She’s His One Weakness—And He’ll Burn the World to Save Her.
Niall Black
Loyal right-hand to Finn O’Reilly.
Cousin and trusted friend.
He lives for the life he’s created.
Filled with business, both day-to-day and dangerous. Not interested in a relationship of any kind outside of his comfort zone.
Until fate brings her to him. Annabelle Lewis.
She awakens something inside him. A need. A desire.
A new set of feelings he wasn’t prepared for.
When she is taken from him, how far will he go to get her back?
To the ends of the earth.
And anyone in his way will be removed.
Permanently.
| Title: | Niall |
| Author: | Melanie Moreland |
| Series: | The Irishmen (Book 2) |
| Pages: | 244 |
| Genre(s): | Contemporary |
| Trope(s): | Mafia Romance Insta-love Opposites Attract |
| Point of View: | First Person, Past Tense, Dual Viewpoint (H & h) |
| Location: | Toronto, Canada (and briefly in Ireland) |
| HEA: | ✔ |
| Release Date: | 19 June, 2025 |
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Niall gets his girl
We’re back to Melanie Moreland’s Irishmen duo – this time for the story of second-in-command, Niall. We got to know Niall in the first book in the duo, Finn, and got a glimpse of who would ultimately become the object of his passion / obsession. Do you need to have read Finn to ultimately understand and enjoy this story? Technically, no – as it’s a story in its own right with its own HEA – but I really think you might be confused as to the back story if you don’t read that book before this one.
Niall Black is a stoic, strong and somber character. A real man’s man. And someone who doesn’t think himself capable of giving or receiving love. Which makes it so much more satisfying to see him absolutely laid low by Anna, a small slip of a woman. He is absolutely gone for her – while trying to convince himself he’s just trying to keep her safe until she’s back on her feet. I really liked him and loved how he looked after – and adored – Anna.
Anna has gone through a terrible ordeal and is in a delicate and fragile state. She relies on Niall and wants him by her side – but is unsure whether her feelings are real or as a result of the trauma she’s suffered that he saved her from. She’s a likeable heroine and I was rooting for her. I liked to see her grow in confidence and finally go after what she wanted. And what she wanted was Niall.
“Mafia books are never my favourite trope but with Melanie Moreland’s magic – I’m all in.”
There was obviously an instant connection between Niall and Anna; they meet for the first time when Niall (and crew) rescue Anna (and Una) from human traffickers. From that moment, they are inseparable. But owing to Anna’s injuries and Niall’s complete denial of his feelings, from there, there’s something of a slow burn for our couple. But that’s not to say that they don’t have sizzling chemistry – they absolutely do. And when the time comes, it’s delicious. And we get lots of touching, kissing and such, as they both give in what’s between them.
The story starts off mostly about the relationship between Niall and Anna. The action comes towards the end. That’s where we get the cameos of Roman and Aldo from the Men of the Falls books, as they all come together to kick some bad guy ass. Well, I suppose, being mafia / syndicate – they are actually the bad guys. So kicking worse guy ass. Finn was in love with his girl before his book even began, and I loved the banter between Niall and Finn as it was Niall’s turn to fall. Finn revelled in his friend’s misery as he denied his feelings.
I really enjoyed this book which rounded off what has been a delightful duo of books. Mafia books are never my favourite trope but with Melanie Moreland’s magic – I’m all in. Of the two, Finn was my favourite but Niall comes a close second. And we’re treated to the delight of an overarching epilogue that rounds everything off with a cherry on the top. Another winner from Melanie Moreland that cements why she’s one of my favourite romance authors. 5 stars.
* I received this book in exchange for my honest review
New York Times/USA Today bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of twenty-seven-plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She’s learned happily ever afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
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The Irishmen:
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