A heartwarming and hilarious romantic comedy set in the charming small town of Blitzen Bay. Nash and Noelle from The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay are back and they're getting married. Well, they're trying to get married anyway. To make it to the altar, they'll have to get through Noelle's intrusive parents, a once-in-a-century blizzard, and an enormous bear that's started stalking the town.
“Donna's writing is laugh out loud funny which makes every minute with these characters fun. I have been in love with this cast of characters since I picked up Truth or Tequila.” Amazon Review
"These characters are so freaking hilarious, witty and downright lovable. Although this books is centered around Nash and Noelle, the whole crew is involved in the story. They each have such amazing personalities. You will laugh, giggle, have some tears, swoon and wonder what the heck - Donna brings out all of the emotions with her words." Amazon Review
Noelle About a year ago, I left my groom at the altar—literally standing at the altar. With only a few minutes to go before the ceremony started, I took off across the parking lot with absolutely no idea of where I was going or how I would get there. I just knew I wanted out. When I heard voices behind me, I panicked and crawled into the tailgate of a truck to hide.
Nash Yep, she shimmied right into my truck’s bed wearing her huge wedding dress. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I was about to pull her back out when I saw the groom coming across the parking lot. That’s when I knew I had to help her. The groom was an idiot in high school, and from what I could tell, he’d only become more of a tool in the decade since we graduated. I didn’t think she should have to spend ten minutes with him—much less the rest of her life.
Noelle Fast forward, it seems the gods were guiding me that day—right into the truck of the man I was supposed to be with, and spoiler alert—we’re getting married. Well, we’re trying to get married, but it seems like the universe is plotting against us.
Nash That might be a bit of an exaggeration.
Noelle Really? Let me lay out the evidence for you. My parents are pouring all their energy into breaking us up before we can even get to the altar.
Nash Yeah, good luck with that. I’ll fight anyone who tries to keep us from getting married including your parents. What else do you have?
Noelle Obstacle two: Apparently an enormous blizzard is supposed to hit on our wedding day.
Nash Well, we do live in the mountains.
Noelle But we live in California and we’re in the middle of a drought. Blitzen Bay hasn’t seen any significant snowfall in decades.
Nash Whatever. It doesn’t even matter. I’ll carry you on my back through the blizzard to get to the altar. Next problem.
Noelle An enormous bear has been stalking Blitzen Bay for weeks.
Nash Now that might be something. If the bear gets to you, it’s all over.
Noelle Nash!
Nash I’m kidding. I’ll fight the bear, too. It doesn’t matter what the universe throws at us. We’re getting to that altar. We'll figure it out.
Noelle You always say we'll figure it out.
Nash And we always do, don't we?
“Donna amazes me every book with how I get so swept into her story that everything else takes a back burner in my household! Pretty Close to Perfect hit all my emotions. I giggled, laughed out loud, and cried many tears!” Amazon Review “Blitzen Bay is the most magical place…seriously wishing I could book a trip to visit! This is the perfect ‘snuggle under a blanket by the fireplace’ and read type book.” Amazon Review
Attention: I'm in the process of changing all of my books over to my pen name, Millie Banks. For a few months, you will see both names, Donna Schwartze and Millie Banks, on my books. Thanks for your patience as I make this transition.
I'm somewhere between 4.25 and 4.5 ⭐️ I love Noelle and Nash, but the beginning was a little slow. Once we get to Blitzen Bay and the crew reunites, we have perfection!
I went through the emotions with this one. I started off furious and upset for Noelle and Nash over the way Noelle's family treated them. However, I couldn't have been more proud of Noelle and Nash for standing up for themselves and their happiness. I even grew to like Dres at the end.
Sam and Noelle's relationship, and I cried so many tears when he gave Noelle her "something blue." Sam is just the sweetest guy. I am so happy Noelle has him in her found family.
“First of all, don’t you dare try to hide your crying from me. I’ve told you many times you should cry as much as you want. It’s good for your soul and you have one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever known.”
Kit and Noelle had me laughing my ass off. From the getaway car to the banter, these two live up to the "double trouble" name, and I absolutely love it! I'm glad Raine, Sophie and Millie are included in the banter, and we get more of everyone's friendship. They truly are a found family.
To sum up my ramblings, it's pretty close to perfect. I felt every emotion and thoroughly enjoyed this. I'm sad the series is ending, but I loved how it wrapped up. I thoroughly enjoyed everything Blitzen Bay and loved each character. I think this is the perfect hallmark story. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a great ending to an amazing series! I'm sad to let all these characters go but so happy to see everyone together and happy! Noelle and Nash are couple goals for sure! I absolutely love Nash's mom. She is such a sweetheart. The complete opposite of Noelle’s mom. That woman infuriated me!! I'm so glad that Noelle and her dad have a good start to building their relationship the correct way! I loved seeing all the characters from prior books all together for Noelle and Nash's wedding. Just all round feel good story (minus some drama and a bear). Definitely recommend picking this one up and all the other books in this series!!
Pretty Close To Perfect is now live on Amazon! https://amzn.to/40etFbX I loved writing this book. One of my favorite characters, Sam, gets a lot of attention on the pages. Writing about him makes me smile. He's just pure goodness. I hope you enjoy reading! If you do, leave me a review. I love to hear your feedback.
I love the whole Blitzen Bay crew. I love their banter, protectiveness for each other and how much they love each other. Blitzen seems like the coziest little town and a perfect place for them all to come together and eventually live and be their happiest. I love how much they support one another and created their own family with their friends group. The whole group was able to find their “one” and a lot of the couples were starting to create their own families and the next generation…which was seen in the bonus epilogue with Mo and Sammie. I can’t wait to see what book is next by Donna…all her books are an automatic buy for me now 🙂
* I received an eARC copy of this book for my honest review
4.5 ⭐️ such a cute ending to a cute series. i think i definitely preferred the blitzen bay books to the grand slam books but she did such a good job tying together all the characters’ lives
Did I devour this book in a matter of hours? You bet I did! Thanks again for the ARC copy, I love these characters and the relationships and world Donna has built around them. I’m sad this is the last book of the series but what a great way to end, Noelle and Nash have been my favorites since they were introduced and Blitzen Bay is the perfect backdrop. I cannot recommend these books enough!
I absolutely adore this series and this book so beautifully sums it up. These characters are so freaking hilarious, witty and downright lovable. Although this books is centered around Nash and Noelle, the whole crew is involved in the story. They each have such amazing personalities…Butch will forever be my favorite!
There are some moments in the book that are tough - Noelle’s parents - I would like to have a word with them!
The relationship between Sam, Noelle and Nash is so incredibly sweet and touching. There are tender moments that will give you tears. This relationship reminds me of the one I had with my grandma.
You will laugh, giggle, have some tears, swoon and wonder what the heck - Donna brings out all of the emotions with her words.
I HIGHLY recommend starting with the first book in the series (Eight Years) and binge your way through to Pretty Close to Perfect.
⚪️Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay ⚪️No One Wants That ⚪️Pretty Close to Perfect
Book 1 - Noelle abandons her fiance at the altar a few days before Christmas and meets a handsome stranger, Nash, who whisks her away to his town of Blitzen Bay. There she meets all the wonderful towns people and Sam, who's middle name is Nicholas, and who to Noelle, is Santa Clause. She spends the Christmas holiday with them while trying to sort out her feelings. She knows she doesn't want to marry her former fiance but is it because she's spending so much time with Nash?
Book 2 -Noelle's blue haired cousin Kit is back from living abroad in Italy and newly single. Enter Butch (Navy SEAL playboy, who you read about for the first time in The Trident Trilogy). Let's just say this book was a whole lot of banter, tension & steam along with comical scenes that will have you grinning from ear to ear the entire book! Both of these characters are very outgoing and stubborn and put them together. It's a chemical reaction!
Book 3 - Noelle & Nash are getting hitched! This book was the best wrap up of an entire series I think I've ever read. Most of the book is about Noelle and Nash trying to navigate life choices together while her parents are douchebags. But thankfully they have their entire little tribe and family in Blitzen Bay to back them up.
Once again I devoured this book in less than 24 hours.
Donna will be moving on from these characters for her next books and I'm excited for everything else she'll be putting out into the world but these characters will forever hold a special place in my heart! 🫶
El inicio es un poco lento ( o por ahí yo lo hice lento porque no lo quería terminar) , pero conforme vas entrando en la trama se hace mega rápido.
Este libro , seria una continuacion de The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay (Blitzen Bay 1) , pero a la vez esta conectada con Grand Slam y Trident Trilogy.
Dentro del libro describen la historia de Nash y Elle como una Hallmark Movie , y que es que es la mejor forma de ponerlo... es un insta love , navideño de una novia huyendo de su boda y termina oculta en la parte de atras de un auto , el dueño termina siendo su getaway ride y al pasar un par de dias (y navidad juntos) se dan cuenta que estan destinados a estar juntos. Y ah0ra en Pettry Close To Perfect vamos a ver la boda de estos personajes , unos padres entrometidos , un oso , un grupo de amigos y una tormenta de nieve.
Todas las veces que lei un libro de Blitzen Bay , Sam termina siendo mi favorito , y no hay momento en el que el aparezca y yo termine llorando.
Les mega recomiendo esta serie de libros si buscan algo rapido y ligero , y practicamente drama free.
Ahora les dejo el orden que yo recomiendo:
The Trident Trilogy: 1. Eight Years 2. The Only Reason 3. Wild Card
The Grand Slam Series: 4. Truth or Tequila 5. Raine Out
The Blitzen Bay Series: 6. The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay 7. No One Wants That
The Grand Slam Series: 8. Leave It On The Field
The Blitzen Bay Series: 9. Pretty Close to Perfect
"Everyone has their own trauma. You shouldn't compare what you went through with anyone."
In typical fashion, I have chosen a sad quote as one of my favorites. Pretty Close to Perfect was emotional. However, it wasn't all heavy because it balanced with the perfect lightness (lightheartedness?).
Pretty Close to Perfect is one of my most anticipated books of 2023. I have been waiting to read it since I finished The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay. I'm glad it doesn't have the typical third-act breakup most romance books tend to have. Nash and Noelle are finally happy after their troubles in the The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay and get the happily ever after they deserve. It didn't matter that it took a little bit longer because the wait was worth it!
Noelle and Nash have a special place in my heart! I WANT MY OWN NASH! I love the characters Donna Schwartze writes and can relate to them. The found family aspect spans different series, how they can seemingly show up, and the connections make sense.
I love it every time I return to Blitzen Bay, and I'm saddened that this is the last official book about Blitzen Bay and these characters. But luckily, I know that I can reread the books whenever the mood strikes. I can't wait to see what Donna has in store because I know I will love it!
Tears of joy and sadness. Tears of joy because I have come to love the characters in this series and, having them all together for Nash and Elle's wedding was an incredibly fun and heart-warming ride. Tears of joy because the book and the series ended so perfectly. I couldn't have asked for anything better. Tears of sadness because the series has ended and I will miss all of these characters and, yes, well...sweet Sam. I strongly recommend that people start at the beginning of the series with "Eight Years." The journey you go on being introduced to all of the characters one by one will be fantastic. All of the books are quick reads with the best dialog and really engaging stories. Donna Schwartze is a master at writing dialog that make characters come to life and engage the reader from the first page of all of her books. You will find yourself falling in love with some of the characters and absolutely hating others. It takes incredible story telling skills to get the reader to feel so much about a character. Brilliant! I can't wait to meet new characters in this author's future books. Until then, I'll grab a warm blanket and a Kleenex and reflect back on the great journey the author has taken me on.
I was chosen as an advanced reader and I am so beyond blessed that I was! I absolutely LOVE all of Donna’s books. I have been an invested reader since I discovered Truth or Tequila and then binged her entire library.
I can say that this cast of characters in “Pretty Close to Perfect” is my absolute favorite. This story is about Nash and Noelle’s wedding. Noelle has a very difficult relationship with her parents and throughout the wedding planning process you get to see just how strained that is. As with any wedding there are ups and downs leading up to the nuptials but what I adore is the relationship between Nash and Noelle. Nash is just so dang lovable. It also wouldn’t be a Blitzen Bay story without sweet Sam! I wish we all had a Sam as our neighbor, what an adorably kind man, I just love him.
With this being a wedding of course we get to see all of our favorites from this friend group. Sophie and Seb, Alex and Raine (we get an update on their relationship as well), Mason and Millie, Kit and Butch obviously as well as Mack and more!
100% recommend this book and I am so sad to say goodbye to this group…for now! Maybe we can talk Donna into another one down the line ;)
I had the pleasure of being an ARC for this book! I loved this book! Perfect culmination of Donna’s 9 book series! From Eight Years to Pretty Close to Perfect, I am going to miss these great characters I have grown to love and feel like family. Donna amazes me every book with how I get so swept into her story that everything else takes a back burner in my household! Pretty Close to Perfect hit all my emotions. I giggled, laughed out loud, and cried many tears! I really wanted to talk to Noelle’s parents and tell them what I really think about them! Nash’s mom I commend for raising such a sweet loving man in spite of her being a financially strapped single mom. I would love to have a next door neighbor like Sam! He reminds me of my grandfather who passed several years ago and I miss him dearly! It was great to catch up on the lives of the rest of the gang and meet my man Butch’s daughter! He’s definitely a girl dad and Kit is his perfect soulmate! I hope Donna has more books about these great characters in the future! I am definitely a fan! Start with Eight Years and keep reading until you have reached the end of Pretty Close to Perfect! You won’t regret it!
Donna does it again! - I received an E-ARC for this book and this is the perfect ending to the series. While I will miss these characters (so, so much!), I am so glad to see good things coming their way.
This book is centered around Nash and Noelle, but the whole gang is involved so you get a little bit more of everyone as they trek up to Blitzen Bay for the wedding. Noelle's parents are the worst but I am so grateful that she has found a family in Blitzen - there were times I wanted to yell at her parents through the book and have them give her the love she deserves (or have a bear take the mom out). Nash's mom is such a sweet woman and I am so glad we met her in this book, she is everything and it shines through to Nash's wonderful nature.
Donna is an automatic buy for me these days, she takes love and care in creating each of her characters which has made these books just good ole' comfort reads for me. These are books that you can pick up over and over again to put yourself in a good mood - don't hesitate to grab this one or any of the others. I cannot wait to see what else she brings us in the future!!
I was counting the days down to get my hands on Pretty Close To Perfect By Donna Schwatze. I was so excited to get hands on this ARC and was overjoyed when the book hit my kindle. Couldn't wait to be back with these amazing and lovable characters for their final journey. Yes, I had tears reading this book. I didn't want it to end, and wow have we been on a wild roller coaster of a ride. I have loved reading and seeing each of these characters grow, and find themselves, through strength, love, friendship and of course family they all have together.
Pretty Close To Perfect is in Noelle and Nash Pov to finally have their wedding, with a blizzard blowing in, complicating their plans of getting all their friends and family to join them on their big day. With Noelle parents being against the whole thing, it's turning out to be a total nightmare for Noelle. From page one I was in my happy place. I really wish there was a place called Blitzen bay, because I want to move there. Donna has created an extraordinary world, and the gang I love so much. I was in stitches with what they came out with. The banter was brilliant. This whole series has been one of my top reads. The romance is heart melting, with love and affection I had heart eyes. Brought tears to my eyes, there are so many beautiful scenes.
I'm gonna miss this series alot. Donna ended this series on a real high and we know what the future brings for each of these characters, which I adore. I was awwww-ing every few minutes. If you haven't read any of Donna's books, I absolutely recommend it starting with Eight Years, you wont regret it. You'll be leaving the books with a massive smile on your face. Because you can't help but fall in love with these characters, I can't wait to see what you have planned for us next Donna, but whatever it is I know it will be phenomenal.
I had the pleasure of being an ARC for this book and man am I so glad I was, after falling in love with Donna’s writing with Truth and tequila I finished her whole series very fast! When I got this advanced copy I was screaming! I read it in two days and had a hard time putting it down at 2am😂 I am glad I read Runaway bride and No one wants that before reading this but you don’t have too to understand what is going on. Noelle and Nash are such an amazing couple and to see their story all the way through was a beautiful ending to this world. While this book is mostly about them you get the whole gang back and updates on them throughout. Like most weddings Noelle and Nash go through some ups and downs mostly being parents which I have some words for them, but they have each other and Blizten Bay crew to be there for them💜 You will shed some tears, laugh, be completely swoon, wonder what people’s problems are but most of all love this book! Like all the rest I’m giving this book 5⭐️
I was lucky to get an ARC for this book and it did not disappoint. I carefully planned my availability to read it and I am glad I did as I could not put it down. Donna's writing is laugh out loud funny which makes every minute with these characters fun. I have been in love with this cast of characters since I picked up Truth or Tequila. The way Donna brought everyone together and fit all the puzzle pieces of the series of books was seamless. Seeing how this group of friends with diverse backgrounds became family was a true gift beyond the storyline of Nash and Noelle finally tying to knot. And the wedding and the events leading up to it definitely did not disappoint. I was glad to see that we saw a glimpse of Noelle and her dad mending their relationship and was glad that it was portrayed as a work in progress. It was bittersweet to know that our time with them is coming to a close but getting to see so many HEA's in one book was just perfect.
Man I loved this fun ensemble of all of our favorite characters! Every amusing and endearing personality from each of the trilogies makes a hilarious appearance. There are jokes, hijinks, love stories, badass female characters, even a bear. Add in some cocktails, some babies, a little revenge for the ugliest character and you have yourself the quintessential Blitzen Bay story. Good people, great friendships, and a lot of happy happy happy-ever-afters! This book is a fun, easy read and you should already have it downloaded on your kindle! ♥️❄️💫
So glad to be back in Blitzen Bay! These group of characters do not disappoint; they bring the drama and the entertainment. Good to meet Nash’s mom and Kit’s parents. Very emotional for Noelle to deal how her parents have neglected her feelings most of her life. Nash is a great support for her while she’s dealing with her parent’s silent treatment/marriage disapproval. A great read catching up with the everyone’s life updates.
This book had me laughing, tearing-up and cracking up at this fun group of friends. They give each other crap, yet also genuinely care for each other. These couples have been so entertaining in the 3 books of this series. The books are all written in such a realistic dialogue, you won’t want to put it down!!
And for anyone who worries too much about acting how someone wants you to act or living your life they way they want you to, then you will totally identify with Noelle!
I was lucky enough to discover author Donna Schwartze last year and I have just loved all of her books! Pretty close to perfect is the third book in the Blitzen Bay Series. If a place like Blitzen Bay really existed I would want to live there! You should definitely read this book and you will love it so much you will want to read all of the other ones leading up to this big finale! You will just LOVE these characters!
I love all of the characters that the author has tied togehter through many of her series of books. The theme of the loving the family you choose even over the family your born into was so powerful. The men and women in these books are so strong! I love that the men are not scared off by strong minded women and how protective the men are of the women they love. I’m sad to see this series’s come to an end. Don’t forget to read the bonus material on donnaschwartze.com.
The final book in a 9-book, 3-series interconnected storyline that just has everything - great writing, great characters, steamy romance & too many laugh out loud moments to count. Do NOT read this book without reading all the others first, you’ll miss so much!!! Donna Schwartz’s, I think you are a genius, and I have loved every minute of this journey thru the Grand Slam Series, the Trident Trilogy & the Blitzen Bay Series!!!
The absolute perfect close to the series… for now! Elle and Nash are getting married on New Year’s Eve and their rambunctious and loving friends join forces in Blitzen Bay to celebrate. But before they get their happily ever after, Elle’s mother is determined to tear them apart. Add in bears and blizzards, Nash and Elle put their love to the test.
I love love love all of Donna’s books. If you haven’t read any, read them all! It took me quite a while to get through Pretty Close to Perfect only because I didn’t want it to end 😩 I feel so close to all the characters! This book was the best ending to the series. I laughed, I cried, and it just warmed my whole heart. I love the relationships in PCTP, you will not regret reading this!!!
I had the privilege of being an ARC for this book, and I am so thankful that I was. I have felt connected to every character Donna has written about in all of her books, but this one made me feel like all of these people were my friends and family. I read Pretty Close to Perfect in just a few short hours because I couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried, and I didn't want it to end!
I’ve read all the books and this one is just as good. Love this group. They make me want to be friends with them, and visit Blitzen Bay. So glad Elle finally stood up for herself. Sweet love story that just makes you appreciate the author even more.
Cute story, great characters. Loved Elle and Kit especially. I wish Elle had gotten brave a little sooner regarding her Mom and I know a couple women just like her...only their mothers ruined their marriages. The story is smart, funny, and has great flow. Good job. That's from another Missouri grad with J school credits. I allowed myself
Absolutely loved this book. Would give it 10 stars if I could. The characters I loved from earlier in the series and they all show up in this one. So many laugh out loud moments and some definite ‘Awww that is SO Sweet’ moments, too! Just a great book to wrap up the series for a little while.
Absolutely loved this book! Pretty Close To Perfect is a fantastic conclusion to the Blitzen Bay series and ties up all of the loose ends from all 3 of Donna's series. These characters are are such a great group of friends and the banter between them is hilarious. Nash and Elle are such a sweet couple. Oh, and Butch plays a big role in this book and he is by far my favorite character and has been since he made his debut in Donna's 1st book!