by: Jasmine Guillory
published: July 13, 2021
genre: Romance, Contemporary
336 Pages, E-Book
GoodReads Link
Other Books in This World:
Book 1: The Wedding Date (Alexa & Drew)
Book 2: The Proposal (Nik & Carlos)
Book 3: The Wedding Party (Maddie & Theo)
Book 4: Royal Holiday
Book 5: Party of Two
Book 6: While We Were Dating (Ben & Anna)
Synopsis
Ben Stephens has never bothered with serious relationships. He has plenty of casual dates to keep him busy, family drama he’s trying to ignore, and his advertising job to focus on. However, when Ben lands a huge ad campaign featuring movie star Anna Gardiner, it’s hard to keep it purely professional. Anna is not just gorgeous and sexy, she’s also down to earth and considerate, and he can’t help flirting a little…
Anna Gardiner is on a mission: to make herself a household name, and this ad campaign will be a great distraction while she waits to hear if she’s booked her next movie. However, she didn’t expect Ben Stephens to be her biggest distraction. She knows mixing business with pleasure never works out, but why not indulge in a harmless flirtation?
When the opportunity comes to turn their real-life fling into something more for the Hollywood spotlight, will Ben be content to play the background role in Anna’s life and leave when the cameras stop rolling? Or could he be the leading man she needs to craft their own Hollywood ending?
I. Overview
So, Ben’s cruising through life, doing his thing, when along comes Anna Gardiner, strutting into his conference room like she owns the place. Suddenly, all his plans go out the window. I mean, who can blame him? Anna’s got that breath-stealing effect, and Ben’s not about to pretend otherwise. Next thing you know, they’re flirting up a storm, and then bam—family emergency alert! Anna’s got to get 7 hours away, and flights are a no-go. Ever the gentleman, Ben offers to drive. I mean, they’re already in the car, right?
During this unplanned road trip, they’ve got time—like, 7 hours of it—to get to know each other. I mean, what else is there to do in a car for that long, right?
Their steamy romance kicks off from day one, but once they’re back to reality, Ben’s got to figure out how to handle Hollywood life with the famous actress Anna Gardiner. The limelight can be a real game-changer, and Ben didn’t exactly sign up for this love rollercoaster. Anna, on the other hand, knows how to work the camera, but only when she’s pulling the strings. And guess what? This ride they’re on isn’t just to Palm Springs.
II. The Characters
Ben Stephens, Theo’s younger brother from ‘The Wedding Party,’ epitomizes the quintessential Jasmine Guillory protagonist—handsome, intelligent, accomplished, and articulate. Working at an advertising agency tasked with pitching an ad featuring Anna Gardiner, Ben’s life takes an unforeseen turn. Anna, a Hollywood actress, is the epitome of a Guillory leading lady—accomplished, smart, beautiful, and vulnerable. Their dynamic, familiar to fans of Guillory’s work, unfolds amidst appearances by characters from previous books, adding depth to the narrative.
Penny, Anna’s best friend, provides humor and sage advice, while Simon, Anna’s manager, reveals a softer side despite his initial prickly demeanor.
III. The Writing
Jasmine Guillory excels at crafting compelling love stories, and Anna and Ben’s narrative follows suit. Much like Guillory’s other works, the story contains passionate moments between the characters. While the frequency of intimate scenes may be cringe-worthy to some, it contributes to the overall narrative, showcasing Guillory’s commitment to portraying consensual and safe encounters.
Guillory’s signature storytelling style is evident, offering a familiar structure that fans appreciate. Despite recurring themes, each novel remains a unique exploration of love and relationships.
IV. My Final Thoughts
Picking up a Jasmine Guillory romance novel guarantees a familiar experience—swift romance, intimate moments, a temporary conflict, and a heartfelt resolution. Guillory consistently delivers narratives devoid of “struggle love” or “trauma bonding,” catering to a refreshing perspective on love, particularly for black women. While her stories may follow a predictable pattern, the comfort of a well-executed love story remains a timeless and enjoyable experience for readers.
I don’t know what is next on my list for Black History Month but, if I can snag another JG book from Libby, then I’ll read that one next. I should have made a list before beginning this task, 🤦🏾♀️.
whitneydaniell 