's command of accents and tone creates a cast of delightfully diverse characters.... Perkins's range of voices and timing makes for entertaining and telling repartee between the characters as well as adds to the suspense as the real villains of this romance reveal themselves." (AudioFile)

This story hits the heart with so much warmth

Story:
This book is written exquisitely! Each word isn’t too much or too little. Perfect flow and pacing.

The first chapter is absolutely adorable...and also tragic. I loved everything about this book: Farah Leigh’s nickname Fairy and her strength in kindness and free spirit. Dorian’s insecurities and protective nature despite the demons he faces from his trauma. How their love gives each other the strength to face the future.

Farah’s explanation for loving Dorian felt a little like pity but she genuinely cares for him and wants him to live a fulfilled life. This story isn’t exactly about reforming the bad guy per say as it is more of love heals and opens a closed heart to chances.

Narration:
I don’t mind Derek Perkin’s male voices. But instead of sounding like a fairy, he makes Farah sound like an old feeble grandma one breath away from her maker. And Farah’s friend, Gemma, sounds like the cackling witch from Hansel and Gretel. A clearer, higher tone and less rasping would be more suitable for the female parts in this story. (Edit: After listening to the rest of the series, you get used to his voice and it doesn't matter because the stories are so amazing!)

great story

This was not as predictable as most Bodice Rippers. Nice change. I loved the narrator. I will read more books by Kerrigan.

Kerrigan Byrne & Derek Perkins inseparable!!

Derek Perkins does a darn good job. As he did with the Beserker books.
Loved it! Captivated me from the very beginning (though at times it lagged a bit).
Very harsh at times but worth it. I'm going for another one.

AMAZING!

If you could sum up The Highwayman in three words, what would they be?

Oh my God!

What did you like best about this story?

EVERYTHING

What does Derek Perkins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He's perfect for the level of emotions that is the story. Perfect!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

YES, but there were too many to list here.

Any additional comments?

AMAZING! This was one of the best books I have ever read. I have never read a Kerrigan Byrne book before until this one, The Highwayman, which was just totally amazing from start to finish. The range of emotions that you will go through is quite vast, you become completely submerged into the story, as if you're inside the story yourself. Just be aware that you will not be able to do anything at all until you finish the book, such as, eating or drinking, and even breathing is sometimes difficult to do as well. So, pick a day, find a nice, quiet, comfortable stop, but don't forget surround yourself with life sustaining items, such as water and food, because you won't even care about anything at all until you have finished this wonderful book. I am serious! :)
I cannot wait until the next book in this series, but before starting the next book, I must eat something. :)

Great Story

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Highwayman?

The beginning. I do not like to give spoilers, however, the beginning was sad, sensitive, and very loving.

What about Derek Perkins’s performance did you like?

I love Derek Perkins

Any additional comments?

Some parts of this book was a little rough to listen to. I would have given it a 5 star if it wasn't for those parts. However, this book will hold your attention. I didn't want to stop listening.

Great Read!

Loved it. Great and sometimes sad story. Great ending. Absolutely LOVE Derek Perkins. Gonna try another by this author.

spellbinding

I seriously loved this audiobook. I was totally swept away in Farah and Dorian's story. The secondary characters were so entertaining. I loved them! Narration was very good.

Completely memorable. . .

I’ve been reading romance novels for more than forty years - and, “The Highwayman” will go down as one of my all time favorites. This audible version is expertly narrated by Derek Perkins. Every key character is developed fully, but not tediously - and you either adore or detest them. I was enchanted from start to finish. Bravo to Kerrigan Byrne!

* 3.5 Stars *

This is my first book by Kerrigan Byrne but it was recommended so much I knew I needed to give it a listen! I loved the innocent beginning with Dougan and Farah at the orphanage, it was sweet and showed the connection. Unfortunately their life took a turn for the worse and they become separated. The story picks up again 17 years later with Farah working at Scotland Yard where she comes face to face with Dorian Blackwell, an infamous criminal overlord. The story between Dorian and Farah was predictable in the big picture, there were little comments and descriptions that let me guess the truth. Luckily Kerrigan Byrne threw in enough little twists to keep the book interesting. I liked the story between Farah and Dorian, but I am not sure I liked Farah as an individual… I don’t really know why but she felt off to me. My feelings for Dorian are completely opposite, I loved him. I must have a weakness for the tortured hero because the devotion he had towards Farah all that time was just heart melting. I loved the side characters that were Dorians friends from prison, and I am curious about Argent’s story.
I absolutely love Highlander books but this was my first time listening to one instead of reading and it takes a little while to get used to. Derek Perkins was a new to me narrator and I was definitely thrown off with the voice and accent for the first chapter or so but he grew on , by the end I don’t think I could have pictured a different narrator for this book.

Yesssss!!!

This was my second historical romance book ever and I am officially neck deep in with this stuff!!! I am absolutely loving this genre and can't wait to continue to read more!!!