Irish Fire and Forbidden Love

by Scarlett Xavier

Rory
In the heart of Galway, there’s a buzz in the air, and it’s not just the music spilling from the bar owned by the fierce and captivating Maeve Quinn.
From the moment I step inside, I’m swept away by the warmth of her laughter and the spark in her emerald eyes.
I’m here to seal a deal to buy what she loves most, and then my connection to this place —and to her— should end.
But each time Maeve leans over the counter, her hair falling just right and that mischievous grin lighting up the dim space, the walls of my resolve crumble.
She’s not just a business owner; she’s a force of nature, and it’s impossible to ignore the chemistry simmering between us.
I should be thinking of contracts, numbers, and exit strategies, yet all I can picture is Maeve and the intoxicating way she makes me feel alive.
The truth lingers like the scent of her signature whiskey blend…
Selling her bar means breaking her heart— and my own.
With each passing day, I’m torn between the man I’ve always been and the one Maeve inspires me to be.
The plan is crystal clear… I’m not meant to stay.
But how can I walk away from the most beautiful mistake that might just be the best decision of my life?

The Celtic Men series is a contemporary escape where readers can embark on a journey through love that is as wild and unpredictable as the landscapes they inhabit, and watch as each character learns that sometimes, the greatest risk is also the path to their heart's deepest desires.

132 pages, Paperback

Published June 27, 2025

Reviews

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maeve runs the family pub in Galway Ireland, while her dad and sister live in Texas. Lets say the are family you want far away from you. But family is family. Her dad has been gambling and now to pay off the debt the bar needs to be sold.
Rory is over from the USA and when these two meet fire works but he has a secret that will crush Maeve.

This is a fast read, with family at the heart, but also heat between are main characters. Maeve needs to raise the money to save her home, will Rory be the man who turn her life around for good.

I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irish Fire and Forbidden Love is Book 1 of the Celtic Men series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, hidden identity, girl gets her hunk romance. Maeve is a sassy girl from Houston pursuing her dream of owning her own pub in Ireland. Rory is a hunky American who comes into her pub. When she finds out her co-owners are planning to sell their portion of the bar, she is devastated. She and Rory have a connection but what happens when she finds out why he is really there? These two had insane chemistry and we ended on a happy note after a lot of drama. Frank was a piece of work. This was my first book by this author but hopefully not the last. I loved it.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Rory goes to Maeve's bar to see the place he and his brother were planning to buy but he ends up falling for her. His feelings were returned by Maeve. Unfortunately the truth comes out. I liked that Maeve continued the fund raiser planned and even better is when Rory signs a cheque to help her. Rory choses Maeve over his brother and she still owns her bar.

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

She wants the her pub completely in her name. But Rory is from the states and here to purchase her family's shares. A fundraiser and a man she just mate will be her way to win or not. Realistic situations and bantering that are funny and intimate. Great descriptions of the locations of where the book takes place. Cheered for the underdog to get his woman. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mollie Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great short read full of romance and spicy scenes. This gave me Samantha Young vibes, particularly with the way the novella started and how the FMC was written. I think I would have enjoyed this as a solid novel, if the author ever wanted to go down that path. It’s a great premise and filled with moral dilemmas for the two main characters, with great supporting characters to fill out the chapter plots.

Super easy read with insta love and a happy ending.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Maeve and Rory. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with connection, secrets, tough decisions and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.M. Brewster]

Get swept up into this Ireland set romance with plenty of steam to keep you turning pages! Writing style is easy and carries you through the story of Maeve and Rory. If you are looking for a quick read and an escape to Galway Ireland with two fiery main characters...you will love this read! I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next in her series.