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Triskelion Team #1
Final Target
An explosive romantic thriller set in the Dublin criminal underworld.
His last hit turns out to be his first love…
As a final job for his mob boss uncle, Lar Delaney agrees to eliminate one last target. Through the crosshairs of his sniper rifle, he realizes that his target is a former girlfriend—a woman who supposedly died five years previously.
Moira Collins is an intelligence agent whose cover has been shot to smithereens. When she finds herself on the wrong side of an assassin’s rifle, she’s appalled to recognize the only mark she ever let herself fall in love with.
His last hit turns out to be his first love…
As a final job for his mob boss uncle, Lar Delaney agrees to eliminate one last target. Through the crosshairs of his sniper rifle, he realizes that his target is a former girlfriend—a woman who supposedly died five years previously.
Moira Collins is an intelligence agent whose cover has been shot to smithereens. When she finds herself on the wrong side of an assassin’s rifle, she’s appalled to recognize the only mark she ever let herself fall in love with.
380 pages, ebook
Published March 14, 2016
195 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Zara Keane
41 books986 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 71 reviews
March 20, 2016
3.5 stars. Lar and Moira met when she was undercover at a joint where they both worked. Things unravel and Moira exits the assignment and Lar believes her dead. Lar is hired to kill Moira several years later as his uncle believes her to be the one who caused the events that killed his son. The plot gets more involved from there but the gist is that there is still something between Moira and Lar. There was quite a bit that I ended up skimming to move through the plot so I'd say that the pacing was a little on the slow side. The characters are interesting though they tend to get a little lost in the development of the events. The ending is a cliffy. Safety: Not virgins. No OW/OM. No rape/abuse. They use condoms.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2024
ARC provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
We first met Lar Delaney in the Balleybeg books and I was intrigued by his character. A bad boy with a sweet daughter and his own code of honor. Now he has his own book and we get to see what has shaped this fascinating character. Zara Keane is one of my favorite new authors. She can write a sweet romance and an edge of your seat romantic-suspense all with a unique modern Irish flair. I just love her books.
Lar is in the family business, but not by choice. He and his cousin want out, but Uncle Frank has one last bit of business for Lar to do to earn his out. Lar has to eliminate the person who caused the death of Frank's son and Lar's brother in Boston five years ago. The problem is, this is Moria, the only woman Lar has ever loved. He thought she died in Boston too.
There are three separate killings that are interconnected, but not in the ways everyone has thought for so long. Political intrigue from the time of the Irish Troubles, modern day mobs, arms trafficking and terrorists. Someone high up in the British MI6 and Irish Intelligence rewriting history. Will Lar and Moria uncover who planned the Boston murders before Frank finds someone who really will kill Moria?
We first met Lar Delaney in the Balleybeg books and I was intrigued by his character. A bad boy with a sweet daughter and his own code of honor. Now he has his own book and we get to see what has shaped this fascinating character. Zara Keane is one of my favorite new authors. She can write a sweet romance and an edge of your seat romantic-suspense all with a unique modern Irish flair. I just love her books.
Lar is in the family business, but not by choice. He and his cousin want out, but Uncle Frank has one last bit of business for Lar to do to earn his out. Lar has to eliminate the person who caused the death of Frank's son and Lar's brother in Boston five years ago. The problem is, this is Moria, the only woman Lar has ever loved. He thought she died in Boston too.
There are three separate killings that are interconnected, but not in the ways everyone has thought for so long. Political intrigue from the time of the Irish Troubles, modern day mobs, arms trafficking and terrorists. Someone high up in the British MI6 and Irish Intelligence rewriting history. Will Lar and Moria uncover who planned the Boston murders before Frank finds someone who really will kill Moria?
March 24, 2016
Keane has done it again! She’s created a seamless story that combines romance and suspense in perfect proportion. Her vivid descriptions and intricate narrative created an atmosphere that I couldn’t get enough of. Not only that, but the plot was both one of a kind and right up my alley. I couldn’t put it down for a second.
Lar was fantastic. I loved his mix of good and bad, his muddy ethics, and his genuine heart melded to create the ultimate hero. Add to that his history and future goals, along with a few tattoos, and how can you go wrong? Moira was quite the unique counterpart for this tale. On the surface she was Lar’s complete opposite. She grew on me in completely different ways. Yet the further into the story I got, the more I understood how they fit together. The supporting cast really rounded out the story well. I enjoyed the mix of personalities that Keane brought forward. And holy cliff hanger batman! I’m dying to find out what Shane does with his newfound info.
This was quite possibly one of my favourite series launches ever. Keane had me hooked from cover to cover. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Lar was fantastic. I loved his mix of good and bad, his muddy ethics, and his genuine heart melded to create the ultimate hero. Add to that his history and future goals, along with a few tattoos, and how can you go wrong? Moira was quite the unique counterpart for this tale. On the surface she was Lar’s complete opposite. She grew on me in completely different ways. Yet the further into the story I got, the more I understood how they fit together. The supporting cast really rounded out the story well. I enjoyed the mix of personalities that Keane brought forward. And holy cliff hanger batman! I’m dying to find out what Shane does with his newfound info.
This was quite possibly one of my favourite series launches ever. Keane had me hooked from cover to cover. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
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September 6, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/28/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
“If the price is right and we approve of the job, we’re not too fussy who we work for. I’ve always had a code of honor, and I don’t give a crap if it’s not one recognized by a court of law.”
Semi-reformed gangster, Lar Delaney, joins forces with his brothers and cousins to form a private company of mercenaries.They’ll sell their services to everyone from government agencies needing off-the-books jobs to criminal organizations.
His last hit turns out to be his first love…
As a final job for his mob boss uncle, Lar Delaney agrees to eliminate one last target. Through the crosshairs of his sniper rifle, he realizes that his target is a former girlfriend—a woman who supposedly died five years previously.
Moira Collins is an intelligence agent whose cover has been shot to smithereens. When she finds herself on the wrong side of an assassin’s rifle, she’s appalled to recognize the only mark she ever let herself fall in love with.
Blurb:
“If the price is right and we approve of the job, we’re not too fussy who we work for. I’ve always had a code of honor, and I don’t give a crap if it’s not one recognized by a court of law.”
Semi-reformed gangster, Lar Delaney, joins forces with his brothers and cousins to form a private company of mercenaries.They’ll sell their services to everyone from government agencies needing off-the-books jobs to criminal organizations.
His last hit turns out to be his first love…
As a final job for his mob boss uncle, Lar Delaney agrees to eliminate one last target. Through the crosshairs of his sniper rifle, he realizes that his target is a former girlfriend—a woman who supposedly died five years previously.
Moira Collins is an intelligence agent whose cover has been shot to smithereens. When she finds herself on the wrong side of an assassin’s rifle, she’s appalled to recognize the only mark she ever let herself fall in love with.
February 6, 2017
~~~3.5 stars~~~
This one was very different from what I usually read in this genre. It's on a lighter side, slightly comical actually and does not involve typical dark mafia stuff.
The whole story basically revolves around this big Delaney family (Irish mob), their lies, duplicity, who's done what and who hates who.
I'd say the romance was a subplot. The story has some nice twists, which I enjoyed. I missed the killings & the blood. ("innocent face")
The Delaney family tree is huge. Huge as in
This one was very different from what I usually read in this genre. It's on a lighter side, slightly comical actually and does not involve typical dark mafia stuff.
The whole story basically revolves around this big Delaney family (Irish mob), their lies, duplicity, who's done what and who hates who.
I'd say the romance was a subplot. The story has some nice twists, which I enjoyed. I missed the killings & the blood. ("innocent face")
The Delaney family tree is huge. Huge as in
March 17, 2016
As an avid mafia romance reviewer, I must say this is the first one I’ve read that featured the Irish Mafioso on the soil of their very own mother land, The Emerald Isle. It was quite a refreshing twist of location. Along with references to across the pond, dear old Boston, where Lar’s and Moira first met and a past fatal attack occurred killing a member of the hero’s family and supposedly her, as well. This same incident interconnected with a deadly bombing in Dublin decades earlier, which killed most of Moira’s family when she was only eight years old. Are you confused yet? Wait, there’s more! Also still cloaked in mystery, just waiting to be solved, is exactly who ordered the hit on Lar’s mother when he was just a lad. For you see, nothing ever appears to be as it seems. Moira is not only not dead, but she’s not the person Lar’s thought she was when he fell for her. In the case of the attacks, neither are the alleged master minds.
There were so many twists and turns and sub-characters I’m not even going to attempt to navigate you through them all, folks. I’ll just say it was one of the more complicated, intriguing multiple plots I’ve come across in quite some time. Instead I feel more inclined to focus on the main characters and the writing style, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
**spoilers possible**
Unfortunately, the heroine broke one of my important book character rules of conduct. You see, I prefer my heroines keep their self-respect/dignity at all times, in regards to not only their personal life, but their profession, as well. It did not sit well with me Moira would lower herself to work as a stripper and even have sex with men if that’s what it took to get the job done. By her own admission, it seemed to be a common occurrence. Meaning, by whatever means necessary, she would use her body, give away a piece of her soul, to complete the mission. Surely such a highly intelligent, resourceful MI6 agent would be more creative than that.
There were also some minor things that irritated me in a major way. Lar fathering a child at age 14 with a 17 year old girl. That notion/image doesn’t sit well with me, at all. Frankly, there was enough going on with this story, it just wasn’t necessary to add that unwelcome element, along with his teenage daughter walking in on them during an intimate moment. Again, it served no point. Then there was a very crass/crude opening scene with a sub-character that will likely offend many readers. I almost stopped reading right then and there. He seemed to always be caught with his pants down, figuratively and literally. Some may consider it humorous. I found it juvenile/crass.
By 70% into it, I noticed the writing style was starting to come across as a little choppy and bland. Like maybe even the author was getting tired of trying to piece everything together. I started to wonder if it was worth finishing. Now that I have and can reflect back, I can honestly say there were so many interesting sub-plots interwoven I’m not really sure which one was the main plot or if it really matters, because I did want to see each one resolved. I just question some of the delivery of it. The romance portion definitely took a backseat to all the drama. It ends with a HEA for the main couple but also an ominous cliffhanger that definitely leaves you with the impression it could be short lived. Someone close to them is going to be a threat to their new found happiness and an unidentified nemesis is about to step out of the shadows, as well. Yes, if my sources are correct, “Kiss Shot” will be the sequel featuring Shane, the hero’s cousin and business partner.
I hope I haven’t overly confused you. I’m still somewhat conflicted on how to rate this one. I enjoyed it but found it a little overwhelming at times. There was a lot to keep track of, my romance book-loving friends. Also, the issues I mentioned above definitely affect my rating, as well. Here’s to hoping you decide for yourself if Final Target earns a spot on your bookshelf.
Title: Final Target, Series: Dublin Mafia: Triskelion Team, Book 1, Author: Zara Keane, Pages: 242, stand-alone, some violence, very steamy scenes, no cheating, no OW/OM drama.
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
There were so many twists and turns and sub-characters I’m not even going to attempt to navigate you through them all, folks. I’ll just say it was one of the more complicated, intriguing multiple plots I’ve come across in quite some time. Instead I feel more inclined to focus on the main characters and the writing style, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
**spoilers possible**
Unfortunately, the heroine broke one of my important book character rules of conduct. You see, I prefer my heroines keep their self-respect/dignity at all times, in regards to not only their personal life, but their profession, as well. It did not sit well with me Moira would lower herself to work as a stripper and even have sex with men if that’s what it took to get the job done. By her own admission, it seemed to be a common occurrence. Meaning, by whatever means necessary, she would use her body, give away a piece of her soul, to complete the mission. Surely such a highly intelligent, resourceful MI6 agent would be more creative than that.
There were also some minor things that irritated me in a major way. Lar fathering a child at age 14 with a 17 year old girl. That notion/image doesn’t sit well with me, at all. Frankly, there was enough going on with this story, it just wasn’t necessary to add that unwelcome element, along with his teenage daughter walking in on them during an intimate moment. Again, it served no point. Then there was a very crass/crude opening scene with a sub-character that will likely offend many readers. I almost stopped reading right then and there. He seemed to always be caught with his pants down, figuratively and literally. Some may consider it humorous. I found it juvenile/crass.
By 70% into it, I noticed the writing style was starting to come across as a little choppy and bland. Like maybe even the author was getting tired of trying to piece everything together. I started to wonder if it was worth finishing. Now that I have and can reflect back, I can honestly say there were so many interesting sub-plots interwoven I’m not really sure which one was the main plot or if it really matters, because I did want to see each one resolved. I just question some of the delivery of it. The romance portion definitely took a backseat to all the drama. It ends with a HEA for the main couple but also an ominous cliffhanger that definitely leaves you with the impression it could be short lived. Someone close to them is going to be a threat to their new found happiness and an unidentified nemesis is about to step out of the shadows, as well. Yes, if my sources are correct, “Kiss Shot” will be the sequel featuring Shane, the hero’s cousin and business partner.
I hope I haven’t overly confused you. I’m still somewhat conflicted on how to rate this one. I enjoyed it but found it a little overwhelming at times. There was a lot to keep track of, my romance book-loving friends. Also, the issues I mentioned above definitely affect my rating, as well. Here’s to hoping you decide for yourself if Final Target earns a spot on your bookshelf.
Title: Final Target, Series: Dublin Mafia: Triskelion Team, Book 1, Author: Zara Keane, Pages: 242, stand-alone, some violence, very steamy scenes, no cheating, no OW/OM drama.
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
April 2, 2016
Final Target is the first story of a romantic suspense series that features the Irish Mafia as its main cast of characters. This particular story contains a complete couple romance (with a happy for now ending) but leaves the plot open at the end for the next story in the series.
As a reader who loves espionage type thrillers, I liked the setup of this story. Moira is a woman whose family was killed in a church bombing (due to sectarian violence) when she was a child. Put into the witness protection program she eventually became a British intelligence agent, and on one of her jobs undercover, became a bartender at an Irish pub in Boston. When she was pulled from the job early, unbeknownst to her, the bar was the target of an assassination and her cover identity was killed off, her 'remains' being identified by her then current boyfriend Lars, an ex-convict from an Irish mafia family. Five years later, Lars discovers that she never died after all, and that her 'real' self as the MI6 agent is the woman he's supposed to target for assassination, courtesy of his uncle who is a key figure in the Irish Mafia. Finding out the woman he loved is a) not dead and b) a British agent makes him question any feelings he had for her at all. It's up to Moira to convince him that killing her will ruin any chances they have of finding out what really happened in Boston (not to mention her own plans to discover and take revenge on who was responsible for the bombing that killed her family).
There is a rather large cast of characters in this story. Though Lars and Moira are the main couple, we are introduced to a multitude of family members (blood and mafia), some of whom will feature in later books in the series. I found this sometimes confusing, trying to figure out who everyone was, how they were related, and what involvement they had in the story. There were certain times I thought that the access to information everyone had was just too easy and not always believable, when I compare it with a general fiction thriller. Similarly, there were times when it was hard to believe that certain facts weren't already known (for example, that Moira didn't know that she had supposedly died in the bar in Boston, or that her dead father had been not such a good guy - as an undercover agent I would have expected her to be very on top of the type of details that would affect her life). The undercover operations and the back room dealings had a lot of twists and turns to them, which made the plot quite interesting. Finding out who was responsible for the bombing that took Moira's family makes up a major part of the plot and we do eventually find out the culprit, though it took a sometimes convoluted path to get to that point (one revelation after another!).
As for Moira and Lars's romance, I liked the plot idea that she was presumed dead all this time and that Lars has to adjust to thinking of his initial relationship with her in a whole new light. Despite her deception, now that they are back in each other's lives, the attraction between them is still strong and leads to some steamy scenes. Keeping Moira alive and safe from another assassin (since he's not planning to kill her anymore), finding out what really happened in Boston where Moira was supposed to have died (and where his own brother, and his cousin died in the attack at the bar), and delving into his past and Moira's and how they connect keeps Lars pretty busy!
So final thoughts - while I thought the espionage plot was somewhat weak (too many loopholes for it to be believable to me, and that's mostly because I read a LOT of espionage type thrillers when I'm not reading romances), I did like the overall idea of the story, and the romance between Lars and Moira. The ending of this story isn't a cliffhanger, but it will directly lead into the next story, and there are still some questions that need to be answered to complete the story arc. 3 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
As a reader who loves espionage type thrillers, I liked the setup of this story. Moira is a woman whose family was killed in a church bombing (due to sectarian violence) when she was a child. Put into the witness protection program she eventually became a British intelligence agent, and on one of her jobs undercover, became a bartender at an Irish pub in Boston. When she was pulled from the job early, unbeknownst to her, the bar was the target of an assassination and her cover identity was killed off, her 'remains' being identified by her then current boyfriend Lars, an ex-convict from an Irish mafia family. Five years later, Lars discovers that she never died after all, and that her 'real' self as the MI6 agent is the woman he's supposed to target for assassination, courtesy of his uncle who is a key figure in the Irish Mafia. Finding out the woman he loved is a) not dead and b) a British agent makes him question any feelings he had for her at all. It's up to Moira to convince him that killing her will ruin any chances they have of finding out what really happened in Boston (not to mention her own plans to discover and take revenge on who was responsible for the bombing that killed her family).
There is a rather large cast of characters in this story. Though Lars and Moira are the main couple, we are introduced to a multitude of family members (blood and mafia), some of whom will feature in later books in the series. I found this sometimes confusing, trying to figure out who everyone was, how they were related, and what involvement they had in the story. There were certain times I thought that the access to information everyone had was just too easy and not always believable, when I compare it with a general fiction thriller. Similarly, there were times when it was hard to believe that certain facts weren't already known (for example, that Moira didn't know that she had supposedly died in the bar in Boston, or that her dead father had been not such a good guy - as an undercover agent I would have expected her to be very on top of the type of details that would affect her life). The undercover operations and the back room dealings had a lot of twists and turns to them, which made the plot quite interesting. Finding out who was responsible for the bombing that took Moira's family makes up a major part of the plot and we do eventually find out the culprit, though it took a sometimes convoluted path to get to that point (one revelation after another!).
As for Moira and Lars's romance, I liked the plot idea that she was presumed dead all this time and that Lars has to adjust to thinking of his initial relationship with her in a whole new light. Despite her deception, now that they are back in each other's lives, the attraction between them is still strong and leads to some steamy scenes. Keeping Moira alive and safe from another assassin (since he's not planning to kill her anymore), finding out what really happened in Boston where Moira was supposed to have died (and where his own brother, and his cousin died in the attack at the bar), and delving into his past and Moira's and how they connect keeps Lars pretty busy!
So final thoughts - while I thought the espionage plot was somewhat weak (too many loopholes for it to be believable to me, and that's mostly because I read a LOT of espionage type thrillers when I'm not reading romances), I did like the overall idea of the story, and the romance between Lars and Moira. The ending of this story isn't a cliffhanger, but it will directly lead into the next story, and there are still some questions that need to be answered to complete the story arc. 3 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
May 21, 2016
Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2016/04/review-...
Favorite Quote:
“Let’s talk about why you’re really here.”
“Sex. I want your body.”
Lar Delancey has spent his life under the thumb of his Uncle Frank, a mob boss. After Lar learns some interesting secrets about the past, he now wants out to start his own agency that offers their services to the highest bidder but has to do one final job to be free. He has to assassinate the person who had his cousin and brother killed. He is shocked when he discovers the target is an ex-girlfriend who supposedly died in that same explosion that killed his family members.
Moira Collins is an intelligence agent. Her family was all killed in a suspected IRA bombing and she was raised by distant family members. Eventually she was co-opted into the British Intelligence Agency. Five years ago her mission was to gather information on the Delaney’s and she used Lar to do it. She fell in love with him but knew nothing could come of it. When she is abruptly pulled off the mission and sent on suspicious hiatus, she decides to use her contacts to discover who killed her family and why before she leaves the agency for good.
Final Target is a spin-off of the Bellybeg series. Different than its parent series, this series is darker with its violence, mystery, and suspense. Set in dual locations, Dublin and Boston, it focuses on the Delaney family and their history with the Irish criminal underworld. Heavily character driven with a strong balance between the romance and the main conflict, Keane builds an intriguing crime/spy-driven plot line that uses the past and the present to bring closure to a pair of lovers. Strong narrative, engaging suspense, and just the right amount of humor will keep readers hooked till the end.
Lar and Moira were minor characters introduced in two separate books and series. Readers first met Lar in Keane’s original Bellybeg series-Love and Shamrocks. The very sexy, bad boy, baby daddy of Clio Havlin; he is painted with a very prejudicial brush by Clio. We met Moira in book one of the Bellybeg Bad Boys series novellas-Her Ex Treasure Hunter. A spy who used her looks and wit to gain her admittance onto a treasure hunt. She was a very bad girl in that one. :) I was intrigued by the small amount of information we were given about both of them and excited when I learned Keane was pairing them together for their own story.
The cop versus the criminal. Lar is an enigma with his criminal history and dubious morals. He never claims to be a saint nor does he make apologies for his part deeds…yet you can see the heart of him when he interacts with his daughter. He has an honor code, it’s just skewed. Moira seems like an upstanding citizen compared to Lar with her extreme loyalty to the agency and her zest to capture the bad guys…but her morals are just as suspect as Lars. She too has crossed multiple lines and committed some questionable deeds; the only difference is she is granted autonomy from the government. They are perfect together. Like two pieces of a puzzle.
The chemistry only increases your feelings of this couple’s compatibility. It is an appealing mixture of hot combustible heat and sexy playtime. I love a couple who can laugh and enjoy each other in and out of bed. Their reconnection starts out slow, neither trusting the other. Too many secrets and lies separate them but their sexual attraction is a like a magnet that pulls them to one another regardless of their intentions. Well written sex scenes add to the overall appeal. All I can say is VIP room. WHEW!
A dynamic cast of personable characters help to round out the story and explain the deep and long standing history that exists between Lar’s and Moira’s family. Lar’s daughter makes an appearance and I like she is developing a stronger relationship with him. Lar’s family is a rambunctious lot whose noses get into everything. I loved meeting his cousins and I suspect their stories will come next. Keane trots out clues and details selectively, keeping readers on their toes as we learn more about who was behind all the murders and why. Everyone in here has a secret and some of them are quite shocking. A second storyline flows underneath the main one, setting up the next book and hero (and hopefully the heroine I want).I admit I am very interested in seeing where this particular plotline leads.
Final Target was all in all an enjoyable read that offers readers a hot second chance romance and an intriguing and suspenseful who dun it mystery. There were times when the sheer amount of information, especially concerning Ireland’s past regarding the IRA, the Sinn Fein, and then Orangemen, made it a wee bit confusing to sort through. Regardless, I like this new series spin off and am looking forward to the next book in this series-Kiss Shot-set to release in July.
Overall Rating: B
Favorite Quote:
“Let’s talk about why you’re really here.”
“Sex. I want your body.”
Lar Delancey has spent his life under the thumb of his Uncle Frank, a mob boss. After Lar learns some interesting secrets about the past, he now wants out to start his own agency that offers their services to the highest bidder but has to do one final job to be free. He has to assassinate the person who had his cousin and brother killed. He is shocked when he discovers the target is an ex-girlfriend who supposedly died in that same explosion that killed his family members.
Moira Collins is an intelligence agent. Her family was all killed in a suspected IRA bombing and she was raised by distant family members. Eventually she was co-opted into the British Intelligence Agency. Five years ago her mission was to gather information on the Delaney’s and she used Lar to do it. She fell in love with him but knew nothing could come of it. When she is abruptly pulled off the mission and sent on suspicious hiatus, she decides to use her contacts to discover who killed her family and why before she leaves the agency for good.
Final Target is a spin-off of the Bellybeg series. Different than its parent series, this series is darker with its violence, mystery, and suspense. Set in dual locations, Dublin and Boston, it focuses on the Delaney family and their history with the Irish criminal underworld. Heavily character driven with a strong balance between the romance and the main conflict, Keane builds an intriguing crime/spy-driven plot line that uses the past and the present to bring closure to a pair of lovers. Strong narrative, engaging suspense, and just the right amount of humor will keep readers hooked till the end.
Lar and Moira were minor characters introduced in two separate books and series. Readers first met Lar in Keane’s original Bellybeg series-Love and Shamrocks. The very sexy, bad boy, baby daddy of Clio Havlin; he is painted with a very prejudicial brush by Clio. We met Moira in book one of the Bellybeg Bad Boys series novellas-Her Ex Treasure Hunter. A spy who used her looks and wit to gain her admittance onto a treasure hunt. She was a very bad girl in that one. :) I was intrigued by the small amount of information we were given about both of them and excited when I learned Keane was pairing them together for their own story.
The cop versus the criminal. Lar is an enigma with his criminal history and dubious morals. He never claims to be a saint nor does he make apologies for his part deeds…yet you can see the heart of him when he interacts with his daughter. He has an honor code, it’s just skewed. Moira seems like an upstanding citizen compared to Lar with her extreme loyalty to the agency and her zest to capture the bad guys…but her morals are just as suspect as Lars. She too has crossed multiple lines and committed some questionable deeds; the only difference is she is granted autonomy from the government. They are perfect together. Like two pieces of a puzzle.
The chemistry only increases your feelings of this couple’s compatibility. It is an appealing mixture of hot combustible heat and sexy playtime. I love a couple who can laugh and enjoy each other in and out of bed. Their reconnection starts out slow, neither trusting the other. Too many secrets and lies separate them but their sexual attraction is a like a magnet that pulls them to one another regardless of their intentions. Well written sex scenes add to the overall appeal. All I can say is VIP room. WHEW!
A dynamic cast of personable characters help to round out the story and explain the deep and long standing history that exists between Lar’s and Moira’s family. Lar’s daughter makes an appearance and I like she is developing a stronger relationship with him. Lar’s family is a rambunctious lot whose noses get into everything. I loved meeting his cousins and I suspect their stories will come next. Keane trots out clues and details selectively, keeping readers on their toes as we learn more about who was behind all the murders and why. Everyone in here has a secret and some of them are quite shocking. A second storyline flows underneath the main one, setting up the next book and hero (and hopefully the heroine I want).I admit I am very interested in seeing where this particular plotline leads.
Final Target was all in all an enjoyable read that offers readers a hot second chance romance and an intriguing and suspenseful who dun it mystery. There were times when the sheer amount of information, especially concerning Ireland’s past regarding the IRA, the Sinn Fein, and then Orangemen, made it a wee bit confusing to sort through. Regardless, I like this new series spin off and am looking forward to the next book in this series-Kiss Shot-set to release in July.
Overall Rating: B
October 1, 2016
Final Target
Zara Keane
3. 5 stars
Its been a miss for me these past few reads. This is a new author and I know its tough to put yourself out there so bravo on that. However I was made aware that a character in this release was in some previous books so maybe if I grab those up my thoughts might change!
Lar Delaney is a bad boy with high standards. Lar is in the family business but wishes there was a different life for him. His Uncle Frank might let that happen if he and his cousin do one more job. Lar has to take out the person who killed his Uncle’s son. That is not going to be easy as the target is the only woman Lar has ever loved or felt anything for.
Moria was supposed to be dead. But it turns out the woman of his dreams is alive and well but wrapped up in some events that don’t make sense. Trying to make sense of who might have put the murders in motion, Moria and Lars are running out of time before Uncle Frank hires a hit on them both.
This had a lot of suspense in it but again the characters just weren’t in it for me. There was a lot of back and forth and things I had to try to figure out that I shouldn’t have had to. The story line is decent but the push and pull again was too much. If you love you some espionage, arms trafficking and mafia romance then this is the book for you!
Thank you for the ARC! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath the Sheets.
Zara Keane
3. 5 stars
Its been a miss for me these past few reads. This is a new author and I know its tough to put yourself out there so bravo on that. However I was made aware that a character in this release was in some previous books so maybe if I grab those up my thoughts might change!
Lar Delaney is a bad boy with high standards. Lar is in the family business but wishes there was a different life for him. His Uncle Frank might let that happen if he and his cousin do one more job. Lar has to take out the person who killed his Uncle’s son. That is not going to be easy as the target is the only woman Lar has ever loved or felt anything for.
Moria was supposed to be dead. But it turns out the woman of his dreams is alive and well but wrapped up in some events that don’t make sense. Trying to make sense of who might have put the murders in motion, Moria and Lars are running out of time before Uncle Frank hires a hit on them both.
This had a lot of suspense in it but again the characters just weren’t in it for me. There was a lot of back and forth and things I had to try to figure out that I shouldn’t have had to. The story line is decent but the push and pull again was too much. If you love you some espionage, arms trafficking and mafia romance then this is the book for you!
Thank you for the ARC! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath the Sheets.
March 14, 2016
4.5 Stars
When Lar Delaney showed up a few books ago in Love & Shamrocks, there was something about him that just made me want to know more about him. I was thrilled to see he would be the hero of Final Target, and that Moira from her Treasure Hunter's Ex would be his love interest.
Zara Keane did an excellent job with this well-crafted romantic suspense tale. Lar Delaney wants out from under his uncle's control, especially after finding out some details of a situation that had him incarcerated for five years. He's ready to start fresh with his own business. He's still not walking the straight and narrow, but that's Lar. He's brilliant and dangerous -- and Uncle Frank wants one last job before he'll let him go. The job? Kill Moira Collins.
Secret agent Moira Collins is looking for answers to who killed her family in a church bombing in years ago. She knows Lar from a past job, and when she runs into him in Dublin, it's clear that the relationship is not over. There's still a lot of heat between them, and they forge a dangerous agreement to help each other complete their last jobs for their employer.
I loved all the details in this and the fact that I wasn't quite sure who was to blame until the very end of the book, which I should warn you ends in a bit of a cliffhanger. You'll definitely be left wanting Shane's book, which is the next book in this TRISKELION TEAM series.
This spin-off series is a great complement to the Ballybeg series. If you like romantic suspense with a nice touch of Ireland, this series and the Ballybeg series might be for you.
ARC provided for review.
When Lar Delaney showed up a few books ago in Love & Shamrocks, there was something about him that just made me want to know more about him. I was thrilled to see he would be the hero of Final Target, and that Moira from her Treasure Hunter's Ex would be his love interest.
Zara Keane did an excellent job with this well-crafted romantic suspense tale. Lar Delaney wants out from under his uncle's control, especially after finding out some details of a situation that had him incarcerated for five years. He's ready to start fresh with his own business. He's still not walking the straight and narrow, but that's Lar. He's brilliant and dangerous -- and Uncle Frank wants one last job before he'll let him go. The job? Kill Moira Collins.
Secret agent Moira Collins is looking for answers to who killed her family in a church bombing in years ago. She knows Lar from a past job, and when she runs into him in Dublin, it's clear that the relationship is not over. There's still a lot of heat between them, and they forge a dangerous agreement to help each other complete their last jobs for their employer.
I loved all the details in this and the fact that I wasn't quite sure who was to blame until the very end of the book, which I should warn you ends in a bit of a cliffhanger. You'll definitely be left wanting Shane's book, which is the next book in this TRISKELION TEAM series.
This spin-off series is a great complement to the Ballybeg series. If you like romantic suspense with a nice touch of Ireland, this series and the Ballybeg series might be for you.
ARC provided for review.
March 19, 2016
Very plot twisty and a tad dragging. This was a very complicated twisty story. There is like 4 different stories going on all at once. So much for family loyality for sure! It is hard to keep all the plots and subplots straight. Even now I am not sure I have it all straight and can't even mention any in this review because it would spoil the book for you.
Twisty complicated sums it up. I sometimes was dragged down by it all. Interesting. Try it not bad not great!
Received an ARC from the publisher for a honest review.
Twisty complicated sums it up. I sometimes was dragged down by it all. Interesting. Try it not bad not great!
Received an ARC from the publisher for a honest review.
November 8, 2016
Diane
Twists & turns make this a true romantic suspense…
This is a first read by this author and she certainly knew how to grab my attention! Take a murder mystery and a family saga, throw in a spy thriller, mix liberally with a second chance romance and you get a hint of what is in store…
Lar Delaney and Moira Collins have a lot in common – more than they know and realize. From the same town in Ireland, when their paths crossed half-way around the world that that was just the beginning of a relationship that would have more twists than an F5 barn buster…
If you are looking for a light-hearted beach read you may want to continue searching as this little ditty is complex and will make your neck spin lightly with all the turns and surprises that await. Lar and Moira sizzle as they re-connect in a most unexpected, but seemingly fated way. To say they are at cross-purposes is putting it mildly as family ties, murder and lies tie them together in a tension-fueled odyssey that burns from start to finish.
“Sleeping with men she’d otherwise spit on was an occasional job requirement.”
Tension? To say the least! There is bad blood between Lar and Moira’s family while there are too many reasons to count why Moira hates Lar’s kin. With lies, deception and half-truths plaguing them both, it is easy to see why this story resembles a powder keg, ready to go off at any moment… Add in the uneasiness that exists between Lar and his family, and Moira and hers, well, it’s a wonder there was room for any romance…
With Irish slang that made me ache to hear this in audio, I closed the last page greedily reaching for the next in this series.
Twists & turns make this a true romantic suspense…
This is a first read by this author and she certainly knew how to grab my attention! Take a murder mystery and a family saga, throw in a spy thriller, mix liberally with a second chance romance and you get a hint of what is in store…
Lar Delaney and Moira Collins have a lot in common – more than they know and realize. From the same town in Ireland, when their paths crossed half-way around the world that that was just the beginning of a relationship that would have more twists than an F5 barn buster…
If you are looking for a light-hearted beach read you may want to continue searching as this little ditty is complex and will make your neck spin lightly with all the turns and surprises that await. Lar and Moira sizzle as they re-connect in a most unexpected, but seemingly fated way. To say they are at cross-purposes is putting it mildly as family ties, murder and lies tie them together in a tension-fueled odyssey that burns from start to finish.
“Sleeping with men she’d otherwise spit on was an occasional job requirement.”
Tension? To say the least! There is bad blood between Lar and Moira’s family while there are too many reasons to count why Moira hates Lar’s kin. With lies, deception and half-truths plaguing them both, it is easy to see why this story resembles a powder keg, ready to go off at any moment… Add in the uneasiness that exists between Lar and his family, and Moira and hers, well, it’s a wonder there was room for any romance…
With Irish slang that made me ache to hear this in audio, I closed the last page greedily reaching for the next in this series.
February 8, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Moira Collins
Lar Delaney
----------------------------------
What happens?
Moira is an undercover working at the same place as Lar which is where they meet. They have a relationship but she dies as she is leaving the undercover assignment behind. Lar's uncle discovers her identity and orders the hit on her believing her to be the cause for his son's death.
Lar of course cannot go through with it remembering his old feelings.
Final thoughts
Really found this hard to read. I don't know what was annoying me personally, the writing or the characters but I couldn't get into them.
Would I read again?: Nope
Would I read this author again?: Probably not going to go out of my way but always willing to give them another go.
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Moira Collins
Lar Delaney
----------------------------------
What happens?
Moira is an undercover working at the same place as Lar which is where they meet. They have a relationship but she dies as she is leaving the undercover assignment behind. Lar's uncle discovers her identity and orders the hit on her believing her to be the cause for his son's death.
Lar of course cannot go through with it remembering his old feelings.
Final thoughts
Really found this hard to read. I don't know what was annoying me personally, the writing or the characters but I couldn't get into them.
Would I read again?: Nope
Would I read this author again?: Probably not going to go out of my way but always willing to give them another go.
September 10, 2017
Final Target was my introduction to Zara Keane and oh what an introduction it was. I love this book. One of my favorite genre is Romantic Suspense and Mafia, and to have both in one book makes me a very happy person. Final Target grabbed me from the very beginning and did not spit me out until the last page, which brought questions to mind. This book is full of action, intrigue, twists, turns and surprises. Lar and Moira have a history in which Lar thinks Moira is dead. The way Lar finds out that Moira is still alive is just fantastic. But I won't give any spoilers you just need to read and find out for yourself. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I have added Zara Keane to my TBR list that just seems to be getting longer and longer. I Highly Recommend this book.
December 21, 2020
I've always liked Zara Keane's books and even her characters who are less than honourable have a way of getting under your skin. This one has both an anti-hero and anti-heroine. Lar is one scary and sexy dude and Moira/Genevieve is a kick-ass lady. They're just perfect for each other.
The suspense element of this romantic-suspense is also thrilling. And the story leaves room for the next book by just nudging at your curiosity and not hitting you over the head with the hint. Well done.
August 26, 2017
Wow, it's packed from beginning to .....
I like this story-line. Action, love, adventure, intrigue, family and even enemies. Lar and Moira make a good couple and an interesting story. Would've liked to know the rest, but hopefully it will be told in the next with Shane. So, the ending....seemed a bit rushed, after all the hush, rush, hide-n-seek, to just be done was odd. Look forward to see if it all comes out in Shane's book!
I like this story-line. Action, love, adventure, intrigue, family and even enemies. Lar and Moira make a good couple and an interesting story. Would've liked to know the rest, but hopefully it will be told in the next with Shane. So, the ending....seemed a bit rushed, after all the hush, rush, hide-n-seek, to just be done was odd. Look forward to see if it all comes out in Shane's book!
August 8, 2020
This suspense filled story leaves you wanting more. Lar and Gen (Moira) have so much history to work through before they can attempt to get a happy ending, though the ending is a bit of a cliff hanger. The families are intertwined through crime and retribution and there is a lot of backstory to work through, that you just want to know more. There are lots of the Delaney family and I look forward to reading more of this series.
January 29, 2021
This probably would have been a 3.5 star read except that it's not a stand alone story. The romance is written that way, but the main story line of who set up the hit in Boston is nowhere near resolved. No better way to lose me as a reader than to do that to me. It makes me feel like I've been suckered. I won't be reading more from this author.
September 25, 2020
Love it !
Very entailed story- had a hard time putting it down for anything! So many issues to be resolved...Lar and Gen are doing their best to figure things out, but for some reason Frank doesn’t keep his word ....can’t wait for the next book!
Very entailed story- had a hard time putting it down for anything! So many issues to be resolved...Lar and Gen are doing their best to figure things out, but for some reason Frank doesn’t keep his word ....can’t wait for the next book!
November 26, 2020
Worthwhile
A complex plot that is made understandable. The Catholic Protestant war was a confusing era and this author took that and the mob and made a great book with lots of twists . Can't wait for the next one.
A complex plot that is made understandable. The Catholic Protestant war was a confusing era and this author took that and the mob and made a great book with lots of twists . Can't wait for the next one.
October 30, 2025
Didn’t hold my interest
March 21, 2017
Final Target...
Fanfreakingtastic read. Delighted by a heroine tough as nails and an alpha with a heart of gold but kicks much ass. It was like an awesome movie but with words. Yes this book with mafia, betrayal, and lust rings real gangster. Sexy, dramatic and action packed.
Fanfreakingtastic read. Delighted by a heroine tough as nails and an alpha with a heart of gold but kicks much ass. It was like an awesome movie but with words. Yes this book with mafia, betrayal, and lust rings real gangster. Sexy, dramatic and action packed.
March 26, 2017
Final Target
The book surprised me in that there was a story line that was believable. It was a good afternoon read
The book surprised me in that there was a story line that was believable. It was a good afternoon read
April 15, 2016
Originally reviewed by SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/04/review-...
Favorite Quote:
“Let’s talk about why you’re really here.”
“Sex. I want your body.”
Lar Delancey has spent his life under the thumb of his Uncle Frank, a mob boss. After Lar learns some interesting secrets about the past, he now wants out to start his own agency that offers their services to the highest bidder but has to do one final job to be free. He has to assassinate the person who had his cousin and brother killed. He is shocked when he discovers the target is an ex-girlfriend who supposedly died in that same explosion that killed his family members.
Moira Collins is an intelligence agent. Her family was all killed in a suspected IRA bombing and she was raised by distant family members. Eventually she was co-opted into the British Intelligence Agency. Five years ago her mission was to gather information on the Delaney’s and she used Lar to do it. She fell in love with him but knew nothing could come of it. When she is abruptly pulled off the mission and sent on suspicious hiatus, she decides to use her contacts to discover who killed her family and why before she leaves the agency for good.
Final Target is a spin-off of the Bellybeg series. Different than its parent series, this series is darker with its violence, mystery, and suspense. Set in dual locations, Dublin and Boston, it focuses on the Delaney family and their history with the Irish criminal underworld. Heavily character driven with a strong balance between the romance and the main conflict, Keane builds an intriguing crime/spy-driven plot line that uses the past and the present to bring closure to a pair of lovers. Strong narrative, engaging suspense, and just the right amount of humor will keep readers hooked till the end.
Lar and Moira were minor characters introduced in two separate books and series. Readers first met Lar in Keane’s original Bellybeg series-Love and Shamrocks. The very sexy, bad boy, baby daddy of Clio Havlin; he is painted with a very prejudicial brush by Clio. We met Moira in book one of the Bellybeg Bad Boys series novellas-Her Ex Treasure Hunter. A spy who used her looks and wit to gain her admittance onto a treasure hunt. She was a very bad girl in that one. :) I was intrigued by the small amount of information we were given about both of them and excited when I learned Keane was pairing them together for their own story.
The cop versus the criminal. Lar is an enigma with his criminal history and dubious morals. He never claims to be a saint nor does he make apologies for his part deeds…yet you can see the heart of him when he interacts with his daughter. He has an honor code, it’s just skewed. Moira seems like an upstanding citizen compared to Lar with her extreme loyalty to the agency and her zest to capture the bad guys…but her morals are just as suspect as Lars. She too has crossed multiple lines and committed some questionable deeds; the only difference is she is granted autonomy from the government. They are perfect together. Like two pieces of a puzzle.
The chemistry only increases your feelings of this couple’s compatibility. It is an appealing mixture of hot combustible heat and sexy playtime. I love a couple who can laugh and enjoy each other in and out of bed. Their reconnection starts out slow, neither trusting the other. Too many secrets and lies separate them but their sexual attraction is a like a magnet that pulls them to one another regardless of their intentions. Well written sex scenes add to the overall appeal. All I can say is VIP room. WHEW!
A dynamic cast of personable characters help to round out the story and explain the deep and long standing history that exists between Lar’s and Moira’s family. Lar’s daughter makes an appearance and I like she is developing a stronger relationship with him. Lar’s family is a rambunctious lot whose noses get into everything. I loved meeting his cousins and I suspect their stories will come next. Keane trots out clues and details selectively, keeping readers on their toes as we learn more about who was behind all the murders and why. Everyone in here has a secret and some of them are quite shocking. A second storyline flows underneath the main one, setting up the next book and hero (and hopefully the heroine I want).I admit I am very interested in seeing where this particular plotline leads.
Final Target was all in all an enjoyable read that offers readers a hot second chance romance and an intriguing and suspenseful who dun it mystery. There were times when the sheer amount of information, especially concerning Ireland’s past regarding the IRA, the Sinn Fein, and then Orangemen, made it a wee bit confusing to sort through. Regardless, I like this new series spin off and am looking forward to the next book in this series-Kiss Shot-set to release in July.
Overall Rating: B
Favorite Quote:
“Let’s talk about why you’re really here.”
“Sex. I want your body.”
Lar Delancey has spent his life under the thumb of his Uncle Frank, a mob boss. After Lar learns some interesting secrets about the past, he now wants out to start his own agency that offers their services to the highest bidder but has to do one final job to be free. He has to assassinate the person who had his cousin and brother killed. He is shocked when he discovers the target is an ex-girlfriend who supposedly died in that same explosion that killed his family members.
Moira Collins is an intelligence agent. Her family was all killed in a suspected IRA bombing and she was raised by distant family members. Eventually she was co-opted into the British Intelligence Agency. Five years ago her mission was to gather information on the Delaney’s and she used Lar to do it. She fell in love with him but knew nothing could come of it. When she is abruptly pulled off the mission and sent on suspicious hiatus, she decides to use her contacts to discover who killed her family and why before she leaves the agency for good.
Final Target is a spin-off of the Bellybeg series. Different than its parent series, this series is darker with its violence, mystery, and suspense. Set in dual locations, Dublin and Boston, it focuses on the Delaney family and their history with the Irish criminal underworld. Heavily character driven with a strong balance between the romance and the main conflict, Keane builds an intriguing crime/spy-driven plot line that uses the past and the present to bring closure to a pair of lovers. Strong narrative, engaging suspense, and just the right amount of humor will keep readers hooked till the end.
Lar and Moira were minor characters introduced in two separate books and series. Readers first met Lar in Keane’s original Bellybeg series-Love and Shamrocks. The very sexy, bad boy, baby daddy of Clio Havlin; he is painted with a very prejudicial brush by Clio. We met Moira in book one of the Bellybeg Bad Boys series novellas-Her Ex Treasure Hunter. A spy who used her looks and wit to gain her admittance onto a treasure hunt. She was a very bad girl in that one. :) I was intrigued by the small amount of information we were given about both of them and excited when I learned Keane was pairing them together for their own story.
The cop versus the criminal. Lar is an enigma with his criminal history and dubious morals. He never claims to be a saint nor does he make apologies for his part deeds…yet you can see the heart of him when he interacts with his daughter. He has an honor code, it’s just skewed. Moira seems like an upstanding citizen compared to Lar with her extreme loyalty to the agency and her zest to capture the bad guys…but her morals are just as suspect as Lars. She too has crossed multiple lines and committed some questionable deeds; the only difference is she is granted autonomy from the government. They are perfect together. Like two pieces of a puzzle.
The chemistry only increases your feelings of this couple’s compatibility. It is an appealing mixture of hot combustible heat and sexy playtime. I love a couple who can laugh and enjoy each other in and out of bed. Their reconnection starts out slow, neither trusting the other. Too many secrets and lies separate them but their sexual attraction is a like a magnet that pulls them to one another regardless of their intentions. Well written sex scenes add to the overall appeal. All I can say is VIP room. WHEW!
A dynamic cast of personable characters help to round out the story and explain the deep and long standing history that exists between Lar’s and Moira’s family. Lar’s daughter makes an appearance and I like she is developing a stronger relationship with him. Lar’s family is a rambunctious lot whose noses get into everything. I loved meeting his cousins and I suspect their stories will come next. Keane trots out clues and details selectively, keeping readers on their toes as we learn more about who was behind all the murders and why. Everyone in here has a secret and some of them are quite shocking. A second storyline flows underneath the main one, setting up the next book and hero (and hopefully the heroine I want).I admit I am very interested in seeing where this particular plotline leads.
Final Target was all in all an enjoyable read that offers readers a hot second chance romance and an intriguing and suspenseful who dun it mystery. There were times when the sheer amount of information, especially concerning Ireland’s past regarding the IRA, the Sinn Fein, and then Orangemen, made it a wee bit confusing to sort through. Regardless, I like this new series spin off and am looking forward to the next book in this series-Kiss Shot-set to release in July.
Overall Rating: B
March 18, 2016
As an avid mafia romance reviewer, I must say this is the first one I’ve read that featured the Irish Mafioso on the soil of their very own mother land, The Emerald Isle. It was quite a refreshing twist of location. Along with references to across the pond, dear old Boston, where Lar’s and Moira first met and a past fatal attack occurred killing a member of the hero’s family and supposedly her, as well. This same incident interconnected with a deadly bombing in Dublin decades earlier, which killed most of Moira’s family when she was only eight years old. Are you confused yet? Wait, there’s more! Also still cloaked in mystery, just waiting to be solved, is exactly who ordered the hit on Lar’s mother when he was just a lad. For you see, nothing ever appears to be as it seems. Moira is not only not dead, but she’s not the person Lar’s thought she was when he fell for her. In the case of the attacks, neither are the alleged master minds.
There were so many twists and turns and sub-characters I’m not even going to attempt to navigate you through them all, folks. I’ll just say it was one of the more complicated, intriguing multiple plots I’ve come across in quite some time. Instead I feel more inclined to focus on the main characters and the writing style, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
**spoilers possible**
Unfortunately, the heroine broke one of my important book character rules of conduct. You see, I prefer my heroines keep their self-respect/dignity at all times, in regards to not only their personal life, but their profession, as well. It did not sit well with me Moira would lower herself to work as a stripper and even have sex with men if that’s what it took to get the job done. By her own admission, it seemed to be a common occurrence. Meaning, by whatever means necessary, she would use her body, give away a piece of her soul, to complete the mission. Surely such a highly intelligent, resourceful MI6 agent would be more creative than that.
There were also some minor things that irritated me in a major way. Lar fathering a child at age 14 with a 17 year old girl. That notion/image doesn’t sit well with me, at all. Frankly, there was enough going on with this story, it just wasn’t necessary to add that unwelcome element, along with his teenage daughter walking in on them during an intimate moment. Again, it served no point. Then there was a very crass/crude opening scene with a sub-character that will likely offend many readers. I almost stopped reading right then and there. He seemed to always be caught with his pants down, figuratively and literally. Some may consider it humorous. I found it juvenile/crass.
By 70% into it, I noticed the writing style was starting to come across as a little choppy and bland. Like maybe even the author was getting tired of trying to piece everything together. I started to wonder if it was worth finishing. Now that I have and can reflect back, I can honestly say there were so many interesting sub-plots interwoven I’m not really sure which one was the main plot or if it really matters, because I did want to see each one resolved. I just question some of the delivery of it. The romance portion definitely took a backseat to all the drama. It ends with a HEA for the main couple but also an ominous cliffhanger that definitely leaves you with the impression it could be short lived. Someone close to them is going to be a threat to their new found happiness and an unidentified nemesis is about to step out of the shadows, as well. Yes, if my sources are correct, “Kiss Shot” will be the sequel featuring Shane, the hero’s cousin and business partner.
I hope I haven’t overly confused you. I’m still somewhat conflicted on how to rate this one. I enjoyed it but found it a little overwhelming at times. There was a lot to keep track of, my romance book-loving friends. Also, the issues I mentioned above definitely affect my rating, as well. Here’s to hoping you decide for yourself if Final Target earns a spot on your bookshelf.
Title: Final Target, Series: Dublin Mafia: Triskelion Team, Book 1, Author: Zara Keane, Pages: 242, stand-alone, some violence, very steamy scenes, no cheating, no OW/OM drama.
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
There were so many twists and turns and sub-characters I’m not even going to attempt to navigate you through them all, folks. I’ll just say it was one of the more complicated, intriguing multiple plots I’ve come across in quite some time. Instead I feel more inclined to focus on the main characters and the writing style, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
**spoilers possible**
Unfortunately, the heroine broke one of my important book character rules of conduct. You see, I prefer my heroines keep their self-respect/dignity at all times, in regards to not only their personal life, but their profession, as well. It did not sit well with me Moira would lower herself to work as a stripper and even have sex with men if that’s what it took to get the job done. By her own admission, it seemed to be a common occurrence. Meaning, by whatever means necessary, she would use her body, give away a piece of her soul, to complete the mission. Surely such a highly intelligent, resourceful MI6 agent would be more creative than that.
There were also some minor things that irritated me in a major way. Lar fathering a child at age 14 with a 17 year old girl. That notion/image doesn’t sit well with me, at all. Frankly, there was enough going on with this story, it just wasn’t necessary to add that unwelcome element, along with his teenage daughter walking in on them during an intimate moment. Again, it served no point. Then there was a very crass/crude opening scene with a sub-character that will likely offend many readers. I almost stopped reading right then and there. He seemed to always be caught with his pants down, figuratively and literally. Some may consider it humorous. I found it juvenile/crass.
By 70% into it, I noticed the writing style was starting to come across as a little choppy and bland. Like maybe even the author was getting tired of trying to piece everything together. I started to wonder if it was worth finishing. Now that I have and can reflect back, I can honestly say there were so many interesting sub-plots interwoven I’m not really sure which one was the main plot or if it really matters, because I did want to see each one resolved. I just question some of the delivery of it. The romance portion definitely took a backseat to all the drama. It ends with a HEA for the main couple but also an ominous cliffhanger that definitely leaves you with the impression it could be short lived. Someone close to them is going to be a threat to their new found happiness and an unidentified nemesis is about to step out of the shadows, as well. Yes, if my sources are correct, “Kiss Shot” will be the sequel featuring Shane, the hero’s cousin and business partner.
I hope I haven’t overly confused you. I’m still somewhat conflicted on how to rate this one. I enjoyed it but found it a little overwhelming at times. There was a lot to keep track of, my romance book-loving friends. Also, the issues I mentioned above definitely affect my rating, as well. Here’s to hoping you decide for yourself if Final Target earns a spot on your bookshelf.
Title: Final Target, Series: Dublin Mafia: Triskelion Team, Book 1, Author: Zara Keane, Pages: 242, stand-alone, some violence, very steamy scenes, no cheating, no OW/OM drama.
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
June 9, 2017
Lar Delaney needs to do one more hit to get out of the family business. Once he finds out who his next target is he has a change of heart. He has so many questions and he hopes Moria holds all the answers to them.
I enjoyed this story. I loved the mystery and suspense in this story. I look forward to reading the next book in this series to find out what happens next.
I enjoyed this story. I loved the mystery and suspense in this story. I look forward to reading the next book in this series to find out what happens next.
March 25, 2016
I was happy I got a spot on this book tour because I was really looking forward to an ARC of this newest book by author Zara Keane. I have a friend who really enjoyed some of her other stuff and so I was eager to check her out myself. This story almost reminded me of the season of Sons of Anarchy that revolved around dealings with the IRA. I mean this in a good way. I loved SOA and that just made me fall in love with these characters even more. I love the fact that the alpha character is actually a real bad boy! I mean he is a hitman and a member of the Dublin Mafia. I read books all the time where the "Bad Boy "turns out to be a big softie who was misunderstood. These are great to read also but every so often a girl wants something a little different. I like that Moira is a tough, intelligent, and focused heroine. The secondary characters in the story are pretty interesting themselves and I look forward to learning more abut them.
Moira has a great background story. She survived a family tragedy that placed her in the witness relocation program. She grows up thinking everyone else in her family is dead and it sparks a fire in her to right the injustices dealt out by the mafia. She ends up as a top intelligence agent and spends a lot of time under various identities while trying to infiltrate the ranks to bring them down. While she is in Boston undercover she meets Lar and they get involved in a serious relationship until the night he belives she has died. She never quite gets over her feelings for him or they way she had to leave him.
Lar has been able to gradually move past the pain of losing the one woman he loved more than anything and is looking to get out from underneath his Uncle Frank's choke hold and go into business with his cousin. His uncle naturally wants something in exchange for releasing Lar from the "family business". Frank gives Lar a folder with a remaining member of a family he thought he had taken down several years before. He wants Lar to kill the daughter of his rival. Imagine Lar's surprise when he gets to the end of the file and sees the picture and realizes there may be a chance that this Genevieve McEllroy may be the very same Moira Collins that he had to bury.
This book had an opening scene that had me hooked right from the start and the action, intrigue and underworld activities kept me interested. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Moira has a great background story. She survived a family tragedy that placed her in the witness relocation program. She grows up thinking everyone else in her family is dead and it sparks a fire in her to right the injustices dealt out by the mafia. She ends up as a top intelligence agent and spends a lot of time under various identities while trying to infiltrate the ranks to bring them down. While she is in Boston undercover she meets Lar and they get involved in a serious relationship until the night he belives she has died. She never quite gets over her feelings for him or they way she had to leave him.
Lar has been able to gradually move past the pain of losing the one woman he loved more than anything and is looking to get out from underneath his Uncle Frank's choke hold and go into business with his cousin. His uncle naturally wants something in exchange for releasing Lar from the "family business". Frank gives Lar a folder with a remaining member of a family he thought he had taken down several years before. He wants Lar to kill the daughter of his rival. Imagine Lar's surprise when he gets to the end of the file and sees the picture and realizes there may be a chance that this Genevieve McEllroy may be the very same Moira Collins that he had to bury.
This book had an opening scene that had me hooked right from the start and the action, intrigue and underworld activities kept me interested. I would recommend this book to anyone.
February 22, 2017
Title: Final Target
Series: Dublin Mafia: Triskelion Team #1
Author Zara Keane
Release Date: March 14, 2016
Price: $3.99 Kindle/ Free KU $12.99 Paperback
Description: As a final job for his mob boss uncle, Lar Delaney agrees to eliminate one last target. Through the crosshairs of his sniper rifle, he realizes that his target is a former girlfriend—a woman who supposedly died five years previously.
Moira Collins is an intelligence agent whose cover has been shot to smithereens. When she finds herself on the wrong side of an assassin’s rifle, she’s appalled to recognize the only mark she ever let herself fall in love with.
Moira works for MI6. She had been undercover in Boston to try and find out if there were secrets being sold between the American and Irish communities concerning governments. Without knowing that her life would be in danger later, she was pulled a day before the pub she had been working at was shot up, resulting in several deaths.
On a leave of absence from MI6, Moira heads to Ireland where she decides to infiltrate Frank Delaney’s club to find information on the bombing that killed her mother, father and brothers. She knows her sister was alive and working in Ireland as a private investigator. She enlists the help of her sister who is very apprehensive about her showing up and not wanting to believe that they’re actually related at first.
Things go from bad to worse before the end of the book. I did NOT see the end of the book coming at all. There were several things I didn’t suspect in here.
Zara Keane is a new to me author. I happened to grab this book on Amazon when it was free on promo. I started reading it yesterday and finished it today. It pulls you in from the first page and keeps you captivated until the end. There’s murder, mystery, intrigue, love, hate, passion, and mistrust. The characters are believable with their feelings and reactions and thoughts. She creates a whole world that you can picture laid out in front of you and you can see the story happening as you’re reading it. I was honestly surprised at some of the information in the book as well as the ending. Never saw it coming. Definitely my first 5* read of 2017!
I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book in the series to see what happens next in the Dublin Mafia world and to see what happens to the Triskelion Team.
Series: Dublin Mafia: Triskelion Team #1
Author Zara Keane
Release Date: March 14, 2016
Price: $3.99 Kindle/ Free KU $12.99 Paperback
Description: As a final job for his mob boss uncle, Lar Delaney agrees to eliminate one last target. Through the crosshairs of his sniper rifle, he realizes that his target is a former girlfriend—a woman who supposedly died five years previously.
Moira Collins is an intelligence agent whose cover has been shot to smithereens. When she finds herself on the wrong side of an assassin’s rifle, she’s appalled to recognize the only mark she ever let herself fall in love with.
Moira works for MI6. She had been undercover in Boston to try and find out if there were secrets being sold between the American and Irish communities concerning governments. Without knowing that her life would be in danger later, she was pulled a day before the pub she had been working at was shot up, resulting in several deaths.
On a leave of absence from MI6, Moira heads to Ireland where she decides to infiltrate Frank Delaney’s club to find information on the bombing that killed her mother, father and brothers. She knows her sister was alive and working in Ireland as a private investigator. She enlists the help of her sister who is very apprehensive about her showing up and not wanting to believe that they’re actually related at first.
Things go from bad to worse before the end of the book. I did NOT see the end of the book coming at all. There were several things I didn’t suspect in here.
Zara Keane is a new to me author. I happened to grab this book on Amazon when it was free on promo. I started reading it yesterday and finished it today. It pulls you in from the first page and keeps you captivated until the end. There’s murder, mystery, intrigue, love, hate, passion, and mistrust. The characters are believable with their feelings and reactions and thoughts. She creates a whole world that you can picture laid out in front of you and you can see the story happening as you’re reading it. I was honestly surprised at some of the information in the book as well as the ending. Never saw it coming. Definitely my first 5* read of 2017!
I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book in the series to see what happens next in the Dublin Mafia world and to see what happens to the Triskelion Team.
October 17, 2016
Lar Delaney is tired of working for the family business in Dublin. So when he gets out of prison, taking the rap for something he didn't do, he decides to start his own private company of mercenaries with his brothers, and cousins. But this doesn't make the head of their crime family, his uncle, very happy. As one final job to get out from under his uncle, he agrees to take out one last target. While trying to finish the job, he quickly realizes that his target is his ex-girlfriend, that he thought died five years ago. Moira Collins is an intelligence agent on leave after her last job hit her particularly hard. Now she's decided to go rogue for a bit, trying to finally get revenge against the ones who killed the majority of her family. As she's working undercover, she finds herself face to face with the only mark she ever fell in love with. Both of them are after the truth about the giant mysterious situation that involve both of their families, so they decide to unite. Will Lar and Moira uncover the real truth before anymore people die?!
I loved the blurb to this book, so I couldn't wait to read it. However, it was so much more, and frankly, I NEVER EXPECTED THIS LEVEL OF AWESOME! The character development is fantastic, with a highly colorful cast of gun toting secondaries. I absolutely LOVED the witty banter of the Irish, and it made for very well placed humor that had me laughing quite a bit. Lar and Moira's flammable chemistry crackled in the air, which led to some seriously HOT panty melting sexy scene goodness boiling over every time they were in the room together. Zara Keane's talented writing style made for an intense suspense factor that kept me guessing to the end. Plus, I swear my heart was ready to pound out of my chest by the very end. Her very original twists took on new life, and even the final showdown is something that I never saw coming. Of course, her ending gave her a one way ticket to the list of authors trying to kill me, and thankfully, I had book two already waiting. I'm so excited to have found this awesome new series, and I cannot wait to read more of it, and anything else this author has written to date. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Final Target!
I loved the blurb to this book, so I couldn't wait to read it. However, it was so much more, and frankly, I NEVER EXPECTED THIS LEVEL OF AWESOME! The character development is fantastic, with a highly colorful cast of gun toting secondaries. I absolutely LOVED the witty banter of the Irish, and it made for very well placed humor that had me laughing quite a bit. Lar and Moira's flammable chemistry crackled in the air, which led to some seriously HOT panty melting sexy scene goodness boiling over every time they were in the room together. Zara Keane's talented writing style made for an intense suspense factor that kept me guessing to the end. Plus, I swear my heart was ready to pound out of my chest by the very end. Her very original twists took on new life, and even the final showdown is something that I never saw coming. Of course, her ending gave her a one way ticket to the list of authors trying to kill me, and thankfully, I had book two already waiting. I'm so excited to have found this awesome new series, and I cannot wait to read more of it, and anything else this author has written to date. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Final Target!
April 11, 2016
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
A new series from Zara Keane - woohoo!
I have beeb a fan of Ms Keane since I first came across her Ballybeg series, and this new series has captured my imagination right from the start.
We quickly met Lar Delaney back in the Ballybeg series, and I knew that his story was going to be intriguing.
And it was everything I was hoping for. I mean mob families, spies - what's not to love!
Lar and Moira/Gen's story was sweet, sexy, suspenseful, and I didn't want to put it down once I started (even though life got in the way and I had to!)
There was a great set up for the next book at the end of Final Target, and I can't wait to get my mitts on it to see what happens next.
A new series from Zara Keane - woohoo!
I have beeb a fan of Ms Keane since I first came across her Ballybeg series, and this new series has captured my imagination right from the start.
We quickly met Lar Delaney back in the Ballybeg series, and I knew that his story was going to be intriguing.
And it was everything I was hoping for. I mean mob families, spies - what's not to love!
Lar and Moira/Gen's story was sweet, sexy, suspenseful, and I didn't want to put it down once I started (even though life got in the way and I had to!)
There was a great set up for the next book at the end of Final Target, and I can't wait to get my mitts on it to see what happens next.
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