What do you think?
Rate this book
Gallagher Brothers #2
Passion Restored
The Gallagher Brothers series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with the one brother who thinks he can handle it all and the one woman who could change that.
Owen Gallagher likes everything in its place and is organized to a fault. While his brothers have each dealt with their own personal tragedies and stresses, Owen figures he’s had it pretty easy. That is until his perfectly ordered world is rocked at its foundation and he’s forced to rely on others. Now, he must heal his body and his soul while trying to ignore his delectable and utterly off-limits neighbor.
Liz McKinley is stressed out, exhausted, and not in the mood for a bearded and growly man in her ER. When she patches him up to the best of his ability, she’s prepared to push him firmly from her thoughts. Of course, that would be easier if she and her best friend hadn’t bought the house next to his. Now their paths seem to cross daily, and she is finding it harder and harder to say no to the injured and angry man next door. But she’s been scarred one too many times in her life, and even though this Gallagher looks good enough to eat, she knows that sometimes, sating that craving is the worst thing she can do.
Owen Gallagher likes everything in its place and is organized to a fault. While his brothers have each dealt with their own personal tragedies and stresses, Owen figures he’s had it pretty easy. That is until his perfectly ordered world is rocked at its foundation and he’s forced to rely on others. Now, he must heal his body and his soul while trying to ignore his delectable and utterly off-limits neighbor.
Liz McKinley is stressed out, exhausted, and not in the mood for a bearded and growly man in her ER. When she patches him up to the best of his ability, she’s prepared to push him firmly from her thoughts. Of course, that would be easier if she and her best friend hadn’t bought the house next to his. Now their paths seem to cross daily, and she is finding it harder and harder to say no to the injured and angry man next door. But she’s been scarred one too many times in her life, and even though this Gallagher looks good enough to eat, she knows that sometimes, sating that craving is the worst thing she can do.
240 pages, ebook
First published February 28, 2017
265 people are currently reading
980 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Ann Ryan
265 books6,324 followersCarrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Talon Pack, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She's the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.
The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series
Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.
Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.
The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.
The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series
Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.
Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.
The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
February 28, 2017
NOW LIVE
Amazon * B&N
I'm a big fan of Carrie Ann Ryan and I've been in love with all her bearded and tatted up Heroes so far. Unfortunately this one just fell short for me and I didn't connect to it like I did the others.
Passion Restored follows Owen Gallagher, the organized brother in the family, as his life becomes a bit of a mess. After an accident leaves him home to heal he meets his new neighbor and decides his time off is best spend pursuing her. Liz is an overworked nurse that's trying to be the best in her field while dealing with a mess of hospital politics. She doesn't think she has time to date, so Owen just has to change her mind.
These character were okay but for me they weren't anything special. For some reason I just couldn't connect to them and they were coming off as very one dimensional. I felt like some of Owen's insecurities were never really developed, so they were mentioned and we got the sense that he felt like he didn't do enough for his family, but nothing ever came of it. I wish his character had been a bit more involved in the story also.
Honestly this whole story felt a little flat and there was nothing that kept me very interested. Maybe this story just wasn't the one for me so I have high hopes for the next one, and I'm definitely not giving up on this author since she's still a favorite of mine.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon * B&N
I'm a big fan of Carrie Ann Ryan and I've been in love with all her bearded and tatted up Heroes so far. Unfortunately this one just fell short for me and I didn't connect to it like I did the others.
Passion Restored follows Owen Gallagher, the organized brother in the family, as his life becomes a bit of a mess. After an accident leaves him home to heal he meets his new neighbor and decides his time off is best spend pursuing her. Liz is an overworked nurse that's trying to be the best in her field while dealing with a mess of hospital politics. She doesn't think she has time to date, so Owen just has to change her mind.
These character were okay but for me they weren't anything special. For some reason I just couldn't connect to them and they were coming off as very one dimensional. I felt like some of Owen's insecurities were never really developed, so they were mentioned and we got the sense that he felt like he didn't do enough for his family, but nothing ever came of it. I wish his character had been a bit more involved in the story also.
Honestly this whole story felt a little flat and there was nothing that kept me very interested. Maybe this story just wasn't the one for me so I have high hopes for the next one, and I'm definitely not giving up on this author since she's still a favorite of mine.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2019
*sigh* .. so I have mixed feeling/emotions about this book. One thing that bothers me is that I couldn't get into the story and I don't know why. The book was well written, there's no doubt about that, I just had trouble sitting down and really focusing on the story. It took me forever to read it. There is also nothing I can point at and say .. I didn't like that. I am completely befuddled by this book.
Anywho, let's chat about Owen and Liz for a minute. Very likeable characters for sure, but I didn't feel connected to them. Nothing in their story drew me to them. But I didn't not like their story either. I'm telling you .... weird!
So for me, the book lands very middle of the road but leaning to the right in rating because I didn't not like the story. Make sense? Probably not LOL I dunno, Carrie Ann Ryan is an excellent wordsmith and I would still highly recommend all her words because ... one book does not define an author :) She has proven time and time again that she is an exceptional writer!
Copy provided for blog tour review
Anywho, let's chat about Owen and Liz for a minute. Very likeable characters for sure, but I didn't feel connected to them. Nothing in their story drew me to them. But I didn't not like their story either. I'm telling you .... weird!
So for me, the book lands very middle of the road but leaning to the right in rating because I didn't not like the story. Make sense? Probably not LOL I dunno, Carrie Ann Ryan is an excellent wordsmith and I would still highly recommend all her words because ... one book does not define an author :) She has proven time and time again that she is an exceptional writer!
Copy provided for blog tour review
February 26, 2017
I'm a big fan of Carrie Ann Ryan and always enjoy her writing style and this book was just as good as the rest.
Liz is a ER nurse consumed by her job and has virtually no free time. When Liz realizes she lives next door to sexy Owen she's not sure she can resist temptation. Even though Liz resists, Owen is determined to win her over no matter what. There's a few twists and turns and a hell of a lot of chemistry. Liz and Owen were very intense when Liz finally let her walls crumble down.
I love the Gallagher brothers series and can't get enough!! They will suck you into a vortex you don't want to get out with there sweetness & dirty talk.
I voluntarily reviewed a arc of this book
Liz is a ER nurse consumed by her job and has virtually no free time. When Liz realizes she lives next door to sexy Owen she's not sure she can resist temptation. Even though Liz resists, Owen is determined to win her over no matter what. There's a few twists and turns and a hell of a lot of chemistry. Liz and Owen were very intense when Liz finally let her walls crumble down.
I love the Gallagher brothers series and can't get enough!! They will suck you into a vortex you don't want to get out with there sweetness & dirty talk.
I voluntarily reviewed a arc of this book
February 10, 2022
Nayeli - per RFS
.
“Non è facile scalfire il mio cuore di pietra, ma tu ci sei riuscito: ti credo, Owen. Ora va’ da lei, ha bisogno di sentirsi di nuovo come se dovesse conquistare il mondo. Ma non ti ci impegnare troppo, altrimenti avrà un altro attacco di panico e scapperà di nuovo.”
(Tratto dal libro)
Nella famiglia Gallagher, Owen è il fratello più curato e meno selvaggio. Anche se fisicamente tatuato, barbuto e muscoloso, è quello che tiene le pubbliche relazioni dell’azienda di costruzioni, che utilizza i post-it e le liste per organizzare il lavoro dei fratelli.
Mi sarei aspettata che questo sarebbe diventato un difetto, un ostacolo da superare che si sarebbe scontrato con il bisogno di sentirsi più libero, di muoversi entro confini più morbidi nella relazione romantica, e invece non è successo. Questa sua caratteristica rimane un pregio, e di fatto il suo personaggio rimane luccicante e positivo come un principe azzurro: resta un uomo pieno di doti, molto gentile, rispettoso dei tempi di Liz ma anche tenace, senza presentare grosse difficoltà o problematiche.
Neppure il fatto di essere il fratello più piccolo e di sentirsi oppresso da una famiglia piuttosto invadente risulta un ostacolo da superare, e infatti la famiglia si rivelerà una risorsa, dandogli la possibilità di confidarsi e ricevere sostegno; in particolare le donne, che hanno vissuto gli stessi sentimenti di Liz, gli consigliano di restare tenacemente presente senza essere assillante.
“Non puoi amarmi,” sussurrò Liz. “Non sono la donna giusta per te, Owen. Io…” Lui le premette un dito sulle labbra. “Non dirmi ciò che devo provare. Capisco che tu sia impaurita e capisco che sia una reazione naturale, dato tutto ciò che hai dovuto passare da piccola. Perciò per oggi ti lascerò i tuoi spazi, non voglio che tu ti senta più soffocata di così, però devi mantenere una promessa per me.”
(Tratto dal libro)
Ne risulta una storia che si basa sui conflitti interiori di Liz, semplicemente spaventata dall’idea di amare. Pur non essendo una trama particolarmente drammatica o innovativa, comunque, la storia è credibile e funziona bene.
Figlia di genitori violenti, Liz è cresciuta con una insicurezza di fondo e pensa di non essere meritevole di amore. Non ha fiducia in se stessa e crede di essere una pessima scelta per qualsiasi uomo. Questo timore nel donarsi a una relazione che entrambi capiscono da subito essere molto forte caratterizza il piccolo tira e molla della vicenda romantica.
“Senti, non ci sto capendo più niente!” urlò Liz mentre si metteva le mani tra i capelli. “Da quando ti ho conosciuto, è come se tutto ciò che ho costruito nella mia vita stesse cadendo a pezzi. Pensavo di essere forte e indipendente, invece continuo a piangere, a dare di matto e a parlare a sproposito. Odio essere così, Owen. Non mi piace la persona che sto diventando.” “Non opporti a ciò che senti, Liz. Se solo ti lasciassi andare, riusciresti a non odiarti.” Owen la guardava con occhi supplichevoli, ma l’unico pensiero di Liz era il terrore che Owen l’avrebbe odiata se lei avesse preso delle decisioni avventate.
Lei non voleva andarsene, non voleva non amarlo.
Ma aveva troppa paura.
(Tratto dal libro)
La focosità delle pagine è pregnante, i due ragazzi si attraggono in modo indiscutibile, portandoli a fare cose in modi e luoghi inappropriati. Ma Liz sembra un animale selvatico troppo spaventato, e ogni volta che la passione li travolge, che loro perdono il controllo della situazione, lei si ritrae.
Eppure, quando lui le mise la tazza a portata di mano sull’isola della cucina, Liz non mosse un dito per prenderla. Al contrario, rimase immobile e gli permise di avvicinarsi, così tanto che poté sentirne il respiro sulle labbra, il calore del corpo vicino al proprio in modo quasi doloroso. “Fermami,” le sussurrò Owen, mentre si avvicinava ancora di più e le poggiò una mano sul fianco. Il cuore le prese il volo e provò a dirgli di no, a ricordarsi perché non doveva lasciarsi andare. Alla fine, non lo fermò.
(Tratto dal libro)
Anche se la trama è semplice e gli ostacoli non rappresentano nulla di drammatico, la psicologia di Liz è coerente nelle motivazioni e nella logica che la portano a tentennare. È ben mostrato come il rapporto esplosivo tra i due ragazzi metta in bilico le rispettive sicurezze e richieda una certa dose di coraggio nel volersi buttare in qualcosa di così forte e coinvolgente.
“No, assolutamente. Solo che non credo di potermi paragonare né a Maya né a Blake. Sono delle donne incredibilmente forti.” “E tu non sei da meno. So che tu credi di non esserlo, ma ti assicuro che neanche loro lo pensavano di loro stesse. Penso che capiti a chiunque di passare giornate in cui ci si sente incapaci di affrontare la vita, ma è la volontà di superare le difficoltà a definire la nostra forza.”
(Tratto dal libro)
.
“Non è facile scalfire il mio cuore di pietra, ma tu ci sei riuscito: ti credo, Owen. Ora va’ da lei, ha bisogno di sentirsi di nuovo come se dovesse conquistare il mondo. Ma non ti ci impegnare troppo, altrimenti avrà un altro attacco di panico e scapperà di nuovo.”
(Tratto dal libro)
Nella famiglia Gallagher, Owen è il fratello più curato e meno selvaggio. Anche se fisicamente tatuato, barbuto e muscoloso, è quello che tiene le pubbliche relazioni dell’azienda di costruzioni, che utilizza i post-it e le liste per organizzare il lavoro dei fratelli.
Mi sarei aspettata che questo sarebbe diventato un difetto, un ostacolo da superare che si sarebbe scontrato con il bisogno di sentirsi più libero, di muoversi entro confini più morbidi nella relazione romantica, e invece non è successo. Questa sua caratteristica rimane un pregio, e di fatto il suo personaggio rimane luccicante e positivo come un principe azzurro: resta un uomo pieno di doti, molto gentile, rispettoso dei tempi di Liz ma anche tenace, senza presentare grosse difficoltà o problematiche.
Neppure il fatto di essere il fratello più piccolo e di sentirsi oppresso da una famiglia piuttosto invadente risulta un ostacolo da superare, e infatti la famiglia si rivelerà una risorsa, dandogli la possibilità di confidarsi e ricevere sostegno; in particolare le donne, che hanno vissuto gli stessi sentimenti di Liz, gli consigliano di restare tenacemente presente senza essere assillante.
“Non puoi amarmi,” sussurrò Liz. “Non sono la donna giusta per te, Owen. Io…” Lui le premette un dito sulle labbra. “Non dirmi ciò che devo provare. Capisco che tu sia impaurita e capisco che sia una reazione naturale, dato tutto ciò che hai dovuto passare da piccola. Perciò per oggi ti lascerò i tuoi spazi, non voglio che tu ti senta più soffocata di così, però devi mantenere una promessa per me.”
(Tratto dal libro)
Ne risulta una storia che si basa sui conflitti interiori di Liz, semplicemente spaventata dall’idea di amare. Pur non essendo una trama particolarmente drammatica o innovativa, comunque, la storia è credibile e funziona bene.
Figlia di genitori violenti, Liz è cresciuta con una insicurezza di fondo e pensa di non essere meritevole di amore. Non ha fiducia in se stessa e crede di essere una pessima scelta per qualsiasi uomo. Questo timore nel donarsi a una relazione che entrambi capiscono da subito essere molto forte caratterizza il piccolo tira e molla della vicenda romantica.
“Senti, non ci sto capendo più niente!” urlò Liz mentre si metteva le mani tra i capelli. “Da quando ti ho conosciuto, è come se tutto ciò che ho costruito nella mia vita stesse cadendo a pezzi. Pensavo di essere forte e indipendente, invece continuo a piangere, a dare di matto e a parlare a sproposito. Odio essere così, Owen. Non mi piace la persona che sto diventando.” “Non opporti a ciò che senti, Liz. Se solo ti lasciassi andare, riusciresti a non odiarti.” Owen la guardava con occhi supplichevoli, ma l’unico pensiero di Liz era il terrore che Owen l’avrebbe odiata se lei avesse preso delle decisioni avventate.
Lei non voleva andarsene, non voleva non amarlo.
Ma aveva troppa paura.
(Tratto dal libro)
La focosità delle pagine è pregnante, i due ragazzi si attraggono in modo indiscutibile, portandoli a fare cose in modi e luoghi inappropriati. Ma Liz sembra un animale selvatico troppo spaventato, e ogni volta che la passione li travolge, che loro perdono il controllo della situazione, lei si ritrae.
Eppure, quando lui le mise la tazza a portata di mano sull’isola della cucina, Liz non mosse un dito per prenderla. Al contrario, rimase immobile e gli permise di avvicinarsi, così tanto che poté sentirne il respiro sulle labbra, il calore del corpo vicino al proprio in modo quasi doloroso. “Fermami,” le sussurrò Owen, mentre si avvicinava ancora di più e le poggiò una mano sul fianco. Il cuore le prese il volo e provò a dirgli di no, a ricordarsi perché non doveva lasciarsi andare. Alla fine, non lo fermò.
(Tratto dal libro)
Anche se la trama è semplice e gli ostacoli non rappresentano nulla di drammatico, la psicologia di Liz è coerente nelle motivazioni e nella logica che la portano a tentennare. È ben mostrato come il rapporto esplosivo tra i due ragazzi metta in bilico le rispettive sicurezze e richieda una certa dose di coraggio nel volersi buttare in qualcosa di così forte e coinvolgente.
“No, assolutamente. Solo che non credo di potermi paragonare né a Maya né a Blake. Sono delle donne incredibilmente forti.” “E tu non sei da meno. So che tu credi di non esserlo, ma ti assicuro che neanche loro lo pensavano di loro stesse. Penso che capiti a chiunque di passare giornate in cui ci si sente incapaci di affrontare la vita, ma è la volontà di superare le difficoltà a definire la nostra forza.”
(Tratto dal libro)
March 10, 2019
4.5 stars
Passion Restored showed a different side to Owen, and I really loved it! He was still a planner and an organizer, but he also realized that not everything in life can fit on a neat list.
Liz was great, too - even if her baggage made her a little prone to drama, I totally got where she came from.
Passion Restored showed a different side to Owen, and I really loved it! He was still a planner and an organizer, but he also realized that not everything in life can fit on a neat list.
Liz was great, too - even if her baggage made her a little prone to drama, I totally got where she came from.
January 5, 2020
This is a fun spinoff of the Montgomery Ink series! getting to know the Gallaghers has been great.
March 5, 2017
I love the Montgomery Ink books and was really looking forward to this one, but it was a bit disappointing. The characters were flat and not very believable. I'm never particularly happy with stories where passion overrides every personality trait and somehow magically fixes or negates all the baggage.
Also, sadly, the last few books from Carrie have had more than enough editing flaws to trip my annoyance. No book is perfect, but the errors are starting to slide below professional quality.
Given all that, I'll probably finish out this series, since I still love the Montgomery world and I can hope that she pushes her release dates out farther and takes time to get back to the awesome stories and character development that sucked me in, in the beginning.
Also, sadly, the last few books from Carrie have had more than enough editing flaws to trip my annoyance. No book is perfect, but the errors are starting to slide below professional quality.
Given all that, I'll probably finish out this series, since I still love the Montgomery world and I can hope that she pushes her release dates out farther and takes time to get back to the awesome stories and character development that sucked me in, in the beginning.
March 2, 2017
ARC REVIEW
I always love Carrie Ann Ryan books. Passion Restored is ooooo so good. Owen and Liz have great chemistry and scenes so hot, my goodness. I liked the pace of the book it moved quickly and it's an easy read. Owen and Liz have an insatiable desire for each other and that really makes the sex and passion of the book ignite.
Owen ends up in the ER after getting hit by a car at a bar where he meets Liz for the first time. Liz was rescuing her best friend and roommate from being stupid drunk after she puts her to bed Liz gets called in to the ER where she meets Griffin again. Then it is discovered later that they are neighbors, Liz and her friend just have moved into the house next door to Owen. Liz does try to stay away from Owen because he is a former patient but the sexual tension is way to strong for either of them to deny. Owen is ready to admit that he wants Liz in the forever kind of way, but Liz has a messed up past and she's afraid of commitment not to mention she's having issues at work that her relationship with Owen is being used against her.
Overall, I really can't say enough good things about Carrie Ann Ryan and the books she writes.
I always love Carrie Ann Ryan books. Passion Restored is ooooo so good. Owen and Liz have great chemistry and scenes so hot, my goodness. I liked the pace of the book it moved quickly and it's an easy read. Owen and Liz have an insatiable desire for each other and that really makes the sex and passion of the book ignite.
Owen ends up in the ER after getting hit by a car at a bar where he meets Liz for the first time. Liz was rescuing her best friend and roommate from being stupid drunk after she puts her to bed Liz gets called in to the ER where she meets Griffin again. Then it is discovered later that they are neighbors, Liz and her friend just have moved into the house next door to Owen. Liz does try to stay away from Owen because he is a former patient but the sexual tension is way to strong for either of them to deny. Owen is ready to admit that he wants Liz in the forever kind of way, but Liz has a messed up past and she's afraid of commitment not to mention she's having issues at work that her relationship with Owen is being used against her.
Overall, I really can't say enough good things about Carrie Ann Ryan and the books she writes.
March 8, 2018
Carrie Ann Ryan’s novel Passion Restored (Gallagher Brothers #2) is a well written and well developed storyline except for one thing that bothered me from the beginning and that was the instant attraction. While I do get that attraction can be instant but I am not sure I like the way things are usually described from the guy’s PoV. Might be my problem as a female but I’d always like to think that there is more to being attracted to someone than just the basics (which I will not spread out in detail here)
Anyway Owen and Liz are two really likeable characters that easy connect to the reader. And the reader is placed right in the middle of their world and explores their building relationship together with them. It was my first book in this series so I can honestly say it can be read as a standalone, but you will notice that there are stories out there that you might want to read when you watch the interactions of secondary characters.
There is suspense and witty banter between the characters and a bunch of romance is thrown into the mix. I am pretty sure lots of people will love this book and I will be the odd one out here with only 4 stars instead of 5. So enjoy :- )
════ PLEASE SUBSCRIBE / LIKE / FOLLOW US ════
FB Page : https://www.facebook.com/JerisBookAttic
Twitter : https://twitter.com/JeriTRyan
Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
Bloglovin : https://www.bloglovin.com/people/jeri...
October 26, 2019
Owen Gallagher
Liz McKinley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3.5 stars
Read 9/8/19
Liz McKinley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3.5 stars
Read 9/8/19
June 23, 2017
I loved how dumb Owen was struck when he first saw Liz, to the point that Murphy teased Owen about his mouth dropping open and drool. Their next meeting wasn't quite so nice, but I was glad that Liz was there for Owen and his family, even though she was little more than a stranger, it was nice to have a familiar face.
Owen and Liz's relationship was a lot of one step forward and two steps back. To say that Liz had a bad past and was a bit gun shy is an understatement. I loved that Owen always let Liz know he was there for her when she freaked out. He gave her the space she wanted, but never went away. That went a long way to prove to Liz that maybe she could trust him. The rest of the Gallagher clan was much the same. They accepted Liz with open arms and did what they could to reassure her.
I loved how this one ended, loved that Owen was able to take a hurt and not care about it anymore, loved that Liz realized that it was ok to be happy and take a chance on Owen.
Owen and Liz's relationship was a lot of one step forward and two steps back. To say that Liz had a bad past and was a bit gun shy is an understatement. I loved that Owen always let Liz know he was there for her when she freaked out. He gave her the space she wanted, but never went away. That went a long way to prove to Liz that maybe she could trust him. The rest of the Gallagher clan was much the same. They accepted Liz with open arms and did what they could to reassure her.
I loved how this one ended, loved that Owen was able to take a hurt and not care about it anymore, loved that Liz realized that it was ok to be happy and take a chance on Owen.
March 3, 2017
Carrie Ann Ryan always forces her heroes and heroines to face their past and fears. I enjoyed watching Liz find her way to Owen and the love and security that he could offer. I love Owen and his dorky organizational ways. He's so caring and steadfast, which is exactly what Liz needed. Liz didn't really grow on me. Usually, I can find some redeeming qualities in the baggage laden heroine, but she was just too much for me. And I wanted more from this story as it seemed a bit rushed. It was still worth reading to get Owen's story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
March 7, 2017
I love Owen. He seems surly but I think that is because he doesn’t feel he is seen as a equal or pulling his weight at the family business but also because he is feeling alone. He is a great guy. And what he does with the beard wow just wow.
Liz is a wonderful character as well. She is devoted to her job and doesn’t care about what others around her do as long as the patients are taken care of. so when she gets mired in the politics of the hospital and stuck in rumours it does hurt her. I didn’t like how she waffled and treated Owen at times. He was always there for her and respecting her. He listened and did as she asked but was there when she needed him no matter what. So to see her treat him the way she did at times was hard. Yes she was scared and letting her past dictate the present but still Owen wasn’t her past but a guy he liked her and did love her.
Seeing these two fall in love was fun. I loved when they didn’t think and just let the attraction take over. Those were some steamy moments. I loved how Owen was there even when she didn’t want him to be but did want him to be. She was confused. I loved how they learned about one another and went from lust to friendship and love. How they grew the relationship and learned to trust. How he was there no matter what and was patient with Liz even when she was pushing him away and doing everything to have him walk away.
this was a steamy story. We didn’t get to much romance but when Owen did romance it was swoonyworthy. We got honesty from Owen and we got running alot from Liz. Seeing him show her his trust, faith and love was a treat.
This is the fun steamy story of Owen and Liz. How they met, gave us good banter, fell for each other and how Liz learned to let him in and gain so much in the process. They gave us some wonderful fun family moments, sweet tender moments and steamy intimate moments as they fall in love with each other.
Liz is a wonderful character as well. She is devoted to her job and doesn’t care about what others around her do as long as the patients are taken care of. so when she gets mired in the politics of the hospital and stuck in rumours it does hurt her. I didn’t like how she waffled and treated Owen at times. He was always there for her and respecting her. He listened and did as she asked but was there when she needed him no matter what. So to see her treat him the way she did at times was hard. Yes she was scared and letting her past dictate the present but still Owen wasn’t her past but a guy he liked her and did love her.
Seeing these two fall in love was fun. I loved when they didn’t think and just let the attraction take over. Those were some steamy moments. I loved how Owen was there even when she didn’t want him to be but did want him to be. She was confused. I loved how they learned about one another and went from lust to friendship and love. How they grew the relationship and learned to trust. How he was there no matter what and was patient with Liz even when she was pushing him away and doing everything to have him walk away.
this was a steamy story. We didn’t get to much romance but when Owen did romance it was swoonyworthy. We got honesty from Owen and we got running alot from Liz. Seeing him show her his trust, faith and love was a treat.
This is the fun steamy story of Owen and Liz. How they met, gave us good banter, fell for each other and how Liz learned to let him in and gain so much in the process. They gave us some wonderful fun family moments, sweet tender moments and steamy intimate moments as they fall in love with each other.
February 15, 2017
Tempting!!!
Owen Gallagher, a man who liked things organized and being independent found himself relying on others when he suffered an accident. He always thought he had it easy while his brothers went through their own personal tragedies.
Owen met a sassy yet vulnerable nurse who he couldn't get his mind off. Well fate had some plans for him, it turned out that the woman who haunted his thoughts was not only his nurse, she was also his new neighbor.
Liz McKinley had enough of life always messing with her. When a bearded and growly man ended up in her ER, she didn't expect her world to be tilted on its axis. Cause she'd met him before, she was prepared to push him out of her mind but once again life was messing with her in a very ironic way. Liz found herself living right next to Owen Gallagher.
Even though Liz would love to find out how many wicked things Owen could do to her. It would be best if she stayed away from Owen cause she's been hurt countless times in the past. The only problem was that life was hellbent on throwing them in each other's paths.
The attraction between Owen and Liz kept on growing no matter how many times Liz tried to push Owen out of her mind. Owen laid all his cards on the table for Liz, he wanted her with a passion and he wasn't backing down.
Liz got scared when things started moving too fast but knowing her past and what she was facing at work was understandable. The friendship between her and her best-friend Tessa kind of reminded me of the relationship between my sister and I.
Owen's accident had the Gallaghers and the police sea searching for the driver and wondering if it was really an accident or was there more to what happened to Owen. Liz and Owen couldn't get enough of each other, no matter what.
Love the dynamic between the Gallagher brothers, their better halves and their sisters-in-law, those women could hold their own with the men like nobody's business. The Gallaghers being there for Owen when he got life changing news was beautiful.
PASSION RESTORED is the second book in Carrie Ann Ryan's GALLAGHER BROTHERS series. It was smoking hot, intriguing, alluring and a must read. Love the Gallagher brothers, so happy to see them getting their HEAs one by one. Carrie Ann Ryan one again did an exquisite job! 5++++
P. S. Love the dedication by Carrie Ann Ryan ;)
****ARC given in exchange for an honest review.****
Owen Gallagher, a man who liked things organized and being independent found himself relying on others when he suffered an accident. He always thought he had it easy while his brothers went through their own personal tragedies.
Owen met a sassy yet vulnerable nurse who he couldn't get his mind off. Well fate had some plans for him, it turned out that the woman who haunted his thoughts was not only his nurse, she was also his new neighbor.
"What was a man to do!?"
Liz McKinley had enough of life always messing with her. When a bearded and growly man ended up in her ER, she didn't expect her world to be tilted on its axis. Cause she'd met him before, she was prepared to push him out of her mind but once again life was messing with her in a very ironic way. Liz found herself living right next to Owen Gallagher.
Even though Liz would love to find out how many wicked things Owen could do to her. It would be best if she stayed away from Owen cause she's been hurt countless times in the past. The only problem was that life was hellbent on throwing them in each other's paths.
"How does a woman keep her distance?"
The attraction between Owen and Liz kept on growing no matter how many times Liz tried to push Owen out of her mind. Owen laid all his cards on the table for Liz, he wanted her with a passion and he wasn't backing down.
Liz got scared when things started moving too fast but knowing her past and what she was facing at work was understandable. The friendship between her and her best-friend Tessa kind of reminded me of the relationship between my sister and I.
Owen's accident had the Gallaghers and the police sea searching for the driver and wondering if it was really an accident or was there more to what happened to Owen. Liz and Owen couldn't get enough of each other, no matter what.
Love the dynamic between the Gallagher brothers, their better halves and their sisters-in-law, those women could hold their own with the men like nobody's business. The Gallaghers being there for Owen when he got life changing news was beautiful.
PASSION RESTORED is the second book in Carrie Ann Ryan's GALLAGHER BROTHERS series. It was smoking hot, intriguing, alluring and a must read. Love the Gallagher brothers, so happy to see them getting their HEAs one by one. Carrie Ann Ryan one again did an exquisite job! 5++++
P. S. Love the dedication by Carrie Ann Ryan ;)
****ARC given in exchange for an honest review.****
March 1, 2017
I love a good geek story and this one has a hot, tattooed, OCD of a business manager geek as the lead character. Owen Gallagher is the younger brother of the grumbly Graham from the first book in the series. Oh, Owen know his way around power tools, too. But give him Post It notes and some office supplies and he is in heaven! His family gives him crap for his neatness and organization tactics but it’s all in fun and makes for some humor throughout the book.
Owen and Liz meet by accident and then find out they are neighbors. They both are attracted to each other but Liz is gun shy. Owen, being the good man that he is, gives her some space. But he also reminds her that she isn’t getting away that easy from him. I loved that Owen seems to know what he wants in life and is very honest about what he wants from his time with Liz. He works hard to help her realize that she is worth loving and deserves to experience the passion that comes along with that love.
Some of the story seemed predictable. However, the author’s ability to write swoon worthy moments as well as the humor in the story, make it worth the read. Another brother to go. Can’t wait to see what is in store for Murphy. Loved catching up on Graham and Jake and their families as well.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
Owen and Liz meet by accident and then find out they are neighbors. They both are attracted to each other but Liz is gun shy. Owen, being the good man that he is, gives her some space. But he also reminds her that she isn’t getting away that easy from him. I loved that Owen seems to know what he wants in life and is very honest about what he wants from his time with Liz. He works hard to help her realize that she is worth loving and deserves to experience the passion that comes along with that love.
Some of the story seemed predictable. However, the author’s ability to write swoon worthy moments as well as the humor in the story, make it worth the read. Another brother to go. Can’t wait to see what is in store for Murphy. Loved catching up on Graham and Jake and their families as well.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
February 25, 2017
Another winner in this series!
Owen Gallagher is kind of nerdy and it's so hot LOL He sees Liz across the bar and immediately is attracted to her. She blows him off, only to see him in the emergency room a little later. And then, they learn they are neighbors. The attraction is mutual and Liz fights it hard. Thankfully, Owen knows it's the real thing and gives her space, but doesn't let her go.
Owen was great! A little nerdy, a lot tattooed and hot. He was so patient with Liz. I wanted to shake Liz a couple of times. Yes, she had a rough childhood, and she kept thinking she would turn into her parents, so she kept running away from Owen. Thankfully she realized she needed to stop running and admit her feeling and then all was good :)
I can't wait for Tessa and Murphy!
*thanks to InkSlinger PR for sharing a copy of this with me*
Owen Gallagher is kind of nerdy and it's so hot LOL He sees Liz across the bar and immediately is attracted to her. She blows him off, only to see him in the emergency room a little later. And then, they learn they are neighbors. The attraction is mutual and Liz fights it hard. Thankfully, Owen knows it's the real thing and gives her space, but doesn't let her go.
Owen was great! A little nerdy, a lot tattooed and hot. He was so patient with Liz. I wanted to shake Liz a couple of times. Yes, she had a rough childhood, and she kept thinking she would turn into her parents, so she kept running away from Owen. Thankfully she realized she needed to stop running and admit her feeling and then all was good :)
I can't wait for Tessa and Murphy!
*thanks to InkSlinger PR for sharing a copy of this with me*
March 1, 2017
Passion Restored by Carrie Ann Ryan takes us back to Denver Colorado and the Gallaghers extended family. In this book we get to know more about Owen. Owen Gallagher is a planner. He makes sure every I is dotted every t is crossed. He has contingency plans for contingency plans. So when he falls in love he is rocked to his core because love doesn’t follow a plan. Liz McKinley is a stressed out ER nurse and Owen’s new next door neighbor. Because of her past she is determined not to fall in love or have kids. Oh, the universe just loves to screw with plans. There were times throughout this book where I wanted to Gibbs slap Liz and Owen but I knew the author wouldn’t let me down. She doesn’t. You can read this standalone but I promise it will send you running to get the others in this series.
February 28, 2017
Passion Restored is another hit in the Gallagher Brothers series. I LOVE the continued ties to the Montgomery family. While any of these books can be read as stand-alones, I highly recommend giving them a try.
I adored Graham from the start although it did take me a bit to warm up to Liz however. She had a rough childhood and despite his best efforts, she continued to keep Graham at a distance and even pushed him away, in my opinion, too many times. There were certainly some twists and turns I didn't see coming so this story kept me on my toes.
Overall, a great addition to the series and I am on pins and needles waiting for Murphy and Tessa's story.
I adored Graham from the start although it did take me a bit to warm up to Liz however. She had a rough childhood and despite his best efforts, she continued to keep Graham at a distance and even pushed him away, in my opinion, too many times. There were certainly some twists and turns I didn't see coming so this story kept me on my toes.
Overall, a great addition to the series and I am on pins and needles waiting for Murphy and Tessa's story.
March 9, 2017
Passion Restored is the second title in the Gallagher Brothers series, and features Owen and Liz. As I've come to expect from Carrie Anne Ryan this book was incredibly well written.
Owen is intelligent, organised and driven, and slightly obsessive compulsive. When he sets his sights on Liz he's determined to win her over.
Both Liz and Owen are workaholics whilst Owen is your brooding bearded alpha hero, Liz is a moody heroine with phobias regarding commitment. Liz tends to spend quite a lot of time stuck in her own head, which was a tad annoying.
The chemistry between this pair is undeniable, and their relationship is quite intense. The love scenes are incredibly hot and steamy! The sexual tension between Liz and Owen just oozes off the page.
Passion Restored is told from a dual point of view, it's quite a fast paced read and overall the characters are endearing if a bit frustrating at times. At times the story is quite predictable, with a few twists and turns that kept me guessing. Overall an entertaining book that contemporary romance lovers, will enjoy. Particularly fans of the Montgomery Ink series, and the Gallagher Brothers.
I love the Gallagher brothers, and it was wonderful to see them and their partners included so much within the story line. I really enjoyed the banter and interactions between the Gallagher siblings and their other halves, it was both humorous and fun. I eagerly anticipate Murphy Gallagher's story next!
For buy links, and teasers check out my blog post here
For additional reviews visit Ebook Indulgence
Owen is intelligent, organised and driven, and slightly obsessive compulsive. When he sets his sights on Liz he's determined to win her over.
Both Liz and Owen are workaholics whilst Owen is your brooding bearded alpha hero, Liz is a moody heroine with phobias regarding commitment. Liz tends to spend quite a lot of time stuck in her own head, which was a tad annoying.
The chemistry between this pair is undeniable, and their relationship is quite intense. The love scenes are incredibly hot and steamy! The sexual tension between Liz and Owen just oozes off the page.
Passion Restored is told from a dual point of view, it's quite a fast paced read and overall the characters are endearing if a bit frustrating at times. At times the story is quite predictable, with a few twists and turns that kept me guessing. Overall an entertaining book that contemporary romance lovers, will enjoy. Particularly fans of the Montgomery Ink series, and the Gallagher Brothers.
I love the Gallagher brothers, and it was wonderful to see them and their partners included so much within the story line. I really enjoyed the banter and interactions between the Gallagher siblings and their other halves, it was both humorous and fun. I eagerly anticipate Murphy Gallagher's story next!
For buy links, and teasers check out my blog post here
For additional reviews visit Ebook Indulgence
March 10, 2017
Instant attraction brings together an organized, hard working man and a nurse weighed down by her painful past who's afraid to love in this scorching tale full of angst and unexpected twists and turns. From start to finish readers will find themselves mopping their brow as erotically-charged encounters are balanced with melodramatic moments to keep you on edge waiting to see what happens next. Add in familial interruptions and you'll find yourself charmed by the heartwarming support of the Gallagher family as the serious-minded Owen tries to catch the emotionally fragile Liz before she runs away for good.
Owen's the king of organization in the Gallagher family which leaves him the butt of jokes but also the one everyone relies on to get the job done. When an accident has him meeting the woman who caught his eye just an hour earlier though his life becomes very disorganized as he battles to recover as well as win the guarded woman over. It's a rocky journey to HEA as her past constantly has her running, but he stands beside her every step of the way and through every unexpected turn their relationship takes. His actions, his charm, and his tatted-up body with seductive piercings make him a delicious hero. His compulsive categorizing and list-making makes him endearing too and more readily relatable. On a whole he's the quintessential book boyfriend who was the highlight of the story for more and had me wishing he'd found a more worthy woman.
In contrast, Liz is a bit of a mess and hard to like at times. Growing up with an alcoholic mother and an indifferent father led to lots of loneliness, doubts, and feelings of unworthiness that haunt her still. She's a hard-working woman who doesn't make friends easily and with her job on the line, because of budget cuts and vindictive coworkers, she's constantly on edge. She too is very organized and when stressed she cleans frenziedly. The only time you see her relaxed is when in Owen's arms which is where she spends a lot of time throughout the story as they engage in lots of scorching encounters full of dirty talk. When their relationship takes an unexpected turn, and her father comes calling to bring all her old hurts back, she'll have to decide if it's worth staying or will she take the easier route and run yet again. Liz was very difficult to warm up to as she was a bit too gloomy at times. She'd closed herself off for so long that her attempts to interact with others felt stilted. She was so scared of getting hurt that she refused to rely on others, and at the first sign of trouble, she ran. Despite Owen never giving her cause to doubt him, she did just that which left me frustrated even more. Though I applaud her wanting to stand on her own two feet I felt that it was just another way to keep herself separate, instead of going all-in like Owen did. It wasn't outside forces keeping them apart, but rather her and her cowardice and assumptions keeping her from HEA which enhanced my disappointment in her.
Though this was a well-written romance I found myself less captivated by it than by Ms. Ryan's other works. The accident that put Owen in the hospital was hinted to be something bigger than it ultimately turned out to be which felt emotionally manipulative. Liz's father returning, and his unexpected connection to Owen, was melodramatic and again felt manipulative and was just another throwaway plot device that vanished as quickly as it arrived. My biggest issue with the story was Liz herself and her wishy-washy nature. Fear had her running while sex had her coming back. At times I couldn't see why Owen loved her as she didn't love herself and was always holding back while he wore his heart on his sleeve. It's Owen and his loving and supportive family that made this story a winner and that warmed my heart while putting a smile on my face. His interactions with them were sweet while realistic in their playful mockery which endeared them all to me. Owen's rugged and a bit rough with his look but he's the kind of guy you dream of. He was a sexy beast, a master of dirty talk, who rolled with every punch Liz threw at him out of fear and still stood by her wholeheartedly. He's another shining example of how delightful the members of the Gallagher family are and I look forward to younger brother Murphy finding love with Liz's roommate Tessa, who has baggage of her own, in the next installment.
3.25 STARS!
Owen's the king of organization in the Gallagher family which leaves him the butt of jokes but also the one everyone relies on to get the job done. When an accident has him meeting the woman who caught his eye just an hour earlier though his life becomes very disorganized as he battles to recover as well as win the guarded woman over. It's a rocky journey to HEA as her past constantly has her running, but he stands beside her every step of the way and through every unexpected turn their relationship takes. His actions, his charm, and his tatted-up body with seductive piercings make him a delicious hero. His compulsive categorizing and list-making makes him endearing too and more readily relatable. On a whole he's the quintessential book boyfriend who was the highlight of the story for more and had me wishing he'd found a more worthy woman.
In contrast, Liz is a bit of a mess and hard to like at times. Growing up with an alcoholic mother and an indifferent father led to lots of loneliness, doubts, and feelings of unworthiness that haunt her still. She's a hard-working woman who doesn't make friends easily and with her job on the line, because of budget cuts and vindictive coworkers, she's constantly on edge. She too is very organized and when stressed she cleans frenziedly. The only time you see her relaxed is when in Owen's arms which is where she spends a lot of time throughout the story as they engage in lots of scorching encounters full of dirty talk. When their relationship takes an unexpected turn, and her father comes calling to bring all her old hurts back, she'll have to decide if it's worth staying or will she take the easier route and run yet again. Liz was very difficult to warm up to as she was a bit too gloomy at times. She'd closed herself off for so long that her attempts to interact with others felt stilted. She was so scared of getting hurt that she refused to rely on others, and at the first sign of trouble, she ran. Despite Owen never giving her cause to doubt him, she did just that which left me frustrated even more. Though I applaud her wanting to stand on her own two feet I felt that it was just another way to keep herself separate, instead of going all-in like Owen did. It wasn't outside forces keeping them apart, but rather her and her cowardice and assumptions keeping her from HEA which enhanced my disappointment in her.
Though this was a well-written romance I found myself less captivated by it than by Ms. Ryan's other works. The accident that put Owen in the hospital was hinted to be something bigger than it ultimately turned out to be which felt emotionally manipulative. Liz's father returning, and his unexpected connection to Owen, was melodramatic and again felt manipulative and was just another throwaway plot device that vanished as quickly as it arrived. My biggest issue with the story was Liz herself and her wishy-washy nature. Fear had her running while sex had her coming back. At times I couldn't see why Owen loved her as she didn't love herself and was always holding back while he wore his heart on his sleeve. It's Owen and his loving and supportive family that made this story a winner and that warmed my heart while putting a smile on my face. His interactions with them were sweet while realistic in their playful mockery which endeared them all to me. Owen's rugged and a bit rough with his look but he's the kind of guy you dream of. He was a sexy beast, a master of dirty talk, who rolled with every punch Liz threw at him out of fear and still stood by her wholeheartedly. He's another shining example of how delightful the members of the Gallagher family are and I look forward to younger brother Murphy finding love with Liz's roommate Tessa, who has baggage of her own, in the next installment.
3.25 STARS!
March 11, 2017
Carrie Ann Ryan's Gallagher men fall hard and love harder and sex their women up even harder! I love it!. "Passion Restored" stars Owen Gallagher who is the one of the middle Gallagher men. He's the one who keeps his brothers in line with his ultra-organized ways: multiple lists, color-coded charts, and spreadsheets. Owen makes sure everyone is fed and initials the coffee shop cups for his brothers. Even though they end up drinking out of the wrong ones anyway. However Owen wants to feel like more than a glorified Office Manager. He wants to land the big job that will put their company on the map. Liz McKinley's a nurse who's priority is healing the ill. She doesn't play hospital politics or engage in high school-like gossip. Liz is intelligent, strong, and kind. She had a horrible childhood which colors her view on what she wants for her future.
"Passion Restored" has a gripping storyline and a quick pace. My pet peeve is an overly angsty heroine who continuously pushes and pulls the hero whenever convenient. Owen is an Alpha Caretaker, as opposed to a Protector. He makes Liz feel safe not by slaying her dragons but caring for her so she can slay her own. Owen also corrals his brothers, organizing them and tending to them so they can tackle their day prepared. Liz's childhood broke her because of this she feels doomed to hurt the man she falls in love with. Essentially she is creating her own fate pushing away any all potential romantic relationships. Carrie Ann Ryan creates a mulit-faceted secondary character in Tessa, Liz's best friend and housemate. We catch up with the other Gallagher brothers Graham, his family. Jake, the rest of his triad, and their son. Finally the youngest and flirty Gallagher, Murphy.
Carrie Ann Ryan creates a fabulous hero in "Passion Restored" who overcomes a terribly traumatic hit and run. Owen Gallagher's an adorable Alpha Caretaker with a pure golden heart; he loves completely and never backs down. Liz McKinley perseveres a nightmarish childhood, an exhausting career, while heaping abhorrent and undeserved expectations on herself. Owen wants nothing more than to shower Liz with all the love he has. Liz's child's heart, wants it desperately; but her broken heart pushes it away because she feels unworthy. "Passion Restored" has an intriguing storyline firmly based in the heroine's camp. There're portions at the books end which feel rushed and/or superfluous. Not to mention the heroine's yo-yoing is sometimes grating. Consequently that affects my rating. Murphy and Tessa's flirty banter is playful and a delight. This is another Gallagher Brothers book definitely worth reading.
To read the entire review please visit: http://wp.me/p4XqxF-1Lh
This novel was provided, voluntarily read, and honestly reviewed
"Passion Restored" has a gripping storyline and a quick pace. My pet peeve is an overly angsty heroine who continuously pushes and pulls the hero whenever convenient. Owen is an Alpha Caretaker, as opposed to a Protector. He makes Liz feel safe not by slaying her dragons but caring for her so she can slay her own. Owen also corrals his brothers, organizing them and tending to them so they can tackle their day prepared. Liz's childhood broke her because of this she feels doomed to hurt the man she falls in love with. Essentially she is creating her own fate pushing away any all potential romantic relationships. Carrie Ann Ryan creates a mulit-faceted secondary character in Tessa, Liz's best friend and housemate. We catch up with the other Gallagher brothers Graham, his family. Jake, the rest of his triad, and their son. Finally the youngest and flirty Gallagher, Murphy.
Carrie Ann Ryan creates a fabulous hero in "Passion Restored" who overcomes a terribly traumatic hit and run. Owen Gallagher's an adorable Alpha Caretaker with a pure golden heart; he loves completely and never backs down. Liz McKinley perseveres a nightmarish childhood, an exhausting career, while heaping abhorrent and undeserved expectations on herself. Owen wants nothing more than to shower Liz with all the love he has. Liz's child's heart, wants it desperately; but her broken heart pushes it away because she feels unworthy. "Passion Restored" has an intriguing storyline firmly based in the heroine's camp. There're portions at the books end which feel rushed and/or superfluous. Not to mention the heroine's yo-yoing is sometimes grating. Consequently that affects my rating. Murphy and Tessa's flirty banter is playful and a delight. This is another Gallagher Brothers book definitely worth reading.
To read the entire review please visit: http://wp.me/p4XqxF-1Lh
This novel was provided, voluntarily read, and honestly reviewed
March 13, 2017
Owen Gallagher is the most wonderful sort of dichotomous man. He's a bearded, tatted, pierced hottie who thinks order, logic and color-coded planners are his happy place. He is the brains behind the restoration and construction business he runs with his brothers. He runs the office, keeps them on schedule and organized and makes sure the bills are paid. Despite his obvious necessity, he sees himself as the weak link - the one without any special skills or abilities.
Liz McKinley also doesn't see herself as anything special. She's just a nurse who works way too many hours with crappy co-workers. She just bought a house with her best friend and is trying to piece together a semblance of a normal life after suffering some rough experiences with her family and other relationships. She's determined to just keep her head down, be a good worker, and survive the budget cuts at the hospital she's working in. She doesn't have time for any sort of relationship with a man.
I have to say - I had a hard time with Liz. I just flat out didn't like her. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it - past traumas and tragedies do not give a person free license to be a jerk. And yet, that's exactly what happened here. Even though Owen was nothing but nice to Liz, she treated him like crap. And worse yet - he excused her behavior as a result of her past and kept pursuing her. So many times I wanted to tell him to just give it up and find a nice girl who actually likes him and respects him and wants to be with him. And that's frustrating, because I like Owen and his brothers and their family dynamics. I wanted him happy. I just didn't want him with her.
Owen and Liz ran very hot and cold throughout the book (mostly because of her, of course). They would get in either her house or his under perfectly platonic reasons, one thing would lead to another, and all of a sudden there would be some hot and sexy times. And there were some HOT and SEXY times. That Owen Gallagher might love his color-coded files, but when it comes to dirty talk, he throws caution to the wind. But, as soon as the hormones settle, Liz freaks and runs away and doesn't talk to him for days. Rinse and repeat.
There are quite a few villains in Passion Restored too. First we have Liz's awful father. We also have the dude that hit Owen with his car. And finally we have Liz's two co-workers whose mission is to make her workplace as hostile as possible. Sadly, none of them get the punishments I wanted to bear witness to. I love when a bad guy gets his or her comeuppance, and our hero or heroine is finally vindicated. It's a wonderful feeling of satisfaction, isn't it? So, when that doesn't happen, it's definitely noticed, and I noticed it here.
The best part about Passion Restored is the family dynamic that Owen has with his brothers, their wives and their children. I would love to be a part of the Gallagher family. They're supportive and funny and loving and completely dedicated to one another. Why Liz wouldn't want to be a part of that from go is beyond me.
I liked the lead-in to Murphy's book, and his is one I've been anticipating since the very beginning. Since it appears he's going to have something going with Tessa, Liz's best friend and housemate, I'm guessing that we'll be checking back in with Liz and Owen a lot. I'm excited for that, actually, since Liz was finally able to get her head on straight in the end and realized what really was important. I'm excited to see where they are in a few months.
Liz McKinley also doesn't see herself as anything special. She's just a nurse who works way too many hours with crappy co-workers. She just bought a house with her best friend and is trying to piece together a semblance of a normal life after suffering some rough experiences with her family and other relationships. She's determined to just keep her head down, be a good worker, and survive the budget cuts at the hospital she's working in. She doesn't have time for any sort of relationship with a man.
I have to say - I had a hard time with Liz. I just flat out didn't like her. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it - past traumas and tragedies do not give a person free license to be a jerk. And yet, that's exactly what happened here. Even though Owen was nothing but nice to Liz, she treated him like crap. And worse yet - he excused her behavior as a result of her past and kept pursuing her. So many times I wanted to tell him to just give it up and find a nice girl who actually likes him and respects him and wants to be with him. And that's frustrating, because I like Owen and his brothers and their family dynamics. I wanted him happy. I just didn't want him with her.
Owen and Liz ran very hot and cold throughout the book (mostly because of her, of course). They would get in either her house or his under perfectly platonic reasons, one thing would lead to another, and all of a sudden there would be some hot and sexy times. And there were some HOT and SEXY times. That Owen Gallagher might love his color-coded files, but when it comes to dirty talk, he throws caution to the wind. But, as soon as the hormones settle, Liz freaks and runs away and doesn't talk to him for days. Rinse and repeat.
There are quite a few villains in Passion Restored too. First we have Liz's awful father. We also have the dude that hit Owen with his car. And finally we have Liz's two co-workers whose mission is to make her workplace as hostile as possible. Sadly, none of them get the punishments I wanted to bear witness to. I love when a bad guy gets his or her comeuppance, and our hero or heroine is finally vindicated. It's a wonderful feeling of satisfaction, isn't it? So, when that doesn't happen, it's definitely noticed, and I noticed it here.
The best part about Passion Restored is the family dynamic that Owen has with his brothers, their wives and their children. I would love to be a part of the Gallagher family. They're supportive and funny and loving and completely dedicated to one another. Why Liz wouldn't want to be a part of that from go is beyond me.
I liked the lead-in to Murphy's book, and his is one I've been anticipating since the very beginning. Since it appears he's going to have something going with Tessa, Liz's best friend and housemate, I'm guessing that we'll be checking back in with Liz and Owen a lot. I'm excited for that, actually, since Liz was finally able to get her head on straight in the end and realized what really was important. I'm excited to see where they are in a few months.
February 17, 2021
Je continue sur ma lancée ! Et je commence à me demander si je ne préfère pas cette saga. Je trouve les sujets plus profonds. Même si l’érotisme est au rendez-vous et pas qu’un peu, les thèmes sur l’histoire de nos héros sont quand même légèrement plus forts que sur Montgomery Ink. Ça reste encore à décider.
Cette fois-ci, nous sommes avec Owen. Suite à un accident, il se retrouve bloqué chez lui. Quelle merveilleuse surprise de découvrir que sa nouvelle voisine n’est autre que l’inconnue du bar/infirmière qui s’est occupée de lui. Mais si pour lui tout est clair, il semble que ce soit plus compliqué pour la belle Liz d’accepter l’attirance entre eux.
Je suis vraiment perturbée avec ce tome. Je l’ai dévoré et quand j’ai refermé mon roman, je me suis dit : génial. Tout ce que j’aime. Puis mon cerveau s’est mis en route, et des points négatifs sont apparus. Mais en même temps, je n’arrive pas à occulter que j’ai passé un excellent moment. La chronique va être compliquée, je le sens !
Owen, le frère organisé avec ses multiples listes, sous entendu, mon âme-soeur. Mon dieu, qu’il est drôle avec ses étiquettes. Vraiment un héros, touchant, respectueux et qui parle à mon cœur. Bon, il ne détrône pas Graham, mais Austin, oui. Mon dieu, que d’infidélité ! Liz m’a énormément plu aussi. Moi qui ai souvent du mal. Je l’ai trouvé charmante, touchante avec son histoire familiale, et même si c’était un peu trop, j’ai compris ses pas en arrière quand on en voulait plus ! Un couple slowburn malgré toute la tension entre eux. Ça nous a permis d’apprendre à les connaître et à s’attacher à eux.
Mon problème vient de l’intrigue. En réalité, en dehors de la romance, il n’y a rien d’autre, contrairement aux autres tomes. Cela pourrait ne pas être un problème. Mais, cela m’a dérangé après réflexion, car vu certains indices, je m’attendais à du suspense concernant l’accident d’Owen ou la famille de Liz. Quand je pensais que cela allait arriver, et bien non, pas du tout. Donc je reste assez sur ma faim.
Bref, j’ai quand même adoré ma lecture, à tel point, qu’à l’heure où j’écris cette chronique, j’ai déjà lancé ma lecture du dernier tome qui s’annonce superbe ! Alors sans surprise, je vous recommande encore et toujours cette saga. Je ne comprends pas trop pourquoi les sorties ne correspondent pas à l’ordre de lecture, mais c’est un autre sujet. Je me dépêche d’aller retrouver mon roman !
Cette fois-ci, nous sommes avec Owen. Suite à un accident, il se retrouve bloqué chez lui. Quelle merveilleuse surprise de découvrir que sa nouvelle voisine n’est autre que l’inconnue du bar/infirmière qui s’est occupée de lui. Mais si pour lui tout est clair, il semble que ce soit plus compliqué pour la belle Liz d’accepter l’attirance entre eux.
Je suis vraiment perturbée avec ce tome. Je l’ai dévoré et quand j’ai refermé mon roman, je me suis dit : génial. Tout ce que j’aime. Puis mon cerveau s’est mis en route, et des points négatifs sont apparus. Mais en même temps, je n’arrive pas à occulter que j’ai passé un excellent moment. La chronique va être compliquée, je le sens !
Owen, le frère organisé avec ses multiples listes, sous entendu, mon âme-soeur. Mon dieu, qu’il est drôle avec ses étiquettes. Vraiment un héros, touchant, respectueux et qui parle à mon cœur. Bon, il ne détrône pas Graham, mais Austin, oui. Mon dieu, que d’infidélité ! Liz m’a énormément plu aussi. Moi qui ai souvent du mal. Je l’ai trouvé charmante, touchante avec son histoire familiale, et même si c’était un peu trop, j’ai compris ses pas en arrière quand on en voulait plus ! Un couple slowburn malgré toute la tension entre eux. Ça nous a permis d’apprendre à les connaître et à s’attacher à eux.
Mon problème vient de l’intrigue. En réalité, en dehors de la romance, il n’y a rien d’autre, contrairement aux autres tomes. Cela pourrait ne pas être un problème. Mais, cela m’a dérangé après réflexion, car vu certains indices, je m’attendais à du suspense concernant l’accident d’Owen ou la famille de Liz. Quand je pensais que cela allait arriver, et bien non, pas du tout. Donc je reste assez sur ma faim.
Bref, j’ai quand même adoré ma lecture, à tel point, qu’à l’heure où j’écris cette chronique, j’ai déjà lancé ma lecture du dernier tome qui s’annonce superbe ! Alors sans surprise, je vous recommande encore et toujours cette saga. Je ne comprends pas trop pourquoi les sorties ne correspondent pas à l’ordre de lecture, mais c’est un autre sujet. Je me dépêche d’aller retrouver mon roman !
March 8, 2017
3.5 out of 5 stars
Description ~
The Gallagher Brothers series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with the one brother who thinks he can handle it all and the one woman who could change that.
Owen Gallagher likes everything in its place and is organized to a fault. While his brothers have each dealt with their own personal tragedies and stresses, Owen figures he’s had it pretty easy. That is until his perfectly ordered world is rocked at its foundation and he’s forced to rely on others. Now, he must heal his body and his soul while trying to ignore his delectable and utterly off-limits neighbor.
Liz McKinley is stressed out, exhausted, and not in the mood for a bearded and growly man in her ER. When she patches him up to the best of his ability, she’s prepared to push him firmly from her thoughts. Of course, that would be easier if she and her best friend hadn’t bought the house next to his. Now their paths seem to cross daily, and she is finding it harder and harder to say no to the injured and angry man next door. But she’s been scarred one too many times in her life, and even though this Gallagher looks good enough to eat, she knows that sometimes, sating that craving is the worst thing she can do.
My Review ~
Passion Restored is the second book in the Gallagher Brothers series which is a spin-off of the author's Montgomery Ink series. This is not a stand-alone book and is best read in order with the both series as many of the characters and storylines cross into other stories.
I've been a huge fan of this author's since her first Redwood Pack story back in 2011, so needless to say she is an auto-buy author for me for all of her books/series. That being said...I generally love all of her characters and I absolutely loved the adorkably sweet and loving Owen Gallagher. When it comes to his love interest though, I was left with a case of whiplash and a missed connection with Liz. I get that her past defines how she sees herself but someone so strong should have realized that she probably should have been in therapy to work through the damage caused by her childhood.
Now I don't hate the character nor did I not like the book... I actually enjoyed the story, especially when things worked with Owen and Liz, plus there is the bonus of the rest of the Gallagher and Montgomery clans surrounding these two. The story itself is well written, and has many sweet, funny, and very sexy moments between Owen and Liz. It's just that when she pulls away, she'd pull a total 180 and would leave me shaking my head.
This book does have a happy ending so don't fret over that, and again the story is well written, the characters are ones we've met before this just gives us more of a glimpse into various events in their lives along with more of the dynamic of the Gallagher Brothers. Next up in the series is the youngest Gallagher, Murphy's book, which I'm highly looking forward to reading since we know bits and pieces of his rough child and teen-age years.
While I've shared that the character of Liz didn't work well for me, I highly encourage all readers to form their own opinion by giving Passion Restored a chance and reading it yourself. As we all know what works for one reader may not work for others, and what doesn't work for this reader may definitely work for other readers. So go buy Passion Restored... fall utterly in love with Owen and watch him work through his issues with Liz till they reach their happy ending.
Description ~
The Gallagher Brothers series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with the one brother who thinks he can handle it all and the one woman who could change that.
Owen Gallagher likes everything in its place and is organized to a fault. While his brothers have each dealt with their own personal tragedies and stresses, Owen figures he’s had it pretty easy. That is until his perfectly ordered world is rocked at its foundation and he’s forced to rely on others. Now, he must heal his body and his soul while trying to ignore his delectable and utterly off-limits neighbor.
Liz McKinley is stressed out, exhausted, and not in the mood for a bearded and growly man in her ER. When she patches him up to the best of his ability, she’s prepared to push him firmly from her thoughts. Of course, that would be easier if she and her best friend hadn’t bought the house next to his. Now their paths seem to cross daily, and she is finding it harder and harder to say no to the injured and angry man next door. But she’s been scarred one too many times in her life, and even though this Gallagher looks good enough to eat, she knows that sometimes, sating that craving is the worst thing she can do.
My Review ~
Passion Restored is the second book in the Gallagher Brothers series which is a spin-off of the author's Montgomery Ink series. This is not a stand-alone book and is best read in order with the both series as many of the characters and storylines cross into other stories.
I've been a huge fan of this author's since her first Redwood Pack story back in 2011, so needless to say she is an auto-buy author for me for all of her books/series. That being said...I generally love all of her characters and I absolutely loved the adorkably sweet and loving Owen Gallagher. When it comes to his love interest though, I was left with a case of whiplash and a missed connection with Liz. I get that her past defines how she sees herself but someone so strong should have realized that she probably should have been in therapy to work through the damage caused by her childhood.
Now I don't hate the character nor did I not like the book... I actually enjoyed the story, especially when things worked with Owen and Liz, plus there is the bonus of the rest of the Gallagher and Montgomery clans surrounding these two. The story itself is well written, and has many sweet, funny, and very sexy moments between Owen and Liz. It's just that when she pulls away, she'd pull a total 180 and would leave me shaking my head.
This book does have a happy ending so don't fret over that, and again the story is well written, the characters are ones we've met before this just gives us more of a glimpse into various events in their lives along with more of the dynamic of the Gallagher Brothers. Next up in the series is the youngest Gallagher, Murphy's book, which I'm highly looking forward to reading since we know bits and pieces of his rough child and teen-age years.
While I've shared that the character of Liz didn't work well for me, I highly encourage all readers to form their own opinion by giving Passion Restored a chance and reading it yourself. As we all know what works for one reader may not work for others, and what doesn't work for this reader may definitely work for other readers. So go buy Passion Restored... fall utterly in love with Owen and watch him work through his issues with Liz till they reach their happy ending.
July 2, 2018
2.5 Stars
I’ve admittedly been on somewhat of a Carrie Ann Ryan book binge and I really enjoy this author. Most of her novels are 3.5 to 4 stars for me and she’s really good at telling a story. However, I think I’m beginning to suffer from overexposure to her brand of angst. I think these books aren’t necessary meant to be read 6 or 7 at a stretch, back to back with each heroine trying to outdo the next with an angst-ridden backstory. And I DO like a bit of angst especially when it comes with tattoos and piercings and some somewhat light alternative to mainstream subculture elements but in this book, the angst angle wasn’t well played. The heroine, Liz, wasn’t likable first of all. She’s one of those romantic heroines into whose lap the perfect man falls and then she proceeds to sabotage herself and her potential happiness and send all the mixed signals for reasons that barely make sense. It felt like the author ran out of angst-ridden backgrounds to drop heroines into with this one and just came out with a story that didn’t make much sense in terms of the Liz’s current attitude and actions. If the author wanted to go this route, this novel could definitely have played up the deep themes of Liz’s back story more and ended up with a more likable heroine and a novel that was a little deeper and more meaningful. As for the estranged father angle.... it was rushed and unbelievable and the characterization of the Liz’s father in her back story didn’t match up at all. This is very readable as it IS Carrie Ann Ryan but it isn’t my favorite thing she’s written.
I’ve admittedly been on somewhat of a Carrie Ann Ryan book binge and I really enjoy this author. Most of her novels are 3.5 to 4 stars for me and she’s really good at telling a story. However, I think I’m beginning to suffer from overexposure to her brand of angst. I think these books aren’t necessary meant to be read 6 or 7 at a stretch, back to back with each heroine trying to outdo the next with an angst-ridden backstory. And I DO like a bit of angst especially when it comes with tattoos and piercings and some somewhat light alternative to mainstream subculture elements but in this book, the angst angle wasn’t well played. The heroine, Liz, wasn’t likable first of all. She’s one of those romantic heroines into whose lap the perfect man falls and then she proceeds to sabotage herself and her potential happiness and send all the mixed signals for reasons that barely make sense. It felt like the author ran out of angst-ridden backgrounds to drop heroines into with this one and just came out with a story that didn’t make much sense in terms of the Liz’s current attitude and actions. If the author wanted to go this route, this novel could definitely have played up the deep themes of Liz’s back story more and ended up with a more likable heroine and a novel that was a little deeper and more meaningful. As for the estranged father angle.... it was rushed and unbelievable and the characterization of the Liz’s father in her back story didn’t match up at all. This is very readable as it IS Carrie Ann Ryan but it isn’t my favorite thing she’s written.
March 21, 2021
I've read a few books from this author and I've realised they're a bit repetitive. There's always someone who 'doesn't do relationships' without a particularly justifiable reason.
These characters were ok together but one part of the story bugged me. Liz didn't want kids and one day planned to get tubal ligation. Of course she becomes pregnant. We never know Liz's thoughts on kids themselves but it's apparent her original decision not to have kids is tied to her childhood and mistreatment from her parents. It would make sense that Liz would at least consider something like abortion since she was determined not to have kids. Instead, there's a lot of references to the 'life growing inside her.' When she tells Owen she's pregnant and is freaking out, Owen says 'Don't do anything about this until we talk okay?' And for Liz - 'her heart thudded, pain radiating through at the thought of ending the life growing inside her.' 'Oh Owen. I would never take out your rights or choices'. Then we move on to the many mentions of the life growing inside her. Now maybe I'm reading too much into these but it appears this author is a fan of 'pro-life' arguments. I'm not and I don't want to read about it even in fiction. That aside, Liz is clearly worried about the pregnancy and becoming a mother. But Liz and Owen never have a conversation about their concerns and the future. We never see any positive or otherwise thoughts about the reality of kids. They just carry on and let things happen. It was weird.
These characters were ok together but one part of the story bugged me. Liz didn't want kids and one day planned to get tubal ligation. Of course she becomes pregnant. We never know Liz's thoughts on kids themselves but it's apparent her original decision not to have kids is tied to her childhood and mistreatment from her parents. It would make sense that Liz would at least consider something like abortion since she was determined not to have kids. Instead, there's a lot of references to the 'life growing inside her.' When she tells Owen she's pregnant and is freaking out, Owen says 'Don't do anything about this until we talk okay?' And for Liz - 'her heart thudded, pain radiating through at the thought of ending the life growing inside her.' 'Oh Owen. I would never take out your rights or choices'. Then we move on to the many mentions of the life growing inside her. Now maybe I'm reading too much into these but it appears this author is a fan of 'pro-life' arguments. I'm not and I don't want to read about it even in fiction. That aside, Liz is clearly worried about the pregnancy and becoming a mother. But Liz and Owen never have a conversation about their concerns and the future. We never see any positive or otherwise thoughts about the reality of kids. They just carry on and let things happen. It was weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2017
Two words for Carrie Ann Ryan is HOT DANG!! I knew just by looking at the cover this was going to be a Gallagher brother that was going to be hotter than ever and boy am I right. Of the three Gallagher brothers Owen is the one you go to if you need help or need someone to talk to. He is the one who will get the job done and the one well that will leave you breathless. Liz has no chance of surviving without him for he comes in like a hurricane all strong, blowing in with no warning and leaves a presence you cannot ignore. Carrie Ann Ryan shows us that no matter how strong we are we can always lean on someone who is understanding, patient and just loves us. Owen and Liz are two people who shows us that no matter how much you deny the attraction the passion just gets stronger than ever. Carrie Ann Ryan is a master of creating characters that are unique, loyal and just leaves a memorable mark in you when you read their story. Loved it.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
January 14, 2019
From the moment Liz walked into that bar, how little did she know her future would change forever. She didn't believe in relationships and for good reason, she believes that she would be like her mom and dad, two people that hated each other that was Liz meaning of a relationship. Liz cared about people and being a nurse she always put her patient first.
Owen didn't drool on women, but when Liz, walk into that bar that night he couldn't help himself to be intrigued by her. Yet, she didn't give away anything she was there to take her friend home end of story. But when Owen had hit in the hospital and realized Liz was his nurse he wanted her to tell his family, and from that night didn't see her again. Until he realized that the new neighbors were no other than Nurse Liz and her friend Tessa. The attraction was there and Owen knew it and Liz also, would they finally come together or will Liz keep running from him.
This book is hot, passion, trust, sex, and family sticks together. I'm so enjoying Carrie Ann writing. you just want to be part of that family she created.
Owen didn't drool on women, but when Liz, walk into that bar that night he couldn't help himself to be intrigued by her. Yet, she didn't give away anything she was there to take her friend home end of story. But when Owen had hit in the hospital and realized Liz was his nurse he wanted her to tell his family, and from that night didn't see her again. Until he realized that the new neighbors were no other than Nurse Liz and her friend Tessa. The attraction was there and Owen knew it and Liz also, would they finally come together or will Liz keep running from him.
This book is hot, passion, trust, sex, and family sticks together. I'm so enjoying Carrie Ann writing. you just want to be part of that family she created.
February 15, 2017
I received this book for an honest review.
I have read many of Carrie Ann's books and have loved them. I found this one no different.
Liz is had a rough childhood that has caused her to hide away from everyone except her best friend. She is insecure in some ways and irrationally scared of becoming like her parents.
Owen is an a definite dork with organisational ocd. One of the four Gallagher brothers and the third to find their forever.
Liz is his forever but she doesn't want to be. She fights him and herself every step of the way.
I enjoyed the story, I liked Liz but she did get a little repetitive in her excuses that she threw at Owen. I loved Owen. He was sweet, funny and knew what he wanted.
I loved all the other characters, old and new and can't wait for Murphy and Tessa's story. I must admit to preferring Graham's story but I think that is because I just prefer Graham lol
I have read many of Carrie Ann's books and have loved them. I found this one no different.
Liz is had a rough childhood that has caused her to hide away from everyone except her best friend. She is insecure in some ways and irrationally scared of becoming like her parents.
Owen is an a definite dork with organisational ocd. One of the four Gallagher brothers and the third to find their forever.
Liz is his forever but she doesn't want to be. She fights him and herself every step of the way.
I enjoyed the story, I liked Liz but she did get a little repetitive in her excuses that she threw at Owen. I loved Owen. He was sweet, funny and knew what he wanted.
I loved all the other characters, old and new and can't wait for Murphy and Tessa's story. I must admit to preferring Graham's story but I think that is because I just prefer Graham lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews