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Rendezvous Falls #3
Barefoot on a Starlit Night
With a little luck, this fake engagement just might become the real deal…
Bridget McKinnon would do anything for her feisty ailing grandma Maura. She’ll even stay close to home and serve up green beer in the Purple Shamrock instead of pursuing her own culinary dreams. But money’s tight. So when a stranger with a sexy brogue asks about the apartment she’s renting out, Bridget hopes she’s landed a little piece of Irish luck…only to find she’s knee-deep in a crazy plan that’s turning her life upside down.
College professor Finn O’Hearn needs this job in Rendezvous Falls—his visa may depend on it. If he can convince his beautiful but tightly wound landlord to be his pretend fiancée, his boss will be happy—as will Bridget’s matchmaking grandma and her meddling book club. Finn and Bridget fool (almost) everyone with their sizzling glances and toe-curling kisses…even as they tell themselves it’s only make-believe.
Playing a part has never been so easy. But when love is real, it’s time to find the courage to start playing by heart…
Bridget McKinnon would do anything for her feisty ailing grandma Maura. She’ll even stay close to home and serve up green beer in the Purple Shamrock instead of pursuing her own culinary dreams. But money’s tight. So when a stranger with a sexy brogue asks about the apartment she’s renting out, Bridget hopes she’s landed a little piece of Irish luck…only to find she’s knee-deep in a crazy plan that’s turning her life upside down.
College professor Finn O’Hearn needs this job in Rendezvous Falls—his visa may depend on it. If he can convince his beautiful but tightly wound landlord to be his pretend fiancée, his boss will be happy—as will Bridget’s matchmaking grandma and her meddling book club. Finn and Bridget fool (almost) everyone with their sizzling glances and toe-curling kisses…even as they tell themselves it’s only make-believe.
Playing a part has never been so easy. But when love is real, it’s time to find the courage to start playing by heart…
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2020
34 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Jo McNally
69 books263 followersI write the same kind of romances I like to read – stories about characters facing real-life challenges with real-life consequences. The stories are emotional, but still have humor, and love always finds a way to pull the characters through together.
I live in coastal North Carolina with 100 pounds of dog and 200 pounds of husband – my slice of the bed is very small. When I’m not writing or reading romance novels (or clinging to the edge of the bed…), I can often be found on the back porch sipping wine with friends while listening to an eclectic playlist. If the weather is absolutely perfect, I might join my husband on the golf course, where I always feel far more competitive than my actual skill-level would suggest.
I live in coastal North Carolina with 100 pounds of dog and 200 pounds of husband – my slice of the bed is very small. When I’m not writing or reading romance novels (or clinging to the edge of the bed…), I can often be found on the back porch sipping wine with friends while listening to an eclectic playlist. If the weather is absolutely perfect, I might join my husband on the golf course, where I always feel far more competitive than my actual skill-level would suggest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 6, 2020
I absolutely adore a good romance now and then and this one was particularly lovable and got me all mushy inside. Bridget is a perfect woman for a spicy fling to love type of story!! Who can resist a woman with a full head of curly red hair?!?! And Finn.... Lets just say if I weren’t already married, I’d be in search of my very own bookish Irish lover husband right now!!!
This was fun, and I got hooked on all the characters right away. I was laughing, sucking in my breath when something bad happened, and biting my lips when other fun things happened. I loved every minute of it!!! Reading Finn’s Irish accent was adorable and I can totally picture this as a movie. Hint, Hint, oh movie gods, grant me my wish of making this into a movie!!!!!
I recommend this to those who adore a light romantic read with heart, a little bit of drama, and some hot times too. Soooo good!!!!
Thanks so much to NetGalley and HQN Books for a copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion!!
This was fun, and I got hooked on all the characters right away. I was laughing, sucking in my breath when something bad happened, and biting my lips when other fun things happened. I loved every minute of it!!! Reading Finn’s Irish accent was adorable and I can totally picture this as a movie. Hint, Hint, oh movie gods, grant me my wish of making this into a movie!!!!!
I recommend this to those who adore a light romantic read with heart, a little bit of drama, and some hot times too. Soooo good!!!!
Thanks so much to NetGalley and HQN Books for a copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion!!
July 26, 2020
Romantic, humourous, and sentimental!
Barefoot on a Starlit Night is an amusing, sweet, steamy tale featuring the competent, hardworking Bridget, and the sceptical, heartbroken Finn as they discover that there may be more to their relationship than just pretence, convenience, and fake feelings.
The writing is honest and light. The characters are endearing, fun-loving, and supportive. And the plot is a delightful mix of life, love, family, friendship, patience, understanding, palpable attraction, scorching chemistry, tender moments, nostalgia, and small-town living.
Barefoot on a Starlit Night is the third title in the Rendezvous Falls series, and once again McNally has written a heartwarming, engaging, satisfying tale with just the right amount of hope, heart, humour, and heat to keep you yearning for a little more.
Thank you to Harlequin Books and Angela Melamud for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Barefoot on a Starlit Night is an amusing, sweet, steamy tale featuring the competent, hardworking Bridget, and the sceptical, heartbroken Finn as they discover that there may be more to their relationship than just pretence, convenience, and fake feelings.
The writing is honest and light. The characters are endearing, fun-loving, and supportive. And the plot is a delightful mix of life, love, family, friendship, patience, understanding, palpable attraction, scorching chemistry, tender moments, nostalgia, and small-town living.
Barefoot on a Starlit Night is the third title in the Rendezvous Falls series, and once again McNally has written a heartwarming, engaging, satisfying tale with just the right amount of hope, heart, humour, and heat to keep you yearning for a little more.
Thank you to Harlequin Books and Angela Melamud for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2022
This was such a fun book to read. I love when there is a hidden plot that you need others to help you with. Right away Finn comes off as a likable character who needs the help of Bridget. You'll wonder at first why he'd pick Bridget to help him with his plot because let's be real, the woman has some issues. She's very unlikable at first and you kind of have to push through and understand why. Once you do you'll find yourself enjoying her character much more and will see her for the person she really is.
It's kind of a good lesson to learn that maybe we should judge people before we really get to know them. Sometimes they come off as rude and standoffish when really they are overworked and fearful. So much is going on in Bridget's life and she has trouble dealing with the small stuff. As you understand her more you'll find yourself really liking them as a couple.
I felt for poor Finn. His boss was not the type of person I'd call a friend.
You'll love how these two interact and watching them fall in love is so sweet and funny. I'm glad Bridget has someone in her life to helping her lighten her load and Finn needs to find love with someone who truly loves him.
If you haven't yet read this series you really should. It's such a sweet small-town romance at its best.
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August 29, 2020
The cover is so pretty and is what drew me in.
I enjoy books about close families and this one was a good one. I adored Maura! She’s the glue to the McKinnon family. The family were all different but were always there for one another. That brings me to Bridget. She’s a bit of a control freak but has her family’s best interest at heart. That being said, she was a very unlikable character for me. I struggled to relate and even like her. I felt her strong personality was uncalled for for most of the book. I didn’t buy the attraction between her and Finn. At one point I felt the book was a big downer. Maura and her friends were the highlight of the book and made the read bearable.
This is the first book I’ve read by Jo McNally. The writing is good and I plan on checking into other books by her. I wanted to like this book but between Bridget and the lack of romance, sadly this book wasn’t for me. If you like romance, I encourage you to check this out. While it wasn’t for me, I’m sure others will enjoy it. I give it 3 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
I enjoy books about close families and this one was a good one. I adored Maura! She’s the glue to the McKinnon family. The family were all different but were always there for one another. That brings me to Bridget. She’s a bit of a control freak but has her family’s best interest at heart. That being said, she was a very unlikable character for me. I struggled to relate and even like her. I felt her strong personality was uncalled for for most of the book. I didn’t buy the attraction between her and Finn. At one point I felt the book was a big downer. Maura and her friends were the highlight of the book and made the read bearable.
This is the first book I’ve read by Jo McNally. The writing is good and I plan on checking into other books by her. I wanted to like this book but between Bridget and the lack of romance, sadly this book wasn’t for me. If you like romance, I encourage you to check this out. While it wasn’t for me, I’m sure others will enjoy it. I give it 3 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
August 2, 2020
I have never read anything by Jo McNally but I am very familiar with her name. McNally is a prolific writer of romances and I see her books often at the local bookstore and supermarkets.
When this book came up for review I had no problem agreeing to it because with a name as long standing as Jo McNally, it proves she has staying power as well as a big fan base.
I was fortunate enough to have an opening on my summer calendar thanks to so many books being put off for publication until fall, so this book was an easy yeas for me.
This book is part of the Rendezvous Falls series but you do not need to have read the other books in this series before reading this one. It easily read as a stand alone for me. This was a quick read for me and I probably could have read it in one sitting but instead I chose to read a few chapters before bed each night to savor it a little longer.
Both of the characters, Bridget and Finn, were likable and I loved that they had more of a tedious road than some of the other contemporary characters in other similar books. Their journey was full of tension and challenges and I enjoyed watching them come together. Plus marriage of convenience is one of my fav troupes.
But for me what stole the show in this book was the family. Oh lordy I was laughing out loud a couple of times at the family and I thought it added a lot of charm and humor to the book.
As expected this book delivered a fitting HEA and I found myself feeling satisfied and content with the ending and smiling as the plot lines wrapped up. Reading this very first book by McNally has me curious about some of her others so I would say that this is an author I would definitely read again. She is a tried and true author and after reading this one, I can see why she has so many fans. This was a delight to read and I am so glad I finally got to experience her books.
If you are looking for a feel good book with romance, laughs, and a guaranteed HEA with an author who writes with a practiced hand then look no further than this book!
See my full review here
When this book came up for review I had no problem agreeing to it because with a name as long standing as Jo McNally, it proves she has staying power as well as a big fan base.
I was fortunate enough to have an opening on my summer calendar thanks to so many books being put off for publication until fall, so this book was an easy yeas for me.
This book is part of the Rendezvous Falls series but you do not need to have read the other books in this series before reading this one. It easily read as a stand alone for me. This was a quick read for me and I probably could have read it in one sitting but instead I chose to read a few chapters before bed each night to savor it a little longer.
Both of the characters, Bridget and Finn, were likable and I loved that they had more of a tedious road than some of the other contemporary characters in other similar books. Their journey was full of tension and challenges and I enjoyed watching them come together. Plus marriage of convenience is one of my fav troupes.
But for me what stole the show in this book was the family. Oh lordy I was laughing out loud a couple of times at the family and I thought it added a lot of charm and humor to the book.
As expected this book delivered a fitting HEA and I found myself feeling satisfied and content with the ending and smiling as the plot lines wrapped up. Reading this very first book by McNally has me curious about some of her others so I would say that this is an author I would definitely read again. She is a tried and true author and after reading this one, I can see why she has so many fans. This was a delight to read and I am so glad I finally got to experience her books.
If you are looking for a feel good book with romance, laughs, and a guaranteed HEA with an author who writes with a practiced hand then look no further than this book!
See my full review here
August 31, 2020
This book has an amazing cover - it immediately caught my eye and I knew that I HAD to read it! While the cover is amazing, the characters are not. I could NOT like Bridget - I couldn't relate to her, I couldn't get past her attitude, the poor way in which she was portrayed and I actually didn't want Finn to like her either...
Her grandmother, Maura, however was amazing! I loved her feistiness, her will to move through life even when it knocks her down, and most importantly her love of family. The author based the book on family and love and for that reason I did enjoy the other parts (not Bridget related). The "book club" was amazing and it is now a life goal to find one just like it!
The idea of a book is to escape the real world, but this was too far from the real world that I didn't enjoy it liked I hoped I would. The whole green card, punching a colleague in the face, having to have ties to the community or be fired thing was just too much for the reader...the reader wants an adventure, but still wants to feel like it could actually happen. Also, because it really bothers me, the back cover mentions a Christmas romance - it's set in January- March...and the cover shows them with no jackets and it's winter in a cold place....so I felt a bit mislead right from the very start...
I will read more by this author in the future, but for me this one fell flat. Not a must read, but a whenever you need a book to fill time read for me. Overall, it had some good parts, but the bad outweighed the good for me.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
Her grandmother, Maura, however was amazing! I loved her feistiness, her will to move through life even when it knocks her down, and most importantly her love of family. The author based the book on family and love and for that reason I did enjoy the other parts (not Bridget related). The "book club" was amazing and it is now a life goal to find one just like it!
The idea of a book is to escape the real world, but this was too far from the real world that I didn't enjoy it liked I hoped I would. The whole green card, punching a colleague in the face, having to have ties to the community or be fired thing was just too much for the reader...the reader wants an adventure, but still wants to feel like it could actually happen. Also, because it really bothers me, the back cover mentions a Christmas romance - it's set in January- March...and the cover shows them with no jackets and it's winter in a cold place....so I felt a bit mislead right from the very start...
I will read more by this author in the future, but for me this one fell flat. Not a must read, but a whenever you need a book to fill time read for me. Overall, it had some good parts, but the bad outweighed the good for me.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
July 29, 2020
BAREFOOT ON A STARLIT NIGHT by Jo McNally is the 3rd book of the Rendezvous Falls series. It begins with Bridget McKinnon who is willing to do anything for her feisty ailing grandma Maura, even if it means to serve green beer at the Purple Shamrock instead of pursuing her culinary dreams. But money is tight, so when a stranger with a sexy brogue asks about the apartment she’s renting out, Bridget could use a little piece of Irish luck . . . only to find herself knee-deep in a crazy plan that’s turning her life upside down. College professor Finn O’Hearn is desperate because he needs the job in Rendezvous Falls—his visa depends on it. But under pressure, he claims to be engaged with his beautiful but sassy landlady. Together they fool everyone with their sizzling glances and toe-curling kisses . . . it just make-believe, right?
Jo McNally creates endearing, fun-loving characters in a small town, involving a meddling book club and a matchmaking grandma. BAREFOOT ON A STARLIT NIGHT is a heartwarming love story filled with the snark, a close-knit Irish family, friendship, and a pint or two of scorching chemistry and tender moments between Bridge and Finn. It is a fun book to read and to laugh away your troubles for a while. I received this complimentary advanced copy by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Jo McNally creates endearing, fun-loving characters in a small town, involving a meddling book club and a matchmaking grandma. BAREFOOT ON A STARLIT NIGHT is a heartwarming love story filled with the snark, a close-knit Irish family, friendship, and a pint or two of scorching chemistry and tender moments between Bridge and Finn. It is a fun book to read and to laugh away your troubles for a while. I received this complimentary advanced copy by the author in exchange for my honest review.
August 25, 2020
Bridget McKinnon is not looking for a man. She thinks she's too busy for a relationship and have enough on her plate already with running the Irish pub she inherited from her father and her nana who's trying to fight breast cancer.
After a disastrous marriage, Finn O'Hearn left his country and is certainly not looking for love either. What he needs is a place to live in Rendezvous Falls and a steady job to secure a visa. He just found the first and it might be possible to complete the second point, if only his new landlord accept to play pretend fiancé in front of his boss and all the town.
I think that people may be annoyed by the heroine's initial too uptight attitude. I didn't and I think it's because I understood how she could feel overwhelm by her new responsibilities with the bar and plenty of family members, but she had to do everything by herself. But I wondered how the hero would convince her to play the game. By the feelings, obviously, because the news of her engagement brought so much joy to her grandma and how can you burst the bubble of a sick woman? I really enjoyed the love story between the moody bar owner and the Irish bookish professor who's her new tenant.
After a disastrous marriage, Finn O'Hearn left his country and is certainly not looking for love either. What he needs is a place to live in Rendezvous Falls and a steady job to secure a visa. He just found the first and it might be possible to complete the second point, if only his new landlord accept to play pretend fiancé in front of his boss and all the town.
I think that people may be annoyed by the heroine's initial too uptight attitude. I didn't and I think it's because I understood how she could feel overwhelm by her new responsibilities with the bar and plenty of family members, but she had to do everything by herself. But I wondered how the hero would convince her to play the game. By the feelings, obviously, because the news of her engagement brought so much joy to her grandma and how can you burst the bubble of a sick woman? I really enjoyed the love story between the moody bar owner and the Irish bookish professor who's her new tenant.
July 15, 2020
I love this book, series, and author. McNally is an instant-read for me. The MCs in this one have a bit of a bumpier road, it reads with even more raw emotion than the previous books in the series. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it. Coverage on Frolic to be posted soon.
September 14, 2020
Review to come.
Quick thoughts:
Love this cover so much.
The story was cute.
Quick thoughts:
Love this cover so much.
The story was cute.
July 6, 2020
I have reviewed this book for New York Journal of Books where it will be posted the evening before the release date.
"Barefoot on a Starlit Night" by Jo McNally
HQN
July 28, 2020
10-1335136959
Contemporary Romance
In this third installment of the Rendezvous Falls series, Bridget McKinnon is stressed. She has inherited the Purple Shamrock Pub and her childhood home from her deceased father, but living in California with Clark, the man she is supposed to marry, she wants no part of it. Nevertheless, it is now hers. Her dad included her cousins in the will, but she holds the controlling share, so with no choice, she returns to New York, only to find Clark now has someone new.
This must be an omen as Bridget discovers Clark’s true feelings for her, and now her beloved nana, Maura, is going through chemo for breast cancer, so Bridget needs to be with her to support her through this trying time. Maura, who practically raised Bridget, is a typical Irish grandmother, feisty and honored by her heritage and most of all, her crowning glory of red hair. Unfortunately, the poison coursing through her system to cure her is causing her luxurious mane to fall out in clumps, and Maura, too proud to wear a wig, sinks into depression.
Not only anxious about her nana, Bridget also worries because business is slow, and the second mortgage her father got to break up the family home into two apartments for extra income needs to be paid. It’s currently vacant, and Bridget requires a tenant to rent the first-floor unit to help with her debt.
The devilishly handsome Finn O'Hearn, a professor in the local college, desperately needs a permanent residence. Fired from his last job in North Carolina, after hitting his best friend upon learning he and Finn's wife were having an affair, he now needs to prove himself, amend his past, and attain tenure so he can keep his visa and stay in the states.
When Finn hears Bridget is looking to rent an apartment, he wants it. And Bridget is astounded by the handsome Irishman with the thick brogue, and though she does not want him living downstairs from her, she has no choice. The unit is decorated with a female in mind, and she hopes he won't want it, though her bills are piling up. At this point, Finn would rent a storage shed with an address to show his good faith and intention to make the town his home.
Finn insists he'll take the small apartment even when Bridget offers him a list of conditions to live there, hoping he'll turn it down, but he isn't fazed by them. His job and visa are more important. After he moves in, sparks start to fly as he and Bridget become better acquainted, and she lets down her guard by telling him things she normally wouldn't tell another guy. She's been burned once, why would she look to be burned again?
In a meeting with his boss, Dr. Greer, Finn is questioned on his likelihood of sticking around:
"Greer pointed at him. 'The other candidate for your job may not have been as qualified, but he was more stable, with a wife and a family. He reached out to me last week to see how things were going.'
"Yeah, Finn could just bet he did. His jaw tightened, 'Are you threatening to give my job to someone else?'
"'No. But I am reminding you that I have options. I like you, O'Hearn, but eventually, the bigger schools will forget about your little . . . situation . . . in North Carolina. You'll get offers. I'm just skeptical that you'll want to stay at Brady College if you get a call from Yale or something."
Finn discloses he's settling into a permanent residence and plans to make Rendezvous Falls his home, though Greer fears he'll leave for a more prestigious university or head back to Ireland. When Finn jokingly states he and Bridget are engaged, to have the man realize he is stable, Greer picks up on this, believing it to be the truth. Shocked by Greer's acceptance of this, Finn pleads with him to keep this new quiet for they haven't announced it to anyone, and they don’t want Maura to know yet due to her health.
Does his boss keep his confidence? Heck no! He tells Vickie, Maura's best friend, so of course, Vickie runs over to Maura to ask why she is keeping this a secret. Bridget, when it comes to her attention, and knowing nothing of Finn’s lies, becomes livid. Ready to deny such rumors, Finn begs her to go along with him, stating he'll explain his faux pas to her later.
Before long, Maura and the rest of the family start planning an engagement party, a bridal shower, and the wedding. Maura is thrilled and now has a glow on her face and regains her energy and excitement, looking well for the first time in a long time. How can Bridget refute this "fake engagement" without crushing her nana's hopes and maybe causing a relapse?
Surprisingly, Bridget and Finn share a chemistry they cannot deny. Bridget is falling in love with Finn, and he is with her, but neither of them can learn to trust again. Finn, thinking his marriage was for life, burns with the pain of his ex's infidelity and is afraid. He can't envision a life without Bridget, but what if he gets hurt again?
Meanwhile, everyone can see the attraction between them, yet Maura has some doubts. How did Bridget become engaged in such a short time? What is going on with her granddaughter? She proposes she and her book club members do some sleuthing to find answers. While Bridget falls more deeply for Finn she wonders if a fake engagement can turn into a real one. Is this relationship a sham or can their love be genuine?
Finn's ex shows up and announces she is pregnant, making Finn feel like a knife is thrust into his heart. He ascertains he will not go through this pain again and breaks things off with Bridget:
"'We started on a lie, Bridget, and I won't continue on one.'
"'I don't know what you mean.'
"'It's my fault. I made you think I could do this. That I could fall in love again.' His head fell back, and he stared up at the sky. 'Shit, I thought I could do that. But I can't.' . . .
. . . "'You're saying you don't love me?'
"He huffed out a dry laugh.
"'That's the problem. I do love you.' She started to smile, feeling hope, seeing a future with this man. But his next words sent it crashing down. 'But I loved Dori too, and she shattered me. I thought I'd put the pieces back together, but Dori's little visit proves I haven't. I may never be whole again.' He looked straight into her eyes, his own dark with heavy emotion. 'I don't know if I'll ever be able to able trust again. And I don't mean trust you, I mean trust myself. My judgment. My choices.'”
A sweet, somewhat sensuous love story, this novel shows how faith and communication play a big part in a relationship. Can unlikely partners with many similarities and heart-breaking pasts come together and learn to trust, especially with the wholehearted endorsement of a close-knit and devoted family? Filled with tension and raw emotion, Barefoot on a Starlight Night is sure to please readers of contemporary romance.
"Barefoot on a Starlit Night" by Jo McNally
HQN
July 28, 2020
10-1335136959
Contemporary Romance
In this third installment of the Rendezvous Falls series, Bridget McKinnon is stressed. She has inherited the Purple Shamrock Pub and her childhood home from her deceased father, but living in California with Clark, the man she is supposed to marry, she wants no part of it. Nevertheless, it is now hers. Her dad included her cousins in the will, but she holds the controlling share, so with no choice, she returns to New York, only to find Clark now has someone new.
This must be an omen as Bridget discovers Clark’s true feelings for her, and now her beloved nana, Maura, is going through chemo for breast cancer, so Bridget needs to be with her to support her through this trying time. Maura, who practically raised Bridget, is a typical Irish grandmother, feisty and honored by her heritage and most of all, her crowning glory of red hair. Unfortunately, the poison coursing through her system to cure her is causing her luxurious mane to fall out in clumps, and Maura, too proud to wear a wig, sinks into depression.
Not only anxious about her nana, Bridget also worries because business is slow, and the second mortgage her father got to break up the family home into two apartments for extra income needs to be paid. It’s currently vacant, and Bridget requires a tenant to rent the first-floor unit to help with her debt.
The devilishly handsome Finn O'Hearn, a professor in the local college, desperately needs a permanent residence. Fired from his last job in North Carolina, after hitting his best friend upon learning he and Finn's wife were having an affair, he now needs to prove himself, amend his past, and attain tenure so he can keep his visa and stay in the states.
When Finn hears Bridget is looking to rent an apartment, he wants it. And Bridget is astounded by the handsome Irishman with the thick brogue, and though she does not want him living downstairs from her, she has no choice. The unit is decorated with a female in mind, and she hopes he won't want it, though her bills are piling up. At this point, Finn would rent a storage shed with an address to show his good faith and intention to make the town his home.
Finn insists he'll take the small apartment even when Bridget offers him a list of conditions to live there, hoping he'll turn it down, but he isn't fazed by them. His job and visa are more important. After he moves in, sparks start to fly as he and Bridget become better acquainted, and she lets down her guard by telling him things she normally wouldn't tell another guy. She's been burned once, why would she look to be burned again?
In a meeting with his boss, Dr. Greer, Finn is questioned on his likelihood of sticking around:
"Greer pointed at him. 'The other candidate for your job may not have been as qualified, but he was more stable, with a wife and a family. He reached out to me last week to see how things were going.'
"Yeah, Finn could just bet he did. His jaw tightened, 'Are you threatening to give my job to someone else?'
"'No. But I am reminding you that I have options. I like you, O'Hearn, but eventually, the bigger schools will forget about your little . . . situation . . . in North Carolina. You'll get offers. I'm just skeptical that you'll want to stay at Brady College if you get a call from Yale or something."
Finn discloses he's settling into a permanent residence and plans to make Rendezvous Falls his home, though Greer fears he'll leave for a more prestigious university or head back to Ireland. When Finn jokingly states he and Bridget are engaged, to have the man realize he is stable, Greer picks up on this, believing it to be the truth. Shocked by Greer's acceptance of this, Finn pleads with him to keep this new quiet for they haven't announced it to anyone, and they don’t want Maura to know yet due to her health.
Does his boss keep his confidence? Heck no! He tells Vickie, Maura's best friend, so of course, Vickie runs over to Maura to ask why she is keeping this a secret. Bridget, when it comes to her attention, and knowing nothing of Finn’s lies, becomes livid. Ready to deny such rumors, Finn begs her to go along with him, stating he'll explain his faux pas to her later.
Before long, Maura and the rest of the family start planning an engagement party, a bridal shower, and the wedding. Maura is thrilled and now has a glow on her face and regains her energy and excitement, looking well for the first time in a long time. How can Bridget refute this "fake engagement" without crushing her nana's hopes and maybe causing a relapse?
Surprisingly, Bridget and Finn share a chemistry they cannot deny. Bridget is falling in love with Finn, and he is with her, but neither of them can learn to trust again. Finn, thinking his marriage was for life, burns with the pain of his ex's infidelity and is afraid. He can't envision a life without Bridget, but what if he gets hurt again?
Meanwhile, everyone can see the attraction between them, yet Maura has some doubts. How did Bridget become engaged in such a short time? What is going on with her granddaughter? She proposes she and her book club members do some sleuthing to find answers. While Bridget falls more deeply for Finn she wonders if a fake engagement can turn into a real one. Is this relationship a sham or can their love be genuine?
Finn's ex shows up and announces she is pregnant, making Finn feel like a knife is thrust into his heart. He ascertains he will not go through this pain again and breaks things off with Bridget:
"'We started on a lie, Bridget, and I won't continue on one.'
"'I don't know what you mean.'
"'It's my fault. I made you think I could do this. That I could fall in love again.' His head fell back, and he stared up at the sky. 'Shit, I thought I could do that. But I can't.' . . .
. . . "'You're saying you don't love me?'
"He huffed out a dry laugh.
"'That's the problem. I do love you.' She started to smile, feeling hope, seeing a future with this man. But his next words sent it crashing down. 'But I loved Dori too, and she shattered me. I thought I'd put the pieces back together, but Dori's little visit proves I haven't. I may never be whole again.' He looked straight into her eyes, his own dark with heavy emotion. 'I don't know if I'll ever be able to able trust again. And I don't mean trust you, I mean trust myself. My judgment. My choices.'”
A sweet, somewhat sensuous love story, this novel shows how faith and communication play a big part in a relationship. Can unlikely partners with many similarities and heart-breaking pasts come together and learn to trust, especially with the wholehearted endorsement of a close-knit and devoted family? Filled with tension and raw emotion, Barefoot on a Starlight Night is sure to please readers of contemporary romance.
August 25, 2020
Barefoot on a Starlit Night by Jo McNally
HQN
July 28, 2020
10-1335136959
Contemporary Romance
“Filled with tension and raw emotion, Barefoot on a Starlight Night is sure to please readers of contemporary romance.”
In this third installment of the Rendezvous Falls series, Bridget McKinnon is stressed. She has inherited the Purple Shamrock Pub and her childhood home from her deceased father, but living in California with Clark, the man she is supposed to marry, she wants no part of it. Nevertheless, it is now hers. Her dad included her cousins in the will, but she holds the controlling share, so with no choice, she returns to New York, only to find Clark now has someone new.
This must be an omen as Bridget discovers Clark’s true feelings for her, and now her beloved nana, Maura, is going through chemo for breast cancer, so Bridget needs to be with her to support her through this trying time. Maura, who practically raised Bridget, is a typical Irish grandmother, feisty and honored by her heritage and most of all, her crowning glory of red hair. Unfortunately, the poison coursing through her system to cure her is causing her luxurious mane to fall out in clumps, and Maura, too proud to wear a wig, sinks into depression.
Not only anxious about her nana, Bridget also worries because business is slow, and the second mortgage her father got to break up the family home into two apartments for extra income needs to be paid. It’s currently vacant, and Bridget requires a tenant to rent the first-floor unit to help with her debt.
The devilishly handsome Finn O'Hearn, a professor in the local college, desperately needs a permanent residence. Fired from his last job in North Carolina, after hitting his best friend upon learning he and Finn's wife were having an affair, he now needs to prove himself, amend his past, and attain tenure so he can keep his visa and stay in the states.
When Finn hears Bridget is looking to rent an apartment, he wants it. And Bridget is astounded by the handsome Irishman with the thick brogue, and though she does not want him living downstairs from her, she has no choice. The unit is decorated with a female in mind, and she hopes he won't want it, though her bills are piling up. At this point, Finn would rent a storage shed with an address to show his good faith and intention to make the town his home.
Finn insists he'll take the small apartment even when Bridget offers him a list of conditions to live there, hoping he'll turn it down, but he isn't fazed by them. His job and visa are more important. After he moves in, sparks start to fly as he and Bridget become better acquainted, and she lets down her guard by telling him things she normally wouldn't tell another guy. She's been burned once, why would she look to be burned again?
In a meeting with his boss, Dr. Greer, Finn is questioned on his likelihood of sticking around:
"Greer pointed at him. 'The other candidate for your job may not have been as qualified, but he was more stable, with a wife and a family. He reached out to me last week to see how things were going.'
"Yeah, Finn could just bet he did. His jaw tightened, 'Are you threatening to give my job to someone else?'
"'No. But I am reminding you that I have options. I like you, O'Hearn, but eventually, the bigger schools will forget about your little . . . situation . . . in North Carolina. You'll get offers. I'm just skeptical that you'll want to stay at Brady College if you get a call from Yale or something."
Finn discloses he's settling into a permanent residence and plans to make Rendezvous Falls his home, though Greer fears he'll leave for a more prestigious university or head back to Ireland. When Finn jokingly states he and Bridget are engaged, to have the man realize he is stable, Greer picks up on this, believing it to be the truth. Shocked by Greer's acceptance of this, Finn pleads with him to keep this new quiet for they haven't announced it to anyone, and they don’t want Maura to know yet due to her health.
Does his boss keep his confidence? Heck no! He tells Vickie, Maura's best friend, so of course, Vickie runs over to Maura to ask why she is keeping this a secret. Bridget, when it comes to her attention, and knowing nothing of Finn’s lies, becomes livid. Ready to deny such rumors, Finn begs her to go along with him, stating he'll explain his faux pas to her later.
Before long, Maura and the rest of the family start planning an engagement party, a bridal shower, and the wedding. Maura is thrilled and now has a glow on her face and regains her energy and excitement, looking well for the first time in a long time. How can Bridget refute this "fake engagement" without crushing her nana's hopes and maybe causing a relapse?
Surprisingly, Bridget and Finn share a chemistry they cannot deny. Bridget is falling in love with Finn, and he is with her, but neither of them can learn to trust again. Finn, thinking his marriage was for life, burns with the pain of his ex's infidelity and is afraid. He can't envision a life without Bridget, but what if he gets hurt again?
Meanwhile, everyone can see the attraction between them, yet Maura has some doubts. How did Bridget become engaged in such a short time? What is going on with her granddaughter? She proposes she and her book club members do some sleuthing to find answers. While Bridget falls more deeply for Finn she wonders if a fake engagement can turn into a real one. Is this relationship a sham or can their love be genuine?
Finn's ex shows up and announces she is pregnant, making Finn feel like a knife is thrust into his heart. He ascertains he will not go through this pain again and breaks things off with Bridget:
"'We started on a lie, Bridget, and I won't continue on one.'
"'I don't know what you mean.'
"'It's my fault. I made you think I could do this. That I could fall in love again.' His head fell back, and he stared up at the sky. 'Shit, I thought I could do that. But I can't.' . . .
. . . "'You're saying you don't love me?'
"He huffed out a dry laugh.
"'That's the problem. I do love you.' She started to smile, feeling hope, seeing a future with this man. But his next words sent it crashing down. 'But I loved Dori too, and she shattered me. I thought I'd put the pieces back together, but Dori's little visit proves I haven't. I may never be whole again.' He looked straight into her eyes, his own dark with heavy emotion. 'I don't know if I'll ever be able to able trust again. And I don't mean trust you, I mean trust myself. My judgment. My choices.'”
A sweet, somewhat sensuous love story, this novel shows how faith and communication play a big part in a relationship. Can unlikely partners with many similarities and heart-breaking pasts come together and learn to trust, especially with the wholehearted endorsement of a close-knit and devoted family? Filled with tension and raw emotion, Barefoot on a Starlight Night is sure to please readers of contemporary romance.
HQN
July 28, 2020
10-1335136959
Contemporary Romance
“Filled with tension and raw emotion, Barefoot on a Starlight Night is sure to please readers of contemporary romance.”
In this third installment of the Rendezvous Falls series, Bridget McKinnon is stressed. She has inherited the Purple Shamrock Pub and her childhood home from her deceased father, but living in California with Clark, the man she is supposed to marry, she wants no part of it. Nevertheless, it is now hers. Her dad included her cousins in the will, but she holds the controlling share, so with no choice, she returns to New York, only to find Clark now has someone new.
This must be an omen as Bridget discovers Clark’s true feelings for her, and now her beloved nana, Maura, is going through chemo for breast cancer, so Bridget needs to be with her to support her through this trying time. Maura, who practically raised Bridget, is a typical Irish grandmother, feisty and honored by her heritage and most of all, her crowning glory of red hair. Unfortunately, the poison coursing through her system to cure her is causing her luxurious mane to fall out in clumps, and Maura, too proud to wear a wig, sinks into depression.
Not only anxious about her nana, Bridget also worries because business is slow, and the second mortgage her father got to break up the family home into two apartments for extra income needs to be paid. It’s currently vacant, and Bridget requires a tenant to rent the first-floor unit to help with her debt.
The devilishly handsome Finn O'Hearn, a professor in the local college, desperately needs a permanent residence. Fired from his last job in North Carolina, after hitting his best friend upon learning he and Finn's wife were having an affair, he now needs to prove himself, amend his past, and attain tenure so he can keep his visa and stay in the states.
When Finn hears Bridget is looking to rent an apartment, he wants it. And Bridget is astounded by the handsome Irishman with the thick brogue, and though she does not want him living downstairs from her, she has no choice. The unit is decorated with a female in mind, and she hopes he won't want it, though her bills are piling up. At this point, Finn would rent a storage shed with an address to show his good faith and intention to make the town his home.
Finn insists he'll take the small apartment even when Bridget offers him a list of conditions to live there, hoping he'll turn it down, but he isn't fazed by them. His job and visa are more important. After he moves in, sparks start to fly as he and Bridget become better acquainted, and she lets down her guard by telling him things she normally wouldn't tell another guy. She's been burned once, why would she look to be burned again?
In a meeting with his boss, Dr. Greer, Finn is questioned on his likelihood of sticking around:
"Greer pointed at him. 'The other candidate for your job may not have been as qualified, but he was more stable, with a wife and a family. He reached out to me last week to see how things were going.'
"Yeah, Finn could just bet he did. His jaw tightened, 'Are you threatening to give my job to someone else?'
"'No. But I am reminding you that I have options. I like you, O'Hearn, but eventually, the bigger schools will forget about your little . . . situation . . . in North Carolina. You'll get offers. I'm just skeptical that you'll want to stay at Brady College if you get a call from Yale or something."
Finn discloses he's settling into a permanent residence and plans to make Rendezvous Falls his home, though Greer fears he'll leave for a more prestigious university or head back to Ireland. When Finn jokingly states he and Bridget are engaged, to have the man realize he is stable, Greer picks up on this, believing it to be the truth. Shocked by Greer's acceptance of this, Finn pleads with him to keep this new quiet for they haven't announced it to anyone, and they don’t want Maura to know yet due to her health.
Does his boss keep his confidence? Heck no! He tells Vickie, Maura's best friend, so of course, Vickie runs over to Maura to ask why she is keeping this a secret. Bridget, when it comes to her attention, and knowing nothing of Finn’s lies, becomes livid. Ready to deny such rumors, Finn begs her to go along with him, stating he'll explain his faux pas to her later.
Before long, Maura and the rest of the family start planning an engagement party, a bridal shower, and the wedding. Maura is thrilled and now has a glow on her face and regains her energy and excitement, looking well for the first time in a long time. How can Bridget refute this "fake engagement" without crushing her nana's hopes and maybe causing a relapse?
Surprisingly, Bridget and Finn share a chemistry they cannot deny. Bridget is falling in love with Finn, and he is with her, but neither of them can learn to trust again. Finn, thinking his marriage was for life, burns with the pain of his ex's infidelity and is afraid. He can't envision a life without Bridget, but what if he gets hurt again?
Meanwhile, everyone can see the attraction between them, yet Maura has some doubts. How did Bridget become engaged in such a short time? What is going on with her granddaughter? She proposes she and her book club members do some sleuthing to find answers. While Bridget falls more deeply for Finn she wonders if a fake engagement can turn into a real one. Is this relationship a sham or can their love be genuine?
Finn's ex shows up and announces she is pregnant, making Finn feel like a knife is thrust into his heart. He ascertains he will not go through this pain again and breaks things off with Bridget:
"'We started on a lie, Bridget, and I won't continue on one.'
"'I don't know what you mean.'
"'It's my fault. I made you think I could do this. That I could fall in love again.' His head fell back, and he stared up at the sky. 'Shit, I thought I could do that. But I can't.' . . .
. . . "'You're saying you don't love me?'
"He huffed out a dry laugh.
"'That's the problem. I do love you.' She started to smile, feeling hope, seeing a future with this man. But his next words sent it crashing down. 'But I loved Dori too, and she shattered me. I thought I'd put the pieces back together, but Dori's little visit proves I haven't. I may never be whole again.' He looked straight into her eyes, his own dark with heavy emotion. 'I don't know if I'll ever be able to able trust again. And I don't mean trust you, I mean trust myself. My judgment. My choices.'”
A sweet, somewhat sensuous love story, this novel shows how faith and communication play a big part in a relationship. Can unlikely partners with many similarities and heart-breaking pasts come together and learn to trust, especially with the wholehearted endorsement of a close-knit and devoted family? Filled with tension and raw emotion, Barefoot on a Starlight Night is sure to please readers of contemporary romance.
September 6, 2020
Great Irish story
Another great book in this series!
Love this series with the older generation book club, they are a lot of laughs.
Another great book in this series!
Love this series with the older generation book club, they are a lot of laughs.
July 13, 2020
Barefoot on a Starlit Night is a marriage of convenience romance with heart. Jo McNally's well-developed main characters, Finn and Bridget are damaged and feisty which made this such an enjoyable read for me.
Bridget McKinnon is tough as nails, hardworking, and loves her family to pieces. After her father passed away, she inherited the family bar, the Purple Shamrock. This wasn't part of her plan, but won't let her dad and family down. She wants to do whatever she can to make the bar successful but isn't getting a ton of help from her family. Bridget is already facing so much pressure and also has to deal with her grandmother's, Maura, cancer diagnosis. She is trying to control her emotions and keep them to herself, but it makes her even tougher to work.
Finn O'Hearn is a new professor in town. He is nerdy, smart, and an Irish hottie. He likes to stay to himself and is in no way looking for a relationship since he is still trying to deal with his divorce. He doesn't have any plans to leave but also doesn't know how long he will be staying in Rendevous Falls. His boss wants to know that he plans to settle down and have stability before extending his teaching contract so Finn has to come up with a way to convince him.
Finn and Bridget meet and don't exactly get off on the right foot but they share some great witty banter. Finn needs a place to stay and rents one of Bridget's spare rooms. After spending more time together, they find it easy to open up with one another while keeping their hearts protected.
Finn continues to feel pressured by his boss so decides to tell him that he is in love and engaged to Bridget. Bridget of course is furious when she finds out but agrees to go along with the plan for a little while. As time goes on, they find it harder to tell everyone the truth. Finn doesn't want to lose his chance at a tenure position and Bridget wants to make her grandma happy and busy planning her 'supposed upcoming wedding'.
I think Jo McNally did an amazing job creating these characters. I loved Bridget's fiery personality. Yes, she may have come off rude and bossy but it made sense. She was dealing with so much personal and professional things that trying to be in charge was her coping mechanism. Finn was also an interesting character. He would rather get lost in a book than put his heart on the line again so it was great to see Bridget break down his wall. This author didn't just create two interesting main characters but also gave them well-rounded supporting characters. Maura's grandmother is a gem in this book.
I give Barefoot on a Starlit Night 5 Stars. It may have started out as a marriage of convenience but it was so much more. It's a story about love, loss, grieving, and family. I loved reading this book and Jo McNally has become a new favorite author!
Bridget McKinnon is tough as nails, hardworking, and loves her family to pieces. After her father passed away, she inherited the family bar, the Purple Shamrock. This wasn't part of her plan, but won't let her dad and family down. She wants to do whatever she can to make the bar successful but isn't getting a ton of help from her family. Bridget is already facing so much pressure and also has to deal with her grandmother's, Maura, cancer diagnosis. She is trying to control her emotions and keep them to herself, but it makes her even tougher to work.
Finn O'Hearn is a new professor in town. He is nerdy, smart, and an Irish hottie. He likes to stay to himself and is in no way looking for a relationship since he is still trying to deal with his divorce. He doesn't have any plans to leave but also doesn't know how long he will be staying in Rendevous Falls. His boss wants to know that he plans to settle down and have stability before extending his teaching contract so Finn has to come up with a way to convince him.
Finn and Bridget meet and don't exactly get off on the right foot but they share some great witty banter. Finn needs a place to stay and rents one of Bridget's spare rooms. After spending more time together, they find it easy to open up with one another while keeping their hearts protected.
Finn continues to feel pressured by his boss so decides to tell him that he is in love and engaged to Bridget. Bridget of course is furious when she finds out but agrees to go along with the plan for a little while. As time goes on, they find it harder to tell everyone the truth. Finn doesn't want to lose his chance at a tenure position and Bridget wants to make her grandma happy and busy planning her 'supposed upcoming wedding'.
I think Jo McNally did an amazing job creating these characters. I loved Bridget's fiery personality. Yes, she may have come off rude and bossy but it made sense. She was dealing with so much personal and professional things that trying to be in charge was her coping mechanism. Finn was also an interesting character. He would rather get lost in a book than put his heart on the line again so it was great to see Bridget break down his wall. This author didn't just create two interesting main characters but also gave them well-rounded supporting characters. Maura's grandmother is a gem in this book.
I give Barefoot on a Starlit Night 5 Stars. It may have started out as a marriage of convenience but it was so much more. It's a story about love, loss, grieving, and family. I loved reading this book and Jo McNally has become a new favorite author!
July 14, 2020
Bridget McKinnon inherited the Purple Shamrock after her father died. Well she inherited the majority stake in the Irish pub. Her McKinnon cousins each received a portion of the ownership. Bridget is determined to find a way to buy them out. She had gone to culinary school and wanted to open her own restaurant. What she has now though is the Purple Shamrock. Not exactly her life's dream. Then there's the ex-boyfriend back in California. It only took him a couple weeks to replace her. What a blow to her ego! Guess his "forever love" was just short-term. Her dad had let the pub start to slide downhill so it's up to her now to renovate and get things up to par so she can make a decent living. She lives next door to the Purple Shamrock in one of the Victorian houses Rendezvous Falls is know for where her father converted the downstairs into an apartment. He always rented to college students and she continued that track but the latest student left her high and dry after fall semester. She needs the rent money to help pay the mortgage on the house. Enter Professor Finn O'Hearn, a true Irishman, with the sexiest Irish brogue who needs to find an apartment. She reluctantly rents the apartment to him.
Finn O'Hearn has lived in the USA for ten years. Until two years ago he was happily married. When his wife had an affair with his best friend and colleague Finn "lost it" and punched the guy - on the stage at the university where he was teaching - during Commencement. That lost him his job. He is lucky to have this new job at Brady College. Now his goal is to satisfy the college president's requirements for a steady life in his new town of Rendezvous Falls. Getting his Green Card depends on it. Since he is still hurting from the betrayal of his ex-wife and ex-best friend he is not looking for a permanent relationship. Plus he doesn't trust his judgement anymore. But Bridget McKinnon sure makes him very aware that he is missing out on life. Can he overcome his trust issues and make Bridget a part of his life?
Barefoot on a Starlit Night by Jo McNally is the third book in her Rendezvous Falls series. This series is centered around a small town where the local book club members have decided they are more into matchmaking than the books they are reading. In this story their mission turns out to be more repairing a messed-up relationship with their trying-to-be helpful, interfering ways. I liked how the group found ways to achieve success. This was a fun read. Both the heroine and hero had past broken relationships to overcome and I think this author did a great job getting them through to their HEA.
Finn O'Hearn has lived in the USA for ten years. Until two years ago he was happily married. When his wife had an affair with his best friend and colleague Finn "lost it" and punched the guy - on the stage at the university where he was teaching - during Commencement. That lost him his job. He is lucky to have this new job at Brady College. Now his goal is to satisfy the college president's requirements for a steady life in his new town of Rendezvous Falls. Getting his Green Card depends on it. Since he is still hurting from the betrayal of his ex-wife and ex-best friend he is not looking for a permanent relationship. Plus he doesn't trust his judgement anymore. But Bridget McKinnon sure makes him very aware that he is missing out on life. Can he overcome his trust issues and make Bridget a part of his life?
Barefoot on a Starlit Night by Jo McNally is the third book in her Rendezvous Falls series. This series is centered around a small town where the local book club members have decided they are more into matchmaking than the books they are reading. In this story their mission turns out to be more repairing a messed-up relationship with their trying-to-be helpful, interfering ways. I liked how the group found ways to achieve success. This was a fun read. Both the heroine and hero had past broken relationships to overcome and I think this author did a great job getting them through to their HEA.
August 7, 2020
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Romance and Jo McNally for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
First off: Hot. Irish. Professor. Do I have your attention now?
Barefoot on a Starlit Night is a heartwarming, slow burn romance that leaves you wanting to visit your local Irish pub and call your grandmother. Or if she’s anything like Maura McKinnen, you invite your grandma to the pub with you! My grandmother O’Connor has always been proud of her heritage and shared much of her family’s culture with us grandchildren growing up. Maura McKinnen was an instant favorite of mine with her sharp wit and strong personality.
The main female lead, Bridget McKinnon has a lot on her plate. She just took over her family’s pub, which needs a lot of work. I want to give her the benefit of the doubt because i’ve totally been the type to get stressed and get mean, but ick. Her attitude SUCKED for the first 1/4 and I really wondered if I was going to be able to like her at all. I ended up really enjoying her personal journey to learn how to let go of the things she cannot control. One of my biggest anxiety triggers is a plan not going the way it should or not knowing what’s going on. I completely understood Bridget’s struggles and why she made the choices she did, but I’m happy she ended up being a nice person.
The male lead, Finn O’Hearn comes to the scene with some heavy baggage of his own. The synopsis made me expect this fake engagement would be to get him a visa but Jo McNally took a totally different route. I always appreciate reading a vulnerable male POV, but there was some F-boy tendencies thrown in there a few times. The whole “It’s me not you” crap made me want to kick him in the shins.
This is actually number 3 in the Rendezvous Falls series, but I read this as a standalone with no issues! Now I can look forward to going back and reading the stories of the side characters I loved in this one.
First off: Hot. Irish. Professor. Do I have your attention now?
Barefoot on a Starlit Night is a heartwarming, slow burn romance that leaves you wanting to visit your local Irish pub and call your grandmother. Or if she’s anything like Maura McKinnen, you invite your grandma to the pub with you! My grandmother O’Connor has always been proud of her heritage and shared much of her family’s culture with us grandchildren growing up. Maura McKinnen was an instant favorite of mine with her sharp wit and strong personality.
The main female lead, Bridget McKinnon has a lot on her plate. She just took over her family’s pub, which needs a lot of work. I want to give her the benefit of the doubt because i’ve totally been the type to get stressed and get mean, but ick. Her attitude SUCKED for the first 1/4 and I really wondered if I was going to be able to like her at all. I ended up really enjoying her personal journey to learn how to let go of the things she cannot control. One of my biggest anxiety triggers is a plan not going the way it should or not knowing what’s going on. I completely understood Bridget’s struggles and why she made the choices she did, but I’m happy she ended up being a nice person.
The male lead, Finn O’Hearn comes to the scene with some heavy baggage of his own. The synopsis made me expect this fake engagement would be to get him a visa but Jo McNally took a totally different route. I always appreciate reading a vulnerable male POV, but there was some F-boy tendencies thrown in there a few times. The whole “It’s me not you” crap made me want to kick him in the shins.
This is actually number 3 in the Rendezvous Falls series, but I read this as a standalone with no issues! Now I can look forward to going back and reading the stories of the side characters I loved in this one.
June 13, 2020
Bridget McKinnon is just too tightly bound. She’s stressed out about every aspect of her life to the point that she’s annoying to her family and, frankly, to the reader. She wants to control everything from running the tavern that her father left her to her grandmother’s chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. Into her stressful life comes handsome Irish history professor, Finn O’Hearn, who needs to rent the apartment in her house.
Neither is interested in a relationship; they’ve both suffered painful betrayals. But they start building a tentatively friendship until Finn babbles to the dean of his college that he and Bridget are actually engaged. Bridget agrees to go along with the lie in order to make her sick grandmother happy.
You can predict what will happen after that. They grow closer but have troubles determining if what is real and what isn’t.
I liked the different POVs for both main characters as well as Bridget’s grandmother who is trying to retain her sense of identity when everyone seems to see her cancer first. Her circle of old friends is really delightful. I liked Finn - but maybe that is because I’m a history teacher and the idea of a hunky, Irish professor of Medieval history sounds just lovely, even with his personal problems. It was Bridget who got on my nerves. There is a difference between being a strong woman dealing with financial and personal problems and being a know-it-all pain-in-the rear. And she leaned more to the latter.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
Neither is interested in a relationship; they’ve both suffered painful betrayals. But they start building a tentatively friendship until Finn babbles to the dean of his college that he and Bridget are actually engaged. Bridget agrees to go along with the lie in order to make her sick grandmother happy.
You can predict what will happen after that. They grow closer but have troubles determining if what is real and what isn’t.
I liked the different POVs for both main characters as well as Bridget’s grandmother who is trying to retain her sense of identity when everyone seems to see her cancer first. Her circle of old friends is really delightful. I liked Finn - but maybe that is because I’m a history teacher and the idea of a hunky, Irish professor of Medieval history sounds just lovely, even with his personal problems. It was Bridget who got on my nerves. There is a difference between being a strong woman dealing with financial and personal problems and being a know-it-all pain-in-the rear. And she leaned more to the latter.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
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July 23, 2020I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy early of Jo McNally’s book Barefoot on a Starlit Night and it is fabulous. I love this series and this book is guaranteed to make you want more with the feisty Finn and Bridget whose raw, real journey is amazing and emotional and I think they may just be my favourite characters yet. Jo once again delivers an incredible experience with this book and I can’t wait to read more.
With a little luck, this fake engagement just might become the real deal… Bridget McKinnon would do anything for her feisty ailing grandma Maura. She’ll even stay close to home and serve up green beer in the Purple Shamrock instead of pursuing her own culinary dreams. But money’s tight. So when a stranger with a sexy brogue asks about the apartment she’s renting out, Bridget hopes she’s landed a little piece of Irish luck…only to find she’s knee-deep in a crazy plan that’s turning her life upside down.
College professor Finn O’Hearn needs this job in Rendezvous Falls—his visa may depend on it. If he can convince his beautiful but tightly wound landlord to be his pretend fiancée, his boss will be happy—as will Bridget’s matchmaking grandma and her meddling book club. Finn and Bridget fool (almost) everyone with their sizzling glances and toe-curling kisses…even as they tell themselves it’s only make-believe.
Playing a part has never been so easy. But when love is real, it’s time to find the courage to start playing by heart…
With a little luck, this fake engagement just might become the real deal… Bridget McKinnon would do anything for her feisty ailing grandma Maura. She’ll even stay close to home and serve up green beer in the Purple Shamrock instead of pursuing her own culinary dreams. But money’s tight. So when a stranger with a sexy brogue asks about the apartment she’s renting out, Bridget hopes she’s landed a little piece of Irish luck…only to find she’s knee-deep in a crazy plan that’s turning her life upside down.
College professor Finn O’Hearn needs this job in Rendezvous Falls—his visa may depend on it. If he can convince his beautiful but tightly wound landlord to be his pretend fiancée, his boss will be happy—as will Bridget’s matchmaking grandma and her meddling book club. Finn and Bridget fool (almost) everyone with their sizzling glances and toe-curling kisses…even as they tell themselves it’s only make-believe.
Playing a part has never been so easy. But when love is real, it’s time to find the courage to start playing by heart…
August 4, 2020
Another in the Rendezvous Falls series, in which Bridget McKinnon has her hands full trying to get the family pub, the Purple Shamrock, back into the black. She's also worried about her grandmother, Maura, who's in the fight for her life against breast cancer. WIth money tight, Bridget reluctantly breaks her own rule and takes in a male renter for the downstairs apartment in her house. Instead of a student at the local college, the guy is a professor. With an Irish brogue and too handsome for his own good, or Bridget's, but she doesn't have time for romance, she insists.
Finn O'Hearn has to keep his job or he'll lose his visa and never get that green card he's desperate for. When the college president taunts him about how committed Finn is about staying, he opens his mouth and implies he and Bridget are engaged. Not exactly what she appreciates, but she agrees to go along with the ruse when he also volunteers to help her out at the pub.
Both Finn and Bridget soon find themselves falling deeper into the ruse than they expected when what is supposed to be a pretend engagement becomes all too real, though each is loath to admit it to the other. But when Grandmother Maura suspects the truth, the gig is up.
What to do now? Can they get together for real or go to their respective corners, hurting so badly? It's time for the matchmaking seniors to step up, but is it too late even for their meddling? A great summer read for any season.
Finn O'Hearn has to keep his job or he'll lose his visa and never get that green card he's desperate for. When the college president taunts him about how committed Finn is about staying, he opens his mouth and implies he and Bridget are engaged. Not exactly what she appreciates, but she agrees to go along with the ruse when he also volunteers to help her out at the pub.
Both Finn and Bridget soon find themselves falling deeper into the ruse than they expected when what is supposed to be a pretend engagement becomes all too real, though each is loath to admit it to the other. But when Grandmother Maura suspects the truth, the gig is up.
What to do now? Can they get together for real or go to their respective corners, hurting so badly? It's time for the matchmaking seniors to step up, but is it too late even for their meddling? A great summer read for any season.
July 27, 2020
Another great story from Jo McNally. When Iris history professor Finn heard about an apartment for rent and realizes the landlord is Brdget, the overbearing manager at the local Irish Pub he's not hopeful it will work out.
Having lost his last position due to a personal issue with his former wife and best griend, he's on thin ice at the new college, having to prove his worth and dedication. That's how he finds himself in an unenviable to after telling the College President (his boss), that he's dedicated to staying and even has a fiance! What a surprise as Bridget only just met him, but goes along with the charade to help him out.
What follows is a story of friendship, family, love and the realization that true love can work if you trust in the process. A great summer read!
I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.
Having lost his last position due to a personal issue with his former wife and best griend, he's on thin ice at the new college, having to prove his worth and dedication. That's how he finds himself in an unenviable to after telling the College President (his boss), that he's dedicated to staying and even has a fiance! What a surprise as Bridget only just met him, but goes along with the charade to help him out.
What follows is a story of friendship, family, love and the realization that true love can work if you trust in the process. A great summer read!
I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.
July 27, 2020
Jo McNally takes us back to Rendezvous Falls with “Barefoot on a Starlit Night”, introducing us to pub owner, Bridget McKinnon, and college professor, Finn O’Hearn.
Finn is being pressured by his boss to become part of the community and, since Finn needs to keep his work visa, he comes up with a fake engagement plan that includes his landlord, Bridget McKinnon.
Bridget’s focus is on keeping her family-owned restaurant afloat and controlling every aspect she can. The last thing she has time for is a hot Irishman whose accent has the potential to charm a place deep in her heart.
Both fail miserably at trying to not fall in love, but both will have to look inside themselves if they want their love to be forever.
Ms. McNally pens a touching, and at times, humorous story.
I received an advance copy for an honest review.
Finn is being pressured by his boss to become part of the community and, since Finn needs to keep his work visa, he comes up with a fake engagement plan that includes his landlord, Bridget McKinnon.
Bridget’s focus is on keeping her family-owned restaurant afloat and controlling every aspect she can. The last thing she has time for is a hot Irishman whose accent has the potential to charm a place deep in her heart.
Both fail miserably at trying to not fall in love, but both will have to look inside themselves if they want their love to be forever.
Ms. McNally pens a touching, and at times, humorous story.
I received an advance copy for an honest review.
July 28, 2020
This book was so romantic and funny. I fell in love with Rendezvous Falls and the large McKinnon family and their Irish pub. Bridget McKinnon, with her red hair and temper to match, worked at the Purple Shamrock which she inherited from her father. Her five cousins each own ten percent of the pub too and eventually she hopes to buy them out.
Finn O'Hearn stole my heart with his Irish brogue that I magically heard while I was reading. Their surprise engagement was funny until real feelings became involved and the lies got more involved.
Finn needed to realize the past did not and would not define him or he would be a lost, lonely professor with life passing him by. I really enjoyed this story and I cannot wait to return to Rendezvous Falls. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Finn O'Hearn stole my heart with his Irish brogue that I magically heard while I was reading. Their surprise engagement was funny until real feelings became involved and the lies got more involved.
Finn needed to realize the past did not and would not define him or he would be a lost, lonely professor with life passing him by. I really enjoyed this story and I cannot wait to return to Rendezvous Falls. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
July 29, 2020
The 3 rd in the authors Rendezvous Series & I swear they keep getting better if even possible!! I’ve spent the last week savoring this story with Bridget & Finn , barely able to set it aside . If you enjoy the whole Irish pub themed setting for a contemporary romance , you’re going to adore their story . This book is filled
With SO much fun, emotion & immense sense of family values & friendship storylines .... that you’re sure to have a few laughs & certainly appreciate the banter between Finn & Bridget. Absolutely adored their tender and touching emotional moments as well as their heated chemistry! You’re missing a lot if you haven’t tried any of Jo McNally’s books. She’s an auto buy author for me any given day. I’ve read this book in exchange for my honest review & opinions . Enjoy all!
With SO much fun, emotion & immense sense of family values & friendship storylines .... that you’re sure to have a few laughs & certainly appreciate the banter between Finn & Bridget. Absolutely adored their tender and touching emotional moments as well as their heated chemistry! You’re missing a lot if you haven’t tried any of Jo McNally’s books. She’s an auto buy author for me any given day. I’ve read this book in exchange for my honest review & opinions . Enjoy all!
August 15, 2020
Bridget left her life behind in California to take over the Purple Shamrock when her father passed away. Being the majority shareholder, she finds the Pub is barely in the black and her home is mortgaged to the hilt. The stress of running the Pub and making improvements, taking care of her sick Nana has left her stressed, tired and short tempered.
In walks Finn, who is trying to rebuild his life after finding his wife having an affair with his best friend. While trying to keep his green card, he jokingly tells his Dean that Bridget and him are engaged. The Dean takes it seriously and Finn convinces Bridget to be part of his crazy plan and he will help her out with the Pub.
The plans they made went astray as real feeling emerged. Can they both put aside how they started out, that they aren't defined by past relationships and to learn to trust what they have is real? This is one tough job for the Matchmakers of Rendezvous Falls.
In walks Finn, who is trying to rebuild his life after finding his wife having an affair with his best friend. While trying to keep his green card, he jokingly tells his Dean that Bridget and him are engaged. The Dean takes it seriously and Finn convinces Bridget to be part of his crazy plan and he will help her out with the Pub.
The plans they made went astray as real feeling emerged. Can they both put aside how they started out, that they aren't defined by past relationships and to learn to trust what they have is real? This is one tough job for the Matchmakers of Rendezvous Falls.
August 27, 2020
I came across this book while searching for a new book to read, and was intrigued by the title. At first, I did find Bridget a little annoying because she just can't stop thinking and worrying about everything, although I do understand it's who she is and she can't help it.
This book was told in three point of views, Bridget, Finn and Maura. I wasn't really excited about Maura's point of view when I first came across hers, I thought this was going to be a book where there's two love stories, the granddaughter's love story and also reminiscing the grandmother's love story back then. Turns out I was wrong, and eventually I didn't mind about her point of view in the end because it made the story much more clearer and had quite a big impact on bringing back Bridget and Finn back together after their fake relationship ends.
This book was told in three point of views, Bridget, Finn and Maura. I wasn't really excited about Maura's point of view when I first came across hers, I thought this was going to be a book where there's two love stories, the granddaughter's love story and also reminiscing the grandmother's love story back then. Turns out I was wrong, and eventually I didn't mind about her point of view in the end because it made the story much more clearer and had quite a big impact on bringing back Bridget and Finn back together after their fake relationship ends.
September 5, 2020
⭐Review⭐
I really enjoyed this book and loved Finn. I loved the way the author wrote the dialogue to go along with Finn's accent. I could hear his voice in my head perfectly. I loved how fierce Bridget was and how awesome her family was written.
I really liked the cover and the storyline. I'll admit that at the beginning Bridget got on my nerves but alhalfways through the book I was able to understand her character a bit more. I loved Finn and Bridget's relationship and how quickly they fell for one another.
***
Bridget and Finn pretend to be engaged to help Finn keep his job. The lie gets out of hand and both end up falling for each other. I really enjoy reading fake marriage/relationship books and this one was really good.
***
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance💙💙💙💙
Steam🔥🔥
***
Thank you to Netgalley and Jo McNally for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed this book and loved Finn. I loved the way the author wrote the dialogue to go along with Finn's accent. I could hear his voice in my head perfectly. I loved how fierce Bridget was and how awesome her family was written.
I really liked the cover and the storyline. I'll admit that at the beginning Bridget got on my nerves but alhalfways through the book I was able to understand her character a bit more. I loved Finn and Bridget's relationship and how quickly they fell for one another.
***
Bridget and Finn pretend to be engaged to help Finn keep his job. The lie gets out of hand and both end up falling for each other. I really enjoy reading fake marriage/relationship books and this one was really good.
***
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance💙💙💙💙
Steam🔥🔥
***
Thank you to Netgalley and Jo McNally for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 19, 2020
I loved Finn's sexy Irish accent. He and Bridget are both passionate people and he really gets her riled up when she finds out he lied to his boss about them being engaged. But then it makes her Nana battling cancer happy, so she goes along with the lie. Until the lines between what is fake and what is true become blurred in their relationship. I laughed over so many parts in this book. Her grandmother and her book club matchmaking friends are a riot. Her extended interfering family are funny too. I loved the ideas she had for the Irish pub especially the beer garden. Finn and Bridget both act like idiots at times, both afraid to open their hearts because they've been hurt in the past.
July 6, 2020
I've been a fan of this series since the begining and I really enjoyed this latest installment.
I thought Bridget was a great main character and I loved how she was willing to fight for what she wanted. Finn was an interesting counter point to Bridget and while he made me mad several times (which was the point) I enjoyed the ending of the book.
The secondary characters really shined and Bridget's family added so much fun to the book.
I appreciated getting to see and learn more about past main characters and as always the book club members had me laughing while I read.
I thought Bridget was a great main character and I loved how she was willing to fight for what she wanted. Finn was an interesting counter point to Bridget and while he made me mad several times (which was the point) I enjoyed the ending of the book.
The secondary characters really shined and Bridget's family added so much fun to the book.
I appreciated getting to see and learn more about past main characters and as always the book club members had me laughing while I read.
Read
August 26, 2020Barefoot on a Starlit Night is the third book in the Rendezvous Falls series by Jo McNally. A lovely romance that is both humorous and sentimental! McNally's writing is honest, light, and relatable. The characters are endearing, fun-loving, and supportive. Barefoot on a Starlit Night is a lovely mix of life, love, family, friendship, patience, understanding, palpable attraction, scorching chemistry, tender moments, nostalgia, and small-town living. I can't wait to read the next book in the Rendezvous Falls series.
July 30, 2020
Remember as a kid when the best thing ever was to ask, "Please tell me a story!" and to have someone agree?
That how it felt to settle in with Barefoot on a Starlit Night. I enjoyed getting to know Bridget and Finn while watching their relationship grow. I kept shaking my head as the lies grew to whopper status but you won't be disappointed as the truth comes out. Jo McNally can tell me more stories!
I was lucky enough to receive a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
That how it felt to settle in with Barefoot on a Starlit Night. I enjoyed getting to know Bridget and Finn while watching their relationship grow. I kept shaking my head as the lies grew to whopper status but you won't be disappointed as the truth comes out. Jo McNally can tell me more stories!
I was lucky enough to receive a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
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