Blissful Encounters J.F. Ruffin
It all started with a question...
Poppi Nichols-Baxter is a romantically unfulfilled lawyer who just so happens to be a witch. Her husband is a successful, handsome, and very charming investment broker. Who is not only oblivious to her unhappiness but can sometimes be the cause. If it weren't for her two wonderful sisters and best friends Roxanna and Kandi, she would've forgotten what happiness even felt like.
That is until she meets her husband's new boss Zander Bell. A tall dark and handsome dream with the most enchanting blue eyes. Eyes that make her melt. Eyes that look at her like she is the only woman in the world. Poppi can't get him out of her head. Especially when Mitchell asks her a very dangerous question.
"If you can sleep with anyone, we know guilt-free, who would it be?"
Poppi doesn't have to think about it long before Zander twists himself into her imagination. "Your new VP Zander Bell."
But how will it end?
Zander Bell had little luck since his move to Maine. His superstar girlfriend, Carmen Grace, has left him on read since he moved. The loneliness of being in a new place is starting to weigh on him, until his company's Christmas Party, when he sees the most beautiful woman in the world blowing smoke under the streetlight like a character in his favorite Noir film. After speaking to her once, he knows she's all he wants, but will her husband stand in the way of his happily ever after?
Tropes:
MMC falls first
Taboo Romance
Friends to Lovers
Urban Fantasy
Trigger warnings:
Character Death on and off Page
Domestic Violence
Cheating
Mental health issues
Verbal and mental Abuse
In 'Blissful Encounters', readers are treated to a gripping urban fantasy that dives deep into the complexities of relationships and self-identity. The narrative centers around Poppi, who grapples with her unsatisfying marriage to an oblivious husband while dealing with her own mystical abilities. This emotional journey is heightened by the introduction of Zander Bell, who symbolizes temptation and excitement in Poppi's otherwise dreary life. The story deftly navigates through significant tropes such as 'friends to lovers' and 'MMC falls first,' bringing to life the nuances of attraction and desire. The raw exploration of mental health issues, domestic violence, and cheating adds a layer of depth, encouraging readers to reflect on personal relationships. Zander's character, painted as a lonely man seeking connection in a new environment, melds perfectly with Poppi's yearning for something more than her mundane reality. As the couple faces the repercussions of their choices, the book invites readers to ponder the moral dilemmas about love, fidelity, and the pursuit of happiness. Ultimately, this modern romantic tale captures the enchantment of new beginnings amidst life's chaos, making it a compelling read for fans of urban fantasy and romance alike.
