“…both a love story and a story of personal growth.” —Jill M. Smith, Romantic Times, 41/2, TOP PICKCleo Alyssum’s plan is simple: stay sober, stay out of trouble, and bite her tongue until Social Services sees she’s pretty close to perfect and returns her little boy. But when an accident on her isolated property forces her to rent a cottage to celebrated cartoonist Jared McCloud, her carefully … celebrated cartoonist Jared McCloud, her carefully constructed comfort zone develops cracks.
Jared has a deadline to meet or he’ll forfeit still another lucrative career and be branded for life by his family as the loser in the family. Only, he wasn’t meant to be a hermit, and his cartoon characters aren’t nearly as fascinating as his quirky, enigmatic landlady.
When Jared discovers his island hideaway contains a drug-dealing neighbor’s two neglected, abused teens, he shoves Cleo into the real world that she fears in his effort to save the children.
Risking everything, the pair join forces to find a home for the kids and have their mother’s dangerous boyfriend locked up. In the process, they face a new realization that there’s more to life and love than either of them ever planned or dreamed.
Previously titled Almost Perfect, Ballantine 2001
CAROLINA MAGNOLIA series in order:
Rebel Dreams
Imperfect Rebel
Rebel Charm
Carolina Rebel
Rebel Girl
Home Town Rebel
“Superb, superb, superb!…You must read this excellent, excellent book.” —Heather Heath, The Old Book Barn Gazette
“…This book is not ALMOST PERFECT, it is perfect.” —Jaclyn Reding, Rendezvous
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This was a different story. The characters are quirky. She does more fighting him then anything. He fights for her then gives up. I felt bad for him most of the story. But it all turns out good in the end.
Love Patricia Rice stories. The story of Cleo and Jared was wonderful.
i couldnt put this one down a great book
It is long because it has a lot to deal with. The effects of addiction and the reprecussions of childhood trauma are woven into a love story as the two people come to terms with the impact of their pasts to create a loving future. Happily, it is sprinkled generously with humor.
Imperfect Rebel really shows the haunting divide between the haves and have-nots in our country. I found it fun and at the same time sad as the story develops. The book is especially timely as two hurricanes are on developing off the coast.
I really liked the characters and the story raised some important questions about how we handle cases of child neglect and abuse. I enjoyed the book for the most part, but it seemed to drag in places. It could have easily been shortened by 100 pages and still been a really good story.
Also, some of the events at the end were, to me, a bit confusing and unbelievable. For instance, did she get the clock fixed or not? And what difference did it make either way? Anyway, I wish I could give it 5 stars because it really drew me in, but there were just too many shortcomings, so I gave it 4. But I might try reading this author again.
This book falls somewhere between an easy read (two people meet, are attracted, have a problem, solve it and live happily ever after) and a deep dark complicated novel. Both main characters are flawed. But their developing relationship allows both, in their own time and way, to grow, mature and improve. There are lots of twists, turns and roadblocks along the way but the two finally find their way to a satisfying relationship. Lots of good supporting characters (some from the first book int he series, and others who get their own story later). While part of a series, this is perfectly okay to read as a stand alone book. I enjoyed every page.
Great story of one woman’s redemption, written with great humor and outstanding characters. What an imagination this author has!
Original characters and plot
Kept my attention and wasn’t the same old plot.
Main character was sassy and witty. Not your normal romantic person. A good summer read.
Good characters. Enjoyed from start to finish.
Well written chic lit.
Outstanding. Informative. Inspirational.
Patricia Rice holds your heart in this story
I enjoyed this story. It had funny dialogue and well fleshed out characters
Thoughtful
Good read!
Pretty predictable but quirky.
So realistic!