Today I’m taking part in the blog tour for another Victoria Walters book. I’ve read a few by this author and enjoyed them all, and this one is no exception. Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for having me on the tour and sending me a copy of the book to review.
The Book:
Can the city of love mend a broken heart?
Romance author Tessa Elliot has writer’s block, and worse – she isn’t sure she still believes in love. To heal her broken heart, she decides to go on the romantic break in Paris she’d booked before her world fell apart.
But when she arrives at the Airbnb, Tessa is stunned to find someone is already there. Her ex’s best friend Ethan has made himself at home, being told that the place would be empty.
As it’s Paris Fashion Week, and with no other options, they agree to share the apartment. Neither will be in the place much after all, with Ethan taking a cookery course and Tessa on a hard deadline to finish her novel.
But sharing close nights in a one bed apartment, there’s an undeniable pull towards one another.
Will Tessa be able open her heart, and her laptop, ever again?
A gorgeous romance set in the city of love, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/theparischapterbook
The Review: I’ve read a few books set in Paris recently, I think perhaps my subconscious is hinting at something! However, that aside, I loved this book. The one bed, clash of holiday bookings story line isn’t new, there are a number of books that cover the same or something similar. Having said that, this one does it really well. As was been said by someone once (I forget who and when) because there are so many books in existence there are no new book ideas now, what sets them apart is how the authors approach the story. Having a book set in Paris is always a plus for me but even from the beginning of the story I was rooting for Tessa and hoping that being in this fabulous city would help her get over her idiot ex.
I loved the way Tessa and Ethan interacted. Happily Ethan is nothing like his idiot friend. There’s understandably a fair amount of anger and frustration over the situation they are in but they deal with it like reasonable adults (unlike a film I saw once – I didn’t finish it). Tessa is understandably wary of Ethan because of who he is connected to but doesn’t immediately judge him and this enables them both to get to know each other and makes staying in the apartment together, much more pleasant.
There are a few other characters in the book but the overall focus is Tessa, Ethan and Paris. While the parts of the city we see are relatively short and sweet in their appearance, they do fit with, and add to, the story which helps make it more realistic. I loved watching the development between Tessa and Ethan but also how Tessa changes as she realises the truth about her last relationship and what she wants from her life.
This is a brilliant, slightly spicy read. It’s cosy and heartwarming and exactly what you need at this time of year when the days are still short, the weather is still unpredictable and it’s not particularly warm. If you’re looking for something uplifting and a bit of escapism then this is definitely worth checking out.
The Author:
Victoria Walters is the author of both cosy crime and romantic novels, including the bestselling Glendale Hall series. She has been chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent, shortlisted for two RNA novels and was picked as an Amazon Rising Star. Previously published by Hera, she is now writing romantic comedies for Boldwood.
Social Media Links –
Twitter: @Vicky_Walters
Instagram: @VickyJWalters
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/VictoriaWaltersNews
Bookbub profile: @vixw2000
