Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read this novella in a day. I may have had to lock my bedroom door in order to do so, because you know kids. Kids always know when you are trying to read a good book, or take a bath, or just eat a snack. In all honesty though, this book is the one to grab when you're wanting to take a couple of hours to escape and just power through a book. This book will also help you reach your reading goal if you're needing to do so.
If you're looking for a delightful, light-hearted escape, I highly recommend "Picture Perfect. Naughty Yachties Novella #1" by Margo Dare. This novella offers a charming blend of romance, friendship, and a peek into the glamorous—and not-so-glamorous—world of influencers.
The story follows Isobel, a struggling influencer who finds herself on a trip to the Mediterranean with a swimsuit brand, along with 3 other influencers. She meets Jules, who is the chef on their yacht charter, and is instantly interested and so is he. They share stolen glances and each others time in secret while she is on the charter. Once back on land, her group and the yacht crew meet up at a club and they are finally able to act on their feelings, in an empty restaurant above the club. This was really the only spicy scene in the book, but Margo did a fantastic job setting the scene. From there, their relationship quickly blossoms, sort of fizzles out, and we're given a wonderful happy ending. I hope that Margo Dare plans to expand on Izzy and Jules' love story because I'd love to see how life plays out after Hawaii.
I was immediately drawn to Isobel's relatable struggle between her public and private selves. It's easy to sympathize with her desire to be authentic while also meeting the demands of her career. Jules, with his easygoing charm and unwavering support, is the perfect foil for Isobel's anxious nature.
The first half of the novella sets a delightful pace, with a delightful build-up between Isobel and Jules. While I'm not a lifestyle and beauty influencer, I found the author's portrayal of the lifestyle both believable and intriguing. It offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes realities that often go unseen.
While I enjoyed the overall story, I wish the second half had been paced a bit slower. I felt like there was a lot of potential for deeper character development, particularly in exploring Isobel and Jules' relationship beyond the initial whirlwind of their fake romance. The ending felt rushed, and as mentioned above I would have loved more about their lives and love.
Despite this minor quibble, Picture Perfect is a delightful read that will leave you with a smile. If you're looking for a quick, enjoyable escape, I highly recommend giving it a try.
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