Accidentally Perfect

TEST

I’ve read a couple of Marissa Clarke’s contemporary romance series previously (Anderson Brothers and Animal Attraction) but it’s been a while since I’ve seen anything from her (2018 was her last under this pen name that I read; she does write YA as Mary Lindsey so maybe that’s where her time has been focused). Accidentally Perfect is what looks to be the first in a new series (Hideaway Harbor). The major difference in this compared to her previous adult romances is that the heat level is substantially lower. However her characters and writing style are as I’ve come to expect and she delivers an entertaining read.

Lillian Mahoney has taken an idea and made it into a mega enterprise, the successful Living Sharpe culinary and lifestyle brand. With a temperamental star whose only purpose is to be eye candy while Lillian does all the work behind the scenes, she gives new meaning to the term workaholic. An on-screen tiff has resulted in her taking a much needed break in a seaside cabin her sister (and right-hand woman in the business) recently purchased out in the small village of Blink, Maine. Even though Lillian is supposed to be resting, she keeps finding things in this small town that could use a helping hand, one she’s only too happy to give.

But shipbuilder Caleb Wright isn’t going to be taken in by Lillian’s charm and good looks, and he’s ready to protect his neighbours if she turns out to be a bad apple. Since his experience with women hasn’t been so great (his ex-wife abandoned him with a newborn who’s grown into a beautiful teenager), Caleb isn’t sure what to make of his annoyingly stubborn attraction to her, especially when it’s clear she has no intention of staying permanently in Blink. Her home is in New York, and his is here. Can this opposites-attract couple overcome the odds and find their way to a happy ending?

As far as small towns go, I think Blink is the smallest I’ve seen a contemporary romance set in (population of 204). Literally everyone knows everyone, so when a stranger comes into town, it makes for good gossip. All of the secondary characters are quite likable without being stereotyped and I enjoyed seeing Lillian develop friendships with a few of the other women who run businesses in the town. Lillian’s cabin is set on the hill with a direct view of the town harbor where the main businesses are so they can see her, and she can see them. It gives her a good view of Caleb Wright’s houseboat, his two friendly dogs, and him, too.

Once Caleb gets over his initial suspicion of Lillian’s motives (she really doesn’t have any except for a desire to help Blink attract new life as it’s clearly a dying town) he’s able to admit to himself that he likes her and her take charge attitude. It’s a mutual attraction, and they soon give into those feelings with some kissing and eventually something more (behind closed doors).  Figuring out how to make their fling into a lasting relationship requires some compromise. I’m not sure the ending is especially realistic (everything falls into place a little too conveniently) but it ends up with Caleb and Lillian getting their HEA which is, after all, the goal. Fans of the author who’ve been missing her work will enjoy Accidentally Perfect and though it isn’t clear to me who will feature in the next book of the series, I’ll be keeping an eye out for it.

Buy it at: Amazon or your local independent retailer

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Reviewed by Maria Rose

Grade: B

Sensuality: Kisses

Review Date: 04/03/22

Publication Date: 03/2022

Recent Comments …

  1. excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.

I'm a biochemist and a married mother of two. Reading has been my hobby since grade school, and I've been a fan of the romance genre since I was a teenager. Sharing my love of good books by writing reviews is a recent passion of mine, but one which is richly rewarding.

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Cathy
Cathy
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03/05/2022 2:50 pm

I just read this book last night. It was an impulse buy. I think you nailed it in the review. I gave it 4 stars on goodreads which is about a B to me too :)

Maria Rose
Maria Rose
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Reply to  Cathy
03/06/2022 9:33 pm

Thanks Cathy!

Maria Rose
Maria Rose
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Reply to  Maria Rose
03/06/2022 9:34 pm

Also, I rate a B as a 4 on Goodreads too – I do wish they had half star ratings, I make folders for my books with ratings by half numbers

Cathy
Cathy
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Reply to  Maria Rose
03/08/2022 8:27 pm

Me too! I don’t know why they can’t make it so we can do half stars.