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melaniekarin's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
a bit of a predictable slog
syazahaniss's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
When I was starting out, I kept thinking it was a YA book because the writing seemed so underdeveloped (overly descriptive, doesn’t get straight to the point etc). Also the title is on the cringey side.
The writing needed some getting used to too. I’m not sure if it’s just a Paris thing (is the author even Parisian?) but it seemed almost Victorian with the way everything was romanticised.
The build up was very slow and I wasn’t a fan of neither Maxime nor Sarah from the get-go. Maxime seemed like the extreme kind of bad boy to me while Sarah was too mousey even for a shy introvert like myself. Suffice to say, I couldn’t relate to either of them.
But once they finally met and there were interactions between the two (albeit stilted), the pacing seemed to pick up because I found myself invested. I looked forward to their relationship development and although the whole premise seemed very Stockholm Syndrome to me, I still think they have quite the chemistry.
The supporting characters were lovely. I liked Damien and Anita (and most of Chatereunard’s residents except Frederic) and was so sad about Simon’s death despite not knowing too much about him. They all proved to be great friends who stick by you throughout any ups and downs and we all need these kind of people in our lives.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide
elawder's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to HarperCollins, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC!
This book had a slow start for me, but once I got invested, I WAS INVESTED. At first, I thought the character of Maxime was just annoying. But he really ended up growing and I appreciated seeing him grow and learn to love with Sarah.
This book had a slow start for me, but once I got invested, I WAS INVESTED. At first, I thought the character of Maxime was just annoying. But he really ended up growing and I appreciated seeing him grow and learn to love with Sarah.
wayhayman14's review against another edition
3.0
Just what I like in a contemporary romance. Bookshop girl meet bad boy actor, we all know the way it goes but I love it! A bit of cheese mixed in with some steam which is always a good thing in my book. I enjoyed the setting & even swooned at the bad boy actor myself! Light easy read.
georgiatwiss's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to Net Galley & Harper Collins for this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I will start by saying that I'm a little undecided in how to rate this book because there were parts that worked for me a lot and parts that I really strongly disliked. The story follows Sarah, a timid wallflower book worm and Max, a tortured bad boy actor (very Shia Labeouf-esque -- minus the recent DV stuff). Facing serious charges after being arrested, Max is sent to live with Sarah and work in her bookshop as community service. From there he finds himself falling into the midst of a quirky village community and falling in love with the shy bookish Sarah.
What I liked about the book: I enjoyed the community aspect of the book. The small french village reminded me a bit of the town in Chocolat, with quirky characters who are bound together in shared experiences, grudges, and long forged family relationships. I loved Sarah's relationship with these people, and the way these moments were written. I did like the depth of the characters, I especially felt like Sarah was extremely well developed and so easy to love.
Things I didn't like: Despite appreciating the depth of the characters, I really hated Max for most of the book. It took a really long time for him to make a turnaround for me, when he does it's great, but I think that it wasn't necessary to make him so awful in the beginning. I also wish we could have had their relationship be a little bit more drawn out, it felt a little sudden and rush, and I think it deserved more space to breathe.
Overall, good summer read, especially if you are someone who dreams of owning a bookshop in a small French village!
I will start by saying that I'm a little undecided in how to rate this book because there were parts that worked for me a lot and parts that I really strongly disliked. The story follows Sarah, a timid wallflower book worm and Max, a tortured bad boy actor (very Shia Labeouf-esque -- minus the recent DV stuff). Facing serious charges after being arrested, Max is sent to live with Sarah and work in her bookshop as community service. From there he finds himself falling into the midst of a quirky village community and falling in love with the shy bookish Sarah.
What I liked about the book: I enjoyed the community aspect of the book. The small french village reminded me a bit of the town in Chocolat, with quirky characters who are bound together in shared experiences, grudges, and long forged family relationships. I loved Sarah's relationship with these people, and the way these moments were written. I did like the depth of the characters, I especially felt like Sarah was extremely well developed and so easy to love.
Things I didn't like: Despite appreciating the depth of the characters, I really hated Max for most of the book. It took a really long time for him to make a turnaround for me, when he does it's great, but I think that it wasn't necessary to make him so awful in the beginning. I also wish we could have had their relationship be a little bit more drawn out, it felt a little sudden and rush, and I think it deserved more space to breathe.
Overall, good summer read, especially if you are someone who dreams of owning a bookshop in a small French village!
ktjernzt's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
librarianlayla's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book gave me very much adult contemporary Beauty and the Beast vibes. Set in France - check, bad boy who's depicted as bit of a 'monster' - check, book loving girl who sees the good in people being romanced by a slightly self involved smarmy man - check.
A book that book lovers will enjoy for Sarah's commitment to books. However there is a slight romanticism surrounding Maxime's violent tendencies, so this may not suit readers who are triggered by violent outbursts.
A book that book lovers will enjoy for Sarah's commitment to books. However there is a slight romanticism surrounding Maxime's violent tendencies, so this may not suit readers who are triggered by violent outbursts.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Suicide
janefair's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
chloe_lloyd_01's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5