What do you think?
Ballymuir #3
Hot Whispers of an Irishman
When Ballymuir's sharp-witted artist Violet Kilbride, who inherited the gift of second sight from her beloved grandmother, decides to sell her nan's cottage in Duncarraig, she returns to a town that holds complicated memories. Vi fell in love with Liam Rafferty there one teenage summer and has never gotten over their failed romance. When she runs into Liam -- now a divorced dad -- the attraction flares anew. But just as quickly, their reignited passion is threatened by Liam's quest for the legendary treasure known as Rafferty's gold, which was entrusted to an ancestor of Vi's who was also scorned by a Rafferty man. Determined to find the gold herself -- and to see that it ends up in a museum -- Vi pits her second sight against Liam's fancy gold-hunting gadgets. But the lure of lost treasure doesn't stand a chance against a love like this...or does it?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 29, 2005
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 18, 2018
This was a stinker of a book. 371 pages worth of -mostly- tedium.
This was the fifth or so time I tried this book and I am sorry I never left it as a DNF. Romance is a genera I do not read that much of, when I do I want it to be good. This was bad. Sorry to whoever gave it too me - so long ago I do not even remember who, but at least I finished it. All 371 dreary pages of it. As this book was recommend to me based partly on the process of a marine salvage and an artist, I was pretty annoyed that there was practically nothing of either in the entire book.
The title; Hot whispers of an Irishman? The only 'HOT' to be found here is in the title. The main Irishman, Liam, does not whisper anything but moaning and complaining whinging and whining continually about how his partner cheated him, he doesn't get along with his daughter, he hates his family, he hates Duncarraig.... whine whine whine... In whose universe is this 'Hot'?
The other thing he whines about is the buried treasure he is looking for, buried on leading lady, Vi's, land. He does not plan to give her any of this treasure when he finds it. He self justifies this through some old family myth that an ancestor of his gave the gold to an ancestor of Vi's. These ridiculous statements pepper the narrative throughout the book and the only thing less believable that the moronic logic, is that Vi seems to accept this moronic logic.
Now, this man is meant to be an international salvage operator. Yet, he has no more notion than a kitten about legalities. The author would have us believe he is going out of business because of a cheating partner, but, to me, given the internal logic: It seems much more likely that he is going out of business because he bases his searches on undocumented myths and ignores ownership and property laws.
The leading lady Vi, is the only thing that kept me reading to be honest. Even though she also can immensely frustrating at least she is a likable character. An 'artist' who never does anything artistic until the last chapter or two. We are told she is suffering from some sort of artists block and can't work, but there are no hints of anything artistic about her at all. She is also meant to be a 'local witch' she gets called that occasionally -mostly by the whining Irishman- she does nothing witchy at all except late in the book a bit of random telemetry which was pretty useless both in terms of advancing the story or character development. Lame.
The sex scenes were about as exciting as three day old, cold boiled potatoes.
The ending was almost incredibly bland. Sure, romance, of course they get together, and of course they find the treasure and of course he doesn't steal the whole lot and leave her destitute. But still, try a little bit to make it believable. And this big horrible secret that Vi is carrying around, haunting her whole life, coyly mentioned for the first hundred or so pages without being spelled out (though obvious beyond belief to the reader) . Personally I don't especially like kids, so I don't sympathise anyway, but, if this has been a major issue for years for her, dragging through the book like a ball and chain, then you don't just resolve it with the same emotional weight you would give a slice of burnt toast! But that is what this book does. in the last few pages, Vi tells Liam as casually as you please, this thing happened. Liam goes 'oh well that's ok I still love you' blah blah blah..... And that's it. Stupendously Bland.
Now I did not realise this was one in a series until after I started it. Maybe the characters were established in previous books to the extent that no effort was put into them. This is lazy writing and I am glad I did not pay money for it. Perhaps the previous ones are better, I hope to never have to find out.
This was the fifth or so time I tried this book and I am sorry I never left it as a DNF. Romance is a genera I do not read that much of, when I do I want it to be good. This was bad. Sorry to whoever gave it too me - so long ago I do not even remember who, but at least I finished it. All 371 dreary pages of it. As this book was recommend to me based partly on the process of a marine salvage and an artist, I was pretty annoyed that there was practically nothing of either in the entire book.
The title; Hot whispers of an Irishman? The only 'HOT' to be found here is in the title. The main Irishman, Liam, does not whisper anything but moaning and complaining whinging and whining continually about how his partner cheated him, he doesn't get along with his daughter, he hates his family, he hates Duncarraig.... whine whine whine... In whose universe is this 'Hot'?
The other thing he whines about is the buried treasure he is looking for, buried on leading lady, Vi's, land. He does not plan to give her any of this treasure when he finds it. He self justifies this through some old family myth that an ancestor of his gave the gold to an ancestor of Vi's. These ridiculous statements pepper the narrative throughout the book and the only thing less believable that the moronic logic, is that Vi seems to accept this moronic logic.
Now, this man is meant to be an international salvage operator. Yet, he has no more notion than a kitten about legalities. The author would have us believe he is going out of business because of a cheating partner, but, to me, given the internal logic: It seems much more likely that he is going out of business because he bases his searches on undocumented myths and ignores ownership and property laws.
The leading lady Vi, is the only thing that kept me reading to be honest. Even though she also can immensely frustrating at least she is a likable character. An 'artist' who never does anything artistic until the last chapter or two. We are told she is suffering from some sort of artists block and can't work, but there are no hints of anything artistic about her at all. She is also meant to be a 'local witch' she gets called that occasionally -mostly by the whining Irishman- she does nothing witchy at all except late in the book a bit of random telemetry which was pretty useless both in terms of advancing the story or character development. Lame.
The sex scenes were about as exciting as three day old, cold boiled potatoes.
The ending was almost incredibly bland. Sure, romance, of course they get together, and of course they find the treasure and of course he doesn't steal the whole lot and leave her destitute. But still, try a little bit to make it believable. And this big horrible secret that Vi is carrying around, haunting her whole life, coyly mentioned for the first hundred or so pages without being spelled out (though obvious beyond belief to the reader) . Personally I don't especially like kids, so I don't sympathise anyway, but, if this has been a major issue for years for her, dragging through the book like a ball and chain, then you don't just resolve it with the same emotional weight you would give a slice of burnt toast! But that is what this book does. in the last few pages, Vi tells Liam as casually as you please, this thing happened. Liam goes 'oh well that's ok I still love you' blah blah blah..... And that's it. Stupendously Bland.
Now I did not realise this was one in a series until after I started it. Maybe the characters were established in previous books to the extent that no effort was put into them. This is lazy writing and I am glad I did not pay money for it. Perhaps the previous ones are better, I hope to never have to find out.
July 17, 2017
Book 3
Of course I enjoyed this book too. I wish for maybe 2 more chapters. One the wedding and one their happy ending with children and success for Liam and Vi's art. I also hope there's more stories to tell.
Of course I enjoyed this book too. I wish for maybe 2 more chapters. One the wedding and one their happy ending with children and success for Liam and Vi's art. I also hope there's more stories to tell.
December 5, 2019
Sweet with a touch of spice. I disliked seeing Vi so subdued in this book compared to the prior, but it all worked out in the end.
March 18, 2013
Kitty‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
5 Stars
Only $3.99 for Kindle as of date of this review, 3/17/13
In the final book of the Ballymuir Trilogy, Dorien Kelly brings us full circle in the cycle of life. We see a side to Vi that was hinted at but not fully brought to light in the other two books. She’s always been a fun-loving, free-spirited person but melancholy at times. She’s a nurturer, a peace-keeper, she’s fiercely protective of those she loves and a kind and loving friend. We find out what she is hiding and we watch her transform herself with the help of her family and the love of a good man.
Vi has lost the “sight”. It just went away and she feels like she’s lost her best friend. Finances are making her clean and sell her nam’s home. Of course, her mam refuses to help the twins so it is falling to her, again. What she discovers during this time has left her feeling lost, confused, angry and bereft. Then there is Liam. The lost love of her youth. The only man she ever gave her heart to only to have it broken. She won’t deny the attraction and she cannot deny her body of what it craves. She’ll keep her heart out of it and enjoy the time that she has with him. Well, until he decides that “Rafferty’s Gold” is buried on her land and he is going to find it and claim it for his own, no matter the consequences.
Liam has returned to Ireland with his daughter, Meghan. He has no intentions of staying. A six month visit while his ex-wife is working in a dangerous location. He has no idea how to be a father or how to tame his daughter. Hopefully, with the help of family, he’ll work through this time with Meghan, find “Rafferty’s Gold” and head back to Boston to rebuild the company that was swindled out from under him. Then there is Vi. He was surprised to hear she was back in Duncarraig and had to make sure the rumors were true – he needed to see her. She was the only woman he gave his heart to and only married Beth when she became pregnant. He was an absentee husband and parent. But, Vi – the woman he dreamed about, thought about and wished he could have every day of his life – he’d do anything for her, to get her back into his life, to have her love again. Well, almost anything … no, he will not give up his search for the gold. The legend says that it will be returned to a Rafferty when the need is greatest. He had need for it and will fight Vi to the end to make her see that it belongs to him and not her or some fancy museum.
As we learn of Vi’s past and the guilt that she has lived with, our hearts break. Liam has no idea of what happened or what he left behind when he went to America. No one, except mam, knows of her secret. But she knows that in order to love fully and with her whole heart, she has to tell Liam the truth and pray that he understands. She knows that nam is guiding her as her “sight” slowly comes back to her. She knows that nam is trying to tell her something very important but it is being blocked. After a careful and thorough look inside herself, everything becomes clear. It’s time to forgive everyone, including herself.
“The Brightest Flame in Ballymuir” was a wild and fun ride with more tales and legends of the Emerald Isle. We are introduced to the whole Rafferty Clan which brought some much needed humor to the pages as the details of Vi’s past are being revealed. The Kilbrides finally come together as a unit with her mam taking a good look at herself, as well, and starts to forgive those who she thinks did her wrong. Michael and Kylie have a beautiful baby girl. Pat and Danny are living in Ballymuir and working for Michael. Muir House is thriving under Jenna and Dev’s love and devotion. The spirits are returning to Vi and now it’s time for her to make a life with Liam. But, what of the gold?
I really do leave Ballymuir with a heavy heart. There is so much potential for other books and I would so love to keep hearing the stories of times past. Again, Ms. Kelly brought Ireland to life with her writing. You could hear the lilt of their voices, see the smiles in their eyes and hear the songs that are sung. I wish I knew more about Irish Folklore to know if the tales told in these books were true or a figment of Dorien Kelly’s imagination. They were told with such passion that you could not help to hope and believe that they were true.
So, on behalf of the whole Guilty Pleasures Crew, I would like to leave you with an old Irish Blessing and wish you all a very Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
5 Stars
Only $3.99 for Kindle as of date of this review, 3/17/13
In the final book of the Ballymuir Trilogy, Dorien Kelly brings us full circle in the cycle of life. We see a side to Vi that was hinted at but not fully brought to light in the other two books. She’s always been a fun-loving, free-spirited person but melancholy at times. She’s a nurturer, a peace-keeper, she’s fiercely protective of those she loves and a kind and loving friend. We find out what she is hiding and we watch her transform herself with the help of her family and the love of a good man.
Vi has lost the “sight”. It just went away and she feels like she’s lost her best friend. Finances are making her clean and sell her nam’s home. Of course, her mam refuses to help the twins so it is falling to her, again. What she discovers during this time has left her feeling lost, confused, angry and bereft. Then there is Liam. The lost love of her youth. The only man she ever gave her heart to only to have it broken. She won’t deny the attraction and she cannot deny her body of what it craves. She’ll keep her heart out of it and enjoy the time that she has with him. Well, until he decides that “Rafferty’s Gold” is buried on her land and he is going to find it and claim it for his own, no matter the consequences.
Liam has returned to Ireland with his daughter, Meghan. He has no intentions of staying. A six month visit while his ex-wife is working in a dangerous location. He has no idea how to be a father or how to tame his daughter. Hopefully, with the help of family, he’ll work through this time with Meghan, find “Rafferty’s Gold” and head back to Boston to rebuild the company that was swindled out from under him. Then there is Vi. He was surprised to hear she was back in Duncarraig and had to make sure the rumors were true – he needed to see her. She was the only woman he gave his heart to and only married Beth when she became pregnant. He was an absentee husband and parent. But, Vi – the woman he dreamed about, thought about and wished he could have every day of his life – he’d do anything for her, to get her back into his life, to have her love again. Well, almost anything … no, he will not give up his search for the gold. The legend says that it will be returned to a Rafferty when the need is greatest. He had need for it and will fight Vi to the end to make her see that it belongs to him and not her or some fancy museum.
As we learn of Vi’s past and the guilt that she has lived with, our hearts break. Liam has no idea of what happened or what he left behind when he went to America. No one, except mam, knows of her secret. But she knows that in order to love fully and with her whole heart, she has to tell Liam the truth and pray that he understands. She knows that nam is guiding her as her “sight” slowly comes back to her. She knows that nam is trying to tell her something very important but it is being blocked. After a careful and thorough look inside herself, everything becomes clear. It’s time to forgive everyone, including herself.
“The Brightest Flame in Ballymuir” was a wild and fun ride with more tales and legends of the Emerald Isle. We are introduced to the whole Rafferty Clan which brought some much needed humor to the pages as the details of Vi’s past are being revealed. The Kilbrides finally come together as a unit with her mam taking a good look at herself, as well, and starts to forgive those who she thinks did her wrong. Michael and Kylie have a beautiful baby girl. Pat and Danny are living in Ballymuir and working for Michael. Muir House is thriving under Jenna and Dev’s love and devotion. The spirits are returning to Vi and now it’s time for her to make a life with Liam. But, what of the gold?
I really do leave Ballymuir with a heavy heart. There is so much potential for other books and I would so love to keep hearing the stories of times past. Again, Ms. Kelly brought Ireland to life with her writing. You could hear the lilt of their voices, see the smiles in their eyes and hear the songs that are sung. I wish I knew more about Irish Folklore to know if the tales told in these books were true or a figment of Dorien Kelly’s imagination. They were told with such passion that you could not help to hope and believe that they were true.
So, on behalf of the whole Guilty Pleasures Crew, I would like to leave you with an old Irish Blessing and wish you all a very Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
November 28, 2015
Unfortunately I did not like this book as much as the other two in this series. This is the romance genre so all three books have a HEA, but as in real life not everything was solved in the first two. Here, all problems are miraculously solved.
Another problem were the protagonists. Vi was deeply hurt by Liam in the past and vice versa (we are told), but they jump into each other's bed straight away, without really thinking about it, it seems like. Also, I lack a bit of insight to Liam. I didn't get to know him well. Furthermore, until the very last of the book, Vi seems more her 'artist self' in the other books than in her own book.
Lastly, the book seemed to drag a bit for me compared to the other two, but that might be because of the issues I had with it.
All in all, I recommend this trilogy.
Another problem were the protagonists. Vi was deeply hurt by Liam in the past and vice versa (we are told), but they jump into each other's bed straight away, without really thinking about it, it seems like. Also, I lack a bit of insight to Liam. I didn't get to know him well. Furthermore, until the very last of the book, Vi seems more her 'artist self' in the other books than in her own book.
Lastly, the book seemed to drag a bit for me compared to the other two, but that might be because of the issues I had with it.
All in all, I recommend this trilogy.
February 26, 2013
Mystery, adventure and love…
What a whimsical story. I was so looking forward to Vi Kilbride’s story. She has been my favorite character in the previous two books. Vi faces her demons and her past, with stubbornness and strong character. She has such a dynamic personality. Dorien Kelly spun such a perfect tale.
The Rafferty gold mystery added just the right twist. The Rafferty clan of Duncarraig was quite the hoot, from Liam’s gossiping Da to his brothers and their wives, such a wonderful family. Liam and his daughter’s relationship was precious. Liam’s mother vs Vi’s mother, I wouldn’t really want to meet either of them alone in a dark ally.
All in all, I also loved this book. I would definitely recommend it to my friends.
What a whimsical story. I was so looking forward to Vi Kilbride’s story. She has been my favorite character in the previous two books. Vi faces her demons and her past, with stubbornness and strong character. She has such a dynamic personality. Dorien Kelly spun such a perfect tale.
The Rafferty gold mystery added just the right twist. The Rafferty clan of Duncarraig was quite the hoot, from Liam’s gossiping Da to his brothers and their wives, such a wonderful family. Liam and his daughter’s relationship was precious. Liam’s mother vs Vi’s mother, I wouldn’t really want to meet either of them alone in a dark ally.
All in all, I also loved this book. I would definitely recommend it to my friends.
February 25, 2014
This book had a different title when I read it. "The Brightest Flame in Ballymuir" was how I found the third novel in the trilogy. Vi Kilbride's tale was my favorite of the three, too. It wasn't without flaws, but the story moved well apace. The characters seemed to match the story well for my taste. Of the three, this is one I might read again. In truth, I liked Vi's quirky behavior better in the second book. This one seemed to suppress her abilities and downplay her sprightly uniqueness. I think the author felt it necessary in order to keep the romantic angle for the masses, but for me a woman can be a bit nuts and still be sexy. Just an opinion, like this review, but anyway... If you like a warm, sentimental story with whispers of Jane Austen's "Persuasion" this book is for you.
March 21, 2013
I think of the three Ballymuir books, this one was my favorite. I really enjoyed the two lead characters, Vi and Liam. Their spirited banter was highly entertaining. You knew immediately that the passion that they had had for each other as teenagers had never burnt out and had only grown in intensity 15 years later. You could feel their connection coming off the page. Add the descriptions of Ireland and that made this book all the better.
April 4, 2013
Read as "The Brightest Flame in Ballymuir". One side of the story hit very close to home. The other, not quite believable, but an entertaining diversion. The ending felt a bit rushed and misfocused. And yet, a delightful read.
September 18, 2013
This is a really good series. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing, the plots and the characters. I think each story was wrapped up too quickly, but otherwise I would recommend highly. The stories are sweet, the relationships are mature, and the conflicts are honest. Very nice.
August 25, 2011
This book is not as hot as its amazing title.
March 17, 2013
I want more!
April 23, 2013
Wow. I really enjoyed this love between them. And how long it lasted. I hope these stories continue with Pat and Danny.
May 23, 2013
I had to read the final book in the series but I have to say this was my least favorite. Still worth a read but a little slow.
January 11, 2014
Read as "The Brightest Flame in Ballymuir" Book 3 of the trilogy.
February 18, 2013
Also titled, The Brightest Flame in Ballymuir
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews