Review of ‘Love Happens Again! Bottles and Broomsticks’ by Vince Nolan (October 2019):
Vince Nolan’s Love Happens Again offers a worthy follow-up to the fast-paced romantic series debut, Love Happens. As with the first part of this tale, Nolan seamlessly interweaves romantic comedy with serious drama. Fans of ‘60s magical comedies (Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie) will find plenty to like in this second installment. But this story, while certainly inspired by those programs, is no retread. Nolan creates a complex world with unique rules and plot twists to break new ground in the genre.
Summary
The story begins roughly a year after the ending of Love Happens with Becca and Ram facing the end of her pregnancy. Their once feuding fathers, while not fast friends, now have a healthier relationship. Yet all is not as it seems. Not everyone within Becca’s witching world or Ram’s genie clan accepts their marriage let alone the birth of their child. Nolan spends the first quarter of the book fleshing out his world and establishing new characters. In the hands of a lesser author this could become tedious, but not in his. He carefully sprinkles levity throughout this extended introduction. Then just as the reader feels comfortable that this is a standard rom-com tale, he drops not one, but two devilish plot twists into the mix. The final two-thirds of the story rush along at the breakneck pace of a roller coaster. Much like a great ride, the story surprises and thrills the reader before reaching an unexpected conclusion.
Rating
Love Happens Again is an adult story with only mild language and a few double entendres. None of them are over the top and all fit within the framework of the story. While the physical aspects of a loving adult relationship are important elements in a romantic tale, Nolan recognizes less is often more. With that in mind, this story satisfies adult readers and young adults interested in a smart romance tale. There are some battle sequences and one of the plot twists is quite diabolical in the truest sense of the term. Nolan handles all without excess. If Hollywood turned Love Happens Again into a movie and remained true to the author’s vision, it would receive a PG-13 rating. With that qualification, I highly recommend this well-told story to anyone interested in a fast-paced refreshing take on love, betrayal, and family.
If this book interests you (and it should), here’s an Amazon link to purchase a copy (note I receive no financial benefits if you purchase).
**In the interest of full disclosure, I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book **
