I would do anything for my best friend's sister—except tell her how I really feel.
Rob I’ve been secretly in love with my best friend’s younger sister for years. And does she have a clue? Nope. Maybe I would’ve made a move if she ever hinted she felt anything for me besides platonic friendship. But she hasn’t. And in addition to being smart, funny, and beautiful, she’s another thing—loyal to her on-again off-again jerk-extraordinaire boyfriend.
Only this time when they break up, things seem different. Do I risk our friendship by telling her how I feel, or is this one secret best kept?
Kelsey When my boyfriend of eight years dumps me for another woman, my take-charge coworker convinces me it’s time for me to get back out there. But searching for the perfect man in the online dating world is no picnic. Especially when I have no clue who I am or what I want. And most confusing of all? Circumstances keep throwing me together with my brother’s longtime best friend, and suddenly, I’m feeling things for him I have no business feeling. As if that wasn’t complicated enough, we also work together—a recipe for disaster.
But what if the perfect guy is the one who’s been there all along?
A standalone friends-to-lovers sweet romantic comedy featuring a he-falls-first workplace romance with laugh-out-loud moments and swoony kisses without any explicit content!
Cece Louise writes clean novels filled with adventure, romance, and spirit for teens and adults.
Cece is an avid reader who has been making up stories in her head as long as she can remember. Despite all that daydreaming, she graduated summa cum laude with a BBA from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 2012.
When she's not working on her latest story, Cece spends her time having adventures with her husband and two kids, hiking and biking in her home state of WI, and unfortunately, cleaning her house (which she is convinced is secretly inhabited by mischievous, mess-multiplying pixies).
Get "Saving Vengeance" eBook FREE at CeceLouise.com!
this was so cute I can’t deal. the perfect friends to lovers 🫶🏻 and you know I absolutely love this trope
this is a workplace romance where we follow Rob and Kelsey. Rob has been in love with his best friend’s sister for years but he never revealed his feelings for her. Kelsey has always seen Rob as a friend and she had a boyfriend for years. that is until she is single again and spending some time with Rob and starts seeing him in a different way
I loved their friendship and I loved how naturally things progressed to a romantic relationship
their funny moments, their friendship, and their banter were absolutely everything
Perfect After All is a funny, sweet, cute, and swoony romance book. if you are looking for a clean romance book, this is it. can’t wait for the next book in the series ✨
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. thank you Book Sirens and Cece Louise for the ARC.
Perfect After All was pretty perfect, after all. (I couldn't resist.) Light, fun, sweet, and swoony, with all the delicious angst you'd expect from a nice guy who's been in love with his best friend's sister since forever. You'll be rooting for Kelsey and Rob to finally 'fess up to their feelings and get together already.
The writing is crisp and clean, and the dialogue witty. It was the sweet, light read I was looking for.
I knew from the first couple chapters this wasn’t for me, but I persevered to the 50% mark. I just have a hard time with 1) dual perspective when 2) the guy is already head over heels in love with the girl. Two aspects I don’t enjoy. I don’t want to feel any desperate vibes from him by being in his head. (They were strong vibes in his first chapter but then they dropped significantly.) I just wish we didn’t get his perspective. Instead, just have him tell her that he’s always loved her once they are together.
Anyway, there were a couple sweetish spots but it’s a really… comfortable style romance. So not feeling the chemistry much. A little too sweet and slow for me. (I’m not a hallmark lover.) But I bet others would enjoy it.
First of all, how cute is this cover? I just love it! Perfect After All is the second book in Cece Louise’s contemporary romance series Happily Ever After All. Both characters were introduced in the first book in the series, though you don’t need to read that book to easily follow this one.
Rob has been in love with his best friend’s sister for years, but he’s never revealed his feelings for her. Kelsey has always seen Rob as a friend, and she’s had an on-again-off-again boyfriend since high school. But this time, Kelsey has no intention of making up with her ex, and the more time she spends with her long-time friend Rob, the more she starts to see him in a way she never has before.
This is a fun and sweet romance that I read in one sitting. I read it after a particularly heavy story, and it was the perfect palate cleanser. With witty dialogue, likable characters, and a sweet friends-to-lovers romance, it’s the kind of story that leaves you with a smile. Rob and Kelsey have such a fantastic friendship. They’ve known each other since they were children, and since Rob is Kelsey’s brother’s best friend, he’s always been part of her life. He is a person she can depend on, and he contrasts well with her on-again-off-again boyfriend.
Kelsey has had a complicated relationship for years and is finally moving on from the man she thought she loved. It took being away from him for a while for Kelsey to realize her worth and demand better for herself. I like that she starts to expect more for herself, and I love how patient Rob is. He is willing to wait for Kelsey and has for a long time. He is the sweetest!
Rob and Kelsey have such a wonderful friendship, and it’s lovely to see it grow into something more. I enjoyed their banter and how they tease each other, and I also like how supportive they are of one another. If you like sweet, fun, and clean romances, you will love the blossoming love story between Rob and Kelsey!
This was such a fun addition to the series, and I can’t wait to read Caleb and Victoria’s story in the next book. They had a couple of scenes together in this book, and you can already feel the chemistry between the two! Special thanks to Cece Louise for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
This sweet romcom is perfectly named. Rob has been in love with Kelsey for years, but with her being his best friend's little sister and her seemingly in love with her on-again off-again boyfriend of eight years, he has been content watching over her from the sidelines. That doesn't mean his heart has given up, not a chance, but will he be brave enough to actually take the opportunity to tell her when he has the chance?
Kelsey's is ready to move past the boyfriend she thought she wanted to spend forever with, since he dumped her for some yoga-social media hottie. However, keeping things the same is getting her nowhere. So when her have-it-all-together coworker offers her a makeover she can't help, but take the bait.
Yet, the changes that begin taking place may be more than she bargained for and suddenly feelings she didn't know existed for her brother's best friend start confusing her. And when the past comes knocking, will she take the second chance or is she brave enough to find a new more perfect ever after.
This is an easy weekend read with a happy, hopeful feel throughout the story. I really enjoyed Kelsey and Rob. They were so cute as they figured things all out. It was great to see old characters and meet new ones. This is a stand alone, but would be enjoyed more after reading the first book. I look forward to the next story in this series.
Friends, this story was like The Trope Jackpot! SO many of my favorites 🙌🏻 Brother's best friend. Childhood Friends, Caretaking. He falls first 😍 Online dating/dating app. Work place romance. What a FANTASTIC story!! Cece is such a great author. So much swoon! The chemistry 🤌🏻 Sweet and funny. It has all the things a good story needs. (How many times can I use story in one review? 🤔🧐🤣) I loved every bit of it. It's a total comfort read, just like CHRISTMAS AFTER ALL (bk 1) and I know FAKING AFTER ALL (bk 3) will be the same! Highly recommend you check it out 😎
💕 RCRS 2-3 (brief to heavier kissing)
🗨Some Quotes She was referring to the too-much-cheap-cologne phase I’d gone through during my junior year. It was pretty bad. But as a stinky teenager in love with a girl who was part bloodhound, it seemed like a good idea at the time.
Today was the second time Kelsey Ellis had fallen asleep in my arms. The first time was the day I started loving her. And today was the day I realized I was never going to stop.
You know, I’m a guy like me. I stared at the screen. The typing bubble appeared. Then disappeared. Then stopped again. I waited, but there was nothing. Was she having a hard time figuring out what to say to that? I quickly added: And for the record, I’d right-swipe a girl like you too.
Normally, I would like this style of story, but I had a hard time getting into this one. It took me over a week to read which is abnormal for me. I think my issues stem from:
--Alternating first person point of views --A lot of the story spent around dating other people while trying to figure out the relationship. And the main characters didn't really date that many other people. It just felt like this was part of the story, but it was awkward and drawn out
This is clean and cute, but just wasn't a favorite for me. Perhaps this is on me because I have read similar stories to this one, but this story didn't pull me in.
Content: Clean romance with no real triggers Language: No language Religious: Not religious
Spice: zero. A couple kisses mentioned and some chaste touching. Well, I don’t know if chaste is the right word, but it’s practically angelic compared to what I normally read.
This is going to be a long review, but it’s because I legitimately liked this book and recommend it. It’s a cute story with likable characters and it left a smile on my face.
I don’t normally start by talking about the authors writing style however, I just want to say, I think that she can do better than this book. The characters and conversations were very compelling. The individual character’s voices and presentations felt distinct and their actions made sense based on their personalities. I especially enjoyed the joking and flirtatious conversations between Kelsey and Rob. I wish there were more interactions between the two because we get good insight into how love for Kelsey built for Rob, but the interest in Rob felt very quick for Kelsey (or maybe it just felt quick in comparison to 9 years of pining on Rob’s side 🤷🏻♀️). I guess we didn’t necessarily need more of these scenes, but maybe being able to live in the moments we had a little bit longer would’ve felt more real. I could have also used some of that angsty heartbreak feeling you get when you love someone and just don’t think it will ever happen with them. It makes the getting together part so satisfying. Also, while I really like Kelsey as a character, I still have a little bit of a hard time figuring out what she brought to the table for Rob. It was just a given that he loved her so I think we could’ve seen more about how his life is better because of her or how she made him better. Additionally, some things in their relationship were told rather than shown and that was really disappointing. Sometimes things are told because the author isn’t great at showing things, but she actually is very good at conversations and showing…which is why I would love to see more. I really hope that as she writes more she continues to build a great team around her that brings out the best in her writing because I am here for it.
Side notes: I love when the “nice guy” is actually nice and doesn’t have to turn all aggressive or do something totally out of character to be a love interest. He won her by being himself. Also, big…HUGE love for not painting the assertive and confident boss as a bitch.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“A cinnamon roll is how readers describe a character who is really sweet. Women love them too, they're just a different kind of hero."
Perfect After All is book 2 in the Happily Ever After All series by @cece. However, it is a standalone, so don’t fret if you haven’t read book 1! (I didn’t read book 1, but will be adding it to my TBR ASAP!)
Perfect After All is told by dual POVs: Rob, a perfect gentleman, computer whiz, in love with his best friends sister; and Kelsey, a newly single, bookworm, trying to navigate the crazy that is online dating. Y’all, these two were adorable together! The banter, playfulness, and friends-to-lovers trope were pure perfection!
As always, I’m here for a small town setting; hello, Halften, Wisconsin! Where everyone is always running into each other at the worst possible times! And what small town would be complete without the neighborhood gossip, Mrs. Gilford.
If you are looking for a cozy, heartfelt, clean romance make Perfect After All your next read. Get ready to laugh out loud and fall in love with Rob and Kelsey!
Thank you to Booksirens and Cece Louise for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I ABSOLUTELY ADORED the 1st book in this series, so when Cece Louise texted me & asked me if I would enjoy an ARC copy I was ECSTATIC!!!
This had that signature Cece Louise magic to it, that I LOVE! I have never been so worried about not having enough pages to finish a book until now 😅
As PROMISED, I had my Happily Ever After & I can't even begin to explain how excited I am for Victoria & Caleb's story 😁
Unfortunately, no matter how amazing this was... it can't live up to Christmas After All, the 1st book! That one will hold a super special spot in my heart for a LONGGGG time!
He was her brothers best friend - and her friend But he first saw her as a woman in high school — at her parents funeral. And yet . . . . how could her pursue her?? And then they worked together, And he gave her a ride every day . . . just friends right? AMAZING GOOD STORY! LOVED IT!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fun story of Kelsey and Rob. Easy and quick read. Somewhat predictable, but it is part of the Happily Ever After All series, so the ending was what I expected. Very clean romance with very little spice. I typically prefer a little more spice. Definitely good enough for me to read the sequel.
This book is so cute and fun! It’s the second in the series, but it’s stand alone. It’s a brother’s best friend trope plus same work place. I love seeing the history of the two MCs and how they have a strong friendship. I love the laugh out moments! I recommend if you want a good cozy rom com. I read it in one sitting.
Thank you, Cece Louise, for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
This book was a RIOT! It was a very good thing I was home alone when I read this, because I was laughing loud, long, and often.
Rob and Kelsey are so cute - and I really appreciated how “real” they seemed. Pacing was perfect, and I do love it when glasses and books play a significant part in a story - so cool. I also appreciated how clean this was to read.
Honestly, I don’t have much to critique:)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A super cute clean romance! With an irresistible leading man! Looking forward to the next one in the series! Thanks to Book Sirens and the author for the advanced copy of this story!
This was super cute and sweet! I really like this one, and I was rooting for both MC's. It just took forevverrr for them to get together, so I was getting impatient. Clean/no smut.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Perfect After All by Cece Louise has Melissa's younger sister Kelsey finding her love match.
Can Rob finally convince Kelsey he will be a better match than Bryce?
Robert Rutiger Rob has been in Kesley's life for as long as the two can remember, and he doesn't want to screw things up and hurt this friendship. Especially with Caleb since he was sure that Caleb wouldn't have wanted him to be dating his younger sister. We met Rob in the last book working for Fulton Advertising as one of their IT personnel, and he got Kelsey a job there as well for when she was done with college. Rob is such a sweet guy who wants what is best for all three of the Ellis siblings, as they became his family over the many years of him hanging out with Caleb at their house. I love how their easy banter from the first book traversed over to this one and that Rob is still just that sweet guy that would do anything for the Ellis siblings. Except maybe commit murder.
Kelsey Ellis Kelsey Ellis is still the goofy girl who loves to hang out with her siblings and enjoy life, especially taco night at their favorite restaurant in Halften. The one difference between the two is that Kelsey is now employed at Fulton Advertising and, for the first time in her life, not waiting for Bryce to come back into her life. She is, but she is also ready to move on. Or at least try to move on. I love how Kelsey embraces many new things within this book that helps her out for the better, including dealing with Bryce in her unique way.
I love the slow-burn romance that Rob and Kelsey had. Even though for Rob, it was like he knew that he wanted Kelsey romantically. These two are quite a pair, and I love how they complement each other in more ways than just being goofy together and cracking jokes at Caleb's expense. Except it's in the way where you know that their love will last a while once they realize it.
Five Stars Perfect After All by Cece Louise has the best of many worlds in that it's not only a slow-burn, but also boy falls for girl first, and a work romance all in one book. It also has different things that go for it as well, and I loved every minute of reading this book. I loved how everything fell into place once it all came down to it. The one thing I can't wait to see evolve is Caleb and Victoria's story.
I am giving Perfect After All by Cece Louise five stars and recommending it to anyone who loves a good sweet romantic comedy book. Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Perfect After All by Cece Louise.
This was a super sweet clean romance with barely any angst to ruin the story. I started this book, despite not reading the first book of the series. I was able to follow along just fine, so it isn't necessary to have read book one, but I can tell that that story was a good one based on the background offered here. I might go back and check it out.
This book works so well because it is a story of two people who have always loved each other ... but only one of them knows it. Kelsey's parents died suddenly when she was a teenager. Rob has been her brother, Caleb's, best friend forever. Right after the memorial service, Rob finds Kelsey crying in a kitchen pantry and comforts her by simply holding her as she cried. That's when he fell in love with her, and he has been in love with her ever since. But Kelsey is his best friend's sister. He thinks it would be violated 'bro code' to try and date her. In the meantime Kelsey finds a long term boyfriend, Bryce. Bryce and Kelsie stay together for several years, rotating through a cycle of breaking up and getting back together over and over and over. Through it all, Kelsey and Rob stay friends, with Kelsey totally oblivious to Rob's feelings. Things change when Bryce leaves Kelsey for another woman and proposes to her. It seems like Kelsey is now free from the Bryce cycle. Rob doesn't sweep in to stake his claim, though. He just quietly continues being the great friend he has always been until eventually Kelsey starts to notice him in a new light.
I loved reading about Kelsey and Rob's relationship. It was so easy. The two of them, along with Caleb, had been friends for so long that they have an amazing report with each other. Their conversations were great. It was so obvious from the beginning that they would be good together. It was easy to root for them. Rob was WONDERFUL. His love for Kelsey was beautiful. I just adored him, and my heart hurt for him as he had to love Kelsey from afar and watch her date another. Even waiting for Kelsey to get a clue was not as frustrating as it can be in stories like this. I liked Kelsey a lot in this story as well. I wish that she had noticed Rob earlier, but I understand how it might be hard to flip the switch between lifelong friend of your brother and person you want to date. Luckily, she stayed likable throughout the book, even though it took her so long to figure out how much she loved Rob. And the payoff moments at the end were lovely in every way. It was refreshing to read a sweet story that was low angst with good friends finding the sort of love together that warms the heart. I give this four strong stars. I really liked it.
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Rob & Kelsey’s points of view
– Kelsey’s parents died in a car accident when she was in high school
Review:
This is the first book by Cece Louise that I’ve read and I really really enjoyed it! I can’t wait to go back to the first book and try her fairytale retellings when I get the chance! This book was so sweet and I loved that Rob was there for Kelsey for so much that occurred. I loved that he fell first and that it took Kelsey a bit to figure out that her feelings toward him were changing. I loved that they also worked together and hung out together so much because of Kelsey joining so many of her brother’s outings. I loved that Victoria took charge and tried to help Kelsey (and became great friends with her). Some of my favorite moments/scenes included: their day at the mall (ALL OF IT!), Rob caring for Kelsey after she discovered the engagement of her ex, Kelsey tripping over the recliner, the Shamrock Festival, and family taco night.
Summary:
Kelsey’s long time boyfriend broke up with her again and this time has hurt her more than the past times they’ve broken up. When Kelsey’s coworker catches wind that she wants to make a change, she is all over it. From updating Kelsey’s wardrobe to getting her set up with an online dating profile, Victoria seems to know what she is doing to help Kelsey. If only Kelsey could figure out what exactly she wants and who she wants to be. It doesn’t help that she is starting to see her brother’s best friend in a different light and wonders if maybe he could feel the same…
Rob has been in love with his best friend’s sister since they were in high school, but with Kelsey’s loyalty to her on-and-off again boyfriend taking all her attention he knew he would never stand a chance. But when Kelsey seems different after this particular breakup, Rob wonders if he should take the chance to let her know how he feels. He knows he’d regret never taking his shot, but is wary of the possible rejection. In the end, Rob just wants Kelsey happy…even if it isn’t with him…
4/5 stars— This was a fun, light-hearted brother’s best friend to lovers romance.
Kelsey Ellis is in a bit of a dating slump after breaking up with her long-time, on-again/off-again boyfriend. She is done with guys (or at least, finally done with the ex-boyfriend) not valuing her, and with the help of her boss, Victoria, she sets up an online dating profile and finally starts putting herself out there.
Rob Rutiger has been in love with his best friends little sister for years. But she only sees him as a friend, and besides, out of respect for his friend, Kelsey is off-limits. But when Kelsey finally calls it quits with her loser ex-boyfriend, he can’t help but be interested. And is it just wishful thinking on his part, or is Kelsey noticing the chemistry too?
This was a well-written, light-hearted read that I found very easy to get into. Most of the brother’s best friend romances I have read are the younger sister crushing on the older brother’s best friend for years, and him finally noticing that she is all grown up. It was fun to see the trope reversed for this one: the nice guy getting friend zoned because he is like a brother to her, and having her be the one that takes a while to notice the attraction.
With that said, I did feel like the pacing of the relationship dragged a little at times. Rob was so passive about pursuing a relationship with Kelsey that he almost missed out on having a chance at all, and Kelsey was almost ridiculously oblivious to the way Rob dropped everything to help her whenever she needed it. I felt like some of the drama could have been avoided with a simple conversation, and I find it frustrating when characters refuse to talk to anyone about their problems.
Overall, this was a very cute read, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the sweet, slow-burn friends to more trope.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
💝~Genres~💝 RomCom/Brother's best friend/Friends to lovers/Small Town/Dual Pov/Workplace Romance/Contemporary
🌹~Characters~🌹 (Kelsey "Kelse") FMC She loves reading and she was so funny I really liked her.
(Rob) MMC He was such a Cinnamon Roll lol i really liked him.
(Victoria) KELSEY'S FRIEND I liked her I'm excited for her story!
(Caleb) KELSEY'S BROTHER Book Three is Victoria and Caleb's story.
(Melissa) KELSEY'S OLDER SISTER I liked her I'm excited for her story.
(Tucker) MELISSA'S FIANCÉ Melissa and Tucker are book one
(Bryce) KELSEY'S EX He was a piece of work.
(Jade) BRYCE'S NEW GIRLFRIEND She was a Yoga influencer I didn't like her.
💐~Quotes~💐 As much as I loved the Rob who cracked jokes and teased me all day long, this serious Rob—the one who looked at me like I was the most precious thing in the world to him—did new and exciting things to my heart.
“Kelsey Ellis, you put me on the shelf for a very long time, but unlike those croutons behind you, my love for you will never expire.
”Yup, I would do anything for Kelsey Ellis. Except tell her how I really felt about her.
Today was the second time Kelsey Ellis had fallen asleep in my arms. The first time was the day I started loving her. And today was the day I realized I was never going to stop.
💕~What I liked~💕 After the work party, The scrapbook, The pantry scene, The bookstore scene, Cinnamon rolls, The arcade scene, When Rob got a head cold, The island scenarios scene, The trying on bridesmaid dresses scene, The epilogue, The humor
💘~What I disliked~💘
💌~Content/Trigger Warnings~💌 Death of parents, Kelsey gets really drunk at a party, blood,
"Perfect After All" is a super sweet read by CeCe Louise in follow up to the first book in the series. I loved reading Melissa's story in "Christmas After All" where it also introduced Melissa's siblings, Caleb and Kelsey. It's always fun when authors give the secondary characters their own story. I could tell Kelsey just had a story waiting to be told and am looking forwards to reading Caleb's story in the third book. You don't have to have read the first book in order to enjoy this story, but it's a cute read and should be read just for fun.
Rob is Caleb's best friend and has been in love with Kelsey for years. Kelsey's family had a tragedy in their teenage years which bonded the siblings very close and Rob is right in there with the siblings as good friends, so Kelsey never really saw him more than just a friend. Plus, she had a long term boyfriend for many years and when she finally breaks up with him for good, Rob is hoping that this is his chance to change things between him and Kelsey. It's hard to have an unrequited love, wondering if the person they love will ever love them back, but Rob is so sweet, patient and kind, putting Kelsey before any feeling he has for her. It was fun to read Kelsey and Rob's story and see it unfold, how they became more than just friends, and ultimately "the one" that they were looking and hoping for. Plus, the author has some cute bonus material that gives further insight to their relationship that is a must read. This story is cute, fun, heartwarming and sweet and I definitely recommend it.
This was such an adorable book! I loved the way the 1st person dual POV was expressed. It felt like they were talking to me, a friend, instead of just thinking in their head. It was written in such a genuine and fun way it truly drew me into the story within the first few lines. One of the best 1st person POV’s I’ve read in a while. . My heart went out to Kelsey and Rob. Kelsey because she suffered a loser of an on-again-off-again Boyfriend for way too many years. And Rob because he had to stand by and watch it all happen to the woman he loved. I loved their story, seeing how they came together. It was a real page turner and I couldn’t put it down. It was one of those books you keep waiting and waiting for something to happen and you’re ready to throw your iPad down in protest when there is yet another interruption of a charged moment between them! Aargh! . Lots of humor! Fun book to read and clean! I’m pretty sure I’ve read a novella or short story by this author before but this is the full length book I’ve read. I was so thrilled to get an advanced review copy and delighted at home much I honestly loved it. I look forward to more in this series. . Rating: G, clean, death of parents as a teen, cheating boyfriends, no language, a little kissing but nothing handsy, FMC drinks too much alcohol at a party when she hears bad news but not incoherent pass out drunk and she immediately decides to refrain from doing that again.
Perfect After All by Cece Louise is the perfect addition to Cece’s Happily Ever After All series. I enjoyed every minute of reading this sweet book. Rob and Kelsey have been friends for years because he is her older brother’s best friend. Unfortunately, Rob has also been in love with Kelsey for years, but he hasn’t pursued her because she had a boyfriend. When Kelsey’s boyfriend dumps her for a social media influencer, she decides she needs a makeover before she reenters the dating scene. As Kelsey navigates online dating and her ex’s super-fast engagement, she starts to really see Rob and question how she feels about him.
Some of my favorite parts of the book are -cinnamon roll hero references -Kelsey’s online dating horror stories -bride’s maid dress shopping -Maximus Wildethorne -video game arcade battles -Rob pretending to be Kelsey’s boyfriend -Kelsey’s falling for Rob -Rob and Kelsey’s friendship, banter, and chemistry
This book is full of so many cute, funny moments. Rob and Kelsey were so cute together. I loved their friendship and how good Rob treated her. The ending of the book is so good! I don’t want to give out any spoilers but I will say that I loved how Kelsey stood up for herself at the end. This book is the second in a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone book.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed in my review are my own.
This is a charming romcom which came as a huge relief after reading two disappointing books in a row. It was delightful to be charmed. I loved Rob as the hero. To silently pine for his best friend's sister for 9 years. NINE! That is a long time. But I loved his friend relationship with Kelsey. So kind and caring. Always looking after her and wanting the best for her. Swoon.
Kelsey is oblivious to Rob's adoration of her and spends 8 of those 9 years in a relationship with Mr. Wrong. He was such an annoying character. The scene at the award's ceremony was awesome. It was delightful to watch Kelsey's feelings change toward Rob. It might have been over a short period of time but really their relationship had been growing during those 9 years so Kelsey didn't have to fall in love. She just had to realize what was right in front of her.
This charming story could be a sweet romance movie plot so easily. I could see the movie in my head as I was reading. It would be a fun movie really.
I was pleased to have enjoyed this book like I did the first one in the series and I look forward to reading the next one, which I predict to have some hilarious scenes in light of the clashing personalities of Victoria and Caleb.
No sex, language or violence *I received a complimentary ARC through StoryOrigin and voluntarily chose to review it.
Perfect After All by Cece Louis is a sweet romantic comedy that will have you grinning all the way through. This is the second book in Cece Louise’s contemporary romance series Happily Ever After All. You meet both characters in the first book in the series, although you don’t need to read that book to easily follow this one.
This story follows Rob and Kelsey, who have known each other all of their lives. Rob has been working for Fulton Advertising where he got Kelsey a job when she was done with college. Rob is so sweet and cares deeply for the Ellis family who are his second family. Kelsey is trying to figure out life after her on-again-off-again boyfriend left her for someone else. She is ready to move on and focus on herself and dating again.
Rob and Kelsy have an easy banter that feels like the old friends that they are. I enjoyed the slow-burn romance between Rob and Kelsy and loved watching their friendship deepen.
I thought the pacing was great and made for an easy read that kept the pages turning. There was no third-act breakup, just a story that flowed easily.
This was a 5-star book for me! I loved the slow-burn sweet romance where the boy falls first. If you are looking for a delightful, clean, closed-door romance this book is for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Such a sweet, funny, and cute story. Brother’s best friend and friends to love a rolled into one. Loved both main characters and all the situations they got themselves into. This book does not shy away from a sweet “Cinnamon Roll” male main character, and Rob is just about the perfect one. I just wanted to wrap him up and take him home. Kelsey spent many years being oblivious to his love for her, before she realized that he’d been telling her all along, through his actions and how he took care of her, not to mention accepting and loving her exactly as she was. Even though sometimes I wanted to say, “Wake up, girl”, because Rob had loved Kelsey for so long and her ex was such a dud (and she went through the usual, “I need to change myself to find a man”), she found her way in the end. It was fun to see characters from the first book, but this could be read as a standalone if someone really wanted to….however, I recommend reading the first book too. This was a great love story. I loved it. I’m excited to read Caleb and Victoria’s story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.