Perfect Distraction is a gripping romance that gave me all the feels. I loved this book from start to finish.

The story follows Lauren Taylor and Andrew Bishop. Lauren is a resident oncology pharmacist who is solely focused on work. That is until she meets a handsome man at a coffee shop. He is absolutely gorgeous but hasn't always had good luck with "the good looking guys." Andrew is taken aback when he meets Lauren. She is beautiful and the total opposite of his ex-girlfriend.

They never thought they would see each other again, but they see each other at the cancer center that Lauren works at. Turns out that Andrew is one of her patients. He has cancer and she knows that a relationship is the last he needs right now.

Lauren and Andrew can't fight their attraction any longer and they go out on a date. Their chemistry is so amazing. They are the perfect pair with all their puns.

I give Perfect Distraction 5 stars. Allison Ashley wrote an amazing story that moved me. Everything about this book is perfect.

What I Loved:
I loved that the relationship in this romance was complex. Healthcare workers don’t seem to be featured in this type of situation in books often, and it was a nice change to read about it.

How I Felt:
Perfect Distraction was THE perfect distraction that I needed with the recent events happening in the world. It was a lovely story that offered a new type of romance story.

The characters were easy to like, and you kind of fall in love with them right from the beginning. Lauren is adorable and I want to be her friend! Her wit and humor had me connecting with her so quickly. She’s a career-focused woman who isn’t looking for love, but she manages to find it with Andrew. Andrew, a cancer-patient, is focused on recovery and school, not on love. Love, however, has a way of doing its own thing.

The story gave me an opportunity to laugh through the silly moments, but then also sit back and think through the heavier content. Lauren faces a real ethical dilemma in Perfect Distraction and her struggle was one that kept me wondering what I would do in her shoes. There was a nice balance between the light-hearted scenes and the ones that broke your heart, making this book hard to put down!

Overall, I really enjoyed Perfect Distraction. The writing was fabulous and made the entire story so enjoyable!

To Read or Not To Read: I would recommend Perfect Distraction for readers that are looking for a romance story that offers humor, heartbreak, and a real-life feel.

I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Book Review { Thank you @netgalley and @entangled_publishing for my gifted copy }

Book: Perfect Distraction
Pub Date: 3/23/20
Book Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Steam Rating: 💨
Review: I absolutely enjoyed this one! Who couldn't use a Perfect Distraction with all the craziness right now? This romance is one for all the romance lovers because it's a fade to black that doesn't go into any steamy details. While I enjoy the romances that are 🔥🔥🔥 it's nice to read a closed door romance every once in awhile.

What I loved about this book:

1. While this book deals with the C word and that can be a difficult topic to read about, the author did a great job lightening the mood with amazing pun wars. I didn't expect to laugh as much as I did while reading. ISBN thinking of this one every since I've finished reading. 😂 I suck at puns so this was the best I could find.

2. This book has a real relationship with real emotions and compromise. Andrew and Lauren's relationship was so real and I was immediately invested in HEA. The author wrote about all their obstacles (physical, emotional, and moral) so beautifully and they are such loveable characters.

3. This was a well paced novel and all the attention detail really helps you to get to know the characters to a point they feel like friends. There a great message of finding the positive on even the darkest times.

This is a debut novel that you won't want to miss (I will seriously read all of her future books). It was emotionally packed and highly relatable due to the unfortunate prevalence of cancer in today's reality. I highly recommend you get yourself a copy ASAP!

4.5 stars - I really, really enjoyed Perfect Distraction. It really blew me away. The writing is fantastic!. This is the author’s first published novel, but she clearly is gifted and I’m glad I stumbled upon her first foray into published writing.

What surprised me is that there was not one explicit sex scene. Actually, the only love scene came in the epilogue, after the couple got married and it was two lines, with zero detail. Had I realized that before selecting the book, I never would have picked it up. I would’ve missed out on something very special. I have a certain type of book that I enjoy. It must be well written, have wonderful character development, a great cast of friends and supportive family is a bonus, and it can’t be all about sex, but it must have sex and it when it does, it should be yummy and detailed so I don’t miss anything. This book has everything on my must have list, minus the yummy sex. I won’t say that this book has changed my must-haves for a read, but I’ll happily read the next thing Allison Ashley writes, even if it omits what I generally called “the good stuff” 😉!

This was a quick read and truly the "perfect distraction" from what's going on around us. This book had everything I needed, an adorable meet-cute, witty puns, annoying sisters & all the feels!

I liked hearing how Lauren's next rotation was in Multuple Myeloma, a more rare form of cancer. Allison Ashley created such likeable characters and seemed very knowledgeable about the main character's career field. I would definitely read more by this author!

New Author and new read but one that was such a delight so glad came across and did not miss. That title it has is also apt to what the author does to us is so much she gives us one. Lauren whom will seem not to have a very good opinion of her self but has a path layed out. Not giving good looking a break either is just like saying do not judge by the cover as in the case of Andrew it would seem. He will have our hearts in no time also. When they come together again I do so like where it takes them having it fill me up with warmth. Boundaries will be pushed but I do so like where they land.

This blurb sounded intriguing to me. The heroine thinks the hero is too attractive for her. I feel like this is a thing we see a lot, but it isn’t always so front and center. The attractiveness of the hero quickly takes a back seat as their initial meet-cute is followed up by a second meeting when Lauren is the oncology pharmacist treating Andrew for Hodgkin Lymphoma.

(CW: cancer, discussion of grief, sick/dying children)
The story was cute, it is a SLOW burn. They get to know each other and it was enjoyable. But then in the 14th chapter at approximately 62% in comes the sneaky Jesus. Y’all might know by now that I really dislike it when God/faith/religion makes an appearance after the 50% mark. The hero is battling cancer, I perfect time to introduce his faith is perhaps when all that starts not at 62% when he is saying God brought them together. Insert eye roll moments. At that point I was just skimming it.

There is also a line about how the heroine views sex and it bothered me-
”Um, Will was… my first, and when I realized it meant nothing to him, I was devastated. After that I thought maybe I’d wait until I was married, because then I’d know I wasn’t being used, and that the man I was with wanted me for more than my body.”
The heroine’s first boyfriend and sexual partner was using her. I understand being hesitant to move forward with a physical relationship, but also it read a little to Puritanical to me. And this was after the sneaky Jesus so I was already annoyed by this book.

All in all, I can not say I enjoyed this book. The premise was interesting, but disappointed me with the sneaky Jesus and weird to me portrayal of waiting for sex.

This book is the Perfect Distraction to everything going on with the world right now. Absolutely heartwarming and wholesome, I had a constant grin on my face while reading it.

Lauren Taylor is doing her oncology pharmacy residency. First of all, I thought this was so original. I never read anything about this profession before and it was not only a great setting but it provided a lot of material to develop a deeper emotional side to this story.

On a day she's running late she bumps into Andrew Bishop, a super attractive guy at the local coffee shop. But a few minutes later Lauren crosses paths with him again - he's a patient at the cancer clinic she works, and it's seeking treatment to Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Even though there's an obvious connection with Andrew, a few very important things are on the way: First - he's a patient at the clinic Lauren works at. And even though, he is not her patient directly she loves her job too much to put that on the line. Second - Lauren has sworn of attractive men, after being burned in college, she has a theory that the hot ones are too much trouble. Third - he's obviously in a very complicated place in his life and should focus on his treatment, not dating.
So, if a romance is definitely not in the cards, they could be friends, right?

The beauty of Perfect Distraction is that all three issues are addressed in such a delicate and convincing way. Spoiler alert, they do become more than friends, and the journey is so rewarding. I would call this a slow burn, but it's so much more than that. There was something about Allison Ashley's writing that I just found so enticing. I literally read this in one sitting.

This book will make you laugh because the witty banter in it is delightful, cry because it has deep emotional parts, and swoon because it has a beautiful love story.

This is an amazing read, I really can’t believe this is a debut for this talented author.

Andrew Bishop is going for his first consultation regarding his treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma and goes for a coffee before his appointment. That’s where he first encounters Lauren Taylor when their accidental collision spills coffee down him! He didn’t expect to see her again when he’s in the cancer treatment centre but she’s the oncology pharmacy resident who explains his planned treatment to him, his mum and his sisters, all of whom have turned up to support him. There’s serious attraction between them but he’s her patient, even if only for this first visit. Can they resist the attraction? How will his treatment go? Can they be friends, at least?

The characters are well developed, totally believable and the story so moo-vingly written. It is also packed with plays on words and puns and I’ll not try to put any others in this review! The story deals with difficult issues like family dynamics, having chemotherapy and childhood cancers as well as treatments and grief but in an informative way, integral to telling the story. Whilst there are some sad moments in the story, it is also packed with humour and love, an emotive read that I really enjoyed and have no hesitation in highly recommending.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Perfect Distraction by Allison Ashley
4⭐️

This was a heartwarming love story of Lauren, an oncology pharmacist and Andrew, a law student who has Lymphoma. They have an adorable meet cute and an instant connection. Things get complicated as he is a patient and going through cancer treatment.
Lauren and Andrew were both such likable and relatable characters. Ashley was so good at making them seem like they could be your friends. I was rooting for them the entire time. This was very light on the steam, which worked for the sweet story. The puns were just sooooooo funny and creative!! Andrew’s family and Lauren’s co-workers were such lovely supporting characters- I loved them all. As a nurse practitioner, medical inaccuracies are so frustrating, but she wrote about when she knew and it was so refreshing!!
I will say I’m not generally a fan of romance written in third person POV, I always feel a but disconnected. But overall, I think this was an adorable read and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a sweet romance.

Lauren turns around and bumps into Andrew, spilling her coffee all over him. She quickly rushes off to a work presentation without introducing herself. Lauren is an oncology pharmacist and a new patient is waiting for chemotherapy education. Low and behold, that patient is Andrew. The very same man she spilled her coffee on that morning. He’s tall, dark and handsome and she is immediately drawn to him. But he’s her patient. Can they keep it professional or will lines be crossed?
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I cannot believe that this is Allison Ashley’s debut novel. Watch out Colleen Hoover! Most romance novels that I’ve read over the past year have been cliché and predictable, and while this was both, Ashley created many other layers to the story that it became more than that. Ethical and moral dilemmas, medical concerns, estrangement from family, and a complex romance makes for a deep yet refreshingly fun book. I found myself so invested in Lauren and Andrew’s relationship that I felt emotionally drained. I laughed at their juvenile puns, and I mourned their losses. This book is truly a treasure that encapsulates raw emotion, love and adoration, grief and loss, and family values. And what’s fitting is the title. Because Perfect Distraction was just that; a perfect distraction from the chaos going on in the world today. This book was a fast read that has officially left me with a book hangover. I just want to read more!

Thank you @booksparks and @netgalley for gifting me with an advanced readers copy of Perfect Distraction by Allison Ashley in exchange for an independent and honest review. This book is available today, 03/23/2020 and I highly recommend it!

Good read. Lauren and Andrew were such a great couple together. They first met when she ran into him at a coffee shop and then again when she went to work at the Cancer Center and she found out he was there for treatment. This is a slow burn romance that will have you falling in love as the characters to. Great storyline. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Out of a life threatening disease, two people find love and happiness. This had a lovely feel good element (helped by the puns) despite the ups and down of both Andrew’s treatment and their relationship. Thoroughly recommended.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Allison Ashley is a new-to-me author but I usually love Entangled Publishing’s authors, and I’m a nurse who loves romance stories, so I was happy to jump into this one with both feet. And I’m oh so glad I did!

Lauren isn’t looking for love, and she’s especially not looking for love with a patient from the clinic she’s finishing her pharmacy residency in. And Andrew isn’t looking for love while fighting cancer and trying to finish law school. So when they quite literally bump into each other and sparks fly, will they be able to stick to their resolve or will they give in and see where a relationship will go?

Fans of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green will love this story. Especially if teen/YA romance isn’t your thing. Teen romance isn’t always my thing but I loved Hazel and Gus’s story so much. But I digress…

So what did I love about this story? First of all, it’s an adult/NA romance rather than YA so that was the first thing that I loved. Secondly, I really enjoyed these main characters. Both Lauren and Andrew are focused on their careers and they have big career and life goals. They aren’t searching for love, but isn’t that when it usually finds us? And the author did a great job with unfolding this plot in a way that was sweet, then steamy, then a bit conflicting, and finally, rounding it out with a wonderful HEA.

NICUnurse’s Rating: Loving someone with acute or chronic disease isn’t easy. I live with a chronic illness and can speak to that from personal experience. I’m also a nurse so I tend to really pick apart stories that have to do with medical issues and challenges. And Ms. Ashley did a great job keeping it real with the struggles that life will illness brings not only to the patient but to all those that love the patient, as well as the medical aspects of the book. Her writing was easy to read, easy to follow, and I was hooked by the first sentence in chapter one! With that sentence, who wouldn’t want to keep reading?! So for an emotional romance that thankfully ends with a HEA, pick up your copy of this book today!

I give Perfect Distraction by Allison Ashley 5 out of 5 stars!

A poignant and gut wrenching story of a deep and abiding love. Lauren is a caregiver of some of the sickest patients. She is compassionate and dedicated to her job and the people under her care. She is a great friend and a loving daughter. Andrew is a loving son, brother and friend. He is a final year law student with a cancer diagnosis. All he wants to do is be able to help people get justice. These two meeting set of a chain of events that will bring tears to your eyes and sometimes a smile to your face. I especially enjoyed the pun game they played and his big boisterous family. This is a great first book for the author and I can see her doing great things in the future.

Lauren and Andrew first run into each other - literally - at a coffee shop. It's their second meeting, however, that is unexpected. Andrew is starting treatment for cancer and Lauren works at the clinic where he receives his chemotherapy. Their mutual attraction is undeniable, but is it the right time for either of them to start a relationship?

Andrew and Lauren are characters that you can care about. I really became invested in their story as I read. Their pun filled conversations were hilarious and their connection was strong from the beginning.

The story moves at a good pace and I had a difficult time putting it down. There are some sad moments, but a lot of hope, romance, and happiness too.

This book was so good and super cute. It was also hard a little too, the reason I say that is because the main character has cancer and it deals with the journey through that the author held nothing back while telling this story. But one thing was clear through out life is precious and you don't want to take it for granted. Why this story is fiction it felt like it was very much real. I love Jeni and I hope she gets her own story she was one sister I think we all wish we had. I loved Lauren and her big heart. This book was full of puns so you are guaranteed to laugh regardless. There are a few curse words but overall this is a clean read. So worth the read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion

This book certainly lived up to its name! A cute romance that successfully distracted me during this highly anxious COVID-19 time. Based on the description, I was prepared to feel discomfort with the dynamics of the romance - she's his healthcare provider, he's her cancer patient - but I thought the author dealt with those ethical issues extremely well. I was a little disappointed there wasn't more drama - there was so much potential with the harassing coworker and there could have also been more drama when the romance gets divulged to her employer (or HOW it gets found out could have been more dramatic). There was also a clear feminist angle to this book which is a huge plus, but then some aspects that were counter to feminist principles, like Andrew's jealousy and protectiveness being portrayed as attractive qualities.

Overall, a cute romance that I'll recommend to people looking for a Perfect Distraction!

This story was an amazing read!
I absolutely could not put it down! I don’t have the words to express my feelings for this one. And considering this is the first book by this author... that’s.... wow... I can hardly wait to read future stories by this author now.

The short gist of this book is it’s basically a forbidden love story. He’s a cancer patient and she was on his medical team. That’s all you are getting from me about this one.

This storyline was well written and I really enjoyed the supporting characters.
I highly recommend you give this new author and this wonderful story a chance.

Loved loved loved this book. This has to be the most sweetest, vunerable and real book I have ever read! Genuinely I laughed and "ugly'' cried throughout. The pace is perfect and a real page turner.

Lauren works in a Cancer Center, the last person she thought would be her next patient would be the handsome stranger she literally bumps into at the coffee shop that morning. During their "pun wars" and banter they become friends. Will a relationship work when their careers get in their way?

I can't even begin to describe how much I loved Lauren and Andrews characters, together and seperately. They have to be the strongest characters I have ever read! I loved their pun wars and their banter.

This book will definitely end up in my favourite book collection. I highly recommend this book!