What do you think?
Rate this book
The French Connection #1
A Dance Towards Forever
A lesbian romance of second chance love.
There are three things that Sam Chambers knows to be fact. One, her heart is broken, two, her career is sinking, and three, she hasn’t a clue how to turn any of it around.
When her new boss John Spencer shakes things up at the photography company she works for, the last thing she expects is to be sent to Paris on a career changing project. Unbeknown to Sam, the brief glimpse of a dark-haired beauty at St Pancras is about to tip her world upside down.
Anna Holland has the life she worked hard for. She’s successful, she lives in the city of love and she is in a steady relationship with a nice guy. The problem? Her nights are filled with the vision of a red-haired woman. Nothing makes sense when the woman of her dreams shows up in Paris and her office.
Together, they start a journey of exquisite discovery. Is there something more to their chance meeting? The unfathomable connection between them would suggest so.
There are three things that Sam Chambers knows to be fact. One, her heart is broken, two, her career is sinking, and three, she hasn’t a clue how to turn any of it around.
When her new boss John Spencer shakes things up at the photography company she works for, the last thing she expects is to be sent to Paris on a career changing project. Unbeknown to Sam, the brief glimpse of a dark-haired beauty at St Pancras is about to tip her world upside down.
Anna Holland has the life she worked hard for. She’s successful, she lives in the city of love and she is in a steady relationship with a nice guy. The problem? Her nights are filled with the vision of a red-haired woman. Nothing makes sense when the woman of her dreams shows up in Paris and her office.
Together, they start a journey of exquisite discovery. Is there something more to their chance meeting? The unfathomable connection between them would suggest so.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
208 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
Alyson Root
23 books227 followersAlyson was born and raised in the heart of England. She moved to Paris in 2015 when she met her wife. Together they moved to the west of France where they now live with their two dogs and pet bird. Alyson spends her time running a small campsite and holiday home. During her off time, she loves to read lesbian romance books, write and Scuba Dive.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 14, 2023
**'Some writers should have a bit of wisdom, be respectively and authentically true to themselves when telling any story..'
3.5stars!
A surprisingly nice story. Recommended read!
3.5stars!
A surprisingly nice story. Recommended read!
did-not-finish
December 24, 2022DNF. I think others will like this a lot more than I. So please give it a go yourself. Kindle Unlimited.
I just very much struggle with insta-hookups, and also the 'overbearing best friend' trope that persists.
I just very much struggle with insta-hookups, and also the 'overbearing best friend' trope that persists.
January 7, 2024
Good writing, I just kinda felt the chemistry due the second they started getting together. There was just too many awkward moments
January 3, 2023
loved it
This book was such a surprise. New authors usually take a few books to get settled, but this book was brilliant all the way through. Mostly set in Paris, so there was some good descriptions of the area. Lovely love story of finding your soul mate. Couldn’t put it down, just loved it. A must read. This is a stand alone, but there is a second book in the series due out in February. I have pre ordered the follow up & can’t wait.
This book was such a surprise. New authors usually take a few books to get settled, but this book was brilliant all the way through. Mostly set in Paris, so there was some good descriptions of the area. Lovely love story of finding your soul mate. Couldn’t put it down, just loved it. A must read. This is a stand alone, but there is a second book in the series due out in February. I have pre ordered the follow up & can’t wait.
Read
June 9, 2025DNF. It's taken almost half the book for the leads to properly meet, with the almost-meetings starting to get tiresome, then the actual meeting was anti-climatic. I struggled to feel the emotional connection between them, probably because I've never been a fan of insta-hook ups. This is supposed to be a story of soulmates, but I found very little magic in this. This book, unfortunately, isn't for me.
August 31, 2024
I enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect. Brought it down a star due to some spelling mistakes that I couldn’t shake.
August 14, 2024
"A Dance Towards Forever" by Alyson Root is a delightful departure from the traditional romance plotline, offering a fresh and engaging story that kept me hooked from start to finish. As someone who enjoys unique narrative approaches, I found Root’s storytelling to be both intriguing and well-executed. The book follows Sam Chambers, whose life is in a downward spiral, and Anna Holland, who seems to have everything she’s ever wanted—except for the one thing that truly matters. Their chance meeting in Paris sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery, love, and the complexities of life’s unexpected twists.
One of the highlights of this book is the strong character development. Root does an excellent job of delving into Sam and Anna’s personal struggles, making their eventual connection feel both inevitable and deeply satisfying. The story doesn’t shy away from the steamy moments, but it also tackles the emotional depth of a coming-out story with grace and authenticity. The way Root balances these elements makes for a compelling read that resonates on multiple levels.
I’m especially excited to see where Root takes these characters in the upcoming books. The storyline’s originality and the nuanced portrayal of a second-chance romance have me eagerly anticipating what’s next. I was so taken by the story that I immediately ordered a paperback copy—not just because I loved the cover, but also because this is a story I want to revisit again and again.
Lillia Green, the narrator of this audiobook, was a new voice for me, and I must admit, it took a little time to get accustomed to her performance. However, once I settled into her style, I found her narration to be enjoyable overall. Green brought a distinctiveness to each character, making it easy to follow the story and stay immersed in the world Root created. I particularly appreciated the little extras added to the audio experience—like sound effects when characters were texting and subtle changes in sound when they were speaking on the phone. These touches added a layer of immersion that enhanced the overall experience.
"A Dance Towards Forever" is a beautifully written and uniquely structured romance that stands out in its genre. The audiobook, with its thoughtful narration by Lillia Green, is a solid choice for anyone looking to dive into a love story that’s as thought-provoking as it is heartwarming. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next books in this series!
Thank you to Alyson Root for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
One of the highlights of this book is the strong character development. Root does an excellent job of delving into Sam and Anna’s personal struggles, making their eventual connection feel both inevitable and deeply satisfying. The story doesn’t shy away from the steamy moments, but it also tackles the emotional depth of a coming-out story with grace and authenticity. The way Root balances these elements makes for a compelling read that resonates on multiple levels.
I’m especially excited to see where Root takes these characters in the upcoming books. The storyline’s originality and the nuanced portrayal of a second-chance romance have me eagerly anticipating what’s next. I was so taken by the story that I immediately ordered a paperback copy—not just because I loved the cover, but also because this is a story I want to revisit again and again.
Lillia Green, the narrator of this audiobook, was a new voice for me, and I must admit, it took a little time to get accustomed to her performance. However, once I settled into her style, I found her narration to be enjoyable overall. Green brought a distinctiveness to each character, making it easy to follow the story and stay immersed in the world Root created. I particularly appreciated the little extras added to the audio experience—like sound effects when characters were texting and subtle changes in sound when they were speaking on the phone. These touches added a layer of immersion that enhanced the overall experience.
"A Dance Towards Forever" is a beautifully written and uniquely structured romance that stands out in its genre. The audiobook, with its thoughtful narration by Lillia Green, is a solid choice for anyone looking to dive into a love story that’s as thought-provoking as it is heartwarming. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next books in this series!
Thank you to Alyson Root for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2024
This is a solid 3.5 stars.
It’s quite sweet in its essence. There was some good chemistry between Anna & Samantha. The 2 tertiary friends (Kim & Charlie) were great in their support of the two MCs. And Sam’s mom was a nice addition.The premise of the book is that Anna and Sam were destined to be together since “meeting” at a university party. Sam was in a crappy relationship and Anna wasn’t out and in a lackluster relationship that didn’t make her happy.
They don’t actually fall into each other’s orbit until about 50% of the book, so it makes for a massive first half no burn. Things get pretty spicy for a time, and it’s pretty great. Then massive black hole of 80% doom. There’s a grand gesture, which worked and made me smile.
It lost some stars because of the typos, which I’m gonna blame on Microsoft spell check. But it was one of the MC’s first name!!! The strap scene felt thrown in as an afterthought and just to take up space and a little contrived.
But solid effort on a debut novel and I will definitely read more from Alyson, even though I was cussing her at 80%
It’s quite sweet in its essence. There was some good chemistry between Anna & Samantha. The 2 tertiary friends (Kim & Charlie) were great in their support of the two MCs. And Sam’s mom was a nice addition.The premise of the book is that Anna and Sam were destined to be together since “meeting” at a university party. Sam was in a crappy relationship and Anna wasn’t out and in a lackluster relationship that didn’t make her happy.
They don’t actually fall into each other’s orbit until about 50% of the book, so it makes for a massive first half no burn. Things get pretty spicy for a time, and it’s pretty great. Then massive black hole of 80% doom. There’s a grand gesture, which worked and made me smile.
It lost some stars because of the typos, which I’m gonna blame on Microsoft spell check. But it was one of the MC’s first name!!! The strap scene felt thrown in as an afterthought and just to take up space and a little contrived.
But solid effort on a debut novel and I will definitely read more from Alyson, even though I was cussing her at 80%
April 26, 2023
I'm giving this a low rating for lots of reasons, most of which boils down to this excerpt from the book
“Yes, it is. You shared something real with Sam and that scared the living daylights out of you. Loving Sam and having her love you back is everything you want, but you’ve self-sabotaged. You let it slip away because the thought of having everything means that you have to think about the possibility of losing it, too. I would put money on it being a similar reason for Sam running away, just like you’re doing.”
...
Sidestepping the comment, Anna straightened her shoulders. “What do I do?”
“You decide whether you are brave enough to put yourself out there. Talk to Sam, honestly, without holding back. I’m not saying it’s going to magically fix everything. You could end up hurt, but to be fair love, that’s already happened. My advice honey, go to London, first to celebrate Sam’s achievement because aside from all this, she still deserves that from you. Second, talk to her and see where that goes. Just communicate, flower.”
Was it really that easy?
Another thing that really bothered me was that both the MCs ended up sleeping with other people in an attempt to get over each other after breaking up. I already dislike third act black moment breakups but this is next level bad for me.
“Yes, it is. You shared something real with Sam and that scared the living daylights out of you. Loving Sam and having her love you back is everything you want, but you’ve self-sabotaged. You let it slip away because the thought of having everything means that you have to think about the possibility of losing it, too. I would put money on it being a similar reason for Sam running away, just like you’re doing.”
...
Sidestepping the comment, Anna straightened her shoulders. “What do I do?”
“You decide whether you are brave enough to put yourself out there. Talk to Sam, honestly, without holding back. I’m not saying it’s going to magically fix everything. You could end up hurt, but to be fair love, that’s already happened. My advice honey, go to London, first to celebrate Sam’s achievement because aside from all this, she still deserves that from you. Second, talk to her and see where that goes. Just communicate, flower.”
Was it really that easy?
Another thing that really bothered me was that both the MCs ended up sleeping with other people in an attempt to get over each other after breaking up. I already dislike third act black moment breakups but this is next level bad for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2023
Sam is a proud out lesbian. Has been pretty much her whole life. When at university she was at a party and played a dancing game, with a blindfold. When a slow song plays, she ends up dancing with another woman who's also blindfolded, Anna. They dance a very sensual dance, but Anna runs off before Sam knows who she is. Anna , who thinks she's straight and has a boyfriend, has a sensual dream featuring Sam.
Decades later they notice each other at the train station. Then, they end up working together. This is so sensual. This is the 1st book in the series, I've already read book 2 and am waiting on book 3. I love this series. 5 stars!
Decades later they notice each other at the train station. Then, they end up working together. This is so sensual. This is the 1st book in the series, I've already read book 2 and am waiting on book 3. I love this series. 5 stars!
Read
November 17, 2023DNF.
July 9, 2024
dnf like 1/4 of the way in. just couldn’t get into it. i didn’t like how the characters interacted and their inner dialogue was weird
September 21, 2024
Sam is a photographer, a good one, with an excellent reputation but with her career stagnating, working for a company in London.
Anna is editor in chief of a publishing company in Paris.
Both of these successful women have recently undergone massive changes in their personal lives, and both feel vulnerable.
Since a chance anonymous meeting when they were at university, throughout their lives they have glimpsed one another, or been pushed together by a series of ‘coincidences’, culminating in a meeting in Paris when they were both ready for it, and then living their best lives together.
But then fear takes over to throw a spanner in the works, and they both have to overcome the fear to move on.
This is a beautiful timeless story, meshing the women’s pasts with the present, written in a way reminiscent of some of the great modern classics.
Anna is editor in chief of a publishing company in Paris.
Both of these successful women have recently undergone massive changes in their personal lives, and both feel vulnerable.
Since a chance anonymous meeting when they were at university, throughout their lives they have glimpsed one another, or been pushed together by a series of ‘coincidences’, culminating in a meeting in Paris when they were both ready for it, and then living their best lives together.
But then fear takes over to throw a spanner in the works, and they both have to overcome the fear to move on.
This is a beautiful timeless story, meshing the women’s pasts with the present, written in a way reminiscent of some of the great modern classics.
March 22, 2025
A Dance Towards Forever
I read Always Emilie first ... apparently, I missed that this was a series. No regrets, though, because I knew I was going to enjoy all the books!
If you were like me and read Always Emilie first, then you'll be happy to know that this is Sam and Anna's story. I love this little world that Alyson Root has created with all these great characters.
I don't really have to talk about this story much, just that it's a heartwarming, steamy, toaster oven, in-the-stars romance - and I really enjoyed it!
I read Always Emilie first ... apparently, I missed that this was a series. No regrets, though, because I knew I was going to enjoy all the books!
If you were like me and read Always Emilie first, then you'll be happy to know that this is Sam and Anna's story. I love this little world that Alyson Root has created with all these great characters.
I don't really have to talk about this story much, just that it's a heartwarming, steamy, toaster oven, in-the-stars romance - and I really enjoyed it!
November 26, 2024
I’ve had this on my tbr for quite a while. I’m so glad I decided to pick it up and give it a listen! I was recently reminded that this was the author’s first novel and it was lovely. Sam had wonderful growth, even with the one step forward two steps back that occurred due to fear but she had some great support as well as getting herself back that was simply honest, messy and quite relatable. Her connection with Anna went even deeper then they realized giving fate or soulmates vibes.
November 5, 2024
DNF at 11%. Don’t like the writing style at all, can’t get into it. So many unnecessary details, explanations and exclamation points.
March 31, 2024
Loved this book - lovely story with just the right of angst to pepper the steak. Good back characters so looking forward to book 2. Recommended.
January 13, 2023
Taking ages for the mains to actually interact other than a brief glance. In fact the mains are not who it first appears! Over quarter way in and they have yet to properly interact. Some of the language feels a bit stilted but that could be deliberate to emphasise the French/English being spoken as the other main doesn’t read as stilted. I enjoyed the coming out scene.
47% in and the mainsfinally properly meet, I must say from this point on I was more invested.
Normally, in the books I read, the break up before make up is just to be got through before the inevitable ( it is a romance) happy ever after. This book the break arc actually had depth. My expectation of where it would end didn't waver ( cos romance) but I was actually as invested in the route as I had been since the mains properly met. I enjoyed this book once it, for me, got going. I think the long time before the mains met on the page added to the break arc depth as the writer laid the foundation for their destiny but also the past experiences that could damage the foundation. 3.5 but the second half of the book has me rounding up!
47% in and the mainsfinally properly meet, I must say from this point on I was more invested.
Normally, in the books I read, the break up before make up is just to be got through before the inevitable ( it is a romance) happy ever after. This book the break arc actually had depth. My expectation of where it would end didn't waver ( cos romance) but I was actually as invested in the route as I had been since the mains properly met. I enjoyed this book once it, for me, got going. I think the long time before the mains met on the page added to the break arc depth as the writer laid the foundation for their destiny but also the past experiences that could damage the foundation. 3.5 but the second half of the book has me rounding up!
March 15, 2025
mon dieu
August 22, 2023
Sam was a woman who gave her entire self and more to a relationship that turned out to be very one-sided. After a devastating breakup, she finds herself face to face with the after effects of the lengthy relationship. When her new boss sends her on an impromptu trip to Paris, she begins to rebuild her sense of self-worth and adventure.
Shortly into the trip, she stumbles across Anna, a woman who has recently come out as gay after ending a long-term relationship with her boyfriend. Things become heated very quickly, and feelings grow, but when Sam's work trip comes to an end, it strains the relationship.
Was this just a blip in their lives, or was fate determined to bring them together permanently?
I actually read the other 2 books in this series before I read this one. Each of them are standalones but have connections to this first novel, so this book definitely cleared up some things.
Having touched on Sam and Anna's relationship in the other two books (Diving Into Her and Always Emilie), I was very happy to finally read about their story.
As someone who recently came out as Bi, I truly loved Anna's story and the internal battle she faces as she struggles with the newfound information about her identity. At the same time, I thoroughly enjoyed Sam's story as she rebuilds her own life.
I loved how this book also introduced several of the characters in the following books in the series.
Overall, this is a fantastic debut novel from this indie author and a great introduction into the series.
5 Stars!!
Shortly into the trip, she stumbles across Anna, a woman who has recently come out as gay after ending a long-term relationship with her boyfriend. Things become heated very quickly, and feelings grow, but when Sam's work trip comes to an end, it strains the relationship.
Was this just a blip in their lives, or was fate determined to bring them together permanently?
I actually read the other 2 books in this series before I read this one. Each of them are standalones but have connections to this first novel, so this book definitely cleared up some things.
Having touched on Sam and Anna's relationship in the other two books (Diving Into Her and Always Emilie), I was very happy to finally read about their story.
As someone who recently came out as Bi, I truly loved Anna's story and the internal battle she faces as she struggles with the newfound information about her identity. At the same time, I thoroughly enjoyed Sam's story as she rebuilds her own life.
I loved how this book also introduced several of the characters in the following books in the series.
Overall, this is a fantastic debut novel from this indie author and a great introduction into the series.
5 Stars!!
May 14, 2024
Now this is a series of 3 so I read them on 3 consecutive days to gel them together in my mind.
As this series in 'The French Connection Series' it is no spoiler to say that the main venue is France. Here the author is obviously very familiar with France, the people and French ways. She weaves it into everything with the easy familiarity of someone that not is is very comfortable within French culture, but also remembers a time when she wasn't. It is beautifully written.
This story starts 12 years before the main story and a drinking game culminates in 2 women dancing blindfolded. They do not know the identity of the other. After the drinking game they probably don't even know their own name, so the identity of the other remains a mystery as at the end of the song 1 of them states simply 'mon dieu' and leaves. Sam, the main character instantly feels bereft.
The 2 women Sam and Anna (now 12 years later) have both told others of this dance they had ( thus telling us what we already knew - these are the main characters and they will find each other again during the story).
The story centres around photography - which is a small community - with more than their fair share of lesbians which inevitably leads to a situation where Sam goes to France to work and instantly hooks up with Helene. So far so good. Helene's boss is the woman who Sam's girlfriend left her for and she has already had a relationship with Helene which is most distasteful for Sam.
As Sam left the station she bumped into a woman who she could not stop thinking about.
Fast forward a while and Sam meets Anna - the publisher of the book of photography she is contracted to do - and she's the woman from the station.
There's a lot of coming and going and Sam and Anna have a relationship.
They are happy but then Sam knows she will have to go home to England eventually so she breaks it off. Cue heartache all round.
When Sam is in England she looks through some old photos and sees Anna in the background at the drinking game and realises it is her. She asks Kim, Anna's PA, to help Sam return to France for the launch of the book and they get back together. Kim is a key character to this story.
Epilogue - They are together. Sam is at the station to go to Texas for 3 months to take photos. ( yes, her photography is more than just taking a few photos) and Anna surprises her by meeting her there and going with her. There is a proposal but at least there's no immediate wedding and children. I suspect they will happen within the next 2 books though.
Now onto Book 2
As this series in 'The French Connection Series' it is no spoiler to say that the main venue is France. Here the author is obviously very familiar with France, the people and French ways. She weaves it into everything with the easy familiarity of someone that not is is very comfortable within French culture, but also remembers a time when she wasn't. It is beautifully written.
This story starts 12 years before the main story and a drinking game culminates in 2 women dancing blindfolded. They do not know the identity of the other. After the drinking game they probably don't even know their own name, so the identity of the other remains a mystery as at the end of the song 1 of them states simply 'mon dieu' and leaves. Sam, the main character instantly feels bereft.
The 2 women Sam and Anna (now 12 years later) have both told others of this dance they had ( thus telling us what we already knew - these are the main characters and they will find each other again during the story).
The story centres around photography - which is a small community - with more than their fair share of lesbians which inevitably leads to a situation where Sam goes to France to work and instantly hooks up with Helene. So far so good. Helene's boss is the woman who Sam's girlfriend left her for and she has already had a relationship with Helene which is most distasteful for Sam.
As Sam left the station she bumped into a woman who she could not stop thinking about.
Fast forward a while and Sam meets Anna - the publisher of the book of photography she is contracted to do - and she's the woman from the station.
There's a lot of coming and going and Sam and Anna have a relationship.
They are happy but then Sam knows she will have to go home to England eventually so she breaks it off. Cue heartache all round.
When Sam is in England she looks through some old photos and sees Anna in the background at the drinking game and realises it is her. She asks Kim, Anna's PA, to help Sam return to France for the launch of the book and they get back together. Kim is a key character to this story.
Epilogue - They are together. Sam is at the station to go to Texas for 3 months to take photos. ( yes, her photography is more than just taking a few photos) and Anna surprises her by meeting her there and going with her. There is a proposal but at least there's no immediate wedding and children. I suspect they will happen within the next 2 books though.
Now onto Book 2
October 4, 2023
Slow dancing
Alyson Root allocates about half of this book building up to the romantic relationship between professional British Bright Lights photographer Sam Chambers and Parisian Tower Publishing Editor-in-Chief Anna Holland.
When Sam is sent to Paris from London to rejuvenate her camera skills, she is assigned Anna as her publishing contact.
Root gives each of her protagonists a BFF’s hand — or a wine glass — to hold, depending on the situation Sam or Anna is facing. For Sam, it’s her longtime mate Charlie, and for Anna it’s her PA and wingman Kim.
Each also has a generous boss and a family member for unqualified support: Sam reports professionally to Helene, and her sounding board is her widowed, saucy mom Sandy, while Anna works for kindly business partners John and Marcus and has her ever-ready brother Frederic to lean on.
Before the pair can consider dancing together long term, Sam must recover from a 10-year corrosive relationship, while Anna has her own life’s course correction to undertake.
Also, there’s the practical issue of Sam’s being assigned to Paris only temporarily, with every intention to return to London when the project’s complete.
Root creates characters, a supporting cast, and a storyline you can appreciate, but the book’s slow pacing and excessive details nearly led me to assign it a rare DNF rating.
Unfortunately, Root also released the book prior to scrubbing it of technical errors and most notably often misidentifies Helene, Sam’s Parisian boss.
Alyson Root allocates about half of this book building up to the romantic relationship between professional British Bright Lights photographer Sam Chambers and Parisian Tower Publishing Editor-in-Chief Anna Holland.
When Sam is sent to Paris from London to rejuvenate her camera skills, she is assigned Anna as her publishing contact.
Root gives each of her protagonists a BFF’s hand — or a wine glass — to hold, depending on the situation Sam or Anna is facing. For Sam, it’s her longtime mate Charlie, and for Anna it’s her PA and wingman Kim.
Each also has a generous boss and a family member for unqualified support: Sam reports professionally to Helene, and her sounding board is her widowed, saucy mom Sandy, while Anna works for kindly business partners John and Marcus and has her ever-ready brother Frederic to lean on.
Before the pair can consider dancing together long term, Sam must recover from a 10-year corrosive relationship, while Anna has her own life’s course correction to undertake.
Also, there’s the practical issue of Sam’s being assigned to Paris only temporarily, with every intention to return to London when the project’s complete.
Root creates characters, a supporting cast, and a storyline you can appreciate, but the book’s slow pacing and excessive details nearly led me to assign it a rare DNF rating.
Unfortunately, Root also released the book prior to scrubbing it of technical errors and most notably often misidentifies Helene, Sam’s Parisian boss.
November 2, 2025
all the fated soulmate stuff was a bit woo woo, but to be fair it is exactly what two lesbians would be thinking at the end of their second date which happened to be the night after their previous date
it's a nice, solid romance. bonus points for the spice, it's clearly something the author prioritises and works hard on and it shows. Sam and Anna have a lovely connection with an instant connection and very intense feelings, which might not be everyone's cup of tea but I've never been averse to skipping the getting to know you phase and jumping straight into "where do you see us going in the future". and there's a fun supporting cast being set up for their sequel novels
where the book lost me a bit was the work stuff for Sam and Anna. both women make big strides professionally as they get over their past relationships, but it never really feels earned? Sam is told her work hasn't been great for the past year, and the new owner decides the solution is to give her a massive new project with unlimited budget? meanwhile we don't see much of Anna's job until it's announced she's inheriting the company. it's not a big thing, but there's been other books where I've really appreciated the journey of the characters locking in and making great strides professionally with the emotional progress they've made in their romance. and I really wasn't feeling it here
France sounds nice though
it's a nice, solid romance. bonus points for the spice, it's clearly something the author prioritises and works hard on and it shows. Sam and Anna have a lovely connection with an instant connection and very intense feelings, which might not be everyone's cup of tea but I've never been averse to skipping the getting to know you phase and jumping straight into "where do you see us going in the future". and there's a fun supporting cast being set up for their sequel novels
where the book lost me a bit was the work stuff for Sam and Anna. both women make big strides professionally as they get over their past relationships, but it never really feels earned? Sam is told her work hasn't been great for the past year, and the new owner decides the solution is to give her a massive new project with unlimited budget? meanwhile we don't see much of Anna's job until it's announced she's inheriting the company. it's not a big thing, but there's been other books where I've really appreciated the journey of the characters locking in and making great strides professionally with the emotional progress they've made in their romance. and I really wasn't feeling it here
France sounds nice though
March 7, 2023
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows Sam, a photographer who is granted a project in Paris to get back to her passion after a bad breakup, and Anna, a publisher who is feeling stuck in her relationship and life. They both meet while working on Sam's project and fall quickly in love. As they navigate their new relationship, past hurts/traumas complicate their path, leading to uncertain futures.
I liked Anna and Sam and the journeys that they went on. The story doesn't break new ground and I was able to predict all the twists and turns, which it does not need to do to be a fun and enjoyable read. I believe this is Roots' first book and there were some bumps, the biggest being finding the right balance between details to paint a picture and too much unnecessary info that turns the story into a more telling than showing story. The balance was quiet for me, which is why this isn't a 4 or 5 star book.
All in all, a promising start and I will continue checking out and reading Root's stories. i would recommend this book for fans of uncomplicated romances.
This book follows Sam, a photographer who is granted a project in Paris to get back to her passion after a bad breakup, and Anna, a publisher who is feeling stuck in her relationship and life. They both meet while working on Sam's project and fall quickly in love. As they navigate their new relationship, past hurts/traumas complicate their path, leading to uncertain futures.
I liked Anna and Sam and the journeys that they went on. The story doesn't break new ground and I was able to predict all the twists and turns, which it does not need to do to be a fun and enjoyable read. I believe this is Roots' first book and there were some bumps, the biggest being finding the right balance between details to paint a picture and too much unnecessary info that turns the story into a more telling than showing story. The balance was quiet for me, which is why this isn't a 4 or 5 star book.
All in all, a promising start and I will continue checking out and reading Root's stories. i would recommend this book for fans of uncomplicated romances.
November 10, 2025
3.5 rounded up. I felt the chemistry between the characters in the prologue but then they don't end up meeting again until near halfway through the book. I understand the author's approach to show them both living their lives separately since their 1st meet, but it was dragged out. Part of the reason for this was to demonstrate how their separate lives in the decade since meeting gave them baggage that created the angst in this story and stopped them being together until in the last 10%. Again, valid issues that people have in relationships, good to explore, but took far too much time. The result here is the MCs spent more time apart than together in the course of the book.
I, personally, also did not like that both characters had sex with other people while in the "trying to be friends even though clearly in love with each other" phase of the book. Though again, it happens in real life, it just felt like bordering on cheating in the context of the book.
I, personally, also did not like that both characters had sex with other people while in the "trying to be friends even though clearly in love with each other" phase of the book. Though again, it happens in real life, it just felt like bordering on cheating in the context of the book.
January 14, 2024
A lovely read.
This book was very heartwarming, and full of tears, both good and bad. The couple are too cute together, and I absolutely loved the story. Having said that, there was a lot of unnecessary drama. But apparently some people like that. The book was full of warm fuzzy feelings and definitely pulled me in again and again. I do have to voice one fairly large criticism unfortunately. There are so many spelling and grammar mistakes in this book that it often pulled me right out of the book. There are literally so many that I eventually had to give up reporting them to kindles error report service. At one or two points it got so bad that I was actually spending more time reporting spelling and grammar, than I was reading... I wish I were joking. Having said that, I will conclude, that it is overall a wonderful book, and would definitely recommend it to all.
This book was very heartwarming, and full of tears, both good and bad. The couple are too cute together, and I absolutely loved the story. Having said that, there was a lot of unnecessary drama. But apparently some people like that. The book was full of warm fuzzy feelings and definitely pulled me in again and again. I do have to voice one fairly large criticism unfortunately. There are so many spelling and grammar mistakes in this book that it often pulled me right out of the book. There are literally so many that I eventually had to give up reporting them to kindles error report service. At one or two points it got so bad that I was actually spending more time reporting spelling and grammar, than I was reading... I wish I were joking. Having said that, I will conclude, that it is overall a wonderful book, and would definitely recommend it to all.
June 2, 2024
The author takes her time with this as she introduces and gives good background on each of her two MC’s. Whilst there are a number of close encounters and brief glimpses, they don’t properly meet each other until chapter 12. But by then, you’re properly invested and just willing them to get it together. And boy, do they! Yes, it’s insta-love, but here it really works.
Characters (both MC’s and side characters) you get to know and like. Whilst the plot follows the usual well known trope of having ‘a break-up before the make-up’ it didn’t frustrate me in the way such devices often do; ie. it wasn’t caused by miscommunication, but rather it came about due to both fear and distance. And the pay-off towards the end is lovely. I’m now really looking forward to reading the other two in this trilogy…
Characters (both MC’s and side characters) you get to know and like. Whilst the plot follows the usual well known trope of having ‘a break-up before the make-up’ it didn’t frustrate me in the way such devices often do; ie. it wasn’t caused by miscommunication, but rather it came about due to both fear and distance. And the pay-off towards the end is lovely. I’m now really looking forward to reading the other two in this trilogy…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2023
Romance at it best💘
I doubt that there are too many romance novels (except tragic ones), that don’t involve lover gets lover (through some difficult obstacles), lover gets lover, lover loses lover (hopefully through some original machinations), lover regains lover, as the result of some ingenious plan and they live happily ever after.
It is not the formula that makes the romance, but the creative ability of the author that makes it interesting.
Above all, it must be believable!
From the beginning, this novel grabs you and makes you want to take the journey, and, having taken that journey, I found it to be well worth the trip. Angst with a lot of humor and interesting background characters too. Lots of heat too👍.
Enjoy the journey.
I doubt that there are too many romance novels (except tragic ones), that don’t involve lover gets lover (through some difficult obstacles), lover gets lover, lover loses lover (hopefully through some original machinations), lover regains lover, as the result of some ingenious plan and they live happily ever after.
It is not the formula that makes the romance, but the creative ability of the author that makes it interesting.
Above all, it must be believable!
From the beginning, this novel grabs you and makes you want to take the journey, and, having taken that journey, I found it to be well worth the trip. Angst with a lot of humor and interesting background characters too. Lots of heat too👍.
Enjoy the journey.
March 10, 2023
I am just so over the top with emotion upon finishing this story! Thank you Alyson Root for writing such an emotional and heart felt book.
I just can’t believe that I have fallen in love with this bunch of characters so quickly and the skill of the author in keeping me entrance clear to the last page is a testament to her chops as a writer! I adore the settings brought to life so skillfully. I have laughed out loud, wept, and held so much love in my heart during this read. I am amazed at the range of emotions it has brought. Do I recommend this book? Without hesitation yes! Buy it, support the author and suggest it to your friends.
I just can’t believe that I have fallen in love with this bunch of characters so quickly and the skill of the author in keeping me entrance clear to the last page is a testament to her chops as a writer! I adore the settings brought to life so skillfully. I have laughed out loud, wept, and held so much love in my heart during this read. I am amazed at the range of emotions it has brought. Do I recommend this book? Without hesitation yes! Buy it, support the author and suggest it to your friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews