As a fan of both pro wrestling and poetry, I was intrigued by this collection. However, I didn't care for this collection. While this type of poetry is really popular right now, I tend to not like it at all. I'm sure most fans of modern poetry will enjoy it though.

Excellent first read of 2018. Of all the poetry I've read recently, and especially the poetry of this style, during this new "insta-poetry" movement, Parker's is the strongest. His use of language is profound; though this does very much feel like a debut collection, and Parker's voice and conflicts are those of a young man, he spins metaphors and similes alike with skill and ease. Many of his comparisons caught my breath as I thought, "How? How did he?"

It helps that my favorite types of stories are young males coming of age. I've written of this bizarre inclination before (I think it takes its roots in the Faulkner novels I started out with), and this collection nestles into that very love. Parker's bildungsroman is personal, deep, and above all, relatable. I hope many give this collection a chance and feel the same admiration I do. This deserves to be in the hands of all readers.

Wow. This book contains more raw heart and soul than you can imagine. These poems were real and open and honest. I think Cyrus Parker definitely has a bright future as a poet, especially if he keeps it as real as he has so far. Lilting and beautiful poetry that is both sincere and relatable.

Cyrus writes about heartbreak, loss, new found love and happiness in a way that touches my heart and brings a tear to my eye. I hope he continues along this writing journey, I would eat up anything he writes after reading this collection!

I enjoyed reading DropkickRomance however it wasn’t anything new. I didn’t feel a connection with the author or the content, that being said if I had been in the places the author had been then I would have found it more relatable. So it’s definitely good, but I feel that perhaps someone who has been in this situation would find it more beneficial and relatable.

From the first poem it was clear to see how much feeling there was in the words comprising some 178 pages of insight.

The first half of the book, about a toxic relationship that broke and was reassembled time and again, was heartbreaking because of the pain and how, even telling yourself you wouldn’t let the same thing happen to you, realizing the possibility it out there for the people we love to hurt us. Lies, betrayal, false hope, it’s all here.

There is also potential, personal growth, and finding your way to a better place. Confidence, self worth, those things exist too.



“i am mine before i am yours.”



Watching Cyrus through his poems was a journey from reliance on this past person through recovering and eventually finding a new and lasting love. The pieces that show his meeting Amanda (Lovelace, author/future wife), dealing with his ex trying to come back, and the forward movement he and Amanda share as a couple was visual, heart felt, and written so well that the words were more than that. They became tangible things I could imagine feeling myself. Some moments were more personal and hit me dead center. Being able to evoke those emotions in readers is a great skill of poets and Cyrus in particular.

As to the style of the poems, it is clear that he shares a style similar to that of Amanda. The structure and the format of the title in italics at the end rather than the beginning of the poem, will be familiar to readers of The Princess Saves Herself in This One. Each one flowed well and made consuming the book pleasant, even with the poems that were about difficult times.

Easily one of my favorite collections of the year, DROPKICKromance is a volume that everyone ought to try out, from fans of poetry to new comers unsure where to start.

I am obsessed! This cover is amazing and really sets the standard for what should be expected within the book! DROPKICKromance definitely doesnt disappoint. Each and every poem grabbed hold of my heartstrings and didnt let go until the final page! I know this will be a collection I will revisit many times.

It is difficult to review poetry for me, but I must say: this book is full of talent and feeling. It's personal and beautiful and is going to help so many people. While I liked every poem, I didn't *love* every poem, so I cannot give it 5 stars, but I would 100% recommend this and will be on the lookout for Cyrus' next works.