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Beginner's Luck
As eldest son, Eoin O Brien is expected to take over the management of his family pub, the Lion O Brien in the Bronx. Despite his da s disapproval, he has achieved his dream of becoming a police detective. He also longs to have a family, but his wife Vivian left him three years ago to pursue her own dreams of working in an art gallery.
Now Vivian is back from California. When the gallery where she works is robbed and vandalized, their paths cross again. It turns out the attack on the gallery was personal. After Vivian is almost run down by a car, it is clear that she herself is the target, though she can t think of anyone who would wish her harm. Eoin and Vivian circle each other warily, each feeling the pull of the past and their still powerful attraction. But there will be no easy reconciliation. First she find a way back into the O Brien family s good graces. Eoin, in turn, sees that he is partly to blame for her flight. Like his father, he is too quick to anger, too domineering. He must learn to give the independent Vivian her space. But above all, he has sworn to protect her. And if he gives her too much space, she may end up dead.
Book 1 in the O Brien series.
"
Now Vivian is back from California. When the gallery where she works is robbed and vandalized, their paths cross again. It turns out the attack on the gallery was personal. After Vivian is almost run down by a car, it is clear that she herself is the target, though she can t think of anyone who would wish her harm. Eoin and Vivian circle each other warily, each feeling the pull of the past and their still powerful attraction. But there will be no easy reconciliation. First she find a way back into the O Brien family s good graces. Eoin, in turn, sees that he is partly to blame for her flight. Like his father, he is too quick to anger, too domineering. He must learn to give the independent Vivian her space. But above all, he has sworn to protect her. And if he gives her too much space, she may end up dead.
Book 1 in the O Brien series.
"
232 pages, Paperback
Published May 17, 2016
89 people want to read
About the author
Corinne Scott
5 books183 followersCorinne Scott was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Her parents were teachers, so of course she grew up to be a teacher as well, proving that the apple does not fall too far from the tree. Corinne has a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and a master’s from the University of North Texas. She is passionate about books, which led her to her current occupation as a librarian and now author. Lover’s Oak is her first novel. For more information, go to: authorcorinnescott.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 21, 2017
Beginner’s Luck is a second chance story for Eoin and Vivian. Married at a young age for all the wrong reasons, they have been separated for three years with almost no chance for a reconciliation. When Eoin becomes a detective, he’s shocked to discover his estranged wife is his first case. He’s horrified to learn her life is in danger. What a way to start a new career, not to mention that all the love he has always felt for his wife rushes to the surface.
Unfortunately Vivian and Eoin have way too many obstacles in their way. The main obstacle being Eoin’s family as they blame Vivian for running out on their eldest and never looking back. The other obstacles include Eoin’s father who would much rather see Eoin running the family pub to risking his life in law enforcement. Then, there’s the fact that Vivian seems to have a stalker and her life could be in danger.
Still, the sparks more than fly when they are in the same room. It’s very clear to everyone that Vivian and Eoin are far from done with each other. Now, if they can just find out who is threatening Vivian’s life!
This is romantic suspense at its finest. It’s a wonderful blend of romance with suspense. I always enjoy a strong family story and that’s what this is. The O’Briens are a big, loving family but they also get very emotional with each other.
Vivian and Eoin’s love for each other is poignant and sweet, but also quite fiery. The suspense part of the story kept me guessing. I surmised part of it, but was totally taken by surprise when the full story came to light. This is a very well-written book with vibrant and lively characters. You just know they each have their own story to be told. I, for one, absolutely cannot wait to read them.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Unfortunately Vivian and Eoin have way too many obstacles in their way. The main obstacle being Eoin’s family as they blame Vivian for running out on their eldest and never looking back. The other obstacles include Eoin’s father who would much rather see Eoin running the family pub to risking his life in law enforcement. Then, there’s the fact that Vivian seems to have a stalker and her life could be in danger.
Still, the sparks more than fly when they are in the same room. It’s very clear to everyone that Vivian and Eoin are far from done with each other. Now, if they can just find out who is threatening Vivian’s life!
This is romantic suspense at its finest. It’s a wonderful blend of romance with suspense. I always enjoy a strong family story and that’s what this is. The O’Briens are a big, loving family but they also get very emotional with each other.
Vivian and Eoin’s love for each other is poignant and sweet, but also quite fiery. The suspense part of the story kept me guessing. I surmised part of it, but was totally taken by surprise when the full story came to light. This is a very well-written book with vibrant and lively characters. You just know they each have their own story to be told. I, for one, absolutely cannot wait to read them.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 17, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Eoin O’Brien and his wife Vivian married very early in their relationship so that Eoin could get a green card and follow his dream to join the NYPD. Three years ago she left their marriage behind to follow her own dream of working in an art gallery. Now she is back in New York and guess who happens to answer the call when her gallery is robbed? None other than new detective Eoin O’Brien. The attraction is still there but is it enough for a reconciliation? Can than get past all the obstacles in their way?
Sometimes I just need to venture out of my cozy world for something a little steamy. I am not much of a romance reader but when you tangle romance with some mystery and suspense I am all in.
Having a little Irish in my make up and with tomorrow being St. Patrick’s Day, it was the perfect time to read this book.
The O’Brien family immigrated to America when Eoin was just 4 years old and opened their own Irish Pub. Their family grew and while Eoin’s father expected the eldest son to follow tradition and take over the pub when he was ready to retire Eoin has other ideas. His father didn’t take this well and their Irish tempers exploded often about this subject. When Eoin married Vivian and joined the police force their relationship became even more strained. In true fashion, his mother was the peacemaker. His brothers and sister were able to choose their careers, one even wants to run the pub. But there is still a cloud over this father and his eldest son.
Ms. Scott has created vivid characters I cared about right away. She took us deeper into their lives as the story progressed that made them so real. The Irish brogue made them even better. She allowed us to take a seat at the bar and enjoy the pub atmosphere and even the occasional fight. Eoin’s parents really warmed my heart as they both reminded me of my own parents. His father’s stubbornness and mother’s mostly gentle, sometimes forceful, prodding felt genuine and exactly like the home I grew up in. The sibling rivalry was very well written too. Makes me wonder if the author drew from her own life.
The romantic tension between Vivian and Eoin was strong and a few scenes absolutely sizzled. Situations continued to test them and at some points their pain just oozed of the pages.
I was impressed by the mystery. It was very balanced with the romance. Handled aptly by the police it was not easy for them to solve and had me perplexed several times. I thought I knew the “who” but the “why” was not adding up. It turned out I was only partly right when the entire story concluded. The ending had an suspenseful edge of your seat moment that I absolutely loved.
I am excited that this is going to be a series. I love this family. I wonder which O’Brien will be the star of the next story……
Eoin O’Brien and his wife Vivian married very early in their relationship so that Eoin could get a green card and follow his dream to join the NYPD. Three years ago she left their marriage behind to follow her own dream of working in an art gallery. Now she is back in New York and guess who happens to answer the call when her gallery is robbed? None other than new detective Eoin O’Brien. The attraction is still there but is it enough for a reconciliation? Can than get past all the obstacles in their way?
Sometimes I just need to venture out of my cozy world for something a little steamy. I am not much of a romance reader but when you tangle romance with some mystery and suspense I am all in.
Having a little Irish in my make up and with tomorrow being St. Patrick’s Day, it was the perfect time to read this book.
The O’Brien family immigrated to America when Eoin was just 4 years old and opened their own Irish Pub. Their family grew and while Eoin’s father expected the eldest son to follow tradition and take over the pub when he was ready to retire Eoin has other ideas. His father didn’t take this well and their Irish tempers exploded often about this subject. When Eoin married Vivian and joined the police force their relationship became even more strained. In true fashion, his mother was the peacemaker. His brothers and sister were able to choose their careers, one even wants to run the pub. But there is still a cloud over this father and his eldest son.
Ms. Scott has created vivid characters I cared about right away. She took us deeper into their lives as the story progressed that made them so real. The Irish brogue made them even better. She allowed us to take a seat at the bar and enjoy the pub atmosphere and even the occasional fight. Eoin’s parents really warmed my heart as they both reminded me of my own parents. His father’s stubbornness and mother’s mostly gentle, sometimes forceful, prodding felt genuine and exactly like the home I grew up in. The sibling rivalry was very well written too. Makes me wonder if the author drew from her own life.
The romantic tension between Vivian and Eoin was strong and a few scenes absolutely sizzled. Situations continued to test them and at some points their pain just oozed of the pages.
I was impressed by the mystery. It was very balanced with the romance. Handled aptly by the police it was not easy for them to solve and had me perplexed several times. I thought I knew the “who” but the “why” was not adding up. It turned out I was only partly right when the entire story concluded. The ending had an suspenseful edge of your seat moment that I absolutely loved.
I am excited that this is going to be a series. I love this family. I wonder which O’Brien will be the star of the next story……
May 27, 2016
Eion and Vivian's relationship is a crazy, twisted adventure you will love to be on. They entire O'Brien family is witty, lovely, and delightfully Irish! Eion and his father battle endlessly over his role as a detective with the NYPD and his sudden on-again marriage with his art director wife. The family and the couple endure plenty in this fresh, unique romantic tale set in the Bronx, outside of Manhattan in New York City. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and felt so privileged to read it. This book landed in my lap before release by chance, but I loved it and am very grateful. You'll enjoy this book very much.
March 17, 2017
This is a romantic mystery, where Eoin O'Brien and Vivian Lewis, after three years separated have a chance to repair their marriage, if Eoin can discover who is attempting to his wife life! ;)
This is a quick and funny read, how two people are crazy for each other, but prefer to hide their true feelings and decided to stay away for 3 years, can you believe it? This is what I call stubborn! They will have to talk and re-discover each other, I hope it will be worth!
This book is about love, but not just the one you share with your partner, the one you share with your family; parents, brothers... It's not easy to grow if your family have a path in mind for you, what do you have to do, continue with your dreams or follow your family business? Never an easy question to answer, someone will be hurt no matter what you decide... this is more or less Eoin's problem, a part that he loves his wife but doesn't know what to do to repair their marriage. Sometimes I think we think too much about everything, if we have a problem, why we hide it? It's always worse!
I am not sure I agree with how this book presents the Irish people, they can be familiar, yes, but they say they are stubborn and act before think... I am not sure this only applies for Irish, or all the Irish are like this, for now (after almost 2 years) I haven't met any Irish with this characteristics...
This is a book to read if you are searching for a romance with a little of mystery, there's a lot of love and some art included!
Do you believe in the magic of the Shamrock?
This is a quick and funny read, how two people are crazy for each other, but prefer to hide their true feelings and decided to stay away for 3 years, can you believe it? This is what I call stubborn! They will have to talk and re-discover each other, I hope it will be worth!
This book is about love, but not just the one you share with your partner, the one you share with your family; parents, brothers... It's not easy to grow if your family have a path in mind for you, what do you have to do, continue with your dreams or follow your family business? Never an easy question to answer, someone will be hurt no matter what you decide... this is more or less Eoin's problem, a part that he loves his wife but doesn't know what to do to repair their marriage. Sometimes I think we think too much about everything, if we have a problem, why we hide it? It's always worse!
I am not sure I agree with how this book presents the Irish people, they can be familiar, yes, but they say they are stubborn and act before think... I am not sure this only applies for Irish, or all the Irish are like this, for now (after almost 2 years) I haven't met any Irish with this characteristics...
This is a book to read if you are searching for a romance with a little of mystery, there's a lot of love and some art included!
Do you believe in the magic of the Shamrock?
March 3, 2017
This book follows Eoin O'Brien who has just become police detective. His first case involves investigating a robbery at a local art gallery the woman who worked there is Vivian, Eoin's estranged wife. Who is shocked when her husband shows up. As the book progresses Vivian becomes the target of someone out to get her but Eoin can't figure out why? Or why his father is being so hard on him for being a cop. Liam the father of Eoin hoped his son would run the family pub instead of being a cop. When Vivian shows up Liam is worried that Vivian is going to leave when the times get hard again.
This book was great full of adventure and angst of all sorts. I loved the strongness of both Eoin and Vivian fighting for what they want without giving up themselves in the process and loved how the mystery to the crimes wasn't cut and dry it drew it out which made you want to see how it all played out in the end. I also loved meeting the family and seeing who their friends and co-workers were. Can't wait to see what is next for the O'Brien clan!
This book was great full of adventure and angst of all sorts. I loved the strongness of both Eoin and Vivian fighting for what they want without giving up themselves in the process and loved how the mystery to the crimes wasn't cut and dry it drew it out which made you want to see how it all played out in the end. I also loved meeting the family and seeing who their friends and co-workers were. Can't wait to see what is next for the O'Brien clan!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2017
3.5/5.0
Present day New York, an Irish born detective and a need to succeed in America paves the way for this original love story.
Read full review in the 2017 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Present day New York, an Irish born detective and a need to succeed in America paves the way for this original love story.
Read full review in the 2017 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 4, 2017
Another author has snuck up on me. Yes, another one. I love finding them because now she has me hooked on the O’Brien’s of New York and I honestly don’t know how long I’m going to have to wait for the next book in the series. Yes, this book is that good. I love a good family saga series and this one has started off with a bang.
A big, loud and loving Irish family from the old country, Limerick to be told. Sibling rivalry that almost unravels a marriage, a career and not mention the patriarch almost dying. Then for good measure, good old fashioned Irish guilt. I’m telling you, dear readers, this book has everything that you want. A hero and heroine to cheer for, siblings that you will come to love, in-laws that mean well and not to mention a suspense element that at one time was forgotten until it just to rears back up again and I never saw the twist coming nor the outcome. Oh and humor. Yes, there is lots of good Irish humor.
Why do I keep going on about the Irish angle in the book? Because I’m Irish and Ms. Scott has written a book that doesn’t make fun of the Irish but shows the real side of the Irish. Realistically set in New York, with a family that came over from the old country with already two sons, and had 3 more kids. A dad and his brother that have a rivalry that makes sense but at the same time almost destroy’s the family and a marriage.
Eion, the oldest and hero is just so …. *swoon* Nothing makes my knickers get in a twist than an Irish hero. Seriously. Eion is just as stubborn as any Irish male but he makes up for it in his love for Viv. Oh course, he messes up, royally in fact, but it’s that deep love that he feels for her that got me every time he messed up. Viv is just as strong. When she walked, it was because of non-communication on both of their parts and now, it’s the struggle of really finding their way back to each other.
Don’t go into this book thinking there will be lots of smexy times. Honestly, it’s more on the sweet/sensual side but guess what? This book didn’t need it. This book is about two people that are so in love with each other, stubborn to a fault and trying to find their way back to each other and having that love grow stronger. Sex is messy, dirty and complicates things. Eion and Viv didn’t need that in their story.
I know that I’ve written a bunch about the book and you just need to read this gem of a book. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series. I’ve GOT to know about Niall and Lola. Lord, every time they were together, you were laughing but also, felt the sexual tension ratcheted up 1000.
A big, loud and loving Irish family from the old country, Limerick to be told. Sibling rivalry that almost unravels a marriage, a career and not mention the patriarch almost dying. Then for good measure, good old fashioned Irish guilt. I’m telling you, dear readers, this book has everything that you want. A hero and heroine to cheer for, siblings that you will come to love, in-laws that mean well and not to mention a suspense element that at one time was forgotten until it just to rears back up again and I never saw the twist coming nor the outcome. Oh and humor. Yes, there is lots of good Irish humor.
Why do I keep going on about the Irish angle in the book? Because I’m Irish and Ms. Scott has written a book that doesn’t make fun of the Irish but shows the real side of the Irish. Realistically set in New York, with a family that came over from the old country with already two sons, and had 3 more kids. A dad and his brother that have a rivalry that makes sense but at the same time almost destroy’s the family and a marriage.
Eion, the oldest and hero is just so …. *swoon* Nothing makes my knickers get in a twist than an Irish hero. Seriously. Eion is just as stubborn as any Irish male but he makes up for it in his love for Viv. Oh course, he messes up, royally in fact, but it’s that deep love that he feels for her that got me every time he messed up. Viv is just as strong. When she walked, it was because of non-communication on both of their parts and now, it’s the struggle of really finding their way back to each other.
Don’t go into this book thinking there will be lots of smexy times. Honestly, it’s more on the sweet/sensual side but guess what? This book didn’t need it. This book is about two people that are so in love with each other, stubborn to a fault and trying to find their way back to each other and having that love grow stronger. Sex is messy, dirty and complicates things. Eion and Viv didn’t need that in their story.
I know that I’ve written a bunch about the book and you just need to read this gem of a book. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series. I’ve GOT to know about Niall and Lola. Lord, every time they were together, you were laughing but also, felt the sexual tension ratcheted up 1000.
November 5, 2016
Loved this second novel by Corinne Scott! The two main characters can not help themselves but be together. No matter the obstacles, or how hard they try to avoid it they are fated. Can not wait for the next book in the series to hear what stories lie behind the other characters in this novel.
November 27, 2016
It kept me reading. I found the plot interesting and enjoyed the characters. Life got in their way but together they managed to work it all out and I think I spotted another one in the wings. Good. I'll buy it.
March 29, 2017
This book seemed to be that of a love story being a second chance for Vivian and Eoin. But, they're having to fight tooth and nail the entire way from both sides of their family. There's Eoin's father wanting him to take on the family business rather than letting him choose his own career as a police officer/detective. Then Vivian is dealing with blame and guilt as well as a stalker which brings in an element of danger and suspense to the story. These two just can't seem to catch a break. All in all this was a very good romantic suspense that I had a hard time putting down! There were times when I thought I had at least parts of the story figured out (and I did...here and there) but when the entire story was unfolded and put on the table, there was definitely parts and details of the story I was not expecting. I am so glad that this is book one in the series because I can't wait for the next installment. This was well-written, captivating, suspenseful, and poignant.
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews