Just last night I finished reading Accidentally Perfect by Marissa Clarke & something happened that I don’t think has ever happened before.. this author made me cry happy tears!

There’s just something about the most impossible of happy endings. Where your old life and new life can be molded into one by the most far out of reality circumstances that just moved me to tears.

I loved how a woman who’d built her business on her own from the ground up, a complete workaholic was able to do a complete 180 degree change for love. It gives you hope that maybe just maybe, despite all odds love can conquer all.

This was the first book I’d read from this author & I can honestly say that it was an instant love on my part & I cannot recommend this sweet romance enough!

Lillian’s sister and business partner, Erin sends her to Blink, Maine after a television segment for their lifestyle company, Living Sharpe goes horribly wrong and rumors start to fly. Upset and angry, Lillian packs her car in NYC and drives straight through to Blink, running out of gas just outside of town and not making the best first impression on the residents she meets that first day. As she settles in and enjoys her working vacation, the town and it’s resident grump, Caleb, grow on her, making it hard for her to return to NYC. But she must in the end, or does she have to?

Accidentally Perfect is a brilliant love story between Lillian and Caleb and between Lillian and the town of Blink. Funny, emotional, and sweet, the intriguing town characters and welcoming small town events made me fall in love with and want to move to Blink. Perfect book for a pick me up!

This is a new author to me and I liked her writing style a lot. She made the characters come to life in her new book. They felt so real and like they were my friends that I wanted to move to Maine.
I really liked Lillian who transformed from a workaholic character with no friends to a more laid back character who was enjoying what life had to offer.
I enjoyed the small town of Blink in Maine and how the people there knew everything about each other. I liked how they took Lillian under their wings and made her realize what she needed and what she was missing.
I also liked Caleb aka Grumpy Guy. I enjoyed the banter between Caleb and Lillian and there were many times the two of them had me laughing in this fun, romantic comedy. This book would make a fun movie with all of its quirky, sweet characters. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

I enjoyed this one so much that I didn't want it to end. The characters and places are so well developed that I felt like I was there. Do many surprised send so much happening that the pages fly by! I am so pleased that this is a series so I can visit this lovely town again!!!! Off to buy more books by Marissa Clarke!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC opportunity

When Lillian’s lifestyle empire that she built from the ground up is in jeopardy after her outburst, she is forced to take some time off. Her sister suggests visiting a cabin she bought in Blink, Maine. When Lillian arrives, one of the first people she meets is Caleb, the towns nicest guy, who is not being so nice at the moment. He is suspicious of what Lillian is up to, as she does not fit into their small town, so she must have something up her sleeve. What will happen when the town folk find out just who Lillian really is? Will it help or hinder the town and her relationship with Caleb?

I absolutely adored this first book in the Hideaway Harbor series by Marissa Clarke. The characters are well written, the plot is fresh and unique, and the town of Blink just makes you want to pack your bags and take a trip. I can not wait to visit Blink and the townsfolk again to see what happens next. Thank you to Entangled Publishing ,Marissa Clarke and Netgalley for my advanced readers copy that I voluntarily read and reviewed. If you are looking for a fresh, fun new series, this is it my friends. A solid five star read.

This is such a delightfully charming contemporary romance by new-to-me author Marissa Clarke that immediately pulled me right into the middle of all that was happening and I just couldn't put the book down until I read the last word. I loved the undeniable attraction and chemistry between workaholic New Yorker Lillian Mahoney and hot, grumpy single father Caleb Wright who she meets when she's "hiding out" in the completely unknown seaside village of Blink, Maine; with a great cast of secondary characters who added to my reading pleasure. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review. I enjoyed it so much, I purchased a copy to read again and again.

Accidentally Perfect is a fun and engaging read from Marissa Clarke! The set up for this story reminded me a bit of a Hallmark movie in the best way. Big city girl is forced to take a break from the job she loves. She heads to a small town where she meets a local who seems grumpy but is a good guy.

Lillian and Caleb don't have the best first meeting, but they turn out to be just what the other needs. I really enjoyed their romance and how they found love with someone unexpected.

This story flew by as I had a hard time putting it down. I have loved a number of Marisa Clarke's other books and this may be my new favorite!

4.5 Stars!

Author Marissa Clarke has authored another engaging and impassioned novel with Accidentally Perfect, the first book from her brand new series Hideaway Harbor. It is an engrossing read, replete with a meaningful plot, well-defined characters, and an exciting romance. This story takes place on the lovely coast of Blink, Maine, and can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Accidentally Perfect, by Marissa Clarke, is the story of New York social guru, Lillian Montgomery, retreating to her sister’s Maine cottage respite to avoid the fallout after the breakdown between her and the face of her company, Niles Sharpe, during the mishaps of a morning TV segment. When Niles goes ballistic and demands her firing, his multitude of fans set out seeking blood. What they do not know is that everything, cooking, decor, fashion, etc., are orchestrated by his boss, Lillian.

When Lillian arrives in the very small coastal town of Blink, Maine, things seem to go awry from the get go. But in the days to come, Lillian makes friends with local residents, catches the eye of the local recluse, and becomes an important member of the community. And, more than anything, she wants to help make things better for everyone there, even if she may end up being elsewhere.

This is such a good story! I truly enjoyed every word of it and absolutely do recommend it!

3 stars
A sweet book that takes the usual and adds so much more. We get characters that have been fleshed out and a story that is enjoyable to read but nothing challenging.

This is an enjoyable and quick lighthearted read. The main character, Lillian, is escaping from her hectic job in NYC to the tiny town of Blink, Maine, population just over 200. Lillian discovers what is important to her and how her life should not be entirely about her job. There were also several interesting characters from the small town. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Favorite Quotes:

Some people had auras, she’d been told. This guy had a full-on storm cloud surrounding him.

She was so outraged, she sputtered sounds like the seagulls at the harbor made.

“I want to put poison ivy in their sleeping bags.” There was a snort, then Bethany giggled. “I want to safety pin their tent flap zipper so they can’t get out,” Bethy said.


My Review:


This was a lively and fresh read, full of keenly honed and snort-worthy small-town characters that kept me highly amused throughout perusal. I don’t know how I missed her but this was my first time reading the prolific Marissa Clarke, shame on me. I adore her sassy humor, colorful descriptions, snarky observations, and crisply written storylines. I have added her to my list of new favorites and hope to pay better attention in the future.

Our story starts out with our successful workaholic, Lillian Mahoney, faced with the public meltdown of her star “lifestyle guru” accusing her of sabotage. Cue the viral social media fallout and Lillian needs to escape New York for a sabbatical while the PR nightmare cools down. Off she heads to her sister’s secret harborside cabin in the town of Blink, Maine. As in “blink and you might miss it” with a population of 204. One diner, one store and one grumpy hottie named Caleb Wright.

Lillian has her wallet stolen, runs out of gas, and stumbles on her broken stilettos into the small town’s diner with no money and not a gas station in sight. Caleb is sitting at the counter eating breakfast watching all the townsfolk fawn all over this gorgeous, feisty, city girl. He has a major untrusting chip on his shoulder and is convinced that Lillian is in town for nefarious reasons. As Lillian’s bright personality and professional organizational skills gains her some pull with the town’s resident wealthy widower Roger, Caleb is set to foil her plans.

As they spend time together, the romantic slow burn between Lillian and Caleb builds. He comes to the conclusion that she has only good intentions and actually wants to save and promote his small town. I especially like that our author resolves Caleb’s distrust early on and it is not a constant drag on the story line. One sweet moment is when Lillian gives Bethany (Caleb’s salty teenage daughter) some perfect advice to deal with her old-fashioned dad. Not even knowing that the sexy Caleb is the old guy in question. I think that is when he knew he was smitten with Lillian.

All of the characters are so thoughtfully well-written as witty and comfortable in their small-town community. Another fabulous storyline was how Lillian grew to appreciate the friendships she gained along the way. One reason she is conflicted about going home to her high pressure, “no friends” existence in New York. But, back she must go and leave behind her newfound friends and the best man she has ever known.

Accidentally Perfect is the picture-perfect rom-com for your oceanside beach reading getaway. Marissa Clarke wraps up this heartwarming story flawlessly with a win-win HEA in love and prosperity for everyone. I have a sneaking suspicion that there was another couple “connection” brewing at the ending. Who knows if that will be another story for this Hideaway Harbor series – I will be there for that as well!

I was provided this ARC from Amara/Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for an honest review.

Accidentally Perfect by Marissa Clarke is a lovely current love story between two people who are not looking for love. The book is set in Northern Coastal Maine in a town called Blink. The town is slowly dying. There is very little left in the town with no businesses to hire people and all services are in the next town an hour away.

Lillian Mahoney has worked very hard all her life. She has started Shape Living, a huge company that produces products, shows and a magazine about new home, cooking and living trends. She is forced to take a vacation and ends up in Blink, Maine. It is a SHOCK to her system. The quiet, the sunrises, sunsets and the caring people. Then she meets Caleb Wright, who clearly does not trust her.

Caleb Wright is clearly not on board with Lillian’s appearance. He is careful with who he lets into his life. However, Lillian is not someone who he will forget easily. Caleb and Lillian cannot hide from each other and slowly find their way. However, Lillian needs to make some decisions about her life and her future.

Accidentally Perfect by Marissa Clarke is a quick reading, enjoyable read!.

I really enjoyed Lillian and Caleb's story. It was a really sweet, heartwarming and charming small-town romance. For me, it's a really feel-good story with fun and likeable characters and they have apparent connection and chemistry. Even though Caleb is one grumpy guy who acts like he hates Lillian. So you're going to see his growth and the development of their relationship and it's quite a slow burn. But it's pretty enjoyable to see it grows.

I don’t watch Hallmark Channel movies, but if I did this book would be the perfect inspiration. Lillian Mahoney is a workaholic who leads the family home business empire Living Sharpe. After an altercation with their incompetent, but handsome host, she flees NYC to tiny Blink, Maine for a couple weeks of R&R. Lillian gets off on a rough start, but soon grows to love the town and single dad, Caleb. You can see what is going to happen in the end, but the quirky characters and Lillian’s personal growth draw you in.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a decent book. I liked it a lot, but I didn't love it.

So this is a new to me author and I have to say I really enjoyed this book. In the very beginning I will say I kind of rolled my eyes (I don't read the descriptions). and thought oh great another rich girl story who's untouched with reality. I was so far off base and I am glad I gave it a chance. Lillian puts her best foot forward in everything she does and was a totally hard head and would not let the words, no or can't stop her. I liked how she seemed like she would take the world on and leave it in a better place. I liked Caleb even though in the beginning I would have liked to ask if his mama taught him any manners oh boy. The are quite a few sub characters that personalities just jumped off the pages and you really wanted to know more about them. Overall I really like this book and I don't know if this is a series but I want to much for from the small town of Blink.

I’m a sucker for “big city girl meets small town grumpy guy” tropes. Throw in a lovely treasure trove of friendly inhabitants of Blink, Maine, and it’s a true winner.

Burnt out and dodging a public social media fiasco, New York businesswoman, Lillian Mahoney, finds herself in the small town of Blink, Maine, population 204. It’s a town that is slowly shrinking as the younger generation leaves while others stay due to responsibility and love of their home. The longer Lillian stays in the slow-paced town with people who have become her true friends, the harder it is to leave. Especially when she falls for the grumpy single dad who she discovers is the good man everyone says he is. How can she go back to New York when her heart is in Blink?

Caleb Wright is a single dad who loves his job and his home. When he meets the high-strung, gorgeous businesswoman in inappropriate high-heeled shoes, his hackles go up. But her kindness and passion for helping the town change his mind. She has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. She’s charmed everyone in town including him. But she’s not staying. Everyone leaves Blink, Maine.

All work and no play is Lillian’s motto and watching this confident and in-control woman unwind in a beautiful Maine setting is a pleasure. Her excellent organizational skills come through when she finds a way to save Blink. Caleb is an enigma at first with his grouchy manner toward Lillian when they first meet, but we eventually learn why he is untrusting of strangers and their motives. Their growing attraction is a slow burn, but so worth the wait. I totally understand why Caleb doesn’t want to leave his town and why Lillian falls in love with it. It’s a memorable story with a happily ever after.

There are so many loveable characters in this book including Roger, the stubborn and wealthy landowner, Amanda, the flamboyant and gossipy shop owner, and Bethany, Caleb’s endearing teenage daughter.

I highly recommend this delightful and refreshing rom-com about compromise and living your life to the fullest in a magical place. The characters are charming and kind and I can’t wait to read more about them in the series.

Thank you to Ms. Clarke and Entangled Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

I'd like to thank Netgalley and Entangled: Amara for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is made for a Hallmark Movie!! Rich girl gets away to a small town and falls for the local working class guy. Luckily, I love Hallmark!! This was just an all around sweet romance. The characters are likable, even grumpy Caleb. Lillian is a go getter and throws Blink, Maine for a loop. In one visit she transforms lives (including her own) and a struggling town to life. Being a Lifestyle mogul and influencer, who created her own show and magazine she knows how to get things done. Including, taking a dying town that doesn't even have a gas station into a thriving town.

This book was enjoyable. Just the right amount of romance, fun characters, it consistently flowed from beginning to end. I can't wait to see who is next up in the Hideaway Harbor series.