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Imperfect #5
Imperfect Strangers
She’s looking for a forever kind of guy, he might not live to see tomorrow.
Bethany Connell has one goal: keep her cookies in her basket. And by cookies, she means sex. She will not be distracted by a pretty face and a rock-hard body again. This time, she wants a grown-up relationship. Something steady. Something forever.
And then she wakes up in bed with New York City’s sexiest playboy.
For Brent Crawford, only one thing matters: football. Except one more pass, and the game could kill him. Literally. With a lethal heart condition he’s been hiding from everyone, he’s got nothing to offer a woman, between the sheets or anywhere else.
And then he wakes up in bed with a spitfire blonde who needs his all.
So right for each other, Bethany and Brent are convinced now is the wrong time.
But they’re about to find out it’s never too late to heal a broken heart.
Bethany Connell has one goal: keep her cookies in her basket. And by cookies, she means sex. She will not be distracted by a pretty face and a rock-hard body again. This time, she wants a grown-up relationship. Something steady. Something forever.
And then she wakes up in bed with New York City’s sexiest playboy.
For Brent Crawford, only one thing matters: football. Except one more pass, and the game could kill him. Literally. With a lethal heart condition he’s been hiding from everyone, he’s got nothing to offer a woman, between the sheets or anywhere else.
And then he wakes up in bed with a spitfire blonde who needs his all.
So right for each other, Bethany and Brent are convinced now is the wrong time.
But they’re about to find out it’s never too late to heal a broken heart.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2018
279 people are currently reading
1097 people want to read
About the author
Mary Frame
30 books747 followersMary Frame writes romantic comedies with quirky characters, steamy moments, and banter that will make you blush and snort-laugh at the same time. She’s a full time mom with a full time job and has no idea how she manages to write novels, but it probably helps that she's a dedicated introvert. She doesn't enjoy writing about herself in third person, but she does enjoy reading, writing, dancing, and damaging the ear drums of her co-workers when she randomly decides to sing to them.
She LOVES hearing from readers and will not only respond but likely begin stalking them while tossing out hearts and flowers and rainbows! If that doesn't creep you out, e-mail her at: maryframeauthor@gmail.com
www.maryframe.com
Instagram: @maryframeauthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryFrame
Bookbub: @MaryFrame
She LOVES hearing from readers and will not only respond but likely begin stalking them while tossing out hearts and flowers and rainbows! If that doesn't creep you out, e-mail her at: maryframeauthor@gmail.com
www.maryframe.com
Instagram: @maryframeauthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryFrame
Bookbub: @MaryFrame
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
November 19, 2018
The H is a sad little guy. He is an athlete who has some heart problem which is life threatening. And he keeps it from everyone. No one knows about his problem.
The h is working for the H’s father. The h’s interaction with the H’s dad, her boss, was stupid. Lots of sexual innuendos and over friendly relation with him was very odd considering he is H’s father. Yuck !
Also as usual the h has a gay male friend, who is concerned about her lonely vagina.
The first encounter between the H and the h was quite weird as they wake up one morning cuddling each other. The H is not at fault as it’s his house. But the h is actually the one who is wrongly sleeping. She was just to look after the plants and go back to her place. But you know how some authors like to embarrass and humiliate the heroines.
Also the H is seen thinking and missing how his dad used to smile to him and all. So the old man can smile and flirt with his female employees but not with his son. Amazing!!!
Then we have ows. The H’s father’s business partners daughter. Actually, his love life is quite sad. He was dumped by his gf. Also he was rejected by a girl, who is now his brothers wife (previous book). And then his heart meds makes him impotent. Poor Poor Guy.
This was average read. The writing was good but the story was nothing new.
The h is working for the H’s father. The h’s interaction with the H’s dad, her boss, was stupid. Lots of sexual innuendos and over friendly relation with him was very odd considering he is H’s father. Yuck !
Also as usual the h has a gay male friend, who is concerned about her lonely vagina.
The first encounter between the H and the h was quite weird as they wake up one morning cuddling each other. The H is not at fault as it’s his house. But the h is actually the one who is wrongly sleeping. She was just to look after the plants and go back to her place. But you know how some authors like to embarrass and humiliate the heroines.
Also the H is seen thinking and missing how his dad used to smile to him and all. So the old man can smile and flirt with his female employees but not with his son. Amazing!!!
Then we have ows. The H’s father’s business partners daughter. Actually, his love life is quite sad. He was dumped by his gf. Also he was rejected by a girl, who is now his brothers wife (previous book). And then his heart meds makes him impotent. Poor Poor Guy.
This was average read. The writing was good but the story was nothing new.
July 11, 2019
Loved it! Bethany and Brent were so freaking adorable. Their interactions were so funny and endearing. I loved that they were both true crime fanatics and the little My Favorite Murder podcast things sprinkled through out were fantastic. Mary Frame is clearly a Murderino! STEPHEN!!!
Read
November 1, 2018Guys! It’s almost here! I don’t know what to say about this book except…UUGH I just love it so much.
So let me tell you what I love about my own book and try not to feel like too much of a weirdo about basically complimenting myself. I guess I do know what to say! LOL!
I love Bethany. She’s a lot like Freya (well, they have been best friends forever!). She’s kind of a goofball—says things that don’t make sense, has no filter, terrible liar, she loves spreadsheets and true crime (we have a lot in common).
Now let’s talk about Brent. So it’s an uncommon thing (apparently) to write a book with an impotent hero. Even if that impotence is temporary. It was a challenge—lemme tell you—but I’m happy with how the story turned out and I hope you all are too!
One more thing! I wrote this book while binge-listening to the best podcast in the whole world: My Favorite Murder. It’s a true crime comedy podcast and there are a ton of little Easter eggs strewn throughout this novel as tribute. If you like true crime and comedy--go listen to it right now!
Also... (that whole “one more thing” was a LIE) a portion of the proceeds from this book will be going to endthebacklog.org – an organization devoted to ending the back log of untested rape kits in the US. You don’t have to buy this book to make a difference! Go to the website now to donate and see how many untested rape kits are in your state.
Read on my friends!
<3
So let me tell you what I love about my own book and try not to feel like too much of a weirdo about basically complimenting myself. I guess I do know what to say! LOL!
I love Bethany. She’s a lot like Freya (well, they have been best friends forever!). She’s kind of a goofball—says things that don’t make sense, has no filter, terrible liar, she loves spreadsheets and true crime (we have a lot in common).
Now let’s talk about Brent. So it’s an uncommon thing (apparently) to write a book with an impotent hero. Even if that impotence is temporary. It was a challenge—lemme tell you—but I’m happy with how the story turned out and I hope you all are too!
One more thing! I wrote this book while binge-listening to the best podcast in the whole world: My Favorite Murder. It’s a true crime comedy podcast and there are a ton of little Easter eggs strewn throughout this novel as tribute. If you like true crime and comedy--go listen to it right now!
Also... (that whole “one more thing” was a LIE) a portion of the proceeds from this book will be going to endthebacklog.org – an organization devoted to ending the back log of untested rape kits in the US. You don’t have to buy this book to make a difference! Go to the website now to donate and see how many untested rape kits are in your state.
Read on my friends!
<3
November 7, 2018
Four and a half stars.
I'm a great fan of Mary Frame so I was stoked to receive an ARC of her latest book. Although the characters in this book interact with characters from the previous books in the series it can totally be read as a stand-alone novel - I have the memory of a gadfly so I didn't recall how our hero and heroine related to the previous books until about halfway through!
Bethany Connell has moved to New York to get away from her mother. She's living in her BFF's old apartment (Gwen McDougall from Picture Imperfect) while she and her boyfriend Marc are travelling the world. Gwen has also started working for Marc's father, the mean Mr Crawford as his PA and generally smoothing over the feathers he ruffles with his non-PC attitude, whilst trying desperately to help him recruit a replacement for Marc.
Bethany is actually sleeping in Marc's far more swanky apartment because she is scared that Gwen's apartment has a ghost, when she wakes up one morning to find she is being spooned by Marc's beautiful younger brother, Brent Crawford, the new tight end for the New York Sharks. and one of the sexiest men alive. How embarrassing is this? Being caught sleeping in your boss' son's bed like a creeper!
As anyone who has read the previous book will know, Brent Crawford isn't the playboy he seems to the rest of the world, a potentially fatal genetic heart condition threatens his career and has seriously cramped his social life. He was so out of it when he returned from his holiday in the Turks and Caicos Islands that he didn't even register that there was a petite blonde asleep in his bed. After the best night's sleep he has had in a long time he is desperate to spend more time with Bethany, even if all he can offer is to be her friend. Meanwhile his impossible father is compensating for Marc's absence by trying to drag Brent into a dynastic marriage with a big client!
Mary Frame is an auto-buy for me (I had to cancel my pre-order when I got the ARC), I love that her characters are quirky and different. She's not afraid to give her main characters disabilities or defects. She writes witty, plot-driven novels with likeable characters and this is no different. Oh and the puns, the puns! I'm a sucker for cheesy puns (is there any other kind) and Brent and Bethany are no different.
I don't know whether I had insomnia because my husband snores and I have a sore throat, or whether that is the excuse I gave for devouring this book in a single day (and doing a full day's work).
Love, love, loved it.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
I'm a great fan of Mary Frame so I was stoked to receive an ARC of her latest book. Although the characters in this book interact with characters from the previous books in the series it can totally be read as a stand-alone novel - I have the memory of a gadfly so I didn't recall how our hero and heroine related to the previous books until about halfway through!
Bethany Connell has moved to New York to get away from her mother. She's living in her BFF's old apartment (Gwen McDougall from Picture Imperfect) while she and her boyfriend Marc are travelling the world. Gwen has also started working for Marc's father, the mean Mr Crawford as his PA and generally smoothing over the feathers he ruffles with his non-PC attitude, whilst trying desperately to help him recruit a replacement for Marc.
Bethany is actually sleeping in Marc's far more swanky apartment because she is scared that Gwen's apartment has a ghost, when she wakes up one morning to find she is being spooned by Marc's beautiful younger brother, Brent Crawford, the new tight end for the New York Sharks. and one of the sexiest men alive. How embarrassing is this? Being caught sleeping in your boss' son's bed like a creeper!
As anyone who has read the previous book will know, Brent Crawford isn't the playboy he seems to the rest of the world, a potentially fatal genetic heart condition threatens his career and has seriously cramped his social life. He was so out of it when he returned from his holiday in the Turks and Caicos Islands that he didn't even register that there was a petite blonde asleep in his bed. After the best night's sleep he has had in a long time he is desperate to spend more time with Bethany, even if all he can offer is to be her friend. Meanwhile his impossible father is compensating for Marc's absence by trying to drag Brent into a dynastic marriage with a big client!
Mary Frame is an auto-buy for me (I had to cancel my pre-order when I got the ARC), I love that her characters are quirky and different. She's not afraid to give her main characters disabilities or defects. She writes witty, plot-driven novels with likeable characters and this is no different. Oh and the puns, the puns! I'm a sucker for cheesy puns (is there any other kind) and Brent and Bethany are no different.
I don't know whether I had insomnia because my husband snores and I have a sore throat, or whether that is the excuse I gave for devouring this book in a single day (and doing a full day's work).
Love, love, loved it.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Want to read
March 23, 2021So I am 5% in.....
Oh my God. I can't remember the last i literally screamed at my phone and almost dropped it after reading TWO WORDS on my screen.
So the life threatening and lethal heart condition the hero has!?
.... Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy... FFS
Why couldnt it be Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia cardiomyopathy!? Or Dilated Cardiomyopathy!?
Of course out of all the countless illness in the world the hero has one that MY DAD HAS. 😭😭 FML. I always believed that the illness isnt necessarily life threatening at all, its very much POSIBLE to live a normal life with this.
So ofc i googled and guess what statistic I came across- "researchers say the prognosis for people with the disease is still bleak, with about 50% having an average life expectancy of less than five years" WTFFF YOU ARE KIDDING ME???? nope my dad is absolutely fine. Nothing is happening to him.
Also btw the illness could be genetic meaning i could have it or develop it later in my life. NO WONDER NHS GETS ME TESTED EVERY 6 MONTHS FOR IT EVEN DURING COVID TIMES. I had no idea it was this lethal.
I am gonna go watch some cricket. India vs england is on- my two favourite teams. Hopefully that will help me feel less shit.
Oh my God. I can't remember the last i literally screamed at my phone and almost dropped it after reading TWO WORDS on my screen.
So the life threatening and lethal heart condition the hero has!?
.... Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy... FFS
Why couldnt it be Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia cardiomyopathy!? Or Dilated Cardiomyopathy!?
Of course out of all the countless illness in the world the hero has one that MY DAD HAS. 😭😭 FML. I always believed that the illness isnt necessarily life threatening at all, its very much POSIBLE to live a normal life with this.
So ofc i googled and guess what statistic I came across- "researchers say the prognosis for people with the disease is still bleak, with about 50% having an average life expectancy of less than five years" WTFFF YOU ARE KIDDING ME???? nope my dad is absolutely fine. Nothing is happening to him.
Also btw the illness could be genetic meaning i could have it or develop it later in my life. NO WONDER NHS GETS ME TESTED EVERY 6 MONTHS FOR IT EVEN DURING COVID TIMES. I had no idea it was this lethal.
I am gonna go watch some cricket. India vs england is on- my two favourite teams. Hopefully that will help me feel less shit.
October 26, 2018
I am a huge fan of Mary Frame's books. I have read everything she has written and think her imagination and talent at putting the story into words is wonderful.
Her current book, Imperfect Strangers, is another excellent book. She creates such quirky and unpredictable characters that have me laughing throughout the book. Bethany is a breath of fresh air to Brent, a gifted football player, who is used to people wanting things he can provide for them, more than him alone. Bethany does not have a filter to her words and is a terrible at lying, so Brent knows that he can trust her. His brother asked him to look out for Bethany since she is new to the area and is subleasing his wife’s apartment while they travel the world.
They meet in an awkward situation and from then on, their relationship takes a strange course that is so enjoyable to read. Bethany and Brent both have secrets that they have hid and finally have found someone to share their burdens.
This book, as all of Mary Frame's stories, was very easy to get involved in and I was invested in the story from the first few pages. I judge a good book by how much my mind goes back to it when I am not reading. I was continually thinking about Bethany and Brent, when not reading, and wanted to get back to the book to find out the path to their happily ever after. These two people deserved an amazing future and I knew that Mary would give that to them.
I was given the ARC by the author. I wrote an unbiased review in hopes that others will discover this amazing talent. I truly loved this story and I hope there will be more books to this series that is so unique and enjoyable.
Her current book, Imperfect Strangers, is another excellent book. She creates such quirky and unpredictable characters that have me laughing throughout the book. Bethany is a breath of fresh air to Brent, a gifted football player, who is used to people wanting things he can provide for them, more than him alone. Bethany does not have a filter to her words and is a terrible at lying, so Brent knows that he can trust her. His brother asked him to look out for Bethany since she is new to the area and is subleasing his wife’s apartment while they travel the world.
They meet in an awkward situation and from then on, their relationship takes a strange course that is so enjoyable to read. Bethany and Brent both have secrets that they have hid and finally have found someone to share their burdens.
This book, as all of Mary Frame's stories, was very easy to get involved in and I was invested in the story from the first few pages. I judge a good book by how much my mind goes back to it when I am not reading. I was continually thinking about Bethany and Brent, when not reading, and wanted to get back to the book to find out the path to their happily ever after. These two people deserved an amazing future and I knew that Mary would give that to them.
I was given the ARC by the author. I wrote an unbiased review in hopes that others will discover this amazing talent. I truly loved this story and I hope there will be more books to this series that is so unique and enjoyable.
November 9, 2018
My favorite type of romance
Nobody does romantic comedy like Mary Frame. I love how every other paragraph brings out smiles and chuckles, and yet she's able to combine that with heart-moving love and splashes of deep, serious human tragedy. Don't ask me how she makes it work. But she does it seamlessly and beautifully.
In this book I enjoyed getting to know Brent and Bethany better. I loved how their budding romance revolves all around humor, true crime and the silliest bird jokes. It's so refreshing to read romance based on emotional chemistry, as opposed to just sex, or the ubiquitous love/hate banter so common in modern romance—where the hero and heroine seem to hate each other one page and fall in bed the next one.
But in addition to the usual elements of great romantic comedy, this story touches life-threatening illness, strained family relationships and alcoholism. Those moments of deep raw emotion when the characters need to transcend their sufferings not only add to the experience of reading the book, but also make the laughter more vivid when it returns.
As an additional treat, it was great to meet again some of my favorite characters from previous books. Gwen, Marc, Ted, Freya, Sam. Even insufferable Mr. Crawford. By now they feel like old friends to me.
I can't wait for the next book on the series. In the meantime, I'm going to have to go and re-read some of my favorite previous ones.
Nobody does romantic comedy like Mary Frame. I love how every other paragraph brings out smiles and chuckles, and yet she's able to combine that with heart-moving love and splashes of deep, serious human tragedy. Don't ask me how she makes it work. But she does it seamlessly and beautifully.
In this book I enjoyed getting to know Brent and Bethany better. I loved how their budding romance revolves all around humor, true crime and the silliest bird jokes. It's so refreshing to read romance based on emotional chemistry, as opposed to just sex, or the ubiquitous love/hate banter so common in modern romance—where the hero and heroine seem to hate each other one page and fall in bed the next one.
But in addition to the usual elements of great romantic comedy, this story touches life-threatening illness, strained family relationships and alcoholism. Those moments of deep raw emotion when the characters need to transcend their sufferings not only add to the experience of reading the book, but also make the laughter more vivid when it returns.
As an additional treat, it was great to meet again some of my favorite characters from previous books. Gwen, Marc, Ted, Freya, Sam. Even insufferable Mr. Crawford. By now they feel like old friends to me.
I can't wait for the next book on the series. In the meantime, I'm going to have to go and re-read some of my favorite previous ones.
October 30, 2018
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
3 stars, this is a cute and funny read a nice read while your on your way to maybe a vacation destination. Bethany is your standard girl running a way from her life and Brent the popular and rich football player. Compared to the other books I liked this one a little less, maybe because the story has been written so many times already. The characters in this book didn't stand out like the other books in the series.
3 stars, this is a cute and funny read a nice read while your on your way to maybe a vacation destination. Bethany is your standard girl running a way from her life and Brent the popular and rich football player. Compared to the other books I liked this one a little less, maybe because the story has been written so many times already. The characters in this book didn't stand out like the other books in the series.
November 8, 2018
I always, always LOVED the books in this series! Imperfect series was full of untypical heroes and heroines that extraordinary in their own ways. And this book, this could very well be my favourite book within my favourite series.
An unlikely heroine, Bethany, happy bubbling girl that I knew from the first book, one I thought as kind hearted average-type pretty party girl. I saw her inside thought here and found my first impression was quite off the mark. Yes, she’s kind hearted and intrinsically happy girl, yet she had big issues of her own. One very understandable issue that she covered by cheerfulness. I loved her positivism most of all. Despite her problem, she could be the light in the dark.
And the hero, who seemed to be typical hero. Handsome, football player, super rich (through family and his own), and an actually kind person. Brent. But! He had a secret so big that drowned his happiness in life.
These two met in a funny situation and the story evolve. Although, as romance story, it had cliché moments, I loved how Ms. Frame framed it in different light that made them felt fresh. Thrown in a little of mystery and suspense, and it’s perfect.
Again, I loved it and I hope this one is not the last. Fingers crossed.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
An unlikely heroine, Bethany, happy bubbling girl that I knew from the first book, one I thought as kind hearted average-type pretty party girl. I saw her inside thought here and found my first impression was quite off the mark. Yes, she’s kind hearted and intrinsically happy girl, yet she had big issues of her own. One very understandable issue that she covered by cheerfulness. I loved her positivism most of all. Despite her problem, she could be the light in the dark.
And the hero, who seemed to be typical hero. Handsome, football player, super rich (through family and his own), and an actually kind person. Brent. But! He had a secret so big that drowned his happiness in life.
These two met in a funny situation and the story evolve. Although, as romance story, it had cliché moments, I loved how Ms. Frame framed it in different light that made them felt fresh. Thrown in a little of mystery and suspense, and it’s perfect.
Again, I loved it and I hope this one is not the last. Fingers crossed.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
October 26, 2018
Brent Crawford has some secrets. He’s suffering from a condition that could stop his heart at any moment, and if that’s not hard enough- pun intended- the medication he has to take causes (gasp!) impotence. Add to all that the worry over what his health issues will mean for his pro football career, and Brent is having one seriously tough time.
Bethany Connell has problems of her own: an over-dependent mother, a misogynistic boss, and to top it all off- a ghost in her apartment that scares her so much she can’t stand to sleep in her own bed!
When a hilarious circumstance brings these two together, things start to heat up. Bethany is the exact sort of (kooky, awesome) crazy heroine I love, and exactly what Brent has been missing in his life; and Brent is the kind of strong (swoon-worthy!) steady soul that Bethany needs. Author Mary Frame has written two endearing, well thought-out main characters, and a slew of loveable side characters as well. The story that unfolds on the way to the HEA at the end is fun, quirky, and heartwarming.
Imperfect Strangers is the 5th book in Mary Frame’s Imperfect series, and a few characters from other books in the series make an appearance in this one. It can be read before you read the other books in the series, or you can start at the beginning with Imperfect Chemistry. So far I’ve read and loved every book in the series!
Overall, Imperfect Strangers is my favorite kind of read: funny, clever, romantic, even scary/suspenseful in some parts, especially close to the end! You can't go wrong with any book in this series, though. Highly recommended!!!
Bethany Connell has problems of her own: an over-dependent mother, a misogynistic boss, and to top it all off- a ghost in her apartment that scares her so much she can’t stand to sleep in her own bed!
When a hilarious circumstance brings these two together, things start to heat up. Bethany is the exact sort of (kooky, awesome) crazy heroine I love, and exactly what Brent has been missing in his life; and Brent is the kind of strong (swoon-worthy!) steady soul that Bethany needs. Author Mary Frame has written two endearing, well thought-out main characters, and a slew of loveable side characters as well. The story that unfolds on the way to the HEA at the end is fun, quirky, and heartwarming.
Imperfect Strangers is the 5th book in Mary Frame’s Imperfect series, and a few characters from other books in the series make an appearance in this one. It can be read before you read the other books in the series, or you can start at the beginning with Imperfect Chemistry. So far I’ve read and loved every book in the series!
Overall, Imperfect Strangers is my favorite kind of read: funny, clever, romantic, even scary/suspenseful in some parts, especially close to the end! You can't go wrong with any book in this series, though. Highly recommended!!!
March 10, 2019
Another good read in the series.
I've been enjoying this series. In this one we have Brent and Bethany. Brent is a football player and Bethany works for his dad. Due to some health issues Brent is taking a break from football and spends most of his time with Bethany. Of course there is drama but in the end it works out.
I've been enjoying this series. In this one we have Brent and Bethany. Brent is a football player and Bethany works for his dad. Due to some health issues Brent is taking a break from football and spends most of his time with Bethany. Of course there is drama but in the end it works out.
July 19, 2022
Another fast read by this author. I'm glad the series isn't a rehash of the same characters and stories over and over. It was all right. Some things didn't feel resolved, but they might be in subsequent books in the series.
I really liked all the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, especially the ones from prominent figures in sport.
I really liked all the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, especially the ones from prominent figures in sport.
October 19, 2018
I always enjoy reading about serial killers and it was fun to read about a character that shares my morbid fascination. I loved Bethany's unfiltered comments but what I loved most about this story was that the author didn't spent 85% of the story describing how big the guy's tool was and the rest creating drama because of unspoken misunderstandings. Mary's book has a story line that it is fun and trilling, it has drama but also suspense.
It is true that the characters' description was common, the guy has arms and buns of steel while the girl suffers of cellulites (or at least she thinks so). But Mary made them almost real, Brent is not your usual dark and brooding super male and Bethany is not a princess in need of rescuing. Bethany and Brent were just perfect.
It is true that the characters' description was common, the guy has arms and buns of steel while the girl suffers of cellulites (or at least she thinks so). But Mary made them almost real, Brent is not your usual dark and brooding super male and Bethany is not a princess in need of rescuing. Bethany and Brent were just perfect.
September 26, 2024
Respectfully wtf was that
November 3, 2018
I received an ARC and loved every word until they stopped. Why did the words stop?
If you don’t like sharks and crime... well you should read the book anyways. It’s good for the soul. Just do it.
If you don’t like sharks and crime... well you should read the book anyways. It’s good for the soul. Just do it.
December 11, 2022
This one was my favorite of the series so far. Great characters. Great story. Sweet. Funny. Good suspense. Loved it !
June 29, 2025
Easy read. I always enjoy when there are different narrators, it adds depth to the story
October 20, 2018
This is a sweet story and is lots of fun to read. Great characters with an interesting set of problems which make it difficult for their romance to progress. Beautifully written and constructed, I very much enjoyed this one.
January 26, 2022
I’ve read all of the imperfect series and have loved all of them. Author Mary frame sent me a copy for an honest review.
This novel is not your typical romance novel full of steamy sex scenes but it definitely has the ogling of the male form. Much loved characters from the previous novels within the series do make an appearance. I probably could have had more “Lucy” moments, but that didn’t reduce my enjoyment of this book.
The conflict and suspense within the book was realistic and just like the hero and Heroines relationship a bit quirky.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys funny romances with a strong female lead (and super sexy hero’s!)
This novel is not your typical romance novel full of steamy sex scenes but it definitely has the ogling of the male form. Much loved characters from the previous novels within the series do make an appearance. I probably could have had more “Lucy” moments, but that didn’t reduce my enjoyment of this book.
The conflict and suspense within the book was realistic and just like the hero and Heroines relationship a bit quirky.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys funny romances with a strong female lead (and super sexy hero’s!)
April 21, 2019
4 - 4.5 stars
Aww, I liked this one so much!
New-to-me writer and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
Perfectly safe, slow-burn, low-angst, no manwhores or stupid heroines, no clichéd drama with exes. The dual POV didn't even bug me because Ms. Frame actually knows how to write a decent male voice.
Bethany and Brent were just adorable, both individually and together. They started as friends and were so cute and easy with one another. They had a natural chemistry that just really worked for me because it felt real.
Brent is a footballer and Bethany is his father's PA, and their first meeting is unusual and quite funny.
Now, this next part is a courtesy for any of my GR friends who have done likewise.
Also, **SPOILER ALERT**
So anyone familiar with my reviews KNOWS illness of an MC is a no-go for ol' Ellie. However, hero Brent has a wee heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It could kill him. I went ahead and read the book anyway, because this condition is fixable by surgery. In the meantime though, he takes a medication, the side effects of which means that a certain part of him doesn't exactly work...if you get my drift. But this situation is handled easily and with a good bit of humour.
Brent's situation notwithstanding, the book is more about his relationship with Bethany than his illness. It's got a rather light feel, solid writing and is edited very well.
All around, an enjoyable and sweet read about two loveable characters who belong together. Definite HEA. No epilogue. Highly recommend.
Aww, I liked this one so much!
New-to-me writer and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
Perfectly safe, slow-burn, low-angst, no manwhores or stupid heroines, no clichéd drama with exes. The dual POV didn't even bug me because Ms. Frame actually knows how to write a decent male voice.
Bethany and Brent were just adorable, both individually and together. They started as friends and were so cute and easy with one another. They had a natural chemistry that just really worked for me because it felt real.
Brent is a footballer and Bethany is his father's PA, and their first meeting is unusual and quite funny.
Now, this next part is a courtesy for any of my GR friends who have done likewise.
Also, **SPOILER ALERT**
So anyone familiar with my reviews KNOWS illness of an MC is a no-go for ol' Ellie. However, hero Brent has a wee heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It could kill him. I went ahead and read the book anyway, because this condition is fixable by surgery. In the meantime though, he takes a medication, the side effects of which means that a certain part of him doesn't exactly work...if you get my drift. But this situation is handled easily and with a good bit of humour.
Brent's situation notwithstanding, the book is more about his relationship with Bethany than his illness. It's got a rather light feel, solid writing and is edited very well.
All around, an enjoyable and sweet read about two loveable characters who belong together. Definite HEA. No epilogue. Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2018
Hot and sweet pretty much describes this book. Are those descriptors at odds? Not really. They work very well in this book. Brent Crawford is a hot and hunky professional football player, one who is keeping a secret from everyone except his doctor. Bethany is Brent’s father’s employee; she’s beautiful, smart, and more than a little looney, and she, too, has a secret. She’s also living in an apartment that is rampant with odd noises and appearances. Could it be haunted? Put Brent and Bethany together to investigate, and you wind up with flames. Unfortunately, their secrets keep dumping cold water on them, keeping the two connected but at arm’s length.
This was a great rom-com, full of fun and tension and a bit of mystery. Mary Frame’s books are always highly entertaining, and this one is no different. I will say that this isn’t my favorite of her books. While I loved Brent’s character, Bethany left me cold. I’m not sure why, but she didn’t seem real to me, just a bunch of traits pasted together that didn’t work in a believable fashion. Also, I found it hard to believe that Brent didn’t exhibit more symptoms of his condition; it was more tell than show where that was concerned. Despite those few things, I enjoyed the story. It made me both laugh and feel the pain of the characters.
If you enjoy rom-com mysteries, chances are that you’ll like this book.
I received a free ARC of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no impact on the opinions expressed in this review. Those opinions are my honest reactions to the book..
This was a great rom-com, full of fun and tension and a bit of mystery. Mary Frame’s books are always highly entertaining, and this one is no different. I will say that this isn’t my favorite of her books. While I loved Brent’s character, Bethany left me cold. I’m not sure why, but she didn’t seem real to me, just a bunch of traits pasted together that didn’t work in a believable fashion. Also, I found it hard to believe that Brent didn’t exhibit more symptoms of his condition; it was more tell than show where that was concerned. Despite those few things, I enjoyed the story. It made me both laugh and feel the pain of the characters.
If you enjoy rom-com mysteries, chances are that you’ll like this book.
I received a free ARC of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no impact on the opinions expressed in this review. Those opinions are my honest reactions to the book..
January 31, 2023
This is book 5 in the series and can technically be read as a stand alone but the main characters in this book were side characters in previous books. Bethany is in all of the previous books; and Brent was one of the main characters in book 4. Bethany is subletting Brent’s sister-in-law, Gwen’s apartment as well as looking after him and his brother Marc’s apt while they are out of the Country. But the apt has weird noises and so Bethany keeps escaping over to the brothers apartment. But one morning she wakes up and she isn’t alone. There are arms around her. She doesn’t remember going home with anyone. Soon she realizes that Brent is the person next to her and he must be back in town. Bethany is also working for Brent’s dad. Brent is a big time football player with a secret health problem. Brent’s dad tries to force him into dating a rich girl bc he wants to partner with her dad in business. Meanwhile Brent & Bethany are quickly becoming friends while trying to solve the weird noises coming from Gwen’s apartment. I read this book in one sitting, I couldn’t stop reading. There’s a lot of twists and turns that you won’t expect. Including Bethany almost getting killed! Onto book 6!
September 28, 2024
So it’s enjoyable enough, but not great and probably not memorable.
Brent is a pro-football player who has a heart condition that could cause it to stop at any time but he hasn’t told a soul. He’s on meds that cause effects like impotence so he’s not dating or playboying, but just focusing on how he can stay healthy but keeps putting off the must needed surgery to fix his heart.
Bethany works for Brent’s crass and awful father and is friends with Brent’s brother’s girlfriend, Gwen, whose apartment Bethany is staying in. Said apartment freaks out Gwen because of noises she hears in the night, thumping and shadows of figures that she thinks are ghosts.
Bethany and Brent will become friends as he helps her figure out what’s happening in the apartment. They start dating, with no sex. They stop when his dad threatens Bethany’s job, which gets worse when Brent’s health issues become gossip news and he asks if Bethany had anything to do with it.
He goes to have his surgery and Bethany shows up. They start up again and two months later they go to the beach and Brent gets hard, finally. The end.
Brent is a pro-football player who has a heart condition that could cause it to stop at any time but he hasn’t told a soul. He’s on meds that cause effects like impotence so he’s not dating or playboying, but just focusing on how he can stay healthy but keeps putting off the must needed surgery to fix his heart.
Bethany works for Brent’s crass and awful father and is friends with Brent’s brother’s girlfriend, Gwen, whose apartment Bethany is staying in. Said apartment freaks out Gwen because of noises she hears in the night, thumping and shadows of figures that she thinks are ghosts.
Bethany and Brent will become friends as he helps her figure out what’s happening in the apartment. They start dating, with no sex. They stop when his dad threatens Bethany’s job, which gets worse when Brent’s health issues become gossip news and he asks if Bethany had anything to do with it.
He goes to have his surgery and Bethany shows up. They start up again and two months later they go to the beach and Brent gets hard, finally. The end.
March 6, 2019
This is a fun filled quick read. It is part of series but is a standalone. However, after meeting her friends you may want to read their stories. A story with fun characters and fun dialogue. Bethany and Brent meet after they "sleep" together. Yes, really sleep. She wakes up in his bed. He stumbles in the night before exhausted and doesn't even notice her. She is hiding out in his apartment that he shares with his brother because hers is haunted. She has a wild imagination and a fascination with real life murders. She is new to NY and knows very few people. She also works for his father. Brent is a NFL player. Football is everything to him. He has life threatening illness that throws him into a world of confusion. He keeps this a secret from everyone. Brent and Bethany both have secrets and both parental issues. Between all the corny jokes, insecurities and miscommunication they have to deal with the secrets and find the HEA.
March 6, 2019
☑ Terrific 💙romance!! Who knew 🐤🐦bird puns could be so affectionately rendered?!😍
March 5, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍💕💋💕 Excellent, superbly written romantic adventure with good adversity plotline and a mystery subplot with a rockem' sockem' climax. I adored Brent and Bethany! Their banter and🐦 bird puns, just so cute, and they were such lovable characters. This was the first novel I read in the series and, though many of the secondary characters appeared in their own earlier stories, this novel was perfectly fine as a standalone. Based on this fantastic romance, with the Ultimate Act suborned while true, touching caring and affection bloom, I will definitely be looking for more from author Mary Frame. She can create a fantastic romantic story that does not need to rely on explicit passionate clinches in every chapter to keep the reader's interest!😊
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 5, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍💕💋💕 Excellent, superbly written romantic adventure with good adversity plotline and a mystery subplot with a rockem' sockem' climax. I adored Brent and Bethany! Their banter and🐦 bird puns, just so cute, and they were such lovable characters. This was the first novel I read in the series and, though many of the secondary characters appeared in their own earlier stories, this novel was perfectly fine as a standalone. Based on this fantastic romance, with the Ultimate Act suborned while true, touching caring and affection bloom, I will definitely be looking for more from author Mary Frame. She can create a fantastic romantic story that does not need to rely on explicit passionate clinches in every chapter to keep the reader's interest!😊
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 8, 2019
Funny, quirky, and perfect! Loved it!
Bethany needs to get away from a rough situation at home and decides to take a job halfway across the country in NYC. She’s working for Mr. Crawford and watering the plants and bringing in the mail at Marc’s apartment. On top of working a lot of hours, Bethany hasn’t been getting any sleep due to some strange occurrences at her own apartment. She finally decides to crash at Marc’s.
Brent, superstar of pro football, has been MIA for months after last season ended. He has some truths that he needs to face and decisions he needs to make. He finally comes home late one night, only to wake up the next morning wrapped around a beautiful stranger. Things just get more interesting from there!
I adored Bethany! She was quirky, kind and hardworking! Brent was everything I didn’t expect and I loved how the author developed his character! I really enjoyed the mystery part of the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Bethany needs to get away from a rough situation at home and decides to take a job halfway across the country in NYC. She’s working for Mr. Crawford and watering the plants and bringing in the mail at Marc’s apartment. On top of working a lot of hours, Bethany hasn’t been getting any sleep due to some strange occurrences at her own apartment. She finally decides to crash at Marc’s.
Brent, superstar of pro football, has been MIA for months after last season ended. He has some truths that he needs to face and decisions he needs to make. He finally comes home late one night, only to wake up the next morning wrapped around a beautiful stranger. Things just get more interesting from there!
I adored Bethany! She was quirky, kind and hardworking! Brent was everything I didn’t expect and I loved how the author developed his character! I really enjoyed the mystery part of the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
September 21, 2024
This is the first book I have ever read by Mary and I was pleasantly surprised!
An adorable love story about Brent, a famous footballer with a serious incurable heart condition which means his heart can stop at any moment. Then Bethany, an absolute sweetheart, who moved to New York to get away from her drunk mother. Who are brought together by a ghost. Yeah you heard me… a ghost.
Bethany moves into her best friend, Gwens apartment whilst Gwen and her boyfriend Marc are travelling. During her time there she is always hearing strange noises and swears to see shadows in the dark, so occasionally she sleeps in Gwens boyfriend’s (Marc) apartment to feel safe. Then one morning she wakes up next to the beloved Brent (Marc’s Brother).
This story will have you swooning, laughing and also guessing, like some sort of crazy person, because as well as this being a really sweet love story, it’s also a Crime/Mystery/Murder-ish story! It will honestly have you hooked!
November 9, 2018
This book is great but I already knew it was going to be because I've read all the books in the Imperfect series. I really love Mary Frame's writing style, it's witty, full of puns and great dialogues and she adds a bit of mystery and suspense in most of her books. I also like that the romance is not full on from the beginning, that there is some buildup. Her characters are well developped, multi dimensional and quirky, they are not what they appear to be.
Here is a heroine we met already and seem to be the partying type, we get to know her better and she is a mostly a goofball and true crime fan. The hero is impotent and has demons of his own, they made a great pair, their interactions were funny and realistic. The story has also a bit of mystery thrown in.
Mary is one of my favourite author along with Penny Reid and Mariana Zapata and I highly recommend her books !
Here is a heroine we met already and seem to be the partying type, we get to know her better and she is a mostly a goofball and true crime fan. The hero is impotent and has demons of his own, they made a great pair, their interactions were funny and realistic. The story has also a bit of mystery thrown in.
Mary is one of my favourite author along with Penny Reid and Mariana Zapata and I highly recommend her books !
September 28, 2024
What a fun surprise
This book had banter, a mystery, bitd puns, a hot athlete, and an affirming take on impotence. The male lead (and hot athlete) had a serious medical condition, which was a significant plot point, bit the related impotence (medication induced) was handled respectfully & honestly, including lightly addressing his psychological hangup around it. I also appreciate when he "recovered", they didn't make P & V interspersed as devaluing their sexy times before or after that didn't include that! It was a fun book, but I was particularly impressed with how hey handled a sensitive subject without making it the focus bit an interesting aubpount. And yhay it still managed to be sexy with he most common fo of intimacy focused on in romance books off the table for the majority of the book!
This book had banter, a mystery, bitd puns, a hot athlete, and an affirming take on impotence. The male lead (and hot athlete) had a serious medical condition, which was a significant plot point, bit the related impotence (medication induced) was handled respectfully & honestly, including lightly addressing his psychological hangup around it. I also appreciate when he "recovered", they didn't make P & V interspersed as devaluing their sexy times before or after that didn't include that! It was a fun book, but I was particularly impressed with how hey handled a sensitive subject without making it the focus bit an interesting aubpount. And yhay it still managed to be sexy with he most common fo of intimacy focused on in romance books off the table for the majority of the book!
March 14, 2019
Heartwarming and full of delightfully quirky dialogue
Imperfect Stranger by Marie Frame is a well written book with wonderful characters and an interesting plot. I really love the characters in this book. Brent is charming, sweet and all man dealing with a life changing and heavy condition. Bethany is quirky, fun, beautiful and smart dealing with her own issues. These two engage in some really great banter throughout that often brought a smile to my face or to laugh out loud.
Overall, well written and a really fun read with a sweet and hot HEA.
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
Imperfect Stranger by Marie Frame is a well written book with wonderful characters and an interesting plot. I really love the characters in this book. Brent is charming, sweet and all man dealing with a life changing and heavy condition. Bethany is quirky, fun, beautiful and smart dealing with her own issues. These two engage in some really great banter throughout that often brought a smile to my face or to laugh out loud.
Overall, well written and a really fun read with a sweet and hot HEA.
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
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