Perfect Imperfections

by Cardeno C.

Hollywood royalty Jeremy Jameson has lived a sheltered life with music as his sole focus and only friend. Before embarking on yet another international concert tour, he wanders into a bar in what he considers the middle of nowhere and meets a man who wins him over with his friendly smile and easy-going nature. Accountant slash bartender slash adventure-seeker Reg Moore has fun talking and drinking with The Jeremy Jameson and can’t say no when the supposedly straight rock star makes him a once in a lifetime keep him company on his tour by playing the part of his boyfriend.

Listening to music, traveling the world, and jumping off cliffs is fun. Falling in love is even better. But to stay with Jeremy after the stage lights dim, Reg will need to help him realize there’s nothing pretend about their relationship.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Gay For You, Music, Musicians

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2014

About the author

Cardeno C. - CC to friends - is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few "awwws" into a reader's day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno's stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever-after sunset.

Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.

Website: www.cardenoc.com

Blog: (Shared Blog) https://gayromanceauthors.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @CardenoC

FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carde...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6M...

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/

Reviews

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, loved it, LOVED IT!

This is my favorite Cardeno C. book. By far. My average rating for my previous CC books is 2.62. That is crazy low, and it isn't because I'm not a fan! I am, I just tend to feel passionately one way or another about this author! I loved Walk With Me (my favorite CC up to this point), but this book simply blew that out of the water.

When CC writes the slow burn romance, I'm just putty; melty, gooey putty. When you combine a slooow burn bisexuality discovery story with some heavy petting, naked cuddling, and some super hot mutual masturbation scenes all leading up to some SMOKING hot nookie... yeah, you got me.

This book is pure flufftastic. There are no misunderstanding, no drama, no scenes to make the reader frustrated. It is straight-up relationship development and 100% enjoyable.

I can see why this might not have worked for some readers. Jeremy is needy to the point of needing a full-time keeper, and the relationship is very skewed in the direction. But the characters know that fact and they own it. Jeremy knows he is high maintenance and Reg just loves him for it.

I loved Reg's easygoing, laid back demeanor. I loved the two guys together, and I loved watching their relationship blossom.

And the sex... just UMGHPH! I made the mistake of reading the majority of this book at work. Bad move.

This book is Cardeno C.'s best effort to date. It is everything you love about CC wrapped up in one smutty, sexuality discovery, sappy, perfect package.

**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 I-want-a-pretend-boyfriend stars

If you're looking for a gritty rock star book, this is not it. There are no drugs or sex escapades, no dirty laundry, booze fests, or groupies.

Our rock star, Jeremy, could be anyone in the public eye. We are told he's a rock star, but there's nothing in here about his music, who writes his songs, his band, or his albums. Jeremy isn't your typical musician either. Yeah, he's temperamental, self-absorbed, and conceited (he was raised by famous parents in Hollywood after all), but he's also anxious, needy, and very naive. Jeremy is sheltered and has cocooned himself into a hard shell. He doesn't do relationships. He keeps people around for appearance and a little companionship, and doesn't get what all the fuss is about sex (he thinks the cuddling after is the best part). Indeed, Jeremy seems much younger than his 31 years.

So, you see, this isn't really a rock star book. It's a contemporary fairy tale where the prince meets his love match at a dive bar in bumfucking Arizon.

Reggie, who works as a bartender saving money for a grand adventure, is patient, kind, and sees beyond Jeremy's pampered exterior to the real Jeremy. He loves Jeremy's inner diva, hissy fits and all.

Reg goes on tour with Jeremy as Jeremy's pretend boyfriend (coming out as gay is brushed aside, because Jeremy gets what Jeremy wants, and Jeremy's kind of clueless), and they spend half the book being buddies, with Reg protecting Jeremy from the big-bad paparazzi and obnoxious publicists.

The other half is all about the romance. Reg is crazy about Jeremy, and it doesn't take that long for Jeremy to catch up. Sweet Jeremy can get down and dirty, and he's definitely into everything Reg has to offer once they get started. And, yes, he soon realizes that cuddles are great, but orgasms are even better!

This was the lightest, fluffiest, sweetest book I've read in a long time. I didn't even break for lunch reading this one because I couldn't tear myself away.

Funny? Check (the fleshlight scene had me giggling AND blushing). Sexy? Definitely (once these guys get going, they're not shy). Romantic? The ending will make you swoon. Realistic? Nah, but who cares? This is all about the FEELS, baby.

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful re-read June 2016


OK folks, even with calm-the-fuck-down time, I'm still in serious fan-girl mode with this book. I so fucking loved it! So incredibly witty, fresh, funny, smart and absolutely delightful! It is, hands down, my favorite Cardeno C. book to date.

MC Jeremy Jameson, 31 year old living-in-a-bubble rockstar, born in the spotlight to an Oscar Award winning actress (with a heart of stone) and a Grammy Award winning father (already dead from a drug overdose) who has no idea what it is like to live outside of the prying eyes of the public and the paparazzi. All of his relationships have consisted of parasites who want a piece of his fame and/or money. He is incredibly lonely. He happens upon a 26 year old, unusually friendly, over educated bartender with a wayward spirit, MC Reggie Moore in a small town in Arizona. Jeremy is drawn to his positive energy and to the fact Reg doesn't seem to want anything from him other than his company, and decides to invite Reg (posing as his pretend boyfriend) on his upcoming tour to keep him company and see the world. Reggie agrees and off they go.

The book follows these boys as they become very close friends and greatly enjoy each other's company. Reg sees how hard the touring life is on Jeremy, especially since no one seems to be sticking up for Jeremy as a person, only as a rockstar, and they constantly run him ragged and anger and frustrate him. Reg slowly puts himself between Jeremy's managers and work staff to help ease his burdens and the positive affect on Jeremy is plain to see. This is a gay-for-you book, so eventually the boys do fall in love, and that was so wonderful to watch during the getting-to-know-you phase.

I can't even express to you how fun it was to read this book and to get to know these two characters. They really grabbed me and I was surprised at how much I laughed at them. They were just so flippin' cute! I want my own Reggie, please and thank you. I loved these characters inside and out and while there wasn't a cliffhanger, there were a few little loose ends at the end and my fingers and toes are crossed we get a sequel or an added chapter. I just hate the thought of never reading about these boys again! LOVED THEM!!!

No angst. No conflict. No tears. Just a good old fashioned love story to take you away for a few hours. AN ABSOLUTE DELIGHT. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread/Audiobook May 2024

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Reread/Audiobook October 2023

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Reread/Audiobook June 2021

5++++++++ stars. Still one of the best fluffs.

I am still in love with this unhealthy, codependent, needy relationship between Reg and Jeremy.

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5++++ sugar coma stars

Sometimes it's not that serious. Sit back and enjoy the ride. That is what i did. I let Charlie David take me on a very cute, sugary ride.

This story is unrealistic but it totally works, the best escapism ever.

I want a Reg in my life so bad, oh! and I want to be a rockstar too.

They say;



But if you try sometime you find
You get what you need.

And i need this book!


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5 stars for the Audio version..
Loved reading this for the 2nd time.
Jeremy and Reg made me smile.

[Rosa, really · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually I wake up like this:



This morning I woke up like this:



I love this book. I love this book SO HARD. It’s like cotton candy. It’s like marshmallow fluff. It’s like the creamy inside of those new birthday cake oreos.

I love both Reg & Jeremy, they were so FUCKING SWEET together:

With Reg’s muscular arms holding him, Jeremy felt safe, like nothing and nobody, himself included, could pry him away from this man.
And don’t worry,” Reg said. “If you push me away, I’ll remind you why you need to hold tighter instead.”

They were also funny:

Reg: “Quite pouting."
Jeremy: “I don’t pout!”
Reg: "Okay. Quite pressing your lips together and pushing them out in what strongly resembles a pout.”

They were also fucking HAAAWWWT! Say it with my now: Fleshlight! FLESHLIGHTS, PEOPLE.

Unable to look away from the erotic scene playing out in front of him, Jeremy somehow managed to press the toy against his glans and slide it down. “Oh God.”
“Feel good?" Reg asked hoarsely.

To tell you the truth, the idea of a fleshlight sounded pretty gross to me. Boys can be messy, so what happens if they don’t clean that thing out immediately? Um…EW! But Cardeno C. made it total fap material. Fap, fap…fap.

What impressed me most about this novel is that Cardeno left the majority of the sex to pretty late in the book. I find this, with a few exceptions, to be generally annoying. I want my sexy times, people. But the slow burn totally worked in this one. Reg patiently waited, dropping some hints, cuddling Jeremy and easing him into the idea of sex with a dude. Or Reg, specifically.

Also, I really liked that Jeremy didn’t have a huge freak out over discovering he’s gay for Reg. I think a freak out or some discomfort over the idea would’ve been natural, but Cardeno made Jeremy’s slow transiting into, uh, “gayness,” seem natural as well. However, though I would shelve this as GFY, I’m not totally convinced that’s entirely true. It did seem that Jeremy had been a star so long that he just accepted what everyone was telling him. He was a rockstar, and for the most part they fuck women (or are required to appear to be fucking women.) He was never given a chance to even think about, or explore, his sexuality.

Ok, don’t hate me, but I had one small niggle. Jeremy has some inner demons to conquer in this novel and he does for the most part with Reg’s love and support (one never totally conquers one’s demons after all). Reg is a total woobie. He’s the perfect boyfriend at all times. He seems to have no inner demons; he’s cool, calm, confident and completely supportive always. Reg seems to be there only as support for Jeremy. I love this but he didn’t show much growth in the novel. To me the best novels are the ones where both characters have issues and through falling in love, they have to face those inner demons and grow as individuals and as a couple.

But you know what? Huh? You know what? I don’t care. I don’t give a rat’s ass. I DON’T GIVE A FLYING FUCK. I only mention it in an attempt to be perfectly frank, but I LOVE Reg’s constant support of Jeremy. I love Reg calling Jeremy on his bullshit, I love the cuddle times & I love Reg’s utter hotness combined with his kind face & warm eyes. He’s just so, so DREAMY.

I want to cuddle this book, like Reg cuddles Jeremy. I want to talk to it the same way I talk to my dog:

Who’s a good bookie? Who’s the best book in the world? Who’s mama’s little baby waby?

(Please don’t tell anyone I talk to my dog this way…it would be so, so embarrassing. Thank you.)

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5--Every Party Has a Pooper--Stars!



Looks like I'm the party pooper! But this one DID NOT work for me.

At first I thought Reg and Jeremy were kind of sweet. They had a slow build to their relationship.



Jeremy doesn't even know he's gay. He's a rock star--if you can even call him that. I found him to be whiney and annoying. It takes him FOR-FREAKING-EVER to realize he has feelings for Reg and he might actually be gay afterall.



Jeremy is needy. He's in constant need of companionship, reassurance, acceptance, love. Most of his past relationships have ended fairly quickly because that can't handle that aspect or they are with him for his fame.



Jeremy meets Reg at a dive bar. He's a former accountant, now working at a bar looking to save money to travel the world. Honestly, what was Jeremy even doing in that bar? Jeremy offers him a job as his pretend boyfriend...



So Reg joins Jeremy on tour and they pretend to be boyfriends. Reg is in fact gay and is attracted to Jeremy.

Honestly, the conversations between these two were a big cheese-fest. And not in a sweet, cute way....but in a NOBODY says that kind of way. The spider? The clowns?



Jeremy finally gets on board with things...and by things I mean



Only for me to have to wait until around the 75% for some dry humping.



Add on to that the insta-love and yeah, wasn't a fan of this one.

BUT...clearly I am in the minority. This was my first read by this author so I didn't know what to expect. SO...if you are a fan of this author then I say give this one a go....if you're okay with cheese! LOTS and LOTS of cheese!

[BWT · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story just gets better every time I read it.

Jeremy and Reg are two of my favorite M/M characters ever.



When 31 year old Rock superstar Jeremy Jameson steps into a seedy bar in Munds Park, Arizona it turns out to be the best thing to ever happen to him.

Jeremy is not your typical "rock star"...there's no drugs, or scores of sexual exploits, or crazy publicity antics...he's quiet, a bit shy, and, most of all, lonely. After closing down the bar and ending up on Reg's couch for the night an idea takes root. Reg wants to travel more and Jeremy's sick of going on the road alone, or with women who don't understand it's not all premieres and glitzy events, so Jeremy makes an offer for Reg to come on his world tour with him as Jeremy's pretend boyfriend for seven months of travel, companionship, and adventure.

Reg understands Jeremy just really wants a friend, someone who doesn't have ulterior motives or who'll make constant demands.

It was sad that he felt he had to essentially hire that function out, but Reg wouldn’t complain. Jeremy was cool, his music was amazing, and touring the world would be a dream come true. “I hope so, man,” he said. “That’d be awesome.”
“It would.” Jeremy nodded. “No more lonely nights. No more boring flights with nobody to talk to. No more girls who say they want to be with me when they don’t even like me, and all they really want is a leg up.” He sighed. “No more.”

This story is still one of my favorite mm books of all time. Perfect Imperfections is perfect. There's no angst, no miscommunication, just tons of humor and hot sexy times. It's fluffy crack.

.

The story is absolute fluff-tastic sweetness and cuteness, and it's unforgettable. Perfect Imperfections...I love you!!



HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews

Read: 07/2014, 09/2014, 11/2014, 02/2015, 04/2015, 05/2015, 07/2015, 08/2015, 09/2015, 11/2015, 01/2016

[Macky · Rating 5 out of 5]

" A rock star walks into a bar..."

It sounds like the start of a joke but what it actually is, is the basic premise of yet another great story from Cardeno C and the start of a really enjoyably sweet yet hot romance between another pair of his (always) endearing characters.

Oh and before I go any further...have you guys seen that cover! Does the word "Rawr" come to mind? Okay I digress but...HOT DAMN!!

All righty then, back to JJ & Reg. What a brilliant combination of opposites. A regular small town barman and a bone fide superstar rock god who comes with all the trimmings and entourage you'd expect. The insistent manager, pushy publicity team, roadies, groupies and of course the pain in the arse paparazzi who are never far away if they can sniff out a good story. I love it when they pair an ordinary Joe with someone famous because it does give you that fairytale style romance that everyone seems to love because it transports you out of the banal and into the realms of "What if?"

And let's be honest we've all daydreamed in that realm at one time or another.

What I loved about Cardeno's version of this type of fantasy romance though, at the start of the story when an incognito Jeremy Jameson walks into Reggie Moores bar in Munds Park, Arizona, was that for a good part of the story we just see these two guys actually getting to know each other as friends. No instant lust or love with these two. That slowly filters into the plot as the book rolls along, which was refreshingly cool because my first thoughts, when I read the blurb and saw that this was going to be a "be my fake boyfriend" storyline, had me musing about those old Mills & Boon (Harlequin) style romances that always put the main couple in situations where of course they just had to kiss passionately and put on a hot-blooded show every time they came into contact with the world, his mother, his wife and his dog...or nobody would believe their 'pretend' story, leading to many lust filled moments of not so believable love/hate passion and heaving chests!

Well rest easy guys, because that tired and over used trope gets a much needed makeover in the hands of this author and what he did with it worked perfectly for me. The yummy sexual tension is still there, but its paced out brilliantly across the book, getting stronger and more steamily sexy as the initial easy friendship between the MC's starts to turn into something deeper and more realistic as they spend their time together. The banter and conversation between JJ and Reg showed the depth of their chemistry together at each stage of the relationship. Some of the funnier stuff when they're in the early part of the friendship had me smiling and giggling, especially when they're just starting to get to know each other.

' ...." All right I have a serious question."

"What?" Jeremy's forehead crinkled.

"What do you like on your pizza? Because if we're not compatible there, there's no way we can be pretend compatible anywhere else."

"That's a lot of pressure." Jeremy licked his lips and tried to look serious. "What if I get this wrong? Does this mean we're done pretend fucking?"

"Yup. Which would totally suck for you because I am awesome in pretend bed...." '

- Read more of my review at: http://sinfullysexybooks.blogspot.co....

[Lisazj1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. When I picked this up, I was looking for the sweetest, fluffiest, most romantic book I could find.



I found it! 😍 I'll be honest, maybe in another mood, there were a couple of things that might have been niggles. The almost insta-love, though I guess it would be more accurate to say it was how long it took Jeremy's brain to catch up to his heart. But mostly how Jeremy needed to be so "managed", though I had to have some sympathy at the way his life had always been, and as a kid, he didn't have a choice. But those were minor things and the author made me completely not care about anything else but Jeremy & Reg. 💕

And have mercy with the chemistry, the absolute melting-point heat in this story!



This was my first story by CC, and I had always kind of pushed them to the back of my reading list because my friend's reviews are kind of mixed but if this is the kind of sweet, hot romance Cardeno C. writes, I believe I could become hooked on an occasional surplus of sugar. 😊

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read April 2019
The audio for this is great! I love Charlie David and he does a stellar job with this one.

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4.5 stars

Jeremy is a famous rockstar, but he is so tired of being in the spotlight and not being able to be himself. He gets drunk at an unknown bar at one night and meets Reggie (Reg). They hit it off and Reg takes Jeremy home because he is no condition to drive.

Jeremy is dying for someone to go on his tour with him, someone he can trust. So he asks Reg to come. Reg is an adventurous kind of guy so he says yes immediately.

Jeremy is ‘sure’ he is not gay… Reg is gay and is sure Jeremey is not as straight as he thinks he is. These two become very close friends and Reg is the solid rock in Jeremy’s hectic life.

But after a few months on the road Jeremy finds out that it is probably not that straight of him to constantly cuddle and sleep next to his best friend. Nor is it very straight of him to join another man in the shower.



Reggie notices the change in Jeremy and just kind of eases him into the whole gay thing. A touch here, a touch there. Jeremy has no choice but to surrender to his feelings.



Reg was just so sweet. I loved how he took care of Jeremy. He knew just what Jeremy needed. And Jeremy may have been older than Reg, but in some ways he was just so naive. Absolutely adorable.

There was one part I didn't like and that was the fleshlight scene. But I have to admit with every re-read it got less weird.

Overall, a sweet, angst free story.

[Meep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read 28April'16
After hating a series by this author returned to remind myself why I'd splurged ;)
And, I still LOVE this book. It's ridiculous, but so damn adorable, and hot. Still a favourite.
Audio is good too.

-- --
Beyond feel-good, this book is snuggle-some sweet.

Don't go in expect a gritty rock-star story; you've got to be patient waiting for the Sex to happen and there's no Drugs or for that matter any Rock and Roll!
Let's be honest - it's also not in the least bit realistic or believable. But, I. Just. Don't. Care!

It's slow, sweet syrup.
A developing friendship that's engaging and lovely to read. There's lots of humour and I read it all with a smile. And then Hot Stuff happens. (and okay part of buying it might have been curiosity over the Fleshlights!) The sex is late in the book but by then you have such a feel for the characters that it's all the better. And hotter. No angst or upsets, not much plot, just that slow flow of friendship building into something more.

I don't consider this a GFY; Jeremy is alone in a forest of people, living to expectations without question. It's not a case of suddenly turning gay, more of finally making a connection. Here he wakes to his sexuality, meeting his perfect match - who happens to be male.

Jeremy is an innocent hiding his needy core with the odd diva moment. His reaction to the Spider had me laughing out loud - I know someone who is exactly like that. He makes you want to flick his non-pouty lips and cuddle him.
Reg is impossibly perfect, the best pretend-boyfriend ever; warm, supportive, hot, patient, hot, nice. Never a wrong word, I'd be rolling my eyes if I didn't like him so much!

The story is set in a bubble and I would have liked some interaction with the larger world, maybe witness a few interviews, meet some fans, be present at Reg's family get together towards the end...

So the plot isn't perfect, so what? - read it for the FEELS. The feel is perfect. I LOVE, love, LOVE this. Writing this makes me want to read it all over again. A warm cosy snuggle of a book.

[D.L. Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cardeno C is officially one of my new favorite authors.

From the outside looking in Reg is the luckiest guy in the world getting to go on a rock star’s tour. But in reality? JJ’s the lucky one, I have no doubts at only 31% in that Reg is the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

It’s pretty telling that JJ puts up a front, keeping up with pretenses in his “real relationships” and is 100% real in his fake one with Reg. Obviously this is a finding Jesus type of moment. (Time does not a relationship make)

Btw that cover is awful. First it makes no sense, second it’s ugly as sin. That’s pretty much my only complaint and I’m surprised but extremely glad I got past it to read this little gem.

Gah! Men starved for touch is like my kryptonite! Give me all the neediness and cuddles!

JJ is perhaps the most naive rockstar ever! But it makes for fun and adorable shenanigans.

Part of me wonders if Reg isn’t a bit manipulative … er … maybe a lot. I mean, I guess JJ could refuse whatever but he has to know the dominating effect he has on him.

I always thought a man shaving a woman was hot, but apparently it works with two men as well. 🔥🤤

Whew buddy! The chemistry between these two was off the charts! And nookie time was freaking glorious! I really, I mean really really hated to see this one end.

[~✿ Tala✿~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all-time favourite books and as I just read it for the umpteenth time so I decided it's time for a review!

First, please don't judge the book by its cover!! I want to ✨manifest✨ a cover update for this book because it gave me older vibes and almost deterred me from reading it the first time.

Mini summary
Famous royalty Jeremy Jamieson randomly meets Reggie, a regular guy bartender. After a night of chill conversation at the bar and learning of Reg's dreams of travel, Jeremy (despite being straight) offers Reg the opportunity of a lifetime; come on his world tour and be his fake boyfriend to get the press off his back. Jeremy and Reg have a slow-burn friendship, they slowly become closer, blurring the lines between real and fake as they learn to navigate their relationship and the problems that come with fame.

This book is relatively low angst and more relationship-focused than anything else, there are some secondary characters but most of the book is spent watching Jeremy and Reg fall in love.

My favourite part of this book is the dynamic between Reggie and Jeremy. Having been born famous, lived a privileged but lonely life, Jeremy is misunderstood by others and even himself. He's demanding, temperamental and a big ol' brat whereas Reg is just a regular easy-going guy from a loving family, he's calm and friendly to all. Instead of being put off by Jeremy's high-maintenance personality, Reggie embraces Jeremy for everything he is. Reg doesn't want fame or attention but thrives on being needed. He becomes Jeremy's person, who grounds him, supports him and understands him.

I think we all want someone who just accepts as is, who knows us and loves us despite all our faults so I loved seeing Reg become that person for Jeremy. I also loved seeing Jeremy be a bratty diva, temper tantrum and all and Reg just staying unfazed all the time lol

I honestly don't have any niggles with this story which is RARE for me because I'm too picky for my own good. I just love this story, it has held up on each reread which is saying something. Would recommend :)

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is Cardeno C. at his best - super cute, super sweet and super awesome, with great humor and banter, a powerful, intense and strong relationship, character growth, plus a GFY/OFY butt virgin and smoking holy hot boysecks, Batman. I adored the two main characters, JJ and Reg, and loved absolutely everything about this, marshmallow fluff and all.

Yeah, yeah, some cynical person might say that Reggie was much too perfect, but I don't care. And some cynical person might also say that JJ was much too high strung and high maintenance, and what 31 year old super rock star doesn't know that he's gay, but whatever. It was perfect in its imperfections (see what I did there?) and I LOVED IT.

Full review on Booklikes and my blog soon.

Meanwhile, why don't you head over to Dreamspinner Press and pre-order your very own copy of this fabulous novel? It's the perfect kind of book to read poolside with a chilled Margarita in hand, or curled up in your favorite comfy chair, and forget about the real world for a few hours.


** I received a free ARC of this book from the author. A positive review was not promised in return. **

[Ingie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written May 25, 2014

4.2 'cuddling' Stars - Charming, delightful light and nicely inviting - a sweet gem that made me giggly and happy

The girls here on GR said it was fluff, angst-free, a sweet rockstar, a sexy "hero" and all in all a very cute story. Then it must be a one for me to read. ~ And it was... The cutest and sweetest romance I've read in a long time without even rolling my eyes or raising my eyebrows.

What a delight - a sweet lollipop!!



A lot of thanks to sweet Mishyjo (4 stars) who gave me that last (needed) push!

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The world star singer Jeremy Jameson is a kind of born and bred 'Hollywood royalty'. His parent is (was) both famous. A beautiful acclaimed actress and a legendary rock guitarist. Maybe not much of a personal role models, but they managed to make yet another admired star in the rather dysfunctional (soon shattered) family. Jeremy has lived a sheltered life with music as his only joy and also only friend. He kind of know nothing about "real" life and true love emotions.

When Jeremy get to know a (not star strucked) bartender, in a small bar in what he considers the middle of nowhere, is that evening the start on something entirely new (from "I'm must be straight...but sex isn't that much to care about." to "Hmm, maybe not!") in his life.

“Bottom up.” He handed the glass to Jeremy. “That was a joke, by the way, don't swallow.” He paused and grinned wickedly. “Wow. Never thought I'd say that sentence.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Usually, I'd want the opposite.”

The friendly bartender Reg Moore (a educated accountant but more of an free and happy adventure-seeker) is so fun talking to, and just be with, that Jeremy makes an offer to Reg. Jeremy want Reg to join and keep him company on his big world concert tour by playing the part of his (of course pretend) boyfriend.

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My friend Karen wrote in a status comment that she visualized the singer Rufus Wainright (se my update gif below) when she read this book. And I'm with her. He is my 'Jeremy' face now as well.

Jeremy is really both a bit feminine cute and frivolous and also sometimes entirely without reality 'anchorage'. A bit of a fragile and delicate, a damsel in distress quite often. It was so wonderful to see how this big, strong, super male (yet always openminded and very close to his own feelings), both sensible and wise, Reg rescued Jeremy and took care of his from now on —purring fuzzy kitten— in the best way.

‘...the only pretending he was doing in the relationship was pretending it was pretend.’

And the steam level?
It started softly and tenderly gently, and increased in the heat towards the end. Just as it should be, right? ~ The bathroom scene was among the most steamy hot I've read in one of these cute GFY or actually "oh, I'm gay" M/M. Awesome tickling yummy!

***********************************************************

I enjoy 'cute & sweet' books but it can be way to much. Quite often may me to snort and roll my eyes nowadays (...I'm getting way too overcrowded with sweetness after all hundred romances I read the last two years.) An overly pinkish world becomes too much 'Disney princess fairy tale' and lose completely in credibility. I must be able to empathize with the characters to be really satisfied.

..And I really did that this time. I was charmed, I kind of belived the story and actually chuckeling fall in love in Jeremy's and Reg's feelings for each other. Their slow but lovely way to a grand HEA was lovely written and told.

In my opinion did Cardeno C. a much better 'feelgood'-story' job with this one than the previous M/M (Wake Me Up Inside - 3.5 stars) I read by her.

Perfect Imperfections survived the difficult balance on the hard line just without falling into a fuzzy, sticky sugar-clutter. ~ An incredibly cute and book very worth reading when you want to giggle, laugh, blush and just enjoy beautiful love in a M/M romance.

I LIKE - I lick me on the nose as a full and satisfied cat after the yummy thick cream


~~~~~~~~~

BR with Bev and Andrea. Thanks my bestie BR buddies!

...The Ladies BR Quartette

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am crazy about this freaking book. LOVE LOVE LOVE Charlie David's narration. His voice is the epitome of sexy.


Re-listen 11/18/2015 (I know I've listened to it more than twice, but I forgot to log it).
Re-listen 12/30/2015
Re-listen 10/18/2016 I needed some fluff in my life.
Re-listen 6/21/2017, 2/21/2018
re-listen 8/27/2018 Still five "You're the bomb, Reg" stars
And I listened again 8/11/2019
New decade 1/16/2020 I needed a bit of Reg.

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5 stars***

This was a nice, quick read for me.



Low on angst and high on cute. Just what I was looking for.

Jeremy is one of the world's most famous rock stars. He's Hollywood royalty. His mom is an A-list actress and his dad is a music legend. He stumbles upon Reggie in the middle of nowhere, in a no name bar and the two strike up an easy going conversation. Reggie doesn't treat him like anything other than a normal guy. What's an A-list rock God to do but come up with a fake relationship so he can take his new best friend on the road with him so he has some companionship?!?



The rest of the book is a slow burn of the two getting to know each other and slowly getting closer, both emotionally and physically. Does this involve cheesy conversations and scenarios? Yes. Does it involve lots of petting? Yes. Does it involve side by side masturbation with a Fleshlight? Hell Yes.

My main hiccup with this book that doesn't quite get it to the 4 star mark is Jeremy's behavior. He's suppose to be 31 years old, yet acts like a child. Though I understood his whiny neediness and temper tantrums were based on his LA royalty lifestyle, I didn't understand his childish actions to things. He freaks the fuck out over a spider and a clown. I get the fear....but dude, seriously? He was unbelievably shy talking about anything sexual, yet he'd bedded lots of woman?

Reggie on the other hand was the star of the show. I loved his sense of humor and easy going attitude. He may have doted on Jeremy a bit too much for my taste, but he enjoyed his role and his power to bring Jeremy back down to earth.

So there you have it. Overall an enjoyable, quick read and a great introduction to a new author for me. I'll definitely be checking out more books.

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

ohmygodohmygodohmygod - that was so hot >!

Maybe the best friends to lovers romance I've ever read. Cardeno C. takes their time and really builds the friendship, and the switch to lovers is so natural and perfectly done. Plus the bonus of it being one of the guy's "first time"... gah, just fantastic.

Just a note too: I'm really not a fan of rock star romances, but there's no on stage stuff or band drama or any of that nonsense. I'm sorry I let that one sit on my Kindle for so long.

Audio performed by the wonderful Charlie David. I'm a huge fan so I might be biased, but he really does a great job with this one.

an audiobook copy of Perfect Imperfections was provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review

[Dia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars! Loved this one even if some parts were hard to believe. Another super sweet story with no relationship angst, but it was well written and kept me glued to it.
Overall I really loved it and I'm only sorry we were not given more angst. Even with the paparazzi or something.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful, feel good, not a lot of angst read that just melted my romantic heart! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Jeremy is the rockstar who is only surrounded by people who work for him or want something from him. What he really needs a friend, someone he can trust and have fun with. So he asks the friendly bartender he spent a night chatting up to be his “pretend” boyfriend while he is on tour. Jeremy is absolutely adorable and Reg as the “pretend” boyfriend was completely swoon-worthy!!

Isn’t this a fantasy come true? A rockstar walks up to you, chats you up and decides you are the perfect person to tag along as he goes on tour. And as this is quite unlikely to happen to me, it’s kudos to Cardeno C’s writing abilities that pulled me into this story and made me believe for a moment. I fell in love with these two characters and their story. This book left me with a huge smile on my face and sighing in happiness.

This is a book I will definitely read again, and it's the perfect book to read after you have read a book with angst or left you an emotional wreck. Need to be uplifted? Read this sweet romantic story.

[Heller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was completely adorable. Jeremy Jameson is the product of Hollywood and music royalty but as a result he's grown up quickly and pretty isolated. He wanders into an out of the way bar and strikes up a conversation with ex-accountant and adrenaline junky, Reg Moore. The men strike a bargain and Reg comes on the road with Jeremy as his pretend boyfriend for his grueling six month road tour.

Jeremy is clueless and a diva but completely the cutest thing ever. This book had me laughing at his antics and how Reg treated him. Reg was awesome as well. I liked his attitude and how he handled Jeremy and the people that surrounded Jeremy. I really can't say more than this was just a fun, sweet read. I'm not sure why, but I kept expecting something really horrible to happen. It didn't.

Wonderful little comfort read that I can see myself re-reading down the road.

[Sophia Triad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet love story!

Jeremy is a famous rockstar and Reg is an ex accountant and currently bartender. Reg is gay and very honest about this fact, while Jeremy is straight but not particularly fan of sex. Still Jeremy is thirsty for human contact.

When they meet in the bar where Reg works, they like each other straight away and Jeremy has a proposal for Reg. Reg could pretend to be his boyfriend. In this way, Reg can travel with Jeremy, see the world and have fun while Jeremy will finally have a friend to share his lonely moments.

Reg is 26 years old and Jeremy is 31, but Reg behaves more maturely than Jeremy. Reg understands gradually his pretend-boyfriend's needs and soon he will be head over heels in love with him. I actually love the way he seduces him.

Their story is a slow burn romance because Jeremy will need some time to realise that maybe he has feelings for Reg.

[Emma Sea]

Reg is my father's name. As a character in an m/m this makes me shudder in horror. I'm glad it's an unusual MC name, at least.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep, I loved this one! What a sweet story! Jeremy is Hollywood royalty, born into the spotlight. He travels the world as one of the best musicians of our time. Yet he is completely clueless when it comes to love. And then there’s Reg, an accountant turned bartender, living in some small town in Arizona. I loved him!!! He’s the kind of guy that can strike up a conversation with anyone. He’s friendly and outgoing and so good for Jeremy. I loved their story. I loved the slow burn and all the sexual tension. And I loved it when Jeremy finally realized what was in front of him all along!

[Lo-Lo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This gets an extra star purely for the entertainment value of the following sentence....

"Ungh," Reg moaned around the pulsing dick in his mouth. "Ungh. Ungh."


With prose like this, what more do you want...?

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars and ♥♥♥♥♥ from me. Loved this one, my heart having been melted and left in a puddle of goo by one person and one person only, that He-Man with a heart of gold... Reg, but Dude seriously, REG?? What had he ever done to deserve being called that **shakes head in disbelief**?? I really enjoyed the fact that there was no insta-lust in this one, the GFY/OFY was based on a friendship that took nearly a year to come to the boil as far as the guys getting between the sheets was concerned, and Jeremy or JJ as Reg called him, what a life he'd had - no affection, no love, no touch, I shed a tear or two for him I must admit. Wonder if there'll be another book in view of the rather abrupt ending and no wedding!!

Thanks to Ingela for this mini buddy read, Mwah!!

[Papie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holy sugary sweetness. This book was seriously sugar overload.

I liked Jeremy and Reggie. Jeremy was a little helpless and clueless, Reg was solid and hot. In fact, I kept waiting for the Daddy word to pop up because their dynamic was pure daddy/boy. But without the kink, sadly. I think a good spanking would have upped my interest here. 😘

It was cute, it was sweet, it was hot, it was angst free. But by the time I made it to the bonus scene, I was bored and I skipped it.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Cardeno C. book, and it was perfect! There is no angst, there is not much drama or tears... What we have here is a beautiful love story, with two amazing MC's! They are sweet, funny, and most of all, perfect for each other!

Jeremy is a rock star! He only knows love for his music. He is needy and lonely! Reg, a bartender, is an amazing man, funny and laid-back! He wants to travel and discover the world!

They meet and became best friends very quickly! What was born as a great friendship, turned in an amazing love!

This was one of the sweetest books that I ever read! One that I won't mind to read again!

[Claude · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a sweet book! I really love the characters especially Reg.
Reg was just kind, confident, altruist, a rock to lean on for Jeremy. He really has a big heart, he was just sweet all the times. But he was so devoted to Jeremy...There are certain parts I was like "you can't do all of it your entire life. You can't be in the same time the lover, the secretary, the personnel assistant, the psychologist, etc...". In the beginning he was so independent that I thought in the end of the book he would have a job on his own. But the rhythm never really change.

Jeremy was just so cute, a needy little diva super talented too. Technically oldest with more relationships than Reg. But he never found the "real" love, never get closed, he's so cynical (thanks to his superstars parents). He was so sweet:

<< Jeremy held on to him through it, watching, touching, and when Reg was finally spent, Jeremy blinked up at him and said, “Reg?”
Reg slid his arms around Jeremy’s waist, cupped his backside, and tugged him close. “Yes?”
“I think maybe I’m not straight after all,” he said, his expression earnest.
Reg tilted the corners of his mouth up. “I think maybe you’re right. ».

« Don’t let me drive you away,” he begged. “My parents weren’t like yours.” He swallowed down the thickness in his throat. “I haven’t ever known anybody like that in real life. But I think, if you want to, maybe… but you have to help me because I don’t know how.” He looked at Reg beseechingly. “Will you help me keep you? »

I recommend it because it's a beautiful story and the characters are so likable. There are no drama, no quiproquo, just a slow romance with fireworks in the end.

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
I'm having a tough time in RL right now so I am in need of sweet, fluffy feel-good reads.
Cardeno C. has written some of my favorite feel good books, so I was very hopeful that this one would work for me.
And boy did it ever.
I loved it!

Sweet, fun and sexy ( and kudos for the sex scenes starting very late in this book).
Great and likeable MCs, no real angst or drama, no big problems or misunderstandings, just a happy Mandy at the end of the book.
Although on a personal note I disagree with Jeremy on the prenup issue