Book Review: Wild Scottish Knight by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Title: Wild Scottish Knight

Series: The Enchanted Highlands #1

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Format: ebook

Pages: 316

Published: April 4, 2023

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

Opposites attract in this modern-day fairytale when American, Sophie MacKnight, inherits a Scottish castle along with a hot grumpy Scotsman who is tasked with training her to be a magickal knight before the Kelpies wreak havoc on the people of Loren Brae.

The knight was supposed to be a man.

Not me, Sophie MacKnight, a marketing associate from California.

This must be a practical joke that the Scots play on visiting Americans. Because otherwise I’ve inherited a haunted castle in Scotland, along with one irritatingly sexy Scotsman, who would be delighted if I turned tail and ran.

Frankly, I thought I would fly here, sell the heap of bricks, and head back home to a life that I…well, I was comfortable with at the very least. Instead, the people of Loren Brae are in trouble, and it appears that as the new owner of the castle, I’m next in line to reinstate the magickal Order of Caledonia. Which means, first, I have to learn to believe in magick. And secondly, I have to train to become a knight.

And my trainer? None other than Lachlan Campbell, the grumpiest man I’ve ever had the annoyance of meeting. It’s a toss-up who is pricklier, Lachlan, or his kilted Chihuahua, Sir Buster. Not only does Lachlan think that I can’t hack it, but he also resents my claim on his castle.

If only he didn’t look so devastatingly hot in his kilt.

Now, I’m stuck proving myself to him, all while trying to figure out how to help my new friends in Loren Brae.

Sparks fly as our swords meet, and we battle our rising attraction for each other.

Who will win in this (Highland) game of love?

Review:

I adore this author, so I had to check this one out. 

Sophie has inherited a Scottish castle from her beloved uncle. When she arrives, there is alot more than just having a castle to renovate....there are Kelpies out to destroy the village, she is a Knight, she has to learn magic, there are ghosts, and there is a grumpy man who doesn't seem to want her there. 

This was a hoot. I had a lot of fun with our characters and the situation. Poor Sophie. That is a lot to take on, but she needed this adventure. She was stuck in a life she didn't truly want. 

This was def a "light" fantasy, and I appreciated that. I didn't want to get too deep into the weeds of the magical world. Sure, there are real threats and some fights and dramatic moments, but it was cozy in a way. 

One thing that annoyed me was that I struggled with the chemistry between these two until near the end. Maybe he was too grumpy? I loveeeee grumpy, but maybe he was just too closed off for me to buy it. Maybe they were slightly overshadowed because of the chemistry between two side characters. Their banter was on fire. Can we see them finally fall in love? IDK. I just didn't really feel their chemistry at first. 

Other than that, I had a lot of fun with this story. This felt more like a fantasy chick lit tbh. 

4 stars. 

Book Review: Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Title: Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fantasy

Format: ebook

Pages: 338

Published: December 2, 2024

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

The universe is playing a joke on me.

An unexpected inheritance has gifted me with the dream of a lifetime – owning a charming bookshop in small-town Scotland. Little did I know this gift comes with a surprise – Highland Hearts bookshop has been running an underground magical matchmaking service – and as new owner of the shop, I am expected to deliver on these matches.

As Christmas looms, and lonely hearts beg for love, I’m tossed into the world of magic and romance, aided by a meddling book club who seems more interested in romance than reading.

The problem is – I just don’t believe in love. Or so I thought.

It turns out there’s one local bird nerd and Scottish hottie, Alexander MacTavish, who has my heart all aflutter. While he’s more into puffins than paperbacks, I can’t help but notice he’s showing up at the bookshop to help every time something goes wrong. Maybe it’s my determination to have an adventure, or maybe it’s the magic, but every time tall, dark, and grumpy enters my bookshop, I find myself wanting to read up on birds just to catch his attention.

As my newfound magic falters, and the town enters my shop into a cutthroat Christmas window decorating competition, I find myself working side-by-side with Alexander, who seems just as determined to avoid love as I am.

With Christmas fast approaching, I must figure out if I can suspend my disbelief and make the match of a lifetime – my own.

Review:

Awww I really like this author! She is so much fun and has such good ideas!

Here we have Rosie who has never taken a gamble or reached for anything. Everything she has settled for. She finally wakes up when she inherits a bookshop from a distant relative in Scotland. This is the new, fresh start she needs! Along with books, she is tossed into some magic, puffins, a hot man named Alexander, and a cutthroat Christmas window decorating competition. She will need Alexander's help to meddle through. 

This was adorable and I didn't want to stop reading. 

Loved the puffin. 

Loved the small town. 

Loved the magic element. 

Loved Alexander. 

Loved Rosie. 

Loved the book club!

It was adorable and fun for the holiday season. I def recommend this one! Too cute. Super fresh. 

5 stars. 

Re-listen: Wild Irish Christmas by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Narrator: Amy Landon

Title: Wild Irish Christmas

Series: Mystic Cove #9

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Novella

Format: Audiobook 

Published: December 18, 2020

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Lily Walden finds herself inexplicably drawn to the small village of Grace’s Cove where she retreats to heal from a broken relationship as the lonely Christmas holiday looms. Escaping each evening into dreams more vivid than life, Lily nurtures a secret desire to write the fairy tales she lives each night. If only the fae prince of her dreams could rescue her from her haunted past.

Prince Callum, head of a secret faction of Fae protectors, is desperate to find his fated mate as each night she sings their lovesong to him in his dreams. One fateful night, he takes to the seas to find her, only to land catastrophically at the shores of an enchanted cove.

With Prince Callum near death, only Lily can save him in time, forever sealing their fated bond – but first, she must bring herself to believe in her own fairy tale…

Review:

We're back babbbyyy! I decided to have a relisten to this one because....I couldn't remember anything that happened. It's been so long. 

Here we have Prince Callum of the Fae and Lily the human. After an abusive relationship, she needs to break free. She runs to Grace's Cove. She doesn't know why, but it calls for her name. This could be the escape she needs to heal and write her little fantasy stories that she dreams about. Little does she know that her dreams have been real and Callum is real and has been looking for her. He finally gets the clue he needs to find her, but he is attacked and near death until Lily saves him. 

Again....I loved this as much as I did the first time. It's so sweet and they are adorable. Lily deserves all the love the world can give her. Callum is adorable and sweet and perfect. 

I loved seeing old faces along at the pub. This is a cross-over with another of the author's works so that is fun. I read book of that other series...I should push forward and read more once I catch up with this one. Soooo many books....so little time. 

But yes. Still just as sweet as the first time I read it. I wanted more though. I just really loved these characters. 

The narrator? Still amazing. Still perfect for this series. 

5 stars still from me.

Favorite Character(s): Lily and Callum

Least Favorite Character(s): Lily's ex

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #35

Audiobook Review: Wild Irish Dreamer by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Narrator: Amy Landon

Title: Wild Irish Dreamer

Series: Mystic Cove #8

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook 

Published: July 14, 2020

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

What would happen if dreams came true?

It's said that the world is made of dreamers. Which is a lovely thought and all, except for when those dreams come with a foretelling of the future. In order to find out what she really wants, Fiona MacAuliffe has spent her life running from who she truly is. Determined to ignore her gifts in order to make her own way in the world, Fi long ago said goodbye to her family's pub in Grace's Cove and set off to follow her heart.

Little does she know that it is her heart that will betray her when she returns home.

Review:

Man. Coming back to this series is like coming back home. For some reason I took a LONG break from this series. In 2021 (eek), I accidently skipped this and read book 9. It's nice coming back. 

We are back in the cove. Here we have Fiona (Fi) and Liam. They both have the wanderlust and they keep on meeting randomly. Or is it the universe giving them chance after chance? Fi doesn't want to be held down by her small town, her powers, or a man. She doesn't want the white picket fence life. She wants to be free and explore every corner of the world and be surprised by it. Love? That isn't a dream to her....or is it? 

*sighs deeply*

Fi. Fi oh Fi oh Fi. Idiot girl. I wanted to kick her. I get she has some issues trusting men outside of her group because of her ex. However, Liam is friends of friends and was saved by Grace in the past so he believes in magic. Plus he's SUCH a good guy. He shows it over and over and over. But Fi is so "I don't need a man! They'll hold me down!" So the universe gives her a man that has the same wanderlust and would travel the world too, but nooooOoooOOOooooo still not good enough. >_> 

Plus her hating her powers? Sure...I get it...don't abuse your powers and use them for bad. Keep your walls up and etc, but she flat out ignores the signs her dreams tries to give her. Like near the end with a certain situation (no spoilers from me). 

Don't get me wrong Fi is a nice girl, but she's an absolute moron. I still loved this book and it was nice seeing Fi FINALLY grow up. It took the entire book but she finally does it. Bless Liam for his patience. He has his own demons and terrible ex trauma to deal with, but he's willing to try but Fi keeps leading him on. 

Again...I liked this book a lot but Fi drove me to insanity. 

I can't wait to read book 10 (I may re-read book 9 since it has been so long and I read out of order by mistake). I hope we can see more of Fi and Liam enjoying each other. It took forever for them to become a couple. I want to see them be in love. 

The narrator is a gem. I can't imagine ANYONE else reading these books. 

In the end, I had some big issues with Fi. Yes, I love good conflict and internal (and external) issues standing in the way, but man, she really was a rough character to understand and in some moments...like. I'll give this 3 stars overall.  

Favorite Character(s): Liam

Least Favorite Character(s): Fi 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #34

Audiobook Review: Wild Irish Christmas by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Narrator: Amy Landon

Title: Wild Irish Christmas

(Mystic Cove #9)

Genre: Novella, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Published: December 18th 2020

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

Celebrate Christmas in the cove with this enchanting novella. A crossover between two bestselling series - The Mystic Cove Series and The Isle of Destiny Series!

Lily Walden finds herself inexplicably drawn to the small village of Grace’s Cove where she retreats to heal from a broken relationship as the lonely Christmas holiday looms. Escaping each evening into dreams more vivid than life, Lily nurtures a secret desire to write the fairy tales she lives each night. If only the fae prince of her dreams could rescue her from her haunted past.

Prince Callum, head of a secret faction of Fae protectors, is desperate to find his fated mate as each night she sings their lovesong to him in his dreams. One fateful night, he takes to the seas to find her, only to land catastrophically at the shores of an enchanted cove.

With Prince Callum near death, only Lily can save him in time, forever sealing their fated bond – but first, she must bring herself to believe in her own fairy tale…

Review:

Eeeee! I had no idea that this was released last year. Totally missed those announcements!! Yayy! Love this village and this world. Looks like this is a crossover novel. I'll have to check out the other series one day. 

We follow Lily Walden who finds herself drawn to a small village called Grace's Cove. This is the perfect place for her to retreat and heal from a bad relationship. She might be alone for the holidays, but she feels safe. She dreams of writing a fantasy book about the dreams she has. Prince Callum is the star of her dreams, little does she know though, he is real. He is the prince of the Fae world. He is also head of a secret faction of Fae protectors. He is desperate to find his fated mate. He calls to her every night in his dreams. One fateful night, he decides to stop waiting and go find her. Only to land on the shores of an enchanted cove and Lily is the only one who can save him. 

This was simply adorable. I would've loved this to be waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay longer. I want to know more about Callum and Lily. They are adorable. I would love a mini prequel or something. Just more. I'll take what I can get. 

I do want to try out the other series. I want to learn more about the Fae of that world. They seem fun. Can I get a Callum ;) ??? 

It was nice seeing some old faces from previous books like Kate. I literally jumped for joy. Love her. 

Sounds like there might be Mystic Cove books! Huzzah! 

What a fun tale for the holidays. You have magic, holiday joy, and love. Beautiful combo!

And my favorite narrator returns. Team Amy! She is simply the best! She is perfect and has the best voices for our males and female. Magic and non-magic. Irish...not Irish. Love it. 

In the end, this was awesome. My favorite Xmas tale of the month for sure. I could be biased since I adore this series ;) 

5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #87 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Wild Irish Heart by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Narrator: Amy Landon

Title: Wild Irish Heart

(Mystic Cove #1)

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 12th 2014

Where I got It: Amazon

Summary: 

It is time…

An ancient book, a power untouched, and a heart unloved lead Keelin O'Brien from her graduate studies in Boston to a small village on the coast of Southern Ireland. Determined to unearth the secrets lying hidden in the enchanted waters of the cove, Keelin has little time for a surly Irishman who infuriates her during the day and haunts her fantasies at night.

Inexplicably drawn to the woman who has stepped from his dreams and into his world, Flynn fights a stubborn battle against his increasing attraction for Keelin. Forces unknown have better plans for the two.

Only the secrets of the cove can show Keelin who she really is, the beauty of her mysterious power, and a love that will break the bounds of what she knows.

Review:

Re-read time! Especially since I have the audio version now so why not!

Keelin comes to Ireland to meet her granny and learn more about her Irish roots and her mysterious powers. Along the way she is enchanted by the waters of the cove and the surly Irishman who infuriates her. 

This was fun and made me miss this world and want to re-read the rest of the series. Such a good series. I especially love the audio versions because I adore the narrator. She is fantastic! Perfect accents....perfect voices for all the different characters. 

I still am not happy with all the lies and BS from Keelin's mom. Sure, we get to learn more about her later on in the series, but even with that knowledge I am still not happy with her. SMH. 

But yes - I still adore this book even when doing the audio version. Maybe even more so because I adore the narrator. 

5 stars of course.  

Challenge(s):
- #85 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: Good Girl by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Title: Good Girl

(Siren Island #1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Paranormal

Format: ebook

Published: November 13th 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf - Amazon

Summary: 

She shouldn't be on this island.

 

If she was smart, Samantha Jameson would turn around and march right back to the plane that deposited her at a faded hut of an airport on Siren Island. Yet, Samantha just can't muster the energy to do so, not after the hellish week she's had. Her whole life has been spent playing by the rules, and for what? An empty apartment, a career with no upward movement, and one failed relationship after another.  When it all blows up in her face, what's a girl to do but book a last-minute trip to the ridiculously named Laughing Mermaid Bed & Breakfast on an unknown speck of an island in the Caribbean?

 

Lucas Mosteron knows all about burning out from first-hand experience. Over the years, he's discovered that he isn't the only one, as everyone has their own unique story for landing on Siren Island. His lovely and mysterious neighbors at The Laughing Mermaid Bed & Breakfast are no exception. Little does he know that there is more to their story than he could ever have imagined possible. When Samantha Jameson arrives as their guest - depleted and needing respite, Lucas can't help but feel like he could be the man she needs. Irresistibly drawn to her uptight demeanor, Lucas is determined to unwind Samantha and show her that life on Siren Island could be the answer to all her problems.

Review:

Got this free from Amazon and I adore this author. Plus Mermaids! Fun!

Samantha Jameson is smart and great at her job...but after being skipped over for the promotion, she decides to cash in her vacation time and actually take a long vacation. She randomly goes to an small island in the Caribbean. There she comes across Lucas who knows all about having a burnout at his job. She also meets the mysterious neighbors at The Laughing Mermaid Bed & Breakfast. This island might be everything she needs. 

This needs to become a Hallmark movie for real. In a good way of course ;) This had all the elements. An over-worked woman who deserves the stars but who's company and family stink finally gets away. Meets a hunk....and some fun side character/new besties. 

And there is a lore of mermaids....even better! So fun! Spoiler, not spoiler, the fun neighbors are mermaids and will help Samantha unwind and find her inner mermaid. Fun! I do wish we had more mermaid-ness.

This was a whimsical love-story! Some slow parts, but like the islander there was no rush and it wasn't a race. I enjoyed it. 

Overall, I highly recommend this and it's a great way to end the summer. So fun and cute romance. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

Audiobook Review: Stone Song by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley 
Narrator: Amy Landon
Title: Stone Song
(The Isle of Destiny #1)
Genre: Fantasy, PNR
Format: Audiobook 
Pages: 296  
Published: June 2nd 2016
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



Summary: Clare MacBride has her life in exactly the order she wants it. In a year, she’ll have finished her geology dissertation, though she’s no closer to figuring out the answer to one question that plagues her.

Why does she feel stones pulse with energy?

A centuries-old curse, a mysterious faction of protectors, and a mythological godstone all sound like old world fairytale nonsense to Clare. It only takes one rainy evening with a silver-eyed fae and a handsome stranger promising protection to rock her world forever.

With her life plans shattered at her feet, the lines of science and fiction blur as Clare is forced to throw everything she knows about the world out the window and look deep within her heart for answers.

Review:
Sooooooo I finally decided to try another book of this author since I am having withdraws from the series I just finished (which I heard a rumor she is adding a book to that series. eee!)

The story follows Clare who thought she had life all set up and ready to go. Her plans shatter like glass at her feet when she realizes she is chosen by forces beyond her control. She must put her life and heart on the line on this journey. 

My favorite part of this book is the fact that it takes place in the same world as the other series! You do not have to read the other series to understand, but it really made it feel like I was at home. It was so nice to see a couple of people from the previous books make a quick appearance. ^_^

Oh Clare. Oh Clare. I have mixed feelings about you. 

Blake...he was okay. Very grumpy but he has been in love with Clare for 10 years and couldn't even say hi to her without messing up her fate. So sad. 

I LOVED Clare's friend. She was adorable. I think I would've liked her to be the Chosen One ;) hehe. 

This was far too short. I feel like we need more time as they try and solve the mystery and find the stone. I wanted more time with these 4 adventurers. Maybe we'll see them more in  the next book? We shall see. 

The narrator is awesome as per normal. Love her voices!!

Overall, I liked it, but I felt like there should've been more. I'll have to read book 2 someday. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #29 for Audiobook Challenge

Audiobook Review - Wild Irish Grace by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley 
Narrator: Amy Landon
Title: Wild Irish Grace
(Mystic Cove #7)
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal
Format: Audiobook 
Pages: 227 
Published: July 17th 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



Summary: Is her enemy the love she’s been waiting for?

Grace O’Brien lives an unapologetic life – one where she uses magick and attitude alike to live exactly as she pleases. With talents far beyond what most can comprehend, Grace dances through life with verve and enthusiasm.

But it isn’t all magick and mirth. A secret haunts Grace through the darkest hours of the night. For in her heart lies the soul of a fierce pirate queen, one that has loved and weathered unequivocal loss. Now, as she hopes once more for true love – a love that was promised to her – It seems that Grace might not always be able to get everything that she desires.

From the moment that Dylan Kelly sailed into Grace’s Cove, the town captured his heart. Pulled by an invincible need to move to the village, Dylan changes his entire life to finally focus on his passion project. When Dylan runs headfirst into the indomitable force that is Grace O’Brien, he battles both his attraction and his ethics in order to pursue the one thing that matters most to him – building his legacy.

As centuries blur and souls collide, Grace must come to terms with the fact that she can’t control everything – even her heart.

Review:
This is the final book in the series! OOOO MY POOR HEART! SOBS!

The story takes place many years in the future. Baby Grace is now all grown and has taken ownership of Fiona's store and home after Fiona passed. Everything seems perfect, except Grace keeps having dreams of her past life and past lover who was taken from her way too soon. Things get more complex when Dylan Kelly sails into town to build his legacy. Through some silly legal stuff, it turns out Grace's house and land are bought by Dylan Kelly. Even more complex...Dylan is the reincarnation of Grace's past lover. 

Poor Grace. LOL. She can't help but love this man even though he is trying to take away her property. What a complex situation to be in!

I wanted to SHAKE Dylan. IDIOT. Super, big, dumb-dumb. Lovable and sweet in his own way, but DUMB-DUMB 100%. Just tell her the truth about what you plan on doing to the land!!!!!! GAH. COMMUNICATION PEOPLE!

I enjoyed this overall even though I wanted to shake Dylan. It was cute and sweet. Grace is a fun character. I wish we could get more of her! 

Sighssss I am so sad this series is coming to an end. There are so many tales to still tell. Like Dylan's friend. HE NEEDS LOVE TOO! I adored him. So romantic. So sweet. He has a heart of gold. SOBS. I do not want to say goodbye!

The narrator was fantastic. I believe she read the other ones too (my mind is not all together...long weekend). She really is fantastic at the Irish accent!

Overall, I really enjoyed this. I am sad to say goodbye to everyone and this world of Irish magic. I highly recommend this series. It was a good one. The narration was fantastic. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #24 for Audiobook Challenge