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Irish Hearts #1
Irish Thoroughbred
The very first novel by the phenomenal #1 New York Times bestselling author, now in a beautiful new hardcover edition.
There's nothing left for Adelia Cunnane in Ireland. The aunt she cared for has passed, and the family farm has been sold for taxes. But her uncle Paddy has written her: Come to America...
Dee has always had a magical touch with animals, and she finds employment with her uncle on the Maryland horse farm owned by Travis Grant. It's a joy to ride Travis's chestnut Thoroughbred--and to spend her first paycheck on luxuries she never had in the old country. But Dee is disconcerted by the way her boss treats her--and the way she responds. America may be the land of opportunity, a place where even those from the humblest background can pursue what they want--and, perhaps, even find themselves one day attending the Kentucky Derby. But some divides may be too wide to cross, and Dee fears that demanding more could cost her all that she's already gained.
A classic romance by the author who went on to take the world by storm, topping the lists again and again in multiple genres, Irish Thoroughbred will be cherished by fans who have fallen in love with Nora Roberts.
There's nothing left for Adelia Cunnane in Ireland. The aunt she cared for has passed, and the family farm has been sold for taxes. But her uncle Paddy has written her: Come to America...
Dee has always had a magical touch with animals, and she finds employment with her uncle on the Maryland horse farm owned by Travis Grant. It's a joy to ride Travis's chestnut Thoroughbred--and to spend her first paycheck on luxuries she never had in the old country. But Dee is disconcerted by the way her boss treats her--and the way she responds. America may be the land of opportunity, a place where even those from the humblest background can pursue what they want--and, perhaps, even find themselves one day attending the Kentucky Derby. But some divides may be too wide to cross, and Dee fears that demanding more could cost her all that she's already gained.
A classic romance by the author who went on to take the world by storm, topping the lists again and again in multiple genres, Irish Thoroughbred will be cherished by fans who have fallen in love with Nora Roberts.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1981
1309 people are currently reading
3396 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,217 books60k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews
July 22, 2021
This is by far one of the most readable early romances I've read, and it is a fascinating look into proto-Nora. Now look - category romance in the 80s is replete with tropes that have not really stood the test of time for new readers (totally respect if there is a nostalgia factor for some, but I'm talking about those who did not grow up reading these). This book definitely has some of that, but the heroine is far less TSTL than I expected and the hero was far less over the top on the alpha scale than I expected. Maybe because I didn't know what I was in for, but I was pleasantly surprised that this was a tropetastic example of early category with Nora's signature charm
CW: attempted SA; domineering romantic partner
CW: attempted SA; domineering romantic partner
October 6, 2016
5 AMAZING STARS
I LOVED THIS STORY!
The Hero Travis was a very old school masculine male alpha with a strong protective instinct when it concerns the small Irish "Bonny lass" heroine, Adelia. He is the owner of horse farm where her uncle worked.
Little Dee is sent to live with her uncle in America, on the hero's horse farm, after her whole family is wiped out in Ireland.
She is young and alone and Travis feels responsible for her well being.
From their very first meeting sparks flew!
He believes that she is boy until her cap falls and her wonderful hair is revealed.
"What The...you're a girl!" He said.
"Sure and it's observant you are to be noticing that--and who are you to come around grabbing innocent people and crushing their bones?...A horsewhipping is what you're deserving for scaring the life from me..." She said.
"You may be pint-sized, but you're packed with dynamite."
Travis and Dee are two very strong individuals! They fight and kiss with so much intensity and passion that you could tell they were very well matched.
And if I had on small issues it would be with the "fade to black" love making scenes.
I really wanted one full on sex scene here!
Together, they become a powerful force. Their story is full of emotions and inner struggles. With a sweet coming together that will have you going...
I LOVED IT ALL!
Worth a read and a reread for me!
I LOVED THIS STORY!
The Hero Travis was a very old school masculine male alpha with a strong protective instinct when it concerns the small Irish "Bonny lass" heroine, Adelia. He is the owner of horse farm where her uncle worked.
Little Dee is sent to live with her uncle in America, on the hero's horse farm, after her whole family is wiped out in Ireland.
She is young and alone and Travis feels responsible for her well being.
From their very first meeting sparks flew!
He believes that she is boy until her cap falls and her wonderful hair is revealed.
"What The...you're a girl!" He said.
"Sure and it's observant you are to be noticing that--and who are you to come around grabbing innocent people and crushing their bones?...A horsewhipping is what you're deserving for scaring the life from me..." She said.
"You may be pint-sized, but you're packed with dynamite."
Travis and Dee are two very strong individuals! They fight and kiss with so much intensity and passion that you could tell they were very well matched.
And if I had on small issues it would be with the "fade to black" love making scenes.
I really wanted one full on sex scene here!
Together, they become a powerful force. Their story is full of emotions and inner struggles. With a sweet coming together that will have you going...
I LOVED IT ALL!
Worth a read and a reread for me!
May 27, 2018
Considerando que esta fue la primera novela publicada de una autora tan prolífica como Nora Roberts, podría ser más indulgente a la hora de la calificarla tan mal pero, objetivamente, el libro deja bastante que desear. Un argumento que se sostiene por el pegoteo de situaciones que no tienen justificación o al menos un buen hilo conductor, personajes superficiales cuyo actuar no tiene ni pies ni cabeza, y el final más precipitado que he leído en mi vida.
Podría asegurar que las primeras novelas de autoras nuevas, incluso autopublicadas, tienen un mejor desarrollo argumental y de personajes, sobretodo considerando lo exigentes que estamos últimamente como lectores.
Podría asegurar que las primeras novelas de autoras nuevas, incluso autopublicadas, tienen un mejor desarrollo argumental y de personajes, sobretodo considerando lo exigentes que estamos últimamente como lectores.
July 14, 2024
Despite its unabashed hokeyness (the fiery Irish redhead always spewing out insults in her native brogue, the sexy ranch owner forever lifting her forcefully to his height so he can kiss those lips shut, the sophisticated OW always swishing here and there in a cloud of French perfume), Nora Roberts' very first romance book was cute and satisfying. An old-fashioned, low angst, read that will leave you smiling.
Read
April 26, 2025This was very much a book of its time. I didn't hate it, but it was just okay and some readers might want to steer clear. It's an extremely tropey story about a fiery Irish girl moving to America and falling for her (older, more experienced) employer. He owns racehorses and she takes care of them. There's a lot of her mouthing off and him literally picking her up and forcibly kissing her as "punishment", making weird comments about how she looks like she's 15 instead of 25....oh and then there's a scene where he saves her from attempted sexual assault and then when she says she owes him says he might eventually "collect". Ugh.
This was Nora Roberts first novel and it feels very in line with what was getting published in the early 80's. Her writing is still charming and there are scenes that I liked, but overall not something I loved. I'll probably stick with more recent books.
This was Nora Roberts first novel and it feels very in line with what was getting published in the early 80's. Her writing is still charming and there are scenes that I liked, but overall not something I loved. I'll probably stick with more recent books.
May 1, 2023
"When will you learn weakness is not always a flaw?"
March 7, 2012
Reviewed by Kati Dancy
Reprint/Publisher: Silhouette
It all started in 1983, at my parents’ beach house. I was 12, and bored through and through on the one rainy day we had during our beach vacation. My mom suggested I go to the book shelves where renters had left books behind to share, to see if I could find something to entertain me for the afternoon. It was there that I spotted my very first “grown-up” romance novel. Oh sure, I’d read “Fifteen” by Beverly Cleary and had of course read quite a few of the “Sweet Valley High” series. But this book, with its white cover featuring a gorgeous redheaded woman and a handsome man just behind her kissing her neck, this book that screamed out “romance”, was going to be my initiation into a genre of books that 26 years later, I’m just as passionate about. The book was Irish Thoroughbred by Nora Roberts.
Irish Thoroughbred is the story of Adelia Cunnane, who has slaved away all of her life on her small Irish farm, trying desperately to make ends meet. When her beloved aunt who raised her dies, Dee writes to her one remaining relative, Padrick to let him know his sister has passed. His reply is immediate, “Come to America, your home is with me now.” Dee sells her farm and flies to Virginia where she is met by Paddy, who brings her with him to Royal Meadows, the Thoroughbred horse farm where he is the trainer. Dee is anxious to work and immediately takes a shine to Majesty, Royal Meadows prize racer. She is wonderful with animals and is promptly hired to work as a groom. It is on this first day that she meets Travis Grant, Royal Meadows’ handsome and determined owner. The sparks fly from the beginning between Travis and Dee, as they argue over almost every interaction they have. And yet, as time goes by, those arguments become infused with the undeniable attraction they have for each other and a deeper emotion begins to build.
Irish Thoroughbred was actually Nora Roberts’ first romance ever published and began her long and distinguished career both with Silhouette and in main stream publishing. The book is wonderfully dated, with fashion straight from the 80s and featuring all of the hallmarks of 80s romance. The hero, Travis, is overbearing, autocratic and a bit of an ass. Dee is feisty to the point of obnoxious and too headstrong by half. And yet, the story illustrates all of the reasons that Nora Roberts is one of the best selling authors, not just of romance, of all time. The main couple is likeable and funny. And the strong connections between all of the characters, secondaries included, are effortlessly drawn. The love story itself includes the dreaded “arranged marriage” and yet, it has a wonderful sweetness that made me, even as a 12 year old, realize that the happily ever after was something that I wanted desperately to read more of. Nora Roberts started me down this road, and she remains my all time favorite author. Re-reading Irish Thoroughbred was a magical walk down memory lane for me.
*REVIEW ORIGINALLY POSTED AT ROMANCE NOVEL TV
Reprint/Publisher: Silhouette
It all started in 1983, at my parents’ beach house. I was 12, and bored through and through on the one rainy day we had during our beach vacation. My mom suggested I go to the book shelves where renters had left books behind to share, to see if I could find something to entertain me for the afternoon. It was there that I spotted my very first “grown-up” romance novel. Oh sure, I’d read “Fifteen” by Beverly Cleary and had of course read quite a few of the “Sweet Valley High” series. But this book, with its white cover featuring a gorgeous redheaded woman and a handsome man just behind her kissing her neck, this book that screamed out “romance”, was going to be my initiation into a genre of books that 26 years later, I’m just as passionate about. The book was Irish Thoroughbred by Nora Roberts.
Irish Thoroughbred is the story of Adelia Cunnane, who has slaved away all of her life on her small Irish farm, trying desperately to make ends meet. When her beloved aunt who raised her dies, Dee writes to her one remaining relative, Padrick to let him know his sister has passed. His reply is immediate, “Come to America, your home is with me now.” Dee sells her farm and flies to Virginia where she is met by Paddy, who brings her with him to Royal Meadows, the Thoroughbred horse farm where he is the trainer. Dee is anxious to work and immediately takes a shine to Majesty, Royal Meadows prize racer. She is wonderful with animals and is promptly hired to work as a groom. It is on this first day that she meets Travis Grant, Royal Meadows’ handsome and determined owner. The sparks fly from the beginning between Travis and Dee, as they argue over almost every interaction they have. And yet, as time goes by, those arguments become infused with the undeniable attraction they have for each other and a deeper emotion begins to build.
Irish Thoroughbred was actually Nora Roberts’ first romance ever published and began her long and distinguished career both with Silhouette and in main stream publishing. The book is wonderfully dated, with fashion straight from the 80s and featuring all of the hallmarks of 80s romance. The hero, Travis, is overbearing, autocratic and a bit of an ass. Dee is feisty to the point of obnoxious and too headstrong by half. And yet, the story illustrates all of the reasons that Nora Roberts is one of the best selling authors, not just of romance, of all time. The main couple is likeable and funny. And the strong connections between all of the characters, secondaries included, are effortlessly drawn. The love story itself includes the dreaded “arranged marriage” and yet, it has a wonderful sweetness that made me, even as a 12 year old, realize that the happily ever after was something that I wanted desperately to read more of. Nora Roberts started me down this road, and she remains my all time favorite author. Re-reading Irish Thoroughbred was a magical walk down memory lane for me.
*REVIEW ORIGINALLY POSTED AT ROMANCE NOVEL TV
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September 11, 2023I went into this more interested in it as a historical artifact (Nora Roberts's first published book!) than as something I was expecting to enjoy, but STILL. Not just vintage misogyny (though there was plenty of that) and the bloodline of current misogyny in romance novels, but WORSE.
I liked some of the story at first, enjoying noticing all the proto-Nora at work, enjoying the excellent baseline of sure & confident writing she started at, and then my reactions started getting more and more profanity-laden at the content. Horrifying, abusive relationship (beyond just punishing kisses--lots of violent imagery in the hero's threats to her, lots of emotional abuse--marry me, your uncle is on death's door and he wants you to, don't be so selfish! holy omfg), creepy infantalization of the heroine (like, seriously, quote: "You look like a child. A child can’t be bundled off to bed without a goodnight kiss" and musings about how she looks like she's fifteen), and man. And I know that the romance genre has plenty of this shit going on and in fact lauded right now (and, I mean, lots of misogyny and this strain of alpha dickery in Kristen Ashley, but at least Ashley has an entertaining voice and heroines who aren't infantalized), so I point this out but am not exactly feeling like pop culture / the romance genre right now is in great health, either.
I liked some of the story at first, enjoying noticing all the proto-Nora at work, enjoying the excellent baseline of sure & confident writing she started at, and then my reactions started getting more and more profanity-laden at the content. Horrifying, abusive relationship (beyond just punishing kisses--lots of violent imagery in the hero's threats to her, lots of emotional abuse--marry me, your uncle is on death's door and he wants you to, don't be so selfish! holy omfg), creepy infantalization of the heroine (like, seriously, quote: "You look like a child. A child can’t be bundled off to bed without a goodnight kiss" and musings about how she looks like she's fifteen), and man. And I know that the romance genre has plenty of this shit going on and in fact lauded right now (and, I mean, lots of misogyny and this strain of alpha dickery in Kristen Ashley, but at least Ashley has an entertaining voice and heroines who aren't infantalized), so I point this out but am not exactly feeling like pop culture / the romance genre right now is in great health, either.
November 4, 2018
3.25 stars
This was a typical oldie, with forced kisses and brooding hero and I have read so many of them that despite no hero POV you had to be blind to not know hero was insane about the heroine. I liked the heroine, she was plucky, hard-working and took not shit from anyone, including the hero. She leaves everything familiar to her behind to move to America to live with an uncle she hasn't seen in twenty years. She loves her uncle and the place he works at, which the hero owns. These two have an MOC when her uncle is taken gravely ill. Our pouring of love comes when the H chases a running h down. Not too bad!
This was a typical oldie, with forced kisses and brooding hero and I have read so many of them that despite no hero POV you had to be blind to not know hero was insane about the heroine. I liked the heroine, she was plucky, hard-working and took not shit from anyone, including the hero. She leaves everything familiar to her behind to move to America to live with an uncle she hasn't seen in twenty years. She loves her uncle and the place he works at, which the hero owns. These two have an MOC when her uncle is taken gravely ill. Our pouring of love comes when the H chases a running h down. Not too bad!
February 15, 2017
This was the perfect book to listen to on my trip to Florida with my mom! We had a lot of fun boo ing the main characters love interest. He was extremely self confident... and on the verge of being a little violent at times. No thank you!!! We did enjoy the Irish accents used and the light horse talk. Overall I had fun!!:)
May 3, 2019
"Irish Thoroughbred" is the story of Adelia and Travis.
When Adelia Cunnane's aunt passes away leaving her all alone in the wild beauty of Ireland, she writes to Paddy, her only living relative. He invites her to the farm in Maryland, where he works under Travis Grant, and wrapping up her life, Adelia runs to him.
But while she is able tame the strongest of horses and help birth the most difficult of foal, the thing that fascinates her most is Travis's hot kisses and lingering glances. Finding happiness in the most difficult situations, Adelia manages to charm everyone around her, bringing a streak of Irish luck with her. But when Paddy gets sick, and she is asked to belong to Travis, will she ever be able to have his true love?
Honestly, a heartwarming read with very likable and strong characters, a whimsical feel and loads of chemistry to keep you hooked. Adelia is such a nice and kind, she had me hooked and rooting for her since chapter one. Her attraction towards Travis, his care for her, all worked, and I wish we saw more of them together- as the last 1/4th of the book felt rushed.
If you adore Diana Palmer and/or Nora Roberts, you would love this read- however, it is low on cruel heroes and angst!
Enjoyed it!
Safe
4.25/5
When Adelia Cunnane's aunt passes away leaving her all alone in the wild beauty of Ireland, she writes to Paddy, her only living relative. He invites her to the farm in Maryland, where he works under Travis Grant, and wrapping up her life, Adelia runs to him.
But while she is able tame the strongest of horses and help birth the most difficult of foal, the thing that fascinates her most is Travis's hot kisses and lingering glances. Finding happiness in the most difficult situations, Adelia manages to charm everyone around her, bringing a streak of Irish luck with her. But when Paddy gets sick, and she is asked to belong to Travis, will she ever be able to have his true love?
Honestly, a heartwarming read with very likable and strong characters, a whimsical feel and loads of chemistry to keep you hooked. Adelia is such a nice and kind, she had me hooked and rooting for her since chapter one. Her attraction towards Travis, his care for her, all worked, and I wish we saw more of them together- as the last 1/4th of the book felt rushed.
If you adore Diana Palmer and/or Nora Roberts, you would love this read- however, it is low on cruel heroes and angst!
Enjoyed it!
Safe
4.25/5
February 3, 2020
6/10
Se nota mucho que este es el primer libro escrito por Nora Roberts y que fue en los años 80. Es un libro fácil de leer pero le faltan muchas cosas.
Se nota mucho que este es el primer libro escrito por Nora Roberts y que fue en los años 80. Es un libro fácil de leer pero le faltan muchas cosas.
July 27, 2018
Nora Roberts is one of the authors that got me really into reading towards the end of elementary school and beginning of high school and her books will always hold a special place in my heart. This was one of the first I read by her and rereading it so many years later was such a fun experience! It’s a cute story and I’m always partial to the “they hate each other at first but then fall in love before they realize it” storyline!
May 23, 2015
At first, I had rather mixed feelings regarding this book. I realize, of course, that this was Nora Robert's first work and that it was published in 1981, so I didn't expect it to be very good.
Regarding the plot: I had few problems with the plot up until the marriage thing. It came kind of completely out of nowhere. I mean, Uncle Paddy saw them kiss once in a frenzy of happiness over Majesty having won a very important race and suddenly it was his dearest wish in life for Dee and Travis to get married. That literally became his deathwish within the space of about a day. I realize that this novel was written for a rather conservative line of romance novels and that the author had to find some way or other to marry the protagonists off to each other before she could show them having sex, but an arranged marriage? Solely to satisfy the whim of an uncle whom they already said is NOT going to die, but is going to recover fully from his heart attack? Plus, the whole reason Paddy wants this in the first place is so Dee will be "taken care of" once he's gone. I fail to see how Travis couldn't have "taken care of" Dee without forcing her into a marriage (he literally bullies her into marrying him, gripping her shoulders so hard that she goes "beyond physical pain" and telling her that if she cares about her uncle at all, she'll do it) she doesn't want. I mean, she already had a job at Royal Meadows. The only way I could see this being plausible is if she needed to marry someone in order to stay in the country. But Roberts never even brings up the issue of possible deportation as a consequence of NOT marrying Travis, so I really don't see why they needed to get married other than to please the publishers so they wouldn't have to take a chance on trying to sell a book involving premarital sex. Which I suppose makes a bit more sense when you consider that it was 1981, but the entire plotline felt so contrived and flat to me.
Regarding the hero: I didn't much care for Travis. I wonder if perhaps I would have liked him more had I read this book (or been alive) when it was first published. With the right social context, his character may have been more likeable, but as such I simply found him rude, controlling, and disrespectful of Dee's wishes and thoughts. He often incites her anger because he thinks it's funny, but then when she tries to call him out on this, he "crushe[s] her mouth with his, cutting off a heated retort." He more than once compares her to a horse. He literally sees her as another one of his animals, needing to be tamed to his will. This is even evident in the name of the book, Irish Thoroughbred. Dee is not a person, she's just another horse. He saves her from a rape attempt in the stables, which is perfectly fine, as Dee is described (over and over and over again, we get it already, Nora Roberts) as a very small person and the large stablehand who assaults her quickly overpowers her. I don't find fault with him helping out of a horrible situation. I have a problem with the fact that he goads her with it. Dee flirts with another man after a race and Travis, in a fit of jealousy, chases him off and then makes fun of Dee for needing help throwing off her attempted rapist from a few weeks before. He apologizes immediately, as he should, but when she retorts that he shouldn't have said it in the first place, he gets angry, calls her a "green-eyed witch", threatens to beat her (this is not the only time he does this- once he even threatens to kill her), and then kisses her without her consent. I was not alive in 1981, but I don't understand how at any point in time this kind of behavior could be considered romantic. It's not romantic; it's creepy, invasive, and abusive. Near the end of the book, Dee thinks to herself that SHE'S been treating HIM terribly and should apologize, classic behavior of an abuse victim. At the end, he explains away his behavior as being an act of love, admitting that he's basically been stalking her ("I didn't dare let you out of my sight; someone might have come along and snatched you away") lest, Heaven forbid, she find herself attracted to someone else. He tells Dee that he's been manipulating her life and work schedule around his desire for her. Wonderful behavior from her BOSS, totally not sexual harassment at all.
Regarding the heroine: I love that Dee has an untameable temper. While I did find some of her dialogue and such to be very stereotypical (fiery redhead Catholic virgin Irishwoman), I thought her anger was almost always justified and that her temper added extra depth to an otherwise kind of Mary Sue-ish character. However, I wasn't a fan of how quickly Dee bends to the will of all the men around her. I understand that Paddy is the only family she has left (disproved by the sequel book, however, in which she suddenly has a multitude of cousins back in Ireland), and that he is very important to her. But the idea that she doesn't want to report her attempted rape because it might upset Uncle Paddy seems outlandish to me. There are a multitude of reasons why people don't report it when they've been raped/nearly raped, but not wanting to upset your uncle seems odd. This may have made more sense had Roberts gone into it more and explained that she was in shock or that she was using this as an excuse to cover up her fear/trauma or literally anything, but Dee is almost completely unaffected by the incident.
So, all in all, I liked some aspects of the novel. I liked Dee for the most part, although I think my opinion of her would have been increased had the author gone into her character a bit more. But from what I've read of her 1980s novels (I must admit, her more contemporary heroes are far better), Roberts kind of had a thing for borderline abusive, narcissistic, oh-it's-totally-okay-'cause-he's-rich-and-hot heroes. I'm getting tired of it, really.
Regarding the plot: I had few problems with the plot up until the marriage thing. It came kind of completely out of nowhere. I mean, Uncle Paddy saw them kiss once in a frenzy of happiness over Majesty having won a very important race and suddenly it was his dearest wish in life for Dee and Travis to get married. That literally became his deathwish within the space of about a day. I realize that this novel was written for a rather conservative line of romance novels and that the author had to find some way or other to marry the protagonists off to each other before she could show them having sex, but an arranged marriage? Solely to satisfy the whim of an uncle whom they already said is NOT going to die, but is going to recover fully from his heart attack? Plus, the whole reason Paddy wants this in the first place is so Dee will be "taken care of" once he's gone. I fail to see how Travis couldn't have "taken care of" Dee without forcing her into a marriage (he literally bullies her into marrying him, gripping her shoulders so hard that she goes "beyond physical pain" and telling her that if she cares about her uncle at all, she'll do it) she doesn't want. I mean, she already had a job at Royal Meadows. The only way I could see this being plausible is if she needed to marry someone in order to stay in the country. But Roberts never even brings up the issue of possible deportation as a consequence of NOT marrying Travis, so I really don't see why they needed to get married other than to please the publishers so they wouldn't have to take a chance on trying to sell a book involving premarital sex. Which I suppose makes a bit more sense when you consider that it was 1981, but the entire plotline felt so contrived and flat to me.
Regarding the hero: I didn't much care for Travis. I wonder if perhaps I would have liked him more had I read this book (or been alive) when it was first published. With the right social context, his character may have been more likeable, but as such I simply found him rude, controlling, and disrespectful of Dee's wishes and thoughts. He often incites her anger because he thinks it's funny, but then when she tries to call him out on this, he "crushe[s] her mouth with his, cutting off a heated retort." He more than once compares her to a horse. He literally sees her as another one of his animals, needing to be tamed to his will. This is even evident in the name of the book, Irish Thoroughbred. Dee is not a person, she's just another horse. He saves her from a rape attempt in the stables, which is perfectly fine, as Dee is described (over and over and over again, we get it already, Nora Roberts) as a very small person and the large stablehand who assaults her quickly overpowers her. I don't find fault with him helping out of a horrible situation. I have a problem with the fact that he goads her with it. Dee flirts with another man after a race and Travis, in a fit of jealousy, chases him off and then makes fun of Dee for needing help throwing off her attempted rapist from a few weeks before. He apologizes immediately, as he should, but when she retorts that he shouldn't have said it in the first place, he gets angry, calls her a "green-eyed witch", threatens to beat her (this is not the only time he does this- once he even threatens to kill her), and then kisses her without her consent. I was not alive in 1981, but I don't understand how at any point in time this kind of behavior could be considered romantic. It's not romantic; it's creepy, invasive, and abusive. Near the end of the book, Dee thinks to herself that SHE'S been treating HIM terribly and should apologize, classic behavior of an abuse victim. At the end, he explains away his behavior as being an act of love, admitting that he's basically been stalking her ("I didn't dare let you out of my sight; someone might have come along and snatched you away") lest, Heaven forbid, she find herself attracted to someone else. He tells Dee that he's been manipulating her life and work schedule around his desire for her. Wonderful behavior from her BOSS, totally not sexual harassment at all.
Regarding the heroine: I love that Dee has an untameable temper. While I did find some of her dialogue and such to be very stereotypical (fiery redhead Catholic virgin Irishwoman), I thought her anger was almost always justified and that her temper added extra depth to an otherwise kind of Mary Sue-ish character. However, I wasn't a fan of how quickly Dee bends to the will of all the men around her. I understand that Paddy is the only family she has left (disproved by the sequel book, however, in which she suddenly has a multitude of cousins back in Ireland), and that he is very important to her. But the idea that she doesn't want to report her attempted rape because it might upset Uncle Paddy seems outlandish to me. There are a multitude of reasons why people don't report it when they've been raped/nearly raped, but not wanting to upset your uncle seems odd. This may have made more sense had Roberts gone into it more and explained that she was in shock or that she was using this as an excuse to cover up her fear/trauma or literally anything, but Dee is almost completely unaffected by the incident.
So, all in all, I liked some aspects of the novel. I liked Dee for the most part, although I think my opinion of her would have been increased had the author gone into her character a bit more. But from what I've read of her 1980s novels (I must admit, her more contemporary heroes are far better), Roberts kind of had a thing for borderline abusive, narcissistic, oh-it's-totally-okay-'cause-he's-rich-and-hot heroes. I'm getting tired of it, really.
July 31, 2015
This book was one of my first Nora Roberts book, and I nabe no idea about how to on writing a gif-less review about this, BECAUSE DAMN IT LOVED IT. SO. FREAKING. MUCH.
SO MUCH.
I just have read it over 5 times, and each time I read it, I love it more. I honestly don't know how that's possible. Nora Roberts used to write such amazing books before, I hate her newer books.
Adelia is the perfect, ideal heroine in my eyes. Sweet, innocent, but with the right about of fire and backbone, without appearing bitchy. 'Just perfect,' whispers Goldilocks.
The hero was amazing too, I love May-Devember romances and I love the old Harley custom when we don't have the hero's POV. THIS BOOK WAS SO JUST PERFECT OMGGGG *BURSTS INTO TEARS*
What made it even more special was that it was horse-themed. Have I ever told y'all how much I love horses? BECAUSE I DO. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. I only wish I was a better rider, I suck at horse riding -.-
SO MUCH.
I just have read it over 5 times, and each time I read it, I love it more. I honestly don't know how that's possible. Nora Roberts used to write such amazing books before, I hate her newer books.
Adelia is the perfect, ideal heroine in my eyes. Sweet, innocent, but with the right about of fire and backbone, without appearing bitchy. 'Just perfect,' whispers Goldilocks.
The hero was amazing too, I love May-Devember romances and I love the old Harley custom when we don't have the hero's POV. THIS BOOK WAS SO JUST PERFECT OMGGGG *BURSTS INTO TEARS*
What made it even more special was that it was horse-themed. Have I ever told y'all how much I love horses? BECAUSE I DO. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. I only wish I was a better rider, I suck at horse riding -.-
December 1, 2018
3'5/5☆
May 11, 2022
My first Nora Roberts ever! And her first romance was a horse book. Sort of. Most of the horse stuff comes at the beginning and it's the best part of the book. Our heroine Dee is from Ireland. She's 5'2 of fiery Gaelic charm with a fey (the term is used repeatedly) quality. She speaks of leprechauns in a rather questionable Irish brogue that's reminiscent of a Lucky Charms advert. Still, she's feisty, loves horses, and isn't afraid of hard work. She even helps deliver a breach foal at her Uncle Paddy's (!) Thoroughbred breeding farm.
Travis (our hero, the racehorse trainer) is more enigmatic. He's taken by his employee and there's lots of kissing, him bullying a man attempting to date her, and finally a forced marriage (to save Paddy's life) but while objectively this is all terrible, it's not pearl-clutching offensive because Roberts makes it clear Dee is in love from Travis from the get-go.
This book was published a a Silhouette category romance. I can't hold it against Roberts--in fact I respect her ability to do so--that she hits all the tropes of this type of romance book. She's doing her job in spades. There's clothing shopping trips, the hero saving the heroine from an assault, the first night of romance, a dance, the final near-break-up, you name it. The writing is also better than the garden variety of 80s supermarket romance in terms of its genuine humor and turns of phase. But it's all just sort of terribly flat and predictable, including the characters, and I just didn't care very much, reading it, throughout. The length is so short (again, the formula) and designed to be read by people who don't know much about horses or racing, so the setting isn't very well-detailed.
It's fine! Fine! And I can hear people saying, let people enjoy their junk food. But if I'm going to have sweet nostalgic breakfast food, I guess I'd rather have, I don't know, heavily buttered cinnamon raisin toast or something like that, versus Lucky Charms. I do like junk, and the bodice rippers from this era (although even more problematic) are just way more fun and an unpredictable, predictable wild ride. This is just a little too tame for me. Even by my dressage-level standards, while still being of its time enough it's hard for it to be a fantasy.
Travis (our hero, the racehorse trainer) is more enigmatic. He's taken by his employee and there's lots of kissing, him bullying a man attempting to date her, and finally a forced marriage (to save Paddy's life) but while objectively this is all terrible, it's not pearl-clutching offensive because Roberts makes it clear Dee is in love from Travis from the get-go.
This book was published a a Silhouette category romance. I can't hold it against Roberts--in fact I respect her ability to do so--that she hits all the tropes of this type of romance book. She's doing her job in spades. There's clothing shopping trips, the hero saving the heroine from an assault, the first night of romance, a dance, the final near-break-up, you name it. The writing is also better than the garden variety of 80s supermarket romance in terms of its genuine humor and turns of phase. But it's all just sort of terribly flat and predictable, including the characters, and I just didn't care very much, reading it, throughout. The length is so short (again, the formula) and designed to be read by people who don't know much about horses or racing, so the setting isn't very well-detailed.
It's fine! Fine! And I can hear people saying, let people enjoy their junk food. But if I'm going to have sweet nostalgic breakfast food, I guess I'd rather have, I don't know, heavily buttered cinnamon raisin toast or something like that, versus Lucky Charms. I do like junk, and the bodice rippers from this era (although even more problematic) are just way more fun and an unpredictable, predictable wild ride. This is just a little too tame for me. Even by my dressage-level standards, while still being of its time enough it's hard for it to be a fantasy.
August 21, 2022
This is a very early Nora Roberts Romance; some say it's her first. I don't know about that, but it is for sure an early one. Because of the length (189) pages, you don't get any character development and the single POV leaves you wondering what in blazes the hero is thinking. All in all, it is a quick read, and not a bad way to spend a summer afternoon.
Adelia Cennane lost her parents at the age of ten. Now, at 23, she has lost the aunt who raised her and kept the small Irish farm going. With nothing keeping her in Ireland, Adelia joins her last living relative, Uncle Paddy, in America. He is a trainer on n prosperous horse farm in Maryland and Adelia is delighted to be able to fit right in. Except for the owner, Travis Grant, who sets her temper afire and her heart aflutter. 3 1/2-Stars
Adelia Cennane lost her parents at the age of ten. Now, at 23, she has lost the aunt who raised her and kept the small Irish farm going. With nothing keeping her in Ireland, Adelia joins her last living relative, Uncle Paddy, in America. He is a trainer on n prosperous horse farm in Maryland and Adelia is delighted to be able to fit right in. Except for the owner, Travis Grant, who sets her temper afire and her heart aflutter. 3 1/2-Stars
August 27, 2019
I liked what i read,following the irish spirited animal-lover Adelia Cunnane loose everything she hold dear and leaves her country to live with her uncle in Maryland. Nora Roberts showes us Adelia`s passion for horses through long horseback ridings with Majesty...and early on shows the fascination and attraction Adelia`s boss,horse breeder Travis Grant has for her on first sight.
The book was short,and it is easily revealing that this is one of Roberts very early works (its actually her debut), and i have to honestly admit that i have read books by her that are much better developed("Sullivan`s Woman" and "Finding the Dream" are some examples among many). Adelia and Travis was born to be together,and i just wish that Roberts didn`t rush the ending in that way.
There is a lot of wooing, arguing between H and h,a wannabe OW...and marriage of convenience to add to that matter.Romance indeed.
The book was short,and it is easily revealing that this is one of Roberts very early works (its actually her debut), and i have to honestly admit that i have read books by her that are much better developed("Sullivan`s Woman" and "Finding the Dream" are some examples among many). Adelia and Travis was born to be together,and i just wish that Roberts didn`t rush the ending in that way.
There is a lot of wooing, arguing between H and h,a wannabe OW...and marriage of convenience to add to that matter.Romance indeed.
March 31, 2021
Super cute and definitely tame. I love that I was able to read this because it made me realize how far Roberts has come. Not much substance to it though, and the main characters were not as deep as I would have liked.
Travis and Dee are thrown together on a horse racing farm and Travis is determined to make Dee his.
Could be seen as a typical plot - interesting coming from an author who basically rewrote romance novel rules. Not to mention how many romance novel cliches in it...evil other woman, attractive heroine who doesn't know it, heroine's past, wealthy and intimidating hero, etc. Roberts also has a tendency to write with a formula, which works the majority of the time and which is why she has so many fans. There wasn't a formula here but it was still a fantastic first novel by such an amazing writer.
Travis and Dee are thrown together on a horse racing farm and Travis is determined to make Dee his.
Could be seen as a typical plot - interesting coming from an author who basically rewrote romance novel rules. Not to mention how many romance novel cliches in it...evil other woman, attractive heroine who doesn't know it, heroine's past, wealthy and intimidating hero, etc. Roberts also has a tendency to write with a formula, which works the majority of the time and which is why she has so many fans. There wasn't a formula here but it was still a fantastic first novel by such an amazing writer.
July 4, 2017
Wow! Talk about unexpected! I knew this first book ever from NR would probably be different from her current day fare, but let's just say I get why romance books have a bad rap. Judging by this book, I can see why. First, I can't stand that it's all one-sided - no hero's prospective. Makes for a very lopsided story. A few creepy things, the hero would often compare the heroine to a teenage girl (like 15 years old) and the proceeds to kiss her senseless, literally. She would completely forget the silly reason she was angry at him. This would happen often. I also didn't care for how submissive Dee was - calling everyone missus and master, thinking everyone was better than her, feeling she didn't fit in anywhere. I get you can feel like a fish out of water, but I think if you have a backbone, you can stand your ground a bit better. I did like the scenery descriptions - apparent that is a NR thing right from the beginning of her career. A little too purple prose for my liking. Oh and the reason for the hero and heroine getting married, silly. Another example of showing the heroine to be unable to take care of herself. If this was the way all romances were written in the 80's - I can see why it's taking some time to shake off that reputation.
September 1, 2017
Very outdated genderroles
Yes, I know this book was written in the 1980s... still while I was reading I was constantly switching from disbelief to anger to amusement.
We have this fiery irish girl that never bits her tongue and is more than capable to stand up for herself. Of course, this only lasts until this incredibly handsome, selfconfident man shows up. After that he would constantly hold her, kiss her, even marry her etc. against her will and of course he had to be the shiney knight that would save the damsel in distress from being raped.
He certainly refuses to take her for serious, treats her like a child, even claiming to put her over his knee.
Beside that, the story and the characters are shallow, the plot is very obvious and the wording is so cheesy I was actually wondering if Nora Roberts was secretly making fun of the reader.
So, if you are a feminist and you want to rant about something, this is your go to book.
Yes, I know this book was written in the 1980s... still while I was reading I was constantly switching from disbelief to anger to amusement.
We have this fiery irish girl that never bits her tongue and is more than capable to stand up for herself. Of course, this only lasts until this incredibly handsome, selfconfident man shows up. After that he would constantly hold her, kiss her, even marry her etc. against her will and of course he had to be the shiney knight that would save the damsel in distress from being raped.
He certainly refuses to take her for serious, treats her like a child, even claiming to put her over his knee.
Beside that, the story and the characters are shallow, the plot is very obvious and the wording is so cheesy I was actually wondering if Nora Roberts was secretly making fun of the reader.
So, if you are a feminist and you want to rant about something, this is your go to book.
April 19, 2024
This is one I read decades ago, way before Goodreads.
Have been going back and rereading some oldies but goodies. I miss a lot of these authors and their ability to write so well and tell beautiful, emotional and heart driven romances. They are few and far between now days. My humble opinion here.
I loved the hero in this romance. Strong, protective, caring and alpha.
Enjoyed the setting and description NR writes into the story. Felt like I was there.
Appreciated the thoroughbred/horse/Kentucky derby interwoven into the story.
And the heroine was one strong, Irish and feisty match for the hero. And very caring and sweet too.
Very enjoyable read.
Have been going back and rereading some oldies but goodies. I miss a lot of these authors and their ability to write so well and tell beautiful, emotional and heart driven romances. They are few and far between now days. My humble opinion here.
I loved the hero in this romance. Strong, protective, caring and alpha.
Enjoyed the setting and description NR writes into the story. Felt like I was there.
Appreciated the thoroughbred/horse/Kentucky derby interwoven into the story.
And the heroine was one strong, Irish and feisty match for the hero. And very caring and sweet too.
Very enjoyable read.
July 18, 2017
This is a short book and by page 60 the male main character had creeped me out so badly I could not read on. Male employers that say, "I'm your employer and I control your life at work and outside of work" are not for me. No thanks, dude.
January 2, 2019
This heroine is a walking, talking cliche of a fiery Irish lass, with a wee touch of the Irish magic in how she deals with animals and people. This is simple, enjoyable, hokey fun, or my name isn't Patty O'Furniture.
January 12, 2026
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I picked this up because I kept seeing Nora Roberts everywhere and thought, okay, there has to be a reason she’s this prolific. So I decided to start at the very beginning with her first ever novel, and wow, this really is an old school romance in the most uncomfortable way. Like, this book wants a cheesy shirtless man on a horse cover, but instead of charming nostalgia, I mostly felt rage.
Adelia is an Irish immigrant with a magical touch for horses, which I loved. The racehorse ranch setting absolutely had potential. Enter Travis, her boss, who is immediately framed as dominant, forceful, and romantic in a way that feels deeply rooted in 1950s sexism. There’s a LOT of misogyny here, from aggressive grabbing and unwanted kisses to power dynamics that are played off as passion. The quote about her looking like a child who needs a goodnight kiss genuinely made my skin crawl.
The story doubles down on every sexist trope imaginable. Tiny, childlike heroine. Big, bruising hero. Poverty versus wealth. Forced marriage for her own good. Trauma used as a shortcut to intimacy. A near sexual assault that exists solely to make the male lead look like a savior. None of this is interrogated. It’s just presented as romance. And the actual emotional connection between Adelia and Travis is basically nonexistent. Which makes the manipulation and control even harder to stomach.
I wanted to enjoy the horses, the setting, and the nostalgia, but the abuse and sexism completely overshadowed everything else. If you’re reading this as a historical artifact of romance publishing, sure, it’s interesting. If you’re looking for a love story to root for, this is absolutely not it.
✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph ✏ TikTok
I picked this up because I kept seeing Nora Roberts everywhere and thought, okay, there has to be a reason she’s this prolific. So I decided to start at the very beginning with her first ever novel, and wow, this really is an old school romance in the most uncomfortable way. Like, this book wants a cheesy shirtless man on a horse cover, but instead of charming nostalgia, I mostly felt rage.
Adelia is an Irish immigrant with a magical touch for horses, which I loved. The racehorse ranch setting absolutely had potential. Enter Travis, her boss, who is immediately framed as dominant, forceful, and romantic in a way that feels deeply rooted in 1950s sexism. There’s a LOT of misogyny here, from aggressive grabbing and unwanted kisses to power dynamics that are played off as passion. The quote about her looking like a child who needs a goodnight kiss genuinely made my skin crawl.
The story doubles down on every sexist trope imaginable. Tiny, childlike heroine. Big, bruising hero. Poverty versus wealth. Forced marriage for her own good. Trauma used as a shortcut to intimacy. A near sexual assault that exists solely to make the male lead look like a savior. None of this is interrogated. It’s just presented as romance. And the actual emotional connection between Adelia and Travis is basically nonexistent. Which makes the manipulation and control even harder to stomach.
I wanted to enjoy the horses, the setting, and the nostalgia, but the abuse and sexism completely overshadowed everything else. If you’re reading this as a historical artifact of romance publishing, sure, it’s interesting. If you’re looking for a love story to root for, this is absolutely not it.
October 9, 2022
This story is a sweet, short, boss-to-lovers romance. Irish Thoroughbred, book one in the Irish Hearts series, is a quick read that is perfect for a relaxing day on the patio. It doesn't take long to realize Irish Thoroughbred is an early Nora Roberts story. It lacks the depth I'm used to in her books. However, she pulls the reader into the tale from the start, and I cannot help but root for the characters.
I loved the Maryland setting. While I'm not sure that the horse farm I used to pass every day to and from work is the horse farm in Irish Thoroughbred, it was the picture in my mind throughout the story.
There is little to no angst, which I appreciate at this time. The characters of Dee and Travis are entertaining and comfortable. They are both smitten early in the book, but there is some dancing around the relationship. Travis ruffles Dee's feathers with his comments, and Dee's Irish temper strikes back--cute, sweet, and funny.
While this is part of a series, there aren't any unanswered questions. Irish Thoroughbred works as a standalone if you need a short romance but don't have time to commit to two more books. I would read the other two books in the trilogy, even if they weren't part of a group read.
I loved the Maryland setting. While I'm not sure that the horse farm I used to pass every day to and from work is the horse farm in Irish Thoroughbred, it was the picture in my mind throughout the story.
There is little to no angst, which I appreciate at this time. The characters of Dee and Travis are entertaining and comfortable. They are both smitten early in the book, but there is some dancing around the relationship. Travis ruffles Dee's feathers with his comments, and Dee's Irish temper strikes back--cute, sweet, and funny.
While this is part of a series, there aren't any unanswered questions. Irish Thoroughbred works as a standalone if you need a short romance but don't have time to commit to two more books. I would read the other two books in the trilogy, even if they weren't part of a group read.
July 30, 2025
I think this book has passed the maid for the worse book I’ve ever read. I would describe it as an 80s lorno book disguised as a romance novel. I guess it’s romantic if you like guys that are super possessive and aggressive and call you stupid like 10 times a day and think at the ripe age of 23 that you couldn’t possibly take care of yourself. Overall, would only read if you are a middle schooler who is considered a “horse girl”
September 27, 2020
Tiene mucho del estilo de la autora, pero no sé, siento que faltó algo, además de que Dee no me termino de convencer del todo, igual es una lectura agradable.
December 26, 2025
this book is just misogyny and sexual assault with the addition of some horses
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