Tag Archives: romance

Book Review: Party of Two

06 Tuesday Oct 2020

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Jasmine Guillory’s latest romance Party of Two surpassed my expectations. With more substance and maturity than her previous stories, these characters had me not only rooting for their relationship but celebrating their personal growth. Lawyer Olivia Monroe and junior senator Max Powell have more age and career experience under their belts than the leads from The Wedding Date and The Proposal, and this serves to their advantage. They have a sense of their values and goals and take the time to consider how their next steps might or might not progress them. The communication and reflection may seem like they would slow down the story, but it allows the readers to savor the romance as well as contemplate healthy relationship adjustments.

Book Review: Head Over Heels

04 Friday Sep 2020

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I read Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein with a friend as a fun way to connect while we don’t get to see each other. The story follows a predictable but fun romance plot when would have been Olympic gymnast Avery reconnects with another former athlete when she moves back to their hometown and they start working together. Their shared goal to get a talented gymnast into the 2020 Olympics makes a good central point for discussion points like the abuse scandal, career and purpose, healthy relationship dynamics, and more. While these issues don’t get detailed responses on the pages, the characters, particularly the women, make positive models for how empathy and empowerment can grow when people reflect and adjust. I would have loved to see more character development there but appreciate the strong frame. Overall, it makes a quick but fun and motivating read.

Book Review: Beach Read

13 Monday Jul 2020

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Emily Henry’s romantic Beach Read offers all you hope to find during a coastal getaway. Packed with the flirtatious fun expected in a romantic comedy, Gus and January’s banter have you grinning constantly. Both authors facing deadlines and writer’s block, the former rivals unite in creating a challenge to finish their new books. Clever connections to classic movies, budding love, and a fun story setup keep you glued to Beach Read. To prove the story goes beyond the “everything is roses” layer, it explores deep topics as well. These issues allow character and relationship exploration that seal the book as a full picture of love and personal growth.

Book Review: The Happy Ever After Playlist

23 Tuesday Jun 2020

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Abby Jimenez’s latest romance The Happy Ever After Playlist came into my orbit thanks to Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Summer Reading Guide. The quick banter between Sloan and Tucker hooked me immediately. I found myself smiling at their quips, rooting for the relationship to evolve. The Happy Ever After Playlist maintained its fun tone throughout but unpacked some weight later in the story. Seemingly small yet realistic issues came to light, showing the characters making tough decisions to balance personal, career, and relationship goals. Themes of resilience and friendship abounded as Abby Jimenez’s characters moved forward in their lives. The story made a delightful escape as I stayed home and walked through the delights involved with falling in love, stepping forward in a career, and building emotional strength after setbacks by reading Sloan’s story.

Book Review: The Princess Bride by William Goldman

24 Tuesday Mar 2020

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William Goldman’s classic fantasy adventure The Princess Bride provided the perfect escape for my Valentine season reading. It may do the same for COVID-19 social distancing too. Westley the farm boy and Buttercup the belle of the farm fall in love despite their odds. Though distanced for a time, they reunite when Westley rescues Buttercup from a kidnapping. Together and apart they face numerous foes, providing plenty of humor along the way. Full of comical quotes, Goldman lends a satirical voice to his story. It has delightful love quotes too, such as Westley saying, “Do I love you? My God, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches.” Westley’s quest to marry Buttercup and the friends they gain along the way have you rooting for each person’s goal. This story has a perfect balance of romance and action that may suit many for a date night to discuss the book or watch the movie.

Book Review: What You Wish For by Katherine Center

16 Monday Mar 2020

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As usual, Katherine Center delivers an uplifting and sweet story in her latest release What You Wish For. Set in Galveston, Texas, the story follows school librarian Sam as she faces significant changes in her workplace, the most significant involving the reappearance of an old, massive crush. However, love worthy Duncan seems different than Sam last saw him. Together, they learn how to open their hearts to trust and love. The school changes seem not to be the only change in this story. Center alters her balance in character growth in this story, and it makes the development a little off kilter. The focus seems to rest on Duncan, and Sam takes a backseat even though she experiences growth too. That said, it still makes a sweet story and I still recommend it. Katherine Center books always get bumped to the front of my TBR pile when I get them.

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This hits shelves in July, so add it to your summer reading list!

A Future Awakened, Embraced

20 Sunday Oct 2019

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You lifted me up

when I felt down

brought hope and joy

as I turned around

 

You told me plans

to take care of me

I felt secure

wrapped tightly in your arms

 

I returned the embrace

trusted your vision

as our words built a world

of our future divined

 

For first sight burst

forth an awakened love

glimmered a reality

of our deeply hidden dreams

 

 

 

 

September 25/26, 2019

A Coffee Stained Heart

13 Sunday Oct 2019

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I knew at once

you were the one

the nervous smile

fronting a quiet kindness

 

A coffee spot lingered

opposite your heart

endearing you to me

as you listened, waiting

 

hoping you see too

a sign for more

an opening to turn

the handshake to a kiss

 

The words flow

laying a path

set to smiles

leading to love

 

 

July 10, 2019

 

 

 

Woman in Black

21 Saturday Sep 2019

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Today I wear black

not to show darkness

but to mute the doubt

that I’ll see your back

 

For I stand solid strong

sure in your protective arms

even at a distance,

singing our song

 

Notes of hope advance

a comforting melody plays

inviting the next stride

of our love’s dance

 

a single step back

does not disconnect

but rocks you forward

leaning onto me dressed in black

 

 

September 17, 2019