My Perfect Romance

Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

Valerie, Courtney and Lisa share and discuss all things romance whether it be books, movies, love stories or your stories.

  1. 5d ago

    97 | Colleen Hoover's Woman Down: Fact vs. Fiction

    In this episode, we explore Colleen Hoover's novel "Woman Down," highlighting its raw portrayal of gaslighting, trauma, and the blurred lines of fantasy and reality. We unravel Hoover's inspiration, character dynamics, and the fascinating intersection between personal pain and creative expression. Main Topics & Insights: Overview of "Woman Down" and its themes of gaslighting, stalking, and invasion of privacy Hoover's background: From limited charity release to a full novel (2026) inspired by her own experiences The impact of Hollywood adaptations on authors, illustrated through "It Ends With Us" controversy How Hoover’s personal trauma influences her characters and storytelling The role of flawed yet relatable women in Hoover's work and their cinematic adaptations The complicated ethical lines in role-play, writing, and emotional boundaries The psychology of fear, arousal, and trauma responses, especially in intense scenarios Interpretation of Hoover's depiction of unhealthy relationships and their transient natures The importance of community and support systems among women The novel as a thriller within a romance, with unpredictable twists and emotional depth Resources: Colleen Hoover - Official Website Elizabeth Gilbert TED Talk Books on Trauma & Creativity Connect With Us!!! If you'd like to suggest we review a movie or book, ask us what would you do, or if you've written a published book and would like to do an interview, please reach out to us! You can go to our website at: www.myperfectromance.com. Please follow us wherever you get your podcasts and if you enjoy our content, rate and review. We can't wait to hear your feedback!!! We would appreciate it so much! Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance is hosted by friends sharing personal opinions and entertainment. We are not licensed relationship experts, counselors, or therapists. For professional advice, please consult a licensed relationship specialist or mental health professional. Coming Up: The Marriage Seed with Lionel Moses You, Me, & Tuscany starring Halle Bailey & Regé-Jean Page   100th Episode: DeBunking Happily Ever After with Lee Baucom from Save The Marriage Podcast Apparently, I'm A Bitch with Demi Blaze  Chapters (00:00:00) - THE PERPETUAL ROMANCE(00:00:37) - Woman Down by Colleen Hoover(00:01:36) - Wonders Down by Colleen Hoover(00:02:44) - Petra Rose in 'A Terrible Thing'(00:06:02) - Colleen Hoover on 'It Ends With Us'(00:08:34) - The Fight Over 'Blinded'(00:12:57) - Colleen Hoover on Her Flawless Women(00:13:20) - Colleen Hoover on Her Books(00:15:31) - When You're In Love With Your Partner(00:16:28) - PeeCee on Her Love Triangle(00:20:37) - The Book of Love(00:25:08) - The Stalker's Behavior in My Book(00:30:42) - The Bad Sex of 'The Book'(00:32:34) - "The Case of Petra"(00:33:39) - Tell Me The Crisis(00:35:12) - In the Elevator With St. Augustine(00:38:51) - Colleen Hoover on The Affair(00:42:44) - "The Detective" by Colleen Hoover(00:46:09) - Colleen Goober on Her Own Life(00:47:46) - How Spicy Was The Romance in My Book?(00:49:02) - Favorite Line From Eat, Pray Love(00:52:16) - "The Bells Are Ringing"(00:56:23) - The Perfect Romance

    97 | Colleen Hoover's Woman Down: Fact vs. Fiction
  2. Jul 15

    96 | When Grown Kids Take Advantage: Setting Boundaries - What Would You Do? #18

    Val, Courtney, and Lisa explore the delicate dynamics of adult children’s independence, boundary setting, and the importance of self-care for parents dealing with unresponsive or disrespectful behavior from their grown children. Discover practical strategies to foster healthier relationships and support your loved ones without losing yourself. Main Topics: The impact of adult children's recurring cancellations and disrespect on parents The developmental stages of young adults and expectations for mature behavior How to establish and enforce boundaries effectively with adult children The significance of self-compassion, self-esteem, and emotional resilience for parents Strategies for transforming transactional relationships into genuine human connections Resources and Links: Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown Connect With Us: Let’s Chat! Have a love story to share or a book recommendation we can’t miss? Maybe you have a "What Would You Do?" dilemma for us to tackle? We’d also love to hear from published authors or fellow relationship podcasters interested in an interview! Head over to www.myperfectromance.com to connect.  But while you're here… don’t forget to follow the show and leave a rating or review. It means the world to us! Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance is hosted by friends sharing personal opinions and entertainment. We are not licensed relationship experts, counselors, or therapists. For professional advice, please consult a licensed relationship specialist or mental health professional.  Coming Up:  Woman Down by Colleen Hoover The Marriage Seed with author Lionel Moses You, Me, & Tuscany starring Halle Bailey & Regé-Jean Page Chapters (00:00:00) - THE PERFECTION ROMANCE(00:00:42) - How Old Are My Grown Children?(00:05:01) - When A Parent Can't Help His Child(00:08:57) - How to Stop Being Hurt by Your Partner(00:12:41) - The Couple's Struggle to Say No(00:17:39) - "You Can't Buy Your Child's Love!"(00:21:11) - How To Set Boundaries For Your Child(00:26:04) - How To Deal With a Non-Respectful Partner(00:30:24) - What To Do If Your Child Is Abusing You(00:32:29) - Oh Good Night

    96 | When Grown Kids Take Advantage: Setting Boundaries - What Would You Do? #18
  3. Jul 8

    95 | Does The Drama starring Robert Pattinson & Zendaya live up to the Hype?

    Join us as we unpack the themes, characters, and societal issues depicted in the 2026 film "The Drama." From love stories to mental health, gun violence, and toxic friendships, this episode explores the profound messages woven into this romance drama and what they reveal about our culture. In this episode: A detailed overview of the film's plot, characters, and major themes How the movie tackles societal issues like gun violence, bullying, and mental health The significance of forgiveness, do-overs, and repairing relationships The portrayal of toxic versus healthy friendships Insights into character development, especially Emma's journey The depiction of cultural commentary on violence and media sensationalization The importance of emotional safety and communication in relationships Reflections on ending with hope and a fresh start despite conflicts Resources: Book on Healthy Relationships Understanding Gun Violence and Media Impact Negotiation & Communication in Relationships Connect with the Cast & Creators: Zendaya - Instagram Robert Pattinson - Twitter The Drama Official Trailer Connect with Us:  Let’s Chat! Have a love story to share or a book recommendation we can’t miss? Maybe you have a "What Would You Do?" dilemma for us to tackle? We’d also love to hear from published authors or fellow relationship podcasters interested in an interview! Head over to www.myperfectromance.com to connect.  But while you're here… don’t forget to follow the show and leave a rating or review. It means the world to us! Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance is hosted by friends sharing personal opinions and entertainment. We are not licensed relationship experts, counselors, or therapists. For professional advice, please consult a licensed relationship specialist or mental health professional.  Upcoming Books & Movies: Woman Down by Colleen Hoover Interview with Lionel Moses author of The Marriage Seed You, Me, & Tuscany starring Halle Bailey & Regé-Jean Page Chapters (00:00:00) - THE PERFECTION OF ROMANCE(00:00:31) - Zendaya and Tom Holland in 'Candy'(00:01:56) - 2026 Ending Explained(00:04:18) - The Blind Couple's Meet(00:09:32) - The Best Friend's Wedding(00:13:27) - Oh, The Worst(00:14:06) - Emma on Why She Was Considering Doing A Mass Shooting(00:19:16) - The Best Friend in '(00:23:38) - Charlie Makes Out With His Assistant In The Wedding(00:27:22) - The Wedding Speech(00:29:20) - Hating The Best Friend(00:33:38) - The Year of the Bullying(00:37:29) - Adam Levine on 'The Good Guy'(00:41:55) - "Let's Love Each Other"(00:43:20) - The Fault in Our Love(00:46:59) - Emma in 'The Help'(00:50:15) - The Perfect Romance

    95 | Does The Drama starring Robert Pattinson & Zendaya live up to the Hype?
  4. Jul 1

    94 | The Gap Year with Author Lindsey Goldstein: Midlife Reinvention & Romance

    Join us as we explore themes of personal growth, midlife reinvention, and the empowerment found in embracing life's changes through our conversation with author Lindsay Goldstein. She shares insights from her debut novel, The Gap Year, and her own life experiences that inspired her storytelling. Key Topics: How midlife women are redefining love and adventure The importance of self-love, forgiveness, and embracing change Balancing motherhood, relationships, and personal goals in midlife Practical advice for women considering a "gap year" or life-changing adventure Resources & Links: Lindsey Goldstein Official Website Lindsey Goldstein on Instagram Lindsey Goldstein Substack The Gap Year on Amazon Coming Up: Let’s Chat! Have a love story to share or a book recommendation we can’t miss? Maybe you have a "What Would You Do?" dilemma for us to tackle? We’d also love to hear from published authors or fellow relationship podcasters interested in an interview! Head over to www.myperfectromance.com to connect.  But while you're here… don’t forget to follow the show and leave a rating or review. It means the world to us! Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance is hosted by friends sharing personal opinions and entertainment. We are not licensed relationship experts, counselors, or therapists. For professional advice, please consult a licensed relationship specialist or mental health professional.  Coming Up: The Drama starring Robert Pattinson & Zendaya Woman Down by Colleen Hoover Interview with Lionel Moses author of The Marriage Seed You, Me, & Tuscany starring Halle Bailey & Regé-Jean Page Chapters (00:00:00) - How to Write a Novel(00:01:40) - Jane Austen's 'The Visits'(00:08:31) - Jane Eyre on Her Husband's Treatment(00:09:26) - Jane and Laura's Cross generational Friendship(00:16:36) - The Reinvention of Jane Seymour(00:21:10) - The Book of Me: A Woman in Her 40s(00:28:12) - Jane Goes to the Galapagos(00:34:56) - Take a Leap of Imagination(00:39:20) - Where Can Fans Find You?(00:41:45) - Book Review

    94 | The Gap Year with Author Lindsey Goldstein: Midlife Reinvention & Romance
  5. Jun 24

    93 | Unpacking Call My By Your Name by Andre Aciman: Summer Romance & Identity

    Today's episode Val, Courtney, and Lisa dive into the evocative novel Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman, exploring its themes of summer romance, self-identity, and profound emotional and physical connection. They analyze the symbolism woven into the story, discuss the characters' journeys, and share personal insights on love and acceptance. In this episode: Key insights into Elio and Oliver's relationship, exploring themes of obsession, self-discovery, and mutual acceptance The symbolism of peaches and bodily intimacy in expressing connection and identity Discussions on age differences, societal acceptance, and the significance of authentic love Personal anecdotes highlighting the universality of fleeting yet impactful summer relationships The importance of honesty, vulnerability, and embracing one's true feelings The cultural context of sexuality and relationships in the 1980s versus today Resources & Links: Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman - Amazon link for the book André Aciman - Official website Call Me By Your Name (Movie) Connect with us: Let’s Chat! Have a love story to share or a book recommendation we can’t miss? Maybe you have a "What Would You Do?" dilemma for us to tackle? We’d also love to hear from published authors or fellow relationship podcasters interested in an interview! Head over to My Perfect Romance to connect.  But while you're here… don’t forget to follow the show and leave a rating or review. It means the world to us! Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance is hosted by friends sharing personal opinions and entertainment. We are not licensed relationship experts, counselors, or therapists. For professional advice, please consult a licensed relationship specialist or mental health professional.  Upcoming reviews & topics: Colleen Hoover - Woman Down  The Drama starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya Interview with Lindsay Goldstein, author of The Gap Year Chapters (00:00:00) - THE PERFECTION OF ROMANCE(00:00:31) - Oh My Perfect Romance(00:00:53) - To Find Me: The Book and Movie(00:03:11) - The Summer of Elio(00:04:22) - The Color of Love(00:06:55) - The Love Story of Elio and Oliver(00:12:29) - The Couple's Wedding in Italy(00:13:59) - The Summer of Love(00:16:42) - The Secret To Sharing A Bathroom(00:20:06) - Peeing In Front Of My Love Interest(00:23:55) - The Poop in Love(00:24:50) - In the Elevator With Emily(00:25:41) - "Man to Man Love Story"(00:28:40) - The Story of Ilio And Oliver(00:31:49) - Could These Guys Ever Get Together?(00:36:45) - How To Scratch An Itchy Face(00:39:00) - In The Elevator With Courtney(00:41:46) - Andre on Talking About How He Feels(00:44:20) - The Importance Of Love(00:49:09) - MY PERPETUAL ROMANCE

    93 | Unpacking Call My By Your Name by Andre Aciman: Summer Romance & Identity
  6. Jun 17

    92 | How to Deal with a Flirty Neighbor WWYD? #17

    In this episode, we explore how to handle unwanted attention from neighbors, setting clear boundaries, and addressing uncomfortable situations tactfully yet assertively. Whether you're dealing with persistent friendliness or subtle flirting, learn practical strategies to protect your space and peace of mind. Key topics: Recognizing signs of boundary crossing in neighborly interactions The importance of trusting your instincts when something feels off Connect With Us: Let’s Chat! Have a love story to share or a book recommendation we can’t miss? Maybe you have a "What Would You Do?" dilemma for us to tackle? We’d also love to hear from published authors or fellow relationship podcasters interested in an interview! Head over to www.myperfectromance.com to connect.  But while you're here… don’t forget to follow the show and leave a rating or review. It means the world to us! Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance is hosted by friends sharing personal opinions and entertainment. We are not licensed relationship experts, counselors, or therapists. For professional advice, please consult a licensed relationship specialist or mental health professional.  Coming Up: Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman The Gap Year by Lindsey Goldstein The Drama starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson Chapters (00:00:00) - In the Elevator With Our Friends(00:00:38) - The Neighbors' Flirting(00:03:08) - What To Do About A Neighbor's Flirting(00:06:19) - "It's Not Okay To Ask Questions Like That"(00:07:10) - "He Wanted To Use Me As A Matchmaker"(00:10:30) - How To Deal With a Creepy Neighbor(00:14:32) - I'm Just Not Interest In Having A Neighborly Relationship(00:18:21) - My Perfect Romance: What Would You Do?

    92 | How to Deal with a Flirty Neighbor WWYD? #17
  7. Jun 10

    91 | Does Heated Rivalry Live Up to the Hype?

    Join Val and Lisa as they dive into the intense world of two NHL superstars caught in a fierce rivalry turned romantic. This episode explores themes of love, identity, and societal pressures within the high-stakes world of professional hockey. Key Topics: The premise and storyline of Heated Rivalry, based on Rachel Reed’s novel, focusing on two top NHL players and their complex relationship. How rivalry in sports can evolve into deep understanding and love. The real-life challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes in male professional sports, emphasizing the lack of openly gay players historically. The characters Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilia Rosinov (Connor Story), their backgrounds, personal struggles, and cultural differences. The impact of external pressures like family expectations, national culture (Russia vs. Canada), and societal rejection. The significance of timing, proximity, and internal growth in making a relationship work under extraordinary circumstances. The portrayal of LGBTQ+ love stories in sports media, with an appreciation for authenticity and the potential for inspiring change. Resources & Links: Rachel Reed's novel Heated Rivalry  HBO Official Site Connect with Us: Let’s Chat! Have a love story to share or a book recommendation we can’t miss? Maybe you have a "What Would You Do?" dilemma for us to tackle? We’d also love to hear from published authors or fellow relationship podcasters interested in an interview! Head over to www.myperfectromance.com to connect.  But first, while you're here… don’t forget to follow the show and leave a rating or review. It means the world to us! Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance is hosted by friends sharing personal opinions and entertainment. We are not licensed relationship experts, counselors, or therapists. For professional advice, please consult a licensed relationship specialist or mental health professional.  Coming Up:  Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman Interview with Lindsey Goldstein Author of Gap Year The Drama starring Robert Pattinson & Zendaya Chapters (00:00:00) - The Perfect Romance(00:02:54) - Ender's Game: The Rivals(00:07:12) - Shane Ilya vs Ilya(00:11:17) - Shane on Being Gay in Canada(00:13:02) - How Do Gay Men Get To Know Each Other?(00:17:58) - Shane and Ilya's First Night Together(00:22:11) - Ilya And Shane's Love Letter(00:25:50) - Shane Had Sex With Rose in The Bathroom(00:28:02) - Shane and Ilya's Coming Out Story(00:32:47) - Shane and Ilya's Coming Out Story(00:36:37) - "This Is For Adults"(00:38:19) - Reviewer: First Ghost Pepper(00:38:43) - The Perfect Romance(00:41:31) - "My Perfect Romance"

    91 | Does Heated Rivalry Live Up to the Hype?
  8. Jun 3

    90 | Navigating LGBTQ+ Love, Identity & Family: An Interview with Lily & Clara

    Celebrating Pride Month, Val, Courtney, and Lisa dive into heartfelt stories of navigating love and identity within diverse family and cultural backgrounds. Join us as we explore the journeys of two young women discovering themselves and each other, highlighting the power of authenticity, communication, and support. If you'd like to share your love story, suggest a movie or book to review, ask us what would you do, or if you've written a published book and would like to do an interview, please reach out to us! You can go to our website at: www.myperfectromance.com. Please follow us wherever you get your podcasts and if you enjoy our content, rate and review. We would appreciate it so much! Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance is hosted by friends sharing personal opinions and entertainment. We are not licensed relationship experts, counselors, or therapists. For professional advice, please consult a licensed relationship specialist or mental health professional.  Coming Up: Heated Rivalry starring Connor Storrie & Hudson Williams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKO26odltss Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/36336078-call-me-by-your-name Interview with Lindsey Goldstein Author of Gap Year: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/57052023.Lindsey_Goldstein Chapters (00:00:00) - The Secret to Perfect Romance(00:00:37) - This Love Story Is Full of Pride(00:01:53) - Middle Child(00:06:18) - "It's Not Getting Better"(00:06:39) - Clara And The Green Flag(00:10:55) - How My Best Friend Started A Relationship With Me(00:15:04) - I Had A Crush On My Roommate's Best Friend(00:19:11) - "I Did It With That Clara Girl"(00:22:10) - The Night I Lost My Pinky Ring(00:25:27) - The Secret Life Of Lost Rings(00:26:16) - Clara and Claire on Bailing Out Loud(00:28:58) - "I Kissed My Girlfriend On The First Day"(00:32:53) - What I Wish I Knew About Ending A Relationship(00:36:53) - Is Your Love For Women Real?(00:39:34) - "We're in a Relationship where Communication is Huge"(00:43:01) - Are You Ready to Live Together?(00:47:22) - Married People Give Their Partner More Independence(00:50:56) - June 1st Is Gay Love Day(00:55:47) - "It's Always Going to Be Like That"(00:58:57) - "It's obvious how much you love your girlfriend"(01:02:21) - When A Gay Family Member Tells Her Daughter She's Gay(01:06:16) - My Mom's Relationship With Her Daughter(01:09:06) - Clara on Her Parents' Love Letter(01:12:36) - My Mother Tells Her Daughter About Her Crushes(01:15:36) - Queens Talk About Sex With Guys(01:18:27) - Peter Is Gay(01:21:35) - One lesbian's story about her transition(01:24:03) - MY Perfect Romance: Call Me By Your Name Review

    90 | Navigating LGBTQ+ Love, Identity & Family: An Interview with Lily & Clara

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Valerie, Courtney and Lisa share and discuss all things romance whether it be books, movies, love stories or your stories.

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