Book Review: Dark Witch by Nora Roberts

Dark Witch
Author: Nora Roberts
Series The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy (Book 1)

Description: First in the all-new Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts comes a trilogy about the land we’re drawn to, the family we learn to cherish, and the people we long to love…

With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends.

Ireland.

County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits.

Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives.

When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package.

Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive…

My Thoughts: As always, Nora Roberts has written a powerful and engaging romance. Iona Sheehan has sold everything she owned and come to Ireland to look for a place where she can really belong and where she can be loved. She finds her cousins Branna and Connor O'Dwyer and she find that she is the third who has been long awaited. The three of them - along with their friends Meara, Fin and Boyle - have come together to destroy the black power who has wanted their magick since the 1200s. 

Iona is quickly immersed in learning the magick and falling in love with Boyle McGrath. He is just perfect for her with his loyalty and his strong love of horses. Except, he has never fallen in love and mucks it up a bit when it finally happens for him. Iona fears that he is just settling and she wants someone who is as willing to jump in feet first and with no reservations as she is. It takes time and effort for them to work out their differences.

One of the great strengths of Roberts' books for me is the friendship thread. The three women - though Iona just arrived - quickly form a very strong friendship. The men - having grown up together - already have their friendship in place. It is deep and tested and strong.

It is easy to see the romances that will be featured in the next two books of this trilogy. Branna and Fin have a past that split them apart but the love in each of them has never gone away. Despite Branna's fears, I can't help but believe that the two will work things out. Connor and Meara should be the third couple. Connor has been the love 'em and leave 'em type though never with the intent to cause harm and Meara is an Amazon - strong and determined - and not ready to open her heart to Connor only to be loved and left herself. 

I can't wait to read the other books in this trilogy. While I know that they will defeat the dark power that threatens them through magick and the power of love and friendship, I am eager to go along on the journey. 

Favorite Quote:

"You can't just hope for happy endings. You have to believe in them. Then do the work, take the risks. Slay the dragon—though I really think dragons get a bad rap—kiss the princess, or the frog, defeat the bad witch."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.