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Hamilton Cousins #2
The Irish Heiress
The Hamilton sisters have found true love to rival any novels sold in their famous London bookshops. And the story continues, as each of their offspring discovers the perfect partner . . .
Quiet and intuitive, Lady Mara Reeves has always felt more at home amid the green hills of her native Ireland than in London’s stifling ballrooms. Determined to remain single, she’s adept at gently rebuffing any suitor who comes her way. So why is she so drawn to Foster Sheridan, Earl of Sterling? It’s a connection unlike anything she’s ever known, yet complicated by one scandalous fact: the man she believes to be her destiny is already married . . .
Trapped in a loveless union with a woman who refuses to divorce him, Foster is resigned to loneliness until he meets the exquisite Mara. He wants her as a wife, not a mistress, but he can’t resist her unconventional offer. Their passion is intense, as is the risk. For even as Foster follows Mara home to Ireland, their pasts will lead them toward danger that only the deepest love can overcome . . .
Quiet and intuitive, Lady Mara Reeves has always felt more at home amid the green hills of her native Ireland than in London’s stifling ballrooms. Determined to remain single, she’s adept at gently rebuffing any suitor who comes her way. So why is she so drawn to Foster Sheridan, Earl of Sterling? It’s a connection unlike anything she’s ever known, yet complicated by one scandalous fact: the man she believes to be her destiny is already married . . .
Trapped in a loveless union with a woman who refuses to divorce him, Foster is resigned to loneliness until he meets the exquisite Mara. He wants her as a wife, not a mistress, but he can’t resist her unconventional offer. Their passion is intense, as is the risk. For even as Foster follows Mara home to Ireland, their pasts will lead them toward danger that only the deepest love can overcome . . .
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2019
46 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Kaitlin O'Riley
14 books119 followersKaitlin has always loved books and loved to read.
As a young girl growing up on the New Jersey shore (yes, she is a Jersey Girl!) she spent hours and hours reading at the beach, out on the front porch, and in her bedroom very late at night when she was supposed to be sleeping. She would walk to the little public library in town and choose books as if they were delicious treats in a candy store. She read all the classic “girl” books: Little Women, as well as every other book written by Louisa May Alcott, the entire Anne of Green Gables series, and The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. All of these stories took place in another time period, so different from her own life and that was very appealing.
Kaitlin fell in love with historical romances when she was fourteen years old and first read Mistress of Mellyn, by Victoria Holt. Even before she devoured every single one of her books, Kaitlin was hooked on historical romance fiction. She then moved on to the likes of the novels by Kathleen Woodiwiss (Shanna and The Flame and the Flower) which she read stealthily, when her older sisters were not home to see that she was reading their books. However, her all time favorite book was, and still is, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind. Now she adores the works of Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, and Phillipa Gregory.
Her love of reading translated naturally to a love of writing. She has written personal journals since she was fourteen and has adored every creative writing class she took in school. She actually wrote her first romances when she was fifteen, with her best friend. Sadly, they had no clue what they were writing about in those spiral notebooks, having no romantic experiences to draw from at that point! Most of those early efforts were tossed in a fireplace, but one notebook still survives to haunt her.
In college Kaitlin took a detour from writing and became a foreign language major, spending her junior year in Spain. And because stories of the past always intrigued her, she also studied history.
Kaitlin now lives in sunny Southern California with her family, where she is busy writing her next novel!
Q&A with Kaitlin O’Riley
On Writing:
How do you come up with the ideas for your books?
This is probably the question most frequently asked of me, and probably asked of most writers. I’m sure each author has her own methods of inspiration. As for myself, my ideas come to me in different ways. Sometimes I just close my eyes and imagine. Other times ideas come to me while listening to music. I often get inspiration from conversations with my family and friends. A lot of my writing, especially the dialogue, happens naturally, while I’m writing at the computer. The characters I’ve created will just start talking.
Why do you write historical romance?
Because I love the genre and always have. I’m also a bit of a history buff. Past eras fascinate me--the elegant clothing, the styles, the mannerisms, the confining societal elements. The past always seems more romantic and it has already happened it’s easy to idealize it. (Even when I look back to the 1980’s!) Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong century, but then again I couldn’t do without some of the modern comforts, like air conditioning and electricity.
Are your characters based on people you know in real life?
Now that’s a tricky question and one that could get me in trouble. I suppose most of the characters are combinations of everyone I know or have ever known. I don’t think I have ever intentionally based one particular character on one particular person. (And if I did, I’m not telling who it was!) However, I do use names of family members and friends for characters and even add the names of local places from my hometown in my books, for the amusement of those who know me.
Which is your favorite of the books you have written?
They are all my favorites in different ways. But I must say I enjoyed
As a young girl growing up on the New Jersey shore (yes, she is a Jersey Girl!) she spent hours and hours reading at the beach, out on the front porch, and in her bedroom very late at night when she was supposed to be sleeping. She would walk to the little public library in town and choose books as if they were delicious treats in a candy store. She read all the classic “girl” books: Little Women, as well as every other book written by Louisa May Alcott, the entire Anne of Green Gables series, and The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. All of these stories took place in another time period, so different from her own life and that was very appealing.
Kaitlin fell in love with historical romances when she was fourteen years old and first read Mistress of Mellyn, by Victoria Holt. Even before she devoured every single one of her books, Kaitlin was hooked on historical romance fiction. She then moved on to the likes of the novels by Kathleen Woodiwiss (Shanna and The Flame and the Flower) which she read stealthily, when her older sisters were not home to see that she was reading their books. However, her all time favorite book was, and still is, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind. Now she adores the works of Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, and Phillipa Gregory.
Her love of reading translated naturally to a love of writing. She has written personal journals since she was fourteen and has adored every creative writing class she took in school. She actually wrote her first romances when she was fifteen, with her best friend. Sadly, they had no clue what they were writing about in those spiral notebooks, having no romantic experiences to draw from at that point! Most of those early efforts were tossed in a fireplace, but one notebook still survives to haunt her.
In college Kaitlin took a detour from writing and became a foreign language major, spending her junior year in Spain. And because stories of the past always intrigued her, she also studied history.
Kaitlin now lives in sunny Southern California with her family, where she is busy writing her next novel!
Q&A with Kaitlin O’Riley
On Writing:
How do you come up with the ideas for your books?
This is probably the question most frequently asked of me, and probably asked of most writers. I’m sure each author has her own methods of inspiration. As for myself, my ideas come to me in different ways. Sometimes I just close my eyes and imagine. Other times ideas come to me while listening to music. I often get inspiration from conversations with my family and friends. A lot of my writing, especially the dialogue, happens naturally, while I’m writing at the computer. The characters I’ve created will just start talking.
Why do you write historical romance?
Because I love the genre and always have. I’m also a bit of a history buff. Past eras fascinate me--the elegant clothing, the styles, the mannerisms, the confining societal elements. The past always seems more romantic and it has already happened it’s easy to idealize it. (Even when I look back to the 1980’s!) Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong century, but then again I couldn’t do without some of the modern comforts, like air conditioning and electricity.
Are your characters based on people you know in real life?
Now that’s a tricky question and one that could get me in trouble. I suppose most of the characters are combinations of everyone I know or have ever known. I don’t think I have ever intentionally based one particular character on one particular person. (And if I did, I’m not telling who it was!) However, I do use names of family members and friends for characters and even add the names of local places from my hometown in my books, for the amusement of those who know me.
Which is your favorite of the books you have written?
They are all my favorites in different ways. But I must say I enjoyed
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 30, 2019
In brief: a sweet yet steamy turn-of-the-century forbidden romance
Mara Reeves is the daughter of an Irish earl who is happily "on the shelf" at age 23. It's not that she doesn't want love and family, it's that she fears that she has a hereditary condition... her mother, who died in a fire when Mara was only 4 years old, was mad. It is the only explanation for why her mother would allow herself to be consumed by the very flames she set, but there is another reason Mara is sure she is destined to follow in her mother's mental illness footsteps: she also gets periodic premonitions that have always come to fruition. It is a secret she has hidden for as long as she can recall; when she mentioned it to her father once when she was but 7 years of age, he looked worried for her; thus, she has managed to keep her "gift of sight" secret ever since. Though Mara would hardly call it a "gift" as she believes it to be a curse that will eventually result into her descent into madness, a condition she would never want to pass along to a child. In the meantime, Mara is content to spend time with her step-mother's loving family who accepted her as one of their own and assist them in running the bookstores their father left them.
Foster Sheridan, Earl of Sterling, has been resigned to his life as a "married in name only" husband of an absentee wife. Though he has been married for ten years as the result of an arrangement to join properties, he considers his wife a total stranger --- they have never even managed to consummate the marriage as she shunned his every attempt to get to know her as a person and as a woman. Foster does not know why his wife seems to detest him, but he has been relatively content to live his own life in London while she remains hundreds of miles away in their country home. Over the years, he has had his share of mistresses that he certainly felt affection for, but he has never known love. His parents left his rearing to nannies and boarding schools, and he was an only child. He has wanted a family of his own, but he knows that dream is impossible and has moved on. Until he meets the beautiful and irresistible Lady Mara Reeves....
While attending her uncle's birthday soiree, Mara is struck with a premonition: it is of her surrounded yet again by fire with the certainty she is going to die. Suddenly, the most handsome man she has ever seen arrives to save her, and he looks upon with such an intense love that she also feels for him in the vision... she knows they are destined to be together. Imagine her surprise when she bumps into him immediately following her episode, and he is equally instalove struck. But Foster knows she can never truly be his, and he loves her too much to make her a mistress. Is there any hope that they could be able to be together? Will Foster's bitter wife ever allow him the freedom to find love? And if Foster is available to marry, can Mara tie herself to another knowing she is destined to go mad?
What I liked:
--- The main characters were very likeable, and as a reader, you definitely find yourself rooting for them
--- The story was interesting and kept me hooked to see what would happen next
--- Enjoyable steamy goodness (steamy but not explicit)
What I didn't like as much:
--- The wife character was a little over-the-top sometimes; it seemed odd that she would be as angry and bitter with Foster as none of what happened to her was ever his fault
Overall, a great read from an author I have not read before but definitely hope to again soon! As a note, I got the sense that there are other books about Mara's relatives (her aunts and one of her cousins in particular), but it didn't detract at all from this story, so this book could definitely be read as a standalone.
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 3.5/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Mara Reeves is the daughter of an Irish earl who is happily "on the shelf" at age 23. It's not that she doesn't want love and family, it's that she fears that she has a hereditary condition... her mother, who died in a fire when Mara was only 4 years old, was mad. It is the only explanation for why her mother would allow herself to be consumed by the very flames she set, but there is another reason Mara is sure she is destined to follow in her mother's mental illness footsteps: she also gets periodic premonitions that have always come to fruition. It is a secret she has hidden for as long as she can recall; when she mentioned it to her father once when she was but 7 years of age, he looked worried for her; thus, she has managed to keep her "gift of sight" secret ever since. Though Mara would hardly call it a "gift" as she believes it to be a curse that will eventually result into her descent into madness, a condition she would never want to pass along to a child. In the meantime, Mara is content to spend time with her step-mother's loving family who accepted her as one of their own and assist them in running the bookstores their father left them.
Foster Sheridan, Earl of Sterling, has been resigned to his life as a "married in name only" husband of an absentee wife. Though he has been married for ten years as the result of an arrangement to join properties, he considers his wife a total stranger --- they have never even managed to consummate the marriage as she shunned his every attempt to get to know her as a person and as a woman. Foster does not know why his wife seems to detest him, but he has been relatively content to live his own life in London while she remains hundreds of miles away in their country home. Over the years, he has had his share of mistresses that he certainly felt affection for, but he has never known love. His parents left his rearing to nannies and boarding schools, and he was an only child. He has wanted a family of his own, but he knows that dream is impossible and has moved on. Until he meets the beautiful and irresistible Lady Mara Reeves....
While attending her uncle's birthday soiree, Mara is struck with a premonition: it is of her surrounded yet again by fire with the certainty she is going to die. Suddenly, the most handsome man she has ever seen arrives to save her, and he looks upon with such an intense love that she also feels for him in the vision... she knows they are destined to be together. Imagine her surprise when she bumps into him immediately following her episode, and he is equally instalove struck. But Foster knows she can never truly be his, and he loves her too much to make her a mistress. Is there any hope that they could be able to be together? Will Foster's bitter wife ever allow him the freedom to find love? And if Foster is available to marry, can Mara tie herself to another knowing she is destined to go mad?
What I liked:
--- The main characters were very likeable, and as a reader, you definitely find yourself rooting for them
--- The story was interesting and kept me hooked to see what would happen next
--- Enjoyable steamy goodness (steamy but not explicit)
What I didn't like as much:
--- The wife character was a little over-the-top sometimes; it seemed odd that she would be as angry and bitter with Foster as none of what happened to her was ever his fault
Overall, a great read from an author I have not read before but definitely hope to again soon! As a note, I got the sense that there are other books about Mara's relatives (her aunts and one of her cousins in particular), but it didn't detract at all from this story, so this book could definitely be read as a standalone.
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 3.5/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 14, 2019
SWEET BUT PREDICTABLE 🌺
Historical romance is, usually, quite predictable. We all know what the ending is going to be. But the road there doesn't have to be predictable. This book took the expected road to the expected ending. But there were still flashes of greatness that kept me entertained.
THE THINGS I LIKED 🌺
'Villain' POV: Foster Sheridan is married when he falls in love with our heroine, Mara Reeves. Therefore it comes as no surprise that his shrew of a wife is the 'villain' of this story. She cannot allow her husband to find happiness, when she believes there is none to be found for her. I actually really enjoyed that the wife, Rose, had a voice in this book. She had chapters devoted only to her. It was fresh and interesting.
Premonitions: Mara has the most curious gift - she gets premonitions about the future that always come true. I knew, from having read the first book in this series, that this was going to play a part in this book. And I actually expected to dislike it, because I don't equate historical romance with paranormal things. But still, the premonitions were handled delicately, and they actually added something interesting and new to the story.
Chemistry: There was such a sweet and undeniable chemistry between Mara and Foster, which was so intense and hot yet still sweet and respectful. I really responded well to that.
THE THINGS I DISLIKED
Predictable: Like I said, from the beginning until the end, there were no surprises in this book for me. I had it all figured out. That was a bit sad, there could have been at least one little surprise along the way.
Regency or Victorian?: This book is set in the year 1894, meaning during the Victorian era. Yet, apart from Foster referring to automobiles and electricity and having a shower in his home, this really just read like a regency romance novel. I would have loved it to reflect the time it was set in more clearly.
Insta-love: Now, this is one of my biggest pet peeves in books, especially in romance books. When the hero and heroine fall instantly in love with each other without even knowing anything about the other. To me, that is not love. That is lust.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR MORE BOOK GOODNESS
Historical romance is, usually, quite predictable. We all know what the ending is going to be. But the road there doesn't have to be predictable. This book took the expected road to the expected ending. But there were still flashes of greatness that kept me entertained.
"The role of an unwanted spinster spiraling into lunacy was her fate."
THE THINGS I LIKED 🌺
'Villain' POV: Foster Sheridan is married when he falls in love with our heroine, Mara Reeves. Therefore it comes as no surprise that his shrew of a wife is the 'villain' of this story. She cannot allow her husband to find happiness, when she believes there is none to be found for her. I actually really enjoyed that the wife, Rose, had a voice in this book. She had chapters devoted only to her. It was fresh and interesting.
Premonitions: Mara has the most curious gift - she gets premonitions about the future that always come true. I knew, from having read the first book in this series, that this was going to play a part in this book. And I actually expected to dislike it, because I don't equate historical romance with paranormal things. But still, the premonitions were handled delicately, and they actually added something interesting and new to the story.
Chemistry: There was such a sweet and undeniable chemistry between Mara and Foster, which was so intense and hot yet still sweet and respectful. I really responded well to that.
THE THINGS I DISLIKED
Predictable: Like I said, from the beginning until the end, there were no surprises in this book for me. I had it all figured out. That was a bit sad, there could have been at least one little surprise along the way.
Regency or Victorian?: This book is set in the year 1894, meaning during the Victorian era. Yet, apart from Foster referring to automobiles and electricity and having a shower in his home, this really just read like a regency romance novel. I would have loved it to reflect the time it was set in more clearly.
Insta-love: Now, this is one of my biggest pet peeves in books, especially in romance books. When the hero and heroine fall instantly in love with each other without even knowing anything about the other. To me, that is not love. That is lust.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR MORE BOOK GOODNESS
July 30, 2019
This story sucked me in from the very beginning, Mara and her peculiar gift had me on edge as I wondered and worried about what to expect at each turn of the narrative.
Mrs Kaitlin O’Riley is a new author to me, and it was quite a wonderful journey she embarked me following Mara and Foster’s traveling to their happily ever after.
It was a magnificent story about instant recognition, when they saw each other, they knew they were sharing a common destiny, and despite the odds against them, they could not turn their back to their growing love.
It takes a talented author to craft a vilain I did came to hate.
Mara and Foster are two nice characters, they have their flaws but they face life’s issues their head held high, Mara took a decision for her future as a young girl, against her own wish but with only the others in mind, she thought by refusing to marry and have children she would protect her people. Maybe instead of hiding everything happening to her, if she had shared what occurred in her vision, she might have found solace earlier. Foster has lived with his parents deciding his life’s course, so he simply accepted what was asked from him. When his marriage showed it would only be a scam of the institution, he let it go. He should have fought earlier to free himself before but meeting Mara, only enforced his will to put an end to this masquerade.
I pitied his wife, sure she is the vilain of the story and she had some right to be angry but not to be so hateful. She is the wronged party but an annulment would have freed her too, even if I do know it is the women in these who always bear the fault.
Foster’s wife is a bitter woman, not by her doing even if she fueled her hate after. Her trust and hopes were destroyed before her wedding, pinpointing Foster as the perfect target for her resentment and venom. Despite her anger and resentment, I felt sorry for the young Rose who had her dreams and life shattered by dominating and overbearing parents so selfish they thought only for themselves and never had a consideration for the young woman their daughter had been. By their uncaring and selfish actions, they changed a nice young girl in a rancorous woman, angry at everyone and needing to make other pays for her past pain. At some point her grief moved to madness.
Foster and Mara have a beautiful relationship, never they doubted their feelings as from their very first meeting, it was meant to be. They choose a very unconventional path, agreeing to a secret affair, even if longing for more and at every turn, they choose the other. They might have reservations but their soulmate was whom mattered the most.
The author added plenty of side characters, from her previous work, but never I felt lost as she painted them the right way to just get to know them with only few lines. Mara’s family is a handsome lot, so many amazing people, whose stories I hope to read soon.
The Irish Heiress (why this tittle?), is a delicious jaunt with a touch of fantastic to spice a delightful love story which brave society’s propriety.
I was granted an advance copy by Netgalley and the publisher Kensington Books, I will also purchase my own ecopy when available, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Mrs Kaitlin O’Riley is a new author to me, and it was quite a wonderful journey she embarked me following Mara and Foster’s traveling to their happily ever after.
It was a magnificent story about instant recognition, when they saw each other, they knew they were sharing a common destiny, and despite the odds against them, they could not turn their back to their growing love.
It takes a talented author to craft a vilain I did came to hate.
Mara and Foster are two nice characters, they have their flaws but they face life’s issues their head held high, Mara took a decision for her future as a young girl, against her own wish but with only the others in mind, she thought by refusing to marry and have children she would protect her people. Maybe instead of hiding everything happening to her, if she had shared what occurred in her vision, she might have found solace earlier. Foster has lived with his parents deciding his life’s course, so he simply accepted what was asked from him. When his marriage showed it would only be a scam of the institution, he let it go. He should have fought earlier to free himself before but meeting Mara, only enforced his will to put an end to this masquerade.
I pitied his wife, sure she is the vilain of the story and she had some right to be angry but not to be so hateful. She is the wronged party but an annulment would have freed her too, even if I do know it is the women in these who always bear the fault.
Foster’s wife is a bitter woman, not by her doing even if she fueled her hate after. Her trust and hopes were destroyed before her wedding, pinpointing Foster as the perfect target for her resentment and venom. Despite her anger and resentment, I felt sorry for the young Rose who had her dreams and life shattered by dominating and overbearing parents so selfish they thought only for themselves and never had a consideration for the young woman their daughter had been. By their uncaring and selfish actions, they changed a nice young girl in a rancorous woman, angry at everyone and needing to make other pays for her past pain. At some point her grief moved to madness.
Foster and Mara have a beautiful relationship, never they doubted their feelings as from their very first meeting, it was meant to be. They choose a very unconventional path, agreeing to a secret affair, even if longing for more and at every turn, they choose the other. They might have reservations but their soulmate was whom mattered the most.
The author added plenty of side characters, from her previous work, but never I felt lost as she painted them the right way to just get to know them with only few lines. Mara’s family is a handsome lot, so many amazing people, whose stories I hope to read soon.
The Irish Heiress (why this tittle?), is a delicious jaunt with a touch of fantastic to spice a delightful love story which brave society’s propriety.
I was granted an advance copy by Netgalley and the publisher Kensington Books, I will also purchase my own ecopy when available, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
August 26, 2019
Hmmm... Not my favourite historical romance read. I was honestly expecting it to be so much more but the predictable storyline just didn't reach its mark.
July 13, 2019
This is the second book from The Hamilton Cousins, a sequel series to The Hamilton Sisters.
It follows the same formula as the first book, but the romance this time is more complicated than the one in the first book. The characters were better, in my opinion, but the story predictable once again. This is something I expected, since most historical romances, or at least those that I have read, have rather simple and uncomplicated stories. After all, we read them for the romance, the setting and the characters.
My main issue was the same as the first book. It feels like a regency novel, even though it takes place in 1890's. There is almost none reference to the right time. I remembered it because it bothered me in the first book too.
In general, it's a nice and entertaining historical romance book, but lacks the charm that, for example, the Bridgerton series have.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an e-arc, in exchange for my honest review.
It follows the same formula as the first book, but the romance this time is more complicated than the one in the first book. The characters were better, in my opinion, but the story predictable once again. This is something I expected, since most historical romances, or at least those that I have read, have rather simple and uncomplicated stories. After all, we read them for the romance, the setting and the characters.
My main issue was the same as the first book. It feels like a regency novel, even though it takes place in 1890's. There is almost none reference to the right time. I remembered it because it bothered me in the first book too.
In general, it's a nice and entertaining historical romance book, but lacks the charm that, for example, the Bridgerton series have.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an e-arc, in exchange for my honest review.
July 31, 2019
2.25*
Review originally published at Romancing Romances.
I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
This book just wasn’t right for me. I wanted to try this author but this book wasn’t a good idea.
It says clearly in the synopsis that this book deals with the hero and heroine cheating the hero’s wife. She was a broken person, for sure, but I still don’t like the idea of Mara and Foster cheating.
To be honest, I wasn’t even a fan of Mara and Foster. I loved Mara’s family, but Mara herself spent most of the time crying, and she was a bit annoying. Foster was… he didn’t act. He only acted when it was convenient for him, and then told himself that it wasn’t just for him, it was for his wife, Rose, too. Well, it might have been true, but it didn’t feel like it.
To be completely honest, I liked Rose – aka the “villain” – more than our heroes. She was broken hearted, which made her cruel. I am in no way excusing her actions – she was a horrible woman, but life made her that way. She could have been happier – not happy, happier – if she had chosen too, but she walled in her sadness, and everything and everyone she missed. She was miserable. And yet, she was so much more interesting than the main characters.
The writing didn’t captivate me, and the story, which sounded quite interesting, just didn’t live up to the expectation.
Review originally published at Romancing Romances.
I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
This book just wasn’t right for me. I wanted to try this author but this book wasn’t a good idea.
It says clearly in the synopsis that this book deals with the hero and heroine cheating the hero’s wife. She was a broken person, for sure, but I still don’t like the idea of Mara and Foster cheating.
To be honest, I wasn’t even a fan of Mara and Foster. I loved Mara’s family, but Mara herself spent most of the time crying, and she was a bit annoying. Foster was… he didn’t act. He only acted when it was convenient for him, and then told himself that it wasn’t just for him, it was for his wife, Rose, too. Well, it might have been true, but it didn’t feel like it.
To be completely honest, I liked Rose – aka the “villain” – more than our heroes. She was broken hearted, which made her cruel. I am in no way excusing her actions – she was a horrible woman, but life made her that way. She could have been happier – not happy, happier – if she had chosen too, but she walled in her sadness, and everything and everyone she missed. She was miserable. And yet, she was so much more interesting than the main characters.
The writing didn’t captivate me, and the story, which sounded quite interesting, just didn’t live up to the expectation.
August 4, 2019
The Irish Heiress by Kaitlin O'Riley is book Two in the Hamilton Cousins Series. This is the story of Mara Reeves and Foster Sheridan, Earl of Sterling. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Mara has settled into being a spinster basing this on her feelings about her mother who died that was labeled has 'mad' and her being able to know of things that have come to pass. So when she meets Foster they enter into a scandalous relationship. Foster is married to someone who he wishes he wasn't but she will not let him go at all. So of course this plays into the added issues with Mara and Foster. I am not a fan of hero being involved with someone else bad or good relationship then wanting someone else but this author writing help to get over my issue in this book with that.
Mara has settled into being a spinster basing this on her feelings about her mother who died that was labeled has 'mad' and her being able to know of things that have come to pass. So when she meets Foster they enter into a scandalous relationship. Foster is married to someone who he wishes he wasn't but she will not let him go at all. So of course this plays into the added issues with Mara and Foster. I am not a fan of hero being involved with someone else bad or good relationship then wanting someone else but this author writing help to get over my issue in this book with that.
July 13, 2019
The Irish Heiress is the second book in the Hamilton Cousins series. The storyline for this book was very interesting. We have a heroine, Lady Mara, who has premonitions. It is during one of these where she sees a man saving her life. She then meets Lord Sterling who ends up being the man she saw in her vision and just like that she feels an instant connection, that they belong together and in love. Also in that moment Lord Sterling feels the same way towards her. This connection was a little too sudden for me. He was a little reluctant at first because he's a married man. He's been married for ten years to Rose. Their marriage has been a very cold one. They've lived apart for most of those ten years. Rose was a tough character. We see her as a bitter woman who will not divorce Foster just for spite. It is later on in the story when we find out her reasons of why she became this woman. It's a sad story, but she had no right to take it out on Foster.
The romance in this book was not one we usually find. It is because of the vision that Mara had that she is determined to be with Foster even as a mistress. She is willing to give up being a wife and children to be with him. Therefore, their love had a bittersweet tint to it even towards the end when they could finally be together.
Thank you to the publisher for that ARC provided through NetGalley for review.
The romance in this book was not one we usually find. It is because of the vision that Mara had that she is determined to be with Foster even as a mistress. She is willing to give up being a wife and children to be with him. Therefore, their love had a bittersweet tint to it even towards the end when they could finally be together.
Thank you to the publisher for that ARC provided through NetGalley for review.
July 23, 2020
3.25 Stars
Lady Mara Reeves is determined to remain single, she’s adept at gently rebuffing any suitor who comes her way. She also has flashes of seeing future event & just after seeing one event she sees Foster Sheridan Earl of Sterling & realises he’s the man in her vision. There’s a connection unlike anything she’s ever known, yet complicated by one scandalous fact: the man she believes to be her destiny is already married . Trapped in a loveless union with a woman who refuses to divorce him, Foster is resigned to loneliness until he meets the exquisite Mara. Her wants her as a wife, not a mistress, but he can’t resist her unconventional offer.
I’ve loved the previous Hamilton books & I did enjoy this book but I couldn’t condone Foster's behaviour. Yes Rose was horrid to him but did he ever try to find out why - no, he just upped & left. As Rose's backstory emerged I felt sorry for her but again couldn’t condone her behaviour towards Foster. I'm also not a lover of instant love so I came close to putting this book down & if it has been the first I'd read by the author I would have done but because of her other books I continued to read. I liked Mara & to some extent Foster, the road to their HEA was pretty predictable but also enjoyable.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lady Mara Reeves is determined to remain single, she’s adept at gently rebuffing any suitor who comes her way. She also has flashes of seeing future event & just after seeing one event she sees Foster Sheridan Earl of Sterling & realises he’s the man in her vision. There’s a connection unlike anything she’s ever known, yet complicated by one scandalous fact: the man she believes to be her destiny is already married . Trapped in a loveless union with a woman who refuses to divorce him, Foster is resigned to loneliness until he meets the exquisite Mara. Her wants her as a wife, not a mistress, but he can’t resist her unconventional offer.
I’ve loved the previous Hamilton books & I did enjoy this book but I couldn’t condone Foster's behaviour. Yes Rose was horrid to him but did he ever try to find out why - no, he just upped & left. As Rose's backstory emerged I felt sorry for her but again couldn’t condone her behaviour towards Foster. I'm also not a lover of instant love so I came close to putting this book down & if it has been the first I'd read by the author I would have done but because of her other books I continued to read. I liked Mara & to some extent Foster, the road to their HEA was pretty predictable but also enjoyable.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 5, 2019
September 1894
"She knew it was about to come over her, a premonition. She was in a fire and knowing she was going to die. But a man was calling her name with his hand reaching for her, a look of love, mixed with anguish. His eyes, deep green and filled with abject longing and desire, they implored her to come to him. He pulled her into his arms and Mara had never felt such a ebullient happiness and tranquility. This man loved her deeply and she loved him." Paraphrased but this story opened with Mara at her uncles ball, having a premonition and then she saw him. The man in her vision. As she looked at him, she could see him staring at her, a deep connection.
Sigh.. It only gets better if you can believe it but it there is so much emotion swirling around. Foster Sterling, Lord Sheridan was an unhappy man. He had been married for over ten years, yet he and his wife did not live together or ever have a real marraige. She was just a bitter, unhappy human being and he had no hope of children or happiness.
This is a journey of the heart and trying to hold on to an instant connection when so much is against them. There is a terrible villian in the middle, his wife that has a story of her own that comes out.
Can these two find happiness? But how can that be with him married? A real page turner that will pull at your heart....
"She knew it was about to come over her, a premonition. She was in a fire and knowing she was going to die. But a man was calling her name with his hand reaching for her, a look of love, mixed with anguish. His eyes, deep green and filled with abject longing and desire, they implored her to come to him. He pulled her into his arms and Mara had never felt such a ebullient happiness and tranquility. This man loved her deeply and she loved him." Paraphrased but this story opened with Mara at her uncles ball, having a premonition and then she saw him. The man in her vision. As she looked at him, she could see him staring at her, a deep connection.
Sigh.. It only gets better if you can believe it but it there is so much emotion swirling around. Foster Sterling, Lord Sheridan was an unhappy man. He had been married for over ten years, yet he and his wife did not live together or ever have a real marraige. She was just a bitter, unhappy human being and he had no hope of children or happiness.
This is a journey of the heart and trying to hold on to an instant connection when so much is against them. There is a terrible villian in the middle, his wife that has a story of her own that comes out.
Can these two find happiness? But how can that be with him married? A real page turner that will pull at your heart....
July 16, 2019
I was a little surprised with this book I didn't expect this story line. So we meet Mara who thinks that she will never marry, yet she meets and falls in love with Foster. That is the part that was not what I would have expected. So they meet he also falls in love but is married, now I am not the one to condone infidelity, and I know that the author tries to portray that it is ok for them to have an affair because his wife is truly awful and treats him like crap and refuses to divorce. I don't care I don't like it. Then we have the you know what the outcome is going to be so predictability and that she (Mara) has some sort of visions that explain what is going to happen with her. For that time frame didn't jive with me.
Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
January 14, 2023
This novel had a very predictable storyline with two flat main characters. I do not enjoy romance novels when the characters fall in love instantly. What made this novel difficult for me was the way Foster treated Mara. When she explains her premonitions to him and the fear she has regarding them, he dismisses her thoughts and feelings as nonsense. He could never relate to her throughout the novel. Why was he so madly in love with her? I am not sure.
The most interesting/ non stock character was Rose, Fosters wife. Her back story was interesting, heartbreaking and real. She brought the most human element into the story. Even though her actions were terrible, you can understand her motives because of the depth of feeling O’Riley gave to her. She is the character I will remember the most. This novel would’ve been wonderful if the main characters were given as much care, attention and personality as was given to Rose.
The most interesting/ non stock character was Rose, Fosters wife. Her back story was interesting, heartbreaking and real. She brought the most human element into the story. Even though her actions were terrible, you can understand her motives because of the depth of feeling O’Riley gave to her. She is the character I will remember the most. This novel would’ve been wonderful if the main characters were given as much care, attention and personality as was given to Rose.
August 2, 2019
Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2019...)
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
_________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Instalove (or, as I described it in my reading notes, “Whoa, bear!”) – the “L” word appears by about 25%
Relationship dynamics: The Unhappily Married Earl (H) / The Lady with “The Sight” (h)
Sexual content: Some; both “on-screen” and explicit
Triggers: Adultery; infant death; descriptions of violent death
Grammar/Editing: My ARC had some awkward phrasing, spacing errors and other minor grammatical errors
Review: This novel is set at a whirlwind pace in well-researched late Victorian England and Ireland. I found that some of the prose was repetitious and the repeated descriptions of the premonition episodes are barely re-phrased, which was problematic for me. However, the use of multiple points of view is quite well-done and the reader really gets a glimpse into the mind of the “villain” of this piece, which is both unusual and refreshing.
For Mara and Foster, it is love at first sight. Theirs is an often reckless relationship and much of the action is fueled by their compulsion to be together at any cost. It was nice to see main characters with relatable flaws (the hero never bothered to try to understand his first wife) and insecurities (a repeated question of “am I worthy of love?”): they were very human characters. For this reason, this book is certainly not for those who prefer their main characters to be paragons of every virtue. Most of the supporting characters from this book are apparently featured in the previous book in this series, as well as the original series this one spun off from. Even so, they do not all seem like cameo appearances, as can often be the case. I appreciated this, not having read the other books. Rose (the first wife) is a very sympathetic character with a very sad background. Be very prepared not to hate her!
Lyrical version: You come here, I go there – I do not stay, you come away. Can we finally meet part way? Yes, of course, it is foretold – all will be well, for fortune favours the bold.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
_________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Instalove (or, as I described it in my reading notes, “Whoa, bear!”) – the “L” word appears by about 25%
Relationship dynamics: The Unhappily Married Earl (H) / The Lady with “The Sight” (h)
Sexual content: Some; both “on-screen” and explicit
Triggers: Adultery; infant death; descriptions of violent death
Grammar/Editing: My ARC had some awkward phrasing, spacing errors and other minor grammatical errors
Review: This novel is set at a whirlwind pace in well-researched late Victorian England and Ireland. I found that some of the prose was repetitious and the repeated descriptions of the premonition episodes are barely re-phrased, which was problematic for me. However, the use of multiple points of view is quite well-done and the reader really gets a glimpse into the mind of the “villain” of this piece, which is both unusual and refreshing.
For Mara and Foster, it is love at first sight. Theirs is an often reckless relationship and much of the action is fueled by their compulsion to be together at any cost. It was nice to see main characters with relatable flaws (the hero never bothered to try to understand his first wife) and insecurities (a repeated question of “am I worthy of love?”): they were very human characters. For this reason, this book is certainly not for those who prefer their main characters to be paragons of every virtue. Most of the supporting characters from this book are apparently featured in the previous book in this series, as well as the original series this one spun off from. Even so, they do not all seem like cameo appearances, as can often be the case. I appreciated this, not having read the other books. Rose (the first wife) is a very sympathetic character with a very sad background. Be very prepared not to hate her!
Lyrical version: You come here, I go there – I do not stay, you come away. Can we finally meet part way? Yes, of course, it is foretold – all will be well, for fortune favours the bold.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2019
I'll round 3.5 up to 4, just to keep this even with how lenient I've been lately but I really need to revamp my ratings.
Lady Mara Reeves has always been determined never to marry and has spent several seasons quietly rejecting the attentions of potential suitors. Now her reputation for being shy and reclusive has been solidified. Then she has a premonition or vision, something that happens to her quite regularly, although this is the first time it's been about herself. In the vision she sees herself with a man and very much in love, so when she meets this man in person, their connection is instant.
Foster Sheridan, the Earl of Sterling feels this connection too, unfortunately he is trapped in a loveless marriage with a wife who despises hm, but shuns the idea of divorce. Since Mara has never intended to marry anyway, she thinks she and Foster could still have an arrangement suitable for them both. Foster wants Mara as his wife and tries to keep his distance, but she proves irresistible. Soon, however, an affair is not enough and Foster follows a reluctant Mara to Ireland to try to understand her reasons for not wanting marriage, but danger follows them there, threatening any future they could hope to have together.
Unpopular opinion time. Other reviewers thus far seem to love this book and I just didn't. It was okay for me, but Mara was just a little bit too perfect. The adultery aspect didn't even bother me since Foster's wife was so awful, but then it did a bit when I got more of Rose's backstory, and then it didn't again, because she was awful again. Clearly, I had mixed feelings. The writing itself was good, it was just that there was quite a bit of repetition. Mara kept having the same vision over and over so that was understandable, even if I didn't need every detail of it each time, but many of her conversations with Foster seemed the same as well and that got to me a bit.
All the same, I really did enjoy how close the family was and all the secondary characters were wonderful. I would love to read more books in the future about their stories. I also appreciated how original this story was. I've never read anything quite like it before and will read more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Mara Reeves has always been determined never to marry and has spent several seasons quietly rejecting the attentions of potential suitors. Now her reputation for being shy and reclusive has been solidified. Then she has a premonition or vision, something that happens to her quite regularly, although this is the first time it's been about herself. In the vision she sees herself with a man and very much in love, so when she meets this man in person, their connection is instant.
Foster Sheridan, the Earl of Sterling feels this connection too, unfortunately he is trapped in a loveless marriage with a wife who despises hm, but shuns the idea of divorce. Since Mara has never intended to marry anyway, she thinks she and Foster could still have an arrangement suitable for them both. Foster wants Mara as his wife and tries to keep his distance, but she proves irresistible. Soon, however, an affair is not enough and Foster follows a reluctant Mara to Ireland to try to understand her reasons for not wanting marriage, but danger follows them there, threatening any future they could hope to have together.
Unpopular opinion time. Other reviewers thus far seem to love this book and I just didn't. It was okay for me, but Mara was just a little bit too perfect. The adultery aspect didn't even bother me since Foster's wife was so awful, but then it did a bit when I got more of Rose's backstory, and then it didn't again, because she was awful again. Clearly, I had mixed feelings. The writing itself was good, it was just that there was quite a bit of repetition. Mara kept having the same vision over and over so that was understandable, even if I didn't need every detail of it each time, but many of her conversations with Foster seemed the same as well and that got to me a bit.
All the same, I really did enjoy how close the family was and all the secondary characters were wonderful. I would love to read more books in the future about their stories. I also appreciated how original this story was. I've never read anything quite like it before and will read more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 17, 2019
This is the first book I read from this author and I must say, I was quite impressed! I really enjoyed this story and thought it was very well written. The story itself is very unusual and it had my interest from start to end.
Lady Mara Reeves is such a loving and warm character, you can't help but love her:) Foster Sheridan, Earl of Sterling, is also a wonderful character and my heart really went out to him with what he's been going through the last 10 years. When they meet, it's love at first sight but they shouldn't be together because Foster is married!!!
The villain of the story is his wife and although she is a cold and cruel person, when you find out why she is the way she is, you can't help but feel sorry for her. Because of Mara's premonitions, you pretty much realize what will be happening in the story but that's ok, it didn't ruin the story for me:)
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Lady Mara Reeves is such a loving and warm character, you can't help but love her:) Foster Sheridan, Earl of Sterling, is also a wonderful character and my heart really went out to him with what he's been going through the last 10 years. When they meet, it's love at first sight but they shouldn't be together because Foster is married!!!
The villain of the story is his wife and although she is a cold and cruel person, when you find out why she is the way she is, you can't help but feel sorry for her. Because of Mara's premonitions, you pretty much realize what will be happening in the story but that's ok, it didn't ruin the story for me:)
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 30, 2019
This is a first read for me by Kaitlin and I'm BLOWN AWAY! This is so far easily one of my top favorite historical's this year! The beginning sucked me in and is was such a page-turner. Kaitlin's way of writing is so vivid, I can feel like I'm actually inside the story. I loved how Foster and Mara met. This has a few great tropes that I love! Forbidden romance, secret lovers, insta-love, marriage of inconvenience, revenge plot and with a bit of supernatural twist. And can I say I absolutely adore this cover!
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 12, 2025
Truly, really more like a 3.5, but on this one I'm gonna round down, because, well, first off, I've had a crazy 'I'm being generous' rash of 4 Star romances lately, which means either I've simply just gotten way easier to impress in my old age, or I'm being really generous with my ratings, lol, and second, because this book just had me giggling in like... a... 'sure, I'll just suspend my disbelief again!' sort of way. Like... I'm conflicted on rating this! I liked it! I really did! I got a heck of a kick out of the characters, and their destined love, etc thing they had going on, and their lovey-dovey vibes... but there were just so many other moments where I was like... dude. C'mon. That ain't happening like that, or that easily...? And the FMC and her gift of The Sight was the very least of some of the things I had to suspend my disbelief for. Like, sure, have you some visions! I can accept that no prob, but then... she's an Earl's daughter, an unmarried, innocent young miss (no long-in-the-tooth spinster who may have been allowed a teeny bit more freedom), currently residing with, and therefore under the protection of her uncle, a Marquis, and she's also the niece of some other rich and hoity-toity titled peeps (one of her other uncles is a Duke!), but yea, sure, she just slips out, unaccompanied, undetected, no one the wiser, in a hooded cloak (of course, gotta shield that identity, lol), early in the evening (by claiming to not feel well, therefore excusing her from family dinners and any other planned events/activities) multiple times a week, to go have torrid love sessions with a married man (who is also an Earl!) until roughly not quite an hour before the servants rise, driven home in his carriage and dropped off right at her front door (hello! Like what? And this is in London, so like... yea, servants, and etc potentially witnessing, but also the risk of nosey neighbors watching, and who knows who else!). Not to mention her travelling back to her family home in Ireland, alone except for her maid, and wandering about wherever it was she happened to be at any time in the story just alone, not even a maid or footman or groom, on the regular... Sooooooo.... yea. Just have to duct-tape over that voice of disbelief and enjoy the ride!
And, it honestly was a good, fun ride. Like I said, I really liked both characters, and despite the very saccharine 'insta-twu-wuv' thing they had going on, I could actually feel their affection, and longing and desire for each other. So, well done on the author's part! Like, she did an excellent job of showing, and demonstrating the strange, thread of destiny type pull between them, showing how upon first meeting, they were both awe-struck by each other, and how they both felt almost, like dreamy or entranced about it, like some weird force of nature was drawing them together, and they didn't know why, but it was impossible to resist. Charming! I also liked the little bit of her remembrances of the past, when she was a child and lost her mother, and trying to piece together her memories and learn more about her mum. Honestly made me just wanna go back and dig into the book about her father and step-mother to get more of the backstory!
I'm getting long-winded here, so I wanna make sure to mention the villain! The villain in this one (and going by other reviews, I don't think it's a spoiler) is of course, the wife of our married MMC. I straight-up loved reading the chapters from her POV! With her first introduction, I thought, ah, yea, she's just a nasty bish and of course that's why her husband isn't all about her. But, more, and more is revealed, about her as a person, about her thoughts and motivations, and honestly, I couldn't hate her! Like, ok, yea, she was a bitch, not gonna sugar-coat it, and, sure, she could've had a more pleasant life and whatever if her personality and past traumas hadn't led her to be so damn mean and crabby to literally everybody who ever tried to be nice, friendly, or kind to her, but, like... I could still understand, and feel for her. Feel bad for her. Her whole life was fucked up by other people controlling what happened to her (as tended to happen to girls back in the day, so yea! Big fat, loud grrrrrrr on all the crap that was ever done to, and forced upon females throughout history! Though I'll digress...), and yea, she chose the path of hating everyone and everything instead of adapting and trying her best to work with the situation she'd been put into. I understand, but her actions would not have been mine, as a person of a different temperament. I so could not find it in me to hate her, though, because I did feel quite bad for, and empathize with her. It was a quite interesting bit of the story, and I'm seriously glad the author spent time on giving us some chapters with her POV, because it very much filled in background for her, and the MMC, as well as informing the overall feel of the story, and helping the somewhat rushed ending feel like it kind of fit how these characters, and their families, would actually handle such a scandalous series of events and whatnot.
All in all, it was very enjoyable, I can't deny that. And the author's way of writing the side characters, the other Hamilton and Co family members, definitely still has me itching to dig back into the previous series. In fact, I've already ordered books 1 & 2 of the Hamilton sisters, to start me off on my back-log catch up. Kudos for that, because I'm digging the feel of this whole family, and can't wait to see more of them.
3.5 Stars!
And, it honestly was a good, fun ride. Like I said, I really liked both characters, and despite the very saccharine 'insta-twu-wuv' thing they had going on, I could actually feel their affection, and longing and desire for each other. So, well done on the author's part! Like, she did an excellent job of showing, and demonstrating the strange, thread of destiny type pull between them, showing how upon first meeting, they were both awe-struck by each other, and how they both felt almost, like dreamy or entranced about it, like some weird force of nature was drawing them together, and they didn't know why, but it was impossible to resist. Charming! I also liked the little bit of her remembrances of the past, when she was a child and lost her mother, and trying to piece together her memories and learn more about her mum. Honestly made me just wanna go back and dig into the book about her father and step-mother to get more of the backstory!
I'm getting long-winded here, so I wanna make sure to mention the villain! The villain in this one (and going by other reviews, I don't think it's a spoiler) is of course, the wife of our married MMC. I straight-up loved reading the chapters from her POV! With her first introduction, I thought, ah, yea, she's just a nasty bish and of course that's why her husband isn't all about her. But, more, and more is revealed, about her as a person, about her thoughts and motivations, and honestly, I couldn't hate her! Like, ok, yea, she was a bitch, not gonna sugar-coat it, and, sure, she could've had a more pleasant life and whatever if her personality and past traumas hadn't led her to be so damn mean and crabby to literally everybody who ever tried to be nice, friendly, or kind to her, but, like... I could still understand, and feel for her. Feel bad for her. Her whole life was fucked up by other people controlling what happened to her (as tended to happen to girls back in the day, so yea! Big fat, loud grrrrrrr on all the crap that was ever done to, and forced upon females throughout history! Though I'll digress...), and yea, she chose the path of hating everyone and everything instead of adapting and trying her best to work with the situation she'd been put into. I understand, but her actions would not have been mine, as a person of a different temperament. I so could not find it in me to hate her, though, because I did feel quite bad for, and empathize with her. It was a quite interesting bit of the story, and I'm seriously glad the author spent time on giving us some chapters with her POV, because it very much filled in background for her, and the MMC, as well as informing the overall feel of the story, and helping the somewhat rushed ending feel like it kind of fit how these characters, and their families, would actually handle such a scandalous series of events and whatnot.
All in all, it was very enjoyable, I can't deny that. And the author's way of writing the side characters, the other Hamilton and Co family members, definitely still has me itching to dig back into the previous series. In fact, I've already ordered books 1 & 2 of the Hamilton sisters, to start me off on my back-log catch up. Kudos for that, because I'm digging the feel of this whole family, and can't wait to see more of them.
3.5 Stars!
July 30, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
THE IRISH HEIRESS is the second story in Kaitlin O’Riley’s series, The Hamilton Cousins (which is a spin-off of The Hamilton Sisters). I found Mara and Foster’s romance to be rather intriguing, and even set aside some of my usual hesitations about cheating, although to be frank it was more of a marriage of convenience that never was meant to be a real marriage and a total witch of a wife who would not put anyone’s happiness above her own greed and sense of power. But still… Foster does technically “cheat” with Mara and that is usually where I draw a line. I continued through with reading this one and in the end, was very glad that I did. I believe there are readers who will see that cheating as a reason to pass this story by and I believe they’ll be missing out on a good Romance. But, that is my own opinion.
Mara has always had premonitions, she’s become quite accustomed to them and often will change her direction because of them. Recently she’s been having very strong visions of a man, a fire, and a love that will be the only one for her. When she sees Foster at a party she instinctively knows that he is that man – nothing from that moment onward will stop her from racing toward what she sees as her destiny. However, Foster is married in a loveless marriage of convenience and no matter what he tries his wife will not divorce him. He is shackled in a marriage that is worth nothing to him while falling in love with the woman he would give anything to make his wife. Still, he is reluctant to agree to Mara’s suggestion of an affair, perhaps a very long affair for he is fully aware of what that will do to his love’s reputation… and it will bring out the wrath of his “injured” so-called wife.
I got caught up in Mara and Foster’s love for each other, and her absolute belief in what was to come to them both. I think it was Mara’s visions that kept me flipping pages the most for there is never a blatant magical feel to this story, only the certainty in Mara’s mind that what she envisions does, somehow, come to pass. Their road to a happy ending is hard-fought, an interesting journey that kept me engaged through to the end. I enjoyed this story more than I originally thought I would given the “affair”, even though the practice was not unknown during that time period (or any other since). I believe each reader needs to decide for themselves if THE IRISH HEIRESS crosses the lines that they each put in the sand. I’m certainly glad that I crossed that line and wholeheartedly let myself fall into this story.
*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.*
THE IRISH HEIRESS is the second story in Kaitlin O’Riley’s series, The Hamilton Cousins (which is a spin-off of The Hamilton Sisters). I found Mara and Foster’s romance to be rather intriguing, and even set aside some of my usual hesitations about cheating, although to be frank it was more of a marriage of convenience that never was meant to be a real marriage and a total witch of a wife who would not put anyone’s happiness above her own greed and sense of power. But still… Foster does technically “cheat” with Mara and that is usually where I draw a line. I continued through with reading this one and in the end, was very glad that I did. I believe there are readers who will see that cheating as a reason to pass this story by and I believe they’ll be missing out on a good Romance. But, that is my own opinion.
Mara has always had premonitions, she’s become quite accustomed to them and often will change her direction because of them. Recently she’s been having very strong visions of a man, a fire, and a love that will be the only one for her. When she sees Foster at a party she instinctively knows that he is that man – nothing from that moment onward will stop her from racing toward what she sees as her destiny. However, Foster is married in a loveless marriage of convenience and no matter what he tries his wife will not divorce him. He is shackled in a marriage that is worth nothing to him while falling in love with the woman he would give anything to make his wife. Still, he is reluctant to agree to Mara’s suggestion of an affair, perhaps a very long affair for he is fully aware of what that will do to his love’s reputation… and it will bring out the wrath of his “injured” so-called wife.
I got caught up in Mara and Foster’s love for each other, and her absolute belief in what was to come to them both. I think it was Mara’s visions that kept me flipping pages the most for there is never a blatant magical feel to this story, only the certainty in Mara’s mind that what she envisions does, somehow, come to pass. Their road to a happy ending is hard-fought, an interesting journey that kept me engaged through to the end. I enjoyed this story more than I originally thought I would given the “affair”, even though the practice was not unknown during that time period (or any other since). I believe each reader needs to decide for themselves if THE IRISH HEIRESS crosses the lines that they each put in the sand. I’m certainly glad that I crossed that line and wholeheartedly let myself fall into this story.
*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.*
August 5, 2019
September 1894
Lady Mara Reeves is the daughter of the Earl of Cashelmere in Ireland, and the niece of the Duke of Rathmore. She has always known when she would be overcome with a memory or premonition. The latest is like a vivid dream of a man who protected her from danger. Glimpsing into the future is something she has always been able to do. Her latest “glimpse” occurred at a ball and has truly shaken her up. Her cousin, Phillip Sinclair, finds her looking pale, but she assures him she is fine. Then she encounters the man she saw in her premonition, Lord Foster Sterling, the Earl of Sterling. Although they had never met before, Mara knows they were meant to be together.
Foster has been married to Rose for ten years and their marriage has never been consummated. It was an arranged marriage forced upon them by their parents. Rose is cold, bitter, and completely miserable. She wants nothing to do with Foster, but has sworn that she will never give him a divorce.
While Mara usually goes to Ireland for the summer with her family, she pleads for them to let her stay in London so she can work more in the family’s Hamilton’s Bookstores. They finally relent and she is to stay with other family members. Her real reason is that she wants to have an affair with Foster.
Mara’s mother was thought to be insane and died in a fire. Mara is convinced that she will also go insane. Thus, she has promised herself that she will never marry and have children as she fears passing this trait down. But while in Ireland, a talk with her mother’s sister, while impulsive. was most certainly not insane. In addition, Mara learns that she has inherited the family’s gift of the sigh.
Yet, Foster is still married to Rose and Mara knows there will never be a way for them to be together.
What a really good story. I loved how well the author knitted all of the characters and their backgrounds together to make for the perfect plot. I know readers will love this book too.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Lady Mara Reeves is the daughter of the Earl of Cashelmere in Ireland, and the niece of the Duke of Rathmore. She has always known when she would be overcome with a memory or premonition. The latest is like a vivid dream of a man who protected her from danger. Glimpsing into the future is something she has always been able to do. Her latest “glimpse” occurred at a ball and has truly shaken her up. Her cousin, Phillip Sinclair, finds her looking pale, but she assures him she is fine. Then she encounters the man she saw in her premonition, Lord Foster Sterling, the Earl of Sterling. Although they had never met before, Mara knows they were meant to be together.
Foster has been married to Rose for ten years and their marriage has never been consummated. It was an arranged marriage forced upon them by their parents. Rose is cold, bitter, and completely miserable. She wants nothing to do with Foster, but has sworn that she will never give him a divorce.
While Mara usually goes to Ireland for the summer with her family, she pleads for them to let her stay in London so she can work more in the family’s Hamilton’s Bookstores. They finally relent and she is to stay with other family members. Her real reason is that she wants to have an affair with Foster.
Mara’s mother was thought to be insane and died in a fire. Mara is convinced that she will also go insane. Thus, she has promised herself that she will never marry and have children as she fears passing this trait down. But while in Ireland, a talk with her mother’s sister, while impulsive. was most certainly not insane. In addition, Mara learns that she has inherited the family’s gift of the sigh.
Yet, Foster is still married to Rose and Mara knows there will never be a way for them to be together.
What a really good story. I loved how well the author knitted all of the characters and their backgrounds together to make for the perfect plot. I know readers will love this book too.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 5, 2020
This book surprised me quickly. It flowed differently than what I expected and I wasn’t super happy with it. Much of it seemed very rushed. I understood that Mara’s sight and her almost fae-like qualities maybe lended that she had far blood, but that is purely my assumption. Regardless, the love at first sight trope was just not as well done as I hoped for in this story. Mara had such blatant disregard for anything other than being with Foster, suddenly after meeting him, when she was never anything but quiet and respectful before. While it happened early in the story so there wasn’t a whole lot of development in her character, it just felt misplaced. I can’t quite explain it, but she acted very rash, naive, and immature in much of her ways. Foster wasn’t much better. The delay in divorce talks was ridiculous and then to try and tie it up later by saying he wanted it the day he met Mara etc. it was silly. If you wanted it, why not mention it then instead of dragging this out? I felt so bad for Rose once given a glimpse of her story. I wanted so badly for her to gain redemption by being less bitter and being more open to Communication with Foster. Perhaps she would’ve found that Foster would have helped her reunite with Andrew. Not sure, but I hoped. Anyway, so many if the side characters were wonderful! Phillip was so sweet and I suspect he is sowing his own oats and will meet the lady he cannot be without. I suspected the truth of the important vision well before it occurred, which was unfortunate, but not that horrible. I don’t mind figuring things out, but that too seemed rushed. I felt this story needed more pages, more development of the characters, and more communication. Overall, it was a good book, but it wasn’t one of those books you feel happy and content when finished and have to give yourself a day or so to mull and grieve before you pick up the next book. I picked up my next book only a few minutes later....
July 29, 2019
I wanted to like this novel much more than I did. The characters were interesting, however, the plot was predictable (made worse instead of better by Mara's "premonitions"), and I just can't get into stories where the characters fall in love without knowing a thing about each other. For the last time, that isn't love. That is lust. Coupled with the fact Foster is married at the time he falls in love with Mara?
Sure, I get the fact that he has spent the last decade in a cold, loveless in name only marriage. In fact, that author is sure to explain this several times over as the story goes on as a way to justify the fact that these two are having an illicit affair.
But of course, it can't be a romance without a happily ever after right? And yes, our lovers do eventually get theirs, again in a way that was so predictable that by the time it actually happened, I didn't even care. Also, by the time all was said and done, I found it a little hard to believe not only how accepting her family was of him once she introduced them, but how accepting society seemed to be considering the circumstances surrounding their marriage.
Overall, even though this story wasn't a favorite for me, I do think it will appeal to those who enjoy romance novels. I would give this author another chance!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Sure, I get the fact that he has spent the last decade in a cold, loveless in name only marriage. In fact, that author is sure to explain this several times over as the story goes on as a way to justify the fact that these two are having an illicit affair.
But of course, it can't be a romance without a happily ever after right? And yes, our lovers do eventually get theirs, again in a way that was so predictable that by the time it actually happened, I didn't even care. Also, by the time all was said and done, I found it a little hard to believe not only how accepting her family was of him once she introduced them, but how accepting society seemed to be considering the circumstances surrounding their marriage.
Overall, even though this story wasn't a favorite for me, I do think it will appeal to those who enjoy romance novels. I would give this author another chance!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
July 26, 2019
This series just keeps getting better. Whilst ‘The Irish Heiress’ is a standalone book in the series – Hamilton Cousins, it is well worth reading the first book, simply for the pleasure of the read. I was captivated from the start with Mara’s premonition of events to come, involving her and a man, who she believes loves her. It only gets better when she meets the man in her visions, Foster Sheridan, the Earl of Sterling, moments later. However, the romantic storyline soon has a twist when Mara finds out the Foster is married. Their romance is fraught not only with the obvious obstacles but also a secret that Mara is trying desperately to hide.
Both Mara and Foster’s characters are well developed and the complexity behind each of their lives, is gradually revealed. The difficulties that they have faced make it easy to see these two characters together. What made this book all the more enjoyable, was the wonderful secondary characters of both her cousins and aunties. Even the villain in the story, is fascinating and made for a better story.
I have now just purchased the story of Mara’s father, as the references to him and her stepmother, had me fascinated. I look forward to more books in this series but delight in the fact that there is a previous series called ‘The Hamilton sisters”.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Both Mara and Foster’s characters are well developed and the complexity behind each of their lives, is gradually revealed. The difficulties that they have faced make it easy to see these two characters together. What made this book all the more enjoyable, was the wonderful secondary characters of both her cousins and aunties. Even the villain in the story, is fascinating and made for a better story.
I have now just purchased the story of Mara’s father, as the references to him and her stepmother, had me fascinated. I look forward to more books in this series but delight in the fact that there is a previous series called ‘The Hamilton sisters”.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 26, 2019
The Hamilton sisters all found their true lives now it's their extended family members turn.
Quiet and intuitive, Lady Mara Reeves has always felt more at home amid the green hills of her native Ireland than in London’s stifling ballrooms. Determined to remain single, she’s adept at gently rebuffing any suitor who comes her way. So why is she so drawn to Foster Sheridan, Earl of Sterling? It’s an impossible connection and unlike anything she’s ever known, But it's complicated by one scandalous fact: the man she believes to be her destiny is already married . .
I had never read anything by this author before but after reading this book I just had to find more.
I now have the 5 book Hamilton Sisters series to delve into..
This book drew me in and just didn't let go.
The characters are well written and the plot keeps your interest.
I liked Foster's honesty and was pleasantly surprised that he didn't immediately take advantage of Maura's willingness to continue with an affair even though He already had a wife however in name only.
He was not the usual rogue.
I gave this tragic and delightful love story 4.25 of 5.0 stars.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Quiet and intuitive, Lady Mara Reeves has always felt more at home amid the green hills of her native Ireland than in London’s stifling ballrooms. Determined to remain single, she’s adept at gently rebuffing any suitor who comes her way. So why is she so drawn to Foster Sheridan, Earl of Sterling? It’s an impossible connection and unlike anything she’s ever known, But it's complicated by one scandalous fact: the man she believes to be her destiny is already married . .
I had never read anything by this author before but after reading this book I just had to find more.
I now have the 5 book Hamilton Sisters series to delve into..
This book drew me in and just didn't let go.
The characters are well written and the plot keeps your interest.
I liked Foster's honesty and was pleasantly surprised that he didn't immediately take advantage of Maura's willingness to continue with an affair even though He already had a wife however in name only.
He was not the usual rogue.
I gave this tragic and delightful love story 4.25 of 5.0 stars.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
February 5, 2023
Quiet and intuitive, Lady Mara Reeves has always felt more at home amid the green hills of her native Ireland than in London's stifling ballrooms. Determined to remain single, she's adept at gently rebuffing any suitor who comes her way. So why is she so drawn to Foster Sheridan, Earl of Sterling? It's a connection unlike anything she's ever known, yet complicated by one scandalous fact: the man she believes to be her destiny is already married.
Trapped in a loveless union with a woman who refuses to divorce him, Foster is resigned to loneliness until he meets the exquisite Mara. Her wants her as a wife, not a mistress, but he can't resist her unconventional offer. Their passion is intense, as is the risk. For even as Foster follows Mara home to Ireland, their pasts will lead them toward danger that only the deepest love can overcome.
A bit too much melodrama for my taste and for some reason I had problems relating to the characters themselves. The story itself wasn't bad but I think that the characters were a bit two dimensional. I wish the author had spent a bit more time developing the characters and less time with the angst! Even a bit more about England and Ireland would have been nice. But not a bad read!
Trapped in a loveless union with a woman who refuses to divorce him, Foster is resigned to loneliness until he meets the exquisite Mara. Her wants her as a wife, not a mistress, but he can't resist her unconventional offer. Their passion is intense, as is the risk. For even as Foster follows Mara home to Ireland, their pasts will lead them toward danger that only the deepest love can overcome.
A bit too much melodrama for my taste and for some reason I had problems relating to the characters themselves. The story itself wasn't bad but I think that the characters were a bit two dimensional. I wish the author had spent a bit more time developing the characters and less time with the angst! Even a bit more about England and Ireland would have been nice. But not a bad read!
July 1, 2019
Lady Mara Reeves is a shy unassuming young lady who is easy to overlook. She's hiding a secret--she has premonitions of the future that never fail to come true. When she has a vision of a man she's destined to be with at her uncle's ball, she has no idea it is of Foster Sheridan, Earl of Sterling. When their eyes lock onto each other after Mara has her vision, she's determined to make Foster her own. Trouble is, the Earl of Sterling is married. However, she doesn't let that stop her as she has no plans to marry.
This is the first book I've read by Ms. O'Riley and it was an enjoyable read. While it certainly was a bit unconventional with a young woman involved with a married man, I was interested to find out how this issue would be resolved. The book was well written and I did like how the "visions" were handled, but Mara having the same vision 4 times kind of spoiled the suspense of the story. In the vision, Foster saves her so the whole wife scenario in Ireland held no angst as to what would eventually happen.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
This is the first book I've read by Ms. O'Riley and it was an enjoyable read. While it certainly was a bit unconventional with a young woman involved with a married man, I was interested to find out how this issue would be resolved. The book was well written and I did like how the "visions" were handled, but Mara having the same vision 4 times kind of spoiled the suspense of the story. In the vision, Foster saves her so the whole wife scenario in Ireland held no angst as to what would eventually happen.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
July 15, 2019
Lady Mara Reeves is quiet and reserved. She mostly keeps to herself. While visiting family in England, Mara falls for Foster Sheridan, Earl of Sterling. She knows they are destined to be together. Only one problem, he's already married.
Foster is immediately enamored of Mara, but he is a married man. He doesn't love his wife and has tried to get her to divorce him, but she refuses. Although he resists at first, he cannot deny Mara. They enter into a forbidden liaison, one that could be the death of them both if they're not careful.
I genuinely enjoy author Kaitlin O'Riley's writing. Her Hamilton sisters series is wonderful. I was so glad to see a continuation of it with the next generation. I was not crazy about THE IRISH HEIRESS. I felt that Mara was too bold, going after Foster like she did. Not that it would have been right for him to pursue her either. I know Foster's relationship was on the rocks with his wife and they were estranged, but I felt he should have made further action to end their relationship before he began things with Mara. Still, glad they were able to finally get their HEA. I give THE IRISH HEIRESS a 3.5 star rating.
Foster is immediately enamored of Mara, but he is a married man. He doesn't love his wife and has tried to get her to divorce him, but she refuses. Although he resists at first, he cannot deny Mara. They enter into a forbidden liaison, one that could be the death of them both if they're not careful.
I genuinely enjoy author Kaitlin O'Riley's writing. Her Hamilton sisters series is wonderful. I was so glad to see a continuation of it with the next generation. I was not crazy about THE IRISH HEIRESS. I felt that Mara was too bold, going after Foster like she did. Not that it would have been right for him to pursue her either. I know Foster's relationship was on the rocks with his wife and they were estranged, but I felt he should have made further action to end their relationship before he began things with Mara. Still, glad they were able to finally get their HEA. I give THE IRISH HEIRESS a 3.5 star rating.
August 6, 2019
If any other two characters deserve their happily ever after, these two, Lady Mara and the earl of Sterling do! These characters grabbed me from the beginning and had me rooting for them til the end.
The Irish Heiress is second book in Kaitlin O'Riley’s in her Hamilton COusin’s series, which follows the 5 book series of the Hamilton Sisters. This family is very extensive and intriguing! I definitely will be picking up Kaitlin O'Riley’s back catalogue books, I need more of this delightful family!
Mean while… Mara has the sight and has had a vision of a man saving her. Next thing she knows, she’s introduced to him! The immediate connection is felt by both of them... too bad Mara doesn’t know that Foster has an estranged wife...
I don’t want to say too much more, but this is a great read, pick up a copy and find out how it comes together. You will not be disappointed.
The Irish Heiress by Kaitlin O'Riley was release July 30th, 2019.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zebra, Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheIrishHeiress #NetGalley
The Irish Heiress is second book in Kaitlin O'Riley’s in her Hamilton COusin’s series, which follows the 5 book series of the Hamilton Sisters. This family is very extensive and intriguing! I definitely will be picking up Kaitlin O'Riley’s back catalogue books, I need more of this delightful family!
Mean while… Mara has the sight and has had a vision of a man saving her. Next thing she knows, she’s introduced to him! The immediate connection is felt by both of them... too bad Mara doesn’t know that Foster has an estranged wife...
I don’t want to say too much more, but this is a great read, pick up a copy and find out how it comes together. You will not be disappointed.
The Irish Heiress by Kaitlin O'Riley was release July 30th, 2019.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zebra, Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheIrishHeiress #NetGalley
July 31, 2019
The Irish Heiress
Hamilton Cousins book 2
by Kaitlin O’Riley
This is my first ever read from Kaitlin O’Riley and I can honestly say that I’ll be reading her again. I love her writing style it’s sexy and steamy but not in a vulgar way.
Mara Reeves believes she’s following her mother’s footsteps in her madness, therefore decides to remain single, even though she wants to find love and have a family. Her outlook changes when she meets the man that will be her destiny, there’s only one thing that he’s married!
Foster Sheridan has been in a loveless marriage for the past 10 years resigned to be lonely with no family to love......until he meets Mara and their hearts connect! Their lives get intertwined and things get difficult and things defiantly get worse before they can be together. All in all I really enjoyed this story and will be looking forward to reading more from Kaitlin O’Riley.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Hamilton Cousins book 2
by Kaitlin O’Riley
This is my first ever read from Kaitlin O’Riley and I can honestly say that I’ll be reading her again. I love her writing style it’s sexy and steamy but not in a vulgar way.
Mara Reeves believes she’s following her mother’s footsteps in her madness, therefore decides to remain single, even though she wants to find love and have a family. Her outlook changes when she meets the man that will be her destiny, there’s only one thing that he’s married!
Foster Sheridan has been in a loveless marriage for the past 10 years resigned to be lonely with no family to love......until he meets Mara and their hearts connect! Their lives get intertwined and things get difficult and things defiantly get worse before they can be together. All in all I really enjoyed this story and will be looking forward to reading more from Kaitlin O’Riley.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
October 25, 2019
This was an ok romance novel. There was enough to keep my interest in terms of the characters and situation to keep reading, but over all it was more obvious in its predictability than what is already inherent in the genre. Focusing on a heroine, Mara Reeves, who thinks she is going crazy because she has visions of the future, meant that the story was inevitably laid out almost from the beginning. I found myself torn while reading it about how to rate this book because there were elements of the writing that I enjoyed even as I found the overall set up problematic not just for the structure but also in its treatment of the 'villain', in this case Foster's (our male hero) wife. While none of the characters are particularly fleshed out, she seems to really get the short straw even as a back story is pushed to justify her actions. This ends up making a good portion of the overall story's push to resolution feel forced.
August 4, 2019
This was my first Kaitlin O'Riley book and it was a pretty good read. The writing style was enjoyable, which is what kept me interested. While the premise of the story was a bit unconventional, that's not a bad thing because sometimes in the genre, you can feel like you're reading the same book over and over again sometimes. My biggest complaint, so to speak, with this book is that I feel like the characters could have been much better developed. The character's back stories were well done and we got some nice glimpses into what each character cared about, but I felt like I never got a true sense of what Mara and Foster personalities were. That being said, if I see the next book by the author, I'll definitely take a look because this book was promising in a lot of ways.
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