Fans of The Kiss Quotient will love Perfectly Adequate, a heartfelt and hilarious journey along the “human” spectrum from USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Jewel E. Ann.
Dorothy Mayhem is a nursing student, patient transporter, reckless driver, and emu owner. She knows she isn’t like other girls. Neurotypical people are nothing if not predictable, though, and that’s why she … if not predictable, though, and that’s why she has made a hobby of studying their behavior through books and TV.
It helps her fit in with her peers when she can emulate them.
But nothing can prepare her for Dr. Elijah Hawkins.
He’s a single dad. A brilliant pediatric oncologist. Widely agreed to be the sexiest doctor at the hospital. And entirely unpredictable.
Though getting to know the man behind the chiseled features and top-notch reputation would be her pleasure, Dorothy misunderstands one attempt after another to ask her out. Instead of dates with Elijah, she finds herself on a series of playdates with his son.
Roman is cute, sweet, and brings her unexpectedly closer to his father every day.
Dorothy Mayhem is about to find out that the only thing more unpredictable than a child—is love.
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I love that the author wrote about someone with a disability. Bringing to light some of the real struggles these individuals face on a day to day basis. Still funny, lighthearted and captivating!
A great entry in romances starring neurodiverse characters.
JEA never ceases to amaze me with her story telling abilities. JEA also never ceases to pull out the most unique and heartfelt stories. The main character, Dorothy, has Asperger’s which is not shown in many books. JEA shined a light on this human spectrum. It was absolutely beautiful. It was refreshing to see a different twist on love, relationships, and interaction with other humans. It made me stop and think. JEA is so good at making you stop and think about something you’ve never thought about before. She makes you go there and feel. She pushes those buttons. I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted a book as much as I did with this book of hers. It is such a unique plot with lovable characters and real life issues.
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The writer Jewel E. Ann is new to me but when I came across this book ‘Perfectly adequate’ the first thing that caught my attention was the cover, it’s cute. Then I read the blurb and I became curious about the story and then I discovered that some readers compared this story with Helen Hoang’s books. That made me very intrigued with the story (I love Helen Hoang’s books). So I decided to read this story and discover it for myself. I expected a sweet, funny story but wow! This story was so much more!! It started sweet and funny but then it became so emotional. I went from smiling to laughing at loud to getting emotional in the last part of the book. I hadn’t expected that but it made me love the story so much more.
The main characters are wonderful. Elijah (Eli) is a great guy, someone with a big heart, who loves very deeply. That’s why his divorce is so hard for him. Even though his wife left him (for no real reason) he still loves her. But then one day, he meets Dorothy, a woman who works in the same hospital where he (and his ex-wife) works. Dorothy is special, she acts and thinks differently. She has Asperger’s syndrome. This makes Dorothy unsure in some situations because she finds it hard to read social intentions and such. But Eli doesn’t care about that, with each meeting he’s more intrigued and interested in Dorothy. But just like Dorothy he’s also unsure at times but for different reasons. He doesn’t have a lot of dating experience, he was very young when he met his ex-wife. So it’s very sweet, funny and entertaining to watch how these two people try (in their own way) to date, flirt and connect with each other. Eli’s young son Roman is cute too. I love how Dorothy is with him. It’s wonderful to see the three of them get closer and closer but then the story takes a complete turn and it’s get complicated and emotional. (Just like in real life.)
The secondary characters in this story are also wonderful. You have Eli’s parents (especially his mother) and Dorothy’s parents. They are very supportive and understanding characters. But Eli’s ex-wife Julie also has an important part in this story and where in the beginning of the story I didn’t really connect with her, in the end I wish her happiness too. The story is emotional at times but it’s never too much, too heavy, it has the perfect balance between light and emotional. You get both POV’s in the story and an epilogue.
I will definitely read more books of this writer.
It gave me new insight to a disease I didn’t know much about.
Brainless story.
I don’t care what anyone says. This book was such a fun book. It was exactly what I needed at the exact right time.
I couldn’t get enough of these characters. The author did such a great job with pairing an “ordinary” person with a person with Asperger. She hit the nail on the head with both of them, then the combining of them. It was so fun and torturous to go on their journey of falling in love and sacrifice.
This book isn’t listed as a romcom, and I don’t know that I would classify it as a romcom. However, I found myself chuckling out loud so many times. Between the heroine’s quirks and the hero’s reactions to them, I was in my happy place.
If you’re looking for a quirky, fun, unique read, this one is for you. I enjoyed this one from start to finish.
This book was not what I expected. Well written and well thought out characters. It makes you think about love and who makes you truly happy. Even if that’s person is not your typical type. But the heart wants what the heart wants. So be brave and live your life with joy.
Rather trashy.
Very original and entertaining.
If I could give this all the stars I would! It deserves more than just 5 imo
I don’t know why but I was emotional throughout the entire book. Dorothy touched my soul. Not because she was an Aspie (ASD/ Autism Spectrum Disorder) but because she was selfless and loving (even if she didn’t think so) she was pure and what I wished more people were like. She was just EXTRAORDINARY!!! I loved everything about her. From her blunt sex talk to her emus to her help with the less fortunate to her wearing a bib because it made baby Roman feel better. She was positively PERCECT!!!
I have never read a book like this before. This was completely different from anything that I’ve read of Jewels and it made me laugh and brought me to tears at the end.
Eli…he was just the most precious hero in my opinion. He had lost the love of his life but when he stepped on that elevator with Dorothy Mayhem his entire world tilted and everything went from grey to vibrant color. I think in all honesty he fell in that moment.
This book…GAAAAAH!!!! I can’t even put into words how brilliantly written it was. I read some of the negative reviews and they said that Dorothy made them cringe when she spoke sometimes…well we are dealing with someone that thrives on routines, rituals, planning everything because that is how she functions. Everything is literal to her. She doesn’t understand sarcastic humor and speaks the raw truth. BUT SHE WAS FRESH AND FUN AND FULL OF LIFE! I never cringed, I took it as thats the way she was and so did Eli.
I don’t know how Jewel does it. She takes something like ASD and not only made it a fantastic read but also educational. I have to admit that I didn’t know a whole lot but I think I gained enough knowledge that it made me want to know more. She made this about more than just a disorder, this was about selfless acts of love, finding your happily ever after and comprise…sooooo much comprise! It was one of my favorite reads of this authors and if you haven’t read any of her books you soooo should jump on the Jewel E Ann train man!!!
Angst
Cheating None
Sexy Time
Epilogue
Plot
Just find me on good reads
Much More Than Adequate!
“The spectrum is human. It’s not autism.”
I almost instantly fell in love with Eli and Dorothy. Jewel E. Ann is masterful at bringing interesting, quirky characters to life through her words. The awkwardness of both of these characters is so endearing and relatable. Eli is awkward because he hasn’t dated since high school and Dorothy is awkward because she misses social queues. Their interactions felt fun and genuine. Their connection was unexpected and heartwarming. As their relationship went from platonic to romantic, their honesty made my heart swell with compassion and hope. In true Jewel E. Ann fashion there are twists and complications that ensure an eventful road to Eli and Dorothy’s HEA.
“Clearly you don’t know how my love works. But … you’ll find out.”
This book is a reminder that human relationships are intricate and fragile and unique. It is a reminder to be true to yourself, follow your heart, and that love is possible to anyone on the human spectrum.
4.5 Stars
I loved this book so much! LOVED IT! It was funny and sweet, interesting and unique. It was a little more on the angsty side than what I usually can handle, but I literally couldn’t put it down. Good thing I started reading it on a Saturday and that I don’t really need to wake up at any given time Sunday morning, as I actually pulled an all-nighter with it.
One of my favorite things about Perfectly Adequate was Dorothy and her uniqueness. Now, I’m not at all knowledgeable about neuro-atypical people other than what I’ve seen portrayed on tv or movies (which I know it’s usually not the best source), but I absolutely loved Dorothy and her way of seeing the world and her reactions to it. She truly was a beautiful soul and I was amazed by her selflessness. The way she was with little Roman was absolute perfection, and I finished this book thinking everyone should be a little bit more like her.
Eli was another one of my favorite things. He was just such an all-around good person. The best dad to 3-year-old Roman (the cutest kid ever), he was also a compassionate pediatric oncologist. Add to this he was a funny, fit, 6’4’’ piece of man hunk with a romantic heart, and I don’t know if there was any way for him to be any more perfect. Granted, at the beginning of our story he is still having a hard time accepting her ex-wife’s sudden decision of leaving him and he could be a bit of a jerk, but IMHO was totally warranted.
I absolutely HATED the ex-wife. I’m tempted to use the c-word to describe her. That’s the intensity of my dislike. Once some things are revealed about her, I understood not all was as simple as I had originally thought… but she still was a major cantaloupe.
Why does the ex get a paragraph in this review? Because she has a big presence in the story, and not only as Dorothy’s idol. I’d say Perfectly Adequate borders on this side of being a love-triangle, and this is a fact that drove me freaking crazy (because I hate love triangles.) It also amped up considerably the angst level of the story (which is also not one of my favorite things ever) but even then I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
Hilariously funny, with sweet romance and some hot shenanigans, this love story was nothing like I expected and it totally rocked my world. The fact that little Roman has lots of airtime simply added to an already fabulous read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
“Relationships are fluid and ever-changing…Your happiness is a reflection of
you and only you”
I thought this book was going to break me. Like many of Jewel’s books, it also healed me. Just like all of Jewel’s books, there was incredible insight and feelings in this book from self-reflection and making connections to about your own life to the laughing so hard that your belly hurts. As always, this a must-read!
When I was reading this book, my husband and I were driving back from a mini-vacay on the coast. I would be laughing so hard that my husband would look at me like I was crazy, I would read him the part, and we would both end up laughing. Without giving too much away, it had something to do with blood smears on a white comforter and a mom XD
“I don’t mind being me. No one else can do it better. – Dorothy Mayhem”
Jewel always has a way of putting words to what a person is thinking or feeling. Perfectly Adequate is no different. We all have a little Dorothy Mayhem in us. We all have our quirks and things that make us. “Thank you…For letting me be enough.” Sometimes we all need a reminder that we are enough and that no one can be us better than us.
“Sometimes you have to make the alternative work, even if it feels all wrong.”
There are some know that I have struggled with some personal issues lately. I have been struggling with rediscovering myself and my depression/mental health. That is why it took me a little longer than usual to read this book and write this review. I connected with Dr. Hathaway, Boss Bitch. A woman that seemed to have her life together but soon discovered that she was fighting her demons. Perfectly Adequate reminds us that it is okay to deal with your demons, and to say that you are not ok and to get help.
Before I finished this review, I was want to leave you with final insight from a person who gets asks several times over when I am going to have children this quote is my new favorite quote, the response I will now give when asked. I can’t imagine having children. Keeping track of my own shit, my own issues, and my own anxiety gobbles up all twenty-four hours.”
Let your inner Dorothy shine and have the courage of Eli to go after what you want. Perfectly Adequate is just that Perfectly Adequate <3
Endearing, entertaining, and laced with humor, I could not help but fall in love with Dorothy and Eli. Eli’s struggle to co-parent his young son in the wake of his divorce is real and touching. Dorothy’s daily struggles with social connections and reading people is refreshing and heart-warming. This story is not to be missed.
“Your happiness is a reflection of you and only you.”
Perfectly Adequate is a wonderfully refreshing read, a heartwarming and original romance. This book is so different from my usual romance style. With a very unique and different heroine, it captured me instantly.
However it wasn’t always easy to connect with the characters, mostly it was a challenge for me, but that’s something that make a book special. The characters are flawed and felt real but at some point the book stopped being something special to me.
Nevertheless with a great writing style, witty and smart dialogues this book will surly excite most fans of cute romance stories with the something extra.
“”… loving you has been unexpectedly good.” “Good?” He chuckles. “Perfectly adequate.””
This book is EVERYTHING I needed and love in a book. Jewel E. Ann has outdone herself with this masterpiece of love, acceptance and embracing differences.
Dorothy and Eli are the most unlikeliest of couples but as we soon find, they are the most PERFECT couple.
Dorothy – and Aspie – is the most genuine of characters I have ever read…
If every human could possess Dorothy’s humble confidence, the would could be a much better place.
Seeing this strong, smart and usually confident man fumble with his words when talking to Dorothy was absolutely adorable. He was like a teenager asking her just the simplest of questions and it was delightful. Watching Eli learn who exactly Dorothy is was sweet and loving and I swear the smile on my face didn’t leave my face for most of the book. The sweetness overload was all I could ask for.
Someday, I will look back and remember this night, the night Dororthy Mayhem crawled into my existence in a way that would change me forever.
Dorothy is one of a kind heroine and seeing her navigate the friendship and relationship with Eli was OMG fantastic. Her bluntness and honesty were refreshing and often hysterical and the lol moments were abundant. But this wasn’t just a funny book, but a heartfelt and enlightening book. You will finish this book a better person, just knowing Dorothy!
Dorothy Mayhem is the fucking universe. She’s what every other human could only hope to be.
Jewel E. Ann is fast becoming one of my favorite go-to authors. Her best book yet in my opinion and I have enjoyed every book I have read by her!
Dorothy … Dorothy … Dorothy
Perfectly swoon-worthy, funny, adorable, blunt, unexpected… just perfectly adequate! Jewel E. Ann created a memorable second chance, single dad romance about two completely different yet matched souls, very special and unique in their own way.
Dr. Elijah Hawkins had it all, a successful job as a pediatric oncologist, high-school sweetheart as a wife and a cute little son Roman. Had as a past tense. Now he is struggling with a new status: divorced single dad. He still loves his wife and wants to get her and his family back.
Then he meets Dorothy Mayhem, quirky patient transporter, and a nursing student. Dorothy, having ADS (Aspergers) views the world and social etiquette in a different way. She is very blunt, stubborn, funny with a generous heart and beautiful soul. Elijah finds Dorothy’s behavior and personality very refreshing and fascinating. He can’t stop thinking about her and uses every person (even his son) and trick to be around her. And his attempt to ask Dorothy out did not end as he wanted but little Roman gained a superhero nanny. Slowly they fall in love with each other. But will this new and fragile relationship work out when the old love come back asking for a second chance? Will Dorothy and Elijah decide to follow their hearts or stay faithful to their minds, past experiences and family obligations?
I loved Elijah and Dorothy’s story! The chemistry between them was off charts and their every encounter bought so much joy for me. Reading from Dorothy’s point of view was amazing, sometimes weird, sometimes funny and sometimes heartbreaking. She deserved the happiness and Elijah was the best, caring, sweet and lovable man to give it to her, and so much more.
If you in a need of a refreshing and well-written story (don’t forget about two emus) I highly recommend Perfectly Adequate.
~~ 5 DAZZLING DORFEE STARS ~~
”Loving you has been unexpectedly good.”
Oh Dorothy, Dorothy, Dorothy!!
I will keep this review short and sweet. PERFECTLY ADEQUATE by Jewel A. Ann was hands down one of the BEST books I have read this year…or ever!!!! It’s so much more than a Rom com—this gorgeously penned dramedy made me laugh and cry, touched me deep down in my heart and took my breath away with its sheer and utter magnificence!!! It’s powerful and poignant, heartbreaking and real, hysterically funny and so incredibly moving I cannot find the ADEQUATE words to describe the feels it evoked in me.
Dr. Hawkins is n new fave BBF—god I loved that big, beautiful, caring MD with every beat of my heart, and the way he loved Dorothy and Roman, and yes even his ex, Jules slayed me! And what can I POSSIBLY say about Dorothy Mayhem except that this refreshingly unique and endearing heroine was just THE BOMB. Her quirks and idiosyncrasies truly set her apart and her loving, fierce, selfless heart made my own heart overflow with immeasurable joy! And as a besotted Eli so adoringly put it: ”She’s just…f*cking perfection.”
With this shimmering masterpiece, Jewel A. Ann proves yet again that she is the diamond standard of authors and her talent is absolutely mindblowing! Her ability to dig deep into the psyches of her characters and portray them with such depth and compassion, humanity and empathy is truly a revelation. The issues she explores throughout, living with Autism—and the ups and downs of loving someone on the spectrum—single parenthood, and the emotional upheaval of divorce was handled with sensitivity and grace, keen insight and reminded me that even when life gives you lemons there’s always sweetness to be found!
”Thank you,” she whispers.
“For what?”
“For letting me be me. Letting me be enough.”
An EPIC must read!