Two Tickets to Love, Please

by Vicki Cox from the March 10, 2025 issue

Tagline: Nora and Dale meet during a Star Wars screening, and while bonding over the film, a spark of romance soon begins to grow.

Observations: I loved the premise of this story, mostly because I think Star Wars is a perfect movie. I have very fond memories of seeing that in the theatre more than once the summer it came out and blasting the soundtrack over and over from my cassette player. 

I also appreciated the nostalgia introduced via the landmark theatre being refurbished and opening again in modern times. It's no secret that the demographic of Woman's World reads on the gray side the spectrum. There's nothing we boomers love more than a blast from the past.

Photo by Lynn Kelly Author via Flickr CC License

Dance of Second Chances

by Mina Beckett from the March 3, 2025 issue

Tagline: Liora gains confidence and sparks romance when she dances with a cclose friend at the Mardi Gras ball.

Observations: I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised to see this type of story appear in Woman's World. For years, I've been advising people to steer clear of heavy subject matter, but there is "a new sheriff" in town, and perhaps the editorial staff is more open to stories with a little more heft to them--like this one.

I mean, Liora has been battling back from what appears to be a career-ending injury. She was once a ballet dancer. Now, she seems to have finished her physical therapy and is dancing (non-professionally) for the first time since her accident. This story is all about her conquering her fear and realizing she can still enjoy dancing, if not at the level she once enjoyed, and finding romance along the way.

I really loved how encouraging Gavin was. The ending was fulfilling, but, for me, leaning more toward self-realization than romance. Which might be a good thing because I couldn't help but wonder at how ethical it is to start a relationship with a patient.

Even so, I very much enjoyed this story.

P.S. I know this photo is not of a masquerade or a ball but it is Mardi Gras and it was so cute, I couldn't resist.

Photo by Shreveport Bossier via Flickr CC License

Skiing Slopes Into Love

by Donna Clancy from the February 24, 2025 issue

Tagline: Carol rekindles more than just her love of snow sports on a weekend away at a ski resort when she runs into an old flame.

Observations: Ha! This was a matchmaker story that I didn't see coming. I LOVE being surprised. This was also an old flame story, so don't hesitate to combine two tropes together in one story. 

I liked that Ms. Clancy seemed very familiar with skiing. All the little details rang true. Even if you're not familiar with an aspect of your story, the internet is only a click away. I wrote my first hockey romance not being a hockey fan at all, but thanks to Google, I was able to learn a lot about the sport and some of the behind the scenes stuff that made it seem to reviewers like I'd been a fan for a long time. 

Shout out to Donna. Congratulations on your first published story! You're proof that persistence is so important. You nailed the tone, the tropes, the connection between the characters... Brava!

Warm Hearts on a Cold Night

by Kristen Walsh from the February 17, 2025 issue

Tagline: Cherie didn't expect that a crisp winter skate at the lake would have her falling into the arms of a Valentine's Day sweetheart. 

Observations: What's more romantic than meeting while ice skating and sipping cocoa? I really liked the setting of this story. I could just picture the twinkling lights, hear the scrape of the skates on the ice and smell the hot chocolate. 

My favorite line: "The pickup hockey team is my way to keep from turning into a cold and lonely winter hermit." That made me laugh!

On the flip side, there were three instances of blushing at the end of the story. Having a critique partner read your drafts would be a good way to avoid repetition like this. Or you could always hire me to edit your story for you! 😜 

Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr CC License

Touchdown for True Love

by Carrie Langevin from the February 10, 2025 issue

Tagline: When Sherri showed up at her friend's Super Bowl party, she was dreading the though tof having to watch football. Until she hit it off with a handsome stranger by the snack table.

Observations: I really identified with this story, being a non-football fan myself. When I go to Super Bowl parties, which is rarely, I'm only there for the food. LOL

I liked the nod to the national anthem. I am a proud American and I always sing it at live events. I wish more people would. It's exhilarating to sing with a big group of people. 

I laughed when she admitted she tried the guacamole when she made it and my mouth watered when I read about the smoked chicken wings. YUM. As much as I don't like football, I love chicken wings.

It was fun to belatedly realize that this was a matchmaker story, too! I didn't see that coming, but it was a welcome surprise. I really liked the last line too.

Paige looked over her shoulder, seeing this romance unfold, and congratulated herself on a successful strategic offensive play. 

And it's a funny coincidence that this is the second story in a row to feature Swedish meatballs!

So, as a bit of a teaching moment, when writing a matchmaker story, you don't have to identify that trope and/or the matchmaker him/herself right off the bat. You can keep that card close to your vest until later as a fun surprise. 

Photo by Jeremy Keith via Flickr CC License

Love in a Snow Globe

by Wendel James Potter from the February 3, 2025 issue

Tagline: Enjoying a peaceful winter morning, Marni accepts an invitation from her handsome neighbor, Jann, to try Swedish meatballs

Off the Cuff Observations: I hate to start out with a criticism, but not sure I'd use the word "tender" to describe eyes. However, I still like the opening paragraph. It really sets the scene.

Ooh, I really like the snow globe paragraph! I also like the little summary of Marni's life right how. It paints her as a woman who is grateful for where she is and continues to work hard to meet her personal goals.

Oh, Jann sounds like the kind of neighbor every young single woman wants. Dare I say he's a NILK (Neighbor I Want to Kiss)?

She watched him as he walked to the counter for more coffee, taking in each step of his sort of lumber-swagger. That's how her breaths were coming. -- I'm a tad confused. Exactly how were her breaths coming? Lumber-swaggering? 

Ice fishing. LOL

Oh, he cooks! Another point in his favor. 

She knew her answer to his question, of course she wanted to come over, but a part of her hesitated. -- Why did she hesitate? And then why was she so confident with her answer, once she finally gave it?

Marni can't recall the last time she felt this content. -- Oops, we slipped into present tense.

Nice story! Loved the snow globe imagery and the yummy Swedish hero!

Photo by Sharon Chen via Flickr CC License

Breaking the Ice

by Mina Beckett from the January 27, 2025 issue

Tagline: megan finds herself jumping into more than just freezing water at the local polar plunge. With Reid, she may just dive into love too.

Observations: This was a very cute story and I liked it for a lot of reasons.

First, the premise was unique. A polar plunge! I've never seen that in a Woman's World story before. 

I also liked the banter between the two of them and how he used humor to calm her fears. 

I felt optimistic and happy when I got to the end. Even though no date had been nailed down, the couple really seemed like they had some fun ahead of them. 

Oddly enough, I very much appreciated that he threw his arm around her shoulders but there was no electricity, no zings, no flutterings. I know that the editors have said they like physical reactions like these to be included, but for me, it's apparently gotten to the point where not seeing it is refreshing. LOL It just wasn't needed and that Ms. Beckett realized that demonstrates how much of an art writing is. This story was published despite not having any physical attraction/reactions. I encourage you not to write your stories with a checklist. I think that is only asking for stories that seem cookie-cutter and formulaic.

Photo by Eagle102.net via Flickr CC License