Picture I’m Perfect is a thoroughly enjoyable romantic read that strikes exactly the right balance — charming, witty and steamy without ever tipping into cringeworthy territory. It is the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with the genre in the first place.
At its heart is Tegan Lloyd, and she is an absolute joy to spend time with. Bold, innovative and fiercely determined, Tegan’s refusal to let a cheating ex-boyfriend and a failing business define her is both refreshing and genuinely inspiring. Her instinct to pivot, to find creative solutions and to bring fun and joy to others in the process makes her a protagonist worth rooting for from the first page. Her friendship with Emma is another highlight — warm, believable and a grounding presence throughout the story.
Into Tegan’s carefully constructed chaos steps Cameron Davis, a photographer whose skill behind the lens is matched only by his arrogance and his deep-seated contempt for all things matrimonial. The push and pull between them crackles with energy, and Lennon handles the dual perspective structure with real confidence. Moving between Cameron and Tegan’s viewpoints allows the reader to inhabit both sides of their growing attraction, making the slow burn all the more satisfying. The chemistry between them feels earned rather than convenient, and the ending delivers in a way that will leave readers more than satisfied.
The one area where the novel falls slightly short is in the unpacking of Cameron’s aversion to weddings and marriage. His feelings on the subject are strong and consistent throughout, and the story behind them is genuinely interesting — but the explanation feels a little disjointed. There is a gap between what Cameron describes witnessing and the conclusion he draws from it, and a single sentence is asked to carry rather a lot of weight in bridging that distance. Given how central his attitude is to the conflict between him and Tegan, a little more depth and care in that backstory would have made his emotional journey feel fully rounded rather than slightly rushed.
That minor criticism aside, Picture I’m Perfect is a warm, witty and well-crafted romance with a leading lady you will not forget in a hurry. Highly recommended.
I award 4.5 stars.
