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cakantaras's review
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The timeline of the story was clunky and not well organized. She began grad school in the fall, so presumably Aug or Sep, then there were references to "weeks later" "months later" that all should have added up to about March or April, but suddenly it's only November? It felt rushed and drawn out at the same time.
The main character also constantly referred to her self as chubby and everyone else she knew as gorgeous and slim. It doesn't need to be said more than once. It felt very self depreciating but not in an endearing way or a way that offered anything to the plot or character development.
The main character also constantly referred to her self as chubby and everyone else she knew as gorgeous and slim. It doesn't need to be said more than once. It felt very self depreciating but not in an endearing way or a way that offered anything to the plot or character development.
yourkindredreader's review
After Perfect is Maan Gabriel's first book, the story is about Gabriella Stevens, who suddenly finds herself in turmoil as things abruptly start changing in her life when her husband, whom she's known for twenty years, suddenly asks for a divorce.
I like Gabriella, who truly is the star of this book. I really like the details of her Filipino background and how much it shaped her character. I love reading her journey of finally doing things for herself and gaining confidence. It's so relatable because not every adult has their life together. She has lovely friends and supportive parents. I like reading about the complexity of her relationship with her parents, especially with her Mom, who grew up with very traditional Filipino values. The romance part of this wasn't really engaging to me. To be honest, I thought it ended abruptly for my taste. She honestly deserved better than a dull character like Colt.
Thank you to NetGalley, She Writes Press, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I like Gabriella, who truly is the star of this book. I really like the details of her Filipino background and how much it shaped her character. I love reading her journey of finally doing things for herself and gaining confidence. It's so relatable because not every adult has their life together. She has lovely friends and supportive parents. I like reading about the complexity of her relationship with her parents, especially with her Mom, who grew up with very traditional Filipino values. The romance part of this wasn't really engaging to me. To be honest, I thought it ended abruptly for my taste. She honestly deserved better than a dull character like Colt.
Thank you to NetGalley, She Writes Press, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
aurigae's review
4.0
This story of a woman's self-actualization after divorce is quite unusual. The main character, Gabby, is half-Filipino, and has lived her life according to the advice of her traditional mother - only to find herself divorced at 36, with no career and nothing to show for her life.
After a months-long period of mourning, however, Gabby emerges from her shell and her apartment. She enrolls in graduate school, finds a new home, and gets a job. As she becomes more independent, she realizes that although her husband was the one who left the marriage, she is happier without him. But when Gabby begins a new romance that comes with unexpected challenges, she must be stronger than she thought possible.
My favorite part of this story was the scenes in which she visited with her parents; the author did a great job of showing the love and tension that can coexist between parents and children well into adulthood. I would have liked to learn more about Gabby's marriage; although the story begins as the marriage is ending, the relationship is a big part of who she is and we know little about it. I was less interested in Gabby's new romance, which felt too stereotypical to be compelling.
After a months-long period of mourning, however, Gabby emerges from her shell and her apartment. She enrolls in graduate school, finds a new home, and gets a job. As she becomes more independent, she realizes that although her husband was the one who left the marriage, she is happier without him. But when Gabby begins a new romance that comes with unexpected challenges, she must be stronger than she thought possible.
My favorite part of this story was the scenes in which she visited with her parents; the author did a great job of showing the love and tension that can coexist between parents and children well into adulthood. I would have liked to learn more about Gabby's marriage; although the story begins as the marriage is ending, the relationship is a big part of who she is and we know little about it. I was less interested in Gabby's new romance, which felt too stereotypical to be compelling.
ka_t's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Had to encourage myself through the book as didn’t want it to be a DNF, but overall I thought it was all quite surface level.
orbiting134340's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted this to work…. there were some great ideas here but stilted execution and writing in general. Romance should definitely not be devoid of cringe but there should be a balance? Too many instances where I didn’t agree with things characters were saying or doing….
aimeemg155's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Death of parent, Cursing, Stalking, and Grief
eringlimpse's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
All around fun read about rediscovering love and finding yourself in the mist of things.
lesliearasmussenauthor's review
5.0
I loved the writing in After Perfect! The story is about Gabrielle, who most women will find relatable who is forced to change her life when her husband leaves her. I loved watching Gabrielle's journey with finding herself and looking for love. I think the author showed us something about Filipino culture which was fascinating. This is well written and you will want to keep reading it all night, just to find out how Gabrielle's story ends. Definitely 5 Stars!
keepingyouonread's review
4.0
4.5 stars
Happy Pub Day After Perfect!
After Perfect is Maan Gabriel’s debut novel. Gabby is going through a divorce from childhood sweetheart, Simon. She’s going back to school, finding a job and finding herself.
What I liked: I thought the romance portion of the story was a little unpredictable which is hard to pull off in this genre. Was Gabby going to get back together with her ex? Would her fling with Colt turn into something more? Would she just be alone for now? Even at the end, I wasn’t sure what would happen.
I love the friendship angle. Gabby has such a strong relationship with Felicity and Thomas and even Simon. It’s nice to see adult friendships play out and evolve.
Most of the characters develop over the course of the book. I find it rare in books that secondary characters also get growth so I appreciate when it happens.
What didn’t work for me: It felt a little unrealistic that Gabby could afford a one bedroom apartment in NYC by working part time at an indie bookstore. I don’t really want to read a book about someone going to a nine to five either, so I know it’s a fine line. Also, Gabby has a medical situation later in the book, no health insurance and stays so calm about it. I think I was freaking out for her. I didn’t want money to be a central theme for the story but I also felt it lacked a little realism in that department.
Who should read it: This is a really solid debut in women’s fiction and romance. There’s some steam but also heart and an entertaining story.
Happy Pub Day After Perfect!
After Perfect is Maan Gabriel’s debut novel. Gabby is going through a divorce from childhood sweetheart, Simon. She’s going back to school, finding a job and finding herself.
What I liked: I thought the romance portion of the story was a little unpredictable which is hard to pull off in this genre. Was Gabby going to get back together with her ex? Would her fling with Colt turn into something more? Would she just be alone for now? Even at the end, I wasn’t sure what would happen.
I love the friendship angle. Gabby has such a strong relationship with Felicity and Thomas and even Simon. It’s nice to see adult friendships play out and evolve.
Most of the characters develop over the course of the book. I find it rare in books that secondary characters also get growth so I appreciate when it happens.
What didn’t work for me: It felt a little unrealistic that Gabby could afford a one bedroom apartment in NYC by working part time at an indie bookstore. I don’t really want to read a book about someone going to a nine to five either, so I know it’s a fine line. Also, Gabby has a medical situation later in the book, no health insurance and stays so calm about it. I think I was freaking out for her. I didn’t want money to be a central theme for the story but I also felt it lacked a little realism in that department.
Who should read it: This is a really solid debut in women’s fiction and romance. There’s some steam but also heart and an entertaining story.