Thank you NetGalley and Alexandra Paige for the eARC of An Irish Summer. This was my first read by this author, and overall it was a cute story.
I am traveling to Ireland for the first time and I loved the setting in this novel. I do think it could have used some more detail.
The MMC and the side characters were a hit. I did not care for the way Chelsea was written, her story line was so repetitive and boring.
2.5 stars, rounded up for the setting.

I was very put off by the fact that she was over 30?? I generally don't read romcoms about people over 30 for that reason this just was not my cup of tea.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was a quick and easy read giving off Hallmark movie vibes. I loved the MMC and the part he played in the FMCs growth, but I must admit, this book felt rather reparative in narrative and the unsolicited advice that came from many underdeveloped characters was a bit much. I wish we would have had more culture - more about Ireland, her Jewish heritage, character development, etc. It was a cute romance, but predictable, and unfortunately fell flat for me.

I love the idea of romance while exploring Ireland, however, I am having the hardest time getting into a book where the FMC annoys me. Why on earth does she not want to go to Ireland when she has nothing holding her back!?

this book gave "leap year" vibes and I loved every minute of it. I knew from the moment we met the two main characters that this was going to be such a fun romance story. Their banter was hilarious and I had so much fun reading this. Her growth and ability to open her mind and really enjoy her time, and eventually fall in love, both with the man and the country, was such a journey of being torn. Torn between letting yourself love freely and clinging on to the stability and plans you had for yourself. and in the end she realizes that she really is only happy with one of the options. She finally follows what she knows is her own true path and is able to live a life she's proud of.

I absolutely loved how it was written, and wish I was able to see more into their lives and futures at the inn, and with each other.

Such a sweet and heartwarming read! When Chelsea suddenly loses her job and home, she heads to Ireland for a summer job at a hostel, determined not to get attached. But between her new role, unexpected friendships, and a slow-burn romance with the charming and fairy tale–loving Collin, her plan starts to unravel.

I loved the cozy setting, the emotional growth, and the subtle magic of Ireland woven throughout. Perfect for fans of feel-good escapes and slow, meaningful romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the free advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

An Irish Summer is like a warm cup of tea on a drizzly day-comforting, cozy, and just the right amount of swoony. With the charm of a classic rom-com and the wanderlust of a travel journal, this delightful read whisks you away to Galway alongside a heroine who’s reluctantly trading iced coffee and comfort zones for cozy pubs and misty cliffside views.

Chelsea is the kind of main character you instantly root for-anchored in routine, wary of change, and hilariously honest about how much she hates sharing a bathroom. Her move from Boston to Ireland feels like a quarter-life crisis wrapped in rolling green hills, and watching her slowly soften to the quirks of her new home (and her ridiculously charming coworker, Collin) is pure reading joy.

Collin is exactly the kind of fictional tour guide you want-knowledgeable, cheeky, and not-so-secretly swoonworthy. Their deal to explore Ireland together leads to adorable moments of chemistry, heartwarming cultural discovery, and the kind of banter that makes you want to book a flight ASAP.

What makes this book more than just a light summer fling of a read is how it explores themes of identity, home, and what it means to start over-without ever losing its rom-com sparkle. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and finding magic in the mess.

Perfect for anyone who’s ever fallen in love while trying to find themselves, An Irish Summer will leave you smiling, misty-eyed, and maybe even Googling “hostel jobs in Galway.” A must-read for your carry-on or couch.

An Irish Summer is just the right fluffy romance to imagine yourself in your own mid twenties whirlwind of figuring yourself out. This was the perfect quick and easy read to end a reading slump and although the main character is a bit frustrating, the Irishness of it all kept me excited. 3.5

Alexandra Paige’s An Irish Summer made me want go back to Galway immediately! Chelsea lives her life with a plan and when the bed and breakfast she works at closes, she finds a summer job at the B&B’s sister hostel in Galway. And even though she is determined to get back to her life, tour guide Collin is determined to help her fall in love with Ireland. And the more time she spends in this hostel, the more she falls for this life… and Collin. But what does that mean for her plan? This is a rom com, but more than anything it’s a love letter to Ireland. I loved the sweeping scenery, and I loved the community of the hostel. These characters are so endearing. But I also wish I was able to get to know them better. All of them felt pretty surface level. Collin hinted at some depth but I feel like it never got explored, and even with Chelsea, it seemed like there was a lot of repetition of the conversation that she wanted to leave, which did get kind of frustrating, especially since she made the choice to come to Ireland and just kept being annoyed she was there. I felt like it never got much deeper, character development wise, and I wanted more for them. It’s still a heartwarming, sweet read, and I really enjoyed the characters overall.

"Americans always think you need to work to earn pleasure, when really pleasure is the only point of being alive."

And what a pleasure this book was! I always love a book set in Ireland, and Paige does a wonderful job of describing all the idiosyncrasies and beauty of the Emerald Isle. While Chelsea is a bit much for the first half of the book (like girl...I love a grump in the grumpy/sunshine dynamic as much as the next person, but embrace the dang adventure), her growth in her love for Collin and for the country is lovely to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book.
It was such a fun book, the banter between the characters was cute! They were fun to read about!
I cannot wait for this book to come out and recommend to my bestie!

Cute and quick read. I overall really liked Collin and loved the setting in Ireland. I felt like Chelsea couldn’t get out of her own way and sometimes that was frustrating to read.

This was a very sweet book! I feel like it’s not overly romance, but also a coming of age/finding yourself story! I will be going to Ireland this fall and I enjoyed reading about the characters visiting iconic Ireland places- it is getting me more excited to visit!

Our main character, Chelsea, is in a crisis. Her employer has decided to retire which leaves her jobless. When that employer offers a job at her sister’s hostel in Ireland, Chelsea decides it could be a good fit to build her resume and get valuable experience for her dream job at a fancy hotel in Boston. While Chelsea is trying not to fall in love with country and her new job, she also becomes smitten with Collin- who gives tours to the guests at the hostel. Collin decides he’s going to make sure Chelsea falls in love with Ireland before she leaves and takes her on a journey throughout the whole country. While Chelsea slowly opens herself up to Ireland, she ends up opening herself to Collin as well. But what will happen at the end of the summer when she is supposed to return to Boston?

In An Irish Summer, Alexandra Paige weaves a charming tale of self-discovery, personal growth, and the magic that comes with stepping outside your comfort zone. The story follows Chelsea, a young woman who has built her life in the familiar setting of Boston, working at O’Shea’s Bed and Breakfast since her college graduation. When the B&B is suddenly sold, Chelsea is left with a looming deadline to find a new job and apartment, and this sets the stage for an unexpected summer adventure in Galway, Ireland.

The book opens with Chelsea's reluctance to leave behind the life she's built for herself in Boston. She's surrounded by her best friend, family, and a job she loves, so when the B&B is sold, her world is turned upside down. Rather than immediately return to square one in Boston, Chelsea takes a summer gig at The Wanderer, a hostel in Galway, hoping it will give her time to figure out her next move. However, as soon as she arrives in Ireland, it's clear that Chelsea is out of her element. Galway’s relentless rain, lack of iced coffee, and shared bathrooms clash with her idea of comfort, leading her to quickly long for the stability of home. Paige does an excellent job in drawing you in enough to where you feel this discomfort and sort of anxiousness around the question "what do I do next". This rings especially true for those of us who have experienced the proverbial rug pulled out from under us regarding our own safety and comfort in a job.

What makes this novel so endearing is its exploration of how Chelsea’s perspective of her time abroad begins to change over time. Despite her initial complaints, her new coworkers at The Wanderer, especially with Collin the handsome, charismatic and adventurous tour guide staying down the hall from her at the hostel, she discovers the beauty in her new surroundings. Collin strikes up a deal with Chelsea being that he will show her the best of Ireland, and in return, she must keep an open mind. The chemistry between Chelsea and Collin is palpable, with the budding romance providing both heartwarming and swoon-worthy moments throughout the book. Let's be honest Ireland brings out the romantic in us all.

Paige does a fantastic job of painting Galway as a place of enchantment. The descriptions of the Irish landscape, the vibrant yet quaint hostel life, and the cultural contrasts between Boston and Ireland create a deeply immersive setting that will make readers feel as though they’ve traveled to Galway themselves. It certainly transported me back to my travels in Ireland and gave me that extra sense of nostalgia for the country I fell in love with. Through Collin's guidance, Chelsea begins to experience Ireland’s unique charm, and she starts to realize that the adventure she thought she dreaded is exactly what she needed.

What stood out to me most was its thematic exploration of finding yourself when you're forced out of your comfort zone. Chelsea’s emotional journey is relatable for anyone who’s faced change or uncertainty in their life. The tension between the familiarity of home and the allure of something new is an arguably age-old dilemma, and Paige captures this internal conflict beautifully. Chelsea’s struggle between staying in her safe, predictable life in Boston and embracing the unknown in Ireland is the driving force of the novel, and it's done with warmth and humor. As someone who struggles with remaining in my own comfort bubble it lent a relatability and authentic aspect to the character that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The romance aspect in this novel is equally well-handled. Collin is not just a love interest but also a character who pushes Chelsea to expand her horizons. Their relationship evolves from one of simple attraction to something more profound, as they both learn from each other’s differing approaches to life.

An Irish Summer is a delightful read, perfect for anyone who has ever considered stepping away from the familiar to embark on a new adventure. It combines the magic of summer romance with the personal transformation that comes from embracing the unknown. Whether you’re a fan of travel stories, romantic comedies, or just a well-crafted tale of self-discovery, this novel offers a refreshing escape to Ireland and a reminder that sometimes the best way to find yourself is to get lost in a new place. Paige’s storytelling is rich with heart, humor, and plenty of Irish charm, making it a perfect read for those dreaming of an adventurous getaway both in the real world and in the pages of a good book. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this novel and being transported back to the beautiful Emerald Isle.

An Irish Summer is a sweet romance set in Ireland. The setting, history and culture are a big part of the enchanting vibe in the book. It's full of vibrant characters and a lively vibe. Although it lacks any real surprises, it'll be enjoyed by those who like romantic banter, Irish settings, and an even-kreled journey. 3.5✨️

⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 3/5
First person POV, dual narrative
Linear timeline
MF Open Door Romance
FMC: Hannah | MMC: Liam
Setting: County Clare, Ireland

This book is the perfect mix of romance, charm, and just the right amount of escapism. From the moment I started, I was transported to the stunning Irish countryside, and the atmosphere that was created is absolutely magical. The setting alone made me want to pack my bags and head straight for Ireland, especially since my ancestors are from County Clare!!

The romance between Hannah and Liam is sweet, natural, and totally believable. I loved how the relationship unfolded—no rushing, just two people discovering each other in the most real and heartwarming way. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and there’s just enough tension to keep you turning pages.
There are definitely moments of sexual tension and chemistry between Hannah and Liam that lead to some steamy scenes. It’s not overly explicit, but there’s just enough to keep things exciting and add a bit of passion to their connection. If you enjoy a romance with some heat but not overwhelming spice, this book hits the perfect balance!
Beyond the romance, there’s so much heart in this book. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and you can’t help but root for them. Whether it’s their personal growth, dealing with family, or figuring out what they truly want in life, there’s so much depth to the story.

If you’re looking for a feel-good, romantic read that’ll leave you with a smile on your face, An Irish Summer is definitely worth picking up. Alexandra Paige has a way of making you feel right at home in Ireland, and I couldn’t get enough of it. Highly recommend!

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me an ARC of this book for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Thanks for the ARC! I want to include this book on my blog as part of a series on travel themed summer reading. It will likely be out by the end of the month, but certainly before the publication date. Thanks again for my advanced copy, I enjoyed reading it and am happy to promote it.

Chelsea’s world is shaken up when she loses her awesome job working at a hotel. The owners are selling, leaving her suddenly jobless, and also homeless. They soften the blow by recommending her for a job in their sister’s successful hostel—an amazing deal, complete with living accommodations. …But it’s in Galway, Ireland. She reluctantly agrees to go, not because she wants to, but because it’s the just marginally better then her other crappy options, like moving home and working for her parents. She begrudgingly moves to Ireland for the summer, feeling booted from her cozy nest in Boston, the beloved city she grew up in.
When she gets to the Wanderer in Galway, she’s homesick and generally feeling bummed. Yet she makes fast friends with the staff of the Wanderer, an eclectic, close-knit bunch from around the world. They’ve made the Wanderer their home, and the crew their chosen family. Everyone is so happy to be part of the community, while all Chelsea can do is stress about picking up the pieces of her life. Yearning to be home- she spends her free time applying to jobs in Boston.
Collin is the Wanderer’s bartender and tour guide. He’s immediately infatuated with Chelsea. One smalllll problem is that Chelsea is unimpressed with Ireland; and Collin really loves his country. They establish a witty rapport, a playful challenging banter fluttering around the possibility of Collin changing Chelseas’s mind about how awesome his home is. So, he offers to show her around the best sites in Ireland while she’s there for the summer, partially to promote his Irish pride, partially as an excuse to spend time with her and hopefully convince her to after the summer. And thus, it kicks off an opposites attract, friends to lovers slow burn romance.
Through this plot device, Collin shows us Irish customs, local sports, shares his home-spun fairy folklore and takes us to the coolest hidden gems and dreamiest landscapes in the country. Beyond Collin’s pursuit of Chelsea is an unmissable, but completely engrossing love song for Ireland that completely spun it’s magic on me.
Collin is a loveable, cool guy type of character. His joy-de-vivre is infections and live-in-the-moment philosophy could fill a mountain of fortune cookies. Chelsea, on the other hand, was a little frustrating. She’s so fixated on returning to Boston, and at times it felt a little forced. I understand it’s utility in the plot, and it does drive some tension and it effectively set the tone that her time in Galway is fleeting. But, her I couldn’t relate to her attitude. I would have been TRIPPING over myself to take that job at the Wanderer and she was so dismal about it.
The story feels young and adventurous. Brimming with joy and feels like a dream. Time stands still in this novel- frames the halcyon days in peachy sunsets and dewey meadows. Maybe that’s just me projecting, because it’s how I look back on my study abroad experience. Or maybe because it’s the pretty cover art- it sucked me in and I want to live there forever.
This was a fun and light-hearted novel, that speaks to the transformative power of traveling. it’s as much a celebration of the Emerald Isle as a travel romance

A very, very Irish read, with so many Irish phrases that I was left feeling like an idiot and clueless as to what was being said continually throughout the book. I like the overall message that sometimes your dream future isn't what you thought it would be. But the actual romance fell flat for me. The FMC came across as rude and immature, and the chemistry between her and the MMC felt non-existent. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

Thank you Harper Collin’s and NetGalley for the ARC.

The good: I enjoyed the book’s setting of Galway Ireland and the authors loving treatment of Ireland, her people and traditions.

The not-so-good: main character Chelsea was insufferable. She was spoiled and had such a negative attitude about being in Ireland, I question how Collin could have been attracted to her. Some witty banter between the two of them would have gone a long way, but the lead up to romance was pretty flat. The second half picked up, Chelsea gave in to Collin and Ireland and all ended well, as expected.

This book is about a girl who loses her job and ends up moving to Ireland for a job opportunity there.

I am going to be honest I had a super hard time reading this book as I have someone close to me with the same name as the FMC which made reading this book very uncomfortable for me especially during the more spicy scenes.

The writing is ok, it’s not great but it’s not terrible either, I do enjoy the plot but I just felt like there was something missing and like it was dragging on.

I do think there are a lot of people that would enjoy this book it just wasn’t for me.

Thank you Netgalley Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for the arc