I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Irish Rebel
by
Nora Roberts
contemporary romance in Paperback edition that was published by Silhouette on January 1, 2002 and has 256 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Irish Hearts, Montana Sky, Carnal Innocence, Playing the Odds, Second Nature, One Summer, Nora Robert, Serena * Caine, Daniel * Ian, Rebellion, Alan * Grant, The Witness, The Search, Time and Again, Shadow Spell, Blood Magick, The Next Always, The Last Boyfriend, The Perfect Hope, Year One, Of Blood and Bone, Legacy
Third and last in the Irish Hearts romance series set in Kentucky and revolving around the Grant family. The couple focus is on Keeley Grant and Brian Donnelly.
My Take
Between being a Harlequin and a Nora Roberts story, what more is there to say? It’s a sweet, well-written romance revolving around horses and a couple with issues. Brian resents anyone with money. Those lazy gobshites! And the stubborn, toffee-nosed Keeley insists on doing it all herself. Nor is she shy in bed, which is a big surprise all things considered.
It was sweet when Keeley called Brian on his snobbery. I do love her plan for her riding academy. It’s brilliant and so very considerate! As is Keeley’s insistence on the kids being well-rounded.
Hah! I cannot help laughing. Whoever says animals are stupid is so wrong as Finnegan shows when he “takes care” of business in the stables.
It’s a stubborn pride and expectations that create the conflicts in Irish Rebel.
The Story
Paddy may have recommended Brian, but Travis wants a man who’ll stay the course, and Brian is known for flitting off after a few years.
Yet the challenges that await him at Royal Meadows may have him reconsidering, and then reconsidering again when he discovers the truth about Keeley.
The Characters
Brian Donnelly is a trainer in Ireland who’s jumping ship. A restless boyo, he doesn’t like to stay in one place too long. Old Mahan had been Brian’s boss in Kildare, Ireland.
Royal Meadows is…
…the world-class thoroughbred farm run by Travis and Adelia Grant (Irish Thoroughbred, 1). Brendon Grant is the heir apparent; Sarah and Patrick are the twins; Keeley is the ice princess and an Olympic medalist; and, Brady is at school. Patrick Cunnane was Adelia’s uncle and the Grants’ trainer back in the day. Sheamus is the aged dog. Hannah had been the housekeeper until she retired.
The stableboys include Linda, Bobbie, and Reivers; Jim is an exercise boy who lost the draw. The horses include Bad Betty who likes to make trouble. Majesty bred Prince who bred King Zeus who is currently running for Royal Meadows. Additional horses in the stables include Hero who loves to run, Lucy has bronchitis, Brooder, Tempest in a Teacup, Caramel, Giant, and Finnegan, a.k.a., Flight of Fancy, the rescued one.
Keeley’s school is…
…Royal Meadows Riding Academy and an unexpected surprise for Brian. Her students include Lynn, Shelly, Willy, and Joey. The horses include Sam, a nine-year-old hunter; Teddy Bear; Mule; and, Honey.
Three Aces is…
…the farm owned by Aunt Erin, their accountant, and Uncle Burke Logan who have three children: Maureen, Trevor, and Jena. Hennessy is one of their horses.
Will Cunningham. Chad Stuart is a condescending nightmare for any intelligent woman. T.D. and Sissy Giles are of Chad’s ilk along with Drake and Pamela Larken and Renny. Peter Taramack runs his horses into the ground. Larry is his unhappy jockey.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a landscape with a couple on horseback looking out over the valley, a mansion below them with a line of trees lining the drive and up to the circular drive in front of the house. A soft royal blue arch frames it at the top with a gold curlicue border and the author’s name in an embossed gold and white with the title, in white, at the bottom left.
The title could apply to either Brian or Keeley, for they each have a bit of Irish Rebel in ’em.
