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library_kb's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I was highly annoyed with our main character for the first half of the book, but was extremely happy when she finally figured out her hangups and gave in to Liam! I liked the representation of endometriosis in this book (though I can't speak to it's accuracy). Recommend for readers of Chloe Liese.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Medical content, Body shaming, and Panic attacks/disorders
wildflowerleahg's review against another edition
4.25
4.5/5
I DONUT know how to articulate how adorable this book was.
There is some incredible Endo representation from an author that experiences it herself. Also, a small trigger warning for toxic parental relationships.
If you're like me, who dreams of flying to Paris and living out your dreams of baking pastries and falling for a man that has the charm of Gene Kelly. This is the story for you.
I found it utterly delightful and even emotional at times. I think this book made me realize I do love friends to lovers.
I DONUT know how to articulate how adorable this book was.
There is some incredible Endo representation from an author that experiences it herself. Also, a small trigger warning for toxic parental relationships.
If you're like me, who dreams of flying to Paris and living out your dreams of baking pastries and falling for a man that has the charm of Gene Kelly. This is the story for you.
I found it utterly delightful and even emotional at times. I think this book made me realize I do love friends to lovers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Toxic relationship, and Panic attacks/disorders
anniereads221's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Grief, Body shaming, Vomit, Pregnancy, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Chronic illness, Infertility, and Ableism
Endometriosis chronic illness Toxic relationship with mother Survivors guiltdarknesslighttt's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
š§šæš¼š½š²š: fake dating, childhood friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, he falls first, brother's best friend
š§šæš¶š“š“š²šæš: chronic pain, endometriosis, toxic parental relationship, mentions of depression and anxiety, vomiting, mourning a loved one who passed many years ago, discussions of infertility
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!
Evie is brave, funny and struggling with her insecurities. I really enjoyed watching her grow and star to love herself.
Liam is very supportive, full of charm, tender and would do anything for Evie.
The book makes you feel many things. It makes you have butterflies in your stomach but at the same time you also feel Evie's pain. I really appreciate that the author didn't hide from all the aspects related to endometriosis and that she brought aspects to light that I didn't even know about.
I loved the author's writing style and I am really looking forward to the next books written by her.
š§šæš¶š“š“š²šæš: chronic pain, endometriosis, toxic parental relationship, mentions of depression and anxiety, vomiting, mourning a loved one who passed many years ago, discussions of infertility
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!
Evie is brave, funny and struggling with her insecurities. I really enjoyed watching her grow and star to love herself.
Liam is very supportive, full of charm, tender and would do anything for Evie.
The book makes you feel many things. It makes you have butterflies in your stomach but at the same time you also feel Evie's pain. I really appreciate that the author didn't hide from all the aspects related to endometriosis and that she brought aspects to light that I didn't even know about.
I loved the author's writing style and I am really looking forward to the next books written by her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Toxic relationship, and Chronic illness
Minor: Infertility
kbairbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you Netgalley, and the publisher, for giving me an ARC of this book and allowing me to experience it in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for being so incredibly vulnerable and sharing this piece of you with us.
This book has me speechless. I normally donāt rate books that have no magic/fantasy elements with five stars but thisā¦ THIS. Is beyond five stars. The humor had me genuinely laughing out loud. Multiple times. Genuinely the funniest book Iāve read in a long time if ever. There was so much personality and soul this book felt like a hug. The own voice chronic illness representation was incredibly honest, vulnerable, and raw. I want to put myself in financial distress to buy a copy for every single person I love so they can experience this magic for themselves. Beautiful. Brava!
Thank you to the author for being so incredibly vulnerable and sharing this piece of you with us.
This book has me speechless. I normally donāt rate books that have no magic/fantasy elements with five stars but thisā¦ THIS. Is beyond five stars. The humor had me genuinely laughing out loud. Multiple times. Genuinely the funniest book Iāve read in a long time if ever. There was so much personality and soul this book felt like a hug. The own voice chronic illness representation was incredibly honest, vulnerable, and raw. I want to put myself in financial distress to buy a copy for every single person I love so they can experience this magic for themselves. Beautiful. Brava!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Alcohol, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Bullying, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Blood
bottleblondebookworm's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I loved this Parisian inspired romance novel! I found myself transported to Paris, walking along the banks of the Seine right next to Liam and Evie. I loved the nods to old Hollywood and Gene Kelly. It made me want to watch An American in Paris and Singing in the Rain again!
Now, letās get into the romance. Fake dating is always a good idea, right? To be honest, itās one of my favorite tropes, and I felt like it was done well here. Liam surprises Evie in Paris and she is not pleased to see her high school tormenter in her favorite place. However, her brotherās wedding is coming up and she needs a date before her mom completely steamrolls her. Enter Liam Kelly. From the get go you know Liam is head over heels for Evie, but she absolutely refuses to see it!! While I found myself frustrated with Evie and her constant self doubt and insecurities, I did understand why she felt that way. When she finally set aside some of that doubt and started trusting Liam, oh it was so cute!! Liam Kelly is such a sweetheart!!! He takes care of Evie when she needs him, but doesnāt ever try to fix her illness like everyone else in her life, heās just there to support her in whatever way she needs. It was really beautiful to see Evie lean into that trust and let herself fall in love.
I did take off one star due to the third act breakup. I understand why the author made that decision, but I felt she could have resolved the issue without Evie and Liam breaking up. The epilogue was cute and provided some closure I felt was needed, but I would have loved to have seen a bit more of Evie and Liamās life after the final resolution.
This book does cover some heavy topics, but the author put a wonderful note and content/trigger warning at the beginning of the book that lays it all out without giving away any of the story. Why donāt more authors do this?? Itās brilliant!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!! All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Bullying, Infertility, and Body shaming
britreadsbooks_'s review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
CWs pinned on the authorās Instagram & on storygraph.
HEART ON FLOOR. HEART ON FLOOR. Now that Iāve got that off my chest, Iām just gonna tell you how much I adored this. Torie Jean has delivered a total emotional gut punch that also lends itself to humour and chaos. Let me just say if youāre looking for a story with unrequited love and pining, this will be right up your alley. Did I mention Liamās love language is taking care of Evie? Any man who would drop everything to bring a woman in need bread is a total keeper. Would I have appreciated this more if I had an attachment to Gene Kelly and Audrey Hepburn? Probably. But that didnāt stop me from absolutely swooning into oblivion. Especially every time Liam blushed. I was also weak in the knees every time a pun was delivered. Word play is my soul food. I also love that Evieās character gives insight into life with endometriosis. Torie doesnāt paint a pretty picture either; she gives a raw, uncensored look into life with chronic illness. We need more of that in romance. If you enjoyed books like Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert, The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez, and Always Only You by Chloe Liese then you might want this on your tbr.
CWs pinned on the authorās Instagram & on storygraph.
HEART ON FLOOR. HEART ON FLOOR. Now that Iāve got that off my chest, Iām just gonna tell you how much I adored this. Torie Jean has delivered a total emotional gut punch that also lends itself to humour and chaos. Let me just say if youāre looking for a story with unrequited love and pining, this will be right up your alley. Did I mention Liamās love language is taking care of Evie? Any man who would drop everything to bring a woman in need bread is a total keeper. Would I have appreciated this more if I had an attachment to Gene Kelly and Audrey Hepburn? Probably. But that didnāt stop me from absolutely swooning into oblivion. Especially every time Liam blushed. I was also weak in the knees every time a pun was delivered. Word play is my soul food. I also love that Evieās character gives insight into life with endometriosis. Torie doesnāt paint a pretty picture either; she gives a raw, uncensored look into life with chronic illness. We need more of that in romance. If you enjoyed books like Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert, The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez, and Always Only You by Chloe Liese then you might want this on your tbr.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, Chronic illness, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Pregnancy and Toxic relationship
Minor: Abandonment, Infertility, Sexual content, Vomit, Bullying, and Injury/Injury detail
chinesetofu's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Wow! Firstly, Iād like to thank NetGalley and this bookās author for allowing me to read the arc of this comforting, and very cozy read!
Starting off, I initially went into this book after skimming over the synopsis, since I wanted to go in and just jump into a romance story without much detail about what would happen. I was both shocked and pleasantly surprised at how Finding Gene Kelly turned out, and honestly, the majority of the pacing of this book was extremely well done.
Right off the bat, we have Evelina and Liamās long-awaited meet-up in Paris after not seeing each other in a few years. Letās just say there were a few second-hand embarrassment-worthy scenes in this book, but all the same it made me laugh and was very enjoyable to read. What I particularly liked most about this book was the representation of endometriosis in the main character. I had never been too informed about this condition before, and getting a glimpse into how someoneās whole life and thinking process could be affected by this condition was something I really enjoyed, because I felt like I had a better understanding of the struggles of the condition.
It was fairly hard to read about Evelinaās struggles in a few instances, but my heart yearned for her, and the unique aura of her characterās strength and love for others was what made me root for her happily ever after. Moving on to the actual relationship development, I was met with a āIāve-loved-her-since-childhoodā trope, which I wasnāt expecting, but it wasnāt unpleasant at all. In fact, it brought almost a certain dream-like charm to this book, which really matched the focus of some sub-plots in this book regarding dreams and ambitions.
The pacing was a bit slow at the start, but as I am one for a slowburn romance, I thought this was executed rather well. The sense of tension and animosity was fairly well developed too, and I could get a hint of their chemistry even when they were both in their āenemiesā phase. Throughout the novel, their dialogue was also fairly easy to read and it had a homey flow to it, almost reminiscent of a couple already married for quite a while. The banter and general dialogue was great, but I do think I may have given this book a higher rating if there was perhaps more variety to what they discussed in the book, because at times it felt just slightly underwhelming, and the potential for their chemistry to shine through their dialogue was slightly hindered.
Lastly, I would just like to mention how much I love Liamās understanding and gentle natureāhis balanced mix of spicy/cocky attitude and the caring/sentimental demeanor when he cares for Evelina (which is pretty much throughout the entire book) was such a great character personality that I truly enjoyed reading. It was so clear that they were right for each other, and his soft moments with her were just so darling to read!!
Something else I would have liked with this book more though was of the pacing towards the end was perhaps modified slightlyāit did feel really quick with how things were wrapped up, and it almost felt slightly unrealistic given the amount of life-changing realizations that the characters went through. So many things were wrapped up with quick changes in mindset or a short conversation, or just a brief look at someoneās actions. I would have much preferred having a more set-out and better-paced progression of how things were resolved in this story.
Overall though, it was definitely an enjoyable and comforting romance read that had a right mix of butterflies, heart-melting moments, and cringe-worthy laughter sprinkled in. It would definitely be interesting to see what other new romance novels this author comes up with! :)
Starting off, I initially went into this book after skimming over the synopsis, since I wanted to go in and just jump into a romance story without much detail about what would happen. I was both shocked and pleasantly surprised at how Finding Gene Kelly turned out, and honestly, the majority of the pacing of this book was extremely well done.
Right off the bat, we have Evelina and Liamās long-awaited meet-up in Paris after not seeing each other in a few years. Letās just say there were a few second-hand embarrassment-worthy scenes in this book, but all the same it made me laugh and was very enjoyable to read. What I particularly liked most about this book was the representation of endometriosis in the main character. I had never been too informed about this condition before, and getting a glimpse into how someoneās whole life and thinking process could be affected by this condition was something I really enjoyed, because I felt like I had a better understanding of the struggles of the condition.
It was fairly hard to read about Evelinaās struggles in a few instances, but my heart yearned for her, and the unique aura of her characterās strength and love for others was what made me root for her happily ever after. Moving on to the actual relationship development, I was met with a āIāve-loved-her-since-childhoodā trope, which I wasnāt expecting, but it wasnāt unpleasant at all. In fact, it brought almost a certain dream-like charm to this book, which really matched the focus of some sub-plots in this book regarding dreams and ambitions.
The pacing was a bit slow at the start, but as I am one for a slowburn romance, I thought this was executed rather well. The sense of tension and animosity was fairly well developed too, and I could get a hint of their chemistry even when they were both in their āenemiesā phase. Throughout the novel, their dialogue was also fairly easy to read and it had a homey flow to it, almost reminiscent of a couple already married for quite a while. The banter and general dialogue was great, but I do think I may have given this book a higher rating if there was perhaps more variety to what they discussed in the book, because at times it felt just slightly underwhelming, and the potential for their chemistry to shine through their dialogue was slightly hindered.
Lastly, I would just like to mention how much I love Liamās understanding and gentle natureāhis balanced mix of spicy/cocky attitude and the caring/sentimental demeanor when he cares for Evelina (which is pretty much throughout the entire book) was such a great character personality that I truly enjoyed reading. It was so clear that they were right for each other, and his soft moments with her were just so darling to read!!
Something else I would have liked with this book more though was of the pacing towards the end was perhaps modified slightlyāit did feel really quick with how things were wrapped up, and it almost felt slightly unrealistic given the amount of life-changing realizations that the characters went through. So many things were wrapped up with quick changes in mindset or a short conversation, or just a brief look at someoneās actions. I would have much preferred having a more set-out and better-paced progression of how things were resolved in this story.
Overall though, it was definitely an enjoyable and comforting romance read that had a right mix of butterflies, heart-melting moments, and cringe-worthy laughter sprinkled in. It would definitely be interesting to see what other new romance novels this author comes up with! :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Chronic illness
kylakahrin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
āI exist in a state of perpetual pain, and Iāve had to accept that to surviveāitād be nice if others acknowledged and were okay with it. Otherwise, the guilt and anxiety of being āa downerā are put on me too.ā
Iāve frequently noted that books have made me feel seen. This was no exception. In fact, I think itās my new baseline for having my feelings sucked from my brain and put to paper. Finding Gene Kelly lives inside my heart now.
Our main character Evie lives with the same chronic illness that I do: endometriosis. She also loves Gene Kelly and Audrey Hepburn movies, misses her Nana who passed away when she was 12, and loves to bake. She left Tallow, Massachusetts, and moved to Paris to become a pastry chef and open a patisserie but her flare ups make it so that she has to put her dreams on the back burner. Back in Tallow, she left behind her lifelong crush, the boy she married at 5 years old, Liam Kelly, who loved her Nana and her movies and knew her just about as well as she knew herself. She hasnāt seen or heard from him since she left for Paris.
And in true romcom fashion, he shows up unexpectedly outside her favorite donut shop. Chaos ensues and true feelings rise to the surface. She wants him gone but she also needs a believable date for her brotherās wedding so her horrible mother will get off her case about not being married or having children yet. With a plan to fake date at the wedding set, Evie and Liam spend the time before the wedding facing uncomfortable truths and surviving through flare ups.
The endo (and general chronic illness) representation in this book blew me away. There were multiple passages that I had to take a break after reading because they were so real and exactly what Iāve experienced. It was a heavy read, to say the least. My favorite thing about this book was that Evie is seen as a desirable friend and partner even with her endo. Her mother and a few petty acquaintances are constantly bringing her down for having endometriosis, as if she chose to have an incurable, debilitating, lifelong disease. But her real friends and her love interest love her and support her through flare ups.
I canāt wait for this to release so I can scream at everyone I know to buy it and read it and love it. Torie Jean wrote my illness so beautifully and accurately so I have to return the favor by being this book's #1 fan. 5 cheez wiz coloredāļø
Thank you Netgalley and Sunset and Camden Creative for the eARC for me to read and honestly review!! Youāve sent me my new favorite book!
The content warnings being listed at beginning of the book were a HUGE plus! CW: chronic health, endometriosis, massively toxic mother, discussions of infertility, on-page vomiting
Iāve frequently noted that books have made me feel seen. This was no exception. In fact, I think itās my new baseline for having my feelings sucked from my brain and put to paper. Finding Gene Kelly lives inside my heart now.
Our main character Evie lives with the same chronic illness that I do: endometriosis. She also loves Gene Kelly and Audrey Hepburn movies, misses her Nana who passed away when she was 12, and loves to bake. She left Tallow, Massachusetts, and moved to Paris to become a pastry chef and open a patisserie but her flare ups make it so that she has to put her dreams on the back burner. Back in Tallow, she left behind her lifelong crush, the boy she married at 5 years old, Liam Kelly, who loved her Nana and her movies and knew her just about as well as she knew herself. She hasnāt seen or heard from him since she left for Paris.
And in true romcom fashion, he shows up unexpectedly outside her favorite donut shop. Chaos ensues and true feelings rise to the surface. She wants him gone but she also needs a believable date for her brotherās wedding so her horrible mother will get off her case about not being married or having children yet. With a plan to fake date at the wedding set, Evie and Liam spend the time before the wedding facing uncomfortable truths and surviving through flare ups.
The endo (and general chronic illness) representation in this book blew me away. There were multiple passages that I had to take a break after reading because they were so real and exactly what Iāve experienced. It was a heavy read, to say the least. My favorite thing about this book was that Evie is seen as a desirable friend and partner even with her endo. Her mother and a few petty acquaintances are constantly bringing her down for having endometriosis, as if she chose to have an incurable, debilitating, lifelong disease. But her real friends and her love interest love her and support her through flare ups.
I canāt wait for this to release so I can scream at everyone I know to buy it and read it and love it. Torie Jean wrote my illness so beautifully and accurately so I have to return the favor by being this book's #1 fan. 5 cheez wiz coloredāļø
Thank you Netgalley and Sunset and Camden Creative for the eARC for me to read and honestly review!! Youāve sent me my new favorite book!
The content warnings being listed at beginning of the book were a HUGE plus! CW: chronic health, endometriosis, massively toxic mother, discussions of infertility, on-page vomiting
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Infertility, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
katiehasanxiety's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh oh oh!!!! I LOVED this book! I loved the chronic illness rep, I loved the complicated family relationships, I loved the found family, I loved the enemies to lovers and the fake dating and the Brotherās Best Friend tropes and New England rep!!! A perfect and lovely book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Grief, and Chronic illness
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