Alexis Hall's newest novel, Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble, is the next novel in the Winner Bakes All series, a set of companion novels. You do not need to have read the previous novel to understand what is going on in this one. The first thing you should know about this book is that it is NOT a romance. It is a contemporary, that tackles many serious issues, that has a little (very little) bit of romance.

This book was amazing in so many ways. You have Paris, a contestant on this years Bake Expectations. He is full of worries and self doubt. You also have fellow contestant Tariq, who is the competition, but also cute, kind and full of confidence. Through some personal introspection and some support from friends, Paris has to see if he is as deserving of success as everyone believes.

Alexis Hall writes anxiety so well. Paris Daillencourt’s inner monologue is exhausting, but accurate. He is a character with anxiety and the author does such a good job creating the anxious mind and it is exhausting. The author also challenges gender norms and I loved every second of it. Both Paris and Tariq are written so well, and with such depth that is was wonderful to spend time with them.

As someone who has had generalized anxiety all my life, and the mom to a child with anxiety that also struggles with fitting the "box" that society places him in, I loved this book. This book made my heart happy and at times sad, but it was so beautiful. Please continue writing gems like this Alexis Hall!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever publishing for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.

Alexis Hall can do no wrong. This was another wonderful book full of humor, heart, and swoon worthy romance.

Thank you Netgalley and Forever Publishing for this eARC, these opinions are my own. This book took me through all kinds of feels! Paris’ flatmate entered him into Bake Expectations, though Paris is excited for this, he can’t help but feel he isn’t good enough. In fact Paris is constantly ruled by negative thoughts and worry. While on the show he meets Tariq and the two hit it off. But as the show goes on Paris’ spirals begin to grow. Can Paris win the competition? Is there more between him and Tariq? One of the things that was hard about reading this book, and I say in the sense that deep issues were getting discussed not because the writing was bad, was that I connected with Paris in terms of his mental illness! I think I was maybe in a bit more vulnerable place as a result. It was clear that Paris had some mental health issues that weren’t being treated… I ached for him and for those in his life that we at a loss on what to do. I completely understand the dealing with difficult things and realizing that impacts others as well but not knowing how to work through those difficult things! It just makes everything feel worse! I loved Paris and most of the other contestants, though there was one I could have lived without! I also loved Tariq and his convictions, while I don’t believe in religion, I admired that he fought for those convictions! I enjoyed that ever though the book is deep and deals with some heavy instances of mental health there was humor as well, I enjoyed Grace’s commentary often! I highly recommend reading this book, maybe slowly if you also deal with mental health issues! Can’t wait to read it again!

So I've absolutely devoured this in 2 days much like Rosaline's book I thought this was a rather excellent read that not only showcases baking,m and reality tv, but mental health struggles, the LGBTQ+ community, character with depths that go beyond the surface.

I freaking loved this book and I've already preordered it bc I need a physical copy.

As someone who has dealt with GAD for their entire life, seeing myself in Paris and having many of his reactions be reminiscent of my own made me dig into this book so much deeper.

Thank you to GCP and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

CW: MC with an undiagnosed anxiety disorder (that does get diagnosed), on-page panic attack, hospital stay due to panic attack, treatment plan for anxiety disorder discussed, Islamophobia (challenged), religious and racial microaggressions, emotionally unavailable parents, cyberbullying.

Not quite done with this, but...

I am both overwhelmed/annoyed with Paris' anxiety spirals and simultaneously thrilled to see these thoughts and insecurities layed out, as extreme as they may be. The unspoken thoughts, illogical conclusions and irrational fears that an anxious mind often thinks up - for me, at least - are hard to admit and hard to explain. Also hard to love. I love Paris and this anxiety rep.

Okay, time to review this beautiful, beautiful book!

In Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble we follow Paris as he embarks on a baking show journey (Bake Expectations) and faces the challenges put before him there (from unsuccessful bakes to horrible anxiety that just keeps getting worse as the show progresses), while we also see him falling in love and opening new doors to himself, his friends ,and life-in-general.

I think I need to start by saying that Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble is a sweet romcom - BUT it's also a very serious story that show how detrimental to someone's life mental health issues can be, especially when not treated and when others around the person don't take it seriously, simply make fun of it or just don't offer the support the person needs. You might laugh and "aww" when reading this book, but I can assure you, you will also shed some tears because of Paris's struggles. This book is all heart and pain and hope and that shines through in the best, very Alexis Hall way.
Paris might've gone out to cry a few times - and honestly, so did I. Alexis made us feel Paris's pain so acutely - my heart broke along with his (and not only because I also have anxiety and simply *thinking* can sometimes be a soul-sucking, doomed-feelings-inducing chore) and I think that just comes to show how brilliantly Paris was written. It was all anxiety (relatable!) - until it wasn't and his brain caught a break and so did the reader. Cause as much as I felt Paris's pain, I could also feel his small victories, moments when he was not hurting and stressed. Moments when he knew he could get better and believed that wholeheartedly.

I loved how we got to learn more about Paris's anxiety as the story progresses - if you've ever struggled with anxiety (or any similar mental health illness tbh), Paris's symptoms will be very familiar to you. I love how GDA was portrayed and I immensely appreciated that we also see Paris dealing with his symptoms, going to therapy, and generally being kinder to himself.

I also can't get over how amazing Paris and Tariq were together - from those first stumbling steps when they liked each other but didn't really know how to be together, to eventually learning more about one another and accepting all the facets of themselves and their relationship. I can't fault either of them for the mistakes they made throughout the book cause they were so very human and understandable to make. What matters most is that they knew later on that they were wrong and decided to do better - for themselves and for each other. I LOVED them okay, one of my fave 2022 pairings for sure.

As for the rep in this book - we have a gay MC with a mental illness (GDA), a gay BangladeshiMuslim (practising) LI, many queer SCs. There are also so many important themes it deals with, from mental health, to parental relationships, religion, sex (and how not having it - for whatever reason - is just as valid as having it)

Also, this book was already a five-star read, but I am inclined to add half a star because Alexis reused that terrible bus conductor joke that was in Husband Material (I think? Or was it Boyfriend Material) as well. Genius.

Anyhow, this is a perfect read for anyone who...
- is craving a sweet, non-smutty romcom
- adores queer love stories with a realistic and happy ending
- wants a book set at a reality TV competition (BAKING!)
- is a fan of Alexis Hall. Same.

okay look, do I know by now that Alexis Hall is actually pretty great at what he does? Yes.
Do I still somehow expect to be bowled over with every other book of him I read? No.
Do I still end up getting bowled over? Every. Damn. Time.
I genuinely do not have any idea whatsoever about how, what, why, or any other such questions. This person just seems to get me even though the specifics of what he writes aren't at all like my life. But loosely? They fit as snugly as...custom-made clothes? Look, I'm not very good with metaphors sometimes and this is like the 4th review of the day I'm writing so bear with me okay? Thanks.
So anyway, this book follows Paris Daillencourt whose housemate/best friend enters him into this baking show he always wanted to enter but...was too anxious to do it himself. Hence, his friend does it on his behalf and he goes and he's like superb at baking so of course he does well and as for the rest, you're gonna have to go and find out for yourself.
I'm a fan of Alexis' writing style. Before I started reading his books, I was mostly only a fan of lyrical and beautiful prose which, as far as I know, is very unlike Alexis but what IS very like Alexis is prose full of wit, humor, and some other elements that are very Alexis. Based on the books I've read, I in no way want to imply I personally know Alexis which I don't. I would love to because I just know we'll hit it off but I don't.
The characters were great, especially Paris, Tariq, and Morag. Tariq was so, so amazing and well, as Paris says again and again, very patient and I loved him so much!!! Definitely need him in my life calling me angel cake because yes, I do <3
Although I do have to say that the side characters in this one weren't very well-developed. I can easily remember the contestants and their names from "Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake" but even though I finished reading Paris earlier today, I'll probably be able to name 6 contestants at the most and not know any kind of details about who they are except for the caricatures. I do get that this is probably because while Paris kept to himself, Rosaline talked to people and most of this book is about Paris's struggle with anxiety. So I guess what I'm saying is that I understand but I still would've liked more depth on these people.
Paris's anxiety was so, so relatable. I could deepl,y sympathize with him while going like huh, same, same, same. It was amazing to be able to see this reflected in a character and have this executed so well. Although I think I'm better at dealing with it than Paris, the book still made me think about a lot of things and the way I cope with stuff.
Needless to say now but ah this book is very close to my heart and I loved it to pieces. I can see myself rereading it a lot of times in the future.
Highly recommend it to everyone <3 Please check TWs!!

“Paris spent so much of his life in the hazy non-space that his mind built around him that he sometimes felt like he only existed in what people reflected back at him—their praise, more often their disappointment.”

Alexis Hall does it again! I’m always floored by how each book brings a balance of serious themes, in this case mental health and generalized anxiety disorder, with a romance and comedy that feels genuine and captivating. Paris is a mess as Hall MCs tend to be, and yet we quickly see that with Paris, this is much more than a mess of a person that needs to get it together, instead, Paris lives with undiagnosed generalized anxiety disorder and seeing how that impacts his life, his every interaction and waking moment, was incredibly hard to see. At times, I even found myself quite frustrated with Paris, feeling like my patience and love for him and his intentions was at its end because MY DUDE, the self sabotage was epic. But, that’s the point. Writing a character with this mental health diagnosis in a genuine way means that you DONT downplay it, you don’t make it a cutesy quirk or character flaw that only sometimes ruins the moment. And that’s what I appreciate so much, that Hall truly committed to Paris’ mental health and the arduous and challenging journey to finally getting help.

“But what you need to understand is that you can hate yourself as much as you want, but there comes a point when all you’re doing is making the people who care about you look like pricks.”

Interwoven with the mental health discussion are some truly shining secondary characters like Morag and, especially, Tariq. Tariq is simply fabulous and precious, but I loved that even while we’re made to think he’s got it all figured out and is the poster child for self-love, that he also struggles. He vocalizes some fears and insecurities, and especially, he recognizes how even his well intentions with Paris, could also be self-serving in some ways.

“No you insecure muppets. I’m into you.”

The baking competition aspect worked better here than in Rosaline Palmer IMO and I loved how we see that competition wreak it’s own havoc on Paris. While we may expect and want the competition to be the ultimate fixer for Paris, what we get is definitely not that and again, lends itself to the authenticity of Paris’ journey.

Importantly, I loved that this also includes some discussion, albeit briefly, on homophobia, xenophobia, the effects of social media, and very complicated parental relationships and abandonment, I do wonder if maybe all these themes stretched this a bit too far or couldn’t be focused on more.

“In baking, as in life, sometimes not enough felt like too much, and sometimes too much didn’t feel like enough.”

Lastly, while I loved how we struggle with Paris for a significant portion of the book, seeing him come out on the other side so quickly after therapy felt a little less authentic. I think a more complicated treatment view would have been more authentic, though yes, arguably less of a HEA. I’m also not sure about the relationship aspect after finally getting diagnosed and getting therapy, I hoped for more time spent on Paris himself and would have wanted to see more of that. Still, this was sweet, incredibly heartfelt and emotional, and overall just very touching. I love the diversity in Hall’s books and I love how they continue to feature MCs and topics that aren’t often discussed or featured.

Like the previous book in this series, this is more about the main character’s journey than the romance. I love the covers of both, but the covers definitely make them look like fluffy, light rom-coms, and the first book is a little bit rom-com, this one is very much not. There are some funny parts, but it’s mostly the main character, Paris, dealing with his undiagnosed Generalized Anxiety Disorder while competing on Bake Expectations and starting to date fellow contestant, Tariq. So if you go in expecting light and fluffy, you’ll be disappointed, but I really liked it. I thought Hall did a good job giving the reader a peek inside the brain of Paris. Was it frustrating at times? Yes. But it felt very realistic.

I am now waiting for the book in which Bake Expectations host, Grace, and show producer, Jennifer, admit they like each other, and it seems there will be another book in the series, so who knows. It could happen.

Had a little bit of a hard time in finishing this book. May have been some of my own expectations coming into the second book in the series and/or expecting more of a rom com however I felt disappointed by the characters, some of the topics/comments in the book, and editing. That being said, Hall's writing continues to be charming and I look forward to more books written by this author and even in this series

This one took me a while to get through. The main character Paris is suffering from anxiety from page 1. And though I wanted to sympathize with him, it was a lot on page. As the reader we definitely understand why he’s acting the way he is, but I couldn’t help but want to scream “go talk to someone!” Way earlier than anyone else in the book advises him to. The story also wraps up without any kind of solution to his relationship with his parents.
The love story was nice though and I liked our love interest Tariq.

Really good, interesting story, but heed the warnings (content guidance). It's the second book in the Winner Bakes All, works well on its own. I was expecting 'just' a romantic comedy, but got a robust story about a guy who loves baking but also has to deal with his anxiety, which can literally cripple him sometimes. Paris also suffers from panic attacks.
Paris is entered into a baking contest where he meets Tariq, a fellow baker. Their meeting is funny - painful for Tariq though! - with Hall's signature humour.
Tariq is self-assured, kind - a lovely character. Both men are a study in contrasts, making it interesting to see if they will truly get together.
Definitely a different type of romance, but a good read.

Lucky enough to get an ARC from Netgalley, appreciate the chance to read and review.

If you're a fan of "The Great British Bake Off" and romance novels (or just Alexis Hall's Rosaline Palmer book) then you are sure to love this next read. Told in week-by-week accounts of Paris and Tariq's journey on a British baking competition show, it is completely adorable. While there's a teensy Easter egg to Rosaline and her HEA here, "Paris Daiikencourt" could stand on its own if you have not read Hall's first book in the series. This work is full of compelling language that pulled me in and, overall, read really quickly.

CW: Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Homophobia, Islamophobia

I felt guilty about finding Paris (the character’s voice) very exhausting to read after a while but I’ve now looked at other reviews on GR and this was a common theme. The book did turn better at the end when he got help and the other contestants reappeared. The baking show scenes were good. I love GBBO and this spoof thereof is awesome for me. I always like Hall’s writing on the sentence level. I like that he chose a tough assignment for this one and I did take a break at about the 50% mark but then I finished it and felt it was worth reading.

I loved this so very much. While set in the Bake Expectations-verse this second book in the Winner Bakes All series is very different from Rosaline Palmer. The weekly bake-themed set-up is here, but we spend more time away from the show with the MC, Paris Daillencourt, and I loved it. There's still plenty of "show" with Grace Forsythe, Wilfred Honey, Marianne Wolvercote, and the bakes; but now that readers are familiar with the set-up it felt right to spend a bit more time away from it. I also appreciated the nod to some previous contestants that have appeared on a very similar baking show and the social media hellscape that must surround contestants on these shows.

I absolutely adored Paris - a character with major anxiety issues that are interfering with his daily life. Told from Paris' POV, we see exactly how much he is struggling. It felt very accurate and as someone with a milder form of anxiety than Paris, I recognized many of the signs of excessive, persistent worry and self-doubt. Paris' romance with Tariq Hassan, another contestant on the show is deftly crafted. Tariq is sexy, complicated, and passionate. Both characters are 20 and still growing emotionally and figuring out their lives - or at least this section of their lives. I loved both of them.

It is a truly lovely and wonderful book. I was laughing on the first page and throughout the book and having all the emotions with and for Paris. And while I have loved many a book without a wonderful cover this one is ADORABLE and I cannot wait to have a physical copy.

This book snuck up on me. I thought I knew the kind of light, fluffy (forgive the baking terms) romance this was going to be, but it ended up being a compelling exploration of faith, celebrity, and mental illness. While Paris’s anxiety disorder certainly took center stage, I do feel that I had some good, profound takeaways in the “faith” and “celebrity” arenas, as well. I always say that every great book has to find a balance between plot and philosophy. This one balanced those scales in a really nice way.

This is my first Alexis Hall book. I didn’t actually know that it was part of a series until the author’s book club questions at the end, so I would say it is a successful stand-alone offering.

If I thought this book was lacking anywhere, I would say that the food writing could be punched up a bit. We aren’t really treated to the sumptuous, escapist food lit that this premise could afford. At times, even the baking show challenges seemed a bit too simplistic. I would have liked to indulge in that world just a teensy bit more, but as it stands, the baking competition was merely a backdrop for the romance.

The book's greatest success, though, was Paris’s struggle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. After seeking treatment for this same condition, I recognize and appreciate these same kinds of thought patterns and experiences that this book captures so effectively. Reading Paris’s inner monologue transports the reader and allows us to feel that anxiety-by-proxy. I wanted to give this book to my family members to help them understand my own experiences more clearly.

This book took me a lot longer to get through than most. Being in Paris’ head was exhausting and I needed breaks. I think the author did an amazing job of making me feel his anxiety so if this was changed I would not feel it on the same level as I did. The premise and story itself are unique and fun. I have not read the first book. I like the different representation in the book and one of it felt forced me like oh I need to add an xyz character. They all worked with and helped move the story. The romance element is more of an afterthought of the plot nothing that actually drives the story to me. Would have loved a 5 years later epilogue or something. Overall I enjoyed it and will recommend.

Ooooff. This book by Hall hit me right in the feels. I found myself holding my breath as Paris struggled for portions of this book. The back drop of the baking competition camouflages its meaningful, challenging conversations regarding mental health. I, for one, will always be a Paris fan. We recommend checking this one out - you will smile, experience second hand embarrassment, feel righteous indignation on the characters behalf, and perhaps (read, definitely) cry. Please be sure to consult content warnings before you begin.

Book review📚

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 out of 5 stars)

This is my first Alexis Hall novel and it is incredible! I started this novel at around 11pm yesterday and finished at 6pm today. I fell in love with the characters and storyline and could not put my kindle down.

Paris is a student who is participating in the UK's sensational baking competition Bake Expectations. During his time on the show he meets kind, witty, glittery Tariq. We - as readers - are always in Paris' head and as such we get a direct look at his struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, and catastrophic thinking throughout his platonic and romantic relationships, the baking show, school, and life.

As someone who has a lot of anxiety, I connected to Paris immediately. I have had similar thought processes and experiences and can say wow, the accuracy was both difficult to read but fantastic representation.

The writing of the baking show is perfection, the banter between all characters is witty, the discussion of consent is wonderful, all characters are well-written and well-rounded and I highly recommend adding this to your TBR.

Paris is an anxiety-ridden, uni student studying the classics. His hilariously bawdy roomie enters him into the Bake Expectations competition in hopes of drawing him out of his shell and allowing him to share his baking prowess with someone other than her and his cat.

Paris agrees to go on the show, despite his increasing anxiety. Things start to look up when he wins the first week. And feels attracted to Tariq, a fellow contestant.

This is a sweet, swoony confection of witty banter, dreamy kisses, and competitive baking swirled with thoughtful handling of social, cultural, and mental health issues.

Paris is the personification of gorgeous, white, monied privilege. Yet he’s riddled with nearly crippling anxiety. Alexis Hall deftly captures the mental tracks that anxiety wears into your brain.

Tariq, a Muslim of Bangladeshi heritage, has a warm, supportive, delightfully quirky, and involved family. He’s hoping to parlay his appearance on Great Expectations into a tv career. Tariq is effortlessly charming, sparkly, and self-assured.

The romantic dance of opposites attract between Paris and Tariq is both sweet and frustrating as they both try to grapple with Paris’s anxiety while they’re competing in the grueling reality competition.

Paris’s fear and anxiety and Tariq’s responses both felt achingly authentic. I appreciated an author recognizing that love doesn’t solve mental health issues. And that people aren’t fixer-upper projects.

The secondary characters, many returning from Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake, are a fantastically diverse group, beautifully fleshed out and hysterically familiar in some cases if you’re a GBBO fan. Salty, older white lady. Cardigan-wearing dad who bakes for his fam.

The descriptions are gorgeous and lush. If you’re at all a baked goods fan, you’ll be drooling as you read. Also, you can grapple with the question of whether two differently flavored shortbreads count as two different types of biscuits.

While dealing with mental health, race, class, and cultural issues - Alexis Hall still serves a novel full of sweetness and never-ending humor. The humor is tart enough to prevent the sweetness from being cloying. This is cozy and comforting. A perfect read when your heart needs a hug.