Review: Alison Brings it Again! (Tray from The Book Hookers)
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 18, 2014
I couldn't wait to get Past Imperfect by Alison Bailey. Her debut novel, Present Perfect, was just that...perfect! The main characters from that book stole my heart, but weirdly so did one of the supporting characters.Readers thought I was crazy when I professed my love for bad boy Brad in book one. After all, he did an unspeakably cruel thing to Amanda, he was a man whore, and he seemed to have no feelings for anyone other than himself. The whole time I was reading that book, however, I was drawn to him. He had this hurt I could feel as I read about him, and I just had a feeling there was so much more to him than the despicable side that he portrayed.Past Imperfect proved me right in spades. Brad was a few years older and a whole lot wiser. I don't want to ruin the story by telling you what made him grow up, but it's a lesson that was tragic and life altering. The new Brad is still really funny and smart, but he is quick to take other people's feelings into consideration. And he is still ridiculously hot!Now a new lawyer in his father's firm, Brad meets Mabry Darnell. She's smart, gorgeous and totally against relationships. It seemed Brad had finally met his match and waiting on the fireworks was so much fun.This second book was so different than the first. There was always a underlying tension as I read. I turned every page wondering if it would be the one where the other shoe dropped. I could feel this slow build up and dreaded the moment when Alison dropped the bomb on me.Past Imperfect might be different than it's predecessor as far as the myriad of feelings, but it was just as terrific. The main characters are both strong people who have survived despite the lack of love and support. They somehow manage to have big hearts without someone there to nurture them.Brad is exactly as I saw him early on. I knew his parents were cold to him, but I never knew just how awful they were. It only made his character that much more endearing. His humor and his determination to win Mabry was a treat to read. I laughed out loud alot during this book. I also cried and wanted to yell at my Kindle. It was the perfect combination of angst, humor, and breath stealing heat.My advice is to get this book today and start it immediately. Alison writes a story of love, hurt, loss and strength. Watching Brad and Mabry battle their demons as well as their feelings for each other was the ultimate sweet torture. Experiencing the truths as they are revealed and the consequences of the past were at times hard to read, but necessary to understand Brad and Mabry.Alison Bailey...I'm giving you a standing ovation right now for another book that captured my attention and my heart! Keep 'em coming, sister!!Past Imperfect is a 5-Hooker book that will join the one before it on my favorites ever list!!!  <3