I am back with another book review, Alone in Paris by Ashley Earley. Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of her book for an honest review, as always, all opinions are my own.
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more!
The story follows 17-year-old Taylor, who, after the tragic death of her parents, is living in an abandoned apartment building alone in Paris. One day, she arrives 'home' to find some men discussing plans to tear the building down. Taylor struggles to make it day to day, battling her depression and worrying about where she will live next. The son of one of the men, Nathan, happens to pop back into the old building when Taylor is there. After some tense conversation, Taylor makes it known that she would rather be alone, but Nathan is adamant on helping her.
Right off the bat, don't let this cute, kissing couple cover fool you. This book is dark and it is definitely not just a cutesy romance.
I really loved Taylor's character, I think Earley did a great job of writing her. She is quick to distrust and seems very in touch with herself. I also really appreciated that she wasn't all hard and defensive. She had her moments where she broke down, anyone would after the trauma she experienced. I think there was a great balance within her character.
I also appreciated Earley's handling of the romance. Despite the dark nature of this book, the romance was done very well. I was worried it would be another insta-love, they would meet and Taylor would be 'cured.' Luckily, I was proven wrong. Taylor was able to stand up for herself and definitely did not let Nathan push her around. On the same note, I think the Nathan side of the romance was well done as well. He wanted to help Taylor, but you never get a damsel in distress/Prince Charming situation.
The main plot of the story was very well done as well. There were flashback/nightmares that Taylor endured that filled in any missing background information that we wouldn't have gotten otherwise since the story takes place after the accident. The story itself was extremely bittersweet, you read it knowing that at some point, it will all end. She can't live like this forever. And that tone was well-kept throughout the story, even with the romantic elements.
Oh, and that ending! I was all set to go, and I flip the page and get hit with a "2 Years Later" epilogue, I wasn't sure I could handle it.
Having read both this book and Earley's debut, The Darkest Light, I think Earley has grown tremendously as an author. The caliber of the writing is much higher, I felt like I was reading something by someone twice her age.
Overall, this book was very well done and I highly recommend it!