3.5 stars!

If you're looking for a light-hearted romance, this isn't it. Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble covers some heavy topics and while it is well-done, it wasn't quite what I was expecting going into this book.

Overall, I think I would have enjoyed this one a little more had I known what I was in for. Instead, I picked it up looking for something a little more light and cheery, which made it a little harder to enjoy the book when my expectations weren't met. Again, there is nothing wrong with this type of book and in fact, these are very important topics to address in literature. I simply wasn't expecting it when considering the bright and cheery cover.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Spice Level: None

The sequel to Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake, this British romcom follows Paris, an extremely anxious fellow with famous parents who have generally abandoned him, and Tariq, a gay British Muslim man whose personality is only outshined by his mail varnish and who aspired to having his own cooking show, as they compete on the fictional equivalent of the Great British Bake Off.

They start to fall for each other on set, but there are real barricades to their relationship working well, including Paris understanding Tariq’s faith and both men learning about Paris’s mental illness and how to work through his anxiety. This means that reading a book that is entirely from Paris’s perspective can be a bit much at times, because the reader is in his head with his anxiety for the whole book. But that’s not a bad thing. In fact, I imagine it is extremely accurate to how some people with anxiety feel a lot of the time.

I can’t speak to whether the representation in this book, as I am not a gay man, Muslim, a person with anxiety, or even British. However, based on the books that I have read from Alexis Hall, I get the impression that he is very thoughtful in how he presents all his characters, their joy, and their struggles on page. And that is something that I will continue to support.

This book is not sexually explicit and it’s as sweet as Victoria Sponge. If you’re interested, I definitely recommend picking it up. Pairs extremely well with a slice of cake and a cuppa.

Alexis Hall has a terrible habit of stuffing my heart in a blender and making me drink a feelings smoothie.

Too graphic? Maybe. Still true? Absolutely.

One thing I continue to love about Hall's stories is how honest and raw they are in regards to representation. In this case, I got to see my mental health described in detail, chapter by chapter, in frank and debilitating detail. As harsh as that felt initially, it's exactly what I want from my queer writers. I want to see myself in fiction. And personally, that's what Paris did for me more than any other queer romance I've picked up so far.

Beyond that, it's funny and cozy as hell. I think I enjoyed the fictional Bake Expectations more than it's real world counterpart. (Seriously, taco week was a crime). And the book shows us, once again, that romance comes in all forms. If you liked any of Hall's previous books, you'll love Paris.

Is this even remotely shocking to anyone that I have yet again fallen in love with Alexis Hall’s latest book? Because it shouldn’t be. I am a massive fan of his work, and Paris’s story is truly one for the books.⁣
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What I found the most unique about this story is how this book isn’t just a romance - it’s focused on mental health, and learning to look for and accepting help when you need it most. Paris is living with an undiagnosed (later on diagnosed) anxiety disorder that permeates every aspect of his life - including his baking and his relationships.⁣
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Paris and Tariq’s relationship was also one of my favorites. I love how well they worked together, both as friends and when in a relationship. I deeply appreciated how Tariq tried his best to support Paris, and I loved when he recognized that boundaries needed to be set to keep them both comfortable and safe.⁣
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All in all, I loved this book, I love Paris, and I love Tariq, and I really hope everyone will read this one!

This book wasn't quite what I was expecting for a romantic comedy. It was definitely amusing at times, but I didn't feel the romance. The main characters had a few major differences in their religious and cultural viewpoints and seemed to be better as friends than as a love match. I found Paris to be a bit over the top, but I enjoyed seeing both of them grow as the novel progressed. I appreciated the awareness the story brought to anxiety disorders and that there is help available. The baking show format is the best part and as a fan of GBBS I thoroughly enjoyed those scenes. I'm curious to see what the 3rd book in the series brings.

Alexis Hall’s writing in isolation is absolutely charming and banterrific, and i can thoroughly relate to Paris on the anxiety front—when it gets bad, the catastrophizing and overthinking and general sense of panic lining every action, thought, vocalized word is amped right up to the line that marks the frying of your own internal wiring. and yet, my empathy can only go so far when he’s not the most likable lad in general. i was particularly peeved by how dismissive of Tariq’s beliefs he came across, as well as his whole worry about being antisemitic, which was wholly unnecessary.

the romcom feels i was vibing with from the cover was another act of *cue dramatics* ultimate deception *faints*

if the romance aspect had to be put on the back burner for more emphasis on the mental health rep, fine, but at least sell me on the couple so i can believe they’re a forever pairing and not one that may last another week if they’re lucky 🤧

For me, I felt like this book was more serious, and less of a romcom. It definitely deals with some heavy issues (anxiety, racism), and the romance felt secondary to Paris figuring his life out. I didn’t think Paris was particularly likable, and I had a hard time connecting with his story. I loved Tariq way more and wanted more of him!! He’s such a ray of sunshine and totally the opposite of Paris. Their relationship centered around some real life and relatable issues, and I like that it wasn’t instalove and fairytales the entire time. They both face some serious individual issues that they have to work through before they can explore a relationship together.

Overall I liked this book but didn’t love it since I had a bit of a hard time with the MC. Either way, I’ll definitely be reading whatever Alexis Hall writes in the future!

Paris is a sweet, anxious human who gets entered into a baking show by his fabulous Glaswegian friend, Morag, where he meets Tariq, who is also sweet and fabulous. Things definitely don’t start out on the right foot for them when Paris accidentally hits Tariq in the face with a fridge door, but can they overcome this obstacle and all other challenges thrown their way?

I’m finding it hard to talk about this book. Here are the facts:
It’s sweet, funny, and devastating. It’s basically an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink cookie. It has a little bit of everything and you think it shouldn’t work but it does.

In his Discord server, Alexis said he got to write a series about anxiety by pitching one about baking. And this book is very much about anxiety. It’s hard for me to talk about this book without talking about my own experiences with anxiety and depression.

So many parts hit close to home for me (so please read all the trigger warnings). Alexis writes anxiety spirals really well. There’s also a part where Paris is trying to work through tears, and that has definitely happened to me. (And let me tell you that making coffee for people with tears streaming down your face is not a good time for anyone.)

It was definitely an intense book for me. Books with undiagnosed mental illness are usually too much, but I am grateful to have books that depict mental illnesses in their complexity and that Alexis does it well. I’m also grateful I’m in the right headspace to read it, because I know maybe even a year ago I wouldn’t have been able to. Therapy and medication are non-negotiable for me. It’s good to see them portrayed in books in a neutral light.

Basically, this is a wonderful book that is both difficult to read and well done. It is sweet and funny and heart wrenching. Please give it a shot if you’re interested, but do take care while reading!

This one is as sweet as all the delicious baking that takes place during the plot but be warned that Paris has some extremely serious undiagnosed anxiety and it gets way dark before it gets better.
After getting signed up to participate in Britain's most popular baking show by his lovingly forceful roommate, Paris ends up facing some of his worst fears of failure and being around people. He does meet funny and wonderful Tariq and they're too adorable for words together. They're also not exactly healthy for each other at that point in their lives, but getting to see them work on themselves and to reach their goals was lovely.
The only problem I have with Hall's superb writing and likable, relatable characters is that the episodes of anxiety hit a little too close to reality. I had to walk away a couple of times, which made me equally sad and mad because I was loving the story of Paris finding his way in life.
Overall, it's sweet and heartbreaking in equal measure while also eliciting more than a few giggles. Just make sure to really pay attention to the trigger warnings.


Happy thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the sweet read!

This book is a perfect of example of separating life from fiction. If Paris was a real person who was actually my friend, I’d show up & do my best to support him through his struggles. However as a main character of a supposedly light-hearted novel, Paris is extremely exhausting.

I also don’t think Paris & Tariq should have wound up together & wish there had been real resolution between Paris & his parents. Additionally I don’t understand the cover art. Tariq is depicted as fashionable with brightly polished nails & Paris is described as wearing completely ill-fitting clothes, but neither of them are shown that way.

Alexis Hall continues to write stunning and emotionally devastating books that I constantly reach for. They represented anxiety in a tender and respectful way that really made me feel seen in this book. This book was heartbreaking and loving all in one.

This is the second book in the Winner Bakes All series and features a second season of Bake Expectations, full of new contestants and new drama!

This book revolves around two contestants, Paris & Tariq, fall for each other during the Bake Expectations baking competition. And, just like in the last book, Alexis Hall’s writing focusses on the interpersonal part of the relationship more than the physical as these complex characters compete in the competition and evolve as the competition changes them.

A lot of this book is spent on Paris’s internal dialogue and the external ramifications of his undiagnosed panic and anxiety disorder. This permeates his life and deterred his actions… also hinders his ability to make meaningful relationships.

I thought the depiction of the anxiety disorder was well done and very realistic. The degree of Paris is affliction was so pervasive that the way he coloured every interaction he had felt true and made his character very real.

In my opinion, the relationship of Paris and Tariq was a catalyst for his intervention and romance plays a bit of a back burner. The romance and rewards that come with it almost feel like a reward for Paris is good behaviour and it is something that he can work towards. That said, I like the two of them together at some point they enable each other and that other points they bring out the best and help the other become a better version of themselves.

This was another great read from Alexis hall, and I can’t wait to see what happens on the next season of Bake Expectations!

Big thanks to Forever Publishing for my eBook and Hachette Audio for my audiobook review copies.

I tried reading Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble, but I couldn't finish it. It seems like a great book and one I could recommend to others. But the anxiety issues were too much for me to deal with at the moment, So sorry.

I loved 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗸𝗲 (mmmm, cake!) and this is the follow-up in the 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝘽𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝘼𝙡𝙡 series which revolves around the contestants on a British baking competition show called 𝘉𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. In this installment, anxiety-ridden Paris falls for fellow contestant Tariq, who has the self-confidence Paris lacks and then some. But what sounds like a cute premise for a rom-com is more about Paris dealing with his generalized anxiety disorder. His anxiety is A LOT, which I know is the point, but his constant catastrophizing and self-doubt make for a difficult read. Paris is also kind of an entitled jerk who uses his anxiety as an excuse for mistreating people, so he's hard to root for.

I give props to how Hall addresses Islamaphobia and homophobia, but a few moments in the book read as anti-Semitic to me. They were most likely meant to be the opposite but left me cringing.

This wasn't a favorite but I'll still be back for the third book in this series.

Thanks to Forever Publishing for the copy to review.

Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble is a delightful romp for anyone who enjoys a lighthearted fiction novel, with a light intermingling of romance and the desire to see the Great British Bake Off brought to life in the pages of a book. Alexis Hall's writing is very good, the plot line is fun and interesting, and this novel will work for you on all levels if you love novels along the lines of Sophie Kinsela. I enjoy Alexis Hall as an author and truly enjoy explore his works. If you are looking for a true romance, this is not it, this is definitely more long the lines of a "women's fiction" novel (even though I hate using the term Women's Fiction, it is just a fiction novel). It truly focus' on Paris' journey through the story and the romantic elements are very light throughout the novel. But if you love Alexis Hall's writing and works in general I think you will definitely walk away from this novel with a smile on your face.

Paris Daillencourt is a self proclaimed disaster with a love of baking, his cat, and his classics degree . His self doubt and constantly second guessing himself has left him fairly aimless until his roommate enters him into the baking competition-Bake Expectations. Things seem to be looking up for him after winning the first competition and meeting a fellow contestant who sparks his romantic interests-Tariq. But as the show starts to air and the hecklers arise Paris finds his doubts taking control.

Paris as the main protagonist is an interesting and relatable one, who does not experience self doubt and a little aimlessness in his life. The baking competition serves as a great purpose for Paris to begin to work through some of his fears and uncertainties in order to discover what he wants out of life. This novel overall has that perfect British charm that can be found in novels like "Bridget Jone's Diary". The reader experiences a life journey with the protagonist in which that person learns something new about themselves and finds a way to strike a new path. So with Paris at the center of the story we are truly focused on him and his growth. The other characters while fun, are playing supporting and guiding roles for Paris to learn something and change. These secondary characters are fun and interesting and do what they need to do in order for the story to progress in the ways it is meant to. Tariq as a love interest is sweet and challenges Paris to look at relationships in a different way which helps him to grow as a character. The moments between Tariq and Paris are definitely sweet, but this novel in my opinion is very low on sizzling chemistry and does not have any steam guiding the relationship.

Overall, I would recommend if you like Alexis Hall, like a fun British "rom-com". Definitely going into this novel know it is not a true romance will help to gauge a romance readers expectations.

I read reviews sometimes when I’m about to write my own. I’m not sure why I do that, but I think it’s because I want to make sure I haven’t missed anything glaring. This time, while reading reviews of this book – I was annoyed at them. So many reviews felt the need to point out that Paris’ anxiety and being inside his “anxious POV” was exhausting. What’s exhausting is reading reviews in which people are annoyed by anxiety being accurately depicted.

This book is an extremely accurate representation of living with a severe anxiety disorder, and I think Hall does a fantastic job of capturing the mental agony that living with constant anxiety can bring.

I feel it’s a sign of how misunderstood anxiety disorders are that there are so many reviews saying that Paris is just a dick, being anxious doesn’t make you a jerk, he should have gotten therapy a long time ago. Not everyone has access to therapy. Not everyone is lucky enough to have someone direct them to therapy in a loving and gentle way. Not everyone wants to go to therapy. Not everyone with anxiety is aware they may get some relief from counseling because they’ve already lived their whole life with it.

Living with anxiety can make someone appear to be a “jerk” because they can be caught up in a hamster wheel of thoughts and emotions that can make them a challenge to be around.

What I liked about this book is that Hall has found a delicate path through this story without being too heavy handed. As someone who lives with anxiety, let me tell you – thoughts that are consuming and thinking I’ve said something that will be interpreted incorrectly are actual things that exist! I have had discussions with people that have made me go away and question whether or not I’m racist – because THAT is exactly what can happen to people with an anxiety disorder.

In addition to complaining about how “annoying” anxiety is, a lot of reviews were complaining about the casual racism that’s depicted in the book. Why? Casual racism happens all the time, constantly, to every visible POC. Of course, a person of color as unique and marvelous at Tariq is going to generate discussion and a lot of it will be racist. That, people, is the world we live in. I work with a very diverse group of people, and they live with casual and overt racism daily. They also make jokes about it sometimes, can be very delightfully sarcastic and will challenge people when necessary. I see all of that being depicted in Tariq and I thought he was a delightful character.

This kind of exchange amuses me and reminds me of my encounters with my friends. It’s not that the author is taking the time to focus on racism – it’s that racism exists in a very real way in the world.

On to the actual book! I loved this book. I’m a fan of Alexis Hall’s writing and always have been. It seems to be marketed as a romance, but I’d argue against that. I think romance is definitely second fiddle in this story. The plot revolves more around Paris’ anxiety, internalized homophobia and his struggle to interact with other people.

The baking contest part of the story is written with Hall’s typical sharp wit and fast-paced narrative. If you’ve watched the baking shows you will appreciate the fun that’s being poked. If you haven’t ever watched a baking show, that won’t detract from the plot. I’ve not read the first book in the “Winner Bakes All” series and that didn’t detract from my experience.

Having read all of Alexis Hall’s books, I find that I’m beginning to feel a bit as though I know what’s coming. There is always one main character who is a bit of a disaster and another who clearly has their life together. In this book though, the difference between the main characters is unique.

The end of the book doesn’t resolve at a HEA – so don’t go into the movel expecting that. Please do expect the great writing, fast pace, and humor that Alexis Hall’s books always contain.

I think Alexis Hall is a talented author but I would really like them to change up the subject matter a little. Their earlier works were unique and quite remarkable in the romance genre. “For Real”, “Glitterland” and “Pansies” remain some of my favourite books in the genre.

Paris Daillencourt reminds me of a 90s-era rom-com Hugh Grant character—socially awkward but under all the bumbling still charming enough to get the girl. Or the guy, in Paris’s case.

Paris is more of a hot mess than I remember any of those characters being, though, because he suffers from severe anxiety seemingly worsened by childhood trauma. After being neglected by his wealthy jet-setting parents and then bullied at school, Paris lacks confidence to the point that he seems apologetic for even existing. He is also the king of self-sabotage. Paris is always sure he’s getting things wrong, and worrying about that generally leads him to actually get whatever it is wrong. His only area of confidence is baking, and even that is shattered by the anxiety of being in a baking competition. Although Paris’s racing thoughts could be funny, as a reader I found being in the head of someone that anxious and neurotic somewhat exhausting.

Luckily for Paris, Tariq may be the most patient love interest I’ve ever encountered in a book. Their meet-cute involves Paris slamming Tariq in the face with a freezer door (ouch!), and that sets up a pattern of Paris messing up and Tariq forgiving him for it, even when Paris is being a real prat. (Questioning Tariq’s choice to not have sex before marriage is simply not on, Paris.) Tariq is very confident and outgoing, Paris’s complete opposite, and he tries to help Paris uncover and appreciate the sweet, funny guy Paris truly is under the hopeless mess.

Although the book has both humor and romance, it’s not a frothy rom-com. A significant part of the storyline involves Paris dealing with his generalized anxiety disorder, which is revealed after a traumatic breakdown. Getting better involves treatment, but it also involves Paris working on himself to understand how his anxiety affects his behavior and his relationships with other people. Paris may crumble, but eventually he gets it together and gets his man.

Even though Paris’s whirling thoughts were tiring at times, I still enjoyed his story. It’s a good read overall, and well worth picking up if you’re a fan of Alexis Hall.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

I love the Winner Bakes All universe so much. I'm a huge fan of GBBO, so this series is right up my alley. I'm also a huge fan of Alexis Hall's prose and humour.
As a person with GAD, I love seeing representation in novels. Paris's internal monologue was a pretty accurate description of how it feels to be stuck in an anxiety spiral. However, it could be overwhelming. It took me a bit out of the story, and made certain scenes difficult to get through.
If you are interested in the emotional strain competitions put on contestants, especially those with preexisting mental health issues, I think you would enjoy this!
(Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC)

First of all, I love this series’ conceit: rather than the second book’s romantic pairing being comprised of secondary characters, Paris and Tariq are two contestants on the newest season of a popular televised baking show. I know that seasons are called “series” in the UK, but I can’t say series twice in the same sentence. Except that I just did. Never mind.

I feel like I’m beginning to sound like a broken record because I say this in every Alexis Hall review I write, but once again, Hall subverts expectations about the romance genre in multiple ways. I can’t go into specifics without revealing spoilers, but needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Also, I promise that the most sacred of rules (the HEA/HFN) has not been broken.

Like most of Hall’s romances, this is single perspective. The reader only receives Paris’ POV, and this works well because it makes certain moments in the plot more impactful because the reader does not have any advantage over Paris in terms of knowing anybody else’s thoughts.

Paris’ shyness—a product of his anxiety—can appear as aloof/snobby, which is something that I can relate to personally, and it endeared me to him. He can’t help who he is, but he’s simultaneously hampered by his privilege and unaware of it. It’s such a cliché, but Paris learns so much over the course of the book, and even though there are some tough lessons, going on the baking show serves as a catalyst for Paris being able to overcome obstacles that have prevented him from living authentically.

Tariq is such a cinnamon roll, and he serves as an excellent foil for the more reserved Paris. He might not have POV chapters, but he has no qualms about speaking up when something is bothering him. Tariq genuinely likes Paris, which is something that Paris has trouble processing because he’s so accustomed to people taking a superficial interest in him because they want something from him. But back to Tariq—he’s a sweetheart, and so perfect for Paris.

The book is crammed full of delightful moments, from delicious bakes and the accompanying banter to suburban laser tag to a hilarious Scottish roommate. But there are also many genuine moments of poignancy that delve into serious topics so deftly that the transition never seems jarring or out of place amongst the lighter material.

I would absolutely recommend Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble. You don’t have to read Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake before reading this book because as I mentioned at the beginning of the review, the only connection between the two books is Bake Expectations. But you should because you’ll have a greater appreciation for this book’s cameo appearance in from the villain of the previous piece. This book was sweet and tender, and I absolutely adored it.






I received a digital ARC of this book from Grand Central/NetGalley.

3 ⭐️

I want to start out by saying thank you to @netgalley for this ARC! I also want to say that I didn’t realize this was a sequel until afterwards, so take it with a grain of salt.

This was a tricky one for me to review, because it has almost everything I need to get a 5 ⭐️ on a rom com.

🍰 I loved the MM romance, even though it was very clean 🤣
🍰 Muslim love interest AND anxiety rep, but for me the anxiety was WAY too much. I also recognize that I don’t have anxiety, and therefore that sort of inner monologue is very difficult for me to relate to.
🍰 On that same note, I feel like we would have really benefitted from a dual perspective. We saw Paris, but I would have loved to be inside Tariq’s mind.
🍰 The baking show itself was FABULOUS and I love so so much that the recipes are included in the end. I have 100% plans to make some of them!
🍰 I thought the side characters were cute and added a little to the story. I would have liked some more of both Morag and the Dave’s, though.
🍰 I got a little frustrated with the producers on the show, though. They just seemed way too out there and unrealistic.
🍰 I thought the character growth from Paris in the end was really really well done, and I like that Tariq was able to do some self reflection as well.