He’s the last thing she wants…but the only thing she needs.
Willa Peet isn’t interested in love. She’s been there, done that, and has the shattered heart to prove it. Ready to shake the breakup, she heads to Dublin, Ireland. But there’s a problem. A dark-haired, blue-eyed problem with a bad attitude that rivals her own. And he’s not doling out friendly Irish welcomes.
Shane Claymore just wants to race. The death of his father forced him off the Formula One circuit, but he’s only staying in Dublin long enough to sell the Claymore Inn and get things in order for his mother and younger sister. He never expected the sarcastic American girl staying at the inn to make him question everything.
But even as Willa and Shane’s fiery natures draw them together, their pasts threaten to rip them apart. Can Shane give up racing to be with the woman he loves, or will Willa’s quest to resurrect the tough-talking, no-shit-taking girl she used to be destroy any hope of a future together?
by Tessa Bailey
ARC Review
Released: April 14, 2014, Entangled Publishing
My rating: 4.5 of 5 ⭐️
There were few things Willa Peet really cared about: Her sister, her brother-law and her photography, which is what won her the trip to Dublin, Ireland. Of course there had been someone else, but Willa was determined this trip would heal her heart of that loss. She hadn't counted on the owner of the Inn she was scheduled to stay at, to be tall, dark and dangerously intriguing.
Home to look after his sister and mother, as well as run their family Inn after the death of his father, Shane Claymore has had to take a hiatus in his racing career. Something he missed every day, and couldn't wait to get back to, but not without putting things in order for his family. He had it all planned out, and then the moody girl from the photo contest had to come and unsettle him.
Like oil and water, at least that's what it looked like when Shane and Willa went at it. Constantly at each other, or throwing hard glares. Underneath all that animosity was a slow scalding heat that was steaming to the surface and once it found even the slightest crack, nothing could hold back the full-fledged combustion. Realizing their attraction only complicates matters.
Each have baggage to contend with, timelimits to honor, people to consider and futures to plan....
****
Surprised!!! Very excellent!!
A bit of a dark and angsty new adult story, but with great 'bite'.
Tessa Bailey does a phenomenal job creating an atmosphere that is very tangible, both with characters and description. I could walk into Claymore's and would recognize it and its patrons right off. Perfectly set 'in scene'!
The characters are wonderful!! Not just the two main characters, but all of the supporting cast as well, with a rich variety, each written with great care for individuality and personality. Often with quirky overtones and a great deal of spunk, but some with a tragic-comedic flavor.
Willa herself is a little tragic. Tough as nails and sarcastically funny on the outside, she hides a mountain of insecurity, evidences by her past attempts to change herself into something she though someone else would want. Such low self value, although it doesn't seem that way from the chip she has on her shoulder. Shane seems to be able to see right through her, though.
Shane is weighed down by guilt and responsibility, as well as lingering anger over past events he can no longer do anything about. At war between the desire to follow his dreams and the need to look after his family is wearing him down, making him bitter, lashing out at the flippant Willa. Especially when she sees more than he cares for her to see.
Two people who are rather lost, are able to help guide each other to clarity.
✨A compelling, sensuous and dynamic story.. ✨
**Copy provided in return for an honest review.**
Tessa lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and young daughter. When she isn't writing or reading romance, Tessa enjoys a good argument and thirty-minute recipes.
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An Irish-themed/Unfixable themed swag pack and a Kindle Fire.
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