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Like We Were in Paris
Billed as Before Sunrise meets Heartstopper, this YA rom-com follows two sparring teen boys who fall in love over the course of one madcap night in the City of Light.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2025
About the author
Stephan Lee
4 books364 followersStephan is a YA lover, ardent K-pop fan, and journalist. He currently works as Senior Editor at Bustle after a five-year stretch covering books and movies at Entertainment Weekly. At EW, he traveled to Seoul for three weeks to write a feature about Korean entertainment’s world domination, interviewing K-pop idols and Korean filmmakers. He earned an MFA in Creative Writing at The New School.
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April 1, 2026Okay well... I'll admit you got me with the Before Sunrise comparison.
![Profile Image for Megan [Cottage Vibes].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1634561405i/25103878._UY200_CR50,0,200,200_.jpg)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
YA MM Romance
Paris Former Friends to Lovers
4 Stars ⭐️
OMG this was adorable and I couldn’t put it down 😭 But it was almost too adorable for my jaded self and I had to suspend disbelief to really immerse myself in it. I had to pretend to be 17 again and have that starry outlook on the world where everything feels achievable and life hasn’t hit me over the head with a frying pan yet. It does have some content that may be triggering but it was handled with care and perfect for the age group this book is intended for.
So this is about a high school French Club’s one week trip to Paris, France. We are in Ben’s POV, a queer Korean American boy who has a list of all the things he wants to see in the one hour free period they have each day. While he’s friendly with his classmates, he’s not close to any of them especially his former childhood best friend Tyler who moved back to town and pretended not to know him. I put this as enemies to lovers but it’s more like one sided frenemies which you learn about from a couple flashbacks to the past. The first day they are there things go a bit sideways and both boys are locked out of their hostel at night. Ben reluctantly spends it with Tyler and as they wander the city checking things off Ben’s must see list, they have the adventure of a lifetime.
If you like Taylor Swift and cozy romances you need to pick this up when it drops in May. When I saw this on netgalley, I not only loved the cover but immediately started singing this Taylor song the book title references. I will admit I’m not the biggest fan of the song Paris, it’s one where I love the chorus but the rest of the song loses me however this book is so Taylor coded that I had the best time! This author was able to weave her lyrics and song titles throughout the book in such a thoughtful way. You definitely don’t need to be a Swiftie to read this, but because it’s so seamlessly stitched together, the titles the author chose made sense and won’t stick out in a distracting way. It’s just more fun if you are a Taylor fan, because any time I came across one it made me smile so much and it just added to the overall joy I had reading this book despite how jaded I am. Oh and it’s an Own Voices author too!
Thank you netgalley for the arc!
#The52BookClub-Requires Suspension of Disbelief
Paris Former Friends to Lovers
4 Stars ⭐️
OMG this was adorable and I couldn’t put it down 😭 But it was almost too adorable for my jaded self and I had to suspend disbelief to really immerse myself in it. I had to pretend to be 17 again and have that starry outlook on the world where everything feels achievable and life hasn’t hit me over the head with a frying pan yet. It does have some content that may be triggering but it was handled with care and perfect for the age group this book is intended for.
So this is about a high school French Club’s one week trip to Paris, France. We are in Ben’s POV, a queer Korean American boy who has a list of all the things he wants to see in the one hour free period they have each day. While he’s friendly with his classmates, he’s not close to any of them especially his former childhood best friend Tyler who moved back to town and pretended not to know him. I put this as enemies to lovers but it’s more like one sided frenemies which you learn about from a couple flashbacks to the past. The first day they are there things go a bit sideways and both boys are locked out of their hostel at night. Ben reluctantly spends it with Tyler and as they wander the city checking things off Ben’s must see list, they have the adventure of a lifetime.
If you like Taylor Swift and cozy romances you need to pick this up when it drops in May. When I saw this on netgalley, I not only loved the cover but immediately started singing this Taylor song the book title references. I will admit I’m not the biggest fan of the song Paris, it’s one where I love the chorus but the rest of the song loses me however this book is so Taylor coded that I had the best time! This author was able to weave her lyrics and song titles throughout the book in such a thoughtful way. You definitely don’t need to be a Swiftie to read this, but because it’s so seamlessly stitched together, the titles the author chose made sense and won’t stick out in a distracting way. It’s just more fun if you are a Taylor fan, because any time I came across one it made me smile so much and it just added to the overall joy I had reading this book despite how jaded I am. Oh and it’s an Own Voices author too!
Thank you netgalley for the arc!
#The52BookClub-Requires Suspension of Disbelief
May 18, 2026
5 stars. Swoony, delightful, and packed with just the right amount of Taylor Swift references, Like We Were in Paris is a romp of a summer romance that is the kind of YA I knew I would have been even more obsessed with as a teenager.
May 5, 2026
Ohh this was VERY adorable! This is one of the few times where I can truly see the Heartstopper comp, it just makes sense.
With most of the story set during one night in Paris, being locked out of the hostel together, this is an incredibly charming story, full of local atmosphere and cute and heartfelt moments. Ben and Tyler were childhood best friends, but after Tyler moved away and later returned, things haven't been the same. When they get locked out of their hostel together, they go on a mission to check off everything from Ben's Paris bucket list, and... fall in love, of course.
I think my point of this being an adorable story stands, but what mostly made this book stand out to me was Ben's incredibly strong and incredibly fun narrative voice. He was such an easy character to root for and he truly jumped off the page with his witty internal monologue.
This book will be perfect for everyone's summer TBR!
With most of the story set during one night in Paris, being locked out of the hostel together, this is an incredibly charming story, full of local atmosphere and cute and heartfelt moments. Ben and Tyler were childhood best friends, but after Tyler moved away and later returned, things haven't been the same. When they get locked out of their hostel together, they go on a mission to check off everything from Ben's Paris bucket list, and... fall in love, of course.
I think my point of this being an adorable story stands, but what mostly made this book stand out to me was Ben's incredibly strong and incredibly fun narrative voice. He was such an easy character to root for and he truly jumped off the page with his witty internal monologue.
This book will be perfect for everyone's summer TBR!
March 26, 2026
3 stars, I enjoyed this. The central premise, the set up, wasn't completely believable, nor how things worked out, but... I did come to like and care for both of the main characters. I definitely look forward to reading more books from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
May 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for an eARC of this work!
This book absolutely delivered on what it was meant to. Did I enjoy it? Not particularly, but do not take my word for it, because I am an extremely harsh, jaded judge when it comes to YA works.
‘Like We Were in Paris’ is cute, funny at times, and purely wholesome. If it weren’t for the cringeworthy dialogue and forced funny moments, I probably would have enjoyed this a lot more. But, I can say that for a YA book, this is actually pretty good! Overall, this was a cute work, great for any young reader in your life or someone who enjoys a fun romp through the streets of Paris.
This book absolutely delivered on what it was meant to. Did I enjoy it? Not particularly, but do not take my word for it, because I am an extremely harsh, jaded judge when it comes to YA works.
‘Like We Were in Paris’ is cute, funny at times, and purely wholesome. If it weren’t for the cringeworthy dialogue and forced funny moments, I probably would have enjoyed this a lot more. But, I can say that for a YA book, this is actually pretty good! Overall, this was a cute work, great for any young reader in your life or someone who enjoys a fun romp through the streets of Paris.
May 7, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This is an adorable YA romance and I was really caught up in it from the very beginning. The details about Paris and Proust and the tourist struggles were so interesting, and Ben makes a good narrator, talking us through his viewpoints and how devastating so much of his life has been. Tyler’s just as sympathetic, knowing that his wealthy life comes with some incredibly damaging struggles, but he’s so hopeful for a kinder and gentler experience. The pacing of the book is quick, but never skimps on the development of the characters, their connection, or the backdrop of this trip. I liked that Tyler and Ben were tangled together in this adventure, and how Ben re-thought his own prejudices in light of Tyler’s perspective, while not being meek about his own agency.
There is some on-page kissing, but nothing beyond. I would recommend this sweet and tender story for readers who like realistic, interracial, contemporary YA LGBTQ romances.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This is an adorable YA romance and I was really caught up in it from the very beginning. The details about Paris and Proust and the tourist struggles were so interesting, and Ben makes a good narrator, talking us through his viewpoints and how devastating so much of his life has been. Tyler’s just as sympathetic, knowing that his wealthy life comes with some incredibly damaging struggles, but he’s so hopeful for a kinder and gentler experience. The pacing of the book is quick, but never skimps on the development of the characters, their connection, or the backdrop of this trip. I liked that Tyler and Ben were tangled together in this adventure, and how Ben re-thought his own prejudices in light of Tyler’s perspective, while not being meek about his own agency.
There is some on-page kissing, but nothing beyond. I would recommend this sweet and tender story for readers who like realistic, interracial, contemporary YA LGBTQ romances.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
May 8, 2026
3.5 ★ I thought this was such a quick and super cute read! I really enjoyed it, it made me miss being in Paris for sure. And of course, loved the Taylor Swift references throughout.
January 12, 2026
Thank you Scholastic Press & NetGalley for the ARC!
This was a quick & easy read while also touching on important topics. It reminded me a lot of KL Walther’s What Happens After Midnight where we’ve got high schoolers running around all night trying to accomplish a list of goals.
This was a quick & easy read while also touching on important topics. It reminded me a lot of KL Walther’s What Happens After Midnight where we’ve got high schoolers running around all night trying to accomplish a list of goals.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to #NetGalley, Stephan Lee, and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ben Lim thought this trip would be straight out of a movie. Paris. Cafés. The Mona Lisa. A chance to feel closer to the dad he lost. He even planned everything down to the minute. Then night one goes completely off the rails. Locked out of his hostel after curfew, Ben is stuck wandering the city until morning—and the *last* person he wants to be stuck with shows up: Tyler Travers. School golden boy. Ben’s ex-friend. Current enemy.
Tyler is still infuriatingly confident, still acting like the world revolves around him. Ben is determined to survive the night without losing his mind. But Paris has other plans.
What starts as a disaster turns into an all-night adventure through glowing streets, unexpected parties, and reckless decisions (yes, including a possibly stolen moped). And somewhere between the chaos and the city lights, Ben starts noticing things about Tyler he really doesn’t want to notice. Because maybe Tyler isn’t exactly who Ben remembers. And maybe this trip isn’t about the checklist anymore.
It’s about figuring out what’s real, what’s worth holding onto—and whether some connections never really disappear.
I ended up really enjoying this book, especially because of how it’s structured. The entire story takes place over just one night in Paris, which gives it this intense, almost cinematic feel. It made everything—every conversation, every decision, every unexpected moment—feel more important and immediate. There’s no jumping around in time, so you’re right there with the characters as everything unfolds in real time.
At the beginning, I’ll admit it felt a little slow. It takes some time to settle into Ben’s mindset and the situation he’s in, and the tension between him and Tyler builds gradually. But once the story gets moving, it *really* picks up. Their night turns into a series of chaotic, funny, and sometimes emotional moments that kept me hooked. The pacing improves a lot as they explore the city, and I found myself more and more invested in both the adventure and their relationship.
By the middle to end, I didn’t want to put it down. The combination of the Paris setting, the unexpected situations, and the evolving dynamic between Ben and Tyler made it feel exciting and meaningful at the same time. Overall, even though it starts off a bit slow, it turns into a really engaging and memorable story.
Ben Lim thought this trip would be straight out of a movie. Paris. Cafés. The Mona Lisa. A chance to feel closer to the dad he lost. He even planned everything down to the minute. Then night one goes completely off the rails. Locked out of his hostel after curfew, Ben is stuck wandering the city until morning—and the *last* person he wants to be stuck with shows up: Tyler Travers. School golden boy. Ben’s ex-friend. Current enemy.
Tyler is still infuriatingly confident, still acting like the world revolves around him. Ben is determined to survive the night without losing his mind. But Paris has other plans.
What starts as a disaster turns into an all-night adventure through glowing streets, unexpected parties, and reckless decisions (yes, including a possibly stolen moped). And somewhere between the chaos and the city lights, Ben starts noticing things about Tyler he really doesn’t want to notice. Because maybe Tyler isn’t exactly who Ben remembers. And maybe this trip isn’t about the checklist anymore.
It’s about figuring out what’s real, what’s worth holding onto—and whether some connections never really disappear.
I ended up really enjoying this book, especially because of how it’s structured. The entire story takes place over just one night in Paris, which gives it this intense, almost cinematic feel. It made everything—every conversation, every decision, every unexpected moment—feel more important and immediate. There’s no jumping around in time, so you’re right there with the characters as everything unfolds in real time.
At the beginning, I’ll admit it felt a little slow. It takes some time to settle into Ben’s mindset and the situation he’s in, and the tension between him and Tyler builds gradually. But once the story gets moving, it *really* picks up. Their night turns into a series of chaotic, funny, and sometimes emotional moments that kept me hooked. The pacing improves a lot as they explore the city, and I found myself more and more invested in both the adventure and their relationship.
By the middle to end, I didn’t want to put it down. The combination of the Paris setting, the unexpected situations, and the evolving dynamic between Ben and Tyler made it feel exciting and meaningful at the same time. Overall, even though it starts off a bit slow, it turns into a really engaging and memorable story.
January 30, 2026
Book: Like We Were in Paris
Author: Stephan Lee
Genre: LGBTQIAP+, Romance, and Teens & YA
Series: Standalone
Setting: Paris
POV: Main Character POV
Tropes: friends x lover, yearning, childhood friends, etc.
My Thoughts:
This book was a cozy, romantic story about Ben, an Asian American and queer individual, and his childhood friend and now stranger, Tyler, exploring Paris over one night. After journeying on a trip to Paris for a school trip, both Ben and Tyler are locked out of their hostel and forced to wait until morning to join their group. What will they do? Explore Paris for a night to accomplish Ben’s list to visit Paris.
As the story unfolds, we are faced with childhood memories for both Ben/Tyler, understanding microaggressions toward Asians as well as queer individuals, and battling your own identity in new experiences (i.e. breaking up with an individual, finding new love, etc). Lee uses this story to highlight these and many topics that are prevalent for teens/young adults who are diverse and trying to understand their place in the world.
While I may never understand what Asian individuals go through being a Caucasian individual, Lee writes in a way that makes you as a reader have empathy and want to stand up against individuals who speak hate against marginalized groups (i.e. race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc). I have experienced discrimination due to being queer similar to Ben and have found that I have never found the words to describe it as Ben did to Tyler. Having an individual like Tyler, who protects Ben, is a comforting and uplifting scene to read. We all need a Tyler in our life, even if it means we have to find a friend that protects us and recognizes us for who we are.
I would recommend this book to anyone exploring their identity, wanting to see themselves in a book character, and a fan of Taylor Swift (because this book is very Swiftie coded as it should be :).
I want to thank Stephan Lee, Scholastic, and Netgalley for the ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Stephan Lee
Genre: LGBTQIAP+, Romance, and Teens & YA
Series: Standalone
Setting: Paris
POV: Main Character POV
Tropes: friends x lover, yearning, childhood friends, etc.
My Thoughts:
This book was a cozy, romantic story about Ben, an Asian American and queer individual, and his childhood friend and now stranger, Tyler, exploring Paris over one night. After journeying on a trip to Paris for a school trip, both Ben and Tyler are locked out of their hostel and forced to wait until morning to join their group. What will they do? Explore Paris for a night to accomplish Ben’s list to visit Paris.
As the story unfolds, we are faced with childhood memories for both Ben/Tyler, understanding microaggressions toward Asians as well as queer individuals, and battling your own identity in new experiences (i.e. breaking up with an individual, finding new love, etc). Lee uses this story to highlight these and many topics that are prevalent for teens/young adults who are diverse and trying to understand their place in the world.
While I may never understand what Asian individuals go through being a Caucasian individual, Lee writes in a way that makes you as a reader have empathy and want to stand up against individuals who speak hate against marginalized groups (i.e. race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc). I have experienced discrimination due to being queer similar to Ben and have found that I have never found the words to describe it as Ben did to Tyler. Having an individual like Tyler, who protects Ben, is a comforting and uplifting scene to read. We all need a Tyler in our life, even if it means we have to find a friend that protects us and recognizes us for who we are.
I would recommend this book to anyone exploring their identity, wanting to see themselves in a book character, and a fan of Taylor Swift (because this book is very Swiftie coded as it should be :).
I want to thank Stephan Lee, Scholastic, and Netgalley for the ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Scholastic and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. This was absolutely adorable! Ben has been saving up for his French Club’s Pairs trip for months. It’s where his parents went on his honeymoon and he’s absolutely ecstatic to get to see some of the same things they did. It couldn’t come at a better time too as he’s boyfriend just broke up with him and his been numb for a while. Can the magic of Pairs make him feel enchanted again? The only hiccup is that his best friend from elementary, who moved away and has now moved back and somehow doesn’t seem to remember that he even knew Ben, Tyler will also be on the trip. But whatever it’s not like they have to spend a lot of time together right? But when a mishap happens their chaperone teacher decides that Ben and Tyler must spend their free time together. There is no way Ben is doing that, Tyler’s a pretentious jerk. Then his refusal results in both him and Tyler being locked out of their hostel for the night. If they’re caught they’ll be expelled. But the night is full of possibilities and this just may give Ben the opportunity to have all the experiences he hoped to have on this trip. So what if Tyler has to come along? But the more time he spends with Tyler the more he sees him in a different light. Is it possible the enchantment he was looking for has been with Tyler all along? This book was incredibly sweet and charming! I loved the dynamic between Ben and Tyler and their whole enemies to lovers thing was so cute! Full of touching moments, queer pride, romance, and Asian rep! Stephan Lee creates a heartwarming story that I consumed in less than a day, a magical adventure through Pairs that I couldn’t put down!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ben Lim is going to have the best vacation ever in Paris! He has a list of must-see and must-do items while he’s traveling with his school’s French Club, including seeing the Mona Lisa IRL and just maybe falling in love in the city of love. But when he inadvertently gets locked out of the hostel for the night, he finds himself stuck with Tyler Travers, Ben’s former best friend turned popular jock and nemesis. With one night in Paris, will their misadventures end in misfortune, or will their lawlessness turn into love?
I don’t know who gave Stephan Lee permission to write a book this adorable, but I’m so here for it! It’s definitely the young side of YA, but adorably cute nonetheless. There’s so much for everyone to enjoy: a night of debauchery, queer pride, Asian rep, countless Taylor Swift and Emily in Paris references, and so much more. The enemies-to-lovers trope works wonders here, and dare I say: the chemistry between Ben and Tyler is ✨enchanting✨. If you loved the field trip to Paris scenes in Heartstopper, this book is for you! I’m definitely adding Stephan Lee to my must-read list, especially if he keeps producing these Taylor Swift-level hits.
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from #NetGalley. Many thanks to Scholastic for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read this book if you:
💜 identify as a Speak Now girlie or just love the song “Enchanted”
🇫🇷 obsessively watch Emily in Paris
💫 love the nerd/jock YA aspect of Heartstopper
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
I don’t know who gave Stephan Lee permission to write a book this adorable, but I’m so here for it! It’s definitely the young side of YA, but adorably cute nonetheless. There’s so much for everyone to enjoy: a night of debauchery, queer pride, Asian rep, countless Taylor Swift and Emily in Paris references, and so much more. The enemies-to-lovers trope works wonders here, and dare I say: the chemistry between Ben and Tyler is ✨enchanting✨. If you loved the field trip to Paris scenes in Heartstopper, this book is for you! I’m definitely adding Stephan Lee to my must-read list, especially if he keeps producing these Taylor Swift-level hits.
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from #NetGalley. Many thanks to Scholastic for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read this book if you:
💜 identify as a Speak Now girlie or just love the song “Enchanted”
🇫🇷 obsessively watch Emily in Paris
💫 love the nerd/jock YA aspect of Heartstopper
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Genre 📚: YA Contemporary, Romance
Tropes 💁♀️: Former friends to lovers, Forced proximity, Travel romance, Bucket list
Rep ✔️: Korean American gay main character, gay love interest, BIPOC and queer side characters
CW ⚠️: Loss of a loved one, grief, homophobia, racism
Rating ⭐️: 3.5/5
Ya had me at Before Sunrise meets Heartstopper. YA rom-com Like We Were in Paris follows Ben on his school trip to Paris. The city is special to him, since it was special to his parents, and he’s determined to check every item off his bucket list. But on his first night, he ends up getting lost and getting locked out of the hostel… To make things worse, he’s locked out with his former childhood best friend, Tyler.
The boys decide what the hell, they might as well venture out and work through Ben’s bucket list. They spend an eventful nine hours together, falling for the magic of Paris and, as they get reacquainted, falling for each other. It’s cliché, but hey, Ben lives for the cliché. (He insists on wearing a beret even though it makes him an obvious tourist.) I loved his self-awareness and the way he’d stand his ground, even with Tyler’s teasing.
That said, these two were cute. Cheesy AF but cuuuute. I enjoyed reading their shenanigans throughout the city, getting bits and pieces from their past while feelings were forming in the present. Like every Paris-based romance, it made me wanna hop on a plane and live out my own bucket list.
**Much thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Like We Were in Paris will be released on May 5, 2026.
Tropes 💁♀️: Former friends to lovers, Forced proximity, Travel romance, Bucket list
Rep ✔️: Korean American gay main character, gay love interest, BIPOC and queer side characters
CW ⚠️: Loss of a loved one, grief, homophobia, racism
Rating ⭐️: 3.5/5
Ya had me at Before Sunrise meets Heartstopper. YA rom-com Like We Were in Paris follows Ben on his school trip to Paris. The city is special to him, since it was special to his parents, and he’s determined to check every item off his bucket list. But on his first night, he ends up getting lost and getting locked out of the hostel… To make things worse, he’s locked out with his former childhood best friend, Tyler.
The boys decide what the hell, they might as well venture out and work through Ben’s bucket list. They spend an eventful nine hours together, falling for the magic of Paris and, as they get reacquainted, falling for each other. It’s cliché, but hey, Ben lives for the cliché. (He insists on wearing a beret even though it makes him an obvious tourist.) I loved his self-awareness and the way he’d stand his ground, even with Tyler’s teasing.
That said, these two were cute. Cheesy AF but cuuuute. I enjoyed reading their shenanigans throughout the city, getting bits and pieces from their past while feelings were forming in the present. Like every Paris-based romance, it made me wanna hop on a plane and live out my own bucket list.
**Much thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Like We Were in Paris will be released on May 5, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
eARC courtesy of Scholastic US
Having read Stephan Lee's previous YA books, I was thrilled to find out that he is releasing a queer YA romance with a title inspired by The Music Industry that is Taylor Swift.
Like We Were in Paris follows the story of high schooler Ben who is in Paris for a school trip with a group of friends. How exciting it is to spend 4 days in Paris and tick off items off your to-do list, right? WRONG. Ben ends up being locked out of the hostel with none other than his childhood best friend, Tyler, who has somehow gotten a glow-up since he returned. Sometimes, maybe you just fall in love with the right person in the most romantic city in the world for one night only.
I adored this gem of a book, because I am all for queer love stories, but for it to be an Asian queer love story? I was immediately sold on young love, Paris and Taylor Swift references. Granted, it was a quick read for me as I devoured this in less than a day, but Ben and Tyler's story took me on an exciting adventure in after-hours Paris as they checked off things on Ben's to-do list, to slowly rediscovering themselves and ultimately falling in love.
I'd like to also credit Stephan Lee for highlighting the challenges of being queer and Asian as I resonated with Ben's experiences growing up and this book would have assured me to be who I am, regardless of what others thought of me.
Like We Were in Paris is perfect for you if you're a fan of:
- Second chance romance/best friends-to-lovers
- Soft gay boys falling in love
- Paris!
- Adorable pop culture references such as Ratatouille and Taylor Swift
Having read Stephan Lee's previous YA books, I was thrilled to find out that he is releasing a queer YA romance with a title inspired by The Music Industry that is Taylor Swift.
Like We Were in Paris follows the story of high schooler Ben who is in Paris for a school trip with a group of friends. How exciting it is to spend 4 days in Paris and tick off items off your to-do list, right? WRONG. Ben ends up being locked out of the hostel with none other than his childhood best friend, Tyler, who has somehow gotten a glow-up since he returned. Sometimes, maybe you just fall in love with the right person in the most romantic city in the world for one night only.
I adored this gem of a book, because I am all for queer love stories, but for it to be an Asian queer love story? I was immediately sold on young love, Paris and Taylor Swift references. Granted, it was a quick read for me as I devoured this in less than a day, but Ben and Tyler's story took me on an exciting adventure in after-hours Paris as they checked off things on Ben's to-do list, to slowly rediscovering themselves and ultimately falling in love.
I'd like to also credit Stephan Lee for highlighting the challenges of being queer and Asian as I resonated with Ben's experiences growing up and this book would have assured me to be who I am, regardless of what others thought of me.
Like We Were in Paris is perfect for you if you're a fan of:
- Second chance romance/best friends-to-lovers
- Soft gay boys falling in love
- Paris!
- Adorable pop culture references such as Ratatouille and Taylor Swift
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for an advanced copy of Like We Were in Paris by Stephan Lee to review! If you’re in desperate need of a cute little teen romance to brighten your reading life, this one is it. It captures a delightful romance between Ben and Tyler, while also tackling some more complex emotional issues both boys are working through.
While this might seem like a “fall in love in one night” kind of story, this isn’t quite the case.Tyler and Ben were both friends before; because of a slight miscommunication (or lack of communication), they both thought the other didn’t remember their previous friendship. In true teenage boy fashion, they eventually make it over this hurdle and realize that there might be something there after all.
In addition to the romance, this book also explores grief and societal expectations in the queer community, especially if you’re not white. As readers, we get to see Ben struggling with racist things his classmates have thrown at him, while Tyler struggles with authentic connections because of his popularity. There’s one scene towards the end of the book where they both have a very real conversation about this with a drag queen, and it’s just such a wonderful scene to help show the emotional depth of the story.
If you like the find love in Paris kind of stories, with a bit of emotional baggage behind them, definitely pick this book up when it comes out in May.
Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for an advanced copy of Like We Were in Paris by Stephan Lee to review! If you’re in desperate need of a cute little teen romance to brighten your reading life, this one is it. It captures a delightful romance between Ben and Tyler, while also tackling some more complex emotional issues both boys are working through.
While this might seem like a “fall in love in one night” kind of story, this isn’t quite the case.Tyler and Ben were both friends before; because of a slight miscommunication (or lack of communication), they both thought the other didn’t remember their previous friendship. In true teenage boy fashion, they eventually make it over this hurdle and realize that there might be something there after all.
In addition to the romance, this book also explores grief and societal expectations in the queer community, especially if you’re not white. As readers, we get to see Ben struggling with racist things his classmates have thrown at him, while Tyler struggles with authentic connections because of his popularity. There’s one scene towards the end of the book where they both have a very real conversation about this with a drag queen, and it’s just such a wonderful scene to help show the emotional depth of the story.
If you like the find love in Paris kind of stories, with a bit of emotional baggage behind them, definitely pick this book up when it comes out in May.
May 8, 2026
3.5⭐️
First of all, the cover is so cute, and it's what drew me in! I thought the romance was very cute. I mean a night in Paris?!? How could you not fall in love in the city of love. I really like Tyler! He was such a cutie and he really cared about Ben. He was a softie on the inside and a bit of a nerd, which we love. I really enjoyed the plot of the book, but I was not a fan of Ben. His character kind of rubbed me the wrong way and annoyed me 😭😭 I think part of it might be because I'm not a fan of Taylor Swift, and there were lots of references to her in the book. However, I also felt like Ben had a lot of prejudices towards Tyler that kind of came out of nowhere. He did eventually overcome them by getting to know Tyler better, but it just rubbed me the wrong way the way he immediately hated Tyler because he didn't remember him after talking for 0.2 seconds and not even mentioning their childhood. I also thought there were some unbelievable parts in the story that would never happen with high school kids on a school trip. Their first kiss was everything though omg. And they were a very cute couple. I also thought it was really cool how this book dove into some of the harder topics that aren't always talked about like racism in the LGBTQ+ community and homophobia within the community.
Thank you Netgalley and Stephan Lee for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are honest, and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
First of all, the cover is so cute, and it's what drew me in! I thought the romance was very cute. I mean a night in Paris?!? How could you not fall in love in the city of love. I really like Tyler! He was such a cutie and he really cared about Ben. He was a softie on the inside and a bit of a nerd, which we love. I really enjoyed the plot of the book, but I was not a fan of Ben. His character kind of rubbed me the wrong way and annoyed me 😭😭 I think part of it might be because I'm not a fan of Taylor Swift, and there were lots of references to her in the book. However, I also felt like Ben had a lot of prejudices towards Tyler that kind of came out of nowhere. He did eventually overcome them by getting to know Tyler better, but it just rubbed me the wrong way the way he immediately hated Tyler because he didn't remember him after talking for 0.2 seconds and not even mentioning their childhood. I also thought there were some unbelievable parts in the story that would never happen with high school kids on a school trip. Their first kiss was everything though omg. And they were a very cute couple. I also thought it was really cool how this book dove into some of the harder topics that aren't always talked about like racism in the LGBTQ+ community and homophobia within the community.
Thank you Netgalley and Stephan Lee for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are honest, and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
May 11, 2026
Like We Were in Paris by Stephan Lee is a magical and heartfelt coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the beauty of Paris, first love, and self-discovery. The story follows teenager Ben as he travels to Paris on a school trip with a checklist of places and experiences he hopes will help him feel closer to his late father.
Complicating the trip is Tyler, Ben’s former friend turned enemy after a misunderstanding drove them apart. When the two end up locked out of their hostel, they spend one unforgettable night wandering through Paris together. As they explore the city, meet new people, and share honest conversations, they slowly work through their past and begin falling for each other along the way.
One of the strongest parts of this novel is its cast of side characters. Every character feels vibrant and meaningful, adding humor, warmth, and depth to the story. Their presence makes the world feel fully alive and helps balance the emotional moments with lighter, fun scenes.
The Paris setting is also beautifully written. The descriptions make the city feel dreamy and adventurous, creating the perfect backdrop for Ben’s emotional journey. The romance develops naturally, and Ben’s grief and personal growth are handled with care and authenticity.
Overall, this was a wonderful YA novel filled with heart, humor, romance, and adventure. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to wander through Paris at midnight and believe in unexpected connections. A charming and emotional read that I’d definitely recommend.
Complicating the trip is Tyler, Ben’s former friend turned enemy after a misunderstanding drove them apart. When the two end up locked out of their hostel, they spend one unforgettable night wandering through Paris together. As they explore the city, meet new people, and share honest conversations, they slowly work through their past and begin falling for each other along the way.
One of the strongest parts of this novel is its cast of side characters. Every character feels vibrant and meaningful, adding humor, warmth, and depth to the story. Their presence makes the world feel fully alive and helps balance the emotional moments with lighter, fun scenes.
The Paris setting is also beautifully written. The descriptions make the city feel dreamy and adventurous, creating the perfect backdrop for Ben’s emotional journey. The romance develops naturally, and Ben’s grief and personal growth are handled with care and authenticity.
Overall, this was a wonderful YA novel filled with heart, humor, romance, and adventure. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to wander through Paris at midnight and believe in unexpected connections. A charming and emotional read that I’d definitely recommend.
February 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This book was so sweet!! I’m such a big fan of the “fall in love in one day” trope and I think it works best in YA. It’s much more believable that teens could fall in love overnight than adults. One of my favorite things about the book was how it explored identity, queerness, racism, grief, and other heavier topics. Each topic was covered, as any good coming-of-age story should, but without making the story feel weighed down. I also really appreciated that there wasn’t a third-act breakup and how Ben and Tyler worked through their miscommunication and conflict.
Yes, there were a ton of Taylor Swift and pop culture references but that’s to be expected given the title. As a swiftie, I’m not always a fan of how she’s used in books but in this it felt like a fun little scavenger hunt, especially when catching the more subtle nods beyond what the characters pointed out directly. There were some parts of the story that felt a bit too far-fetched or juvenile, but overall I really enjoyed this and thought it was a cute and easy to read YA MM romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was so sweet!! I’m such a big fan of the “fall in love in one day” trope and I think it works best in YA. It’s much more believable that teens could fall in love overnight than adults. One of my favorite things about the book was how it explored identity, queerness, racism, grief, and other heavier topics. Each topic was covered, as any good coming-of-age story should, but without making the story feel weighed down. I also really appreciated that there wasn’t a third-act breakup and how Ben and Tyler worked through their miscommunication and conflict.
Yes, there were a ton of Taylor Swift and pop culture references but that’s to be expected given the title. As a swiftie, I’m not always a fan of how she’s used in books but in this it felt like a fun little scavenger hunt, especially when catching the more subtle nods beyond what the characters pointed out directly. There were some parts of the story that felt a bit too far-fetched or juvenile, but overall I really enjoyed this and thought it was a cute and easy to read YA MM romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 28, 2026
This book was undeniably adorable. I was not completely sure what to expect going into it, but I loved every second of this book. It is a perfect YA novel with the cutest MM romance. There were parts of it that felt very high school, as expected. However, it was never too much, and I kept wanting to read longer. Each chapter ended just in perfect timing for me to not want to put the book down and jump right into another chapter. This was a truly heartwarming story that I cannot recommend enough, and a book with the exact representation LGBTQIA+ youth need to see in their school libraries.
This story is about a teenager, Ben, just fresh off a breakup from his boyfriend, and being forgotten by his childhood best friend. Regardless, he is determined to have a fantastic spring break trip to Paris with his French club. However, he's stuck with a childhood best friend who has some how forgetten him completely. After losing his phone and getting locked out of the hostel the club is staying at, he has an entire night to see what Paris has to offer.
Thank you, Scholastic and Netgalley, for the ARC!
This story is about a teenager, Ben, just fresh off a breakup from his boyfriend, and being forgotten by his childhood best friend. Regardless, he is determined to have a fantastic spring break trip to Paris with his French club. However, he's stuck with a childhood best friend who has some how forgetten him completely. After losing his phone and getting locked out of the hostel the club is staying at, he has an entire night to see what Paris has to offer.
Thank you, Scholastic and Netgalley, for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was so cute, it was like cuteness captured in a book! When Tyler and Ben get locked out of their hostel after hours the two have to figure out what they are going to do with the night. Ben is suspcious of spending any more time than he has to with Tyler, his ex-best friend who apparently forgot him the moment he moved away. Ben is more than a little defensive, and Tyler can't seem to get a read on Ben.
The two decide to tackle Ben's Paris list since they can't get into their hostel anyway. The night brings them closer together on adventures neither of them saw themselves taking. As the night goes on each starts to let their guard down and what ensues is some very heartfelt tender moments and two people reconnecting.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a quick, fun, lighthearted read. This is one that left me all smiles and was the perfect pick me up. Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The two decide to tackle Ben's Paris list since they can't get into their hostel anyway. The night brings them closer together on adventures neither of them saw themselves taking. As the night goes on each starts to let their guard down and what ensues is some very heartfelt tender moments and two people reconnecting.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a quick, fun, lighthearted read. This is one that left me all smiles and was the perfect pick me up. Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 stars
I love reading YA, especially about queer youth, and I love Paris so I thought this would be darling.
In actuality, it reads like a draft instead of a finished novel. The plot bones are solid. The characterizations are decent--Ben and Travis balance each other nicely. I love that while the story celebrates queer joy, it doesn't shy away from some of the more harmful realities, either. Ben's experience in particular was poignant and had a depth I appreciated.
But there was too much telling. And a lot of continuity errors. And mistakes with the French language that are easily fixable. (The professor/chaperone would not make the mistake of texting a group of mixed-gender students "Bon soir etudiantes" instead of "Bonsoir etudiants".)
I hope this receives some more polishing before pub day!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Scholastic Press, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I love reading YA, especially about queer youth, and I love Paris so I thought this would be darling.
In actuality, it reads like a draft instead of a finished novel. The plot bones are solid. The characterizations are decent--Ben and Travis balance each other nicely. I love that while the story celebrates queer joy, it doesn't shy away from some of the more harmful realities, either. Ben's experience in particular was poignant and had a depth I appreciated.
But there was too much telling. And a lot of continuity errors. And mistakes with the French language that are easily fixable. (The professor/chaperone would not make the mistake of texting a group of mixed-gender students "Bon soir etudiantes" instead of "Bonsoir etudiants".)
I hope this receives some more polishing before pub day!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Scholastic Press, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this sweet YA romance! Ben and Tyler both made compelling characters, and of course the setting was lovely. Some of the pop culture references didn't hit for me as an adult reader, but I presume a lot of YA readers will love the references peppered throughout the story. Paris really came alive in the author's telling, and even though the Ben and Tyler had an incredible amount of luck in their adventure, their experiences felt realistic. I appreciated the depth of both characters, and how each was dealing with their own trauma, in addition to the discussion of internalized homophobia, transphobia, and racism in the queer community. Overall, an enjoyable read, and I'd be happy to read more from author Stephan Lee.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest feedback!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest feedback!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I adored this YA rom-com so much! Ben and Tyler, former childhood BFFs turned strangers, find themselves locked out of their hostel on the first night of a school trip and a magical Parisian adventure ensues. They spend the evening attempting to accomplish Ben's Paris Bucket List, while getting into some innocent trouble, sightseeing iconic locations, and slowly peeling back each other's emotional layers. This story also navigates more serious topics like grief, bullying, homophobia, and racism. Ben and Tyler are such genuine, more-than-meets-the-eye characters and together they are perfection. This story is overflowing with heart and queer joy. This is my first Stephan Lee read and I can't wait to read more.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was so freaking cute! I knew it would be but ughh my heart! Ben is such a precious character and seeing him fall in love with Paris like his parents did was everything. I adored the childhood friends to lovers themes, Tyler was such a sweetie! While it was a cute and fairly quick read it also discussed topics you don’t see too often in MM romance books. The discussion of being Asian American in the queer space was approached with such care and I really hope it hits people as hard as it did me. I was tearing up over how Ben viewed himself and knowing so many others struggle with this just broke my heart. Already added this story to my preorders so I can own a physical copy upon release!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
E-ARC provided by NetGalley. The advanced copy needs another round of editing for constant continuity errors, which frankly affected my ability to enjoy the story. The story of Ben and Tyler has the childhood friends and second chance romance tropes, and very low spice for teen readers who loved Heartstopper. The charm of falling in love over one night out in Paris is a warm depiction of queer joy, but the author did not shy away from the very real threats of homophobia, even in the families and LGBTQIA+ community these students are a part of. Great bones, but needs a fair amount more editing before it's ready for the market.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A cheese fest that worked! Childhood besties now at odds fall in love over a reckless chaotic night in Paris, locked out of their school trip’s hostel. Ben is a main character with very definite ideas about love, a bucket list of touristy things to do in Paris, and a recently broken heart. Tyler is his semi-inscrutable love interest who, for some reason, has been pretending he doesn’t remember their friendship after some time away in New York, and a major glow up. All the tropes here could have been predictable but it all had its own flavor and ended up being very sweet!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!
This was such an adorable and fun YA Romcom! I had the absolute BEST time.
I'm generally a fast reader but its still somewhat rare for me to read a book and suddenly realise im 75% done already because it feels like absolutely no time has passed. This book did that for me and is therefore for sure making it on my list of favourite books this year.
It was just so fun and lighthearted and I absolutely binged this in like maybe 3 hours total at max.
Absolutely loved it, would recommend 100%, an absolute 100/10
This was such an adorable and fun YA Romcom! I had the absolute BEST time.
I'm generally a fast reader but its still somewhat rare for me to read a book and suddenly realise im 75% done already because it feels like absolutely no time has passed. This book did that for me and is therefore for sure making it on my list of favourite books this year.
It was just so fun and lighthearted and I absolutely binged this in like maybe 3 hours total at max.
Absolutely loved it, would recommend 100%, an absolute 100/10
May 5, 2026
For once, a blind buy based on a gorgeous cover turned out to be good!
This book is absolutely fucking delightful and exactly what I needed. A sweet, charming romance with lovable characters that I could not put down- I read the entire book in one sitting because I got so caught up in the escapism of it all.
It’s a heavy world right now and sometimes we deserve a frothy, low-conflict, wholesome queer love story that asks nothing more of its reader than to share the joy of its characters. That’s exactly what this book does.
Stephan Lee got me right in the feels with this one.
This book is absolutely fucking delightful and exactly what I needed. A sweet, charming romance with lovable characters that I could not put down- I read the entire book in one sitting because I got so caught up in the escapism of it all.
It’s a heavy world right now and sometimes we deserve a frothy, low-conflict, wholesome queer love story that asks nothing more of its reader than to share the joy of its characters. That’s exactly what this book does.
Stephan Lee got me right in the feels with this one.
May 6, 2026
Such an adorable book! I got the arc of it just recently and just finished it on its release date. But so thankful for Netgalley granting me the arc for my honest review
I though it was a cute book and I loved all the French throughout, and places that I remember seeing the many times I’ve been to Paris. Was a nice stroll down memory lane. And I loved the HEA. Because these two deserved it. I was drawn in from the beginning and never wanted to stop because I needed to know more every time. So thanks for this adorable book!
I though it was a cute book and I loved all the French throughout, and places that I remember seeing the many times I’ve been to Paris. Was a nice stroll down memory lane. And I loved the HEA. Because these two deserved it. I was drawn in from the beginning and never wanted to stop because I needed to know more every time. So thanks for this adorable book!
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