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Perfect, Indiana #1
Far from Perfect
For Ceejay Lovejoy, life in Perfect, Indiana, has been anything but. Abandoned by her parents and left pregnant by her boyfriend, Ceejay has had to fight every step of the way to carve out a future for herself and her daughter. She swears off men for good — until the day Noah Langford appears on her doorstep.
Noah narrowly survived the roadside bombing in Iraq that cost him his leg, returning home to the news that his stepbrother Matt has died in a car accident. It is the final blow to Noah’s shattered soul — until he learns about the girlfriend and baby Matt abandoned. Suddenly Noah has a new mission: to make amends with the family his brother rejected.
From the moment he meets Ceejay, her beauty and warmth act like a balm on his fractured heart. But when a painful secret comes to light, it threatens to break the fragile bond growing between them…and to destroy a love powerful enough to heal them both.
Noah narrowly survived the roadside bombing in Iraq that cost him his leg, returning home to the news that his stepbrother Matt has died in a car accident. It is the final blow to Noah’s shattered soul — until he learns about the girlfriend and baby Matt abandoned. Suddenly Noah has a new mission: to make amends with the family his brother rejected.
From the moment he meets Ceejay, her beauty and warmth act like a balm on his fractured heart. But when a painful secret comes to light, it threatens to break the fragile bond growing between them…and to destroy a love powerful enough to heal them both.
350 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2012
470 people are currently reading
1313 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Longley
30 books556 followersBarbara Longley graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education/Human Relations, and holds a Master’s in Ed./SLD from the University of Minnesota. When the integration district where she taught dissolved in 2015, she transitioned into writing full time. Ms. Longley is listed on RWA’s Honor Roll of Bestselling Authors, and her books have garnered many awards, including a Maggie, the Holt Medallion, a National Readers’ Choice, two Heart of Excellence awards, a Bookseller’s Best award, and Diamond Award for reaching more than a million readers (2015). Ms. Longley creates memorable heroes and heroines who grow into their strength and go on to save the day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
October 1, 2016
This book was a perfect example of why I usually dislike the contemporary romance genre.
The lead characters have the silliest reactions to things. They jump to wrong (and sometimes pretty awful) conclusions about each other and create false issues in order to contrive tension for the plot.
The female lead is selfish and often stupid and the lead male is ... well ... just kinda stupid. The whole thing just wore on my patience and I ended up skimming a lot. The chemistry between them felt totally manufactured and I never believed it. Why in the world -- besides her being cute -- would anyone fall desperately in love with such a selfish, bitchy, unreliable person as the heroine? And why would anyone -- besides his being hot -- fall for a guy who bumbles from one contrivance to the next? And, of course, everyone just thinks the two of them are individually the bees knees so it all makes sense!
I like small town romance. I really do. When it's done well -- as it is in several of Robyn Carr's "Virgin River" series -- it's very engaging. Recently two of my favorite authors (Julie Ann Long and Pamela Clare) have begun book series in the small town contemporary romance genre and they were great. This book, however, did not cut it for me and was a big let down after those other efforts.
Contemporary romance is a popular genre, but just like chick lit, it far too often (as in this case) leaves me cold.
The lead characters have the silliest reactions to things. They jump to wrong (and sometimes pretty awful) conclusions about each other and create false issues in order to contrive tension for the plot.
The female lead is selfish and often stupid and the lead male is ... well ... just kinda stupid. The whole thing just wore on my patience and I ended up skimming a lot. The chemistry between them felt totally manufactured and I never believed it. Why in the world -- besides her being cute -- would anyone fall desperately in love with such a selfish, bitchy, unreliable person as the heroine? And why would anyone -- besides his being hot -- fall for a guy who bumbles from one contrivance to the next? And, of course, everyone just thinks the two of them are individually the bees knees so it all makes sense!
I like small town romance. I really do. When it's done well -- as it is in several of Robyn Carr's "Virgin River" series -- it's very engaging. Recently two of my favorite authors (Julie Ann Long and Pamela Clare) have begun book series in the small town contemporary romance genre and they were great. This book, however, did not cut it for me and was a big let down after those other efforts.
Contemporary romance is a popular genre, but just like chick lit, it far too often (as in this case) leaves me cold.
October 12, 2015
I'm not really sure how this book came across my radar, don't even remember requesting it from the library, but it was there with the last batch of books that I picked up this week.
Needing a light easy read tonight I picked this one up and quickly fell in love with the story. The town charmed me, even as it annoyed me. I grew up in a small town so very much sympathized with Ceejay's feeling of it, how everyone was in your business, how you never had any secrets, but also how the town was there to help you when you needed it. Very much a love/hate feeling.
With how this one opened there was nothing I could do but hate Matt, even his way to pay Ceejay back was a case of too little too late for me. I felt for Noah and Allison, to learn what Matt did, even as you were in that state, they had to hate him a bit.
I thought Noah had a good plan to find out more about Ceejay, just wished that he would have been the one to spill the beans. I think if I had one complaint about this book it would be how both Noah and Ceejay jumped to conclusions when only learning half of the story. It would have been something if it was only once, but it was time and time again. Very frustrating because you were rooting for them as a couple and as a family.
I was glad when finally both pulled their heads out of their butts and actually talked, even talked about creating some sort of code word that meant they needed to be alone for a bit, not get the hell out of my life.
I really loved the choice Noah and Ceejay made on where to start their new life and how they went about it.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
Needing a light easy read tonight I picked this one up and quickly fell in love with the story. The town charmed me, even as it annoyed me. I grew up in a small town so very much sympathized with Ceejay's feeling of it, how everyone was in your business, how you never had any secrets, but also how the town was there to help you when you needed it. Very much a love/hate feeling.
With how this one opened there was nothing I could do but hate Matt, even his way to pay Ceejay back was a case of too little too late for me. I felt for Noah and Allison, to learn what Matt did, even as you were in that state, they had to hate him a bit.
I thought Noah had a good plan to find out more about Ceejay, just wished that he would have been the one to spill the beans. I think if I had one complaint about this book it would be how both Noah and Ceejay jumped to conclusions when only learning half of the story. It would have been something if it was only once, but it was time and time again. Very frustrating because you were rooting for them as a couple and as a family.
I was glad when finally both pulled their heads out of their butts and actually talked, even talked about creating some sort of code word that meant they needed to be alone for a bit, not get the hell out of my life.
I really loved the choice Noah and Ceejay made on where to start their new life and how they went about it.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
December 4, 2012
Great first part, but heroine became unlikeable. The adorable 4-year-old daughter has a large part in the story.
The first four chapters were really good (a fourth of the book). I was enjoying it and full of anticipation. Then in chapter 5 Ceejay was bitter, narrow minded, angry and mean to the well-meaning grandmother. I would not have done what she did. Ceejay was angry at Matt, but she directed her anger at others. And Ceejay continued being rude, angry and mean later in the book (several times). I don’t require perfect heroines. That would be boring. I’m ok with heroines doing stupid or unlikeable things when it fits, but here it made me angry. I would have preferred circumstances and other characters create the conflicts.
The last part of the book reminded me of TV/Lifetime movies. Major life events happen for various characters - health issues, accidents, marriage, children, careers, moving. This was ok, but filming doesn’t pick up the depth and inner feelings that books can. I wanted more chemistry and interesting relationship development between Ceejay and Noah, and maybe with some of the other characters as well.
I loved Noah. He is close to being the ideal boyfriend/husband. I’d love to have a mother-in-law like Allison. She was meddlesome in a compassionate, loving, and helpful way.
The narrator Kate Rudd seemed ok. I wonder if her tone of voice made the heroine less likeable for me. I’m not sure.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 9 hrs and 56 mins. Swearing language: moderate including religious swear words, but rarely used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: current day Perfect, Indiana. Book copyright: 2012. Genre: contemporary romance, amputee.
The first four chapters were really good (a fourth of the book). I was enjoying it and full of anticipation. Then in chapter 5 Ceejay was bitter, narrow minded, angry and mean to the well-meaning grandmother. I would not have done what she did. Ceejay was angry at Matt, but she directed her anger at others. And Ceejay continued being rude, angry and mean later in the book (several times). I don’t require perfect heroines. That would be boring. I’m ok with heroines doing stupid or unlikeable things when it fits, but here it made me angry. I would have preferred circumstances and other characters create the conflicts.
The last part of the book reminded me of TV/Lifetime movies. Major life events happen for various characters - health issues, accidents, marriage, children, careers, moving. This was ok, but filming doesn’t pick up the depth and inner feelings that books can. I wanted more chemistry and interesting relationship development between Ceejay and Noah, and maybe with some of the other characters as well.
I loved Noah. He is close to being the ideal boyfriend/husband. I’d love to have a mother-in-law like Allison. She was meddlesome in a compassionate, loving, and helpful way.
The narrator Kate Rudd seemed ok. I wonder if her tone of voice made the heroine less likeable for me. I’m not sure.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 9 hrs and 56 mins. Swearing language: moderate including religious swear words, but rarely used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: current day Perfect, Indiana. Book copyright: 2012. Genre: contemporary romance, amputee.
April 26, 2018
Contemporary Romance like any other genre, has recurring tropes, there are archetypes and there are rules. My personal opinion is the greatest writers know the rules and then try to get away with breaking them. Authors like Penny Reid and Terri Osburn spring to mind.
That isn't this book.
This is fairly typical Contemporary Romance.
It reminded me of Robyn Carr and maybe a little of Marilyn Pappano.
As a CR it really isn't bad. I mean I've seen it all before but it still ticked all the boxes you expect from the genre.
I did find the way the author dealt with PTSD a little annoying but there's nothing new there. Honestly, I wish authors would just move onto the next trendy condition, maybe a scar through the eyebrow or something.
That isn't this book.
This is fairly typical Contemporary Romance.
It reminded me of Robyn Carr and maybe a little of Marilyn Pappano.
As a CR it really isn't bad. I mean I've seen it all before but it still ticked all the boxes you expect from the genre.
I did find the way the author dealt with PTSD a little annoying but there's nothing new there. Honestly, I wish authors would just move onto the next trendy condition, maybe a scar through the eyebrow or something.
September 22, 2017
This book was sweet and that is all. From the beginning, I wanted to read this book cz it takes place in Indiana , A state which I lived in for a while and adore it.
March 19, 2018
3 Sterne.
Konnte mich leider nicht abholen. Fand es stellenweise wirklich etwas übertrieben. Es ist einfach gehalten und ganz nett für Zwischendurch, mehr aber auch nicht.
Konnte mich leider nicht abholen. Fand es stellenweise wirklich etwas übertrieben. Es ist einfach gehalten und ganz nett für Zwischendurch, mehr aber auch nicht.
October 15, 2012
Far From Perfect is perfect. It is a heartwarming story that will sweep you away to a small American town and have you falling in love with the people who live there.
We meet Ceejay Lovejoy preparing her laundry while her boyfriend Matt is anxious to leave their apartment. He leaves all right. He leaves Ceejay at the curb, literally, after stealing her car and life savings. She’s pregnant, all alone, with no money, no car and her dreams of escaping small town Perfect, Indiana are gone. Aunt Jenny takes her back to the family homestead where Ceejay lives and raises her daughter Lucinda Mae (Luce) until she can take herself and Luce out of Perfect and to a big city where no one knows her life’s history. There’s only one problem, Noah Langford shows up on her doorstep with a kind heart and soul she can’t resist.
Noah Langford is a veteran who has returned home after surviving a suicide bombing, losing a leg, and is now coping with PTSD. His stepbrother dies in an accident and while looking through personal belongings, Noah finds an addressed envelope, cash, a letter and a life insurance policy for the woman his stepbrother abandoned when he found out she was pregnant. Informing his parents of this news, he sets out on a journey of healing, finding himself and unexpected love.
This story grabs you from the beginning and holds you till the end. You will be swept away to Perfect, Indiana and won’t want to leave. Barbara Longley writes with the charming detail, color, life and emotion. You will smile and you will cry. Far From Perfect now sits on my keeper shelf alongside my Nora Roberts books. Yes, it’s that good.
We meet Ceejay Lovejoy preparing her laundry while her boyfriend Matt is anxious to leave their apartment. He leaves all right. He leaves Ceejay at the curb, literally, after stealing her car and life savings. She’s pregnant, all alone, with no money, no car and her dreams of escaping small town Perfect, Indiana are gone. Aunt Jenny takes her back to the family homestead where Ceejay lives and raises her daughter Lucinda Mae (Luce) until she can take herself and Luce out of Perfect and to a big city where no one knows her life’s history. There’s only one problem, Noah Langford shows up on her doorstep with a kind heart and soul she can’t resist.
Noah Langford is a veteran who has returned home after surviving a suicide bombing, losing a leg, and is now coping with PTSD. His stepbrother dies in an accident and while looking through personal belongings, Noah finds an addressed envelope, cash, a letter and a life insurance policy for the woman his stepbrother abandoned when he found out she was pregnant. Informing his parents of this news, he sets out on a journey of healing, finding himself and unexpected love.
This story grabs you from the beginning and holds you till the end. You will be swept away to Perfect, Indiana and won’t want to leave. Barbara Longley writes with the charming detail, color, life and emotion. You will smile and you will cry. Far From Perfect now sits on my keeper shelf alongside my Nora Roberts books. Yes, it’s that good.
November 21, 2012
Ceejay Lovejoy has spent her life in the town of Perfect waiting for the day when she could finally leave it all behind her. But when her boyfriend steals her car, all her money and leaves her alone and pregnant at the age of 19 those plans to leave her hometown get put on hold.
Fast forward five years and Noah Langford has survived a war and returned home with PTSD and missing a leg. He soon discovers his stepbrother abandoned his pregnant girlfriend years ago and Noah decides to head to Perfect and het to know the woman who is raising his niece or nephew.
This book really tugs at the heartstrings. Emotionally it took me through all the ups and downs of these two people. Noah and Ceejay are deeply scarred individuals but somehow they find a way to overcome the past and be just what the other needs.
This is a warm story with a very happy ending. But I have to say some of the bumps along the way to happily ever after had me sobbing big ugly tears. There were some really painful moments and one in particular involving Ceejay’s Aunt Jenny hit a little too close to home for me. Those were tough pages to get through.
The characters are wonderful and it looks like this is the first book in a series. It looks like Noah’s baby sister is going to star in the second book and this is one reader who will be anxiously waiting that publication date. I was really quite captivated.
Cherise Everhard, November 2012
Booked received from the Amazon Vine Program
Fast forward five years and Noah Langford has survived a war and returned home with PTSD and missing a leg. He soon discovers his stepbrother abandoned his pregnant girlfriend years ago and Noah decides to head to Perfect and het to know the woman who is raising his niece or nephew.
This book really tugs at the heartstrings. Emotionally it took me through all the ups and downs of these two people. Noah and Ceejay are deeply scarred individuals but somehow they find a way to overcome the past and be just what the other needs.
This is a warm story with a very happy ending. But I have to say some of the bumps along the way to happily ever after had me sobbing big ugly tears. There were some really painful moments and one in particular involving Ceejay’s Aunt Jenny hit a little too close to home for me. Those were tough pages to get through.
The characters are wonderful and it looks like this is the first book in a series. It looks like Noah’s baby sister is going to star in the second book and this is one reader who will be anxiously waiting that publication date. I was really quite captivated.
Cherise Everhard, November 2012
Booked received from the Amazon Vine Program
June 17, 2017
My Musings
I always enjoy a military romance, and this one is a great one. I loved the characters and the story line. It Also has an excellent cast of secondary characters as well. I listened to the narrator, and she was fantastic, really brought the characters to life. Can't wait to read the next one in this series. Happy ☺reading 📚!
I always enjoy a military romance, and this one is a great one. I loved the characters and the story line. It Also has an excellent cast of secondary characters as well. I listened to the narrator, and she was fantastic, really brought the characters to life. Can't wait to read the next one in this series. Happy ☺reading 📚!
January 31, 2013
H/h: Noah/Ceejay
Where: Perfect, Indianna
I found this book on a discount email from Amazon. It's always fun to stumble on a little jewel. Far From Perfect was a sweet romance with a sweet story built around it. I found it refreshing after reading a few pretty intence books before reading this one.
Noah was an injured veteran trying to figure out what to do with his life since his plan to be career military was so abruptly taken from him. Now injured and battling PTSD he is not only trying to rebuild his life he's trying to find a reason to rebuild it.
Ceejay is dealing with some baggage of her own. Abandoned by her father before birth, abandoned by her mother as a preschooler and abandoned by her boyfriend, she is trying to build a life for herself.
What made the story worth reading, in my opinion, was the way the author showed that there is hope for our veterans as they return home from war. She didn't make it sound easy. She showed the work it takes and the support that is needed. But in the end she portrays a life worth living even if it's not the one that was planned.
Thank you Ms. Longley for a story of hope, community, loyalty, and love.
Where: Perfect, Indianna
I found this book on a discount email from Amazon. It's always fun to stumble on a little jewel. Far From Perfect was a sweet romance with a sweet story built around it. I found it refreshing after reading a few pretty intence books before reading this one.
Noah was an injured veteran trying to figure out what to do with his life since his plan to be career military was so abruptly taken from him. Now injured and battling PTSD he is not only trying to rebuild his life he's trying to find a reason to rebuild it.
Ceejay is dealing with some baggage of her own. Abandoned by her father before birth, abandoned by her mother as a preschooler and abandoned by her boyfriend, she is trying to build a life for herself.
What made the story worth reading, in my opinion, was the way the author showed that there is hope for our veterans as they return home from war. She didn't make it sound easy. She showed the work it takes and the support that is needed. But in the end she portrays a life worth living even if it's not the one that was planned.
Thank you Ms. Longley for a story of hope, community, loyalty, and love.
March 30, 2015
I have such a soft spot for military men, I believe I've mentioned this before. So of course this book instantly had a place in my heart. As I read the story, Noah burrowed himself in deeper and deeper.
The heroine, CeeJay, could have easily turned into the trope harpy/woman scorned caricature. Barbara Longley was really smart in showing CeeJay doubting her motives and questioning why she was treating Noah (and others) like they had wronged her. It helped me to like CeeJay throughout the whole book instead of having that moment (like in most romance books) that I wanted to shake her.
I'm still not sure I can warm up to Noah's dad, but I couldn't help but fall in love with the rest of the family members on both sides. Especially Ted and Allison. I can't wait to read more. And I hope Ted gets his story some day.
The heroine, CeeJay, could have easily turned into the trope harpy/woman scorned caricature. Barbara Longley was really smart in showing CeeJay doubting her motives and questioning why she was treating Noah (and others) like they had wronged her. It helped me to like CeeJay throughout the whole book instead of having that moment (like in most romance books) that I wanted to shake her.
I'm still not sure I can warm up to Noah's dad, but I couldn't help but fall in love with the rest of the family members on both sides. Especially Ted and Allison. I can't wait to read more. And I hope Ted gets his story some day.
November 9, 2012
I don't read a lot of romances lately. I get tired of the plots revolving around a series of misunderstandings and miscommunication. I like for the conflict in the stories I read to be more than daisy-petal maunderings about whether or not He Loves Me.
Far From Perfect had its fair share of that, but it also moved quickly. There wasn't too much time wasted on the usual "I said this but meant that". I give the book four stars because the setting is superb. It's the perfect escapist world for this kind of story.
Far From Perfect had its fair share of that, but it also moved quickly. There wasn't too much time wasted on the usual "I said this but meant that". I give the book four stars because the setting is superb. It's the perfect escapist world for this kind of story.
October 24, 2012
Far From Perfect is the heartwarming story of two wounded souls who find love and healing in the small town of Perfect. Longley has penned a charming, tender tale that will leave you wanting to return to Perfect again and again.
November 22, 2014
Loved the whole story. Start to finish. You want romance? You got it. You want a wounded warrior? You got it. Want a single mother? Yup. It's in there too. Everything you could want in a real, down to earth romance.
May 25, 2017
I think Kate Rudd's audio narration saved this book from being one long exercise in frustration. The plot uses the old device of characters making assumptions, which turns into miscommunication. It gets resolved fairly quickly each time, but it happened way too much.
Longley did take a stab at handling PTSD and a major war injury. But the focus here was more on abandonment issues and self-image. Lucinda was a nice distraction when she was in each scene.
Longley did take a stab at handling PTSD and a major war injury. But the focus here was more on abandonment issues and self-image. Lucinda was a nice distraction when she was in each scene.
April 10, 2017
In Weit entferntes Glück von Barbara Longley geht es um Noah Langford, der einen Sprengstoffanschlag überlebt hatte, bei dem viele seiner Kollegen gestorben waren. Als sein Stiefbruder Matt stirbt wird er auf dessen Ex-Freundin Ceejay Lovejoy aufmerksam und beginnt sich auf die Suche nach ihr zu machen um ihr ein Erbe zu übergeben. Ceejay jedoch hat überhaupt keine Interesse die Langfords in ihr Leben zu lassen, nachdem Matt sie schwanger sitzen gelassen hatte.
Ich habe dieses Buch schon ewig auf meinem Kindle und habe es jetzt endlich geschafft es einmal zu lesen. Dieses Buch liest sich mit einer wunderbaren Leichtigkeit! Obwohl sehr viel über Krankheiten, Dramen und Leid geschrieben wird zieht einem dieses Buch nicht runter und macht einen traurig wie so viele andere es tun. Die Autorin schreibt in einem sehr lockeren Stil und frischt alles sehr auf. Auch die meisten Charaktere im Buch mag ich gerne. Vor allem die kleine Lucinda ist ein reines Goldstück! Auch Teddy ist mit seiner Art und Weise einfach wunderbar beschrieben. Auch Jenny finde ich super. Leider waren die beiden Hauptcharaktere nicht so meins. Ceejay ist viel zu schnell eingeschnappt und denkt sofort an das Schlechteste und lässt nicht wirklich mit sich reden. Und Noah ist meiner Meinung nach sehr aufdringlich. Auch mag ich Noahs Vater nicht wirklich. Er ist mir ein sehr unsympathischer Mensch, der sich alles mit Geld zu erkaufen versucht. Abgesehen von den aneinander vorbeireden von Noah und Ceejay sind die beiden ein nettes Pärchen. Sie passen aufeinander auf und umsorgen sich. Die beiden bilden eine super Familie.
Im Großem und Ganzem hat mir das Buch nicht schlecht gefallen. Es liest sich super leicht und ist ein schönes Buch für Zwischendurch mit Happy End.
Ich habe dieses Buch schon ewig auf meinem Kindle und habe es jetzt endlich geschafft es einmal zu lesen. Dieses Buch liest sich mit einer wunderbaren Leichtigkeit! Obwohl sehr viel über Krankheiten, Dramen und Leid geschrieben wird zieht einem dieses Buch nicht runter und macht einen traurig wie so viele andere es tun. Die Autorin schreibt in einem sehr lockeren Stil und frischt alles sehr auf. Auch die meisten Charaktere im Buch mag ich gerne. Vor allem die kleine Lucinda ist ein reines Goldstück! Auch Teddy ist mit seiner Art und Weise einfach wunderbar beschrieben. Auch Jenny finde ich super. Leider waren die beiden Hauptcharaktere nicht so meins. Ceejay ist viel zu schnell eingeschnappt und denkt sofort an das Schlechteste und lässt nicht wirklich mit sich reden. Und Noah ist meiner Meinung nach sehr aufdringlich. Auch mag ich Noahs Vater nicht wirklich. Er ist mir ein sehr unsympathischer Mensch, der sich alles mit Geld zu erkaufen versucht. Abgesehen von den aneinander vorbeireden von Noah und Ceejay sind die beiden ein nettes Pärchen. Sie passen aufeinander auf und umsorgen sich. Die beiden bilden eine super Familie.
Im Großem und Ganzem hat mir das Buch nicht schlecht gefallen. Es liest sich super leicht und ist ein schönes Buch für Zwischendurch mit Happy End.
November 11, 2012
Author Barbara Longley begins her "Perfect, Indiana" series with "Far From Perfect", a heartfelt contemporary romance that will leave readers far from unaffected. Noah Langford had survived a roadside bombing in Iraq that cost him the men in his command. His heart was broken, his leg shattered beyond repair, and his personal hopes and dreams seemed far beyond his reach. Losing his beloved step-brother, Matt, felt like the last straw. Going through Matt's personal belongings, Noah discovers an envelope with a large amount of cash, an insurance policy, and a confessional letter of apology. Determined to find the truth about the last years of his step-brother's life, Noah heads out to Perfect, Indiana to find the person to whom the letter was addressed. Ceejay Lovejoy had been robbed and abandoned by her former boyfriend, Matt Wyatt. When Matt accidentally learned Ceejay was pregnant before she had the chance to tell him, he walked out of her life without pause, taking her car and her life savings along with him. Ceejay had saved for years to go to nursing school--her ticket out of Perfect. All of that changed with her unplanned pregnancy and Matt's cruel treachery, and Ceejay began a far different life than the one she had planned. Noah decided before heading to Perfect that he would get to know Ceejay before he told the truth about who he is and why he came there. He just didn't know that his life would be forever changed by his journey. The attraction he feels for this woman, the love he feels for her child, and the sense of place he finds in her town are not what he expected. What he finds and embraces in her community is just what she wants to leave behind. Despite the violence and trauma that Noah has experienced, he is still a gentle man, and that stirs a longing in Ceejay. Is it possible that she has found someone to trust for a lifetime? Both Noah and Ceejay have great personal problems to overcome. She had abandonment issues from her childhood long before Matt's betrayal, and Noah suffers from PTSD. He also has a very big secret that could destroy the emotional connection between them. The author has created a compelling, captivating story line in a setting that is picturesque and filled with people whom you will want to meet again. I look forward to my future visits to Perfect, Indiana.
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
January 7, 2013
I'd had this book in my TBR for a few weeks before I could block off the time to begin, and now I'm kicking myself for taking so long to get to it. This was one of the best Contemporary Romances I have read. It now has a home on my shelf of favorites, and I cannot wait for the next installment of the series. I don't feel like the back cover blurb does the book justice.
I ran the gamut of emotions reading this book, and I just couldn't put it down more than a few minutes for snack breaks. If you've ever felt abandoned or unwanted, if you've ever had high obstacles between you and your dreams, if you've ever lost a loved one, if you've ever had doubts over your worth, if you've ever been afraid to trust, if you’ve ever been frustrated by family, or if you've ever experienced the military life or PTSD, you will identify with some aspect of the characters in this story.
Noah, the hero, is a wounded warrior, having lost a leg to an IED. This doesn’t in any way overwhelm the focus of the story, though this is part of who he is. He feels lost after his return to the States, and finds a new home in Perfect. When he heads to Perfect, it’s out of his need to escape and out of a sense of responsibility toward the woman he learns his stepbrother had abandoned years earlier, but he’s taken with her right from the start. He makes mistakes, but I fell in love with Noah anyway, even faster than Ceejay does. He’s amazing. Honorable, loyal, protective, loving, strong, and sweet.
Though there were times my gut twisted at some of Ceejay’s thought processes, I completely got where she was coming from. Her fears and her pain were identifiable, understandable. This made the HEA so much sweeter. And no matter how she tried to distance herself from Noah, she couldn’t help giving her love and compassion when he needed her most, when she helped heal his spirit. Their connection is shown beautifully, the sensual tension is hot, and you will be rooting for them to break through all the obstacles in their way.
I ran the gamut of emotions reading this book, and I just couldn't put it down more than a few minutes for snack breaks. If you've ever felt abandoned or unwanted, if you've ever had high obstacles between you and your dreams, if you've ever lost a loved one, if you've ever had doubts over your worth, if you've ever been afraid to trust, if you’ve ever been frustrated by family, or if you've ever experienced the military life or PTSD, you will identify with some aspect of the characters in this story.
Noah, the hero, is a wounded warrior, having lost a leg to an IED. This doesn’t in any way overwhelm the focus of the story, though this is part of who he is. He feels lost after his return to the States, and finds a new home in Perfect. When he heads to Perfect, it’s out of his need to escape and out of a sense of responsibility toward the woman he learns his stepbrother had abandoned years earlier, but he’s taken with her right from the start. He makes mistakes, but I fell in love with Noah anyway, even faster than Ceejay does. He’s amazing. Honorable, loyal, protective, loving, strong, and sweet.
Though there were times my gut twisted at some of Ceejay’s thought processes, I completely got where she was coming from. Her fears and her pain were identifiable, understandable. This made the HEA so much sweeter. And no matter how she tried to distance herself from Noah, she couldn’t help giving her love and compassion when he needed her most, when she helped heal his spirit. Their connection is shown beautifully, the sensual tension is hot, and you will be rooting for them to break through all the obstacles in their way.
November 5, 2012
Received the ARC from Amazon Vine.
For Ceejay, the tightly knit community of Prefect Indiana isn’t the haven its namesake suggests; it represents abandonment compounded with the dreams she hasn’t been able to realize. However, for Noah, an outsider looking for a way to make peace with the man he once – it seems to be just that prefect. While both Ceejay and Noah struggle to deal with their haunting past; each is faced with desperate, unpredictable, and often intimate feeling toward the other - a relationship, of any kind, has its share of risks— but neither seems willing/able to open their hearts one more time…maybe together they can meld their broken dreams into a future together.
This is my first book by this author, but I have got to give her credit - she pulled out all the emotional stops with this debut to her contemporary-romance series. The book was very compelling -- I connected instantly with the characters, especially Ceejay, and just wanted hug her. I love to read books where I feel invested in the characters.
I’m hooked, there were great supporting secondary characters including Noah’s sister, Paige. She is the heroine in the next installment, Difference a Day Makes, The – along with Ryan Mallory, a member of Noah’s military brigade.
Disclosure: This paperback book was provided to me free of charge through Amazon Vine for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
For Ceejay, the tightly knit community of Prefect Indiana isn’t the haven its namesake suggests; it represents abandonment compounded with the dreams she hasn’t been able to realize. However, for Noah, an outsider looking for a way to make peace with the man he once – it seems to be just that prefect. While both Ceejay and Noah struggle to deal with their haunting past; each is faced with desperate, unpredictable, and often intimate feeling toward the other - a relationship, of any kind, has its share of risks— but neither seems willing/able to open their hearts one more time…maybe together they can meld their broken dreams into a future together.
This is my first book by this author, but I have got to give her credit - she pulled out all the emotional stops with this debut to her contemporary-romance series. The book was very compelling -- I connected instantly with the characters, especially Ceejay, and just wanted hug her. I love to read books where I feel invested in the characters.
I’m hooked, there were great supporting secondary characters including Noah’s sister, Paige. She is the heroine in the next installment, Difference a Day Makes, The – along with Ryan Mallory, a member of Noah’s military brigade.
Disclosure: This paperback book was provided to me free of charge through Amazon Vine for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
February 6, 2013
This is a lovely romance novel with a lot of drama but, naturally, a sweet happily-ever-after ending. I've never read anything else by Barbara Longley, and I'm not generally a reader of contemporary romance novels that aren't paranormal, erotic romance or both, so the closest thing I can think to compare this book to is The Lucky One. Like Nicholas Sparks' hero Logan Thibault, Noah Langford is a wounded war veteran. Noah discovers his recently deceased stepbrother Matt had a child the family never knew about and sets off to deliver the news of Matt's demise (and some cash) to the little girl's mother, Ceejay Lovejoy. Ceejay has abandonment issues and a quick temper, but Noah knows almost from the start that he doesn't want to leave her side. It's a case of two stubborn people who want to be together but let their pride get in the way. I enjoyed reading as their romance developed, and I also enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Aunt Jenny. The second book in the series, Difference a Day Makes, The, will focus on Noah's sister Paige, and I look forward to reading that.
October 28, 2012
The blurb on the back says that fans of Jodi Thomas and Susan Elizabeth Phillips “will fall in love with the heartwarming and emotional tale.” I am a a big fan of both and I agree. Far from Perfect has just the same feel good reaction that both of the other authors produce.
I loved the characters. Noah has PSTD but is working so hard to be able to live a normal life. He is one of those people who want and need to take care of others but always takes the blame of anything bad that happens to the people around him. Ceejay just does not trust. She thinks that people will leave and break her heart so she had put up a wall to hide behind. It takes a lot of work for the two of them to get together. Far From Perfect also had a great cast of secondary characters who add depth to the story.
The title is a play on the town. Perfect, Indiana sits on the banks of the Ohio and CeeJay’s goal in life is to leave because she thinks it is not the perfect place for her. Noah certainly does not think he is perfect. The word perfect plays a big part in the story.
The plot is well planned and written. We know that there will be an HEA but the twists and turns keep the tension high. Great character development plays a big part in the tension. The writing is crisp and the dialog excellent. Everything comes together and makes a great story.
There is a excerpt from the next book in the series at the back of the book. After reading it I am anxious to visit Perfect again.
I loved the characters. Noah has PSTD but is working so hard to be able to live a normal life. He is one of those people who want and need to take care of others but always takes the blame of anything bad that happens to the people around him. Ceejay just does not trust. She thinks that people will leave and break her heart so she had put up a wall to hide behind. It takes a lot of work for the two of them to get together. Far From Perfect also had a great cast of secondary characters who add depth to the story.
The title is a play on the town. Perfect, Indiana sits on the banks of the Ohio and CeeJay’s goal in life is to leave because she thinks it is not the perfect place for her. Noah certainly does not think he is perfect. The word perfect plays a big part in the story.
The plot is well planned and written. We know that there will be an HEA but the twists and turns keep the tension high. Great character development plays a big part in the tension. The writing is crisp and the dialog excellent. Everything comes together and makes a great story.
There is a excerpt from the next book in the series at the back of the book. After reading it I am anxious to visit Perfect again.
July 25, 2013
I enjoyed this one alot, even with a 1 year old daughter I managed to get this book read in a couple of days. I found myself not wanting to put this down and if I had, had the time I probably could have read this in one sitting.
The story was very sweet and I found the love story between Ceejay and Noah very adorable. A couple of times I wanted to bang their heads together but in general the love story angle to this was very sweet.
When reading this one I found I could really relate to Ceejay and certain situations and when she realised who Noah really was and his family descended on her, I felt very sorry and can imagine how awful that situation must be.
The love scenes were very mild compared to what I normally read but I think that made the love story to me seem sweeter. Also if you don't like raunchy then I think you would enjoy this one. If you like your love stories a little rauncier then you might be a little disappointed. But I think the story and the character made up for the lack of sex scenes.
This was a first for me from this author but I have to say not my last. I love the writing and the story. It sucked me in and didn't let me go until I had finished reading it.
The story was very sweet and I found the love story between Ceejay and Noah very adorable. A couple of times I wanted to bang their heads together but in general the love story angle to this was very sweet.
When reading this one I found I could really relate to Ceejay and certain situations and when she realised who Noah really was and his family descended on her, I felt very sorry and can imagine how awful that situation must be.
The love scenes were very mild compared to what I normally read but I think that made the love story to me seem sweeter. Also if you don't like raunchy then I think you would enjoy this one. If you like your love stories a little rauncier then you might be a little disappointed. But I think the story and the character made up for the lack of sex scenes.
This was a first for me from this author but I have to say not my last. I love the writing and the story. It sucked me in and didn't let me go until I had finished reading it.
June 5, 2013
What a pleasant surprise!! I have never read this author before and I am really glad that I did. I didn't expect much because I got this book for like $.99 or something close. It's been a while since I've read a good easy read. I started reading it on my vacation and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I really like the male character in this book, Noah. He was a wounded veteran of the Iraq war. He is compassionate, strong and smart. He falls in love with the heroine. He is convinced that he is broken not only because of his physical disability, but because of his PTSD.
The heroine is CJ. She is also broken. Her mother abandoned her, her baby daddy left her pregnant and she thinks everyone in this very small town pities her. She wants to move to a large city where no one knows her and start a new life with her daughter.
Things transpire and these two end up together. It is a very nice romance. Just what I wanted to read on vacation.
This is an enjoyable read that is well written. No cliff hanger - thank God for that. Check it out.
I really like the male character in this book, Noah. He was a wounded veteran of the Iraq war. He is compassionate, strong and smart. He falls in love with the heroine. He is convinced that he is broken not only because of his physical disability, but because of his PTSD.
The heroine is CJ. She is also broken. Her mother abandoned her, her baby daddy left her pregnant and she thinks everyone in this very small town pities her. She wants to move to a large city where no one knows her and start a new life with her daughter.
Things transpire and these two end up together. It is a very nice romance. Just what I wanted to read on vacation.
This is an enjoyable read that is well written. No cliff hanger - thank God for that. Check it out.
February 23, 2015
3.5 - 4 PERFECTLY SPARKLING STARS
Free to read and listen from kindle unlimited.
I listened to all of this book and it was a sweet love story, the narration was quite good and none of the voices got on my nerves.
Ceejay is abandoned when her partner (Matt) finds out she's pregnant he disappears along with her hard earned savings for her nursing college fund. She never contacts and never sees him again.
Noah has lost his leg whilst serving his country, he can't be around lots of people and loud noises because of his PTSD, it triggers him into a flashback.
Noah is Matt's half brother and when a tragedy strikes four years later, a letter is found addressed to Ceejay from Matt apologising to her about leaving her alone, pregnant and for stealing her savings. This spurs Noah to go and find Ceejay and her child and give the money Matt had left her along with the letter.
This is how Noah and Ceejay embark on a relationship, filled with drama, broken dreams, love and a cracking epilogue!
It was an easy paced read which kept my interest and I really enjoyed it.
Free to read and listen from kindle unlimited.
I listened to all of this book and it was a sweet love story, the narration was quite good and none of the voices got on my nerves.
Ceejay is abandoned when her partner (Matt) finds out she's pregnant he disappears along with her hard earned savings for her nursing college fund. She never contacts and never sees him again.
Noah has lost his leg whilst serving his country, he can't be around lots of people and loud noises because of his PTSD, it triggers him into a flashback.
Noah is Matt's half brother and when a tragedy strikes four years later, a letter is found addressed to Ceejay from Matt apologising to her about leaving her alone, pregnant and for stealing her savings. This spurs Noah to go and find Ceejay and her child and give the money Matt had left her along with the letter.
This is how Noah and Ceejay embark on a relationship, filled with drama, broken dreams, love and a cracking epilogue!
It was an easy paced read which kept my interest and I really enjoyed it.
October 29, 2012
This is a great book about two wounded people who heal each other while they fall in love.
CeeJay has spent the last 4 years raising her daughter and trying to save enough money to leave her small hometown for the big city. She feels that her family and the towns people look at her with pity. When Noah, a war veteran, shows up at her doorstep to rent her carriage house, she has no idea he is about to change her life.
Noah is sure he will never find peace again. Finding out his brother kept a secret from him and his family gives him a mission which he hopes will keep his mind occupied so he can forget the past for awhile. Meeting CeeJay and finding the town of Perfect makes him think he may have found a better way to quiet his broken mind.
I loved this book and can't wait for the next one in the series!
CeeJay has spent the last 4 years raising her daughter and trying to save enough money to leave her small hometown for the big city. She feels that her family and the towns people look at her with pity. When Noah, a war veteran, shows up at her doorstep to rent her carriage house, she has no idea he is about to change her life.
Noah is sure he will never find peace again. Finding out his brother kept a secret from him and his family gives him a mission which he hopes will keep his mind occupied so he can forget the past for awhile. Meeting CeeJay and finding the town of Perfect makes him think he may have found a better way to quiet his broken mind.
I loved this book and can't wait for the next one in the series!
June 8, 2013
This is a near-perfect contemporary romance. The heroine, the hero and the setting all come together to make this a thoroughly enjoyable book. The hero is a war veteran who is coming to terms with PTSD and losing his leg, while the smart, focused heroine is single mother who is determined to make a better life for her young daughter. Many contemporary romances, while entertaining,are so light hearted in tone that they don't really engage your emotions. FAR FROM PERFECT is not one of those books because it strikes a "perfect" balance between substance and romance.
July 6, 2013
I loved Noah & Ceejay. Noah, a war vet who lost his leg, just gets out of the VA after months of surgery and rehab to return home for his beloved younger step-brother's funeral. Searching for a purpose in his life, he takes upon the task of going through his brother's possessions and stumbles upon a secret- his brother left a pregnant girlfriend years ago after he stole from her and had felt guilty ever since. Noah decides to find this girl, who is his brother's beneficiary, and discover whether she had the baby or not. What he finds, is his future. FREE from Amazon Lending Library.
October 26, 2012
Superb Story-Top Drawer.
Wow, what an enjoyable romantic story this is, and so packed with emotion. Superbly written with wonderful characters you care about, this book has everything. My reviews always carry an entertainment rating, and for this one they went through the roof and still climbing. I really can't recommend it highly enough.
Wow, what an enjoyable romantic story this is, and so packed with emotion. Superbly written with wonderful characters you care about, this book has everything. My reviews always carry an entertainment rating, and for this one they went through the roof and still climbing. I really can't recommend it highly enough.
October 7, 2013
This was such a sweet book with a wonderful and inspiring message. Both Noah and Ceejay have dealt with some painful and very challenging circumstances. Noah's wounds seem so much more fresh and his demons so much more obvious. I loved that Noah sought out Ceejay trying to right a wrong done by someone else and found healing and happiness in the process.
March 19, 2013
I so dearly enjoyed this book. It was aptly titled as it was a perfect balance of emotions and pacing and characters and everything. This story kept me in a haze of warm and fuzzy feelings from beginning to end. Just loved it and can't wait for the next story from Barbara Longley and the wonderfully quaint little town of Perfect Indiana!
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