Reviews

After Perfect by Maan Gabriel

balkeyeston's review

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2.0

2.5 stars, but rounded down due to the rushed ending.

aggystacked_'s review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

chryzelly's review

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5.0

to Maan Gabriel and Maan Gabriel only--mahal na mahal kita. Thank you for writing this book. I want to throw, hug and cherish this book at the same time.

accidentalspaceexplorer's review

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I didn't like the hero - he was the archetype of the tortured asshole writing professor who's a dick to everyone but because he's hot people forgive him for it. I could tell that any feelings the main character developed for him was going to make me roll my eyes and get frustrated, so I stopped.

angelinereads's review

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted

5.0

ramonamead's review

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2.0

DNF at 21%. The pacing is slow and I wasn't connecting with any of the characters. Then, the protagonist made a comment that she didn't blame her husband for cheating on her because she'd let herself go. GTFO. I can't read a romance with this in it. Even if she changes her mind down the line, she truly believed it when she said it and I if I wasn't connecting with her at this point, I never would.

veereads_'s review

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4.0

I am so feeling books that feature women in their 30's, I just feel seen!

Make this your next read if you enjoy:
✊ Empowerment of finding one's self

spinningjenny's review

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lighthearted fast-paced

3.25

It was alright. The ending bugged me. 

jmbibliophile's review

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emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.0

The plot is what initially attracted me to After Perfect. Gabby, newly divorced at 36 years-old, must figure out how to navigate life on her own after spending her entire adulthood as a housewife. For the first time, she’s got to grow up and be an independent woman - while also trying to heal from the end of a 20-year-long marriage. Despite this, Gabby works hard to find her own apartment, start a new job, manage a master’s program, and strengthen her personal relationships – new and old.

I will admit, when I first started the book, I didn’t really like it. The writing wasn’t clicking with me and I had trouble understanding Gabby. But over time, as the story and characters developed, I really started to appreciate it.

The characters are my favorite part of this story. They are multi-dimensional, relatable, and lovable, even when they make some not-so-wise choices. Gabby herself is an inspiration. She serves as an important reminder that it is never too late to start over – follow your dreams, find new love.

This a delightful debut from Maan Gabriel. I look forward to seeing what she does next!

(Note: I was provided an advanced copy of After Perfect by the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.)


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