'Unperfect' by Susie Tate is a heartwarming and poignant story that delves into the lives of Amelia, Mia, and Max as they navigate through past traumas and strive to grow and heal. The book beautifully portrays Mia's journey of overcoming a truly horrible experience, showcasing her strength and determination. The plot is filled with twists and turns, while the character development is praised for being well-done and gradual, especially in the relationship between Mia and Max. The author's background in handling domestic violence cases adds authenticity to the portrayal of such sensitive topics.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, showcasing resilience, vulnerability, and growth throughout the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style blends humor with poignant emotional moments, enhancing the story's impact while incorporating cultural nuances.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on a woman overcoming domestic abuse, highlighting her survival journey and the challenges she faces in rebuilding her life.

Setting:

Set in the UK, the environment greatly influences the characters and narrative, showcasing struggles and growth.

Pacing:

The pacing manages to balance moments of tension with lighter interludes; however, some readers noted spots where it lagged.

I gritted my teeth as the pain shot through my ribs like a knife. Holding my breath I waited for the pain to slowly subside, all the time trying desperately to stay awake. But the office space, even t...

Notes:

The book addresses the topic of domestic abuse and its effects on survivors.

It portrays a journey from trauma to recovery, illustrating both difficulties and triumphs.

Humor is interwoven throughout the story despite its serious subject matter, providing balance to the emotional weight.

The main character (FMC) experiences homelessness after escaping from an abusive partner.

The male main character (MMC) initially has a grumpy demeanor but reveals a supportive side as the story progresses.

Character development is highlighted, showcasing the FMC's resilience and the MMC's growth in understanding.

Themes of friendship, support, and healing are prevalent in the narrative, emphasizing community bonds.

The writing is described as emotional, combining heartwarming moments with realistic portrayals of recovery.

It features a workplace romance trope, as the FMC works for the MMC's architectural firm.

The author, Susie Tate, has a medical background, which informs her realistic portrayal of domestic violence issues.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include domestic violence, emotional and physical abuse, and themes of homelessness.

Has Romance?

The romance is a significant aspect of the story, focusing on the development of the relationship between the main characters as they navigate personal challenges.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

When Mia shows up for the interview at a well-known architecture firm, she only has 27p, a squashed loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter to her name. She needs this job. Even if she is scared to death of the owner of the company.

Max has made a name for himself as that grumpy northern architect off Dreams Homes (the most popular property design programme in the UK), after he told the famous host that designing affordable, environmentally friendly homes " wasn't rocket science " and that most of the other projects featured on the programme were for " reight poncy bastads who want to spend a grand on a shite tap ." It turned out that the whole gorgeous-but-rough-around-the-edges-Yorkshire-man vibe was just what the country was looking for - the episode had gone viral and Max was the new, extremely reluctant, pin-up of the building industry.

But to Mia, huge, grumpy men aren't sexy, they're simply terrifying. She knows from experience that even men of average size can be dangerous. If she wasn't so desperate, she'd run. She's used to running. Running away is Mia's special talent, together with invisibility - survival techniques she's perfected over the years. So, she'll put up with Max and his moods, ignore him calling her a teen emo freak (he's not to know that her black hair used to be honey blonde or her heavy eyeliner isn't by choice) and just bloody well jog on. Just try to survive. Try to hide.

It's easy to hide when nobody really sees you. But what happens when Max finally opens his eyes?

Unperfect a full-length, contemporary, grumpy boss office romance.

Please be aware - occasional swearing and trigger warning for domestic violence.

Praise for Unperfect:

Five stars for romance, story, world-building and character development. Books Best Romance Book Blog

Loved it, loved it, loved it. Characters just jump off the page. I didn't start reading this until gone midnight and had finished it before lunch the following day. My only regret is that I will have to wait ages for Yaz and Heath's story. Bananas are Tricky Book Blog

Could not put it down until I finished. Susie Tate is so good at keeping you on the hook

I'm already waiting for the next book. HEA addict's book reviews

I do love the opposite ended type characters where one is the grumpy and the other isn't and this 100% delivered. An easy 5/5 stars - I really loved and enjoyed it! Elainazreils Book Blog

What a whirlwind of a read. I loved it. Five stars, a romance with real people, genuine themes and multi stranded plots. Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews

This book was amazing and Mia is definitely one of the strongest characters ever! Books are Magic Book blog

A true slow-burn with all the feels. Mia is fragile, yet resilient. Max is gruff on the outside with a soft and gooey interior. It's clear that they're perfect for each other, and I loved watching their story unfold. I recommend this book to those who are love a sweetly angsty romance that features a woman on the run falling in love with an unexpected hero. Power Librarian reviews

I do love the opposite ended type characters where one is the grumpy and the other isn't and this 100% delivered. An easy 5/5 stars. I really appreciated the direction this went in and really loved and enjoyed it! Books with Amani blog

Ratings (43)

Incredible (10)
Loved It (19)
Liked It (11)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (75):

Read It (47)
Currently Reading (3)
Want To Read (19)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (5)

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Unperfect

Susie Tate

Book 1 in the series:Unperfect