Kate Hoffmann

The Mighty Quinns: Malcolm
4 Stars

Series note: This is book #27 in The Mighty Quinns series, but the first in a 4 book story arc. My usual preference is to read in order, however, this fit into a challenge so . . .

As the oldest son of Maxwell Quinn, a well respected adventure guide who went missing on Mount Everest, Malcolm Quinn has followed in his father’s footsteps. Now, 20 years later, Max Quinn’s body has been found bringing a slew of slathering reporters to Mal’s doorstep. Amy Engells is eager for an exclusive, but Mal has other ideas and offers her the adventure of a lifetime . . . will she risk everything she has always worked for and succumb to her heart’s desire?

A light, simple and sexy romance.

Mal and Amy are two sides of the same coin. Mal embraces the wild side of life with fearless intensity while Amy is more subdued and a bit of a klutz. Nevertheless, they are both struggling with the effects of their fathers’ influence on their lives, and help each other recognize that this has been holding them back professionally (Amy) and personally (Mal).

As a couple, Mal and Amy are cute and their chemistry sizzles. There is potential for the silly misunderstanding trope given Amy’s profession, but she is thankfully up front and honest with Mal from the get go, which means that the romance focuses on their emotional and physical connection rather than any angst.

All in all, this is a lovely and charming story and it has made me want to go back and start from the beginning.… (mais)

The Mighty Quinns: Teague
3. Stars

Series note: This is book #2 in the Australian arc of The Mighty Quinns. The story takes place in parallel with book #1 so there are spoilers for the romance between Payton and Brody.

Childhood sweethearts Teague Quinn and Hayley Fraser were once inseparable, but a family feud and misunderstandings led to their separation. Now Hayley has returned to Wallaroo Station in Queensland, Australia, and the connection she had with Teague has not only re-emerged but grown stronger. Yet, the same issues that came between them before are still casting a shadow. Can they reconcile their differences for the possibility of a shared future?

Teague and Hayley have great chemistry and the flashbacks to their childhood friendship and adolescent romance are very engaging. Nevertheless, there is something missing from their romance.

Teague is sweet and caring. His obvious love for Hayley resonates on the pages, but it feels very one-sided for most of the book. In contrast, Hayley comes across as exceedingly self-centered and there is a sense that she is merely using Teague.

The final book in this trilogy focuses on the eldest Quinn brother, Callum, and the mysterious Gemma who is obviously hiding something.… (mais)

The Mighty Quinns: Brody
3.5 Stars

Series note: This is book #13 in The Mighty Quinns series, but the first in a 3 book story arc. Once again, I am reading out of order for a challenge... Nonetheless, it is possible to read and enjoy this book without having read the previous arcs.

In this arc, the focus is on the three Quinn brothers in Australia - Callum, Teague and Brody. Recuperating from a serious injury that ended his football career, Brody finds himself back home in the Outback, which is the last place he wants to be. That is until he meets Payton Harwell, a young woman on the run from her life. Can these two unlikely lovers find happiness together?

As with the other books in the series that I have read, this is a light and relatively angst-free read.

While Brody and Payton are likable as individuals and are sweet together, their relationship seems based on nothing other than "lust at first sight". They come from very different worlds and do not have much in common other than physical attraction.

One positive element is Payton's determination to stand up to her manipulative and condescending parents and her former fianće, who is a despicable toad.

It looks like the other two storylines in this arc will occur concurrently and the next focuses on the middle brother, Teague, and his second chances romance with the girl next door (or as close as one can get in the Outback).… (mais)

The Mighty Quinns: Callum
3 Stars

Series note: This is book #3 in the Australian arc of The Mighty Quinns. The story takes place in parallel with books #1 and #2, so there are minor spoilers.

Quiet and reserved by nature, Callum Quinn has little experience charming women, and living on an isolated cattle ranch in the Australian outback doesn't help. But one look at gorgeous Irish genealogist Gemma Moynihan, and Cal is smitten. Despite her attraction to Cal and her growing attachment to Kerry Creek, Gemma is keeping a secret that has the potential to ruin Cal's family and livelihood. Will they have a future together when the truth comes out?

Cal and Gemma are an engaging couple, and their romance is sweet and sexy. Unlike Teague and Hayley (book #2), whose relationship felt very one-sided, the attraction and emotion between Cal and Gemma are clearly mutual.

The primary conflict revolves around Gemma's secret, which Hoffmann handles quite well. It never feels as if the other shoe is about to drop, and when the truth is revealed, there is very little irritating drama and angst.

That said, Gemma's reason for keeping the secret is somewhat illogical as it is never clear why she thinks that finding the gem would suddenly make her absent father accept her. In fact, his eventual decision to contact her has nothing to do with her search for the emerald.

Overall, this has been an entertaining trilogy within the larger Mighty Quinns series.… (mais)