I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to review this particular book. Upon reading the synopsis of the book, I wasn’t too intrigued, as I usually don’t indulge in this type of genre. However, I’m glad that I gave this book a try, as I am open to reading various genres in order to expand and broaden my understanding of adult fiction.

This book started off with Chloe receiving a bout of news regarding her current employment status. As Chloe discussed her current work situation, we also learn of her boyfriend Scott, and how they had met in college. Once Chloe received life-shattering news, we then get to see how she deals with her newfound decision making skills.

I found that from the start, this book had too many idioms and cliche-enhanced language. Examples include; ‘Scott didn’t win any brownie points’ and ‘when I dropped my bombshell.’ These are phrases that are often difficult to understand, and with as many as were present in this book, it made the writing seem childish and far-fetched. If I weren’t a native English speaker, I would have difficulty understanding what the author meant when various idioms were used interchangeably.

I was hoping to see more of Scott’s character develop as the book went on however, his place in Chloe’s story seemed to be lacking, as did Chloe’s friends from her office job in England. Along with Chloe’s family members, it was hard to truly resonate with these minor characters, as their personalities were barely discussed. However, I couldn’t take Celine, Chloe’s sister, and found her outbursts to be incessant and repetitive in many different scenes of the book.

Since this book primarily took place in England in the beginning, many ‘slang’ words were present, such as ‘bugger’, ‘pissed’, ‘crisps’, etc. This made it difficult to read, as many of these words I was not familiar with, considering that I had learnt North American English instead of British English. It would have been nice to have some sort of translation for those that were not familiar with the terms.

There were many strange parts of the book that I thought could have been eliminated. Such as the dream sequence about Karl Lagerfeld, the replies to the book club email that Chloe and Rosie were interested in starting, and the candlestick incident. And the scene with Amanda in Toulouse; what was that! Quite difficult to digest, and a strange addition to the storyline.

Many of the French words that were written into the story weren’t translated, which made it difficult for someone that doesn’t understand French to know what was being said. I also didn’t enjoy reading the profanity, as I found it distasteful for this type of genre.

The relationship between Chloe and Jean-Luc was not outlined well; did they like each other, or were they friends? Especially during the trip to Toulouse; why was Chloe in Jean-Luc’s room if she wasn’t interested in him? I felt that this whole relationship was not given a proper explanation, leaving readers confused on what to expect from these two characters. Why was Chloe so upset with Jean-Luc’s news near the end of the book? Was she interested in becoming involved with him? Who knows! And Jean-Luc’s involvement with Amanda, such a strange turn of events!

I did however enjoy reading about Chloe’s life, and seeing what new adventure she would take part in next. It kept me turning the pages, and not hoping for the book to be finished. I was however, not impressed with how the book ended, as I was hoping for more excitement. Everything seemed to fit nicely into a little treasure box, which isn’t how life truly is about. However, this is adult fiction, and taken with a grain of salt, it did spice up my imagination.

Reading Cocktails at Le Carmen and meeting Chloe and Jean-Luc was entertaining and fun. Chloe is the type of character I find easy to relate to and connect with. Having one’s job cut and moved to Paris could cause enormous anxiety and stress in most people, but I admired Chloe’s ability to adjust and acclimate through the times of stress and anxiety, especially when looking for a place to live. Jean-Luc is one of those characters that readers just swoon over. He is the perfect man as evidenced by most of the women in the book are head over heels for him. He does not let that go to his head and is a likable and decent man and I was rooting hard for them to get together.

I enjoyed Ms. Andover’s narrative and descriptions of Paris. If I ever find myself in the City of Light, she would be a great tour guide, having first-hand experience living there.

My Final Verdict: I recommend this book to fans of chick-lit and romantic comedies, who crave happily ever after endings where the hero and heroine ride off into the sunset and the karma bus runs over the villains. I do wish the story went on a bit longer to see Chloe and Jean-Luc back in Paris after her sister’s wedding and meeting his parents. Cocktails at Le Carmen is my first book by Isabelle Andover but will not be my last.

Cute book about a girl who moves to Paris for a year for a job and falls in love with France and her new life. And maybe.....her boss?

Very cool idea for a book, and an excellent execution of that idea. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Recommended. .

Really enjoyable read. Good characters and a Good story. Well worth a read. Think others will. Enjoy

I’m not a big fan of chic lit but I did find this a good easy read. Thanks for the copy netgalley

No longer interested in reading this. Clearing out old galleys.

Loved this book love the storyline it is a chic lit /women fiction