by Nora Roberts
Series: The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy #2
Genres: Paranormal
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
With the legends and lore of Ireland running through his blood, falconer Connor O’Dwyer is proud to call County Mayo home. It’s where his sister, Branna, lives and works, where his cousin, Iona, has found true love, and where his childhood friends form a circle that can’t be broken… A circle that is about to be stretched out of shape—by a long-awaited kiss. Meara Quinn is Branna’s best friend, a sister in all but blood. Her and Connor’s paths cross almost daily, as Connor takes tourists on hawk walks and Meara guides them on horseback across the lush countryside. She has the eyes of a gypsy and the body of a goddess…things Connor has always taken for granted—until his brush with death propels them into a quick, hot tangle. Plenty of women have found their way to Connor’s bed, but none to his heart until now. Frustratingly, Meara is okay with just the heat, afraid to lose herself—and their friendship—to something more. But soon, Connor will see the full force and fury of what runs in his blood. And he will need his family and friends around him when his past rolls in like the fog, threatening an end to all he loves…
Shadow Spell is the second book in the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy by Nora Roberts and once again we are back in Ireland as the descendants of the Dark Witch and their friends work to defeat the evil sorcerer named Cabhan. This is not a series to be read out of order, although Roberts does an excellent job of recapping. Mini review: Paranormal as only Roberts can do from spells to swoon-worthy kisses.
Five Reasons to Grab a cup of Coffee and Curl-up with Shadow Spell:
1. If you liked tales of prophecy, witchcraft and fate. The Dark Witch gave her powers to her children, and told them “their blood, her blood” would one day defeat Cabhan the evil sorcerer who took her life. He killed their father and sent them into hiding and away from their beloved home in County Mayo, Ireland. The time is now. Three cousins of their blood have gathered along with their friends and formed a circle to defeat him and fulfill their destiny.
2. If the friends to lovers’ trope is a favorite, you are sure to enjoy the romance that develops between Conner and Meara Quinn. Conner is tall and strong with a twinkle in his eye. He walks comfortably in his shoes and speaks to his hawks. He is patient and loyal, and you cannot help but adored him. Meara tends horses, does horseback tours and cares for her elderly mother. She guards her heart after it was damaged, but she is loyal and loves her friends. From that first jolt of electricity that ran through them when fear opened the door to their feelings I felt their connection.
3. If small-town settings make you want to get cozy by the fire then Shadow Spell will delight you. I loved how Roberts brought the Ireland countryside to life. She gives us a sweeping view and I long for the fields, the forest and gardens. The O’Dwyer cousins have surrounded themselves with good friends, and I loved the plotting to destroy Cabhan and intimate “family” dinners. Their friendships are strong and enviable.
4. While there is predictability in both the plot and the romances, Roberts’ weaved in hair-raising spells, strong friendships and an overall story arc filled with danger and suspense. I could feel the fog rising, taste the power of their spells and smell their fears. We even dream travel and get to meet the three children of the Dark Witch. The tale of destroying Cabhan is front and center as Roberts’ creates twists and danger. She continues to flesh out her characters and the story while serving up a delightful side of romance. Providing just the right amount of heat to curl your toes.
5. It’s rural Ireland, and I loved the language to their way of life. I suddenly have a need to go Hawking, ride a horse, and eat Guinness stew and then perhaps partake in some dancing. I also have to teach my hubby those Irish terms of endearment Conner whispers in Meara’s ear..*swoon*!
Shadow Spell was a welcome addition to the O’Dwyer trilogy and while predictable Roberts’ makes it her own and I quite enjoyed it. I am anxious for Blood Magic the final book which will release in October of 2014.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Dani
YES! I am reading this series this summer! Or at least that is my goal. 🙂
Tanya
I must have missed something in the first book, It did not blow me away like it did others, and have not had the urge to pick this one up to see if things get better. I am glad it was such a good read for you!
Tyler H Jolley
Dude, I love that cover.
Ginny
Yay! Glad to see you liked this one. I still need to read it. I think I have it on my schedule for next month. I am looking forward to seeing how things develop with Conner and Meara.
Lily B
hehe i am sorry the twinkle in his eye , had me cracking up
Diana Leigh
I didn’t love the first one, but I’m thinking I’ll still continue with the series.
Bea
What a fun review! If you like Irish terms of endearment, check out Roberts’ In Death books. 🙂
Melissa
1-5: Check for each one! I can’t wait to read this one…I really enjoyed the first in this series!
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
I’ve never read any of her books. But these do sound good. 🙂 Thank you.
Lisa
I read the first book in this serious and loved it. I can’t wait to start on this one. I definitely agree with your review!
Kristin
Hmmmmm, I keep telling myself I need to pick up this series. Of course I still haven’t gotten back to the In Death series so the chases are…. UGH!!!!
I’m making sure this is on my TBR, though b/c I love your review!!!!! *germ free hug*
Lark
Great review, Kimba! I loved the first book, liked this one a lot. Yes, the romance between Connor and Meara was telegraphed in the first book, so you knew it was coming, but they are so perfect for each other, and I loved watching it unfold. I can hardly wait for book three – I’ve already preordered it for my Kindle!
Jessica
And once again, it would be really tedious for me to throw ALL of your reasons back at you, but YES! x5 YES! I don’t know if I’ve already said this *hopes not* but Dark Witch was the first Nora Roberts book that I ever read, and I loved it. Definitely will be reading this one too 😉
Katherine
I didn’t love the first one in the series but I really like Connor and have high hopes for his book. Sounds like she got the 2nd book right! So glad because I love her Ireland books and friends to lovers is up there with my favorite plots! Great review!
Melliane
Oh Ireland and Witches? I love the mix! It’s been a while since I read a Nora Roberts books but I have like more than 30 books by her on my TBR pile so I need to go back to them before starting this one lol because it’s a lot. Thanks for the review.
Keertana
Can you believe I still haven’t read a Nora Roberts novel? I’ll have to start with this one as I adore small town romances, especially when they’re of the friends-to-lovers trope variety. Thanks for putting this on my radar, Kimba! 🙂
Jennifer
I’ve got this one and the book 1 on audio to review. I need to get to listening to them.
Angela Adams
Like Finley Jayne, my initial reaction was “what an awesome lookin’ book cover.” Thanks for the post.
Giselle
It’s been a while since I read me a Nora Roberts book! I love her and I haven’t read one I didn’t like. This one sounds wonderful too with a small town setting and the friends to lovers trope is my fav! 🙂
kimberlybuggie
This sounds like a lot of fun. I’m glad you reviewed. I usually like Nora Roberts, but think some of her more recent stuff isn’t as good as her older stuff. I’m glad you liked this one. I’ll have to check it ou!!
Livia
Just saw a movie based on a Nora Roberts novel last night. It had some awesome paranormal elements too, reincarnation/ghosts kind of thing. It made me curious about the novel, but now I’m a lot more curious about this series.
Awesome points!
Lily
I actually haven’t read anything by Nora Roberts so i can’t really say much about whether i think i’d like this series or not. But i do like the realm the book is about. Great review 🙂
Lily
Heidi
I still need to read a Nora Roberts book. What is wrong with me? I can totally get behind all five of those reasons. Time to stop eyeing it and get reading it.
Michele-A Belle's Tales
Wowzer! There are so many elements to this that I think I would love!! Thanks so much for sharing, my friend!
Braine Talk Supe
I love witchcraft and prophesies, small-town romance, friends to lovers trope, danger and suspense and stories set in Ireland so this is perfect for me. I think book 1 is still on sale at Amazon, must check & grab…
Lisa
I probably shouldn’t admit this out loud, but I’m not really a Nora Roberts fan. *GASP* I know, I know… totally unacceptable. I don’t know why either. This one definitely sounds interesting though, and you’ve (almost) convinced me to give it a try. I’m going to add it to my wishlist. That’s a step in the right direction, right?! 😀
aurian
Lovely review Kimba, thank you! I love Nora Roberts books, and eventually I will read this trilogy as well. I love her paranormal trilogies very much, they are amongst my favourite re-reads.
emaginette
I love all those things — especially small towns. 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
Kay
I really am enjoying this trilogy a lot! I love witches, I love the Ireland setting, and I love all the characters. Although sometimes the dialogue gets a little repetitive about how they are all together and what not, it is still a good read. 🙂 I’m glad you are enjoying them as well.
Victoria (aka Zemfirka)
I haven’t been sure about this series (i.e. whether I wanted to give a try) but your reviews, as always, make want to pick up the book! 😉
Candace
You me wanting to pick up the first one right NOW! I ADORE books in Ireland and I’m glad that it was super Irish’y. 🙂
Lauren
I still need to read the first one! I do love friends to lovers so I’m sure I’m going to love Conner and Meara. Awesome review!
Debbie Haupt
Going on my Irish Wish List Kimba Thanks!!!
I love Roberts predictability and all!
deb
Mary
Nora Roberts is kind of a hit-or-miss author with me. I know she’s a big name but so many of her stories are the same plot with minor changes. This one, however, sounds like it diverges from the path, which means I might have to try it out!
Franny
I love witches and dark secrets, so I’m sure I’ll definitely enjoy this! I have book #1 at home, I guess this could easily be my next read!! 🙂
Nick
I love the friends-to-lovers trope, so I’m very curious about this book despite not being a huge fan of Nora Roberts (I KNOW!). Also, a book that is set in Ireland? I love international settings, so I think I might like this book.
Great review, Kim!
Laurel-Rain Snow
The Ireland setting first grabbed me when I learned of this trilogy. I have Dark Witch…haven’t yet read it, but I MUST!
Lupdilup
I listened to the first book, but the narrator and I didn’t get along.. LOL I still want to continue the series (even more now). I happy that this book has a different narrator.
Thank you Kimba!
kindlemom1
I am trying so hard to wait until the last book is out before starting this one Kim but you are making it so hard! not to mention the fact that I know I will love this like I have loved all her paranormal reads and I am anxious to start it!
finley jayne
Love the cover of this one. I am making it a priority to read a book by Nora Roberts, for the first time, at some point this year! She’s such a popular author and most people seem to really like her books. I need to get on the wagon 🙂
Madiha (Maddy)
Wow, I had no idea Nora Roberts wrote anything that fit into the paranormal genre! This sounds like it could be a lot of fun! Set in rural Ireland? Count me in 🙂
brandileigh2003
The friends to lovers gets me all the time, and I haven’t read a good witch book in a while
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
Between you and Mindy I might give this one a whirl even though I didn’t love the first one.
Jenea
Wow, this sounds like it has a lot going for it. Witches are always something that I like to read about, and a small town setting makes it sound even better. Great review!
Silvia
Sounds great! The UK publisher sent me the first book in the Trilogy to review and I’m dying to read it! I definitely have to make some space for it…
blodeuedd
I do like friends to lovers 🙂