Almost Perfect

By: Julie Ortolon

Narrated by: Jane Cramer

Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Maddy, Christine, and Amy, friends since college, are thrilled to learn their old suitemate's self-help book, How to Have a Perfect Life, has become a smashing bestseller - until they realize she used them as negative examples of how women let fear mess up their lives. The worst part is…it's sort of true. So, the three friends make a pact: They each have one year to face down their fears - and prove Miss Perfect wrong!

A free spirited artist - Maddy was always the artistic one of the group, full of life from her saucy red curls to her vintage hippie skirts. Her challenge, the friends decide, is to get her artwork accepted at a gallery. A job as arts director at a summer camp near Santa Fe - with its thriving art scene - seems like just the thing.

There's just one catch: The camp is run by Maddy's high school flame, Joe, whose heart she smashed when she chose her art over marriage to him. His anger over the breakup hasn't cooled one bit. But neither has their attraction. Old desires burn hotter than ever as Joe makes it clear there's only one way back into his heart: She has to get serious about the art career she once valued above all else. But will falling in love help or hinder Maddy as she struggles to meet her challenge?

©2011 Julie Ortolon (P)2013 Julie Ortolon

Good But Urritating

I loved the story, but honestly, she doesn't learn, which is why Jane felt the need to use her as one of the examples of what to do. I cannot understand why it is so difficult to have a simple and mature conversation about reality. Instead, she prefers to live in denial and lie about everything, which is the same position she was in years ago. Maddie is driving me up the wall with her maturity level. Geez, still needs to grow up.

I'm sorry readers, I just needed to vent. Otherwise, it's a good story about 2nd chances and how we should take advantage of them and make use of of the opportunity when they come around. Good job Julie, the main character was just too annoying for something so simple.

An adult love story about second chances

This is the first audiobook that I've listened to from this author and I believe this is the first book in a trilogy. It was a sweet story, an the angst wasn't over the top, which I appreciate! I will be downloading the other books in the series. There's a HEA and no dreaded cliffhanger!

great story and narrative

very sweet and sexy read. makes you remember what it was like to fall in love for the very first time.

Such a "feel good" story!

This is a review of both the Audible and the Kindle versions.

I haven't enjoyed a new-to-me author this much in a long time and it just goes to prove the old adage about never judging a book by its cover - but in this case, its 'never judge a book by its price.' See, I've had Almost Perfect sitting on my Kindle forever! Seriously, at least couple years, I'm sure. But I had this idea that because it had been free, it probably wasn't all that good, so I was in no hurry to get to it. Yeeaaah, no! I was totally wrong about that and I'm kicking myself for having waited so long to read this story.

Description...

Maddy, Christine, and Amy find that an old college roommate has written about them in her new self-help book-and they're furious that she's used them as examples of how women screw up their lives. And the worst part is, it's sort of true. Together they make a pact: they'll face down their fears-and maybe show Miss Perfect a thing or two!

Maddy rejected her high school sweetheart's marriage proposal for art school years ago. Now her friends challenge her to rediscover her lost passion for arts. In doing so, she crosses paths with her old flame, Joe, at an art camp. Perhaps it's about time that Maddy reignites another old passion.

My review...

There are a few things that stand out in my mind as to what makes this such an entertaining story. Most definitely Christine and Amy and their friendship with Maddy - true friends who tell you what you need to hear, even when it's not what you want to hear. Their relationship added a bit of a chick-lit feel, but not too much. This truly is a romance driven novel. And a steamy one, at that!

Another thing I loved is the theme of never giving up on your dreams. In fact, that's the jumping off point and the foundation of the story. And while the friendship is the catalyst for Maddie reaching for her dreams, Joe is also there, cheering her on.

But for me, best of all, I loved this second chance romance that, against almost impossible odds, was truly wonderful. No hurried forgiveness, no lame excuses that are acceptable just to move things along...the whole story, start to finish, drew me in and kept me totally invested in these very real, totally normal, compelling flawed people. (And an FYI to those I know will be wondering - there was no cheating involved when the relationship ended the first time.)

The audio...

Jane Cramer did a great job of giving each character a distinctive voice and personality. Her own voice is smooth, pleasant, and so, so easy to listen to!

I'm excited to read more by this talented author/narrator team!

My thanks to the Ortolons for providing me with a copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review. It was such a pleasure!

Enjoyed the interactions between the friends.

Maddie had put her art career on hold while her husband had cancer. She stepped in to help run his accounting firm, and now since his passing, she hasn't done anything towards rekindling earlier desire of making a name for herself. Maddie is charged with getting her art in a gallery and an offer to work as an Art Coordinator for a summer camp near Santa Fe, seems the perfect opportunity. Just one big problem, her high school boyfriend Joe, is the Camp Director. She hopes to clear the air with him and maybe once again become friends. Only Joe hasn't forgotten, nor has he forgiven her.

Maddie and Joe had sparks right from the start. When Joe finds out his mother has hired Maddie behind his back, he tries to make her leave. They share a history, but have since grown and changed and become new people. I think second chance at love stories work best when both of the couple have not only changed since they were together last, but still have growth opportunities available. This was especially true for Maddie and Joe. I enjoyed the story and though this is part of a trilogy, the only cliffhanger is what happens to Christine in her story. I would listen to the next 2 books, as I really enjoyed the interactions between the women.

I think Jane Cramer did a good job on the narration. Though she didn't really change up the tone of the different voices, she did give each one it's own distinct rhythm and cadence that made it clear which character was speaking. I was pleased with the overall performance and would listen to her again. This was a solid 3 stars.

Almost perfect indeed!

This is a feel good, old fashioned type of romance.
Some steamy scenes which is never crude or over the top. The tension between the two main protagonists were enough to make me want to listen more and more.

The Momma character was a hoot as well as a very wise woman who basically served to explain the theme of the book while the two main protagonists served to advance the plot of love lost, misunderstaning etc.

The narrator, Jane Cramer did a brilliant job in giving a voice to a very loveable cast of characters.

WaAr

Sweet Romance

Such a fun and yummy romance. The story has many layers and levels to the relationship. I am a sucker for reunited lovers. This book really delivers.

Maddy is a typical artist, they feel so much and second guess themselves. Thankfully that does not make her angsty. She is perfect for Joe, who is serious and organized. I love their dynamic, sure they have issues to resolve from their past, but they are great together.

The wonderful thing about these books is that a whole lot of time does not need to be spent on making the connection feel real. They already have a past that builds banked feelings. The story does work to resolve hurt feelings from a bad breakup, sometimes people need time to grow before they are a great match.

At first I did not think I would like the references to the self-help book. Turns out they were well done and matched up with the story really well. This is a romance about two people who are still a little flawed, they let outside factors influence their choices. It was interesting to see Maddy make realizations and try to change.

It is a mixed narrative, switching between the two leads POV. This is my favorite style. It gives so much insight into what they are each feeling and motivation for their actions. They both had a touch of angst to work through.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jane Cramer, She does a great job with the pace, brisk and steady. She has consistent and distinct voices. The men could be a touch deeper, but that is me being picky. She did a great job of infusing emotion and energy into the read.

This is more of a room temperature read than a hot and spicy romp. While the bedroom door is open it is not overly detailed. More NC-17 than R rated. I enjoyed the bedroom stuff, it doesn't always have to be ultra spicy. There are times when warm and fuzzy work, this is one of those series.

Overall, the read is entertaining and has plenty of movement throughout the story. The relationship has some solid ups and downs that feel real. By the end I was totally sold on the I love yous! Sigh, I may have shed a tear or two!

Disclosure - I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Perfectly fluffy

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, absolutely! This is exactly what it looks like - a paint by numbers romance with a decent plot. It won't win Hugo's but it's lovely. It flows with an effortless beauty which is difficult to achieve in this genre.

What other book might you compare Almost Perfect to and why?

Nora Roberts books come to mind. This isn't a fantasy romance but it has that same relatable feel to it. The performance and the voice of both written and spoken narration is beautiful and charming and reels you in.

What about Jane Cramer’s performance did you like?

The slight changes in tone and rhythm when reading spoken dialogue or an actual scene, compared to that of reading text within the text is masterful. It honours the integrity of the written work. It's an amazing performance.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Will dreams get in the way of their second chance?

Any additional comments?

That tag line is so corny but it is what the book is, which is fluff. It's enjoyable and kind of brainless fluff but in the best possible way. Sometimes all you want is a book like this you can glide through.

Great read

This was a really wonderful story. I am so glad I purchased this book and I can't wait to read the next 2. I think it would make a really good movie.

Excellent Series

Would you listen to Almost Perfect again? Why?

Yes I will! Excellent story.

What did you like best about this story?

The interaction of three friends - the past and the present. How so much can change. How finding love can be so hard and yet so rewarding.

What does Jane Cramer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The expressions and meaning in her words. She does an excellent job narrating. When I was small I loved being read to - I still love it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me want to read the whole series! Plus read every book Julie has written!

Any additional comments?

Almost Perfect was the first book I read written by Julie Ortolon. I am hooked. I love how she writes and how she puts so much meaning into her characters. I listened to the Perfect Trilogy series - read the Texas Heat Series and now I am listening to the Pearl Island Series. I am telling everyone about her and how great her books are.