Review ~ Past Imperfect ~ Alison G. Bailey #ShelfLove #TakeControl #TravelingtotheTerminus

Past Imperfect by Alison G. Bailey
Perfect #2
Release Date: February 15, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TakeControl, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
In Present Perfect, Brad Johnson was sexy, cocky, rich and a complete Smurff**ker. He could afford anything he wanted and could charm any girl he set his eyes on. Everything was laid out in front of him. all for the taking except the one thing he craved and needed. A tragic event forces him to reevaluate his life. When he tries to change, will the people in his life let him move on from his past or will they constantly hold him to the life altering mistakes he's made?

Mabry Darnell is intelligent, ambitious, beautiful, and sassy. Secrets from her past haunt the present causing her to question her actions in order to shield her heart and protect her life.

From the moment Brad and Mabry met, their connection was strong, intense, and electrifying. Both knew they had found the one person who could satisfy what the other ached for. When their pasts collide with their present, will it prevent them from having a future together or will love be strong enough to conquer their demons?

I met Brad in Present Perfect and while he did appear smarmy and I understood Noah's dislike of him, I always felt there was more than met the eye with him. Past Imperfect illustrated all that "more" and I ended up believing my feelings about him were validated. And Mabry - she was just the woman to bring out the best in Brad.

Can a person truly change and leave the past behind them? Can a person prevent the past having undesired effects on their present? I think  these are the two main questions addressed in Brad and Mabry's story. Brad, for all his terrible treatment of girls in his past, truly has changed. It took a tragedy to get him to pull his head out but his childhood didn't lend itself to having empathy. Fortunately for him, the tragic event pulled his inner goodness to the surface. But he had a hard time getting people to forgive him his past.

Mabry experienced a different sort of tragedy and didn't have the support network she needed to cope with it. Luckily she did have a really good friend but it wasn't enough. This tragedy not only brought about an unhealthy coping mechanism in Mabry, it also served to breed a fear in her - one that's prevented any sort of close relationship or real intimacy with anyone but especially men. And although she felt a connection with Brad from the get-go, she fought it tooth and nail.

The relationship between these two could be something so special. They're both willing to accept the other's past and look beyond it. They bring out the best in each other - they want to be better for the other. But Mabry isn't being totally honest. And when the truth is revealed, it'll take a lot of work on both their parts to shore up the foundation of what's developed between them.

ABailey did so well in conveying the ramifications of Brad's past as well as Mabry's. I loved how the common denominator between them came about and how ABailey used it. And I appreciated how respectfully she dealt with the topics of self-harm, depression, and suicide. These are all tough topics and ABailey gave us characters to root for as well as crafting a heartwarming story around the topics and characters.

ABailey delivered a poignant story and now that I've finished the Perfect series, I'm going to go see what else she's written.  =)

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #79 ~ Past Imperfect ~ Alison G. Bailey

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts is a weekly meme hosted by my blogger wife, Lexxie, @(un)Conventional Bookviews. It's a way to highlight a book using quotes that revolve around food and/or drinks. Every Thursday, post a line or two...or heck, a whole paragraph, that spoke to you in some way using food or drinks. *wink* Don't forget to link up!

My pick this week for Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts is from:

Past Imperfect by Alison G. Bailey

I picked this particular scene because it made me laugh! =)

***

She huffed, blowing her bangs up and off her forehead. "They didn't include any forks," she said, slightly annoyed.

Swallowing a piece of my sesame chicken, I said, "Use the chopsticks."

Scrunching up her eyebrows she looked at the two sticks as if a person would need to be a rocket scientist to figure out how to use them. She tentatively picked them up and peeled the paper away that they were wrapped in. I continued to eat while watching her out of the corner of my eye as she tried to position the chopsticks correctly between her fingers and attempted to pick up a piece of chicken. I felt her eyes on me, watching as I popped another piece in my mouth and then picked up some rice and vegetables with ease. She attempted using the prehistoric eating tools a couple of more times without success. She was stubborn and determined to master them herself.

Unable to keep the smile off my face and the laughter out of my voice, I turned to her and asked, "Mabry, you've never used chopsticks before, have you?" Sarcasm flowed through each word.

She narrowed her eyes at me. "Smartass."

"I'm a smartass with a belly full of Chinese," I said patting my stomach. "It's delicious too. Gimme." I extended my hand, flexing my fingers for her to hand over the chopsticks. She looked back and forth between my hand and the sticks before finally slapping them into my palm. "Turn around."

"Turn around?" she asked confused.

"Yes, so your back is to me."

"What are you going to do?" She sounded alarmed.

"I'm going o show you how to feed yourself. Just trust me and turn around." She did and I moved in closer to her.

...

My eyes closed while I breathed in a little more of her. I caught an unobstructed view of the very top of her tits and my hand went slack. I felt Mabry jerk around and then yelp.

"Ugh, I think a snow pea went down my bra," she said snapping me out of my haze.

"What?"

"Snow pea. In. My. Bra."

Lucky snow pea.

**Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ Presently Perfect ~ Alison G. Bailey**

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Alison G. Bailey's Presently Perfect. I have lots of goodies for y'all including an excerpt from the book, Noah's Playlist, my review, and a giveaway.

***

Presently Perfect

Present #3

Release Date: December 4, 2014

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Source: I received a complimentary copy, as part of the tour, in exchange for an honest review

Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Goodreads

SYNOPSIS:
Perfection is an illusion fueled by the perception of others.

****

Tweet was my heart, my soul, and my purpose.
She was my everything.
Neither of us were perfect. We both made mistakes. Looking back, that was okay, because every choice brought us to where we needed to be at the time we needed to be there. The one constant, our love and friendship.

There are two sides to every story and I wouldn’t trade our sides for anything in the world.

I first met Tweet and Noah in Present Perfect a little over a year ago (you can read my review here) and their story has stuck with me. It's a story that cut deep...angsty, emotional, intense, it really brought the feels. Presently Perfect is Tweet and Noah's story from Noah's POV. And in many ways, I loved it even more that Tweet's version.

Noah and Tweet have been in each others' lives since birth. But they've been stuck together in a profound way since Halloween when they were 6 years old, when Noah shared his candy with Tweet after she'd dropped her lollipop. Presently Perfect chronicles Noah and Tweet's relationship once Noah begins to look at Tweet as a girl rather than just his childhood friend.

I think the reason I found this story equally compelling, and in ways more enjoyable, was being in Noah's head. Noah's version of things - from a male's POV - cuts down on the angst for certain. And getting an understanding of the depth of feeling he has for Tweet helped me understand why he never gave up hope - never gave up on her. I also liked getting to see that Tweet's perception of certain events weren't always accurate. There was one scene in particular that I'd always puzzled over and getting it from Noah's POV made everything clear. Having their story told from Noah's vantage also increased my esteem for him. Not only did he never give up on Tweet, followed all her rules and abided by her wishes, but he stood by her thought very challenging times, when most guys his age would have bailed.

I thoroughly enjoyed the extra bits Ms. Bailey added to the end of the story as well. I've not read many stories told from alternate POVs but this one was different enough to have me riveted. I liked learning all Noah's secrets and seeing events from his perspective. Ms. Bailey has created yet another fine read. Her voice is strong and her writing smooth. She's an author I know I'll read again and again.

I was standing one step below Tweet when she broke free from Brad, twisting her body in my direction. I let go of her other wrist and caught her as she fell toward me. Her arms wrapped around my neck as I grabbed hold of her hips, trying to keep her steady.

Tweet’s head tilted back as she clung to me. “Look, Brad! It’s Noah! My Noah!” Her voice was ear-splittingly high. “He’s so sweet and sexy. He’s swexy. He licked my thigh under my parents’ dinner table.” She straightened her head, bringing her forehead to rest on mine. The look in her eyes had turned smoldering, her voice husky when she asked, “You remember licking me, Noah?” 

We had a huge fight just a little over an hour ago and now she was completely wasted; her clothes were rumpled, she had pieces of sand stuck to her face, her hair was a tangled windblown mess, and she reeked of tequila and the ocean. But she was still the most beautiful thing I had ever laid my eyes on. My expression teetered from snarling at the Smurffucker to wanting to smile at Tweet.

God, even drunk she’s adorable.

I was either the biggest idiot known to mankind or so beyond in love with this girl that all my common sense and self-preservation got obliterated when I was around her. My heart was pounding against my chest while the temperature in the room soared. The tension in my muscles was beginning to disappear and I was getting lost in teal eyes. I needed some distance. 

My hands moved to Tweet’s shoulders and I helped her stand upright. “I’m taking you home.”

“But Brad was going to do some things to me on purpose. I don’t know what, but I’m having fun. Hey! You want to come with us?” she asked, hooking her arm around mine.

My gaze zeroed in on Brad glaring down at me, his jaw clenched tight. My priority was to get Tweet home safe. I’d deal with this asshole later. I snaked my arm around Tweet’s waist and led her down the steps. She was abruptly yanked away from me. I whipped around and saw Brad clutching Tweet’s arm. 

“Haven’t you done enough to her tonight? She’s having a great time with me, so get your fucking hands off of her,” he growled. 

Tweet smiled up at him, then turned to me, and said, “I really am having fun. He’s not a Smurffucker at all.”

Glaring at Brad, I grabbed Tweet’s hand, and led her toward the front door. We had taken two steps when I felt her being tugged away from me again. I let go of her hand, walked over to Brad, and punched him in the stomach. His hand fell from Tweet as he doubled over and dropped to the floor. I picked up Tweet, tossed her over my shoulder, and finally headed out uninterrupted.

Just before reaching the front door Tweet grabbed the waistband of my pants, lifting herself up slightly, and yelled, “Bye-bye, Brad! Thanks! Maybe you can lick my thigh next time! Bye-bye!” 

Once we were at my truck, I lowered Tweet off my shoulder until her feet touched the ground. Her eyes struggled to stay opened, losing the battle, right before she passed out. I wrapped my arm around her waist, holding her body against mine while I unlocked my truck. I placed her in the seat and leaned over to fasten her in. The click of the seatbelt caused her to stir. Reaching my hand up to her face, my thumb brushed away the dusting of sand that clung to her cheek. 

Her eyes stayed closed as a lazy grin slowly appeared across her pink lips. “Mmmm…,” she moaned. “Noah.” She sounded breathy.

“Yeah, Tweet?”

“You’re my knight in plastic armor.”

A slight chuckle escaped me as I remembered our Halloween costumes from when we were six years old. 

“You always take care of me and make sure I have candy,” she said, her voice trailing off. 

I stared at her for several seconds, simply enjoying the view. As I inched away from her, she shifted in the seat. Another slight moan flowed over her lips, and she whispered, “I love you Noah.”

I knew she wouldn’t remember saying those words to me tomorrow, but that didn’t matter. The only thing that counted was that for the first time she let go of her heart, her head, and allowed herself to love me. There was nothing better than when the girl of your dreams made all of yours come true.

Alison was born and raised in Charleston, SC.  She attended Winthrop University and 
graduated with a major in Theater.  While at school she began writing one-act plays, 
which she later produced. Her debut novel, Present Perfect, landed on Amazon's Best 
Seller List and appeared on many "Best Reads of 2013" Book Blogs. The novel won Best Book at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention Awards. The second book from The Perfect series, Past Imperfect, was published in February of 2014 and hit many Top 100 category lists on Amazon.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~  Twitter 

Instagram ~ Pinterest  

Playlist:

Noah's Music- Presently Perfect by Alison G. Bailey

PURCHASE LINKS:

Present Perfect (Book #1)

Amazon - B&N - Smashwords

Past Imperfect (Book #2)

Amazon - B&N - Smashwords

Presently Perfect (Book #3)

Amazon - B&N

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Cover Reveal & Giveaway ~ Presently Perfect ~ Alison G. Bailey**

I'm so excited to bring you the cover reveal for the third and final
book in the Perfect series, PRESENTLY PERFECT, scheduled for release on November 6th!!

Perfection is an illusion fueled by the perception of others.

***

Tweet was my heart, my soul, and my purpose. She was my everything. Neither of us were perfect. We both made mistakes. Looking back, that was okay, because every choice 

brought us to where we needed to be at the time we needed to be there. The one constant, our love and friendship.

There are two sides to every story and I wouldn’t trade our sides for
anything in the world.

Cover Designer: Robin Harper, Wicked By Design

Photographer: Lorie Rebecca, Lorie Rebecca Photography

Alison was born, raised, and currently lives in Charleston, SC. She attended Winthrop University and graduated with a major in
Theater. While at school she began writing one-act plays, which she later produced. Her debut novel, Present Perfect, landed on Amazon's Best Seller List and appeared on many "Best Reads of 2013" Book Blogs. The novel is a current nominee for the 2014 Indie Romance Convention Awards. The second book from The Perfect series, Past Imperfect, was published in February of 2014.

Facebook † Twitter † Website † Goodreads † Instagram

a Rafflecopter giveaway

♥READ THE SERIES♥

Book 1 - PRESENT PERFECT

Amazon | B&N |

Smashwords | Audible

Book 2 - PAST IMPERFECT

Amazon | B&N | Smashwords

**Promo ~ Past Imperfect ~ Alison G. Bailey**

I'm excited to be a part of the promotional event for Alison G. Bailey's Past Imperfect. I have the details for the book, a teaser, and a giveaway for y'all! Have y'all read this yet? I can't wait!!

***

Past Imperfect by Alison G. Bailey

Series: Perfect #2

Release Date: February 20, 2014
Genre: New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance
Cover designer: Robin Harper, Wicked by Design
Photography by Abigail Marie, NON`PA*REIL photography

Hosted by Wordsmith Publicity

Synopsis
In Present Perfect, Brad Johnson was sexy, cocky, rich and a complete Smurff**ker. He could afford anything he wanted and could charm any girl he set his eyes on. Everything was laid out in front of him, all for the taking except the one thing he craved and needed. A tragic event forces him to reevaluate his life. When he tries to change, will the people in his life let him move on from his past or will they constantly hold him to the life altering mistakes he’s made?

Mabry Darnell is intelligent, ambitious, beautiful, and sassy. Secrets from her past haunt the present causing her to question her actions in order to shield her heart and protect her life.

From the moment Brad and Mabry met, their connection was strong, intense, and electrifying. Both knew they had found the one person who could satisfy what the other ached for. When their pasts collide with their present, will it prevent them from having a future together or will love be strong enough to conquer their demons?

**TEASERS**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***

Present Perfect (Perfect #1)

Alison was born and raised in Charleston, SC. As a child she used her imagination to write additional scenes to TV shows and movies that she watched. She attended Winthrop University and graduating with a BA in Theater. While at Winthrop she began writing one act plays which she later produced. Throughout the years she continued writing and producing several one act plays, but then life got in the way and she hung up her pen for a while. On the advice of a friend, she started writing again. In January 2013, Alison sat down at her computer and began writing her first novel, Present Perfect.

Alison lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband, Jef, and their two furry children (dogs). She’s addicted to Diet Pepsi and anything with sugar.

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