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Paris Wasn’t Ready for Her

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Elton Lowell has always dreamed of proving herself in the fashion industry, but that does not come without obstacles. With an ex who’s always put her down, a boss who seems to have it out for her, and the fast-paced demands of the City of Lights, Elle is at risk of losing everything.

Interning at Mode Coeur Magazine is her golden opportunity—except there's a catch. Three strikes, and she’s out. As Elle nears her third strike, she must fight to prove her worth, or she’ll be sent home. If she gets fired, she’ll also lose the man she’s falling for, her friends she has made in Paris, as well as the new life she has created.

As Elle navigates the cyclone of expectations, romance, and self-doubt, she’ll have to decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to achieve success—and whether it's worth losing herself along the way.

396 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2026

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About the author

Brettney Thompson

3 books11 followers
Brett has relocated to Alberta, Canada, with her husband, three kids, five dogs, two cats, and four goats. Outside of being a mom, Brett loves to read books, scrapbook, play sports, train in long-distance running, beer tasting, catch up with friends, and hang out with her pets. Brett has a serious love for chocolate and will hide it in the cupboard from her kids, so she doesn't have to share. Be sure to follow Brett on Instagram: @brettneythompsonauthor. Don't forget to leave a review on Goodreads or wherever you purchase your book!

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Hilary.
304 reviews14 followers
May 19, 2026
Whilst reading this, I felt like I was watching a mix of ‘Emily in Paris’, ‘Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Princess Diaries’
This book was a perfect blend of all 3 together and could totally see this played out in a movie or tv series!
I really enjoyed the characters and wish there would be spin offs of some of the side characters as they intrigued me!
Definitely recommend this one!
Profile Image for Nicole Alycia.
862 reviews42 followers
June 13, 2026
3.75/5 🌟

Elle has just landed her dream internship at a high end fashion magazine in Paris! She sets out on an adventure that will include new friends, new love, and Paris!

This book was a lot of fun to read! It was a feel good story about following your dreams and your heart and never giving up. Elle was an incredibly strong main character and I loved the messages this story was trying to get across! You really feel like you’re in Paris going through a Devil Wears Prada experience met with a little Emily in Paris. You wish you were living Elle’s life and meeting her friends. I also really enjoyed that the book focused so much more on the relationships than anything!

My only hang up with this story was the dialogue at times. It could feel a little stiff and took away from the overall story at times. But that is solely my opinion!

If you enjoy a feel good story I highly recommend this one!

TW: alcohol abuse, assault
Profile Image for KK.
17 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 13, 2026
This rom-com absolutely delivers the perfect blend of glamour, chaos, romance, and career ambition. Set against the dreamy backdrop of Paris, the story feels like a love letter to the city — charming cafés, fashion-filled offices, and enough romantic tension to keep you hooked from beginning to end.
The protagonist is incredibly relatable as she tries to survive her dream internship while navigating a ruthless, intimidating boss who gives serious Devil Wears Prada energy. Watching her balance ambition, self-doubt, friendships, and unexpected romance made the story feel both fun and emotionally grounded.
What really stood out were the quirky, well-rounded characters. Everyone felt vivid and memorable rather than one-dimensional, and the friendships added so much warmth and humor to the story. The romance itself was sweet, witty, and full of chemistry without overpowering the main character’s personal growth journey.
If you love stories like Emily in Paris mixed with The Devil Wears Prada, this book is an addictive, feel-good escape with heart, humor, and just the right amount of drama. Perfect for anyone who loves fashion, romance, ambitious heroines, and a little Parisian magic.
Profile Image for Sam Gagnon .
4 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2026
Paris Wasn’t Ready for Her reads like a movie you’d watch with your girlfriends at a sleepover. The Paris setting is immersive and day-dream worthy, and the romance development made me wanna jump on the next one-way flight to Charles de Gaulle. The moments of chaos are so relatable to anyone who is (or has been) an early 20-something in their life! I love that they’re paired with empowerment, self-discovery, and liberation in a way that inspires any one, of any age, to be the master of their own destiny.  For readers of “I Knew You Would Be Trouble” Thompson’s writing development in this book is incredible - I can’t wait to read what she writes next!
Profile Image for ChristysChapters.
41 reviews17 followers
June 26, 2026
*Thank you for the advanced copy*

PARIS WASN'T READY FOR HER IS A WONDERFUL GROWING INTO YOURSELF STORY THAT HAS A STEADY PACE AND A WHOLE CAST OF CHARACTERS THAT COMPLIMENT THE FMC SO WELL! THIS WAS THE PERFECT SUMMER READ WITH TOP TIER POP CULTURE REFERENCES, SOME NOSTALGIC 90’S THROW BACK COMMENTS AND DON’T FORGET THE ELITE BOARD GAME NODS. THIS REALLY ADDED TO THE FUN FASHION CONTENT AND DREAMY PARIS SETTING! THIS STORY DOES HAVE EMOTIONAL PARTS WITH FAMILY DRAMA, A TOXIC EX AND TOUGH PERSONAL DYNAMICS HANDLED WITH CARE. I REALLY HAD A PEACEFUL FEELING WHEN READING SOME OF THE CHARACTERS FANTASTIC EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. THE ROMANCE IS BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY AND THERE IS MORE THAN ONE! I LOVED IT AND HIGHLY FOR DEVIL WEARS PRADA FANS, EMILY IN PARIS FANS, POP CULTURE LOVERS, FASHION LOVERS, ROMANCE FANS AND ANYONE THAT WANTS A PERFECT VACAY READ!

Profile Image for Mackenzie RM.
1,464 reviews27 followers
June 12, 2026
Elle has always wanted to prove herself in the fashion world, so when she receives the opportunity to have an internship at Mode Coeur in Paris, she’s ecstatic. No one said the path to your dreams was easy though – Elle’s ex is always putting her down, her new boss seems out to get her, and the fast-paced demands of Paris has Elle at risk of losing it all.

PARIS WASN’T READY FOR HER is a heartwarming read with nostalgic vibes. It’s set in Paris for the most part and the author does a great job at setting the scene. The Parisian cafés, pastries, and local attractions are all points of reference for this story. The world of fashion is at the forefront of this novel, and though it’s something I know nothing about, the descriptions of all the beautiful clothing and outfits were just perfect. The fashion tips interspersed were a nice touch!

Elle is the main character and she’s a delight to get to know within these pages. She’s kind, level-headed, driven, and such a lovely person. I loved the friend group she has in her hometown and was overjoyed to befriend the new people she meets in Paris. I adored Olivier and Kensington – they are very well-rounded characters. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Louis, Elle and Kensington’s driver, he’s so lovely and just an all-around kindhearted man. The romance is beautiful and sweet. It is a slow development but feels so natural and authentic. I absolutely adore Wren and Elle together.

There’s a twist I didn’t expect, and I am not going to spoil it for you, but it worked so so well for the story. I couldn’t have been happier with the setup and outcome.

There’s plenty of pop culture references that I’m sure many readers will pick up on and love. I have to say, I probably missed most of them but that didn’t detract from my reading experience one bit.

This was my first read by this author, but I can tell she excels at writing vivid and dynamic characters and will be sure to pick up first novel soon!

I would like to thank the author, Brettney Thompson, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Corinne Soares.
43 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 14, 2026
I definitely agree with other reviewers who have compared this book to The Princess Diaries meets The Devil Wears Prada. It has all the charm of a 'fish out of water' story mixed with the glamorous and sometimes ruthless world of high fashion.

The story follows Elton (Elle), who lands her dream internship at Mode Coeur in Paris. Leaving behind her family and friends in Vancouver, she also leaves behind a toxic ex who insists he's changed and wants a second chance. As Elle settles into life in Paris, she forms meaningful friendships, meets a handsome new love interest, and begins navigating the challenges of working in one of the world's most competitive industries.

One of the book's strengths is how well the author captures both sides of the fashion world. Paris is portrayed as beautiful, exciting, and glamorous, but readers also get a glimpse into the grueling, cutthroat reality behind the scenes. As the story unfolds, you'll quickly understand why readers draw comparisons to The Devil Wears Prada, especially when it comes to Elle's experiences with her boss, Vivienne, at Mode Coeur.

The supporting cast is another highlight. Elle's new friends are fun, memorable, and add so much heart to the story. Their relationships help create the feeling that friends can truly become family when you're far from home. The romantic storyline is equally enjoyable, with Elle caught between a toxic ex from back home who insists he's changed and deserves another chance, and a charming new love interest she meets in Paris. Watching Elle navigate those relationships while also finding her footing in a new city adds an extra layer of growth and self-discovery to the story.

Overall, this was a fun, entertaining read for anyone who enjoys rom coms, fashion, found-family friendships, and a touch of workplace drama. As someone who loves pop culture, I also really appreciated all the references woven throughout the story, they added an extra layer of fun to an already charming book.

Thank you for my advanced copy given to me in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Ink.
933 reviews28 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 22, 2026

Paris Wasn't Ready for Her is a story that is as gorgeous as it is painfully relatable. Set in Paris in a dream internship at a fashion Magazine, Elton Lowell is doing her best to prove herself in one of the most competitive industries in the world. However, her boss is a complete so and so and her ex has systemically chipped away at her self-esteem by putting her down as if it was a sport and he was entering the world series.

Talking of baseball analogies. Mode Coeur Magazine has a strict policy for interns; three strikes and you are out. Not great if, like Elton, you already have two

Thompson is exceptionally gifted at placing the reader in the scene with the use of a wonderfully detailed aesthetic and ambient narrative. You can almost smell the spring air in Paris as the story progresses, rich in interactions, dialogue and a stunning attention to detail

That is the technical, true, but the story itself was at times painful due to it's utter relatability, and also pure delight when Elton sticks her heels in and will not be defeated! This book is the epitome of tenacity and endurance, fighting to achieve your dreams even if you have to give up your most precious things on the way

Thank you to the author, Brettney Thompson for this luscious ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 19, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book and found myself completely drawn into the story. Once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down! One of my favourite parts was how immersive the writing felt—it truly made me feel like I was part of the story, experiencing everything alongside the characters.

I’ve always dreamed of visiting Paris, and this book captured the atmosphere so beautifully that it really set the tone and made the setting feel magical and alive. The descriptions were vivid, and it was easy to picture every scene.

This is the second book I’ve read by Brettany, and it’s been amazing to see how much she has grown and excelled as a writer, especially in the way she develops her characters. Each character felt unique, relatable, and well thought out, which made the story even more enjoyable.

Writing a book is no easy task, and Brettany has done an incredible job creating a story that is engaging, heartfelt, and hard to put down. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating, heartfelt read. It’s definitely a book worth picking up!
Profile Image for kneecolereads.
280 reviews56 followers
May 31, 2026
𝘏𝘶𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

This was such an easy and fun read. It felt like grabbing coffee with your most fashionable friend while she tells you all the details of her life. Before I knew it, I was completely invested in Elle's journey as she tried to survive the pressure and chaos surrounding her dream internship.

Honestly, I know approximately two things about fashion and they are "black goes with everything" and "leggings are pants," but I absolutely loved all the fashion details and every outfit sounded incredible. The fashion tips sprinkled throughout were such a fun touch, and for a brief moment, I was convinced I could become stylish too.

Reading about Paris was also surprisingly healing. The last time I visited,we were judged for wearing leggings, so my relationship with Paris has been complicated ever since. This book may have repaired it.

The nostalgia in this book hit me right in the millennial heart. The Princess Diaries and Mary-Kate and Ashley mentions had me smiling at my Kindle. For times when the world feels like it's falling apart, this was the perfect book to escape into and remind yourself of simpler times.

Overall, this felt like a warm croissant of a book. If you're looking for an uplifting story about chasing dreams, finding your confidence, and figuring out who you are along the way, I highly recommend this.
Profile Image for Amanda Young.
15 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 26, 2026
I received this advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

Okay Emily in Paris & The Devil Wears Prada lovers, you need to read this one!

This was such a feel-good, comfort read. Full of millennial girl nostalgia in the best way possible. There were so many moments where I was like, “HAHA yes, bring me back". I also love when an author can make you love characters and loathe others entirely, and she did just that. 👀

Brettney’s writing style is full of humour that is so relatable and effortless. I found myself constantly smiling like a fool or laughing out loud. It just felt fun, familiar, and genuinely comforting from start to finish.

I really enjoyed this one! Thank you for the opportunity to get to know Elle!
Profile Image for Kendell.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 13, 2026
This book kept me intrigued from start to finish. The author does a great job of developing the characters throughout, often bringing in new elements and twists just when you think you have it all figured out. This story is the perfect summer read for anyone dreaming of love and that dream Paris vacation, you will be transported to the Parisian streets with the thoughtfully curated references and descriptive environmental elements. This book is not to be missed if you are a fan of a summer romance pool side read.
Profile Image for Renee Gagnon.
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 21, 2026
I really enjoyed Paris Wasn’t Ready for Her. It felt like the perfect mix of glamour, emotion, friendship, and romance, and the Paris fashion-world setting made it so easy to get swept up in the story. Elle felt relatable and authentic, especially in the way she navigates heartbreak, ambition, and big life changes. Overall, it was such a fun, heartfelt, escapist read that genuinely felt like watching a romantic movie unfold.
52 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 13, 2026

Huge thanks to the author Brettney Thompson for the ARC of Paris Wasn’t Ready For Her


This was such a fun, cute read! If you love The Devil Wears Prada or Emily in Paris, you’ll definitely want to check this one out. I usually stick to thrillers, so this was a really nice change of pace and the perfect little palate cleanser.

Release date: June 25, 2026
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 14, 2026
Great summer read. Story of following your dreams and overcoming adversity.

Characters you can fall in love with and dream with. Following along with Elton as she steps out of her comfort zone and starts her journey to Paris, taking the leap into the next chapter of her career and life.

Highly recommend. Good second book by Brettney Thompson
Profile Image for Jess (thrillingcuddles).
16 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 23, 2026
This was such a fun read! I devoured this in just a few days, which says a lot!
The book was giving The Devil Wears Prada vibes but with a different flair. The writing was energetic and captivating - it felt like these characters were friends! This is not my usual book I’d read but I’m so glad I branched out because I truly enjoyed it!

Thank you so much for the ARC, Brettney!
Profile Image for Talya.
157 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 2, 2026
París was a great idea.

Paris Wasn’t Ready for Her follows Elle Lowell, a dreamer determined to prove herself in the fashion world while dealing with a crazy ex, a toxic boss, and the nonstop pressure of living in Paris.
This book felt like a warm hug. It was exactly what I needed when the world felt like too much.
I fell in love with the characters, especially Elle and Kensington, and was completely invested in their journeys. It gave strong Emily in Paris and The Devil Wears Prada vibes, with a small hint of Cruella.
The relationships were genuine and realistic, especially leading up to the fashion show climax. Paris came alive through the descriptions, from the streets to the food. I finished the book and immediately went out to buy a croissant from a local French bakery.
It is cute, cozy, and full of charm. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a comforting bit of escapism.
Profile Image for Brettney Thompson.
Author 3 books11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 22, 2026
I had an absolute blast writing Paris Wasn’t Ready for Her. I’m hopeful that readers will connect with Elle and her story and love the self-development journey she takes! I do have to say, Olivier was SUCH a fun character to write 👠 Thank you to everyone who has read PWRFH 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews