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Love Nests #1

The Paris Apartment

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James Sinclair, a successful trader, keeps his busy life uncomplicated. Work is about all he has time for. Imagine his surprise when he returns to his Paris apartment to find his little sister’s best friend, Mila Johnson, in his bed.

One night of fooling around opens a Pandora’s box which Mila just wants to pry open wider, whereas James just wants to keep the lid on tight. Mila is sweet and innocent and no way is he going to expose her to the real James Sinclair.

As his relationship status changes to complicated, James struggles to keep control over his past and his heart. Mila’s teenage fantasy is still larger than life, but James swings between hot and cold. Now that she has him between the sheets, Mila will do anything to keep him there.

255 pages, ebook

First published October 19, 2018

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About the author

Sophia Karlson

15 books198 followers
I write sensual, emotional, and evocative contemporary romances about good guys and bad girls and sometimes it's the other way around. Either way, happy ever afters rule!
All my books can be read as standalone, although I tend to write about siblings.
Follow me on FB and Instagram @sophiakarlson.

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5 stars
138 (40%)
4 stars
111 (32%)
3 stars
63 (18%)
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16 (4%)
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10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Carlene Inspired.
918 reviews239 followers
December 6, 2018
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired

Mila is the modest, virginal best friend of a wild party girl. Desperate to shape her own future, and get out from under her oppressive family, Mila agrees to go on a two week Paris vacation. The trip promises to revive her love of painting and, at the hopes of her best friend, bring plenty of men to woo her. Arriving at James' apartment, the older, handsome brother of her best friend, she finds herself alone, inspired, and seriously considering the opportunity to give away her innocence. She doesn't plan on James arriving home in the middle of the night and she definitely doesn't plan on waking up beside him the following morning. He lights a fire in her and together they rush into a passionate affair, one that leaves no room for the secrets the wealthy trader holds close.

The Paris Apartment came as a surprise for me, with a story-line that delved into the character's personal backgrounds and gave explanation to the connection they shared, it felt like it had more to it than other similar stories I have read in the past. While it is an erotica, a very steamy one at that, it also is a complex story of love, forgiveness, and human connection. Mila and James have known each other since they're youth, but meeting each other once again as adults and in such close quarters progresses their relationship forward quickly. They set out to complete Mila's Parisian bucket list, but the romantic city and the opportunity to be their true selves fuels the lust between them.

Of course, it wouldn't be such a good book without the drama and there is certainly plenty of that. James has a complex relationship with love, something he'd rather not deal with, but finds himself facing as he falls for Mila. He knows his past relationship will soon affect the one he is beginning to his sister's best friend and the secrets he holds back might just change her view of him entirely. Mila had a complicated religious upbringing, one that leaves her questioning the truth of love, romance, and sexuality. James, though a ladies man, has a heart of gold and helps her experience the world with little judgement. The location, especially the close confines of the apartment, bring the two together and there's extensive character development mixed in with the erotic moments the two share. I really felt like both James and Mila gained so much perspective and awareness from the short time they had together and it made their affair so realistic. The chemistry between them is palpable the entire read and I too fell in love with them just as they fall for one another.

The Paris Apartment by Sophia Karlson is book one in the Love Nests series. It read as a standalone in my opinion and should be picked up by anyone who loves well-written contemporary romance and just the right amount of smut. It's a complex erotica, one I enjoyed reading from the very first page. I'll definitely be reading this one again.

ARC provided.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
7,645 reviews16 followers
October 19, 2018
The Paris Apartment by Sophia Karlson is the First Book in the Love Nests series. This is the story of Mila Johnson and James Sinclair.
James comes home to his Paris apartment to find his sister's best friend in his apartment. Mila is a innocent painter that needed a place to stay and took the option of James's apartment. Sparks fly between the two but James isn't sure that Mila can handle his sexual taste.
I really enjoyed reading their story and will look for more books from this author.
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books1,796 followers
September 5, 2019
Imagine James Sinclair's surprise when he discovers his little sister's best friend in his Paris apartment, in his bed. He doesn't have the time or inclination to explore the budding feelings between he and Mila. But when Mila takes initiative, he's helpless under her ministrations. When his dark past invades their shared Paris apartment, will she leave or stay?

Such a delightful romance and one I thoroughly enjoyed. Paris becomes a character all its own and brought back wonderful memories of my time there. There's a fair amount of angst but it was well worth it in the end.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N
October 19, 2018
3.5 Stars

This is my first read by this author. I was interested in the setting from the blurb and wanted to see where this author would take us. This is a best friends brother trope and as such, our characters have known each other for many years.

James comes home to find Mila crashing at his Paris apartment. He forgot that he promised it to his sister and her best friend. Mila has had a crush on James forever, but her strict parents forbade her to have contact with the family at some point.

I did love the writing style of this author. Very vivid descriptions. I found myself re-checking to see if this was a romance novel or erotica. Super hot scenes between these two! I would classify this closer to erotica. The whole first third of the book is all about the s3x and Mila learning what she likes and doesn't like and James being a very eager teacher. I wasn't feeling anything more between these two other than history/friendship and the chemistry in the bedroom. I was missing more meat to the story.

There are secrets to be revealed and some angst closer to the end of the story. Overall, well written, super steamy and a light read to help you escape your day for awhile.

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Karen's Utterly Unashamed .
369 reviews24 followers
February 26, 2021
Sophia Karlson did it again. If you haven't picked up any of this author's books...you should. Her writing is awesome and her stories are romantic, hot, full of chemistry, and just plain good.

This one follows Mila to Paris. She grew up a pastors daughter with four brothers. Her parents banned her from her best friend as a child because of their families "sins." Good Grief, right?!?!



She is ready to grow up, experience the world, follow her art passion, well...and...not be a virgin anymore!


"Dear Lord. Let the hymen be gone. Please. Amen."

Best.Prayer.Ever.

So, she sneaks off to Paris without telling her family. She is going to stay at her friend's brothers apartment. James...yes James...did I forget to mention she had a crush on James when she was young. Yup, and now she's alone with him, in Paris, and she wants to have sex!


"God Almighty and all his angels help her, but he was more handsome than the last time she's seen him. A naughty smile played on his lips, never mind the dark stubble that covered his jaw and the sparkle in his sky blue eyes as he studied her leisurely."




James is no innocent guy. He's got some baggage, he's got some secrets, he's got some kinks. And now what he's got is Mila. Can he fall in love? Can he keep her out of his heart?


"Women. He could do with a fucking universal manual instructing him how to deal with them."


It's a journey and a good one.

Aside from the romance story, there's Paris. With all it's sight, art, food (I really want a butter croissant right now with some wine!). It's like taking a trip, surrounded by family drama, during a love story, bathed in smut. In other words, awesome!





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Profile Image for Michelle.
552 reviews42 followers
October 6, 2018

First book read by this Author and I really loved her writing style and will be reading more of her books.

The Paris Apartment - Is a hot, full of sex romance read with hidden and dark secrets.

James Sinclair - Is a successful business man traveling around the world, just finished an open relationship and not looking for anyone other than a one night stand.

Until he arrives home from a business trip early and Mila Johnson, his sisters long-term best friend is sleeping like an angel in his bed, Mila is sweet and innocent and James likes what he sees.

The relationship that builds up between these two is hot, sweet and loving, but James has a very colourful past which could destroy everything he thought he never wanted.

Highly recommended Romance Read.
Profile Image for Lisa Pichner.
233 reviews7 followers
Read
March 1, 2021
A must read

This was my first read from Sophia Karlson.
I was hooked from the very beginning.
I loved the characters and the chemistry between the two main characters.
This book was well written and kept my interest throughout the whole book.
I highly recommend this book.

Roxanne D.
Type Dirty to Me
Roxanne D is new to me and she didn't disappoint me.
I was excited to read this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This was well written and kept my interest throughout the whole book from the beginning.
I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Suzanne Jefferies.
Author 23 books22 followers
October 17, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed the romance in this story. Yes, it's hot and steamy and all of that good stuff, but the romance is page-turningly good. Young, naive virgin — a preacher's daughter — and a jaded hotshot businessman. Fireworks? You bet.

Go get yourself a copy!
Profile Image for Vickie.
273 reviews3 followers
October 11, 2018
I have always loved to read romance novels that are panty dropping sexy from the get go and this story of Mali and James is just that. Mali is the perfect 24 year old sexy virgin who is visiting Paris as her muse to inspire her art. She comes with a bucket list of what she wants to accomplish and losing her virginity is at the top. James is the perfectly handsome sexy older brother of her best friend that has sexual issues of his own. Together they forge an unlikely romance that keeps you on an emotional roller coaster. When I finished the book James was my new book boyfriend and Mali my best friend. I love when a books characters are real and relatable. This is definitely a five plus star read. The Paris Apartment

Profile Image for Ryan - Sweet Red Reader .
1,349 reviews77 followers
October 21, 2018
Let me start by saying that I'm a huge fan of the sibling's best friend trope. Add to that the Parisian setting and the intriguing blurb and I was pumped to read The Paris Apartment. While the book is sufficiently steamy, I just didn't vibe with the characters. Yes James and Mila had chemistry and history, but I feel like I didn't get to know them that well, so I didn't understand the draw they had to each other. That being said, there is heat and angst and drama, so I did find it entertaining. Will I continue with the series? I don't know. Did I enjoy this one? It was ok... So I'm guess I'm stuck in the middle :( 3 out of 5 wine glasses.
Profile Image for Gladys.
10.6k reviews113 followers
October 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this tantalizing romance. This best friend's older brother/opposites attract romance offers readers plenty of drama, intensity, steam and emotional turmoil. With twists and secrets that cause big complications that need to be overcome, can Mila and James get a HEA? A really good read! This is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,709 reviews6 followers
Shelved as 'no-dull-mwh-dmh-tstl-unsafe'
September 18, 2019
Not interested in ladies' man+ virgin heroine.
Profile Image for Isolde Dittrich.
14 reviews
December 30, 2020
The title got my attention - and Sophia Karlson did not disappoint with her storytelling skills. I loved the book from start to finish - the characters, the settings (in Paris, of course), the sensual love scenes... If you're into this kind of romance, this is a must read! Could not put the book down. Loved how well Sophia Karlson describes Paris, that let me feel as though I was there. Can't wait to read more by this author!
Profile Image for Grace.
115 reviews
March 4, 2023
Love the concept. But plain writing & it's third person which kills it for me. All in all, not the book for me but can see how others enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Princess.
203 reviews48 followers
November 27, 2018
I have been looking for a contemporary romance to love and I was attracted to the promise of the title itself. Paris has always been a dream destination for me. The author did not disappoint in terms of the setting. It was a lovely escape, and the museums and art scenes were such a pleasure to explore.

I liked how the characters are polar opposites, so that they learn a lot about life as they get to know each other better. I don’t really relate to each of them as individuals but I did like them as a couple. The tension was delicious and the chemistry was there at the beginning.

If virgin girl meets ladies man is your thing, then by all means try this. The heroine Mila is raised (brainwashed) by strict parents to be religious and pious and she has a lot of issues towards sexuality and the concept of sin. The lead male character James is a liberated (sexually active) guy struggling to survive a traumatic former relationship.

The book has a promising theme of sexual awakening and sex as a form of empowerment, although I must say I was not entirely satisfied with the execution. I didn’t really like the hate towards sexually active women. Being a virgin does not mean you’re pure as a person. But I can blame this on Mila being “brainwashed” so I guess I can forgive that. But, I am still hating on the fact that James would only think of being “gentle” and will “treat a girl right” only if she is a virgin. Every girl deserves that kind of treatment, right?

Definitely a must read if you’re into contemporary romance with the familiar templates of beautiful and hot main characters caught in steamy scenes. Happy ever after also guaranteed.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lili.
482 reviews
July 4, 2019
When I first started this book, I was concerned that it might be just another entry in the catalogue of erotica featuring a very wealthy man with a painful past being healed by a beautiful young woman who he meets by happenstance. I was fully prepared for James and Mila to go the way of Christian and Anastasia, Gideon and Eva, Jonathan and Monica, and so on. That is, lots of bumps (and sex) along the way to a happily ever after.

I was pleasantly surprised by the characters in this book, who we get to know through their inner monologues. Unlike other stories of this ilk, it’s not all on the woman to win the man over, to entice him to spill his secrets, and to change his life. Here they both come to independent realizations that they want something different from their past, but neither can truly express what s/he wants from the other for complex emotional reasons. And because the interpersonal conflict climaxed and resolved in one book - instead of slowly festering over three to five books - the drama seemed so much more intensely felt.

I also appreciated how the setting was worked into the narrative. This isn’t a story that could have taken place in any major Western city. For the art and the light and the passion, it had to be set in Paris. And it works that both main characters are still very British in this milieu.

Overall, reading this book made me happy. I am glad that I invested the time in it, although I was so engrossed by it that my reading time flew by. I would definitely encourage anyone who is interested in a contemporary romance - one with real feeling and conflict - to pick up this book.

I received this book as a digital advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa Pearson.
374 reviews9 followers
October 15, 2018
This is a new author for me, so I jumped at the chance to receive an ARC.
Well I’ve got to say, I was really pleasantly surprised with this book.

Mila is an artist, she visits Paris, staying in her best friends brothers apartment. James a hot shot business man that travels a lot, and is unaware that his sisters best friend is staying in his apartment. That is until he returns early from a business trip to find Mila in his bed.

It’s not long before a ‘one time’ night of passion ensues between James and Mila, and I must say, the love scenes are really well written, gets your bloody pumping and your heart racing, very hot!
I found the middle of the book a tantalising slow burn with sparks of chemistry flying all over the place between James and Mila as they try to keep to that ‘one time’ rule.
James has a secret past and a nasty piece of an ex girlfriend that shows up and is more than happy to take revenge on James. To story flows, reads easily and builds up to an angsty last 20%, where I found it difficult to put down.

This is a beautifully written romantic read from this author and I really enjoyed it, she did a splendid job. The only negative I have, well not sure it’s a negative but more of a personal choice. It’s written from third person pov, which I do prefer first person pov. But really well written all the same.

A beautiful story.
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,067 reviews41 followers
October 15, 2018
The Paris Apartment has a wonderful romance storyline that will keep you turning page after page. It’s very well written with characters you may want to smack a time or two and others you’ll simply love to pieces.

Mila is the daughter of a minister and a very naive young woman. She finds herself in uncharted waters in an apartment in Paris when her best friends older brother James, returns home early. While Mila knew James when she was a kid, it did nothing to prepare her for seeing him through the eyes of a woman. As for James, when he returns home to his apartment and see this gorgeous woman asleep in his bed, he instantly wants her. But when he learns it’s Mila he knows he needs to keep himself it check. But can he? James is much older and experienced in the world of kink and pleasing women not in holding them at bay. And what about Mila? Can she resist all the temptations that make up James Sinclair?

This story is fun, sassy and full of lies and surprises. The author will keep you on your toes as you read the unfolding story involving James and Mila. I highly recommend reading The Paris Apartment, you won’t be sorry you did. 2 Thumbs Up for a great read.
885 reviews
November 18, 2018
‘The Paris Apartment’ drew me in with its beautiful cover, and I soon found myself also captivated by the passionate nature of this book. James Sinclair, arrives home to find a beautiful woman in his bed, only to discover that this is his sister’s best friend Mia. It was clear from the very start that this would be an intense relationship, but what follows is a growing awareness that each fills a need in the other. James has suffered from his parent’s relationship whilst Mia’s life has been closed in by her parent’s way of thinking.
Whilst the chemistry between the two was undeniable, I felt that their strong feelings for each other were developed carefully, through the amazing writing style. Their romance is brought to life against the beautiful background of Paris and I found myself captivated.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,086 reviews65 followers
October 24, 2019
DNF at 12%

I tried with this book. But I wasn’t feeling how this book was written. The way James talked. Seemed like he was way older then he was.

“Mila.” Was he trying to talk sense into her head, or his? “Being in my bed… comes with certain risks. Or risqué certainties. Whichever takes your fancy.” She nodded slightly; her eyes sparkled and her lips twitched. “Risqué certainties?” She was so not helping. But he needed to give her every chance to opt out. “What’s your risk profile, Mila?” he whispered as he leaned in to taste her again. She shivered at his touch on her sensitive skin. “I don’t know. I’ve never considered it.”

Yeah, I’m not even going to force myself to move on.

If I’m not feeling it this early on.... I probably won’t like the rest.

*ARC provided by Backlit PR via Netgalley*
Profile Image for Dasha.
187 reviews
March 14, 2021
Mila and her best friend Stacy plan to spend two weeks in Paris, in Stacy's brothers apartment, but Stacy can't make it because of school work the first week. Mila decides she is still going to get a break from her pastor father, controlling mother, and rugby playing four brothers. She plans to visit the museums to draw inspiration for her art. Unbeknownst to her, Stacy's brother James comes home and finds Mila in his bed. Sparks fly and romance ensues. Then James' ex-girlfriend shows up wanting him back but he is falling in love with Mila. Stacy shows up early and everything goes in a tailspin. Will James' past catch up with him and will Mila be able to accept it? It was an original story and I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for MyDogAteMyBookReview.
212 reviews41 followers
February 24, 2021
I DNF at about 30%

I could’ve liked this if it had been a slow burn between these two, if he had encouraged her to get out there and spread her wings and slowly fell in love with her.

I wanted a sexual awakening story for Mila. Not a “I want to teach you and mold you into what I want” for J. I also wanted to throat punch him for thinking he can be “kind & gentle” with her because she’s a virgin ... as opposed to the women he’s slept with who deserve less than? He’s indeed an asshole who doesn’t think he’s an asshole.
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,392 reviews11 followers
October 16, 2018
This was a first by this author for me and it started kinda slow. Mila is staying in James apartment when he comes home early from business. James just got out of a relationship and wants nothing serious and Mila is the exact opposite. These two are extremely hot together. James has so many secrets its a mess to see them get through. But in the end will love win???
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,086 reviews33 followers
July 30, 2019
Milla and James.

If your looking for a contemporary romance with drama, and steam The Paris Apartment has this and so much more for a reader to enjoy.

I will say I'm not normally a contemporary romance reader but The Paris Apartment was surprisingly enjoyable, I loved the character's even when I didn't want to lol so yes there's drama, I loved the setting and descriptive writing and I really enjoyed the ending.
Profile Image for Mariloli.
570 reviews26 followers
February 24, 2021
sabes de que va en cuanto llegas al 2º capitulo, poca imaginacion, ni lo termino
Profile Image for Evie.
384 reviews200 followers
January 13, 2019
This was a hidden jewel in my TBR. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Sophia Karlson is a new-to-me author and I’ll say I’ll keep reading her books. The Paris Apartment was fresh and sexy. Though I thought Mila recented her best friend for the unlimited freedom and financial situation, I still found her relatable. Being a preacher’s daughter wasn’t easy for her and so seeing her rebel and become her own was great. I’m looking forward to reading more stories by this author.
Profile Image for Ines Santos.
7 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2020
I have to say Mila and James definitely kept me on my toes. I throughly enjoyed the story and they’re evolvement. They’re personal character development was great and considering this was my first read by the author I was very happy !

I do wish there had been more insight into James’ past and him even delving into with Mila.
September 16, 2018
Inexperienced virgin. Hot, successful guy. One barely furnished apartment in the most romantic city in the world. Yes please !
From the moment Mila and James meet up again after not being in touch for a few years, there is an intense attraction between the two of them.
Mila has escaped her narrow minded upbringing and stifling circumstances for a few weeks of freedom in Paris, ready to explore whatever the city has to offer. Along comes James, her once teenage crush, broody, full of dark secrets and world-wise...
Not wanting to reveal too much, all I can say it that from the intensely satisfying love scenes, through to the revealing of all the dark mysteries and some heartache, every moment of this romance is enjoyable.
Sophia Karlson has a light touch, the story flows well and makes for an easy, escapist read.
As for that chair - I think I need to go get one !
Profile Image for Amanda Holly.
Author 5 books16 followers
March 26, 2021
I loved reading this wonderful steamy romance as it meandered through the streets and art museums of Paris. James and Mila are such likeable characters that you can't help getting sucked into the story as they overcome their past and their relationship blossoms.

Ms Karlson has gained another fan. I will definitely read more from this author. The Shrink is next on my list!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

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