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A review by audie_reads
Finding Gene Kelly by Torie Jean
5.0
My comfort movies include Singing in the Rain, An American in Paris, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Roman Holiday, On the Town...basically anything Gene Kelly or Audrey Hepburn. And that being said, my comfort book list will now include the lovely, heartwarming, not to mention sweet as a pain au chocolat Finding Gene Kelly by the endo-warrior goddess Torie Jean. I devoured it in practically one sitting and I didn't want it to end!
Finding Gene Kelly is about Evie O'Shea, an American in Paris, who has been struggling. Not only with some grief as well as some grudges, but with her disease endometriosis. Endometriosis has a myriad of symptoms, and Jean's description of them in Evie's life made me realize just how the chronic pain and daily battle with this disease can be for those who have to face it in their day to day living. Evie while trying to live her life in the City of Love, she comes face to face with her childhood-crush-turned-mortal-enemy, she has some tough decisions to make. Liam Kelly may look as handsome as the suave and magnetic Gene Kelly did dancing across the screen, but Evie knows she cannot trust his dimples or toned-forearms, no matter how enticing they may seem. When ad invitation arrives family event back home in the states (along with some surprising news), Evie begrudgingly must ask Liam Kelly a favor...be her wedding date. Liam, ever the charmer, agrees, but has some conditions to their fake-dating ruse: elaborate backstories, practice dates, and few other things that make Evie realize what she has been truly craving in her life.
Not only was this story hilarious with Evie's antics, Liam's punny banter, and movie references ranging from the beloved classics like Lina Lamont in Singing in the Rain to Disney's Emperor's New Groove and Kuzco's poison, but the substance was truly what made it special. Books truly are my favorite form of art - not only do they serve as a way to escape or educate, but as a pathway to helping to shape readers into more compassionate and aware people. This book has truly done that for me! Endometriosis is not something that people can just "get-over". It is a constant battle of pain management that is physically AND emotionally draining to the warriors who fight against it day after day. This book will not only be a source of comfort or encouragement for those endo-warriors, but will hopefully spark a change in how the rest of the world views the brave individuals fighting this invisible illness day after day.
Finding Gene Kelly made me feel a range of emotions and I truly enjoyed every page. There were a some points toward the end where the pacing felt a little off, and even though a good chunk of the book took place in beloved Paris, I could have done with more descriptions of the setting there to truly feel transported to the city. I know that I will be purchasing a copy of Finding Gene Kelly when it hits the shelves September 20th, 2022 for gifts as well as to read again and again! I hope that Torie Jean keeps writing about the friends that I fell in love with reading Evie's story.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the author, Torie Jean, for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars)
I don't often give 5 Stars, but when I do, know it means that I will be reading this book again and recommending it to anyone who will listen. This book has been the warm cup of coffee and croissant I have needed this week!
Ease of Reading:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4 Stars)
I did receive an ARC of this story - with it being an ARC I did notice some grammatical errors, but it didn't take away from the story!
Banter:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars)
Liam and Evie's puns...just they are *chef's kiss*. Liam isn't just an attractive love interest in this book - he is what all men should strive to be!
Maturity Rating:
Adult
Trigger Warning:
Concussion, Endometriosis, Adult Content and Language
Finding Gene Kelly is about Evie O'Shea, an American in Paris, who has been struggling. Not only with some grief as well as some grudges, but with her disease endometriosis. Endometriosis has a myriad of symptoms, and Jean's description of them in Evie's life made me realize just how the chronic pain and daily battle with this disease can be for those who have to face it in their day to day living. Evie while trying to live her life in the City of Love, she comes face to face with her childhood-crush-turned-mortal-enemy, she has some tough decisions to make. Liam Kelly may look as handsome as the suave and magnetic Gene Kelly did dancing across the screen, but Evie knows she cannot trust his dimples or toned-forearms, no matter how enticing they may seem. When ad invitation arrives family event back home in the states (along with some surprising news), Evie begrudgingly must ask Liam Kelly a favor...be her wedding date. Liam, ever the charmer, agrees, but has some conditions to their fake-dating ruse: elaborate backstories, practice dates, and few other things that make Evie realize what she has been truly craving in her life.
Not only was this story hilarious with Evie's antics, Liam's punny banter, and movie references ranging from the beloved classics like Lina Lamont in Singing in the Rain to Disney's Emperor's New Groove and Kuzco's poison, but the substance was truly what made it special. Books truly are my favorite form of art - not only do they serve as a way to escape or educate, but as a pathway to helping to shape readers into more compassionate and aware people. This book has truly done that for me! Endometriosis is not something that people can just "get-over". It is a constant battle of pain management that is physically AND emotionally draining to the warriors who fight against it day after day. This book will not only be a source of comfort or encouragement for those endo-warriors, but will hopefully spark a change in how the rest of the world views the brave individuals fighting this invisible illness day after day.
Finding Gene Kelly made me feel a range of emotions and I truly enjoyed every page. There were a some points toward the end where the pacing felt a little off, and even though a good chunk of the book took place in beloved Paris, I could have done with more descriptions of the setting there to truly feel transported to the city. I know that I will be purchasing a copy of Finding Gene Kelly when it hits the shelves September 20th, 2022 for gifts as well as to read again and again! I hope that Torie Jean keeps writing about the friends that I fell in love with reading Evie's story.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the author, Torie Jean, for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars)
I don't often give 5 Stars, but when I do, know it means that I will be reading this book again and recommending it to anyone who will listen. This book has been the warm cup of coffee and croissant I have needed this week!
Ease of Reading:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4 Stars)
I did receive an ARC of this story - with it being an ARC I did notice some grammatical errors, but it didn't take away from the story!
Banter:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars)
Liam and Evie's puns...just they are *chef's kiss*. Liam isn't just an attractive love interest in this book - he is what all men should strive to be!
Maturity Rating:
Adult
Trigger Warning:
Concussion, Endometriosis, Adult Content and Language