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Where the Waves Kiss the Shore: An Inishderry sapphic romance
Kasia Wojcik has poured her heart and soul into running the charming hotel she now calls home on the breathtaking Irish island of Inishderry. If only the indifferent Walsh family who own the place shared her dedication.
Enter Tierney Walsh, a free spirit who believes life is too short for commitments. She sees her family’s island home as a place for laughter and leisure, not responsibility and hard work.
As winter's chill sets in, Kasia and Tierney find themselves thrown together on the island. Can they bridge their differences to save their cherished hotel? And amid their struggle, will they also discover a love that can weather any storm?
Enter Tierney Walsh, a free spirit who believes life is too short for commitments. She sees her family’s island home as a place for laughter and leisure, not responsibility and hard work.
As winter's chill sets in, Kasia and Tierney find themselves thrown together on the island. Can they bridge their differences to save their cherished hotel? And amid their struggle, will they also discover a love that can weather any storm?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2024
40 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 30, 2025
**'Before you commit to telling that story, be transparent and let language be your point..'
Enjoyable read!
A very nice and engaging book #1 in 'Inishderry Island Romances' chronicle -- where an island is also a character along with the mains and various supporting ones.
Recommended book!
Enjoyable read!
A very nice and engaging book #1 in 'Inishderry Island Romances' chronicle -- where an island is also a character along with the mains and various supporting ones.
Recommended book!
January 8, 2026
Kasia is overworked, under appreciated and is doing her best to keep the Island hotel open.
Tierney's family inherit the family hotel, she is a carefree spirit with money, no responsibilities and no concept of working for a living.
She is exactly the type of woman Kasia hates.
What you get in here is a clever balance of family drama, hotel drama, cold water swimming, bird watching, storm drama and passionate hook ups.
The windswept Irish fishing community setting added to the drama. Also great side characters like Joey. Tierney's dad is infuriating tho.
I loved Kasia the most, often expressed through her snarky thoughts and dialogue.
Its told at pace so its a very easy page turner. Will now need to read more from this author. Loved it.
Tierney's family inherit the family hotel, she is a carefree spirit with money, no responsibilities and no concept of working for a living.
She is exactly the type of woman Kasia hates.
What you get in here is a clever balance of family drama, hotel drama, cold water swimming, bird watching, storm drama and passionate hook ups.
The windswept Irish fishing community setting added to the drama. Also great side characters like Joey. Tierney's dad is infuriating tho.
I loved Kasia the most, often expressed through her snarky thoughts and dialogue.
Its told at pace so its a very easy page turner. Will now need to read more from this author. Loved it.
July 4, 2024
Where the Waves Kiss the Shore by Iona Kane is a contemporary sapphic romance set on a small Irish island. I love the cover art! Kasia is the manager of a hotel owned by a wealthy, influential family. After the passing of the beloved matriarch, the hotel is inherited by her indifferent son. When his daughter Tierney is sent to evaluate the "investment," she meets Kasia. We learn about their respective family dysfunctions, insecurities, and hopes as they get to know one another. This is an opposites attract, rich girl/poor girl story with a fairly predictable plot. It's a low angst, low open-door spice, sweet romance that I enjoyed. The pacing seemed a bit slow to me at times, but overall, it is not a big issue. I love the island atmosphere and lifestyle. The two mains are likable though frustrating sometimes. They find each other with the help of a solid mutual friend as a source of wisdom. There is a 3rd act breakup that feels a little contrived. We see some satisfying character growth, especially with Tierney. We are rewarded with a lovely HEA. I recommend it for an easy-to-read feel-good romance with the bonus of quaint Irish island culture. I would happily read more from this author. 3.5 stars rounded up.
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
June 28, 2024
Two mains, separate back stories and told separately. Some back story from one main with a best pal who by coincidence is now best pal with other main. Then they meet. One accuses the other of privilege while the “privileged” one demonstrates poor little rich girl (moral, if your prison bars are made of gold or iron, they are still prison bars.)
I’m not compelled currently to find out what happens next. At 15%, it is not catastrophic, it just means not a strong start.
Well there is an angry intimate scene that I did not enjoy. Plus at least one main was definitely drunk. I actually gritted my teeth reading it. It’s not violent but it is not loving and to me not nice. It is also, to me, unusual for the books I read. I am reacting, all be it with gritted teeth, and a writer needs you to feel something.
The book picked up at about 40%, but there was a lot of back and forwards in the relationship. Then the "just get through winter" idea seemed to come from nowhere. For me the book plateaus about 65% but then picked up again about 80% and I think that was the strongest segment.
I’m not compelled currently to find out what happens next. At 15%, it is not catastrophic, it just means not a strong start.
Well there is an angry intimate scene that I did not enjoy. Plus at least one main was definitely drunk. I actually gritted my teeth reading it. It’s not violent but it is not loving and to me not nice. It is also, to me, unusual for the books I read. I am reacting, all be it with gritted teeth, and a writer needs you to feel something.
The book picked up at about 40%, but there was a lot of back and forwards in the relationship. Then the "just get through winter" idea seemed to come from nowhere. For me the book plateaus about 65% but then picked up again about 80% and I think that was the strongest segment.
June 9, 2024
Heart-wrenching
All the despair and drama of being let down all their lives tries to wedge the characters apart. I found it hard to put the book down and hard to keep reading as it seemed that the whole world was against them and I found myself so invested in their lives.
When things finally got solved and they appeared to have found their home and happiness, I was also able to release the breath I had been holding.
All the despair and drama of being let down all their lives tries to wedge the characters apart. I found it hard to put the book down and hard to keep reading as it seemed that the whole world was against them and I found myself so invested in their lives.
When things finally got solved and they appeared to have found their home and happiness, I was also able to release the breath I had been holding.
July 6, 2024
Iona Kane has outdone herself! This is the 3rd of her sapphic romances, each featuring strong characters in fascinating settings (life on the road with a rockstar, and the world of rugby). I was eager to see what would come next, and this book was magical. It transports the reader to the rugged, windy islands off the coast of Western Ireland and introduces us to Kasia and Tierney who are thrown together to save a beloved hotel, the community and each other. We follow them as they weather emotional and meteorological storms with the support of their mutual friend, Joey, another strong and likable character. I found myself staying up late and getting up early to finish the book. No spoiler alerts, but at the end I felt like I had journeyed to Inishderry with them. This was a fabulous book, I hope the author continues it as a series.
July 11, 2024
Really engaging
I really enjoy a book when the characters are so real and engaging that you would love to pay them a visit. That's the case with this story set in Ireland, rugged scenery was described well, there's a clash of cultures, homophobia, and characters trying to grow despite understanding from parents etc. An enjoyable read.
I really enjoy a book when the characters are so real and engaging that you would love to pay them a visit. That's the case with this story set in Ireland, rugged scenery was described well, there's a clash of cultures, homophobia, and characters trying to grow despite understanding from parents etc. An enjoyable read.
June 17, 2024
Iona Kane has done it again with Where the Waves Kiss the Shore, a gentle sapphic romance that transports readers to the rugged and breathtaking shores of western Ireland.
As the third novel I’ve read from this talented author, Iona Kane continues to impress with vivid storytelling and richly developed characters.
Set against the landscapes of an Irish island, the novel explores the unexpected partnership of Kasia, the island hotel's stoic and dedicated manager, and Tierney, eventual heir to the hotel. She’s a free-spirited and unpredictable force of nature who has yet to find her place in the world.
There is a cast of real and thoughtful supporting characters. My fave is Joey, who plays a huge role in Tierney’s life and is Kasia’s best friend.
The dynamic between Tierney and Kasia is electric. Tierney’s reluctance to settle down, or manage the family’s affairs, contrasts sharply with Kasia’s dependable nature. As they navigate the complexities of running the hotel, sparks fly, leading to a romance that is as tempestuous as the waves crashing against the island’s cliffs.
Iona’s ability to recreate the enchanting beauty of Ireland’s western coastline is remarkable. You can almost feel the salty breeze and hear the distant call of seabirds. This immersive setting is the perfect backdrop to the unfolding drama and romance between the main characters.
Iona expertly weaves in themes of heritage, responsibility, and the search for identity, making the narrative rich and layered.
The chemistry between Tierney and Kasia is palpable, and their journey from reluctant colleagues to lovers is both heartfelt and realistic. Iona handles their relationship with a delicate touch, exploring their individual struggles and growth with nuance and empathy.
For those seeking a captivating escape to the wild beauty of Ireland, Where the Waves Kiss the Shore is a perfect choice. Iona Kane has crafted yet another enchanting story that will leave readers yearning for the misty shores of Ireland and the endurance of a great love story.
Highly recommended for fans of sapphic romance and anyone looking for a story set in a stunning location.
As the third novel I’ve read from this talented author, Iona Kane continues to impress with vivid storytelling and richly developed characters.
Set against the landscapes of an Irish island, the novel explores the unexpected partnership of Kasia, the island hotel's stoic and dedicated manager, and Tierney, eventual heir to the hotel. She’s a free-spirited and unpredictable force of nature who has yet to find her place in the world.
There is a cast of real and thoughtful supporting characters. My fave is Joey, who plays a huge role in Tierney’s life and is Kasia’s best friend.
The dynamic between Tierney and Kasia is electric. Tierney’s reluctance to settle down, or manage the family’s affairs, contrasts sharply with Kasia’s dependable nature. As they navigate the complexities of running the hotel, sparks fly, leading to a romance that is as tempestuous as the waves crashing against the island’s cliffs.
Iona’s ability to recreate the enchanting beauty of Ireland’s western coastline is remarkable. You can almost feel the salty breeze and hear the distant call of seabirds. This immersive setting is the perfect backdrop to the unfolding drama and romance between the main characters.
Iona expertly weaves in themes of heritage, responsibility, and the search for identity, making the narrative rich and layered.
The chemistry between Tierney and Kasia is palpable, and their journey from reluctant colleagues to lovers is both heartfelt and realistic. Iona handles their relationship with a delicate touch, exploring their individual struggles and growth with nuance and empathy.
For those seeking a captivating escape to the wild beauty of Ireland, Where the Waves Kiss the Shore is a perfect choice. Iona Kane has crafted yet another enchanting story that will leave readers yearning for the misty shores of Ireland and the endurance of a great love story.
Highly recommended for fans of sapphic romance and anyone looking for a story set in a stunning location.
August 12, 2024
A really enjoyable and well written romance from Ms Kane who is establishing herself as someone to look out for in the lesfic world. This centres on Kasia and Tierney, ably supported by friends and family, particularly their non-binary friend Joey. Kasia has been cast out by her family for her sexuality, but she’s found a home and a best friend on the fictional Irish island of Irishderry. She’s also carved out a good career as a hotel manager of the island’s main (and only) hotel, but her life is thrown into turmoil when the hotel owner (and her friend) passes away and leaves the property to her youngest son, who lives and works in the US. Meanwhile, Tierney is the daughter of that youngest son and she’s never really found her niche in her father’s business or in anything except wildlife photography. Tierney is considered fickle and flighty, however she is tasked with the job of evaluating the island hotel. Thus, she encounters frosty but alluring Kasia…
The relationship which develops in this between Kasia and Tierney, but also in their friendship with Joey, is really well done. There’s no insta-love but rather some insta-sex and then some slow growing feelings emerging. It transpires that there are secrets and lies in Tierney’s life, not just in Kasia’s which come out as they get to know one another and begin to work together for the good of the hotel. It’s all really well done as you just will them to get over their issues for their HEA…a very enjoyable read.
The relationship which develops in this between Kasia and Tierney, but also in their friendship with Joey, is really well done. There’s no insta-love but rather some insta-sex and then some slow growing feelings emerging. It transpires that there are secrets and lies in Tierney’s life, not just in Kasia’s which come out as they get to know one another and begin to work together for the good of the hotel. It’s all really well done as you just will them to get over their issues for their HEA…a very enjoyable read.
June 25, 2024
Another wonderful story from Iona Kane; this one full of the beautiful and haunting atmosphere of Western Ireland, full of soft weather, and the cold, cold sea. If you’ve never been, I promise you their descriptions are bang on and you can easily imagine you are there.
Kasia is the reliable and dependable woman who is running the Waterside Hotel following the death of the owner. Enter the flighty and carefree Tierney, who has difficulty in retaining interest in anything who arrives to help run the hotel.
Their relationship is written beautifully, highlighting the problems and the ‘spits and sparks’ between them both and their passionate romance.
From the many supporting characters, and maybe those characters that are less than supporting, mention must be made of Joey. They are finely observed and a good friend to both Kasia and Tierney. At this point I should also highlight the description of the workings of the lifeboat crew who are all volunteers and much loved in the UK and Ireland.
This as a highly readable sapphic romance, with a good storyline and I fully recommend it.
Go buy it.....
Kasia is the reliable and dependable woman who is running the Waterside Hotel following the death of the owner. Enter the flighty and carefree Tierney, who has difficulty in retaining interest in anything who arrives to help run the hotel.
Their relationship is written beautifully, highlighting the problems and the ‘spits and sparks’ between them both and their passionate romance.
From the many supporting characters, and maybe those characters that are less than supporting, mention must be made of Joey. They are finely observed and a good friend to both Kasia and Tierney. At this point I should also highlight the description of the workings of the lifeboat crew who are all volunteers and much loved in the UK and Ireland.
This as a highly readable sapphic romance, with a good storyline and I fully recommend it.
Go buy it.....
September 5, 2025
Hard to like the MC
Okay, unpopular opinion but I strongly dislike Kasia, almost to the point of not finishing the book several times. Granted, characters will always have flaws that may bother us, but her holier than thou, bullying attitude towards Tierney when she KNEW the predicament Tierney was in and the struggles she faced was ridiculous and if I was Tierney I would have walked away without looking back. Tierney is open with her about her vulnerabilities and Kasia just uses that to kick her while she’s down and in return Tierney is just like, “well, that hurt me but that’s okay. You’re forgiven.” Does Tierney need to grow up and take some ownership? Yes, of course, but Kasia’s treatment of her was toxic. And then Tierney also so easily forgives Megan with very little explanation. And don’t get me started on the Dad. 🙄 I can only hope the rest of the books in the series have healthier relationships.
Okay, unpopular opinion but I strongly dislike Kasia, almost to the point of not finishing the book several times. Granted, characters will always have flaws that may bother us, but her holier than thou, bullying attitude towards Tierney when she KNEW the predicament Tierney was in and the struggles she faced was ridiculous and if I was Tierney I would have walked away without looking back. Tierney is open with her about her vulnerabilities and Kasia just uses that to kick her while she’s down and in return Tierney is just like, “well, that hurt me but that’s okay. You’re forgiven.” Does Tierney need to grow up and take some ownership? Yes, of course, but Kasia’s treatment of her was toxic. And then Tierney also so easily forgives Megan with very little explanation. And don’t get me started on the Dad. 🙄 I can only hope the rest of the books in the series have healthier relationships.
January 28, 2026
Kasia is running the island inn and hotel, just like she did working for Peggy. But she died in the spring, and she's keeping the place running and hoping the new owners aren't assholes.
Speaking of assholes, Tierney has been ordered by her dick of a dad to inspect the inn, which he inherited.. Kasia hoped she can get support to renovate the inn, but Tierney doubts it.
They get drunk and sleep together. Yikes. Lack of consent much? Megan, Tierney's best friend, finds out her Mom is sick. She dies, but not before revealing her actual father is Tierney's dad. All hell breaks loose.
Kasia and Tierney start dating, but she resents that Tierney came from money. It all blows up when a storm hits, wrecking the roof. They fight, Tierney leaves for Boston.
Megan and Tierney make up, she confronts dad. Using savings and selling her house to Megan, she has enough to buy the inn.
Make up with Kasia, wrap up.
3.5 stars. I really have issues with the drunk sex...
Speaking of assholes, Tierney has been ordered by her dick of a dad to inspect the inn, which he inherited.. Kasia hoped she can get support to renovate the inn, but Tierney doubts it.
They get drunk and sleep together. Yikes. Lack of consent much? Megan, Tierney's best friend, finds out her Mom is sick. She dies, but not before revealing her actual father is Tierney's dad. All hell breaks loose.
Kasia and Tierney start dating, but she resents that Tierney came from money. It all blows up when a storm hits, wrecking the roof. They fight, Tierney leaves for Boston.
Megan and Tierney make up, she confronts dad. Using savings and selling her house to Megan, she has enough to buy the inn.
Make up with Kasia, wrap up.
3.5 stars. I really have issues with the drunk sex...
August 6, 2024
I enjoyed this sapphic romance so much I read it all in one day. Something I haven’t done in a long time. The author managed to get me invested in the characters fairly early on even if I was somewhat irritated with Tierney but she does mature which is what you want. It has the warmth and charm of some other well known Irish romantic fiction writers. The island setting was very credible and I loved the addition of an actual map. The pacing is pretty good and one is kept interested with the twists and sometimes mildly improbable turns which are of course conventions of the genre. It occurs to me that I’ve never been a fan of the romantic fiction genre because it was always so hetero now that I’ve discovered sapphic romance maybe I’ll become a fan.
September 1, 2024
A Sweet Coast Of Ireland Love Story!
I have to say first that this is the third book by Iona Kane that I have read and again it was excellent. You can definitely tell the level of research that goes into her work. I loved this book. The whole storyline was fascinating and interesting add in your characters and follow them through the process and you realized you haven’t put the book down, that’s how absorbed you will be. This is a must read!
I have to say first that this is the third book by Iona Kane that I have read and again it was excellent. You can definitely tell the level of research that goes into her work. I loved this book. The whole storyline was fascinating and interesting add in your characters and follow them through the process and you realized you haven’t put the book down, that’s how absorbed you will be. This is a must read!
June 24, 2024
This author absolutely knows how to write a story. I loved this book and was invested from the beginning due to it being beautifully written, wonderful main, and supporting characters, a riveting love story full of drama and beautifully detailed descriptions of the locations. I absolutely recommend this book.
July 27, 2024
Loved this book. I like a book to take me away to a place and this one really did - it's so well written. I loved the characters too felt like I really got to know them over the course of the book, but equally they were authentic and believable. One of those books that when you get to the end you kind of hope there's another chapter...
September 24, 2024
I only recent became aware of Iona Kanes work and I'm so glad I did. There's such a smooth easy flow to Iona's writing. Such imagery created with the location. Characters full of depth and complexity. All wrapped up in themes of identity, heritage and family. It was a great story. This was my 1st taste of Iona Kanes work and I really enjoyed the journey. Will defo be on the look out for more.
May 26, 2025
This was a really good read. My first Iona Kane, I was impressed by the character development, especially Tierney, who not going to lie, drove me absolutely bonkers for a good chunk of the book, but without spoiling anything, she is supposed to. The spice was spicy and the HEA satisfying. I'm definitely in it for the next book in the series
November 3, 2025
The writing is awkward and the pacing is off
Dialogue is bad and clunky
Dubious consent with the MCs being drunk
The characters (especially Megan) had no discernable characterization and kept acting like at least four different people at once
Dialogue is bad and clunky
Dubious consent with the MCs being drunk
The characters (especially Megan) had no discernable characterization and kept acting like at least four different people at once
June 19, 2024
Totally worth the wait!
Iona Kane's latest novel is a masterpiece. The beautifully crafted story, rich characters, and enchanting island setting make this Iona’s best work yet.
An absolute must-read!
Iona Kane's latest novel is a masterpiece. The beautifully crafted story, rich characters, and enchanting island setting make this Iona’s best work yet.
An absolute must-read!
January 16, 2025
Slow start for me, I found it hard to connect to the characters for much of the book. Around 75% of the way through it really picked up, and I found the last quarter of the book to be the strongest and most compelling section.
December 19, 2024
What a wonderfully written book. A beautiful setting vividly described with characters to match. There was lots going on besides the main love story which I always find makes for a more interesting read. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and will be looking for more from this author.
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