Imperfect Love

by Melissa Schroeder

Join the residents of Juniper Springs as the creator of the Juniper Springs Express goes up against everyone's favorite O'Bryan sister, Avery!

When I came to Juniper Springs, I didn't think I would stay, but the town's insanity got it's hooks in me. I mean, they have GAY DUCKS. And of course, I love the LOLs (Little Old Ladies). I fell in love with the residents.

So when Jon Howard shows up accusing me of stealing his house, I declare war.

It's easy at first. He likes spreadsheets and schedules. Order is the name of the game for my nemesis. I like to go with the flow and prefer sugary cereal for breakfast over egg whites.

Sure, it's hard to ignore those blue eyes and his amazing body, not to mention that fact that he smells like hot guy heaven. Also, he sees beneath the funny facade I show everyone.  And the kiss he gives me? Brain scrambled.  When he can quote Taylor Swift lyrics to me...I start falling hard.

But I know that I'm not built for a long relationship, especially with a man who likes to keep everyone on schedule. I'm always too loud, too unorganized, too...everything. So while I know I might be falling for him, I know this has one resolution: disaster. Only, this time, I'm not sure my heart will survive the implosion.

Author Note: Hey, readers! It's time to grab your white wine, completely with ice cubes, and snuggle in for another Juniper Springs romance. There's visits from old friends, references that Swifties will completely understand, and two amazing cats to fall for. Avery O'Bryan is about to teach Jon Howard that love doesn't have to be perfect to last a lifetime. 

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Small Town Romance, Romance, Contemporary

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2023

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder has had almost 90 short stories, novellas, and novels published in the last 15 years.

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Reviews

[Catbytheseareads ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this on goodreads.
Reviews stated it could be read on it's on but I beg to differ.
I was very confused the 1st 15% and I ended up not finishing the book by 35%
I just could not get into it. I hate leaving reviews like this but I feel like this is more
young adult romance that would be very well suited to those who live in Texas.
Some of the sayings confused me because I've never heard of them.
It just seemed very young for me and it was hard to find any connection to the characters and the story being told sadly didn't do it for me.

I still do thank you for my advanced copy to give it a chance.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was interesting because both Avery and Jon were weird (the good kind) in different ways, so opposite from each other that it's easy to see why at the start they rubbed each other wrong. I did love how the whole town seemed to be invested in them and what they did. I loved more how things changed for them and both of them sort of went with it, seeing good where they saw bad before. Was very surprised by the drama at the end, glad that that was resolved quickly and Jon and Avery could go back to figuring out their lives.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aunt Avery finally gets her love story! She's still a force to be reconned with and she still eats way to much cereal. Jon just wants some peace and quiet. He thinks Juniper Springs might help him make some major life decisions. Little does he know that his entire world is about to turned upside down. Can two people who appear to be total opposites find love?

The author did a really good job creating two characters with lots of layers. On the surface they seem to be very different but underneath they are both hurting and need to find peace with their pasts. I thought Avery's story was really touching. She is always the one to make other people happy, but she is suffering and won't tell her family how bad it is (that's not a spoiler, you learn that right out of the gate). Her journey through the pain and out the other side was really good. Jon's damage is deep and long lasting. The author did a good job showing how Jon holds the world at arm's length but then doesn't even realize that Avery is inside his defenses. This is a really fast love story but I feel like it worked because the author showed how the parts of the characters work well together. I liked the side characters and how all of the various characters from other stories/series all fit together.

There is the inclusion of political correctness in the book. It left me wondering why since it went nowhere, and it actually left more questions rather than helping to develop the characters. In both cases the author throws out that diversity was a goal and it was achieved. Ok. Exactly how does a town council become more diverse by force and how does that tie into the overall story? I was expecting it to play a role in the big scene where the characters are attending a town hall meeting but then nothing came of it. I was expecting the diversity of Jon's company to play a factor in news reports about him (because he gets a lot of press) and maybe it would help to drive his decisions about his company's future but no. They were throwaway details. Every other small detail in the story led to somewhere so this stood out as odd and misplaced.

I really enjoyed the entire series. I think this could be read as a standalone but the author included a lot of characters from this series and other series so I would recommend reading this after reading the other books if you want the full experience. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imperfect Love is the fourth book in the Juniper Springs series by Melissa Schroeder. I've not read any of the other books in the series, but I can assure you that this book can be read as a stand alone novel.

I'm not sure why, but I started reading this book not expecting to love or adore it, but I read the blurb and I was intrigued.

For me I adored this book because I connected with both the main characters almost instantaneously. It is great to see two neurodiverse characters find love, I don't think I've been this impressed by a neurodiverse character since How To Be A Normal Person by TJ Klune, which is up there as one of my all time favourite books. Avery and Jon are both really likable and relatable to me, but that is also because I'm mid-30s and in the midst of a neurodiversity self discovery journey and I see elements of myself in both characters. This is despite the fact that when I saw Jon's name, Jon Howard, all I could think of was the conservative Australian Prime Minister of my childhood, John Howard.

The other thing that I love is the small town setting and the vibe of it all is just totally on point. Again, I relate to it. I live in quite a large small town and the setting feels on point. But heck, just like Avery, I have my own LOLs (Little Old Ladies) who I talk/meet every Saturday morning.

So yeah, it's relatable and true to a life. This is what drew me in when I was still convinced I wasn't going to find this book rather mediocre. This is a book that features some complicated family histories, which are woven through all of the characters, affecting everyone's lives. The Juniper Springs app is both a great vehicle for the plot line and town gossip, as well as serving as some comic relief. But then again, many of the characters are both funny and quirky in their own ways. I love the back ground characters, so much so that I am now keen to look the previous three books in the series. But what truly nailed the book for me was the chemistry between Avery and Jon. They just clicked.

Not a Taylor Swift fan, but I know any Swifties would appreciate and love all the in jokes and references. I know if it were Foo Fighters or Red Hot Chilli Peppers, I would lose my ever loving mind and rate this book 1000/5. But as it is, these were all just a natural part of the story for me and not crowbarred into the text for no reason.

Now that I've thought about, I might just have to go through Melissa Schroeder's back catalogue. What's a book lover to do but read more books?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfectly imperfect love story.

Jon Howard and Avery O'Bryan are both somewhat weird people (even though they each believe the other is a bit weirder). They probably wouldn't have crossed paths if not for his grandmother, Estella Howard.

Estella had the perfect plan to bring them together. There's a house she owns in Juniper Springs. She may own it but Jon and the town considers it to be his. So she leases the house to Avery for a year...

Avery came to Juniper Springs to recover from the death of her Grannie Pam. Grannie had come to live with the family and had helped raise Avery. She was the one who always understood Avery.

Jon never expected to be attacked and knocked down by a woman when he entered his house. But Grandmother insists on honoring the lease. As Jon plots to get rid of Avery, they learn they have much in common. In fact they soon learn that they calm the other. Together they could be a force to be reckoned with.

Jon has his hands full dealing with Avery. He's not happy to learn his mother is dating some ex-football player. His mom deserves to find someone to love, everyone knows his father was no prize. But does it have to happen now? And what's with the creepy neighbor?

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book could easily be read as a stand-alone. I think a reader will get more enjoyment by reading the series in order. Or, it is possible after reading this book you may want to start with book #1.

It took some time for this couple to grow on me. I initially found Avery more irritating than Jon. Once they started sharing space, I grew to appreciate their different, yet somewhat similar personalities, their humor, and witty banter.

I am not a big enemies to lovers fan. This book seemed like a really slow burn to me. All of the introspection going on was a bit much for me.

All of the "Swifties" references took me out. The only thing I knew about Taylor Swift was her name. I can only assume the information about her cats or whatever was accurate. I imagine her fans appreciated the abundance of references in this book.

I liked that the couples from the previous books in this series, as well as some of the other series, made an appearance. Makes me want to reread them. I enjoyed the LOL's, the JSE, and the general support the community provided each other.

This turned out to be a sweet, steamy romance with some elements of danger and a touch of suspense. Never fear, the HEA was not far away.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery O'Bryon is the youngest of the O'Bryon clan and possibly the smartest, having graduated from high school and college before the age of twenty and then garnering a Master's degree, now teaching how to use the internet for social networking without gaining stalkers or dubious followers...She moved to Juniper Springs because of her sense of loss since the death of her grandmother, Pam. She is teaching the group of older women, the LOL's, who run everything in the small town the ins and outs of the internet while renting a house owned by Estella Howard. Jon Howard is a billionaire in his own right, having started a security company as well as writing apps for the phone, including the Juniper Springs Express, JSE which lets the town citizens, especially the LOL's know EVERYTHING going on in town. When he arrives in town, hiding from his latest super model girlfriend, and goes to house he traditionally stays in, he is greeted by bat wielding Avery and claws of her adopted cat Meredith....beginning a hilarious journey to their HEA in an atypical small town of Juniper Springs Texas...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Juniper Springs series featuring the cute and funny, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, small town, rom-com romance between Jon and Avery. Avery has temporarily made Juniper Springs her home to take a break and get over the loss of her Grammie Pam so she's leased a house for a year. Unbeknownst to Avery the woman who leased her the house Estella is playing matchmaker with Avery and her grandson Jon who actually owns the house that Avery's leasing. Imagine Jon's surprise when he walks into his own house and he gets attacked and knocked down by a woman he's never seen before. Jon is trying to figure out how he can get rid of Avery since his grandmother insists upon honoring the lease but a funny thing happens they find out that they have a lot in common and that they each keep each other calm although Jon has his hands full when dealing with Avery. You really need to read this cute and funny, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, small town, rom-com romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in The Juniper Springs series and it is Avery and Jon’s story. When Avery’s grannies Pam dies she rents a house in Juniper Springs to help with her loss, to grieve and spend time healing and just being herself but things don’t always go as planned. When Jon arrives at the house he gets a shock because someone is already there and he thinks that she is a squatter not knowing that his grandmother Estella planned everything. When Avery and Jon meet things do not go as planned but end up both staying at the house and working around each other and also realised that they are attracted to each other even though they are the total opposite of each other in every single way but what will happen and also how will it all end, well you will just have to read this book to find out. This was a really great story that pulled you in right from the start and you had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next. This book was so well written along with great characters and it is definitely worth reading.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imperfect Love by Melissa Schroeder is Book 4 of Juniper Springs Series. This is the story of Jon Howard and Avery O'Bryan. Avery is a very smart women who ended up graduating from High School and also college before she turned 20 years old then on to get her Master's degree. So, she is a specially smart women who does have some quarks. Now in her present day, her much loved Grannie Pam has past and she is lost. So, she comes to Juniper Springs and is renting a house from Estella Howard. Jon is also a very smart man who has created apps and other things that made him a billionaire at an early age. When another ex girlfriend tries to get to clingy he returns to Juniper Springs and the house he consider his to lay low for a while. What he doesn't expect is to be attached by a women there nor to learn that his Grandmother has rented out the house for a year. Now he is on a mission to get her out of the house. But unknown at first to them is that Grandmothers like to match make. Enjoyed this book and I hope to read more from this author.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is always so much fun to be had when you return to the world of Juniper Springs and this book does not disappoint. Avery and Jon are another great couple. It was fun to watch these two in action. Not quite enemies but not quite friends either, the two find themselves having to work together and get along. Little did they know how their lives would change when life throws them together. Their story pulled me in right from the start and did not let go. It is full of mischief and mayhem as well as mystery and romance. Not only do I love the main characters but the supporting characters made an impression as well. I enjoyed the banter and the friendships in this book. The author does a great job of bringing the characters and their world to life making the reader feel as if they are visiting with friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

IMPERFECT LOVE brings Avery O’Bryan to Juniper Springs to find some closure after losing her Grannie Pam. When Jon Howard runs away to Juniper Springs and finds Avery “squatting” in his home, she just may teach him a thing or two about himself and life in general. As they slowly adjust to each other, they try to fight a building attraction, but when you’re perfect for each other, even if it’s imperfectly perfect, there’s just no fighting it. When the LOLs have your back you know this is going to be another delightful Juniper Springs romance. The relationship between Avery and Jon is enough to make this a captivating read but add in a possible creeper & a potentially dangerous confrontation, and you have a tale that you will find hard to put down. With touches of snark, humor, some intrigue, and a fast-developing passion, you have an emotional ride you are not going to want to miss.

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book I loved every second of it. It takes place in the Camo and Cupcakes world and even some of those characters visit Juniper Springs. It features Avery O’Bryan and Jon Howard who end up living together in Estella's house.

I guess you could say these two are roomies who are frenemies but they have a lot in common and so it was a really fun story watching these two fall for each other.

There is also lots of cats, a stalker but who is he after Avery or Jon?

I loved the addition of Blue, Fritz. Josh, Liv and Mason, Estella in this story. It was a really awesome story and I loved how in sync Jon and Avery are with each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imperfect Love was definitely worth the wait. Once you start reading, it sucks you right into Juniper Springs and all the quirkiness that goes on there. Avery is new to the town, she comes to visit her sister and for some needed recharging. She likes the town and decides to give it a try. She is the youngest in her family and has a lot of insecurities. she has become BFFs with the LOLs of the town. Jon Howard is back in town for some needed rest and he’s avoiding an ex. The two seem like complete opposites until they end up sharing the same house. If you are new to the series you won’t feel like you are missing anything. We get to see a lot of the regulars and Melissa does a great job to let you know who’s who!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hear the saying "too smart for their own good". Avey and Jon may have high IQs but finding and realizing love are out of their wheelhouse. Jon is hiding away, needing the quiet and familiar in Juniper but the loud and sugar endured Avey seems to be everywhere, atleast until he notices her absence. Avery is struggling but she doesn't want to worry her family, she can get through this, but after she tackles Jon "the intruder", so much more keeps those wheels turning.

So much fun, back and forth bickering, and the heat these two put off is hotter than a Texas Summer. I loved taking this journey with Avery, she is a fun character, so unexpected.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juniper Springs is my favorite fictional town. You cannot go wrong with gossipy old ladies, gay ducks, hot single men and sassy independent women. Avery has made this town her temporary home to take a break, but she’s very involved with the town. Jon has also arrived for a break but finds someone has taken his happy place. Unknown to Avery and Jon, his grandmother is playing matchmaker. These characters are easy to love and never get bored reading about their lives. There are plenty of secondary characters that add to the humor and love in the story. You can read any book, not in order and still follow along. This is the end for this series but probably not for some of our favorite characters. I got to read an early copy of this book and wrote this review voluntarily.

[Latochia Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A last book in the series isn't always the last book... Melissa has woven a world inside a world and these characters/families can pop up anywhere...

Avery is trying to work thru things while not allowing her family to worry or help.... She is trying to rebuild herself even though she isn't really broken, just sad...

Jon just wants peace... and QUIET.... Well that goes out the window... What more can you expect when an O'Bryan is around...

These two have chemistry and frustration... A bit of that love/hate steam that can only explode if bottled up too long... This story is fun and sweet and the relationship that grows will have you falling in love with them. But then again, I haven't met a Juniper Springs could that I didn't fall in love with!

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Juniper Springs series and can be read as a standalone. It's such a fun book and has interconnecting characters from the other books, so you'll enjoy reading them, if you haven't. This is Avery and Jon's story, and it's a fun one. They're opposites in every way. He's organized. A healthy eater and loves schedules. She flies by the seat of her pants, loves sweet things and is loud. The characters were a little hard to like at first, and both were a little strange. All the 'Swiftie' references were confusing. Enemies to lovers with a slow burn romance. Some steam, some drama and an HEA. I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Avery needs is a little time and space to overcome a devastating loss and where better than Juniper Springs and who better than Estella to help. Estella has not only provided Avery with friendship but offered to rent her house to her however Avery is about to find out she won’t be there alone.

Jon has come home looking to put some distance between himself and a situation however finding out that his grandmother has rented the house to Avery is not welcome news especially when he thrives on order and chaos seems to be her middle name.

The characters are entertaining, their interactions are humorous, add in a little suspense and some intriguing secondary characters and you know you are in for a fun time.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon and Avery . . .

Avery O'Bryan loves the town of Juniper Springs with its quirky nature that makes her fit right in. So she leases a house for a year. She’s easy-natured and goes with the flow. But having Jon Howard claim she stole “his” house is just not acceptable. (Wait until they find out just who is responsible for this “mix up”.) Jon is rigid and organized. They will drive each other crazy, right? Despite her being attracted to him, she knows nothing could ever come of it, even when he gives her the best kiss ever. But she is nothing like him. She doesn’t have lengthy relationships. But she can’t seem to stop wanting him, and this one is going to hurt if it doesn’t work out.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG - I am loving this series and frankly I love Schroeder as an author. This is book 4 in Schroeder's Juniper Springs series and I am here for it! A great addition to this small town with big character romance series. Perfect balance of sweet and steam but with the added benefit of action, adventure and laughs. I love the quirky-ness, my favorite thing about these reads and I can't get enough! This is Jon Howard and Avery O'Bryan story and it's just a perfect weird, addictive romance! I can't wait to see what love and laughter Schroeder will bring next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Melissa allows us to visit the quirky fun town of Juniper Spring. The most quirky resident is Avery and that’s saying a lot in this town. Avery was weird and awkward but so adorable. I love that she has no filter when it comes to standing up for herself. She met her match with the uptight socially awkward sexy billionaire Jon Howard. I loved Jon. Everything about him made me happy. The characters in Juniper Springs bring me such joy and I’m going to miss visiting that wonderful little town. I hope some of them make an appearance in the next series. Until next time y’all happy reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D.K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last book in the Juniper Springs series and it was a decent read. Overall, I have loved this series and characters however this was not a favorite of mine. While Avery and Jon were interesting characters, I struggled to finish this book. That never happens to me with this author. It took a really long time to get these two characters together and then there was a rush to the finish line to tie up the issues with the neighbor. Overall, I am sad to see this series end but hopefully we will get a spin off down the line.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was just pure fun. Jon Howard comes back to Juniper Springs and plans to sneak into town but is surprised when there is someone already in his house and he is tackled when he comes in the door. Avery, who is an insomniac at best, hears someone coming in the door and grabs the bat she keeps on hand and dials the sheriff but takes down the intruder first. Little does she know it is her landlord's grandson. These two are total opposites but totally work. I was entranced from the very beginning and could hardly put this one down to sleep or work or anything else. Definitely a high recommendation from me!

**Received this ARC for review**

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this funny story. Avery leases a house from Estelle in Juniper Springs. However, Jon returns home to discover a woman in his house who attacks him and accuses him of being an intruder. His grandmother is playing matchmaker to these two and will not break the lease. What will happen, will these two survive a year living together? Will Avery break him and will theu become romantic interests? Find out in this excillerating funny read. Gotta love the ducks and the LOL's. You won't want to miss this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that Avery has such a sweet relationship with Jon's grandma Estella. I love that they meet for milkshake and soothing. I love this story. I love Liv and Fritz and Blue and Mason and the LOLs. I hope it's not really over. I need to find Blue and Geri's story and go back and read or reread the others. I love Savannah. I love the care taken with the issues jon and Avery each have. I love that they recognize and complement each others strengths and weaknesses. This is nicely written and well developed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery didn't expect Jon to turn up at the house she was renting from Estella Howard. Jon wasn't expecting his house (that his Grandma Estella has) to have anyone in it, so he is suprised at his sexy attacker. He was just escaping an annoying ex, but what he gets might be life changing. I love the group conversations, the fun humour through out their story and the sizzling attraction between Avery and Jon. I loved Jon's Grandma Estella and her relationship with Avery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery and Jon end up in the same house, assuming that it is theirs for the year. Surprise - grandma double booked you two and is playing matchmaker with her favorite people. Loved the characters, their love of her grandma, personalities and the way they bring out the best in each other. Plenty of drama, intrigue, determination, side glances, steam, surprises, finding themselves, old friends reconnecting and much more. Terrific ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a treat when Melissa releases a new book and this is up there with the rest of them. Reading these stories is as much about the main characters, angsty romance and passion as it is visiting the wonderful community of Juniper Springs and reading about all the fantastic and quirky individuals that populate her tales.

This story is about Avery, struggling after loosing her Grandmother and Jon running away from a stalking ex.

Brilliant.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jarylynn Schlegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juniper Springs and the LOL’s are so much fun to read and this edition was no different.

Avery came to the area to help her sister and may have just found the place to place her roots. She wanted a place of her own so Estella rents her a house.

Jon Howard (Estella’s grandson) shows up accusing her of stealing his house and she is not about to go down without a fight. It’s easy to hate him at first but the something shifts for both of them. He even uses quotes from her favorite singer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review