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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Jewel has been one of my favorite authors for a long time now. And Perfectly Adequately is the first novel from her where I felt the tone was so different from her other books. What drew me in was obviously the fact that it came from Jewel but the cover as well.
She has touched on sensitive subjects before but never before with such charisma and humor. Our heroine, Dorothy has ASD aka Asperger’s. I like reading about people who have struggles that I couldn’t even think about, book opened my eyes to a whole new world. The connection between the hero and heroine was so much more palpable than any book I have read lately.
Eli Hawkins, the hero is a oncologist at a pediatric hospital, and everyone considers him to be beyond perfect (hint hint) but he isn’t. He’s been having a tough time since his divorce and that was a year ago. He felt stuck in time, in that one place unable to move on. That is, until he meets our heroine, who coincidentally has a major crush on his ex-wife, also a doctor at the same hospital.
What makes this book so special is Eli, the hero, never thinks lowly or feels indifferent to Dorothy’s Asperger’s. Instead he study’s her predicament in a attempt to gain a relationship with her. Dorothy’s doesn’t exactly know how to read certain situations and subjects with emotion. She has trouble with social cues and has a tendency to seem insensitive. As he learns more about her disorder, he finds this is not done purposely.
Driven by her own desire to satisfy her needs but at the same time she wouldn’t hesitate to do anything that would disrupt Eli’s happiness, even knowing that one day he would find her disorder a burden and resent her for it.
But Eli has other plans.
Dorothy never seemed like a person with ASD to me. I found myself liking Dorothy despite her awkward and unapologetic attitude. She is only part of the reason you should read this book.
What an OK read!!!!(you’ll get that later *wink*) The uniqueness, quirkiness and deliciousness of this story makes it PERFECTLY ADEQUATE for a spectacular read and you really shouldn’t miss this one.
Ever since I started reading Jewel’s stories, I promised myself to read all her books, so when I knew about her new romcom, I wanted to read it as soon as possible! Jewel has literally made me cry so many times with her books, that I deserve that she makes me laugh too, and trust me that she did with russ book. This story was hilarious and unexpected too. This is one of things I love about this author, the surprise factor. When you think you’re getting comfy for a romance comedy *BAM* you realize we’re talking about Jewel Ann and with her we have to expect the unexpected.
Dr. Elijah Hawkins is still in pain after the failure of his marriage, he can’t figure out what went wrong in his marriage and he thinks he won’t be able to move on, until he meets Dorothy Mayhem. I’ve never loved a female character so much! She is full of kindness, she’s so hilarious, kinda quirky and extremely honest. The banter between them both was priceless! I wish it was a movie so I can see their faces.
I really don’t want to give more of this story, it was addictive from the beginning because it was full of joy. I’ve never felt this much love for characters before they were so much like us that you can relate with them easily. And of course the author had to make me cry at least a little bit so I can assure you that you will feel ALL THE FEELS. If you want to read something unique, something different that will leave you full of joy and think that there’s still hope in this world. You really need this book in your life!
3 stars. Perfectly Adequate was an interesting and original read for me. Parts of it I liked, but parts of it I did not love. This book is Eli and Dorothy’s story. Dorothy Mayhem has Asberger’s/ASD. She is a transport nurse at the hospital where Eli is a child oncologist. They meet there and Eli is smitten with her. Eli is one year post-divorce from his ex, another doctor at the hospital. His marriage ended unexpectedly when his wife left him, which blind sided him and left him confused on why, even now a year later. Eli wants to pursue a relationship with Dorothy, but she is not an easy person to understand or get involved with. Still, he is willing to be patient and go to whatever lengths he needs to be with her.
The writing is very good in the book and the story is different than anything I have read. Dorothy is not the first character I have read with Asberger’s/ASD. I know people that have this diagnosis as adults in real life. But when I read about a character like that in a book, I always have trouble connecting with the character. Dorothy, especially, felt very childlike and I have a hard time imagining her as an adult in sexual situations. I was not sure about her character at all at first, but as the book went on, I grew to like her more and to like her and Eli together. Eli is a typical adult, but he is drawn to Dorothy’s personality and her honesty from the moment he meets her. He adored her so much.
There is a good bit of OW drama in this book. When the book begins, Eli is divorced from his ex-wife and has been for a year. But he still wants her back and doesn’t understand why she left him. They still have to see each other at work, because they both work at the same hospital, and they share a son together. When he meets Dorothy, she is very much the opposite of his ex and he sees her as a breath of fresh air. He sees a future with her and doesn’t pine after his ex. But there comes a time when his ex decides she wants him back and that causes a ton of drama. They do get back together for a good period of time and I hated that. He does eventually get back together with Dorothy, but I was not at all pleased with how that all went down. It definitely took away from the relationship and feelings that Eli and Dorothy had built. I lost some respect for Eli that he let all of that happen. He was too passive and let his ex manipulate him. I hated the angst and messiness and I doubted that there would be a HEA for the couple. The thing that happened that was a catalyst for Dorothy and Eli getting back together did not make me happy either (view spoiler) . There was not enough resolution after that and it happened right at the end. I needed to see them together again for longer to see how their relationship ended up and believe in their HEA.
But there are some things I did like about the book. I liked how much Eli liked and appreciated Dorothy at her weirdest. There is some nice moments of humor as well. I also liked Eli’s little boy and his interactions with Dorothy. I did find the book very unique and I was definitely sucked into the story. I was happy that Eli and Dorothy were able to eventually make their relationship work and find happiness together.
Overall, this was an interesting read. I think it just comes down to the fact that I could not identify or connect to Dorothy’s character, coupled with the drama with Eli’s ex, that kept me from fully loving this book. Still, it was not a bad read. It kept me invested and entertained. While this is not my favorite Jewel E. Ann book, I am still a fan and I look forward to what else she comes up with in the future.
I absolutely loved this book. Perfectly Adequate touched something deep inside me. I felt everything reading this book. Dorothy is one of the best characters I’ve ever read. She’s funny, honest, has absolutely zero filter, she’s obsessive and quirky, so very random and I loved her to bits. Eli is a very, very special man. He’s at god status to me. This guy had me swooning all the swoons. He’s pure perfection.
This book left me with a feeling of hopefulness. I felt so good while I was reading this book. Content. This book is so sweet, you’re going to feel yourself falling in love with these characters as they fall for each other. These two are just so perfect for each other but it’s obvious it’s never going to be smooth sailing. I wasn’t expecting this to be as funny as it was. I laughed so much, I was having to give my partner a play by play as I was reading. It’s a rare thing for me to discuss what I’m reading with my partner but I couldn’t help myself when I was reading this. I had to share the numerous funny things that occur and as someone who lives with some of these things on a daily basis I could really connect with Dorothy, her parents and Eli.
I don’t have the words to do this story or it’s characters justice. But if you only read one book this year, I beg you to make it Perfectly Adequate. This book is superbly written, there’s obviously a lot of experience or/and thought been put into these characters and it shows. They really are two of the easiest to love characters I’ve ever read. Another top read from Ms Ann and a definite must read.
I just finished this amazing book, but this “okay” author, (I’m not dissing the author by saying she’s “okay”, when you read the book, you will understand). How can I “adequately” write a review for such a Perfectly (more than) Adequate story? I don’t know, but I will try to put my thoughts.
Dorothy Mayhem (gah this last name is so befitting) is just a breath of fresh air and if more humans were like Dorothy, we would be living in a much better world. Without giving too much away because you as a reader need to experience and understand the likes of one Ms. Dorothy Mayhem, her quirks and other things that I refuse to mention in this review, will make you fall in love with you, just like Dr. Eli Hawkins did. He has been angry and pining for the wife that left him, and divorced him, but they are raising the cutest little boy, Roman (a/k/a Romeo, per Dorothy). Until he meets the likes of Dorothy Mayhem. Mayhem that he didn’t want him his life, but he soon couldn’t live without the mayhem until the ex-wife that left him, wants back in his and Ronan’s life. Okay I’m going to stop it there.
You haven’t lived if you haven’t read a Jewel E. Ann book. She has a way with her research and attention to detail regarding her main characters that it doesn’t feel you’re reading fictional character, but rather someone you want to be friends with and love. Her leading men too, are just so delicious and loving that you want them to be your read boyfriend/husband. Of course, Jewel will give you that moment wherein you don’t know how many boxes of tissues will come, or why you suddenly want to throw things around. That’s what makes her, to me anyway, a great writer.
I also love that this is this third book with a character that has the traits Dorothy has (again, you need to read to know what I am talking about). She did it with humor but with lots of love and feelings.
Look I can continue to sing the praises of Jewel E. Ann in large tangents, but when reading Perfectly Adequate, all I ask, read with an open mind, so get “annoyed” (yeah I really need to stop reading other reviews because …. well let’s just say I’m not thinking very nice things). Anyway, have a laugh or two and some tears at the ready. This book doesn’t disappoint.
Darling, I’m so in love with Perfectly Adequate by Jewel E. Ann. I’m in love with the storyline, I’m in love with the characters and I’m in love with Jewel E. Ann’s writing
Perfectly Adequate is a book that will transform a smile on your lips. It’s a beautiful, sweet book with the right amount of humor.
And of course romance.
This book touched me. Grabbed me and sucked me into Dr. Elijah Hawkins and Dorothy’s world.
Jewel E. Ann once again delivers. Perfectly Adequate is a five star read that reminds you that we’re all human.
What I love so much about Jewel E. Ann’s writing, is the variety she gives us with her books. Perfectly Adequate has a unique storyline, one I haven’t had the chance to discover enough off. And a book that doesn’t look like any of her other stories.
There need to be more books that deal with certain topics like in Perfectly Adequate. You’ll understand what I’m talking about once you dive into the greatness of Jewel E. Ann’s writing.
The characters are sublime as well. They’re in-depth, unique in every sense of the word and loveable. They feel extremely real. And clearly, the main characters were written just for each other.
Dorothy Mayhem is all kind of greatness. She’s kind, smart and has a heart as huge as the sun. But Dorothy is autistic and this makes her downright honest, difficult with changing up her routine and engaging in conversations. We get a clear view into her mind and I couldn’t love her. She’s adorable, awkward and human. And when her eyes fall on the most handsome doctor at work her mind gets completely occupied by Dr. Elijah Hawkins.
And dang did I wish that he was my doctor. There’s nothing as hot as a good looking, handsome, sexy doctor. Elijah had my heart and he still has it. Not only did I imagine him being way too hot, but he was also kind, patient and just a good human being. And he came with a bonus which was his adorable three-year-old son, Roman.
But not all went as planned in Eli’s life. The woman he believed to spend the rest of his life with divorced him. And his heart turned a bit bitter until the adorable Dorothy crashed into his life. And that is the start of an amazing story filled with heartwarming moments.
A story I couldn’t get enough of. The things that happened in this book are just meant to steal your heart. Pure perfection is what I call it. Jewel E. Ann did a marvelous job with this one. Her writing is once again a reason why I can give this book five stars. She made me connect with the main characters. Made me ship them more than anything. She took me away from this world and into a fictional one.
The painful and hard parts get their spotlight as well. Every great story needs that and that makes it even better when everything turns out just right!
Perfectly Adequate is a story that will leave you with pure happiness. It’s filled with moments where you can do only one thing and that is smile. Jewel E. Ann gives us another wonderful story filled with unique characters and great writing. If you aren’t yet introduced to her then this is absolutely the way to start.
4.5 Stars!
Dr. Elijah Hawkins is an accomplished pediatric oncologist in Portland who is now a divorced single dad after his wife of fifteen years leaves him. He thought she was his forever, and now he has to start from scratch with this dating thing. After a year alone, he knows he needs to move on, but he’s out of practice. Then he meets a beautiful, quirky woman named Dorothy Mayhem whose friendly smile brightens his day. She’s uncensored, unexpected, and refreshingly honest. He can’t stop thinking about her, and wants to get to know her better. He attempts to ask her out, but signals get crossed, and he ends up inviting her for endless playdates with his son. He’s fascinated with her and formed a slight obsession. She makes him feel like a teenager again, and their undeniable chemistry feels new and promising.
Dorothy Mayhem is a patient transporter, and a nursing student who has poor social etiquette and loves spending time with her animals. She isn’t prepared when she crosses paths with Dr. Hottie Hawkins, the sexy, successful doctor whose breakup has been the topic at the hospital for months. He’s even more gorgeous up close, and she’s a little tongue tied. Every time they speak, this man just gets her. She soon becomes infatuated with him and his adorable son. Something shifts between them as real feelings develop. Will she be his second chance at love, and the one who brings him back to life, or will his ex who also happens to be Dorothy’s idol get in the way?
Perfectly Adequate by Jewel E. Ann is a sexy, single dad, second chance romantic comedy that is laugh out loud funny and captivating! I really enjoyed this book, and love this author’s writing. This story was a unique, heartwarming treat!
Perfectly overwhelmed!
Jewel E Ann continuously pulls at my heart strings again and again! I absolutely love the story and I fell in love with both Dorothy and Eli.
This story meant so much more to me than just words! I felt every emotion, I could vividly visualize every thought and I could hear just as they spoke as if seeing scenes in a movie. I really love this story in more ways than I can express!
I hit close to home for me personally but yet it was uniquely in JEA fashion…. Simply beautiful, heartfelt, realistically empathetic!
Although not my favorite Jewel book, this story is intriguing. Jewel wrote it with her unique style and as always, her twists and turns that make your heart happy, make your heart break, make your heart stop beating, and then to complete the circle, make your heart happy – overjoyed, really.
Dr Elijah Hawkins’ life has been turned upside down. His wife had a midlife crisis and left him, taking their small son with her. Now he comes home to no one, except every other week when he has his son. Still he’s having to do a lot of adjusting, none that he ever wanted to do and doesn’t understand why he has to.
Dorothy, oh my, what can we say about Dorothy? Dorothy doesn’t exactly fit in the norm but she studies hard, television and books, to try and fit in with her peers. Sometimes it works, sometimes not so much. When the most handsome doctor at the hospital suddenly starts inserting himself into her life, it could only be because he needs a babysitter for his son. Surely someone like him wouldn’t be interested in someone like her. Not to mention, his ex-wife, her idol, is fabulous, sexy, smart, the mother of his son, why would he want Dorothy over her?
But you never know how life will turn and what speed bumps will be thrown in your road. Grab Perfectly Adequate and it will be “fine”
I’m on the fence with this one.
I was hooked from the beginning. Absolutely loved the storyline. I felt that Dorothy was handled with such grace and divinity.
Everyone was phenomenal until it wasn’t..
I did not like Julie and Elijah was disappointing.
I hated the last 10%. I’m completely frustrated by him and Julie.
I won’t say more or spoil it. It was a magnificent read until the end.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 4/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 4/5
Secondary Characters~ 4/5
The Feels~ 4/5
Pacing~ 4/5
Addictiveness~4/5
Angst~ 4/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 4/5
Theme or Tone~ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 4/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 4/5
Originality~ 4/5
Ending~ 3.5/4
Book Cover~ Whimsical
Series~ stand-alone
Source~ Kindle eBook – ARC for honest review
In all of the books that I’ve ever read in my lifetime, I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a character quite like Dorothy Mayhem. There were times she had me laughing out loud or cringing from embarrassment or frustrated as hell. She’s unique; she’s quirky; she’s selfless; she’s loving; she’s perfectly adequate.
Jewel, I am in complete awe of you. You created this unbelievable character and you brought her to life with your words. Each time I sat down to read more of this story, I was completely immersed within seconds. Apparently I missed a few conversations happening around me, but what can I say? Dorothy deserved my undivided attention. I have never met anyone else quite like her and I realize I said “met” like she’s real, but, to me, she is. And I will never forget her. In fact, I’m certain I’ll be visiting her again and again.
I give this incredible story 5+ ‘okay’
Perfectly Adequate = One Perfectly delightful Story! I fell hard for Dr. Eli and Dorthy. This beautiful love story is a charming, yet sometimes awkward, but always heartwarming. I completely adored Dorothy and I swear I read the entire book with a huge a grin on my face, well, except for the angsty parts where Jewel E Ann had me in tears. Mrs. Ann always has way of blending humor, emotion and romance in way that makes her books UNPUTDOWNABLE! I really enjoyed this book so much! 5 Sparkling stars for me! I highly recommend this book and any others written by Jewel E Ann!
Perfectly Adequate was perfectly amazing! In this story we meet Dorothy who works at a hospital as a patient transporter. Dorothy is a super nice, quirky, fun loving girl. She thinks Dr. Elijah Hawkins is really hot, but is slow to pick up on the fact that he’s interested in her. Dr. Hawkins is a recently divorced, single dad, and pediatric oncologist. He’s having a hard time getting over his ex wife and decides to try dating. After a run in with Dorothy he asks her out. But he’s so out of practice with saying that she thinks he wants her to babysit for him. I honestly loved everything about this story. It made me laugh a lot. I’ve already mentioned how awesome Dorothy is, she may seriously be one of the most selfless characters I’ve ever “met.” Eli is was a great guy too. He was an amazing father, and I loved how he treated Dorothy. This was a wonderful story that I highly recommend. I honestly think everyone who enjoys reading will enjoy this book.
Elijah thought he had everything he wanted in life. Until the day everything changed, time hasn’t changed anything. He doesn’t think he’ll ever love again then he meets Dorthy. Dorthy is different then any other woman he’s met but that makes him want her more. Only one problem Dorthy isn’t easily convinced. Can he change her mind? Can she be the one to change his life?
With Perfectly Adequate, Jewel E. Ann takes a timeout from her signature heartbreaking and mind-blowing stories to deliver a lighter romance. Notice that I said lighter because Jewel doesn’t do straight-up rom coms. This is a comedy with a bittersweet edge – a dramedy, if you will.
I am a sucker for two character types: oddball heroines and single parents. This story has both. I fell hard for Dr. Elijah Hawkins and the aptly named Dorothy Mayhem. Their opposites attract love affair is awkward and charming.
Eli is a devoted single father, a level-headed man who loves fiercely but is hurting and insecure following a contentious divorce. His palpable pain broke my heart, but I love the complexity of his relationship with his ex-wife. The story is wonderfully painted in grays, so don’t expect his ex to be a one-dimensional caricature villain. Little Roman! Every moment shared with his adorable toddler son is another opportunity to swoon.
Dorothy is a delightful bundle of quirks, of which her emus and color coordinated sneaker collection are only a small part. She is unpredictable, honest to a fault, and highly inappropriate at times. Having Aspergers results in her missing social cues that others take for granted, and I appreciated having a real sense of her frustration. Dorothy’s relationship with Eli’s son is a big highlight.
I did find some aspects to be predictable and I had issues with the plot toward the end. However, I highly recommend this refreshing story. I received a complimentary copy to voluntarily read.
4 More than Adequate stars!!
Perfectly Adequate by Jewel E. Ann is quite simply a great read. It gave me all the feels. Heartwarming, swoon charming feels. A truly romantic love story about a single dad left to raise his young son alone and the younger woman who befriends both of them.
This story left me with a smile on my face and feeling just a little sad that it was over.
This is a One-Clicker. Grab yours today!!
Jewel E. Ann is not only one of my all time favorite writers but she is also one of the most versatile authors in the romance genre. All of her novels seem to combine several sub-genres into an entertaining and emotional reading experience that readers remember long after the last page has been read. I predict that Perfectly Adequate is going to touch many readers in a very personal way.
The best way to describe this novel is the full “human experience” in all of it’s glorious imperfections that make it absolutely wondrous !
Dr. Elijah Hawkins has experienced the worst kind of heartbreak when he and his wife divorced. His perfect marriage fell apart in an instance when his wife decided she no longer wanted to be married. There wasn’t any reason other than she needed to be someone else rather than the person she had been all her life. She needed to change her life completely. The only thing that didn’t change was her love for their young son. Now Elijah is dealing with heartbreak, trying to figure out what he did wrong so that he can fix it. He’s a healer and he wants to heal his broken marriage until he meets the hospital’s patient transporter Dorothy Mayhem. Dorothy is a ray of sunshine in his gloomy world. The trouble is that he doesn’t know how to date and wooing her isn’t easy. Dorothy is special because she is on the autism spectrum. Her life is balanced by her lists, her sense of order, and her unique personality. Just because she moves through life on her own specific terms does not mean she can’t be a lover, a partner, a friend, or a parent. She just has to do it at her pace.
Elijah loves everything about Dorothy. He’s not put off by autism and he’s not put off by her peculiar habits. He finds her quirks endearing and values her honesty. Her capacity to love with all of her being makes his world a better place.
The ex-wife is starting to see what she lost and wants her husband back. Can Dorothy sacrifice her love for Elijah and his son so that they can rebuild their family. The choice may not be Dorothy’s at all. They all have to listen to their hearts and stay true to themselves. They are all a part of the human spectrum.
This novel was a not only a beautiful romance but also a beautiful showcase of humanity. I highly recommend reading this Perfectly Adequate by Jewel E. Ann.
4/5 STARS
My love for Jewel E. Ann’s books is not a secret anymore, I’ve read them all, so this one is no exception.
I expected a sweet, swoon-worthy romcom, but Jewel being…. Jewel, I knew she would have some drama in store for Dorothy and Eli.
I laughed a lot, I mean, Dorothy’s mind and her lack of filter made sure of it, and they also were really beautiful moments.
My biggest “issue” was some Eli’s “decision” (remember, this is Evil Jewel we’re talking about!!! ), but all in all, I was totally invested in this love story.
So, if you haven’t already, grab this book and enjoy the ride through awkwardness, love, and a very refreshing vision of our world.
Dorothy’s last name is Mayhem, after all!
***ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review***
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So much more than adequate or fine! This book checks all the boxes; Unique, steamy, unpredictable, romantic and emotional. All the ingredients to an amazing Jewel E Ann book. Love love loved Dorothy Mayhem and Eli’s story
I received an ARC.
I devoured this book. I couldn’t put it down. It hit so close to home for me. It’s definitely something that I haven’t read before, and I cherished it. Jewel hit the ball out of the park with this one. Got me laughing so hard, and by the time I know, I’m bawling my eyes out.
Elijah’s a doctor. His wife walked out on him and his son. Dorothy is an autistic nurse transporter who is attracted to Elijah, but his ex-wife is her idol. I LOVE Dorothy so much. There were so many times she made everything awkward, but it’s because of her autism that made her the way she is. Elijah couldn’t help but fall in love with her. She brought happiness back into his life. But what will they do when Elijah’s wife want to get back together with him? Dorothy was just too sweet. I just wished Elijah would have made a better decision first. I highly recommend this!!! From the books that I’ve read from Jewel, I don’t think there’s any that I haven’t cried.