Smitten with Croissants

Smitten with Travel #2

by Ellen Jacobson

Opposites attract in this geeky and sweet romantic comedy set in France.

When Mia first met Pierre, she thought he was just a hot French waiter. Turns out he’s a smooth-talking billionaire!

Mia learned the hard way not to trust rich guys. But when she finds herself in Paris, unemployed and homeless, Pierre comes to her rescue, and she’s forced to overlook the fact that he’s loaded.

Mia tries to resist Pierre’s charms, but when she discovers they have a shared love of all things science fiction, her defenses start to crumble. Mia begins to wonder if a relationship with Pierre can work, despite their vastly different backgrounds.

Can a small-town American girl from the wrong side of the tracks and a cosmopolitan French guy with a geeky sense of humor find happiness together, or will the dark forces in the universe tear them apart?

If you like quirky characters, happily ever afters, and nerdy humor, you’ll love Mia and Pierre’s story.

Genres: Romance

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2023

About the author

Ellen Jacobson is a chocolate obsessed cat lover who writes cozy mysteries and romantic comedies. After living on a sailboat for many years, she now travels around in a teeny-tiny camper with her husband and an imaginary cat named Simon.

Her Mollie McGhie cozy mystery series, featuring a reluctant sailor turned amateur sleuth, is inspired by her own sailing adventures and misadventures living aboard sailboats in New Zealand and the States.

Her Smitten with Travel romantic comedy series is inspired by her life as an expat in Scotland and New Zealand and love of exploring new countries and learning about new cultures.

You can find out more about Ellen and her books at:
https://ellenjacobsonauthor.com/

Subscribe to her newsletter for updates on new releases, works in progress, sales / promos & live on the road in a teeny-tiny camper at:
https://www.subscribepage.com/m4g9m4

Reviews

[Christine Rains · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a cruise with her best friend, Mia meets a gorgeous waiter named Pierre who is every bit of a Star Wars nerd as she is. She thinks it's suspicious when he gets her a job in a Parisian art gallery, but she can't pass up her dream job. When Mia discovers Pierre is actually a billionaire, she can't get past her awful past to see the geek she had been falling for. Besides, why would a rich guy want a girl from the wrong side of the tracks anyway?

This is the second book in the fantastic Smitten with Travel series. Clean romance and lots of giggles. I loved it so much! Mia is not only admirable, but I totally related to her. I loved her quirky fashion sense and her nerdy sense of humor. I sympathized with her when it came to her self-confidence and her trust issues. Pierre was the perfect guy for her, even if he was a billionaire. He made my stomach do flips! There are some twists and surprises, but I really like how this book overlaps with the first one and will do so with the third one. I can't wait for the next book!

[Carolyn Scarcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I’m reading today is called “Smitten with Croissant” by Ellen Jacobsen. This is the second book series saga. Ellen did an incredible job because she did write a brilliantly detailed story which she did carry a lot of witty and humorous though the book. I must say I really enjoyed the main characters of this story, because it is very interesting, funny, geek and cute. You’ll get to read a bit of history, food and a French guy who is crazy about an American Girl. You’ll need a good laugh, wine, and relax in the sun to read this book between Mia and Pierre. As a result, what had happened in the end? You can decide. I’m looking forward to read book series, 3.

[Jemi Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun!
Mia and Pierre are terrific characters. I love their interactions and how they grow stronger over the course of the story.
As a Star Wars fan I loved all the references too. A great read full of fun and emotion!

[Toi Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and quick read for a lazy day or weekend. It's the second in the series but can stand alone the way the author has written it, though I must admit, I thought I was re-reading the first book at the beginning because it recounts the events that brought all the women together from a different point of view. It was pretty clever once I figured it out.

In the first book, I really liked both of the main characters and enjoyed their cute story, but this book was a bit different. I like Mia and Pierre as individuals, but it took a while for me to see them as a couple. I just kept expecting another man to appear that was really the one for Mia. I loved all the geeky references and salutes to the Star Wars franchise as well as cute animal scenes, but there were times when Mia's negative opinions about anyone who wasn't poor seemed too harsh. Still, this is a romantic comedy, and nothing ever turned me away from the story.

I laughed a lot with this one. Being a fan of this author's work, I kept wondering if there were some cross-over between this series and her cozy mystery series since rutabagas crept their way into this story. (You may have to read more of this author's work to get that reference.)

At the end of the day, my heart went out to Mia. I could see her tormenting herself with prejudices. I also felt bad for Pierre who just happened to like a girl who refused to give him the benefit of the doubt. I won't say anymore other than that the ending was extremely satisfying. I can't wait to read the next one.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital ARC of this book with no obligation to review.

Highly recommended to fans of romantic comedies and star-crossed love stories.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not going to lie; I've come to become a fan of this author's books. I did read the first one in this series and was curious how this second one would be, since I usually do not enjoy series with books about different characters. But this one is definitely creating an exception to that rule.

While the first book hits the tale of one of the friends, this one slides into the second of the trio—all girls off to Europe for different reasons. I enjoyed that this book starts on the cruise over to Europe (something which was only hinted at in book one), and overlaps just enough to connect to book one, but by no means regurgitates or incorporates much into the plot. And I think that's why I liked this one.

The main character is quirky in her own way, loves good food, and has a lot racing through her head. Which makes her endearing. While this is a billionaire romance, it starts out with other things than the insta-love and concentration. This one starts with the three girls and their friendship...and sweeps then into the other end. This allowed for a nice glance into Mia's personality before she's blown away herself.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read anything by Ms. Jacobson before but I am glad I decided to pick this up. This is the second book in the Smitten with Travel Romance series and what a fun and charming story it is! The characters were relatable and easy to fall in love with. This book will pull you right in and keep you engaged and smiling all the way through. A really sweet, feel-good story that had me captivated till the very end. The author does a great job of bringing the story to life with great characters that are lovable and endearing. Pierre and Mia were so perfect and adorable together. Mia meets Pierre on a cruise vacation and thinks him to be just a waiter. She's definitely attracted to him but when she finds out he's a billionaire, her past experiences with the rich want to make her stay away. The book will keep you turning the pages with the twists and many laughs you are sure to have while reading. I'll definitely be looking for more by this author!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Ellen Jacobson's other stories, I expected lots of laughs. I wasn't disappointed. When Mia meets a cute waiter onboard aa ship to the Mediterranean, his wink makes her heart flutter. When he tells her about a job in a Paris art gallery, she knows it's perfect for her. Until she discovers he's rich, very rich. For a girl who grew up poor with disastrous experiences with the rich, she wants to refuse his offers--the job and a place to stay.

Mia's antagonism toward the rich, while understandable, seems over the top. Pierre seems like such a nice guy, despite his family's wealth. A good friend gives her a different perspective. Mia needs to trust her feelings and her talents. When she does, she can accept Pierre. A charming story with a happy-ever-after.

[Giofab21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia's fear of flying finds her and her friend the lucky winners of a cruise vacation, her eyes on Pierre, the hot waiter and Paris as her final destination. Little does she know meeting him has set a number of situations and opportunities in motion, but will her past prevent her from accepting things as they come or give in to something that makes her uncomfortable?
Definitely gravitated to this one now that travelling isn't an option and even though I can't say it was the same as being there myself it was a very close second.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a fun escape from reality, Smitten with Croissants is for you. A sweet romance with a wonky main character, Mia, and a rich, handsome French billionaire who is crazy about this American girl. Ellen Jacobson's books are always clever and witty and she has carried that humor into this one. The whole episode involving parachuting out of the plane and the build-up of the misunderstanding revealed later tickled my funny bone. The book is part of a 3 part series. I read the first one and laughed out loud, just as I did with this one. A light-hearted read with all the elements of a romance novel. I received this book from the author, but I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Mia and Pierre have a love story that is sweet and full of humor. She first meets him when she mistakes his as a waiter. He knows that this woman is special and he wants to be a part of her life. They have not had a lot of similarity in their lives up to this point. The more they learn of each other, the faster they fall

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a break from all the serious things happening in the world and just want to have time to relax and have fun by yourself, grab a copy of this book. It makes you laugh, makes you feel hungry with so many descriptions of great food, makes you want to go to Paris and visit places and museums. Ellen Jacobson makes fun of everything and everyone, and parts of this story may be even have happened to one of us! Really enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia first meets Pierre she thinks he's a waiter and she finds him attractive. He mentions a job in Paris that she feels is made for her. She finds out he isn't just a waiter but a very rich man and completely out of her league. Pierre has offered her the job and a place to stay but can she trust him? Will Pierre convince her to give him a chance?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vinessa]

This is just short of a romantic comedy. High dollar love. A French Connection, A nerdy Billionaire not afraid to bend at the waste and fight a little for the girl. She is a small town girl ready to spread her wings only they are clipped before she can take flight. Depending on a man is not going to happen even if he is perfect and makes her laugh and swoon

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helena Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was the first I read from Ellen Jacobson and I already went and added the one before this to my shopping list. I laughed so much that I my kids thought I was crazy. I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Ellen Jacobson; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Hughson]

I didn't connect with Mia, so I didn't laugh as much with this book as I expected.

The travel portions seemed less well-drawn, and there was too much focus on the art gallery and tattoo parlor.

I'm not giving a star rating because it isn't fair to the author or other readers. If they like Mia, I'm sure they'll like this book.

[Aineenmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new author for me and I was very surprised on how the plot was so well written that, I could not put the book down. I cannot wait for another book by the author. It was such a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read. This is a new author for me and I will be on the lookout for more to read. This is the second book in this series. A great story of two people for different worlds coming together to have their happily ever after.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and short rom-con with quirky characters, fun interactions, and a charming romance.
Pierre was swoony and Mia was nice too just her antagonism towards the rich got boring after a while.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book! I really enjoyed it! The characters were amazing. I can't wait to read more by this author!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[evieo17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute read. Mia did drive me crazy with the way she treated Pierre. I get her past experiences were bad but she should have gotten to know the man before judging him.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s fun ..sweet.. emotional .. pure fun! It’s book two and I adore all these ladies across the pond ! Woot woot I read in a day but what a great read !!📖💙🩵📖💙🩵

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down…. Fun little rom-com romp….

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. I liked it. It was a fun read.