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A Perfect Mess

(Hope Parish #1)

Zoe Dawson (Goodreads Author)

3.74 · Rating details · 2,915 ratings · 304 reviews

A Perfect Mess (genre: New Adult)

I know what you did last summer.

Aubree Walker, the perfect girl most likely to succeed, is sure there’s only one person who knows what she did.

Booker Outlaw, one of the three Outlaw brothers—all identical, all gorgeous, all from the wrong side of the tracks, and all pure bad boys. He was always the unpredictable one, the one who would be br A Perfect Mess (genre: New Adult)

I know what you did last summer.

Aubree Walker, the perfect girl most likely to succeed, is sure there’s only one person who knows what she did.

Booker Outlaw, one of the three Outlaw brothers—all identical, all gorgeous, all from the wrong side of the tracks, and all pure bad boys. He was always the unpredictable one, the one who would be brash enough to make it big self-publishing horror novels on the internet. He promised never to tell, but everyone knows you can never trust an Outlaw.

Then a year later, in the middle of the night, she receives a phone call at Tulane. Her aunt, who took her in after her mother’s death, is in a coma under suspicious circumstances. Now she has to face that one person who knows all about what she did that summer—sexy Booker.

Returning to Hope Parish to be with her aunt, stirs up all those ugly memories. When Aubree starts getting threats, she can’t help but wonder if what she did last summer was tied to her aunt’s “accident.” Afraid, she turns to the only person who knows the truth and Booker doesn’t hesitate to offer his broad shoulder for her to lean on. But Booker has a secret of his own that could crush their fledgling relationship.

As the hot, sultry summer days move on, she finds that even a perfectly smart girl can lose her heart to a perfectly bad boy. What is she going to do when someone starts asking questions Aubree doesn’t want to answer? She’s knee deep into a terribly dangerous, wholly life changing, who-can-she-really-depend-on perfect mess.

A Perfect Series: Three perfect girls, three perfect secrets, one unholy trinity

A Perfect Mess, Book #1 – the girl most likely to succeed, an unpredictable Outlaw, and a dangerous secret that could be the death of her.

A Perfect Mistake, Book #2 – A preacher’s daughter, a reckless Outlaw, and a secret that will change her life forever.

A Perfect Dilemma, Book #3 – The town’s poor little rich girl, a sweet-talking Outlaw, and a secret that will ruin all that she holds dear ...more

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Kindle Edition, 367 pages

Published August 5th 2013 by Blue Moon Creative (first published September 29th 2012)

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· 2,915 ratings · 304 reviews

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Sep 26, 2013 Christine Wallflower & Dark Romance Junkie rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-or-netgalley

Actual rating: 3.5 Stars

I really, really enjoyed reading this book, it was the perfect light read with a bit of mystery thrown into the equation. The banter between Booker and Aubree was hilarious. Booker was cocky, funny and yet at the same time he could be sweet and considerate.

The book is set in the south (everything I no about the south is from watching true blood :P)That being said the story did have a few inconsistencies. But they didn't bother me much, although they were pretty obvious.

Au ...more

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Aug 07, 2013 ♥Rachel♥ rated it it was amazing

I LOVED A Perfect Mess!! It was an addictive blend of smoking HOT romance, sassy dialogue, fun sibling snark, and suspense. Love me them Outlaw Brothers!!

Aubree had been away at college for the last nine months. Away from her Aunt Lottie, her friends and Booker Outlaw, her unrequited crush *sigh*. She’s stayed away because of one terrible night that haunts her to this day. Booker is the only one who knows what happened and without his help, Aubree doesn’t know how she would’ve survived.

When an I LOVED A Perfect Mess!! It was an addictive blend of smoking HOT romance, sassy dialogue, fun sibling snark, and suspense. Love me them Outlaw Brothers!!

Aubree had been away at college for the last nine months. Away from her Aunt Lottie, her friends and Booker Outlaw, her unrequited crush *sigh*. She’s stayed away because of one terrible night that haunts her to this day. Booker is the only one who knows what happened and without his help, Aubree doesn’t know how she would’ve survived.

When an accident puts her beloved Aunt Lottie in the hospital, and in a coma under suspicious circumstances, Aubree rushes home. Her Aunt provided unconditional love and security for years and Aubree can’t bear the thought of losing her. Her heart skips a beat or two knowing that she’ll be running into Booker.

Aubree and Booker have had it bad for each other for years, but each of them have held back for different reasons. But with Aubree being threatened as soon as she comes back home, Booker appoints himself as her protector and won’t leave her side. Of course this makes their mutual attraction intensify, and pretty soon it’s no use fighting what was meant to be.

“Don’t you want to touch me?” I asked. She blushed and looked away.
“Only for about a million years.”
I spread my hands. “Then touch me. Wherever, however you want.”

Oh, I loved these two together!

Oh my lord, these Outlaw Brothers will be the death of me! I can handle one smoking hot bad boy (maybe), but three?!! Triplets, Booker, Braxton, and Boone, all identical with electric blue eyes, shaggy black hair, and muscles in all the right places. Couple that with their sassy but sweet words uttered in a Southern accent, and I’m a puddle of goo on the floor. Every time Booker called Aubree “sugar” I went a little weak in the knees! These boys are close, and their teasing and camaraderie was a treat to read. I love close sibling relationships, and the Outlaw Brothers lent support and love to each other with a little snarkiness thrown in for laughs.

I adored the setting of Louisiana with its rich Southern culture. I felt like I was experiencing the warm sultry nights by the bayou right along with Booker and Aubree. There was a great cast of secondary characters, as well: Booker’s brothers, and Aubree’s Aunt, and her friends, round out the story, and gave a glimpse into the future companion novels. This story centered on Booker and Aubree, but it set up coming romances for Boone and Brax. I believe Holy Mary Verity, the reverend’s daughter, and Boone will be next. I seriously can’t wait!

This was my first read by Zoe Dawson, but it definitely will not be my last! She cleverly combined all the things I love in a romance: chemistry, humor, and spice. With the addition of mystery and danger, this made for one hell of an addictive read!

A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
...more

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Sep 24, 2013 Melissa ***BITCH, I'M READING!*** rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2013

SPOILER-ISH R@YOR!

A Perfect Mess is the first book in the A Perfect Secret series.. Which are basically about three seemingly perfect girls that all have their own terrible secrets, and three brothers (triplets) with a bad rep..seems intriguing right?!...not so much..

This is Aubree story,
Aubree has tried to runaway from what happened last summer "on Magnolia Road"and has not been back home since, but when she gets a call saying that her Aunt has had an accident she races back home.. and fro ...more

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Jul 07, 2015 talon smith rated it did not like it

What in the hell? I am serious. What in the hell did I just read and why did I even finish it? I feel like I 100% understand why this book was free on Amazon and why the title is "A Perfect Mess". Fitting.

For one, the writing was absolutely terrible and not very mature for the age of the characters this author was hoping to portray and their conversations were so all over the place. If any body has ever read this and connected to a single character in this story you must be as shallow as a showe ...more

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Dec 06, 2017 Tpagirl Loves Romance rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-in-series, genre-erotic-ie-descriptive-sex, bought-special-free-read, 300-399-pages, genre-virgin, genre-new-adult

A Perfect Mess by Zoe Dawson was the first book I’ve read by the author. It’s the first book in the Hope Parish series.

Aubree Walker was the perfect, good girl student. She was a freshman in college and her studies drove her. Booker Outlaw was one of the Outlaw triplets that the small town of Suttontowne called white trash and held their lineage against them.

Booker and Aubree had history. They silently crushed on each other in high school and they shared a silent bond. Aubree hadn’t been home i ...more

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Mar 27, 2016 the hundred-eyed human rated it it was ok

A Perfect Mess is a story written by Zoe Dawson, and is the first among the Perfect Secret Trilogy. So, I guess I'll recommend this to someone who has nothing to read, don't leave other great books around to get caught up in this one. This is somewhat a waste of time. "Why?" you might ask. Let me bre-bre-break it down for you.
What I liked about this book?
The start It was one of the funniest and unique start I have ever come across. It starts with a dream, now you'll say "Pfft. What is unique in ...more

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Sep 26, 2013 Jenn rated it liked it

Recommended to Jenn by: Bethany

Shelves: boardingschools-college, crime-mystery-suspense-romance, arc-netgalley-r2r

ARC provided via Netgalley on behalf of Toot Suite.

Aubree Walker is an uptight, in control, good looking, math major 19-year-old. She was raised mostly by her aunt after her mother passed away. She's secretly harbored a crush on bad boy Booker Outlaw for years. Lucky for her, one fateful night, he becomes her knight and shinning armor. He saves the day and she runs away never to look back until her aunt has an accident that forces her home.

Booker Outlaw is this bad boy, town "black sheep", hunk ARC provided via Netgalley on behalf of Toot Suite.

Aubree Walker is an uptight, in control, good looking, math major 19-year-old. She was raised mostly by her aunt after her mother passed away. She's secretly harbored a crush on bad boy Booker Outlaw for years. Lucky for her, one fateful night, he becomes her knight and shinning armor. He saves the day and she runs away never to look back until her aunt has an accident that forces her home.

Booker Outlaw is this bad boy, town "black sheep", hunky 19-year-old best selling horror/thriller author. His last name has earned his family a bad reputation through out many generations, not due to fault of their own. However, he and his brothers may not have helped in that department. He is one of triplets. His brothers are Braxton and Boone. From being called the Holy Trinity to other names these three have made something of themselves. Braxton owns the local bar/restaurant and Boone is an awesome landscaper. Oh, lets not forget how musically inclined they are and how beautiful they sing as well. One last tid bit: Booker has always harbored secret feelings for Aubree as well.

Booker and Aubree have a secret that will forever bind them together. No matter what they do to forget it, forget each other or push each other away, this secret will forever haunt them. Now they have someone messing with them and Aubree's aunt. Does someone know their secret? What will happen when it all comes to light? What will become of Aubree and Booker when it's all said and done?

This book has a bit of mystery, crime, second chances at love, a good little twist and a cute side romance with the Sheriff and the aunt. However, there were times I felt that the Outlaw boys and Aubree were older than 19 years of age. I felt the Outlaws weren't portrayed in the "black sheep" light correctly. Aubree was supposed to be uptight but she sure came unwound faster then I could say BLACK SHEEP. For Booker being a bad boy, he definitely seemed to wear his emotions on his sleeves. I felt some things were farfetched such as, when Aubree learns about the twist, she doesn't react the way you would think she should. Also, how is it that Booker, Braxton and Boone are these super hunky awesome musicians with the most awesome jobs around and they are only 19? Most of the time, I swear they weren't 19 and for awhile I thought the aunt was way older than 40.

We did meet a cast of secondary characters, 2 of whom I'm positive will be Braxton and Boone's love interests in their own books. I definitely want to know why Verity and River Pearl's problems are with these men. ...more

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Mar 12, 2014 Rachmi rated it it was ok

Shelves: ebook, bully-abuse-dysfunctional-family, read-for-review-arc-netgalley, contemporary, romance

2.5 stars

ARC was provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

This story started with a good scene which I never expected will be that way. As much as it's kinda weird, I think it's hilarious and makes me laugh. And then the mystery regarding Aubree's leaving for college and never come back to her little town in nine months engage me to the story. I really want to know more about it. Add it with Aubree and Booker relationship which I think is really good. I like t 2.5 stars

ARC was provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

This story started with a good scene which I never expected will be that way. As much as it's kinda weird, I think it's hilarious and makes me laugh. And then the mystery regarding Aubree's leaving for college and never come back to her little town in nine months engage me to the story. I really want to know more about it. Add it with Aubree and Booker relationship which I think is really good. I like the way they tease each other and their take slowly relationship. It's really an engaging story for first part of the book.

But then, it's a little bit loose track after that. The more I read it, the more I feel like everything is too easy for the characters and the story. I'm not buying it anymore, though I'm still glue to the story. It's like everything are there to make the story ends perfectly in a happy ending kind of way. To be honest, after the first few chapters, I have my guess about what the mystery is and am curious of how the author handle it. Apparently, my guess is right, just like what I predicted but it doesn't make me happy because I'm not satisfied with the result, the way the characters handle it. It sounds wrong and too easy for them. It makes it kind of unbelievable to me. There are also things that are quite weird and I just couldn't believe it. Booker is a nineteen years old success author who only needs nine months to make him wealthy. Wealthy as in has 3 expensive cars, a house for himself, a house for her mom and help his brothers to have their own career, again I’m not buying it. And also (view spoiler)

Aside story related I also have to admit that I don't quite like character names in this book; Booker, Boone, River Pearl, Verity, Aubree (why can’t she just have a normal Aubrey name?). It might be just me since I never heard and read those names before. But it sounds that their name are only created for the story, too made-up to be in real life. Hence it's kinda hard to connect with them.

All in all, I think this could be a very good story. I liked and enjoyed half of it. Unfortunately the other half doesn't end well for me. However, I want to read the rest of the Outlaws, Booner and Braxton story.
...more

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Jul 29, 2013 Sarah {Literary Meanderings} rated it really liked it

Shelves: genre-new-adult, series-read, favorites, hang-on-while-i-take-a-cold-shower, zz-2013-ebc, zz-2013-lmctw, x-read-in-2013, genre-contemp-romance, zz-2013-wayrc, multiple-pov

♥ Find my reviews here: Literary Meanderings

- - -

We all wear masks to get by. To hide things from people who would strip us bare. We protect what's inside because it's too precious to be exposed. It's who we are. The real us.

Aubree Walker has a secret. A huge secret. It is for this reason that she's been avoiding her home town and everyone in it for nine months. Once high school was over, she all but fled town to a college in the city.

But escaping your past isn't always possible...

Au ...more

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Mar 15, 2018 Alicia Huxtable rated it really liked it

Thoroughly enjoyable

I found this story thoroughly enjoyable. The characters have a great chemistry that you can feel from every page. It wasn't all lovey dovey romance, it had issues and they were great!!! If there is one thing I can't stand, it's lovey dovey romance. ...more

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Sep 19, 2013 Kim rated it really liked it

“It was genuine. It was heartbreaking. It was… a perfect mess.”

Nine months ago, Aubree Walker left the small Louisiana bayou town she lived in to start her college life and didn’t look back. Too many painful memories awaited her if she did, particularly in the form of one very hot guy she left behind named Booker Outlaw. Seriously, how awesome is that name- add in longish black silky hair, sapphire blue eyes, built and ripped, and he is a triplet- YIKES!! A young Ian Somerhalder comes to min ...more

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Oct 06, 2014 Alexa rated it it was amazing

This is the first book in the Perfect Secret Series. This series is about three girls who on the outside are perfect almost untouchable but on the inside they have terrible secrets that need to stay hidden. The unholy trinity. The identical triples. The Outlaws. They have the bad boy image down but they might not be as bad as the town thinks they are. This is Aubree and Booker’s story.

Aubree Walker has been running for the past nine months. She has always been a perfectionist. In high school she ...more

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Oct 01, 2013 Jennifer☠Pher☠ rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley, arc

**ARC provided by Toot Suite via NetGalley for an honest review**

10/08/13 – 3.5★’s - I really enjoyed this book. The setting, the mystery and the romance. I am a sucker for a secret and this had a few. I love books set in the South and the setting for this story, a Bayou in Louisiana was written into the story perfectly. Three boys and three girls, “bad boys” and “good girls” is a great set up for a new series. Add in that these “boys” are hot, hot, hot triplets and well, you get me. This had th **ARC provided by Toot Suite via NetGalley for an honest review**

10/08/13 – 3.5★’s - I really enjoyed this book. The setting, the mystery and the romance. I am a sucker for a secret and this had a few. I love books set in the South and the setting for this story, a Bayou in Louisiana was written into the story perfectly. Three boys and three girls, “bad boys” and “good girls” is a great set up for a new series. Add in that these “boys” are hot, hot, hot triplets and well, you get me. This had the coming home again feel to it that always leads to a great story. A secret in their past gives Aubree and Booker and instant connection to each other that we are led to believe was even deeper. I do wish there would have been more depth to this, their back story. These two people shared a secret but aside from that the story tells us that there was really no other interaction between them. While apart they longed for each other and when brought together, well, they kinda had some insta love. I needed just a bit more for that to be believable. Aside from one moment there really wasn’t a big foundation for them. I was forgiving of this though and was able to move on with the story. It worked for the story. There are a few frustrating moments, but I guess they made sense with this being a small town and the characters are only nineteen. I can’t wait to continue with the series to learn more about the Brothers, both of their stories were set up in this book and I am interested in continuing.

I do want to mention two things. First and the most important, I forgot while reading, unless it was mentioned, that the characters were kids. They didn’t act like kids nor speak like kids. Booker’s wealth and career just didn’t mesh with a nineteen year old boy, nine months out of high school. His Brothers were also successful and already well set in to their careers. At minimum I would have had them being twenty-five years old and not nineteen, at minimum. Second, I received this as a review book from NetGalley and there were a ton of formatting errors that I do hope are fixed for the finished book. Although at times this made the reading a little difficult it did not change my feelings toward the story or the series and am anxious to continue.
...more

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Jun 05, 2014 Stacy Sabala rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, new-adult

Book Review- A Perfect Mess by Zoe Dawson

Aubree Walker gets a call in the middle of the night letting her know her Aunt fell down the stairs and is unconscious. Aubree has no choice but to go home. She hasn’t been back since she left. She ran from that one night staying busy hoping all the memories will go away.
When she gets there the first person she comes face to face with is Booker Outlaw, her high school crush she left behind nine months ago. He and his brothers have a bad reputation in the Book Review- A Perfect Mess by Zoe Dawson

Aubree Walker gets a call in the middle of the night letting her know her Aunt fell down the stairs and is unconscious. Aubree has no choice but to go home. She hasn’t been back since she left. She ran from that one night staying busy hoping all the memories will go away.
When she gets there the first person she comes face to face with is Booker Outlaw, her high school crush she left behind nine months ago. He and his brothers have a bad reputation in the town. They didn’t earn it but was born into it. Aubree has always been attracted to Booker but knows she isn’t staying after her Aunt is better. She tries to fight any feelings she has.
Booker has always liked Aubree. The girl just gets to him. He comes to her rescue multiple times and refuses to really look at why. When the past seems to be coming back and threatening Aubree, Booker is more determined to keep her safe.
When Aubree finally decides to give in to her feelings for Booker, he is hesitant knowing she is a forever girl and he doesn’t have anything to really offer her. Yet he is drawn to her giving into his feelings. When the harassment gets worse, he becomes more involved with Aubree.
Finally everything blows up and the truth comes out. Aubree fears she has lost everyone she loves, but herself. She now knows what she wants and decides it’s finally time to go after it.
This storyline was one to pull you in. The reader knows from the very beginning that there is a huge secret that involves Aubree. It has stopped her from going home. Then they are along for the ride as she has to go back, facing her past and Booker as well.
Someone is trying to scare her into revealing the secret. She is being stalked. So the reader is trying to guess the secret and who is trying to scare Aubree. Plus it was interesting to see how long it took for Aubree to see some sense and quit being afraid. Of course the biggest secret is a bit shocking and hits you out of no where. I didn’t see it coming. I give Aubree and Booker’s story a 4 out of 5 and impatiently wait for the next one.
...more

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Mar 19, 2015 Kami Dodson-Perry rated it liked it

Shelves: kindle

Aubree Walker & Booker Outlaw's Story starts all the way back in high school. Aubree was the new girl in town at the age of 10 and has known who Booker, Braxston, and Boone Outlaw were from day one. At least Aubree thought she knew them, She did not realize who Booker was until the day at school that Booker and Damien Langston got into a heated fight about her reputation. Daniel Langston was there to help beat the crap out of Booker but Booker had no idea Aubree heard any of that discussion. And Aubree Walker & Booker Outlaw's Story starts all the way back in high school. Aubree was the new girl in town at the age of 10 and has known who Booker, Braxston, and Boone Outlaw were from day one. At least Aubree thought she knew them, She did not realize who Booker was until the day at school that Booker and Damien Langston got into a heated fight about her reputation. Daniel Langston was there to help beat the crap out of Booker but Booker had no idea Aubree heard any of that discussion. And Aubree has loved him ever since that day.

Aubree ran from her hometown after a seriously messed up encounter with Damien Langston. She ran to protect Booker and to protect herself. Now Aburee is called back to her home due to her Aunt Lottie taking a tumble on the stairs.

Aubree now must face all the things she ran from including Booker Outlaw. But when Booker comes to her rescue for the 3rd time she just can't ignore him anymore.

Booker can't believe that Aubree is back. He has no idea what to do but he still wants this girl badly. Booker must figure out what he wants and how it will change him and their relationship forever. Now with the past creeping up on them and secrets being released into the world and their relationship can their friendship survive. And can they move past the friendship that they have only just begun to find out that both of their feelings go much deeper than they even knew.

I felt that this was a nice story. Not a lot of ups and downs. You can guess the secret right away between the 2 characters so it was not a huge mystery of what happened. I got a bit confused on the part with Aunt's secret and what happened to her family. I did not think it made a lot of since, I just did not really follow it. Aubree's character is so uptight that it is kind of funny to be honest. I did like that Booker was able to get Aubree to relax a little and have a little bit of fun. There were some holes in the story but all in all it was a good read.

I will continue with this series and by Book #2.

Rating 2 1/2 STARS ...more

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Dec 30, 2013 Hot Romance Novel rated it it was amazing

A Perfect Mess would not have been a book I would have picked up naturally...but I can not say how happy I am that I got a chance to read!! It gets 10 stars out of 5 in my book!! The setting takes place in Louisiana, which I happen to know all about. I could feel the and relate to the descriptions of the trees, the moon, the flower lined drives. The scents...all of it I was right there! But to get to the extra juicy stuff...Aubree, who I fell in love with her spirit to forge ahead and her brains ...more

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Oct 22, 2013 Niccisbookblog rated it it was amazing

OMG i love the Outlaw brothers!!!

This book is a perfect combination of suspense, secrets and lies, hotness, great dialogue, and great sibling relationships. This story blew me away the plot is gripping and fantastic with echo’s of first love revisited. The emotions are felt in every page through the writing, beautiful.

The secrets that run through this book has you guessing all the way through, you are captured by the mystery of what is going on in the deep south Bayou.
Aubree is a strong nerdy gi ...more

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Feb 20, 2014 Sarah Elizabeth rated it liked it

Shelves: read-2014, netgalley-edelweiss, r2r-complete, new-adult, romance, adult, contemporary

(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Blue Moon Creative and Netgalley.)
Aubree is shocked when she gets a call to tell her that her aunt is in the hospital seriously ill, but going back to her aunt’s house means going back to the town where Booker lives – the guy she has always been secretly in love with.
Will Aubree’s Aunt recover? And what will happen between Aubree and Booker?

This was an okay contemporary romance story, but it was a littl ...more

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Sep 26, 2013 Bethany rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed the debut novel A Perfect Mess by Zoe Dawson. It definitely has a little something for everyone, mystery, misunderstood southern bad boys (maybe that’s just me), romance and funny banter. Aubree Walker will do anything to be the perfect student and the perfect niece in her small Louisiana town, that’s until an event sends her running. Booker Outlaw is one of the three Outlaw triplets and their reputation matches their last name. An accident sends Aubree back home from college wh ...more

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Aug 07, 2013 Heather andrews rated it it was amazing

I got so lost in this book (by that I mean once I started reading it I couldn't put it down.) I'm digging this small town stuff I actually rather read books about small towns than a big city I'm not sure why. Booker he's just hot, and dominating and I love the hell out of him, "always with the argument, Aubree. Just move it, sugar. We'll argue right after right and wrong after I check things out." He slapped me on my a**." It's fun being in Booker's mind, "I speared the frog. Down boy! I ordered ...more

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Oct 08, 2014 Philomena Callan Cheekypee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: loved-it

This is the start of what looks like a fantastic series. I really enjoyed this story.

After something happened during the summer Aubree fled Hope Parish. Now she needs to go back as her aunts in a coma. Here she's reunited with Booker- one of the sexy triplets.

This is a really great read. Full of mystery and suspense this is a really gripping read. So beautifully written I felt as if I was there.
Highly recommend this story. ...more

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Aug 17, 2016 Aimee S Butt rated it it was amazing

Great Hero!

Looooooved Booker!
This story hooked me. I couldn't put it down!
I will read more by this author. Thank you! ...more

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Nov 09, 2020 Cindy rated it really liked it

Shelves: own-iphone, books-read-2020

I’ve had this book on my iPhone and I’m happy I finally chose to dig into it. I loved the back and forth banter between Aubree and Booker. The book made all those brothers swoon worthy, I can’t wait to read and see what happens between Boone and Verity, and Braxton and River Pearl. I think this book did a good job of opening up all the characters and getting to know them all and invested in their story’s. I’m happy that Booker got his HEA with Aubree, I was worried it wasn’t gonna be in the book ...more

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Sep 25, 2013 Jeannie Zelos rated it it was amazing

A Perfect Mess. A Perfect Series #1. Zoe Dawson.

Arc supplied via Netgalley.
I've not read any of Zoe's work before, but really enjoyed this book and would happily read more. It's a stand-alone novel – hurrah!! I see there's two more on the series planned, and I assume/hope they're the stories about Bookers brothers and Aubree's friends – this book seems to be setting them up to pair off :)
Well, the food in this....didn't help that I read it yesterday, having decided a diet was needed and I’d t A Perfect Mess. A Perfect Series #1. Zoe Dawson.

Arc supplied via Netgalley.
I've not read any of Zoe's work before, but really enjoyed this book and would happily read more. It's a stand-alone novel – hurrah!! I see there's two more on the series planned, and I assume/hope they're the stories about Bookers brothers and Aubree's friends – this book seems to be setting them up to pair off :)
Well, the food in this....didn't help that I read it yesterday, having decided a diet was needed and I’d try the Fast diet, 500 cals a day for two days a week, and I decided to save them all for tea, so reading all the delicious foods, boudin sausage, craw-fish, apple pie, real vanilla ice-cream was torture :) still, the frog sticking helped – eurghh I cannot imagine killing and eating them!
The book though – was a great read. The mystery of what happened in Wild Magnolia Road was set early, and I was dying to know what did happen. Clearly Aubree and Booker shared some kind of link about it, but it was all a big secret and I wanted to know what it was! Aubree is home from college as her aunt is in hospital after a fall, and no-one knows whether it was an accident or not. Straight away things happen to Aubree, starting with an attack on her car before she's even got into the house. She gets weird texts too that frighten her, and indicate someone knows more about the mystery. She's been avoiding home and Booker since it happened almost a year ago – Booker is a real charmer though and is on hand as ever to help and defend Aubree, even though she's tried to keep away from him and when first home gives him the cold shoulder. Its clear from both her words and actions she really wants to be closer, and the same with him and yet despite his attempts she keeps trying to stay back. He's never thought he was good enough for her though because of his background, and she's always felt that he's so stunning that she wouldn't attract him for more than just a friendship. They find out though that they can't stay away from each other, and as their relationship heats up the danger increases. I was on the edge of my seat wondering just what was going to be revealed. There's mysteries round every corner, some dangerous and many just part of their history but that impact on the present.
Its beautifully written – who can't help but love Booker, and his triplet brothers? They've pulled themselves up from poverty, with Bookers novel sales providing start up for the other two to have their own business. So the kids that the town denigrated have become something after all, and yet there are still those that can't see beyond the Outlaw name. Like all life I guess, some people are born bigots and won't ever change their ways :( I loved Aubree too – what was the chicken stuff though? If it was revealed somehow I’ve missed it, and it keeps nagging at me – I might have to re read just to search for it!! Her aunt was wonderful also, and the two girls she's been friends with since school. Aubree doesn't have many friends, she's always kept herself quite closed, possible due to her background, but they don't let that put them off, and now she's back they pick up as if she'd never left. Its clear too that they both have feelings for the other two Outlaw boys.
The characters – the triplets and the girls – are all 19/20 ish but feel older. There's none of that juvenile silliness that's so irritating in many books about people this age, and instead they just fit perfectly into small town life. I felt I was there – and given I've never been far from home that's good :) I loved the way the boys spoke... “sugar” - I could just hear those soft, seductive voices. There was so much emotion, about past events, and those of the present and possible future that I was pulled completely into the characters lives. When the big hiccup came I was sooo sad, felt tears and a lump in my throat. I know its just a story, but in a real good book the emotion is such that it feels real. I love a HEA too so was great to get one. There was some sex here, but beautifully and seductively done, fitted the plot and isn't graphic in-your-face sex that puts many readers off. I look forward to reading the next stories in the series. Priced at £2.49 for 215 pages/465 kb its good value and had enough depth to be one I’d love to re read. One for the keepers file.
Stars: bit longer and I’d have gone five, so four and a half. Great book if you love romance and a suspense/mystery behind it.

...more

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Oct 16, 2013 RoloPoloBookBlog rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mystery-suspense, adult, contemporary-romance, romance

A Perfect Mess by Zoe Dawson
(Book #1: A Perfect Secret Series)
Source: Author
Rating: 5/5 stars

Aubree Walker is all about the numbers – numbers make sense, numbers are predictable, and numbers make no judgment about what Aubree did last summer. Moving to Tulane’s campus to study Statistics and out of Hope Parish was the best move Aubree ever made and if she has her way, there will be little to no returning to Hope Parish and her past. The only problem with never going home is the guilt Aubree cons A Perfect Mess by Zoe Dawson
(Book #1: A Perfect Secret Series)
Source: Author
Rating: 5/5 stars

Aubree Walker is all about the numbers – numbers make sense, numbers are predictable, and numbers make no judgment about what Aubree did last summer. Moving to Tulane’s campus to study Statistics and out of Hope Parish was the best move Aubree ever made and if she has her way, there will be little to no returning to Hope Parish and her past. The only problem with never going home is the guilt Aubree constantly feels over her virtual abandonment of her beloved aunt and that beautiful boy, Booker Outlaw who helped Aubree when she was at her lowest and most vulnerable.

With finals over and her summer work schedule at Tulane already secured, Aubree is blown away by the late night phone call informing her of her aunt’s accidental fall which has left her in a coma. Suddenly never going home again is no longer an option. Terrified of losing her only relative, Aubree packs up and heads back to Hope Parish and within minutes of arriving, bad things start to happen. Apparently, someone knows about last summer. Finding herself in yet another low and vulnerable moment, Aubree is beyond glad to see Booker Outlaw. Though not intending to come to the rescue, Booker finds himself once again helping Aubree and ensuring her safety.

Booker Outlaw is one third of the unholy trinity and along with his twins (yes, ladies we have hawt TRIPLETS!) Braxton and Boone, the Outlaw boys have done everything within their power to live up to their last name. Well, kind of. Thanks to a long dead and seriously naughty relative, the Outlaw boys had a reputation for bad even before they were born. While the boys have certainly gotten into their fair share of trouble, they sure don’t deserve the nasty reputation they have. In fact, Booker is not only an honorable and decent guy, he is also a highly successful, though somewhat anonymous, best-selling author. While Booker generally exudes confidence and more than a tiny bit of attitude, his latest run in with Aubree has left him discombobulated.

As threats to Aubree’s safety increase she finds herself needing Booker more and more. Thanks to a deep sense of honor and need to protect, Booker finds himself both willing and able to protect Aubree. Mixed in with all the danger and the mystery of who’s behind the threats is an intense attraction to one another – oh yes, this is one hell of a story!! And Dawson’s not done with the awesome. In order to tie everything together, Dawson adds a nice little twist which sets the past and the present on a collision course with one another. This is one of my favorite things to find in a book 

The Bottom Line: A Perfect Mess is a perfect combination of mystery, suspense, light action, the past meets the present and, some naughty bits thrown in for good measure. Though the novel revolves around Aubree and Booker, the other two-thirds of the unholy trinity and Aubree’s two best friends also play significant roles. Other than the big bad, there is not a single character in A Perfect Mess that I didn’t like. The Outlaw boys are some kind of hot, completely surprising, and totally worthy of your affection. Side note: I may want to lick each one of the Outlaw Triplets  While I feel like the boys are stronger characters than the girls are at this point, the girls are still power players and each brings her own brand of uniqueness to the table. Overall, I can’t say enough good things about this book and if books two and three are as good as this read, the A Perfect Secret series is going to certainly be included on my year-end list of top reads!! ...more

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Nov 12, 2013 Candy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

I loved A Perfect Mess! I’m finding I really like these edgy, New Adult romances!

Aubree Walker had not been back home since she left for college. Finding every excuse not to come home for the holidays and summer vacation. It’s been a year now since that night...a night she wants to forget about. Going home only reminds her of what happened, but when she gets a call informing her that her Aunt Lottie has been hurt and is in a coma. Aubree rushes home to be with her. Aunt Lottie is the only family ...more

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Sep 22, 2013 Paula Phillips rated it it was amazing

Nine months ago , Aubree was living life as a high school valedictorian and everything was going well until an incident caused her to up and leave everyone she had cared for since she was 12 years old when she went to live with her Aunt Lottie after her mother died. For the past nine months, Aubree has been studying Statistics as a major and chucking herself into work as when it comes to Statistics and Math - you have to be perfect , and there's no room to mess up. Trying to forget the past is ...more

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Nov 25, 2013 Angelina rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley-arc

3.5 I know what you did last summer Stars

Triplets ALERT!! Those southern boys sigh...

To be honest the triplets really got my attention reading this and the mystery behind the story. Aubrey Walker is the "Miss I want to be perfect" kinda girl while Booker is one of the notorious unholy Outlaw brothers the "Im afraid in commitment" kind of guy. The secret they shared and the secrets they keep to them selves. In the story you can see how both characters grow learning things about each other. I re ...more

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Aug 25, 2013 Veronica rated it liked it

This is not a bad book, I am sure that a lot of people would absolutely love this book. My problem with it, and I can't help myself here, is CHEESE!! It seems to me that in a cheese department the author confused the New Adult with Harlequin Contemporary. Now I don't mind some cheese in an appropriate book, but Angst and Cheese really just doesn't match to me! Again it could be just me.... ...more

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Sep 24, 2013 Lori Clark rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary-romance, new-adult, arc

Great voice. Great characters. Great storyline. What more could a person ask for in a book. I adored Aubree and I want my very own Booker clone. Such neat characters. The descriptions of the area, the people, everything was so well constructed, I visually painted each scene in my mind's eye while reading along. I look forward to reading the other two books in the series! Bravo Ms. Dawson! ...more

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About Zoe Dawson

Zoe Dawson

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Zoe Dawson, the author of 40+ books had always dreamed of becoming a full-time romance writer. Her other passions include traveling the world, owning a beach house (she believes she was a mermaid in another life), and seeing her books in movies. When she’s not writing, she’s painting or killing virtual MMORPG monsters in World of Warcraft ...more

Other books in the series

Hope Parish (6 books)

Books by Zoe Dawson

A Perfect Mistake (Hope Parish #2; A Perfect Secret, #2)

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Quotes from A Perfect Mess

“Sometimes I feel like I could disappear and no one would miss me, like a sad, forlorn helium balloon floating away until it vanishes.” — 1 likes

“Whoever was there is gone now," Booker said on his way back down the stairs. "Are you all right, sugar?"
I took the towel he handed me. My eyes narrowed. "I will be once the heart attack you gave me subsides."
"I have that effect on all the girls.” — 1 likes

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