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Perfect Trilogy #1
Almost Perfect
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!
A Free Spirit
Maddy was always the artistic one of the group, alive with color and mischief 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 multitude of galleries—seems like a start in the right direction.
A Reformed Bad Boy
There’s just one catch: The camp is run by Maddy’s high school flame, Joe, whose heart she broke—okay, smashed—and his anger towards Maddy hasn’t cooled one bit. But neither has their attraction.
A Perfect Match?
Old desires burn hotter than ever as Joe makes it clear there’s only one way back to his heart: She has to get serious about her art. But will falling in love help or hinder Maddy as she struggles to meet her challenge?
A Free Spirit
Maddy was always the artistic one of the group, alive with color and mischief 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 multitude of galleries—seems like a start in the right direction.
A Reformed Bad Boy
There’s just one catch: The camp is run by Maddy’s high school flame, Joe, whose heart she broke—okay, smashed—and his anger towards Maddy hasn’t cooled one bit. But neither has their attraction.
A Perfect Match?
Old desires burn hotter than ever as Joe makes it clear there’s only one way back to his heart: She has to get serious about her art. But will falling in love help or hinder Maddy as she struggles to meet her challenge?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2005
483 people are currently reading
3385 people want to read
About the author
Julie Ortolon
19 books550 followersMost authors will tell you they've been writing and reading since childhood. Not me. I hated reading and never imagined I'd someday be a writer. Of course, the fact that I have dyslexia probably has a tiny bit to do with my aversion to the written word.
Nonetheless, I had a very active imagination and spent most of my school years staring out the window dreaming up stories. When I finally escaped the torture of public school, I attended Schreiner College in the Texas Hill Country. Schreiner specializes in programs for students with learning disabilities. With the help of a school administrator, who was willing to type out one of my short stories, I entered a writing contest—won first place!
That was when I started longing for a way to get the other stories that were in my head down on paper. But the act of writing longhand, when I couldn't spell, could barely read, and knew zip about punctuation, proved impossible.
So, I became an artist instead—and was perfectly happy.
Then came the day my journalist husband brought home a computer, and I discovered the wonders of "spell check." I cannot describe how I felt in that moment. That computer was like a magic box—a gateway into a world where anything was possible. I spend every spare minute teaching myself to type, read, punctuate, and somehow get my stories out of my head and onto that glowing white screen.
Ten years, and five complete manuscripts later, I had another magical moment—the day I sold my first book. When I got the news I screamed and cried and made a perfectly ecstatic fool of myself.
The journey to becoming a published author was long and hard, but writing is the most thrilling thing I've ever done.
Nonetheless, I had a very active imagination and spent most of my school years staring out the window dreaming up stories. When I finally escaped the torture of public school, I attended Schreiner College in the Texas Hill Country. Schreiner specializes in programs for students with learning disabilities. With the help of a school administrator, who was willing to type out one of my short stories, I entered a writing contest—won first place!
That was when I started longing for a way to get the other stories that were in my head down on paper. But the act of writing longhand, when I couldn't spell, could barely read, and knew zip about punctuation, proved impossible.
So, I became an artist instead—and was perfectly happy.
Then came the day my journalist husband brought home a computer, and I discovered the wonders of "spell check." I cannot describe how I felt in that moment. That computer was like a magic box—a gateway into a world where anything was possible. I spend every spare minute teaching myself to type, read, punctuate, and somehow get my stories out of my head and onto that glowing white screen.
Ten years, and five complete manuscripts later, I had another magical moment—the day I sold my first book. When I got the news I screamed and cried and made a perfectly ecstatic fool of myself.
The journey to becoming a published author was long and hard, but writing is the most thrilling thing I've ever done.
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November 20, 2015
4 'made me laugh, made me sigh, truly feel good stars!!'
This is a review of both the Audible and the Kindle versions.
*Never let your past limit your future.
*The gift of good intentions is often a burden to the receiver.
*Nothing comes without a price, so don't whine when the bill arrives.
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.~from How To Have A Perfect Life
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!My review...
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.
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!
Almost Perfect is currently a Kindle Freebie! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004... via
Audible version is just $1.99 - http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Alm...
December 11, 2022
Jess Vendermire, Vampire Hunter #1
New York City is in the grasp of a deadly, unseen enemy. At least unseen by normal society. Lieutenant Jess Vandermine, New York City police officer, is uniquely specialised to recognise and fight this threat. It's her job to forge a blacks ops team, an assortment of men and women wh wouldn't be considered for the job under normal circumstances.
On finishing this book, I still don't know if it's a crime thriller or a romantic read. But I still enjoyed it anyway.
#FreeKindleBook
New York City is in the grasp of a deadly, unseen enemy. At least unseen by normal society. Lieutenant Jess Vandermine, New York City police officer, is uniquely specialised to recognise and fight this threat. It's her job to forge a blacks ops team, an assortment of men and women wh wouldn't be considered for the job under normal circumstances.
On finishing this book, I still don't know if it's a crime thriller or a romantic read. But I still enjoyed it anyway.
#FreeKindleBook
March 3, 2009
Three friends decide to risk it all after a college roommate uses them as examples of how women let fear hold them back. In this first book, Maddy Hills sets out to get a piece of her art into a gallery, and as a stepping stone, she takes a job at the camp of her high school sweetheart, Joe, whose heart she broke when she put her independence ahead of his marriage proposal.
I enjoyed this book a lot, though I think it could have had about sixty more pages added to it. Joe and Maddy have undeniable chemistry and honest issues to work through, like Joe's resentment of the past, Maddy's fear of failure and losing her independence, and the fact that they live in two different states. Maddy is a character you can imagine beings friends with and she's a very real, very flawed woman. There were a few things that I would have liked to see more of, namely interactions with the campers, a little more sexual tension (they jump into that part of the relationship fairly quickly) and more inner dialogue as Maddy worked through her issues. Overall, it bordered on a C+/B-, but I felt too good at the end of the story to give it a C+.
I enjoyed this book a lot, though I think it could have had about sixty more pages added to it. Joe and Maddy have undeniable chemistry and honest issues to work through, like Joe's resentment of the past, Maddy's fear of failure and losing her independence, and the fact that they live in two different states. Maddy is a character you can imagine beings friends with and she's a very real, very flawed woman. There were a few things that I would have liked to see more of, namely interactions with the campers, a little more sexual tension (they jump into that part of the relationship fairly quickly) and more inner dialogue as Maddy worked through her issues. Overall, it bordered on a C+/B-, but I felt too good at the end of the story to give it a C+.
July 10, 2009
Cute at times, but overall way too cheesy for me.
His frown deepened. "Are you telling me to stop?"
"No! Good God, no." Another shaky laugh came out. "I'm just warning you I feel like a whole case of dynamite that's about to . . . go off."
A purely male smile tugged at his lips. "Good thing I'm rated expert in handling explosives."
Multiple exchanges like the one above had me groaning at the utter corniness and really having to put the book down for a while. This was my first book by Julie Ortolon and I can't say I'm in a big hurry to read any more either. Usually a big fan of light contemporaries, but this one just didn't do it for me.
His frown deepened. "Are you telling me to stop?"
"No! Good God, no." Another shaky laugh came out. "I'm just warning you I feel like a whole case of dynamite that's about to . . . go off."
A purely male smile tugged at his lips. "Good thing I'm rated expert in handling explosives."
Multiple exchanges like the one above had me groaning at the utter corniness and really having to put the book down for a while. This was my first book by Julie Ortolon and I can't say I'm in a big hurry to read any more either. Usually a big fan of light contemporaries, but this one just didn't do it for me.
April 24, 2011
Why do I keep doing this??? These books are free on the kindle and so easy to read. Like ramen. Or salt and vinegar kettle chips. I read it in one day.
Plot: 3 BFFs are outraged that their old college roommate has written a self-help book about them. They challenge each other to overcome their fears or...the loser must buy the other two lunch! Gasp. Maddy, the protagonist, must get her artwork in a gallery and to do so, becomes the Arts & Crafts coordinator at Camp Enchantment (you read that right). The only catch? Her hunky teenage flame now turned wounded war vet is the director. Ooh...
The psychology behind the characters was more interesting than your typical commitment phobia or charming stubbornness. However, it only emerged towards the very end of the novel. There are so many things I could complain about, flaws that span over the whole chicklit genre (or at least, the free ones I've been reading): the cheesy one liners, the overkill descriptions of EVERY outfit change, the lack of characterization of supporting female characters (other than bitches or busybody matchmakers or that fab BFF), the unrealistic little kids, the inaccurate vernacular, the unbearable gimickiness of the hook, the fact that the MC's profession seems to be totally out of the author's area of expertise, etc.
So I won't complain about those but I especially found it hard to suspend disbelief that Maddy hardly ever mentioned/thought her dead husband unless it was related to her career. And wouldn't Joe have some sort of PTSD from being in combat? Many loose strings that need to be explored more and weaved together more cohesively. I still got that warm fuzzy feeling at times but I'm not sure this would be worth your time unless your brain is frazzled and you need some lovin'.
Plot: 3 BFFs are outraged that their old college roommate has written a self-help book about them. They challenge each other to overcome their fears or...the loser must buy the other two lunch! Gasp. Maddy, the protagonist, must get her artwork in a gallery and to do so, becomes the Arts & Crafts coordinator at Camp Enchantment (you read that right). The only catch? Her hunky teenage flame now turned wounded war vet is the director. Ooh...
The psychology behind the characters was more interesting than your typical commitment phobia or charming stubbornness. However, it only emerged towards the very end of the novel. There are so many things I could complain about, flaws that span over the whole chicklit genre (or at least, the free ones I've been reading): the cheesy one liners, the overkill descriptions of EVERY outfit change, the lack of characterization of supporting female characters (other than bitches or busybody matchmakers or that fab BFF), the unrealistic little kids, the inaccurate vernacular, the unbearable gimickiness of the hook, the fact that the MC's profession seems to be totally out of the author's area of expertise, etc.
So I won't complain about those but I especially found it hard to suspend disbelief that Maddy hardly ever mentioned/thought her dead husband unless it was related to her career. And wouldn't Joe have some sort of PTSD from being in combat? Many loose strings that need to be explored more and weaved together more cohesively. I still got that warm fuzzy feeling at times but I'm not sure this would be worth your time unless your brain is frazzled and you need some lovin'.
May 18, 2010
Almost Perfect is the first of the "perfect trilogy" and is a good, quick read.
This is Maddy's story and centers around her desire to get her artwork accepted at a gallery and her fear to do so. All three books surround the premise of conquering fear, a feeling that we all share in different quantities!
Maddy's love interest is Joe. Her childhood sweetheart who proposed to Maddy and has never gotten over the rejection that she handed to him. He is now the director of the camp that Maddy has gone to work at for the summer (on the invitation of his mother!). Maddy now widowed is still extremely attracted to Joe and interested in "picking up where they left off" if only Joe can take the risk of making himself vulnerable again. We learn throughout the book why this is difficult for him and come to love both characters vulnerablilites.
If you are looking for depth and multiples layers of a storyline, move on past this one, but if your okay with a quick read with some clever dialogue, this book will satisfy. A four course meal is lovely, but sometimes a quick McDonalds french fry is what your craving. Consider this fast-food romance. Quick, fun, addicting, and predictable.
This is Maddy's story and centers around her desire to get her artwork accepted at a gallery and her fear to do so. All three books surround the premise of conquering fear, a feeling that we all share in different quantities!
Maddy's love interest is Joe. Her childhood sweetheart who proposed to Maddy and has never gotten over the rejection that she handed to him. He is now the director of the camp that Maddy has gone to work at for the summer (on the invitation of his mother!). Maddy now widowed is still extremely attracted to Joe and interested in "picking up where they left off" if only Joe can take the risk of making himself vulnerable again. We learn throughout the book why this is difficult for him and come to love both characters vulnerablilites.
If you are looking for depth and multiples layers of a storyline, move on past this one, but if your okay with a quick read with some clever dialogue, this book will satisfy. A four course meal is lovely, but sometimes a quick McDonalds french fry is what your craving. Consider this fast-food romance. Quick, fun, addicting, and predictable.
June 16, 2011
This one made me wish books came with ratings, just like the movies. To say it is racy is an understatement. If it were a movie I would classify it NC-17. I wasn't expecting that; of course, I should have read the reviews before downloading it, but it was free so I went for it.
It is not how they nonchalantly speak about sex. What made me skip ahead in this book was the incredibly detailed description of the main characters having sex. It was too much, at least for a novel that came with no warning and in some places was advertised as Christian fiction. You know, just because it mentions God in passing it does not mean it is a Christian novel. Hardly.
Also, the main characters speak about how much they have changed, grown since they were together in High School, but then almost immediately they act worse than teenagers with stupid misunderstandings, jumping to conclusions and running away from each other in opposite directions like stubborn children.
Needless to say, it was a waste of my time, and, since while I read I tend to play it like a movie in my head, I have quite a few visuals that will take time to erase from memory.
It is not how they nonchalantly speak about sex. What made me skip ahead in this book was the incredibly detailed description of the main characters having sex. It was too much, at least for a novel that came with no warning and in some places was advertised as Christian fiction. You know, just because it mentions God in passing it does not mean it is a Christian novel. Hardly.
Also, the main characters speak about how much they have changed, grown since they were together in High School, but then almost immediately they act worse than teenagers with stupid misunderstandings, jumping to conclusions and running away from each other in opposite directions like stubborn children.
Needless to say, it was a waste of my time, and, since while I read I tend to play it like a movie in my head, I have quite a few visuals that will take time to erase from memory.
June 15, 2012
Book 1...I LOVE this series! This trilogy starts great, the idea of the three best friends finding that their suite mate made them examples in her book and thusly creating the premise of the series was a great way to introduce the main characters. The love, loyalty and friendship that is seen throught the wholel series between these three women is phenominal. I wish I could find one friend who I could interact like these three do. I also like that this series isn't about teenagers or even twenty-somethings, but relates to us middle of the road women.
On to the book....Maddy and Joe have a past that almost destroys their future before they even gave it a chance. I loved Mama Frasier's character and her bringing the two together. I liked how steady Joe was throughout the book, how he had always thought Maddy was a great artist and did his all to get her to see it.
Since I've read the whole series...I'm telling you that you HAVE to read every book. It is such a great read. I plan on reading it at least once a year and sharing it with many others.
On to the book....Maddy and Joe have a past that almost destroys their future before they even gave it a chance. I loved Mama Frasier's character and her bringing the two together. I liked how steady Joe was throughout the book, how he had always thought Maddy was a great artist and did his all to get her to see it.
Since I've read the whole series...I'm telling you that you HAVE to read every book. It is such a great read. I plan on reading it at least once a year and sharing it with many others.
November 28, 2007
This book is about 3 girls who are friends that never have any problems between each other. so, one day they made a bet with each other that they must complete a fear they were never able to accomplish. This book is about one girl's accomplishment to over come her high school love, and to make her art into a gallery.
I think these series of books are more interesting then others. Instead of having the same thing repeating over and over again, they have a totally new setting and conflict to the next girl's accomplishments.
I think these series of books are more interesting then others. Instead of having the same thing repeating over and over again, they have a totally new setting and conflict to the next girl's accomplishments.
January 14, 2013
Too chick lit for me
And the final straw for my reading was when they started making out and Maddy is worried about her cellulite and sagging breasts because she's 32 years old. She was also worried about wrinkles around her eyes. Really?! You haven't had kids and you're only 32 and you're already saggy? That didn't make sense to me
DNF
And the final straw for my reading was when they started making out and Maddy is worried about her cellulite and sagging breasts because she's 32 years old. She was also worried about wrinkles around her eyes. Really?! You haven't had kids and you're only 32 and you're already saggy? That didn't make sense to me
DNF
April 6, 2013
Bütün gece elimden bırakamadım. Güzel ve sürükleyiciydi. Tavsiye edilir :))
February 4, 2021
I really loved this book! It was a lot more intense from the normal romance books that I read. Can’t wait to read book two!!!
February 17, 2022
Cute and predictable.
There were good elements, such as the fact the main couple is working at an activities camp for girls, and that they have had interesting experiences in their lives, but the ensemble of all of this wasn't as exciting as it could be.
There were good elements, such as the fact the main couple is working at an activities camp for girls, and that they have had interesting experiences in their lives, but the ensemble of all of this wasn't as exciting as it could be.
November 30, 2012
Almost Perfect by Julie Ortolon
Reviewed by Michala T.
Maddy, Christine, and Amy have come to support their best friend, Jane Redding, who has just recently published her first book, “How to Have a Perfect Life”. They are amazed and just super thrilled for Jane but are also a bit envious that Jane has somehow done what they have yet to do, which is to have the perfect life.
The three of them get to talking and of course being best friends, they are quick to point out the other’s fears and obstacles. They decide to risk it all after Jane’s success and use her book to propel them towards their own perfect lives. In this first book, which by the way this is a trilogy, Maddy Hills is the main character.
Maddy turned away from her first love, Joe, when she was in high school thanks to winning a full scholarship to an awesome art school. She didn’t look back or regret her choice either. At least, that’s what she tells herself every day. After meeting an accountant and marrying him, she suffers through his slow death thanks to cancer. In the midst of caring for him and making sure his business was always a constant success, she ended up turning away from her passion of art.
Now, Maddy and her two best friends make a bet with each other to find their perfect life. Maddy’s side of the bet involves getting her art into a gallery. To begin, she accepts a position at a youth camp. The only problem is her high school sweetheart that she turned away from runs the camp. She broke his heart years ago when she put her life, her passion for art, and her independence ahead of him, turning him down when he proposed.
She is terrified at the idea of seeing him again, but she can’t back out now. Not when she’s already accepted the position, drove down there, and of course, there is the bet she made. No, Maddy isn’t the kind to back down from getting what she wants, which is the perfect life. Only Maddy learns, sometimes having an almost perfect life is better than having the perfect life.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Julie Ortolon grabs the reader from with the first page and really develops her characters in a pace that isn’t too slow and isn’t too hurried. The book reads well and you really become attached to the journey of Maddy’s ups and downs as she fights to achieve her dreams. The book is fun, sexy, and makes you want to grab your besties and make your own bet in hopes of obtaining your own almost perfect life.
The story plot is excellent. It is a unique plot which isn’t an easy task to achieve these days. Finding an author who can spin a new tale is an achievement of its own and Julie does that quite well. I am not an avid art lover nor do I know much about it but Julie crafts Maddy’s passion for painting and thrusts the reader into the world of art galleries in a manner that is solid and yet welcoming. The summer youth camp aspect was done just as well.
The characters are realistic and the reader can’t help but fall in love with them. The closer Maddy and Joe grow mingled with the frustrations over the past forcing them to part again are very realistic. This is not a ‘girl swoons all over boy and boy and girl kiss and make up and forget all about how girl did boy wrong’ tale. No, Joe is pissed and still very resentful over how he was done wrong and the fights between the two are definitely heated and very realistic. As well as the steamy make-up scenes are.
There were many fine points that I really liked about Almost Perfect. The psychological aspects of emotional relationships really perked my senses throughout this book. When I read something that’s not fantasy I want the characters to be REAL. And Julie did that to the max! What I liked the most about Julie’s novel though, is how she incorporated Maddy’s best friends throughout the story. She set them in places and gave them just enough notice and background to create the urge for me to want to go dive straight into book two and three. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
Verdict: 9.5/10
Why not a perfect 10? I did feel that some scenes, a very miniscule amount, were a little slow and long drawn out. That’s the only negative thing I could come up with regarding this novel, which says a lot. A clean novel, though sex is involved I’d feel comfortable putting it in my teenager’s hands because there is nothing erotic or disheveled or remotely icky about it. Kudos to Julie for keeping it real and keeping it clean.
For more book reviews and lots of other entertaining scenery, visit me on bitemybook.blogspot.com
Reviewed by Michala T.
Maddy, Christine, and Amy have come to support their best friend, Jane Redding, who has just recently published her first book, “How to Have a Perfect Life”. They are amazed and just super thrilled for Jane but are also a bit envious that Jane has somehow done what they have yet to do, which is to have the perfect life.
The three of them get to talking and of course being best friends, they are quick to point out the other’s fears and obstacles. They decide to risk it all after Jane’s success and use her book to propel them towards their own perfect lives. In this first book, which by the way this is a trilogy, Maddy Hills is the main character.
Maddy turned away from her first love, Joe, when she was in high school thanks to winning a full scholarship to an awesome art school. She didn’t look back or regret her choice either. At least, that’s what she tells herself every day. After meeting an accountant and marrying him, she suffers through his slow death thanks to cancer. In the midst of caring for him and making sure his business was always a constant success, she ended up turning away from her passion of art.
Now, Maddy and her two best friends make a bet with each other to find their perfect life. Maddy’s side of the bet involves getting her art into a gallery. To begin, she accepts a position at a youth camp. The only problem is her high school sweetheart that she turned away from runs the camp. She broke his heart years ago when she put her life, her passion for art, and her independence ahead of him, turning him down when he proposed.
She is terrified at the idea of seeing him again, but she can’t back out now. Not when she’s already accepted the position, drove down there, and of course, there is the bet she made. No, Maddy isn’t the kind to back down from getting what she wants, which is the perfect life. Only Maddy learns, sometimes having an almost perfect life is better than having the perfect life.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Julie Ortolon grabs the reader from with the first page and really develops her characters in a pace that isn’t too slow and isn’t too hurried. The book reads well and you really become attached to the journey of Maddy’s ups and downs as she fights to achieve her dreams. The book is fun, sexy, and makes you want to grab your besties and make your own bet in hopes of obtaining your own almost perfect life.
The story plot is excellent. It is a unique plot which isn’t an easy task to achieve these days. Finding an author who can spin a new tale is an achievement of its own and Julie does that quite well. I am not an avid art lover nor do I know much about it but Julie crafts Maddy’s passion for painting and thrusts the reader into the world of art galleries in a manner that is solid and yet welcoming. The summer youth camp aspect was done just as well.
The characters are realistic and the reader can’t help but fall in love with them. The closer Maddy and Joe grow mingled with the frustrations over the past forcing them to part again are very realistic. This is not a ‘girl swoons all over boy and boy and girl kiss and make up and forget all about how girl did boy wrong’ tale. No, Joe is pissed and still very resentful over how he was done wrong and the fights between the two are definitely heated and very realistic. As well as the steamy make-up scenes are.
There were many fine points that I really liked about Almost Perfect. The psychological aspects of emotional relationships really perked my senses throughout this book. When I read something that’s not fantasy I want the characters to be REAL. And Julie did that to the max! What I liked the most about Julie’s novel though, is how she incorporated Maddy’s best friends throughout the story. She set them in places and gave them just enough notice and background to create the urge for me to want to go dive straight into book two and three. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
Verdict: 9.5/10
Why not a perfect 10? I did feel that some scenes, a very miniscule amount, were a little slow and long drawn out. That’s the only negative thing I could come up with regarding this novel, which says a lot. A clean novel, though sex is involved I’d feel comfortable putting it in my teenager’s hands because there is nothing erotic or disheveled or remotely icky about it. Kudos to Julie for keeping it real and keeping it clean.
For more book reviews and lots of other entertaining scenery, visit me on bitemybook.blogspot.com
Read
June 29, 20252025/25
read it, because i remembered it from my teen years and wanted to see what it was all about. im not gonna rate this, the end was super problematic lol and the pair is completely toxic to each other. i liked the friendship aspect though and completely understand how that can draw you into this series. looovely healthy female friendships.
read it, because i remembered it from my teen years and wanted to see what it was all about. im not gonna rate this, the end was super problematic lol and the pair is completely toxic to each other. i liked the friendship aspect though and completely understand how that can draw you into this series. looovely healthy female friendships.
December 27, 2021
This was my first time reading Julie Ortolon and I have to say it was a nice read. It’s definitely a lighter read, even for me, but it was a fun story nonetheless. We meet Maddy as she’s at a crossroads in her life. She’s a widow and has been out of the dating game for a while. She has been invited to work at a summer camp owned by the mother of a former boyfriend, Joe. Joe is a former Army Ranger that has had to cool it on his military career due to an injury. He doesn’t realize that his old Maddy is the same Maddy coming to be the new counselor at the camp he now manages with his mom.
While I enjoyed the story, I should note that there were a few times that I felt the characters were a little immature. They were both adults, but some of the actions and reactions they had to conflict or miscommunication told me, as a reader, that they might not be able to move on from old wounds. There were enough times that this happened in the book that I got a little irritated, but I don’t think it took too much away from my overall enjoyment of the book. One of the main reasons that I picked up this book is because Ortolon is a dyslexic. I really want to support individuals with challenges like dyslexia in their craft. I think she did a fantastic job–dyslexia or not–and is an author I would not hesitate to recommend if you are looking for something really light to read. She similar is style to Rachel Gibson and Christie Ridgway.
While I enjoyed the story, I should note that there were a few times that I felt the characters were a little immature. They were both adults, but some of the actions and reactions they had to conflict or miscommunication told me, as a reader, that they might not be able to move on from old wounds. There were enough times that this happened in the book that I got a little irritated, but I don’t think it took too much away from my overall enjoyment of the book. One of the main reasons that I picked up this book is because Ortolon is a dyslexic. I really want to support individuals with challenges like dyslexia in their craft. I think she did a fantastic job–dyslexia or not–and is an author I would not hesitate to recommend if you are looking for something really light to read. She similar is style to Rachel Gibson and Christie Ridgway.
October 2, 2011
Almost Perfect by Julie Ortolon 4 college girl friends, now later in life are remembering their earlier lives. one of them has
written a book with the other 3 kiinda mentioned in it, no by names but what they did in college. as the ladies sit around and
chat about it, they realize the author is right. they challenge one another to overcome their fear, leading them off in different
directions to accomplish them within a years time. this book is about Maddy and how after she looses her husband after 6 years her
friends tell her to go accomplish her career goal of being a painter/artist. she gets that opportunity while being the craft director at
a camp. she meets up with an old boyfriend and after a bit of loving she decides to stick around to help him with his other camp project.
but then her paintings take off. to the point where the gallery owner wants to promote her career hoping to recope what she's put into it
within a years time. that means traveling and maddy isn't too sure now what she wants to do. glad this is a series so each woman gets
her own book. i rate this a 5, very interesting things and places
written a book with the other 3 kiinda mentioned in it, no by names but what they did in college. as the ladies sit around and
chat about it, they realize the author is right. they challenge one another to overcome their fear, leading them off in different
directions to accomplish them within a years time. this book is about Maddy and how after she looses her husband after 6 years her
friends tell her to go accomplish her career goal of being a painter/artist. she gets that opportunity while being the craft director at
a camp. she meets up with an old boyfriend and after a bit of loving she decides to stick around to help him with his other camp project.
but then her paintings take off. to the point where the gallery owner wants to promote her career hoping to recope what she's put into it
within a years time. that means traveling and maddy isn't too sure now what she wants to do. glad this is a series so each woman gets
her own book. i rate this a 5, very interesting things and places
July 25, 2013
Almost Perfect by Julie Ortolon 4 college girl friends, now later in life are remembering their earlier lives. one of them has
written a book with the other 3 kiinda mentioned in it, no by names but what they did in college. as the ladies sit around and
chat about it, they realize the author is right. they challenge one another to overcome their fear, leading them off in different
directions to accomplish them within a years time. this book is about Maddy and how after she looses her husband after 6 years her
friends tell her to go accomplish her career goal of being a painter/artist. she gets that opportunity while being the craft director at
a camp. she meets up with an old boyfriend and after a bit of loving she decides to stick around to help him with his other camp project.
but then her paintings take off. to the point where the gallery owner wants to promote her career hoping to recoupe what she's put into it
within a years time. that means traveling and maddy isn't too sure now what she wants to do. glad this is a series so each woman gets
her own book. i rate this a 5, very interesting things and places
written a book with the other 3 kiinda mentioned in it, no by names but what they did in college. as the ladies sit around and
chat about it, they realize the author is right. they challenge one another to overcome their fear, leading them off in different
directions to accomplish them within a years time. this book is about Maddy and how after she looses her husband after 6 years her
friends tell her to go accomplish her career goal of being a painter/artist. she gets that opportunity while being the craft director at
a camp. she meets up with an old boyfriend and after a bit of loving she decides to stick around to help him with his other camp project.
but then her paintings take off. to the point where the gallery owner wants to promote her career hoping to recoupe what she's put into it
within a years time. that means traveling and maddy isn't too sure now what she wants to do. glad this is a series so each woman gets
her own book. i rate this a 5, very interesting things and places
November 13, 2012
This book was sitting in my kindle queue for at least 3 months i dont know why i waited so long to read it. i read it in 2 days and lost some sleep wanting to see it to the end. great characters that you end up loving with depth. he is a former Army Ranger (i am a sucker for a guy in uniform or out of his lol) she, now widowed wannabe artiest afraid to show her work, is his high school almost fiance meeting 15 years after she said no. there lots of moments when you just wanna yell at the couple "just say what is on your mind and all will be good" but it would be over in 5 chapter. and then you would miss out on some amazing moments when the heroin realizes life/love isnt perfect and simple but so worth the trouble. mix in beautiful description of the location of Santa Fa (makes me wanna move there) and some hot moments in the bedroom and you have one great read just be prepared, this is not a book to start reading when you need to get some sleep.
November 27, 2015
The beginning was kind of slow, but it picked up later on when she sees the person from her past. The tension between them and the need to avoid each other makes it appealing, but it is the longing for them to be together. For them to act upon their feelings. It was interesting waiting to see what the main character would do and how the bet would go. Although, the book starts to get kind of slow and boring towards the end.
October 1, 2011
As a first for the Perfect Trilogy by Julie Ortolon, this was a wonderful start with a beautiful ending that I specially thought I still wanted to know more! Hot and sexy hero and heroines...I'm excited to get my hands on the other two books in the series!
September 1, 2012
A wonderful story by Julie Ortolon, easy to read, fun, sexy. Looking forward to Books 2 and 3 in the series!
September 24, 2012
Cute. Predictable. Some times you just need that. I like the chat conversations between the friends, they're pretty funny. Looking forward to the next two books.
July 10, 2013
I really enjoyed this series.
February 27, 2016
A great book about facing your fears and going for it.
March 11, 2016
Enjoyable romantic read
The story has interesting characters whose flaws cause the twist and turns in the story line. And as in all romance stories a couple finds true love.
The story has interesting characters whose flaws cause the twist and turns in the story line. And as in all romance stories a couple finds true love.
September 10, 2016
Loved this book. Can't wait to read Christine and Amy's books.
Want to read
June 8, 2012Kindle Freebie 6/8/12
August 13, 2017
This was a really sweet, easy read. In so many romance books the obstacles come from outside the characters, usually a bunch of misunderstandings or one character being an awful person until they grovel (or not) and manage to win back the other. This book didn't have that and it made it more realistic and enjoyable for me.
Maddy and Joe had a relationship when they where teenagers and it colours a lot of what they do, think and feel as adults. Neither of them are in the wrong though, it's just experiences that they need to grow and learn from. Those are the obstacles that they need to overcome. Learning to look past what they think they know, to see things from the other persons perspective. When they have that moment, where they finally talk and let things out it's BOTH of them doing it. Both of them apologizing, trying to fix things, it's not one being 'in the wrong'.
I don't know if it's a book I would ever reread, but it's one I'll likely compare other novels too.
Maddy and Joe had a relationship when they where teenagers and it colours a lot of what they do, think and feel as adults. Neither of them are in the wrong though, it's just experiences that they need to grow and learn from. Those are the obstacles that they need to overcome. Learning to look past what they think they know, to see things from the other persons perspective. When they have that moment, where they finally talk and let things out it's BOTH of them doing it. Both of them apologizing, trying to fix things, it's not one being 'in the wrong'.
I don't know if it's a book I would ever reread, but it's one I'll likely compare other novels too.
May 13, 2021
Three friends decide to risk it all after a college roommate writes a book, "How to Life the Perfect Life" of how women let fear hold them back. In this first book, Maddy Hills sets out to get a piece of her art into a gallery in New Mexico, and as a stepping stone, she takes a job at the camp of her high school sweetheart, Joe, whose heart she broke when she put her independence ahead of his marriage proposal. The author wonderfully describes the characters in detail as well as the artist colony in Santa Fe. Really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. Loved that Almost Perfect is Book 1 of a trilogy. As soon a I finished book 1, I downloaded books 2 and 3. If you like contemporary romance novels, you'll enjoy this selection!
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