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THE McKINNON WAY vol. 1&2: A Romantic Thriller set in the Gilroy Universe
FOR A McKINNON, THE RULES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN
Tell the Truth.
Don't Break the Law.
Take Care of Your Own.
Black and White. Right and Wrong.
Easy.
For Maeve McKinnon, nothing has ever been that simple and the last few days have been anything but easy.
Her mother, a degenerate gambler who can’t keep her head above water is missing and her disgraced, ex- cop uncle, whose innocence she no longer believes in, is in danger.
Keep Your Promises.
Protect the Innocent.
Pay Your Debts.
In order to protect the people she loves, Maeve will have to rely on a family she never knew she had... and trust the one person she never thought she could.
To follow the rules, Maeve will have to break them all and she’ll have to remember that every action she takes bears a consequence, and every choice she makes will claim a price.
Tell the Truth.
Don't Break the Law.
Take Care of Your Own.
Black and White. Right and Wrong.
Easy.
For Maeve McKinnon, nothing has ever been that simple and the last few days have been anything but easy.
Her mother, a degenerate gambler who can’t keep her head above water is missing and her disgraced, ex- cop uncle, whose innocence she no longer believes in, is in danger.
Keep Your Promises.
Protect the Innocent.
Pay Your Debts.
In order to protect the people she loves, Maeve will have to rely on a family she never knew she had... and trust the one person she never thought she could.
To follow the rules, Maeve will have to break them all and she’ll have to remember that every action she takes bears a consequence, and every choice she makes will claim a price.
581 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2024
28 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Megyn Ward
70 books526 followersUSA Today best-selling author Megyn Ward lives on coffee, chocolate and more than the occasional glass of red wine. When she's not spending time with the hot, dirty-talking Alphas and the strong, capable women who love them who live in her head, she's busy chasing chickens (and kids), hanging laundry and burning dinner. Either way, she is almost always in the company of her eight dogs, her truest and most faithful companions, and her almost as faithful husband, Joe.
Megyn is also the author of the award-winning Sabrina Vaughn thriller series, written under the name Maegan Beaumont.
Megyn is also the author of the award-winning Sabrina Vaughn thriller series, written under the name Maegan Beaumont.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 8, 2025
LOVED LOVED LOVED this! 😍😍😍
5 Easy big fat stars for this one! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For starters, I've been loving everything written by Megyn Ward as I make it through her backlog of books I haven't read yet. She hooked me with the Gilroy Clan series who have become some of my favorite characters I've read - then the Kings of Brighton was even better. So I picked this up next thinking I'd enjoy it at least - but I underestimated it!
I'm reading this book thinking dang this is like an action movie (big action movie girl here!) and I'm just enjoying the ride. I know this was marked as a "romantic thriller" but honestly you don't get to any "romance" until 75% of the way in - but that's okay because this book is so good! PS: For the other Gilroy fan's - they all make appearances in this one, every single one of them! (Not until the latter 50% but when they arrive, it's worth it!)
So, its action packed with a little bit of romance & then a nicely tied up ending that I'm not even going to lie... it made me cry lol. Real tears.
I do obviously recommend this book. If you like Mafia type, this has that too. This will obviously be so much better if you've read the Gilroy's and know more about these characters and a lot of things would make more sense. I read the series themselves as a whole, but in hindsight I really wish I would have read these books in the suggested reading order from her website. Would have been that much better probably!
Added to my favorites!
5 Easy big fat stars for this one! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For starters, I've been loving everything written by Megyn Ward as I make it through her backlog of books I haven't read yet. She hooked me with the Gilroy Clan series who have become some of my favorite characters I've read - then the Kings of Brighton was even better. So I picked this up next thinking I'd enjoy it at least - but I underestimated it!
I'm reading this book thinking dang this is like an action movie (big action movie girl here!) and I'm just enjoying the ride. I know this was marked as a "romantic thriller" but honestly you don't get to any "romance" until 75% of the way in - but that's okay because this book is so good! PS: For the other Gilroy fan's - they all make appearances in this one, every single one of them! (Not until the latter 50% but when they arrive, it's worth it!)
So, its action packed with a little bit of romance & then a nicely tied up ending that I'm not even going to lie... it made me cry lol. Real tears.
I do obviously recommend this book. If you like Mafia type, this has that too. This will obviously be so much better if you've read the Gilroy's and know more about these characters and a lot of things would make more sense. I read the series themselves as a whole, but in hindsight I really wish I would have read these books in the suggested reading order from her website. Would have been that much better probably!
Added to my favorites!
April 27, 2024
This is a duet in one book. Vols 1 & 2 were combined to just bring you the whole story, all at once. Great idea as people don't seem to like cliffhangers... anywhoo on to the bookish awesomeness.
For all the #GilroysGirls out there, you'll get them! Tied in and amongst this Boston Irish mafia-ish story you'll see a bunch of faces you know and love!
The McKinnon Way was engaging, engrossing, and I loved every minute of it. I absolutely LOVED meeting Maeve and Thad and Sean. Watching the disaster unfold and how everything tied back together to fix it. How the families in that small Boston community were intertwined. That glimpse into the past that set the events that were now unfolding... Loved it! Absolutely Amazing.
The story was so entertaining and so well written I was completely immersed in that little Boston burb, running right along with Maeve. The Mckinnon Way runs you through the gamut of emotions. It's not a lighthearted contemp read, yet it's not a drama laden, cry your eyes out, and it's not really dark, although there are a couple of characters that don't make it all the way through the story ;) It's just the complete package. A little romance, a lot of suspense, a little payback... you know, an Irish Mafia-ish story about the love and life of some townies. It's simply a great read!
For all the #GilroysGirls out there, you'll get them! Tied in and amongst this Boston Irish mafia-ish story you'll see a bunch of faces you know and love!
The McKinnon Way was engaging, engrossing, and I loved every minute of it. I absolutely LOVED meeting Maeve and Thad and Sean. Watching the disaster unfold and how everything tied back together to fix it. How the families in that small Boston community were intertwined. That glimpse into the past that set the events that were now unfolding... Loved it! Absolutely Amazing.
The story was so entertaining and so well written I was completely immersed in that little Boston burb, running right along with Maeve. The Mckinnon Way runs you through the gamut of emotions. It's not a lighthearted contemp read, yet it's not a drama laden, cry your eyes out, and it's not really dark, although there are a couple of characters that don't make it all the way through the story ;) It's just the complete package. A little romance, a lot of suspense, a little payback... you know, an Irish Mafia-ish story about the love and life of some townies. It's simply a great read!
May 19, 2024
Maeve and Tristan.
The author decided to combine both stories so no more cliffhanger.
This is not what I was expecting. Maeve after a childhood accident she was in a coma for a while and which awaken something inside her. She works as a bartender at her Uncle's bar and is sometimes the entertainment of customers who come to try to stump her because she has the ability to tell you the weekday if you give her a month, date and year. She has a big heart and is constantly helping people but keeps having to bail her gambling addicted mom. Tristan who fell in love with Maeve when they were young and still in love with her even though they aren't together because he chose to work for the neighborhood mob over her. Sean once a friend but is loyal to the mob and along with Tristan are assigned to protect Quinn a psycho who is Robbie the leaders son. Uncle Dan the ex cop/ bartender. Troy the original boss who is incarcerated. This really great story just sucked me in as once again Maeve finds herself bailing out her mom but this time it's a huge debt and she finds herself having to pull A bank heist. Things start to unravel as lies are discovered, truths are coming to light, loyalties come to light, deaths and a bunch more. Throw in the my favorite characters The Gilroy Clan and an adorable eight year old who protects his little sister Henry who towards the end had me in tears.
The author decided to combine both stories so no more cliffhanger.
This is not what I was expecting. Maeve after a childhood accident she was in a coma for a while and which awaken something inside her. She works as a bartender at her Uncle's bar and is sometimes the entertainment of customers who come to try to stump her because she has the ability to tell you the weekday if you give her a month, date and year. She has a big heart and is constantly helping people but keeps having to bail her gambling addicted mom. Tristan who fell in love with Maeve when they were young and still in love with her even though they aren't together because he chose to work for the neighborhood mob over her. Sean once a friend but is loyal to the mob and along with Tristan are assigned to protect Quinn a psycho who is Robbie the leaders son. Uncle Dan the ex cop/ bartender. Troy the original boss who is incarcerated. This really great story just sucked me in as once again Maeve finds herself bailing out her mom but this time it's a huge debt and she finds herself having to pull A bank heist. Things start to unravel as lies are discovered, truths are coming to light, loyalties come to light, deaths and a bunch more. Throw in the my favorite characters The Gilroy Clan and an adorable eight year old who protects his little sister Henry who towards the end had me in tears.
April 6, 2024
Another fantastic read!! Megan never ceases to amaze me with her stories. I love how this world is intertwined with multiple series because one can never tire of the Gilroys! This slow burn, action packed story kept me enthralled and on the edge of my seat until the very last page.
Maeve is a gifted savant- it happened when she was 9 years old and injured during a winter game of street hockey with her friends. She was in a medically induced coma for two weeks and came out of it with an uncanny ability of remembering everything. Can you imagine?Literally everything that enters her brain, gets stuck there. While this ability is amazing, it also makes her a target for the crime community.
Thad, her high school love, shows up at her bar after 5 years of silence. He comes with a job to do and is forced to involve her in a scheme.
Will she manage to pull this off or will she get stuck deeper in this messy situation?
There were so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and absolutely loved the idea of a little magic thrown in.
As far as steaminess, the amount of steamy times were minimal however it was delicious. I have to say it left me wanting more.
All in all, this was a great book! Be sure to read it!
Maeve is a gifted savant- it happened when she was 9 years old and injured during a winter game of street hockey with her friends. She was in a medically induced coma for two weeks and came out of it with an uncanny ability of remembering everything. Can you imagine?Literally everything that enters her brain, gets stuck there. While this ability is amazing, it also makes her a target for the crime community.
Thad, her high school love, shows up at her bar after 5 years of silence. He comes with a job to do and is forced to involve her in a scheme.
Will she manage to pull this off or will she get stuck deeper in this messy situation?
There were so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and absolutely loved the idea of a little magic thrown in.
As far as steaminess, the amount of steamy times were minimal however it was delicious. I have to say it left me wanting more.
All in all, this was a great book! Be sure to read it!
May 6, 2024
Megyn's done it again!
This was a fast-paced edge of your seat thriller until the very end. The process to tie this all together, I bow down to the master that is Megyn Ward. The world she has created is phenomenal. I was so invested in this story and these characters. It had me laughing, crying, and angry for what they went through. I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters Megyn has created. This duet will be a reread for me, along with the Gilroy series. I'm so glad I found Megyns books. I will be a forever fan.
This was a fast-paced edge of your seat thriller until the very end. The process to tie this all together, I bow down to the master that is Megyn Ward. The world she has created is phenomenal. I was so invested in this story and these characters. It had me laughing, crying, and angry for what they went through. I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters Megyn has created. This duet will be a reread for me, along with the Gilroy series. I'm so glad I found Megyns books. I will be a forever fan.
July 11, 2024
This conclusion to the McKinnon Way vol.1 was absolutely perfect. Wonderful story line with great character growth. Hot passion with soul deep love intertwined in a suspenseful story with a rapid pace, I truly enjoyed every aspect of the story. Having read the Gilroy series I loved the tie ins, however, enough background info is given that having read those books is not necessary to this one. This is definitely a vol. 2 so reading vol. 1 is required. Overall, very impressed with this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2024
Maeve has to work to keep her mother out of trouble and pay off her debts. She has a secret or secrets that she doesn't want anyone to find out about them. They would use her to their full advantage. Kilroy boys help family out to protect their extended family also. This was a hard to put down book.
July 29, 2024
I went into this story blind, just reading that it was Slow Burn Romantic Thriller. I WAS NOT READY! The story of Maeve and Tristan had me on the edge of my seat for all 100 chapters. I could not put it down as I NEEDED to know what happened next. I loved that this story took place in the Gilroy Universe so you still got all the characters that you know and love. Megyn definitely made Maeve and Tristan WORK for their HEA but it was so worth it. This is a true MUST READ for sure.
August 4, 2024
Honestly I’m not a duet person. HOWEVER after reading the Gilroy Clan series, thats changed. I loved this suspenseful hot sequel. Anytime the Gilroys show up is a plus as well. I love the humor mixed w the serious Ms.Ward does so very well. Cannot wait for the next release.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2024
the McKinnon Way
Megyn. Thank you for telling me about this book. I loved it. The characters were incredible and the storyline was deep. Growing up in Boston myself I could relate to the family connections and the depth of loyalty portrayed in the book. I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to book 10 of the Gilroy clan
Megyn. Thank you for telling me about this book. I loved it. The characters were incredible and the storyline was deep. Growing up in Boston myself I could relate to the family connections and the depth of loyalty portrayed in the book. I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to book 10 of the Gilroy clan
March 7, 2025
Very long, lots of characters from other books, convoluted and not realistic in the slightest. Heroine has mental powers that include mind control and yet she still somehow gets used by the lady mob boss to cover her gambling addict mom’s debts on repeat. It’s totally implausible, along with pretty much everything else in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
I would read wrappers if Megyn wrote them. That being said this installment doesn't disappoint!! The ties to our favorite clan and the tough and likable female characters compelling draw you in. Hot, smart, and sarcastic men never hurt either. Love!!!
June 23, 2024
I'd read volume 1 previously when it was it's own book.
The complete book? Just wow. Twists and turns. So much story. The lives in this neighborhood just so entwined.
Another excellent book by Megyn Ward!
The complete book? Just wow. Twists and turns. So much story. The lives in this neighborhood just so entwined.
Another excellent book by Megyn Ward!
November 3, 2025
Love and a little Irish magic
Leaning into the magical edge of fantasy has never been part of Megyn's Irish mafia series (that I know of) but it was a fun addition. Love the characters and the wild twists and turns.
Leaning into the magical edge of fantasy has never been part of Megyn's Irish mafia series (that I know of) but it was a fun addition. Love the characters and the wild twists and turns.
April 19, 2024
awesome read
Again, Megyn Ward does not disappoint! What a great book. One you can’t put down. If you have never read one of Megyn Ward’s books, this one will hook you!
Again, Megyn Ward does not disappoint! What a great book. One you can’t put down. If you have never read one of Megyn Ward’s books, this one will hook you!
June 5, 2024
This book...what can I possibly say that hasn't already been said. This duet was absolutely amazing! Megyn is such an amazing author and has a way of creating characters that it's impossible to not fall in love with.
VOL 1 kept me on the edge of my seat. It wasn’t what I was expecting when I first picked it up, but man was I glad I did. I knew from the teasers I would was going to love Maeve. If you like kick ass heroines then you are going to love her too. Plus, it features some of our Gilory World baddies. Thad of course being Maeve’s love interest and then we get a closer look at Sean and Quinn’s characters.
VOL 2 brought the tears, so prepare the tissues now. I ugly cried for most of the book. It was an amazing end to Mauve and Thad's love story, one you will want to read over and over again.
Oh and did I forget to mention...we get the whole Gilory Clan in VOL 2. Yes, I said it. The whole clan! So if you loved The Gilory Clan series, you will definitely want to pick up this amazing duet.
VOL 1 kept me on the edge of my seat. It wasn’t what I was expecting when I first picked it up, but man was I glad I did. I knew from the teasers I would was going to love Maeve. If you like kick ass heroines then you are going to love her too. Plus, it features some of our Gilory World baddies. Thad of course being Maeve’s love interest and then we get a closer look at Sean and Quinn’s characters.
VOL 2 brought the tears, so prepare the tissues now. I ugly cried for most of the book. It was an amazing end to Mauve and Thad's love story, one you will want to read over and over again.
Oh and did I forget to mention...we get the whole Gilory Clan in VOL 2. Yes, I said it. The whole clan! So if you loved The Gilory Clan series, you will definitely want to pick up this amazing duet.
March 7, 2025
Loved this book and it was so fun seeing the Gilroys again!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews