The O’Sheerans aren't what most might expect a mobster family to be like, however, make no mistake, when it counts they have no problem making those who threaten those they love and protect disappear. The days of being outright feuding mobsters have been tamed, but they’re still the largest Irish mobster family in the US. Darragh, as the oldest child of three brothers, took over as head of the family business a few years ago. He’s been faced with many challenges, but the biggest one that seems to keep nagging him the most is creating a family of his own. In his family, they marry for love, not territory, money or alliances, like some used to do in the past. He won’t settle for less. Which means if he can’t find his soulmate, he won’t marry at all. He never expects his soulmate to walk into his office one day asking for their help. She wants to take down a horrible pornography ring, one preying on underage girls. She’s willing to do anything to get their help. Darragh isn’t going to say no and he’ll do everything in his power to make her his before this is all over with. Ashlynn can’t believe she’s going to the reputed Irish mob to ask for help, but she doesn’t know what else to do. The cops aren’t helping and she’s got to stop this before it’s too late. Everyone knows who the O’Sheerans are and their reputation. She’s quickly sucked into Darragh’s world. One filled with money, extravagance, enemies, jealousy and more. However, she finds that they’re much like many families, mainly concerned with loving and protecting their own. The journey for Darragh and Ashlynn to be together is a bumpy one. They’ll face several challenges. However, in the end, she’ll move from being Darragh’s Dilemma to being Darragh’s forever. Come see who the O’Sheerans are and get introduced to the Irish mobster family who places love above all, even if they have to kill to do it.
An avid reader with a passion for romances that finally got the chance to write one of her own. The rest is history. Not what anyone thought for someone who has been a nurse and in healthcare management for years.
I sit writing as my two fur babies, my pugs Kujo and Khaos, impatiently wait for me to get done so they can lay on me as their human sofa!
My children are finally considered to be adults, so it's me, the hubby and the dogs.
I'm a iced tea drinking fiend who has insomnia, more ideas than I know what to do with, and a need to write them down.
Not too bad for a girl from rural Ohio in the foothills of Appalachia that grew up in a town of about 4000 people.
I like the theme of soulmates. It was the main one in this story.
I am certain other readers would love it but it didn’t work out for me.
The first moment Darragh (40 y.o.) saw Ashlyn (26 y.o.), he knew she was the woman he would marry, love and raise a family with. He became a class A caveman, possessive and obsessed. On their second date he informed her that she was his soulmate, meant to be his wife and mother of his children.
Ashlyn’s reactions were better executed at first, she was doubtful, unsure and shocked. A few days later though, when Darragh told her that he loved her, she replied she was half way there already. 😳
Tbh, I struggled with all that fierceness and declarations of soulmates and insta love, and then came the sexual encounters!!! I am sorry but I really couldn’t endure reading about her cream or coming on his tongue, giving him all that candy! 🙈 Depth and substance were lacking.
I loved this one. It was amazing, and I just love this new family. I can't wait to read what's next. I need the next book now. This one was that amazing.
This was a fun start to a new series. I liked that we are getting to know more of these crime families.
I felt for Ashlynn and what she was going through, was glad that she thought to go to the O’Sheerans for help when she exhausted all other options. The bonus was the spark between her and Dar. It took Dar a while to fully win Ashlynn over, but the more time that she spent with Dar and the O’Sheerans, Ashlynn realized how great the family was and how they protected their own. It didn't take long before Ashlynn and her sister were part of the family and brought into the fold. Both of them fit right in, Ashlynn especially. She didn't back away from bad things that happened and even wanted to know that things were taken care of.
I liked how this one ended, Dar and Ashlynn deserved their HEA. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Darragh O'Sheeran knows that when he meets his soul mate, his days as a bachelor are over. His family fully supports what has long been tradition in his family. When Ashlynn walks into his office asking for his help, he knows he has found her. What he didn't expect was to be searching to destroy a pornography ring that is preying on minors.
Ashlynn knew she was crazy to go to the mafia for help, but she is desperate. She never plans on Darragh claiming she is his, she is so completely opposite of her. Darragh is rich and powerful, while Ashlynn is of modest means. Darragh assures her he knows what he wants and it is her, can she trust him to protect her heart?
I really enjoyed this one. New series, Darragh exudes power and he is so patient with Ashylnn. I cannot wait until the next book in the series. The family is fantastic and you get a feel for the way that they care for one another. Wonderful.
I know that whenever I read a book written by Ciara St. James I will lose myself within the story. This first book in the O'Sheerans series is setting things off with a bang. I adored Darragh and Ash together; they are a spicy, romantic couple. I really loved the family dynamic in this story. I cannot wait to read Cian's book next.
It was okay, that’s all. I enjoy insta love so that wasn’t an issue and the spice was good. A nice balance and detailed enough. I did cringe a bit reading this, I am a polite person however this was over the top. It’s a mix of sweet, loving, loyal, soulmates… It bordered on cartoon like. And who the heck uses the word Spunk!?? Wtf, no…. Just no!!! h was giving oral lovin to H and that word (I refuse to type it out again) was part of his encouragement/dirty talk. It was discombobulating and took me out of the story.
OMG!! I am so excited and thrilled😃 When I got a notification that Ciara had a new book out, I didn't realize It was a continuation of the huge village that 3 of my favorite authors sometimes intertwine! " The Ascent of Covenant " series from any of these authors are going to be so good!!! I feel like it's my birthday😍😁😍
This was cute very fluffy and a break from any dark reads. It’s complete insa love. And angst. Fmc is a bit annoying and likable. Mmc was sweet and had some bumps but nothing dark. Nice fluffy read for those who enjoy insta love books. I would recommend it.
Darragh O'Sheeran is the first born into the O'Sheeran family and desires to find a woman to stand by his side and help him rule when the time comes. His parents keep asking when he'll settle down and give them grandchildren, and he doesn't have an answer for them. All of the elders of the O'Sheeran family are anxious to be grandparents, but Darragh's expected to lead the pack. He doesn't believe he'll ever find the perfect woman that will be strong enough to stand by him and be his partner in life, but when he unexpectedly meets Ashlynn Kincaid, his thoughts are changed.
Ashlynn Kincaid is at the end of her rope, she doesn't know where to go now with her worries or complaints. The police won't do anything and her little sister is still in danger, as well as her parents and herself, but she's more worried about her younger sister. When she gets the idea to go to the O'Sheeran's she doesn't expect her world to be turned upside down by the man she meets with, but that's exactly what happens.
Ciara St. James does a great job with her MC characters and stories, and now she's branching off into Mafia. She's done a great job with this too. I love the characters of the O'Sheeran's Mafia and this first story was a great start. I believe Ciara can write any character she wants. All she has to do is write a bit of herself into the women and pair them with the right man that will only enhance their strength, sass, and passion.
This new Irish Mafia series is already addicting like every other series of books I've previously read by Ciara St James. This author knows how to pull you into her world & have you falling in love with all these new characters it will be hard to put this book down believe me I have up trying to get anything done today just so I could finish Darragh's & Ashlynne's story. This book is deserving of my 5 star rating because it is not only well written, keep me engaged & wanting more & best of all it's another great read from Ciara St James!
Darragh is the head of his Irish Mafia family & though he is all Alpha, scary & gruff he had me cracking up the way he fell so hard & fast for Ashlynne! Their chemistry is hot together, their loyalty & commitment is what drew me into this story more.
And the bond of this O'Sheeran Family is amazing to read about & can't wait to step into this Mafia world with the next book & see whose next & how hard will the next alpha will fall when they find their soulmate. Until then enjoy your reading!
This is the 1st book in O’Sheeran series. Ashlynn has exhausted the only legal way to get help solving her problem, so she decides to go to the O’Sheerans (even though they are reputed to be an Irish Mafa family) as she’s heard that they are against the mistreatment of women and children. Darragh can’t believe it when Ashlynn walks in and he recognizes her as his soulmate. Ash is not an easy sell on this soulmate stuff (though she’s extremely attracted to him) but needs his help desperately. Darragh agrees to help her bring down the illegal pornography ring that entrapped her young sister. Along the way of Ash and Dar falling in love, there are issues with her unease with Dar’s wealth, her parents and another Irish mob family that’s causing problems.
I love the strong Irish influence in this story and the strong family interactions. It’s also interesting to get a peek into the lives of the uber rich. Eagerly looking forward to the next story
Darragh O'Sheeran, the firstborn of the O'Sheeran clan, is on a mission to find his better half. His parents are breathing down his neck, asking when he'll settle down and give them some mini-O'Sheerans. The thing is, Darragh's not exactly optimistic about finding someone who can put up with him and his, ahem, "family business." That is, until he meets Ashlynn Kincaid and his whole world gets turned upside down. Ashlynn, on the other hand, is at her wit's end. The cops aren't doing squat, and her family's still in danger. She's worried sick about her little sis, but when she meets Darragh, things start to get real interesting. Ciara St. James is branching out into Mafia territory, and let me tell you, she's killing it. Her characters are on point, and this first story's a real page-turner. I'm convinced Ciara can write about anything - and makes me wish I could find these sexy ass alpha males in real life!
What an incredible start to a new series from one of my favorite authors! Coming to see the head of the O'Sheeran family to get his help, Ashlynn has got guts and a spine of steel. Darragh doesn't know what hit him! Suddenly his emotions and body are out of his control and all he wants is the pretty little lady to be his. The difference in their way of life, not to mention the standing of his family in society gives her pause. She isn't going to rush into anything no matter how much Darragh tempts her. But as she gets to know him and his family, the more she cannot deny their connection. I loved the energy between Darragh and Ashlynn, it was electric. He had no doubts about their future together and gave Ashlynn the time she needed to be sure. Not only does he give her all the love in his heart, he gives her a true family. I am so excited for more stories in this new mafia world!
This was the first book MS James has in the new Mafia series that 3 of my favorite authors are writing. I've read MS Bowerman's already "Rico" , so I was looking forward to this. It was a good story, loved the characters and family dynamics. They had me laughing at some parts. I suppose for me my only issue was a serious plot point is built up and it resolves in an afterthought in the epilogue? That really bugged me. But the story itself was terrific. I generally don't read this writers other books, I've tried but usually I'm not a fan of the " drama" that's added. This one however was really good. I definitely recommend, and I can't wait for Cian's to come out !
"I am not worthy of her," Darragh says to his family. Ashlynn, doesn't know how to feel in a world of riches because she was not brought up in that lifestyle.
Out of necessity Ashlynn seeks out Darragh O'Sheeran to help her. Not knowing if this man will help her or just pass her off to someone else, she begins the tell that she has. Darragh is smitten at first sight. To him he has found his soulmate. Trouble follows Ashlynn to the O'Sheeran house. While Darragh tends off another Irish mafia family.
I loved this couple and their bond. Plot was awesome and the characters only added more to the story. I can't wait to see what is in store for the next O'Sheeran that falls in love.
2.5 ⭐️ Ashlyn goes to him for help with her sister as the police won’t act or do anything about it, Darragh is the head of his family. Although pretty much all legal the family still runs in high society and has a standing in mob.
He’s very full on, as in over the top ‘I love you from the first moment’ style. Gets her to quit her job very early move in etc, could almost be classed as ‘lovebombing’ I’m all for love at first sight kind of read but this is just far too much, doesn’t come across well to actually enjoy the book. He does get slightly better as time goes on but not enough to outweigh the start.
She annoyed me. One minute she decide it’s all too quick and wants to slow down and the next moment she saying yes to marrying him….. 🤔
This is Ciara's first book in the Mafia world, and she has done a fantastic job!! I really enjoyed getting to know more about all the O'Sheeran family after getting to see bits and pieces in previous books. Darragh has waited along time to meet the love of his life. Little did he know she was going to knock his socks off!! They definitely had some obstacles in their way but were able to overcome them and come out a very strong couple. I highly recommend this book!
I couldn’t be more excited to have read the first of the series and what a first it was. Awesome! So many people and yet I seemed to get my head around each and every one of them. I loved the “family” vibe and white Asshlyn’s parents weren’t all there, The O’Shearans made up for that and more. Cannot wait for the continuation and to see what comes next for each and every member of the family. The problem I now have is that I have to wait for BOOK 2.
Book one in The O’Sheehans series. Darragh is a mobster. With it comes power. His a man that loves his family. He sees his love all around him. He wants a piece of that. So when Ashlynn comes to him for help, he won’t stop at nothing to help her. When she walks in all he sees is his soulmate. Ashlynn wants to stop an illegal porn company. Nobody wants to help her. So she gets the courage to talk to the O’Sheehans. Never expected what she fines. He out of her league. He wines and dines her like no other. Makes her see they are soulmates. Alpha all the way..
Loved it!!! I actually put off reading it because I knew I was going to love it and want more, but I just couldn’t wait any longer. I love all of the O’Sheerans. I want to be part of that big, crazy, loving family. The deeper I got into the book, the more I could see that Darragh and Ashlynn belonged together. Sigh. Love at first sight. It’s beautiful. I am so excited for more in this series and of course for the other authors part of the series. I am in heaven with this collaboration!
I liked parts of this book. The idea that each member of the family had a soulmate and it would be love at first sight was great.
I didn't like all of the parts about the heroine's sister having been raped and forced to do pornography. It was very difficult to read about.
There is also some gore when the hero finds the "bad guys" and gets rid of them for what they did to the heroine's sister.
I also didn't like all of the talk about women being gold diggers and whores. I understand they are a rich family and have to watch out for that but it felt like they bashed women a lot.
Second book as part of the Covenant of Ascent this one by Ciara St. James. Love Darragh and Ashlynn’s story. Lots of hot sex, some ex drama, danger, mayhem and violence as expected with the mafia. Not too over the top like a lot of them. Beautiful love story of the head of the family finding his soulmate like his parents and the rest of that generation did. Loved it!!
I hardly ever read Mafia books but Ciara St. James made Darragh and Ashlynn story such an interesting read. She explained the family dynamic in a very understanding way. She brought in other characters from her other books which i knew where I had read about the O' Sheeran family. Their love was fast but you knew they were meant for each other. Can't wait for the next one
Boyo! I loved this story of Darragh and Ashlynn. He was so flipping sexy and just made every single page swoon for me. The family O'Sheeran is pretty cool with their beliefs in love. I loved how Ash and her sister found a family HEA. This story had a lots of good action and sexy times aplenty. Great writing with great stories to come. I'm excited about this series!!!
I've come to realize that I have a love/hate relationship with this authors books. Outside the first book of her first series (which I really considered a learning book) I've always enjoyed her books... But they lack something that makes books that much more enjoyable - I just don't know what it is.
If you like insta-love that is very instant where the guy is all in and convincing the woman is his long term plan, this is the one for you.
I absolutely cannot wait for more in this series. Though they do have some dark topics, the details are glossed over and for that I’m grateful for. I’m not into dark mafia books and this one was great with the family values and protective males. I especially loved how he treated his queen and was so protective of her. I would recommend this instant love story to anyone who loved her MC books!
Very good read. I actually enjoyed this a lot more than I expected I would. I read almost all of the MC books, but was getting a little bored as some of the storylines and angst were becoming somewhat repetitive. As a matter of fact, this led me to skip 4 or 5 of the Dublin Falls books. I almost did not give these mafia books a chance, but I’m really glad that I did. Looking forward to the next one in the series and more to come!
What would you do for family? Absolutely anything to keep them safe. Such an unlikely pair but the one thing they will do anything for is their family. Darragh is so kind but will not stand by to watch women and children suffer at the hands of monsters. Can't wait for more 🥰
Dar and Ash, their tale makes you want to cheer for the Bad Guy. Dar was raised with the understanding that when the time came, he would know his soulmate at first sight. Ash, she was raised completely different and it causes some tension between them.
I applaud the restraint Dar uses in consideration with Ash's parents.