Almost Perfect – E.F. Dodd

Almost Perfect is a standout book, offering a unique blend of sweetness and realism. The characters, with their enjoyable and relatable traits, the fun and mostly healthy family dynamics, and the strong friendships, all contribute to a reading experience that is both heartwarming and engaging. It’s an ideal choice for a cozy fall evening when you’re in the mood for a light and happy read.

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Almost Perfect is a cozy romance that skillfully avoids unnecessary drama and angst. Dodd’s commendable skill in steering clear of cheap tropes to raise tension is evident. The main characters engage in challenging conversations, sometimes sidestepping direct answers, but this only serves to model normal, healthy relationship dynamics when faced with challenges.

The steamy bits in Almost Perfect were a little drawn out, but in a way that added to the story’s depth. There was lots of consent and boundary checking, which didn’t impact the steam level and is a refreshing departure from many mainstream romances. The amount of healthy communication about what was going on increased the steaminess.

Almost Perfect is pretty straightforward. I kept waiting for the big dramatic scene or another sort of crisis, which never came. The relationship is a smooth progression, with a few hiccups, to a happily ever after. While I’m not upset about the lack of drama, the overall pacing of the book was too steady-eddy for me. 

The grand gesture surprised me. The relationship moved forward slowly and steadily, and the grand gesture seemed a bit like pressing fast forward or skipping right to the end. It didn’t suit the way I’d perceived the characters and made me a bit uncomfortable, but that could be my own baggage speaking up. 

Overall, Almost Perfect is a light, uncomplicated contemporary romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the emphasis on enthusiastic consent and minimal miscommunications. The characters are great, and the meet-cute is adorable. 

Links

E.F. Dodd’s Website
thestorygraph