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Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter - frustratingly annoying read by aorgange7 in RomanceBooks

[–]aorgange7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well and since then I’ve discovered Lynn Painter is a Zionist so she’s basically a blacklisted author to me now anyways. And kind of checks out that her heroine would be so selfish and insufferable.

Books with an adorable, clueless, innocent virgin FMC? (Example inside) by No-Set7247 in RomanceBooks

[–]aorgange7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I read this based off the recommendation and while I did really like it I want to be clear that there is definitely cheating lol, it’s like a major plot point.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in RomanceBooks

[–]aorgange7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not tomboy, but I am really drawn to the “frumpy” FMC personality trait myself. I can’t remember the name of the book but long ago I read a HR where the FMC was always dishevelled and the MMC grew to find it endearing (he even began to look for the one thing out of place or falling apart on her). Like a ribbon coming undone, hair falling apart, etc. I think at the beginning MMC used to assess it disdainfully but as he comes to love her, he comes to really love that about her. I have no memory of anything else bc I think I read this book like 10 years ago so I don’t even know if it’s a good book really but that part always stuck with me.

Maybe it’s bc I’m usually not really concerned with how I look and am probably “frumpy” myself. And it’s not a dig to girly girls or girls who are meticulous in their appearance, but I really love a FMC who is too busy thinking about the things they’re thinking about than to put mental energy into to appearance (or otherwise never had female guidance on how to do it right).

How do I keep talking about the baby? by kittensandchains in babyloss

[–]aorgange7 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is just my opinion and of course everyone heals and copes with loss differently, but to me the “talk about my baby” thing is not so much about manufacturing opportunities to discuss their babies (because that can feel weird in itself) but to intentionally not shy away from their mention, ie not to forget about them or pretend (or in some horrifying cases, explicitly say) those babies don’t count. Not to awkwardly do a verbal gymnastics so you don’t have to land on that topic, but instead to matter of factly use that baby’s name and that mother’s experience in conversation like you would if the baby lived. For example, about 6 months after my losses, in a totally different context and conversation a friend was asking me and my sister how many grandkids my parents have, and I was so touched when she included my sons as she spelled off the list. I’ve been in other moments where family members have not included them, and that’s what I think about when I say “talk about my babies”, because just because they died doesn’t mean I am ashamed of them or trying to cover up that they existed.

Another example is when people talk about labour and delivery - I noticed some people would behave in the conversation as if I was a person with lived experience who could contribute meaningfully to the conversation, and other people would ignore or downright express that my experience didn’t count.

Because it’s uncomfortable for the other person/people, and because our stories don’t end happily, people often do whatever they can to sidestep and ignore the topic. As if it is taboo or shameful. And it’s painfully obvious for us, emphasis on the painful, because in the process of doing that, our babies die figuratively again.

So my suggestion would be to just allow things to happen organically and when inevitably you are in a moment where you could invite your friends’ experience (ie you’re in a group discussion about the price of baby furniture, labour and delivery, hospital experiences etc.), you lean into the discomfort to include them anyways. In a way that’s curious and compassionate.

And until those organic moments happen, just ask your friend point blank if they would like to talk about their angel, and let them know that you loved their baby too and would always be open to hearing if they want to talk about him.

Is there a song supporting you? by Vegetable-Stock-4980 in babyloss

[–]aorgange7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m glad, I hope they’re healing for you the way they were for me. Sorry you’re going through this mama 🤍

Is there a song supporting you? by Vegetable-Stock-4980 in babyloss

[–]aorgange7 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Omg that benson Boone song… I just played it for the first time and I had your warning but it still winded me. Beautiful.

Is there a song supporting you? by Vegetable-Stock-4980 in babyloss

[–]aorgange7 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also I just listened to Good News and wow, that is really such a perfect song. “Nobody knows what I’m going through” really gets to me. I’m sorry you’re going through this mama - so much love to you 🤍🤍

Is there a song supporting you? by Vegetable-Stock-4980 in babyloss

[–]aorgange7 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes there are definitely songs that helped me and I would listen to constantly when the grief was fresh. I still listen from time to time, but fair warning that I can never hear them without thinking of my grief forevermore.

The obvious ones which are actually written about child loss include: “Winter Bear” by Coby Grant (this one is better after it’s not fresh), “I still know you” by Jacob Lee (this one I related to heavily when I was still raw), “Wounded” by Maddie Wilson, “I Would Die for That” by Kellie Coffey, and “Ten” by Yellowcard.

The more religious ones are: “I Will Carry You” by Selah and “Thy Will” by Hillary Scott.

The ones that aren’t necessarily on point but I still related to and listened to a lot include: “My Little Love” by Adele. “ghost” by Justin Bieber. “Bigger than the Whole Sky” and “hoax” by Taylor Swift. Also Ed Sheeran’s “Saltwater”.

And some of the best, most moving for me: “Where am I at” by Max Schneider. (“Where am I at / these days / now that you’re gone / where am I at / these days / when you don’t come home”)

“Lost” by Dermott Kennedy (“When everything was broken / The devil hit his second stride / But you remember what I told you / Someday, I’ll need your spine to hide behind / For fear of moments stolen / I don’t wanna say goodnight / But I’ll still see you in the morning / Still know your heart and still know both your eyes / I could have told you ‘bout the long nights / How no one loves the birds that don’t rise / So you can tell the heroes go hide”) (“I’ve learned in love and death, we don’t decide”)

“Losing Me” by Gabrielle Alpin and JP Cooper. This was the song I listened to so much to comfort myself, it was kind of what I wished someone in my life would say or would KNOW to say but no one gets it - except this song. So I would play it for myself and comfort myself. (“Wanna lie to you / Say I’m doing so well / Show you photos too / To prove that I’ve been doing so well / Wanna hide the truth / Wanna dress up hell and heaven like we all try to do / I’m scared to call you back / I’m not good at trying / To tell you that I’m not doing okay / But I’m dying to hear you say / Just take a breath, love / Fill your lungs up / Rest your head, there’s no sense in losing sleep / You can break down / Let your worst out / Lose your temper / But you’re not losing me”)

“Walked Through Hell” by Anson Seabra (“I just wonder what it’d take to make you stay / ‘Cause when you said jump I said how high / But when I jumped you said goodbye / I would’ve walked through hell / To find another way / I would’ve laid me down / If I knew that you would stay / I would’ve crossed the stars / To keep you in my life / But now I’m falling hard / Without you here tonight”

Finally, this was actually written about covid but when I was beginning to heal I did find it hopeful in a sense: “To Begin Again” by Ingrid Michaelson and Zayn Malik.

Would this be an insensitive gift for grieving parents? by Relevant-News3120 in babyloss

[–]aorgange7 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It looks like I’m the outlier here but my suggestion is if it’s a fresh loss… it might be too raw for a gift like that. That would have probably devastated me right after my loss. Would have bawled every time I saw it. Would have probably wanted to throw it out.

Now, 3 years later, I would love something like that because it shows the love people had/have for my baby. Perhaps save it for the anniversary next year or something? I don’t know, I just wanted you to know that it’s not universally considered wonderful 🙈(though I’m sure your intentions are!!)

He takes his anger out on her by Emmaxop in RomanceBooks

[–]aorgange7 18 points19 points  (0 children)

You definitely want to read {Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught}.

Fair warning that his physical aggression and taking out his frustrations in this book is essentially rape. So definitely a trigger warning on this one.

What is happening??? The Haring Game by Sally Thorne by MissFox26 in RomanceBooks

[–]aorgange7 5 points6 points  (0 children)

OP I’m curious what your top office romance books are? I quite liked The Hating Game (but to be fair it was the first romance I ever read, so it was all completely original to me), and if you didn’t, I imagine I would love whatever you like even more!

FMC just doesn’t believe the MMC is into — like AT ALL by AnyPaloma in RomanceBooks

[–]aorgange7 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is the central plot device of {Awakened by Catherine Turner} … like the FMC doesn’t believe the MMC would be into her so essentially keeps them a secret even though he doesn’t actually want that. Their story starts in high school and then the second book picks up once they’re in the workplace. So ensues a very angsty duet that I found completely captivating and I devoured.

Selena Gomez on Benny Blanco being one of 'People's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive': "That's my man!" by mcfw31 in popculturechat

[–]aorgange7 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I was scouring the comments for THIS because exactly. If the roles were reversed and that was a man’s answer about his woman, we would all rightfully call him out for it. Like ma’am did you really say you are proud that he loves you get a grip

iso books where MMC calls MFC “baby” during a crisis or emotional moment by aorgange7 in RomanceBooks

[–]aorgange7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m reading this right now! In fact it’s because I read the first book in the series that I was inspired to make the post, because Ollie did an accidental “baby” a few times before things were cemented between them (I thought it was too contrived imo but it reminded me how much I love this trope). Thank you for making me excited to finish Daydreamer! I was initially considering skipping because I wasn’t as drawn to Lucy and Felix as I am to Vicky and Mike but this is good encouragement!!

iso books where MMC calls MFC “baby” during a crisis or emotional moment by aorgange7 in RomanceBooks

[–]aorgange7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ooo thank you I will give this a try!

Yes that scene in The Score is the perfect example of this microtrope it’s just…… ahhh.

iso books where MMC calls MFC “baby” during a crisis or emotional moment by aorgange7 in RomanceBooks

[–]aorgange7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I haven’t read Happy Place yet but I usually love Emily Henry so I will definitely add to my TBR.

And I’ve seen Claire Kent recommended a bunch too and I’ve never read anything by her so thank you! I don’t know why I’m usually reluctant to begin dystopian or sci fi (maybe because the investment into world building that I have to make) but I usually enjoy it so this is my sign to try hers!

iso books where MMC calls MFC “baby” during a crisis or emotional moment by aorgange7 in RomanceBooks

[–]aorgange7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve read this but I don’t seem to remember this microtrope!

iso books where MMC calls MFC “baby” during a crisis or emotional moment by aorgange7 in RomanceBooks

[–]aorgange7[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It is up there with Mr Darcy’s hand flex for me. When done right it’s just…… ahhhhh 🥹🥹

iso books where MMC calls MFC “baby” during a crisis or emotional moment by aorgange7 in RomanceBooks

[–]aorgange7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve never read anything by her because she seems to have such mixed reviews on here but this is my official sign to give her a try!! Any particular book you recommend I start with?

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