The Perfect Sister

Sister #7

by Leanne Davis

Ally McKinley has been told how perfect she is so often that she now strives to live up to that ideal. Her father abandoned her family when she was a just a kid, but it taught her the importance of taking care of herself. She must keep everything around her under perfect order and control to avoid ever again being so blindsided. Her type A personality helped her sail through school and her college years, but that merely reinforces the positive aspects to being so perfect.

It also prevents almost everyone from ever seeing who she really is.

Nate Stratton attends the same college. He is in the same grade, majoring in the same subject, and even shares family with Ally. Ally is smart, funny, sarcastic, and, to everyone else’s eyes, the perfect college senior, about to take her world by storm. Nate, however, finds Ally’s need for perfection ridiculous, especially after he learns the secret he’s pretty sure no one, not even her sister or mother, know about her. Her secret threatens her health as well as her life. He thinks she is taking a stupid gamble to uphold her illusion of perfection. What good is striving to be perfect if she never allows herself to feel anything real? He intends to show her that imperfection is far more interesting than trying to live up to an ideal that might ultimately kill her.

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romance

ebook

First published October 25, 2016

About the author

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Raw. Real. Emotional Romance. Writing provocative and darker themed romance that always finds its happily ever after!

With 50 plus, full length books there is a story for everyone!
Cowboy romance? Got it! Small town... yep. Big city rock star? Covered! You like a little suspense? Yep, got a few of those too.

Most of my books are standalone stories in connected series. Whether it's the setting, theme or family connections, my series are often multi-generational and span decades. While each book is a complete story, beloved characters will pop in and out of these sagas. I stick to new adult, contemporary and western romances, with tons of emotion and all the feels tucked into them.

I live in the rainy area of Western Washington, and spend as much time as I can traveling to destinations all across the state, where I do all things outdoors.
Many of these locations become the settings for my books.
I earned my business degree from Western Washington University, and worked for several years in the construction management field before turning to writing full time.

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Email me➜➜ leanne@leannedavis.net

My Books:
River's End
Rydell River Ranch Series
The Sister Series
The Zenith Series
The Seaclusion Series
Diversions
At the Next Table

Reviews

[Sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the relationship between Nate and Ally but I wanted more of it. The story felt rushed but somehow also too long and drawn out at certain scenes. There was a lot of information about Ally's family and side dramas happening with them that kind of took away from the actual relationship with Nate and Ally. It was like they weren't the main focus as a couple but neither were they the focus as individual characters. Even Ally's bulimia felt skimmed over, especially near the end.

Overall, I did enjoy parts of this story but as a whole it felt like there was just too much going on.

[Coco.V]

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Blurb:
Ally McKinley has been told how perfect she is so often that she now strives to live up to that ideal. Her father abandoned her family when she was a just a kid, but it taught her the importance of taking care of herself. She must keep everything around her under perfect order and control to avoid ever again being so blindsided. Her type A personality helped her sail through school and her college years, but that merely reinforces the positive aspects to being so perfect.

It also prevents almost everyone from ever seeing who she really is.

Nate Stratton attends the same college. He is in the same grade, majoring in the same subject, and even shares family with Ally. Ally is smart, funny, sarcastic, and, to everyone else’s eyes, the perfect college senior, about to take her world by storm. Nate, however, finds Ally’s need for perfection ridiculous, especially after he learns the secret he’s pretty sure no one, not even her sister or mother, know about her. Her secret threatens her health as well as her life. He thinks she is taking a stupid gamble to uphold her illusion of perfection. What good is striving to be perfect if she never allows herself to feel anything real? He intends to show her that imperfection is far more interesting than trying to live up to an ideal that might ultimately kill her.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author excels at making me ugly cry reading her stories. She tackles writing about taboo subjects in such realistic fashion your heart is wrenched with each story.

Bulimia is the front and center issue in this book. When Ally McKinley's father betrayed their family when she was a child this set the course for her having trouble managing emotions in a healthy way. She always though she was so much better at how she handled things. Her sister's way was drugs, alcohol and sleeping with everyone. She would never be like that nor like her Aunt Vickie who created havoc in everyone's life with her alcoholism and multiple husbands. No Ally was perfect – 4.0 grade point average, never a burden to her parents, didn't sleep around – problem with that though – it was all a lie. Yes, she was all of those things but what it took for her to maintain that was killing her. When she doesn't ace a test and her grade point drops to 3.9 this fast tracks her downward cycle. Ally's world is black and white – she harshly judges those around her but what they don't realize is she internally judges herself just as harshly to the point of destroying her body from the inside out.

Book 4 in this series is where this family's heartache started. Ally's mother Tracy had to come to grips with the man she has loved with all her heart for over 14 years has done something so deplorable and to avoid going to prison ops to just walk away from her and their children was heartbreaking. In that book we saw how is actions affected the mother. Then in book 6 we saw how it affected the younger sister Kylie. Now we see how it all effected Ally. I am happy to say that by the end of this book everyone in this family is on their way to healing – even forgiving their father Micah.

I havent talked about the romance in this book because I always feel like the disease, addiction, self destructive behavior or the tragedy is the heart and soul of these books. Nate, who Ally hated from the moment she met him years ago, ends up not being who she thought he was. They embark in a secret romance that later when he finds out about Ally's Bulimia has him having to make a decision that rips his heart out and he struggles with his emotions over that. Its not easy for any friend or family member to have to deal with a person they care about having a disease and when they have to be the one to finally confront them about that and let their family know its just as hard on them.

These books are so closely tied together that to get the full emotional effect and understanding they should be read in order.

[Susan Jordens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I read a book written by Leanne I am always amazed at how her characters are so lifelike. I really feel their emotions and thoughts. The Perfect Sister is a truly gripping read. Ally and Nate are two compelling characters and their story is really addictive. Once I started reading I could not put the book down. I highly recommend it.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally McKinley has strived for perfection her whole life. It is what is expected of her by everyone else as she never causes any problems but most importantly it's what she wants for herself. She has a secret that she hides from everyone but it's something she needs to deal with her stress and need to be perfect.

Nate Stratton's dad is married to Ally's Aunt Vickie and the two have clashed since meeting. But Nate has his own past with Vickie that Ally doesn't approve of. When the two are forced to do a class project together Ally doesn't believe that Nate is capable of doing anything seriously.

Will Nate discover Ally's secret and when Ally must deal with family issues will she be able to get through them on her own?

This was such a good book and I love the serious issues that it deals with. I have to commend the author for constantly bringing into the open real life problems and making readers take note and be more aware.

I really liked Ally and my heart broke for her as she grew up thinking she had to be perfect in order not to cause any trouble after her father, Micah, left their family and her mom was under such stress. Then as her younger sister, Kylie, rebelled she stayed on the straight and narrow yet she was leaving with own pain and secrets. Ally was devastated when her 4.0 GPA dropped and she felt like she had to get it back up as she was disappointing others and herself.

Nate was an interesting character for sure. I was definitely surprised at his relationship with Aunt Vickie and how that changed into a different relationship and I can't see how it wouldn't be awkward. Nate was extremely straight forward and had his own goals in life.

I wasn't surprised when things took a turn between Nate and Ally and I wasn't shocked when Ally wanted to keep everything secret. I don't think Nate fit into what Ally saw for herself. It was super obvious how much Nate did care about Ally and how he forced her to look at certain things in different ways, especially after her and Kylie had a huge fight.

I was so proud of Nate for going to Tracy and it broke my heart how much Ally lashed out at him, even though he did things for the right reason. I also understood why Ally was expecting Nate to say more to her and how it made her sad that he didn't.

I was so proud of Ally for getting help and realizing the good that Nate did. I'm glad she let him back in and I can't wait for the next story!!

[Andrzejewski Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Sister was a wonderful addition to the Sister series. This book is a fast paced read and difficult to put down. The Perfect Sister is Ally and Nate's story. What might started off between them as a college party, one night stand. Turned into so much more. Nate had always had a thing for Ally since their freshmen year. During a drunken night a party senior year for him to get brave enough to approach Ally.
Once they make connection at the party, sparks ignite between the pair. They both are looking forward to finishing out their last quarter of their senior year and graduating and heading to law school together.
Little does Nate know that Ally has her own dirty little secret. Ally doesn't know how to accept not being the perfect student, daughter, sister or even girlfriend. When things don't always turn out so perfect Ally turns to the only way she knows how to handle stress, food. Ally sees it as binge eating after gorging herself on all her favorite foods. Too bad afterwards she's found a simple way to get rid of the extra calories with a purge. She sees nothing wrong with it as it's a sometimes thing.
Too bad when unexpected traumatic events take place the only way she can handle it is the way she handles everything else. By this point Nate is already suspecting that something is up with Ally. He notices that she emotionally is handling things much differently.
When Nate catches her in the action one night. He is unsure how to handle it. Finally after some time has passed he goes home to talk with his father. But instead ends up having a conversation with his stepmother, Ally's aunt.
Once Ally's family steps in and helps Ally get the some much needed treatment. Ally learns and takes the time to understand that its okay for lifes imperfections. Nate and her find that they have plenty to learn about each other. Nate is whiling to accept Ally completely, no matter how imperfect she maybe. He is whiling to stand by her along with the rest of her family as a support. These two in they end recieve their HEA.

**The subject matter in this book is an intense subject. I think the author did an amazing job. An eating disorder, mental health, addiction &/or any type of abuse are subjects that are never taken lightly. The author helps you understand what Ally and her loved ones experience in this story.**

[Nicole Studioso · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things I really like about the Sisters book is the relevancy and realism depicted with care and compassion. In the past, we've dealt with alcoholism, rape, spousal abuse, mental illness, PTSD and handicaps. We got a taste of possible eating disorders in Kylie's book (The Broken Sister), but here, it is front and center, in your face with no mercy! This is not an easy book, and there is really no enjoyment for the reader, as the story is so raw and personal. I felt like I was eavesdropping on this young woman's life and personal musings. As a mother of three grown girls, this was exciting uncomfortable for me. However, it was eye-opening and candid when it comes to the reasons for, the societal/familial pressures, and the prevailing attitudes that may lead to eating disorders, specifically bulimia here, in our young people.
This is such a close-up study, and it can be squirm-inducing. Ally McKinley is such a perfectionist, who strives to control everything around her and her own emotions that she uses bingeing and purging to simply feel free! The family dynamics are a perfect storm which allows Ally to self-harm without real detection.
Nate Stratton is the young, seemingly carefree man who has wanted Ally for years, yet fears her rejection and her judgement in nearly every aspect of his life. His feelings are tangible and real, yet you can't help but see the warning signs and red flags that arise as he becomes more involved with Ally. He's already lost so much personally; can he really see a future with such a woman who disregards her own health and well-being while trying to keep her secrets to herself?
There is so much going on behind the scenes in this book that at times it made my head hurt. Even after having read the previous 6 books, it really takes some time and mental acuity to keep track of everyone and everything that converges in this book. The characters are well-defined and cleanly written and the dialogue fairly snaps with it sharpness and edges. If you've followed the McKinley family since The Wrong Sister, you'll want to read this to see the outcome for Tracy's daughters!

[Susan Homan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Sister

I give this book 4.5 starts. I have loved every book that I have read in the series (I missed a couple of the first ones, but will go back and read them soon). This is about Ally - who everyone (including herself) thinks she is perfect in most ways. Ally's dad left her when she was 11, and after some big anger issues, she felt she needed to be perfect for her mom and herself. She puts a lot of pressure on herself to be perfect and have a perfect grade point average, and she has to have a way to relieve her stress, but what she does, she has to keep from everyone. Enter Nate, who has had a crush on Ally for 3 years. Ally can't stand him because he slept with her Aunt Vickie, and now Aunt Vickie is married to Nate's dad. They are thrown together to do a school project. Ally doesn't think Nate will pull his weight with the project, but she is in for a huge surprise. They happen to be at a party, and both have been drinking - which leads to a drunken hookup. It doesn't end as a one night stand, but Ally wants their relationship to be secret. Nate just wants to be with Ally so he goes along. He feels something is off with her, but can't figure out what it is, until Ally's sister Kylie outs that she was raped. He catches Ally letting go of her stress, and realizes that she needs help to overcome her secret before she harms herself. It was very refreshing how much Nate cared for and loved Ally - even when she was being mean to him. This book is told in about the same time as the one about Kylie. At times, that threw me off, but it was also nice to get more information. I love this series, and how this author writes about things of so much importance to all of our lives, and gives us characters that you just fall in love with.

[Nicole Studioso · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so real and raw!

One of the things I really like about the Sisters book is the relevancy and realism depicted with care and compassion. In the past, we've dealt with alcoholism, rape, spousal abuse, mental illness, PTSD and handicaps. We got a taste of possible eating disorders in Kylie's book (The Broken Sister), but here, it is front and center, in your face with no mercy! This is not an easy book, and there is really no enjoyment for the reader, as the story is so raw and personal. I felt like I was eavesdropping on this young woman's life and personal musings.
As a mother of three grown girls, this was exciting uncomfortable for me. However, it was eye-opening and candid when it comes to the reasons for, the societal/familial pressures, and the prevailing attitudes that may lead to eating disorders, specifically bulimia here, in our young people. This is such a close-up study, and it can be squirm-inducing.
Ally McKinley is such a perfectionist, who strives to control everything around her and her own emotions that she uses bingeing and purging to simply feel free! The family dynamics are a perfect storm which allows Ally to self-harm without real detection. Nate Stratton is the young, seemingly carefree man who has wanted Ally for years, yet fears her rejection and her judgement in nearly every aspect of his life. His feelings are tangible and real, yet you can't help but see the warning signs and red flags that arise as he becomes more involved with Ally. He's already lost so much personally; can he really see a future with such a woman who disregards her own health and well-being while trying to keep her secrets to herself? There is so much going on behind the scenes in this book that at times it made my head hurt. Even after having read the previous 6 books, it really takes some time and mental acuity to keep track of everyone and everything that converges in this book. The characters are well-defined and cleanly written and the dialogue fairly snaps with it sharpness and edges. If you've followed the McKinley family since The Wrong Sister, you'll want to read this to see the outcome for Tracy's daughters!

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally, sister of Kylie from book #6, has always tried to be the perfect sister, daughter, student, etc., but she is struggling with a secret that could kill her. Nate has been interested in Ally since he met her 3 years prior, but Ally is hung up with the fact that Nate was with Ally's much older Aunt Vickie. Can Ally get the help she needs before it's too late, and can Nate look past Ally's fatal flaw?

I found this story to be a bit heavy on the self-deprecation and redundant in Ally's feelings that vacillated between self-loathing and self-assurance that her issues really weren't that bad. That being said, I did like this story overall, and enjoyed watching another family member in this series find love.

You do not have to read the entire series to enjoy this book, but you should at least read books 5 and 6.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Little Too Perfect

This is a really great read. Ally is the perfect daughter, sister and student but is hiding a deep dark secret. Nate is a thorn in her side. He was her Aunt Vicky’s boyfriend for a while and is now her stepson and Ally can’t stand him. He has a crush on her and constantly annoys her just to get her attention. A drunken one night stand leads to a secret relationship and Ally finally feeling something. Now she just has to keep her secret from Nate.

This book deals with bulimia in a real and intense way. The hiding, the reasoning, the joy, the shame and the fear of being found out.

[Tracy Trixy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... seriously each book just continues to get better and better. I love this crazy imperfect family and all their quirks :)
This book is about Ally, the ‘perfect’ sister of Kylie, and step sister to Julia. As we learn throughout the book, Ally is struggling with emotions, and is dealing with them in an unhealthy way. We meet Nate, who is the son of Dane, (Vickies newest husband) who has a secret crush upon Ally.
This is about them falling in love, while Ally is trying to conquer her demons. Seriously cannot recommend this series enough. Brilliantly written and will keep you enthralled until the end!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally has worked so hard to create her perfect life. She is the perfect student, sister and daughter. When one slip at school causes her to lose her 4.0 it rocks Ally's entire world. Nate is the fun loving, laid back guy. He pesters Ally relentlessly and she seriously dislikes him due to some family history. When Nate accidentally learns her biggest secret will she ever forgive him?

This was my first book by Leanne Davis. The Perfect Sister takes you through the trials and emotions Ally deals with. Love that the author has her characters deal with issues that people don't want to talk about. Very emotional. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Kitty Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally struggled to be perfect at everything she did. A single B+ sent her into orbit. A dark ugly secret comes to light and suddenly her world comes crashing down upon her. Her struggles to be that perfect girl, a perfect little clone of a father who betrayed her, in the end she wondered if it was all too much in an imperfect world. Had she struggled too hard for perfection that she frightened off the one man who loved her in spite of her imperfections?
This story was another emotional roller coaster. It was deep and complex in its subject. Ally's struggle with an eating disorder was well written. I cried buckets in the end. Redemption is hard won. Leanne Davis doesn't ever disappoint.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets. Obsession. Restrained emotions. Guilt. Those are just a few things tackled in this book. This book overlaps with book 6, The Broken Sister and gives the reader a richer understanding of the relationship between Kylie and Ally. As is her style, Leanne Davis creates more characters who are realistic and imperfect and writes with such skill that the reader can't help but feel for the characters as they go through the struggles and trials that make up the story line.

[Rosanna Ingram · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something about Leanne Davis' writing that pulled me in and never let me go. The characters feel so real and the issues they deal with are realistic. Ally's character reminded of me of people I knew in high school so I was drawn into the story and wanted to know what happened next. The feelings Nate has toward Ally were powerful and felt through the words.
I have not read the other books in the series...but I am going to now!

[Deborah Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a lifelong survivor of bulimia, this book touched me in its honesty, and realism. I identified with the heroine, and her need for perfection, no gray areas, so sad, and tough to live through and read about. Miss Davis is a wonderful writer, true to her characters and subject matter. Recommended but recovering food addict sufferers will find triggers well written book on tough societal issue.

[Joleen Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally

We’ve seen the love hate relationship between Nate and Ally in pervious books. When they finally let down their walls and explore the sizzle, one thing leads to another and a big secret is revealed. I love how these books all hit the tough aspects and educate us in a beautiful way. IT makes you understand the characters so much more and connect with them

[Neisha Exeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leanna Davis is the only author who always leaves me out of sorts after reading her books. What an amazing author and what a roller coaster ride she sent me on with this book. She always makes me keep coming back for more and more. Absolutely amazing book about things some might refer to as taboo but this author just knows how to make everything seem ok (hope I said it right). Highly recommended.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the feels in this book! Leanna knows how to touch on tough subjects, and though this is my first book by her, I will definitely be back for more. I love Ally and Nate’s story, and it is so relatable as she tries to make sure everything is perfect, and she has full control over every aspect of her life. Loved this book!

[Tammy Deighan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this author tells a story. She keeps you in the book right to the very end. Even if you need a box of tissues you still what to read on. This book touches deep in I'm sure tons of what they like people to think they are perfect. Well really that's not real and this books brings out the real.. Well worth reading.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I have read a few books by Leanne Davis before, and I do enjoy them. They tend to tackle some tougher topics and bring awareness to them.

And while I enjoyed The Perfect Sister, I felt like it could have been a little shorter; it dragged on in some places.

I will be looking out for more by Leanne Davis!

[Samantha Waldow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 7 in the Sister series.  This book was great. Ally tries to be perfect in everyway. Nate has had a thing for Ally for awhile but Ally  can't get over him being with her aunt. This story puts you on a roller coaster and throws you into taboo subjects about bulimia and anorexic. This series has been great. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. 

[Yvonne Roller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough about this series. While each book carries over into the next by virtue of other characters each story is so unique! I love that this author is not afraid to tackle topics that some avoid. Life is messy. Nothing is perfect. Except for the stories that she weaves.

[Jennifer Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

What a powerful emotional story this is the 7th book in the sister series this one is ally’s book regarding how everyone thinking how she’s perfect. Nate always liked ally but he also had some relations with her aunt will things change with them..

[Thea Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Ally's story and about her struggle to have everything perfect, what she went through when her dad left. It's really good, I love this series because the characters deal with real problems and they are believable. Can't wait to read the next story.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection

Whoosh lots of feels with this book....again Leanne touches on some pretty taboo and hard life subjects. She does it with such grace and love. This was such an emotional rollercoaster and be prepared for the tears...I love Nate & Ally and their journey.

[Lisa Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love ally and nate so much....Ally as alway been seen has perfect in every one eyes and she perform to be that everyday ..i love hoe the character has a chemistry and how they react to each other .. it a must read book like all the books in this series .. hury and get it you wont regret it

[Chrissie Ozment · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!!

These books never have a dull moment. When I think I know what’s going to happen it changes into something else. It keeps me wanting more!

[Aimee Rekoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

Just like the others it addresses real issues with heart and soul. I loved this story, I loved how it gave readers insight on how Ally handled Kylie’s stuff.