This book gets a 4.5 stars from me. It's a portrait of an ordinary marriage, which might make it sound boring - but it's a celebration of lasting love, and an exploration of what keeps people together even when life sometimes conspires to throw obstacles in the way. It isn't a romance by any means, so if you're looking for meet cutes and thrills this may not be what you want. But if you want authenticity and emotional depth, and characters who feel real, definitely grab this wonderful, thought-provoking book and savour it.
The only reason it dropped half a star for me was I found the epilogue set in the future a bit jarring, and felt the story could have been satisfying without it. I felt it hammered the point home, but I'd got it by then, and it somehow spoiled the pleasure of the book, which was how real it all felt as I read through. Maybe if I re-read it thirty years from now I'll mind it less!
Thanks to NetGalley, Storm and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this couple, imperfections and all😍!

This wonderful book! Sometimes flawed characters can be hard to like and ruin the story a bit for me. Not in this Nick Alexander novel about a British couple, Dawn and Rob, who grow together and apart through the decades. Their journey and difficulties, the phases of their relationship, are so real in a fascinating, couldn't put it down way.

Dawn goes into their coupledom grudgingly, with the memory of her former bad boy rocker boyfriend ever present, making her think she's just settled and could have had a better life if she'd had the choice. Rob is a good, kind, hard-working and thoughtful partner and, frankly, almost couldn't be more different from Billy, the fellow who quickly abandoned Dawn in her time of need. But even Rob has his flaws, like an inability to share what was obviously a traumatic childhood and an eventual itch for some speed and thrills in his settled life when their marriage cools.

Alexander gives them numerous challenges, including issues with their parents, an out of control teenage daughter, a mid life crisis for Rob and the pandemic, that led me to ask: can this couple make it through together? I was more than satisfied with the answer😊, though I thought the story would have been better without the lengthy epilogue.

Definitely recommended.

TW: Attempted sexual assault

Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

I review every book I read because I see it as a thank you to the author and publishers for all the time and effort they but in to make that book happen. Every time I read one of Nick’s books, I become unable to put my feelings into words.

I loved this book. I honestly did not see the path it would take. Nick knows how to hold on to your concentration and make you want a certain thing to happen but then there’s a twist that shocks you and makes you gasp.

Nick, I’ve always loved your books. Keep doing what you do and keep flying. Thank you for taking my mind off the monotony of reality.

I have seen many of Nick Alexander's books, but never read them. So when I read the blurb of this novel it sounded super interesting and I requested it on NetGalley and so glad that I got accepted and got the chance to read it. This is a super book and I will be reading more of Nick Alexander's novels.

We meet main character Dawn who finds herself pregnant at the young age of 17 and she is in some sort of love triangle and she is unsure of the baby's father. We then are introduced to 2 different men - Rob a pure family man at heart and Billy who is completely the opposite and is carefree and slightly wild.

When Billy leaves, Rob is still there and Dawn and Rob get married and bring up the baby together. The novel centres around the up and lows of their relationship and it is super interesting and really relatable. I loved it.

The characters seem super real and I felt I was in the novel with them.

Thanks to Nick Alexander, NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me a copy of this fabulous novel in exchange for my honest review.

I thought this book was wonderful! Nick Alexander's books are all so character driven which makes them relatable and realistic. He tells a brilliant story and I love this type of book, a family drama and study of relationships and characters, all of them flawed in their own way but ones we can really believe in. There was a lot of humour as well as trauma which was great!
I liked how the story was told from different points of view giving us both sides of the story and how perspectives differ. I thoroughly recommend this author, I have enjoyed all his books.

I loved this book! It followed the ups and downs of a couple who I genuinely started to care for and root for their relationship to succeed.

Telling bits of the story from each of their vantage points helped show there are 2 sides to every story.

Highly recommend this book

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. I will recommend it to everyone I know!

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book. I enjoyed this book mostly - it felt pretty realistic. I probably wouldn't re-read it so 3 stars. I didn't like the epilogue, found myself skimming through as it was a bit preachy. I think I was supposed to like Dawn's mum's character but I didn't.

A thoroughly enjoyable story of the mundanity of marriage compared to the "what if" of your 17 year old self!
All of the characters are flawed in a real way- no perfect figures, no perfect relationships and plenty of tension and emotion.

This is a story of the pains, joys, tedium, comfort, uncertainty, and security of marriage. Sounds kind of all over the place, right? Well, so is marriage. Not every marriage is exactly the same as Dawn and Rob’s, but every married couple can relate to the ups and downs of such an intimate union, especially one that spans decades. This novel does a lovely job of showing how two very different people enter a marriage for very different reasons and learn if they can ultimately get on the same page.

One of the main themes of this novel is conscious choice versus life happening to you and just going along with it. I remember when I first told my coworker that I was child-free by choice; she was so confused! It had never occurred to her that having children was a choice! Life had just kind of happened to her: relationship, kids, marriage. This book reminded me of that conversation. Dawn’s life seems to take the same type of road because she doesn’t feel she has much choice than to go along with what is available to her; specifically, Rob.

I did think it was a bit concerning that Rob falls in love with Dawn so fast, so completely. The age difference alone raised an eyebrow. But once we learn that: 1) he’s genuinely a good man; and 2) that he had a complicated upbringing, it’s easier to understand how he might intrinsically feel protective of a young woman and wants to do the right thing by her.

The Billy aspect was so relatable, it had me holding my breath. I have a wonderful husband, but I have also had other great loves in my life. It’s very natural to wonder where they are, if they’re happy, if I ever cross their minds, etc. And in a world where we have so much access to information, I really understood Dawn’s hangups. I genuinely did not know how the visit with him would turn out, but I’m glad Dawn seeks closure, either with Billy or her marriage.

One aspect I really loved about the book is that it never slut shames! This is a very feminist book, which is SO refreshing!! Wayne may comment about his mother and sister’s behavior, but, overall, women do what they want to do and THEY DON”T APOLOGIZE FOR IT! They don’t need to, they’ve done nothing wrong! Even the matter of abortion is handled so well. It’s a choice, a medical procedure that is readily available. And the fact that this book is written by a man? I thank you, Mr. Alexander!

This is the kind of book I would love to delve into with a book club to get others’ perspectives and learn things I didn’t pick up on. This is a very nuanced story. Now that I know what happens (and I don’t have to hold my breath), I would love to reread it. It’s that kind of book.

This book was a really great read! It was dual POV, and really dove into the complicated and messiness of relationships and life. I also really enjoyed the idea that Dawn falls in love with the rockstar when she was 17 but then made different choices. The story unfolded beautifully and I really enjoyed!

Dawn has a teenage crush on Billy, a wild free spirit would be rock star. Rob is very interested in Dawn and they have a tryst. When Dawn realises that Billy isn't going to give her any commitment she gives him a wide berth but then finds out that she is pregnant. Dependable Rob stands by her. They don't know if he is the true father but their relationship somehow works for many years.
This story follows the characters from teenagers until their older years. All I will say is that this is another gem from Nick Alexander. He always seems to write about characters that you warm to and that you have such empathy with. He has a great understanding of humanity and life. Definitely read this and any other book the author has written. Fabulous fabulous fabulous!!!!!

A new-to-me author, "The Imperfection of Us" by Nick Alexander was an interesting and enjoyable read. Liked this story about Dawn & Rob, who got together back in the 90's after the "love of Dawn's life" musician Billy went on to bigger & better things. Anybody beyond a certain age has a "one that got away" and this book really explored that with it's dual-POV as we view Dawn & Rob's marriage over 30 years, through better & worse, with now-famous Billy always in the background. A well-written, character driven story. My sincere thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the complimentary DRC, my pleasure to review it

Definitely a more modern romance with the clue in the title! The imperfections of both people are shown in their full colours and it makes for a story rich in tears and laughter. A beautiful story

This book emotionally wrecked me. I laughed. I cried. It was such an amazing book. I absolutely loved the characters and it was very well written. So good!
I just reviewed The Imperfection of Us by Nick Alexander. #TheImperfectionofUs #NetGalley
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A fabulous book to while away a couple of sunny, summer afternoons. A really lovely tableau of a marriage well navigated and relatable on so many levels.

This was an unusual take on romance, but what an interesting story! Dawn, Rob, and Billy are all fascinating characters, and the dynamics between them all are written beautifully. I’d love to read more from this author.

I liked the tone and style of the writing but I just couldn't gel with the central theme of this book which shows a man pursuing a woman until she eventually falls in love with him. I didn't buy it...

Definitely not your typical and traditional romance story, THE IMPERFECTION OF US is a quick and entertaining read on love, relationships and marriage. Dawn and Rob are believable characters with their complexities and struggles. I loved how encouraging Dawn's mother on Dawn living her life. I also appreciated the reminder that life is what you make of it and how to turn your present, the life you currently have, into something you love and appreciate... finding the good in what you do have.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my thoughts.

The Imperfection of Us" by Nick Alexander is a captivating dual point of view (POV) novel that delves into the complex journey of a couple who learn to love each other despite their imperfections. This poignant story strikes a chord with its raw and authentic portrayal of human relationships.

The narrative centers around Dawn, the main female protagonist, who, at the age of seventeen, falls in love with Billy, a charismatic rock star. Unexpected circumstances unfold, leading to Dawn becoming pregnant and eventually entering into a marriage with Rob, a "good boy" who deeply loves her. The novel chronicles the highs and lows of their relationship, while also tackling a diverse range of themes such as parenthood, teen parenting, addiction, childhood trauma, the significance of communication, abortion, love, and betrayal. These subjects are presented in a remarkably genuine and unfiltered manner.

The strength of "The Imperfection of Us" lies in its exploration of the raw and real facets of human nature. The characters, though not diverse in the traditional sense, are portrayed in a messy yet compelling way, reflecting the intricate complexities of real-life individuals. This truthful depiction resonates with readers, as it acknowledges the inherent imperfections within us all.

The novel skillfully employs a dual POV narrative, providing readers with a deeper understanding of both Dawn and Rob's thoughts and emotions. This narrative technique enhances the overall depth of the story, amplifying the impact of the dialogues and allowing for a more immersive reading experience.

In conclusion, "The Imperfection of Us" is a compelling and genuine novel that offers a thought-provoking exploration of love, imperfection, and the choices we make.

I extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reading copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Ps. This splendid work reminded me of another literary masterpiece “Daisy Jones and the Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid (flawed and authentic characters who navigate through a journey of making both erroneous choices and, eventually, the correct ones, all in pursuit of their own personal happiness.)