Review - - Treasure Coast Christmas

Treasure Coast Christmas

by Leigh Duncan

Emerald Bay - Book 3

Publisher: Gardenia Street Publishing

Release Date: October 31, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

It’s Christmas at the Dane Crown Inn and the much-needed renovations at the resort once known as “the gem of Florida’s Treasure Coast” have been put on hold for the holidays. Amy Sommer Peterson and the rest of the family deck the halls with festive garland, decorate towering Christmas trees and hang sparkling lights. When surprise guests arrive to share the season, everyone soon gathers in the kitchen to decorate cookies, sing Christmas carols, reminisce about the past and make new memories.

But while the rest of the family celebrates, Amy faces a host of challenges. At her bakery in Emerald Bay, a staffing emergency might just put Sweet Cakes out of business. Amy’s hopes for a second chance at love falter and a new problem threatens the family’s ability to fulfill Aunt Margaret’s final wish. Amy’s sister and cousins hold the keys to overcoming every obstacle if Amy can only trust the closeness they once treasured. But can she?

PJ's Thoughts:

Each book in this series leaves me eagerly awaiting the next. Fully-developed characters, complicated relationships, a vivid sense of place, strong family bonds, and plenty of heart make this a book - and series - not to be missed. 

I'm enjoying the way Duncan weaves the journeys of the cousins/siblings together into a family saga while also giving readers each individual's story along the way. The characters are multi-layered, interesting, and relatable, even if I've not walked their particular path. They're at different stages of life with with a variety of challenges and yet I'm just as invested in the mother whose marriage is in trouble and teen is rebelling as I am in the young influencer who shows up for Christmas with a mysterious secret in her pocket, the two cousins about to take a scary leap in business, and the aging pop star who may have lost her career but is discovering that life - and possibly love - aren't quite done with her yet. I want to know more about all of them. I've come to care for them. I want them to succeed. I want them to be happy. And, I'm so eager to discover what happens to them next. 

If you enjoy heart-tugging family sagas sprinkled with humor, heartache, hope, and love, give this series a try. I strongly recommend reading the books in order as each new book builds upon the prior ones. The books (so far) are: Treasure Coast Homecoming, Treasure Coast Promise, and Treasure Coast Christmas. 

 

Winner - - The Sweetheart Crush

 

The randomly chosen winner of

a print copy of

The Sweetheart Crush by Miranda Liasson is:

Diane Sallans

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - Christmas Beach Wedding

Christmas Beach Wedding

by Lori Wilde and Susan Sands

Publisher: Epiphany Orchards Press

Release Date: October 30, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

The Christmas magic of the season sparks hope for lost love in this heartwarming holiday tale.

It's been twenty-five long years since Jane Lafitte's heart was broken by her college sweetheart Trevor Gardner. She never imagined she'd see him again—until their adult children announce their own Christmas engagement!

Thrown together amidst cozy holiday celebrations in Christmas Beach, Louisiana, the old flames can't deny the warm embers that still smolder between them. But with painful memories and practical concerns conspiring against them, can Jane and Trevor set aside the past and rekindle their romance in time for the holidays?

PJ's Thoughts:

This may be a novella (133 pages) but it packs the emotional satisfaction of a much longer story. It's humorous, charming, and heart-tugging with the depth that accompanies an unexpected second chance romance twenty-five years after a heartbreaking split. Even though the story length is short, the authors take the time to properly address what happened in the past and give this couple the necessary time to make their reunion journey realistic and relatable. I loved watching them navigate forgiveness, healing, and falling in love a second time, all while also navigating a potentially awkward family situation that affects them both. 

Characters, primary and secondary, are well developed and integral to the story. Settings (both New Orleans and the beach) are vividly depicted, creating an atmosphere that's as important to the overall story as the individual characters. And Henry, the hero's dog, manages to steal not only every scene in which he appears but everyone's hearts as well, including mine. 

This quick read is a great choice for a heartwarming romance fix during the busy holidays ahead. I may even read it again. (I'm kidding. I pre-ordered a copy of my own because I will definitely read it again). 

 

Review & Giveaway - - A Christmas to Remember

A Christmas to Remember

by Beverly Jenkins

A Blessings Novel

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: October 24, 2023

Reviewed by Santa

Ever since Bernadine Brown bought the town of Henry Adams, her relationship with diner owner Malachi “Mal” July has had its share of ups and downs. But now they’re finally ready to say “I do.”

Or are they? As wedding preparations go into full swing, and families both local and extended begin to gather for the festivities, that long awaited walk down the aisle hits a speed bump that may derail everything.

But Mal and Bernadine’s relationship isn’t the only one being tested.

Preston Mays aka Brain, loves his girlfriend as much as he does physics but when she decides being a couple is no longer a good thing, his heart is broken. Will connecting with his bio dad’s family ease his pain?

Reverend Paula Grant has been patiently waiting for God to send her someone to share her life. When the town’s charming new chef arrives in town, she wonders if he could be the one.

And then there’s former mayor Riley Curry who throws a parade with his hog Cletus! There’s always a lot going on in Henry Adams, and this will be a Christmas to remember.

Santa Says:

There is one word that encompasses A Christmas To Remember by Beverly Jenkins and that word is JOY. It’s not just because Christmas is in its title. It is because, as we once again drive into Henry Adams, Kansas, we are welcomed into a town where everyone is important to the very fabric of this town. It is a warm hug and cup of cocoa from the first page to the last.

A Christmas to Remember is the eleventh book in Ms. Jenkins' Blessings series. This book focuses on the impending nuptials of town benefactress Bernadine Brown and native son Mal July. These two have had some trials but are stronger and more in love than ever. They plan to share the rest of their lives and even though set in their own ways they are willing to create their own lives. It is great fun to see friends and neighbors far and wide coming together on Christmas Day to celebrate this couple.  See? Joy!

Young love and new love also have their stories here. Preston and Leah must work through their issues as they prepare to graduate and start their young adult journeys. Will they remain a couple or suffer heartache? Get ready to cheer for these two extraordinary young people. 

Even Reverend Paula Grant must allow herself some joy in this season. She selflessly looks out for her congregants without filling her own well. It takes the arrival of a handsome, caring newcomer Thornton Webb to perhaps start to let her guard down. Thornton has decided to make a fresh start and make Henry Adams his new home. He will be owning and operating his own restaurant. Here, too, joy is on the menu.

Treat yourself to this five star book. I highly recommend this series and, really, anything Beverly Jenkins puts her name to. A Christmas To Remember is one to be treasured. Grab yourself some joy!

~~~~~~~~

Thank you, Santa! I'm a huge fan of Beverly Jenkins and eager to read this newest tale from Henry Adams.

Readers, have you read any books by Beverly Jenkins yet?

What brings you joy this time of year?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 1 will receive a hardcover copy of A Christmas to Remember.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Thank you to Avon Books for the giveaway!

Review - - Snowed in for Christmas

Snowed in for Christmas

by Jaqueline Snowe

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: October 3, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

Sorority mom Becca Fairfield is used to guys not taking her seriously. She’s too blond, too quirky, or Just. Too. Much. So she’s ditched dating to focus on her job and a house filled with drama and plenty of tea. Now with the holidays and a major blizzard on her doorstep, Becca has everything she needs to survive the next two weeks on her own. Hot cocoa, plenty of books . . . and the memory of a steamy kiss with a certain sexy, grumposaurus next-door neighbor to keep her warm.

Only Becca’s seriously underestimated this Snowpocalypse. So when the power goes out and Harrison Cooper—football coach, master crank, and the guy who acted mega-awkward after said steamy kiss—offers her shelter, it only makes sense to accept. They’ll just be Blizzard Buddies. Hang out, stay safe, and maybe indulge in a little R-rated cuddling. Becca knows that Harrison isn’t the dating kind, and what happens during the storm lasts only as long as the storm. But are they keeping warm . . . or playing with fire?

PJ's Thoughts:

In the mood for a snowed-in, forced-proximity, sweet and steamy, grumpy-sunshine, holiday romance? Have I got the book for you!

I loved this story. It's funny, awkward, emotional, sexy. It gave me so many feels on so many levels. Becca is a quirky, out-of-the-box character who is humiliatingly aware that some people find her annoying and "too much." Shoot, Harrison (who ghosted her two years ago after one date) admits he did so because he thought she was high maintenance. Also, because his head wasn't in a good place at the time but still...he ghosted her! Kudos to the author for not glossing over that. I loved how Becca held him accountable for it, how they brought it into the open, how they communicated, that Harrison owned up to his behavior and sincerely apologized. There were many behaviors (between the main couple) that I was happy to applaud in this story. 

This book has all the ingredients for a light, fun, steamy rom-com - and there's plenty of that - but Snowe takes it deeper and I am here for it. I love Harrison's growth, the fact that he becomes open to it, in both his personal and work life, and that it's initiated by the time he spends with Becca. I appreciate the time taken to show the toxic results of actions by certain members of his family and the changes that occur when he finally stands his ground. Becca is a character I admired and happily cheered on. She readily admits she's not everyone's cup of tea but I found her endearing, admirable, and bubbling over with life, love, and the right priorities firmly in place. These two match like the last two pieces of a puzzle. They just needed a "snowpocalypse" to force them to look below the surface of who they thought the other was and discover the endearing complexities that make them the perfect fit for each other. 

I had not heard of Jaqueline Snowe before reading Snowed In for Christmas (twice) but you can bet I'll be checking out her back list immediately. I love her writing voice and am excited to read more of her work. This one has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Review - - The Asheville Christmas Cabin

The Asheville Christmas Cabin

by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Carolina Christmas - Book 1

Publisher: Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Release Date: October 27, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

The first of a charming, heartwarming holiday trilogy that will whisk you away to a dreamy winter in the mountains. With sweet romance, strong family bonds, and an uplifting story of hope and joy, this is the perfect Christmas collaboration between two beloved women’s fiction authors!

When the Chambers sisters receive an invitation from their jet-setting aunt to spend the entire month of December at the family’s cabin in Asheville, North Carolina, they have one question -- why? The retreat, tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, may be the site of many happy childhood holidays and summers spent enjoying the beauty of the area and each other…but it also holds sad memories. The sisters, and their aunt, have spent twenty-five years avoiding the cabin and renting it to strangers. Why would Aunt Elizabeth want her “dearest darling” nieces to put their busy lives in three different states on hold and spend a month in the mountains?

Eve, Angie, and Noelle, triplets born on Christmas Day, owe their very lives to their aunt, and they agree they must go. Once there, not only do they learn to let go of the past and embrace a bright future, they all start to see their lives in a new way.

Big city girl Noelle comes face-to-face with her first love...and feelings for this single dad are strong, tempting her with a small town lifestyle that she never imagined she’d embrace. Eve, a stressed-out mother of three, revels in the change of scenery and begins to learn the art of letting go of complete control. And when Angie’s rocky marriage truly cracks, she finds a new kind of joy with a connection to the past and a reconnection with her daughter.

Can one Christmas in Asheville change everything? Join these strong, funny, and loving women as the holiday spirit lifts them as high as the Blue Ridge Mountains, and promises a whole new life ahead.

PJ's Thoughts:

Individually, Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott have penned some of my favorite series of the past few years. Together, these two authors have merged their talents to mix up heart-tugging holiday magic in a new trilogy that is not to be missed. 

Set in Asheville, North Carolina (these mountains are a character all on their own), Holloway and Scott have created a cast of multi-generation characters who engaged my interest and emotions, immersing me in the ups and downs of their lives, relationships, fears, and dreams with plenty of laughter, and a few other emotions, along the way. The steam is low but the emotion is soul deep as relationships are tested, long-held beliefs are challenged, new opportunities are presented, and romance is on the horizon if certain characters have the courage to take the leap. I'm all-in and eager to take this three-book journey with Eve, Angie, Noelle and the rest. As the triplets approach their 40th birthday, they all find themselves at a crossroads in their lives. I'm eager to discover which paths they choose, where those decisions take them...and if six-year-old Sawyer ever finds that elusive bear. 

The Asheville Christmas Cabin (27 Oct. 2023) is going straight to my keeper shelf (where I'm sure it will be revisited) and I've already marked my book calendar for the next two installments: The Asheville Christmas Gift (10 Nov. 2023) and The Asheville Christmas Wedding (1 Dec. 2023). 

 

Review - - The Duke Starts a Scandal

The Duke Starts a Scandal

by Sophie Jordan

The Duke Hunt -  Book 4

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: October 24, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

A duke with secrets. 

Lucian, the newly minted Duke of Penning, has much to prove— to himself, his family and the ton. Craving spotless respectability, he must find an aristocratic wife. Unfortunately, he can’t keep his eyes—and thoughts—off his deliciously distracting housekeeper. Such a dalliance can only mar the facade he's constructed to protect his sisters' future from the demons of his past...but this fiery passion is a temptation he cannot resist. While Susanna may not the bride he needs, she is everything he desires. 

 A woman with a past.

As the housekeeper to one of the grandest estates in England, Susanna Lockhart has worked determinedly to become all that is proper and efficient, and she never steps over the line. Romance is an indulgence for the upper class, not for her—and most especially not with her employer. But every smoldering glance from the surly, handsome duke calls to the long-buried reckless wanton inside Susanna. A love between them can never be, but will Lucian and Susanna risk being together…

Even if it starts a scandal... 

PJ's Thoughts:

I took one look at that cover and couldn't wait to dive into this book. Steamy romance up against the wall with our housekeeper heroine taking charge? Yes, please! Unfortunately, what the cover promised the story didn't deliver. The scene on the cover did not make it into the book and though there was a bit of steam (one love scene near the end of the book), the overall heat level was quite low for a Sophie Jordan book. That's actually something I don't mind if I know to expect it going in but, in this case, my expectations were quite different.

Does this mean I didn't like the book? No, it's an enjoyable story, one worthy of four stars but I was hoping for more complexity. More character development. More connection. More emotional depth. Especially with the hero. Maybe I was just in the mood for some meaty angst. Others may feel differently but I wanted these two to yearn for one another...and I wanted to feel it. I didn't.

Sophie Jordan is one of my auto-buy authors. I love her books but this one fell a bit short for me, one of those "I liked it but I really wanted to love it" books. Still, if you enjoy mild angst, low steam (except for that one scene), and cross-class historical romance, it may be the perfect fit for you. 

Review & Giveaway - - The Sweetheart Crush

The Sweetheart Crush

by Miranda Liasson

Blossom Glen - Book 3

Publisher: Entangled:Amara

Release Date: October 3, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

Photographer Viv Montgomery’s dreams were bigger than her small hometown of Blossom Glen. Following them meant leaving everything and everyone behind—including her sweet and funny best friend, Logan Matthews. Now, twelve years later, the town’s “sweetheart” is back, broke, and…well, working in the town’s famous Christmas store until she figures out her next move.

Enter her former best friend who she hasn’t seen or talked to in years. Only the cute, funny guy she remembers is gone—replaced by a famous, bestselling author who seems aloof, jaded, and is much, much hotter than any book nerd she’s ever seen. Seeing him in the news is one thing, but up close and person? Whewf, it’s warm in here.

Now he’s offered her a job she desperately needs (blissfully free of Santas), and suddenly it’s like no time has passed at all. Their friendship is just like it was…with one very unexpected difference. Because somewhere between the blossom festival and snuggling in front of a crackling fire, their friendship is definitely turning into some more. Only, Logan’s been hiding the secret of his enormous success…and the sweetheart of Blossom Glen is about to read all about it.

PJ's Thoughts:

Miranda Liasson has taken two of my favorite tropes - second chance romance and friends to lovers - and molded them into a charming, heart-tugging journey to love for youngest Montgomery sister, Vivienne and her former best friend, Logan. 

It's hard to say which of the books in this trilogy I've enjoyed the most. Each brings its own special flavor to the page but what they all have in common is the strength, support, and love of family. In this one, it's both families - Viv's and Logan's - who play roles in the evolution of both characters as well as their romantic relationship.

Another facet of their story that I enjoyed is the friendship upon which their love is built. Yes, they've been estranged for twelve years but that foundation that was carefully built from childhood through high school still exists, lending critical support to the deepening feelings between them. There may be cracks here and there but love, growth, and communication go a long way in repairing them and moving their relationship forward. 

The sense of community is strong in all three books with the author evoking a spirit that is easily relatable, whether you've lived in a small Midwest town or not. Secondary characters bring additional texture, conflict, humor, and emotion to the page, blending seamlessly with Viv's and Logan's journey without detracting from it. 

If you're looking for a low-steam contemporary romance with plenty of feel-good charm and emotional depth, I recommend giving The Sweetheart Crush a go. It stands well on its own (Logan isn't introduced until this book). It's my opinion that you'll have a greater appreciation for the nuances of the Montgomery family dynamics as well as the growth of the Montgomery women and their partners if you read the three Blossom Glen books in order, however, wherever you choose to begin you'll find a heartwarming journey worth taking. The Blossom Glen books, in order, are: The Sweetheart Deal, The Sweetheart Fix, and The Sweetheart Crush. All three are available for purchase or to download from Kindle Unlimited if you're a subscriber. I loved them all. 

Have you read Miranda Liasson yet? Any favorites?

Are you happy jumping into a series at any point or are you a "must read in order" person?

What's your favorite romance trope?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, October 25 will receive a print copy of The Sweetheart Crush.

*U.S only

*Must be 18

Review - - Christmas in River's Edge

Christmas in River's Edge

by Nan Reinhardt

The Weaver Sisters - Book 3

Publisher: Tule Publishing

Release Date: October 23, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

You can go home again…

After a painful divorce from her high school sweetheart, triplet Jenny Weaver returns to River’s Edge with her young son. While happy to be reunited with her sisters and working at the family’s marina, she has no intention of jumping into the dating pool, especially going into the holidays. Then Gabe Dawson, once a shy nerd who tutored her in history classes, arrives home transformed into a handsome hunk who makes her pulse race.

Archeologist and history professor Gabe Dawson thought he’d long ago outgrown his teen crush on Jenny. Back in town for a few months to help his mom post surgery, he can’t resist reaching out to Jenny. She’s as beautiful, warm, and funny as he remembered and soon Gabe is reconsidering his future.

Gabe is determined to seize this second chance, but can he convince a very wary Jenny that a globe-trotter is ready to come home for good this Christmas?

PJ's Thoughts:

Each new book set in Nan Reinhardt's River's Edge continues to get better and better and better. Each couple's story feels fresh and new - able to be enjoyed on its own - while also evoking a sense of home and familiarity gained through the previous couples' journeys. We're ten books into the series and I haven't even begun to tire of it. That's due in no small part to the fact that the author has separated the books into three mini-series: one quartet and two trilogies. That enables series fans (like me) to revisit beloved characters and follow along with their evolving relationships while allowing new readers to jump in at a variety of points without feeling lost or confused. As for me, a reader who started with book one, I'd be blissfully happy if Reinhardt continued to write about River's Edge characters for the rest of her career. I love them that much. 

In Christmas in River's Edge, the third book in the Weaver Sisters Trilogy (they're triplets!), Reinhardt brings us a second-chance romance between Jenny, a divorced single mom, and Gabe, a hot college professor with a nerdy core. I loved these two so much. Each character is fully developed, with intriguing layers, relatable life challenges, and heart-tugging charm. It was enjoyable to watch Jenny evolve into a woman of courage and strength with the determination to follow her dreams after too many years in a miserable marriage. 

Gabe flat out stole my heart. This man needs to be protected at all costs. The love and respect he has for Jenny, how he nurtures their relationship, encourages her dreams, and is always at her side if needed, supporting but not trying to lead. That's especially crucial in her dealings with her ex-husband, the father of her young son, Luke. I loved Gabe's relationship with Luke but I also appreciated how Gabe handled the relationship between Luke and his father, Jenny's ex, Ryan. There was an easy direction the author could have taken their relationships with Ryan as well as Ryan's own personal journey but she chose a different path, one that took the story to a deeper emotional, but hopeful, level. I'm curious to know if we'll see him again. I'm always up for a good redemption story. 

All of this is set within the charm and holiday atmosphere of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas in River's Edge. There's plenty of good feelings, love, humor, family ties, emotional depth, and happy endings all wrapped up with a festive bow. I loved it. 

Review - - Unrealistic Expectations

Unrealistic Expectations

by Andie J. Christopher

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: September 26, 2023

Reviewed by Hellie

 

When a relationship therapist gets dumped right before her new dating handbook hits shelves, she fake dates to save face in this spicy romantic comedy. 

There are a lot of things that can go wrong on an author's publication day, but breaking up with her long-term boyfriend might just be at the top of Jessica Gallagher’s list. She also didn’t expect to run into her old crush, Galvin Baker, the very next day. When Jessica goes into crisis mode about the PR nightmare, she proposes the first solution that comes to mind: fake dating. Luckily, Galvin seems game. 

Galvin Baker is used to being a constant disappointment, which is why he can’t—and won’t—commit to a relationship. Unfortunately for him, his last girlfriend used her vast social media power to make sure everyone knows how much Galvin "underperforms.” Fake dating for Jessica’s book promotion seems like the perfect cover—and maybe she can teach him something along the way. 

Hookups “for science” and some seriously sweet gestures later, Jessica and Galvin’s fake dates are feeling more authentic than any of their previous relationships did. Have they replaced unrealistic expectations with unexpected realness? 

Hellie’s Heeds: 

TLDR: This book is for readers who relate to late-blooming heroines, enjoy reformed rakes, and don’t mind HFN (happy for now) endings.  

I really like Andie’s writing style and smart-alec heroines. I really like that her heroines enjoy a judicious placement of an F-bomb in their everyday conversation. They are some of the more relatable heroines out there for the modern rom-com. And honestly I would love to actually read Dr. Gallagher’s self help book, Ten Things Not to Do If You Ever Want to See a Naked Girl Again: The Straight Man’s Guide to Not Dying Alone in a Pile of Dirty Underwear. I think this is a book that really needs to be out on stands right now, if Tinder and Hinge are anything to go by.  

I can easily imagine Jessica’s unease and sheer shock when she returns to the apartment she shares with her fiance, only to find said-fiance is moving out of the apartment without telling her. I can easily see her concern that she has a book coming out, indicating she knows the ins and outs of keeping up a successful relationship, and apparently her fiance would rather die in a pile of dirty underwear. The panic is real. So yes, the premise, while perhaps a little hinky, fits. Both she and Galvin Baker, who has his own very real reasons for wanting to show a successful relationship, leap into fake dating to save their reputations in the social media world.  

Andie’s writing is easy to fall into: we see how good Jessica and Galvin were together: the banter, the tension, the growing friends-to-lovers like relationship relayed in a believable way–with only a gnawing adage we all know: “rebound relationships never work out.” And for a while, I was much more concerned about Galvin’s potential broken heart–because it was quite clear he’d never been in love before (or at least not for nearly 20 years) and he was quite a hot mess as he realizes his vulnerability with his fake-dating girlfriend who doesn’t seem to need him nearly as much as he needs her.  

When it came time for the black moment, I was glad it was not something jerkish–like the hero is mean to her to “protect her because he’s not a good guy and she can do better.” While we all cut our teeth on such a hero, we can do better these days. Instead our hero blows up the relationship just as one would expect: by his insecurities and his inability to communicate effectively, neither of which he hasn’t had to really worry about before since he wasn’t sticking around. Now he wants to make this one stick, but horrors, what if she understandably dumps him? He can’t tell her he loves her–she’ll definitely run. You know, the normal issues. However, I expect this a bit more for a couple who is under 30. For a pair of 37 year olds, I expected a little better from them, even if he had never had a long term relationship and she had recently realized that in her past 15-year-relationship, she had continually made herself smaller to make sure Luke loved her.  

Perhaps unfairly, I expected a bit more of Jessica because she was a licensed therapist who counsels couples just like her and Galvin. But I think the author would be the first to point out, most of us walk around with blinders in regards to ourselves, blundering around in our relationships and not doing what all the studies say to do to maintain a good relationship. None of us like being vulnerable. (I love that the author quotes Brene Brown mid-book–hilarious!) 

I don’t know if Andie’s books usually have a Happy for Now type ending–but this one definitely fits that. I think they are good for each other, especially considering where they are in their lives, but I’m not sure I would mark them as a Happily Ever After couple. Mostly I want to recommend couple’s counseling to them if they’re going to continue dating, which I would hope Jessica recommends once she and Galvin work past their black moment.