a note of each and every dream listed, determined to find a way to help Padraig fill them with pictures.
Emmy froze when she reached the last two pages of the book—and found photos of herself under the headings “True Love, part two” and “Paddy’s Little Girl.” On those pages were pictures of Emmy on her own wedding day to Padraig, as well as the day Lila was born.
She wiped away a tear. “Mia was amazing.”
“So are you, Emmy. You brought Paddy back to us, and you’ve made sure that each and every one of his dreams came true.”
It took her a moment to find her voice and when she did, all she managed to say was, “Thank you for showing me this.”
Pop Pop patted her hand, baby Lila still sound asleep in his other arm. Emmy flipped through the book once more, she and Pop Pop swapping stories about the pictures. Now, like always, whenever Emmy was with Pop Pop, she felt her mother’s presence, certain the born storyteller was there with them, loving each and every tale he told just as much as Emmy did.
“Em?” she heard Padraig call from the living room. “You got a second?”
She rose, turning to take Lila from Pop Pop. He shook his head. “Leave her here with me.”
Lila was awake now, and Emmy expected she’d begin fussing soon for a clean diaper and a bottle. But for now, she seemed perfectly content in her great-grandfather’s arms.
“I’ll be right back,” Emmy said, but Pop Pop waved her away.
“Take your time.”
Emmy had just reached the hall when she heard him whisper to Lila, “Have I ever told you what your name means?”
Keep turning the page to read a special letter written from Mari to all Wild Irish fans.
And did you know? You can SEE HOW IT ALL BEGAN for Padraig and Emmy in Wild Encounter, a Wilder Irish short story, about the first time Emmy ever walked into Pat’s Pub.
You can download it for FREE here.
What’s next? Are you ready to read more about those sexy Italian Stallions, the Moretti Brothers from Philadelphia? If so, you’re in LUCK!
The first book in this sexy series of menages, Down and Dirty is coming in 2022.
Preorder your copy today!
Dear Readers
When I first started writing the Wild Irish series in 2009, I had no idea that I would spend the next twelve years of my life immersed in the world of Pat’s Pub, nor could I have foreseen just how much I would come to love this family. I swear there are times I have to remind myself they don’t really exist!
There are so many moments from my own life reflected in the pages of these books, everything from characters’ names to practical jokes to actual dialogue. The “wings etiquette” debate was one I’d seen waged in person between my brother and husband! There are times during rereads where I laugh as I recall the “real life” event that inspired those scenes.
It was my beloved editor, Kelli Collins (see what I did there?), who after reading Come Monday, said “I want all the stories.” She has walked every step of the Wild Irish journey with me and her wonderful guidance, advice, tough love, and friendship has meant more to me than words could ever express. I commented after finishing the original series that Riley was one of my favorite characters to which she replied, “That’s because you are Riley.” I’m not sure she realizes how much I considered that an amazing compliment.
Over the years, I’ve received countless emails and messages from readers about this series. From those who’ve wished themselves a part of the Collins clan, those who hoped to be struck by that “curse,” and those who related to a particular character or story. I was most particularly moved by those of you who wrote to share your own experiences with grief and the loss of a loved one after reading Wild Devotion. Your stories, your memories, and your resilience inspired Wild Chance. To each of you, you are the sun.
Second chance stories have always been one of my favorite tropes—right up there with friends to lovers—and I desperately wanted Padraig to find love again. I hope I have done you all proud with his and Emmy’s story. I knew Padraig was going to need a very special woman after Mia…and then came Emmy, a sweet, compassionate woman who’d suffered her own losses and who understood Paddy (sometimes even better than he understood himself).
When I originally plotted out the next generation’s stories, I have to confess I envisioned Pop Pop dying in the last book, his legacy as the wise barman being carried forward by Padraig. However, as the series crept ever closer to December, I knew I couldn’t do that. This world needs Pop Pop—his wisdom, his understanding, his compassion, and his unending belief that love (in all its many forms) is the most important thing. And so…he lives forever.
What’s next for Mari Carr? Well, obviously…the Moretti family—those sexy Italian Stallions from Philly. And because they have friends and family in Baltimore and because I’m terrible at goodbyes, I think you can count on more than a few Collins cameos in future books.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you…for your emails, your Facebook messages/posts, and most importantly, your support. I’m raising a pint of Guinness in honor of you!
All the best,
Mari
The Wilder Irish series
Have you read the entire Wilder Irish series? All the books are standalone, so they can be read in any order. Be sure to check out all of them!
Wild Passion
Wild Desire
Wild Devotion
Wild at Heart
Wild Temptation
Wild Kisses
Wild Fire
Wild Spirit
Wild Side
Wild Night
Wild Embrace
Wild Dreams
Wild Chance
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About the Author
Virginia native Mari Carr is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller of contemporary romance novels. With over two million copies of her books sold, Mari was the winner of the Romance Writers of America’s Passionate Plume award for her novella, Erotic Research. She has over a hundred published works, including her popular Wild Irish and Compass books, along with the Trinity Masters series she writes with Lila Dubois.
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