My life was going according to the plan I accepted. Thanks to talent and luck, I bought the house I’d always dreamed of in the town I grew up in, and had best friends who had become my family. I’d made peace with burying the things I may have wanted, but couldn’t have.
Then Cora Clark came back to town.
My little sister’s best friend.
We spent years growing up together, sharing plenty of moments, inside jokes, and stolen glances. Nothing ever came of it, just an unrequited teenage crush.
But now that she’s here, I can’t escape the pull she has on me. The way her laugh brightens the room and the way her smile makes my heart race—it brings me right back to how I felt all those years ago. I tell myself I haven’t thought about her since she left, but that’s just not the truth.
I try to keep my distance, but in an impulsive moment, I offer to help her chase her dream. Now I can’t stay away, but I find I don’t exactly want to.
The more time we spend together, it becomes apparent that the feelings aren’t quite so unrequited, and it’s getting harder to ignore the fire between us.
I’ve always called her my untouchable, but I begin to wonder, how much longer can I keep my hands off?
Kelly has been obsessed with words since she learned to read-poems, lyrics, magnetic poetry, cutting out words for collages, writing down favorite phrases. As for obsessed with love? Probably longer.
These days, you can find her hoarding all the good pens while writing contemporary romance novels full of heartfelt emotion, epic banter, spicy spice, and laugh-out-loud moments with characters you fall for and plots you get lost in.
And happily ever afters. Always happily ever afters.
When she's not writing, she's collecting moments with her four kids and husband, taking photos, dreaming of seeing the world, loving her 80 pound pitty bull, seeking new, fun experiences, or dancing to late 90s/early 2000s songs. Spoiler Alert: She can no longer Get Low.
Overall: This was a great love story! The small town, childhood friends to lovers vibes are always a hit for me! I love learning characters’ histories and how they find their way back to each other.
Tropes: 💚 best friend’s older brother 🤍 Irish heritage + culture 🧡 childhood friends to lovers 💚 small town 🤍 found family 🧡 nicknames
Bookish Thoughts: There were so many things that I loved about this book! The best friend’s brother trope is always so much fun. The characters always end up trying to be sneaky and they never are able to be quite sneaky enough! I also love that the characters usually have long histories, and it makes their love stories so rich!
I absolutely love a friend group!! Anything that’s a friend group / found family adjacent is always a favorite of mine! I really, really enjoyed that we got group chats for both MCs. The all girls’ chat and the all boys’ chat were both unique and enjoyable. They helped me to feel closer to and establish strong relationships between the characters. I think it was also great to showcase how different girl and boy group chats tend to be! Hah!
The addition of all of the Irish culture and language was incredible! I am a linguist, and absolutely love learning about languages and cultures! I was constantly stopping to learn how to pronounce words correctly and understand the differences between how we normally translate a word and how it’s actually used in the language.
I’m very excited this is the first in a series, because I already can’t wait for book 2!
This is an excellent debut novel. Cora and Maverick’s love story is one for the ages and full of intense emotions, love and spicy chemistry. I couldn’t help but to root for them even with Maverick’s issues causing a very brief third act breakup. I loved how Cora came into her own again through her relationship with Mav and their friends. I also loved the elements of Irish heritage included in this book especially their Gaelic nicknames and words/phrases of love. Thank you to author Kelly O’Reilly for the opportunity to read this early. I can’t wait to read her next book!
ARC Review: If you’re looking for your next feel-good, laugh-out-loud, slow-burn romance with just the right pinch of spice, A Little Bit Untouchable is it.
From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. The small-town setting, the unbeatable friend group (seriously, the group chat banter is peak perfection), and the undeniable chemistry between Cora and Maverick make this book impossible to put down. These characters feel like your people—flawed, lovable, and always showing up for each other.
Cora’s return home after a heartbreak sets the stage for a story that’s as much about healing and friendship as it is about romance. And then there’s Maverick—wounded, charming, and, let’s be real, frustrating in the best way. The tension between them builds beautifully, especially by Chapter 12 (if you know, you know), and had me yelling, “JUST KISS ALREADY!”
Also… two words: turkey testicles. You’ll laugh, I promise.
The Irish roots, Gaelic phrases, and strong emotional undercurrent give this book a fresh and heartfelt vibe. You’ll laugh, swoon, and probably text a friend about Maverick’s bro group chat wisdom.
✨ Small town warmth 🔥 Slow-burn tension ⚡ Instant chemistry 🍀 Best friend’s brother
Add this to your TBR immediately—and clear your evening. You won’t want to stop once you start. I already can’t wait for more from this friend group and this town!
4.25 ⭐️I was so lucky to receive an ARC for this debut. I could not put this down!! It was sweet, funny, and 🥵!! The found-family group was giving major “Friends” vibes and the threading through of Gaelic language really added a special touch to this lovely friends-to-lovers romance. Excited for Book 2 in the series!!!
★★★★★ A Little Bit Untouchable by Kelly O’Reilly is an emotional, captivating rollercoaster with just the right amount of spice and heart. From the very first page, I was hooked by the chemistry between the main characters—the kind that simmers with years of tension and that unforgettable “it’s always been you” energy.
This story delivers on all fronts: it’s steamy, swoony, and deeply emotional. The characters are layered and real, and the side characters? Absolutely unforgettable. Each one of them feels like they’re waiting in the wings for their own book—and I’ll be first in line when that happens.
Kelly O’Reilly has a gift for writing stories that feel like home and heartbreak all at once. I devoured this one and didn’t want it to end. A total must-read for romance lovers who crave deep connection, second chances, and a whole lot of spice.
I adored Cora and Maverick in A Little Bit Untouchable! Even with his demons, Maverick has the biggest heart and loves Cora fiercely, always wanting to make her happy. Cora loves him exactly as he is and treasures the way he treats her after everything she’s been through. This romance is raw, heartfelt, and utterly swoon-worthy.
A Little Bit Untouchable is the charming debut novel from Kelly O'Reilly and the first in a planned interconnected series set in the cozy small town of Savannah Springs. In this first book, readers are introduced to Cora and Maverick, two characters navigating personal transformation and healing.
Cora returns to her hometown after ending her engagement and leaving her job, hoping to rediscover herself and pursue her dream of opening a warm, welcoming gift shop on Main Street. Enter Maverick, her best friend Maeves's older brother, who is not only skilled in carpentry and design but also deeply attractive in a way Cora can’t ignore. After not seeing each other in years, the chemistry between them is instant and electric from the moment they reunite.
As Cora works on renovating her new shop, Maverick becomes an integral part of both the project and her life. The tension between them builds deliciously, as they attempt to deny their feelings and keep their growing relationship a secret. Maverick has always dubbed Cora untouchable, set in his thinking that he is not worthy of her and Cora worries that it is too soon after her ended engagement to be feeling so strongly about someone new and if she ever really felt what true love felt like in her past relationship's. Their love story is as tender as it is steamy, with emotional depth that explores Maverick’s past traumas and Cora’s journey toward trusting herself again.
The story is elevated by a standout friend group that brings warmth, laughter, and unwavering support to both main characters. One of the sweetest elements is the series of notes Cora and Maverick leave for each other. It was such a sweet addition and a window into their growing connection. The infusion of Irish culture and Gaelic language adds a unique and endearing touch, setting this romance apart from other romance stories I have read recently.
My only critique, which is completely personal preference and doesn't take away from the story, is that some parts of the book felt slower in pacing. At times, it seemed like the author was telling the reader about the characters rather than letting their personalities unfold naturally through dialogue and action. I would have loved to see more "showing" rather than "telling" when it came to character development. That said, the romance between Cora and Maverick was still incredibly sweet and enjoyable, making this a solid and heartfelt debut!
I look forward to seeing what’s next from Kelly O’Reilly.
This was such a great series starter! I absolutely loved the connection between Maverick and Cora. They were crazy about each other. The tension between them was fever pitch and the romance unfolded beautifully. The slow burn was a delicious torture that had me curling my toes with every interaction they shared.
After a horrible breakup, Cora is trying to find her spark, her joy in life. So, she moves back to Savannah Springs, where her parents and best friends live. On her journey to rebuild her life, she decides to open her own business, and that’s when Maverick, her best friend’s brother and her teenage crush, offers to help make her dream come true.
Maverick had always admired Cora from afar, due to some sad issues, he felt that he wasn’t worthy of her. But with all the time they started to share together, it was impossible to keep his feelings at bay and his hands to himself.
But Maverick’s insecurities and past held him back, and in the process, he broke not only Cora’s but his heart too. Lucky for us, this man does his fair share of groveling to get her to accept his apology. He worked hard for her forgiveness and he decided to go to therapy to re-start their relationship in a healthy way. This man loved Cora and he proved it with his actions.
The friendships in this book were also amazing and hilarious! They felt like authentic friends, and I can’t wait to find out more about them in the next books!
With that said, if you enjoy friends to lovers, sister’s best friend, grand gestures and Irish influence, then look no further, this book IS A MUST READ!
Thank you so much Kelly for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of your great book!
ARC TEAM REVIEW! From the very first page, this book felt like a hug. Set in Savannah Springs, SC, a charming small town that instantly feels like home. This story brings together everything I love about romance -- heart, humor, and characters so vivid they feel like old friends.
The real magic here lies in the people. Each character is beautifully written—flawed, funny, kind, and wonderfully real. By the end, I found myself missing them like I’d just moved away from a place I didn’t know I needed. The relationships are caring and believable, filled with those little moments that make you smile or tear up without even realizing it. Maverick and Cora stole my heart from the start. Their connection is electric but rooted in something much deeper—shared history, quiet strength, and a spark of mischief that’s so endearing and relatable - cheers! Or should I say, Sláinte!
It’s not just about love (though the romance is absolutely swoon-worthy) —it’s about community, healing, finding your place in the world, and honoring where you come from while still daring to dream. This story wraps you up in its warmth and reminds you of the beauty in everyday connections.
If you’re looking for a feel-good read that lingers in your heart long after the final chapter, this is the one. I can’t wait for the next from this talented up and coming author!!
*** Received free copy of the book as a member of the ARC team *** Kelly O'Reilly
💭: One of my favorite things about the bookish world is discovering new authors and taking a chance on stories they’ve poured their heart into. And let me tell you - Kelly O’Reilly poured every bit of her heart and soul into 𝘈 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘵 𝘜𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦.
When I first started reading, I caught myself focusing on little details instead of sinking into the story. But once I let go, I was gone. The book consumed me just as completely as Cora and Mav consumed each other.
Cora Clarke - fresh off a brutal breakup and canceled wedding - was still a ray of sunshine. Her positivity and determination made her glow on every page. Maverick McDonohue - haunted by a childhood filled with trauma - was steady, grounded, and insanely talented. He also happened to be Cora’s best friend’s older brother. He knew her well, but never believed he was worthy of someone like her.
Their chemistry? Off the charts. And the way Kelly O’Reilly wrote those spicy scenes? Let’s just say I had butterflies in my stomach like 𝘐 was falling in love. I’ve never read an author who writes intimacy quite like Kelly - she sets a scene with such brilliance that it feels electric.
I didn’t want this book to end. While Cora and Mav were unforgettable, Savannah Springs itself feels like home, filled with a friend group I’m already invested in. I can’t wait for more in this series - and I know these characters will stay with me forever.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC! All opinions are my own.
Cora Clarke has recently returned home to Savannah Springs after fiancé abruptly ended their engagement. Heartbroken but determined to keep going, Cora teams up with her best friend’s brother, Maverick McDonahue, to make her dream of owning her own shop into a reality. But what happens when their time together starts to become something more?
What a romantic, flirty, and spicy small town romance debut! Cora and Maverick both felt so real and had their own issues to deal with, and I really enjoyed being able to hear both sides through the dual POV chapters. They both were broken, Cora from her failed engagement and Mav from his rough childhood, but they were able to pick up the pieces and help each other put then back together.
I also really loved all of the side characters! Cora and Mav had a wonderful group of friends supporting them, and it was so sweet to them coming together to cheer on their relationship. And all of the touches of Irish heritage! One of my favorite parts of the book was reading Cora and Mav’s notes back and forth to each other with all of the Gaelic words and their definitions.
If you’re a fan of small town romance, I would definitely recommend this debut!
First off - thank you SO much Kelly O’Reily for the opportunity to read this ARC right before release date. I absolutely loved it and I cannot wait for this one to hit the shelves! Savannah Springs and the whole crew have a special place in my heart now - I can’t wait for book 2!
This is the story of Cora and Maverick. The story of light, love, family, friends, and making dreams come true. When Cora moves back home after having to cancel her wedding and leaving her fiancé, her hometown crew is waiting for her with open arms. What she didn’t expect was her best friend’s brother and the instant magnetic sparks. The connection between these two was INSANE and I was here for it.
I loved the friends group vibes, the banter, the dream chasing, the Irish culture being embedded in the story and the hometown feel. I stayed up way too late finishing this one. My romance readers - do yourself a favor and pick this one up!! You won’t regret it.
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book but I fell in love with the storyline and characters! I am so excited that this author has other books coming out. It took me a bit when I first started reading to keep the characters straight (this is always an issue for me) and by the end I legitimately wanted to join this fictional friend group and make them all real! It's a very eclectic group of friends but they are funny and genuinely good hearted people that mesh so well together! The love story is addicting to read and once it came into play, I honestly couldn't put it down. I read over 300 pages in a single day (and ignored all other life tasks in doing so) so that I could finish it because it was so immersed in the story. It had lots of unexpected turns which made it all the more captivating. Book 2 is definitely a must read for me!
A Little Bit Untouchable felt like a warm hug in book form. It was comforting, heartfelt and quietly powerful. It’s the kind of small town romance that pulls you in and refuses to let go.
Cora and Maverick’s story is tender and emotional, brimming with longing and second chances. The slow-burn tension between them simmers from the very beginning, a steady build that honors the depth of their shared history and the heartbreak they’ve endured. When that burn finally ignites, it’s intimate and unforgettable.
Kelly O’Reilly writes with so much care. I loved the way she wove in the Irish heritage, the quiet but steadfast friendships and the emotional growth that made the story feel deeply grounded and personal.
If you’re looking for a romance that blends small town charm with real emotional stakes, this one will linger with you long after the final page.
This book was such a delight to read, and I am anxiously awaiting book 2, releasing soon!
In this story Cora has returned home after a devastating breakup, determined to reshape her life in the way she wants to live it. She buys a storefront and is planning on transforming it into a self-care shop, and hires Maverick, her best friends brother to do the renovations.
The two have had crushes on each other for a while, and as they spend more time together those feelings simply grow stronger and stronger.
This story was such a cute read, and I loved how much of simp Maverick was for Cora. Watching them grow together, and then Cora stand up for herself was such an amazing moment to read! Kelly also did an amazing job building the tension between these two
An incredible debut novel! I love a good small town, sibling's best friend, friends to lovers romance and this one didn't disappoint!
The main characters were well-developed, both lovable and at times infuriating with their hang-ups and self-sabotage. Watching the mains battle their pasts and come out stronger in the end was a beautiful journey and I can't wait to catch up with everyone again in book 2!
Highly Enjoyed this! The author really puts you into the story and you feel each and every emotion from the heart break and desperation all the way to the joy and triumph the different characters experience.
I really liked that it wasn’t overly predictable so each surprise brought smiles to my face. The similarities in the characters stories was a nice twist! This was my first time reading this author and I will definitely read more! Wonderful ending and the passion that started so long ago that slowly but steadily enveloped was explosive and spicy!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I look forward to reading more of her stories! Very well written!!
What a great debut novel by Kelly O’Reilly. Who doesn’t love a book when you fall in love with the brother of your best friend???
First of all, I love the name Maverick, big Top Gun fan over here.
This is an insta love situation where both MCs fight it because they feel like they shouldn’t. I mean, he is Cora’s best friend’s brother, and they have known each other most of their lives. Also, Cora is supposed to be marrying a different man that same month, if he hadn’t been a cheater.
The ending (probably the last 20-30 pages) had me constantly getting choked up. The letters had such moving words in them. I loved this book.
Who doesn’t love a steamy second-chance romance full of slow-burn tension, witty banter, and grumpy x sunshine vibes? OH and 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩-𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧… I know I do 😏. Add in small-town charm and chemistry so palpable you can feel it. It’s quite literally the best cozy yet spicy read.
O’Reilly’s writing is pure magic—warm, witty, and impossible to put down. I devoured this book in one greedy sitting (okay a few because, #momlife) and honestly? I’d do it all over again tomorrow.
Cheers @booksirens & @kellyoreillyauthor for the copy, you’re the best! 😘
A Little Bit Untouchable was such a pleasant surprise! It’s the kind of small-town romance that pulls you in and keeps you captivated until the very end.
Cora and Maverick’s story is emotional—brimming with longing, second chances, and that perfect friends-to-lovers spark. The slow-burn tension between them simmers from the very beginning and builds to something truly explosive.
I loved how the author wove in the Irish heritage, and the notes between Cora and Maverick were everything!
If you’re looking for a romance that blends small-town charm, friends to lovers and an amazing friend group, look no further!
I devoured this book and loved every second of it.
Cora and Maverick had me hooked from page one. Childhood crush? ✔️ Slow-burn tension? ✔️ All the small-town, cozy, swoony vibes? ✔️
The chemistry was so good, the banter was sweet, and the emotional moments hit just right. I was fully rooting for them the whole way through.
If you love grumpy x sunshine, forbidden-ish romance, or anything with a guy finally realizing he’s been in love forever—this one’s for you. Total comfort read with all the feels.
It was a little slow to start but once you get into it, it really flows. My heart was cheering for Maverick and Cora from the beginning. They made such a perfect pair. She was recovering from a broken engagement and he had some insecurities from the past to deal with. They had some awesome friends and support systems in place. He broke her heart and then finally apologized in style. I cried when he broke up with her. This book gives you all the feels. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cora has recently moved back to her parents’ house in Savannah Springs. Her arrival to town is bound by heartbreak and betrayal—her fiancé cheated on her, got another woman pregnant, and broke off their engagement just a week before the wedding. Cora feels like she will be the talk of the town and huge disappointment for her parents. Time flies as she tries to pick up the pieces her ex left behind.Her best friends—Maeve, Audra, and Jules—do their best to support her. They convince her to join them for Friday night drinks at their friend’s bar. Reluctantly, Cora agrees—and that’s where she sees Maverick again after a very long time (Maeve’s brother). Sparks fly instantly. They talk, dance, and even flirt, surprising their entire friend circle, though no one says a word.Meanwhile, Cora decides to open an apothecary store in town her long lost dream. Maverick works in construction and is doing well for himself, struggles with feelings of inadequacy, rooted from his poor childhood. After their bar reunion and hearing about her store idea, he agrees to take on the construction work for it. This leads to them spending more time together, working side by side, and slowly getting to know one another on a deeper level.The story is fun to read, filled with sweet, lovey-dovey moments between Mav and Cora. Cora’s BFF circle is perfect—the way they lift each other up is heartwarming. The family bond Cora shares is another highlight of the book. And the way the story normalizes therapy is wonderful.The book felt a little long at times, but it reached a beautiful, satisfying ending. Can’t wait to read the other books in the series!
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the friend group especially. It was a wonderful little small town romance and I adored the Gaelic/Irish references.
Maverick and Cora are delightful together and their budding relationship is just so special. 💚💚
I guess my one issue that kept it from being a five star read for me was the repeated kind of self sabotage of Maverick thinking he could never been good enough for Cora. It was obviously an important part of the book but it just kept getting repeated over and over again.
Big thanks to Kelly O'Reilly for the ARC of her debut book! Wow! This was such a fabulous debut romance that I devoured in about a day! If you enjoy authors like Corinne Michaels, Devney Perry, Catherine Cowles, and similar you will absolutely adore this small town romance! The book follows Cora as she moves back to her small hometown of Savannah Springs after her life falls apart. She falls back into step with her family and the people she grew up with, including her best friend's older brother, Maverick. Maverick has always steered clear of Cora, because he felt like he was not good enough for her, but the pull they have towards each other. He offers to help her open her dream store in downtown since he is a contractor. Following along as they fall in love is so sweet and I loved the Gaelic language and Irish culture that was sprinkled throughout the book. If you are a romance lover, Kelly O'Reilly is definitely one to watch! This one was spicy, and sweet and just so perfect! Five stars from me!
An instant favorite! This story had me hooked so completely I repeatedly lost track of time (and sleep). Kelly O’Reilly nails the character development, sarcastic banter (my favorite part!) and the complex emotions of new relationships - making every page more addictive than the last. Is being addicted to a book series a bad thing? I think not! I’m just so glad the next book is finally here because this series is truly unputdownable!
I got to be an ARC reader for this author’s debut novel and it was such an enjoyable read! The warm and vivid writing makes you feel as if you are in Savannah Springs with the characters themselves. This book had such a fun mix of humor, deep character development, and spice to keep you engaged and wanting to know what happens next! I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series!
ARC REVIEW- I really loved this story! I related with Cora so much honestly. The way she felt at the beginning of the book. The whole story sucked me in from the very beginning. I was so invested in Cora and Maverick's story. I was rooting for them so hard. Their chemistry truly jumped off the page. I absolutely adored this story!
My first Kelly O’Reilly read and it absolutely won’t be my last! This was truly such a wonderful story about second chances and realizing what was meant to be might have been right in front of us the whole time. It was a beautiful story about chasing your dreams and not letting what others have to say about you keep you down. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series brings!
A Little Bit Untouchable is a fun, feel-good romance full of humour, heart, and heat. Maverick and Cora’s chemistry is irresistible, the side characters shine, and Savannah Springs feels warm and real. With a touch of Irish heritage adding depth, this charming read has me eager for more from Kelly O’Reilly.