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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If you’re going to read a book let it be this one. It’s truly a beautiful book that should be read. This book will have you laughing quite often, but it will also hit you in the heart with the feels. There is so much heart and feels in this book. It also has strong topics that should be talked about without a stigma. I think that book beautifully address them with the respect and dignity they deserve. I loved Dorothy so much. Her character is one you don’t see often in a romance book, but one that will win over your heart in instant. I loved her uniqueness and her take on life. Like Eli says she is a fresh breathe of honesty. This book will hook you in and you won’t want to put this one down. I love and appreciate this part of the blurb to describe the book “Perfectly Adequate is a beautiful, hilarious, and heart-felt journey along the “human” spectrum.”
Sometimes an Author writes a character that for whatever reason becomes an unforgettable one for you, that years down the line someone will mention the name and all the memories will come flooding back and you’ll just Smile.
For me, Dorothy Mayhem is one of those characters.
Dorothy has a refreshingly different outlook on the mundane situations of everyday life. For her things are black and white with no grey area, she speaks her mind and has zero filter. Dorothy has her coping mechanisms, routines and strategies that work for her. She’s a unique soul with a beautiful kind selfless heart, the very best of humanity and I absolutely adore her.
The story takes us on the journey of Dorothy Mayhem and Dr Elijah Hawkins as they embark on a somewhat unconventional relationship. It’s one neither of them expected, fraught with challenges, extremely emotional but worth the risk.
I was swept away with the craziness, I laughed out loud and fell in love with Dorothy and Eli.
Perfectly Adequate is a book everyone needs to read, it’s a captivating and thought provoking page turner. With a cleverly constructed plot, attention to detail and realism.
There’s witty humour, swoon worthy moments and heart warming emotional touches. This book has it all.
It’ll put a huge smile on your face and make you realise
we are all different and that’s perfectly fine.
3.5 stars
Perfectly Adequate was on okay read for me, I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it either, if that makes sense. The story was different, and it had some quirky moments, but I just didn’t really care for the characters.
While I started reading I thought this is a pretty light read for Jewel E Ann one of my favorite authors. I lived reading about how the handsome and recently divorced Dr Eli Hawkins falls for patient transporter and nursing student Dorothy Mayham. Dorothy is on the spectrum. She is very intelligent and a little quirky because she is on the spectrum. She has a difficult time keeping secrets and tends speak her mind and may over share a little. I laughed and the situations that Dorothy found herself in. But I also found myself in tears over the choices that she and Eli was forced to make.
In true Jewel E Ann fashion, this book will have you thinking long after you put it down! Such a great read! I did not even mind that I was nearly throwing my kindle down at the 90% mark!. Jewel, you amaze me! Your characters are always so real and have me invested early on in the story. Elijah Hawkins and Dorothy Mayhem will steal your heart! My advice to anyone reading Jewel’s books is to go in blind. You will never be sorry you did or at least I never have. Get ready for the magic! I loved Roman aka Dorothy’s Romeo aka Eli’s three year old little boy! And Dorothy’s emus, Wilbur and Orville! Such a great story! 5 stars
Jewel E. Ann, killing me with single dads, one book at a time. Pairing them with strong, unique, individually self-empowering women, the ones you’d love to call besties. Giving them believable, melt-your-heart kids who you want to claim as your own.
Don’t even get me started on Dorothy…actually, I will. She’s each one of us, we have our own worlds, our own rules, our “okays” so how are we different from her? Spoiler alert- she’s awesome, she doesn’t need to OWN her world or ours, she’s perfectly adequate.
My heart doesn’t stand a chance every time I pick up a JEA book.
This book. THIS BOOK! I absolutely adored the characters and the story. I wanted to lap up every delicious word of Dorothy Mayhem, and by the way, mayhem is a perfect adjective for what Dorothy brings to Elijah Hawkins’ life.
Whether I like a Jewel E. Ann character or not, they’re all wonderfully developed. Dumped by the love of his life, Elijah is lost and lovelorn until he bumps into co-worker Dorothy Mayhem. Dorothy is fresh, unrelentingly honest, and unassuming. Many find her quirky…and she is, but she is also adorable and lovable.
“I’m okay being me. No one else can do it better.”—Dorothy
The scene-stealer is Elijah’s son, Roman; if you look up the definition of Roman it will say “cutie pie”. Another fabulous secondary character is Elijah’s mother, Lori; she is loving and accepting, and she has the best advice. Playing the role of the antagonist is Julie, Elijah’s ex-wife. I didn’t like her. Even when given a reason to forgive her, I couldn’t. I suppose that means she is a well-written antagonist!
This romantic comedy is an unexpected breath of fresh air. It is a bit quirky and messy, but real life is like that.
“The spectrum is human. It’s not autism”
There are plenty of chuckles, but there are more raw emotional moments that tugged at my heart. The characters’ issues are written with respect and grace. Sometimes those issues made me question how these lovable characters would make things work. Just like in real life, they muddled through and found their way.
Everyone needs to read this lovely story!
3.5 Stars
This was an interesting read for me. An Asperger woman and a divorced dad. A beautiful discovery of love mixed with quirkinesses and at times awkward moments. I will say that I believe that the author captured Dorothy’s essence of a woman with Autism, OCD, ADHD and Depression. From the straightforward talk to no filter to inappropriate times, Dorothy is complicated, sweet, frustrating, compelling and perfectly adequate. Dr. Eli Hawkins is a divorce dad of an adorable little boy, Roman. He’s still hung up on his ex-wife, another Dr in the hospital until he meets Dorothy and things begin to change.
I have to say that I struggled with the story. I came close to DNF. I just did not really feel the connection between Eli and Dorothy. I felt the connection between Dorothy and Roman more. While I understood the awkward romantic moments between Dorothy and Eli, they made me more uncomfortable than vested. And Eli just was just a little too perfect in my eyes. He went from pinning for his ex wife to Dorothy way to fast in my eyes. And Eli’s ex-wife, Dr. Julie Hathaway, was a big part of the story which added another dimension to the story.
In all, I’m glad I continued and finished the story. While I figured out the drama that was occurring, I ended up enjoying the story. While this is my first book by this author, I do look forward to reading her again.
I love the cover for this book it’s so cute. Jewel E. Ann never disappoints and always gives a great story with phenomenal writing. Perfectly Adequate was a sweet read that I really enjoyed.
Elijah is a single dad who works with his ex wife at the hospital. They are both doctors and after years of marriage she decided she didn’t want to be married anymore. Elijah hasn’t been ready to take leap in the dating world, until he meets Dorothy. She speaks her mind and is to the point.
Dorothy was such a fun character. She is a little different and sometimes clueless to things around her. It took a while for to realize she was dating the hot doctor. She was so sweet with Eli’s son.
I really enjoyed this book and watching Eli and Dorothy fall in love. This was the perfect weekend read.
I have been a fan of Jewel E Ann for a long time and she has always managed to not only surprise me with her storytelling, but make me fall head over heels in love with the characters. She never stays inside of the normal box and with every word, she gives us something different. With every plot twist, every laugh out loud moment, every dramatic confrontation, this author has managed to bring her stories to life with her own signature style and that is what keeps us coming back for more.
Dr. Elijah Hawkins has had a rough year. Going through a divorce from his first love felt like his world was slowly falling apart and there was no way to stop it. How do you move on from the one person who was your better half? A simple encounter with the quirky and no filter patient transporter changes the course of his life and one moment, solidified his future.
Dorothy Mayhem is very unique. She has her own way of doing things and having a routine is a must. Being a medical transporter and going to school at the same time, life is not slowing down for this thirty year old anytime soon. But everything is about to get a lot more complicated and interesting when she catches the eye of the most talked about and well respected doctor in the hospital. Can a quirky girl and a handsome doctor change each other lives and find love with each other?
I will admit that I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I started this story and I loved that. These characters were had their own quirks and they did things that felt right to them. I did not agree with the way certain things played out and I wanted to shake some of them, but they did what they felt was best at the time and I cant be too upset over that.
If you’re a fan of this author’s work, then i think you’re going to love this one as well.
*Arc received for an honest review
What do you get when you combine one slightly out of the box heroine and one sweet, hot single dad/doctor? A fun, charming story called Perfectly Adequate.
Although this is not my favorite romantic comedy, it’s definitely enjoyable and entertaining. Eli is sweet, sexy, and a wonderful father and doctor. He absolutely adored Dorothy, and for that I give him so many props, because she’s not the sweet personality that Eli is. She’s abrasive and off-putting, not to mention doesn’t have a clue most of the time. She’s straightforward, though, and I loved that about her. All in all, I liked this fun, sweet read.
4 Stars
This is the first book by Jewel E Ann that I’ve read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Perfectly Adequate was perfectly delightful in every way. Strong sweet hero, quirky heroine and an adorable kid…perfect combo. I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions and others I’m sure I had a stupid grin on my face. This story definitely took me by surprise in an endearing heartwarming way. Great read.
Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
I am completely in love with this story. How does the author manage to make me fall over and over again for her unique characters, their charms and quirks, and their also unique storylines? Elijah and Dorothy stole my heart.
I don’t get how, but she does it all the time, and I’m grateful for it, because it’s not every day that you find stories that aside from having great characters, have the power of making you feel and not neccesarily by being an angsty story, but because it moves you in every sense. This one, for example, had me with a smile on my face the entire time. I’m pretty sure that’s why my cheeks were hurting afterwards. This book made me so happy. It’s filled with super sweet and cute moments, hilarious ones, and others that took my breath away with their intensity. Again, It gave me all the feels.
A swoony, fun and remarkable read.
I finished this book a couple days ago and had to process all my feelings before even attempting to write this review. My feelings are all over the place but in the most fabulous Jewel E. Ann way! If you read her books before, that statement will make complete sense. If not, you will understand soon enough. 😉
Dorothy…Dorothy…Dorothy…I love me some Dorothy Mayhem! She is perfectly awkward, perfectly hilarious, perfectly to the point, just PERFECT! She had me laughing nonstop throughout the book. She had my heart wrapped around her little finger right along with Eli. Eli is a really good man and perfect for Dorothy but boy did he ever test my patience. I wanted to jump into this book and shake him silly. He got me extremely angry at points. I get it…I do but COME ON DUDE! Ugh!
I seriously love when a book can pull these emotions out of me!
Dorothy and Elijah are characters that will pull your heartstrings in several directions at once, frustrate you immensely but make you love them regardless. FEELINGS OVERLOAD!!
This book has it all. It is the complete package. I would definitely recommend this book!
“Perfectly Adequate” is perfect in every single way. Just when I thought it wasn’t possible to fall in love with Jewel E. Ann’s books anymore than I already do, I’m proven wrong. There aren’t words ‘adequate’ enough to describe what a beautiful, beautiful love story this is. At certain points I was laughing out loud, (I’ll never be able to think about duct tape the same way again), at others I was cringing on the inside, and yet at other points, I had tears in my eyes. Elijah is a beautifully screwed up man with a heart of gold, a brilliant mind and such a confused soul; you fall in love with him because honestly, there’s no way that you can’t. Dorothy…..where does one even begin to describe what a spectacularly wonderful human being/character she is. She’s on the spectrum, she’s an ‘Aspie’ (her words) and following her mind and the way it works throughout this book was a journey in and of itself. Then there’s Roman or Romeo, a little scene stealer, he is adorable. Even secondary characters such as Boss Bitch (Eli’s ex-wife) and Lori (Eli‘s mom) are wonderful additions to the story. This book took me on an emotional journey, I was up, I was down, I was everywhere, and I loved every single minute of it. A Plus Star Read.
This book is glorious! I have devoured it with a happy glee which has kept a little glow kindled in side my heart since I finished it. With the wonderfully named Dorothy Mayhem, drawn in all her delightful quirkiness, we have a heroine who stands out as warm and honest as she navigates her way around a life which frequently throws up so many questions for her. Her take on life is uniquely hers, as she herself says, “I don’t mind being me. No one else can do it better” and it is one filled with potential pitfalls, the need for essential research and explanations, confidence and anxiety, and I have lived every moment of her company. The whole cast is, in fact, and as is usual for any Jewel E Ann book, written with deft depth and sympathy allowing you to feel as if they are old friends.
Eli is such a lovely human being! His innate warmth makes him the perfect romantic hero, while his sense of humour and dedication give him depth.
Overall, I just couldn’t get enough of this book. It is beautifully written, very funny, sympathetic and downright wonderful.
GOD, I honestly do not know how she does it every damn time I read her books, but I can NEVER get enough of Jewel’s characters. I FELL SO FREAKING HARD FOR ELIJAH. SOOOOO HARD. And Dorothy!!!! I’ve never met a character like her! I adored her so, so much! I couldn’t stop smiling!
This love story was unlike anything I’ve ever read. And that is one of the many reasons why I adore Jewel’s books so much. I never know what is going to happen but I always know I will be taken on an unforgettable and original journey.
If you’re looking for a fun, sexy, romance with a touch of angst then you must read PERFECTLY ADEQUATE!
Stunning! This author always gives us the most unique characters with a plot that immerses us in their fictional lives in such a way that is so realistic. I laughed and swooned and cried as Dorothy and Dr. Hottie embarked on the most unusual romance that I’m still smiling over. I loved Dorothy from that first encounter with Eli and her red shoes. I don’t have any experience with Aspies but Dorothy’s story came to life in such a way that I felt like I was getting to know her. She is one of my all time favorite characters. She was maddening and lovable and awkward and such a good human. And, of course, I loved Dr. Hottie Hawkins! The perfect husband, father, doctor and boyfriend. There were times I just wanted to shake Dorothy when she was so selfless and put cute little Romeo ahead of herself. Another thing this author does like no other is gives us a love triangle and makes all involved sympathetic and likable. By the end I was rooting for Julie. Go figure! I was kept guessing until the end. What a great epilogue! This story really surprised me but I don’t know why since this author stories are always a five-star for me. It’s one of my favorites. The only knock might be Eli’s rush to his feelings but it didn’t deter from my massive enjoyment of this beautiful story about love, loss, family and an unconventional romance. Loved it! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
This book was… okay. And for those who haven’t read it yet, it means that the book is AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, FUNNY, HEARTWRENCHINGLY PERFECT. Ugh @authorjeweleann i don’t know how you can write so perfectly. This is why I love each and every one of your books so muchYou made me feel every single emotion in this book. I loved it so much I seriously can not describe it. I loved all the characters and especially Dorothy’s character. I could see how much the author had researched about people on the spectrum because her character was so real and loving. I also loved how the author showed ‘love’ in this book. It’s not stereotypical dates and chocolates – it begins with loving and accepting everyone however they are. I loved loved loveeed this one. I did feel that the sizzling hot chemistry was slightly lacking but the storyline especially the climax makes up for it and more. Oh and little Romeo was an absolutely amazing character to have. @authorjeweleann’s writing style was beautiful. It was quirky and yet, you felt Elijah and Dorothy’s pain. It was such a well written book I clearly can’t stop raving about it! Please go get this one before I tell you the entire story!
6 Amazing Stars!
I can almost bet sure money that Perfectly Adequate will be my Number One #TopRead book of the year! This gem is simply sublime, it hit all the marks for me, and I can’t say enough about how it made me feel. I loved the storyline; it was filled with witty banter, incredibly funny dialogue, and just the right touch of angst thrown in to balance out the sweetness. My stomach ached from laughing so hard and tears ran down my face more than once! You’re going to love the amazing main and secondary characters, especially the quirky and unforgettable Dorothy. Ms. Ann shines a light to all those who are on the Autism spectrum, with compassion and great understanding, by featuring a beautiful and strong main character who, by the way, happens to have ASD. Bravo!
“I don’t mind me. No one else can do it better.”
Dorothy Mayhem’s world is turned upside down when she captures the attention of Dr. Elijah Hawkins, a pediatric oncologist, while working as a hospital transporter. The divorced father finds her irresistible; something his psychiatrist, who also happens to be his mother, is happy about.
“Dorothy makes me feel like a stupid, word-fumbling teenager. But she also makes me feel like I have a new chance at life. One where I see things through her eyes.”
After being divorced for two years Eli finally met someone he wants to date, something he hasn’t done in over twenty years. Unfortunately for him, Dorothy has a hard time reading social clues, due to being Autistic, and misinterprets his attempts of asking her out, thinking he needs someone to babysit his son.
Things become a little bit complicated, due to the fact that one of her idols is Eli’s ex-wife, Dr. Julie Hathaway, a talented plastic surgeon and the head of the burn unit at the same hospital they all work at.
“Dorothy Mayhem is the fucking universe. She’s what every other human could only hope to be. She’s better than me, better than you, and better than Dr. Hathaway—added all together and multiplied times infinity. And even then…we don’t come close to Dorothy Mayhem.”
You need to read this amazing story! It will move you to tears and keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting to tear your hair out. I loved everything about it!
“Such a Goldilocks moment. Dr. Elijah Hawkins is my just right.”