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Beautifully Flawed #1
Flawed Perfection
Bobby Beckerson is the American All-Star hockey player—he’s the spitting image of perfection to his family. Goofy, sweet and undeniably gorgeous, he has everything but the one girl he wants: River Ahlers.
River Ahlers is successful in everything but love. She's been in love with Adam Beckerson since they were kids. Worst of all she's stuck right in the middle of the brothers dueling over everything and anything, and she doesn't even know she's the ultimate prize.
Adam Beckerson is a boy with a guitar, a smile that sinks girls' hearts and a stone wall around his own. He’s anything but perfect, and no matter how hard he tries he’s nothing compared to Bobby. Sweet, damaged, with boyish good-looks, nobody thinks Adam loves anyone but himself.
Bobby loves River, River loves Adam and Adam only loves himself--or so everyone thinks. One night everything changes, and as it threatens to destroy everyone involved a tragedy strikes that will break them all...
GENRE: CLEAN New Adult Contemporary Romance
River Ahlers is successful in everything but love. She's been in love with Adam Beckerson since they were kids. Worst of all she's stuck right in the middle of the brothers dueling over everything and anything, and she doesn't even know she's the ultimate prize.
Adam Beckerson is a boy with a guitar, a smile that sinks girls' hearts and a stone wall around his own. He’s anything but perfect, and no matter how hard he tries he’s nothing compared to Bobby. Sweet, damaged, with boyish good-looks, nobody thinks Adam loves anyone but himself.
Bobby loves River, River loves Adam and Adam only loves himself--or so everyone thinks. One night everything changes, and as it threatens to destroy everyone involved a tragedy strikes that will break them all...
GENRE: CLEAN New Adult Contemporary Romance
450 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 6, 2014
28 people are currently reading
1106 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Giovanni
17 books626 followersCassandra doesn't remember a time when she wasn't writing. In fact, the first time she was published was when she was seven years old and won a contest to be published in an American Girl Doll novel. Since then Cassandra has written more novels than she can count and put just as many in the circular bin. Her personal goal with her writing is to show the reader the character's stories through their dialogue and actions instead of just telling the reader what is happening. Besides being a writer, Cassandra is a professional photographer known for her automotive, nature and architectural shots. She is happily married to the man of her dreams and they live in the rolling hills of New England with their daughter and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
June 4, 2016
• Beautifully Flawed #1
• 400 Pages
• release date - 7 March - 2014
• Publisher: Show N'ot Tell Publishing
• Cover Designer: Gio Design Studios
♥ NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE ♥
Book #2 Faded Perfection will be out in June 2016
River has been best friends with the Beckerson brothers Adam & Bobby all her life.
She has been in love with Adam since she was 12.
Bobby is in love with River.
Bobby is the golden boy of the family & Adam doesn't seem to get any love or recognition from his parents. The boys have always been in competition with each other - about everything in live.
☺ It's all horribly & wonderfully complicated.☺
Now they're all grown up - living in the same building.
River is still in love with Adam, but he's just her best friend, or is he???☺☺☺
Bobby is crazy jealous of his brother. He's always known his brother has feelings for River too. But he never told River about that.
Poor River is overwhelmed with all those feelings and friendships and it's all so sad and crazy and exciting and sexy and frustrating.
WILL RIVER GET HER HAPPY EVER AFTER WITH ADAM?
And what about poor Bobby - he always had this secret hope that he will one day be enough for River.
And Adam - he always thought he won't ever be good enough for her, because that's what he felt like growing up - not being good enough for anybody.
I won't tell you what will happen of course ☺
You have to read it yourself - AND PLEASE DO READ IT!
♥ I LOVED THE BOOK ♥
Once I started reading, I just couldn't stop!!! I read it in one night!!!
It was just so interesting - I NEEDED to know what will happen with those 3!
You start reading thinking, ok - hurry up already - Adam & River will end up together - Bobby is unlikable and that's it - The End - HEA.
HA!!! Nope - you start reading - and yes, you want Adam and River together - but you're really sorry for poor Bobby too, some of the time at least ;)
And you're sorry for Adam too and for River - she's trying so hard not to hurt anybody and still be happy.
It's such a complicated relationship they all have. You just want to know how it all ends.
But it's not ending at all!!! There will be 4 books in this series!
At the end of book 1 you will probably sit there and cry, just like I did.... cry for Adam & River & Bobby & everything that could've been and may be or never will be ....
I loved the story.
In the beginning I wanted them to hurry the F up - I wanted Adam & River happily together - but they take their time and when they finally make it, there's still Bobby to think about - they don't want to hurt him more than they already did.
A few things that bothered me?
Well - the sex scenes - there weren't any really. Yes, there were some, but not explicit enough for my taste. It wouldn't have hurt the story to make those scenes a bit longer and more explicit. But that's just me - most people don't have a problem with that.
But that's the only thing that bothered me a bit - oh and of course the tiny little fact that we have a
CLIFFHANGER-ish Ending ☺
THIS WAS A WONDERFULLY MOVING AND ROMANTIC AND SEXY AND SAD ROMANCE!!!
YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO STOP THINKING ABOUT IT FOR A WHILE AFTER YOU FINISH READING!
GRRRRRR ...
NOW I CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK #2 TO COME OUT!!!!!
♡
♡
♡
♡
March 10, 2014
4 so promising stars
Review also available on Books & Tea part of the Flawed Perfection Blog Tour
ARC provided by author for honest review
A very addicting story with great realistic characters.
I really loved this book, I could just not put it down. I've had to read up to 3 in the morning, cause I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep if I didn't finish this book. (Well I was not able to sleep after anyway).
In a nutshell, the story deals with the love triangle between River and the Beckerson brothers: Bobby, the ex-hockey player, pride of his family, and Adam, sweet and damaged musician.
The love triangle
Now... usually when I hear about a love triangle, I start having doubts about reading the book (yes, call me old school, but I have problems with one girl having feelings for two boys at the same time). Except this one is the good type of love triangles!
Basically, Bobby loves River. River loves Adam. And Adam loves River, except he does not admit it. (The girl is in love with just one of the boys... See? Good type of love triangle. YAY!)
The characters
What I enjoyed the most about this book was the fact that the characters felt so realistic to me. They were human and ordinary ( And I mean it in the good way). It made me connect with them even more.
The story is told from River's point of view. She is torn between her love for Adam and her special friendship with Bobby. I could completely relate to her. (May I add that the fact she can play The Beatles on guitar made me love her even more! Pretty big Beatles fan here!)
Pretty much from the start, I was Team Adam... When he said things like:
It made me swoon :)
But I was also able to understand Bobby's feelings, even if sometimes he looked almost cruel, because he was hurting so much...
I also really liked the "supportive" characters, like Tara and Jesse.
The drama
Although I knew something big was coming (it was even written in the blurb! ), I was not suspicious enough to imagine what kind of emotional rollercoaster I was about to experience.
Basically, this was me happily reading, and getting to the end of the book :
(No wonder I had trouble sleeping after finishing the book!)
To sum up:
A great beginning for a very promising series.
I just can't wait to read the next book!
Favorite quotes:
Review also available on Books & Tea part of the Flawed Perfection Blog Tour
ARC provided by author for honest review
A very addicting story with great realistic characters.
I really loved this book, I could just not put it down. I've had to read up to 3 in the morning, cause I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep if I didn't finish this book. (Well I was not able to sleep after anyway).
In a nutshell, the story deals with the love triangle between River and the Beckerson brothers: Bobby, the ex-hockey player, pride of his family, and Adam, sweet and damaged musician.
The love triangle
"Listen Riv, the Beckerson boys share one common flaw - you."
"You're fighting over me?" I said in shock.
Now... usually when I hear about a love triangle, I start having doubts about reading the book (yes, call me old school, but I have problems with one girl having feelings for two boys at the same time). Except this one is the good type of love triangles!
Basically, Bobby loves River. River loves Adam. And Adam loves River, except he does not admit it. (The girl is in love with just one of the boys... See? Good type of love triangle. YAY!)
The characters
What I enjoyed the most about this book was the fact that the characters felt so realistic to me. They were human and ordinary ( And I mean it in the good way). It made me connect with them even more.
The story is told from River's point of view. She is torn between her love for Adam and her special friendship with Bobby. I could completely relate to her. (May I add that the fact she can play The Beatles on guitar made me love her even more! Pretty big Beatles fan here!)
Pretty much from the start, I was Team Adam... When he said things like:
"I'll make you breakfast for the rest of your life if you want it."
It made me swoon :)
But I was also able to understand Bobby's feelings, even if sometimes he looked almost cruel, because he was hurting so much...
"I see the way he looks at you - the way he's always looked at you. It's the same way you look at him, and it kills me, it really does."
I also really liked the "supportive" characters, like Tara and Jesse.
The drama
Although I knew something big was coming (it was even written in the blurb! ), I was not suspicious enough to imagine what kind of emotional rollercoaster I was about to experience.
Basically, this was me happily reading, and getting to the end of the book :
(No wonder I had trouble sleeping after finishing the book!)
To sum up:
A great beginning for a very promising series.
I just can't wait to read the next book!
Favorite quotes:
"You don't let anyone in."
He looked up. "I let you in."
"But I'm me."
"You're special"
"I guess I'm just waiting for the right person."
Our eyes locked on one another for a moment that made my stomach flip flop.
Screw butterflies, I had a whole circus rioting inside of me.
May 26, 2016
When I begin a book, I almost always know what my emotional takeaways will be. I know from the synopsis what to expect. With Flawed Perfection, I thought I would be reading ONLY about unrequited love and an unconventional love triangle . I should have known better.
With Flawed Perfection, we do get our “unrequited love story” but Cassandra’s tale of River Ahlers and the Beckerson boys (Bobby and Adam) goes way beyond the simple HEA and reading to find out “who winds up with the girl”. It explores the dynamics of love between family, friends, & lovers. It’s also about personal growth, self-worth, and unfortunately, a bit about conditional love.
I initially I fell in love with Cassandra’s writing in Love Exactly (my review on GR) – I found it by chance and it sounded charming and sweet, right when I needed one – and it was. But there was another element to the story, the effects of physical abuse, which was handled with great décor and gentleness and I greatly admired the writer for how she managed that and to provide a sweet love story. Well, she's done it again! In Flawed Perfection, we see another take on abuse in a different fashion, emotional and verbal abuse. It exists as a underlying current for the entire story and it shapes the relationships between our 3 main characters, River, Adam, and Bobby.
Flawed Perfection is told from Rivers POV. So much of the story is getting there- you know where - WHO will end up with who. Flawed Perfection shows us the history and current state of Rivers' relationship(s) with Bobby and Adam Beckerson. It's also a story about their relationship. We watch as the bond of the 2 brothers is strained, unexpectedly grows, collapses and grows again - seemingly driven by their mutual love of one girl . But it goes beyond that and it's quiet unfair to put that all on her- you'll see. We also see 2 people come to terms with being in love with each other but then suffer from the notion that they have to hide it. And they do. But, just when things seem settled life happens and things get beyond complicated. WAY beyond complicated.
I enjoy Cassandra’s writing style immensely – The dialogue is real, the language for the characters seems appropriate, and her style is descriptive - it’s easy to get a sense of the physical aspects of the story, the characters, their cars, the places they go, their physical interactions, the food (I smell the French toast and cinnamon rolls now). It’s an easy read in terms of how it flows and where things go in the storyline.
At its core, Flawed Perfection is a glimpse into how these 3 young adults orbit around each other. We see this vortex of emotions that’s been created and the layers of dynamics between the 3 of them – we have 3 people trying to relate to each other based upon labels placed on them by family, themselves and society. These labels only serve to cause confusion, an age old issue with the human condition in society? Yes!
So, what are they? We know that there are 2 siblings, which is easy enough to define. Where it gets muddy is what all 3 consider each other; best friends, protectors, would be lovers, and/or enemies. Going in, I knew it would be the story of an unconventional love triangle. Not that the premise of 2 brothers loving the same girl is new, but the unique dynamics of the 3 main characters really put that on it's end. The author really changes this up because its done through the way the parents and how they treat these 3 individuals. I could write a book about what I think of the parents. To say I have ill feelings towards them is an understatement. This is where it goes from a simple story of "boy loves girl , girl loves boy(s)" to a story where, well, you see how the 2 "outcast" children are really bonded to each other. I came to see them as each other’s protectors which really makes their love story feel, well, inevitable. There are some great secondary characters; co-workers, friends, girlfriends and boyfriends that drive a lot of the action, but the angst really comes from what these 3 do to each other.
There are some highly frustrating moments and the back and forth and miscommunication make this one tough rollercoaster ride, but what’s a love story without angst? And when a book can do that to me I know its a 5 star read that I will give it high recommendation. The story will go where you NEVER thought it would go and leave you scared about what's next. We are left with an amazing set up for Book 2, Pieces of Perfection (Beautifully Broken, #2)
While I didn’t cry the UGLY CRY while reading Flawed Perfection , there were tears - lots of tears - you should expect them. I deem it a 5 Star read!! However, I fully anticipate there will be UGLY TEARS while reading the follow-up Faded Perfection (Beautifully Flawed, #2) . I see where things could go and I don’t think it’s pretty. My emotionally sadistic heart can’t wait until I can get hands on it.
It was a pleasure to have been included in the blog tour and to have been given the opportunity to provided a review. I was provided an ARC by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
With Flawed Perfection, we do get our “unrequited love story” but Cassandra’s tale of River Ahlers and the Beckerson boys (Bobby and Adam) goes way beyond the simple HEA and reading to find out “who winds up with the girl”. It explores the dynamics of love between family, friends, & lovers. It’s also about personal growth, self-worth, and unfortunately, a bit about conditional love.
I initially I fell in love with Cassandra’s writing in Love Exactly (my review on GR) – I found it by chance and it sounded charming and sweet, right when I needed one – and it was. But there was another element to the story, the effects of physical abuse, which was handled with great décor and gentleness and I greatly admired the writer for how she managed that and to provide a sweet love story. Well, she's done it again! In Flawed Perfection, we see another take on abuse in a different fashion, emotional and verbal abuse. It exists as a underlying current for the entire story and it shapes the relationships between our 3 main characters, River, Adam, and Bobby.
Flawed Perfection is told from Rivers POV. So much of the story is getting there- you know where - WHO will end up with who. Flawed Perfection shows us the history and current state of Rivers' relationship(s) with Bobby and Adam Beckerson. It's also a story about their relationship. We watch as the bond of the 2 brothers is strained, unexpectedly grows, collapses and grows again - seemingly driven by their mutual love of one girl . But it goes beyond that and it's quiet unfair to put that all on her- you'll see. We also see 2 people come to terms with being in love with each other but then suffer from the notion that they have to hide it. And they do. But, just when things seem settled life happens and things get beyond complicated. WAY beyond complicated.
I enjoy Cassandra’s writing style immensely – The dialogue is real, the language for the characters seems appropriate, and her style is descriptive - it’s easy to get a sense of the physical aspects of the story, the characters, their cars, the places they go, their physical interactions, the food (I smell the French toast and cinnamon rolls now). It’s an easy read in terms of how it flows and where things go in the storyline.
At its core, Flawed Perfection is a glimpse into how these 3 young adults orbit around each other. We see this vortex of emotions that’s been created and the layers of dynamics between the 3 of them – we have 3 people trying to relate to each other based upon labels placed on them by family, themselves and society. These labels only serve to cause confusion, an age old issue with the human condition in society? Yes!
So, what are they? We know that there are 2 siblings, which is easy enough to define. Where it gets muddy is what all 3 consider each other; best friends, protectors, would be lovers, and/or enemies. Going in, I knew it would be the story of an unconventional love triangle. Not that the premise of 2 brothers loving the same girl is new, but the unique dynamics of the 3 main characters really put that on it's end. The author really changes this up because its done through the way the parents and how they treat these 3 individuals. I could write a book about what I think of the parents. To say I have ill feelings towards them is an understatement. This is where it goes from a simple story of "boy loves girl , girl loves boy(s)" to a story where, well, you see how the 2 "outcast" children are really bonded to each other. I came to see them as each other’s protectors which really makes their love story feel, well, inevitable. There are some great secondary characters; co-workers, friends, girlfriends and boyfriends that drive a lot of the action, but the angst really comes from what these 3 do to each other.
There are some highly frustrating moments and the back and forth and miscommunication make this one tough rollercoaster ride, but what’s a love story without angst? And when a book can do that to me I know its a 5 star read that I will give it high recommendation. The story will go where you NEVER thought it would go and leave you scared about what's next. We are left with an amazing set up for Book 2, Pieces of Perfection (Beautifully Broken, #2)
While I didn’t cry the UGLY CRY while reading Flawed Perfection , there were tears - lots of tears - you should expect them. I deem it a 5 Star read!! However, I fully anticipate there will be UGLY TEARS while reading the follow-up Faded Perfection (Beautifully Flawed, #2) . I see where things could go and I don’t think it’s pretty. My emotionally sadistic heart can’t wait until I can get hands on it.
It was a pleasure to have been included in the blog tour and to have been given the opportunity to provided a review. I was provided an ARC by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 28, 2015
Review copy provided by author
Why I Read this Book: After reading the blurb, I thought this could be an intense love triangle. And what goes together better than tragedy and a romance?
What I Liked: River has a great friendship with the Beckerson boys. She’s grown up with them so she’s know them for most of her life. But I liked how different Bobby and Adam were and how they each brought something different to River’s life. This was a realistic love triangle and I enjoyed reading to see how it would play out.
I liked River. She knows want she wants and doesn’t settle. I also enjoyed reading about her photography job.
What I Didn’t Like: The sex scenes were pretty much non-existent in that they happened behind closed doors. This doesn’t fault the book; it’s just my reading preference.
As the story progressed, I liked Bobby less and less. He was a great friend to River in the beginning but after a pivotal moment in the book he becomes an asshole.
I never understood why the boys' mother disliked River so much. No explanation was given.
Memorable Moment:
Overall Impression: There were some loose ends in Flawed Perfection, which encourages the reader to read the next book. While I enjoyed reading this book, I don’t think I’m invested enough with these characters to read the next 3 books to get their complete story.
Why I Read this Book: After reading the blurb, I thought this could be an intense love triangle. And what goes together better than tragedy and a romance?
What I Liked: River has a great friendship with the Beckerson boys. She’s grown up with them so she’s know them for most of her life. But I liked how different Bobby and Adam were and how they each brought something different to River’s life. This was a realistic love triangle and I enjoyed reading to see how it would play out.
I liked River. She knows want she wants and doesn’t settle. I also enjoyed reading about her photography job.
What I Didn’t Like: The sex scenes were pretty much non-existent in that they happened behind closed doors. This doesn’t fault the book; it’s just my reading preference.
As the story progressed, I liked Bobby less and less. He was a great friend to River in the beginning but after a pivotal moment in the book he becomes an asshole.
I never understood why the boys' mother disliked River so much. No explanation was given.
Memorable Moment:
“I’m yours, River. I’m yours.”
Overall Impression: There were some loose ends in Flawed Perfection, which encourages the reader to read the next book. While I enjoyed reading this book, I don’t think I’m invested enough with these characters to read the next 3 books to get their complete story.
March 11, 2014
3.5 Made For Each Other Stars
This is a new adult romance story about two brothers and their love for the girl next door. River Ahlers, Bobby Beckerson, and Adam Beckerson have been best friends since childhood. Bobby is in love with River and River is in love with Adam. Adam leads everyone to believe he is a selfish womanizer but he really is in love with River but doesn't think he's good enough. Can you say love triangle!!
This was a quick easy book to read filled with angst, friendship, and genuine love for one another on both a friendship and romantic level. The OMG surprise towards the end of the book totally threw me and I wasn't expecting it!! I am so Team Adam from the very beginning of the book.
What didn't jive for me was mostly just my own personal preferences. I like A Lot of explicit love making scenes and I missed that in here. I will say Ms. Giovanni wrote beautiful sexy times scenes but I just craved more. I also didn't like the immaturity of the characters and felt for being college graduates they could have acted more maturely. Again these are just my opinions and should not sway you.
Thank you to Ms. Giovanni for gifting her book to me in exchange for an honest review.
This is a new adult romance story about two brothers and their love for the girl next door. River Ahlers, Bobby Beckerson, and Adam Beckerson have been best friends since childhood. Bobby is in love with River and River is in love with Adam. Adam leads everyone to believe he is a selfish womanizer but he really is in love with River but doesn't think he's good enough. Can you say love triangle!!
This was a quick easy book to read filled with angst, friendship, and genuine love for one another on both a friendship and romantic level. The OMG surprise towards the end of the book totally threw me and I wasn't expecting it!! I am so Team Adam from the very beginning of the book.
What didn't jive for me was mostly just my own personal preferences. I like A Lot of explicit love making scenes and I missed that in here. I will say Ms. Giovanni wrote beautiful sexy times scenes but I just craved more. I also didn't like the immaturity of the characters and felt for being college graduates they could have acted more maturely. Again these are just my opinions and should not sway you.
Thank you to Ms. Giovanni for gifting her book to me in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2014
** I received a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review**
OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK. I mean I had tears running down my face and everything, I struggled to out the book down at all and am desperate, DESPERATE I tell you to get my hands on book two. I can't tell you how glad I am that I gave this book a chance.
There is practically everything you need in this book. I love triangle, angst, fighting, good friends, nasty parents and true love. The only thing that could have topped it to make it slightly better were more involved intimate scenes that were only glossed over. (But that's just my petty opinion).
You really feel a connection to Bobby, Adam and River, you can't help but get sucked in and love all of them. River is stuck in the middle and you can't help but feel for her at times. All of them pluck at your heart strings and the feelings are so real and raw.
Yes there were a few typo's, but by this point I really didn't care, the story topped it. This is a brilliant NA novel.
OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK. I mean I had tears running down my face and everything, I struggled to out the book down at all and am desperate, DESPERATE I tell you to get my hands on book two. I can't tell you how glad I am that I gave this book a chance.
There is practically everything you need in this book. I love triangle, angst, fighting, good friends, nasty parents and true love. The only thing that could have topped it to make it slightly better were more involved intimate scenes that were only glossed over. (But that's just my petty opinion).
You really feel a connection to Bobby, Adam and River, you can't help but get sucked in and love all of them. River is stuck in the middle and you can't help but feel for her at times. All of them pluck at your heart strings and the feelings are so real and raw.
Yes there were a few typo's, but by this point I really didn't care, the story topped it. This is a brilliant NA novel.
March 25, 2014
I was completely blown away by the aching depth of emotion and the high soaring spirit of hope that permeated the very core of this brilliant story. The intensity slammed into me like a brick wall, but I was held up by the tender arms of a fragile yet resilient love that refused to die. It was this love that we watch with wonder and appreciation as it transforms the stunning characters that you meet along this harsh yet beautiful journey. This story will crawl under your skin and seep into your heart until it becomes a part of you. You will not want to let go.
River Ahlers finds success and fulfillment in every part of her life except one. She is unable to have the love that she has so deeply longed for throughout her life. She stumbles from one meaningless relationship to another trying to drown her sorrows and find a way to keep going. She has loved her best friend Adam for as long as she can remember, but she knows that he doesn’t love her in the same way. Adam has always been seen as the black sheep of the family. He doesn’t measure up to the success of his bother Bobby. Bobby holds the love and adoration of his parents while Adam only receives their disdain and disappointment. If his own family can’t love him, he doesn’t expect anyone else to love him let alone the one girl he has secretly loved this entire life. He isn’t good enough for her, but that doesn’t stop him from loving her from afar.
River captivated me by her strength of spirit and her unwavering hope that Adam might come to love her as much as she loves him. The small embers of hope that she sees from him in recent years fuel her determination to not give up on him. Above all, she wants nothing more than to run into his arms and show him how much she has longed for him to know the unspoken passion that lives inside her. The recent change in Adam’s behavior towards her has her flirting with him more and more to see if he will let his guard down enough to show his feelings for her. No matter what, she is first his friend, his biggest cheerleader, and his confidant, and she will never do anything to destroy their friendship. Day after day, her resolve beings to weaken, and she finds that she is barely keeping herself from exploding as she tries to find contentment with just loving her friend.
The dynamic between Adam and Bobby is completely fascinating to me. Since I have no siblings, I was intrigued at how they danced around the sore spot that is River. They both want her, and yet they both know that they would rather cut off their own hand than to stab the other in the back. Their restrain is phenomenal, and the level of lies and deception heightens as the stakes keeping rising. River does not want to come between the brothers, but she can’t change how she feels about Adam even to save Bobby from the pain of that knowledge. Adam knows what it feels like to be continually hurt by family, and he refuses to put Bobby through the pain of proclaiming his love for River. He will not consciously betray Bobby, but sometimes life has a way of taking the reins when we refuse to move forward.
To say that I am impressed by Cassandra Giovanni would be the understatement of the century! She is a hidden treasure that the world is finally able to behold and cherish. I was speechless after reading this stunning work of art, and I still am. My heart has been stolen by the outstanding and extraordinary characters that live within the pages of this book. If you want a story that will take you out of your comfort zone, make your heart ache, and force you to feel, then you have found exactly what you need in Giovanni’s Flawed Perfection. River and Adam have stolen my heart, and I can’t wait to find out how their story continues!
River Ahlers finds success and fulfillment in every part of her life except one. She is unable to have the love that she has so deeply longed for throughout her life. She stumbles from one meaningless relationship to another trying to drown her sorrows and find a way to keep going. She has loved her best friend Adam for as long as she can remember, but she knows that he doesn’t love her in the same way. Adam has always been seen as the black sheep of the family. He doesn’t measure up to the success of his bother Bobby. Bobby holds the love and adoration of his parents while Adam only receives their disdain and disappointment. If his own family can’t love him, he doesn’t expect anyone else to love him let alone the one girl he has secretly loved this entire life. He isn’t good enough for her, but that doesn’t stop him from loving her from afar.
River captivated me by her strength of spirit and her unwavering hope that Adam might come to love her as much as she loves him. The small embers of hope that she sees from him in recent years fuel her determination to not give up on him. Above all, she wants nothing more than to run into his arms and show him how much she has longed for him to know the unspoken passion that lives inside her. The recent change in Adam’s behavior towards her has her flirting with him more and more to see if he will let his guard down enough to show his feelings for her. No matter what, she is first his friend, his biggest cheerleader, and his confidant, and she will never do anything to destroy their friendship. Day after day, her resolve beings to weaken, and she finds that she is barely keeping herself from exploding as she tries to find contentment with just loving her friend.
The dynamic between Adam and Bobby is completely fascinating to me. Since I have no siblings, I was intrigued at how they danced around the sore spot that is River. They both want her, and yet they both know that they would rather cut off their own hand than to stab the other in the back. Their restrain is phenomenal, and the level of lies and deception heightens as the stakes keeping rising. River does not want to come between the brothers, but she can’t change how she feels about Adam even to save Bobby from the pain of that knowledge. Adam knows what it feels like to be continually hurt by family, and he refuses to put Bobby through the pain of proclaiming his love for River. He will not consciously betray Bobby, but sometimes life has a way of taking the reins when we refuse to move forward.
To say that I am impressed by Cassandra Giovanni would be the understatement of the century! She is a hidden treasure that the world is finally able to behold and cherish. I was speechless after reading this stunning work of art, and I still am. My heart has been stolen by the outstanding and extraordinary characters that live within the pages of this book. If you want a story that will take you out of your comfort zone, make your heart ache, and force you to feel, then you have found exactly what you need in Giovanni’s Flawed Perfection. River and Adam have stolen my heart, and I can’t wait to find out how their story continues!
March 21, 2014
Oh Cassandra Giovanni, what have you done to me? Flawed Perfection is the story of the ultimate love triangle, which made me want to feel apathy towards River, Adam, Bobby and the constant circuit they were on. Yet as I sat there at the end of the book with tears running down my face, clutching my Kindle, I knew I had succumbed to your brilliant writing (again!)
Although Adam and Bobby are brothers, Cassandra Giovanni has conceived very individual personalities for them, which in a sense does make River's choice more understandable.
Rather than just a romance, Flawed Perfection is a family drama as Adam and Bobby not only fight over River like a toy, but also who is the favourite son; an argument which spills over to include River and her parents, the result is that she is ignored by her mother.
Flawed Perfection is full of angst, but the author balances this with beautiful romance, and although I am not sure I am ready for the emotion of Beautifully Flawed #2, I am convinced that again Cassandra Giovanni's writing will cause me to relent again!
Although Adam and Bobby are brothers, Cassandra Giovanni has conceived very individual personalities for them, which in a sense does make River's choice more understandable.
Rather than just a romance, Flawed Perfection is a family drama as Adam and Bobby not only fight over River like a toy, but also who is the favourite son; an argument which spills over to include River and her parents, the result is that she is ignored by her mother.
Flawed Perfection is full of angst, but the author balances this with beautiful romance, and although I am not sure I am ready for the emotion of Beautifully Flawed #2, I am convinced that again Cassandra Giovanni's writing will cause me to relent again!
March 31, 2014
Flawed Perfection is the story unrequired love and included love triangle.
Cassandra provided an ARC for me to review and I accepted because I just fell in love the synopsis. I always love to read especially love triangles and especially included between brothers. So far it was fine. When I started the reading first chapter, I couldn't understand what's going on because The main girl was with one brother and right after with other brother. I thought what the hell is going on? How fast is this? I had too many question about it but I drop them somepoint.It was so obvious that River is in love with Adam. And same thing obvious to Adam but somehow I couldn't see Bobby's love to River.
Beside that end was sad and I don't know what should I feel after Bobby's dead even though I wasn't liked him very much.
Cassandra provided an ARC for me to review and I accepted because I just fell in love the synopsis. I always love to read especially love triangles and especially included between brothers. So far it was fine. When I started the reading first chapter, I couldn't understand what's going on because The main girl was with one brother and right after with other brother. I thought what the hell is going on? How fast is this? I had too many question about it but I drop them somepoint.It was so obvious that River is in love with Adam. And same thing obvious to Adam but somehow I couldn't see Bobby's love to River.
Beside that end was sad and I don't know what should I feel after Bobby's dead even though I wasn't liked him very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2014
I don't know what to rate this one. I'm going back and forth between 3 - 3.5 Stars.... Liked it, loved it, parts drove me nuts. I'll have to think about my star rating on this one a bit longer but in the end, I read this in one sitting. I had theories to what was going to happen and I guessed correctly. Yet it didn't talk away from the story at all because there was so much going on. You can't help but feel the emotions rolling off of the characters while reading and they do each go through A LOT of feelings from beginning to end. I'm happy this is the first book in a serious following the same characters yet it's kind of a double edge sword for a few reasons. I'll explain further in a full review on my blog A Life abound By Books soon. PS - I am looking forward to the next book.
February 22, 2014
I received the ARC for an honest review.
I absolutely fell in love with this book. There is so much emotion. I got mad, laughed so hard, and cried at the end. I truly love the friendship that Bobby, Adam, and River share and the closeness that is between them. I felt for River being in the middle of the competition of the brothers Bobby and Adam. Their friendship is strong even through all the turmoil. This is truly a love and friendship that is unbreakable. I can not wait for the rest of this series. The ending is definitely something I was not expecting. The author Cassandra Giovanni definitely put her heart and love into this story. If you like love stories then this is definitely the story for you.
I absolutely fell in love with this book. There is so much emotion. I got mad, laughed so hard, and cried at the end. I truly love the friendship that Bobby, Adam, and River share and the closeness that is between them. I felt for River being in the middle of the competition of the brothers Bobby and Adam. Their friendship is strong even through all the turmoil. This is truly a love and friendship that is unbreakable. I can not wait for the rest of this series. The ending is definitely something I was not expecting. The author Cassandra Giovanni definitely put her heart and love into this story. If you like love stories then this is definitely the story for you.
February 13, 2014
That ending ruined me. I did not see that coming!!! AHHH :(
March 22, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Holy cow this book! Seriously this book is not at all what I expected! I really loved Flawed Perfection, and I am still thinking about this book days after I read it. When I first finished this one I tried to sit down and write a review. I kept having to delete anything I would type because it just wasn't right. So I took a break, and I can tell you that this book and these characters have been on my mind ever since. There were things that I loved so much about this book and things that drove me absolutely crazy. But regardless of all those things that drove me nuts, this book is one that I would highly recommend and absolutely couldn't put down. I will warn you that there isn't necessarily a cliffhanger, but the story does end with a lot up in the air. This is a series, and you will have to start at the beginning with Flawed Perfection. One thing that you should know though is that you should go into this one blind. It's ok to read the blurb and get the gist of the story. But avoid any spoilers to make sure that you get the full experience. Trust me you won't want to spoil the ending!
River grew up with two best friends Adam and Bobby. Adam and Bobby are brothers and are completely different. Bobby is the extremely built hockey player who excels at everything he does, is used to winning, and is the family favorite. Adam is the quiet more serious one, he is into music, and he has always been overlooked by his parents. River has been in love with Adam since forever while only ever seeing Bobby as a friend. It breaks River's heart seeing the constant stream of bimbos that Adam hooks up with and she lets her friend Tara fix her up with Bobby look-a-likes even though they never go anywhere because she is convinced that Adam will never feel the same. Bobby loves River though and thinks that if she could only see past Adam, that they would be perfect for each other. Tara has always had a crush on Bobby, but knows how he feels about River. As they all circle around each other, it is clear that things between them all are changing. What happens when the events of one night change everything?
I loved Adam from the very start of the story. I thought that he was sweet and vulnerable, and he was a little bit insecure because of his upbringing. I loved the relationship he had with River though. They were emotionally connected, and I loved that they were able to have fun together but also have the deeper and serious side to them as well. I loved how they supported each other and were there to lean on each other when they needed it. Adam was exactly the type of hero I love to read about. He is the one that you can't help but fall in love with right away regardless of his mistakes and his less than perfect actions. I was rooting for him from the start. Bobby was fun and playful, and the type of guy that you always have a good time with. Even though I liked his character, I never felt like he was right for River. He was a great friend to her, but that is all that I ever felt between them. There are times that I wanted to strangle Bobby because he did things that were so ridiculous and sometimes flat out mean. He often did them to try and get at Adam, but usually it was River that ended up getting hurt in the process. I felt bad for him knowing that he had feelings for River that weren't returned and he had to watch her love his brother in the way that he desperately wanted. But I did feel like he seemed to view River as more of a prize than actually seeing her as a person that he really loved and wanted a relationship with. River was great. She was smart and sweet, and she was a really good friend. She never lead Bobby on, and was always upfront and honest with him. I loved that she was able to keep the relationships with each brother separate from the other, and that she connected with them individually. I thought that Adam and River had a ton of chemistry together besides just their amazing and undeniable connection. They just seemed to be made for each other and were the perfect fit.
Overall, this book was amazing. It broke my heart at times, had me laughing at others, and had me swooning with sweetness for parts. I was really emotionally invested from the start and I truly came to care about these characters. It was a journey from page one that I never could have predicted and the ending absolutely shocked me. I was left feeling pretty wrecked and I can't even tell you how much I need the next book. The wait might actually kill me, and I really have to know what happens with these characters that I have come to know and love. I can't tell you anything else without ruining or spoiling anything, but trust me when I tell you that you have to read this one. The one criticism I had with this book is that the chemistry and tension are really strong, but there is not a lot of steam. The scenes pretty much fade when things start to get heavy, and I missed that a little bit. Not enough for me to drop my rating or anything, but it would have been nice to get a bit more heat. I can't wait to read more from Cassandra Giovanni in the future and I really loved her writing style. The story flowed well and I felt the pacing was great. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series and I know that these characters will continue to be on my mind until I get more of them. I can't wait to go back and reread this story in the meantime though as I tide myself over for the wait.
**ARC provided by Author**
Holy cow this book! Seriously this book is not at all what I expected! I really loved Flawed Perfection, and I am still thinking about this book days after I read it. When I first finished this one I tried to sit down and write a review. I kept having to delete anything I would type because it just wasn't right. So I took a break, and I can tell you that this book and these characters have been on my mind ever since. There were things that I loved so much about this book and things that drove me absolutely crazy. But regardless of all those things that drove me nuts, this book is one that I would highly recommend and absolutely couldn't put down. I will warn you that there isn't necessarily a cliffhanger, but the story does end with a lot up in the air. This is a series, and you will have to start at the beginning with Flawed Perfection. One thing that you should know though is that you should go into this one blind. It's ok to read the blurb and get the gist of the story. But avoid any spoilers to make sure that you get the full experience. Trust me you won't want to spoil the ending!
River grew up with two best friends Adam and Bobby. Adam and Bobby are brothers and are completely different. Bobby is the extremely built hockey player who excels at everything he does, is used to winning, and is the family favorite. Adam is the quiet more serious one, he is into music, and he has always been overlooked by his parents. River has been in love with Adam since forever while only ever seeing Bobby as a friend. It breaks River's heart seeing the constant stream of bimbos that Adam hooks up with and she lets her friend Tara fix her up with Bobby look-a-likes even though they never go anywhere because she is convinced that Adam will never feel the same. Bobby loves River though and thinks that if she could only see past Adam, that they would be perfect for each other. Tara has always had a crush on Bobby, but knows how he feels about River. As they all circle around each other, it is clear that things between them all are changing. What happens when the events of one night change everything?
I loved Adam from the very start of the story. I thought that he was sweet and vulnerable, and he was a little bit insecure because of his upbringing. I loved the relationship he had with River though. They were emotionally connected, and I loved that they were able to have fun together but also have the deeper and serious side to them as well. I loved how they supported each other and were there to lean on each other when they needed it. Adam was exactly the type of hero I love to read about. He is the one that you can't help but fall in love with right away regardless of his mistakes and his less than perfect actions. I was rooting for him from the start. Bobby was fun and playful, and the type of guy that you always have a good time with. Even though I liked his character, I never felt like he was right for River. He was a great friend to her, but that is all that I ever felt between them. There are times that I wanted to strangle Bobby because he did things that were so ridiculous and sometimes flat out mean. He often did them to try and get at Adam, but usually it was River that ended up getting hurt in the process. I felt bad for him knowing that he had feelings for River that weren't returned and he had to watch her love his brother in the way that he desperately wanted. But I did feel like he seemed to view River as more of a prize than actually seeing her as a person that he really loved and wanted a relationship with. River was great. She was smart and sweet, and she was a really good friend. She never lead Bobby on, and was always upfront and honest with him. I loved that she was able to keep the relationships with each brother separate from the other, and that she connected with them individually. I thought that Adam and River had a ton of chemistry together besides just their amazing and undeniable connection. They just seemed to be made for each other and were the perfect fit.
Overall, this book was amazing. It broke my heart at times, had me laughing at others, and had me swooning with sweetness for parts. I was really emotionally invested from the start and I truly came to care about these characters. It was a journey from page one that I never could have predicted and the ending absolutely shocked me. I was left feeling pretty wrecked and I can't even tell you how much I need the next book. The wait might actually kill me, and I really have to know what happens with these characters that I have come to know and love. I can't tell you anything else without ruining or spoiling anything, but trust me when I tell you that you have to read this one. The one criticism I had with this book is that the chemistry and tension are really strong, but there is not a lot of steam. The scenes pretty much fade when things start to get heavy, and I missed that a little bit. Not enough for me to drop my rating or anything, but it would have been nice to get a bit more heat. I can't wait to read more from Cassandra Giovanni in the future and I really loved her writing style. The story flowed well and I felt the pacing was great. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series and I know that these characters will continue to be on my mind until I get more of them. I can't wait to go back and reread this story in the meantime though as I tide myself over for the wait.
**ARC provided by Author**
March 8, 2014
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this story for an honest review for Amber's Reading Room. Pictures used as part of this review are used for fun and do not belong to me.
Bobby is the star, the apple of his parent’s eye and a local hockey legend. Everything is Bobby’s for the taking, everything except for the girl he loves, the girl who happens to love his little brother.
“He was hot; there was no denying that, but when he touched me I didn’t feel a spark. I only felt the tenderness of a friendship that began as children.”
Adam is the black sheep, the family disappointment and the easily dismissed one. Struggling to thrive in the shadow of his older brother, Adam takes solace in his music and easy women. These woman are completely different than the only one he wants and the one he knows he doesn’t deserve.
“He was good at making me feel like I was the only girl in the world. This was the reason I was trapped in a never ending cycle of meaningless relationships. I didn’t really want a relationship if it wasn’t with Adam…”
River is the prize, the childhood friend who grew into a woman they adore. The only problem is… she doesn’t want to be a prize. Bobby and Adam are the only people that have ever made River feel loved and appreciated. One is her best friend and the other is her heart. The loss of one would break her and the loss of the other would simply end her. Can River find happiness with either brother without destroying everyone involved?
“You’re the first girl I fantasized about, the first girl that made every part of me feel like it was on fire… and every time I see you I still feel it. It’s like you’re the only thing I ever really needed.”
I struggled after finishing Flawed Perfection with how I could possibly review the book without giving away any major spoilers. I don’t want to ruin this for anyone so I will just say that author Cassandra Giovanni is an excellent writer who created a fairly addictive story that in turns managed to make me frustrated, happy, angry, sad and shocked. Bobby, Adam, and River are described with such detail and affection that I felt I knew them on a personal level. I wanted to smack them when they did something stupid and hug them when they needed comfort.
If you are not a fan of cliffhangers, please consider yourself warned, the ending of Flawed Perfection caught me completely off-guard. There are cliffhangers and then there are endings that essentially take a live grenade, pull the pin, and toss it -- just obliterating everything you knew from the chapters preceding it. Flawed Perfection definitely ends with an explosion. After finishing this story I just sat there in a bit of a daze because I have no clue where Giovanni is going to take the story next. Again no spoilers, but what starts as an angsty love triangle between a lovable heroine and two polar opposite brothers morphs into a completely different animal. Have tissues at the ready and prep for a little boot stomp to the heart.
“So we crumbled. A broken family even further broken by the lack of the one thing that held it together.”
Flawed Perfection is book one in the Beautifully Flawed series and will be followed by Pieces of Perfection in Spring 2014. Hopefully my heart will have healed up by then because I’m definitely going to have read it and see what comes next (fingers crossed for a HEA or just some happy).
Fans of love triangles, tears, and major plot twists – Flawed Perfection is the read for you.
Happy reading.
Bobby is the star, the apple of his parent’s eye and a local hockey legend. Everything is Bobby’s for the taking, everything except for the girl he loves, the girl who happens to love his little brother.
“He was hot; there was no denying that, but when he touched me I didn’t feel a spark. I only felt the tenderness of a friendship that began as children.”
Adam is the black sheep, the family disappointment and the easily dismissed one. Struggling to thrive in the shadow of his older brother, Adam takes solace in his music and easy women. These woman are completely different than the only one he wants and the one he knows he doesn’t deserve.
“He was good at making me feel like I was the only girl in the world. This was the reason I was trapped in a never ending cycle of meaningless relationships. I didn’t really want a relationship if it wasn’t with Adam…”
River is the prize, the childhood friend who grew into a woman they adore. The only problem is… she doesn’t want to be a prize. Bobby and Adam are the only people that have ever made River feel loved and appreciated. One is her best friend and the other is her heart. The loss of one would break her and the loss of the other would simply end her. Can River find happiness with either brother without destroying everyone involved?
“You’re the first girl I fantasized about, the first girl that made every part of me feel like it was on fire… and every time I see you I still feel it. It’s like you’re the only thing I ever really needed.”
I struggled after finishing Flawed Perfection with how I could possibly review the book without giving away any major spoilers. I don’t want to ruin this for anyone so I will just say that author Cassandra Giovanni is an excellent writer who created a fairly addictive story that in turns managed to make me frustrated, happy, angry, sad and shocked. Bobby, Adam, and River are described with such detail and affection that I felt I knew them on a personal level. I wanted to smack them when they did something stupid and hug them when they needed comfort.
If you are not a fan of cliffhangers, please consider yourself warned, the ending of Flawed Perfection caught me completely off-guard. There are cliffhangers and then there are endings that essentially take a live grenade, pull the pin, and toss it -- just obliterating everything you knew from the chapters preceding it. Flawed Perfection definitely ends with an explosion. After finishing this story I just sat there in a bit of a daze because I have no clue where Giovanni is going to take the story next. Again no spoilers, but what starts as an angsty love triangle between a lovable heroine and two polar opposite brothers morphs into a completely different animal. Have tissues at the ready and prep for a little boot stomp to the heart.
“So we crumbled. A broken family even further broken by the lack of the one thing that held it together.”
Flawed Perfection is book one in the Beautifully Flawed series and will be followed by Pieces of Perfection in Spring 2014. Hopefully my heart will have healed up by then because I’m definitely going to have read it and see what comes next (fingers crossed for a HEA or just some happy).
Fans of love triangles, tears, and major plot twists – Flawed Perfection is the read for you.
Happy reading.
July 5, 2014
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“You’re worth the world to me, River, but am I worth it to you?”
Brothers Bobby and Adam Beckerson are complete opposites. Bobby is the star hockey player. His family adores him and sees him as just perfect. On the other hand, Adam is the musician that breaks girls hearts. His family isn’t fond of his life style. The one thing they have in common? They are completely in love with their best friend, River Ahlers. River doesn’t see herself as the ultimate prize. Her heart belongs to Adam. While Bobby wants nothing more than River to love him. Hearts are shattered, promises broken. When the ultimate tragedy strikes, nothing is ever the same.
“My heart stopped beating, and all I could hear was his breathing and mine, in perfect rhythm with each other.”
You are immediately drawn in the world of these best friends. Can you imagine being in love with your best friend and the only other person that stands in your way is your other best friend? Bobby wants River, but knows that she wants Adam. Adam cannot commit to any girl, because none of them are River. And River has no idea of the feelings Adam harbors for her. Crazy right? Sounds like an insane love triangle? Well you’re wrong. It’s SO much more than a triangle. The emotion in this story is raw. You feel the inner turmoil of every single character. It is unlike any other story I’ve ever read. How do you move on when the one person that has your heart wants to give theirs to someone else?
“You’re the first girl I fantasized about , the first girl that made every part of me feel like I was on fire...and every time I see you I still feel it.”
Love. Flawed Perfection will challenge your thoughts about love. You will be on the emotional roller coaster with River, Adam, and Bobby. This story is all bout their journey. Their journey about love, hope, and life. That real love cannot and does not disappear. Giving away which brother gets River would be a complete disservice to the reader. Just know that this story will touch your heart. It will remind you that love knows no boundaries. It goes where it belongs. Love never fails.
“That was it. I loved him desperately, completely, and he wasn’t threatening to complete me anymore. He already had.”
“I’m yours, River. I’m yours.”
The love in Flawed Perfection hurts. You will grip your kindle. You will FEEL their love. The intensity it. It’s passionate. Everything. You will feel. The writing of this story is effortless. The author is highly descriptive in that as a reader, I was completely captivated by it from beginning to end. I didn’t just read this story. I felt like I played a part. Like I was there. The characters are real and so true to their age. I love that there is no explicit love scenes as the author has so much depth in her writing. It just wasn’t needed. It was refreshing to read a new adult novel like that. The emotions of this story spoke for itself. I ached over this story. I laughed. I cried. I felt it all.
“Fix me, please. I want to be yours forever.
I am completely gutted over this story. I HAVE to know what is to happen next. While it ends on a cliffhanger in the sense that you have NO idea where the story is going to go, I still recommend you read this story. These are characters you will never forget. You WILL want to know what happens to them. Just when you think you know what is going to happen next, a train wreck comes in a obliterates everything. And I mean everything. And I never saw it coming. If you are looking for a new adult contemporary story that is deep, intense, and passionate, I suggest you pick this one up.
“You’re worth the world to me, River, but am I worth it to you?”
Brothers Bobby and Adam Beckerson are complete opposites. Bobby is the star hockey player. His family adores him and sees him as just perfect. On the other hand, Adam is the musician that breaks girls hearts. His family isn’t fond of his life style. The one thing they have in common? They are completely in love with their best friend, River Ahlers. River doesn’t see herself as the ultimate prize. Her heart belongs to Adam. While Bobby wants nothing more than River to love him. Hearts are shattered, promises broken. When the ultimate tragedy strikes, nothing is ever the same.
“My heart stopped beating, and all I could hear was his breathing and mine, in perfect rhythm with each other.”
You are immediately drawn in the world of these best friends. Can you imagine being in love with your best friend and the only other person that stands in your way is your other best friend? Bobby wants River, but knows that she wants Adam. Adam cannot commit to any girl, because none of them are River. And River has no idea of the feelings Adam harbors for her. Crazy right? Sounds like an insane love triangle? Well you’re wrong. It’s SO much more than a triangle. The emotion in this story is raw. You feel the inner turmoil of every single character. It is unlike any other story I’ve ever read. How do you move on when the one person that has your heart wants to give theirs to someone else?
“You’re the first girl I fantasized about , the first girl that made every part of me feel like I was on fire...and every time I see you I still feel it.”
Love. Flawed Perfection will challenge your thoughts about love. You will be on the emotional roller coaster with River, Adam, and Bobby. This story is all bout their journey. Their journey about love, hope, and life. That real love cannot and does not disappear. Giving away which brother gets River would be a complete disservice to the reader. Just know that this story will touch your heart. It will remind you that love knows no boundaries. It goes where it belongs. Love never fails.
“That was it. I loved him desperately, completely, and he wasn’t threatening to complete me anymore. He already had.”
“I’m yours, River. I’m yours.”
The love in Flawed Perfection hurts. You will grip your kindle. You will FEEL their love. The intensity it. It’s passionate. Everything. You will feel. The writing of this story is effortless. The author is highly descriptive in that as a reader, I was completely captivated by it from beginning to end. I didn’t just read this story. I felt like I played a part. Like I was there. The characters are real and so true to their age. I love that there is no explicit love scenes as the author has so much depth in her writing. It just wasn’t needed. It was refreshing to read a new adult novel like that. The emotions of this story spoke for itself. I ached over this story. I laughed. I cried. I felt it all.
“Fix me, please. I want to be yours forever.
I am completely gutted over this story. I HAVE to know what is to happen next. While it ends on a cliffhanger in the sense that you have NO idea where the story is going to go, I still recommend you read this story. These are characters you will never forget. You WILL want to know what happens to them. Just when you think you know what is going to happen next, a train wreck comes in a obliterates everything. And I mean everything. And I never saw it coming. If you are looking for a new adult contemporary story that is deep, intense, and passionate, I suggest you pick this one up.
April 1, 2014
LOVE TRIANGLE…WHEN TWO BROTHERS & GIRL ARE BESTIES, WILL SHE FIND HER PERFECT LOVE FLAWED WITH HER DECISION?
Flawed Perfection is the first novel in the Beautifully Flawed series by author Cassandra Giovanni. River Ahlers and the Beckerson brothers, Bobby and Adam, have grown up together since River was five years old. All three are the best of friends, but the brothers are completely different physically and in their personalities. Bobby is tall, muscular, and hockey player who wins at everything he competes with including their parents. Adam is lean, fit, musical, and is always in the shadows of his brother with his activities and parents too.
While living grownup lives residing in the same apartment building with apartments across from each other, their feelings have not change about how they feel about each other. Bobby has admitted to loving River, but River only loves Bobby as a brother. River loves Adam, but Adam is womanizer who tends to stick with high maintenance big boobed bitches breaking River’s heart. While Tara, River’s friend, sets up River with guys who look like Bobby, because Tara likes men like Bobby and has been “crushing” on Bobby since she met him.
River is successful in her career, but not in the love department. Even though Adam is sweet and knows all the little things about River, she cannot get Adam to share the same sentimental feelings for her. They have a special connection in supporting each other through difficult times, especially around their family.
“The first time you told me you were scared of the dark, and I snuck into your bedroom with a jar of fireflies. You flipped out on me because you were afraid I was going to kill your beloved wish-granting-fairies!” – Adam
“Are you still afraid of the dark?” – Adam
“I only hoped he’d never leave, because that was the darkness that truly scared me…” – River
Bobby is the big teddy bear you just want to go have fun with, even though he was jealous of River’s relationship with his brother, Bobby, and it brought the meanness in him.
“Listen Riv, the Beckson boys share one common flaw --- you.” – Bobby
While everyone discovers their emotions and relations with each other, River does not realize she is the ultimate prize for a lifetime of competition from Bobby and Adam. Will River find her happiness in Adam or will Bobby be able to convince her to let him have an opportunity to be more than a best friend? Will Adam be able to walk away from his womanizing ways to take a chance on a relationship with River?
Cassandra Giovanni’s novel, Flawed Perfection, is the first novel in the Beautifully Flawed series which Scarlett has done an amazing job writing a captivating an emotional love story that will have you feel as if you are on an emotional roller coaster of COMPASSION, SADNESS, ANGER, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS, FRIENDSHIP, and LOVE. Flawed Perfection will pull at your heart strings leaving you teary eyed, so have your tissues ready. Even though Flawed Perfection does end with a “soft” cliffhanger, A.J. Walters will not have us to waiting too long for the second novel, Pieces of Perfection, due to be released on May 2014.
"He was everything I’d ever wanted and needed. Perfect in all his flaws…perfect as a friend..." - Flawed Perfection by Cassandra Giovanni
Cassandra Giovanni’s first novel in the Beautifully Flawed series, Flawed Perfection, receives - 5 AMAZING STARS!
JUST BOOKED received a gifted copy by the author for an Honest Review
Flawed Perfection is the first novel in the Beautifully Flawed series by author Cassandra Giovanni. River Ahlers and the Beckerson brothers, Bobby and Adam, have grown up together since River was five years old. All three are the best of friends, but the brothers are completely different physically and in their personalities. Bobby is tall, muscular, and hockey player who wins at everything he competes with including their parents. Adam is lean, fit, musical, and is always in the shadows of his brother with his activities and parents too.
While living grownup lives residing in the same apartment building with apartments across from each other, their feelings have not change about how they feel about each other. Bobby has admitted to loving River, but River only loves Bobby as a brother. River loves Adam, but Adam is womanizer who tends to stick with high maintenance big boobed bitches breaking River’s heart. While Tara, River’s friend, sets up River with guys who look like Bobby, because Tara likes men like Bobby and has been “crushing” on Bobby since she met him.
River is successful in her career, but not in the love department. Even though Adam is sweet and knows all the little things about River, she cannot get Adam to share the same sentimental feelings for her. They have a special connection in supporting each other through difficult times, especially around their family.
“The first time you told me you were scared of the dark, and I snuck into your bedroom with a jar of fireflies. You flipped out on me because you were afraid I was going to kill your beloved wish-granting-fairies!” – Adam
“Are you still afraid of the dark?” – Adam
“I only hoped he’d never leave, because that was the darkness that truly scared me…” – River
Bobby is the big teddy bear you just want to go have fun with, even though he was jealous of River’s relationship with his brother, Bobby, and it brought the meanness in him.
“Listen Riv, the Beckson boys share one common flaw --- you.” – Bobby
While everyone discovers their emotions and relations with each other, River does not realize she is the ultimate prize for a lifetime of competition from Bobby and Adam. Will River find her happiness in Adam or will Bobby be able to convince her to let him have an opportunity to be more than a best friend? Will Adam be able to walk away from his womanizing ways to take a chance on a relationship with River?
Cassandra Giovanni’s novel, Flawed Perfection, is the first novel in the Beautifully Flawed series which Scarlett has done an amazing job writing a captivating an emotional love story that will have you feel as if you are on an emotional roller coaster of COMPASSION, SADNESS, ANGER, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS, FRIENDSHIP, and LOVE. Flawed Perfection will pull at your heart strings leaving you teary eyed, so have your tissues ready. Even though Flawed Perfection does end with a “soft” cliffhanger, A.J. Walters will not have us to waiting too long for the second novel, Pieces of Perfection, due to be released on May 2014.
"He was everything I’d ever wanted and needed. Perfect in all his flaws…perfect as a friend..." - Flawed Perfection by Cassandra Giovanni
Cassandra Giovanni’s first novel in the Beautifully Flawed series, Flawed Perfection, receives - 5 AMAZING STARS!
JUST BOOKED received a gifted copy by the author for an Honest Review
March 16, 2014
Wow. That ending left me speechless. Totally and completely FLOORED. I was NOT expecting that little turn of events AT ALL…and by little, I really mean HUGE. I am in desperate need of the sequel!! Seriously, I am. I absolutely LOVE it when authors manage to surprise me along the way, and let’s just say, Cassandra definitely pulled the rug from under me. It’s a huge plus, but like I said, I am in desperate need for book two. So this is me, BEGGING you, Cassandra, to write faster!! Hahahaha!!!
The Beckerson brothers, Adam and Bobby, were in love with the same girl – their best friend, River. So basically, this was sort-of a love triangle, but not really. You see, unfortunately for Bobby, River never saw him as anything more than her best friend. He was like a brother to her, and even though he knew this, he always hoped she would change her mind. River was madly in love with Adam, but Adam was focused on ‘playing the field’. To him, River was his best friend, nothing more. So yes, expect a lot of emotional angst throughout this book.
Even though they considered themselves best friends, Adam and Bobby always had a competition going on between them. Not only where River was concerned, but their parents as well. They always argued about the fact that their parents made it super clear that they preferred Bobby’s life choices over Adam’s. Hell, their parents were very open about the fact that they didn’t even respect Adam’s job as a music teacher, yet they loved that Bobby’s was the coach for a hockey team. Sports vs. Music. River hated that their parents were so mean and cold-hearted towards Adam, and Bobby loathed that she cared so much about it. But fact was, Bobby was their favorite and Adam was always left out.
After one emotional night, things started changing between Adam and River, much to Bobby’s frustrations. Bobby always thought Adam would be forever focused on being a player and never realize just how much River truly loved him. Suffice it to say, my heart ached for Bobby and I truly felt bad for him. Even though I was #TeamAdam (I mean, the fireflies!!!! How could I not be #TeamAdam!??), I could not help but love Bobby too….well, most of the time. The plot started picking up even more. Adam’s character started developing in an even more swoon-worthy way. I was very much happy with how things were unfolding. I was hooked.
Things were a bit crazy sometimes for these characters, but overall, they were great. Everyone was getting along and new relationships were developing. I was happy. And then, it happened. Cassandra pulled the rug right from under me. To say I was utterly SHOCKED would not even begin to cover it.
That……..
Ending…………….
Sigh. Wow. Go read this book. Really, I highly recommend you do.
Blog Tour Stop: http://bit.ly/PFVqXl
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1qDuIMC
“I should never have fallen in love with my best friend.”
The Beckerson brothers, Adam and Bobby, were in love with the same girl – their best friend, River. So basically, this was sort-of a love triangle, but not really. You see, unfortunately for Bobby, River never saw him as anything more than her best friend. He was like a brother to her, and even though he knew this, he always hoped she would change her mind. River was madly in love with Adam, but Adam was focused on ‘playing the field’. To him, River was his best friend, nothing more. So yes, expect a lot of emotional angst throughout this book.
Even though they considered themselves best friends, Adam and Bobby always had a competition going on between them. Not only where River was concerned, but their parents as well. They always argued about the fact that their parents made it super clear that they preferred Bobby’s life choices over Adam’s. Hell, their parents were very open about the fact that they didn’t even respect Adam’s job as a music teacher, yet they loved that Bobby’s was the coach for a hockey team. Sports vs. Music. River hated that their parents were so mean and cold-hearted towards Adam, and Bobby loathed that she cared so much about it. But fact was, Bobby was their favorite and Adam was always left out.
“You don’t let anyone in.”
“I let you in.”
“But I’m me.”
“You’re special.”
After one emotional night, things started changing between Adam and River, much to Bobby’s frustrations. Bobby always thought Adam would be forever focused on being a player and never realize just how much River truly loved him. Suffice it to say, my heart ached for Bobby and I truly felt bad for him. Even though I was #TeamAdam (I mean, the fireflies!!!! How could I not be #TeamAdam!??), I could not help but love Bobby too….well, most of the time. The plot started picking up even more. Adam’s character started developing in an even more swoon-worthy way. I was very much happy with how things were unfolding. I was hooked.
“I’m yours, River. I’m yours.”
Things were a bit crazy sometimes for these characters, but overall, they were great. Everyone was getting along and new relationships were developing. I was happy. And then, it happened. Cassandra pulled the rug right from under me. To say I was utterly SHOCKED would not even begin to cover it.
That……..
Ending…………….
Sigh. Wow. Go read this book. Really, I highly recommend you do.
Blog Tour Stop: http://bit.ly/PFVqXl
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1qDuIMC
July 29, 2014
**Flawed Perfection was reviewed by me or Fun Fab and Tantalizing Reads**
What I Thought of The Plot:
Wow, I’m in shock of how this story played out, and I was not expecting it to stick with me days later. I felt a broad spectrum of emotions, well written to the point that you could see the characters’ lives through their eyes. How do you distinguish the difference of love for, and in love? Family, favoritism and appearances, acceptance all took precedence in this book. You laugh and cry and have your mouth hanging open at the end. While reading this book I had to look back and make sure I wasn’t reading Molly McAdams, because if you love Molly McAdams, this will surely give her books a run for their money.
What I thought of the Character’s:
River, she is the outcast, and deviant in the eyes of her mother, and that of her friends mother Vickie. She is a fierce protector of her friends. I loved how tooth and nail is an understatement how she is willing to fight their battles alongside them. Make no mistake when it comes to the Beckerson boys she will rip you a new with a sarcastic smile of victory. Though her head is unable to make a decision, her heart has… Bobby, the big softy/goof ball we all would love to befriend. A fierce competitor in all things, he will do the unspeakable to win his ultimate prize…but is it worth it, the golden image of perfection? At times I was so upset that he would do, some of the things he did (Lots of curse words were used).
Adam makes all the ladies want him, but can’t commit to one of them. He starts to steal your heart mid-way thought the book. He, is the nerdy teacher with pain in his heart, he feels like an outcast…even in his own family. You want to hug him and say yes, you’re enough. These three will take you on an adventure that will have you partaking in their ups and downs. You will love it!
What Annoyed Me:
What annoyed me the most about this book was both of sets of parents. Oh my… just because they gave the boys and River life, doesn’t mean that they have a right to single handedly tear them down with condescending comments and bias. Rivers father needed find his back bone sooner. For me if you love your children, you give them all your love not the watered down version. Another thing that annoyed the crap out of me was how evasive the three of them where with the giant elephant in the room, come now they were written as adults, they should act like it (Suck it people).
Favorite Quote(s):
“Err…with having a best friend who’s a chic. Screws up relationships like no tomorrow”
“That kiss meant everything to me”
“You are everything to me “
In a Nutshell:
I loved this book! It will rip your freaking heart out, and I want more of it, in true sadistic fashion. I could not get enough and when I got to the end it was all shock and aww… The story line was there and then some, immersing itself into every fiber of the readers psyche. Why are you still reading this? Go grab this book, like right now…. find the link to your particular book buying site and click on it! Find a quiet comfy spot and discover what saga is in these pages, as always Happy Reading!
What I Thought of The Plot:
Wow, I’m in shock of how this story played out, and I was not expecting it to stick with me days later. I felt a broad spectrum of emotions, well written to the point that you could see the characters’ lives through their eyes. How do you distinguish the difference of love for, and in love? Family, favoritism and appearances, acceptance all took precedence in this book. You laugh and cry and have your mouth hanging open at the end. While reading this book I had to look back and make sure I wasn’t reading Molly McAdams, because if you love Molly McAdams, this will surely give her books a run for their money.
What I thought of the Character’s:
River, she is the outcast, and deviant in the eyes of her mother, and that of her friends mother Vickie. She is a fierce protector of her friends. I loved how tooth and nail is an understatement how she is willing to fight their battles alongside them. Make no mistake when it comes to the Beckerson boys she will rip you a new with a sarcastic smile of victory. Though her head is unable to make a decision, her heart has… Bobby, the big softy/goof ball we all would love to befriend. A fierce competitor in all things, he will do the unspeakable to win his ultimate prize…but is it worth it, the golden image of perfection? At times I was so upset that he would do, some of the things he did (Lots of curse words were used).
Adam makes all the ladies want him, but can’t commit to one of them. He starts to steal your heart mid-way thought the book. He, is the nerdy teacher with pain in his heart, he feels like an outcast…even in his own family. You want to hug him and say yes, you’re enough. These three will take you on an adventure that will have you partaking in their ups and downs. You will love it!
What Annoyed Me:
What annoyed me the most about this book was both of sets of parents. Oh my… just because they gave the boys and River life, doesn’t mean that they have a right to single handedly tear them down with condescending comments and bias. Rivers father needed find his back bone sooner. For me if you love your children, you give them all your love not the watered down version. Another thing that annoyed the crap out of me was how evasive the three of them where with the giant elephant in the room, come now they were written as adults, they should act like it (Suck it people).
Favorite Quote(s):
“Err…with having a best friend who’s a chic. Screws up relationships like no tomorrow”
“That kiss meant everything to me”
“You are everything to me “
In a Nutshell:
I loved this book! It will rip your freaking heart out, and I want more of it, in true sadistic fashion. I could not get enough and when I got to the end it was all shock and aww… The story line was there and then some, immersing itself into every fiber of the readers psyche. Why are you still reading this? Go grab this book, like right now…. find the link to your particular book buying site and click on it! Find a quiet comfy spot and discover what saga is in these pages, as always Happy Reading!
November 23, 2014
*Received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story about two brothers and their love for the girl next door. River Ahlers has been the best friend of Bobby Beckerson and Adam Beckerson since childhood. Bobby is in love with River, River is in love with Adam, and Adam loves himself. Can you say love triangle?!
"Listen Riv, the Beckerson boys share one common flaw - you."
"You're fighting over me?" I said in shock.
Like I've said before, I have doubts about reading love triangle books because I have to know who she'll choose! and I hate it when the heroine chooses the wrong guy! Let's say I just don't like the drama but, this one is the good type of love triangles.
Bobby is a hockey coach, the golden boy that never gets in trouble. The girl he loves is the same girl who happens to love his little brother.
“He was hot; there was no denying that, but when he touched me I didn’t feel a spark. I only felt the tenderness of a friendship that began as children.” - River
"I don't want him to never see the way you love him. I want you to myself" - Bobby
Adam is a womanizer musician who doesn't seem to get any love or recognition from his parents.
"You know it's different with Adam." - River
"Adam looked over his shoulder at me and winked, sending a tingle up my spine." - River
"I really didn't want a relationship if it wasn't with Adam." - River
And of course, River is the big prize. She loves Adam but, the loss of one of them would break her heart.
“He was good at making me feel like I was the only girl in the world. This was the reason I was trapped in a never ending cycle of meaningless relationships. I didn’t really want a relationship if it wasn’t with Adam…” - River
I knew something big was coming! BUT, I wasn't expecting the surprise towards the end of the book!! Seriously.
Does Adam love River except he doesn't admit it? Will River get her happy ever after with Adam? What about Bobby?
I don't want to ruin this book for anyone, or give away spoilers, so let me just say that this is an addictive story. It will frustrate you and make you sad, happy and angry at the same time. I got mad so many times, laughed so hard and cried at the end of this book. I was like, hurry up already!! The ending is definitely something I was not expecting. Honestly though, this was a really good read. Cassandra really knows how to mess with you head!
Can't wait to read Pieces of Perfection (Beautifully Broken, #2) and the rest of the series!
This is a story about two brothers and their love for the girl next door. River Ahlers has been the best friend of Bobby Beckerson and Adam Beckerson since childhood. Bobby is in love with River, River is in love with Adam, and Adam loves himself. Can you say love triangle?!
"Listen Riv, the Beckerson boys share one common flaw - you."
"You're fighting over me?" I said in shock.
Like I've said before, I have doubts about reading love triangle books because I have to know who she'll choose! and I hate it when the heroine chooses the wrong guy! Let's say I just don't like the drama but, this one is the good type of love triangles.
Bobby is a hockey coach, the golden boy that never gets in trouble. The girl he loves is the same girl who happens to love his little brother.
“He was hot; there was no denying that, but when he touched me I didn’t feel a spark. I only felt the tenderness of a friendship that began as children.” - River
"I don't want him to never see the way you love him. I want you to myself" - Bobby
Adam is a womanizer musician who doesn't seem to get any love or recognition from his parents.
"You know it's different with Adam." - River
"Adam looked over his shoulder at me and winked, sending a tingle up my spine." - River
"I really didn't want a relationship if it wasn't with Adam." - River
And of course, River is the big prize. She loves Adam but, the loss of one of them would break her heart.
“He was good at making me feel like I was the only girl in the world. This was the reason I was trapped in a never ending cycle of meaningless relationships. I didn’t really want a relationship if it wasn’t with Adam…” - River
I knew something big was coming! BUT, I wasn't expecting the surprise towards the end of the book!! Seriously.
Does Adam love River except he doesn't admit it? Will River get her happy ever after with Adam? What about Bobby?
I don't want to ruin this book for anyone, or give away spoilers, so let me just say that this is an addictive story. It will frustrate you and make you sad, happy and angry at the same time. I got mad so many times, laughed so hard and cried at the end of this book. I was like, hurry up already!! The ending is definitely something I was not expecting. Honestly though, this was a really good read. Cassandra really knows how to mess with you head!
Can't wait to read Pieces of Perfection (Beautifully Broken, #2) and the rest of the series!
April 3, 2014
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kimberlyfaye reads
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Flawed Perfection is a story of friendship and love. There's a love triangle, which I'm not always fond of, but kind of enjoyed in this book, and a friends to lovers story, which I almost always love. There's a great cast of characters and the novel is very realistic. The friendships, the relationships between characters, the feelings and emotions evoked by both were all very believable. As I review this book, I'm pretty much going to skip over talking about the plot because I want to avoid any possible spoilers.
River has been friends with brothers Bobby and Adam forever. She's been in love with Adam nearly as long. Bobby has been in love with her as well. Adam was the black sheep of his family; Bobby the golden boy. They still managed to have a pretty good relationship, despite their differences. River loved them both in very different ways. They loved her, too. That much was apparent in their actions. It's just that they loved her in different ways than she wanted. Bobby was always very upfront with his feelings for her. Adam's feelings were more of a mystery. There were times it seemed like he just might be into her, but then he'd parade a bunch of women into his apartment, which hurt her.
I loved the dynamic between these three, despite the fact they individually drove me completely nuts at times. None of them were perfect, but they remained likable regardless. From the beginning I had very strong feelings about what I wanted to happen in the book, so I found myself frustrated during the times the characters didn't play along. I wanted to scream at River to tell him how she feels. I wanted to tell Bobby to back off just a bit because he could be a bit much at times. I wanted to smack some sense into Adam. I went through a full range of emotions while reading this book. Cassandra writes great characters and I can't wait for more of them.
I enjoyed Flawed Perfection. It was sweet and sexy. It focused on not only love but friendship and family. I felt a whole bunch of feels. I love a story with a strong, successful heroine, even if she's a bit dumb when it comes to love. I have to be honest and say that the unexpected twist at the end left me a little angry, a little heartbroken and more than a little anxious to get my hands on the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Flawed Perfection is a story of friendship and love. There's a love triangle, which I'm not always fond of, but kind of enjoyed in this book, and a friends to lovers story, which I almost always love. There's a great cast of characters and the novel is very realistic. The friendships, the relationships between characters, the feelings and emotions evoked by both were all very believable. As I review this book, I'm pretty much going to skip over talking about the plot because I want to avoid any possible spoilers.
River has been friends with brothers Bobby and Adam forever. She's been in love with Adam nearly as long. Bobby has been in love with her as well. Adam was the black sheep of his family; Bobby the golden boy. They still managed to have a pretty good relationship, despite their differences. River loved them both in very different ways. They loved her, too. That much was apparent in their actions. It's just that they loved her in different ways than she wanted. Bobby was always very upfront with his feelings for her. Adam's feelings were more of a mystery. There were times it seemed like he just might be into her, but then he'd parade a bunch of women into his apartment, which hurt her.
I loved the dynamic between these three, despite the fact they individually drove me completely nuts at times. None of them were perfect, but they remained likable regardless. From the beginning I had very strong feelings about what I wanted to happen in the book, so I found myself frustrated during the times the characters didn't play along. I wanted to scream at River to tell him how she feels. I wanted to tell Bobby to back off just a bit because he could be a bit much at times. I wanted to smack some sense into Adam. I went through a full range of emotions while reading this book. Cassandra writes great characters and I can't wait for more of them.
I enjoyed Flawed Perfection. It was sweet and sexy. It focused on not only love but friendship and family. I felt a whole bunch of feels. I love a story with a strong, successful heroine, even if she's a bit dumb when it comes to love. I have to be honest and say that the unexpected twist at the end left me a little angry, a little heartbroken and more than a little anxious to get my hands on the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2014
2.5 stars
I hate it when this happens. You receive a book from an author for review and the author is really nice and awesome and then you read the book... and don't like it. So then you have to write a negative review on a book from that incredibly nice author. And you hate to hurt her, but you have to be honest. And I'm in that situation now. I didn't like this book. I'm really sorry for that, but it's true. I just didn't. There were a few good points, but the bad outweigh the good. And I'm so sorry!
I don't even know where to begin. The writing was... okay. It wasn't bad but this book needs a good editor. If an editor worked on it, she didn't do a very good job. There were quite a few typos, double sentences and mixed up words. It's not fun to read, it's really annoying and takes me out of the story. And some of the words she chose... Were weird. When two people are in a hot moment together and you say the guy puts his hand on her torso, it really takes me out of the moment. Torso is not the right words for that kind of moment. Next to that was a story that was very predictable. Which also takes me out of it because nothing comes as a surprise. And it made the book pretty boring for me. The thing I did like was the romance. I may not like one of the two that much, but I did like the romance. It was very sweet. Even though I didn't like the love triangle-feel I got from it.
All that wouldn't have mattered that much if I loved the characters. But I didn't. There wasn't much depth to most of them and I just didn't care about them. River, the main character, wasn't that interesting, her best friend Tara was pretty stupid, her parents were awful. What normal parent would say nothing when someone insults their daughter? Yeesh. And those people that insulted River were Vickie and Alec, Adam and Bobby's parents. They were horrible and I hated them. But I think the character I truly hated the most, was Bobby. He's such an awful person and the worst brother, friend and boyfriend I ever read about. The only person I did like was Adam. He did have a lot of depth and character developement. And I did care about him.
So in the end... the book has a good romance, and one of the characters is great, but for the rest... It just wasn't for me. I'm really sorry about that, but I have to be honest and this is the way I feel.
March 13, 2014
***I received a complimentary copy by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
Let me begin by saying that this is one of the hardest reviews I have written, not because the book was horrible, but because it was close to “perfection.” My emotions WERE ALL OVER THE PLACE! I don’t want to share too much because I don’t want to spoil it, yet I want to give it the justice it so very much deserves. So, I will reveal just enough to persuade you to one-click this one today!
The Story:
River finds herself caught between two brothers, Bobby and Adam. The two men love each other dearly despite being in competition with each other since they were children. Bobby is the “golden boy” while Adam is viewed as the disappointment. River grew up with them and loves each one but in different ways. Bobby has always been in love with River, and River has always been in love with Adam. She has always been truthful with Bobby about her feelings for Adam. But, Bobby keeps hoping River will move on from Adam and realize he is the brother she is meant to be with. Despite all these convoluted emotions, their friendship is as strong as ever…that is…until Adam realizes he’s in love with River and always has been. When he decides to act on his feelings and claim River as his own, it will irrevocably affect each one of them and change their lives forever.
The Characters:
I loved each one of these characters, not because they were perfect. As the title suggests, each one is flawed in one way or another which makes them very realistic. Each has goodness in them, but they end up hurting one another because of their hearts. No matter what happened in the book, I could always see the love shining through. I did like the secondary characters such as River’s boss, and I absolutely fell in love with her best friend, Tara. What a sweetheart!
Cassandra Giovanni is a sly, crafty, fantastic writer. She had me believing the story was going in one direction until SHE DROPPED THE BOMB! What a bomb it turned out to be! I’m not exaggerating. The bombshell has to be one of the top cliffhangers I have read. You will know exactly what I mean when you read it. If you are in the mood to read an angst-filled, emotional read, give this one a try. It is truly a beautiful story of love and friendship. ATTENTION, CASSANDRA, I NEED BOOK 2 RIGHT NOW!!!!
Let me begin by saying that this is one of the hardest reviews I have written, not because the book was horrible, but because it was close to “perfection.” My emotions WERE ALL OVER THE PLACE! I don’t want to share too much because I don’t want to spoil it, yet I want to give it the justice it so very much deserves. So, I will reveal just enough to persuade you to one-click this one today!
The Story:
River finds herself caught between two brothers, Bobby and Adam. The two men love each other dearly despite being in competition with each other since they were children. Bobby is the “golden boy” while Adam is viewed as the disappointment. River grew up with them and loves each one but in different ways. Bobby has always been in love with River, and River has always been in love with Adam. She has always been truthful with Bobby about her feelings for Adam. But, Bobby keeps hoping River will move on from Adam and realize he is the brother she is meant to be with. Despite all these convoluted emotions, their friendship is as strong as ever…that is…until Adam realizes he’s in love with River and always has been. When he decides to act on his feelings and claim River as his own, it will irrevocably affect each one of them and change their lives forever.
The Characters:
I loved each one of these characters, not because they were perfect. As the title suggests, each one is flawed in one way or another which makes them very realistic. Each has goodness in them, but they end up hurting one another because of their hearts. No matter what happened in the book, I could always see the love shining through. I did like the secondary characters such as River’s boss, and I absolutely fell in love with her best friend, Tara. What a sweetheart!
Cassandra Giovanni is a sly, crafty, fantastic writer. She had me believing the story was going in one direction until SHE DROPPED THE BOMB! What a bomb it turned out to be! I’m not exaggerating. The bombshell has to be one of the top cliffhangers I have read. You will know exactly what I mean when you read it. If you are in the mood to read an angst-filled, emotional read, give this one a try. It is truly a beautiful story of love and friendship. ATTENTION, CASSANDRA, I NEED BOOK 2 RIGHT NOW!!!!
March 7, 2014
Flawed Perfection tells the story of River and her complicated friendship with brothers Adam and Bobby. Everybody loves the wrong person (sort of) or is in denial about a few rather obvious truths.
After reading the blurb I was expecting a pain-fest (I had tissues ready) and although the story is defo angst ridden and something of a tear jerker, it wasn't until the ending where I felt the real pain began. Cassandra Giovanni started the series with a bang and at certain points it seemed nobody could win. When there are two guys (brothers no less) and one girl involved somebody, or most likely everybody is going to get hurt. But in an evil kinda way I enjoyed watching them struggle to figure everything out (not sure what that says about me).
Their parents are friends, they grew up together and the three of them are best friends. They all rely heavily on the other two. The story grows complicated because older brother Bobby is the family golden boy, whilst Adam is the black sheep. Bobby is extremely competitive with Adam and has been openly in love with River for years (something she tries to ignore). At times I thought Bobby was less in love with River and more determined to win her, by taking her from Adam. But then he'd say or do something and I'd think, no he really is obsessively in love with her. River has always loved Adam and is convinced he doesn't feel the same way.
I couldn't believe both sets of parents at times (who does that) and I can't see things with Adam/Bobby's parents getting better any times soon. I felt sorry for how Adam was treated and wanted his parents to really see his accomplishments.
I think on paper most gals would like the idea of two hot guys fighting over her, but the reality of the situation in Flawed Perfection is agnst-filled and dramatic. I felt sorry for River because whenever she tried to fix the situation she ended up being the one who suffered. My final note is on THAT ending! I was almost expecting something bad to happen but not what actually did. I enjoyed the drama and twists but I'm hoping for a HEA sometime soon.
4 dramatic Stars in my Sky!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Also reviewed on my blog Zili in the Sky
April 30, 2014
River has loved Adam for as long as she can remember and for just as long Bobby has loved River. The problem is that River is best friends with both Adam and Bobby, who happen to be brothers. Now that they are all grown up and live across from each other things are becoming more difficult. Bobby tries his best to slyly seduce River, which never works and River pines over Adam. Adam is an enigma even as an adult and ties River up in knots not knowing what feelings are real or just friends. After Adam helps River with a work emergency their feelings for one another are finally known. They decide to keep their relationship a secret until Bobby finds out in an unceremonious way and is enraged. It seems that the relationship of all three will never mend until everything is put aside. When they decide to finally fix things tragedy strikes and crushes the fragile relationships. Can any relationship bounce back from tragedy or will it all crumble?
This book left me wrecked after I read it. I was emotionally drained and loved every minute of it. The love triangle of River, Adam and Bobby was fantastic. From the beginning you know who River will choose. But, love is complex and this story does a phenomenal job of showing how even those who are supposed to love you no matter what can hurt you beyond repair. This story is so strong and poignant because of not just the love triangle but of the side relationships the characters have. You feel just as heartbroken and sad as they do when their parents hurt them or when Bobby hurts Tara. You also feel the love that River’s Dad shows her and the love that both of the Beckerson boys show her. I think the underlying damage that is in a past the reader isn’t privy to is shown through the characters and it takes a very talented writer to be able to illustrate that kind of pain that is not witnessed. Overall, this is a book I will be feeling for a while. I can’t wait for the next one and will be waiting anxiously. Cassandra Giovanni definitely has a new fan in me. If you are like me and love books that will tear your heart out and leave you feeling an emotional wreck only to want to pick the book back up and read it again than Flawed Perfection is right up your alley.
This book left me wrecked after I read it. I was emotionally drained and loved every minute of it. The love triangle of River, Adam and Bobby was fantastic. From the beginning you know who River will choose. But, love is complex and this story does a phenomenal job of showing how even those who are supposed to love you no matter what can hurt you beyond repair. This story is so strong and poignant because of not just the love triangle but of the side relationships the characters have. You feel just as heartbroken and sad as they do when their parents hurt them or when Bobby hurts Tara. You also feel the love that River’s Dad shows her and the love that both of the Beckerson boys show her. I think the underlying damage that is in a past the reader isn’t privy to is shown through the characters and it takes a very talented writer to be able to illustrate that kind of pain that is not witnessed. Overall, this is a book I will be feeling for a while. I can’t wait for the next one and will be waiting anxiously. Cassandra Giovanni definitely has a new fan in me. If you are like me and love books that will tear your heart out and leave you feeling an emotional wreck only to want to pick the book back up and read it again than Flawed Perfection is right up your alley.
March 13, 2014
I am struggling to write this review, only because I absolutely loved this book and do not want to give too much away. It is a book that had me smiling, shaking my head, and crying. I want to be River’s roommate or even just a friend so that I can know Bobby and Adam. I wanted to grow up in their neighborhood so that I could be part of their family and know them back then. It is very rare for me to feel so connected to a character in a book, much less three characters in a book.
Bobby and Adam had a typical brother relationship. They fight, hate each other, and then make up and are best friends and brothers again. They also defend each other against outsiders. Although, most brothers are not in love with the same woman, the same woman for the entire lives. This causes such a wide crack in their relationship that there were times that I was very very concerned that they would not be able to get past it. I felt the hatred they had for each other, knowing that only brothers would be able to work through it and, hopefully, be okay again. I was not sure that this is where Cassandra Giovanni would take the story though. Their protectiveness over River was sometimes crazy. Bobby especially, had her on a pedestal that there were times I was not sure he even realized what he was doing to her.
River was so real. I could see how she considered these two men her best friends. They protected her growing up, when her parents let her down. They protected her as a woman when she was dating the wrong men. It was bound to happen that she would have stronger feelings for one of them than the other. She tried so hard to keep her feelings in check and not hurt Bobby, but fate stepped in and opened both Adam and her eyes showing them how good they could be together.
The ending was shattering. Never ever did I think this was how the book would end, I won’t give it away but be prepared to be shocked. I am now anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
Of course, I am highly recommending this book to everyone.
Bobby and Adam had a typical brother relationship. They fight, hate each other, and then make up and are best friends and brothers again. They also defend each other against outsiders. Although, most brothers are not in love with the same woman, the same woman for the entire lives. This causes such a wide crack in their relationship that there were times that I was very very concerned that they would not be able to get past it. I felt the hatred they had for each other, knowing that only brothers would be able to work through it and, hopefully, be okay again. I was not sure that this is where Cassandra Giovanni would take the story though. Their protectiveness over River was sometimes crazy. Bobby especially, had her on a pedestal that there were times I was not sure he even realized what he was doing to her.
River was so real. I could see how she considered these two men her best friends. They protected her growing up, when her parents let her down. They protected her as a woman when she was dating the wrong men. It was bound to happen that she would have stronger feelings for one of them than the other. She tried so hard to keep her feelings in check and not hurt Bobby, but fate stepped in and opened both Adam and her eyes showing them how good they could be together.
The ending was shattering. Never ever did I think this was how the book would end, I won’t give it away but be prepared to be shocked. I am now anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
Of course, I am highly recommending this book to everyone.
March 19, 2014
I don’t read much new adult, contemporary, or romance books, so I approached this story without many expectations. What I got was an incredible story that felt me unable to move on. As I write this review, it’s been several days since I finished the book, and I still don’t want to even look at other books. I want more of this one.
The strength of this book is in the characters and the emotions. This is a fairly clean, new adult story with realistic 20-somethings. All the characters have jobs, and apartments, and friends, and lives. They do real life things, including acting awkward and occasionally like jerks. They are all relatable, and likeable, and in Adam’s case, totally swoon-worthy.
The only thing I don’t understand is River’s habit of wearing yoga pants or sweatpants without underwear. Really? Is that normal, because it seems weird and gross. But other than that, everything is awesome.
While I was reading the story, I had a hard time understanding how this was the start of a series. Yes, there are conflicts, but I didn’t see how they could continue without being dragged out unnecessarily. And then the ending came. And I was shocked. And horrified. And totally unable to comprehend or understand how an author could do that to the characters I love?! I just sat there wondering what just happened to my expected happy ending. Because OH MY GAWD! (Also, I became unable to think, or type, in full sentences.) Just a quick explanation: it’s not a deaded cliffhanger per se, but it’s definitely a situation that needs another book to resolve.
In conclusion, I’m going to insist that you need to read this book. Like now. I need company in my happiness, and swooning, and complete denial that there isn’t a happy ending. Also, I need more people to start telling the author that the next book needs to come sooner than the scheduled July 2014 date. How can she expect me to wait that long? Also, there appears to be 4 books scheduled for the series so far, which makes me terrifed. At least they are all scheduled for release this year.
The strength of this book is in the characters and the emotions. This is a fairly clean, new adult story with realistic 20-somethings. All the characters have jobs, and apartments, and friends, and lives. They do real life things, including acting awkward and occasionally like jerks. They are all relatable, and likeable, and in Adam’s case, totally swoon-worthy.
The only thing I don’t understand is River’s habit of wearing yoga pants or sweatpants without underwear. Really? Is that normal, because it seems weird and gross. But other than that, everything is awesome.
While I was reading the story, I had a hard time understanding how this was the start of a series. Yes, there are conflicts, but I didn’t see how they could continue without being dragged out unnecessarily. And then the ending came. And I was shocked. And horrified. And totally unable to comprehend or understand how an author could do that to the characters I love?! I just sat there wondering what just happened to my expected happy ending. Because OH MY GAWD! (Also, I became unable to think, or type, in full sentences.) Just a quick explanation: it’s not a deaded cliffhanger per se, but it’s definitely a situation that needs another book to resolve.
In conclusion, I’m going to insist that you need to read this book. Like now. I need company in my happiness, and swooning, and complete denial that there isn’t a happy ending. Also, I need more people to start telling the author that the next book needs to come sooner than the scheduled July 2014 date. How can she expect me to wait that long? Also, there appears to be 4 books scheduled for the series so far, which makes me terrifed. At least they are all scheduled for release this year.
April 2, 2014
4 Stars
What happens when the girl next door grows into a beautiful woman with brothers as best friends? Flawed Perfection!
This is the start of a great series that could potentially rip your heart out and will leave you wondering where this tragic story is going to go and what bumps are we going to hit on our way to the destination.
River grew up next door to Adam and Bobby Berkerson. As an adult she continued to live next door to the men she considered her best friends. As with all male/female realtionships Bobby loves River and River loves Adam. These brothers are the difference of night and day. Bobby is the athletic muscle bound blond god and Adam is the sensitive, artsy, music oriented type.
The brother parents have always prefered Bobby to Adam. Bobby was the all star hockey player, and all American boy. Adam is the tattooed, pierced musical teacher. Everything is a competition for Bobby, including winning the affection of River.
For River it has always been Adam. She has been in love with him since she was 16, hiding her feelings and suffering through his girlfriends waiting for her chance to come. She know Bobby is infactuated with her but she just does not share his feelings. Finally she has her chance with Adam, finding out he has wanted her all along. When he starts to express his feelings you will swoon!
His mother hates her, his brother wants her and he doesn't think he's good enough for her.
River is kind of selfish, and a tease. I am not going to say she led Bobby on by making him believe that he had a chance, but I also don't think she made it clear enough that he was friend zoned only. Bobby is extremely thick headed, and somewhat immature. Even when he is dating River's friend Tara he is still vying for River's attention.
This book will leave you heartbroken at the end, it will leave you wondering if people can ever reach their happily ever after, and wondering what the future holds. I will definetly be waiting for the next in the series.
What happens when the girl next door grows into a beautiful woman with brothers as best friends? Flawed Perfection!
This is the start of a great series that could potentially rip your heart out and will leave you wondering where this tragic story is going to go and what bumps are we going to hit on our way to the destination.
River grew up next door to Adam and Bobby Berkerson. As an adult she continued to live next door to the men she considered her best friends. As with all male/female realtionships Bobby loves River and River loves Adam. These brothers are the difference of night and day. Bobby is the athletic muscle bound blond god and Adam is the sensitive, artsy, music oriented type.
The brother parents have always prefered Bobby to Adam. Bobby was the all star hockey player, and all American boy. Adam is the tattooed, pierced musical teacher. Everything is a competition for Bobby, including winning the affection of River.
For River it has always been Adam. She has been in love with him since she was 16, hiding her feelings and suffering through his girlfriends waiting for her chance to come. She know Bobby is infactuated with her but she just does not share his feelings. Finally she has her chance with Adam, finding out he has wanted her all along. When he starts to express his feelings you will swoon!
His mother hates her, his brother wants her and he doesn't think he's good enough for her.
River is kind of selfish, and a tease. I am not going to say she led Bobby on by making him believe that he had a chance, but I also don't think she made it clear enough that he was friend zoned only. Bobby is extremely thick headed, and somewhat immature. Even when he is dating River's friend Tara he is still vying for River's attention.
This book will leave you heartbroken at the end, it will leave you wondering if people can ever reach their happily ever after, and wondering what the future holds. I will definetly be waiting for the next in the series.
March 28, 2014
If you like a very well written story that touches on LOTS of different emotions, you NEED to read this story! It was down to earth, with very believable characters, and a suck you in story line.
This is my first book by Cassandra Giovanni, and I really enjoyed it. I went in blind, and I'm very glad that I did.
River has been best friends with the Beckerson brothers since they were kids. One of which she always seen as the brother she never had, the other... as everything she's ever wanted. The problem is, the one she wants doesn't seem to want her back, and the other can't seem to take a hint. So she's walking a tightrope between them to maintain their friendship.
Bobby is the guy we all know that has always gotten everything he's ever wanted. He's hot, charming, athletically gifted, and competitive. His parents think he can do no wrong. He refuses to consider the possibility that he won't always get what he wants in life.
Adam is the sexy, guitar playing, womanizing type who only seems to care about himself. He is used to being the black sheep in his family and seemingly lacks the desire to ever break free from that mold. He's used to living in his brother's shadow.
The relationship between these characters drew me in from the start. I enjoyed the way the story was so relatable, and not just your typical "triangle". I loved how they were so believable and the writing felt very real to me. And to only make it better, talk about some curveballs! WOW. It's the personalities of the characters, the long standing sibling rivalry, and the layers of family drama woven throughout that made this story go above and beyond what one might expect. Love, family, friendship, humor, loss, heartache, drama, angst, and some really swoony moments too. Perfect blend of emotions to keep you emotionally invested, as well as keeping you wondering what's going to happen next. Read. This. Book!!!
This is my first book by Cassandra Giovanni, and I really enjoyed it. I went in blind, and I'm very glad that I did.
River has been best friends with the Beckerson brothers since they were kids. One of which she always seen as the brother she never had, the other... as everything she's ever wanted. The problem is, the one she wants doesn't seem to want her back, and the other can't seem to take a hint. So she's walking a tightrope between them to maintain their friendship.
Bobby is the guy we all know that has always gotten everything he's ever wanted. He's hot, charming, athletically gifted, and competitive. His parents think he can do no wrong. He refuses to consider the possibility that he won't always get what he wants in life.
Adam is the sexy, guitar playing, womanizing type who only seems to care about himself. He is used to being the black sheep in his family and seemingly lacks the desire to ever break free from that mold. He's used to living in his brother's shadow.
The relationship between these characters drew me in from the start. I enjoyed the way the story was so relatable, and not just your typical "triangle". I loved how they were so believable and the writing felt very real to me. And to only make it better, talk about some curveballs! WOW. It's the personalities of the characters, the long standing sibling rivalry, and the layers of family drama woven throughout that made this story go above and beyond what one might expect. Love, family, friendship, humor, loss, heartache, drama, angst, and some really swoony moments too. Perfect blend of emotions to keep you emotionally invested, as well as keeping you wondering what's going to happen next. Read. This. Book!!!
August 19, 2014
Reviewer: Lynn
Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
This is the story of River and her two best friends Adam and Bobby whom also are brothers. They have been friends since they were children but now as adults the dynamics of their relationship is changing. River is in love with Adam and both brothers are in love with her. The relationship between the three is complex yet at times so simple. They support one another, love and fight as best friends do. Yet there is in an underlying tension with all the feelings involved. Adam has never felt good enough for River, where as Bobby the golden child never seems to have any problem trying to get River to pick him, but River doesn't feel for him that way. They all date others but nothing ever lasts. Where River and Adam are hurt by their parents actions and attitude towards them, Bobby does no wrong, this allows River to bond with Adam more then Bobby.
Even though this is a love triangle the dynamics between them are wonderful. They do frustrate you at times and you want to reach in and shake them as they try to come to terms with the feelings and try not to hurt the other one so much. None of them want to lose the friendship they have but what the heart wants the heart wants. it was hard at times to decide what brother I think I wanted to see River with. Bobby was more outgoing, more vocal about his feelings but at times a goof. He makes you laugh. Adam is more brooding, serious and more then likely to keep his feeling to himself.
The secondary characters play a great part in this story and River's best girlfriend Tara plays a major role in the story. The ending is not what I thought it would be, it does leave it open for the next book. If you love books that make you feel, and not just happy feelings but the whole gauntlet of them this is a must read for you.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
This is the story of River and her two best friends Adam and Bobby whom also are brothers. They have been friends since they were children but now as adults the dynamics of their relationship is changing. River is in love with Adam and both brothers are in love with her. The relationship between the three is complex yet at times so simple. They support one another, love and fight as best friends do. Yet there is in an underlying tension with all the feelings involved. Adam has never felt good enough for River, where as Bobby the golden child never seems to have any problem trying to get River to pick him, but River doesn't feel for him that way. They all date others but nothing ever lasts. Where River and Adam are hurt by their parents actions and attitude towards them, Bobby does no wrong, this allows River to bond with Adam more then Bobby.
Even though this is a love triangle the dynamics between them are wonderful. They do frustrate you at times and you want to reach in and shake them as they try to come to terms with the feelings and try not to hurt the other one so much. None of them want to lose the friendship they have but what the heart wants the heart wants. it was hard at times to decide what brother I think I wanted to see River with. Bobby was more outgoing, more vocal about his feelings but at times a goof. He makes you laugh. Adam is more brooding, serious and more then likely to keep his feeling to himself.
The secondary characters play a great part in this story and River's best girlfriend Tara plays a major role in the story. The ending is not what I thought it would be, it does leave it open for the next book. If you love books that make you feel, and not just happy feelings but the whole gauntlet of them this is a must read for you.
March 11, 2014
Absolute Perfection!!
The Beckerson brothers, Bobby and Adam & River Ahlers have been best friends all of their lives. Even after flying the coup they manage to end up living, not only in the same apartment building but across the hall from one another.
The All-star hockey player and friendly giant, Bobby Beckerson has loved River for as long as he can remember. Unfortunately for him not only is he so far in the FRIEND ZONE that he is never coming out, the only thing he can see that stands in his way is the fact that River is in love with his brother.
In Flawed Perfection Cassandra Giovanni displays her talents in the very graceful way in which she bring the past into the present. Seamlessly bridging the early scenes of teenage life, where the tight bond between these three characters is established, into their current - and very much “grown up” – lives.
With parents that clearly play favourites, Bobby’s competitive nature and Adam’s ability to render himself unworthy of, well… anything good in life, the Beckerson brothers unwittingly enter in to the competition of a lifetime. Unbeknownst to River, she is the ULTIMATE prize.
I’m not generally a fan of angst and love triangles, but Cassandra has certainly won me over with this one. She has managed to portray the inner workings of three compelling and very different characters with lives irrevocable entwined from the very beginning, bringing the reader to an emotional precipice, without diving off the edge of reality.
There were so many times during this story that I found myself shaking my head, rolling my eyes and slapping my hand over my mouth in shock. I still haven’t gotten over the BOMB at the end.
Flawed Perfection is a truly amazing and heartfelt story! I fell head over heels in love with the wonderfully flawed characters written in to the pages of this magnificently tumultuous tale.
The Beckerson brothers, Bobby and Adam & River Ahlers have been best friends all of their lives. Even after flying the coup they manage to end up living, not only in the same apartment building but across the hall from one another.
The All-star hockey player and friendly giant, Bobby Beckerson has loved River for as long as he can remember. Unfortunately for him not only is he so far in the FRIEND ZONE that he is never coming out, the only thing he can see that stands in his way is the fact that River is in love with his brother.
In Flawed Perfection Cassandra Giovanni displays her talents in the very graceful way in which she bring the past into the present. Seamlessly bridging the early scenes of teenage life, where the tight bond between these three characters is established, into their current - and very much “grown up” – lives.
With parents that clearly play favourites, Bobby’s competitive nature and Adam’s ability to render himself unworthy of, well… anything good in life, the Beckerson brothers unwittingly enter in to the competition of a lifetime. Unbeknownst to River, she is the ULTIMATE prize.
I’m not generally a fan of angst and love triangles, but Cassandra has certainly won me over with this one. She has managed to portray the inner workings of three compelling and very different characters with lives irrevocable entwined from the very beginning, bringing the reader to an emotional precipice, without diving off the edge of reality.
There were so many times during this story that I found myself shaking my head, rolling my eyes and slapping my hand over my mouth in shock. I still haven’t gotten over the BOMB at the end.
Flawed Perfection is a truly amazing and heartfelt story! I fell head over heels in love with the wonderfully flawed characters written in to the pages of this magnificently tumultuous tale.
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