When I met Professor David Carstairs on the ferry to my mother’s wedding, I knew instantly he was The One. Only, the next morning I found out my mom’s mystery groom was none other than David’s dad, turning our dreams of happily-ever-after into one long nightmare!
Now, for the sake of their happiness, we've agreed to pretend our magical night together never happened.
But how do you pretend you don’t know the taste of a man’s kiss or the way his voice sounds when he whispers your name? How do you pretend you’re not desperately, irrevocably in love with your new stepbrother?
USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Norinne writes sexy romance from the heart. When not banging away at the keyboard, she is watching rugby, playing board games, or drinking a pint of craft beer.
Originally from California, she now resides in New England with her husband and two cats where she is renovating a house built in the 1700s and trying valiantly not to be eaten alive by mosquitos.
This was my first read by Rebecca Norinne and what a delightful tale this book turned out to be! This sweet, fun and sexy story is well written, the pacing is good and have great character development. David and Victoria were amazing together. I liked how the author portrayed this dynamic duo and how they complemented each other perfectly. I was swept into the story from the first page till the very end and I will definitely give this author another go soon!
💝ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.💝
Not Quite Perfect is a sweet, provocative tale that features the independent, fun-loving Victoria and the confident, smart, professor David as they navigate a relationship that includes undeniable attraction, a hot-and-heavy one-night stand, a wedding with unexpected consequences, and an unhappy mother.
The writing is witty and crisp. The characters are smart, alluring, and lovable. And the plot is a delightful blend of humorous hijinks, flirty banter, steamy romance, smouldering chemistry, all-consuming desire, and family drama.
Overall, Not Quite Perfect is another entertaining, light, delectable indulgence by Norinne with an absorbing plot, irresistible characters, and an ending that will leave you yearning and excited for more!
Thank you to Rebecca Norinne for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Victoria/David's meet and greet started off so slowly and I actually put this book down for a while. I came back after the next book I was reading didn't grab my attention either. This book had some great reviews, decided to find out why. Didn't take too long afterwards for me to finally get invested in this story.
Victoria/David hook up, then realize the next day the weddings their both in town for is their respective parents wedding. Awkward. But that's when things get fun. Victoria's brothers provide comic relief and keep David in line. David's dad is kinda goofy, but funny in his own weird way. Victoria's mom is appalled Victoria is seeing her new "brother" as she refers to him (skipping over the fact that they're not really related).
David/Victoria are a sweet fun couple and head over heels for each other. Their insecurities as they edge into their relationship are endearing. I'd call this one quirky, but a fun story once it gets off the ground.
Victoria's 3 brothers provide opportunity for more books in this series (loved snarky brother Alex). Vic's eldest brother, Theo and his co-worker, are up next. Count me in.
Ah what bookshelf do I file this under? Damn I loved the blurb. I read a bite on Book+Main and basically BEGGED the author for a review copy. So now, how do I cohesively put my thoughts to paper and review the story? I can't. I mean other than - get on this story!!!
I am foremost and unabashedly the reviewer who admits she needs --- no --- REQUIRES hearts, flowers and HEA. No angst in these halls. And damn if Rebecca Norinne check all my boxes. David and Victoria - match made in romance heaven.
What is to love? First off, OMG characters over 25 - WINNING. Then they are smart. Not super intelligent where I don't get the subtle riffs. But smart dialogue. Yep, I fell in love - nope LOVE - with Professor Cockstairs. Oops I mean Carstairs. Both H and h were completely relatable. I mean they met FIRST. Family be damned get on board. But yet, shit, this is real life stuff when dealing with family and OPINIONS. Bull meet china shop. I can't tell you enough. It's entertaining without overplayed humorous scenes. David LOVES Victoria! And as a reader, you can't root or hope for him to win her over to #TeamDavid. I mean Victoria LOVES David but she gets lost in the need to please the people in her life and who hasn't 'been there, done that.' I cannot emphasis how completely entertained I was in for this storyline. It flows and never stalls. Just - time to get your read on romance lovers.
If you've not read Rebecca Norinne, you are in for a treat. Get started on this series! The siblings are going to offer more wonderful dynamic and snappy dialogue to get to their HEA. Standalone? Sure most definitely. But why stop there when more is to be learned... 5 out of 5 awkward family stars.
David and Victoria's meet cute was something to remember except it didn't go the way they planned. I'm not sure where the story would go after they become step siblings. Honestly the forced blended family the their parents are doing feels forced. So David and Victoria have a secret thing going but cold feet and lack of communication hinder them from letting people know.
So it's pretty much insta the way they were attracted to the other. They had deeper feelings right away, David was certain of his while Victoria got in her head and makes her doubt things. They sneaked around and got to know the other which I think was good for them. While they eventually did weather the storm, the disapptoval and misjudgment from Victoria's mother. Getting caught with their pants down was funny though.
The secondary characters were interesting, the brothers and I'm guessing their books are next. The ending felt a tad rushed and more of happy for now but it made sense since there's still the next books to continue their story since it's a family series. This is my first book by the author and that blurb was eye catching, I did like the story overall different take on stepbrother romance.
I enjoyed the story, it was cute, sweet and sexy. I would like to still continue with series.
*** ARC provided by the author for an honest review ***
How could something that seemed so simple become so complicated? David and Victoria are about to learn when love comes into play, the heart ups the ante. Norinne makes it easy to get caught up in her world. A world full of heartwarming tales and eccentric scenarios. What I love most is no matter the complications she never strays from being relatable. Not Quite Perfect is more than a romance between two familiar strangers. It's the journey of a dysfunctional family that never gives up on love.
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..I enjoyed this story, I have read many taboo stepbrother siblings story and enjoy them but I found that to be more the case with this one. David and Victoria met and were attracted to each other and things seem to be going good until they find out that both of their dysfunctional parents are getting married to each other. These two parents are so selfish, not nice people at all. So now they have the obsticals of these two, which I don't know why they would allow them to they put themselves above their kids. Anyway good story, fun lovable truly something you should read..Enjoy!
Man oh man, Rebecca Norinne and this step sibling romance didn’t make me feel so yuck (that’s honesty)!! Any kind of siblings is a no go in my book but RN did something with this story to make it less eww lol
David and Victoria were perfect for each other! I love that there was no playing around with how they truly feel. I enjoy a book when the main character’s aren’t too whiny or being childish etc etc!! So this was an enjoyable book to read. Despite the circumstances they found themselves in, the author delivered David and Victoria’s story convincingly carving her own twists and turns to make this fun and enjoyable!!
Victoria’s Brothers are the best and so fun to read about!! Can’t wait for their stories...
David and Victoria’s story gives us a glimpse of ‘when you know, you know... one-Click!!
The first book of a new series, I'm not usually into step-brother/step-sister romances, because I have trouble buying into that it's even a road block, especially when they meet as full adults. I've really liked the couple of other books that I've read by this author, though, so I wanted to give this a try.
I really enjoyed how Victoria and David meet; they're the kind of great characters I'm coming to expect from this author. Intelligent, caring and funny with plenty of chemistry, they were both characters I liked and connected to. Plenty of great secondary characters and relationships added a lot to the story for me, as well. I loved Victoria's brothers and David's friend Hank, and I'm sensing the potential for more great stories for all of them.
I thought the author did a nice job with the plot--it never made me impatient as this kind of storyline tends to do for me. Instead, there were entertaining twists, the 'discovery' scene was both funny and poignant, and the story did a good job of keeping me engaged as this was pretty much a one sitting read for me.
I did feel that this book was a little light in background development at times. For instance, David has a thought at one point above needing to ask Victoria about her romantic background, but I never saw that get followed up on, and I never felt like we got the full story on David's dad marrying David's girlfriend.
A fast, funny and just plain fun read, I'm looking forward to getting more stories from this cast of characters. 4 stars
Not Quite Perfect by Rebeca Norinne was such a fun read! Imagine meeting your perfect mate and having an incredible day and night with them. Everything seems perfect and right. Then you find out your parents are getting married and you will now be step-siblings! Holidays will never be the same again!
David is a professor who is charming, sexy and smart. Victoria is sweet and caring. When they meet sparks fly and they feel an instant connection. Honestly, they seem quite perfect for each other. But then everything changes when they realize what is happening between their parents. But chemistry like theirs cannot be denied! Not Quiet Perfect by Rebecca Norinne was such a charming read with great characters and a story that was fun and engaging.
"I loved Drew, Alex and Andrew they were so protective of Victoria and I love how supportive they were of each other. Also the fact that her brothers worked out about her and David almost instantly and covered for her as well as supported her. I loved it."
Ci sono così tante cose che ho amato in questo nuovo libro di Rebecca Norinne, il primo romanzo della sua Rocky Cove Series, un ottimo inizio! "Not Quite Perfect" è brillante, divertente, sexy, forse uno tra i libri più hot scritti da quest'autrice, ma ripensandoci adesso, dopo averlo finito, la prima cosa che mi viene in mente su Victoria e David, è la bellezza della loro storia, il loro legame e come adorino trascorrere il tempo insieme. Tengono veramente l’uno all’altro, c’è passione, una forte attrazione fisica, ma ho amato soprattutto la loro complicità, il modo unico in cui si capiscono. La cover del libro rispecchia in modo perfetto il tipo di sentimenti che si instaura da subito tra di loro: pura gioia. Unico è anche il modo in cui scocca la scintilla tra loro: un libro, un autore. Ora alzi la mano chi ha mai avuto la fortuna di catturare l'attenzione di un uomo bellissimo a causa di un libro. Una rarità? Parlare di libri, e intendo parlarne davvero, credo che sia una cosa molto intima e personale, perché ti esponi, perché hai a cuore i tuoi libri e non è certo una cosa che fai con tutti. Un'altra cosa che ho apprezzato leggendo il romanzo è chi sono David e Victoria, due persone che hanno un loro vissuto, esperienze che li rendono più vicini alla mia realtà, in cui in parte mi posso immedesimare. Mostrano all'altro i rispettivi sentimenti, senza indossare maschere e decidono di agire, seguendo l'istinto. David è una combinazione letale: intelligente e sexy, bellissimo e divertente, insomma tanta tanta roba. Victoria mi è piaciuta ancora di più di David. È una donna che dice apertamente quello che pensa, spigliata, determinata, ma quando si tratta delle persone che ama, della sua famiglia, si rivela molto vulnerabile. Quando entrambi scoprono che non è solo il caso ad averli fatti incontrare, ma anche l'imminente matrimonio dei loro genitori le cose tra loro si complicano. Victoria è quella a soffrire di più in questa situazione, soprattutto dopo che la madre le fa capire chiaramente che non accetterebbe mai una storia tra sua figlia e il figlio adottivo, mentre David, che ha già un rapporto burrascoso con il padre, ha ben chiaro qual è la sua priorità: Victoria. Ho trovato abbastanza irritanti ed egoisti i genitori di entrambi, soprattutto la madre di Victoria, mentre ho adorato i suoi tre fratelli, meravigliosi, un vero valore aggiunto a questo romanzo. Il mio preferito è Alex, il fratello maggiore, i suoi sguardi intimidatori nei confronti di David sono uno spasso assoluto. In questa storia vengono toccati molti argomenti importanti, in modo leggero, ma comunque ci sono: l'omosessualità di Drew, uno dei fratelli di Victoria, la sua tensione e paura di non essere accettato dalla famiglia; il modo in cui David non forza mai la mano con Victoria, lasciandole sempre il tempo di cui ha bisogno e il controllo su ogni scelta, guadagnando così la sua fiducia. Tutta la storia viene raccontata attraverso i POV di entrambi, ed è la cosa che preferisco, mi piace poter "entrare nelle loro testoline" e vedere cosa stiano pensando e soprattutto il perché. “Not Quite Perfect” è perfetto e non vedo l’ora di leggere il prossimo libro della serie. Spero proprio sia su Alex!
Editing della recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel the Book
There are so many things I loved in “Not Quite Perfect” by Rebecca Norinne, it’s the first installment in her Rocky Cove series, a really good one! The story is brilliant, funny, sexy, perhaps one of the hottest book written by this author, but looking back now, after finishing it, the first thing flashing in my mind, about Victoria and David, is the beauty of their story, their bond, how they enjoy their time together. They really care for each other, there’s passion, lust, but I loved their true understanding and complicity. The cover of the book reflects perfectly this kind of feelings: pure joy. Unique is also the way everything start, because of a book, an author. Who has ever been so lucky to pick up the attention of a gourgeos man because of a book? One in a million? Talking about books, I mean really talking, I think it’s something deep and personal, you expose yourself because you care for your books and you don’t do it with everyone. Another thing I really appreciated reading this novel is who David and Victoria are, two adults with their baggage, experiences that make them closer to my reality, in which I can partly relate with it. They show their feelings without masks and they decide to act, folllowing their instincts. David is a lethal combination: intelligent and sexy, gorgeous and fun, in short "so much stuff". I loved Victoria even more than David. She’s smart and speaks her mind, self-confident, strong willed, but when it comes to the people she loves, her family, she’s very vulnerable. When they find out it’s not just a case they met, but also because of the imminent marriage of their parents, things get really complicated. Victoria is the one to suffer the most in this situation, after her mother makes clear she would never accept a relationship between her daughter and her stepson, while David, who already has a stormy relationship with his father, knows which is his priority: Victoria. I think their parents are of both quite irritating and selfish, especially Victoria's mother, while I adored her three wonderful brothers, a real added value to this novel. My fav is Alex, her older brother with his intimidating stare against David, he was so much fun. In this story are touched important topics, in a light way, but still they are there: the homosexuality of Drew, one of Victoria's brothers, his tension and fear of not being accepted by his family; the way David never forces things with Victoria, giving her time and control on every choice, gaining her trust. The whole story is written showing both their POVs, and it’s my favorite thing, I like "get into their little heads" and see what they are thinking and above all why. “Not Quite Perfect” for me it’s perfect and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I hope it’s Alex’s story!
This was an absolutely amazing story that I loved from basically page one! It was so witty and entertaining. The whole story concept was fantastic and put a smile on my face. I could hardly put it down, I enjoyed it so much. This is my first book from this author, but I can tell you, that it will not be the last.
Loved the characters in this book. Even the secondary characters were easy to become attached to and I would love to read more of their journey as well. Loved the chance meeting of David and Victoria. David is so charming. I fell for him almost instantly. Everyone needs a "David". I have no issues with the Adult Step Brother - Step Sister story line. They are both adults, and only related via marriage. The heart wants, what the heart wants. I felt sorry for Victoria and was happy to see her overcome her hesitation on choosing David.
Written as a first person, multi POV which is my favorite!!! This was an entertaining story line. It flowed nicely and kept up an nice, steady pace. The characters were so easy to become emotionally attached to. They were charming, witty, and just down right adorable together. The dialogue was engaging and was well written. The description to detail, were done nicely and was easy to visualize and made me feel as if I was a part of the story. Had some nice steamy, sexy bits and even caused a few LOL moments. (Hank and Gwen dinner and the book discussion).
Would I recommend this book? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Instant chemistry between the two main male and female characters. The main male character felt, "... an intense connection" with the main female character in less than twelve hours after meeting her. Loved the Oscar Wilde quote the main male character thought typified their situation, "You don't love someone for their looks or their clothes, but because they sing a song only you can hear.". Wow! How eloquently Mr. Wilde summed up a unified bond between two people, as with the two main male and female characters. However, society today sure has made having a relationship with some people ethically challenging.
This was a well written story that was highly entertaining. There were some comedic parts that were also highly entertaining. The characterizations were very well done, so much so, it makes this reader want to keep going and find out what happens in the lives of the main female characte's brothers. These men were portrayed so vividly, each one having distinct idiosyncrasies, yet, each one presents as a most interesting character in their own right. The family dynamics made for an endearing story.
Lovely romance that was eloquently told. Ms Norinne is, mayhap, giving Mr. Wilde a run for his money (were he alive), so to speak, in parlaying romance.
Good stuff!
I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this novel and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to this author.
A chance meeting on a ferry between the sweet and sexy Victoria and the charming and handsome David forges an instant connection and has them not only believing in fate but also love at first sight. They are both experienced in love and life, so they know what they want, and it happens to be each other.
When they find out that not only are they loves but with their parents upcoming nuptials they are about to become brother and sister things become complicated. Victoria only wants to please others and being with David will not please her mother while David isn’t concerned about what others think as he has found his soulmate and is not about to let her go without a fight despite what others think or want.
I really enjoyed these two together. Humorous banter, hot chemistry and the way they supported and accepted each other. This is the beginning of a new series and I look forward to her brother’s stories. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I love a good romcom every once in a while, and Norinne delivered. This is only my second book by the author - though I do plan to read her River Hill Series - and I'm impressed. The characters, the chemistry, and the struggles were well thought out and amazing. David is a wonderful book loving literary professor who has been burned before. Victoria wants HEA, but has been lucky in love. When the two meet, the chemistry is instant. You can feel it come off the pages. The thing is their parents are to be married..to each other. Poor assumptions, strained family ties, and over protective family members will cause many problems. Will David and Victoria finally get their fairytale ending or does fate have other plans. Norinne has built a wonderful world with equally amazing and relatable characters. I look forward to reading each of their stories.
On the surface, this plot reads like a wacky soap opera. Melodramatic and completely unrealistic. But Norinne makes it work, and every single character in this story is someone I can imagine meeting in real life.
Beyond the primary plot, this story also includes some fascinating family dynamics and drama, on both sides of the (not-so-metaphorical) aisle. David and Victoria are complete characters both within the scope of their relationship and as part of their own family. I hope Norinne continues this series, because I'd love to see each of Victoria's brothers feature in their own story.
Some of the obstacles in the couple's path stretched credulity for me, especially Victoria's reaction to David's previous marriage and divorce. I felt less sympathy for her when the full context of the situation was revealed, but I have the benefit of distance, and Victoria is definitely not the same type of person as me.
One thing this book absolutely does well is showcase the realities of modern dating, especially between two working professionals. I found myself cheering for Victory and David to make everything work out on multiple levels.
I loved this adorably perfect story. I'm new to Rebecca Norinne, but I'm so impressed by this story that she has a new fan for sure. This story is fun, witty, hilarious, and adorable. I loved getting to know Victoria and David.
Victoria is strong, independent, and enjoys life. David is smart, handsome, and a professor. What a match. This story had me laughing the whole time. Who could imagine having the best date of your life only to have it all ripped away. The turn of events kept me entertained and wanting more. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I love every second of it.
This story was everything I wanted and more. I loved it from start to finish. Please check out this great book.
This whole story made me smile. David and Victoria have a lot of character. They met on a ferry going to weddings for their parents; they instantly felt connected and whole. David and Victoria thought this was the beginning of a great relationship. Not until they showed up at their perspective weddings, their parents are marring each other. This is when I loved the whole story line.
Not only did Victoria fall fast she knew it was right, but can one have a relationship with her now step brother? David was finally getting love right and Victoria was what he needed. It was fun to see how everyone interacted and how the brothers really saw more then what the couple saw.
You will laugh and swoon throughout this whole story. See more of my review on A Day With Ethel
*A copy of this book was gifted to me from the author and I freely give my honest review*
This was witty and entertaining, I liked it very much. David’s father and Victoria’s mother is getting married and they don’t know that when they have one night together. What happens when it’s more than one night.......
* Good storyline that has a nice progression to a sweet ending * Characters descriptions is good and I love all the secondary characters and I hope to get their stories soon. * No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings * Good amount of dialogues * Love scenes is hot, sweet and tasteful
Very entertaining story that was easy to read. 4 stars ✨
I do not think that Not Quite Perfect is a fitting title for this book, because Victoria and David were pretty perfect for one another! The Lit professor is like the God of all intellectual men, and the connection between David and Victoria jumped off the page as soon as they met!
This story is full of heart, sweet and sassy, with an adorkable hero and heroine and great supporting characters in Victoria’s brothers. (I can’t wait to see what happens with Theo and Cassie!!). Victoria’s mom on the other hand, I wasn’t a fan of, but I’m hoping that she redeems herself in the future books of this series!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
This was such a good read! The writing flowed well, and I loved the characters. Victoria and David have instant chemistry, and I loved them together. The only thing that took away from them for me was Victoria letting her family in her head about their relationship. David and Victoria are adults, and it shouldn't matter to anyone what their parents decided to do. While I loved Victoria's brothers, I wasn't a fan of her mom at all. Hopefully she will be better in the next book. I enjoyed the HEA! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Rebecca Norinne has penned an enjoyable, adult step-siblings romance in Not Quite Perfect.
Victoria Witherspoon meets Professor David Carstairs on a ferry when they are both en route to her mother's 6th wedding (to his father, as it turns out.) They discover after a wild night together that they are now step brother & sister. Technically. Don't worry. They're both in their 30s.
I enjoyed reading how David & Vicky overcome their obstacles to true happiness. I especially like both characters. David is a good guy. I enjoyed reading a romance where the strong, talented, handsome hero is not an a- hole. David is something of a nerd, in fact. Not Quite Perfect is a charming read. I hope her brothers will get their stories, too.
Told in rotating first person, you get both David & Vicky's point of view. Love scenes are entertaining and tasteful without being raunchy. Thank you to Booksprout for the opportunity to read and provide my honest review.
This is the 1st book I've read written by Rebecca Norinne; she has done an great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
An amazing well written witty and entertaining romance. There is strained family ties, over protective family members, poor assumptions, causing many problems. The storyline was well thought out and flowed smoothly with undeniable attraction, a sizzling hot one-night stand, and a wedding with unexpected consequences that made for a great addicting read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow...I wasn't to sure about this whole step brother story line. But, oh my god does Rebecca Norinne create such steamy characters! I will say I love the writing style of this author. Pulling the audience into the characters and wanting to know more. If you like step brother by marriage stories then what are you waiting for?
Not Quite Perfect was an enjoyable read! A quick read with the perfect man David, where is he and why isn't he mine! A fun story with great characters. I loved Victoria and her siblings. Looking forward to reading the next book in The Rocky Cove Series One Perfect Holiday that features Victoria's brother Theo and his crush Cass.
I give Not Quite Perfect 4 stars for its perfect David! I would recommend this book to Romance Fans.
What a fun, romantic story and a great start to a series! I loved every word. Victoria and David share a night and then they are sharing parents. What a surprise for them. This book has it all - it’s sweet, sexy, with some twists, turns, lots of chemistry, great characters, great writing! I loved it and can’t wait for more in this series!!!
Not Quite Perfect is sweet and funny, it's my first book by the author and I enjoyed it. Two people meet, hook up and then realize their about to be related by marriage. Sounds like a disaster right? Victoria is a strong woman, she's not a one night stand kind of woman but Professor David Carstairs makes her change her mind about that. He's everything she could want in a man until they come face to face at their parents wedding. Now she's running scared. David on the other hand thinks it will be just fine, I happen to agree with him. I felt Victoria overthought the situation way too much, for such a smart lady she sure took her sweet time working through their situation. This book is sweet and sexy, I loved her brothers, finally accepted her mother in the end and loved David & Victoria together. I look forward to reading more from this author soon.