Loucinda McGary

Rating: 4.5/5

American Rylie Powell has spent most of her life speculating about the identity of her biological father, a man who abandoned her and her mother when she was very young. After her mother's death, Rylie discovers clues that lead her to Northern Ireland and the man listed on her birth certificate as Dermot O'Shea. On arriving at her suspected father's pub in Ballyneagh, she does not expect to find an alluring man named Donovan who very well may be her half-brother.

Donovan O'Shea has been burdened with the supernatural ability of clairvoyance since his childhood. Known as "The Sight" by the Irish, Donovan's "gift" is triggered by being near ancient artifacts, including those burried in the fens surrounding his childhood home. Desperate to escape the visions, Donovan moves to America to start a new life. Several years later, Donovan is forced to return to Ballyneagh when his father's health begins to fail. The last thing he needs is a strong-willed stranger arriving with an outrageous claim against his father stirring up more trouble in his life. At least Donovan is hoping her claim is unfounded, because the passion she ignites in him is anything but brotherly.

Determined to prove her wrong, Donovan agrees to help Rylie solve the mystery of her father. In doing so, the pair uncover dark family secrets that have been buried for decades. Literally. When the body of a man murdered year ago is discovered near Donovan's childhood home, a web of lies, blackmail and political intrigue is exposed, threatening Donovan and Rylie's very lives. As Samhain approaches and the veil between worlds thins, Donovan must use his special gift to finally lay to rest the restless spirits of the past.

** Possible spoilers ahead **

I loved this book! I was captivated from the first page until the end. This enthralling story was a perfect blend of romantic suspense, paranormal romance, mystery and even some Irish history - all of my favorite genres. The author has a talent for describing a place in rich details where I could easily picture myself there too. She avoids postcard perfect descriptions of Ireland, but rather gives us the beauty and charm combined with the sometimes harsh reality of daily life. I fell in love with Donovan right away; he begins the story guarded, distant and obviously tortured by his special "gift." Rylie is very strong and determined, and she's the perfect heroine to save his soul. As for Donovan and Rylie being brother and sister...well, this is a mainstream romance, so obviously they're not related, which I assumed from the beginning. The author resolved that issue in a very cleaver way that I did not expect. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns that will hold your attention. Fans of paranormal romance and romantic suspense will be pleased with this book. Highly recommended!… (más)

This book actually had some plot twists that took me by surprise- I expected very little from the story, in all honesty, but I got a whole lot more. Rylie has come to Northern Ireland to confront a father that abandoned the family when she was still a toddler. Donovan has returned to Ireland to help settle his father, who has recently suffered a massive stroke. In the beginning there’s a lot of “we can’t be related” going on, but that rather obviously sorts itself out in rather rapid form. Borrowing from ancient history and not-so-distant history, McGary weaves together a story of family on many different levels.
The romance, while there, didn’t overpower the story. She manages to keep the story moving at a realistic speed, for the most part, but some parts get rushed in the end. The biggest problem I had with the story was the way some problems were suddenly solved. It was too convenient for impossible situations to resolve themselves with little thought or character reaction. The pace of the story helped to move past those other parts, though.
I really enjoyed this book. It was certainly a great find on my Kindle!… (más)