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Irish Hearts #3
Irish Dreams: Irish Rebel / Sullivan's Woman
"Irish Rebel" She was practically royalty--the daughter of a rich, renowned horse-breeding dynasty. He was just a hardworking horse trainer. But Brian Donnelly was in America now, where even he might aspire to possess the breathtaking Keeley Grant. Her wealth and position didn't deter Brian...for it was the innocence Keeley offered him that beguiled the wild Irish rebel and threatened to corral his restless heart.
"Sullivan's Woman"
Fired from yet another job, captivating model Cassidy St. John hardly expected the solution to her difficulties to come from an absolute stranger. When handsome, charismatic Colin Sullivan offered her a job modeling for one of his paintings, it seemed her troubles were over--but one look at his blue eyes and Cassidy knew they were only beginning....
"Sullivan's Woman"
Fired from yet another job, captivating model Cassidy St. John hardly expected the solution to her difficulties to come from an absolute stranger. When handsome, charismatic Colin Sullivan offered her a job modeling for one of his paintings, it seemed her troubles were over--but one look at his blue eyes and Cassidy knew they were only beginning....
425 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
33 people are currently reading
2055 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,227 books60.3k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
July 7, 2017
Sullivan's Woman was such a huge disappointment for me! A frail maiden falls in love with a moody, ride, arrogant jerk. Not bad enough? He treats her like crap, but at the end tells her he's been an assume because he fell in love with her. And, of course, she forgets how horrible he treated her and happily ever after. Seriously.
April 27, 2009
See my review for Irish Hearts as I have similar feelings about this one....Once again two novels in one. The first novel in this book continues the saga of the family in Irish Hearts....Enjoyable fluff yet again!!!
August 31, 2016
Irish Rebel 5 stars
I didn't expect to like this novel as much as I did. I never fell in love with Brian's character, in fact I found him snobbish, prejudicial, and proud, and I didn't like how he often "slipped into Gaelic," which seemed like overkill.
However, I loved Keeley's character. She was independent, kind, generous, and chased after and seduced the boy herself. I saw myself in some of her traits and actions, although she was a much better rounded person.
I also had loved Irish Thoroughbred (which is the story of Keeley's parents, Dee and Travis) and I was glad to see how they turned out, and get some of their story as well.
There was danger, excitement, passion, and fun. It was great.
Sullivan's Woman 3.5 stars
When Colin approaches Cassidy in the fog the first time, I found it very unrealistic how Cassidy reacted. She should have ran and screamed and not gone to have coffee with him! She had very little concern for her own safety. But the story slowly went uphill from there. Very slowly, because it really didn't appeal to me for about ¾ of it, but when I read the end the whole thing came together and I enjoyed it. I also really wanted to read it, because Irish Rebel was so good. I needed some Nora Roberts.
The story wasn't as rushed as I expected it to be, perhaps because the beginning dragged on in my opinion.
I was not in love with Colin until the very end, but I was in love with Jeff the whole way through.
And I really liked Cassidy's character. Even though she seemed dumb and naive at times, I couldn't help but like her because of the way she thought she was dumb and naive.
I didn't expect to like this novel as much as I did. I never fell in love with Brian's character, in fact I found him snobbish, prejudicial, and proud, and I didn't like how he often "slipped into Gaelic," which seemed like overkill.
However, I loved Keeley's character. She was independent, kind, generous, and chased after and seduced the boy herself. I saw myself in some of her traits and actions, although she was a much better rounded person.
I also had loved Irish Thoroughbred (which is the story of Keeley's parents, Dee and Travis) and I was glad to see how they turned out, and get some of their story as well.
There was danger, excitement, passion, and fun. It was great.
Sullivan's Woman 3.5 stars
When Colin approaches Cassidy in the fog the first time, I found it very unrealistic how Cassidy reacted. She should have ran and screamed and not gone to have coffee with him! She had very little concern for her own safety. But the story slowly went uphill from there. Very slowly, because it really didn't appeal to me for about ¾ of it, but when I read the end the whole thing came together and I enjoyed it. I also really wanted to read it, because Irish Rebel was so good. I needed some Nora Roberts.
The story wasn't as rushed as I expected it to be, perhaps because the beginning dragged on in my opinion.
I was not in love with Colin until the very end, but I was in love with Jeff the whole way through.
And I really liked Cassidy's character. Even though she seemed dumb and naive at times, I couldn't help but like her because of the way she thought she was dumb and naive.
December 18, 2011
The two stories in this book are Irish Rebel and Sullivan's Woman.
Irish Rebel. This was a fairly typical romance book... girl doesn't care for boy then falls madly in love while boy fights his feelings. Pretty typical for a Nora Roberts short story actually. Brian comes from Ireland to America to train Keeley's family's racehorses and the two of them come together even though he doesn't think that he thinks that he is not in the same class as her. I liked Brians character throughout the entire story, but Keeley's didn't come off as likable. But most of the characters are very likeable and the story flows really well.
Sullivan's Woman. This story is what brought the rating down to a 2 star. She had such a vibrant interesting character in Cassidy and in my opinion failed to give Colin any real substance in the story. He's a great painter, rude and has a think for jerking women's hair around but no real substance about who he is. I just couldn't get behind him as he never really showed anything that was worth anyone's time. I think he could have been a good character but this story failed in that aspect of him.
Irish Rebel. This was a fairly typical romance book... girl doesn't care for boy then falls madly in love while boy fights his feelings. Pretty typical for a Nora Roberts short story actually. Brian comes from Ireland to America to train Keeley's family's racehorses and the two of them come together even though he doesn't think that he thinks that he is not in the same class as her. I liked Brians character throughout the entire story, but Keeley's didn't come off as likable. But most of the characters are very likeable and the story flows really well.
Sullivan's Woman. This story is what brought the rating down to a 2 star. She had such a vibrant interesting character in Cassidy and in my opinion failed to give Colin any real substance in the story. He's a great painter, rude and has a think for jerking women's hair around but no real substance about who he is. I just couldn't get behind him as he never really showed anything that was worth anyone's time. I think he could have been a good character but this story failed in that aspect of him.
June 11, 2016
Okay I'll be honest, I only read the first one. It was the reason I bought it, I wanted to see more Travis and Dee, and was curious about their children. The second one didn't seem interesting. I may read it at a later date or something.
Brian was snobby and a bit emotionally immature, but he was a hard worker, full of respect and I loved how when he discovered she was innocent, the game faded away.
Keely was strongwilled, independent, hardworking and very determined, she was definitely her parents child
Brian was snobby and a bit emotionally immature, but he was a hard worker, full of respect and I loved how when he discovered she was innocent, the game faded away.
Keely was strongwilled, independent, hardworking and very determined, she was definitely her parents child
May 26, 2012
this was a follow up to Irish hearts and it holds 2 short story's...the first story had characters from hearts and was a cute and fun read, but the 2nt had new people and the only thing that was the same was he was Irish...I wanted more from the characters i new and loved. also it didn't flow as well as most of Nora's books :(
September 16, 2007
this had two books in 1. It was a decent summer read for the beach which is exactly where I read it.
March 24, 2008
I like how they put two similar books together in one book. This book is a good one to read on a plane or on the beach.
July 23, 2013
A perfect read for vacation or a day at the beach. Light hearted, fun, and plenty of fun scenes to distract you from the rest of the world around you.
March 28, 2008
Typical Nora Roberts novel, easy reading, fun story!
March 22, 2018
Irish Rebel 3.5 rounded up. Sullivan's Woman 4 stars. Author Nora Roberts delivers romance times two in this two in one novel called Irish Dreams. In Irish Rebel, part three in a trilogy which I didn't realize or I would have read book 1 first, Brian Donnelly assumes Keely Grant is like any other rich man's daughter: pampered, spoiled and icy underneath all the glitz. but, after going to her father's horse ranch to work, he realizes there is more to Keely than meets the eye. Determined to make it on her own, she has a horse training academy for troubled youth and disadvantaged children. he sees her passion for her work and her animals and falls head over heels. However, Brian is not a stay in one place kind of guy. will Keely's heart of gold and strong will be enough to tame this Irish Rebel?
In Sullivan's Woman, Cassidy St. John has just lost her job in a dress boutique. She is just too honest for her own good. Besides, her passion is for writing. When Collin Sullivan offers her a modeling job, she jumps at the chance to keep the worlf from the door. but is there more to Sullivan than meets the eye and can she trust her heart not to get too involved. After all, it's just a job.. or is it..?
In Sullivan's Woman, Cassidy St. John has just lost her job in a dress boutique. She is just too honest for her own good. Besides, her passion is for writing. When Collin Sullivan offers her a modeling job, she jumps at the chance to keep the worlf from the door. but is there more to Sullivan than meets the eye and can she trust her heart not to get too involved. After all, it's just a job.. or is it..?
July 3, 2025
This is two stories in one package:
Irish Rebel - 3 stars. I should have loved this book because it had horses and Irishmen, but I could not like the MC Brian. Any guy that thinks he can restrain or put his hands all over a woman is rude & offensive. Additionally, he's close-minded and hung up on class, which means he doesn't see and evaluate people as individuals. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator annoyed me with her breathy words and odd cadence, but I did appreciate her voices and accents.
Sullivan's Woman -2 stars. Again, I should have loved this story about painting, artists, and Irishmen, but I did not like the MC Collin. He was moody, temperamental, violent, and self absorbed. There's absolutely nothing attractive about a man who's constantly pulling on a woman's hair as a means to control her. This character was a string of red flags and we're supposed to swoon simply because he's cute, a talented artist, and Irish? That's a big NO. This story was originally released in 1984, but this sort of behavior was not acceptable then either so please don't go there with me.
Irish Rebel - 3 stars. I should have loved this book because it had horses and Irishmen, but I could not like the MC Brian. Any guy that thinks he can restrain or put his hands all over a woman is rude & offensive. Additionally, he's close-minded and hung up on class, which means he doesn't see and evaluate people as individuals. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator annoyed me with her breathy words and odd cadence, but I did appreciate her voices and accents.
Sullivan's Woman -2 stars. Again, I should have loved this story about painting, artists, and Irishmen, but I did not like the MC Collin. He was moody, temperamental, violent, and self absorbed. There's absolutely nothing attractive about a man who's constantly pulling on a woman's hair as a means to control her. This character was a string of red flags and we're supposed to swoon simply because he's cute, a talented artist, and Irish? That's a big NO. This story was originally released in 1984, but this sort of behavior was not acceptable then either so please don't go there with me.
July 5, 2020
Two books in one. Both were very different, but both were set in the US. Irish Rebel was set in the horse country of Marilyn. Brian Donnelly, has come for a job interview when he sets eyes on the lovely daughter of the man he will be working for......and so the story continues.
Sullivan's Woman is set in San Francisco. Cassidy ST. John has just been fired from her latest job that helps pay her bills, she wants to be a writer, but hasn't found a publicher who will accept. She is walking on Fisherman's Wharf as the day is ending and the fog is thick she meets up with a man and thinks she is about to be robbed. Onc they are able to talk, he says he is an artist and wants to use her as a model.............she will be paid and still have time to work on her next book so she accepts the offer.....and so the story continues. He is Irish and so is she.
Sullivan's Woman is set in San Francisco. Cassidy ST. John has just been fired from her latest job that helps pay her bills, she wants to be a writer, but hasn't found a publicher who will accept. She is walking on Fisherman's Wharf as the day is ending and the fog is thick she meets up with a man and thinks she is about to be robbed. Onc they are able to talk, he says he is an artist and wants to use her as a model.............she will be paid and still have time to work on her next book so she accepts the offer.....and so the story continues. He is Irish and so is she.
August 13, 2021
Irish Dreams by Nora Roberts is 2 books in one: Irish Rebel and Sullivan's Woman. I wish I could have given a separate rating on each book--as they definitely would be different.
Irish Dreams involves a Thoroughbred Race Horse Owner and his recently hired manager--Brian Donnelly. As I have a passion for horses, this book in the duo was my favorite. Well written and interesting.
Sullivan's Woman is about an Irish portrait painter who "out of the blue" choses Cassidy St. John to be his model. The story was well written but I have my "misgivings" as to whether this match-up will succeed. If there were a #2 of this story--I doubt whether the ending would be so positive. But--that's just me.
Love Nora Roberts and will read anything she authors.
Irish Dreams involves a Thoroughbred Race Horse Owner and his recently hired manager--Brian Donnelly. As I have a passion for horses, this book in the duo was my favorite. Well written and interesting.
Sullivan's Woman is about an Irish portrait painter who "out of the blue" choses Cassidy St. John to be his model. The story was well written but I have my "misgivings" as to whether this match-up will succeed. If there were a #2 of this story--I doubt whether the ending would be so positive. But--that's just me.
Love Nora Roberts and will read anything she authors.
January 2, 2022
"Irish Rebel" She was practically royalty--the daughter of a rich, renowned horse-breeding dynasty. He was just a hardworking horse trainer. But Brian Donnelly was in America now, where even he might aspire to possess the breathtaking Keeley Grant. Her wealth and position didn't deter Brian...for it was the innocence Keeley offered him that beguiled the wild Irish rebel and threatened to corral his restless heart.
"Sullivan's Woman"
Fired from yet another job, captivating model Cassidy St. John hardly expected the solution to her difficulties to come from an absolute stranger. When handsome, charismatic Colin Sullivan offered her a job modeling for one of his paintings, it seemed her troubles were over--but one look at his blue eyes and Cassidy knew they were only beginning...."
"Sullivan's Woman"
Fired from yet another job, captivating model Cassidy St. John hardly expected the solution to her difficulties to come from an absolute stranger. When handsome, charismatic Colin Sullivan offered her a job modeling for one of his paintings, it seemed her troubles were over--but one look at his blue eyes and Cassidy knew they were only beginning...."
July 29, 2023
Both stories in this anthology earned 4 stars from me. Fun fact is Sullivan's Woman has no connection to the Irish Hearts Trilogy but was "lumped in" with Irish Rebel because Colin Sullivan is Irish. I adored both heroines in each book, while I found the male lead love interests to be lacking overall. I did find Colin's behavior to be abhorrent, but I want Cassidy to have her happily ever after , and am willing to believe she holds the key to Colin changing his ways. Ultimately, I wanted Brian's character to be more developed. Both stories are decent entries in the "Harlequin Romance" repertoire, and if you like the formula, I would suggest checking them out! Feel free to check out my reviews on each individual entry for further thoughts.
August 19, 2017
For meaningless beach reading fluff, this book is perfect! It's not good writing by any means, but that isn't really the point, is it? It's incredibly easy to get into and plays on sweeping emotions - just the sort of romantic junk that's perfect for vacation. Irish Rebel seemed a slightly less hurried story, which I liked, but Sullivan's Woman was easy to finish off in a day. Neither book is extremely smutty, so although it's definitely a romance novel and definitely not appropriate for children or some teenagers, it's not crude.
May 5, 2022
I enjoyed the two books in this volume. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Irish Rebel was the continuance of a book I read years ago and I already knew some of the characters.
The second book was wonderful as well. I have read a few books lately that were harder reads and the last one in particular made me decide that the next book I read would be lighter, and this was just the book I needed.
I have never, ever been dissatisfied with a Nora Roberts or JD Robb book. Never.
The second book was wonderful as well. I have read a few books lately that were harder reads and the last one in particular made me decide that the next book I read would be lighter, and this was just the book I needed.
I have never, ever been dissatisfied with a Nora Roberts or JD Robb book. Never.
July 18, 2017
the four stars are for Irish rebel because Brian and Keeley warmed my heart and I love horses.
Sullivan's women gets one star and barely manages that. it was Dreadful to read and I only read it because it was Nora Roberts and I wanted to finish the whole book. save yourself the trouble and don't read the 2nd book.
Sullivan's women gets one star and barely manages that. it was Dreadful to read and I only read it because it was Nora Roberts and I wanted to finish the whole book. save yourself the trouble and don't read the 2nd book.
September 24, 2019
2.5
The first story was interesting enough and I enjoyed the setting and the characters. However, the second story was just terrible. I don't know if the rude, violent and arrogant painter was supposed to come across as mysterious; but to me he appeared like having a narcissist personality disorder and creating a toxic relationship.
The first story was interesting enough and I enjoyed the setting and the characters. However, the second story was just terrible. I don't know if the rude, violent and arrogant painter was supposed to come across as mysterious; but to me he appeared like having a narcissist personality disorder and creating a toxic relationship.
September 26, 2022
Why why why do romance novels always have characters supposedly being in love with each other but treating each other in such a nasty way!!!!
Nora Roberts' novels are an easy read, and she does a really good job of creating the worlds that the characters live in (houses, jobs, friends, etc.) but..... her characters are always MEAN to each other!!
Nora Roberts' novels are an easy read, and she does a really good job of creating the worlds that the characters live in (houses, jobs, friends, etc.) but..... her characters are always MEAN to each other!!
November 21, 2022
Two books in one! Irish Rebel and Sullivan's Woman. I really enjoyed Sullivan's Woman. Having been to San Francisco, I knew so many of the places referred to and visited by the characters. I really enjoy the author's tales of Irish characters.
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December 16, 2025Sheesh. I thoroughly disliked this book. The 2 women in this book were insufferable and quite frankly a really terrible representation for women everywhere when it comes to love. Hated the messaging behind this.
December 31, 2018
First story was classic Nora. Second was darker and I was pretty displeased with the controlling aspect of Colin. Not a fan.
January 11, 2020
Fluff, quick easy read. First story was good second was okay. Fluff......
February 25, 2020
Great series great read.
August 9, 2020
2 books in 1 - 2007
September 28, 2020
Good stories of two men from Ireland finding love in America.
library
July 30, 20210
May 16, 2022
Both stories were really well done, as always the humor is great
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews