Against the backdrop of windswept, coastal Ireland, two people are brought together under unlikely circumstances, one scarred by tragedy, the other by betrayal.
Branna O’Mara never expected to be orphaned at the age of twenty-three. When she lost her father, Major Brian O’Mara, USMC in the Second Battle of Fallujah, she thought she’d taken the worst life had to give. She never imagined she would lose her mother to cancer, six years later. The life of a military child prepared her for the challenges of relocating, but for the first time, she’d be doing it alone. Where do you go when you’re the last man standing? The solution came to her when she received an email with a real estate listing in County Clare, Ireland. Having inherited her parents’ rental properties, she knew the value of a diamond in the rough. A secluded cottage in the land of her ancestors was just the fresh start she needed. What she wasn’t prepared for was another buyer, after the deal had been struck. As she becomes intertwined with the people, the music, and the spirit of the small town, she understands that she’s finally found somewhere to belong. Michael O’Brien and the entire O’Brien clan are a force to be reckoned with, but she will not allow them to take her new home.
Michael O’Brien is a local hero and rescue swimmer for the Irish Coast Guard. He has lived in the small coastal village of Doolin, in County Clare, all of his life. Emerging from the ashes of a failed marriage, and living with his parents, is not where he expected to be at the age of twenty-nine. All he really wants is to buy the local Kelly cottage, fix it up, and live in peace. After two years on the market, he never imagined there would be a competing bidder. He certainly didn’t expect some little yank to swoop in to town, and try to buy it right out from under him. He finds himself drawn into an unlikely battle with a fiery, young American woman, neither of them willing to bend. But as her secrets unravel and the woman is revealed, will he be able to push her out of the cottage, the town, and out of his life?
Stacey Reynolds began writing after a trip to Europe, where she was bewitched by the coastal counties of Western Ireland. She lives on the coast of North Carolina with three of her five children and her dashing husband, a retired Marine Officer. To learn more about the author check these resources: www.staceylreynolds.weebly.com facebook.com/staceyreynoldsauthor/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/staceyreyno...#
Unfortunately this was not to my tastes. Too sappy and repetitive, with many tropes I loathe. Heroine is perfect but “damaged”; everyone loves her on sight but she’s too clueless to realize it. All the guys want to get in her knickers. In fact, a running “joke” with the H’s cousin, after she friend zones him, is that he keeps asking, “Remind me why I’m not trying to get in your knickers.” Heroine is so virginal she’s never even touched herself, yet becomes an immediate sex goddess for the hero.
The story was pretty much wrapped up by the halfway point. So what’s left? The couple bonking like bunnies and then having a dramatic meltdown because of a misunderstanding. And also, despite this being soul mate level True Love, they can’t just talk to each other, right? Nope, of course not.
I see a lot of people enjoyed this, though. If you like the New Adult genre, you may like it better than I did. But for me, it was just twenty-something characters acting like teenagers and a lot of wish fulfillment.
This book was set in a place I know and love — the moody and majestic cliffs of western Ireland. And as a bonus, there is also mention of places all over the island that are dear to my heart. They even highlight the Burren Perfumery, a tiny little place my husband and I visited on our anniversary trip. So many good memories triggered only to be repeatedly repulsed by the following: • an audiobook narrator whose angsty groaning Irish accent nearly drove me insane • stereotypical Irish expressions most natives would never actually use • a main character so beautiful and perfect that her only flaw is not drinking enough water • repeated use of the phrase “trying to get into her knickers”. I wanted to throw things! • a family full of devastatingly gorgeous, linebacker sized males with enough testosterone to fuel a tour bus • the religious pretense of long hair being a woman’s glory and abortion being wrong but literally anything else goes • and most of all, the head hopping from one paragraph to the next, which is apparently how modern authors handle third person omniscience?
Cliche, stereotypical, trite, predictable, banal.
Will not be continuing this series. If the audiobook hadn’t been free as part of the Plus catalogue I would have returned it, and I never do that.
P.S. Coffee does NOT cause kidney stones. And a diet of red meat and shellfish is most definitely not the cure. Quite the opposite. Please research medically accurate information.
This book is absolutely enchanting. It made me laugh, cry, and become flush. From the very beginning, I was enthralled in the story of these captivating characters. I could not put the book down and am beyond excited for the next installment to come out so I can find out what happens to the rest of the clan.
A debut novel that is a SMASH HIT!! 1st time author Stacey Reynolds is beyond capable of transporting you right into her book. I felt like those children in movies that literally are sucked into the novel, transported in time & place. I could not put this down. I have always wanted to see Ireland and now, I want to book a flight straight in to Dublin with the hopes that the entire O'Brien family is there to wisk me away to Doolin! As I read, all my senses were heightened to the descriptions, taking me right where the scene was taking place. As a devoted reader, I like to pause and look up music or foods that are described, so for me, this was also a wonderful learning experience. I've broadened my knowledge of both! Knowledge is always a perk in my opinion. I'm on the edge of my seat, awaiting her next installment and hope there will be many more to come!! Is it October yet?
This book was so fun to read and difficult to put down. If, like me, you have been to Ireland, you will be ready to go back. If you have never been, I would think this book would help you make that decision to go. Stacey does a great job describing the beautiful country and people who live there. I am also a military spouse, so the military related details were familiar and spot on. Even the scenes in NC were on a beach I visited as a child with my family many times. The characters were impossible not to root for and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I dragged the last few chapters out as long as I could, only allowing myself 1-2 per night as the story was wrapping up. I simply did not want it to end. I now have book depression and character withdrawal. It's hard to believe this is author Stacey Reynolds' debut novel. Having followed her blog in the past though and loving her smart, witty, descriptive and thought provoking writing style, I knew I had to read this book. Never having even thought about Ireland before, I now feel as if I've been there and must return! I miss the cliffs, the sea, the small town tavern, the cabin and its people. Ohhhhhhhhh the people! I loved them all, even Fiona. Stacey has a way of transporting you there and making you see, touch, smell and feel all there is and more in this novel. Im now in lust with each O'Brien man and adore each of the women. I can't stop thinking about Branna and Michael and wonder what they're doing now. I loved all the different twists and surprises, so many times that I didn't see them coming. The story line(s) captivated me, they made me laugh and at times want to cry. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the stories of the others. I want to know more about Aidan and Anna, Tagdh, Sean and Sorcha. I want to be part of their amazing, loving, caring and fun family. Many people try their hand at blogging thinking they are writers and there's a reason they stay bloggers or lose followers. This is definitely not the case with Stacey Reynolds. I see a bright future ahead for this author. Karen White is one of my favorites and I gotta say, move over Karen cause Stacey R. Is the next big thing! And I didn't even go into the sex scenes! They were sweet and tender but also hot, steamy and erotic! I waited half the book to get to them, but the lead up, sexual tension and "foreplay" was definitely worth the wait! I absolutely loved it Lass!
While the beginning of this book started out strong (I’m a sucker for the they have to shack up trope) by the time I got to the end I was tired of Brannas whining and the overall teenage horniness that plagued them both (even though they are far from those teen years). The chemistry was well written if a bit sudden and overdramatized. The plot almost seemed to go away as we the reader are subject to page after page of them fantasizing about each other. Finally my last point against this book is how much these people moan. Why must they moan with each bite of food?
2.5, not my cuppa, stars. So many over-the-top Hallmark movie elements dragged the story out way beyond what is reasonable. However, I refuse to give up on the author and series; they have so much potential.
Cheesy storyline, characters are one dimensional and I just don’t understand how the main character had such a hard life and is all alone and yet everyone who meets her adores her and wants to do everything for her and she’s literally perfect. She’s gorgeous, can cook elaborate meals with no practice, runs her own business, is super fit but doesn’t exercise and she can sing Irish ballads despite having never been to Ireland or studied music. I can’t believe there are sequels to this book.
I haven't read many romance novels, and it isn't my normal genre. That said, this was by far the best.
What a beautifully told tale full of passions and tenderness. It makes me want to go to Ireland. It also reminds me to cherish the time I have with the ones I love.
an atmospheric tale of love, loss, friendship and finding your way in the world AND a perfect example of why boys are better in books...the bloody O'Brien boys.....lol!! ;-) A brilliant debut......be prepared to put your life on hold when you start this book!! Well done Stacey!!
If I hadn't known it was a debut novel I would never have guessed it. The plot was well thought out, the characters were very real feeling, 3 dimensional people with well constructed back stories. The descriptions of the place were so good I felt like I could smell the sea and hear the waves almost like I was there. I can't wait for the next instalment!
Branna O’Mara has nothing to lose, so she spends her life savings on a charming cottage in the Irish countryside with one purpose: live a quiet, solitary life in a small town that reminds her of her father. Little does she know that she isn’t the only one who put an offer in on that charming cottage…and Michael O’Brien—who needs a fresh start himself—is not about to let the house of his dreams fall into the hands of an entitled American who knows nothing about the town he fiercely loves.
✨ Review ✨
If you like classic romance with all the tropes, this is the book for you. It had some tropes I love, primarily forced proximity, but it also had a few I hated, which I won’t reveal because spoilers.
I loved the concept. I loved the O’Brien clan and all their personalities. I loved the town of Doolin and the small town dynamics. I loved Michael, the hero, and all his sexy brothers (and sexy silver fox dad).
I did not love Branna, the heroine. She started off cool, with a headstrong personality and go-getter attitude, but soon it really just felt like I was reading about a Mary Sue. And then my least favorite trope ever happened, so I guess I was kind of set up for failure with her.
I liked it enough that I think I’ll read the next one if I ever have an extra audible credit, and again: for fans is classic romance with a whole lot of Irish culture, this is a sure hit!
Yikes! If you like books about sickeningly perfect heroine who is a living angel but also a whiny & melodramatic basket case, this book is for you. Especially, if you want to be reminded over and OVER again throughout the book.
If you like books loaded with unnecessary & extensive descriptions of EVERYTHING, this book is for you i.e., long descriptions of every meal - the sides, if it was organic, temperature of the steak, how everything was prepared and the breed of cow (ok, kidding on that last part).
Descriptions are important regarding a time and place but these details contribute zero to the story. Don’t get me started on the long drawn descriptions of outfits & clothing followed by (again) descriptions of how perfect the lead female was who was also Mother Theresa incarnate. I’m all for sexy leads, but show me don’t TELL me. Ugh just AWFUL. Glad I bought it on sale.
If this were half as long, I might have liked it better. I also just can't stand characters who sabotage their own happiness because they don't think they deserve it. And that is this protagonist in a nutshell, in addition to being a weird cross between Mother Teresa and a bratty bombshell with major daddy (and mommy) issues. The writing itself did nothing to make up for my dislike of the main character. The romance itself felt boring by the midway point. I had to force myself to finish the book.
If saccharine sweet characters and drama caused by people not being able to say what they actually want/feel is your thing, you might enjoy this more than I did.
FANTASTIC! I read it cover to cover in 2 days. I could not put it down. I cried, I laughed out loud, and was on the edge of my seat the whole time. These characters became real in my head. If this is Stacey Reynolds first novel, I can't wait to see what else she has packed up her sleeves. 12/10 stars!
Captivating....couldn't put down!!! This book basically grabs you from the first chapter and doesn't let go even after you've finished!! Leaves wanting more of the O'Briens. Well done Stacey....I've already started book 2!! You have another fan north of the border !!
Loved this book. It was predictable, as a lot of this genre is, but it grabbed my attention right from the beginning. I loved the big family and I loved the military references. Especially when they went to Camp Lejeune. Towards the end, I wanted to read it straight through and at the same time, I didn’t want it to end. Can’t wait to start Book 2!! It says a lot that this was the author’s first book and it was so good. I hope there are many more books to come; after all, it’s a big family :)
This book was gifted to me by a dear friend. It's not the type of book I usually read but I ended up loving it. Sometimes you just need a feel good story and this definitely delivers. I couldn't put it down and was up way past my bedtime! Would be perfect to read around the holidays. I have already ordered and look forward to reading the next books in the series!
Start by acknowledging romance is not one of my preferred genres and I probably should have given up much sooner, but I liked how it started quite a bit and that was enough to push past the first clues this wasn't for me.
I'm very happy for the many people who loved it. Not every book is for every reader.
I enjoyed the descriptions of inanimate objects. As I said, I liked the beginning and I was still ok the first couple days of their forced co-habitation (suspending disbelief and enjoying the ride) but about the point we meet Michael's family and travelled to another reality where everyone is beautiful, kind, loving, can sing and play an instrument, is in great physical condition and an awesome cook (except Fiona who is just the bad red-headed ex-wife) I should have stopped.
I was tired of Michael's tent-pole long before he used it. was simultaneously hilarious and revolting.
A heavy edit, removing much of the repetitiveness and overdone stereotypes might have resulted in a book short enough that I would have made it through with a solid 3-star enjoyment. Instead, I kept pushing myself, skimming at times once they and ended up irritated with myself for continuing.
For the most part I liked this book. Usually I would have given a story like this a 4 Star (aka "I like it") rating even with the surprise pregnancy which is my pet peeve trope. But there were 3 other things that took this down to an "Eh" rating....
1. The difference POVs. While I appreciated getting everyone's side of things, the amount of time we spent going over and over and over one thing was irritating.
2. I refuse to believe that the h went from prudish virgin to wanton sex goddess with one experience. Also, she was about to go into that one experience without letting her partner know... That's definitely not ok.
3. There is this weird combo here. It is a world where fairly graphic sex happens on one page, then talk about God happens the next. Where magic is accepted but also a divine figure is strongly pushed at us. It felt weird and preachy, especially toward the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I, like other readers here enjoyed Stacey Reynolds debut novel. I know Stacey and am impressed with not only her ability to write a book that held my interest but in finding the time to do so. The characters came to life and as one critic said she hated some of the characters and loved others almost as a criticism to the author, I would offer that more as a compliment. That means Stacey brought "life" to the words she put to paper. My only criticism would be to find volunteers to proof read. Look forward to other O'Brien adventures. Bravo Stacey Reynolds.
So proud of my friend, Stacey Reynolds, with her debut novel! I absolutely LOVED it! I was sucked in from the very first page and fell in love with all of the characters! Whew! Those O'Brien men.....I laughed, I cried and couldn't lay it down, especially during the steamy parts! I've never thought too much about going to visit Ireland but this book transports you there. You can see the scenery and smell the smells and it just draws you in. I want to visit Doolin now! I can not wait to read the story of Aidan and Tadgh and continue the journey with the O'Brien clan! Well done my friend!
I thought I’d give another shot at a Romance since last month’s pick was enjoyable but nope this was not it. I listened to this on Audible and it was absolutely ridiculous to the point that I laughed at the sex scenes.
Branna O'Mara and Michael O'Brien are equally matched. Each are stubborn, strong willed and generous to a fault. Two strangers living together in a cottage in the west of Ireland makes for laugh out loud situations. As the attraction grows between the two, you can't help but cheer for them and turn the pages to see how it ends. The author has created wonderful back stories for each of the characters. Bringing the reader to the west coast of Ireland and into the day to day lives of an Irish family.
Absolutely fantastic!! I loved all of the wonderful people! Makes me wish I were young again and had a chance to go to Ireland!!!!
So many wonderful scenes in this book to visualize and you are such a fantastic writer that I had no problem doing that!!! WOW! The love scenes were beautiful.....Thanks! I had a very difficult time putting this book down. Can't wait till the next. Can't see how you can possibly improve on this one. I surely needed this! I'm 70 years old, but I'm NOT dead yet!!! I would recommend this book to any woman. Enjoy!
OMG! The writing blew me away. Between the giggles and full out laughter from the antics and arguments, to the sniffles and tears, and the ugly crying, the story of Branna and Michael was heartwarming and gut wrenching all at once. Thank you for this beautiful journey. 5 stars for this emotional roller coaster. ❤
Great read. Could not put this one down, got a little tired of the main character feeling sorry for herself for a quick minute. Strong family ties, Irish roots, all come together for a great treat.