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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Kay Stritesky

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

This book was a perfect introduction to the author!
It was cute and easy to read, it had love and heartbreak but it had a hook to bring readers in and keep you interested while you read!
I definitely will be finding more by this author!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Christina Gran

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

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane

Cute, feel good read! I thoroughly enjoyed the book and felt like the characters were my old friends! First Maria Jane book that I have read, but certainly won’t be my last. This book is part of the ‘Perfect’ series; although each book can be read as a stand alone, I am looking forward to going back and reading the first 2 books in the series!

Bree Simmons is tired of having her heart continually broken and wonders if a perfect man truly exists! Since Bree finds it’s jocks that she seems to gravitate towards and therefore has sworn all jocks and athletes off her list of potential dates! Deciding that she was in need of a change, Bree leaves the rat race of the corporate world and accepted a job teaching high school & coaching basketball. While playing tennis, Bree encounters Nate—a handsome jock, who would normally check all Bree’s boxes. True to her word, she tells Nate that they would never be more than friends. As Bree dates other people here & there, she finds herself becoming more & more attracted to Nate and wonders if he really could be the perfect man for her!
Sweet, contemporary romance that leaves the reader rooting for their happily ever after ♥️

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

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

Bree has had some bad breakups and has imposed a set of rules for herself about dating. Of course as new men enter the picture that interest her, she’s going to have to break some of her own rules in order to date them.

This is a cute, fun read about figuring out who you are and what you want, and don’t want, in life. I didn’t realize it was the third book in a series until I was half way thru it. It can definitely be a stand alone book but it was such a cute story that I’ll probably go back and read the first two.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Ashley Hasting

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

Bree is a teacher and basketball coach who needs a man in her life. She doesn’t want her type she usually goes for though. That would be Nate, who comes in with Chicken Fried Rice. He’s Latvian and handsome as ever. Her parents introduce her to Steven in the meantime who they all believe to be the perfect man. You’ll have to read how they all fit in this book. It’s so good!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Shanette McCree

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

Wow , was not expecting this from the title. I truly appreciated the level of realism that was in this book It made it very relatable to myself. Bree an African American young woman scorned from dating good looking athletes has sworn them off but finds an unusual friendship in Nate, a handsome Latvian athlete. Even through her resistance towards him in the beginning their relationship blossoms slowly but she is also testing the waters and dating other men which leaves her in a bit of a confusion. This book really shed some light on what it’s like to be single and dating as a young adult today. I also loved the tennis aspects of the book because I have always wanted to play tennis and after reading this I might just go sign up. I truly enjoyed this story, and I will be looking for more books from this author, it was a really refreshing read.

Reviewed by @nettybumbooks
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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Lisa Helmick

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

This is an enjoyable story. At first it was a little slow but it was all being built up slowly. I really liked meeting the characters. Watching Bree go through all the different stages in her young life. Men, breakups, friends, work and family…it is all in here. The male counterparts are Interesting. Of course my favorite is the guy who goes for longevity instead of swiftness.

Overall this story had me becoming embroiled in Brees life. I came to care, worry and admire her as the story moved along. Her friends are wonderful but she really stole the show. My only issue was the whole race card that started being thrown about later in the book. I didn’t like/love her or the story because of her race. I liked her for the person and the story because it was told well and made me admire the characters. Maybe it is an important factor for some but it was not for me

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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

Bree has always been attracted to jocks – those guys with the tight bodies and overwhelming confidence. In fact, all the men who have ever burned her have been jocks. This is why she has created some pretty strict dating rules and vows to stick to them to avoid future heartache.

After finding duds on dating apps, Bree’s best friend Chloe sets her up for tennis lessons as a way to meet new people and take some of the focus off of if every new man she meets is her soul mate. After finding Nate in her favorite chinese place and then being matched up with him again at tennis, she reminds herself that his tall, taut body is outside of her dating rules – and keeps reminding herself as she realizes not only is he easy to talk to, but he listens and remembers things she has told him. She becomes friends with Nate, but thanks to his being in good shape, she keeps him at arms length.

In the course of this book she meets other men, and some of them check most of her boxes. Will Bree find the man of her dreams, or will she choose another dud? Will she recognize what is right in front of her?

Bree was fun to read about and had a lot of periods of internal thought that felt very familiar to me. This was a light, sweet read great for the summer and I really enjoyed the relationships and characters.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Reviewed by Caralee Loonat

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

This is the first book of this series and first book by this author I have read. I really enjoyed the down to earth feel of the characters. The book is just a nice contemporary romance and well written. I really found myself hooked from the firt page and didn’t want to put the book down.

The author has captured the emotions of the lead character really well. I could really relate to the lead character and her doubts and emotions from heartbreak. I like how the author uses the way that emotions and heartbreak shape her attitude and rules she makes. I like how the characters are down to earth and also that the story was refreshing. I will definitely read more from this author in future.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Bethany Rollins

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

As Close to Perfect is good story that’s easy to follow along with but I could not connect with the main characters. I felt Bree was too focused on her past to see a future and Nate was incredibly tense for a leading male. I was hoping for more personality from both, but it never shined through. They were likable enough to enjoy the story, but the supporting characters were the ones I would have rather focused on. Overall, a good read just not one that fully grasped my attention.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Karyn Taylor

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

This is an excellent contemporary romance that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The author was new to me but the blurb sounded like something I’d enjoy, so I decided to give it a try. I’m really glad that I took the plunge as this is a great story that really pulled me in to the storyline and continued to keep me engaged and intrigued throughout.
I loved the 2 main characters Nate and Bree, although I’ll admit to wanting to slap some sense into Bree on several occasions. She was so determined to stick to her principals and rules and nothing was going to change her mind. Nate, I adored. He is just one of the sweetest guys you could ever want to know and I really want a Nate in my life.
The story is quite angsty in parts and you really can’t help but want to give Nate a huge hug so many times. I do love an angsty story though, so as much as I was exasperated, I really enjoyed it.
Nate and Bree’s story is a really great read that I’d definitely recommend to others.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Daryian Lucas

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.8/5 Stars
This was the first book in this series that I read. I wasn’t confused at all and this book is a great stand alone. This book is a romance novel that’s pretty clean. I couldn’t get into Bree’s character. She reminded me more of a teenager versus a young woman. Her feelings towards relationships and being cautious were very valid but every time I read her express them I didn’t feel like I was reading a conversation from an adult. Nate seemed very intense, but I’m wondering if that’s a culture barrier? The overall concept and underlying themes of the book were good, I just couldn’t get into the characters that much.

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

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

What a cute romance to start out the summer! This was the first book I read by the author, I am truly impressed by her writing style and her ability to create relatable and lovable characters.

As many women before her, Bree has been hurt by many men with only one intention: sex. The boundaries she sets for herself are ones I feel many of us have set in the past to keep us from further heartache. She meets Nate and is quick to decide not to date him due to the fact that he is too similar to the other men she has sworn to stay away from. She then meets Steven, who appears to have everything she is looking for, but is he really the one she should be pursuing? Only reading will let you find out! Definitely can’t wait for the next book in the series!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Betsy Melano

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

Bree, like many women, has had her share of crappy dates & boyfriends. And like some of us, she has decided that she needs to find new ways to meet people. Kudos to Bree for starting to play tennis, trying new foods, and going with the flow.

I can totally relate to Bree, dating is hard at any age but after college I think it’s even harder. You don’t quite have your tribe (maybe they moved away or you were the one to move) and feel somewhat lost. I really thought Bree was kind of smart to have specific things to look for in a man. But at the same time, you can’t judge one person by noticing the small little things others did in the past and you certainly need to see the big picture!

As Bree is navigating her dating world, two men seem to be good possibilities: Nate and Steve
Which one will she pick? Is there anything she’s missed along the way? Will she finally figure out the right guy for her?

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Whitney Morrison

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

This was the first book in the series and by this author that I have read. I really enjoyed it. It was such a cute and fun story. I really like how Bree was written and loved going on her crazy journey with her. I also really loved Chloe and Nate. Overall it was just a great contemporary romance and I will definitely be reading more by this author.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Mandy Ott

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

As Close to Perfect is a modern, relatable romance that captured my attention. The main character, Bree, has been hurt by past romances and it has caused her to become very critical of those she let’s into her life. Bree seems pretty judgmental towards the opposite sex based on her negative experiences in the past. For example, Bree has been hurt by “jocks” before so she has sworn off dating all those she sees as “jocks.” I did find it rather ironic though that, to improve her social life, Bree begins taking tennis lessons. I would consider tennis a sport played by “jocks.” Overall, Maria Jane did an amazing job building her characters; they were well-written, believable, and relatable. I also enjoyed the overall story. I look forward to reading more books by Maria Jane.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Juls Dick

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

Bree has been burned by love in the past, she has had her heart broken by her past two boyfriends and has since given herself a strict list of rules to adhere too when it comes to men, no jocks, no corporate suits and no intimacy before relationships. When Bree meet Latvian- American Nate at her tennis club she he instantly hits the first two of her rules so she friend zones him and focusses on finding someone more suited to her goals. However, she quickly finds that things aren’t always as they first appear. This was a nice read, I initially didn’t really relate to the main female character, she was too closed off and judgemental, however she started to grow on me towards the end. I did like the main male character from the beginning.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Jess Engel

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

This is an easy, good read with great characters. I enjoyed the story and development of the characters and brewing romance and chemistry between Bree and Nate, but Nate is everything Bree isn’t looking for, so she keeps looking!

I loved the quirkiness of Bree, she is an over thinker with a flare of sarcasm. Nate is patient and persisten, but how patient can he be?

Though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone, which is how I read it. It was entertaining and I enjoyed the characters and relationships so I may go back and read the first two in the series now!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Devon Pulliam

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

What a wonderful little romance novel! The story flowed naturally and I loved how Maria Jane let Bree and Nate naturally find each other. The connection they had through tennis and then the friend support.

I LOVED how Bree just was tell it like it is and didn’t care to stand up for herself. Especially with Steven. I didn’t like him at all and was glad when she told him off.

I was shocked though when Bree informed her parents of her status with Nate and their reaction. I did not see that coming or see how much of an issue it would cause on both sides. But it was well written.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Lauren Cox

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

This is the first book I have read but third book in the series, even though I didn’t read the first two this book was easy to keep up with and I didn’t feel like there was very many missing pieces in the dialog.

I found the main character Bree very relatable, she has gone through a lot of really bad relationships and did not want to be hurt anymore. Although I did find this very relatable, Bree went a full 180 in the other direction, she set strict rules and high expectations for all her new prospects and I feel like this really hurt her character growth.

As she starts to venture out in the dating world again, she swears off athletes, jocks and looking for mister right AKA the one.

She really enjoys playing tennis and while playing tennis she meets her best friend Nate, who is completely and utterly in love with her. But to Nate’s dismay he has been friend zoned, not only is he an athlete he is a tennis coach. Everything Bree has sworn off.

Does she wake up and realize what she has always wanted is right in front of her? Or does she let him slip through her fingers.

Overall this was a very cute book and would recommend to friends.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Heidi Schoolman

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

This story follows Bree and is 354 pages in length. Bree’s heart has been broken one too many times. Now she has developed a “no dating jocks” rule along with a slew of other rules she has made up to avoid heart break again. She meets Nate. Although he is hot, he fits the description of exactly what she needs to avoid. Then she meets Steven. He seems to be exactly what she is looking for. She stays friends with Nate while she dates other guys, only to find herself seeing Nate for the someone she is actually looking for. This poor girl had been through the wringer with guys, so it is easy to see why she has her rules, but ultimately, her rules kept her from Nate.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Piper Foster

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

this is the first book I have read by this I adore Brees’s character. Bree and Nate just fit so well together. This is such a fun read we learn so much about each character and especially through Bree’s prescriptive. Bree has her fair of bad men and dates is Nate the one or is it another bad omen. The chemistry between Bree and Nate is explosive and jumps off the page.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Katrina Jones

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

This book was a little different than my normal read and I really enjoyed it. Bree is not looking to date her typical jock type. She branches out and tries new things in an effort to meet new people. First, she meets Nate at the tennis club. He wants to date but she has sworn off his type. So, they become friends. Then her dad introduces her to Steven and they quickly hit it off.
As Close to Perfect is a quick and light read.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Lauren West

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

I adored this book! I feel like everyone can relate to string of bad relationships and then guarding your heart to protect it from future disappointment. This author told a wonderful story that was heartfelt and light at the same time. From the outside looking in you truly wanted all the characters to see where they should be, but its not how it works in the book world. Lol

Bree has picked one too many bad men in her life and decides rules are now needed if she will ever find anyone to be happy with. Upon these rules 2 men appear and 1 catches her eye more than the other. As she navigates through what she believes to be the perfect man who checks all the boxes she soon finds that her Mr. Right may not be what she wants and the boy on the sidelines just might be,
This story was cute and I loved all the characters and the dynamic they shared. Its well worth the read and I will definitely pick it up again.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Julie Johnson

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

Bree can’t seem to catch a break in the dating world. She’s created her dating criteria list and vows to never deviate from it again. After all, the list is a compilation of those men who have crushed her! She is trying to put herself out there and enjoys playing tennis. While playing, she meets Nate and they become best friends.

Nate is everything on Bree’s “do not date” list and then some. She keeps him friend zoned while dating a couple of other guys. Nate is always there to pick up the pieces though! Bree’s dad sets her up with Scott and she meets him at one of the basketball games she coaches. They totally hit it off and Nate backs away to give them space. However, the reader can sense that he is totally heartbroken!

After a few family get-togethers, dates, out-of-town excursions, Bree is finally starting to see what it is that she wants out of life. Can she ever find her perfect man?

I enjoyed this contemporary romance novel and read it in two sittings. It is a fairly fast-paced read that will keep the reader entertained, always wondering what will happen next. The characters are very likeable and relatable.

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Reviewed by: @faithfulgirl4

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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

This was an enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance with a heartwarming storyline and great characters. Having been burned by a string of jocks before, Bree creates a hard rule-no dating athletes. Bree also comes up with a list of guidelines so that her heart does not get broken again, “As per the rules, coffee meetups don’t count as dates, lunch doesn’t count as a date, there will be no physical displays of affection until after a real date, and no sex until he commits to an exclusive relationship”. When she meets the tall and muscular Nate, he is basically a clone of all the guys that have hurt her before. Then, Steven comes along, and it’s as though Bree has ordered the perfect man, yes he’s muscular, but not too tall, and he’s definitely more mature, and is focused on his career.
When Bree finally gives into her feelings, she can’t deny the chemistry between them, and they are happy as a couple. However, they soon discover that being a couple is more than just the two of them. With family, religion, location, and money all becoming factors in their relationship, the pair need to meet in the middle, but can they? I definitely recommend you read this book to find out! I loved the likeable and relatable Bree and the chemistry between her and Steven sizzled off the page. I was cheering them on hoping they would both get their HEA.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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

Bree has sworn off dating the “jock” type. She’s looking for someone mature and responsible who wants a long term relationship. Nate, Latvian and a jock, pursues her. Bree continues to brush him aside as just a tennis partner, perhaps a friend, but definitely not dating material. Steven, on the other hand, checks all her boxes. Which man will make the best partner for Bree? Read to find out. I love the characters in this book! I especially enjoy the friendship Bree and Chloe have. This book is a great romantic comedy read that I recommend for anyone interested in a feel-good book.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Amanda Meady

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

This easy to read romantic story brought me back to my single, college days. The author did an amazing job balancing relatable heartbreak with the perfect love story, while mixing in just enough doubt. The uncertainty and skepticism throughout the book was realistic for any twenty something who dated and experienced heartbreak. The secondary characters were introduced just enough to allow for further development and spin offs should the author decide to continue this storyline.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Veronica Lee

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

Maria Jane is a new author for me. She writes As close to perfect in a way that is relatable. Bree has had serious heartbreak and it has made her feel that she is not good enough so when the wrong one comes along she doesn’t realize it right away. She is looking for love in all the wrong places.
Nate is in love with Bree but she only sees him as a friend and truly can not see what a great man he is.
Do these two make it to each other or are they both doomed? Will Nate’s patients wear thin??

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane- Review by Heather Knalls

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

Bree and Nate met at community tennis. Bree has been hurt in the past and has sworn off athletes. Nate is trying to get her to notice him from the beginning but she even refuses to be friends in the beginning, only tennis partners. Bree is a teacher and basketball coach following in the footsteps of her father. Her father tries to set her up with his assistant coach and things seem perfect in the beginning but come to find out they aren’t and she ends up only being hurt all over again. She finally decides to give Nate a chance and that is when she finds out he is her perfect match!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Jade Thomson

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

I’m not sure if there’s anything more relatable than Brees initial thought of “never doing something again” because of previous results of said something. This type of romance novel isn’t what I normally read but I really liked this one. Not only was there depth to the MCs- Bree and Nate- but the secondary characters were wonderful as well! The MCs relationship developed so naturally- it was a joy to read and impossible to put down. This was my first book I have read from this author- and I am excited to expand my reading to more of their work! This was a very sweet romance that is sure to squeeze your heart. Glad I read it. (:

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