Halfway Perfect – Julie Cross and Mark Perini – Sourcebooks Fire – Published 5 May 2015
♥♥♥♥
Synopsis
Eve’s time as a fashion model nearly destroyed her-now she’s determined to build a career behind the camera lens. But landing a coveted photography internship brings her face to face with her dark past-and her ex.
While Eve is snapping pictures, up-and-coming male model Alex is launching his career-which, for him, involves maintaining a fake relationship with his (secretly) underage co-star, Elana.
But Alex is falling for Eve, and Eve won’t let herself get hurt again. If Alex can pull off a fake love with Elana, can he convince Eve to risk a secret affair with him?
My thoughts
Julie Cross has once again written a beautiful book that is equally touching and swoon worthy. In Halfway Perfect, Julie Cross has teamed with Mark Perini whose writing style and experience in the fashion industry brings an honesty to the characters and a depth to the story.
Eve walked away from a successful and expanding career as a model and was determined never to look back. But an opportunity to study under a great photographer leads Eve straight back into the world of fashion. There is she confronted by her old agent, a young model whose story seems far too similar to her own, and an up and coming model, Alex, whose own career is taking off. As sparks begin to form between Alex and Eve, the two must decide what they truly want from their lives and what they will sacrifice to achieve their dreams.
Halfway Perfect is a mix between young adult and new adult as the characters span between high school and college. It’s mature and yet fresh. The chapters alternated between Alex and Eve. Alex describes himself as charming and manipulative. I prefer hot, gorgeous (he is a model after all, and there are scenes where he is modelling underwear only – just warning you), charming, boy-next-door sweet, kind and has a depth to him that draws Eve to him. Eve is refreshing as a narrator and character. Having been burned by her family and the fashion world alike, she struggles to trust – herself most of all.
Halfway Perfect feels like a more grown-up version of Threads by Sophia Bennett and fans of her book The Look will also appreciate this newest forage into the world of fashion and modelling. Halfway Perfect is neither judgemental or blinded. The word I keep returning to is honest (well, in my opinion, having no experience at all in this industry, but it feels honest).
I loved this book. I love all Julie Cross’ books. I loved the plot – the mix of drama, swoony romance and touching moments. I loved the characters – their depth and voices. I loved the chemistry between Alex and Eve, which fairly sizzles. I loved the secondary characters, everyone from Eve’s photography mentor to Alex’s sweet and spunky sister. And I loved the balance between the superficial, self-centred world of fashion with the serious issues this book touches upon, like abusive relationships.
This is a book about following your dreams, standing up for yourself, looking our for others and finding your place.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
More information
Category: Young adult fiction
Genre: Contemporary.
Age guide: 14 and up.
Themes: Romance. Fashion and modelling. Social issues.
Published: 5 May 2015 by Sourcebooks Fire.
Format: Paperback. 384 pages.
Author’s website: Julie Cross and Mark Perini.
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