Olivia and Max couldn't be any more different but I loved them and their relationship. When they first met, Olivia has no idea who Max is and that he is a Senator and I thought it was quite funny with how she found out. And I loved when they met each other again a few weeks after their first encounter, it was really fun!

Olivia is a Black woman and Max is a White man and I really liked how racism and diversity were discussed in this book. I mainly read romance and this is one of the few romances I have read that had a discussion of racism. While Max is very privileged and a lot of the time doesn't even realise it, he isn't ignorant and he does recognise it a lot of the time. I also really liked how the American criminal justice system is involved in this.

There is a lot of cake and delicious treats in this book and that was one of my favourite things about it. There are also a few swoon-worthy moments involving Max and these sweet treats! Olivia and Max have fantastic chemistry and I usually hate when that break up comes up in almost every romance but it was needed in this one and I really liked how it was resolved!

This is easily my favourite book from Jasmine so far and I can't wait to read more.

Olivia has just made the move back to the West Coast (LA) from New York to set up a law firm with her best friend. Her house isn't ready yet she's found herself sitting in the hotel bar discussing desserts with the waitress. When a hot man joins in the conversation, Max. They chat about cake, pie and all things good. Including him giving her recommendations of where she should visit for food.

Despite their ease of conversation and a flirty spark be them, neither makes the move to take things to the next level. Once back in her hotel room and listening to the TV she hears a familiar voice. The man from the bar is Senator Max Powell!

A chance meeting two weeks later reintroduces them to each other. A cake delivery and texts soon starts them on the path of romance. But is this just a fling? Are they to different to make this work?

A story touching in overcoming the past, racism, prejudices and life in the spotlight.

Absolutely adore Guillory’s book and this is no exception.

The story follows Olivia who is restarting her life after starting a parternship law firm and Max, a senator she meets at a bar one night. The highs and lows of high profile dating are explored and the pressure that it entails.

The chemistry between Olivia and Max is off the charts and you can’t help but want them to be together

If you like a meet-cute romance then this book is for you. This book is part of a series but can be read alone. Olivia Monroe moves to LA to open a law firm up with her friend Erica. She is staying at a hotel until her house is ready. Max Powell is sitting in the hotel bar and listens to Olivia talking to the bartender. He strikes up a conversation with Olivia. It’s not until Olivia is watching TV does she realize that he is a Senator because he was in disguise. She meets him again at a fundraiser. A long distance romance ensues with all its ups and downs dating someone famous. . I enjoyed this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the E-ARC. This is my own opinion.

3.5*

I enjoyed Party of Two. I loved the concept and the characters were adorable. I really enjoyed getting so involved in their relationship and watching it grow. I also really appreciate the themes of gender and race and felt both of these issues were handled extremely well and added to the story without making it heavy. That's quite an impressive thing to be able to achieve in writing.

I was so close to giving this book 4 stars. I was desperately finding a reason to but what stopped me was some issues I had with the writing and specifically with the dialogue between the two main characters. Particularly early on in the book, the dialogue feels forced and overly formal. I never really felt like the characters were real and it stopped me investing easily in their relationship at the start and I had to push through to get to the good bits where the flow of conversation and plot starts to feel more natural (because the dialogue issues do improve as the book develops).

Overall, though, I found this an enjoyable read that discusses some very relevant and important themes well. So I'd recommend pushing through the first third and sticking with it because it is a very cute love story.

This book seemed to lack a spark for me. I really liked the main character, Olivia, but found the romantic interest, Max, and the plot quite dull and repetitive.

I expected the story to be about the drama of their relationship, particularly to do with the blurb's hint at Olivia's dodgy/troubled last,
and them overcoming the adversities. However, the majority of the book was just the story of Olivia and Max falling in love, plus the supposed 'drama' came very late in the book, yet was resolved pretty quickly.

Olivia and Max meet at a hotel bar one night, without exchanging contact details. Lo and behold they meet again in unlikely circumstances. Max is a Senator, Olivia is just starting her own law firm. She is a black woman who is working hard to forge a path through a male dominant, racially unequal society. The question is, how will meeting a famous, political, heart throb impact her career and all she has worked hard to overcome, to be where she is now?
I really enjoyed this book, the way Guillory approaches current topics such as racism and sexism in the workplace is strong and effective. At the same time, she addresses a few political agendas (race, poverty, even climate change): how politicians are involved and how they could be involved in the change we need to see.As well as that I liked the character development. It followed the usual motions of this genre- it was sweet and heartfelt. To me, the steam fell a bit short, I almost felt it was forced and actually not necessary. I would still have liked it without the awkward sex scenes. With this in mind, I also felt some conversational scenes, which were building their romance, were also a bit forced and dragged out; this slowed it down for me. Nonetheless, for me it had a more accurate representation of a real life relationship in the sense that it combats the idea of someone changing to be with another person, not changing to fit their ideals but changing to be mature for themselves as part of a partnership, changing to be better. The focus of their relationship hurdles seemed relatively more relatable than other romances and for that I believed in their romance.
All in all, I almost feel like this was a modern day Cinderella, if Cinderella were a bad ass Boss Woman who was a strong, motivated, career-minded hero.  I loved what both Olivia and Max stood for and what they mirrored from real life.

This is a warm romance and love build up story of Olivia and Max. Olivia is a lawyer, who has just moved to LA and Max is a senator. They meet each other in a hotel they are staying. Max falls in love with Olivia right after they meet and so does Olivia but she doubts it could just be an attraction. But they meet again later and their love story builds up slowly, where the story reflects on each of their personalities. Max is an impulsive guy who makes decision right away where as Olivia likes to take her time. And when everything is going smoothly, Max makes Olivia do something which she absolutely hates him for.

The book reflects on how Olivia as a black woman cannot make hasty decisions like her white boyfriend Max. And the ups and downs they face because of Max’ jobs and their opposite personality traits. I loved Max although he seemed to good to be true, I loved how he made decisions quickly, how easily he fell in love and how he told Olivia!

I loved the book overall. It was a warm romance story with both max and Olivia’s perspectives. Only realised after I received the arc that this book was book 5 so I definitely want to read other books by the author. Thankyou so much to Netgalley and Headline Eternal for the e-arc.

Already a fan of Jasmine Guillory for a fun easy romance read, this might be my favourite yet. Its an opposites attract type romance - Olivia, a driven lawyer, by nature an uber-planner, who has just moved to LA, and Max, a US Senator who is used to playing the charmer required in the world of politics and is naturally spontaneious The characters are both likeable and at the heart of the story, rather than the usual will they/won't they type story, is the challenges in navigating a complicated, long-distance relationship. The book's strength is that it all felt quite real - its a little cheesy but the characters are believable and add to that a major emphasis on food (cakes and pies play a big part in the book) which I enjoyed and overall its great fun and an excellent addition to a series which I thoroughly recommend (though I should say don't be afraid to dive in if you haven't read the others, as they do stand alone)

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Party of Two is the fifth in a series of connected novels by Jasmine Guillory. I confess that before reading it I didn’t realise there was a link! This can definitely be read as a stand-alone though.⁣
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Party of Two follows Olivia, who moves to LA to open a law firm with her friend. She meets Max in a hotel bar not realising until afterwards that he is a senator. Eventually they start dating and as expected there are a number of ups and downs.⁣
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I enjoyed this book a great deal more than the last Jasmine Guillory novel I read (The Proposal) and I thought this was an easy read. Olivia is in The Wedding Date and it was great that she had her own story. I really liked both Olivia and Max too.⁣
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As well as being a romance, I like that the book touches on more serious topics too; such as how it is so much harder for Olivia as a black woman to progress in her field even when she is brilliant and how Max is very privileged. The book also touches on criminal justice reform and community projects as well as romantic themes.⁣
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Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline Eternal for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book by Jasmine Guillory. A sweet, entertaining and romantic story with some great characters. A fun and quick summer read. Looking forward to the next book. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

It's an easy and enjoyable read but I think there's something missing and the romance side is a bit forced.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Party of Two is the fifth in Jasmine Guillory’s ‘Wedding Date’ series of books. Having never read any of the others, I was a bit worried that I would need to know some back story. That wasn’t the case as the series is more of a collection, as I understand it, and relatively standalone. I did see a something in a quick internet search that mentioned the characters are intertwined, so it might be fun to read them all.

The author studied Law at Stanford, and I could see that in this book as the main female character was indeed, a lawyer. Olivia Monroe, newcomer to LA from NYC as she and her best friend, Ellie, set up their own firm. I struggled with her name as I kept mixing it up with Orora Monroe (Storm’s name in X-Men), but that was really something for me to deal with!

So Olivia is in the hotel bar one night where she gets into conversation with a cute guy over cake. It’s very sweet (no pun intended), and while you can see what’s happening and where the story is going, part of the fun is to accept it and just enjoy the beats as they arrive.

Max Powell is her suitor, a rich white guy who also happens to be a hot, hotshot young politician. I found it interesting, and really appreciated, that he gets a voice too – mostly midway through chapters, so we as the readers get to see both perspectives.

Olivia and Max have some challenges to clear while they’re in the process of getting together (or not?!). Her firm needs her energy and focus to set up, he’s in DC during the week on business. The rhythm gets set easily and it ticks along nicely.

Jasmine Guillory’s characters are well drawn and fully formed. Neither is all bad or good, they’re human beings navigating human problems, and this made their interactions more compelling. I believed in their compatibility, not only because they say it out loud (another breath of fresh air, no chapter after chapter of dithering about whether to tell the truth or not, misunderstandings etc) but also through their actions. Going to Disneyland in the rain sounds fun and seeing Dolly Parton from the expensive seats – a blast. I’d be happy hanging out with them.

One slight downside for me though, was that it made me hungry! They are constantly eating – chips, cake, pastries, nachos and burritos, and if they’re not eating, they’re talking about what they want to be eating. Be prepared to read with snacks – the descriptions are just too good.

This was just the book I was looking to read – light but well written, funny without being flippant and relatable, too. I recommend this, and the other four books in her series if you’re looking for something to read on holiday. If we ever get to go again, of course!

Thanks as always to Netgalley and the publisher, Headline, for providing me with an ARC. This book is available to pre-order now and is released in the UK on June 23rd, 2020.

Another great book from Jasmine Guillory!
A political romance story that has a lot more depth than typical chick lit.
Olivia gets chatting to Max in a hotel bar one night, thinks he's quite hot but heads back up to her room telling herself now isn't the time to start dating a guy. She is in LA setting up her new law firm and needs to concentrate on work. Back in her hotel room she turns on the TV and there is Max! It turns out he is the Senator. Even more reason to forget about him from Olivia's point of view (too much hassle) but Olivia has made an impression on Max and he can't get her out of his mind. Eventually, Olivia and Max start dating - it wouldn't be much of a romance story otherwise, would it?! Their relationship has lots of ups and downs but the one thing that's consistent is the detailed mentions of pie and cake throughout the entire book 😋
I love the diversity of characters in Jasmine Guillory books. Olivia is a black woman and it's really interesting to see the world told through her eyes. Chicklit has very little diversity, particularly when it comes to ethnicity, so this was a refreshing read.
This is the 5th in the Wedding Date series but you don't have to have read the others before reading this one. It works as a stand-alone book but will make. you want to pick up more from the author.

Party of Two is number five in this series of standalones by Jasmine Guillory and while I have largely enjoyed other books by the author, this one didn’t quite work as well for me as the others.

We have Olivia, a careful, cautious lawyer and Max, impulsive senator. I really enjoyed their characters and the contrast between them - love an opposites attract situation - but I just didn’t feel much for them as a couple. They spend very little time together, and when they do they seem more excited by food than each other (I mean... that’s relatable tho hahaha.) Their conversations were sort of dull and repetitive. It was a slog to get through the first chunk of the book.

Also they didn’t thank their wait staff and it bothered me no end hahahahaha.

HOWEVER The energy picks up in the last third and all things considered, the storyline is actually great. I loved the realistic drama between them and enjoyed watching them try to navigate the political sphere as a couple. I loved what they stood for. Enjoyed Olivia calling Max out on his privilege and Max being willing to change. I loved that this is a portrayal of a healthy relationship between equals. This book has a lot of value to say, as Guillory’s books often do. I liked everything except the relationship which is a hard pill to swallow when you’re reading a romance.

Even though this isn’t my favourite, it’s still a book I would recommend to romance readers, women’s fiction readers and anyone who has loved Guillory’s work in the past.

Party of Two is out on 23/6! Thanks to Headline Eternal and Netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

So I read this one without reading the others in the Wedding Date series but you can read any of them as a standalone. I never once felt like I was out of the loop or there was a secret plot point that I had missed out on.

This book was such a fun read! It was incredibly light-hearted, cute and entertaining. I liked the characters that Jasmine Guillory has created and the dynamic between the two. Olivia is a very strong female character who is not only smart but giving and careful with every little decision she makes. Max is in the public eye and whilst he can be somewhat arrogant, he does really care for Olivia and making a change to the criminal justice system.

Something I commend this book for is the topic of racism and how hard it is for Olivia. Not only is she a woman and facing hardship that way but she is also constantly worried about being discriminated for the colour of her skin. This is a hard-hitting topic that is incredibly relevant in real life.

However, this was like most romance contemporary novels I’ve read with a somewhat predictable plot line and ending. At times I sadly found myself bored and wanting something to really happen. I think that if I wasn’t such an avid fan of romance books then this would have gotten a higher rating.

Overall this book did what I wanted it to achieve. I wanted a cute and quick romance book and that’s what it was and I can’t fault it for that. I think I might try and pick up the other books in the series and see how I feel about them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this charming novel and think it makes a great summer read, it was romantic and sweet but not sickly. I really liked Olivia and Max, the main characters. I thought they were well-drawn and realistic and I was really hoping things would work out for them all the way through. The plot was well-paced and believable, and I loved all the talk about cakes and pies!

This was the first Jasmine Guillory novel I've read and I didn't realise until after I'd finished that this was number 5 in a series! However, I don't think it mattered at all it. I think you can read it quite happily without having read the others, though you probably get slightly more from it if you have. I can certainly see why Guillory has so many fans and I'm tempted to make a start on her backlist.

When Olivia Monroe moves from New York to LA to start her own law firm, dating is the last thing on her mind. But a chance meeting with a man who shares her love of desserts changes everything, and that man just happens to be hotshot junior senator Max Powell. This is a romance about politics, race, careers and food (seriously, there’s SO much food in this book – cakes, pies, fries, the lot!) It is part of The Wedding Date series, which also includes much-hyped books The Wedding Date and The Proposal, but can easily be read as a standalone. I found this to be an okay read – entertaining enough, but unfortunately not as gripping as I’d hoped. I never really fell for their relationship and I wonder if the fame/celebrity romance trope is just not for me (although I do love Notting Hill…!)

Olivia is a qualified account she flew two California from new York two set up her business start a new law firm with her assistant and friend Ellie Olivia couldn’t wait two set meeting up with new clients.
She renting a house near the office and Ellie sorted out allot of things for her before Olivia cane two California at the moment she living in a hotel for a few weeks till the house is ready.Then one night she got two the hotel late is was nine o clock Olivia was hungry so she ordered fries as gin and just about two order dessert but krystal give her the menu they’re was such things has ice cream and herbs and no such thing as chocolate cake with icing on strawberry pie or carrot cake why all the fancy stuff then as she was saying her point this man came up two her max Powell senator but Olivia didn’t know who he was he was staying at the hotel two he agreed with the menu then krystal ordered the cookies for them both with coffee they both enjoyed the cookies they talked for ages and Olivia didn’t know who he was. They both when up two they rooms and said goodnight then Olivia found out on tele who he was and couldn’t wait two tell her sister who he was. Olivia was at her office the next day in work and Ellie said there a parcel here for you from a bakery she wounded who it was from excited she opened the box it was the most delicious chocolate cake her favourite one with Max Powell number on it Olivia couldn’t believe it Olivia told her everything what happened that night about meeting senator and Olivia texted I’m back and said thank you I like a coffee with you that be great.
The Friday came and max took her two her favourite restaurant and the place was nice and the food they had different pies and drink she really enjoyed the night they talked for ages about the good the menu her job at the end of the night he took her hone and rushed off and said goodnight. A week went buy and they went out two the cinema they both haven’t been in ages the night was good a good film they went for burger and fries and took them back two olives they had wine and kissed and olive told max the truth about her arrest as a teenager and he excepted that so that was great. Max didn’t want two rush thing he wanted two get two know her have a proper girlfriend. So the following week they went bowling they both loved bowling she celebrated when he scored and he did and Olivia done a dance when he scored that night he told her he loved her but Olivia never said it back yet didn’t feel it was right. After bowling max went back two Olivia they had wine kissed and had sex the night was great full of passion.
Olivia started working in the soup kitchen at the local community hall and made a new friend Juliana and Juliana helped her buy her new car Olivia could wait two show her car of two max so Olivia arrange two go two hiking up the Getty so the following weekend max met her outside his house in her yoga pants and he loved Olivia new car he drove to the Getty they hiked all day and sat by the tree and talked and Olivia told him she loved him so much that night he drove gone went back two her house had more passion and everything was great. Olivia told him about the firm was doing so great and she was worried about starting all of it with no clients and worried about not making up her. He told her not two worry he asked Olivia if he go on a weekend trip with him while de dine his work and she got two her sister she thought the idea was great she haven’t Sean her sister in ages so the weekend came her sister met her at the airport and took her home they all had a Chinese that night and the next day her sister was going two the fundraiser where max was going so her sister introduced herself two Olivia boyfriend max and she like him two they had allot of fun that weekend he asked Olivia if they go public together and Olivia was shocked she needed time in midweek she said yes so he fought they go public on the 4 July he had a fundraiser two attend olives wore a nice dress that evening he loved her outfit he introduced everyone has his girlfriend and she talked two his clients made conversation with them then after an hour they left and watch the fireworks together in his car what a romantic night it was he asked her then go to two hawi for five days after the issue that everyone found out about the arrest she had when she was young they were both stress and the press got two them they went two the Caribbean and when they got there they went straight two the black like little kids and had two pineapples rums enjoyed the walks and saw the turtles and that day he was going two ask her two marry her but Olivia said not yet it’s two soon max was disappointed but the weekend went lovely. They both attend the community hall at the next events she went on with him but things didn’t go two plan he told everyone about her personal life two the criminal kids and Olivia was just like them she could help them that hurt Olivia she wanted two speak two them on a private issue about that so that night she left him and when he realised Olivia wasn’t there anymore he went looking for her that night they had a huge row and Olivia dumped him Olivia regretted it. Took weeks for them both two get back together again Olivia picked up the courage two go two us office and told him how she felt with a assigned copy of her love two him and what she wanted from him they lived happy for a year after that and when they went back on they summer trip he asked Olivia two marry him and she said yes.
This book was Amazing I love it a page turn over sexy romantic I give it five stars rating.

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.

To be honest I was a bit disappointed with this book. Whilst superficially it was meant to be a sweet romance, it lacked depth and a bit of credibility for me. I wanted more passion and more intensity. The relationship between Max and Olivia seemed rushed and not very strong.
The story had a lot of potential and touched on some sensitive issues but I felt they were tackled weakly, which was a letdown.

Overall only 3 stars.