Ireland meets Southern California in this sweet romance. I’m always a sucker for a good “oh, we’ll just have a meaningless fling to get over our ex” story and this was no exception. I really enjoyed the sweet moments and loved the friends and family they surrounded themselves with.
I thought Elise wanting to follow in her mother’s footsteps (especially when it came to finding a husband) was really sweet and a nice touch for her character. Her life is so set up with what she wants and that is turned upside down when she meets Rory.
Lives turning upside down is something Rory is no stranger to, as his past has tumbled him around more than once. So when Elise stumbles into his life he has no desire for anything long term, but that changes so quickly for both of them and I loved that.
I liked how their insecurities and desires kept them apart and the realities of trying to maintain a relationship far away weren’t glossed over, and I also loved how they came back together in the end. I felt the middle dragged a little for my personal tastes, but there were a lot of fun moments that definitely kept me reading.
Overall, I think this is a cute, sweet romance with two people struggling to figure out how to be a couple without losing their individuality and I loved that about it. If you like sweet romance with low drama, this one might be for you.
Your Romance Reviewer,
Eliza.
Release Date: June 14, 2022
A free-spirited artist. A guarded musician. One semester abroad that changes everything.
Art major Elise Abernathy didn't come to Ireland to fall in love. Her study abroad is only the first stop to a life of adventure. She'll let nothing stand in her way of getting her PhD and then traveling to far-off places to study the world's art—not even her growing attraction to the aspiring film composer who keeps invading her thoughts.
To Rory O'Clery, women are nothing but trouble. Still wounded from his ex's infidelity, he's vowed no woman will ever break his heart again. Under no circumstances will he give in to the immediate pull he feels toward the American who moves into his sister's flat.
As resisting a budding romance proves futile, the end of Elise's time in Ireland looms over them, making any chance of a long-term relationship impossible. But neither are looking for a serious commitment, anyway. What could possibly go wrong with having a little fun?
Apparently, everything.
When real feelings start to develop, will Elise realize that what she seeks is already standing in front of her, or will the shiny allure of her dreams pull them apart forever?