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The Tipperary #1
The Blow-In
Romance can lurk where you least expect it. Even in the depths of the Irish countryside. Political reporter Finola McGee is not the romantic type. She leads with her chin, shoots from the hip and takes no prisoners. When living on the edge loses its appeal, she escapes Dublin to run the local newspaper in a small Tipperary town. An easy job, friendly neighbours, lovely countryside, and fresh air—what’s not to like? But the rural bliss doesn’t last longer than a weekend. Finola soon finds herself mixed up in a hornet’s nest of conspiracies. And when Hollywood rides into town, a certain heartthrob adds a further twist to an already complicated romance… This is the first book in a three-part series.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2016
935 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Susanne O'Leary
56 books375 followersSusanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than 30 novels, mainly romantic fiction set in Ireland. Her many books set in County Kerry have been hugely popular with readers all over the world. She shares her time between Dublin and Kerry, where she and her husband have a little cottage near the beach. The wild, beautiful landscape, the small villages and the friendly people of that county have inspired her to write her feel-good stories. She's been inspired to represent people of all ages and walks of life, with lots of romance, and more than a dash of humour.
When she is not writing or reading by the fire, Susanne loves heading for the great outdoors, walking on the beaches or scaling the green hills of her favourite county.
When she is not writing or reading by the fire, Susanne loves heading for the great outdoors, walking on the beaches or scaling the green hills of her favourite county.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 17, 2016
I’ve read a number of this author’s books. Whilst there’s no question that I obviously love her books, I’d be hard put to say which is my favourite because they’re all good, and The Blow-In is no exception. It’s another five-star read.
In this, we have the sassy, no-nonsense (my favourite female character!) Finola stepping down from edgy journalism to revive a local newspaper in a little Irish town. Not a bad place to start a calmer, less stressful life, away from failed relationships and controversial reporting. But we all know what happens to well-laid plans…conspiracy, good-looking men and way-too-adorable puppies upset the rural-bliss applecart.
O’Leary’s romances are mature, wholesome and robust. The plot is never predictable; there are surprises and twists. The Blow-In ticks all those boxes, along with some snappy, witty dialogue, characters who are colourful, interesting, funny, annoying, arrogant, all contributing to a cracking read.
In this, we have the sassy, no-nonsense (my favourite female character!) Finola stepping down from edgy journalism to revive a local newspaper in a little Irish town. Not a bad place to start a calmer, less stressful life, away from failed relationships and controversial reporting. But we all know what happens to well-laid plans…conspiracy, good-looking men and way-too-adorable puppies upset the rural-bliss applecart.
O’Leary’s romances are mature, wholesome and robust. The plot is never predictable; there are surprises and twists. The Blow-In ticks all those boxes, along with some snappy, witty dialogue, characters who are colourful, interesting, funny, annoying, arrogant, all contributing to a cracking read.
May 1, 2017
I really liked the author's style and the story promised to be a lot beefier than many similar romances, but Finola didn't come over as 'sassy' - she came across as downright rude at times and I really didn't care much for her after a while.
The real problem with this story is that, after promising start - the mysterious resignation of the previous editor and the fact that no one would talk about it - the whole thing was brought to a ridiculously rapid and very unsatisfying end as if the author thought - Ooops! Too many words! How can I end this quickly?
I was left feeling rather 'WTF?' it really needed a proper conclusion, not some deus ex machina miracle that neither satisfied nor answered several important questions.
The real problem with this story is that, after promising start - the mysterious resignation of the previous editor and the fact that no one would talk about it - the whole thing was brought to a ridiculously rapid and very unsatisfying end as if the author thought - Ooops! Too many words! How can I end this quickly?
I was left feeling rather 'WTF?' it really needed a proper conclusion, not some deus ex machina miracle that neither satisfied nor answered several important questions.
November 7, 2017
The first half of this books was wonderful! I thought I was reading a "one of the best books ever!" Smooth writing style, fast-paced, great characters, gorgeous setting, grabs and keeps your attention----BUT then half way through the book, the author RUINS the book by introducing her own political views and rudely suggesting that anyone who doesn't agree is a racist bigot. What???? I thought I was reading this fantastic romantic comedy set in beautiful Ireland, but the author had to go and ruin everything with her political views. The Blow-In blew it for me! (And this is the first book of which I have ever left a negative review).
June 19, 2019
Wonderful introduction to this series. I love the characters, setting and most aspects of the plot — although the “wrap up” of Finola’s investigation and wedding felt rushed at the end. Secondly, I’m not certain Finola’s love interest and marriage is entirely plausible. It just felt a bit
“too fairy-tale”-ish at the end. There would have been nothing wrong with her ending up with one of the local guys, all of whom seem far more believable and complex than the guy she ends up choosing. Three-and-a-half stars.
“too fairy-tale”-ish at the end. There would have been nothing wrong with her ending up with one of the local guys, all of whom seem far more believable and complex than the guy she ends up choosing. Three-and-a-half stars.
March 7, 2018
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, The Blow-In by Susanne O'Leary. Finola McGee is a strong female character who stands for justice and quits her work as a reporter because of all the corruption she had been reporting on. She moves to the country to become the editor of a small town paper. When she tries to find out why the previous editor left in a rush, she is warned that as a blow-in (newcomer) she should keep her nose to herself.
There is potential romance between Finola and two other characters: Colin, the world-famous actor, and Rory, a local farmer. As she tries to sort out her feelings toward each, Finola probes into the reason for the previous editor's departure and finds politics, corruption, and bullying.
At that point, the story fizzles. The romantic scenes are bland; Colin's and Rory's character fall flat, the mystery is resolved too simplistically, and the ending feels rushed. I was disappointed. Too bad, it had great promise.
There is potential romance between Finola and two other characters: Colin, the world-famous actor, and Rory, a local farmer. As she tries to sort out her feelings toward each, Finola probes into the reason for the previous editor's departure and finds politics, corruption, and bullying.
At that point, the story fizzles. The romantic scenes are bland; Colin's and Rory's character fall flat, the mystery is resolved too simplistically, and the ending feels rushed. I was disappointed. Too bad, it had great promise.
February 7, 2019
This book is basically a romance and I don't usually go for that genre. However I thought this might be ok as it has a little more to it than boy meets girl. Sadly I only rate it at 2 stars. It wasn't for me.
It is set in Ireland. Political reporter Finola McGee is not the romantic type. She has worked hard exposing corruption, she takes no prisoners. When living on the edge loses its appeal, she escapes Dublin to run the local newspaper in a small Tipperary town. An easy job, friendly neighbours, lovely countryside, and fresh air—what’s not to like?
But the rural bliss doesn’t last longer than a weekend. Finola soon finds herself mixed up in a hornet’s nest of conspiracies. And when Hollywood rides into town, a certain heartthrob adds a further twist to an already complicated romance…
It is set in Ireland. Political reporter Finola McGee is not the romantic type. She has worked hard exposing corruption, she takes no prisoners. When living on the edge loses its appeal, she escapes Dublin to run the local newspaper in a small Tipperary town. An easy job, friendly neighbours, lovely countryside, and fresh air—what’s not to like?
But the rural bliss doesn’t last longer than a weekend. Finola soon finds herself mixed up in a hornet’s nest of conspiracies. And when Hollywood rides into town, a certain heartthrob adds a further twist to an already complicated romance…
January 21, 2019
Started off well, and I like the setting being in Ireland, but once the movie star rolled on to the scene and she talks about not loving again until she knows she can trust that person. Well none of the characters show that they can be trusted and all of a sudden she “loves him” and “let’s have a baby” and “we should get married” and The End. What?! Lame story line.
I’d say “I’m not even going to mention”, but here I am about to mention. The main “problem” is that the town has a secret that is so big no one can talk about it. So it MUST be juicy. Nope. It’s that some kids bullied another kid so the family left town. Nothing sinister in politics as you might think.
I’d say “I’m not even going to mention”, but here I am about to mention. The main “problem” is that the town has a secret that is so big no one can talk about it. So it MUST be juicy. Nope. It’s that some kids bullied another kid so the family left town. Nothing sinister in politics as you might think.
January 25, 2019
Leaves a Reader Wanting More!!
Love how main character problem-solved, and yet was so very real, cute, but not glamorous, a problem-solver in the first degree, a person with a background, but not totally driven by it, told others we evil, but sought the truth from herself, and a good bit driven and a bit bossy, but had room to see other's feelings and think of their happiness and talents, and lean toward assertiveness instead of bossiness. Very happy with book. Four and a half stars to me simply because main male character was so a part of Holliwood...a bit out there, AND the fact that they both achieved a climactic moment, so to speak, TOGETHER EVERY TIME. No matter how much u love each other, or how u might wish it true, it is just not how it is. The way she describes meeting this lovely man, drawn by his smell, his thoughts, his very being, is just how it truly is. A book well-written and leaves u wanting for more!!
Love how main character problem-solved, and yet was so very real, cute, but not glamorous, a problem-solver in the first degree, a person with a background, but not totally driven by it, told others we evil, but sought the truth from herself, and a good bit driven and a bit bossy, but had room to see other's feelings and think of their happiness and talents, and lean toward assertiveness instead of bossiness. Very happy with book. Four and a half stars to me simply because main male character was so a part of Holliwood...a bit out there, AND the fact that they both achieved a climactic moment, so to speak, TOGETHER EVERY TIME. No matter how much u love each other, or how u might wish it true, it is just not how it is. The way she describes meeting this lovely man, drawn by his smell, his thoughts, his very being, is just how it truly is. A book well-written and leaves u wanting for more!!
February 11, 2019
Cute Irish Rom-Com
why do all of today's authors feel compelled to write a series? That is the biggest fault with this story....that there is no ending. The story of a 'stranger in a strange place' is a bit of a stretch and thankfully not pushed too hard. The love interest was very confusing thru the story in a will they won't they......but you know the formula too well to know of course they will.
I have no interest in investing in a bazillion stories to care too much about the characters....and neither does the author in the first introduction. You barely scratch the flavor of the town. It's a shame really because they are such good characters to flesh out.
why do all of today's authors feel compelled to write a series? That is the biggest fault with this story....that there is no ending. The story of a 'stranger in a strange place' is a bit of a stretch and thankfully not pushed too hard. The love interest was very confusing thru the story in a will they won't they......but you know the formula too well to know of course they will.
I have no interest in investing in a bazillion stories to care too much about the characters....and neither does the author in the first introduction. You barely scratch the flavor of the town. It's a shame really because they are such good characters to flesh out.
October 21, 2019
A good read
I really enjoyed this story of a newspaper journalist who sets off to get away from the harsh realities of politics and corruption. She gets a job as an editor of a small Irish town newspaper. The town is full of characters and she feels like she belongs. Then comes some harsh realities of bullying that she wants to set right. Throw in a Veterinarian, rich guy, and movie star. Could do without the sex but it is pretty light and only in a few places. Looking forward to #2
I really enjoyed this story of a newspaper journalist who sets off to get away from the harsh realities of politics and corruption. She gets a job as an editor of a small Irish town newspaper. The town is full of characters and she feels like she belongs. Then comes some harsh realities of bullying that she wants to set right. Throw in a Veterinarian, rich guy, and movie star. Could do without the sex but it is pretty light and only in a few places. Looking forward to #2
December 25, 2019
I loved it. I was having a hard time getting immersed in a book lately.
It was often funny to ready and the plot was quite intriguing.
I was very surprised it wasn't just a love story.
I picked it up because it had a journalist protagonist and it was set in Ireland — a place with which I'm not that familiar.
I don't regret picking it up.
I just finished reading it. I might come back and make a proper review later.
It was often funny to ready and the plot was quite intriguing.
I was very surprised it wasn't just a love story.
I picked it up because it had a journalist protagonist and it was set in Ireland — a place with which I'm not that familiar.
I don't regret picking it up.
I just finished reading it. I might come back and make a proper review later.
September 15, 2024
Got this as a blind date with a book and was so excited for an Irish romance…boy was I let down. The book is extremely fast paced and easy to read with the first half of the book being really engaging. Then as soon as you get to the half way mark, it becomes more about politics than romance and the dialogue becomes super cringy. The story also becomes extremely rushed, it felt like the author didn’t know where the story should go or how to get to the ending she wanting.
January 4, 2018
2.5 Stars.
It had the bones of a good story, but was too rushed. The dramatic situations were solved too easily. The H/h didn’t demonstrate anywhere near the level of interaction and connection to justify the ending. There were lots of ideas to work with, but just not enough development to support the story.
It had the bones of a good story, but was too rushed. The dramatic situations were solved too easily. The H/h didn’t demonstrate anywhere near the level of interaction and connection to justify the ending. There were lots of ideas to work with, but just not enough development to support the story.
January 17, 2019
Oh so much fun! This story was a hoot. There were a sprinkling of minor editing issues like when Fergal became Fergus for a moment half way in but he went back to being Fergal after the one blip. I loved the twists and turns and was totally surprised who our MC ended up with at the end. Lovely, lovely book.
January 17, 2019
Small towns, the same all over
Having family who live in a small irish town i could not believe how true to life this book was. Everyone knowing your business, not being able to sneeze without everyone knowing and a romantic life well. Good strong characters, a few different story lines to follow but all believable. Bring on the next one
Having family who live in a small irish town i could not believe how true to life this book was. Everyone knowing your business, not being able to sneeze without everyone knowing and a romantic life well. Good strong characters, a few different story lines to follow but all believable. Bring on the next one
July 7, 2017
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the characters and the Irish setting. I did feel it all wrapped up rather suddenly, but I liked this book well enough to pursue the next book in the series. There's a little rough language, but not a constant stream of it and it doesn't take center stage.
November 19, 2017
The story was ok, good plot and strong caracthers, but it ended up too abruptly, eveything was magically solved in just a few pages and so suddenly, that I think the author ran out of pages or ideas, so that was very disappointing.
December 8, 2017
Light reading
A fun story but with enough excitement to keep the reader interested. Well formed characters to love or dislike and a modern story line. Recommend to family and friends.
A fun story but with enough excitement to keep the reader interested. Well formed characters to love or dislike and a modern story line. Recommend to family and friends.
January 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. I actually think my biggest complaint is that it could have been much longer. Like there was so much more story that could have been fleshed out and I wish the book had more. Good sign! The ending felt rushed. I’d absolutely read more from this author.
January 27, 2019
A smart fun thoughtful read
A smart, thoughtful, fun read. No pay answers or plot. A smart female protagonist I'd like the know. Let's hear it for the good guys, or good women! Delightfully good read.
A smart, thoughtful, fun read. No pay answers or plot. A smart female protagonist I'd like the know. Let's hear it for the good guys, or good women! Delightfully good read.
February 3, 2019
Fun read
I enjoy reading about other cultures and locales. O'Leary writes a fun plot with twists, action, romance. Would prefer less swearing, but the story kept me engaged and figuratively turning pages.
I enjoy reading about other cultures and locales. O'Leary writes a fun plot with twists, action, romance. Would prefer less swearing, but the story kept me engaged and figuratively turning pages.
February 6, 2019
This book has potential. The characters are interesting. Unfortunately there is not much substance ti the entire book. Being part of a series may be the problem. Hopefully the next book will have more .
February 11, 2019
Journalist blows in to a small Irish community because her big city expose ruined her career. She becomes editor and sets things afire when she meets her love, an actor comes to town to make a movie and she solves a bullying ring.
March 9, 2019
This easy read is set in the Irish countryside, and it was the perfect book to keep me entertained on a flight. The characters could have been developed a bit more, and the ending is pretty unrealistic, but I liked it regardless and would read the next books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2019
Great read
Loved the ,setting in ireland.quirky, witty, fun story. Nice love story without being mushy. I liked how they got on about bullies n standing up against them , good by you...thanks
Loved the ,setting in ireland.quirky, witty, fun story. Nice love story without being mushy. I liked how they got on about bullies n standing up against them , good by you...thanks
April 17, 2019
A lovely read
Loved the fun trip through southeast ireland. Well-written, and the perfect reading choice for the beach, bathtub or fireplace. The ending felt a little rushed but not so rushed I still didn't enjoy the read and smile as I finished the final page.
Loved the fun trip through southeast ireland. Well-written, and the perfect reading choice for the beach, bathtub or fireplace. The ending felt a little rushed but not so rushed I still didn't enjoy the read and smile as I finished the final page.
January 4, 2020
Wonderful book.
I loved reading this book keeps your interest and you don't want to stop until you complete the entire book.Could this be the best book the author has written so far.
I loved reading this book keeps your interest and you don't want to stop until you complete the entire book.Could this be the best book the author has written so far.
April 15, 2021
Fun and well paced
A cozy mystery with a bit of fluff romance. Well written and well paced, the heart of the story about bullying is impactful. While the love interests were completely secondary, they add a fun and light-hearted element.
A cozy mystery with a bit of fluff romance. Well written and well paced, the heart of the story about bullying is impactful. While the love interests were completely secondary, they add a fun and light-hearted element.
September 26, 2025
Loved Reading the Romance
The book has everything: drama, bad mom, evil and love. Hard to believe they can all exist in a feel-good story. I’m ready to read the next book immediately!
The book has everything: drama, bad mom, evil and love. Hard to believe they can all exist in a feel-good story. I’m ready to read the next book immediately!
December 12, 2017
This was much better than I expected when I started the book. It touches on a few serious topics and I like how they were handled.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews