Diary of a Sesh Hound

by Claire O'M. Barry

Diary of a Sesh Hound is a sharp, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy set against the chaotic backdrop of Irish university life. Perfect for fans of Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella, and the Oh My God, What a Complete Aisling series, it’s a story about love, heartbreak, grief, and the friendships that survive it all.

Roisin Tierney has a she can sniff out a party anywhere.

Among her friends she’s known as the Sesh Hound, the girl who treats every night out like an adventure and every hangover like a badge of honour. Men? Usually just part of the fun — easily forgotten by morning.

Until Connor Donnelly walks back into her life.

Connor was Roisin’s first first crush, first love… and first heartbreak. His sudden return threatens to unravel the walls she’s spent four years carefully building around her heart.

Then Roisin meets Ronan - charming, confident, and impossible to ignore.

There’s just one problem.

Ronan is her new substitute professor.

Caught between the boy who broke her heart and the man she definitely shouldn’t want, Roisin must navigate messy friendships, family grief, and the biggest question of

Is it safer to keep running from love… or finally risk everything for it?

547 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2026

Reviews

[Georgina Reads_Eats_Explores]

Right, full disclosure before we begin… romance isn’t usually my genre. I’m far more likely to reach for a crime novel or darker literary fiction, so I went into this knowing I probably wasn’t the ideal target reader.

That said, this was great fun and exactly the sort of palate cleanser I needed.

Set between Cork and Limerick, we follow final-year student Róisín Tierney, whose social life is just as chaotic as her university workload. Nicknamed the “Sesh Hound” by her friends, she’s happiest chasing the next night out… until two very different men throw her carefully constructed world completely off balance.

Connor is the first love who broke her heart and suddenly wants another chance. Ronan is charming, funny… and also happens to be the substitute lecturer teaching her class.

It’s messy. It’s complicated. And you can really feel Róisín being pulled between the familiar comfort of the past and the excitement of something new.

Although it’s very much a romantic comedy, Claire O’M Barry doesn’t shy away from weaving in some heavier themes surrounding family, grief and growing up. Those moments add real depth to the story without ever losing the warmth or humour that runs throughout the novel.

It’s been compared to Marian Keyes and the Oh My God, What a Complete Aisling series. For me, it didn’t quite hit those same heights, but I still found it an easy, entertaining read that flew along at a lovely pace.

If you’re someone who enjoys contemporary rom-coms with plenty of banter, found family, emotional moments, a healthy dose of will-they-won’t-they romance, and a splash of spice, I can absolutely see this being your cup of tea.

For me? I liked it rather than loved it, but I had a genuinely enjoyable time reading it, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want from a book.

Thank you so much to Claire O’M Barry for the review copy. As always, all opinions are my own.

[Antoinette Tyrrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh-out-loud funny and the occasional tear.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exhange for an honest review

Diary of a Sesh Hound

I love nothing more than a romcom campus setting and Diary of a Sesh Hound had the added advantage of being set in Ireland, which is where I'm from. Within minutes of starting to read it, I was immediately transported home and back to my own university days (many, many years ago!)

Roisin, from West Cork, is in her final year of university, still harbouring a broken heart after being dumped four years previously by her first love, Connor. She's just met hot lecturer Ronan when Connor reappears in her life making Roisin unsure of where she stands when it comes to love and whether she should give her heart to gorgeous Ronan 0r take a risk on Connor, who betrayed her trust.

But this story is so much more than a romocom. At it's heart it's a story of friendship and family. Reading it, I was reminded of the intensity of the female friendships we form as young women. The joy and ease of the friendships formed when women are young, friendships that stand the test of time and endure through the entire gamut of the human experience including love, heart break, grief and everything else in between.

While the story is light and joyful in parts with lots of laughter, girlie fun and a healthy dose of hot sex, there's a serious side to it too as Roisin and her friends experience some truly devastating events. As she navigates her final year of university, the pages keep turning as she ultimately has to decided what she's going to do once the academic year ends. I found myself rooting for Roisin that everything would come good in the end. My expectations were fully met with a surprising but ultimately uplifting ending. If you love romcom, campus drama, Irish fiction and books featuring strong female friendships, Diary of a Sesh Hound is the book for you.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Róisin is the life and soul of the party; in her final year in college in Limerick, she can be counted on to bring the fun on nights out, drink til the cows come home, and will always be the one to convince the randomers to come home to the impromptu house party. The epitome of a "sesh hound". But most people don't see that Róisin is much more than that as well.
Róis is finishing a law degree and worried about what to do with her life after college. She's the most loyal friend and sister anyone could ask for, doing anything for those she loves, and caring about them with every fibre of her being. She's heartbroken after an ex who dumped her at an incredibly insensitive time, and who has left her struggling to trust in any sort of a romantic relationship since.
As her final year in college goes by, and this ex comes back into the picture, as well as a different very tempting prospect, we experience Róisin learning to open up a bit more while navigating all of the worries and issues that lots of people her age are - and some things which many thankfully don't.
We appreciate that her 'session-hound' moniker is only a part of who she is, and O'M. Barry does a great job of balancing this public persona with the more vulnerable aspects. We can all probably think of someone who reminds us of Róisin, if not younger versions of ourselves (if you're a while out of University like me 😉).
While this is billed as a romantic comedy which is totally is, with plenty of spicy bits (closed-door romance this ain't) and laugh out loud moments, as the blurb states "it’s [also] a story about... heartbreak, grief, and the friendships that survive it all"; there's a lot more to this story than the title might lead you to believe ☺️
A little birdie has informed me that the follow-up book will be out later this year 🤞🏼 and I'm already looking forward to seeing where life has taken our "sesh hound" since.

I received an ARC of this book , but there was no expectation of a positive review and all opinions here are my own.

[Ellen Badman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this ARC for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Roisin is in her final year at Limerick Uni, finishing her law degree while balancing life between her friends, her family, and her weekly trips home for games night.

But she is also a party girl, always chasing the next night out, the next escape. On one of those nights, she runs into Connor, her first love and the one who broke her heart.

Determined to avoid him at all costs, she instead meets Ronan, a charming bartender who just so happens to also be her substitute professor.

Sparks immediately fly between Roisin and Ronan, and while nothing happens while he is her professor, the tension is very much there. At the same time, Connor is back in her life and determined to win her over again.

Caught between the two, and the weight of everything going on in her life, Roisin has to figure out whether she can keep being everything for everyone else, or if it is finally time to choose herself.

I went into this book with no expectations, and I cannot believe this is Claire’s debut. This story had me laughing, blushing, kicking my feet, and then suddenly sobbing like my heart had been ripped out.

The emotional range in this book is unreal. Roisin’s journey as the girl who parties to escape while quietly carrying the weight of everyone around her is handled so beautifully. Her character arc felt real, raw, and incredibly moving.

While this is a romance, at its core it is also a love letter to female friendship. The kind of friendships that hold you together through every season of life, even when everything else feels like it is falling apart.

And then there are the men. Normally you have a clear favourite, but somehow I loved them both. The tension, the flirting, the chemistry. I was fully invested. And Ronan’s mouth… I am unwell.

I need the next book immediately. Move over Marian Keyes, I have a new favourite Irish author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

Diary of a Sesh Hound is full of charm, humor, and plenty of potential. It is a debut novel that definitely felt like a debut. I loved Roisin as a main character. She is sharp, witty, fiercely loyal, and genuinely fun. I found myself picturing Daisy from Below Deck Sailing Yacht while reading, which brought her more to life for me.

The Irish slang added a fun element for me, although I had to constantly Google things like - What does craic mean? What is a Hurley? How do you pronounce Niamh…I also really loved the closeness of Roisin’s friendships and how much fun they had together.

The main tragedy in this book was written incredibly well. Roisin’s pain felt raw and deeply emotional, and those moments were by far the strongest part of the novel. I almost wish the story had focused more on Roisin’s family relationships, grief, and healing, because that emotional journey was compelling enough to carry the book on its own.

Where the book struggled for me was in its overcrowded plot. There were so many storylines competing for attention (cheating, betrayal, domestic violence, tragedy, forbidden romance, and a love triangle). It was just too much packed into one story. The love triangle also felt unnecessary to me. I wasn’t a fan of how Connor and Ronan constantly tried to define Roisin—telling her who she was and how she felt. I couldn’t root for either of them. And my God, every time Ronan called Roisin “sweetheart” (especially in the spicy scenes)…cringe.

In the end it felt like self-discovery and breaking free from others’ expectations was the overarching theme and I feel like that was accomplished. It just could have been so much more powerful with a little more focus.

[Rebecca Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books by Irish authors and books set in Ireland. The author very kindly sent me an eARC of this book and pitched it for fans of the What A Complete Aisling series or Marian Keyes. Embarrassingly I had not read any of these but I gave it a go and I am so glad I did!

Set between Cork and Limerick, Róisín is in final year of uni studying law, living with a group of her friends and frequently goes back home for family time with her parents and two brothers. Her friend group are the partying type and on one night out she bumps into her ex Connor. He was her first love and really did a number on her. On that same night, she catches the attention of bartender Ronan who ends up being the substitute professor of her uni class.

There is a bit of a triangle going on between these three. Connor is determined to win Róisín back and Ronan is new and exciting. She can't fully close things off with either of them and you can really feel the turmoil she is experiencing.

Aside from Róisín's love life, there is a real beautiful story here. You really feel like you are in the middle of this friend group in a small town and it was though I had emotional whiplash at one point.

Grief is handled in a very honest way and I felt empathy, I laughed, I blushed and I absolutely adored Róisín's character growth.

I read and loved Thirst Trap by Gráinne O'Hare last year and if you also enjoyed that, Diary of a Sesh Hound is for you!

[Maria Kring · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diary of a Sesh Hound – Claire O’M. Barry
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 3

Thank you to the author for my e-copy of this book!

This very much lives up to the title - it really does feel like reading diary entries, which gives it a raw, chaotic, and very personal vibe. The voice is strong and distinctive, and the humour felt especially familiar. The university setting, the nights out, the friendships - it all felt very real and easy to recognise.

The friendships were definitely the highlight for me. The girls’ dynamic felt genuine, supportive, and often funny, and I loved how they showed up for each other through everything.

That said, there were a few things that didn’t quite work for me. The love triangle felt a bit frustrating at times - Roisin seemed to string both Connor and Ronan along, and they were almost too accepting of it, which made the dynamic feel a little unrealistic. I also found the amount of tragedy piled into the story a bit overwhelming. It just kept coming to the point where it started to feel less impactful and more unbelievable.

Overall, this was a fun, messy, and very Irish read with strong humour and great friendships, even if some of the plot elements didn’t fully land for me.

[Natasha Tamminga · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing in this book was so real. I went in expecting a college age romcom and although it did have some of that, it was so much more. So many scenes felt like the author was giving real voice to what would be my inner monologue if I were the characters in this story. It was refreshingly funny and painful and honest. I loved it ❤️

The group of girlfriends our FMC is a part of is wonderful. They’re all flawed and make questionable choices, but the way they love and support each other is total best friend goals. I loved laughing with them through their girls night out shenanigans and seeing them support each other through their relationship drama.

About halfway through the book the story went from hilarious Irish banter and shenanigans to a rip your heart out moment that I didn’t see coming. I sobbed but couldn’t stop reading through my tears. The way the author portrayed grief was maybe the most honest I’ve ever read. It was heartbreaking but so raw and real. You feel Rois’s shock and pain and grief and anger at the unfairness of it all.

Watching her navigate the relationships with her potential love interests was also interesting. Connor and Ronan were so different from each other. Each fulfilled a type of need for Rois (and brought some decent spice) but in the end I think she made the best decision.

The more time that passes since I finished reading this book, the more I love it. There are books out there that are a great time while you’re reading them, but that you immediately forget when you start reading the next one. And then there are the books that stick with you and make you think. This book was definitely the later for me. Highly recommend Diary of a Sesh Hound

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of Diary of a Sesh Hound in exchange for an honest review.

This book pulls you straight into university life in Ireland—nights out, chaos, friendships, and everything that comes with that stage of life. It’s easy to get into and feels pretty real from the start.

The story follows Roisin in her final year, still dealing with a breakup from years back when her ex Connor comes back into the picture. At the same time, there’s a new dynamic with Ronan, which puts her in a position where she has to actually figure out what she wants instead of just reacting to what’s in front of her.

What stands out more than anything is the friendships. It’s not overdone—it just shows how tight those bonds are at that age, and how they carry you through everything, whether it’s a good time or something heavier.

There’s a mix of humour, drama, and some tougher moments, so it’s not just a light read the whole way through. It keeps moving and holds your attention, and you end up wanting to see how it all plays out.

If you’re into campus-based stories with a bit of edge, real relationships, and a solid storyline, it’s well worth a read.

[Sarah Reddan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Diary of a Sesh Hound by Claire O’Mahony Barry because a friend recommended it to me—honestly, I’m not much of a reader, so it takes a lot for a book to really grab me. But this one absolutely did.

From the first day I started reading, I couldn’t put it down—I got through 20 chapters in one sitting, and only stopped because I had to go to bed. That says a lot for me! By the second chapter, I was completely hooked and just needed to know what was coming next.

What I loved most was how relatable it felt. It really brought me back to my teenage and college years—the fun, the partying, the boys, and the ups and downs of family life. It captures all of that so honestly. It had me laughing, feeling emotional, and at times a bit shocked—it’s raw, funny, sad, and sometimes quite bold and sexual, which makes it feel very real.

I got so invested in the main character, Róisín, and I already feel like I need to know what happens next. I really hope this isn’t the last we see of her!

If you’re looking for something entertaining, relatable, and hard to put down, I’d definitely recommend giving this a read—even if you’re not usually a big reader like me.

[Kelly Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowsers, what a read.

I might not be Irish, but this hit way too close to home. The messy nights out, the questionable decisions, the heartbreaks that felt like the end of the world, and the ride-or-die friendships that somehow held it all together. If you were a millennial navigating your early 20s in the 00s, this will feel very familiar.

This book is chaotic, emotional, and painfully real. It’s a love letter to that 18–25 era where everything is messy, dramatic, and a little unhinged, but also the time where you learn to survive, thrive, and become your own hero.

I laughed, I got emotional, and I absolutely binged this in an arvo on the couch, reminiscing about my 20s.

Every millennial book girlie needs this on their TBR.

Also, it’s been years since I’ve slut dropped in a club and danced around my purse with a Bulmers in hand—honestly, I’m so glad this was a universal millennial experience.

Thank you to the author for sending me an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Danielle Victor Hastings (Elleliterates) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just your average rom com!

Set in Ireland, the story follows Roisin, a self-proclaimed “sesh hound” navigating her way through her final year of University, when she unwittingly finds herself in a love triangle.

Whilst the premise seemed basic at the outset, Claire O’M Barry did an excellent job of immediately capturing my interest, for what I thought would be a fun ride. However, what I got was so much more! Even after the second chapter it quickly became apparent that Roisin’s story would delve into some dark and serious themes, all of which were executed with a delicate balance of sensitivity and wit, that ultimately took me through a rollercoaster of emotions

Overall, I felt like this book was more of a dramatic romance, with deep character development (and a heathy dose of spice! 😉)

I was honoured to be approached by the author to read this book in exchange for an honest review, and I’m so glad I did! Well done Claire! Wishing you every success on the publication of your debut book 👏

NOTE: Please check trigger warnings before reading.

[Vanessa Wrafter · Rating 4 out of 5]

do you remember when you finished school all them years ago and everyone is in collage and your trying to figure yourself out and life .... this is exactly what this book throws you back to, Roisin represents all of us girls at some point of our lives confused between a new flame who just so happens to be her professor, or the ex she thinks she might still love conor , this was such a good representation Irish banter and culture the author herself is Irish and her use of ordinary day language and slang was a big plus for me it just enabled me as a reader to connect with the characters more. although this is a romcom type book it did deal with heavy topics and events but this just made the story more real and relatable, overall i really enjoyed this book and really appreciate the author reaching out and asking me to arc read this i think as her first published book she wrote an amazing story and i am very excited to read any future books Claire wrights

[Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, when I first started Diary of a Sesh Hound, I thought it might end up being one of those dragged out, predictable stories. How wrong I was! Roisin completely won me over. Watching her open up and grow by understanding her own needs, gaining confidence, and realising she’s not just the rock for everyone around her but also needs to be that rock for herself was genuinely uplifting. Her journey felt real, messy, funny, and emotional in all the right ways.
I adore stories about Irish families and friendships, and this book has that warm, interconnected Celtic bubble that makes you want to be part of it. Maybe it’s the Welsh in me, but I felt completely at home with these characters and let’s be honest… the car scenes and kitchen-worktop moments? Absolutely did not disappoint 🌶🔥🥵🧯😂
I cannot wait for Book 2 and I’m hoping for even more of those chaotic, heart pounding moments. Claire O’M Barry has created something brilliant here!!
PS: Claire… Book 2 better come with more car and kitchen‑worktop scenes. A Welsh woman has needs. 🌶🔥

[Charmaine Healy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! What a book!

This is Claire’s debut novel and honestly it’s so fricken good!!!

What a novel for a debut novel!


I loved the friendships between Roisin, Niamh, Ella and Sinead. They were thick as thieves and it reminded me so much of my group of friends from school. The nostalgia hit home for me with this book and it completely transported me to a time in my life where the world was lighter.

Roisin’s relationships with both Connor and Ronan had me had me feeling a lot of things and I won’t lie, I was rooting for Ronan the whole time. The banter between him and Roisin was next level.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It’s the perfect combination of romance and spice while also delving into real world characters with real stories. There were parts that dealt with grief made me well up but it was done so well.

I would definitely recommend giving this a read!

[Hannah Randles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diary of a Sesh Hound - Claire O’ M Barry
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Roisin is in her final year of uni, navigating what she’s meant to do next with her life - does she take the expected safe route or do something different…

She’s living the uni life with her besties and then an ex creeps back into her life and at the same time a professor starts making moves 👀

Add in some family dynamics, complicated relationships, loss (😭) and a gal trying to find her way and you’ve got yourself a blooming great read!

I couldn’t put this down, finished it in a day and it had me laughing, crying and everything in between.

Thank you to Claire for sending me this copy which publishes on 30th April on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GR9KSMJW

🤩 Bring on book 2!🤩

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Diary of a Sesh Hound is an intimate coming-of-age story that balances romance, friendship, and personal growth with authenticity. It will resonate especially with readers who have ever felt torn between choices, haunted by loss, or driven by the need to see more of the world while figuring out where they truly belong. What makes the book stand out, however, is that it’s not just a love story. It’s equally a reflection on friendship—the kind that shapes you, challenges you, and sometimes fades or fractures under the weight of change. This book is a must read! It will strike a chord with millennials in particular, taking them on an emotional journey that truly captures all the feels.

[Lynsey O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had it all , I couldn't put it down. The nostalgia and the humor. It was so genuinely funny I laughed out loud, at times like taking a trip back down memory lane to our club days and the friendships built in that time! The characters are believable and likeable and I loved all thee Irish expressions! I completely recommend this book to anyone who likes a nice easy read book and a good laugh filled with some heart wrenching moments too, it has something for everyone!

Looking forward to reading more from this author

[Sydney Schumacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was nothing that I expected it to be, but I really enjoyed it! The story is so very real in the heart breaks, friendships, loss, and more.

The group of friends in the book, I loved them and their whole relationship! There were parts of the story with the girls I was kicking my feet laughing while other parts you can feel the love they have come through the pages.

I truly hope to read more of Roisin and her future!

[Mary O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a romcom campus setting, and Diary of a Sesh Hound instantly transported me back to my College days in Ireland. Roisin’s story blends messy romance, heartbreak, and tough choices, with plenty of humour and chaos along the way. What really stood out was the portrayal of strong female friendships and how they carry you through everything life throws at you. It’s fun, emotional, and ultimately uplifting with an ending that feels worth the ride.

[gruita barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel by Claire O M Barry was raw funny and at times heartbreaking . A story about friendship , love and loss. It is beautifully written, with believable characters and plenty of humour and spice. It creates the highs and lows of life which had me laughing one minute and deeply moved the next. A compelling read that kept me turning the pages and left a lasting impression. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.

[Caoimhé · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up thinking I would laugh the whole way through, spent more time crying.

Loved this story of friendship, love/situationships, family and loss. The Irish background is perfect in every way from the language to the settings.

This book deals with some very heavy topics in detail and it broke my heart to pieces.

I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Róisín and her girls.

[Anna ☘️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s funny, it’s chaotic and it’ll pull on your heartstrings! I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this to review and it did not disappoint! You will laugh, you will cry and if you are from Ireland it’ll hit you will all the nostalgia of your early 20’s, I honestly enjoyed this book so much! As a debut novel Claire you really did an amazing job! Bravo!

[Ide · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book, and once I started, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The friendships between the girls were one of my favourite parts, along with Roisin’s bond with her family. The love triangle kept me completely invested and eager to see what would happen next. The ending totally surprised me in the best way, and now I’m counting down the days until book two!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow couldnt put diary of a sesh hound down!

As someone who loves a good book from back home I loved ever minute .

Well done to Claire O’M Barry for a great first novel.
Can’t wait for number 2.

[Emer J Moloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book as an arc reader and I couldn't put it down. I loved the relationship between the girls and that Roisin has with her family - but the romance triangle had me on the edge of my seat! I loved how it ended, not at all what I expected and I cannot wait for book 2

[Den_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It beautifully captures the highs and lows of college life and growing up, exploring themes of friendship, love, loss and lust. I’m eagerly anticipating what the future holds for these characters and can’t wait to read your next release!

[Amber Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

So grateful to have been given this book as an e-arc! Diary of a sesh hound is jammed packed full of true realities of a young adult finding her way through college, relationships and herself. I loved how relatable this book was with so many laugh out loud moments!

[Sam ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such good book! Made me laugh a lot, this is Claire’s Debut novel and she’s smashed it!! I really enjoyed her work and thought it was so relatable, thank you for letting me read this for you! I would recommend to anyone wanting a funny good feel book! Would love a hard copy for my book shelf, 🥰🥰🎀

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got my hands on this book. Was so funny from start to finish. Felt nostalgic to my uni days. The nights out the drama.
Definitely worth the read. 5 stars from me 👍🏻