Potion Perfect

by Billie Dale

She fled here to start over, reinvent herself. Running has its perks. She learned that when she met him, fell for him, then used that same skill to run from him. She was smart, a seventeen-year-old college sophomore. A viral photo made her trusting and naïve heart more cautious until an old gypsy made her believe love might be possible. As her friendship bloomed with Kohl, deeper feelings followed. But the basketball star and the geek only ends well in a fairy tale. He crushed her heart and showed her that everything she thought she believed and trusted was a complete lie. He was a lie. She made many mistakes over the years, but the biggest was seeing Kohl Black again. Her beauty stunned him, her curves ruled his mind but what was inside owned him. Being a star basketball player and a part of campus royalty, you have certain expectations.Expectations he couldn’t give a damn about when he finally spoke to her. He wanted her back then just as much as he wants her now. He didn’t get a chance to fight for them before. Now, nothing will stand in the way of getting Tensanne Craig back into his arms. may not be suitable for those readers under 18

Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance

341 pages, Paperback

Published August 8, 2017

About the author

Billie grew up, lives and is lost in Indiana. In the smallest of small towns that is not even worth mentioning.  She has 4 children, two dogs, a cat and a husband that deals with a house full of females. He is the perfect book boyfriend and her inspiration.  
She spends her time reading, constantly reading, swimming, procrastinating, playing in photoshop and writing. Any other free time is spent with her amazingly sexy, tattooed, serious arm porn having husband, who is the best husband on the planet and her best friend.   She loves to live inside the fantasy world that only books can provide and the voices in her head are her chosen confidants.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

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Blurb:
Tensanne

I thought I was smart, a seventeen-year-old college sophomore borders on genius. But a viral photo and bullies crushed my trusting and naïve heart.

Then an old gypsy gave me hope and I began to believed love might be possible.

He wormed his way into my heart, unwilling to give up. My friendship with Kohl Black evolved allowing him to break down my walls. But the basketball star and the geek only ends well in a fairy tale. He crushed my heart and showed me everything I believed and trusted was a complete lie.

He was a lie.

I ran, hiding from a world set on my destruction.

Now, I’m back. I’ve returned to the scene of the pain. He let me run once, he won’t let it happen again.

Kohl:

She hides underneath layers of frumpy clothes trying to be invisible but I see the perfection gleaming from the inside, shining like a beacon on the outside.

She’s everything I want, the person I crave.

She’s been defeated by lies and hatred. I will show her she’s so much more. I’ll find a way to make her mine.

I had her. I held everything in my arms.

Deceit ripped her away from me so long ago, now she’s back and I’ll tie her to the bed, if I have to, but I refuse to lose her again.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed this book. I could relate to a few things in it too, for instance my son's birthday is also on Valentine's Day and the issue with the haters and the bullies. I've seen that a lot and the fact that it still happens makes me so angry. How can people judge someone without getting to know them?? obviously they have some serious insecurities. I'm a size 14 and there are times where I get judged by people I've never met before and as with Tensanne, it does hurt. This book teaches you a great lesson about finding your own self worth and not letting people get to you. I laughed, I cried and at times I wanted to go beat some people up. When we found out who leaked the video I was so angry at her so called friend I wanted to scream. 20 years of their lives ruined because of this so called friend, grrrrrrrrr. I loved the message at the end of the book by Billie Dale, it was heartwarming and true and I could feel a connection to her in friendship. There will always be haters, but as long as you know you're own self worth and that you're loved by so many more good people than there are haters, you will make it great. And for anyone who reads this book and is being or has been bullied, please know that there are people who love you and care about you and will help you.

This is the 2nd book I've read by Billie Dale and I'm hoping to see a lot more from her. I enjoy her style of writing and the messages she conveys in her books.

I received this book for free from author in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for letting me read your books:) I really enjoy them and hope to someday meet you in person.

Jenn

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to the work of author, Billie Dale, through her newest book Potion Perfect. This was one of the most emotional reads I have ever read. This book is a story of love, loss, and second chances. The story started a little slow for me but a few chapters in and I was hooked. The story resonated so much with me. The love that developed between the characters of Tesanne Craig and Kohl Black was the kind of love we all hope for. But we all know how soon that love can be taken away and your life is turned upside down. Heartbreak can be cruel and Tesanne and Kohl experience it first hand. Luckily, they are given a second chance. Will the potion work the second time around? You need to read this book to find out. This book left such an impression on me that I will soon not forget. I haven't had a ugly cry over a book in a long time. Billie Dale reinforced that first loves are never forgotten. This book is a 5 star must read.- By Julie

[Witchy Richey's Booktastic Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful second chance romance about love and the importance of loving yourself. Tensanne and Kohl are a unique couple of the geek and the star. She's quirky and insecure, he's sweet and not the average playboy.

Kohl is the perfect BFF, he's hot and ripped mixed with a perfect blend of alpha.

A great little gypsy, a fabulous best friend and rocking chemistry form a path to redemption and love for these characters.

Happiness is found in ourselves, loving us is the first love we need before we love anyone else. Kohl may open her eyes but until she loves herself her heart will always be twisted.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Potion Perfect, where do I begin and can I really do this book and the author justice. This is not just about two people falling in love it's about learning to love yourself, learning to see what's inside yourself and realising that we are all beautiful.
Tensanne Craig is a seventeen year old college sophomore and life isn't easy for her, she thought she was ready for college because she was smart but she was naive and trusted all the wrong people. Kohl Black the star player on the basketball team wanted her but the star and the geek only ever work out in fairy tales or do they.....
You can't help falling in love with these characters, Kohl is sweet and sexy all rolled into one with just the right amount of alpha thrown in, Tensanne is sweet and trusting but will she ever see what Kohl see's a beautiful hot woman, once you add into the story a best friend that's fun, loving and protective you get the perfect tale and of course a little gipsy turns this book into a perfect fairy tale.
You have to love yourself in order to love someone else, you have to be happy inside to be happy outside and this book proves just that, we all need to look inside ourselves and learn that we are all beautiful people. Brilliant read by a new author to me, a must read of 2017 !!!!

[Britt Chaotic Creatives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Potion perfect is such a sweet story of learning to love yourself and and growing up. Tensanne is a brilliant seventeen year old girl who graduated and then went on to college early. Sadly, she's also suffering from severe self esteem issues and is being horribly bullied. After a strange encounter and a bit of magic she meets Kohl and quickly things begin to change.

My heart broke so many times for Tensanne. She had so much on her plate at such a young age. Then topped off with the worst kind of bullying from her peers and an extremely low self esteem, it was utterly heartbreaking. That heartbreak though made it so much more beautiful when she began to change and love herself. Seeing her start to realize her own self worth, then start to fall for the sweet Kohl was absolutely lovely.

Kohl is every young woman's dream, tall, handsome, and strong with a heart of gold. It was adorable how he immediately saw Tensanne for who she truly was, long before even Tensanne herself. His patience and caring with her was so sweet I did that dreamy sigh thing more than once. Potion Perfect is the perfect sweet romance to spend an afternoon curled up with.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this story to be incredibly unbelievable, even when I suspended my disbelief. But at the heart of it is a romance between two college students, a star basketball player and a nerdy girl. Tensanne doesn't trust people easily, especially guys, after having been burned and gaining unwanted notoriety from it. Kohl works really hard to be her friend and even more. I can get on board with all of that, but the way Kohl thought about Tensanne without really knowing her, well that obviously speaks volumes for what kind of guy he is (in a positive way), but also had me completely unconvinced that he could be that attracted to her. While I liked them as characters, there were a lot of parts that didn't flesh out very well or required more description or depth that simply got glossed over, especially the parts of Tensanne's life between college and the present, there's virtually no description of how she moved on and even managed to start life over if she wasn't trusting of anyone. There's also an old lady with some sage advice who gives Tensanne a run for her money in terms of believing in herself. I didn't really get any particular feels except for being incredulous at how unlikely this could actually happen until Tensanne and Kohl actually got to know each other for real, but there are some definite sweet moments that are romance worthy, and Tensanne's voice lacked maturity even though she was mature in more ways than one. But if you're looking to escape into a story with those kinds of elements, then this might be for you.

*I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Angie Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great story!! I loved the idea of the main character being someone plus size and bettering themselves for themselves. I also love that the guy liked her being bigger. This was another refreshing read and something I was so happy I got to read. I also love when the popular person falls for the nerd, and I loved that he appreciated her for the fact that she was smart! The little touch of magic was a nice spin also. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was I really wish some things were drawn out a little more and other things weren't focused on so much. I can't wait to read more of Billies work!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I was pretty pleased with the story I found! I really loved the idea and concept behind this second chance romance tale. Your heart goes out to Tensanne as she has such a rough go of it! Then you have Kohl who is the man of campus per say, and you have your classic recipe for nerd and the star player. But there are just those little twists that add to it and makes it it’s own tale. This book is very much a tale of loving yourself and finding yourself. And that pertained to both Tensanne and Kohl. Overall, it was a good read!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Potion Perfect is a good story. It was interesting and it had a few twists and turns. The characters were likeable. I liked it!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible book! Packed with emotions. My full review coming soon.

[Jennifer - You Can't Resista Dirty Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Potion Perfect is a beautiful story of second chance love and acceptance of who you are. This is my first read from Billie Dale and to say I was hooked would be an understatement. This was a highly emotionally charged read and it definitely tugged at my heart strings.

The story is told as a flashback to twenty years in the past when the main character Tesanne Craig, a bright brilliant mind, attended college at the tender age of 17. Tesanne has suffered loss for one so young, and is determined in her quest to understand the human brain to come to grips with what happened to her mother. Left to her own devices being ignored by her father, Tesanne never really matured into a young woman. She hides behind loose, ill fitting clothes, and thick glasses. Being young and naive, Tesanne finds herself at the centre of a cruel joke played out by the star of the college basketball team as revenge. Having been warned to be more careful and use her head, question everything, Tesanne becomes wary. Especially when another basketball player, tall dark tattooed Kohl Black. Kohl sees past all of Tesanne’s supposedly ‘ugly’ exterior. He thinks she is the nicest sweetest girl he has ever met, it also helps that the girl has some rocking curves hiding under her clothes.

The love that develops from friendship between these two is so endearing and sweet that it brought tears to my eyes. As the relationship deepens so does Tesanne’s belief in herself, she believes she must be worth loving if she has managed to capture the Kohl Black. Using a love potion everyday given to her by a very cool little gypsy woman also helped to unlock that belief in herself and she is learning to accept and love herself.

Unfortunately, before long that love is tested in the worst possible way. Heartbreak is a cruel and punishing master, it is however the feeling that Tesanne has lived with for so long that it makes it easier to be blind to the truth. Only this time it is not only her heart that has been broken.

Twenty years of suffering have come full circle can another potion bring heartache to an end for good?

I received an ARC for an honest review and can honestly say that I am so thrilled not to have missed the opportunity to read this incredible story. A 5 star must read.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tesanne Craig is a brilliant, but a young 17 year old sophomore in college. She has the book smarts, but unfortunately, all of her studying never taught her how to really deal with people, especially bullies. She trusted the wrong guy, and he humiliated her to the point that she quit going to her classes, finally going back when she had no other choice. Things start to change when she meets an old gypsy, who made her believe that love might be possible. She starts a tentative friendship with another guy, named Kohl, and the more time they spent time together, feelings developed, but this is no fairy tale, as he ended up crushing her. After this, she encases her heart in ice for years, never really thawing out, until she runs into Kohl again, and this time, nothing will stand in his way. Potion Perfect is the first book that I've read by Billie Dale, and at first, it was a bit slow for me, but her talented writing style picked up to the point that I didn't put it down until the very last page. This story is very original, as it's not about the basketball star and the geek coming together, but about loving yourself enough to find love. My emotions were out to play during this second chance love story, as the push and pull tried to gut me, not to mention a huge twist to bring out the colorful metaphors. I'm excited to get the chance to discover a new to me author, and to see what else she puts out. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow what a book! I have to say this one really touched
me. It's so well-written and extremely thoughtful, even if it did
make me cry a few times. Sophie for warned a box of tissue
is needed with this book.

This book is about Tensanne and Kohl. This is mostly her
story and being 17 years old and in college. She has some
body issue problem that most teenagers do. She is a
heavier-set girl quite like me at that age. I really could
sympathize with her. I knew what she went through. Kids can
be so cruel. But what Chase did to her was unforgivable.
But then she met Kohl and man was he amazing. The things
he did for her were awesome, but the meanness that
happened still kept happening. And when something awful
happens not sure they can come back from this one, or will
it take 20 years to fix it or will it never be fixed.

Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you
enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book,
please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it
when you do; they value your opinions too

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Potion perfect would be my first read by Billie Dale and I found it a little different then what I'm used to reading in a romance a lot of things were refreshing about it . My heart broke for Tensanne at times for all that she endears at such a young age , she showed great character growth as the story progressed . Kohl just made me blush while swooning he is the perfect hero loved everything that he is . Can't wait to read more by this author
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero = 10 heroine = 9 secondary characters = 9
Chemistry =10 romance = 9 humor = 4
darkness level = 6 enjoyment = 9 angst = 4
action = 2 story line = 9 mystery = 2
character development = 10 pacing =10 Plot = 9
cover = 10 stars = 4 author = 8
would I recommend this book = yes
would I re read this book = yes
would I read future books by this author = yes

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read any of this authors work, and I was not sure what to expect. Tensanne has been burned in the past and she does not trust anybody especially boys. Kohl worked very hard to become her friend, if not more. No spoilers; this is an enjoyable read, you will not be disappointed!
This is a sweet emotional romance about second chances. There is loss, heartbreak, twists & turns, love, and romance. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work. Well done Billie!!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book!

[Tina Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster of intense feelings. One where if you've ever been bullied you know exactly what the main character is going through but unfortunately take it to the max with her. So she doesn't trust anyone. But not everyone is out to get you and sometimes the least expected person is the one you can lean on the most. I highly recommend this book to everyone!!

[Regina Marie O Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

What a roller-coaster of of emotions, once you start reading you can't stop it just sucks you in and has you on the edge of your seat

[Elizabeth Horbaczek · Rating 3 out of 5]

the author is looking for an honest review for this book

3 stars


I have to say this book was not what I expected. I like the whole college scene in books and the age that the characters are. This one was a little bit off the wall for me and I really didn't connect like I usually do. What you will learn it doesn't matter if it is high school, college, or after bullies are always bullies. Liars are always liars. Friends will never betray you but you realize who your friends are when push comes to shove. When you are a genius and are in college when you are 17 it makes life more complicated. What I can take from this book is that you need to be happy with yourself, don't let other people tell you who you are suppose to be and find your way. It might be wrong, but it is your way, not someone else's.

So Ten is the student prodigy. She is 17 and smarter than anyone around. She did something stupid, and well now it is all coming down on her. She is being bullied and she is trying to make it past it. Ten is just way too naive at points and I can't connect to her. Her professor tells her to stay out of trouble and watch who she trusts. So when Kohl starts coming around she thinks that he is up to no good. I actually loved Kohl, he is what kept me reading this book. What he did for Ten was pretty awesome. He was a good man in college and that says alot. I loved the how he pretty much taught her to love herself and be happy with who she is. There is other complications in this book and then the worst happens.

I really can't go into much detail because it will give the book away. I have to say it was rushed at the end. I hated that part, I honestly thought there would be a second book because i was 90 percent in and I felt it couldn't be over yet. There was so much detail with the past, but when they jumped to the present it was wham, bam, thank you mam, kinda thing and it didn't go over well with me. Kohl was one I could relate to in the past , but the present, there was nothing to relate to. I think I was more furious with this book than anything. I was looking for more and I didn't get it.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to be posted on my blog soon!