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The Irish Warrior

by Kris Kennedy (Goodreads Author)

3.75 of 5 stars 3.75 · rating details · 260 ratings · 51 reviews

As his men are slaughtered around him, legendary Irish warrior Finian O'Melaghlin is held captive by the despised English Lord Rardove. Struggling to break free, Finian finds aid from an unlikely source: the beautiful Senna de Valery, who is also trying to escape Rardove's bloodthirsty grasp. Risking both their lives, Senna releases Finian from his shackles so they can bot...more

Mass Market Paperback, 390 pages

Published June 1st 2010 by Zebra

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Her Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham

St. Patrick's Day Romance

3rd out of 37 books — 31 voters

Romance In Ireland & Irish Hero(in)es

39th out of 232 books — 35 voters

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Jan 27, 2011 Emery Lee added it

This was quite differrent from my "normal" choices in historical romance. The setting is Medieval Ireland, and the plot has elements of fantasy centered around a supposed legend of the Wishme mollusks that can be made into a dye with both camoflauging and explosive qualities.

The heroine of the story is Senna de Valery, a wool merchant and daughter of a "dye-witch", and believed to be the only living person who knows the secrets of the Wishme mollusks. In the story, several factions are battling...more

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Jun 03, 2011 Mary B. rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-historical-medieval, romance, two-stars-or-less

The characters in this book were quite exaggerated and annoying, and I felt there was very little chemistry between the hero and heroine. The heroine at first seemed like one of those tough, brash, 'doesn't take crap from anybody' types, but she came off as more sarcastic and silly. The hero was pretty typical, but he had virtually no personality. And I know this is personal preference of writing style - but I really hate when a character's dialogue is written with a thick accent, and this hero'...more

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Mar 15, 2012 Sophia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

It is close to St. Patrick's Day so I wanted to indulge my inner Irish and my love for reading so I randomly chose this one based on the blurb. It sounded exciting talking about a romantic adventure in medieval Ireland.

And did it live up to expectation? Oh yes! And then some. It is definitely a historical romance, but there was also a slight fantasy twist and a large dose of intrigue. As I advanced through the book, mysteries were answered as more were revealed. People were not always what they...more It is close to St. Patrick's Day so I wanted to indulge my inner Irish and my love for reading so I randomly chose this one based on the blurb. It sounded exciting talking about a romantic adventure in medieval Ireland.

And did it live up to expectation? Oh yes! And then some. It is definitely a historical romance, but there was also a slight fantasy twist and a large dose of intrigue. As I advanced through the book, mysteries were answered as more were revealed. People were not always what they seemed.

The story begins with an English baron, Lord Rardove, who holds lands in conquered Ireland trying to exact answers the hard way from the leader of some Irish captives, Finian O'Melaghlin. The Irish leader refuses him and they play a little cat-mouse trying to figure out what the other knows.
Then the story shifts to a loan English woman, Senna, coming to see this same Lord Rardove about investing in some of her prize sheep and the wool industry.
Unbeknownst to her, she is the pawn in a far greater scheme. Everyone is after the recipe process to the secret dies created from the legendary Wishme mussels. The dye formula not only creates the most spectacular wool cloth, but it can be worked to create a powerful explosive weapon. Senna just happens to be the last in a long line of dye witches capable of creating the Wishme dyes.
Senna learns of her fate as soon as she arrives at Lord Rardove's castle. His cruelty toward her is secondary to the dread of learning he plans to force her to marry him and force her to make the dyes. Senna is fiery and brave, but she knows that he will have his way if she does not escape. She is ignorant of Ireland so makes the decision to free the handsome and courageous Irishman who wordlessly encouraged her and tried to come to her defense.
Finian and Senna escape and that is when the true adventure begins. They both have separate agendas, but Senna must rely on Finian. One harrowing moment after another mixed with one passionate moment after another bring the story to its exciting conclusion.

As I said before, I found the plot a very exciting read. Even having Senna, Finian, Will, and Rardove's point of view thoughts, there were still so many surprises. I love mystery, romance, history, and intrigue. It was all there. The descriptions of the settings were very well done. There was a historical feel without the heavier detail of a straight historical fiction. The only bit of description that got a little nauseating was the many times over description from Senna's perspective of Finian's fantastic physical traits. This was mostly during the first part of the book, but I really did get it after the first time that Finian had rippling muscles, strong thighs, and washboard abs. :D Okay, now I'm wondering why the repetition was annoying to me.

The characters were well drawn even the secondary ones. I am partial to Senna's younger brother, Will, who has a small secondary plot thread. Rardove's seneschal was a mysterious character that I enjoyed finally learning what was up with him. The main characters were exciting people that were well matched both opposite in their outlook, but alike in matters of the heart and shared sorrow for the past.

I enjoyed the pace of the story. The growth in Senna- she was no instant 'she warrior woman' and the budding romance between the two main characters was realistic. The action and passion were faster paced with moments of reflection.

Recommend for a nice historic romantic adventure!(less)

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Jan 02, 2011 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Senna de Valery is an English woman who has journeyed to Ireland to make a business deal with Lord Rardove. She’s there to sell her prized sheep for their high quality wool, but Lord Rardove has other plans for Senna. He wants her for the recipe to make the legendary dye. To keep her at his side and do as she is told, Rardove plans on marrying her against her will.

Finian O’Melaghlin is an important emissary to the king of Ireland. He is being held in Rardove’s dungeon. Senna comes up with a pla...more

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Oct 19, 2012 Kristi rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I liked this book a lot. It was full of action and adventure and was even funny at times. I really liked Senna even though I thought I wouldn't and I guess I sort of related to her when Finian was thinking that she really didn't belong anywhere. But she never said so herself and she never felt sorry for herself even though she had a reason to. Several.

I like Finian a lot, too. He was the proverbial tall, dark and handsome hero but at the same time, I thought he got a little rough with her over h...more

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May 09, 2012 Stevie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: alpha-male, favorite-author, feisty-heroine, medieval, steamy, historical-ireland

Another excellent story. Great story telling. Kennedy is a very talented author who is capable of verbally illustrating almost tangible settings and characters. Finian was a bit of heaven on earth, really liked his style. Good character chemistry with enough build up pace to keep it interesting but not so fast it was typical love at first sight ploy. Senna was crafted wonderfully, with depth and heart. The entire story was a swift current of action and adventure, and some fairly steamy love scen...more

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Jun 12, 2010 Mollie *scoutrmom* rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, read-in-2010, romance

This was another free ebook from Amazon.com for the Kindle for PC application.

This story is an improbable jaunt through medieval Ireland. I liked the characters and the setting, but the author has a lot to learn about crafting a believable plot. Perhaps readers who are not very familiar with history might enjoy it more than I did.

1 like · like · see review

Aug 18, 2010 Epeeblade rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-read, read_in_2010

I'd grabbed this book from the library based on a review of it that I read somewhere. I can no longer find said review so I don't recall what it was that attracted me to this book.

It took me a while to get through it. I didn't particularly like either the hero or the heroine. The story didn't quite work for me, especially the part during the middle where the hero and heroine conveniently sit around and share their issues.

But the number one deal breaker for me is the fact that dogs die in this bo...more

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Oct 23, 2011 Ablue rated it 1 of 5 stars

Very poor book. It started ok even if similar with other books but then it got really nasty. The heroine is one of the poorest that I have ever "met" in a book. I mean really, with an army at 2m from you the only thing that you can do is chat and have sex....? While the author appears to want to create a true "intelligent" woman the only thing that I have notice is that she has no common sense and is not able to keep her mouth shut to which we add murder. I mean really...
The hero is OK, nothing...more

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Jun 13, 2010 Janga rated it 5 of 5 stars

I became a Kris Kennedy fan when I read her debut book, The Conqueror. Her second book, The Irish Warrior, offers the same multi-dimensional characters, genuine sense of period history, and lucid prose that made me, a doubting Thomasina when it comes to Medieval romances, add The Conquerorto my keepers. It will be joined by The Irish Warrior.

Kennedy makes Medieval Ireland more than a mere backdrop in this compelling story. It is a vital presence in the book, skillfully integrated into plot and c...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 14, 2010 April rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Free Kindle download. I was pleasantly surprised by this book -- I liked the characters and the writing. I fear it may veer more towards the mythical or fantastical rather than the historical with all the references to the cloth dying, but it's a premise I haven't seen yet and actually liked.

I liked that the characters are both strong-willed and independent, and I liked how they met and came together. Those first scenes were like watching a movie for me. The lovemaking in the face of danger was...more

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Oct 18, 2010 GoldenjoyBazyll rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

Cookie cutter romance novel.

Strong female character....

In this book a tale of intrigue is spun around a so called legend of a blue indigo die. Everyone is fighting to figure out how to make it from mollusk shells. They- the Irish/ Scotts/ English- need the receipe and a dye witch. She is a dye witch but is a successful wool merchant. She wants nothing to do with the dye business becasue she believes it destroyed her family.

In the end... nothing is as it seems.... the dye is not just dye- the wo...more

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Jun 07, 2010 Dara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Okay so I finished this one last night. I enjoyed it. A lot more than I thought I might. :) That said, There is a point toward the back half of the book where Senna's brother suddenly switches from being Will/William to being Liam. O_o Huh? I found it very annoying and proof of some poor editing. Finally, there was the sex scene in the deer blind. I imagine there will be some people who will be quite scandalized by it. I will be interested to read other reviews of this book. :D All in all, I enj...more

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Sep 03, 2011 Caitlin Darrell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, historical

One of those instances where I had to ignore the cover to get into the book, but I'm actually really glad I did. I'm not sure why I've been reading a string of romances (especially historical romances) lately - possibly due to the heavy material I'm forced to read for classes - and The Irish Warrior was definitely one of the better I've read. Senna was a really spirited, assertive heroine, and though his overbearing pride annoyed me quite a bit, Finian was a good match for her.

Overall, an addic...more

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Apr 13, 2013 Sonya Lano rated it 2 of 5 stars

Alright, I'm just going to wing it with this review so excuse any possible ramblings or disorder to it!

I started off loving this book. I loved the writing, the character of Senna was drawn really well, and the premise caught my interest - the slight mystery of the dyes, Senna's link to them, and her mother's disappearance. Rardove, too, was an excellently drawn character and actually he was my favorite person in the whole book - yes, call me wicked, call me messed up, call me whatever, but the v...more Alright, I'm just going to wing it with this review so excuse any possible ramblings or disorder to it!

I started off loving this book. I loved the writing, the character of Senna was drawn really well, and the premise caught my interest - the slight mystery of the dyes, Senna's link to them, and her mother's disappearance. Rardove, too, was an excellently drawn character and actually he was my favorite person in the whole book - yes, call me wicked, call me messed up, call me whatever, but the villian intrigued me more than the main characters. I think it's because of the subtlety with which he was portrayed and the quiet cruelty he was capable of - it was fantastically written.

However, Senna started annoying me once she and Finian got out of the castle. She wouldn't shut up, wouldn't listen, and her reactions to certain things just seemed childish. I didn't understand how Finian could fall in love with her and I just wanted to shake some sense into her and tell her to shut up. Somewhere in the last fourth of the book she stopped grating on my nerves so much, but it wasn't enough to save the story for me. Because I love the writing, though, I'm still planning on reading the other book of Kris Kennedy's that I have - The Conqueror - eventually.

A couple other things that bothered me:

1) At one point Senna realizes who the spy Red is but I have absolutely NO clue how she came to this conclusion, unless there is only one man in the entirely of England, Ireland and Scotland at that time with the nickname Red? It took me out of the story and I kept wondering what I'd missed because I didn't see how she could make that connection when she had never even seen Red in person.

2) Senna's brother is named Will for parts of the book and Liam for other parts. I'm aware this is bad editing and usually it doesn't bother me, but this seemed like a pretty obvious and huge thing to overlook so it makes me feel that neither the author nor the editor really took much care with the book, which kind of makes me feel as if I got a half-prepared product.

3) The climax seemed to quick. It felt rushed to me. I was like - what, is it over already?

So, yeah, I wish I could say I loved it (I wish that with every book!) but it was like - meh. However, as with every review, this is only my opinion as one reader. And the dyes were a really intriguing concept! Though regarding the camouflaging material, I do wonder why it didn't take on the properties / color of the skin of whoever was wearing it rather than the surroundings. Maybe it's sentient.(less)

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Aug 25, 2012 Victoria Vane added it

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Oct 12, 2010 Kyraryker rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, medieval, non-series, favorites

These were the first three things I typed about this book: Oh my god I love this book (had read 6 paragraphs), Finian is awesome, and the fight in Senna is glorious. These were pretty much my feelings throughout this whole story.
Right away the chemistry and word play between Finian and Senna scorches the pages and pulls the reader in. Because of the by play between these two characters I will now read any book Kris Kennedy writes.
This being a romance book there is of course the requisite "We can...more These were the first three things I typed about this book: Oh my god I love this book (had read 6 paragraphs), Finian is awesome, and the fight in Senna is glorious. These were pretty much my feelings throughout this whole story.
Right away the chemistry and word play between Finian and Senna scorches the pages and pulls the reader in. Because of the by play between these two characters I will now read any book Kris Kennedy writes.
This being a romance book there is of course the requisite "We can't be together!" but it is handled well here. Finian and Senna don't come up with dumb excuses for trying to stay away from each other, instead they accept their (holy hot) chemistry and just try to not inflame it (kind of fail here, but I'm not complaining yo!).
I loved how on Finian and Senna's journey to escape the baddie Lord Rardove and get to Finian's King, Senna is constantly feeling "reckless" and is always trying to push Finian to his breaking point. I love a strong man, but I love to see them fall even more. The scene where Finian and Senna are in a boat trying to avoid the English soldiers involves a little recklessness from Senna and let me tell you folks, it is quite toe curling. I almost felt bad for Finian 'cause you know this man is going down and going down hard ;)
The embarrassing truth is I honestly don't think I went more than 3 pages without smiling/giggling in a highly giddy manner for the first half of the book.
The pace and enjoyment did slow for me on the second half, this is why there is no + after the A grade. However, this only lasted for around 5 or 6 chapters and then whoa doggy the story picks up with thrilling speed until the end. Trust me people there are some revelations in the end that will have you gasping. Up until these revelations were uncovered I would have called this a completely character driven story. The storyline involving Irish dyes and how they could be important in the fight against England's King Edward (always seems to be public enemy #1 in the books I read) is highly original and like nothing I have read before. Make no mistake though, you'll love this book because of Finian and Senna but the revelations definitely add some serious meat to the story.
Finian and Senna also are balanced elements. There is no dominating character overshadowing the other and leaving them in the dust. They almost feed off of one another becoming better and stronger because of the other. It's a great thing to read; female and male character strong in their own right. Their chemistry positively fires up this story. The secondary characters are well written and note worthy, but in the background where they belong. The baddie Lord Rardove is close to being over top but toes the line well. William, Senna's brother, doesn't show up until the end but with the little bit of backstory he is given has me crying for his own book.
All in all, the story wraps up a tad too quickly, but that is a small complaint. The adventure, crazy revelations, and amazing hero/herione are completely worth the price of admission. Like I said before not quite perfect so I couldn't put a + after the A, but I can honestly say Finian and Senna are by far the best couple I have read all year. I loved it and if you like medievals and have been missing them (frankly who isn't?) you HAVE to read this book, you will not be disappointed. There really cannot be enough said about reading a good story.

*Personal note to the author Kris Kennedy: Please, please, please, please write William's story!!! Please!
Don't get high and mighty folks, after you read this book you'll be begging to for William's story.
**Oh and thank you to the publisher who actually had the cover model look like how Finian is described. It's the little things people.(less)

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Aug 17, 2010 Jill Dunlop rated it 4 of 5 stars

Senna de Valery, an English woman who has journeyed to Ireland to make a business deal with Lord Rardove, finds herself in a terrible situation. She believed that she would be selling her prized sheep for their high quality wool, but instead she finds that the man intends to marry her and have her make the recipe for a legendary dye. Meanwhile deep in the dungeons of Rardove's castle he has imprisoned Finian O'Melaghlin an important emissary to the king of Ireland and a great warrior. Senna help...more

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Jun 02, 2012 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great book. Some people complained it was over the top, the hero was a bit too alpha growly, the heroine a bit too beautiful, but these things didn't bother me at all. Very steamy book and I felt like the hero and heroine had perfect chemistry. Overall, loved it.

One real complaint I have about Kennedy's books is that they are very historical, so much so, I doubt I doubt a HEA....but this book is definitly worth the read.

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Feb 24, 2012 Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

I liked this a lot. It's an entertaining read. But then I am not really looking for a history lesson when I pick up a historical romance. I do have a pet peeve about it though and that was that the heroine's hair kept changing color. One time she's described as having yellow-red hair, another time it was dark read hair, another time it was brown hair. Inconsistancies like that annoy me. But overall it was a good fun read.

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Sep 09, 2010 Robin Covington rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-reads

I am not a frequent reader of historical romance. I do love romance - I love to read hot, sensual romance with characters who captivate me and compel me to turn the page because I just can't stand to not know what happens next.

This is one of those books.

Finian is sexy, alpha, and funny. Senna is brave, beautiful, and smart.

Read this book.

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Jul 05, 2010 Erica Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: medieval-romance, 2010-reads, keeper

Wow, I am loving this book so far, and I'm usually not a big fan of Scottish/Irish historicals (author attempts to do dialect tend to annoy me). But there's great repartee between the hero and heroine, and Finian is . . . ohhhh so swoon-worthy. I'll definitely be looking for The Conqueror and am crossing my fingers that Kris Kennedy will be writing Will's story next.

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Jun 04, 2010 Mary Mccall rated it 5 of 5 stars

I got this book the day it came out and stayed up for two night. It was so good that when I reached the end, I turned back to page one and started it again. This is a top-notch read and a definite bust the charts novel. Kris Kennedy should move up the lists and she proven her ability to take risks and not write the same old medieval romance story.

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Nov 19, 2012 Nicole Laverdure rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really love Ms. Kennedy's second novel. I love of her style of writing! Lots of action and intrigue between strong and sexy Finian and smart and beautiful Senna. Ms. Kennedy really knows of to write steamy love scenes. Lots of historical details. If you love medieval romance stories, then I suggest "The Irish Warrior"

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Sep 15, 2010 Diana rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a Grand Adventure with spies and kings, a dangerous landscape, a mad villain, and political intrigue. The leads are wonderful bigger-than-life characters -- a potential king and a witch in possession of a world-altering secret.

The prose is lovely, the romance heart-clutching. Grabbed me in exactly the right spot. I loved it!

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Sep 14, 2012 Donna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-irish-high-eng-scot-amer

I enjoyed this book, but I didn't love it. The mains were well developed, the setting also great, but I just felt there was something missing, but I can't put my finger on it. This book drew me in like expected, but it didn't hold me there well and I didn't feel the pay off was totally worth it.

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Aug 31, 2011 Brenda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh my. Kris Kennedy has a beautiful style of writing. She literally took my breath away in some of the scenes. Anyone who loves Highlanders, historical romance, or epic fantasy should read The Irish Warrior. It was an amazing story with intrigue, love, steamy romance, a bit of mystery and magic plus witty banter.

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Jul 25, 2010 Leigh rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was a good romance novel and close to being historically accurate. It was a quick read (good summer book) but I was slightly disappointed ant the ended that I didn't think lived up to the theme of a strong hero and heroine that ran throughout the rest of the book.

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Dec 18, 2011 Mel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

By far my favorite book and I've read thousands. Kris Kennedy has rekindled a love for reading historical romance novels in me. The research and attention to detail she provides is impeccable. The characters are unique as is the story line. Highly recommend it.

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Jan 24, 2013 RIF rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: very-fav-love-stories

4-4.5 I love a story where the heroine learns more about her strengths and her own goals and where her pov of the world she lives in evolves as the tale unwinds. Add a dose of humor, an hint of mystic charm and a lot of heat and it becomes a keeper for me.

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About Kris Kennedy

Kris writes sexy, adventure romance set in the middle ages.

Come by the website for excerpts, news, and to sign up for the newsletter. http://kriskennedy.net

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I'm also a member of Rock*It Reads, a collection of NY-published authors who are also self-publishing, and have banded together with a...more

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