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Dreaming of Paris: A Sparkling, Heartwarming Romance
- GenresRomanceFriends To Lovers
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2026
About the author
Caroline Stowe
4 books33 followersCaroline Stowe is the author of multiple contemporary romantic fiction books, including Wishing for Christmas and Dreaming of Paris, both published by Harpeth Road Press. Her stories whisk readers away to the most picturesque settings, with a touch of magic and plenty of charm.
As a military spouse for over twenty years, Caroline has had the unique pleasure of calling many places home. She now lives in Nashville with her husband and three daughters. When not writing, she can be found with her nose in a good book, enjoying long strolls, or visiting charming new places to soak up inspiration for her next story.
As a military spouse for over twenty years, Caroline has had the unique pleasure of calling many places home. She now lives in Nashville with her husband and three daughters. When not writing, she can be found with her nose in a good book, enjoying long strolls, or visiting charming new places to soak up inspiration for her next story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 27, 2026
Dreaming of Paris is a sweet, romantic tale of friends to more troupe that has the lovely setting of Paris. Jenna asked her neighbor Connor to pretend to be her boyfriend for her sister's wedding in Paris. It's just for the weekend. But things changed and they stayed longer. Jenna is dealing with a breakup just before her wedding. The problems have spilled into her therapy practice but Paris brings some things to light that she needs to face. Connor, a pilot for a commercial airline, is on a temporary leave. They both need the time away and maybe can face some unacknowledged feelings at the same time. This one has a rocky start with a HEA ending.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
April 26, 2026
I was really surprised by this book. When I started it, I didn’t expect it to be a 5-star read — but it was so engaging that I simply couldn’t put it down.
The protagonists are both in their 30s, which I love, and they won me over right away. Connor is a total golden retriever kind of guy: sweet, chivalrous, attentive to details, and incredibly protective. Jenna, on the other hand, is practical and has always approached her love life almost from an academic perspective… until suddenly, everything begins to change.
The book explores themes like relationships, destiny, and beliefs in a very compelling way. It was such a joy to read, and it even made me nostalgic for my days in Paris, giving me a strong desire to visit again.
If you enjoy a sweet romance, friends to lovers, and a slow burn, this one is for you. It’s a story about unexpected love, second chances, and the magic of seeing life more clearly.
After all, where is the line between dreaming and staying grounded? And… does love at first sight really exist? What we do know is that sometimes the love of your life is closer than you think.
The protagonists are both in their 30s, which I love, and they won me over right away. Connor is a total golden retriever kind of guy: sweet, chivalrous, attentive to details, and incredibly protective. Jenna, on the other hand, is practical and has always approached her love life almost from an academic perspective… until suddenly, everything begins to change.
The book explores themes like relationships, destiny, and beliefs in a very compelling way. It was such a joy to read, and it even made me nostalgic for my days in Paris, giving me a strong desire to visit again.
If you enjoy a sweet romance, friends to lovers, and a slow burn, this one is for you. It’s a story about unexpected love, second chances, and the magic of seeing life more clearly.
After all, where is the line between dreaming and staying grounded? And… does love at first sight really exist? What we do know is that sometimes the love of your life is closer than you think.
May 3, 2026
First of all, I would like to thank Caroline Stowe, NetGalley and Harpeth Road Press for the chance to read this book as an ARC!
Dreaming of Paris was an unexpected surprise. As someone whose biggest dream in life was to visit Paris, I had a feeling this book was written for me – and I was absolutely right. Dreaming of Paris tells the story of Jenna, a couples' therapist whose relationship fell apart right before her wedding day and she is still trying to pick up the pieces – under the very judgmental eye of her family, as her baby sister is now getting married in Paris. Which is why she decides to ask neighbor Connor for help: if he is willing to be her fake boyfriend for the weekend. Except a weekend becomes longer after she has a dream about a mystery man proposing to her – and she sees that mystery man on the street.
Needless to say, this book is rather unhinged. It talks about love and what makes relationships last (or end). It talks about fate and destiny and whether they do exist. But most of all, this is a story about taking chances and discovering what might be waiting in the next corner. It was sweet and corny and cute, and I had a great time reading it, even if it was not my favorite read of the year. It still accomplished what it set out to do – entertain and offer a heartwarming story.
Dreaming of Paris was an unexpected surprise. As someone whose biggest dream in life was to visit Paris, I had a feeling this book was written for me – and I was absolutely right. Dreaming of Paris tells the story of Jenna, a couples' therapist whose relationship fell apart right before her wedding day and she is still trying to pick up the pieces – under the very judgmental eye of her family, as her baby sister is now getting married in Paris. Which is why she decides to ask neighbor Connor for help: if he is willing to be her fake boyfriend for the weekend. Except a weekend becomes longer after she has a dream about a mystery man proposing to her – and she sees that mystery man on the street.
Needless to say, this book is rather unhinged. It talks about love and what makes relationships last (or end). It talks about fate and destiny and whether they do exist. But most of all, this is a story about taking chances and discovering what might be waiting in the next corner. It was sweet and corny and cute, and I had a great time reading it, even if it was not my favorite read of the year. It still accomplished what it set out to do – entertain and offer a heartwarming story.
April 16, 2026
I got an ARC from the author and it was such a cute book. Neighbor is FMC fake boyfriend for her sisters wedding because her parents are overbearing and she got broken up with right before her wedding. So cute. Highly recommend checking it out!
April 30, 2026
Caroline Stowe’s Dreaming of Paris made me question whether I’ve been approaching love all wrong this entire time because apparently the answer might be “book a flight to Paris, wander emotionally through cobblestone streets, and accidentally fall for the man quietly carrying your heart while you’re busy looking somewhere else.” Published by Harpeth Road Press/BooksGoSocial, thank you so much to Caroline Stowe for the gifted copy because this book felt like slipping into a warm, romantic fever dream filled with heartbreak, pastries, longing, and the kind of emotional chaos that sneaks up on you softly instead of kicking the door down.
Jenna Westbrook immediately worked for me because she feels painfully human. She’s a relationship therapist whose own fiancé left her just days before their wedding, which honestly feels like the universe conducting a targeted attack on her entire career. Her confidence is shattered, her clients are slipping away, and now she has to attend her younger sister’s wedding in Paris while carrying around enough emotional baggage to qualify for an extra airline fee. The panic behind her decision to bring her neighbor Connor as a fake boyfriend felt messy in the most believable way. Not rom-com ridiculous. Real. The kind of decision someone makes at 2am after overthinking themselves into oblivion.
And Connor Blake? Oh this man absolutely ruined me.
Connor is the kind of romance hero who doesn’t need to dominate every room to leave an impression. He’s thoughtful. Observant. Protective without being controlling. Quietly devoted in ways that made my chest hurt a little. The more Jenna spiraled trying to figure out fate and destiny and the mysterious man from her dreams, the more Connor just kept showing up for her in all these gentle, steady ways that honestly felt far more romantic than any grand cinematic gesture. This book understands something a lot of romances miss: sometimes love is not fireworks. Sometimes it’s the person who notices when you’re overwhelmed and silently hands you coffee before you even ask.
The chemistry between Jenna and Connor builds slowly, naturally, and with this undercurrent of tension that kept me fully invested. Their banter felt easy and lived-in, like two people who already know each other’s rhythms but haven’t quite realized how deeply intertwined they’ve become. Watching that shift from friendship into something deeper gave me that warm ache I’m always chasing in romance novels.
And then there’s Paris itself, which honestly deserves co-star status. Caroline Stowe writes the city with so much warmth and sensory detail that I could practically smell espresso and fresh pastries while reading. The cafés, gardens, tiny streets, late-night walks, wine, music—it all creates this dreamy atmosphere that wraps around the story without overwhelming it. Paris isn’t just a setting here. It becomes part of Jenna’s emotional unraveling. Part fantasy. Part escape. Part mirror forcing her to confront what she actually wants.
What surprised me most is how much this story is really about healing and perception. Jenna spends so much of the book searching for certainty, signs, and destiny because trusting herself no longer feels safe after being abandoned. Watching her slowly realize that love isn’t always lightning strikes and dramatic fate—but consistency, safety, vulnerability, and choosing someone every day—hit me much harder than I expected.
“There’s a difference between chasing destiny and recognizing what’s already standing in front of you.”
Yeah. That line stayed with me.
And listen… if you’re someone who loves fake dating, neighbors-to-lovers, emotional slow burns, romantic travel vibes, emotionally supportive men, dual POVs, Hallmark energy with stronger emotional depth, and stories that leave you feeling soft and hopeful afterward, this is absolutely your book. It feels comforting without being boring. Romantic without becoming overly sugary. Emotional without drowning in melodrama. Honestly, it’s the kind of story you read curled up under a blanket with a latte or glass of wine while pretending your life is aesthetically coordinated.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
Also, Connor Blake deserves financial compensation for the amount of emotional labor and patience he performed in this book because whew. That man was fighting for his life in the friend zone while Jenna was chasing dream symbolism across Paris.
By the end, I wasn’t even emotional because of the romance alone. I was emotional because this book quietly reminds you that heartbreak can distort how you see yourself, your future, and even the love sitting right in front of you. Sometimes healing isn’t dramatic. Sometimes it’s slow. Quiet. Found in small moments, long walks, awkward honesty, and someone choosing to stay.
And honestly? That might be the most romantic thing of all.
“Sometimes the love of your life is closer than you think.”
So now I need to know: are you a believer in fate and love-at-first-sight… or are you like me and slowly becoming convinced the best romances are the ones that build quietly over time until suddenly you can’t imagine life without that person?
#DreamingOfParis #CarolineStowe #RomanceBooks #BookReview #FakeDating #FriendsToLovers #SlowBurnRomance #ParisRomance #ContemporaryRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceReader #ARCReview #WomenWhoRead #CozyReads #BeachReads #SpringReads #HallmarkVibes #RomComBooks #EmotionalReads #Booklover #BooksCoffeeBrews
Jenna Westbrook immediately worked for me because she feels painfully human. She’s a relationship therapist whose own fiancé left her just days before their wedding, which honestly feels like the universe conducting a targeted attack on her entire career. Her confidence is shattered, her clients are slipping away, and now she has to attend her younger sister’s wedding in Paris while carrying around enough emotional baggage to qualify for an extra airline fee. The panic behind her decision to bring her neighbor Connor as a fake boyfriend felt messy in the most believable way. Not rom-com ridiculous. Real. The kind of decision someone makes at 2am after overthinking themselves into oblivion.
And Connor Blake? Oh this man absolutely ruined me.
Connor is the kind of romance hero who doesn’t need to dominate every room to leave an impression. He’s thoughtful. Observant. Protective without being controlling. Quietly devoted in ways that made my chest hurt a little. The more Jenna spiraled trying to figure out fate and destiny and the mysterious man from her dreams, the more Connor just kept showing up for her in all these gentle, steady ways that honestly felt far more romantic than any grand cinematic gesture. This book understands something a lot of romances miss: sometimes love is not fireworks. Sometimes it’s the person who notices when you’re overwhelmed and silently hands you coffee before you even ask.
The chemistry between Jenna and Connor builds slowly, naturally, and with this undercurrent of tension that kept me fully invested. Their banter felt easy and lived-in, like two people who already know each other’s rhythms but haven’t quite realized how deeply intertwined they’ve become. Watching that shift from friendship into something deeper gave me that warm ache I’m always chasing in romance novels.
And then there’s Paris itself, which honestly deserves co-star status. Caroline Stowe writes the city with so much warmth and sensory detail that I could practically smell espresso and fresh pastries while reading. The cafés, gardens, tiny streets, late-night walks, wine, music—it all creates this dreamy atmosphere that wraps around the story without overwhelming it. Paris isn’t just a setting here. It becomes part of Jenna’s emotional unraveling. Part fantasy. Part escape. Part mirror forcing her to confront what she actually wants.
What surprised me most is how much this story is really about healing and perception. Jenna spends so much of the book searching for certainty, signs, and destiny because trusting herself no longer feels safe after being abandoned. Watching her slowly realize that love isn’t always lightning strikes and dramatic fate—but consistency, safety, vulnerability, and choosing someone every day—hit me much harder than I expected.
“There’s a difference between chasing destiny and recognizing what’s already standing in front of you.”
Yeah. That line stayed with me.
And listen… if you’re someone who loves fake dating, neighbors-to-lovers, emotional slow burns, romantic travel vibes, emotionally supportive men, dual POVs, Hallmark energy with stronger emotional depth, and stories that leave you feeling soft and hopeful afterward, this is absolutely your book. It feels comforting without being boring. Romantic without becoming overly sugary. Emotional without drowning in melodrama. Honestly, it’s the kind of story you read curled up under a blanket with a latte or glass of wine while pretending your life is aesthetically coordinated.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
Also, Connor Blake deserves financial compensation for the amount of emotional labor and patience he performed in this book because whew. That man was fighting for his life in the friend zone while Jenna was chasing dream symbolism across Paris.
By the end, I wasn’t even emotional because of the romance alone. I was emotional because this book quietly reminds you that heartbreak can distort how you see yourself, your future, and even the love sitting right in front of you. Sometimes healing isn’t dramatic. Sometimes it’s slow. Quiet. Found in small moments, long walks, awkward honesty, and someone choosing to stay.
And honestly? That might be the most romantic thing of all.
“Sometimes the love of your life is closer than you think.”
So now I need to know: are you a believer in fate and love-at-first-sight… or are you like me and slowly becoming convinced the best romances are the ones that build quietly over time until suddenly you can’t imagine life without that person?
#DreamingOfParis #CarolineStowe #RomanceBooks #BookReview #FakeDating #FriendsToLovers #SlowBurnRomance #ParisRomance #ContemporaryRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceReader #ARCReview #WomenWhoRead #CozyReads #BeachReads #SpringReads #HallmarkVibes #RomComBooks #EmotionalReads #Booklover #BooksCoffeeBrews
April 24, 2026
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a charming, feel-good romance with Paris magic, lovable characters, and a soft emotional core. I think this is the kind of book people could enjoy any time of year.
First of all, can we talk about that cover? It is so cute. The moment I saw it, I expected something dreamy, pink, soft, and romantic, and in many ways, that is exactly what I got.
We follow Jenna, a relationship therapist whose own relationship has just fallen apart. Her almost-marriage ended only a week before the wedding, and I have to say, one thing I really kept thinking while reading was: six months is not enough time to be “over” something that big. Especially when family pressure keeps telling you that you should be fine already, that you should be moving on, maybe even in love again. I actually appreciated that the book touched on that pressure, because it felt very real. Sometimes people need time to fall apart a little before they can rebuild.
Then we meet Connor, the neighbor, a pilot, and also a friend of Jenna’s ex-fiancé Luke. From the start, it is clear Connor is hiding something. In his POV, you keep getting hints that there is something he wants to tell Jenna but keeps holding back.
And yes, the moment Jenna asks Connor, last minute, to go with her to Paris for her sister’s wedding, I knew exactly where this was going. I was like… these two are absolutely ending up together.
Did the predictability ruin it for me? Not at all.
I loved it.
It was sweet, comforting, and honestly exactly the kind of romance I enjoy.
The whole Marcel storyline was wild in the best way. Jenna’s mother tells her to put wedding cake under her pillow so she can dream of the man she is meant to be with, and then she actually dreams of a man and meets him the next day. I mean… dreams are crazy. That whole setup was so fun. And I loved that what seemed like the “dream man” was not actually the right man at all, because of course the real right person was Connor.
What made Connor especially lovable was that, even while carrying his own unresolved issues, he kept showing up for Jenna. He stays longer in Paris to help her chase this idea of a dream man. He supports her. He never shuts her down. He just wants her happy, even if it costs him. That made the romance work for me.
I also really enjoyed the writing style. It was easy, flowing, and effortless to read. I never struggled to stay engaged.
This is one of those cliché romances that knows exactly what it is, and delivers. Sometimes that is exactly what I want from a book.
This was a charming, feel-good romance with Paris magic, lovable characters, and a soft emotional core. I think this is the kind of book people could enjoy any time of year.
First of all, can we talk about that cover? It is so cute. The moment I saw it, I expected something dreamy, pink, soft, and romantic, and in many ways, that is exactly what I got.
We follow Jenna, a relationship therapist whose own relationship has just fallen apart. Her almost-marriage ended only a week before the wedding, and I have to say, one thing I really kept thinking while reading was: six months is not enough time to be “over” something that big. Especially when family pressure keeps telling you that you should be fine already, that you should be moving on, maybe even in love again. I actually appreciated that the book touched on that pressure, because it felt very real. Sometimes people need time to fall apart a little before they can rebuild.
Then we meet Connor, the neighbor, a pilot, and also a friend of Jenna’s ex-fiancé Luke. From the start, it is clear Connor is hiding something. In his POV, you keep getting hints that there is something he wants to tell Jenna but keeps holding back.
And yes, the moment Jenna asks Connor, last minute, to go with her to Paris for her sister’s wedding, I knew exactly where this was going. I was like… these two are absolutely ending up together.
Did the predictability ruin it for me? Not at all.
I loved it.
It was sweet, comforting, and honestly exactly the kind of romance I enjoy.
The whole Marcel storyline was wild in the best way. Jenna’s mother tells her to put wedding cake under her pillow so she can dream of the man she is meant to be with, and then she actually dreams of a man and meets him the next day. I mean… dreams are crazy. That whole setup was so fun. And I loved that what seemed like the “dream man” was not actually the right man at all, because of course the real right person was Connor.
What made Connor especially lovable was that, even while carrying his own unresolved issues, he kept showing up for Jenna. He stays longer in Paris to help her chase this idea of a dream man. He supports her. He never shuts her down. He just wants her happy, even if it costs him. That made the romance work for me.
I also really enjoyed the writing style. It was easy, flowing, and effortless to read. I never struggled to stay engaged.
This is one of those cliché romances that knows exactly what it is, and delivers. Sometimes that is exactly what I want from a book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dreaming of Paris, in a way, became dreaming in Paris and i was here for it. Stowe does a fantastic job of capturing the magic you'd imagine comes with a trip to Paris and the stereotypical (but true) beauty of it. She had me wanting to frolic under some cherry blossoms myself.
This book felt a bit redundant, but I don't think that could have been avoided. That's kind of the point of it in a way. Jenna and Connor both have things they are working through, and the mental process, the thoughts, the chaos of it, is necessary. This for me, though, is what brought it down to 3 stars. There were some amazing moments and some insanely beautiful lines, but the mental spiral of it felt too much for me.
Other things I liked:
- the plot twists were perfect and unexpected
- Connor is the perfect boy-next-door (absolutely adored him and his effort to help Jenna)
- i liked that both MCs had their own share of problems and they both grew together (quite literally)
- i loved the ending. movie-worthy scene for sure. i thought it was going to go a different way so i was pleasantly surprised at the turn of events.
- i loved the sudden change in Jenna's attitude. she was up for literally anything that would bring her to this guy that fate introduced.
My Favorite Lines
- It was time to shake off the frost and pretend that spring had arrived.
- But it has that... je ne sais quoi about it.
- "Can we eat all this?" Connor asked. She snickered. "We won't know if we don't try."
- She walked closer to the green-eyed man, drawn in like a lovesick moth to a radiant flame she had no power to resist.
If you like fake dating, neighbors-to-lovers, slow burn, and a second chance at love with a dreamy Paris setting, this one is for you.
Fake dating, slow burn, second chances, and Paris.
Thank you NetGalley and Harpeth Road Press for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book felt a bit redundant, but I don't think that could have been avoided. That's kind of the point of it in a way. Jenna and Connor both have things they are working through, and the mental process, the thoughts, the chaos of it, is necessary. This for me, though, is what brought it down to 3 stars. There were some amazing moments and some insanely beautiful lines, but the mental spiral of it felt too much for me.
Other things I liked:
- the plot twists were perfect and unexpected
- Connor is the perfect boy-next-door (absolutely adored him and his effort to help Jenna)
- i liked that both MCs had their own share of problems and they both grew together (quite literally)
- i loved the ending. movie-worthy scene for sure. i thought it was going to go a different way so i was pleasantly surprised at the turn of events.
- i loved the sudden change in Jenna's attitude. she was up for literally anything that would bring her to this guy that fate introduced.
My Favorite Lines
- It was time to shake off the frost and pretend that spring had arrived.
- But it has that... je ne sais quoi about it.
- "Can we eat all this?" Connor asked. She snickered. "We won't know if we don't try."
- She walked closer to the green-eyed man, drawn in like a lovesick moth to a radiant flame she had no power to resist.
If you like fake dating, neighbors-to-lovers, slow burn, and a second chance at love with a dreamy Paris setting, this one is for you.
Fake dating, slow burn, second chances, and Paris.
Thank you NetGalley and Harpeth Road Press for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you are looking for a fake dating, neighbors to more romance in a beautiful Parisian setting, this is the book for you!
Jenna is a therapist that is used to counseling couples through their marital troubles. But ever since her broken engagement, she seems to have lost her touch, or does she understand love at all? As she doubts herself and her profession, her sister’s wedding in Paris is right around the corner. She has zero desire to show up and witness everyone’s pity for her, so she asks Connor, her neighbor, to pose as her date for the wedding. If it was anyone else, Connor would have said no, but it is Jenna and he believes he owes her, given his involvement in her broken engagement, something he has never told her.
As these two peruse Paris, they get closer, but when Jenna conjures up a dream man, Connor agrees to help her find him, hoping he is making up for his part in her broken engagement. But the more they hang out together, the more sparks start to fly between them. Jenna has her eyes on one man, and it is the one from her dreams, but will he be who she imagines?
This totally gave off Hallmark vibes. I could see this all playing out in my head. I loved how dedicated Connor was to Jenna’s happiness, even when it meant ignoring his own. The chemistry was so wonderful, and their friendship and their Parisian plans were so wonderful to read about!
I gave this 4.5 stars, rounded to a 5 star read! It totally was what I was looking for in a romance when I picked it up!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Jenna is a therapist that is used to counseling couples through their marital troubles. But ever since her broken engagement, she seems to have lost her touch, or does she understand love at all? As she doubts herself and her profession, her sister’s wedding in Paris is right around the corner. She has zero desire to show up and witness everyone’s pity for her, so she asks Connor, her neighbor, to pose as her date for the wedding. If it was anyone else, Connor would have said no, but it is Jenna and he believes he owes her, given his involvement in her broken engagement, something he has never told her.
As these two peruse Paris, they get closer, but when Jenna conjures up a dream man, Connor agrees to help her find him, hoping he is making up for his part in her broken engagement. But the more they hang out together, the more sparks start to fly between them. Jenna has her eyes on one man, and it is the one from her dreams, but will he be who she imagines?
This totally gave off Hallmark vibes. I could see this all playing out in my head. I loved how dedicated Connor was to Jenna’s happiness, even when it meant ignoring his own. The chemistry was so wonderful, and their friendship and their Parisian plans were so wonderful to read about!
I gave this 4.5 stars, rounded to a 5 star read! It totally was what I was looking for in a romance when I picked it up!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
May 11, 2026
I'll be honest, this book wasn't really for me, but I was happy with how it ended. I definitely thought that Jenna was wearing rose-colored glasses for most of the book when it came to thinking Marcel was the love of her life. I also felt that Connor deserved so much better in this situation because Jenna had asked HIM to be her date to her sister's wedding and she just went off chasing after another guy based on a dream? Ummm, no thank you.
Even if this book may not have been for me, it did wrap up nicely. Once those glasses came off, everything seemed a bit more realistic when it came to the feelings between Connor and Jenna and I was happy that both were on the same page when it came other their feelings for each other. I did feel that when it came to Marcel being the photographer, Connor and Jenna's future was already hinted at especially when it came to the photo with them standing next to the wedding cake at Lauren's wedding.
One of my favorite quotes was:
"Sometimes all we need is a change in perspective to see the truth. Sometimes it’s time to look at something differently, from a new vantage point, and your eyes will be opened in ways they weren’t before."
While this book definitely wasn't my favorite, I do think that readers who are looking for a feel good romance about finding that the person you love is right in front of you, will enjoy this book.
Thank you BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Even if this book may not have been for me, it did wrap up nicely. Once those glasses came off, everything seemed a bit more realistic when it came to the feelings between Connor and Jenna and I was happy that both were on the same page when it came other their feelings for each other. I did feel that when it came to Marcel being the photographer, Connor and Jenna's future was already hinted at especially when it came to the photo with them standing next to the wedding cake at Lauren's wedding.
One of my favorite quotes was:
"Sometimes all we need is a change in perspective to see the truth. Sometimes it’s time to look at something differently, from a new vantage point, and your eyes will be opened in ways they weren’t before."
While this book definitely wasn't my favorite, I do think that readers who are looking for a feel good romance about finding that the person you love is right in front of you, will enjoy this book.
Thank you BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
May 3, 2026
Couple's therapist, Jenna, must go to Paris for her younger sister's wedding. With a failed engagement behind her and a struggling practice, the last thing she wants is to face her family's questions and worse, their pity. So why not bring a date? Cue her neighbor, Connor. Normally he’d refuse something like this, but because it’s Jenna—and because he feels guilty about his hidden role in her breakup, he agrees to be her date. Besides, he's dealing with his own issues and has some unexpected time on his hands. It's just for a few days right?
A few days turn into more as Jenna becomes convinced that fate has brought her to Paris because her "perfect man" is there. After all, she had a dream about a stranger, and then saw him in real life! Hoping to make amends by helping Jenna find happiness, Connor helps her in her desperate search for him all around the city. As they spend more time together, their connection deepens and the harder it becomes to ignore the growing attraction between them. Jenna thinks she knows exactly who she wants, but will reality match the fantasy?
I loved Jenna's enthusiasm, Connor's selflessness, and all of the true-to-life details and descriptions of Paris that made me feel like I was there too. This sweet story is the perfect mix of friendship, romance, and Parisian adventures. Who won't be dreaming of Paris?
A few days turn into more as Jenna becomes convinced that fate has brought her to Paris because her "perfect man" is there. After all, she had a dream about a stranger, and then saw him in real life! Hoping to make amends by helping Jenna find happiness, Connor helps her in her desperate search for him all around the city. As they spend more time together, their connection deepens and the harder it becomes to ignore the growing attraction between them. Jenna thinks she knows exactly who she wants, but will reality match the fantasy?
I loved Jenna's enthusiasm, Connor's selflessness, and all of the true-to-life details and descriptions of Paris that made me feel like I was there too. This sweet story is the perfect mix of friendship, romance, and Parisian adventures. Who won't be dreaming of Paris?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am writing to share my review of Dreaming of Paris by Caroline Stowe, which I highly recommend and have rated four out of five stars. I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of this novel before its scheduled release on April 16th. As this is the author’s second book, I enjoyed the experience so much that I plan to read her debut novel soon and look forward to her future work.
The story is beautifully written with a pace perfect for a relaxing weekend. I found the narrative so engaging that I stayed up late reading and picked it up again first thing the next morning. I particularly enjoyed the dual perspectives of the main characters and found the ending to be absolutely perfect.
The setting also held personal significance for me, as I have visited Paris twice—once as a young solo traveler and more recently with my husband and our two dogs. The book captures the magic of the city perfectly, from the historic sites to the general atmosphere, making it the ideal backdrop for a love story. It is a wonderful, dreamy escape that I highly recommend to anyone looking for an entertaining and moving read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harpeth Road Press for providing me with an ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
The story is beautifully written with a pace perfect for a relaxing weekend. I found the narrative so engaging that I stayed up late reading and picked it up again first thing the next morning. I particularly enjoyed the dual perspectives of the main characters and found the ending to be absolutely perfect.
The setting also held personal significance for me, as I have visited Paris twice—once as a young solo traveler and more recently with my husband and our two dogs. The book captures the magic of the city perfectly, from the historic sites to the general atmosphere, making it the ideal backdrop for a love story. It is a wonderful, dreamy escape that I highly recommend to anyone looking for an entertaining and moving read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harpeth Road Press for providing me with an ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Jenna Westbrook, was at the top of her game. She was engaged and was a very successful relationship therapist. But she hit rock bottom when her fiancé walked out just days before their wedding and then her clients started to fall away. If she couldn’t make her own relationship work, how in the world could she help them.
Jenna’s sister is getting married in Paris and Jenna know’s that she cannot show up alone. She convinces her neighbor, Conner to go with her as her stand-in boyfriend. Conner, dealing with his own issues, goes with her. Little did they know that each other and Paris is exactly what they needed.
“Dreaming of Paris” by Caroline Stowe is an amazing story of healing, adventure and finding new love in the most unexpected places. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Jenna and Conner and their banter had me laughing out loud.
This heartwarming story is exactly what I needed. I flew through the pages and couldn’t put the book down until the very end. The unexpected plot twists and turns were perfect. Stowe does an amazing job at her detailed description of the sights, sounds, scents and tastes of Paris. This amazing book has left me dreaming of Paris. I highly recommend this wonderful book.
Get your copy today!!
Jenna’s sister is getting married in Paris and Jenna know’s that she cannot show up alone. She convinces her neighbor, Conner to go with her as her stand-in boyfriend. Conner, dealing with his own issues, goes with her. Little did they know that each other and Paris is exactly what they needed.
“Dreaming of Paris” by Caroline Stowe is an amazing story of healing, adventure and finding new love in the most unexpected places. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Jenna and Conner and their banter had me laughing out loud.
This heartwarming story is exactly what I needed. I flew through the pages and couldn’t put the book down until the very end. The unexpected plot twists and turns were perfect. Stowe does an amazing job at her detailed description of the sights, sounds, scents and tastes of Paris. This amazing book has left me dreaming of Paris. I highly recommend this wonderful book.
Get your copy today!!
May 9, 2026
I have never had the privilege of visiting Paris, France, however, I studied it a lot while I took French in high school. It was always a place on my bucket list. While reading, I felt like I was transported there. It felt magical!
Jenna is introduced to us during the height of her struggle. She is trying to be a professional couple's therapist, but you can understand her pain and struggle after learning what she went through. It couldn't have been easy! And now she has to go to her younger sister's wedding? Talk about adding insult (albeit unintentional) to injury!
It doesn't take much for her to convince her neighbor, Connor, to join her on the trip. He feels a bit of guilt and responsibility for her breakup and since he is a pilot with some time off, he takes her up on the offer.
The chemistry between Jenna and Connor made for a fun read - especially the banter and laughter between them. It felt authentic and pure. Her search for her dream destiny man leads to an interesting journey through the city, adding a life lesson that shifts her life in incredible ways.
The bit of whimsy in this book makes you feel good all throughout. Caroline Stowe makes it feel like a dream that you are fully-living within.
Jenna is introduced to us during the height of her struggle. She is trying to be a professional couple's therapist, but you can understand her pain and struggle after learning what she went through. It couldn't have been easy! And now she has to go to her younger sister's wedding? Talk about adding insult (albeit unintentional) to injury!
It doesn't take much for her to convince her neighbor, Connor, to join her on the trip. He feels a bit of guilt and responsibility for her breakup and since he is a pilot with some time off, he takes her up on the offer.
The chemistry between Jenna and Connor made for a fun read - especially the banter and laughter between them. It felt authentic and pure. Her search for her dream destiny man leads to an interesting journey through the city, adding a life lesson that shifts her life in incredible ways.
The bit of whimsy in this book makes you feel good all throughout. Caroline Stowe makes it feel like a dream that you are fully-living within.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Caroline Stowe delivers a heartwarming and romantic story set in the City of Light. The author draws you into a world of emotional moments and second chances in this story of a relationship therapist who has an unexpected dream that sends her on a search for a man she believes is her destiny.
Jenna Westbrook is used to helping other people fix their relationships, not picking up the pieces of her own.
Jenna makes a last-minute decision to bring her neighbor Conner as her date to her sister’s wedding in Paris to avoid facing her judgmental family alone.
Conner seems like the perfect date but is harboring a secret of his own.
When a vivid dream sends Jenna on a search for a man she believes is her destiny, she begins to question whether destiny is something to be searched for.
Sometimes what we’re looking for has been right in front of us all along.
This heartwarming book will have you dreaming of Paris and rooting for Jenna to find her true destiny.
A romantic and dreamy book I highly recommend to totally get lost in. Thank you Caroline Stowe for sending me an eARC of this book.
Jenna Westbrook is used to helping other people fix their relationships, not picking up the pieces of her own.
Jenna makes a last-minute decision to bring her neighbor Conner as her date to her sister’s wedding in Paris to avoid facing her judgmental family alone.
Conner seems like the perfect date but is harboring a secret of his own.
When a vivid dream sends Jenna on a search for a man she believes is her destiny, she begins to question whether destiny is something to be searched for.
Sometimes what we’re looking for has been right in front of us all along.
This heartwarming book will have you dreaming of Paris and rooting for Jenna to find her true destiny.
A romantic and dreamy book I highly recommend to totally get lost in. Thank you Caroline Stowe for sending me an eARC of this book.
April 15, 2026
💗ARC Review🌸
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Available April 16, 2026
Dreaming of Paris by Caroline Stowe is a charming, feel-good romance that blends fake dating, self-discovery, and a touch of Parisian magic.
Jenna Westbrook, a relationship therapist struggling with heartbreak and self-doubt, brings her neighbor Connor along as her date to her sister’s wedding in Paris. What starts as a simple arrangement quickly deepens as they explore the city together, only for Jenna to become distracted by a vivid dream that sends her searching for the man she believes is her destiny.
Told in dual perspectives, this story leans into a slow-burn connection filled with quiet longing, unwavering support, and genuine friendship. Connor’s patience and care make their dynamic especially endearing, even as Jenna questions whether love is something to chase or something that’s been beside her all along.
Sweet, whimsical, and full of heart, this is a perfect escape for anyone who loves a Hallmark-style romance with a dreamy Parisian backdrop and a satisfying happily-ever-after.
Thank you the author for my advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Available April 16, 2026
Dreaming of Paris by Caroline Stowe is a charming, feel-good romance that blends fake dating, self-discovery, and a touch of Parisian magic.
Jenna Westbrook, a relationship therapist struggling with heartbreak and self-doubt, brings her neighbor Connor along as her date to her sister’s wedding in Paris. What starts as a simple arrangement quickly deepens as they explore the city together, only for Jenna to become distracted by a vivid dream that sends her searching for the man she believes is her destiny.
Told in dual perspectives, this story leans into a slow-burn connection filled with quiet longing, unwavering support, and genuine friendship. Connor’s patience and care make their dynamic especially endearing, even as Jenna questions whether love is something to chase or something that’s been beside her all along.
Sweet, whimsical, and full of heart, this is a perfect escape for anyone who loves a Hallmark-style romance with a dreamy Parisian backdrop and a satisfying happily-ever-after.
Thank you the author for my advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Beautiful setting, fanciful plot🗼🍰📸
3.5🌟 stars
For me, lovely, patient, generous airline pilot Connor, the neighbor Jenna convinces to accompany her on a quick visit to Paris as her plus one at her sister's wedding, is the best part of this romance built around a troubled marriage counselor who decides to fix her life by chasing a handsome stranger around Paris.
I just never got sympathetic to Jenna and her quest, especially when she seems to take Connor for granted over and over. And she's motivated by a dream, not even a concrete event to set her off. Fanciful stuff and not really my cup of tea. And it at times gets into psychological examination and discussions, sometimes sappy sentimentality, neither particularly appealing to me. Truth: I read to keep up the hope of a happy ending FOR CONNOR.
But the springtime, cherry blossom laden Paris backdrop, with the quaint shops, cobbled streets, Eiffel Tower looming over it all: good descriptions of the setting helped Connor to keep me reading.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
3.5🌟 stars
For me, lovely, patient, generous airline pilot Connor, the neighbor Jenna convinces to accompany her on a quick visit to Paris as her plus one at her sister's wedding, is the best part of this romance built around a troubled marriage counselor who decides to fix her life by chasing a handsome stranger around Paris.
I just never got sympathetic to Jenna and her quest, especially when she seems to take Connor for granted over and over. And she's motivated by a dream, not even a concrete event to set her off. Fanciful stuff and not really my cup of tea. And it at times gets into psychological examination and discussions, sometimes sappy sentimentality, neither particularly appealing to me. Truth: I read to keep up the hope of a happy ending FOR CONNOR.
But the springtime, cherry blossom laden Paris backdrop, with the quaint shops, cobbled streets, Eiffel Tower looming over it all: good descriptions of the setting helped Connor to keep me reading.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dreaming of Paris truly makes you dream of being in Paris. The love story unfolds while Jenna attends her sister’s wedding in the romantic city of Paris. Not wanting to attend her sister’s solo, she asked her neighbor, Connor, to be her pretend boyfriend. While this story sounds like a story we have all read, the steps to reach her final love were a fun change. Jenna dreams the night of the wedding about a man, and when sje wakes she is sure it is her true love. As Jenna is about to leave Paris, she sees the mysterious man she dreamt of, and the story unfolds as she chases him around Paris.
While I feel the ending is a bit predictable, Caroline Stowe’s steps of Jenna understand what love looks like creates a cute rom-com. My absolute favorite part of the book was Caroline creating the picture of Jenna and Connor walking the streets of Paris! While reading I longed to be back in Paris sipping a cafe and eating a baguette! She completely captured the feelings of being in this romantic city, and now I too “dream” of going back!
While I feel the ending is a bit predictable, Caroline Stowe’s steps of Jenna understand what love looks like creates a cute rom-com. My absolute favorite part of the book was Caroline creating the picture of Jenna and Connor walking the streets of Paris! While reading I longed to be back in Paris sipping a cafe and eating a baguette! She completely captured the feelings of being in this romantic city, and now I too “dream” of going back!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dreaming of Paris by Caroline Stowe —⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this book because it feels like stepping into a soft, dreamy world where everything is a little more meaningful and a little more magical. I picked it up because I already love Caroline Stowe’s writing, and she delivers that same heartfelt, emotional storytelling here. The Paris setting is beautifully described, with just enough detail to make it feel immersive without slowing the story down. It creates the perfect backdrop for a romance that feels both intimate and a little bit enchanting.
What made this a five star read for me was how well it balances romance with personal growth. Jenna’s journey feels genuine, and I loved watching her slowly open herself up to healing, love, and new possibilities. The emotional moments never feel forced, and the story has this quiet, hopeful tone that stays with you. It is the kind of book that leaves you feeling lighter after reading, especially if you enjoy romances that focus just as much on self discovery as they do on falling in love.
I really enjoyed this book because it feels like stepping into a soft, dreamy world where everything is a little more meaningful and a little more magical. I picked it up because I already love Caroline Stowe’s writing, and she delivers that same heartfelt, emotional storytelling here. The Paris setting is beautifully described, with just enough detail to make it feel immersive without slowing the story down. It creates the perfect backdrop for a romance that feels both intimate and a little bit enchanting.
What made this a five star read for me was how well it balances romance with personal growth. Jenna’s journey feels genuine, and I loved watching her slowly open herself up to healing, love, and new possibilities. The emotional moments never feel forced, and the story has this quiet, hopeful tone that stays with you. It is the kind of book that leaves you feeling lighter after reading, especially if you enjoy romances that focus just as much on self discovery as they do on falling in love.
May 13, 2026
Dreamy and unputdownable!
The Story:
When Jenna, a relationship counsellor in the US, is struggling with her own love life and career, the last thing she needs is a trip to Paris to celebrate her sister's wedding. More to shut her mother up than anything else, she asks her neighbour Connor to be her fake date for the wedding. After the wedding, Jenna is just prepared to return home, when she gets a vivid dream of a stranger, who might just be her soulmate! As she hunts down this mythical man, will she notice the man she has come to Paris with? Will she realize how he is falling for her?
My Thoughts:
Light and fluffy, this book had me turning pages. Connor, of course, was swoon worthy (Henry Cavill). Jenna was quite sweet too. Her character growth from being a rigid counsellor who does not believe in love to an open-minded woman was amazing. I did find her a bit irritating at places, but that was just USAians doing USAian things. Not her fault.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
4 stars!
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC.
The Story:
When Jenna, a relationship counsellor in the US, is struggling with her own love life and career, the last thing she needs is a trip to Paris to celebrate her sister's wedding. More to shut her mother up than anything else, she asks her neighbour Connor to be her fake date for the wedding. After the wedding, Jenna is just prepared to return home, when she gets a vivid dream of a stranger, who might just be her soulmate! As she hunts down this mythical man, will she notice the man she has come to Paris with? Will she realize how he is falling for her?
My Thoughts:
Light and fluffy, this book had me turning pages. Connor, of course, was swoon worthy (Henry Cavill). Jenna was quite sweet too. Her character growth from being a rigid counsellor who does not believe in love to an open-minded woman was amazing. I did find her a bit irritating at places, but that was just USAians doing USAian things. Not her fault.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
4 stars!
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jenna es terapeuta de parejas pero su propia vida amorosa es un desastre total después de que la dejaron plantada justo antes de casarse. Ya no cree mucho en lo que ella misma aconseja y todo le empieza a salir mal, incluso con sus pacientes la están abandonado.
Por cosas de la vida termina en París por la boda de su hermana aunque no tiene ganas de nada romántico. Pero todo cambia cuando tiene un sueño rarísimo con un hombre que siente demasiado real. Tanto que cuando lo ve en la calle jura que es el mismo tipo y decide seguirlo como si su vida dependiera de eso
Se queda en la ciudad, cancela todo y empieza una búsqueda medio intensa con Connor, su amigo, tratando de encontrar a ese desconocido que según ella es su destino. Lo que empieza como una idea loca se vuelve una obsesión y poco a poco todo se complica más de lo que esperaba.
Gracias NetGalley y al publicista por el ARC.
Por cosas de la vida termina en París por la boda de su hermana aunque no tiene ganas de nada romántico. Pero todo cambia cuando tiene un sueño rarísimo con un hombre que siente demasiado real. Tanto que cuando lo ve en la calle jura que es el mismo tipo y decide seguirlo como si su vida dependiera de eso
Se queda en la ciudad, cancela todo y empieza una búsqueda medio intensa con Connor, su amigo, tratando de encontrar a ese desconocido que según ella es su destino. Lo que empieza como una idea loca se vuelve una obsesión y poco a poco todo se complica más de lo que esperaba.
Gracias NetGalley y al publicista por el ARC.
April 16, 2026
Jenna and Connor's story is a fun one, though a bit more outrageous than I normally enjoy. Jenna is a therapist who is having to attend her sister's wedding in Paris. By herself. Until she gets the *brilliant* idea to ask her neighbor Connor, an airline pilot, to be her plus-one. What can go wrong with this story plot, right? Jenna and Connor are friends who plan to just get through the time and then head home. Until Jenna's mom's idea of putting a piece of wedding cake under her pillow to make her dream of her future husband gets in her head and she actually falls for it. Then the dream... which sends them on an unexpected and rather crazy run around the city of Paris for a few days. Because she actually saw the man from her dream so she has to meet him, right? It is pretty crazy, a bit unusual, but fun. I enjoyed it.
I received an ebook copy of this title from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received an ebook copy of this title from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
April 20, 2026
This was such a cute romance read! The characters were really well developed and I loved watching Jenna grow more comfortable with herself and the ending of her past relationship. I also loved the plot it was so original and fun. It allowed them to explore Paris and grow closer to each other while also adding a whimsical feel for the reader. I loved the descriptions of all the different places in Paris. Connor was so sweet and all the little gestures he did for her just made me swoon! No spoilers of course, but the dress, the picnic, the little details he told Marcel, all of it just made me love him even more. My only issue was that I couldn’t really tell what Marcel’s angle was. He seemed like a jerk at some times, but then he would act genuinely interested. I would recommend this to anyone needing a cute, swoony romance, especially in Spring! Thank you so much Caroline Stowe for giving me this arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A spontaneous fake boyfriend, a trip to Paris, a hint of delusion, and a side of secrets? Sold!
If fake relationship/boy next door romances are your vibe, you’ll love Dreaming of Paris! I flew through the book in just 1.5 days.
The main character is heartbroken and embarrassed from her previously failed engagement that ended just six months ago, and she has to fly to Paris tonight for her younger sister’s wedding. It would be so much easier if she had a new boyfriend to bring with her…so she finds one to play the role on very short notice!
The characters are relatable and I was able to visualize the Parisian setting and landscape with the vivid descriptions Caroline Stowe so effortlessly put into words.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
If fake relationship/boy next door romances are your vibe, you’ll love Dreaming of Paris! I flew through the book in just 1.5 days.
The main character is heartbroken and embarrassed from her previously failed engagement that ended just six months ago, and she has to fly to Paris tonight for her younger sister’s wedding. It would be so much easier if she had a new boyfriend to bring with her…so she finds one to play the role on very short notice!
The characters are relatable and I was able to visualize the Parisian setting and landscape with the vivid descriptions Caroline Stowe so effortlessly put into words.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was first attracted to this book because of the beautiful cover. Yes, I definitely judge books by their covers. I'm happy to say that the story behind the cover is just as beautiful!
Stowe takes two characters who are just neighbors of the "would you water my plants while I'm gone" type, and takes them to the most romantic city in the world. Connor is pretending to be Jenna's boyfriend for her sister's wedding, but they end up searching the city for days for a man Jenna dreamed of, then saw, and believes is "the one".
The writing in this book is so smooth that Ireally did buy into this story. I felt every emotion was real and the progression was plausible. It is a wonderful example of just what my heart wants out of a romance!
4.5 Stars.
Thanks to Harpeth Road/BooksGoSocial for the digital ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Stowe takes two characters who are just neighbors of the "would you water my plants while I'm gone" type, and takes them to the most romantic city in the world. Connor is pretending to be Jenna's boyfriend for her sister's wedding, but they end up searching the city for days for a man Jenna dreamed of, then saw, and believes is "the one".
The writing in this book is so smooth that Ireally did buy into this story. I felt every emotion was real and the progression was plausible. It is a wonderful example of just what my heart wants out of a romance!
4.5 Stars.
Thanks to Harpeth Road/BooksGoSocial for the digital ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
April 15, 2026
This was an advanced copy I got from NetGalley. I instantly fell in love with this story and was so excited to see how it would pan out. You will be taken on a magical little journey to Paris, where Jenna believes her fate could be hiding and waiting for her after have attending her sister’s wedding with her neighbour Connor who agrees to pretend to be her new boyfriend. I could not put this down once I started, and I could not stop laughing at the funny situations Jenna and Connor get themselves into whilst randomling exploring the streets of Paris searching for Jenna’s dream man. But who is her dream man? You need to read this to find out!
5 out of 5! This is a cute love story you will not want to miss out on.
5 out of 5! This is a cute love story you will not want to miss out on.
April 22, 2026
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
This book is about Jenna who is a relationship therapist in New Jersey who flies to Paris to celebrate the wedding of her younger sister, six months after her own wedding was cancelled by her fiance 1 week before the wedding. Jenna asks her neighbour, Connor to attend the weekend wedding with her as her "fake" boyfriend so her family will not "pity" her. Jenna does not believe in "love at first sight" but things happen in Paris that makes her change her mind. It is was heart warming story.
This is the first novel I have read by this author and I found her writing style to be very descriptive and I felt like I was in Paris with Jenna and Connor.
This book is about Jenna who is a relationship therapist in New Jersey who flies to Paris to celebrate the wedding of her younger sister, six months after her own wedding was cancelled by her fiance 1 week before the wedding. Jenna asks her neighbour, Connor to attend the weekend wedding with her as her "fake" boyfriend so her family will not "pity" her. Jenna does not believe in "love at first sight" but things happen in Paris that makes her change her mind. It is was heart warming story.
This is the first novel I have read by this author and I found her writing style to be very descriptive and I felt like I was in Paris with Jenna and Connor.
May 6, 2026
A dreamy escape set against the magical backdrop of Paris. The story follows Jenna, a relationship therapist trying to piece her life back together after heartbreak. What starts as a simple trip for her sister’s wedding quickly turns into unexpected connections, self-discovery, and a hint of fate.
What I really enjoyed was the beauty of Paris - cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, and those quiet moments that make you pause. The mix of romance and self-growth added a nice balance, making it more than just a typical love story.
The "dream" element added an interesting layer, though at times it felt predictable. Still, it kept the story engaging and gave it a soft, whimsical charm.
Overall, this is a comforting, feel-good romantic read.
What I really enjoyed was the beauty of Paris - cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, and those quiet moments that make you pause. The mix of romance and self-growth added a nice balance, making it more than just a typical love story.
The "dream" element added an interesting layer, though at times it felt predictable. Still, it kept the story engaging and gave it a soft, whimsical charm.
Overall, this is a comforting, feel-good romantic read.
May 16, 2026
Dreaming of Paris was so vivid and filled with Parisian imagery I actually had a dream about being in Paris while reading!! This book will take you to France and drop you in the middle of Jenna’s world and the relationships around her in the city of light. She is recently heartbroken but still hopeful for love. It’s in her nature as a marriage counselor. This story is beautiful and exciting while containing fake dating and a goose chase. At times I could taste the cup of coffee and felt the love jump off the page and it caused me to smile. The story is wholesome and will make you giddy. Jenna journey will having you pulling your hair but rooting for her all the same! If you like cutesy, dreamy romance give Dreaming of Paris a chance! 💕💗❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for this early copy.
I was giddy the whole time I read this book, which took only a day might I add.
I mean -
Fake dating 🥂
Friends to lovers 🥂
Declarations of love
Grand gestures 🥂
PARIS 🥂
Oui s'il vous plait 🤭🫶🏻
I really had the best time reading this. I look forward to reading more by Caroline Stowe.
There was just something so special and organic about this love story. There was twists, turns and roadblocks but it was all necessary and worth it. It’s a beautiful thing seeing two characters bloom into such a magical love that starts off so shy and sweet. This was definitely for me.
I was giddy the whole time I read this book, which took only a day might I add.
I mean -
Fake dating 🥂
Friends to lovers 🥂
Declarations of love
Grand gestures 🥂
PARIS 🥂
Oui s'il vous plait 🤭🫶🏻
I really had the best time reading this. I look forward to reading more by Caroline Stowe.
There was just something so special and organic about this love story. There was twists, turns and roadblocks but it was all necessary and worth it. It’s a beautiful thing seeing two characters bloom into such a magical love that starts off so shy and sweet. This was definitely for me.
April 23, 2026
3,75 ⭐
First of all, thanks to NetGalley as always for the ARC.
The setting in this book is fantastic! I really love how Caroline captures Paris in the pages of this novel. That said, I’m not sure if this was the right book for me. I devoured the first 30%, but then it started to drag for me until almost the end. I think Connor is a good character, but Jenna sometimes came across as irritating, and I couldn’t relate to her.
I also liked the premonitory dreams and the dreamy atmosphere.
Perfect if you like fake dating, Paris, and a lighthearted romance! I also think the cover is beautiful.
First of all, thanks to NetGalley as always for the ARC.
The setting in this book is fantastic! I really love how Caroline captures Paris in the pages of this novel. That said, I’m not sure if this was the right book for me. I devoured the first 30%, but then it started to drag for me until almost the end. I think Connor is a good character, but Jenna sometimes came across as irritating, and I couldn’t relate to her.
I also liked the premonitory dreams and the dreamy atmosphere.
Perfect if you like fake dating, Paris, and a lighthearted romance! I also think the cover is beautiful.
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