Laurel is a highly successful dentist in Seattle, Washington.
On paper, she had it all. Then one day, the paper crinkled. Her dental clinic was bought by a man who views hers as his personal assistant, her longtime boyfriend left her, then she gets news that shatters her world completely.
Caught in a vicious cycle of despair, Laurel throws caution to the wind when she meets her dental clinic's new, devilishly handsome delivery man, Patrick Byrne. He begins to show her that perfection is merely a word. Life is more about adventure, and he takes her on her biggest one to his heart which lives in his hometown of Killorglin, Ireland.
Born and raised in beautiful Canada, L. Meredith is a biracial writer who likes to create a diverse characters and give readers the couple representation that was missing from mainstream media when she was growing up.
When not writing you can find her reading, knitting, baking, and definitely drinking coffee if she's not getting lost in the boreal forests of her home.
I just want to start off by saying that this was my favorite romance novel of the year so far!
Killorglin is the debut novel of @lmeredith.writes and she came out swinging!
The novel itself and the characters were so relatable that I was effortlessly connected to the main characters. From the moment that Laurel was introduced I was rooting for her. It’s refreshing to have a female character that isn’t in distress and can carry her own weight from the very beginning of the story.
Yet, I was just as invested in Patrick because he reminded me of my husband who is carefree and affectionate.
I’ll admit that this is one that’ll tug at your heart, but it’s absolutely worth it! There were multiple times when I almost shed a few tears, as some issues that arise within the book related very closely to home. And the author does an excellent job of realistically and accurately portraying those issues for the reader.
Thankfully, just as much as you’ll cry, you’ll find laughter within this novel as well (almost immediately!).
If you’re a sappy romance lover type, this book is for you. If you’re an independent woman that doesn’t need a man type, this book is for you. If you’re a mixture of both…This book is for you!
I absolutely didn’t want this book to end. I NEED MORE!
Killorglin by L. Meredith is a refreshing story about family, love, hope and new beginnings.
The main character Laurel lives a life of safety. Surrounded by all that is familiar Laurel soon realizes that safety also means not truly living.
It's only when you're willing to challenge your comfort zone can you begin to appreciate all that life has in store for you.
L. Meredith builds an authentic tale that unfolds as life should—one moment at a time. What I loved about Killorglin was how much of a reminder it is that life is fleeting, taking a chance is freeing and sometimes you just have to go all in!
I could never turn down a free book, and I enjoyed encountering references to a lot of familiar places I visited in Ireland growing up... While romance isn't my usual, this had its charms and the moment where Laurel says "Fuck it", tells her obnoxious boss he can stick his job where the sun don't shine and runs off to Ireland did make me nod and go "Yes!"... A fun, sweet little novel that proved a welcome distraction on an unimpressive day...
Killorglin is the debut novel for L. Meredith. It’s a fresh take on contemporary romance, and the author definitely establishes a unique voice in this novel. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, (did I mention cry?) but you’ll forget about all that when the happily ever after arrives.
Strangers to lovers, opposites attract— this is a great book for anyone who’s soulmate is everything they should be scared of.
This is such a REAL romance-feeling book. It's quite easy to pick up a thousand books where all the scenes, scenarios, plot, characters are above everyday expectations, but this was different. I had an absolute blast reading this book and it was an easy one to get sucked into.
Meredith's writing style is fun, playful, and well-done. For anyone looking for a romance book that feels like it could happen to you tomorrow, then this is it.
Holy wowzers, so many emotions. This book made me smile, it made me cry (multiple times) and left me feeling like I need more (good thing there's a sequel coming out, right?!). Patrick and Laurel are so lovely together, even as they work past Laurels insecurities. Well worth the read.
Patrick is a lovable character and his use of Irish slang throughout was a fun element. I also appreciated the way the author explained how names are pronounced in a way that was organic to the story. I would NOT have known how to pronounce these names otherwise! The story is well organized and soundly written.
I enjoyed this book so much that I read it in two days! I felt an instant connection to the characters and after finishing the book, I spent a good week thinking about them and wondering what would be coming next ! A page turner. Highly recommend.
Tropes: 🍀Opposites attract 💛He falls first 🍀Irish MMC 💛Travel Romance 🍀On page spice 💛She makes more $ 🍀MCs in their late 30's
This book is so loveable. It's so tender. It's so "dearing".
A slow burn and a fast read. I devoured it.
Because Laurel and Patrick are so relatable they could be our friends or our neighbors.
As a travel lover that I am, I sighed so many times with those Ireland landscapes... oh my, what a dream they are. And the sounds that come from that part of the globe are engraved in my heart.
Thank you to the author and to @haylingbookstormltd for this beautiful ARC.
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some my favorite quotes:
"It's not often you regret doing things you want."
I had a crush on Patrick. Do you get crushes at my age?
He laughed. "Irish Gaelic." My eyes widened. "There's more than one Gaelic?" "Outlander has the world fooled."
The violins, guitars, drums, and pan flute of Celtic music practically blew me out the door as I entered a lively dance floor.
"What is this?" Patrick took a step. "This is me desperately wanting to take the most beautiful woman I've ever seen on a date if she'll let me."
"You like pasta, right?" "I don't trust anyone who doesn't." "I think we'll get along just fine, Dr. Flynn."
"It seems your hard work has paid off. Maybe now is the time to travel"
"I want you. You and every risk that comes with you."
"Because I care about you and me. Us. A future."
"Why can't I resist you?" he asked. Our eyes met. "Because we belong together."
"For the record, I want that again, to love fiercely enough that parting hurts. That's living."
Resting my forehead against his, I said: "Take me to Ireland."
Thank you Hayling Bookstorm and the author for my copy!
I am pleasantly surprised by this adorable romance! It's a super quick read, and I loved being able to teleport back to Ireland during parts of this story, even though that was a small part of the book. (I went in June and miss it so much!)
Laurel gets to live the dream by falling for a hot Irishman who loves her fiercely. He's a gentleman, he believes in her, and takes care of *all* her needs. What more could a girl ask for? Their communication isn't the best, but I wouldn't call it the miscommunication trope (thank god).
Before they can get there, though, they both have some growing to do. Laurel is hung up on her past relationship and holds on to the fear that Patrick will leave her like Joshua did. Patrick has wanderlust, and never stays in one place for long. Despite the cliche of her ex getting in the way and causing problems, I enjoyed watching Laurel and Patrick's relationship develop. I just wish there was a bit more depth to their connection and conversations.
But, dare I say it, did this book actually make me tear up? Congrats, L. Meredith, because that is quite the herculean challenge, and therefore, huge accomplishment.
Also, I love that Laurel has a successful career as a dentist and makes more money than Patrick. Hell yeah.
I see this is a series, and I enjoyed this one, so I would continue reading! Recommended for readers looking for a quick, whirlwind travel romance with on page spice. And you'll learn some Irish language words! (When I was in Ireland, the locals told us that they refer to it as the Irish language, rather than Irish Gaelic.)
CW: cancer, sibling death, parent death (past), workplace harassment
First of all thank you so much for my e-book Arc from @lmeredith.books and @haylingbookstormltd
Synopsis: Laurel is a highly successful dentist in Seattle, Washington.
On paper, she had it all. Then one day, the paper crinkled. Her dental clinic was bought by a man who views hers as his personal assistant, her longtime boyfriend left her, then she gets news that shatters her world completely.
Caught in a vicious cycle of despair, Laurel throws caution to the wind when she meets her dental clinic’s new, devilishly handsome delivery man, Patrick Byrne. He begins to show her that perfection is merely a word. Life is more about adventure, and he takes her on her biggest one yet: to his heart which lives in his hometown of Killorglin, Ireland.
Killorglin is a standalone novel in a four part open door romance series.
Tropes: 🍀Opposites attract 💛He falls first 🍀Irish MMC 💛Travel Romance 🍀On page spice 💛She makes more $ 🍀MCs in their late 30’s
Pages: 272
This was such a cute story it seems like one of those cosy 90s romcom movies. It’s one of those perfect fluffy books to read in between thrillers or heavy reads. Also a cheaper way to visit Ireland 🇮🇪 one day I’ll get there.
For more details, check out @lmeredith.books
Add to your goodreads TBR Preorder your copy on Amazon
I was lucky enough to be chosen as an arc reader for this book, and although I am a bit late in posting my review, I truly loved reading this book! This book took you on an emotional rollercoaster, in the best way ever because I was either, happy, sad, in tears, jumping up and down, ready to throw my phone (but didn’t! 😅). This is the story of Laurel, a successful dentist in Seattle, Washington. She had it all, the business, the ‘perfect’ boyfriend, everything seemed perfect in her life until it wasn’t anymore. Just like that, her dental clinic was bought, her boyfriend leaves her and her brother gives her the worst news that she could have heard, he was terminally ill.
She is lost and doesn’t know what to do anymore, stuck in a vicious cycle, drowning and letting people walk all over her. Until, one day, she has had enough and chooses herself. During this time, she ends up meeting Patrick, and the moment they meet, it’s like everything has changed. Patrick is the sweetest and patient man of all time, not once forcing Laurel to do anything that she wasn’t comfortable with. It was truly amazing to see that Laurel was able to find happiness again, on her own and with Patrick. I highly recommend this amazing love story of two people finding each other and healing and loving each other like there is no tomorrow.
This is the first book that I have read where it was extremely realistic. The FMC had a realistic job. Patrick the MMC was a delivery guy who did not have a ton of money, he could barely pay for his co-payments. At first I was not sure how I would like that, however, it was extremely refreshing to see normal people and normal jobs depicted in a book. I absolutely love that aspect.
I have a soft spot for anything Irish and Irish Gaelic. I don’t know why lol but it’s just somethinggggggg about it 🥰 the fact that this book had both was already a plus. At first, when Patrick’s character was introduced I was screaming at the book like “girl RUN! That man is a bum” 😂 but the more we got to know Patrick as a character I really started to love his character. He is a free spirit, and does not like to be trapped down in one place. On the flipside, he is extremely loyal and he means what he says.
When it came to the FMC Laurel, I had a hard time connecting with her. I do not like weak FMC’s. The entire time I was screaming STAND UP! I wanted her to stand up for herself majority of the book until like 60%.
The main characters really did complement each other well. I did not like how every time the FMC felt insecure she lashed out at the MMC , it was such a toxic thing. Even after he proved to her over and over that he was not just going to up and leave her.
I adored that he was giving her pet names in Gaelic. However, we never got to know what they actually meant. The MMC said if the FMC stuck around long enough, she would find out and as a reader, we never found out. I was so sad about that lmao.
This book is a 3rd act breakup, which I do not like personally. All in all this book was very cute.
These chapters were so sad and just when you think it will be happy,L. Meredith will pull at the heart strings again. Chapters 29 and the epilogue will bring the sunshine.
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read the next book I have a new favorite couple to add to the list and I learned some new words and went on a trip as well along with Laurel and Patrick.
Chapters 21-25
Ooooh these chapters were amazing I learned new words and got to travel with Laurel and Patrick to another half of my heritage.
Patrick's family was so sweet and the kids sounded so kind,except when they were sneaking drinking lol. I thought there was going to be a proposal but nope. There were so many heart rate rising moment!!!!
The last chapter doe this review is the oh no moment!
I only have 4 more chapters to go and I CAN'T WAIT to find out what happens.
Chapters 16-20
These chapters are so cute and wow heart rate rising moments. The hitting scenes are so funny and it's always when a thought or something happens.
I love how Patrick is getting along with Trevor and that they are both there for Trevor and Hudson. I love how Laurel is finally getting a backbone and I think it has to do with a certain someone. I am ready for a trip!!!!
Chapters 11-15
Laurel and Patrick's love story is so cute. Laurel's mind is playing tricks on her, after date night with him though.
Patrick is also one of her patients and delivery person at her job Laurel's business side is having a really rough spot with a person there.
There was an emergency while Laurel is at work and her knight in shinning armor comes to her rescue. When Laurel and Patrick get to the emergency everything that Laurel was thinking chances
The third date reminds me of another episode of . Gilmore Girls and we almost had a heart rate rising moment, Oooooooo so close.
Laurel thought a home cook dinner would do everyone good, but there is a fight between two important people in her life after dinner,which ends up getting us the heart rate rising moment. The heart rate rising moment is interrupted(doh), and well there is trouble in paradise.
I CAN'T WAIT to read more,I need to know what going to happen.
Chapters 6-10
My heart goes out to Laurel and her brother Trevor. I love how through these chapters you see how Laurel is growing,. The ugh-oh moment that Patrick had was fixed, and also the ugh-oh moment Laurel had was fixed.
Laurel needs to drop kick her business associate. The get to know you dinner reminded me of an episode of Gilmore Girls. Laurel needs a leprechaun to push to make the right decision.
I CAN'T WAIT to read more
This is my first book by L.Meredith and this is my honest review. If this is your first time reading my reviews,I like to read five chapters and review and repeat the process until I finish the book. I also like to use my favorite actors/actresses ,Broadway actors/actresses and favorite wrestlers, as the characters in my head(yes I know they are on the cover,but this helps while I read)
I see Laurel as -Vanessa Hudgens I see Patrick as-Jack Reynor(Broadway)
Chapters 1-5
Right off the bat this story is given Hallmark vibes. The cover actually got my attention when it came in my E-mail,also being part Irish I love learning about Ireland.
Laurel is trying to live her life and grow her business. Right off the bat Laurel gets some upsetting news, but she needs to just keep pushing and not let anything or anyone at work get on her nerves.
The Love life department well this will make your head go on a rollercoaster or a sea saw,because there is a lot of back and forth.One half of the sea-saw jump to conclusion when they saw Laurel outside her business,she must correct this
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️ Devoured this book in a few hours! As a PNW native, I loved the Seattle setting! Laurel’s character arc was great; I was getting pretty annoyed that she was letting people walk all over her, but then she really grew and stuck up for herself! I do wish she and Patrick had a bit more time to develop their relationship, but since it’s a shorter book, the pace was quick. Definitely got teary toward the end (IYKYK) but L. Meredith handled sensitive topics with care. Congratulations to the author on her debut novel!
Loved this book!!!…I was super excited when I got picked as an ARC reader for it. The story line was spot on and the way it was written was sooo good!! The ups and downs of it made it even better. The spice was good too. I would have given it 5 stars but I feel like I needed a little more at the end. Also, the way her brother passed was a little abrupt to me. Overall, easy read that made me giggle at some points, and gasp at others. I hope there is more to their story! I would love to read more about laurel and Patrick’s story after they got married. Would highly recommend it to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I absolutely adore this book! The FMC is Laurel! She is a very good dentist! She is a strong independent women! Then along comes Patrick ( MMC) who is carefree and affectionate! The two meet and he ask her to go to Ireland with him! The interaction between the two is so refreshing! There are a few spots that had me crying! It’s just means the author made me feel like I was part of the story! If you are a romance lover you need to read this book. I give this 1🌶️ @L.Meredith. @halingbookstormltd
Killorglin is definitely in my Top 10 for 2025 because WOW. It is so incredibly refreshing to have such a relatable FMC who can hold her own and does so throughout the entire novel. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for a good “save her” read but this was fantastic.
Laurel and Patrick’s story is so real and I absolutely loved that Laurel wasn’t afraid to admit to her mistakes and wrong doings (as it’s normally the MMC who does that and the FMC does no wrong).
If you love romance, he falls first and found family vibes then this is the one for you.
I loved the story of Laurel and Patrick. Laurel works a job she loves with a horrible boss who walks all over her and she just got horrible news her brother has cancer. Patrick his a delivery guy and meets Laurel while making a delivery. They both have sparks immediately. Laurel goes to Killorglin to meet Patrick’s family and falls in love with them all. Through out the books so many things have Laurel and Patrick jumping through hoops. This is a HEA but have tissues ready towards the end of the book.
This was such an amazing and heartfelt romance! It was exactly what I needed after some heavy reading though I will admit it did have me in some tears! But short lived tears. An Irish MMC will always be a win for me but Patrick was phenomenal! I loved how both main characters came together despite but also while working through, their past issues. Nothing was one sided, and I felt the realism in that for them. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
I loved this romance between two people carrying baggage from their past. Not a simple road but I really felt their struggles and it makes their story all the sweeter. So looking forward to the next in the series, although I could skip the ugly crying (you’ll know when you get there 😭)
Traveling is one of my passions (although I haven't traveled anywhere out of the country in a while), so choosing to be on the rerelease team for Killorglin was a no brainer. I enjoyed the character growth when it came to Laurel and Patrick. I absolutely could not stand Neil. I even found myself rolling my eyes and cussing under my breath. L. Meredith definitely has a great way to make the reader fall in love with characters and hate others. Bravo to her! My heart stayed with Trevor throughout the whole story. Cancer has definitely shown its evil face in my family, and how Laurel handled it was definitely relatable. I also enjoyed the time of the story that took place in Ireland.
Laurel is a dentist in Seattle and had it all (or so she thought).
One day the practice is bought and the new person treats her horribly. After a while, Laurel meets Patrick. When they really start to get along, he invites her on an adventure to his hometown in Ireland.
I loved this book. It was exactly what I needed when I read it.
This story is so well written. It left me excited the whole time I was reading. It warmed my heart and I really felt with the characters. You need to read it - you won't be disappointed.
I could not put this book down... it was a roller coaster of emotion and the characters are so well described, I cannot wait to read the next ones! dont walk run and grab a copy yourself !
This was such a sweet romance. The characters were lovable and the storyline was well put together. Really enjoyed this story and read it in just a couple of days.