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Hope Parish #1
A Perfect Mess
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 on the bayou 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.
This book is for mature audiences only!
New Adult Contemporary Romance.
A Perfect Mess is part of the Perfect Secret series and is a Hope Parish novel. It can be read as a stand-alone novel or in any order with the series.
The publishing order of the series is as
A Perfect Mess
A Perfect Mistake (coming soon)
A Perfect Dilemma (coming soon)
Other books by this Author-Going to the Dogs series
Leashed
Groomed for Murder
Hounded
Collared (coming soon)
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 on the bayou 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.
This book is for mature audiences only!
New Adult Contemporary Romance.
A Perfect Mess is part of the Perfect Secret series and is a Hope Parish novel. It can be read as a stand-alone novel or in any order with the series.
The publishing order of the series is as
A Perfect Mess
A Perfect Mistake (coming soon)
A Perfect Dilemma (coming soon)
Other books by this Author-Going to the Dogs series
Leashed
Groomed for Murder
Hounded
Collared (coming soon)
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
864 people are currently reading
3331 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Dawson
111 books2,726 followersNewsletter sign up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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. She lives in North Carolina with her two grown children and one small, furry gray cat.
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. She lives in North Carolina with her two grown children and one small, furry gray cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
November 6, 2013
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.
Aubree, is a perfectionist. She thrives on controlling her surrondings, the better she does the better she feels about her self. This perfect dream is burst by an incident that happened nine months before she went to college. Because of this she stays as far away from home as possible, alienating her aunt who has always been there for her. When her aunt is injured in a mysterious incident, she comes rushing home only to be greeted by Booker, the last person she wanted to see. But when she starts getting threats via text, she realises she may need him.
Booker, is one of the unholy trinity, three brothers who happen to be triplets, all identical. He has crushed on Aubree since he was twelve years old, and he has been standing up to anyone who has ever had a bad word to say about her for almost just as long.
When Aubree comes back to town, he wants her and he wants her bad. But the shadow hanging over his family holds him back. He's always been told he'll never amount to anything because he's an Outlaw, and even though he doesn't show it, this has always hurt him.
What worked
The first thing that attracted me to this book was the fact that we have three brothers. They are triplets. They are identical. Need I say more? Booker is a bit of a jerk, but a sweet jerk. He has this really close relationship with his two brothers, they're always there for each other.
The banter between Booker and Aubree was hilarious and adorable. This a coming of age story at heart, and although this book was very light and fluffy, the message still came through strong. You are not your past, your family's past sins do not define you who you are.
The outlaw brothers also have Cajun cousins, and they throw the word "Chere" around alot! SWOON!!! :P
What didn't work
There were just a few things that couldn't be ignored.
1. Damien went missing nine months ago, no one in town has even thought to ask about his whereabouts. I don't care how big of an asshole he was, this did not sit right with me.
2. Aubree's aunt's big reveal close to to the end of the story, it was completely random and it just didn't gel with the story very well.
3.
4.
5. The ending was just way too rushed, in this case the story needed to be longer.
Final Thoughts
Despite my long list of glitches with this book, I really did enjoy it. I couldn't put it down and I am really looking forward to Verity and Boone's story!
ARC provided by NetGalley on behalf of Blue Moon Creative in return for an honest review
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.
Aubree, is a perfectionist. She thrives on controlling her surrondings, the better she does the better she feels about her self. This perfect dream is burst by an incident that happened nine months before she went to college. Because of this she stays as far away from home as possible, alienating her aunt who has always been there for her. When her aunt is injured in a mysterious incident, she comes rushing home only to be greeted by Booker, the last person she wanted to see. But when she starts getting threats via text, she realises she may need him.
Booker, is one of the unholy trinity, three brothers who happen to be triplets, all identical. He has crushed on Aubree since he was twelve years old, and he has been standing up to anyone who has ever had a bad word to say about her for almost just as long.
When Aubree comes back to town, he wants her and he wants her bad. But the shadow hanging over his family holds him back. He's always been told he'll never amount to anything because he's an Outlaw, and even though he doesn't show it, this has always hurt him.
What worked
The first thing that attracted me to this book was the fact that we have three brothers. They are triplets. They are identical. Need I say more? Booker is a bit of a jerk, but a sweet jerk. He has this really close relationship with his two brothers, they're always there for each other.
The banter between Booker and Aubree was hilarious and adorable. This a coming of age story at heart, and although this book was very light and fluffy, the message still came through strong. You are not your past, your family's past sins do not define you who you are.
The outlaw brothers also have Cajun cousins, and they throw the word "Chere" around alot! SWOON!!! :P
What didn't work
There were just a few things that couldn't be ignored.
1. Damien went missing nine months ago, no one in town has even thought to ask about his whereabouts. I don't care how big of an asshole he was, this did not sit right with me.
2. Aubree's aunt's big reveal close to to the end of the story, it was completely random and it just didn't gel with the story very well.
3.
4.
5. The ending was just way too rushed, in this case the story needed to be longer.
Final Thoughts
Despite my long list of glitches with this book, I really did enjoy it. I couldn't put it down and I am really looking forward to Verity and Boone's story!
ARC provided by NetGalley on behalf of Blue Moon Creative in return for an honest review
September 28, 2013
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!
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!
September 30, 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 from the minute she pulls in her aunt driveway things start happening...
Booker Outlaw is the only one who knows what happened that day on Magnolia Road" he help her and has kept her secret.
Aubree and Bookers romance was sweet,Miss goody two shoes and the town bad boy, yea it's been done a million times before..but hey it works.
This book started off strong, I was really into the mystery of what happened "on Magnolia Road" but as the book went on and I kept reading"on Magnolia Road" but it never saying what happened I started to lose interest.
There where a lot of things I enjoyed about this book but then some things had me thinking " yea, right, wtf ever"
things I liked..
The boys,
hot southern bad boy Triplets..I'm so game for that.
Booker is a writer(nuff said)
Boone, landscape and construction(good with his hands)
Brax is a cook(yum, girls gotta eat)
all things southern..I'm from the south.love books about southern love
The story concept..though I think this book could have been better I liked the idea behind the story.
What I didn't like.
The girls
Aubree, the smart one
River Pearl the Southern Belle princess
Verity the Preachers daughter
...Ugh just their names annoy me
Booker writing career,
so apparently he has published a few books and they have done well, so well in fact that he has a shit ton of money enough to have 3 cars and a sweet ass house built and was also able to give the front money to his brothers to start their businesses..and he is only 19..
sorry not buying it..
the over dramatic fight between Aubree and Booker
all because Aubree saw Booker get beat up defending Aubree's honor in high school..and never said anything about seeing it or knowing that Booker had liked her for so long... this fight was treated like the biggest betrayal ever..it included Booker running away( literally to his moms house)
Damien disappears no body notices
One of the twin sons of a small town big shot comes up missing..no one bats an eyelash?
unlikely..I live in a small southern town..everyone is in everyone business..
Aubree Aunt secret..
when this was happening all I could think was " what does this have to do with anything"
Aubree's Aunt relationship with the sheriff..
you got from not dating to engaged..because when you woke up from a coma he was there..well yea.. that's kinda his job, but whatever.
everyone's so causal
when we finally find out what happened "on Magnolia Road" and that other thing happens,the Sheriff, Aubree's aunt( who's known all along what happened because she overhead Aubree and Booker talking right after is happened) they just cover it up..two people are dead..nobody cares, no one asks questions..everyone just..forgets about it..sigh..how neatly wrapped up can ya get?
At this point I don't know if I will continue the series..see now that I've had more dislikes the likes..I'd say chances are slim..
ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLY
August 5, 2016
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 shower because they dang sure didn't have any depth.
The plot? TERRIBLE. And the two major plot twists were even worse. The dialogue? CRINGE. The pet names? COME ONE. And HELLO. GRAMMAR. EDITING. It's important. VERY important.Where was it? I missed it with this book.
There was so much unnecessary drama that my eyes stayed permanently rolled at the back of my head. So, if you enjoy dramatic characters with no depth, a predictable story line, and short, quick reads I highly recommend this book to you.
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 shower because they dang sure didn't have any depth.
The plot? TERRIBLE. And the two major plot twists were even worse. The dialogue? CRINGE. The pet names? COME ONE. And HELLO. GRAMMAR. EDITING. It's important. VERY important.Where was it? I missed it with this book.
There was so much unnecessary drama that my eyes stayed permanently rolled at the back of my head. So, if you enjoy dramatic characters with no depth, a predictable story line, and short, quick reads I highly recommend this book to you.
December 6, 2017
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 in months. She had a secret that she was harboring and it was festering every day. When she worked on her studies, she kept the pain and guilt away. But her aunt was unconscious in the hospital and she had to go home. Booker was the first person she saw when she went home and the storyline began to build.
I really liked the plot and enjoyed it as it progressed. It was suspenseful with a mixture of humor and great bantering. Dawson built the relationship between Booker and Aubree but also included a strong supporting cast of characters between Booker’s family and Aubree’s best friends. It set the stage for an entertaining series.
Although I liked the storyline, it was also a little slow for me. I was craving faster paced and found myself easily distracted while I was waiting for the story to get to the point. From an editing standpoint, one third of the details could have been eliminated for a faster paced story and not affected the book negatively. For that alone, I rated it a 3.5; which rounded up to a 4 on this rating site.
Otherwise, I enjoyed it thoroughly and can’t wait to read the remaining books in the series. Next up is Boone and we finally get to see first hand what happened to create Verity’s animosity. Bring it on!
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 in months. She had a secret that she was harboring and it was festering every day. When she worked on her studies, she kept the pain and guilt away. But her aunt was unconscious in the hospital and she had to go home. Booker was the first person she saw when she went home and the storyline began to build.
I really liked the plot and enjoyed it as it progressed. It was suspenseful with a mixture of humor and great bantering. Dawson built the relationship between Booker and Aubree but also included a strong supporting cast of characters between Booker’s family and Aubree’s best friends. It set the stage for an entertaining series.
Although I liked the storyline, it was also a little slow for me. I was craving faster paced and found myself easily distracted while I was waiting for the story to get to the point. From an editing standpoint, one third of the details could have been eliminated for a faster paced story and not affected the book negatively. For that alone, I rated it a 3.5; which rounded up to a 4 on this rating site.
Otherwise, I enjoyed it thoroughly and can’t wait to read the remaining books in the series. Next up is Boone and we finally get to see first hand what happened to create Verity’s animosity. Bring it on!
April 7, 2016
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 that?". I say it's unique because it doesn't start from a mysterious dream; it starts with a dream about chickens. Yes, I am taking about chickens. So, it was probably a HUGE mistake for Zoe to get my expectations reaching for the sky. And later when I came to know that this dream had no relation with the story. I was like...
Why put something so good, but unnecessary and get my hopes up?
And in tiny tiny bits and pieces of the story, I found the true potential of Zoe, to write good stories. So that's why the Two stars.
Now the interesting part. What I didn't like. *cue maniac laughter with lightning in background*
A Unrealistic story. This is one of the most ridiculous and unrealistic story ever. Basically, it introduces us to a girl, Auburn, who is very uptight and serious about her studies and wants no distraction. Ok, very good. I appreciate that kind of characters. Means it will make the story more interesting, BUT the next day she is all head over heels for this guy, Booker. Maybe she drank some Love Potion or something. She thinks Booker is her soul mate. How?? How you can go all gooey over a guy in ONE SINGLE night?? And I mean your aunt is in critical condition, and you go around to a PARTY?? Now I can see how uptight and serious and responsible you are. Just a fake story with fake cheesy characters. Pfft. In fact, they were so cheesy that I could have made a pizza topped with extra chesse.
A completely broken story. It had so much potential to be a marvelous book, a complete book with all the nooks and crannies and twists and turns. It could have been an explosion, and it even lighted up correctly but then phooossssss.... it went out. It was just so brittle, not smooth and my feet pained like hell to go in this journey. After each in every page, I was muttering, "What?" or "Really?"or “You people are insane!”.
This book made me angry, very very angry.
The writing. The writing was very unstable. Because according to Zoe, a page filled with words will have no meaning unless it has the word "hard" or "lips" "get" in it. I definitely understand your problem Zoe, your favorite word is "hard", right?? So, you have to keep repeating it in each and every single page. Why guys? Because according to Zoe, “Sex sells” and you just need to throw obnoxious words around like confetti.
And CONGRATULATIONS!! You deserve a…
Congratulate her guys! Zoe just learned a new proverb! “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” She learned this outstanding proverb and now she can’t resist the urge to use it almost 100 times. She really takes proverbs seriously, though. I mean you are allowed to mention a thing multiple times to emphasis on it and when the story requires it. Why do you just throw the proverb at any random page, when the story doesn’t even need it?
OH OH and the climax was horrible. The suspense was building and building and then “Meh!”. Nothing happened,NOTHING. Though the book deals with a very serious problem- I have to say it- It just didn’t have ANY effect on me. And these kinds of books, which leave me untouched, makes ME think that I am the fault here and makes ME guilty , for not liking that book. But, truly it was a ridiculous book.
I can bring a long long list about the things which I didn’t like. I don’t want to get cruel here. Just some thoughts. I am not discouraging you read this, and of course it’s completely your choice. You may even enjoy it if you like cheesy stories, but I will (God forgive me!) NOT recommend it.
Disappointed.
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 that?". I say it's unique because it doesn't start from a mysterious dream; it starts with a dream about chickens. Yes, I am taking about chickens. So, it was probably a HUGE mistake for Zoe to get my expectations reaching for the sky. And later when I came to know that this dream had no relation with the story. I was like...
Why put something so good, but unnecessary and get my hopes up?
And in tiny tiny bits and pieces of the story, I found the true potential of Zoe, to write good stories. So that's why the Two stars.
Now the interesting part. What I didn't like. *cue maniac laughter with lightning in background*
A Unrealistic story. This is one of the most ridiculous and unrealistic story ever. Basically, it introduces us to a girl, Auburn, who is very uptight and serious about her studies and wants no distraction. Ok, very good. I appreciate that kind of characters. Means it will make the story more interesting, BUT the next day she is all head over heels for this guy, Booker. Maybe she drank some Love Potion or something. She thinks Booker is her soul mate. How?? How you can go all gooey over a guy in ONE SINGLE night?? And I mean your aunt is in critical condition, and you go around to a PARTY?? Now I can see how uptight and serious and responsible you are. Just a fake story with fake cheesy characters. Pfft. In fact, they were so cheesy that I could have made a pizza topped with extra chesse.
A completely broken story. It had so much potential to be a marvelous book, a complete book with all the nooks and crannies and twists and turns. It could have been an explosion, and it even lighted up correctly but then phooossssss.... it went out. It was just so brittle, not smooth and my feet pained like hell to go in this journey. After each in every page, I was muttering, "What?" or "Really?"or “You people are insane!”.
This book made me angry, very very angry.
The writing. The writing was very unstable. Because according to Zoe, a page filled with words will have no meaning unless it has the word "hard" or "lips" "get" in it. I definitely understand your problem Zoe, your favorite word is "hard", right?? So, you have to keep repeating it in each and every single page. Why guys? Because according to Zoe, “Sex sells” and you just need to throw obnoxious words around like confetti.
And CONGRATULATIONS!! You deserve a…
Congratulate her guys! Zoe just learned a new proverb! “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” She learned this outstanding proverb and now she can’t resist the urge to use it almost 100 times. She really takes proverbs seriously, though. I mean you are allowed to mention a thing multiple times to emphasis on it and when the story requires it. Why do you just throw the proverb at any random page, when the story doesn’t even need it?
OH OH and the climax was horrible. The suspense was building and building and then “Meh!”. Nothing happened,NOTHING. Though the book deals with a very serious problem- I have to say it- It just didn’t have ANY effect on me. And these kinds of books, which leave me untouched, makes ME think that I am the fault here and makes ME guilty , for not liking that book. But, truly it was a ridiculous book.
I can bring a long long list about the things which I didn’t like. I don’t want to get cruel here. Just some thoughts. I am not discouraging you read this, and of course it’s completely your choice. You may even enjoy it if you like cheesy stories, but I will (God forgive me!) NOT recommend it.
Disappointed.
September 30, 2013
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.
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.
March 14, 2014
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
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.
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
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.
July 3, 2015
♥ 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...
Aubree gets a phone call in the middle of the night—her aunt, her guardian, took a fall down the stairs in her home and is now in a coma. Aubree wastes no time. She hops in her car and heads home.
Upon her arrival she's ambushed in the darkness and rain. She doesn't see a face, but it's obvious someone is out to get her.
Enter Booker Outlaw. Bad boy. Town pariah. In love with Aubree since high school.
Booker rushes in to save the day, but seeing him brings Aubree nothing but awful memories she only wants to forget.
But someone won't let either of them forget what they did last summer.
- - -
Alright, where to begin? This is one of the best New Adult reads I've devoured in months! They all sort of seem the same to me at this point. With sooooo many of them out there competing for ratings and reviews you've got to bring something unique, something different, something new. I feel Zoe Dawson did this. Is there steamy romance? Yes. Is there angst? Yes. Is there pages and pages of sexual tension? Sure enough. But this book is more than just that. It's more than just a story of a damaged girl waiting around for a man to save her from herself or someone else.
Aubree Walker is far from a damsel in distress. She was in such a position once before and refuses to let it happen again. It had dire consequences. So she throws herself into her college education. She's super smart and enjoys leading a plain, calm life at school. When she gets the call about her aunt being in a coma she is devastated. As a child Aubree watched her junkie mother die right before her eyes. With no father in the picture, Aubree's aunt steps in. She takes Aubree in as her own and couldn't have been a more amazing, loving parental figure. So it's a no-brainer for Aubree to go back home regardless of her fears. She's a strong, determined woman.
Let me tell you ladies (and maybe gentlemen!) something. A Perfect Mess has triplets. TRIPLETS. Tall, dark, sexy-beyond-words, bad boy triplets! Boone, Braxton, and Booker. *fans self* The Outlaw triplets are the best part of this story. Each of them has something unique about them. Booker is a wealthy author working behind a pen name. This guy has been in love with Aubree since high school, and maybe even before that. When she shows up in town after leaving nine months ago without even a goodbye, Booker is torn between being angry and ecstatic at her return. The two of them share a secret that could be their undoing.
The book is told from their duel first-person perspectives, which I absolutely LOVED.
I always enjoy reading from a male POV. I think Zoe Dawson embodied the male mind quite well. Booker is all kinds of messed up because of Aubree. As he says many times, she just gets to him. Their romance is tentative at first, but as with most New Adult couples, the lust overtakes both of them. And this is when the #1 thing I loved about this book happens. Not only do they have sex, which I don't feel is a spoiler because it's completely expected from any book in this genre, but it's done through Booker's POV. This was not something I expected AT ALL, but I freaking loved it! You almost always see this from the woman's POV and it's always the same ol' spiel. I won't break it down, because we all know it. Zoe Dawson, for whatever reason, decided to do it through Booker's eyes. It was amazing! One of the best love-making scenes I've ever read. It made my face heat-up and my heart beat double-time. It was very memorable and will probably ruin every other NA book for me for life. :)
Another unique thing about this book is the mystery aspect. What is the secret? We can guess, and there are hints, but the truth doesn't come out 'til later on. I think Zoe Dawson did a great job with the mystery.
This is where I am going to come in with my negative points.
I am going to try and tell you what I think without directly giving you a spoiler, but please be warned that what I say may make it easier to guess! SO, POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD!
Alright. Aubree and Booker aren't the only ones with a secret. Aubree's aunt has a secret as well, and it's huge. It was when this secret came out that I got sort of confused.
This secret is so big and unbelievable that I feel anyone would question it and have doubts. Not Aubree. She accepts it without batting an eyelash. She barely even asks a question! I mean, I just don't understand. I also don't really feel like this particular element of the story had a point. It wasn't something that needed to be there. I feel like it crowded the storyline; made it sort of messy, I guess.
But it really pales next to how great the rest of the book is. :) The characters are memorable and their personalities so strong.
So with that being said... Overall, I loved A Perfect Mess! It surprised me and it was one of the most engrossing reads I've had the pleasure of reading this year. The romance is steamy and angsty, but it's also much deeper than just that. The characters are multidimensional and very very memorable. There is also quite the element of humor in this book! I found myself laughing out loud many times. There's also the mystery, the thrill. Dawson created a great mystery and left no loose-ends. She kept me guessing and sitting right on the edge of my seat. So you've got the mystery, the romance, the secrets... There is drama and heartache. There is anger, pain, love, acceptance.
I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy New Adult romance. It's a stand-out book for me. It's also book one in a series. That means more Outlaw brothers! SWOON! ♥ So, go go go! Read it. Love it.
- - -
Book source: From the author for review
Publisher: Blue Moon Creative
October 2, 2013
“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 mind for me based on that description, and there are three of them ***must stop drooling!***
After receiving some bad news about her aunt, Aubree feels compelled to go back to Suttontowne and face her demons. Aubree’s childhood has led her to think that she has to strive to be perfect at all times, resulting in an almost unnatural drive and focus to be what people expect her to be- or more accurately, what she thinks other people expect her to be. She has a bit of wild streak that she has suppressed for a very long time, but Booker has a tendency to bring it to the surface.
Booker has wanted Aubree since he was old enough to form an appreciation for girls and she moved to town. But he and his brothers are the black sheep of the community due to the bad reputations of some of their family members including his father who abandoned them at a young age. In this small southern town, the sins of one family member belong to and follow all others who come after them. He protected her from afar without her knowledge (as far as he knew), convinced that she was better off without him in her life directly even though she was the only one in school who ever really seemed to see him as just Booker rather than “one of those Outlaw boys” or a member of the unholy trinity.
Most guys in high school didn’t want to mess with the Outlaws. We were a matched set of bad-ass bad boys. Not really because we wanted that reputation, but because, unfortunately it was a necessity. It was much better to be the known as an ass-kicker than a target.
Aubree realizes that she has made a mess of things especially with him and has to decide if she wants to let loose and take a chance. Booker has a great mischievous side to him, and I could almost hear that southern drawl with a bit of Cajun accent when he spoke. He knew what buttons to push and how to break past the walls she had built, but after so many years of watching her from afar and wanting to get to know her better, has he placed her on such a high pedestal of expectations that she is going to fall from it and crash hard?
I have to say this book had a “I-know-what-you-did-last-summer” sense to it that you feel from Chapter 1 straight through until the end with everything from anonymous chilling text messages to creepy people lurking just outside your peripheral vision. Aubree and Booker share a secret that binds them together, and while I guessed the gist of it before the halfway point, the journey to the end was no less suspenseful for it, not to mention there are a few unexpected twists and turns along the way too.
I am not a scary movie kind of person, but this book had a nice suspense hook to it that kept me reading straight through from start to finish and was a fairly quick read at roughly 215 pages. Booker’s brothers Boone and Braxton have books of their own on the way in the future with Aubree’s best friends Verity and River Pearl playing starring roles in each- I have already added them to my TBR list to see what happens next.
Quotes:
I wanted to see beneath her beautiful. I wanted her to show me who she was. I couldn’t accept anything less.- Booker
“At the risk of losing more macho points, let’s just say it wasn’t my most shining moment.” “Don’t you know that a woman loves a man who can express what he’s feeling?” “What Cosmo quiz did you get that out of, huckleberry?”- Booker and Aubree
“If I go over there, I may never get out of the house. Kissing you is like getting sucked into a really amazing, tactile black hole. You’re the astronaut of awesome.”- Aubree
“I knew that with every fiber of my male psyche. Why? Because that girl got to me.”- Booker
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 mind for me based on that description, and there are three of them ***must stop drooling!***
After receiving some bad news about her aunt, Aubree feels compelled to go back to Suttontowne and face her demons. Aubree’s childhood has led her to think that she has to strive to be perfect at all times, resulting in an almost unnatural drive and focus to be what people expect her to be- or more accurately, what she thinks other people expect her to be. She has a bit of wild streak that she has suppressed for a very long time, but Booker has a tendency to bring it to the surface.
Booker has wanted Aubree since he was old enough to form an appreciation for girls and she moved to town. But he and his brothers are the black sheep of the community due to the bad reputations of some of their family members including his father who abandoned them at a young age. In this small southern town, the sins of one family member belong to and follow all others who come after them. He protected her from afar without her knowledge (as far as he knew), convinced that she was better off without him in her life directly even though she was the only one in school who ever really seemed to see him as just Booker rather than “one of those Outlaw boys” or a member of the unholy trinity.
Most guys in high school didn’t want to mess with the Outlaws. We were a matched set of bad-ass bad boys. Not really because we wanted that reputation, but because, unfortunately it was a necessity. It was much better to be the known as an ass-kicker than a target.
Aubree realizes that she has made a mess of things especially with him and has to decide if she wants to let loose and take a chance. Booker has a great mischievous side to him, and I could almost hear that southern drawl with a bit of Cajun accent when he spoke. He knew what buttons to push and how to break past the walls she had built, but after so many years of watching her from afar and wanting to get to know her better, has he placed her on such a high pedestal of expectations that she is going to fall from it and crash hard?
I have to say this book had a “I-know-what-you-did-last-summer” sense to it that you feel from Chapter 1 straight through until the end with everything from anonymous chilling text messages to creepy people lurking just outside your peripheral vision. Aubree and Booker share a secret that binds them together, and while I guessed the gist of it before the halfway point, the journey to the end was no less suspenseful for it, not to mention there are a few unexpected twists and turns along the way too.
I am not a scary movie kind of person, but this book had a nice suspense hook to it that kept me reading straight through from start to finish and was a fairly quick read at roughly 215 pages. Booker’s brothers Boone and Braxton have books of their own on the way in the future with Aubree’s best friends Verity and River Pearl playing starring roles in each- I have already added them to my TBR list to see what happens next.
Quotes:
I wanted to see beneath her beautiful. I wanted her to show me who she was. I couldn’t accept anything less.- Booker
“At the risk of losing more macho points, let’s just say it wasn’t my most shining moment.” “Don’t you know that a woman loves a man who can express what he’s feeling?” “What Cosmo quiz did you get that out of, huckleberry?”- Booker and Aubree
“If I go over there, I may never get out of the house. Kissing you is like getting sucked into a really amazing, tactile black hole. You’re the astronaut of awesome.”- Aubree
“I knew that with every fiber of my male psyche. Why? Because that girl got to me.”- Booker
November 10, 2014
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 focused on school and being perfect so that her aunt would keep her, unlike her mother. It was working until she graduated. One night changed everything for Aubree and the boy who helped. After that night she left and never came back. She cut off that boy and ignored every plea her aunt made for her to come home for a visit. Until her aunt has a mysterious accident that has her running home. Aubree is about to come face to face with the secret only one other person knows. I really like Aubree’s character. She tries really hard to be tough and not let things bother her but deep down she is broken. She’s trying to live with the choices she made and not doing a great job at it. Aubree grows and matures leaving her an even better character than she was in the beginning.
Booker Outlaw has spent the past nine months trying to forget the girl that has gotten to him since she moved into town in fifth grade. Booker is one of three triplets. His family is openly sneered at in public. No one wants to be seen or associated with the Outlaws and the triplets had nothing to do with any of it. Booker has spent year watching Aubree from afar. Loving her from afar. Protecting her from afar. Until one night he helped her hide something neither one of them could take back. Now she’s back and getting threatening text messages. Booker has to protect her all over again and try to keep his heart in the process. I LOVED Booker. He was swoon-worthy, protective, and amazing. He has spent the past nine months writing horror fiction and make tons of money doing it. He didn’t let it go to his head. He was a huge family man and he took care of the people he loved.
This book was filled with amazing characters, drama, love, and mystery. Zoe Dawson’s writing was fluid, well done, and heartbreaking. She was able to fill the book with all kinds of emotions that you couldn’t help but feel. You couldn’t help but feel the pain that Aubree has been in for years. Pain she can’t admit to anyone. Booker shows what happens when you are patient enough to look past someone’s flaws. I loved every minute of it. Some parts of the book didn’t really add up but overall I really enjoyed reading this one.
Aubree and Booker had some of the most hilarious banter between the two of them. I really loved these two character together. They brought what the other person was missing. I really like how Aubree fit in with his brothers too. After she didn’t have very much family she now has some.
Some things that bothered me…. The fight between Booker and Aubree. I feel like both of them, mostly Booker, over-reacted to the confession. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal so it seemed a little over the top and drama-filled for me. Another thing is people disappear and no one questions it. No one really even notices it. It just happens. I also feel like the ending was rushed. I think the book could have been a little longer and it would have been even better. Other than those things I really didn’t have any other problems.
I loved this book and I can’t wait to read about the other two brothers and friends.
Read more reviews here...
Aubree Walker has been running for the past nine months. She has always been a perfectionist. In high school she focused on school and being perfect so that her aunt would keep her, unlike her mother. It was working until she graduated. One night changed everything for Aubree and the boy who helped. After that night she left and never came back. She cut off that boy and ignored every plea her aunt made for her to come home for a visit. Until her aunt has a mysterious accident that has her running home. Aubree is about to come face to face with the secret only one other person knows. I really like Aubree’s character. She tries really hard to be tough and not let things bother her but deep down she is broken. She’s trying to live with the choices she made and not doing a great job at it. Aubree grows and matures leaving her an even better character than she was in the beginning.
Booker Outlaw has spent the past nine months trying to forget the girl that has gotten to him since she moved into town in fifth grade. Booker is one of three triplets. His family is openly sneered at in public. No one wants to be seen or associated with the Outlaws and the triplets had nothing to do with any of it. Booker has spent year watching Aubree from afar. Loving her from afar. Protecting her from afar. Until one night he helped her hide something neither one of them could take back. Now she’s back and getting threatening text messages. Booker has to protect her all over again and try to keep his heart in the process. I LOVED Booker. He was swoon-worthy, protective, and amazing. He has spent the past nine months writing horror fiction and make tons of money doing it. He didn’t let it go to his head. He was a huge family man and he took care of the people he loved.
This book was filled with amazing characters, drama, love, and mystery. Zoe Dawson’s writing was fluid, well done, and heartbreaking. She was able to fill the book with all kinds of emotions that you couldn’t help but feel. You couldn’t help but feel the pain that Aubree has been in for years. Pain she can’t admit to anyone. Booker shows what happens when you are patient enough to look past someone’s flaws. I loved every minute of it. Some parts of the book didn’t really add up but overall I really enjoyed reading this one.
Aubree and Booker had some of the most hilarious banter between the two of them. I really loved these two character together. They brought what the other person was missing. I really like how Aubree fit in with his brothers too. After she didn’t have very much family she now has some.
Some things that bothered me…. The fight between Booker and Aubree. I feel like both of them, mostly Booker, over-reacted to the confession. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal so it seemed a little over the top and drama-filled for me. Another thing is people disappear and no one questions it. No one really even notices it. It just happens. I also feel like the ending was rushed. I think the book could have been a little longer and it would have been even better. Other than those things I really didn’t have any other problems.
I loved this book and I can’t wait to read about the other two brothers and friends.
Read more reviews here...
October 8, 2013
**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.
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.
June 11, 2014
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.
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.
April 5, 2015
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
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
January 7, 2014
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. She is so smart! I also could relate to her desire to run away from the past and pretend it did not happen. To try to be an overachiever to right the wrongs from years ago. Then when a freak "accident" happens to her aunt, she must return to that small town where all of her little girl dreams had been shattered, the nightmares returned again.
Under no circumstances did she think that she would run into Booker again either. The towns bad apple. The towns terror. The one that everyone said he could never be or have anything! The relationship between Booker and Aubree is complex to say the least. He has always been her secret love. He has always defended her to the rotten Lancaster Twins. But now Booker is grown up...Aubree just knows there past in no longer in the past. This book has several deep Bayou secrets that come out of nowhere and surprise the reader. The sexual tension and past love affairs come flying to the surface so quickly that you will be holding your breath. The demons that chase all of us as people, will have you thinking about some of your personal decisions. But over all, I fell in love from page one of this book!! The characters are deep, evolved and ever surprising! You are amazing Zoe Dawson!! Big Hugs for an awesome series!
Under no circumstances did she think that she would run into Booker again either. The towns bad apple. The towns terror. The one that everyone said he could never be or have anything! The relationship between Booker and Aubree is complex to say the least. He has always been her secret love. He has always defended her to the rotten Lancaster Twins. But now Booker is grown up...Aubree just knows there past in no longer in the past. This book has several deep Bayou secrets that come out of nowhere and surprise the reader. The sexual tension and past love affairs come flying to the surface so quickly that you will be holding your breath. The demons that chase all of us as people, will have you thinking about some of your personal decisions. But over all, I fell in love from page one of this book!! The characters are deep, evolved and ever surprising! You are amazing Zoe Dawson!! Big Hugs for an awesome series!
October 22, 2013
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 girl with a head full of math and the need to be perfect, i liked her character. Aubree has deep secrets that only one other person knows, Booker.
Booker has protected and looked after Aubree for years, always in the back ground so she has never known about it, When Aubree has to return to the place that holds the big secret after her aunt has an accident does the story starts to unfold.
Three identical triplet brothers Boone, Braxton and Booker, swoon worthy hotness, these guys are a hoot, the banter between them really sets off how close these guys are, and then there is the accent the southern drawl you hear every time they speak, o god my panties have just melted.
I loved all the characters and there relationships to each other they mesh well.
I cannot wait for more in this series this book is a fantastic start. Zoe Dawson’s style of writing it sucks you in right until the end, i need more cant wait for the next book.
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 girl with a head full of math and the need to be perfect, i liked her character. Aubree has deep secrets that only one other person knows, Booker.
Booker has protected and looked after Aubree for years, always in the back ground so she has never known about it, When Aubree has to return to the place that holds the big secret after her aunt has an accident does the story starts to unfold.
Three identical triplet brothers Boone, Braxton and Booker, swoon worthy hotness, these guys are a hoot, the banter between them really sets off how close these guys are, and then there is the accent the southern drawl you hear every time they speak, o god my panties have just melted.
I loved all the characters and there relationships to each other they mesh well.
I cannot wait for more in this series this book is a fantastic start. Zoe Dawson’s style of writing it sucks you in right until the end, i need more cant wait for the next book.
March 12, 2014
(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 little rough in places.
I found it quite difficult to relate to Aubree, she just didn’t come across as a real person to me, and was a bit wishy-washy.
The storyline was okay, but I found it pretty rough going in places. The writing was a little rough around the edges, and it made the story less believable.
The mystery aspect was alright, but I wasn’t really desperate to find out what had happened.
The ‘Love’ scenes were the best part of the book for me, as Aubree and Booker seemed to have some really hot and steamy chemistry. I don’t think I’d have liked this book much at all if it hadn’t been for the steamy love scenes.
The ending was okay, and I was glad that the mystery and secrets were revealed. The sheriff did make a comment at the end that sounded a bit creepy though!
Overall; okay story with some steamy love scenes,
6.75 out of 10.
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 little rough in places.
I found it quite difficult to relate to Aubree, she just didn’t come across as a real person to me, and was a bit wishy-washy.
The storyline was okay, but I found it pretty rough going in places. The writing was a little rough around the edges, and it made the story less believable.
The mystery aspect was alright, but I wasn’t really desperate to find out what had happened.
The ‘Love’ scenes were the best part of the book for me, as Aubree and Booker seemed to have some really hot and steamy chemistry. I don’t think I’d have liked this book much at all if it hadn’t been for the steamy love scenes.
The ending was okay, and I was glad that the mystery and secrets were revealed. The sheriff did make a comment at the end that sounded a bit creepy though!
Overall; okay story with some steamy love scenes,
6.75 out of 10.
September 28, 2013
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 where buried secrets and feelings start to resurface.
I loved Booker Outlaw and his brothers, talk about some super sexy southern boys...Yum!! The boys were as tight as they could be and would do anything for each other. As of right now Booker is my favorite brother, when Booker would call Aubree “sugar” I would literally swoon. I can’t wait for Boone and Braxton’s books. They are going to be soooo good!!
ARC provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
I loved Booker Outlaw and his brothers, talk about some super sexy southern boys...Yum!! The boys were as tight as they could be and would do anything for each other. As of right now Booker is my favorite brother, when Booker would call Aubree “sugar” I would literally swoon. I can’t wait for Boone and Braxton’s books. They are going to be soooo good!!
ARC provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
August 8, 2013
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 my hardened di**." He's also a protective sort and I just loved him, "girls and their closure. Effing bas****s are dead. They brought it on themselves." I can't wait for the next two books they should be interesting since Booker's was.
October 9, 2014
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.
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.
September 14, 2023
The blurb makes this sound much more suspenseful than it was. Basically a NA novel with a few "mysterious" events happening that hold little intrigue.
August 18, 2016
Great Hero!
Looooooved Booker!
This story hooked me. I couldn't put it down!
I will read more by this author. Thank you!
Looooooved Booker!
This story hooked me. I couldn't put it down!
I will read more by this author. Thank you!
November 9, 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 books for them for a minute!
September 25, 2013
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.
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.
October 17, 2013
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!!
(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!!
June 3, 2022
~~~Re-read (ish– i skimmed cuz i wanted to read book 2) 2022~~~
3 stars
I seriously have no fucking idea what I was talking about giving it a scathing review like that. Like bruh. It ain’t that bad. I mean, it’s not super original, nor are the characters or romance extraordinary but wtf, it ain’t that bad.
Was I having a bad day? Did I read an un-edited version? Did I have a stroke and the story made no sense? Did my standards drastically lower from then to now??? I. Don’t. Know.
Bruh fr. I thought it was decent this time around. 🤷🏻♀️
3 stars cuz I liked it moderately, plus I love the Louisiana vibe.
~~~Original rating: 2 stars~~~
One of the worst books i've ever read lol! I actually can't believe it was published. Bro their relationship is a joke, like actually funny (in a bad way), I wonder if this lady has literally ever had any human interaction.
And i cannn't even with the sexual stuff in the book its SOOOO bad. The dude gets a hard on every 5 seconds. just seeing her face. The way its written, i just. cannot. Then the way the author makes these weeeeird af comments about this balls or something i wonder if she has any concept of the male anatomy and functions.
It's unbelievable. It makes me actually LAUGH LAUGH the way it's so bad.
Not only are the characters poorly written, the plot is also unoriginal and the writing overall is awkward and weeeird af. Like so weird. I don't mean it lightly. it makes me uncomfortable. just certain comments/remarks they make sexualy, romantically. BAD.
Overall terrible book, dont bother. Not worth reading, even for a cheesy cliche book its bad, so don't.
*Spoiler ish-below*
Moreover, it has that same typical progressive relationship plot. THe one that goes like this. THey meet - are UNBELIEVABLY horny for each other, relationship starts, it's all nice. THen BOOM there turns out to be a huuuuuuge secret and trust issues so they get into a fight and one of them runs away. Then finally they talk again and forgive but ooone of them decides they can't love the other so the other doesn't get hurt/dies/cuz they feel they don't deserve love, WEHHHHHH 😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫. THen while the other is heartbroken, some tragic confrontation/incident happens where one of them gets tragically injured/kidnapped/shot/whatever and the other shows up and its some big end-of-all-time event and they bAtTle it out and confess that they can't live without each other and they're sorry BLABLABLABLA 😫😫😫😫😫. And then there's an epilogue where they're married and have 17 babies even though they met when they were 15 and somehow lasted even though they have major issues and are extremely immature and toxic. YAy 🤠
LOl didn't re-read any of this YOLO.
3 stars
I seriously have no fucking idea what I was talking about giving it a scathing review like that. Like bruh. It ain’t that bad. I mean, it’s not super original, nor are the characters or romance extraordinary but wtf, it ain’t that bad.
Was I having a bad day? Did I read an un-edited version? Did I have a stroke and the story made no sense? Did my standards drastically lower from then to now??? I. Don’t. Know.
Bruh fr. I thought it was decent this time around. 🤷🏻♀️
3 stars cuz I liked it moderately, plus I love the Louisiana vibe.
~~~Original rating: 2 stars~~~
One of the worst books i've ever read lol! I actually can't believe it was published. Bro their relationship is a joke, like actually funny (in a bad way), I wonder if this lady has literally ever had any human interaction.
And i cannn't even with the sexual stuff in the book its SOOOO bad. The dude gets a hard on every 5 seconds. just seeing her face. The way its written, i just. cannot. Then the way the author makes these weeeeird af comments about this balls or something i wonder if she has any concept of the male anatomy and functions.
It's unbelievable. It makes me actually LAUGH LAUGH the way it's so bad.
Not only are the characters poorly written, the plot is also unoriginal and the writing overall is awkward and weeeird af. Like so weird. I don't mean it lightly. it makes me uncomfortable. just certain comments/remarks they make sexualy, romantically. BAD.
Overall terrible book, dont bother. Not worth reading, even for a cheesy cliche book its bad, so don't.
*Spoiler ish-below*
Moreover, it has that same typical progressive relationship plot. THe one that goes like this. THey meet - are UNBELIEVABLY horny for each other, relationship starts, it's all nice. THen BOOM there turns out to be a huuuuuuge secret and trust issues so they get into a fight and one of them runs away. Then finally they talk again and forgive but ooone of them decides they can't love the other so the other doesn't get hurt/dies/cuz they feel they don't deserve love, WEHHHHHH 😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫. THen while the other is heartbroken, some tragic confrontation/incident happens where one of them gets tragically injured/kidnapped/shot/whatever and the other shows up and its some big end-of-all-time event and they bAtTle it out and confess that they can't live without each other and they're sorry BLABLABLABLA 😫😫😫😫😫. And then there's an epilogue where they're married and have 17 babies even though they met when they were 15 and somehow lasted even though they have major issues and are extremely immature and toxic. YAy 🤠
LOl didn't re-read any of this YOLO.
March 11, 2016
Never has a title more accurately described a book. In this series about three best friends and three brothers everyone is perfect in a not so perfect way. This story is about Aubree and Booker who are worlds apart yet they both harbor a potentially damaging secret. Aubree is a straight A student working on her degree in statistics while Booker is a self published writer. Having grown up in the same town they know a lot about each other based off of town gossip. Booker has had a weird, almost (almost) stalkerish crush on Aubree ever since she moved to town when she was twelve. Aubree has made it her business to stay away from Booker and his brothers, Braxton and Boone, known as the Outlaw triplets. In the bayous of Louisiana the teenagers experience tragedy, expose secrets, realize love, and seek understanding in alternating perspectives. There's also a mystery involving the two and a missing person in their town.
So I thought the heroine could have been written better. Aubree is weak and weak willed. Yes she experience some horrible things, but geez she's as gullible as a bendy straw. There's not much back story at first, just characters thrown in willy nilly and then its like, "oh yeah, these characters are important". And the constantly saying how certain situations are sooo important yet they are not explained till the very end.
Booker actually has better writing than Aubree, not sure if that's a coincidence considering he's a writer and he's supposed to be good with words. His views are always super descriptive even if the writing itself is not that great. What really throws me about this book is that nothing that happens could be pulled off in real life. No way are all these nineteen year old this successful. Booker is a millionaire writer that owns his own house three cars and even jump starts his brothers' careers. Boone is a successful contractor, Braxton is an untrained chef that owns his own bar, River Pearl (one of Aubrees best friends) is a successful model that travels, and Verity (the other best friend) does missionary work. One town cannot create that much potential in a small group. The odds are not that close. Also, Aubree's first time is unbelievable. Just no, no. The book could have been worse but the flow could have definitely been better.
So I thought the heroine could have been written better. Aubree is weak and weak willed. Yes she experience some horrible things, but geez she's as gullible as a bendy straw. There's not much back story at first, just characters thrown in willy nilly and then its like, "oh yeah, these characters are important". And the constantly saying how certain situations are sooo important yet they are not explained till the very end.
Booker actually has better writing than Aubree, not sure if that's a coincidence considering he's a writer and he's supposed to be good with words. His views are always super descriptive even if the writing itself is not that great. What really throws me about this book is that nothing that happens could be pulled off in real life. No way are all these nineteen year old this successful. Booker is a millionaire writer that owns his own house three cars and even jump starts his brothers' careers. Boone is a successful contractor, Braxton is an untrained chef that owns his own bar, River Pearl (one of Aubrees best friends) is a successful model that travels, and Verity (the other best friend) does missionary work. One town cannot create that much potential in a small group. The odds are not that close. Also, Aubree's first time is unbelievable. Just no, no. The book could have been worse but the flow could have definitely been better.
January 8, 2014
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 she has left.
The Outlaw triplets, Booker, Boone and Braxten, have a reputation for trouble. Truth be told it’s more of a family reputation that has been past down for generations. But Aubree knows there is more to Booker, and she knows she can trust him. He’s the only one that knows what happened that night, but he’s also the last person she wants to see. He reminds her of that night...a night she has worked so hard to forget.
I really liked the relationship Booker and Aubree have. They both had crushes on the other during high school, although they didn’t know it and kept their distance from each other. Aubree was too busy trying to be the perfect student and Booker never thought he was good enough for her. Now that she is back in town he can’t stay away from her.
There is also a few mysteries to solve. For instance, we don’t know what happened the summer before. How did Aunt Lottie get hurt? What’s the secret Aubree knows about Booker? As the truth gets closer to being told, more secrets come out, and Booker and Aubree find out how freeing the truth can be!
I truly enjoyed reading A Perfect Mess! Sure, there are a few things I found unbelievable in this story, but what story doesn’t have some unbelievable moments? I’m really looking forward to reading Boone and Verity (one of Aubree’s friends) story in A Perfect Mistake!
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the book for my honest review.
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 she has left.
The Outlaw triplets, Booker, Boone and Braxten, have a reputation for trouble. Truth be told it’s more of a family reputation that has been past down for generations. But Aubree knows there is more to Booker, and she knows she can trust him. He’s the only one that knows what happened that night, but he’s also the last person she wants to see. He reminds her of that night...a night she has worked so hard to forget.
I really liked the relationship Booker and Aubree have. They both had crushes on the other during high school, although they didn’t know it and kept their distance from each other. Aubree was too busy trying to be the perfect student and Booker never thought he was good enough for her. Now that she is back in town he can’t stay away from her.
There is also a few mysteries to solve. For instance, we don’t know what happened the summer before. How did Aunt Lottie get hurt? What’s the secret Aubree knows about Booker? As the truth gets closer to being told, more secrets come out, and Booker and Aubree find out how freeing the truth can be!
I truly enjoyed reading A Perfect Mess! Sure, there are a few things I found unbelievable in this story, but what story doesn’t have some unbelievable moments? I’m really looking forward to reading Boone and Verity (one of Aubree’s friends) story in A Perfect Mistake!
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the book for my honest review.
May 14, 2017
The plot was predictable, but perfectly adequate and the book would probably have been quite good in the hands of someone with some writing talent. I think a good writer could even have made it believable.
The characters were pretty silly and so ott with the melodramatics that it started out amusing, but by the end of the book I just couldn't wait for it to be over.
I understand that the characters are teenagers, and that teenagers tend to wallow in melodrama, but good writers can make the characters be a certain way without absolutely everything they write being that way too. This book didn't separate the two. Each sentence aimed to be the most dramatic sentence ever. It got annoying fast, and also made everything the characters were saying so much less believable.
The conversations were ridiculous and logic free!
As an example, one of the conversations went something like this:
"He knew"
"How?"
"Because he told me"
What?
The main character was also meant to have graduated top of her class, be acing statistics at college (so we assume she understands basic mathematical concepts like greater than and lesser than), and also intended to become a doctor - so I gather we are meant to think she is intelligent, yet she ends the book by saying:
"You can't even count to a gazillion, huckleberry, let alone two."
Those are not isolated incidents. Very few, if any, of the conversations come across as intelligent or sensible.
I won't be reading any more books by this person
The characters were pretty silly and so ott with the melodramatics that it started out amusing, but by the end of the book I just couldn't wait for it to be over.
I understand that the characters are teenagers, and that teenagers tend to wallow in melodrama, but good writers can make the characters be a certain way without absolutely everything they write being that way too. This book didn't separate the two. Each sentence aimed to be the most dramatic sentence ever. It got annoying fast, and also made everything the characters were saying so much less believable.
The conversations were ridiculous and logic free!
As an example, one of the conversations went something like this:
"He knew"
"How?"
"Because he told me"
What?
The main character was also meant to have graduated top of her class, be acing statistics at college (so we assume she understands basic mathematical concepts like greater than and lesser than), and also intended to become a doctor - so I gather we are meant to think she is intelligent, yet she ends the book by saying:
"You can't even count to a gazillion, huckleberry, let alone two."
Those are not isolated incidents. Very few, if any, of the conversations come across as intelligent or sensible.
I won't be reading any more books by this person
September 23, 2013
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 easier said than done though as when she gets a call from the local Sheriff that her Aunt has had an accident - Aubree must go back home and force herself to confront the demons and dark secrets of her past. Not only did she leave her Aunt behind, she left Booker Outlaw - the only guy who knew the real "Aubree Walker" and who was with her that fateful night nine months ago. Now someone out there knows what happened nine months ago and want Aubree and Booker to pay especially Aubree and will go at any length to uncover the truth about what happened.
A Perfect Mess is a cross between a Nicholas Sparks Romance meets Horror Movie "I Know What you Did last Summer".
A Perfect Mess is a cross between a Nicholas Sparks Romance meets Horror Movie "I Know What you Did last Summer".
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