4.5 stars. This book follows Eyre and Darby who meet on the cliffs of Ireland. Eyre has recently run from her difficult diagnosis in the US and finds herself in a small village. Darby has his own ptsd from something that happened in his past. They each are dealing with heavy, emotional issues and slowly learn to open up to each other. This book takes place over a short time but I still really felt the connection between these two was real. This was a sweet, clean romance that had a lot of emotion and depth and also a little bit of faith conversations in it without that being all it was about. I loved the setting of this small town in Ireland and the secondary characters of Mak and sinead were amazing as well. I would highly recommend this if you are looking for a sweet emotional romance with no spice but great romance.

I received this as a free Arc from Netgalley and the author. This review is my opinion alone.

This book was such a beautiful, emotional journey. I love Ireland and I would very much like to go on a trip all around the island sometime, so it was great reading about it. I liked that the book was filled with popcultural references. The banter was so funny and sweet, a smile was plastered on my face during reading the story. All the characters grew close to my heart. Healing and overcoming fears after hitting rock bottom takes a lot of will power and faith, but in the end it is always worth it. The chronic illness representation makes the book outstanding and hopefully raises awareness.
I would gladly recommend the book to everyone, I loved it so much!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of the book.

I think what bugged me here was more on me... cause the story was amazing, the story telling, the characters too and the whole endometriosis, chronic illness, panic attacks and celiacs are all things i can relate on a (far to) personal level.

I know that the handling of the diet annoyed me but that is something I personally struggle with still (e.g. she ate a ice cream cone -> gluten, she just let herself get glutened for not getting embarressed which didnt really fit into the rest of her character)

The "grandparents" were mostly cute but triggered some very bad memories with my family... setting personal boarders & respecting them is important... (e.g. the talk Mak and Darby had)

The panic attacks were handled amazingly... I loved that representation... of loosing and fighting for control...

Also the two broken characters not fixing each other was done well i think...

Unfortunately this was not the book for me. I had to DNF as I wasn’t able to force myself to continue - even when I skipped a few chapters to get more into the story and see if I could continue. But alas it wasn’t for me.

I think the main thing that I didn’t like was the interactions between Darby and Eyre. The way they were established was just slightly off and it didn’t seem like they had any chemistry between them. I think the writing style of this book attributed to this feeling as the way the characters spoke was slightly awkward and clunky. I don’t know how else to phrase that. It just didn’t flow very well for me, which meant I struggled to get into the book.

I think as well the writing style was too flowery. There were so many metaphors that I became sick of them. It just became too repetitive. This was done especially when each character was describing each other in their heads. We would focus on one detail of the other and just word vomit metaphor after metaphor, which I don’t think is necessary? Also I felt like this instant attraction was done awkwardly - I was told that they were attracted to each other but I didn’t really see it in the way they acted.

I think the premise was interesting and maybe if I had the willpower to continue I would have enjoyed and understood it more as I have seen some positive reviews about themes I didn’t reach. There was nothing wrong with the plot or characters, I just think I was just too bogged down in the repetitive metaphors and awkward writing.

The Irish Fall by Brooke Gilbert is the second stand-alone in her International Soulmates series. It is a clean and sweet romance between two perfectly imperfect characters, Eyre and Darby. They meet at a precarious clifftop location in Darby's Ireland where American Eyre contemplates and dreads a future with terrible chronic pain and Darby spots her from the tour group he is leading. Darby has a past and lives with crippling PTSD. It takes a little while to share their burdens but they quickly connect and bond with understanding and compassion. They realize they have found love and come to cherish and value each other even after seeing each other at their worst. They learn the wisdom in vulnerability, letting go and letting one another in.

My favourite aspects are the characters including Mak and Sinead, the gorgeous Ireland setting and most of all, the chronic pain struggle which is so relatable. Though not a fan of instant love, the relationship is a lovely one based on mutual understanding.

Living with countless debilitating days myself, that side of the story really resonated with me… the agony of "paying" for health choices, hyper-awareness of symptoms and grieving my old life. The author herself suffers with several chronic illnesses and makes it clear that in spite of them one can find joy and hope with God's help. So true! I also like that she describes trigger warnings with care. If you suffer from chronic pain, you will undoubtedly find this novel super meaningful. If you don't, you will learn more about what those who do go through every single day.

I received an advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

After a traumatic event Eyre makes the decision to leave her worries behind. She hops on the first flight which brings her to Ireland. There she meets Darby, not to be confused with Mr Darcy. He’s very broody, doesn’t let people in and has a reputation that proceeds him because of it. But everything’s different with Eyre, they’re immediately drawn to each other.

Eyre struggles with Crohn’s disease and endometriosis, it’s discussed all throughout the book. Representation is so important and that aspect of the book is very well written. Darby also has some mental health struggles and the two heals each other work thru it which is really sweet. The characters and character development is so good!!

I also quite liked the side characters, especially Mak and Sinead. Mak’s practically Darby’s grandfather and Sinead was his high school crush. Their story is so heartwarming, I just love a HEA.

But there’s one thing that kind of ruined the magic of the setting and characters for me, the dreaded insta love trope. It all happened so fast, instant connection is one thing but Eyre and Darby are in a very serious relationship within a few days. But if you like love at first sight, I think you’d adore this book.

This is a story that explores themes of love at first sight, forgiveness, and cherishing every moment. The main character, Eyre, battles multiple chronic illnesses and undergoes a surgical procedure before receiving heart-wrenching news that leads her to travel to Ireland. Meanwhile, Darby struggles with the guilt and grief of past mistakes he made as a child, and lives with the lasting effects of trauma. Through their experiences, the book delves into themes of love, forgiveness, self-worth, hope, and faith. While it was not personally engaging for me, it may resonate with others.

kissing only and no cursing. It also incorporates conversations about faith. However, it is important to note that there are mild medical episodes, panic attacks, and discussions of suicidal thoughts, which may be triggering for some readers.

Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC. all opinions are my own.

This book was so heartwarming. While having a disease like endometriosis i really could relate to Eyre in a much deeper and i’d even say sadder level. Darby is such a grump, but once his love for Eyre unravels he couldn’t be more perfect. Adding faith, and love into a book is something that personally makes my heart flutter. This book made me happy, sad, and joyful all at once. Which is something, i won’t forget very easily.

This is my first book by Brooke Gilbert, and an ARC was provided to me by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a review.

I will start by saying that after reading, I think perhaps I didn’t fall into the target audience. While I love a good trashy romance novel, and I was thrilled about this being set in Ireland, it just didn’t end up being my style. That isn’t to say this was a bad book; I think if you love lots of emotion and big romantic gestures, then this would be wonderful for you.

A couple things I did really enjoy:

1. The setting. This book took us on a tour of Ireland. Ireland has been on my trip wish list forever, and this did a great job of describing the scenery, the culture and the people in a way that brought them to life. It was like taking a tour in writing.
2. The characters. While many of the gestures were too grand and sentimental for me, I appreciated the level of care that went into writing their stories, detailing their relationships, and making the connections feel genuine.
3. The trigger warnings. Many books leave you without warning of potentially sensitive materials. This book detailed all of them immediately to allow the reader to decide. I appreciated the content around mental and physical health, the honesty of the ups and downs, the suffering and the healing.

For me, I struggled with the amount of romance, which I know seems silly considering I willingly sought out a romance novel. It just felt too sickly sweet for my taste, and the sweetness made for a long long book. I also struggled with some of the dialogue; when Eyre was talking about her diagnoses and treatments, it felt very textbook - it didn’t really feel like a person talking about their own experience, more so a person regurgitating the science. Outside of that, I felt the chronic illness perspective was well represented, just not in some of the run on paragraphs when she is sharing with Darby or Mak. There is also some talk of faith in here, which I simply didn’t care for, but again that is personal taste.

There was a Spotify playlist suggested as the end to listen to “while you read” - a suggestion may be to put that at the start, if you want that as an option for reads. Additionally, the slang may have been more helpful at the beginning too.

The Irish Fall by Brooke Gilbert
The content warnings at the start of this book are excellent. This story has authentic chronic illness representation, discussions of infertility, PTS attacks, discussions of suicidal thoughts, and discussions of Christian faith.

Eyre has multiple chronic illnesses. She has a surgical procedure, gets heart wrenching news, and gets on a plane to Ireland.

Darby is haunted by mistakes he made as a child. He will not forgive himself and he lives with the guilt, grief, and PTS of the worst day of his life.

Together they find love, forgiveness, worth, hope, and faith. There are so many honest and vulnerable conversations in this story. It was a wonder to read.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4.25⭐️ super cute, low angst, romance novel. Great for some summertime reading.

This was just a delight to read. I laughed out loud so many times and definitely got a little teary as well. It was easy to immerse myself into the setting (I’m dying to go to Ireland now), and i immediately fell in love with both MCs.

Not a full 5 stars because, oh my god, the plethora of movie references was just too much. I kid you not, there’s at least one or two in every chapter and that almost felt a little lazy to describe a scene or a feeling. Not for me.

Besides that, super sweet. Would definitely recommend.

Oooooh child, as much as there was a trigger warning, I felt like one of the main character's back story was a bit too dark for me.

Could have lightened it up a bit.

Also, like a day and a half in, Eyre is all like Darby knows all of me and he still loves me for me. I was like it's been a day, my girl. Be calm. I actually thought it had skipped ahead a few months with the way she was carrying on about it.

All in all, a cute book, albeit with a bit of too much sadness off-page.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. All views are my own.

Is there much better out there than a contemporary romance novel set in an idyllic country that gives off all of the cozy vibes with an adorable love interest? Hardly!

I was so excited to read this book from the beautiful and cozy Irish setting to the chronic illness representation. It was a cute read with a great cast of characters who had the best advice and banter between each other. I know we're supposed to be primarily falling for Darby here, but how can you not also fall in love with Mak? He's the cutest grandfather figure and I loved his story just as much, especially since his story was the perfect example of how it's never too late to follow your heart, even if it's terrifying.

I really like Eyre as a main character. She's been through so much and deserves a happy ending surrounded by those who love and support her. And there truly is nobody better than Darby and Mak to do so. I cannot imagine how it is to live with Esophageal Crohn's as well as endometriosis. In this story, Eyre is fresh out of excision surgery and needed an escape. Now I don't know about other fellow endo warriors, but there is no way I could've made it to an airport immediately post op where I then have to sit through a transatlantic flight where I spend the next two weeks walking a ton and taking baths/visiting the beach. I found all of these actions to be a little unrealistic since it's not comfortable to even sit, let alone walk around, for at least a week post-op (if you know you know). And the baths? Heck no. I sat through a lecture from my surgeon before surgery about avoiding baths and such for weeks afterwards. So I do think Eyre is a little unhinged here. But did I like her character and empathy otherwise? Absolutely! She's genuinely a treasure. As for Darby, he's a bit of a mess, but after some rough events in his childhood that has led to PTSD and anxiety attacks, who could really blame him? I loved how doting he was towards Eyre despite being typically very fickle and how he secretly has a big teddy bear heart. This story is told as dual POV from both of their perspectives (which I do love a good dual POV!)

The writing was good, if rather quite lengthy that perhaps could've been shortened a little to make it more concise as it was a little slow at times. There was so many fantastic quotes that I ended up highlighting as they were right on the money and all too real. So many great life lessons in this book! I also really liked the trigger warnings at the start of the book and how comprehensive they were (including how it mentions discussion of faith since that's an often overlooked trigger for the many that have religious trauma). I will add one on as it has a super brief mention of Harry Potter since movie titles and moments are frequently named throughout the book. But otherwise I do wish all books were as comprehensive as this one with its trigger warnings! I also think that this book did well balancing both plot and characters and how the side characters were developed well and had you hooked on their stories too. I can't say I'm a big fan of how insta--lovey it was, but to each their own and I suppose if you know you know when it comes to love! Also, it should be noted that this is a clean romance that doesn't go past kissing for fans of non-spicy romances!

Overall, I really liked this book and I like that more authors are writing chronic illnesses into their books! I love reading stories where spoonies get their happy ever after and find a genuine romantic partner that loves them for them. It's a book that's good for the soul and full of vulnerability that will leave you feeling cozy and hopeful!

I was so happy to get a chance to read this book from Brooke Gilbert. I loved that it was more than just a contemporary romance and that it is such an advocate for those with illnesses that you can’t necessarily see. Before the book begins Brooke explains that this book deals with heavier topics such as suicide, chronic and lifelong illness such as Crohns and Endometriosis as well as PTSD.

The characters are well written and I loved both Eyre and Darby. Eyre has such a great heart but is weighed down with her illnesses and the realization that they aren’t going anywhere and they will be with her for a lifetime. Darby is haunted by his past and has been living in a fog for years and years. I love that happenstance brings them together and that they learn how to heal together. Maybe not physically in Eyre’s case, but certainly mentally and emotionally together.

I loved grumpy Darby and how he is trying to outrun the small town’s name of his alter ego Darcy. I loved the secondary characters of Sinead and Mak and their love story as well.

This is such a sweet book with lots of heart, pain, and emotions. It is one that you read and realize that there are so many people going through so much and just trying their best to get through each day. It is a book that reminds us to be kind to each other, to help each other the best we can, and to have empathy.

As someone who deals with stomach issues and has such a limited diet Eyre’s life really hit home. I never know what day will be a good day or a bad day for me and I never know if I’m going to unknowingly poison myself with something I eat. Books have saved me and gives me something to do when I don’t feel well and I’m so grateful for Brooke and what she is doing to bring light to those that need it.

Give this book a try if you want to learn more about what living with a chronic condition is like and how we all can be stronger together.

Physical Intimacy: Lvl 2-3 (Kissing, Making out, Cuddling in Bed)
Zero Swearing

I was excited when the author asked me to review her book. While the endometriosis and chronic illness rep is really well done the romance between the couple fell flat for me. I needed more and I didn’t connect to the couple and that made me sad.

This was a very sweet read and very well written. I enjoyed this book and can see myself recommending to friends and family who want a romantic read without smut.

This was a sweet story, and I appreciate the trigger warning at the front. I personally don't suffer from chronic illness, but some people close to me do. Though I do not know what it is like, I have seen how trying and excruciating it can be. So, for that, I am grateful for the inclusion of it in the story.

As for the story itself, it was written fairly well, and I loved the Irish setting. The characters could have used a little more depth to who they are, but I enjoyed how they grew together and opened up. I'm not sure I enjoyed the 1st person narrative because it felt like a lot of monologuing that didn't seem natural to me. Plus, the relationship was insta-lovey, but also very cute and sweet.

Reading this book felt the exact same as watching a romcom movie. In other words, it was entertaining, but there's a lot packed in really fast. One thing I'd have liked more of would be a bit more time spent growing the relationship between Eyre and Darby rather than having it be so insta-attraction.

Anyway, this is a sweet read that acknowledges some hard truths of life. It's done in a respectful but real way.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC and for the opportunity to review this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Content
Clean romance, no swearing, talk of chronic illness. For the best content review, see the author's notes in her content caution section before the start of the book.

Thank you Books Go Social, Brooke Gilbert, and NetGalley for this ARC copy of The Irish Fall, in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

This was such a wholesome read! As an Irishwoman myself, I laughed so hard at some of the references.

“First lesson in Ireland - Never anger an Irishman”

I greatly appreciated the trigger warning at the beginning. I honestly wished more authors had this courtesy. I struggle with endometriosis myself and some of the content would have been very off putting had I not know ahead of time it was coming.

With that in mind this was a beautiful journey of healing, leaning into faith, and love. These broken souls were meant to find one another and God works in mysterious ways!

“We can’t have faith and not struggle, we have to fight for it. It’s not easy. You can’t just decide and never have doubts, bad days or struggles.”

Darby was easy for me to love. These characters are developed well and the storyline is simply beautiful, and very educating. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store.

I absolutely devoured this book. It came with a trigger warning which I appreciate. It was a fabulous book. It was a sweet romance however it does deal with topics such as crohn's, endometriosis, and panic attacks. It was set in Ireland so I felt like I was actually there....gorgeous setting and gorgeous cover too. Looking forward to this author's next novel.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I've mentioned to people before that books should come with a trigger warning. This novel is the first one I have encountered to have one, it made me question whether I wanted to read it or pass it by. I decided to jump in and I am so glad I did. On a day when I couldn't get dressed or get off the couch from my own personal chronic health journey I was transported to another place. I lost the day to laughter and tears. I thank the author for not beautifying the pain, the insecurity and fears of any of the brilliant characters in the book. Only yesterday I spoke to my husband about our "Job moments" to see it referenced in this novel brought so much comfort. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and recommend highly.