Cute story that was a great palate cleanser to a lot of heavier books I had been reading. This was a new to me author and look forward to more.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for a review!

I didn’t love it. It put me in a reading slump. I really wanted to love it but it was incredibly slow and just wasn’t my cup of tea. I am thankful for the ARC nonetheless

**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑨𝒏 𝑰𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒚 𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒂 𝑷𝒂𝒊𝒈𝒆

Release Date: July 1, 2025

4.5⭐️3🌶

This was a fresh and wanderlust fulfilling summer read! I don't know about you, but I cannot currently afford to spend the summer in the beautiful small town of Galway, Ireland, but 20 something Chelsea can and did.

Chelsea recently lost her job as an event planner and hostess at a quaint bed and breakfast in the suburbs of Boston. She lived in a little apartment in the upstairs of the B & B. But when the owners tell her they plan on retiring at the beginning of the summer, Chelsea is given only a couple of weeks to decide where live will take her next. The elderly couple offers her a position with her sister's hostile in Galway Ireland for the summer while she figures out what she wants to do next.

Chelsea arrives in Galway and is immediately underwhelmed by amenities and accommodations at the Wanderer Hostile, but the cheeky bartender Collin keeps ribbing her and her lack of enthusiasm for Ireland. Collin offers to take her on day trips around all the sites in Ireland on their days off to help her get the full Ireland experience. She resists his offer and all Ireland has to offer at first, but as the summer wears on she slowly starts to realize that Ireland may have more to offer her than Boston.

This was an amazing summer read, and checked all the wanderlust boxes for me!

Themes/Tropes:

🍁Travel romance
🍁Finding oneself
🍁Summer read
🍁Ireland tourist destinations
🍁Contemporary romance
🍁Grumpy-sunshine
🍁Irish countryside
🍁Temple bar district

TW:

✨Immediate need to travel to Ireland

OMG 5/5 stars. A story with travel, accents, adventure, and pushing your boundaries. The main characters give off real chemistry, and the writing is crisp and clean. I couldn't put it down. If you are in need of a "what's my next chapter of life look like" story, this is the one.

If you are looking for an easy romance book, this is it! This story follows the main character, Chelsea, as she embarks on a new "temporary" summer job at a hostel in Galway after the B&B she has worked at for years closes. Chelsea fights against her happiness the entire summer, trying to convince herself that this job cannot be long-term, as it does not fit into her "plan." She is seeking a career, a home, and stability, all of which she believes are back in Boston. But of course, she befriends the other employees and falls for the tour guide. Chelsea, at times, is annoying with her concrete thinking and inability to be flexible in her plans and life. However, I enjoyed her journey, and I think it is very relatable to our societal pressures and expectations. And in the end, she learns valuable life lessons and ends up where she is meant to be.

Thank to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

In this story, Chelsea leaves her comfortable life in Boston for the summer to work in a hostel in Ireland. While there, she is presented with lots of new experiences and people.

I picked up this book on my way to a cruise in the UK. I really wanted to like it but unfortunately I dreaded reading it and am happy it’s over. Most of the characters were pushy and insufferable, especially the MFC. I really didn’t like how negative she was about everything and how all the characters pushed her to think certain things.

The one thing I did enjoy was learning about Ireland itself and getting the vibe of it, which is what I mainly went into the book for.

If you do however like a cheesy, low brain-power story with an Ireland setting, you may enjoy this book!

An Irish Summer was truly the summer of my dreams in another life. I’m such a sucker for anything set in Ireland, and this one did not disappoint. It felt like an even better version of Leap Year (which I adore), but with more emotion, more tension, and more swoon. 😍

The main character’s journey of acceptance was so beautiful and grounding,I really felt for her (and was screaming at her stubbornness the whole time). And the jealousy and tension? Sooooo GOOD. That perfect kind of slow burn where you're practically yelling at them to just kiss already. 👀🔥

If Leap Year lives rent-free in your head or you dream about misty cliffs, sheep in the road, and falling for someone in the Irish countryside... this book is 100% for you.

I love a fish out of water story and when Chelsea first arrives in Galway she is not only out of her comfort zone but also ready to board the first flight back to Boston. It's an absolute delight to watch her slowly over the course of one summer open her heart not only to the country of Ireland but also to the many friends she makes there and, especially, to Collin. I love the friendship that forms between them that slowly evolves into something deeper and I fretted over how they would possibly find their HEA with Holly so very committed to building a life away from Ireland even as she falls hard for both Collin and Ireland.

Collin, on the other hand, is Irish through and through. He worked for a bit in the U.S. but returned to his beloved homeland. His love for the many special qualities she offers are clear to see and feel. The descriptions of places, people, and activities are so vibrantly depicted that it really did feel as if I was by their sides experiencing everything with them. He falls first and it was an absolute delight to witness. I was pulling so hard for both him and his country to win Holly's heart.

Friendships and families - both bio and chosen - are in the forefront of this book. I love the bonds between Holly and her hometown bestie and between Holly and a second bestie she meets while in Galway. Then there's Collin's family. I want to accompany him and Holly to the raucous Sunday roast at his family home just to be able to watch and listen.

If you're looking for a fun, heartwarming romcom that will take you on a tour of self-discovery and romance across the emerald green hillsides, sparkling waters, and rollicking pubs of Ireland, depositing you at the end, brimming with happiness, satisfaction, and the desire to start planning your own trip, I recommend picking up a copy of An Irish Summer. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased opinion

"What version of you is here now, then? The one you fell for," I said.” 🇮🇪🍀💚🧺
an irish summer 4/5⭐️
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!! I loved this book so so much! I loved the Ireland setting. I loved the MMC Collin and I loved Chelsea’s character growth! This is the perfect summer read! This is about Chelsea who goes to work in Ireland for the summer. She feels like she left her life back in Boston. Her new coworkers, however, are determined to change her mind, especially the handsome and charming tour guide Collin. Collin and Chelsea strike up a deal: he’ll show Chelsea everything Ireland has to offer, and only then can she pass judgement. Sure enough, Chelsea finds herself warming up to the hostel and Irish lifestyle… and falling for her charismatic new friend. But as the summer comes to an end, she finds herself torn between the familiarity of home and the tantalizing adventure of life abroad. This book did have one chapter with spice but you can easily skip over it! Definitely read this book if you like summer romance, strangers to lovers, and traveling! This book is out now go check it out!!

This cute little love story surprised me in all of the best ways. Chelsea felt incredibly relatable to me. She was a planner and was set up so comfortably in her perfect little life. She saw her 5 year plan and even further when she let herself dream out that far. Until the rug got pulled out from under her. In just one quick conversation, she lost her job, her apartment, her financial stability and all of her future plans. Moving to Ireland for the summer to take up a temporary job at a hostel was not something she ever would have thought for herself, it definitely wasn't part of her plan, and was it really any better than taking on the receptionist job at her parents podiatry office?
I loved seeing Chelsea transform. She let down her walls and started to appreciate that happiness was really the meaning of a full life lived. It was heartwarming and felt real (real as in whatever moving to another country to find yourself could mean). But even if it was set in a local setting, the storyline remains the same. Family is where your heart is. It doesn't just mean a blood relative. I really enjoyed that lesson.

This was a really fun summer romance! Chelsea and Collin are a fun couple with lots of great adventures to tell! I did feel that the character development was put off until the very end and made the rest of the book a little tough to get through; I also would've liked more of Collin's character in general. I felt like he was a little two dimensional but that he had a lot of great potential! Overall a fun, lighthearted read.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
3.75 stars!
I really enjoyed the setting, the plot, our MMC sharing his love of Ireland, and the side characters. Our FMC at times was infuriating and rude, but I did grow to like her more.

This gave me major P.S. I Love You vibes, set in Ireland with all the cozy, small town charm. It’s a cute and enjoyable read that’s easy to fall into and perfect when you’re in the mood for a comfort story.

That said, the romance was more of a slow sizzle than a slow burn. There was some spice, but I wanted a stronger connection, more tension, just more everything between them.

Still, if you’re into small towns, self discovery journeys, and light, fluffy romance, this one definitely hits the spot.

☘️ Chelsea, a young woman from Boston, finds herself working for the summer at The Wanderer, a small hostel in Ireland, when the B&B she works for suddenly closes. Though unhappy about the change, Chelsea vows to use the experience as a steppingstone to further her career when she returns to Boston. But Collin, the tour director at the Wanderer, will do everything he can to convince her to make Ireland part of her long-term plan.

A sweet story about self discovery and finding joy in the simpler things in life, An Irish Summer was truly magical. Chelsea’s fear of and resistance to change resonated with me, but the breathtaking beauty of Ireland and the connections she made to her found family of coworkers inspired hope that change can be a good thing. The delectable super slow-burn romance between Chelsea and Collin hit just right and was the perfect pace to match Chelsea’s reluctance to fall in love with her new surroundings and lifestyle. A beautiful reminder that what defines success is different for everyone, this is a rom-com that you don’t want to miss.

Check this one out if you like a found family, slow burn rom-com with some thoughtfulness and depth. Pairs well with some custard and a Guinness on a rainy day.

I am absolutely obsessed with "An Irish Summer!" This is the perfect summer read for anyone who loves found family, adventure, and romance. I visited Ireland when I was 19 and loved it, but after reading this heartfelt story, it made me wish I could experience it all for the first time again, with newfound appreciation for Irish culture. Alexandra Paige did a phenomenal job of creating memorable characters, breathtaking imagery, and heartfelt moments that made me wish for a one-way ticket to a hostel in Ireland!

Chelsea is a very likeable character. Being stable is very important to her. She has been working and living at a bed and breakfast in the Boston area for several years and has no plans to make any changes. Then she unexpectedly learns that the bed and breakfast is being sold, and she is not only out of a job, but out of a home as well. The owner offers her a job at a friend’s hostel in Ireland, and she reluctantly accepts. Chelsea is not good with change, so it’s going to be difficult for her. Her first impression is that she should go home and fast. Everything is out of her comfort zone, down to the climate and the coffee. She meets Collin, who charms everyone except Chelsea. They make an agreement that Collin will show her Ireland and only then can she pass judgement. Both of their personalities seem to clash, but they both stick with the agreement. It’s interesting to watch their relationship develop. The descriptions and sights of Ireland are to die for, as Collin doesn’t show her the typical tourist places but things that truly show off the beauty of the country.

Also reviewed on B&N (1IrishEyes430) and Kobo (IrishEyes430)

This was such a cute summer read! As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I knew it right up my alley and it did not disappoint. An Irish Summer is about Chelsea who lives in Boston working at a Bed and Breakfast. She loves her life and could see herself doing this for a long time. That is until the owners tell her that they have sold the Bed and Breakfast, and along with that her apartment on the top floor. The owners offer Chelsea a chance to figure out her life by telling her that they have a sister in Ireland that owns a hostel. Chelsea is welcome to work at the hostel throughout the summer and allow her some time to figure out her next move. Not sure what else to do, Chelsea takes up the offer and she packs her bags for Ireland. Her plan is to work at the hostel for the next couple months and spend all her free time applying to jobs that will get her back to her life in Boston. What she didn’t count on is that Ireland wasn’t going to want to let her leave without a fight. From the moment Chelsea enters the hostel, everyone that worked there was kind and welcomed her with open arms, especially Collin. As Chelsea starts to drop her walls, Collin makes his way in showing Chelsea that there is so much more to life than just working for a paycheck. As Collin takes her on various adventures around the country, Chelsea slowly starts realizing that maybe Boston isn’t really the dream anymore. This book was so cute. I really enjoyed the relationship between Chelsea and Collin, but what I enjoyed most was Chelsea’s growth throughout the book. I think in typical American fashion, a lot of times the goal is to work really hard, go up in the corporate ladder, make a lot of money and get the picturesque house. If you have all of that, then life is exactly what it should be. I think that Americans can take a page out of a European’s book and realize that work isn’t life and our life shouldn’t be centered around a job and making money. This book really hit home that message in such a delightful way. II was picturing myself in the green hills of Ireland and it made me really want to book a one way ticket to the country. If you’re looking for a quick escape to Ireland this summer, this is the perfect book to pick up.

Chelsea had her life plan locked down - good job, marriage, kids - until her bosses at the bed and breakfast she had been working at decided to retire and sell off the property. To help her find her way, they offered her a place to work at their sister’s hostel in Galway, Ireland, which was absolutely not part of the life plan. However, facing down the prospect of a summer at home and working for her parents (and some convincing from her best friend), Chelsea reluctantly agreed to pack and move across the Atlantic to spend a summer in a new country with a new job.

What I loved:
I thought the story was super cute. Collin, the Irish man looking to sweep Chelsea off her feet, was a great love interest. He was patient, fun, and interesting. The development of their relationship felt sincere and realistic. The other workers at the hostel were great side characters who were funny and did a good job pushing Collin and Chelsea together and being supportive.

What challenged me:
Okay, I had a real love hate relationship with Chelsea. On the one hand, I found her very relatable and she reminded me of a mixture of myself and some of my friends. On the other hand, the girl needed to calm down and be a little more adventurous. If I had lost my job and someone offered me basically a 3 month low stakes work opportunity in Ireland, I would’ve been jumping up and down at the chance (so in that way, not relatable). The character development was clear, but I think she could have started a little less insufferable at the beginning.

Final thoughts:
This is a great summer read in a beautiful setting with likable characters (for the most part). If you love romance, Ireland, and know you won’t get hungover after 2 Guinnesses, give this one a try!

3.5 Stars ! The cover of this book drew me in right away. It is such a cute romantic cover. I enjoyed this romance book and I really liked how the book takes place in beautiful Ireland. It was a quick easy read. Some parts of the book made me feel disconnected to the main character. I felt like a spark was missing for me to love it. But I do recommend it if you are looking for a quick travel type romance.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

An Irish Summer by Alexandra Paige

🍀 Travel Romance
🍀 Found Family
🍀 He Fell First

Chelsea unexpectedly moves to Ireland for the summer for a job. She makes every effort to get back to Boston ASAP but Galway and the cast of characters she works with have other plans.

I loved the tour of Ireland we as readers got alongside Chelsea and how she grew so much as a person. Travel really is life changing! And who isn’t up for a little romance while soul searching! Collin is dreamy!

Thank you so much to Alexandra Paige, Net Galley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC! An Irish Summer is available now! 🍀