The Problem With Perfect is a queer rom-com where we follow Ethan as he struggles to figure out what is really important to him and how not all worthwhile things have to be perfect.

Ethan is a producer for a popular lifestyle show, Myles of Style, he is also the total brains behind the entire operation having molded Chase Myles into the style icon he is today. But when Chase gets too fed up with Ethan's antics and decides to leave the country right before the big Pride event that is meant to solidify Ethan's work promotion, he begins scrambling to find a solution. Ethan's perfect solution is big, gruff, and lives in a yurt in the middle of nowhere. Chase's estranged twin Beau may at first appear rude and uncivilized with his brandishing a shotgun at his and Ethan's first meeting, but as they work together to pull off this charade, Ethan starts to realize that there is much more the handsome stranger than he originally thought.

Overall, I did enjoy the book. Ethan was a difficult character to like at times. His need for things to be perfect forced him to make some questionable decisions and his ability to explain away all his wrong doings got tedious towards the end. His heart tended to be in the right place, but his head usually won out in the end. I just wish Ethan had come to his senses a little earlier. It felt like too little too late and made the ending feel rushed and a little incomplete. Still, I untimely enjoyed the story and Beau was a total hippy sweetheart. A fun summer read if you want something light-hearted, fun, and queer.

On the one hand, I really want to say this is a me problem and not the book problem. And to an extent, that's likely true. But at the same time, I really struggle with Ethan as our main character who is so focused on vilifying Chase in his inner monologue without ever seeming to accept responsibility for the part that he played too. Ethan chose Chase and decided that Chase would be the perfect person for him to mold into being his spokesperson for all of Ethan's ideas. When Chase goes away on a vacation, Ethan redecorates his apartment without seeming to ask Chase for input at all. But Ethan repeatedly gets frustrated with Chase for not thanking him, for not acknowledging all the work that Ethan does for him. Which is fair! Except... it's also grating. I'm not saying that having a character who makes their own problems and gets in their own way can't be interesting to read about, but it is not a read that I'm willing to put the time and effort into today.

That said, the messaging at the start of this book, being really critical of branding and sponsorships was pretty satisfying and I did appreciate that. Also, I already love Uncle Clams. Unfortunately, neither of those things are quite enough for me to stick it out any further.

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

The Problem With Perfect by Philip William Stover is a new stand alone MM romantic comedy. Ethan Wells has a problem by the name of Chase Myles, the star of his lifestyle television show and bane of his existence. When Chase walks off set, Ethan adventures to rural upstate New York to convince Chase’s estranged twin brother, Beau, to pretend to be Chase for the upcoming pride events for the show. Beau is in a bit of a financial pickle and agrees to step into Chase’s shoes. What Ethan never expected is that Beau could be more than just the show’s savior and instead open up a whole new perspective on life and love.

Ethan Wells has let his life be taken over by the tv show he produces, Myles of Style. He has never really questioned why everything in his life revolves around the job until Beau drops into his life. Beau refuses to let Ethan control every single detail and instead lets some of his personality shine through while pretending to be Chase. It’s moments of comfort, love and support that have Ethan questioning everything and wanting more from Beau. The two men have found themselves in a precarious position but wanting to make each other’s lives better is something they can agree on.

This is a single point of view story where we only get Ethan’s side. Although these are not typically my favorite I feel I still understood a lot of Beau’s emotions as they were filtered through Ethan’s perspective. I loved the contradictory nature of Chase and Beau and how Beau’s personality was built from the hardships of the past. This story was just as much about the sweet romance building between Ethan and Beau as it is about embracing every kind of queer identity. There was so much representation in this story which felt fitting because it embraced the broadness of the LGBTQ+ community.

4 stars for Ethan embracing an imperfect life.

I wanted to like this, I thought it sounded cute and like a great rom-com, but it just sort of went meh for me. Ethan is a hyper-controlling perfectionist and Beau honestly is pretty insufferable himself. We're in Ethan's POV for this novel and he reads pretty stiff and stilted, making him hard to connect with, especially with his whole "Everything must be perfect and high-end" even though one of his things was it "doesn't need to be perfect to be right" but it kind of does for him. I do like that Ethan sort of lost his way a bit when it came to Myles of Style and it turned more into rainbow capitalism than something honest like it was at the start, I kind of wish there had been more about Ethan's feelings on that instead of him still needing perfection.
I was expecting Beau to sort of be this grumpy off-the-grid, down-to-earth guy which is how he was portrayed at the beginning but he wasn't. He comes off a bit as high and mighty to me and kind of hypocritical because his whole deal is being your true, authentic self but yet he really tears into Ethan's flaws and expects Ethan to change. He's also obnoxiously "perfect"? He speaks French and Tagalog, he's a yogi, he's a perfect cook, he's a vegan (and lectures people that they should also be vegan), and he has the exact right robotic response to everything. He felt like a walking PSA or after-school special with his dialogue sometimes.
Just a quick thing about Chase, but did he really have to be so stupid? Selfish and maybe a little dim too but that boy was just too stupid to be alive.
I also really didn't feel any chemistry between Beau and Ethan other than instant lust. I just also want to say that it felt like Beau had zero respect for Ethan and his job. Beau could have said no to helping but he didn't and it felt like he took every chance he could to argue or lecture with Ethan and in front of Ethan's co-workers. I get that Beau has "ethics" but he did agree to the deal. Ethan's job was hard, and he admitted that he had gotten in the weeds, and I didn't think it was totally fair to blame him for everything and I think he deserved more respect.

That being said, I guess this book is okay? Just not for me.

2.5 stars

I’m not usually a fan of single POV in romance books. That’s because it often doesn’t work well. I found myself wishing for Beau’s POV in this story. Beau seems like such a great guy and, when we meet him, we’ve already met his twin who is a tool. The protagonist Ethan, while not terrible, has a lot of serious flaws. I was fine with not knowing why Beau and Chase are estranged, but I was having a hard time understanding what Beau saw in Ethan when it became obvious he had feelings for him.

I was eventually able to see that Ethan is a good guy who makes very bad decisions. You can’t be surrounded by so many wonderful people who love and support you if there’s not some decency inside. He also let that part of his personality show through every once in a while. Yet over and over, he went from having the right thought to choosing the wrong thing to do. It got tiring and annoying. It took far too long for Ethan to get his head out of his ass. Especially considering his “goal” was something he didn’t even really want.

There were some sweet moments and once in a while I even felt the chemistry between Ethan and Beau, but they don’t even kiss until 70% into the book. So once again I went into a book expecting it to be a true, capital R, Romance and didn’t get that. I wouldn’t even call it a slow burn because the yearning glances aren’t even there.

I requested this ARC because I had read this author’s Seasons of New Hope series and adored those books. Great characters who are broken but lovable, have amazing chemistry, and there is a wonderful setting. In this book, I love the secondary characters, but the rest falls apart. It makes me sad since if this is someone’s first experience with this author they may not realize his true potential.

Even though there was a lot that didn’t work for me, I want to say again that I love the secondary characters. There is so much representation and because of the storyline, it all fits in seamlessly. The book is worth reading for Clams Casino alone. It’s also worth noting that the author himself looks at his writing as more of “chick-lit featuring gay male protagonists”, which makes more sense to me than Romance with that pesky capital “R”.

Rating: 2.75 /5⭐️ (round up to 3)

Publication Date: May 10th 2023

Author: Philip William Stover

Review: VERY ROM COM and usually that isn’t a big deal for me and I generally really enjoy it but something about this one was a little eh and at times boring. It’s very character based so when Beau and Ethan were all cute it was very enjoyable but other times it was just words.
Doesn’t mean it’s not a fun and easy going read I just had a hard time with it at time. ☺️

Thank you netgalley and Conelo Hera for the eARC in exchange for an honest review #NetGalley #bookstagram #kindle #kindleedition #eread

To his unsuspecting viewing audience, Chase Myles is the creative genius behind the wildly successful lifestyle program Myles of Style, where Chase dispenses effortless knowledge on how to throw the perfect party and the right linens for the season. However, in reality, he doesn't know a thing about linens, charcuterie, or much of anything at all. He is nothing more than a pretty face puppeteered by his producer Ethan Wells. For a few years now, the duo has orchestrated an elaborate charade where Chase delivers advice and recipes created by Ethan, and the pair pretend to be romantically involved. This relationship worked for both as the show gained rapid popularity, and Chase basked in the glory of his newfound fame. But it wasn't long until Chase let the fame and fortune get to his head and began making unreasonable demands while at the same time growing tired of being controlled by Ethan. All of this comes to a head at the climax of their television season as they prepare their most significant event, a special live broadcast of the annual Pride Parade. A lot is riding on this event for the show and Ethan, as its success will largely determine whether he receives a coveted promotion. Only there's one problem the event is rapidly approaching, and Chase is nowhere to be found. Without the star of his show, Ethan decides to pull one more deception on his audience by replacing Chase with his estranged identical twin brother Beau. What follows is a delightful romantic comedy with an eclectic mix of LGBTQIA+ characters that examines the ways that, as Queer people, we often let others define how we see ourselves.



Available May 11, 2023, from Hera Books



Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley courtesy of the publisher in exchange for my honest review. My review is my honest opinion.

🎥Book Review: The Problem with Perfect🎥

„You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be yourself.“

Book: The Problem with Perfect
Author: Philip William Stover
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Contemporary Romance

This book had a very romcom kind of feel to it and not in a bad way at all!

We meet Ethan, who is the producer of the hit LGBTQ+ show „Myles of Style“. Pride is coming and with that a whole lot of sponsors to please.
The problem with that show? Chase Myles the star of „Myles of Style“ is an arrogant diva who makes life on set a living hell. After a temper tantrum, Chase walks out of the set and leaves the country.
Enter Beau, the twin of Chase, who doesn’t have much to do with society and doesn’t even know that his brother is famous.
Can Ethan and Beau fool the world by making him the new Chase?

➕ The characters are undoubtedly what makes this book stand out.
We meet Beau as a disheveled, gun holding mountain man, but he is a sweetheart who always looks out for others and wants everyone to be their best self.
Ethan is a very complicated man who doesn’t really know if he should follow his heart or his brain.
I related most to Tina, the assistant who starts crying as soon as a conflict starts. Same girl!😭
It was a very fast read. I basically flew through the book.

➖Not a whole lot. It was very cute, but still a bit boring. It was a very character driven story, so there wasn’t too much happening.
One thing that annoyed me kinda a lot is that contracts basically don’t exist here. The star can just walk out of all obligations and there is no contact holding him back or even mentioned? Seems weird 😅

I would still recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a wholesome little pride read.

Thank you to #Netgalley and Hera Books for my review copy in exchange for an honest review!

As other readers have pointed out, the premise of this book is very reminiscent of The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun, only with the added twist of a twin switch. Let’s review their similarities:

- One main character is a(n insufferable) TV show producer pulling the strings; the other is a star.
- Both stars (Charlie and Beau) are not naturals on camera.

Truthfully, I liked The Charm Offensive better, and if you could only read one, I would recommend you read that. The Charm Offensive reads like a true romance. The problem with The Problem with Perfect is it does not feel like a romance book, but it is marketed as one. I didn’t feel the connection between Ethan and Beau (nor did I understand why Beau would want to be with someone like Ethan). Which leads me to my next major criticism: the characters. Specifically, the three main characters, Chase, Ethan, and Beau, who all feel like caricatures, rather than realistic people.

Okay, we all know Chase has no redeeming qualities. He is selfish and only cares about himself. He is dumb, but not in an endearing way. Case in point: Harley Milk. Dabu Bobby (Abu Dhabi)… I rest my case. But I honestly like Chase more than Ethan. In his own way, Ethan has similar irredeemable qualities. He is selfish and controlling. It takes him way too long to come to his senses (causing a very abrupt conclusion to the story). You can almost sympathize with Chase and understand why he has had enough of Ethan’s BS, if he weren’t so insufferable himself. This is why I have such an issue with the way the book is written: first person, singular point-of-view. The entire book is in Ethan’s perspective, which I couldn’t relate to.

Ironically, on the opposite end of the spectrum, Beau seems almost too perfect in a way that makes him feel flat. This feels inconsistent with the book’s messaging, which is, oddly, what I appreciate most (over the romance).

Stover provides a nuanced critique of influencer culture, associating the “perfect” with “fake,” and conversely, the “real” with “imperfect.” Influencer culture is performative and often deceptive. We show the world only what we want the world to see, and we, like Chase (and Beau), might just be puppets on a string, with someone behind the scenes sculpting our words and behaviors. Some influencers, like Chase/Beau, have entire production studios behind them. It’s weird to me that Stover can write this nuance here while at the same time writing such black-and-white, either/or characters. People, usually, are not all bad or all good; we all have shades of gray. I would have liked to see these shades of gray in the main characters. This would have made them appear more three-dimensional and believable.

I also like the sharp contrast between true activism and rainbow capitalism: “When someone says they want to ‘do something for Pride’ it usually means they want to slap a rainbow on something, up the price and call it a limited edition.” As we head into June, Pride Month, this message is especially relevant. (Of course, it is worth mentioning that this effect happens with all months that celebrate marginalized communities, e.g., Black History Month. Organizations and businesses capitalize on these months but then do not talk about them for the remainder of the year.)

I think this book had potential but it fell short for me. I would still recommend it, though, if you’re looking to read a fake-fake dating book on the set of a specifically queer TV show.

Thank you to the publisher, Hera Books, for providing me with an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What happens when work IS your life? This book does a good job of showing that work, while a necessity, doesn’t have to be all you ever do. Take time for yourself. Relax, in whatever way suits you. Read a book, watch some tv, cook a meal, do yoga. Do whatever you need to do to decompress.

In this book, work is all Ethan ever does. He doesn’t bother getting a bigger apartment or even decorating it the way he wants because he’s hardly ever there. He puts other people before himself, which is not a bad thing but can be too much if you literally never put yourself first. The show he pitched and created around Chase has consumed him. You can clearly tell he’s burnt out. When Beau, Chase’s twin with an opposite personality, comes into the picture, he tries and tries to get Ethan to slow down. It takes time but eventually a breakthrough occurs.

Certain lines and phrases are repeated a few too many times but that might change in the final version of the book. I wish we knew what happened at the studio after the parade. Did Jeremiah get the promotion? Does Chase still have a show? I have some unanswered questions but I’m still happy with the way the book ended.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

One Chase Myles is always in front of the camera and showing off his exuberant lifestyle which involves being the most trendiest person on social media and living the life of luxury. The other half of him is Ethan, he sets up, executes and pretty much tells Chase what needs to be done to afford the life. They are forever butting heads and having very public confrontations. After one Myles takes off and leaves Ethan stranded with some of the biggest yet to come in as it “Pride” Season. Low and behold Ethan comes up with a plan to have someone stand in for Chase……Beau his twin brother who hasn’t spoken to him in years. Sometimes the acting becomes fiction and the story of two people helping each other is told.

Can I point out that if only love happened like this? It would be kind of funny, someone please tell me if I am wrong.
This novel is super cheesy but also very sweet. I feel like I relate to Ethan a fair bit in this situation. I can be quite goal orientated and find it very hard to redirect if something pops up. The story the plays out between Ethan and Beau is sly I like the small moments when they would both catch themselves thinking about one another. Both characters sacrificed a lot to work together and have the ending they deserved. I like how Beau came across as this masculine figure yet when asked to help out one of Ethans family members in a drag show he jumped at the chance. The conclusion of the book was as one would expect but thankfully the rose coloured glasses were removed and Ethan learnt to relax and that a high profile job wasn’t everything.

A book with a very interesting premise, it reminded me of some rom-com movies, but I'm not sure I enjoyed the execution of the book that much, especially the romance. The developer was a little strange, as it seems that a good part of the book goes on and on and at the very end that the bomb goes off and everything is resolved so quickly, this ended up affecting the novel, which didn't have that much time to develop normally. But the book message is cool and I really liked Beau, everything he did surprised me! Overall, it was a fun book despite the issues. Thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!

What shone most in this book was the representation and the message of being true to yourself - perfectly executed!

I loved how Trope filled this was…. fake dating, opposites attract, celebrity romance - it had it all! The characters are fun and likeable, the storyline just on the right side of ridiculously adorable and heartwarming. Whilst parts could have done with a little more fleshing out - overall it was well written. I felt the ending came round a little quick, but that may just be personal preference.

Overall a good book , perfect for a light summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.

The plot of the book was interesting but Ethan was really annoying. I honestly didn't understand his motive for doing most of the things he did. He kept things from Beau for absolutely no reason and when he finally told him it didn't matter because Beau didn't care. I think this book should have been dual pov because then I could understand why Beau did everything for Ethan seemingly for no good reason. I mean obviously he was getting money but it didn't feel enough for me.

I received an arc through netgalley.

This was beautiful!! This story is so vividly told and each person wonderfully characterized (especially without being a caricature). I loved all the settings and felt like I was really there.

I absolutely loved that Ethan is an imperfect person/hero and of course per the title and blurb has to learn how to live with that. I loved that there were aspects of that journey obvious to the reader (and pointed out by Beau) but that Ethan wasn’t so far up his butt he couldn’t acknowledge them himself. It felt very realistic in someone having a truth they don’t want to have to deal with until they can gain the courage to face it.

For the readers wondering about the romance- this is a slow burn, little to no steam/spice. Tension doesn’t really get felt until about 20% in. This isn’t a critique by the way just for those who may be curious. There’s plenty of swoony moments near the end and you feel their connection.

Thank you to Hera books, Philip William Stover, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Digital ARC was provided by Netgalley and Hera Books

This one was funny despite the rused ending!

Synopsis
Ethan was the ever perfectionist half of Myles of Style, a show (+brand) he deliver with Chase Myles as the frontman. One day, Chase walked out and Ethan was scrambled to find a replacement. Cue, a more reclusive and estranged twin of Chase, Beau. The next several weeks of Ethan lives might be the wake up call he needed the most.

What I like
The Problem with Perfect was a hilarious book! Seriously, I was having fun reading it. I can relate so much on Ethan and his inner monologue (+narration) was something I could read over and over again. He was dramatic af and genuine. I just love him.
It also had a lot of diverse characters without appearing shallow/just for the sake of diversity that I appreciate a lot.
None in the book I could hate although some were borderline annoying lol. On a second thought, let's collectively hate the Beefy Boy guy. That sounds about right. However, when it came to the important characters, everyone had their reasons. Even the most annoying and petulant Chase with his Dabu Bobby thing.
I envy Ethan's relationships with Clam and Amnesia and Kiara and even with Tina! They were all rock!

What I don't like
Felt the ending was rushed? Because there I was, on a 91% mark and Ethan just got another obstacle for his goal. His enlightenment (if I could say so) was in a blink of an eye and I just need him to ruminate a bit more because being perfectionist and controlling (even if you were generally a kind person) took a while to admit and even longer to change.

Final thoughts
The Problem with Perfect was an almost perfect hilarious queer romance fiction for me. I can totally see it in a tv as a romcom one day!

this is a perfect summer romcom! Ethan and Beau have a great dynamic that evolves rapidly with every chapter, making it really exciting to read. there’s some great drama with the twin-swap thing and an added layer of fake dating with real feelings. it’s like…double fake dating due to the swap. it’s so so so good.

but what i really loved was the book’s message. it’s about the importance of being yourself. and Philip took it a step further and used it as a way to critique the idea that there’s a correct way to be gay. this book is full of queer people being the best version of themselves.

the story is fun, exciting, uplifting, and romantic. i had a blast reading it and i know you will too.

I dnf'd this at 50%. Oh my goodness.... where was the chemistry? Where was the romance? Like I'm sorry if you can't convince me to people are going to fall madly in love in a romance book then I can't keep reading. Like I sensed some maybe thirsty lust from Ethan but that's about it. I really was expecting to love this book but there was no chemistry. And I refuse to keep reading a book where the chemistry is like stale bread. Even the characters were a tad boring, over the top and cliched.

Ethan has been consumed with his work, and while he hasn't noticed it, the work has changed. He had wanted a LGBTQ friendly program with Chase Myles, but when Chase leaves the country unannounced, Ethan needs a replacement to make the show work.

The characters were very well-drawn and I loved Ethan's family and friends, diverse members of the LGBTQ community. The story is uplifting and reminds the reader of what is truly important. Highly recommended.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars!

Thank you Netgally for this eARC!

The Problem with Perfect follows Ethan, the creative mind behind the hit LQBTQ show Myles of Style. Ethan may be little uptight, but he is struggling to keep up appearances that everything is perfect with his fake boyfriend (and difficult to work with star of the show) Chase, all while trying to create a show that will advance his career in television.

When Chase decides he would rather fly off to party then continue his show and social media obligations for the upcoming Pride events, Ethan has no choose but to try and convince Beau, Chase's estranged twin, to step up and help with a cover up.

This sweet and funny rom com was full of laughs and insta-attraction between our two MMCs. Ethan & Beau are polar opposites, and yet Ethan finds himself falling for his fake, fake boyfriend.

While I liked the overall story, I thought pacing was a bit off and wished for a bit more character development of Beau and Ethan. I loved the side characters and the representation of the queer community. It was interesting to get a take on the ins and outs of social media and television as well. Overall, it's a cute story worth checking out!

💫 Fake, fake dating
💫 Estranged Twins
💫 Rugged Lumberjack MMC
💫 Opposites attract
💫 Found Family
💫 insta-love / insta-lust

Releases May 11th!