Blame It On Paris by Jennifer Greene
Release date: 2008 / 377 pages 
Synopsis (from back cover): Kelly Rochard is determined to have one last adventure before settling down to married life! Still, being mugged at the Louvre is not what she had in mind for her long-awaited trip to Paris. Until Will Maguire comes to her aid, and she finds herself completely distracted by the handsome stranger in the Notre Dame sweatshirt.
First Line: “Guilt was so much fun.”
Review: So, why am I reviewing two books with the same title? Funny you should ask… Well, recently a friend recommended that I read Blame It On Paris — and I could tell from the title that it was just the sort of fun, light fare I was in the mood for — especially since I was about to spend a 3 day weekend in Las Vegas with my husband.
So, I popped on the library’s website and found TWO books with the very same title — and with very similar plot-lines. Soooo, I thought — “why not?” — and requested them both!
I first read Greene’s novel and enjoyed it. It is a fast, engaging read with likeable characters and a fun plot. Perfect for a 3 hour airplane ride… Will I remember it in 2 weeks? Probably not, but it sure fit the bill for my weekend away. Then I read Florand’s take on the subject… or setting… or both…
Blame It On Paris by Laura Florand
Release date: 2006 / 383 pages
Synopsis (from back cover): Can an insecure American woman find happiness with a sexy Parisian waiter — even if she didn’t like the French? Laura has spent most of her adult life avoiding serious relationships, flitting around the world, and keeping her romantic expectations comfortably low. the last thing she wants is to have her globe-trotting ways curtailed by a messy emotional entanglement. As far as she’s concerned, chocolate is just as satisfying as true love — and a lot less complicated.
First Line: “Eleven o’clock on a Friday night.”
Review: My experience of this Blame It On Paris was much more extended — and unfortunately less satisfying — until it fell victim to the 50 page rule. Actually, I did read about 100 pages, but this took me two weeks! I eventually realized I had to give up or resign myself to perpetually renewing the novel and perpetually putting it aside.
So, what was wrong? Well, I had the feeling that I was reading a diary (not even a journal) of the author’s romance with her husband. And, since the hero’s last name was actually Florand, I think I was. The first 40 pages described Laura’s waffling about whether or not she should ask a cute waiter out. Have you ever been in this situation? Your friend can’t act, so you are subjected to hours of “But what if…”? Brutal… Also, after 100 pages, the hero was still flawless — how boring… 
So, that’s my take on Blame it on Paris, times deux!
Has anyone else read either of these? Was I too harsh on the second one? Too kind to the first? Inquiring minds want to know…
I haven’t read the first, but did read the second one by Laura Florand, and enjoyed it. The hero actually is flawed, but you have to get further into the book to discover it. He only seems perfect at first because that’s her perception of him, as she believes she is not good enough for him. Once they try living together, both in America and in France, you start to see the flaws (and cultural differences).
Love the side-by-side reviews. Both books have storylines that sound fun, but oh, do I EVER know friend-who-can’t-decide scenario!
Darn! I gave up too soon… I hate it when I do that!! Thanks, Heather!
Thank you, Belle! I may have another side-by-side coming up soon… And I guess we need to be as patient with those friends as they were with us, right?!