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Ballybeg #3
Love and Leprechauns
Tattooed in Tipperary, True Love in Ballybeg.
Olivia Gant is determined to escape her abusive husband and build a new life. Only desperation drives her to rent business premises from Jonas O’Mahony, the man who tattooed her behind and broke her heart. Can she maintain a haughty distance?
Jonas is a struggling single father. The last person he wants next door is the beautiful-but-infuriating Olivia. A childcare crisis forces him to strike a bargain with her: the lease to the cottage in return for babysitting. Can he resist her allures?
When Olivia’s ex is clobbered to death with a garden gnome, the fickle finger of suspicion points to Olivia and Jonas. Can they prove their innocence, or is their happily ever after doomed?
Olivia Gant is determined to escape her abusive husband and build a new life. Only desperation drives her to rent business premises from Jonas O’Mahony, the man who tattooed her behind and broke her heart. Can she maintain a haughty distance?
Jonas is a struggling single father. The last person he wants next door is the beautiful-but-infuriating Olivia. A childcare crisis forces him to strike a bargain with her: the lease to the cottage in return for babysitting. Can he resist her allures?
When Olivia’s ex is clobbered to death with a garden gnome, the fickle finger of suspicion points to Olivia and Jonas. Can they prove their innocence, or is their happily ever after doomed?
385 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2014
554 people are currently reading
774 people want to read
About the author
Zara Keane
42 books987 followersZara Keane is a USA Today bestselling author of Irish cozy mysteries and romantic comedies.
Zara grew up in Dublin, Ireland, but spent her summers in a small town very similar to the fictitious Ballybeg and Smuggler's Cove.
She currently lives in Switzerland with her family. When she’s not writing, Zara loves knitting, running, unplugged gaming, and adding to her insanely large lipstick collection.
Don't miss a new story! For news, giveaways, and TWO free stories, sign up for Zara's Mailing List at https://zarakeane.com/newsletter/
Zara can also be found in her Facebook Reader Group, the Mystery Mavens.
Zara grew up in Dublin, Ireland, but spent her summers in a small town very similar to the fictitious Ballybeg and Smuggler's Cove.
She currently lives in Switzerland with her family. When she’s not writing, Zara loves knitting, running, unplugged gaming, and adding to her insanely large lipstick collection.
Don't miss a new story! For news, giveaways, and TWO free stories, sign up for Zara's Mailing List at https://zarakeane.com/newsletter/
Zara can also be found in her Facebook Reader Group, the Mystery Mavens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 18, 2015
4.5 Stars! I love this author's authentic writing!
Zara Keane's characters and stories exude the essence of her home country and small town life. It's apparent she writes what she knows and does it so well! I really enjoyed this second chance romance and have been looking forward to reading about Jonas and Olivia since they first appeared in Love and Shenanigans.
Jonas is a single father who's struggling to connect with his autistic son, Luca, and find balance between work and caring for a special needs child. I appreciated his apprehension and difficulty in trying to understand Luca, and the realization that there was no easy fix for his son, and that he needed to adjust his life to meet his son's needs. His journey really touched my heart.
I loved Olivia's spirit, unwavering attitude and her easy going nature when interacting with Luca. She's in an abusive marriage, where she feels trapped due to her parent's financial obligations and frankly their expectations of her are ridiculous. While her own personal life is in turmoil, she's still there for her brothers and determined that they have a better life than she did.
Jonas and Olivia were off to a rocky start in the beginning of the book, but as time moves on they try to re-connect and find common ground. They both have a need that the other is able to meet, he needs a babysitter and she needs a storefront. Through their newly found partnership and friendship, they realize that they still have strong feelings for one another. Years earlier a tragic event tore them apart and now when they finally find each other again, a murder might tear them apart once again. The way they supported each other was awe-inspiring.
Zara Keane books are filled with witty banter, relatable characters, great couple chemistry, a little steam, personal and family struggles, and in Love and Leprechauns there is a murder/mystery that adds yet another interesting element. It all blends together to make a fabulous read! Another highlight, re-visiting with some of my favorite characters from Love and Shenanigans; Gavin, Fiona, Bridie and the adorable Wiggly-Poo. Anytime characters crossover from book to book it's a plus for me...I love familiarity! And, the epilogue...short, but unique, and gave me the closure I needed. I have no doubt that I'll be seeing, Olivia, Jonas and Luca again as the series moves forward, and that makes me happy!
I really enjoy the way the author depicts small town life in Ireland in her Ballybeg series, and she's found a fan in this reader!
*A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
January 13, 2025
This is a wonderful romance with a mystery thrown in just to keep me interested. I admit to being one of those Romance readers who is rarely satisfied with a straight romance plot. I'm always looking for something else, humor, suspense, mystery, something beyond boy meets girl, someone messes it up and then they get their HEA. The End. Zara Keane always throws that something extra into her plots and I just love it!
Olivia Gant comes from a rather mixed-up family. Her mom is an artist, her dad does office work and her brothers are free-range children. Olivia married not for love but for security and after eight years is bitterly regretting that. Her husband is on the town council and running for mayor and abusive.
Jonas O'Mahony chose a different path in life than that his parents wanted for him. He became a bestselling author. After a hookup he became the father of an autistic boy. His life hasn't been easy, and his expenses are high, so he moved home to Ballybeg when his aunt gave him a property.
Olivia and Jonas were high school lovers till a tragedy tore them apart. Now they are neighbors and the fire and passion they had as teens is still very much alive. Big problem: It takes four years to get a divorce in Ireland. But an even bigger problem: Someone took care of the big problem.
Olivia Gant comes from a rather mixed-up family. Her mom is an artist, her dad does office work and her brothers are free-range children. Olivia married not for love but for security and after eight years is bitterly regretting that. Her husband is on the town council and running for mayor and abusive.
Jonas O'Mahony chose a different path in life than that his parents wanted for him. He became a bestselling author. After a hookup he became the father of an autistic boy. His life hasn't been easy, and his expenses are high, so he moved home to Ballybeg when his aunt gave him a property.
Olivia and Jonas were high school lovers till a tragedy tore them apart. Now they are neighbors and the fire and passion they had as teens is still very much alive. Big problem: It takes four years to get a divorce in Ireland. But an even bigger problem: Someone took care of the big problem.
December 17, 2014
Though darker than her previous installments, Love and Leprechauns takes us back to the small Irish town of Ballybeg and reintroduces us two former lovers whose past actions have a strong grip on their futures. Olivia and Jonas were young sweethearts until a terrible accident forces them apart. Years later, they are reluctantly brought back together in a bid to improve both their circumstances. Love, laughter, strong characters, and small town shenanigans is what makes this series fun to read. Add in some suspense and intrigue and you have a story that will engage you to the very end.
May 23, 2021
I gravitate towards anything written in/about Ireland and Scotland, especially romance. So this book seemed a perfect fit. Setting in County Cork Ireland , small town, romance, mystery and it was free, sounds perfect right? Wrong! This is a quirky read, one with a interesting plot but just fell short. The story didn't flow well, at times it was Jumpy and I had to go back to see if I miss read something only to find out I hadn't. The romance was subpar, rushed, no feelings of connection to the characters. One minute they can't stand each other the next their sleeping together and professing their love. wtf?! Just to make it more random THROW in a murder mystery by a garden gnome? This author tried to take an interesting story(thought) & make it a romantic murder mystery. The author never took the time to develop the characters connections to each other or the story or the mystery. It was as if she wrote a rough draft but never reviewed it to make it flow effortlessly before releasing it. I had high hopes for this series because of the setting, I'm super disappointed !
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March 18, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/18/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Falling for her ex…
Olivia Gant is determined to escape her past and build a new life. Only desperation drives her to rent business premises from Jonas O'Mahony, the man who tattooed her behind and broke her heart.
Jonas is a struggling single father. The last person he wants next door is the beautiful-but-infuriating Olivia. A childcare crisis forces him to strike a bargain with her: the lease to the cottage in return for babysitting.
When Olivia's ex is clobbered to death with a garden gnome, the fickle finger of suspicion points at Olivia and Jonas. Can they prove their innocence, or is their happily ever after doomed?
Blurb:
Falling for her ex…
Olivia Gant is determined to escape her past and build a new life. Only desperation drives her to rent business premises from Jonas O'Mahony, the man who tattooed her behind and broke her heart.
Jonas is a struggling single father. The last person he wants next door is the beautiful-but-infuriating Olivia. A childcare crisis forces him to strike a bargain with her: the lease to the cottage in return for babysitting.
When Olivia's ex is clobbered to death with a garden gnome, the fickle finger of suspicion points at Olivia and Jonas. Can they prove their innocence, or is their happily ever after doomed?
July 14, 2016
Olivia Gant has an escape plan to get away from her abusive husband, but her best laid plans go awry when the verbal agreement for the lease on her new cafe falls through because single-dad Jonas O’Mahony moves into one of the properties with his son.
Jonas and Olivia have history between them, some good, but mostly bad because their short time together ended with the death of Jonas' brother. Olivia was there when the accident happened, and the family blames her. The woman just can't seem to get a break when it comes to the O'Mahony family.
But when Jonas rents the remaining cottage to Olivia, they can't deny the feelings they still have for each other. Not only is Jonas still attracted to Olivia, but she's also good with his special needs son Luca. Things are looking up for both of them, that is until Olivia's estranged husband is murdered and Jonas and Olivia become suspects in the case and the subject of Ballybeg gossip.
I really love my visits to Ballybeg. Zara Keane has created a lovely world of small town characters that ring true to me. Just about everyone in Ballybeg knows each other and their business, but there's a certain charm to the location and the townsfolk, even when they are holding grudges or messing in someone else's life.
Both Jonas and Olivia have some mileage -- they've both made mistakes and they are both looking for happiness. They don't waste time grabbing it when they realize they still have strong feelings for each other. There are some great subplots here too, with Jonas dealing with being a single parent to a child on the autism spectrum. This part of the story tugged at my heart and Zara Keane's sensitive and realistic treatment of Luca was a special part of the story for me.
I liked the unexpected murder mystery in this one and I really didn't suspect the killer until it was revealed. But mostly, I liked the story of two people getting a second chance at being together and having a future, even though their past had some very low moments.
Love and Leprechauns is another lovely installment in this series. I love how I feel transported to another place when I read this series. Recommended.
ARC provided for review.
This review also appears on my blog at: http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/2014/12/reviewlove-and-leprechauns-love-and.html
Jonas and Olivia have history between them, some good, but mostly bad because their short time together ended with the death of Jonas' brother. Olivia was there when the accident happened, and the family blames her. The woman just can't seem to get a break when it comes to the O'Mahony family.
But when Jonas rents the remaining cottage to Olivia, they can't deny the feelings they still have for each other. Not only is Jonas still attracted to Olivia, but she's also good with his special needs son Luca. Things are looking up for both of them, that is until Olivia's estranged husband is murdered and Jonas and Olivia become suspects in the case and the subject of Ballybeg gossip.
I really love my visits to Ballybeg. Zara Keane has created a lovely world of small town characters that ring true to me. Just about everyone in Ballybeg knows each other and their business, but there's a certain charm to the location and the townsfolk, even when they are holding grudges or messing in someone else's life.
Both Jonas and Olivia have some mileage -- they've both made mistakes and they are both looking for happiness. They don't waste time grabbing it when they realize they still have strong feelings for each other. There are some great subplots here too, with Jonas dealing with being a single parent to a child on the autism spectrum. This part of the story tugged at my heart and Zara Keane's sensitive and realistic treatment of Luca was a special part of the story for me.
I liked the unexpected murder mystery in this one and I really didn't suspect the killer until it was revealed. But mostly, I liked the story of two people getting a second chance at being together and having a future, even though their past had some very low moments.
Love and Leprechauns is another lovely installment in this series. I love how I feel transported to another place when I read this series. Recommended.
ARC provided for review.
This review also appears on my blog at: http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/2014/12/reviewlove-and-leprechauns-love-and.html
January 18, 2015
Okay. I admit it. I have a girl crush on Zara Keane. A totally platonic, let-me-read-everything-you-write girl crush.
I have read her entire Ballybeg series, thinking that okay, this is the one that I am not going to like. Nope. Haven't hit it yet.
(Trigger warnings: domestic violence.)
In a nutshell, our heroine Olivia is in a bad marriage, a very bad marriage. She works for her nasty husband, her family owes her nasty husband a significant amount of money, and the whole town is "owned" by her nasty husband in that everybody fears/admires him and he can shut down her attempts to get away from him with a phone call.
Olivia is taking steps to get away from the evil Aidan. And yeah, he is kind of over-the-top evil, but it is a buildup from the other novels in the series. Olivia wants to open a café. She saves the money, applies for the loan, and gets a lease on a cottage that can house the café and her until her money situation improves. And then she loses the not-quite-a-lease to Jonas, her first love and the nephew of the cottage owner. Jonas has his own needs for the cottage, and he is not inclined to help Olivia out due to troubling aspects of their past together.
This is a novel of how Olivia leaves Aidan and rediscovers her relationship with Jonas. It is a touching story. It is a story with depth and character, but there is humor, too. It is not all darkness and pain.
And you know what else it is? It is realistic. I must say there were some threads of the plot that I thought we go a totally different way, an easy, feel-good way, and they didn't. That made me love it all the more.
The thing that impresses me with Ms. Keane's writing is that she doesn't write the same book with different character names. Each of the books in this series has had a different viewpoint, a different feel to the characters and the relationships. I like that. I like that she has written about big girls and svelte girls, classy girls and, um, girls who enjoy being outrageous, physically and personality-wise. Just an excellent author and I look forward to more Ballybeg books or any other series she wants to write.
Oh, and did I mention the stories take place in rural Ireland? Truly a pleasure to read about the locale, too.
I have read her entire Ballybeg series, thinking that okay, this is the one that I am not going to like. Nope. Haven't hit it yet.
(Trigger warnings: domestic violence.)
In a nutshell, our heroine Olivia is in a bad marriage, a very bad marriage. She works for her nasty husband, her family owes her nasty husband a significant amount of money, and the whole town is "owned" by her nasty husband in that everybody fears/admires him and he can shut down her attempts to get away from him with a phone call.
Olivia is taking steps to get away from the evil Aidan. And yeah, he is kind of over-the-top evil, but it is a buildup from the other novels in the series. Olivia wants to open a café. She saves the money, applies for the loan, and gets a lease on a cottage that can house the café and her until her money situation improves. And then she loses the not-quite-a-lease to Jonas, her first love and the nephew of the cottage owner. Jonas has his own needs for the cottage, and he is not inclined to help Olivia out due to troubling aspects of their past together.
This is a novel of how Olivia leaves Aidan and rediscovers her relationship with Jonas. It is a touching story. It is a story with depth and character, but there is humor, too. It is not all darkness and pain.
And you know what else it is? It is realistic. I must say there were some threads of the plot that I thought we go a totally different way, an easy, feel-good way, and they didn't. That made me love it all the more.
The thing that impresses me with Ms. Keane's writing is that she doesn't write the same book with different character names. Each of the books in this series has had a different viewpoint, a different feel to the characters and the relationships. I like that. I like that she has written about big girls and svelte girls, classy girls and, um, girls who enjoy being outrageous, physically and personality-wise. Just an excellent author and I look forward to more Ballybeg books or any other series she wants to write.
Oh, and did I mention the stories take place in rural Ireland? Truly a pleasure to read about the locale, too.
June 13, 2015
Ballybeg just keeps getting better and better. Keane returns to this small town with the same remarkably well written and thought out style that we’ve come to know her for. The intensely personal story about life and love was brilliant. Keane’s intricately crafted storyline was a sight to behold. The complex and multidimensional storyline engaged you on multiple levels, while at the same time providing an enjoyable, easy read. The picturesque descriptions really allow you to put yourself into the story.
I’d enjoyed meeting these characters in previous Ballybeg novels, but really getting to know them in their own right here was fantastic. I loved watching the interactions between the characters. They are so genuine, and at times heated that I was hooked. By developing her characters in the present and showing how their individual and combined pasts affect them readers get a definite sense of who these characters really are.
As a whole this was a fantastic novel. The combination of romance, suspense, and real live was simply unforgettable.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I’d enjoyed meeting these characters in previous Ballybeg novels, but really getting to know them in their own right here was fantastic. I loved watching the interactions between the characters. They are so genuine, and at times heated that I was hooked. By developing her characters in the present and showing how their individual and combined pasts affect them readers get a definite sense of who these characters really are.
As a whole this was a fantastic novel. The combination of romance, suspense, and real live was simply unforgettable.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2014
Yay! Another full length Ballybeg story!!
Olivia and Jonas have a past. Long ago, they were each other's firsts. They even have matching leprechaun tattoos. On their butts! Now, over a decade later, they are reunited. There are a few obstacles in their path: Jonas's mother hates Olivia, Olivia is married to an abusive man, and Jonas has a special needs son.
I was so excited to read this story, as I loved the first book so much! It did not disappoint! Laughter, love, tenderness, murder mystery, all components for a great book.
Olivia and Jonas are so perfect for each other. I really enjoyed reading their story. To me, they are not the sizzling, combustible couple. They have an easy, natural chemistry that is sweet. (Not that there aren't a few steamy parts!) They stick with each other and manage to conquer all the obstacles in their way.
I'll stop rambling now. This review is a mess. I just finished and I have dozens of things running around in my head. I do know that I can't wait to return to Ballybeg to catch up with them later!
Olivia and Jonas have a past. Long ago, they were each other's firsts. They even have matching leprechaun tattoos. On their butts! Now, over a decade later, they are reunited. There are a few obstacles in their path: Jonas's mother hates Olivia, Olivia is married to an abusive man, and Jonas has a special needs son.
I was so excited to read this story, as I loved the first book so much! It did not disappoint! Laughter, love, tenderness, murder mystery, all components for a great book.
Olivia and Jonas are so perfect for each other. I really enjoyed reading their story. To me, they are not the sizzling, combustible couple. They have an easy, natural chemistry that is sweet. (Not that there aren't a few steamy parts!) They stick with each other and manage to conquer all the obstacles in their way.
I'll stop rambling now. This review is a mess. I just finished and I have dozens of things running around in my head. I do know that I can't wait to return to Ballybeg to catch up with them later!
February 22, 2018
I absolutely loved exploring Olivia's side of the story since she was a character that intrigued me in the first book! It was also nice to properly meet Jonas despite him also being introduced in the first book.
There had been a past between the characters eleven years before this book actually takes place. It was fascinating to read about them falling back together since I'm a sucker for those first loves finding one another again!
I liked that Zara addressed Autism in this one since Luca — Jonas' son — falls on the spectrum. There's certain aspects of his autism that I hadn't been aware of before such as only wanting to eat certain colored foods when he gets on a random kick. I liked how we were able to see Olivia accept him and actually try to see everything from his perspective like she did at the park.
The added murder mystery was phenomenally written and I enjoyed trying to figure out who the murderer was! I was wrong, by the way. I don't think anyone could have figured that one out!
There had been a past between the characters eleven years before this book actually takes place. It was fascinating to read about them falling back together since I'm a sucker for those first loves finding one another again!
I liked that Zara addressed Autism in this one since Luca — Jonas' son — falls on the spectrum. There's certain aspects of his autism that I hadn't been aware of before such as only wanting to eat certain colored foods when he gets on a random kick. I liked how we were able to see Olivia accept him and actually try to see everything from his perspective like she did at the park.
The added murder mystery was phenomenally written and I enjoyed trying to figure out who the murderer was! I was wrong, by the way. I don't think anyone could have figured that one out!
August 9, 2019
DNF at 50%
I just couldn’t get into the story. It was still quite boring at the halfway mark. At times it just seemed to drag and then suddenly it jumped several weeks. I haven’t bothered to look it up but 5 years to get a divorce?! Is this for real?! I just can’t wrap my mind around that. But mostly it just wasn’t going anywhere and there wasn’t even any real build up to make me care where these characters were headed. I’m out!
I just couldn’t get into the story. It was still quite boring at the halfway mark. At times it just seemed to drag and then suddenly it jumped several weeks. I haven’t bothered to look it up but 5 years to get a divorce?! Is this for real?! I just can’t wrap my mind around that. But mostly it just wasn’t going anywhere and there wasn’t even any real build up to make me care where these characters were headed. I’m out!
May 13, 2019
Good mystery /romance tale
The story of Jonas and Olivia’s is the setting for this murder mystery it is well written keeping you guessing right to the end. The young boy Luca adds a little humor here and there and while the author touches on autism there is no depth to it. Recommend you read it 4.5 Stars from me.
The story of Jonas and Olivia’s is the setting for this murder mystery it is well written keeping you guessing right to the end. The young boy Luca adds a little humor here and there and while the author touches on autism there is no depth to it. Recommend you read it 4.5 Stars from me.
May 14, 2019
It is fantastic
This book was really great book.It was well written & the storyline good. Olivia & Jonas were great characters.Itwas a murder and love story.It had a twist and surprise ending.Highly recommend it
This book was really great book.It was well written & the storyline good. Olivia & Jonas were great characters.Itwas a murder and love story.It had a twist and surprise ending.Highly recommend it
July 14, 2019
I enjoyed this third book in the series better than the second because there was a mystery. It was a bit of a weak ending, but still an easy read. The thing that bothered me the most was the author’s overuse of “rictus.” #details
August 10, 2019
Ebook, part of a series
She’s trying to leave her abusive husband and open a cafe. He husband controls things in town and her parents owe him money. Her former boyfriend moves back to town with his son, is the spark still there or will old hurts keep them apart.
She’s trying to leave her abusive husband and open a cafe. He husband controls things in town and her parents owe him money. Her former boyfriend moves back to town with his son, is the spark still there or will old hurts keep them apart.
December 16, 2019
Ballybeg is full of characters and you just want to spend time with them. This book has it all it has a second chance romance, a murder mystery, incompetent police officers and an ending no one saw coming. Another great story in this series.
March 20, 2020
Great HEA with a mystery to boot!
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
May 8, 2017
Olivia and Jonas were an interesting couple who had some major issues (such as a murder investigation) to work through before finding their HEA. A good book with an unexpected twist.
May 27, 2017
It was Ok. Better than I thought.
January 25, 2018
Am really enjoying the series, the characters and this author's work.
March 25, 2018
Great characters and cute romance, plus I enjoyed the added mystery element in this one. I love series like this where the focus is on a new couple, but you get to see familiar characters, too.
April 10, 2018
I read the Ballybeg Series, which I enjoyed.
July 2, 2018
Good
This is a good read. Although it is a bit too drawn out for me but still a good read.
This is a good read. Although it is a bit too drawn out for me but still a good read.
May 15, 2019
Nice story
The story was good. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I thought at times a bit slow but it was a happy ending
The story was good. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I thought at times a bit slow but it was a happy ending
May 23, 2019
5 Stars
I would recommend this book to adults that enjoy stories that are funny, steamy, suspenseful, and oh so romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
I would recommend this book to adults that enjoy stories that are funny, steamy, suspenseful, and oh so romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
July 15, 2019
Love and leprechauns
Very good reading I loved the book from start to finish. Could not put it down. A bit of romance mixed with murder.
Very good reading I loved the book from start to finish. Could not put it down. A bit of romance mixed with murder.
June 22, 2020
Oh wow drama, suspense, romance, muder mystery and family/wigglypoo high jinx make this a enjoyable edge of my seat read.
February 13, 2021
I liked Olivia, Josh, and Luca very much and I found their story engaging.
October 17, 2021
Out of the three books I have read so far in the series, this was by far the best. So I guess third time was the charm.
November 3, 2021
I found most of these stories are good, but some smaller parts are a bit boring to me. I would not mind to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews