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christyduke_5117 's review for:

Perfect Imperfections by Cardeno C.
5.0

I'm always excited when a favorite author, in this case, Cardeno C., is releasing a new book. 'Perfect Imperfections' is a stand-alone book, which I understand is making the author a little nervous about readers’ responses, but the author wanted to try a non-series book. To that, I say - Phooey and a blight upon your home if you don't adore this latest creation. Well, okay, that might've been a bit much, however, I totally loved this book and I hope you do, too.

Fate must've been watching over these two men when Jeremy Jameson, Grammy award winning superstar, taking time for himself before his next tour begins, walks into the bar in Munds Park, Arizona, where Reg Moore, laid-back, easygoing, looking to save money for his next vacation somewhere, is bartending. Jeremy found someone who knows who he is, but doesn’t treat him any differently, regardless. They just talk for hours and when Jeremy mentions how lonely it gets on tour and it never seems to work out when he brings someone, Reg jokingly says he'd go and pretend to be his boyfriend just so Reg could visit all those places. When Jeremy makes the offer, Reg figures Jeremy is drunk, so Reg comes up with a drunk test and they bet on it. If Reg wins, he's going on tour for seven months, but when it's done, Reg wants another five months with Jeremy just traveling wherever they want to go. A heady concept for a man whose life is scripted down to the minutes.

"'See? That's what I mean,” Jeremy took a bite of his banana and kept talking while he chewed. “Everybody I've dated says they want to come on tour to be with me, but you know what? They don't. What they want is to do the things they enjoy. The red-carpet stuff they're all over, but the rest of it bores them, and being with me alone bugs them, and then they get pissy and resentful, and I don't need to deal with that while I'm working.”
"...And, you're okay with the world thinking Jeremy Jameson is gay just so we can drink a few beers and I can run interference for you with annoying press people?”
“Sure. Why should I care what they think about that?”


To label Jeremy as Hollywood royalty is, actually, accurate, although he hates being called that. His grandfather was a three time Oscar winning director, his mom has just as many statues for acting and his dad is still known, even after his overdose and death, as the greatest rock legend ever born. It is a huge relief and just relaxing, that Reg treats him just like any other guy, yelling at him to quit being a wuss and visit his mom, teasing him about being a diva, etc. It's a piece of normal that Jeremy has never had. Reg is the best friend Jeremy never had. And, as the months go by, Jeremy realizes how desperately he needs that.

It's impossible to spend every day together and not get to know the other person. What Reg discovers is that Jeremy hasn't ever had a real relationship, one where the people in it weren't out for what they could get, and Jeremy doesn't think sex is all that great, but the human touching and connection is why he does it. So Reg vows to show Jeremy what a real relationship is like, even if it is pretend. With all the media flak that Jeremy is getting about his "boyfriend" and lying about being gay, Reg and Jeremy have to up the stakes a little in public for the press. Jeremy just never guessed he'd feel the way he does from Reg touching him.

"Reg?”
Reg slid his arms around Jeremy's waist, cupped his backside, tugged him close. “Yes?”
“I think maybe I'm not straight after all,” he said, his expression earnest.
Reg tilted the corners of his mouth up. “I think maybe you're right.”


I fell completely in love with Jeremy and Reg right from the beginning. Jeremy is so clueless about his own feelings and his own desires, and he can be pouty, whiny, and needy. Most of the time, like Reg, I just wanted to ruffle his hair and snuggle him. Jeremy has been alone his entire life while surrounded by people. Reg is the most amazing combination of sexy, assured, confident, without being arrogant or cocky, tender, loving, smart, funny, and deep-down steady. He makes Jeremy laugh, he takes care of him, and that is exactly what Reg needs - someone to love and spoil.

Oh, Cardeno, you've outdone yourself, my friend. I'm actually sorry it isn't a series, because I could really read more of these guys. I love it. Thank you for giving me Jeremy and Reg.

NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews