Reviews

The Paris Soulmate by Brooke Gilbert

atouchofbooknerd's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

DNF @ 20%

Thoughts: So the book had a good start, a little slow. I ended up DNF the book due to it not grabbing my attention, i liked the mc she was well written and I like the disability aspect of it and I also liked the ML but the story behind him and the way he ended up on the same flight was kind of weird but hey maybe it wasn’t a book for me but anyone else could have a didn’t outlook on it. I saw read it and find out ! Might circle back to it in the future.

chelseasbookshelf2's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

katiedermody's review against another edition

Go to review page

1.5

I probably should have DNF'd this book and likely would have if the MC having multiple chronic illnesses wasn't handled so well. The kissing and health related scenes were well done, but otherwise this book was so over the top, insta-love, corny, and unbelievable. There is a faith-base to it also that I wasn't expecting but maybe should have when the Kindle tagline was "a sweet romance novel, perfect for clean and wholesome romance readers". I HATE the concept of clean romance because that implies that there is unclean, dirty, unwholesome romance. If you want to read closed-door or no-steam romances, more power to you, but don't use words that make it sounds like you judge those of us who enjoy some steam or flat out smut. So yeah, I didn't hate this book because of the chronic illness rep, but otherwise would not have finished it, so a low rating it gets. 

lolloreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Christine has battled with an autoimmune disorder for most of her 20’s. She’s finally at a place where her health allows her to live life to the fullest again so she decides to travel to Paris. In the airport she meets the most incredible man, the man of her dreams and they decide to spend the week together in the city of love. What could possibly go wrong.

If you’re not a fan of the insta love trope this one isn’t for you. Christine and Collin have an instant connection and their relationship progresses really fast. I got fairytale vibes, a woman who’s finally found herself and her perfect match is the dream. It’s cheesy and I love it.

Then there’s the twist. I was so wrapped up in the fact that she meet this seemingly perfect stranger to even consider there was a set up. This added another layer to the story that made for an interesting conflict.

Other things I liked was the dual pov, chronic illness representation, the map and lists included. A movie list, playlist, yoga routine all related to the book ofc. Amazing!

I highly recommend this one to fans of sweet romance and women’s fiction. It’s available in KU so go download it!

bellajune819's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

The Paris soulmates was a cute romance story of Christine and Colin on a week long trip to Paris. Christine has spend years of her youth sick with a diagnosed autoimmune disease and after her health becomes more stable she decides to follow through with her bucket list trip. While leaving for her trip, Christine meets Colin at the airport who also has his own reasons for why he’s going to Paris.

This books has several tropes, such as autoimmune representation, love at first sight, forced proximity, soulmates, Dual POV, and comedy.

“‘Colin, my lips are really cold.’” This was cheesy, but reflected Christines character development, where this story had good character development especially for such a small story where the writing stays true to each character. It also made me laugh.

The few supporting characters in this book make you laugh out loud. Doris is an MVP, and should be protected at all cost with her humour and common sense.

I rated this book 3/5, because although I enjoyed it, it did have some issues. One thing being Colin’s POV coming to soon, although learning about him gives tension to the book. It happened to soon, since it made me want to jump ahead to when the secret is revealed. Another thing being more my personal preference of love at first sight not being something I believe in, and some things felt a bit too fast paced with the romance.

Overall, if you are interested in these themes I highly recommend this book. The writing is good and the characters have their own growth that makes it worth it with all the tropes and themes.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

knollm15's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Overall I thought this book was pretty cute. It definitely wasn't what I was expecting but I enjoyed it for the most part. The relationship between Christine and Colin was fast paced but at the same time involved character development. I also loved the setting, it was fun to read about them sightseeing in Paris and I loved that the author included a little map of where they'd be going!

bottleblondebookworm's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Christine decides to take a trip to Paris to knock off a few items from her bucket list. Before she even steps foot on the plane, she encounters a handsome, yet arrogant, British stranger. The two butt heads, but a Christine recognizes the attraction between the two, and what follows is a cute yet emotional romance throughout the streets of the City of Love. ❤️

First off, I would like to say I appreciated the disability representation in this book. I love that more and more romances are incorporating disability rep into characters lives! Our FMC, Christine, has a few different autoimmune disorders which bring lots of challenges into her life. Though she was extremely anxious about her trip to Paris, I love that she had the strength to go. By herself, too! And she ends up taking a lot of chances during her time in Paris that led to wonderful character growth. 

The meet cute between our FMC, Christine, and love interest, Colin, was super sweet… until it wasn’t. I didn’t understand why our FMC flipped and decided he was her enemy all of a sudden. He made a joke, she took it the wrong way, he could have apologized, sure, but I still think her reaction was more than what was warranted. Their banter during the flight was cute and funny. The airplane passengers’ and flight attendants’ involvement really sold it! 

I was conflicted about Colin. Without spoiling anything I can’t go into too many details, but his job and his feelings for Christine really tore me in two. On one hand, so adorable that he practically fell in love with her the second he saw her, but on the other hand considering his job, it was hard to form a clear impression at first. Ultimately, he ended up being a super cute hero, and I liked how the relationship between him and Christine developed. 

One thing I thought was a bit strange is that we don’t get characters’ names until chapter 6, I think. I didn’t read the synopsis before starting the book, so I had no idea who anyone was and the FMC and MMC aren’t addressed by name until chapter 6 when they introduce themselves to each other after getting on the plane. I suppose that’s fairly normal, but for some reason it just threw me off a bit! 

A fun detail I loved was the inclusion of the travel map and art guide! I think that is such a brilliant idea!

This is a cute, quick read. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for an easy, feel good, rom-com! ❤️

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own. 

mmlread's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bookstacks_and_coffeecups's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

3.75

This was a sweet romance with a lot of depth!

Things I Loved:

•The realness of the character: Real fears and insecurities

•Disability Rep: MFC has multiple autoimmune diseases that have a very real impact on her life, relationships and this trip to Paris. As someone with multiple autoimmune diseases myself I appreciate the realistic portrayal of living the “spooner” life. The Author also has firsthand knowledge of this and writes with knowledge and understanding.

•Actual depth of conversation between MC’s

•Gorgeous Parisian Setting

•Closed door romance but lots of heat and LOTS of kissing

• Great cast of side characters especially Doris

•Dual POV

Things that weren’t strong points for me:

•Not a huge fan of Instant Love (just a personal preference)

•Lola - a great friend in someways but so much of what she does and how she handles things really annoyed me.

•Several slower spots/constant introspection. 

All in all I enjoyed this book and love that the author included a movie list and Spotify list to be enjoyed along with the book. I felt like I was in Paris and that’s always a wonderful place to be.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

thecleanreadbookclub's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This is such an interesting story because it's a instant attraction/love trope for both of the main characters that spans out over a 7 days trip in the heart of Paris, France. The length in the trip and great detail added still lets the insta love feel be there, but gives it substance rather than just an infatuation feel.

I love dual POV books and was so glad this one had it. Both of our main characters needed to let us inside of their heads and I think that really benefited this book. The descriptions are thorough and gives the reader a real feel of Paris.

Christine was such an interesting character to read about. She is a lot of walls, fears, regrets and wishes for the future. It was fun to see one of her dreams come true throughout this book in getting herself to Paris. Add that with an intriguing MCC, mistaken identities, meddling old ladies and you've got quite the tale to tell!

I thought it was endearing to have the storyline that it did because it showed the hero of the story to be nothing short of amazing. It was intriguing to find a character arc for him later on in the book too. Just when you thought you had him all figured out, he ends up surprising you even more.

I enjoyed all of the movie suggestions and references. If you're a lover of the arts-in any medium that right there should be a bonus to reading this book!

I applaud the author for her representation of autoimmune diseases and major health challenges. She does a great job letting the reader in on those complications and what those situations can entail.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.