The Imperfection of Us

by Nick Alexander

Dawn and Rob were never meant to be together. It’s the summer of 1990 and seventeen-year-old Dawn is infatuated with Billy. He’s cool, in a band and the opposite of her other besotted gentle electrician Rob. But then Billy disappears, and Rob is still around. He's there when Dawn falls pregnant and he’s there for the sleepless nights. And though Dawn and Rob were never destined to be together, suddenly they’re married. This real-life relationship involves arguing about who loads the dishwasher, cosy nights in while not having sex (and not missing it) and dragging kids to violin classes (even though they’re terrible). Decades have flown by since Dawn last saw Billy, and her once glossy blonde hair is now silvery grey, yet she can still remember exactly how he made her feel. But is now-famous Billy worthy of her thirty-year obsession? And how dangerous would it be for her marriage if she decided to find out? From the number one multi million-copy bestselling author of The Photographer’s Wife and The Other Son comes a story that will move you to laughter, tears, and everything in between. The Imperfection of Us is an emotional journey through the ups and downs of married life, the difficulties of letting go of the past and a heartfelt reminder that our imperfections are what make us human .

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Marriage

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2023

About the author

My novels:

Where Do We Go From Here (2025)

The Imperfection of Us (2023)

Perfectly Ordinary People (2022)

From Something Old (2021)

The Road to Zoe (2020)

You Then, Me Now (2019)

Things We Never Said (2017)

The Bottle of Tears (2016) (also published as Let the Light Shine).

The Other Son (2015)

The Photographer's Wife (2014)

Two novels featuring Hannah:
- The Half-Life of Hannah.
- Other Halves (Dec 2013)

Two novels featuring CC:
- The Case Of The Missing Boyfriend
- The French House (May 2013)

The Fifty Reasons Series, following the life of lovelorn Mark
- 50 Reasons to Say Goodbye
- Sottopassaggio
- Good Thing, Bad Thing
- Better Than Easy
- Sleight Of Hand

And the standalone novel
- 13:55 Eastern Standard Time

The Case Of The Missing Boyfriend, The French House, and The Half-Life of Hannah have all been huge kindle hits, reaching number #1 in Amazon's kindle chart.

I live in the southern French Alps with three mogs (Mangui, Pastel & Pedro) and a very special ferret.

Reviews

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

They say that in countries where arranged marriages exists, love develops differently. In western countries, you fall head over heels in love and often the love simmers down, leaving the couple disappointed. When there is not much love to begin with, you get to know each other properly and appreciate the other person. Love slowly starts building up, until you have a strong and solid fire. I like this, it’s different but it has its appeal. This book felt just like I described. The main character gets pregnant and is pursued by a man who (might) be the father, and despite herself she’s starting to really appreciate him, even if there wasn’t a lot of emotions to begin with. This was of describing an evolving relationship was lovely. The book felt real and there the typical cliches were absent. Like the couple got to know each other, the reader also slowly get to know them. For every chapter I liked them both more. In the beginning dawn seemed a bit reckless and irresponsible, but I grew to like her spunk and Rob also became a different person. In the beginning he comes across as naive and a bit hopeless, but he transforms to a thoughtful and resourceful man that has his head in the right place.

There is also a shocking revelation in the last chapters and it really stirred up some emotions in me.

This was a pleasant read. It’s subtle and in the subtlety lies its beauty.

Thanks to netgalley and storm publishing for the arc in exchange for my honest review

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Imperfection Of Us is the eleventh stand-alone novel by British-born author, Nick Alexander. Living in Margate with her unmarried mother, Tracey, her younger brother from a different father, Wayne, and a parade of Tracey’s boyfriends, perhaps doesn’t set the most stable relationship example for Dawn Weaver, but when she’s seventeen, she meets Billy Riddle (in a band!!) and she’s sure he’s the one.

Billy’s ideas on monogamy don’t quite match hers, though, and when she’s pregnant, he’s gone. Tracey tries to interest her in a wholesome young electrician, Rob Havard. Rob is instantly besotted, and will do anything, agree to anything, to make Dawn and her new baby his family. With a bit of help from Tracey, Dawn is gradually convinced to live with him in the house he’s worked so hard to make liveable.

Living platonically with a man she doesn’t love, who cares deeply for her and her new baby and isn’t afraid to show it… and yet “I felt cheated. It seemed as if I’d somehow been conned into a life that wasn’t my own: a very, very nice life, and a very lucky one too, when you consider all the misery there is on this planet. It’s just that it wasn’t my life and I couldn’t quite let myself relax into it.”

Eventually, Dawn convinces herself that it’s her choice to marry him and have another baby: “it was actually about saying, ‘I choose this.’ It was about saying, ‘I give up on ridiculous dreams of perfect men I haven’t met yet, perfect men with porn-star bodies, millions in the bank, and the wit of Ian Hislop. I accept I’m a perfectly ordinary human being, and I choose perfectly ordinary, sweet-hearted Rob.’”

And so, with a daughter and a son, and all the joy and heartbreak they bring, with working hard and setting up a new business and moving house, a cancer scare and an affair, after thirty years, they’re still together. But tall, with blue eyes and blond curly hair, and so sexy, she’s never forgotten Billy. Billy, the rock star, who’s now divorced and living in East Portlemouth.

She realises “I had spent my life fantasising about Billy Ruddle, but had no idea whether my fantasy was based on a reality I’d experienced long ago, or a sort of madness that had briefly possessed me during my hormone-addled teenage years. That fantasy, I finally saw, had pushed a wedge between Rob and me. It was the thing that had made me unable to relax into my relationship with my husband.” So, should she take the step and find out if the fantasy is real?

Alexander uses Dawn and Rob to narrate the story, thus giving the reader two perspectives of the relationship. His protagonists feel wholly authentic, with their virtues and very human flaws. They have their insecurities, their secrets, guilt and shame, but they grow and develop and the reader can’t help cheering them on and hoping for the best. The plot is credible even as it takes a few unexpected turns, and the epilogue set in the 2040’s is a lovely touch. Excellent contemporary fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

[Eleanor Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed this one - easy to get invested in the characters, bit of an emotional rollercoaster!!

[Bowie Ribeiro-Lycett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Alexander does it again. Nick is my favourite author as his novels are so authentic and he brings the characters through life so well, through dialog and perspective.

I’ve always appreciated his novels as there is often a gay character, which helps me resonate with the book more but in this case, there was Dawn and Rob. Initially it took me a little more time to identify and empathise with them but over the few days it took me to read this, I was eager to know what would happen to them and what was in the box!

I devoured the end of this book on the train this morning with a lump in my throat, as their stories were revealed to each other and to me. How Nick allowed us to fully understand each character, despite them not always being able to articulate themselves fully is an incredible skill.

I loved this book, as I had hoped it was a solid 4 stars most of the way through and towards the end, 5 stars was easily achieved. I waited a long time for this novel and I’m sad it’s over but what a joy it’s been to read The Imperfection of Us over the past few days.

[Adele Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I review every book I read because I see it as a thank you to the author and publishers for all the time and effort they but in to make that book happen. Every time I read one of Nick’s books, I become unable to put my feelings into words.

I loved this book. I honestly did not see the path it would take. Nick knows how to hold on to your concentration and make you want a certain thing to happen but then there’s a twist that shocks you and makes you gasp.

Nick, I’ve always loved your books. Keep doing what you do and keep flying. Thank you for taking my mind off the monotony of reality.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The characters were brilliant - so real.

Dawn falls.pregnant at 17 and is unsure whether the baby's father is Billy, a wannabe rockstar or reliable and steady Rob.

This book goes through Dawn's ups and downs of life and I laughed and cried with her all the way through. Nick's style of writing makes you believe you know her and her family well.

A well-deserved 5🌟 from me.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning!! So raw, beautiful, heart-breaking, frustrating... I wish I could keep reading forever.

[Annabel D · Rating 1 out of 5]

complete and utter shit

[Luna Gerrits · Rating 2 out of 5]

let me start by saying that this rating of the book is very personal, i think that this book can do such good things, but that I was the wrong audience. However, i can see that there is beauty in this book. it does so well in showing how not all relationships are perfect, and not all relationships start with love. the characters have depth, and lots of development, as you follow them from youth to late adulthood. it shows me that not just love, but also life is not always perfect, and you just need to make the most of it.

thank you to netgalley and the author for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Kimbaws · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book. I enjoyed this book mostly - it felt pretty realistic. I probably wouldn't re-read it so: 3 stars. I didn't like the epilogue, found myself skimming through as it was a bit preachy. I think I was supposed to like Dawn's mum's character but I didn't.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another of the authors that I discovered when I bought my first kindle. His 50 Reasons To Say Goodbye was the 10th book I read on it back in April 2011. I swiftly caught up the rest of his back catalogue and have been devouring every new offering as it has been released. And I have loved every single book.
So... this time we meet Dawn and Rob. Married with two kids their lives are barely ticking along. They have hit a bit of a rut. See, if you go back to the 90s, when she was 17, Dawn was with Billy. Sparks flew in that passionate relationship I can tell you! But the light burned too bright there and Billy left, leaving Dawn pregnant. Rob was the safe option... the fall back... no sparks, but dependable... and he loved her... and that's been ok up to now...
Meanwhile Billy made it as a rockstar...
And that's all I'm saying... suffice to say, the author smashed it out of the park once again. Trampling over my emotions along the way as I followed avidly what was going on with Rob and Dawn within and outwith their relationship. To be honest, most of the way through I wasn't sure who I was going to be rooting for. Until I got to a certain place and that decision was completely clear.
It's a wonderful story and, I would imagine, not an uncommon one, being played out by many married people across the world. First love is not always remembered for the right reasons... Marriages need work, they have ups and downs. They do not always follow the same paths. People are not perfect.
As with most of his books, the characters lead the narrative. This guy really knows how to write characters that feel so real. By the end of his books, I have usually grown so close to them that I am saddened at having to say goodbye once I turn the past page. That's how powerful they are. But stick them in a crackingly plotted and perfectly executed story and, well, they really shine...
I could bang on and on about how good this author is, how great his characters are, how well he writes excellent stories without the need for padding or waffle, but, you know what... just do yourself a favour and give him a go. You know it makes sense...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Chelsea Littleton-Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Imperfection of Us" by Nick Alexander invites readers into the intricacies of married life, exploring the complexities of relationships, the weight of past infatuations, and the enduring power of love.

Set against the backdrop of the summer of 1990, Dawn finds herself torn between two different men: the cool and elusive Billy and the dependable and kind-hearted Rob. When Billy disappears, Rob becomes Dawn's constant companion through the trials and joys of life, leading to a marriage born out of necessity rather than passion.

Alexander deftly weaves a narrative that spans decades, delving into the nuances of married life with remarkable authenticity. Through Dawn and Rob's journey, readers are treated to a candid portrayal of the everyday challenges and mundane realities of marriage – from petty arguments over household chores to the bittersweet moments of parenthood.

Central to the story is Dawn's lingering obsession with Billy, a reminder of the allure of past infatuations and the enduring power of memory. As Dawn grapples with the question of whether Billy is worthy of her decades-long obsession, Alexander skilfully explores the complexities of desire, regret, and the passage of time.

What sets "The Imperfection of Us" apart is its deeply human portrayal of imperfect love. Alexander imbues his characters with flaws and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and endearing to readers. Dawn and Rob's relationship is far from perfect, yet it is imbued with a sense of authenticity and depth that resonates with readers on a profound level.

Throughout the narrative, Alexander navigates themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the importance of embracing life's imperfections. As Dawn confronts the ghosts of her past and grapples with the choices that have shaped her life, readers are reminded of the inherent beauty in embracing our flaws and imperfections.

In "The Imperfection of Us," Nick Alexander delivers a poignant and emotionally resonant story that will move readers to laughter, tears, and everything in between. With its richly drawn characters, heartfelt exploration of love and marriage, and timeless themes of redemption and forgiveness, this novel is a captivating journey through the complexities of the human heart.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This is a story of the pains, joys, tedium, comfort, uncertainty, and security of marriage. Sounds kind of all over the place, right? Well, so is marriage. Not every marriage is exactly the same as Dawn and Rob’s, but every married couple can relate to the ups and downs of such an intimate union, especially one that spans decades. This novel does a lovely job of showing how two very different people enter a marriage for very different reasons and learn if they can ultimately get on the same page.

One of the main themes of this novel is conscious choice versus life happening to you and just going along with it. I remember when I first told my coworker that I was child-free by choice; she was so confused! It had never occurred to her that having children was a choice! Life had just kind of happened to her: relationship, kids, marriage. This book reminded me of that conversation. Dawn’s life seems to take the same type of road because she doesn’t feel she has much choice than to go along with what is available to her; specifically, Rob.

I did think it was a bit concerning that Rob falls in love with Dawn so fast, so completely. The age difference alone raised an eyebrow. But once we learn that: 1) he’s genuinely a good man; and 2) that he had a complicated upbringing, it’s easier to understand how he might intrinsically feel protective of a young woman and wants to do the right thing by her.

The Billy aspect was so relatable, it had me holding my breath. I have a wonderful husband, but I have also had other great loves in my life. It’s very natural to wonder where they are, if they’re happy, if I ever cross their minds, etc. And in a world where we have so much access to information, I really understood Dawn’s hangups. I genuinely did not know how the visit with him would turn out, but I’m glad Dawn seeks closure, either with Billy or her marriage.

One aspect I really loved about the book is that it never slut shames! This is a very feminist book, which is SO refreshing!! Wayne may comment about his mother and sister’s behavior, but, overall, women do what they want to do and THEY DON”T APOLOGIZE FOR IT! They don’t need to, they’ve done nothing wrong! Even the matter of abortion is handled so well. It’s a choice, a medical procedure that is readily available. And the fact that this book is written by a man? I thank you, Mr. Alexander!

This is the kind of book I would love to delve into with a book club to get others’ perspectives and learn things I didn’t pick up on. This is a very nuanced story. Now that I know what happens (and I don’t have to hold my breath), I would love to reread it. It’s that kind of book.

[Tina J · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Imperfections of Us” took me back to my teenage years. Oh, to be 17 again, madly in love, not only with another human, but with life itself!

Its the Summer of 1990, Dawn is 17 and ready to embrace everything that life has to offer. When she meets Billy, a musician and the coolest guy around she believes he is the ONE! When Rob meets Dawn, he is instantly drawn to her, but how can he, a boring electrician who takes life seriously, compete against someone like Billy?
When Dawn is in need of Billy the most, he is no-where to be found and it is Rob who is there to pick up the pieces.

I’ve said it before, but Nick Alexander is a master at writing about relationships. The story is told from both Dawn’s and Rob’s POV. The powerful and insightful dialogue is like a template of a marriage’s ups and downs! It makes for interesting reading when each side relates the same scenario but from their perspective. You really get a sense of how they are feeling, their emotional negativity, the holding of grudges and the hostility that is created. Not only did these words instantly draw me in but they allowed me to visualise the whole scenario.

Dawn and Rob, Rob and Dawn, these two names are ingrained in my mind. I was really routing for their marriage to work. Both are not without flaws. Dawn has always wondered what life would have been like if Billy had stuck around and Rob always considered himself to be second-best.

I must mention Dawn’s mum, she is such a wonderful character, she comes across as really easy going but my god when her girl needs her, she is their with open arms.

As with every one of this author’s books, I have lived and breathed every single word. Emotions have been wrung out of me and tears have never been far away. Nick Alexander’s portrayal of this couple and their marriage confirms what I always believed that he is, without a single doubt, a master storyteller.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.t

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this couple, imperfections and all😍!

This wonderful book! Sometimes flawed characters can be hard to like and ruin the story a bit for me. Not in this Nick Alexander novel about a British couple, Dawn and Rob, who grow together and apart through the decades. Their journey and difficulties, the phases of their relationship, are so real in a fascinating, couldn't put it down way.

Dawn goes into their coupledom grudgingly, with the memory of her former bad boy rocker boyfriend ever present, making her think she's just settled and could have had a better life if she'd had the choice. Rob is a good, kind, hard-working and thoughtful partner and, frankly, almost couldn't be more different from Billy, the fellow who quickly abandoned Dawn in her time of need. But even Rob has his flaws, like an inability to share what was obviously a traumatic childhood and an eventual itch for some speed and thrills in his settled life when their marriage cools.

Alexander gives them numerous challenges, including issues with their parents, an out of control teenage daughter, a mid life crisis for Rob and the pandemic, that led me to ask: can this couple make it through together? I was more than satisfied with the answer😊, though I thought the story would have been better without the lengthy epilogue.

Definitely recommended.

TW: Attempted sexual assault

Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Hjwoodward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the fact that the book was the whole arc of a married life, from beginning right until the end (in 1940, nogal). What kept me listening in the beginning was the reader's lovely accent and voice: a really pleasant person to listen to, as was the male voice. (Obviously I listened to an audiobook: I find them just as good as printed books, actually. The only drawback is when I want to page back to see what I missed. I'm still better at finding a place on the written page!) Both characters were lovely: interesting and complex. The young girl Dawn falls pregnant at seventeen, and isn't altogether convinced as to which one of two guys is the father. The steady reliable one wants to marry her, the other one nopes it out of there. Dawn convinces herself that it was her choice to marry reliable Rob and to have (another?) baby with him. It was about saying, ‘I give up on ridiculous dreams of perfect men I haven’t met yet, perfect men with porn-star bodies, millions in the bank, and the wit of Ian Hislop. I accept I’m a perfectly ordinary human being, and I choose perfectly ordinary, sweet-heart Rob.’”
And so, after thirty years, they’re still together. But tall, with blue eyes and blond curly hair, and so sexy, she’s never forgotten Billy. Billy, the rock star, who’s now divorced. Dawn decides to go and meet him again.
Alexander uses Dawn and Rob to narrate the story, thus giving the reader two perspectives of the relationship. His protagonists feel wholly authentic, with their doubts, insecurities and human flaws. I thoroughly enjoyed this book .

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

NICK ALEXANDER – THE IMPERFECTION OF US **** I read this novel in advance of publication through NetGalley in return for an honest review. Teenager Dawn’s fling with young Billy – a rockstar in the making – haunts the rest of her adult life and her future relationship with electrician Rob who dotes on her - even after they marry and have children. Likewise dark secrets from Rob’s childhood haunts him, too, and the combination of regrets and unrealised possibilities causes their precarious relationship to veer off course and turn to other people for comfort. Though their secrets and hang-ups are catastrophic to them, none of the three are particularly attractive people, unlike many of Nick Alexander’s characters from previous novels, so I didn’t feel as fully invested in their fate. Covering many decades, it takes the reader through Covid and beyond, into old age. Writing an epic – in terms of life-span – is a bold move, spreading a story Marmite-thin over so many years, especially a tale of such ordinary people. In the hands of an author less experienced it might have come across as long winded and dull. But this story grows upon you as their relationships develop, as you discover what each of them is thinking about the other and about their situation. You have to keep reading to find out what happens in the end when the secrets are revealed.

[Graham Humpage · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story parallelled so often in teenage years and the consequences of misplaced confident silver-lined memories that some of us recognise as just that and others endeavour to embellish and recreate. Paced to pull you along with frustration, yearning and inevitably, I decided early-on that I wasn't reading a story I wanted to hear but recognised so many similarities, and the fact that I enjoy Nick's writing, willed me to carry on. Determined to finish it, and after my wife complaining to me of having too many books to read, and not knowing which one to suggest, she asked me to tell her this story - done whilst we were heading to a nearby town in our car. It was only then, after reaching our destination, that I realised how good this book actually is. From Dawn's early youthful ignorance through to her eventual attempts to 'sort her life out' the story portrays a simple truth in how your own actions and 'whims' can blindly affect your consideration for your partners actions and ongoing life together. The fact that I remembered every characters name and so many relevant details was something unusual for me (I'm terrible with names) but moreover when we reached the end of our journey, finished our business and then jumped back in to the car, she said 'now put your seat belt on - finish the story............

[Katie-Ann Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

our book review provides a thoughtful and engaging perspective on the story you've read. It seems to be a story that delves into the complexities of marriage, love, and the "what-if" moments that many couples may experience in their lives.

I found Dawn, Rob, and Billy, relatable and intriguing, and I really appreciate the way their ups and downs are portrayed. The idea of a coming-of-age story within a marriage context, exploring first love and unexpected relationships, adds depth to the story's timeline spanning from the 90s to the present day indicates a thorough exploration of the characters' journey over time. It appears that the story tackles themes of complacency and self-discovery within a relationship, which are aspects many readers like myself can relate to.

The question of whether Dawn and Rob can find their way back to each other or if it will take something significant to rekindle their love adds a layer of suspense and intrigue to the story.

I really enjoyed this and after 20 years of marriage, I really enjoyed this story a lot. Thanks once again for the book for my honest review.

[E Dod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have seen many of Nick Alexander's books, but never read them. So when I read the blurb of this novel it sounded super interesting and I requested it on NetGalley and so glad that I got accepted and got the chance to read it. This is a super book and I will be reading more of Nick Alexander's novels.

We meet main character Dawn who finds herself pregnant at the young age of 17 and she is in some sort of love triangle and she is unsure of the baby's father. We then are introduced to 2 different men - Rob a pure family man at heart and Billy who is completely the opposite and is carefree and slightly wild.

When Billy leaves, Rob is still there and Dawn and Rob get married and bring up the baby together. The novel centres around the up and lows of their relationship and it is super interesting and really relatable. I loved it.

The characters seem super real and I felt I was in the novel with them.

Thanks to Nick Alexander, NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me a copy of this fabulous novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gets a 4.5 stars from me. It's a portrait of an ordinary marriage, which might make it sound boring - but it's a celebration of lasting love, and an exploration of what keeps people together even when life sometimes conspires to throw obstacles in the way. It isn't a romance by any means, so if you're looking for meet cutes and thrills this may not be what you want. But if you want authenticity and emotional depth, and characters who feel real, definitely grab this wonderful, thought-provoking book and savour it.
The only reason it dropped half a star for me was I found the epilogue set in the future a bit jarring, and felt the story could have been satisfying without it. I felt it hammered the point home, but I'd got it by then, and it somehow spoiled the pleasure of the book, which was how real it all felt as I read through. Maybe if I re-read it thirty years from now I'll mind it less!
Thanks to NetGalley, Storm and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a difficult read. But, all the same, it was beautiful. Poetically human. Incredibly unassuming and real in a way that hurt. Nick Alexander, you did what you set out to do, and then some.

It wasn’t meant to be a happy ending. This book was meant to be about the humdrum and lackluster parts of life together. It was honest and refreshing. Dawn and Rob don’t have a perfect story. But they have each other. And even saying that feels too cheesy for how meaningful this book is. It’s a story about family, how messy it can be, and how we can still choose each other. But it’s more than that, too.

Like I said, this was a difficult read. There’s teen pregnancy. There’s infidelity. There’s a lot of heartbreak and sweeping feelings under the rug. None of it surprising and all of it so realistic that it made me take a hard look at how I define love. This book is a gem, and while it’s certainly not one that everyone would enjoy, I am glad to have read it.

Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Nick Alexander for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim Loves Reading! · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this story so endearing and relatable in so many marriages. The ups and downs and everything in between. It is a coming-of-age story about first love and the one you never saw yourself with. This is story for every married couple, who hasn't thought about what-if? I found Dawn and Rob so relatable and of course Billy that one guy we found so intriguing and addictive. I loved that story takes place in the 90's to the current day.

Dawn is infatuated with Billy; he is in band and mysterious that she finds addictive. But then then he leaves and enter Rob a definition of all around nice guy. So, when Dawn finds herself pregnant, Rob is there to pick up the pieces and promises to take care of her. But when life gets busy with kids and work, both Dawn and Rob become complacent and find they have lost themselves and who they were.

Can they find their way back to each other or will it take something big see the love they have for each other?

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for copy of this book for my honest review.

[Romance Novels List · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book to me was designed to ignite contemplation and foster dialogue. Although there were moments during the reading journey, particularly in Dawn's sections, that weren't as engaging as I had hoped, by the conclusion, it managed to redeem itself.

For me, connecting with Dawn’s character proved to be a challenge. Also, it’s worth noting she has blind loyalty. I personally could not be friends with someone who I walked in on with my boyfriend! There were instances when it seemed Shellie's advice appeared to be extremely questionable and tinged with sarcasm, but Dawn willingly acted upon it.

My central reservation with this book revolves around Dawn's enduring fixation on a brief summer romance, an obsession that appears to have hindered her from allowing her AND husband from truly experiencing married life and intimacy. This singular preoccupation casted a major shadow over their relationship.

[Mrs.J.Richmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's love got to do with it

In this book Love is the central character. The various kinds of love we have for another. And the winner is? Not the spine tingling adrenaline spiking kind, but the constant, caring kind.

In what is a fairly unconventional book Nick Alexander explores the relationship between two people who really literally fall in love with each other by accident. Their ups and downs are explored at close range through the minutiae of their lives.

There is quite a lot of humour mainly in the dialogue which is often witty and sometimes funny. Nick has a really good understanding of people..

For anyone who has lived with difficult teenagers the trials of Lucy will resonate. How common are these family situations. How often do they break families.

Using the device of sharing the narrative with the
two main characters means the tension is relieved. . It works very well.

I enjoyed this book about ordinary people doing ordinary people.

[Amy Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have always loved books by Nick Alexander as they usually make me laugh out loud and have good main characters and plots and this one did not disappoint.

Following the two lead characters, Dawn and Rob, who have such a tumultuous marriage after being thrown together in a very unplanned way, and Dawns teenage romance (the one that got away) that turns up many years later and turns the tables on her emotions.

This is such a realistic story that is told in such a beautiful and comical way and really makes you think that what you think you want isn't necessarily what you need and not to throw away what you have, when the grass isn't always greener.

[Sally Tyrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this book from start to finish!
Dawn, Rob and Billy such great characters all so very different but intrinsically linked!!
Nick is fantastic at writing about totally relatable scenarios and portraying the emotions, feelings and idiosyncrasies of daily life particularly for married couple with children, realistic and down to earth.Depicting how relationships grow change and develop over the years from those first initial crazy lust filled moments through the mundane and eventually a comfortable acceptance!
Add in pregnancy, unrequited love, extramarital affairs, illness, addiction, and lockdown to name but a few and you have a great read that will keep you interested from start to finish!
Thank you netgalley for this early read.

[Bradley Raymond Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn has a teenage crush on Billy, a wild free spirit would be rock star. Rob is very interested in Dawn and they have a tryst. When Dawn realises that Billy isn't going to give her any commitment she gives him a wide berth but then finds out that she is pregnant. Dependable Rob stands by her. They don't know if he is the true father but their relationship somehow works for many years. This story follows the characters from teenagers until their older years. All I will say is that this is another gem from Nick Alexander. He always seems to write about characters that you warm to and that you have such empathy with. He has a great understanding of humanity and life. Definitely read this and any other book the author has written. Fabulous fabulous fabulous!!!!!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter was enough to put me off reading this novel with its references to raunchy behaviours, but having read Nick’s previous book Perfectly Ordinary People which I enjoyed, felt it was worth continuing.

The story flows freely from one life event to the next covering three generations from the 1990s up to the time of Covid. The characters are real enough with differing temperaments, starting with a tear away teenager through to a calm, caring and sensitive young man. The novel is basically about the tipping points in long term relationships and with perseverance wounds can be healed and love reignited. An enjoyable, true to life story written with understanding and love.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this e-copy.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always about real people. The good, bad, and the ugly. just how it is really.

So many reviews offer, hopefully to a potential buyer state that the book: “Won’t be possible to put down.”Will have you riveted to your seat.” These phrases may be overdone or just not true but they usually apply to mystery and suspense novels or who-done-it’s. This novel is about real people. The key actors, Dawn and Rob are both ordinary and exceptional and the same is true of the bit parts.
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To a certain extent the main theme of the plot is predictable but nothing is lost for that. A book to be remembered.

And yes I had difficulty in putting it down but nevertheless did so from time to time in order to savour the return. Thank you Nick Alexander.