When in Dublin

by Tracy Avery

Jessie Dunhour has a checklist for her life and a plan for everything. At almost twenty-eight, she’s mostly on her dream promotion within reach, a house under contract and the chance to finally prove that hard work and staying the course pays off. Sure, her relationship timeline hasn’t unfolded the way she expected, but that’s something she’ll figure out once her career is firmly in place.

There’s just one complication. The path to promotion comes with a mandatory year-long relocation to Dublin, Ireland. Jessie doesn’t even have a passport, let alone a desire to upend her carefully curated life.

Thrown into a world of brightly colored Georgian doors, relentless rain and coworkers who actually take lunch breaks, Jessie struggles to find her footing—until she meets Aidan. Charming, spontaneous and well-travelled, he is everything she isn’t. As her assignment ticks away, he pulls her further from her comfort zone and into a life she never one filled with adventure and a future that doesn’t fit neatly into a spreadsheet.

But when her time abroad runs out, Jessie faces the most important choice of her life—return to the path she always planned, or take a chance on the one she never saw coming?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 20, 2026

Reviews

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Book Review: When in Dublin by Tracy Avery ✨

📖 What it’s about:
When in Dublin follows Jessie as she travels to Ireland, expecting a structured and carefully planned experience—but quickly finds herself swept up in unexpected adventures, new connections, and a different way of living. As her plans unravel, Jessie is challenged to step outside her comfort zone and embrace the spontaneity of life.

💭 My thoughts:
I loved how Jessie evolved throughout the story—from a very Type A personality to someone who decides to truly live a little. Her growth felt natural and inspiring, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. While I am definitely not 'Type A', I did find myself feeling all the feels for Jessie as she stepped out of her comfort zone, took chances, and learned to trust herself. There's a touch of romance in this one, but romance is not the focus. It's more about self discovery and deciding it's ok to do hard things. The setting was absolutely fantastic—it made me want to pack my bags and visit Ireland immediately.

🙏 Thank you:
Thank you to the author and Literary Media Tours for the ARC! This one hits the shelves on May 20th.

📚 Read this if you love:
• Travel stories with strong character growth
• Books set in charming, immersive locations
• Stories about stepping outside your comfort zone

[Ashley Flippin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Heuston Press for the ARC of this title.
Jessica was such a lovable character and her development throughout this book was beautifully written. She starts out as this rigid woman with set goals and timelines. But the end she’s a little spontaneous and going outside her box. I loved it. Kinda makes me want to travel abroad. Very quick and fun read.

[Morgan Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I’d love to thank Tracy + Literary Media Tours for this beautiful ARC.

This is Tracy’s debut novel, and honestly, the only reason I know that is because I looked it up half way through the story because I thought to myself…. ‘There’s no way this is a debut’ as the story was flowing so well and I was so invested in Jessica’s journey.

As a corporate girlie working the ladder who has had many ‘what is all this for’ type moments, I felt a lot of myself in the main character and I really think Tracy did a great job making her relatable in an imperfect way.

The peeks into Ireland brought me right back to my time there, and brought some of the happiest memories back, and also may make me book my next trip there ASAP.

I especially loved how Jessica’s journey is the main takeaway of this book, and to me her romantic partners are just a small piece of what makes her who she is and how she evolves. It felt like a really refreshing take, and added meaning to the story for me.

This book surprised the heck out of me for what a smooth, fun and relatable read it was, and I’m incredibly happy I got to be a part of it!

[Sarah (bookofsari) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Heuston Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Tracy Avery's debut opens with a character who has a plan for her plan. Jessie has a promotion on the horizon, a house under contract, a life moving in the direction she intended. Then Dublin happens, and not by choice.

Avery handles the fish-out-of-water premise without leaning too hard on it. Jessie's adjustment to Ireland feels less like a montage and more like the actual slow grind of being somewhere unfamiliar, where even small things require more effort than they should. That specificity is where the book earns its keep.

The writing is unshowy and confident. Avery doesn't over-explain or over-describe, and the story moves at a pace that respects the reader's time. Dublin itself is rendered with obvious affection and enough detail to feel like Avery actually knows the place rather than researched it from a distance.

Where I started to lose the thread was with Jessie. Her guardedness makes sense early on, but there were moments, particularly in the first half, where her perspective felt less like defensiveness and more like a kind of low-grade contempt for anything outside her normal. It made her harder to be around than the book seemed to realize.

As for Aidan, I wanted to like him more than I did. He's framed as the spontaneous counterweight to Jessie's rigidity, but underneath that he read as self-serving and a little too pleased with himself. The kind of person who mistakes world travel for wisdom. I never fully bought him as someone worth upending your life for, which made Jessie's arc in the final act harder to invest in.

There's something genuinely good here. Avery can write, and the bones of this story are solid. I just wish the ending had matched the promise of everything before it.

[Zainab · Rating 3 out of 5]

When in Dublin is a self-exploration story following Jessie as she moves to Ireland in pursuit of achieving the "perfect life" she had envisioned for herself and realizing that the goals she had set for herself may not be what she wanted.

I loved the themes this story explored including how difficult it can be to more abroad and live on your own, the panic that sets in, and the fear that you've made the wrong choices, and the scramble to make new friends who can make it a little easier on you. The setting in Ireland was fun to read about and the work challenges Jessie faced had you rooting for her to succeed.

SPOILERS BELOW

Where this book missed the mark for me was the romance subplot with Aiden. I hated the shift in Aiden after their trip to Morocco that ultimately led to their breakup. It felt too sudden and came across as a story ploy. I also felt Jessie's descriptions of Morocco a bit rude. Instead of being open to a new culture, she is uncomfortable the entire time and everything is weird to her which is completely disrespectful to the culture. However, when she goes to Spain, also a place she's never been to before, she loves everything about it and describes it as charming and quaint.

Barring the romance and trip to spain, it was a good read. Thank you to Netgalley and Heuston Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful debut!! I loved Jessie’s story, and while she was originally shoved out of her comfort zone, the growth throughout the story felt more intentional. The Dublin backdrop was so much fun, I immediately wanted to book a flight.

The career portion was well executed and relatable. I loved getting to know her co-workers and how the friendships you didn't choose can make such an impact on your life.

My favorite part was that I never knew where the story was going, yet I was extremely satisfied with the ending.

[Brittany Pelletier · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I want to thank Tracy Avery and Literary Media Tours for giving me the opportunity to read When In Dublin.

Honestly, when I started this book, I didn’t know if I was going to like it. The main character, Jessie bothered me in the beginning. She was so in her own head and doubting everything. But she really grew through the story and I really grew to like her. She redefined her life for what worked for her and not a timeline. She found herself in Dublin and I’m so proud of her for that! Not to mention her best friend Simon. He was the best and told her how it was. That’s the kind of best friend you need in your life! I really did enjoy this book. I would have liked more about Jessie life after (maybe a short story, follow up on her) but no spoilers, so I can’t say what I needed more of, but if you read it you’ll know!

[Daniela Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ✨ I loved this book!! Now I feel like going to Dublin 👀
Full review coming soon

[Nicki]

4 stars!
I really enjoyed this contemporary debut novel that I found as a ‘read now’ on NetGalley recently. I was initially drawn to it because of the cover, and because it was set in Dublin.
The story is told from Jess’ point of view, as she gets sent to Dublin by her employer in Florida. It follows her as she navigates work and socialising, which is very different to what she’s used to back in the US.
I liked Jess, but found her quite frustrating, as she was quite fixed in what she wanted out of life. She had a plan of where she wanted to be workwise and relationship wise by a certain time in her life, which makes me cringe just thinking about it now. I’m totally the opposite, so you can probably understand why I was a little frustrated with her. However, I loved reading about her adjustment to a new country and culture, and how she had to decide if she wanted to plant new roots in Ireland or go back to her old life in Florida.
I really enjoyed watching her character develop throughout the book with all the twists and turns that she navigated, especially whilst she was with Aidan, and having fun with her new work colleagues.
There was a big plot development in the second half of the book that I wasn’t expecting, and I was a bit disappointed, but then it made a lot of sense, because this is not a romance novel, but a book about self discovery.
Highly recommended if you enjoy contemporary novels about reinvention and self discovery.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for my digital copy.

[Journal And Read With Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

his is a beautifully written story following the POV of Jess as she navigates uprooting her life in Tampa to pursue a promotion opportunity in Dublin. She does this with the support of her family and best friend Lindsay. This book is written beautifully. I loved the authors writing style. It was so funny but wasn’t trying too hard. It was easy to read with just enough description to make this book really enjoyable. There are some really lovely phrases in this book my favourite being “nothing good happens after midnight” and “Your holding on to a memory. I like who I was that night”. This is not your typical romance which I loved. The romance complements the story but doesn’t overwhelm it. Some people may not like this but I loved it. It really is a story about how when one door closes another opens. This is symbolised well in this book as there are lots of references to doors. The beautiful book cover even has doors reflected in Jess’s sun glasses.

This book really focuses on friendship. There was an element of rivalry between Jess and Raya but this was written so well it didn’t over power the story. While Lindsay was Jess’s best friend she developed a really close bond with her co workers which I loved. Orla and Simon were such great side characters who really complemented the story. While this book was about romance the author really spent time developing friendships and emphasis the importance of family. I loved the airport scene with Lindsay and Jess’s parents waving her off.

My favourite part of this book was the way the author dealt with the Irish culture, It was written in a funny manner but was never mocking. Being Irish I really enjoyed and appreciated this. You can really sense she had a proper understanding of Ireland and its culture. In the acknowledgments she does say she lived in Dublin for 6 years. I like all the references to Ireland which some readers may not get. The author did take time to explain some things and she was spot on. The author has really done the Irish proud.

There is good representation in this book Irish, American, UK, LGBT+, difficult family dynamics, cancer, single parent, step parent, women in the corporate world to name a few. These topics were all dealt with well.

There was some great pacing. The time jumps worked very well. We got a real feel for Jess’s journey without things being dragged out too much. I like the time jump of the last chapter. Without giving anything away it really tied things up nicely. The pacing was just right.

The relationship with Aidan was written perfectly. It hit just right for me. It was just so real. About 50% through I started hating him and was screaming for Jess to move on. When she made a big decision based on her relationship with him I was so disappointed in her but also for her. I am so happy with how everything turned out. Jess’s character growth In this book was developed so well and naturally, While she grows and develops as a person it wasn’t completely over the top. I think the Jess in the last chapter of the book would have maybe spoken up sooner than the Jess in the beginning of book in her work and personal life. I really like how Simon helped boost her confidence while never seeking credit or anything in return.

I think I enjoyed this story so well as it was written realistically. There were some lovely romance scenes but it wasn’t a case of love at first sight, married in 6 months and kids 12 months later. It was a real relationship. This was the same for the entire book. The friendships were real, life was real. No luxury penthouse just a regular flat in Dublin. I like how this translated to Jess’s career. Without spoilers not everything worked out but at the same time Jess didn’t up and change her entire career because of this. She just tweaked her path a little bit which came across more natural and real than in other books I’ve read. In a lot of books everything works out in the end or if they don’t the characters change their careers/life entirely which is not real life or even a possibility for most of us.

This is not your typical, predictable romance which I loved!! The discussion questions and playlist at back of book were a lovely touch.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything is color-coded, life is perfectly planned… and then one unexpected job assignment blows it all up and suddenly I’m questioning every decision I’ve ever made like I, too, might need a one-way ticket out of my own routine. When in Dublin by Tracy Avery had me spiraling in the most relatable, quietly chaotic way. Heuston Press—thank you for the gifted ARC via NetGalley, because this one didn’t just sneak up on me… it fully unpacked my emotional baggage and reorganized it.

Jessie Dunhour is the kind of woman who thrives on structure—lists, timelines, five-year plans, the whole corporate girl survival kit. She’s on the brink of everything she thought she wanted: promotion, stability, the illusion of control. And then life hits her with a curveball that sounds good on paper but feels like absolute betrayal in practice—Dublin. For a year. Away from everything safe and familiar. Watching her land in a place she didn’t choose and slowly realize that maybe her perfectly curated life isn’t actually… fulfilling? Yeah, that hit a little too close to home.

This isn’t a romance-first story, and honestly, that’s what makes it work. Aidan is there—charming, spontaneous, a walking red flag wrapped in charisma at times—but he’s not the destination. He’s part of the disruption. Part of the wake-up call. What really carries this story is Jessie’s evolution, and the people who surround her along the way. Simon? Absolute standout. The kind of friend who will hype you up, call you out, and fix your professional life in the same conversation. Orla brings warmth and grounding, while Lindsay, back home, is that steady thread reminding Jessie who she used to be—and who she might still become.

There’s a moment that completely stopped me:
“But what if you don’t have a person? What if you’re still figuring out where you belong?”
Tell me why that felt like a personal attack.

Reading this felt like sitting in a cozy Dublin café with rain tapping against the window while your entire identity quietly unravels—and then, somehow, reshapes into something more honest. It’s reflective without being heavy, emotional without being overwhelming, and real in a way that sneaks up on you. The pacing mirrors growth itself—slow, uncomfortable at times, but ultimately worth it.

This is for the reader who’s ever stared at their own life like, “Wait… is this actually what I want, or just what I planned?” If you love character-driven stories, subtle romance, found family, and that “maybe I need to book a flight and rethink everything” energy—this one’s going to land.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4 stars)

Not perfect, but deeply resonant—and honestly, I’m still thinking about it.

So be honest—are you chasing the life you planned… or the life that actually feels like yours?

#WhenInDublin #TracyAvery #NetGalley #BookReview #WomensFiction #ContemporaryFiction #RomanceReads #TravelReads #DublinIreland #ARCReview #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #CozyReads #CharacterDriven #SelfDiscovery #FoundFamily #BookRecommendations

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

When in Dublin by Tracy Avery is a character-driven contemporary novel that explores what it means to step off the path you’ve carefully built—especially in that late-20s stage of life where everything is supposed to be falling into place.

Jessie is on track in every sense. She’s in her late twenties, working toward a major promotion, and about to purchase her own home in Tampa—a milestone she’s planned for and worked toward for years. Her life is structured, predictable, and “successful” by every external measure. But when she’s offered a year-long assignment in Dublin that could accelerate her career, she makes the unexpected decision to walk away from that stability and take the risk.

That choice becomes the foundation of the story.

The novel does a strong job of balancing Jessie’s professional ambitions with her personal uncertainty. She’s not just adjusting to a new city—she’s navigating workplace pressure, trying to prove herself in a competitive environment, and managing the reality that this opportunity is temporary. There’s a constant undercurrent of “what happens next?” that keeps the stakes grounded and relatable.

Her transition into life in Dublin feels realistic, from the discomfort of being out of her routine to the challenge of building friendships as an adult. The supporting characters—particularly her coworkers and friends—add dimension and provide contrast to Jessie’s more structured personality. These relationships felt authentic and were a highlight of the story.

While there is a romantic element, it’s not the central focus. The relationship develops alongside Jessie’s personal growth and ultimately serves as part of her broader journey rather than the end goal. Readers expecting a romance-forward plot may find it lighter in that regard, but it works well within the context of the story being told.

The pacing is steady, though slightly slower at the start as Jessie’s personality and routine are established. Once she settles into Dublin, the story becomes more engaging as her growth unfolds and her priorities begin to shift. There are moments where her decisions may feel frustrating, but they are consistent with her character and contribute to a believable arc.

Overall, this is a strong debut with an approachable writing style and a clear understanding of its audience. It will resonate most with readers who enjoy character-driven stories about career, identity, and taking risks—even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

When in Dublin is a heartwarming novel about Jessie, who is thriving in her career and always has a plan. She is on the verge of her dream promotion and just put an offer in on her dream house. That is, until she finds out the last step to get that promotion is to pack up her life and move to Ireland for a year. She may have no interest in travel or uprooting her life, but she wants that promotion, so we are whisked away to Ireland with her as she does her best to navigate a new country and a new way of life that no plan could have prepared her for.

This book was an absolute dream for me. In so many ways I feel like I am Jessie, in everything from her career to buying my favorite clothes in every color. I related to her so deeply it was almost like I was reading about myself. The one notable exception being that I love to travel. So while Jessie didn’t necessarily want to go to Ireland, I loved it for her and felt like I was living vicariously through her experience.

I especially enjoyed watching her navigate Dublin since I have been there myself. It made the book really come alive for me in a special way. With references to places like Trinity and Temple Bar, the pictures in my head were so vivid, it made me feel both nostalgic and like I was back there visiting an old friend.

There were so many excellent side characters as well! I loved Simon and Orla and the way they gave her so much of what she needed to not just survive, but thrive in a new country. Simon especially was my favorite! I also really liked Lindsay, her long time friend from back home. Their friendship was really special, and from personal experience I appreciated the complexity of being long distance from your best friend.

As far as romantic partners, I thought Aidan was great for her because he challenged her in other ways. With him being spontaneous and well-traveled, the polar opposite of her, there were so many opportunities for growth and beginning to see beauty in the unplanned part of life.

I wasn’t sure how the story was going to end, but I absolutely loved where it ended up. Her growth was inspiring, and so relatable in all the sweet and awkward moments along the way. This didn’t read like a debut at all, and I am so excited to see what Tracy writes next!

Thank you so much to Tracy Avery and Literary Media Tours for the ARC of this novel. It was one of my favorite reads of the year so far!

[Kirstie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really easy, entertaining read, that surprisingly also gave me a lot to think about.

When routine-dependent, career-oriented Jessica is offered the opportunity to relocate temporarily from Tampa to Dublin, in the hopes of fast tracking her promotion to Associate Partner at her company, she knows it’s a huge step outside of her comfort zone, but with the encouragement of best friend, Lindsay, she takes the life-changing plunge. This drastically alters her life plan to buy a house and settle down to start a family in the next few years, but she knows it’s likely the quickest way to make her career aspirations happen as soon as possible. Despite some initial teething problems, she manages to settle in to Irish life and happens across a handsome, Irish stranger, deciding to throw caution to the wind and take a chance on love after ending her previous relationship, in favour of her work, some four years prior. Will she learn to have a work-life balance at last?

There are so many things I want to comment on, about the character’s motivations and choices, but beyond my brief summary above, there isn’t much I can say without spoiling the plot or colouring your opinions of the characters. I will say there were moments where I felt extremely frustrated with the protagonist, but I know this is only because I could see so much of myself and my life/career/dating experiences in her, that I felt like (at times) I was watching some of my own poor choices play out on the page, desperately hoping for a different outcome. I will also say that by the end of the novel, I was satisfied with where Jess ended up, and positively reflecting on my own life choices too - so thanks for that Tracey Avery!

I’m grateful to have been able to read the book early, via NetGalley, and would definitely recommend it to your TBR if you’re looking for an entertaining story about the challenges of building a successful career, and trying to balance a life and relationship too. There were some great comic moments and loveable side characters too - an all-round, feel-good reading experience.

[Brittni · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Received an ARC*

Jessie is the definition of a type A, twenty eight year old with a plan, spreadsheet, or checklist for everything. She knows she’s next in line for a promotion, wants a new relationship, a house, marriage, kids, all by roughly thirty.

And honestly, I remember being that way at twenty five. But, of course, life has other plans. She has no romantic prospects in sight, the house idea falls through, and her promotion depends on moving to Dublin. Ireland. Away from the comfort of her family, her best friend, and her routine.

What I loved most about Jessie is that she forced herself to adapt and to pivot; she learns to let go and roll with it, and my god, is that hard for someone who is a bit of a control freak.

For anyone who has ever moved somewhere new and struggled to find their place, whether in a home, workplace, or friend group, this story will hit in all the right places. It made me nostalgic for a time in my life when I picked up and left my bubble and was faced the same kind of uncertainty, and reminded me of all the moments that led me to where I am now. The ones where you quietly think to yourself, “I just can’t wait to go home.”

Through unexpected friendships formed one lunch break at a time, and a whirlwind romance that pushes her beyond her comfort zone, Jessie is faced with a difficult question… is she truly chasing what fulfills her, or just ticking off boxes that no longer fit the life she wants?

I loved watching Jessie grow into herself. The push and pull between building a new life and finding her place while deeply missing “her people” felt incredibly realistic. The romance was seamlessly woven into the story and complemented her personal growth beautifully.

The epilogue delivered a satisfying yet realistic ending to a young woman’s journey of finding her place in the world.

Thank you, Tracy Avery, for the ARC. I can’t wait for everyone to experience this when it hits shelves in May! And I can’t wait to read more by you in the future.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

i was excited to read this book... young woman takes a chance on a work opportunity to get outside of her comfort zone and move to ireland for work. however, as a canadian who is well traveled, this story was not for me. unfortunately, it was riddled with that 'american arrogance' you see on social media (or in real life) of many (not all of course) americans travelling where they look down at anything outside their norm. although avery was relatable at times, overall, i found her to be very unlikeable with no payoff in the resolution. avery is unbearably critical, judging people's attitudes, appearances, and making assumptions about them to dictate how she treats them. i dont feel like she experienced enough growth to warrant labelling this as a "self-discovery" story. she literally ends up right where she begins.

**SPOILERS below**

some other things i had a problem with:
- her reactions to morocco were incredibly distasteful. people like this should not travel.
- her connection to aidan made no sense to me. like, why is she choosing to extend her stay because of aidan when they haven't exchanged "i love yous," been intimate, and never had the conversation about her staying longer?
- aidan introduces her to his family, implies he loves her before she does, takes her on a trip only to dump her because he believes she feels more for him than he does her? that doesn't check out but i'll try to give it a pass because, men.
- judging someone's face thinking they need botox, thinking that an exclamation mark in the dairy company's marketing was "beneath her" were all near the conclusion of the book and quite frankly, made me feel like this woman hasn't changed at all. i would not want to be friends with this person.

i was pretty disappointed with this book because it sounded so promising. but i can't enjoy a story about an arrogant MC who has no growth by the end.

thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for providing this arc so i could give an honest review. #whenindublin

[Stephanie Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t your typical swoony, banter-heavy romance and that’s exactly why it works so well. When in Dublin is a story rooted in self-discovery, focusing more on personal and professional growth than on romance alone.

Jessie is a character many will relate to. She is driven, organized, and determined to stick to the life plan she’s carefully mapped out. When a promotion opportunity requires her to relocate to Dublin for a year, everything begins to shift. What I appreciated most is that her journey isn’t a dramatic, overnight transformation, but a series of subtle, believable changes in perspective. The themes of career pressure and burnout felt especially authentic and thoughtfully explored.

While there is a romantic element, it doesn’t overpower the story. Instead, it complements Jessie’s growth and encourages her to step outside of her comfort zone. The real highlight is the immersive sense of place—Dublin comes alive through its atmosphere, routines, and cultural details, making the setting feel just as important as the characters.

This book also struck a personal chord for me. It reminded me how transformative travel can be—how stepping away from routine and experiencing new cultures can shift your priorities in ways you don’t expect. That sense of discovery is woven beautifully throughout the story.

Overall, this is a reflective and heartfelt read about choosing a life that feels right, rather than one that simply looks right on paper. It’s a quieter, more introspective story, but one that lingers.

I recommend you grab your passport and jump into this delightful story.

And, don’t skip the epilogue, it’s worth it.

Read if you like:
Character-driven stories
Self-discovery & personal growth
Travel as a transformative experience
Subtle, low-drama romance
Themes of career burnout and life reassessment

[Mikaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

When in Dublin follows Jessie, a structured, career-driven woman who relocates to Ireland for a year-long work opportunity that could secure her dream promotion. What starts as a carefully mapped-out step forward quickly turns into something much more transformative, as she’s pushed outside her comfort zone and into a life filled with new experiences, unexpected connections, and a lot of self-reflection.

Jessie was such a relatable main character. She has a plan for everything, especially her career. I’m not a Type A planner like Jessie, but I still crave direction, so her journey really resonated with me. I deeply connected with that underlying uncertainty, especially the feeling of not quite knowing where you’re going or what you’re meant to be doing. Her growth felt honest and grounded, and I really appreciated how it unfolded over time.

One of the aspects that drew me in most was the international setting. Jessie moving abroad for a year, despite never having done anything like that before, added a layer of vulnerability and courage that really resonated with me. It taps into that quiet “what if?” feeling, the idea of stepping into a completely different life, even temporarily.

While there is a touch of romance, Aidan adds both charm and complication to Jessie’s life. I did notice some early red flags and questioned why Jessie didn’t, but by the end, his role made sense. He ultimately contributes to her growth, helping her become stronger and more certain of what she wants, including her love for travel.

Overall, this was a thoughtful, character-driven read that I really enjoyed. It’s not my usual genre, which is why it lands at 4 stars for me, but it was still a meaningful and engaging story that I think will resonate with a lot of readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Heuston Press for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Saarony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Heuston Press, and Tracy Avery for the ARC.

This was a genuinely standout read—polished, immersive, and deeply satisfying from start to finish. The writing is clean and beautifully typeset, but more importantly, it’s technically sharp and effortlessly engaging. From the first pages, I felt fully transported into Jessie’s world. The international setting, particularly Dublin, is rendered with detail and care—never exaggerated, never cliché, just vivid and believable.

What really carries the novel is its realism. Jessie’s arc feels earned. Her decisions—both personal and professional—reflect a gradual, convincing growth rather than forced transformation. Given the author’s lived experience in Dublin, the story captures with authenticity what it actually means to move abroad for work: the discomfort, the small adjustments, the subtle identity shifts that come with stepping outside a carefully constructed life.

I read this in a single day, which says everything about its pacing and pull.

There’s also something powerful in how relatable Jessie is. Watching her evolve felt less like observing a character and more like holding up a mirror. That sense of recognition makes her journey oddly comforting—like reassurance that uncertainty and recalibration are part of becoming your best self.

Beyond the story itself, the book offers subtle but valuable insights, especially in its portrayal of career decisions, professional behaviours, and personal boundaries.

And the ending? Exactly right. Satisfying without being predictable or overly neat. It’s emotionally grounded without losing its sense of possibility.

This is more than just a good story, it’s one that lingers and nudges you toward self-reflection after turning the final page.

[Becca (beccaspurrfectbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd first like to thank NetGalley and Tracy Avery for this ARC. This was my first ARC to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

"When in Dublin" follows Jessie Dunhour, an almost 28 year old who is career driven and focused on a promotion. She's very structured with particular milestones she wants to reach in her life - house, promotion, marriage, and children. She's also a little bit of a homebody and very close with her parents, so when the opportunity to travel to Ireland comes up to put her on the track for her promotion, it is not a decision she takes lightly. It requires a year long stay in a completely different country, away from her family, her best friend, Lindsay, and everything that is familiar to her. Deciding to take a chance, she travels to Dublin.

After a few challenges in personal and work life, she finds her footing. She discovers new friends, begins a upward path in her career, and a new love interest. However, that new love isn't everything it appears to be. As her year-long stay draws to an end, she has to decide if she's going to return back home, to Florida where everything is constant and familiar, or stay abroad.

This story was far more than your typical contemporary romance. It's a story of self discovery and appreciating one’s worth. The obstacles that Jessie faces allows her to grow and become more confident. As a woman, that is always a challenging concept in all avenues of life.

The secondary characters were fantastic, particularly Simon, one of Jessie's new coworkers. He stole the show every time! I found myself wanting to read more interactions with these characters.

Overall, this was a fun and easy read. I will certainly look forward to other works by Tracy Avery in the future!

[The Lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

​I’m giving When in Dublin by Tracy Avery a 3-star review. ⭐⭐⭐
​This was a story with a lot of potential and a lead character I truly wanted to root for, but a shaky final act kept it from being a top-tier read for me.
​A big thank you to NetGalley, the author Tracy Avery, and the publisher for providing this eARC! All opinions expressed are my own.
​
​The story introduces us to Jessica, a protagonist who finds herself navigating life and love against the vibrant backdrop of Ireland’s capital. For the most part, I really liked this story and found Jessica to be a relatable and engaging lead. However, I struggled with the conclusion; when I like a book "pretty much okay" up until the end but then find myself disliking how it all wraps up, it creates a real problem for my overall enjoyment.
​The Good
​The absolute standout of this novel is the setting, as Dublin is wonderfully and accurately portrayed throughout the narrative. Tracy Avery writes with such detail and precision that you feel like you are actually there, walking the streets alongside the characters. Jessica herself is a strong point for the majority of the book, and her initial journey is one that kept me interested and invested in her happiness.
​The Not So Good
​Unfortunately, the connection I felt to the story began to fray as it approached the finish line. I found myself unable to fully connect with or understand Jessica’s actions toward the end of the book, which felt out of sync with the character I had grown to like. Because the ending didn't land for me, it cast a bit of a shadow over the rest of the experience, leaving me with a sense of "what could have been" rather than full satisfaction

[Becca Moreland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the beginning — I finished it in under 24 hours. Jessie is both relatable and endearing. Her awkward charm shines in moments like the arm-flap icebreaker story and an unintentionally loaded comment to a random Irish guy. I cackled at both of those moments and (unfortunately) can see myself doing something similar. Additionally, watching her career growth felt realistic. I wish I had a mentor like Simon guiding me.

As for the romance with Aiden, it unfolded in a way that felt honest and realistic in the pacing as well as ending (that phone call was a gut-punch). Sometimes a person can be the right fit for a season of your life without being the right person for ALL of it, and this book captures that bittersweet reality beautifully.

I'd describe this as a "romance plus more." Yes, there's a romance sub-plot, but the overall story is Jessie's broader character arc. She grapples with a tension many of us know well: the pull between the life we meticulously planned and the one that unexpectedly falls into our lap. Her experience moving to Ireland adds another layer — the small but real challenges of navigating the public transportation system, finding the right shops, and discovering where the locals actually eat. Having moved abroad myself, I found those details relatable (I too, have had meltdown in the rain when a shopping bag broke).

I’ll definitely recommend this book to my friends - especially those who have also moved abroad! And if Tracy happens to read this: I’d love a book about Lindsay next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Heuston Press for the eARC!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 stars - rounded up to 4)

Thank you to the Heuston Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy.

I really enjoyed this one. It was a quick, engaging read that hooked me right away and kept me coming back to see what would happen next.

The story follows Jessie, who is very structured and set in her ways at the start. I did feel like her personality was a bit one-note in the beginning, and overall I wanted more depth from the characters. A lot of the story focused on the decisions they made rather than really digging into who they were, which made some of their actions feel predictable.

Jessie was fine as a main character, but I struggled with how often she ignored Aidan’s red flags. And honestly… Aidan was the worst. He came across as very self-absorbed, and their relationship didn’t feel believable to me. When Jessie literally asks why he likes her, I had the same question. It felt less like a genuine connection and more like he enjoyed being admired.

That said, I really enjoyed the Ireland setting. It added so much to the story; the atmosphere, the travel, and the change in pace all made it more fun to read.

The ending leaned into a happily-ever-after, which worked for the tone of the book, and I was very glad with how things turned out.

Overall, this was a cute, quick romance that I’d recommend to readers looking for something light and easy to get into, especially if you enjoy travel elements and a story about someone stepping outside their comfort zone. It gave me a bit of a Me Before You vibe in that sense, with a more sheltered main character opening up to a bigger world.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of When In Dublin by Tracy Avery, a lovely debut.

Jessica is a career-driven young woman with a plan, living in Tampa, Florida, right where she grew up and ready to buy her own house, when she gets the opportunity to work in Dublin, Ireland for a year. The move will almost certainly put her in line for a quick promotion to Associate Partner at her consulting firm. But Jess has never traveled much of anywhere, doesn’t want to move so far away from her parents, and isn’t sure she should take the chance. She doesn’t even have a passport. But she does go.

I really enjoyed reading her adventures in adjusting to life in a very different place than Tampa, from the size of the apartment’s refrigerator to learning that you have to press a button on the Dublin light rail system for the exit door to open.

Jess also needs to learn to be more outgoing and assertive at work. She’s a whiz with numbers and modeling but not so good at presenting, for example. I loved how her new friends at work supported her, especially Simon with his “lessons.” (I loved Simon - can we get a separate book about him, please?) And of course, there’s a guy: Aidan. He seems really charming most of the time, but I wasn’t sure that he would be a great match for Jess - their personalities and outlooks on life were so different. I know “opposites attract” but I wasn’t convinced this time. Example: he loves traveling and exploring all over the world, playing things by ear and Jess is really a homebody, who likes having a set plan.

When In Dublin is a great portrait of a young woman coming into her own. I enjoyed watching Jess figure out what she really wanted out of life.

[Marie Girulat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt thank you to @tracyavery.books and @literarymediatours for this stunning #gifted e-book!

This touching debut novel beautifully explores the journey of self-discovery and embracing who you are truly meant to be.

Jessie is a highly organized, Type A personality who moves to Dublin to advance her career on the associate partner track. What she discovers are wonderful friends, a newfound sense of adventure, and a deep passion for life.

I loved witnessing Jessie's growth as she adjusted to her year in Ireland. She relied on her structured five-year plan, aiming for partnership, marriage, and a family to anchor her. But when she meets Aiden, she begins to step outside her comfort zone, taking chances she never would have before. Her colleagues are fantastic, helping her build confidence at work and encouraging her to advocate for her ideas.

Admittedly, I wasn’t a fan of Aiden or their relationship, feeling he was not her true soulmate. I felt for Jessie when their relationship faltered. Yet, I cheered her on as she finally took control of her life and chose to live more fully. It was heartwarming to see her friends and family support her every step of the way.

The vivid descriptions of Ireland, Morocco, and Spain truly brought these places to life, making me feel as if I were right there experiencing their beauty.

Jessie’s journey is inspiring and incredibly relatable for anyone juggling a career while searching for that special someone.

If you love stories of self-discovery, stepping out of your comfort zone, and finding happiness, this book is a must-read. This debut novel will be available May 20, 2026.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

“When one door closes, another one opens…”

That saying really is so true and When in Dublin epitomizes that concept. I love how Tracy used actual doors throughout the story to symbolize the choices Jessie faced. It was a beautiful reminder that some doors are happy and pretty and some are bold and unexpected but all can lead to different experiences and growth.

I also love how When in Dublin flows so easily. It’s a relaxing read and doesn’t break your heart or your brain. It has all the ingredients for a heartfelt story: a likable main character, a supportive best friend, witty coworkers, workplace tension with her nemesis, and a beautiful journey of self-discovery. These stories have a way of working themselves out in ways real life often doesn’t. It’s such a comfort read - nothing truly devastating happens, and everything wraps up with a beautiful bow in the end.

SPOILER(ISH)

Something to note - the romance story line was secondary to the major plot line. I appreciate the way Tracy addresses this in “Behind the Book” at the end. I enjoyed that the love story wasn’t the primary focus. Perhaps thats because I have dated a guy like Aidan and the red flags he was throwing out were so frustrating. I kept wanting to shake Jessie, but in reality it can be hard see those red flags when you are right there in it. It was important for her growth and I recognize that even if it felt frustrating at moments.

My recommendation - get your passports ready and dive into Jessie’s world in Dublin! Especially when you need a little relief from every day life.

[Missy Mckenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely debut novel by Tracy Avery that takes you from Tampa to Dublin and beyond as FMC Jessica (Jessie) spends her late twenties figuring out exactly who she is and where she belongs.

Things that I loved about this book:

Location ~ I loved our little glimpse into life as an American in Dublin. While I have only visited there, I have had 2 adult children live abroad in Ireland and England and so many of Jessie’s experiences in her new home country seemed so relatable. I also appreciated how this move awoke a desire to travel in Jessie.

Career ~ I really enjoyed Jessie’s interactions with coworkers throughout the book and how her self-awareness grew as it pertained to her blossoming career. It’s so important to have strong, female leads who don’t have it all figured out. I also enjoyed how her relationship with her work “nemesis” matured.

Relationships ~ Jessie had so many affirming friendships in her story and I enjoyed reading about them…whether childhood friends or new friends in Ireland. We also only get a glimpse of her parents, but I thought that relationship was portrayed with a lot of support and respect.

One thing I didn’t love ~ As strong and capable as Jessie was in so many parts of the novel, at times in her romantic entanglement with Aidan she just seemed too obsessed with him and it seemed to be in such direct opposition to the rest of her personality. It certainly didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.

Thankful to @LiteraryMediaTours and @tracyavery.books for the opportunity to read and review this Advance Readers Copy.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much more than a romance. It is a story about finding confidence, trusting yourself, and refusing to shrink for anyone.

Jessica, the female main character, is given the chance to spend a year in Dublin as an expat. Over the course of that year, she discovers her confidence, her voice, her passion, and because this is a romance, she also finds her happily ever after. The supporting characters each have their own quirks and distinct personalities, and they add real depth to Jessica’s relationships and growth.

The author captures perfectly what it feels like to be in your late twenties, focused on your career while also trying to figure out how your personal life fits into the picture. This book brought back so many memories from when I was an expat in Scotland at twenty eight. Tracy Avery captured so many of those small but vivid experiences, from needing a passport to learning to use a kettle, getting splashed by cars on rainy walks to work, and discovering that some American words mean something completely different, even in another English speaking country.

This was a quick and engaging read that kept me up well past my bedtime. It left me inspired and feeling like I needed to travel overseas again. The life you plan for yourself is not always the life you are meant to live. Sometimes the real story is in the journey and in becoming the person you were always meant to be.

Thank you Tracy Avery for writing a book that brought back so many memories for me! Thank you Literary Media Tours and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Nikita ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC review*

Wow! What a brilliant debut novel from Tracy Avery!

Meet Jess, a Type-A, American who is very neat and predictable and whose idea of a holiday is camping an hour away from her home in Tampa. She works in corporate and has been working hard to get Associate Partner, when her boss puts her forward for a project in Ireland which will last a year. The idea of leaving Tampa and going to Ireland for a year is terrifying for Jess, but after some persuading she takes the plunge. Throughout the rest of the book, we follow Jess as she navigates the trials of moving to a new place, making new friends and trying to prove she has what it takes to be an Associate Partner. When handsome Aidan comes onto the scene, Jess must decide between a career she has worked so hard for and her heart.

I really loved this book. Jess is such a relatable character and I loved her character growth throughout the book. I also liked that the growth didn't just come from nowhere, there was a very clear situation which caused Jess to pause and question her life before making a decision. Her friendships with Lindsey, Orla and Simon were so sweet and I loved their interactions. Another thing I really liked about this book is that while there is a bit of romance weaved into the story, it is not the focus of the plot, nor Jess's character development. This book is definitely about how Jess adapts to this new life in Ireland and figures out who she is, rather than focusing on finding love and it was very refreshing. The writing style reminded me a lot of Marian Keyes, whose books I have loved for a long time.

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Tracy Avery!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC! All thoughts and opinions regarding this book are my own.

[Sara Botta · Rating 5 out of 5]

When In Dublin
By Tracy Avery

Have you ever felt like you’re behind schedule in your own life? That maybe you’re on the safe path and feel like everyone around you is excelling or living a grand adventure? I think we all have felt that at one time and in When In Dublin by Tracy Avery that’s exactly how the main character Jessica feels, even if she may not realize it in the beginning of the book.

This is a story about taking chances and going down the road less traveled even when it feels like you’re going against everything in your nature. Jessica is incredibly organized and driven with a plan for her life that hasn’t quite come to fruition. She thought that she’d be married and own a home by 30 but her career aspirations lead to the breakup with the man she’d planned to marry and now she’s presented with the opportunity to move abroad for work right as she’s about to buy her first home, alone.
She’s not a traveler or an adventurer but makes the move that will ultimately change the course of her life.
While there is an element of romance to this story, this is about self discovery not through finding a partner but finding yourself.
This is Avery’s debut novel and the care and love she put in is obvious. It’s very thoughtful and intentional, well written and beautifully immersive. If this doesn’t make you want to explore life through travel I don’t know what will.

I finished this book feeling inspired, emotional, and so happy I stumbled upon this author’s instagram page. Thank you, Tracy, for allowing me to arc read your “baby”!