Seeking Perfect by Jeri Bronson

Seeking Perfect was such a great find on Kindle Unlimited.  We all know that KU is like the Winners of Amazon - you go to the big store and scour the sales racks hoping to find the real gems among the rhinestones.  Sometimes you get lucky. Other times, not so much.  But in this case, I was pleasantly surprised at finding and loving Bronson's debut novel.  It handles tough topics with maturity and tact, and shows the consequences and effects that they can have on people.  It's a sweet Cinderella-esque story, but it doesn't fall into the tired category. I really enjoyed this book, and I hope to see more from this author soon.

Seeking Perfect tells the story of 17 year old Jesse who lives a rather horrible existence with her alcoholic mother, and her mother's latest boyfriend, in a rundown trailer park on the outskirts of a small town. Jesse does her best to stay invisible in life. She doesn't make friends and doesn't do any type of relationship because she's so afraid of people finding out about her tragic home life.  The only exception is her boss Charlotte and Charlotte's family - and they are only close to Jesse because they kind of wore her down over time.  Jesse has some serious trust issues and baggage - she knows it, and everyone else does too.  But one boy, popular basketball star Derek, can't seem to stay away from Jesse.  He is drawn to her, and he wants to know more about her.  He starts sitting with her at lunch and very slowly, he starts to break down the walls she has erected.  Jesse and Derek embark on a sweet romance - but they have a lot of obstacles that stand in their way. Jesse's mom, rivals at high school, and even Jesse herself are determined to prove that their love story can't have a happy ending.  

What I liked about this story was that Jesse's insecurities and trust issues truly plague her throughout the book - they aren't just brushed aside because the handsome boy pays attention to her.  The reader is as frustrated with Jesse at times as Derek is.  Derek is a realistic character.  He has doubts as to how much he can handle from Jesse.  While the romantic in me didn't want him to have any doubts, the realist appreciated the fact that a 17 year old boy probably would have a lot of worries and questions.  I appreciated that Bronson did not shy away from this, even though it took a bit away from his Prince Charming pedigree.  

All in all I was very satisfied with this book and the story that Bronson told.  I read it quickly because I just couldn't put it down - which is the ultimate compliment I can give to a new author.  Keep writing, Ms. Bronson because I really look forward to the next story you have to tell.  
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