The first book in the Ballybeg series, it introduces the reader to two wonderful characters, Fiona Byrne and Gavin Maguire, and many other supporting characters in and around the charming town of Ballybeg. Fiona has come to Ballybeg to participate in her cousin Muireann's wedding to Gavin. Fiona has been in love with Gavin for as long as she can remember and after a drunken one-night stand in Vegas eight years earlier, Fiona knows that Gavin does not feel the same for her. As if that humiliation isn't bad enough, Fiona experiences the ultimate wardrobe malfunction. On the morning of the wedding, Fiona and her best friend discover that the drunken night Fiona and Gavin had in Vegas was actually a drunken wedding night. As soon as Fiona discovers she and Gavin are married, she tries to do the right thing, even when unforeseen events cause her to extend her stay in Ballybeg, postponing her trip to Singapore and Australia. I really enjoyed this story with its many laugh-out-loud moment. It also includes a bit of a mystery surrounding Fiona's grandmother's last will and testament. Add in some very hot and sensual passion between Gavin and Fiona and you have a book that has it all. The author does a fabulous job of bringing these characters to life. Fiona and Gavin were wonderful and easy to relate to and Keane also does a brilliant job of bringing the less desirable characters to life that elicited strong feelings of dislike. I could not stand Fiona's cousin Muireann initially. I found her to be selfish, vain and spoiled. By the end of the book, I felt sorry for her, but not enough to go out of my way to help her. She may be redeemable in the future but not her father. Fiona's Uncle Bernard is truly despicable and I wouldn't wish him as a father-in-law on anyone. Fiona's Aunt Bridie was wonderful and I loved the bond she and Fiona share. I loved that the characters are not afraid to speak their mind, no matter how profane their thoughts or with fear of who they may offend. This is a wonderful start to a series that will be a fun adventure in reading. I am looking forward to getting to know more of the characters and reading their stories, especially Gavin's friend, Jonas, and Fiona's friend, Olivia. (SH)
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