"With fun summer vibes, sizzling chemistry, and a heroine who knows her worth, this grumpy-sunshine romance delivers both heat and heart. Perfect for fans of opposites-attract stories with a twist of cowboy charm."
Sometimes, chasing perfection leads to finding something even better.
Carefree and confident Sienna knows exactly what she wants and refuses to settle for less. She crafts a list of non-negotiables and sets out to find the perfect man through a calculated search.
Grumpy and stoic Liam has been unlucky in love, until a flirty DM from a stunning blonde upends his solitary world. Deciding to give the seductress a chance, he aims to show her off and bounce back after a painful heartbreak.
Sienna’s playful charm embodies everything Liam never knew he needed. Despite his reservations, her sunshine-like spirit slowly thaws his icy exterior. As their whirlwind summer romance ignites unexpected passion, truths come to light which threaten to destroy everything they’ve built together.
This was a cute, sweet story with beautiful writing that honestly made me feel like I was there — at the farm, under the sun, surrounded by that cozy, idyllic vibe.☀️
Liam and Sienna are opposites: • He’s old-fashioned in the best way — opens doors, cooks, brings gifts, always used to rushing but this time wants to slow down. • She’s confident, knows her worth, has high standards and zero hesitation when it comes to what she wants. Loyal and enthusiastic.
They meet online, the chemistry is easy, the flirting is charming, and it all unfolds slowly. Friends to lovers, one bed, slow burn.
It’s a summery romance with lovely moments, but I have to say — some scenes and behaviors gave me toxic and uncomfortable vibes, and that did affect my overall enjoyment.
Yes,if you’re into soft love stories with a little heat and a lot of fluff, this might be one for your summer TBR.🩷
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Thanks to the author and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange my honest opinion!
I hate to say this, but oh my goodness, I finally finished this book. It was a struggle to get to the finish line. I really wanted to find something redeeming about this book, I tried, I really did. The storytelling just wasn't for me, but I kept going because I wanted to see how it ended. Then I got to 79% and I was hit with a MAJOR RED FLAG from the MMC and the FMC became a doormat after being so self-confident, or at least appearing to be, the entire book and I rage-read the rest of the book. The reader starts the book with Sienna on LinkIn looking for profiles of potential mates because her love life has been lackluster. She happens upon Liam's profile, he's a software engineer who happens to do well financially. While that may have been the initial draw, after they meet real feelings begin to develop. Liam has just ended a very serious relationship, so he's hesitant to jump into something serious with Sienna. Now, I get it, being cautious and taking things slow... it was only two weeks after all. However, he fought his attraction and kept her at arm's length for so long and then all of a sudden girlfriend starts eating a popsicle and it's game on?! *sigh* Listen, I love trying new authors and giving debut authors a chance, but this book was just not for me, sorry.
Thank you to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for providing access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sienna is confident and carefree and knows what she wants and how to get it. So after searching on LinkedIn and Instagram for her perfect match, she meets grumpy, stoic Liam, who has been previously broken-hearted, so he wants to take things slow. However, it doesn't take long for sparks to fly.
I loved both settings at Liam's and Sienna's. I could imagine being on Liam's back porch on the swing looking at the beautiful, idyllic scenery, but I also loved Sienna's cute small apartment which made me want to go out and buy loads of sweet scented candles.
I found this a really easy to read, fast-paced book, which was quite spicy at times, but also covered deeper themes.
Chasing Perfect is a great debut novel. I did find there was some repetition of words, but overall, well written and the perfect summer read!
Thank you, Cranthorpe Millner and Victoria Jax, for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Chasing Perfect is a fast-paced, sweet, and slightly steamy romance. It features two very likeable characters who form beautiful chemistry despite being polar opposites.
Told in dual POV between Sienna and Liam, we're given a chance to really get to know the characters. The good, the bad, and the ugly, Jax didn't shy away from showing us the flaws of each character, making them so much more relatable.
Friend to lovers, opposites attract, slow burn, this short story has all the much loved tropes.
I enjoyed this lighthearted summery vibe read, perfect for fans of quick reads and rom-coms with a touch of spice.
Thank you to Cranthorpe Millner and the author for a digital copy.
Book review: Chasing Perfect by Victoria Jax. A big thank you to CranThorpe Millner and the author for my gifted ARC—I’m grateful for the chance to experience this early.
Chasing Perfect is a bold, fast-paced contemporary romance that dives headfirst into the chaos of modern dating, personal ambition, and the messy middle ground between wanting it all and settling for what’s available. It centers on Sienna, a confident, unapologetic woman with a very clear idea of the life she wants—including the type of man who will fit into it. Instead of leaving things up to chance, she takes matters into her own hands, ditching the apps and turning to LinkedIn and Instagram to find a partner who meets her financial and lifestyle goals. That’s where she finds Liam, a reserved, quietly charming software engineer who’s set to inherit his family’s farm.
The story unfolds through dual POV chapters, letting us into both Sienna and Liam’s heads, which is a strength of the book. Their chemistry is immediate and electric, and their personalities clash in that classic “sunshine meets grump” way, but with more bite. Sienna is flirtatious and high-energy, masking insecurities with bravado. Liam is guarded, still healing from a previous heartbreak, but curious enough to respond to this unexpected connection. Their first few encounters are snappy, sexy, and fun—but things escalate quickly, both emotionally and physically.
One of the things I appreciated most is that Jax doesn’t water down her characters. Sienna is messy. Sometimes selfish. Occasionally tone-deaf. But she’s also fiercely loyal, driven, and refreshingly honest about what she wants. She won’t be everyone’s favorite heroine, and that’s okay—she’s not supposed to be perfect. Liam is the quieter half of the duo, but he’s not just the stoic farm boy trope. He’s thoughtful, a little broken, and trying to rebuild. The way Jax lets them challenge each other and force emotional growth felt authentic, even when some of their arguments got repetitive.
The writing style is accessible, fast-moving, and very dialogue-heavy. It’s got a rom-com vibe on the surface, but there are deeper themes at play: the commodification of relationships, what it means to build a life with someone versus just falling in love, and how trauma—emotional or financial—shapes who we’re willing to open up to. That said, the book isn’t without its flaws. Several plot points could have benefited from more buildup. The infamous popsicle scene that kicks off the sexual relationship felt abrupt and jarring, and not in a good way. It’s not the spice itself that’s the issue, but how little emotional groundwork was laid before diving in. There’s a tonal disconnect between the slow burn Liam claims to want and the sudden, explicit intimacy that follows.
Secondary characters were hit or miss. Sienna’s friend group is clearly meant to represent different perspectives, but some of the friendships come off as toxic or one-dimensional, especially when they judge her ambitions or mock her choices. Those dynamics were never fully unpacked, which left a loose thread in the emotional world-building. The family subplot around Liam inheriting the farm (while his brother gets the lake house) felt underdeveloped and didn’t quite make sense logistically or emotionally. There was potential there for a rich exploration of identity and legacy, but it remained mostly surface-level.
What makes this book stand out, despite the flaws, is its voice. Jax writes with a sharp, confident tone. Even when a scene falters, the book never feels aimless. It’s clear she’s trying to say something about modern relationships and the ways we protect ourselves by pretending to have it all figured out. The tension between wanting love and fearing dependence is a powerful one, and it’s woven into Sienna and Liam’s dynamic in a way that feels personal and raw.
Chasing Perfect isn’t perfect. But it’s trying to be something honest, and that matters more. It’s flawed, occasionally chaotic, and definitely unafraid to push the envelope—sometimes too far—but it’s also heartfelt, bold, and brimming with potential. For readers who enjoy romances that challenge tropes, stir up a little controversy, and give you something to argue about in the group chat, this book is worth the read
This story gave me mixed feelings from when I started the book until I finished reading it. It is definitely a romance for the Gen. Z demograph. It did have a happy ending for the characters but between the beginning and end, this book was rife with hurtful feelings/words, betrayed confidence, self-loathing, victim shaming and male toxicity.
Sienna, FMC, is a young 25-year-old pilates instructor make it on her own, by living with no car, in a studio apartment and making minimum wage. She depends on her three friends she's known since grade school for transportation, hanging out and sharing details of their feelings and personal lives. She's described as having confidence in herself, but she's critical of her friends and wants a meaningful relationship with a man. So she decides to skip the dating apps and looks up men by what they make salary wise on a website.
Liam, MMC, it's successful at his job at 25, handsome, no-nonsense, has low confidence, though complete familial support. He wants to find "the perfect one" for him and enjoy his with them. When he falls for a woman, he falls hard and fast.
When Sienna and Liam are meeting each other for the first time they both enter the friendship with different expectations. Liam's looking for only a fling with a spectacularly beautiful woman and for Sienna, she wants to date a man that can afford to give her the things she wants. But ultimately, the same endgame, finding the perfect person for them.
I was surprised by how the author decided to present Sienna and Liam's relationship dynamic and lead them throughout the book. At times they were charming, relatable and lovable. Then I would read on, and the moments would turn cringe worthy. I had trouble liking any character at all. I felt during their relationship Sienna was a verbally abused woman and when she first met Liam, She did enjoy him paying for everything for her and would talk about to her friends. At times she was selfish and cared only for herself, which was misconstrued as as being confident. This started to have her friends talk about her behind her back and not have her best interest at heart. There were many times Sienna had to apologize to Liam because she deeply upset him over her clothes, the way she acted or the lack of jealousy she showed towards another woman at work( that he admitted even before meeting Sienna this woman flirting irritated him). I felt Liam was controlling, conceited and domineering, by making sure other men knew that Sienna(and her gorgeous body) was with him. Like when she was in a bikini on the boat with him, and there was another boat full of younger guys, and he made sure to grab her bottom. and it was keep her close to him. From her friend's self loathing and projeting criticism towards Sienna, to Liam's brother giving him a nod and the approval look after he notice Sienna in a bikini on their family boat to Liam scolding her in front of everybody in his family because of the way she was dancing. This book isn't for everyone and I personally think trigger warnings should be in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1.5 stars – A Disjointed Romance That Misses the Mark
I wanted to like Chasing Perfect—I really did. The premise had potential: two wounded souls navigating past heartbreak in search of something real. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat in almost every way. The writing lacked flow, the character development was painfully thin, and the plot hinged on unrealistic choices that made it difficult to connect with or care about the outcome.
Sienna is a Pilates instructor with a rocky dating past and little financial security. Instead of taking actionable steps to improve her life (like picking up more classes or finding a second job), she inexplicably turns to LinkedIn to search for a wealthy man and ends up messaging Liam via Instagram. That’s not cute—it’s desperate, and it sets the tone for a romance that felt superficial and unearned from the start.
Liam, a young software engineer/future farm inheritor, has his own baggage. He’s supposedly cautious and emotionally guarded after a failed relationship… yet somehow still falls under Sienna’s spell in record time. The attempt to portray slow-burn chemistry is completely undermined by an out-of-nowhere sexual scene involving a popsicle and some truly cringe-worthy dialogue. Their later encounters, like road head on the way to meet Liam’s family, read more like forced spice than genuine intimacy.
A few things really took me out of the story:
Sienna insists she doesn’t see Liam as her "way out," but everything about her behavior says otherwise.
Liam’s hangups about sex seem to vanish with no real explanation.
The inheritance subplot (he gets the farm, his brother the lake house) is introduced with zero context and doesn’t feel believable.
I struggled to find anything redeeming here. Even the friendships in Sienna’s life were frustrating—her inner circle includes women who are petty and unsupportive, and it’s never really addressed or resolved.
Ultimately, Chasing Perfect felt like a rough first draft that needed deeper character work, a more cohesive plot, and a clearer emotional arc. The bones might be there, but the story never came together for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Book Review: Chasing Prefect by Victoria Jax Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Genre: Romance
Chasing Prefect by Victoria Jax is a fast-paced, heartwarming romance that delivers an engaging story and endearing characters in just 155 pages. Despite its brevity, the novel manages to create a compelling connection between the leads, making it easy to root for them from start to finish.
The storyline moves quickly—perhaps a bit too quickly at times—but the emotional payoff and chemistry between the characters more than make up for it. Jax’s writing style is accessible and full of warmth, making it a great pick for readers who enjoy diving into a romance that gets to the heart of things without unnecessary filler.
While some readers might crave more depth or development due to the short length, Chasing Prefect does exactly what it sets out to do: deliver a satisfying, swoon-worthy escape in one sitting.
Recommended for: Romance readers looking for a quick, feel-good love story with a strong emotional core and fast-moving plot.
Chasing Perfect is a fun, flirty read with a good mix of steamy romance and emotional moments. Sienna is super confident and knows what she wants, which makes her really easy to root for. Liam’s your classic grumpy, guarded guy, but their chemistry is instant—and honestly, the banter and slow burn between them is so satisfying.
That said, I seriously felt for Sienna when everything blew up with Liam and she found out her friends were total snakes. Those two were so fake and clearly jealous and full of insecurities. Honestly, I was glad when she cut ties with them—good riddance.
Also… fair warning: this book is full of spicy scenes. Like, I definitely had a few “my innocent eyes!” moments. 😂
If you’re into opposites-attract romances with cowboy vibes and some real heat, this one's a great pick.
Huge thank you to Victoria Jax, NetGalley, and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the e-ARC.
Chasing Perfect is somewhat an example of modern dating, perhaps unattainable expectations, and two people who seem so opposite but definitely spark some steamy, emotional responses in each other. Sienna is a strong woman with opinions to match. She’ll go after exactly what she wants in a man. Liam is quieter, recovering from heartache, yet finds something in Sienna that draws him in. Theirs is a tumultuous relationship, sensual to extremes, and slowly builds to a love that is believable, for them.
I liked Chasing Perfect by Victoria Jax. It’s a short read that packs a powerful punch. You may not love Sienna, yet despite her sometimes brashness, she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go all out to find it.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I fell in love with this book immediately, this is described as an opposites attract romance and I just love how the story all comes together. The characters and situations are so relatable. I was so sad when I realised I was close to the end of the book I could have read hours more of this story. The male main character is going through a break up and looking to take his mind off it and the female main character is tired of dating and knows exactly what shes looking for and how to get it. This book is full of moments that will give you leg kicks, make you laugh and frustrate you. I would highly recommend it especially as an easy reading book for summer.
3.5 stars ⭐️ As far as debuts go, I think it was pretty okay. I managed to make it all the way through - which honestly speaks for itself. I liked the premise of the story, but the characters seemed very surface level if that makes sense. There wasn’t a lot of depth to the plot, the characters, and/or the execution itself.
The book itself was easy to follow along, and it was a quick summer read which I appreciated. It also got a little spicy, so if you’re hunting for smut, you’ll find some here! 👏🏻 This was my first novel by Victoria Jax, but I’d probably read more of her future works!
I truly think that this book is not ready to be released.
It is very lacking in character development, and is very surface level.
I feel like this book could be so much stronger than it is, but the author needs a lot of strong character building and scene building. It felt very slow, and then very rushed about half through.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Milner Publishers for access to the ARC in exchange for this honest review!
I enjoyed this book, and I love my spicy books, but this was a lot. I felt the sex scenes took away from the plot as there were just soo many.. I liked Sienna and the fact that she went for what she wanted, but she should have just told Liam the truth and avoided all the drama and heartache. Liam was a total sweetheart, and I loved his character. I just wish there was more of a plot to this story as I did love the characters..
Won this in a goodreads giveaway and WOOF… it was not good. The characters were all extremely shallow while also being way too intense. There was so much drama for no reason. Some of the storylines simply didn’t make sense or do anything for the plot (why did we have the ‘work wife’ appear at all??).
Plus, his hand was ‘on her flat stomach’ SO many times, and she ‘bounced her body’ so frequently that I had to continuously fight to DNF this.
This book was such a great summer read. I really liked the strong chemistry between the main characters and how well the story was written. Here, both characters felt real and respectful, and I was rooting for each of them as individuals and as a couple. The writing kept me hooked from start to finish. I didn’t want the story to end. Definitely a refreshing and enjoyable read. Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review
I absolutely LOVED this book and the author’s style of writing! Definitely a book that is hard to put down and the spice is perfect! I feel like the ending deserved something more.
I wanted to like this, and I'm really conscious that this is an author's debut so I'd normally like to be positive, but the execution just didn’t land for me. The writing felt stilted and awkward, the characters lacked depth, and the plot never found its rhythm. Sienna meets Liam via LinkedIn/Insta (salary filter first, naturally), but despite constant claims that she’s not motivated by money, she lets him pay for everything without question and is totally caught up in his farm/city lifestyle. I found it hard to care about either of them – especially Liam, who apparently thinks nothing of leaving his dog alone for days at a time. Their relationship jumps from oddly sexless to unrealistically sexualised - I'm normally here for the smut, but this felt wholly out of place. Even the side characters – Sienna’s friends in particular – felt flat or just unpleasant. I feel like a terrible person saying that I couldn’t connect with any of it, and despite a few glimmers of something interesting, the whole thing felt like it had been written by a teenager, and gave me the ick.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers, this is my honest opinion.
“I’ll remember this summer forever. The summer we fell in love”.
The chapters flip between Sienna, a Pilates instructor with high values and even higher standards, and Liam, who’s just had his heart broken by “the one who got away”. Sienna is full of self-confidence and enthusiasm for life. Liam is a true gentleman, cautious of rushing into something and a little bit grumpy. Their chemistry is instant, the flirting comes naturally and they prove that opposites do attract. This book focuses on navigating adult friendships, money and love with plenty of spice. The ending was great, and it rounded off the book perfectly. I found Sienna’s character a little too self-centred at times, especially around her friends who don’t have a life as “perfect as her”. Overall a great summery 'city girl meets country boy' romance.