An Irish Wish: Irish Rose / Irish Rebel

Irish Hearts #2-3

by Nora Roberts

Irish Rose

Thorny, stubborn and strong, Erin McKinnon is as tough and beautiful as an Irish rose. Horse rancher Burke Logan is intrigued by his neighbors' cousin when he meets her on a trip to Ireland, but Erin thinks Burke is nothing but a brutish American. Impressed by her cleverness, and determined to win her over, Burke offers Erin a job at his farm in Maryland. It's a big change from her small Irish hometown, but she decides to take a chance. Even though it's clear that Burke is falling for Erin, this practical woman is determined to resist his smooth-talking flattery and bold kisses...no matter how weak-kneed they make her feel.

Irish Rebel

As soon as he laid eyes on her, Brian Donnelly knew that Keeley Grant was off-limits. Hired on as a horse trainer at the Grant family's farm, Brian tries to keep his distance, dismissing Keeley as the boss's spoiled daughter. He soon learns that she's much more than that. Though Keeley continuously brushes Brian off, something about his intensity draws her in. Maybe it's his cocky grin, or his gentle way with animals, but strangely, Keeley finds herself dreaming about the Irish rogue. Working together is complicated, as are Keeley's new feelings, and trying to avoid each other could prove to be useless when there are so many reasons to give in to the promise of first love.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit

448 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published December 29, 2020

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did enjoy reading this book, I wasn't a big fan of the lack of consent.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Irish Rose: 2.5/5

Waste.of.time. Get ready for my rant.

The lack of consent was a big no no for me throughout this book. It was uncomfortable to read and made me wonder why Nora Roberts would include such a thing. You can argue that “well Erin didn’t really mind because she also had feelings for him but she was just trying to deny those feelings by acting like she didn’t want to be touched or kissed by him.” But no. It’s unacceptable. It’s clear she didn’t want him to touch her or kiss her and yet he did! It’s clear he made her uncomfortable and although she told him to stop, he didn’t. I don’t think that makes a “bad boy”, I think it makes a un-respectable character. Which leads me into my next problem...

Burke. Burke Logan. An unlikable, plain, and broken man. We’re we suppose to feel bad for him? Or agree with what he was doing? Or the type of man he is? We’re we suppose to be drooling after him because of his appearance or natural flirtation? Because I didn’t. Your past doesn’t give you an exception to be bitter. Especially to the woman you married!! Leaning into the NEXT issue...

Erin why?! Why did you marry him? I don’t understand. She deserved so much more than him. And for goodness sakes, the ending was just horrendous. One minute shes wondering if she wants to take off and no longer be married to him and the next she has forgiven him and she’s giggling in his arms? And oh finally he says I love you after being married for a while already. I just don’t understand. It’s clear why he married her...it’s for lust. It was for the pleasure. But her? I’m still confused. Why choose him? What made her love him? I still haven’t found an aspect that made her fall in love with him except for the fact that he was good looking. A quality that shouldn’t only be taken into account for when getting married to someone.

I do enjoy romances where the man is the dominant, but not like this. He grabs her, pushes her, and pulls her every which way he wants. He does what she wants and although she puts her foot down and is a strong woman, he always gets his way.

As for the things I did like about this book, I did like Nora Roberts’ writing style. It’s light and easy to read. Also, I liked the concept of the story, but it wasn’t exactly how I expected it to be.

——————————-

Irish rebel: 2/5

Again, this book was just not it. A huge waste of my time. I ended up skimming towards the end.

Brian was alright. Although at first there was a bit of a lack of consent, it wasn’t as bad. I grew to actually liking him after he found out that he would be Keeley’s first. I really respected him trying to keep it as a friendship. Although he should have been doing that from the beginning when she wasn’t interested in him, I still give him some credit.

The lack of consent moved from man to woman. Keeley now was the one who tried seduce Brian. I lost my respect for her. He didn’t want to take it further and yet she pushed him. And yes he gave in and wanted to, but it just felt wrong.

I did like how both stories intertwined and gave us a look into the lives of Burke and Erin years later.

—————————————-

Overall this entire book felt like it went on foreverrrrrrrr and it just never ended. I really just wanted to be done with it and was really bored with the characters and the lack of deep connection amongst the couples. I was able to get through Irish Rose and follow along with the story, but not with Irish Rebel. I was bored out of my mind and just couldn’t follow. Just a huge waste of time and I expected so much more from this book and from Nora Roberts.

[Laurie Bower Lupin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two Novella’s in one, but neither one struck my fancy. I had to force myself through this book. I found the first story, “Irish Rose”, slightly more compelling. Although the emphasis on Erin’s virginity, wasn’t realistic in a modern day romance. As a teenager, I would’ve found “Irish Rebel” more to my taste, but it strikes me much different as a full grown adult. To give credit where it’s due, her use of metaphors, especially in the first story, drew a picture that appeared as easily as watching tv. However, she undermines her writing ability with the gross over usage of cliches and trite story lines. Her male love interests were both Neanderthals and completely self-centered. Burke used his sister as a maid, and seemed completely oblivious to Erin’s needs. Brian’s torrid love affair with his boss’s daughter is appalling. Brian should’ve been fired and thrown in jail. Am I the only one who realizes 17 will get you 20? In addition, Keeley has feelings and domestic abilities far too advanced for a modern day teenager. Overall, the sex in the stories was unnecessary and used as a cheap device in place of real plot. I’m going to confess, this reader was sorely disappointed.

[Wendell Hennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two excellent stories, beginning in Ireland and centered in the breeding caring and racing of horses. The first story, Irish Rose begins in Ireland with Erin McKinnon ready to leave the family farm and begin an independent life in the city, so she accepts a job offer from Burke Logan as his bookkeeper in the US. Their relationship is on again off again, up and down but ends with their marriage.

The second story is somewhat shorter but the cat and mouse game of romance is even more intense and once again an enjoyable read. Two great stories in one providing and enjoyable couple of days reading.

[Susan Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This actually was a good story with no all the language and indimacy so details. I would rate it a 5 star but still some language I don't care for. I picked it from my brother's book shelf because it was March and St. Patrick's Day month. Two books in one: Irish Rose: "stubborn and strong, Erin McKinnon is as tough and beautiful as an Irish rose. Horse rancher Burke Logan is intrigued by his neighbors' cousin when he meets her on a trip to Ireland..." Irish Rebel: "As soon as he laid eyes on her, Brian Donnelly knew that Keeley Grant was off-limits. Hired on as a horse traine at the Grant family's farm, Brian tries to keep his distance...."

[Sneha Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I have really enjoyed Nora Roberts' books. Definitely recommend her books. All her 4 stories I read so far are great. These romantic novels wants you to keep going and not stop until you are done. I love all the character names especially Erin McKinnon and Keeley Grant - two great characters. They are really self dependent and wanting to grow in life people. Once you learn about them you want to keep reading and exploring more about them.

[Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I only finished Irish Rose*

I thought Erin McKinnon and Burke Logan were two people who were perfect for each other because they were soo full of piss and vinegar the entire book and stubborn too. I did get annoyed at the two characters when they would not communicate with each other and just let things fester between them.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two stories in one book relating to a horse rancher who visits Ireland and meets someone who will change his life. An Irish lass will move back to America from her small Irish town. The second book continues about the families involved in the first book.

[Bochra Meskini · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only read irish rose, i found it really boring. Idk it's kinda Norma like the moment she lost her v card she was mad and stuff and their relationship is so mid like bro she's ur wife bruh. I do really like the writing but the plot is just a BIG NO.

[Elia · Rating 3 out of 5]

the curse of the irish horse girls strikes again!! yes the gender dynamics and especially the lack of consent have not aged well. but i ate it up anyway and frankly can say nothing further than adaption bait

[Joanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved both of these stories. Usually I love one more than the other but both of these were excellent. Loved the way the second story entwined with the first.

[Cindy]

Two books in one. Loved both books.

[Breanna Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two very good stories. I couldn't put the book down!

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a silhouette fan

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that I most definitely enjoyed both books. The first I love that it is set in Ireland but the second story has my heart in every way.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing in that it seemed fairly shallow. There was so much potential here, instead it was just a romp in the hay.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two books in one....Irish Rose and Irish Rebel that are part of the Irish Hearts trilogy. I liked both books but Irish Rose was my favorite between the two.

[V Callahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Nora Roberts. Her books seem to come alive no matter what the subject.

[Felicia Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, easy read!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two books in one. Both Nora Roberts romances based in Ireland. Fun light reading.

[Heather Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always easy to read. Always pulls me in from the first. Predictable holiday escape reading.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed both books.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a big romance person however I didn't hate it I also liked the fact that it was 2 books in one

[Summer Kastner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait embarrassed to read this. The rating speaks for itself so just pretend u didn’t see me here