This is a book review of Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory with spoilers.
In this perfectly paced romance, Olivia meets Max in a bar after griping about the lack of dessert selections, and a love story begins.
The Facts
Author: Jasmine Guillory
Release Date: June 23, 2020
Genre: Romance
Main Characters: Olivia Monroe & Max Powell
Number of Pages: 352
Rating: 4.75 out of 5
What I Loved
A hot white male Senator making criminal justice reform his number one political priority? Sign me up. Almost a month has passed and he remembers all the cake flavors she named, in order, and sends her a cake from the bakery just a few hours after they’re reacquainted? Where can I find him? He grew up rich and recognizes his privilege and uses that privilege to help those who don’t have it but are deserving of goodness? Can this man be real PLEASE. He openly acknowledges the racist and sexist struggles Olivia faces as a Black woman?! I need to marry him. Olivia, I’m stealing your man.
In case you haven’t gathered, I love Max. He fell first and HARD. He affirmed how down bad he was on page 123. Mind you, the book is over 300 pages; that’s not even the halfway point. My dream is to marry someone as aware as Max, who isn’t afraid to call racism out nor talk about it. Though, he is a little too impulsive. Like, babe, you’re almost forty; take a few minutes to use your brain and think some things through.
Yes, I love Max, but I also love Olivia. She is the epitome of a strong Black woman, and Max loves her for it. I empathize with her about taking time to plan and think things through simply because the standard is different for Black women.
Speaking of Black women, there’s a Jamilah in this book. The Jamilah in the book and the Jamilah writing this are basically the same; I also always remember people’s clothing.
What I... Didn't
Ugh, a third act break up (and it was a little long). Also, not that it’s a big deal, we never find out what kind of lawyer Olivia is.
Final Thoughts
This is truly one of my favorite romances I’ve read this year, and not because I’m essentially in it (as a side character). The progression of Max and Olivia’s relationship is absolutely beautiful. It was just so realistic, especially regarding the necessary race talk. If I’m going to be with a white man, he needs to be like Max.
