Finding Perfect: a novella (Hopeless series, 4)

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Hannah is listening intently to every word I say. “When was the last time you kissed her?” she asks. To me, one of the most important parts of growing up (and one of the most important themes of coming-of-age stories) is the acceptance that not everything can be perfect. That there isn’t always a “right answer.” That sometimes you’ll work towards that ideal solution that fixes all the problems, while knowing that it doesn’t really exist, and it’s all just a matter of perspective. I am always a big fan of dual points of view but some authors have trouble differentiating the voices. Kendra, however, did it flawlessly. I absolutely enjoyed seeing both Paige's and Ben's point of view. It adds to their characterization and it helps us relate to both of the characters. I think it also adds to the anticipation of their romance. I can't tell you how many times I [internally] yelled at them for all the miscommunication! At the same time, the way that they saw each other was so touching and beautiful, ugh, it pulled on my heartstrings. I absolutely enjoyed the writing. It was easy to get into and some scenes were written so effectively and wonderfully that they brought me to tears haha. I give her another moment to let it sink in. I know she wasn’t expecting to find out she’s sort of an aunt with a nephew she’ll never meet during a conversation she probably expected to be about something a lot more trivial, like miscommunication with my girlfriend. Alright, so you’re probably wondering why this has been my favorite book in the series even though it’s only a short story. I can tell you, but I’m definitely going to ramble a lot, so bear with me. Honestly, I loved Hopeless. The plot reveals? Freaking mind-blowing. The characters were amazing and the writing was great as always. So why, then, is Finding Perfect my favorite? Because it brought out more emotion in me than any of the other books.

She looks at me pointedly. “I have never liked a single girl you’ve dated until Six. Please go fix this.” The crowd stares at me. Waiting. My mind quiets. I love this moment. The Before. When everything is still and anything is possible. I take a beat to look out at the faces, and then the words flow as I march across the stage. Paige is known as "Perfect Paige" - she gets good grades, she's fourth in her class, she is going to be a doctor like her parents want, and she plans to go the college her parents chose for her. She does everything that's asked of her. When she finds out she's failing calculus and needs help, she literally runs into Ben. Ben is super smart, he's third in their class, he works two jobs to help support himself and his single mom, and he's hoping to get scholarships for college because he can't afford to go without them. Ben is doing really well in calculus and offers to tutor Paige but in return he wants her to help him transform into the type of guy her best friend would notice. Paige's best friend Zoey is gorgeous and all the guys like her. Ben just wants her to notice him - to know that he is somebody. At least, that's what Ben thinks he wants. I do want to talk about it, and Hannah is probably the only person in the world besides Sky and Holder who I would trust with this. But Sky and Holder don’t talk about it because we made them pinky swear they’d never bring it up. Zoey was definitely not what I expected. She is very perceptive and she was interesting. I loved her relationship with Paige. I absolutely loved their friendship. I love how supportive they were of each other. Based on the last chapter, it looks like this book will get a sequel featuring Zoey. If/when that happens, I am very much looking forward to it.The romance… oh you guys I can’t even put into words how good this is, I literally read this in one sitting because I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the delicious angst! As promised Paige starts to give Ben a make over; new hair cut, new clothes and even a delicious car wash scene which I enjoyed a little too much. Soon she starts to realize that Ben is actually perfect for her, even without the make over. Her parents would never approve of Paige being interested in a lower class boy and of course she already has her life planned out for her, she'd can't afford to get distracted. I’m scared if I don’t talk to someone about it, Six and I will be over. And I can’t imagine a life without Six in it now that I’ve had a life with Six in it. Turned out Paige the mc is that best friend of the most popular girl in school, Zoey. So of course, this has that favorite YA/NA trope: angsty-ridden teenage emotions. I nod, but I don’t go into detail with Hannah about the fact that Six and I haven’t had sex since we’ve officially been a couple. That’s no one’s business but ours.

I don't know if Zoey will get her own story after this, but seriously the epilogue just ruins this storyHannah looks up at me like I’ve suggested she murder someone. "Have I ever wanted to play video games with you?"