Shamrock,love and life!
589867
Oh glory,what a story,I couldn't put it down! Connor and Elizabeth drew me in and wouldn't let go so as soon as I finish this review,I'm starting on the  next in the series. The storyline was gripping, the visual imagery of Ireland made me want to be there and the love stories,yes there is more than one,made my heart yearn. Juliet Gauvin is new to my bookshelf but has more than earned her place. Read it,you won't be disappointed!
119890
I like these O'Malley's. Loud, brash and completely Irish along with their neighbors, the O'Leary's.
This is Kevin O'Malley's story starring along with his ex Kathy Hendricks. Kathy and Kevin have history. Didn't end well and Kathy ran. She's a runner. It's what she does to avoid conflict. So ending a relationship 5 years ago the two of them find themselves front and center for a family wedding. Kevin's brother Jimmy, who I loved and Kathy's best friend and the biggest Kevin hater on earth Moira O'Leary. I have to say I loved Jimmy and Moira a tad more than Kevin and Kathy.
5 years is a long time, people change (sort of) Kevin now works in the Chicago Mayors office and Kathy owns her own flower shop. She's got a great business and that was always her dream.
This story about Kevin and Kathy is based on trust. Kevin cheated on Kathy, or at least he thinks he did. She catches him with another woman and of course runs, but when these two finally talk about what happened Kevin tried to tell her that while they were the best thing in his life, he thought they were casual and he may have slept with other women. Yeah Kevin, that's going to make me feel really great about myself. You're already on shaky ground, you've been warned off by both Jimmy and Moira who is like a pit bull. A year go by and Kevin decides he wants to try again with Kathy, and carefully approaches. Since the wedding is getting closer and these two have to plan much of the activities they need to spend time together. Kathy is really reluctant and keeps her distance. Kevin thinks he's slick as cat crap with his fast talk and charming smile that will soften Kathy a little each time. Kathy is no fool. She's the Alcatraz of wary, burned women. So the story goes, each of the brothers weighs in, Kevin is basically a cross between jealous and lonely I think. All his brothers are attached in one way or another, his best friend Moira's brother even has a girl and then there's Kevin.
Being mindful Kathy seems to be happily sailing along and during the year between the engagement party and actual wedding prep, we don't hear about Kathy much. Kathy has a business to run and she sure as hell doesn't need Kevin back in her life when she can't trust him. And the worm turns.
Kevin is striving to make his way up the ladder at the Mayors office, which he finally is rewarded for after putting in many long hours and days without seeing Kathy. They've agreed to date. Which is kind of funny because he has no time. So he squeaks her in here and there. He does put in the effort.
And she does too. But their relationship isn't without it's problems. Kevin doesn't listen. He diminishes Kathy's feelings and tries humor and sex to smooth it over. Leaving Kathy to wonder what she's doing and not so good for her trust and self esteem either. Kevin is flipping clueless. It takes a few rounds with Jimmy and even Sean on one very drunk night to kick his a@@ into gear. Even then
he's just......
I really liked the book. I liked the plot. Loved all the family members and Kathy. Kevin wore me out.
I didn't like him as person, a mate for Kathy nor as a family member. Kevin is all about Kevin. By the end of the book I was sick of him (as were his family members ) I wanted Kathy to pack it in. He was just too everything you despise in a selfish man and not the book boyfriend kind. This would have worked a little better if Kevin even has a freaking ounce of humility. He had zip.
All that said, you should read the book. It's great seeing Jimmy and Moira tie the knot and the rest of the clan and the pub. I haven't read Jimmy and Moira's story but it's on my list. I can only imagine.
Moira is a piece of work.

**arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own** (less)
818367
Disclaimer: I received an ARC for an honest review.

Fighting for Irish is the third book in the Fighting for Love series by Gina Maxwell. However, the books could all be read as stand alones, but trust me you won't want to do that. You would definitely be short changing yourself if you deny yourself the chance to get to know all of her characters.

This book revolves around the beautiful, red headed, fair skinned, freckled heroine, Kat McGreggor. Kat finds herself in hiding under an assumed name, in hopes that her past won't catch up with her. Sometimes, the past you are hiding from goes deeper than you think. Her counterpart. The hotter than hot Aiden "Irish" O'Brien in all his tattooed, pierced, muscular glory. And who can forget that "wicked" accent? Did I mention hot? It doesn't hurt picturing Adam Von Rothfelder as Gina's muse throughout this book. I mean could she have picked a more perfect specimen as "Irish"? I think not!

Honestly, after reading Gina's other two books I was taken by surprise by the content and grittiness of this book. I caution to say it is a darker book. It is. However, don't let that scare you away from it. There are other authors that I adore for their writing, because they have the ability to take me down roads of raw emotions that sometimes I don't know if I will survive and I love them for it. The thing that sets Gina apart from those authors, is that she can take you down that path, where things are raw. Emotions are high. Words are sometimes not just words, they are real people truths. People's realities. But she does it in a way that there is enough humor and light heartedness in just the right places that you don't feel gutted in the end. She gives you the broken characters and serious subject matters and then the charismatic, witty, loveable characters that balance it all out. Of course all this along with smoking hot sex scenes is a recipe for a 5 star review.

Speaking of characters. This book has some secondary characters that are not to be scoffed at. An unexpected cat named Murphy was a nice addition that may have been able to be easily left out, but I think he made an impact on a couple of my favorite scenes that would not have been quite the same without him. Of course as always there is another MMA fighter making an appearance that is witty and completely swoon worthy along with a couple other unexpected additions. Human and not.

This is the first of the books to really show us the actual fighting side of these heroes. I personally do not watch MMA fights myself, but Gina's descriptions in these scenes made me feel that I was ringside. I liked the addition of these scenes in this installment. Again, another instance of great balance on Gina's part. You aren't overwhelmed, by these scenes, but they enhance the storyline appropriately.

One of my favorite lines was, "You with me Kitten?" I must say, every time I heard that, my insides turned to mush and I fell harder for Irish each time.

My heart will always belong to Reid. He will forever be my book boyfriend and can not be replaced, but Irish has taken another part of me that I simply didn't know existed. I am torn to say this, but this is my favorite book in the series so far.

I hope I do this book justice. I have only written two other reviews before, because I don't feel I always get my point across the way I intend. If you take nothing else from this review, know that I would not steer you wrong. You will be glad you took the time to one click this.
4161854
I loved this book ,from beginning to end. Anyone would enjoy this book ,but especially those of Irish decent.  It is definitely a good read.
3422090
I loved it like t he  kisses  of 100 wee leprechauns!  It was a wonderful and insightful story of  life and relationships, with a good  and lovely representation  "all  that is Irish.
3836386
A great story of Coco and learning how her history unfolds. With adventure, A sweet and precious love story. The love for her brother and family is wonderful! A fun read! and since I spent time in Italy, Mandy's great descriptions of Italia brought me back there. And nuggets of wisdom about life are woven in. I enjoyed it! :)
164847
I have been so excited to review M.J. Nearys newest book, Never Be At Peace! I have always been interested in Irish history and culture, especially considering my name, Erin, means Ireland! I had a guest post with her last month about her writing Irish history and  you can view it HERE!

Never Be At Peace takes place in Ireland around the turn of the 19th century, at a time when the Irish independence movements were gaining speed. The novels main protagonist, Helena Molony, works to liberate Ireland, overcoming obstacles such as her gender and the entire British Empire that would have made a weaker person crumble.

This novel is fresh and new because it shows us the beginnings of the IRA and Sinn Fein, of the times of Michael Collins. Most of us know solely of the IRA and Sinn Fein in the 1970s and 1980s, when London was being bombed at an alarming rate. It is a look at the rebellious streak that defines the Irish.

All of Nearys characters are well-formed, with hopes and losses, with love and death. We feel all of their emotions within ourselves as we read. Never Be At Peace is also fast-paced, where the military scenes are captivating. They are not sugar-coated nor overly gruesome, just enough that we know what is going on. We learn a lot of the strategy the IRA used at this time in trying to form their own independent Ireland and the toll the battles put on the independence fighters.

We see a whole new side of this story in Never Be At Peace. We have all heard the British side in our own lives, most of us anyway. We also have heard about the terrorists that made up the IRA in the 70s and 80s, but in this novel we see the members in the early days of the Irish Independence Movement on a human level. We remove the veil of violence and hate and see all as humans, with flaws and all. This is the greatest thing I took away from Nearys book and I believe that all who read this will be better for it.

I would suggest this book to a fan of military history, but also to anyone who likes British or Irish History. The hostility between the British and Irish still has not ended, making this book timely and one that we all need to read to understand the past so that we can prevent the same type of death we saw then from happening in the future.

I was given a copy of the book in exchange for honest review.
2966910
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.

5 STARS! I LOVED IT! The author, Rebecca Norinne, has a way with writing that I will be a fan for life!

This book kept my attention from start to finish! Besides that fact that it has all my favorite names (Declan and Moira).

The books starts with Sophie as a young girl living in Ireland with her Grandparents while her Mother deals with the divorce from her Father in New York. Her Grandparents own the local pub and their home is right upstairs above it. And then there is the popular boy, Declan that loves to torment Sophie any chance he gets. Her hair, how her clothes smell of pub food that have wafted up into the hall closet, and how she looks when she wears glasses. Not knowing, that what the boy is really doing is trying to get  Sophies attention, because he likes her.

Flash forward to where Sophie is a travel blogger and Declan has become the town rugby hero.

From out of the blue, her mother calls to see if she will go to Ireland to help her Grandparents while her Grandfather recuperates from a heart attack. That happened a few months back and her mother is just now telling Sophie of the event. Angry, she cant let her Grandparents down, so she rearranges her life to go to Ireland and help.

Declan has lived the life of a rugby star. Player for both Dublin and Ireland teams, his life consists of rugby and women. He has his rules. He still comes home to watch over his Mom and sister. And also to visit with Sophies Grandfather since his own dad passed away when he was 18 years old. Over the years hes kept tabs on Sophie through her Grandparents. And when she comes back, it matchmaking wheels have begun to spin in getting those two together.

I love these characters. Sophies quick wit and humor had me laughing out loud. After I finished this book, I quickly got another of Rebecca Norinnes books, Lucky Star. The characters, Cameron and Sarah, are mentioned in Trying Sophie as well. I love that book as well! Im hoping that Rebecca will continue with a series on other characters from both Trying Sophie and Lucky Star! I have complete faith that we would not be disappointed at all!
2349262
Beautifully written story that has wonderfully developed characters. Full of Irish charm, wit, and emotions. It was a pleasure to read something that was not inundated with graphic sex scenes. My mother grew up in Belfast and some of the expressions bring back long-lost memories for me. I highly recommend this book.
3350813
With a beautiful Irish landscape as the background,  Ms Kelly has given us  wonderful, believable characters and a story that will make its way into your heart and beyond. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of Ballymuir series. There are many well written love stories to choose but this author has a unique ability to make her characters come alive and leaving you wanting more.
3220497
A very interesting, insightful introduction to Irish politics of the 1800's (which I knew nothing about) all wrapped around a beautiful love story. The characters and their love story come to life! I totally lost myself in their world, and in the book.......Can't wait to read the next in the series.
4376688
You don't have to even like animals to fall in love with this book, and if you are an animal lover like myself, you will definately relate to the story of Seamus the beagle and his humans. All animal lovers will identify with the way our pets become our 'children', something most people that don't have a pet have trouble understanding but this story will win you over! Teresa J. Rhyne has written a book (which is a true story, by the way) that is funny, emotional, and uplifting, about her struggle with her life, her dog's life and their resiliance. You'll laugh out loud at times and shed a few tears also, but mainly you will be blessed that you read it and that Ms. Rhyne shared it with you!
2160776
Couldn't wait to read the next chapter of "This is your Brain on Shamrocks" - was not disappointed!  Great writer and wonderful personality to go with it!!!  Keep em coming!
1048542
Romance, seduction, and gorgeous Irish settings are the showpieces of this book, and they don't disappoint!  I'm usually not much of a fan of the romance genre, but this book was so well-written and the characters are so engaging that I found myself drawn in.  Honestly, I couldn't help but find it amazingly romantic the way the main characters, Thomas and Calista, grew to know each other and fall in love via letters.  A highly recommeded read!
1056731
A very sweet story with amazing characters that are so easy to love. My heritage is very Irish on both my paternal and maternal sides. I am definitely hooked and will be reading all of Patrick Taylor's ten books.
3975024
2nd in the Born in Trilogy,

*Brianna Concannon is a woman with a rare Gift for creating a home, she makes use of this talent by Running a B and B in a Beautiful Corner of western Ireland. Grayson Thane is a American Mystery writer who grew up in the system (foster care) and has spent his life alone a restless wanderer with a sad and painful past. Grayson arrives at Blackthorn Cottage intenting Only to Soak up the Irish Atmosphere and Write his Next Book....But Grayson finds much more than he Bargained for....the Lovely, Calm Brianna Soothes his disquiet Soul, and in her Grayson finds the home he hadn't realized he needed.

*Brianna knows that by falling for him she is risking her heart, Already bruised and scarred by young love, who left her at the altar. But the yearning to let the American melt the ice around her cold exterior is irresistible Unless Grayson can let go of his past and move forward to forge a future with her, Brianna may have gambled her heart in vain.

*I've Enjoyed this Trilogy Very much! the way ms. Roberts tells the Story you can picture the Beautiful Country side of Ireland in your mind ....and what the characters  & the places where they live look like, (their homes) I'D love to See Ireland myself I bet it's Breath taking!

* I've Listened to this Trilogy at least 3 or 4 times since I bought it. the Narrator of this trilogy "Fiacre Douglas" Done A Fantastic Job! with the Voices and the Irish Accent!! and the Story telling....
882185
When ever I need a comforting change of pace, some charm and humor, a bit of dark or sadness just to hit home, and something as enchanting as it is real, I look to something Irish. And this bit of All Things Irish has been grand.  The Irish are a hardy lot and full of heart. The author does a good job of making sure his characters are authentic in speech as well as behavior. You develop a bond through the course of this book. You laugh with them, worry with them, cry with them at a point. The book moves at a good place and has a great entertainment factor. Just what I had hoped for when I chose it.