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Perfect Trilogy #2
Just Perfect
An Ice Princess
You have to be tough to work in the ER–but Dr. Christine Ashton’s courage doesn’t extend to riding a chairlift, no matter how much she loves skiing. Her challenge is to strap on a pair of skis and conquer her fear of heights. The bigger challenge, though, will be resisting the sexy ski instructor her friends have deemed off-limits.
A Ski Bum
Alec Hunter is more than just a fun-loving charmer and nothing like the users, losers, and strays Christine usually winds up with. But she’s still giving him the cold shoulder, and he’s determined to prove how wrong she is about him.
A Perfect Disaster?
After helping the victim of a snowboarding accident, the two fall hard and fast–with enough heat to melt the mountains. And everything is just perfect–until Christine must face kind of fear and choose between her dream job back home and her dream man in Colorado.
You have to be tough to work in the ER–but Dr. Christine Ashton’s courage doesn’t extend to riding a chairlift, no matter how much she loves skiing. Her challenge is to strap on a pair of skis and conquer her fear of heights. The bigger challenge, though, will be resisting the sexy ski instructor her friends have deemed off-limits.
A Ski Bum
Alec Hunter is more than just a fun-loving charmer and nothing like the users, losers, and strays Christine usually winds up with. But she’s still giving him the cold shoulder, and he’s determined to prove how wrong she is about him.
A Perfect Disaster?
After helping the victim of a snowboarding accident, the two fall hard and fast–with enough heat to melt the mountains. And everything is just perfect–until Christine must face kind of fear and choose between her dream job back home and her dream man in Colorado.
291 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
112 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
About the author
Julie Ortolon
19 books550 followersMost authors will tell you they've been writing and reading since childhood. Not me. I hated reading and never imagined I'd someday be a writer. Of course, the fact that I have dyslexia probably has a tiny bit to do with my aversion to the written word.
Nonetheless, I had a very active imagination and spent most of my school years staring out the window dreaming up stories. When I finally escaped the torture of public school, I attended Schreiner College in the Texas Hill Country. Schreiner specializes in programs for students with learning disabilities. With the help of a school administrator, who was willing to type out one of my short stories, I entered a writing contest—won first place!
That was when I started longing for a way to get the other stories that were in my head down on paper. But the act of writing longhand, when I couldn't spell, could barely read, and knew zip about punctuation, proved impossible.
So, I became an artist instead—and was perfectly happy.
Then came the day my journalist husband brought home a computer, and I discovered the wonders of "spell check." I cannot describe how I felt in that moment. That computer was like a magic box—a gateway into a world where anything was possible. I spend every spare minute teaching myself to type, read, punctuate, and somehow get my stories out of my head and onto that glowing white screen.
Ten years, and five complete manuscripts later, I had another magical moment—the day I sold my first book. When I got the news I screamed and cried and made a perfectly ecstatic fool of myself.
The journey to becoming a published author was long and hard, but writing is the most thrilling thing I've ever done.
Nonetheless, I had a very active imagination and spent most of my school years staring out the window dreaming up stories. When I finally escaped the torture of public school, I attended Schreiner College in the Texas Hill Country. Schreiner specializes in programs for students with learning disabilities. With the help of a school administrator, who was willing to type out one of my short stories, I entered a writing contest—won first place!
That was when I started longing for a way to get the other stories that were in my head down on paper. But the act of writing longhand, when I couldn't spell, could barely read, and knew zip about punctuation, proved impossible.
So, I became an artist instead—and was perfectly happy.
Then came the day my journalist husband brought home a computer, and I discovered the wonders of "spell check." I cannot describe how I felt in that moment. That computer was like a magic box—a gateway into a world where anything was possible. I spend every spare minute teaching myself to type, read, punctuate, and somehow get my stories out of my head and onto that glowing white screen.
Ten years, and five complete manuscripts later, I had another magical moment—the day I sold my first book. When I got the news I screamed and cried and made a perfectly ecstatic fool of myself.
The journey to becoming a published author was long and hard, but writing is the most thrilling thing I've ever done.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 5, 2015
this book was so very very ansty :/ i dont even know why it was even marked as chic-lite.
The only reason i gave it a 4 star instead of a 5 was because i just could NOT STAND how spinless the herione was, she basically did everything to make her dad happy, who only had eyes for her brother anyway :( really sad actually, i never felt so bad for both the leads before.
This book was mostly pretty anstly perfect but its abrupt ending and no epilogue definatly cut another 0.5 from the rating too...
The only reason i gave it a 4 star instead of a 5 was because i just could NOT STAND how spinless the herione was, she basically did everything to make her dad happy, who only had eyes for her brother anyway :( really sad actually, i never felt so bad for both the leads before.
This book was mostly pretty anstly perfect but its abrupt ending and no epilogue definatly cut another 0.5 from the rating too...
May 18, 2010
Book 2 of the "Perfect series started out REALLY slow for me. I almost quit reading but continued on because it had received so many good reviews. I'm so happy that I did!
Dr. Christine Ashton is a beautiful, brilliant, accomplished ER doctor who just can't seem to earn her father's respect or love. She is terrified of heights but is determined to learn how to ski better than her brother to win her father's approval because in her father's eyes, her brother can do no wrong. Enter Alec Hunter, the "ski instructor" who is going to help Christine in her endeavor.
The reason I disliked the beginning so much is that they spent the whole time flirting with the tension building, but Christine was convinced he was an unemployed bum which wouldn't win her any points with her father. She rejects his every advance but it's obvious that she's interested.
Finally she realizes that Alec is a trained paramedic and accomplished at search and rescue. It's after this that she finally agrees to "date" him. I loved Alec. He was entirely in touch with his feelings and played no games. He loved Christine and made no secret about his desire to be with her. Her dad issues keep her from commiting fully to Alec and eventually they split.
The period in the book when they are separated is some of the best chapters in the book. They are supposed to be broken up, but can't seem to let eachother go. Can't most of us relate at some level?
This is great book....I would completely recommend it...Just when you want to throw in the towel, hold on!!! It will get better and be worth your time. The ending is really touching. I can't wait for the final installation of this trilogy.
Dr. Christine Ashton is a beautiful, brilliant, accomplished ER doctor who just can't seem to earn her father's respect or love. She is terrified of heights but is determined to learn how to ski better than her brother to win her father's approval because in her father's eyes, her brother can do no wrong. Enter Alec Hunter, the "ski instructor" who is going to help Christine in her endeavor.
The reason I disliked the beginning so much is that they spent the whole time flirting with the tension building, but Christine was convinced he was an unemployed bum which wouldn't win her any points with her father. She rejects his every advance but it's obvious that she's interested.
Finally she realizes that Alec is a trained paramedic and accomplished at search and rescue. It's after this that she finally agrees to "date" him. I loved Alec. He was entirely in touch with his feelings and played no games. He loved Christine and made no secret about his desire to be with her. Her dad issues keep her from commiting fully to Alec and eventually they split.
The period in the book when they are separated is some of the best chapters in the book. They are supposed to be broken up, but can't seem to let eachother go. Can't most of us relate at some level?
This is great book....I would completely recommend it...Just when you want to throw in the towel, hold on!!! It will get better and be worth your time. The ending is really touching. I can't wait for the final installation of this trilogy.
December 19, 2015
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!
This is why I fail my tests at uni, I need to stop reading. Reading is ruining my life.. kinda.. ehm.. no no no no I SHALL NEVER GIVE IT UP! MUHAHAHAHA!
This is such an adorable story! But I still think the first book was the best! For those of you missing Joe and Maddie let me tell you.. they have a really really really small cameo in this book. God I loved that story! Out of all the three I am pretty sure Maddie got it better.
Back to the story, as I was saying this story is so adorable. You've got rich-girl Chris and average-hippie-like guy Alec (damn that's one hell of a sexy name). They meet in paradise and fell madly in love; the rest is drama and history. I must say the book had my blood filled with adrenaline once or twice. I had to punch the pillow more that I can count with Chris stupidity. It almost embarrassed me how blind and stupid she was during most part of the book. But to give her some credit, I kind of get where she was coming from.
This is a beautiful, captivating story that will have you reading all day, all night.
This is why I fail my tests at uni, I need to stop reading. Reading is ruining my life.. kinda.. ehm.. no no no no I SHALL NEVER GIVE IT UP! MUHAHAHAHA!
This is such an adorable story! But I still think the first book was the best! For those of you missing Joe and Maddie let me tell you.. they have a really really really small cameo in this book. God I loved that story! Out of all the three I am pretty sure Maddie got it better.
Back to the story, as I was saying this story is so adorable. You've got rich-girl Chris and average-hippie-like guy Alec (damn that's one hell of a sexy name). They meet in paradise and fell madly in love; the rest is drama and history. I must say the book had my blood filled with adrenaline once or twice. I had to punch the pillow more that I can count with Chris stupidity. It almost embarrassed me how blind and stupid she was during most part of the book. But to give her some credit, I kind of get where she was coming from.
This is a beautiful, captivating story that will have you reading all day, all night.
June 16, 2012
I stopped by the used book store yesterday because I seem to be addicted to buying books. In any event this was on the bargain rack for a buck. While I usually read reviews, get recommendations, ask a librarian, or at least make sure it's book one in a series - I did none of these. I have a pile of 600-800 books waiting to be read that I've bought and yet this bypassed the whole stack. I quickly discovered that it was the second book in a series but that did not detract from this story. I'll probably read the rest of the series if I come across them. I'll certainly welcome another Julie Ortolon book.
In this story, a wealthy ER doc with family issues goes to a ski resort in Colorado where she meets the man of her dreams. Only she doesn't know it for most of the book. The hero is much more likable.
In this story, a wealthy ER doc with family issues goes to a ski resort in Colorado where she meets the man of her dreams. Only she doesn't know it for most of the book. The hero is much more likable.
January 6, 2013
This one was good too. I really hated Christine for not standing up to her family and what jerks her brother and her dad was ahhh I hated them. What kind of a father actually treats their child like that? Anyways I liked Alec's character the most, he was the reason I kept reading or else I would have stopped this book long time ago. I was tired of Christine's attitude for most part of the book. At the beginning of the book she was okay and kinda fun to read but her character became untorable and dull till like the last two chapters and when she actually stands up for her love! I can't wait to read Amy's book. I hope its better than the last two. Oh yeah I can't wait for the double wedding, but I have a hunch that its going to become a triple wedding in the next book. Plus, the men are going to plan it so it's going to be one hell of a wedding. Can't wait to read about that!
June 10, 2009
SUCH a great romance! I love, love, loooooooved this book. Okay, you've got skiing in Aspen, which is a total win; you have an awesome, independent heroine who is exactly how I want to be when I grow up (^_~); and you've got an absolutely yummy guy for the hero. And how all the issues in the novel were wrapped up at the end was, well, just perfect! ^_^ A definite recommend.
May 18, 2017
They go on and on about the pretty hair the main character has, on a ski slope, learning how to ski again. And I'm so distracted by her lack of helmet. Then 2 chapters later, the hair again, but there IS a helmet now....
overall the book was fine though.
overall the book was fine though.
Read
September 21, 2023I only made it a few pages in, so it didn't feel right to rate it.
The prose in this book is just...not great. The POV keeps jumping around, what writers call "head hopping," and it's very distracting. Usually it's best to wait until a scene break or a new chapter to switch POV so you don't disorient your reader.
Additionally, the language is unrealistic, both in the dialogue and the narration. It feels weirdly formal and Hallmark-y.
The prose in this book is just...not great. The POV keeps jumping around, what writers call "head hopping," and it's very distracting. Usually it's best to wait until a scene break or a new chapter to switch POV so you don't disorient your reader.
Additionally, the language is unrealistic, both in the dialogue and the narration. It feels weirdly formal and Hallmark-y.
November 5, 2025
2025/37
I remember reading the trilogy as a teenager and liking this one the least, so after re-reading the first and last of the trilogy this year I didn't even consider re-reading this one.
Well, safe to say, I did, and I'm so glad! :') It's now my favourite out of the 3.
Side note: I love it when from time to time something reminds me that I've changed as a person. Makes me happy to know I've grown into who I am now, not just been this version since the beginning. ♥
I remember reading the trilogy as a teenager and liking this one the least, so after re-reading the first and last of the trilogy this year I didn't even consider re-reading this one.
Well, safe to say, I did, and I'm so glad! :') It's now my favourite out of the 3.
Side note: I love it when from time to time something reminds me that I've changed as a person. Makes me happy to know I've grown into who I am now, not just been this version since the beginning. ♥
June 27, 2019
I like this book better than the first, it deals with the fear of how we try to make people like us, especially family members and the one person who should like you the most is yourself.
I love the rescue parts of the story and the the love and fondness the main characters have for each other. The secondary character bring color and fun to the story, especially Buddy.
I love the rescue parts of the story and the the love and fondness the main characters have for each other. The secondary character bring color and fun to the story, especially Buddy.
April 23, 2023
The second book in the trilogy. I enjoyed this one almost as much as the first. I think I related a bit more to Maddy (in Almost Perfect)because I date a retired military man as she does.
The storyline is good, but fades a bit because of the first novel. Again, the characters are fun and engaging.
The storyline is good, but fades a bit because of the first novel. Again, the characters are fun and engaging.
February 24, 2021
I liked most of this. Alec and Christine were well-crafted, but my favorite character was Buddy, the dog.
However, I should know by now that "Contemporary" equates to "explicit sex," which is not really what I'm looking for in a novel.
However, I should know by now that "Contemporary" equates to "explicit sex," which is not really what I'm looking for in a novel.
August 12, 2021
Really great second book. I flew through it. I'm usually against short-time love but the author did it in a way that I would enjoy. I was also super pumped to get to the next book as well. Can't wait.
August 14, 2024
Wiele rzeczy mnie tu wkurzało. Dla przykładu - główna bohaterka jest lekarzem pogotowia, a nie ma dla niej żadnego problemu, żeby ktoś prowadził samochód pod wpływem alkoholu. Skończyłam tylko dlatego, że szybko się czytało.
November 17, 2025
I read this book back in 2017 and just realized I never rated or reviewed it. I can't remember any of the story and I can't acquire a copy to refresh my memory, but I know I liked it. I enjoyed the other two books in this series.
May 4, 2018
Loving this series another great book.
May 24, 2018
Again just like Maddy In First book I liked them in beginning but then they became annoying. I guess I’m committed to reading the last in the series hope Amy doesn’t disappoint.
October 29, 2018
Very good book
March 1, 2020
Good romance
October 27, 2021
Davvero carina la storia molto scorrevole, tanté che ti tiene incollata alle pagine.
Unica pecca un finale non del tutto scritto che lascia molto spazio alla fantasia del lettore...
Unica pecca un finale non del tutto scritto che lascia molto spazio alla fantasia del lettore...
December 6, 2023
Loetav sopakas.
December 18, 2015
First Thoughts:
I've recently begun re-reading books that I'd initially given four stars to, this applies to this entire trilogy. I'm doing it because I know that my taste in books will have changed since reading them, especially considering that I'd read this about four years and it came out ten years ago. With scoring this the second time, I couldn't decide between a low three or a high two but obviously I settled on a high two and I'll explain why in a bit.
What Is It About:
The university flatmate of three women recently published a book on how to live a happy life. Unfortunately for them, she'd used their lives as examples of what not to do. On the day of her book signing, they all make a deal. Everyone of them will confront a fear as a way of both evolving themselves but also showing their former friend that she was wrong.
Christine's fear to overcome was her fear of heights so that she can spend her Christmas skiing with her family as she hates the chair lift. Considering how long it's been since she's skied, she hires an instructor so that she can get back into the swing of things and beat her brother. This instructor is Alec.
Alec is actually a worker for the mountains search and rescue team but he hides this from Christine while also thinking that she's a spoilt little princess even though she's an ER doctor. He tries to woo her and ends up being quite successful at it but when Christine receives a job offer for the position of her dreams, she has to choose between the love of her life and her job.
What I Liked and Didn't:
I really liked Alec, his sense of humour was pretty great and I liked how he knew that he wanted Christine and she him so he just went for it. He was really sweet with her, especially while they were long distance. I found his job to be interesting and quite a unique point, I can't remember reading too many books with that as a job. I cannot say that I like Christine the same amount. There were moments where I did like her, usually with interacting with Alec, Amy or Maddie but there were moments when I just wanted to bitch slap her; those moments are usually with how pathetic she seems with her father and her brother. She's so strong and controlled, like when she helped the snowboarder or the avalanche people but then she acts like a childish little idiot with her father. I feel like I would have preferred rebellion over pathetically trying to gain approval.
Final Thoughts:
I did prefer this book over the first one and I must say that the plot was a bit better than it also even though the plot doesn't expand from the problems of the characters. Would I recommend this? Sure, it was a pretty good read but I just wished that the female main character had been a bit more of a stronger character. Will I be carrying on the series? Of course, the last book is my favourite of the trilogy.
I've recently begun re-reading books that I'd initially given four stars to, this applies to this entire trilogy. I'm doing it because I know that my taste in books will have changed since reading them, especially considering that I'd read this about four years and it came out ten years ago. With scoring this the second time, I couldn't decide between a low three or a high two but obviously I settled on a high two and I'll explain why in a bit.
What Is It About:
The university flatmate of three women recently published a book on how to live a happy life. Unfortunately for them, she'd used their lives as examples of what not to do. On the day of her book signing, they all make a deal. Everyone of them will confront a fear as a way of both evolving themselves but also showing their former friend that she was wrong.
Christine's fear to overcome was her fear of heights so that she can spend her Christmas skiing with her family as she hates the chair lift. Considering how long it's been since she's skied, she hires an instructor so that she can get back into the swing of things and beat her brother. This instructor is Alec.
Alec is actually a worker for the mountains search and rescue team but he hides this from Christine while also thinking that she's a spoilt little princess even though she's an ER doctor. He tries to woo her and ends up being quite successful at it but when Christine receives a job offer for the position of her dreams, she has to choose between the love of her life and her job.
What I Liked and Didn't:
I really liked Alec, his sense of humour was pretty great and I liked how he knew that he wanted Christine and she him so he just went for it. He was really sweet with her, especially while they were long distance. I found his job to be interesting and quite a unique point, I can't remember reading too many books with that as a job. I cannot say that I like Christine the same amount. There were moments where I did like her, usually with interacting with Alec, Amy or Maddie but there were moments when I just wanted to bitch slap her; those moments are usually with how pathetic she seems with her father and her brother. She's so strong and controlled, like when she helped the snowboarder or the avalanche people but then she acts like a childish little idiot with her father. I feel like I would have preferred rebellion over pathetically trying to gain approval.
Final Thoughts:
I did prefer this book over the first one and I must say that the plot was a bit better than it also even though the plot doesn't expand from the problems of the characters. Would I recommend this? Sure, it was a pretty good read but I just wished that the female main character had been a bit more of a stronger character. Will I be carrying on the series? Of course, the last book is my favourite of the trilogy.
October 3, 2014
Check out my other listens at Eargasms Audiobook Reviews
The second book in the series is just as great as the first!! I am really digging these kinda deep romances. If you cry at emotional relationship moments you should have tissues at the ready, I needed them!
Christine is a always trying to get her father's approval. It is sad that she basis her whole life on getting him to praise her. She is such a fun and sassy character other than that one major flaw. Pair her up with fun loving Alec who lives to play and sparks fly. I love that he works so hard to get her.
The beginning is loads of flirty fun, and the misunderstands made me giggle. I love the way they both found out the truth about each other.
I did feel like Alec was more invested in the relationship, but in the end she had a breakthrough too. The mixed narrative giving each charterer's POV really helps you understand each of their struggles. They both have baggage, although his is considerably less. It was great seeing them work through things. The self-help book pops up throughout this book again, it seems oddly appropriate.
I listened to the audiobooks narrated by Jane Cramer, who does a lovely job. She has a smooth read that is wonderfully paced. She definitely suits the series. Her voices are great on the women and narration, the men not so much. I would have liked at least the lead guy to be a touch deeper and more distinctive.
There is some steam, after a bit of time getting to know each other. For a winter fling there isn't much detail. It is open bedroom door but more NC-17 than R rated in the details. A delicious romance that did not steam up the windows. It was lovely, I don't always need super spicy.
I love the sense of play you get from the story telling. While the characters have depth and issues they face, the book feels light and fun. I love the three girls and their relationship with each other is the most endearing thing about the series.
Overall, I am really enjoying this series. It is funny each girl picks a different thing as her challenge, but none of the things address their real issues. It is the most clear in this book, in the end Christine faces her real fear and makes serious headway. I can not wait to see what will happen with Amy in the last book. Is it evil of me to hope when the year is up they discover Jane is far from perfect and getting a divorce?
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
The second book in the series is just as great as the first!! I am really digging these kinda deep romances. If you cry at emotional relationship moments you should have tissues at the ready, I needed them!
Christine is a always trying to get her father's approval. It is sad that she basis her whole life on getting him to praise her. She is such a fun and sassy character other than that one major flaw. Pair her up with fun loving Alec who lives to play and sparks fly. I love that he works so hard to get her.
The beginning is loads of flirty fun, and the misunderstands made me giggle. I love the way they both found out the truth about each other.
I did feel like Alec was more invested in the relationship, but in the end she had a breakthrough too. The mixed narrative giving each charterer's POV really helps you understand each of their struggles. They both have baggage, although his is considerably less. It was great seeing them work through things. The self-help book pops up throughout this book again, it seems oddly appropriate.
I listened to the audiobooks narrated by Jane Cramer, who does a lovely job. She has a smooth read that is wonderfully paced. She definitely suits the series. Her voices are great on the women and narration, the men not so much. I would have liked at least the lead guy to be a touch deeper and more distinctive.
There is some steam, after a bit of time getting to know each other. For a winter fling there isn't much detail. It is open bedroom door but more NC-17 than R rated in the details. A delicious romance that did not steam up the windows. It was lovely, I don't always need super spicy.
I love the sense of play you get from the story telling. While the characters have depth and issues they face, the book feels light and fun. I love the three girls and their relationship with each other is the most endearing thing about the series.
Overall, I am really enjoying this series. It is funny each girl picks a different thing as her challenge, but none of the things address their real issues. It is the most clear in this book, in the end Christine faces her real fear and makes serious headway. I can not wait to see what will happen with Amy in the last book. Is it evil of me to hope when the year is up they discover Jane is far from perfect and getting a divorce?
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
November 26, 2012
Just Perfect is the most perfect contemporary romance book in the 21st century. This was a simple, good to read romance. Something that's in rare commodity these days. I felt good after reading this novel. The plot was beautiful in its simplicity and also the love that was fostered between Alec and Christine was real, sweet and innocent.
The book was also funny, making it an enjoyable read. Thank god the angst was limited to the last few pages, but even then you knew that they loved one another very much. Alec is a guy who loves with no boundaries. Christine, once you break down her walls, is a girl who can return the love that a guy like Alec deserves.
So overall, what I liked about this book was:
1. The love between Alec and Chris was just about unconditional by the end of the book.
2. Alec: sheesh, who doesn't love a guy who is smitten. And man, was he smitten with Chris. It was so sweet watching him trying to score dates with her at first. And his child-like enthusiasm. I am in love.
3. There were no plots or sub-plots with regards to infidelity. Thank God. I think this must be the only romance novel to say so.
4. Humour. It was funny. A lot of authors overlook this and some just go straight to angst and hard-loving. So while I might also give those novel some 4-5 stars, they don't make me feel good about myself at the end. But this one did.
5. No freaking alpha males. Yes... I for one have gotten sick and tired of men who act all alpha and women (characters in novels and women who read those novels) who throw themselves at men who act like that. Yes, once in a while men who are alpha are sexy but there is a balance between over-bearing and being realistic. But not many authors keep that balance. So the end result is the words alpha male leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. Those men, if I saw them in real life, I wouldn't even glance at them twice. Muscle-bound bodies can only get you so far, if your personality is pitiful.
Alec was realistic. There were times when he dominated, like in the bedroom, but thank God it was not all the time. He is the sort of guy I'd dream about spending the rest of my life with. Sweet, funny, sexy and not at all afraid to throw himself head first in things/people he is passionate about. Actually he is probably a beta-male, if we get technical about it. And I LOVE beta-males.
The book was also funny, making it an enjoyable read. Thank god the angst was limited to the last few pages, but even then you knew that they loved one another very much. Alec is a guy who loves with no boundaries. Christine, once you break down her walls, is a girl who can return the love that a guy like Alec deserves.
So overall, what I liked about this book was:
1. The love between Alec and Chris was just about unconditional by the end of the book.
2. Alec: sheesh, who doesn't love a guy who is smitten. And man, was he smitten with Chris. It was so sweet watching him trying to score dates with her at first. And his child-like enthusiasm. I am in love.
3. There were no plots or sub-plots with regards to infidelity. Thank God. I think this must be the only romance novel to say so.
4. Humour. It was funny. A lot of authors overlook this and some just go straight to angst and hard-loving. So while I might also give those novel some 4-5 stars, they don't make me feel good about myself at the end. But this one did.
5. No freaking alpha males. Yes... I for one have gotten sick and tired of men who act all alpha and women (characters in novels and women who read those novels) who throw themselves at men who act like that. Yes, once in a while men who are alpha are sexy but there is a balance between over-bearing and being realistic. But not many authors keep that balance. So the end result is the words alpha male leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. Those men, if I saw them in real life, I wouldn't even glance at them twice. Muscle-bound bodies can only get you so far, if your personality is pitiful.
Alec was realistic. There were times when he dominated, like in the bedroom, but thank God it was not all the time. He is the sort of guy I'd dream about spending the rest of my life with. Sweet, funny, sexy and not at all afraid to throw himself head first in things/people he is passionate about. Actually he is probably a beta-male, if we get technical about it. And I LOVE beta-males.
February 23, 2013
In the next book of the Perfect Trilogy, Christine Ashton has to get over her fear of heights. Actually she needs to get over her fear of heights and a whole lot more. She thinks that by conquering her fear of heights she will be able to go sking and finally beat her brother at something and gain her father's approval.
As part of the bet with her college suitemates, she goes to Colorado to get started on getting past this fear she has had for what seems like forever. Arriving about a week early, she hires an instructor to help her out. Enter Alec, the ski bum and he appears to be "perfect"...drat! Now she needs to refrain from the one thing Christine promised herself she wouldn't do...date and fall in love with another loser guy with no prospects for a future. Christine has to keep Alec at bay all the while conquering her fear of heights, learn to ski really well so that she can beat her brother at something, and gain her father's respect.
By the way, did I mention that Christine is a doctor, just like her dad. But...well you know where this is going don't you? Well without giving away the rest of the story, Just Perfect by Julie Ortolon really examines the issues of the child/parent paradigm without getting too complicated in the process. Throw in a handsome guy who on the surface looks like a loser, but really isn't and it makes for a very interesting and entertaining read.
I really like the fact that Ms. Ortolon was not afraid to show Christine's strength as well as her vulnerabilities. She also slowly reveals Alec's character true identity as well as both of their families. Of the three books in the trilogy, I would have to say this one was my favorite. At the end, I was actually yelling, "You go girl!" As for the reasons why, well you are just going to have to read and find out!
As part of the bet with her college suitemates, she goes to Colorado to get started on getting past this fear she has had for what seems like forever. Arriving about a week early, she hires an instructor to help her out. Enter Alec, the ski bum and he appears to be "perfect"...drat! Now she needs to refrain from the one thing Christine promised herself she wouldn't do...date and fall in love with another loser guy with no prospects for a future. Christine has to keep Alec at bay all the while conquering her fear of heights, learn to ski really well so that she can beat her brother at something, and gain her father's respect.
By the way, did I mention that Christine is a doctor, just like her dad. But...well you know where this is going don't you? Well without giving away the rest of the story, Just Perfect by Julie Ortolon really examines the issues of the child/parent paradigm without getting too complicated in the process. Throw in a handsome guy who on the surface looks like a loser, but really isn't and it makes for a very interesting and entertaining read.
I really like the fact that Ms. Ortolon was not afraid to show Christine's strength as well as her vulnerabilities. She also slowly reveals Alec's character true identity as well as both of their families. Of the three books in the trilogy, I would have to say this one was my favorite. At the end, I was actually yelling, "You go girl!" As for the reasons why, well you are just going to have to read and find out!
July 23, 2014
Just Perfect is by Julie Ortolon and is book 2 in a series. It is a great summer read and is very easy to read.
Christine Ashton has come to Silver Mountain to spend Christmas with her family. She came early to give herself time to practice getting up the ski lift and to practice skiing since she hasn’t skied in fourteen years. She is afraid of ski lifts. She is fulfilling a dare made by two of her four roommates in college. Maggie, Amy, and Christine are all to do the one thing that they are most fearful of. Christine has hired a ski instructor to help her. She wants to finally beat her brother in front of their dad so Daddy would be proud of her, finally. Her father favors her brother and always has. Christine could never be the perfect daughter her socialite parents wanted. She keeps trying though.
Alec Hunter is the coordinator of the Search and Rescue Team on Silver Mountain. Right now, he is on an enforced vacation so he helps out a friend by taking on a private ski customer- Christine. Alec grew up poor and his father and brother were in construction. Alec wanted to be on the Rescue and Search team for many years. He put up with the heckling from his father and brother until he could leave home.
Alec tries to get Christine to go get a drink with him after a day of skiing; but she refuses. She doesn’t get to k now him so is surprised that he actually has a job. Her other boyfriends only wanted to go with her for her money so she thinks Alec is expecting the same thing.
The two fall in love but that love is put to the test when Christine takes a job at her father’s hospital in California while Alec stays in Colorado. How can a fledgling romance survive long distance? What will happen between the two of them? How will Christine’s parents and brother react?
Christine Ashton has come to Silver Mountain to spend Christmas with her family. She came early to give herself time to practice getting up the ski lift and to practice skiing since she hasn’t skied in fourteen years. She is afraid of ski lifts. She is fulfilling a dare made by two of her four roommates in college. Maggie, Amy, and Christine are all to do the one thing that they are most fearful of. Christine has hired a ski instructor to help her. She wants to finally beat her brother in front of their dad so Daddy would be proud of her, finally. Her father favors her brother and always has. Christine could never be the perfect daughter her socialite parents wanted. She keeps trying though.
Alec Hunter is the coordinator of the Search and Rescue Team on Silver Mountain. Right now, he is on an enforced vacation so he helps out a friend by taking on a private ski customer- Christine. Alec grew up poor and his father and brother were in construction. Alec wanted to be on the Rescue and Search team for many years. He put up with the heckling from his father and brother until he could leave home.
Alec tries to get Christine to go get a drink with him after a day of skiing; but she refuses. She doesn’t get to k now him so is surprised that he actually has a job. Her other boyfriends only wanted to go with her for her money so she thinks Alec is expecting the same thing.
The two fall in love but that love is put to the test when Christine takes a job at her father’s hospital in California while Alec stays in Colorado. How can a fledgling romance survive long distance? What will happen between the two of them? How will Christine’s parents and brother react?
July 2, 2008
Maddy, Christine and Amy are thrilled that their old college suite-mate has written a bestselling book, How to Have the Perfect Life—until they realize she used them as examples of how women let fear screw up their lives. The worst part is…it’s sort of true. Together they make a pact: they each have one year to face down their fears—and maybe show Miss Perfect a thing or two!
You have to be tough to work in the ER—but Dr. Christine Ashton's courage doesn't extend to riding a chairlift, no matter how much she loves skiing. Her challenge is to strap on a pair of skis and conquer her fear of heights. The bigger challenge, though, will be resisting the sexy ski instructor her friends have deemed off-limits.
Alec Hunter is more than just a fun-loving charmer and nothing like the users, losers, and strays Christine usually winds up with. But she's still giving him the cold shoulder, and he's determined to prove how wrong she is about him.
A PERFECT DISASTER?
After helping the victim of a snowboarding accident, the two fall hard and fast—with enough heat to melt the mountains. And everything is just perfect—until Christine must face kind of fear and choose between her dream job back home and her dream man in Colorado.
"Christine has everything going wrong for her, from her fear of heights to her unloving parents. She goes on a ski learning expedition with her new ski instructor and falls in love with him. Alec is everything she wanted in a guy, yet she fears her parents disapproving. A simplistic story about prioritising dreams and goals. Sometimes winning means knowing when to throw in the bucket, which in this case is standing up to her parents.A nice and romantic read, one that'll put a smile on your face at the end."
You have to be tough to work in the ER—but Dr. Christine Ashton's courage doesn't extend to riding a chairlift, no matter how much she loves skiing. Her challenge is to strap on a pair of skis and conquer her fear of heights. The bigger challenge, though, will be resisting the sexy ski instructor her friends have deemed off-limits.
Alec Hunter is more than just a fun-loving charmer and nothing like the users, losers, and strays Christine usually winds up with. But she's still giving him the cold shoulder, and he's determined to prove how wrong she is about him.
A PERFECT DISASTER?
After helping the victim of a snowboarding accident, the two fall hard and fast—with enough heat to melt the mountains. And everything is just perfect—until Christine must face kind of fear and choose between her dream job back home and her dream man in Colorado.
"Christine has everything going wrong for her, from her fear of heights to her unloving parents. She goes on a ski learning expedition with her new ski instructor and falls in love with him. Alec is everything she wanted in a guy, yet she fears her parents disapproving. A simplistic story about prioritising dreams and goals. Sometimes winning means knowing when to throw in the bucket, which in this case is standing up to her parents.A nice and romantic read, one that'll put a smile on your face at the end."
November 26, 2014
As with my re-read of Almost Perfect, my first review of Just Perfect is, again, apt. I will amend that earlier to review however to say this runs almost concurrent with the first book - and the end of this runs concurrent with the beginning of Amy's book.
This book and the first one cover the longest period of time - Amy's (ignoring the epilogue) lasts a month whereas these two cover approx. 11 months between them.
I liked the phone conversation transcripts - it was used to good effect and I found it added to the ... emotion that our leads were going through. I still think this is my least favourite in the series but I enjoyed it more this time (I just didn't like the books as much as the first time I read them!).
The 'big fear' to be conquered here is the fear of familial rejection (or to be more precise the rejection of a father). I think everyone can relate to that - I certainly have, when faced with a decision, thought "what would my parents think" though luckily I have very supporting parents so I come across this rarely (and use it more as a what would they do type thought). But you very often hear of and see the kind of parenting going on in this book in our lives.
I did like the juxtaposition of the brothers parenting technique with the parents - perhaps a type of foreshadowing that you can do things differently and that Christine just has to realise that (as she does near the end of the book) to break free herself... The one thing I dislike is that you don't see how her father reacts - you hear in the last book some of the mothers 'thoughts' but I would have liked something about the father too - though perhaps that may have taken this book out of the realms of typical chick-lit...
This book and the first one cover the longest period of time - Amy's (ignoring the epilogue) lasts a month whereas these two cover approx. 11 months between them.
I liked the phone conversation transcripts - it was used to good effect and I found it added to the ... emotion that our leads were going through. I still think this is my least favourite in the series but I enjoyed it more this time (I just didn't like the books as much as the first time I read them!).
The 'big fear' to be conquered here is the fear of familial rejection (or to be more precise the rejection of a father). I think everyone can relate to that - I certainly have, when faced with a decision, thought "what would my parents think" though luckily I have very supporting parents so I come across this rarely (and use it more as a what would they do type thought). But you very often hear of and see the kind of parenting going on in this book in our lives.
I did like the juxtaposition of the brothers parenting technique with the parents - perhaps a type of foreshadowing that you can do things differently and that Christine just has to realise that (as she does near the end of the book) to break free herself... The one thing I dislike is that you don't see how her father reacts - you hear in the last book some of the mothers 'thoughts' but I would have liked something about the father too - though perhaps that may have taken this book out of the realms of typical chick-lit...
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