Hope’s cheery debut sees sparks fly in the blue skies above the Atlantic, when flight attendant Emerson Nichols encounters Jackson Riley, a gorgeous but sulky first-class passenger on her Christmas Eve flight to Paris. At 33, Emy is single and loves her life; her job affords her opportunities to see the world and soak in experiences she otherwise would never have, and, to top it off, her soon-to-be-married best friend—fellow flight attendant Chloe—is joining her for a memorable Christmas day in Paris. Emy’s plans take a turn when Jackson grumbles onto the scene, and their instant attraction makes for an interesting flight—especially when Chloe secretly slips Emy’s phone number Jackson’s way.

Hope’s buoyant style is just right for this happily-ever-after tale. The characters are appealing and relatable, genuinely connecting with each other in ways that will resonate with readers. Emy and Chloe are great friends, bolstered by a crew that looks out for each other, and both Emy and Jackson are content with their lives, albeit a trifle lonely, as everyone around them seems to be settling down. Emy recognizes the privileges that come with being single and an international traveler, though she confesses the lifestyle can be isolating, a perfect setup for her intriguing meet-cute in the skies.

Emy and Jackson’s electric chemistry is palpable—and their blues, when separated by circumstances outside their control, ring true. Thanks to their family members, and a few lucky breaks, the two reunite in a satisfying, steamy scene that genre fans will savor, and Hope aptly describes their stolen moments together in Paris without veering into touristy fare, focusing instead on the couple’s growth as the city swirls around their whirlwind romance. The spotlight stays on upbeat, carefree romance throughout, making this once-in-a-lifetime chance at love a breezy treat.

Takeaway: Chance encounters lead to perfect love in this breezy romance.

Comparable Titles: Max Monroe’s Wildcat, Lacie Waldon’s The Layover.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A