Almost Perfect

Almost Perfect is one of Maggie's 100 book challenge that stands out for the strong character development to create our heroine and her neighbor's two children. Or maybe I was able to relate all to well to some of the anti-social tendencies. Don't worry about me, I'll call a shrink.

Now if you've been pokin' around in Maggie's business for a while you'll know that I'm not fond of reading about pre-marital encounters and for me to recommend a romance that includes such activity it really needs to add to the story, or the story and characters are good enough to overlook indiscretions.

In Maggie's opinion Patricia's book is Almost Perfect, if only the sex scenes could have been omitted. It doesn't really do much to increase the conflict or propel the relationship forward, unless you really take a look at the deeper psychological significances of bonding.

Though based on each of the character's personalities and backgrounds, I can understand their decisions and choices. All though our heroine was looking to protect her empire, she wasn't truly emotionally strong enough to be the Queen of Her Empire. At least not yet. She had intended to keep men out of her life so she wouldn't be emotionally and financially dependent. The walls she'd built up weren't strong enough and still lacked foundations to make wise decisions to choose a partner. Fortunately our hero was a "good guy" and she didn't have to suffer. But, of course this is a fabricated tale where happily-ever-after is a requirement and the counter and co-dependent tendencies are breezed over to everybody's advantage.

Synopsis: Almost Perfect
Cleo Assylum has been rebuilding her life for the past two years, struggling to prove to herself and the authorities that she is a fit mother to regain custody of her young son after prison and drug addiction. Determined to protect her secret past from small town gossip and influences that could cause her to stumble, Cleo goes to great lengths to keep others away from her and her peaceful South Carolina island home.

Jared McCloud is a popular cartoonist seeking a quiet place to work on a screenwriting project that's had his creative energies blocked. While dawdling around with writer's block at the small beach front house on Cleo's property, Jared finds himself intrigued by his land lady, and her odd habits. She's a woman like none he's ever known. Having grown up in a upper crust family, the superficial Jared has a lot of things to learn about life and love in the real world and his place in it.