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The O'Neils #6
The Reckoning
As the illegitimate son of the famous O’Neil clan, Kinley Moran bursts into their lives and it’s vengeance he wants--not to be accepted in the family he detests. Now a billionaire entrepreneur/investment broker, he plans to destroy them all with his wealth and power. Little does he know that Bailey and the boys are magnets who could lure him into changing his life’s purpose.
Jamie Ralston is a single mother and waitress at Bailey’s Irish Pub. At thirty, she has one goal--to graduate from college and become a teacher. But when another O’Neil brother shows up, she senses her plan for her future is about to change. Just how much, though, she has control over. She fights Kinley on many issues, but there’s one battle she cannot win: she’s irrevocably drawn to this wounded man.
Will Kinley resist the charm of the O’Neils? Will Jamie resist Kinley’s charms?
Jamie Ralston is a single mother and waitress at Bailey’s Irish Pub. At thirty, she has one goal--to graduate from college and become a teacher. But when another O’Neil brother shows up, she senses her plan for her future is about to change. Just how much, though, she has control over. She fights Kinley on many issues, but there’s one battle she cannot win: she’s irrevocably drawn to this wounded man.
Will Kinley resist the charm of the O’Neils? Will Jamie resist Kinley’s charms?
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2019
504 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Shay
173 books501 followersKathryn Shay is a lifelong writer. At fifteen, she penned her first 'romance,' a short story about a female newspaper reporter in New York City and her fight to make a name for herself in a world of male journalists - and with one hardheaded editor in particular. Looking back, Kathryn says she should have known then that writing was in her future. But as so often happens, fate sent her detouring down another path.
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 8, 2024
Kinley Moran is the illegitimate son of Paddy O'Neil. Kinley walks into Bailey's Irish Pub to meet the family who never knew him. He doesn't want to be accepted by his brothers and sisters. He wants to make his father pay for leaving him to grow up on the streets. Now a billionaire, Kinley knows the easiest way to hurt his father is to hurt his father's legitimate sons and daughter. While at the pub, Kinley meets Jamie Ralston, a single mother and waitress who is working her way through school. Jamie and Kinley are drawn to each other, but he knows that she is loyal to the O'Neils for giving her a job. Will she side with the O'Neils or with him?
This is the sixth and final book in the O'Neil family series. The author states that she wrote this book because fans were asking her to continue the series. I think she should have stopped at five books. This story was OK; but had some problems. I didn't like his romance with Jamie. She was a nice character and tried to see both sides of the situation. He wanted total loyalty from her and wouldn't let her explain her position when he learns that she may not be 100% on his side. There is also someone sabotaging Kinley's company. The reason for the sabotage needed a better explanation. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
This is the sixth and final book in the O'Neil family series. The author states that she wrote this book because fans were asking her to continue the series. I think she should have stopped at five books. This story was OK; but had some problems. I didn't like his romance with Jamie. She was a nice character and tried to see both sides of the situation. He wanted total loyalty from her and wouldn't let her explain her position when he learns that she may not be 100% on his side. There is also someone sabotaging Kinley's company. The reason for the sabotage needed a better explanation. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
May 28, 2020
There are positive aspects in his novel I liked and the sweet and tender scenes were cute to read.
But, in truth this was a book written to please the readers, not one that was really necessary and the choppy style and somewhat rushed situations didn't have its full potential explored.
One of those books I liked for curiosity sake and because the characters were familiar but it was not spectacular.
But, in truth this was a book written to please the readers, not one that was really necessary and the choppy style and somewhat rushed situations didn't have its full potential explored.
One of those books I liked for curiosity sake and because the characters were familiar but it was not spectacular.
September 25, 2023
Reckoning
This story was amazing! It was full of a fun loving Irish family that helped each other, they worked together in the family business and welcomed in a long lost family member. I loved this story.
This story was amazing! It was full of a fun loving Irish family that helped each other, they worked together in the family business and welcomed in a long lost family member. I loved this story.
December 4, 2019
Just O.K.
I've loved each and every one of The O'Neils Series of books - until this one which I found quite boring in places. So disappointed as I had great hopes for this one 😞
I've loved each and every one of The O'Neils Series of books - until this one which I found quite boring in places. So disappointed as I had great hopes for this one 😞
September 28, 2023
This is a story of revenge by 2 men. Kinley was seeking revenge on the head of a family who rejected him when his mother dies (when in fact, he rejected them) and a man who sought revenge against Kinley who ruined his father when Kinley was an up and coming entrepreneur. Insert the love interest, Jamie, a single mom who works at the bar owned by the family Kinley wants to destroy. While it sounds good, I thought the main characters were flat and un developed. The story was a bit choppy. I thought the story of Nigel the one out to destroy could have been more fleshed out so the reader could understand his motivation better. There were also parts of the story that just popped out to me as just plain wrong. For example when Bailey is teaching how to set a table. She has the girl put the fork on the right and the knife and spoon on the left, when in fact, the proper was is fork on the left of the plate, the knife and spoon on the right. After reading this book, I likely will not be reading more by this author.
February 13, 2020
When I first saw the book and read the description I was so excited because I love all of the O’Neil family books. But somehow this one felt a bit different. I loved that it was about Jamie, who we met before, and Kinley was a character that had more potential. I wanted more of his background, as in other protagonists of the books in this series. Even the villain, Nigel seemed to need more backstory. In some parts it even felt the book was written by another author, not Kathryn Shay. I think more development was needed. Kinley lived a hard gang life and we saw very few, mere mentions of it. I did love Kinley and Jamie and I really did try to love their story as much as the others, but unfortunately for me, I did not.
January 25, 2022
So I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but knowing how great the series had been handled originally I figured this book would be amazing. Well it was! I re-read the series for a third or fourth time ahead of reading this book to where I would have the O'Neil's fresh in my mind. You couldn't help but love Kinley even though you were hating things he was doing. I also loved seeing Jamie finally get her happy ending. I also loved watching Kinley with Ben. That was so sweet and definitely made you love Kinley. I'm so excited that Kathryn Shay gave us an unexpected look back into the O'Neil's with this surprise.
March 29, 2021
The Reckoning
When the O'Neill family comes under fire, will they band together or cause division? Kinley appears when his plan for revenge against his family starts to take shape. What he doesn't count on is Jamie and her son Ben making their way into his heart. Will Kinley's plan for revenge be overturned so he and Jamie can find their happily ever after?
When the O'Neill family comes under fire, will they band together or cause division? Kinley appears when his plan for revenge against his family starts to take shape. What he doesn't count on is Jamie and her son Ben making their way into his heart. Will Kinley's plan for revenge be overturned so he and Jamie can find their happily ever after?
October 1, 2023
The Reckoning
A twin to go with Moira that she never told her siblings about and Pa O'Neill didn't reveal because the fourteen year old didn't want to go to his birth family with his sister. This family is something else. Badger a waitress because she didn't tell you she had a second job with your half brother. Lots of meddling.
A twin to go with Moira that she never told her siblings about and Pa O'Neill didn't reveal because the fourteen year old didn't want to go to his birth family with his sister. This family is something else. Badger a waitress because she didn't tell you she had a second job with your half brother. Lots of meddling.
April 13, 2024
li could not put this down!
Loved this book! The O’Neil family is loving, but real with family tiffs. Kinley is hurt and plans revenge, and Jamie, a strong good person - so supportive but stands her ground . Things don’t always turn out as planned, but often turn out much better. Read and see.
Loved this book! The O’Neil family is loving, but real with family tiffs. Kinley is hurt and plans revenge, and Jamie, a strong good person - so supportive but stands her ground . Things don’t always turn out as planned, but often turn out much better. Read and see.
February 15, 2020
Love the O'Neils
I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the O'Neils again. Their love of family is awesome. Kinley was a good person but one who was consumed by revenge, jealousy and insecurities.
I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the O'Neils again. Their love of family is awesome. Kinley was a good person but one who was consumed by revenge, jealousy and insecurities.
September 27, 2023
Another O’Neil
This book was a great read. I enjoyed reading about the O’Neil family again and remembering all their love stories. I hope that a series is written about the children’s stories so we can meet the next generation of this family.
This book was a great read. I enjoyed reading about the O’Neil family again and remembering all their love stories. I hope that a series is written about the children’s stories so we can meet the next generation of this family.
October 5, 2023
An OK read. Its a nice light summer read. I've prefered reading her series about fire fighters, where perhaps there's a bit more depth, or maybe its just this one that was too predicatble and not enough else going on!
October 12, 2023
Suspenseful
Wait! There is another long lost sibling, Pa has some explaining to do. Conniving, stubbornness, sabotage and more. Hard to get into at first but then I couldn't put it down.
Wait! There is another long lost sibling, Pa has some explaining to do. Conniving, stubbornness, sabotage and more. Hard to get into at first but then I couldn't put it down.
June 13, 2025
Battle of wills between a few strong characters, and much family lovingkindness.
Kinsley Morgan's journey to getting a part of Bailey's Irish Pub was daringly eventful. Jamie Ralston's role in the story helps him realize family obligation and hope.
Kinsley Morgan's journey to getting a part of Bailey's Irish Pub was daringly eventful. Jamie Ralston's role in the story helps him realize family obligation and hope.
February 4, 2020
Love conquers
Another amazing story by an amazing author and a great way to finish this series. Can’t wait to start another series from this author
Another amazing story by an amazing author and a great way to finish this series. Can’t wait to start another series from this author
June 21, 2021
Another great O'Neill family story
Wasn't sure the premise of this was going to work. Silly me. You're going to enjoy this one! Wish the series would go on.
Wasn't sure the premise of this was going to work. Silly me. You're going to enjoy this one! Wish the series would go on.
May 4, 2023
Shay did not disappoint. She brings life to all her characters and you feel like their best friend. Kinley, the main character, is easy to fall in love with.
September 25, 2023
HEA Loved the strong characters and the strength of family.
September 26, 2023
Good book
I like Kathryn Shay's books this one was very good. It went from revenge to being part of a very happy family.
I like Kathryn Shay's books this one was very good. It went from revenge to being part of a very happy family.
September 27, 2023
feel good romance
I always enjoy Kathryn Shay’s books. She is very good at weaving a story together. She has created some great characters in this series.
I always enjoy Kathryn Shay’s books. She is very good at weaving a story together. She has created some great characters in this series.
October 2, 2023
The Reckoning
This book was fantastic and I could not let go of the book so I kept reading til I finished it. Please may others try to read it as well.
This book was fantastic and I could not let go of the book so I kept reading til I finished it. Please may others try to read it as well.
October 2, 2023
Catch up with the OBrians
Kathryn brings the OBrian clan to life as another member of the family is added. Characters work through their fears and flaws.
Kathryn brings the OBrian clan to life as another member of the family is added. Characters work through their fears and flaws.
February 26, 2024
It took me a few pages to get acclimated with the crazy number of O'Neills but after that it was all good. I was happy to see Kinley welcomed into the family.
Love the big family camaraderie.
Love the big family camaraderie.
August 10, 2025
As always with Kathryn Shay's books, I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down.
Looking forward to starting the next series.
Looking forward to starting the next series.
August 24, 2025
I just didn’t care about it anymore
It was just to much.
I couldn’t connect with anyone at all
It was just to much.
I couldn’t connect with anyone at all
October 14, 2023
Could 't get into the story.
February 5, 2020
Another Great Addition to the O'Neill Family Saga!
Kinley Moran is the illegitimate son of the O'Neill Family. He wants paybacks for all the years he worked hard for them.
Jaime is a single hard-working Mom and waitress at Bailey's Pub.
She is working hard going to college to be a teacher and take care of her son. When she meets Kinley, she is always at odds with him. Unfortunately, she is falling for this strange man.
The o'Neills are trying to welcome him into the family but he is holding on to so many grudges.
Can Jamie resist Kinley and his masculine persuasions is a big question.
Recommend you read this book.
Kinley Moran is the illegitimate son of the O'Neill Family. He wants paybacks for all the years he worked hard for them.
Jaime is a single hard-working Mom and waitress at Bailey's Pub.
She is working hard going to college to be a teacher and take care of her son. When she meets Kinley, she is always at odds with him. Unfortunately, she is falling for this strange man.
The o'Neills are trying to welcome him into the family but he is holding on to so many grudges.
Can Jamie resist Kinley and his masculine persuasions is a big question.
Recommend you read this book.
January 13, 2020
What an entertaining read. Kathryn had me hooked from the first page. This story had lots of suspense,entertainment,love and humour. Love this series and this book.
December 30, 2019
The Reckoning is the sixth installment of the O'Neils series. I was really looking forward to reading the book. I battled between a 3 or 4 rating throughout the book. Mainly due to me really no understanding Jamie's thought process in regards to a decision Kinley made. And in other parts of the story she seemed to be above those that reacted in a way that she felt was wrong. What turned it around was the moments that reminded me of why I love this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews