Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Longing for Home #1

Lonely in Paris

Rate this book
Jane's #1 rule in Paris: Don't fall in love

After ending a disastrous relationship, Jane accepts a job in the City of Love. The trouble is she speaks very little French, has no friends to enjoy Paris with, and she's awfully lonely.

Then she meets Jacques DuPont.

Rich, handsome, and the cream of the Parisian crop, Jacques is living the dream. Just not his own. His father wants him to follow in his footsteps, but Jacques wants to earn his success. Trapped in a life chosen by his family, he's always been alone.

Until he meets Jane.

He's from money. She's not.
He's a planner. She's impulsive.
He's serious. She's definitely not.

They couldn't be more different, but they will fall. Hard.

Together Jane and Jacques will learn why Paris is the City of Love. But when an expiring visa, a jealous colleague, and manipulative family threaten their fledgling relationship, their loyalties will be tested to breaking point.

Jane broke her #1 rule, now they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice for love.

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2023

30 people are currently reading
229 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Stanbridge

11 books31 followers
Ever since she could string sentences together, Lisa has been writing. As a child, it started off with princesses in castles being rescued by Prince Charming. As a teenager she moved on to angsty teens struggling through life with raging hormones. Now, as a semi-mature adult, she writes sweet contemporary romances about real people going through real struggles who want their HEA.

In 2020, she entered Romance Writers of Australia Sweet Treats short story contest. Her short story, The Cupcake Catastrophe, was published in the Sweet Treats anthology. She also had her first novel, Abandoned Hearts, published.

In 2019, she entered Romance Writers of Australia Little Gems short story contest where she came joint first place with two other authors. Her short story, Clarity, was published in the Little Gems anthology. She came second place in RWAus' Emerald contest. This is the same story that is now published.

When she’s not writing, she works full time as a Software Tester. She reads anything she can sink her teeth into, and occasionally binges on the latest Netflix series. She loves lazy days at the beach reading or writing, but rarely swimming, and loves spending time with her husband and her friends.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
36 (21%)
4 stars
49 (29%)
3 stars
62 (36%)
2 stars
16 (9%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Craig and Phil.
2,131 reviews123 followers
April 19, 2023
Thank you Lisa for gifting us a copy to read and review.
Paris is not the antidote if you are lonely and single.
It is a city that’s renowned for it’s romantic vibe and it’s sophistication.
Jane is keen to return home to Australia.
Life often has a way of turning life upside down however.
Jane is possibly a bit plain among her Parisian cohorts but she has a natural beauty and practicality.
This beauty and lack of pretension catches the eye of Jacques.
Born into wealth, living a life his arrogant parents desire and also leading a lonely life inspires him to challenge the status quo and follow his heart.
This union suddenly makes Paris the city we all expect it to be as a swirling romance begins.
Unscrupulous activity at the work place sees a situation which will test this relationship.
A short but punchy and entertaining story that had me immersed as I followed Jane’s experience in Paris.
The chalk and cheese pairing worked really well and the difference between our cultures and our approach to life was interesting.

Profile Image for Rachel.
Author 9 books33 followers
January 20, 2023
A wonderfully sweet romantic story set in the city of love. What more could you ask for? Aussie girl Jane is working on contract in Paris for six months. It was supposed to be a wonderful adventure, except she's halfway through and has never felt more lonely. Then handsome Frenchman Jacques joins the team, and life just got a whole lot more interesting. Turns out, Jacques is lonely too. Born into a rich family, everyone expects perfectionism and snobbishness from Jacques, but he just wants to break free of his family and be a regular guy. Maybe he needs a regular girl? Like Jane!

Jane and Jacques are drawn to each other, but one complication leads to another, their time together grows shorter and shorter, and with too many people telling them who they should be, Jacques and Jane struggle to identify what they each want, let alone with each other. HEA though, and the story will continue! Can't wait for the sequel.

Best bits - Paris setting, communication difficulties with Jane's poor French and Jacques' struggling English, workplace romance, holiday romance, lots of French!
Profile Image for Kelly Hindle.
85 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2023
Australian girl, Jane’s working holiday in Paris is not going how she hoped, lonely her only 2 friends are her boss and his Australian wife. Who she does not get to spend a lot of time with as she just had a baby. As the 1/2 way point of the working contract comes a spilt coffee and new face in the office leads to lots of drama and Jane contract being shortened and then returning to Australia 4 weeks earlier then the amended contract with her if a mess both personally and professionally. Christmas 8 moths latter in Australia has a few more surprises in store including being paid for the remaining time that was left on her contract and a visit by the person she missed but has to live without.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
157 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2023
A short and sweet romance story. I liked the "meet cute" way that the two main characters met. And of course, all good stories need a dash of conflict. This is not my usual read but I did enjoy the adventures of Jane. Maybe we will see a follow up? I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sonia Bellhouse.
Author 8 books14 followers
December 29, 2022
This short sweet romance is perfect escapist reading. Paris is the City of Lovers, but only if you have someone to love. Jane is single, far from home and lonely. An unexpected meeting changes that, when she meets gorgeous Jacques. She intrigues him, as she is so unlike any of the women he’s met before. It’s perfect until things go wrong. Can they find their happily ever after? I read an Advance Reader Copy of the book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Victoria Brown.
Author 9 books7 followers
December 27, 2022
What a delightful romance. Not only does this story immerse you in the beauty and charm Paris has to offer, but it also delves deeply into two very different characters who try to deny their feelings- with some comical and serious consequences. I was privileged to receive an advanced copy and thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Profile Image for Flora Pal.
17 reviews
January 13, 2023
I would recommend all romance lovers because it was a sweet sweet story. It has a good mix of comedy and love. Although the idea is generic, the story was written in a truly original way.

Profile Image for Frances Dall'Alba.
Author 16 books29 followers
January 22, 2023
Funny, likeable and original, chapter one puts you right there in Paris, the city of love. This author, new to chick-lit is bringing it home, just as she does for Jacques and Jane. The road isn't always so smooth, the billionaire family throws a spanner in the works, and the bad-girl puts in an appearance too, just to spoil their fun. But in an entertaining and emotional journey, they find their way back for their happy ever after. Well done Lisa Stanbridge, and bring on book 2 in the Longing For Home series.
2 reviews
January 27, 2024
If there's nothing I love more, it's a book that I can read in one sitting. And Lonely in Paris did just that. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. Page after page after page. Suddenly I'm on the final page and the day is over.

Perfection.

On the surface it's a simplistic read, but it's really not. Picture this: Jane, an Australian woman in Paris, trying to navigate work, culture, and, did I mention the complications of love? She's got a challenging boss, Francine, who's stuck in the past, and then there's Jacques, a hot Frenchman who's as charming as he is frustrating. The setting? Paris, baby! The city of lights, love, and, apparently, some pretty awkward coffee spill incidents.

Jane's journey is all about finding her place in this new city, dealing with workplace drama, and those little moments of connection that make life so spicy. There's humor, heart, and a slice of life that's so relatable. It's like being in your 40s or 50s and still figuring things out – because let's be real, does anyone ever really have it all figured out?

Lisa Stanbridge paints a vivid picture of life in Paris, with all its beauty and challenges. It's a delightful read that's lets you escape to France without leaving your couch. And for anyone who's ever felt out of place or in over their head, Jane is your girl. She's trying to make it in a city where she sticks out like a sore thumb, but she's doing it with such grace and humor.

Lonely in Paris is a refreshing tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the unexpected twists and turns of life. It's perfect for anyone who loves a good story about finding joy in the chaos of life. So grab a cup of something delicious, curl up, and get ready to be transported to the streets of Paris. You'll love the journey!
4 reviews
January 21, 2024
I decided to join Goodreads solely for the purpose of sharing my thoughts on this book because I truly loved it so much.

While it may not delve into profound complexity, it strikes the perfect chord of sweetness. It's a breeze to read in a single sitting, leaving you with a heartwarming sense of contentment. Don't you ever find yourself growing weary of the constant drama in books? I certainly do. At times, I yearn for an uncomplicated, easy-to-read book that I can immerse myself in, to experience that soothing sense of well-being before moving on to the next drama-packed narrative.

That's exactly what this book offered me—a refreshing breath of air.

The story may seem straightforward on the surface, but it holds a depth that some reviewers might overlook. Jane embodies an easygoing nature, yet beneath the surface, she grapples with loneliness and a longing for reciprocated love. Jacques, on the other hand, is an introverted businessman marked by internal struggles stemming from a troubled family background, never having experienced the love of a nurturing family. It's genuinely heart-wrenching when you delve into his background. This is the kind of book that invites you to read between the lines to uncover its concealed messages.

What I appreciated most was the way the ending tied up the story while leaving just enough room for us to know there's more to come. I cannot wait to dive into the second book in the series, which I plan to start tomorrow.
Profile Image for Meenal.
948 reviews24 followers
January 29, 2023
I love everything about the cover and the blurb. This book is as fabulous as the blurb promises. It's pacy, engrossing, and enjoyable.

I liked reading about French culture. The tropes are workplace romance and being new to a country. Jane is like me. She's a good person and an introvert. She handled the situation with Francine well. Jacques is indeed a hot Frenchman. He cooks too, just like Gabriel from Emily in Paris. He's a nice chap who is actively willing to learn and change. Their immediate chemistry feels very natural. I like reading about how everything around her seems better when she's in love. 

We often see main character names that rhyme, like Austin and Anna or Justin and Julia. In this book too, the author named the characters starting with the same letter. However, it works because one is a culturally different name and the other fits well with the frequent use of idioms in this book, so what might otherwise seem like an amateurish move works in this case.

The confusion caused by the two languages adds humour to the story. I like the subtle assertion of the importance of communication and working as a team in a relationship. The writing is flawless, and the editing is crisp. It ends on a promising note. I look forward to reading the sequel.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2 reviews
January 27, 2024
Lonely in Paris is an enchanting and poignant story that resonated deeply with me. I love stories that balance the complexities of modern life with the timeless allure of romance and self-discovery. The author delivers this beautifully in her depiction of Jane's journey in Paris.

What struck me most was the authenticity of Jane's experiences. The initial loneliness and the challenges of adapting to a new culture are portrayed with such realism that it's easy to empathise with her character.

The romantic element of the story, while central, never overshadows Jane's personal growth. Her interactions with Jacques are filled with a mix of humor, tension, and genuine connection. Their relationship evolves organically, avoiding the pitfall of predictability often seen in romance novels.

The author also addresses deeper themes such as identity, cultural differences, and the search for belonging with sensitivity and insight. These elements add significant depth to the story, making it more than just a typical romance.

This story is a beautifully crafted, engaging, and heartfelt novel. It captures the complexities of life, love, and self-discovery. For anyone looking for a book that's both an escape and a reflection of our own journey, this book is a must-read.
Profile Image for Lisa Stanbridge.
Author 11 books31 followers
Read
March 29, 2023
I've never done this before, review my own book. I guess it's more of an author's note.

Lonely in Paris is meant to be a fun, light hearted romantic comedy with some funny moments, some serious moments, but overall it's just an easy read. After a shocking three years battling Covid, lockdowns, and inflation, we all need some escapism and I like to think Lonely in Paris provides that.

I've been to Paris and fell in love with the city, the people, the architecture, and it's taken me too long to actually write a book set there. I was so happy when I finished this and published it. Seeing readers enjoying it, and hearing that they feel like they're in Paris, makes my heart swell with pride.

Jane and Jacques are such a part of me now, they're almost real. The whole double J thing wasn't intentional, but in the end it worked so well and I couldn't bring myself to rename them. I love watching them grow, and with two more books in this series, there's lots more to come.

Enjoy Lonely in Paris and don't forget to leave a review. They mean the world to authors!
Profile Image for Victoria Trout.
Author 4 books52 followers
April 1, 2024
One of the things I appreciated about this story is it covered everything I imagined making such a huge change between countries. I have always lived in the U.S., and in my teens and twenties, I wanted to travel to Europe. I could barely speak any Spanish and could only count to 4 in French (I can’t even ask for the bathroom in French!), and I imagined that it would be very difficult to enjoy myself if I couldn’t communicate with others around me, especially to visit the famous sites. At that time, Google was a baby and had not developed any translation program. All this being said, I appreciate that Jane realizes that she brought loneliness to herself by not making an effort to meet people or just being a tourist on her own. I hope this story encourages those who want to have a huge adventure to go “all in” and experience places they dream of, make new friends, and see everything. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by Lisa Stanbridge.
226 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2023
* 3 1/2 stars*
Lonely in Paris is a good and enjoyable romance told in alternating POV chapters. The descriptions of Paris give you a vivid picture of the city as the story of Jane Collins and Jacques Dupont unfolds.

The phrase opposites attract fits for Jane and Jacques, as they are completely different people who find they make ideal partners. They have to go through many ups and downs as they fight for a HEA.

The book ends in a bit of a cliffhanger, as Stanbridge indicates the next book in the series will continue the story of Jane and Jacques in Jane's native Australia.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
18.9k reviews8 followers
January 27, 2023
The first book in the Longing for Home Series. Jane accepts a job in the City of Love and goes to Paris, she meets Jacques DuPont there.. These two are from different world he is rich she is not but they fit together so well. I enjoyed reading this fun story and seeing them fall in love. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
95 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2023
Set in Paris, this charming story is about Jane, a young Australian, who is there for work. When she meets Jacques there are sparks despite their obvious differences.

This is the first book in the Longing for Home series. Jacques and Jane's story continues in the second book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for S.E. Saunders.
Author 5 books5 followers
April 11, 2023
I found the characters likeable. I enjoyed the tropes employed by the author. He's from money, the type who likes to plan with a more serious demeanour. His love interest is his polar opposite.

As circumstances pit them against one another, they learn quickly why Paris is called the City of Love.
Profile Image for Alice Bloomfield.
1,636 reviews8 followers
August 23, 2023
2.75 stars ⭐️⭐️✨

This is quick and cute and great if you want very formulaic no surprises. I felt like I always knew where it was going so the twists and recoveries didn’t have that lovely tension to make them great. I know this is part one of three but unless the next one gets rave reviews it’s probably not on my TBR unless I need the cute and sugary
Profile Image for Tiona Sesker.
30 reviews
January 7, 2024
I originally didn’t have high hopes for this book because I thought oh a love story In Paris how cheesy but I really enjoyed this book. It really started to get juicy towards the later half and I enjoyed the ending because for a moment I thought they weren’t going to end up together. But I did enjoy now onto part 2 to see how their story continues.
Profile Image for Julie Anne.
Author 3 books6 followers
April 9, 2024
A heart warming story

As an Australian, I was excited to read a story about an Australian woman. And perfect timing too, as it was just whilst visiting France. I fell in love with the characters so much and was eager to read how they would find their happily ever after. A perfect read.
Profile Image for T.
339 reviews15 followers
May 21, 2024
Good

It’s a good story. I didn’t realize this couple wouldn’t have a final happily ever after in this book until halfway which is my kryptonite. It’s a happily for now and I’ll take that and tell myself it’s the end. If you’re good with an extended series with more ups and downs for the main characters through two more books than definitely read this one.
4,000 reviews32 followers
January 29, 2023
Lonely in Paris by Lisa Stanbridge is a good, and enjoyable quick clean romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for D..
1,614 reviews
February 4, 2023
Jane's story is rather interesting especially when she meets Jacques whose life is already planned out by his family. These two are great together and this was a really good story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tanya Nellestein.
Author 19 books83 followers
April 23, 2023
Love and Paris - the best combination for a romance! Jane and Jacques come from totally different worlds (and hemisphere's). But the heart wants what the hearts wants. A wonderful book to start what will undoubedtly be a fantastic series.
1 review
May 18, 2023
Lovely Aussie love story

Nicely written story. Although most of it occurs in France, there is plenty of Australian feeling. I really enjoyed this book, looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Kimberley.
184 reviews8 followers
December 31, 2023
A story that features my goal of living in Paris and my hometown of Adelaide with a cute romance. Winner winner chicken dinner.

A cute little novel with a HEA with all the classis twists and turns you expect from a romance novel.
Profile Image for Laura McIntyre.
50 reviews
January 1, 2024
This story belongs as a Lifetime or Hallmark movie. It's just enough to keep you entertained, but I wasn't blown away.

That being said, I enjoyed the romance without explicit sex scenes and the humor scattered throughout.
Profile Image for Ashley Bundy.
Author 7 books41 followers
April 11, 2024
So much fun!

I thoroughly enjoyed this cute, fun tale set in Paris! I found Jacques completely adorable and wanted to meet Francine in a parking lot if you get my drift. Highly, highly recommend and can't wait to jump into the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Bernadette Eden.
Author 4 books15 followers
June 29, 2024
I finished Lonely in Paris last night and loved it! I loved Jane and Jacques and how Lisa Stanbridge nailed the different voices in the differing point of view - I could hear myself reading in a French accent when reading Jacques! 😅 Definitely recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.