Practice Perfect

by C.L. Master

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.

Genres: M M Romance, High School, LGBT, Romance, Gay, Coming Of Age

Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

About the author

I write stories that are warm and fuzzy—until you find yourself in an emotional wreck. My work is dedicated to the messy, beautiful, and often painful realities of identity, filtered through the eyes of teenagers who are still a little too innocent, a little too optimistic, and not nearly equipped to understand the world they are living through.

I’m fascinated by the mechanics of vulnerability and the lasting impact of trauma, probably because I’ve spent a fair amount of time learning how to carry those pieces myself. I write teens for teens—and adults reconciling themselves with their inner child.

When I’m not doing that, I’m reading obsessively, taking long walks with an audiobook, or pottering around the house in impromptu games of chase and fetch with my co-author and cat: Lili Jenta.

Reviews

[Reader]

Omg I’m OBSESSED!

[LD]

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.

[Nina Diab]

'"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!

[Saskia Veldhuis]

4.5 stars. Arlo was such a moving character to read. As an abandoned foster child living with his equally abandoned sister, he has no real experience with love and support. He is relentlessly bullied at school and tries to survive by making himself as small as possible. Kensington, a wealthy new student at the school, takes an immediate interest in Arlo. Arlo is convinced that Kensington is there for his sister and does his best to bring them together. It takes a lot of time and difficult situations to convince Arlo that he is worthy of being cared for and loved. A very moving and intense story.
Thanks for the advance copy via Booksprout, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.

[Johanna]

'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.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SJ]

Teenage drama and big feelings.

These sweet, adorable dum-dums... Arlo and KC are totally clueless yet so endearing. This YA MM romance was a fast-paced easy read with lots of HS drama, bullies, and big misunderstood feelings and actions.
There are many sweet moments between Arlo and KC that made me smile and laugh. The utter obliviousness had me shaking my head with how blantant all the signs were. Overall heartwarming and cute short read.

[Juniper]

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.

[Shanieka]

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.

[Michael T]

Sweet coming of age story. Arlo faces typical teenage angst is being bullied, while trying to set his sister up with the new student, Kensington. Lots of trials, tribulations and funny moments during this cute Y/A book. I especially enjoyed the side character, Parker.

[Kenneth Cameron]

Very relatable MM young adult romance. Great read. An excellent chance for young people to see they are not alone and deserve love and companionship.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Reeves]

Practice Perfect was such a sweet, funny YA romance, it's the first book I have read by CL Master. I don't read YA books often, but this is one that works for both teens and adults, while there are some tough subjects, it's still a nice light read.

[Mija]

Its my comfort book. It's got a new cover on Amazon it looks better now

[Jovie Robin]

Practice Perfect is a sensitive and touching YA romance that actually dwells upon the experience of growing up thinking that you are not good enough. Arlo is the type of character that bears that burden in all his actions. He maintains a distance between people as it is safer than the possibility of being rejected and such an attitude determines all his interactions.

The difference between them is apparent when Kensington enters his life. Kensington appears to be confident and comfortable in a manner that Arlo can not associate with, and this only makes Arlo more reserved at first. I also liked the fact that their relationship builds up in small details and not in large dramatic actions. Their interactions are soft making the relationship real.

The journey that Arlo takes is not easy to follow at times as he prefers to assume the worst and withdraw as soon as things begin to count. Nevertheless, it is that struggle that makes his development worthwhile. The scene where he gradually starts doubting his own convictions about himself and starts to believe that he is worthy of something good was one of the most powerful moments of the story.

The book has a perfect ratio of heavy themes to the light and real moments that add warmth to the story. It does not hurry the emotional progression and that makes the payoff more rewarding.

In general, it is a touching and approachable book concerning insecurity, vulnerability, and how to open up to people. It is the type of story that you will remember, particularly when you have ever felt unworthy yourself.

ARC READ

[Nick Wells]

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 🥰

[Chelsie Decker]

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