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Faking Perfection: A Brighton High School Reunion
You are INVITED! Welcome to the Brighton High School 10 Year Reunion!
Ever since I was in high school, I’ve held the title of “Little Miss Perfect.” One thing I can say for sure is that no one would have expected to catch me and my husband getting busy in the band room at my ten year reunion.
To some, perfection means being free of faults. It means being as good as possible. To me, it holds a sense of falsehood. While I don’t know where the name came from, I’ve strived to live up to it…most of the time.
Even as a generally, happily married, stay-at-home mother of three, the perception follows me. To PTA meetings, class mom duties, and general life as I know it. Sometimes I wonder if I do these things to keep the image going. Sometimes I think it’s the wine that keeps me going.
The invite to my high school reunion throws me for a loop. I had been voted Most Likely to Succeed. To succeed at what, I’m not really sure. I doubt it’s fundraisers and wiping butts.
What will they think of me now? Will they see through my facade, or will the real me be enough?
Faking Perfection is an adult romance novel, intended for audiences 18 and older. Content warnings include strong language, explicit sexual scenes, mature situations, and alcohol use.
Ever since I was in high school, I’ve held the title of “Little Miss Perfect.” One thing I can say for sure is that no one would have expected to catch me and my husband getting busy in the band room at my ten year reunion.
To some, perfection means being free of faults. It means being as good as possible. To me, it holds a sense of falsehood. While I don’t know where the name came from, I’ve strived to live up to it…most of the time.
Even as a generally, happily married, stay-at-home mother of three, the perception follows me. To PTA meetings, class mom duties, and general life as I know it. Sometimes I wonder if I do these things to keep the image going. Sometimes I think it’s the wine that keeps me going.
The invite to my high school reunion throws me for a loop. I had been voted Most Likely to Succeed. To succeed at what, I’m not really sure. I doubt it’s fundraisers and wiping butts.
What will they think of me now? Will they see through my facade, or will the real me be enough?
Faking Perfection is an adult romance novel, intended for audiences 18 and older. Content warnings include strong language, explicit sexual scenes, mature situations, and alcohol use.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2023
12 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Shayna Astor
20 books318 followersShayna Astor is a native New Yorker, currently residing upstate with her husband and two children. Getting all four seasons, her favorite are the cool, crisp days of fall.
When Shayna isn't writing, she can be found reading, spending time with her kids, or playing video games with her husband. Being an avid coffee drinker, she can almost always be found with a cup of coffee in her hands.
When Shayna isn't writing, she can be found reading, spending time with her kids, or playing video games with her husband. Being an avid coffee drinker, she can almost always be found with a cup of coffee in her hands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 15, 2023
Leslie and Trent? Yesss. Plus this author highlights a stay at home Mom, I this was truly amazing to read. I feel like women already worry about what others think of them but being a Mom makes overthinking worse!
June 20, 2023
I’m not sure I want things to be different, though, I’m not sure I want things to be as they are. I love him and love our kids…but this life? I’m not so sure.
I will preface this review by saying the author’s writing is very well done, with the FMC’s emotional turmoil palpable throughout. It just hit too close to reality to have been an enjoyable romantic escape. It is heartbreakingly realistic: a marriage in crisis, and the feelings of inadequacy of a stay-at-home mother coupled with the need to always appear perfect, even as it breaks you apart.
The marriage issues are very familiar, the lack of intimacy that becomes almost insurmountable after a time—just wanting a moment of peace after a long day of being touched by little hands, feeling insecure about the changes wrought on your body after carrying babies, and having a sense of failure to launch because you are ‘just’ a mom when you had so much potential. Those parts were difficult to read. (I read DARK and high angst books, so this was a massive surprise to me).
The intimacy between the couple was so genuine and sweet. Some spice, but I would classify it as romantic lovemaking between a couple that has been long in love.
As far as the stories released thus far from the Brighton High School Reunion authors, this one is the closest to an actual reunion experience.
Though this was a challenging read, I would definitely pick up another book written by this author.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Features: marriage in trouble, second chance, stay-at-home-mom, high school reunion
Narrator: 1st Person Singular POV
Relationship Type: MF, mild-medium spice
Book Type/Ending: Standalone in Brighton High School Reunion Series, HEA
TW/CW: In book
I will preface this review by saying the author’s writing is very well done, with the FMC’s emotional turmoil palpable throughout. It just hit too close to reality to have been an enjoyable romantic escape. It is heartbreakingly realistic: a marriage in crisis, and the feelings of inadequacy of a stay-at-home mother coupled with the need to always appear perfect, even as it breaks you apart.
The marriage issues are very familiar, the lack of intimacy that becomes almost insurmountable after a time—just wanting a moment of peace after a long day of being touched by little hands, feeling insecure about the changes wrought on your body after carrying babies, and having a sense of failure to launch because you are ‘just’ a mom when you had so much potential. Those parts were difficult to read. (I read DARK and high angst books, so this was a massive surprise to me).
The intimacy between the couple was so genuine and sweet. Some spice, but I would classify it as romantic lovemaking between a couple that has been long in love.
As far as the stories released thus far from the Brighton High School Reunion authors, this one is the closest to an actual reunion experience.
Though this was a challenging read, I would definitely pick up another book written by this author.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Features: marriage in trouble, second chance, stay-at-home-mom, high school reunion
Narrator: 1st Person Singular POV
Relationship Type: MF, mild-medium spice
Book Type/Ending: Standalone in Brighton High School Reunion Series, HEA
TW/CW: In book
June 21, 2023
Faking Perfection is book three in the Brighton High School Reunion series. I do not believe it is necessary to read the series in order, but it is nice to have read the other character's stories.
We meet our FMC Leslie. Leslie was .. a perfect high school student. She was well-liked, had good grades, and even married her high school sweetheart. She was also voted most likely to succeed! Great right?
Leslie starts experiencing what most of us adults, especially women, do at some point in our lives. A bit of an identity crisis. Is she worthy? Is she good enough? Is what she is doing with her life right? And did she live up to that whole "most likely to succeed" bit from high school? She's a stay at home, adores her family, but is questioning if she really is doing enough. She starts having some anxiety about the high school reunion and if her life has truly lived up to the expectations that everyone had for her back in high school.
This book was the most relatable for me. I've felt with Leslie is feeling... so very often.
Can't wait to read the rest of this series.
We meet our FMC Leslie. Leslie was .. a perfect high school student. She was well-liked, had good grades, and even married her high school sweetheart. She was also voted most likely to succeed! Great right?
Leslie starts experiencing what most of us adults, especially women, do at some point in our lives. A bit of an identity crisis. Is she worthy? Is she good enough? Is what she is doing with her life right? And did she live up to that whole "most likely to succeed" bit from high school? She's a stay at home, adores her family, but is questioning if she really is doing enough. She starts having some anxiety about the high school reunion and if her life has truly lived up to the expectations that everyone had for her back in high school.
This book was the most relatable for me. I've felt with Leslie is feeling... so very often.
Can't wait to read the rest of this series.
June 14, 2023
Another fabulous addition to the Brighton High School Reunion Series. This one focuses on Leslie and trents story. They were high school sweethearts and though they lost their way for a time, they managed to find their way back to one another. But of course that time apart caused some resentment, along with the added pressure Leslie puts upon herself to be absolutely perfect in everything she does. We see the daily struggles of being an at home mom and a perfectionist through Leslie's eyes and how it detrimental it can be to her relationship with trent and herself. I loved the growth in the story and how by the end they finally figured out how to communicate with each other what they both needed and wanted.
June 17, 2023
Book 3 of the Brighton High School reunion books. I absolutely loved this one! Leslie marries her High School boyfriend Trent has 3 kids, is a stay at home mom and member of the PTA for her kids. 8 years into her marriage she is struggling with her self image and the need to have this persona of being the perfect person. Her and her husband have drifted and she is terrified to go to the high school reunion because she thinks they will judge her.
As a married woman who has been out of high school for 10+ years this story was so relatable! It was a really nice reminder that even when we get caught up in our feelings not everyone thinks the same way we do.
As a married woman who has been out of high school for 10+ years this story was so relatable! It was a really nice reminder that even when we get caught up in our feelings not everyone thinks the same way we do.
June 26, 2023
So relatable
As a wife and stay at home mom for several years, I related to this book so much. I think Shayna did a beautiful job and captured the emotions of a mama who doesn't see her worth.
As a wife and stay at home mom for several years, I related to this book so much. I think Shayna did a beautiful job and captured the emotions of a mama who doesn't see her worth.
June 20, 2023
Loved reading this book! This author did a great job highlighting the anxiety and pressure of being a woman, wife, and mother. The ending was everything I wanted for this character ❤️
June 16, 2023
The Brighton High School Reunion books are quickly becoming some of my favorites, I love how different each is and how relatable the characters are, especially in this one. Faking Perfection is a must read.
June 15, 2023
Leslie is getting the mail and sees her ten year high school reunion invitation and this puts her in a panic. She was voted most likely to succeed and she is perfect. Leslie is a stay home mom of 3, on the PTA, and a class mom. Would they judge her because she wasn’t running a company. Leslie has lost her connection and intimacy with her husband Trent. What can she expect at the reunion? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book I love Trent and Leslie and her character development. Great supporting characters. This book is about when life gets in the way and you’re overwhelmed. This is my first book by this author definitely not my last.
June 18, 2023
Faking Perfection by Shayna Ashtor
✨ARC Book Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️
🍷High School Reunion
🍷High School Sweethearts
🍷Flashbacks From The Past
🍷HEA
I had a hard time getting into and wanting to finish this book. I felt like there wasn’t a lot of emotions and that might be part of the reason. I did feel like I could relate to Leslie and her feelings of having to be perfect but at the same time feeling like she’s never doing anything right.
If your looking for a quick read with a happy ending then this book is for you. Another great addition to The Brighton High Series.
Blurb:
You are INVITED! Welcome to the Brighton High School 10 Year Reunion!
Ever since I was in high school, I’ve held the title of “Little Miss Perfect.” One thing I can say for sure is that no one would have expected to catch me and my husband getting busy in the band room at my ten year reunion.
To some, perfection means being free of faults. It means being as good as possible. To me, it holds a sense of falsehood. While I don’t know where the name came from, I’ve strived to live up to it…most of the time.
Even as a generally, happily married, stay-at-home mother of three, the perception follows me. To PTA meetings, class mom duties, and general life as I know it. Sometimes I wonder if I do these things to keep the image going. Sometimes I think it’s the wine that keeps me going.
The invite to my high school reunion throws me for a loop. I had been voted Most Likely to Succeed. To succeed at what, I’m not really sure. I doubt it’s fundraisers and wiping butts.
What will they think of me now? Will they see through my facade, or will the real me be enough?
Faking Perfection is an adult romance novel, intended for audiences 18 and older. Content warnings include strong language, explicit sexual scenes, mature situations, and alcohol use.
✨ARC Book Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️
🍷High School Reunion
🍷High School Sweethearts
🍷Flashbacks From The Past
🍷HEA
I had a hard time getting into and wanting to finish this book. I felt like there wasn’t a lot of emotions and that might be part of the reason. I did feel like I could relate to Leslie and her feelings of having to be perfect but at the same time feeling like she’s never doing anything right.
If your looking for a quick read with a happy ending then this book is for you. Another great addition to The Brighton High Series.
Blurb:
You are INVITED! Welcome to the Brighton High School 10 Year Reunion!
Ever since I was in high school, I’ve held the title of “Little Miss Perfect.” One thing I can say for sure is that no one would have expected to catch me and my husband getting busy in the band room at my ten year reunion.
To some, perfection means being free of faults. It means being as good as possible. To me, it holds a sense of falsehood. While I don’t know where the name came from, I’ve strived to live up to it…most of the time.
Even as a generally, happily married, stay-at-home mother of three, the perception follows me. To PTA meetings, class mom duties, and general life as I know it. Sometimes I wonder if I do these things to keep the image going. Sometimes I think it’s the wine that keeps me going.
The invite to my high school reunion throws me for a loop. I had been voted Most Likely to Succeed. To succeed at what, I’m not really sure. I doubt it’s fundraisers and wiping butts.
What will they think of me now? Will they see through my facade, or will the real me be enough?
Faking Perfection is an adult romance novel, intended for audiences 18 and older. Content warnings include strong language, explicit sexual scenes, mature situations, and alcohol use.
June 21, 2023
Leslie is the SAHM- PTA, class mom, and former QB husband- she has it all. Over and over she hears how perfect her life is until the word itself becomes an absolute trigger. However, Leslie feels like being "just a mom" doesn't meet the Most Likely to Succeed achievement she was awarded in high school so when an invite to her 10-year reunion rolls around, she doesn't want to go. But former QB hubby insists and her BFF agrees to take her 3 littles for the weekend so she begrudgingly decides to go. The book follows her path not only to discover that being "just a mom" is totally enough (because it is, ladies) but we also get a glimpse at what made Leslie and her husband the couple they are today. The book is a very relatable story to any mom- whether or not you work, stay home or a little of both- and struggle with the idea of perfection. I'm also a mom to three and while I do work full time I appreciate that staying home with kids is so very hard- some of the women I admire greatly chose that path and I hope they know I think it takes just as much work to contribute your whole heart to being a mom and homemaker as it does to being employed. Everyone makes the best decisions they can for their family and those around them should butt out! I enjoyed this book immensely and thought it did a great job portraying how inadequate a woman may, or could be made to feel, staying at home even if it's one of the greatest jobs and sacrifices a parent could make.
June 20, 2023
This book resonated with me so much. As a stay at home mom of 4 kids, I absolutely could relate to the exhaustion and the whole struggling to find your own identity outside of being a mother and wife. I highlighted a few things Leslie stated that were spot on to things I have also felt with myself these past 2 years. It was like the author was in my own my head. I have felt guilty for so long but have come to realize it’s not just me. What do we have to show for ourselves that is solely just for us?
I loved how the author would do the flashbacks in their own chapters. She did a beautiful job of showing snippets of the past and going back to the present. I would have loved it more if the author could have also gave us a few chapters from Trent’s POV. There were times I got personally frustrated with his demeanor towards his wife and the lack of communication. I think had we got a chapter here and there of his perception, I would have enjoyed it a bit more.
Also, the whole reasoning behind the breakup, absolutely 💔 I was personally insulted for Leslie. And how she took him back? She had more willpower than I would have because I would have said goodbye for good. He would have to go through so much for my forgiveness.
Thank you to the author for showcasing the mental struggle and the never ending tasks of a SAHM. 💕
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
I loved how the author would do the flashbacks in their own chapters. She did a beautiful job of showing snippets of the past and going back to the present. I would have loved it more if the author could have also gave us a few chapters from Trent’s POV. There were times I got personally frustrated with his demeanor towards his wife and the lack of communication. I think had we got a chapter here and there of his perception, I would have enjoyed it a bit more.
Also, the whole reasoning behind the breakup, absolutely 💔 I was personally insulted for Leslie. And how she took him back? She had more willpower than I would have because I would have said goodbye for good. He would have to go through so much for my forgiveness.
Thank you to the author for showcasing the mental struggle and the never ending tasks of a SAHM. 💕
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
June 14, 2023
📚Arc Review📚
This is the third installment of the Brighton High School Reunion and may I just say it was truly amazing. This story literally hit home due to the fact that the author really showed the hardships of motherhood.
We meet Trent and Leslie, highschool sweetheart’s that go through a hardship in their relationship but end up getting married 💍 but there relationship kinda freezes.
Trent is an amazing father and truly is dedicated to his wife but I kinda got a bit irked with the fact that he kinda let Leslie do everything (children and house wise) and never really tried to relive anything. Leslie also annoyed me at one point because hello I’m a mother of three doing everything like damn she needed a break to breathe. All in all I truly loved this book especially loved the fact the motherhood is portrayed truthfully.
❤️❤️❤️RESPECT TO THE MOTHERS WHO ARE STAY-AT-HOME MOMS AND THOSE WHO WORK! You mean the world to your kids❤️❤️❤️
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Motherhood:💯💯💯💯💯
Marriage: 💍💍💍💍 (making me wanna get married🥹)
Romance:💘💘💘💘💘
Angst: 💔(miscommunication 🥹)
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥(man Trent knew what to do😏😏)
Tropes (marriage in trouble, marriage reconciliation, second chance)
This is the third installment of the Brighton High School Reunion and may I just say it was truly amazing. This story literally hit home due to the fact that the author really showed the hardships of motherhood.
We meet Trent and Leslie, highschool sweetheart’s that go through a hardship in their relationship but end up getting married 💍 but there relationship kinda freezes.
Trent is an amazing father and truly is dedicated to his wife but I kinda got a bit irked with the fact that he kinda let Leslie do everything (children and house wise) and never really tried to relive anything. Leslie also annoyed me at one point because hello I’m a mother of three doing everything like damn she needed a break to breathe. All in all I truly loved this book especially loved the fact the motherhood is portrayed truthfully.
❤️❤️❤️RESPECT TO THE MOTHERS WHO ARE STAY-AT-HOME MOMS AND THOSE WHO WORK! You mean the world to your kids❤️❤️❤️
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Motherhood:💯💯💯💯💯
Marriage: 💍💍💍💍 (making me wanna get married🥹)
Romance:💘💘💘💘💘
Angst: 💔(miscommunication 🥹)
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥(man Trent knew what to do😏😏)
Tropes (marriage in trouble, marriage reconciliation, second chance)
June 20, 2023
Faking Perfection is book three of the Brighton High School Reunion series by Shayna Astor.
💜 stay at home mom
💜 high school romances
💜 high school reunion
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spicy spice
Leslie just feels like what she’s doing isn’t enough. People have always told her she was perfect at what she does and even going as far as to say she would most likely be a CEO of a big company after graduating college. Except she didn’t. She’s a stay at home mom of three kids, busy being a class mom and on the PTA. She feels she has nothing to show for her life. Yes, she ended up marrying the love of her life from high school, Trent. But is that enough? When she gets the high school reunion invitation, she’s afraid to go. Can she even show her face there? What will people say? How can her husband even think she’s worth it?
Thins book was good. It was nice to see one written from a stay at home mom’s point of view. Also, to see a point of view that worries about doing the right thing and being on point for what she thinks others think she would expect her to be. I’ve enjoyed every story from this series so far. I can’t wait to see who’s story will come out next.
💜 stay at home mom
💜 high school romances
💜 high school reunion
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spicy spice
Leslie just feels like what she’s doing isn’t enough. People have always told her she was perfect at what she does and even going as far as to say she would most likely be a CEO of a big company after graduating college. Except she didn’t. She’s a stay at home mom of three kids, busy being a class mom and on the PTA. She feels she has nothing to show for her life. Yes, she ended up marrying the love of her life from high school, Trent. But is that enough? When she gets the high school reunion invitation, she’s afraid to go. Can she even show her face there? What will people say? How can her husband even think she’s worth it?
Thins book was good. It was nice to see one written from a stay at home mom’s point of view. Also, to see a point of view that worries about doing the right thing and being on point for what she thinks others think she would expect her to be. I’ve enjoyed every story from this series so far. I can’t wait to see who’s story will come out next.
June 20, 2023
Book 3 of the Brighton High School Reunion Series and I still love it!! I think honestly this is probably THE MOST relatable because it’s honestly how some people truly feel. Leslie was the picture perfect student in high school. Had the best grades, hot boyfriend, super smart, I mean she was voted most likely to succeed. She even ended up marrying her high school sweetheart. Although at some point she falls into an identity crisis of she’s not enough. I mean this is something women struggle with all the time and it’s not talked about. No matter what we body shame ourselves, put down everything we do to run our households, doing what we can to keep our marriages together. I felt such a personal connection to her when it came to her marriage because I felt that and it made me emotional because my outcome turned out very different and not in a good way. However but since I could relate so much it made me have such a strong connection to the book that I couldn’t put it down and I wanted to just shake Leslie and be like girl why can’t you see what we all do! I highly recommend and can’t wait for what the rest of the series brings.
June 26, 2023
Perfection or reality?
You can really only have one, right?
Here we have Leslie who feels the outside pressure to be perfect because THEY think she is. On some level, we can all relate to her. No one likes to feel as though they aren't living up to former (or current) expectations, even if the ones who have those expectations are people you haven't spoken to, much less seen, in a decade.
What takes her time to realize is... just because she isn't doing what was initially expected of her, she is still doing more than most. And of course who better to help her see this than her lovingly loyal husband! He helps her see that she does not need to keep spreading herself thin and doing tasks she dislikes so that *she* feels like she's fitting in to the "perfect" role. Instead he proves that she doesn't need to be extra because she is already perfect to those who matter.
Really, we could all hope to find someone loving and loyal like Trent, or someone who cares so much about being everything to their family like Leslie. That said, I'm so so happy she was able to come to her senses, gain her confidence back, and take back that time for herself and also making time to be a couple again, not just mom and dad!
You can really only have one, right?
Here we have Leslie who feels the outside pressure to be perfect because THEY think she is. On some level, we can all relate to her. No one likes to feel as though they aren't living up to former (or current) expectations, even if the ones who have those expectations are people you haven't spoken to, much less seen, in a decade.
What takes her time to realize is... just because she isn't doing what was initially expected of her, she is still doing more than most. And of course who better to help her see this than her lovingly loyal husband! He helps her see that she does not need to keep spreading herself thin and doing tasks she dislikes so that *she* feels like she's fitting in to the "perfect" role. Instead he proves that she doesn't need to be extra because she is already perfect to those who matter.
Really, we could all hope to find someone loving and loyal like Trent, or someone who cares so much about being everything to their family like Leslie. That said, I'm so so happy she was able to come to her senses, gain her confidence back, and take back that time for herself and also making time to be a couple again, not just mom and dad!
June 26, 2023
Meet Trent and Leslie! Leslie is a stay at home mom (SAHM), class mom, PTA, and all the things that make her "perfect". She struggles with trying to live up to the perfect title that everyone puts on her...until her class reunion which she totally dreads and doesn't want to go to. But ultimately ends with the perfect weekend!
Loved that this book really gave details and emotions into the life of a stay at home mom (SAHM). So many times SAHM don't get recognized for all they do and get the credit deserved. This book did an awesome job at bring attention to that.
Another thing I really liked was how Shayna brought light to a marriage that was struggling due to a lack of time, devotion and spark. A class reunion weekend was just what Trent and Leslie needed to rekindle their love and bring the flame back into their marriage. It's so easy to get caught up in the day to day and forget to go that extra step to meet the needs of both partners.
Great job Shayna! Loved all the emotions, real raw and true feelings that you brought into this book!
Also huge thank you for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team!!
Loved that this book really gave details and emotions into the life of a stay at home mom (SAHM). So many times SAHM don't get recognized for all they do and get the credit deserved. This book did an awesome job at bring attention to that.
Another thing I really liked was how Shayna brought light to a marriage that was struggling due to a lack of time, devotion and spark. A class reunion weekend was just what Trent and Leslie needed to rekindle their love and bring the flame back into their marriage. It's so easy to get caught up in the day to day and forget to go that extra step to meet the needs of both partners.
Great job Shayna! Loved all the emotions, real raw and true feelings that you brought into this book!
Also huge thank you for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team!!
June 26, 2023
“Faking Perfection” was my second time reading something t by Shayna Astor, and I liked that it had a protagonist who was dealing with realistic fears and doubts. The book is about Leslie, a stay at home mom with three young children who is constantly told that she’s perfect: the perfect mother, the perfect wife, the perfect woman. Even though these are compliments from people who admire her, Leslie struggles with self doubt and the feeling that she should be doing more with her life, and as a result, the word “perfect” becomes a trigger for her. I thought this was a slightly angsty, definitely emotional story, I could understand how Leslie was feeling (even though I don’t deal with her exact problems) because I too have an issue with being called perfect. What I really loved about this story was the support Leslie was given by Trent, her husband. Trent told her she was perfect, but not because he was trying to put pressure on her. He did it because in his eyes, Leslie was exactly what he wanted, even when she was a mess or pulled away from him, and I thought it was wonderful how much he tried to show her he cared. All in all, I would definitely recommend!!!
June 20, 2023
Leslie and Trent were high school sweethearts and now 10 years later are married with 3 children. On the outside everything looks perfect, but both are struggling within the marriage.
Leslie strives to be the perfect mum, and leads a very busy life as a stay at home mum who is part of the school PTA and also the class Mom which is causing her a lot of stress and very little time and energy in giving her husband and her children special time.
Trent is completely devoted to Leslie, but he craves more intimacy with her. This was a very realistic story about a couple who despite being in love for many years, can become stuck in a rut and leave little time for each other.
The chapters mix between past and present, where we get a bit more of the couple's history. We learn that they split when Trent graduates and spend a couple years apart where Trent plays the field at college and Leslie gets involved with a guy from David who she goes to high school with.
Faking Perfection is full of insecure main characters, jealousy, but also an underlying love that just needs nurturing.
This was a really enjoyable read and I liked the emotion from the characters.
Leslie strives to be the perfect mum, and leads a very busy life as a stay at home mum who is part of the school PTA and also the class Mom which is causing her a lot of stress and very little time and energy in giving her husband and her children special time.
Trent is completely devoted to Leslie, but he craves more intimacy with her. This was a very realistic story about a couple who despite being in love for many years, can become stuck in a rut and leave little time for each other.
The chapters mix between past and present, where we get a bit more of the couple's history. We learn that they split when Trent graduates and spend a couple years apart where Trent plays the field at college and Leslie gets involved with a guy from David who she goes to high school with.
Faking Perfection is full of insecure main characters, jealousy, but also an underlying love that just needs nurturing.
This was a really enjoyable read and I liked the emotion from the characters.
June 20, 2023
For the Moms
Faking Perfection is about a stay at home mom who feels the need to strive for perfection in her daily life. Leslie, the FMC, can’t obtain this version of herself she thinks everyone expects of her, and starts to pull into herself. The constant need of her children wears her out, so by the end of the day there’s nothing left for her husband. This starts to mess with her relationship with her husband as she can’t connect with him intimately. All set to the backdrop of her upcoming high school reunion.
The story has dual times lines from present to back in high school. There is adult language and adult situations. The story doesn’t conclude where all of Leslie’s problems are magically fixed, but with her husband Trent she’s able to find some relief.
This book hit me hard. I’ve been struggle with the same emotions the FMC deals with in this story. So to read it made me feel validated. I loved the ending. It’s a love story of a married couple.
Faking Perfection is about a stay at home mom who feels the need to strive for perfection in her daily life. Leslie, the FMC, can’t obtain this version of herself she thinks everyone expects of her, and starts to pull into herself. The constant need of her children wears her out, so by the end of the day there’s nothing left for her husband. This starts to mess with her relationship with her husband as she can’t connect with him intimately. All set to the backdrop of her upcoming high school reunion.
The story has dual times lines from present to back in high school. There is adult language and adult situations. The story doesn’t conclude where all of Leslie’s problems are magically fixed, but with her husband Trent she’s able to find some relief.
This book hit me hard. I’ve been struggle with the same emotions the FMC deals with in this story. So to read it made me feel validated. I loved the ending. It’s a love story of a married couple.
June 21, 2023
I loved this book. I really enjoyed that this book was so open about Leslie and Trent's struggles. Marriage can be hard, and this book really spotlighted that. They worked through it together and made their relationship stronger. There is a pressure in our society today to always put on a good face and keep your problems to yourself. Nobody is perfect. I loved that Trent helped Leslie realize that being a stay-at-home mom doesn't mean she didn't do anything with her life. Being a stay-at-home mom is hard because it is a job that you can't clock out of. I'm glad he made her realize that and made her understand that she doesn't have to be involved in things that she doesn't enjoy just because people expect it of her, and she needs to focus on her own needs and her family's needs and not what society expects. Leslie's growth in this book is amazing. That she needs to focus on herself. This book really needs to be more hyped because unlike other romances this one to me feels more real and has a lot less fluff. What a great addition to this series.
July 27, 2023
Faking Perfection
I absolutely loved this book! Being a stay at home mom this story really resonated with me from the very first chapter. Wether it is the menial tasks that you repeat every single day or the things that surprise you and happen in a blink of an eye. And because of that it grabbed my attention right away. Not just because I could relate to it ,but also because It helped me understand my husbands thoughts more deeply as I read Trent’s POV. This was one of those books that I grabbed a cup of coffee, set down on the couch, and couldn’t put down. (Except for when my babies needed me) The joys of being a stay at home mama. As you see in this book. But it’s something I wouldn’t trade for the world! For all the people who think we don’t do anything or the ones of us who don’t feel we are doing enough. This book really showed the trying times and how it effects the lifestyle This was a story about a couple who were just trying to balance every day life. Not only as a married couple but also parents by still making time for each other and their love.
I absolutely loved this book! Being a stay at home mom this story really resonated with me from the very first chapter. Wether it is the menial tasks that you repeat every single day or the things that surprise you and happen in a blink of an eye. And because of that it grabbed my attention right away. Not just because I could relate to it ,but also because It helped me understand my husbands thoughts more deeply as I read Trent’s POV. This was one of those books that I grabbed a cup of coffee, set down on the couch, and couldn’t put down. (Except for when my babies needed me) The joys of being a stay at home mama. As you see in this book. But it’s something I wouldn’t trade for the world! For all the people who think we don’t do anything or the ones of us who don’t feel we are doing enough. This book really showed the trying times and how it effects the lifestyle This was a story about a couple who were just trying to balance every day life. Not only as a married couple but also parents by still making time for each other and their love.
June 18, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Faking Perfection was a short but fun read. It wasn't what I expected (I don't want to say what I expected as that may be a spoiler as to what it wasn't!), but I think I enjoyed the way it went better than where I thought it was going to go....I think the story is really about Leslie finding herself and learning to love who she is and her life. All her life she has been called perfect, and she hates it. She feels like it's too much to live up to. When she is invited to her 10 year high school reunion her anxiety runs high as she doesn't think she will live up to her class mates expectations of her. Her husband Trent and her best friend Becca continually try to convince her she has a lot to give. There are plenty of emotions between Leslie and Trent and we get some glimpses of time in the past. It seems like a realistic portray of a busy stay at home Mum. Great quick read.
Faking Perfection was a short but fun read. It wasn't what I expected (I don't want to say what I expected as that may be a spoiler as to what it wasn't!), but I think I enjoyed the way it went better than where I thought it was going to go....I think the story is really about Leslie finding herself and learning to love who she is and her life. All her life she has been called perfect, and she hates it. She feels like it's too much to live up to. When she is invited to her 10 year high school reunion her anxiety runs high as she doesn't think she will live up to her class mates expectations of her. Her husband Trent and her best friend Becca continually try to convince her she has a lot to give. There are plenty of emotions between Leslie and Trent and we get some glimpses of time in the past. It seems like a realistic portray of a busy stay at home Mum. Great quick read.
June 20, 2023
This is the third book in the Brighton High School Reunion series from an assortment of authors.
This book did not disappoint and so well written. I absolutely loved the story of Trent (the attractive, successful, x high school football player - one of the popular boys) and Leslie (the nerdy, studious, in the middle stance in high school). Leslie’s character I felt resonates with so many females out there - her vulnerability around having to portray a certain persona and her feelings at times of not being enough.
I loved how we had the past and present day stories of our two main characters. We are drawn in to both characters and their emotions and Trent’s love for his wife shines through, though we see his struggles of making sure his wife knows how he really does feel and his insecurities.
This is a relationship I felt every married couple can relate to and how they come back fill circle of appreciation and love for each other.
This book did not disappoint and so well written. I absolutely loved the story of Trent (the attractive, successful, x high school football player - one of the popular boys) and Leslie (the nerdy, studious, in the middle stance in high school). Leslie’s character I felt resonates with so many females out there - her vulnerability around having to portray a certain persona and her feelings at times of not being enough.
I loved how we had the past and present day stories of our two main characters. We are drawn in to both characters and their emotions and Trent’s love for his wife shines through, though we see his struggles of making sure his wife knows how he really does feel and his insecurities.
This is a relationship I felt every married couple can relate to and how they come back fill circle of appreciation and love for each other.
June 21, 2023
The writting itself was good. I struggled through out to get in to this book.
I will say this story can be very relatable, as it is very raw in to that late 20's early 30's life of trying to all the things as you feel is exspected of you from the social world pushing against you.
the first 10 chapters honestly the MFC was driving me nuts. She seemed very whiny in her self talk about this persona she maintains for those around her despite being thought of as the persona. Yet she refuses to let go of it. This internal obsessiveness of it causes strife between her and her husband.
You don't really see a ok ... im gonna just finally after all these years point out the pink elephant in the room from her husband. It is at this point that I found it easier to read, but also easy to set down.
Overall I will say that this book will be great for many, and relatable for many as well. The spice was enjoyable and it did have a HEA.
I will say this story can be very relatable, as it is very raw in to that late 20's early 30's life of trying to all the things as you feel is exspected of you from the social world pushing against you.
the first 10 chapters honestly the MFC was driving me nuts. She seemed very whiny in her self talk about this persona she maintains for those around her despite being thought of as the persona. Yet she refuses to let go of it. This internal obsessiveness of it causes strife between her and her husband.
You don't really see a ok ... im gonna just finally after all these years point out the pink elephant in the room from her husband. It is at this point that I found it easier to read, but also easy to set down.
Overall I will say that this book will be great for many, and relatable for many as well. The spice was enjoyable and it did have a HEA.
June 23, 2023
Book three of 12 in the Brighton High School Reunion
I wanted to enjoy this one, I really did. The moment I read the dedication to moms, I was like, "This will be the one for me." I unfortunately struggled to get through it. Now, don't get me wrong, I definitely related to MFC Leslie. She's a tired mom who takes on more than she needs to and feels like she's never doing enough, contributing enough, or good enough. She's extremely hard on herself and doesn't view herself the way others do. I don't know a single person who can say they've never felt that way. Also having been married for 10 years, I could relate to some of the struggles Leslie and her husband, Trent, were experiencing - normal things, especially being parents of young kids.
On the other side, this story was told from one POV (with an exception at the end) and from past and present moments. Leslie felt too self-deprecating for me. I found it super relatable and my heart hurt for her, but it just became too much.
I wanted to enjoy this one, I really did. The moment I read the dedication to moms, I was like, "This will be the one for me." I unfortunately struggled to get through it. Now, don't get me wrong, I definitely related to MFC Leslie. She's a tired mom who takes on more than she needs to and feels like she's never doing enough, contributing enough, or good enough. She's extremely hard on herself and doesn't view herself the way others do. I don't know a single person who can say they've never felt that way. Also having been married for 10 years, I could relate to some of the struggles Leslie and her husband, Trent, were experiencing - normal things, especially being parents of young kids.
On the other side, this story was told from one POV (with an exception at the end) and from past and present moments. Leslie felt too self-deprecating for me. I found it super relatable and my heart hurt for her, but it just became too much.
June 29, 2023
Usually, romance books tend to revolve around a fantasy storyline and we know such situations are unlikely to happen in real life. Leslie and Trent’s story could easily have been written about your best friend which is what makes it so gripping to read.
I think every woman and especially mother could relate to Leslie, feeling like you are failing at being a good mum, wife and employee but with everyone saying how great you are. Imposter syndrome is real and to see her struggles really resonated.
I adored Trent’s love for Leslie and his need to prop her up and feel secure. Everyone needs a Trent on their life.
The use of flashbacks and dual POV helps created a full story taking you through the highs and lows of the relationship that has gotten stuck in neutral and delivers you with a HEA that is heartwarming. The message of this story comes across clearly and will make you evaluate your own relationship and feelings - hopefully in a positive way!
I think every woman and especially mother could relate to Leslie, feeling like you are failing at being a good mum, wife and employee but with everyone saying how great you are. Imposter syndrome is real and to see her struggles really resonated.
I adored Trent’s love for Leslie and his need to prop her up and feel secure. Everyone needs a Trent on their life.
The use of flashbacks and dual POV helps created a full story taking you through the highs and lows of the relationship that has gotten stuck in neutral and delivers you with a HEA that is heartwarming. The message of this story comes across clearly and will make you evaluate your own relationship and feelings - hopefully in a positive way!
June 21, 2023
🏫ARC Book Review🏫
⭐⭐⭐💫
🌶️
🍷High School Sweethearts
🍷10 yr class reunion
🍷Flashbacks to the past
I enjoyed reading this book. I didn't get a ton of emotions reading it which is why I only gave it 3.5 stars out of 5. I honestly feel I could relate to Leslie and her feelings of having to be perfect but I still just felt bad for her the whole time. I felt sad/frustrated for her husband who was trying everything he could to make her see her worth with no avail. I did like how it ended though and it made me happy.🥰
Leslie is a stay at home mom of 3 kids who married Trent,the star quarterback from Brighton High. Leslie gets an invite to her 10 yr High School Reunion. This brings up a lot of feelings for her. Some of these memories are good and some cause her stress/anxiety. Leslie has always been "little miss perfect." She's worried about what her old classmates will think of her since she only has MOM as a title and doesn't work.
Does she go to the reunion? Does she end up justified in her feelings of inadequacy at being a stay at home mom? Does her marriage survive all that the past brings up?
If you just want a quick read with a happy ending then this book is for you. I was able to read it in about 4hrs. I would like to read all of the other stories as well.
Thank you to Shayna for allowing me to ARC read this book, in exchange for the ARC I gave an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐💫
🌶️
🍷High School Sweethearts
🍷10 yr class reunion
🍷Flashbacks to the past
I enjoyed reading this book. I didn't get a ton of emotions reading it which is why I only gave it 3.5 stars out of 5. I honestly feel I could relate to Leslie and her feelings of having to be perfect but I still just felt bad for her the whole time. I felt sad/frustrated for her husband who was trying everything he could to make her see her worth with no avail. I did like how it ended though and it made me happy.🥰
Leslie is a stay at home mom of 3 kids who married Trent,the star quarterback from Brighton High. Leslie gets an invite to her 10 yr High School Reunion. This brings up a lot of feelings for her. Some of these memories are good and some cause her stress/anxiety. Leslie has always been "little miss perfect." She's worried about what her old classmates will think of her since she only has MOM as a title and doesn't work.
Does she go to the reunion? Does she end up justified in her feelings of inadequacy at being a stay at home mom? Does her marriage survive all that the past brings up?
If you just want a quick read with a happy ending then this book is for you. I was able to read it in about 4hrs. I would like to read all of the other stories as well.
Thank you to Shayna for allowing me to ARC read this book, in exchange for the ARC I gave an honest review.
June 20, 2023
ARC REVIEW:
I say it every time: Shayna never disappoints!
Although this isn’t my favorite of her work, it's still quite enjoyable. It packs a lot into only 170 pages.
Leslie and Trent were high school sweethearts; now 10 years later, they’re married with 3 kids, while Leslie is a stay-at-home mom trying to live the "perfect" life, a stressor she has solely put on herself. With an impending high school reunion coming up, Leslie finds herself more stressed than ever, especially with creeping marital issues with Trent bubbling over.
Leslie is sweet and likable, but I found her self-deprecation a little difficult to read and a little repetitive, but I understand its purpose. Trent is sweet too—a loving and doting husband and father—but I got annoyed at his jealousy over an ex of hers. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be possessive or depict a character flaw, but it just didn't sit right with me.
Under all of that, Leslie and Trent have a very sweet relationship. Their chemistry is well done, and I loved their backstory. Their distance made me ache, but it made their makeup all that much better.
Lastly, the spice is good! You have to wait a bit for it to kick in, but it’s a short read, and once it hits, it hits.
I say it every time: Shayna never disappoints!
Although this isn’t my favorite of her work, it's still quite enjoyable. It packs a lot into only 170 pages.
Leslie and Trent were high school sweethearts; now 10 years later, they’re married with 3 kids, while Leslie is a stay-at-home mom trying to live the "perfect" life, a stressor she has solely put on herself. With an impending high school reunion coming up, Leslie finds herself more stressed than ever, especially with creeping marital issues with Trent bubbling over.
Leslie is sweet and likable, but I found her self-deprecation a little difficult to read and a little repetitive, but I understand its purpose. Trent is sweet too—a loving and doting husband and father—but I got annoyed at his jealousy over an ex of hers. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be possessive or depict a character flaw, but it just didn't sit right with me.
Under all of that, Leslie and Trent have a very sweet relationship. Their chemistry is well done, and I loved their backstory. Their distance made me ache, but it made their makeup all that much better.
Lastly, the spice is good! You have to wait a bit for it to kick in, but it’s a short read, and once it hits, it hits.
June 19, 2023
Faking Perfection is a book in the Brighton High School Reunion Series. In this book, Leslie is married to her high school love and has 3 children. She is a stay at home mom whom everyone views as perfect, but she has a lot of insecurities about that. In this book we see Leslie struggle with loving herself and her life. This was a cute book, but being that I am not a mom nor someone who struggles with the idea of being perfect, I could not relate, so I personally was not that invested in this book. I actually got annoyed with how much she talked about not being perfect. I wanted to not only see her grow and come to love herself, but I also expected to see her make some big changes to her life, so I was disappointed when that didn’t happen. The spicy scenes were really well written though, so I did enjoy those.
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