December 2, 2024
A pair of magical glasses offers 40-something sports reporter Tanika Ryan a second chance at life and love in this sultry rom-com from Richardson (The Build Up). Tanika’s failing eyesight has her squinting at the teleprompter and messing up her lines at work, leading her bosses to reassign her coveted Thursday Night Football spot to a younger woman. She finally casts aside her pride and heads to the eye doctor—reuniting her with widowed optometrist Gideon Miles. The pair first met at a wedding and Gideon hasn’t been able to get Tanika out of his head ever since, so when she walks into his office, he’s determined to win her over. Meanwhile, a mysterious stranger approaches Tanika while she’s picking out her glasses and guides her to a pair that alters how she views the world, allowing her to see people’s auras—especially the appealing glow around Gideon. Even with this magical intervention, their relationship hits speed bumps in the form of Tanika’s intense career focus as well as Gideon’s jealousy over the athletes she works with and his lingering grief over his late wife. The humorous banter between the leads brings both characters to life, and Richardson’s frank depiction of workplace ageism hits home. Add in just a hint of magic, and this proves a delight.
Starred review from January 15, 2025
A sports reporter's new glasses help her see the world in a new way. Tanika Ryan hit 40 and was demoted from the crown jewel of sports gigs, Thursday Night Football. Tanika knows ageism and colorism are at the root of the decision; the new reporter is a beautiful young woman who knows nothing about sports or journalism. Her boss makes it clear that if Tanika doesn't help train her on-air replacement, she'll lose the opportunity to be named VP of Programming for the whole network, a powerful behind-the-scenes role that she covets. To make matters worse, Tanika has no choice but to get glasses after years of ignoring her deteriorating vision. Optometrist Gideon Miles is working to revive his practice, having neglected the business after losing his wife to cancer. Tanika and Gideon have instant chemistry and he asks her out, but she demurs due to her extensive and exhausting travel schedule. When Tanika's new glasses arrive, they allow her to see people's auras. It's a charming, mystical element that reaffirms Tanika's ability to judge the intentions of those around her. Over the next few weeks, Gideon and Tanika develop a flirty friendship via text. Tanika interviews a series of unconventional athletes, a young hotshot F1 driver and a sexy older rodeo star, who make it clear they're interested in romancing her--but they aren't nearly as appealing or captivating as the handsome optometrist back home in Atlanta. Richardson's novel is laugh-out-loud funny while still being a poignant exploration of the way people navigate the personal and professional challenges of midlife. Tanika and Gideon's romance is a masterclass in creating characters who struggle with life's disappointments while still being playful and sexy. A terrific romance highlights the struggles and triumphs of midlife characters.
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