Val, Lisa, and Courtney look back on a full year of romance books, movies, and author interviews, then compare notes on the stories and relationship advice that stayed with them most. It is a reflective, personal episode about what romance media can teach about communication, healing, trust, and connection. In this episode, the hosts share their favorite books and movies from the year, the authors who made the biggest impression, and the relationship lessons they keep applying in real life. Key topics The hosts recap a year of romance books, movies, and author conversations. Val discusses How to Save Your Marriage by Lee Baucom and its practical relationship advice. Lisa shares why Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez resonated with her, particularly its portrayal of anxiety and supportive partnership. Courtney highlights One Golden Summer by Carly Fortune and its friends-to-lovers storyline. Val reminds us that A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey takes you on a relationship odyssey of a lifetime. Lisa shares why her favorite movie, Fall Guy, was a fun, action-packed film that's really about learning to trust your partner. Courtney will always love a good zombie romance, and Warm Bodies, hits all the right romantic story-lines just right. Val, Courtney and Lisa explore communication, boundaries, vulnerability, healing, trust, and emotional intimacy. They reflect on lessons from their author interviews and the value of hearing writers discuss their creative process. A central takeaway is that healthy relationships require honest communication and the courage to be seen authentically. Timestamps 00:00 Opening the year two recap 00:57 Relationship advice from books and experts 03:03 Recapping the year’s books and interviews 05:31 The year’s romance book list 07:32 Val’s favorite book: How to Save Your Marriage 08:35 Lisa’s favorite book: Yours Truly 10:02 Courtney’s favorite book: One Golden Summer 11:33 The year’s romance movies 12:20 Why Warm Bodies works as a zombie romance 13:51 The Fall Guy, trust, and emotional payoff 16:56 My Big Bold Beautiful Journey and vulnerability 22:46 Why author interviews became a favorite part of the podcast 54:50 The biggest relationship advice takeaway 59:56 The focus for next year: real connection 63:19 Listener invitations and closing announcements Connect With Us! Do you have a romantic tale or a must-read book suggestion? Perhaps a tricky “what would you do?” scenario for our team? We are also eager to hear from authors or creators who want to join us for a chat! Visit www.myperfectromance.com to get in touch, And before you go... make sure to follow and rate or review our show. Your support truly means everything to us! Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance features besties discussing their own perspectives for fun. We aren't professional therapists or relationship experts. For serious matters, please reach out to a licensed counselor or qualified... Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro and Celebrating Two Years(00:02:28) - Recap of Books Read This Year(00:04:23) - Favorite Book: How to Save Your Marriage(00:05:21) - Favorite Book: Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez(00:06:43) - Favorite Book: One Golden Summer(00:08:10) - Favorite Movies Overview(00:08:44) - Warm Bodies and Zombie Romance(00:10:28) - The Fall Guy as Favorite Movie(00:13:06) - My Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey Reflections(00:14:29) - Learning Vulnerability and Growth from Film(00:18:30) - Transition to Author Interviews(00:20:13) - Gerald Everett Jones and Kenyan Sundowner(00:23:25) - Josie Trapley and The Power of Us(00:24:19) - Scarlett Xavier and Steamy Scenes(00:25:55) - Paper Roses by Debbie Show(00:27:51) - Bad Marriage Advice by Monica Tanner(00:30:20) - Meet Me Under the Light by Cassie Miller(00:32:55) - Lyrics and Love Letters by Jessica Everly(00:35:35) - How to Save Your Marriage Revisited(00:37:01) - The Gap Year by Lindsey Goldstein(00:39:52) - The Marriage Seed by Lionel Moses(00:42:21) - Demi Blaze and Authentic Characters(00:43:31) - A Study in Sparkling by Jody McAllister(00:47:28) - Reflecting on Relationship Advice Learned(00:52:05) - Looking Ahead: Connection as Theme for Next Year(00:54:27) - Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement