The Paris Chapter

by Victoria Walters

The sexy new rom com from bestselling author Victoria Walters, perfect for fans of Emily in Paris! Can the city of love mend a broken heart?

Romance author Tessa Elliot has writer's block, and worse - she isn’t sure she still believes in love. To heal her broken heart, she decides to go on the romantic break in Paris she’d booked before her world fell apart.

But when she arrives at the Airbnb, Tessa is stunned to find someone is already there. Her ex’s best friend Ethan has made himself at home, being told that the place would be empty.

As it’s Paris Fashion Week, and with no other options, they agree to share the apartment. Neither will be in the place much after all, with Ethan taking a cookery course and Tessa on a hard deadline to finish her novel.

But sharing close nights in a one bed apartment, there’s an undeniable pull towards one another.

Will Tessa be able open her heart, and her laptop, ever again?

A gorgeous romance set in the city of love, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Rom Com, Adult Fiction

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2025

About the author

Victoria Walters is a full-time author living in Surrey. Victoria writes sweet and spicy rom coms including the BookTok viral hits THE LOVE INTEREST, THE PLOT TWIST and THE PARIS CHAPTER. She used to work in publishing and a bookshop, and has been a bookworm since childhood.

Victoria is also the author of the bestselling uplifting and romantic series GLENDALE HALL and the cosy crime series THE DEDLEY END MYSTERIES. Find out more about her by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on X at @Vicky_Walters or on Facebook and TikTok at Victoria Walters author.

Her new grumpy/sunshine spicy romance LONG STORY SHORT is out now.

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love everything about this book, and I loved the premise, but I felt that the ‘sex scenes’ were written quite badly and made me cringe. If these cliché scenes had been removed it would have been a solid 4 stars.

After Tessa catches her boyfriend cheating, her morale is at an all time low and as she is supposed to be writing a romance novel, writers block is affecting her starting a book that is supposed to be nearly finished. As Tessa and her cheating ex Joe were supposed to be going to Paris together, and Tessa had already booked it and paid for them both, her best friend suggests she goes to try and find her writing mojo in the city of love. When Tessa arrives in Paris at her Airbnb, she finds a near naked man in the shower. He turns out to be Ethan, Joe’s best friend. Ethan has a cookery course in Paris, and Joe was so sure that Tessa wouldn’t go, he suggests that Ethan goes to the apartment. As it is Paris Fashion week, Ethan can’t move out, so they end up sharing the apartment…..

A good idea, mostly well written, but drop the sex scenes. They are not well written.

[Sundy Tr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tessa & Ethan get together unexpectedly in Paris and the rest is history.

I liked the flirting between them, the fact that the MMC is of average height (first time I see this) and the Paris setting that adds magic to everything.
It’s an ok book but didn’t manage to get me hooked.

Tessa’s actions confused me slightly. Too many repetitions and Tessa’s constant whining tired me. I guess I can’t accept that a 6 month relationship at the age of 30 had marked her like that. I liked Ethan a lot more but I wasn’t convinced about their attraction; too fast for my liking.

I liked how the resolution of the situation came effortlessly and that none of them was stubborn. But I didn’t like that they both were insecure and lacked confidence.

-Single 1st person POV (FMC)
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Overall: 3/5 ⭐️ for me.

Thank you NetGalley & Boldwood Books for providing this arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Chiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tessa is a romance author who escapes to Paris after she find out her boyfriend of six months has been cheating on her the entire time and this caused her to stop writing. She feels like love doesn't exist or at least, it doesn't exist for her. In the apartment she rented, while still with her ex, she find his best friend, Ethan, who's there for a cooking course.

It was a nice and enjoyable read but I feel like the attraction between Tessa and Ethan was quite fast and the plot lost a bit of focus. They both had grown up so much in the short amount of time they spent together, trying to overcome both of their fears. Inevitably it all went bad when Joe, the ex-boyfriend shows up in Paris, and all the drama that happened after that, was a bit excessive and unnecessary in my opinion, since it basically destroyed Tessa's growth. But I still enjoyed reading the book.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing is terrible and the main character is pathetic. I’m sure there’s a character arc but the premise seems immature. She was with a guy for 6 months, get over it. She thinks her career is going to end for not being able to write one book and just goes along with everything without standing up for herself. Painful. The author should also use a thesaurus. Could not even be bothered finishing it.

[Marissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

First 1/2, 4 stars. Second half… booooo

[Natalie Intihar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Paris Chapter was the most adorable, heartwarming read! I’m obsessed with the city itself and it truly was the perfect setting for Ethan and Tessa. This book was both perfectly French and perfectly British, which made for the perfect combination!

It’s hard not to love a redemption arc like what Tessa has. She goes to Paris with the intention of finding herself and finding her writing voice- two difficult tasks! I love that she realizes her own voice and her independence at the same time as following her love story. She is a whole person on her own, and it’s beautiful that she was able to finally see that for herself.

This book was warm and sweet in all the best ways. I would love nothing more than to be transported to Paris to follow the journey that Tessa goes on! I just felt good the entire time reading this book, which was the best feeling to have.

Thank you to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Danita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I liked the Paris setting and visiting some of the sights the city had to offer. Both of the main characters lacked some self-confidence, but I thought their imperfections helped make them more realistic and relatable. There was even some spice along the way. But at times the book felt a bit too repetitive, especially with all the comparisons to the ex, who was quite toxic. I think what really lost me was the 3rd act drama and how oblivious the main characters seemed to be about what was going on. I was happy enough with how everything resolved, but I think I'd lost my connection with the characters by that point.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advance review copy of The Paris Chapter! All opinions in my review are completely my own.

[Becky Pashouwer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Victoria Walters for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Paris Chapter follows romance author Tessa, who flees to Paris after a bad breakup for some time away to decompress and get inspired for her next book. She had rented the Airbnb when she was still with her ex, but decides to take the trip anyway (go Tessa!). When she gets to her Airbnb, she comes across her ex's best friend, Ethan, who went with the intention of staying at the rented apartment while he's in Paris for a cooking course.

Strangely enough, Tessa didn't really know Ethan, despite being with his best friend for 6 months.Turns out, her ex was the worst. Just the worst! And kept Tessa away from his family and friends and had some very controlling tendencies, while cheating on her for their entire relationship. Despite being his best friend, Ethan is nothing like that, he's kind, funny, and really cares about Tessa, her work, her hopes and dreams... big time cinnamon roll vibes.

While in Paris, Tessa's interactions with Ethan really show her how much was stifled in her previous relationship. Her character growth was one of my favorite things about this book.

The third act conflict basically had me screaming at the book, not because it was badly done, but because it was so well done and realistic. I just didn't want it to happen but was happy with the resolution and HEA.

The Paris Chapter was a cozy romance (not too much spice, but some) with these tropes:

* Ex's best friend
* Cinnamon roll MMC
* Paris
* One bed
* Forced proximity

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 rounded up

This was so cute!

Sometimes when you break up with your turd boyfriend that you planned a Paris vacation with you just need to go on that vacation alone (except sometimes said turd boyfriend's best friend shows up and you need to share that little Paris vacation with him while you try to find the motivation to write your book while also falling in love)...ya know...

Nobody pay attention to absolute lack of grammar in that sentence, I did that for the vibes. THE VIBES.

This was super cute and such a breeze, although there were some side characters that I really did not care about at all (especially Carly, sorry to Carly).

And I did think it was quite funny that the main characters were watching Emily in Paris together whilst in Paris. That was a very fun little touch.

Victoria Walters, I now want to read more from you.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a couple of Victoria Walters books and this one was an entertaining read, as were the others.
In The Paris Chapter, we follow romance author Tessa to Paris. She's been betrayed and in her quest to find peace with her relationship status, and the belief in romance again, she uses a break that had been booked for her and her now ex-boyfriend, Joe. However, she arrives to find that her cheating ex is even more of a git as he had passed on the break to his best friend.
Tessa is stuck in Paris during the height of Paris Fashion Week in a one-bedroom apartment with a rather hunky chef named Ethan.
I have to say I really enjoyed the close proximity nature of this story; we all know what we wanted to happen.
There is a decent enough steam factor within the story too - Phew!
One thing - I did not like Joe and couldn't bring myself to believe that Tessa would even try to possibly rekindle anything with that wally.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

When heartbroken Tessa is left with a romantic break in Paris, but no one to go with, her friends urge her to go alone and enjoy a break.

We follow her journey, encountering a surprise in her accommodation, writers block and many other things Paris has in store for her.
It’s all about heartbreak, moving on, new friends, new challenges and above all being kind to yourself, knowing that those who truly love you, love you for who you really are and don’t expect you to be something you are not.

The characters grown on you throughout the story (apart from Joe!) and I especially loved Juliette. The book deals with real life problems, how someone leaving you, cheating on you can profoundly affect you and your judgement, making decisions, which seem obvious to someone looking on, difficult to make.

There’s a few spicy scenes in the book which are well written.

All in all a lovely read, the author setting the scene so well you will feel you are visiting the locations in Paris too. I also really enjoyed the writing a book, within a book storyline too.

[Eloise Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in change for a honest review.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish, was such heart warming romance read!
This book was the perfect combination of being set in Paris but also with the London elements in it, the scenes are written so well you can really picture it while reading.
Highly recommend this!

[Isabell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes

I was really looking forward to The Paris Chapter as I’m a huge fan of Victoria Walters' books, and I was thrilled when Boldwood Books approved me to read it through NetGalley. As always, Walters delivers a captivating premise, and this book had me hooked from the start. The Paris Chapter is a charming, lighthearted romance set in the city of love, with a premise that screams Emily in Paris vibes—think forced proximity, one bed, ex-boyfriend's best friend, and a holiday romance all wrapped into one quick, easy read.

Tessa Elliot, a romance author suffering from writer's block and heartache, goes to Paris hoping to find solace and inspiration for her new book. The idea of her being in Paris to heal her broken heart is something many readers can relate to, and the setting itself makes it easy to get lost in. When Tessa arrives at her Airbnb only to find her ex’s best friend, Ethan, already staying there, their forced proximity makes for some genuinely entertaining moments. Both Tessa and Ethan are in Paris for very different reasons—he’s there for a cookery course while she’s trying to finish a novel—but they agree to share the space. What follows is an undeniable pull between them as they navigate their insecurities, creative struggles, and a blossoming romance. I loved the lighthearted and fun nature of their interactions, and the chemistry, while a bit quick, was still enjoyable.

That said, The Paris Chapter also had its fair share of frustrations. For one, the presence of Tessa’s ex-boyfriend, Joe, looms large over the entire story. While I understand that Tessa’s emotional baggage from the toxic relationship plays a significant role in her character development, the constant reminders of Joe’s betrayal and emotional abuse became overwhelming. Every chapter seemed to dwell on how terrible Joe was, which left me feeling more frustrated than sympathetic. I know Joe’s impact on Tessa was supposed to be central to her growth, but it felt like his presence haunted every page of the book, making it hard to move past the negativity.

Another issue I had was with Tessa and Ethan’s relationship. Both characters seemed to lack confidence and were bogged down by insecurity, which felt a bit repetitive at times. Tessa’s constant whining about her past relationship started to wear thin, and I had a hard time accepting that a six-month relationship at 30 years old would leave such a deep scar. While I liked Ethan as a character, I wasn’t entirely convinced by their fast-developing attraction. It felt rushed and didn't quite align with the pacing of the rest of the story.

Lastly, there were moments that took me out of the story—particularly the spice scenes. These moments felt out of place, especially the “begging” part, which I found cringe-worthy and awkward. It wasn’t the kind of romance I was expecting given the sweet, light tone of the rest of the book.

While there were plenty of moments I enjoyed—especially the charming Paris setting and the dynamic between Tessa and Ethan—there were also aspects of the book that frustrated me. If you’re a fan of Walters’ work, you’ll still find enjoyment here, but The Paris Chapter doesn’t quite capture the same magic as some of her other novels. It has its ups and downs, but in the end, it’s a quick, enjoyable read with some bumps along the way. Fans of lighthearted romance with a bit of emotional depth will likely still find something to appreciate, but there’s a lot to navigate before getting to the happy ending.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous love story from the city of love. Learning to love yourself is a strong message for everyone to take to heart - and seeing how Tessa started to feel confident in her own skin with the support of Ethan and his friends was wonderful.
The setting of this one is perfect- the description of the Eiffel Tower, the restaurants and the streets full of Parisian culture - it was so lovely seeing love for all things French, and seeing Tessa find the inspiration again for her novel.
I loved the chemistry between Ethan and Tessa as they’re thrown together in the romantic city. Victoria Walters builds the story of their unlikely friendship into something more and a little bit of spice is always welcome.
As always, she’s written a beautiful love story full of hope and it’s been magical visiting Paris with her and Tessa.

[Valeria · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance author Tessa has a few weeks to submit her next book but has writer's block after discovering her boyfriend was cheating on her. When her best friends convince her to go on the Paris holiday her ex planned, she's shocked to discover her ex has let his best friend Ethan stay there.

This was an easy read but really started to drag halfway through. I think this was because the attraction between Tessa and Ethan happened pretty quickly, so the story lost focus. I also found the final drama ludicrous and obliterated Tessa's growth.

Escapist fun set in Paris.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Monika Caparelli-Hippert · Rating 5 out of 5]

London romance novelist Tessa suffers from severe love-sickness and has sworn off all men. Her ex Joe cheated on her badly, and so Tessa has spent the last few months looking for a new apartment and getting her life back on track. The deadline for her next novel is getting closer and closer, but unfortunately she hasn't written a single line yet - she's suffering from writer's block. She's long since forgotten about the short trip to Paris she originally planned with her ex-boyfriend when the reminder pops up on her smartphone....without much enthusiasm, Tessa spontaneously packs her suitcase and gets on the train to Paris. What's paid for is paid for, and maybe a visit to the city of love can solve her blockages? Maybe a romance novel is easier to write in Paris? But when she arrives at the Airbnb in Paris, she is in for a big surprise, because Ethan, Joe's best friend, has already moved into the mini-apartment - Joe also thought that the paid short trip should not go to waste, and Ethan is in Paris for work. After the initial shock, Tessa and Ethan decide to stay, at least for the time being... and of course sparks fly between the two after a short while...

My reading impression: I was in the mood for a nice romance again, the synopsis sounded quite funny, and a love story set in Paris, peppered with a setting in the book industry, you can't go wrong with that, I thought. So I didn't have too high expectations, I just wanted to have a few entertaining hours. Yes, and what can I say? This novel is really, really good. It absolutely exceeded my expectations. On the one hand, the author can write really well, I felt drawn in from page 1, a wonderfully descriptive, lively and fluid writing style lets you fly through the pages. On the other hand, the story had more depth than I thought. The story is told from Tessa's first-person perspective, and Tessa is struggling with her self-esteem. Actually, she always has, but the thing with Joe took it to the next level. Tessa never lived up to Joe's ideal and was extremely bent in the relationship and lost herself in the process. This is portrayed very well; it gets very emotional, and I could see myself in some things. The topic of staying true to yourself, loving yourself, being enough for yourself, being authentic is addressed again and again in the book, whether it is when Tessa reflects on things and experiences, when she discusses things with Ethan and/or her friends, or relatively late in a discussion with Joe. I thought it was well done, and the message came across. I think that's an extremely important message, especially for young women (who are probably the target group here, I'm over 50 myself :-)), and I liked it and it did me good, too.

Of course the love story between Ethan and Tessa was exciting, with all the twists and turns that naturally come with it, it was romantic, it was sometimes funny, it was sometimes "spicy", but with just the right amount of explicit scenes for me... in other words, the spice was there, but it didn't get out of hand.

I thought it was very sweet that Ethan, too, had to struggle with shyness and hesitation and procrastination despite his obviously great looks and all his "hotness". I found it authentic, I liked it.

Yes, I'll say it's not a spoiler if I predict the happy ending here, we all know that the lovers get together in the end, and this was very romantic and of course dramatic. All's well that ends well. Well, I may be repeating myself, but I really liked the book. Everything was perfect for me: wonderful cast, great setting, Paris and London are always fantastic places, and lots of emotion. I would definitely recommend it, and I'll keep an eye on the author; I'd love to read more from her.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy!

[Julie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't swooned like this for months.
This book has all the right ingredients for an unforgettable read.
Tessa is a romance author facing writer's block after she found out her boyfriend cheated on her. She no longer believes in love and inspiration eludes her. In a moment of courage, she decides to take the trip to Paris even without her ex. What better place to desperately find a way to write on a deadline than the city of love? After arriving at her Airbnb, she discovers that Ethan, her ex's friend, is already living there, and they have only one bed.
Did I mention Ethan is a gorgeous and kind chef?
I loved how the characters are, so we'll define that they feel like old friends. We know exactly what they like and how they feel. Tessa struggles with feeling good enough, a feeling that most of us girls can relate to. Sometimes, being in the wrong relationship can feel exhausting, and self-confidence drops.
The Paris setting is as much a character as Tessa and Ethan themselves. From the cobblestone streets to the irresistible pastries, Walters paints a picture of the city that feels so vivid that you’ll want to book a ticket immediately. Paris Fashion Week and Ethan’s cookery course add layers of glamour and charm to the story, while Tessa’s struggles with her manuscript anchor the plot in genuine emotion.
The chemistry between Tessa and Ethan is electric! Their shared moments in the apartment, the slow-burn attraction, and the way their walls gradually come down are written with such care and authenticity. Walters doesn’t just give us a romance; she gives us two people healing and rediscovering themselves through each other.
Fans of Emily in Paris and authors like Emily Henry and Christina Lauren will adore The Paris Chapter. It’s a love letter to Paris, to finding yourself, and to the idea that sometimes love comes when you least expect it.
5 out of 5 stars – A swoon-worthy, joy-filled escape that’s as delectable as a fresh croissant in the city of love. Don’t miss it!

[Danae · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

Is it me or over the past year or less has there been a sudden influx of books about heartbroken women fleeing to Paris? I do not tend to go gaga over the City of Lights, but after recent books like “The Paris Novel” and “The Champagne Letters”, not to mention the drug that is “Emily in Paris”, I have been fantasizing about a return trip. Maybe even expatriation.

This recent book, “The Paris Chapter”, did further fan that flame, but unfortunately, not necessarily because of its story. As the editor character in the story tells the protagonist Tessa, Paris is like its own character in the book she is writing. I just wish I loved the human characters quite as much. To be fair, I was already frustrated when from page one, the language was a little stilted—like that old essay you find and cringe that you started every sentence the same and the rest is far from the brilliance you had recollected. That does improve however

In my opinion, whether or not you like this story depends on your self-esteem. If you ever had a period of extreme self-doubt, even if just one person was the cause, you might appreciate the main characters struggles. If you can’t relate to that, I don’t think this is the book for you. Both Tessa and Ethan are damaged and have extremely low self-esteems when it comes to love, relationships, and how they see themselves. You can either empathize or not. That said, even if you were cheering them on, when their relationship changes, I think it is unhealthy in a different way.

I’m rarely very critical of the books that I read and review, so you might assume I recommend skipping this one. That’s not necessarily the case. Characters are a refreshing type of flawed. Rarely are they portrayed so beat up and you can feel Ethan’s self doubt even though he becomes the demonstrative one in their intimacy.

Plus, it’s Paris.

Thank you to Victoria Walters, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book for my unbiased review.

[Emily Pankhurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 4.75

The writing was light, thought provoking and I easily got drawn into the story. There was quite a lot of hesitancy between the characters to create the will they, won't they, suspense. 

I enjoyed that every so often there were text messages between the characters. That added another layer to the story and brought it up to date. 

The chapters were fairly long, so you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. There was a good flow to the story making it easy to sit and read in a few sittings. There was a good pace to the book and, as I mentioned above, the hesitancy between the two main characters lengthened the story and created the suspense. Despite the hesitancy, the story kept moving forward well and there were a couple of little jumps in time that were seamlessly added in. I enjoyed the Epilogue at the end. 

The characters were good. I liked that the main characters were both unsure about what they were about to embark on. It was nice to see the male main character showing hesitancy and wanting the female to show him that it was ok and that she was hesitant too. There was an equal balance in the relationship which I enjoyed. I also liked that there was a confident, mean character to add a bit of tension to the story. It really made me root for the main characters even more. 

I enjoyed being on the main character's journey and watching how her confidence and self love grew. There were some lovely, thought provoking moments scattered throughout the book which added another layer to the story. 

Lastly the settings. I love Paris. It was lovely being taken round it and watching the characters grow at the same time. The settings were only lightly described, but they were a big part of the characters' story. 

Overall a lovely book. The only thing stopping me from giving it 5 stars was the length of the sex scenes. I found myself wanting to skip through them so that I could get on with the rest of the story.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca Raisin and Beth O’Leary fans will not want to miss this gorgeous new novel by Victoria Walters: The Paris Chapter.

Tessa Elliott’s entire world has imploded. The romance writer has writers’ block and is unable to write a single world about love as she isn’t sure she believes in it anymore anyway. In desperate need for escape and inspiration, Tessa takes herself off to Paris on the romantic break she had booked before her life had been smashed to smithereens. Only, when she arrives at the Airbnb, she is stunned to discover that the flat is already occupied by a familiar face: her ex’s best friend Ethan who has already made himself at home after he was told that the flat would be empty. What is Tessa going to do now?

Having come to Paris during Fashion Week, everywhere is fully booked and with no options and no other place to go, Tessa and Ethan have no other choice but to share the apartment. With Ethan attending a cookery course and Tessa’s book having to take precedence, they won’t have much opportunity to interact…or so they think! It soon becomes apparent that they’ve got more in common than they initially thought and as they begin to get closer, will they find the courage to admit how they really feel about one another? Or will this Paris Chapter end up finishing with a very unhappy ending?

Witty, emotional and wonderfully romantic, The Paris Chapter is a superb romantic comedy from Victoria Walters that will charm and delight readers. Romantics everywhere will be enthralled by the sizzling repartee and red-hot chemistry between Tessa and Ethan as Victoria Walters sweeps them off to Paris and into a world they will not want to leave.

An absolute must for readers looking for escapism this winter, The Paris Chapter by Victoria Walters hits all the right spots.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this one...I'm a sucker for all things Parisian after all, but it fell a little flat for me. I still recommend it, but it started out similar to another book I read in recent months (not a copycat, just happened to be similar). Had I not read that book, I am certain I would have felt differently. I found in spots this book felt long to me even though it wasn't, clocking in around 300 pages. Overall it reminded me of "Emily in Paris', which made me laugh as it was mentioned a few times.

Premise: Tessa and her boyfriend have recently broken up. She decides to take a trip they had planned to Paris. She arrives at her Airbnb to find her ex's (hot) best friend in a towel. Ooh là là! Cute, funny etc. They fall hard and fast to the reader, but one of them is slower to come around to the idea of what's happening. It felt a little contrived in places and I had to keep reminding myself of the short timeline in which the majority of this romcom takes place. Also, Tessa and her boyfriend had only been broken up for two months so that was still very fresh (and held her back from realizing what was happening with Ethan).

The ex appears...and is an absolute controlling, manipulative, narcissitic a-hole. It got my wheels spinning as to who would play Joe if this book was made into a movie. He was horrible, but well-written most definitely. I would have liked a little more depth to Tessa and Ethan's characters, but I was rooting for them.

I recommend this if you are looking for a cute Parisian romcom with some spice to which you don't need to devote much time. It was quick to get into, preferred setting, a little predictable, but kept my interest.

Thank you to Victoria Walters, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

When I saw that Victoria Walters' upcoming book was available as an ARC, I grabbed it right away. I've read her books before and really liked them. So I gathered my Kindle, a handful of chocolates, and settled into my armchair to read

A betrayed writer, Tessa, travels to Paris to be by herself, but due to confusion, she bumps into her ex-boyfriend's best friend, Ethan, at an Airbnb.

They end up spending time together in Paris, and Tessa's heart, which has been betrayed by love, is slowly starting to heal. She meets new people, eats wonderful food, and enjoys life. She also gets to know Ethan, who is not dark, tall, and handsome. Instead, Ethan is something better - kind, thoughtful, and sweet. Could someone so different be what Tessa really needs?

I really enjoyed the first half of the book. But in the second half, Tessa's irrational actions annoyed me so much! I wanted to keep jump to the part where she acted rationally again. (And I hated Joe. He was an insufferable cheating, manipulative, lying asshole.)

Although this wasn't my biggest favorite, I still enjoyed the book and will continue to read Victoria Walters' books.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Pov: heroine, 1st person
Heat: open doors
Pacing: slowburn
Communication: mostly healthy communication, but a bit of miscommunication too
Ending: HEA

Main characters:
* He's a chef, she's an author
* Ex's best friend
* Strangers to friends to lovers

What?
* Forbidden love
* Forced proximity
* Found family
* One bed

Where?
* Paris

Drama?
* Difficult past
* A bit of a love triangle

Other vibes:
* Book about books

--
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Amna Waqar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa is romance author whose personal experience of love has been crushed and her heart has been torn into tiny little pieces thanks to her two-timing ex boyfriend Joe.

With a deadline for her new book looming less than a month away, Tessa hasn't written a single word. She booked a mini-break in Paris months ago whilst she was still with Joe and hesitantly decides to go there, not just because she's already paid for the AirBnb, but also because she is in dire need of some inspiration for her book.

When she gets to the apartment, Joe's best friend Ethan is there, thanks to Joe telling Ethan that he could use the apartment. Both Tessa and Ethan end up sharing the apartment as due to it being Paris Fashion Week, Ethan is unable to find any alterative accommodation.

They end up spending time together and there is undeniable chemistry between the two but Tessa still feels scathed from Joe's betrayal.

I liked Ethan's character more than I liked Tessa's. I really wished that Tessa's personality had more oomph as she was very repetitive with her thoughts which I found to be quite irritating.

I loved Juliette - may we all have a Juliette in our lives. She was sassy, determined and fiery - all that Tessa was not. I also loved that there was a slight crossover between this book and characters from the author's recent two books, The Plot Twist and The Love Interest.

However, I do have a major quibble. If Carly's condition was 'high-risk' and she had a scare, I really don't know why she was out on the following night for a dinner with friends.

Overall, a cute read and as always, in true Victoria Walters style, many cups of tea were drunk!

NetGalley and Boldwood Books provided me with this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie Coniff · Rating 4 out of 5]

💕📚 The Paris Chapter by Victoria Walters 📚💕
Genre: Romance, with moderate 🌶
Length: 299 pages
Pub Date: Jan. 19, 2025!
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC of this novel. The opinions stated here are solely my own.

Synopsis:
Tessa Elliot - successful romance writer whose own heart has recently been broken, causing major writer's block for her next novel.

Ethan Taylor - chef, kind, compassionate, handsome, artistically minded, with emotional depth.

Tessa travels to an Airbnb in Paris from her home in London for 5 days of a romantic getaway... that was supposed to be for her and now ex, Joe, before he broke her heart. Since she paid for the place anyway, she goes alone, hoping to find inspiration for her new romance novel even as she has given up on love. When she arrives she is shocked to find Ethan, Joe's best friend, staying there, visting Paris for a 2-week chef course. Joe told him to stay in the Airbnb as he figured no one would be there... One bed. Ex's best friend. The City of Love. Could Ethan be just what Tessa needs as a muse for her new book??

Opinion:
I thought this was such a cute, romantic story! I loved Tessa's character so much and how she grew as a person throughout her Parisian adventure. The love story between her and Ethan was a great build-up and their chemistry was undeniable. I was hooked from the get-go and read this easily in one day because I couldn't wait to see how it ended. The author also did a great job of making Joe, the ex, an absolutely loathsome human being, and excellent complication for both Tessa and Ethan. There is definitely a moderate amount of spice, which doesn't pop up until about 2/3 into the book, but it isnt particularly gratuitous and makes sense with the romantic build-up!

[bookloversclub2023 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood books for this ARC.

Romance author Tessa Elliot has writer's block, and worse - she isn’t sure she still believes in love. To heal her broken heart, she decides to go on the romantic break in Paris she’d booked before her world fell apart.
But when she arrives at the Airbnb, Tessa is stunned to find someone is already there. Her ex’s best friend Ethan has made himself at home, being told that the place would be empty.

As it’s Paris Fashion Week, and with no other options, they agree to share the apartment. Neither will be in the place much after all, with Ethan taking a cookery course and Tessa on a hard deadline to finish her novel.

But sharing close nights in a one bed apartment, there’s an undeniable pull towards one another.

Will Tessa be able to open her heart, and her laptop, ever again?

I adored this book so much. Victoria never disappoints. As soon as I started the book I was taken back to my own visits in Paris. The book is just a joyful read and leaves you feeling happy.

The connection between Ethan and Tessa was brilliantly written and their undeniable chemistry (however, the spice was a little too much for me but I know for others they will love it) I was rooting all the way for them but things were so complicated I was left wondering how it would all work out. Victoria writes about characters that are finding themselves again and healing from love which are authentically written. Victorias writing is so sublime that even Joe was written in an insufferable way which is accurate from his past experiences.

This book is so easy to read, addictive and a page turner. It is released on the 19th January and I would advise you definitely add this to your reading list for 2025 if romance is your thing.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review could contain SPOILERS

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Book for providing me with an advanced copy to review!

This is a book about Tessa, a romance writer who has the writers block of the century after her recent heartbreak with her ex Joe. (Keep in mind, they were only together for six months.) ((Which is a long time to be continuously lied to, but still!!)) What once was a romantic getaway to Paris (with Joe) turns into a solo trip, and Tessa is gonna use it to pull inspiration for her novel. Or so she thought, because here’s comes the forced proximity trope! Ethan, Joe’s best friend is in Paris for a cooking course and Joe offers him a free stay at the same apartment Tessa is staying in.

We follow Ethan and Tessa as they venture into the Parisian backdrop and I personally, will always eat up a ‘hot tea, baguettes and cheese, wine drunk’ kind of story. The stereotypical Parisian scenes were probably my favorite part. Sadly, Tessa and Ethan’s relationship was a bit frustrating for me because it was always one step forward, two steps back. Tessa had so much inner turmoil about Ethan being so close to her ex. Every time Ethan and Tessa progressed in their relationship, here comes Tessa like “but remember, you’re friends with my ex” Joe this, Joe that, girl forget Joe! Ethan was so supportive of Tessa and all of her endeavors from the very beginning and it was so sickeningly sweet just for Tessa to look Ethan in the eyes and be like, “but Joe” Joe could NEVER. Poor girl was trauma bonded to that man or something.

Overall, this is a lighthearted and cozy book about finding your self worth. At worst, it’s a slightly frustrating love story with miscommunication and a long drawn out conflict.

[R Mmm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tessa thought she was in a happy relationship until she found out her boyfriend, Joe, had been cheating on her. Heartbroken, she decides to take a trip to Paris to focus on her writing and find inspiration for her next romance novel. However, things take an unexpected turn when she meets Ethan, who is staying in the same Airbnb—thanks to Joe secretly offering it to him. At first, they are both unsure about each other, but as Ethan shows Tessa around Paris, they quickly form a connection. Unlike Joe, Ethan is kind and thoughtful, though he struggles with self-doubt after years of feeling like he’s in Joe’s shadow. Just as Tessa starts to fall for him, Joe returns, trying to ruin what they’ve built.

This book does a great job of mixing romance, self-discovery, and travel. The setting of Paris adds to the magic of the story, making it easy to picture the charming streets, beautiful landmarks, and delicious food. Tessa and Ethan’s relationship feels real and natural, growing slowly as they learn to trust each other. Both characters have their own struggles—Tessa doubts herself because of Joe’s past criticism, while Ethan doesn’t believe he’s good enough—but together, they help each other heal.

The drama with Joe adds excitement and keeps the story interesting, but it doesn’t take away from the romance. The book also has some surprising moments of passion, making it even more engaging.

Overall, this is a sweet and emotional story about finding love in unexpected places. If you enjoy romance, travel, and stories about personal growth, this book is definitely worth reading!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Khairun Atika · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Loving myself was the first step in letting go of my fears. Because if you loved yourself and realised you deserved love then it didn't matter if someone walked away from you." - The Paris Chapter by Victoria Walters

A romantic, light-hearted outing for anyone who wishes for a story set in the beautiful City of Love, this is a book that truly celebrates the importance of knowing your own worth, and knowing when you are in a good relationship.

After breaking up with her philandering boyfriend, romance author Tessa Elliot does not know how she will write another book about love. Longing for inspiration, she sets sail for Paris, deciding to head for the planned getaway with her ex-boyfriend - on her own. What better place to renew your faith in love than the City of Love itself?

Except the Airbnb she has booked already has a resident - her ex-boyfriend's best friend, Ethan. Seeing that it was Fashion Week and most of the places are fully booked, Tessa and Ethan decided to make do and live together temporarily. Yet Tessa can't help but notice how sweet, selfless and kind Ethan was - and he seemed to be attracted to her as well. Will Tessa finally find what she needs in Paris?

The book focuses a lot on red flags in a relationship, and how easy it is to get swept into romance even in the presence of the red flags. Yet I like how the book also talks a lot about knowing your self-worth, and learning to love yourself before being ready to fall in love.

A sweet homage to Paris, it is also a story about learning to love what is all around you, and to appreciate the love you have from so many other different parts of your own life. This is perfect for readers who love romance, and looking to learn to love again - and Paris.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was supposed to be a romantic getaway until Joe dumped her. Now, romance author Tessa Elliot is facing a deadline having lost her belief in romance. Hoping a change in scenery will spur her creative juices, Tessa decides to take that getaway in Paris. Now she finds herself sharing a one bedroom apartment with her Joe's best friend. As Ethan shares the sites of Paris with her, Tessa begins to believe that romance might still have a place in her life.

Ethan and Tessa just seemed to fit. Both have their vulnerabilities which they try to hide. They are acquainted with each other through Joe, but it isn't until Ethan begins showing her around Paris that they develop a friendship. They provide both encouragement and a sounding board to each other. The way the relationship develops feels natural, not rushed. I liked watching Tessa's journey back to belief and her feelings of excitement and relief as her writing comes back to her.

There was so much to like about this book beyond just the sweet romance. Having been to Paris recently, I really liked the chance to see the city again through Ethan and Tessa's eyes. I liked the secondary characters. Tessa's friends Luke and Carly were so supportive. Ethan's friend, Juliette, outgoing, take charge and friends with everyone. She had a knack for giving everyone that little push to keep going. They provided another point of view, and added a bit of color and fun to the story.

This was a perfect feel good book, sweet and sensitive, with just a touch of angst. I enjoyed the chance to get lost in Tessa and Ethan's story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own.