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Perfect #2
Past Imperfect
Brad
From the outside my life appeared perfect. I had money, was a junior partner in a prestigious law firm, and with a wink and a smile could have any woman in my bed. It all left me feeling empty inside. Then Mabry walked into my life and turned my world upside down. She entered my heart and consumed my soul. But would she forgive the things I’d done? If I’d known Mabry was going to be in my future, I would have been a better man in my past.
Mabry
Brad was only supposed to be a colleague-with-benefits arrangement. Something to blow off stress. There wasn’t room in my heart or life for anything more. Our connection was intense and electrifying. When I looked into his beautiful eyes I felt loved. But I had to keep him at arm’s length. Brad would never understand the secrets from my past or what I do to cope with them.
***ALL THE BOOKS IN THE PERFECT SERIES CAN BE READ AS STANDALONES.
From the outside my life appeared perfect. I had money, was a junior partner in a prestigious law firm, and with a wink and a smile could have any woman in my bed. It all left me feeling empty inside. Then Mabry walked into my life and turned my world upside down. She entered my heart and consumed my soul. But would she forgive the things I’d done? If I’d known Mabry was going to be in my future, I would have been a better man in my past.
Mabry
Brad was only supposed to be a colleague-with-benefits arrangement. Something to blow off stress. There wasn’t room in my heart or life for anything more. Our connection was intense and electrifying. When I looked into his beautiful eyes I felt loved. But I had to keep him at arm’s length. Brad would never understand the secrets from my past or what I do to cope with them.
***ALL THE BOOKS IN THE PERFECT SERIES CAN BE READ AS STANDALONES.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2014
103 people are currently reading
3909 people want to read
About the author
Alison G. Bailey
16 books1,392 followersAlison G. Bailey is an award winning, Amazon and International bestselling author living in Charleston, South Carolina. At an early age she fell in love with writing, reworking scenes from her favorite TV shows and movies with new dialogue. Alison wrote and produced several stage plays before turning her sights on the book world.
Under the influence of a copious amount of Diet Pepsi and nonstop listening to her Spotify playlists, Alison writes unique emotional stories full of love, laughter, and romance.
*Subscribe to Alison's newsletter and receive a FREE ecopy of her bestselling novella, In The Moment.
http://www.subscribepage.com/b8a1q9
All roads that lead to my world are right here.
https://linktr.ee/alisongbailey
Under the influence of a copious amount of Diet Pepsi and nonstop listening to her Spotify playlists, Alison writes unique emotional stories full of love, laughter, and romance.
*Subscribe to Alison's newsletter and receive a FREE ecopy of her bestselling novella, In The Moment.
http://www.subscribepage.com/b8a1q9
All roads that lead to my world are right here.
https://linktr.ee/alisongbailey
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
April 20, 2015
4.5 Imperfect Stars
We meet Brad Johnson in Present Perfect. I like to refer to him as ‘Douchebag Brad’ or one of the terrible B’s. Brad has a past. A really crappy past, but he’s been through a lot. A lot of things have shaped him into the person he’s become. But one significant event changed him. He’s trying not to be the man he was. He’s changing. Now he’s in love. For the first time.
The problem... Mabry, the girl he works with at his fathers law firm, doesn’t do relationships or love. She’s a sex only type of girl.
That would have been perfect for him a few years ago, but now, he wants more. Mabry can’t do more. She has had an even more traumatic past than Brad. She feels the same things he’s feeling, but she can’t admit them to him. She can’t go there.
Mabry has some issues. They stem from one tragic thing that happened to her when she was younger. It’s the only way she knows how to cope. Mabry hurts herself, Brad knows he was a ‘mistake’, they are the definition of the word imperfect.
The story jumps from chapter to chapter, from the past to the present in both Mabry and Brad’s pov. I really love this authors writing style. I like going into the past, seeing what shaped these two into the people they’ve become. It was nice to see that Brad wasn’t quite as big of a douche in his past as I thought. Don’t get me wrong, he still did a lot of wrong, but his heart was sometimes in the right place. Mabry’s past is heartbreaking. Her story brought me to tears. I understand why she would want to stay away from relationships, but Brad is so different. It takes a long time, but he starts to chip away at her walls, little by little.
This book wasn’t anything like I was expecting it to be. That’s not a bad thing, it was just different. What I really loved was the back and forth from past to present. I think if it’s done right, it’s a great way to tell a story. Brad’s past really let you see why he was the way he was and why and how he changed and evolved. Mabry’s past did the same. Brad’s character was so much more lovable than I expected. I adored Brad throughout the book. Mabry was a different story. I liked her, but there were things about her that irked me. I hated how she pushed Brad away constantly. I understood why she did it, but still. Grrr. She was going through some serious stuff, so I tried to cut her some slack. This book has some serious subject matter. I teared up a few times, but I also laughed a good bit. Brad is a funny guy.
I enjoyed reading this. It was about two flawed characters and their beautiful love story. It wasn’t perfect, but thats okay with me. Sometimes, it’s the imperfect characters I love the most. Alison G. Baliey knows how to write, and I will definitely pick up more of her books in the future!
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
We meet Brad Johnson in Present Perfect. I like to refer to him as ‘Douchebag Brad’ or one of the terrible B’s. Brad has a past. A really crappy past, but he’s been through a lot. A lot of things have shaped him into the person he’s become. But one significant event changed him. He’s trying not to be the man he was. He’s changing. Now he’s in love. For the first time.
“Don’t get all flowers and hearts on me, Brad. You knew what this was when we started.”
“Yeah, I knew what it was when we started, but somewhere along the way things changed. I love you Mabry.”
The problem... Mabry, the girl he works with at his fathers law firm, doesn’t do relationships or love. She’s a sex only type of girl.
That would have been perfect for him a few years ago, but now, he wants more. Mabry can’t do more. She has had an even more traumatic past than Brad. She feels the same things he’s feeling, but she can’t admit them to him. She can’t go there.
I was stupid to have thought I could have something casual with him seeing as how he affects me, mind, body, and soul. There’s something between us, a deep connection, as if we were supposed to find each other in this life.
Mabry has some issues. They stem from one tragic thing that happened to her when she was younger. It’s the only way she knows how to cope. Mabry hurts herself, Brad knows he was a ‘mistake’, they are the definition of the word imperfect.
Not being wanted by someone you love is the worst feeling in the world. It makes you feel as if your very existence is pointless.
The story jumps from chapter to chapter, from the past to the present in both Mabry and Brad’s pov. I really love this authors writing style. I like going into the past, seeing what shaped these two into the people they’ve become. It was nice to see that Brad wasn’t quite as big of a douche in his past as I thought. Don’t get me wrong, he still did a lot of wrong, but his heart was sometimes in the right place. Mabry’s past is heartbreaking. Her story brought me to tears. I understand why she would want to stay away from relationships, but Brad is so different. It takes a long time, but he starts to chip away at her walls, little by little.
“I know you’re scared, so am I. But we can do this together. We’re not alone anymore. Now we have each other. I don’t know what the future holds. All I know is that I need you in mine.”
“Do you think it’s possible to love someone before you’ve met them? Because I think I’ve love you my entire life.”When things from the past come into the future, it changes everything. Especially when the one big thing that changed Brad happens to be something that connects directly with Mabry’s life. I would have never guessed they’d have this ‘connection’, but it makes Mabry reevaluate everything. All the changes she was starting to make, letting Brad in a little, everything stops. She shuts down. Brad doesn’t know what to do. His past has come right back and bit him. He regrets so much from his past, but there is nothing he can do to change it. Oh how he wishes he could...
“I do. I’ve been waiting for you my entire life.”
“Do you think it’s possible to forget about the past and change into a completely different person?”Mabry has to decide if she really feels that a person can change, if Brad has changed. If she can live with his imperfect past and move forward with him.
This book wasn’t anything like I was expecting it to be. That’s not a bad thing, it was just different. What I really loved was the back and forth from past to present. I think if it’s done right, it’s a great way to tell a story. Brad’s past really let you see why he was the way he was and why and how he changed and evolved. Mabry’s past did the same. Brad’s character was so much more lovable than I expected. I adored Brad throughout the book. Mabry was a different story. I liked her, but there were things about her that irked me. I hated how she pushed Brad away constantly. I understood why she did it, but still. Grrr. She was going through some serious stuff, so I tried to cut her some slack. This book has some serious subject matter. I teared up a few times, but I also laughed a good bit. Brad is a funny guy.
I enjoyed reading this. It was about two flawed characters and their beautiful love story. It wasn’t perfect, but thats okay with me. Sometimes, it’s the imperfect characters I love the most. Alison G. Baliey knows how to write, and I will definitely pick up more of her books in the future!
“Thank you for saving my life.” “Thank you for saving mine, Sweetness.”
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
January 30, 2014
3.5 stars
I’m just going to say a couple of things about this book and get over it. Let’s start with the positive okay?
>>What I liked<<
1. The writing. This author is an amazing writer. That’s all there is to say. If anything, read her books because this woman can write.
2. The second half of the book. Which was just stunningly good! In other words, it made me cry. And books that can make this picky bitch cry deserve a trophy.
3. The letter that was left behind. That scene is memorable. I’ve read the letter 4 times now and it gets to me every single time! The writing there deserves 6 stars!
>>What I didn’t like<<
I’m feeling generous so I’m clumping the dislikes into 3 main categories.
1. Brad. Not to be overly critical, but I think the way this book was set up and the way the author organized her timeline of events is what blew it for me. The story is told from alternating dual POVs and often after every “present” scene, there is a “past” scene. I get that this has to tie into the title “Past Imperfect,” but the way Brad was portrayed (aka a douche) I expected him to act like one in here and later because of his love for said female Mabry, THEN he’d correct his douchey ways.
However, the first pages smacked me with a lovesick Brad and that is the total opposite of him in book 1. It’s the classic case of extreme insta-love. And on a side note
“I’ve been with a lot of pretty girls, but Mabry is the first beautiful woman for me.”
Verdict: I’ve heard it only 1000 times already.
2. Mabry. I hate indecisiveness. I hate the way she treated Brad. Honestly? She gets negative 5 stars. I don’t care how misguided or terrible her childhood was because that doesn’t give her the excuse to use and treat people like trash. The author tries to portray her as a broken individual who is incapable of love but all I was convinced of is a selfish, whiny slutbag who constantly pushed Brad away and then because of reasons, subconsciously blamed him for something that happened in the past.
When I think of Mabry, the first thing that comes to mind is: go back to high school communication class.
What truly ticked me off in the first half of the book is when Brad kept avowing his love for her and she blew him off, saying that everything is supposed to be casual (yeah pffff, heard that like 1000 times too!) but turns 50 shades of green when another girl casually flirts with him. But wait! Jealousy isn’t enough! She has to rub in the hurt first so she goes on dates with another guy and with the flimsiest of flimsy evidence EVER she thinks Brad’s cheating on her.
I have a question.
How the flying cow can he be cheating on her if they’re NOT EXCLUSIVE and she (supposedly) doesn’t love him?
**Rewind the last section on Mabry and press play. Repeat the process 5 times.**
3. Brad + Mabry. This ties back into the book structure set up. Because Brad’s a lovesick lad, there really didn’t leave much area for their relationship development until well after the 50% mark. It all boils down to: I wasn’t convinced of their love.I know what you’re thinking, yeah whatever, no one needs to convince you of someone’s love. Well, in books you do. I mean, Brad goes on and on about all of her physical attributes and says she’s a beautiful person inside too; however lil ol’ moi didn’t see it when the first 30% is pretty much a sexfest.
So faced with both the pros and cons this book presented, did I like it or not? And it’s pretty unbelievable based off of my review, but yes, I liked it more than I disliked it. Once you get past the annoying outer shell, there lies a very meaningful story within. I just wished it didn’t take me an angst-filled heart and 50 UGHs later to find it.
Another thing: I know this is an ARC and needs to be edited but pleeeeeeeeease make sure the finished copy is corrected of spelling issues!! I mean, even the book title was spelled wrong! Past Inperfect *not impressed*
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
I’m just going to say a couple of things about this book and get over it. Let’s start with the positive okay?
>>What I liked<<
1. The writing. This author is an amazing writer. That’s all there is to say. If anything, read her books because this woman can write.
2. The second half of the book. Which was just stunningly good! In other words, it made me cry. And books that can make this picky bitch cry deserve a trophy.
3. The letter that was left behind. That scene is memorable. I’ve read the letter 4 times now and it gets to me every single time! The writing there deserves 6 stars!
>>What I didn’t like<<
I’m feeling generous so I’m clumping the dislikes into 3 main categories.
1. Brad. Not to be overly critical, but I think the way this book was set up and the way the author organized her timeline of events is what blew it for me. The story is told from alternating dual POVs and often after every “present” scene, there is a “past” scene. I get that this has to tie into the title “Past Imperfect,” but the way Brad was portrayed (aka a douche) I expected him to act like one in here and later because of his love for said female Mabry, THEN he’d correct his douchey ways.
However, the first pages smacked me with a lovesick Brad and that is the total opposite of him in book 1. It’s the classic case of extreme insta-love. And on a side note
“I’ve been with a lot of pretty girls, but Mabry is the first beautiful woman for me.”
Verdict: I’ve heard it only 1000 times already.
2. Mabry. I hate indecisiveness. I hate the way she treated Brad. Honestly? She gets negative 5 stars. I don’t care how misguided or terrible her childhood was because that doesn’t give her the excuse to use and treat people like trash. The author tries to portray her as a broken individual who is incapable of love but all I was convinced of is a selfish, whiny slutbag who constantly pushed Brad away and then because of reasons, subconsciously blamed him for something that happened in the past.
When I think of Mabry, the first thing that comes to mind is: go back to high school communication class.
What truly ticked me off in the first half of the book is when Brad kept avowing his love for her and she blew him off, saying that everything is supposed to be casual (yeah pffff, heard that like 1000 times too!) but turns 50 shades of green when another girl casually flirts with him. But wait! Jealousy isn’t enough! She has to rub in the hurt first so she goes on dates with another guy and with the flimsiest of flimsy evidence EVER she thinks Brad’s cheating on her.
I have a question.
How the flying cow can he be cheating on her if they’re NOT EXCLUSIVE and she (supposedly) doesn’t love him?
**Rewind the last section on Mabry and press play. Repeat the process 5 times.**
3. Brad + Mabry. This ties back into the book structure set up. Because Brad’s a lovesick lad, there really didn’t leave much area for their relationship development until well after the 50% mark. It all boils down to: I wasn’t convinced of their love.I know what you’re thinking, yeah whatever, no one needs to convince you of someone’s love. Well, in books you do. I mean, Brad goes on and on about all of her physical attributes and says she’s a beautiful person inside too; however lil ol’ moi didn’t see it when the first 30% is pretty much a sexfest.
So faced with both the pros and cons this book presented, did I like it or not? And it’s pretty unbelievable based off of my review, but yes, I liked it more than I disliked it. Once you get past the annoying outer shell, there lies a very meaningful story within. I just wished it didn’t take me an angst-filled heart and 50 UGHs later to find it.
Another thing: I know this is an ARC and needs to be edited but pleeeeeeeeease make sure the finished copy is corrected of spelling issues!! I mean, even the book title was spelled wrong! Past Inperfect *not impressed*
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2014
4 Wamfu Stars
We met Brad in Present Perfect, you may remember him as Smurffucker or as one of the evil B’s. Well, I may make all my Present Perfect friends mad, but I actually liked Brad in Present Perfect. In the beginning, I thought he was a Smurffucker, but the more I got to know him he grew on me. So naturally I immediately jumped into this one.
Past Imperfect is told from Brad and Mabry POV and the story alternates between their past and present until they merge.
We all know Brad was a dick in high school, but this story tells Brad’s backstory and what shaped his character. Brad had a troubled childhood and at a young age learned his parents never wanted him. So he is constantly trying to find praise through other sources, and that leads to a lot of bad decision and selfish behavior. Until tragedy strikes Brad and he is forced to re-examin how he is living life.
Mabry is still haunted by her past. While on the surface she is smart, sexy and successful beneath her perfect facade she is drowning.
Mabry and Brad’s both go to college, graduate with law degrees and their lives merge when they begin working together. Both individuals are immediately drawn to each other, but neither has a clue how to be in a relationship. Things begin as friends with benefits, but escalate quickly.
I guess some would call this insta-love, but with the way things are written with their pasts explained, it didn’t feel that way to me. It felt like their connection was real, even if it was quick. Despite things coming together quickly there is still so many things they have to overcome individually and as a couple.
Like Present Perfect this story has a ton of heart, but will not gut you or drive you to drink like it’s predecessor. I really enjoy this one and felt it had a great message, it just felt slow in some places despite being a short book. I still recommend this book, as I am a fan of Brad and the Perfect Series.
We met Brad in Present Perfect, you may remember him as Smurffucker or as one of the evil B’s. Well, I may make all my Present Perfect friends mad, but I actually liked Brad in Present Perfect. In the beginning, I thought he was a Smurffucker, but the more I got to know him he grew on me. So naturally I immediately jumped into this one.
Past Imperfect is told from Brad and Mabry POV and the story alternates between their past and present until they merge.
We all know Brad was a dick in high school, but this story tells Brad’s backstory and what shaped his character. Brad had a troubled childhood and at a young age learned his parents never wanted him. So he is constantly trying to find praise through other sources, and that leads to a lot of bad decision and selfish behavior. Until tragedy strikes Brad and he is forced to re-examin how he is living life.
Mabry is still haunted by her past. While on the surface she is smart, sexy and successful beneath her perfect facade she is drowning.
Mabry and Brad’s both go to college, graduate with law degrees and their lives merge when they begin working together. Both individuals are immediately drawn to each other, but neither has a clue how to be in a relationship. Things begin as friends with benefits, but escalate quickly.
I guess some would call this insta-love, but with the way things are written with their pasts explained, it didn’t feel that way to me. It felt like their connection was real, even if it was quick. Despite things coming together quickly there is still so many things they have to overcome individually and as a couple.
Like Present Perfect this story has a ton of heart, but will not gut you or drive you to drink like it’s predecessor. I really enjoy this one and felt it had a great message, it just felt slow in some places despite being a short book. I still recommend this book, as I am a fan of Brad and the Perfect Series.
Want to read
January 15, 2014 SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
Present Perfect fans, this is Brad's story!!
I still kinda want to kick him in the nuts for what he did but I can't wait to see where his story takes us! And, check out the author's casting for him! *fans self*
Present Perfect fans, this is Brad's story!!
I still kinda want to kick him in the nuts for what he did but I can't wait to see where his story takes us! And, check out the author's casting for him! *fans self*
September 13, 2016
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult Romance
Talk about a punch to the gut..this book has the power to double a person over in pain. NO JOKE.
Past Imperfect is Brad Johnson’s story. Brad is the grade A a**hole readers had the lovely chance to meet in Present Perfect. Sadly this meeting was not all good, his character became strongly disliked. I thought “how on earth does Alison G. Bailey plan to redeem this douche.” While not impossible it sure as heck won’t be easy.
Soon after having that thought I found myself eating those words because it was easy for me to fall for Brad Johnson.
One girl and one night is all it takes to flip a switch in Brad. Albeit a tragic night..nonetheless it forces him to become accountable while simultaneously evoking change. He becomes a new man, no longer the Brad of the past. This is the man I fell for..the Brad of Past Imperfect
‘She was my vibration. Heat started to crawl across my skin as my chest began to tighten. What was wrong with me.’ -Brad
Brad’s in love *Grins slowly* And he knows it in the bottom of his heart. Like him, Mabry Darnell is a first year attorney at the firm, she and Brad have worked together on many projects and have pretty much danced around their strong attraction for each other. Even though she was warned not to go anywhere near him with his reputable playboy ways Mabry could not stop the intense heat wave once it hits.
And I’m talking deathly hot temps here people, enough to melt a human on the spot.
I doubt anything could have put a stop to these two coming together. Alison G. Bailey does a good job setting up the chemistry between Brad and Mabry. So much so that when you read the scene of how they first meet you feel it..LITERALLY feel it just like Brad does. It was then that I. WAS. CAPTURED. It hits you, its immediate and you just know. He found her. The one placed on this Earth for him.
Giving in to lust is easy but admitting to love can be harder to do. The unique part here is that Brad has no issues with telling her he loves her. Mabry on the other hand not so much she freezes up on Brad turning that intense heat they share into the frozen tundra.
“Everything about him turns me on, his body, his charm, his intellect and his humor.”
-Mabry
Who is Mabry Darnell?
When I initially meet Mabry’s character nothing about her stood out I actually had to get to know her before I could catch up to where Brad was. The more I got to know her the more taken I was annnnnd the more my heart ached for her. Mabry is a character you’ll find yourself rooting for. You want her to overcome the pain that she seems to carry around like a big blemish mark on her soul.
“ Why is there so much sadness in your eyes?” His question catches me off guard.
-Brad to Mabry
Without ruining the story by telling all I will say this. The sadness from tragedy can be seen in her eyes by the one who loves her. Mabry fears that she’ll be like her mother and her father is no longer a father in any sense of the word. This plays a big role in Mabry's life to the point where it actually controls her.
Brad becomes relentless when Mabry decides to pull the escape clause out on him. She claims that their relationship was supposed to stay fun and physical. Not hearts with talk of being exclusive. Yet, Brad’s unyielding wooing breaks through to her heart. And of course that is when the unthinkable happens.
‘My past is about to meet my present. Mabry.’ - Brad
My Sweet and Sour
My Sweet- Love. Love had its own starring role in the book. It put fear to rest and overcame the past. Love held tight, it may have swayed and bent in the storm but just as a palm tree does was firmly planted and weathered those storms life brought.
My Sour- Brad’s parents BandB (The Bitch and the Bastard) his words not mine. I could not stand his parents. In fact I HATE THEM.
My Thoughts
The story was emotional with a slightly dark edge to it. Readers get a dual pov and some flashbacks that help you to better understand both Brad and Mabry. I found that the twist lined up perfectly with the subplot which was very VERY emotional.
On a side note Past Imperfect has one of the best epilogues I've read in some time. Rarely do authors indulge us in the future of the characters we grow to love the way Bailey did in this book with this epilogue!
My Ratings
Characters- Sincere, Lovable and Sweet
Writing Style- Very Good
Plot/Storyline- A man who turns a new leaf by letting go of his former playboy ways finds that holding on to the girl that now has his heart may not be so easy
Steam Factor- High/Steamy on a scale of 1-10 I say 7
Overall- I enjoyed it!!
My Recommendation : I recommend this to all NA lovers!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
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**ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review**
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult Romance
Talk about a punch to the gut..this book has the power to double a person over in pain. NO JOKE.
Past Imperfect is Brad Johnson’s story. Brad is the grade A a**hole readers had the lovely chance to meet in Present Perfect. Sadly this meeting was not all good, his character became strongly disliked. I thought “how on earth does Alison G. Bailey plan to redeem this douche.” While not impossible it sure as heck won’t be easy.
Soon after having that thought I found myself eating those words because it was easy for me to fall for Brad Johnson.
One girl and one night is all it takes to flip a switch in Brad. Albeit a tragic night..nonetheless it forces him to become accountable while simultaneously evoking change. He becomes a new man, no longer the Brad of the past. This is the man I fell for..the Brad of Past Imperfect
‘She was my vibration. Heat started to crawl across my skin as my chest began to tighten. What was wrong with me.’ -Brad
Brad’s in love *Grins slowly* And he knows it in the bottom of his heart. Like him, Mabry Darnell is a first year attorney at the firm, she and Brad have worked together on many projects and have pretty much danced around their strong attraction for each other. Even though she was warned not to go anywhere near him with his reputable playboy ways Mabry could not stop the intense heat wave once it hits.
And I’m talking deathly hot temps here people, enough to melt a human on the spot.
I doubt anything could have put a stop to these two coming together. Alison G. Bailey does a good job setting up the chemistry between Brad and Mabry. So much so that when you read the scene of how they first meet you feel it..LITERALLY feel it just like Brad does. It was then that I. WAS. CAPTURED. It hits you, its immediate and you just know. He found her. The one placed on this Earth for him.
Giving in to lust is easy but admitting to love can be harder to do. The unique part here is that Brad has no issues with telling her he loves her. Mabry on the other hand not so much she freezes up on Brad turning that intense heat they share into the frozen tundra.
“Everything about him turns me on, his body, his charm, his intellect and his humor.”
-Mabry
Who is Mabry Darnell?
When I initially meet Mabry’s character nothing about her stood out I actually had to get to know her before I could catch up to where Brad was. The more I got to know her the more taken I was annnnnd the more my heart ached for her. Mabry is a character you’ll find yourself rooting for. You want her to overcome the pain that she seems to carry around like a big blemish mark on her soul.
“ Why is there so much sadness in your eyes?” His question catches me off guard.
-Brad to Mabry
Without ruining the story by telling all I will say this. The sadness from tragedy can be seen in her eyes by the one who loves her. Mabry fears that she’ll be like her mother and her father is no longer a father in any sense of the word. This plays a big role in Mabry's life to the point where it actually controls her.
Brad becomes relentless when Mabry decides to pull the escape clause out on him. She claims that their relationship was supposed to stay fun and physical. Not hearts with talk of being exclusive. Yet, Brad’s unyielding wooing breaks through to her heart. And of course that is when the unthinkable happens.
‘My past is about to meet my present. Mabry.’ - Brad
My Sweet and Sour
My Sweet- Love. Love had its own starring role in the book. It put fear to rest and overcame the past. Love held tight, it may have swayed and bent in the storm but just as a palm tree does was firmly planted and weathered those storms life brought.
My Sour- Brad’s parents BandB (The Bitch and the Bastard) his words not mine. I could not stand his parents. In fact I HATE THEM.
My Thoughts
The story was emotional with a slightly dark edge to it. Readers get a dual pov and some flashbacks that help you to better understand both Brad and Mabry. I found that the twist lined up perfectly with the subplot which was very VERY emotional.
On a side note Past Imperfect has one of the best epilogues I've read in some time. Rarely do authors indulge us in the future of the characters we grow to love the way Bailey did in this book with this epilogue!
My Ratings
Characters- Sincere, Lovable and Sweet
Writing Style- Very Good
Plot/Storyline- A man who turns a new leaf by letting go of his former playboy ways finds that holding on to the girl that now has his heart may not be so easy
Steam Factor- High/Steamy on a scale of 1-10 I say 7
Overall- I enjoyed it!!
My Recommendation : I recommend this to all NA lovers!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
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**ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review**
Want to read
January 6, 2014The douchebag is getting his own story!!!
I hated him... but OMGGGG!!! I'm excited!!! CAN'T WAIT!!!
I hated him... but OMGGGG!!! I'm excited!!! CAN'T WAIT!!!
February 28, 2014
4 Wamfu stars!!
I really enjoyed this book.
"True happiness is when you feel contentment and joy deep in your soul, no matter what problems are swirling around outside of you. People underestimate that feeling. It’s such a simple short word, but it holds so much depth and power. When it’s been absent from your life for so long you forget just how precious a gift it really is.”
When Brad meets a girl called Malbry for the first time at his law firm.... He instantly knows she's different. But their relationship has always been no strings attached just like Malbry likes.
The story is written in past and present tense from Brad and Malbrys POV which is excellent because we know what each is thinking all the time.
Both Brad and Malbry have issues from their past... The best books usually are this way.
Brad was not loved by his family all his life and used woman recklessly and until one day he changed because one of them killed themselves.
Malbry on the other end, had a wonderful childhood until her mother became sick and depressed and eventually stopped caring for her... Which eventually led to her committing suicide.
Later on her father too overwhelmed with grief stopped caring too.
Now Malbry has these urges to self harm to numb the pain.
As Brad fights to be more then "casual a fling" with Malbry she fights I run away until she knows in her heart she loves Brad.
"The way he looked at me was as if he could see straight into my soul. Like he knew all my secrets and understood all my pain. I felt the tip of him slide into me. I braced myself, knowing from experience I would need to get used to the unfamiliar feel of him inside of me since this was our first time."
The world is a small place and the past and present collide...
An excellent story which will keep you on your toes with a special epilogue into the future. It's like an added bonus!!
February 20, 2014
* * * May have some spoilers = Read by your own, sugar babe * * *
* * * Is not my intention to offend anyone who really appreciate this book, this is a personal evaluation * * *
I…………. hesitated a lot about rating or not this book.
At first I was really pissed and want to let off steam in a long review, but then, I realized that, perhaps, I'm not the 'target public' from this book, therefore, could not be fair review this since I never got connected with the characters or the story itself... after more thinking, I decided to write anyway, for two reasons:
1) The time I spent reading it.
2) This book is full of shit.
I'm not familiar with self-harmers’ drama, but what you got in this book is people who like to lick their own wounds and sink in a well of self-pity and low self-esteem and don’t give a flying shit for the way they hurt other people by their actions. That for itself is annoying as hell. Let's face it, only counselors have patience to heard unknown persons crying about their insecurities over and over again, and they're getting paid for that. I want to feel empathy with Mabry's drama, but she is a mirror of Amanda, from Present Perfect. She have so much in common with Amanda that sound like the author repeated herself here, only change the name of the ‘heroine’. And it was lame. Mabry is selfish and empty... is impossible to feel anything for her, and, until the very last page of the book, I still didn't understand why Brad loved her. Why her? Oh, yeah! Because of the call of love. You know, 'when you feel in your guts, this is the right person for you', which pretty much save the time of the author to create a bond between the characters beyond the sex and appearance.
However, I read this book because of Brad, the douchebag from Present Perfect. I was deep curious to see his redemption, and I wanted to know why he treated Amanda like this in the other book. Of course, I knew the girl’s suicide would affect and change him. And the process of grief/guilty/regretful Brad was believable, but the nowadays Brad is a boring obsessed guy for a girl who treats him like her emotion punch bag...
Now that I think about it, Amanda's story show me how people can be really nasty and abusive with your body and mind when you allow it. They will not try to help you or save you. They will not get the message you’re falling because they will take you as what you insist in show at them; a worthless human being, a numb self-destruction machine. Mabry, however, is surrounded by people who care about her, by people who keep telling their support and good advices, Brad included. But she remains deaf and blind. It was necessary a serious and predictable overdone of her self-harm, to lead the reader at the also predictable hospital scene when the main characters crying their endless love! Finally all the truths are revealed and they could be together and happy forever, with kids, warm house and grill at weekends.
It’s unreal. And bullshit! I’ll not read other book of this author because I’m done with masochism, and I know that it’s exactly what I’ll get with another story by Alison G. Bailey.
______________________ ^.^
Thanks Jennifer for the buddy reading! I hope the book be a different experience for you. A better one. =D
Also, I hope we trying again with other book, soon!
Soooooon
* * * Is not my intention to offend anyone who really appreciate this book, this is a personal evaluation * * *
I…………. hesitated a lot about rating or not this book.
At first I was really pissed and want to let off steam in a long review, but then, I realized that, perhaps, I'm not the 'target public' from this book, therefore, could not be fair review this since I never got connected with the characters or the story itself... after more thinking, I decided to write anyway, for two reasons:
1) The time I spent reading it.
2) This book is full of shit.
I'm not familiar with self-harmers’ drama, but what you got in this book is people who like to lick their own wounds and sink in a well of self-pity and low self-esteem and don’t give a flying shit for the way they hurt other people by their actions. That for itself is annoying as hell. Let's face it, only counselors have patience to heard unknown persons crying about their insecurities over and over again, and they're getting paid for that. I want to feel empathy with Mabry's drama, but she is a mirror of Amanda, from Present Perfect. She have so much in common with Amanda that sound like the author repeated herself here, only change the name of the ‘heroine’. And it was lame. Mabry is selfish and empty... is impossible to feel anything for her, and, until the very last page of the book, I still didn't understand why Brad loved her. Why her? Oh, yeah! Because of the call of love. You know, 'when you feel in your guts, this is the right person for you', which pretty much save the time of the author to create a bond between the characters beyond the sex and appearance.
However, I read this book because of Brad, the douchebag from Present Perfect. I was deep curious to see his redemption, and I wanted to know why he treated Amanda like this in the other book. Of course, I knew the girl’s suicide would affect and change him. And the process of grief/guilty/regretful Brad was believable, but the nowadays Brad is a boring obsessed guy for a girl who treats him like her emotion punch bag...
Now that I think about it, Amanda's story show me how people can be really nasty and abusive with your body and mind when you allow it. They will not try to help you or save you. They will not get the message you’re falling because they will take you as what you insist in show at them; a worthless human being, a numb self-destruction machine. Mabry, however, is surrounded by people who care about her, by people who keep telling their support and good advices, Brad included. But she remains deaf and blind. It was necessary a serious and predictable overdone of her self-harm, to lead the reader at the also predictable hospital scene when the main characters crying their endless love! Finally all the truths are revealed and they could be together and happy forever, with kids, warm house and grill at weekends.
It’s unreal. And bullshit! I’ll not read other book of this author because I’m done with masochism, and I know that it’s exactly what I’ll get with another story by Alison G. Bailey.
______________________ ^.^
Thanks Jennifer for the buddy reading! I hope the book be a different experience for you. A better one. =D
Also, I hope we trying again with other book, soon!
Soooooon
May 3, 2015
✭✭✭✭4.5 Stars✭✭✭✭
Brad, Brad, Brad.
If you have read Present Perfect (and if not, I highly recommend that you do) - then you will remember Brad. A few names may come to mind when you think of him.
Well, prepare for you opinion to change ... drastically.
This book starts off in a really unexpected place … Brad and Mabry are already together ... we’ve missed their courtship … in fact … Brad is already head over heals in love & looking to announce his feelings … Mabry … well, she might need a little convincing … but just a little.
But the past sneaks up in a major way, bringing conflict to the lives of our characters & forcing them to deal with things they'd hoped to leave behind. This story really is about issues of mental health - learning to live with the past while facing an uncertain future.
This would have been a 5 star read, except things were a bit slow at mid-point and I felt a tad bored … but it was very short lived boredom because once shit hit the fan I was glued to every word & completely blown away by the end. What Ms. Bailey does with her storytelling is like tiptoeing up behind a person & then hitting them really hard over the head. I will never forget this story - it was too impactful.
It left me feeling a little like this:
One thing is for sure ... I will be anxiously awaiting more from this wonderful author!
Brad, Brad, Brad.
If you have read Present Perfect (and if not, I highly recommend that you do) - then you will remember Brad. A few names may come to mind when you think of him.
Names like:
Douchbag
Immoral Asshole
Fucktard
And my personal favorite ...
Smuffucker
Well, prepare for you opinion to change ... drastically.
This book starts off in a really unexpected place … Brad and Mabry are already together ... we’ve missed their courtship … in fact … Brad is already head over heals in love & looking to announce his feelings … Mabry … well, she might need a little convincing … but just a little.
”Do you think it’s possible to love someone before you’ve met them? Because I think I’ve loved you my entire life.”
“I know it is because I’ve been waiting for you my entire life.”
But the past sneaks up in a major way, bringing conflict to the lives of our characters & forcing them to deal with things they'd hoped to leave behind. This story really is about issues of mental health - learning to live with the past while facing an uncertain future.
”If I had known you were going to be in my future, I would have been a better man in my past.”
This would have been a 5 star read, except things were a bit slow at mid-point and I felt a tad bored … but it was very short lived boredom because once shit hit the fan I was glued to every word & completely blown away by the end. What Ms. Bailey does with her storytelling is like tiptoeing up behind a person & then hitting them really hard over the head. I will never forget this story - it was too impactful.
It left me feeling a little like this:
WAMFU!
One thing is for sure ... I will be anxiously awaiting more from this wonderful author!
February 17, 2014
ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review
***4.5 Past Imperfect "Wamfu" Stars***
There was nothing imperfect about Past Imperfect..this book was perfection for me. I loved it and devoured this book in one sitting because I was so invested with Brad and Mabry’s story. Ms. Bailey did a remarkable job in writing this beautiful and heartbreaking tale of two individuals trying to escape their painful pasts. Brad and Mabry’s journey was a beautiful tale of showcasing that our past does not define us and true love does not come by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.
In Present Perfect, we were first introduced to Brad Johnson and he could be only described as a jerk to put it mildly. Now the Brad in Past Imperfect did a total transformation where he was able to redeem himself. Brad may seem to have the perfect life with two successful parents as lawyers and could have any woman he wants but the looks can be deceiving. His childhood was not filled with love and family bonding. According to his parents, his birth was a mistake. The “old and immature” Brad admits that he used women and it didn’t bother or affect him till one day that it all changed. This one tragic event forever changed him to transform and change his old ways. His womanizing days are over. The transformation and redemption of Brad was not an easy task for him but his efforts to redeem himself was truly remarkable. Sometimes our past haunts us with regrets and immobilize us from moving forward but Brad was able to climb out of the despair and make things right. He learned from his past mistakes and made amends with them. With the new changes Brad made to improve his life, he finally found love with Mabry Darnell. For the first time, he is in love and wants to protect and cherish it.
Like Brad, Mabry Darnell’s childhood was not pleasant. Her once happy loving childhood was completely shattered when her mom committed suicide. This once tragic event forever changed Mabry. That day not only Mabry’s mom died but so did her father. The loss of his wife left her dad broken and depressed. She lost both parents since her dad became an empty shell of his former self. Her childhood was filled with heartache and pain and the only way Mabry could ease the hurt was to numb herself by inflicting self-harm. For years, she never felt loved and so self-harm was her coping mechanism. When Brad and her relationship was getting serious, Mabry tried to distance herself fearing that everyone she loves is going to end up leaving her. Luckily for her Brad didn’t see it that way. He never once gave up on Mabry. He meant every word when he said that he loved her.
As Mabry and Brad navigates this uncharted territory of love, their past seems to collide with the present. It seems that no one can escape their past. The past is a reminder to us all that it did happen and it cannot be changed but the future can be. Ms. Bailey’s back and forth of the present and past allows readers to understand how far Brad and Mabry’s pain goes. Some scars are not seen but they are there. Will their past dictate their future? How long can Mabry hide her secret of self-harm? Will Brad finally find forgiveness with himself and will his love be enough to help Mabry out of the darkness?
Ms. Alison Bailey did it again. Her writing truly captured my heart and I felt every ounce of emotion Brad and Mabry evoked. I loved how Ms. Bailey was able to show the transformation and growth of two imperfect and flawed characters. Past Imperfect dealt with heavy subject matters but what I love about this book was that Ms. Bailey did not sweep the issues of depression, suicide, and self-harm under the rug. She allowed readers to understand yes there are people out there who are suffering and going through this. It reminds us all that a helpful hand and a shoulder to lean on is sometimes one step for them to realize that they are not alone. As for the epilogue, I LOVE IT !!! It was one of the best epilogue that I read and I couldn’t stop smiling while reading. It was a perfect completion to Brad and Mabry’s story and I loved every word of it. Truly, Past Imperfect reminds us all that life is not about the destination but the journey. The journey of Brad and Mabry was filled with many heartaches, disappointments, fears, love, and tears but through it all this couple showed us how strong their love for each other was. Brad and Mabry’s imperfect past will always be there but together they will write their beginning and ending. All there is left to say is go read Past Imperfect and join Brad and Mabry as they discover how two broken imperfect and flawed individuals found peace, love and closure.
**Reviews on Behalf of Give Me Books Blog**
Alison G. Bailey
***4.5 Past Imperfect "Wamfu" Stars***
There was nothing imperfect about Past Imperfect..this book was perfection for me. I loved it and devoured this book in one sitting because I was so invested with Brad and Mabry’s story. Ms. Bailey did a remarkable job in writing this beautiful and heartbreaking tale of two individuals trying to escape their painful pasts. Brad and Mabry’s journey was a beautiful tale of showcasing that our past does not define us and true love does not come by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.
In Present Perfect, we were first introduced to Brad Johnson and he could be only described as a jerk to put it mildly. Now the Brad in Past Imperfect did a total transformation where he was able to redeem himself. Brad may seem to have the perfect life with two successful parents as lawyers and could have any woman he wants but the looks can be deceiving. His childhood was not filled with love and family bonding. According to his parents, his birth was a mistake. The “old and immature” Brad admits that he used women and it didn’t bother or affect him till one day that it all changed. This one tragic event forever changed him to transform and change his old ways. His womanizing days are over. The transformation and redemption of Brad was not an easy task for him but his efforts to redeem himself was truly remarkable. Sometimes our past haunts us with regrets and immobilize us from moving forward but Brad was able to climb out of the despair and make things right. He learned from his past mistakes and made amends with them. With the new changes Brad made to improve his life, he finally found love with Mabry Darnell. For the first time, he is in love and wants to protect and cherish it.
Like Brad, Mabry Darnell’s childhood was not pleasant. Her once happy loving childhood was completely shattered when her mom committed suicide. This once tragic event forever changed Mabry. That day not only Mabry’s mom died but so did her father. The loss of his wife left her dad broken and depressed. She lost both parents since her dad became an empty shell of his former self. Her childhood was filled with heartache and pain and the only way Mabry could ease the hurt was to numb herself by inflicting self-harm. For years, she never felt loved and so self-harm was her coping mechanism. When Brad and her relationship was getting serious, Mabry tried to distance herself fearing that everyone she loves is going to end up leaving her. Luckily for her Brad didn’t see it that way. He never once gave up on Mabry. He meant every word when he said that he loved her.
As Mabry and Brad navigates this uncharted territory of love, their past seems to collide with the present. It seems that no one can escape their past. The past is a reminder to us all that it did happen and it cannot be changed but the future can be. Ms. Bailey’s back and forth of the present and past allows readers to understand how far Brad and Mabry’s pain goes. Some scars are not seen but they are there. Will their past dictate their future? How long can Mabry hide her secret of self-harm? Will Brad finally find forgiveness with himself and will his love be enough to help Mabry out of the darkness?
Ms. Alison Bailey did it again. Her writing truly captured my heart and I felt every ounce of emotion Brad and Mabry evoked. I loved how Ms. Bailey was able to show the transformation and growth of two imperfect and flawed characters. Past Imperfect dealt with heavy subject matters but what I love about this book was that Ms. Bailey did not sweep the issues of depression, suicide, and self-harm under the rug. She allowed readers to understand yes there are people out there who are suffering and going through this. It reminds us all that a helpful hand and a shoulder to lean on is sometimes one step for them to realize that they are not alone. As for the epilogue, I LOVE IT !!! It was one of the best epilogue that I read and I couldn’t stop smiling while reading. It was a perfect completion to Brad and Mabry’s story and I loved every word of it. Truly, Past Imperfect reminds us all that life is not about the destination but the journey. The journey of Brad and Mabry was filled with many heartaches, disappointments, fears, love, and tears but through it all this couple showed us how strong their love for each other was. Brad and Mabry’s imperfect past will always be there but together they will write their beginning and ending. All there is left to say is go read Past Imperfect and join Brad and Mabry as they discover how two broken imperfect and flawed individuals found peace, love and closure.
**Reviews on Behalf of Give Me Books Blog**
Alison G. Bailey
January 22, 2014
I'm tapping my fingers on my desk and trying with all my might to find the words to accurately describe how much this story affects me. Screw it, I'm just diving in.
While this can absolutely be read as a stand alone, it's a spin-off of Present Perfect. When we first met Brad in Present Perfect, and he was a total smurff*cker. In Past imperfect we find out why and we also get to see him change his ways. Watching him grow and change is really amazing. And I love him, absolutely love the crap out of him and he threatens my very solid top 3 bbf list.
Maybry... that girl is so very relatable even though she has issue that aren't as common or well known. Although, they are more common then people realize. I love Mabry. I want to hug her, I want to be her bestie.
Now the writing, good God, the writing. Alison G. Bailey has a way with a story that pulls you in and sucks you deep. Pulls at your heartstring and makes you laugh out loud. I shouted Present Perfect from the rooftops as one of the best books I've ever read, and Past Imperfect is just as good. If not better. I wish I could give this book 10 stars, and I will be doing a lot of rooftop shouting to tell everyone how much I love this story and this author.
While this can absolutely be read as a stand alone, it's a spin-off of Present Perfect. When we first met Brad in Present Perfect, and he was a total smurff*cker. In Past imperfect we find out why and we also get to see him change his ways. Watching him grow and change is really amazing. And I love him, absolutely love the crap out of him and he threatens my very solid top 3 bbf list.
Maybry... that girl is so very relatable even though she has issue that aren't as common or well known. Although, they are more common then people realize. I love Mabry. I want to hug her, I want to be her bestie.
Now the writing, good God, the writing. Alison G. Bailey has a way with a story that pulls you in and sucks you deep. Pulls at your heartstring and makes you laugh out loud. I shouted Present Perfect from the rooftops as one of the best books I've ever read, and Past Imperfect is just as good. If not better. I wish I could give this book 10 stars, and I will be doing a lot of rooftop shouting to tell everyone how much I love this story and this author.
February 19, 2014
Am I the only person that actually liked Brad Johnson prior to "redeeming" himself? But then again, I love cocky James Spader in Pretty in Pink so...
As a reader: I love Brad. I love Brad's love for Mabry. I love how he wants to be a better man. I love when he talks dirty (to me.) I love how he looks in a dress shirt and tie (in my head.)
I love that Ms. Bailey took a risk by exploring mental health set against the backdrop of relatable, fictional characters. I love the book club. ha ha ha. And I LOVE the epilogue.
As a very picky writer: I judge a book by the style, and PI did not disappoint. The flow from past to present as well as the dual narrative is flawless. I also respect and admire any writer that can make dialogue entertaining as well as push the story forward.
Past Imperfect is a complete novel. Completely effing fantastic!
As a reader: I love Brad. I love Brad's love for Mabry. I love how he wants to be a better man. I love when he talks dirty (to me.) I love how he looks in a dress shirt and tie (in my head.)
I love that Ms. Bailey took a risk by exploring mental health set against the backdrop of relatable, fictional characters. I love the book club. ha ha ha. And I LOVE the epilogue.
As a very picky writer: I judge a book by the style, and PI did not disappoint. The flow from past to present as well as the dual narrative is flawless. I also respect and admire any writer that can make dialogue entertaining as well as push the story forward.
Past Imperfect is a complete novel. Completely effing fantastic!
April 2, 2014
Props to the Smurffucker! He definitely turned it around and won me over!!
4.5 STARS FOR BRAD & MABRY!
This book had big boots to fill. Firstly, the first book in this series absolutely blew me away and left me totally gobsmacked.
See my review for Present Perfect (Perfect, #1) here: http://smittensbookblog.wordpress.com...
And secondly, I really seem to have absolutely no tolerance for books that aren't floating my boat at the moment. I don't know why. Maybe I'm just getting irritable in my grand old age of twenty-six, but I'm either all in or I just can't connect to a book. It's all or nothing, lately, for me.
So, Past Imperfect had some living up to do. And I have to say, for the most part, it did it. I love it when the author takes a character that you don't know if you will enjoy reading, or even like, and turns their story around into something you can buy into and understand.
No, it wasn't as breath-taking as the first book, but let's be honest, the first book was absolutely outstanding, so Ms. Bailey would have had to have gone some to meet the bar set by Noah and Tweet. But I did still really enjoy Brad and Mabry's story.
"True happiness is when you contentment and joy deep in your sould, no matter what problems are swirling around outside of you. People underestimate that feeling. It's such a simple short word, but it holds so much depth and power. When it's been absent from your life for so long you forget just how precious a gift it really is."
Obviously we've already met Brad Johnson in the first book. In fact, in the first book is a first class douchebag. He's a player, an asshole and as Noah so eloquently put it, a Smurffucker! So I was very interested to see how Brad was going to turn things around.
And he did. I really, really liked Brad in this book. I loved that Alison took us on his journey to redemption. The path that lead him to see the error of his ways. Brad had a childhood empty of any love or emotion, he's never felt wanted or cherished and as a result, he treats people as if they are disposable. And when you take a look into his past, you can kind of understand why. But a series of events lead him to realise that there is more to life than meaningless sex and becoming a lawyer.
And then he meets Mabry... Mabry Darnell makes him realise exactly what wanting and being wanted means.
I liked Mabry too. Again, she has a dark history, her own abandonment issues and is a totally commitment phobic. Mabry has thrown herself into her career, and like Brad, only wants sexual encounters that are devoid of feeling or connection. Some of her indecisions and twoing and froing did irritate me a little, but she is extremely vulnerable and hides behind a polished, professional façade, afraid of feeling, afraid of hurting, afraid of re-creating the past. Her head is a mess.
"Then love me," he whispers.
So, the pair of the them together are pretty much a recipe for disaster. But they both decide to take a chance on each other. Until their pasts decide to catch up with them.
Alison G. Bailey has a thing about giving you a heartattack by writing 'The End' at a point where you really don't want the book to be over... and then sweetening you back up with an adorable epilogue. And I have to say, as epilogues go, this one was about as gorgeous as they get. I don't want to say anymore, because I don't want to ruin it, but I was swooning all over the place.
And the airport scene, just before Ms. Bailey dropped the The End bomb... I was in tears!! So heartbreaking.
“Thank you for saving mine, Sweetness.”
This book is certainly sexier than the first. The sex scenes between Brad and Mabry are hot! This is much more adult romance, where the PP was much more NA.
I think what was missing from this book, that the other book had, was that in the first book I felt like I was completely immersed in the lives of the characters. I can't put my finger on any one thing that I didn't like with Past Imperfect, as I did really enjoy the book. It was just that I felt a certain level of detachment that I definitely didn't feel with Present Perfect. I felt like I was an outsider, looking in on Mabry and Brad's story, rather than feeling that I was living in their world. I don't feel as completely in love with and attached to Brad and Mabry as I did Noah and Tweet.
The story is told in alternating view points, so that we get both Brad's side of the story, and Mabry's. Both of them are complex characters who are going finding themselves and going through various internal battles, so it's was definitely beneficial to see it from both sides. I loved Brad's POV, because you got to see just how much he doted on Mabry. It's always cute when a former man-whore changes his ways and falls completely head over heels for the woman of his dreams, and Brad really does do just that.
This book could, technically, be read as a stand alone. It is a story in it's own right. There is a small mention of Amanda, from Present Perfect, as she is part of Brad's story, but other than that, this is a self contained novel. But I wouldn't recommend it as the first story is just so great, I think everyone should read both books.
In conclusion, those of you worrying about hating Brad, after his appearance in Present Perfect, I can assure he, he really will win you round. I absolutely love Alison G. Bailey's writing and I can not wait to hear news about more of her work. I'll be keeping a close on her from now on so keep your eyes peeled for news!
Have you read it? Comment below and tell us what you thought?
'Past Imperfect' Statistics
• Steam Rating (out of 5): ♥♥♥♥
• Ending: Happy ending
• Length: 308 pages
• POV: Alternates between Brad and Mabry.
• Narrative: First person. Alternates between past and present tense.
• Series: Yes
• Reading Order:
- Book #1 - Present Perfect (Perfect, #1)
- Book #2 - Past Imperfect (Perfect, #2)
- Book #3 - Presently Perfect (Perfect, #3) (Not yet released)
• Can this be read as a standalone? Yes
• Themes:
Commitment-phobic characters
Redemption
• WARNING: This book contains...
Suicide. Self harm. Sexual content.
• Writing: Fantastic
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January 28, 2014
Past Imperfect follows Brad Johnson who was a cocky, self-absorbed, player in Present Perfect... or at least it seemed that way. In reality Brad has awful parents that could care less about him and he just wants to be loved and needed.
Mabry Darnell endured an emotional, gut-wrenching tragedy as a child, that changed the person she became. She pushes people away, afraid to let them in and afraid to love or be loved.
When Brad and Mabry met and start seeing each other, the connection is instant. But with both of their past issues, do they even stand a chance of making it work?
"Don’t go. I’ve never had anyone in my life like you, Mabry. You’re mine.”
Alison G. Bailey BLEW me away with her debut novel Present Perfect and so my expectations were pretty high when starting Past Imperfect. Well, I am once again amazed and in awe of her writing. This book is told in dual points of view with chapters alternating between the past and the present; this style of story telling, really gives you a chance to feel and connect with these two characters. This book is sexy, funny, emotional, and at times even gut-wrenching. It deals with some very serious subjects, which Alison handles beautifully!! Plus I have to mention that the ending and epilogue is probably the best that I have EVER read!!
Mabry Darnell endured an emotional, gut-wrenching tragedy as a child, that changed the person she became. She pushes people away, afraid to let them in and afraid to love or be loved.
When Brad and Mabry met and start seeing each other, the connection is instant. But with both of their past issues, do they even stand a chance of making it work?
"Don’t go. I’ve never had anyone in my life like you, Mabry. You’re mine.”
Alison G. Bailey BLEW me away with her debut novel Present Perfect and so my expectations were pretty high when starting Past Imperfect. Well, I am once again amazed and in awe of her writing. This book is told in dual points of view with chapters alternating between the past and the present; this style of story telling, really gives you a chance to feel and connect with these two characters. This book is sexy, funny, emotional, and at times even gut-wrenching. It deals with some very serious subjects, which Alison handles beautifully!! Plus I have to mention that the ending and epilogue is probably the best that I have EVER read!!
March 24, 2014
I can't wait for this! I wanted to hate Brad so much but I just couldn't. I did not agree with much of what he did but I could tell he has a history that is haunting him and causing him to do the things he does.
I have a feeling we may all fall in love with Brad and his tortured soul by the end of this book!
I have a feeling we may all fall in love with Brad and his tortured soul by the end of this book!
Read
March 14, 2022Past Imperfect is now available on all platforms!
Amazon: tinyurl.com/wxw4b2x4
Barnes and Noble: tinyurl.com/cya6tzw9
Kobo: tinyurl.com/5nwk8ces
Apple: tinyurl.com/suvxess
Past Imperfect Book Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp4T0...
Amazon: tinyurl.com/wxw4b2x4
Barnes and Noble: tinyurl.com/cya6tzw9
Kobo: tinyurl.com/5nwk8ces
Apple: tinyurl.com/suvxess
Past Imperfect Book Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp4T0...
December 22, 2014
The day comes when you finally find “the one”—the one that owns your heart and soul and completes you. You feel you can’t live without that one person, or breath, or even exist. When you're this deeply in love that person is your security blanket; You feel safe, protected, cherished, and overjoyed that you get to spend the rest of your life with that person.
But, What happens when your past collides with your future and the possibility of being without them becomes your reality? Would you give up? Would you let them go? How hard would you fight?
We met Brad in Present Perfect and knew he was a complete Smurffucker, a douche, an asswipe—you name it. He was the one we loved to hate. I couldn’t wait to dive into his story and get inside his head. I knew it would be real eye opener.
Can people change? Truly deep down, can they turn over a new leaf and leave the past behind them?
Brad Johnson grew up privileged with every material possession in his reach. His parents were divorced and made it know that he wasn’t wanted. He never had a real relationship—not really. He used girls for sex, and quick gratification. He has no desire for more, until he meets Mabry Darnell. He is so deeply in love with her and goes to great lengths to prove he is deserving of her.
Mabry has not had an easy life. Losing her mother in a tragic death, and her father who is still alive, but buried so deep in grief, leaving her all alone. She is afraid of love, commitment, and has her own way of coping with the fears she faces every day.
Brad and Mabry meet while working together in Brad’s Father’s law firm. The time they spend together is magical—they flirt, get to know each other and begin a whirlwind romance.
Their back and forth banter combined with the heat level between them was INCREDIBLE!!! Brad will do anything to keep her from running away from him. His “Operation Relentless” is his sure fire way of making sure Mabry realizes he’s not going to give up that easy. He does everything, and I mean everything, in his power to make her see how serious he is. Shows up for morning runs, sends her flowers, gifts, and even goes as far as showing up at her book club meeting charming the panties off all her friends and worming his way into her heart even further. God I love him!!! While discussing the book, Brad goes off on a tangent:
How can you deny that? How can you even think for a minute you’d be able to say no to him?!!!!
We get their stories in alternating point of views that glimpse into the past and the present. We watch as they struggle and grow and fall in love. And what a beautiful love story it is. There are ups and downs, their love story, their journey towards the future.
OMG!!! I LOVED Brad and Mabry together. The heat, the laughs, the chemistry was PERFECT!!! Brad, oh my sweet, delicious, Brad, how I love you!!! What I wouldn’t give for you to call me “Sweetness”, do a little dance for me, and give me THE SMILE.
There is loved angst, secrets, laughs, really hot sex and the most BEAUTIFUL epilogue I’ve ever read in my life.
When you write a review, you hope that you can do a book justice. You want whoever reads it to feel compelled to read the book you’ are shouting about from the mountaintops. I just finished that book. The one that you want EVERYONE to know about. The one you want EVERYONE to drop whatever it is they’re doing and read it, breath it, cherish it, hold it close to your heart and never, ever forget it. PAST IMPERFECT by Alison G. Bailey was that book for me. She has a gift, a way of pulling you in and feeling every word she writes. You don’t just read the story, you experience it. You savor it. You don’t want to do anything else until you finish the last word. Then you’re sad because you wish you could experience reading it for the first time all over again. Alison is a ROCKSTAR. She knocked Past Imperfect out of the park and has a forever fan in me.
I LOVE BRAD!!! <3
But, What happens when your past collides with your future and the possibility of being without them becomes your reality? Would you give up? Would you let them go? How hard would you fight?
We met Brad in Present Perfect and knew he was a complete Smurffucker, a douche, an asswipe—you name it. He was the one we loved to hate. I couldn’t wait to dive into his story and get inside his head. I knew it would be real eye opener.
Can people change? Truly deep down, can they turn over a new leaf and leave the past behind them?
Brad Johnson grew up privileged with every material possession in his reach. His parents were divorced and made it know that he wasn’t wanted. He never had a real relationship—not really. He used girls for sex, and quick gratification. He has no desire for more, until he meets Mabry Darnell. He is so deeply in love with her and goes to great lengths to prove he is deserving of her.
Mabry has not had an easy life. Losing her mother in a tragic death, and her father who is still alive, but buried so deep in grief, leaving her all alone. She is afraid of love, commitment, and has her own way of coping with the fears she faces every day.
Brad and Mabry meet while working together in Brad’s Father’s law firm. The time they spend together is magical—they flirt, get to know each other and begin a whirlwind romance.
Their back and forth banter combined with the heat level between them was INCREDIBLE!!! Brad will do anything to keep her from running away from him. His “Operation Relentless” is his sure fire way of making sure Mabry realizes he’s not going to give up that easy. He does everything, and I mean everything, in his power to make her see how serious he is. Shows up for morning runs, sends her flowers, gifts, and even goes as far as showing up at her book club meeting charming the panties off all her friends and worming his way into her heart even further. God I love him!!! While discussing the book, Brad goes off on a tangent:
“Maybe he tried to stay away, but craved her so much that he couldn’t think clearly. He needed that connection with her. He felt lost and lonely, and couldn’t imagine his life being anything but miserable if she wasn’t in it.”
How can you deny that? How can you even think for a minute you’d be able to say no to him?!!!!
“I want to love you so bad,” I say.
“Then love me,” he whispers.
“I do love you.”
“Thank You. You won’t be sorry,” he says, choking on his words.
We get their stories in alternating point of views that glimpse into the past and the present. We watch as they struggle and grow and fall in love. And what a beautiful love story it is. There are ups and downs, their love story, their journey towards the future.
“Nice tie.”
“Thanks. Do You recognize it?” Her eyes meet mine. “It’s the one I used the night we place Fifty. Remember, I tied you to the headboard and ate ice cream off your body?"
OMG!!! I LOVED Brad and Mabry together. The heat, the laughs, the chemistry was PERFECT!!! Brad, oh my sweet, delicious, Brad, how I love you!!! What I wouldn’t give for you to call me “Sweetness”, do a little dance for me, and give me THE SMILE.
There is loved angst, secrets, laughs, really hot sex and the most BEAUTIFUL epilogue I’ve ever read in my life.
When you write a review, you hope that you can do a book justice. You want whoever reads it to feel compelled to read the book you’ are shouting about from the mountaintops. I just finished that book. The one that you want EVERYONE to know about. The one you want EVERYONE to drop whatever it is they’re doing and read it, breath it, cherish it, hold it close to your heart and never, ever forget it. PAST IMPERFECT by Alison G. Bailey was that book for me. She has a gift, a way of pulling you in and feeling every word she writes. You don’t just read the story, you experience it. You savor it. You don’t want to do anything else until you finish the last word. Then you’re sad because you wish you could experience reading it for the first time all over again. Alison is a ROCKSTAR. She knocked Past Imperfect out of the park and has a forever fan in me.
I LOVE BRAD!!! <3
February 10, 2014
"I'm sorry Mabry. If I had know you were going to be in my future, I would have been a better man in my past."
Brad Johnson was always a cocky, egotistical, self-centered player. We saw him begin to change a little in Present Perfect. Amanda gave Brad a glimpse into what it was like to have someone who cared about him, even if he was not truly ready for it at the time. And other situations over the years, shaped him into the man he has become and has made him want to be a better man. And now we see him finding a woman and falling in love. The problem is that she wants nothing to do with love.
Mabry has issues...big ones that are not easily faced or solved. Brad has some too. Both of their pasts are full of reasons why they did not feel truly loved or accepted. Mabry's past has significantly marked her. And she had to develop ways to cope...the least of which is avoiding emotional entanglements. She needs to numb her pain from her past and has certain ways to do it. She also has deep seated fears that rule how she faces life.
I was stupid to have thought I could have something casual with him seeing as how he affects me, mind, body, and soul. There's something between us, a deep connection, as if we were supposed to find each other in this life.
They are compatible in their lives, careers, intellect, and passion. They have amazing chemistry and affect each other like no one else has before. But they have buried secrets and hidden pain that keeps rearing its ugly head and driving a wedge between them.
This book exposes the effects of depression and how different people cope with it. It shows how one person's actions have a ripple effect on other's lives and has far reaching effects. And sometimes the past does not stay buried and continues to affect the present.
This story is told in both Brad and Mabry's points of view in alternating past and present. We see both of their pasts unfolding and shaping the people they became. They both suffered loneliness, heartbreak, loss, guilt, and pain. We see how they try to deal with it and how ineffective it can be.
“I know you’re scared, so am I. But we can do this together. We’re not alone anymore. Now we have each other. I don’t know what the future holds. All I know is that I need you in mine.”
And we witness two lost and broken people that have been through so much, but finally find someone worthy of holding onto, trying to heal with, and be a better person for. But they are still so afraid that they are going to lose the connection that has become so important to them. My heart alternately broke for both Brad and Mabry during the course of this book. There were underlying issues swirling around bringing their pasts crashing into their present and possibly ruining their chance at a future. But I was so impressed with how far Brad has come since we first met him.
I try to mentally prepare for my past to collide with my present, and pray that my future with her doesn't become a casualty.
This book had a different feel than Present Perfect. It was a bit darker, but it was also sweet, emotional, and heartfelt. They had pain, damage, and struggles. There were times that one or both of them felt hopeless. But they both had to keep digging deep to find their inner strength to conquer their demons to even try to move on. It was not an angsty book. It was a bittersweet, emotional journey towards understanding, healing, and forgiveness.
It pulled me in right from the first page and I was completely invested as their pasts and stories slowly unfolded, while also seeing their present relationship and issues. I loved them as a couple even if they were not perfect, and all along I hoped that they could find enough healing together to truly find complete happiness for the first time in their lives.
This was another unique, surprising, moving, and emotional installment in this series. It can be read as a stand alone as the author did relay some of the pertinent events from the first book, but I still recommend reading Present Perfect first because it is a beautiful, poignant love story and it also gives even more insight into Brad when he was younger. I was not sure Alison could top Present Perfect since it was one of my fave reads of 2013 and totally took me by surprise, but I think she managed to write another story that is unique and amazing in its own right. I highly recommend these books. They are very well written, the characters come alive from the pages, and she throws in surprises and twists that make them even more interesting. I am a sucker for a good epilogue, and I have to say that the way she did the epilogue for this book just made it that more special. When I finished this book all I kept thinking was "Wow!". Well, it is even worth a "Wamfu!" (You will see what that means once you read it.)
Thanks to Alison G. Bailey for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at : Reviews by Tammy and Kim.
Brad Johnson was always a cocky, egotistical, self-centered player. We saw him begin to change a little in Present Perfect. Amanda gave Brad a glimpse into what it was like to have someone who cared about him, even if he was not truly ready for it at the time. And other situations over the years, shaped him into the man he has become and has made him want to be a better man. And now we see him finding a woman and falling in love. The problem is that she wants nothing to do with love.
Mabry has issues...big ones that are not easily faced or solved. Brad has some too. Both of their pasts are full of reasons why they did not feel truly loved or accepted. Mabry's past has significantly marked her. And she had to develop ways to cope...the least of which is avoiding emotional entanglements. She needs to numb her pain from her past and has certain ways to do it. She also has deep seated fears that rule how she faces life.
I was stupid to have thought I could have something casual with him seeing as how he affects me, mind, body, and soul. There's something between us, a deep connection, as if we were supposed to find each other in this life.
They are compatible in their lives, careers, intellect, and passion. They have amazing chemistry and affect each other like no one else has before. But they have buried secrets and hidden pain that keeps rearing its ugly head and driving a wedge between them.
This book exposes the effects of depression and how different people cope with it. It shows how one person's actions have a ripple effect on other's lives and has far reaching effects. And sometimes the past does not stay buried and continues to affect the present.
This story is told in both Brad and Mabry's points of view in alternating past and present. We see both of their pasts unfolding and shaping the people they became. They both suffered loneliness, heartbreak, loss, guilt, and pain. We see how they try to deal with it and how ineffective it can be.
“I know you’re scared, so am I. But we can do this together. We’re not alone anymore. Now we have each other. I don’t know what the future holds. All I know is that I need you in mine.”
And we witness two lost and broken people that have been through so much, but finally find someone worthy of holding onto, trying to heal with, and be a better person for. But they are still so afraid that they are going to lose the connection that has become so important to them. My heart alternately broke for both Brad and Mabry during the course of this book. There were underlying issues swirling around bringing their pasts crashing into their present and possibly ruining their chance at a future. But I was so impressed with how far Brad has come since we first met him.
I try to mentally prepare for my past to collide with my present, and pray that my future with her doesn't become a casualty.
This book had a different feel than Present Perfect. It was a bit darker, but it was also sweet, emotional, and heartfelt. They had pain, damage, and struggles. There were times that one or both of them felt hopeless. But they both had to keep digging deep to find their inner strength to conquer their demons to even try to move on. It was not an angsty book. It was a bittersweet, emotional journey towards understanding, healing, and forgiveness.
It pulled me in right from the first page and I was completely invested as their pasts and stories slowly unfolded, while also seeing their present relationship and issues. I loved them as a couple even if they were not perfect, and all along I hoped that they could find enough healing together to truly find complete happiness for the first time in their lives.
This was another unique, surprising, moving, and emotional installment in this series. It can be read as a stand alone as the author did relay some of the pertinent events from the first book, but I still recommend reading Present Perfect first because it is a beautiful, poignant love story and it also gives even more insight into Brad when he was younger. I was not sure Alison could top Present Perfect since it was one of my fave reads of 2013 and totally took me by surprise, but I think she managed to write another story that is unique and amazing in its own right. I highly recommend these books. They are very well written, the characters come alive from the pages, and she throws in surprises and twists that make them even more interesting. I am a sucker for a good epilogue, and I have to say that the way she did the epilogue for this book just made it that more special. When I finished this book all I kept thinking was "Wow!". Well, it is even worth a "Wamfu!" (You will see what that means once you read it.)
Thanks to Alison G. Bailey for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at : Reviews by Tammy and Kim.
June 22, 2017
Sono contentissima di aver dato una chance a questo secondo volume, nonostante il primo non mi fosse piaciuto affatto. Con il secondo libro della serie al Bailey ha fatto centro. Bellissimo e stupefacente. Leggetelo.
June 18, 2017
Mi aspettavo una cosa completamente diversa, davvero, ma mi ha sorpresa positivamente e penso che della Bailey amerei pure la lista della spesa ormai!
Recensione il 20!
Recensione il 20!
June 19, 2017
Per ogni recensione che scrivo c’è una colonna sonora che mi ricorda quella storia, che mi smuove dentro qualcosa, che mi rammenta la storia incredibile che ho appena finito di leggere.
La canzone che oggi mi accompagna in questo viaggio, che scioglie lentamente quei nodi creati dall’emozione stessa è Just a boy di Angus and Julia Stone.
Spero che su queste dolci note le mie parole scivolino via rapide sulla tastiera, lo spero perché potrebbe risultare difficile parlare di qualcosa che ti ha toccato nel profondo, che ha riaperto una delle tue crepe, che ha affisso i tuoi ricordi nuovamente in alto, trascinandoli fuori da quell’angolo oscuro, da quel posto speciale dell’anima in cui archiviamo quelle piccole parti di noi, quei frammenti della nostra storia, delle nostre vite che sembrano innescare quell’improvvisa malinconia, che si trasforma in un milione di brividi pronti a impossessarsi del tuo corpo.
Oggi voglio aprire il mio cuore a te lettore, proprio come è riuscita a farlo Alison G. Bailey raccontando la storia Brad e Mabry.
È sempre incredibilmente complicato trascinare la propria anima su un foglio word, è sempre complicato mostrare il proprio cuore, perché donare anche solo un briciolo di quel muscolo che batte seguendo un ritmo costante nel petto, è un vero e proprio atto di coraggio.
Dietro i romanzi di Alison G. Bailey c’è sempre una carica fortissima che porta via con sé il lettore travolgendolo nella storia stessa.
Ho letto tutti i libri di questa autrice eccezionale e posso affermare che ha questa capacità pazzesca di inchiodare gli occhi del lettore alle pagine, di far sentire quello stesso lettore nudo di fronte al mondo intero, pronto a combattere con i propri ricordi, la propria anima, i propri dolori.
Ci sono libri che sembrano curare l’anima, libri che riescono a far sanguinare e poi rimarginare quelle stesse ferite. L’autrice di Perfect 2 ha questa dote, lei scava nella tua anima pur non conoscendoti.
Non sono sicura che Alison G. Bailey se ne renda conto, ma penso che la sua capacità di arrivare al lettore, di squarciare l’anima di chi legge per poi lentamente ricucirla sia una cosa meravigliosa.
Ho letto Past Imperfect in inglese perché non potevo proprio aspettare l’uscita italiana, ero molto curiosa, volevo proprio capire come avrei potuto perdonare Brad, ma sapevo che l’autrice non avrebbe mai deluso le mie aspettative.
Dietro un bad boy c’è sempre un grande trauma, è vero. Non sempre però gli autori delineano i bad boy nel modo corretto, invece leggendo questa storia si percepisce subito il grande, immenso dolore contro cui lotta Brad e la difficoltà di accettare se stessa con la quale lotta Mabry.
Mabry e Brad sono due anime distrutte, hanno creato una barriera con il mondo, preferiscono rimanere nascosti dietro una facciata che non mostra il disagio e la lotta inarrestabile contro i ricordi che hanno segnato le proprie vite. Brad in Mabry vede qualcosa di assolutamente speciale, non è solo la bellezza incredibile della ragazza a coinvolgerlo, ma è ciò che lo sguardo di Mabry riesce a smuovergli dentro. Per la prima volta lui si sente al sicuro con lei, sente che c’è qualcuno nella vita su cui poter contare, sente che Mabry lo percepisce per ciò che è, che coglie la sua essenza, che lo fa sentire per la prima volta amato. Mabry prova la stessa cosa per Brad, ma il suo passato la costringere a sbatterlo fuori dalla sua vita a non accettare la possibilità di essere felice per la paura che quella sua stessa felicità le si ritorca contro.
Siamo fatti di cuore, mente, respiro e ricordi.
Siamo anime in continuo combattimento con il passato, ma quando il passato archiviato, messo da parte torna a scontrarsi con il presente ci sentiamo stanchi, soli, demotivati ed è proprio quel continuo cadere, quel continuo non avere la forza che ci costringe a volte a rinunciare a ciò che di meglio potremmo avere.
Alison G. Bailey racconta ancora una volta una storia d’amore meravigliosa, ma racconta anche la storia difficile che Mabry combatte con sé stessa e con il mondo che la circonda, quello stesso mondo che l’ha rifiutata, che non ha lottato per lei, che non l’ha protetta.
Brad ha una cicatrice nascosta nel profondo della sua anima, ha un ricordo ingombrante che ritornerà a impossessarsi della sua vita, a stravolgere il suo vissuto, ma Brad diviene l’uomo che ogni donna vorrebbe incontrare, combatte contro quello stesso ricordo e non smette mai, neanche per un secondo di proteggere la sua Mabry.
Forse perché in fondo al tunnel c’è sempre luce, forse perché quella luce che travolti dall’oscurità non siamo in grado di cogliere, improvvisamente ci travolge, ci riempie, ci disintegra per poi ricomporci. Quel fascio di luce è la forza dell’amore, di quell’amore che lega con un solo sguardo i corpi e le anime, che stringe una mano nell’altra, che permette a quelle stesse anime di camminare l’uno accanto all’altra, che fa sentire gli uomini meno soli lungo un percorso fangoso e torbido dove l’unica cosa che ti spinge a perseverare nel cammino è quella stessa mano che non ha mai smesso di stringere la tua.
Cinque stelle piene, per una storia eccezionale.
Gioia, dolore, ironia, sorrisi e lacrime. Siate pronti a farvi sconvolgere da tutto questo. Non ve ne pentirete.
****
For every review I write, there is a soundtrack that reminds me that story which stirs something inside of me, which reminds me that incredible story I’ve just read. The soundtrack that accompanies me today during this trip that loosens the knots created by the emotions is Just a boy by Angus and Julia Stone.
I hope that words will slip away swiftly on the keyboard on those sweet notes. I hope so, because it could be difficult to speak about something that touched you deeply, that opened one of your rifts. Something that hung your memories up again, dragging them out from that dark corner, from that special place in the soul where we store those small parts of us, those scraps of our story, of our lives that seem to trigger that unexpected melancholy. That melancholy that turns into a million of shivers, ready to possess your body.
Today, I want to open my heart to you, my reader, just like Alison G. Bailey did, telling a story of Brad and Mabry.
It is always so difficult to express yourself onto a word document. It is always difficult to show your heart because giving even just a bit of that muscle that beats following a constant rhythm in your chest, is a real proof of courage.
Behind Alison G. Bailey’s novels, there is always a strong charge that takes the reader away, overwhelming him in his own story.
I read all the books of this amazing writer and I can say that she has this extraordinary ability to fix the reader’s eyes on the pages, to make that reader feel naked in front of the entire world, ready to fight with his memories, his soul, his pains.
There are books that seem to heal the soul, books that are able to bleed and then heal the same wounds. The Perfect 2’s writer has this talent: she digs into your soul even if she doesn’t know you.
I’m not sure Alison G.Bailey realizes that but I think that her ability to get to the reader, to break the soul of the reader and then mend it slowly, is an amazing thing.
I read Past Imperfect in English because I really couldn’t wait for the Italian release. I was very curious. I really wanted to know how I could have forgiven Brad, but I knew that the writer would never disappoint my expectations.
Behind a bad boy, there is always a major blow. It’s true. Although writers not always outline bad boys in the correct way, here we can perceive immediately the great sorrow that Brad fights against and the difficulty with which Mabry has to accept herself.
Mabry and Brad are two broken souls. They have created a barrier to the world. They prefer staying hidden behind a face that doesn’t show the trouble and the incessant fight against the memories that left a mark in their lives. Brad sees something very special in Mabry. It isn’t just her beauty that captivates him, but it is her gaze that inspires him. For the first time, he feels safe with her. He senses that there is someone he can trust in his life. He perceives that Mabry senses him for what he is, she can seize the essence, she makes him feel loved for the first time. Mabry feels the same for Brad but her past forces her to cut him out of her life, not accepting the chance to be happy because of fear that the same happiness could backfire on her. We are made of heart, mind, breath and memories. We are souls that continuously fight against the past but we feel tired, lonely and unmotivated when the past we have put aside comes back to crash into the present. That’s exactly the incessant falling, the incessant fragility that sometimes forces us to give up all the best we could have.
Once again, Alison G. Bailey tells a wonderful love story but she also tells the difficult story that Mabry fights against herself and the world around her, the same world that refused her, that didn’t fight for her and didn’t protect her.
Brad has a mark hidden in the bottom of his soul, he has an awkward memory that will come back to take over his life, to turn his life upside down. However, Brad becomes the man that every woman would like to meet. He fights against that same memory and he never gives up protecting Mabry, even for a second.
Maybe because there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe because that light that we can’t catch, overwhelmed by the darkness, suddenly sweeps us away, fills us, crushes us and then makes us whole again. That beam of light is the power of love, the same love that binds bodies and souls with just a gaze, that shakes one hand into another. The same love that allows those souls to walk side by side. It makes people feel less lonely along a muddy and shady path where the only thing that pushes you to go on your path is the same hand that has never given up to shake yours.
Five full stars for a wonderful story.
Happiness, suffering, irony, smiles and tears. Be ready to be impressed by all this. You won’t regret it.
La canzone che oggi mi accompagna in questo viaggio, che scioglie lentamente quei nodi creati dall’emozione stessa è Just a boy di Angus and Julia Stone.
Spero che su queste dolci note le mie parole scivolino via rapide sulla tastiera, lo spero perché potrebbe risultare difficile parlare di qualcosa che ti ha toccato nel profondo, che ha riaperto una delle tue crepe, che ha affisso i tuoi ricordi nuovamente in alto, trascinandoli fuori da quell’angolo oscuro, da quel posto speciale dell’anima in cui archiviamo quelle piccole parti di noi, quei frammenti della nostra storia, delle nostre vite che sembrano innescare quell’improvvisa malinconia, che si trasforma in un milione di brividi pronti a impossessarsi del tuo corpo.
Oggi voglio aprire il mio cuore a te lettore, proprio come è riuscita a farlo Alison G. Bailey raccontando la storia Brad e Mabry.
È sempre incredibilmente complicato trascinare la propria anima su un foglio word, è sempre complicato mostrare il proprio cuore, perché donare anche solo un briciolo di quel muscolo che batte seguendo un ritmo costante nel petto, è un vero e proprio atto di coraggio.
Dietro i romanzi di Alison G. Bailey c’è sempre una carica fortissima che porta via con sé il lettore travolgendolo nella storia stessa.
Ho letto tutti i libri di questa autrice eccezionale e posso affermare che ha questa capacità pazzesca di inchiodare gli occhi del lettore alle pagine, di far sentire quello stesso lettore nudo di fronte al mondo intero, pronto a combattere con i propri ricordi, la propria anima, i propri dolori.
Ci sono libri che sembrano curare l’anima, libri che riescono a far sanguinare e poi rimarginare quelle stesse ferite. L’autrice di Perfect 2 ha questa dote, lei scava nella tua anima pur non conoscendoti.
Non sono sicura che Alison G. Bailey se ne renda conto, ma penso che la sua capacità di arrivare al lettore, di squarciare l’anima di chi legge per poi lentamente ricucirla sia una cosa meravigliosa.
Ho letto Past Imperfect in inglese perché non potevo proprio aspettare l’uscita italiana, ero molto curiosa, volevo proprio capire come avrei potuto perdonare Brad, ma sapevo che l’autrice non avrebbe mai deluso le mie aspettative.
Dietro un bad boy c’è sempre un grande trauma, è vero. Non sempre però gli autori delineano i bad boy nel modo corretto, invece leggendo questa storia si percepisce subito il grande, immenso dolore contro cui lotta Brad e la difficoltà di accettare se stessa con la quale lotta Mabry.
Mabry e Brad sono due anime distrutte, hanno creato una barriera con il mondo, preferiscono rimanere nascosti dietro una facciata che non mostra il disagio e la lotta inarrestabile contro i ricordi che hanno segnato le proprie vite. Brad in Mabry vede qualcosa di assolutamente speciale, non è solo la bellezza incredibile della ragazza a coinvolgerlo, ma è ciò che lo sguardo di Mabry riesce a smuovergli dentro. Per la prima volta lui si sente al sicuro con lei, sente che c’è qualcuno nella vita su cui poter contare, sente che Mabry lo percepisce per ciò che è, che coglie la sua essenza, che lo fa sentire per la prima volta amato. Mabry prova la stessa cosa per Brad, ma il suo passato la costringere a sbatterlo fuori dalla sua vita a non accettare la possibilità di essere felice per la paura che quella sua stessa felicità le si ritorca contro.
Siamo fatti di cuore, mente, respiro e ricordi.
Siamo anime in continuo combattimento con il passato, ma quando il passato archiviato, messo da parte torna a scontrarsi con il presente ci sentiamo stanchi, soli, demotivati ed è proprio quel continuo cadere, quel continuo non avere la forza che ci costringe a volte a rinunciare a ciò che di meglio potremmo avere.
Alison G. Bailey racconta ancora una volta una storia d’amore meravigliosa, ma racconta anche la storia difficile che Mabry combatte con sé stessa e con il mondo che la circonda, quello stesso mondo che l’ha rifiutata, che non ha lottato per lei, che non l’ha protetta.
Brad ha una cicatrice nascosta nel profondo della sua anima, ha un ricordo ingombrante che ritornerà a impossessarsi della sua vita, a stravolgere il suo vissuto, ma Brad diviene l’uomo che ogni donna vorrebbe incontrare, combatte contro quello stesso ricordo e non smette mai, neanche per un secondo di proteggere la sua Mabry.
Forse perché in fondo al tunnel c’è sempre luce, forse perché quella luce che travolti dall’oscurità non siamo in grado di cogliere, improvvisamente ci travolge, ci riempie, ci disintegra per poi ricomporci. Quel fascio di luce è la forza dell’amore, di quell’amore che lega con un solo sguardo i corpi e le anime, che stringe una mano nell’altra, che permette a quelle stesse anime di camminare l’uno accanto all’altra, che fa sentire gli uomini meno soli lungo un percorso fangoso e torbido dove l’unica cosa che ti spinge a perseverare nel cammino è quella stessa mano che non ha mai smesso di stringere la tua.
Cinque stelle piene, per una storia eccezionale.
Gioia, dolore, ironia, sorrisi e lacrime. Siate pronti a farvi sconvolgere da tutto questo. Non ve ne pentirete.
****
For every review I write, there is a soundtrack that reminds me that story which stirs something inside of me, which reminds me that incredible story I’ve just read. The soundtrack that accompanies me today during this trip that loosens the knots created by the emotions is Just a boy by Angus and Julia Stone.
I hope that words will slip away swiftly on the keyboard on those sweet notes. I hope so, because it could be difficult to speak about something that touched you deeply, that opened one of your rifts. Something that hung your memories up again, dragging them out from that dark corner, from that special place in the soul where we store those small parts of us, those scraps of our story, of our lives that seem to trigger that unexpected melancholy. That melancholy that turns into a million of shivers, ready to possess your body.
Today, I want to open my heart to you, my reader, just like Alison G. Bailey did, telling a story of Brad and Mabry.
It is always so difficult to express yourself onto a word document. It is always difficult to show your heart because giving even just a bit of that muscle that beats following a constant rhythm in your chest, is a real proof of courage.
Behind Alison G. Bailey’s novels, there is always a strong charge that takes the reader away, overwhelming him in his own story.
I read all the books of this amazing writer and I can say that she has this extraordinary ability to fix the reader’s eyes on the pages, to make that reader feel naked in front of the entire world, ready to fight with his memories, his soul, his pains.
There are books that seem to heal the soul, books that are able to bleed and then heal the same wounds. The Perfect 2’s writer has this talent: she digs into your soul even if she doesn’t know you.
I’m not sure Alison G.Bailey realizes that but I think that her ability to get to the reader, to break the soul of the reader and then mend it slowly, is an amazing thing.
I read Past Imperfect in English because I really couldn’t wait for the Italian release. I was very curious. I really wanted to know how I could have forgiven Brad, but I knew that the writer would never disappoint my expectations.
Behind a bad boy, there is always a major blow. It’s true. Although writers not always outline bad boys in the correct way, here we can perceive immediately the great sorrow that Brad fights against and the difficulty with which Mabry has to accept herself.
Mabry and Brad are two broken souls. They have created a barrier to the world. They prefer staying hidden behind a face that doesn’t show the trouble and the incessant fight against the memories that left a mark in their lives. Brad sees something very special in Mabry. It isn’t just her beauty that captivates him, but it is her gaze that inspires him. For the first time, he feels safe with her. He senses that there is someone he can trust in his life. He perceives that Mabry senses him for what he is, she can seize the essence, she makes him feel loved for the first time. Mabry feels the same for Brad but her past forces her to cut him out of her life, not accepting the chance to be happy because of fear that the same happiness could backfire on her. We are made of heart, mind, breath and memories. We are souls that continuously fight against the past but we feel tired, lonely and unmotivated when the past we have put aside comes back to crash into the present. That’s exactly the incessant falling, the incessant fragility that sometimes forces us to give up all the best we could have.
Once again, Alison G. Bailey tells a wonderful love story but she also tells the difficult story that Mabry fights against herself and the world around her, the same world that refused her, that didn’t fight for her and didn’t protect her.
Brad has a mark hidden in the bottom of his soul, he has an awkward memory that will come back to take over his life, to turn his life upside down. However, Brad becomes the man that every woman would like to meet. He fights against that same memory and he never gives up protecting Mabry, even for a second.
Maybe because there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe because that light that we can’t catch, overwhelmed by the darkness, suddenly sweeps us away, fills us, crushes us and then makes us whole again. That beam of light is the power of love, the same love that binds bodies and souls with just a gaze, that shakes one hand into another. The same love that allows those souls to walk side by side. It makes people feel less lonely along a muddy and shady path where the only thing that pushes you to go on your path is the same hand that has never given up to shake yours.
Five full stars for a wonderful story.
Happiness, suffering, irony, smiles and tears. Be ready to be impressed by all this. You won’t regret it.
November 3, 2016
Another new adult book that disappoints me this year. In a nutshell this book is a sad comparison to the first book in the series.
It was very hard for me to read this book. When you really, really loath the main character, it doesn't take much to hate the book. Brad, aka the douche bag, was first introduced in book 1. And after finishing that book, and then finding out that he would be the star of the sequel, I was furious. I didn't plan to read this book to be honest. But then I changed my mind, and ended up still with not any less hatred for this guy.
There were so many points that really, really irritated me about this book. And before any hate comments being thrown my way, let me say it's my opinion only. Based on the high rating this book is receiving, I'm sure a lot of people find it a pleasant read. Unfortunately, I wasn't one of them.
What I was curious about this book since the first time I knew that Brad would be the main character was how the author was going to turn what Brad had done toward Amanda around to make the readers such as myself who wanted to murder this guy forgive him. I was very disappointed when the author added to that part how much brad "cared" for Amanda and had "feelings" for her, but he wasn't the one she wanted blah blah... Now if he truly cared for her he wouldn't have gone through with the bet. So he was a big ol' douche and adding the "having feeling" crap hadn't changed that fact.
I am proud to say that this book had more erotic scenes that some of the erotica I have ever read. From the beginning to the very end, they were doing it like a pair of horny rabbits. I didn't feel the romance, just lust. I wasn't convinced that Brad really loved Mabry or vice versa. Maybe not until almost the ending the book, but Brad claimed he loved Mabry since the very first page.
There were too many badly used words. Don't get me wrong. I really find this author writes very nice books, at least the first one I have read. In this book, however, there were so many words that got me cringing and squirming. On page one, Brad said something about Mabry's mouth and his "thing" and how they fit each other. That part made me imagine Mabry as a blowup doll. There were so many times that his tongue slide into her mouth and the twitch of his private part being mentioned that I lost count.
New adult cliché... The pushing and pulling back and forth, the misunderstanding and tormenting pasts which are found in 99.99% of new adult being published recently were found in the book also. Thanks for being so effing original.
I would have been happier if Amanda and Noah hadn't appeared in this book. Reading about them brought back painful emotions I felt in book one, and I really didn't want to go through that again.
Anyway, the scene where Brad being sued for breaking up with Becca which led to her committing suicide made much sense to me. Is it possible? I really have no idea, but it seemed too ridiculous.
It was very hard for me to read this book. When you really, really loath the main character, it doesn't take much to hate the book. Brad, aka the douche bag, was first introduced in book 1. And after finishing that book, and then finding out that he would be the star of the sequel, I was furious. I didn't plan to read this book to be honest. But then I changed my mind, and ended up still with not any less hatred for this guy.
There were so many points that really, really irritated me about this book. And before any hate comments being thrown my way, let me say it's my opinion only. Based on the high rating this book is receiving, I'm sure a lot of people find it a pleasant read. Unfortunately, I wasn't one of them.
What I was curious about this book since the first time I knew that Brad would be the main character was how the author was going to turn what Brad had done toward Amanda around to make the readers such as myself who wanted to murder this guy forgive him. I was very disappointed when the author added to that part how much brad "cared" for Amanda and had "feelings" for her, but he wasn't the one she wanted blah blah... Now if he truly cared for her he wouldn't have gone through with the bet. So he was a big ol' douche and adding the "having feeling" crap hadn't changed that fact.
I am proud to say that this book had more erotic scenes that some of the erotica I have ever read. From the beginning to the very end, they were doing it like a pair of horny rabbits. I didn't feel the romance, just lust. I wasn't convinced that Brad really loved Mabry or vice versa. Maybe not until almost the ending the book, but Brad claimed he loved Mabry since the very first page.
There were too many badly used words. Don't get me wrong. I really find this author writes very nice books, at least the first one I have read. In this book, however, there were so many words that got me cringing and squirming. On page one, Brad said something about Mabry's mouth and his "thing" and how they fit each other. That part made me imagine Mabry as a blowup doll. There were so many times that his tongue slide into her mouth and the twitch of his private part being mentioned that I lost count.
New adult cliché... The pushing and pulling back and forth, the misunderstanding and tormenting pasts which are found in 99.99% of new adult being published recently were found in the book also. Thanks for being so effing original.
I would have been happier if Amanda and Noah hadn't appeared in this book. Reading about them brought back painful emotions I felt in book one, and I really didn't want to go through that again.
Anyway, the scene where Brad being sued for breaking up with Becca which led to her committing suicide made much sense to me. Is it possible? I really have no idea, but it seemed too ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2015
Ugh I'm so disappointed in this book. It took me forever to read it. I loved Present Perfect (book 1 of this series) so I was really happy to get into this book finally. But I just couldn't get into Brad, or Mabry or them together. First, the way Brad was portrayed (aka a douche) in Present Perfect, I expected him to act like one in here and later in this story change his ways for the girl. But, we immediately get into the story with a lovey-dovey Brad and it just didn't work for me....at all. Second, Mabry, I hated the way she treated Brad...it seemed almost excessive and just too over the top to me. For example, when Brad kept telling her he loved her and she kept blowing him off but then she gets jealous when other girls flirt with him, and then she goes on dates with guys to make him jealous. And then with this back and forth behavior, she thinks Brad is cheating on her...WTF. How the can he be cheating on her if they’re not together and she doesn't love him. This goes on and on and it's just annoying. So because of all this when they finally do get together it just doesn't work for me. But once you get past the annoying stuff and the last 1/4 of the book is actually pretty decent. I just wish the first 3/4 of the book fit.
February 17, 2022
It was a little slow at first, but got better. You learn to love Brad even after how he acted in Present Perfect. He has a heart and he shows it. I wasn't sure about Mabry at first, but she grew on me. :)
February 20, 2014
4 ”If I had known you were going to be in my future, I would have been a better man in my past.” STARS
This freaking sentence is so heartbreaking.
In Present Perfect, Brad is the fine definition of asshole but here, we all just gonna say is people really change.
This freaking sentence is so heartbreaking.
In Present Perfect, Brad is the fine definition of asshole but here, we all just gonna say is people really change.
February 17, 2014
A MUST read!!!!
February 18, 2014
2.5-3.0
Not what i was expecting at all :(
So, SO average.
Not what i was expecting at all :(
So, SO average.
May 25, 2015
The second half of this book was incredible. Great story, very intense. Lots of feels. But jumping right into the relationship at the beginning was a lot to handle and I felt lost.
June 29, 2017
http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/b...
Recensione di Esmeralda – Perfect. Le imperfezioni del cuore di Alyson G. Bailey uscito il 20 giugno con DeA. Dopo aver terminato Perfect. La perfezione di un attimo non vedevo l’ora di tuffarmi in questa storia per scoprire cosa Brad avrebbe combinato e devo dire che non mi ha per niente deluso l’evoluzione che la Bailey ha pensato per il suo personaggio.
Questo nuovo capitolo ruota tutto attorno a Brad e Mabry e al loro amore che potrebbe essere semplicissimo ma troverà migliaia di ostacoli per colpa del passato di Mabry che non le permette di vivere il presente con la spensieratezza che dovrebbe avere a quell’età.
Mabry non è un personaggio facile da digerire, se pensavate di aver toccato il fondo con Amanda (protagonista di Perfect 1 eternamente convinta di non essere abbastanza) beh vi sbagliavate, lasciate ogni speranza voi che entrate perché con Mabry ci sarà da diventare pazze. Credo che questa sia una caratteristica dei libri della Bailey, le sue protagoniste compiono ben poche azioni che le faccia amare dalle lettrici, sono complicate al limite del patologico, creano migliaia di problemi, dove una persona normale non ne vedrebbe nemmeno uno e non sanno cogliere al volo il buono che la vita mette loro dinnanzi agli occhi. Vi potrà sembrare folle, ma ero riuscita a entrare in sintonia più facilmente con Amanda che con Mabry. Lei aveva dalla sua la giovane età perché, ammettiamolo, durante l’adolescenza o si crede di avere il mondo in mano o si fatica a starne al passo e i dubbi sono all’ordine del giorno. Ma per Mabry? Le giustificazioni da addurre sono ben poche, lei ha un problema che si trascina da un evento tragico che ha sconvolto il suo passato e con cui non ha mai voluto fare i conti, nemmeno adesso che è una donna a tutti gli effetti. So di sembrarvi dura con queste parole ma è più forte di me, io amo le protagoniste che reagiscono e lottano e lei non fa niente di tutto questo, Mabry si chiude a riccio tagliando fuori tutto ciò che potrebbe modificare, anche in meglio, la sua vita e vive tutto con estremo e calcolato distacco emotivo. Questa sarà la barriera che Brad cercherà di infrangere in ogni modo possibile, perché se c’è uno che può riuscirci è proprio lui. Lui che dagli errori del passato ha attinto a piene mani e oggi è una persona pronta a donarsi totalmente alla donna di cui è innamorato.
Brad vi sarà rimasto impresso per il brutto tiro giocato ad Amanda nel primo capitolo, in questo volume riuscirete a fare chiarezza anche dietro a quella “ragazzata”, lui non è mai stato un cattivo ragazzo, solo molto immaturo e facilmente influenzabile. Non è semplice crescere con dei genitori anaffettivi e scoprire di non essere stato voluto da nessuno dei due, chi non avrebbe dato di matto dopo una rivelazione del genere? Brad ha reagito nell’unico modo che conosceva, sfruttando il suo fascino irresistibile per buttarsi in quanti più letti possibili senza dare mai peso a nessuna ragazza incontrata, solo una rapida occhiata senza conoscerle mai seriamente fino a quando un evento ha cambiato completamente la sua visione della vita e di se stesso. Da quel momento Brad ha compreso che le proprie azioni potevano influire sulle scelte di un’altra persona in modi che, se solo si fosse degnato di dare più di uno sguardo, avrebbe potuto prevedere ed evitare.
L’incontro con Mabry è stato un fulmine a ciel sereno, lei è riuscita a conquistarlo dal primo attimo con la sua bellezza e la sua intelligenza e se fin dall’inizio erano d’accordo che dovesse essere una storia superficiale, di puro divertimento senza alcun coinvolgimento emotivo, per Brad le cose sono cambiate molto in fretta fino al fatidico TI AMO. Avete capito bene ragazze il nostro bel Brad si è innamorato perdutamente e non ha paura di manifestare apertamente i suoi sentimenti, ve lo sareste mai aspettate? Piccolo problema, Mabry non ha alcuna intenzione di ammettere di provare lo stesso folle amore, lei vuole continuare a vivere escludendo i sentimenti dalla propria vita perché non è in grado di controllarli e rischiano di farla cadere, ancora più a fondo, nel baratro in cui si trova da anni. Non ha però fatto i conti con la testardaggine di Brad, colui che, se glielo permetterà, sarà in grado di scacciare tutti i suoi demoni e cancellare tutti i suoi incubi.
Ho amato profondamente Brad, la sua evoluzione dal primo capitolo è a dir poco scioccante ma nel senso buono del termine, lui è diventato un vero principe azzurro che lotta per salvare la sua innamorata dai draghi che la tengono prigioniera. Un Uomo con la U maiuscola che ogni donna vorrebbe avere al proprio fianco e che merita di essere amato con altrettanta intensità.
La storia di Brad e Mabry vi entrerà sotto pelle e non riuscirete a mollare Perfect. Le imperfezioni del cuore fino al tanto agognato epilogo, e che epilogo ragazze, di una dolcezza disarmante, che vi farà chiudere il libro col sorriso stampato sulle labbra e con la voglia di gridare: ACCIWOW Alison, finalmente ci hai regalato una gioia!
Recensione di Esmeralda – Perfect. Le imperfezioni del cuore di Alyson G. Bailey uscito il 20 giugno con DeA. Dopo aver terminato Perfect. La perfezione di un attimo non vedevo l’ora di tuffarmi in questa storia per scoprire cosa Brad avrebbe combinato e devo dire che non mi ha per niente deluso l’evoluzione che la Bailey ha pensato per il suo personaggio.
Questo nuovo capitolo ruota tutto attorno a Brad e Mabry e al loro amore che potrebbe essere semplicissimo ma troverà migliaia di ostacoli per colpa del passato di Mabry che non le permette di vivere il presente con la spensieratezza che dovrebbe avere a quell’età.
Mabry non è un personaggio facile da digerire, se pensavate di aver toccato il fondo con Amanda (protagonista di Perfect 1 eternamente convinta di non essere abbastanza) beh vi sbagliavate, lasciate ogni speranza voi che entrate perché con Mabry ci sarà da diventare pazze. Credo che questa sia una caratteristica dei libri della Bailey, le sue protagoniste compiono ben poche azioni che le faccia amare dalle lettrici, sono complicate al limite del patologico, creano migliaia di problemi, dove una persona normale non ne vedrebbe nemmeno uno e non sanno cogliere al volo il buono che la vita mette loro dinnanzi agli occhi. Vi potrà sembrare folle, ma ero riuscita a entrare in sintonia più facilmente con Amanda che con Mabry. Lei aveva dalla sua la giovane età perché, ammettiamolo, durante l’adolescenza o si crede di avere il mondo in mano o si fatica a starne al passo e i dubbi sono all’ordine del giorno. Ma per Mabry? Le giustificazioni da addurre sono ben poche, lei ha un problema che si trascina da un evento tragico che ha sconvolto il suo passato e con cui non ha mai voluto fare i conti, nemmeno adesso che è una donna a tutti gli effetti. So di sembrarvi dura con queste parole ma è più forte di me, io amo le protagoniste che reagiscono e lottano e lei non fa niente di tutto questo, Mabry si chiude a riccio tagliando fuori tutto ciò che potrebbe modificare, anche in meglio, la sua vita e vive tutto con estremo e calcolato distacco emotivo. Questa sarà la barriera che Brad cercherà di infrangere in ogni modo possibile, perché se c’è uno che può riuscirci è proprio lui. Lui che dagli errori del passato ha attinto a piene mani e oggi è una persona pronta a donarsi totalmente alla donna di cui è innamorato.
Brad vi sarà rimasto impresso per il brutto tiro giocato ad Amanda nel primo capitolo, in questo volume riuscirete a fare chiarezza anche dietro a quella “ragazzata”, lui non è mai stato un cattivo ragazzo, solo molto immaturo e facilmente influenzabile. Non è semplice crescere con dei genitori anaffettivi e scoprire di non essere stato voluto da nessuno dei due, chi non avrebbe dato di matto dopo una rivelazione del genere? Brad ha reagito nell’unico modo che conosceva, sfruttando il suo fascino irresistibile per buttarsi in quanti più letti possibili senza dare mai peso a nessuna ragazza incontrata, solo una rapida occhiata senza conoscerle mai seriamente fino a quando un evento ha cambiato completamente la sua visione della vita e di se stesso. Da quel momento Brad ha compreso che le proprie azioni potevano influire sulle scelte di un’altra persona in modi che, se solo si fosse degnato di dare più di uno sguardo, avrebbe potuto prevedere ed evitare.
L’incontro con Mabry è stato un fulmine a ciel sereno, lei è riuscita a conquistarlo dal primo attimo con la sua bellezza e la sua intelligenza e se fin dall’inizio erano d’accordo che dovesse essere una storia superficiale, di puro divertimento senza alcun coinvolgimento emotivo, per Brad le cose sono cambiate molto in fretta fino al fatidico TI AMO. Avete capito bene ragazze il nostro bel Brad si è innamorato perdutamente e non ha paura di manifestare apertamente i suoi sentimenti, ve lo sareste mai aspettate? Piccolo problema, Mabry non ha alcuna intenzione di ammettere di provare lo stesso folle amore, lei vuole continuare a vivere escludendo i sentimenti dalla propria vita perché non è in grado di controllarli e rischiano di farla cadere, ancora più a fondo, nel baratro in cui si trova da anni. Non ha però fatto i conti con la testardaggine di Brad, colui che, se glielo permetterà, sarà in grado di scacciare tutti i suoi demoni e cancellare tutti i suoi incubi.
Ho amato profondamente Brad, la sua evoluzione dal primo capitolo è a dir poco scioccante ma nel senso buono del termine, lui è diventato un vero principe azzurro che lotta per salvare la sua innamorata dai draghi che la tengono prigioniera. Un Uomo con la U maiuscola che ogni donna vorrebbe avere al proprio fianco e che merita di essere amato con altrettanta intensità.
La storia di Brad e Mabry vi entrerà sotto pelle e non riuscirete a mollare Perfect. Le imperfezioni del cuore fino al tanto agognato epilogo, e che epilogo ragazze, di una dolcezza disarmante, che vi farà chiudere il libro col sorriso stampato sulle labbra e con la voglia di gridare: ACCIWOW Alison, finalmente ci hai regalato una gioia!
June 19, 2017
In realtà 3 stelle e 1/2
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Ho amato talmente tanto il primo libro che ho pensato che sarebbe stato difficile bissare quel successo per quanto indubbiamente l'autrice sia bravissima.
Tanti sono i fattori che contribuiscono a far sì che un libro ci piaccia o meno. Tra i principali sicuramente sono i personaggi e l'empatia che riusciamo stabilire con loro, i temi trattati oltre allo stile di scrittura e altri millemila fattori.
In questo romanzo rincontriamo Brad, uno dei "cattivi" del primo volume, io l'avrei preso ripetutamente a calci nelle gengive ma nonostante questo devo dire che mi attraeva. Lui aveva avuto una storia con Amanda e non era stato esattamente esemplare in quanto a correttezza ma io adoro i personaggi imperfetti, e naturalmente mi incuriosiva.
Perfect 2 racconta la storia di Brad e Mabry attraverso i pov di entrambi, andando avanti e indietro nel tempo fino a confondersi.
Devo dire che la parte iniziale mi ha lasciato un po' spaesata, non capivo dove l'autrice mi volesse condurre, come le vicende potessero avere una logica così mescolate e come ad un certo punto si potessero fondere insieme avendo un senso. Donna di poca fede che sono. Il senso e il punto di incontro il genio Bailey lo trova e come. Tutto torna alla fine.
Siamo consapevoli, perché lo abbiamo conosciuto, che Brad era veramente uno stronzo al liceo ma questa storia ci racconta i retroscena, la sua formazione, i motivi per cui il suo personaggio era così.
Brad ha avuto un infanzia difficile, una famiglia disfunzionale ed è consapevole che non è stato voluto dai suoi genitori. Questo lo porta ad avere un comportamento strafottente e menefreghista nei confronti di tutti ed egoistico e anaffettivo nei confronti delle donne. Fino a quando una tragedia lo colpisce molto da vicino, e questo lo porta a riflettere a tentare di cambiare il suo atteggiamento.
Mabry è ossessionata dal suo passato. Mentre in superficie è una persona in gamba, sexy e di successo sotto il leggero strato di facciata troviamo una persona persa, che sta annegando.
CONTINUA A LEGGERE LA RECENSIONE QUI: http://newadultedintorni.blogspot.it/...
TROVATE LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA SUL BLOG: http://newadultedintorni.blogspot.it/...
Ho amato talmente tanto il primo libro che ho pensato che sarebbe stato difficile bissare quel successo per quanto indubbiamente l'autrice sia bravissima.
Tanti sono i fattori che contribuiscono a far sì che un libro ci piaccia o meno. Tra i principali sicuramente sono i personaggi e l'empatia che riusciamo stabilire con loro, i temi trattati oltre allo stile di scrittura e altri millemila fattori.
In questo romanzo rincontriamo Brad, uno dei "cattivi" del primo volume, io l'avrei preso ripetutamente a calci nelle gengive ma nonostante questo devo dire che mi attraeva. Lui aveva avuto una storia con Amanda e non era stato esattamente esemplare in quanto a correttezza ma io adoro i personaggi imperfetti, e naturalmente mi incuriosiva.
Perfect 2 racconta la storia di Brad e Mabry attraverso i pov di entrambi, andando avanti e indietro nel tempo fino a confondersi.
Devo dire che la parte iniziale mi ha lasciato un po' spaesata, non capivo dove l'autrice mi volesse condurre, come le vicende potessero avere una logica così mescolate e come ad un certo punto si potessero fondere insieme avendo un senso. Donna di poca fede che sono. Il senso e il punto di incontro il genio Bailey lo trova e come. Tutto torna alla fine.
Siamo consapevoli, perché lo abbiamo conosciuto, che Brad era veramente uno stronzo al liceo ma questa storia ci racconta i retroscena, la sua formazione, i motivi per cui il suo personaggio era così.
Brad ha avuto un infanzia difficile, una famiglia disfunzionale ed è consapevole che non è stato voluto dai suoi genitori. Questo lo porta ad avere un comportamento strafottente e menefreghista nei confronti di tutti ed egoistico e anaffettivo nei confronti delle donne. Fino a quando una tragedia lo colpisce molto da vicino, e questo lo porta a riflettere a tentare di cambiare il suo atteggiamento.
Mabry è ossessionata dal suo passato. Mentre in superficie è una persona in gamba, sexy e di successo sotto il leggero strato di facciata troviamo una persona persa, che sta annegando.
CONTINUA A LEGGERE LA RECENSIONE QUI: http://newadultedintorni.blogspot.it/...
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