Oh Danny Boy

This was a great book. I really liked the beginning and then it slowed down a little as we got to know the characters. Danny and Clara had a lot to overcome and pasts that needed to be put to rest. I enjoyed Clara' s tenacity with her brother as he struggled with gambling and alcohol addictions. Danny was persistent in pursuing what he wanted. Overall, a good drama story with romance. I would recommend to anyone that likes deeper characters and real feelings.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my honest voluntary review.

I thought the beginning of this book started strong, but then it went downhill for me. How does she think she can handle her brother? I think she should have known he needed real help. And as her relationship with Danny progressed, he should have told her the same. I am proud of her for not liking liars and being upset when she finds out he lied to her - I like she wasn't swayed by his wealth.

This was my first read of Josie Riviera. And it is a very cute and sweet story, set in wonderful Ireland. Clara Donovan is a woman who has recovered from a very abusive marriage. She was rescued by her big brother Seamus. Who, in turn, needs rescuing after his wife died.

However, with a drinking and gambling problem, Clara may be in way over her head. When Seamus is trying to kill himself, by jumping of a bridge, Clara is helped by a handsome stranger. Danny has sworn to keep away from relations and other peoples issues, while he has been chased after by women for his wealth.

So Clara is a refreshing change, who doesn't want anything to with Danny after she discovered that he lied to her. Clara hates people who lie, because they remind her too much of her ex-husband. So, although Danny maybe good looking, she wants nothing to do with him.

But when Seamus lands a job at one of Danny's coffee shops, they keep on crossing paths. And Danny doesn't seem to be able to stay out of Clara's way. But mistakes, theft and other women get in the way of romance. Will this lovely couple be able to sort it out?

Find out for yourself in this cosy read. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Emotions run both high and deep in this book. The author takes the reader into Ireland with detailed descriptions. There's Clara who's got such a big heart for her brother, Seamus, that enables his addiction and gambling but she doesn't see it. She sees his pain, guilt and hurt. When Danny comes into her life, she finds herself slowly choosing which path to take and suddenly there's only the question of trust. Is she willing to trust others and in turn earn their trust? Is she willing to ask for help and accept help when she needs it the most?
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I have read a couple of Josie Riviera books and enjoyed them. This book, although from the description, appears to be a light-hearted, contemporary romance, it is not. The hero and heroine appear to both have way too much garbage in their lives. Clara seems to constantly be angry at Danny for just being himself. He is a 'billionaire' and she is angry about his lying about who he is. She should be counting her lucky stars he noticed her and is trying to help and protect her. He is not demanding she change anything. He accepts her background and co-dependence on the previous jerk of a boyfriend with compassion and understanding.

Clara is hugely compassionate to her brother but instead of helping, she is enabling him to continue his drunken lifestyle. Clara may love children and seems to be trying to make up for her own mistakes with dance instruction, but she is so determined to be independent she is not seeing the forest for the trees. She just seems angry all the time.

I apologize for being so negative, but this book is not uplifting at all; I struggled to finish it mainly because Clara seems a bit of a brat. As a reader, I enjoying books that deal with difficult subjects, but I, also, like to see people who get over themselves more quickly in books. Do not wait until we as readers are about to give up on the characters. I will not give a public review as I do not believe in putting down a book to the public.

There were aspects of this book that I really liked but I found the novel as a whole, really depressing. Now, if that’s your thing, this would be a phenomenal choice for you! It’s well written and well thought out just really heavy and pretty bleak.

Oh Danny Boy is a book that will suck you in. Danny and Clara are both people who struggled through life and instantly feel a connection. Clara's relationship with her brother Seamus does get in the way and causes stress for her and everyone around him. I am very proud of Clara for overcoming what life has thrown at her and opens her heart again. There were some parts that I wished had more to it but overall it was a well round overall.

Beautiful written with Ireland as a backdrop, strong characters who sweep you away into their world of subterfuge, family conflict and love hard won. The perfect story to lose yourself in.

This ARC book was complimentary provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.