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Love, Only Better (Bold Journeys Book 1) by Paulette Stout – Review by Nicole DeSantis

Love, Only BetterLove, Only Better by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In “Love, Only Better,” Paulette Stout fearlessly addresses the lack of orgasmic fulfillment, a topic often left unspoken. Through Rebecca’s narrative, the book offers a relatable perspective for women who carry the weight of shame due to not conforming to societal norms of responsiveness. Rebecca’s journey takes a personal turn as her recent breakup with Ethan, who cruelly labeled her as frigid before leaving, intensifies her self-doubt. She has the feeling of inadequacy seeps into various aspects of her life, including her professional endeavors and interactions with her mother.
Determined to reclaim her confidence and attain sexual satisfaction, Rebecca embarks on a mission to experience the elusive Big O. In a serendipitous twist, an appealing new neighbor enters her life when she’s at her lowest. The mutual attraction between them sizzles, creating a delightful yet perplexing predicament. Past experiences loom large in her mind, igniting the fear of history repeating itself.
Approaching this book, I avoided reading the description or existing reviews, preferring to dive in mindlessly. To my delight, the book’s central theme unfolded before me unexpectedly. Beyond the surprise factor, what truly stood out was the refreshing portrayal of imperfections and the ease with which women can embrace their pleasure. In contrast to the typical romance novels, this book felt like a much more authentic representation of reality.
The protagonist was so relatable that forming a connection with her was effortless, and she became someone I genuinely rooted for. This book is an absolute must-read for women, and I found immense enjoyment in its pages.

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Nicole DeSantis

Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back to the 80s is a delightful rom-com that transported me to an era I love. If you’ve lived through the 80s, this book will resonate with you and evoke a sense of nostalgia for the fashion, music, toys, and everything that defined that era. The story revolves around an enemies-to-lovers romance, but what sets it apart is its refreshing and laid-back approach compared to typical books of this genre. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, and I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing their relationship evolve throughout the book.
Right from the start, I was captivated by the plot and loved Blaine and the other shop owners. The characters were well-crafted, relatable, and oozed creativity, immersing me deeply in their journey. Blaine’s ownership of the quirky “Back to the 80s” novelty shop, passed down from her late mother, adds an endearing touch to the story. Meanwhile, Eric, a developer connected to his family’s construction company, threatens her shop’s existence as he plans to develop the mall where Blaine’s store stands.
The author beautifully blends humor into the narrative, with some lines genuinely making me laugh. In contrast, others brought on a cheesy smile and eye roll—just the perfect ingredients for a rom-com experience. This book was an entertaining summer read, and I recommend it to fellow rom-com enthusiasts who enjoy 80s nostalgia.

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