The Rock Star's Secret Baby

Ballybeg Bad Boys #2

by Zara Keane

He’d rocked her world. She’s about to blow up his life.When a beautiful former fling blasts back into his life, jaded Irish rock star Darko Dunne’s peaceful seclusion on a private island comes to an explosive end. Faced with a band of ruthless criminals and a ticking clock, Darko and Muireann must pool their resources to rescue the baby he never knew he had.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Music, Contemporary, Ebooks, Musicians

177 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2015

About the author

Zara 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.

Reviews

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Keane at her finest. She put pen to paper combining small town Ireland with suspense and rock stars to create a novel I simply couldn’t put down. I devoured it in a single sitting. The picturesque descriptions allowed me to picture every aspect of the novel while the stunning narrative brought the story forward in an exciting and easy to follow manner. I loved how the various aspects of the story melded together, creating a romantic, suspenseful, and original whole.

The characters in this story took the fantastic plot up another notch. I really enjoyed getting to know Muireann better as she came to grips with the new life she was now leading. The contrast between who she was two years ago and who she is now is shocking, yet doesn’t break with her character at all. Damian was a fantastic hero, both who he is now and where he came from. He was a complex character who was so very easy to understand and fall in love with. James-David was an important addition to the story, even if he didn’t have much to say. And I can’t comment about the unforgettable French chef at all without giving too much away, but just know that I absolutely loved him in all incarnations.

Once again Keane has created a novel that allowed me to escape from reality within its pages while also remaining completely realistic. It is a must read for all lovers of romantic fiction.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[TXBRITGAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the spin off series of her Ballybeg books. The main female love interest in this book is Muirean from "Love and Shenanigans" which was book 1 of the original series. It isn't a must to read that book first, but it might give you a better understanding of the character and situations in this book. As with her past books, once more this book knocks it out of the park! There's massive intrigue, murder, small town gossip, romance, and fun galore. Twists and turns, and oops did u say I have a baby? Yup, if bad rock star has an infant he knew nothing about and quickly falls in love with. He and Muirean met while he posed as a hitchhiker in Australia when she was licking her wounds from events in book 1 of Ballybeg. As she wasn't a fan of rock and roll, she had no clue who he was. The stars align and they end up in Ballybeg at the same time. Surprise surprise, she also finds out the job she came to town for is actually as his housekeeper. In the midst of getting to know one another and falling for their baby, there's a few pesky murders to solve. This book is a great page Turner. Be prepared to sit down, and next thing you know it's the last chapter. Have fun getting to know these zany and fun characters from Ballybeg. I look forward to many more books in the series to come!!!

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have read the previous book (I hadn't) you may get into this one more; it's a lively romantic suspense somewhat like Banks's Espedair Street to start. The reclusive rock legend has in this case bought his own island off Ireland and built his stereotypical mansion, and his gay assistant advertises for a housekeeper. The young woman in need of a job, has a baby in tow, and has fallen on hard times due to the events of the first book; this led her to take a holiday in Australia and sleep with an attractive backpacker a couple of years ago, and guess who the baby looks like....

I am not really a fan of books where the heroine needs the hero to save her, or where she wants to control whether a baby knows who its father is. Our heroine, though, is a strong woman who wants to manage by herself and she doesn't hesitate to fight the bad guys.
The end gets very silly so just read it as an action thriller. There's also a formulaic adult scene or two that don't fit where the main characters are in their personal relationship. When a man and a woman are alone together they don't have to take their clothes off. They could have a conversation, like, where was the baby born? Any complications? What did your family say?

I like that the book is set in Ireland. This is an unbiased review otherwise.

[Coco.V]

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[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books by Zara Keane and loved them all. I really like her style, light touch, humor, romance and a mystery. Perfect combination for me. My only complaint is that they just aren't long enough and the plot seems rushed at points. But, I can deal with that and enjoy them immensely. "The Rock Star's Secret Baby" is just fantastic. Hot romance and a suspense/mystery that is fast paced and action packed.

Muireann is a down on her luck interior designer with an 18 month old son, James-David, from a fling she had. She knows the guy's name but very little else, they didn't do much talking in the two days they were together. She is headed to her aunt's home in Ballybeg and a new job as a housekeeper on an offshore island.

Darko Dunne is a rock star for whom life no longer rocks. He has bought an island on the coast of Ireland, built a beautiful house and retreated from the world. Strange happenings on his island have him headed to the police in Ballybeg where he encounters Muireann, a woman who looks awful familiar. The next day when she and James-David show up for the housekeeping job, Darko puts it all together. Muireann is shocked that the backpacker she knew is actually a hotshot rock star. But will this situation work out? She really needs the job and she isn't sure a rock star is the best influence for her son. There are also the strange happenings on the island to consider also. Is it even safe to be there, both physically and emotionally?

[Crystal Yawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh I love a good Irish story and a secret baby and two-night stand reunion all thrown together makes a great read that's very hard to put down.
Darko is hiding from life till he runs into Muireann almost 2 years after a fantastic time in Australia, only she has a secret.
I love both characters. I would have loved to see how Muireann fits back into balleybag after her Father's actions, so I'm hoping to see that in future books.
The island sounds super scary, with a huge mystery to boot makes it a captivating story.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Several stories mixed in here. There's the secret baby of the rock start thing going on, plus the opening line of "There is a dead body in the guest bathroom." At times, they seemed to forget that last bit, that they opened with, for so long, you started to wonder if it was forgotten. Once sex finally happens, it's a bit kinky and explanatory. Considering the ending to subplot #2 with the dead body, seems a bit overkill on the kinky sex.

Anyone else notice you had a security pad you had to punch a keyed number into to enter the separate guesthouse, yet everyone got in multiple times to kill then remove the dead body? Or that they had squatters in the lighthouse, and it was locked. Just a standard key, but it was still locked? Were the two kidnapped girls running amok on the island secretly master thieves? Not to mention how did the two dirty starving girls manage to bust into the main house and raid the kitchen's pantry unseen? If you're going to write a mystery, you've got to be careful with the details. Not just the big ones.

[Elie · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was so wholesome! A son conceived from a hot one-night stand, and then—years later—they meet again, fall in love, get married, and live happily ever after? That’s awesome!

I’m also really glad Katy’s brother was featured in this one. It’s great to see him putting his skills to good use and contributing to peace in the world. It added another meaningful layer to the story.

Can’t wait to read the next one!

Review 2025/151-06/33<>

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rock Star's Secret Baby

I am now officially intrigued with this series and I definitely have too read the next book. I loved how the chef went from French chef to seal agent in a heartbeat.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love second. Time encounter

A lovely story of lcasual love turning into the real thing add mystery human trafficking and beautiful ful description and land scrapes you have a wonderful read

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read

[Julia waldby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was good. Thought the ending was rushed

The story line was good. Ending I felt was rushed. They could have added one more chapter. This is all I have to say.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was more like a short story but kept me intrigued.

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara, I need more of these guys in my library!!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great book to read it

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received from author for an honest review

I love jumping into the world of Ballybeg and it's wonderful inhabitants, so when the chance comes to read another intallment there is no hesitation.

We met Muireann in the very first Ballybeg book (Love and Shenanigans), and this was where her life got turned upside down.

Now a couple of years down the track, her life is completely different - after a fling in Australia she becomes pregnant - with no way to contact the father.

Her return to Ballybeg is less than auspicious, but fate has a way of turning things around.

When she is unexpectedly reunited with Damian/Darko - her baby's daddy - sparks do fly. The attraction they had during their fling is there in full force.

But with Ballybeg, nothing is every as it seems, and when bodies start turning up, the mystery and intrigue begins in earnest.

I adored how Darko was with his bubba - so not what I was expecting from him at the beginning, but then as I got to know him more, nothing surprised me.

I am also loving how the bad boys are intertwining with the characters from the original Ballybeg series. These characters have become like friends to me, and I want to know what is happening in their lives.

Can't wait for Liam (who you meet in this book) and his story.

[Sandy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars--NOTE: My copy of THE ROCK STAR'S SECRET BABY is found in the November 2015 BANGED : Rock Stars, Bad Boys and Dirty Deeds anthology


THE ROCK STAR’S SECRET BABY (Ballybeg Bad Boys) by USA Today bestselling author Zara Keane ~ When a beautiful former fling blasts back into his life, jaded rock star Darko Dunne’s peaceful seclusion on a private island comes to an explosive end. Faced with a band of ruthless criminals and a ticking clock, Darko and Muireann must pool their resources to rescue the baby he never knew he had.


••••


NOTE: My copy of THE ROCK STAR'S SECRET BABY is found in the November 2015 BANGED : Rock Stars, Bad Boys and Dirty Deeds anthology

3.5 stars--THE ROCK STAR’S SECRETS BABY is the second installment in Zara Keane’s BALLYBEG BAD BOYS series-a spin off from her Ballybeg Series. Followers of Zara Keane’s BALLYBEG series will recognize her heroine Muireann Byrne from Love and Shenanigans (Ballybeg #1). Muireann is a single mother/interior designer on her way home to start a new job as a housekeeper on Inis Glas, Island.

Rock star and lead guitarist for the band Confetti Underground Damian Dunne’s life is about to be further turned upside down by a dead body, a possible human trafficking ring on the island on Inis Glas, and the knowledge that Muireann is the mother of the son he never knew he had-an affair in Australia he didn’t remember. Still grieving from the death of his mother, and band mate, Damian hides away on his own personal island.

THE ROCK STAR’S SECRET BABY is a story of mystery, suspense, and romance. The relationship is one of second chances; the characters are colorful and animated; the $ex scenes are erotic and intense. An interesting and entertaining storyline.


Copy supplied by Netgalley

[Trader (RedHotBlueReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wondering what happened to Muireann since she her engagement to Gavin imploded at the altar in Love and Shenanigans and The Rock Star's Secret Baby did not disappoint me. (Don't you just love that title?)

Muireann returns to Ballybeg with her new son in tow, a bad family reputation and not very much money to her name. But she's spunky and dedicated to her child and has taken a housekeeping appointment on an island off the coast. When her babysitter leaves her in the lurch, she has to bring her son with her to her new live-in job.

Aware that her new employer is both her son's father and a rock star hiding away from the public, Muireann is open to leaving or staying, depending on how Darko Dunne (aka Damian, as Muireann knows him) handles the news of the outcome of their torrid two day affair in Australia.

I don't want to spoil anything for you here, but I loved Darko's reaction to James-David, and when a mystery on the island threatens to harm the people he cares about, he isn't afraid to take action. I really liked the interactions between Muireann and Darko, and the unlawful activities on the island give a nice bit of spice to the story.

I love my little trips to the fictional town of Ballybeg and although this story doesn't focus so much on the little Irish community, it still had the flavor of what I love about Zara Keane's two series set in this locale. This book is the second in the Ballybeg Bad Boys series, and I'm looking forward to more.

ARC provided for review.

[Sara Archibald · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I loved The Rock Star’s Secret Baby!!! I received this book as an ARC and I couldn’t put it down!

I’m soooo happy Muireann has been given her own book! The tables turned for Muireann she no longer is the pampered princess, but a struggling mother of one. After a brief fling with a backpacker twenty-seven months ago, she ended up pregnant. Now trying to keep her head above water supporting her son she moves back to Ballybeg to stay with her aunt who will help watch her son while she goes and works as a house keeper on a remote island to save money to get back on her feet.

What’s Darko to do he’s already having a bad day finding a dead body on his island with only a handful of employee’s, and the phone line down again. He heads to the mainland to fetch the garda, but also runs into a woman who he is pretty sure he knows and her son who both end up calling him a wanker. Can his day get any better? As everything unfolds, he finds the one who got away, a son he didn’t know he had, a murder mystery and so much more. With everything going on will Muireann and Darko get their happily ever after?

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. The author took every part of the cliche romance novel and tossed it into one book (which is kind of the reason I picked it up), but didn't really fully develop the story. Darko/Damien is a rock star, but he's kind of out of that part of his life, so it was sort of irrelevant...Muireann had his baby, which he didn't know about, but there was no angst about that, as he accepted that the kid was his without question. Insta-love when they reconnected (*rolls eyes*). The suspense...well that was out there; that was probably the only thing that I hadn't seen coming, however it didn't really fit with the story...I don't know. I just felt like all of that could have been put together better.

[Jaydelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Rock Star's Secret Baby is a good read if you have two hours to kill with nothing better to do or read. Was clearly not set in the real world, and the characters simply didn't act the way regular people do. The conflict between main character's Muireann and Darko being that they don't know anything about each other, except for the fact they share a son and are apparently good in bed together (or in lighthouses and random bondage showers(which are a thing apparently)). However by the end of the 192 pages Darko and Muireann have made the terrible assumption that sex equals love and a fruitful marriage and have decided to never learn anything substantial about each other (not even what the other's favourite colour is) all whilst solving a completely misplaced murder mystery.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review. I am not new to Zara Keane's books. What I have read I have enjoyed. Still a couple of books I still need to read. There is a lot that goes on to get this book rolling. A one night stand that brings a baby into the picture. I have been two years since their encounter and she tells him he has a child that he never knew about.  He can't help but fall in love with his child. But he has issues in his past that threaten all he knows. Will he be able to clear up his past to ensure his future and the future of those he cares about?

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific

Its wonderful how the storyline continues with a character from The Ballybeg series. She got pregnant in Australia were she went after not getting married, and then coming home to finding out her father wasa thief and a fraud. She has a son, no money and a job lined up. Her vacation hookup/fling is the father of her baby, but even she doesn't realize he is now her boss.

[Talking Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fiery introduction between it's starring characters! Murieann makes a re-appearance from the Ballybeg series to the spin off series The Ballybeg Bad Boys! Mystery, mayhem and action throughout the story that kept this reader entertained from one chapter to the next! Another great story by author Zara Keane.
Review copy received from the Author

[Kristy Halseth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. Lots of interesting characters. Relatively believable mystery. Relatively believable situation between the lead characters. I need to go back and find book one and keep an eye out for other books in this series as there is certainly a lot of people for the author to work with in future books.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rockstar, a butler, personal assistant and a french chef on a private island make a horrible discovery. Add to the mix a new housekeeper and her cute toddler, more strange occurences, steamy sex scenes and action-movie scenes. This book hooked me in from the first page. Skipped book 1 and onto book 3

[Angie Bartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The combination of romance and mystery is just perfect. Add a cute baby and quirky support characters and you have a wonderful read. There is still plenty of hot sex and fun banter. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ali Foito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muriean comes back to Bellybag to try and start over with her son, little does she know Darko her old lover is also there. When they first meet again it doesn’t go well and then from there things get very exciting and interesting.

[RNDK · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot as summarized was intriguing and promised to vary from the usual romance featuring a rock star. Unfortunately there was no chemistry between the main characters.
A mystery to solve, a wrong to set right and nothing more.