Catherine Walsh is a new to me author and if it weren’t for this cute cover and the premise of a small town Irish romance with some family dynamics to stir things up, who knows if I would have read this. I’m so glad I did because it was exactly the kind of slow burn angsty funny romcom I always get a thrill over.

Like in Hallmark movie fashion, Abby Reynolds left Clonard, Ireland, but now that her life in Manhattan falls apart, she returns - and she is not thrilled. The story is two-fold:

a) Abby’s next-door neighbour she grew up with, Luke Bailey, is now the hottie with a witty mouth and the guy who helps her connect with Clonard all over again. And don’t let the title fool you: the story isn’t weighed down with “this is only a rebound”. Nope. I loved seeing these two get reacquainted and reconnected. They have a rich history so for me, their chemistry is tangible and believable.

b) Abby deals with the estranged relationship she has with her sister, Louise; though they appear distant, they are strangely very close. They are certainly different in their values, except when it comes to family. (Oh how you’ll love their humorous interactions with each other.)

Abby’s return home during a life transition perhaps can be personal to many: she struggles, succeeds, fails, succeeds, and what comes to fruition is the fact that hey - life sucks but it’s never too late: “Everyone worth anything thinks they’re too old or too young or too whatever at some point but they’re not.”

Though there are Hallmark vibes to “The Rebound”, it does have a couple steamy scenes. Putting all that aside, this was a definite 5 star for me.

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy in an exchange for an honest review.

"It's so loud I can't hear my own thoughts. Which is fortunate seeing as I don't have any. Just Luke. Just now."

miscommunication; best friend has a crush on MC's love interest; small town romance — i'll be honest, none of these are necessarily at the top of my favorite tropes list, but i still got convinced to read it solely for the childhood friends to lovers trope. and man, Catherine Walsh really had a knack for making this story as addicting as it was!

i was very quickly drawn into the story and was actually quite surprised myself by how much of a page-turner this was. the story flows really nicely and it's so light and easy to follow. i love the cute, natural banter between Abby and Luke; when light jokes are written like that, it can often feel a bit forced, but i did not think that was the case here at all. their playful flirting had me giggling and squealing all throughout the book.

coming from a relatively small city myself, i loved reading about Abby rediscovering and rebuilding her connection with her hometown, plus i love the development of her sisterly relationship with Louise.

this was such and enjoyable, funny and sweet romance, definitely a must for this Valentine's Day!

thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the e-arc!

When Abby returns home to her quaint Irish village after a series of life changing events back in NYC, she has time to take a beat, connect with old friends, and contemplate her next steps. Abby’s tense and complicated relationship with her older sister Louise, and her reconnection with her childhood next door neighbour Luke, make for a rom com that is sweet, but can be frustrating.. Throughout the story, there is lack of communication between characters which provides more unresolved conflict than is tolerable at times. However, the chemistry between Abby and Luke provides a welcome distraction and some light steam. The addition of Abby’s friends Jess and Beth creates some emotional depth and a curiosity as to where their own new friendship may lead (which could be an intriguing sequel!).

Abby is a likeable character and I wanted her to succeed. She made decisions that were not entirely predictable which kept the story interesting. I liked The Rebound and give it 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Bookouture and Net Galley for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book was so cute and a fun read. I read the author’s debut when it was released and I absolutely loved it. I was scared that this was not as good, but I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. Luke was the perfect hero and I kind of want him for myself. The dynamic between Abby and Louise was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time

This book was a super cute, small town read.
I loved the characters, they were really cute. The story plot was a good one, some slow burn drama.

This is the story of Abby an Irish girl that ended up back home in Ireland when the company for which she used to work in New York, closed. Back home she saw Luke, the boy next door. Luke was Abby’s childhood friend. But he was now the same little boy she last saw, he grew up in all terms 😅. we get some misunderstandings, drama, tension!!! I loved it.

This is such a perfect read for Valentine’s Day.

Another Catherine Walsh book which I absolutely loved !! I have to admit, I did have high expectations for this after loving Walsh’s previous book, ‘one night only’, and I was delighted to love this one also. This really had everything I wanted in a romcom, Walsh has a fantastic writing style and the book is kept wonderfully romantic and fun throughout. Luke and Abby definitely had a lot of chemistry together, and the banter between them both made the romance part of the book very entertaining to read.

As individual characters, I adored Abby. Having lost her job, fiancé and apartment, she is left with no choice but to go back home to Ireland. Everything really is going wrong for her. It’s because of her struggles that I loved her so much, Abby was someone I could connect with and I was really invested in her getting a happy ending, preferably with the very hot next door neighbour Luke ;)) Aside from the romance being a big part of what I enjoyed in this story, I also loved witnessing the development of the family relationships between Abby and her sister, it was very heart warming to witness the development of both of them together.

The only thing I wanted more of was Luke !! Being both very hot and sweet, It’s hard not to fall a little in love with him, and I just wish there had been a little more about him. This being said there really is nothing I disliked about this book, I can definitely see it being one of my favourite romcoms of the year and I will be eagerly looking out for whatever Catherine Walsh writes next.

Would recommend to fans of the song ‘everything has changed’ by Taylor Swift!

I really enjoyed this novel! This was such an enjoyable story and I truly loved the characters! The storyline felt so relatable, while also placing the whole story in a the beautiful Ireland context. I definitely plan on reading more by this author soon!

I was one of the lucky girls who were able to get an ARC of Catherine Walsh debut novel “One Night Only” and I loved it.
The same goes for this second book, just amazing. I still can’t believe this is a second novel, the wording and plot are so good and never forgone.

The Rebound tells us the story of Abby Reynolds, an Irish woman whose life in New York is basically a disaster and because of that she decides to move back to her hometown, in Ireland.
Luke Bailey is, according to Abby, only the stranger who gave her a lift home from the airport, little does she knows that he’s actually her hometown/childhood neighbour that she hasn’t seen in ages.
He knows who she is, she doesn’t recognise him, so you see the problem when she set up her mind on him being a good rebound to move on from her disastrous life.

What I liked the most about this book is the similarity with “One Night Only” in the introspection of the characters, this book is not just a romance.
The protagonists have a personal growth, Abby in particular has to put together her life and she starts both from herself and from the relationship with her sister.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of love, lust and banter as well, but is so great when characters actually develop throughout the book (it’s not the case with a lot of romances out there).

This book isn’t perfect, there are some weird decisions made by both Abby and Luke and in some occasion I can’t really emphasise with Abby.
Overall though it’s a very very good book, it’s not easy to find a very good modern romance out there, this one is.

Hope to read more by Catherine Walsh in the future!

Abby has to start again; she's lost her job, her fiancé has dumped her and she has no home. But leaving New York and returning back to her hometown, in Ireland, isn't what she wants to do, it's her only option.

But finding her roots, connecting with old friends and making a relationship with her family is exactly the medicine she needs.

I purposely requested this book because of the author! I've read Walsh before and she does not disappoint, banter between characters with sarcasm in between is spot on for me.

As the reader, you are begging the heroine to do the right things, and I didn't see that ending coming; but it made complete sense!

I loved the character of Beth. She has so much life and bounce in her, I would be scared to lose her as a friend as well.

Each character has their own individual back story which Walsh subtly weaves in, without taking away from the main narrative. The writing is clever and easy to read, with a narrative that is easy to follow.

I will never hesitate to pick up this author and I can't wait to read more.

Looking for a bit of a treat this Valentine’s Day? Why not show yourself some love and affection by ordering The Rebound by Catherine Walsh.

After totally adoring this author’s debut, I am delighted to be able to review her second book. It is a light-hearted romantic comedy which I read in 2 sittings. My excitement was justified as I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride alongside Abby and Luke who rediscover themselves and each other after Abby’s engagement is called off. Both are likable and relatable, as well as the other characters weaved throughout the story.
Set in a beautiful rural location that allows the reader to escape from the stresses of life, the author has the ability to paint pictures with her words.

I can not fault this in any way, and Catherine Walsh is definitely worth looking out for. This five-star read is highly recommended to all fans of this genre. Order yourself a copy today!

Much like One Night Only, I devoured this. It was such a light and cozy book that I simply couldn't put it down once I started reading.

This book isn't a hundred percent centered on the romance between Abby and Luke, but more about the growth Abby goes through and how things change once she goes to her hometown. Something I loved was Abby and her sister growing closer through the book and making amends for so much time apart even tho they are so different, it genuinely made me smile and it felt so real. About Abby and Luke, they were adorable together and their banter was amazing and the way their relationship bloomed was awesome. Also, Jess and Beth? loved both characters so much I wish I could read more about them.

It was an utterly enjoyable and charming read that makes your heart melt and puts a smile on your face.

If you are looking for a cute, fresh, and cozy book that isn't so much about romance but also change and growth, then this is the book for you. 4/5 stars.

A brilliant romance story that kept me hooked until the end set in a cute, lovable Irish town and characters.

This book was such a fantastic surprise and to be honest I just wanted more! A really good romantic story that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Highly recommend

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner are you looking for a cute fluffy feel good romantic comedy to cozy up with a read? If you're like me - AKA single and living vicariously through books I'd recommend picking up this book.

The Rebound follows Abby Reynolds all the way home to Ireland from New York. With her life in what you could say are shambles, he packs up all that she owns and hikes tail to her hometown in rural Ireland. This book is a coming home, childhood friend, slowburn romance that just made me want to book a flight all the way to Ireland.

I do have to say that I did find it a bit insta-love or should I say insta-lust. Abby as a character said and did things that I didn’t like. It felt as if she was using Luke and while I guess that was sort of the point and Luke was somewhat okay with it, it really just didn’t translate well.

I rated this book 3.9 stars, just shy of 4 because there were some questionable decisions Abby and Luke make. However, I enjoyed their story of two friends comeback and finding love. Ahaha it's the hopeless romantic in me.

One of the cutest books I have read in a while!

The characters were amazing! I loved Abby and Luke so much. This book is a second chance from childhood friends to lovers, and I loved it! This book was such a cute rom-com and had me smiling from ear to ear. The banter, the romance, and the humor were amazing. I recommend this book so much!

Abby left her small rural Ireland home after graduation for the excitement and success of a New York career. But now, the bank she worked at for years, where she invested all her money, even had a company owned loft, has gone bankrupt right after her fiancé broke up with her. Returning home in disgrace, Abby is embarrassed to tell her family that she is single, homeless, and unemployed. But after a flirtation and possible hook up with the gorgeous stranger she met at the bus station turns out to be the boy next door, the boy she played with as a child, that everyone in her small hometown knows...and it turns out he knew who she was the whole time, she struggles to explain the truth and not hurt anyone's feelings. But could her growing feelings for Luke be the real thing or just a way to pass the time until she can get her life turned around?
Beautiful scenery, wonderful description of small town life, and a sweet gorgeous hometown boy, what else do you need? I absolutely fell in love with Luke in this story and I felt sorry for how Abby treated him in the beginning. I'm so glad they got their HEA.
I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

A clean classic Rom-Com set in a small Irish town. Checking all the boxes with family drama, blossoming friendships, small-town shenanigans, and love drizzled with a little witty banter to spice it up.

Abby loses it all, her job her fiancé her perfect life in New York. What do you do when you have nothing left? You go home of course, even if it’s the last place you want to be. So, our story begins with Abby heading home and bumping into a very hot friendly stranger perfect for a rebound.

The story starts off slow with a lot of frustrating miscommunications between Abby and almost every character in the book. I wanted to like Abby but honestly, I just could not relate even though all the things she went through were highly relatable.

“Walking to birdsongs is all well and good until they’re outside your window at five am and won’t shut up.” - Catherine Walsh, The Rebound

Although it’s marketed as a romance it felt more like a story about Abby finding herself working through heartbreak, adversity, and reconnecting with family. The romance between Abby and Luke, her oh so handsome love interest felt like a side plot with only fleeting moments spent together.

The plot is well thought out with lots of twists and turns while still making sense and making the reader feel involved and invested in the story.

“You’re beautiful, he whispers. And smart and ambitious and brave and I love you.” -Catherine Walsh, The Rebound

The Irish setting of the story is whimsical and cozy just how I would imagine it, I wish Walsh added more detail and created an atmosphere for readers to relish. Overall, the story has a beautiful message about family, friendship, and love. Particularly the love between sisters, which was by far the most beautiful part.

“You find something you love, and you decide to go for it instead of settling.” - Catherine Walsh, The Rebound

The Rebound isn’t a book that will get your blood pumping or keep you up at night thinking about what’s going to happen next. But it was a lovely read with warmth and lots of feels.

Another solid read from Walsh! I finished this book on one setting…couldn’t put it down. I loved Abby and Luke other. Having grown up in a small town, I totally understood Abby’s reluctance to go back and feeling stuck there. I enjoyed seeing Abby and Louise develop a relationship and begin to understand each other. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys romantic comedies set in small towns!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

The Rebound is a novel about second chance romance. Abby loses everything when her company goes down in flames (think Lehman Brothers) and decides to come home to Ireland to hide for a bit. She re-meets her old neighbor and of course, she’s instantly attracted to him.

I thought that Catherine Walsh sort of let their relationship drag a little bit. It didn’t seem they had much chemistry. I liked reading about the relationship with her sister and her friends more. I also didn’t feel like Abby was the most likable character. I liked the Irish small town vibe. It was a light read but not remarkable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I must begin this review by stating that Abby is my favorite book heroine for the year thus far! And this is out of 26 books I've read! Titled 'The Rebound' by Catherine Walsh, this novel follows the antics of Abby Reynolds, who is definitely not your typical Irish woman. Born and raised in the tiny country town of Clonard, our heroine always felt like she was destined for more, and left for big-city living as soon as she could. Through the years, she rose amongst the ranks, solidifying herself a force to be reckoned with in the cutthroat financial sector. However, due to a series of unfortunate events- her fiance broke ended their engagement and the loss of the job that had become her life- she now finds herself back in the very town she tried to escape. Feeling disgraced and discouraged, she accepts a ride home from a stranger she finds herself very attracted to, and has a wonderful idea...a rebound! We all know the saying, to get over someone old, you do the opposite with someone new! Of course, as can happen with the best-laid plans and all that, it turns out her new crush is her old childhood friend and next-door neighbor, Luke. Without giving away too much of the plot, what follows next are a lot of zany and wildly hilarious moments that make for a really awesome novel!

As stated earlier, I absolutely loved Abby's character; incredibly sarcastic, smart, witty, but flawed in a way that makes her relatable, she had highs and lows throughout the book that would resonate with readers. There were one or two moments where decisions she made annoyed me (for example, when she took so long to tell Luke she was no longer engaged), but they only endeared her to me more. Who wants to read about a character they are unable to identify with? We all make mistakes, but it is important to own up to them, moving forward to rectification. Similarly, Luke was the best rebound a girl could want. Alpha, but sweet, understanding, not too pushy, he was a great hero for our heroine.

Coming from someone who does not usually read these types of romance (honestly, there is something wrong with me, because my favorite book trope is kidnapping/forced love), 'The Rebound' is definitely worth spending a few hours on. With no instances of profanity, this is suitable for young adults and up. There are some references to sexual acts, but nothing overly erotic, so teens 16 and older can safely read this. I give this novel a resounding five stars, as Walsh's ability to make me enjoy a novel I would usually bypass is like a great magic trick.

*A great many thanks to Netgalley, Catherine Walsh, and Bookouture for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*