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garbutch's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I have a lot of baggage that this book poked at. I wanted to sympathize with the protagonist but the kissing without asking and the groping without asking are just not things that make a character likeable or relatable.
The mental illness stuff also seemed well above and beyond generalized anxiety disorder, IMO. But maybe wealthy cis men have a different experience with pathologization than I do. I've been diagnosed with BPD a few times over and feel doubtful that Paris didn't have some kind of cluster B thing going on. Also just applying 1 therapy and 1 medication just seemed like way too simple a fix and not representative of the reality of what interacting with the mental health care system is like.
I've got other stuff I typed out and then deleted but yeah. This is definitely my least favourite Alexis Hall book by a long shot.
The mental illness stuff also seemed well above and beyond generalized anxiety disorder, IMO. But maybe wealthy cis men have a different experience with pathologization than I do. I've been diagnosed with BPD a few times over and feel doubtful that Paris didn't have some kind of cluster B thing going on. Also just applying 1 therapy and 1 medication just seemed like way too simple a fix and not representative of the reality of what interacting with the mental health care system is like.
I've got other stuff I typed out and then deleted but yeah. This is definitely my least favourite Alexis Hall book by a long shot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, Toxic friendship, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Racism and Sexual assault
roadesntoades's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-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? Yes
5.0
Honestly this book surprised me. I read the back of it, saw the words “classics” and “baking” and thought well I like both do those things so why not. I had little expectations going in but found myself finishing this in a day and also felt like I reading a mirror reflection of things I’ve dealt with that I haven’t seen honestly portrayed before or in a way that didn’t feel preachy or cliche.
The characters are interesting and well developed and the relationship between Paris and Tariq is a refreshing one. They are not a perfect match nor are they ever portrayed as perfect people but it’s the imperfections that I think make their relationship work on page. I don’t think romances should always have the perfect couples who issues and character flaws are just brushed away by rom com magic. Paris is selfish and ignorant of a lot of things. Tariq does have a savior complex and does guilt Paris when he has different expectations regarding their relationship(excluding religious expectations such as intimacy) and PDA. But by the end, not only do they both address those flaws but also make clear steps towards resolving them. Paris is more self aware of the world and himself and is making active steps to not only earn Tariq’s forgiveness but also be a better person. Tariq by the end is being more selfish and is considering what is best for him before what is best for Paris in regards to the state of their relationship and better understands that expectations and wants are two different things and will not always align perfectly with the person you’re with. They are not perfect, and the ending does leave their relationship a bit open in regards to the future. But I think that’s what makes it good.
My only complaint is that there are so many monologues that are so self deprecating and intense that it can get a bit tiring after awhile. But all in all this is a great book to read if you want something light hearted with a solid concept. I know other reviews will say this book is bad and list all the ways that you shouldn’t read it but honestly, I think a few of them missed the point. Rom coms don’t have to have a perfect couple or a perfect ending or people. The characters can be messy and complicated, and make big mistakes that many of us wouldn’t easily forgive. But why should that stop people from loving it for what it is?
The characters are interesting and well developed and the relationship between Paris and Tariq is a refreshing one. They are not a perfect match nor are they ever portrayed as perfect people but it’s the imperfections that I think make their relationship work on page. I don’t think romances should always have the perfect couples who issues and character flaws are just brushed away by rom com magic. Paris is selfish and ignorant of a lot of things. Tariq does have a savior complex and does guilt Paris when he has different expectations regarding their relationship(excluding religious expectations such as intimacy) and PDA. But by the end, not only do they both address those flaws but also make clear steps towards resolving them. Paris is more self aware of the world and himself and is making active steps to not only earn Tariq’s forgiveness but also be a better person. Tariq by the end is being more selfish and is considering what is best for him before what is best for Paris in regards to the state of their relationship and better understands that expectations and wants are two different things and will not always align perfectly with the person you’re with. They are not perfect, and the ending does leave their relationship a bit open in regards to the future. But I think that’s what makes it good.
My only complaint is that there are so many monologues that are so self deprecating and intense that it can get a bit tiring after awhile. But all in all this is a great book to read if you want something light hearted with a solid concept. I know other reviews will say this book is bad and list all the ways that you shouldn’t read it but honestly, I think a few of them missed the point. Rom coms don’t have to have a perfect couple or a perfect ending or people. The characters can be messy and complicated, and make big mistakes that many of us wouldn’t easily forgive. But why should that stop people from loving it for what it is?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Islamophobia, and Racism
duckyreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
In Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble Alexis Hall takes us back to the Baked Expectations universe for the second round of showtime. Once again Alexis Hall creates a baking show universe that is very easy to fall into with a bright collection of supportive characters.
There is an abundant portrayal of Paris's severe anxiety that is present through his internal monologue and self-destructive decisions, especially in his initial interactions with Tariq. Paris continues to make these decisions throughout the story, and although it becomes repetitive, I think it's an accurate reflection of living with severe anxiety.
Hall's banter is still present in this story and is woven throughout several characters (namely Tariq's housemates). Hall also includes several important topics namely loneliness, religion, and identity. I really admired how Tariq set firm boundaries and reminded Paris that he can also set boundaries to ensure that he's comfortable. Tariq is a sweetheart that exudes confidence, and I wished that his POV was more available in some chapters. Watching Paris and Tariq grow emotionally toward the end of the story felt very sweet and rewarding and I want the best for both of them!
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Publishing for a copy of an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
There is an abundant portrayal of Paris's severe anxiety that is present through his internal monologue and self-destructive decisions, especially in his initial interactions with Tariq. Paris continues to make these decisions throughout the story, and although it becomes repetitive, I think it's an accurate reflection of living with severe anxiety.
Hall's banter is still present in this story and is woven throughout several characters (namely Tariq's housemates). Hall also includes several important topics namely loneliness, religion, and identity. I really admired how Tariq set firm boundaries and reminded Paris that he can also set boundaries to ensure that he's comfortable. Tariq is a sweetheart that exudes confidence, and I wished that his POV was more available in some chapters. Watching Paris and Tariq grow emotionally toward the end of the story felt very sweet and rewarding and I want the best for both of them!
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Publishing for a copy of an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, Islamophobia, Sexual harassment, Religious bigotry, and Racism
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