Book Review: Searching for Perfect (Searching For #2) by Jennifer Probst

Searching for Perfect
Searching For #2
By:  Jennifer Probst
Published:  April 29, 2014
Publisher:  Gallery Books
Source:  Publisher
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GR's Summary:

The up-and-coming matchmaking agency Kinnections is the hottest thing to hit Verily, New York—just like Kennedy Ashe, social director for the service she owns with her two best girlfriends. A coach, consultant, and cheerleader rolled into one super-sizzling package, Kennedy creates dream dates, encourages singles to shine, and never refuses a challenge—not even Nate Ellison Raymond Dunkle, rocket scientist, nerd extraordinaire, and Kennedy’s newest client. Kennedy vows to work her magic and transform this hot mess in a lab coat with a disastrous relationship track record into the most wanted man on the Verily dating scene. If only she could turn the wand on herself . . . Though she radiates confidence and sex appeal, Kennedy harbors deep-seated insecurities from a tormented past and lifelong struggle with weight issues. When she realizes she and Nate are cut from the same cloth and might be perfect together, can Kennedy learn to let her heart lead the way? Or will her fears sentence her to the sidelines as Nate finds love—with someone else?

My Thoughts:

The Searching For Series by Jennifer Probst is a spinoff of the Marriage to a Billionaire Series.  I am a huge fan of Ms. Probst, and she never ceases to amaze me with the well crafted and beloved characters that she creates, as well as the addictive story lines that hook me every single time.  She is a master at her craft, on my auto-buy list, and top favorite authors list.  Each story from her Marriage to a Billionaire Series, as well as her Searching For Series can be read as a stand alone.  They are companion novels where we have a central cast of characters, but each book focuses on a different characters love story.  In Searching for Beautiful, we got Kate's story, and in Searching for Perfect we get Kate's good friend and co-business partner, Kennedy's story.  

In the Searching For Series, three good friends, Kate, Kennedy, and Arilyn start a matchmaking business called Kinnections.  Kate handles the financial aspect, Kennedy handles the social events and makeovers, and Arilyn handles the counseling aspect.  There is also a bit of a magical element in these stories that I absolutely love.  They make me think of soulmates and fate, when it comes to love.  One such aspect is that Kate is able to recognize if two people belong together by touching both people at the same time.  If she experiences an electrical shock, then they are meant to be.  This is a gift that has been passed down from the women in Kate's family, and nobody knows about it except Kennedy and Arilyn.  Another magical element is that there is a love spell book floating around, and it seems that whenever this spell is performed, whoever completes it, ends up finding their soulmate.  The girls often chalk it up to coincidence, but I am a romantic at heart, and love the idea behind the mystical, and that which cannot always be explained.

In Searching for Perfect, we get to know Kennedy.  She has a lot of insecurities, and an unhealthy relationship with food.  When she was in high school, she was overweight, and had a large bust.  Unfortunately, she was bullied, and sexually harassed.  Her mother was embarrassed by her, and Kennedy started starving herself, resulting in a 40 pound weight loss.  She gave herself a makeover, and downplayed her intelligence.  Afterwards, her mother became proud of her looks, and showed her off. She started getting men's attention, but never engaged in long term relationships.

Kennedy ends up meeting Nathan (Ned/Nate), when he signs up for Kinnections.  Nate is an Aerospace Engineer (he detests being called a Rocket Scientist,) who had dedicated his life to his career, but is lonely, and wants to find love.  When Kennedy see's him, she get's very excited, because he is in need of a serious makeover!  She has been bored with her job, and Nate represents a large challenge.  He wears thick nerd glasses, his skin is carrot orange from self-tannng lotion, his hair covers his eyes and looks like a shaggy dog, he always has stains all over his lab coat and clothing, wears orthopedic shoes, and too much cologne.  To top it off, Nate is a horrible conversationalist, and tends to put his foot in his mouth. Kennedy compares him to Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady with Audrey Hepbern.  Yet, there is something attractive about Nate.  Pretty soon, Kennedy and Nate start spending a lot of time together as she puts him through an extensive makeover, and trains him on what to say and not say to a woman.  They start working out at the gym together, and develop a strong friendship.  Kennedy and Nate share a strong sexual chemistry, and while he wants to engage in a relationship with her, she stubbornly resists, telling him that she would only end up hurting him.

Ms. Probst ia a genius!  She had me falling head over heels for Nate, an adorkable, sweet, sexy, and big hearted man!  Nate was not a typical romantic lead.  He was unique, and very special.  I didn't know how Ms. Probst was going to be able to make me swoon for a character such as Nate.  Yet, she pulled it off flawlessly.  Nate melted my heart little by little, and before I knew it, I was in love.  He studied all of the top women's magazine's and the Kama Sutra, as well as well known erotica.  His number one goal was catering to a woman's needs in every way; mentally, emotionally, and sexually.  He was a loyal brother, an intelligent and hard worker, and extremely selfless and giving.  Little by little, he made Kennedy open up, feel loved for who she was, and comfortable to be herself.  He brought out the best in her, and it was beautiful seeing her transformation.

It was great getting to catch up with Kate, Slade, Arilyn, Wolfe, all of the Conte's and extended family.  I'm glad that even though the Marriage to a Billionaire Series is over, I sill get to see these beloved characters in this new series.  I am looking forward to getting Arilyn's story, as well as Gen's (Kate's best friend's) story.  I cannot stand Gen's fiancee.  He is a selfish and arrogant man.  Gen deserves so much better.  I want her to end up with Wolfe.  I love Wolfe, and have been dying for his story since I met him!  All of these characters are amazing!  I have come to care very deeply for each of them, and they feel like my family.

My Rating:

Searching for Perfect was an enchanting story!  It completely hooked me, and I never wanted it to end.  I laughed, I cried, I swooned, and I sighed.    This story flew by and wove its spell on me.  I give, Searching for Perfect, by Jennifer Probst, 5 Magical, Stunning, Sexual, Romantic, Learning to Love Yourself Filled Stars!  

My Favorite Quote:

"This isn't about me, baby.  It's about you.  I can chase you forever, promise you the world, but until you take the leap with me, I can't win.  I don't just love your body.  I love your incredible mind, and your sweet soul, and your inner strength.  I love the life you built for yourself with your friends and your career.  I love every part of you--good and bad--dark and light--and I want to share it all.  But you have to let me."  (eARC, Loc. 3034)

~Nate

Book Teasers:
Courtesy of Ms. Probst's Facebook Page

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

About Jennifer Probst:

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again. She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon's Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

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