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The Perfect Man #1
The Perfect Man
Welcome to Cape Kismet, where the neighbors are nosy, the bookstores offer an escape, and epic romances abound.
A hot date? Try Five.
Every time a perfect man shows up at my door, I swoon the proper amount and do my best not to stare at his chiseled features and firm… jaw. Yes, definitely his jaw.
But I, Ellie Amore, have a problem. It’s big, gigantic, and not in the good way.
None of these men are real. And that version of me? More fake than an author calling herself classy while drinking boxed wine in her yoga pants.
Me, that author is me.
I dream of hot men. Perfect men. Fictional men. These men go into my books, and it’s all I need for my messy cat-lady-living-above-a-bookstore life. Really.
I don’t need my brother’s best friend checking up on me. The man who brings me tacos. The one who is decidedly not perfect—as his enemy cat would tell you—but somehow might just be perfect for me.
I’m not sure how it all started or when he decided I was more than a favor to his friend.
All I know is Cruz is not a man from my dreams. This time, it’s different.
This time, he’s real.
The Perfect Man is book one in the Perfect Man romantic comedy series. Dive in for plenty of swoons, lots of laughs, and a guaranteed HFN ending.
A hot date? Try Five.
Every time a perfect man shows up at my door, I swoon the proper amount and do my best not to stare at his chiseled features and firm… jaw. Yes, definitely his jaw.
But I, Ellie Amore, have a problem. It’s big, gigantic, and not in the good way.
None of these men are real. And that version of me? More fake than an author calling herself classy while drinking boxed wine in her yoga pants.
Me, that author is me.
I dream of hot men. Perfect men. Fictional men. These men go into my books, and it’s all I need for my messy cat-lady-living-above-a-bookstore life. Really.
I don’t need my brother’s best friend checking up on me. The man who brings me tacos. The one who is decidedly not perfect—as his enemy cat would tell you—but somehow might just be perfect for me.
I’m not sure how it all started or when he decided I was more than a favor to his friend.
All I know is Cruz is not a man from my dreams. This time, it’s different.
This time, he’s real.
The Perfect Man is book one in the Perfect Man romantic comedy series. Dive in for plenty of swoons, lots of laughs, and a guaranteed HFN ending.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2021
541 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Dare
11 books34 followersLynn Dare is the pen name for authors Michelle MacQueen and Michelle Dare. One day, they were talking about tropes and cliches when an idea was born. Next thing they knew, they had a book planned out. The Perfect Man is their first series together where they combine humor and romance. They hope you fall in love with their characters and laugh at their antics along the way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
October 21, 2021
Demasiados Tacos y clichés para mí gusto!
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen
The perfect Man de Lynn Dare Serie The perfect Man libro 1
Argumento:
¿Una cita caliente? Prueba cinco.
Cada vez que un hombre perfecto aparece en mi puerta, me desmayo en la cantidad adecuada y hago todo lo posible por no mirar sus rasgos cincelados y su firme… mandíbula. Sí, definitivamente su mandíbula.
Pero yo, Ellie Amore, tengo un problema.
Es grande, gigantesco y no está bien.
Ninguno de estos hombres es real. ¿Y esa versión de mí? Más falsa que una autora que se dice a sí misma elegante mientras bebe vino envasado en sus pantalones de yoga.
Yo, ese autor soy yo.
Sueño con hombres calientes. Hombres perfectos. Hombres ficticios. Estos hombres entran en mis libros, y es todo lo que necesito para mi desordenada vida mujer-gato-viviendo-sobre-una-librería.
En realidad.
No necesito que el mejor amigo de mi hermano me controle. El hombre que me trae tacos. El que decididamente no es perfecto, como te diría su gato enemigo, pero de alguna manera podría ser perfecto para mí.
No estoy segura de cómo empezó todo o cuándo decidió que yo era más que un favor para su amigo.
Todo lo que sé es que Cruz no es un hombre de mis sueños. Esta vez es diferente.
Esta vez, es real.
Mí humilde opinión:
Estaba emocionada con este libro, pensé que iba a ser una comedia romántica divertida pero se volvió tediosa.
Empezó bien, me pareció interesante que la heroína escribiera sobre el hombre perfecto, después de los primeros capítulos simplemente no logró engancharme. No me reí ni una vez y con eso digo todo.
Mí principal problema fue Ellie, era un personaje que no lo aguanté, parecía que la mujer no tenía voluntad propia sino había que verla con Chad, yo me había dado cuenta a la primera que no era de los buenos. Me pareció una adolescente en lugar de una adulta. Ella necesitó más fuerza y al menos darle su merecido a Chad! Tampoco sé qué tan adorable podía ser ella con comida en el cabello y salsa en la barbilla.
Ahora quiero que Cruz me traiga tacos! Ojalá hubiera hecho algo para despertar a Ellie, limpiarle los vidrios de los anteojos para que lo vea de verdad!
Y los hombres perfectos y la fantasías que escribía sobre ellos? No pude con eso y solo quería pasar páginas para avanzar.
Hay otros dos libros de la serie pero si son como este prefiero pasar.
July 23, 2021
(3,5 ☆)
Ellie Amore writes romance, and this time she's writing about the perfect man. But what makes a man perfect - and is there really such a thing as the perfect guy?
Lynn Dare is a pen name for authors Michelle MacQueen and Michelle Dare. I've read quite a lot of MacQueen's books, but nothing by Dare before. A new genre - romcom - is the reason for the pen name.
I'll have to admit that I wasn't caught up in the book to begin with. From the start the chapters varies between Ellie and some of her book characters. Besides having problems separating them because of their similar names, they're also walking, taking clichés. It's supposed to be full of clichés, and there's nothing wrong with that, but I feel like it became a bit too much. When the chapters started to vary between Ellie and Cruz, her brother's best friend, I felt more at home. Even so, something keeps rubbing me the wrong way at times. I'm not sure if it is that romcom's never really been my thing, or if it's the fact that it has two writers involved.
I truly loved parts of the book, but unfortunately, as a whole, it never reached the level of entertainment I was expecting. If you, unlike me, love romcom's you should definitely try The Perfect Man!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
Ellie Amore writes romance, and this time she's writing about the perfect man. But what makes a man perfect - and is there really such a thing as the perfect guy?
Lynn Dare is a pen name for authors Michelle MacQueen and Michelle Dare. I've read quite a lot of MacQueen's books, but nothing by Dare before. A new genre - romcom - is the reason for the pen name.
I'll have to admit that I wasn't caught up in the book to begin with. From the start the chapters varies between Ellie and some of her book characters. Besides having problems separating them because of their similar names, they're also walking, taking clichés. It's supposed to be full of clichés, and there's nothing wrong with that, but I feel like it became a bit too much. When the chapters started to vary between Ellie and Cruz, her brother's best friend, I felt more at home. Even so, something keeps rubbing me the wrong way at times. I'm not sure if it is that romcom's never really been my thing, or if it's the fact that it has two writers involved.
I truly loved parts of the book, but unfortunately, as a whole, it never reached the level of entertainment I was expecting. If you, unlike me, love romcom's you should definitely try The Perfect Man!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
July 19, 2021
4.5 stars
A hilarious story by a collaboration of two talented authors. Does the perfect man exist? Ellie Amore is the romance novelist trying to answer this question. She is writing about how to write the perfect man. Her false starts are over the top in fun and almost cheesy, but point made.
A superb cast of supporting characters, will one of them be the perfect man for Ellie? I can not wait to read the next book in this series.
Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
A hilarious story by a collaboration of two talented authors. Does the perfect man exist? Ellie Amore is the romance novelist trying to answer this question. She is writing about how to write the perfect man. Her false starts are over the top in fun and almost cheesy, but point made.
A superb cast of supporting characters, will one of them be the perfect man for Ellie? I can not wait to read the next book in this series.
Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
August 5, 2021
2.5- Meh, but Tacos
Cliche. But if you ever read a book and wish people ate more tacos in it, this book will satisfy. Rom com writer trying to find inspiration for her next book. Meets rich city boy in for the summer for inexplicable reasons helping at shop. Bad boy type. Randomly likes narrator who can't feed self, dress self or walk properly. Male friend she is oblivious too owns taco shop in bookstore. Because that doesn't spell disaster for books. Female lead eats lots of tacos and stays thin. She owns a cat so is probably insane. The dreams she starts to think are real might prove this. She is really likely just a lonely cat writer rom com writers think girls can relate to but she should probably have died from heart failure because of all those tacos and I hate her because she can eat them all. I have taco rage.
A bit too cheesy (and not just the tacos) and cliche even for a rom com. Cute at first. But got to be frustrating midway. The dreams were particularly meh. Cruz was also unnecessarily dramatic. But such is the rom com in the boy loses girl phase. If you adore the genre, give it a go. If you're only an occasional reader, skip it and search for one that's a bit different
Cliche. But if you ever read a book and wish people ate more tacos in it, this book will satisfy. Rom com writer trying to find inspiration for her next book. Meets rich city boy in for the summer for inexplicable reasons helping at shop. Bad boy type. Randomly likes narrator who can't feed self, dress self or walk properly. Male friend she is oblivious too owns taco shop in bookstore. Because that doesn't spell disaster for books. Female lead eats lots of tacos and stays thin. She owns a cat so is probably insane. The dreams she starts to think are real might prove this. She is really likely just a lonely cat writer rom com writers think girls can relate to but she should probably have died from heart failure because of all those tacos and I hate her because she can eat them all. I have taco rage.
A bit too cheesy (and not just the tacos) and cliche even for a rom com. Cute at first. But got to be frustrating midway. The dreams were particularly meh. Cruz was also unnecessarily dramatic. But such is the rom com in the boy loses girl phase. If you adore the genre, give it a go. If you're only an occasional reader, skip it and search for one that's a bit different
July 21, 2021
I wasn’t a fan of the story or the writing style.
Originally I was intrigued by the story description, but something didn’t translate for me. I kind of hated most of the men described and was trying to force myself to get through the story.
I didn’t actually finish the story at this time. I might want to continue at a different time, but right now I need to step away.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Originally I was intrigued by the story description, but something didn’t translate for me. I kind of hated most of the men described and was trying to force myself to get through the story.
I didn’t actually finish the story at this time. I might want to continue at a different time, but right now I need to step away.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2021
I’m a bit torn about this book.
I’m not captivated by it and I found it hard to get into the story.
I struggled with the real and the fake parts.
Cruz was a steady sweetheart and always there for Ellie but she didn’t realize it at first.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m not captivated by it and I found it hard to get into the story.
I struggled with the real and the fake parts.
Cruz was a steady sweetheart and always there for Ellie but she didn’t realize it at first.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2021
Great collaboration of talented authors. This is the first of a series of contemporary romances. What is romance like in the life of a romance writer? Witty and heartwarming.
Ellie’s newest book is about the perfect man. How will she decide the qualities and personality that makes up such a character? Especially since it’s been so long since her last date.
Finding the possibilities is easy. She just has to go to sleep. The characters keep popping up in her dreams. But how does she sort them out? And how do her dream lovers compare to men in the real world?
Is it possible for Ellie to find her own perfect man as she also creates him in fiction?
Ellie’s newest book is about the perfect man. How will she decide the qualities and personality that makes up such a character? Especially since it’s been so long since her last date.
Finding the possibilities is easy. She just has to go to sleep. The characters keep popping up in her dreams. But how does she sort them out? And how do her dream lovers compare to men in the real world?
Is it possible for Ellie to find her own perfect man as she also creates him in fiction?
August 1, 2021
This is a fantastic read and I couldn’t put it down! In this we meet Ellie Amore who writes romance novels about the perfect man. It’s a fantastic and highly entertaining Story with intriguing characters and a storyline that draws you inform the get go! It’s a fantastic collaboration, it’s got humour, it’s got romance, it evens has a few twists and it might even help Ellie find her perfect man!
July 20, 2022
friends to lovers romance is a must-read if you are looking for a sweet and adorable romance. It has all of the makings of a typical friends to lovers story with an added level of sweetness, making it one of my favorite books!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2021
A fun and engaging story with interesting characters and a storyline that grabs your attention from the beginning by using descriptive dialogue and wonderful scene building. I enjoyed reading this book.
I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2022
The premise is good
While I understand the whole idea I just couldn’t get into how the story was told. The rhyming of the mens names was just dumb and using Amore as the girl and her brothers last name just didn’t make the story any better. Don’t get me wrong some of it was good. Remove the perfect man stories and change the names. rework the story and it would be awesome.
While I understand the whole idea I just couldn’t get into how the story was told. The rhyming of the mens names was just dumb and using Amore as the girl and her brothers last name just didn’t make the story any better. Don’t get me wrong some of it was good. Remove the perfect man stories and change the names. rework the story and it would be awesome.
July 27, 2021
Good start to a new series!
Let me start by saying I want a bookstore with a taco stand. I’d probably never leave.
Aside from the setting I liked how this book played out. I became quite annoyed with both MC’s at one point, but thankfully they came to their senses.
It was a good start to a new series. The book made me interested in the side characters and wetted the appetite for future installments.
I really hope Sasha gets her own book. I want to know more about her. She’s sweet and takes an interest in Ellie. Hopefully that happens.
This book isn’t squeaky clean. There is no on page sex, but some allusion to it. Some “mature” language as well, just not inundated.
Let me start by saying I want a bookstore with a taco stand. I’d probably never leave.
Aside from the setting I liked how this book played out. I became quite annoyed with both MC’s at one point, but thankfully they came to their senses.
It was a good start to a new series. The book made me interested in the side characters and wetted the appetite for future installments.
I really hope Sasha gets her own book. I want to know more about her. She’s sweet and takes an interest in Ellie. Hopefully that happens.
This book isn’t squeaky clean. There is no on page sex, but some allusion to it. Some “mature” language as well, just not inundated.
July 29, 2021
✯✯4 Almost Perfect Stars!!!✯✯
This is the first book from Lynn Dare. It’s co-written by Michelle MacQueen who I’ve never read her before but I’m a huge fan of Michelle Dare and have read every book from her. She’s the reason I clicked on this book.
Ellie’s a romance author and she’s working on her next release. Ellie spend’s most of her time locked up in her apartment. Good thing for her she lives above a bookstore and the bookstore has a taco stand that’s run by Cruz. Cruz was her brother’s best friend and when her brother Grey moved he asked Cruz to lookout for her and over time they’ve become good friends and he make sure that Ellie eats.
Ellie’s next book is about the perfect man. She’s writing about a few different men until she can figure out which one the main character will end up with.
Ellie meets Chase, who’s the nephew to the bookstore owner and he set’s his eyes on Ellie rather quickly and Ellie decides to jump in.
But, Ellie doesn’t see what is right in front of her AKA Cruz. She’s trying to write her book. One of the guy’s she’s writing happens to be based on her neighbor cop Haden. When she dreams about one that has Cruz’s face she wakes up confused.
Suddenly thing’s in Ellie’s real life get messy. She’s never looked at Cruz as anything more than a friend but ever since her dream she keeps thinking about it. ESP when Chase kisses her and she knows that it’s wrong Bc it’s not Cruz.
Cruz has falling so in love with Ellie he can’t see straight. But, he knows that she’s friend-zoned him and if that’s the only way he can have her than he’ll take it.
Cruz loves cooking and he wants more than the taco stand and he’s ready to open a restaurant and he can’t wait to show Ellie.
Cruz can see right thru Chase and he wishes Ellie would. But, when Chase’s fiancé show’s up it blindsides Ellie. When Chase tells his fiancé that Ellie’s dating him all Cruz could do was kiss her so she didn’t look bad.
Cruz didn’t think it through Bc that kiss changed thing’s for him. But, it’s not only Cruz caught off guard by the kiss or the feelings that would follow after it. Ellie and Cruz def see that everything’s shifted underneath them.
Cruz is open with his feeling’s for Ellie. It’s Ellie that’s fighting what she’s feeling. Luckily she’s got her brother Grey and Haden in her corner to make her see her feeling’s for Cruz are written everywhere. Ellie just hopes that she hasn’t pushed Cruz away.
This book took me forever to get into. I think when it bounced back and forth between her and the men she was writing I wasn’t having it. But, when it went from Ellie to Cruz’s POV that’s when I was all hooked.
Ellie made it hard for me to really like like her. Just the way she was jumping into a thing with Chase. I couldn’t understand how or why.
But, Cruz was everything!!! He was the book for me and I’m glad he got his HEA.
Now, I’m looking forward to Haden and Grey!! I’m needing them.
This is the first book from Lynn Dare. It’s co-written by Michelle MacQueen who I’ve never read her before but I’m a huge fan of Michelle Dare and have read every book from her. She’s the reason I clicked on this book.
Ellie’s a romance author and she’s working on her next release. Ellie spend’s most of her time locked up in her apartment. Good thing for her she lives above a bookstore and the bookstore has a taco stand that’s run by Cruz. Cruz was her brother’s best friend and when her brother Grey moved he asked Cruz to lookout for her and over time they’ve become good friends and he make sure that Ellie eats.
Ellie’s next book is about the perfect man. She’s writing about a few different men until she can figure out which one the main character will end up with.
Ellie meets Chase, who’s the nephew to the bookstore owner and he set’s his eyes on Ellie rather quickly and Ellie decides to jump in.
But, Ellie doesn’t see what is right in front of her AKA Cruz. She’s trying to write her book. One of the guy’s she’s writing happens to be based on her neighbor cop Haden. When she dreams about one that has Cruz’s face she wakes up confused.
Suddenly thing’s in Ellie’s real life get messy. She’s never looked at Cruz as anything more than a friend but ever since her dream she keeps thinking about it. ESP when Chase kisses her and she knows that it’s wrong Bc it’s not Cruz.
Cruz has falling so in love with Ellie he can’t see straight. But, he knows that she’s friend-zoned him and if that’s the only way he can have her than he’ll take it.
Cruz loves cooking and he wants more than the taco stand and he’s ready to open a restaurant and he can’t wait to show Ellie.
Cruz can see right thru Chase and he wishes Ellie would. But, when Chase’s fiancé show’s up it blindsides Ellie. When Chase tells his fiancé that Ellie’s dating him all Cruz could do was kiss her so she didn’t look bad.
Cruz didn’t think it through Bc that kiss changed thing’s for him. But, it’s not only Cruz caught off guard by the kiss or the feelings that would follow after it. Ellie and Cruz def see that everything’s shifted underneath them.
Cruz is open with his feeling’s for Ellie. It’s Ellie that’s fighting what she’s feeling. Luckily she’s got her brother Grey and Haden in her corner to make her see her feeling’s for Cruz are written everywhere. Ellie just hopes that she hasn’t pushed Cruz away.
This book took me forever to get into. I think when it bounced back and forth between her and the men she was writing I wasn’t having it. But, when it went from Ellie to Cruz’s POV that’s when I was all hooked.
Ellie made it hard for me to really like like her. Just the way she was jumping into a thing with Chase. I couldn’t understand how or why.
But, Cruz was everything!!! He was the book for me and I’m glad he got his HEA.
Now, I’m looking forward to Haden and Grey!! I’m needing them.
July 11, 2021
Oh my goodness this book was just what I needed to get out of my slump! This book is written by a duo of authors and the reason it came into my path was that one of the authors is Michelle MacQueen and I will read anything she writes!
This is a refreshing contemporary story about an author trying to figure out what the perfect man would be. What an intriguing concept, the perfect man, does he even exist? What would he look like, what would he do, who would it be? There are so many ideas and cliches that we can (and do) explore in this book. The main character, Ellie, is a romance writer and she is trying to figure out who the perfect man is. She jumps into all sorts of scenarios both real life and fiction and we are taken on a glorious ride full of laughs and sweet moments. Will Ellie find the perfect man and if she does find him will she know it?
I absolutely loved this book. I have several author friends and I can totally see Ellie being one of them! She is a quirky, introverted character that is most comfortable in her own little bubble that holds about 5 people. When she is confronted with new people or circumstances she really does go into her shell, though it makes for some hilarious scenes. The other characters in this book are just as well written and described. They all have their own quirks and personalities and seem really full-bodied here. You do get a clear idea of who to like and trust as you are swept along with Ellie.
The writing flows really well, you can't detect who wrote what and it blends really well together. There are a few twists in this book that will take you by surprise. The focus of the character is to write a book to find the perfect man using all the cliches she can think of, and this mission has been accomplished! There are some delightfully funny scenes that will have you laughing out loud for sure.
I can't recommend this book more, a fantastic story with amazing characters- I can not wait for more!!!
This is a refreshing contemporary story about an author trying to figure out what the perfect man would be. What an intriguing concept, the perfect man, does he even exist? What would he look like, what would he do, who would it be? There are so many ideas and cliches that we can (and do) explore in this book. The main character, Ellie, is a romance writer and she is trying to figure out who the perfect man is. She jumps into all sorts of scenarios both real life and fiction and we are taken on a glorious ride full of laughs and sweet moments. Will Ellie find the perfect man and if she does find him will she know it?
I absolutely loved this book. I have several author friends and I can totally see Ellie being one of them! She is a quirky, introverted character that is most comfortable in her own little bubble that holds about 5 people. When she is confronted with new people or circumstances she really does go into her shell, though it makes for some hilarious scenes. The other characters in this book are just as well written and described. They all have their own quirks and personalities and seem really full-bodied here. You do get a clear idea of who to like and trust as you are swept along with Ellie.
The writing flows really well, you can't detect who wrote what and it blends really well together. There are a few twists in this book that will take you by surprise. The focus of the character is to write a book to find the perfect man using all the cliches she can think of, and this mission has been accomplished! There are some delightfully funny scenes that will have you laughing out loud for sure.
I can't recommend this book more, a fantastic story with amazing characters- I can not wait for more!!!
July 25, 2021
THE PERFECT MAN by Lynn Dare is a cute, lighthearted romance and a great start to a new series. Ellie Amore is a 30-year-old author of romances living over a bookstore with a taco stand instead of a coffee shop. She’s kind of a loner and only claims two friends: the book shop owner and the taco stand owner (who’s also her brother’s best friend). Cruz Cabot, the taco cook, has had feelings for Ellie since the day she moved to her apartment. He’s been quietly loving her while providing her with food and friendship.
Ellie’s writing a romance where the heroine tries to find the perfect man. As she continues her story, Ellie includes the guys she dreams about, interspersed with a bit of the real men she knows. Even she hasn’t decided who her story’s heroine will choose for her happily ever after.
PROS:
Very unique plot idea — exploring romance tropes/cliches to find the perfect man.
Likeable main and side characters with interesting quirks.
A pet that isn’t totally lovable.
Cruz’s friendly family and their picnic antics.
CONS:
Too many “C” names, and not just from one family.
Not enough scene time with the enjoyable side characters.
SUMMARY:
THE PERFECT MAN is a delightful, quick read that is perfect for the beach. The main and side characters are well written and likeable, the main characters grow throughout the book, and the story idea is unique. If you like lighthearted and character-driven stories, then you should definitely buy this book.
IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Upcoming books THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND, THE PERFECT HUSBAND, and THE PERFECT BACHELOR by Lynn Dare, LOVE CLICHES SERIES by Emma St. Clair, ST. HELENA VINEYARD and THE EASTONS series by Marina Adair, APPLE VALLEY LOVE STORIES series by Julie Christianson, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN MOTHERS series by Whitney Dineen
* Read my other reviews on the Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog.
** An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review.
Ellie’s writing a romance where the heroine tries to find the perfect man. As she continues her story, Ellie includes the guys she dreams about, interspersed with a bit of the real men she knows. Even she hasn’t decided who her story’s heroine will choose for her happily ever after.
PROS:
Very unique plot idea — exploring romance tropes/cliches to find the perfect man.
Likeable main and side characters with interesting quirks.
A pet that isn’t totally lovable.
Cruz’s friendly family and their picnic antics.
CONS:
Too many “C” names, and not just from one family.
Not enough scene time with the enjoyable side characters.
SUMMARY:
THE PERFECT MAN is a delightful, quick read that is perfect for the beach. The main and side characters are well written and likeable, the main characters grow throughout the book, and the story idea is unique. If you like lighthearted and character-driven stories, then you should definitely buy this book.
IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Upcoming books THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND, THE PERFECT HUSBAND, and THE PERFECT BACHELOR by Lynn Dare, LOVE CLICHES SERIES by Emma St. Clair, ST. HELENA VINEYARD and THE EASTONS series by Marina Adair, APPLE VALLEY LOVE STORIES series by Julie Christianson, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN MOTHERS series by Whitney Dineen
* Read my other reviews on the Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog.
** An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review.
July 23, 2021
Ellie is a romance author living in an apartment above a bookstore with a taco shop inside it. Basically the best apartment in the world. And Ellie has undertaken a huge mission with her next book. She's writing a book about what makes the perfect man by having her character date all the cliches. These men are based on her dreams, literally, and they're such realistic dreams she has to check in with reality. Frequently. The downside is those dreams are based on men in her real life, including her brother's best friend and the cop next door. Which makes for some pretty awkward conversations. Oh, and her brother's best friend, who is also her best friend, is also the cute taco shop guy who brings her breakfast tacos.
This is a new series by Michelle MacQueen and Michelle Dare. It's the first time I've read anything by Michelle Dare and it took me a little bit to adjust to her voice mixing with MacQueen's. I couldn't pinpoint it in the book if I tried, but I felt it. My only other issue was Perfect Man #4. The chapter felt awkward like the character didn't fit with the others, though that could very easily be just a personal thing. I did really enjoy reading pieces of Ellie's book, it was tied together really nicely. It was a little jarring reading the first of Ellie's chapters, but it immediately made sense when starting the next one. I loved how she ends the book, though I won't say more on that. And of course, I love the role that Cruz has to play in the book, he was my favorite, along with Grey.
A few other tidbits I enjoyed:
The masking tape throwback in chapter 16
Shi-taki mushrooms
---^ Reminds me of an old friend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a new series by Michelle MacQueen and Michelle Dare. It's the first time I've read anything by Michelle Dare and it took me a little bit to adjust to her voice mixing with MacQueen's. I couldn't pinpoint it in the book if I tried, but I felt it. My only other issue was Perfect Man #4. The chapter felt awkward like the character didn't fit with the others, though that could very easily be just a personal thing. I did really enjoy reading pieces of Ellie's book, it was tied together really nicely. It was a little jarring reading the first of Ellie's chapters, but it immediately made sense when starting the next one. I loved how she ends the book, though I won't say more on that. And of course, I love the role that Cruz has to play in the book, he was my favorite, along with Grey.
A few other tidbits I enjoyed:
The masking tape throwback in chapter 16
Shi-taki mushrooms
---^ Reminds me of an old friend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2023
I give this book a 2,75 ⭐️ At the beginning, I thought she was going to end us with Chase (was it Chad ? Whatever.) and I fucking hated it. It was a chore to get through it. I didn’t like the guy. He was out right a fuckboy who thought he was better than he was. So that part was a drag for me to read. And he deserved a lot more shit than he had for what he did. Like it’s true he didn’t cheat on his fiance but the fact that he didn’t tell Ellie that he had a fiance was the problem. And for me, he didn’t catch as much shit as he should have for it. Then it became ambiguous. Was it Chase (or Chad ?) or Cruz that she was going to end up with ? I was a Cruz stand all the way. He was literally the only person who took care of her all the time without judging her or expecting anything from her. But then, it was a is she going to end up alone or with Cruz ? Was she going to find herself and realize she was better alone ? No she finished with Cruz. Which for me weirdly was a let down ? Let me explain. I love Cruz. In fact, I love Cruz more than I love the fmc, Ellie, that the book literally evolve around her. So for him to finish with the girl, who for all the book didn’t really seems to be truly in love with him, make me a little sad. I just didn’t feel like she loved him as much as he loved her and that broke my heart a little bit. Also, I started finding the book interesting only into approximately 75% of the book. Which meant that I was bored (and sometimes confuse) for a long time before enjoying it. But it was a easy read that wasn’t to consuming which as a avid reader can be good. I also found Cruz, Grey and Hadden interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2021
Wow! This was more than I thought it would be. I’ve been reading shorter novels lately so to start with this seemed slow BUT that’s because there was time in the story for the characters to grow and for me as the reader to get to know them. Ellie feel like a real person with the struggles you’d expect for a romance novelist, she’s finding her latest book a challenge and creating the Perfect Man harder than she thought it would be. Enter some interesting men from her life as inspiration, she finds herself in a few tricky moments. Her real life is blending with her imaginary one and she’s finding that her feelings aren’t as easy to control or understand, especially when she keeps pushing them back. With some big changes occurring in the lives of her brother and her best friend she is forced to face things and doesn’t handle it well. It takes a gathering of friends to celebrate the completion of her book and their comments about it for her to realise what’s been right in front of her the whole time. A beautiful HEA with some laughter and some heartache thrown in. Highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2021
This is a super interesting story. Ellie is a romance author that is trying to write a new story about the perfect man. She’s an introvert that lives above the bookstore. I have never heard of a taco stand inside of a bookstore so that was a nice twist. I liked Ellie and she was realistic but also awkward.
Cruz was a cool guy and I wish Ellie had noticed him sooner and not dealt with Chase. Chase just seemed like a guy who got what he wanted when he wanted it. I honestly didn’t expect someone else to come into his life but it didn’t surprise me either. I’m honestly glad things turned out definitely with Chase and Sasha.
The dreams seemed almost real but the names were kinda ridiculous lol. I wasn’t expecting Hadden to actually be real but that was super embarrassing and I felt bad for Ellie when she ran into the door.
I loved the chemistry between Ellie and Cruz and the way they just fit together. I loved the kitten scenes and how she attached herself to Cruz.
Definitely curious as to who Hadden and Grey end up with.
Cruz was a cool guy and I wish Ellie had noticed him sooner and not dealt with Chase. Chase just seemed like a guy who got what he wanted when he wanted it. I honestly didn’t expect someone else to come into his life but it didn’t surprise me either. I’m honestly glad things turned out definitely with Chase and Sasha.
The dreams seemed almost real but the names were kinda ridiculous lol. I wasn’t expecting Hadden to actually be real but that was super embarrassing and I felt bad for Ellie when she ran into the door.
I loved the chemistry between Ellie and Cruz and the way they just fit together. I loved the kitten scenes and how she attached herself to Cruz.
Definitely curious as to who Hadden and Grey end up with.
July 22, 2021
I loved this book!! The romance between Cruz and Ellie is so sweet and romantic! Ellie is so down to earth and I love her choice of clothes..except the cat leggings with sunglasses and rainbows. That was a bit disturbing but hilarious! Cruz is a great guy and, even though he's not perfect, he is perfect for Ellie.
Now, with Ellie being an author, it was nice to see how some authors think of these plots and characters in their books. The names of the male characters were hilarious and they all rhymed! Each male character has their own faults even though they are supposed to be perfect. Let's face it ladies, no man is perfect.
Overall I loved all the characters including Grey and Hadden. Chase I'm on the fence about but I wouldn't mind him finding someone that puts him.in his place. I recommend this book to anyone that wants, not only romance, but also some laughs. This book won't disappoint in either!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now, with Ellie being an author, it was nice to see how some authors think of these plots and characters in their books. The names of the male characters were hilarious and they all rhymed! Each male character has their own faults even though they are supposed to be perfect. Let's face it ladies, no man is perfect.
Overall I loved all the characters including Grey and Hadden. Chase I'm on the fence about but I wouldn't mind him finding someone that puts him.in his place. I recommend this book to anyone that wants, not only romance, but also some laughs. This book won't disappoint in either!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2022
The story had potential. I liked that the plot was full of romance cliches because the main character, as a romance author, was writing a novel riddled with cliches. It made sense in the plot of the story that the main character herself was a walking cliche, surrounded by cliches, and writing about cliches.
The main thing I did not like about the story was how abrupt the conflict was. Again, that might have been done on purpose as one of the romance novel cliche moments, but I just felt like the whole situation with Chase was abrupt and maybe, even, a little poorly written? Same thing with the best friends to lovers trope. It was all happening so quickly. I mean, I didn’t want things to drag on forever, but it could have gone a little slower.
Even though I do have my complaint, I would still recommend this book to a friend who just needed a quick airplane or beach read. This is definitely a story for someone who likes romance novels and has no problem poking fun at themself for liking them.
I was entertained and do not regret reading this novel.
The main thing I did not like about the story was how abrupt the conflict was. Again, that might have been done on purpose as one of the romance novel cliche moments, but I just felt like the whole situation with Chase was abrupt and maybe, even, a little poorly written? Same thing with the best friends to lovers trope. It was all happening so quickly. I mean, I didn’t want things to drag on forever, but it could have gone a little slower.
Even though I do have my complaint, I would still recommend this book to a friend who just needed a quick airplane or beach read. This is definitely a story for someone who likes romance novels and has no problem poking fun at themself for liking them.
I was entertained and do not regret reading this novel.
May 16, 2022
I was a little worried when I first started reading this book that it was going to be cheesy and I wouldn't enjoy reading it - I could not have been further from the truth. I should have known (and trusted) that Michelle MacQueen would not let me down.
This story reeled me right in and I had trouble putting it down. Ellie is such a funny and relatable character that you just can't help wanting to see her find her happy ever after.
The big question is who is it going to be with. Will she make the right choice? And, will it really be a HEA.
I think I fell a little bit in love with every character in this book and I cannot wait to read some of their stories in the subsequent books in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - absolutely not
Would I sit down and read it all over again - yes, I think I would
Would I read more by this author based on this book - most definitely
This story reeled me right in and I had trouble putting it down. Ellie is such a funny and relatable character that you just can't help wanting to see her find her happy ever after.
The big question is who is it going to be with. Will she make the right choice? And, will it really be a HEA.
I think I fell a little bit in love with every character in this book and I cannot wait to read some of their stories in the subsequent books in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - absolutely not
Would I sit down and read it all over again - yes, I think I would
Would I read more by this author based on this book - most definitely
May 22, 2022
Solid 3.5 star
Ellie does crack me up with her randomness ie taco's any time of day and I get her hiding away writing her books and getting writers block on the perfect guy, at first it threw me a bit with the sections of Ellie's different versions of the perfect guy as I wanted to know more about the characters first. It was fund not knowing which guy we think she might fall for or lust after at first as there is Cruz her taco guy who she has know for a few years now and then there is Chase who did not make a good first impression or next or next ....There are some good laughs, eye rolling moments as well as frustrations and moments where you want to shake sense into not just Ellie so I can see her and her perfect guy get a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ellie does crack me up with her randomness ie taco's any time of day and I get her hiding away writing her books and getting writers block on the perfect guy, at first it threw me a bit with the sections of Ellie's different versions of the perfect guy as I wanted to know more about the characters first. It was fund not knowing which guy we think she might fall for or lust after at first as there is Cruz her taco guy who she has know for a few years now and then there is Chase who did not make a good first impression or next or next ....There are some good laughs, eye rolling moments as well as frustrations and moments where you want to shake sense into not just Ellie so I can see her and her perfect guy get a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2022
2.25 stars
The blurb conviced me this was going to be a funny, lighhearted, feel-good book. Sadly, it didn't work for me that way.
Cons: A lot of the jokes and comical situations were about sexual situations (although there were no explicit descriptions) and I simply don't find them funny. The love story seemed rushed even though the main characters knew each other for a long time. There was also unnecessary drama which annoyed me.
Pros: However, it entertained me enough during an afternoon. I finished it willingly and I'm a bit tempted to read the next in the series because I'm curious to know more about the other characters (although I probably won't do that)
I feel like this book did what it said but for the most part it simply wasn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The blurb conviced me this was going to be a funny, lighhearted, feel-good book. Sadly, it didn't work for me that way.
Cons: A lot of the jokes and comical situations were about sexual situations (although there were no explicit descriptions) and I simply don't find them funny. The love story seemed rushed even though the main characters knew each other for a long time. There was also unnecessary drama which annoyed me.
Pros: However, it entertained me enough during an afternoon. I finished it willingly and I'm a bit tempted to read the next in the series because I'm curious to know more about the other characters (although I probably won't do that)
I feel like this book did what it said but for the most part it simply wasn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2022
Ellie is a romance author whose next novel is supposed to the “The Perfect Man”. The problem is she is having trouble writing this novel. So far all Ellie does is keep coming up with the same clichés and tropes all romance books have. And Ellie is a cliché herself. She has a cat, her brothers best friend Cruz that loves her, and lives in an apartment above a book store and taco house. Ellie realizes there is no such thing as a perfect man but she is so deep in her head she does not realize the perfect man has been in front of her all along. I really enjoyed this book and once started could not put it down. It is packed full of fun and laughter with a few tears thrown in and a great read. This is a very well written romance and a perfect read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2023
Hmm, the first half of this book is filled with “the perfect man” that appears only in Ellie’s dreams. It is also confusing because it flips between Ellie’s real life and then her dream life, as told through each of her dream-induced perfect men. She is always suddenly pulled from her dream world as soon as things start to get interesting. Oh, and did I mention that each and every one of these perfect men is a total cliche? It gets redundant after her second dream man. The story really didn’t start to engage me until the chapters began to alternate between Ellie and Cruz, her brother’s best friend.
I’m not sure that I would say this was a rom-com. Well, it is, but I truly didn’t find much of the “com” to be there. It was OK, but nothing I’d rave about or even recommend. It wasn’t bad, just don’t think it would be one that I suggest someone read.
I’m not sure that I would say this was a rom-com. Well, it is, but I truly didn’t find much of the “com” to be there. It was OK, but nothing I’d rave about or even recommend. It wasn’t bad, just don’t think it would be one that I suggest someone read.
July 9, 2021
This series is different from what I usually read but I really enjoyed it. I found it because Michelle Macqueen is part of the duo who wrote it and I will read anything she writes. The whole concept of this book/series intrigued me. The perfect man, does he even exist? How would you even go about writing about a fictional perfect man? Well, not only does this author duo write about the perfect man, they write about writing about the perfect man. Yup, the main character Ellie is a romance writer and getting inside her author brain is one of the best parts of this book. Oh yeah, and the men aren't so bad to read about either ;-) Read this book, you will not be disappointed. Cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
July 23, 2021
Ellie Amore is an author that writes romance stories. Her latest book has her not being able to distinguish real life versus her dreams. She is having so many vivid dreams about men due to her latest work in progress about the perfect man. But, does the perfect man exist? Sometimes he's right in front of you, you just have to pay attention. Even then, he's not perfect...he's just perfect for you.
This was an interesting story! I've read a lot of books and I've never come across one like this. I felt like this is probably what some authors go through when writing a book and it makes sense because some authors stories make you feel as though you are living it!
I look forward to reading the rest of this series...it's off to a great start!
This was an interesting story! I've read a lot of books and I've never come across one like this. I felt like this is probably what some authors go through when writing a book and it makes sense because some authors stories make you feel as though you are living it!
I look forward to reading the rest of this series...it's off to a great start!
July 24, 2021
This story was an okay read. There were a few parts that made me chuckle. Ellie, a quirky romance author, sets out to write about the perfect man, with all the tropes to boot. Too bad her love life is non-existent to help her out. But, that won't stop her. Especially since she keeps dreaming about these perfect cliched men. Then, real life hits her square in the feels. Good thing her best friend and brother are there to help set her on her feet!
I enjoyed this read. This story is written in multiple POV. Of course, all of her perfect men have a voice because she is their author. While this book isn't completely clean (language and allusions to adulting stuff) it did leave room for the imagination.
I received a free copy from BookSprout but my opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this read. This story is written in multiple POV. Of course, all of her perfect men have a voice because she is their author. While this book isn't completely clean (language and allusions to adulting stuff) it did leave room for the imagination.
I received a free copy from BookSprout but my opinions are my own.
July 26, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ellie is writing her current book title The Perfect Man which is posing some problems. Chad is the rich ex boyfriend with a second chance, Brad is a pro athlete and she explores several cliches. Meanwhile in real life she lives above a bookstore that serves fantastic tacos and wears quirky clothes. Chase is a new addition to his Aunts bookstore as a punishment for getting caught racing. What Ellie wasn’t expecting was liking him and his kisses until his fiancé shows up.
The book takes a turn and makes Ellie face some truths about her real life. Lots of funny moments with the characters and leads to a happy ending
Ellie is writing her current book title The Perfect Man which is posing some problems. Chad is the rich ex boyfriend with a second chance, Brad is a pro athlete and she explores several cliches. Meanwhile in real life she lives above a bookstore that serves fantastic tacos and wears quirky clothes. Chase is a new addition to his Aunts bookstore as a punishment for getting caught racing. What Ellie wasn’t expecting was liking him and his kisses until his fiancé shows up.
The book takes a turn and makes Ellie face some truths about her real life. Lots of funny moments with the characters and leads to a happy ending
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