Practically Perfect

Good Girls Don't Come Last #2

by Jennifer Youngblood

Paradise isn’t quite what she thought. But is her unexpected attraction to an unruly, hunky cowboy really the best thing for this divorcée?
Penelope Primrose has worked tirelessly to create her picket-fence bliss. After dreaming of a beautiful home and an idyllic small-town lifestyle, the would-be Southern belle perfected impeccable grooming and manners to land her childhood sweetheart. But her visions of a rapid ascent up the social ladder shatter when she finds her ideal husband with another woman…

Thrown into a divorce-driven spin and desperate to reinvent herself, the plucky Alabamian is totally confused by the chemistry she feels with the motorcycle-riding, guitar-playing, cowboy next door. And though his loud music and gosh-awful Airstream trailer are rubbing her the wrong way, Penelope secretly wonders if maybe it’s time to unleash her own inner rebel.

Will her mad attempts to let her hair down end in disaster… or happily ever after?

Practically Perfect is the sassy second, standalone book in the Good Girls Don't Come Last sweet contemporary romance series. If you like flirty heroines, swoon-worthy hunks, and a dash of dramatic angst, then you’ll adore Jennifer Youngblood’s small-town romp.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

ebook

Published August 4, 2021

About the author

Jennifer loves reading and writing clean romance. She believes that happily ever after is not just for stories. Jennifer enjoys interior design, rollerblading, clogging, jogging, and chocolate. In Jennifer’s opinion there are few ills that can’t be solved with a warm brownie and scoop of vanilla-bean ice cream.
Jennifer grew up in rural Alabama and loved living in a town where “everybody knows everybody.” Her love for writing began as a young teenager when she wrote stories for her high school English teacher to critique.
Jennifer has a BA in English and Social Sciences from Brigham Young University Hawaii where she served as Miss BYU Hawaii. Before becoming an author, she worked as the owner and editor of a monthly newspaper named The Senior Times.
She now lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family and spends her time writing and doing all of the wonderful things that make up the life of a busy wife and mother.

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a case of "it's me, not you"

I think I have a different definition in my mind for RomComs that what is sometimes delivered. With RomCom in the title, I was expecting "lighthearted and humorous plot lines" but felt like this book was just a great contemporary romance instead.

Penelope and Memphis are fun characters who have an entertaining first encounter, but there was a slight heaviness clouding over them with all the personal and town drama and Penelope's overreactions resulting from stress. Maybe I read it wrong, but Penelope sure was down on her luck and was very bitter about everything. It was satisfying to watch her learn to let go and to work through things.

All that aside, it was sweet and quirky, and just what I hope for from Jennifer Youngblood. I loved the familial connections and loyalties, but most of all, I loved the cute romance.

Content: mild+ romance (cheating, kissing); mild religion

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Contains: kisses and some religious references (enough that it started to feel like Christian fiction for a hot minute). Something about this book gave me a serious ick feeling. I don’t know if it was that the pacing is way off—starting way too early while Pen is still married then using blog entries to cover months and then there is conflict brought up right before the end (full disclosure I skimmed a bunch because there was a lot of unnecessary words) or if it was that Pen is married and is attracted to another man. I don’t know if it was that Pen’s family and friends didn’t believe her when she said she wasn’t in a relationship with Memphis, or that his name IS Memphis Stetson (c’mon authors!). I don’t know if it was that Pen is incredibly rude to Memphis and then without even having a real or deep conversation with him somehow knows that he is a better man than her ex and that Memphis is the one for her. I don’t know if it is just because I couldn’t ship the MCs seeing how he was overconfident and cocky that they’d be together and that she was all for him even though she just got divorced (rebound much?). Or maybe it was the blogs from Nellie. Whatever the reason, this book was just not my cup of tea.

[B. D. Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a serious fan of Jennifer Youngblood. This is my 33rd consecutive five-star review for this author. Other reviewers have done a great job discussing the storyline, so it needs no further comment. Suffice it to state that the story is interesting and entertaining. The characters are believable and very human. The story was well edited and free of distracting editorial deficiencies. The romantic element is handled with tact and gentility. In short, Jennifer hit it out of the park as she, once again, walks away with another five-star clean romance review.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Penelope. You poor thing! I just felt for you so much. One fiasco after another all when you were supposed to be celebrating! But I sure did love your spunk. And your momma and brother's spunk as well. I don't know if I would have reacted the same way when I saw what was sitting on that empty lot next door, but heaven knows you'd been through the ringer. So I can see where you're coming from.

But I was never prouder of you than when you went to the banquet and spoke your mind! I laughed and cheered and laughed some more! I would have totally given you a fist bump girl!

I'm so glad you have Memphis in your life. ;-) He's a great one to keep you grounded and moving forward towards good things. Plus he's got your back and won't let anyone walk all over you. Although after your experiences, you've got enough pluck to take care of yourself. And Memphis would be right by your side. Just remember to feed him your mom's mushroom specialty dinner.

This was a fun read. Mostly lighthearted but there were a fun somber moments due to the nature of Penelope's story and divorce. Dive in and see how her day goes from great to rotten and all the funny (sometimes cringe worthy) moments in between.

Content: Clean. Some mild innuendo about an affair.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practically Perfect is a wonderful, rebellious, feel good, romantic comedy. Ms. Youngblood hit it out of the park with this great story. Pen spent way too long trying to be the perfect southern gentlewoman only to discover her husband in bed with another woman on the night her MIL stole an award that should have been Pen's. Once this gal unleashes her outrageous artist, she takes no prisoners! This book is a delight. I laughed out loud more than once!

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun story that had great characters with awesome chemistry. I really enjoyed Memphis and Penelope and how they learned to turn their struggles in life around. This is a sweet, clean romance.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penelope Primrose (aka Pen) has strived to be perfect--Practically Perfect Penelope Primrose--until the night everything comes crashing down. Her mother-in-law steals an award tht should've been hers, she has the mother of all wardrobe malfunctions after confronting her mother-in-law, then discovers her husband (of less than a year) in bed with another women when she returns home from the nightmare that was an awards dinner at the country club. I think that about sums it up. Penelope's disaster of a night turns out to be a turning point in her life. She's going to stop pleasing everyone and trying to turn herself into something she's not. She's got her mom, her brother and her friend Albany there to help her.

I loved the innocent meet-cute in the elevator between Penelope and Memphis and her shock when she discovers who has moved an Airstream and an inflatable pool onto the property next door. Poor Penelope. One of my favorite parts was when Penelope gave her awful mother-in-law a piece of her mind. It's about time someone took that woman down a notch or two. I loved Penelope's mom and brother--especially how supportive they were of Penelope. I also liked watching Penelope grow into her own person. Memphis was so good for her in helping her become true to herself.

This was a fun read, although the beginning had some tough parts with the way her mother-in-law treated her. I received a complimentary copy for review. All opinions in my review are my own.

[Phyllis Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

4 stars for Practically Perfect. Pen is trying her hardest to fit in as wife to the town's golden boy Tim. Imagine her surprise and anger when her mother in law takes the award that Pen feels she earned. Even more surprise when she goes home and finds her husband in bed with his dental hygienist. Let the fun begin!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good rom-com! This series by Jennifer Youngblood has been so great! I loved seeing the town of Comfort and well loved characters again. This one stands alone just great, I read it out of order and had no problems with knowing what was happening and who everyone was.

Penelope or Pen as her friends call her is one strong woman. She finds her husband cheating on her. And, instead of hanging her head, she keeps it high and goes to work. There is one scene near the end of the book where she puts everyone in their place. And that may have been my favorite scene of them all.

I loved Memphis. There were some really funny misunderstandings that made him look like a bad guy during parts of the book. But he was a gentleman throughout.

This book was funny! It was romantic. And it was a book I didn’t want to put down. Make sure to pick this one up, you won’t regret it.

[Judith Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning from Practically Perfect to Free

Jennifer Youngblood has turned out a fun, but realistic character Penelope who tries to turn herself into the kind of woman her husband and mother in law wants her to be. Then her life collapses. Memphis, a hunky cowboy, really wants her to succeed, but by being real. Enjoy this fun filled new series.

[Teya Teya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part of this book was hard to read. I was married to the "Golden Boy" who could do no wrong and let me tell you his mom didn't know half of it. I felt for her. I really appreciate how she found her way out of her cacoon and fought her way on her own terms. Plus getting the hunk cowboy next door.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, flirty and light hearted

I had just finished a heavier historical & was looking for something lighter. This story fit the bill. The story played out like this could be a fun movie to watch with your girlfriends. No cringe worthy moments of cheesy awkwardness. Loved the H. The h was likeable. The ending scene just perfect & aww.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is my life actually practically perfect?

Penelope is sort of messed up in her practically perfect life, maybe more than most of us. I enjoyed seeing her come into her own and begin to be who she really is. I think most of us could learn something from Pen. And I’d sure love to meet Memphis. Go read this book. It’s funny, realistic, and heartwarming with brilliant characters.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practically Perfect is a fun, romantic comedy with a happy ending.

Penelope is married to the town's golden boy and her life is practically perfect until her mother-in-law takes credit for all her hard work at an awards ceremony. Then, the seams on her dress split and when she returns home, she finds her husband in bed with Strawberry, her nemesis.

Penelope met "the cowboy" on the elevator on the worst day of her life and when she goes to meet her new neighbor who is sullying up the neighborhood, she realizes, they are one and the same, except his name is Memphis.

A sweet and swoony relationship begins to develop between Penelope and Memphis until someone from Memphis' past shows up to try and ruin his life. Penelope is torn and doesn't know what to do, because her life has just taken a nasty turn, as well. Will these two be able to repair the damage or will the fracture keep them away from their own happy ever after?

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and enjoyed the narration very much.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope thinks she has it all: married to her High School sweetheart, living in the Norwood Mansion, an historic home, and working tirelessly for community charities. When she literally runs into Memphis, a gorgeous cowboy in an elevator, her heart pounds and she has to fight the instant attraction. That evening she attends a charity gala, expecting to be awarded a prestigious award but instead it is given to her controlling mother-in-law and as she goes home, her perfect world implodes. Great small town characters, intriguing story line and plenty of small town gossip as well as romance. Delightful!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this story after Albany's story, Cold Feet. Both girls see each other's great qualities and downplay their own. It is a good look at how we unrealistically compare ourselves to others. However, Albany and Penelope love and support each other, so it all works.

Memphis is the mysterious stranger who Penelope will not let disrupt her life. When her life turns upside down anyway Memphis eventually works his way in as the perfect hero. It was great to see Penelope grow in this story. I loved the relationship she has with her brother and mom as well. They are terrific supporting characters.

[Kaytlen Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practically Perfect by Jennifer Youngblood is such a fun second chance romance. Penelope gets the chance to be true to herself after trying to force herself into the mold for her jerk of an ex and ex-in-laws. I loved seeing her character progression throughout the story. How she learns to stand up for herself. This is definitely a great story for anyone going through a divorce or separation in relationships. It is so hard on her but she makes it through. Jennifer Youngblood has some witty moments but most of all she creates scenes where you shout yes woman! You go girl.

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this was billed as a romcom it had a lot of darker issues and I found it to be more of a contemporary romance. Penelope married her childhood sweetheart and has tried to do what was expected of her by her wealthy mother-in-law. It all falls apart one night when she goes home early and catches her husband with his assistant. A divorce follows, but Penelope does not let it destroy her. She slowly rebuilds her life according to her wishes, not the expectations of others. She is fighting an attraction for Memphis, the man camping in the empty lot next door. He has a backstory she is unaware of- will that change her feelings? The author gave an accurate representation of small-town life, and her characters were fascinating. I am definitely interested in reading more of this series.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practically Perfect

This story is so good as well as funny. Penelope thinks she has it all together but that was before her husband decided to cheat on her with his assistant and before Memphis strolled into the elevator. After her divorce she manages to fix up the house for a B&B and fall for Memphis but Memphis has a secret. What happens when the secret from his past comes out?

[vicki zimmerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure exactly what to say.

It was sweet. It was a slow burn romance. It was not a comedy except in the loosest sense of the word. It was a fairly good representation of life in a small Southern town.
It was even a small taste of a Scooby Doo Mystery.
It just, sadly, wasn’t very much of any of those things.
Or if it was, it didn’t appeal to me.
There was every opportunity for it to be great. It just-wasn’t.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars this was a quick and cute read. I really liked how Penelope grew and rediscovered herself throughout this book. She and Memphis were a cute match and she was definitely better off with him than her terrible ex. The chemistry was good between the main characters as well as there was a good bond with the side characters that makes you want their stories too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts out on a more serious downer vibe but once we get past that the romance is mostly lighthearted. Some twists come up in the story and I exulted in the verbal, well deserved set downs. I'm a little vindictive with books. I want my villains to get called out. Haha.

I'm enjoying the series.

Possible triggers: husband has an affair
Sex: wife catches jerk in bed with woman; not overly descriptive
Language: no
Violence: a little

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope Primrose has worked hard to fit into her childhood sweetheart husband’s family without success when she discovers he’s having an affair and then he divorces her. With the help of friends she ends up with the family mansion which she turns into a bed and breakfast. She finds the lot next door was sold to a cowboy who lives in a RV and drives a motorcycle, plus sends her blood boiling. A story about a plucky woman who finds herself. Great book.

[LaRae Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! Penelope thinks she has a pretty good life but it starts falling apart. Then she meets Memphis who helps her realize some things and brings such love and joy to her life. Of course its not all smooth sailing there as she still has enemies trying to destroy her happiness but she is able to discover truths with great family and friends! Book was funny, heartwarming and very enjoyable to read!!

[Rick Farlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOOD ONE!

Entertaining storyline that takes place in the small town of Comfort, Alabama… Social snobbery is running rampant in the town where gossip abounds. Yet, in the end, love captures the hearts of an unlikely couple who banter about everything! This is a funny and captivating story that is filled with all of the drama and characters that make for a great reading experience.

[Janie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

Short, sweet, sassy and funny! After Penelope finds her spoiled, rich husband in their bed with his Dental Hygienist, Pen dumps him. Making a new life for herself, she decides Norwood Manor is going to be a new B&B. She also meets a gorgeous Hunk from Texas and voila’ things start looking up! A great quick read!

[Deana Evers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty and well written

This was a fun book to read. I found the authors use of words, sayings and dialect to truly represent the culture of the South. The characters are relatable and honest. My main problem is that it all happens so fast, then the conflict is pretty stupid. Writing is amazing but story content could use a little more.

[Susan Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful mix of love lost and dreams fulfilled

Penelope has worked so hard for her small town, but all her work crashes around her, along with her marriage. With her life in shambles, Pen has to make new plans. But even those plans seem to crumble around her, until help comes from an unexpected source.

[valerie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes sweet

A really sweet story that shows so much about small town living. As the saying goes,"been there done that." Lol How Pentalope deals with all of that then gets her life going again is heartwarming. Her family. And her friends were the kind we all wish for. As for her cowboy, well, read the book and be impressed.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very light hearted read, with a world of hurt woven in. Sometimes small towns are great, unfortunately there is always at least one person who thinks they are better. And more who are so unhappy in their lives they live to gossip and tear people down. This is a good small town example, with an HEA.