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Perfect Set
Bree Mercer is an ambitious sports reporter who has risen through the ranks to land her dream job. Basking in the sun, sea, and seriously cute guys in her new singles ward, things couldn't be better. That is, until she's assigned to write a feature on the one person she can't stand—professional beach volleyball player Kade Townsend. A typical cocky athlete, Kade's previous attempt to woo her was foiled by Bree's hard-and-fast don't date athletes. Ever. Kade loathes the media, and for good when his hard-partying ways were exposed by a reporter who claimed to be his friend, the scandal rocked his entire family. Now reformed, Kade has put his life back together, and he has no interest in talking to reporters—least of all Bree Mercer. But when the pair is thrown together despite their best efforts, their chemistry is undeniable. They can't seem to put the brakes on their feelings—until their connection threatens Bree's reputation and Kade's hard-won redemption. Now they must decide if there is a place for love in their plans for the future.
226 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
29 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 28, 2018
4.5 stars. Melanie Jacobson's latest contemporary romance may be her best yet in my book. I downed it in one evening and really enjoyed it. It's an interesting twist on the pro athlete romance genre: instead of sexytimes, we have a hero who's haunted by his past partying ways and bad decisions.
Bree Mercer, a talented sports reporter, has recently moved to southern California to work with Sports News magazine. It's a big step up in her career, though there's still lots of sexism in the workplace that she has to deal with. She also has a firm, longstanding prejudice against arrogant athletes who hit on her. So when she goes to an LDS singles ward activity and Kade, a cute guy she meets, announces to her that he's a pro beach volleyball player, she shuts him down fast and leaves. No problem ... until her editor assigns her to write a feature article on this same Kade Townsend.
Bree's prejudice against cocky athletes is matched by Kade's deep-seated aversion toward and dislike of reporters, who gleefully blew the lid off his partying ways a few years ago. Kade's straightened out his life since and given up the partying (at least he says so; some people disagree), but he still has no intention of letting Bree anywhere close to him. His plans are foiled when their respective best friends, Nick and Louisa, ask Bree and Kade to help out with their wedding planning. Matchmaking best friends, hah!
Perfect Set isn't an overtly religious novel - no preaching - but it is, like most of Jacobson's novels, set in the LDS (Mormon) singles culture and tends to take the reader’s understanding of that culture for granted. So those unfamiliar with the Mormon church might get a little bit lost with some of the details.
Jacobson does a great job drawing these characters and laying out their relationship and job concerns, along with a good dose of wit and humor. I appreciated her thoughtful approach to the challenges women face in a career dominated by men. She's my favorite author for light contemporary romances, religious or not.
Bree Mercer, a talented sports reporter, has recently moved to southern California to work with Sports News magazine. It's a big step up in her career, though there's still lots of sexism in the workplace that she has to deal with. She also has a firm, longstanding prejudice against arrogant athletes who hit on her. So when she goes to an LDS singles ward activity and Kade, a cute guy she meets, announces to her that he's a pro beach volleyball player, she shuts him down fast and leaves. No problem ... until her editor assigns her to write a feature article on this same Kade Townsend.
Bree's prejudice against cocky athletes is matched by Kade's deep-seated aversion toward and dislike of reporters, who gleefully blew the lid off his partying ways a few years ago. Kade's straightened out his life since and given up the partying (at least he says so; some people disagree), but he still has no intention of letting Bree anywhere close to him. His plans are foiled when their respective best friends, Nick and Louisa, ask Bree and Kade to help out with their wedding planning. Matchmaking best friends, hah!
Perfect Set isn't an overtly religious novel - no preaching - but it is, like most of Jacobson's novels, set in the LDS (Mormon) singles culture and tends to take the reader’s understanding of that culture for granted. So those unfamiliar with the Mormon church might get a little bit lost with some of the details.
Jacobson does a great job drawing these characters and laying out their relationship and job concerns, along with a good dose of wit and humor. I appreciated her thoughtful approach to the challenges women face in a career dominated by men. She's my favorite author for light contemporary romances, religious or not.
April 29, 2018
It's super fun, I promise. When have I ever NOT written you guys a fun book?
October 5, 2018
This is a sequel, and possibly part of a series. I couldn't find it marked on Amazon or GoodReads, but this is definitely a follow-on from Second Chances and Lou plays a not-small role in this story (and Nick shows up a bit, too). I recommend reading them in order, though you don't really need to as Jacobson does a decent job of giving you the needed context. The other is more heavily Mormon, however, so this may be the better place to start.
I'm considering a new category for this because it's almost a New Adult kind of novel, only being chaste (and explicitly Mormon) it doesn't have the preoccupation with sex those tend to have. It does feature people who are working to establish themselves in their careers and discovering their personalities and experimenting with who they are going to become. So I think it mostly qualifies, just without the emphasis on sexual experimentation common in the designation.
So start the review already!
Right. So I liked this quite a lot, not least because I liked the characters and enjoyed seeing them come to understand one another. I liked how they're initially at odds, for sufficient reasons, and that the road to trust isn't easy. And I particularly liked how well Jacobson captures that uncertainty so common at that age where you're still figuring out how the world works and not sure you have it right, yet. Bree, for example, knows that she's good at the technical aspects of her job, the digging for info and writing coherently and engagingly, but isn't certain about some of the pitfalls of being a professional. Kade is working out his own demons, including getting past mistakes and behavior that were rather public and much less than who he wants to be when he, er, grows up.
And yes, this means they stumble in the story. And hurt each other. And sometimes they're grown-ups about it. And sometimes they have to be reminded to be better. And I kind of loved that. Bree's brother, Connor, was a fun character as her sounding board and despite initial reservations, I liked how she was working to overcome her family dynamic (often with his help). Some of the background could have felt heavy-handed, but I think Jacobson avoided that.
My only real qualm while reading was a rather obvious landmine placed in Bree's path that was waiting to blow up at an opportune time. It worked out okay, but it was still a bit awkward, and necessitated some hand-wavy bits about how and why it worked out as it did (yeah, I'm being vague because it's not worth going into, I don't think). That and a bit of an elongated resolution near the end was enough mental friction to cost the book half a star, though other readers may not find it so heavy.
So this comes out at a solid 4½ stars and I'm rounding up because I liked Bree and Kade and enjoyed their growth and willingness to be better (both for each other and because that's who they are). A couple laugh out loud moments didn't hurt, either. A very satisfying read and I really hope this is a series and that we'll get more from the rooster/beach house.
A note about chaste: There are a couple kisses, but that's it. They're both committed to Mormon standards, so that makes sense.
A note about LDS: While both characters are explicitly LDS and they attend church and talk about religious conviction, I don't think it's enough to present a barrier for non-members. There's one mention of Bree not attending the temple wedding of her friend, Lou, but it's short and explained just fine I think and that's the deepest it gets into specific LDS-type things.
ETA A note about nutty publishers: Oh, almost forgot. This is another from Covenant Communications. So the ebook price is ridiculous. My library carries them so maybe look into an intra-library loan?
I'm considering a new category for this because it's almost a New Adult kind of novel, only being chaste (and explicitly Mormon) it doesn't have the preoccupation with sex those tend to have. It does feature people who are working to establish themselves in their careers and discovering their personalities and experimenting with who they are going to become. So I think it mostly qualifies, just without the emphasis on sexual experimentation common in the designation.
So start the review already!
Right. So I liked this quite a lot, not least because I liked the characters and enjoyed seeing them come to understand one another. I liked how they're initially at odds, for sufficient reasons, and that the road to trust isn't easy. And I particularly liked how well Jacobson captures that uncertainty so common at that age where you're still figuring out how the world works and not sure you have it right, yet. Bree, for example, knows that she's good at the technical aspects of her job, the digging for info and writing coherently and engagingly, but isn't certain about some of the pitfalls of being a professional. Kade is working out his own demons, including getting past mistakes and behavior that were rather public and much less than who he wants to be when he, er, grows up.
And yes, this means they stumble in the story. And hurt each other. And sometimes they're grown-ups about it. And sometimes they have to be reminded to be better. And I kind of loved that. Bree's brother, Connor, was a fun character as her sounding board and despite initial reservations, I liked how she was working to overcome her family dynamic (often with his help). Some of the background could have felt heavy-handed, but I think Jacobson avoided that.
My only real qualm while reading was a rather obvious landmine placed in Bree's path that was waiting to blow up at an opportune time. It worked out okay, but it was still a bit awkward, and necessitated some hand-wavy bits about how and why it worked out as it did (yeah, I'm being vague because it's not worth going into, I don't think). That and a bit of an elongated resolution near the end was enough mental friction to cost the book half a star, though other readers may not find it so heavy.
So this comes out at a solid 4½ stars and I'm rounding up because I liked Bree and Kade and enjoyed their growth and willingness to be better (both for each other and because that's who they are). A couple laugh out loud moments didn't hurt, either. A very satisfying read and I really hope this is a series and that we'll get more from the rooster/beach house.
A note about chaste: There are a couple kisses, but that's it. They're both committed to Mormon standards, so that makes sense.
A note about LDS: While both characters are explicitly LDS and they attend church and talk about religious conviction, I don't think it's enough to present a barrier for non-members. There's one mention of Bree not attending the temple wedding of her friend, Lou, but it's short and explained just fine I think and that's the deepest it gets into specific LDS-type things.
ETA A note about nutty publishers: Oh, almost forgot. This is another from Covenant Communications. So the ebook price is ridiculous. My library carries them so maybe look into an intra-library loan?
May 22, 2018
I love this cover! It is a perfect representation of what is inside. Plus, it's just cute!! I love it. I also loved this story.
There was a perfect balance of tension and banter between these two characters. The chemistry was sparking throughout the whole book. I loved how I got to know both Bree and Kade more and more as the book went on- their likes, their personalities and what made them tick. I really felt like I was getting to know them like I would get to know someone in real life. And perhaps most importantly, even with their obvious flaws, I liked them!
I read through this book so quickly. It was a fun, diverting story and it made me happy.
Content: LDS fiction so some mention of going to church and some things specific to the LDS religion (not drinking coffee, temples) but nothing preachy. Mention of pornography addiction. Kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
There was a perfect balance of tension and banter between these two characters. The chemistry was sparking throughout the whole book. I loved how I got to know both Bree and Kade more and more as the book went on- their likes, their personalities and what made them tick. I really felt like I was getting to know them like I would get to know someone in real life. And perhaps most importantly, even with their obvious flaws, I liked them!
I read through this book so quickly. It was a fun, diverting story and it made me happy.
Content: LDS fiction so some mention of going to church and some things specific to the LDS religion (not drinking coffee, temples) but nothing preachy. Mention of pornography addiction. Kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 23, 2018
This cover is perfection and the characters within are perfectly imperfect. Kade and Bree are each everything that they hate, yet with both of their driven and persistent personalities, they come to know each other on a deeper level, thus treating the reader to a great, personal friendship. I love that they are both flawed, yet very likable, especially as the story progresses and the reader learns more about them.
I love watching the Olympics and beach volleyball is such a fascinating sport because it's so intense and fast-paced. The athletes are incredibly quick and strong. I loved reading more about the sport in this book through Kade's story. I also loved learning more about journalism and Bree is very admirable in her passionate quest to uncover the truth, whether it's flattering or not.
The relationship aspect is great, as they are both determined not to go there and jeopardize their careers, yet they can't ignore the blatant chemistry that enshrouds them. I loved the alternating banter and friction--heck, I loved everything about this book!
Content: mild, swoony romance; very vague innuendo and mention of a porn addiction; mild religious elements, specific to the LDS faith (no preaching)
*I received a copy, which did not influence my opinion*
I love watching the Olympics and beach volleyball is such a fascinating sport because it's so intense and fast-paced. The athletes are incredibly quick and strong. I loved reading more about the sport in this book through Kade's story. I also loved learning more about journalism and Bree is very admirable in her passionate quest to uncover the truth, whether it's flattering or not.
The relationship aspect is great, as they are both determined not to go there and jeopardize their careers, yet they can't ignore the blatant chemistry that enshrouds them. I loved the alternating banter and friction--heck, I loved everything about this book!
Content: mild, swoony romance; very vague innuendo and mention of a porn addiction; mild religious elements, specific to the LDS faith (no preaching)
*I received a copy, which did not influence my opinion*
June 1, 2018
I have only read one other book from Melanie Jacobson but I will be reading more. What I like is how in depth she gets with her characters. You see their inner workings and why they are who they are flaws and all. This story is exactly like that. Bree has a dysfunctional family and is trying to move on and not become like that. But in the end, she realizes that we are all a little part of what we grew up in whether we intended to or not! And I liked watching her realize it in the end and what she wanted and how she was going to solve her dilemmas! The complexity of the characters in this book is what kept me rooted in the story! I would highly recommend it to anyone!
Bree is a sportswriter and she is in a mans world and wants to overcome that. She meets Kade on her first night there ambushed by her roomate to go or else! She meets him and he introduces himself as a professional player and she is turned right off. She doesn’t date pro athletes! She interviews them. But when you have chemistry it becomes a little hard to ignore it! She gets assigned to get his story because she goes to his church. At first they butt heads. He doesn’t do interviews. But Bree is nothing but persistent and good and fair at what she does. Kade has trust issues because he was burned before.
While both trying to do their job, trust happens and they find themselves with a kiss and maybe more after her article is published. But things happen to blow that out of the water and now both are left with figuring out what to do.
Even more, I loved the last paragraph in the book. It was a perfect ending for a Perfect Set!
Bree is a sportswriter and she is in a mans world and wants to overcome that. She meets Kade on her first night there ambushed by her roomate to go or else! She meets him and he introduces himself as a professional player and she is turned right off. She doesn’t date pro athletes! She interviews them. But when you have chemistry it becomes a little hard to ignore it! She gets assigned to get his story because she goes to his church. At first they butt heads. He doesn’t do interviews. But Bree is nothing but persistent and good and fair at what she does. Kade has trust issues because he was burned before.
While both trying to do their job, trust happens and they find themselves with a kiss and maybe more after her article is published. But things happen to blow that out of the water and now both are left with figuring out what to do.
Even more, I loved the last paragraph in the book. It was a perfect ending for a Perfect Set!
May 28, 2018
This book is adorable! The characters couldn't be more fun and good for each other. They have obstacles to overcome, but in the end, I was very happy to have them get together!
Perfect Set is about a sports reporter and an athlete coming together, in-spite of his severe dislike for the press. From the moment they meet, there are sparks. This book blends comedy, sarcasm, and pride. (A perfect fit for me.)
If you love a fun book about imperfect people, taking a tough road to romance, I think you will enjoy this book. It contains kissing and religious situations.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Perfect Set is about a sports reporter and an athlete coming together, in-spite of his severe dislike for the press. From the moment they meet, there are sparks. This book blends comedy, sarcasm, and pride. (A perfect fit for me.)
If you love a fun book about imperfect people, taking a tough road to romance, I think you will enjoy this book. It contains kissing and religious situations.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
May 23, 2018
This story is a perfect light summer romance! I adore Melanie Jacobson's writing style and this novel is another excellent addition. This story is about a sports news reporter who has to interview a pro beach volleyball athlete...and she falls hard in the process. I think the thing I loved most about this book was the character of Bree. She's the main character and is sharp, witty, and hyper-aware of the subtle nuances that most of us miss in conversation. I kept reading how she would interact with people and the things she would notice and I wondered how many people are like Bree--tons going on behind a pretty innocent face that you'd never guess. I like how Jacobson busted some great perceptions about women in journalism, especially sports journalism. I also liked how the cool and confident Bree had the focus turned back on herself. She had to do some pretty tough self-examination and she couldn't escape it with quick-thinking wit.
This is the type of romance that I enjoy reading--one that's clean, upbeat, and makes you think at the same time. I'd love to meet the characters of Bree and Kade in real life!
This is the type of romance that I enjoy reading--one that's clean, upbeat, and makes you think at the same time. I'd love to meet the characters of Bree and Kade in real life!
July 15, 2018
A solid 3 1/2 star rating.
Cute story, and interesting characters, although a bit too technical on all the sports stuff. The ending was super abrupt and quick, which, unfortunately, I've come to expect from this author.
Cute story, and interesting characters, although a bit too technical on all the sports stuff. The ending was super abrupt and quick, which, unfortunately, I've come to expect from this author.
May 23, 2018
I was so excited to have another book from Melanie Jacobson to read. I had been looking forward to reading a new book from her for awhile. Perfect Set was definitely worth the wait. It was such a fun and entertaining read. From the setting on the California beach, and the fabulous characters, plus many funny moments, made this book absolutely perfect. Bree is awesome. She is smart, ambitious and has the best job. When she meets Kade, she isn't impressed by their first meeting, but once she gets to know him... she still isn't sure what to think. That is what I liked most, both Bree and Kade weren't sure about each other. Kade because of personal reasons with reports, Bree because of family issues. That is what made the book very enjoyable to read and kept me up way too late, trying to find out what happens. Bree has a lot to deal with in this book, and she handled things well and at her own time. Events happened I wasn't surprised with from the set up, but in the end, I was very pleased with the outcome and the lessons learned by both characters.
May 24, 2018
(4.5 stars)
I was really excited to see a new book from Melanie Jacobson. I enjoy her romantic comedies and can get lost in her California settings. But Perfect Set intrigued me with the added angst of a reporter and a reporter-avoiding pro beach volleyball player being thrown together.
Bree Mercer makes a big move to California to land her journalistic dream job and wants to impress her boss enough so she can cover more than high school sports. She's a reporter with a strong sense of ethics, though, and definitely has lines she won't cross, which I really liked about her. But beyond her professional life, her roommate wants her to meet people and encourages her to attend a bonfire put on by their LDS singles ward. Bree reluctantly goes and meets Kade Townsend, someone Bree might like to get to know better---until he announces he's a pro beach volleyball player. And since Bree doesn't date athletes, well, that spark of attraction has to be hastily put out. But when she gets assigned to report on Kade, can she get the story and keep her feelings in check?
I loved the relationship between Kade and Bree and the very realistic problems they are facing. It was so complicated, and yet, the author added quite a bit of humor in as well. I thought the author did a great job of writing three-dimensional characters and giving enough emotional depth to pull the reader in and make us want to stay up late to see what happens next.
In addition to our hero and heroine, the reader also gets a well-rounded secondary cast that features characters from previous Jacobson books. I loved catching up with them and seeing where they were in their relationships. The beach volleyball world was interesting, and though I figured out what the big obstacle would be between these two early on, the tension was enough to keep me turning pages to see if it would play out like I thought it would. I was so engrossed in the story, when I reached the end I wanted more! That's when you know the author has done a good job. (But I must say, I was hoping for an epilogue! Hopefully, we'll see these characters again.)
So, if you're looking for a sweet romance with all the highs and lows---and twists and turns---on the way to winning at love, you'll really enjoy Perfect Set.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
I was really excited to see a new book from Melanie Jacobson. I enjoy her romantic comedies and can get lost in her California settings. But Perfect Set intrigued me with the added angst of a reporter and a reporter-avoiding pro beach volleyball player being thrown together.
Bree Mercer makes a big move to California to land her journalistic dream job and wants to impress her boss enough so she can cover more than high school sports. She's a reporter with a strong sense of ethics, though, and definitely has lines she won't cross, which I really liked about her. But beyond her professional life, her roommate wants her to meet people and encourages her to attend a bonfire put on by their LDS singles ward. Bree reluctantly goes and meets Kade Townsend, someone Bree might like to get to know better---until he announces he's a pro beach volleyball player. And since Bree doesn't date athletes, well, that spark of attraction has to be hastily put out. But when she gets assigned to report on Kade, can she get the story and keep her feelings in check?
I loved the relationship between Kade and Bree and the very realistic problems they are facing. It was so complicated, and yet, the author added quite a bit of humor in as well. I thought the author did a great job of writing three-dimensional characters and giving enough emotional depth to pull the reader in and make us want to stay up late to see what happens next.
In addition to our hero and heroine, the reader also gets a well-rounded secondary cast that features characters from previous Jacobson books. I loved catching up with them and seeing where they were in their relationships. The beach volleyball world was interesting, and though I figured out what the big obstacle would be between these two early on, the tension was enough to keep me turning pages to see if it would play out like I thought it would. I was so engrossed in the story, when I reached the end I wanted more! That's when you know the author has done a good job. (But I must say, I was hoping for an epilogue! Hopefully, we'll see these characters again.)
So, if you're looking for a sweet romance with all the highs and lows---and twists and turns---on the way to winning at love, you'll really enjoy Perfect Set.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
October 20, 2018
Awwwwww....cute! I just stayed up way too late finishing this cutie patootie book. Probably more like 4.5 stars, but rounding up. I liked both h & H and adored the roommate friendships. The MC and her her bro were a total sibling win. The character ages puts this in the new adult genre, but it’ll appeal to young (and old) adults too.
“It made me cranky and a Snickers bar from the vending machine did not cure it. Those commercials were lies. Lies. Lies. Lies!”
This wasn’t a Christian romance as much as it was a church romance. There was no talk of faith or God. There was talk of attending church activities and a character getting himself back on track after a few years of living a partying lifestyle. That was it; no preaching. The focus was actually more about first impressions and learning not to make snap judgments about people.
I don’t understand Melanie Jacobson. Why does she include church specific terms such as ward (a geographical boundary that church members are grouped by) and EFY (Especially for Youth, similar to church camp)? She could very easily appeal to a wider audience by eliminating this confusing jargon. It wouldn’t change the story at all. There was a part with a question about whether or not one character was worthy of attending a temple ceremony. That’s something relatable, most people will get the idea. I enjoy fiction depicting Amish or Mennonite communities, even though I’m not very familiar with the religious views or lifestyle. Readers are smarties; we can glean enough understanding just by context. Lots of readers are looking for fun, clean romances. Why pander to a small, specific target audience?
A clean romance that I think will appeal to fans of both secular and Christian fiction. Light and fluffy. There’s a swoony kiss!
“It made me cranky and a Snickers bar from the vending machine did not cure it. Those commercials were lies. Lies. Lies. Lies!”
This wasn’t a Christian romance as much as it was a church romance. There was no talk of faith or God. There was talk of attending church activities and a character getting himself back on track after a few years of living a partying lifestyle. That was it; no preaching. The focus was actually more about first impressions and learning not to make snap judgments about people.
I don’t understand Melanie Jacobson. Why does she include church specific terms such as ward (a geographical boundary that church members are grouped by) and EFY (Especially for Youth, similar to church camp)? She could very easily appeal to a wider audience by eliminating this confusing jargon. It wouldn’t change the story at all. There was a part with a question about whether or not one character was worthy of attending a temple ceremony. That’s something relatable, most people will get the idea. I enjoy fiction depicting Amish or Mennonite communities, even though I’m not very familiar with the religious views or lifestyle. Readers are smarties; we can glean enough understanding just by context. Lots of readers are looking for fun, clean romances. Why pander to a small, specific target audience?
A clean romance that I think will appeal to fans of both secular and Christian fiction. Light and fluffy. There’s a swoony kiss!
May 3, 2018
This may be my favorite Melanie Jacobson book yet. I devoured it and then was sad it was over. I loved the characters and the dialogue and the plot. Maybe it is all the sports games I go to with my kids? It just really worked for me.
Female sports writer is assigned a story on the press-phobic pro volleyball player. Who she happened to blow off the weekend before. Plot ensues.
Female sports writer is assigned a story on the press-phobic pro volleyball player. Who she happened to blow off the weekend before. Plot ensues.
May 21, 2018
Melanie Jacobson is one of my very favorite authors. She writes contemporary romance. She is, in my opinion, one of the very best at writing contemporary romance.
I’ve had Perfect Set in my to be read pile for a few weeks. It was all I could do to let it sit there until I had read the other books I needed to review first. I finally got to pick this one up last week. And it was amazing, just like I knew it would be!
I loved the way this one is. There isn’t romance going on from the very beginning. Neither Bree or Kade really care for each other in the beginning. That makes this book a little more fun!
First up is Bree. She’s just moved to Huntington Beach for her new job. Her roommate pretty much blackmails her into going to a single’s ward activity on her own. That’s where she meets Kade for the first time and he doesn’t leave a good first impression. He comes across as a jerk. Bree is a sports reporter for a magazine. She’s used to athletes and knows when to walk away from the egotistical ones. That’s what Kade comes across as. Bree is probably my favorite character. She’s great at her job. She’s an honest person and she’s just nice. I really like the way that she’s able to look beyond what she sees with Kade. This really helps her when she’s assigned to write about him.
You don’t see the story through Kade’s eyes, so it’s hard to know a whole lot about him. What the reader does know about him comes through Bree’s eyes. I like the way as the reader learns more about him, they learn to like him just as Bree does in the story.
The plot of this one is fun! There’s a bunch of things for Bree to deal with. Her roommates, her dad, Kade, her job, the people she works with, all of that adds things for her to worry about. And to be confused about. It also makes the reader want to read more and more and not put the book down!
Perfect Set is an amazing contemporary romance. Make sure to grab your own copy!
I’ve had Perfect Set in my to be read pile for a few weeks. It was all I could do to let it sit there until I had read the other books I needed to review first. I finally got to pick this one up last week. And it was amazing, just like I knew it would be!
I loved the way this one is. There isn’t romance going on from the very beginning. Neither Bree or Kade really care for each other in the beginning. That makes this book a little more fun!
First up is Bree. She’s just moved to Huntington Beach for her new job. Her roommate pretty much blackmails her into going to a single’s ward activity on her own. That’s where she meets Kade for the first time and he doesn’t leave a good first impression. He comes across as a jerk. Bree is a sports reporter for a magazine. She’s used to athletes and knows when to walk away from the egotistical ones. That’s what Kade comes across as. Bree is probably my favorite character. She’s great at her job. She’s an honest person and she’s just nice. I really like the way that she’s able to look beyond what she sees with Kade. This really helps her when she’s assigned to write about him.
You don’t see the story through Kade’s eyes, so it’s hard to know a whole lot about him. What the reader does know about him comes through Bree’s eyes. I like the way as the reader learns more about him, they learn to like him just as Bree does in the story.
The plot of this one is fun! There’s a bunch of things for Bree to deal with. Her roommates, her dad, Kade, her job, the people she works with, all of that adds things for her to worry about. And to be confused about. It also makes the reader want to read more and more and not put the book down!
Perfect Set is an amazing contemporary romance. Make sure to grab your own copy!
March 31, 2019
Another fun read from Jacobsen. I have to say I thought it held plenty to grab my attention. The feud between Ace & Kade was a good one, the Beach Volleyball and other sports a good plot base. Dilemma for Bree was legitimate and the moments in the park - just perfect.
Why the sudden endings? I was looking forward to some sweet scenes at the wedding, which we’ve been building towards all through the book. An epilogue would have been great. I am not a fan of quick abrupt endings, ever. Such a shame.
Why the sudden endings? I was looking forward to some sweet scenes at the wedding, which we’ve been building towards all through the book. An epilogue would have been great. I am not a fan of quick abrupt endings, ever. Such a shame.
September 10, 2024
I used to read these Melanie Jacobson books back in high school, and I loved them haha. As a young girl, and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I remember really enjoying these LDS romances. It was nice to have stories, romances especially, that felt slightly more relatable and realistic to my lifestyle.
The re read today reminded me how cheesy but fun they are. This book is such a quick read and is full of cute moments. My biggest critique is that the resolution at the end felt a bit rushed… I will also say, Bree drove me a little crazy, but I like that Connor calls her out on it and that she is able to recognize her own toxic habits to some extent. Overall this is a light, quick moving, corny, but cute read.
The re read today reminded me how cheesy but fun they are. This book is such a quick read and is full of cute moments. My biggest critique is that the resolution at the end felt a bit rushed… I will also say, Bree drove me a little crazy, but I like that Connor calls her out on it and that she is able to recognize her own toxic habits to some extent. Overall this is a light, quick moving, corny, but cute read.
April 20, 2019
The beginning of this book makes me chuckle. The love interests get off to a bad start and it doesn't get better anytime soon, which makes for good humor. Their constant misunderstandings are imaginative and believable.
It's a sports romance. The characters are likable, well fleshed out, and easy to become emotionally invested in.
Clean romance, solid writing, and set in sunny California. A great escape anytime of year.
It's a sports romance. The characters are likable, well fleshed out, and easy to become emotionally invested in.
Clean romance, solid writing, and set in sunny California. A great escape anytime of year.
April 17, 2019
Clean Romance full of laughs!
(Audio Book)
(Audio Book)
October 29, 2018
Fun story! Love the humor and the romance! Just what I needed! LDS fiction without being too churchy!
November 16, 2021
I really really wanted to love this book but I just didn't love it. I just liked it.
May 12, 2018
Romance, Clean, Christian faith elements, LDS setting
I am so biased. As a fan, I love MBJ clever writing, witty scenes, and her interesting settings. It is always fun to see her characters from other novels with brief cameo appearances as well. The funny thing about that, is it has been several years since the other characters were written about. Witty, clever, smart Bree is just a pleasure to read about. Her 'fall' is such an fun one. Kade, her roommates, her coworkers, just a great setting, fun characters, and loved all the sports articles she writes. It was 'life' as it happens with a fun twist! Loved seeing the girls watch the final match before church. Bree's conflicted emotions, her desire to stay true to her work, work ethic, and so many things about her. Loved her character, the real article, her desire not to sugar coat the truth but tell it true. Her emotions, her writing, her work, and her discovery of the real Kade was a pleasure to read. My only complaint, is would have loved to have a beefier final few scenes with Kade.... Loved their fall!
This was more of a 4.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up with the all around good vibe. California dreamin' at it's best!
I am so biased. As a fan, I love MBJ clever writing, witty scenes, and her interesting settings. It is always fun to see her characters from other novels with brief cameo appearances as well. The funny thing about that, is it has been several years since the other characters were written about. Witty, clever, smart Bree is just a pleasure to read about. Her 'fall' is such an fun one. Kade, her roommates, her coworkers, just a great setting, fun characters, and loved all the sports articles she writes. It was 'life' as it happens with a fun twist! Loved seeing the girls watch the final match before church. Bree's conflicted emotions, her desire to stay true to her work, work ethic, and so many things about her. Loved her character, the real article, her desire not to sugar coat the truth but tell it true. Her emotions, her writing, her work, and her discovery of the real Kade was a pleasure to read. My only complaint, is would have loved to have a beefier final few scenes with Kade.... Loved their fall!
This was more of a 4.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up with the all around good vibe. California dreamin' at it's best!
January 1, 2023
When your adorable 17 year old niece gets a book for Christmas, finishes it in a day, then hands it to you and says read it, you take the book. This book was a home run for my volleyball-loving, romance junkie niece. Volleyball is one of my great loves too, which might have been why I struggled with the book a bit. I know the author said she had a few volleyball players check her volleyball lingo, including BYU legend Amy Gant, but the volleyball scenes felt like they were forced, like they were written by someone who doesn't play. One time she talked about someone blocking a serve, which isn't a thing in beach volleyball. Another time she talked about the backcourt, which is really a basketball term. All this being said, it's a cute book, one that I give a thumbs up for making my niece a very happy reader.
March 1, 2022
Loved this book, I have it on CD and I have listened to it a few times already. I do find that I "yell" at the book a few times. The main character is a conflict of contridiction and that bothers me a bit. She is over generous and forgiving on one hand, and immature and bitter on the other. There's more but I don't want to put spoilers in this so I will refrain. There are bits that are frustrating and don't ring realistic to me but I love the story and many of the characters. If it weren't for the bits it would be a solid 5 star. It was hard not to give that despite the irksome parts :) Melanie Jacobson is a great writer!
May 24, 2018
I can't resist a Melanie Jacobson novel. She has such a fun writing style, and her characters are amusing. So much snark-it's quite entertaining. Anyway, I jumped at the chance to review Perfect Set, Jacobson's newest addition to the LDS fiction genre.
I liked the characters. Bree was very driven. As a woman in a mostly male dominant industry, she had to fight hard for opportunities to report any big stories. It took a lot of the story to get a true read on Kade, but that was part of Bree's investigation, and made for an entertaining story.
Most of Jacobson's novels in this genre have a similar beach theme. When it's cold and there's no ocean in site, it's hard to resist diving into Jacobson's book. I read this very quickly, and I would read it again.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
I liked the characters. Bree was very driven. As a woman in a mostly male dominant industry, she had to fight hard for opportunities to report any big stories. It took a lot of the story to get a true read on Kade, but that was part of Bree's investigation, and made for an entertaining story.
Most of Jacobson's novels in this genre have a similar beach theme. When it's cold and there's no ocean in site, it's hard to resist diving into Jacobson's book. I read this very quickly, and I would read it again.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 5, 2024
Pretty sure this book caused me physical pain due to how HECKING byu/molly Mormon it is. I am a member of this church and I really hope no non-members ever read this because it plays so directly into all the stereotypes I spend my life trying to prove wrong😂 plus, I try really hard to be forgiving when it comes to narrators but this one was distractingly bad at male and side character voices. Just… skip this one. I will now go read the Melanie Jacobson books that I actually admire
May 26, 2018
PERFECT SET is another fun, upbeat LDS romance set in Huntington Beach, California. It's got all of the author's trademarks—a bright beach setting; smart, spunky characters; witty banter; and a swoony love story. It's not my favorite of hers, true, but PERFECT SET is still an enjoyable read that will appeal to anyone who likes light, clean, contemporary romance.
See my full review of PERFECT SET at: http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/2018/...
See my full review of PERFECT SET at: http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/2018/...
August 1, 2018
I love reading a good, light book that (no matter when I need to put it down) leaves me with a smile and a skip. I also need more beach in my life, and this author fills her work with beautiful scenery. it's my taste of vacation, from my sofa.
May 1, 2019
A sports reporter and a volleyball player?? It's like it was written for me! I loved it. It was totally Hallmark movie worthy. And I want to see it as a movie. All kinds of cheesy but some definite deeper emotional stuff with how we deal with emotions and how we are raised.
May 6, 2018
This was a fun book to read.
Read
May 23, 2018It was so nice to just completely fall into a story and one that I loved. Review to come.
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