Perfect

by Kris Bryant

Behind the lights, camera, action of Hollywood lies the real world and the real lives of the A-list.

Alix Sommers has it all. New job hosting a primetime dating show, new beach house, and the new face of the queer scene. Fans chase them, paparazzi stalk them, and Hollywood loves them, but the interviews and parties aren’t bringing Alix happiness. Just when they think they’ve had enough, a run-in with a beautiful stranger gives them something they thought was lost. Hope.

Marianna Raines hates Hollywood. Her ex-girlfriend dumps her the minute she finds fame, and most of her friends are looking for the next big break. What’s the draw? It’s fake people pretending to be other people. She’s perfectly happy being a teacher and making extra cash working for her aunt’s catering business. Until Alix leaves her swooning.

They say opposites attract, but they have totally different dreams. No Hollywood love story is perfect, right?

Genres: Lesbian, LGBT, Lesbian Romance, Celebrity, Queer

Audible Audio

Published August 12, 2024

About the author

Podcast with Tara Scott at queerlyrecommended.com

Multi-award winning author Kris Bryant was born in Tacoma, WA but has lived all over the world and now considers Kansas City her home. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Missouri and spends a lot of her time buried in books. She enjoys hiking, photography, spending time with her family, and her dog, Molly (who gets more attention than she does on Facebook).

Her first novel, Jolt, was a Lambda Literary Finalist. Forget Me Not was selected by the American Library Association's 2018 Over the Rainbow book list and was a Golden Crown Finalist for Contemporary Romance. Breakthrough won a 2019 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Listen won a 2020 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Temptation won a 2021 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Not Guilty written under Bryant's pen name - Brit Ryder - won a 2022 Goldie for Erotica. Kris can be reached at krisbryantbooks@gmail or ww.krisbryant.net, @krisbryant14.

Jolt - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Whirlwind Romance - ebook, paperback
Just Say Yes (Novella in the wedding series) - ebook only
Taste - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forget Me Not - ebook, paperback
Shameless (written as Brit Ryder) - ebook, audiobook
Girl Next Door Anthology - "Dog Day of Summer" - ebook, paperback
Touch - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Breakthrough - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Against All Odds - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Travel Anthology (short by Brit Ryder) - ebook, paperback
Listen - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Falling - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Tinsel - ebook, audiobook
Temptation - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Lucky - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Home - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Scent - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Not Guilty writing as Brit Ryder - ebook, paperback (audiobook in the works)
Always - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forever - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Stranded Hearts (with Amanda Radley & Emily Smith) - ebook, paperback
Serendipity - ebook, paperback, audiobook

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
Listened to the audio.
Loved the story of Alix and Marianna

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful slow burn, HOT love story with a nonbianary MC. Its Alix from Forever! They by accident meet Marianna a 3rd grade teacher and part time caterer worker. Alix is the host of When Sparks Fly, a queer primetime dating show. Alix had been a contestant last year. After a second, by chance meeting with Marianna the went for coffee/tea and ended up talking till 3 a.m. But though Alix wanted to date, Marianna was hesitant having come out of a bad relationship 6 months ago. We follow heir beautiful relationship, and growing affection. I love this book! A FAVORITE! 5 stars!

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect by Kris Bryant follows Alix, a new reality TV host, and Marianna, a shy, down-to-earth woman with a history of disappointing relationships. Their chemistry is a slow burn, but it doesn’t fully land, lacking the spark found in Bryant’s other novels. While the story presents an intriguing setup, with Alix’s TV role adding a layer of drama, it felt a bit too safe. I missed a deeper dive into their backgrounds, which would have made the romance feel more authentic. This book might still appeal to loyal fans of Bryant's writing, but it left me wanting more.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Sapphic Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Perfect is a captivating slow-burn romance that beautifully blends heartfelt emotion with the complexities of modern love, featuring a nonbinary main character, Alix, who steps into the spotlight as the first trans host of a queer primetime dating show. Their unexpected connection with Marianna, a third-grade teacher disillusioned with Hollywood, forms the heart of this story. Despite Marianna’s initial hesitance due to a recent breakup and her disdain for the superficiality of Hollywood, their late-night conversations and growing affection lead to a relationship that feels both tender and passionate. The narrative offers meaningful representation of nonbinary experiences and explores the tension between Alix’s rising celebrity status and Marianna’s desire for a simpler life, making their eventual happily-ever-after all the more satisfying.

While the romance is a slow burn, the payoff is deeply rewarding, and fans of Kris Bryant’s previous work will appreciate the nods to familiar characters, though new readers can enjoy the story independently. I did wish for deeper character development, particularly in exploring their backgrounds, but the emotional connection between Alix and Marianna is compelling enough to carry the story.

Perfect is a heartwarming and inclusive romance that offers a fresh perspective on love, identity, and staying true to oneself, earning high praise for its authenticity and representation.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alix Sommers was my favorite character from Kris Bryant's book, Forever, and I am so glad they got their own story. Alix did not fare well on the dating show featured in that book, but is now taking over hosting duties of When Sparks Fly. They are in a whole new world filled with glamour and it's an adjustment for the down to earth Alix.
Marianna literally falls into Alix's arm after working a catering job at a big Hollywood party. She is immediately attracted to Alix but has vowed to stay away from that life. The two keep running into each other and despite their best efforts, a connection forms.
Having a non-binary lead character is a rarity and I appreciate Bryant's care and love shown to Alix. They are such a beautiful, kind person and I really felt protective of them and wanted them to find happiness. Marianna is a wonderful match for Alix and this was a very sweet romance, exactly what I have come to expect from Kris Bryant.

An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

[Aleana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Alix is a trans non-binary who offers a chance to host a queer dating show that they were on as contestant last season as they try to get used to fame and demands. Alix meets Marianna when they step out of party to get some fresh air Marianna was there finishing up her work as catering that her aunts own. Marianna doesn’t care for Hollywood types since her ex dumps her the minute she got recognize but something about Alix intrigues her because they don’t appear to be superficial. I love that Alix calls Marianna wallflower this was good read low on angst which only consist of communicating love the supporting characters and mcs were actually pretty perfect.

[Kexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story with little angst that is the perfect sound bite for an angst ridden world. Fine. Shrug. Move on.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a captivating glimpse behind Hollywood’s glamorous façade, revealing the real-life struggles of its stars. Alix Somers, a rising A-lister, seems to have it all but feels empty inside until a chance encounter with Marianna Smith, a down-to-earth teacher, reignites their hope for genuine connection. The chemistry between Alix and Marianna is magnetic, and their contrasting worlds add depth to their romance. Despite their different dreams, their journey of finding love in a superficial world is heartwarming. I was really excited to read Alix’s story and I’m glad they got the deserved happy ending.

[Carol Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollywood fun!

Alix has just landed a dream job hosting a new queer dating show, but fans being everywhere they go is a bit much. When Marianna crosses their path, with not a clue to who they are, and has been dumped by an ex who has been on the Hollywood scene, Alix worries about how Marianna might react when she learns who they really are.

But the drama doesn’t stop there…this is the Hollywood romance that just keeps delivering. Alix was great, I loved how they had a laidback nature despite their position, and just wanted peace from the fans and contestants that just didn’t seem to know when enough was enough. I did worry that perhaps Marianna would freak out when Alix revealed who they were, but her reaction actually really surprised me and I was glad she’d gotten the chance to get to know Alix, so no snap judgements had been made because of her heartbreak.

They shared such cute and wonderful moments, then both played a massive part in some of the dramas that accurately depicted just how shallow and difficult the Hollywood scene is to be a part of. I love how Alix was also happy that Marianna was far removed from the Hollywood types, and was just proud with Marianna being who she was. Something they made known in ways that just made me admire them more.

This was really such a dreamy and wonderful romance, with a glamourous backdrop but just real people who wanted life, love, and happiness, above anything else in the world, and deserved to get just that.

[Kaila · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 Stars

I am a big fan of Kris Bryant’s books, although this one might not be my favourite. I absolutely loved the beginning, we had a very cute meeting and immediate chemistry. The characters were so charming and the romance felt so authentic and natural, while still being super fun and engaging.

I am also a big fan of celebrity romances so I have read quite a few, but I loved that this one felt a bit different. Instead of Alix being traditionally very famous at the beginning of the book, they were still in the early stages of their career. The fact that they were an emerging Queer star also had its own unique implications. I loved that they weren’t always polished and charming, instead they were learning to adjust to this new life.

It was towards the middle and end of the book that I felt a bit more lost. Again, I think the romance between Alix and Marianna was fantastic but I felt disconnected from the story. I didn’t find some aspects of celebrity fall out realistic, there was also little reference to social media, which is shocking in this age of celebrity. I don’t know what it was, I felt like the middle of the book wasn’t super memorable which contrasts the really vibrant and engaging start of the book.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

alix is an up and coming celebrity in hollywood she is the face of the new show that is going out soon...


Marianna has just finished her shift as a server at an hollywood party and she is on her way to her friends for a weekend in vegas for a hen party what she didnt expect was to fall into alix arms as she stumbled and nearly fell

and the rest should be history but Marianna had had her fill of hollywood and didnt want to know anyone else from there... so alix had to up their game

with a lot of luck and maybe some intrigue they met up and though Marianna didnt want to call it a date they spent the whole night together just getting to know each other and talking....

but alix also hadnt told Marianna what her actual job was ....

this was a fun read with highlights of what being in a reality show could be like....and also it highlights non binary people in a way that hasnt been done before

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

For many fans of lesbian fiction, Kris Bryant is one of those authors who they will read anything she writes. Unfortunately, this book is a disappointment. The characters are not as well drawn as most of Bryant’s characters usually are - the chemistry is too bland to be called that. Bryant - keeps telling her readers there’s chemistry, but doesn’t have her characters show her readers - even the intimate scenes are lacking because there’s so little chemistry between the two women. Throughout the book the characters remain amorphous - readers will keep waiting for Bryant to develop them deeper right to the end of the book. Readers do know what the characters do for a living, the discrepancy between their incomes, but we know little of their backgrounds. The book ends abruptly as if Bryant hit her word count goal and just quit writing.

Bryant spends the entire book being careful about how she writes a trans character. She had an opportunity to create a trans character with depth and respect, but she didn’t take the opportunity.

My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eArc.

[ReadingwithCaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to the set of the epic queer datingshow When Sparks Fly. Will brand new host Alix find their own love this time around?

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

Alix Sommers is starting their new gig as the host of the popular queer datingshow When Sparks Fly. As a contestant on the last season, their heart got broken when the bachelorette Savannah fell for the host of that series Lauren instead of for them. Alix is determined to make this the best season the show has ever seen. Being new to the Hollywood scene is intense. Their world is on the brink of changing forever, but their own love life isn’t on the line this time around. That is until a sweet and gorgeous woman literally falls into their arms at one of the many Hollywood parties they have to attend. The woman is illusive though and refuses to give Alix her name. Luckily their story is far from over when a short while later it’s the woman’s turn to rescue Alix. Marianna is everything Alix is looking for: kindhearted, authentic and beautiful. If only she didn’t detest the Hollywood lifestyle as much as she says she does.

Marianna is done with Hollywood types. Her last girlfriend Vee dumped her unceremoniously when she got her chance at fame. Marianne swears she will never fall for one of those types again. Having lived in L.A. all her life, she is unfortunately surrounded by them. Marianne is happy being a third grade teacher and working at her aunts catering business on the side. When she literally falls into the arms of a beautiful stranger at one of her catering jobs, Marianna can’t seem to get Alix out of her mind. They are charming, gorgeous and seem far from Hollywood fake. Why Alix is at the party, she doesn’t know. Marianna doesn’t watch popular tv and has never heard of When Sparks Fly. Still, Marianna isn’t ready to invest her heart again. That is until she gets to return the favor by rescuing Alix from a runaway dog at the park. So they meet again. Marianna is cautious but can’t help being utterly charmed by this person that seems to get thrown into her path repeatedly.

I loved returning to When Sparks Fly! After meeting Alix in Forever a lot of readers wanted them to get their own happy ending. I’m so glad Kris Bryant decided to return to Hollywood and make them the star of this new story.

It’s refreshing to read about a relationship where the most challenging problems come from the outside world. It’s pretty obvious from the start that Alix and Marianna are perfect for each other. The only hesitations seem to come from Marianna’s dislike of Hollywood and its typical characters, but Alix quickly shows her they are a trustworthy and authentic person. The scene at the party where Alix stands up for Marianna publicly is everything. They show exactly who they are in that moment.

The fact that Alix identifies as non-binary is handled with care throughout the book. It is obvious that Bryant made good use of her sensitivity reader(s). For Marianna to be so open and accepting of Alix as exactly the person that they are is heartwarming and makes you wish every human could be so open to understanding of another human.

Perfect is another good example of Kris Bryant’s talents. And who could say no to such a charming Hollywood romance?

[Cindy Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alix, who identifies as trans and non-binary, has been chosen as the host of a queer dating show (like The Bachelorette) after having had their heart broken as a contestant on the show's last season. One night, while they are taking a break from a Hollywood party, Marianna, who's just finished her shift working for her aunt's catering company and is heading to her friend's bachelorette party, trips on cobblestones and falls right into Alix's arms. But, despite an attraction, both have reasons to avoid getting into a relationship, and yet, they end up running into each other a second time and spend a day together.

In this Hollywood romance, a trans non-binary MC is paired with a femme lesbian. Both are lovely main characters who initially avoid a relationship but can't seem to quit one another. On the whole, this is a well written book by an experienced author who made all the right efforts to ensure Alix was correctly drawn, including consulting with non-binary identified people and using a sensitivity reader.

In some ways, this book was a bit too "perfect" in that both MCs were really good people (Alix made one mistake) and we have little insight into a deeper sense of who they are and what their struggles have been. Marianna is described as quiet and a "wallflower" but she's often assertive and outspoken. All of the secondary characters effortlessly use Alix's "they/them" pronouns, including Marianna's parents. Few questions are asked about Alix, and we only learn later in the book that Marianna has previously only dated feminine women.

While I get that one of the tropes for this book is "low-angst," it felt a bit too easy at times, possibly in its quest to ensure that Alix was sensitively and accurately portrayed.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Low-angsty, sweet story.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have listened to the Audiobook of Forever where Alix was a contestant in When Sparks Fly but did not get the girl despite bring rather perfect. Thus, I really wanted to read this book where Alix now is the host for the same show and while hosting they meets Marianna and they get a chance to finally also be lucky in love.

I liked the book even if I sometimes struggled with some abrupt endings of the chapters and then suddenly the next chapter was in a completely different timeline.

I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley.

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pitfalls and cogs of Hollywood.
They turn whether you want them to or not.
And if you are part of Hollywood, television and even just a little bit famous, you have to go with the rhythm or you will lose everything.
Sad, but showbiz is exactly that!
Fake smiles, fake words, fake people.
Only fame and screen time are what counts.
Finding something honest and long-lasting in terms of relationships seems impossible and yet it falls into Alix's lap.
Alix Somers took part in the reality dating show "When Sparks Fly" and their heart was broken.
As a nonbinary person on TV, however, they were so well received, and cause of some other reasons, they were offered a job as the next host of the following season and they accepted.
Alix is ​​overwhelmed by Hollywood and at the same time fascinated.
However, there are often moments when they long for peace and quiet and their life with their brother and the peace that came with it in their tattoo studio in Portland.
In such a moment when they sneak out of an important party to get some air and peace, a beautiful woman falls into their lap.
Marianna Smith hates Hollywood!
Her experiences with women in Hollywood have all ended disastrously.
Her last relationship with Vee in particular almost destroyed her and she vowed to stay away from anything that had anything to do with Hollywood or wanted to have anything to do with it!
As is the case with good intentions, they usually never work.
Alix is ​​so sweet, helpful, charming and she simply cannot resist the good-looking person who helped her so gallantly.
The way this two get to know each other is unusual and slow, but the attraction is intense and they are so hot together!
I loved this light, gentle and beautiful love story of Alix and Marianna because it starts tenderly and slowly and ends in a fire of passion!
Masterfully written as always by Kris Bryant, you are whisked away to the glamorous world of Hollywood and taken behind the scenes of shows like "Princess Charming" and "The Bachelorette".
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books, the Author and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Rosi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author usually makes her protagonists a bit cliché, pairing a butch with a femme, with the butch being a bit insecure about how to act around the femme. It's all very politically correct and lacks spontaneity. I don't dislike this premise in general, as long as all the clichés and carefulness to try not to offend or upset aren't excessive. And I think in this case, it's been a bit too much.

Alix was a contestant on a queer dating show, but there was a wild twist when the bachelorette ran off with the host! Now, in a shocking turn of events, Alix is the new host, even though she's not exactly a camera pro. But hey, being on the show has definitely boosted her fame.

Marianna is totally burned out on the whole fame and stardom thing after a few relationships with wannabe stars who dumped her as soon as they got a whiff of fame. She's sworn off ever getting involved with anyone from that world again, but fate throws Alix into her path and, like it or not, their paths are intertwined from that moment on.

Alix, even though she wants to take advantage of the opportunity that's presented to her, isn't used to fame and doesn't have any expectations, but Marianna's appearance is going to bring her some complications both personally and professionally. Even though she's willing to take risks. But Marianna is more reluctant, and Alix will have to put in a lot more effort than Marianna does. That's what disappoints me, this lack of balance between them. Although once Alix manages to win Marianna over, things even out, but it's already very late in the story.


Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review

[Edith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bold Strokes Books, Kris Bryant, and NetGalley for the opportunity to receive an eArc in exchange for an honest review.


Do you ever start reading a book and get an immediate sense of familiarity? In a way of just knowing that the story is going to be good, and the characters will have your eyes glued to the page? That’s how I feel about Kris Bryant! I appreciate her work and I always find myself drawn into her stories!

Perfect is no exception! We meet Alix who after having a failed season on a reality dating show is now hosting the show themselves. A nonbinary main character at their finest! Alix had a blow up of a season where they were left hanging after their finale didn’t go in their favor.

So now Alix has all of the eyes on them as they navigate the reality dating show from the other side, guiding contestants through dates, trials, and tribulations, all while in front of a national viewership.

Marianna is a teacher and does some side gigs, too! Marianna has sworn off Hollywood and doesn’t want anything to do with it after her last girlfriend dropped her the minute she got a whiff of fame.

While Marianna is working an event as a caterer she quite literally runs into Alix!

Their paths continue to cross as they forge ahead building a relationship all the while Marianna doesn’t realize yet what Alix does for work.

Eventually she learns of Alix’s work and at first is hesitant but they’ve begun a relationship enough that Marianna is willing to risk navigating holywood alongside Alix.

What I so appreciate about this book and Alix and Marianna’s story is that first off Alix is nonbinary and Kris Bryant does an incredible job in navigating having a main character that is outside of the gender norms. I also appreciate how Alix and Marianna give space for each other to grow as people as their relationship grows, too!

4 gooses

[Nadine Stamminger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from Kris Bryant and right in the beginning it felt a little bit like i miss something, something about Alix. I did find out they were already in another book from the author and therefore i wished i would have had read that book called „Forever“ before. It was mentioned in the Acknowledgement, but since this is a stand alone book i didnt read it. Personally now that i read this book, i would go back and read „Forever“ first, just to have more background on Alix as a person and where they came from.

Alix is non binary, i liked to read about it because i personally have rarly any contact with non binary person so it was really interesting to get a glips into their thoughts. I feel like it could have been a bit deeper, but i liked it anyways.

Alix didnt end with a happy end in a dating show a few years back and not they brought them back as a host for a new season. Alix is on the rising when she meets Marianna, who seams tob e a perfect match, but also a match thats not interessted in dating another hollywood wanna bet.

I really loved the idea and the storyline, the story was very well written for me, at times i wished there would have been a bit more chemistry between the lines of these 2 main characters.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Celina · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦: 𝙲𝙾𝙽𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙿𝙾𝚁𝙰𝚁𝚈. 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴. 𝙽𝙾𝙽-𝙱𝙸𝙽𝙰𝚁𝚈. 𝚃𝚅-𝙷𝙾𝚂𝚃/𝚃𝙴𝙰𝙲𝙷𝙴𝚁/𝚆𝙰𝙸𝚃𝙴𝚁?. 𝙷𝙴𝙰.
📖ᴀʀᴄ 🏳️‍🌈⁠

"𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨. 𝙉𝙤 𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙮𝙬𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩, 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩?"

𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬:
Opposites in most ways has always been my favourite subgenre, though Marianna and Alix were just opposites in profession. The way they felt for one another was mutually similar. A little U-haul but nothing is wrong with that if the love is right. And damn, was it right because the communication skills were absolutely on point. No unnecessary drama to cause unwanted 3rd break-up act.

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦:
I loved the friendship between Marianna and her friends esp Andrea. Hopefully her HEA with Bran works out. Those moments between Marianna and her mom were really sweet. The love between Alix and Marianna was written so much empathy, I just loved it and my heart loved it too. A loving so healthy that it heals. Yes, it had some Hollywood BS but it was a sweet romance all in all. That restaurant scene was top-tier.

𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲: I just realised this is Alix from "Forever". I liked them even then.

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.⁠

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my review of “Forever” (May 2022) I specifically mentioned Alix, as a stand out side-character. In this stand alone sequel, (you don’t need to read the previous book), Alix gets a romance of their own. Alix Somers is the new host of a primetime dating show. In the previous book they were a contestant but not the love match. The new season hasn’t aired yet and Alix is still adjusting to Hollywood life when they run into Marianna Smith. Marianna was born and raised in Southern California and is a third grade school teacher. She doesn’t watch much tv and doesn’t like those wanting Hollywood attention as her ex left her to seek fame.

Unlike the previous book this is not focused on the show but on the romance. It is a gentle romance with a great non first date and takes things slow. I like how Alix is written being a masc presenting nonbinary character. There is potential for big conflict but angst and last minute breakups are not part of this story. Marianna has family that want to meddle and a best friend cousin but the couple carry the bulk of the story. This is a sensitively written story with a lot of heart. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Bryant's books and this one met the mark. Getting a book on Alix from Forever turned out to be pretty good.

Alix, who identifies as trans and non-binary, and has it all. The glitz, the fame, the money. She has been chosen as the host of a queer dating show (like The Bachelorette) after having had their heart broken as a contestant on the show's last season.

Marianna is bitter against fame after her ex dumps her the moment she achieves it and leaves her high and dry. She wants nothing to do with that scene, but then she meets Alix.

One night, while they are taking a break from a Hollywood party, Marianna, who's just finished her shift working for her aunt's catering company falls right into Alix's arms. It's a Hollywood romance, and both MCS were almost perfect but don't want a relationship, yet they don't stay away from one another. This was written well in regards to the non binary aspect and Marianna is known as a wallflower, but she didn't always act like it.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, just not as much as some of Bryant's other works. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[This · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sequel to Forever. Alix was one of the sparks in the When Sparks Fly tv reality tv show. This time they return as the host - and the first non binary person to do so (it's all fiction though).
Alix is in the run up to the new series of When Sparks Fly and attends industry parties etc. Here they literally bump into Marianna who is working for the caterers. They have a moment and then meet in a dog park when Alix is walking a friend's dog.
The story takes off from there.
Someone is described as a skank in this story - that is a word I don't hear very often.
This story kept my interest and I am not at all interested in tv, personalities and reality tv, though I will admit to watching I Kissed a Girl! earlier this year.

There are lots of miscommunications, assumptions made and things unsaid.
There is an epilogue - it just shows them living life and buying a house. We all know there's going to be a happy ever after so that is not a spoiler!

I enjoyed it. You could read it as a standalone but it will make far more sense if you read both of them.

[Leane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been a contestant on the prime-time dating show 'When Sparks Fly', nonbinary Alix is brought back to be the first trans host of the show for the following season.

Marianna has been burnt by Hollywood and dislikes the vapidness of tinseltown. Can she get past Alix's job to the loving, amazing, and genuine person they are?

This is an inclusive slow-burn tale that's both hot and adorable. The main characters are rounded out with very human issues that feel like authentic parts of them, and not just something tacked on for sales.

This is a light read with the added bonus that if you've read 'Forever' by Kris Bryant, you will already know some of the backstory behind this very dating show... and you will probably have wanted Alix to get their own story. Here it is!

(Please note that you don't need to read 'Forever' to enjoy 'Perfect'. They're both fully formed with HEA conclusions.)

*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.*

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read looks at the impact of Hollywood on friendship and relationships. There are several wannabes and one who has sworn off of that world completely or so she thinks. Alix Sommers, the new face of the queer scene. There are parts they enjoy and others that they is not happy with. Marianna Smith, does not like Hollywood at all. The only thing she sees is fake people and wannabes. When the two meet organically it is a make you smile meet cute but things are messy from the beginning. Both characters are likable with nice personalities with supportive people around them. In general, there is low angst and a need for feeling good and comfortable about who are and what is important to you. I appreciated the inclusion of a trans non-binary character and a so called wall flower. The read provided educational information and in my opinion, that is a good thing. Well done!

ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be fair I have no recollection of Alix and I have read Forever but in that book I was so focused on Lauren and Savannah's story I didn't really pay much attention to the other contestants.

So in this follow up book that can be read as a standalone we get Alix as the host of the dating show. Set on working on their career they have no interest in dating. That is until there is Marianna who quite literally falls into their arms.

Marianne is fed up with dating after her last relationship blew up in her face but then she meets Alix who kinda turns her head into a spin of will I or won't I.

This was en enjoyable read although I'm not one for those Hollywood glamorous stories so I totally understood Marianna's reluctance to date Alix.

The story was like their romance it felt very organic. That is one thing Kris Bryant does best, nothing feels forced or thrown in their just to spark some drama.

An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.

[Rach · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read this as part of an ARC via NetGalley. Perfect tells of a slow burn meeting of Alix and Marianna. Marianna is a shy, down to earth woman who has had poor relationships with previous Hollywood wannabes that has left her with no passion to date. Alix who readers maybe familiar with, is the new host of a reality tv queer dating show. The story delves into their chance meeting and the small amount of drama that brings to their lives and future together. I enjoyed the book but did feel like it was missing more depth and character development for me plus the slow burn did become fairly predictable with very little made of the drama with no tension and then it was all resolved and wrapped up the story. If you enjoy other titles by Kris Bryant you will enjoy this but for me unfortunately it just missed the mark.

[Romantic.Rainbow.Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ended up not loving this book. I never felt invested in the characters or their relationship. The plot also didn’t feel exciting. Marianna is hesitant about dating someone in Hollywood after a previous relationship ended badly. This is the main barrier to the relationship between Marianna and Alix (who is the host of a queer reality dating show), but I didn’t feel invested in seeing the characters overcome that barrier.

My favorite part of the book was its depiction of Alix’s non-binary identity and how their role as a TV host led them to becoming a role model for younger people. Non-binary identity is something I still don’t see often in romance and I’m glad to read more books including it!

Highlights:
- non-binary main character
- reality tv host x schoolteacher
- strangers to lovers
- low angst
- celebrity romance

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect follows Alix, a former contestant on and current host of a popular reality tv/dating show, and Marianna, an elementary school teacher who is burnt out on Hollywood and wants little to do with celebrities. In a world of dating shows and apps, they have an adorable couple of organic meet-cutes that set off an equally charming slow burn narrative.

Like Marianna, I tend to not be drawn to reality or dating shows and hadn’t read the book that Alix was introduced in. While I feel like I may have missed some background and inside jokes, this book holds its own as a standalone read.

Overall, this is a sweet, low-angst story with great communication and conversation between the two leads.

(I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley).