As 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.
As 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.
As 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.
As 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.
Reviewed by: @faithfulgirl4
As 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.
As 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.
As 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.
As 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??
As 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!
As 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. (:
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
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
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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
