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Her Best Laid Plans: An Irish Contemporary Romance
Experience Ireland - the dramatic beauty, the warm hospitality...and the smoking-hot local guys!
Imagine nursing a pint in a cozy, authentic country pub, far from Cork's busy city pulse. Getting here took you a plane, bus, taxi and...um, bicycle. But just as you're resigning yourself to drinking beside grey-haired farmers, you see him - a man with the looks and charm to soothe any heartbroken girl. He's your bartender. Your really, really gorgeous bartender. For American Jamie Webb - recently dumped and housesitting for two weeks - Connor Kelleher is like a six-course feast after a 23-year starvation diet. But it's gotta be casual. She's just begun rerouting her life after a three-year man-related detour. Still, a sexy romp (or twenty!) with Sexy McBartender? But what happens when Jamie's best-laid plans for no future plans with any man begin to change?
Imagine nursing a pint in a cozy, authentic country pub, far from Cork's busy city pulse. Getting here took you a plane, bus, taxi and...um, bicycle. But just as you're resigning yourself to drinking beside grey-haired farmers, you see him - a man with the looks and charm to soothe any heartbroken girl. He's your bartender. Your really, really gorgeous bartender. For American Jamie Webb - recently dumped and housesitting for two weeks - Connor Kelleher is like a six-course feast after a 23-year starvation diet. But it's gotta be casual. She's just begun rerouting her life after a three-year man-related detour. Still, a sexy romp (or twenty!) with Sexy McBartender? But what happens when Jamie's best-laid plans for no future plans with any man begin to change?
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
39 people are currently reading
1195 people want to read
About the author
Cara McKenna
41 books2,240 followersSince she began writing in 2008, Cara McKenna has published nearly forty romances and erotic novels with a variety of publishers, sometimes under the pen names Meg Maguire and C.M. McKenna. Her stories have been acclaimed for their smart, modern voice and defiance of convention. She was a 2015 RITA Award finalist, a 2014 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award winner, a 2012 and 2011 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award nominee, and a 2010 Golden Heart Award finalist. She lives with her husband and baby son in the Pacific Northwest, though she’ll always be a Boston girl at heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
August 28, 2015
3.5 stars. Review posted April 20, 2014
A quick review for a quick read.
In a nutshell
Jamie Webb, a student from Boston, is house-sitting for her mother's best friend in Ireland for the next ten days. While nursing a Guinness in a pub she makes the acquaintance of Connor Kelleher, a hot Irish mechanic bartender with aspirations to become an engineer. The attraction is mutual and they start flirting. One thing leads to another and they're entangled in a vacation fling...
My thoughts
I'm actually not a fan of insta-anything but when you're on the lookout for a little holiday fling and when you're on the rebound as well, then I guess it's required that you have to feel some kind of insta-lust to get to fourth base. Going into this I knew it wouldn't be McKenna's best work to date. Thus, don't expect anything too deep or special. Just take it for what it is; Her Best Laid Plans is a nice read, a rather light and easy one, just something pretty short and good for in between. It's solidly written and definitely better than all those Harlequins I've been reading during the 80s and 90s. I felt entertained and that's what matters in the end. Again, I must point out how well Cara McKenna writes her steamy scenes. They are sexy and arousing. The man is considerate, generous and demanding all at the same time; he takes care of the woman and knows how to get her off. Really well done.
"(…)And we've both picked the worst possible time to fall for somebody."
"And we've both picked the worst possible person to fall for."
"Don't blame me for that--I was just minding my business in the proper hemisphere. You're the one who came poaching." He kissed her temple.
Overall an enjoyable read but it didn't provide an intensity or emotional pull that would have justified a higher rating. If you are on the lookout for something short and light then give it a try. I also think that fans of Cara McKenna will like it.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
http://baba.booklikes.com
A quick review for a quick read.
In a nutshell
Jamie Webb, a student from Boston, is house-sitting for her mother's best friend in Ireland for the next ten days. While nursing a Guinness in a pub she makes the acquaintance of Connor Kelleher, a hot Irish mechanic bartender with aspirations to become an engineer. The attraction is mutual and they start flirting. One thing leads to another and they're entangled in a vacation fling...
My thoughts
I'm actually not a fan of insta-anything but when you're on the lookout for a little holiday fling and when you're on the rebound as well, then I guess it's required that you have to feel some kind of insta-lust to get to fourth base. Going into this I knew it wouldn't be McKenna's best work to date. Thus, don't expect anything too deep or special. Just take it for what it is; Her Best Laid Plans is a nice read, a rather light and easy one, just something pretty short and good for in between. It's solidly written and definitely better than all those Harlequins I've been reading during the 80s and 90s. I felt entertained and that's what matters in the end. Again, I must point out how well Cara McKenna writes her steamy scenes. They are sexy and arousing. The man is considerate, generous and demanding all at the same time; he takes care of the woman and knows how to get her off. Really well done.
"(…)And we've both picked the worst possible time to fall for somebody."
"And we've both picked the worst possible person to fall for."
"Don't blame me for that--I was just minding my business in the proper hemisphere. You're the one who came poaching." He kissed her temple.
Overall an enjoyable read but it didn't provide an intensity or emotional pull that would have justified a higher rating. If you are on the lookout for something short and light then give it a try. I also think that fans of Cara McKenna will like it.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
http://baba.booklikes.com
August 3, 2014
3.5 stars
I did enjoy this one once I got over one or two “Irish” tings that annoyed me!!
Short and sweet, it portrayed Ireland well – although a lot of those country pubs in the back arse of nowhere have closed down in recent years due to the strict “drink/driving” laws that were brought in and also the “anti-smoking” laws.
“I love your voice,” she murmured.
“You want to hear me?” Even that question was doing the job, like liquor snaking through her.
“Yeah.”
“Sweet or dirty?” he asked.
“Whatever you’re thinking.”
He obeyed without hesitation. “I’m thinking I can’t remember ever wanting someone so badly. Being this hard. Wanting so badly to taste a woman. Taste you. Make you come. Make you ready—make you wet, and...what’s the word?” He bit her softly. “Lush,” he concluded.”
And as we say in Ireland….
NOT
I did enjoy this one once I got over one or two “Irish” tings that annoyed me!!
Short and sweet, it portrayed Ireland well – although a lot of those country pubs in the back arse of nowhere have closed down in recent years due to the strict “drink/driving” laws that were brought in and also the “anti-smoking” laws.
“I love your voice,” she murmured.
“You want to hear me?” Even that question was doing the job, like liquor snaking through her.
“Yeah.”
“Sweet or dirty?” he asked.
“Whatever you’re thinking.”
He obeyed without hesitation. “I’m thinking I can’t remember ever wanting someone so badly. Being this hard. Wanting so badly to taste a woman. Taste you. Make you come. Make you ready—make you wet, and...what’s the word?” He bit her softly. “Lush,” he concluded.”
And as we say in Ireland….
NOT
June 1, 2014
3.5 stars!
A short, sweet and sexy novella. Cara McKenna knows how to turn up the heat. This is a little less risque than some of her other reads, but just as steamy!
1o days. That’s how long Jamie is on her Ireland vacation for. She meets local bartender, Connor on day 1. 10 days is enough for a fantastic fling. It might even be long enough to start falling....
Jamie and Connor have strong chemistry. They put it all out there. Their feelings, wants, desires. Knowing they only have these precious 10 days makes their time more intense, more valuable. I wanted more time with Jamie and Connor in those 10 days. There was too much time that was skipped over. I liked the story a lot, bhe ending was a somewhat predictable, very sweet.
Her Best Laid Plans was a fun and flirty read I enjoyed. As always with a lot of novellas, I wish it were longer and I got to know the characters a little better. But still - a solid 3.5 star read!
*ARC kindly provided by Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A short, sweet and sexy novella. Cara McKenna knows how to turn up the heat. This is a little less risque than some of her other reads, but just as steamy!
1o days. That’s how long Jamie is on her Ireland vacation for. She meets local bartender, Connor on day 1. 10 days is enough for a fantastic fling. It might even be long enough to start falling....
Jamie and Connor have strong chemistry. They put it all out there. Their feelings, wants, desires. Knowing they only have these precious 10 days makes their time more intense, more valuable. I wanted more time with Jamie and Connor in those 10 days. There was too much time that was skipped over. I liked the story a lot, bhe ending was a somewhat predictable, very sweet.
Her Best Laid Plans was a fun and flirty read I enjoyed. As always with a lot of novellas, I wish it were longer and I got to know the characters a little better. But still - a solid 3.5 star read!
*ARC kindly provided by Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 25, 2015
This book is like a sweet, romantic new adult, just with more explicit sex scenes. Wish it was longer, though.
May 18, 2014
Her Best Laid Plans was a satisfying romance and one HOT novella, but I didn’t expect any less from Cara McKenna.
Jaime’s life plan derailed after her long-time boyfriend broke up with her. She was to support him through med school and then he was to return the favor when he finished and she went for her degree in architecture. Now that Jaime’s put her life on hold and delayed college, she’s two years behind with nothing to show for it. Loser ex!! With the summer off and no plans until she starts college and a new job in the fall, Jaime travels from Boston to Ireland determined to have a good time. Things are looking up when the gorgeous Irish barman, Connor serves her a Guinness at the local pub. Yet, what Jaime thought of as a vacation fling turns into something so much more. Connor has found a place in her heart and settled in deep.
Connor works at the family’s pub saving every dime to go back to college for his engineering degree. He’s wasted years on a misspent youth and plans on correcting that in the fall. When Jaime walks into his bar he falls hard for her and starts imagining a future:
“I fell harder for you in a week and a half than I have for any girl I dated for ten times that long,” he said. “If this isn’t worth turning my life inside out for, I can’t imagine what is.”
This romance ticked all the boxes for me in 85 pages! Even though Jaime and Connor’s relationship happens in ten days it didn’t feel like insta-love to me at all. They used every free minute getting to know each other. And oh, I liked some of the ways they did that:
She sucked in a breath, back arching.
“Good,” he murmured. “Let me figure you out.”
She smiled at that, unseen. Of course he’d want that—to mess around and discover how she worked, how to make her respond.
Oh my, and yes, please!!
This was HOT! Connor and Jaime’s time together was intense, passionate and yet so very sweet. I was desperately hoping they could work things out in spite of living on two different continents. A HEA is a requirement for this romance junkie, and let’s just say I had a smile on my face by the end.
A copy was provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jaime’s life plan derailed after her long-time boyfriend broke up with her. She was to support him through med school and then he was to return the favor when he finished and she went for her degree in architecture. Now that Jaime’s put her life on hold and delayed college, she’s two years behind with nothing to show for it. Loser ex!! With the summer off and no plans until she starts college and a new job in the fall, Jaime travels from Boston to Ireland determined to have a good time. Things are looking up when the gorgeous Irish barman, Connor serves her a Guinness at the local pub. Yet, what Jaime thought of as a vacation fling turns into something so much more. Connor has found a place in her heart and settled in deep.
Connor works at the family’s pub saving every dime to go back to college for his engineering degree. He’s wasted years on a misspent youth and plans on correcting that in the fall. When Jaime walks into his bar he falls hard for her and starts imagining a future:
“I fell harder for you in a week and a half than I have for any girl I dated for ten times that long,” he said. “If this isn’t worth turning my life inside out for, I can’t imagine what is.”
This romance ticked all the boxes for me in 85 pages! Even though Jaime and Connor’s relationship happens in ten days it didn’t feel like insta-love to me at all. They used every free minute getting to know each other. And oh, I liked some of the ways they did that:
She sucked in a breath, back arching.
“Good,” he murmured. “Let me figure you out.”
She smiled at that, unseen. Of course he’d want that—to mess around and discover how she worked, how to make her respond.
Oh my, and yes, please!!
This was HOT! Connor and Jaime’s time together was intense, passionate and yet so very sweet. I was desperately hoping they could work things out in spite of living on two different continents. A HEA is a requirement for this romance junkie, and let’s just say I had a smile on my face by the end.
A copy was provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2014
"Her Best Laid Plans" was a sweet, flirty novella about a whirlwind romance between an Irish bartender and an American on holiday after a breakup. Honestly, this wasn't what I was expecting from this author, who is usually much edgier with her stories. In fact, one might call this a wee bit pedestrian. However, once I got over the fact that this was going to be simply a charming contemporary romance, I enjoyed the story.
This book was pure romantic escapism. It was fun without being groundbreaking and a very nice way to spend a few hours, especially if you have a thing for guys with accents. The one thing I would change about this story? Get a spare helmet for your motorcycle, Connor! Brain damage isn't sexy! **Steps off soapbox**
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Find this review and other like it at My Fiction Nook
This book was pure romantic escapism. It was fun without being groundbreaking and a very nice way to spend a few hours, especially if you have a thing for guys with accents. The one thing I would change about this story? Get a spare helmet for your motorcycle, Connor! Brain damage isn't sexy! **Steps off soapbox**
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Find this review and other like it at My Fiction Nook
March 23, 2014
**3.5 Flirty and Fun stars**
Cosmo Red-Hot Reads are short fast-paced romances that feature fearless females. HER BEST LAID PLANS is set in Ireland with an American single college student taking a solo vacation to the Emerald Isle. A flirty encounter in a bar leads to two weeks of a passion filled romance for Jamie and Noel.
Standalone
**Complimentary copy courtesy of Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Cosmo Red-Hot Reads are short fast-paced romances that feature fearless females. HER BEST LAID PLANS is set in Ireland with an American single college student taking a solo vacation to the Emerald Isle. A flirty encounter in a bar leads to two weeks of a passion filled romance for Jamie and Noel.
Standalone
**Complimentary copy courtesy of Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
April 17, 2014
3.5--Sweet and Sexy--Stars!!
This was a fun read....and for being a novella I thought it was pretty good. Obviously there isn't a lot of story and character development but it was still entertaining. A great in-between book.
Bonus...it was
Jamie is in Ireland vacationing. She's just moved back to Boston after being dumped by her boyfriend. The boyfriend that she moved to California with so that he could follow his dreams.
Her first day there, Jamie ends up in a pub and meets Connor. Connor's dad owns the bar and he helps out. They flirt and have fun....share a kiss and make plans to see each other again.
They spend the rest of Jamie's time in Ireland together. They have a great connection, great sexual chemistry. If circumstances were different maybe they could even have more. Jamie won't make the same mistake twice though and follow after another man.
They part ways at the end of Jamie's trip with promises to keep in touch and hopefully see each other soon. Too bad they are both miserable and sad and lonely.
So will Jamie throw her best laid plans out the window and go after Connor?
I really liked Connor and Jamie. It was definitely insta-lust but there was no profession of love, which was nice. Jamie and Connor had fun banter between each other and they lit up the pages. Overall, an enjoyable, entertaining read!
This was a fun read....and for being a novella I thought it was pretty good. Obviously there isn't a lot of story and character development but it was still entertaining. A great in-between book.
Bonus...it was
Jamie is in Ireland vacationing. She's just moved back to Boston after being dumped by her boyfriend. The boyfriend that she moved to California with so that he could follow his dreams.
Her first day there, Jamie ends up in a pub and meets Connor. Connor's dad owns the bar and he helps out. They flirt and have fun....share a kiss and make plans to see each other again.
They spend the rest of Jamie's time in Ireland together. They have a great connection, great sexual chemistry. If circumstances were different maybe they could even have more. Jamie won't make the same mistake twice though and follow after another man.
They part ways at the end of Jamie's trip with promises to keep in touch and hopefully see each other soon. Too bad they are both miserable and sad and lonely.
So will Jamie throw her best laid plans out the window and go after Connor?
I really liked Connor and Jamie. It was definitely insta-lust but there was no profession of love, which was nice. Jamie and Connor had fun banter between each other and they lit up the pages. Overall, an enjoyable, entertaining read!
August 4, 2016
2 STARS
Half-hearted and boring. I imagine this was written while the author was writing another book, baking ten pies and doing her taxes. I have such faith in McKenna's knack for writing that I believe she can do all that and still come up with a coherent, albeit lazily imagined, snoozefest of a romance where nearly everybody's a bartender because, duh Ireland.
After sacrificing her college plans for her boyfriend's medical school education, Jamie got dumped. No, the exact details on that deal weren't clearly presented. As jilted girlfriends from Boston tend to do (apparently) she goes to Ireland for a holiday, intent on rebounding by having some Irish Fling on the side. She meets Connor (sidebar: are all hot Irishmen named Connor?) in a pub and they makeout on the snooker table, have stick-shift driving lessons and having the best sex ever. According to them. The crux of the tension comes from the intense and unexpected emotioning involved from both parties (in less than 10 days of knowing each other!) and how they would reconcile their whirlwind trans-atlantic romance with their plans and realities: Connor plans to get into a decent college after being a wayward slacker and Jamie is finally starting her life anew.
I found both protagonists rather dull and depthless, had there been any chemistry between them, I probably missed it on account of being distracted by everything else outside this book. Seeing as this is a novella, I expected this to focus more on making either Jamie or Connor atleast likable if not charming.
As if its not enough that the conditions of how they met sound a lot like a desperate woman's rose-tinted alcohol-hazed recollections (the kind that you regret the morning after), I am not entirely sure Connor's got enough swoon factor in him to merit the label of a "hero". I'm not even going to factor in the obvious effort to make him as Irish as possible by throwing every stereotypical jargon in any dialogue he's involved in. And Jamie as a heroine, didn't really come across that broken over by getting dumped by Christmas Boy in the first place. By the end of this short, sorry attempt for a romance, no matter how lovely the ending sounds conceptually, the pragmatist in me refuses to concede the hopeful ever after this was trying to sell.
Review Copy provided by the publishers.
Also on Booklikes.
Half-hearted and boring. I imagine this was written while the author was writing another book, baking ten pies and doing her taxes. I have such faith in McKenna's knack for writing that I believe she can do all that and still come up with a coherent, albeit lazily imagined, snoozefest of a romance where nearly everybody's a bartender because, duh Ireland.
After sacrificing her college plans for her boyfriend's medical school education, Jamie got dumped. No, the exact details on that deal weren't clearly presented. As jilted girlfriends from Boston tend to do (apparently) she goes to Ireland for a holiday, intent on rebounding by having some Irish Fling on the side. She meets Connor (sidebar: are all hot Irishmen named Connor?) in a pub and they makeout on the snooker table, have stick-shift driving lessons and having the best sex ever. According to them. The crux of the tension comes from the intense and unexpected emotioning involved from both parties (in less than 10 days of knowing each other!) and how they would reconcile their whirlwind trans-atlantic romance with their plans and realities: Connor plans to get into a decent college after being a wayward slacker and Jamie is finally starting her life anew.
I found both protagonists rather dull and depthless, had there been any chemistry between them, I probably missed it on account of being distracted by everything else outside this book. Seeing as this is a novella, I expected this to focus more on making either Jamie or Connor atleast likable if not charming.
"What's his name anyway?" Connor asked. "This ex of yours?"
"Noel."
"Noel... was he born on Christmas or something?"
She smiled drily, "Christmas Eve. You can't be jealous, can you?"
Connor made a great show of his reaction, every frown and wave suggesting her accusation was preposterous.
As if its not enough that the conditions of how they met sound a lot like a desperate woman's rose-tinted alcohol-hazed recollections (the kind that you regret the morning after), I am not entirely sure Connor's got enough swoon factor in him to merit the label of a "hero". I'm not even going to factor in the obvious effort to make him as Irish as possible by throwing every stereotypical jargon in any dialogue he's involved in. And Jamie as a heroine, didn't really come across that broken over by getting dumped by Christmas Boy in the first place. By the end of this short, sorry attempt for a romance, no matter how lovely the ending sounds conceptually, the pragmatist in me refuses to concede the hopeful ever after this was trying to sell.
Review Copy provided by the publishers.
Also on Booklikes.
August 5, 2016
3.5- SEXY FLING - STARS!
Anyways, Her Best Laid Plans reminded me a ton of Frenched. I mean they are in Ireland in this one and she's not on her honeymoon but still....Anyways that's not a bad thing just similar.
Jamie has wasted two years of her life moving to be with her boyfriend to California only to be dumped. She takes a trip to Ireland. On her first day there she goes to the bar. She meets a cute bartender named Connor.
And they have some chemistry.
She decides what better way to enjoy Ireland than to have a fling with an Irish hottie?
so they decide to get to know each other better....
And they really enjoy getting to know each other
they do it like some energizer bunnies...
they gotta get all the sex in before she leaves..
But now its time for her to head back to Boston only never to see him again.
What is gonna happen with them? Will she decide to stay? Will she come back? Are they ever going to see each other again?????
Anyways, Her Best Laid Plans reminded me a ton of Frenched. I mean they are in Ireland in this one and she's not on her honeymoon but still....Anyways that's not a bad thing just similar.
Jamie has wasted two years of her life moving to be with her boyfriend to California only to be dumped. She takes a trip to Ireland. On her first day there she goes to the bar. She meets a cute bartender named Connor.
And they have some chemistry.
She decides what better way to enjoy Ireland than to have a fling with an Irish hottie?
so they decide to get to know each other better....
And they really enjoy getting to know each other
they do it like some energizer bunnies...
they gotta get all the sex in before she leaves..
But now its time for her to head back to Boston only never to see him again.
What is gonna happen with them? Will she decide to stay? Will she come back? Are they ever going to see each other again?????
October 4, 2024
One of my favorite novellas of all time. Cara McKenna, the woman that you are.
April 15, 2014
4.5 Stars
After a painful break up with her ex-boyfriend Noel, Jamie planned to make a 10 days trip to Ireland with her best friend Kate. Unfortunately Kate ditched her last minute and Jamie ends up attending this trip alone.
In Ireland she stays at her moms best friends farmhouse that is surrounded by nearly nothing. Well, except of a pub.
She ends up at this pub her first night because sometimes a girl really needs a beer.
And she is also looking for a possible vacation fling.
That's when sexy bartender Connor gets into the game.
They instantly hit it off and are also very attracted to each other. They both decide to get to know each other better the next few days..
There was absolutely no drama or angst, just a cute, hot and flirty story with a surprisingly good ending for such a short novella.
After a painful break up with her ex-boyfriend Noel, Jamie planned to make a 10 days trip to Ireland with her best friend Kate. Unfortunately Kate ditched her last minute and Jamie ends up attending this trip alone.
In Ireland she stays at her moms best friends farmhouse that is surrounded by nearly nothing. Well, except of a pub.
She ends up at this pub her first night because sometimes a girl really needs a beer.
And she is also looking for a possible vacation fling.
That's when sexy bartender Connor gets into the game.
They instantly hit it off and are also very attracted to each other. They both decide to get to know each other better the next few days..
There was absolutely no drama or angst, just a cute, hot and flirty story with a surprisingly good ending for such a short novella.
July 3, 2024
3.25✨
1.75🌶️
Short, sweet, and simple, if a little boring. Waaaaay more tame spice-wise than other Cara McKenna works I’ve read.
Young 20-something FMC takes trip to Ireland after getting dumped by an absolute jerk, and falls into the toned arms of a sexy Irish bartender mechanic who is great in bed and extremely mindful of her pleasure.
Can her slow, implosive car crash of a past relationship lead her to the whirlwind romance of her dreams, across the ocean?
1.75🌶️
Short, sweet, and simple, if a little boring. Waaaaay more tame spice-wise than other Cara McKenna works I’ve read.
Young 20-something FMC takes trip to Ireland after getting dumped by an absolute jerk, and falls into the toned arms of a sexy Irish bartender mechanic who is great in bed and extremely mindful of her pleasure.
Can her slow, implosive car crash of a past relationship lead her to the whirlwind romance of her dreams, across the ocean?
July 24, 2016
3.5 stars I discovered Cara McKenna back in January, when I was holed away in my house for several weeks. I'm glad I was sick and didn't have any other commitments, because that allowed me to speed read the surprisingly emotional, dark Curio--and then I proceeded to devour pretty much everything this author had written in just a few weeks! That's how good she is. The stories are unusual, the connection is intense, and the sex pushes a lot of boundaries.
Her Best Laid Plans is a short, flirtatious novella about a girl named Jamie who's getting over a rough break-up. Her last relationship ended because she was sick of following her boyfriend around and putting her life on hold, so what better way to forget about that than a fling with a hot bartender in Ireland? No strings attached, no danger of putting your heart in danger, right?
The thing I like best about Cara McKenna, who says she writes "smart erotica—sexy stories with depth. A little dark, a little funny, always emotional," is that she almost always manages to surprise me, which is hard to do if you've read a lot of romance books. This one, while fun and light-hearted, felt like a bit of departure for this author, because the story is pretty straightforward and things turn out pretty much the way you'd expect. Maybe a little more on the safe side, similar to the romances she writes under Meg Maguire?
Still, this is a fun, quick read with some seriously sexy bedroom scenes, with one of those perfect McKenna endings. I may nitpick a bit because I've felt so pushed beyond my comfort zone and more deeply invested in this author's previous books, but I'm not going to hold it against her if she wants to lighten things up every now and again. I'll read anything she decides to write.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review.
Her Best Laid Plans is a short, flirtatious novella about a girl named Jamie who's getting over a rough break-up. Her last relationship ended because she was sick of following her boyfriend around and putting her life on hold, so what better way to forget about that than a fling with a hot bartender in Ireland? No strings attached, no danger of putting your heart in danger, right?
The thing I like best about Cara McKenna, who says she writes "smart erotica—sexy stories with depth. A little dark, a little funny, always emotional," is that she almost always manages to surprise me, which is hard to do if you've read a lot of romance books. This one, while fun and light-hearted, felt like a bit of departure for this author, because the story is pretty straightforward and things turn out pretty much the way you'd expect. Maybe a little more on the safe side, similar to the romances she writes under Meg Maguire?
Still, this is a fun, quick read with some seriously sexy bedroom scenes, with one of those perfect McKenna endings. I may nitpick a bit because I've felt so pushed beyond my comfort zone and more deeply invested in this author's previous books, but I'm not going to hold it against her if she wants to lighten things up every now and again. I'll read anything she decides to write.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for this review.
March 15, 2014
Initial reaction: Now this is the kind of romance I like to read - cute, flirty, funny and hot. Cara McKenna's an author I will definitely pick up more in the future.
Full review:
Now this is the first time I've fully swooned over a romantic hero in a while, and I promise it's not just the fact that he's Irish (...that might be part of the reason). He's incredibly funny and easy to like, and I liked his chemistry with the heroine in this story as well. "Her Best Laid Plans" is the second story I've read from Cara McKenna, and it impressed me.
The novella starts with Jamie Webb housesitting for two weeks during a visit in Ireland. She meets a sexy bartender named Connor, and the two hit it off quite well almost instantly. I didn't feel like this was insta-lust or insta-love because they did quite a bit of getting to know each other and had some humorous exchanges in the mix, while also talking openly and honestly about their relationships. It felt real to me, and the sensuous scenes were hot. I loved watching their relationship develop, even in so brief a time, and I was rooting for the both of them to work.
It's a light, quick read overall - one that took me less than 30 minutes to read, and I enjoyed it immensely. Definitely recommended, and certainly a read that makes me anticipate more of McKenna's work.
Overall score: 4.5/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Harlequin.
Full review:
Now this is the first time I've fully swooned over a romantic hero in a while, and I promise it's not just the fact that he's Irish (...that might be part of the reason). He's incredibly funny and easy to like, and I liked his chemistry with the heroine in this story as well. "Her Best Laid Plans" is the second story I've read from Cara McKenna, and it impressed me.
The novella starts with Jamie Webb housesitting for two weeks during a visit in Ireland. She meets a sexy bartender named Connor, and the two hit it off quite well almost instantly. I didn't feel like this was insta-lust or insta-love because they did quite a bit of getting to know each other and had some humorous exchanges in the mix, while also talking openly and honestly about their relationships. It felt real to me, and the sensuous scenes were hot. I loved watching their relationship develop, even in so brief a time, and I was rooting for the both of them to work.
It's a light, quick read overall - one that took me less than 30 minutes to read, and I enjoyed it immensely. Definitely recommended, and certainly a read that makes me anticipate more of McKenna's work.
Overall score: 4.5/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Harlequin.
April 8, 2014
3.5 Hot Irish stars
Jaime was coming out of a long term relationship with a guy who didn't put her first. She moved to support him while he went to med school, putting her education on hold. After 4 years, he just dumps her.
She heads back to Boston to regain her life. Go back to school. But before school starts she and her friend Kate have plans for a 10 day trip to Ireland. Only Kate had to back out for an internship so Jaime goes on her own.
Walking into an Irish pub her first night she meets a handsome bartender. There is immediate physical attraction and flirting. He knows the score, she's their for ten days. No more no less. So they decide to hang out and take advantage of those ten days.
Things heat up pretty quickly and Connor turns out to be a generous lover. Something she was missing from her previous relationship. They are both shocked by the intensity of their connection, but Jaime refuses to dig too deep. She's given up too much for a guy before. So Connor decides to just have fun, and say goodbye at the end.
Connor wore his heart on his sleeve and was very honest with Jaime. He wishes they had an opportunity to go beyond her visit. On the eighth day it kinda spooks her out and she puts a wall up. She's just scared to loose herself again for a guy. There's a bit of an awkward goodbye and a promise to stay in touch. Texts are shared but she's too scared to look him up online afraid to see that he's moved on in his own life.
Will they see each other again? I had sure hoped so. I really liked Connor. He was the right kind of soft and sexy. Quick read with a shot of Irish steam.
Jaime was coming out of a long term relationship with a guy who didn't put her first. She moved to support him while he went to med school, putting her education on hold. After 4 years, he just dumps her.
She heads back to Boston to regain her life. Go back to school. But before school starts she and her friend Kate have plans for a 10 day trip to Ireland. Only Kate had to back out for an internship so Jaime goes on her own.
Walking into an Irish pub her first night she meets a handsome bartender. There is immediate physical attraction and flirting. He knows the score, she's their for ten days. No more no less. So they decide to hang out and take advantage of those ten days.
Things heat up pretty quickly and Connor turns out to be a generous lover. Something she was missing from her previous relationship. They are both shocked by the intensity of their connection, but Jaime refuses to dig too deep. She's given up too much for a guy before. So Connor decides to just have fun, and say goodbye at the end.
Connor wore his heart on his sleeve and was very honest with Jaime. He wishes they had an opportunity to go beyond her visit. On the eighth day it kinda spooks her out and she puts a wall up. She's just scared to loose herself again for a guy. There's a bit of an awkward goodbye and a promise to stay in touch. Texts are shared but she's too scared to look him up online afraid to see that he's moved on in his own life.
Will they see each other again? I had sure hoped so. I really liked Connor. He was the right kind of soft and sexy. Quick read with a shot of Irish steam.
September 24, 2015
3 Hot Irishman Stars 
Irishmen are indeed 'dangerous'.
And here's My Connor Kelleher
This is so short. But it takes more than a week for me to finish it.
Real life being so shitty recently
I loved the characters. I could feel the chemistry between Connor and Jamie. The sex scenes were so hot too. This is a good, quick reading.
But too bad it's written in third person POV...
Overall I enjoyed reading this
Irishmen are indeed 'dangerous'.
And here's My Connor Kelleher
This is so short. But it takes more than a week for me to finish it.
Real life being so shitty recently
I loved the characters. I could feel the chemistry between Connor and Jamie. The sex scenes were so hot too. This is a good, quick reading.
But too bad it's written in third person POV...
Overall I enjoyed reading this
November 26, 2014
SOOOOOO GOOD
Sweet, hot, fun, interesting... with loveable characters.
One of my fave short stories this year.
Sweet, hot, fun, interesting... with loveable characters.
One of my fave short stories this year.
April 16, 2014
Cara McKenna delivers a fun and flirty short story that takes place in Ireland. You know what that means right? We lucky readers get a hot Irish hero!
Conner Kelleher embodies all that women hope to encounter when they go on vacation. At the bar that his family own, this is where Jamie meets Conner. Since the story isn’t very long, you can expect instant chemistry between the two. McKenna plays it safe by keeping the banter light and flirtatious. However, I really thought that romance flitted across the surface of what it could have been if it had been longer. Just as we were introduced to both Jamie and Conner, I felt that they were instantly in love. I’m hoping for slower development so readers can sit back and enjoy before the book is through.
Nevertheless, HER BEST LAID PLANS gives a taste of what Cara McKenna is capable of. If you are new to her writing or have been wishing to try one of her books but don’t know where to start, I believe this is a safe one to venture into. After all, who can resist an Irish hero who is charming AND dirty at the same time?
While too short to really delve into deeper passion, HER BEST LAID PLANS is a fun, fast romp that will entice readers and have them begging for more.
*ARC provided by publisher
April 4, 2014
It's my second book by Ms McKenna after Unbound which I greatly enjoyed, and I really, really liked this one as well. It's the perfect erotic romance novella.
I'm getting to like Ms McKenna's writing style a lot - her stories flow smoothly, the characters are well developed and real. This was the case with this book, as well. Two ordinary people dealing with normal issues come together and something extraordinary happens between them. They are very likable and easy to relate to.
The story is told from Jamie's POV - an American visiting Ireland in an attempt to lift her spirits up after a being dumped by her boyfriend. Enter Connor - super sexy and sweet local Irish guy willing to show her good time. Things happened almost instantly between them but for once the instalove didn't bother me. It worked well because both of them were aware how unusual it was to feel so at ease with each other in such a short time (10 days).
There is no melodrama or grand declarations of eternal love. Just a strong chemistry, growing into something more. The love scenes were sensual and real with Jamie and Connor being completely open and honest with each other.
Being a romance, it has a happy ending but I won't say more in order not to spoil the story for you. I'll just admit that I didn't see the twist in the end coming, probably because we are given only Jamie's perspective and it was unexpected for her as well, or it could be just that I was not paying enough attention. Either way, I'm very happy how things turned out in the end for Jamie and Connor.
I can definitely recommend this novella to all fans for realistic sweet and sexy romantic stories.
You can read more of my reviews and other bookish obsessions on my blog http://elliereadsfiction.blogspot.com/
I'm getting to like Ms McKenna's writing style a lot - her stories flow smoothly, the characters are well developed and real. This was the case with this book, as well. Two ordinary people dealing with normal issues come together and something extraordinary happens between them. They are very likable and easy to relate to.
The story is told from Jamie's POV - an American visiting Ireland in an attempt to lift her spirits up after a being dumped by her boyfriend. Enter Connor - super sexy and sweet local Irish guy willing to show her good time. Things happened almost instantly between them but for once the instalove didn't bother me. It worked well because both of them were aware how unusual it was to feel so at ease with each other in such a short time (10 days).
There is no melodrama or grand declarations of eternal love. Just a strong chemistry, growing into something more. The love scenes were sensual and real with Jamie and Connor being completely open and honest with each other.
Being a romance, it has a happy ending but I won't say more in order not to spoil the story for you. I'll just admit that I didn't see the twist in the end coming, probably because we are given only Jamie's perspective and it was unexpected for her as well, or it could be just that I was not paying enough attention. Either way, I'm very happy how things turned out in the end for Jamie and Connor.
I can definitely recommend this novella to all fans for realistic sweet and sexy romantic stories.
You can read more of my reviews and other bookish obsessions on my blog http://elliereadsfiction.blogspot.com/
May 15, 2016
Loved it! Everything I've come to expect from a Cara McKenna novel. Well done! And man do I love Irish Hotties. Makes me want to buy a plane ticket to see if I can get my own Irish fling. lol
Update: 2 years later and I still love this book, maybe more than the first time I read it. I want a Conner!
Update: 2 years later and I still love this book, maybe more than the first time I read it. I want a Conner!
April 17, 2014
3.5 stars. I prefer this author's stories that have more bite, but this novella is very charming and romantic. Enjoyable.
August 22, 2023
I'm not always a fan of novellas because they often feel a bit too insta-lovey for me. While everything between the mcs did progress quickly here, both because of the length of the book and also because of the time frame of Jamie's trip, the progression of the relationship still felt natural and not at all forced. This story actually worked really well as a novella, though I also would have loved if it were a full-length novel as well. The two characters were really great and I thought the ending was perfect. Tbh I really just loved everything about it. Short and sweet and really cute.
December 27, 2022
Sexy and sweet and tender, I loved the set up, the way these two connected, the flirtatiousness of their banter, It was fun and fast and exactly what I’m in the mood for these days.
CW: MMC mentions his mom died of cancer when he was young.
CW: MMC mentions his mom died of cancer when he was young.
April 16, 2014
3 stars
I often hear about Cara McKenna, that she write some best erotica story. I want to read her Willing Victim, but I'm just too freaked out to read about the "almost-rape" theme. Nor that I have time to read her other works (sound cliche, eh?). So, when Harlequin Cosmo Red Hot Read have "Her Best Laid Plans" on Netgalley, I snatched a copy. Not just because I want to try Ms McKenna's work, but the blurb catched my interest. Set in Ireland with a hot-to-trot man with sexy accent? Sold!
When I read read the part when Ms McKenna describe the hero (blue eyes, dark blonde hair, sexy accent and voice, chocky charm), my mind scream "OMG, ROARKE, ROARKE, ROARKE!!!. See, I always want to go to Ireland, because I read In Death series and people who know me maybe already know my (un)healthy obsession to Roarke. Yes, I know it's silly to want to go to Ireland, just to meet my own Roarke. Now, happily married to my sweetheart, I kinda buried my hope to go to Ireland. But reading this novella, renew my dream to go to Ireland again.
Her Best Laid Plans is a simple, fun and steamy short read. Perfect if you want to have a quick read. Basically the story just a fling between Jamie Webb and Connor Kelleher, how even just met for 2 days they decide to have "no strings attached" relationship. All get complicated when Jamie realized that she want to be with Connor forever, not just a holiday affair. But she also can't abandon her first plan, to become a commander for her own plan and future.
What make me love this novella is how Ms McKenna describe about Ireland. Lush and simply beautiful. I find myself transferred to the Pub when Jamie first met Connor, to Cork Harbour when Connor took Jamie to her lesson, to feel all Jamie's experience in Ireland. My, I hope that someday I really, really can go to Ireland! To see the green hill, a mist that rumored surround the island, a blue ocean that will make me feel drowned on it.
Even just a short story, Ms McKenna make us can relate to both her characters. I see that Connor somehow is too good to be true, and I don't know that why he's so shy at first to Jamie while he already her 5 years senior. I see his personality is contradictive. Shy, yet can be bold. Charming and also dirty in bed. For Jamie, hmm, I somehow do not want she think too hard to herself. While I praise her to her confidence and her decision to stick with her plan. This couple is somehow is too sweet for me, but when it comes to sex, just one word. Wowza! Ms McKenna sure know how to write a sizzling and scorching sex scene. Make me want to check her other books (ehm!)
Need a quick sweet and fun read with sizzling hot sex that set in Ireland also sweet and fun? Just read Her Best Laid Plans, you will disappointed if you miss this :).
ARC provide by NetGalley
I often hear about Cara McKenna, that she write some best erotica story. I want to read her Willing Victim, but I'm just too freaked out to read about the "almost-rape" theme. Nor that I have time to read her other works (sound cliche, eh?). So, when Harlequin Cosmo Red Hot Read have "Her Best Laid Plans" on Netgalley, I snatched a copy. Not just because I want to try Ms McKenna's work, but the blurb catched my interest. Set in Ireland with a hot-to-trot man with sexy accent? Sold!
When I read read the part when Ms McKenna describe the hero (blue eyes, dark blonde hair, sexy accent and voice, chocky charm), my mind scream "OMG, ROARKE, ROARKE, ROARKE!!!. See, I always want to go to Ireland, because I read In Death series and people who know me maybe already know my (un)healthy obsession to Roarke. Yes, I know it's silly to want to go to Ireland, just to meet my own Roarke. Now, happily married to my sweetheart, I kinda buried my hope to go to Ireland. But reading this novella, renew my dream to go to Ireland again.
Her Best Laid Plans is a simple, fun and steamy short read. Perfect if you want to have a quick read. Basically the story just a fling between Jamie Webb and Connor Kelleher, how even just met for 2 days they decide to have "no strings attached" relationship. All get complicated when Jamie realized that she want to be with Connor forever, not just a holiday affair. But she also can't abandon her first plan, to become a commander for her own plan and future.
What make me love this novella is how Ms McKenna describe about Ireland. Lush and simply beautiful. I find myself transferred to the Pub when Jamie first met Connor, to Cork Harbour when Connor took Jamie to her lesson, to feel all Jamie's experience in Ireland. My, I hope that someday I really, really can go to Ireland! To see the green hill, a mist that rumored surround the island, a blue ocean that will make me feel drowned on it.
Even just a short story, Ms McKenna make us can relate to both her characters. I see that Connor somehow is too good to be true, and I don't know that why he's so shy at first to Jamie while he already her 5 years senior. I see his personality is contradictive. Shy, yet can be bold. Charming and also dirty in bed. For Jamie, hmm, I somehow do not want she think too hard to herself. While I praise her to her confidence and her decision to stick with her plan. This couple is somehow is too sweet for me, but when it comes to sex, just one word. Wowza! Ms McKenna sure know how to write a sizzling and scorching sex scene. Make me want to check her other books (ehm!)
Need a quick sweet and fun read with sizzling hot sex that set in Ireland also sweet and fun? Just read Her Best Laid Plans, you will disappointed if you miss this :).
ARC provide by NetGalley
March 31, 2014
Full review to come ... But OMG Connor!
Edited 3/31
I picked up Her Best Laid Plans on a whim the other day. I’m a hit or miss fan of Cara McKenna’s stuff, some of it I absolutely love (AFTER HOURS) while some of it just isn’t right for me. This novella… was perfect for me. It was exactly what I was looking for that day. The perfect story, the perfect length… the perfect boy… lol Okay so maybe not perfect, but he was definitely swoony and sexy.
Jamie Webb is in Ireland all by herself … recently dumped by her ex. Nursing a broken heart isn’t the ideal way to spend her time in Ireland. So her first day there finds her in a local bar a short distance from the house she’s staying at. She certainly wasn’t expecting Connor Kelleher to walk through the door and tempt her or her plans.
Jamie is finally on track to do all the things she put on hold for her ex and she’s not going to give those plans up for anyone. A fling is exactly what she needs and Connor is game.
As always, McKenna delivers on all fronts… Incredibly sexy scenes mixed with emotional depth and characters that I could absolutely relate to and situations that were fun. It was a bit of a departure for her writing as Cara McKenna, but something I would definitely expect of her writing as Meg Maguire.
My only complaint would be a bit more on Connor’s history…I realize this wasn’t necessarily his story, but I think I would have liked to see the characters delve a bit deeper in their whirlwind romance.
If you’re looking for a quick read that will make you fall for a rugged, sexy Irishman definitely pick up Her Best Laid Plans.
Edited 3/31
I picked up Her Best Laid Plans on a whim the other day. I’m a hit or miss fan of Cara McKenna’s stuff, some of it I absolutely love (AFTER HOURS) while some of it just isn’t right for me. This novella… was perfect for me. It was exactly what I was looking for that day. The perfect story, the perfect length… the perfect boy… lol Okay so maybe not perfect, but he was definitely swoony and sexy.
Jamie Webb is in Ireland all by herself … recently dumped by her ex. Nursing a broken heart isn’t the ideal way to spend her time in Ireland. So her first day there finds her in a local bar a short distance from the house she’s staying at. She certainly wasn’t expecting Connor Kelleher to walk through the door and tempt her or her plans.
Jamie is finally on track to do all the things she put on hold for her ex and she’s not going to give those plans up for anyone. A fling is exactly what she needs and Connor is game.
As always, McKenna delivers on all fronts… Incredibly sexy scenes mixed with emotional depth and characters that I could absolutely relate to and situations that were fun. It was a bit of a departure for her writing as Cara McKenna, but something I would definitely expect of her writing as Meg Maguire.
My only complaint would be a bit more on Connor’s history…I realize this wasn’t necessarily his story, but I think I would have liked to see the characters delve a bit deeper in their whirlwind romance.
If you’re looking for a quick read that will make you fall for a rugged, sexy Irishman definitely pick up Her Best Laid Plans.
June 21, 2014
I wanted to crawl inside this book. From start to finish, I loved this story! I was sad when I read the last page. I wanted to keep going with Jamie and Connor! I want my own Connor! I loved him. Hard. I, I, I---want more.
Jamie's on a trip to Ireland. She was supposed to be traveling with a friend, but ended up on her own. So, what's a girl to do on her own in Ireland? Why, meet a delicious Irishman! The friendship, passion and ease of their relationship really won me over. And, who doesn't love a man with an Irish accent? What begins as a vacation fling, turns into something more. However, Jamie has a life to get back to in Boston and Connor needs to get started at school. I was in tears with Jamie when they had to say goodbye. Never fear, this story does have a happy ending with the grandest of grand gestures to boot!
I loved the characters, loved the sex, loved the whole idea of the story. It had all the elements of my favorites; travel, lusty Irishman, and amazing sex. Oh and, finding love when its least expected! This is a short, hot read that shouldn't be missed. It reminded me why I love McKenna's writing so much.
Quotes:
~"You think you're awfully charming, don't you?"
"And you're awfully worried I've charmed you." A cocky pronouncement, but the way he said it, so quietly, so pointedly...Charming indeed.-Loc 284
~"Don't be honored," she teased. "Just be dirty."-Loc 704
~"Best decision of my life. If you'll let me make it."-Loc 1446
~"If this isn't worth turning my life inside out for, I can't imagine what is."-Loc 1487
Jamie's on a trip to Ireland. She was supposed to be traveling with a friend, but ended up on her own. So, what's a girl to do on her own in Ireland? Why, meet a delicious Irishman! The friendship, passion and ease of their relationship really won me over. And, who doesn't love a man with an Irish accent? What begins as a vacation fling, turns into something more. However, Jamie has a life to get back to in Boston and Connor needs to get started at school. I was in tears with Jamie when they had to say goodbye. Never fear, this story does have a happy ending with the grandest of grand gestures to boot!
I loved the characters, loved the sex, loved the whole idea of the story. It had all the elements of my favorites; travel, lusty Irishman, and amazing sex. Oh and, finding love when its least expected! This is a short, hot read that shouldn't be missed. It reminded me why I love McKenna's writing so much.
Quotes:
~"You think you're awfully charming, don't you?"
"And you're awfully worried I've charmed you." A cocky pronouncement, but the way he said it, so quietly, so pointedly...Charming indeed.-Loc 284
~"Don't be honored," she teased. "Just be dirty."-Loc 704
~"Best decision of my life. If you'll let me make it."-Loc 1446
~"If this isn't worth turning my life inside out for, I can't imagine what is."-Loc 1487
October 1, 2016
A short book by Cara McKenna with deliciously drawn characters and a simple, sweet and just a tad steamy story about two people not believing that they could be falling in love after just knowing each other for less than two weeks.
Jamie has been dumped by her long-time live in boyfriend. She had put her own college plans on hold and followed him to California where she worked hard and he went to medical school. After he graduated the plan was for him to finance her education. Instead she got well schooled on being used and cast aside.
She's now moving back to Boston, determined to pursue the college dreams she had put on hold. But first she wants a vacation and takes a two week trip to Ireland. At a little country pub she's handed a bottle of Guinness by the more than gorgeous bartender, Connor, son of the owner, and fireworks ensue. The next two weeks are Connor and Jamie talking, laughing and, oh you know!
Seems Connor also had put his college plans on hold but now is dead set to put his partying ways behind him and get serious about school. But now there is a major obstacle, one school is in Boston and one is in Ireland. Where do the two roads lead? Read and enjoy.
Jamie has been dumped by her long-time live in boyfriend. She had put her own college plans on hold and followed him to California where she worked hard and he went to medical school. After he graduated the plan was for him to finance her education. Instead she got well schooled on being used and cast aside.
She's now moving back to Boston, determined to pursue the college dreams she had put on hold. But first she wants a vacation and takes a two week trip to Ireland. At a little country pub she's handed a bottle of Guinness by the more than gorgeous bartender, Connor, son of the owner, and fireworks ensue. The next two weeks are Connor and Jamie talking, laughing and, oh you know!
Seems Connor also had put his college plans on hold but now is dead set to put his partying ways behind him and get serious about school. But now there is a major obstacle, one school is in Boston and one is in Ireland. Where do the two roads lead? Read and enjoy.
April 20, 2014
This was one of those moments where I told myself I was only reading a chapter. After all, I'm already reading four other books. Four! I can't start a fifth. I was just sitting in a spot away from all of my other books, and this one was so conveniently located right in my Kindle app. I just needed to fill ten minutes, and then I would stop.
Yeah. Right. What a dumbass.
This is Cara McKenna. When have I ever just read a chapter of one of her books? I can only assume that my greedy subconscious, who's been waiting to read this book, knew exactly what it was doing. Because this book is full of all my favorite romancey things, and there was no way I was stopping. Not really.
Tall, hot, Irish bartender? Check. Solo girl adventure to a foreign country? Check. Hot, hot holiday fling? Check check. All the emotional, angsty separation feels? Tons of checks. I always love Cara McKenna. To all the romance publishers out there: please pay her more money for many manuscripts. I promise I will read them.
Yeah. Right. What a dumbass.
This is Cara McKenna. When have I ever just read a chapter of one of her books? I can only assume that my greedy subconscious, who's been waiting to read this book, knew exactly what it was doing. Because this book is full of all my favorite romancey things, and there was no way I was stopping. Not really.
Tall, hot, Irish bartender? Check. Solo girl adventure to a foreign country? Check. Hot, hot holiday fling? Check check. All the emotional, angsty separation feels? Tons of checks. I always love Cara McKenna. To all the romance publishers out there: please pay her more money for many manuscripts. I promise I will read them.
March 21, 2014
Her Best Laid Plans is much lighter fare coming from McKenna but it's just as good.
Fun, flirty, hot as hell - this title is perfect as part of the Cosmo's Red Hot Reads line.
Novellas are tricky. Especially when you're trying to push a HEA for characters that basically spend a week having hot sex and not too much more. This almost NEVER works for me but usual Car McKenna makes it work without it seeming forced or cliche. I felt like I really got to know Connor and Jamie despite the short time spent with them.
I will read whatever this author writes. She has pushed me out of my comfort zone on so many occasions. While this novella is dirrrrty, it's the perfect light and *very* romantic book to pass a few blissful hours reading.
Fun, flirty, hot as hell - this title is perfect as part of the Cosmo's Red Hot Reads line.
Novellas are tricky. Especially when you're trying to push a HEA for characters that basically spend a week having hot sex and not too much more. This almost NEVER works for me but usual Car McKenna makes it work without it seeming forced or cliche. I felt like I really got to know Connor and Jamie despite the short time spent with them.
I will read whatever this author writes. She has pushed me out of my comfort zone on so many occasions. While this novella is dirrrrty, it's the perfect light and *very* romantic book to pass a few blissful hours reading.
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