A review by bottleblondebookworm
Finding Gene Kelly by Torie Jean

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, let’s get into the romance. Fake dating is always a good idea, right? To be honest, it’s 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 brother’s 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 doesn’t ever try to fix her illness like everyone else in her life, he’s 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 Liam’s 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 don’t more authors do this?? It’s brilliant! 

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!! All opinions are my own. 
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