The Wrong Kind of Perfect

by Jillian Marie

What if the life you built… wasn’t the one meant for you?

Natalie Bradford should be happy.
She has everything she ever dreamed of — a loving husband, two wonderful children, and a beautiful life in sunny Orange County. But behind the curated smiles and perfectly packed school lunches lies a woman slowly unraveling. Her marriage is more routine than romance. Her days blur together. And somewhere along the way, Natalie lost sight of who she really is.

Then comes Will Parker.
He’s everything she’s not supposed to want — gorgeous, magnetic, and completely off-limits. But their connection is undeniable. A chance encounter becomes something deeper, more dangerous. As the tension builds, so does Natalie’s craving for something real… something that reminds her she’s still alive.

Torn between loyalty and longing, Natalie must
Is she willing to risk everything for the wrong kind of perfect?

The Wrong Kind of Perfect is an emotional, slow-burn romance that explores love, identity, and second chances. Perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Carley Fortune, and emotionally layered women’s fiction with a romantic edge.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Jillian Marie writes slow-burn romance with emotional depth, flawed characters, and stories that linger. Her books explore love in all its messy, meaningful forms—especially the kind that doesn’t follow the rules.

She’s a mom of three girls and finds joy in baking, reading, Pilates, and winding down with a cup of tea and honey. She writes at home—or in her car while her daughters are at dance—and finds inspiration in the quiet in-between moments of everyday life.

She lives with her husband and daughters in Southern California.

Reviews

[Dani (Daniiireads)]

I really wanted to love this one yall, but unfortunately, it was just more miss than hit for me.

I was incredibly lucky to get the chance to arc read The Wrong Kind of Perfect, and was drawn to this because of several of the tropes being some of my favorites (single dad, forbidden romance), I just struggled to stay connected and invested in Natalie's story.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- slow burn romance
- second chance at love
- single parent
- forbidden
- familial drama

[Carissa Lambariello · Rating 3 out of 5]

there was a lot about this book that i liked. the single dad, unhappily married woman, supportive family members. the children in each family, ivy and bebe were just darling girls. they made me feel nostalgic for my younger years, with the endless playdates, surprise sleepovers, pizza for dinner.

this book will probably face criticism for the actions of all 3 characters and how selfish they all were, and i would disagree. i think their actions were very realistic. i think their emotions were justified.

i also want to compliment the author's ability to craft such natural, effortless dialogue.

where my frustration grew was with the three person POV. while i enjoyed being in the heads of our three main characters, i think this story would have been smoother if it was just 3rd person POV. i don't want to hear about how character #1 felt about character #2's actions from 3 chapters ago. there were also a couple scenes that were repeated 3 times for each characters POV and that just drove me crazy.

i LOVED the ending. let's get that clear. i'm glad the author chose to end natalie's story the way she did.

thank you to love story PR and the author for allowing me to read this ahead of it's release! i will come back on release day to leave my star rating.

[Mckenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a debut!

Natalie, Jason and Will have all made decisions and definitely over stepped boundaries. Natalie and Jason are married but almost living separate lives. You can see how Natalie is losing herself in her marriage and she is struggling. Jason is gone during the week traveling because of work so that leaves Natalie on her own with the kids during the week.

Will is a divorce dad to four and a very plain house. His youngest daughter and Natalie’s daughter are best friends! So when they are together that brings Will and Natalie together more. They have instant chemistry and they both fight to ignore it. What happens when they can't fight it anymore?

Natalie is left to make lots of tough decisions. Jason finds out some truths and it sets his reality into perspective. That causes him to make some changes but what happens when the full truth is released?

[Maci-Bookishlyeverafter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wrong Kind of Perfect is an easy, flowing read…you could easily finish it in a day or two if you wanted! At its heart, it’s a story about love lost: the kind you thought would last forever and the painful disconnect that can happen with the person you built your life with. But it’s also about discovering a type of love you might not have known you needed.

As I read, I realized the story is just as much about a woman finding her independence and reigniting her passion for life as it is about romance. This was my first read exploring someone straying from their marriage, which I honestly thought might be difficult to follow. But with the multiple POVs, I was able to understand everyone’s perspective and see their stories unfold.

The only minor downside was that, with all the characters’ “fanciness,” it was a little harder to fully relate to them at times. I wish there was atleast one character with a semi “normal” life. It’s difficult for me to fall absolutely in love with a book if I can’t relate to the characters. Still, it was an overall it was a good and easy read. I did love the ending and wish I could already know who finds there happily ever after! I would definitely recommend it for fans of friends-to-lovers stories, family hardships, and learning to love again- especially learning to love yourself!

[MandyReads1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this book as an arc and it was such a well written debut!

This book had such a vibe that the author did such a great job of painting a picture in my head. It literally felt almost like I was watching RHOC. I mean- even The Quiet Woman! Haha . The main character Natalie was super likable and relatable. The kids were adorable. And I loved Will. Even though the topic of cheating plays a big part in the book, it wasn’t done in a gross way. The book made me think and still get swept up in the romance. I look forward to reading more from this author!

[ToniLynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written for women at certain points in their lives who feel invisible. They have either already survived it or are currently living it.

If you don’t know what that means, this book isn’t for you. I will accept no criticism on how this book was written or the choices her characters made. It was raw and real and so relatable.

I’m immediately jumping into book 2.

[Her Bookish Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wrong Kind of Perfect is a reflection on the life we have versus the life we dream of and the choices we make that lead us there. The triple POV provides insight into each of the character’s inner dilemmas and the lines they are willing to cross in an attempt to feel whole again. Although Natalie struggles with the decision to rekindle her love with Jason or seek new adventures with Will, she ultimately chooses herself. At the beginning of the book, Natalie had lost herself and her identity. However, the book ends on a hopeful note with Natalie reclaiming her identity and finding herself again. Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Michele Dam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wrong Kind of Perfect by Jillian Marie was such a surprise favorite for me. Honestly, I never would’ve picked this up if I hadn’t been chosen for the ARC team for book 2 (The Right kind of Wrong). But I am SO glad I did, because I ended up loving this story way more than I expected.

Romance is usually my second choice genre behind thrillers/mysteries, but this book had me staying up late, flying through pages. It felt different from the typical romances I’ve read because it centers on a married couple going through serious marital struggles which immediately made it feel more realistic and relatable.

I loved that we got multiple POVs: Natalie, her husband, and Will (who is absolutely not just “the other guy” he was layered and meaningful). Seeing each of their inner worlds added so much depth to the story. It really highlighted what so many women, especially mothers go through when they feel like they’ve lost themselves inside marriage and motherhood. On the flip side, we also saw how a husband’s demanding career and emotional absence can take its own toll on a relationship.

The emotional growth throughout was beautifully done. I especially loved that even though Natalie wasn’t exactly where she expected to be by the end, she rediscovered her passion for design and decided to pursue it with full force.

The ending wasn’t a cliffhanger, but there are definitely unanswered questions and open doors. Which makes me so excited to jump straight into book 2. And I have to say, the cheating trope is not something I usually enjoy (especially for personal reasons), but the author handled it in such a real, thoughtful, and human way that I actually related to it. It showed how quickly situations can escalate into something you never planned.

This story was raw, emotional, and incredibly real. The writing was vivid, it felt like watching everything play out in a movie. It’s a story about life, love, loss, rediscovery, and the friendships that anchor us. Everyone deserves a friend like Camille and a sister like Meredith, they were truly the backbone of support for Natalie.

A beautifully written, emotionally charged read that will stay with me.

[Jenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to Love Story PR and the author, Jillian Marie for E-ARC, in exchange for an honest review*

4.5 ⭐️

I love reading debut novels. Even though you never know what to expect from them, seeing what you will discover is exciting. When I came across Wrong Kind Of Perfect on Instagram, the title alone hooked me, followed by the cover. I couldn’t help but be curious about the story. It was such heartwarming story, but the one that dealt with real life issues. I liked how the author described everything and portrayed the characters’ emotions. I could see it and feel it all, like a movie. Just when I thought that I came across a part where I could put the book down, I found myself turning the pages more because I felt so captivated by the characters that I wanted to see what would happen with them next.

The first few chapters started slowly for me, but once the story picked up, I couldn’t get enough of it and the characters. I loved Natalie, Will, the most, but I also adored Natalie’s sister and the kids. Natalie’s sister reminded me of my best friend, who is like a sister but who would do anything for me. I’m glad that Natalie had that type of bond with her sister. Of all the characters, Natalie was the one that I could relate to the most. I preferred reading from her perspective the most.

I liked how Will and Natalie’s relationship developed through the book. Even though I knew I probably shouldn’t have, I rooted for the two of them from the beginning. No matter how hard I tried, the one character I couldn’t seem to relate to was Natalie’s husband, Jason. He just fell flat for me. The ending was the most surprising; it was far from what I had expected, and I am still unsure how I feel about it. Wrong Kind Of Perfect is more than a love story; it’s also about self-discovery. Congratulations to Jillian Marie on her book! I’m excited about what she has in store for us next.

[Ninssss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut really hit me in a personal way. On the outside she has it all together. The perfect house, the hardworking husband, the image of the good mom and wife. The life she has looks secure and stable, yet it leaves her feeling empty and unseen.

I loved how the slow burn unfolded in the story. Since Natalie is still committed when she meets Will, their connection builds quietly and carefully. The tension is undeniable, but they both know the risks and what they stand to lose. I liked how they didn’t just jump into each other. Instead, the pull grew over time until it was impossible to ignore.

One of my favorite parts was the writing itself. I devoured this book in one sitting. The triple POV made such a difference. Seeing into Natalie, Jason, and Will’s perspectives gave the story depth and made me feel for all three of them. None of them were villains. They were just flawed people trying to navigate life, love, and choices that don’t come easy.

The themes were strong. Marriage, motherhood, sisterhood, identity, longing. I especially felt for Natalie as she dealt with the neglect, the loneliness of being taken for granted, and having her career and passion dismissed as just a “hobby.” I also loved how Natalie and Jason didn’t just throw blame at each other. They acknowledged their mistakes and still wanted to put their kids first. The book also shows how the choices and actions we make affect not just us, but the people around us.

And yes, the ending left me hanging. Just as I was fully immersed, it ended and I wanted book two immediately. I can’t wait to see Natalie rediscover her passion and what’s next for her journey.

This book won’t be for everyone, since it tackles issues that may not resonate with all readers. But these are also situations that happen in real life, and that honesty is what made the story stand out to me. If you like emotional, real, slow-burn romance with messy and flawed characters, this debut is worth picking up.

[Rachael Patera · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book revolves around Natalie Jason and Will. Natalie and Jason have been married for years but they are both unhappy and unfulfilled in their marriage. His eyes wander and she feels an attraction to her daughter's friend's dad, Will.

What looks like a good marriage from the outside is slowly rotting from within. Natalie feels like she lost her identity when she quit her job to become a stay at home mom and Jason can't stop chasing the success in his job. He is constantly traveling for work, leaving Natale alone to face her realities of essentially being a single mom. Eventually the cracks in their marriage break open and Natalie starts an emotional and physical affair with Will Parker while Jason can't stop obsessing over his new co-worker.

Filled with self growth and reawakening, this book, while some may find problematic with emotional and physical affairs, explores life as a parent and partner in a marriage and how people need to find who they are from within.

This book had the opportunity to be a powerful look at marriages and how you need to continue to work, but I found that the majority of the problems stemmed from them not communicating and ignoring each other and their problems. Each person had chapters from their POV so you knew what they were thinking and they all knew that things needed to change but no one had the guts to approach the subject or confront the changing dynamic.

How do you get to know someone? You talk and communicate and spend time with each other but they did not do that. They did the opposite and thus they became strangers because people change and you need to continue to get to know them through life with intimate conversations and connections.

The severed connection between the two could have been explored more. Why did they not want to spend time together? What was the driving force behind their growing apart and why didn’t either of them feel they needed to correct it? I like the ending and how she dealt with the choices she made but also I actually felt bad for Will. He was the one who got hurt the most in this all.

The viewpoints of all three added to this story but while I found Natalie and Will to have depth, I didn’t feel like Jason had much. I would have liked more from his viewpoint and also how his job and upbringing contributed to his disjointed connection with Natalie and his home life in general. Priorities were clear in his success as a person and employee and not as a father and husband and while that didn’t make him a bad person it made him very selfish.

Huge thanks to Booked With The Emily’s and Jillian Marie for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.

[Janine I · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book and I finished in less than a day. It was a very quick read, easy to follow along with our main characters Natalie, Jason and Will. Natalie and Jason moved to CA for Jason’s job/company that is expanding. Natalie is a SAHM to their 2 children, and one day meets Will in the pick up line at school. Natalie and Will’s daughters are BFFs. Natalie is married to Jason, but things have changed for them in the past few years. Meeting Will, she feels things she hasn’t in a long time. Natalie has a decision to make, but will it be the right one?

I really really wanted to like this, I was so excited to read it. However, it unfortunately fell flat for me. The writing was easy and flowed, but I found myself having trouble rooting for Natalie. Although I know these types of situations happen more often than we think, I just couldn’t connect with her, considering I’ve been in a very similar situation as Natalie, finding the man of my dreams while still married.

Natalie, Jason and Wills characters all just didn’t have enough depth for me. It was very surface level. Will had some warmth to him. But I truly didn’t feel much when I’d read Natalie and Jason’s chapters. I understand they were unhappy in their marriage and their lives, but I couldn’t even root for them because there was no spark still there, no connection that bonded them together, that they’d always want each other. It didn’t seem that way and I unfortunately found myself actually rooting for Will to find happiness more than Natalie and Jason.

I loved the concept of this book, but I wanted so much more from these characters. I wanted emotion, more depth, and I wanted to feel their emotions myself while reading. Overall, this is a 3 star read! I would read Jillian’s next book!

[Miranda]

I just finished this ARC and sat down to review it and I am torn. I know ARCs are a special gift and may not be the edited version of what will be published. So with that said, I do hope the published version has some of the grammar and inconsistencies fixed.

I was warned up front that this book deals with an affair and that didn’t bother me to read. You can definitely see how Natalie and Jason have grown apart with his focus on his work rather than their family and her carrying the weight of what he leaves every time he walks out the door. Enter hot new divorcee dad, Will, at the school pick up line.

This interest between Natalie and Will starts off slow but we get the fire midway. It’s a pull between being with the person your heart sings for and knowing the destruction your actions can cause or being with the person your heart used to sing for.

Spoilers incoming..
What I enjoyed about this book is that Natalie and Jason both took the blame for their tumbling marriage. Other books would have a character like Jason throwing a fit when the truth came out but like I said, both stood their ground, realizing that it was a joint effort. I also liked how 3/4 in, Jason was ready to plant himself down and work on his relationship with his family. This threw me for a loop because I thought we would have a clean break and would no longer be torn as what is the right thing to do. But Jillian throws us some curveballs so be prepared.

I do feel like this book might not be for everyone so please go into knowing this book is about an affair.

[Akku · Rating 4 out of 5]

✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4.5✨

✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - September 16, 2025

✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• married life falling apart
• second chance at love
• single parent vibes
• morally grey romance
• emotional slow burn

✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
The Wrong Kind of Perfect was such a heart-tugging read. Natalie’s life looks perfect from the outside, but inside her marriage she is slowly losing herself. I loved how the author showed her quiet struggles and the little ways she started finding her voice again. Will’s entry in her life wasn’t dramatic but it felt so real — just two people with their own pain, slowly building a connection they can’t ignore. The emotions in this book felt raw, the choices were messy, and the chemistry between Natalie and Will was magnetic from the start. What stood out for me was how layered the story was it’s not just about romance, it’s about self-discovery, facing truths, and choosing what kind of life you really want. Some parts were soft and tender, while others hit like a punch, but that’s what made it so addictive. Even the morally grey moments made sense for these characters. By the end, I was completely in Natalie’s corner, cheering for her happiness.
Thank you so much Love Story PR for the free ARC!

[Alexis Dreffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will have you going through all kinds of emotions!
Do take care to read the trigger warnings; it could be a difficult book emotionally for some.

The Wrong Kind of Perfect was different in general from other books I’ve read, but it seems to be within a topic not written about often, or I just honestly don’t come across them often due to personal preferences.
Every few chapters it would lead you in a different direction on “hinting” where the book would lead in the end. The ending wasn’t one I guessed quickly, which helps make the book more enjoyable.
Chapters were shorter and it did keep the book moving along well. It didn’t drag on often, and there were little areas where it would “fast forward” to keep the story line going. I did enjoy that you did get viewpoints from three different viewpoints. More info and feelings the better!
This is a book I could see a sequel coming out, but I can also see it being a standalone. If a sequel does come out down the line, I’d read it for the updates.

If you enjoy a love story that can be gut-wrenching, but explores a topic not talked about much, this will be a nice quick read, as long as you’re okay with the triggers. As a heads up, the triggers aren’t fully one sided.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚ARC Review📚

📖The Wrong Kind of Perfect- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

💬”Somewhere between endings and beginnings, I let go of what wasn’t ready to stay, and for once, I didn’t try to chase it. I chose me.”💬

Natalie’s story is definitely one that I feel resonates with most moms, especially stay at home moms. Jillian did a great job capturing the essence of loosing yourself in motherhood and how, even when you have amazing supportive friends, it can still feel incredibly lonely. I loved the journey of rediscovery that Natalie goes on, even if at some points I was yelling at my kindle.

With most love triangle type books I usually have a good idea by mid book which way the ending of the book goes. I didn’t with this one and honestly I was a little miffed at first, but the longer I thought about it the more I loved the ending.

This was a really well written debut novel from Jillian and I’m excited to read more from her.

🥯Rediscovey After Motherhood
💞Secknd Chance at Love (not with spouse)
🥯Divorced Dad X Unhappily Married Mom
💞School Pick Up Tension
🥯Emotional/Physical Affair
💞Forbidden Romance
🥯Dual Family Drama
💞3 POVs

[Siera · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Book Review ✨
The Wrong Kind of Perfect by Jillian Marie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This book completely stole my heart! 💕 Jillian Marie delivers a beautifully written slow burn that hits all the emotional notes — second chances, forbidden love, and that perfect mix of tension and tenderness.

I was instantly pulled into the story and devoured it in just two days. The characters felt so real, flawed, and easy to root for. The chemistry between them builds in the best way — that kind of quiet intensity that keeps you flipping pages just to see when they’ll finally give in.

If you love emotional romance with heart, depth, and the perfect amount of angst, The Wrong Kind of Perfect lives up to its name in the best possible way. 💗

Now I’m diving into book two as an ARC, and let’s just say… I’m already obsessed!

#BookReview #RomanceBooks #SlowBurnRomance #ForbiddenLove #SecondChanceRomance #BookRecommendations #BookLover #RomanceReaders #BookAddict #ContemporaryRomance #JillianMarie #Bookstagram #BookishLove #ReadersOfInstagram #FiveStarRead

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book pretty quickly and overall it was a good read. I was hesitant about it because I don’t condone cheating and to makes me feel icky but with this one, I could almost excuse it because I loved Will and he wanted to do the right thing. I loved the banter between Will and Natalie and love for their kids. I am excited for the sequel and I hope for a HEA because Will deserves it. Natalie is definitely not my favorite fmc, she’s the one in the wrong in every way. She should have divorced Jason and communicated her feelings about him being distant the moment she felt them. I hate the miscommunication and cheating tropes. For me the fact that they were married just irks me because she knew better and did it anyway. She went and broke Will’s heart like it was nothing. Come on girl you owe both men an explanation and you should feel guilty. I hope that in the second one it gets better, I am pulling for Will and his kids because they are my favorite. I didn’t hate this book, it was good banger, plot and MMC wise. I can’t wait to read the sequel and see Nat get her act together.

[enchantedmelreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

💌 divorced single dad
❤️slow burn
💌 forbidden romance
❤️unhappily married mom
💌dual family drama
❤️multiple POVs

I’m going to try and keep this as spoiler free as possible.

So I’m going to be honest, this is not my typical read. However, I felt like this book was incredibly real and raw. I don’t condone cheating, and if you don’t like that trope, then this book probably isn’t for you.

I read books to feel something, and let me tell you, this one had me feeling all kinds of ways. This is just my opinion, but I have to say, I loved this book. Even though it made me so mad at times, it felt genuine and honest.

I really appreciated how we got all three characters’ perspectives throughout the story. It gave deep insight into each of their mindsets.

This is not a lighthearted, feel good book. It’s raw and emotionally challenging at times. But if you’re looking for a different kind of contemporary romance, I would definitely recommend it.

[Monica Maryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story really touched me. It’s about love, self-discovery, and the messy, beautiful parts of life that rarely go according to plan. The characters felt so real and relatable that I found myself thinking about them even after I finished reading.

There were a few slower moments and a couple of plot turns that surprised me, but honestly, that just made it feel more genuine. Life isn’t perfectly paced either, and that’s what this story captures so well.

While I don’t condone cheating in any form, I do think this story highlights the importance of honest communication and mutual respect in relationships. It opened up some interesting reflections on how people can hurt and heal each other, even with the best intentions.

What I loved most is the message: that “perfect” doesn’t always look the way we expect it to, and that healing and love can take all kinds of forms. It’s a tender, emotional read that left me feeling hopeful.

[ChronicallyYou · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wrong Kind of Perfect is beautifully written. It is part romance part self-reflection that falls into morally gray territory. Natalie’s journey from a picture-perfect housewife to a woman daring to want more felt raw and relatable. Even with the infidelity, I truly felt for her and resonated with her character.

Jillian Marie didn't shy away from this morally gray territory, and that’s where this book shines — the chemistry between Natalie and Will is magnetic, but the real heart of the story is in Natalie reclaiming her identity. The pacing is strong, until the last 10% where all three POV's drag a bit.

It’s not a light, fluffy romance — it’s layered, emotional, and sometimes uncomfortable — but that’s exactly what makes it worth reading.

Thank you Love Story PR and Jillian Marie for the eARC!

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, but it didn’t fully work for me. The tropes were all there—slow burn, divorced dad pining after the married mom in an unhappy marriage—and I was excited to see where it would go.

Natalie’s struggle with her marriage to Jason was difficult to read at times because her unhappiness came through so strongly. Will stepped in to fill that void and reminded her of what it felt like to really live again, even though falling in love with him wasn’t something she expected. As much as I rooted for her, I found myself frustrated because she couldn’t quite let herself embrace happiness.

The ending completely caught me off guard, and while I didn’t love how things wrapped up, I did really enjoy the writing style. It kept me engaged even when the story left me feeling conflicted.

[Michelle Kssili · Rating 4 out of 5]

One would think Natalie has the perfect life - husband, nice home, 2 beautiful children, and a stay at home mom. Jason (Natalie's husband) is only home 2 days a week. Jason is never there for his family. Natalie and Jason are just strangers now who used to love each other. You can't ge a part-time father and husband. Natalie and Will (her daughter's best friend father) share in some flirtation. Will should have respected she was married, but in the heat of the moment, things can get out of hand. Cheating is never acceptable no matter what the circumstances are.

Unfortunately, in life, this happens to many women. When we marry, we hope that our partner is there full-time and not using work as an excuse to escape. I do agree there is a lack of respect on all levels. Divorce is never easy on anyone, but knowing that Natalie is thinking about it tells me she is not in love with Jason anymore. It's time to call it quits. (My son was 11 yrs old when I got a divorce. He took it hard and blamed me. I saw the hurt in his eyes and his words.) Sometimes, as parents, we are selfish.

The author did an excellent job portraying this story. The story started off a little slow but soon found itself. It's definitely a must-read.

[Mariana]

ARC Review

I really wanted to love this one, but it ended up being a miss for me. I found myself needing a little push to finish and struggled to fully connect with the story 😢

It’s a very easy read, the characters are well written, I liked the writing and the dialogues felt very natural. Also, I’m glad Nathalie’s story ended the way it did!

That being said, for me the issue came down to the tropes, I should’ve checked them more carefully beforehand. The infidelity element isn’t something I enjoy reading so if this particular trope doesn’t bother you, you’ll probably connect with the story more than I did. I’m definitely open to picking up more books by this author in the future.

Thank you so much love story PR and Jillian Marie for this eARC in exchange for a honest review!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. There were a few aspects of the storyline that I thought would make me hate this book and not even want to read it, but it was a very pleasant surprise.

I found myself so engrossed in the story and turning the pages like a crazy person because I had to know what was going to happen next. Usually romance books don’t have such a powerful effect over me but this book was a great story.

I liked that we got the perspectives of Natalie, her husband Jason, and Will. I think this is what made the story hit so much harder was the perspectives of everyone involved.

I have to read the second book asap because there are so many unknowns and I need them cleared up! This book was messy and beautiful in so many ways.

[Anna Serfass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Partners, @bookedwiththeemilys @booksbyjillianmarie for this #gifted ARC.

What You’ll Find:
Slow Burn
Second Chance at Love
Hot Divorced Dad
Unhappily Married Woman
Emotional Affair ➝ Physical Affair
Forbidden Romance
Interior Designer x Client
Rediscovery After Motherhood
Small-Town Feel in a Coastal Setting
Family Drama
Self-Growth + Emotional Awakening

‼️Trigger Warnings & Content Notes:‼️
Infidelity (emotional and physical)
Divorce
Emotional neglect in marriage
Complex family dynamics (co-parenting, stepfamily tension)
Anxiety / internal identity conflict
Mild alcohol and marijuana use
Adult language and themes
Infidelity (emotional and physical)

🌶️Steam Level:🌶️
Open door (five scenes)

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much more than a romance. It centers on self discovery and the realization that what you think you want is not always what truly makes you happy, along with the aftermath of coming to terms with that truth. You can clearly feel the push and pull each character experiences, which makes the story feel very real. While reading, it felt like watching a TV show or movie set in OC, and I loved that aspect. I appreciated the ending and how the story avoided typical romance genre norms. It was refreshing and made me like the book even more!

🌶️🌶️

**If infidelity is a deal breaker for you in books, this one may not be for you. Otherwise, I’d definitely say this one is worth picking up!

[Boundbylovebooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
🌶️ 3/5

This one was a miss for me—and it had more to do with the tropes than the writing itself. The book includes an unhappily married + infidelity storyline and is told in triple POV. Those elements just aren’t my personal favorites, so I struggled to connect.

That said, the writing was strong, and if those tropes don’t bother you, I think you’d probably love it. I especially enjoyed the focus on female friendships, which really stood out in the story.

While this wasn’t my perfect match, I’m definitely open to trying another book by this author, since the storytelling itself was solid.

[jenswhitenoise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie & Will. He's divorced, has 4 kids, and sees her across the school parking lot. She sees him too but she's married, has 2 kids. Her marriage is a routine, and something about Will draws him to her.

I'm not much for a cheating trope so I wasn't really sure I'd even finish this book. But I'm a famous no DNFer so I pressed on. There is no love lost for me and Natalie, she did wrong and I'm not going to get over that. I did like the ending and appreciated that the author ended the book the way she did. Will seemed lost after his divorce and it was easy for him to fall into a situationship with Natalie. He doesn't get off easy with me though - he participated in the cheating and I feel like we have to have more self control as a society. The cheating trope is always super heavy for me because to go back and face your spouse after this has to be incredibly hard and you can't ever take that back.

The character development was so good in this book, the pacing was excellent. The angst was strong and I couldn't put it down. Again, the ending was perfection and although I usually stay away from cheating tropes, I dove into this one head first and am glad I did.

I was fortunate enough to get an eARC from the author and my review is voluntary. Thank you to Jillian Marie!

[Marisa]

Thank you to Love Story PR for the ARC!

I wanted to love this based on the blurb, but unfortunately, this one wasn’t for me. I love a forbidden romance, and I don’t mind the infidelity trope, but the entire conflict was centered around the affair.

While this explores deeper topics, I had such a hard time connecting to the main characters and their motivations. There was also a lack of chemistry between the characters, which made the infidelity even harder to grasp for me.

Because of the ending, this definitely leans more women’s fiction rather than romance, which is great but wasn’t exactly what I expected.