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A Place to Rest My Heart

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When Laney Murphy walks into Muldoon's Pub in San Francisco, she has no idea that her life is about to change forever. The Muldoon family's offer of a job and a place to stay seems just too good to be true. And once she meets Sean Muldoon, the suspicious and distrustful son of the pub owners, she knows she was right - he clearly detests her.

Sean is on the fast track as a bodyguard with Woo Security and he isn't going to allow some grifter to get in his way or to mess with his family. But he soon discovers that Laney is not all sharp tongue and sarcasm, and he finds himself wanting to kiss her more than deck her.

But Laney's past comes back to haunt her and she soon must put her life on the line to save Sean and the family she has come to love.

This is a new release of a previously published edition.

100 pages, ebook

First published July 30, 2012

18 people are currently reading
1084 people want to read

About the author

Galen Rose

3 books31 followers

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5 stars
89 (32%)
4 stars
86 (31%)
3 stars
70 (25%)
2 stars
25 (9%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Shalini Ayre.
139 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2012
Dealing with a traumatic past, Laney Murphy has learnt to keep her emotions in check and not rely on anyone but herself. So, when she arrives on the doorstep of the Muldoon Pub one rainy night in San Francisco, little does she know that the owners will welcome her into their home, help her find a job and deal with her past.

Determined not to be a burden and prove her worth, she's immediately annoyed when Sean, one of the sons, takes it upon himself to run a check on Laney's background. Their antagonistic attitude towards each other is a mask for their true feelings - will they stop the constant spats long enough to acknowledge their growing attraction?

Joining the Woo security company, Laney meets the extended family of the Muldoon's. Trained in martial arts as well as alarm schematics she takes on a role with relish. Until her past comes back to haunt her; a past that is rife with abuse - both physical and mental. Anger bubbles to the surface over her aunt, who did little to protect her and cousin James, her tormentor. Can Laney ever move on from her turbulent beginnings, recover from a lost love and finally accept that Sean has her best intentions at heart?

From the fraught beginning, the story continues down a dramatic and thrilling road right to it's tense ending. Rose's characters are all strong and full of vigor and at times complete opposites. You'll find Molly and Tommy, the owners of the Muldoon Pub, who are kind, patient and caring people; and then Laney a headstrong woman and determined to look after herself which is commendable only to a point as it brings her to brink of death. The author is expressive and builds the drama well creating an exciting thriller.

I found this an engrossing novel, but my enjoyment was marred by the lack of romance. Yes there was brewing passion between Sean and Laney even between other characters, but I expected more especially as it's a romance novel. The action depicted was thrilling and the characters are likable, although at times I found Laney's narrative a little too much. Overall though its well written and enjoyable. If you're after a dramatic story with a bit of romance, this is a recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.
Profile Image for Pamela .
1,438 reviews77 followers
January 21, 2013
I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed this novel as it turned out to be quite different than I thought it would be. I was expecting the protagonist, Laney, to be a regular girl who just made goo-goo eyes at Sean the entire time, always having to be rescued. Instead, Laney turns out to be one tough lady; she would have to be considering her upbringing. Along with her being tough and smart, she's quite the kick-ass chick and I must say that I enjoyed some of those scenes. I did like the story of how far she had come from when we're first introduced to her, her romance with Sean, her work with Woo security, and more interestingly, her connection with Tommy. It was definitely a whole learning experience for her and us as we follow her thru her journey of self-discovery.

Regardless of how great Laney and Sean were together, I didn't think there was enough romance going on between the two. More written about them and their relationship would have been great. Except for a few scenes where they're making out, there's not much else. So if you're looking to read some delicious sex romps between the two, you'll be quite disappointed as it's very tame and barely touched upon.

As much as I liked Laney's character, there were times I just wished she would give her mouth a rest. It's one thing to be strong and tough, but it's another to just keep running off at the mouth. Sure she's got a sharp tongue, but she's constantly yelling, shouting at everyone else about what she will or will not put up with. Instead of being looked upon as irritating and bitchy, she's perceived as this strong, sexy, no holds-barred woman with every man being turned on with hopes of dating her. This type of female characteristic has always confused and maddened me. It doesn't come across as realistic as I can't see any man putting up with the constant verbal assaults and bitchiness.

So despite the lack of romance and Laney's constant running of the mouth, I still enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more by Galen Rose.
Profile Image for Pam B Morris.
Author 2 books12 followers
July 7, 2012
In A Place to Rest My Heart, by Galen Rose, Laney Murphy is a young woman who is stubborn, feisty, has made her share of mistakes and all she wants is to leave the past behind. She doesn’t trust anyone until she happens into Muldoon’s Tavern one night and finds the unexpected, people who care. This contemporary romance written in first person point of view, draws you in from the first scene. You live in Laney’s head; in trouble, angry, hot-heated and not about to fall for Sean Muldoon, or any other gorgeous man she works with at Woo Security Services. A Place to Rest My Heart is entertaining, full of surprising twists, off-beat adventures and developing relationships that keep you interested in Laney’s complicated life, the danger’s that haunt her and the man who steals her heart. I enjoyed the heck out of this romance. The action is exciting, the characters very human, and the conflicts never end as Laney is forced to face her past even though it just might kill her.
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 18 books15 followers
July 23, 2012
This novel, written in the first person, reads like a personal diary. I was drawn into Laney's life as if she were a "real" person. Laney is a kick-as heroine if I ever met one. She, however, meets her match in this fast-paced, hard-edged novel. Unique plot twists and intriguing characters make this a fast read. I completed it in one night! You'll do the same.
Profile Image for Casey Dawes.
Author 95 books121 followers
September 19, 2012
I enjoyed this book and would read more by Galen Rose. The story was fast-paced and the suspense was enough to cause the heroine to take a good look at herself. I recommend the book!
Profile Image for Chris.
653 reviews17 followers
September 26, 2012
This book is a great story. We meet Laney as she enters San Francisco its cold, dreary and she has no where to even lay her head and knows no one in this town. She flags down a cab and little does she know at that time but destiny awaits her in the form of Muldoon's Pub.

Laney passes out after eating some of the best food she's ever had. She has had a rough start in life as we find out during the book. I won't give away too much but she's lost pretty much everything she could have lost and was abused to boot.

This story is very detailed and read much like a diary. It kept me turning the pages quickly and happily. There is action and adventure and drama. We deal with issues of child abuse and female abuse. And it is all done in such a manner to keep you not only interested but curious as to what is going to happen next.

The adventures that Laney, Sean, Mason, Chase and Mike get into are dramatic and exciting. This is well worth the time it takes to read this book. You will enjoy the story and the excitement will keep you reading.

What I loved is that this contemporary romance was written in first person point of view. You are actually in Laney’s head; her troubles, her anger, her fear, and her I most certainly am not going to fall for Sean Muldoon, or any other gorgeous male because to do so will only lead to more pain mind set. I felt as if I knew Laney and through her all her co-workers.

Galen Rose did a fabulous job on character creation and setting the stage for all the action and adventure and mishaps. The only thing I didn't really like is how often characters were injured and how far fetched it seemed that someone would be so injured and yet still be functional. But other than that one little glitch I can honestly say I loved this story and hope to see more from this wonderful author.
Profile Image for Suzanne Barrett.
Author 22 books17 followers
August 5, 2012
Little does Laney Murphy know there’s magic afoot when she exits a greyhound bus in San Francisco and spots a cab. She’s hungry, tired and down on her luck, a situation not lost on the driver who takes her to Muldoon’s and declares the sublime quality of the food. He’s right, of course, and the magic doesn’t stop there. Laney needs a place to stay and a job, both which materialize compliments of pub owner Tommy Muldoon. Soon, despite the misgivings of Tommy’s friend Sean, Laney has a job as bartender for Tommy. Life, however, isn’t all sweetness and light.

Laney has graduated from the University of Hard Knocks and views life with characteristic jaundice. And Sean, ever protective of his friend Tommy, is out to make sure Laney isn’t some moocher trying to take what she can from the kind-hearted publican. Even though tempers flare, there’s a unmistakable attraction that simmers between Sean and Laney.

At Muldoon’s Laney is introduced to a number of people who work–as does Sean–for Woo Security. Eventually, she is recruited for their operation and unwittingly puts herself in danger.

Galen Rose has penned a cute, quirky story full of sly humor and riposte. Well paced, A Place to Rest My Heart should appeal to lovers of romance, mystery and all things Irish. Ms. Rose is definitely an author to watch.
Profile Image for Traci.
Author 6 books19 followers
June 23, 2012
On a dark,damp, dreary night in San Fransisco, Galen Rose introduces us to Laney Murphy. The story of Laney's life unfolds as we meet this crass, fierce, and powerful slightly irish, terminator on estrogen. Laney is the epitomy of a warioress; she needs nothing, wants no pity and intentionally angers most people, especially men.Her life has been wrought with abuse tragedy and heartbreak and she will take nothing from others. Including the heartache and destruction some have planned for her, and certainly not the love and acceptance others are offering.
Just when Laney starts to crack her steel exterior and finds her dreams coming true. her past reappears to destroy her. Will Laney survive to find true love? Read this awesome story and find out, it may turn out different than you think.
Profile Image for Lisa White.
Author 3 books4 followers
August 8, 2012
Not normally a fan of first person narratives, I loved A PLACE TO REST MY HEART. The heroine, Laney, is relatable, funny, fiery and what every woman wishes she could be. I immediately wanted things to work out for her, but as all good books do, conflict and mystery kept me wondering if Laney would ever find her happily-ever-after. Galen Rose has a fun, fast-paced writing style that makes me wish for more of her work. If all her characters are this real, and her stories this entertaining, I can't wait for her next book!
Profile Image for Brenda.
206 reviews8 followers
December 23, 2017


Laney Murphy has had an extremely hard life that most could not even dream of. However as soon as she reaches Dan Fransisco and Muldoon's Pub life starts to turn around. Except for Sean Muldoon. He doesn't trust Laney.

The story progresses extremely fast and it keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Laney's past comes back to haunt her but it is also there to welcome her with open loving arms.

I truly hope that Galen Rose continues to write more stories about the other at Woo.
2,630 reviews
February 1, 2013
Ot started out very well, somewhere around a 4 star book, but as the story went on, details were lost, and the villain showed up when it was convenient. I have been spoiled by Catherine Coulter, Linda Howard and David Baldacci who write far better suspense tales.
Profile Image for Casie O'neal.
3 reviews
January 30, 2013
It was a daily deal on amazon....but I really, really enjoyed this book!!
Profile Image for Barb Lie.
2,084 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2013
A Place to Rest My Heart by Galen Rose is a contemporary romance, which caught my attention immediately from the start, and didn’t let go.

Laney Murphy gets off a bus in San Francisco, with no where to go. Laney has had a rough life starting from her childhood, which makes her a tough heroine, as she has learned to take care of herself. While in a cab, she asks the driver where she can go for food, and he brings her to Muldoon’s Pub. Life for Laney will never be the same, as she is where she was destined to be, though she may not think so at the time.

At Muldoon’s she meets the owner Tommy Muldoon, and his wife Molly. Luckily for Laney, the barkeeper was leaving that day, and after proving she can make just about any drink from her many experiences, she is offered the job.

Immediately she meets two men at the bar, angry Sean, who does not trust her, thinking she is using Tommy, whom he looks at like a father figure; and fun loving Mike. Of course, Mike and Sean do not seem to get along. But Laney stands up to Sean, and not only takes the job, but also takes the room above the pub to live.

This is not a simple romance of boy meets girl, but it is wonderful story of family, romance, friendship and danger. Many of the people who hang around Muldoon’s work for a security firm, Woo Security. We meet some of Rose’s fabulous characters, who do work for Woo. Chase, Sean, Mike, Mason, Dell, just to name a few.

Tommy Muldoon and Molly begin to care a lot about Laney, and there is more to that story, then even Laney knows. So when Laney is offered a job to work for Woo Security, because she shows that she is tough, can fight, they feel she would be perfect, but Tommy is not happy, as he worries about Laney. But Laney does take the job, and the story gets very exciting from there on.

Someone from Laney’s childhood past brings danger to her and those around her. The friends she has made will join hands to try to help her. Laney knows she has fallen hard for Sean, despite their early fighting, but she afraid to totally trust any relationship. Sean has begun to pursue Laney, though she is hesitant because of her fears of her past. When we find out the truth about Laney’s childhood, especially after seeing the villains of this story (horrid aunt, and despicable cousin), we totally sympathize with her. So do all of her new found friends, who will stop at nothing to protect Laney. As the danger increases, Sean and Laney relationship becomes reality, and both put themselves on the line to protect each other. The ending was tense and exciting. Galen Rose does a fantastic job creating a romance, with so much action, danger, and a wonderful group of characters. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Barb
The Reading Cafe
3 reviews
January 30, 2013
I feel like this book was designed to be a quick read. While it definitely succeeded there, and also fulfilled the cheesy romance novel craving I have had lately, there were two aspects of this book that kind of bothered me. One is the lack of correct grammar or punctuation, which may have been due to the fact that I was reading the Kindle edition. So, I tried to ignore that. Second is the first half of the book. I felt that there was way too much that happened way too quickly in the first part of the story. I found myself confused, as though I missed some important thing that helped turn the course of events in the story line. Things slowed down eventually, but it was really difficult not for me to put the book down for the first 90 pages...
Profile Image for Louise M. Hoey.
14 reviews
December 1, 2016
Not the usual romance!

Laney and Sean find each other but the struggle continues until they both agree to a life together. Well written. Lots of intrigue. Fast paced without over-sexed parts. The fear and pain is believable. Very glad that she overcame it all to find happiness.
Profile Image for Nora Snowdon.
Author 17 books34 followers
August 10, 2012
Galen Rose’s novel, A Place to Rest My Heart has a kick-ass heroine, exciting plot, sexy romance and fun secondary characters. Ms Rose had me on the edge of my seat. This is a great debut novel and I look forward to reading more from her.
Profile Image for Kerry Richardson.
1,651 reviews14 followers
August 17, 2015
This was a very enjoyable story with a good plot and a wonderful array of characters. My only complaint is the few grammatical errors, although it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. I would definitely read this author again.
Profile Image for Peggy Kuntz.
245 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2015
Very enjoyable!!

What a great book! This book had everything. Sadness, hope, New beginnings, danger, drama, excitement, love and romance are all part of this story. Definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Carrie Gubish.
1,024 reviews10 followers
April 29, 2016
This is a good book. It has a lot of action, drama and romance. I would have given this book a 5 but she was a little annoying at times. And really, they just sign her up to defend people. Anyway this book does have a lot going on.
Profile Image for Avon Bernabe.
401 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2014
It's good. If only some things were given more explanation. I still have lots of questions.
1,311 reviews8 followers
December 6, 2013
Really nice and a sweet book.Totally enjoyed reading it.I hope the author is going to write more books.
1,121 reviews
April 12, 2016
Loved it. R. A

Loved it. It's a must read. It's very emotional,entertaining,families love and action. It had it all you won't be able to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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