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A Friend in Paris
Friendship between a talented young artist and her handsome French neighbor is a promising start—until it’s not enough.
April promised her dying father she would study painting in Paris, but friends are few, her budget is tight, and her landlord increasingly won’t take "no" for an answer. Then she meets Victor.
Victor is as chivalrous as he is wealthy, and if it weren't for him, April would have already left the City of Light behind. Too bad Victor still has eyes for his ex-girlfriend, who is now back on the scene and wants to get married.
Although April and Victor swore to remain just friends, magical Paris seems to weave a different spell. The more their connection deepens, the more it becomes difficult to keep a proper distance. Or to remember why they should.
A clean & wholesome romance
April promised her dying father she would study painting in Paris, but friends are few, her budget is tight, and her landlord increasingly won’t take "no" for an answer. Then she meets Victor.
Victor is as chivalrous as he is wealthy, and if it weren't for him, April would have already left the City of Light behind. Too bad Victor still has eyes for his ex-girlfriend, who is now back on the scene and wants to get married.
Although April and Victor swore to remain just friends, magical Paris seems to weave a different spell. The more their connection deepens, the more it becomes difficult to keep a proper distance. Or to remember why they should.
A clean & wholesome romance
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2018
93 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Goutet
38 books639 followersJennie Goutet is the best-selling author of eighteen historical romances, including the Clavering Chronicles, Memorable Proposals, and The Bridwells’ Grand Tour series. Her books have received first place in historical romance for the New England Reader’s Choice Awards and have hit the number one spot in Regency Romance on Amazon. They have been featured on BookBub and Hoopla, and are translated into six languages. Jennie is an American-born Anglophile who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside of Paris, but her imagination resides in Georgian England, where her proper historical romances are set. You can learn more about Jennie’s books and sign up for her newsletter on her author website, jenniegoutet.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 29, 2018
What I enjoyed most about this book was how it consistently returned to its theme of friendship (it was aptly named!). Our heroine, April, has her challenges but is luckily at the age when friends are easy to find--and she does, in spades. If you like Paris, if you like a good old happy ending, you'll like "A Friend in Paris." There's even a recipe at the back of the book. A good book for a rainy winter day.
November 27, 2018
I enjoyed Jennie Goutet's A Noble Affair and looked forward to her next novel. Fortunately, this contemporary clean romance was worth the wait—and then some. When Victor meets April, an artist visiting Paris, their attraction to each other is almost immediate (despite the untenability of their relationship), and the slow-building emotions that deepen their initial attraction is especially compelling in this luscious Paris setting.
Goutet takes risks with the obstacles blocking the paths of her hero and heroine, and it's worth noting that April's virtue and Victor's chivalry are not heavy-handed or preachy. Instead, I found Goutet's characters charmingly believable in their desire to do the right thing, and I rooted for them as they realized they might be perfect for each other...were it not for one or two major impediments!
Goutet's signature elegance of prose and playful dialogue make this another must-read romance. Treat yourself (and other romance readers on your holiday list) to this absolute treat of a love story.
Goutet takes risks with the obstacles blocking the paths of her hero and heroine, and it's worth noting that April's virtue and Victor's chivalry are not heavy-handed or preachy. Instead, I found Goutet's characters charmingly believable in their desire to do the right thing, and I rooted for them as they realized they might be perfect for each other...were it not for one or two major impediments!
Goutet's signature elegance of prose and playful dialogue make this another must-read romance. Treat yourself (and other romance readers on your holiday list) to this absolute treat of a love story.
November 30, 2018
I felt transported to Paris in this book about friendship and falling in love. The city was drawn as both real, and at the same time, magical. The main character was easy to relate to, and I enjoyed being introduced to the author's unforgettable cast of characters. A good choice for fans of Paris and fans of romance!
January 22, 2022
This book had my attention the whole time, it had turns that you wouldn’t have expected and was just adorable all around. I definitely recommend!!!
December 4, 2018
This book held my attention from beginning to end. I read it on a long plane ride from the US to Australia. It bought Paris to life with familiar scenes as well as the characters involved. Jennie Goutet knows how to paint a picture with words and bring emotions of her characters to the surface.. The author also threw in french phrases and culture which was much appreciated.
The suspense grew throughout the book in several situations until it began to come together toward the end. It kept me on my toes and wanting to read more. (I'm trying to be vague as not to give anything away). It's a good read.
The suspense grew throughout the book in several situations until it began to come together toward the end. It kept me on my toes and wanting to read more. (I'm trying to be vague as not to give anything away). It's a good read.
December 3, 2018
What a joy to read! I love books about Paris and this clean romance was no exception. Friendship, romance, struggles, and of course... Paris! Perfect for readers of romance and people who love Paris (who doesn't?!?)!!
November 27, 2018
A Friend in Paris is rich with everything a romance needs and more– drama, plot twists, characters you’ll fall in love with…and some you’ll love to despise. The setting of Paris and the wonderful descriptions are added bonuses! I devoured this book in two sittings. Highly recommended for people who want to get swept away in a wonderful read.
March 20, 2019
A Friend in Paris by Jennie Goutet is a truly sweet-romance, deliciously French, and satisfyingly entrancing.
Premise: Protagonist April is an artist intent on following her dreams around the world, carrying on her father’s legacy through paintings. While studying in Paris she falls quickly in love with wealthy French entrepreneur Victor. Multiple obstacles come between them and their dreams; from creepy stalkers, to ex-lovers, to jealous rivals. Through it all April and Victor face one challenge after another with determination and tenacity, all whilst creating beautiful new friendships and inspired art in the City of Lights.
Criticisms: A few minor descriptive inconsistencies sprang up in the first few chapters; though they do not detract from the overall story. Additionally some descriptive phrases seemed more visceral than suitable for the overall tone of the rest of the story.
Strengths: A great mix of exciting action scenes, thoughtful dialogue, character introspection, and pretty world-building. Very well balanced, which made for a seamless flow throughout the entire novel. I read it in one afternoon; hard to put down as every part compels the story forward in a captivating way. Also, this is a totally sweet clean romance; hard to find; yet, does not compromise on the heat and passion we need to feel connected to a true romance. Finally, it makes me hungry for all these amazing sounding French recipes!
Overall: I enjoyed this novel very much and would certainly recommend it.
Premise: Protagonist April is an artist intent on following her dreams around the world, carrying on her father’s legacy through paintings. While studying in Paris she falls quickly in love with wealthy French entrepreneur Victor. Multiple obstacles come between them and their dreams; from creepy stalkers, to ex-lovers, to jealous rivals. Through it all April and Victor face one challenge after another with determination and tenacity, all whilst creating beautiful new friendships and inspired art in the City of Lights.
Criticisms: A few minor descriptive inconsistencies sprang up in the first few chapters; though they do not detract from the overall story. Additionally some descriptive phrases seemed more visceral than suitable for the overall tone of the rest of the story.
Strengths: A great mix of exciting action scenes, thoughtful dialogue, character introspection, and pretty world-building. Very well balanced, which made for a seamless flow throughout the entire novel. I read it in one afternoon; hard to put down as every part compels the story forward in a captivating way. Also, this is a totally sweet clean romance; hard to find; yet, does not compromise on the heat and passion we need to feel connected to a true romance. Finally, it makes me hungry for all these amazing sounding French recipes!
Overall: I enjoyed this novel very much and would certainly recommend it.
March 27, 2019
This review is of a Friend in Paris by Jennie Goutet.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Although there is danger and destruction in this book, the underlying story is a gentle one of friendship, trust, support, and love.
April is alone in the world and has come to Paris on her own to improve her painting. She hoards her father’s last paintings not only because she loves them, but because selling them one by one will pay for her way in life. Victor works with his father acquiring businesses. It’s what he is expected to do, but lately he’s not so sure it’s the right job for him. And the woman he is supposed to marry, she isn’t right for him either.
Victor and April meet when Victor finds her painting in the secure courtyard of the building where he, where they both, live. Lucas, April’s landlord’s son, is one of the people who bring April and Victor closer together. Lucas becomes violent when he finally realizes April won’t have him, and Victor is there to be the hero. As Lucas continues to make his presence know throughout the story, April begins to rely on Victor for his friendship, protection, advice, and support. And Victor begins to turn into the person he wants to be: someone who can stand on his own two feet without having to run everything past his father first and to break off his marriage plans with the woman he doesn’t love.
The characters are well developed and the story line flows nicely with plenty of twists and turns. Do April and Victor become more than friends? You will have to read the beautiful book to find out!
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Although there is danger and destruction in this book, the underlying story is a gentle one of friendship, trust, support, and love.
April is alone in the world and has come to Paris on her own to improve her painting. She hoards her father’s last paintings not only because she loves them, but because selling them one by one will pay for her way in life. Victor works with his father acquiring businesses. It’s what he is expected to do, but lately he’s not so sure it’s the right job for him. And the woman he is supposed to marry, she isn’t right for him either.
Victor and April meet when Victor finds her painting in the secure courtyard of the building where he, where they both, live. Lucas, April’s landlord’s son, is one of the people who bring April and Victor closer together. Lucas becomes violent when he finally realizes April won’t have him, and Victor is there to be the hero. As Lucas continues to make his presence know throughout the story, April begins to rely on Victor for his friendship, protection, advice, and support. And Victor begins to turn into the person he wants to be: someone who can stand on his own two feet without having to run everything past his father first and to break off his marriage plans with the woman he doesn’t love.
The characters are well developed and the story line flows nicely with plenty of twists and turns. Do April and Victor become more than friends? You will have to read the beautiful book to find out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2019
A lovely read which I found extra interesting for its authentic French content. The author clearly has personal experience of the locale and understands the French psyche, and so she succeeds beautifully in placing us right in the middle of everyday Paris, showing us the high life of a successful mergers-and-acquisitions specialist, the middle-class social circle of a group of ambitious young professionals, and the modest living conditions of a young aspiring artist. The book is all the richer for this honest immersion into Parisian culture. The love story develops slowly; as the title suggests, it starts as an unlikely friendship between a French man and an American girl with virtually nothing in common, except that they are both dealing with a recent emotional wound albeit for their own different reasons.
April (our young heroine) speaks almost no French, but luckily the art course she attends is conducted in English and most of the people she comes across are well educated and willing to speak her language. That part is perhaps a bit of a stretch, in my personal experience, but whatever. The storyline has some original elements, and the narration is captivating. Good character development and enough secondary players to keep things interesting. The romance is squeaky clean, and my only criticism is that it lacks a certain warmth. When a story has a predictable outcome, the journey is important, and I would have liked a little more commitment from the heroine on her way to her HEA.
April (our young heroine) speaks almost no French, but luckily the art course she attends is conducted in English and most of the people she comes across are well educated and willing to speak her language. That part is perhaps a bit of a stretch, in my personal experience, but whatever. The storyline has some original elements, and the narration is captivating. Good character development and enough secondary players to keep things interesting. The romance is squeaky clean, and my only criticism is that it lacks a certain warmth. When a story has a predictable outcome, the journey is important, and I would have liked a little more commitment from the heroine on her way to her HEA.
December 31, 2018
A Friend in Paris charmed me, from the characters to the rich details of the Paris setting and glimpse into the world of art school and painting.
April might be in Paris to learn about painting on her first stop on a global journey to discover inspiration and artistic technique after her father’s death, but she’s not immune to the smoldering good looks of her neighbor, Victor. She’s also not immune to the unsavory nature of her leering landlord, a menacing presence who drives a lot of the plot forward as April learns to navigate her future without the safety net she thought she had from her father’s estate.
An engagement and an attack, a baby and a betrayal are only some of the twists and turns that await April in a city awash in cobblestone streets and picturesque landscapes. One of my favorite parts of A Friend in Paris is how thoroughly Goutet fleshes out minor characters as well as her main players. She keeps her finger firmly on the pulse of her main plot while introducing the reader to secondary characters with stories of their own.
I always enjoy a heroine with a mind of her own, and April fits the mold without seeming cliche. The overall tone of the story offers hope—for love, for redemption, and for the fulfillment of dreams—the perfect way to end one year and welcome in the new.
April might be in Paris to learn about painting on her first stop on a global journey to discover inspiration and artistic technique after her father’s death, but she’s not immune to the smoldering good looks of her neighbor, Victor. She’s also not immune to the unsavory nature of her leering landlord, a menacing presence who drives a lot of the plot forward as April learns to navigate her future without the safety net she thought she had from her father’s estate.
An engagement and an attack, a baby and a betrayal are only some of the twists and turns that await April in a city awash in cobblestone streets and picturesque landscapes. One of my favorite parts of A Friend in Paris is how thoroughly Goutet fleshes out minor characters as well as her main players. She keeps her finger firmly on the pulse of her main plot while introducing the reader to secondary characters with stories of their own.
I always enjoy a heroine with a mind of her own, and April fits the mold without seeming cliche. The overall tone of the story offers hope—for love, for redemption, and for the fulfillment of dreams—the perfect way to end one year and welcome in the new.
March 14, 2019
April is in Paris to study art. She has a dream and is determined to live out the wish of her dying father—she would go to the various art centers to study art. When she meets Victor she is not in the market for a romance which is good because Victor still has eyes for his ex-girlfriend who wants to get married. Circumstances lead to April and Victor becoming friends but can they be more than friends?
A Friend in Paris draws you into April’s life. You get a sense of her ambition as well as her loneliness now that her father is dead. April’s dream propels her forward and the reader finds themselves rooting for her. She’s in a foreign country surrounded by a number of people who seem to have their own agenda but April is very good at remaining aloof from entanglements. Until she meets Victor. His chivalry carves out a place in her heart and the two become friends.
Goutet does a good job of transporting her reader to the City of Lights and the drama that her characters found themselves in. This was a good, clean read—perfect for readers who want a good romance without the heavy stuff.
A Friend in Paris draws you into April’s life. You get a sense of her ambition as well as her loneliness now that her father is dead. April’s dream propels her forward and the reader finds themselves rooting for her. She’s in a foreign country surrounded by a number of people who seem to have their own agenda but April is very good at remaining aloof from entanglements. Until she meets Victor. His chivalry carves out a place in her heart and the two become friends.
Goutet does a good job of transporting her reader to the City of Lights and the drama that her characters found themselves in. This was a good, clean read—perfect for readers who want a good romance without the heavy stuff.
May 17, 2020
I just discovered this author and have read in rapid-fire some of her novels. I started with two regency stories and then this was my third - which takes place in present day. While I found the regency stories to be more natural, I still loved elements of story-telling in this book. The diction is wonderful! I loved the use of French (it was incorporated in a tasteful way that was not distracting or disruptive). I enjoyed the characters, especially Mishou. I felt that there could have been a little more depth or conclusion given to the villain characters: Margeux and Ben, especially.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and the development of the characters and plot.
NOTE: I love to read indie / self-published authors, but I will say there are a few editing errors. Which is just bound to happen, regardless of an author's efforts to present a flawless and well edited piece. As an amateur book editor, I highlight any errors as I read. This one had at least 5, but still that is to be commended in a book of this length.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and the development of the characters and plot.
NOTE: I love to read indie / self-published authors, but I will say there are a few editing errors. Which is just bound to happen, regardless of an author's efforts to present a flawless and well edited piece. As an amateur book editor, I highlight any errors as I read. This one had at least 5, but still that is to be commended in a book of this length.
September 6, 2022
This is an incredibly charming story of young artist April who, while innocently endearing, is also brave and delightful. She meets this young man, Victor, who at first seems to be outrageously arrogant. However, he is drawn in by her innocence and beauty both inside and out.
It is a lavish romantic picture of Paris - and yet the characters were the most enticing part of the story for me. Friendship is the center theme of the story where we meet such diverse characters that give great depth to the overall storyline.
Victor and April have a delightful friendship just budding into romance, wherein Victor — through his friendship with April and the wisdom of his delightful grandmother — is himself budding into a wonderful and endearing man. However, a serious and unexpected development appears that may alter the course of their relationship permanently.
Definitely a heartwarming read that I would highly recommend!
It is a lavish romantic picture of Paris - and yet the characters were the most enticing part of the story for me. Friendship is the center theme of the story where we meet such diverse characters that give great depth to the overall storyline.
Victor and April have a delightful friendship just budding into romance, wherein Victor — through his friendship with April and the wisdom of his delightful grandmother — is himself budding into a wonderful and endearing man. However, a serious and unexpected development appears that may alter the course of their relationship permanently.
Definitely a heartwarming read that I would highly recommend!
September 2, 2019
Wealthy entrepreneur Victor comes across April painting and is drawn to her from the start. April is an art student, following her father's dream for her to study around the world. When danger lurks closer and closer to April, she relies on Victor for help. However, Victor's ex-fiance has returned. Can these two find love?
This was a really sweet story. April and Victor were both interesting and compelling characters, and I enjoyed following them. April's struggles were believable and I really felt bad for her with everything she had to face. Victor's decisions were understandable, even though I was frustrated with the situation he was in.
The writing was smooth and enjoyable. The plot moved at a good pace.
For readers of contemporary romance, I would recommend this sweet novel! I received a free copy from the author and all opinions expressed are my own.
This was a really sweet story. April and Victor were both interesting and compelling characters, and I enjoyed following them. April's struggles were believable and I really felt bad for her with everything she had to face. Victor's decisions were understandable, even though I was frustrated with the situation he was in.
The writing was smooth and enjoyable. The plot moved at a good pace.
For readers of contemporary romance, I would recommend this sweet novel! I received a free copy from the author and all opinions expressed are my own.
May 11, 2019
I really enjoyed the book, and thank you librarything for the chance to read it!
It's a book with engaging characters, interesting plot with twists and turns, about friendship, love and what it means to have someone by your side when life is playing hard on you!
Also I really enjoyed the way the author described the colours of Paris! It's the way that makes me fall in love one more time with this city!
It's a book with engaging characters, interesting plot with twists and turns, about friendship, love and what it means to have someone by your side when life is playing hard on you!
Also I really enjoyed the way the author described the colours of Paris! It's the way that makes me fall in love one more time with this city!
January 15, 2019
This story was amazing. I loved the story, the characters, everything. It was such a good book. I look forward to reading more books by this author, especially since she also writes Regency, my favorite genre.
Content: clean - some violence, unwed mother
Content: clean - some violence, unwed mother
January 26, 2019
This book proves that so-called “sweet romance” can be every bit as deep, nuanced and passionate as the sexier books in the romance genre. The atmosphere in Paris is deftly evoked and the relationship between April and Victor is beautifully painted. I highly recommend this book. Gorgeous.
December 19, 2022
A Friend in Paris: A Sweet French Romance--PG
Violence: attempted assault, stalking, fisticuffs
Language: no
Sex: no
I was bored by this book. The heroine is very brave; the Hero is an emotional quagmire. There were some tense moments because of the villain, but not enough to carry the book.
Violence: attempted assault, stalking, fisticuffs
Language: no
Sex: no
I was bored by this book. The heroine is very brave; the Hero is an emotional quagmire. There were some tense moments because of the villain, but not enough to carry the book.
February 18, 2019
It was okay. I honestly bought this book just to read the ending because the blurb drew me in so much, in that way I wasn't disappointed at all.
May 10, 2019
So sweet- a true delight to read. If nothing, I now want to visit Paris.
February 2, 2019
A wonderful clean romance set in Paris! April and Victor, an art student and a wealthy businessman. A budding friendship that grows into a sweet courtship. Yet it's not quite that simple. Lots of intriguing plot twists that keep you guessing what will happen next. Highly recommend! Very much looking forward to the author's next book, A Regrettable Proposal.
August 26, 2019
The title and cover of this novel gave me the impression that I would be reading a cute boy-meets-girl type of romance. However, the story is far more intricate and flavorsome than that. Yes, there is romance, but there is also suspense, betrayal, and the meeting of soul mates where the attraction cannot be denied. The romance between the main characters builds slowly, based on friendship and mutual respect. April may appear to be delicate and whimsical, but she has the determination to be fully independent, earning her way towards the goal she has set before her. Victor has had his fingers burnt and he has no intention of allowing April to become a feature in his life. Nevertheless, she crawls into his heart and arouses his protective nature. When she experiences the destructive nature of her stalker, Victor comes to April's rescue and although his ex-girlfriend belatedly makes it clear that she intends to accept his offer of marriage, Victor finds his heart being torn in two. The plot of this story is well thought out and interesting, keeping one in suspense throughout, whilst at the same time giving one insight into everyday living in Paris. Penelope's group of friends envelop both April and Victor and I would love to spend an evening in their company. I received a copy of this book from StoryOrigin and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 14, 2020
A Sweetheart in Paris was a well written contemporary romance that built heavily on the trope of friends to lovers (I really love the whole friendship aspect between the main characters). I found it refreshing the way the author set her story in Paris and intermixed the French language into the novel. It gave such authenticity to the novel and I felt transported to what it would really feel like were I in April's shoes. Victor wasn't some perfect guy, but I love that he was already on a path to deeper self-discovery when he met April. The plot was original and the characters were well developed. I give this 4.5 stars.
September 15, 2020
She is a talented young artist, fulfilling her father's wish to travel the world and learn, currently living in Paris. And he is her neighbor, very wealthy and all-around nice guy. When her landlords' son attacks her, he comes to the rescue and they start to become friends. As time passes, they grow closer but there always seems to be something in the way.
I love that the foundation of their relationship is friendship, which provides the basis for a later relationship.
Such a sweet story...
I love that the foundation of their relationship is friendship, which provides the basis for a later relationship.
Such a sweet story...
September 12, 2019
I had a free copy of this book, but this my voluntary and honest opinion. I really enjoyed the plot and characters in this book. I like the way April handles all the adversity that comes her way and grows though it. Jennie did a great job with characters of differing personalities. I would recommend reading this book.
January 17, 2025
I enjoyed the clean language and “proper romance” vibe. However, I wasn’t crazy about all the untranslated french and modern setting.
Second reading - now that I have been to Paris, I enjoyed the book more. But honestly, until I pulled up the review, I had forgotten reading it, so it wasn’t very memorable.
Second reading - now that I have been to Paris, I enjoyed the book more. But honestly, until I pulled up the review, I had forgotten reading it, so it wasn’t very memorable.
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Blurb:
April promised her dying father she would study painting in Paris, but friends are few, her budget is tight, and her landlord increasingly won’t take "no" for an answer. Then she meets Victor.
Victor is as chivalrous as he is wealthy, and if it weren't for him, April would have already left the City of Light behind. Too bad Victor still has eyes for his ex-girlfriend, who is now back on the scene and wants to get married.
Although April and Victor swore to remain just friends, magical Paris seems to weave a different spell. The more their connection deepens, the more it becomes difficult to keep a proper distance. Or to remember why they should.
Blurb:
April promised her dying father she would study painting in Paris, but friends are few, her budget is tight, and her landlord increasingly won’t take "no" for an answer. Then she meets Victor.
Victor is as chivalrous as he is wealthy, and if it weren't for him, April would have already left the City of Light behind. Too bad Victor still has eyes for his ex-girlfriend, who is now back on the scene and wants to get married.
Although April and Victor swore to remain just friends, magical Paris seems to weave a different spell. The more their connection deepens, the more it becomes difficult to keep a proper distance. Or to remember why they should.
March 14, 2019
City of Love
A very romantic love story set in Paris. This story has all the elements - romantic city, artist, friends, and first love. This is a clean read that I would recommend.
A very romantic love story set in Paris. This story has all the elements - romantic city, artist, friends, and first love. This is a clean read that I would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews