Stephanie desperately wants to find her “big love.” She has plenty of it for everyone else, and wants to find the love of her life. She believes that love will manifest in her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Rod. So she creates the grandest of gestures – follow him to Costa Rica to rekindle their relationship and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, Rod is travelling with friends and doesn’t get the hint, making time for everyone but Steph. Her friend Oliver suggests she join him on his work/vacation trip in Paris. So she does. And seeing as they had a one-night stand a few months ago that neither of them have been able to forget, they decide to act on their attraction to each other. But Oliver is focused on climbing the corporate ladder. He makes it clear to Stephanie that he isn’t interested in a relationship. Despite her desire to find love, she accepts the “temporary affair” and enjoys her time in the City of Love. But when they return home, they can’t ignore their growing feelings for one another. What Happens in Paris by Ally Williams is an adult romance novel in which the couple must decide what they want the most – putting themselves first, or admitting there’s more to their chemistry than the physical.
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Oliver – or Ollie – obviously cares about Steph’s well-being and makes it clear that Rod doesn’t deserve the effort she’s putting in. But Steph is a hopeless romantic and believes she can win Rod for good. They keep in touch throughout her trip. Which ends up being mostly a solo girl trip for Steph. Even so, she discovers more about herself along the way. And when she meets Ollie in Paris, she’s continues to grow more confident in herself. Surprisingly, Rod continues to message her and even wants to make travel plans to meet her again. While Oliver insists he can’t be the boyfriend that Steph deserves, he can’t help the twinge of jealousy he feels at the thought of Rod filling that role.
Once back home, Steph stays in Ollie’s spare bedroom until she can get back on her feet after the failed rekindling with Rod. As one might guess, the lines become blurred and Oliver sends mixed signals. He’s convinced that he can’t have a relationship and a successful high-level position in his career at the same time. But he also can’t ignore how much he likes the space she takes up in his life. Before they know it, What Happens in Paris doesn’t stay in Paris.
Review
What Happens in Paris is the third book in the Love in City Lights series, but can be read as a standalone. This is the first title I’ve read by this author and could easily follow along with the established friend group. The story seemed longer than necessary but the pacing was actually well done.
I loved the banter and chemistry between Stephanie and Oliver. I actually giggled and blushed, which doesn’t happen a lot. Oliver annoyed me by taking so long to get his head out of his ass. While I don’t hate the miscommunication trope, it seemed unnecessary given that they both knew what to expect from each other from the get-go. But once Ollie finally stepped up and acknowledged his feelings, I couldn’t help but root for our girl Steph.
I’ll likely add the other two titles to my reading list and keep an eye out for Ally Williams whenever I’m looking for a cute and steamy romance. What Happens in Paris is available now.
I received an ARC and voluntarily left this review.
