"The Rebound" by Catherine Walsh is a delightful romantic comedy that brings readers into the charming world of rural Ireland, where Abby Reynolds returns after a series of unfortunate events. Abby's journey from the bustling streets of Manhattan to her quaint hometown is a humorous and heartwarming exploration of self-discovery and rekindling old connections. Walsh's vivid descriptions and witty dialogue make Abby's struggles and triumphs relatable and engaging. The unexpected reunion with her childhood neighbor, Luke Bailey, adds a layer of complexity and nostalgia, transforming what starts as a rebound into a deeper, more meaningful relationship.

Walsh expertly balances humor with heartfelt moments, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. Abby's internal conflicts and the secrets she harbors about her current life circumstances add depth to her character. The chemistry between Abby and Luke is palpable, their interactions filled with banter and genuine warmth that keep the reader rooting for them. "The Rebound" a perfect blend of laughter, romance, and a touch of Irish charm, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a feel-good escape.

DNF @21 %.
I thought I could read it but I can't. This book is all about (or so far is all about) miscommunication. All Abby had to do was open her mouth and tell the truth to her sister and her ex-friend Luke. That's all. Instead, she's adding to her lies by saying she has a fiance and will be searching for jobs in New York and an apartment there. I feel like only the parents know the full truth but even they are in Portugal whilst she's in Ireland.
Why just not come clean about your situation? What's wrong with saying you're single to your neighbour?
I'm at 20 % and the FMC just said she doesn't know how to be alone. All she ever did back in NY was go to parties, spend time with Tyler, her ex, and go to work. She doesn't know how to be even 5 minutes with yourself. I just can't deal with a person like that. I really feel like she is a little self-absorbed. It was really annoying and depressing to hear that a person doesn't even know (how to be) herself without other people watching her.
I can't read further.
I did like Luke. I felt sorry for him because he thought she was in a relationship and she didn't tell him. It would take her 5 seconds to have a better relationship than she had after Luke found out about her "engagement" and distanced himself from her even though they were friends in childhood.

This book was perfectly charming and hit exactly the right kind of rom-com pick-me-up spot that I needed.

A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

I’ve quickly become a fan of Catherine Walsh’s work. The Rebound follows Abby, an Irish girl coming back home after many failures in New York City. She has to work through her major career failure, recent breakup with her fiancé and strains with family and friends. This book was so much more than a love story. Very enjoyable read.
3.75⭐️
.25 🌶️
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my free e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

What a book!! I’ll tell you it is some testimony to this book that I read this just after reading an excerpt of the new Marian Keyes books but felt the exact same way as I do reading about the Walsh family- that I was settling into a comfy pair of slippers and was not budging until I was done! Gorgeous book that is so Irish (am from Ireland!), as the lead arrives back to her home town with a bump only to find out the grumpy guy that helps her out is someone she knows from the past. With fab romance, wit and comedy and general sparkle that was just so for me,, this book is just so recommended really! For fans of Marian Keyes.

A fun light hearted friends to lovers romance that is perfect for a rainy weekend read. I loved the banter, low angst, and small town story between Abby and Luke. I have been in a reading slump and this banter along with being set in Ireland helped get me out so much.

I would like to extend my gratitude to my partners, NetGalley and Bookouture, and the author, for this gifted eARC. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

1. 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 - The things siblings will do to one another! Abby and Louise are both persistent in their power struggle that they have. If only everyone could figure out that it only takes a few words of honesty to build the bridges.

2. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 - “Just know that wherever you go, you can always come home.” Jason Mraz sings this but it sure holds true and is evident in this story. There is nothing like being able to have a home to fall back to.

3. 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞 - When things happen that seem to be life-changing in a bad way, they often have silver linings. Abby ends up back in Ireland after some awful events turn her life upside-down. But…as she fights through the aftermath, things become much clearer.

4. 𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬 - The Baileys are just the perfect example of small town neighbors. They are just like family and will help you in anyway that they can. In fact, in a truly small town, the entire community will do that for you.

5. 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 - The connection between Abby and Luke is just on-point. I found myself laughing out loud several times and had butterflies fluttering deep in my soul quite often.

I loved this book! Another amazing one by Catherine Walsh. Hysterical and witty so if you’re looking for a laugh, pick this up! As always, Walsh’s book is well written and good for any age and any romance reader. We loved the misunderstandings and dialogue in this one. 10/10!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy!

This was such a cute and lovely book! I really enjoyed the writing style and the way the characters were crafted, but I would've wanted a bit more substance for this book to truly hit home.

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

*sigh*

Everything about THE REBOUND was fine. The story was fine. The chemistry was fine. The side characters were fine. The male lead was fine.

The female lead was...not fine. I really struggled with Abby and how she treated the male lead, how she dealt with embarrassment (lying repeatedly about major things), and how she treated her friends and family.

Overall, THE REBOUND was an unremarkable (but not awful) book with a very unlikable heroine.

RATING: ⭐️⭐️💫
SPICE: Rated PG-13 / Only 1 descriptive sex scene, may have harsh language.
CONTENT WARNINGS: infertility (side character)
FEELS: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.

I adored this second chance romance. I loved the characters and setting and was fully invested in the story. I devoured it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down.

The protagonist was very whiny and childish, didn't love that she seemed to complain about everyone and her hard luck without reflecting on herself, while Luke seemed a lot more mature.

Loved this book! Can not wait to read more by this author. Such a fun read and fell in love with the characters

Ok this story was actually so cute and I don’t undestand why I don’t hear more people talking about it. The pacing, the charcaters, THE ROMANCE. Ugh the butterflies I got reading this was just absolutely up the roof.

Abby had it all; the high flying job, fiance and life in New York until she finds herself back home, jobless, single and frankly, floundering. That is until she rediscovers old friendships and what is really important to her.


This is a very easy to read book; there's nothing super groundbreaking about it but it feels a bit like a hug from a friend. The characters are believable and likeable too.

Abby's breakup with Tyler sends her home to Ireland where she encounters her childhood friend Luke. Luke has grown up since the last time they saw each other and Abby takes notice almost immediately. While the relationship and slow burn romance between Luke and Abby; I didn't feel the chemistry or the heat. I needed a bit more spice and substance in the story; it felt unstructured and little all over the place. I enjoyed the story enough that I'd give the author another read, but this was a 3 star for me.

I loved everything about the story. From the beginning to the very end. I love the author storytelling and the characters were completely believable. Cannot wait to read more from this author in the near future. Highly recommend this book.

The Rebound is full of witty banter and a great plot! It is your average romance novel, nothing really stood out to me but that isn't a bad thing. I'm one of those readers that can read the same plot over and over and stoll love it.

While this could have been a great read for me, I had a hard time connecting to both characters. I really wanted them to be more fleshed out than what they were. Don't get me wrong it was still a great read but I just didn't love it!