Love and the Downfall of Society

by Melinda Copp

After turning society upside down with her debut story, provincial Charlotte Deveraux arrives in Paris poised for literary stardom. She’s not sure where her next rent payment will come from, but she’s determined to make a name for herself as a respected writer in the cultural capital of the world.

Antoine de Larminet is the last surviving son of an aristocratic family. In line to inherit a title, he has promised his parents that he’ll marry a peer and carry on the centuries-old tradition. He was raised in an antiquated world where love was often found outside of arranged society marriages. Even as the French aristocracy is losing relevance to modernity, Antoine never questioned this commitment to this family legacy--until his chance meeting with clever and beautiful Charlotte.

Their attraction is immediate, and the more they bump into each other at the clubs and salons of Paris, the stronger their attachment grows. But Antoine can’t marry Charlotte because she’s as proletarian as they come. And Charlotte will lose all credibility as a writer and social critic if she becomes the mistress of an aristocrat.

The world around them is changing, but if love is to win, one of them will have to give up everything they stand for.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Ebooks, Historical, Adult

283 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2024

About the author

Melinda Copp is a writer based in Bluffton, South Carolina. Her work has been published in newspapers, magazines, and literary journals, including The Rumpus, The Cleveland Review of Books, and The Petigru Review. She's writing a series of historical romance novels set in Belle Époque France.

Subscribe to her free monthly newsletter for more essays on reading, culture, and life at https://melindacopp.substack.com/.

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Reviews

[Rachel L · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just on a sentence structure level, one of the worst written books I've read in my entire life. The idea for the plot and setting were great, but this was executed abysmally.

[Brend]

prettiest cover ever makes brain go prrrrrrrrr



:)

[dessie*₊⊹ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute! And the cover? Super cute!
The setting was the real centerpiece here, and it shined. (Daydreaming about sipping coffee and smoking on a balcony in Paris. Wearing a fancy gown while a rich mustached Parisian man flirts with me.)
I don’t think the class difference romance trope is very high on my list, but this was sweet enough to overlook that. 3.5 stars.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Both of them could benefit from a sharp slap to the face.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Tiny Piano Press for this arc! I adored this book! It had me hooked from the beginning! It gave phenomenal commentary on the state of Parisian society in the early 1900s with the separation of classes that is still very relevant today. This commentary paired very well with the romance. Charlotte and Antoine’s story is one for the books! I loved the pacing of the book as well. I went into this without much expectations and was pleasantly surprised! I will say though that the ending was underwhelming. I sympathized with Antoine but he needed to get his shit together!(still love them together though)

[Renaissance Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

two stars is too generous but im biased toward anything french and pink so… a promising addition to the historical romance genre that fails in all areas, from character to worldbuilding and particularly with plot. next to nothing happens and the romance is blah. i hope the author improves and is able to one day write a stunning story that transports readers to paris during the belle époque, but sadly this book isn’t it.

[Randy · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 30%

*Marilyn Monroe voice* NO! Nononononononono NO! NooooooOOOOOOooooo NooooOOOOOOooooo No!

[Donatella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Tiny Piano Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the idea, unfortunately I feel like the execution could've been better. The pacing of the story was all over the place, at first everything happened too fast, then too slow, I feel like everything between Charlotte and Antoine was rushed and they didn't really have the time to get to know each other and fully develop their relationship. I also feel like the ending was extremely anticlimactic. I would have loved it if the book could've given more time to Charlotte's relationship with her housemates, it would've made her housemate's betrayal far more relevant to the story. The writing style was at times a bit too modern in the word choices and that kind of took away from the setting in my opinion. All in all, it's not too bad, it's a quick and easy read.

[Angelica Vargas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t end up finishing the book. Stopped reading about 30%.

I wish I could have gotten into the book and maybe with an audiobook I could have pushed through. The pacing of the book was a little too slow for me and there wasn’t much romance between the characters or high stakes to make me want to keep reading.

I wish author would have leaned more into the FMC writing. I would have liked to have known what she was writing about and any backstory behind it. After discussing it in my bookclub and finding out you never learn about what kind of articles she writes, I lost interest and decided to not finish the book.

[Artemisthepinkreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, the author Melinda Copp and the publisher for the free copy. I give this review voluntarily. Love and the Downfall of Society is a nice romance set in Paris. Charlotte is a young woman from Vernon whose story was a success and she was able to come to Paris. While she tries to succeed in writing, she meets Antoine. The story is nice and Charlotte's struggle as an author to earn money is realistic. It is nice love story. I think ending is not so realistic and could have ended differently. There is some spice, actually very limited part is spicy, as it is a romance novel, though I don't really like spice. Overall, I think if you like to read a heart warming romance novel with the glory of Paris, this is your novel to read. Thanks again for the copy.

[dee (zuko’s girlfriend) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Tiny Piano Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Charlotte deserved better than a man child like Antoine who was a clear red flag. This book in no way highlights the quest of independent women in the modern times, rather it shatters the entire idea and created a gaudy image of love which seems forced and equally terrible to be read.

I think more than the mcs, Louise’s character was the strongest of all who understood the essence of classicism, and was sane enough to not fall for a loveless marriage. Charlotte seemed liked an idiot in front of her. Horrible climax!!!!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

An entertaining story but the writing, themes, and commentary on society were very basic.

The two main characters were good, and there was some well-written romance between them. I really liked the ending and the “chase” scene. Very cinematic.

My main gripe with this book is that some of the language used was so odd: “you’re kidding”, “ha”, “honest to goodness”, “coveralls”. I don’t think any of them were accurate to the time, and it really takes you out of the story.

[Ellie Ahrendsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and easy read! The setting of Paris was very atmospheric and I loved it! Our FMC, Charlotte , was headstrong and independent which I loved. However, I didn’t care for our MMC. He was selfish and really didn’t grow much in my opinion. I think it would have been much more romantic if he outright refused his parents. The third act breakup wasn’t necessary, and like I said, could have been way more romantic without it.
I overall really enjoyed the book and will definitely be read in more by this author!

Thank you to Tiny Piano Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Faryal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antoine is an aristocrat looking for love, not a wife though, because his mother’s looking for that for men. They’re not the same thing. Charlotte is a writer trying to make it big in the city. She likes the anonymity and the glitter of Paris. And, both of them fall in love in the city of love.
It is a historical romance based in 1901 in Paris, it’s full of fluff, and a surprising bit of angst as well (mostly, because Antoine is an idiot who does not deserve Charlotte). If you enjoy your men to be dumb when it comes to love and your heroine’s to be full of grit and strength you’d enjoy this. I sure did.
Thanks to NetGalley, Tiny Piano Press, and the author for the ARC.

[Mia Caven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This destroyed me.

Where do I begin with this? I feel like sobbing. This was such a beautiful book. Imagine a situationship turned long term loyal relationship but in 1900. Like literally the beauty of this is INCONCEIVABLE. Melina Copp the woman that you are!

[B.J. Sikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Belle Epoque romance with an independent woman trying to be an author? Definitely up my alley. The time period and setting was very well described and the characters felt true to the time. The emotions between the MCs were wrenching and passionate. I just didn't care for the MMC. He was spoiled, arrogant, and spent almost the entire book oblivious to anyone else's needs. A typical little rich boy. Charlotte could have done better…

[Sarah Scarborough · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for letting me access this book!

The beginning did not hook me and I think that is why it took me so long to get into. Once I did I enjoyed the characters as I do enjoy historical romances.

The pacing was a little slow for me which is why it took so long for me to get into but I enjoyed the setting of the book immensely.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let's start out with the positives- this book was easy to read and well written.
Unfortunately, I didn't like either of the main characters- Antoine was entitled, disrespectful, and misogynistic, while Charlotte was a wishy-washy pushover.
Antoine spends so much time with Charlotte knowing that she doesn't want to be a mistress, and yet continues to go after her with the assumption that she would change her mind. I did not like that this was the way that their relationship started. Antoine completely discounted everything she wanted, and he "got the girl anyway". If the book had ended with them not together, I think that would've been a better fit for the story that was told. I think that this plot would've been a better fit for a women's fiction book- one that showcases how there weren't always happy endings for women in this time.
The side characters were the only ones I liked, but we didn't spend a whole lot of time with them.
To end on a positive note- I feel like this story had a lot of potential to be good: the idea of a country woman coming to town to make her living as a writer and meeting an aristocrat whose family wants him to marry a woman of status. I just feel like it wasn't executed in a way that I enjoyed.

[V ❣️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super cute, quick, palatable historical romance set in 1901. And this cover? Oooooh, we LOVE a beautiful pink cover!
Charlotte is a writer looking to publish her works, and sets off to Paris to do so. While there, she meets Antoine - a future vicomte and traditionalist man. They fall quickly for each other, but with Antoine’s family pushing him to marry a woman of his class, love has to be on the back burner no matter how easy it may seem to others in society.
I really adored Charlotte and how independent she was. She always put herself and her dreams first. Antoine on the other hand… as soon as I started to like his character, he would do something that aggravated me to no end. Going back on his promises to Charlotte and to himself. There was some growth at the very end, but by that point I was tired of his shenanigans.
Although, I’m so excited for Louise’s story, and can’t wait for the next installment in this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.

[caramelmadcchiato · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It didn’t wow me by any means, I wish there had been more character growth/development but it was entertaining enough and I was curious about how the characters were going to handle their hurdles. The last third of the book, especially the last 50 pages, felt rushed, but wrapped everything up nicely.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how the characters speak about what’s on their mind— they’re not coy about it, and the way they tease each other is so cute.

Also, Antoine’s fervent appreciation for Charlotte’s writing is so sexy! The way he not only loves it, but viscerally reacts to her writing.

And there are some moments where the prose is really lovely; phrases like “anticipatory grief” and realistic descriptions of the characters’ body language that don’t just paint a picture, but also show who the characters are and clearly reveal their emotional state (i just wish there were more instances of showing not telling throughout the book!), as well as moments when I really identified with what was written.

I mean— “He reached across the table and took her hand. He held it in both of his and played with her fingers a little, lovingly examining the little callus where she held her pencil too tight and the faint ink stains that she’d scrubbed at earlier” — such a slice of life that in the context says so much!

Overall, though, it didn’t hold my attention very well, though at certain points I found myself very emotionally invested, like when I was mentally yelling at Antoine for being so clueless and a few times when the writing truly made me feel what Charlotte was feeling.

I would say the biggest issues are that the plot/pacing isn’t captivating, it could’ve used another editing pass, and the subplots felt forgotten about at a certain point. Also, the writing style often has “this happened, then this” staccato narration that felt more telling than showing. The characters’ motivations should’ve been better fleshed out too, especially for Antoine. The setting and world are interesting, but the characters and plot could’ve used a lot more development. Also, Charlotte’s critiques of the aristocracy don’t feel consistent with her actions and that theme could’ve been fleshed out more.

By the end I found myself wanting more of Louise! The first time we truly heard from her, she was self-possessed, confident, and humorous in a way that made me immediately want to see more of her. Each time we hear from her, she’s intelligent and wryly humorous and assured.





— spoilers below! Live reactions to the last 50 pages or so—







But the way Antoine convinced himself that marrying someone else would turn out okay and charlotte would stay with him despite everything she’d ever said to him about not being his mistress— the way he turned a blind eye to his privilege and tried to put all the hardship in their relationship on her by making her his mistress while he would build a life with someone else— I was like, leave him, girl. He’s such a dumbass.

And I was like, “fuck yeah!!” When she told him exactly what she thought of his plans. “You act like you’re powerless against this arranged marriage, but you could just not marry her…. You could have stopped kowtowing to your mother because you feel guilty that your brothers died and you didn’t….”

But the way he immediately realized how much of a dumbass he is bc she always said she’d never be his mistress softened me to him again.

Ugh and now I feel like I have whiplash bc I’m angry at him again! “She would come around. She had to.” His privilege is so annoying! He’s an entitled dumbass man child who can’t put himself in someone else’s shoes for the life of him. Even if he leaves Louise and wants to marry Charlotte, I don’t want her to say yes. She deserves better.

Though running to catch a train as it pulls away is pretty romantic…

Also I wish his fear of horses had been mentioned earlier, like when he and Charlotte discussed how not outdoorsy they were, for more of an impact in the end.

Okay, his apology was pretty good. And taking a train to see her every day.

[lídia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟 | Charlotte is a writer that just arrived in Paris from the countryside. Antoine is the heir of an aristocratic family and wishes to honor his partes traditional plans for him. After a few encounters, they realize their feelings run deep, but with tlheir class differences, how can they be together?

"𝘕𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘺𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘴."

Everything about this book is gorgeous: the cover, the setting, the descriptive passages and the lavish parties the characters go to. Even though this is a romance book, the author raises a few subjects that portrait the complexity of the Belle Epoque society.

"𝘏𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯."

The romance is beautiful, though the main conflict kinda annoyed me. If you read An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn you know what I mean. I know class was the main reason why an aristocrat couldn't simply marry a lower class woman, but every time a man ask a woman to be his mistress I feel the ick.
Aside from that, I loved how they seemed to bump into each other everywhere and how their live grew from that.

Although the book is very written, there were a few expressions used in dialogue that felt too modern for a historical fiction, but nothing so severe that would disturb reading.

This book is perfect for those looking for a passionate love story, set in a beautiful city with a lovely cast of characters.

Just a little tip: if you enjoy listening to music while reading, I highly recommend reading this book while listening to Debussy, it made my experience a lot more imersive and atmospheric.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the access to the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book and all the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Jennifer Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this historical romance! The setting and situation sucked me right in. Charlotte, a young aspiring author from a village in Normandy, has just moved into a boardinghouse in early 20th century Paris so she can pursue her literary dreams in the City of Lights. The initial chapters open with her housemates, four other young ladies, and she out socializing in Montmartre, where Charlotte happens to meet an elegant, well-read, and kind aristocrat, Antoine. Friendship and love ensue, but there is a major obstacle in their path—their difference in class, as Charlotte is from a proletarian family of bookshop owners, and Antoine has promised his grief-stricken parents he will honor tradition and marry within his own social circle.

Charlotte’s life is delicious—she has freedom, adventure, literary endeavors, and romance (which includes a nice level of spice). The story reminded me a little of Sex and the City, Belle Epoque style, and I ate it up. I just wanted to be another character in the book, living with these gals and partying at the Moulin Rouge.

The author also does a good job reinvigorating that age-old struggle for women—be true to themselves or conform to maintain esteem and respectability. In other words, that struggle to be fully human in the face of stodgy attitudes and societal pressure. It is her love interest’s struggle, too, but Antoine’s personal reputation and social credibility are never at risk the way Charlotte’s are, and Copp’s storytelling once again struck me with how unfair that was—and, arguably, still is.

I like the MMC. Antoine is far from perfect, but he’s sweet, masculine, and real. The episode with the horse during his grand gesture was particularly enjoyable, and I appreciate how it happened naturally and reluctantly. He didn’t plan a terribly melodramatic move to prove his love, yet he is brought low, figuratively-speaking, and properly humbled, in my opinion. I like that because the climax might have felt inauthentic or unearned, otherwise.

This is a lovely book for fans of historical romance. I ate it up; it was a great palette cleanser after reading some dark and dreary political satire. I’m looking forward to Copp’s next book in this series, A Complication in Paris. This next one’s all about Diane, a minor character from this novel, and the plots of these books delightfully overlap.

[Syd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is different from any other historical romance I've read! I adored the setting so much. Copp describes Paris in 1901 with such detail and just the perfect amount of whimsy. It made me wish I was able to time travel!

Charlotte was clever, independent, and fierce. I'm glad she never gave in to Antoine and never forgot her dreams—no matter how fanciful she may have thought they were. She was the best part about this book.

Antoine wasn't a super unique character. A Vicomte who wanted to make his parents happy by marrying an aristocratic woman. However, he falls in love with the provincial Charlotte and asks her to be his mistress. He wants the best of both worlds. Luckily, Charlotte is stubborn, and smart, and she refuses his offer. I was a bit annoyed with Antoine near the end of the book because it seemed to be taking forever for him to come to his senses. Although, he made up for it with his grovelling efforts.

I know this book is meant to be a series and I was a bit confused because it was obvious that the girls living at Madame's are going to be the heroines. Yet, none of them were particularly well defined. They all seemed to have similar personality traits and we didn't learn much about them, nor did they seem all that interesting. Not falling in love with the side characters makes it hard to get excited for the future books in the series.

I will say, I thoroughly judged this book by its cover, because, c'mon... it's GORGEOUS! And although I found it lacking in some areas, Charlotte was an enjoyable heroine and the setting was wonderful. I think if the book were a bit longer, I would've been able to fall in love with all the characters.

Read if you love:
- historical romance
- forbidden love
- friends to lovers
- fate
- slow burn
- boy obsessed

Thank you so much to Melinda Copp and NetGalley for the ARC! Congrats on the release. :)

@thelovelibraryy on Instagram for more recs, reviews, and edits

[Trina 🌻 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! I read it in one sitting. A historical romance set in 1901 Paris, France. Charlotte just arrived in Paris and her path keeps intersecting with Antoine. He is instantly drawn to her but she isn���t interested. Charlotte came to Paris to pursue her dream of becoming a writer and romance would just be a distraction. But fate intervenes and they continue running into each other.

Charlotte and Antoine end up spending an afternoon together in the park and both realize the attraction is mutual. There is a passionate make out session in the carriage on that same day. Then Charlotte finds out from a housemate that Antoine is in line to be the next viscount, which he conveniently didn’t tell her.

Charlotte’s popular column in the women’s newspaper speaks out against the hierarchy and basic snootiness of high society. Antoine is the only living son of his parents and is expected to marry into an approved family. He would never be able to marry someone like Charlotte, a commoner from a small town and no proper family ancestry.

As their passion and attraction grows stronger, Antoine asks Charlotte to be his mistress while he marries the woman his mother has chosen for him. Charlotte is appalled at the idea and thus their complicated relationship unfolds.

“Don’t take this personally, Antoine. But it seems to me that if things like marrying for love and doing what’s right are what’s threatening to tear your family and traditions apart, then maybe you should all reconsider what’s holding it together. Thank you for the croissant.” I love Charlotte’s moxie!

A very sweet and heartfelt romance that drew me in from the start. It has Bridgerton-esc vibes. Now I’m going to look for the author’s other books!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO cute I absolutely adored it. It’s filling the Downton Abbey + Bridgerton shaped hole in my heart right now. My only wish is that are going to be more of these – hopefully a whole series. 🙏🏼 Set in the early Parisian 1900s, the setting is so alive: times are changing, women are gaining more independence, the aristocracy is commingling with commoners, and Paris’s young are filling literary salons, cafes, and riding the new metro system to the Moulin Rouge.

Charlotte is a character I totally got behind – there’s wasn’t a single moment I wasn’t rooting for her. A writer from the provinces, she comes to Paris to launch her literary career, stays in boarding house filled with other working women, and begins to learn how much work literary stardom really takes. During a night out with friends she meets aristocrat Antoine de Larminet who has promised his family he’ll marry a titled woman. The attraction between Charlotte and Antoine is instant and as their romance blooms so do issues: she won’t be his mistress as it would ruin her literary credibility, and he can’t marry her because of his family….

I couldn’t put this book down! It has a touch of spice, loads of French literary references, all the Parisian atmosphere, and a cast of characters that are imperfectly perfect.

Such a great read – highly recommend!

[TropeOpera (Shelley) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was glad to read Love and the Downfall of Society because it is set in the early 1900s, reminded me of when I lived in Paris, and was low angst. The description of Paris is exciting, evocative, and perfect. The Paris in this story is similar to the Paris I lived in, minus the tourists and oppressive scent of urine in the metro👃 Ah, the city of light, the city of love! 🥰

This is a love story between two people from different classes, which was surprising because I thought aristocracy wasn’t a thing in France after the 1790s. * le gasp * Was I wrong??

The FMC is a very determined and realistic person, but not in a “woe is me” way. More the “Well, it is what it is, so let’s do what we can” way. She also doesn’t sacrifice her values for a man. As a pushover myself, I greatly admire this in a person.

The MMC, Antoine, is a stage 5 clinger, but at least he knows how to grovel. Honestly, he reminded me of an Italian man I dated for a week and ghosted because he was too much too soon. If you’re reading this, Vincente (or was it Vincenzo?), I’m NOT sorry 👻 Thanks for the espresso and the ride to the airport! 😘

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a darling story! I didn’t want Charlotte and Antoine’s romance to end. I’d love to read the adventures of all the other girls in Charlotte’s building as well. A lovely historical overview of Paris in the early 1900s, and introspective into the lives of working middle class women during this time. 🌶️🌶️ for a little spice but nothing graphic. Although I am glad Charlotte eventually stood her ground and didn’t concede on her standards, five stars would’ve been if she’d completely held it no matter what but it wouldn’t have been true to her character ultimately, so just my personal preference (but who can blame her, really!). Easy to read writing, great character development, and good descriptives. It felt a tiny bit rushed at the end, I would’ve enjoyed even more conversation and details after the adventurous train ride… and it would’ve been fun to read some of Charlotte’s stories but it was also enough information to get an idea of what she wrote about. What a delightful ARC. Merci!

[SH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charlotte Deveraux is determined to make a name for herself in Paris as a respected writer and has made a start with her debut story. Antoine de Larminet has promised his parents that he’ll marry a peer to carry on the family tradition. Yet when he meets Charlotte, their attraction is immediate. However, their backgrounds are a barrier to their future, where Charlotte comes from the working class and for her, Antoine will be her downfall, losing any chance of credibility that she has as a writer.
Charlotte was a determined young woman who gave this story such life. I loved her spirit and zest for life, yet I found her attraction to Antoine difficult to understand, finding him quite arrogant. The backdrop for this romance was well described and I found myself easily engaged in the storyline.
This book I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Erin Hawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and easy read set in the turn of the twentieth century Paris.

The FMC has a strong voice, and her thoughts and motivations make for a good pov. The MMC is particularly oblivious but sweet enough to make up for it. Their relationship is fun albeit fast.

The course of the story was predictable, and you'll see the third act break up from a mile away. This was resolved quickly to a happily ever after, so I can mostly forgive it.

The Parisian setting is a major part of the story, and I enjoyed the relaxed pace. I had a good time with the ambiance and will likely read the next in the series.

Thank you, Tiny Piano Press, for the arc!