X in Provence

by Tani Ruiz

X in Provence is a novel about obsession, betrayal and survival set in a place that normally conjures up paradise.
Soon after English journalist Rai leaves a thriving career in Hong Kong to live with Alain, a brilliant French sculptor in Provence, she is delighted to discover la dolce vita. But she also encounters a darker demimonde – the sex-sodden underbelly of this region of southern France. Call it the ‘other’ Provence. Rai is captivated by the novelty of it all and the loving reassurances of her charmer beau and is thrilled when he proposes. After marriage, however, Alain turns chilling, and conflict ignites between Rai’s intellect and her internal dysfunctions – a treacherous teetering depicted with stark clarity. Alain has a brother – two if you count the dead one – and the dynamics between these divergent characters deepen the plot.
The novel offers a new take on an age-old the perils of addiction to highly charismatic, highly narcissistic personalities and what women will do to cling on. Combining splashes of erotica, psychological suspense, mystery and wanderlust, X in Provence is women’s fiction at its gripping best.

383 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2024

Reviews

[Paula Learmouth · Rating 5 out of 5]

X in Provence is Tani Ruiz's debut novel. Ravinia, is a English journalist. Ria decides to leave her career and home in Hong Kong to be with Alain, a French Sculptor in Provence. Her relationship with Alain is everything she could ask for, but after getting married things start to change. Alain and Provence both have a darker side, a side that Rai hadn't seem or wants to either. But how far will she go and how safe is she? A book of betrayal, obsession, vulnerability, survival and so much more. Even though it has a dark side and not everyone is going to like it, I found once I started reading I couldn't put it down. Beauty and the Beast combined with 50 Shades of Grey.

[Kriti Dalmia · Rating 4 out of 5]

X in Provence by Tani Ruiz is a gripping novel that delves into themes of obsession, treachery and survival, set against the picturesque yet deceptive backdrop of Provence. The story follows Ravinia, an English journalist who leaves her successful career in Hong Kong to live with Alain, a charismatic French sculptor. Initially, Ravinia is enchanted by the idyllic lifestyle and Alain's charm, but she soon discovers a darker side to both her new home and her partner.

The novel masterfully combines elements of psychological suspense, mystery, and erotica, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers on edge. Alain's transformation from a loving partner to a chilling figure introduces a conflict that pits Rai's intellect against her emotional vulnerabilities. The dynamics between Alain and his brother add more to the plot, exploring the complexities of relationships and the impact of narcissistic personalities.

Ruiz's portrayal of Provence is particularly noteworthy. She presents a duality of the region, contrasting its romanticized image with a more sinister reality. This "other" Provence, with its sex-sodden underbelly, challenges the reader's perceptions and adds a layer of intrigue to the story.

Overall, X in Provence is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read that offers a fresh take on the perils of addiction to charismatic yet toxic individuals. It's a novel that will resonate with fans of women's fiction and psychological thrillers alike.

Thank you @ireadbooktours for this book.

[Prachi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"X in Provence" by Tani Ruiz immerses readers in the enchanting vineyards of southern France, where Rai, a spirited English journalist, falls under the spell of Alain, a captivating French sculptor. What begins as a picturesque romance unfolds into a gripping tale of obsession and betrayal. Through lush descriptions that evoke the scent of lavender fields and the warmth of Mediterranean breezes, Ruiz vividly paints Rai’s emotional journey—a transformation from infatuation to empowerment amidst the complexities of toxic love.

The novel’s strength lies in its exploration of human relationships and the quest for identity within them. Ruiz skillfully navigates Rai’s inner turmoil and the dynamics of manipulation with a narrative that balances sensuality and stark realism. Moments of tension and revelation propel the plot forward, though the pacing occasionally falters. Nevertheless, Ruiz’s ability to craft multidimensional characters and evoke a strong sense of place makes "X in Provence" a compelling read, resonating with themes that are both timeless and timely.

Ultimately, "X in Provence" is more than a tale of romance and suspense—it’s a thought-provoking journey into the complexities of desire, control, and self-discovery. Despite its narrative nuances, Ruiz’s atmospheric storytelling and thematic resonance leave a lasting impression, making this novel a standout in contemporary fiction.

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

X in Provence is a novel about obsession, betrayal, and survival set in a place that normally conjures up paradise. Ravinia (what a gorgeous name!) aka Rai, an English journalist, becomes ensnared in an addictive, toxic relationship with a French artist called Alain, who lives in Provence. The novel presents a deep dive into obsessive love and treachery, combines psychological suspense, mystery and wanderlust with splashes of erotica.

The book begins really in a really interesting and exciting way, how Rai meets a guy in Vietnam, and later she leaves Hong Kong to live with him. The relationship is intimate and exciting. Things change after their marriage and tensions build up when Alain's brother comes into the picture. What we get is the story of a toxic romantic relationship and the perils of addiction to highly charismatic, highly narcissistic personalities and what women will do to cling to them.

The pace remains gripping and exciting throughout. The story is unique and special, enticing and entertaining. I went into the book without a clue of its story and I was amazed that i enjoyed reading the book throughout. Beautiful setting, intense moments and a thrill in the story with complexity and brevity, with no fillers and just the enchanting story that takes us to the city of Provence and overall builds a world of curiosity and longing for more. Kudos to the author for creating this immersive tale.

[Book_withquotes · Rating 4 out of 5]

“X in Provence” by Tani Ruiz immerses readers in the dual worlds of idyllic Provence and its darker, hidden side. The novel follows Rai, an English journalist who relocates from Hong Kong to Provence to be with Alain, a captivating French sculptor. Initially, Rai revels in the charm and beauty of her new life, but soon she encounters the region’s more sinister aspects. Ruiz deftly explores obsession, betrayal, and survival themes as Rai navigates her increasingly toxic relationship with Alain.

The initial romance, depicted against lavender fields and Mediterranean breezes, gradually transforms into a gripping tale of psychological suspense. Alain’s charming exterior hides a selfish and manipulative nature, leading Rai into a dangerous emotional labyrinth. The narrative’s strength lies in exploring human relationships and the quest for identity. Ruiz captures Rai’s internal conflict with stark clarity, portraying her struggle between intellect and emotional dysfunction.

The dynamics between Alain and his brother add further depth to the plot, enriching the story with complex character interactions. While the pacing occasionally falters, Ruiz’s evocative descriptions and multidimensional characters keep the reader engaged. The novel blends sensuality with realism, balancing moments of tension and revelation to propel the plot forward.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an unexpected read and I absolutely loved it!

I think from the title and front cover, I'd been expecting something quite raunchy and maybe with a light and easy to read storyline.
But this really surprised me with some beautifully drawn and complex characters and a storyline that flowed brilliantly, weaving multiple genres to create an exciting and compelling read.

Provence is often seen as a beautiful, relaxed and romantic place to visit but here we take a look deeper into the area which uncovers a much more salubrious lifestyle.

Rai's journey was an emotional rollercoaster and I was totally sucked in right from the start.
Seeing her relationship develop with Alain was beautiful to start with but as the couple move through life, the dynamics really did get skewed and it was fascinating to watch.
Easy to judge from the outside looking in, but this side of the story really felt so authentic and believable.

The writing style was polished and refreshing. I actually can't believe that his is a debut novel (although this is definitely aided by the author's profession and knowledge)
The atmosphere and pace ran well throughout and there were no dips in interest.
The setting so beautifully described that I felt as though I was there with the characters.

I've never been to Provence but this has definitely piqued my interest - to see the nicer visitor areas that is!

An excellent read and I'd certainly be interested in reading more from this author in the future!

[Vidhika Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨"X in Provence," Tani Ruiz's debut novel, is a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes of Provence and the bustling streets of Saigon. Ruiz, an accomplished journalist, brings her keen eye for detail and immersive storytelling to this richly descriptive narrative.
✨
The story follows Ravinia, who escapes the holiday chaos of Hong Kong for adventure in Vietnam. An unsettling experience in the Cu Chi tunnels introduces her to Alain, a charming Frenchman. Their unexpected connection blossoms amidst the vibrant settings of Saigon and the serene beauty of Provence.
✨
Ruiz's writing shines with vivid descriptions, making readers feel the humid air of Saigon and the picturesque tranquility of Provence. Ravinia's journey is one of self-discovery, with Alain's gallantry adding a romantic yet realistic dimension to the tale. The interplay of languages and cultures enriches the narrative, reflecting the global backdrop of their adventures.
✨
While the pacing occasionally slows, the novel's strengths lie in its authentic characters, historical insights, and lush settings. "X in Provence" is a delightful read for those who crave a story filled with adventure, romance, and the magic of far-off places. Tani Ruiz has crafted a memorable and promising debut

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, suspense and heightened exploration of relationships and human connection,.this book is built to make you think and feel. So many beautiful places have dark underbellies, showing the lives of thos who are delving into their true carnal desires. As the book shares, some of these can be open and respectful, still maintaining care and attention to others' stopping points, but some dove straight in, taking all they desire and giving nothing back but coldness.nearing indifference.
It is a very deep and interesting look at life, once you have found the dark spaces and just how to navigate it and stay in a safe space for yourself. It is heated and packed with very heightened, exciting, emotional and sometimes dark moments, but the author does an excellent job portraying these all in a tasteful light and keeping the book very engaging and interesting.

[Air · Rating 4 out of 5]

In X in Provence, Rai, an English journalist, becomes ensnared in an addictive relationship. The novel, a deep dive into obsessive love and treachery, combines psychological suspense, mystery and wanderlust with splashes of erotica. This is such a uniquely rich read with almost poetic moments of realism. The author does a fantastic job showing how intensely dark and toxic this story can be. You’ll be rooting for the rise and downfall very soon. I definitely recommend this one.

Thank you to the author and ireadbooktours!

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our main protagonist Rai is a strong willed young lady who finds herself in a addictive gameplay. The novel takes the reader on a deep and dark ride through the underworld of obsession and control. While keeping the story realistic it has a little splash of erotica and enough mystery to keep the suspense building. The characters have a toxic relationship which quickly becomes ensnaring. I was rooting for Rai the whole way through as I really liked her even though she was naive. A book that will grip you tight and won't let go until the end!

[Kat Mullen]

X in Provence is an intriguing look into toxic relationships, obsession, and wanderlust.

We follow Ravinia’s journey as she falls in love, then obsession. Her emotional journey was so interesting to ride along with.

We get to see places all over the world, but really hone in on this one particular part of the French countryside and the society’s incredibly interconnected social circle.

There’s romance, there’s mystery, and the book didn’t end how I thought it would, which was nice to be surprised.

Thank you ireadbooktours for the copy!

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

What. A. Whirlwind. Of. A .Book.

It was weird, it was gripping, it was even more weird, and it reads like a true story, like a memoir of sorts, although it isn’t one, this is a work of fiction, a very well-written one, and it is very convincing at pretending to be a memoir.

I love book crazies, and this book has one. Although this book isn’t a thriller (I usually read my boo crazies in thrillers), the book narc is well-written, as well as the depths of the toxic relationship are good.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

X In Provence is a debut novel by Tania Ruiz.
This was a good debut novel. Sometimes I did find the pacing a little slow but it didn't stop my enjoyment of the book. It was easy to follow and has a good cast of characters. Sometimes I felt transported to the exotic locations of the book. Overall, a great novel that I would recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
❤️ Thank you to Random book tours, the publisher and author, Tani Ruiz for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.