Almost Perfect

Loved this book! I shipped V and Dave from the start. Almost Perfect tells the story of V and Dave, a doctor and bartender, who didn't expect to have more than one weekend of fun together. Both main characters had a great set-up and the changes in points of view really helped you understand them. I only wish this ending was longer or included an epilogue. I wasn't ready to move on from V and Dave yet. I will definitely be checking out more books by E.F. Dodd!

I love a good book that discusses and respects boundaries, not only in emotional relationships but also physical. I truly hated V's mom. Like she was not redeemable for me, she just really sucked.

This was a super cute read though.

It was fun to read. Loved the characters too. Enjoyed till the end. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a free e-book.

The love-at-first-sight and palpable attraction was off the charts! I love cozy romances, and this one falls in line with adorable leading characters! Their descriptions of each other from the very beginning showed how into each other they were, and the follow-through was such a fantastic story. No major drama. No end-of-the-world fuss. Just two people falling in love and doing so charmingly!

Almost Perfect....

This book was perfect! I absolutely loved it. It had a little bit of everything. Spice, humor, and the best of all... love.
I loved both 'V" (Doc) and Dave. Just loved them! You couldn't help but love V's friends either. I really disliked her mom to start with but she did come around! Also Dave's boss. He was horrible.
These two met at Tonic - the bar that Dave works at and it was an instant connection. It took courage for V to give away her number but I am so glad she did. From there, the two created an amazing relationship, even with some factors that weren't in their favor. In the end, they made it work.
I will most definitely read more from E.F. Dodd, this book was simply amazing!

This book was sweet. The characters are enjoyable and realistic, the family dynamics are fun and mostly healthy, the friendships strong. Perfect reading for a cool, fall evening when you want to curl up with something light and happy.

I’d describe this as a cozy romance. Low drama, no angst! Dodd didn’t use cheap tropes to raise the tension, both main characters ask each other challenging questions and while the characters avoided answering at times, it modeled normal, healthy relationship dynamics when facing challenges.


The steamy bits were a little drawn out. Lots of consent and boundary checking, which didn’t impact the steam level and is a really nice change from lots of mainstream romance. If anything, the amount of healthy communication about what was going on increased the steaminess.


Highlights:
– no angst, low drama, very relatable.
- Easy to read, good character growth

Lowlights:
- pretty simplistic. I kept waiting for big drama or high tension and what drama there was resolved quickly and in a very healthy adult way.
- The big gesture at the end seemed out of character, for both characters. Too soon, too fast!

Great book!!
Also really REALLY love the cover!!!


"Thank you so much netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced review copy if this book💗
"I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Such a unique book, I loved the plot, and oh my god the characters were so amazing!! I definitely will be recommending it!!

Almost Perfect was such a cute romcom read. I breezed through it! It was such a quick pick me up happy book. Neither V nor Dave were looking for love and yet they had undeniable chemistry from the moment they met. There were so many funny moments and it felt actually realistic in its own way. Loved it.

oh my goodness!! this book was such a pure delight!! i really truly enjoyed this one so much! thank you so much to netgalley for letting me read this one early! please pick it up when it comes out!!!

This book was a darling Christmas read!!! Save it for December! You won’t regret it. Thanks NetGalley for my ARC! Will be recommending this sweet love story to all my friends around the holidays!!!

"Almost Perfect" is a delightful and heartwarming contemporary romance that captures the essence of love, personal growth, and the magic of the holiday season. With its well-drawn characters, relatable dilemmas, and a touch of Christmas spirit, this book offers a charming and enjoyable reading experience.

The story revolves around Dave Richardson, a bartender in his hometown of Rochester, who is at a crossroads in his life. Despite not living up to the grand expectations others had for him, he finds hope and a chance at love when Vivian Walters walks into his bar one fateful Wednesday night. Dave's journey from uncertainty to determination to become the man he aspires to be is a central theme of the narrative.

Vivian, or "V," is a driven and career-focused woman who values checklists and order in her life. Meeting Dave challenges her structured approach, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. The book skillfully explores the tension between her desire for control and her growing attraction to Dave, creating a believable and engaging romantic conflict.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, with their flaws and vulnerabilities adding depth to their personalities. Dave's genuine and caring nature contrasts with V's meticulous planning, creating a dynamic and endearing couple. Their interactions are filled with humor, tenderness, and undeniable passion, making their romance all the more captivating.

The holiday backdrop adds a touch of enchantment to the story, making it a perfect read for the Christmas season. The themes of family, love, and self-discovery are beautifully woven into the narrative, reminding readers of the importance of embracing life's unexpected twists and turns.

Overall, "Almost Perfect" is a heartwarming and feel-good romance that celebrates the transformative power of love. It's a story of two individuals learning to let go of their rigid expectations and take a chance on a connection that feels undeniably right. With its festive atmosphere, engaging characters, and a satisfying dose of romance, this book is a delightful addition to the holiday romance genre.

Do NOT let this cutesy cover fool you, this book is sugar and spice and everything nice! Doctor Vivian and bartender Dave seemingly have nothing in common, but that doesn't stop them from falling for each other in this cute and spicy romance. Vivian thinks she is just going to have a quick fling with Dave but they just can't seem to get enough of each other. I like how they made the long distance part of their relationship work (Hello Face Time!!) and I loved the moments they were together in person. He googles flowers to pick ones she would like (If he wanted to he would, gals!). I do love Dave's character growth and how they end up working out their relationship in the end.

This was my first book by EF Dodd and I'm happy to say it won't be my last.

Thank you NetGalley and EF Dodd for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

After a chance meet up in Tonic, the bar where Dave bartends, sparks fall between Dave and Vivian (aka V or Doc) with an instant attraction. A vacation fling slows becomes a long-distance relationship from September to December. But will Dave be enough for Dr. V by Christmas or will he be just almost perfect?

I thought this was such a cute book - much more spicy than I thought based on the blurb and cover. The banter of the characters (not just the MMC and FMC - but all of their friends and family) is fabulous. The banter of the meet-cute had me turning the pages to see what would happen next.

Thank you NetGalley and E F Dodd for the opportunity to read this book!.