Shaken and Stirred

by Kathleen O'Reilly

Book Overview

Shaken and Stirred by Kathleen O'Reilly released on Feb 26, 2008 is available now for purchase.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373793863
• ISBN13: 9780373793860
• Release Date: February 2008
• Publisher: Harlequin Blaze
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.2" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

Very enjoyable

This was simply a fun, fast, enjoyable read. Loved the hero and the great chemistry between the characters. This won't be the last book I read by Kathleen O'Reilly.

Shaken and Stirred

Tessa Hart has a plan. Just a few more months of saving and scrimping and she will finally be able to achieve her dream of living on her own without a roommate in the apartment complex she has fallen in love with. A bartender for Gabe O'Sullivan, Tessa enjoys her work and her friendship with the three O'Sullivan brothers. Gabe is the one who holds her interest and while she secretly craves his touch, nothing or no one is going to stand in her way of getting that apartment. Gabriel Cormac Silas O'Sullivan is the owner of Prime, a Manhattan bar that has been in his family for close to eighty years. He loves bartending and he loves the people. Helping them is his pleasure and when his best bartender needs a temporary place to stay, he can't help but offer his extra room to her. Much to his dismay, Tessa turns him down flat, but with a bit of pressure and teasing, he is able to get her to agree. Gabe has been attracted to Tessa for years and it is only a matter of time before he succumbs to her charms. In fact, there is a betting pool on it saying the exact same thing. In Shaken and Stirred, Gabe O'Sullivan was a knight in shining armor, Manhattan style. He was good looking, charming, and seriously attracted to Tessa. His mannerisms were cute and in my opinion, very good boyfriend and possibly husband material. These reasons are why I did not care for Tessa's character at all. She was materialistic, she often hurt Gabe's feelings, and quite frankly, I wanted him to find someone else. Every time Gabe would get the vibes that Tessa gave off, she would lead him on a bit more and more than once I just wanted to shake her. Did she love him? I believe she did. Was she scared to death to depend on him? Yes she was. Would this have influenced her behavior and how she handled Gabe? Definitely. With that said, I found myself understanding Tessa a bit better, grudgingly, but I can't lie. By the book's end, I felt better that my man Gabe would be loved like he needed. Kathleen O'Reilly has written the first of a trilogy of books set around these enigmatic O'Sullivan brothers. The next book, Sex, Straight Up, features Daniel O'Sullivan and I am happy to find that it releases in April so the wait won't be very long. As for Shaken and Stirred, the sex was over the top hot and very sensuous. I just wish I could have adored Tessa as much as Gabe. Talia reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Five Stars!

Gabriel Cormac Silas O'Sullivan is the bartender and owner of Prime. Formerly known as O'Sullivan's, this Manhattan bar has been in his family for nearly eighty years. Though his two brothers have other careers, they assist him with the bar. Something of a Sir Galahad, Gabriel watches over his employees - especially Tessa. Tessa Hart seems to attract trouble. When she was younger, she thought she was in love and moved in with Danny. Convinced that her future was settled, she bypassed college. She spent her time relaxing on the beach and working part-time as a bartender. At the age of twenty-two, after a bitter breakup, she moved to Manhattan. Having a fantastic memory for mixing drinks, she was offered a job as bartender at Prime. For the past four years, Gabe has been her lifeline, always there to help her. But she is determined to be independent and make her own way in life. Besides working for Gabe, she is attending college part-time. She never wants to be thrown out on the street again, unable to earn a living. Now Tessa has only five days to find an apartment - something she can afford. Gabe insists she move in with him. Though she had been determined not to do that, she finally has to accept that she has no choice. However, she is determined to find a place as soon as possible. Living with Gabe and relying on him is just too tempting. Can they live together platonically - especially with the sparks flying between them? In fact, the clientele at Prime have a bet going to see how long Gabe and Tessa can live together without having sex. I absolutely loved reading SHAKEN AND STIRRED, the first book in the Those Sexy O'Sullivan's trilogy. The steamy sexual tension, witty banter and irresistible characters will have readers devouring this book in one sitting. Readers will find themselves caught up in the story, rooting for the characters to work out their differences. I cannot wait to read the rest of this trilogy. Be sure to add SHAKEN AND STIRRED to your `recommended read' list! Warning: Reading this novel may leave you longing for a Gabe of your own. Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com

4.5stars! Bk 1 of the O'Sullivans series. Gabe's story.

Four years ago Tessa Hart, after a bitter break up, left all her worldly possessions behind with her ex-boyfriend in Florida. She arrived in Manhattan with only a high school diploma and an encyclopedic knowledge of tropical bar drinks. Even with her life obviously in ruins, Gabriel "Gabe" O'Sullivan gave her bartending job in his bar, Prime. He has never regretted the decision. If Tessa is not mixing drinks, she is studying to earn an associate's degree in finance. Moving often is part of college life and Tessa has had several roommates come and go. But when she learns that she will be on the street in five days, Tessa is worried. That is not near enough time to find a new place to rent. It would not be such a problem if she did not mind having male roommates. But Tessa has her own set of goals and men, thanks to her ex, are NOT part of it at this point in time. When Gabe offers to let her room with him, she is hesitant. Even though Gabe is her boss, friend, and mentor, he is still male. Very male. Extremely noticeably male. Yet she really has no choice. The two agree that the arrangement is temporary. As soon as she finds a place to rent, she is gone. Problem is that once rooming together, the pair find themselves even more attracted to each other than before. Gabe wants permanence. Tessa wants to prove to herself that she can make it on her own before even considering getting serious with anyone. For now, they are roomies and what is a little white hot romance between friends? ***** H-O-T! There is really no other word for this story. Tessa and Gabe's romance is steamy the entire story, but there are times that I thought the pages of the book would catch fire! True to the Harlequin BLAZE series, the bed scenes are much more often than typical romances and more graphic. Fans of the movie "Cocktail" will especially love the O'Sullivan series. Tessa and Gabe, as bartenders, are just as great in the flashy ways they mix and serve drinks. On a side note, Gabe's two older brothers, Daniel and Sean, are secondary characters and will have their own stories told within the next month or so. Be sure to keep an eye out! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Heart-warming, fun and a great start to new series!

Kathleen O'Reilly's latest gem, SHAKEN & STIRRED, Book 1: "Those Sexy O'Sullivans" whets a reader's palate and warms the soul. Gabe and Tessa are intriguing, charming and lighthearted characters who are easy to fall in love with. Tessa has had difficult times and wishes to rise above the bad memories and make something of herself. For four years, Gabe O'Sullivan has been her friend, her greatest support and she would be lost without him. Upon needing a place to stay and Gabe's friendly offer of his spare bedroom, Tessa fights herself every step of the way, trying not to fall into his arms...or his bed. Her lifeplan doesn't include falling for anyone, least of all Gabe and while she believes she has everything figured out, her heart feels otherwise. Kathleen O'Reilly once again pens wonderful characters--complete with a sexy trio of brothers--a sense of family that is not only intertwined but the atmosphere of "Prime" (Gabe's family bar) consists of regulars who are equally charming and memorable. Ms. O'Reilly writes with a master's pen and a gives her readers everything they could ask for. SHAKEN & STIRRED makes one laugh out loud, warms the heart and it's a liquid high from start to finish. I look forward to book two in April '08, Daniel's story in "Sex, Straight Up".