Wanderlust rom-coms can be hit or miss. I wish the instant love after hate seemed to fast for me. I wish there was more time developing the relationship.

The Irish Goodbye by Amy Ewing is bittersweet and emotionally rich, with an undercurrent of hope. It has a reflective, heartfelt tone as it explores themes of grief, healing, and self-discovery.

I really enjoyed this one, though it was definitely an emotional journey. The story centers around Maeve, who has just lost her best friend, and the complex emotions that come with grief and the feeling of being left behind. The book captures Maeve's process of dealing with loss while she tries to navigate life in the aftermath. There’s a real depth to the character development, and while the themes are heavy, there’s a sense of healing and growth that makes it a rewarding read. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a thought-provoking book that touches on the complexity of relationships and moving forward after tragedy.

This started off very promising but quickly became a bit of a snooze when the characters were in love within a few chapters and were supposed to be fuming at each other. I trudged through it just to get to the ending so perhaps that added to my dislike, but it wasn't a story for me, insta love just isn't my fav

This book follows Cordelia as her world gets turned upside down after the death of her father. When she takes a trip to Dublin she runs into the grumpiest of locals Niall and their love hate relationship begins.

The one thing I will say I didn't love about this book is how quickly emotions change with the main characters. Tell me how they hate each other so quickly just to instantly fall in love. That was a little rushed on both sides of the spectrum which is disappointing because of how many other moments, characters and situations that I really enjoyed about this book. That being said I will definitely read more from this author and see how other couples she writes work. There was enough about this book that I enjoyed to really want to keep going.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy summer turn fall read who wants a European setting! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story!

I love anything and everything that has to do with Scotland or Ireland.

This one was a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance, set in a small town in Ireland. This one had me smiling, swooning, and laughing along the way. I enjoyed Cordelia and Niall's journey. I loved all of the characters in this book. There was such a sense of community fellowship and family with all of them. Like most romances this one has the dreaded third act breakup… So be warned, UGH.

The narrator did a fantastic job, bringing the characters to life. They also did a fantastic job with their accents. While listening to them, I could easily see the book playing out in my mind before me.

Fans of grumpy/sunshine romances need to check out this book. Cordelia and Niall meet each other when they’re both in a rough patch in their lives and while the sparks are more angry than romantic, there’s passion there. I think their chemistry is great, I think Cordelia’s grief seemed real and not over the top and the setting in Ireland was dreamy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for early access to the book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, this was such a great read! I love her writing, and I was excited to see what her adult debut would bring, and I had such a great time reading Cordelia and Niall's story! The emotions that this story evoked, yeah, I just had to keep reading!

Cordelia is grieving her dad. It's been about 2 years since her dad died, and grief is still hitting her hard. That she gets this opportunity to spend some time in Ireland, she knows her dad would want her to go. That her camera, the last thing that he gave her before he passed, is broken pretty much immediately when she gets there by bumping into Niall, yeah, not the best start!

Niall, he's a whole jumble of emotions. He had his perfect future just starting to come to fruition, opening his own restaurant, and engaged,and then his fiance and his business partner stole the restaurant and the money and work that he'd put into it. (I don't know how that's legal, and how he couldn't get it back, but that's beside the point.) So they're both a little bit out of sorts this summer.

I absolutely loved watching them fall in love, with the animosity between them because of the camera, as they got to know each other, as they dealt with the various family pressures and expectations. That third act break up, tha hurt my heart, but I loved watching how it all wrapped up and they got their happy ending!

Loved reading this book, and I can't wait to read more by Amy Ewing!

3.5⭐️ When an American tourist meets an Irish chef, sparks fly!

🎧I listened to the audio format and thought the narration was great, and I loved the accent. The third act breakup was tough though.

*many thanks to Alcove Press and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

4⭐, 2🌶️

This was a cute Irish setting romance (per usual, I'm sitting here loving this book because it makes me DREAM of my eventual vacation to the top vacation spot for me!) I loved the grumpy sunshine/ enemies to lovers vibes at the beginning. The middle lagged a tad for me since the couple gets together f@ 50%, but even the third act break up didnt bother me since it was kind of a logical break up. Niall is a lovely grumpy chef, and Cordelia is an American photographer and I genuinely loved their relationship as well as all the side characters!

Keval Shah's was a great narrator for Niall, but his voicing of the female characters was a bit....off. But overall a great job by him and June DeBorahae!

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Admittedly, I could not get back into reading for so long. This book helped to an extent although my rating and review would say different.

The thing is, this book as so many elements I like: being abroad, cute small town romance, hot chef man, etc. However, it was a little boring. I couldn’t get so into the book until about a third in and even then, I wasn’t invested. I think the plot and relationship development both lacked some depth and could’ve been explored and expanded. It would’ve made even the quick pace romance more believable cause these two really went fast.

But tbh the smut was nice (lol).

I did relate heavily to Cordelia’s feelings towards being lost, homesick, and sad while also happy and excited being abroad. I am currently abroad and completely understand that mess of feelings. Maybe that’s why I stuck with this book.

I adored listening to the Irish accents in the audiobook, though! As a whole, this book is a good listen.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the characters in this book! I loved how things started off rocky for these two and slowly they opened up to each other. This romance was fun and sweet. I really enjoyed this book and the narrators were amazing. This was a great listening experience.

The Irish Goodbye AUDIO by Amy Ewing is a light romance featuring Niall O’Connor, a chef and pub master, and Cordelia James, a photographer. Cordelia has agreed to spend the summer in a cottage on an island called Inishmore. She is to keep an eye on an elderly grandmother in exchange for rent. The minute she gets off the boat after a very long day, some idiot runs into her, making her drop her camera. It is Niall O’Connor, a very grumpy local. What will she do without a camera? She came her to get back her mojo. The mojo that she lost when her father died. Now, what was she to do? She could get it repaired in New York, but she was not in New York. The only thing she could do was order a new one, spending what precious money she had. As if things weren’t bad enough, when she was invited at Fiona’s for dinner, who should answer the door? Turns out he was Fiona’s son. He had his own problems. He had been in a partnership with his fiancee and another guy to open his dream pub in the city. Then he walked in on them going at it on the floor of the pub. He was beyond angry. Gone was his fiancee and his money.

The characters were all excellent, from the feisty grandmother, Rosheen, to Niall’s grumpy father, Owen. Such a true picture of the place was drawn from the get-go. Ewing wrote characters one would love just as Cordy took such wonderful photos that people all over the world came to love them, too. Then, she realized she loved Niall. He wan’t as grumpy as he seemed. By then he’d figured out he loved her, too. But, he three month visa would be up at the end of August. What were they going to do? Then, the perfect solution reared its head and everything fell into place. The only person that knew the truth was Rosheen and it was the hardest secret she’d even had to keep. This was a truly enjoyable romance, full of fun, wonderful scenery, and wild nights at the pub. What a charming glimpse at Irish small town life!

The book was narrated by Keval Shaw and Jane DeBorahae, both of whom were perfect choices. Shaw’s accent was heavy enough to be true, but still easily understood by American ears. DeBorahae portrayed Cordy with an understanding that was transmitted though the microphone. It was such a fun listen, making an entertaining book, even more entertaining in the listening.

I was invited to listen to The Irish Goodbye by Dreamscape Media. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #DreamscapeMedia #AmyEwing #The IrishGoodbye

The Irish Goodbye delivers a steamy romance set on the scenic island of Inishmore, Ireland, where two people from vastly different worlds collide in more ways than one. Cordelia James, a once-renowned street photographer, is in a deep emotional rut following the sudden death of her father. Her once-thriving career has come to a standstill, leaving her unable to find solace or purpose. Desperate for an escape, Cordelia impulsively signs up for a summer gig on Ireland’s picturesque island of Inishmore, hoping a change of scenery might restore her spirit.

But the peace she seeks is far from what she finds when she crashes into Niall O’Connor when she steps off the boat. Niall, a fierce and heartbroken Irish chef who has returned to his hometown after a tough breakup, has no patience for tourists, especially not glamorous Americans like Cordelia. With their personalities clashing from the start, their tension is palpable, sparking a fiery relationship that walks the line between hate and desire.

As they continue to cross paths, their animosity only intensifies, but soon their bickering transforms into undeniable chemistry. The cool nights on the Irish coast are about to heat up as they discover that what begins as hatred might just become a passion.

Surrounded by a lively cast of quirky island locals, *The Irish Goodbye* is a love story full of wit, emotional depth, and the beauty of finding yourself in unexpected places. It explores themes of healing, personal growth, and learning to love again after loss and heartbreak.

Tropes
- Enemies to Lovers
- Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamic
- Small-Town Romance
- Healing and Self-Discovery

Review

It is a perfect blend of sizzling chemistry, emotional vulnerability, and the enchanting beauty of Ireland. Cordelia and Niall’s journey from rivals to lovers is full of sharp, witty banter that keeps the tension alive throughout. Ewing does a fantastic job of weaving in the emotional arcs of both characters, allowing them to evolve as they confront their past hurts.

The novel’s idyllic setting on the island of Inishmore adds a unique charm, immersing readers in the landscape and culture of Ireland. The supporting cast of quirky island locals brings humor and heart to the story, offering moments of levity amidst the intense romance.

Fans of steamy romance, the enemies-to-lovers trope, and richly depicted small-town settings will find The Irish Goodbye a compelling and enjoyable read.

The Irish Goodbye is an irresistible romance that balances heat and heart, perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally charged love stories with dynamic characters and a vivid sense of place. Amy Ewing’s exploration of love, loss, and the journey to self-discovery makes this novel a steamy, heartfelt read.

Was a solid 4 star read for my until the end/epilogue, it could have been so much more. No look into what their life would be like or a glimpse into the lives of the other characters we met, I was really let down.

Overall, nice story with fun side characters and one of the more believable and heartbreaking third act breakups I’ve read in a while.

RATING 4/5

From the very first page, "The Irish Goodbye" captivated me with its delightful romance and picturesque Irish setting. The story follows Cordelia James, who takes a vacation to escape her recent loss and ends up in a quaint Irish village. There, she meets Niall, who has returned home to work in his family’s pub after his fiancé betrayed him with his best friend.

The novel is packed with classic romance tropes: the grumpy vs. sunshine dynamic, a romance abroad, a heart-tugging third-act breakup, and a dramatic ex appearance. Amy Ewing handles these elements with finesse, creating a compelling and engaging story.

Cordelia and Niall’s banter is a highlight, adding a joyful spark to the book that kept me hooked from start to finish. Ewing’s vivid portrayal of Ireland adds depth to the story, making it feel like an essential part of their journey.

Overall, "The Irish Goodbye" is a heartwarming read that blends romance, humor, and a touch of drama beautifully. If you enjoy a well-crafted romance with a charming setting, this book is a must-read. Highly recommended for those who love enchanting stories and engaging characters!

"The Irish Goodbye" by Amy Ewing is a light, fluffy read that, while enjoyable in parts, lacks the depth I was hoping for. The plot is engaging and not too heavy, despite both protagonists dealing with significant past traumas. Amy Ewing beautifully captures the essence of Inishmore and its residents, with vivid descriptions that truly bring the scenery to life. The warmth and joy of the setting are palpable, and it's one of the highlights of the book.

However, the emotional connection between Cordelia and Niall felt underdeveloped. Their relationship progresses rapidly, almost from 0 to 100, leaving little room for a genuine bond to form. This rush led to a third-act breakup that felt jarring rather than impactful. Cordelia's character, while likeable, sometimes came across as emotionally immature, especially with her fixation on photography and social media—a connection that felt more superficial than meaningful.

Overall, "The Irish Goodbye" is a cute concept with charming moments, but it falls short in terms of character development and believability. The Irish setting helps elevate the story, but it also feels like a crutch, relying too heavily on the evocative imagery rather than solid storytelling. It's a fine read, but I found myself wanting more substance.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC!

- This is definitely a cheesy Irish romance, but it was a perfect escapism book! There’s a bit where you have to suspend your belief (surely all of rural Ireland is not waiting for an American to become friends with), but it’s worth it.
- I liked how, even though both characters got off to a rough start, their grumpiness is very easily explained. There’s no sense that either of the characters are being too mean/rude, and they’re redeemed very quickly.
- The third act breakup was well done, again in that both character’s decisions made sense and then it also made sense for them to get back together.
-Loved the found family in this one so much!

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

Cute romcom, although I did feel like the MC's feelings for each other changed way too quickly- I would have liked more of a build up. The true MVP was Roisin, hands down. I'd read a story about her in a heartbeat! The narrators did great.

This romcom was so enjoyable! Thank you NetGalley for letting me listen to this arc. The production was fantastic and added a bit of something extra to the experience. A lot of emotions was crammed into this story, which could be a turnoff to some. The "hate" didn't last as long as I personally would have liked. But if you're looking for a romcom with some emotional moments and a quick read, this is going to be for you!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a sweet romance! Makes me want to visit Ireland asap! The Irish Goodbye was an easy read that I didn’t want to put down.
The dual narration by Kavel Shah and June DeBorahae was really great!

What you’ll find in The Irish Goodbye:
☘️ Enemies to Lovers
☘️ Spicy Romance
☘️ Photographer x Professional Chef
☘️ Irish Adventure

Cordelia James, a once-successful street photographer, is struggling with grief after her father's sudden death. Seeking an escape, she impulsively takes a summer gig at a cozy cottage on Ireland's picturesque Inishmore island. There, she clashes with Niall O’Connor, a grumpy local who has returned home from Dublin with a broken heart. Despite their initial animosity, their encounters become increasingly heated, sparking an unexpected romance.