What do you think?
Rate this book
The O'Learys #1
More Than This
"When a lonely teacher teams up with a handsome bartender for some outrageous acts, they both get more than they bargained for. . ."
Learning her ex-husband is going to be a father, Quinn Adams is determined to have a baby of her own--without the partnership of a man. But her sister and friends believe she needs to focus on herself first, and step out of her comfort zone by completing a list of adventures. Challenge number one is to go on five dates within two weeks. After a few disastrous attempts, Quinn's ready to give up--until sexy bartender Ryan O'Leary offers his assistance.
Ryan has always been the dependable one in his family, often at his expense. But lately, he's been longing for a life--and a woman--of his own. The woman he has in mind is Quinn. Though it seems all she wants is friendship, Ryan can't ignore the explosive chemistry he feels between them. In the hopes of becoming closer, Ryan offers to help out with Quinn's list. But when she asks him for a serious favor, he's afraid it will jeopardize his chance to become more than friends.
Learning her ex-husband is going to be a father, Quinn Adams is determined to have a baby of her own--without the partnership of a man. But her sister and friends believe she needs to focus on herself first, and step out of her comfort zone by completing a list of adventures. Challenge number one is to go on five dates within two weeks. After a few disastrous attempts, Quinn's ready to give up--until sexy bartender Ryan O'Leary offers his assistance.
Ryan has always been the dependable one in his family, often at his expense. But lately, he's been longing for a life--and a woman--of his own. The woman he has in mind is Quinn. Though it seems all she wants is friendship, Ryan can't ignore the explosive chemistry he feels between them. In the hopes of becoming closer, Ryan offers to help out with Quinn's list. But when she asks him for a serious favor, he's afraid it will jeopardize his chance to become more than friends.
316 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
858 people are currently reading
1388 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 9, 2013
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 stars
I don’t know what it says about me that I really seem to enjoy books that revolve around pubs and bars, but for some reason I do. Maybe it was watching Cheers for so many years and thinking it would be cool to be a part of a place like that or maybe because there have been so many fabulous books written about pubs and bars and their always hunky, smoldering hot owners. Whatever the case, I once again find myself caught up in another great story where the hero owns a pub and an upscale bar and the heroine is a school teacher, yes my friends I’m in heave with these two! More Than This is an amusing and frustrating story of two people who spend a lot of time bouncing between friends, bed buddies, and friends again to finally figuring out that together they make sense. Their story had me laughing out loud on several occasions, screaming in frustration a time or two, and turning the thermostat down a few times as well. This is the first time I’ve read Shannyn Schroeder but it won’t be the last because I thoroughly enjoyed this fun and complex story.
I don’t even know where to start with Quinn. I like Quinn, she’s a high school teacher who likes to plan her life and isn’t very spontaneous. She keeps to herself with the exception of her sister and a close friend and she doesn’t date much. She’s divorced and her ex is still hanging around from time to time.
Ryan….sigh….at times I wanted to pluck him out of the book and set him up with a couple of my single friends. He’s smart, sexy, funny and ambitious. The downside, he’s also a wee bit controlling and he can hold a grudge. But, I love the way he set out to be more than a friend to Quinn by helping her cross off the items on her list. It was also great to see how indignant he could be on her behalf.
These two have major chemistry yet their friendship is really strong. I can understand Quinn’s reluctance to become sexually involved with Ryan because she didn’t want to lose the friendship if things go badly. I found myself easily annoyed with both of them throughout the book when they were trying to stay away from each other because it was so easy to see they were meant to be. I enjoyed watching them dance around each other and I especially loved their friends and family both telling them how stupid they were. The thing with this book is while Quinn and Ryan are the major players; the other characters were equally important and interesting. The interplay between them all reminded me of some of my all time favorite television sitcoms because it didn’t matter who the “star” of the show was, it was the chemistry between the cast that made it so good.
I have some small issues with this book which affect its rating from me. One is the animosity between Ryan and his brother Colin. It was such a big part of the book yet we never really knew exactly what happened and I found that a little frustrating. It made Ryan look like an absolute jerk at times so I would have liked to have known more about the situation that caused the riff. I’m hoping when Colin gets his story we’ll know more about his situation. Secondly was the whole rapist targeting women in the pubs and bars story line. It came up but it went nowhere and I’m pretty sure I know who was behind them but again we were kind of left hanging. It was never settled and those are the kinds of things that drive me nuts. Lastly, the ending seemed very rushed to me. After all the build up and all of the turmoil these two went through, I expected a much bigger ending. It wasn’t bad; it just was kind of anticlimactic.
More Than This is a great romantic comedy that is easy to enjoy. All of the characters are engaging and easy to like. Shannyn Schroeder has a great voice and the words flowed easily making this a very enjoyable story. I’m looking forward to the next story in this series!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4 stars
I don’t know what it says about me that I really seem to enjoy books that revolve around pubs and bars, but for some reason I do. Maybe it was watching Cheers for so many years and thinking it would be cool to be a part of a place like that or maybe because there have been so many fabulous books written about pubs and bars and their always hunky, smoldering hot owners. Whatever the case, I once again find myself caught up in another great story where the hero owns a pub and an upscale bar and the heroine is a school teacher, yes my friends I’m in heave with these two! More Than This is an amusing and frustrating story of two people who spend a lot of time bouncing between friends, bed buddies, and friends again to finally figuring out that together they make sense. Their story had me laughing out loud on several occasions, screaming in frustration a time or two, and turning the thermostat down a few times as well. This is the first time I’ve read Shannyn Schroeder but it won’t be the last because I thoroughly enjoyed this fun and complex story.
I don’t even know where to start with Quinn. I like Quinn, she’s a high school teacher who likes to plan her life and isn’t very spontaneous. She keeps to herself with the exception of her sister and a close friend and she doesn’t date much. She’s divorced and her ex is still hanging around from time to time.
Ryan….sigh….at times I wanted to pluck him out of the book and set him up with a couple of my single friends. He’s smart, sexy, funny and ambitious. The downside, he’s also a wee bit controlling and he can hold a grudge. But, I love the way he set out to be more than a friend to Quinn by helping her cross off the items on her list. It was also great to see how indignant he could be on her behalf.
These two have major chemistry yet their friendship is really strong. I can understand Quinn’s reluctance to become sexually involved with Ryan because she didn’t want to lose the friendship if things go badly. I found myself easily annoyed with both of them throughout the book when they were trying to stay away from each other because it was so easy to see they were meant to be. I enjoyed watching them dance around each other and I especially loved their friends and family both telling them how stupid they were. The thing with this book is while Quinn and Ryan are the major players; the other characters were equally important and interesting. The interplay between them all reminded me of some of my all time favorite television sitcoms because it didn’t matter who the “star” of the show was, it was the chemistry between the cast that made it so good.
I have some small issues with this book which affect its rating from me. One is the animosity between Ryan and his brother Colin. It was such a big part of the book yet we never really knew exactly what happened and I found that a little frustrating. It made Ryan look like an absolute jerk at times so I would have liked to have known more about the situation that caused the riff. I’m hoping when Colin gets his story we’ll know more about his situation. Secondly was the whole rapist targeting women in the pubs and bars story line. It came up but it went nowhere and I’m pretty sure I know who was behind them but again we were kind of left hanging. It was never settled and those are the kinds of things that drive me nuts. Lastly, the ending seemed very rushed to me. After all the build up and all of the turmoil these two went through, I expected a much bigger ending. It wasn’t bad; it just was kind of anticlimactic.
More Than This is a great romantic comedy that is easy to enjoy. All of the characters are engaging and easy to like. Shannyn Schroeder has a great voice and the words flowed easily making this a very enjoyable story. I’m looking forward to the next story in this series!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
July 16, 2013
The set up
Quinn Adams thought she needed to shake things up in her life. She's the one always taking the practical path and is in sort of a rut with her career and love life but doesn't know how to alter her course. Ryan O'Leary would love a shot at being the romance in her life but she sees him as being cut from the same mold as her ex...a bartender who can't resist the flavor of the night, even though he's so much more than that.
The issues
Quinn's polar-opposite, outgoing sister Indy and friend Kate help her put together a list of things she must do this summer, all being completely out of her comfort zone. Failure at any of them could have the potential of making her even less confident about herself. Ryan decides to be her "friend" as a means to becoming something more but was so good in the role Quinn was unwilling to do anything that might risk the relationship.
What worked well
Quinn is one of those characters you like right out of the gate. She's attractive and confident in herself to a point but doesn't really get her true appeal. She's not a total pushover but could use some backbone with certain people in her life. Ryan is just all out delectable, with a natural and genuine charm that puts you in his corner pretty quickly. He's not perfect but that plays well, at least for me. I also liked that this wasn't just a story limited to these two. We get pretty meaty insights about the people closest to these two, not so much that it overwhelms Ryan and Quinn's story but enough to leave me wanting to know more and the promise of it in future stories. Indy, Kate, Ryan's best friend Griff, Ryan's brother Colin...just to name a few...are all intriguing on their own and I want more of them. Lastly, the O'Leary brood, with their sibling issues and strong sense of family, provide a really nice backdrop for the series, completing this really attractive package.
What didn't work as well
Quinn's reluctance to see Ryan for the man he was got old near the end of the story. She's not clueless, just stubborn, which made me want to shake her. Thankfully her sister and Kate were there to do that on my behalf. The ending wrapped a bit quickly for me, too. But, it appears this story will continue with the next book so that's some consolation.
The bottom line
I liked this story and enjoyed the people in it. It's not a new situation but the journey was nicely done with some uncommon approaches. There were also multiple points of view throughout and that is always a strong point for me as it helped me connect to each character. I am hooked and already have the next book. I'm going to take my time getting to it, though, until I know when I can expect the third one!
Quinn Adams thought she needed to shake things up in her life. She's the one always taking the practical path and is in sort of a rut with her career and love life but doesn't know how to alter her course. Ryan O'Leary would love a shot at being the romance in her life but she sees him as being cut from the same mold as her ex...a bartender who can't resist the flavor of the night, even though he's so much more than that.
The issues
Quinn's polar-opposite, outgoing sister Indy and friend Kate help her put together a list of things she must do this summer, all being completely out of her comfort zone. Failure at any of them could have the potential of making her even less confident about herself. Ryan decides to be her "friend" as a means to becoming something more but was so good in the role Quinn was unwilling to do anything that might risk the relationship.
What worked well
Quinn is one of those characters you like right out of the gate. She's attractive and confident in herself to a point but doesn't really get her true appeal. She's not a total pushover but could use some backbone with certain people in her life. Ryan is just all out delectable, with a natural and genuine charm that puts you in his corner pretty quickly. He's not perfect but that plays well, at least for me. I also liked that this wasn't just a story limited to these two. We get pretty meaty insights about the people closest to these two, not so much that it overwhelms Ryan and Quinn's story but enough to leave me wanting to know more and the promise of it in future stories. Indy, Kate, Ryan's best friend Griff, Ryan's brother Colin...just to name a few...are all intriguing on their own and I want more of them. Lastly, the O'Leary brood, with their sibling issues and strong sense of family, provide a really nice backdrop for the series, completing this really attractive package.
What didn't work as well
Quinn's reluctance to see Ryan for the man he was got old near the end of the story. She's not clueless, just stubborn, which made me want to shake her. Thankfully her sister and Kate were there to do that on my behalf. The ending wrapped a bit quickly for me, too. But, it appears this story will continue with the next book so that's some consolation.
The bottom line
I liked this story and enjoyed the people in it. It's not a new situation but the journey was nicely done with some uncommon approaches. There were also multiple points of view throughout and that is always a strong point for me as it helped me connect to each character. I am hooked and already have the next book. I'm going to take my time getting to it, though, until I know when I can expect the third one!
November 18, 2018
4.5 Stars
To steal a line from the book, “If I had to sum it up, all I can say is Hoo-doggie.” Talk about a book drawing you in. I loved More Than This from the very beginning.
More Than This is the story of Quinn Adams, a too perfect, always walking on the safe side, high school English teacher. She’s beautiful but doesn’t know it. She’s a person who doesn’t like the spotlight.
Ryan O’Leary is just great. He’s the second oldest of six children. I KNOW, perfect for a series!!!! Ryan is the kind of guy a girl wants. Family means a lot to him. In fact, he puts his family before himself. When his father passed away, Ryan stepped in and took over the family bar, in addition to also still running his own bar.
After Quinn discovers her ex-husband is going to have a child, she decides that she’s tired of waiting for the right man to come along and that she’s going to do the parent thing by herself. Her sister Indy and best friend Kate step in with a different idea. They propose that before she goes the parent route, she completes some tasks during the summer that are way out of her comfort zone. Ryan who really wants to go out with Quinn, but is shot down at every turn, offers to help her with some of her tasks. This is a true friends-to-lovers romance that will have you never wanting it to end.
**Received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed.**
To steal a line from the book, “If I had to sum it up, all I can say is Hoo-doggie.” Talk about a book drawing you in. I loved More Than This from the very beginning.
More Than This is the story of Quinn Adams, a too perfect, always walking on the safe side, high school English teacher. She’s beautiful but doesn’t know it. She’s a person who doesn’t like the spotlight.
Ryan O’Leary is just great. He’s the second oldest of six children. I KNOW, perfect for a series!!!! Ryan is the kind of guy a girl wants. Family means a lot to him. In fact, he puts his family before himself. When his father passed away, Ryan stepped in and took over the family bar, in addition to also still running his own bar.
After Quinn discovers her ex-husband is going to have a child, she decides that she’s tired of waiting for the right man to come along and that she’s going to do the parent thing by herself. Her sister Indy and best friend Kate step in with a different idea. They propose that before she goes the parent route, she completes some tasks during the summer that are way out of her comfort zone. Ryan who really wants to go out with Quinn, but is shot down at every turn, offers to help her with some of her tasks. This is a true friends-to-lovers romance that will have you never wanting it to end.
**Received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed.**
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 12, 2013
01/11/2013 -- DNF for me. Made a pact with myself NOT to waste time on a book you KNOW will not get better. Too many books and too little time. Sorry, just too simple. Same story, told multiple times, so if you are going to tell it again ... knock it out the park. Unfortunately, just did not happen.
My one update said this book reminded me of a late 80's mediocre serial romance. I haven't changed my mind.
ARC provided by Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
My one update said this book reminded me of a late 80's mediocre serial romance. I haven't changed my mind.
ARC provided by Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2022
A fun and funny romantic comedy. Quinn and Ryan's story. He has a big family with history. He also owns Irish Pubs. She is disappointed with her romantic life and wants a baby. Unwilling to continue looking for a man before moving forward in her life, Quinn starts looking into having a baby on her own. But her sister and friends intervein and provide her with a list of adventures to complete before making any decisions. Lots of fun and a lovely romance.
November 19, 2018
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
I can't believe I finally got around to reading the first book in the O'Leary's series. This is a series I really loved but I unfortunately started it with the third book, Something to Prove. That book was enough to hook me into this series.
I kept meaning to go back and read the first two books in the series but new books kept coming and I found myself farther away from the beginning of this series. When it came up for review I knew I had to do.
I'm so glad I did but I think this book for me really pointed out why I love reading series in order. Remember, I started the series with book #3 which is Colin's book. So the story was more about him and his feelings. So what I got about Ryan wasn't always favorable. He wasn't as likable and I hadn't read his story so...
But now I realize why he was acting the way he did. In fact, I really didn't know there was a carefree part of him. After reading More Than This I can honestly say I'm a Ryan fan. He's such a great guy who worries and can be hurt. Point in case...his brother.
Like I said, I really liked Ryan and got to really understand him as a person. He's the perfect hero, caring, funny and there when you need him. The big one, he has flaws. You need those to be a good really good person.
So here I liked Ryan more in his book but I can't say the same about Quinn. She on the other hand was hard to deal with sometimes. I understood why she was the way she was but that didn't always help. Her emotions jumped back and forth so much my head started to hurt. It made you want to yell...stop it!
As a whole this is a really good story and you'll fall in love with this family. Those of you who haven't yet tried this series you are so lucky there are so many books that you've got yet to read in this series and the one after it but ties in.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for a honest review
I can't believe I finally got around to reading the first book in the O'Leary's series. This is a series I really loved but I unfortunately started it with the third book, Something to Prove. That book was enough to hook me into this series.
I kept meaning to go back and read the first two books in the series but new books kept coming and I found myself farther away from the beginning of this series. When it came up for review I knew I had to do.
I'm so glad I did but I think this book for me really pointed out why I love reading series in order. Remember, I started the series with book #3 which is Colin's book. So the story was more about him and his feelings. So what I got about Ryan wasn't always favorable. He wasn't as likable and I hadn't read his story so...
But now I realize why he was acting the way he did. In fact, I really didn't know there was a carefree part of him. After reading More Than This I can honestly say I'm a Ryan fan. He's such a great guy who worries and can be hurt. Point in case...his brother.
Like I said, I really liked Ryan and got to really understand him as a person. He's the perfect hero, caring, funny and there when you need him. The big one, he has flaws. You need those to be a good really good person.
So here I liked Ryan more in his book but I can't say the same about Quinn. She on the other hand was hard to deal with sometimes. I understood why she was the way she was but that didn't always help. Her emotions jumped back and forth so much my head started to hurt. It made you want to yell...stop it!
As a whole this is a really good story and you'll fall in love with this family. Those of you who haven't yet tried this series you are so lucky there are so many books that you've got yet to read in this series and the one after it but ties in.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for a honest review
December 20, 2012
Take 1 lonely, divorcee, school teacher and add 1 very sexy, over worked, bar owner and you’ve got an amazing story about finding love where you least expect it.
Quinn Adams life needs some changes, taking advice from her sister and best friends, Quinn makes a list of outrageous acts to get her out of her funk. Posing nude, 5 dates in two weeks, riding a motorcycle, adventures Quinn would never attempt without this push. Now with the list in hand there are some disastrous attempts by Quinn to fulfill these actions on her own and she almost gives up...until Ryan (bar owner) steps in.
Ryan is attracted to this quiet, shy, teacher that graces one of his bars every week with her co-workers. When he over hears her making a list he wants to fulfill all those items himself. Deciding not to scare Quinn off with his personal desire, he tells Quinn he will help her with her list. Thinking it will help him get closer to Quinn and show her there might be more between them.
More Than This was a slow developing romance/friendship that was a pleasure to watch. Both characters had well established back stories and outside relationships. This story crept up on you leisurely, but then you realize you are completely invested in the outcome and must read on. More Than This is a nice story with heart warming friendship and smoldering desire hiding just under the surface . 4 stars
This ARC copy of More Than This was given to me by Netgalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date January 3, 2013.
Quinn Adams life needs some changes, taking advice from her sister and best friends, Quinn makes a list of outrageous acts to get her out of her funk. Posing nude, 5 dates in two weeks, riding a motorcycle, adventures Quinn would never attempt without this push. Now with the list in hand there are some disastrous attempts by Quinn to fulfill these actions on her own and she almost gives up...until Ryan (bar owner) steps in.
Ryan is attracted to this quiet, shy, teacher that graces one of his bars every week with her co-workers. When he over hears her making a list he wants to fulfill all those items himself. Deciding not to scare Quinn off with his personal desire, he tells Quinn he will help her with her list. Thinking it will help him get closer to Quinn and show her there might be more between them.
More Than This was a slow developing romance/friendship that was a pleasure to watch. Both characters had well established back stories and outside relationships. This story crept up on you leisurely, but then you realize you are completely invested in the outcome and must read on. More Than This is a nice story with heart warming friendship and smoldering desire hiding just under the surface . 4 stars
This ARC copy of More Than This was given to me by Netgalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date January 3, 2013.
February 4, 2013
From the first page of this contemporary romance I knew that this book just wasn’t for me and to be honest it was a bit of a struggle to get through. I found the pace too slow which lead to me being bored. Also the storyline and the characters were not developed enough for me to connect to it.
What didn’t help was the main character Quinn who I didn’t really like at all. I found her annoying, she was just so serious and planed everything out to the point of obsession. She also over reacted and assumed too much. For example her ex was a bar man so no bar man could be trusted, or her sister used to work with Ryan which meant they must have had a sexual relationship. She was just not my kind of gal.
I liked Ryan and I liked that the romance started as a friendship but I didn’t quite feel the chemistry between them.
At the end of the day this one just wasn’t for me.
What didn’t help was the main character Quinn who I didn’t really like at all. I found her annoying, she was just so serious and planed everything out to the point of obsession. She also over reacted and assumed too much. For example her ex was a bar man so no bar man could be trusted, or her sister used to work with Ryan which meant they must have had a sexual relationship. She was just not my kind of gal.
I liked Ryan and I liked that the romance started as a friendship but I didn’t quite feel the chemistry between them.
At the end of the day this one just wasn’t for me.
July 12, 2025
Quinn and Ryan story where do I begin at first she didn’t want anything to do with Ryan because he had reminded her of her ex husband which I totally understand because she wasn’t happy with her husband but as she made a list of things to do over the summer to change things up. Ryan and Quinn had become good friends that were there for each other when they need someone to talk to or hang out with each other but something happen in feeling for each other started happening and they were both were afraid of messing up their friendship that they had going on and I would too but they finally realized that both had fallen in love with each other over the time they were hanging out and at the end they finally gotten together.
January 1, 2013
From the moment I started reading this book I found myself becoming fully immersed in the back-and-forth relationship between Quinn and Ryan. There was much to like about them as well as the friends and family surrounding them and I was sad when this heartwarmingly sexy story came to its abrupt conclusion.
Quinn is a character I could easily relate to. She's quiet and reliable but after her divorce realizes that life is passing her by and that she'll soon end up alone. Her friends see this too and goad her into making a list of five life altering events she must perform. What ensues is a series of sadly humorous outcomes. Even though these outcomes made me chuckle I couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards Quinn. She didn't let this get her down though and kept trudging forward. Luckily, bartender Ryan offers his services to get through her list. Ryan is the perfect match for her on many levels. He too is reliable and loyal to his family. He's also sexy, charming, with a sly sense of humor that keeps Quinn smiling. Their relationship evolves slowly allowing for a slow-burn build-up of sexual tension that permeated every page. It's both satisfying and frustrating the constant back and forth labeling of friend or lover. Seeing how good they are together, how supportive they are of one another had me screaming at them to just "GET IT ON".
These two are extremely likable and react to realistic life issues in a believable way that had me fully invested in their outcome. Surrounding them are a cast of equally likable secondary characters that enhanced that family feel I felt the moment Quinn and her friends came on the scene. This was a nicely flowing story with a sweet yet sexy romance involving two characters I was rooting for every step of the way. The ending was a bit abrupt and at times I wanted to shake the protagonists to get them to see what a great HEA they could have together but overall I enjoyed More Than This more than I thought I would.
Quinn is a character I could easily relate to. She's quiet and reliable but after her divorce realizes that life is passing her by and that she'll soon end up alone. Her friends see this too and goad her into making a list of five life altering events she must perform. What ensues is a series of sadly humorous outcomes. Even though these outcomes made me chuckle I couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards Quinn. She didn't let this get her down though and kept trudging forward. Luckily, bartender Ryan offers his services to get through her list. Ryan is the perfect match for her on many levels. He too is reliable and loyal to his family. He's also sexy, charming, with a sly sense of humor that keeps Quinn smiling. Their relationship evolves slowly allowing for a slow-burn build-up of sexual tension that permeated every page. It's both satisfying and frustrating the constant back and forth labeling of friend or lover. Seeing how good they are together, how supportive they are of one another had me screaming at them to just "GET IT ON".
These two are extremely likable and react to realistic life issues in a believable way that had me fully invested in their outcome. Surrounding them are a cast of equally likable secondary characters that enhanced that family feel I felt the moment Quinn and her friends came on the scene. This was a nicely flowing story with a sweet yet sexy romance involving two characters I was rooting for every step of the way. The ending was a bit abrupt and at times I wanted to shake the protagonists to get them to see what a great HEA they could have together but overall I enjoyed More Than This more than I thought I would.
Want to read
September 17, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/24/2019)! 🎁
January 6, 2013
4.25
I really enjoyed this book! This is one 'friends-to-lovers' story that I will keep on my re-read shelf.
Quinn and Ryan have known each other since Quinn started going to Ryan's bar with her co-workers. Quinn's experience with bartenders is not great, so she keeps Ryan at arms-length even when she finds him attractive. They have enjoyed a sort of friendship over time, but it isn't until Quinn needs help with her list that they develop a true friendship. Ryan wants more with Quinn but he goes along with her friendship plan in the hopes that Quinn has a change of heart.
I liked Quinn a lot. She was funny, quirky and smart. She had a plan and she was determined to fulfill it. Of course, Ryan was not part of her overall plan even though she considered the possibility a time or two. Ryan also had a plan. A natural caregiver, he was determined to help Quinn finish her list while winning her heart in the process. I loved Ryan! He was charming, funny and very sexy - I could picture his grin and know that it would make me melt.
Filled with humor, sexy banter and emotion, the writing was very good. I enjoyed how the characters interacted with each other and the way they were brought together. The chemistry between Quinn and Ryan was very palpable and their connection felt real. I truly connected with them and was cheering them on throughout the story. The author, Shannyn Schroeder, did a great job of developing the characters and of including a very fascinating set of events that kept me interested in the story from beginning to end. I also found the secondary characters interesting, especially Griffin and Indi.
This is the first book I read from this author, but it certainly won't be the last. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and can't wait for Griffin's story.
I received this title from eKensington Books through NetGalley in exchange of my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book! This is one 'friends-to-lovers' story that I will keep on my re-read shelf.
Quinn and Ryan have known each other since Quinn started going to Ryan's bar with her co-workers. Quinn's experience with bartenders is not great, so she keeps Ryan at arms-length even when she finds him attractive. They have enjoyed a sort of friendship over time, but it isn't until Quinn needs help with her list that they develop a true friendship. Ryan wants more with Quinn but he goes along with her friendship plan in the hopes that Quinn has a change of heart.
I liked Quinn a lot. She was funny, quirky and smart. She had a plan and she was determined to fulfill it. Of course, Ryan was not part of her overall plan even though she considered the possibility a time or two. Ryan also had a plan. A natural caregiver, he was determined to help Quinn finish her list while winning her heart in the process. I loved Ryan! He was charming, funny and very sexy - I could picture his grin and know that it would make me melt.
Filled with humor, sexy banter and emotion, the writing was very good. I enjoyed how the characters interacted with each other and the way they were brought together. The chemistry between Quinn and Ryan was very palpable and their connection felt real. I truly connected with them and was cheering them on throughout the story. The author, Shannyn Schroeder, did a great job of developing the characters and of including a very fascinating set of events that kept me interested in the story from beginning to end. I also found the secondary characters interesting, especially Griffin and Indi.
This is the first book I read from this author, but it certainly won't be the last. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and can't wait for Griffin's story.
I received this title from eKensington Books through NetGalley in exchange of my honest review.
January 6, 2013
Quinn has a plan….for everything. She’s organized, detailed, and follows the rules. At 31, she’s realized this has gotten her nowhere, at least nowhere she wants to be. Her sister and best friend plan to change that for her. They give her a list of 8 things she has to do before the end of the summer.
Ryan owns the bar Quinn hangs out at with her co-workers, sister and best friend. Ryan decides he wants Quinn and sets out to win her over. He’s fighting an uphill battle. Quinn’s ex-husband was a bartender and a cheater. The sins of her ex are visited upon Ryan!
Ryan and Quinn develop a friendship, only Ryan wants more from Quinn. But that doesn’t fit into Quinn’s life, because he’s flavor of the week kind of guy.
I was really looking forward to this story. It sounded intriguing and right up my alley. The reality didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
The story was slow moving. I felt like it was dragging and I had to fight my way through it. It also felt like they kept rehashing the same things over and over. I get it. Quinn doesn’t trust bartenders. Get over it. Move on.
I also feel like Quinn needed to grow up some. I was tired of hearing about her planning every little thing and she couldn’t go with the flow for anything. It was nerve-wracking after a while. It made me wonder why Ryan kept wooing her. He put up with a lot from her and I couldn’t figure it out.
Overall it’s a decent story, but it didn’t burn up the sheets for me. It was lacking in passion for me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
January 11, 2014
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by Kim
www.readyourwrites.blogspot.com
To steal a line from the book, “If I had to sum it up, all I can say is Hoo-doggie.” Talk about a book drawing you in. I loved MORE THAN THIS from the very beginning.
MORE THAN THIS is the story of Quinn Adams, a too perfect, always walking on the safe side, high school English teacher. She’s beautiful but doesn’t know it. She’s a person who doesn’t like the spotlight.
Ryan O’Leary is just great. He’s the second oldest of six children. I KNOW, perfect for a series!!!! Ryan is the kind of guy a girl wants. Family means a lot to him. In fact, he puts his family before himself. When his father passed away, Ryan stepped in and took over the family bar, in addition to also still running his own bar.
After Quinn discovers her ex-husband is going to have a child, she decides that she’s tired of waiting for the right man to come along and that she’s going to do the parent thing by herself. Her sister Indy and best friend Kate step in with a different idea. They propose that before she goes the parent route, she completes some tasks during the summer that are way out of her comfort zone. Ryan who really wants to go out with Quinn, but is shot down at every turn offers to help her with some of her tasks. This is a true friends-to-lovers romance that will have you never wanting it to end.
Rating: 4.5
Source: Kensington Books via NetGalley
by Kim
www.readyourwrites.blogspot.com
To steal a line from the book, “If I had to sum it up, all I can say is Hoo-doggie.” Talk about a book drawing you in. I loved MORE THAN THIS from the very beginning.
MORE THAN THIS is the story of Quinn Adams, a too perfect, always walking on the safe side, high school English teacher. She’s beautiful but doesn’t know it. She’s a person who doesn’t like the spotlight.
Ryan O’Leary is just great. He’s the second oldest of six children. I KNOW, perfect for a series!!!! Ryan is the kind of guy a girl wants. Family means a lot to him. In fact, he puts his family before himself. When his father passed away, Ryan stepped in and took over the family bar, in addition to also still running his own bar.
After Quinn discovers her ex-husband is going to have a child, she decides that she’s tired of waiting for the right man to come along and that she’s going to do the parent thing by herself. Her sister Indy and best friend Kate step in with a different idea. They propose that before she goes the parent route, she completes some tasks during the summer that are way out of her comfort zone. Ryan who really wants to go out with Quinn, but is shot down at every turn offers to help her with some of her tasks. This is a true friends-to-lovers romance that will have you never wanting it to end.
Rating: 4.5
Source: Kensington Books via NetGalley
January 9, 2013
This is a very cute, enjoyable friends-to-lovers story with very likeable, relatable characters. I loved how grounded and real both Quinn and Ryan were (though it took me a while to get situated on Quinn's name which I kept thinking was the name of the hero during the early pages). If you're a fan of the slow build romance, this is the book for you. Reminded me of Shannon Stacey in parts - the family dynamics, the sense of setting, and especially the fact that there was no jerk or too-stupid-to-live behavior from either the hero or heroine. Just a well-told story of two regular people looking for their HEA. I'm looking forward to Indy's story.
November 18, 2018
More Than This (The O'Learys, #1) by Shannyn Schroeder
Love shows up when they weren't even looking. Quinn is used to being in the shadows. With a sister who knows how to get noticed, Quinn tends to place herself permanently in the background. No one seems to notice until bartender Ryan takes a second look. Can he bring her out of her shell and lay claim to her heart? More Than This is a sweet tale of how life can bring the best surprises at the most inconvenient of times. Simply irresistible.
Love shows up when they weren't even looking. Quinn is used to being in the shadows. With a sister who knows how to get noticed, Quinn tends to place herself permanently in the background. No one seems to notice until bartender Ryan takes a second look. Can he bring her out of her shell and lay claim to her heart? More Than This is a sweet tale of how life can bring the best surprises at the most inconvenient of times. Simply irresistible.
January 3, 2013
Fans of friends to lovers novels will want to add debut author Shannyn Schroeder’s More Than This to their must have list. An absolutely fun yet sexy read, I loved watching this mismatched pair find their way to happily ever after. To read my review in its entirety, please click HERE.
January 19, 2013
I loved this friend to lovers story and how it all came to be! You can't help but love and feel for the characters, their families and friends. I found this on netgalley and was so glad I was able to read it. I was even more excited to find out there is a second book to follow soon. Can't wait!
August 19, 2015
Really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one in the series to come out... Any idea as to when that will be?
May 30, 2016
Though book 6, Hold Me Close, was my favorite, I really enjoyed reading this entire series. Shannyn Schroeder's writing style is a big hit with this NetGalley reviewer!
November 2, 2023
More Than This by Shannyn Schroeder is the first book of the O'Leary's series. When she learns that her ex-husband is going to be a father, Quinn Adams is on a mission. With the help of her sister and their friend, Quinn is given a list of challenges to complete that summer, challenges designed to be life changing and get Quinn out of her comfort zone. Ryan O’Leary is the sexy bartender at their favorite hang out and he decides he is the perfect person to help Quinn with her list. As he helps her set up and complete the challenges, their friendship grows. Soon Ryan realizes that he wants more from Quinn. Can he convince her that he is the man for all her adventures?
Wow! More Than This is a sweet and steamy romance, packed with humor and tough life lessons. Quinn is a high school teacher who plays it safe. Ryan is the sexy bartender who is willing to show her the fun in taking risks. I immediately loved Ryan and saw how perfect he was for Quinn. It takes her a bit of convincing but once she lets her guard down, the fireworks erupt! The challenges were fun and I loved seeing Quinn break from her shell and become more confident. I loved all the characters, especially the large and rambunctious O’Leary family. I loved this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy sweet and steamy romance, I highly recommend More Than This.
More than This is available in paperback and eBook
Wow! More Than This is a sweet and steamy romance, packed with humor and tough life lessons. Quinn is a high school teacher who plays it safe. Ryan is the sexy bartender who is willing to show her the fun in taking risks. I immediately loved Ryan and saw how perfect he was for Quinn. It takes her a bit of convincing but once she lets her guard down, the fireworks erupt! The challenges were fun and I loved seeing Quinn break from her shell and become more confident. I loved all the characters, especially the large and rambunctious O’Leary family. I loved this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy sweet and steamy romance, I highly recommend More Than This.
More than This is available in paperback and eBook
November 19, 2018
First I have to say that I loved loved this story. This is one of those stories that is a friends to lovers romance story that will blow you away. You have Quinn and Ryan and they are EXCEPTIONAL characters.
Quinn oh my Quinn she is such a sweetheart. She is so nice and has a career as an english teacher and she loves her job. Then she gets some disturbing news that her ex-husband is having a baby and she is determined to have one to. She is going to go out and look for a good man to have his child and he does not need to be a part of the child's life. But her sister and friend are having none of that. They want her to be in a relationship so they set her up on blind dates and after a few bad ones she is all set with that.
Then Ryan a bartender decides to help her out. At first it starts off as a friendship but as feelings start to fly between them both Ryan is determined to get Quinn to see he is worth the chance. He will be there for her and their baby. But can Quinn let go of her insecurities to let him in? This is a must read book! Oh lala this book is steamy and fun!
Quinn oh my Quinn she is such a sweetheart. She is so nice and has a career as an english teacher and she loves her job. Then she gets some disturbing news that her ex-husband is having a baby and she is determined to have one to. She is going to go out and look for a good man to have his child and he does not need to be a part of the child's life. But her sister and friend are having none of that. They want her to be in a relationship so they set her up on blind dates and after a few bad ones she is all set with that.
Then Ryan a bartender decides to help her out. At first it starts off as a friendship but as feelings start to fly between them both Ryan is determined to get Quinn to see he is worth the chance. He will be there for her and their baby. But can Quinn let go of her insecurities to let him in? This is a must read book! Oh lala this book is steamy and fun!
March 22, 2020
Overall, this wasn’t a bad book, but it was far from great.
Ryan was a good character. I felt he was developed and his strengths and flaws were believable. There were a couple times I thought he overreacted but for the most part he was fine. He was the stinger of the two.
Quinn was so ANNOYING. Personally, I can’t stand characters who are total pushovers. Or so stuck in their own ways of thinking there is little to no growth. Her obsession with Ryan just being a friend got to the point of unbelievable. Like, I get not seeing what is right in front of your face but even her own thoughts were there - she should have realized she was in love with him about halfway through the book. Her hang ups about her sister were also over the top and annoying.
What I did like was that not everything on her list went perfectly. I like that Ryan tried to be her friend (even if he had ulterior motives the whole time).
Also PSA: having unprotected sex the night before your period starts does NOT protect you from pregnancy.
2.5 stars
Ryan was a good character. I felt he was developed and his strengths and flaws were believable. There were a couple times I thought he overreacted but for the most part he was fine. He was the stinger of the two.
Quinn was so ANNOYING. Personally, I can’t stand characters who are total pushovers. Or so stuck in their own ways of thinking there is little to no growth. Her obsession with Ryan just being a friend got to the point of unbelievable. Like, I get not seeing what is right in front of your face but even her own thoughts were there - she should have realized she was in love with him about halfway through the book. Her hang ups about her sister were also over the top and annoying.
What I did like was that not everything on her list went perfectly. I like that Ryan tried to be her friend (even if he had ulterior motives the whole time).
Also PSA: having unprotected sex the night before your period starts does NOT protect you from pregnancy.
2.5 stars
July 11, 2022
The only thing better than finishing a great book is knowing there are 5 more in the series by the same author. MORE THAN THIS by Shannyn Schroeder is the first in her contemporary romance series, The O’Leary Family. The story begins in a pub in Chicago where friends of a school teacher try to get her to be more spontaneous, take chances, live a little. They give her a carefully curated bucket list of things every woman would like to try at least once. Convinced that the herculean task will either change her life or galvanize her decision to have a baby on her own, Quinn Adams is determined to put a check next to every item. Quinn has caught the eye and the imagination of the bar’s owner, Ryan O’Leary. He tries to stand in for one or more of the “items” on her list, but when rebuffed, he settles for helping her achieve her goal. However, Ryan is not the kind of guy who settles. He’s an all or nothing kind of guy. The best kind!
November 19, 2018
4 star
The story has laughs, secrets, and heartbreak.
This is Quinn and Ryan’s story. After learning her ex-husband is having a baby Quinn is determined to have a child of her own. She does not need a man to support her in her decision. Her friends and family want her to live a little first by doing a few challenges before she tries with a baby. She does try but the dates she goes on are a complete and utter disaster. She is about to give up when Ryan offers to help her out. Ryan wants Quinn in his life as more than a friend and he just might be able to prove it with these challenges. Can Ryan give Quinn what she wants or is she about to change the rules by asking for something he might not be willing to give?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
The story has laughs, secrets, and heartbreak.
This is Quinn and Ryan’s story. After learning her ex-husband is having a baby Quinn is determined to have a child of her own. She does not need a man to support her in her decision. Her friends and family want her to live a little first by doing a few challenges before she tries with a baby. She does try but the dates she goes on are a complete and utter disaster. She is about to give up when Ryan offers to help her out. Ryan wants Quinn in his life as more than a friend and he just might be able to prove it with these challenges. Can Ryan give Quinn what she wants or is she about to change the rules by asking for something he might not be willing to give?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
April 2, 2019
The ending needed work
The characters were fleshed out. The sister's romance is one I have no interest in reading. There were some good couple moments in the book. But the ending was rushed the singles event was unnecessary. I know Joe is being set up for a later plot point but I wasn't impressed with the suspense element that he will be a part of, anyway. There I kept it vague but seriously if you don't get his role as an antagonist in some upcoming story, then sms. So let's get rid of Joe, and have Ryan take her home after dinner. Then the whole resolution conversation isn't one stinking paragraph but an actual confession of feelings.
The characters were fleshed out. The sister's romance is one I have no interest in reading. There were some good couple moments in the book. But the ending was rushed the singles event was unnecessary. I know Joe is being set up for a later plot point but I wasn't impressed with the suspense element that he will be a part of, anyway. There I kept it vague but seriously if you don't get his role as an antagonist in some upcoming story, then sms. So let's get rid of Joe, and have Ryan take her home after dinner. Then the whole resolution conversation isn't one stinking paragraph but an actual confession of feelings.
March 21, 2025
Quinn needs something to shake her out of her rut, and who better than Ryan O’Leary, the handsome pub owner? Quinn’s friend and sister want to help as well so they cowrite a list of things to accomplish over the summer, prompting Ryan to assist with that as well - but just as friends. Can their relationship evolve and give Quinn a new outlook on life?
The writing and characters were okay. I wasn’t all that invested in the storyline or relationships. I also feel as if Chicago wasn’t properly explored, even with it supposedly being an important part of the story. Will not continue with the series.
The writing and characters were okay. I wasn’t all that invested in the storyline or relationships. I also feel as if Chicago wasn’t properly explored, even with it supposedly being an important part of the story. Will not continue with the series.
March 22, 2020
I love finding books to read by new to me authors and Shannyn Schroeder’s More Than This didn’t disappoint. Quinn Adams has been burnt by a bartender/player in the past, case in point, her ex-husband Nick. Ryan O’Leary the owner of o’Leary’ Pub and the Twilight bar finds Quinn attractive and wants to get to know her. She doesn’t want to give him the time of day because of Nick and she’s seen Ryan with numerous females. No spoilers so grab your copy and see what happens when they decide to be friends, instead of dating. I can’t wait to read more books in this series.
October 26, 2024
An unstoppable read
I enjoy Shannyn's O'Leary novels. The whole family is interesting and always a good read. This one is no different. Ryan has the warm-hearted acceptance of the entire bunch,, once you get past the worry. And she is a lovely woman who lets her desire for the end product overwhelm the reality of the present. The whole novel just emphasizes the need for honest communication between people in a relationship. In addition, they each need to be more scrupulous in self examination. An unstoppable experience which sweeps you along to the very end.
I enjoy Shannyn's O'Leary novels. The whole family is interesting and always a good read. This one is no different. Ryan has the warm-hearted acceptance of the entire bunch,, once you get past the worry. And she is a lovely woman who lets her desire for the end product overwhelm the reality of the present. The whole novel just emphasizes the need for honest communication between people in a relationship. In addition, they each need to be more scrupulous in self examination. An unstoppable experience which sweeps you along to the very end.
November 19, 2018
Shannyn Schroeder has a series that is bad for the heart yet delicious in the most sexiest sinful way. Ryan is one bad boy no sane woman can ignore and boy does Quinn have a hard job right now. The attraction between them is hot and funny at times they seem perfect for each other. Cannot wait to see what she does with the next O'Leary.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews