3.5 stars - This was definitely a book that I ultimately enjoyed. It was a simple, sweet read with a fun concept.

My biggest issue was simply the overall pace. I think there were times where we skipped a few steps and things developed without us getting to see the whole process. The relationship , for example, was so cute and I loved Collin and Chelsea together. But, Collin basically liked her right off the jump and we didn't get to see the feelings grow. We kind of did with Chelsea because she wasn't sure at first, but really she just suddenly was interested and that was that.

Her growth was very simplistic: rigid, analytical girl has goals and finally realizes life doesn't always go as planned. Again, cute idea, love that she changed, but the way I described it just now is about as in depth as her growth gets in the book, too.

These issues just made it tough to get fully invested because I was very aware that I was reading a story the whole time. I couldn't truly sink in to this world.

But I do have to wrap this up by saying again that I did truly have a good time. Chelsea was pretty funny and I did enjoy her growth. Collin was also funny and definitely loveable. The side characters brought good humor and sweetness. Getting to explore Ireland with Chelsea was definitely a lot of fun. Overall, it's a pretty fun and easy read that I'm glad I picked up.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinion are my own.

Such a cute read!! Waiting to find my own Collin so might have to plan a trip to Ireland. I loved the character development and internal battle that Chelsea struggles with as her priorities change. The Ireland scenery was such a nice change and is giving me inspiration for my own adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I found the book to be a bit boring. I didn't really feel the chemistry between the main leads and it took Chelsea way too long to stop moping and realize she was in freaking Ireland!

I found this to be a fun, fast beach read. I only gave it 3 stars because I found it to be a bit too predictable. Of course she ends up loving Ireland. I found that Chelsea acted younger than her years. She just won’t let go of the idea of some perfect dream job in Boston instead of embracing an awesome opportunity to really experience something else. Even with Collin and Flo’s repeated reminders to live in the moment, she wastes half the summer with her foot already on a plane headed back to Boston.

3 stars

I love Ireland and am always excited to read a book that is set there. However, Chelsea, the main female character in this book was incredibly annoying for about 90% of the book. The visits to Irish landmarks were a lot of fun. The supporting cast was great! Unfortunately, Chelsea was such a Debbie Downer that I almost DNF'd on multiple occasions. I could NOT see why anyone wanted to befriend her, romantically or otherwise!

I would read other books by this author. However, this one was just not my jam.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the digital ARC in return for an honest review.

Thanks so much to Avon Books and the author for the eARC in exchange doe my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.

This book started out strong for me. I was intrigued by the premise and thought it would be a solid read. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite pan out that way.

One thing that didn’t sit right with me was how quickly the main characters connected. There wasn’t much buildup or explanation—it just happened. They met one night, and suddenly Chelsea was jealous and infatuated, while Collin had apparently made up his mind about her for good. It felt rushed and unearned.

Normally, I enjoy a good rom-com, but this one didn’t land the way I hoped it would. The FMC’s issues felt pretty surface-level, especially in the first 60% of the book—mainly revolving around this constant desire to return to Boston, which didn’t feel like a fully fleshed-out conflict.

I ended up DNF-ing at around 62% because I just wasn’t invested enough to see it through. Maybe this book will resonate more with someone in a different phase of life, but for me, it just wasn’t it.

I

An Irish Summer is a perfect cozy rom-com to kick off the summer with! Watching Chelsea fall in love with Collin and Ireland at the same time captured the transformative nature of travel and home being who you are with. As someone who loves to plan things out and has had multiple life plans (none of which have panned out as planned) I loved how Alexandra Paige explored the idea that plans change because people change and grow. Change is scary but this book explored it with humor and realness!

You’ll be wanting to plan a trip to Ireland immediately after reading this book!

Super cute, fun, and happy. A nice little story about finding yourself in a beautiful place with a network of beautiful people.

This was such a sweet book about taking a chance on yourself and finding love in the process! I felt such a kinship to Chelsea as she learned to love Ireland as well as developing that confidence within herself. Collin is such a darling Irish boy with a personality that leaps off the page. I loved their dynamic together as well as the kindness and patience that he shows her throughout her journey.

The dynamic between Chelsea and Collin felt like the perfect mixture of opposites attract but also two people who are, at their cores, very similar. I loved their energy and the way it flowed throughout the hostel as well. It was just such a fun and warm story of self love and newfound discovery!

An Irish Summer felt as much of a love letter to Ireland as it did a love story between Chelsea and Collin. I’ve only visited once, but this book has me dying to go back and to follow the adventures these characters went on. The storytelling here was so rich and beautiful that it would be impossible not to fall a little bit in love with Ireland just while reading it.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon for an advanced copy of this book. I'm so glad I got to read An Irish Summer by Alexandra Paige. This is my first ever Netgalley ARC! I love the backdrop and scenery. However, the characters are unfortunately a bit one dimensional. Have you ever heard someone be so pessimistic about a free all expenses summer in another country?! The FMC is a little insufferable for the majority of the book. The MMC feels like a cardboard cutout. I wish we had gotten more depth to Chelsea or a little more insight into her relationship with her family. It has all the makings of a good idea that just didn't come together.

Chelsea heads to Galway, Ireland to start a new job at a hostel with much reluctance and apprehension. At first, she is unhappy and extremely homesick for Boston. As time progresses, we follow Chelsea on her journey of self confidence, self awareness, and eventually, love.

***Destination romance
***Summer read
***Slow burn
***Found family

This was a quick, fun read. I loved that this novel explored Chelsea really needing to come out of her comfort zone in an effort to grow as a person. Tour guide Collin was a great MMC.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

This was such a cute summer romantic comedy. Loved the Irish setting and the Hallmark movie vibes. My first title from this author but not my last! Thank you for the advanced copy!

This story was a great beach or summer read. Was it predictable? Absolutely- but the journey was great. Chelsea and Collin were both interesting and loveable characters, and that kept me reading to learn more about them. This is a great book for anyone who wants to think about what happens when your life doesn't go the way you planned for it to go!

I just finished a great book. An Irish Summer by Alexandra Paige is available in July! Pick it up! You won’t regret it!

I am absolutely in love with this book! I could not stop reading! Paige did an incredible job of writing characters with emotions so real and raw, they felt tangible! The vivid descriptions of scenery were everything! Collin is such a golden retriever MMC! There were so many hilarious and heartfelt moments throughout this book that kept me hooked up until the last page! Everyone needs to read this book!
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for my copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

The Irish setting and quirky hostel crew make An Irish Summer a charming escape, even if the main character tests your patience. Chelsea spends much of the book grumpy and self-centered, which can be frustrating given the kindness she's shown. Still, the atmosphere and ensemble cast make this an enjoyable summer read.

When Chelsea’s job at a charming bed and breakfast unexpectedly ends, she suddenly finds herself both unemployed and without a place to live—the inn is being sold, and with it, her home. Faced with the prospect of moving back in with her parents, she scrambles to find a new opportunity. That’s when a lifeline appears: her former employer’s sister, who runs a hostel in Ireland, is in need of help.

Reluctantly, Chelsea agrees to spend the summer abroad, vowing to continue applying for jobs in Boston so she can return home as soon as possible. But as the summer unfolds, new experiences and unexpected connections begin to challenge her carefully laid plans—and might just change the way she sees her future.

This book wasn’t just about romance—it was also a journey of self-discovery. The author skillfully painted vivid scenes of the novel’s settings without ever pulling focus from the main storyline. It’s clear they put thought and research into the famous landmarks and the “fairy stories” woven throughout, adding richness to the narrative.

The writing style was smooth and easy to follow, keeping me engaged and eager to see when Chelsea would finally realize that her heart truly belonged in Ireland, even if that wasn’t part of her original plan.

The romance takes center stage and delivers exactly what you'd expect from a destination love story. While there’s plenty of playful flirting, readers looking for steamier scenes might find this one a bit tame. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to fans of romance novels filled with charming accents, dreamy locales, and a healthy dose of flirtation.

3.5 ⭐️

The beginning was slow but honestly that was probably bc I was just yelling at Chelsea to GET ON THE DAMN PLANE

The characters could have been developed and the why behind their actions explored more. Bc of this it took much longer for me to be really connected to the characters.

Overall an enjoyable read. If you want a fun, romcom, summer fling this book checks all the right boxes.

the setting? perfect, absolutely beautiful. the writing? fantastic and fluid. But both main characters drove me nuts. chelsey is a brick wall until the end, and Colin is head over heels, trying to talk her into staying from the first look, which I find highly sketch. It was definitely an insta-love from Colin's side, and he was unwilling to listen to Chelseys feelings on going back to Boston. I can't see them lasting long term 🙃

A perfectly lighthearted romance with a lovely picturesque backdrop. If you’re looking for an easy summer read with an Irish MMC this is for you. I would have liked a little more show not tell especially in regards to the scenery and the set up of the mood and didn’t find the FMC as lovable as I would have liked but can see why this would be a hit with many readers.