Nobody's Perfect

A few years ago, the editor-in-chief of a well-known publishing house gave a speech at our chamber of commerce's annual dinner for women in business. She "confessed" that reading romance novels is her favorite form of stress relief. Her talk was so convincing, I vowed to give them a second look. Okay, maybe a third, fourth or fifth look. Let's face it. Romance novels do not have a good reputation among "serious" readers and writers. They're not "literary," whatever that means. And the covers feature shirtless Fabio look-alikes embracing beautiful women in various stages of undress. Our public library shelves them in a separate section and places hot pink stickers on their spines, lest a hapless browser pick one up by mistake. The stickers also identify them to their legions of female fans, who must know something. I enjoyed that editor's speech, but I still didn't read romance novels, until I heard about Pat Ballard's books. She calls them "motivational romances" with Big, Beautiful Heroines. Curious, I picked up a copy of Nobody's Perfect and spent several hours intrigued and enthralled. In the novel, the love interests are Nella Covington and Samuel L. duCannon. Are those perfect names for a romance or what? Nella is a young woman in her mid-twenties who has long since given up trying to be thin. She takes good care of herself, eats healthy foods and exercises. The women in her family were heavy and she is no exception. But Nella goes beyond just accepting herself. In this novel, she uses her size to her advantage. We see her save a child from drowning by using her strong arms and skillful swimming. She helps a young wife frustrated by constant dieting make herself over with makeup, a new hairdo and clothes, without losing a single pound. When the woman worries she might go back to feeling discouraged about gaining weight, Nella gives her a gentle pep talk. "You see what you can be if you want to, and it's your decision whether you spend your days looking your best, or looking your worst. That's a decision we all have to make each day. You're no different than anyone else." Of course, romance novels have a predictable formula. That's why so many women love them; it's reassuring to know the good characters will win. After a few adventures and problems, the heroine always gets the good guy, and this book delivers that, too. But first, we have evil in-laws, a family home in jeopardy and a little boy who needs a mother. Nowhere does Nella play the helpless female. She is strong yet vulnerable, powerful yet seductive. And Pat Ballard sure knows how to write a good sex scene. Be forewarned: this story is definitely rated R, and the heroine's large size adds to her attractiveness. What a switch from the message aimed at women in magazines and television! Although the ending was pre-ordained (remember, it's a romance novel), I didn't guess how the author would wrap it up. I lost myself in the story and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. In o

I loved the story and how Sam the snobby business man lures Nella into falling in love with his child and ends up falling in love with her. Especially love the part where they end up in Kentucky for the winter. Great book read it in one sitting and than reread it the next day.

Nella is so kind, beautiful, strong and loving, the reader falls in love with her immediately. The fact that she is "plus-size" is dealt with in such a manner that her being big is, indeed, a plus. Sam, the single father of three-year-old Jake, is handsome, wealthy and likes his women thin. But he, too, can't help but fall in love with Nella. In Nobody's Perfect, Ballard has created a heroine who has learned to love herself despite living in a society that inundates us with the message that thin is better. Ballard addresses stereotyping without preaching. Very quickly, size is no longer a character in this fun, fast-paced romance that the reader will love.

Once again another book by Pat that I just cant put down.If you plan on getting this book and reading a few chapters,forget about it..If you start the book before bedtime plan on being up late.She takes you through all different emotions and wishing you were there..I love the characters because that is how each one of us feels at times.Wishing and wanting!!!!Read and found out who Jake is (MY HERO)

It`s a love story of two people looking for love but don`t plan on letting it happen. But with the love they both have for a child and all the excitement they find themselves into, they grow to fall in love. The love and sex they both find is too much for them. The story keeps you wanting more! It`s very exciting!! And it is written with very good taste. The more Pat writes the better her books get. She has a very gifted talent! It is good reading for all. I loved it and I love her, she is a dear best friend of mine, and I am very proud of her.