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Flourish by the Night: A steamy second chance romance set in Ireland
Áine is a live-in employee at a Dublin B&B where when not serving guests under the guise of her prim form, she moonlights as a free-spirited feminist looking for a good book or occasionally—a better one-night-stand.
Fionn is a recovering gambling addict hoping to start fresh after spending time in rehab. A stark opposite to Áine, he’s an optimist who believes anything is possible—even falling in love over a single night.
When Fionn walks into Áine’s run-down B&B on a rainy night, six years since their disastrous last meeting in school, they don’t even remember each other. That is until Fionn gets locked out of his room, and they’re forced to spend the night together. As the memories come rushing back, good and bad, conversations of their difficult childhoods and new ambitions quickly take a backseat to resurfacing feelings. But just as Áine considers this being their second chance, Fionn admits he’s emigrating to Australia come morning. It’s ‘right person, wrong time’ all over again.
With daylight fast approaching, Fionn begins to fear tonight might not be enough, while Áine worries her inability to be vulnerable will ruin the one night they do have.
Fionn is a recovering gambling addict hoping to start fresh after spending time in rehab. A stark opposite to Áine, he’s an optimist who believes anything is possible—even falling in love over a single night.
When Fionn walks into Áine’s run-down B&B on a rainy night, six years since their disastrous last meeting in school, they don’t even remember each other. That is until Fionn gets locked out of his room, and they’re forced to spend the night together. As the memories come rushing back, good and bad, conversations of their difficult childhoods and new ambitions quickly take a backseat to resurfacing feelings. But just as Áine considers this being their second chance, Fionn admits he’s emigrating to Australia come morning. It’s ‘right person, wrong time’ all over again.
With daylight fast approaching, Fionn begins to fear tonight might not be enough, while Áine worries her inability to be vulnerable will ruin the one night they do have.
- GenresRomance
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2024
About the author
Laura Foley
2 books33 followersHailing from Ireland, Laura is now firmly settled in the south-east, Wexford, where she qualified with a BA in Applied Social Studies. Progressing into a Social Care career, she shifted gears into homemaking to raise her three children. Alongside this she has been a writer for over a decade, writing stories that represent the Irish culture.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 16, 2024
Ok I loved this book! I’ve read a couple “second-chance romance” books before and I feel like sometimes they can be too much in the sense that there’s too much happening in the present as well as finding out about the past. BUT because this book was set over a single night (in the present) you could really get into the chapters that dived into their past as you discovered what went wrong with Fionn and Áine.
It’s a dual POV which I love and the cool thing about this book was that when we were sent our ARC copies Laura included in the email that chapter 1 & 2 are interchangeable and the same with chapter 17 & 18. So of course I read the second chapters first since there was an option to because you don’t often get the chance to do this do you? This meant I was reading Fionn’s POV before Áine’s POV for these chapters. It would be interesting to re-read the book and read Áine’s chapters first to see if it changed my feelings towards the characters at all.
The book is set in a small B&B in Ireland where Áine lives and works. Fionn ends up at this B&B the night before he is due to move across the world to Australia for a fresh start. Fionn gets locked out his room and it forces them to spend the evening/ night together and gives them time to reminisce when they last saw eachother. There are a lot of topics in this book that I feel readers could resonate with - social insecurities, struggling to be vulnerable, difficult upbringings to name a few. I thought the character development was great. There was a lot of miscommunication between Fionn and Áine in their past but they seem to be better at communicating this time round even though it is still a struggle for them. I also really liked how the book ended because sometimes with second-chance romances it almost seems rushed and very unrealistic but I didn’t feel that when I was reading this.
Please check out the trigger warnings before reading.
I was kindly sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Laura Foley for this great book I really enjoyed it!
It’s a dual POV which I love and the cool thing about this book was that when we were sent our ARC copies Laura included in the email that chapter 1 & 2 are interchangeable and the same with chapter 17 & 18. So of course I read the second chapters first since there was an option to because you don’t often get the chance to do this do you? This meant I was reading Fionn’s POV before Áine’s POV for these chapters. It would be interesting to re-read the book and read Áine’s chapters first to see if it changed my feelings towards the characters at all.
The book is set in a small B&B in Ireland where Áine lives and works. Fionn ends up at this B&B the night before he is due to move across the world to Australia for a fresh start. Fionn gets locked out his room and it forces them to spend the evening/ night together and gives them time to reminisce when they last saw eachother. There are a lot of topics in this book that I feel readers could resonate with - social insecurities, struggling to be vulnerable, difficult upbringings to name a few. I thought the character development was great. There was a lot of miscommunication between Fionn and Áine in their past but they seem to be better at communicating this time round even though it is still a struggle for them. I also really liked how the book ended because sometimes with second-chance romances it almost seems rushed and very unrealistic but I didn’t feel that when I was reading this.
Please check out the trigger warnings before reading.
I was kindly sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Laura Foley for this great book I really enjoyed it!
February 1, 2024
This book really grew on me, I enjoyed the last few chapters a lot. Also, baby’s first ARC (advanced reader copy)! Thank you to the author and BookFunnel for this ebook and the chance to review this book before it gets released into the world.
Although I have this book 3 stars, I would say my ratings of the book fluctuated a lot throughout- if you asked me to rate it in the beginning I would’ve given it 2 stars as I found it a bit hard to get into, but by the end I would’ve given it 4 stars, so I settled with 3. The language used by the author seems overly pretentious at times (I.e., seems to use multiple complex words and/or concepts in a row when it could have been more effective to use more simple language). And this is coming from someone who loves to sound pretentious. However, as I read more, I realized this could be due to wanting to match the writing style to how the characters think/act, as they both love witty banter and there’s even a scene where one of the characters explains that sometimes they dumb themselves down a bit to not feel like they stand out too much from the crowd. Even if this was a character-inspired choice, it still felt a bit much at times. I will say, though, I liked the switching between past and present; you really get to understand why the main characters act the way they do in 2016 when you see how their lives transpired in 2010. Dual POV makes it equally interesting; it’s almost like you’re getting the perspective of 4 different characters. I also love how there are two points in the book where the chapters are reversible, so you could read them in different orders depending on whose perspective you want first. Overall I think this book has many more pros than cons; definitely happy I read it!
Although I have this book 3 stars, I would say my ratings of the book fluctuated a lot throughout- if you asked me to rate it in the beginning I would’ve given it 2 stars as I found it a bit hard to get into, but by the end I would’ve given it 4 stars, so I settled with 3. The language used by the author seems overly pretentious at times (I.e., seems to use multiple complex words and/or concepts in a row when it could have been more effective to use more simple language). And this is coming from someone who loves to sound pretentious. However, as I read more, I realized this could be due to wanting to match the writing style to how the characters think/act, as they both love witty banter and there’s even a scene where one of the characters explains that sometimes they dumb themselves down a bit to not feel like they stand out too much from the crowd. Even if this was a character-inspired choice, it still felt a bit much at times. I will say, though, I liked the switching between past and present; you really get to understand why the main characters act the way they do in 2016 when you see how their lives transpired in 2010. Dual POV makes it equally interesting; it’s almost like you’re getting the perspective of 4 different characters. I also love how there are two points in the book where the chapters are reversible, so you could read them in different orders depending on whose perspective you want first. Overall I think this book has many more pros than cons; definitely happy I read it!
February 15, 2024
I was so honoured to receive an ARC of this from Laura and it did not disappoint! I adored Fionn and Aine as characters and how their story unfolded. A classic case of right person, wrong time! I enjoyed the way the book was set in one place on one night but also flashed back to relevant moments in their shared past. It made it easy to immerse yourself in the story and see what had brought them to that singular point in time. It was also interesting to see how both of them had grown from when they were young and how their thoughts and personalities had changed. Neither of them denied that they were flawed, and that made them all the more likable.
My only minor grievance was I found some of the sentences were complex and long, particularly when Fionn and Aine were discussing things. I sometimes found I had to go back over conversations to make sure I'd understood what they were saying. Of course, Fionn and Aine are two highly intelligent people who love poetry and prose, so it's only natural they would have complex conversations and debates!
Overall I adored this story and I'm so grateful to have had the chance to read and review it
My only minor grievance was I found some of the sentences were complex and long, particularly when Fionn and Aine were discussing things. I sometimes found I had to go back over conversations to make sure I'd understood what they were saying. Of course, Fionn and Aine are two highly intelligent people who love poetry and prose, so it's only natural they would have complex conversations and debates!
Overall I adored this story and I'm so grateful to have had the chance to read and review it
Want to Read
October 26, 2023So excited for this!!
January 10, 2024
Having received this as an arc in return for a honest review I just need to say that whilst this was a good book I found it took me too long to read. I’m not sure why but I didn’t gel with the characters and found myself confused in places. It’s a dual aspect and set in the past and present. The 2 main characters Aine and Fionn meet again when recovering gambling addict Fionn checks into a b&b where Aine works. Having been locked out of his room they spend the night reminiscing about their teenage years and underlying sexual tension.
It’s a will they won’t they second chance romance book and whilst it didn’t enthral me it will be another readers favourite book.
It’s a will they won’t they second chance romance book and whilst it didn’t enthral me it will be another readers favourite book.
February 25, 2024
Flourish by The Night played out like a foreign film to me, which doesn't make sense because it's English, but it gives off a dark and gloomy aesthetic with the sole focus on the mc's.
It had very descriptive writing that did take me some time to get accustomed to, especially with the religious themes.
Usually, I'm a huge fan of meaningful and deep conversations between the mc's, but sadly, it bored/confused me a lot, and I found myself zoning out quite a few times.
It definitely had very unique writing that I haven't experienced before, which is also why I think I have such complex feelings about it. Ultimately, it's how I ended up feeling about the characters as well. It had a decent conclusion that was good enough for me.
What you can expect:
• forced proximity
• slowburn tension
• coming of age
• dual timeline / pov
• second chances
• open door
• religious themes
• small town
Trigger Warnings: cancer, PTSD, sex, suicidal thoughts, Catholic religious discourse and recurring blasphemy, gambling addiction, smoking, poverty, and nudity.
It had very descriptive writing that did take me some time to get accustomed to, especially with the religious themes.
Usually, I'm a huge fan of meaningful and deep conversations between the mc's, but sadly, it bored/confused me a lot, and I found myself zoning out quite a few times.
It definitely had very unique writing that I haven't experienced before, which is also why I think I have such complex feelings about it. Ultimately, it's how I ended up feeling about the characters as well. It had a decent conclusion that was good enough for me.
What you can expect:
• forced proximity
• slowburn tension
• coming of age
• dual timeline / pov
• second chances
• open door
• religious themes
• small town
Trigger Warnings: cancer, PTSD, sex, suicidal thoughts, Catholic religious discourse and recurring blasphemy, gambling addiction, smoking, poverty, and nudity.
July 16, 2025
ARC read.
February 5, 2024
Thank you to the author for gifting me an advanced copy of Flourish by the Night, all thoughts are my own.
Flourish by the Night is a second chance romance set in Ireland. This book is a Dual POV which I'm always a fan of, I love getting an insight to both main characters thoughts & views of what's going on. This book is also a Dual timeline, the author switches between Dublin 2016 and Kilkenny 2010, I'll be honest I'm not always a fan of a Dual timeline but in this case I loved it as it introduces us to Áine and Fionn's past, what their relationship was like back then and how it fell apart through miscommunication & missed chances.
We first meet Áine and Fionn when they are unexpectedly brought back together in the Dublin B&B where Áine works, with most of the story taking place over the one night they are reconnected. There is great character development throughout the book & you get a great feel for who Áine & Fionn were back then and its clear how much both have grown & matured in the time they've been apart.
Unlike alot of romance books that are all fluff the author touches on a lot of tough topics, both characters had difficult childhoods with Fionn losing his mother young, having a father with addiction problems & struggling with social insecurities while Áine struggled with growing up in Catholic Ireland & finds is hard to allow herself be vulnerable.
This is a beautifully written book with two truely likable main characters, its almost poetic and lyrical with wonderful philosophical elements and the perfect ending that was not rushed or forced it was a natural realistic end to a heartwarming story.
Flourish by the Night is a second chance romance set in Ireland. This book is a Dual POV which I'm always a fan of, I love getting an insight to both main characters thoughts & views of what's going on. This book is also a Dual timeline, the author switches between Dublin 2016 and Kilkenny 2010, I'll be honest I'm not always a fan of a Dual timeline but in this case I loved it as it introduces us to Áine and Fionn's past, what their relationship was like back then and how it fell apart through miscommunication & missed chances.
We first meet Áine and Fionn when they are unexpectedly brought back together in the Dublin B&B where Áine works, with most of the story taking place over the one night they are reconnected. There is great character development throughout the book & you get a great feel for who Áine & Fionn were back then and its clear how much both have grown & matured in the time they've been apart.
Unlike alot of romance books that are all fluff the author touches on a lot of tough topics, both characters had difficult childhoods with Fionn losing his mother young, having a father with addiction problems & struggling with social insecurities while Áine struggled with growing up in Catholic Ireland & finds is hard to allow herself be vulnerable.
This is a beautifully written book with two truely likable main characters, its almost poetic and lyrical with wonderful philosophical elements and the perfect ending that was not rushed or forced it was a natural realistic end to a heartwarming story.
December 22, 2023
5 star read!
Áine is an employee who works at a B&B set in Dublin. She is a strong character, with great feminist beliefs and a passion for reading. Fionn is recovering from a gambling addiction, recently out of rehab. He is searching for his new beginning but stumbles into the B&B for one night only before jet setting off across the world.
It’s been six years since Áine and Fionn last lay eyes on each other, and with their last meeting left with many things unsaid, could this be the one night that changes everything? Or will the fact Fionn is leaving first thing the next morning or Áine’s worries over becoming vulnerable ruin the only night they have together?
This is a standalone novel named ‘Flourish by the Night’, which has a dual POV. Something that was incredibly interesting was that you could start the book on either chapter one or chapter two, as well as further into the book with chapter seventeen and eighteen. These chapters are interchangeable and are from two different viewpoints of main characters Áine and Fionn. I started with chapter one, from Áine’s stance.
This book has all I have been able to think about since I started it. It truly has captured me, Áine and Fionn are so real and so pure. I love the setting of the story, the names, the background. It definitely has become a comfort read for me. I started to feel almost protective over the two characters as they continued on their journey together. I so badly wanted what was best for them. I don’t want to say too much so I won't spoil the book for you all, but when I say I was on the edge of my start, it would be an understatement…
The song recommendation at the end was entirely beautiful and wrapped up the ending. I felt if it was a movie, that would be the song to finish the scene!
After receiving this kindly as an ARC, I will be purchasing a physical copy when it is released on February the 3rd 2024. Be sure to check it out!!!
Tropes: Religious themes, second changes, slow burn romance, forced proximity, no closed doors, small town.
Please make sure that you check trigger warnings advised by author Laura, before reading the book. These are the following; Cancer, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, Catholic religious discourse and recurring blasphemy, gambling addiction, smoking, poverty, sex and nudity.
Áine is an employee who works at a B&B set in Dublin. She is a strong character, with great feminist beliefs and a passion for reading. Fionn is recovering from a gambling addiction, recently out of rehab. He is searching for his new beginning but stumbles into the B&B for one night only before jet setting off across the world.
It’s been six years since Áine and Fionn last lay eyes on each other, and with their last meeting left with many things unsaid, could this be the one night that changes everything? Or will the fact Fionn is leaving first thing the next morning or Áine’s worries over becoming vulnerable ruin the only night they have together?
This is a standalone novel named ‘Flourish by the Night’, which has a dual POV. Something that was incredibly interesting was that you could start the book on either chapter one or chapter two, as well as further into the book with chapter seventeen and eighteen. These chapters are interchangeable and are from two different viewpoints of main characters Áine and Fionn. I started with chapter one, from Áine’s stance.
This book has all I have been able to think about since I started it. It truly has captured me, Áine and Fionn are so real and so pure. I love the setting of the story, the names, the background. It definitely has become a comfort read for me. I started to feel almost protective over the two characters as they continued on their journey together. I so badly wanted what was best for them. I don’t want to say too much so I won't spoil the book for you all, but when I say I was on the edge of my start, it would be an understatement…
The song recommendation at the end was entirely beautiful and wrapped up the ending. I felt if it was a movie, that would be the song to finish the scene!
After receiving this kindly as an ARC, I will be purchasing a physical copy when it is released on February the 3rd 2024. Be sure to check it out!!!
Tropes: Religious themes, second changes, slow burn romance, forced proximity, no closed doors, small town.
Please make sure that you check trigger warnings advised by author Laura, before reading the book. These are the following; Cancer, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, Catholic religious discourse and recurring blasphemy, gambling addiction, smoking, poverty, sex and nudity.
January 4, 2024
What a way to kick off 2024!
I was kindly sent an ARC of Flourish by the Night by the author, Laura Foley after becoming intrigued by the snippets she posted on Tiktok.
Reader, I was not prepared.
If you need to check trigger warnings as advised by Laura, include Cancer, PTSD, Suicidal thought, religious discourse around Catholicism and reoccurring blasphemy, smoking, drinking, gambling, poverty sex and nudity
Àine and Fionn are adorable. Meeting them in 2016 as fate draws them together again, and learning of their history through flashbacks, the well crafted story is lyrically written. As much as its a love story between two people, it's also a story about loving yourself.
Told from dual POV, its been six years since the pair last saw each other, a meeting that ended in sorrow for both. Àine has become a strong independent woman who takes no shit from anyone. Fionn arrives at the Dublin B & B where see works entirely by chance after overcoming his Demons
The rainy Dublin night is a beautiful setting, and I felt instantly transported. The characters are extremely well written and at many points all I wanted to to was give them both a bloody big cwtch.
Tears rolled as I read the final page, and I can not wait to read more by Laura. My thanks again for allowing me to read it early. Releasing in February, this is certainly one to add to your 2024 tbr!
I was kindly sent an ARC of Flourish by the Night by the author, Laura Foley after becoming intrigued by the snippets she posted on Tiktok.
Reader, I was not prepared.
If you need to check trigger warnings as advised by Laura, include Cancer, PTSD, Suicidal thought, religious discourse around Catholicism and reoccurring blasphemy, smoking, drinking, gambling, poverty sex and nudity
Àine and Fionn are adorable. Meeting them in 2016 as fate draws them together again, and learning of their history through flashbacks, the well crafted story is lyrically written. As much as its a love story between two people, it's also a story about loving yourself.
Told from dual POV, its been six years since the pair last saw each other, a meeting that ended in sorrow for both. Àine has become a strong independent woman who takes no shit from anyone. Fionn arrives at the Dublin B & B where see works entirely by chance after overcoming his Demons
The rainy Dublin night is a beautiful setting, and I felt instantly transported. The characters are extremely well written and at many points all I wanted to to was give them both a bloody big cwtch.
Tears rolled as I read the final page, and I can not wait to read more by Laura. My thanks again for allowing me to read it early. Releasing in February, this is certainly one to add to your 2024 tbr!
January 30, 2024
“You’re remarkable. Don’t let anything, ever, make you think otherwise.”
Flourish the Night by Laura Foley explores the connection between two incredible characters, Aine and Fionn, as they reunite for one night after years of not seeing each other. Fans of second chance romances, forced proximity, and dual timelines, will fall in love with this story. (*side note: there is some Irish vocabulary in this book, which may be a bit confusing if you’re not familiar…but the story is really great!)
Aine and Fionn have a complex but wonderful history. From their first interaction at the B&B, readers will be eager to know how the two know each other and how their story will end! Flourish the Night was a very fast read for me! I found myself needing to know what the next chapters held. There was so much conversation between the two characters (which I really appreciated). Through their incredible conversations, the pair reconnect and learn incredible things about one another.
While this could be considered a slow-burn romance, in my opinion, it was the opposite. The pair explored their romantic relationship in just one night (even though it was years before they met again lol). In one night, they learned so much about themselves and grew as characters.
Flourish the Night by Laura Foley explores the connection between two incredible characters, Aine and Fionn, as they reunite for one night after years of not seeing each other. Fans of second chance romances, forced proximity, and dual timelines, will fall in love with this story. (*side note: there is some Irish vocabulary in this book, which may be a bit confusing if you’re not familiar…but the story is really great!)
Aine and Fionn have a complex but wonderful history. From their first interaction at the B&B, readers will be eager to know how the two know each other and how their story will end! Flourish the Night was a very fast read for me! I found myself needing to know what the next chapters held. There was so much conversation between the two characters (which I really appreciated). Through their incredible conversations, the pair reconnect and learn incredible things about one another.
While this could be considered a slow-burn romance, in my opinion, it was the opposite. The pair explored their romantic relationship in just one night (even though it was years before they met again lol). In one night, they learned so much about themselves and grew as characters.
January 16, 2024
This book follows the two main characters, Áine and Fionn, who met during school. Despite Áine and Fionn having a connection during their school years, circumstances led them both on separate paths. Six years later, Áine now finds herself working in a B&B trying to save money to finish her degree. Meanwhile, Fionn is in the process of recovering from a gambling addiction, embarking on a journey to start a new life in Australia.
Their fateful reunion takes place when Fionn unexpectedly stumbles into the B&B where Áine works. As they spend the night together under the same roof, their story unfolds with a mix of nostalgia and contemplation. Áine and Fionn delve into their shared past, reminiscing about the moments that shaped their relationship. This chance encounter provides both Áine and Fionn with the opportunity to express their feelings and thoughts that remained unsaid six years ago.
This book has a dual POV, which I absolutely loved because it lets us see things from both characters perspectives. I also loved that whether you started on Áine or Fionn's POV, the story still flowed the same way!
Laura Foley really did a great job telling a story of love, personal development and drawing readers in with characters you can relate to. As Áine and Fionn explored their past, present and possible future, their story kept me entertained from the very beginning until the end.
Their fateful reunion takes place when Fionn unexpectedly stumbles into the B&B where Áine works. As they spend the night together under the same roof, their story unfolds with a mix of nostalgia and contemplation. Áine and Fionn delve into their shared past, reminiscing about the moments that shaped their relationship. This chance encounter provides both Áine and Fionn with the opportunity to express their feelings and thoughts that remained unsaid six years ago.
This book has a dual POV, which I absolutely loved because it lets us see things from both characters perspectives. I also loved that whether you started on Áine or Fionn's POV, the story still flowed the same way!
Laura Foley really did a great job telling a story of love, personal development and drawing readers in with characters you can relate to. As Áine and Fionn explored their past, present and possible future, their story kept me entertained from the very beginning until the end.
January 23, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ 1.5 🌶️
intelligent, lyrical, literary, romantic, slow-burn, seductive, clever, feminist, tear-jerking, beautiful, expansive, swoon-worthy, heart-warming, funny, sexy, and just down right fucking wonderful.
with how incredibly smart this book was, all my abilities to string sentences together has left me. i was so happy (and grateful, too) to be given an arc copy of Laura’s book to read. this was my third book of 2024, and what a truly wonderful and thoughtful read it was.
thank you laura for this piece of your mind, and sharing fionn and aine with us. they now share a special place in my heart 🫀
favourite fionn moment (spoiler): when fionn realises he wants aine, and rushes down stairs to confess his feelings of her. “i don’t want to make the same mistake, twice.” (i teared up 🥹)
favourite aine moment: her idea that reading (and inner monologue narration of the book) is narcissistic because she prefers to hear her voice inside her own head, instead of hearing an audiobook where she hears someone else’s voice narrate the story. (this i agree with, and it made me laugh 🤭)
intelligent, lyrical, literary, romantic, slow-burn, seductive, clever, feminist, tear-jerking, beautiful, expansive, swoon-worthy, heart-warming, funny, sexy, and just down right fucking wonderful.
with how incredibly smart this book was, all my abilities to string sentences together has left me. i was so happy (and grateful, too) to be given an arc copy of Laura’s book to read. this was my third book of 2024, and what a truly wonderful and thoughtful read it was.
thank you laura for this piece of your mind, and sharing fionn and aine with us. they now share a special place in my heart 🫀
favourite fionn moment (spoiler): when fionn realises he wants aine, and rushes down stairs to confess his feelings of her. “i don’t want to make the same mistake, twice.” (i teared up 🥹)
favourite aine moment: her idea that reading (and inner monologue narration of the book) is narcissistic because she prefers to hear her voice inside her own head, instead of hearing an audiobook where she hears someone else’s voice narrate the story. (this i agree with, and it made me laugh 🤭)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2024
I was very lucky to recieve an ARC copy of this new Irish romance novel by debut author Laura Foley.
The novel switches between dual timeline and dual POV between characters Áine and Fionn. It does sound confusing but it was so easy to follow. I loved seeing how they changed from teenagers in a small Irish town to meeting again as adults in Dublin.
It is a quick romance read but it does go deeper with serious issues of addiction, inequality and parental abuse. Áine and Fionn are deep complex characters with some parts of the novel included them having intellectual conversations which did go over my head at times 😂
Mixed in with the serious topics are funny moments which keeps it feeling like a light read. The back and forward banter between Áine and Fionn was so enjoyable. She has such a wicked wit and humour which I loved. There is one specific scene of teenager Áine talking to a priest which was so shocking and funny I loved her for it 😉
I did begin to worry how the novel was going to end. I didn’t want it to be a kind of book where you leave or stay for the boy/girl. But Laura did not disappoint!
The novel switches between dual timeline and dual POV between characters Áine and Fionn. It does sound confusing but it was so easy to follow. I loved seeing how they changed from teenagers in a small Irish town to meeting again as adults in Dublin.
It is a quick romance read but it does go deeper with serious issues of addiction, inequality and parental abuse. Áine and Fionn are deep complex characters with some parts of the novel included them having intellectual conversations which did go over my head at times 😂
Mixed in with the serious topics are funny moments which keeps it feeling like a light read. The back and forward banter between Áine and Fionn was so enjoyable. She has such a wicked wit and humour which I loved. There is one specific scene of teenager Áine talking to a priest which was so shocking and funny I loved her for it 😉
I did begin to worry how the novel was going to end. I didn’t want it to be a kind of book where you leave or stay for the boy/girl. But Laura did not disappoint!
December 28, 2023
The book is written in two perspectives, which I enjoyed as I got to imagine situations through both of their thoughts and experiences. Aine works in a B&B and Fionn is a recovering gambling addict. Aine and Fionn had been in some of the same classes back in high school and then met again by chance six years later. Aine is very strong minded but also quite vulnerable at times. Fionn hasn't had the best upbringing either.
This book was easy to read and follow right from the beginning but I did feel that it got even better from chapter 10 onwards. There were times of sadness, hope and laughter throughout.
I like how the characters say something and then straight away say what they are actually thinking.
Foley does touch upon some triggers that people may find difficult to read such as addiction, suicide and homelessness.
I have never read a book before that mentions homelessness which I liked because it is such a current and massive part of the world right now.
This book was easy to read and follow right from the beginning but I did feel that it got even better from chapter 10 onwards. There were times of sadness, hope and laughter throughout.
I like how the characters say something and then straight away say what they are actually thinking.
Foley does touch upon some triggers that people may find difficult to read such as addiction, suicide and homelessness.
I have never read a book before that mentions homelessness which I liked because it is such a current and massive part of the world right now.
January 25, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an arc for this book, and I was so honored to have it! I discovered this author on social media and love her posts about her work, and the book lived up to my expectations.
Flourish by the Night is a "second chance romance" set in Dublin, split between the present day and flashbacks. It's a dual POV, which I LOVE. The story follows Fionn and Áine over the course of a single night at a B&B, with threads throughout to show how and why they got to where they are.
The writing was lovely, engaging, and charming. I was immersed from the start. Without giving anything away, the story between Fionn and Áine is tender and beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking, and full of tension and chemistry.
This books is a wonderful contemporary romance novel with much heart and depth. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to fall in love and take a mental trip to gorgeous Ireland. I can't wait to see more from Laura! Thank you again for the ARC, I am so grateful.
Flourish by the Night is a "second chance romance" set in Dublin, split between the present day and flashbacks. It's a dual POV, which I LOVE. The story follows Fionn and Áine over the course of a single night at a B&B, with threads throughout to show how and why they got to where they are.
The writing was lovely, engaging, and charming. I was immersed from the start. Without giving anything away, the story between Fionn and Áine is tender and beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking, and full of tension and chemistry.
This books is a wonderful contemporary romance novel with much heart and depth. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to fall in love and take a mental trip to gorgeous Ireland. I can't wait to see more from Laura! Thank you again for the ARC, I am so grateful.
February 1, 2024
This contemporary romance is set in a Dublin Bed & Breakfast where Fionn and Aine (former classmates) reconnect over the course of one night.
This novel has so many great qualities. The main one is the characterisation, which is very powerful, and the relationship between the two protagonists is realistic, vulnerable, and raw. The language is also beautiful. In terms of setting, it's unique, logical, and memorable but didn't capture my imagination. There was also something that stopped me truly getting invested until the last quarter of the book.
The novel includes spice, so if, like me, you aren't a fan, please also keep that in mind.
This is a novel for fans of Normal People, Open Water, and Acts of Desperation. An impressive novel and I look forward to following Laura Foley's future work.
***Thank you to the author for an Advance Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review***
This book comes out on February 3rd ⭐
This novel has so many great qualities. The main one is the characterisation, which is very powerful, and the relationship between the two protagonists is realistic, vulnerable, and raw. The language is also beautiful. In terms of setting, it's unique, logical, and memorable but didn't capture my imagination. There was also something that stopped me truly getting invested until the last quarter of the book.
The novel includes spice, so if, like me, you aren't a fan, please also keep that in mind.
This is a novel for fans of Normal People, Open Water, and Acts of Desperation. An impressive novel and I look forward to following Laura Foley's future work.
***Thank you to the author for an Advance Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review***
This book comes out on February 3rd ⭐
February 15, 2024
[ARC in exchange for an honest review]
Áine is Kilkenny girl living in Dublin. She works in a less than mediocre B&B to earn a living but more importantly, she gets cheap accommodation. Often she is found with her nose in a book, or expressing her feminist ideals. One rainy night in Dublin City Centre, a former flame Fionn steps through the doors of the B&B looking to stay for one night only. He is emigrating to Austrailia the next morning. They haven't seen each other in six years and they didn't part on good terms. Any feelings they had for each other shoot to the surface. This novel follows shared stories from their past and present.
Did someone say slow burn?! I ADORED this book. The chemistry between Fionn and Áine is palpable through the pages. The characters are so endearing. Each chapter had an alternating POV which kept the story line interesting, and surprisingly not repetitive.
Huge thanks to the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Áine is Kilkenny girl living in Dublin. She works in a less than mediocre B&B to earn a living but more importantly, she gets cheap accommodation. Often she is found with her nose in a book, or expressing her feminist ideals. One rainy night in Dublin City Centre, a former flame Fionn steps through the doors of the B&B looking to stay for one night only. He is emigrating to Austrailia the next morning. They haven't seen each other in six years and they didn't part on good terms. Any feelings they had for each other shoot to the surface. This novel follows shared stories from their past and present.
Did someone say slow burn?! I ADORED this book. The chemistry between Fionn and Áine is palpable through the pages. The characters are so endearing. Each chapter had an alternating POV which kept the story line interesting, and surprisingly not repetitive.
Huge thanks to the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2024
This was such a beautifully written second chance story with gorgeous poetic prose.
I loved the growth we got from both Aine and Fionn; Aine in realising she can be herself and is still deserving of love while Fionn comes to terms with his addiction and grief, whilst he cares less about others’ opinions and focusing on finding things that serve his own happiness.
I loved the inclusion of the Irish subtleties and phrases, helping set it firmly. It’s heavy in places but doesn’t become too dark at any stage, it’s perfect for fans of Sally Rooney’s Normal People but with a HEA at the end.
The complex language and sentence structure did take a little more concentration for me so it took longer to read than other romances I was devouring at the time, but I know it will be well received and loved by many.
I loved the growth we got from both Aine and Fionn; Aine in realising she can be herself and is still deserving of love while Fionn comes to terms with his addiction and grief, whilst he cares less about others’ opinions and focusing on finding things that serve his own happiness.
I loved the inclusion of the Irish subtleties and phrases, helping set it firmly. It’s heavy in places but doesn’t become too dark at any stage, it’s perfect for fans of Sally Rooney’s Normal People but with a HEA at the end.
The complex language and sentence structure did take a little more concentration for me so it took longer to read than other romances I was devouring at the time, but I know it will be well received and loved by many.
January 18, 2024
ARC REVIEW 3.5 stars!
💙 I am so thankful for being given the opportunity to read this sweet but real book!
💙 I love the vibes of this book. It’s raw, but real, which I like. There’s a lot of issues touched on in this book, such as gambling addiction, abusive parents and loss of parents.
💙 This book is the first ever I’ve read that you can read both sides of the same event. For example , you could start with Chapter One OR Chapter Two. One from Àine’s perspective, and one from Fionn’s.
💙This book takes place over one night, but has flashbacks to their younger days. Because of this, I did feel like some parts around the middle felt a bit long, but overall it didn’t bother me much! I enjoyed reading the flashbacks, it gave their relationship more meaning.
💙 The only thing I would say, but please don’t be deterred, is that there is a lot of big and technical words. My little brain doesn’t know what half of it meant😂 A lot of political kind of conversations too, but this just isn’t my style. Either way it didn’t take me away from the story.
This comes out in February, so be sure to check it out!!
💙 I am so thankful for being given the opportunity to read this sweet but real book!
💙 I love the vibes of this book. It’s raw, but real, which I like. There’s a lot of issues touched on in this book, such as gambling addiction, abusive parents and loss of parents.
💙 This book is the first ever I’ve read that you can read both sides of the same event. For example , you could start with Chapter One OR Chapter Two. One from Àine’s perspective, and one from Fionn’s.
💙This book takes place over one night, but has flashbacks to their younger days. Because of this, I did feel like some parts around the middle felt a bit long, but overall it didn’t bother me much! I enjoyed reading the flashbacks, it gave their relationship more meaning.
💙 The only thing I would say, but please don’t be deterred, is that there is a lot of big and technical words. My little brain doesn’t know what half of it meant😂 A lot of political kind of conversations too, but this just isn’t my style. Either way it didn’t take me away from the story.
This comes out in February, so be sure to check it out!!
January 2, 2024
This was a really romantic and enjoyable read. It very cleverly wove the past and the present together, allowing the story of Fionn and Áine to unfold and reveal itself at a lovely pace. Both characters were so likable and you want it all to work out for them.
The setting was very vivid and you could imagine you were there on the streets of Dublin, both physically or mentally. It reads not just as a romance (a fairly spicy one at that), but also something very intelligent and clever, not shying away from discussions of philosophy, hardships and relationships.
I really enjoyed this and can't wait to see more of what Laura writes in the future
The setting was very vivid and you could imagine you were there on the streets of Dublin, both physically or mentally. It reads not just as a romance (a fairly spicy one at that), but also something very intelligent and clever, not shying away from discussions of philosophy, hardships and relationships.
I really enjoyed this and can't wait to see more of what Laura writes in the future
January 9, 2024
Flourish by the Night is a well written steamy romance.
On a rainy night, six years after they last met, Fionn walks into the rundown B&B Áine works in.
When Fionn is locked out of his room, they are forced to spend the night together with memories of their past coming back and feelings resurfacing.
The dual POV and dual timeline was perfect for this second chance romance. I did find it a bit slow to start with, but after the first couple of chapters, I was invested in Áine and Fionn's story and how their night would end. They are great characters, so well written and real.
Thank you so much to Laura Foley for the ARC copy for my honest review.
On a rainy night, six years after they last met, Fionn walks into the rundown B&B Áine works in.
When Fionn is locked out of his room, they are forced to spend the night together with memories of their past coming back and feelings resurfacing.
The dual POV and dual timeline was perfect for this second chance romance. I did find it a bit slow to start with, but after the first couple of chapters, I was invested in Áine and Fionn's story and how their night would end. They are great characters, so well written and real.
Thank you so much to Laura Foley for the ARC copy for my honest review.
January 8, 2024
Flourish by the Night was an enjoyable read, the dual POV was well done. I'm not a huge romance reader, but this was different to other romances I've read and I would recommend this book to people if they were looking for something like this.
It did take me a while to read this book, but I don't think that's a criticism of the book.. while it took me a while, it was easy to read and follow, the characters were complex and likable, you find yourself wanting the best for them.
I rated the book 4 stars and I'm looking forward to reading more from Laura Foley
It did take me a while to read this book, but I don't think that's a criticism of the book.. while it took me a while, it was easy to read and follow, the characters were complex and likable, you find yourself wanting the best for them.
I rated the book 4 stars and I'm looking forward to reading more from Laura Foley
January 11, 2024
Firstly thankyou so much for letting me arc read this I was so happy to do so, i'm excited for this to be released for Laura I think people are really going to enjoy this ❤️
I really enjoy dual povs and the fact that this is interchangeable and you can choose the character who you'd like to begin the story with, felt special and unique to me. There was a great mix of tension, steamyness, real life and romance.
For me the book felt slower in some areas, which is why I have given this a 3/3.5, I personally need a steady pace all the way through!
I really enjoy dual povs and the fact that this is interchangeable and you can choose the character who you'd like to begin the story with, felt special and unique to me. There was a great mix of tension, steamyness, real life and romance.
For me the book felt slower in some areas, which is why I have given this a 3/3.5, I personally need a steady pace all the way through!
January 14, 2024
This is a second chance romance to its core. There was definitely a slow burn, build up, and lots of sexual tension. This reminded me of that one love that got away, or for some reason the timing was off, but then they pop up out of no where and all the feelings are still there. I loved the MC’s banter and Áine’s quirkiness. Fionn also loves Áine for who she is and allows her to be herself, making her own choices.
Thank you to the author for an ARC. Definitely check this on out, its release is 2/3/24 💚
Thank you to the author for an ARC. Definitely check this on out, its release is 2/3/24 💚
February 1, 2024
Author Note.
A heartfelt thank you to anyone who took the time to read this story. It's my debut, and the characters within were just desperate for me to get their story out in the world. I'm not nearly as clever as them, but so many moments of their journey were loosely based on my own life.
This is a standalone series, but it won't be the last of my Irish romance-driven stories.
If you enjoy:
Second chances
Slow burn
Coming of age
Literary leaning
Dual POV/Timeline
Some steamy scenes
Emotional rollercoaster
Irish settings
Then you'll love, Flourish by the Night
A heartfelt thank you to anyone who took the time to read this story. It's my debut, and the characters within were just desperate for me to get their story out in the world. I'm not nearly as clever as them, but so many moments of their journey were loosely based on my own life.
This is a standalone series, but it won't be the last of my Irish romance-driven stories.
If you enjoy:
Second chances
Slow burn
Coming of age
Literary leaning
Dual POV/Timeline
Some steamy scenes
Emotional rollercoaster
Irish settings
Then you'll love, Flourish by the Night
February 13, 2024
4/5⭐️
Oh! I loved this book; what really made me invest in it was the narration.
I have always said that second-chance romance is kind of a hit-or-miss trope for me; this one was a hit, like an out-of-the-park hit!
I was so fascinated that the story started and ended in the B&B that too in one night (if you exclude the last chapter), a grasping premise IMO, and I loved it.
The characters felt so close to reality, and their struggles and emotions were tender and actual. I still can’t believe this is the debut work the author did, and it was incredible work.
Oh! I loved this book; what really made me invest in it was the narration.
I have always said that second-chance romance is kind of a hit-or-miss trope for me; this one was a hit, like an out-of-the-park hit!
I was so fascinated that the story started and ended in the B&B that too in one night (if you exclude the last chapter), a grasping premise IMO, and I loved it.
The characters felt so close to reality, and their struggles and emotions were tender and actual. I still can’t believe this is the debut work the author did, and it was incredible work.
February 19, 2024
thank you to Laura Foley for sending me an arc of this lovely book!! i adored fionn and aine’s story and as someone who really enjoys the second chance romance trope, this book was EVERYTHING!! the flashbacks to their past and how those moments impacted their unexpected meeting in a very different time of their lives was something i loved when reading. and the end!! my heart was so full of joy that they got a happy ending!
if you love second chance romances and friends to lovers, this is a must read!!
if you love second chance romances and friends to lovers, this is a must read!!
January 1, 2024
Great romance book. It touched on some interesting subjects and had powerful opinions that really make you think. I love how the characters progressed with each other and the emotions that they go through.
October 23, 2024
3.5!
Cute palate cleanser that had me kicking my feet and giggling all the way through.
Cute palate cleanser that had me kicking my feet and giggling all the way through.
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