Mimi Bishop found the man of her dreams when she met Vance Ashcroft in a chance encounter. During their whirlwind courtship, they learn they share a sparkling and dynamic chemistry, filled with humor, happiness and steamy sensuality. Their relationship is effortless and blossoms into a passionate love. Soon Mimi is living her happily ever after with Vance as his wife until his behavior mysteriously begins to change. Vance grows cold, then hostile, finally becoming violent one fateful night. Her perfect life and heart shattered, Mimi attempts to move on to a life without Vance. Powerful memories of their love haunt her, making it almost impossible to heal and become whole again. Just when Mimi thinks she can finally put the past behind her, she learns a devastating secret about Vance that threatens to shatter her forever. **This book contains graphic material not intended for readers under 18 years of age.**
Heather Guimond is a Los Angeles native, a fact she's abnormally proud of. When she's not trying to write something that will make people laugh while simultaneously ripping their hearts out, she's either reading or doing her best to crack the whip on her three home-schooled children. She loves all things witty and wise-cracking, as well most varieties of smart-assery (just ask her very own smart-ass, her husband). Other favorites include French roast coffee in copious amounts and the dirtiest Dirty Martinis she can find. More than anything, she hopes that she writes books that stick with the reader long after the pages have been read.
From the first chapter to the last, this book had me on edge.
It starts of with an intense scene set in the present day, between Vance and Mimi that has me questioning why on earth they're married.
From there we are transported back one year and six months earlier to when the two met. As the book continues, we slowly see that their relationship, although a whirlwind, is something based on love, affection and intensity. So why the sudden change? What went wrong in the year and a half they had been married?
Vance is the doting husband and Mimi is the loving wife. Life seems perfect for a time and nothing can come between the two. When Vance starts working on a massive deal at work that can land him the partnership at his law firm, he changes. Gone are the days of this amazing, sweet man, in his place is someone that Mimi doesn't recognize.
Something changed. Something so drastic that she doesn't know who her husband is anymore. But what? How can someone have such a sudden turnaround in personality?
I don't want to say too much, but the ending was a shocker!
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to book two!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Dani from Alpha Book Club
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Mimi and Vance meet while they are waiting to board on a plane. They feel an inmediate attraction. And they become inseparable. Their love is powerful and beautiful. But one year and a half after their wedding, Vance's behaviour starts to be different. He is turning into an agressive man. And even violent. Mimi is heartbroken but she must take a decision. She must think about herself first. What I didn't expect was that there was a reason behind Vance's attitude. And it was...life-altering. I liked the story although some parts were a little bit slow.
Mimi and Vance are quite complicated. Vance changes drastically and Mimi goes through heartbreak unlike anything she's ever felt. The time before chapter one was totally amazing. Vance had my heart melting. If you're tempted to stop reading after chapter one, give it a chance. Trust me. It's hard to get through but it's worth it. I am anxious to read the next chapter in Mimi's story.
I'll be honest, romance isn't usually my genre - if it doesn't have robots or zombies in, it's not usually the fiction for me - but I happened across Shattered Perfection and it had me hooked from the first page. Mimi, the main character, has such a wonderful way of looking at the world that I was drawn into her life straight away. Her perspective - witty, wry, smart and unsure of herself - makes the book a delight to read. The other characters in Mimi's life are vivid, colourful, and (above all) human. It's hard to say too much about the plot without giving more away that is necessary, but by the end of the book I felt as if I'd made a friend in Mimi, and been on a hell of an emotional journey with here. It's hard to believe this is the author's first work, but I am very much hoping it's the first of many. I might not read too many more romance novels, but rest assured that if I do, they'll have been written by H.R. Guimond.
Merged review:
I'll be honest, romance isn't usually my genre - if it doesn't have robots or zombies in, it's not usually the fiction for me - but I happened across Shattered Perfection and it had me hooked from the first page. Mimi, the main character, has such a wonderful way of looking at the world that I was drawn into her life straight away. Her perspective - witty, wry, smart and unsure of herself - makes the book a delight to read. The other characters in Mimi's life are vivid, colourful, and (above all) human. It's hard to say too much about the plot without giving more away that is necessary, but by the end of the book I felt as if I'd made a friend in Mimi, and been on a hell of an emotional journey with here. It's hard to believe this is the author's first work, but I am very much hoping it's the first of many. I might not read too many more romance novels, but rest assured that if I do, they'll have been written by Heather Guimond.
Emotionally gripping. This book had me both immersed in joy and torn into knots. I was taken back by the very beginning, as it is a mildly violent scene. Keep reading, though. I am not one to read much in the form of violence and I highly recommend this book. This story immediately turns back to the beginning of how Mimi and Vance meet, as well as continues through their entire love affair. I ran the gamut of emotions on my rollercoaster ride. I wanted to kiss Vance for the longest time, then I was simply crushed and wanted to kill him, then I was crushed a time or two more. I believe I cried through much of the second half of the book. I loved the realness of the love and that the story was so easy to follow. You will want to live this love. The ease of conversation and the witty banter was quite enjoyable. When I came to the end of my reading, I was hollow. Completely gutted. My brother thought something horrible had happened at home, as I was visiting him when I read this. He came back as I was finishing the book and I was torn into absolute pieces. The relationships in their lives are ones you hope to have. I loved how Justin was able to stay truly devoted to friendship with both of them. I will read the next novel.
I was provided an ARC for an honest review from Kitty Kats Crazy About BooksBooks. I almost stopped reading this book after the first chapter due to the emotion it brought to the forefront of my mind and heart. I made myself continue due to agreeing to give a review due. I AM SO HAPPY I CONTINUED READING!! If I had not, I would have never found the truth and meaning within this book and missed out on important insights that moved me beyond words.
When it came to describing this book's mood in the one word it was almost as difficult as writing a review to do it justice. The emotions the author leads the readers through while telling this part of the story is varied and extreme. I loved it! It puts the reader in one emotion and thought frame and then your floor drops out from under you. If you couldn't see it coming slightly ahead of time in the Hmmm I wonder if ... thought process you may not be breathing when you get to some sections. Do yourself a huge favor do not give up after reading the first section, you need to read the whole book to see things as they truly are!
This is a 4.9 star read!! I would read it again, and again and again! For a series book 1 that is the second highest I have ever scored. Have your tissues ready for an amazing journey while reading this one!
This popped up on my Facebook, I read the comments and it seemed interesting, I went on to read the reviews and decided to give it ago.
OMG, I think I went through every emotion possible. I was cynical at the beginning, moving on to being in love with Vance and Mimi and the relationship they had. This s a book that is close to real life dealing with issues that some can relate to. At 1 point I thought the selfish ba***** that Vance was, he was horrible to Mimi at times especially more so when he would dismiss his behaviour. I clicked quite early on in the book what was happening but it did not spoil what was to come. Mimi did exactly what she had to do for herself, it wasn't selfish, it was her being practicable. Even when events unfolded and the truth was out she felt guilty, when she shouldn't have but it is understandable why she felt the way she did.
This was a fantastic read by Heather Guimond, she tackled controversial subjects with respect making this book great.
Get your tissues ready for this, you will need them.
I just didn't like Mimi. She was the epitome of a woman in denial. She took all kinds of abuse before she left her marriage then denied hearing anyone out after she left. She was like one big pity party. Being a mom myself.... I would've been outraged by this woman who barely knew her son, left him then demanded to see him again. Mimi came across as a person that put her feelings first no matter the situation.
Grab a box of tissues, you're going to need it. This book wasn't what I expected. I was looking for a romance gone bad and found so much more. Mimi and Vance had an instant attraction to each other and acted on it. All was well but things started to take a drastic turn. The romantic and sweet man that Mimi fell in love become someone else. I enjoyed the book up until I started balling my eyes out like a baby. Will there be a part two? What's next for Mimi?
This book... this book... it made my ugly cry so hard! I have never read a book that made me feel so many strong, powerful emotions. I'm still crying! So much love, heartache, anguish, happiness, regret, devastation, passion. It's all in there sending your heart into a tail spin of epic proportions.
Mimi's story will rip your heart put and then shove it back in your chest. I promise, once you start reading, you won't be able to put the book down!
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It touched almost every emotion in me. This book had such an emotional plot. I loved all the characters, but the main characters Mimi and Vance were so real. I felt as if I knew them personally. Justin was such an awesome friend. What a ride this book will take you from laughter to tears. Can't wait for the sequel.
I couldn't put this book down! When you read this you will feel every emotion: joy, anger, fear, pain, love, sorrow....I am thankful that there was a new box of tissues by my chair! This is a wonderful book by a first time author and I can't wait to read more from her!
I really, really enjoyed the Perfection books 1 & 2! Book #1 was an emotional roller coaster that left me wrecked but eager to read Book # 2. Book #2 was equally as wonderful! Now, I'm impatiently waiting for #3. Read these books!!
Mimi and Vance have a love story we all dream of. Heather Guimond told a love story that read as if you were living it. The book touches on parts of life that no one wants to face or deal with. Highly recommend with a box of tissue close by
If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. From the beginning, this author captures your attention. It starts with Mimi, and Vance's current situation, which to be honest, I was downright pissed. I hated Vance. The author then goes back in time to tell the story of how Vance changed. One minute I'm all for Mimi's decision, then the next, I'm upset about it. It's a good thing that the couple has an amazing support system from their family and friends. One friend goes out of his way to be there for Mimi and Vance. You definitely have to read the book to understand, but a word of warning, it may cause a horrific ugly cry. I emotionally attached myself to the characters, and felt as if I were actually experiencing Mimi's emotions. A fantastic read. Can't wait to start the second book.
Ehhh...I'm not a fan of these types of books. I don't like getting attached to a character for something to happen to them. I feel like these books should have a warning, or be in a whole genre of their own. Now with that being said, I do think the author made this part of the book bearable; I wasn't a blubbering mess. Sad, yes. Shed a few tears, sure. However, it wasn't unbearable. She also gives Mimi three years to get over it. Since the next one hopefully won't have this type of ending, I will probably read it.
Another thing, are these damn characters that ignorant? My first inclination was that he was sick. I guess I can understand him being scared and being in denial, but to hide it from her is ridiculous. Although, maybe that was his illness, you know with his mood swings and all. Mimi though...her ass should have figured out something was wrong. Seriously?!?! She's convinced herself it's stress. Wake the hell up! I'd drag my damn husband to the doctor if he was having that many headaches, stress or no stress. That shit annoyed the crap out of me.
I read this whole book with hope, because I knew he had some type of tumor. Now, I hoped it would be one that could be removed. I hoped the end would be about them overcoming his recovery. When I was positive he was sick, I started skimming bc I didn't want an attachment to him. Then, as the book went along, I went and read reviews to see if I would be happy at the end. When I found out that he wouldn't be, I seriously almost stopped reading. I kept on trucking though, and I'm not sure if I'm happy I did or not. So yea, I cannot give this book any more than 3 stars. Simply because these are not my types of books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm really conflicted on this because this was a beautiful story with characters that felt so real. I do wanted to be there for her because of her struggles and confusion. I did not like the beginning I felt that kind of ruined it for me because it have me information to judge Vance. He didn't deserve my hatred in the beginning we should have been able to see the story. Or it should have continued with today's events not to the past. I was just not getting into the story but it worked out in the end. I really felt for the main characters and I don't think I will forget their struggles.
Violence, true love and passion rules in Heather R. Guimond’s debut novel, SHATTERED PERFECTION. Set in Los Angeles and New York, the story centers around the whirlwind courtship and marriage of Mimi and Vance, two young legal professionals who meet by chance during a trip to New York. The chemistry is fierce from the start and emotions run high as Mimi and Vance’s relationship degrades into tragedy and hope. The main characters are strong and well-drawn with good supporting characters that add much along the way. It’s an emotional story, reflecting real life with its underlying theme of domestic violence. Predictability is low in the storyline, keeping everything moving forward and keeping the reader guessing. The plot is a departure from a traditional romance in that the HEA ending is a slight departure from the norm. It’s tied to a small cliffhanger at the end that shows great promise for a future book. No worries though, the story has a great wind up, tying nearly every loose end neatly. It’s a bit of a tear-jerker but a wonderful first novel from an exciting new author. Heat level: 3.5 Rating: 4
ARC from NetGalley! Shattered Perfection begins when Mimi decides her life has gone beyond bad lately, and her marriage seems to be falling apart. The man she married is not the same at all anymore, and as she thinks about the decision she has to make she remembers how it use to be between them. And if she ever wants to enjoy the man she married ever again she must figure out what went wrong in the first place.
This book was overall okay. It starts out interesting, but I all ready had a lot of hate for the heroine's husband by then that when she does the "flashback" I couldn't really get into how he was then. And then towards the end I was just annoyed with the way things went, especially the very end how it ended in a semi cliffhanger, and how Mimi's feelings just sort of appear out of thin air.
This one isn't something that I really got deeply involved in, but it was nice to pass the time with. And it was even a bit sad at times.
This book was surprising but at same time was really predictable. Let me explain better, I thought the plot was surprising, meaning that I didn't saw it before, but at he same time it was surprising, it was also really predictable. It was like read a Agatha Christie book knowing who was the killer in the very beginning.
But, don´t let this keep you away from this book. It worth the reading. It was well written and developed and the characters are deep. Mimi and Vance were perfect until his problem started, I cried a lot with them and all their struggle. Was overwhelming, crushed my heart. When was time to let it go, I was weeping like a baby. And when the book was finally over, I was screaming like an insane for the next one.
Well my emotions were all over the place, that's for sure. There were times when my jaw dropped and I couldn't believe what I was reading. There were times I was creeped out by how Vance would talk to Mimi, especially when he would talk dirty to her, but that's just my opinion, not exactly significant. I like how they got a long and just 'got' each other, but going back to how Vance talks to her, I could kind of figured he was going to take a drastic turn (and this is without referring to the beginning). However, I liked it very much.
This is definitely a good one if you're looking for an emotional-rollercoaster-read!
Given this book for an honest review: I picked this book up and was pulled in. The first chapter starts off strong....then we go back in time and tell the beginning. Not sure how much I liked that, knowing what was going to happen and waiting for it to happen just about killed me. Then we get back to "real time" and my heart breaks.
I love the story just not sure I liked going back to the beginning of the relationship waiting for the other shoe to drop. But it is very well written and a super easy read. And a wonderful story. I just became frustrated and heartbroken.
omg, what can I say. I think this book needs to come with a warning "tissues will definitely be required". this is the first book by this author that I've read and I will be defiantly cant wait to read more. I loved how the book started at the present day then went back to the beginning to tell the love story finishing back at present day. a fantastic book with a brilliant a story line and even better characters. highly recommended https://obsessedbookreviews.wordpress... https://www.facebook.com/obsessedbook...
I read this book on a recommendation of a friend. Knowingly going into this did not help I was so lost in the story and beauty of this couple. Mimi is a relatable character and the whole to!me I did nothing bout root for her and her happinesses, the love story she lives through was just what most dream of until it wasn't and I felt like I lived through that emotional journey with her!!!!! I hope the promise that her story isnt over is true I can't WAIT TO READ MORE
I really like this book once I got going. The beginning was kind of a shocker the way it began, but then it goes back to show how they got to this point. I really liked this book. I do not want to spoil the end, but I am looking forward to the next book to continue Mimi's story. Great book to read!
Shattered Perfection is a very relatable story, that grabs your attention, tickles your funny bone, soothes your soul, and runs away with your heart. Highly recommend this amazing story of love at first sight... don't forget your box of tissues!