Review

“That’s what life is, trying to figure out what you messed up yesterday, then fixing it so you can get to tomorrow.”

Kieran Kavanagh has learned from his mistakes; he wasted two years of his life in jail, letting his family and himself down, and he’s ready to atone for his sins and make amends to those he loves. Kieran doesn’t want his past to define his present or his future, so he’s doing everything in his power to stay on the straight and narrow and prove the kind of man he truly is.

Fiona Doherty’s past is filled with heartache and sacrifice, and her present is all about protecting and caring for her 8 year old sister whose special needs makes it difficult to have any time for herself. The baggage that Fiona carries makes her construct walls around her heart, doing her best to remain in the background unnoticed by anyone because trust isn’t something she readily gives.

Some would probably say that Kieran and Fiona don’t deserve happiness; in fact, the only type of joy in Fiona’s life is her flower shop and Shea because Fiona believes she doesn’t deserve anything else, but if she gives Kieran the chance he wants, he’ll show her she deserves all the beauty, love, and happiness that life has to offer, but she has to be willing to meet him halfway.

Kieran and Fiona’s story had my emotions all over the place. Both of them frustrated me because they had secrets they refused to share with one another, causing unnecessary angst and heartache. The attraction between them was evident from the beginning, and while I understand the fear of discussing the past, especially ones like Kieran and Fiona had, but a solid relationship can’t be built without trust and neither of them was willing to be honest until they didn’t have a choice.

It’s amazing the effect one little girl can have on an entire group of people to the point that they’d do anything to protect her. Shea’s autism causes quite a bit of stress and tension at times, but it doesn’t seem to faze any of the Kavanaghs because they see her for how special she is not her differences.

I adore the Kavanagh family; Dee is such a loving and supportive mom and her kindness extends to everyone in her life. The Kavanagh brothers are a commanding and smartass group of men who have each other’s backs, even if that means calling one of them out for screwing up. The bond that that family has would make anyone envious, but what’s amazing about them is that they willingly extend that connection wherever they are because they see the value in helping others.

Kieran and Fiona were both a bit lost due to past actions, but with the help of Kieran and Fiona’s family and friends, they slowly found their way, saving each other and bringing a lasting kind of love to one another’s lives.

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4 Poison Apples