REVIEWS for If Paris Were My Lover

4.0 out of 5 stars A love story like no other

Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2025 by Kathy.

It read like any love story. From first sight to passion sprinkled with emotion and heartbreak. Autobiographical, historical, poetic. To quote Martina Nicole, “Paris, you were the lover I never meant to love, the accident that outlived its passion, and the rendezvous that never led to forever. Incidental. Accidental. Convenient. Situational.” Paris becomes a character that captures the moments of love and self-discovery into time and place.
A love story like no other.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous book, you have to read this

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 May 2025 by SB.

Gorgeous and visceral adventures in Paris, guaranteed to have readers salivating for their next visit to the most romantic city in the world. Take a breath and dive into this book. Wonderful.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautifully Poetic Stroll Through the Heart of Paris

Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2025 by Mindy M.

Martina Nicolls’ novel is more than just a story—it’s a love letter to Paris, to longing, and to the quiet, aching corners of the human heart. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reading this book. The writing is rich with metaphor, lush with emotion, and the city itself becomes a living, breathing character—mysterious, romantic, and unforgettable.

The narrative flows like a piece of music—gentle in some places, intense in others, always carrying you forward. Whether it’s a chance encounter in a tucked-away café or a heartbreak under a rain-drenched bridge, Nicolls captures the weight of those small, intimate moments that define us.

I especially appreciated how the novel explored self-discovery. The protagonist’s journey felt deeply relatable—sometimes painful, sometimes euphoric, always honest. It reminded me how often we try to find ourselves in other people, in unfamiliar places, and in the memories we can’t quite let go of.

If you enjoy lyrical writing, emotional depth, and a story that lingers in your soul long after the final page, this is for you. It’s a slow, reflective read—meant to be savored like a glass of red wine by the Seine.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Poetic Love Affair with Paris

Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2025 by Kelly P.

If Paris Were My Lover is not just a book—it’s an experience. Martina Nicolls weaves an intimate, lyrical narrative that explores Paris as both a city and a lover, capturing the essence of its beauty, contradictions, and irresistible pull. This is not your typical travel memoir or romance novel; it’s a deeply personal reflection on love, loss, self-discovery, and the passage of time.

Nicolls’ writing is elegant and evocative, rich with sensory details that transport you straight into the cobblestone streets, cafés, and rain-soaked mornings of Paris. She explores her nomadic life, relationships, and identity, using the city as both a backdrop and a metaphor for love—passionate, fleeting, and often elusive. Each chapter feels like a whispered conversation, filled with philosophical musings and poetic prose that make you stop and reflect.

This book is perfect for dreamers, romantics, and anyone who has ever felt a deep connection to a place. I’m giving it 5 stars because it’s beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and unlike anything I’ve read before. If you’ve ever loved a city—or a person—you’ll find a piece of yourself in these pages.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Poetic and Passionate Love Letter to Paris

Reviewed in Canada on March 11, 2025 by EVA.

If Paris Were My Lover is an enchanting and deeply evocative novel that captures the romance, beauty, and mystery of both love and the City of Lights. The prose is lyrical and immersive, transporting the reader into a world where every street, café, and whispered secret feels like poetry in motion.

The book weaves a mesmerizing tale of self-discovery, longing, and the magic of fleeting moments, making it a must-read for lovers of literary fiction and romance. The author’s writing is rich with emotion, painting vivid scenes that linger in your heart long after the final page.

If you adore Paris, romance, and beautifully written storytelling, this book is an absolute must-read. Highly recommended for anyone who dreams of love, adventure, and the intoxicating allure of Paris!

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 March 2025 by bookworm fever.

“If Paris Were My Lover” by Martina Nicolls is a beautifully lyrical novel that personifies Paris as an irresistible lover—charming, elusive, and heartbreaking. Nicolls captures the city’s romance, magic, and melancholy, making it a must-read for Francophiles, travelers, and dreamers alike.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Heartfelt Journey Through Paris

Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2025 by Lara.

If Paris Were My Lover by Martina Nicolls is a touching story about love, heartbreak, and searching for where you truly belong. The author brings Paris to life by describing the city as if it were a person—sometimes warm and inviting, other times cold and distant. The mix of personal stories and bits of history made me feel like I was really there, walking through the streets and seeing everything through the writer’s eyes. The writing was smooth and easy to follow, and the emotions felt real. This book is not just about a city but about anyone who has ever loved and lost. It’s a story that stays with you long after you finish reading.