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A review by namjhyuns
Perfect Couple by Jennifer Echols
3.0
I have been waiting for this book since I read Biggest Flirts (Superlatives #1) last year. I thought that because I read the first book, I knew this world, its dynamics and the people in it. I was wrong.
From the beginning you can tell this is a very different book. Harper's world is far from Tia's (and much more slow paced), I found myself thrown. In the first few chapters Harper is having a very submissive attitude towards life and doing whatever people want of her. Especially her boyfriend, Kennedy, who I didn't like from his first appearance. I thought to myself "This dude doesn't likes her enough or he got no game", either way it's not reason enough to put her down all the time just so he could feel better because things at home were bad. And it was very frustrating to watch her just letting him do it. I was glad to see him go. Bye bye, and good riddance.
Another part of the story concentrates in Harper's likes and fashion sense. While I found her interest in photography and art genuine, the way she talks about her clothes made me think she was playing dress up. Putting on a costume to fit certain "persona" that she though she needed to be instead of showing herself for who she truly was. As she slowly starts to try new things, new clothes and activities, she eventually feels more comfortable with herself, gaining a confidence she lacked before.
You can argue all these changes were because of Brody. Because she was attracted to him and wanted his attention but I honestly believe -from what I gather from the book- Harper was off axis way before the Superlatives announcement. Her been paired with Brody as the Perfect Couple that Never Was just force her to face straight on what deep down was bothering her, to see her life through new eyes, to dare to do things and love people who she thought were out of her league. To finally stop selling herself short. And when she finally stood up for herself it was so satisfying.
Cheating also conforms part of this story. It comes in the form of Harper's parents divorce, Brody's parents divorce and how it affected them respectively. I don't feel like viewing Harper's actions in black and white, relationships are way more complicated than that. Putting aside the fact her relationship with Kennedy was doom since the day it had begun or the fact he was barely a boyfriend at all and that I found cheating unacceptable; I don't honestly think it was that big of deal she kissed Brody (twice) before breaking up with her boyfriend. The first time was pure impulse and curiosity. And, granted, the second time she should have known better, but it also lead to Brody and Harper having the talk (finally!) about what was going on between them.
Brody was a really interesting character. He was fun, smart and outgoing but he also had a depth to him that was refreshing. He shared it with Harper, of course, and the way he talked about her and to her made it feel like he thought the sun raised and set with her. Harper made him feel good about himself and it return he gave Harper that little push she needed to break the mold, to expand her world. Brody owned up to his mistakes immediately and went for what he wanted without hesitation. This made him a little of a daredevil but in the end by caring and taking care of Harper, he also learns to know his limits and take care of himself. They both supported and bring out the best in each other, and isn't that the best kind of love?
I was particularly glad to see Tia, Will and the rest of the gang again. And even more because they were part of the story, not just backdrop colorful characters popping out sometimes. The friendship this characters share is a beautiful support system and it shows.
As you can tell, I really enjoyed this story and in a few months the third book in the Superlatives series will be release and I can't wait to catch up with all these characters again. This time through Kaye's eyes and Sawyer's charming ways, it's going to be a good one.
From the beginning you can tell this is a very different book. Harper's world is far from Tia's (and much more slow paced), I found myself thrown. In the first few chapters Harper is having a very submissive attitude towards life and doing whatever people want of her. Especially her boyfriend, Kennedy, who I didn't like from his first appearance. I thought to myself "This dude doesn't likes her enough or he got no game", either way it's not reason enough to put her down all the time just so he could feel better because things at home were bad. And it was very frustrating to watch her just letting him do it. I was glad to see him go. Bye bye, and good riddance.
Another part of the story concentrates in Harper's likes and fashion sense. While I found her interest in photography and art genuine, the way she talks about her clothes made me think she was playing dress up. Putting on a costume to fit certain "persona" that she though she needed to be instead of showing herself for who she truly was. As she slowly starts to try new things, new clothes and activities, she eventually feels more comfortable with herself, gaining a confidence she lacked before.
You can argue all these changes were because of Brody. Because she was attracted to him and wanted his attention but I honestly believe -from what I gather from the book- Harper was off axis way before the Superlatives announcement. Her been paired with Brody as the Perfect Couple that Never Was just force her to face straight on what deep down was bothering her, to see her life through new eyes, to dare to do things and love people who she thought were out of her league. To finally stop selling herself short. And when she finally stood up for herself it was so satisfying.
Cheating also conforms part of this story. It comes in the form of Harper's parents divorce, Brody's parents divorce and how it affected them respectively. I don't feel like viewing Harper's actions in black and white, relationships are way more complicated than that. Putting aside the fact her relationship with Kennedy was doom since the day it had begun or the fact he was barely a boyfriend at all and that I found cheating unacceptable; I don't honestly think it was that big of deal she kissed Brody (twice) before breaking up with her boyfriend. The first time was pure impulse and curiosity. And, granted, the second time she should have known better, but it also lead to Brody and Harper having the talk (finally!) about what was going on between them.
Brody was a really interesting character. He was fun, smart and outgoing but he also had a depth to him that was refreshing. He shared it with Harper, of course, and the way he talked about her and to her made it feel like he thought the sun raised and set with her. Harper made him feel good about himself and it return he gave Harper that little push she needed to break the mold, to expand her world. Brody owned up to his mistakes immediately and went for what he wanted without hesitation. This made him a little of a daredevil but in the end by caring and taking care of Harper, he also learns to know his limits and take care of himself. They both supported and bring out the best in each other, and isn't that the best kind of love?
I was particularly glad to see Tia, Will and the rest of the gang again. And even more because they were part of the story, not just backdrop colorful characters popping out sometimes. The friendship this characters share is a beautiful support system and it shows.
As you can tell, I really enjoyed this story and in a few months the third book in the Superlatives series will be release and I can't wait to catch up with all these characters again. This time through Kaye's eyes and Sawyer's charming ways, it's going to be a good one.