HEART STRINGS

When two exes reunite to attend a weekend-long wedding in Ireland, old feelings resurface.

It’s been a whirlwind two years since Aidan O’Toole scored a record deal and landed a single on the radio. But after nonstop touring and pressure from the label to write a catchier, less “sad bastard” album, Aidan feels little inspiration to write another love song, especially when the muse behind his breakout tune wants nothing to do with him. Aidan and his ex-girlfriend, Cielo “Lo” Valdez, ended on rocky terms when he became famous, but no one can deny that all his lyrics are about her. At the time, Lo had just arrived in Ireland from Texas to attend medical school, and going on a cross-country tour with Aidan would have derailed her degree. After battling cancer as a teen and dealing with an absentee father, Lo had no room in her life for the instability of life with a celebrity. Instead, she’s now content to avoid listening to the radio and leave Aidan in the past—except for the fact that they’re both in the same wedding party. As maid of honor and best man, they’re thrown headfirst into party planning and faking smiles together, albeit unsuccessfully. A hen party results in a puddle of unresolved feelings and a stranded boat, and harmless ribbon cutting leads to unmistakable sexual tension. As Aidan and Lo spend more time together, Aidan realizes that his new album might be just the way to win her back. Can Lo reconcile her fears and let Aidan in, or did their song end forever? In Fairbanks’ second Love in Galway romantic dramedy, her characters experience love and heartache with a beautiful Irish backdrop. Aidan and Lo’s relationship brings the heat, and obligatory wedding hijinks offer breathing room amid more serious subjects like Lo’s health anxiety. Fans of Morbidly Yours (2024) will be happy to see Lark and Callum’s story continue with their wedding, and perhaps sneak a peek into the next Love in Galway chapter with Saoirse and florist Gabe.

A charming and spicy Irish romance.