REVIEW: Searching for Perfect by Jennifer Probst

In Searching for Perfect (Searching For #2) by Jennifer Probst, Kennedy Ashe absolutely loves her job as social director at Kinnections matchmaking service, which she co-owns, helping people find true love. She may not really believe she herself will ever find that someone who will make her settle down, but it’s satisfying to watch her clients do so. But the moment Kennedy meets aerospace engineer Nate Dunkle, all bets are off. He understands her on a level she can’t even fathom, and beneath his geeky exterior lies a smoldering man ready to make her steamiest dreams come true. Can she trust Kate and Arilyn’s (her BFF’s and business partners) advice to do what feels right for a change and see where things lead with Nate?

‘The fascinated, intense look on his face thrilled her. Had a man ever looked at her so…hungrily? As if he intended to feast on her for hours without end?’

Nate Ellison Raymond Dunkle is ready to find his soul-mate and settle down. He’s had a tremendously successful career in aerospace engineering, first with NASA and now in the private sector. But he’s been missing that special connection with a woman who can fulfill his life. Nate’s done his research so he decides to give Kinnections a try. He didn’t realize he would fall instantly for his matchmaker before he ever goes on his first date. Probably not the smartest thing he’s ever done. But Nate won’t give up trying to prove to Kennedy that they are destined to be together and can enrich each others lives in so many wonderful ways.

‘Kennedy was with him to find his soul-mate. Crushing on her wouldn’t help either of them. They shared a similar past and understood one another on a different level. And he wanted to sleep with her. Bad.’

Holy. Hotness. Searching for Perfect far exceeded my expectations for book two in the Searching For series. And the bar was set quite high by Kate and Slade’s romance in book one, Searching for Someday. This proves once and for all that nerds are indeed sexy!

Jennifer Probst has solidified herself as one of my go-to authors with this novel. To me, her writing style is reminiscent of Bella Andre or Susan Mallery, full of passion & fire, and with lighthearted moments perfectly balanced in with the serious. The way the scenes were set up, they completely wrapped me up in the emotions of each character until I could understand exactly where they were coming from. Not an easy feat to accomplish, but done outstandingly well here.

Kennedy and Nate were very easy characters to relate to, at least for me, thanks to similar childhood issues that I’m sure others will share as well. Being bullied can do a number on us not only physically, but mentally and emotionally also. And we see the effects in how Kennedy and Nate handle themselves and their relationships well into adulthood. I thought it was very realistic that Nate saw in Kennedy her inner struggles and knew just the right way to draw out her true self. He was such a positive influence on her, so protective and caring…how could she not fall for him?

And who would have thought that rocket scientists–I mean, aerospace engineers–could have such dirty mouths? Nate and Kennedy’s love scenes were so erotic and crazy sexy that I swear there was steam rising off my kindle. The scene where he prepares food for her and then feeds her while she’s blindfolded was so damn hot. *whew* I also loved the fact that Kennedy was the one who was pushing away a romantic relationship instead of Nate. She just wanted the physical connection without emotional ties. The role-reversal added a nice twist to the storyline. My only point of contention was Connor, Nate’s brother. I know he was the antagonist in the story, but boy did he tick me off a few times!! lol

I could go on and on about the greatness that is Searching for Perfect. But suffice it to say that this contemporary romance is going on my keeper shelf to stay. Nicely done, Ms. Probst!

Book Info:

Published April 29th 2014 by Gallery Books

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?