Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble

## Novel by Alexis Hall

***Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble*** is the second book in the *Winner Bakes All* series. It was written by Alexis Hall and published on November 1, 2022, by Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing.

The book covers Summer-Autumn, the first season divided into eight weeks and the second season split into episodes. It narrates the titular character, Paris Daillencourt, who appears on the seventh series of *Bake Expectations*. He also struggles with anxiety disorder, which he is later diagnosed with, while his love interest, Tariq Hassan, struggles with Islamophobia and microaggressions.

## Critical reception

*Kirkus Reviews* wrote, "While it's wonderful to see more mental health representation in romance, especially with a character who's on a journey to diagnosis, the level of attention Hall pays to Paris' anxiety can drown out the struggles faced by other characters. Tariq has his own challenges with Islamophobia and microaggressions, which don't get nearly as much attention. [...] An ambitious romance that fails to conquer the couple's many obstacles." *Library Journal* praised, "The characters are all thoroughly explored and fleshed out as individuals instead of archetypes, which gives this novel great depth." They added, "A deep and impactful novel, with more layers than you’ll find on Cake Week."

## Synopsis

From the bestselling author of *Boyfriend Material* comes a sweet and scrumptious romantic comedy about facing your insecurities, finding love, and baking it off, no matter what people say.

Paris Daillencourt is a recipe for disaster. Despite his passion for baking, his cat, and his classics degree, constant self-doubt and second-guessing have left him a curdled, directionless mess. So when his roommate enters him in Bake Expectations, the nation's favourite baking show, Paris is sure he'll be the first one sent home.

But not only does he win week one's challenge—he meets fellow contestant Tariq Hassan. Sure, he's the competition, but he's also cute and kind, with more confidence than Paris could ever hope to have. Still, neither his growing romance with Tariq nor his own impressive bakes can keep Paris's fear of failure from spoiling his happiness. And when the show's vicious fanbase confirms his worst anxieties, Paris's confidence is torn apart quicker than tear-and-share bread.

But if Paris can find the strength to face his past, his future, and the chorus of hecklers that live in his brain, he'll realize it's the sweet things in life that he really deserves.

## Plot

Paris Daillencourt is shy and wealthy young man living in central London with his roommate, Morag. In hopes to raise his onfidence, Morag enters him into Britain's reality show, *Bake Expectations*, which will run for eight weeks. On his very first day, held at the Patchley House, Paris already feels out of place. Their first challenge is to make two dozen chocolate chip cookies, and in his haste to cool the dough, he accidentally hits fellow contestant Tariq Hassan in the face with the refrigerator door. Rather than being upset, Hassan reassures to Paris that it's fine. Later on the two converse and Paris apologizes, while Tariq makes light banter. After their cookies are judged, Paris wins on the first day. As the competition goes on, Paris's mental health deteriorates. He begins a relationship with Tariq, though they break up. When he faints from an anxiety episode, he seeks treatment. After some time, he tries to get back with Tariq, though they remain as friends. In the end, they kiss.

## Characters

* Paris Daillencourt - The protagonist in his early twenties who loves to bake. He has anxiety disorder, experiences panic attacks, and has parents who abandoned him
* Tariq Hassan - A contestant on *Bake Expectations* and love interest of Paris. He is Muslim, queer, and exudes confidence. He is self-described as "short gay British Bangladeshi Muslim".
* Morag - The best friend and roommate of Paris. Is native to Glasgow, Scotland
* Colin Thrimp - A production assistant on *Bake Expectations*
* Jennifer Hallet - A producer on *Bake Expectations*
* Grace Forsythe - The host on *Bake Expectations*
* Marianne Wolvercote - A "mean judge" on *Bake Expectations*
* Wilfred Honey - A judge on *Bake Expectations*
* Tanya - A contestant on *Bake Expectations*
* Rodney - A contestant on *Bake Expectations* who wore a cardigan
* Catherine Parr - A contestant on *Bake Expectations*
* Bernard - A contestant on *Bake Expectations*
* Joan - A contestant on *Bake Expectations*. First described as a woman with a buzz cut and is in carpentry
* Gretchen - A contestant on *Bake Expectations*

## References

1. ↑ "Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble". *Kirkus Reviews*. August 17, 2022.
2. ↑ Bratzler, Ahliah (September 1, 2022). "Paris Daillencourt Is About To Crumble". *Library Journal*.

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