BERKLEY Party of Two

The writing in this book is very well grounded, with great dialogue and a great blend of some humor, and plenty of depth and drama. This book takes place in L.A., following a character who has just moved back to California from NYC. While I could do without the NYC bashing (kidding!), I really enjoyed seeing L.A. from the perspective of someone new to the city, and not there for Hollywood. It shows a different side of a city I would love to visit one day. Normally, romance books revolve around the “will they/won’t they” dynamic, except we all know they will so it’s more of us just racing to get to that point. While there are a few seconds of that, the rest of this book is really about the characters deciding if the relationship is worth it, and fighting to keep their relationship strong despite the world. It was honestly, really refreshing to read a book dealing with the actual struggles of a relationship, and not just the struggles of trying to get in one. The plot also includes some political aspects, and some aspects you typically see in books dealing with fame, and I loved how they were included. These two characters might be one of my favorite Jasmine Guillory couples. They are such well-developed characters on their own, and together they work together so beautifully. But let’s talk about them individually. Olivia is driven, dedicated, and private. She plans things in advance and is never one to make a quick decision. Max is equally driven and dedicated, but he’s fine with living a public life, and is just a hint impulsive. Okay, maybe a lot impulsive. Honestly, he reminds me of a golden retriever and I love him. We also have a good set of side characters, with a couple of familiar faces if you’ve read previous books. I can definitely see one of the side characters being the lead in Jasmine’s next book, but that’s all I’ll say about that. Do not miss this book. If you’re looking for a fun romance with all the drama and actual healthy relationships, please pick it up!

arrived on time in perfect condition

I enjoyed Olivia and Max's story. They were both well thought out characters; Olivia ambitious, loyal and cautious, and Max exuberant, idealistic and tender. I liked the scenes where they could be themselves together, all their sweetness and adoration and chocolate cake. The worry of Max being recognized for his high profile job was always there, and when they went public with it, it seemed so stressful. I really thought Max was going to end his career to be with Olivia, he seemed soooo all into this love, but I'm glad they came to a compromise that worked for both of them.

My wife loves Jasmine Guillory's books! She has read them all! And I am sure she will love Party of Two!! Party of Two came right away and was in great brand new condition!! Thank you!

Having read all of Jasmine Guillory's books, think I may just be burnt out on her formula. I love that she's writing rom-coms with smart, non-white, non-model leads that aren't 22, but this one just didn't click for me at all, despite how good I still think Guillory is as a writer. Her first book, The Wedding Date, was fresh, fun and continuing to expand on that universe—the lead here is the sister of The Wedding Date's female protagonist—is a good idea, but the set-up just wasn't interesting, or even wish fulfillment believable/relatable. Meeting in a bar and sending cake, isn't a very compelling meet cute, and the too-good-to-be-true Max, a rich, handsome Senator with a heart of gold, perfect political positions and dreams of monogamy, never feels like an actual human man. Their "conflict" in the final third of the story is eye-rolling. What is portrayed as a major sticking point in their relationship seems like, at best, worthy of a semi-tense conversation, particularly given that this exact same "big thing" has already been revealed willingly by the lead publicly in a situation very much like the one here in a previous book AND earlier in this story. Her reaction is just ridiculous, as is her constantly making Max prove himself, which he does over and over without complaint because, again, not believable as a human man. Her trust issues, or lack thereof, are never an issue. I still feel like Guillory's books would make a great on-screen, rom-com series, but think I'm done reading them until she gets a new story. Not that I blame her one bit for continuing to go back to that well, as more-of-the-same is what most publishers want, once something is a hit.