The Hotel on the Headland

by Maeve McBride

An inherited vote, a storm-bound week, and a second chance at belonging! She holds the vote that can save The Seaglass Inn. He is the reason she might stay.

Ballymara welcomes the New Year with wild seas and a battered cliff-top hotel fighting for survival. Burnt-out project manager Maeve returns home only to discover she has inherited a minority stake in the Seaglass Inn... and the one vote that could block a developer’s buyout!

Conor, the quietly steady local builder hired to shore up the crumbling hotel, needs this job to keep his own life afloat. When a fierce storm cuts them off on the headland, Maeve and Conor are forced into close quarters, facing the past and an unexpected spark that refuses to be ignored.

In this cozy, small-town romance, you’ll

Enemies-to-Lovers A corporate outsider vs. the local hero.Forced Trapped in a storm-bound inn while the waves crash outside.Healing & Second Two souls finding out that "home" is a person, not a place.Maeve planned to sign the papers and escape back to her fast-paced life. But Ballymara isn’t tidy. It’s full of nosy neighbors with tea, late-night committee meetings, and a man whose gentle humor sees right through her polished mask.

Saving the inn will take stubbornness and courage. Falling for Conor might take even more.

In Ballymara, fresh starts begin the moment you stop trying to weather the storm alone. Click "Read Now" to start your coastal escape!

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2026

About the author

Maeve McBride writes heartfelt, clean small-town romances set against the lush landscapes of Ireland. Her stories weave together the warmth of close-knit communities, the charm of cobblestone streets and cozy pubs, and the tender journeys of love and self-discovery.

Download your FREE eBook at: www.MaeveMcBrideAuthor.com

Reviews

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, heartwarming small town Irish romance story. Maeve from Dublin inherits a portion of the Seaglass Inn. She visits to see the property. Many costly repairs are urgently needed before the next safety inspection. Collectively the owners need to decide whether to sell or repair the inn. A romance blossoms between Maeve and Conor.

I read this book near Valentine's Day. It's just what I hoped it would be. A charming little romance story. Charming any time of the year.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Goodreads. I was thrilled to win this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maeve inherited a deciding vote ownership in a crumbling inn from her aunt that a developer wants to purchase. She came there hoping to sign some papers and go back to her real life, but she has to stay a specific amount of time to gain her inheritance and feels the weight of the town in her decision. She ends up agreeing to stay, blocking the sale for now, assist inn handyman Conor with repairs to pass inspection, and all while the developer Declan is regularly pressuring her to sell. But will they be able to pull it off or lose it all?

[Alexia Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a very charming story/book. I so enjoyed the characters, even the “bad guy aka the developer”. I felt like I jumped into the Emerald Isle on a perfect escape for a couple of days. Love it!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal Perreault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Much better than I anticipated. Well written to the point the author made it easy to feel as though you are there. It was a sweet story that I know I will read again. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Teresa Pacheco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story with descriptive writing. I felt like I was right there in the town of Ballymara with Maeve and Conor.