Jasmine Guillory keeps writing these love stories that make you feel your feelings. You have to read the book to find that gem. I know that when I read a Jasmine Guillory book I am in for the time of my life and making new friends. She writes these characters that I want to know in real life.

Olivia Monroe is the sister of Alexa from her first book The Wedding Date. Olivia has moved back to the LA area to start a law firm with her best friend Ellie. She is staying at a hotel when a handsome stranger strikes up a conversation with her. The two have an instant connection. The two reconnect and Olivia discovers the handsome stranger is none other than Senator Max Powell

The romance was quick but cute. Guillory didn't shy away from Olivia's apprehensions about openly dating a white senator but I needed more. Max was aware of his privilege and acknowledged it but I don't think he really got it. Olivia made a comment that as a black woman she doesn't have the luxury of being as spontaneous as Max. I felt that! As a black woman, I knew exactly the feelings she was expressing. Olivia was my favorite in this book and I liked how she immediately found a cause to champion. She made a friend named Jamila through volunteering. I wouldn't mind reading about Jamila in a book of her own.

Senator Max Powell was handsome and dare I say, dashing? He swept Olivia off her feet and I think he was a little bit in love after their first meeting. I truly love a man who can indulge my sweet tooth and he definitely wooed Olivia with cake deliveries.

I love it when I find an author who can deliver heart-warming stories, with believable plots AND a fully actualized story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This one was my favorite in the Wedding Date series! I loved Max and Olivia from the start. Their relationship and problems felt believable and genuine. I love Olivia’s type A planning personality which I definitely connected with. I also loved all of the food they were eating! I just felt giddy while reading this book and I know romance lovers will feel that way too. I highly recommend!

I am utterly obsessed with all things Jasmine Guillory.

I loved this story--the banter, the romantic chemistry, and of course, shenanigans!

It's always wonderful reading books featuring Black/Brown characters, and it's even better when it's own voices!

Another solid read that I'm happy to purchase on release day!

Jasmine Guillory returns with another sweet-as-cake love story woven with timely real-world issues and a relatable, grounded realism. Olivia, whom readers will recognize as Alexa's sister from a few of Guillory's previous titles, is one-half of this Party of Two. She's just moved back to California, making her new home and jump-starting her own law firm in sunny L.A. While launching a brand-new law firm with one of her best friends is scary and exciting at the same time, it's a bit out of character for Olivia -- she prefers to think things through, weighing pros and cons, and possible backfires, before making decisions. So Olivia is ready to pour all of herself into this new venture, but wasn't expecting a handsome stranger who calls himself Max to pull her attention away... Max has his own career to keep him pulled in a variety of directions. As junior Senator Maxwell Stewart Powell III, a lot of expectations are set for him and he's driven to meet each and every one of them. When Olivia finds out Max is a senator, she doesn't quite know what to think. But once she realizes he's got the heart of Mr. Smith going to Washington, the brains of the finest lawyers she's known, and is just oozing charm, she falls -- hard. Max is the first guy to love her for exactly who she is, with confidence and without apology. But the limelight of his political position is enough to break even the most confident of people...

Thoughts: I love that Jasmine Guillory weaves social justice throughout all of her books. Readers are not only introduced to likable characters that we wish we actually knew in real life, but some of us are educated in social justice issues we may take for granted while others may relate to the realistic struggles her characters live through on a daily basis. Guillory's books aren't incredibly dramatic because the focus isn't necessarily on some major event. Instead, readers get to focus on and experience the realistic ups and downs of characters whose story could easily be taking place in real life. The only unrealistic part? All of the burgers, fries, cakes, and pies these two eat! Yeah, Olivia talks about her trips to the gym and we're treated to several inner monologues from her point-of-view declaring how built and good-looking Max is, but honestly, I'm jealous of how much cake and fried food they get to eat! Seriously though, this is another hit for Guillory and I'm looking forward to her next title!

If you've read Guillory before, you know what to expect- a fun, and funny, light romp through a relationship that hits all the notes of a modern romance novel right on schedule. There are some passionate scenes, but the focus is on two (mostly) realistic people trying to navigate the beginnings of a relationship while balancing well-established careers and lives. Entertaining, quick summer read that provides needed relief to 2020.

Recommended for people who enjoy Jennifer Weiner, but want something lighter and more focused on "the chase" of a relationship, or readers of Janet Evanovich, but want something less silly. Perfect for anyone who reads Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Rachel Gibson or the like.

Another great addition to Jasmine Guillory’s The Wedding Date series. Olivia and Max are such an awesome pair to follow through their ups and downs. Their understanding of each other made this a pleasure to read!

There was a lot to like about this book: two fully realized adult characters navigating dating in a very tricky situation. The conversations they had and the growing they did together felt very real, even though not everyone dates a public figure. I also super enjoyed how Guillory didn't shy away from the sexism, racism, classism that Olivia experienced. I've read almost all of Guillory's novels and I feel like she was much more deliberate in including all of those very real issues in Party of Two.

That being said, there was something missing. I liked the characters and the romance over all, but for some reason this book didn't hit me in the feels. Great writing, great characters, but didn't send me swooning.

I loved this book! Such a fan of Jasmine Guillory! I love that she writes such relatable, badass female characters. Always a sucker for books taking place in L.A.
Not going to lie, as soon as I read about the "gelled back hair" I couldn't help but think of our state's governor and laugh. I tried not to keep imagining him as Max but failed several times LOL
Their chemistry and adoration for each other was super sweet to follow. If I had to change something, I would have thrown in a tiny bit more conflict but their blow up was definitely justified. Wondering if this brings this set of characters to a close?

Olivia Munroe has recently moved from NYC back to the West Coast to start her own law firm with her best friend. She's finally her own boss and intent on focusing her energies into making their firm succeed. On one of her first nights back in town she meets a handsome stranger at her hotel bar. They flirt, they share dessert, they part ways. Little does she know that this handsome stranger is California Senator Max Powell (resident Congress heart throb). They end up running into each other a few weeks later at a fundraiser and eventually start dating. Their relationship progresses and they navigate the waters of what it means to be a couple in the public eye and the ways that the past can be brought to light. And, of course, there is lots of good food along the way!

I've read several of Guillory's novels and this has been my favorite one so far! What I love about her storytelling (besides the food) is the depth that she brings to her characters. Identity always plays a big role in her stories and that, to me, makes her characters more relatable than other romance novels I've read. In Party of Two, she tackles interracial relationship dynamics, white privilege, the flawed criminal justice system, and feminism. Weaving these themes into stories of Black joy is what I love about her writing and storytelling. I'll note that this book was significantly less steamy than some of her other books I've read.

When Olivia and Max have a chance meeting at a bar they have no idea their flirting and love for pie is just the beginning of a real romantic connection. A funny and very enjoyable romance that is easy to relate to while seamlessly including the issues of sexism, racism, and other social justice issues. One of the best books I've read this year!

A perfect fluffy modern romance, ideal for people who feel a responsibility to keep up with current events and fight for justice but also need a guaranteed happily ever after now and then.

Pleasantly Surprised!

The first book I read by Jasmine Guillory wasn't my favorite. I tend to stay away from an author once I DNF'd a book but after talking to a few friends about Party Of Two, they said it was her best book yet, and I'd definitely love it. So I bought a copy, and WOW. I just want to say that I love interracial relationships. I don't think enough authors write about couples like this, and they should! I think when you read a book, the book becomes better when we can relate to characters, and Jasmine brings up some tough topics about interracial relationships that made me want to hug the characters. I absolutely loved it! I recommend it to all romance lovers!

This book did not disappoint. Jasmine Guillory brought all the warmth and happiness as only she can, and the food, oh wow how I loved all the references to food, I think I might have gained an extra few pounds while reading this book because I always wanted a snack.

The story was fun, charming and I couldn't get enough. The characters were so beautifully written, well-rounded, and easy to like. I enjoyed kick-ass Olivia as a character and I related to her so much, she was probably one of my favourite Guillory heroines.

This book came at the perfect time for me and I devoured it. Lovely read!

3.5 Stars

Guillory’s latest is a low angst, July 4th themed romance all around meeting someone unexpected and having an instant connection.

Meet Olivia Monroe, a lawyer who has started a law firm with her best friend, all round badass (oops, can I say that in my review?). She’s ready to take on the world and stop being tied down to all the stigmas that come with being a woman in her field. So, when she meets a guy at the hotel bar and instantly connects over the topic of desserts (swoon) she’s thinking fling.

Our guy, Max Powell, he’s not just a regular guy but a US Senator, it’s not in the blurb but I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by sharing that. He’s got eyes on him all the time and is working to sponsor some mega changes with his platform. In a nutshell this is Max:

How was it that some like him, who spent all day every day talking to people, felt so lonely for personal connection, and so happy to have found it, if only for a little while?

So, two complete opposites, meet and instantly connect. They don’t act, then run into each again, and this time more sparks fly. It’s not enemies to lovers, but a touch of instant-lust that turns into a slow burn as Max seeks more than just a simple fling and Olivia opens up to the idea of being available to possibilities.

I enjoyed the premise, the characters themselves, but I’ll admit there wasn’t a lot of pacing action. There is some back and forth of will they, won’t they, though this story is more a long song and dance of falling for each other. It’s a slow paced, feel good falling. There is a bit of drama, some great insight into modern day challenges that woman face, especially when dating high profile men. For me this story was too easy to put down and walk away, though for someone looking for a nice feel good romance this one might be for you.

Overall, Guillory’s romances are sweet, filled with laughter, fun dialogue and great characterization. Though the plot and pacing miss the marks for me. This is perfect for readers who enjoy Josie Silver or Lyssa Kay Adams.

~ Landra

Another lovely rom-com from Jasmine Guillory. Her characters are complicated, her world is diverse, and the sex is hot. That said, I hope that she will feature a queer couple as the main characters in a future novel.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!! Olivia & Max are the sweetest book couple that I’ve read about lately. The Introduction of cake and pies throughout this book have me so hungry. Looking forward to recommending this one to patrons of my library & my book clubs for a fun summer read. Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.

A sexy, of-the-moment contemporary romance with a winning heroine. Jasmine Guillory delivers again in the smart romance category. A big plus, the political questions of the day in terms of racial justice and mass incarnation draw the two main characters together and hold the audience attention. Not your usual meet-cute. Well done.

Another terrific romance from Jasmine Guillory, with memorable characters, a diverse cast, an engaging love story, and a strong social justice awareness that gives the books an added dimension and sense of groundedness. I've loved all her books so far, and this one is a great addition! Don't miss it.

This book was a fun read, however I found it a little fluffy and a little unrealistic. It was a charming story but I felt in some ways it lacked a lot of depth. It would be a great beach read! I did like the side story of Jamila and the community centre and how it gave Olivia a sense of purpose and fullfillment to help out there. I think the main couple could have faced a couple of more obstacles than they did, however it did make it interesting to see Olivia finally reach the point where she could accept Max's lifestyle and that her love was stronger than her fears.

Being a middle of the road book seems to be a trend that I have with Jasmine Guillory's romances.

I enjoyed a lot of things about this story. I really liked our two main characters: Olivia, a successful black woman who has just moved back to LA to start her own Law firm, & Max, a white US Senator. I loved the aspect that this was an interracial couple romance and that both of our characters were super loveable and swoon-worthy in their own ways. I liked how this discussed the difficulties that come with dating in the spotlight/public eye along with the challenges and prejudices that can come with an interracial relationship even in the year 2020. I'm glad that those realistic challenges were present and discussed at many different points throughout the story.

Overall, this was cute but the pacing is the thing that really didn't work for me. I felt like this was SO LONG considering what all actually happened in the story. I don't think I've ever said this before, but a part of me feels like the characters had too much backstory to the point where it really made the story drag at times... 🤷🏽

So, I liked it but didn't love it. However, I still think that it was a fun/cute summer read and don't regret my time spent reading this.