It took me a while to get into this book. It didn't ever feel like there was a hugely interesting part. I like the story, but I think it was too anticlimactic for me. It was sweet, but maybe too dragged out.

Perfect Timing
Owen Nicholls

Perfect Timing is a romance read about Tom and Jess who should have been together living their happily ever after but a series of miscommunication pulled them apart. Tom still thinks Jess is the love of her life, and Jess can't stop thinking of him. Through the years, Jess in the other side of the world is growing her comedy career, while Tom writes songs about her in hopes that jess will one day hear his explanation.

This contemporary romance also tackled serious themes which I thought brought this story to another level.

I thought this was an entertaining read and I am glad to have read another Nicholls novel.

Jess and Tom meet and are attracted to each other. Jess finds out that Tom has a girlfriend. However, Tom’s girlfriend is made up. A year later they can’t seem to stop thinking of each other. They can’t quite find the perfect timing .

I thought this was a charming love story. It had a nice pace and I enjoyed that the story was told from the POV of both characters.

Perfect Timing
By: Owen Nicholls

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Quote: “Once you tell yourself a story, especially one about your own life, it’s pretty hard to ever see another version of events.”

I received the book as an e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion. Thanks to Dell/Random House & NetGalley for the copy.

Perfect Timing is a love story that evolves through the years. This is not your typical romance novel. Here we get to know the characters at each life stage as they grow.

We follow Jess who wants to pursue a career in standing comedy and Tom is in the band. They both want bigger things in the entertainment industry. Did you know when you read a book and eventually the title finally makes sense? Well… this is what happened to me when I was reading this book. The book talks about the perfect timing when it comes to relationships.

Perfect timing is about when the right people met at the wrong time. I felt that while I was so eager for them to be together, I was also really happy that they were working on each other separately until they were ready to be a couple. They worked on their careers, self-love, and mental health. I loved this book more than I thought because even though I thought this was a romance (it isn’t) Perfect Timing is perfect to me because it was more real than your typical romance.

TW: Suicide, Alcoholism, self-harm.

Perfect Timing was a little heavier read than I anticipated. The title and comic cover made me think it would be a bit more light hearted. However, that said, I still really enjoyed it. It's a beautiful love story where you feel an instant connection between the main characters, Jess (an aspiring comic) and Tom (a musician with an up and coming band). They meet at a large scale talent show and even though they are instantly attracted to one another, several events and misunderstandings get in the way and they miss out on truly connecting. They will continue to have several more near misses over the years because their timing is never quite right. One of them always seems to be in a relationship with someone else or there is some other misunderstanding at play. The time they are apart was heartbreaking because their feelings for one another are intense and palpable and neither of them could forget the other.

In addition to the love story, this book touches on many sensitive topics, such as suicide, depression, anxiety, self-destructive behavior, alcohol abuse and abandonment issues. I'm aware that several of these could easily be a trigger for some. I felt that the author did a nice job of approaching difficult topics head on and showing that we can all be "dancing to the tune life is playing," but we truly might not be "okay." Looking okay and being okay are two entirely different things. Sadly, many people often don't want to burden others with their hard times, so it's easier to paste on a smile and keep going. Perfect Timing shows that sometimes you have to address the unhealthy things in your life before you can truly appreciate and foster the good stuff.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

This was a very cute rom com themed book.
From the description
Up-and-coming musician Tom thinks he met the love of his life one night a year ago, but thanks to a made-up girlfriend, he’s pretty sure he’s never going to see her again. If it weren’t for the painkillers the doctor had given him for his dislocated shoulder, he could’ve explained what really happened. But now the moment for explanations has gone, so he just keeps writing songs about her in the wild hope that she’ll hear one on the radio and understand.

Jess thinks she met a cheating liar one night a year ago, but much to her chagrin, she can’t seem to stop thinking about him. When she finally decides to take it upon herself to tell Tom’s girlfriend what happened that night, she finds out that the truth isn’t quite what she thought it was. But by then it’s too late—she’s headed to the other side of the world to launch her comedy career.

This was such a cute and unique premise. It is so different from your basic romance book. It was so neat how they kept hitting and missing each other and keeps you hooked right up until the end! I would love to see this as a movie as well

Perfect Timing is a novel about epic misunderstandings, lost chances and poor timing. Jess is a comedian trying to make it on the big stage and Tom is a musician pursuing fame with his band. They first meet during one of Tom’s panic attacks and are instantly connected and drawn together, but Tom’s pretend girlfriend ruins any chance of continued connection. Author Owen Nicholls takes readers on a journey through Jess and Tom’s lives as they both find success, romance and heartbreak.

Their stories continue to cross paths, but neither Jess or Tom have the guts, gumption or grit to break through the barriers that continue to form. Perfect Timing was fun, there is no doubt about it. The careers both Tom and Jess find are both captivating and entertaining. I felt like maybe there were a few too many missed opportunities and sighed a few times that they couldn't quite get it together. Ultimately, Perfect Timing is worth the frustration and should definitely be read this fall! I give it a solid 4 stars.

A sincere thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book starts on a decidedly downbeat note that I confess had me doubting if I was going to enjoy it. But Nicholls wrote such an endearing story of growth, self-acceptance, and timing that you can't help but be charmed into rooting for the characters.
Both Tom and Jess have their quirks, good and bad, and they seem to be on opposite ends of the personality spectrum, yet Nicholls makes it obvious from the first time they even see each other that they're meant to be together. The reader knows that they're perfect for each other, but they keep getting the timing wrong over a series of misunderstandings and very bad communication. They spend way more time apart than they do together, but clever writing and solid characterization make it clear that they're just growing and evolving into the person that they're meant to be before they can finally time things right and get together.
Overall, it's a solid entry into the New Adult genre that comes with fun and emotional moments that make up a charming story that's sure to entertain.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell for the great read!

I was absolutely excited to read Perfect Timing, especially after reading and LOVING Love Unscripted in 2020!
Perfect Timing is now on my FAVORITES OF 2021!!🎉
The premise of a missed romance, or meeting the right person at the wrong time, is the story of MY LIFE! I had known my soon to be husband for many years, and always knew there was an extra special connection there, but it didn’t stick until it was meant to. This novel, was sweet, frustrating, cute, and meant to be. Just like life sometimes right? I enjoyed every moment of this, the main characters, the friends, and the first person dual point of view (especially!).
A wonderful meet-cute all around.
All the stars for this one, because I totally related!! LOVED it!

This title, Perfect Timing, is simply that perfect for the story within its pages. Tom & Jess can never quite time of their lives up to be together. From the opening pages, the instant connection is undoubtable. I was personally pained through the years the story covers especially when one or other tried to be one say "let's give it a go."

These two painstakingly muster through managing their personal live as the comedian or rock star. Their flaws are real, leading each to bad behavior for yet another missed opportunity for happiness. This book is funny, sweet, romantic and full-on emotions.

Look forward to future reads penned by Owen Nicholls. Thank NetGalley and Dell for the complimentary copy.

Perfect Timing by Owen Nicholls is a romance novel about two star-crossed lovers. Tom and Jess keep crossing paths, but its seems like fate has another idea for them. After their initial meeting, Jess is not the biggest fan of Tom. However their orbits keep circling around each other, especially as they each find fame in their respective careers, music and comedy. Will these two finally connect or will it be just a flash in the pan?

Jess is a headstrong character that has built some armour around herself to handle the critics and jerks in comedy. In contrast, Tom is an anxious mess that lies and creates a fake girlfriend that he is willing to travel to Sheffield to keep up the ruse. This lie builds and creates angst and tension in the dynamic between Jess and Tom.

The beginning of the novel was unique as for many chapters the two main characters were not romantically involved or spending too much time together. However I think this helped illustrate how their relationship was messy and complicated, but very real. I didn't really like how much of a mess Jess became destroying her career over Tom and was really frustrating and heartbreaking to read. However I did enjoy watching the characters grow through their personal struggles and grow in such a way that made their relationship stronger.

Many thanks to the publisher Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Jess a up an coming comedian and Tom also a up and coming musician meet one night at a talent show where they instantly connect and then Jess finds out he has a girlfriend after he told her he was single. Jess is so mad she leaves and Tom never got to explain to her she wasn't real. Then a year later they see each other again. Jess is still mad and Tom told her the truth. But they he stuck his foot into his mouth. This isn't a typical love story where 2 meet and end up having a relationship and have a conflict and getting back together to have a Happily ever after. This is more of a story of life the ups and downs and how you have to find yourself and you true path and be happy with yourself before you decide to have any kind of relationship.

Jess is more of a hot head and it takes awhile for her to forgive. She ends up using her anger in her career and life. She . to me is the one that grew the most and I loved how this was a full circle story for her.

Tom like I said above says and does the wrong thing. He isn't a mean or bad person. He just needs to learn what he REALLY wants out of life.

I enjoyed this story and it was a fast read. but don't go into it thinking its a typical love story. Its a Real life story. About growing up and honestly I liked that a lot more.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a E-Arc of the story in exchange of my honest review.

"Fear of loneliness is why people stay with the wrong person."

Perfect Timing is written in the first person narrative and follows Jess and Tom. Both are in their mid twenties and beginning their careers in entertainment, Jess as a comedian and Tom as a musician. Their story spans several years and while they share an instant connection, miscommunication and missed opportunities always get in the way of finally being together. Will they ever find their perfect timing?

Perfect Timing was something that sounded right up my alley but I found it a bit... dull. I didn't really care for either character and I don't think you're supposed to. Both are deeply flawed individuals trying to figure life out and have a knack for messing it up. The book touches on depression, anxiety, and substance abuse making this much heavier than a romcom. Even though Jess is a comedian and has some witty banter, this book really is a comedy at all. Overall, it was an okay book that I feel could've been better executed.

Perfect Timing is delightful. I read this new-to-me author's book in one day. His prose was easygoing and addictive and I didn't put it down until I read the last page. And sure it's a romance but it's also a beautiful albeit sometimes painful story of discovering one's worth and sense of self. Both Tom and Jess suffer from not knowing just exactly who they want to be or what they want out of life. But the one thing they do know is that every fateful encounter they have over the course of four years, makes them realize that the other is clearly who they want. Now they just need to figure out how to find that perfect timing that seems to elude them at every turn.

Nicholls writing is cheeky and real. I could sense Tom's panic and Jess's anger. Their emotions are ripe for the taking and this reader felt the agony of missed opportunities, regretful remarks, and outright confusion as they never seem to find their footing where the other is concerned. But what is so special is that even with distance, time, and stubbornness between them, both Tom and Jess thought of each other often. Whether it was unexpected gestures or cheering from the sidelines. the talented musician and the outgoing and honest comic clearly had a future together despite all the roadblocks in their way. And even with all the stops and starts, I really enjoyed their frustrating journey as a wonderful end-of-summer read.

I hope to read more from this clever writer in the future. There wasn't a ton of passion nor much of the physical between Tom and Jess but the love they had in their hearts just needed to be cultivated by the right person. Nicholls paired these two perfectly as their lonely souls finally had someone to dream about and I'm thrilled I got to go along for the ride.

Well worth your time, I happily give Perfect Timing a huge 4 stars!

This was so cute and exactly what I needed to read a pick-me-up. I was so thrilled when I got to finish this one with a smile on my face.

This was a very different read! I've read a couple of You've Got Mail, Our Stop kind of reads. This is a different time of slow burn and will they or won't they.

I think it was a little repetitive at times. But the end was so worth it.

Both characters were a little much at points, but they really did have their reasons for the timing being off. I loved how the normalize mental health and how sometimes you should put your mental health above literally everything else.

I want to look into Owen Nicholl's first book. I was definitely invested in the story and the characters. But it was very different.

Thank you Random House Publishing for this ARC!

There’s a lot of context about the original meeting between Jess and Tom but overall I didn’t feel for either of the characters as much as I wanted.

'Perfect Timing' is more so a heartwarming story than a romance novel. Owen Nicholls doesn't skip over the troubles life throws but rather portrays how coming to understand them is more powerful.
This novel was an interesting read as the growth of the characters wasn't something I've seen before. Both mains strayed away from the average mold of love interest which was an enlightening find.

The back and forth tug of understanding and annoyance between Jess and Tom was irritating to read. At 80% of the way through they still ignored the other, which would have been fine if I'd previously known this wasn't focused on their romance.

While this was a good book, my perception of what I was walking into left me a bit disappointed. I want to thank @NetGalley and the publisher for providing this e-arc for an honest review.
3.5 stars.

I’m not always the biggest fan of romance but I loved this one! It was so stinkin cute and I feel like it had so much depth. I loved how real it got in regards to how relationships can sometimes play out in real life—it wasn’t just some meet cute that everything plays out so perfectly.

I felt like I was rooting for both the characters and was so happy with the ending. Everything came together so well. I especially enjoyed the back and forth between the main characters’ points of view.

This one is definitely worth adding to your tbr.

This was a heartwarming story, but if you are looking for a sweeter lighter read, this may not be it. This is quite a bit deeper and the characters aren’t always likable; but it was very well written. This was my first book by this author, and I’d definitely try another by him!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you for an ARC for my honest review.