Imperfectly Perfect

by Adrian J. Smith

Two settled souls. One happenstance. But will fear get in their way?



Savannah Logan wants nothing more than a quiet life with her daughter. But when her brother dies of cancer, her world is thrown for yet another spin. Fighting through her grief, she takes on the hospital and doctors, suing them in a battle that will only benefit her brother’s family. But she finds herself more than intrigued by the lawyer’s assistant. The only problem is that Savannah refuses to make the same mistake twice, and what she needs is friendship, not love.



Fallon Schroeder has sworn off love. But the curvy, ray of sunshine that just walked through the office door has caught her attention. Proposing a no strings attached relationship is the best she can offer, and when Savannah accepts, Fallon is all in. The only problem? Every day, Fallon finds herself a little more in love with Savannah and her energetic daughter.



Can these two women overcome their fears and find love? Find out in this spicy sapphic romance novel that touches on domestic violence, spousal abuse, and deep, lasting grief.

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Lesbian Fiction, Contemporary, Lesbian Romance, Lesbian, Queer

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2024

About the author

Adrian J. Smith has been publishing since 2013 but has been writing nearly her entire life. With a focus on women loving women fiction, AJ jumps genres from action-packed police procedurals to the seedier life of vampires and witches to sweet romances with a May-December twist. She loves writing and reading about women in the midst of the ordinariness of life. Two of her novels, For by Grace and Memoir in the Making, received honorable mentions with the Rainbow Awards.

AJ currently lives in Cheyenne, WY, although she moves often and has lived all over the United States. She loves to travel to different countries and places. She currently plays the roles of author, wife, and mother to two rambunctious kids, occasional handy-woman. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.

Reviews

[LEAH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing premise, underwhelming execution. Let me break it down 🕺 Endless cycle of: trauma, push & pull between mains, sex. Repeat. Questionable dialogue choices & reasoning in parts. Overall repetitive but a sweet story at the heart. Appreciate the character development.

[♡Matty♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly an interesting read. There are some delicate and hard topics like grief and domestic violence which I think were approached quite well, and the love story between Fallon and Savannah was pretty sweet.

[Xiaoqing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrian is my favorite author and this book is way beyond my expectations! It has the most angsts among her books and I absolutely love them! Fallon and Savannah are deeply imperfect, they need the very best psychotherapy for years. Fallon's tragic childhood casted a long shadow on her adult life, she is totally closed off to romantic feeling. Savannah's vengeful and irresponsible ex husband made her life miserable. They started as friends but the chemistry is irresistible and after tons of back and forth, plenty of heartache and doubts, they finally get their happy ending. I admire their courage and tenacity, who says love is easy? I also love the cute and precocious daughter of Savannah's and Fallon's sister Monti and her ice queen boss, all these secondary characters make the story richer and really enjoyable.

[Emily G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to Fallon's story for a while now. She intrigued me since she first appeared in Athena and Monti's story. It did not disappoint. She gives a bit of an ice-queen vibe, but she actually cares and is afraid to. And Savannah is the perfect balance for her.
It's a lovely story with both main characters drawn to each other but each fighting their demons, trying to overcome their trauma.
Loved the story and the writing.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when feelings develop?

Well written as usual from this wonderful author! The feels! The frustration! The angst…ugh.

The MCs were perfectly flawed and their development satisfyingly done. The spice was so nice and flowed well.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Good one

Adrian J Smith wrote another good one. This book made this book series so much better. I loved how we got the update from the other couples in the first 2 books. This book had love, HEA, sadness, heartbreak, disgust, and spice. Highly recommend this book as well as all of this author's books.

[M the avid reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imperfect characters and their very human flaws find love despite it all
Imperfectly Perfect is ideal for those readers wanting more reality and an unconventional set of characters in their romance, who want drama and some angst and a bit of humor to offset the dark themes in the story.
Main characters Fallon and Savannah are first introduced to readers in Shameless Expectations and Follow my Lead respectively and I'd suggest reading those books ahead of this one in order to see Fallon's character development and better understand her upbringing and childhood trauma. Although they are not officially a series, Imperfectly Perfect and the other two titles have an overarching arc for some characters in this book, so reading the full series in order will possibly better explain and even justify some of Fallon's behavior here; otherwise she may simply come off as cold, blunt, rude and unlikable. Fallon does have her reasons for the way she is and is imperfect but there may be moments in reading where you strongly react to her actions and wish you could pull her aside for a conversation about them. Each book could be read as a standalone story but reading the three books in order of publication derives more reading pleasure when certain characters cross paths or are connected in unexpected ways; the development of those relationships from book to book is an extra level of reading enjoyment.
There are heavy themes in all of the books so if you're craving feel good fluffy beach reading from start to finish then maybe hold off on reading these until you're ready for darker drama and characters whose imperfections are on full display. I appreciate the curvy main character here in Savannah and the body positivity as well as insecurities being addressed with realism and sensitivity. The life circumstances of Savannah and Fallon were not relatable for me but their imperfections were; they are not the aspirational types found in most lesfic but more like real people whose issues are grounded in life's challenges. Their path to romance is incredibly bumpy and filled with angst and drama, but also some steaminess and heat when they get physical. Be aware that there are also heated verbal exchanges between characters in addition to family trauma and drama, abuse, and the long winding road to recovery. It's maybe not beach reading fluff but author Smith writes complex characters who have plenty of baggage to deal with both inside and outside of a romantic relationship so when they triumph it feels especially earned and deserved for them. These characters are perfectly imperfect just like everyone in real life, and still deserve to love and be loved.
The story lost a bit of my interest near the end but regained it despite a few minor plot threads that felt rushed or glossed over in their resolution.
The trio of books with their interrelated and interwoven cast of characters are all worth reading when you crave a change from romance stories with over the top perfect characters with perfect bodies, jobs, homes, bank accounts etc.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely not my favorite romance by this author. I had a couple of issues with it. First, I did not particularly care for Fallon. She had a tendency to make her problems into Savannah's problems that I really didn't care for. I really didn't like in particular how she blamed Savannah for her ex husband's behavior, and how unsympathetic she was about Savannah's body image problem. Also, I've noticed that all the male exes of MCs in Smith's books tend to be just horrible people. I haven't read all of her books, but I can't think of any where the male ex wasn't a jerk of some flavor.

The romance between Savannah and Fallon didn't feel like it got enough time before they were moving into HEA territory. It felt like a lot of the emotional bonding/growth that normally occurs in romance books was replaced by spicy scenes...of which there were quite a few. So, it felt like they went from FWB to ILY pretty suddenly without really getting to know each other.

There is a third act breakup. It occurs pretty early in the third act and takes up quite a bit of time in the book. How much time it takes up chronologically is less clear. I can understand why Fallon pulled away, all of her PTSD triggers were being pulled. I can't understand why they failed to get back together in one scene, but suddenly the next chapter, without anything changing suddenly they were back together. They never really addressed how Fallon could move forward being exposed to her PTSD triggers so frequently either.

[Lindsey Wallace-Galli · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Honestly, you can't go wrong on any book written by Adrian. All of her books are always intriguing with really heavy issues discussed. Grief, friendship, love, loss, domestic abuse are just a few of the main topics discussed but let me tell you, the deep grief Fallon faces is something that a lot of people go through when they lose a parent at an early age. It never gets easier, life just goes on.

Savannah needs a friend while going through some tough times like losing her twin brother and divorcing her ex-husband, while trying to navigate life of being a single parent to a 9 year old. With not a lot of friends, she meets Fallon at the cemetery and they get off to a rough start but soon become friends.

Fallon, not wanting to be in a relationship because of the domestic abuse that she saw her mother be in with her father tainted the way she viewed the world, rightfully so. When she see's what Savannah is exposed to with her ex-husband, Fallon wants nothing to do with it but to help Savannah see that she is not in the wrong and to help Savannah see that her flaws are not something negative and should be embraced.

Both Fallon and Savannah help each other through their grief, even though Fallon is very stand-off-ish but she can't help but fall into Savannah's arms. Lack, there of (insert smirky face).

[zagzig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fallon: if only my fear hadn't ruined everything. now it's too late
Savannah: it's not too late
Fallon: SHUT THE FUCK UP I HATE YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTER WE WILL NEVER BE TOGETHER
Fallon: if only my fear hadn't ruined everything. now it's too late

it's a messy tangle between two women who probably really shouldn't be together, as is traditional for the author. Savannah is getting away from an abusive ex-husband and co-parent, Fallon's life has been defined by surviving the abuse of her father, it's all perfectly arranged for maximum angst. the end result is a lot of Fallon pulling away, Savannah being hurt, Fallon leaning in, Savannah pulling away, Fallon being hurt, Savannah leaning in, Fallon puling away, Savannah being hurt, Fallon leaning in, Savannah pulling away, Fallon being hurt, Savannah- you see where I'm going with this they get stuck in a cycle

'damn, you two would almost certainly be happier if you tried dating literally anyone else' aside, the book is sweet and emotional. Savannah and Fallon are spectacularly unsuited to each other but they make it work regardless and that's romantic in and of itself. while it is a bit worrying just how often the author writes about abusive partners she is very good at it. also notable spice, a cute kid (completely separate from the spice obviously), and revisiting the leads from Shameless Expectations and Follow My Lead

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fallon and Savannah's relationship starts off on a contentious note, giving readers a glimpse into both women's distinct personalities. While Savannah attempts to make amends, Fallon’s defenses shoot up, causing her to respond with sharp hostility. Despite this rocky beginning, fate brings them together once again. Savannah, determined not to let anyone take advantage of her, slowly melts Fallon's icy exterior with her kindness and thoughtful gifts.

Their shared trauma enables both women to understand each other in ways no one else ever has. While a friends-with-benefits arrangement seems to work for them initially, deeper feelings soon begin to emerge, and that's when the story truly picks up momentum. Savannah’s daughter is a standout, character, offering youthful optimism that helps break down Fallon’s walls even further.

Imperfectly Perfect takes readers on an emotional journey through trauma, grief, and loss, ultimately leading to hope, optimism, and joy. It's a story about trust, honesty, and embracing vulnerability to let your soulmate in. Get your copy today!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fantastic, emotional offering from Adrian J. Smith. Savannah is a single mother who has recently left an abusive marriage and also lost her brother. Fallon is her attorney's admin who lost both parents as a child as a result of domestic abuse. Neither wants anything serious but they are drawn to one another and embark on a friends with benefits relationship. We see their grief realisticly depicted, Fallon's from childhood and Savannah's more recent, and how their budding relationship affects how they each deal with their grief. This is a standalone work, but is related to two prior books whose characters make an appearance here - Shameless Expectations and Follow My Lead. Although not required, if you'd like additional background information on some of the other characters, I recommend you read those as well.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Francoise Huang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fallon and Savannah run into one another at a cemetery and clash. This should be the one and only interaction they should have once they part ways. Except that life is not allowing it. Every time they attempt to run away, they just run right into the very issue they want to escape.

This is the third book of a series.
One single dramatic event impacted and scarred three women (Tia, the aunt of Moni and Fallon), and each book tells the survival from it and the journey towards healing from the perspective of each of the women roughly twenty years after the event.

In "Shameless Expectations", it is the story of Moni who was two years old; in "Follow my lead", that of Tia who was 20 ish and in "Imperfectly Perfect" that of Fallon who was around 9-10 when the drama occured.

Each book is a standalone, though. So not having read the other books doesn't take anything away from the individual stories.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says a lot about the characters in this novel. Fallon and Savannah meet at a cemetery. Fallon is obnoxious. If I had been in Savannah’s shoes, I would’ve walked away, which it turns out, would have lasted until they met again at Fallon’s workplace.

Both women have issues related to their respective families, as do many of the other characters. Everyone is flawed. While this is gritty in places, it’s also full of love – for family and friends, both the living and the deceased. It turns out that they have had similar experiences in their lives, either currently or in the past. Smith deftly brought the two women together in scenes that highlighted their circumstances.

Smith drives home the point that we never know what other people are hiding and coping with in silence, nor how similar our lives might be.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I preferred this book to the first one in the series. Fallon's character was more open and less guarded than she initially appeared. I really enjoyed her character development. I found it intriguing how quickly she entered into a relationship despite insisting she didn't want one. Savannah, on the other hand, was a bit too cheerful for my taste. Her optimism felt forced, but she balanced Fallon's irritable nature well. One thing that bothered me was the constant back-and-forth on certain issues. It felt like they would resolve something, only to revisit it later. Overall, the book was a good read, and it addressed some weighty issues. I would recommend it.

I received an arc

[Looby Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fallon finally gets her own story in this book. A chance meeting at a cemetery leaves Fallon feeling stiffer and colder than the inhabitants there.
Savannah then turns up at Fallon’s office needing Athena to help her sue the hospital that treated her brother before his death.
And so it begins. Enemies to FWB’s to something more? There’s a lot of emotion packed into the book with a custody battle and both MC’s battling their inner demons. Can be read as a stand-alone but to fully understand the side characters I’d revommend to read in order which is: Monti, Tia then Fallon.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing Fallon as a side character in several novels, it was great to get her moment and perspective. Fallon and Savannah both had physical and emotional traumas that impact many aspects of their lives and actions in realistic and relatable ways. This story seemed a bit darker/heavier than many of Adrian’s stories in this universe, and was full of many intermingled twists, turns, and emotions. I would recommend reading the other books in this universe first, but this could be read as a stand alone.

I received a copy of the book from the author.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tender, emotionally grounded sapphic romance that blends heat with heart beautifully. Savannah and Fallon’s connection feels authentic and earned, shaped by grief, fear, and the quiet hope of second chances. The author handles difficult themes with sensitivity while still delivering moments of warmth, humor, and genuine passion. Fallon’s slow realization that she wants more, and Savannah’s fierce love for her daughter, add depth that makes this story linger long after the final page. A moving, spicy, and heartfelt read for fans of contemporary queer romance.

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a family in the background of this story that we saw in the previous books in the series and I love that now the last one has overcome her trauma enough to fall in love. This book is tortuous as both characters have a LOT of life experiences to overcome if they want to be a couple. Starting right at the beginning with Savannah's guilt! It is good that Athena's boss encourages her to meet with Savannah or there might not be a story! A good read with lots of feels. I received an ARC.

[Carolyn G. Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing Hearts and Souls

Fallon had survived her father’s abuse and his murder of her mother and subsequent suicide. However, she is forever scarred and refuses to have a relationship with anyone. Savannah is divorced and mother to Brinkley. She is scarred by her ex husband’s abuse and her twin brother’s death from cancer. Their first encounter is not encouraging and their “friendship” is off to a very tense start. A sapphic story of healing and love. Love the author.

[Kim Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and cannot wait for Adrian’s next book. I was extremely excited that Fallon was going to get her own book. As always Adrian did not disappoint. I love the way she can bring you into the story and you can feel the characters pain and their joy. I laughed and cried with these characters. A definite must read that you do not want to miss. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Wes McGie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful “will they, won’t they” romance between to damaged people. Just when I thought they would become a couple someone would pull away. They both suffer from some trauma, so they have a hard time getting over their fears. That’s understandable though. It’s hard fighting your instinct to run and play it safe. The book does a good job of portraying how our main characters overcome their fear and let themselves love someone. And 9-year-old Brinley is adorable.

[Trippentigger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This definitely fits the title of a good read. Another great couple in this Seattle social circle setting. Oh, and the way this author writes chemistry into her MCs is just deadly delicious. Can be read as a stand alone, but I’d say start with My Boss’s Stalker: Spoiler It’s Not Me and follow release order. The true depth of the characters and life glimpses really comes out when read like that.

[Christine Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a phenomenal story I loved the main characters their connection was embedded beautifully throughout the story , Adrian knows how to hold her readers captive, invested sometimes laughing a little to loud or crying your heart out another phenomenal story I highly recommend a must-read congratulations

[Cara Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Healing Can Be Hard

When two broken people meet but are perfect for each other, even if they don’t know it yet, then things will work out. And in working out, both Fallon and Savannah have to confront their past and then change. This is a lovely story of two broken people finding one another, of healing, and of finding love.

[Michael Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fallon meets Savannah in an unusual setting. Their paths cross at a cemetery where Savannah is bringing flowers to Fallon's father's grave. The story unfolds around the relationship they develop, intertwined with Fallon and Savannah's fears. The characters are well-crafted, creating a narrative that is both sweet and spicy. I recommend this to all romance readers.

[Linda Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really wonderful read

Really wonderful read. Heard a therapist say that the best relationship are those of which your partner is willing to work through childhood trauma. This book would be an accurate description. Highly recommend to readers.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. Well written characters. So real and with all ups and downs and flaws. Characters who not been perfect at all (curvy) I liked that a lot.

[Sheila M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I love everything by this author. It's laugh out loud funny, heartfelt, and relatable. The characters are amazing. Can't wait to read all of her books.

[Madeleine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐