The Damsel in Distress is one of the oldest and best-known tropes. April and I were planning to test it, but the other day, on our way to complete The Siren Challenge, April and I found ourselves in real trouble. In… Read More ›
Romance in Real Life 
Day 4: Romance in Real Life: The Siren Sings to Strangers
From Greek sirens to Sleeping Beauty, singing has been mythologized as having the power to enchant men. On day 4, April heads out to woo strangers in a Taichung train station tunnel with Adele’s “Someone Like You.” Can April get past… Read More ›
Day 3: Romance in Real Life: The “Accidental” Destined Hand Touch
One contention of romance novels and dating guides is that common interests are the basis of good relationships. Another is that destiny has a hand in uniting soul mates. Books with Benefits is uniting both pieces of wisdom to test… Read More ›
Day 2: Romance in Real Life: The Language of Love: Getting Hugs from Strangers
Is speaking the same language and coming from the same culture necessary for love? Romance lore tells us its not. Love Actually, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Spanglish, and even The Fifth Element all feature couples that fall in love without sharing a common language. On… Read More ›
Day 1: Romance in Real Life: Fall for a Guy
Does taking a fall help you fall in love? Romance says an emphatic “Yes.” In 50 Shades of Grey, Anastasia Steele stumbles, surprising Christian Grey and putting him hopelessly under her spell. In While You Were Sleeping, a slip on the ice brings lovers… Read More ›
Romance in Real Life: 100 Days of Romance Therapy
From getting his hair trimmed by dog groomers at PetSmart to convincing a Krispy Kreme employee to make doughnuts in the shape of Olympic rings, entrepreneur Jia Jang has 100 outrageous pitches. And, his true aim? To hear “No” for… Read More ›
