An irresistible romance. A perfect dream. A devastating loss.
Marjorie
Steve is everything Marjorie could ever want in a man. Too bad he’s dating her boss and her love life is a disaster. That is until everything goes up in flames, and the truth comes to light.
Forging a relationship from ashes will either make them stronger or tear them apart, but neither are ready for the love they find, or the devastation that awaits them.
Can Steve and Marjorie find a way to rebuild all that they’ve lost? Or will their perfect love go down in flames and destroy what’s left of them?
Steve
For Steve, Marjorie is absolutely perfect, and she deserves the world. Except convincing her of these things isn’t easy for him. But soon enough, Marjorie discovers the truth really can set her free…
Love blooms in the aftermath, bringing them both into a life they’ve only dreamed about. Until they are both faced with a truth that will shatter everything they have worked so hard for.
Can Steve and Marjorie find their way back to one another after such a hit? Or will their dream die along with their love for one another?
Tropes and other
Co-workersUnrequited loveLust at first sightDrunk textingAfraid to commitShared traumaRich vs poorFound familyA 'f*ck it' momentInexperienced FMCFormer playboy MMCFriends-to-loversDual POVThird-person
Jenni Simonis, an award winning writer, has been crafting stories since she was a young girl. Whenever school supplies were bought for the year, she always snuck in a few extra thick spiral notebooks for to fill with her tales. The pile grew over the years. eventually turning into digital notebooks and then a tablet.
Before finally succumbing to her passion of writing romance novels, she spent years working in the newspaper industry in Texas. There, she won multiple awards, both individually and as part of larger team projects.
Jenni lives in the Pacific Northwest of the United States with her husband, son, sister, and several pets.
First of all thank you Jenni for sending me the arc for this book. It has taken me a few days to digest this book. I loved the relationship between Steven and Marjorie. Both of them were so well suited for one another and I loved how they both showed so much emotional maturity and worked through their issues. Dealing with miscarriage and infertility is a battle that breaks a lot of couples but our MC got closer and stronger in this fight. I loved Devlin’s presence and his love for his best friends. I liked reading about couples and their everyday issues and not some fantasy saving the world (do not get me wrong I love reading about that too, but for the first time I felt like the author made the book feel a lot more natural). On the other side I am not sure about the writing style. Maybe it’s a me issue: I prefer for the writing to allow space for imagination. I think if like me you are someone that can see images of what she is reading în her head, this is a hard book to read. Not because it’s bad, the book is actually good but because it describes step by step every action. If you like that, then this is the book for you, for me this is not my personal preference. Again I am making myself very clear because I want to leave an honest review that encompasses my experience reading this book but as well the fact that the book is good. Because of the step by step description the book felt a bit too slow, and I felt as well that loss and infertility are two very important subjects that were told like a story rather than told in a way that allowed me to connect with the characters in an emotional way. It felt like when a friend is telling her trauma story but you have heard it a few too many times and now you cannot connect emotionally to it. But again that could be a me issue and the way that I need less descriptive step by step details of actions in order to connect. Another thing that I felt made the book a bit too long for me was how much of Devlin’s personal story was written in this book. All in all the book is good and if you are not like me and having issues with imagination then I can absolutely recommend this book.
I was lucky enough to be given the ARC of The Perfect Addition and,as usual,Simonis didn't dissapoint🙂↔️ This time we follow the story of Marjorie and Steve,a couple that will definetely click instantly for you as a reader,yet our guys took their time.This time,the trope is wokplace romance,a not so usual ,however a loved one.Simonis's writing is marvelous and clever,she uses much emotion not only in her writing way,but on her characters too.Explained,she doesn't do the usual talking and explaining what Steve or Madjorie or anyone feels,she will make you actually FEEL it. Her characters were lovely,from my girl who is sweet,hard working and of course a lover girl,to Steve a man that will do anything for his girl-a true king👑.As a couple they go like jam with peanut butter,in the whole book they complete each other,usually without even understanding it.I am completely sure that when you read for the one you will search the other. To continue with,as a piece of work I founded really easy to read and I truly believe everyone will have a positive experience,not only beacuse it is a good romance,but mainly because the energy this book have is somthing like home.I have missed reading about normal people with normal lifes who have normal problems and not this extraodinary stuff that happen most of the time.To be honest this a little,maybe silly,observation but you know what they say:little things make the difference. To end with, my only con,is that I felt the first 25% went a little bit faster compared to the other 75%,partially I get it because most of the things,that needed depth happened in that 75% ,however I would want it to be more equally parted. 4⭐
It's an irresistible romance. It's like a perfect dream. And yet a devastating loss.
Steve is everything that Marjorie ever wanted in a man. It's just too bad she's dating her boss and Marjorie's own love life, that's nothing more than a disaster. Then everything ends up going up in flames, and the truth comes to light.
Marjorie knows that forging a relationship from ashes will do one of two things, make them stronger or it will tear them apart. Neither of them are really ready for the love that they find that blooms between them, or the total devastation that finds them.
Will Steve and Marjorie manage to rebuild all they've lost? Or will their perfect love go down in flames destroying everything that's left of them?
Steve knows that Marjorie is perfect and he knows she deserves the world. For unknown reasons, nothing and no one can convince her of this not even him. Soon though, Marjorie discovers the truth and it does set her free.
In the aftermath, Marjorie and Steve find that love blooms between them, allowing them to find a life they have only ever dreamed of. At least until they are both faced with a truth, a truth that will shatter everything they've worked so hard for.
Will Steve and Marjorie be able to find their way back to each other after such a hit? Or will all their dreams die along with their love for one another?
I have always loved the tropes that Jenni Simmonis uses in her books: Co-Workers, Unrequited Love, Lust At First Sight, Drunk Texting, Afraid to Commit, Shared Trauma, Rich vs Poor, Found Family, A F*ck It Moment, Inexperienced, FMC Former Playboy, MMC Friends-To-Lovers, Dual POV, Third Person.
The Perfect Addition by Jenni Simmonis is the perfect first book in Jenni's new The Best Friends Series. I love Jenni's books, each one has such an amazing story and such depth. And this book is no different from any of the other books that I have read.
I loved Steven and Marjorie together. They were perfectly suited for each other and they each had such an emotional maturity and you could see that in the way they worked through their issues. When you are dealing with a miscarriage and infertility, those are battles that will break a lot of couples, but instead, it brought out MCs closer and even stronger in this fight. I loved Devlin and his presence and the absolute love he had for his best friends.
These are my favorite kinds of books, ones where the couples are dealing with real, everyday issues, not some fantasy out saving the world, Although I do love those books too. But, I love these books where I feel like I have a real, everyday, connection with the couple.
This is an absolutely beautiful book. I loved it and I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who enjoys a great contemporary romance. This one is a wonderful read that will give you great feels and you will find all the same emotions in this book that I did.
This is my first title by this author and she's a relatively new author, which is exciting.
Overall, a lot worked. I liked the characters and was mostly invested in them (more on that later) and the dialogue flowed pretty well. The story was interesting and I did ultimately find myself cheering their happy ending.
What didn't work for me that kept this from being a higher rating despite a compelling story:
I found the scene changes to be choppy, occasionally I wondered who was the focus. I think it's because it's dual POV but in third person so who was speaking wasn't always clear.
The romance at the beginning happens fast. You also get some (very small amounts) of a backstory and then you're off and they are a couple. I understand why it's structured this way as their story happens after they are together, and that's not a problem but I think more building of their relationship would have made the rest of the story pack a little more punch. At least it would have for me.
There was too much of some secondary characters and a dramatic plot around one of them that felt out of place to me as I was reading.
This has to be the most heartwarming book I've read in a long time.
Marjorie is met by Steve at work as the boss Devlin couldn't free himself up to speak to her. To marjorie he was the bosses boyfriend but was still attracted to him from the minute she sees him although she has a boyfriend. Marjorie and Steve grow closer due to her best friend and Devlin being away so they hung out together for lunch. It causes a lot of work rumours. Asking Steve for advice on her relationship is the last thing she wanted to do but had no other choice. But that night ended up going round to Steve and Devlins condo because something happened to her. There she realises that Steve isn't with Devlin. Devlin and Marjorie become very close too with all the time she spends at his and Steves place. Which is great as it gives both of them someone to talk to. There is a bit of tragedy in this book as she suffers a couple of miscarriages but apart from that it is a lovely book with a lot of feel good. I had smiled a lot of the way through it and even laughed at times.
The Perfect Addition by Jenni Simonis is a beautiful slice-of-life romance novel. I read it as an ARC reader but couldn’t quite complete reading it. Had to DNF.
It’s the story of two co-workers, Marjorie and Steve. Steve’s best friend (and roommate) Devlin also was a major character until where I read.
It’s a lovely book showcasing how a healthy relationship should be. It shows that love isn’t always in grand gestures, but in soft touches and daily rituals together. The intimate open-door scenes always put butterflies in stomach.
But then, the love was growing to be too sweet and cosy to my taste. It felt like those larger-than-life stories where everyone’s super considerate.
So, I stopped reading at around 40%.
It will definitely be a compelling read for fans of romance, though. Would be a nice read for those looking for a mature, steamy contemporary romance.
I was so happy when I got this ARC in my mail. Ever since "Where the heart is", I've been in awe of Jenni's writing. Her ability to incorporate heartbreaking reallife issues in her books is amazing.
I loved to read about Devlin again in this story, but ofcourse this was Steve and Marjorie's love story. And what a love story they have! Overcoming miscarriages and infertility together, it brought tears to my eyes.
I wouldn't recommend reading this if you're triggered easily, it's quite descriptive. But if you can handle that, this is a gorgeous read.
Thanks so much to Jenni Simonis for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance and give my honest opinion about it.
I was so happy when I got this ARC in my mail. Ever since "Where the heart is", I've been in awe of Jenni's writing. Her ability to incorporate heartbreaking reallife issues in her books is amazing.
I loved to read about Devlin again in this story, but ofcourse this was Steve and Marjorie's love story. And what a love story they have! Overcoming miscarriages and infertility together, it brought tears to my eyes.
I wouldn't recommend reading this if you're triggered easily, it's quite descriptive. But if you can handle that, this is a gorgeous read.
Thanks so much to Jenni Simonis for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance and give my honest opinion about it.
I received this book as an ARC reader in return for an honest review. Thanks Jenni for sending this to me and letting me enjoy this read!
The Perfect Addition by Jenni Simonis was a great read with a happily ever after but I loved that unlike other romance novels, we got to follow the main characters past their initial love story and into their futures as well. The MMC and FMC were relatable and lovable, plus without giving spoilers, I think everyone needs a supportive best friend like Devlin!
Overall, I would definitely recommend this read! It’s a bit longer than some of the other books in this genre I’ve read recently but it’s worth the investment 💕
I ran over to these two after meeting them in Devlin and Diane's book. I really adore these two. They go through some big hurts in this (as with the whole interconnected world, there are fertility struggles that were a punch), but the way they handle it is a much healthier than their best friends did (which is great for seeing how different tr@uma impacts different people). It was also fun to watch lust a first sight, love at first kiss, largely good for each other from the start. I also love the chosen family connection between them and Devlin. This was largely sweet, largely gentle, and worth the journey.
I absolutely adored Steven and Marjorie’s relationship, it felt so real and deeply meaningful. They were such a perfect match, and the way they approached their struggles with honesty and emotional maturity made me love them even more. Watching them navigate the pain of miscarriage and infertility was heartbreaking, but also incredibly powerful. Instead of falling apart, they grew closer, supporting each other in a way that felt so genuine and inspiring.
Devlin was also such a standout his loyalty and love for his best friends added another layer of warmth to the story. I really appreciated how the book focused on real life challenges and everyday relationship struggles. It made everything feel more relatable and heartfelt. This story wasn’t just romantic, it was raw, honest, and full of love that fights to survive. I truly enjoyed every bit of it.
This was another ARC read (huge thanks to the author for choosing me 🫶) and I am LOVING this series!! Definitely start with book 1 if you are just starting so you get the full backstory. While I love Devlin and Diane and their story, I was sooooo excited to read Steve and Marjorie’s! It makes me want to find a cute little company and “family” to join! Hit all the right feels, perfect amount of spice to keep you interested and who doesn’t love a good read about besties and love?!
While Steve and Marjorie's relationship certainly starts off a good bit spicier than the relationships depicted in the original Connor Family series, I loved seeing their relationship develop and settle into a rhythm over the course of the book. Much like the prior stories in this universe, it's obvious that these two were made for each other. I also adored seeing Devin's story from "Where The Heart Is" play out from Steve and Marjorie's perspective!
I loved getting to see Steve and Marjorie's story and their relationship. They start out as work friends but soon realize how strong of an attraction they have toward each other. Their love story moves pretty fast. I also loved having Devlin in this book and seeing him be such a fantastic friend to both Steve and Marjorie. As a couple, they go through so much, especially when trying to start a family. They are able to love and support each other through it all.
What a love story. This book really had me in the feels. A love that almost didn't happen, then did then didn't and then one of the worst world shattering heartbreaks. And an awesome in your face best friend who is there no matter what... this is a book you just need to read. Check the trigger warnings.
It's kind of like a two couple story and there are so many lovely characters. God, I wish i had a friend like devlin, the plot is really well developed and they are so good at communicating, I wish literally every lead was like that but Alas.
Well worth the 5 stars. Great story of Steve and Marjorie - loved how a misunderstanding on love could lead to something better. Great to see the return of the Characters from Where the Heart Leads and Where the Heart Is. I hope you have more of this series coming, Jenni.
Steve and Marjorie form a friendship that develops into more. A must read this amazing office romance with found family, shared trauma, former playboy and unrequited love!
You can feel the characters and feel thier ups and downs! It's a stand alone, however there is another book that you can get more of the characters! Definitely a good read, and just enough spice!