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Less than Perfect
Her ideal man might just be … less than perfect.
Sophie, a registered psych nurse and certified perfectionist, is almost ready to join a dating app. As soon as she gets the perfect profile written, the perfect photo taken, and a few practice dates in. So when shy, awkward pharmaceutical salesman Henry stops by the clinic, she asks him out—just as friends.
But Henry’s been harboring a secret crush for months, and that night, a messy, hot chemistry sparks between them. When her new dating profile floods with messages, Sophie must choose between the perfect relationship she’d planned, or the imperfect one she never knew she needed.
Sophie, a registered psych nurse and certified perfectionist, is almost ready to join a dating app. As soon as she gets the perfect profile written, the perfect photo taken, and a few practice dates in. So when shy, awkward pharmaceutical salesman Henry stops by the clinic, she asks him out—just as friends.
But Henry’s been harboring a secret crush for months, and that night, a messy, hot chemistry sparks between them. When her new dating profile floods with messages, Sophie must choose between the perfect relationship she’d planned, or the imperfect one she never knew she needed.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2025
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Levine
5 books14 followersS.M. Levine grew up with her face in a book, and now she writes steamy, emotional contemporary romance about imperfect people who find true love. She lives in the Midwest with her family and a small assortment of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 14, 2025
Cute and short, this prequel in the Well Space series introduces us to nurse Sophie and sales representative Henry as they fake date to get Sophie ready for the world of online dating. I enjoyed them getting together and seeing Sophie deal with her OCD. Nice starter to series.
Thanks to BookSirens for this opportunity to read and review this ARC voluntarily.
Thanks to BookSirens for this opportunity to read and review this ARC voluntarily.
August 17, 2025
**I received this ARC because I am a part of the author's ARC team and in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
Another ARC that I'm late on reading and reviewing, but oh well. This novella is a prequel to The Well Space series and our MCs are Sophie, the nurse at the clinic, and Henry, a pharmaceutical rep who keeps returning... and not because he really wants the sale. He's harbored a crush on Sophie for ages, but Sophie doesn't know that, she just knows that he's friendly and she doesn't feel awkward around him. So she asks him on a practice date, to make sure that she knows what she's doing as she starts signing up for dating apps. Henry wants to spend time with her, so he agrees and finds himself falling hard for her - and she's experiencing emotions that she's not familiar with, but could possibly be loving?
This was such a quick read (only 6 chapters - I finished in under an hour once I got started) and I kinda wish I had more on these two, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them. It did throw me a bit to see them refer to Ben (the MMC from the first book) as back in his house and not coming into the office and I did have to remind myself that this was a prequel. That said, I do think that it was smart to release this after a few books as I already have the all-in buy-in about the series, heh. I am definitely looking forward to the third book in the series!
Another ARC that I'm late on reading and reviewing, but oh well. This novella is a prequel to The Well Space series and our MCs are Sophie, the nurse at the clinic, and Henry, a pharmaceutical rep who keeps returning... and not because he really wants the sale. He's harbored a crush on Sophie for ages, but Sophie doesn't know that, she just knows that he's friendly and she doesn't feel awkward around him. So she asks him on a practice date, to make sure that she knows what she's doing as she starts signing up for dating apps. Henry wants to spend time with her, so he agrees and finds himself falling hard for her - and she's experiencing emotions that she's not familiar with, but could possibly be loving?
This was such a quick read (only 6 chapters - I finished in under an hour once I got started) and I kinda wish I had more on these two, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them. It did throw me a bit to see them refer to Ben (the MMC from the first book) as back in his house and not coming into the office and I did have to remind myself that this was a prequel. That said, I do think that it was smart to release this after a few books as I already have the all-in buy-in about the series, heh. I am definitely looking forward to the third book in the series!
November 14, 2025
3.5 stars
This novella serves as a prequel to The Well Space series, and even though I haven’t read the main books yet, this one works perfectly as a standalone. At just 91 minutes, the audiobook is a quick, easy binge and ideal for a cozy afternoon listen.
Kelsey Navarro-Foster (as Sophie) and Grayson Owens (as Henry) were such a great pairing. I loved that each character had their own dedicated voice, and both narrators added personality and warmth that made these characters feel real. Henry especially stood out for me. I adored his charm and quiet depth, and I would absolutely read a full-length novel featuring him and Sophie. The only downside is that the story moved a bit quickly, and I found myself wishing for more time with these two.
Thank you Spotify and TLC Book Tours for an advanced listeners copy in exchange for my honest review.
This novella serves as a prequel to The Well Space series, and even though I haven’t read the main books yet, this one works perfectly as a standalone. At just 91 minutes, the audiobook is a quick, easy binge and ideal for a cozy afternoon listen.
Kelsey Navarro-Foster (as Sophie) and Grayson Owens (as Henry) were such a great pairing. I loved that each character had their own dedicated voice, and both narrators added personality and warmth that made these characters feel real. Henry especially stood out for me. I adored his charm and quiet depth, and I would absolutely read a full-length novel featuring him and Sophie. The only downside is that the story moved a bit quickly, and I found myself wishing for more time with these two.
Thank you Spotify and TLC Book Tours for an advanced listeners copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 30, 2025
This is the prequel of Well Space series. Sophie enjoys her routine as a nurse at the clinic, the order of her day helped. Deciding she's ready to try and commit to dating and putting herself up on a dating platform was a major decision for her. Approaching a rep who attends the clinic to have a practice date seems the perfect choice first. Henry always knows that attending Well Space made him a nervous person he'd trip over nothing but he'd make a fool of himself to just speak to her. This is a story that melts your heart each character has their own unique flaws. Can they help each other overcome them. Will insecurities hold them back from admitting how they feel. This is a lovely easy afternoon read that will have you hoping for a hea for them both
August 16, 2025
Short and sweet. I like how the MFC and MMC complimented each other. I also liked that we saw a little bit of Vanessa from The Well Space. I would’ve been so happy to see this novella as a novel and read more of Henry and Sophie!
August 17, 2025
This was the perfect taste of LeVine’s writing style! Not many authors can make you fall in love with characters in a novella but she did it!! I was rooting so hard for Sophie and Henry! This is an amazing little treat for the Wellness Space series and fits into that world perfectly.
August 2, 2025
This is where it all starts! This prequel novella book is a wonderful introduction to the Well Space, and if you fall in love with the characters and the Well Space World, you will definitely want to check out the next books in the series. These books are all light hearted, sweet, and will leave you with a full heart.
December 10, 2025
I’m sampling a few novellas of different authors to try them out before reading their other books. I’m sad to say this is just like most romance writers these days with unrealistic relationships and a huge focus on just the physicality. This prequel did not make me want to read the rest.
December 18, 2025
Very short but cute romance Book.
November 15, 2025
“luminous orbs”
August 27, 2025
It was such a cute novella. I wouldn’t mind reading a full book about Henry and Sophie. It was my first story from this author but certainly not the last one 😊
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2025
I would like to thank the publisher for sending me an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.
Sophie works for a doctor's office as a psych nurse. Henry is a pharmaceutical sales rep. The two of them have been getting along whenever he comes in to see her. Which is now multiple times a week. Sophie is ready to try online dating, but with her OCD she's a little bit of a perfectionist. So she decides that she's going to go on a practice date -- since she's never been on one -- and who better to try that with than Henry. But Henry has been crushing on Sophie for a while, and while he'll take fake dating over nothing, he's really hoping that going out with her could eventually lead to something.
This was a super cute super short little novella.That was also a prequel to a series that I didn't know about, so after reading this, I'll definitely be checking it out.Since this was super cute. I love the idea that her perfectionist brain won't allow her to just go on a date and so she has to practice... only to find out that she was okay with fake dating him in the first place because she has a thing for him that she's never admitted to. I thought the spice here was really well written, especially for something so short. I thought the romance was well done, again, because this was so short I didn't think it was going to be as well written as it was. I loved how everything was resolved at the end. But mostly, I just loved these two characters and how similar yet completely different they are from one another. I also love this idea of vanilla people and chocolate people in relationships -- I thought that was a really cute concept. Overall, for something so short, I thought this was so cute. I love the dual narration, and I would definitely recommend this prequel... now I have to read the actual series because I am definitely intrigued.
Sophie works for a doctor's office as a psych nurse. Henry is a pharmaceutical sales rep. The two of them have been getting along whenever he comes in to see her. Which is now multiple times a week. Sophie is ready to try online dating, but with her OCD she's a little bit of a perfectionist. So she decides that she's going to go on a practice date -- since she's never been on one -- and who better to try that with than Henry. But Henry has been crushing on Sophie for a while, and while he'll take fake dating over nothing, he's really hoping that going out with her could eventually lead to something.
This was a super cute super short little novella.That was also a prequel to a series that I didn't know about, so after reading this, I'll definitely be checking it out.Since this was super cute. I love the idea that her perfectionist brain won't allow her to just go on a date and so she has to practice... only to find out that she was okay with fake dating him in the first place because she has a thing for him that she's never admitted to. I thought the spice here was really well written, especially for something so short. I thought the romance was well done, again, because this was so short I didn't think it was going to be as well written as it was. I loved how everything was resolved at the end. But mostly, I just loved these two characters and how similar yet completely different they are from one another. I also love this idea of vanilla people and chocolate people in relationships -- I thought that was a really cute concept. Overall, for something so short, I thought this was so cute. I love the dual narration, and I would definitely recommend this prequel... now I have to read the actual series because I am definitely intrigued.
November 22, 2025
This is the prequel to 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 series which are all available on KU. The series centers on employees at a mental health clinic and explores a variety of mental health issues, including panic attacks, anxiety, depression, anger, OCD, shyness, and stress.
This novella focuses on Sophie, a registered psych nurse and certified perfectionist. She’s almost ready to join a dating app. As soon as she gets the perfect profile written, the perfect photo taken, and a few practice dates in. So when shy, awkward pharmaceutical salesman Henry stops by the clinic, she asks him out—just as friends.
But Henry’s been harboring a secret crush for months, and that night, a messy, hot chemistry sparks between them. When her new dating profile floods with messages, Sophie must choose between the perfect relationship she’d planned, or the imperfect one she never knew she needed.
I listened to this book and the narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life. They captured Sophie’s reticence and embarrassment by her need for perfection and Henry’s lack of confidence and awkwardness around his crush. I liked how Sophie listened to one of the therapists who told her to listen to her body to determine what was right for her. That was the breakthrough she needed to let herself consider Henry, who was less than perfect, as a partner. It also gave Henry the courage to reach out for what he wanted.
I received a complimentary ALC from TLC Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
This novella focuses on Sophie, a registered psych nurse and certified perfectionist. She’s almost ready to join a dating app. As soon as she gets the perfect profile written, the perfect photo taken, and a few practice dates in. So when shy, awkward pharmaceutical salesman Henry stops by the clinic, she asks him out—just as friends.
But Henry’s been harboring a secret crush for months, and that night, a messy, hot chemistry sparks between them. When her new dating profile floods with messages, Sophie must choose between the perfect relationship she’d planned, or the imperfect one she never knew she needed.
I listened to this book and the narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life. They captured Sophie’s reticence and embarrassment by her need for perfection and Henry’s lack of confidence and awkwardness around his crush. I liked how Sophie listened to one of the therapists who told her to listen to her body to determine what was right for her. That was the breakthrough she needed to let herself consider Henry, who was less than perfect, as a partner. It also gave Henry the courage to reach out for what he wanted.
I received a complimentary ALC from TLC Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2025
ARC REVIEW
"Less than Perfect"
by S.M. Levine
Sophie and Henry: such a beautiful short little story. It's so funny and hopeful and loving. Perfect just like that.
I wish it wasn't a novella but an entire novel. It's so warming and touching. It exudes love.
And that car scene? It comes like a hot wrecking ball. So well written.
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
---
My favorite quotes:
His normally friendly eyes looked strangely intense.
He could drown in that hair.
This could not be happening. He hadn't planned for her to leave her freaking hair down as part of the evening.
Her hair smelled like s3x and some herbal note, and fresh rain, and every other sensual thought he'd ever had.
"I do prefer vanilla. Not s3x, though. Oh, God, I did not say that last part put loud."
An unfamiliar feeling that he was comfortable to be around, that he felt like home.
If it was possible to expire from unrequited lust, Henry was going to be the first man to experience it.
A helpless sound came out of him, half groan and half desperation
He wanted to swallow her whole and leave nothing left.
The eagerness, the hot, can't-wait urge pounding under his skin.
"That's it. You're so beautiful."
"Less than Perfect"
by S.M. Levine
Sophie and Henry: such a beautiful short little story. It's so funny and hopeful and loving. Perfect just like that.
I wish it wasn't a novella but an entire novel. It's so warming and touching. It exudes love.
And that car scene? It comes like a hot wrecking ball. So well written.
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
---
My favorite quotes:
His normally friendly eyes looked strangely intense.
He could drown in that hair.
This could not be happening. He hadn't planned for her to leave her freaking hair down as part of the evening.
Her hair smelled like s3x and some herbal note, and fresh rain, and every other sensual thought he'd ever had.
"I do prefer vanilla. Not s3x, though. Oh, God, I did not say that last part put loud."
An unfamiliar feeling that he was comfortable to be around, that he felt like home.
If it was possible to expire from unrequited lust, Henry was going to be the first man to experience it.
A helpless sound came out of him, half groan and half desperation
He wanted to swallow her whole and leave nothing left.
The eagerness, the hot, can't-wait urge pounding under his skin.
"That's it. You're so beautiful."
October 27, 2025
Sophie is a registered nurse and she is planning on putting herself out there by joining a dating app and having her profile be viewed. Before she completes her profile and officially joins the dating app, she wants to do a few practice dates, so she asks Henry, a pharmaceutical salesman whom she is friends with and the complete opposite of Sophie. Henry is shocked and excited about this as he’s had a huge crush on Sophie!
Will Henry be able to control his feelings for Sophie and make these practice dates successful? Will Sophie be ready for the dating app and the responses she will receive?
This was such a cute novella and a fun morning read! I liked the characters and I think dating apps are super scary and nerve wracking, so practice dates so make sense. This book also talks about it about Sophie’s anxiety and how she wants everything a certain way. It also talks about her mom, who is a hoarder. These topics are carefully written with respect.
TW: anxiety, hoarding, OCD
Will Henry be able to control his feelings for Sophie and make these practice dates successful? Will Sophie be ready for the dating app and the responses she will receive?
This was such a cute novella and a fun morning read! I liked the characters and I think dating apps are super scary and nerve wracking, so practice dates so make sense. This book also talks about it about Sophie’s anxiety and how she wants everything a certain way. It also talks about her mom, who is a hoarder. These topics are carefully written with respect.
TW: anxiety, hoarding, OCD
November 24, 2025
Fake dating to more romance. A short sweet story of two people both with their own personal issues who find each other and eventually get out of their own ways and let love in. Sophie is an RN, who loves her job. Now that things are in her mind, in place, she is ready to find love. She asks Henry, a shy pharmaceutical rep who she meets at her clinic, out on, what is in her mind a practice date as friends before she goes live on dating apps. What she doesn’t know is that he has a serious crush on her. Will they, won't they, can she let go of her idea of perfection and let love in from a wonderful person who isn’t her version of perfect? A quick listen that I completed while walking the dog. Enjoyable and leads to a nice ending.
Upped to 4 stars from what would have been a 3.5 if half stars were available.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Upped to 4 stars from what would have been a 3.5 if half stars were available.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 28, 2025
Less Than Perfect was a cute, sweet and short listen. It was the perfect palate cleanser in between larger books with more intense subject matter. Just what I needed!
Sophie is a nurse working in a clinic and Henry is a pharmaceutical rep. The two have become friendly and Sophie feels comfortable around him. When Sophie decides it is time to put herself out there and start dating, she is scared that she will not know what to do or how to act so she asks Henry if he will help her practice. Henry has had a crush on her for a long time so of course he says yes. The more time he spends with her, the harder Henry falls. Will Sophie be able to conquer her fears and open herself up to find love?
This book left me feeling warm and happy and my heart full!
Thank you, Spotify Audiobook Selects for the ALC of this story. Narrators Kelsey-Navarro-Foster and Grayson Owens along with the production team put on a wonderful presentation.
Sophie is a nurse working in a clinic and Henry is a pharmaceutical rep. The two have become friendly and Sophie feels comfortable around him. When Sophie decides it is time to put herself out there and start dating, she is scared that she will not know what to do or how to act so she asks Henry if he will help her practice. Henry has had a crush on her for a long time so of course he says yes. The more time he spends with her, the harder Henry falls. Will Sophie be able to conquer her fears and open herself up to find love?
This book left me feeling warm and happy and my heart full!
Thank you, Spotify Audiobook Selects for the ALC of this story. Narrators Kelsey-Navarro-Foster and Grayson Owens along with the production team put on a wonderful presentation.
October 31, 2025
This is a cute little Novella, it's a quick read at just under 1.5 hours. We follow Sophie, who is a mental health nurse and suffers with OCD herself. Henry, is a sales rep for a medical company and suffers with his own anxieties. Both characters are extremely realistic and relatable.
They go on a 'fake' date, which turns into much more. There is one spicy scene in the car which was 🔥.
This is a prequel to a series that's already available, so I was looking forward to diving in. Sadly, they don't have audio, so I hope its coming?
The audio was perfection, narrated by Kelsey Navarro-Foster and Grayson Owens. Really hope they also do the narration for the others if they are in production.
All in all, I really enjoyed this Novella, and look forward to trying more from this author when audio is available. Thank you Spotify Audiobooks for the ALC.
They go on a 'fake' date, which turns into much more. There is one spicy scene in the car which was 🔥.
This is a prequel to a series that's already available, so I was looking forward to diving in. Sadly, they don't have audio, so I hope its coming?
The audio was perfection, narrated by Kelsey Navarro-Foster and Grayson Owens. Really hope they also do the narration for the others if they are in production.
All in all, I really enjoyed this Novella, and look forward to trying more from this author when audio is available. Thank you Spotify Audiobooks for the ALC.
November 1, 2025
Ugh, this is just the cutest, most heartwarming thing I’ve ever listened to! I absolutely loved the narrators and how perfectly they captured the characters and their personalities. At an hour and a half, it was the perfect length, yet it still left me wanting more.
I adored both Henry and Sophie individually. They’re quirky, honest, and refreshingly transparent. The chemistry between them was so natural, and that smutty scene was hot! I also loved how they shared their struggles and allowed themselves to be vulnerable and real, it made their connection even more endearing.
The story felt so relatable, especially since dating today can be messy and complicated. Overall, this was a sweet, hopeful, funny, and real. I’m definitely picking up more of S.M. Levine’s work after this!
Repping OCD and Performance Anxiety
I want to thank NetGalley for the ALC
I adored both Henry and Sophie individually. They’re quirky, honest, and refreshingly transparent. The chemistry between them was so natural, and that smutty scene was hot! I also loved how they shared their struggles and allowed themselves to be vulnerable and real, it made their connection even more endearing.
The story felt so relatable, especially since dating today can be messy and complicated. Overall, this was a sweet, hopeful, funny, and real. I’m definitely picking up more of S.M. Levine’s work after this!
Repping OCD and Performance Anxiety
I want to thank NetGalley for the ALC
November 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you Spotify Audiobooks for the NetGalley arc!! <3
Less than Perfect by S.M. Levine was a quick and cute listen. Based on the cover alone, I thought it would be a spooky, autumn read, but it wasn't that at all. So I definitely think the cover needs some work. Regarding the actual story, I found some of the writing to be a bit cringey and awkward, which stilted the dialogue quite a bit. However, the premise of the story was interesting to listen to, and kept me engaged throughout. Since it was such a short story, the characters weren't fully fleshed out, but I liked how they had very distinct personality traits. I often find many short stories to feature MCs with bland characteristics, but Levine did a great job with their characters. If you're looking for a short audiobook to help with your reading challenge, I would recommend it!
Thank you Spotify Audiobooks for the NetGalley arc!! <3
Less than Perfect by S.M. Levine was a quick and cute listen. Based on the cover alone, I thought it would be a spooky, autumn read, but it wasn't that at all. So I definitely think the cover needs some work. Regarding the actual story, I found some of the writing to be a bit cringey and awkward, which stilted the dialogue quite a bit. However, the premise of the story was interesting to listen to, and kept me engaged throughout. Since it was such a short story, the characters weren't fully fleshed out, but I liked how they had very distinct personality traits. I often find many short stories to feature MCs with bland characteristics, but Levine did a great job with their characters. If you're looking for a short audiobook to help with your reading challenge, I would recommend it!
August 4, 2025
S.M. Levine is an author that’s new to me and I enjoyed their book. This was a quick read and the perfect pallet cleanser!
I love how the main characters in this book are people who have every day types of struggles. Henry likes a girl so much he becomes clumsy, his brain basically shuts down, becomes anxious but tries to push through. He’s so endearing you have to look past it. Sophie has OCD tendencies and is trying to forge a new path while trying to manage her expectations of how things should go and letting them happen naturally. I love that these two are stepping outside of their comfort zones!
This book shares their struggles and successes and that’s part of why I like it so much.
I love how the main characters in this book are people who have every day types of struggles. Henry likes a girl so much he becomes clumsy, his brain basically shuts down, becomes anxious but tries to push through. He’s so endearing you have to look past it. Sophie has OCD tendencies and is trying to forge a new path while trying to manage her expectations of how things should go and letting them happen naturally. I love that these two are stepping outside of their comfort zones!
This book shares their struggles and successes and that’s part of why I like it so much.
October 27, 2025
I listened to the audiobook.
This is a prequel to the Well Space Series which I haven’t read but, want to after listening this. It was cute, short and sweet. I enjoyed the characters. The connection and chemistry between the MFC and MMC was great. Despite being a quick listen the story was great too. The audiobook was less than two hours but, wasn’t lacking. The story flowed well and didn’t feel rushed. I enjoyed it.
The audiobook was dual narration performed by Kelsey Navarro-Foster and Grayson Owens. Their voices fit the characters and complimented each other well. They did a great job bringing this story to life.
Story 3.75 ⭐️’s
Narration 5 ⭐️’s
Spice 1 🌶️
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!
This is a prequel to the Well Space Series which I haven’t read but, want to after listening this. It was cute, short and sweet. I enjoyed the characters. The connection and chemistry between the MFC and MMC was great. Despite being a quick listen the story was great too. The audiobook was less than two hours but, wasn’t lacking. The story flowed well and didn’t feel rushed. I enjoyed it.
The audiobook was dual narration performed by Kelsey Navarro-Foster and Grayson Owens. Their voices fit the characters and complimented each other well. They did a great job bringing this story to life.
Story 3.75 ⭐️’s
Narration 5 ⭐️’s
Spice 1 🌶️
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!
November 1, 2025
This was a short, sweet romance, and I really enjoyed the audiobook. It’s technically a prequel to The Well Space series, but it was easy to follow, and I don’t feel like I was missing anything, even though I know absolutely nothing about the rest of the series.
Even though the story is quick, it checked off a lot of important boxes. Friends to lovers, fake dating, neurodivergent representation, and a bit of spice.
It’s a fun, romantic story, and I’d recommend it for both the fans of The Well Space as well as an intro to the series. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of the series, and the audiobook was a well done duet narration. Thanks to Spotify Audiobook Selects for the complimentary advance listening copy via NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts.
Even though the story is quick, it checked off a lot of important boxes. Friends to lovers, fake dating, neurodivergent representation, and a bit of spice.
It’s a fun, romantic story, and I’d recommend it for both the fans of The Well Space as well as an intro to the series. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of the series, and the audiobook was a well done duet narration. Thanks to Spotify Audiobook Selects for the complimentary advance listening copy via NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts.
August 2, 2025
Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is such a cute short story and I think a great introduction to the Well Space series. I loved how realistic Henry felt, a sweet man who gets a little flustered and clumsy around the woman he has feelings for and the way he behaved on the dates showed a true gentleman underneath his nerves. I also enjoyed seeing the perfect obsessed Sophie realise that maybe perfect isn’t always what she needs and accept her love life may not need to be perfect after all, just perfect for her.
Favourite Quote:
“We can all do things we're bad at, and still enjoy them.”
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is such a cute short story and I think a great introduction to the Well Space series. I loved how realistic Henry felt, a sweet man who gets a little flustered and clumsy around the woman he has feelings for and the way he behaved on the dates showed a true gentleman underneath his nerves. I also enjoyed seeing the perfect obsessed Sophie realise that maybe perfect isn’t always what she needs and accept her love life may not need to be perfect after all, just perfect for her.
Favourite Quote:
“We can all do things we're bad at, and still enjoy them.”
August 3, 2025
Sophie is a psych nurse who suffers from OCD. Henry is a pharmaceutical rep who suffers from performance anxiety. Sophie asks Henry if she will go on a practice date with him as she wants to join a dating app. The only problem is Henry is already infatuated with Sophie. As in all of S.M. Levine’s books this prequel to her Well Space series is about perfectly imperfect people trying to find love. All of the books in the series are so relatable, easy reads, and really enjoyable. There is a very spicy scene in this book. These books just bring me so much joy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 14, 2025
This is the cutest, most fun little prequel novella!! And it's release day!
The Well Space prequel takes you into the world of Sophie (a psych nurse at the clinic) and Henry, the pharmaceutical sales rep.
Sophie wants to start dating. Henry is her friend. Sophie figures that a practice/fake date with Henry will help soothe her nerves and get her ready for the dating app and scene.
Henry accepts the practice date, but as the two spend more time together, feelings grow. So does the conflict of interest. They have to go through a moment before they get their HEA.
This is a sweet, quick read with some spice and two goofy, klutzy characters. 💜
The Well Space prequel takes you into the world of Sophie (a psych nurse at the clinic) and Henry, the pharmaceutical sales rep.
Sophie wants to start dating. Henry is her friend. Sophie figures that a practice/fake date with Henry will help soothe her nerves and get her ready for the dating app and scene.
Henry accepts the practice date, but as the two spend more time together, feelings grow. So does the conflict of interest. They have to go through a moment before they get their HEA.
This is a sweet, quick read with some spice and two goofy, klutzy characters. 💜
August 23, 2025
This is the prequel to the Well Space series, which I have not read. I had mixed feelings about this short book. I enjoyed the setting (mental health practice) and the characters. The pacing was good and I became invested in the outcome. I want to check out the original book one now. I just did not like the introduction and I was bothered the whole time I read the book by having received too much of a preview. This may be a unique viewpoint because I am new to the series, however I think the “new” reader starting here has to be considered. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 12, 2025
Less Than Perfect
by S.M. Levine
Narrated by Kelsey Navarro-Foster, Grayson Owens
I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.
Narrators: Both were great!
This audiobook is on the short side, but it’s still good! This romance is a friends-to-lovers romance that centers in two people with mental-emotional idiosyncrasies. They are both great people, just awkward in certain situations.
Honestly, I wish more books were like this! I love flawed people. I love books with neuro-divergent people. I enjoy stories that feel real, and this one does!
I highly recommend it especially to anyone with ocd or that resonates with what I wrote above.
by S.M. Levine
Narrated by Kelsey Navarro-Foster, Grayson Owens
I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.
Narrators: Both were great!
This audiobook is on the short side, but it’s still good! This romance is a friends-to-lovers romance that centers in two people with mental-emotional idiosyncrasies. They are both great people, just awkward in certain situations.
Honestly, I wish more books were like this! I love flawed people. I love books with neuro-divergent people. I enjoy stories that feel real, and this one does!
I highly recommend it especially to anyone with ocd or that resonates with what I wrote above.
December 11, 2025
This was a cute read. Sophie is relatable in that “I really need you to get out of your own way” kind of way. Henry, meanwhile, is almost too sweet and understated, to the point where I sometimes wished he’d show a little more fire instead of just quietly pining in the corner. The romance is soft and simple, which is great if you like low-stakes stories, but it can also feel a bit bland in places and too much is happening for no reason in others, as if it’s afraid to lean into deeper tension or bigger emotions. Still, the message about letting go of rigid expectations and embracing a love that doesn’t look like the fantasy in your head does land nicely.
August 2, 2025
This is a prequel to The Well Space series, and it’s actually my first book by S.M. Levine. The story has potential and offers an interesting introduction to the world and characters. I especially liked the groundwork laid for deeper emotional exploration—it would be interesting to see if future books dive further into the main characters’ mental struggles and personal growth.
As a prequel, it does a solid job setting up the tone and themes, and I’m curious to see how the series develops from here!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As a prequel, it does a solid job setting up the tone and themes, and I’m curious to see how the series develops from here!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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