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Murphy Brothers #2

Irish On The Rocks

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My family's whiskey empire needs to keep me as CEO. But thanks to my dad's will, to take my place as rightful head of the company, I need to find a wife. If I could just get my brother Sean's pain-in-the-arse best mate, Grace, out of my head long enough to focus on finding a decent woman.

The woman maddens me, but she's a longtime friend of the family, so giving her a job as my assistant is the only way I can keep everyone off my back. But the more time I spend with her, the more I find myself looking differently at this girl from my past.

Too bad she's decided not to give me the time of day.

Each book in the Murphy Brothers series is
* Straight Up Irish
* Murphy Brothers

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2018

64 people are currently reading
270 people want to read

About the author

Magan Vernon

85 books944 followers
Magan Vernon has been living off of reader tears since she wrote her first short story in 2004. She now spends her time killing off fictional characters, pretending to plot while she really just watches Netflix, and she tries to do this all while her two young children run amok around her Texas ranch.

You can stalk or...er...find her online at all of these fun and happy places.

Amazon Author Link: http://amzn.to/1Mi23I9

Website Link: www.maganvernon.com

Facebook Page Link: www.facebook.com/authormaganvernon

Twitter: www.twitter.com/maganvernon

Instagram User Name: @maganvee

Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/qIJA5

FELL THE VERN (reader group): http://on.fb.me/1lVsZEo

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Tina (I can now make 20 comments! Better!).
795 reviews866 followers
August 11, 2018
3 1/2 *

I enjoyed this book for the most part. I understand it's book #2 (Grace & Jack's story) and part of the Murphy brothers series. It's an easy light hearted romance with a bit of steam. I sometimes like to add in these romance books in-between my thrillers. Some of the words and phrases used were interesting. I admit I had to look-up some of the Irish slang. There were some words that were a bit repetitive throughout the book but the writing style is promising. I did enjoy Grace's "meddling" funny family.

I adore the "friends of the family" and "office romance" tropes. This reminds me of the Harlequin book series I used to read and enjoy so much of. I liked the straight forward love story with its "simple" type problems. I miss this a lot in the "new" romance type books of late.

I'd continue with the series for sure. Would like to see who Sean Murphy ends up with.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader Copy.
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,722 reviews1,044 followers
November 30, 2019
This book is.... confusing. Yes it is romance book. I said the topic is marriage of convinience. But then there is no marriage/ that fake relationship. Its not second chance romance either. So i am bit lost with the theme of this book.

I guess because of no particular theme, the story seems to lost/ have no focus. The idea of the romance needs more focus. The writing style is decent. I am sure it can be great once the focus/ theme can be executed.

Overall I still manage to enjoy this book OK.

3 stars
Profile Image for beachbum bookworm.
371 reviews617 followers
May 11, 2020
probably a 2.5

Irish on the rocks is the 2nd book in the Murphy Brothers series by Magan Vernon. It is the story of Jack and Grace.




My thoughts:

This seemed like it was the same book as “Straight up Irish” (book 1) only with less likeable characters and friendly humorous banter (which was much needed). Jack didn’t seem lovable as a hero, and I never really felt a whole lot of connection between these two (even between the sheets) just wasn’t buying it. I didn’t know if I was rooting for or against them...they frustrated me so much! My eyes are sore from all the rolling!



We know the Murphy boys have to find wives...and find them fast thanks to their father's last will and testament, but there is a whole big world outside of the office! An office assistant again!!...boring! The first book was so much better.



I’m still going to read the third book. I’m really looking forward to Sean’s story!!...I mean an Irish whiskey drinking rugby player umm...yes please!...I'm already swooning Ya’ll.... Here’s hoping we leave the office in the next book!!!

For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/

Profile Image for Dani (Dani Reviews Things).
547 reviews292 followers
September 17, 2018
This was supposed to be a hate-to-love, second-chance romance. They never seemed to demonstrate hatred for one another, and there was no first chance really, so this wasn't actually their second chance. Everything just fell so flat for me that I'm speechless. I had to force myself to finish this...



Oh well, I had so much hope for this because of my recent holiday in Ireland and therefore obsession with the country, but it did not work for me.

Thanks to Entangled Publishing for letting me try it though.
Profile Image for Alison.
3,692 reviews145 followers
January 8, 2022
Two and a half stars.

So, this series is based the premise that in this day and age a father can leave his multi-million euro pub and whisky business to his three sons on the proviso that they must each be married within six months (and stay together for at least six months), otherwise the business will be offered to the highest bidder by the board.

Jack Murphy is the oldest brother, the CEO, he has a bad reputation of being an exacting boss and can't keep an assistant for more than a few weeks, ever since his brother Connor married his best assistant Fallon. As a child he was cocky and obnoxious, especially to his younger brother Sean and Sean's best friend Grace. At a charity ball he meets Grace again, looking somewhat different to the short frizzy -haired girl with glasses he remembers. Things are going well, they flirt and then it all goes horribly wrong and Grace accidentally knocks a full glass of champagne all over him. Words are spoken and both Jack and Grace take offence.

Of course it turns out that Grace, a book editor who has recently been made redundant, is perfect for the job of assistant and despite their initial animosity it seems as though there are major sparks between them. But Jack needs a wife and Grace has vowed never to marry after her parents' acrimonious divorce left her mother heartbroken and destitute (although Grace's grandfather is a millionaire).

I really struggle to get my head around this series. The men are too young to be running a multi-million euro business and the board are all too old and cliched. The big misunderstanding between Grace and Jack I just can't get my head around at all. I don't understand why he was angry/ upset. Overall, everyone felt like a caricature.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Bumped for release.
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
September 17, 2018
This second book in The Murphy Brothers series was just as enjoyable as the first. This time it's Jack Murphy feeling the pressure of find a wife to satisfy the caveat in his father's will that requires all the brothers marry within a year before they can inherit the family whiskey business. How hard could it be to find a woman willing to enter into a marriage of convenience and not end of falling in love with him? Then it comes to him. Grace his pain in the neck assistant who thinks he's the devil himself. He'll just have to make the deal sweet enough for her to agree. Problem is he never planned on falling for the woman but the more time he spends with her the more he wants from her.

This book was very well done and one I would definitely recommend.

Profile Image for Tasha Mahoney.
1,215 reviews46 followers
September 20, 2018
This was a relatively quick romance read and I really enjoyed it. I did however struggle to connect to the characters. I didn't dislike them but they didn't wow me. I would like to read the first book in this series then see if I feel more of a connection to the family.

I enjoyed  the story-line though it didn't quiet fit the tropes that I was expecting. (not a great worry though) I still enjoyed reading the story.

The biggest plus for me was how well written this story was. I liked the flow and the structure and will definitely choose to read more by Magan Vernon in the future.


I would like to thank Magan Vernon and Social Butterfly PR for providing me with a copy of this book . This has not affected my opinion on this book
Profile Image for Linda Quick.
1,330 reviews30 followers
August 3, 2018
This is the second book in the Murphy Brothers series and it is every bit as delightful as the first novel. In this story, Jack is the confirmed bachelor and CEO of Murphy's, the family business empire. However,a provision in his father's will requires him to be married within a year or to forfeit his inheritance.

Grace has been best friends with Sean, Jack's brother, since their early school years. For most of that time, she has harbored a crush on Jack. Since she recently relocated back to Ireland (from England), she has been seeking employment. Since Jack also needs an assistant, it is serendipity that she has returned to Dublin searching for a job. However, after watching her parents' divorce, Grace has vowed to never marry. Despite all of this, they begin a romance.

This is a wonderful book that I just loved. I found myself engaged by the characters and wanting them to get their HEA ending. I even fell in love with the dog, Jane Pawsten (the canine version of Jane Austen), I mean, what could be cuter than that? Simply adorable!

Fans of the genre will love this book. Put it at the top of your TBR list. While it is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel, however, it's so good that you really owe it to yourself to read them all.
Profile Image for Angella Cieri.
202 reviews
August 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I love a good office romance and a "I love my friends brother" romance. This book had them both and I loved it. I found all characters to be likable except the grandma. Her role in this book was annoying. I would have given this book a full 5 star rating but the slang the author used distracted me and brought it down to a 4. I am not familiar with too much Irish or British slang unless it is from Harry Potter or Bridget Jones Diary. Some of the more "steamier" parts of this book fell short when a work like "feck" is used. However, I am used to American New Adult Novels so I may be bias. Besides that, I loved this book and I recommend it!!
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,884 reviews214 followers
November 29, 2019
When Grace's best friend Sean is late to the charity gala they're supposed to be attending, she runs into his hot older brother, Jack. Jack who doesn't seem to recognize her now that she's not the frizzy-haired young girl who was best friends with his younger brother. As Jack is sitting there hitting on her, Grace decides to play along, amused that the guy she always had a crush on, and with whom she has a sort of antagonistic relationship, is now hitting on her. Of course though, Jack isn't quite as in the dark about her identity as he appears, he's just found himself attracted to her. But when she accidentally (on purpose?) spills her drink on him, he's a jackass about it, and walks away from her.

Grace chalks the whole incident up to him being his usual self and figures she'll not see him again. Well, until she receives an email from Jack's ex-assistant, now sister-in-law, Fallon, (Straight Up Irish) with an offer to apply for a job as Jack's new assistant. It seems fate (or someone else) has something else in mind for her and Jack. Sparks fly again when she comes in for her interview, but Jack knows she's the perfect person for the job. And perhaps for the job as his wife, too? Yeah, wife. Wife because Jack is the eldest brother in a family whose inheritance requires the brothers to be married within 6 months and to stay married, if they want to inherit the multi-million dollar empire rather than letting it get sold to the board for the highest bid.

I wanted to love Irish on the Rocks, but I just couldn't get into it. It's predictable as hell for one. Jack is an ass for another. And the whole story just sort of sat around without a lot of movement. This one's a no for me unfortunately.

ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

Full review posted on Live Through Books Blog.
Profile Image for ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm.
2,343 reviews17 followers
October 31, 2018
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NET GALLEY. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

After the first book in the series failed to wow me, I took a short break and came back to this one instead of reading it right after the first book as I usually would do. Unfortunately, this one was a bit worse than the first one!

While this was billed as a second chance romance, there was no evidence that they had even gotten together in the first place, so I felt that was a bit misleading. It also felt as if it was a carbon copy of book 1, falling for the office assistant. It wasn't really original to me!

I also didn't like the clichéd nature of the board, how it seemed to be a stodgy "good ol' boys" club and that the brothers had to ask permission from their "fathers" and "grandfathers" rather than make any decisions themselves.

I have to admit, there were a few good scenes in the story, and it saved the book from a lower rating for me. However, I don't think I'll read the third book in the series.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
August 6, 2018
Jack just says the sweetest words, “if shagging was what you wanted, I would oblige. But I’m a gentleman, Miss Evans. I’ll only make you come if you ask nicely and if I know you’re not completely shitefaced.” Jack is just the sweetest trying to make his girl feel better, “she may have seen that we’re here, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take a quick walk. A shag behind a neighbor’s shed, then be on our way,” I liked this book, I loved Jack.
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
September 17, 2018
I loved this Irish man/British girl story. Actually her grandparents were Irish and she spent many summers with them and making friends with Sean Murphy. Sean has an older brother who needs to marry. Hmm? Weird premise but the three brothers want to inherit their dad's pub franchise business and being married is a requirement. Definitely weird but it's sweet and goes quickly. Nice read.
Profile Image for Magan Vernon.
Author 85 books944 followers
August 11, 2018
I was going to type "MOM, I WROTE THIS"
Then I remembered one time I took a picture of myself with my first author banner and put "Look, Ma, I'm on a banner," and my mom who really doesn't know Facebook kept commenting on it and it got weird.

So that's that.
Profile Image for Ayekah.
1,123 reviews
September 2, 2018
Murphy Brothers #2
Meet Jack, a very different Jack that we saw in book 1. This is Jack 2.0. Jack's story is the same as his brothers, he needs a wife to keep the family business in the family, with the middle brother Connor married to Jacks previous assistant, it leaves Jack in a rough spot. No wife, and no assistant willing to put up with his grouchy demanding self. Just when I thought door slamming went out with adolescence I am fooled again. The story picks up basically where book one ended.
At a charity gala he runs into a stunning young woman, this would be Grace, a best friend to the youngest brother Sean, Sean was he date for the night and he leaves her hanging. Grace is bored. Strikes up a convo with Jack, who initially doesn't recognize Grace and then plays with her when he finally does. Grace then while yanking his chain a little manages to topple over her drink, spilling it on Jack. Harsh words from both fly and Grace leaves. Grace doesn't need this nonsense, she's just moved from England to Dublin with her mum after a bitter divorce between her parents, which leaves her in the "I'll never marry, not ever" zone, losing her job after the publisher she works for downsizes and they're living with her very wealthy grandparents, her granddad happens to be on the board for Murphy's and is privy to the brother's dilemma. Also the fact that Grace needs a job. Grandmum is quite dotty in the head. Eccentric doesn't cover it and the woman has no filter. Her mother is a bitter, manipulative, sniping witch. Grace really needs out of there. Granddad mentions Grace needs a job and since she passes all the tests with flying colors, is now Jack's new assistant. Jack can't stop thinking about Grace, she's being trained by Fallon and has moved into the flat that comes with the job. Her and her little dog, who basically is another character in the story, or so it seemed. Jack and Grace are attracted to each other. They bob and weave their way through the book. Throw in a cousin of Grace's, no love lost between these two, yet another snarky witch, who also happened to date Jack at uni. Lots of drama, misunderstandings, a little OTT dumb a** commentary from Connor, the mother, the grandmum and it's one heck of a Disney ride. There were times when I really felt bad for Jack, even though he was so non-committal. Sean was great throughout the book. He and Grace have a long history. And there is the proverbial shoe drop shite, Jack does a Jack. So what happens?
Read the book. While this was not my favorite, I loved book one so much, the author certainly set the bar rather high. That's just my view and opinion. Such as it is.

arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review.

*edited review read twice*
Profile Image for Deb Hanson.
1,366 reviews15 followers
August 20, 2018
Irish On The Rocks
Murphy Brothers 2
Magan Vernan
⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟


This is my 1st book from this author so I went in blind nit knowing anything about her or the way she wrote. I had come across this story on Netgalley, and I do love a rich boss falling for his assistant, but this was totally different to the norm.

As the name suggests this book is set in the UK, meaning there is a lot of slang and words that come across as misspelt, but it all adds to the story. Hard to overlook when I’m so used to American slang… But don’t let that stop you from enjoying this story.

Both Grace and Jack come from money, but that is where their backgrounds stop. Grace was always the plump, braces wearing young girl who was best friends with Jack’s younger brother Sean. She was never in Jack’s radar until years later he sees her at a gala. She’s fully aware of who he is and cannot stop that fluttering in her belly every time he flies just a little more. But poor Jack has no clue who this woman is until she drops a bombshell on him… That changes everything.

After Grace left London jobless and returning to Dublin to her grandparents and mothers home. Not ideal for a grown woman and fun icing another job in her field is anything but easy. She never thought a spilled glass of champagne will have her working in the offices of Murphy Pubs. As the ever increasing feelings show up Grace discovers those feelings are not just one sided… It seems the marriage clause in Jack’s father will was to see all three of his boys married to keep Murphy Pubs in their hands, makes its own decisions. Throwing Grace and Jack together with chemistry to burn your fingers while page turning, will see Jack taken by another love, one he never saw coming.

Between Jack as his pressure of marriage to keep the one thing he loves and the girl who can’t stand the thought of marriage means this is a relationship bound by rocks, and cliffs will be the ultimate test to both of their wants, needs and futures…
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,803 reviews18 followers
August 8, 2018
Irish on the Rocks by Magan Vernon a five-star read that will melt your mind. This is the second book in the Murphy Brothers series and these brothers just get so hot they would melt the ice in your glass just by looking at it and what excites me most is the fact that we still have another brother to find out more about. Jack Murphy is a tall drink of Irish whisky that would go down smoother than you can realise. Jack is a playboy, but he needs a wife to fill his dads’ final wishes according to his last will and testament. The problems start when he meets a beautiful lady in a red dress at a Gala and thinks she could be a great wife, it gets better when he realises who she is and when fate plays its part in getting them together sparks will fly. Throw in a lovely little pooch named Jane Pawsten who steals every scene she is in as a good little pooch should and you have a winning story in my eyes.
Profile Image for We Like them Dark Book Blog.
828 reviews110 followers
September 17, 2018
This is a great, fast paced, extremely light hearted book! In a world full of dark romances, this was a nice break for a happily ever after with no hassle.
Jack and Graces story has a lot of my favorite tropes. There’s an office romance-and it’s also enemies to lovers. We got a lot of the burning hot chemistry and so much banter and wit from the two characters that it kept me engaged the whole time.
I wasn’t aware this was part of a series-but I’m absolutely going to read book 1. This book is a complete standalone, and you don’t have to read book 1 in order to understand anything. It just makes me crave reading about the other brothers in the family. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Profile Image for Samantha.
2,696 reviews21 followers
August 28, 2018
Irish on the rocks is book two in the series and its older brother Jacks turn. What do you do when you have to get married but the only woman who is on your mind is one who never should be? For Jack its his brothers best mate Grace. Reconnecting with her after a few years, hes drawn to her and no idea why.

Grace is against marriage thanks to her parents, and to make it all better shes really hit a low point. When things go south after meeting Jack at a gala things cant get any worse right? How about a job offer?

This book was a food romance that made you interested with the cute dog, obnoxious grandmum, and the back and forth between Grace and Jack. It was good and i did enjoy it.
Profile Image for Tammy .
1,022 reviews119 followers
October 22, 2018
I had fun with this first time author, to me. Irish on The Rocks was a quick, entertaining read, with likable characters. I really enjoyed Jack and Grace, along with their quirky family members. The angst was low and the issues were uncomplicated and easy to overcome. For me, that equaled perfect. Just what I needed after a couple of not so great books.

I didn't realize this was book 2 until I came to write my review. With that, you won't be lost, but you will want more of Connor and Fallon. I think I may just go back and read their story. And I definitely look forward to seeing who snags Sean. Plus, I'll get to see more of Jack and Grace.

If you are looking for something fun and light-hearted than I recommend one clicking this one. You'll fall quick for our resident bad boy and his assistant.
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,884 reviews136 followers
December 24, 2018
What a fun read this turned out to be! When his father’s death means he has to be married to inherit his family’s business it creates a real dilemma - especially as the woman he’d choose is the best friend of his brother. What’s a man to do?

Get ready for heated attraction, conflicting feelings, mixed messages and some encounters to put a smile on your face in this contemporary romance with a touch of the Blarney Stone! A fun read that works well as a stand-alone but is also part of a series and one that I really enjoyed.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Profile Image for Keanna.
134 reviews13 followers
September 5, 2018
I can not get enough of these Irish brothers!!
Irish On The Rocks is about Jack Murphy, the oldest Murphy brother. Boy or boy what a story this was! The ending had some angst that had me on the edge of my seat, reading as quickly as I could to figure out what would happen next!! Love, love, loved it!!
Profile Image for Melinda.
900 reviews
October 16, 2018
A great story with great characters who have great chemistry, and there is plenty of drama, sexiness, love and with a great HEA. Will be looking for more books by this author and I would totally recommend this book too
Profile Image for Crystal.
Author 75 books427 followers
August 7, 2018
SO good. Just so, so good. I am beyond glad I discovered the first book in this series and this one was even better. I cannot wait for Sean’s book!
Profile Image for Lori.
1,113 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2018
4.5*****

Oh Jack, the sexy, funny, compassionate, loveable man, how you found your match in Grace. They challenged each other constantly, and were drawn to one another. Their chemistry was off the charts. I loved how she wanted to be independent and not in a relationship. But reconnecting with Jack helped her see what she had been missing. Jack was utterly adorable in his pursuit and wanting to take care of Grace. They were so much fun together. And I loved how we got to see Fallon and Connor from book one. They both played important and quite humorous parts in this story. Now all we need is Sean's story. I cannot wait for that one!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
Profile Image for Brandi.
1,506 reviews11 followers
August 12, 2018
Seeing all the changes Grace has made after so many years was something he could have never anticipated. Jack wasn’t prepared for how stunning she turned out and one look could leave him utterly speechless. Still trying to come to terms with the stipulations of his father’s will he never considers Grace. His attraction to her cannot be denied but he must keep his eye on the prize and remain professional at all times while they are at the office. Lines slowly begun to blur and Grace’s dream of being with her childhood crush could become a reality. This series is definitely a must read as Magan makes you fall in love with all the brothers desperately trying to keep their families legacy falling into the hands of someone else.
Profile Image for Carey’s Reviews.
630 reviews28 followers
February 9, 2022
This was a really enjoyable book! I haven’t read book 1 yet but luckily this book, the 2nd in the series, can be read without reading the first book and it’s still understandable. I loved the main characters, Grace & Jack! I would’ve liked more info about Grace & Jack when they were younger. I really enjoyed this frenemies/boss to lovers book! I definitely recommend it! It’s really cute!
*I received this book at no charge from the publisher.*
Profile Image for Keyrsten Robinson.
126 reviews3 followers
September 17, 2018
Grace is smart as a whip and can toss witty remarks around like its nothing. She has been through quite a lot these last few months, but in spite of that she continues to be determined and as hardworking as ever. After her parents divorced and she lost her job, she found herself believing marriage was a sham and moving out of the country. Dublin isn't where she expected to be living, but she's trying to make the best of it. She is offered an assistant position working for her best friend's older brother, the brother she happened to have a crush on growing up. It wasn't the type of work she was used to, but she decided to put her best foot forward until a publishing opportunity arose. Grace believed her school girl crush on the playboy older brother was long gone, but she can't help but be pulled in by the caring gentleman he grew up to be. Feelings start to blossom, but how can she love a man if she doesn't believe love is real?

Jack believes whole heartedly that he and his brothers are the best fit to run his family's whiskey/pub business. When he was younger he proved to be quite the cocky obnoxious playboy, but as he has gotten older he has grown into a caring gentleman who at times can be crass. He is willing to do everything he can to keep the business in the family, even if that means finding a wife. Despite his reservations, he can't help but be drawn to his new assistant / younger brother's best friend. He knows he should stay away from her, but she is the first woman he has ever been drawn to in such a way. Her touch lights a fire through his otherwise icy disposition. Grace has repeatedly told Jack she doesn't believe in marriage, and even though he needs a wife to keep his company he can't bring himself to let Grace go. Can Jack prove to Grace that love and marriage are worth fighting for, or will he lose his company fighting for the only woman he's ever wanted?

Jack had my heart the moment he started caring for our dear Janey Pawsten. You can really tell a lot about a man by how he treats your fur baby. If I had been Grace I would have dropped down on my knees right here and asked him to marry me. Grandmom put it best, "The sexy Irish hunk with a butt like a sailor? Of course, I could never forget him." It was sweet watching Jack and Grace's relationship bloom. You come to learn that he actually has a big heart for those he cares about, and it was nice to see him show that side of himself to Grace. Of course they had their moments where the argued, but they challenged each other to be better. I understand Grace's reservations, though there were plenty of times I wanted to throttle her and yell, "For lanta's sake woman let him love you!" There is only a taste of smut, but there is a lot of sexual tension. If you want touchy feely more than smutty, than this is the book for you.

Lacey's character arc was bit of a dud for me. There is so much untapped history with her that I think could have propelled our climax to another level if we got to see more of that. Her relationships with both Grace and Jack could have been expanded on a little more to make that plot point hit you harder in the gut. Call me dramatic, but I like my climaxes to rip my heart out and then my resolutions to piece me back together. This was more of a sucker punch in the gut and the culprit ran away laughing. More annoying than heart wrenching.

I feel like Grace's relationship with her father after the divorce would have been an interesting dynamic to add to the story. It is mentioned several times that he devastated her mom, but how did that affect Grace. How did their relationship change? Being a child of divorce myself, I felt like Grace's feelings and relationship with her father was brushed under the rug. Her character dimension could have benefited more with showing that broken piece of her.

The friendships, the kooky grandmother, and the romance was enjoyable to read. I wasn't sure they were a good fit at first, but the more you get to know them the more the just feel right together. They challenge each other to do more and be better. The hearts they both have are so caring, and they were so thoughtful with one another even when they didn't agree with the other one. It isn't always about finding the "perfect" person who agrees with everything you do and believe in. It's about finding the one person you want to argue with forever.
Profile Image for LadyTechie.
784 reviews52 followers
August 31, 2018
Irish on the Rocks is the second in the Murphy Brothers series. I received an eArc from Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for my honest opinion. I missed the first story in the series and Irish on the Rocks tells Jack's story. Jack is next in line for CEO of their family's company after their father died. Unfortunately, for Jack and his brothers, there was a clause in their father's will that required each of them to be married to inherit the company. Jack's role as CEO is just a placeholder until the time limit is reached. If all three of them are not married by the end of the time limit then the board gets a chance at running the company.

Grace is the childhood best friend of the third brother, Sean and he is very protective of Grace. Jack needs a wife but, he doesn't even realize his feelings for Grace until it is almost too late. Grace is vehemently opposed to marriage after witnessing the war between her parents during their divorce. Her mother came out of it scarred and with nothing, which I thought was odd given the circumstances. I can see how it would be disheartening for Grace. Unfortunately, her dad seems to have divorced Grace along with her mother. Obviously, she is an adult so there was no reason to assume she would get any kind of financial support from the divorce, but, the reader gets the picture that the dad is quite the jerk and he ripped the family apart and not just his marriage with his behavior. Grace is smart and quite skilled as an editor, unfortunately, she is currently without a job and they are living with her grandparents in Ireland. Grace is independent and is looking for a new job, as well as, hopefully, her own apartment, out from under her mother and grandparents.

Jack needs a new assistant and Grace needs a job so it seems logical that she would be the logical choice, especially since her grandfather, who is one of the board members over at Murphy's, recommended her. She is a great fit, and smart. She hits the ground running as an asset and she and Jack are quite attracted to each other. They are a good fit but, Grace doesn't want marriage and Jack worries that any mistakes will cause them to lose the company. It is a great romance and it was fun to see Jack relate to "Jane Pawsten", love that name! I am looking forward to seeing Sean drag his feet while trying to find his wife. Review can also be seen at Lady Techie's Book Musings http://LadyTechiesbookmusings.blogspo....
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