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The Paris Proposal
Not yet published
Expected 6 Apr 27Jess, a Filipino-American woman on a work visa in Paris, devises a scheme to marry a Frenchman to extend her stay at the Louvre—and gets more than she bargained for when sparks fly as her Type-A ambition and her fake-husband Theo’s laissez-faire ways collide.
- GenresRomance
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 6, 2027
About the author
Kristen Chaudiere
2 books3 followersKristen Chaudière is a Chinese-Filipino American author born in Germany, raised in Northern California, and now living at her family’s wine estate in Provence.
A former Division I soccer player, she traded soccer fields for museums, working at the National Gallery in London, the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, and the Musée du Louvre in Paris before eventually trading art for wine and writing.
She lives and works on the wine estate with her husband and their two children, splitting her time between writing and the family wine business—and regularly attempting to convince her American friends that living on a vineyard is, in fact, still work.
The Paris Proposal is her debut novel, inspired in part by her own story.
She is represented by Stephen Barbara at InkWell Management.
A former Division I soccer player, she traded soccer fields for museums, working at the National Gallery in London, the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, and the Musée du Louvre in Paris before eventually trading art for wine and writing.
She lives and works on the wine estate with her husband and their two children, splitting her time between writing and the family wine business—and regularly attempting to convince her American friends that living on a vineyard is, in fact, still work.
The Paris Proposal is her debut novel, inspired in part by her own story.
She is represented by Stephen Barbara at InkWell Management.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy
Jess O’Connor arrives in Paris hoping to rebuild her life after losing her job and ending a nine-year relationship. Her fresh start at the Louvre seems perfect until a visa problem threatens everything she has worked for.
Then she meets Theo Fizel, a charming French filmmaker and winemaker’s son who has no interest in following a carefully planned life. What begins as a chance encounter in the Paris Métro soon turns into an unexpected arrangement that could solve both their problems.
Pretending to be engaged should be simple. Keeping their growing attraction out of the equation is another story. As Jess discovers more of Paris, Theo, and herself, the line between a temporary solution and something real becomes harder to ignore.
This was such a fun and romantic read. I loved Jess’s organized, ambitious personality and the way Theo constantly challenged her carefully planned approach to life. Their chemistry was one of my favorite parts, especially their witty conversations and the gradual shift from an unusual arrangement to something much more meaningful.
I also enjoyed how Paris became part of the story rather than simply serving as a backdrop. The Louvre, the cafés, the countryside, and the overall French setting gave the romance a warm, charming atmosphere.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy contemporary romance, fake relationships, opposites attract, witty banter, and stories about starting over.
I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
Then she meets Theo Fizel, a charming French filmmaker and winemaker’s son who has no interest in following a carefully planned life. What begins as a chance encounter in the Paris Métro soon turns into an unexpected arrangement that could solve both their problems.
Pretending to be engaged should be simple. Keeping their growing attraction out of the equation is another story. As Jess discovers more of Paris, Theo, and herself, the line between a temporary solution and something real becomes harder to ignore.
This was such a fun and romantic read. I loved Jess’s organized, ambitious personality and the way Theo constantly challenged her carefully planned approach to life. Their chemistry was one of my favorite parts, especially their witty conversations and the gradual shift from an unusual arrangement to something much more meaningful.
I also enjoyed how Paris became part of the story rather than simply serving as a backdrop. The Louvre, the cafés, the countryside, and the overall French setting gave the romance a warm, charming atmosphere.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy contemporary romance, fake relationships, opposites attract, witty banter, and stories about starting over.
I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, thank you, Abrams, for letting me get an e-ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
4/5 — stars
I have to say that I don’t particularly like the fake relationship trope, but this was set in Paris, and Jess, our FMC, is working at the Louvre, so I was really interested because of that. And I have to say, I really liked this book.
I got Jess so much. I personally like things to be organised and under control, and I’m a Type A person, so I found it so fun that Theo is the complete opposite. He is just dancing through life (wicked reference on my part).
Their banter was witty but sweet, and I loved when he called her Jessalyn and she called him Theodore.
It was a fun, easy read. The chapters were short, the story was fast-paced, and their banter was witty and such a pleasure to read.
My only problem was the same one I had with another book, which was that there were phrases in French without a translation. I like when they have the translation in italics, like in some books I have read. And while you can assume the meaning of the phrases from the context, my Type A personality couldn’t just assume. I had to know exactly what it meant, so it took me out of the story whenever I came across one.
But other than that, I really liked it, and if you aren’t like me in that aspect, you would probably love this book.
- Force proximity
- Third person
- Paris setting
4/5 — stars
I have to say that I don’t particularly like the fake relationship trope, but this was set in Paris, and Jess, our FMC, is working at the Louvre, so I was really interested because of that. And I have to say, I really liked this book.
I got Jess so much. I personally like things to be organised and under control, and I’m a Type A person, so I found it so fun that Theo is the complete opposite. He is just dancing through life (wicked reference on my part).
Their banter was witty but sweet, and I loved when he called her Jessalyn and she called him Theodore.
It was a fun, easy read. The chapters were short, the story was fast-paced, and their banter was witty and such a pleasure to read.
My only problem was the same one I had with another book, which was that there were phrases in French without a translation. I like when they have the translation in italics, like in some books I have read. And while you can assume the meaning of the phrases from the context, my Type A personality couldn’t just assume. I had to know exactly what it meant, so it took me out of the story whenever I came across one.
But other than that, I really liked it, and if you aren’t like me in that aspect, you would probably love this book.
- Force proximity
- Third person
- Paris setting
October 1, 2026
Jess and Theo’s story was so cute!!!
I love a good Paris romance. Especially when the writing completely transports me to the setting. I really enjoyed seeing Jess explore Paris and then her trip to Provence with Theo. I honestly felt like I was sipping wine, hiking, and eating pate with the characters.
Jess was a great FMC. Sure she was a little quirky and was very Type A, but she was relatable. Theo was her perfect match, and I love how he literally saved her from being mugged (or worse) when they met.
I would say having more translations for the French would have been helpful. I at least had my kindle to help, but for those reading a physical book, have Google Translate on hand.
I didn’t completely understand the purpose of Sophie. I think she could have been kept out. Same with Henri…I wanted more depth there.
This was a super cute story. I will definitely read more from this author.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good Paris romance. Especially when the writing completely transports me to the setting. I really enjoyed seeing Jess explore Paris and then her trip to Provence with Theo. I honestly felt like I was sipping wine, hiking, and eating pate with the characters.
Jess was a great FMC. Sure she was a little quirky and was very Type A, but she was relatable. Theo was her perfect match, and I love how he literally saved her from being mugged (or worse) when they met.
I would say having more translations for the French would have been helpful. I at least had my kindle to help, but for those reading a physical book, have Google Translate on hand.
I didn’t completely understand the purpose of Sophie. I think she could have been kept out. Same with Henri…I wanted more depth there.
This was a super cute story. I will definitely read more from this author.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
9.28.2026
so so so fucking good oh my gosh. need everyone to read this. if you love joss richard's books, you will love the paris proposal too!
so so so fucking good oh my gosh. need everyone to read this. if you love joss richard's books, you will love the paris proposal too!
Review of advance copy
No entendí como Jess puedo estar 10 años con N, no se que le vio.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews