I jumped into a new series by reading the third book first. If you know me, you know this isn't my norm. I always start at the beginning. But you better believe I will be going back to read the first two books in the Perfectly Imperfect series. Especially since I know those are about Drew and Vince. I wonder if Dani has a story. Hmmm. I'll have to go look at Amanda Shelley's backlist titles.
Anyways, late last night I finished reading Damien by Amanda Shelley. It is a new adult, single parent romance, with some insta-love action happening.
Damien has recently relocated to town, and is working on a construction project at the college. He had discovered a little diner on one of his first days in town, and has been eating breakfast there almost daily. It helps that his usual server is absolutely gorgeous. Vanessa is a nursing student at the college, and she is also a single mom who works her butt off to make all of it happen. Her daughter, Julia, is 5 years old and the bright spot in her world. Vanessa hasn't dated in years, and so when Damien eventually works up the courage to ask her out, she is shocked, and then turns him down. Many days later Damien asks again. Vanessa had already talked to her friends about this, and agrees to a date. And that is how it all starts.
I absolutely loved this book. The relationship between Damien and Vanessa is so good. I love how Vanessa isn't afraid to tell Damien the hard things (single parent, loss of parents, etc). Then there's Damien, who isn't afraid to talk about the hard stuff, and he realizes that Vanessa being a parent comes first. He is willing to do anything in his power to make the relationship work. The chemistry between the two is spectacular. The connection between Vanessa and Julia is top notch. The way Julia and Damien interact is impressive. A bond has definitely been formed. I will say I thought the point of conflict would have been greater or drawn out. But I wasn't disappointed in it. I liked how Damien and Vanessa worked through it, and it allowed Damien to share a bit about his past and what he had been through.
Loved the book. I cannot wait to read more of the series, and also check out other works by the author.
Thank you for reading my thoughts,
When I walk into the diner, all I’m looking for is a decent meal. As a civil engineer for the largest project on campus, I just want to eat in peace. I’m happy to find this hidden gem since students are scarce. Don’t get me wrong, co-eds on campus are beautiful, but I was over that scene when I graduated three years ago. I need to finish this job and move onto the next one by the end of the year.
Then Vanessa walks up with a simple smile and takes my breath away. The next thing I know, I’m making every excuse imaginable to dine with this intriguing woman. She’s not only smart and sexy; she’s completely focused on reaching the goals she has set for herself.
The more I get to know her, the more I know she’s the one. I just have to find a way to make her deviate from her perfectly laid plans and take a chance on me.
Meet Amanda Shelley
Amanda Shelley loves falling into a book to experience new worlds. As an avid reader and writer, sharing worlds of her own creations is a passion that inspired her to become an author.
She writes contemporary romance with characters who are strong and sexy with a touch of sass.
When not writing, Amanda enjoys time with her family, playing chauffeur, chef and being an enthusiastic fan for her children. Keeping up with them keeps her alert and grounded in reality. She enjoys long car rides, chai lattes, and popping her SUV into four-wheel drive for adventures anywhere.
Amanda loves hearing from readers. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter and follow her on social media. Join her reader group: Amanda's Army of Readers to stay up to date on her latest information!
Connect with Amanda Shelley:
Hosted By:
Thank you to Amanda Shelley and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with an advanced copy of Damien, the third book in the Perfectly Imperfect series.
