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I am a big fan of Kate Clayborn’s and eagerly look forward to each new book. The Paris Match was well worth the wait. One of her greatest skills is in full evidence here: writing nuanced and flawed characters who fall in love despite some heavy damage and work to overcome their pasts in order to feel worthy of the objects of their affection. This is written in third person, but there is enough internal monologue for readers to be tuned into the innermost thoughts and fears of the characters. Griff and Layla who, on the surface, seem to be polar opposites are actually very well-matched. He is the grumpy to her sunshine, but maybe because she is a doctor and has witnessed immense suffering, she has the patience and insight to recognize that his gruffness isn’t so much a personality trait as a coping mechanism for his chronic pain. As a result of this insight and the time they spend alone together (discovering the hidden treasures found throughout Paris where they’re both visiting for a destination wedding), Layla comes to Griff’s defense when he is scapegoated by people who should know better.
Clayborn uses themes from both Beauty and the Beast and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, especially Griff’s numerous references to being a self-imposed prisoner in a “belltower” following the long ago event that left him deeply scarred in both body and mind. They both face metaphorical demons and work on themselves to reach the happy ending they both deserve. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley Romance through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
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