Welcome to Love, Lies and Scandals
A blog about love that taught us, left us, or blocked us—and the beautiful chaos of trying again anyway.
Welcome to Love, Lies & Scandals
I’m The Cynical Romantic—your emotionally bruised but oddly hopeful guide through the messy business of love, heartbreak, and the kind of decisions that looked like “growth” until they sent a six-paragraph text at 2 a.m.
This blog was born somewhere between a breakup playlist, a rom-com binge, and the moment I realized I might never fully understand why we fall for people who say, “I’m not great at texting.”
Some find peace in therapy or yoga retreats. I started a blog. (I also tried yoga once—it ended with a pulled muscle and an existential crisis in child’s pose.)
Whether you’re here to laugh, heal, cringe, or just not feel alone in the ridiculousness of it all—welcome. You’re in good, slightly damaged company.
So take my hand (figuratively—we both have trust issues), and let’s wander into the chaos together. There are love stories waiting... and probably a few cautionary tales too.
This page and blog site will include affiliate links. I only recommend books, products, and services I actually like—or at least find amusing enough to promote. I will keep them as simple links, not annoying in your face. You may see the links in a blog or page notes.
This doesn’t affect your price, but it does help me keep the lights on (and by “lights,” I mostly mean streaming subscriptions and coffee).
Legal bit:
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
If you have questions about the disclaimer—or you just need an excuse to shop online—feel free to reach out. I won’t judge. Unless it’s a $900 throw pillow.
Tell Us Your Story
Have a love story that belongs in a movie… or maybe a courtroom?
Whether it’s heartwarming, heartbreaking, or just slightly humiliating — we want to hear it.
Submit your tales of passion, ghosting, bad timing, great timing, scandal, or sweet second chances.
We might just feature it on the blog (with names changed to protect the guilty... or the overly romantic).
📬 Because love might be messy — but it makes for great content. Submission
“I’ve been on more laps, than a napkin”
Mae West (1893–1980) was an American actress, playwright, and sex symbol known for her sharp wit, bold innuendos, and fearless humor. She rose to fame in the 1930s for her sultry persona and scandalous one-liners, becoming a trailblazer for female empowerment and sexual confidence in Hollywood.
In This Edition
DO BETTER. BE BETTER.
Your health and relationships are more connected than you think. Discover how self-care, mental clarity, and emotional intelligence can transform your love life. Read now and start your journey to better love!It all begins with an idea.
Dating with ADHD & OCD is like starring in a romantic comedy—with a touch of psychological thriller. Learn how impulsivity, hyper-focus, and overthinking shape love, plus strategies to make relationships work.
For centuries, ADHD and OCD were misunderstood—blamed on demons, bad parenting, or moral failings. Today, science has caught up, but stigma still lingers. Uncover the fascinating history, cultural myths, and modern breakthroughs in understanding these conditions.
Yet, still hopeFul
These are the stories that keep me believing... against my better judgment.
Not every love story ends with betrayal, ghosting, or someone storming out of a restaurant mid-appetizer.
Here you'll find real stories — quiet miracles, second chances, unexpected reunions, and the kind of love that makes you believe maybe, just maybe... it doesn’t always end in therapy and Spotify break-up playlists.
They’re rare. They’re beautiful.
And honestly, they’re the reason I haven’t deleted this entire blog and moved to a cabin in the woods. Yet.
Ken and Pat’s love story spanned more than seven decades—a testament to the kind of love we all yearn for but few are lucky enough to find.
They lived simply but loved extraordinarily.
Some call it soulmates. Others call it destiny.
I call it true love. Because their love story never ended.
thE cYNICAL rOMANTIC
Sure, I may be skeptical about soulmates, destiny, and love at first sight, but deep down, I’m still rooting for a plot twist in my own love story.
This blog? It’s my personal (and often humiliating) journey, unfolding chapter by chapter—from the wide-eyed, joyful romantic I was in the 5th grade to the clueless disaster I became in high school, all the way to the rejected, dejected, but somehow still hopeful version of me today. My goal? To chronicle the highs and lows, the fun and the heartbreak, the “Mr. Cool” moments and the downright embarrassing ones—all while figuring out if there’s a happy ending in store for hopelessly hopeful romantics…and me.
Buckle up. It’s going to be a ride.
At 13, I thought I found the ultimate guide to romance in a mysterious package from my brother. While my friends were actually learning to flirt, I was stuck in “scholarly research.” Years later, I realized reality had a much funnier (and messier) lesson in store.
Reviews from the Heart
Reviews From the Heart – Romance, Rated and Reviewed
Whether you're searching for your next tearjerker, a quirky rom-com, or a drama that hits way too close to home, Reviews From the Heart gives you the scoop with... well, heart.
We rate and review romantic movies, series, books, and even trending relationship content – always with honesty, a touch of humor, and zero tolerance for cheesy tropes (unless they work).
Think of it as your love-life advisory board, powered by popcorn, passion, and just the right amount of cynicism.
🍿 Honest takes. Sharp insights. Spoilers? Maybe. Sass? Always.
Don’t be fooled by the title. Just Some Stupid Love Story is many things—funny, sharp, and refreshingly grounded—but "just" is doing some serious underachieving here. Katelyn Doyle delivers a book that’s part snarky rom-com, part therapy session for commitment-phobes, and all heart. It’s for anyone who’s ever rolled their eyes at a couple holding hands in public... and then secretly wanted to be them.
Love Gone Wrong
Stories That Make You Say “Whew, Glad That Wasn’t Me”
Not all fairy tales end with a kiss. Some end in restraining orders, dramatic court trials, or a nationwide scandal.
Love Gone Wrong explores real-life stories of betrayal, manipulation, and heartbreak across centuries. From notorious affairs and hidden marriages to gaslighting, ghosting, and affairs gone criminal, these tales remind us that love doesn’t always play nice.
You’ll laugh, cringe, maybe even cry – and definitely reconsider texting your ex back.
💣 Real stories. Raw emotions. Relatable chaos.
🎙️ Bonus: Some stories adapted for our podcast and social media deep dives.