Series: Searching For #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Gallery
Publication Date: 4/29/14
Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5 stars
The up-and-coming matchmaking agency Kinnections is the hottest thing to hit Verily, New York—just like Kennedy Ashe, social director for the service she owns with her two best girlfriends. A coach, consultant, and cheerleader rolled into one super-sizzling package, Kennedy creates dream dates, encourages singles to shine, and never refuses a challenge—not even Nate Ellison Raymond Dunkle, rocket scientist, nerd extraordinaire, and Kennedy’s newest client.
Kennedy vows to work her magic and transform this hot mess in a lab coat with a disastrous relationship track record into the most wanted man on the Verily dating scene. If only she could turn the wand on herself . . .
Though she radiates confidence and sex appeal, Kennedy harbors deep-seated insecurities from a tormented past and lifelong struggle with weight issues. When she realizes she and Nate are cut from the same cloth and might be perfect together, can Kennedy learn to let her heart lead the way? Or will her fears sentence her to the sidelines as Nate finds love—with someone else?
Kennedy vows to work her magic and transform this hot mess in a lab coat with a disastrous relationship track record into the most wanted man on the Verily dating scene. If only she could turn the wand on herself . . .
Though she radiates confidence and sex appeal, Kennedy harbors deep-seated insecurities from a tormented past and lifelong struggle with weight issues. When she realizes she and Nate are cut from the same cloth and might be perfect together, can Kennedy learn to let her heart lead the way? Or will her fears sentence her to the sidelines as Nate finds love—with someone else?
Searching for Someday was a surprise for me. A delicious, sexy surprise. I honestly loved everything about that book, and was so anxious for more. Kate's friend and colleague Kennedy seemed like the perfect woman, though there were hints that behind the beautiful exterior, there was a woman with a painful past. Something about Kennedy promised that her story would be powerful and engaging. Searching for Perfect was most definitely that.
Kennedy has severe, long-term issues with body and self-esteem. I think that no matter how old we are, we never forget the cruel words, shame. When Nate looks at her, he sees a gorgeous, successful woman. And that is the image Kennedy strives to project. But on the inside she still sees herself as the fat girl who was taunted and abused by classmates. Whose own parents were ashamed. She's punished herself for years, determined to be the beautiful and sexy woman who can maintain power. She slips up, reverts to her old punishing ways. Nate helps Kennedy see herself for the dynamic, lovely force she is. Moments like that always win me over.
Nate Dunkle is delightfully nerdy. A real mess. He's abrupt and totally says all the wrong things. I don't what that says about me, but I kind of love that in a guy. Just the fact that he's a wreck makes me want to fix him. And, what's so great about the guys who have a hidden potential is that you feel like you're in on a great secret. Call me a reverse sexist or whatever, but Nate's makeover is hilarious.
Kennedy swallowed a giggle and spoke up. "Benny needs to clean up your brows."
"They're eyebrows, for God's sakes. What can you do to them?"
Benny pressed the fabric down. And ripped it off.
"Shit!"
"Stop being a baby. Women handle hard-core pain on a daily basis. Now hold still, I'm not finished."
"You ripped my hair off my face. I'm a guy."
"A hairy guy. You will need to wax regularly."
"Fuck you."
Truthfully, though, I do sometimes struggle with makeover books, especially those that attempt to completely overhaul a person, inside and out. It really bothers me when it's a teen girl, and the effort extends to making her more "palatable" to the bonehead guys in school. What makes Searching for Perfect work for me is that Nate was the one seeking help. Kennedy doesn't want to change Nate's personality, just enhance the window dressing. Oh, and help him talk to women. She sees the gorgeous, smart guy behind the rough exterior, and she wants to help him shine.
The chemistry between Nate and Kennedy was just delicious. Nate is obviously attracted to the gorgeous Kennedy, and she returns those feelings. Much to her own surprise. His intensity promises he will be devoted to her happiness, in every way. But in order to remain professional, Kennedy continually pushes Nate away. Meanwhile, I'm sitting there shouting "He's your perfect man! Don't mess this up, dummy!" It's just so apparent that the two are suited and destined for each other. Watching Kennedy push Nate to his perfect match huuuuurt so bad. I believe in these two together, and believed in their ending.
The chemistry between Nate and Kennedy was just delicious. Nate is obviously attracted to the gorgeous Kennedy, and she returns those feelings. Much to her own surprise. His intensity promises he will be devoted to her happiness, in every way. But in order to remain professional, Kennedy continually pushes Nate away. Meanwhile, I'm sitting there shouting "He's your perfect man! Don't mess this up, dummy!" It's just so apparent that the two are suited and destined for each other. Watching Kennedy push Nate to his perfect match huuuuurt so bad. I believe in these two together, and believed in their ending.
Btw...Wolfe shows up and I loved it! Cannot wait to see what's in store for him in the next book.
The Searching For series has become a favorite of mine, and one that I find myself highly recommending to fellow romance readers who ask for a suggestion. It's sexy, funny, and always leaves me 100% satisfied.
The Searching For series has become a favorite of mine, and one that I find myself highly recommending to fellow romance readers who ask for a suggestion. It's sexy, funny, and always leaves me 100% satisfied.
Favorite
Quotes
"You're both. Smart and beautiful. On the inside and outside. You don't have to choose one over the other anymore. You can just be exactly who you were meant to be. And I think that's damn perfect."
"I'm an ass. I told you I loved you the wrong way, but I'm always doing things like this, and if we're together, that's not gonna change. I wear my food on my clothes, mutter physics equations under my breath, and am OCD when it comes to germs in public restaurants. I say stupid shit, I'm obsessed with golf, and I fucking love you. I just love you."
"You're both. Smart and beautiful. On the inside and outside. You don't have to choose one over the other anymore. You can just be exactly who you were meant to be. And I think that's damn perfect."
"I'm an ass. I told you I loved you the wrong way, but I'm always doing things like this, and if we're together, that's not gonna change. I wear my food on my clothes, mutter physics equations under my breath, and am OCD when it comes to germs in public restaurants. I say stupid shit, I'm obsessed with golf, and I fucking love you. I just love you."
The Searching For Series
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I so need to read both books. I think Nate sounds great. Yes, I know that rhymed. :D
ReplyDeleteNow you have me wanting to read this also. Are these companion novels? I really like series that have companion novels that you can read out of order. Great review!!
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of Nate. I have a soft spot a mile wife for nerdy guys. I honestly wasn't sure about this series but you've convinced me. Great review.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, you need to stop with these raving reviews. I have the first book somewhere on my e-reader and it looks like I need to read that one and this one soon. I think I might start with this one because I feel for Kennedy too. I was bullied my people close to me because of my weight when I was younger too. And despite it having been long ago, the hurtful words still hurts sometimes.
ReplyDeleteNate sounds really adorable and that scene you shared about his makeover definitely makes me want to read it.
Lovely review, Andrea. I'm so glad you loved the book. :)
I love the sound of Nate and just the sound of this entire book!! Wonderful review - I would have never considered this book but now I have to read it! You're like my book dealer - I can't stop adding your recommendations to my list! :)
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a nice and fun read, thanks for the suggestion Andrea! :)
ReplyDeleteYay, 5 stars! I really liked the first book and I keep hearing this one is better. I need to get to it soon.
ReplyDeleteYou know I love this book too! Nate is so adorable and funny even if he's super unfiltered. His Beta-Alpha makeover was well written and who would've thought a nerdork like him is so awesome in bed?!?! WIN!
ReplyDeleteThat's great you're loving these!! I could definitely relate to the MC on the whole body issues thing....it's always nice to connect to the characters in some way. :) And the love interest sounds adorable.
ReplyDeleteOh Andrea, this is a lovely review. And I really want to read this series. I know I'll love Searching for Someday but I'm thinking I'll have a special connection with Searching for Perfect. I know I'll really empathize with Kennedy and her issues and I have a feeling I'll really fall for Nate...I'm married to a nerdy guy. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't started this series. I was worried about it. Glad you liked it.
ReplyDeleteHmm, haven't heard of this series, but I'm intrigued. I'm like you and don't really like makeover stories, but I'm hoping this one makes up for it w/everything else, lol.
ReplyDeleteThis seems like an intense series and I'd love to start it. Great review.
ReplyDeleteoh wow yeah I think I will need to read this one, her issues sound like something I can relate to.
ReplyDeleteI loved Nate so hard! I am crashing a nerdy guy just thinking about him
ReplyDeleteOH you so have me at delightfully nerdy. Love characters like that! I don't know why I thought NA for this and hadn't grabbed it up. Will have to change that :)
ReplyDeleteThis book FAR exceeded my expectations. I adored Nate and Kennedy! So glad you loved it too!
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