As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fun read about finding the perfect match! I found the main character Bree entertaining and really enjoyed her character growth over the course of the book. A great mix of sweet, fun, drama and humour- to me, this is the perfect light hearted rom com style romance to enjoy with a cup of tea.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bree has had her fair share of bad dates, wrong men and is just fed up with the whole dating scene. So, she makes a pledge with herself to not date JOCKS, no dating any athletes in general but while this is on the cards, she is now looking for the perfect mister right if he ever exists.
Nate is the perfect guy for Bree only he is a tennis coach, and he is in the friend’s category, but as time goes on, she starts to see him more than a friend and can she give in to the attraction and find the perfect one.
This is the first story I have read by this author and found it joyful and an easy read, the story was well written and flowed brilliantly. The book takes on the narrative of the main character Bree and meanders through her failed relationships and various rules she has for dating until she starts to grow closer to Nate. The story delves into different cultures and ethnicity and with the clever insight has thought provoking quotes.
The chemistry for the two main characters was jumping off the page and I when they finally realise, they are meant to be together you certainly get a glow inside. This is a stand-alone story and I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by
As Close to Perfect is a well written Romance story that once you start reading you won’t want to stop until you’ve finished. This is a fairly new author to me and I look forward to seeing what other books she has written. I enjoyed this book and the characters are relatable and fully developed Her style of writing and attention to detail and her ability to pull you in and keep your attention until the end is amazing. Bree has a few rules she goes by when it comes to dating. She’s been burned on the past and one of her rules she doesn’t date Jocks, or athletic type. She’s a school teacher and basketball coach and also plays tennis. She’s met several guys but none of them meet her requirements until Steven. She’s hesitant at first but the more they get to know one another the more she thinks hes the perfect match for her. That is until she sees a different side of him. Then there’s Nate and he’s been there for her and she’s not been to nice to him. Who will Bree choose? Will she follow her heart ? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I seriously struggled to get into this book. Normally when I start a book it keeps my attention, even if it takes me a bit to get into it. This book didn’t keep my attention at all. I never like to give a negative review, but I want to always be honest, too. Bree was relatable in the things that she had been through with past relationships, but I felt like she dwelled on them too much. Nate was very intense, and if I had been her I would have tried to be nice but get my point across a little clearer than she did. I tried really hard to get into this book and desperately wanted to love it, but I didn’t it wasn’t completely horrible by any means, just not a favorite.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really enjoyable read. I liked the storyline and the book was really easy to read. The author had a really nice writing style which meant the story was easy to follow and it had a really nice pace and flow to it. I really liked the characters, especially Bree, she was lovely to read about. She is the kind of character who you just instantly feel a connection with and I really did feel with her. There were also some great secondary characters that really added that extra layer to the story. I really liked Nate and I was definitely rooting for the two of them the whole way through the story!
A really good read that I would definitely recommend to other readers!
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Terrific glimpse into the mind of Bree, a young woman, trying not only to find her place in life but trying to find love in a world of heartbreak. I truly felt that I was in Bree’s head, understanding all her fears, her guilt, her emotions, her thoughts, her anxiety, her everything.
Belinda Marie “Bree” Simmons just gave up her corporate job to teach high school science and coach basketball. Bree is still unsure about this job, this choice but is doing her best. Bree is coming off the 2nd heartbreak in a row when she meets a tall, pale, blue-eyed stranger with a ‘Dracula’ accent. When Nate Vasiljeva bounces into her tennis club, Bree awkwardly tells him that she isn’t dating.
Nate decides that he and Bree are going to be friends. Bree makes sure that Nate knows that they could never be anything but friends on a regular basis. Bree fights her growing feelings for Nate because she refuses to believe he could be the one for her. You can feel Bree’s struggle with her emotions for Nate.
This was an easy, gentle read. Not bad for a relaxing weekend.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. As Close to Perfect is a great read. It’s got the perfect amount of love and heartbreak.
Bree has given up on dating. She’s done going after jocks. She’s also done going after white guys who are freaked by her church. Getting tennis lessons from a friend might just be the best thing for her. The quote I chose for Bree is: “I have a date with Alan. Nate is just my tennis partner. He knows that. Besides, he had girls hitting on him all night. He doesn’t need me.”
Nate has got it bad for Bree. He likes that she is up front and blunt about what she wants. It takes eight months before he finally gets the girl. The quote I chose for Nate is: “I’m sorry. I know we’ve only been dating a few months, but I can’t hold it in any longer. I love you. I’m sorry if it’s weird, but I think that’s only because we’ve been friends for so long, and we have so much fun, and we’re so good together. I mean, you freak out and get mad at me, but those times make me love you even more.”
Highly recommended for New Adult Romance lovers.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is number three in it’s series. BUT it very well may be read as a STANDALONE!! I really, really enjoyed it! So much so that I am going back to read books one and two NOW!! Such a well written romance story. The story line draws you in and quick too, to where you most certainly WILL NOT want to set aside until finished. Highly recommend this story, when you have time to finish too, It’s GREAT!!
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fun 5 star read.
We learn right from the beginning just what kind of men Bree seems to be attracting. She once again strikes out and calls her best friend. Her friend encourages Bree to take tennis lessons and try to meet some other people. Bree has a brief encounter with a man while getting chinese takeout, great accent but he looked athletic, a hard no for her. When she goes to her tennis lesson, fate steps in and she sees the man again, Nate. She makes it very clear to Nate that she is not interested in dating him. She also meets Steven who seems to meet all of what she is looking for in a man. Has she finally found the one? Or is she pushing “the one” away?
Overall this was an enjoyable read, the characters were great. I really liked Bree and her best friend was a great secondary character. I quickly had a favorite between the two men and was hoping she picked him. The author does a great job with her writing, she pulls you right into the story. I was happy with the ending and I look forward to reading more from this author. 1- click and get started today on this great read.
Reviewed by@mab54615
View all my reviews
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Close to Perfect was a fun, fast paced read that really showed the trials and tribulations of the dating world. I really liked Bree as a main character and felt that above all else, she was relatable. Who hasn’t had “enough” bad experiences to swear they’re “never” doing that again? I really enjoyed the growth of Bree throughout the storyline and the way the author’s writing just flowed. While this is a part of a series, I thought it read really well as a standalone and I never had difficulty keeping up. I would definitely recommend this book, especially as the summer months are coming and everyone is looking for a good beach read!
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What do you do when you’ve hit a dating slump? Bree has been burned by one guy too many men, jocks in particular. She has set herself a list of rules to follow, but rules are meant to be broken right? Nate is an athlete which she swears she will no longer date. Steven on the other hand is goal orientated and career focused. Who will she choose?
As 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.
As 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.
As 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!
As 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!
As 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.
As 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?
As 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.
As 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.
As 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!
As 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
As 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.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
As 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!
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I couldn’t have enjoyed this romance more! I love the authors writing style and the realness if this story. I’ve honestly enjoyed all of her books so far. I adore Nate’s character so much in this book. His patience reminded me of my husband. A couple of times I found myself frustrated with Bree and her stubborn hot headedness. Towards the end I even got frustrated with her parents! I love that this story came with trials and triumph in love! It definitely is an amazing read and I definitely recommend picking it up!
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As Close to Perfect was cute and well written. The main female character though drove me crazy!
Bree, omg I wanted to scream at times. I get it she’s been through some bad break-ups, but man was she a frustrating character. Nit-picking every little thing, especially with Nate. So screwed up by past men that when she was dating Steven she missed the signs of a controlling man.
Nate, poor guy. Heart of gold if you ask me. Pinning for a girl he can’t have. Watching her date other people, while he stands on the sidelines. He’s a saint even because he was in her corner even while she dated these guys. With her being such a big “B” to him, it’s hard to believe he stuck around.
This mixed race/culture romance weaves through obstacles with finesse and very little error in my eyes. I tried to sympathize with Bree knowing I’ve been in her shoes. She was just written over top for me. I was team Nate all the way!
The questions are: Does she finally see him? Does Bree open her eyes to what’s been in front of her the last 7-8 months? Does Nate’s patience finally run thin and he gives up?
So many many more questions to have answered. As you begin to read, trust me when I say questions will keep popping in your mind. Most of which will be answered, you just need to finish the author’s story.
This book gives the girl/boy next door vibes. The one you always overlook or fight one’s feelings against. Check it out if that’s your thing!
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the third book of a series but can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first two books but I definitely want to go back and read them.
Bree has not had much luck in the love department. Now she has rules. First and foremost, no more hunky athletic types. Then she meets Nate. She immediately shuts down any thought of dates between them. He’s the exact type she’s trying to stay away from right? Then there’s Steven. He checks all of Bree’s boxes. He’s career focused and driven. What more could she want? Except, maybe having the “perfect” person isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Why not get as close to perfect as long as it’s perfect for you?
I really enjoyed this book. Following Bree’s journey gives you an appreciation for how difficult the dating scene really can be while trying to guard your heart. Bree knows what she wants and has rules to get her there but she also realizes that it’s okay if you don’t follow your rules all the way because you might just get what you didn’t realize you need.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
As Close To Perfect by Maria Jane (Tricia Copeland) is a captivating new adult/contemporary romance. It is a great little story, but it is the character/s who really make this book. Bree is such a great character, and it was great to see her character grow and develop over the course of the story. The story has emotion, drama, humour, sweet and tender scenes, family, friendship, and great characters.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Maria Jane!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I felt like I was reading a book about me! As a Kentucky girl myself, I loved reading a story set in Kentucky. As an educator, I enjoyed reading from the perspective of an educator. Bonus- we both teach high school!. All right that’s where my similarities with the heroine stopped. The nods to far flung, often-forgotten parts of western Kentucky made me feel at home. I relished reading about close-knit families as well as the intermingling of cultures.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I personally loved everything about this book. But learning about our main character is really what made this an amazing read for me. I personally thought Bree was such an amazing character, especially when we learned about her insecurities, her independence, and her passions all made her a fabulous main character. But when she finds her match in Nate the chemistry between the two really blew me out of the water. So if your looking for a great new romance this week make sure you pick up this one today.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this romance story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed. One of the things I enjoyed about this story is how well written it is as well as how the author was able to pull me into the story. I also enjoyed the author’s attention to details that made the story come to life. The characters popped and kept me coming back for more. This is a story about Bree and Steven. She has sworn off dating until he comes into the picture. Now things may be a little different for her. When she finally agrees to give him a chance, things may not be as perfect as they thought. This is where life and fate comes in and could just change things. What happens next with these two you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed their growth and chemistry throughout the story. They are connectable and I found myself hoping they would work things through. This is a great story that I really enjoyed and what the characters brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
