Tag: Castlelough trilogy

Review: Legends Lake by JoAnn Ross

Posted July 11, 2012 by Holly in Reviews | 2 Comments

Holly‘s review of Legends Lake (Castlelough Trilogy, Book 3) by JoAnn Ross.

In the exclusive world of horse racing, Alec MacKenna is known as a hardheaded trainer who cares more for an animal’s welfare than the financial bottom line. After a public altercation with a callous owner leaves his career on the brink of ruin, Alec’s only chance for redemption is Legends Lake, a thoroughbred with Triple Crown potential and a dangerous problem that could end both of their careers. Alec escorts the colt from the bluegrass hills of Kentucky to the emerald pastures of Ireland to meet the woman who bred him, in hopes that she may have the answers that will save them.

Kate O’Sullivan is happy to see her beloved horse come home, even under such disturbing circumstances. In spite of the irascible Yank who came wiht him, she has the feeling that something in her life is about to change forever. As Alec and Kate work to unravel the mystery of Legends Lake, they discover their shared concern for the troubled racehorse could turn into something extraordinary for each other.

This was the book I was most looking forward to. Kate was introduced during the first novel and I was very intrigued by her. I expected Ross to take this in a different direction, with Kate meeting the father of her son again, rather than a complete stranger. I was somewhat disappointed, but still enjoyed the novel.

Kate and Alec don’t get along very well at the beginning of the story. He thinks she’s crazy and she thinks he cares for nothing and no one but himself. Watching the blinders fall away from their eyes about each other was lovely. I also liked the way Ross took care to write about Ross’ teenage daughter and their relationship.

I like that this moved from Ireland to the States, too, though I think I enjoyed the Irish aspects most. The entire series is a good one, with hints of mysticism, magic and a generous amount of love.

4.25 out of 5

This book is available from Pocket Books. You can buy it here or here in e-format.


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Review: A Woman’s Heart by JoAnn Ross

Posted January 25, 2011 by Holly in Reviews | 0 Comments

Holly‘s review of A Woman’s Heart (Castlelough Trilogy, Book 1) by JoAnn Ross.

Jaded and bitter, scriptwriter Quinn Gallagher isn’t happy about being marooned on location in a sleepy Irish town–or renting a room from young widow Nora Fitzgerald. He doesn’t know that the only way she can keep her home is to offer him one–or that the happy endings he writes about so cynically can actually happen offscreen, as well.

I picked this out of my TBR pile on a whim. I was in the mood for a contemporary romance and the idea of one set in Ireland appealed to me. I absolutely adored it.

Quinn is a bestselling mystery author who has agreed to write the screenplay for his latest novel. As a result, he’s stuck in a small town in Ireland, staying with the Fitzgerald family. Quinn had a hard childhood and no longer believes in home and family, but if anyone can convince him that’s what he needs the most, it’s the widow Nora Fitzgerald and the rest of her clan.

Nora was ready to enter the convent when her mother passed away and she chose instead to come home to help take care of her younger sisters and brothers. Then she fell in love with the older brother of her best friend, got married and had a son. Though her marriage wasn’t exactly what she’d dreamed it would be, she was still devastated when her husband was killed in a riding accident. Though she’s wildly attracted to Quinn, she isn’t looking for love – especially not with a brooding American who won’t be staying long in Ireland.

Both characters had a lot of depth. Quinn’s past really shaped who he was, turning him into a jaded, cynical loner. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe in family, he just didn’t believe in it for himself. He was afraid to open himself up to love, either in the giving or the receiving. I liked that he didn’t push Nora’s family away. Though he avoided her in the beginning because he didn’t trust his attraction to her, he still formed a bond with her son, father and siblings.

Nora’s past shaped her as well. She was a strong woman, who had no trouble standing up and doing what needed to be done. But she held part of herself back – afraid to fully live after so much pain and heartbreak. It was obvious she needed someone to lean on, and I liked that she allowed herself to lean on Quinn.

Though she and Quinn tried to avoid their attraction, it wasn’t long before they were fully intertwined with each other. Their journey into love was emotionally compelling and hard to put down – I loved every minute of it.

4.25 out of 5

The series:
A Woman's HeartFair HavenLegends Lake

This book is available from Pocket. You can buy it here or here in e-format.


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