Is there anything quite as satisfying as a book in a Nora Roberts trilogy? As much as I love mysteries, there’s just something about her characters and her descriptions of their lives, their homes, and, in the case of the Irish Born books, the descriptions of Irish life. Born in Ice is rich in the details of Ireland, but it’s her characters that come to life.

Brianna Concannon is the younger sister of Maggie from Born in Fire. While Maggie adored their father, she knew her mother always disliked and resented her. Brianna was always the obedient, gentle daughter, the home loving one. But, when their father died, and left the house to Brianna instead of to their mother, her mother turned on her as well. However, Brianna had the opportunity to build the life she always wanted, building a home for travelers in the bed-and-breakfast she calls Blackthorn Cottage.

Grayson Thane only wanted a quiet spot for six months or so, a base for roaming as he wrote his latest bestselling thriller, this one set in Ireland. Gray is a man who lives for the present. He has no roots, no place to call home, and he likes it that way. He has no responsibilities, and, once a book is written, he moves on. He has “No ties, no strings, no guilts”.

An unlikely couple? An innkeeper who is most content at home, and a man who has never known that comfort. Nora Roberts manages to convince readers that her characters belong together, no matter how unlikely that seems at first glance. As I’ve said before, she creates strong, independent women who are also capable of great love. The characters always work, lighting up the page with their romance.

A gorgeous, sometimes wild, countryside. A comfortable local pub. An inviting bed-and-breakfast. Add in an attractive couple, a hint of suspense, some sensual scenes, and it’s a welcome escape. Born in Ice is as satisfying as the other books in Nora Roberts’ trilogies.

Nora Roberts’ website is www.noraroberts.com

Born in Ice by Nora Roberts. Berkley Books. ISBN 9780425266109 (paperback), 386p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I own this book.