Not a page turner but still a satisfying, descriptive presentation of locations and complex personalities.
An open, sensitive story about a robust, life-loving father and his adult son, Nicolson’s third novel takes the reader on a journey of discovery.
Two-time widower Seumas McKinnon is the story’s anchor, a man who must untether himself from his son, Alasdair, who has had all the blessings of life handed to him. Seeking the solace of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, Seumas embarks on a quest to re-discover his roots and learn a bit of Gaelic. While there, he meets Morag, a lovely middle-aged “copper-haired” woman who works in a local coffee shop. Slow to trust men after a failed relationship, Morag gradually develops a deep and loving connection with Seumas. The book’s parallel storylines also explore Alasdair’s changing life. A playboy lawyer with striking good looks, Alasdair finally meets his match in beautiful Annie O’Hare, a physiotherapist with roots in Hong Kong. At first, Annie and Alasdair treat their relationship with casual abandon—no strings, no expectations. But Annie is unlike other women. She spars with, challenges and draws the best out of Alasdair. Fascinated by each other, the two move their relationship to the next level as they both slowly recognize the love they share for each other. Nicolson uses their romance to contrast a number of relationships in this story. For example, Seumas’ neighbor has an antagonistic marriage that makes Seumas appreciate his connection with Morag, a relationship that finally helps him overcome the guilt of remarrying when his first two wives were taken from him. The story drags a bit toward the center, with often predictable plotlines and not enough conflict or surprise. But the pace accelerates as both father and son move toward their destined relationships. Things really pick up when a nearly fatal accident challenges both the father-son bond and Annie and Alasdair’s love.
Not a page turner but still a satisfying, descriptive presentation of locations and complex personalities.Pub Date: July 19, 2012
ISBN: 978-1475938043
Page Count: 300
Publisher: iUniverse
Review Posted Online: Dec. 19, 2012
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
The emotional depths of this steamy romance will catch you by surprise.
A modern-day marriage of convenience resurrects old feelings between a burlesque-club owner and a baseball catcher.
Madden Donahue has only had eyes for Eve Keller since their paths first crossed back in high school in Rhode Island. In their youth, he was her self-designated protector, defending her against small-minded bullies who subjected her to relentless teasing about her dad’s strip-club business. Though she was the town’s punching bag, Eve eventually decided to embrace her heritage, taking over the club once she was old enough and turning it into a classier burlesque joint. Recently, however, Eve’s life has been turned upside down by two new arrivals—her niece and nephew are living with her while her sister spends some time in rehab. Keeping the burlesque club afloat is hard enough, but having two more mouths to feed is putting Eve’s bank account under major strain. Then, when Madden is signed as a catcher for the New York Yankees, he comes to Eve with a surprising suggestion: Marry him for access to his health insurance, so she and the kids will be taken care of. Despite the fact that Eve has secretly reciprocated Madden’s feelings for a long time, she only agrees to his proposal on the condition that their marriage stay a secret—and that they dissolve it after six months when the kids go back home. Now that Madden can finally call Eve his wife, however, he’s not about to let her slip through his fingers, but the clock is ticking on how long he’ll have to convince her that this marriage isn’t just for convenience’s sake. Bailey’s latest contemporary is brimming over with the spice and dirty talk that have become her trademarks, but Eve and Madden’s road to romance is a quieter, more emotional one than usual for her, rooted in internal dilemmas rather than external obstacles. There’s no question about whether these two will figure it out, and that assurance carries through the narrative, resulting in a breezy, low-stakes, yet surprisingly poignant read.
The emotional depths of this steamy romance will catch you by surprise.Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
ISBN: 9780063380882
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Dec. 9, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2026
Henry fans, rejoice: This is her best yet.
A recently dumped librarian finds herself fake dating her polar opposite.
When Daphne Vincent’s fiance, Peter, dumps her, she’s shocked—but the worst part is that he’s leaving her for his gorgeous best friend, Petra, the woman he’d always told Daphne not to worry about. Now Daphne has to move out of Peter’s home and restart her life in the small Michigan town where she’d moved to be with him. Salvation comes in the form of Miles Nowak, Petra’s ex—he has a tiny spare room in his apartment, and he understands what it’s like to wallow in heartbreak. Daphne feels lucky to have her dream job as a children’s librarian, but other than that, she feels adrift and friendless in Waning Bay—and then she and Miles get invitations to Peter and Petra’s wedding. In a momentary lapse of judgment, Daphne not only says she’ll attend the wedding, but tells Peter she’s dating Miles. It would be the perfect way to show Peter and Petra that they’ve moved on…if only it were true. In the grand tradition of fake-dating romances, Daphne and Miles pretend to be in love, getting to know each other while having various adventures and misadventures. Daphne quickly learns that although she’d dismissed Miles as a pothead with a lack of direction, he’s actually a good time—and a loyal friend. But Daphne knows she needs to get out of Waning Bay, so this fake relationship can’t lead anywhere…can it? Reliable bestseller Henry has written another surefire hit that manages to be dramatic, sexy, and fun. Miles and Daphne have chemistry that leaps off the page, and their will-they-or-won’t-they energy propels the story to its satisfying conclusion. Daphne is an immensely likable character, one whose past realistically informs her current relationships. The world of Waning Bay is charmingly quirky, and Daphne’s co-workers at the library are endearing. As always, Henry’s biggest strength is the sharp, often hilarious dialogue that makes the story a joy to read.
Henry fans, rejoice: This is her best yet.Pub Date: April 23, 2024
ISBN: 9780593441282
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Berkley
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
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