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Callaghan Brothers #3
House Calls
Maggie Flynn has always been a good girl. She leads a simple life and believes in helping others. Under normal circumstances, she would never even consider performing the dance of the seven veils at a bachelor party. But when her best friend begs for help and waves the promise of much-needed cash in her face, Maggie reluctantly agrees to step outside of her comfort zone and relax her lofty standards a little.
Most doctors don’t make house calls anymore, including Michael Callaghan. But he’s willing to make an exception when the pretty redhead with the jewel-like green eyes takes a header off the stage at his brother’s bachelor party. Something about her piques his masculine interest, and it’s not just her dancing.
Lightning hits the Callaghan clan a third time when Michael and Maggie find themselves snowbound during a classic nor’easter, but their bond is soon tested when Michael is forced to choose between following his finely-honed instincts and respecting Maggie’s wishes.
It’s a hell of a choice. Either way, he could lose her forever.
Most doctors don’t make house calls anymore, including Michael Callaghan. But he’s willing to make an exception when the pretty redhead with the jewel-like green eyes takes a header off the stage at his brother’s bachelor party. Something about her piques his masculine interest, and it’s not just her dancing.
Lightning hits the Callaghan clan a third time when Michael and Maggie find themselves snowbound during a classic nor’easter, but their bond is soon tested when Michael is forced to choose between following his finely-honed instincts and respecting Maggie’s wishes.
It’s a hell of a choice. Either way, he could lose her forever.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2015
About the author
Abbie Zanders
79 books2,028 followersAbbie Zanders is a USA Today Bestselling Author with more than 55 published romance novels to date. Her stories range from contemporary to paranormal and everything in between. She promises her readers two things: happily ever afters, always, and no cliffhangers, ever.
Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where she sets most of her stories, she’s known for small town romance featuring golden-hearted alpha heroes and strong, relatable heroines. Besides being an avid reader and writer, she loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80's hair bands.
Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where she sets most of her stories, she’s known for small town romance featuring golden-hearted alpha heroes and strong, relatable heroines. Besides being an avid reader and writer, she loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80's hair bands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
November 17, 2023
Heart of the doctor!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙❤️💚💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 🙃😊😉🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration
The heroine: Maggie Flynn - since her grandma passed away, she has rarely gone out except to deliver herbal teas and wraps to some of the old folks around Pine Ridge that her gran used to take care of. She has an aging Bassett hound and lives on a farm. She used to go out with her friend, but her hot friend Sherry always got the good-looking guy while Maggie got stuck with his wing man. But when Sherry asks her to help her out by doing a strip dance for a bachelor party, she gets talked into it because she could use the money.
The Hero: Michael Callaghan - he is a doctor and brother to Ian and Jake from the first two books in this series. He is a very good doctor and came up with the treatment for Lexi’s rare blood condition in First and Only. He is immediately interested in Maggie while she waited for her turn to dance, he thought she was too scared to go on stage, but she did and ended up dancing with total abandon.
The Story: Maggie recently dumped her fiancee Spencer when she caught him cheating with his secretary and overheard him telling her that he was only marrying Maggie to get her land. Maggie is nervous about dancing in front of the men, so she had a few shots beforehand, and she isn’t used to drinking. She dances the dance of 7 veils and has a mask on so she tries to be someone other than herself. It wasn’t as hard as she thought and she did a great job, until her dance finished, and her mask shifted, and she fell off the back of the stage. Luckily the guy behind the bar was a doctor.
I liked the story and I really liked how Michael didn’t want to leave Maggie after meeting her and taking care of her. It makes me think of how in the beginning of a new relationship, you don’t want to be apart from the other person even for a little while. I also love that though the Callaghan brothers are humans, they have something like fated mates, each of them say they found their Chroi when they find their woman, which means Heart in Gaelic.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via solo narration. It was narrated by Aiden Snow who is one of my all-time favorite male narrators. He has a soft yet very deep voice which is so sexy. I could listen to him for days. He does a great job with this book (and with everything he narrates).
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙❤️💚💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 🙃😊😉🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration
The heroine: Maggie Flynn - since her grandma passed away, she has rarely gone out except to deliver herbal teas and wraps to some of the old folks around Pine Ridge that her gran used to take care of. She has an aging Bassett hound and lives on a farm. She used to go out with her friend, but her hot friend Sherry always got the good-looking guy while Maggie got stuck with his wing man. But when Sherry asks her to help her out by doing a strip dance for a bachelor party, she gets talked into it because she could use the money.
The Hero: Michael Callaghan - he is a doctor and brother to Ian and Jake from the first two books in this series. He is a very good doctor and came up with the treatment for Lexi’s rare blood condition in First and Only. He is immediately interested in Maggie while she waited for her turn to dance, he thought she was too scared to go on stage, but she did and ended up dancing with total abandon.
The Story: Maggie recently dumped her fiancee Spencer when she caught him cheating with his secretary and overheard him telling her that he was only marrying Maggie to get her land. Maggie is nervous about dancing in front of the men, so she had a few shots beforehand, and she isn’t used to drinking. She dances the dance of 7 veils and has a mask on so she tries to be someone other than herself. It wasn’t as hard as she thought and she did a great job, until her dance finished, and her mask shifted, and she fell off the back of the stage. Luckily the guy behind the bar was a doctor.
I liked the story and I really liked how Michael didn’t want to leave Maggie after meeting her and taking care of her. It makes me think of how in the beginning of a new relationship, you don’t want to be apart from the other person even for a little while. I also love that though the Callaghan brothers are humans, they have something like fated mates, each of them say they found their Chroi when they find their woman, which means Heart in Gaelic.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via solo narration. It was narrated by Aiden Snow who is one of my all-time favorite male narrators. He has a soft yet very deep voice which is so sexy. I could listen to him for days. He does a great job with this book (and with everything he narrates).
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February 19, 2015
Why? Why are my ratings decreasing for this series?
I love, love, love the Callaghan hotness brood. Love all three who I have read about so far.
But their choice in women? Geez louise...
I have never met a bunch of silly, stupid, stubborn women before. No, in all sincerity, they completely threw me for a loop with their emotional, reactional madness.
The more I read, the crazier they drove me.
I could not comprehend how these wholesome, sexy, stinking hot men can insta-love with these women because they all deserved a swift kick in the arse.
Maggie meets Michael while doing her friend a favor. She belly dances at Ian's bachelor party, takes a fall and lucky for her, a Doctor is in the house.
Michael immediately feels drawn to Maggie and makes his duty to ensure she is okay and take care of.
Despite his orders, Maggie doesn't listen (because why would she) and does the opposite of everything he told her not to do.
Then she does something even more stupid, gets hurt and doesn't tell him. When he finds out, he's pissed, threatens to take her the hospital to get checked out which she vehemently tells him no.
Why not, you ask? Why wouldn't you go to a hospital to get treated, examined and all that jazz when you can barely walk and feeling faint? Hey, just let me lay here and die and have my way, sir.
So, despite his medical knowledge, Michael obliges to her request and it gets worse.
Maggie passes out and he eventually caves in and rushes her to the hospital.
If they didn't get her there in time, she would've been done for.
Instead of saying, "Michael, thank you for saving my life despite me telling you never to take me to a hospital," she gets mad at him and asks him to leave. Won't talk to him. Won't see him. Hides like a coward when the rest of the family comes to check on her.
Oh, and she has a secret that should be telling him, but doesn't because you know - she's stubborn and all.
Honestly, this girl did EVERYTHING backwards. He tells her to stop, she runs. He tells her to sit, she stands. He tells her to breathe, she holds in her breath.
I am all for strong heroine's in romance novels. But come on.
Unfortunately, the train stops here for me with this series because I have to read about the rest of the train wrecks these brothers decide to fall in love with, my head will explode.
January 8, 2015
3.5 RATING- So, I'm kind of hooked on this series!
Book one was okay but not my favorite, but had definite potential. Book two was better but I wasn't sure I liked the last 25%. Much steamer too. This book, the third in the series, I really liked the first half. The second half not as much, just do to the story. I don't want to give any spoilers but I thought one part was a little unecessary. And yet, I'm hooked...
I think I love the idea of 7 sexy, alpha brothers who all accept the fact that they are destined to meet and fall in instant attraction/love with their one true soul mate. Hokey? Hell Yes. Enjoyable to Read? Yep! The fact that they are secret special operatives doesn't hurt either. While there is very little real suspense in this book, just dabbling in black ops is enought for me. I'm easy like that! And while the stories aren't perfect, I have a definite thing for these Callaghan brothers and enjoy the authors well written, steamy scenes.
So, three books down. Wondering whose next... I'll definitely be reading.
Note: At the time this review was posted, this book was available to borrow through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program.
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April 17, 2019
House calls is the third Callaghan brother story. It is alpha and insta-love, which I loved. I loved Michael but definitely wish Maggie was a bit (or a lot) less stubborn.
“...he had found his croie. His heart. His perfect woman. His soul mate.”
I listened on audiobook and enjoyed the experience. I can’t wait to listen to more books in this series.
-4 Stars-
“...he had found his croie. His heart. His perfect woman. His soul mate.”
I listened on audiobook and enjoyed the experience. I can’t wait to listen to more books in this series.
-4 Stars-
February 13, 2015
4 Callaghan Loving Stars!!!
As much as I loved this book, and I really did love it there were just a few too many times where the heroine grated on my nerves. In the previous books Zanders has managed to deliver perfectly balanced fierce, loving, independent and sassy women who I honestly adore. Unfortunately, this time around there were moments where it wasn't well balanced at all and Maggie's "strength" and "independence" actually came across as frustrating and annoying behaviour that border lined on idiocy. Thankfully, these moments were not predominant in the book and for the most part she was actually a sweet, sensitive and lovable character.
Michael made this book for me, I loved everything about him. He is a typical Callaghan man and from the moment he met Maggie he knew he had found his Croie and he went after her. He was patient, persistent, protective and possessive. He loved Maggie fiercely and would do whatever it took to keep her safe no matter what the outcome.
There was no shortage of sparks between these two. They had an amazing chemistry and the passion was intense. They were both also incredibly stubborn and had fiery tempers. Maggie was able to continually challenge Michael and he loved it.
One of the things I really enjoy with these books is the close bonds between the family. Their lives are all interwoven and they all still play significant roles in each other stories. It's always refreshing to know that you will still get plenty of interaction with your favourite characters throughout a series even if they are no longer the MC's.
This book was quite a bit shorter than the two before it but personally, I think that was a good thing. There wasn't an added amount of unnecessary drama and it wasn't dragged out, which I am grateful for. House Calls had a great story line with plenty of emotion and loads of heat. Michael will have you swooning on nearly every page.
I really am enjoying this series and with each book Zanders manages to surpass my expectations and leave me begging for more!. I am so excited to read Sean's (mmmmmmmm) book next - Seeking Vengeance .
As much as I loved this book, and I really did love it there were just a few too many times where the heroine grated on my nerves. In the previous books Zanders has managed to deliver perfectly balanced fierce, loving, independent and sassy women who I honestly adore. Unfortunately, this time around there were moments where it wasn't well balanced at all and Maggie's "strength" and "independence" actually came across as frustrating and annoying behaviour that border lined on idiocy. Thankfully, these moments were not predominant in the book and for the most part she was actually a sweet, sensitive and lovable character.
Michael made this book for me, I loved everything about him. He is a typical Callaghan man and from the moment he met Maggie he knew he had found his Croie and he went after her. He was patient, persistent, protective and possessive. He loved Maggie fiercely and would do whatever it took to keep her safe no matter what the outcome.
There was no shortage of sparks between these two. They had an amazing chemistry and the passion was intense. They were both also incredibly stubborn and had fiery tempers. Maggie was able to continually challenge Michael and he loved it.
One of the things I really enjoy with these books is the close bonds between the family. Their lives are all interwoven and they all still play significant roles in each other stories. It's always refreshing to know that you will still get plenty of interaction with your favourite characters throughout a series even if they are no longer the MC's.
This book was quite a bit shorter than the two before it but personally, I think that was a good thing. There wasn't an added amount of unnecessary drama and it wasn't dragged out, which I am grateful for. House Calls had a great story line with plenty of emotion and loads of heat. Michael will have you swooning on nearly every page.
I really am enjoying this series and with each book Zanders manages to surpass my expectations and leave me begging for more!. I am so excited to read Sean's (mmmmmmmm) book next - Seeking Vengeance .
April 8, 2015
I am starting to see a pattern in Ms. Zanders writing. I love the first 60 - 65% of the books and then something strange happens and it is like a completely different author finishes the book while taking 50 pages longer than it needs to take.
I loved Michael in this book. He is hot and sexy just like the other brothers. They are all caring but especially toward the women in their family and the ones they fall in love with. Maggie was my issue with this book. While I understand her anti-social behavior TO A POINT, she goes completely off the deep end after what she perceives as Michael's betrayal. She won't talk to anyone. I also have a very difficult time with her fear of doctors and hospitals, mainly because she doesn't have a problem with Michael examining her. I am not fond of hospitals or doctors either but I am not going to let myself die of a subdural hematoma because I am too stupid/self-righteous go to the doctor. I think that Maggie could have been a good match for Michael with a little less drama.
I loved Michael in this book. He is hot and sexy just like the other brothers. They are all caring but especially toward the women in their family and the ones they fall in love with. Maggie was my issue with this book. While I understand her anti-social behavior TO A POINT, she goes completely off the deep end after what she perceives as Michael's betrayal. She won't talk to anyone. I also have a very difficult time with her fear of doctors and hospitals, mainly because she doesn't have a problem with Michael examining her. I am not fond of hospitals or doctors either but I am not going to let myself die of a subdural hematoma because I am too stupid/self-righteous go to the doctor. I think that Maggie could have been a good match for Michael with a little less drama.
September 26, 2018
I have to say I loved reading Michael's story. The more laid back of the brothers but just as lethal. He rates right up there as the ultimate book boyfriend.
Maggie Flynn keeps to herself. She's not one for company and after being burnt and breaking off her engagement she has not ventured down the road to romance again.
But a chance meeting with Michael at the pub he co-owns with his brothers brings that to a crashing halt. He's helping out his brother who is throwing a bachelor's party at the pub
When Maggie is hurt, its Micheal that steps in to save the day. Michael is a Doctor and he knows there is more to Maggie's injury then she is letting on. But with Maggie having an extreme fear of all medical professionals she is not making it easy. She doesn't trust them.
But when Maggie's life is in danger Michael has to step in if he doesn't she could die.
This story makes you think about things that just can't be explained. Not medically or scientifically.
The chemistry Abbie creates is phenomenal and you feel it.
A must read. Like seriously put this on your list if you haven't already done so.
Maggie Flynn keeps to herself. She's not one for company and after being burnt and breaking off her engagement she has not ventured down the road to romance again.
But a chance meeting with Michael at the pub he co-owns with his brothers brings that to a crashing halt. He's helping out his brother who is throwing a bachelor's party at the pub
When Maggie is hurt, its Micheal that steps in to save the day. Michael is a Doctor and he knows there is more to Maggie's injury then she is letting on. But with Maggie having an extreme fear of all medical professionals she is not making it easy. She doesn't trust them.
But when Maggie's life is in danger Michael has to step in if he doesn't she could die.
This story makes you think about things that just can't be explained. Not medically or scientifically.
The chemistry Abbie creates is phenomenal and you feel it.
A must read. Like seriously put this on your list if you haven't already done so.
November 14, 2017
This is the third book in the Callaghan Brothers series.
This is Michael's book. Michael is doctor who has an office at the hospital and rights to use of it. He is the brother who helped Lexi in a previous book to fight her disease.
During Ian's bachelor party, Maggie, who was desperate for money, helped out a friend as a dancer. Maggie finished her 7 veils dance and falls off the back of the stage. No one notices this but Michael. When Maggie gets injured, she refuses to go to the hospital, so Michael insists on making sure she gets home okay.
Maggie continues to ignore signs that are in front of her and she once again hurts herself, but ignores it in favor of a homemade remedy passed down from her grandparents.
Later on, when Michael is hurt, Maggie "sees" it in her dream.
Maggie's ex, who has made her gun shy comes back into the picture attempting to get Maggie back, all the while only wanting her land.
Maggie stress bakes and uses her organic cures and farm products. Michael brothers fall in love with her baking and go so far as to suggest that the organic products be used by Lexi and her partner in their restaurant.
I am falling more in love with these Callaghan men as they stand up for Maggie and help her through a difficult time.
4.5 stars
This is Michael's book. Michael is doctor who has an office at the hospital and rights to use of it. He is the brother who helped Lexi in a previous book to fight her disease.
During Ian's bachelor party, Maggie, who was desperate for money, helped out a friend as a dancer. Maggie finished her 7 veils dance and falls off the back of the stage. No one notices this but Michael. When Maggie gets injured, she refuses to go to the hospital, so Michael insists on making sure she gets home okay.
Maggie continues to ignore signs that are in front of her and she once again hurts herself, but ignores it in favor of a homemade remedy passed down from her grandparents.
Later on, when Michael is hurt, Maggie "sees" it in her dream.
Maggie's ex, who has made her gun shy comes back into the picture attempting to get Maggie back, all the while only wanting her land.
Maggie stress bakes and uses her organic cures and farm products. Michael brothers fall in love with her baking and go so far as to suggest that the organic products be used by Lexi and her partner in their restaurant.
I am falling more in love with these Callaghan men as they stand up for Maggie and help her through a difficult time.
4.5 stars
September 11, 2017
Oh my god... I just can't with this series....
Fisrt off, other than Jake, how is it that the other two brothers find virgins? And they all get pregnant right away.
I can kind of understand why she got upset after going to the hospital, but come on... so he should have just let her die? What good would that have done? I can also understand that the way she came into the world was traumatic but really? ALL that from him trying to literally save her life? Get over yourself.
I am going to guess that the other 4 brothers are also going to find virgins and they are going to get pregnant right away and hide the pregnancy.
I'm done with this series.... I really home it would turn out better.
Fisrt off, other than Jake, how is it that the other two brothers find virgins? And they all get pregnant right away.
I can kind of understand why she got upset after going to the hospital, but come on... so he should have just let her die? What good would that have done? I can also understand that the way she came into the world was traumatic but really? ALL that from him trying to literally save her life? Get over yourself.
I am going to guess that the other 4 brothers are also going to find virgins and they are going to get pregnant right away and hide the pregnancy.
I'm done with this series.... I really home it would turn out better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
I love the Callaghan Brothers series. Book 3 centers around Michael. When he meets Maggie he feels a pull that he can not explain. His brothers see that he has met his Croie, his heart and soul mate. When Michael tries to come to Maggies aid he finds a shy beautiful woman with no confidence and aversion to hospitals. As their story unfolds we find out what makes Maggie the ways she is and how she suddenly goes from no family to a large family that wants to protect her and make her their own. A great read.
October 6, 2019
House Calls: Callaghan Brothers Book 3
The love story of Maggie and Michael. Michael is the doctor for the Callaghan family. He is the next to fall.
Maggie met Michael at his brother 's bachelor party, she was one of the dancer. She fall off the stage and Michael take care of her. Maggie has a farm that been in her family for a long time and now the Celtic Goddess want to grow organic food on it but her ex-fiance want the land so his company will make the money. Can Michael help save her farm? Great story?
The love story of Maggie and Michael. Michael is the doctor for the Callaghan family. He is the next to fall.
Maggie met Michael at his brother 's bachelor party, she was one of the dancer. She fall off the stage and Michael take care of her. Maggie has a farm that been in her family for a long time and now the Celtic Goddess want to grow organic food on it but her ex-fiance want the land so his company will make the money. Can Michael help save her farm? Great story?
March 14, 2015
FOUR 'YOU'RE THE ONE I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR' STARS!
This is the third story in the Callaghan Brothers series by the talented Abbie Zanders. This is a very well written and interesting series about 7 ex Navy SEAL brothers who run a secret black ops company in addition to other legitimate family businesses. This Irish family is headed up by the patriarch, Jack Callaghan, their father, who has told his son all their lives that they will love one woman - their croie, their heart and soul - and only her forever. They, of course, scoff at the idea of a soulmate for each of them, despite Jake and Ian having found theirs.
This story is about the doctor of family, Michael, and Maggie Flynn. Maggie is a proud and complicated woman who harbors some self consciousness about her appearance following the nasty end to her engagement by her cheating fiancé. Raised by her Irish grandmother, Maggie lives on the family's farm, a prime piece of desirable real estate, continuing her grandmother's tradition of small scale farming and producing all natural, organic health remedies. She is an amazing cook and baker, and she has been gifted with her grandmother's knowing intuition and keen perception.
Their first meeting is less than ideal after Maggie, persuaded by her best friend to fill in for as dancer at Ian's bachelor party, when she takes a header off the stage injuring herself. Michael, a doctor, tends to Maggie who adamantly refuses medical care beyond what he offers her in the back of the bar. He takes her home, and stays overnight to watch over her. When he leaves the next day, he promises to return later, Maggie is hopeful that he will, but a bit disbelieving. A blizzard is in the forecast, so it wouldn't surprise her if he didn't return, but in anticipation of his return, she makes dinner for him disregarding his directions to rest. To her shock and pleasure, he braves the weather and he does return, and he is stranded at her house for a few days. They succumb to the attraction between them, and Michael knows he has found his "one," his croie - his heart and his soulmate.
Ever stubborn and fiercely proud Maggie, is not recovering from her injuries as well as she is leading Michael to believe. She collapses at Ian's wedding, and Michael is beside himself for not listening to his gut instincts and takes Maggie to the hospital for treatment, against her wishes, which ultimately saves her life. Maggie is furious with him for taking away her choices and acting against her wishes. She ends things with Michael and stops returning his family's phone calls. Maggie has a sad history, with a different outcome, in a similar situation and it is the driving force behind her utter disdain for modern medicine. Days turn into weeks and months, and Maggie is getting through this time without Michael minute by minute. It isn't until she has a powerful and very realistic dream about him that she reaches out. As it turns out, her dream wasn't far from reality and Michael very much needs her. Maggie does not hesitate, and with the help of his brothers, she rushes to another part of the world to be at his side. His brothers try to prepare her for the inevitable, but Maggie will not hear of it, and advises them in no uncertain terms that Michael will survive because she will make it so.
Will Maggie forgive Michael for going against her wishes? Can she get past her fears of Michael's dangerous side profession?
I really loved this story and this series is fast becoming a favorite. Abbie Zanders truly has a gift for telling a captivating story, and that is exactly what she has created with this series. She has absolutely earned one-click status from me. I cannot wait to read more of this fantastic series.
This is the third story in the Callaghan Brothers series by the talented Abbie Zanders. This is a very well written and interesting series about 7 ex Navy SEAL brothers who run a secret black ops company in addition to other legitimate family businesses. This Irish family is headed up by the patriarch, Jack Callaghan, their father, who has told his son all their lives that they will love one woman - their croie, their heart and soul - and only her forever. They, of course, scoff at the idea of a soulmate for each of them, despite Jake and Ian having found theirs.
This story is about the doctor of family, Michael, and Maggie Flynn. Maggie is a proud and complicated woman who harbors some self consciousness about her appearance following the nasty end to her engagement by her cheating fiancé. Raised by her Irish grandmother, Maggie lives on the family's farm, a prime piece of desirable real estate, continuing her grandmother's tradition of small scale farming and producing all natural, organic health remedies. She is an amazing cook and baker, and she has been gifted with her grandmother's knowing intuition and keen perception.
Their first meeting is less than ideal after Maggie, persuaded by her best friend to fill in for as dancer at Ian's bachelor party, when she takes a header off the stage injuring herself. Michael, a doctor, tends to Maggie who adamantly refuses medical care beyond what he offers her in the back of the bar. He takes her home, and stays overnight to watch over her. When he leaves the next day, he promises to return later, Maggie is hopeful that he will, but a bit disbelieving. A blizzard is in the forecast, so it wouldn't surprise her if he didn't return, but in anticipation of his return, she makes dinner for him disregarding his directions to rest. To her shock and pleasure, he braves the weather and he does return, and he is stranded at her house for a few days. They succumb to the attraction between them, and Michael knows he has found his "one," his croie - his heart and his soulmate.
Ever stubborn and fiercely proud Maggie, is not recovering from her injuries as well as she is leading Michael to believe. She collapses at Ian's wedding, and Michael is beside himself for not listening to his gut instincts and takes Maggie to the hospital for treatment, against her wishes, which ultimately saves her life. Maggie is furious with him for taking away her choices and acting against her wishes. She ends things with Michael and stops returning his family's phone calls. Maggie has a sad history, with a different outcome, in a similar situation and it is the driving force behind her utter disdain for modern medicine. Days turn into weeks and months, and Maggie is getting through this time without Michael minute by minute. It isn't until she has a powerful and very realistic dream about him that she reaches out. As it turns out, her dream wasn't far from reality and Michael very much needs her. Maggie does not hesitate, and with the help of his brothers, she rushes to another part of the world to be at his side. His brothers try to prepare her for the inevitable, but Maggie will not hear of it, and advises them in no uncertain terms that Michael will survive because she will make it so.
Will Maggie forgive Michael for going against her wishes? Can she get past her fears of Michael's dangerous side profession?
I really loved this story and this series is fast becoming a favorite. Abbie Zanders truly has a gift for telling a captivating story, and that is exactly what she has created with this series. She has absolutely earned one-click status from me. I cannot wait to read more of this fantastic series.
January 5, 2016
Well I have to say, this one did not impress me at the start. I don’t know strippers and these guys, in their pub no less (where the technically live)…just didn’t work for me, at all. It was made out like this was so normal for them according to the stripper friend, the one drooling all over them like a nasty skank. Not to mention how well they all seemed to “know” this stripper a little too well, um yeah just no. Warning slight spoilers towards the end of this review.
But after the sleazefest, that I might add caused me to lose respect for Ian and well pretty much all the brothers, anyway after that I really started to enjoy Michael’s story. I wasn’t crazy about Maggie because of first impressions and all, but she was likable for a bit so I tried (stress on the tried her introduction was brought up over and over) to forget about how it started and focus on who she was as the story progressed. Although that ended up not helping much either….
I loved Michael, he was probably the best brother so far. The way he slowly showed Maggie that he could be trusted and the rate their relationship went was great for me. Yes it was kind of insta but for these books it was much more realistic with the whole soulmate angle in the series.
But then everything started to tank because Maggie is possibly the dumbest heroine I have read in a long time. I mean really dumb. I was hoping Michael would say fuck it and move on, he deserved so much better and I had that thought before she went full on TSTL. Well and in this case that TSTL was pretty much literal.
Then on top of her stupidity we have the whole virgin AND surprise/secret pregnancy. She goes from slutty stripper for ALL of the brothers and cousins (just gag), to virgin, to pregnant, and the icing on the cake was too stupid to go to the hospital or trust the doctor she claimed to love, then dumped him for saving her sorry ass life. Yep complete moron. After this point I had to skim, I just really didn’t care what happened to Maggie.
I would rate this book a five star just for Michael but unfortunately it had Maggie and all her stupidity as well as her shitty treatment of Michael so sadly it is not a five star for me.
I am going to try Sean’s because I see several reviewers that hated Maggie but loved his heroine…well and I really want to get to Kane, so I am holding out hope for the rest of the series anyway. As much as I love these brothers, well when they aren’t being sleazy like in this one and in the first one with them all falling all over Taryn, they won’t be enough to make me continue to the end with any more Maggies.
But after the sleazefest, that I might add caused me to lose respect for Ian and well pretty much all the brothers, anyway after that I really started to enjoy Michael’s story. I wasn’t crazy about Maggie because of first impressions and all, but she was likable for a bit so I tried (stress on the tried her introduction was brought up over and over) to forget about how it started and focus on who she was as the story progressed. Although that ended up not helping much either….
I loved Michael, he was probably the best brother so far. The way he slowly showed Maggie that he could be trusted and the rate their relationship went was great for me. Yes it was kind of insta but for these books it was much more realistic with the whole soulmate angle in the series.
But then everything started to tank because Maggie is possibly the dumbest heroine I have read in a long time. I mean really dumb. I was hoping Michael would say fuck it and move on, he deserved so much better and I had that thought before she went full on TSTL. Well and in this case that TSTL was pretty much literal.
Then on top of her stupidity we have the whole virgin AND surprise/secret pregnancy. She goes from slutty stripper for ALL of the brothers and cousins (just gag), to virgin, to pregnant, and the icing on the cake was too stupid to go to the hospital or trust the doctor she claimed to love, then dumped him for saving her sorry ass life. Yep complete moron. After this point I had to skim, I just really didn’t care what happened to Maggie.
I would rate this book a five star just for Michael but unfortunately it had Maggie and all her stupidity as well as her shitty treatment of Michael so sadly it is not a five star for me.
I am going to try Sean’s because I see several reviewers that hated Maggie but loved his heroine…well and I really want to get to Kane, so I am holding out hope for the rest of the series anyway. As much as I love these brothers, well when they aren’t being sleazy like in this one and in the first one with them all falling all over Taryn, they won’t be enough to make me continue to the end with any more Maggies.
July 25, 2016
When I started this series... it was a very rocky start and so I told myself that I should give it another tried. I was blown out of the water with the second book. I jumped on board and was really looking forward to the third book!! Once I got my hands on it…. I was not disappointed with this third brother either, but the main woman character had me pulling my hair out!!! This is the reason I gave it a 3.5 starts!! I mean there is stubbornness and then there is just plain stupidity and Maggie just top the cake with it!
I loved Michael and fell head over heels in love with his character. He was kind, very protective, but understanding to Maggie’s needs that were within reason. I agreed that he had to have great patients with this woman… because I would have pushed her out the door long time ago (or off a tall building)! She was borderline neglect when it came to the child she was caring. If she loved her baby as much as she "claimed" then she would have been more supportive with going to the doctor Michael suggests, for regular check ups. I mean I wanted to bag my head against the wall with her. She let her protectiveness and stubbornness really cause problems in her and Michael’s relationship.
Although, I did enjoy that we got to see all the interaction with the characters that were in the first two books! I really love this family and just wish that Maggie was more understanding and not so quick to change her mind!! Once again this is how a little child acts and not a full grown woman. This is a novel that could be read by the pool or the beach… not a lot of danger or suspense with this one. I am going to give Ms. Zanders one more try with the next novel… hoping she can produce a better leading lady then the one that went with this book.
I loved Michael and fell head over heels in love with his character. He was kind, very protective, but understanding to Maggie’s needs that were within reason. I agreed that he had to have great patients with this woman… because I would have pushed her out the door long time ago (or off a tall building)! She was borderline neglect when it came to the child she was caring. If she loved her baby as much as she "claimed" then she would have been more supportive with going to the doctor Michael suggests, for regular check ups. I mean I wanted to bag my head against the wall with her. She let her protectiveness and stubbornness really cause problems in her and Michael’s relationship.
Although, I did enjoy that we got to see all the interaction with the characters that were in the first two books! I really love this family and just wish that Maggie was more understanding and not so quick to change her mind!! Once again this is how a little child acts and not a full grown woman. This is a novel that could be read by the pool or the beach… not a lot of danger or suspense with this one. I am going to give Ms. Zanders one more try with the next novel… hoping she can produce a better leading lady then the one that went with this book.
April 18, 2015
That one book in the series...
There's always one. You know what I mean. That one book in the series that just isn't your favorite. You want to love it, but you just can't. This was it for me. It can only go up from here.
The Good:
+ I loved Michael. He was a great guy. Not only was he a sexy doctor (yes please!) But he was a sweet thoughtful guy, too.
+ I liked the whole organic farm angle.
The Bad:
- I did not enjoy the recycling of the hidden pregnancy storyline.
- I didn't like how Maggie's ex fiance randomly acted like a nice guy, and was worried about her at the end. He was trying to ruin her then he's congratulating her at her wedding?
- I didn't like the whole random psychic episode they experienced together. It was weird. I love me some books about paranormal events/abilities, but this was just kind of like an afterthought.
The Ugly:
-- I hate saying this, but I really didn't like Maggie. She kept pissing me off. A lot. The whole won't go to the hospital, even though I know that there is something seriously wrong with me thing reeeeealy made me mad.
-- I really didn't like that she randomly went and got a tattoo... also kind of weird for her character.
There's always one. You know what I mean. That one book in the series that just isn't your favorite. You want to love it, but you just can't. This was it for me. It can only go up from here.
The Good:
+ I loved Michael. He was a great guy. Not only was he a sexy doctor (yes please!) But he was a sweet thoughtful guy, too.
+ I liked the whole organic farm angle.
The Bad:
- I did not enjoy the recycling of the hidden pregnancy storyline.
- I didn't like how Maggie's ex fiance randomly acted like a nice guy, and was worried about her at the end. He was trying to ruin her then he's congratulating her at her wedding?
- I didn't like the whole random psychic episode they experienced together. It was weird. I love me some books about paranormal events/abilities, but this was just kind of like an afterthought.
The Ugly:
-- I hate saying this, but I really didn't like Maggie. She kept pissing me off. A lot. The whole won't go to the hospital, even though I know that there is something seriously wrong with me thing reeeeealy made me mad.
-- I really didn't like that she randomly went and got a tattoo... also kind of weird for her character.
January 6, 2016
I'd take a smack to the head to get a Callaghan...
Another great installment to the Callaghan Brothers series. This story was about a shy and sweet woman named Maggie and the devastatingly handsome Dr Michael Callaghan.
Maggie and Michael meet when Maggie has a clumsy accident that Michael witnesses. Michael then takes care of her and realises he has feelings for her.
Ms Zanders, friend, buddy, pal...I keep dropping a star in each book because of these silly women making bad decisions, especially regarding their health. I really hope the next heroine is smart and does the right thing. Those poor Callaghan boys, what they put up with.
Another steamy tale with a little drama to keep my interest. Loved where the story ends and will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
Another great installment to the Callaghan Brothers series. This story was about a shy and sweet woman named Maggie and the devastatingly handsome Dr Michael Callaghan.
Maggie and Michael meet when Maggie has a clumsy accident that Michael witnesses. Michael then takes care of her and realises he has feelings for her.
Ms Zanders, friend, buddy, pal...I keep dropping a star in each book because of these silly women making bad decisions, especially regarding their health. I really hope the next heroine is smart and does the right thing. Those poor Callaghan boys, what they put up with.
Another steamy tale with a little drama to keep my interest. Loved where the story ends and will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
January 5, 2020
Being a strong, independent and resourceful woman doesn’t mean being stubborn to the point of stupidity and making one idiotic decision after another. Maggie’s irrational fear of doctors and hospitals aside, if you’re in so much pain you can barely walk and your vision is failing, why wouldn’t you want medical attention? She was bleeding into her brain and yet instead of being grateful and appreciative of Michael saving her life, she blames him for “taking her choice away”. WTF!? Maggie is the definition of too stupid to live and I couldn’t believe that a man as intelligent, caring and wonderful as Michael could love her. I won’t be reading any more in this series, the women are too frustrating for words.
April 14, 2018
Another Wonderful Story!
When Maggie agrees to do something far beyond her comfort zone little does she know it may be the best decision of her life. Michael is immediately attracted to the sweet little dancer who takes a header off the stage of his brother’s bar and needs his assistance. They are storm stayed together and develop a bond that changes everything for them both. However one decision could shatter it all. This was another wonderful story with all the Callaghan brothers and their family dynamics. Aiden Snow continues to do an amazing job of narrating.
When Maggie agrees to do something far beyond her comfort zone little does she know it may be the best decision of her life. Michael is immediately attracted to the sweet little dancer who takes a header off the stage of his brother’s bar and needs his assistance. They are storm stayed together and develop a bond that changes everything for them both. However one decision could shatter it all. This was another wonderful story with all the Callaghan brothers and their family dynamics. Aiden Snow continues to do an amazing job of narrating.
July 15, 2018
Maggie has to be the most unreasonably stubborn h I've EVER read! Her reasoning for not going to the hospital were so ridiculous I hoped she'd have some negative side effects from the growth or whatever it was. Independence is one thing, being stubborn happens but jeopardizing her health for such ridiculous reasons did not work for me. Added to that Michael's constant "he should've seen/known" aggravated me to no end. Moving on to the next because I like the brothers but this was a waste of reading hours
February 19, 2015
Organic Is An Aged Remedy!
This the third tale in a series about a bunch of brothers. These tough guys have strong hearts and lots of Irish in them. Michael meets his doom in this story, but gets married in the end. I look forward to the next chapter in this wonderful series.
This the third tale in a series about a bunch of brothers. These tough guys have strong hearts and lots of Irish in them. Michael meets his doom in this story, but gets married in the end. I look forward to the next chapter in this wonderful series.
January 13, 2018
Maggie = S&S (Stupid & Stubborn). Just frustrating read, with a lot of elements that were just randomly thrown in (psychic dreams, her parents abandoment, her "bipolar" Ex, aversion to doctors, pregnancy...). Maggie and her behaviour ruined any enjoyment of the book.
March 5, 2021
Oh my god these books are crack.
October 31, 2016
This was a good story but had a few loose ends that the two previous ones did not. Some confusing parts as well.
January 28, 2024
⛔️ (in notes)
July 9, 2018
Ugh, this book frustrated me. Well, not so much the book in general because I loved Michael, but Maggie annoyed me. Maggie blew right past stubborn and into idiot territory. She has an aversion to hospitals, but she goes too far in that she nearly dies when she refuses to seek medical attention when she knows something isn't right. And then she gets mad at Michael and ignores him for a long while because he saved her life. Yeah, I didn't get it and this was the same type of behavior she exhibited the whole book. She always did the opposite of what he suggested/told him to do just because she could it seemed.
Another thing that completely baffled me was when all the ladies got together and they told Maggie that she'd know if she was 'the one' for Michael if he didn't use protection. I mean, seriously? How does that show she's the one? It shows me someone showing a brief lapse of judgement, not someone showing love, especially if it wasn't even discussed beforehand. I really didn't get this part and it made me take away a star from my rating with this foolishness.
Then there's the scene of some sort of psychic communication between Maggie and Michael. Again, total randomness and it made me question if the same person was writing this book the whole time.
Michael is the doctor of the Callaghan family. He's attending his brother's bachelor party one evening when the 'entertainment' for the night takes a header off the stage. Maggie is filling in for someone else, having never done any sort of dancing before, but her shyness disappears when she's on stage and all of the men are entranced. When she falls, she ends up with a concussion and Michael takes care of her. She refuses to go the hospital, so Michael takes it upon himself to care for her, even though he knows he'll be snowed-in with her. Just like the previous brothers in the series, Michael falls in insta-love with Maggie. It seemed a bit far-fetch, but it's the norm for this series it seems when they find their Croí.
On top of their developing relationship, Maggie's ex is trying to get her farm so that he can use it to help his company's profits. It all works out in the end, of course, but it's all a bit thrown into the mix and confusing there at the end when her ex is all of a sudden nice to her.
And this book follows the same lead as the last one in a secret that is kept, go figure. If this is going to become the norm for the series, then that will be disappointing.
I loved Michael in this book. He was smart, caring, and protective. There really wasn't much to dislike, I just with the heroine had been a better match.
Another thing that completely baffled me was when all the ladies got together and they told Maggie that she'd know if she was 'the one' for Michael if he didn't use protection. I mean, seriously? How does that show she's the one? It shows me someone showing a brief lapse of judgement, not someone showing love, especially if it wasn't even discussed beforehand. I really didn't get this part and it made me take away a star from my rating with this foolishness.
Then there's the scene of some sort of psychic communication between Maggie and Michael. Again, total randomness and it made me question if the same person was writing this book the whole time.
Michael is the doctor of the Callaghan family. He's attending his brother's bachelor party one evening when the 'entertainment' for the night takes a header off the stage. Maggie is filling in for someone else, having never done any sort of dancing before, but her shyness disappears when she's on stage and all of the men are entranced. When she falls, she ends up with a concussion and Michael takes care of her. She refuses to go the hospital, so Michael takes it upon himself to care for her, even though he knows he'll be snowed-in with her. Just like the previous brothers in the series, Michael falls in insta-love with Maggie. It seemed a bit far-fetch, but it's the norm for this series it seems when they find their Croí.
On top of their developing relationship, Maggie's ex is trying to get her farm so that he can use it to help his company's profits. It all works out in the end, of course, but it's all a bit thrown into the mix and confusing there at the end when her ex is all of a sudden nice to her.
And this book follows the same lead as the last one in a secret that is kept, go figure. If this is going to become the norm for the series, then that will be disappointing.
I loved Michael in this book. He was smart, caring, and protective. There really wasn't much to dislike, I just with the heroine had been a better match.
June 10, 2021
Callaghan romance
No potential triggers
There are some sex scenes and some swearing
The characterisation is okay, but I find that the FL in the books in this series are all much the same.
A previous review states they found an editorial error in the first few pages regarding the phone call next morning. The reviewer was incorrect, there is no error but you do have to ensure you read the full paragraph.
That said, I feel I have to provide a plot spoiler alert.
The plotline could have been so much better if the stupidity of the FL had been better written. In all of the books in this series so far the female lead has been utterly ridiculous, I think the author is attempting to portray a strong female but in all honesty they come across as wilful and self centred.
The storylines are far fetched and not remotely believable even if you suspend belief totally.
The facts provided as plot devices are often ridiculous - being flown by fighter jet to Eastern Europe in the dead of night from a military base? Then there's the whole black op's family thing, like it's the dark secret nobody actually keeps secret, but the brothers activities are never referred to.
The bad guy suddenly turning over a new leaf within inches of getting what he wants, with no motivation?
There are multiple issues, but I can really only say that for me, there's something missing in each story. The characterisation needs working on and that would go a long way to iron out the poor plotline.
For me, this will be the last book I will purchase by the author.
If you like the genre and can ignore the silly characters and plotline then you would probably enjoy the book.
No potential triggers
There are some sex scenes and some swearing
The characterisation is okay, but I find that the FL in the books in this series are all much the same.
A previous review states they found an editorial error in the first few pages regarding the phone call next morning. The reviewer was incorrect, there is no error but you do have to ensure you read the full paragraph.
That said, I feel I have to provide a plot spoiler alert.
The plotline could have been so much better if the stupidity of the FL had been better written. In all of the books in this series so far the female lead has been utterly ridiculous, I think the author is attempting to portray a strong female but in all honesty they come across as wilful and self centred.
The storylines are far fetched and not remotely believable even if you suspend belief totally.
The facts provided as plot devices are often ridiculous - being flown by fighter jet to Eastern Europe in the dead of night from a military base? Then there's the whole black op's family thing, like it's the dark secret nobody actually keeps secret, but the brothers activities are never referred to.
The bad guy suddenly turning over a new leaf within inches of getting what he wants, with no motivation?
There are multiple issues, but I can really only say that for me, there's something missing in each story. The characterisation needs working on and that would go a long way to iron out the poor plotline.
For me, this will be the last book I will purchase by the author.
If you like the genre and can ignore the silly characters and plotline then you would probably enjoy the book.
January 6, 2022
This was an enjoyable read but it did drag in places. I really did like Maggie and Michael. Her fear of hospitals was a bit over the top – especially when she risked her life because she was so afraid of them. She owns a farm and lives in the old farmhouse she had once shared with her grandparents. It’s a nice house. Maggie loves to cook and feeds the other brothers from time to time – in this story and future books. Maggie seems to have a little bit of clairvoyance, or something like that. Not a whole lot happens here but it is sweet. It does have some steamy scenes but they could be a lot hotter.
The next book is better. It has more action. IMO, though, the next book is the last good book for the Callaghan brothers. I recommend stopping at book 4. Books 5 and 7 are boring. They barely have relationships and the men propose out of nowhere. Book 6 is ruined by having the main character be kidnapped, drugged, and raped for 40% of the book (no exaggeration) and the author doesn’t provide a trigger warning.
If you haven’t read any books in this series yet, you might want to just skip it all together. I kind of wish I had. Books 1-4 aren’t good enough to undo the bad in books 5-7. And the 3rd person POV in a romance is not great. It takes an author with a special ability to write in 3rd person and still show instead of telling. This author doesn’t have this ability.
After book 1, I thought I had found a new author to follow. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case.
The next book is better. It has more action. IMO, though, the next book is the last good book for the Callaghan brothers. I recommend stopping at book 4. Books 5 and 7 are boring. They barely have relationships and the men propose out of nowhere. Book 6 is ruined by having the main character be kidnapped, drugged, and raped for 40% of the book (no exaggeration) and the author doesn’t provide a trigger warning.
If you haven’t read any books in this series yet, you might want to just skip it all together. I kind of wish I had. Books 1-4 aren’t good enough to undo the bad in books 5-7. And the 3rd person POV in a romance is not great. It takes an author with a special ability to write in 3rd person and still show instead of telling. This author doesn’t have this ability.
After book 1, I thought I had found a new author to follow. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case.
June 8, 2024
Maggie was talked into entertaining the men at Jake’s bachelor party by her good friend telling her it was good money. Maggie met Michael who was tending bar and after a couple of shots of whiskey she went on and performed her belly dance stunning all the men with her enchanting performance promptly stepped back and fell off the stage getting hurt quite badly. Michael saw and rushed to help her receiving a huge emotional zap at the time. He had been intrigued when she was at rage bar and believed that emotional zap meant he had fiouuned his one true love. The push and pull between a sweet, caring, but stubborn women and Michael meant some hot, stubborn clashes and steadfast firm position of Michael is a book that is impossible to put down. How Michael finally convinces Maggie it is their destination to be together keeps you reading well past the time to turn out the lights! You will not be disappointed in this book or the whole Callaghan clan and how each finds their one true love, even Jake their father who believes his wife who passed away was his first and last, but “the big guy in the sky” has other plans. Love this whole series as well as Abbie’s Sanctuary series!🥰
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