The 3rd and final, unfortunately, in the triology. Breen has chosen for Talamh, the light and her magick. Nan supports her by continuing to love and tThe 3rd and final, unfortunately, in the triology. Breen has chosen for Talamh, the light and her magick. Nan supports her by continuing to love and teach her about her powers. Marco supports her by returning from Philadelphia to the cottage and finds love himself. Keegan also continues to train and love her. All of which is tested and proved in the final battle against Odran where Breen finally "becomes" all that she can be and defeats the dark to find love and light.
I'm not sure how Nora Roberts can so consistently imagine her stories, but she NEVER disappoints.
10.2.24 - One of Roberts best series. 3.21.25 - Had to relisten in preparation for a trip to Ireland!...more
Breen Kelly is a less than adequate middle school teacher, living with her gay best friend, Marco, in Philadelphia. She hates her job, dies her red haBreen Kelly is a less than adequate middle school teacher, living with her gay best friend, Marco, in Philadelphia. She hates her job, dies her red hair brown to "blend in" better, struggles to make ends meet and pay off her school loans, and is belittled by her successful businesswoman mother at every turn. When she accidently discovers that her mother has been sitting on a 4 million dollar trust fund for her, funded by her long absent father, she finally breaks free, quits her job, and heads to Ireland with Marco. The plan is for her to spend the summer, trying to figure out what she wants to do, and trying to find her Irish father. What she finds in a whole other world, Talamh, where she was born, and where they still fight and die to protect her from her evil grandfather - a god. It's a lot to take in, but as she gradu.ally discovers her past and her powers, she begins to overcome the issues caused by her mother. Her magic grows, but the need to return to Philadelphia and deal with her other life, causes her to leave at the end of the summer. When things in Talamh start to get dicey, Keegan, the taoiseach, goes after her, and they return to Ireland/Talamh.
I'm not sure how Nora Roberts manages to create such amazing worlds and storylines without repeating herself, but she continues to do it, and this new series is no exception. I'm just sorry I have to wait until November for the 2nd book and a year after that for the 3rd!
2021 - 52 Book Reading Challenge #14 - written by an author over 65 (when published).
11.22.22 re-listened to in anticipation of new 3rd book in trilogy. Still amazing. 5.19.23 re-listened to after visiting Ireland. Still a great story! 9.27.24 - love this series 3.10.25 - always fun to listen to, especially before a trip to Ireland!...more
The third and final (?) book in the series ramps up and wraps up the story. Fallon Swift, the "One" is becoming more magically powerful daily. She's aThe third and final (?) book in the series ramps up and wraps up the story. Fallon Swift, the "One" is becoming more magically powerful daily. She's also gathering her forces and strengthening the magical and non-magical groups to end the reign of terror by what's left of the government and the raiders. She captures Arlington, then D.C., then New York, but the price is high. She starts to "colonize" areas in the south and west in anticipation of the final push to defeat the dark, embodied by her cousin Petra and her mother Allegra. Together with twins Duncan and Tonia they are finally able to overcome the dark and seal the shield in Scotland that opened 20 years earlier causing "The Doom". Duncan and Fallon finally get together, even though they've known for years they were "destined" for each other.
My biggest complaint was that I needed a list of characters that I could refer to. It's been six months and 40 books since I read the 2nd book in the series, and I had a hard time remembering who some of the characters were - the cast was huge. As usual, Nora Roberts does a masterful job of telling a tale, and in this case recreating the world with magic in it. It's amazing that she can continue to create books with fresh themes and storylines so consistently and for so long....more
This is probably more a 4.5, but I nearly gave up after listening to the first disc, so I kept the rating at a 4. Definitely one that got better as itThis is probably more a 4.5, but I nearly gave up after listening to the first disc, so I kept the rating at a 4. Definitely one that got better as it went. A man returns home ill from his Christmas holiday in Scotland and sets off "The Doom" which kills people faster than they can get to a hospital. It eventually decimates half(?) of the world population and releases magical powers, both good and bad, in many of the survivors. Lana and Max are living together in NYC when The Doom hits, and the small amount of magic they had before intensifies as they escape the city and meet up with others. When they discover Lana is pregnant, they're thrilled and scared, as well they should be. The forces of dark do not want their child ("The One") to be born, and their new community is attacked and Max is killed. Lana escapes and runs, finding shelter at a farm in Maryland. ...more
Gillian Fitzpatrick is a physicist who's father and brother have been working on an antidote to nuclear exposure. When her brother and niece are kidnaGillian Fitzpatrick is a physicist who's father and brother have been working on an antidote to nuclear exposure. When her brother and niece are kidnapped in Ireland, she searches out Trace O'Hurley, an American working for the ISS. He's planning on quitting but takes on this last assignment. They fall in love, rescue the captives, and she reunites him with his triplet sisters and family.
**spoiler alert** When the Lusitania sank off the coast of Ireland in May 1915, Felix Greenfield was on it, trying to escape New York police. As the b**spoiler alert** When the Lusitania sank off the coast of Ireland in May 1915, Felix Greenfield was on it, trying to escape New York police. As the boat was hit, he was stealing a small silver statue from Henry D. Wyley's stateroom. Felix survived the sinking and helped a young mother and her 3-year-old , Steven Edward Cunningham III survive also. It changed Felix's life. He married the Irish girl that nursed him and stayed in Cobh. In 2002, Felix's great-grandson Malachi Sullivan has had the statue - one of 3 Fates of great worth - stolen by Anita Gaye, a NY antiquities dealer during an appraisal. Malachi and his brother and sister Gideon & Rebecca, determine to find the other two and get theirs back. Their hunt leads them to the descendants of the owners in 1915. Malachi finds Tia Marsh, a NY mythology expert and Wyley's ggdaughter. Gideon finds Cleo Toliver, a Whyte-Smythe descendant and currently a stripper in Prague. Rebecca is found by Jack Burdett, a Cunningham ggson. All 3 not only team up to outwit Anita, but fall in love along the way. Great story with unusual plot line, some sex, but more intrigue and character development. Well done....more
"Second Nature" is the story of reporter/writer Lee Radcliffe's quest for a story on horror bestseller Hunter Brown. She goes to a writer's conference"Second Nature" is the story of reporter/writer Lee Radcliffe's quest for a story on horror bestseller Hunter Brown. She goes to a writer's conference in AZ to pin him down. Through a series of misadventures they do connect but Hunter is VERY private and challenges Lee (very city girl) to a 2 week camping trip in Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, AZ. They fall in love but Lee has a hard time giving up her security to finally finish her book and take the love Hunter offers. She does eventually.
"One Summer" is the story of Lee's photography friend Bryan Mitchell. Bryan specializes in photos of celebrities but is offered the chance to travel across county one summer with gritty former war photographer Shade Colby. They seem to be complete opposites, but again the attraction is there if they can get past the emotional baggage of failed marriages and past experiences. Again a happy ending.
Cassidy St. John is an unpublished writer. To make ends meet and to experience life more fully, she is currently working in a boutique as a salespersoCassidy St. John is an unpublished writer. To make ends meet and to experience life more fully, she is currently working in a boutique as a salesperson. After being less than discreet one more time, she's fired and wanders down Fisherman's Wharf, where she's "found" by famous artist, Colin Sullivan, who's been looking for a model to pose for a particular painting he wants to do. Cass reluctantly agrees to do it, but is leery because Colin is a major attraction to her and she doesn't want to be another in his string of one night stands. However, there is a major attraction between them which she fights and he doesn't understand. By the time the portrait is finished, she's in love and it shows in the portrait, his best work. The misunderstandings aren't quite over, but eventually the two admit their feelings to each other and get on with it.
**spoiler alert** Grace Fontaine, a wealthy outrageous woman (and friend of Bailey and MJ in books 1 & 2) comes home from a long weekend away to disco**spoiler alert** Grace Fontaine, a wealthy outrageous woman (and friend of Bailey and MJ in books 1 & 2) comes home from a long weekend away to discover in home in shambles and Seth Buchanan, a detective, in it, investigating Grace's supposed murder. The murdered turns out to be her cousin and the three women are reunited. The 3 men, especially Seth, turn to finding out who wants the 3 diamond stars of Mithra. He's very self contained, but falls hard and fast for Grace and doesn't like it. She doesn't either, but is easier about it.
There's past life flashbacks when the 3 women cared for the stones and the evil killer is a 52 year old ambassador in D.C. who exudes evil to Seth. Seth starts investigating him, but Grace is kidnapped before it comes together. The 3 men commando raid the compound and save Grace and all eventually works out....more
Cameron Quinn is a champion boat racer and womanizer. Abused by an alcoholic father, he ran away from home at 12 and ended up at the Maryland shore whCameron Quinn is a champion boat racer and womanizer. Abused by an alcoholic father, he ran away from home at 12 and ended up at the Maryland shore where Ray & Stella Quinn took him in and later adopted him and later 2 others - Phillip and Ethan. They raised the 3 and made them into a strong family. When Ray is mortally injured in a car accident, the 3 "boys" come together to provide a home for 10-year-old Seth - Ray's latest troubled child.
First of a trilogy, this book centers on Cameron and him overcoming his past love Seth and Seth's social worker Anna Spinelli. Lots of graphic sex and foul language, but good story and well developed characters....more
2nd in series. Tells the story of the next adopted Cameron boy - Ethan. Ethan was abused and prostituted by his mother, but has overcome most of it an2nd in series. Tells the story of the next adopted Cameron boy - Ethan. Ethan was abused and prostituted by his mother, but has overcome most of it and become a great fisherman and boat designer. Determined not to marry because of his past, he doesn't county on his childhood friend Grace, who finally overcomes his hesitancy. Also continues the mystery/saga of the boy Seth.
Lots of swearing, some sex, but good story. Best understood if read in sequence....more
**spoiler alert** Buck & Matthew Lassiter are marine salvagers. When Matthew is 15, one of their partners, Silas VanDyke murders his father James whil**spoiler alert** Buck & Matthew Lassiter are marine salvagers. When Matthew is 15, one of their partners, Silas VanDyke murders his father James while diving off Australia, but Buck and Matthew can't prove it. Years later, while diving in the Caribbean, the Lassiter's meet Tate Beaumont and her parents Marla and Ray. They decide to team up and find the virgin wreck of the Santa Marguerite. They find great riches, but all that is changes when Buck loses his leg to a shark and their salvage is stolen by Van Dyke while they're at the hospital. All records are obliterated and stolen, so there's no recourse. Matt & Tate have fallen in love, but with the change in fortune, Matt breaks it off. Years later, Tate is working on her Ph.D. and Ray brings them all back together to find "Angelique's Curse" and the Isabella wreck. Again they find the wreck and the bounty, again Tate & Matt re-fall for each other and again Van Dyke tries to take it all away. They outsmart him this time and find it all.
Good book, some minor sex scenes, but mostly a good suspense novel....more
Cybil Campbell is the niece of Alan & Shelby MacGregor, so Daniel MacGregor treats her like another grandchild to be found a mate. Cybil is a sunny peCybil Campbell is the niece of Alan & Shelby MacGregor, so Daniel MacGregor treats her like another grandchild to be found a mate. Cybil is a sunny person who writes a syndicated comic strip. Daniel picks out playwrite Preston McQuinn and sends him to live in the NY apartment across from Cybil. She at first thinks he's a starving musician and tries to help him out. When she hires him as her date to escape her neighbors matchmaking, the sparks fly, but both have to overcome preconceptions and family problems.
Roberts "In Dreams" - Kayleen Brennan goes to Ireland on vacation and ends up in an enchanted forest with an enchanted man - so so.
Jill Gregory's "TheRoberts "In Dreams" - Kayleen Brennan goes to Ireland on vacation and ends up in an enchanted forest with an enchanted man - so so.
Jill Gregory's "The Sorcerer's Daughter" - Trying to save her father, Willow of Brinhaven goes into the Perilous Forest to the troll king's castle. Blaine of Kendrick is also after it. The 2 meet along the way, but it doesn't go very well to start.
"The Enchantment" by Ruth Ryan Langan - Annie Tyler is a real estate agent in Maine. On the job, she goes to the White Pines Resort where she meets both sons even though one is dead. A time warp keeps them there until they fall in love.
Marianne Willman's "The Bridge of Sighs" - Claire is an art appraiser sent to Venice for work. She meets her ex-husband and solves an ancient mystery while she's there. Mediocre. ...more
"Spellbound" by Nora Roberts. Colin Farrell is drawn to Ireland and Bryna Torrence - both bound by a 1000 year old curse.
"Castle Doom" by Jill Gregory"Spellbound" by Nora Roberts. Colin Farrell is drawn to Ireland and Bryna Torrence - both bound by a 1000 year old curse.
"Castle Doom" by Jill Gregory. Arianne of Galeron is trying to free her brother Marcus from their cousin. She summons help from a banished friend - Nicholas. He comes, they sort out the problems and fall in love.
"Falcon's Lair" by Ruth Ryan Langan - Felicity travels from Boston to England to help her father's friend Lord Falcon. He and his 2nd son are being poisoned by a nephew. All are watched over by the 1st Duke who falls for Felicity. When the 1st son returns - Chandler takes on characteristics of the 1st who finally can depart in peace.
"Dragonspell" by Marianne Willman - Princess Tressalara wishes she'd been a boy. When her father is murdered she escapes to rally her supporters and hooks up with Cador of Kildore. They prevail and wed. ...more
**spoiler alert** Nate Burke was injured and his police partner murdered in Baltimore. Suffering from depression and guilt, he leaves Baltimore to bec**spoiler alert** Nate Burke was injured and his police partner murdered in Baltimore. Suffering from depression and guilt, he leaves Baltimore to become chief of police in Lunacy, AK, pop 506 in Dec, 2004. Full of quirky, independent Alaskans, he deals mostly with drunks, moose and minor run-ins.
Meg Galloway was born in Lunacy and is the local bush pilot. Her mother owns the local hotel/rest and her dad disappeared in Feb. 1988 and everyone figured he just took a hike until 3 boys attempt to climb "No Name" mtn in Jan. When Nate and Meg go looking for them, and find them, the boys had taken shelter in a snow cave - with the body of the "Ice Man" - Patrick Galloway.
When the body is recovered, there's an ice ax in his chest and Nate begins an investigation. Then Max Hawbaker, the local newspaperman is found dead - apparently a suicide with a computer written confession. Nate starts adding things up and he thinks both men were killed by the same town resident and more are in danger, the more he digs. Nate gradually comes to love Lunacy and Meg as he pieces together all of the clues and eventually discovers the killer's identity. Well done, unusual setting, good plot development and mystery, nice romance (several bedroom scenes and language). Great feel for small town AK in te winter/spring. ...more