An Irish Summer by Alexandra Paige is a heartfelt, romantic novel set against the stunning backdrop of the Irish countryside, capturing the allure of both the landscape and its people. The story’s central romance is charming, with chemistry between the leads that keeps the pages turning, but at times the relationship dynamics feel overly idealized, lacking the complexity and conflict that could elevate the plot. The pacing is uneven, with some sections dragging in overly descriptive passages while others rush through key moments, leaving character development feeling somewhat shallow. While the book excels in creating a picturesque setting, the predictable storyline and reliance on familiar tropes may leave readers craving something more original. Overall, An Irish Summer is a pleasant escape for fans of light romance, but it doesn't push the boundaries of the genre or deliver anything particularly groundbreaking.

The B&B where Chelsea works is closing down - and with it goes her apartment. The two owners who owned it give her a lead on a new adventure - a receptionist in a hostel in Galway, Ireland. Chelsea didn’t see Ireland on her bingo card for the summer, but unable to find anything else, she hops a flight to the Emerald Isle and pushes herself out of her comfort zone. Enter Collin, bartender/farmer/tour guide who immediately sets off to welcome her to the area, much to her chagrin.

Well, I’m a sucker for an American-in-Europe novel and set it in Ireland and I’m in heaven. Not only do we get plenty of Irish lore, but Collin is dead sexy on the page - a perfect archetype of the Irish charmer with scruffy hair and tattoos. I feel like he is a better main character than Chelsea, but the way Ratcliffe shows Chelsea opening up to new things and getting out of her previously perceived notions, by the end of the novel I may have not really liked her as much as Collin, but I felt for her and understood her. I think the character development is spot on and I found myself wanting to be dropped into this world, in my 20s again, and enjoying the freedom and chaos that is that time/this situation. I enjoyed her previous novel, Weekends with You, but I think this one is much better, and I found myself inhaling this novel! I think it wraps up pretty quickly at the end, but all in all, delicious MMC, a delicious read, and a super fun setting. I highly recommend it!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Oh my goodness this was such a cute, fun romance! I finished it in less than a day because I just didn’t want to put it down! So cute!

First, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher (Avon and Harper Voyager) for the advance reader copy. This was my first time reading a book through NetGalley, and I am beside myself with how much I have enjoyed this process and the ease of getting lost in this story: An Irish Summer.
Any book that highlights self-discovery, travel, romance and the varying depths in relationships from friendship to love is a book I will happily yank off any shelf to read. This particular story hit me in my sentimental core, having honeymooned in Ireland and explored the towns, coasts, hills, people and culture first-hand years and years ago (also a pint or several of "the dark stuff"). :) The main character, Chelsea, was so well-written that I wondered if she was someone I knew, and had conversations with in another life about goals, big dreams, and what we truly want out of it all. Whether you are a planner, a dreamer, cynical or an eternal wanderer in your soul, this story will have elements that tug at your heartstrings and make you wonder what it is that drives you, fuels you, through this crazy life. Is life about a grand plan that can be wrapped in a pretty bow, or is it about moments and experiences we accumulate to give us meaning and purpose? I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is willing to get lost for a bit, both in the mind and as a traveler to some place new. You will not regret picking this one up. Sláinte!