A sweet, unexpected romance between a lovable giant and an Irish superstar
Sam Miller is tired of being deployed. He’s missed out on too much time with his kids and his wife, so he’s stepping away from his position in the Marines to rectify that. Only problem is—his wife left him for Texas four days ago, and she brought his kids and his money with her.
Upset at the colossal unfairness—and at least a little sure that what she did is not technically legal—he seeks solutions and any way possible that he can see his kids again. First step: procure enough money to hire a lawyer.
But the COVID-19 pandemic has left few financial options for him and his previous career as a crane operator. Nobody’s building in America right now, so he sets his eyes on opportunities abroad. That’s how he settles on the rolling green hills of Ireland.
Once securely in a position and with barely enough money for the retainer, Sam seeks assistance from a lawyer who confirms that what his wife did was illegal. He continues working and saving his money to get his kids back, except for maybe splurging on a Guinness or two at his neighborhood pub.
This pub is where he sees the stunning Irish singer Hayley McCann. He wouldn’t dare strike up a conversation with someone so out of his league, but when her fiancé lays his hands on her in front of him, he can’t help but spring into action. This big-bodied former Marine won’t stand for a man putting his hands on a woman, so he makes sure that guy can’t use his hands on her (or maybe anyone) ever again.
What follows is a passionate, slow-burn romance between our construction worker hero and this grateful, gorgeous Irish singer. Through ups and downs, pints and apple juices, and countless trips to the bedroom, Sam and Hayley take readers through a heartwarming true-love romance you’d be hard-pressed not to root for.
Author Doc Richter has created a valiant romantic lead in Sam Miller. There’s not a moment in this novel where you question his motives or his heart, and Hayley McCann is a lucky lady to have found him. Only thing is—he might just be too perfect. He’s always doing the right things and going above and beyond what’s expected of him to the point where he loses a sense of believability. Without any external flaws, he seems more an idea than a fully realized lead. Of course, for those looking for an extra large knight in shining armor, they’ve found him in Sam.
Subtlety is often missing in Star of the County Down. Both point of view characters—Hayley and Sam—share exactly what they’re thinking in italics, and their characters discuss the plot issues directly to the reader throughout. While I’m a romance reader appreciative of both light and heavy spice, these characters mention and engage in passionate lovemaking so often that it becomes repetitive.
The obstacles that stand in the way of Sam and Hayley’s romance are among the book’s strongest features. It’s the sort of romance where you want to reach through the page and shake your characters into making sense—“Go get your girl!” or “Don’t let a good thing go!” You’ll be dying for these two to reconnect, for everyone to get the happy ending they deserve.
In the end, Star of the County Down is a sweet, big-hearted romance with a cast of lovable characters. It may not feature the most nuanced storytelling, but it’s an emotional love story that defies the odds and allows success for the people who most deserve it.
The post Star of the County Down by Doc Richter appeared first on Independent Book Review.