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A review by jamyreadsalot
The Paris Soulmate by Brooke Gilbert
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley and the Author/Publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
The Paris Soulmate is a sweet rom-com by Brooke Gilbert, that shows us what it’s like to fall head-over-heels-over-logic in love in Paris (because what better city to fall in love in, than Paris). If you’re looking for a clean, magical rom-com, this one is for you (please read the trigger warnings in the book).
The story follows Christine and Colin (dual POV) as they embark on a trip to Paris. Christine is there to prove something to herself- though slowly but surely, we find that her intentions are not as apparent as we thought. Colin is there on a mysterious work trip. They meet in the airport before boarding their flight (while Christine is having an episode brought on by her auto-immune disorder), and share an instant connection. After some flirtation and a little help from some eager flight passengers and staff, they find themselves ready to explore Paris and their hearts.
I loved the depth of characters in this story, and the fact that we had many side characters who added so much to the storyline, but I was most drawn to Christine and her thoughts and feelings. The way she dealt with having an auto-immune disorder was a real representation of how it filters into various aspects of your life, consciously and subconsciously. The way she approached love and emotions felt like a true representation of a woman who is cautious because of her past. There was a depth to her thinking that drew me in and had me feeling for her and with her. While I found Colin absolutely charming, I found that his secret gave me a bit of an ick, though I would say that this is a case of personal icks, and I doubt it would land the same with anyone else.
The way Gilbert allowed us to visualise Paris, it truly felt like I was there. No need to Google for visual purposes. It felt so incredible and magical, seeing the city through the eyes of starry-eyed lovers. There were moments where I felt that the magic was slightly interrupted by thoughts being extensively rehashed, but in all, I felt that it didn’t take away from the magic of the storyline.
The Paris Soulmate is a sweet rom-com by Brooke Gilbert, that shows us what it’s like to fall head-over-heels-over-logic in love in Paris (because what better city to fall in love in, than Paris). If you’re looking for a clean, magical rom-com, this one is for you (please read the trigger warnings in the book).
The story follows Christine and Colin (dual POV) as they embark on a trip to Paris. Christine is there to prove something to herself- though slowly but surely, we find that her intentions are not as apparent as we thought. Colin is there on a mysterious work trip. They meet in the airport before boarding their flight (while Christine is having an episode brought on by her auto-immune disorder), and share an instant connection. After some flirtation and a little help from some eager flight passengers and staff, they find themselves ready to explore Paris and their hearts.
I loved the depth of characters in this story, and the fact that we had many side characters who added so much to the storyline, but I was most drawn to Christine and her thoughts and feelings. The way she dealt with having an auto-immune disorder was a real representation of how it filters into various aspects of your life, consciously and subconsciously. The way she approached love and emotions felt like a true representation of a woman who is cautious because of her past. There was a depth to her thinking that drew me in and had me feeling for her and with her. While I found Colin absolutely charming, I found that his secret gave me a bit of an ick, though I would say that this is a case of personal icks, and I doubt it would land the same with anyone else.
The way Gilbert allowed us to visualise Paris, it truly felt like I was there. No need to Google for visual purposes. It felt so incredible and magical, seeing the city through the eyes of starry-eyed lovers. There were moments where I felt that the magic was slightly interrupted by thoughts being extensively rehashed, but in all, I felt that it didn’t take away from the magic of the storyline.