This book was really funny! Not a surprise, I've read a Stover book before and I loved it. Like the commentary on social media. The definition of a rom-com if you ask me; the right amount of humour, romance and fun.

This was such a fun joyful read. The premise was a really unique and entertaining one and the relationship development between the two was a real pleasure to read

I found The Problem with Perfect hilarious and endearing. Highly recommended! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC.

This novel is a fun read reminiscent of romcoms and what has previously been called 'chick lit' with a gay twist. At the heart of the message is a simple adage: it's always better to be yourself. While that message can feel tired, Stover did bring a fresh twist in the form of a critique on rainbow capitalism and how some members of the community can get caught up in the image-driven social-media powered world that can trap us in the 'right' way to be openly gay. Unfortunately, the novel does suffer in style largely from the voice of the narrator: Ethan. At times Ethan's narration takes some odd and stilted turns that can make it difficult for a reader to latch onto his character. And from a pacing point of view, it's intensely frustrating as a reader to watch it take so long for Ethan to finally snap and break away from the pressures of his oppressive television network bosses. I counted at least two opportunities where I felt the tension needing to break, but it didn't. Consequently, when the inevitable crash happens, it occurs in the space of a handful of pages right at the end. This is always a mistake from a reader's point of view because there isn't a sufficient denouement. Even in a fluffy romcom, we still want to see the characters work out their emotional beats with each other and feel like they have some real resolution for the internal crises as much as the external ones. Still, the deeper you get into the novel the more your heart opens up to Ethan--because you understand where he's coming from and why he can be so difficult--and you find yourself rooting for him and for the ever-endearing love interest, Beau. I recommend this book to readers looking for upbeat, fluffy reads all about learning how be brave enough to live your live honestly and authentically.

This is the third book I’ve read by Stover and I have to say that this was easily my favourite. This needs to be adapted into a screenplay. The world deserves to see this turned into a film, I’m looking at you, Netflix!

Received a copy for review.

Unfortunately, this did not read like a romance. It was more about a television producer and how stressful it is.

CW: parental abandonment (recounted), homomisia, divorce, death of a parent, car accident (recounted), breast cancer (recounted), panic attacks, acrophobia (fear of heights)

I would like to thank NetGalley and Hera Books for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

After the star of Myles of Styles, Chase, abandons the show just a few weeks before Pride, producer Ethan Wells has to scramble to figure out how to keep up with the show’s commitments before summer hiatus. When Ethan discovers that Chase has a twin brother, Beau, he convinces him to pose as Chase until the annual Pride parade. Over time, Ethan learns how Beau is a perfect opposite to Chase and that maybe everything doesn’t have to be perfect in his own pursuit of happiness.

The Problem with Perfect is a really cute book that’s a good summer read. It’s a really interesting take on the fake dating trope and that drew me into the book right away. Stover has something really special in this book and I do appreciate the overall message that Stover wants to get across in The Problem with Perfect. From the good character dynamics to Beau and Ethan’s relationship, there’s a lot to appreciate with this book.

If you’re looking for a Pride-themed rom-com that gives off the same feels as a rom-com on the Hallmark Channel or are looking for a book that blends fake dating and doppelgangers, you’re going to like The Problem with Perfect.

I’ve been in a bit of reading slump lately: I’ve found a lot of the story’s being sent to me are similar in nature and just didn’t pull me in the way they used to. I was beginning to worry my journey with books was reaching an end…then this fell in my lap. What a delight this book was! Cheesy, but just the right amount of cheesy to make you root for the characters, even the overbearing and controlling Ethan because the author takes time to make sure you understand his behavior and his choices behind his actions. Beau though!!! Can I marry a fictional character? I’m obsessed with Beau. Beautiful, kind, and caring Beau has been dealt a crappy hand and still is a shining ray of light. Set the the scenery of a “Queer Eye” type of show (when I read Chase I kinda get Antoni vibes) and the inner workings of what goes on behind the scenes makes the slow build romance worth the wait. A lovely read and a much needed jump in my current reads!

I enjoyed this story a lot. It held my interest from the start all the to the HEA. It's worth reading.

This was a fun light romcom. I enjoyed the characters who were really well developed and jumped off the page. The romance was sweet and nice to read.
Would recommend this to friends!

You know it's a good beginning when you'd rather get back to reading than work.
You know it's a good book when you stay up until 1am to finish it.

I'm not at all a fan of fake dating but this book managed to make it not as manipulative. I very much enjoyed the main characters.

Because of the themes of perfection, anxiety, and male romance, I would recommend this title for readers who enjoyed "Paris Daillencourt is about to crumble" by Alexis Hall.

Sometimes, I'm just in the mood for a diverse rom-com and I'm so happy to say that 'The Problem With Perfect' delivered exactly that. It might not be perfect - sometimes the writing was a little off for me - but it was such a cute, enjoyable read that I didn't mind at all. Ethan & Beau had me grinning at my Kindle several times and by the end I was in love! Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a queer, Hallmark-esque type of read!

I enjoyed this book. The characters were quirky and entertaining. Being yourself and loving your found family are what we all strive for. I hope we get to see more of Ethan, Beau and the Giblet triplets in the future.

From start to finish, The Problem With Perfect was an absolute gem of a story.

The characters had me laughing out loud throughout the story, the relationships that were built and tested felt like relationships that could exist outside of a piece of fiction, and the picture it painted of New York City had me terribly missing my favorite city in the world.

Beau and Ethan slowly morph into #couplegoals in The Problem With Perfect, a book I wish I could read again for the first time.

I couldn't get on with the characters - which is a me problem, not the writing.

3 stars because i couldn't get into it.

NOTE TO READERS: make sure you read the synopsis before you start this book. I forgot to refresh my memory, and almost DNFed within the first chapter because Chase Myles is one of the most unlikeable characters I've ever met. Beau Myles on the other hand...*swoon.* And luckily for you (and me) this book is all about "Beau" and Ethan's story, not Chase. Whew.

I really enjoyed this one. It reminded me a little too much of the movie Bros at times (laid back love interest + high strung anxious main character, with the plot revolving around an upcoming massive pride event that our MC is in charge of making happen), but luckily for me far less depressing than that movie, so it receives a higher rating than Bros. I really enjoyed Beaus character, and the side characters in this book are phenomenal and lovable.

One thing that Beau continuously points out throughout the book is that Ethan has kind of lost his sense of identity to Chase Myles' tv show. And unfortunately this is true to the extent that, by the end of the book, I still didn't really feel like I knew the true Ethan. I would've liked to see his character development fleshed out a bit more, and his transformation begin sooner.

All in all, a fun queer rom com that I think would make the perfect summer beach read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

A celebration of queer love, Pride, and living your best life—with a realistic view on how corporations try to co-opt those things for their own gains.

Beau is a brilliant character, I love him so much and the story really hits its stride when we're introduced to him. His compassion and the kindheartedness he works so hard to cultivate in himself and everyone around him is just wonderful.

Ethan's character development is great too, although he leaves it very close to the wire to resolve the escalating tensions building throughout the book! I'm not going to lie, I got a little stressed in the last few chapters.

But never fear, the book delivers on the happy ending it promises, incorporating all of the threads that are woven through the story. I especially loved the happily ever after epilogue.

The supporting characters are all amazing, and the book is a joy to read. If you like Boyfriend Material and The Charm Offensive, you'll love this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

That was very unexpected in a way.

Ethan is the producer of the lifestyle program for the LGBT+ community, starring Chase Myles. Chase is a true diva. He rebels and takes time off from his busy schedule. Ethan somehow avoids a heart attack and comes up with an idea to substitute Chase with his twin brother. Show is saved.Life is good again, but... is it? As you can guess, Beau is the complete opposite of his brother so perfectionist producer and introvert have to learn how to cooperate.. Will they manage?

This book if full of positive energy and smart message. I enjoyed it a lot, however I am a little disappointed that there was not that much of a romance. And because of that the ending feels a little bit undeserved because i couldn't feel the chemistry, it was there just way not enough for my liking. But if you put all romance aside, than you will be surprised. I was not expecting such an uplifting story about life and what you might want from it.

A beautiful story about people who lost their way and are facing the reality.

This book made my heart sing. If you’re a fan of rom-coms and makeovers…if you have a soft spot for Cyrano and Cinderella…if you believe that perfection has no place in love…then this book will probably make your heart sing, too.

Ethan produces a popular TV show called Myles of Style and the host, Chase Myles, is a nightmare. A gorgeous nightmare, but a temperamental, pain-in-the-ass-who-needs-a-babysitter nightmare nonetheless. Through a delicious and delightful set of circumstances, Chase goes rogue and Ethan needs Chase’s mountain-man-esque twin brother, Beau, to fill in for him. What Ethan is not banking on is that Beau is a gorgeous nightmare in his own evolved, insightful, inspirational way, and he wakes up something inside Ethan that Ethan didn’t quite know was asleep.

The author expertly creates the self-indulgent world of aspirational TV content, walking the line between the ridiculous and the sublime. But he endows Ethan with an impressively vast store of knowledge about everything from beauty and style to history and politics that makes it clear Ethan is destined for bigger and better—or perhaps just more fulfilling—endeavors than producing a show designed to make people feel endlessly bad about themselves so they’ll buy the products made by the show’s sponsors. While this book is very, very funny—with lines like, “It’s a combination energy drink and personal lubricant,” that will make you laugh out loud—it’s also a lovely call to arms with regard to self-acceptance and authenticity in the face of external pressure, values we can all stand to be reminded of on a regular basis. In other words, don’t bother with perfect—contentment and true love lie in being as real as you can possibly stand.

I always love a good lighthearted queer rom-com.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for the ARC!

You’ll love this book if you’re into:

🤫 the fake dating trope
👠 Wizard of Oz references
💅 a delightful trio of elderly drag queens

Content warnings: homophobia, panic attack, car accident (off page), death of parents (off page)