Through Your Eyes by Shannyn Schroeder – a Review

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Description:
ONE LAST CHANCE

Deirdre Murphy has had her life planned for her since she was born: Work in her parents’ noisy pub in rural Ireland. Live with her family until she marries. Marry her childhood sweetheart ASAP, since he’s decided sexy fun time should wait for marriage. None of it excites her. But before her fate closes in, Deirdre’s got one last visit to her Chicago cousins—where she can spend her mornings in a peaceful bakery, keep to herself, and savor the space she needs…. Until she meets Tommy O’Malley.

Tommy is as tough as his city and twice as ready to welcome her in. He’s covered in tattoos, stays up half the night inking them on other people, and has a reputation for being good with his hands. And he’s heart-pounding, forgot-her-words, can’t-stop-staring exciting.

Tommy knows he’s the opposite of everything Deirdre has prepared for. But to watch her set herself free, he’s willing to risk almost anything…

Review:

Through Your Eyes by Shannyn Schroeder is the 3rd book in her For Your Love series.  This was a very nice sweet romance, and especially good because we get to spend a lot of time with the O’Learys, whom we fell in love with in that series by Schroeder

Deirdre Murphy, our heroine, arrives in Chicago from Ireland to vacation with her cousins (O’Learys).  Deirdre received a Christmas present from her boyfriend to return to the states, since she was her happiest when she last visited.  Deirdre was somewhat disappointed that she did not get a proposal from her boyfriend, but was happy to return to the states for a month.  She is not too happy at home, since she has too much pressure from her family to run their pub, and uses this opportunity to give herself a break. 

Tommy O’Malley, our hero, is a tattoo artist, who has many tattoos himself and is a hockey player.  Tommy still thinks about the lost opportunity to introduce himself to Deirdre that last time she was here, and is shocked when he visits the bakery, to see her working there.    In a short time, Tommy asks Deirdre to go out with him, but she puts him off due to her having a boyfriend in Ireland.  But every time she talks to her boyfriend, he keeps telling her to have fun, even to go out with others.  Deirdre knows something isn’t right, but she does then accept Tommy’s advances; soon Deirde, who is a virgin, begins to feel a strong attraction to Tommy.  He was determined to win her over, and in a short time both of them realize they were falling in love.  The problem….she was soon to return to Ireland, as she knew her family depended on her.   

Things change once her boyfriend explains why he is pushing her to date others.  He is gay, and wants to marry his boyfriend.  After getting past the initial shock, Deirdre is happy to explore more of her feelings for Tommy.  I thought Tommy and Deirdre were so perfect for each other, and together they will find a way to stay together.  Despite their love for each other, both families ( O’Learys- O’Malleys) for the most part are not too happy with their decision.  I loved seeing the O’Learys, especially Maggie, and Moira, and though he was tough on Tommy, it was good to see Jimmy, though I wanted to smack him a few times. 

What I loved about this story was seeing two people fight for their love, and in Deirdre’s case, possibly hurt her family to allow herself to be happy.  There were some ups and downs for them, mostly from the family pressuring them, but love will prevail. In time, it becomes apparent to all how much they truly did love each other. Through Your Eyes was a wonderful romance, a great couple, fantastic family, and some issues that threaten their relationship.  Once again, Shannyn Schroeder gives us another sweet story that you should be reading.

Reviewed by Barb

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