My Perfect Romance

My Perfect Romance hosts, Val, Courtney, and Lisa respond to a letter from a 28-year-old man whose girlfriend has spent every major holiday with her family for the past three years. When he suggests alternating holidays so he can see his parents, she dismisses his quieter family gatherings as a “downgrade.”  Key Topics Extended family dynamics and priorities How holiday decisions can set expectations for future milestones The difference between a preference and a need that matters deeply Resentment, boundaries and feeling unseen When to revisit a difficult conversation - and what to consider if compromise isn’t possible Listener Question: Would you alternate holidays, travel separately, or find another compromise? Connect With Us!!!  If you have a romantic movie or a must-read book suggestion, a tricky “what would you do?” scenario for us, or you've published your own romance, we are also eager to hear from you! Go to our website, and send us a quick message or fill out the query form if you'd like to interview with us. My Perfect Romance Website MPR on Instagram MPR on TikTok MPR on YouTube Before you go... make sure to follow and rate or review our show. Your support and feedback means everything to us! Coming Up: The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros Meet Me On Mistletoe Lane with Cassie Miller Pearl Harbor starring Josh Hartnett, Ben Affleck & Kate Beckinsale Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance features besties discussing their own perspectives for fun. We aren't professional therapists or relationship experts. For serious matters, please reach out to a licensed counselor or qualified specialist. Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro and Welcome(00:00:31) - A Rough Week(00:01:14) - Listener Question: Desperate in Denver's Holiday Dilemma(00:02:29) - Three Years of Her Family's Holidays Only(00:05:16) - He Suggests Splitting Holidays, She Shuts It Down(00:06:16) - Fairness, Compromise, and Blended Family Challenges(00:09:27) - Is This a Bigger Red Flag in the Relationship?(00:14:25) - Setting Boundaries and Avoiding Resentment(00:18:32) - Advice: Have the Tough Conversation(00:20:56) - Final Thoughts and Encouragement(00:21:37) - Outro and Sign Off

My Perfect Romance hosts interview author, former television reporter, and Harvard alumna Claudia Hinz about her debut novel, Safekeeping. The story follows Tenley, a wealthy Dallas socialite and mother accustomed to fixing any problem with a single phone call. When the military draft is reinstated and her son is called up, she faces a crisis she cannot control. So she starts an anti-draft movement and becomes romantically entagled with Leland, a 22-year-old combat veteran, who showed up to support the movement. MPR explores how wealth, privilege, and the traps of romanticizing service members. The discussion examines midlife marriage, career sacrifices, and an age-gap relationship born of a shared desire to be truly seen with debut author Claudia Hinz. Drawing from her reporting background on military bases, Claudia shares how she approached themes of Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), survivor's guilt, and maternal guilt with care and nuance. . Key Topics: Wealth and privilege as a shield from collective grief Avoiding hero archetypes and stereotyping military personnel Aging, desirability, and societal invisibility for women Marriages on parallel tracks and lingering resentment The career costs of motherhood May–December romance and power dynamics PTSD, survivor's guilt, and the civilian–military divide Maternal guilt, helicopter parenting, and learning to let go Connect with Claudia: Claudia Hinz Website Claudi Hinz Instagram Where to buy Safekeeping by Claudia Hinz Connect With Us!!!  If you have a romantic movie or a must-read book suggestion, a tricky “what would you do?” scenario for us, or you've published your own romance, we are also eager to hear from you! Go to our website, and send us a quick message or fill out the query form if you'd like to interview with us. My Perfect Romance Website MPR on Instagram MPR on TikTok MPR on YouTube Before you go... make sure to follow and rate or review our show. Your support and feedback means everything to us! Coming Up: The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros Meet Me On Mistletoe Lane with Cassie Miller Pearl Harbor starring Josh Hartnett, Ben Affleck & Kate Beckinsale Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance features besties discussing their own perspectives for fun. We aren't professional therapists or relationship experts. For serious matters, please reach out to a licensed counselor or qualified specialist. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Welcome(00:00:31) - Introducing Claudia Hines and Safekeeping(00:02:44) - Privilege, Wealth, and the Draft's Threat(00:05:36) - Isolation from Collective Grief(00:08:17) - Beauty, Sex Appeal, and Currency of Looks(00:12:21) - Aging, Desire, and Feeling Unseen(00:14:08) - The Disconnected Marriage(00:17:31) - Writing Infidelity with Nuance(00:19:08) - May-December Romance and Writing Process(00:24:16) - Power Dynamics Between Tenley and Leland(00:28:47) - PTSD, Trauma, and Military Perspective(00:30:02) - Journalism Background and Military Research(00:34:09) - Survivor's Guilt and the Jumbotron Symbol(00:37:34) - Marcy's Trauma and Relationship with Leland(00:40:04) - Motherhood, Sacrifice, and Resentment(00:43:46) - Maternal Guilt and Letting Go of Control(00:48:59) - Forgiveness and Growth by Book's End(00:51:09) - Final Reflections and Book Takeaways(00:57:40) - Author Links, Social Media, and Supporting Bookstores(01:00:04) - Closing Remarks and Sign-off

Val, Courtney, and Lisa cover a dark romantic comedy with heavy kink, stalking, trauma, and consent issues, while also asking a bigger question: can two deeply damaged people build something real from an intentionally unreal setup? MPR unpacks the chemistry, the ethical gray areas, and the emotional logic behind the story’s “mask and anonymity” dynamic, and as always, we ask the question: Can this relationship actually last? Key Topics In this episode, the hosts break down Lights Out by Navessa Allen, a 2024 dark romantic comedy that blends horror, humor, and kink. They discuss Allie, an overworked ER trauma nurse who uses adrenaline, intense workouts, and dark online content as escapism after a devastating loss. They explore Josh, the masked thirst-trap creator, whose own childhood trauma and identity crisis stem from being the son of a notorious serial killer. The conversation centers on the book’s central kink setup, including masked roleplay, power exchange, voyeurism, and the tension between fantasy and real-world boundaries. The hosts note that both leads are high-functioning but deeply guarded, using intensity and sexual risk as a way to avoid emotional vulnerability. They spend time on the biggest ethical question in the book: Josh’s stalking and surveillance are deeply violating, even if the story frames parts of it as kink-adjacent and eventually consensual. They compare Josh’s fear that he is becoming like his father with Allie’s fear that she may hurt the people she loves if she ever slows down or gets close. The discussion also covers the “real villain” in the book, a wealthy sociopath whose violence raises the stakes and pushes Josh into a protective role. The hosts reflect on how the story uses fear, desire, and trauma bonding to create intimacy, and how that can be compelling on the page even when it would be alarming in real life. They also touch on the book’s humor, especially the cat Fred, and praise the writing for making a very strange premise surprisingly readable. Check out: Lights Out by Navessa Allen on Goodreads Connect With Us If you have a romantic movie or a must-read book suggestion, a tricky “what would you do?” scenario for us, or you've published your own romance, we are also eager to hear from you! Go to our website, and send us a quick message or fill out the query form if you'd like to interview with us. My Perfect Romance Website MPR on Instagram MPR on TikTok MPR on YouTube Before you go... make sure to follow and rate or review our show. Your support and feedback means everything to us! Coming Up:  The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros Safekeeping with Claudia Hinz Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro and Welcome(00:00:32) - Setting Up the Dark Romantic Comedy(00:01:56) - Meet Allie: Overworked ER Nurse and Thirst Trap Fan(00:04:38) - The Roommate Connection and Accidental Reveal(00:07:11) - Character Backstories: Allie's and Josh's Trauma(00:10:35) - Josh Discovers Allie's Obsession(00:12:11) - The Break-In and Hidden Cameras(00:16:17) - Stalking Continues and Moral Gray Areas(00:17:49) - The Sociopath Encounter at the Hospital(00:22:34) - Fear, Desire, and Kink Dynamics Explored(00:26:11) - Roadhead, Injury, and DNA Investigation Begins(00:29:22) - Covering Tracks and Growing Closer(00:33:11) - The Truth Comes Out About Josh's Identity(00:36:07) - Trust, Identity, and Becoming Who You Are(00:39:49) - Masks as Emotional Shields(00:41:11) - Sex-First Relationship and Healthy Communication(00:43:24) - How Realistic Is This Romance?(00:45:08) - Rating the Spice Level(00:47:06) - Long-Term Relationship Prospects Discussion(00:50:09) - Judging the Characters' Flaws and Growth(00:54:49) - Favorite Lines and the Sociopath Cat(00:56:40) - Final Thoughts on Consent and Representation(01:00:10) - Genetics, Fear, and Self-Checking(01:02:36) - Disclaimer and Upcoming Episodes

Val, Lisa, and Courtney unpack a listener dilemma about boundaries, couple time, and a best friend who acts like he’s automatically included in every plan. The conversation focuses on whether the boyfriend is truly respecting his partner’s needs, or just avoiding conflict by letting his friend steamroll the relationship. They also dig into whether the friend is simply clueless, lonely, or trying to force his way into a throuple. Key topics We discuss a boyfriend’s best friend who keeps showing up to dates, movie nights, and trips without being invited. Val frames the issue as a boundary problem, especially after the friend bought a non refundable airline ticket for a couple’s trip. Lisa points out that unclear relationship rules can make someone think they are welcome when they are not. The hosts question whether the boyfriend is actually enforcing boundaries or just pacifying his partner in the moment. They explore whether the friend has no other social circle, is socially unaware, or may be overly dependent on the boyfriend. The group considers whether the friend’s behavior is innocent cluelessness or something more intentional. They discuss how the girlfriend should protect couple time without forcing an unnecessary ultimatum. The hosts emphasize that a boundary is about what you will accept, not just what you want someone else to do. Practical advice centers on keeping the trip separate, not sharing full plans, and making it clear that the destination does not make it a shared vacation. The episode closes with a reminder that the hosts are not professionals and that listeners should seek professional advice when needed. Notable quotes “A boundary is not an expectation of an action from someone else. A boundary is what you're willing to expose yourself to.” “He needs to be her safe place.” “He can talk about things after you've done them with his best friends. And yeah, I mean, it's okay just take time, just the two of you.”e keeps the boundary problem alive Connect With Us If you have a romantic movie or a must-read book suggestion, a tricky “what would you do?” scenario for us, or you've published your own romance, we are also eager to hear from you! Go to our website, and send us a quick message or fill out the query form if you'd like to interview with us. My Perfect Romance Website MPR on Instagram MPR on TikTok MPR on YouTube Before you go... make sure to follow and rate or review our show. Your support and feedback means everything to us! Coming Up:  Lights Out by Navessa Allen Safekeeping with Claudia Hinz Pearl Harbor starring Josh Hartnett, Ben Affleck & Kate Beckinsale Legal Disclaimer... Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro and cat interruption(00:01:01) - The listener question: boyfriend's clingy best friend(00:04:09) - The non-refundable ticket bombshell(00:05:42) - Joking about finding the friend a girlfriend(00:07:42) - Is the friend just socially clueless?(00:09:16) - Boundaries and the boyfriend's avoidant behavior(00:15:24) - Love on the Spectrum and coaching ideas(00:16:45) - Advice: keep trips separate, protect boundaries(00:22:29) - Final thoughts and throuple jokes(00:23:55) - Closing remarks and sign-off

Valerie and Lisa unpack The Bride, a stylized 1930s horror romance that is as much about consent and selfhood as it is about monsters. They discuss how Maggie Gyllenhaal’s film turns a Frankenstein story into a layered conversation about silence, power, healing, and what it means to choose someone and be chosen in return.In this episode, the hosts explore why the film is emotionally heavy, visually striking, and far more romantic than expected. They also connect its themes to real relationship dynamics, from learning to speak up to repairing trust after harm. Key topics Valerie and Lisa frame The Bride as a “heavy” film with strong metaphor, not a background watch Maggie Gyllenhaal is credited as writer, director, and producer, and her stylistic vision is praised throughout Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale are singled out for especially strong performances The film’s family connection is noted, with Peter Sarsgaard and Jake Gyllenhaal involved in the cast The opening image of the bride vomiting black ink becomes a symbol of words unspoken and silenced trauma The repeated phrase “I’d rather not” is treated as the film’s central statement about consent and agency Frank begins as shy, inarticulate, and deeply lonely, but grows into a more direct and protective partner The movie theater scene is read as a moment about public boundary-setting and speaking up for another woman The movie’s Frankenstein roots are discussed, including the original bride’s silence and refusal The ending is interpreted as a full-circle reversal where the bride chooses herself, her name, and her future Offical Trailor: The Bride written by Maggie Gyllenhaal, starring Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley Notable quotes “I’d rather not.” “Love is a choice. It is not a feeling.” “When you love someone and you see them for who they are, there is no end to the power of healing.” Action items Rewatch the film if you saw it once but felt overwhelmed or distracted Pay attention to the repeated boundary language and how often the film centers consent Notice how Frank’s voice, posture, and confidence change over time Consider how the movie reframes the Frankenstein story through mutual growth instead of domination Connect With Us If you have a romantic movie or a must-read book suggestion, a tricky “what would you do?” scenario for us, or you've published your own romance, we are also eager to hear from you! Go to our website, and send us a quick message or fill out the query form if you'd like to interview with us. My Perfect Romance Website MPR on Instagram MPR on TikTok MPR on YouTube Before you go... make sure to follow and rate or review our show. Your support and feedback means everything to us! Coming Up:  Lights Out by Navessa Alle... Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and October Spooky Theme(00:01:53) - Introducing The Bride and Its Cast(00:08:15) - Background on Frankenstein and Mary Shelley(00:10:29) - Original Bride of Frankenstein Story(00:12:06) - Ida's Backstory and Nightclub Scene(00:15:25) - Frank's Loneliness and the Proposal(00:18:45) - Reanimation and Symbolic Vomiting(00:20:38) - Domestication and Learning to Say No(00:23:46) - Movie Theater Scene and Speaking Up(00:26:51) - Frank Respects Her Boundaries(00:28:33) - The Road Trip Begins(00:29:14) - Train Scene and Police Encounter(00:31:16) - Detectives Piece Together the Pattern(00:33:26) - Meeting Ronnie Reed and the Movement(00:35:27) - Memory Glimpses and the Road Trip Continues(00:37:46) - Traffic Stop and Violence(00:38:41) - The Drive-In Truth Revealed(00:40:20) - Her Choice and Free Agency(00:42:04) - Discussing Real Relationships and Growth(00:46:19) - Character Consistency and Growth Analysis(00:47:08) - The Doctor's Revelation and Full Circle Ending(00:50:10) - Love as a Choice and Healthy Repair(00:58:17) - Apology and Repair Mechanics(01:01:36) - Relevance Today and Personal Reflections(01:04:47) - Final Thoughts and Character Love(01:05:41) - Podcast Outro and Upcoming Episodes

Audrey Goldberg Ruoff joins My Perfect Romance to talk about her new book Vengefully Matched, a witchy enemies-to-lovers romance novel built on revenge, forced proximity, prank wars, and emotional growth. The conversation explores why vengeance can be honest, how messy characters can still be lovable, and why communication and consent matter just as much as chemistry. They also discuss the witchy Hallowcross world, memorable side characters, dream casting, and what Audrey hopes readers take away from a romance that starts in chaos and grows into trust. In this episode Why revenge can be a compelling and honest force in romance How to write messy, vengeful characters readers still root for The enemies-to-lovers tension between Agatha and Priscilla How pranks and close observation bring the characters together Communication, consent, boundaries, and emotional growth The inspiration behind Audrey’s Hallowcross world Writing vulnerable scenes during a difficult time Possible casting choices for a screen adaptation Audrey’s upcoming young adult novel, Personal Space Issues Mentioned in the episode Vengefully Matched by Audrey Goldberg Ruoff Personal Space Issues, Audrey’s upcoming young adult novel Practical Magic, Pushing Daisies, and The Addams Family Notable quotes “I want to support women’s rights and also women’s wrongs.” “You don’t have to settle for anything less than electric.” “We get to believe in love even when we mess up.” About the guest Audrey Goldberg Ruoff is the author of Vengefully Matched and teaches high school English. She discusses her books and updates on Instagram as Audrey Goldberg Ruoff. Audrey's Website Audrey's Instagram Audrey's TikTok Audrey's X Connect With Us If you have a romantic movie or a must-read book suggestion, a tricky “what would you do?” scenario for us, or you've published your own romance, we are also eager to hear from you! Go to our website, and send us a quick message or fill out the query form if you'd like to interview with us. My Perfect Romance Website MPR on Instagram MPR on TikTok MPR on YouTube Before you go... make sure to follow and rate or review our show. Your support and feedback means everything to us! Coming Up:  The Bride written by Maggie Gyllenhaal, starring Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley Lights Out by Navessa Allen Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Welcome to Audrey Goldberg Ruach(00:01:28) - First Impressions of Vengefully Matched(00:03:02) - Vengeance as a Theme and Women's Anger(00:05:10) - Enemies to Lovers: The Chainsaw Scene(00:07:46) - Plotting Revenge and Character Growth(00:10:01) - Priscilla's Wedding Abandonment and Real-Life Parallels(00:13:32) - Three Words for Romantic Tension(00:15:17) - Pranking as Foreplay and Real-Life Pranks(00:19:41) - Dick Pics, Consent, and Funny Tangents(00:22:34) - Communication, Consent, and Good Sex(00:25:23) - Trust and Vulnerability After Chaotic Beginnings(00:28:12) - Building the Hollowcross Universe and Magic System(00:30:44) - Favorite Side Characters and Writing Challenges(00:31:44) - Writing Vulnerable Scenes and Personal Struggles(00:35:26) - Casting the Movie Version(00:40:30) - Main Takeaway and Believing in Love(00:41:21) - Relationship Longevity Game(00:43:45) - Spice Level Rating and Deleted Scenes(00:46:49) - Where to Find Audrey and Upcoming Projects(00:49:02) - Closing Remarks and Show Info

Val, Lisa, and Courtney review the coming-of-age film Girls Like Girls, a late-summer story about grief, first love, and the messiness of being young in a small town. They dig into the film’s 2006 setting, its roots in Hayley Kiyoko’s viral music video, and why the father-daughter relationship becomes the emotional center of the movie. Key topics The film’s nostalgic 2006 setting and how life before social media shapes the characters’ choices Cole’s grief, isolation, and adjustment to life with a father she barely knows The story’s path from Hayley Kiyoko’s 2015 music video to the YA novel and feature adaptation Cole and Sonia’s attraction, secret hangouts, and complicated relationship Pressure, identity, and the tension between safety and authenticity Controlling behavior and relationship red flags Why the father-daughter relationship stands out as one of the film’s most moving elements The difference between representation and a healthy relationship Loveable Quote/s: “We need to look at the quality of the relationship and the healthiness of the people engaged in the relationship Resources: Trailor: Girls Like Girls Original Music Video for Girls Like Girls Connect With Us!!!  If you have a romantic movie or a must-read book suggestion, a tricky “what would you do?” scenario for us, or you've published your own romance, we are also eager to hear from you! Go to our website, and send us a quick message or fill out the query form if you'd like to interview with us. My Perfect Romance Website MPR on Instagram MPR on TikTok MPR on YouTube Before you go... make sure to follow and rate or review our show. Your support and feedback means everything to us! Coming Up: Vengefully Matched with Aubrey Goldberg Ruoff The Bride written by Maggie Gyllenhaal, starring Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley Lights Out by Navessa Allen Safekeeping with Claudia Hinz Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance features besties discussing their own perspectives for fun. We aren't professional therapists or relationship experts. For serious matters, please reach out to a licensed counselor or qualified specialist. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introductions and Valerie's Dirt Biking Injury(00:02:27) - ADHD and Hypermobility Banter(00:03:53) - Hula Hoops and Catching Up Plans(00:04:25) - Intro to Girls Like Girls and 2006 Nostalgia(00:05:28) - MP3 Players, Napster, and Limewire Memories(00:06:10) - Plot Setup: Cole, Sonja, and the Film's Origins(00:09:05) - Banana Seat Bikes and Childhood Nostalgia(00:11:56) - How Cole and Sonja Meet(00:14:52) - High School Boys vs Girls Discussion(00:17:10) - Cole and Sonja's Contrasting Worlds(00:20:18) - Deepening Connection and the Party Kiss(00:23:06) - Confrontation and Coming Out Pressures(00:27:33) - Cole's Grief and Trust Issues(00:30:57) - The Father-Daughter Relationship(00:33:31) - Discussion: What Would You Do as Cole(00:36:29) - Realism and Longevity of Sonia and Cole's Relationship(00:39:26) - Spiciness, Favorite Lines, and Authenticity Themes(00:41:30) - Reflecting on Healthy Relationships and Representation(00:44:39) - Final Thoughts and Show Wrap-Up(00:46:45) - Disclaimers, Contact Info, and Upcoming Episodes

Lisa, Cortney, and Val unpack a listener dilemma about repeating a relationship pattern that offers financial stability but comes with control, emotional abuse, and dependence. They discuss warning signs, why unhealthy dynamics can feel familiar, and practical first steps toward building independence. Key topics A listener in her mid-50s feels trapped in a cycle: partners provide financial security, but the relationships become controlling and leave her feeling used and exhausted. When support becomes transactional: the hosts discuss demands around appearance, exercise, hobbies, and “performing” to a partner’s expectations. Warning signs of emotional abuse: being given the cold shoulder or made to feel small for resisting an activity or setting a boundary. Respecting safety and boundaries: a caring partner asks what feels comfortable and doesn’t pressure or punish someone for saying no. Family patterns and emotional neglect: the listener’s mother responds dismissively when she asks for support, which may echo earlier experiences of having her needs minimized. Financial dependence and vulnerability: the hosts consider how a lack of personal income can make it harder to save money and leave. Possible steps toward independence: exploring community college, short technical programs, and counseling services. Relearning healthy love: recognizing that a stable relationship may feel unfamiliar after relationships built around pleasing someone else. Possible next steps discussed Explore community college or a short technical program that could lead to independent income. Ask about counseling services through a college or university, or seek trauma-informed counseling. Identify where a relationship involves control, fear, or financial dependence rather than mutual care. Make a practical plan before leaving if financial or safety concerns make an immediate exit difficult. Work toward recognizing healthy, stable love without mistaking it for boredom. Connect With Us! Do you have a romantic tale or a must-read book suggestion? Perhaps a tricky “what would you do?” scenario for our team? We are also eager to hear from authors or creators who want to join us for a chat! Visit www.myperfectromance.com to get in touch, And before you go... make sure to follow and rate or review our show. Your support truly means everything to us! Coming Up: Girls like Girls directed by Hayley Kiyoko Vengefully Matched by Aubrey Goldberg Ruoff The Bride with Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance features besties discussing their own perspectives for fun. We aren't professional therapists or relationship experts. For serious matters, please reach out to a licensed counselor or qualified specialist. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and remote recording note(00:00:58) - Listener letter: feeling stuck(00:01:44) - Pattern of being spoiled then discarded(00:03:29) - Pressured into dangerous hobbies and activities(00:05:18) - Skiing story and boundaries around safety(00:08:25) - Respecting boundaries in relationships(00:10:44) - Mom's dismissive response and childhood roots(00:11:58) - Recognizing the pattern as first step(00:12:59) - Feeling used, dependent, and exhausted(00:13:43) - Financial dependence and inability to save(00:15:41) - School and financial independence options(00:17:12) - Need for trauma counseling and relearning love(00:19:24) - Plan for transition: school while staying with partner(00:20:34) - Identity shift and hard adjustments ahead(00:23:13) - Closing encouragement and show wrap-up

Val, Lisa, and Courtney look back on a full year of romance books, movies, and author interviews, then compare notes on the stories and relationship advice that stayed with them most. It is a reflective, personal episode about what romance media can teach about communication, healing, trust, and connection. In this episode, the hosts share their favorite books and movies from the year, the authors who made the biggest impression, and the relationship lessons they keep applying in real life. Key topics The hosts recap a year of romance books, movies, and author conversations. Val discusses How to Save Your Marriage by Lee Baucom and its practical relationship advice. Lisa shares why Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez resonated with her, particularly its portrayal of anxiety and supportive partnership. Courtney highlights One Golden Summer by Carly Fortune and its friends-to-lovers storyline. Val reminds us that A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey takes you on a relationship odyssey of a lifetime. Lisa shares why her favorite movie, Fall Guy, was a fun, action-packed film that's really about learning to trust your partner. Courtney will always love a good zombie romance, and Warm Bodies, hits all the right romantic story-lines just right.  Val, Courtney and Lisa explore communication, boundaries, vulnerability, healing, trust, and emotional intimacy. They reflect on lessons from their author interviews and the value of hearing writers discuss their creative process. A central takeaway is that healthy relationships require honest communication and the courage to be seen authentically. Connect With Us! Do you have a romantic tale or a must-read book suggestion? Perhaps a tricky “what would you do?” scenario for our team? We are also eager to hear from authors or creators who want to join us for a chat!  Visit www.myperfectromance.com to get in touch, And before you go... make sure to follow and rate or review our show. Your support truly means everything to us! Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance features besties discussing their own perspectives for fun. We aren't professional therapists or relationship experts. For serious matters, please reach out to a licensed counselor or qualified specialist. Coming Up: Girls like Girls directed by Hayley Kiyoko Vengefully Matched by Aubrey Goldberg Ruoff The Bride with Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro and Celebrating Two Years(00:02:28) - Recap of Books Read This Year(00:04:23) - Favorite Book: How to Save Your Marriage(00:05:21) - Favorite Book: Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez(00:06:43) - Favorite Book: One Golden Summer(00:08:10) - Favorite Movies Overview(00:08:44) - Warm Bodies and Zombie Romance(00:10:28) - The Fall Guy as Favorite Movie(00:13:06) - My Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey Reflections(00:14:29) - Learning Vulnerability and Growth from Film(00:18:30) - Transition to Author Interviews(00:20:13) - Gerald Everett Jones and Kenyan Sundowner(00:23:25) - Josie Trapley and The Power of Us(00:24:19) - Scarlett Xavier and Steamy Scenes(00:25:55) - Paper Roses by Debbie Show(00:27:51) - Bad Marriage Advice by Monica Tanner(00:30:20) - Meet Me Under the Light by Cassie Miller(00:32:55) - Lyrics and Love Letters by Jessica Everly(00:35:35) - How to Save Your Marriage Revisited(00:37:01) - The Gap Year by Lindsey Goldstein(00:39:52) - The Marriage Seed by Lionel Moses(00:42:21) - Demi Blaze and Authentic Characters(00:43:31) - A Study in Sparkling by Jody McAllister(00:47:28) - Reflecting on Relationship Advice Learned(00:52:05) - Looking Ahead: Connection as Theme for Next Year(00:54:27) - Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

Val, Courtney, and Lisa break down One Golden Summer a story of summer romance, emotional vulnerability, and what happens when chemistry is not matched by honesty. The discuss the book’s central relationship and the secrets underneath it, and why the story works more as a summer friendship than a forever love story. Check Out One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune in Goodreads Key topics In this episode: the hosts review One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune, published May 6, 2025, and explain that it works as a companion novel to Every Summer After. They discuss Charlie Ford, Alice, and the lake setting, including the award-winning photograph that launched Alice’s photography career and the yellow boat rescue that brings the two leads together. They explore Alice’s growth arc, especially her desire to stay authentic in a media world that pushes overly edited, idealized images. They break down Charlie’s appeal as a charming, thoughtful, highly confident love interest who cooks, helps around the cabin, and shows up in small practical ways. The hosts focus on the book’s biggest tension: Charlie keeps acting like a boyfriend while insisting the relationship is only a summer thing. They discuss how Alice’s bucket list becomes the emotional engine of the story, giving her a way to reclaim fun, risk, and self-definition after heartbreak. They examine the deeper reason Charlie holds back: his father died at 35, he is facing serious cardiac issues, and he is terrified of becoming close to someone before his own health crisis unfolds. They talk through the communication problem at the center of the book, especially the idea that partners cannot make each other’s choices by withholding important truth. They compare the story’s romance to real life, arguing that mind reading is unrealistic and that honest communication is necessary for any lasting relationship. They end with a broader reflection on healing, self-discovery, and why the summer friendship feels real even if the happily ever after does not. Notable quotes “Some people feel like summer.” “When you speak, he listens. When you smile, he smiles. When you need something, he offers help.” “Peace out, asshole.” Action items Try making a realistic seasonal bucket list instead of a huge life list. Say the thing you actually mean instead of expecting someone to guess it. Connect With Us! Do you have a romantic tale or a must-read book suggestion? Perhaps a tricky “what would you do?” scenario for our team? We are also eager to hear from authors or creators who want to join us for a chat!  Visit www.myperfectromance.com to get in touch, And before you go... make sure to follow and rate or review our show. Your support truly means everything to us! Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance features besties discussing their own perspectives for fun. We aren't professional therapists or relationship experts. For serious matters, please reach out to a licensed counselor or qualified specialist. Coming Up: Girls like Girls directed by Hayley Kiyoko Chapters (00:00:00) - THE PERPETUAL ROMANCE(00:00:31) - Golden Showers Review(00:01:13) - Oh, My Love By Charlie Fortune(00:01:32) - No Summer After: A Companion Novel(00:03:37) - Alice And Charlie Meet... In A Lake(00:07:22) - In the Lake: A Summer Romance(00:09:05) - Alice's Summer of Failure(00:11:23) - Flirty, Pretty Pants(00:15:08) - Does The Other Person Understand What I'm Thinking?(00:18:40) - The Rut of Expecting From Your Partner(00:22:56) - "I Did It"(00:23:11) - The Good Guy in Love Actually(00:27:16) - The Book of Alice: Summer Fling(00:28:53) - How To Develop a Photo In The Dark(00:31:50) - The Hot Guy's Love Crisis(00:33:01) - What Would You Do If You Spent The Summer Falling Head Over(00:37:56) - He Should've Tell Her About His Surgery(00:44:25) - Will They Actually Get Together In The Book?(00:47:29) - Alice And Charlie's Friendship(00:51:20) - How to Get to Know Your Partner's Past(00:51:52) - He Was Her Summer Love(00:54:25) - I Wish That He Had Said No To Alice(00:57:14) - The Perfect Romance: A Bucket List(01:01:31) - The Perfect Romance