Published by Alcove Press on June 4, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating:
Goodreads
It’s hate-at-first-sight when a jilted Irish chef returns home to Inishmore and immediately clashes with a mouthy American tourist.
Cordelia James was once at the top of her game—a renowned street photographer with a massive social media following, gallery showings in Chelsea, and a lucrative book deal. But after the sudden death of her father, Cordelia can barely force herself to leave her apartment. That is, until she sees an ad for a summer gig at a cozy cottage on Ireland’s picturesque Inishmore island. Cordelia is on a plane before she can talk herself out of it.
The moment she steps off the boat, she crashes—literally—into Niall O’Connor, a grumpy local who’s just returned home to Inishmore from Dublin. Niall is nursing a broken heart and trying to patch up a broken life, and he has no time for posh American tourists. The more Cordelia’s and Niall’s paths cross, the more they make each other’s lives hell. But as with all rivalries, their hatred is about to reach a tipping point—and it’s going to heat up their cool coastal nights.
Featuring a lovable band of quirky supporting characters, The Irish Goodbye is a steamy, emotionally gripping tale of love, passion, art, food, and finding where you belong.
In a funk and uninspired since her father's death, Cordelia jumps at the chance to visit Inishmore. Niall was also back in Inishmore after a broken engagement and losing his restaurant. They may have started off on the wrong foot, but a wonderful friendship soon blooms between Cordelia and Niall as they heal. Will they be able to find forever together?
What a fun story! I know it involves two people who are grieving a loss, but it's not a mopey book. On the contrary, Inishmore was a fantastic place for these two to find their mojo. For Niall, it was coming home to people he trusted and who loved him. That was important after the betrayal he suffered. For Cordelia, it was those same people who inspired her and reignited her creativity.
And who were those people? Some of the finest, warmest, and quirkiest people around. Niall's mother was a gem while his best friend was a hoot. But it was Saoirse was the best! She was an odd, older woman who had no filter. Loved her!
I was a fan of the romance, but I think Cordelias personal journey was just as important. She had to heal, but she also had to forgive. I was glad her other relationships were explored. It gave the story extra depth.
Overall, I have a wonderful time in Inishmore. There was romance, friendship, family, food, and so many things to celebrate. A rollicking good time was had by all!
Published by Atria Books on November 3, 2023
Age/Genres: New Adult, Sports, Romance
Rating:
Goodreads
Rhys Koteskiy is back — at least, he's supposed to be.
During last year’s Frozen Four, the Waterfell University hockey captain, and NHL legacy, took a brutal hit that left him with a concussion and a new discomfort on the ice. Plagued by nightmares and panic attacks every time he attempt to skate, Rhys wonders if he’ll ever play again — if he’ll ever want to.
Sadie Brown is staying focused this semester — no matter what.
Currently drowning in debt, custody hearings for her younger brothers and skating practices, she's just trying to make it to the next day. A spitfire figure skater known for her bad attitude and frequent disappearing acts, she has a reputation on campus. And it’s not a pretty one.
When she accidentally witnesses one of the golden boy hockey captain’s panic attacks and attempts to help him, a strange sort of understanding strikes up between them.
No questions asked. Just comfort.
But Rhys finds himself drawn to Sadie. Where he feels empty, a shell of the man and player he was before, Sadie is so full of everything it bursts from her; every emotion she feels seems like it’s blasted at max. Rhys is desperate to feel anything, Sadie wants to stop feeling so much.
But healing doesn’t mix with secrets, and they’re both skating a thin line, unsteady .
I don't read as much new adult romance as I had once upon a time, so it took me a while to settle into all the drama. And kids, grab your popcorn, because just when I thought I had a handle on the drama, something else came up.
In the beginning of the story, my sympathy was all with Rhys as he grappled with the fallout from his injury. I was a bit worried about the beginning of his relationship with Sadie, but as the story played out, it changed for the better.
As Rhys began tackling his demons, it was Sadie I began to worry about. I keep seeing how she was prickly, but my goodness! She really was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. The things she was dealing with were way beyond what one person should have to handle on their own.
And the beauty was that Rhys and his people became her people. A really wonderful and supportive found family formed. Rhys was fantastic with his big Labrador Retriever energy. I adored the way he navigated Sadie's needs and wants and fully accepted her brothers. His parents were also amazing. Their affection for each other was the sort of stuff that makes you smile and want to puke at the same time, but in a good way. They were rocks for Rhys and eventually Sadie and her brothers as well.
Lots of drama for sure, but it was the entertaining kind. I also thought the groundwork for future installments were setup well. Looking forward to getting to know Freddy, Ro, and Toren better.
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