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Practice Perfect
Socially challenged Arlo—three parts impulsive and seven parts clueless—is still figuring out how to navigate the world and his emotions. To make matters worse, he’s also prime bait for bullies at his prestigious high school. But a chance to change all that arrives with Kensington Cole, a popular new student whose best quality might be his saint-like patience.
Convinced love is in the forecast for Kensington and Arlo’s fiery twin sister, Arlo immediately dives into the role of Cupid. Six practice dates should see to his and Orla’s happiness, but little does Arlo know that he’s not the only matchmaker on the loose. Or that his well-intentioned plans could draw more attention than he bargains for.
As he helps his sister ‘get the guy’—while missing all the signs pointing to his own heart—Arlo learns the difference between butterflies and acid reflux, how to stand up for himself, and that happiness might just be in the cards for him too.
Convinced love is in the forecast for Kensington and Arlo’s fiery twin sister, Arlo immediately dives into the role of Cupid. Six practice dates should see to his and Orla’s happiness, but little does Arlo know that he’s not the only matchmaker on the loose. Or that his well-intentioned plans could draw more attention than he bargains for.
As he helps his sister ‘get the guy’—while missing all the signs pointing to his own heart—Arlo learns the difference between butterflies and acid reflux, how to stand up for himself, and that happiness might just be in the cards for him too.
329 pages, ebook
Published January 6, 2024
10 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 22, 2024
Omg I’m OBSESSED!
March 2, 2024
wonderful
Cute love story! I wish it were a series, I’d read them all! Will keep an eye out for more from this author
Cute love story! I wish it were a series, I’d read them all! Will keep an eye out for more from this author
January 31, 2026
Practice Perfect is a YA romance that tackles bullying, inadequacy, and the messy process of learning to accept love. Arlo Augustine is the heart of this story - a teenager who's built walls to survive in a world where he feels perpetually less than. When Kensington Cole arrives at school, he's everything Arlo isn’t: popular, rich, at ease in his own skin. The book captures how feeling inadequate shapes every interaction, turning potential connection into threat. Arlo and Kensington grow closer as Arlo thinks he’s playing cupid for his supportive sister, Orla - but he doesn’t expect to fall for Kensington himself.
He misreads kindness, anticipates rejection, and sabotages closeness even when he wants it. What's compelling is watching him struggle with the idea that he might deserve kindness and love.
This leads him to repeatedly undermine his own relationship with Kensington, though these self-destructive patterns gradually fade as he learns to trust what's developing between them.
It's a warm, absorbing read, and there are moments between them - small, tender, unexpectedly funny - that make it impossible not to smile. The story doesn't offer easy answers but, in the words of one of the characters, shows how vulnerability can be its own kind of strength.
For readers who've ever felt like they don't measure up or that happiness is meant for other people, Arlo's story will resonate deeply.
He misreads kindness, anticipates rejection, and sabotages closeness even when he wants it. What's compelling is watching him struggle with the idea that he might deserve kindness and love.
This leads him to repeatedly undermine his own relationship with Kensington, though these self-destructive patterns gradually fade as he learns to trust what's developing between them.
It's a warm, absorbing read, and there are moments between them - small, tender, unexpectedly funny - that make it impossible not to smile. The story doesn't offer easy answers but, in the words of one of the characters, shows how vulnerability can be its own kind of strength.
For readers who've ever felt like they don't measure up or that happiness is meant for other people, Arlo's story will resonate deeply.
April 12, 2024
'"I’d really love for you to be comfortable with me. You’re safe with me, I promise you that. I’ll never take advantage of you.”
My eyes grew wide, unable to really take in what he was saying. Did he mean I could get another awkward boner and faint as many times as necessary, and he’d always wrap me up in a blanket and pop warm flannels over my forehead? We could find other ways to bond instead, I was sure of it.'
I really enjoyed this book. It was such a cute read. Arlo and Kensington (love that name! Don't hear it often!) were so sweet together. Arlo was trying to set Kensington up with his twin sister believing he liked her. His obliviousness was adorable and I couldn't get enough of these two boys. This is the first book I've read by this author and I would read more. 4 stars.
PS- Love the cover! Their faces are so pretty!
My eyes grew wide, unable to really take in what he was saying. Did he mean I could get another awkward boner and faint as many times as necessary, and he’d always wrap me up in a blanket and pop warm flannels over my forehead? We could find other ways to bond instead, I was sure of it.'
I really enjoyed this book. It was such a cute read. Arlo and Kensington (love that name! Don't hear it often!) were so sweet together. Arlo was trying to set Kensington up with his twin sister believing he liked her. His obliviousness was adorable and I couldn't get enough of these two boys. This is the first book I've read by this author and I would read more. 4 stars.
PS- Love the cover! Their faces are so pretty!
March 30, 2024
For the most part, I found this book to be charming— Arlo is a lot, in mostly good ways, and there’s something about the determined oblivousness that’s more adorable than not. Lots of feels here, and ultimately, an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2025
This novel is perfect for teens. It brings out so much that I as a teen wish I did. It shows that is really good to have a support system to lean on, to turn too. Ones that will love you unconditionally and look out for you as well. Even if you don't understand it at the time. I really really likethis book.
February 15, 2024
Its my comfort book. It's got a new cover on Amazon it looks better now
June 4, 2024
This was a cute story, but the “clueless” trope was pretty contrived.
I love a trope, so the concept of the shy, geeky boy accidentally ending up with the hot, popular boy (with some added miscommunication and fake dates thrown in) should be perfect! But honestly, there were two slightly frustrating things. Firstly, that Kensington instantly fell in love having not even met Arlo, which left no room for any sort of slow burn or build up. Secondly, it was obviously right from the very beginning that Kensington liked Arlo (not his sister) but Arlo didn’t figure this out until about 95% of the way through!
Overall, I did enjoy the story because Arlo and Kensington were super cute characters, and the addition of people like Parker and his sister added some depth to the characters. I just wish there was a slower burn that made the payoff even sweeter.
👑🥄🌅
PS. The cover for my Kindle version was GORGEOUS 🥰
I love a trope, so the concept of the shy, geeky boy accidentally ending up with the hot, popular boy (with some added miscommunication and fake dates thrown in) should be perfect! But honestly, there were two slightly frustrating things. Firstly, that Kensington instantly fell in love having not even met Arlo, which left no room for any sort of slow burn or build up. Secondly, it was obviously right from the very beginning that Kensington liked Arlo (not his sister) but Arlo didn’t figure this out until about 95% of the way through!
Overall, I did enjoy the story because Arlo and Kensington were super cute characters, and the addition of people like Parker and his sister added some depth to the characters. I just wish there was a slower burn that made the payoff even sweeter.
👑🥄🌅
PS. The cover for my Kindle version was GORGEOUS 🥰
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews