The Mighty Quinns: Callum
3 Stars

Series note: This is book #3 in the Australian arc of The Mighty Quinns. The story takes place in parallel with books #1 and #2, so there are minor spoilers.

Quiet and reserved by nature, Callum Quinn has little experience charming women, and living on an isolated cattle ranch in the Australian outback doesn't help. But one look at gorgeous Irish genealogist Gemma Moynihan, and Cal is smitten. Despite her attraction to Cal and her growing attachment to Kerry Creek, Gemma is keeping a secret that has the potential to ruin Cal's family and livelihood. Will they have a future together when the truth comes out?

Cal and Gemma are an engaging couple, and their romance is sweet and sexy. Unlike Teague and Hayley (book #2), whose relationship felt very one-sided, the attraction and emotion between Cal and Gemma are clearly mutual.

The primary conflict revolves around Gemma's secret, which Hoffmann handles quite well. It never feels as if the other shoe is about to drop, and when the truth is revealed, there is very little irritating drama and angst.

That said, Gemma's reason for keeping the secret is somewhat illogical as it is never clear why she thinks that finding the gem would suddenly make her absent father accept her. In fact, his eventual decision to contact her has nothing to do with her search for the emerald.

Overall, this has been an entertaining trilogy within the larger Mighty Quinns series. ( )