Blog Tour, ARC Book Review and 2 Giveaway–>Bistro La Boheme #2- Under my Skin by Alix Nichols
“All the hallmarks of a good romance, and a lovely Parisian setting in the form of the quirky La Bohème cafe and its circle of patrons.” — 5 stars, The Midwest Book Review
“Fans of new adult and romance will devour this debut to the Bistro la Bohème series. Rob and Lena’s story is such a hoot to read that most won’t want it to end.” — 4 stars (Compelling), RT Book Reviews
“Stunning, beautifully written romance” — 5 stars, Amazon reviewer
Blurb:
UNDER MY SKIN is the second novel in the addictive BISTRO LA BOHEME series. This delightful Parisian version of “Four Weddings and a Funeral” will entertain you with a gripping story, endearing characters and sizzling romance.
A tall well-dressed guy entered the bistro, dripping rain and hotness. He stopped by the door and surveyed the room searching for someone, his gaze lingering on the females…until it met Jeanne’s. He beamed and walked toward her, his eyes trained on her and full of warmth. Did he know her? Was she supposed to know him?
Feisty bartender Jeanne and geek-turned-hottie Mat embark on an emotional and sensual roller coaster, as their paths cross at an engagement party, a baptism and a wedding… not counting all the other times they “accidentally” run into each other.
And miserably fail to behave with propriety.
But Mat is an ambitious politician running for mayor of his hometown and going steady with an exquisite woman. He knows exactly where he wants to be five years from now.
Falling for Jeanne all over again is definitely NOT part of his plan.
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22827080-under-my-skin?from_search=true
is the third book by Alix Nichols that I read. The love story of Mat and Jeanne whom we met in the first book in the series, What If It’s Love?, I was very eager to start on the book.The cover is likable and the blurb interesting. After reading the blurb I got an impression that this would be a teasing and a scandalous read but instead the book is almost quiet, flows slowly and the love story develops over a time span of almost a year.
The characterization is good. I loved the transformation in Mat from a nerd to a hunk and was amazed at the transformation in Jeanne. She was more feisty in the first book but has grown more mature in this one. The other characters are not given more scope. I would have loved to read more about Rob and Lena’s wedding and it would have been great if Mat and Jeanne had more adventures during this time. Mat’s other lady interest is also not developed fully and I could not connect with her.
The plot idea is good and the author tries to answer the question of – whether it is love or just lust. Why are we attracted towards some people? Is it their appearance that drives us? How do we know that we love someone and are not just driven by lust? Mat had once been a nerd and Jeanne never noticed him then but now that he is a hunk she is attracted towards him. The idea is good and could have been developed better but for now it left me a bit confused. The question is not answered and I was confused by Mat and Jeanne’s actions in the book. However, when the end came, I forgot all my confusion and was left with a silly, goofy smile on my face. I would definitely like to read more about these adorable characters in the future.
The intensity of emotions between Mat and Jeanne are touching and made me root for a happily-ever-after for them. The author also takes up some social issues like domestic abuse, lack of education leading to crime etc. So much is happening in the protagonists’ lives and it was all very satisfying.
The descriptions of Paris, Copenhagen and Normandy are beautifully sketched and I could visualize the quaint houses, the various types of cheese and the countryside along with their various tourist spots.
Alix’s writing style is simple yet captivating. A very talented writer, I have loved her previous books and felt she didnt shine out like usual in this book.
All in all, this is a light, romantic read that will entertain with exotic locations and likable characters. 3.5 out of 5 to Under My Skin
. This could have been a 5 on 5 book, had the author indulged deeper into the story and given a solid conclusion to the question she raised in the book. I look forward to reading more from Alix in the future and recommend the Bistro La Boheme series to all lovers of romance.I received an ARC from the author and I am very thankful to her. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
~Buying Links~
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
If you’d like to read Book 1 in the BISTRO LA BOHEME series, now is the time! WHAT IF IT’S LOVE? is on sale for $0.99 on October 11 – 16 (75% off): Amazon | Amazon IN
I released my first book at the age of six. It had six postcard-size pages stitched together and bound in velvet paper. The book was titled “Eliza and Robert” and had atrocious mistakes in every single word. Some words were written in mirror image. Unintentionally. I remember being immensely proud of my creation.
Turns out there’s a remarkable constancy to my life: decades later, I still love the name Robert and the genre romance. As for my spelling and grammar, they are only marginally better than at age six (thank God for editors!).
I live and work in Paris, France. When not writing, I read romance (what else?) and spend time with my family.
Follow Alix Nichols:
~Giveaway 1~
Win $15 Amazon GC!
Open Worldwide.
~Giveaway 2~
Win 2 Print copies of Under My Skin
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/108619-under-my-skin
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