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Le Tour de Love
"the opportunity of a lifetime..." When physiotherapist Molly Matthews is offered a dream job by a guy who shaves his legs and has an obsession with his bicycle, she has serious doubts about accepting. But, as she keeps telling herself, it's the opportunity of a lifetime and she'll never get another chance like this. So, she does what anyone in her position would do - she agrees to join a professional cycling team for the most prestigious race in the cycling world - The Tour de France. The reality, though, isn't exactly what she had anticipated; instead of eating out at restaurants in pretty French villages and spending her free time lounging around the hotel pool, Molly finds herself living out of a suitcase for three weeks, massaging eight pairs of sweaty legs, administering ice baths and treating saddle sores. And neither did she anticipate falling for a gorgeous, passionate, professional rider by the name of Alexander Duvall...
322 pages, Paperback
Published April 27, 2019
About the author
Lilac Mills
84 books255 followersLilac lives on a Welsh hillside with her very patient husband and incredibly sweet dog, where she grows veggies (if the slugs don't get them), bakes (badly) and loves making things out of glitter and glue (a mess, usually).
She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.
She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.
She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.
She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 29, 2019
My Rating:
3.5
My Review:
While I’m not unhappy with the book, it just wasn’t what I had anticipated. This was a slowly developing story featuring an English cyclist in the Tour de France bike race, while I was expecting a romance. There was a working relationship between the pair and a quiet and largely unspoken attraction involving the cyclist and a staff member that consisted of eyeballing and preoccupations and finally a little bit of kissing, but a romance was forbidden due to their working relationship.
I learned a lot about the French countryside as well as professional cycling as I had no idea this was a team event rather than an individual sport. The writing style was pleasant and easy to follow although the elements of the storylines began to feel overly familiar and repetitious as Molly repeatedly debated her issues of attraction for a man she couldn’t engage due to the rules of her employment. The characters were likable and their relationship was sweet, respectful, and chaste enough for my elderly mother’s book club.
I did glean a few interesting additions to my Brit word and idioms list with dunny – which could be excrement or a toilet, strewth – a mild oath of surprise, sold a pup – swindled or tricked into buying, and damp squib – an anticlimactic event that did not live up to expectations.
3.5
My Review:
While I’m not unhappy with the book, it just wasn’t what I had anticipated. This was a slowly developing story featuring an English cyclist in the Tour de France bike race, while I was expecting a romance. There was a working relationship between the pair and a quiet and largely unspoken attraction involving the cyclist and a staff member that consisted of eyeballing and preoccupations and finally a little bit of kissing, but a romance was forbidden due to their working relationship.
I learned a lot about the French countryside as well as professional cycling as I had no idea this was a team event rather than an individual sport. The writing style was pleasant and easy to follow although the elements of the storylines began to feel overly familiar and repetitious as Molly repeatedly debated her issues of attraction for a man she couldn’t engage due to the rules of her employment. The characters were likable and their relationship was sweet, respectful, and chaste enough for my elderly mother’s book club.
I did glean a few interesting additions to my Brit word and idioms list with dunny – which could be excrement or a toilet, strewth – a mild oath of surprise, sold a pup – swindled or tricked into buying, and damp squib – an anticlimactic event that did not live up to expectations.
July 3, 2019
Finally here comes the Lilac Mills book I have always dreamed of. I haven't read all her works, but out of the three I had, this is definitely the best. Add a steady mix of cycling euphoria with her humorous style and an out of the ordinary happy ever after and ta-da . . . you have the Le Tour de Love.
Cycling was a sport that I never cared much but all is about to change now. You will be bitten by this bug too, once you finish this gem of a book. The story was cute from the beginning and there was no question of putting down. Yes, that is one thing you need to be warned. Make sure you have enough reading time at your hand if you don't want to be told off by your boss.
I love how clear-headed Molly is and the slow development of her relationship with Alex. You both are so adorable! Alex's enthusiasm and dedication to his chosen vocation creep into you eventually. Undoubtedly my working hours witnessed a spring in my step.
So if you are in the mood for a cute, sporty book with an incredible slow-burning romance, this is just your pick. No worries on the sports idioms, the heroine is as clueless as we are and so we learn together. Happy reading!!!
Cycling was a sport that I never cared much but all is about to change now. You will be bitten by this bug too, once you finish this gem of a book. The story was cute from the beginning and there was no question of putting down. Yes, that is one thing you need to be warned. Make sure you have enough reading time at your hand if you don't want to be told off by your boss.
I love how clear-headed Molly is and the slow development of her relationship with Alex. You both are so adorable! Alex's enthusiasm and dedication to his chosen vocation creep into you eventually. Undoubtedly my working hours witnessed a spring in my step.
So if you are in the mood for a cute, sporty book with an incredible slow-burning romance, this is just your pick. No worries on the sports idioms, the heroine is as clueless as we are and so we learn together. Happy reading!!!
July 4, 2019
I was not sure what to expect when I requested this book. It sounded like a fun romance with a few challenges, but it was a lot more. Physiotherapist Molly Matthews is offered a dream job working on a team competing in the Tour de France. The job offer comes from a patient, who she has been working with to get him in shape to compete after breaking his wrist. This is the chance of a lifetime getting paid twice what she earns now and getting to travel and see France. Why not? It's only a few weeks out of her life and she will still have her job to come to, how can she turn it down. The bonus is spending some time with handsome Alexander Duvall.
I really enjoyed this story. I know it is billed as a romance and the author said she took allowances with the information she shared about The Tour de France, but I learned a lot about the world of professional cycling. I enjoyed the commentators' banter about the race, and the information about the various members of the team, the racing tactics and even the danger and risks the riders take. I was actually cheering for Alex and Tim as they worked together to shave time off their total. Having said that, I also enjoyed the romance and the relationships that develop when working and living together with the team. Molly is the only female traveling with the BeSpoke team and at first was a bit uncomfortable, but the way the others treated her and welcomed her was lovely. The closeness between the riders and their soigneur was almost like a marriage. As Molly and Alex got to know each other better, they developed a friendship first that changed into romance, albeit relatively quickly. Both of them had never had a romantic relationship, so they were a bit awkward, yet so loveable. As I stated earlier, this story was a wonderful surprise and I read it in one day. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy romance as well as those who like to learn a little something when they read fiction. I received a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I really enjoyed this story. I know it is billed as a romance and the author said she took allowances with the information she shared about The Tour de France, but I learned a lot about the world of professional cycling. I enjoyed the commentators' banter about the race, and the information about the various members of the team, the racing tactics and even the danger and risks the riders take. I was actually cheering for Alex and Tim as they worked together to shave time off their total. Having said that, I also enjoyed the romance and the relationships that develop when working and living together with the team. Molly is the only female traveling with the BeSpoke team and at first was a bit uncomfortable, but the way the others treated her and welcomed her was lovely. The closeness between the riders and their soigneur was almost like a marriage. As Molly and Alex got to know each other better, they developed a friendship first that changed into romance, albeit relatively quickly. Both of them had never had a romantic relationship, so they were a bit awkward, yet so loveable. As I stated earlier, this story was a wonderful surprise and I read it in one day. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy romance as well as those who like to learn a little something when they read fiction. I received a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
May 9, 2019
I absolutely adored this book and the pages literally couldn't turn fast enough, took me under 3 hours to read it - 2 tube journeys and while eating in a restaurant!
I've read all of Lilac Mills books so far, and this is definitely my favourite, after all it combines cycling with romance, all set to a French backdrop, and specifically The Tour de France.
As much as I love sport, I'm more of a track cycling fan, although I always promise myself that I really should watch the Tour de France, especially while there are great British riders in it and competing well each year at the moment. But I didn't really know much about the nitty gritty of the race, other than what I've read in perhaps one or two other fiction books over the years.
If you were wanting a beginners guide to the Tour, along with a plucky hero, a heroine who knows nothing about the sport, and everything explained in a really accessible way, then look no further. I was finding that I was cheering on Team BeSpoke the whole way, especially their top two drivers.
One of which Alex is the reason that Molly was offered the physio's job with the team for this Tour and beyond, And suddenly we are thrust alongside her into a whole new world, one which I absolutely loved. Although I do like her think the cyclists are slightly insane for what they put their bodies through over the course of the race.
I really understand the team aspect of road cycling a lot more, as well as some of the team member positions. Any book with a sport involved in it, tends to attract and keep my attention quickly.
And the interactions between Mollie and Alex were really believable and I loved seeing the way their story developed.
This really is a feel good book that has had me smiling, as well as slightly nerve wrecking, with some of the race antics... but for the same reason completely enthralling too. I loved every second of this story and I would absolutely love to see a sequel or series as I think there is a lot the authors could do featuring assorted characters from this book.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I've read all of Lilac Mills books so far, and this is definitely my favourite, after all it combines cycling with romance, all set to a French backdrop, and specifically The Tour de France.
As much as I love sport, I'm more of a track cycling fan, although I always promise myself that I really should watch the Tour de France, especially while there are great British riders in it and competing well each year at the moment. But I didn't really know much about the nitty gritty of the race, other than what I've read in perhaps one or two other fiction books over the years.
If you were wanting a beginners guide to the Tour, along with a plucky hero, a heroine who knows nothing about the sport, and everything explained in a really accessible way, then look no further. I was finding that I was cheering on Team BeSpoke the whole way, especially their top two drivers.
One of which Alex is the reason that Molly was offered the physio's job with the team for this Tour and beyond, And suddenly we are thrust alongside her into a whole new world, one which I absolutely loved. Although I do like her think the cyclists are slightly insane for what they put their bodies through over the course of the race.
I really understand the team aspect of road cycling a lot more, as well as some of the team member positions. Any book with a sport involved in it, tends to attract and keep my attention quickly.
And the interactions between Mollie and Alex were really believable and I loved seeing the way their story developed.
This really is a feel good book that has had me smiling, as well as slightly nerve wrecking, with some of the race antics... but for the same reason completely enthralling too. I loved every second of this story and I would absolutely love to see a sequel or series as I think there is a lot the authors could do featuring assorted characters from this book.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 29, 2019
The author says that it’s not a book about cycling but about the romance in it, but in my opinion she did a splendid job in combining both!
Ok, maybe the stages are not 100% accurate but who cares? I most certainly did not. I was captured by the atmosphere the author created and I felt every cheer, every effort, every ache and every other emotion that passed through the story.
I have to admit I am a sportsfan and I could really picture the cyclists fighting for every second, every meter, every victory.
At a certain point in a certain stage (no, I am not going to reveal it. You will have to find out for yourself 🙂 ) I had tears running down my cheeks. It was soooo beautiful. Indeed, sports can be that emotional and beauthiful.
The author proves that sports is not a one man show but a team effort. Of course the athlete has to deliver during the competition but he will even be better with the support of a good team.
A truly splendid book that I could not put away. This book deserves the yellow jersey 😉 5 stars.
Thank you, Lilac Mills and Rachel’s Random Resources.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Ok, maybe the stages are not 100% accurate but who cares? I most certainly did not. I was captured by the atmosphere the author created and I felt every cheer, every effort, every ache and every other emotion that passed through the story.
I have to admit I am a sportsfan and I could really picture the cyclists fighting for every second, every meter, every victory.
At a certain point in a certain stage (no, I am not going to reveal it. You will have to find out for yourself 🙂 ) I had tears running down my cheeks. It was soooo beautiful. Indeed, sports can be that emotional and beauthiful.
The author proves that sports is not a one man show but a team effort. Of course the athlete has to deliver during the competition but he will even be better with the support of a good team.
A truly splendid book that I could not put away. This book deserves the yellow jersey 😉 5 stars.
Thank you, Lilac Mills and Rachel’s Random Resources.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
June 26, 2019
What a brilliant read this book proved to be - I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
Physiotherapist Molly Matthews had a surprising new patient, Alexander Duvall. He's in need of help as he's recovering from a broken wrist and is desperate to get fit enough to participate in the Tour de France cycle race. Molly has no idea what being a professional cyclist and taking part in the race entails but, after she's been treating him, he offers her the role of the BeSpoke team physiotherapist, travelling with them as they participate in the Tour de France and, eventually, she agrees. However, it isn't quite as easy as it seems with eight cyclists to treat, long journeys, rules and regulations, treatments to give - and nowhere near as many sightseeing opportunities as she'd imagined!
Whilst the author acknowledges that she has taken some liberties regarding the actual race, it is a great read as she still brings the tension, camaraderie and team politics to life in this action packed story. I found the explanations given to Molly regarding the race itself were enlightening, I learned a lot about the behind the scenes aspects of the race and what happens in the teams participating. The different stages, the beautiful scenery, the drama of the races are all brought vividly to life in this delightful story. I found myself anxious about just how Tim and Alex were performing in the races. The romance is believable in its development and the whole story is an enthralling read - I didn't want to put it down until I'd finished it. And that ending - wow, I'll just say it was definitely arresting!
I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending it. I really hope this is the start of a series and there will be future books based on members of the BeSpoke team in future, maybe on some of the other Tours that are mentioned in this book - please!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Physiotherapist Molly Matthews had a surprising new patient, Alexander Duvall. He's in need of help as he's recovering from a broken wrist and is desperate to get fit enough to participate in the Tour de France cycle race. Molly has no idea what being a professional cyclist and taking part in the race entails but, after she's been treating him, he offers her the role of the BeSpoke team physiotherapist, travelling with them as they participate in the Tour de France and, eventually, she agrees. However, it isn't quite as easy as it seems with eight cyclists to treat, long journeys, rules and regulations, treatments to give - and nowhere near as many sightseeing opportunities as she'd imagined!
Whilst the author acknowledges that she has taken some liberties regarding the actual race, it is a great read as she still brings the tension, camaraderie and team politics to life in this action packed story. I found the explanations given to Molly regarding the race itself were enlightening, I learned a lot about the behind the scenes aspects of the race and what happens in the teams participating. The different stages, the beautiful scenery, the drama of the races are all brought vividly to life in this delightful story. I found myself anxious about just how Tim and Alex were performing in the races. The romance is believable in its development and the whole story is an enthralling read - I didn't want to put it down until I'd finished it. And that ending - wow, I'll just say it was definitely arresting!
I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending it. I really hope this is the start of a series and there will be future books based on members of the BeSpoke team in future, maybe on some of the other Tours that are mentioned in this book - please!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
July 2, 2019
This is the first book that I’ve read by Lilac Mills and I’m sure it won’t be the last as I found Le Tour De Love to be an interesting and enjoyable read. I know nothing about the cycling world but was intrigued enough by the line “opportunity of a lifetime” to give this book and new to me author a read.
Molly Matthews is working as a physio-therapist when Alex Duvall walks into her clinic for treatment on his wrist, he explains to her he needs to be race fit in two weeks as he’s competing in the Tour De France. Molly bends the rules and treats Alex morning and night to help him into peak condition, but then Alex makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Join team BeSpoke as their physio and travel round the world with them, with nothing to lose Molly decides to give it a go. Molly soon finds its not the glamorous lifestyle she was picturing, she also finds she’s becoming more attracted to Alex as each day passes, something which against team rules. Can Molly keep her feelings in check until the end of the Tour or will love find a way?
I liked both Molly and Alex as characters on their own but as romantic partners I felt there was something missing between them. Probably time together because although this is dubbed a romance novel set in the cycling world to me it was very heavily focused on the cycling side of the story and the romance felt secondary.
I did enjoy the story and learning about the cycling world, it seems very complex and Lilac Mills has obviously done her research well every detail felt very realistic and she managed to capture the excitement, nerves and pressure surrounding each stage of the races, creating a fabulous story. If your looking for a romance novel then you might be slightly disappointed but if you’re looking for an enjoyable summer read which will have you on the edge of your seat as you follow along with the races then you will love this book.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy to review honestly and to Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
Molly Matthews is working as a physio-therapist when Alex Duvall walks into her clinic for treatment on his wrist, he explains to her he needs to be race fit in two weeks as he’s competing in the Tour De France. Molly bends the rules and treats Alex morning and night to help him into peak condition, but then Alex makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Join team BeSpoke as their physio and travel round the world with them, with nothing to lose Molly decides to give it a go. Molly soon finds its not the glamorous lifestyle she was picturing, she also finds she’s becoming more attracted to Alex as each day passes, something which against team rules. Can Molly keep her feelings in check until the end of the Tour or will love find a way?
I liked both Molly and Alex as characters on their own but as romantic partners I felt there was something missing between them. Probably time together because although this is dubbed a romance novel set in the cycling world to me it was very heavily focused on the cycling side of the story and the romance felt secondary.
I did enjoy the story and learning about the cycling world, it seems very complex and Lilac Mills has obviously done her research well every detail felt very realistic and she managed to capture the excitement, nerves and pressure surrounding each stage of the races, creating a fabulous story. If your looking for a romance novel then you might be slightly disappointed but if you’re looking for an enjoyable summer read which will have you on the edge of your seat as you follow along with the races then you will love this book.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy to review honestly and to Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
June 28, 2019
I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed other books by this author so I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this story, especially as I’m a keen cyclist and I live in France! And I enjoyed every word.
It’s a lively, lovely romcom featuring physiotherapist Molly and pro cyclist Alex. The author obviously did a lot of research into the tough world of cycle racing. She admits she may have taken the odd liberty or two – and isn’t that what most fiction does! – but I think she conveys very clearly how hard the riders how train, how brutal and dangerous the racing is, and how committed everyone in each cycle team is. I confess I was a tiny bit impatient with Molly initially when she needed everything cycling-related explained to her, but not everyone shares my enthusiasm for the sport and so knows what the various terms mean. And anyway, Molly’s bafflement at all things bikey is a clever way of getting the information across that readers need to fully appreciate the story.
As you might expect from a story centred on a bike race, and the most famous one in the world at that, the action is swift. The book’s action takes place over not much more than a month. It’s true to say that love whisks both Alex and Molly off their feet.
But, like the cobblestones of the Champs Elysées, which is where the final stage of the race takes place each year, the course of true love can be bumpy. It wouldn’t be a proper romcom if everything went smoothly from start to finish anyway!
This is a really super, summery read, and very topical since Le Tour sets off for the 106th time on 6th July, from Brussels. Don’t miss it, and definitely don’t miss this book.
It’s a lively, lovely romcom featuring physiotherapist Molly and pro cyclist Alex. The author obviously did a lot of research into the tough world of cycle racing. She admits she may have taken the odd liberty or two – and isn’t that what most fiction does! – but I think she conveys very clearly how hard the riders how train, how brutal and dangerous the racing is, and how committed everyone in each cycle team is. I confess I was a tiny bit impatient with Molly initially when she needed everything cycling-related explained to her, but not everyone shares my enthusiasm for the sport and so knows what the various terms mean. And anyway, Molly’s bafflement at all things bikey is a clever way of getting the information across that readers need to fully appreciate the story.
As you might expect from a story centred on a bike race, and the most famous one in the world at that, the action is swift. The book’s action takes place over not much more than a month. It’s true to say that love whisks both Alex and Molly off their feet.
But, like the cobblestones of the Champs Elysées, which is where the final stage of the race takes place each year, the course of true love can be bumpy. It wouldn’t be a proper romcom if everything went smoothly from start to finish anyway!
This is a really super, summery read, and very topical since Le Tour sets off for the 106th time on 6th July, from Brussels. Don’t miss it, and definitely don’t miss this book.
March 26, 2024
I absolutely adored this read from start to finish, the connection between Alex & Molly was so sweet and I loved the way that Alex was willing to wait for Molly to be comfortable with the idea of them being together rather than just springing his feelings on her - it was so lovely to read 🥰
As well as getting to see Mick & Mollys friendship grow they were always so caring and supportive towards each other that it added a level of comfort to the book, they reminded me of the kind of bond that most siblings have they were just so cute! I love sports romance but this was my first cycling read ever and I loved how different it was to anything i’ve read before, usually I stick to hockey but this has to be my favourite by far - getting to imagine all of the riders in action as well as the Bespoke team coming together at each stage to make sure they work in harmony to maximise their results took me back to when I used to be on several sports teams in my younger years! 💓
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and I think it’s definitely in the running as my top book of the year - it was so fun & flirty and such an easy read but at the same time I never wanted to put it down, I found myself always wanting more of Alex & Molly and the team no matter how late I was staying up to read I never wanted the story to end! As well as the wonderful underlying message to not be afraid to take the leap in life & to try new things when you get the chance, it’s such a beautiful message that I completely get behind! 💓
As well as getting to see Mick & Mollys friendship grow they were always so caring and supportive towards each other that it added a level of comfort to the book, they reminded me of the kind of bond that most siblings have they were just so cute! I love sports romance but this was my first cycling read ever and I loved how different it was to anything i’ve read before, usually I stick to hockey but this has to be my favourite by far - getting to imagine all of the riders in action as well as the Bespoke team coming together at each stage to make sure they work in harmony to maximise their results took me back to when I used to be on several sports teams in my younger years! 💓
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and I think it’s definitely in the running as my top book of the year - it was so fun & flirty and such an easy read but at the same time I never wanted to put it down, I found myself always wanting more of Alex & Molly and the team no matter how late I was staying up to read I never wanted the story to end! As well as the wonderful underlying message to not be afraid to take the leap in life & to try new things when you get the chance, it’s such a beautiful message that I completely get behind! 💓
June 30, 2019
Faced with a choice between staying in you your current job, living solo and plodding on or joining the British cycling team on the road as their physiotherapist what would you do? With hesitance but determination, Molly sets of to support the team on their tour and despite not living the glamorous life that she was expecting, she finds herself falling in love.
As a fan of track cycling myself, I found the Tour de France aspect of the book really informative and despite being a non fiction novel, I really have the impression that the author not only knows her stuff but is very passionate about it. I'm pretty sure I've been inspired to watch the next Tour and at least I will know what is happening and what goes into the sport.
Molly was such a great character. Excellent at her job but also great at the banter side of things too. I love the added side of goofiness which made her so 'real' and appealing to read about. Alexander also had that focus and slight arrogance of a sportsman but when it came to the love aspect he turned into a total teddy bear. A romantic relationship is frowned upon in the workplace so the whole will they won't they vibe of the story really kept me turning the pages.
As if all the above wasn't enough, the breathtaking scenery and location of some lesser known areas in France were beautifully detailed and described sucking you into the story completely.
A brilliant, light book with a beautiful setting and lovable characters. Perfect!
As a fan of track cycling myself, I found the Tour de France aspect of the book really informative and despite being a non fiction novel, I really have the impression that the author not only knows her stuff but is very passionate about it. I'm pretty sure I've been inspired to watch the next Tour and at least I will know what is happening and what goes into the sport.
Molly was such a great character. Excellent at her job but also great at the banter side of things too. I love the added side of goofiness which made her so 'real' and appealing to read about. Alexander also had that focus and slight arrogance of a sportsman but when it came to the love aspect he turned into a total teddy bear. A romantic relationship is frowned upon in the workplace so the whole will they won't they vibe of the story really kept me turning the pages.
As if all the above wasn't enough, the breathtaking scenery and location of some lesser known areas in France were beautifully detailed and described sucking you into the story completely.
A brilliant, light book with a beautiful setting and lovable characters. Perfect!
July 6, 2019
I can add this enjoyable book to my list of great summer reads!!!!
I got to travel to France and watch a great couple fall in love...that was a win-win situation for me! Molly is a physiotherapist who is very talented in what she does. When new patient, Alex, walks in, she has no idea how much he will change her life. He offers her a dream job she can’t refuse. She will get the opportunity to travel the world as part of Alex’s professional cycling team. Her first stop is The Tour de France!
Molly and Alex have no intention of falling in love. Molly has her career and life back home. Alex doesn’t have time for a relationship. He needs to focus all of his attention on cycling. Yet, the two manage to do what they said they wouldn’t...fall in love. The road to happiness won’t be easy, especially when others intervene.
This is just a great romance. Yes, it happens over a shorter amount of time, yet it feels so right. They don’t rush into anything physical, but they connect in such a deep way that just made my heart melt.
Molly and Alex are both such great characters. Each of them have their own careers and independence yet they respect each other, and I loved the friendship that developed between them as well. It was a great foundation to a great romance.
If you are looking for a great summer read, you can’t go wrong with this one!!!!
I got to travel to France and watch a great couple fall in love...that was a win-win situation for me! Molly is a physiotherapist who is very talented in what she does. When new patient, Alex, walks in, she has no idea how much he will change her life. He offers her a dream job she can’t refuse. She will get the opportunity to travel the world as part of Alex’s professional cycling team. Her first stop is The Tour de France!
Molly and Alex have no intention of falling in love. Molly has her career and life back home. Alex doesn’t have time for a relationship. He needs to focus all of his attention on cycling. Yet, the two manage to do what they said they wouldn’t...fall in love. The road to happiness won’t be easy, especially when others intervene.
This is just a great romance. Yes, it happens over a shorter amount of time, yet it feels so right. They don’t rush into anything physical, but they connect in such a deep way that just made my heart melt.
Molly and Alex are both such great characters. Each of them have their own careers and independence yet they respect each other, and I loved the friendship that developed between them as well. It was a great foundation to a great romance.
If you are looking for a great summer read, you can’t go wrong with this one!!!!
April 12, 2019
Ms Mills writes an entertaining story on the intricacies of professional cycling and I found the book enchanting. Whether for the fact that I’m married to a competitive cyclist or not, I was with Molly on all the down-hill-stages (mountain-wise); filled with trepidation.
Quote: “One day, she promised, she was going to come back to this spectacular country and see it properly. And she prayed there wouldn’t be a bicycle in sight when she did so.”
Lots of lively banter keep the reader fully entertained and interested in following the stages of the Tour - the cycling parts and the glorious build-up to Alex and Molly’s romance.
Quote: “The thought of going home was both lovely and awful at the same time. ….. The awful list of going home had only the one thing in it – Alex. The thought of not seeing him again made her want to weep. She honestly didn’t know how she was going to bear it.”
A very satisfactory, relaxing read indeed.
I received a free copy from Ms Mills and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Quote: “One day, she promised, she was going to come back to this spectacular country and see it properly. And she prayed there wouldn’t be a bicycle in sight when she did so.”
Lots of lively banter keep the reader fully entertained and interested in following the stages of the Tour - the cycling parts and the glorious build-up to Alex and Molly’s romance.
Quote: “The thought of going home was both lovely and awful at the same time. ….. The awful list of going home had only the one thing in it – Alex. The thought of not seeing him again made her want to weep. She honestly didn’t know how she was going to bear it.”
A very satisfactory, relaxing read indeed.
I received a free copy from Ms Mills and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2020
You know a story is great when...you read it from start to finish in one go. That's how much I loved this sweet romance set against the backdrop of the Tour de France cycle race.
Molly is a physiotherapist who grabs "the opportunity of a lifetime" to work for a professional cycling team and see a bit of France at the same time. Pro cyclist Alex has defied all odds to recover from injury, and he gets to realise his dream of participating in arguably the best cycle race on the planet. Neither of them could have foreseen how much the trip would change their lives.
If you enjoy contemporary sports romances set in exotic settings, then this story is for you. The author did a fantastic job in helping me see more of France through the eyes of the characters. Yes, the plot does steer into an unlikely outcome at the end – but, hey, why not? It is a fictional story after all, and very satisfying. An absolute Tour de Love and pure, wholesome fun!
This was the first novel by this author that I read and I'm ready for more.
Molly is a physiotherapist who grabs "the opportunity of a lifetime" to work for a professional cycling team and see a bit of France at the same time. Pro cyclist Alex has defied all odds to recover from injury, and he gets to realise his dream of participating in arguably the best cycle race on the planet. Neither of them could have foreseen how much the trip would change their lives.
If you enjoy contemporary sports romances set in exotic settings, then this story is for you. The author did a fantastic job in helping me see more of France through the eyes of the characters. Yes, the plot does steer into an unlikely outcome at the end – but, hey, why not? It is a fictional story after all, and very satisfying. An absolute Tour de Love and pure, wholesome fun!
This was the first novel by this author that I read and I'm ready for more.
May 24, 2020
Can the city of love, Paris, bring together Molly and Alex when everything is against them? She is Alex and his cycling team’s physiotherapist after they met in UK when Alex injured his wrist. This is the first Tour de France for Molly and she is learning her way among the team. But any kind of relationship is forbidden between riders and helpers. Can they fight their feelings? A rollercoaster of emotions and activity.
July 2, 2026
Pre Tour de France vibe read. Shocked how much cycling lingo was in this- it's incredibly detailed. Its literally 90% cycling stuff, 10% awkward romance. There is zero chemistry between them, and it's also super unprofessional falling in love with your patient after 1 physio session, and declaring feelings to each other on day 2 of the Tour. Turns out I'm just here for the bikes, not the underwhelming romance...
May 26, 2019
Molly expected a chance in a lifetime trip to France. She didn't expect to fall in love.
June 30, 2019
In Belgium once the cycling season starts, there is just no way to escape all the tours that are all over the world. And here are also several classics, as the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Liège - Bastogne - Liège,...
And having an older brother who watches almost every stage of every tour, well, it makes me someone who knows a little bit the cycling world.
So having the opportunity of reading a book that takes place during one of the most important tours of the world, I grabbed it with both hands.
And it didn’t disappoint at all!
Molly gets the once of a lifetime opportunity to spend 4 weeks in France as a physiotherapist during the Tour de France after taking care of Alex Duvall, a rider of the team she will get her hands on.
But her expectations and the reality are so different, she wonders if this is really her cup of tea...
And the feelings for Alex are just not so superficial as she thought...
This
Is
Just
Such
A
Nice
Feel
Good
Story!
Yes, this story takes place during the Tour, but it’s not all about bikes, and stages, and yellow jersey and so on.
The real focus is on Molly, her feelings, her fears and her getting closer to Alex.
And she tries to follow the rules of the team, but the attraction is just too hard to resist.
Molly is just the usual girl with all her insecurities and wants to broad her horizons, but can she just leave everything behind to case a dream?
Everyone can be the Molly in this story, she is so recognizable and down to earth, what’s not to like about her?
And Alex is just so warming and adorable in his own way...
This is a story about a blooming love, taking you to amazing places in France.
And a perk for me was that those places all made a bell ring, as the mountains were real, the places were all known to me.
As Lilac herself says in her letter after the story, she took some liberties concerning the actual stages and the Tour, but even for those who follow the Tour and find the ‘errors’, the story is so lovely written that you cover them with the cloak of charity (I like the saying in Dutch better, which would be translated as ‘ cover with the cloak of love - staying in the love theme).
So yes, you are going through the stages of the Tour, but instead of feeling the intensity of racing on a bike, you are feeling the intensity of love!
And having an older brother who watches almost every stage of every tour, well, it makes me someone who knows a little bit the cycling world.
So having the opportunity of reading a book that takes place during one of the most important tours of the world, I grabbed it with both hands.
And it didn’t disappoint at all!
Molly gets the once of a lifetime opportunity to spend 4 weeks in France as a physiotherapist during the Tour de France after taking care of Alex Duvall, a rider of the team she will get her hands on.
But her expectations and the reality are so different, she wonders if this is really her cup of tea...
And the feelings for Alex are just not so superficial as she thought...
This
Is
Just
Such
A
Nice
Feel
Good
Story!
Yes, this story takes place during the Tour, but it’s not all about bikes, and stages, and yellow jersey and so on.
The real focus is on Molly, her feelings, her fears and her getting closer to Alex.
And she tries to follow the rules of the team, but the attraction is just too hard to resist.
Molly is just the usual girl with all her insecurities and wants to broad her horizons, but can she just leave everything behind to case a dream?
Everyone can be the Molly in this story, she is so recognizable and down to earth, what’s not to like about her?
And Alex is just so warming and adorable in his own way...
This is a story about a blooming love, taking you to amazing places in France.
And a perk for me was that those places all made a bell ring, as the mountains were real, the places were all known to me.
As Lilac herself says in her letter after the story, she took some liberties concerning the actual stages and the Tour, but even for those who follow the Tour and find the ‘errors’, the story is so lovely written that you cover them with the cloak of charity (I like the saying in Dutch better, which would be translated as ‘ cover with the cloak of love - staying in the love theme).
So yes, you are going through the stages of the Tour, but instead of feeling the intensity of racing on a bike, you are feeling the intensity of love!
Read
April 16, 2020Review to follow
November 21, 2023
I did enjoy the book, but its primary focus is on cycling, with romance secondary. I would have enjoyed it more if the opposite were true.
April 21, 2023
I've been a fan of Lilac Mills since the first book in the Tanglewood series. However, this was the first I had trouble with.
Being housebound and chronically ill, I had a hard time reading about the participants of the Tour de France and what they put their bodies through... Unbelievable how professional sports people (and their managers) are ignoring their own physical boundaries, but it is just like that in real life. Good thing Mills didn't minimize this part of the story.
A story with a spectacular and funny ending :)
Being housebound and chronically ill, I had a hard time reading about the participants of the Tour de France and what they put their bodies through... Unbelievable how professional sports people (and their managers) are ignoring their own physical boundaries, but it is just like that in real life. Good thing Mills didn't minimize this part of the story.
A story with a spectacular and funny ending :)
August 4, 2019
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I loved this story!
I found this author earlier on this year and since then I have devoured her books and couldn't wait to start this one, in fact I had started it within minutes of it landing on my Kindle having put down my current book to jump right in!
I found the book to be uplifting and exciting and overall it is a heart-warming story that had me cheering along as the book got to its ending. I loved the characters and the author has done another excellent job in developing genuine people that I really warmed too.
It is another five star review for me from this author, another fantastic story and one I will be very highly recommending
I loved this story!
I found this author earlier on this year and since then I have devoured her books and couldn't wait to start this one, in fact I had started it within minutes of it landing on my Kindle having put down my current book to jump right in!
I found the book to be uplifting and exciting and overall it is a heart-warming story that had me cheering along as the book got to its ending. I loved the characters and the author has done another excellent job in developing genuine people that I really warmed too.
It is another five star review for me from this author, another fantastic story and one I will be very highly recommending
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