3.5 stars!

"The Problem with Perfect" by Philip William Stover is a very cute comedy that may require a slight, slight suspension of disbelief, but it's worth giving a shot. It's not the most perfect book, but I still enjoyed reading it for the most part. I enjoyed the premise of the book. Even though some people may think it's a bit been-there-done-that with its lifestyle show premise, there's enough that's different and changed here to make the plot feel fresh and new. I think it has an important, timely, and necessary message about being true to yourself, not letting your work control or change who you are, and going after what you want despite what others may think. I also really enjoyed the characters here. Ethan's snarkiness and control freak nature and Beau's loveability and integrity juxtapose to make them excellent opposing leads. Their dynamic is adorable, and I think they perfectly balance each other out. They don't have crazy chemistry together, but their demeanors compliment each other well. The other characters are fantastic as well. I LOVED Ethan's Uncle Clams and Amnesia1 I'd love to read a spin-off about them in their youth. I must say, I *hated* Chase, but I think that was Stover's intent. What a well-written, selfish villain character he turned out to be! Ugh! My one complaint is that the book is a bit slow at times. It starts and ends very quickly, but drags in the middle. This book does *have* a romantic element, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a straight-up romance novel. The love aspects are definitely not the point of this story, so I'd call it more of an LGBTQIA2S+ adult fiction book with some romantic elements. I really enjoyed this one!

Thank you to NetGalley, Philip William Stover, and Hera Books for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.

God I loved this book. I wish I could read this for the first time again. So so so so so good. Read It!!!

*3.5 Stars*

Ethan is a character I relate too. He is a “type A” obsessive, controlling and uptight main character who needs everything to be perfect. When Chase, the star of his tv show up and leaves he is panicking until he remembers Chase has an identical twin, Beau. Ethan finds Beau and persuades him into pretending to be Chase on tv until Chase comes back and he agrees. As they work together their feelings begin.

This book was cute. Beau and Ethans relationship was wholesome and they balance each-other out very well. This would be a 4 star/ 5 star if not for the bad timing. The first half of this book is timed well but then it begins to drag (pun intended) and then at around the 95% frantically tries to wrap everything up. The ending felt extremely rushed and with little explanation of what had happened and the consequences. Overall it is a cute story and I do recommend but the ending leaves much to be desired.

"You went to culinary school? How? When? Where?" Is there anything this guy hasn't done? I wonder if he's flown the space shuttle or knows how to shear sheep.

I wondered the same thing while I read “The Problem with Perfect” because Beau seemed to be, well, almost too perfect?! If that makes sense. But then again this fact aligns with the title of the book so who am I to judge? ;-) Truth be told, this story was a lot of fun to read and I enjoyed picking it up whenever I had a quiet moment. Stover’s writing style is easy to read and the plot around Ethan and Beau kept me entertained enough to want to know what would happen next and that’s always a plus in my book. As is good humour and I’m happy to say that this book delivered on that front.

It’s not the kind of “laughing out loud” humour you’d have expected from a rom-com, but more some sort of fine humour that will cause you to smirk at some scenes. It kind of fits to the characters and the overall mood of the book, though. So I think this was well done and totally in line with the story the author wanted to convey. As for the characters: Ethan was a very likeable control freak who, if possible, would have done everything himself without relying on others. It’s a shame he chose Chase as his style icon in front of the camera because those two honestly couldn’t have been any more different even if they’d tried. While Ethan wants to control everything and does his best to make the Instagram posts perfect, Chase seems to be determined to make life difficult for literally everyone on set. Considering their dynamic at the beginning of the book, I wasn’t surprised that Chase ditched Ethan and his career in order to party in Abu Dhabi instead. Thankfully Chase has an identical twin who has to pay a couple of debts and agrees to take over until Chase comes to his senses and returns back to New York.

Still, Beau might have had to pay some debts but he had a will of his own and integrity. I loved that about him and was happy to see that he questioned the things he had to do and challenged Ethan to think outside of the box he had created for himself and the followers of “Myles of Style”. I think in some way Beau is actually some sort of catalyst that forces Ethan to rethink his choices and what he is representing with his IG page. It might have started out with good intentions but at some point, the industry and sponsors clearly took over the stage. Of course, Ethan is painfully aware of this fact, but he thinks there is nothing he can do about it. After all, keeping the sponsors happy, keeps the page running, right?

I really liked how the topic of sponsors controlling the content was broached in this story and how it was challenged as well. No matter if it was by Ethan’s superior that pitched the most ridiculous ideas whenever they met (I mean a personal lubricant that has Golden Girls flavors and is an energy drink as well?! Are you kidding me?!) or the fact they tried to sell products from a company full of homo- and transphobes just because they needed a sponsor and the company tried to polish its image. We have it all in here and even though the ridiculousness of it all caused me to chuckle, it also made me think because unfortunately things like this actually happen and people basically sell their souls for recognition and validation.

And yes, you guessed right, one of them is Ethan. To follow his character arc and to see him finally giving a voice to his inner thoughts was cathartic and one of the things I liked the most about this book. Another one were all the diverse and amazing side-characters. I loved Kiara and The Giblet Triplets, a fabulous drag queen trio, which rolled through Pride riding a Ford Fairlane Sunliner and rocked the stage whenever they could. They were amazing and I absolutely loved Uncle Clams and Amnesia. Their found family vibes were impeccable and the strong bond between Ethan and his Uncle was so sweet to read about. I just loved that Ethan might have lived for his work and “Myles of Styles” but that he quite literally would have dropped everything in order to help his Uncle and to be there for him if he needed him.

On a finale note, I have to mention that I really liked the slow-burn romance between Ethan and Beau. Those two worked so well together and it was very endearing to see those two different characters help each other find their way. They weren’t just good for each other but also brought out the best in each other so that was extremely nice to read about. Also, Beau and Kiara were both bisexual and I always appreciate seeing some bi representation in my books.

All told, I really enjoyed “The Problem with Perfect”. It was a nice rom-com with a cute slow burn that didn’t shy away from addressing an important topic as well. Namely how much some sponsors control the content their influencers create and how toxic this can actually be. In addition to that the overall message of the book, to be who you truly are and to be your authentic self, is a beautiful one and definitely worth spreading. Still, if there was one thing I didn’t like then it was the rather abrupt ending. I get that the author wanted to end the book on a positive note, but I still have so many questions left and I really would have liked to find out how the Chase/Beau situation would have been resolved. Apart from that I had fun reading “The Problem with Perfect” and definitely will watch out for the author’s next book. I’m sure it will be good as well.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

While the blurb for this book sounded so promising, it fell a little flat for me. I did love the idea of this book - popular social media manager uses popular influencer's twin brother to pass as his star - but the execution wasn't totally developed. While the book certainly had its moments that I loved, I found myself wanting a little bit more character development and more of a solid formation between Ethan and Beau. However, this book has a great message and if you're looking for a lighter read, I would recommend picking this one up.

The ending was kind of abrupt too but... meh. LOL.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.
This is my first title by this author and will read more in the future.
Will recommend this to anyone looking for someone looking for a great read.
I requested this book as i was drawn in by the cover and thought it looked interesting.
I found this book great, it is a funny and easy read.
Thanks again for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
5/5 stars

Thank you for my gifted copy!

Sadly was archived before I had a chance to read. But from other reviews I’ve gathered that it could be an interesting read!

3.5⭐️

The Problem With Perfect had some great messages incorporated into the book and some wonderful characters. The dynamic between the characters was sweet and there were some heartwarming moments.

However, the pacing was off as the story seemed to jump quite a bit. There were also lots of grammatical errors within the writing which bugged me and the story ended too abruptly.

Still, I had fun reading this book and recommend it if you want something fun and sweet to read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, I loved this book. Every snarky aside, every astute comment about the horrors of celebrity worship, Uncle Clams and the rests of the glamorous Giblet Triplets, Fire Island, etc. It's all very good stuff.

From page one, the (okay, very implausible) story grabs your attention with the tale of Ethan, who quickly learned "I couldn't control the big things but I could make the details of my life shiny" and as the creative genius behind gay lifestyle show Myles of Style, strives for his next big network promotion to VP of Diversity Programming while keeping his star Chase Myles engaged and charming, not to mention stopping him from using an iron in a segment about getting rid of facial wrinkles ("So what? I wasn't going to plug it in") or claiming he is a queer role model like "Harley Milk."

But when Chase jets off to "Dabu Bobby" ("It's in the Middle East somewhere ...") with a Greek fishing tycoon, Ethan realizes the only way he can finish all the promotional material he needs yesterday is to find a Chase Myles substitute ... one Beau Myles, Chase's twin brother who lives in a yurt in upstate New York ("His hair must have been cut with a rock, his beard makes him look like he should drive a buggy or brew his own ale in Williamsburg ...") and is desperate enough for money he is willing to be manscaped, tweezed and spray-tanned to within an inch of his life.

What follows is a sweet, snarky, sexy adventure (no explicit on-page sex but the perfect touch of lusting and longing) complete with a fake/fake boyfriend plot, a weekend on Fire Island (more Cherry Grove than the Meat Rack), and the realization that, as Beau says, "You don't have to be perfect, you just have to be yourself."

Granted, it takes a while (okay, far too long) to get this through to Ethan, but the perfectly lovely epilogue and HEA is like the icing on the cake. 4.5 stars for a great read with plenty of heart and uplifting love.

4.5 stars for a great read with plenty of heart mixed with gobs of snark (and topped with "Power Top Pop" - a ghastly "combination energy drink and personal lubricant" [...] in four fabulous flavors. Each one inspired by a different Golden Girl.") Let's just say I ADORE Philip William Stover's snark.

I feel a bit lackluster about this story. The premise was great, the tropes included sounded like a pitch perfect story for me...but I just wasn't really invested in the romance because there wasn't really...any development? Or actual content beyond attraction? It felt very much like a "tell, don't show" kind of story: we are told that the MC has feelings but it's rarely shown. Beau and Ethan were fine as characters, just nothing that really stuck with me.
Alas, this is very much a me problem though since this also featured miscommunication which just isn't my fave cup of tea.
Still, if you like that trope, enjoy forced proximity and opposites attract, this might totally be perfect for you!

The Problem with Perfect is very enjoyable. I requested this ARC when I saw it was recommended to fans of Casey McQuiston and Boyfriend Material – since I’d say I fall squarely in that demographic – and I do think the comparison holds up. For the most part.

Beau and Ethan were both very sweet characters. Beau is reserved at first, but his personality quickly shines through. He is unfailingly kind in every situation, puts others first, is always willing to help, and stands up for his beliefs. It’s easy to see how much work he’s put into himself, and when he tells stories about his past, it’s clear he’s aware of the changes he needed to make and worked hard to make them happen. Ethan is a bit more of a work in progress. He seems pretty sure of what he wants in life while also being aware that it’s unlikely to make him happy. And while many of his doubts sit below the surface, being around Beau and his unfailing honesty starts to force him to confront a lot of brutal truths. I love his relationship with Clams and how quick he is to drop everything to help him when necessary, but it just makes you wish he would take care of himself in a similar manner.

Unfortunately, Chase was a little too evil. Very one dimensional, he’s selfish and does whatever he wants whenever he wants to. He flaunts his ignorance, has no desire to improve himself or help those around him, and is so gullible he’ll fly to Saudi Arabia without even being aware of where he’s going. It seems crazy that he and Beau would ever be able to heal their relationship, let alone that they could have ever been close or even friendly. I found it hard to believe that he could have committed to this show or fake relationship for as long as he supposedly has without messing everything up.

While I enjoyed The Problem with Perfect and really responded to Ethan and Beau, I do think there was a lack of depth. The first half to three quarters feel pretty fleshed out, but the last quarter flies by. When we need details to support the formation of a possible relationship and to determine a future or consider a different career path, things just start happening, and we’re moving from event to event with almost no background information or motivation. I just felt let down in the end.

3.5 ⭐️ - I loved the idea and the point of the book, but something was missing for me on the romance side of things. And the end wrapped up super quickly. That said, I loved Beau and it was fun to see the growth of both MCs throughout the book.

please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
MMC: Ethan- the brains behind the show “Myles of Style” featuring his on-screen fake boyfriend Myles, a vapid and shallow influencer who is known for his tantrums and flaking off during work. When Myles takes off during an important weekend, Ethan finds Chase- the identical twin brother of Myles- to make him an offer he can’t refuse and pretend to be Myles for some promotional shoots and events.
POV: 1st person, single POV
HEA: yes
spice: a slow-burn with a couple mildly steamy kisses
TWs: homophobia, transphobia, death of parents (recounted), strained family relationships, parental abandonment (recounted), mental health (anxiety/panic attacks)
standalone: yes
final thoughts: This book was cute and had a lot of great moments. I loved the character growth but would’ve liked to see Ethan grow a little faster and a little quicker. It was hard to have only 1 POV and it be a lot of the same stuff over and over.

read this book if you love

🌀 plot twists
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 great side characters
🤐 miscommunication
😬 angst
🏝️ forced proximity (same living/working arrangements)
🔀 opposites attract
💓 slowburn
💏 fake dating
🌈 LGBT+ representation
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 found family
💼 workplace romance

Heat Factor: It’s not a slow burn, it’s a no-sex burn

Character Chemistry: There were moments it could have been great, but it never really clicked

Plot: Ethan keeps compounding his problems by trying too hard to make everything how it should be, and Beau opens his eyes to how he wants it to be

Overall: I liked it fine, but readers will probably enjoy it more if they expect a single personal growth arc rather than a glorious romance

I picked up this ARC because the premise sounded fun (Twin stand-in, fake relationship forced proximity? Fun.), and it’s an M/M romance written by a man, something I like to prioritize when picking up books.

This story focuses on the trials and tribulations of Ethan, a man who has found himself producing a TV show all about lifestyle, climbing the network ranks with determination even though it was never the trajectory he envisioned his life taking. After discovering Chase, an absolutely gorgeous himbo, he realized his lifestyle design ideas could gain much greater reach if he were the brains behind the beauty on TV, so he has been telling himself that if he just jumps through all the hoops and gets to the top, he’ll gain a greater mouthpiece and more widespread recognition for queer people and queer issues. He’s being altruistic, people.

The only trouble is, he’s boxed both himself and Chase into corners: himself by selling out to sponsors in order to gain that greater following, and Chase by generally ignoring his personhood because he’s turned into a complete diva. And so Chase bolts for greener pastures, leaving Ethan in the lurch just as the most important moments for both the show and Ethan’s career converge at Pride.

Now, you might think that the actor in breach of contract by running off would be at fault, but no, he’s such a live wire that everybody expects Ethan to be accountable for him rather than for Chase to be accountable for himself. With this in mind, Ethan panics, drives to the New York wilderness, and begs Chase’s twin brother to stand in for him in order to keep the ball rolling (much preferable to Ethan’s head).

Beau is his own kind of mess, and he has a growth arc of his own that we discover as he reveals more of himself to Ethan over time, but his rock bottom preceded the beginning of the book, so he’s already had an opportunity to get himself right, so… he’s kind of perfect. Kind, thoughtful, patient, understanding, a fabulous communicator, an amazing (vegan) chef, politically engaged… There’s just not much to grapple with where Beau is concerned. On the one hand, this is good because Ethan’s drama is enough to carry the whole book, but on the other hand, it makes the the narrative less engaging (as a romance) because the single-POV is simply telling us Ethan’s story rather than ramping up tension to create a compelling romantic narrative for both Ethan and Beau. The moments of romantic tension, when they occurred, didn’t do much for me because I never became fully invested in Beau or in wanting them to JUST DO IT ALREADY! Which is what a really solid slow burn is able to achieve.

Where I really connected with this book was actually with Ethan’s journey (at least until things went full romance novel drama toward the end). Ethan has found himself running in the rat race, competing to get to the top for some unclear victory that will never actually arrive because he will never be done running. He is both extremely self-aware that he might not actually want the life that he’s created for himself and in denial about leaving because of all the stories he’s told himself and time he’s put in over the years. He can’t just implode his whole life because Beau steps in and really forces him to confront the choices he’s making (just…a string of really questionable decisions) in order to save a show that no longer aligns with his values or his personal desires. He has to see this through and then he’ll be able to take a step back and think about things. Except that all those terrible decisions he’s been making are forcing him to make the next choice and the next until he’s not even the one running his own life anymore. This aspect of the book was marvelously executed.

I have to say also that the secondary characters rounded out the book nicely. They’re fun to read, diverse, and with their own clear personalities. Really, the construction of this book is extremely solid, and I had fun reading it. It just didn’t thrill me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report

I enjoyed this story, rooted for the characters, was moved and smile.
A good story that I recommend
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

I really wanted to love this one because it deals with something very prevalent in today's society, and that's pink washing. That commentary was really well done, but I'd love if the romance was as good as the social commentary.
Our MCs, I understood Ethan and I adored Beau, but... together? There was little to no chemistry, and if I can't root for the romance in a romance book, then we have a problem.
Also, I feel like ending was rushed, so there's that.

Overall, although I did enjoy this, I wanted more and so couldn't love it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

A pleasant read. I wouldn't say I was blown away by the writing, but there was potential there that intrigued me. The story did open kind of slowly, so I would advise other readers to allow for the pace to pick up because I do think it's worth sticking it out. I liked the story for the most part, and I liked both main characters. Sometimes, I did wish there was more showing rather than telling, but it was a strong read for me.

ARC provided by Hera Books via Netgalley, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.

Ethans had the career he has always dreamed of but when his star Chase goes missing the only solution he can think of is to you Chases identical twin Beau. The problem? Even though they are identical they are nothing alike.

I loved this book. Packed with so much diversity and inclusion with both the characters and plot. I loved how the relationship grew between Beau and Ethan and I struggled to put this book down. This was a great read that I’d recommend to everyone.

REVIEW: The Problem With Perfect ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Nah, what’s wrong with a little mess now and then? You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be yourself.” - Phillip William Stover

I wanted a light and cute little romance to read on the plane for my trip and The Problem with Perfect was a perfect choose.

Being a big fan of fake dating troupe, this story hit the right notes. I loved the development of the relationship of the main characters but starting off on more awkward terms to a very caring and sweet relationship.

I related to the main character, Ethan, probably more than I like to admit. He is such a perfectionist and the type of worker who can’t always stop themselves. In contrast, Beau is a very laid back guy who is very go with the flow.

The Problem with Perfect is one of those great feel good stories that even know you know a bit of what will happen in the end, it warms your heart. The chemistry of the characters were great together. Plus the setting on a TV show with a social media influencer made for an interesting place for a storyline.

Overall, I really liked this book. It had the forced dating troupe I enjoy and a very warm relationship. Plus there were so many great messages in this story. A great book for a light and sweet romance story.

Thank you Hera Books sand Netgalley for my ARC for an honest review!

The Problem With Perfect, is exactly that. Perfect! I loved this cute read. It had character development and was so fun. Stover did a great job with this book!