Review "I rarely find an author who combines all of my favorite things in one book: quirky comedy, fascinating characters, romantic moments, and a delicious setting. Zara Keane's BALLYBEG series brings Irish small town romance to life in all its charming glory. I'm already addicted to this adorable cast of characters." -- Penny Watson, bestselling author of APPLES SHOULD BE RED Read more From the Author Love and Leprechauns is the third story in The Ballybeg Series and the second full-length novel. While characters from previous books appear in the story, it stands alone well--Happily Ever After guaranteed!Each story in the series features a different couple's love story, but they are all set in the same small Irish town with a recurring cast of secondary and tertiary characters. While my Ballybeg is fictional, its geography is based on the towns of Cobh, Kinsale, and Clonakilty in County Cork. All the other places I send my characters in this book and the other books in the series are real--Cork City, Doolin, the Burren, Lisdoonvarna, Blarney, Galway, Dublin, and so on.Ireland and the Irish are steeped in a unique history and culture and I usethese aspects to flavor my stories.I loved writing Love and Leprechauns. I'm a sucker for blast-from-the-past/enemies-to-lovers stories. Jonas and Olivia were great secondary characters in Love and Shenanigans and I felt they deserved to have their own book. Adding a dash of suspense to the plot was fun!THE BALLYBEG SERIES Love and ShenanigansLove and Blarney Love and Leprechauns Love and MistletoeLove and ShamrocksBALLYBEG BAD BOYSHer Treasure Hunter ExThe Rock Star Next Door The Navy SEAL's Holiday Fling Bodyguard by Day, Ex-Husband at Night (May 2016)DUBLIN MAFIA: TRISKELION TEAMFinal TargetKiss Shot (Summer 2016) Read more About the Author USA Today bestselling author Zara Keane grew up in Dublin, Ireland, but spent her summers in a small town very similar to the fictitious Ballybeg. She currently lives in Switzerland with her family. When she's not writing or wrestling small people, she drinks far too much coffee, and tries - with occasional success - to resist the siren call of Swiss chocolate.zarakeane.com Read more
B**S
Only in Ireland do leprechauns play cupid, but watch out for their devious side!
Can Olivia and Jonas overcome their past to find love again. She is just finding her way out of an abusive marriage and trying to start up a diner when her life becomes entangled again with Jonas, her first love, a popular mystery writer whose girlfriend decided to leave him with full custody of their autistic son, Luca. Her husband, a lawyer without ethics who often left her bruised, still insists she stay until he wins the mayoral race, and gets his nose bloodied when Jonas comes to Olivia's rescue. While Olivia needs to rent the property next to Jonas new house, he becomes her landlord, and when he needs help with caring for Luca, she is perfect for the job. It's not long before they recall the reasons that first drew them together. His parents still blame Olivia for the accidental drowning of Jonas' brother Bry, the reason they first drifted apart. When a local councilman is murdered, the police are convinced that the couple is involved despite the lack of evidence. Will they ever have their hea, or will one or both of them be convicted? What will happen to Luca? I enjoyed this page turner with honest emotions and transparent characters-no saints nor demons here, just broken people trying to make a life, some suceeding more successfully than others. The author gets a gold star for character formation. There were a few graphic scenes that really didn't add much if anything. The attraction between this pair was evident without spelling it out. There were sufficient twists in the plot to keep you guessing, and you are unlikely to guess "whodunit." If you are an adult fan of murder mysteries with a romantic twist, (on the cozy side but with a little more realistic interaction among characters), then this may be your brew, Irish style.
J**D
Wonderfully Weighted RomCom/Mystery
After falling head over heels for Ballybeg in Love and Shenanigans, I was both stoked and a little scared to read Love and Leprechauns (I skipped Love and Blarney, #2 and a stand-alone novella). I loved the world and Zara Keane's writing style so much in the first installation that I was afraid the next full novel wouldn't live up to the first.Well, let me tell ya: this one was just as good! The world is the same, but the hero and heroine, Jonas and Olivia, are quite different from Fiona and Gavin.We meet Olivia and Jonas in Love and Shenanigans, but we really get to know them in this book. Jonas is a single father and writer, struggling to balance parenting a special needs child solo with a writing career. Olivia dreams of starting a cafe and obtaining financial independence from her abusive husband.When Jonas has the space Olivia needs for her business, and rent money from Olivia can help keep Jonas's boat afloat, the two warily join together and sparks fly! Can new feelings overcome past hurts?I loved the artful blend of mystery, romance and comedy, and thought Keane did a fantastic job of handling the issues of abuse and autism. This installation was a bit heavier than Love and Shenanigans, but it was all the better for it and suited the characters. Even with the weighty topics, I spent a good deal of time laughing.
K**R
Cheeky Irish Love Story
Definitely a good book to relieve the boredom. Loved all the characters, their sense of humor and how they care for one another. If you are into Irish Love Stories, this one definitely should be on your radar.
M**A
Pleasant surprise!
I had no particular expectations when I began this book,, and I knew nothing of the author. But all missing expectations were quickly exceeded and more than revealed in admiration, warmth, humor and excellent writing. The story had depth, a real feel to it ( with a bit of poetic license in the ending, I’ll grant you that). The protagonists had heat and attraction and genuine appeal. This was a light read, but also with realistic challenges and obstacles. All in all, I enjoyed this book very much, it kept my attention, and I look forward to the other books in this series of stand alone creations by this author and in this lovely Irish setting.
B**2
Great Read - Mystery, Love, & Surprises
This is the third book I've read in the Ballybeg Series. One of my favorite things about this series is that it takes place in Ireland. It makes me feel like I've been there. Each book is a stand alone, however, when you read the series, you will be reacquainted with other couples from the previous books. This book had mystery, love, and surprises. Ms. Keane writes a book that not only holds your interest, but leaves you wanting for the next book.
M**A
This has it all!
I really liked this story and each of the characters. Perfect combination of romance, mystery and comedy. The plot was so well done, no gaps or lagging areas at all. It never left you wondering what you missed somewhere because the author missed nothing! I loved the Irish terms, even if I didn't know what the words meant, the meaning came through. Scenic descriptions were just enough to let you feel like you were actually in Ireland without going overboard. simple love story really but the mystery that was underlying was just perfect. I would gladly read this again and recommend it to anyone.
N**A
Love and Leprechauns (Ballybeg, Book 3)
A very cute story of Olivia whose creep of a husband Aiden is using her parents financial responsibilities to him, to trap her into continuing their farce of a marriage. Jonas was Olivia's young love many years ago. Jonas has an autistic son Luca who he has accepted full parenting of. Olivia has decided that she can not tolerate her husband Aiden any longer and wants to open her own business and move out of his home. Jonas owns the cottage that she had been planning on opening her shop in, so now she has to convince him to allow her to rent the building.
T**B
Worthy five stars
Olivia had a marriage in name only with her abusive and controlling husband of eight years. She decides to leave h ok m and open her own cafe. She rents a cottage that she converts to a cafe from an old flame who is a single father. They didn't break up on good terms so there are a lot of sparks initially but then they eventually fall into bed of course. Lots of intimate scenes, a bit of suspense when Olivias husband is murdered and a happily ever after.I do adore this series so this was a solid five stars for me.Recommended.
J**R
A summer read
OK and a summer read but I'm beginning to think I've read so many similar stories now they are beginning to merge into one.
L**X
Good book
A good, well written book with a few twists to keep you interested. I'll be buying more from the series!
R**X
Average
I'm sorry to say that this instalment for me wasn't as good as the previous. There's a good plot, unfortunately for me it was a little slow until the later stages than bam, the pace picked up and the conclusion felt rushed.
C**B
Lovely story
Well written can't wait to see what happens. Won't spoil it for anyone but usual boy meets girl but a real twist.
I**N
Five Stars
very enjoyable read
L**4
Five Stars
Great series
M**Y
Three Stars
enjoyable romance
M**R
Five Stars
great
A**A
Four Stars
Good fun, and a good read
J**S
Four Stars
good read
L**E
Excellent
Fantastic reading, hooked from the beginning couldn't put it down
N**N
Four Stars
Good
A**R
Five Stars
good
M**D
Four Stars
Liked the characters. Good easy read
K**R
Five Stars
This is another great read in the series.
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