Irish Intimacies and Ironies quenches a reader’s longing to immerse into something totally Irish, especially when it includes mythical beings intruding on the orderly lives of mortals. Sprinkle in some romance and sensual couplings, and this makes for a more wickedly rewarding story…read on to find five short stories that deliver all that, and more. 

Kissing the Barney Stone by Megan Hussey is an amusing and enchanting story. Margaret’s guardian fairy, Mairead is hard of hearing, and while granting her a wish to hold the Blarney Stone, the fairy summons an Irish sheep rancher. Barney Stone’s erotic dreams include a foreign land with palm trees, golden beaches, and a voluptuous pale beauty who fulfills his every pleasure. When awakening in her bed, he intends to make those dreams real. 

Ms. Hussey vividly illustrates Ireland with Margaret’s wistful longings for her homeland, while Barney bulks at being drawn away from his island. Living in Florida, Margaret’s melancholy for Ireland is touching as Barney’s male magnetism corporeal. The fairy Mairead steals the show with her lewd, witty and chic dialogue.

The Cunning Thief by Tysche Dwai is a lively story as an abiding love endures the never ending tortures of an overprotective father. Jack Gallagher vows to marry the squire’s daughter, Katherine. Yet, her father continuously sends Jack on errands that proves his resourcefulness, tenacity, more importantly his love. Tired of waiting, Katherine wishes to elope, but Jack is firm that they will marry in the Church. As the errands become harder, Jack’s optimism falters, believing he will never marry the woman he loves.

Katherine’s loyal to her father but tolerant when he hinders her marriage. A respectable Irishman, Jack puts up with the squire’s shenanigans never doubting that his prize is within reach. Readers will swoon, wishing for a gallant determined, though shrewd, lover who all the while confesses his unwavering love.

Irish Realms by Lucy Goosey charms her readers with selkie folklore that includes an old-fashioned romance. Aiden O’Malley meets Zaire at his sister’s party, when they steal away for a randy tête-à-tête. Six years later, neither Zaire nor Aiden has forgotten that night, but neither one answers letters nor phone calls, too, in that amount of time. Aiden’s sister, Aislinn stands between the two lost lovers, and they use her to deliver their messages. Did their messages ever get delivered?

Ms. Goosey pens a heart rendering love story. Aiden, a selkie-seal, mates for life but allows his mate to slip away. Zaire believes Aiden is not the type of man to settle down with a home and family, so withdraws further pursuit. Six years later they reunite on the Irish shores of his homestead, uncovering secrets that kept them apart. Adding to the suspense there’s an enemy who wishes to destroy the O’Malley’s that does not bear heavily on the whole story. 

Love’s Lucky Charm by Larissa Lyons sizzles making for an entertaining, brisk read. Teague MacKee has a problem most men relish, an endless line of women pawing and pursuing him. However, he yearns for quiet, demure Ciara Somers but she gives no clue he even exists. Ciara is quite aware of Teague, so much that she barters a love charm from the leprechaun M’gra, to cast a spell over him. Playing a joke on her, the leprechaun gives her a lust charm instead…making for a sinfully sexy St. Patty’s day celebration.

Ms. Lyons’s story shimmers with hearty, authentic characters. Ciara envies the women who crowd around Teague, touching and fondling him, wishing she were the only one doing that. Yet, Teague detests the women’s lewd advances, solely longing for Ciara’s affection.

The Mists of Connemara by Isabelle Kane and Audrey Tremaine pleases their readers with a sweet though enjoyable mystic tale of love lost, and then redeemed. Brianna always believed in fairies, so much so that her family and friends found her odd. Chastised by her older sister for still believing in fairies, teenager Brianna decides to let go of her fairy friends. Now as an adult she faces blindness and loneliness, having given her heart away to the only man she ever loved – Uistean, her childhood fey friend. Resigned to her fate, Brianna returns to Connemara where, in her nightly dreams, Uistean beckons her to return to him before it’s too late.

Ms. Kane and Ms. Tremaine’s characters are real, breathing life into this natural, enchanting story. Brianna returns to Connemara secretly hoping to rekindle her relationship with the fey folk, especially Uistean. Cursed by Edana, the Lianshee, Uistean struggles to protect Brianna from this spiteful woman, even bartering his life to secure her safety.

Many readers will enjoy the Irish folklore that drives these captivating stories. Six authors deliver their unique themes while enthralling the reader with robust, lively characters. Love’s Lucky Charm is the most erotic of all the stories, whereas the others barely breach mainstream sensuality, although still gratifying with their creative sexual tension. An entertaining anthology that is strong with old-fashioned romance, peppered with intrigue, that brings Ireland to life with a mere click of the mouse.