"The other half of the love story first found in Amanda Lovelace's the princess saves herself in this one, Cyrus Parker's easy-to-read DROPKICKromance plays with form on the page to tell a story that will linger . . ."
(Nicole Brinkley, bookseller at Oblong Books & Music)
"Cyrus Parker's debut poetry anthology, DROPKICKromance, is a stunning example of the modern poetic narrative. Written in a series of snapshot vignettes, it explores the stresses of a toxic romance on one's identity and the difficult process of moving past trauma. An exploration of losing and finding love, DROPKICKromance goes beyond the damage of broken hearts, to insights into rebuilding one's world-and oneself-before moving into a healthy relationship. The latter half of the anthology, which explores Parker's relationship with fellow poet (now wife) Amanda Lovelace, has a warmth and connection that echoes the love poems Robert Browning wrote for Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Cyrus Parker's voice is clear and raw. True to the title, his poems have kick." (Danika Stone, author of All the Feels & Internet Famous)
"From drowning in a dark sea of lost love to swimming with a mermaid filled with hope, honesty, and a love that will never sink, DROPKICKromance wrestles with heartbreak and will win you over with poems of self-discovery, healing, and the fairytale ending you've always wanted to read."
(Gretchen Gomez, author of love, and you)
"Cyrus Parker's debut collection is an elegy of softness, heartache, and powerful self love. It takes you on an eloquent journey analyzing the anatomy of the heart, and its chambers of pain, love, betrayal, and truth. Parker's writing is like balm through this journey. Where the sharp pain of memory hits, his wisdom acts as healer to that pain. A thoroughly impressive debut that will leave you stronger and yearning for more of Parker's exceptional writing. This book is a blessing to the world it is to be born into." (Nikita Gill, author of Your Soul Is a River & Wild Embers)
"DROPKICKromance is a beautiful debut from Cyrus Parker that peels back the curtain and allows a glimpse at the other side of the story told in Amanda Lovelace's The Princess Saves Herself in This One. With this collection, Parker has created something uniquely tender. His style makes this book a quick and uplifting read, perfect for fans of modern poetry." (Trista Mateer, author of The Dogs I Have Kissed and Honeybee)
