Searching for Perfect (Searching For #2) by Jennifer Probst
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Gallery Books (Simon & Schuster)
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: ARC from Netgalley
Goodreads • Amazon
The highly anticipated second novel in the new Searching For series from Jennifer Probst, "one of the most exciting breakout novelists" (USA Today)—a spin-off of the bestselling Marriage to a Billionaire series—featuring a sexy matchmaker, and the rocket scientist who becomes her special project…
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?
I was very excited when I found out about the continuation of this series. And getting an ARC of it? Even better! There may even have been happy dancing involved... But, that's beside the point. Searching for Perfect follows Kennedy, one of Kate's business partners we were introduced to in Searching for Someday. The Kinnections team is just as fun and charming as they were in the first book. They also seem to be developing a bit of a penchant for falling for clients... But would we really have it any other way?
Our leading lady this time around is Kennedy, Kinnections' no-nonsense, kick-ass social director. With a healthy dose of attitude and a bit of an obsession with aesthetics, she seems like no one can touch her. But, of course, that's not really the case. We got a little glimpse into the tougher parts of her childhood in the first book, but now we find out the details of her warped self-image. The struggles Kennedy has overcome are really quite heartbreaking and scarring, more so than I'd expected. It's not hard to understand her insecurities given the past experiences that come to light, but it doesn't make it any less difficult to witness. At their basis, they're feelings a lot of girls and women have at some point in their life. It meant I couldn't help but feel for her, even when I wanted to shove her in a different direction (hint: towards a certain awkwardly endearing aerospace engineer...).
Oh, Nate. Nate is sweet, sexy, and so awkwardly cute I can't stand it! Nerd boys are kind of a weakness for me, but I think that's my inner-engineer showing. He was certainly a bit of an over-the-top characterization of a nerd, but I couldn't help but to love him! His awkwardness was a little outrageous while still making him adorable, and the devotion he has to finding someone to spend his life with is nothing short of swoon-worthy. You couldn't help but root for him through the progression of his transformation, because this is a guy who totally deserves to get the girl...
Ahem... Anyway...
There were parts of the story that were a little more to the ridiculous or cheesy side, but I was so involved in the rest of the story and the characters that I just laughed and rolled my eyes a little right through it. The rough parts were easy to overlook given how much I enjoyed it overall. I'm sure the fact that I'm a science-focused nerd myself didn't hurt...
The progression of the relationship between Kennedy and Nate is a perfect mixture of sweet and steamy. The chemistry between them is rampant and so much fun, but they also really help each other grow. Each has their hang-ups that need to be overcome, and there are some examples of opposites attracting to round out the sharper edges of each person. They complement each other so well, while also having the important things in common. It's kind of supportive relationship that we all hope to have in the end.
Searching for Perfect was, for me, even better than the first book in the series! A snarky, fun heroine and a smart-sexy, nerdy guy are always a winning formula for me! If you enjoyed Searching for Someday, you should read this next book! If you have yet to check out the Searching For series, I highly recommend it. This is one of my favorite romance series at the moment: a great blend of humor, heat, and, well...romance! Be sure to give it a shot!
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 is the NYT and USA Today bestselling author of The Marriage Bargain. She is published both erotic and sexy contemporary romance with Entangled, Decadent, Red Sage and TWRP. She has also written a children's book, Buffy and the Carrot, co-written with her twelve year old niece, along with a short story, "A Life Worth Living." Visit her website for more info!
