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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Angela Packard

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I related to this story completely. Having a type of man that I date repeatedly, get hurt, and wonder what I am doing wrong. Bree decides to make a check list to date differently and find her happy ever after. Will that be enough? Will her true love be Nate? No, that can’t be, he is just like the others. Will her true love be Steven? He is different, but will he make her heart flutter? I felt all the emotions right along with Bree and rooted as she found the path to her HEA.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Amber Poole

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute story overall. My only qualm is that the Main character is revealed to be African American weirdly. Other than that I enjoyed the story. I loved feeling like I was on the journey with Bree. She’s a force of nature. Educated, in charge of her mind, body and beliefs. She’s a hard worker and she doesn’t settle for less than she deserves I appreciate that the characters were well rounded. Nate is a dream. He’s so patient and understanding. I felt he was genuine from their first encounter. With the couple navigating their differences and meeting a bit of resistance to their interracial relationship I thought the issues being brought up were realistic. The ending made me tear up a bit. I love happy endings. I highly recommend this book.

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~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ RELEASE BLITZ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ Defending My Heart (Seal Team Romeo) by Barbra Campbell

♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ RELEASE BLITZ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~
Defending My Heart (Seal Team Romeo) by Barbra Campbell
Genre – Contemporary Romance, African American
Page Count – 103
Cover Designer – Jada D’Lee

As the lieutenant of a Navy SEAL team, I deal with intense and deadly situations on a regular basis.

My drive to climb through the ranks has been an excellent cover for the pain of losing a friend in combat years ago.

But my hardened shell is empty.

When Wendy breezes into my life, my heart beats in the dark cavern of my chest for the first time since I can remember.

She’s adorable, easy to talk to, and I sense there’s more to her than the other ‘frog hogs’ whose mission in life is to tame a SEAL.

And I’m right. There’s a lot more.

She’s conned me…a guy whose reputation has been built on assessing situations and not making mistakes.

But when I tell her to take a hike, I feel a new thing in my chest, and I think it’s a broken heart. If only she hadn’t been using me, she might have been the savior I needed.

Now that I’ve run her off, can I track her down and beg her to give me a real chance?

~ AMAZON ~

Barbra Campbell writes dirty-sweet romance to escape the craziness of life. She believes Happily Ever Afters don’t have to be real to be powerful, and she sometimes confuses book worlds for the one she lives in…not that she lives a fairy tale by any means. But with her one true love by her side and an endless stream of book boyfriends in her head, she manages to find time to hang out with all of them.

Author Interview with Barbra Campbell

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! Was able to finish in an afternoon.
What happens when you swear off something? Usually you are then tempted with just that thing, thats where Bree finds herself.

I really loved this writing as i felt immersed in the words and the world the author built in here, will be reading more!

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Squid (Moto X Book 5) by Brooke May – Review by Kelli Harper

SquidSquid by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first time I have read anything by this author. The way she makes me dislike the main character Levi is unmatched. I disliked his whole entitled attitude and the way he thought he was God’s gift to women. His drunken womanizing ways was just icky. Then as the story evolves and Levi is made to grow up and become a REAL man, I start liking him. This book has some funny parts and some serious parts but the chemistry between Levi and Kindle is definitely there from the moment they meet. Good story, I will read her stuff again.

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater-Review by Elena Tobar

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such great romantic suspense novel that I couldn’t set it down once I picked it up! Selena suddenly has the rug pulled out from under her and finds herself in a dangerous world that she knows nothing about. Wyatt finds him self caught up in her drama and can’t help but get involved. I really enjoyed watching them grow closer as they struggled with different backgrounds and trust issues. There is so much action and suspense wrapped up in a budding romance that I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next!

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Squid (Moto X Book 5) by Brooke May – Review by Mercedes Jones

Squid (Moto X Book 5)Squid by Brooke May

I enjoyed this book. Although, I have not read the rest of the series, I think it is easy to follow along without having the story from the other books. This was another book that I could not put down and finished in a day.
“Squid: A rider who could use some training on his form and technique.” This is exactly the term to describe bachelor, Levi Crowe. He knows how to please the ladies but relationships, that is a whole new ballgame to this man. He has got everything he thinks he needs, fun times, friends, booze, and women that swarm around him. But he gets a rude awakening when Kindle enters the scene. She doesn’t want anything to do with this man, she has made it clear. So why can’t he get her out of his head?
Levi goes through some challenges and some life changing events. He gets a stalker that he can’t seem to shake. He must excel at his career and change the way he looks at life. Will this be enough to land the girl of his dreams? Or will the life he knows come crashing down on him?

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The True Garza (Red Cage Book 3) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Mercedes Jones

The True Garza (Red Cage, #3)The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has action, sarcasm, and a lot of steamy scenes. This book will keep you locked in! I finished it in a day. I loved it so much that I will go back and read the two before it and hope that more will come out!
Lonny is a spit fire and I cannot get enough of her! She just wants pleasure from a man and she gets it for a week! Then she moves back to L.A. and lands herself a job at Red Cage. Things take an interesting twist after that. Her boss is a womanizer and she can’t seem to keep away from him no matter how hard she tries. London is one tough girl who takes what she wants and doesn’t back down. Even with all this, her life isn’t always easy. But she makes it the best that she can. Read this book and indulge yourself with all the great pleasures Lonny receives.

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What lengths would you go to protect someone you just met? In this story we get to find that out when embassy worker Wyatt get dragged into a cab with one Selena Hernandez. She self deported herself to Mexico and is trying to make things right and get back to America legally. Wyatt over heard his co-worker talking with someone on the phone about Ms. Hernandez and decided he needed to warn her that someone was after her. Although their couple encounters weren’t what he had hoped they would be, their attraction is undeniable. Will he be able to help her figure out who these bad guys are that are after her? Will they remain together once the nightmare is over?

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Rebecca Hill

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought this book was a unique story. Selena Hernandez found out her mother has been lying to her for her whole life. When her mother is arrested and taken to jail, Selena finds out that she is actually from Mexicao and not a legal citizen. Selena is led to believe that deporting herself to Mexico is her only option. She thinks it will be a rapid turn around to going back to her life in Arizona. She doesn’t count on discovering that her birth father is an important man in the drug cartel. Wyatt Demko didn’t plan on getting involved in everything going on with Selena, but he knew that he needed to warn her. Together they end up on quite the adventure, not knowing who they can trust. I was so sad for Wyatt as details of his abusive past came to light. I could see myself in Selena’s inner dialogue, especially when she would give herself a pep talk. This was an enjoyable read and had some small twists that I enjoyed!

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by stephanie nicole

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While this is the first book that I have read from this author, I was overall impressed. The chemistry between the main characters was great, and there was a great balance between romance, intrigue, and action. Selena was a great main character, although like most she did have a few character flaws. But her chemistry with Wyatt and his sweet nature more then made up for it. This book was full of surprises that kept me on the edge of my seat and I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author.

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, I am so glad I picked up this book! If you love a story with action, danger, intrigue, cartel and lies this one is for you.

Selena, upon learning she is illegally living in the US, decides to go back to Mexico to obtain her documents and visa legally to return to Arizona. Selena discovers hard truths and is on the run as someone is out to get her. Wyatt Demko, a Embassy employee, at first is smitten by Selena, but then becomes her protector when Wyatt learns that there is someone out to get Selena. Lies that are slowly being uncovered as Selena learns she may be linked to a notorious cartel family.

This story is fast paced and very enjoyable characters.

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Julie Johnson

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hold onto your passports!!! This book gripped extremely hard and was very difficult to put down the couple of times I had to!!

Selina has self-deported back to Mexico from her home in Tucson. She wants everything to be on the up-and-up, especially after finding out her entire life has been a huge lie. She doesn’t know the language and is struggling to go through the proper channels when her life changes drastically.

Wyatt isn’t loving his job but knows that the work he is doing at the Embassy could lead to something better. It’s when the beautiful woman walks into his office and a mysterious phone call is made that causes life to get interesting.

What lengths would you take to protect someone you just met?

Be ready to sit down and dive in because this one grabbed me from the first line and didn’t let up until the end. I’ve still got some questions though….

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Reviewed by: @faithfulgirl4

Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Katie Matthews

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overall I really enjoyed this book – I thought the storyline was really interesting and the author threw in some great twists too. There were a few times where I skimmed over a few parts as they were a bit drawn out but it was an exciting read at times – I’m going to say this especially true from the middle part of the story – the action definitely kicked up a notch there. I really liked the characters, and the authors descriptions of Mexico in particular were great, I got a real feeling for what the place was like. I liked Wyatt, I thought he really did do what he could to help protect Selena at the beginning and be there for her as the story progressed. I felt for Selena especially finding out about her extended family the way she did.
A great read and one that I would highly recommend.

@katiem
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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Vanessa Watts

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is one that will leave you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out who is good and who is bad. It seems in Mexico is where everyone’s skeletons are buried and when they come to light no one knows whose side anyone is on.

Selena Hernandez, who discovers she is an illegal immigrant after her mom is arrested, decides she needs to go back to Mexico to get a Visa to come to the United States legally. However, once she steps foot in Mexico her journey is anything but easy like the lawyer in the US said it would be. After attempting to get her visa at the US embassy Selena’s path is entangled with Wyatt Demko who senses trouble is a foot for Selena. As the secrets of who Selena is and that her real father is a notorious cartel kingpin Selena’s life is more at stake than ever. She seems to be a pawn in everybodies scheme and naturally doesn’t trust anybody. Can Salena uncover all the secrets about her past to ensure she has a future? Can Wyatt prove to not only himself but also Selena that he is a trustworthy guy with no alternative agenda? In this wild game of drugs, secrets, and nefarious plots who will come out on top?

This book has a slow start to the storyline. It takes the author a bit of time to list out the players and bump up the action. Once he does though this is a non stop thrill ride to the end with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. If you like romantic suspense books then this will be right up your alley. The author’s descriptive scenes, especially Tulum and Chichen Izza, take me back to when my husband and I visited the same sites on a trip to Mexico in 2019. That’s how you know this is a good story, when it can take you back in time and help visualize where the characters are at and the interactions taking place!

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Squid (Moto X Book 5) by Brooke May – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Squid (Moto X Book 5)Squid by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have loved this author for some time now for all the work and beauty they create when they write. I was hooked upon this latest installment in the series. It was great and full of the things I love that this author can do and create in all they write. It was a good read that I surely enjoyed!

I really loved the relationship build between Levi ad Kindle. Their time together was far from easy, and to get to certain points they really had to work hard at it. I mean Levi went through a lot of character changes, and his change in himself was very realistic, and I very much admired that. I loved the side of Kindle that was strong, but could melt at certain things that Levi could be. I loved their moments together, none of it was easy, and they say good things in life you have to work hard for it, and in which they did over and over again but, not right away. I loved how real the characters were and the story was. I had emption all over, and felt so much. All in all, I loved this read and enjoyed every moment of it!

Wonderful read and great addition to the series by a very talented author. The author certainly knows how pull the reader in and hold them there. Highly recommend this book, a definite must read!

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Tausha Treadway

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater. This is my favorite genre so I was super excited to read this new to me author. It did not disappoint. Its the story of Selena Hernandez who has woken up to a nightmare. Her whole world has been turned upside down. She is in the states and has tried to get all her paperwork corrected but now she’s finding out everything she’s been told is a big fat lie. She is in the US illegally! She is trying to get back to Mexico to get it corrected and thank goodness for Wyatt who works for the State Department who is trying to help her. They immediately sense an attraction to each other. When she uncovers her true identity it puts her in a world of danger. Will she and Wyatt be able to get out of this horrible situation alive and if so will they give in to their attraction? Read this fast paced amazing book!

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Candida Hopper

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first time I have read anything by this author and after reading this book I look forward to reading more. This story was full of romance, suspense, action, danger, rich detail, and great characters. I was pulled into this story and kept entertained. I found myself unable to put it down to find out if Selena is able to put all the pieces of her life back together without getting herself hurt. What will happen between her and Wyatt. Selena and Wyatt come from different backgrounds and yet they still both have trust issues. I’m glad I took a chance on a new author. I recommend this book.

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Kylean Sprosty

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Selena is sent to Mexico after it is discovered that her and her mother were in the U.S. illegally. Wyatt worked at the embassy in Mexico City when Selena came in to try and get back to her life in Arizona. From that moment their lives took on an interesting twist. A wild adventure through Mexico to discover Selena’s past and Wyatt’s future. Drug cartels, DEA agents and unlikely help bring them on a wild journey. Selena is a brave character to discover her past and face it through the jungles of Mexico. Wyatt seems a little uptight, but at least his careful planning provides some comfort. Suspenseful and a real page-turner.

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I like to think Wyatt was lovestruck when he first laid eyes on Selena. Selena was weary and cautious of seeing him repeatedly. Though they do get separated and think the worse of each other. They reunite and everything ends happily ever after. I enjoyed this fast paced book. Look forward to reading next one.

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater – Review by Katie Turner

IllegalIllegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater takes its readers on a wild adventure in Mexico. This story portrays a view of the life of a young woman, Selena Hernandez, whose life is turned upside. She is ripped from her world in Arizona after finding out that she and her mother were both in the United States illegally. Her mother is thrown in jail and Selena is told to return to Mexico and reapply for a visa to become a legal citizen. After meeting him on the street, she is reacquainted with a young man named Wyatt, who ends up being a customer service representative at the embassy when she goes to apply for her visa. From there, the story begins to unfold. As Wyatt is pulled into this mess surrounding a pretty girl, unknown truths surface and they become more intertwined more than either of them planned to be.

This had it all for me. Suspense, romance and action fueled this story from beginning to end. I thought the main characters, Wyatt and Selena, were perfect and well-fleshed out. They both came from two different backgrounds, both had deeply rooted issues with trust that cause them to question each other’s intentions. But they have to find a way to work together because all they have is each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to read more stories by this author!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane-Review by Elena Tobar

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a great romance! Bree has had her share of bad relationships and she’s determined not to get hurt again. She has all of these rules in her head that she’s determined to have in place when she suddenly has her world turned upside down. She is worried about her family and what they think but she wants to follow her heart and take a chance on love. If she wants a chance at her happily ever after she has to learn to let the past go and not to worry about what other people might think. The characters in this book are so great they pulled me right in from the very first page and I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen and how Bree would choose. This is one romance you definitely won’t want to miss!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Robin Rankin

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As Close to Perfect

The title fits this book perfectly.   I enjoyed this book.  I laughed,  worried, got mad and couldn’t stop reading.

Nate’s charm came through the moment we meet him and never fades even when things were up in the air.  He’s down to earth even with his background and family.

Steven was easy to fall for. Great job and on the fast track to move up further the ladder and the drive to are that happen as well as a deep desire to find the one.  As Bree said he checked all of her boxes, but sometimes things aren’t as they seem.

Bree had baggage after being hurt several times in the past.  She stops over thinking everything and follows her heart even though it wasn’t the easiest path.

Bree had a great support system with her family and her friends who I absolutely adored and can’t wait for them the find their soulmates.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Kerry Carr

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really enjoyable romance. The characters drew me in from the beginning. The story was engaging and entertaining. I love the character of Bree. She is an strong independent women, who knows her own mind and what she wants out of life. Having had her heartbroken before she knows runs her dating life with a set of rules. And these rules she sticks by. She has turned away from countless romances because the men don’t match up to her standards.
Bree is looking for Mr Perfect and she thinks she finds him with Steven. He’s everything she wants in a guy. Perfect in everyway so what could possible go wrong?

The outside world goes wrong and when they are faced with obstacles with regards to interfering families religion, money and location. Can they work things out and meeting in the middle? Or will Bree realise that perfect doesn’t exist and that Steven is just human and not as perfect as she imagined him to be?

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Kerry Baker

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book had such heartwarming characters that I connected with instantly. I couldn’t wait to read more about them and see how their story would develope. I really enjoyed the authors writing style, it really captured my attention from page 1.
I thought the story overall was well written and engaging. I became invested in what was happening and enjoyed seeing how things progressed. This really is a great book.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Kelli Harper

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The list of qualifications that Bree has is lengthy however she is set in what she wants and what she is willing to have. While the list may be long, can she follow her own rules? Steven, a co-worker of her fathers, is set to make her his. Nate is the one that has been friend-zoned, but will he be able to get her to see the errors in her thinking?
This story is pretty good and entertaining as well.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Katie Kearney

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read. The characters completely captured me from start to finish. They were so well written and they each bring something different to the overall storyline. Each character is complex and relatable, so easy to connect with. I simply sank into the story and was sad it ended all too quickly for me. But it’s definitely a five star book in my opinion and worth the download. It’s well written and paced nicely. I highly recommend it!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Jenni Bishop

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane is actually the third book of the Perfect series and is about Bree. Perfect and Perfect Always were formerly written as Tricia Copeland and were about Chloe where Bree was a secondary character. But don’t worry this book is a standalone, so you don’t have to read the first two to understand what’s going on. It is a fun NEW adult contemporary romance. It is a little predictable at times but as Maria Jane says “there is magic in the journey”.

Bree knows just what she wants and more importantly what she doesn’t want. Will she let go of past hurt and insecurities and take a chance on love?

This journey will keep you entertained with fun and humour, emotions and sweet romance.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked As Close to Perfect. It is a good friend’s to lovers story, with a lot of drama along the way. I like that we got to see a glimpse of Bree’s failed relationships along the way. Most romance books just show the transition of THAT relationship, so this was a nice surprise. It was a little more than the typical Romance novel, as it contained themes of Interracial relationships and meeting parents expectations, and the challenges and feelings that go along with that. It also touched on real concerns in long term relationships-Where will you live? Who will work? Will you have kids? I thought the characters were very mature for discussing this early on in the relationship. I like that while Bree cared what her parents thought, ultimately she followed her own heart. I now see it is part of a series, and look forward to reading the other 2 books.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW there are not enough good things that I can say about this book! I was completely entranced by Bree and Nates relationship and the hard rules that Bree has applied. Bree wanted to get out there and meet guys instead of using the dating app as that did not work for her in the past and because of this she joined a tennis league while she also has a fulltime job. I was able to relate to this as I play tennis like she wrote about in the book and am able to meet lots of different people and form relationships and this is something that could potentially happen in real life not just in stories. Bree has been burned by many guys and has severe relationship rules. The way that their story played out was one that had me on the edge of my seat and showed exactly how women think when it comes to relationships. The way the author wrote this book had me so captivated that all I wanted to do was read this book all day and not work. I cannot wait to read more books by this author!

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