The Paris Match

by Kate Clayborn

A TOWN & COUNTRY BEST NEW ROMANCE NOVEL TO READ IN 2026

A woman tests the limits of her so-called amicable divorce when she flies to Paris for the destination wedding of her former sister-in-law, only to butt heads with the deliciously gruff best man, in a poignant and romantic novel from Kate Clayborn.

Physician Layla Bailey has spent over a year telling herself she's moved on from a painful but amicable divorce from her college sweetheart. Staying friends with her ex seemed like the mature thing to do, but when Layla is invited to her former sister-in-law’s destination wedding in Paris—where Layla once spent her own romantic honeymoon—she knows her commitment to maturity might be her worst enemy…especially since her ex isn’t attending alone.

The only thing that could make the week more difficult is getting through it without the distraction of the wedding.... But when what Layla thought was a harmless conversation about the choices of her younger self leads to the bride getting cold feet, Layla finds herself facing down the groom’s mysterious, taciturn best man, Griffin, who will do anything to make sure this wedding happens.

Since she broke it, Griff demands she help him fix it. Going along with his plan to alleviate the engaged couple's doubts seems like Layla’s best chance at maintaining a good relationship with a family she once called her own. But as she learns more about the past heartbreak that’s driving Griff to help his friend, she gets closer and closer to confronting the true depth of her own pain…while finding herself more and more willing to risk it all again for Griff.

“[A] tremendous love story … proof that Clayborn only gets better with every book.” —Kirkus (STARRED)

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Travel, France

454 pages, ebook

First published April 7, 2026

About the author

Kate Clayborn is the critically acclaimed author of six novels. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Bookpage, and more. By day she works in education, and by night (and sometimes, by very early morning) she writes contemporary romances about smart, strong, modern heroines who face the world alongside true friends and complicated families. She resides in Virginia with her husband and their dog.

Reviews

[Ali L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla (a doctor, not an Eric Clapton song) is traveling to Paris for the wedding of her ex-husband’s sister when a BookTokker passes out on the plane. This sets off a series of events that involve in-laws, baked goods, a tragic handsome man, and a quirky best friend I would absolutely never want to be stuck in an elevator with because one of us would die. When the bride announces that she’s having second thoughts, it’s up to Layla and the crabby, mysterious best man to make things right. This perhaps sounds like a fun romp, and it sort of it (Clayborn obviously loves Paris and this book is a beautiful ode to the city) but it tackles uncomfortable topics with grace and sensitivity (the best man is heavily scarred from a horrific accident that has lifelong effects (besides the scars, obvs)). More than anything, this book is bursting with love — not just the two main characters accidentally stumbling into it, but the brotherhoods we see endure, and the stubborn adoration of friends we’re separated from, and the lingering families we build along the way.
Also there’s a sex scene that’s like fifteen pages long so well done, Kate Clayborn.

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know that feeling when you have to show up somewhere you've already said goodbye to? Not just physically, but emotionally? That's where this book lives, and Kate Clayborn handles it with so much heart and sparkle. I'm always drawn to love stories about people in their second acts—people who've already lived a little, made mistakes, and are trying to figure out what comes next. This one hooked me right from the premise: Dr. Layla Bailey agrees to go to her former sister-in-law's destination wedding in Paris. Yes, *that* Paris—the same city where her marriage started with so much hope and eventually fell apart. She's determined to be the bigger person about the whole thing (her ex-husband will be there with someone new), keep a low profile, and just get through it without any drama. But then she has a well-intentioned conversation that accidentally plants seeds of doubt in the bride's mind, and suddenly the best man—this gruff, gorgeous guy named Griffin—decides Layla is now his reluctant partner in saving this wedding. His logic? She "broke it," so now she has to help him fix it.

What unfolds from there is this slow, gorgeous unraveling of two people who've built walls around themselves. One thing Clayborn does so well is write intimacy that starts way before anyone ends up in bed together. It's in the shared errands, the quiet walks through the city, those late-night conversations that only happen after you've cleared the dinner dishes and your defenses are finally down. Layla is a doctor who's spent so much of her life taking care of everyone else that she's forgotten how to take care of herself. Griffin is all quiet competence and hidden softness—the kind of guy who shows up and gets things done but doesn't always know how to let people in. Watching them figure each other out, negotiate boundaries, talk about what they actually want and need—it all felt so refreshingly grown-up. And genuinely romantic. Their chemistry builds in these small, perfect moments: a coat draped over cold shoulders, a steadying hand on slippery cobblestones. And then it shifts into something bigger, something that makes my heart squeeze.

Paris is definitely present in this book, but it never takes over. It's more like the city gently pushes these characters toward being braver. The markets, the side streets, a quiet museum garden, a café table that becomes their safe space to talk—Clayborn's details are lovely and specific without ever feeling like you're reading a guidebook. I also really appreciated how thoughtfully the book handles bodies, consent, and intimacy. There's a nuanced, caring approach to physical connection that acknowledges real limitations without ever making desire feel less powerful. It's tender and attentive and incredibly swoony.

If I'm being picky, I did feel like Layla carries more than her fair share of the emotional work early on. I found myself wishing a few other characters would step up and meet her halfway a little sooner. But the story earns where it ends up. By the time the wedding vows were actually at stake—in more ways than one—I was completely invested in these people and the future they were choosing to build together. Messy, honest, and chosen on purpose.

**The bottom line:** This is a feel-good romance with real adult stakes, beautiful writing, and a slow burn that's worth every single page. If you love grumpy-meets-warm dynamics, found family that comes from a former family, and second chances that start with learning to forgive yourself—you need to read this one.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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[Tarah DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one is ready. No one does it like KC.

[✨⚡ Kelcey (felinebooktrovert) ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single piece of this book, and it's probably my favorite of the year so far.

The setting was amazing. You could feel the touches of Paris everywhere, and the sunsets that were being described...I want to go there so bad now.

The main characters. So. Good. Both of them so great on their own. I find a lot of times that I enjoy the relationship, but one of the characters is lacking, so then when there are POVs for that character without the love interest involved, it's hard for me to enjoy. But these characters were so good on their own and I was so invested in their side stories as well.

Layla was so relatable. Just trying to do what she thinks is right and supporting the people in her life, but she slowly develops...not necessarily a backbone, but the mindset that it's OK to put yourself first even while supporting others. Definitely possible to do both.

And Griffin. Holy moly. He starts out so gruff, but he slowly starts to develop in so many different ways, and again, he is so relatable and just real to me. He fucks up, but he knows he did and knows why, and he COMMUNICATES that to her. Just 🤌

And some of the storylines that were being tackled here were handled so well. I honestly felt like KC was reaching into my soul in so many different ways. I was reading these passages and just wondering if she plucked my own thoughts from me. Just felt so seen and so validated.

I can't recommend this book more. Romance. Humor. Tension. Longing. Communication. Spice. So much to love about this book 🩷

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

[jenny reads a lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

sad boys>>>>bad boys

My gawd I needed this. An all consuming. Angsty. Heart wrenching. Can’t breathe. Cheeks hurt from smiling. Screaming at the pages romance. This book is SO good!

The yearning is next level. The longing. The wanting. The desperate need! 15/10 would recommend.

[CatsBnB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kate Clayborn delivers a love story that lingers, one that feels alive in every heartbeat and whispered glance. Set against the enchanting streets of Paris, this slowburn, second chance romance is messy, tender, and utterly real. Layla Bailey is brave, selfless, and is always caring for others while quietly neglecting her own heart. Griffin is gruff, irresistible, and a man whose guarded exterior hides a fiercely loyal, tender soul. Together, they ignite a romance that is authentic, heartwarming, and deeply swoony.

Every interaction hums with chemistry, every conversation brims with trust, and every moment of vulnerability feels earned. The story is filled with leisurely walks, intimate meetings at charming cafe tables, and secret corners of Paris that made the city feel alive and magical. Clayborn balances emotional depth with lighthearted warmth, showing love as messy, real, and profoundly human.

Synopsis:
Layla Bailey believes she has moved on from her amicable divorce. Until she’s invited to a destination wedding in Paris, the same city where she once honeymooned. Determined to stay mature and composed, she agrees to attend, unaware of how deeply the past still lingers.

When an innocent conversation sends the bride into doubt, Layla is forced into an uneasy alliance with Griffin, the groom’s gruff, taciturn best man, who is determined to make sure the wedding happens. As they work together, guarded hearts soften amid quiet cafés, sunlit streets, and hidden corners of Paris.

At its heart, this is a story of forgiveness, self-discovery, and the beauty of second chances in life. It is passionate, swoony, unforgettable and reminds you that love is always worth the risk. I wholeheartedly recommend!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[✨Julie✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

✩ 2 stars ✩

“So you’ll look at me, then.”

What to Expect:
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Grumpy x Sunshine
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Her Ex’s Sister’s Wedding
➼ Set in Paris
➼ Trauma & Healing
➼ Narrated by Samantha Archuleta
➼ 3rd Person POV

Maybe this is a hot take, but I’m of the opinion that contemporary romances should NEVER be written in 3rd person POV. There’s a place for 3rd person in other genres, but not here. Based on the meat of the story, I really think I could have loved this in first person, but as is, I struggled to even finish it. I’ll give the author props for choosing very unique character details, I just wish she had presented them a little differently. I also think the bright/colorful cover doesn’t really match the book. This story was actually pretty heavy and filled with past trauma. If you already love this author or you think third person is the bees knees, I’d say give it a go. Otherwise, I’d probably skip it.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

Pre-read: 8 reviews behind again, and diving into a new book. 🙃

≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫

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[h o l l i s · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's no question I love Clayborn's characters, her plots, her writing, and the emotional and complex journeys she often takes me on. And while there is a lot of that last bit here, I'm not sure the rest really landed.

Unfortunately the biggest deterrent in THE PARIS MATCH is the amount of characters, subplots, conflicts, and secrets that were flying every which way. There is so much going on, so many moving parts, and honestly the messy dynamic of almost everyone involved in the wedding itself grew tiresome. It was a tough experience even if we got to see Layla come out the other side better for it but sheesh.

And speaking of Layla, while I felt for her situation, for how small she'd made herself, I'm not sure I ever really got to the point of liking her — though shoutout to nurses, physicians, doctors, and healthcare professionals everywhere! — and maybe that's because Griff just felt so much.. larger. His situation was heartbreaking and it's not one you see play out in a lot of fiction so I really felt he stole the show; for me at least.

This experience became more about appreciating Griff's reality moreso than really falling in love with the story. And also appreciating how down bad he was for Layla, of course. But everything else? Not so much.

I particularly wasn't a fan of all the weird little throwaway comments about fae princes and smokestacks. I don't know, it just felt.. forced, and the fact that it was repeated so often added to some of the tedium. There were some lovely turns of phrases here, the occasional little observation, but that emotional kick, that captivating and heartwrenching prose that I'm so used to experiencing from this author, it was very muted and often felt altogether absent.

With such a run of bangers, it was inevitable we'd hit a bump in the road. But this in no way affects my love for this author or dims my excitement for any hint of what is to come next.

** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **

---

This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.

[Aya ☕︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why was this so realistic? I was here for a silly romance, but it turned out to be so much deeper. However, I liked the reality of it. I've never read a book where the MMC wasn't aesthetically pleasing (Our MMC's face and half of his body are scarred). The beginning is a little slow but it was truly worth it

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

SKIP CHAPTERS: 21, 22, 29

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Heard about this book from one content creator and I immediately requested it and thankfully I got accepted 🤭
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for approving 🩷🩵💛

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am happy to say that this is the first ARC granted to me by the publisher and author through NetGally! My opinions are, of course, my own. Now published.

This book was sexy. And I’m not just talking about the steamy parts, which were also delightful; but no, I’m talking about the building romance of Layla and Griffin from hating each other to falling in love with each other, all in the span of a few days at a destination wedding in Paris.

The reader first meets the FMC, Layla, on her way to her former sister-in-law’s wedding. She was close to Emily, so it makes sense that she would be invited and would want to go, because for many years Emily’s family was Layla’s family. What Layla didn’t know when she accepted the invitation was that her ex-husband would be bringing his new girlfriend. Potential awkward tension? Yeah, a little (read: A LOT).

What Layla couldn’t anticipate was to immediately butt heads with the groom’s taciturn Best Man, Griffin. Even before landing in Paris, Griffin is antagonistic toward Layla, and the reader is ready to hate Griffen right along with her. That is, until we get to Griffin’s first POV chapter, which Clayborn strategically delays. Once the reader is introduced to Griffin’s motivations, every previous negative interaction between the two MCs is cast in a different light, and every future interaction slowly breaks down the prejudices that both Layla and Griffin have toward each other.

What I also loved about this book was that Clayborn writes the plot’s main conflict not between the love interests, but between the soon to be married bride and groom. Griffin accuses Layla of saying something to the bride that causes her to have cold feet enough to derail the very elaborate Paris wedding. He insists on helping Layla fix the potential catastrophic rift, regardless of whether she was responsible for causing it.

So, Layla and Griffin have work to do to save the wedding, and in the process, they start to open up to each other and fall for each other.

Full endorsement for The Paris Match. (Seriously, read this book just for the romance writing masterclass that was the first kiss scene.) Chef’s kiss to you, Clayborn. Bien joué.

[Mora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book info:

- H / h (34)
- 3rd person POV
- Dislike! to fake friendship to lovers
- Scarred H
- Divorced h


Safety:

- Both MCs are experienced.
- The H only mentioned once how he used to be with women since the accident (with some details).
- The h was with her ex-husband for around 12 years or more, and they’ve been divorced for two years now. After the divorce, she dated a few men (no clue if she slept with any of them, she only mentioned kissing them).
- No info on their last time.
- OMD (mostly from the H’s side):
The H was so jealous of the h’s ex for most of the book (even before the ex showed up).
The ex-husband didn’t really cause drama between the MCs and he’s happily with his new young girlfriend, which was disappointing tbh because I wanted some cheap drama, like him seeing the h with the H and regretting the divorce or anything like that! 🤷🏻‍♀️
Everyone including her ex and his new girlfriend felt sorry for her because they thought she was still hung up on him and jealous of seeing him with someone else. The h never corrected them or said anything for most of the book. Instead, she stayed so nice to everyone and kept saying she was fine and reinforcing what they assumed.
I knew this was an important part of her character growth later on but that didn’t mean she didn’t frustrate me sometimes. She didn’t owe those people anything, even if they were kind and treated her like a daughter.
Later, she finally realized that and told her ex she didn’t owe him anything and that they were no longer a family because they were divorced, so she ended whatever was left of their relationship (the ex wanted them to stay on good terms and act like family after the divorce but she kept avoiding him until she finally admitted she didn’t want that).
There were a few moments when the ex-husband saw the MCs together and assumed the h was with the H because she was confused and jealous about seeing him with his new girlfriend 🤦🏻‍♀️. He told the H that she deserved someone better than him (the H) and honestly, I didn’t really get what his motive was there! whether it was jealousy, judgment, or something else. But in the end the h shut him down.
- No ow/cheating/scenes with other people
- Separation for 3 and a half months
- Push away from the H
- HFN (a year and a half later, they were still in a long-distance relationship because of the h job. They would definitely get married in the future but they were taking things slow). Anyway I wanted more, the ending wasn’t enough for me.

[Cindy Huskey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love The Paris Match. I really did. A second-chance-at-life (but not love), destination wedding in Paris, emotionally complicated exes, and a grumpy best man? This is usually where I thrive.



And to be clear, there is a good story in here. Layla navigating the aftermath of her “we’re totally mature about this” divorce while being emotionally ambushed in Paris? Delightful. Toss in Griff, the broody, no-nonsense best man who is absolutely not here for her drama? Even better. The emotional arcs, the introspection, the whole “maybe I haven’t actually processed anything” journey? Solid.

BUT.

The writing style and I? Enemies.

I have never seen so many em dashes in my life. Every paragraph—every conversation—every internal thought—just dash—dash—dash like the characters are all collectively incapable of finishing a sentence. At one point I felt like I was reading a book where every character had the attention span of a goldfish on espresso—mid-sentence revelations—half-formed thoughts—dramatic pauses that lead absolutely nowhere—like no one in this universe has ever successfully completed a single—full—uninterrupted—

I wanted to grab the characters by the shoulders and yell, “Spit it out already! Finish your sentence! We can do hard things!”

It completely pulled me out of what was otherwise a genuinely thoughtful, emotional story. Which is frustrating because the bones of this book are so good. The tension? Great. The character growth? Meaningful. The Paris setting? Très charming.

But the constant stop-and-start rhythm of the writing made it hard for me to stay immersed, and I found myself more focused on punctuation than plot. Never a great sign.

If you vibe with a very stylized, fragmented writing voice, you might absolutely eat this up. If you, like me, prefer your sentences to actually finish what they started… just know what you’re getting into.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for this review copy!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

KATE CLAYBORN YOU WILL ALWAYS BE FAMOUS!!! FIVE HUGE PARISIAN STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Would you still do it again?”

“I would”


It’s currently 6:30 am and I am a mess. A big old tear streaked mess after this gorgeous, heart crushing, heart mending book. I think everyone can stop now because this is the romance book of the year!

I always struggle to put into words the books that end up being 5 star reads for me and I struggle even more when they surpass that and enter into a realm that’s specifically for books that have knocked the wind out of me, books that feel almost engraved in me the minute I turn the last page. But I’ll try my best to talk about this one because it is so so special.

Layla and Griff. These two broke me but put me back together again. They’re real, they’re flawed and they both have the tendency to put other people before themselves even if it’s to their own detriment. It was such a pleasure seeing these two grow but also being allowed to see them mess up and almost regress a little. Kate is such a force when it comes to writing layered and complex characters. It takes a really skilled author to write characters whose primary pain happens before the book begins and is able to weave that into a story years late with such care and delicacy.

The writing. When I tell you that I had to catch my breath numerous times throughout this book I mean it. The imagery, the vividness, the richness of the setting, the foods and the art, even the fleeting moments of a facial expression are conveyed so beautifully that I was genuinely on and off (more so on) crying from 50% onwards. As always the prose is exquisite and sparkling and I just felt transported. (Also as a girlie who had Paris ruined for her by a man this book kinda had me reclaiming it for myself)

The vulnerability in this book had my heart aching I think Kate writes some of the most tender and carefully thought out intimate scenes and while they’re always sexy she makes sure to include those emotional beats and character growth in there too which is so important to me!

This book has everything that so many of us have been shouting out for! Longing!! Yearning!!! Hard fought for HEA’s!! And angst!!
This book really hit all of my soft places it’ll be one that I’ll talk about for years to come and will be placed into all of my best friends hands with a “trust me”.


An absolute banger… is it too soon for a reread?

[bean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quiet, soft, tender love. I liked the set up of her being invited to her ex-sister-in-laws wedding & falling for the best man. This got pretty messy at times in a very entertaining way.

My favorite thing about this book is how she kept saying her divorce was amicable & her new mans (who’s very mysterious) finally goes “there should be nothing amicable about losing you.” SWOON.

[Jodi Schulz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. The premise of this book is great, woman goes to Paris for ex sister in law’s wedding and finds love herself. Except, it is so, so long with extraneous characters and basically nothing happens in the middle that I lost interest. I read another book by this author I did not care for so it is possible this author is just not for me.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed to put down in writing just exactly what this book is and how it feels to have read it. I’ve read every book she’s written. Which is to say, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. I cannot tell you how much I like being surprised (blown away, in this instance) by an author I felt I had a handle on.

He turned to her and said, “I’ll meet you down here at seven,” as though he was a completely normal person and not a smokestack fae prince with a sometimes-job who was also a surprisingly good dancer.

Griffin Testa, my friends. But more on that smokeshow later.

I wasn’t ready. And I know she’s such a talented writer. I fell in love with Luck of the Draw way back. I know she knows how to write two wounded people like she’s doing us a favor. And still! I was unprepared. From the moment Layla kneels down to calmly and competently handle the medical emergency on the plane. From the moment Griffin “The Man in Black” Testa stands up and barks at the malcontent on the very same plane. Reader, I was so far gone.

He said it like he had time for nothing but to rip out and hold in his hand the bloody, still-beating heart of any matter.

Ahem.

So Layla Bailey’s been done particularly dirty by her former family (through marriage). Divorced (amicably) and in terminal avoidance of the in-laws she still loves, her holding pattern catches up with her in the form of her former sister-in-law’s impending destination wedding. In Paris. Where once upon a time, Layla and her ex, Jamie, honeymooned themselves. Nothing could get Layla to take time off from her job as a hospitalist and board that plane except the love she still has for Jamie’s little sister, Emily. Come hell or high water, she is going to show up for Emily and be as happy and supportive and so completely fine with this week of wedded horrors. If only Jamie wasn’t showing up with his new girlfriend in tow. If only the best man (see aforementioned smokeshow) didn’t appear to carry a grudge against life, the city of Paris, and Layla. Not necessarily in that order.

The thing is, Griffin Testa has been in constant pain for fifteen years. Since the night a fire ravaged his life and the life of his best friend, Michael. And nothing but his love for Michael and his determination to see this wedding happen (even if he has his own quiet reservations) could convince him to leave his isolation and travel to Paris, stepping so far outside his comfort zone to navigate the pain and discomfort and unpredictability of his body in an entirely unfamiliar environment. When the bride suddenly develops her own reservations and indicates it was prompted by “something Layla said,” Griffin’s entire focus shifts from mere survival to forcing the troublesome (he’s not buying her amicable, completely fine with the horrors act for a minute) doctor to fix the problem she created. Immediately. So he can go home to his crumbling bell tower. As it were.

“Someone told me you’re a billionaire.”
He laughed.
He laughed.
A short laugh, but still: a huff of air out, a rasp of the lowest register of his voice escaping through the flash of his straight, white teeth, which Layla had never gotten a good look at. She felt, for a second, like one of the hideous, heavy chandeliers had fallen directly onto her head. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Michael’s face turn toward them—as though even from several steps away, with several sets of people milling between them, he could hear Griffin’s laugh, too.
”You’re . . .” She trailed off, temporarily stuck on the wrong completion of this sentence.
You’re even more handsome when you laugh. You’re like a secret door in the wall. You’re an electrical storm in my spine.

Friends, this book is utterly electric. It is a tactile, visceral reading experience. And it is giving fairy tale romance for days. It’s giving every perfect Laura Florand Paris love story all at once. There’s a scarred hero who only wears black. There’s a wounded heroine who has healed everyone but herself. There are secrets upon secrets. Parents who love their children and hold their tongues. Parents who love their children and only seem to hurt. There is Paris. My, but there is Paris.

Truthfully, I’m feeling a bit called out. Did Kate Clayborn send out a survey of readers’ favorite tropes and one of you filled it out on my behalf? And got every answer right? Because reading this book is a love letter to the best microtropes in the business (Was she crying?) and it is a master class in how to cast an iconic city as a main character, and how to sensitively depict and interrogate real human trauma and longing, living with chronic pain, the complexity of families, both the ones you’re given and the ones you choose. And what happens if one day they stop choosing you. And perhaps you start to build a wall.

I was so impressed by the focus on decision-making in this book. The way I wanted them to be together with every fiber of my being and yet never at the cost of Layla’s inviolable will. Griffin and me. Together, we’re gonna stand guard at the gate that is Layla’s right to make her own choices. For forever. It’s all so impossibly romantic, so stacked with genuine obstacles and human flaws and the ways in which we talk and cannot talk to the ones we love and loved. No part of me ever wished it had played out differently. And just ask my best friend, Beth. When I wish things had gone differently (or, on the odd occasion, firmly believe they should have for the integrity of the story and the characters who make their home there), I say so. At length.

I’ll tell you however many times you need to hear it, he’d told her one night, a few months ago. I’ll keep pulling you back from whatever gate you’re thinking of going through.

I’m still winded by the fierce love threading through every page of this book. By the defiance against all that would destroy or make afraid. I could feel Clayborn leveling up, challenging us to catch up, to keep up. To join in the shouted word that is joy over despair, healing over destruction, food and color and life over starving for lack of all of these things. Reading this book, I could feel the beating heart. In all of us.

My Substack

[Amy K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the best contemporary romance book I’ve ever read, and there’s not even a hint of exaggeration in that statement. Absolutely stunning.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads Giveaway! Thank you to Berkley Marketing and Penguin Random House!
5 Heart Wrenching 🌟

Kate Clayborn does it again. I’ve liked every book of hers that I’ve read and I knew that The Other Side of Disappearing would be hard to beat. The Paris Match has done that, though. Don’t be fooled by the pretty very rom-com cover. Ms. Clayborn will take your heart apart slowly before she puts it back together again all in the very best way.

Layla travels to Paris for the wedding of her ex-husband’s sister, seeing her ex and his family all together for the first time since her divorce in the place where she had her honeymoon. Add to that an expansive cast of supporting characters laden with drama and unexplained tension with the bride and groom and you know immediately that this will not be the carefree and joyous week that it should be. That is quickly compounded when Layla and Griffin, the closed off and angry best man, try to hold things together despite their instant dislike for each other and their own personal demons.

There is so much here. Layla and Griffin have so much personal depth and tragic pasts that are wonderfully developed and the evolution of their connection and eventual relationship is just beautifully done. Clayborn has you feeling everything all the time. Her writing is unique and intense creating such imagery and insight in every moment. You feel all of the characters emotions and internal struggles through physical and emotional pain.

Griffin’s personal challenges and journey, having suffered devastating burns years in the past that left him physically and emotionally scarred, are unfolded in such a real and heartbreaking way. Things are not pretty and tidy and how he and Layla learn about each other and themselves is touchingly portrayed.

And yearning….oh my goodness, there is so much heart-wrenching longing here. So well done. And the scene in the cafe and doorway on the side street in Paris? Yes, indeed. Kate Clayborn can write. This is not a silly little rom-com. There are intense themes that tore at my heart. Loved it. Highly recommend!

[Kasee Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex-CUSE ME????? Excuse me, Kate????

No ‘cause this book is god-tier. I have re-read it TWICE since I finished and who knows, I MIGHT just go in again!!! I’m actually feral for this book, so, buckle up.

THE PARIS MATCH is the story of Layla Bailey, who is returning to Paris for the destination wedding of her former sister-in-law. She’s repeating her affirmations: she’s calm, she’s thriving, and she’s totally fine seeing her ex-husband (and his new girlfriend) after their amicable divorce. But returning to Paris means confronting the city she spent her own honeymoon in, then dealing with the potentially wedding-ruining aftermath of a seemingly harmless conversation with Emily, the bride-to-be. Now, with the bride’s cold feet, Layla is forced to do damage control with the grumpy and mysterious best man Griffin, who is hell-bent on making the wedding happen. Easing the couple’s doubts, maintaining a relationship with the family she once called her own, and participating in pre-wedding festivities in the city of love leads to learning more about dark, deep Griffin…and herself.

Damn, this book is IT. So hot and smart, funny and deep, with richly-developed characters, a sparkling setting, and a love story that left me breathless. I truly had to put the book down at moments to scream into my pillow. THIS IS ROMANCE. THIS IS IT. *chef’s kiss*

Brb, immediately booking a ticket to Paris. We bow down, Kate!!!

The biggest thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. THE PARIS MATCH is out 04/07/26. PREORDER IT IMMEDIATELY.

[book bruin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Clayborn writes the most heartfelt and quietly beautiful stories. It’s an emotional ride, but every up and down makes the journey even more satisfying. I loved Griff and Layla and they grow so much through the novel. They see each other so clearly and it was wonderful to watch them (re)discover themselves and each other. Plus, there’s no way I could resist a stoic love interest who’s a complete marshmallow inside ;)

I both read the ebook and listened to the audiobook of The Paris Match and really enjoyed the narration by Samantha Archuleta. Her emotional performance during the more vulnerable scenes was especially moving.

I think what stood out to me the most though, was the overall message about choice. Choosing happiness in whatever form that takes for you. Choosing the family you surround yourself with. Choosing forgiveness for yourself and others. Choosing to be brave, but also knowing when to ask for help. Choosing unapologetically.

Every time I finish a Kate Clayborn novel, I think there’s no way she can top this - the magic, the feeling, the joy. I’m so happy to be wrong every time. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Audiobook Review
Overall 5 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 5 stars

CW: grief, death of loved one (past, fire related), anxiety, panic attacks, injury/scarring and chronic pain, trauma, brief mention of suicidal ideation, discussions about pregnancy and parenthood

*I voluntarily read a review copy of this book*

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Main character Layla Bailey is a physician who claims her divorce was amicable, but is about to be trapped in Paris at her friend/former sister-in-law Emily’s destination wedding, not only with her ex-husband + his entire family, he’ll have his new girlfriend in tow.

Enter Griffin (Griff).. whom Layla meets on the flight to Paris which doesn’t go over well. He comes across in all the wrong ways. Griff is gruff. He is an antagonistic, visibly scarred best-man that (for whatever reason) is very determined to get under her skin.

Layla meets up with Emily for a fun girls night, but the bride gets cold feet after a remark is made. No matter what Layla did or didn’t say to her, Griff blames Layla. So Layla + Griff team up to keep the wedding from disintegrating, and in this forced proximity situation, he also plays the buffer between her and the ex + his extended family.. from there, they get closer by the minute. She gets to know + understand Griff better, helps him with his trauma and in gaining confidence. Griff helps her discover who she is.. that she deserves to be loved just the way she is. There’s so much goodness inside these pages. In what begins as heartbreak + loss, morphs into this sweet, beautifully written tale of self discovery, healing, growth.. and of course, love! Do recommend. ❥ Pub. 4/7/26

Much thanks to the publisher via NetGalley for an advance copy!

[casey ౨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

⋆˙⟡ tropes ⟡˙⋆
💍 destination wedding
🌞 grumpy x sunshine
🇫🇷 set in france
🔥 slow burn
🥐 forced proximity
❤️‍🩹 grief and healing

⋆˙⟡ thoughts ⟡˙⋆
brb booking my flight to paris. the way kate writes is unique and had me feeling like i was there with strolling around paris. this was honestly a cute read that had me hooked. this was full of varying emotions, love, sadness, angst, yearning, tension, heartbreak, longing.

i enjoyed layla and griffin’s individual journeys as well as together. griffin is a sad boy, who i love. he takes a minute to open up (understandably) but once he does, you’ll fall in love with him. he’s full of compassion and deserves the world. layla, full of so much love for those she cares about, even if attending this wedding was hard for her. them together? yuuup🙂‍↕️ the banter, their inner thoughts about one another, ugh!!!

⋆˙⟡ synopsis ⟡˙⋆
layla has spent time telling herself she’s moved on from her divorce. she is invited to her former sister in law’s destination wedding in paris (she stayed friends with her ex/his family). her ex isn’t attending alone which makes the week difficult for layla… and leads the bride to getting cold feet from a conversation her young self and the choices she’s made. layla then finds herself facing down with the groom’s mysterious best man, griffin. since she caused the issues, he demands she helps him fix it and make sure the wedding is a go.

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked about this book the most was that it didn't fall into any dreaded cliches or outdated tropes. There's a HEA (of course, its a romance book, do not get onto me about spoilers) but it isn't the traditional, cheesy version. Other than abiding by some of the more important conventions of the genre, I couldn't predict what was going to happen next. The way the main characters were so tender and honest with each other was beautiful to watch.

The fact that the FMC doesn't want children and holds firm in that actually made me really emotional.

Loved this book, can highly recommend.

[Brianna ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖࣪ | briannasbooknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Kate Clayborn and to NetGalley for an ARC of this lovely book!

This book starts with Layla, who is flying to Paris to attend the wedding of her ex sister-in-law, Emily. Layla was previously married to Emily's brother, Jamie, and claims that their divorce was completely amicable. But the pressure being around her old family all week, and the series of events that happen once she arrives in Paris, leads to finding out the true reasons behind their split and how it really affected both Layla and Jamie.

Layla also happens to fall in love along the way on this trip to Paris, which also complicates things for her life. I felt like Layla was such a real character who had valid insecurities like everyone else does, but she is so strong and smart. I really loved the premise and story line of this book. It was so cute and romantic and of course a little drama as well. I would love to read more books by Kate in the future. 4/5 stars!

[meg *ੈ✩‧₊˚ (semi ia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for a review.

this was so cute and fun and i absolutely enjoyed it.

i'm not usually one for a second set romance, but Kate wrote this so beautifully. she also knows how to write all the intimacy even before anyone enters the bed which kept me on my toes the entire time.

highly recommend this romance to everyone!

[cakecoffeeandbooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 16%
The blurb sounded good and the cover is very pretty, but what I read just didn’t work for me at all.
The FMC is lovely, the MMC clearly has issues that it feels like will be dragged through the entire story before being explained and is extremely unlikeable. He is awful and I think the FMC deserves far better. So far the story is bizarre and very slow- I’m giving up, I don’t care enough to keep reading and find out what happens and can’t see how the MMC could be redeemed.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

[Erica]

Hm. In the spirit of Layla Bailey's growth arc, I guess I'll just come right out and say what I'm feeling. I loved The Paris Match and was also disappointed by it.

The first third of the book didn't grab me. It could have been a case of my mood impacting my experience, or maybe having unfairly high expectations of Kate Clayborn. But I didn't buy the "lightning bolt" effect Griffin had on Layla when they first meet. Emily, the bride and ex-sister-in-law who Layla promised to still be a sister to, was selfish and bratty and completely inconsiderate of Layla, and for awhile I thought it was going to go completely unchecked by the book. The beginning of the book just had these moments of grating on me that, though fleeting, kept me from falling headfirst into the story.

The turning point, around that 30% mark, was two-fold. First, during the boat cruise Griffin notices Emily's behavior and is appalled by it. I was so relieved. I would not have been able to deal with a book where Emily continued to act that way and no one sees it as a problem. Though, I do wish Layla had seen it as more of a problem then she ultimately did. I could have used a conversation between her and Emily at some point on this, especially in light of their continuing relationship after everything blows up. This moment was also when I was sold on Griffin as Layla's love interest, and more than that, as someone who I could trust to see through and call out (even if only in his mind) the bullshit, the amicability, the pretense.

Second, I realized that I've read this book before. That book being Kate Clayborn's previous release, The Other Side of Disappearing. I noticed very early on how the FMCs in both books are very closed off and intensely focused on not letting anyone see their true emotions. But there's so much more. The travel backdrop. The sister dynamic. The plot centering around the FMC doing something she doesn't want to be doing because of the sister dynamic. A MMC whose sexiness (at least at first) is primarily derived from how much he notices the FMC; his ability to read her like a book despite the fact that she doesn't show any true emotion. A MMC with a body that attracts unwanted, often negative, attention. A MMC dealing with major trauma. A FMC with family of origin abandonment issues. While that may sound like a negative comment, I loved The Other Side of Disappearing and piecing together the many ways The Paris Match is similar to it engaged me and ultimately enhance my reading experience, though I think it also dulled the impact of this book a little for me, made it more of a literary experience than an emotional one, if I'm being honest. Okay, maybe this is a slightly negative comment. Because I can't quite tell if all the similarities are intentional or not. Part of me wants to think that The Paris Match is in conversation with The Other Side of Disappearing. But I'm just not sure if it's that or if this is just Kate Clayborn's comfort zone. Not that Kate Clayborn's comfort zone is a bad place to be.

From the boat cruise scene forward, I was 100% in on this book. I appreciated that the book didn't fall into the superficial wedding hijinks trap. It wasn't "oh no, the cake/flowers/rings!" It was "oh no, the people!" And isn't that the truth. After the boat cruise the book shifts away from being with the wedding party 24/7 to Griffin and Layla being alone together a whole lot considering the circumstances. Like Layla and Griffin, I did not really want to hang out with any of the other characters either. The two of them wandering (iykyk) with each other, connecting, opening up in fits and starts is just delicious.

The prose in The Paris Match is Kate Clayborn operating at the highest level. I mean, really. One of the things I love most about her writing is how well she flows between richly detailed, romantic language and dry, cutting observational humor. The Paris Match is no exception, though I think it's a smidge lighter on the observational humor than some of her other works. But that feels appropriate for the setting and story.

Also, I predicted The Big Secret before we even officially knew there was a big secret. Again, I'm not sure if that was intentional or not. From the moment Griffin was so forceful with Layla about how this wedding had to happen for Michael I knew that Michael had lost a love before, and that Griffin felt responsible for fixing it. I guessed that whatever fire caused Griffin's burns killed her. And ding, ding, ding, I was right. This was well before Emily even suggested that she felt like Michael was hiding something from her. Anyway, figuring this out so easily and early maybe dulled a bit of the narrative tension for me but overall I don't think it made a huge difference in my enjoyment of the book because my enjoyment stemmed from Layla and Griffin's relationship, not the external plot of Emily and Michael's wedding.

Anyway, I actually highly recommend this book and I think maybe, like Love Lettering, this one will grow on me with rereads. I think that The Paris Match is Kate Clayborn's most ambitious book and I need to revisit to fully appreciate all that she attempted and achieved. But even on my first read, and despite having some disappointments, I can see how many - and maybe even eventually me - will think this is Kate Clayborn's best book yet.

[Bonnie G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, a little too contrived, but with twists and turns that made it work. Layla (FMC) is a locum tenens doctor, a couple years post-divorce. The reasons for the divorce are part of the story, but the important thing here is that Layla has stayed connected to her ex-in-laws, and she is attending the wedding of her ex SIL in Paris (site of her own honeymoon), and it is hella uncomfortable. Our MMC, Griff, is a man with serious physical pain and something akin to agoraphobia after a fire left him scarred and with neropathic pain. It is the backstory around the fire and the wedding of his BFF (marrying the ex SIL) that failed for me. There is a secret that had no reason to be secret and fallout that was insane. Also, there is a guilt storyline that is absurd, and some awful, unpleasant, unrealistic characters -Rosie (Maid of Honor), the groom's parents, and also the bride. But there is a lot of good, too.

Clayborn clearly loves Paris, and it comes alive here. I love Paris too, and have not been in too long, so that was lovely. There are long walks in the Marais, the feeling of first gazing on the Gates of Hell at the Rodin Museum, early mornings with the golden pink light, the scent of the Seine, and also the basics that one needs to include in Paris-set stories apparently; a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, a visit to Galleries Lafayette and to the Lourve, the universal disappointment of the Mona Lisa (why is that painting a thing? How can a thing be it is so nothing?) That part of the story was a 4-5 star.

I really liked Griff and Layla. Griff is rude and often fully mean, and Layla is someone who accommodates everyone, diffuses everything, and makes everyone else feel better. He is more abrasive than the average grump, and she is less sunshine and more heat lamp, a forced warmth that requires a lot of artificial non-renewable energy. But she ends up having the patience and non-reactiveness to see inside his pain, and he ends up seeing how she is carving out pieces of herself to serve others. I liked their story a lot. If we could have re-jiggered the surrounding story, this would have been a higher star rating, but this is a high three, almost a four, and I liked my time here.

The narrator for this audiobook, Samantha Archuleta, was very good, too.

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Layla is heading to Paris for the wedding of her ex husband’s younger sister, Emily, the little sister she promised to stay close to after the divorce, even if keeping that promise has been harder than she expected. Learning that her ex is bringing his new girlfriend only adds another layer of awkwardness to an already difficult trip.

Griffin, the groom’s best friend, just wants to see him happy after everything they’ve been through. So, when he discovers Emily has cold feet, thanks to something Layla said, he insists Layla help fix the situation.

The Paris Match begins with Layla and Griffin firmly at odds, but I loved how quickly they become each other’s quiet defenders. Whenever Emily or Michael’s family made things uncomfortable or painful, they stepped in for one another without hesitation. Layla’s “amicable” divorce clearly left deeper wounds than she lets on, and being around her ex and the family she lost stings. Griffin had his own issues dealing with chronic pain from injuries sustained in a tragic accident and the emotions tied up with that event. I felt for both of them.

Watching these two slowly come together, supporting each other, challenging each other, and softening toward each other, was genuinely moving. Even from their first prickly interaction, the chemistry was unmistakable, and I was completely swept up in their romance. Despite the messy circumstances, they still paused to soak in the magic of Paris with its beauty and history. I loved “revisiting” the city right alongside themi>

I voluntarily read a copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.

[Bethany Mock (bethanyburiedinbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

I really, really loved this story! Honestly so much of it came down to the characters. They were very messy, complicated, carrying enough baggage to fly around the world. :) It was the type of booked that just sucked me in because of how they seemed to not have much figured out in life due to their life traumas which made it easy for me to root for.

We follow Layla and Griffin who happen to meet initially on a plane. The experience is anything but a meet cute. In fact, Griffin is quite unlikeable from the get go! He is for sure a certified Mr. Crabby Pants 😅 but in this way that you can't help but wonder what made him so guarded and emotionally-wounded! Layla has her own speed bumps to get over too so its quite interesting watching them interact.

What I loved most is that neither of them is “perfect.” They both come from difficult pasts and I could feel how that shaped how they behaved towards each other. Their relationship isn’t instant or easy. It’s a slow burn that builds through self growth, trust, and actually doing the work to heal. And I ate. that. up.

There’s something so soft and endearing about the way their connection develops. It’s not just romance—it’s about becoming better versions of themselves, separately and together.

I don't think this book really went anywhere where I had expected it to go. I really appreciated that aspect of this book. To me, it wasn't typical or predictable. In my opinion this to me of course was a romance book but to me I felt like it leaned more into a character driven plot vs romance. Of course it's set in Paris which is the city of love...who doesn't want to take a romp through those glittering streets?!

I highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a more in depth romance book with lots of emotional growth within the pages!