Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble follows anxiety-ridden Paris as he navigates a season of Bake Expectations. When his roommate enters him into the running for the baking show, Paris assumes he’ll never get in. When he does and starts to win, he is absolutely shocked. Almost as shocked as when the stunning contestant Tariq takes an interest in him. But Paris has been living with untreated anxiety for a long time now, and Bake Expectations creates the perfect storm. Will Paris be able to manage his anxiety as the pressure mounts? 

I absolutely love Alexis Hall and will read anything he writes. I’m also a fan of the real Great British Bake-Off, so I really enjoy this series. That said, Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble deals with very serious anxiety. It was so difficult to watch Paris self-sabotage and endlessly apologize for existing. Alexis Hall creates a good balance between the joy of baking, the newness of his connection with Tariq, and his difficult struggle with mental health. I was happy to see what Paris ended up deciding in the end and the resources he used. 

My favorite part was the descriptions of the baking competition and I wish there had been just a little more romance. However, I think it also makes sense that Paris cannot truly engage in romance or a relationship until he is able to take care of himself better. Alexis Hall is an incredibly witty and thoughtful writer. I can’t wait to see what Alexis Hall writes next and look forward to reading literally anything he writes…grocery lists included!! Thank you to Alexis Hall, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.