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The McKinnon Brothers #4
Love in Dublin
Single father Colin McKinnon has roots and obligations that have kept him firmly in Dublin his entire life. He once planned to explore the world, but he was bound by duty and gave up on his dreams long ago. When he meets free-spirited American travel writer Maggie in a pub, he’s intrigued. She could help him get a taste of what he lost, rattle the chains of his self-imposed isolation. Instantly drawn to her light, beauty, and sense of adventure, Colin can’t stay away.
Maggie Spencer doesn’t just crave the open road, she needs it to survive. After a harrowing accident and life-changing loss, she rebuilt her life by exploring new places on her own. When she accepts a temporary job writing about day tours in Ireland, she falls in love with Dublin and the man she teaches to explore it. Through their daily adventures, they learn opposites do more than just attract—they can also help each other heal.
But can a man with deep roots keep a woman with wings by his side?
Maggie Spencer doesn’t just crave the open road, she needs it to survive. After a harrowing accident and life-changing loss, she rebuilt her life by exploring new places on her own. When she accepts a temporary job writing about day tours in Ireland, she falls in love with Dublin and the man she teaches to explore it. Through their daily adventures, they learn opposites do more than just attract—they can also help each other heal.
But can a man with deep roots keep a woman with wings by his side?
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2017
384 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Gracen
21 books257 followersJennifer Gracen was born, raised, and still lives on Long Island, New York, and is a proud mom of two grown sons. She loves to write for readers who look for authentic characters, some humor, some passion, and warmth. A medical copy editor by day, Jennifer also does copy editing and proofreading for novelists. She's also been known to give lively concerts in her car (she's an alto).
The Harrisons Series:
Book 1: More Than You Know
Book 2: Someone Like You
Book 3: 'Tis The Season
Book 3.5: Happily Ever After (novella)
Book 4: Between You And Me
Book 5: It Might Be You
The McKinnon Brothers Series:
Book 1: All I Want For Christmas
Book 2: The Doctor's Love
Book 3: Marrying His Best Friend
Book 4: Love In Dublin
Her short story A DOSE OF GELT was featured in a Chanukah anthology, BURNING BRIGHT: Four Chanukah Love Stories, published by Avon Impulse/HarperCollins in December 2015.
The Seasons Of Love Series:
Book 1: Autumn Getaway
Book 2: Winter Hopes
Book 3: Spring Shadows
Book 4: Summer Champagne
More to come...
The Harrisons Series:
Book 1: More Than You Know
Book 2: Someone Like You
Book 3: 'Tis The Season
Book 3.5: Happily Ever After (novella)
Book 4: Between You And Me
Book 5: It Might Be You
The McKinnon Brothers Series:
Book 1: All I Want For Christmas
Book 2: The Doctor's Love
Book 3: Marrying His Best Friend
Book 4: Love In Dublin
Her short story A DOSE OF GELT was featured in a Chanukah anthology, BURNING BRIGHT: Four Chanukah Love Stories, published by Avon Impulse/HarperCollins in December 2015.
The Seasons Of Love Series:
Book 1: Autumn Getaway
Book 2: Winter Hopes
Book 3: Spring Shadows
Book 4: Summer Champagne
More to come...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 25, 2017
We’re off to Dublin for the fourth book in The McKinnon Brothers series and, being partial to a man in his forties, particularly one who’s Irish, Colin McKinnon was no struggle.
Recently divorced and settling into life as a single dad to three teenagers on the verge of adulthood who no longer need him quite so much, Colin is coming to terms with how his life has changed but, rather than embracing it, he sees himself as boring and over the hill. Until he meets American travel writer, Maggie Spencer who reignites the spark in him he thought had fizzled out long ago.
“Something to be said for a slightly older man with experience.”
Jennifer Gracen has taken pretty much all I love to find in characters, woven them together and created two people who compliment each other in the best of ways. Despite harbouring her own pain, Maggie is bouncy and full of life, always planning her next adventure, whilst Colin is quieter, more contemplative and to a degree is settling: Dublin is his home, his kids are his heart, and whilst his earlier life decisions were understandable, he deserved more than a loveless marriage—he deserves love and laughter with a woman who appreciates him for the wonderful man he is.
“Whenever I’m with you, I don’t feel old. I don’t feel weary, or done. I feel alive.”
As the story unfolds Maggie and Colin unleash the passion in one another in every sense of the word and although I found them a little too agreeable and polite at times, they were strong couple who truly deserve a HEA. And I can’t not mention Colin’s daughter, Roisin—I loved her honest wise words and complete support for her dad. If you’re looking for heartfelt, engaging and sexy romance with just the right sprinkling of angst and which takes you on beautiful journey around the Emerald Isle into Europe and the US, then you won’t regret grabbing this.
“You brought me back to life again.”
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing. Stock Image.
Recently divorced and settling into life as a single dad to three teenagers on the verge of adulthood who no longer need him quite so much, Colin is coming to terms with how his life has changed but, rather than embracing it, he sees himself as boring and over the hill. Until he meets American travel writer, Maggie Spencer who reignites the spark in him he thought had fizzled out long ago.
“Something to be said for a slightly older man with experience.”
Jennifer Gracen has taken pretty much all I love to find in characters, woven them together and created two people who compliment each other in the best of ways. Despite harbouring her own pain, Maggie is bouncy and full of life, always planning her next adventure, whilst Colin is quieter, more contemplative and to a degree is settling: Dublin is his home, his kids are his heart, and whilst his earlier life decisions were understandable, he deserved more than a loveless marriage—he deserves love and laughter with a woman who appreciates him for the wonderful man he is.
“Whenever I’m with you, I don’t feel old. I don’t feel weary, or done. I feel alive.”
As the story unfolds Maggie and Colin unleash the passion in one another in every sense of the word and although I found them a little too agreeable and polite at times, they were strong couple who truly deserve a HEA. And I can’t not mention Colin’s daughter, Roisin—I loved her honest wise words and complete support for her dad. If you’re looking for heartfelt, engaging and sexy romance with just the right sprinkling of angst and which takes you on beautiful journey around the Emerald Isle into Europe and the US, then you won’t regret grabbing this.
“You brought me back to life again.”
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing. Stock Image.
October 30, 2017
I’ve read author Jennifer Gracen before, but I’ve never read a book in this series and after reading this one, I immediately went and added the first three to my wish list. Love In Dublin reminded me what a well crafted romance looks like; the characters were complex, but we see them evolve during this story, the relationship starts as a friendship, but over time becomes more at a realistic pace especially for these characters, they have some fundamental differences, but they are adults about it and work through them over time, there was no rush to a happy ending, not everything was tied up in a nice, neat little bow, and I for one applaud this author for writing a book that was full and rich and everything I look for in a romance, but so seldom get anymore.
Colin McKinnon is finally free of the marriage that shackled him for years and he is trying to get a life as his children have told him to do, but he is finding that it isn’t so easy. Truth is Colin is in a rut and more than likely would have stayed in that rut if Maggie Spencer, an American travel journalist, hadn’t confronted him in his favorite pub and started pestering him with questions. There was so much to love about this couple including they are both closed off despite Maggie’s claim to be an open book. Both hiding behind their own pain, they for a friendship and throughout this book we see them grow and change and learn slowly how to live their lives to the fullest.
Honestly, I could go on and on and on about every wonderful moment in this book, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, so I’m going to just say, go buy this book, savor it, and remember to live your own life to the fullest. I loved every messy, fun, sexy, complicated minute of Love in Dublin and I have a feeling you will too.
May 29, 2022
Love in Dublin is a heartwarming story that flipped things on its side when I least expected it!
Colin is recently divorced after an unhappy 19 year marriage, and Maggie experienced her own tragic loss five years ago. He’s a straight laced, rule follower who does the right thing even if it doesn’t make him happy, she’s a live-life-in-the-moment, outgoing ray of sunshine. They meet in a Dublin bar where Colin is alone at a table and catches the eye of travel-writer Maggie, who then strikes up a conversation with a reluctant Colin.
The thing I loved about this story is that Maggie still felt her loss deeply, but she was the one who encouraged Colin to pursue his dreams, to chase after what would make him happy. She lost so much but still wanted to get the most out of life. This is such a refreshing change of pace from the wounded heroine who is brought back to life by the handsome, charming hero.
I love stories where a couple falls in love organically and then has to face realistic challenges to be together. I love characters who are mature and open with their thoughts and feelings and don’t let misunderstandings fester and get overblown. Yet also have to face their own demons and make the decision to grow. I love a book that takes me on an emotional rollercoaster and makes my heart break for what the hero and heroine are feeling but then sets everything right by the end.
This has been a good series, even taking tropes I don’t usually like but found enjoyable regardless. I wish there were more to this series, but there’s only one left for me to read and I’m trying really hard to get back to my ARC list before blowing it off to read the final book. Hopefully it’s just as good as the others in The McKinnon Brothers series!
Colin is recently divorced after an unhappy 19 year marriage, and Maggie experienced her own tragic loss five years ago. He’s a straight laced, rule follower who does the right thing even if it doesn’t make him happy, she’s a live-life-in-the-moment, outgoing ray of sunshine. They meet in a Dublin bar where Colin is alone at a table and catches the eye of travel-writer Maggie, who then strikes up a conversation with a reluctant Colin.
The thing I loved about this story is that Maggie still felt her loss deeply, but she was the one who encouraged Colin to pursue his dreams, to chase after what would make him happy. She lost so much but still wanted to get the most out of life. This is such a refreshing change of pace from the wounded heroine who is brought back to life by the handsome, charming hero.
I love stories where a couple falls in love organically and then has to face realistic challenges to be together. I love characters who are mature and open with their thoughts and feelings and don’t let misunderstandings fester and get overblown. Yet also have to face their own demons and make the decision to grow. I love a book that takes me on an emotional rollercoaster and makes my heart break for what the hero and heroine are feeling but then sets everything right by the end.
This has been a good series, even taking tropes I don’t usually like but found enjoyable regardless. I wish there were more to this series, but there’s only one left for me to read and I’m trying really hard to get back to my ARC list before blowing it off to read the final book. Hopefully it’s just as good as the others in The McKinnon Brothers series!
December 7, 2017
Love in Dublin is a heartfelt, realistic tale of love and second chances.
Maggie is a traveler, a nomad, a wanderer. She doesn't really have a home, she doesn't have roots. She thinks it's because she's a free spirit, but it's really because she's running from the pain of her husband's tragic death, even years after. When she meets Colin in Dublin, where she's set to write another of her travel articles, the last thing she expects is to meet the man who will make her feel again. The last thing Colin expects is to meet a spunky American woman who will make HIM feel, too, after having finally shed the marriage he shackled himself to for so many years.
His teen children have urged him to start over, to make a new life for himself, but he just can't, or more accurately, hasn't. But, when he meets Maggie and forms first a friendship with her, then something more, he finally realizes that he is capable of moving on. But, how can it be that he finally meets a breath of fresh air, and it's a woman who will be gone shortly? A woman who rarely stays in the same place for long? A woman who's still running after all these years.
I love that Love in Dublin isn't a gorgeous fairytale. No, Colin and Maggie have a realistic relationship with realistic problems and realistic personalities who don't all the sudden tie up all their problems with a nice, shiny bow. No, they accept each other and their new relationship for what it is, for what they each are. Of course, there's an HEA, but it's a hard won HEA and even then it's not one of those sappy, unrealistic ones. No, it's as realistic as it is sweet and it's in the same tone as the rest of Colin and Maggie's relationship - realistic, heartfelt and really beautiful. If Love in Dublin is what this series is like then I am all set on reading the whole series now because it's made me a true fan of Colin and Maggie and Colin's whole clan.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
Maggie is a traveler, a nomad, a wanderer. She doesn't really have a home, she doesn't have roots. She thinks it's because she's a free spirit, but it's really because she's running from the pain of her husband's tragic death, even years after. When she meets Colin in Dublin, where she's set to write another of her travel articles, the last thing she expects is to meet the man who will make her feel again. The last thing Colin expects is to meet a spunky American woman who will make HIM feel, too, after having finally shed the marriage he shackled himself to for so many years.
His teen children have urged him to start over, to make a new life for himself, but he just can't, or more accurately, hasn't. But, when he meets Maggie and forms first a friendship with her, then something more, he finally realizes that he is capable of moving on. But, how can it be that he finally meets a breath of fresh air, and it's a woman who will be gone shortly? A woman who rarely stays in the same place for long? A woman who's still running after all these years.
I love that Love in Dublin isn't a gorgeous fairytale. No, Colin and Maggie have a realistic relationship with realistic problems and realistic personalities who don't all the sudden tie up all their problems with a nice, shiny bow. No, they accept each other and their new relationship for what it is, for what they each are. Of course, there's an HEA, but it's a hard won HEA and even then it's not one of those sappy, unrealistic ones. No, it's as realistic as it is sweet and it's in the same tone as the rest of Colin and Maggie's relationship - realistic, heartfelt and really beautiful. If Love in Dublin is what this series is like then I am all set on reading the whole series now because it's made me a true fan of Colin and Maggie and Colin's whole clan.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
October 30, 2017
4.5 Star review of Love In Dublin (The McKinnon Brothers #4) by Jennifer Gracen
Jennifer Gracen is a new author to me. Recently I have found myself gravitating to stories of single dads. Colin McKinnon has lived in Dublin all his life and is deeply committed to his family, despite his dreams to travel the world, he found himself entrenched in life in Dublin.
Maggie Spencer is an American travel writer whom he meets in a pub. With her travel experience perhaps she can share the world with him through her eyes. Colin is drawn to Maggie immediately and despite himself he wants to get to know her.
Not only does Maggie share her travel experience with Colin but she also helps him to explore his home town of Dublin.
Love in Dublin is a beautifully written story full of hope. Both Colin and Maggie have been hurt and through their initial friendship they help each other to heal. What starts out as friendship slowly morphs into so much more.
Can a man who is so committed to Dublin risk his heart with the free spirited Maggie? Can opposites truly attract or will they find their differences too hard to overcome?
This was at times an emotional read and found myself at times laughing and crying. The characters were strong, yet vulnerable and extremely likeable.
Although part of a series, I had no trouble reading this book and when time permits I will go back and get the rest of the books in the series.
.
Jennifer Gracen is a new author to me. Recently I have found myself gravitating to stories of single dads. Colin McKinnon has lived in Dublin all his life and is deeply committed to his family, despite his dreams to travel the world, he found himself entrenched in life in Dublin.
Maggie Spencer is an American travel writer whom he meets in a pub. With her travel experience perhaps she can share the world with him through her eyes. Colin is drawn to Maggie immediately and despite himself he wants to get to know her.
Not only does Maggie share her travel experience with Colin but she also helps him to explore his home town of Dublin.
Love in Dublin is a beautifully written story full of hope. Both Colin and Maggie have been hurt and through their initial friendship they help each other to heal. What starts out as friendship slowly morphs into so much more.
Can a man who is so committed to Dublin risk his heart with the free spirited Maggie? Can opposites truly attract or will they find their differences too hard to overcome?
This was at times an emotional read and found myself at times laughing and crying. The characters were strong, yet vulnerable and extremely likeable.
Although part of a series, I had no trouble reading this book and when time permits I will go back and get the rest of the books in the series.
.
October 26, 2017
Ms. Gracen picked one of the most eerily beautiful places in the world for the setting of a haunting tale of love, loss and new beginnings. No backdrop could have been more perfect. Standing amid the ghosts of heartbreaks past and hopes restored, Colin and Maggie set about rebuilding their lives. Maggie is a drifter. Haunted by loss, her way of coping is to roam. Her adventurous spirit, has never steered her wrong, until she discovers the beauty of Ireland and ends up losing more than she bargained for. Colin gave up on his dreams in order to face his future, will fate bring his world full circle and give him the adventure, he never thought he'd have? The characters are more mature, but the issues are no less realistic and the romance borders on ecstasy.
October 30, 2017
An emotional journey that will keep you turning the pages. Colin, has just ended his loveless nineteen year marriage when he meets Maggie, a free spirited travel writer in a pub in Ireland. Maggie has gone through tragedy in her life and she doesn't do forever. Two lost souls that travel through the Irish countryside, helping each other heal.
This is a book that I could not put down, with the descriptive writing you will feel like you are there with Colin and Maggie. The family devotion that Colin has, is so important. Watching Maggie open her heart once again and not keep running.
Love the McKinnon Brothers. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book!!
This is a book that I could not put down, with the descriptive writing you will feel like you are there with Colin and Maggie. The family devotion that Colin has, is so important. Watching Maggie open her heart once again and not keep running.
Love the McKinnon Brothers. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book!!
October 29, 2017
4 1/2 Stars!
I can't even begin to tell you how much I LOVED this book. Hell, I'm going to work on actually doing a full review -- GASP, I know, something I haven't done in more than a month! :)
Let me keep it simple for now: Go order this book. Thank me later.
I need to read the previous books in this series. Like, yesterday.
Full review is on the blog now: http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com/2017/10...
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
I will be talking about the book on my next Whatcha Reading? podcast, which is now up on TBQ's Book Palace Saturday (10/28).
If you wish to look at some quotes/thoughts I highlighted, please check out my Twitter feed
I can't even begin to tell you how much I LOVED this book. Hell, I'm going to work on actually doing a full review -- GASP, I know, something I haven't done in more than a month! :)
Let me keep it simple for now: Go order this book. Thank me later.
I need to read the previous books in this series. Like, yesterday.
Full review is on the blog now: http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com/2017/10...
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
I will be talking about the book on my next Whatcha Reading? podcast, which is now up on TBQ's Book Palace Saturday (10/28).
If you wish to look at some quotes/thoughts I highlighted, please check out my Twitter feed
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July 8, 2018
This is a light romance between a newly divorced father and a travel blogger. Due to marrying early the guy never travelled outside Ireland (hard to imagine these days, not even camping with his family?) and he meets a lady who travels too much and doesn't put down roots.
These days in Dublin people don't write by pen and paper, nor in pubs which are noisy and often dim at night; they write on laptops in coffee shops. While our blogger doesn't whip out a laptop or a camera ever. We get a couple of lines saying that she had written up her material in the room, but that is it. So the story feels a bit old. Otherwise it's nicely paced. I disliked that the majority of the account is conversation, but at least they do get out of the pub and go to a scenic site.
This is a mature romance. I was sent an e-ARC by Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
These days in Dublin people don't write by pen and paper, nor in pubs which are noisy and often dim at night; they write on laptops in coffee shops. While our blogger doesn't whip out a laptop or a camera ever. We get a couple of lines saying that she had written up her material in the room, but that is it. So the story feels a bit old. Otherwise it's nicely paced. I disliked that the majority of the account is conversation, but at least they do get out of the pub and go to a scenic site.
This is a mature romance. I was sent an e-ARC by Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
February 12, 2018
I would have never thought I'd find a 40 year old single dad relatable, but I actually related more to Collin than Maggie. I really liked him as a character and was completely envious of Maggie's job. This was a great slow burn romance and would be a perfect beach read.
November 2, 2017
Love in Dublin by Jennifer Gracen
Single father Colin McKinnon has roots and obligations that have kept him firmly in Dublin his entire life. He once planned to explore the world, but he was bound by duty and gave up on his dreams long ago. When he meets free-spirited American travel writer Maggie in a pub, he’s intrigued. She could help him get a taste of what he lost, rattle the chains of his self-imposed isolation. Instantly drawn to her light, beauty, and sense of adventure, Colin can’t stay away.
Maggie Spencer doesn’t just crave the open road, she needs it to survive. After a harrowing accident and life-changing loss, she rebuilt her life by exploring new places on her own. When she accepts a temporary job writing about day tours in Ireland, she falls in love with Dublin and the man she teaches to explore it. Through their daily adventures, they learn opposites do more than just attract—they can also help each other heal.
But can a man with deep roots keep a woman with wings by his side?
this is Maggie Spencer and Colin McKinnon's story.
Maggie Spencer is an American travel writer whom he meets in a pub. Maggie has suffered a tragic loss and now travels for a living, never stopping for long in one place.
Colin shrugged. “Fine. Deal.”
Fifteen minutes later, he walked out of the pawn shop with one hundred euros in his pocket and emptiness in his heart. He squinted up at the sun, took a deep breath, and got in his car. His lunch hour was almost over and he had to get back to work.
But can a man with deep roots keep a woman with wings by his side? read this book to find out.
Love in Dublin by Jennifer Gracen is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Jennifer's Books with Tule:
All I Want for Christmas
Christmas in New York
The McKinnon Brothers
The Doctor’s Love
Heroes of New York
The McKinnon Brothers
Marrying His Best Friend
The McKinnon Brothers
Love in Dublin
The McKinnon Brothers
Single father Colin McKinnon has roots and obligations that have kept him firmly in Dublin his entire life. He once planned to explore the world, but he was bound by duty and gave up on his dreams long ago. When he meets free-spirited American travel writer Maggie in a pub, he’s intrigued. She could help him get a taste of what he lost, rattle the chains of his self-imposed isolation. Instantly drawn to her light, beauty, and sense of adventure, Colin can’t stay away.
Maggie Spencer doesn’t just crave the open road, she needs it to survive. After a harrowing accident and life-changing loss, she rebuilt her life by exploring new places on her own. When she accepts a temporary job writing about day tours in Ireland, she falls in love with Dublin and the man she teaches to explore it. Through their daily adventures, they learn opposites do more than just attract—they can also help each other heal.
But can a man with deep roots keep a woman with wings by his side?
this is Maggie Spencer and Colin McKinnon's story.
Maggie Spencer is an American travel writer whom he meets in a pub. Maggie has suffered a tragic loss and now travels for a living, never stopping for long in one place.
Colin shrugged. “Fine. Deal.”
Fifteen minutes later, he walked out of the pawn shop with one hundred euros in his pocket and emptiness in his heart. He squinted up at the sun, took a deep breath, and got in his car. His lunch hour was almost over and he had to get back to work.
But can a man with deep roots keep a woman with wings by his side? read this book to find out.
Love in Dublin by Jennifer Gracen is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Jennifer's Books with Tule:
All I Want for Christmas
Christmas in New York
The McKinnon Brothers
The Doctor’s Love
Heroes of New York
The McKinnon Brothers
Marrying His Best Friend
The McKinnon Brothers
Love in Dublin
The McKinnon Brothers
November 5, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Love in Dublin is one of those story that when you flip the final page you let out a very satisfied sigh for a story well told.
After almost two decades of marriage Colin finds himself divorced, children almost grown, and at odds with life. He’s the kind of man who stays, discovers his duty and does it, who left the wandering dreams of his youth far behind. Now a chance meeting with an American travel writer has his attention. He’d love to do what Maggie does, but it’s no longer in him. What he could see is settling down with Maggie. But Maggie is still running from grief, from a life that was torn from her at her husband’s death. Now her wings will not be stilled… unless perhaps by love.
Colin and Maggie both are grieving, wounded souls although for different reasons. Over the course of three months or so they will strike up a friendship, slowly develop feelings for the other and determinedly begin to help break down walls, or at least put a dent in them. At first neither sees that what they are trying to fix in the other also needs addressed for themselves.
I know it often doesn’t really sound like it, but to say that a story gave me a very satisfied feeling is truly a high compliment. It means all the right buttons were pushed, the mix of happy and sad worked for me, and that the ending was everything that I could have hoped for. Love In Dublin brings two different people together in grief, slowly heals them and then gives them the love of their life to go on into the future with… you cannot ask for much more than that.
I enjoyed myself very much in this story, and I believe any Romance reader would find it charming and touching as well.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Love in Dublin is one of those story that when you flip the final page you let out a very satisfied sigh for a story well told.
After almost two decades of marriage Colin finds himself divorced, children almost grown, and at odds with life. He’s the kind of man who stays, discovers his duty and does it, who left the wandering dreams of his youth far behind. Now a chance meeting with an American travel writer has his attention. He’d love to do what Maggie does, but it’s no longer in him. What he could see is settling down with Maggie. But Maggie is still running from grief, from a life that was torn from her at her husband’s death. Now her wings will not be stilled… unless perhaps by love.
Colin and Maggie both are grieving, wounded souls although for different reasons. Over the course of three months or so they will strike up a friendship, slowly develop feelings for the other and determinedly begin to help break down walls, or at least put a dent in them. At first neither sees that what they are trying to fix in the other also needs addressed for themselves.
I know it often doesn’t really sound like it, but to say that a story gave me a very satisfied feeling is truly a high compliment. It means all the right buttons were pushed, the mix of happy and sad worked for me, and that the ending was everything that I could have hoped for. Love In Dublin brings two different people together in grief, slowly heals them and then gives them the love of their life to go on into the future with… you cannot ask for much more than that.
I enjoyed myself very much in this story, and I believe any Romance reader would find it charming and touching as well.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
October 26, 2017
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley and I'm freely giving my honest review.*
This is a book that will make you cry and laugh, it’s tender and sweet and a story to get lost in. It’s one of my favourites this year.
Colin is recently divorced from a loveless marriage that resulted in three children he loves and live for. Maggie has suffered a tragic loss and now travels for a living, never stopping for long in one place. In Dublin she’s intrigued by Colin and they spend a lot of time together, things happen and suddenly the life they know is not the same anymore.
I love the way this book is written, so much feelings in every chapter, the characters is made real by stripping away their layers of protection they built. They are both souls that are scarred in some way, one by loss and one by sacrifice. These two souls finding their way together is perfectly described.
“I’ll miss you every bloody day and night. Always wondering where you are, what you’re doing, if you’re all right… but I’m letting you go.”
There is no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and a good amount of dialogues in addition to the inner dialogues that makes this a genuine story.
The love scenes are some of the more emotional ones I’ve read but not over the top and not to many. Perfection!!!!!
If you like a story with the ability to make you forget the world and live in Dublin with Colin and Maggie and their beautiful love story you should buy this one.
This is a book that will make you cry and laugh, it’s tender and sweet and a story to get lost in. It’s one of my favourites this year.
Colin is recently divorced from a loveless marriage that resulted in three children he loves and live for. Maggie has suffered a tragic loss and now travels for a living, never stopping for long in one place. In Dublin she’s intrigued by Colin and they spend a lot of time together, things happen and suddenly the life they know is not the same anymore.
I love the way this book is written, so much feelings in every chapter, the characters is made real by stripping away their layers of protection they built. They are both souls that are scarred in some way, one by loss and one by sacrifice. These two souls finding their way together is perfectly described.
“I’ll miss you every bloody day and night. Always wondering where you are, what you’re doing, if you’re all right… but I’m letting you go.”
There is no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and a good amount of dialogues in addition to the inner dialogues that makes this a genuine story.
The love scenes are some of the more emotional ones I’ve read but not over the top and not to many. Perfection!!!!!
If you like a story with the ability to make you forget the world and live in Dublin with Colin and Maggie and their beautiful love story you should buy this one.
April 5, 2021
Maggie Spencer started life after college with her future husband - travelling the world and blogging/writing about it. When he's killed and Maggie severely injured in a car accident five years later, Maggie struggles to go on, but decides to continue their adventures alone. Several years later, Maggie's given a job writing articles about Dublin that'll keep her there for several months. Soon after arriving, she approaches divorced dad, Colin McKinnon in the local pub and strikes up a friendship. When Colin graduated college, he'd planned to ir marriage was making him miserable and went thru the lengthy Irish process of divorce (5 years of living together after filing). Now single and much happier, Maggie's adventurous life makes him long for the dreams he'd given up. With her encouragement, he starts exploring parts of Ireland with her and along the way, the two fall in love (and have lots of hot sex). But, Maggie's not sure she can handle being tied down to one place and finally returns home to Ohio to get her priorities straightened out.
Interesting information on travelling for a living - something that particularly caught my attention as one of my daughters will be starting to do this later this year. Also a great stand alone - I didn't realize I'd actually read one of the other books in the series until most of the way through the book.
Interesting information on travelling for a living - something that particularly caught my attention as one of my daughters will be starting to do this later this year. Also a great stand alone - I didn't realize I'd actually read one of the other books in the series until most of the way through the book.
October 27, 2017
You know a Series is good when you jump in at book 4 and you have no problem following the family and the story, Jennifer Gracen is a new author to me but after reading Love in Dublin I will be checking out the rest of this series and her other books.
This is a beautiful love story about two people who haven’t had it easy, they need to let go of the past if they are going to find happiness, a couple who aren’t looking for love and a relationship but sometimes fate works in mysterious ways, opposites in many ways but as they say sometimes Opposites Attract and that’s exactly what happened when Maggie a travel writer from America meets Colin a single dad from Dublin. This book made me smile and it had me shedding a tear but it was a love story that I couldn’t put down, I loved watching this couple go from friends to lovers as they got to really know each other. I need to read the rest of this series because I need to know more about the McKinnon brothers. Great read Jennifer Gracen
This is a beautiful love story about two people who haven’t had it easy, they need to let go of the past if they are going to find happiness, a couple who aren’t looking for love and a relationship but sometimes fate works in mysterious ways, opposites in many ways but as they say sometimes Opposites Attract and that’s exactly what happened when Maggie a travel writer from America meets Colin a single dad from Dublin. This book made me smile and it had me shedding a tear but it was a love story that I couldn’t put down, I loved watching this couple go from friends to lovers as they got to really know each other. I need to read the rest of this series because I need to know more about the McKinnon brothers. Great read Jennifer Gracen
November 4, 2017
Maggie Spencer is a travel writer who has come to Dublin as part of her latest assignment. She meets Colin McKinnon in her local pub and they strike up a friendship. Both are wounded people; Colin has gone through a divorce, not an easy thing in Ireland, and Maggie is a widow. But Maggie is determined to bring Colin out of his self-imposed shell. He's always wanted to travel, and that's what she does. Actually, she can't seem to stop.
This is a lovely romance where two people who have lived through trauma learn to live for themselves again. It takes Maggie a while longer to recognize that she still carries scars from her husband's death, but Colin is patient, a lovely man, and waits (and hopes) for her to recognize that running can also be running away.
I didn't realize this is the fourth book in the series, but I didn't need the others as this stands alone. It's a fairly quick read and very satisfying.
This is a lovely romance where two people who have lived through trauma learn to live for themselves again. It takes Maggie a while longer to recognize that she still carries scars from her husband's death, but Colin is patient, a lovely man, and waits (and hopes) for her to recognize that running can also be running away.
I didn't realize this is the fourth book in the series, but I didn't need the others as this stands alone. It's a fairly quick read and very satisfying.
November 3, 2017
Love in Dublin is the fourth book in the McKinnon Brothers series but the first of the series that I have read. It stood up well as a stand alone, so you can jump right in at this point and not feel like you are missing anything. This is Coli'n's story. He is finally out of a loveless marriage and at a crossroads. Maggie has wanderlust and her job allows her to travel, never putting down roots.
This was a sweet story about two lost souls who find love and home in each other. Maggie was perfect for Colin, encouraging him to finally start seeing the world. Collin gave Maggie a place to maybe, finally, set down some roots. Her story was tragic and had basically been running ever since. I was happy Colin called her on her BS toward the end. I enjoyed their love story and recommend giving it a try.
This was a sweet story about two lost souls who find love and home in each other. Maggie was perfect for Colin, encouraging him to finally start seeing the world. Collin gave Maggie a place to maybe, finally, set down some roots. Her story was tragic and had basically been running ever since. I was happy Colin called her on her BS toward the end. I enjoyed their love story and recommend giving it a try.
October 30, 2017
Love in Dublin by Jennifer Gracen is book four in the McKinnon Brother Series. Ms. Gracen changes things up with the spectacular setting, giving it an almost Gothic romance atmosphere. It is a contemporary romance but just has that feel to it.
The isolation of the idealist male who has surrender his dreams to be the responsible adult is paired with the free-spirit female who is living hers is such a contrast in this story. The ideas of love, loss, finding your sense of adventure paired with finding a place to call home bring these two together. It is a wonderful read that will have you scouring travel sites planning a trip to Ireland.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
The isolation of the idealist male who has surrender his dreams to be the responsible adult is paired with the free-spirit female who is living hers is such a contrast in this story. The ideas of love, loss, finding your sense of adventure paired with finding a place to call home bring these two together. It is a wonderful read that will have you scouring travel sites planning a trip to Ireland.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
October 24, 2017
Amazing heartwarming story
This is the first book I've read by Jennifer Gracen but it certainly won't be the last. The fourth book in The McKinnon Brothers series it read well as a stand alone. Though it made me curious to read the previous books.
Maggie and Colin have both had heartache in their pasts though very different experiences. I loved watching the transition of their relationship from friends to lovers. There were moments in the book that made me cry and others that made me smile. But during it all I couldn't put the book down reading it in one sitting. I highly recommend it.
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
This is the first book I've read by Jennifer Gracen but it certainly won't be the last. The fourth book in The McKinnon Brothers series it read well as a stand alone. Though it made me curious to read the previous books.
Maggie and Colin have both had heartache in their pasts though very different experiences. I loved watching the transition of their relationship from friends to lovers. There were moments in the book that made me cry and others that made me smile. But during it all I couldn't put the book down reading it in one sitting. I highly recommend it.
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
October 29, 2017
I completely lost myself in this highly emotional beautiful story. The writing is excellent and very descriptive bringing the charm and beauty of Ireland to life and the characters simply touched my heart.
After nineteen years of marriage Colin McKinnon finds himself a single man once again. No easy feat in his home country of Ireland. He never realized how dreary his life had become until he meets Maggie Spencer. A woman who is full of life and joyful each and every day even though she's experienced great tragedy in her life.Theirs is a slow easy journey over a period of three months as the each help the other heal and rediscover love.
Definitely a book I recommend.
After nineteen years of marriage Colin McKinnon finds himself a single man once again. No easy feat in his home country of Ireland. He never realized how dreary his life had become until he meets Maggie Spencer. A woman who is full of life and joyful each and every day even though she's experienced great tragedy in her life.Theirs is a slow easy journey over a period of three months as the each help the other heal and rediscover love.
Definitely a book I recommend.
November 1, 2017
Mending hearts
First off, I love books about Irish romances! Opposites attract until Maggie and Colin find out they are experiencing the same feelings of heartbreak and loneliness. One survives by traveling without setting down roots, and the other survives by accepting a life as a single person. Colin realizes that Maggie is living the life he wanted, until a pregnancy stops him, and he’s fascinated by her. They begin as friends, trying to help each other get through their past experiences, but quickly become more than that. This is a great story that has great characters. Love the series and anything else Jennifer Gracen writes!
First off, I love books about Irish romances! Opposites attract until Maggie and Colin find out they are experiencing the same feelings of heartbreak and loneliness. One survives by traveling without setting down roots, and the other survives by accepting a life as a single person. Colin realizes that Maggie is living the life he wanted, until a pregnancy stops him, and he’s fascinated by her. They begin as friends, trying to help each other get through their past experiences, but quickly become more than that. This is a great story that has great characters. Love the series and anything else Jennifer Gracen writes!
November 3, 2017
You definitely learn something new every day even from a romance novel. Ireland really doesn't want their residents to divorce. Poor Colin and their kids for having to wait that long.
Then Maggie, being widowed so young. Wow! I love how she tried to continue their work.
Love can heal most wounds. Maggie thought all she was doing was showing Colin how to have a little fun and spontaneity in his life, but she never though he was teaching her how to love again.
This was such a wonderful book. I could hear Colin's accent every time he "talked". I would love all the McKinnon's to finally reunite. Maybe all the women in their lives will make that happen one day.
Then Maggie, being widowed so young. Wow! I love how she tried to continue their work.
Love can heal most wounds. Maggie thought all she was doing was showing Colin how to have a little fun and spontaneity in his life, but she never though he was teaching her how to love again.
This was such a wonderful book. I could hear Colin's accent every time he "talked". I would love all the McKinnon's to finally reunite. Maybe all the women in their lives will make that happen one day.
November 5, 2017
Love in Dublin is such a lovely, tender and moving book. Deep in the story are pensive moments of emotion and soul searching by the characters Maggie Spencer and Colin McKinnon as they move toward each other yet a distance is maintained. Both Maggie and Colin have deep seated issues that rule over their lives. For Maggie, it is a very real fear of ever falling in love again and losing the very person who completes you. For Colin, it’s a loneliness of spirit, of having given up his dreams and of not feeling able to pursue them again.
Maggie and Colin are in need of someone to bring life back into their being and they, ultimately, find it in each other.
Maggie and Colin are in need of someone to bring life back into their being and they, ultimately, find it in each other.
October 29, 2017
Colin's life is in Dublin. He is the kind of guy that sticks. He is recently divorced and is focused on his almost grown children. He always does the right thing no matter what it costs him personally. Maggie is a travel writer who travels to avoid her grief. After such a huge loss she has no intention of ever settling down. When these two opposites meet there are fireworks. She is there for her job and then off she goes. Sometimes it takes unexpected feelings to make you do a little soul searching. Great read!
November 28, 2017
Love in Dublin (The McKinnon Brothers Book 4) by Jennifer Gracen
This is Colin McKinnon and Maggie Spencer’s Story.
Maggie and Colin are drawn to each other even though there is around a ten year age difference between them. Plus, they are dealing with loss in their lives. Maggie confronts Collin with how he is dealing with his loss not realizing that she is actually doing the same with her loss. Will they be able to work through their issues and take another chance at love?
FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is Colin McKinnon and Maggie Spencer’s Story.
Maggie and Colin are drawn to each other even though there is around a ten year age difference between them. Plus, they are dealing with loss in their lives. Maggie confronts Collin with how he is dealing with his loss not realizing that she is actually doing the same with her loss. Will they be able to work through their issues and take another chance at love?
FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 19, 2017
Love in Dublin is the fourth book in the McKinnon Brothers series. Colin has lived in Dublin all of his life even though he has had a strong desire to travel and see other places. Maggie takes a job writing about the wonder of Dublin. When they meet, Colin can't help but be attracted to Maggie. As they spend time together exploring Dublin, they both learn more about themselves. Will they find more than just new experiences? This was an interesting book, and I definitely recommend it.
February 15, 2018
Maggie and Colin are polar opposites. While Maggie rarely settles in one place for more than a few months, Colin has been stuck in the same town his whole life. When she shows up in town, she starts to pull him out of his comfort zone taking him on day trips. I really liked how the two of them found love and were able to work out a compromise so they could stay together. I would recommend this fun, romantic book.
March 28, 2021
Colin and Maggie . He was oldest brother -divorced with three kids -honorable -had married his pregnant girlfriend at young age -gave up his dreams -in Ireland divorce takes three years -he stayed in sane house -didn’t cheat -didn’t find anyone after until Maggie -a travel writer swirled into his life . She gradually overcame his grumpiness and reluctance-just had to figure out if they would work long term. She had lost her true love in a car accident and was from America . Sweet story
October 29, 2021
Great! Just great!
I loved this story about Colin and Maggie. Wonderful writing from Jennifer Gracen! I loved Dublin when I was there years ago and this brought those memories back to me without bogging down the story with endless details. Great slow burn romance - the best kind. I loved that they really got to know each other a bit before adding sex. Story was believable from start to finish.
I loved this story about Colin and Maggie. Wonderful writing from Jennifer Gracen! I loved Dublin when I was there years ago and this brought those memories back to me without bogging down the story with endless details. Great slow burn romance - the best kind. I loved that they really got to know each other a bit before adding sex. Story was believable from start to finish.
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