Improbable Meet Cute, Improbably CUTE!

Amazon Original Series

It has been a while since I read the Amazon Original series. It is fitting for the month of love; I read the new Improbable Meet-Cute series. This series includes the following books.

The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren (pen name) Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings 

Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez

Rosie and Dreamboat by Sally Thorne

Drop, Cover, and Hold on by Jasmine Guillory

With Any Luck by Ashley Poston

And

Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson.

The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren – I read this book twice. It is so cute the whole premise is an accidental email that leads to a friendship with a once-yearly check-in on Valentine’s Day. As these two people’s relationship grows, they develop a genuine friendship and help each other through complex decisions and times in each other lives. The cutest part of the book is the rule “T” that comes up out of safety concerns. They cannot exchange identifying information. As the book progresses, T and C try to meet each other, but each time seems like it will never happen. But towards the end of the book, you have the sweetest chance encounter and a rewarding ending. This book took me two hours to finish, and when I finally was home, I sipped on a sweet red wine, the Sera Fiore Black. It complimented the epilogue and when they finally met. Suppose you need a sweet, non-traditional, quick read. Read “The Exception to the Rule” by Friends Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings.

4.5 Wine glass out of five!

Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez

Amazon hit a home run with this book series right now. I am on the second book in the series, which is touching. If you have been keeping up with the blog, last year, I dealt with the passing of my grandmother. This book deals with Holly, a caretaker, and nurse assisting her family as her grandmother dies. I cried when Holly interacted with her grandmother and came to terms with the fact that she was dying. The beautiful part of the story was the kindness of a stranger in the book, John. The theme of every story is Improbable Meet-Cute, but this seems probable Meet-Cute. I loved how both families loved the main characters and aided them through a challenging time. I would suggest this book for anyone dealing with a break-up and grief and need hope about finding the right one for you, even at what you may think is the lowest point of your life. “Take responsibility for your unhappiness; change it if you don’t love your life.”  Some of the most valuable advice provided by the grandmother in the book. This book was a pleasant mix of sweet, tearful, loving, and quirky. This book gets five wine glasses out of five. Like the previous book, I wish we could glimpse John and Holly’s future, but right now, I am content with how it ended. I reread this book, also. I had a sweet red-blend wine from a different book series with this wine called The Witching Hour; it was perfect for precious moments.

Rosie and Dreamboat by Sally Thorne

I love how each of these stories is so different. Rosie and the Dreamboat is no exception. The story starts in the most relaxing place ever: a spa. Rosie has manifestation ability, which you will discover if you read the book. After some unexpected circumstances, Rosie is in her very own Love is Blind moment. This is when we are introduced to “Romeo” (a nickname given to him by his coworkers). During a three-hour conversation, Rosie and “Romeo” connect cutely and loveably. I did not cheer for them as for C and T, but I still rooted for “Romeo” because he was a dreamboat. I loved how vulnerable Rosie and “Romeo” were with each other. By the end, everything works out, and Rosie manifests her dream partner, which is revealed at the end of the book. This was a quick read; I listened to this while driving to work today with a Dunkin Donuts coffee. I enjoyed this book and would rate it a 3.98 out of five wine glasses. If I were to pair this with a wine, I would pair it with “Las Lilas Rose,” a Portugal Vinho Verde. Notes of Strawberries and citrus. It was sweet and gentle, like Rosie.

Drop, Cover, and Hold on by Jasmine Guillory

So, if you have been following this blog for a minute, you know I love Jasmine Guillory’s writing, and this is another set of shorts that feature her writing. A few years ago (2021), Amazon released a series where Keke Palmer and Ms. Guillory collaborated to write a Southern Belle Insults series. I should reread this series and write a post. I am constantly checking for her latest work. This book introduces Daisy, a southern California girl who loves baked goods from a cute little bake shop near her place. We find out the owner is grumpy and makes Daisy feel unwelcome. As the story progresses, it reminds me of a saying that, as adults, we revert to our teenage selves when we meet someone we like. This book was a palate cleanser, full of cute misunderstanding, delicious pastries, and, in pure Jasmine Guillory fashion, a spicy scene to finish the book with a bow. If you live in the Maryland area, you should go to one of the delicious Black-owned bakeshops around (Codetta Bakeshop, Aunt Kelly Cookies, Crust by Mack, Freakin’ Sweet Jars, or Blondie’s Donuts) and grab some pies, cakes, cookies, cake jars whatever. Find a friendly local coffee shop and sit and read these books. If you are not in Maryland again, google Black-owned Bake Shop and enjoy delicious pastries as you read this book. In addition, I loved the main Male character, Harris. He was tall, dark, and handsome, more aloof than mysterious, but I found it endearing when he assumed Daisy was trying to lose weight, and he had a speech ready about how she was the perfect size. The fact he took note of her desire for a blackberry hand pie. This improbable meet-cute was both delicious and spicy. Get some Empanadas and read this book!

With Any Luck- Ashley Poston

This is another book where I connect with the protagonist most oddly. That is, every man I have dated after breaking up with me meets their current and only wives. They end up married to their true love. I know that the way love goes -cue Janet Jackson’s song. Imagine Good Luck Chuck but from a woman’s perspective. Audrey was quite the adult tom-boy who did not listen to her best friend’s concerns. In the process, she must search for her missing friend, whose wedding is in 2 hours. I love the hijinks, the quips, and the Hangover-style story narrative. I read this book twice to ensure I picked up all the hints. I would say this book is four out of five wine class. Audrey and Rhett’s love story deserves a hallmark movie.

Royal Valentine- Sariah Wilson

I have several Sariah Wilson books on my Amazon Kindle, such as Room-Maid and The Chemistry of Love. I must read both books ASAP on my March to-read list. This book is a part of the Royals of Monterra and concludes the Amazon Original series “The Improbable Meet Cute.” We have one of the Princesses of Monterra who is enjoying a holiday in Rome in disguise as she meets a tall Irish gentleman. They have the most romantic day, eating homemade pasta, visiting memorable monuments, and being traditional tourists. Of course, a wrench is tossed in the mix of this perfect date. I loved the detail and Ilaria’s inner thoughts. I now want to go back and read the other Royals story.

After reading all six stories, I would like to say they are connected uniquely. At first, I thought Jasmine Guillory’s book was connected to the universe she created for her characters, but as I read and re-read the stories, all the characters, locations, and fates are linked. We are introduced to Princess Ilaria in With Any Luck in such beautiful ways. In Royal Valentine, the author connects to the first book, “The Exception to the Rule.” I need to figure out how the other stories are connected. I suspect that past the central theme of improbability meets cute. Each book is connected; so far, I have realized Book 1 is connected to Books 4 and 6. Book 5 is directly related to Book 6. I suspect there is a connection between Books 2 and 3 I either missed or overlooked. I want to go back and read all these books again to find the connections.

Now for my request! Amazon Prime Studio or Hallmark buy the right to these stories and make new Valentine’s Day-inspired love stories. Hear me out; all books can be 90 minutes to 2 hours. They are all PG-rated, not too risqué, and it is the perfect rom-com story. You have six stories and six weeks. Even with the Royal Valentine, it is ideal to film over the summer and have it ready by Valentine’s Day 2025 or 2026. The only two stories that may need stretching would be Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Still, you can take the first 30 minutes building to an argument, the next 30 minutes with the earthquake and getting to know each other, and add a few actual dates at the end, with a time jump to two years later. Rosie and the Dreamboat, I think exploring her life at the shop and “Dreamboat” life before that eventful day would be perfect. Having them go on the cutest date with a two-year time jump to their wedding.

Hallmark, come talk to me; these stories are perfect for Original Romantic Movies. You do not have to have the troupes you always have of saving the family business or coming from corporate and meeting the person of your dreams while trying to buy a company out. If we must have that troupe, Drop, Cover, and Hold On gives 10% corporate guy moves to a small community, but not for a woman, to chase his dreams. Anyway, I love all the books in this series. They were perfect for a quick read. It was great for commuting; it kept me from cussing several bad drivers out on ninety-five while listening to each book. If you have not already, these books are perfect for Valentine’s Week!

Until Next Time,

Che Michelle