Publisher: Dreamspinner
Publish Date: Out Now
How I got this book: eARC from publisher
Hollywood royalty Jeremy Jameson has lived a sheltered life with music as his sole focus and only friend. Before embarking on yet another international concert tour, he wanders into a bar in what he considers the middle of nowhere and meets a man who wins him over with his friendly smile and easy-going nature. Accountant slash bartender slash adventure-seeker Reg Moore has fun talking and drinking with The Jeremy Jameson and can’t say no when the supposedly straight rock star makes him a once in a lifetime offer: keep him company on his tour by playing the part of his boyfriend.
Listening to music, traveling the world, and jumping off cliffs is fun. Falling in love is even better. But to stay with Jeremy after the stage lights dim, Reg will need to help him realize there’s nothing pretend about their relationship.
*Blurb from Goodreads*
I hadn’t read anything by C. in the past, and after reading this book, I have no idea why! I will definitely be rectifying that soon. I adore books about rock stars, so when I saw this one was about a m/m AND a rock star, I was sold.
Jeremy has lived his entire life in the spotlight. Born to famous parents, he was a celebrity because of his last name. But once he turned 18 and pursued his musical career, he made a name for himself as a rock superstar. He had lived his entire life the way other people wanted; he dated the girls he thought he was supposed to, he said all the right things, and he went through all the motions. But he was lonely and depressed. When he met Reg in a bar one night, he knew that he needed someone around to keep him company, and Reg was just the one to do it.
Reg wants nothing more than to save up his bartending money, and take off for the world. When rock legend Jeremy Jameson offers his the chance to do just that, Reg can’t refuse. Pretending to be the rock star’s boyfriend is icing on the cake. But when they go on tour together, Reg gets to see the man behind the celebrity, and he will stop at nothing to not only protect Jeremy, but also claim him as his own.
I wasn’t too sure how I would like this book, especially since Jeremy identified as straight at the beginning of the book. While I like some gay-for-you books, they have to be really special for me to believe in it. But C. did an amazing job of making me believe in the relationship and love between Reg and Jeremy.
I adored both Reg and Jeremy. I loved that they were both so different, and yet complimented each other perfectly. Reg was this laid back and easy going guy who let everything slide off his back. Jeremy was a hot head that let life get to him, and was easily angered and quick to yell. I loved the way Reg would step in and remind Jeremy to quit being a dick, apologize, and move on. It was very funny the way Reg, the younger man, would basically have to tell Jeremy to put his big-boy undies on and do his damn job. The dynamic between them was so much fun to read!
I also love the way their romance developed at a snail’s pace throughout the book. I loved the way Reg proved that he could be the best friend and asset that Jeremy needed to keep a level head. I also adored the way that they built their friendship on games, beer, and pizza. It was genuine and real and I believed in it with everything. As their friendship grew deeper, I was so excited for Jeremy to realize Reg was gay, then realize Reg’s feelings, than accept his own feelings, then act on them. It was this great progression that really worked for me, and I loved it so much. Their relationship felt real and honest and although I wasn’t sure how it would all work out, I ended up absolutely loving every step of their journey.
I thought for sure that C. was going to have the villain be one specific character, despite the fact that Jeremy and Reg kept insisting they knew who it was. I don’t know why, but I was so positive that the guy behind a lot of Jeremy’s problems was going to be someone else, but I’m glad it wasn’t. I liked the way that aspect of the angst was resolved, and was glad to see that I was wrong.
All in all, I am so glad I took a chance on reading C. I adored Jeremy and Reg both, and thought their romance was absolutely perfect. I’m anxious to go back and read some of C.’s other works now, because if they are as great as this one, I’m going to be in for a fantastic reading binge!
I give Perfect Imperfections an A-