Perfect Imperfections

By: Cardeno C.

Narrated by: Charlie David

Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

Hollywood royalty Jeremy Jameson has lived a sheltered life with music as his sole focus and only friend. Before embarking on another international concert tour, he wanders into a bar in what he considers the middle-of-nowhere and meets a man who wins him over with his friendly smile and easy-going nature. Accountant, bartender, and adventure-seeker Reg Moore has fun talking and drinking with "The" Jeremy Jameson and can't say no when the supposedly straight rock star makes him a once-in-a-lifetime offer: keep him company on his tour by playing the part of his boyfriend.

Listening to music, traveling the world, and jumping off cliffs is fun. Falling in love is even better. But to stay with Jeremy after the stage lights dim, Reg will need to help him realize there's nothing to pretend about their relationship.

©2014 Cardeno C. (P)2015 Cardeno C.

One of my favorites of all time!

Any additional comments?

When 31 year old Rock superstar Jeremy Jameson steps into a seedy bar in Munds Park, Arizona it turns out to be the best thing to ever happen to him.

Jeremy is not your typical “rock star”…there’s no drugs, or scores of sexual exploits, or crazy publicity antics…he’s quiet, a bit shy, and, most of all, lonely. When he starts up a conversation with bartender, Reggie Moore, he finds himself relaxed and engaged and having a great time. After closing down the bar, ending up on Reg’s couch for the night, and a few more drinks an idea takes root: Reg would love to travel more and Jeremy is sick of going out on the road alone, or with women who don’t understand it’s not all premieres and glitzy events…so Jeremy offers Reg the opportunity to become Jeremy’s pretend boyfriend for seven months of travel, companionship, and adventure while Jeremy plays his latest world tour dates.

Reg isn’t your typical bartender, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a degree in Accounting, but since an office job was killing him, he returned home to work and save enough money to go travel the world. Reg understands that Jeremy doesn’t want a real boyfriend, but a friend, someone to spend with who wouldn’t have ulterior motives or make constant demands. The offer is amazing but Reg makes two requests: ask again once Jeremy sobers up and to give him a year instead of seven months.

~~~~~~~

It was sad that he felt he had to essentially hire that function out, but Reg wouldn’t complain. Jeremy was cool, his music was amazing, and touring the world would be a dream come true. “I hope so, man,” he said. “That’d be awesome.”
“It would.” Jeremy nodded. “No more lonely nights. No more boring flights with nobody to talk to. No more girls who say they want to be with me when they don’t even like me, and all they really want is a leg up.” He sighed. “No more.”

~~~~~~~

This story is hands down one of my favorite books of all time. I played a game with a friend where I was asked to name three books I would want with me if I was stranded on a deserted island, and Perfect Imperfections easily made the list. Why? Because, to me, it’s perfect. There’s no angst, no miscommunication, tons of humor, and hot sexy times. It’s fluffy crack.

For me the only thing that was missing was an audio version.

If you asked me for a list of my favorite narrators you would absolutely find Charlie David on that list…so finding out he was doing to the narration for one of my favorite books?

I hoped the narration would live up to the love I had for the book and wasn’t surprised when Charlie David gives another absolutely wonderful performance! The characters, the humor, the sexiness – it all comes through perfectly.

You want to know how I know this audio is fantastic? I immediately replayed the audio as soon as it finished the first time.

The story is absolute fluff-tastic sweetness and cuteness, and when coupled with Charlie David’s phenomenal performance, it’s absolutely unforgettable. Perfect Imperfections…I love you!!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Perfection

Like cookies and milk or chocolate and peanut butter, Charlie and Cardeno are great together. So happy that this sexy story has a sexy narrator.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Loved this beyond words

Amazing! Sexy! Wonderful! Just listen to it. HAWT!!!!!!!!! You won't go wrong if you love M/M romance. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!! Cardeno's BEST!!!!! And Charlie David was AMAZING!!!!!!

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

PERFECT imperfections: 5 Star Excellence !!!!!

Any additional comments?

PERFECT: I read & listen to a LOT of books & there are VERY few that are both full 5 stars for overall/story/narration AND worthy of multiple listens. That short list includes the likes of Tolkien, Diana Gabaldon, JK Rowling, Patricia Briggs & Gail Carriger. And except for Lord John, none of the others are M/M. This is nothing like any of them but it IS excellent! The synergy of Cardano C. & Charlie David make a welcome change from the abundance of mediocre narration and/or writing and godawful cover art out there. The narration is consistent, fits the characters and adds to the story & mood rather than distracting from it. The writing makes an implausible premise completely believable with humor, enjoyable characters, unfortunate but accurate human behavior and sexy chemistry between the leads. imperfections: early on there is an audio clip that belongs to a scene other than the one where it is placed. the theme song isn't worthy of the main character, however the riff between chapters adds to the mood of book. A repeat read keeper, I wish they were all this good.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Perfection

Cardeno C. with Charlie David is a match made in audiobook heaven. Charlie has the sexiest, smokey voice that simply allows you to feel all of the emotion that Cardeno has put into the story. This was perfection.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

One of my favorites...

** Audiobook provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review.***

Perfect Imperfections is one of my favorite reads of the year and the audiobook managed to surpass every expectation I had of it!

Jeremy is rockstar royalty, and he's straight or so he thinks. Despite his upbringing or perhaps because of it, he's very innocent in some of his beliefs. Reg is the most patient man in the universe, I swear, he gives Jeremy all he needs in terms of closeness and intimacy as he waits for him to realize that he might not be as straight as he's always thought.

Charlie David did a fantastic job at making Jeremy and Reg come to life and more than made justice to a story that was already fantastic on its own right. He imprinted a lot of emotion into the narration, managing to show us all the elements that made this story so great. He conveyed Jeremy and Reg's growing intimacy, their feelings, Jeremy's innocence and Reg's patience and love; and damn if he somehow made the sizzling chemistry between Jeremy and Reg and the hotness of them together burn even hotter.

All the different nuances in his voice, and the different voices he made for the different characters, how differently he narrated the funnier parts from the very sexy scenes to the more serious, emotion-filled scenes, that is what separates this audiobook from the rest. Definitely my favorite of all the audiobooks I've listened so far!

Rating: 5+ Stars!!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

another good 1

Cardeno C did it again another good book for his listeners. I can't wait for the next one.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

5 Stars! Flawless!

About the story...

A straightforward read, very little angst, with a heavy focus on the relationship...which was as always, deliciously sweet!

Cardeno C. does an amazing job when it comes to characters developing a friendship first, then building on that as they search for something more. It's a trademark aspect in many of this author's books, and something I really enjoy and look forward too. You get to know them first, understand their frame of mind before they deepen their bond and become intimate...an then it's always so loving and tender. Such is the relationship that develops between Jeremy and Reg

It was a delightful read, and as with all of Cardeno C's books, the sweet bubbles to the top and leaves the reader with a satisfying glow and a happily-ever-after smile!

About the audio book...

This was my first listen by Charlie David and I found his narration to be as smooth as silk. His tone was easy on the ears, he created distinguishable fitting voices for each of the characters, and transitioned nicely from one to the next. The narrator also understood Jeremy and Reg's personalities, brought the needed emotions into their voices at the right time, captured the essence of the story and made this a very pleasant listen. I'll definitely be looking for more of his work

Loved the rock song intro in the beginning, and then the brief musical interludes between chapters, however I wish it would have only played once, it wasn't necessary for it to fade in and out twice. That's my only complaint.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

LOVE IT!

The story is amazing! It's a extremely sweet love.. the way Regi treats Jeremy is sooooo romantic. I really loved how the story was written.

Personally I think Cardeno C. its excellent. Always finds a way to write a heartwarming story full of hot scenes too.

The way the narrator give life to the characters is the best! and the music in between chapter was just great. Couldn't stop singing along.

I enjoyed from beginning to end!

Totally recommended!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fluffy and fine

Right off the bat I have to say I am very partial to the theme music that sets the tone for this audiobook - Hearts On Fire by Kev Loy and Richard Kimmings. To be honest, I was ridiculously happy to have that in there! I not only loved the song (and of course the name) but it was an awesome set up to the tone of the book.

Narrated by Charlie David, this is the story of Jeremy, a world famous musician, with an impeccable Hollywood pedigree ranging from his Oscar winning director grandfather to his (deceased) rock god father and his Hollywood royalty actress mother. He is the leading musician in the world and is incredibly talented and incredibly lonely. He comes across throughout the book as very young and/or very innocent. He has been groomed for fame since he was a small child and so really that’s all he’s ever known. “Regular” activities or experiences have never happened for him, let alone adventures. He’s about to start on yet another international tour where he will be making the music that makes him happy, staying at plush hotels with amazing foods and seeing what he can of a new place all by himself while dealing with paparazzi and a manager who doesn’t really let him rest. Lonely.

His choice of bar in a road trip before the tour is a small place in a little no-where town called Munds Park. It is here he meets (and pretty much immediately offends) the bartender, Reg. He is having a great time for the first time in ages, talking and laughing with Reg for six hours, in the interim getting too drunk to drive. Reg is sweet and invites Jeremy to chill out on his couch. Of course, this is when Jeremy offends, noting that he’s in “Whatever Park…Why would I know anybody here?” Snobby diva. Luckily he realizes it and Reg is an easygoing guy and forgives him, after some teasing.

Turns out even though Jeremy has been playing incognito, Reg has recognized him. As they discuss through the night, Reg’s dream of travel and adventure combines with Jeremy’s aching wish to have someone to talk to and Jeremy comes up with the idea of hiring Reg to be his “pretend boyfriend”, some on the road with him and spend time. Awesome for Reg and comforting for Jeremy. After waiting to make sure Jeremy is serious and it wasn’t the alcohol talking, (and requiring a very funny walk the line) Reg agrees and here really is the first time Jeremy’s innocence (or sheltered life) is apparent, when he “widened his eyes and parted his lips. “An adventure?” he gasped.” Poor Jeremy.

And so begins the adventure of Jeremy and Reg and it is absolutely lovely. Suspend disbelief for a little bit because Reg may seem too good to be true but about time Jeremy had that. He does things that make you think he’s much younger than 31, such as chewing on his collar when he’s nervous. He is surrounded by people but doesn’t have real interactions with them, even those considered “close”. I thought it was sad that Bill had been Jeremy’s manager for eight years and Jeremy knew nothing about him. Of course, Bill comes across as a major jerk at times, though he seems to have Jeremy’s interests at heart. His initial meeting with Reg, well, it just highlights how being THE Jeremy Jameson might just be a pretty tough way to live.

What Reg does, through the glamour and otherwise that is the life of a rock star, is treat Jeremy like a “buddy, an equal, a regular guy.” And this pampered, lonely rock star loves it. And if he starts questioning himself and who he is, well, even better.

Have to say – Jeremy is an adorable drunk. “Raising his hand to rub his eye, Jeremy punched himself in the nose instead.” I laughed at that out loud, even more when Reg helpfully points out, “You hit yourself.” They are just cute together, bickering and teasing. “Is that supposed to be an impression of me?” Jeremy asked incredulously. “Because I so don’t sound like a dying, constipated, one-nutted squirrel.”

Let’s put it out there – Jeremy of the purple hair is a wonderful thing. Purple hair gets me every time. But Reg? I loved him. He’s patient, kind and adventurous but he is also loyal and sweet and is never a doormat despite his chill exterior. He absolutely refuses to let anyone bully Jeremy and he calls Jeremy on his diva behavior. Win-win with Reg, Jeremy. I saw this not as a gay for you on Jeremy’s part but rather as an awakening of the real person, not just the stage persona everyone expected. Jeremy himself questions, “I’m thirty-two years old. How did I not know this about myself?” Maybe because you’ve never had the chance to actually be with someone who wanted you for yourself.

I did want to know – why did Jeremy’s mom support him like she did? That wasn’t addressed and since Mama is clearly a selfish Hollywood diva, I really wondered. I’m glad she did, even if there was trouble later, but still wondered what prompted that decision. Since later in the story she shows the selfish when her use of Harold causes trouble for Jeremy and Reg.

I loved Reg’s declaration, Jeremy’s innocence in contrast with him being such a rock god, adored Becky and was even on board with Bill’s voyeuristic streak even if it was sort of ewww. But mostly, I just loved the maybe too perfect coming together of Jeremy and Reg.

The book is marshmallow fluff at its finest. I thought Charlie David did a wonderful job narrating. Yes, I’d have appreciated a bit more differentiation between Jeremy and Reg’s voices but then again, Charlie David has a sultry voice so when sexy bits came up, it was perfect. I liked this book a lot when I read it. I loved it more when I listened to it. Recommended for a sweet, feel good time.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A perfect slow-burn friends to lovers with hot HEA

What made the experience of listening to Perfect Imperfections the most enjoyable?

This is such a beautiful character lead story with incredibly real and likeable main characters that are so well written the reader/listener genuinely feels like they know the men! The story develops so beautifully from a random meeting to genuine warm friendship that eventually becomes more, once Jeremy discovers things he never knew about himself! Jeremy is a Rock Star born to famous parents who grew up in the glare of the media but never had a real friend, and Reggie is just a regular guy who is everything Jeremy needs. Reggie is such an amiable guy, everyone should have a Reggie in their lives.
A thoroughly lovely book, narrated beautifully by Charlie David, this is a real feel-good story!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

not everything has to be taken serious

This was a nice book, though the plot was unbelievable on two points. I liked the characters and the narrator really hit the right tone everywhere.
With 'overall'-rating I judged the technical quality. There were several chapters without noise reduction, or maybe it was a vacuum cleaner in the distance. And you could hear the narrator handling the microphone and at one point I thought maybe a door opened. The music in between the chapters was ridiculous: when you need a 10-second clip, you don't choose a 3-minute song and fade out. TWICE! At the end and at the beginning of every chapter, so you always heard it double.

Great experience

The great storyline, conveyed by the silky voice of Charlie David makes listening to the book a great experience.
Few moments will make your heart beat faster and lips go dry. Enjoyed it from start to finish.
-Cyberian

Can't distinguish between the MCs

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I love this story, at least when reading it but the voices between the MCs weren't distinguishable and that made it difficult to understand who was talking if you aren't familiar with the story.

Any additional comments?

The song in the beginning and between the chapters was ANNOYING!!! I didn't care for the music, which every time I heard it I thought I was going to listen to a Scorpions song, and the lyrics were meeeeh!

A winner

A winning combination of Cardeno C and Charlie David. The story is funny and loving and basically one long sweet seduction, both main characters are sympathetic, and Bill the manager is a deviation from the norm by being gay himself, rather than the 'usual' villan. Charlie David is simply an excellent narrator, both main characters have their own distinct 'voice' and he always reads with feeling. Worth the money, listen to it!