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The Trick to Finding Love
After she discovers that her wife has been cheating, Skye throws herself into her work to forget the break-up of her marriage, relishing the chance to explore and research the famous Catacombs of Paris.
When a misstep leaves Skye lost in the ancient tunnels, she stumbles upon Trick, a gorgeous graffiti artist with a sense of adventure. Skye is grateful for Trick’s help to get out of the tunnels, but how can she truly thank her rescuer when she was caught actively defacing one of the greatest historical sites that Skye has ever seen?
It wouldn’t matter, but when Skye’s rental car gets a flat tyre, the enigmatic Trick appears once more looking unfairly sexy in her dirty coveralls. Skye quickly learns that all is not as it seems with the rebellious Parisienne.
~ A low-angst sapphic romance novella about finding love in unexpected places ~
When a misstep leaves Skye lost in the ancient tunnels, she stumbles upon Trick, a gorgeous graffiti artist with a sense of adventure. Skye is grateful for Trick’s help to get out of the tunnels, but how can she truly thank her rescuer when she was caught actively defacing one of the greatest historical sites that Skye has ever seen?
It wouldn’t matter, but when Skye’s rental car gets a flat tyre, the enigmatic Trick appears once more looking unfairly sexy in her dirty coveralls. Skye quickly learns that all is not as it seems with the rebellious Parisienne.
~ A low-angst sapphic romance novella about finding love in unexpected places ~
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2023
18 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 25, 2024
➥ 2 Stars *:･ﾟ✧
This novella left much to be desired. I love the cover...and that's about it. Skye (h) is a 35 year old historian, recently divorced, perusing the catacombs when she meets Trick (h) or Beatrix. It's a unique concept, but one executed very...blandly.
I think Dallas leaned too hard into Skye being a divorcee who's ex-wife would disapprove of anything improper. It's emphasised lots that Trick showing her around (the catacombs) is rebellious and freeing and bad. Guys she's tired of being a good girl, lol. Then Trick is all like "this girl has no idea about what's on the other side of the tracks" lol. It was just super cliche and not done very well.
Their conversations and interactions themselves were extremely uninspired. There was no tension or even compelling dialogue. They spoke, one asked a question and the other answered, randomly they started holding hands, Skye leaves Paris, they're apparently in love and can't stop thinking about each other, and then they reunite.
Oh, and Trick calls Skye "ma cherie" soo often, it felt so forced.
I didn't know what type of novella I was really expecting here. It's a bit of a stretch to try to make a love story fit into less than 150 pages, but there are ways to make a character dynamic compelling at least. I think one that was done well is Mating the Huntress, for example.
This just wasn't interesting at all. It wasn't terrible, so it doesn't feel fair to one-star it, but I really don't have anything to compliment.
This book failed to make me care about the characters, their relationship, and their situation. Also, if your book is less than 150 pages, you should not be making space for a third act conflict. I don't think this author is for me.
"I've wanted to do that since I first saw you."
My eyes snapped open. "Really?"
"Oui." She kissed the tip of my nose delicately.
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
This novella left much to be desired. I love the cover...and that's about it. Skye (h) is a 35 year old historian, recently divorced, perusing the catacombs when she meets Trick (h) or Beatrix. It's a unique concept, but one executed very...blandly.
I think Dallas leaned too hard into Skye being a divorcee who's ex-wife would disapprove of anything improper. It's emphasised lots that Trick showing her around (the catacombs) is rebellious and freeing and bad. Guys she's tired of being a good girl, lol. Then Trick is all like "this girl has no idea about what's on the other side of the tracks" lol. It was just super cliche and not done very well.
Their conversations and interactions themselves were extremely uninspired. There was no tension or even compelling dialogue. They spoke, one asked a question and the other answered, randomly they started holding hands, Skye leaves Paris, they're apparently in love and can't stop thinking about each other, and then they reunite.
Oh, and Trick calls Skye "ma cherie" soo often, it felt so forced.
I didn't know what type of novella I was really expecting here. It's a bit of a stretch to try to make a love story fit into less than 150 pages, but there are ways to make a character dynamic compelling at least. I think one that was done well is Mating the Huntress, for example.
This just wasn't interesting at all. It wasn't terrible, so it doesn't feel fair to one-star it, but I really don't have anything to compliment.
This book failed to make me care about the characters, their relationship, and their situation. Also, if your book is less than 150 pages, you should not be making space for a third act conflict. I don't think this author is for me.
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
July 6, 2023
Skye is in Paris to research the catacombs of Paris, when she decides to explore on her own and gets lost. Luckily she meets Trick, who is painting her sister's portrait on a limestone wall in one of the caverns. Then Skye's rental car needs a mechanic and whose shop does she go to but Trick's. And, then Skye asks Trick to show her the catacombs. The pull towards one another is strong, but you also get to explore the catacombs in your mind. It's also HOT! Definitely 5 stars!
October 7, 2024
2,5 stars
If I'm being generous. As another review mentioned, this tries way too hard to make it seem like "two different worlds meet" by overemphasizing even the slightest difference between the MCs in a way that borders on ridiculous. Otherwise the story itself is generally mostly fine. But I couldn't get over the feeling of secondhand embarrassment.
If I'm being generous. As another review mentioned, this tries way too hard to make it seem like "two different worlds meet" by overemphasizing even the slightest difference between the MCs in a way that borders on ridiculous. Otherwise the story itself is generally mostly fine. But I couldn't get over the feeling of secondhand embarrassment.
July 15, 2023
Skye is an archaeologist wanting to explore the catacombs in Paris. She goes on a tour, meets Trick when she leaves the tour.And the adventure begins! You'll learn about the catacombs!
This is a wonderful love story, and HOT!! It is so worthy of 5 stars!!
This is a wonderful love story, and HOT!! It is so worthy of 5 stars!!
October 9, 2023
Spicier than the books I usually read, the prose is nevertheless rich and descriptive. From the first page, I was pulled into the well-researched and almost fantastical story! With alternating POVs corresponding to each chapter, the narrative was easy to follow, and although I feel that Skye/Trick's voices could have been more distinctive, I was charmed by their willingness to step outside their individual comfort zones to make their relationship work and their chemistry.
March 13, 2025
3 stars. Dallas’s writing is gorgeous. Very vivid. I just found that with this particular story that I didn’t care about either character. I didn’t find them interesting in the slightest and they felt kinda flat. The romance was okay the chemistry was there but there was a disconnect between me and this book unfortunately.
November 16, 2023
Heartwarming and simply delightful 🥰🥰 this was a soothing read about rediscovering love and moving past grief.
February 24, 2024
This was just an “okay” read for me.
Some of this is might be Spoilery so be forewarned.
I found the dual first person POV didn’t add anything to the story except we get a lot of info-dumping and telling from both MCs. They both think and speak identically, especially when Skye starts dropping lots of French words in, and I constantly forgot whose head we were in.
It’s a fairly quick read and I found at least three sections where the narrative skips over scenes like this: they all talked about a whole lot of stuff and it was so incredibly fun and they learned so much about each other and laughed so hard.
The love story moves incredibly fast too. It’s lampshaded that they only know each other a few days before intimacy but for whatever reason they are okay to do the deed—which I also found lacking. The scene felt very unoriginal with the standard finger finger lick lick Mind Blowing Orgasm OMG nobody has ever done that to meeeeee switch POV and repeat. We are also told (not shown explicitly) that their first time together involves toys and nipple-clamps which seems to involve a level of trust that is difficult to believe happens after knowing each other for a couple days. We are told they somehow have a deep level of trust in each other so that’s something.
The author apparently writes erotica under a similar name so maybe the love scenes are toned down for this audience? I just found them not really exciting and a lot of the action happens off-screen.
One thing I did like is the setting. The hidden world under the streets of Paris is really cool. Although I was surprised at Trick’s age because the stuff she does and her general presentation are more “edgy teenager” than “person in their upper 30s”. I found it difficult to believe she’s been actively spray-painting the same mural for eight years.
I didn’t like Skye’s friend Brendan. I don’t understand why she can’t go anywhere without him, like every time she visits France she has to drag him along. He does stupid things and is clueless and only gets underfoot. He panics and does something that ends up putting Trick in a horrible situation that could be so much worse but somehow it’s not so bad and they all get over it fairly quickly which I didn’t find realistic.
Anyway, I got this book for free so I probably shouldn’t be so picky. I like how charming and butch Trick is, but I think she and Skye don’t really have a lot of chemistry.
Recommended if you’re into a quick read with an interesting setting and low-angst with a happy ending.
Overall rating: 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy pepper rating: one spicy pepper 🌶️
Some of this is might be Spoilery so be forewarned.
I found the dual first person POV didn’t add anything to the story except we get a lot of info-dumping and telling from both MCs. They both think and speak identically, especially when Skye starts dropping lots of French words in, and I constantly forgot whose head we were in.
It’s a fairly quick read and I found at least three sections where the narrative skips over scenes like this: they all talked about a whole lot of stuff and it was so incredibly fun and they learned so much about each other and laughed so hard.
The love story moves incredibly fast too. It’s lampshaded that they only know each other a few days before intimacy but for whatever reason they are okay to do the deed—which I also found lacking. The scene felt very unoriginal with the standard finger finger lick lick Mind Blowing Orgasm OMG nobody has ever done that to meeeeee switch POV and repeat. We are also told (not shown explicitly) that their first time together involves toys and nipple-clamps which seems to involve a level of trust that is difficult to believe happens after knowing each other for a couple days. We are told they somehow have a deep level of trust in each other so that’s something.
The author apparently writes erotica under a similar name so maybe the love scenes are toned down for this audience? I just found them not really exciting and a lot of the action happens off-screen.
One thing I did like is the setting. The hidden world under the streets of Paris is really cool. Although I was surprised at Trick’s age because the stuff she does and her general presentation are more “edgy teenager” than “person in their upper 30s”. I found it difficult to believe she’s been actively spray-painting the same mural for eight years.
I didn’t like Skye’s friend Brendan. I don’t understand why she can’t go anywhere without him, like every time she visits France she has to drag him along. He does stupid things and is clueless and only gets underfoot. He panics and does something that ends up putting Trick in a horrible situation that could be so much worse but somehow it’s not so bad and they all get over it fairly quickly which I didn’t find realistic.
Anyway, I got this book for free so I probably shouldn’t be so picky. I like how charming and butch Trick is, but I think she and Skye don’t really have a lot of chemistry.
Recommended if you’re into a quick read with an interesting setting and low-angst with a happy ending.
Overall rating: 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy pepper rating: one spicy pepper 🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
It’s been a while since I’ve found a book to read in which Google is my constant companion. The Trick to Finding Love, set in the catacombs of Paris, had me searching for photos and references, utterly mesmerised that these places truly exist.
Taryn J Dallas’ second sapphic romance novella follows Skye as she meets Trick, underground and completely lost. As an academic, writing about the catacombs, she is horrified to find the woman defacing ancient artifacts. Still, there is a lingering attraction and a need to know more, which becomes possible when her rental car needs a mechanic and leads her straight to Trick.
Trick is psyched to get the opportunity to give Skye the authentic experience of the catacombs, even if it means opening herself up in ways she never knew she would be able to do. Skye is different, though. A chance at a new future. Falling hard hit’s both women out of the blue, so making it work is the next challenge.
Full disclosure, I adore Taryn J Dallas. She is a fantastic writer who seems to endlessly be able to release work that is not only engaging but also hot and sexy. I will actively wait for the next release because so far, she has yet to disappoint!
Taryn J Dallas’ second sapphic romance novella follows Skye as she meets Trick, underground and completely lost. As an academic, writing about the catacombs, she is horrified to find the woman defacing ancient artifacts. Still, there is a lingering attraction and a need to know more, which becomes possible when her rental car needs a mechanic and leads her straight to Trick.
Trick is psyched to get the opportunity to give Skye the authentic experience of the catacombs, even if it means opening herself up in ways she never knew she would be able to do. Skye is different, though. A chance at a new future. Falling hard hit’s both women out of the blue, so making it work is the next challenge.
Full disclosure, I adore Taryn J Dallas. She is a fantastic writer who seems to endlessly be able to release work that is not only engaging but also hot and sexy. I will actively wait for the next release because so far, she has yet to disappoint!
May 7, 2024
Full disclosure. I edited this book. I love it. There's so much opposites appreciation in this story. The history professor and the mechanic/graffiti artist. I loved the atmosphere in the Paris catacombs. I also appreciated that the characters were mature, dealing with (most of) their issues with communication.
July 11, 2023
A…Ma…Zing …absolutely loved this. Not only do you get a wonderful story but a history lesson for free! I’ve always wanted to go to Paris and visit the catacombs, this book transported me into the heart of them. The main characters are really cute, I don’t think I could ask for more. Enjoy!
February 27, 2024
A must read sapphic book! Starting off this book has such a unique setting right in Paris deep under ground in the Catacombs. Hats off to the writer for doing their research and writing a romance book staring two very different people with different walks of life but nevertheless their chemistry was immediate.
For a novella there is always the worry that the characters won’t be developed enough or the story will rush through in the end. But not with this book, it may be short with 144 pages but it definitely does not feel like that.
I loved the two characters and the past that the author made sure to explain to the readers. It made them all the more enduring and interesting for me.
Trick and Skye were definitely soulmates just waiting to meet each other in their lives and what better place to meet than the catacombs!
Even though the spice scenes were short they were enjoyable to read and the sexual chemistry between Trick and Skye was amazing.
Overall, a short read but a fulfilling one. Learn a little about the Catacombs in Paris whilst also reading a cute sapphic love story! ❤️❤️❤️
For a novella there is always the worry that the characters won’t be developed enough or the story will rush through in the end. But not with this book, it may be short with 144 pages but it definitely does not feel like that.
I loved the two characters and the past that the author made sure to explain to the readers. It made them all the more enduring and interesting for me.
Trick and Skye were definitely soulmates just waiting to meet each other in their lives and what better place to meet than the catacombs!
Even though the spice scenes were short they were enjoyable to read and the sexual chemistry between Trick and Skye was amazing.
Overall, a short read but a fulfilling one. Learn a little about the Catacombs in Paris whilst also reading a cute sapphic love story! ❤️❤️❤️
November 5, 2024
Short but satisfying sapphic romance
When free-spirited artist and mechanic Trick meets straitlaced academic Skye in the catacombs of Paris, they’re hardly a likely match, but as fate brings them together and Trick introduces Skye to her world, they soon discover an irresistible attraction. Is their connection a whirlwind fling or lasting love?
The Trick to Finding Love is a warm, adorable, and sexy opposites-attract romance with two endearing main characters and an intriguing, romantic setting. The Paris catacombs with its eclectic, lively community of characters draws the reader in as does the unfolding relationship dynamic between Trick and Skye. Following along on their adventure and rooting for their happily ever after is fun and engaging from start to finish.
This is a lovely, short but satisfying read.
When free-spirited artist and mechanic Trick meets straitlaced academic Skye in the catacombs of Paris, they’re hardly a likely match, but as fate brings them together and Trick introduces Skye to her world, they soon discover an irresistible attraction. Is their connection a whirlwind fling or lasting love?
The Trick to Finding Love is a warm, adorable, and sexy opposites-attract romance with two endearing main characters and an intriguing, romantic setting. The Paris catacombs with its eclectic, lively community of characters draws the reader in as does the unfolding relationship dynamic between Trick and Skye. Following along on their adventure and rooting for their happily ever after is fun and engaging from start to finish.
This is a lovely, short but satisfying read.
December 20, 2023
i personally did not really enjoy this book. for me, it was a lot of unnecessary information about certain things that i didn’t really care for, so there was a lot of skimming the pages (which is not good). i do love that this book jumps in between povs, the author did that very well. i did enjoy reading after the halfway point to the end of it, i just don’t think it is the best book out there. this book also reminded me of wattpad, but in a bad way lol.
my favorite character (and the only character i really liked) is trick, ofc. she was the only character, besides her two friends, that wasn’t annoying me when reading.
🌶️ spicy level (imo): 1/5 so i think it could still be enjoyable for people who wouldn’t mind reading a bit little of spice!
my favorite character (and the only character i really liked) is trick, ofc. she was the only character, besides her two friends, that wasn’t annoying me when reading.
🌶️ spicy level (imo): 1/5 so i think it could still be enjoyable for people who wouldn’t mind reading a bit little of spice!
October 11, 2023
Enjoyable romance of finding love in unexpected places, and running into Trick in the catacombs beneath Paris definitely counts as that. Skye has found herself in a world that has captured her interest and perhaps another woman as well, after her breakup with her ex.
Of course there is the complication that Skye is only there for a week, but perhaps they can make something work? If that's what they both want, of course.
It's interesting, learning some more about the depths of Paris, and the culture there, and of course Trick and Skye are cute together, and I found the ending to be very satisfactory. A well written and fun read.
Of course there is the complication that Skye is only there for a week, but perhaps they can make something work? If that's what they both want, of course.
It's interesting, learning some more about the depths of Paris, and the culture there, and of course Trick and Skye are cute together, and I found the ending to be very satisfactory. A well written and fun read.
February 28, 2024
What a joy this was.
There's something about how this story works that's both tender and heart-warming. At its core, is a good sapphic romance, but there are moments that catch you off-guard as well. Multiple times, I was reading and then started crying because of the experiences the characters were having.
The mix of romance with real issues helped ground this story and bring it home in a way that other stories don't quite touch. Even as a novella, it was every bit as powerful as something longer-form.
This one is definitely one for the permanent bookshelf.
There's something about how this story works that's both tender and heart-warming. At its core, is a good sapphic romance, but there are moments that catch you off-guard as well. Multiple times, I was reading and then started crying because of the experiences the characters were having.
The mix of romance with real issues helped ground this story and bring it home in a way that other stories don't quite touch. Even as a novella, it was every bit as powerful as something longer-form.
This one is definitely one for the permanent bookshelf.
August 8, 2023
I am totally entranced by this story about finding love in unexpected places. I love learning about the Paris Catacombs both from the historical point of view and about the underground culture of the Catophiles. I love the realistic characters and how they give their new budding relationship a chance as they explore each other's worlds. I hope there will be a sequel and even more adventure given how the book ends.
March 26, 2024
Good book
You are in the catacombs in Paris. As you travel through with Skyler as she is lost looking for anyone or a way out. Trick is spray painting on the caves walls and along with others as the also party. Skyler is a historian an not happy what is happening but wants to hear the history from someone that know the area and not just what is in books. Tricks is learning to let go of her feelings a decades after her sisters death. A wonderful story to read
You are in the catacombs in Paris. As you travel through with Skyler as she is lost looking for anyone or a way out. Trick is spray painting on the caves walls and along with others as the also party. Skyler is a historian an not happy what is happening but wants to hear the history from someone that know the area and not just what is in books. Tricks is learning to let go of her feelings a decades after her sisters death. A wonderful story to read
August 10, 2023
Firstly, can I just say that I really appreciate the pun in this book's title??
Secondly, I appreciate everything else about this book too. It makes me want to visit the catacombs of Paris (and I say that as someone with claustrophobia!), and is realistic about them and their history without bringing the tone down. Highly recommend this excellent read!
Secondly, I appreciate everything else about this book too. It makes me want to visit the catacombs of Paris (and I say that as someone with claustrophobia!), and is realistic about them and their history without bringing the tone down. Highly recommend this excellent read!
December 16, 2023
A charming, sexy and cute love story with a meet-cute and quick progression perfect for a one sitting read. This will appeal to folks who like to travel, as the catacombs of Paris make a really interesting backdrop to the romance.
There are a few sad elements though; it hit me hard as, like Trick, I have a very elderly cat. Fair warning on that.
There are a few sad elements though; it hit me hard as, like Trick, I have a very elderly cat. Fair warning on that.
August 8, 2024
This was a fun, quick read, a standout because of the setting: the Paris Catacombs. The love affair was sweet and hot, and the overall plot and relationship arcs were well done. The coolest part was the informal society of artists and the like who haunt the parts of the Catacombs tourists aren't allowed to see.
July 17, 2023
I loved this novella! Wonderfully written. Engaging from start to finish. All the descriptions of the catacombs were fascinating making me wish to go in person! The MCs were so cute and I loved how they interacted and followed through. They were sweet and spicy! Highly recommend!
July 22, 2023
A quick a sweet romance. Another low angst book by Dallas. The story follows Skye a professor studying catacombs in Paris where she meets Trick, a mechanic that loves exploring the closed areas of the catacombs. Like Dallas's other romance, this one is low angst and incredibly sweet romance.
August 11, 2023
The Trick to finding Love is a perfect sapphic romance. A historian and a graffiti artist meet in the catacombs of Paris and romance and fun ensues. Now I really can’t wait to visit Paris to experience The City of Light for myself.
October 15, 2023
Skye and Trick meet in a fantastical way…is that a word?!? Even though Skye is kind of an ass in the beginning, she can’t ignore her attraction to Trick. The two form a wonderful bond through their love of history but each of them love history in different ways. This was a really good read.
February 19, 2024
Great book
Another great one from TJ. When you meet someone and have IT, you have to go for it. I loved reading about Paris and the catacombs. I felt like I could see it. Skye and Trick were great together.
Another great one from TJ. When you meet someone and have IT, you have to go for it. I loved reading about Paris and the catacombs. I felt like I could see it. Skye and Trick were great together.
December 24, 2024
As always a truly amazing piece of work. I enjoyed stepping into the catacombs for a cute whirlwind romance that makes me want to go on an adventure myself. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Trick and Skye, there was so much fun and witty banter between the two.
March 22, 2025
Poor percy
Finding love in the most unexpected places wasn't even a blip on the radar for either of them
One recovering from an unbearable loss and the other from a failed marriage
Sometimes getting lost is the best way to find where you are going
Finding love in the most unexpected places wasn't even a blip on the radar for either of them
One recovering from an unbearable loss and the other from a failed marriage
Sometimes getting lost is the best way to find where you are going
December 19, 2025
Fabulous
I've read many books by TJ Dallas. Loved them all for different reasons.
This, though short and sweet, was just as amazing.
Love the characters, storyline and history
Keep writing!
I've read many books by TJ Dallas. Loved them all for different reasons.
This, though short and sweet, was just as amazing.
Love the characters, storyline and history
Keep writing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews