In a Not-So-Perfect World - by Neely Tubati-Alexander

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"Tubati Alexander is a writer to watch!" --Emily Giffin

The author of Love Buzz follows her acclaimed first novel with a delightful Caribbean-set romp about an ambitious designer of apocalyptic video games with a strategy for (almost) everything who discovers what happens when her best-laid plans go off course . . .

Sloane Cooper is up for her dream job as a designer for a top video game company. During the interview, though, she somehow promises the all-male panel that she'll remain single and fully dedicated to the work. It's actually fine--after her last boyfriend cheated on her, she vowed to focus on her career anyway.

Enter Charlie, aka Hot Neighbor Guy, a near-stranger who shocks her with the offer of an all-inclusive trip to a Turks and Caicos resort. The catch? Charlie originally planned the trip with his ex, and asks Sloane to pose as his new girlfriend to make his old flame come running back. Against her better judgment, Sloane says yes; she can use the time away to develop a game design that will dazzle the Catapult team and get her a job offer.

Despite sparks flying in paradise, the trip can't lead to more. As their connection deepens, Sloane is reminded that she can't fall for Charlie and get knocked off her professional path. Besides, he's trying to win back his true love.

Can Sloane figure out a way to move past heartbreak, land the job of her dreams, and avoid catching feelings? The zombie apocalypse would be easier to solve--at least she's prepared for that.

Review Quotes

"A hot neighbor wants you to pose as his girlfriend to make his ex jealous... in the Caribbean? Sounds perfect. If only the heroine of this anticipated romance novel hadn't accidentally promised her boss that she wouldn't date because she was that dedicated to The Work." -- Cosmopolitan, "The Best Romance Novels to Read in 2024"

"If you can't go to the Caribbean, you can at least read the romance In A Not So Perfect World, which is set in the Caribbean. That's where a video game designer who pledged to her bosses she'd remain single finds herself pretending to be the girlfriend of a man so she can get a free trip and he can win back the woman who dumped him. Then she starts to fall for him? Game over." -- Parade, "Best Summer Beach Reads"

"A delightful take on the forced-proximity and fake-relationship tropes." -- Elle, "The Best (and Most Anticipated) Romance Books of 2024, So Far"

"A sun-soaked romance for fans of Christina Lauren." -- BookBub, Our Ultimate Guide to 2024's Best Beach Reads

"Broken hearts, hot next-door neighbors, and spontaneous vacations animate this enchanting rom-com. . . . Tubati Alexander paces their relationship development perfectly, making their connection feel honest and credible. This is one to be savored." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A stellar romance rich in voice, humor, and expressive writing. A must-read for those who enjoy novels like Emily Henry's People We Meet on Vacation." -- Library Journal (starred review)

"Tubati Alexander proves herself a master of the slow burn as Sloane and Charlie try to fight the feelings they have for each other. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and the tropical beach setting is delightfully romantic while leading to funny moments like a scavenger hunt with other resort guests. . . . A perfectly escapist rom-com." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Funny and sweet. . . the perfect beach read, with a unique gamer flair." -- Booklist

"In a Not So Perfect World is a stunningly addictive love story of self-discovery. Brimming with wit and heart, Alexander's talent sings on every page!" -- Amy Lea, international bestselling author of Exes And O's

"Neely Tubati Alexander does it again, and this time even dreamier than ever. I felt like I was right there with Sloane in beautiful Turks and Caicos, and for a lighthearted vacation read, this tackles some real issues of sexism in the game industry. I loved every second and cheered for Sloane every (mis)step of the way!" -- Jesse Q. Sutanto, author of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

"In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati Alexander was a delight from start to finish. Sloane and Charlie were an easy couple to root for, and it was fun to watch them go from wary traveling companions faking a connection to two people who really understood each other. When I reread this book, let it be on a beautiful tropical beach, please!" -- Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers

"Looking for the perfect escape from our not so perfect world? Neely Tubati Alexander's latest is just what we all need right now--warm weather and romance with the author's signature humor and intelligence. I loved this book!" -- Sarah Jio, New York Times bestselling author of With Love from London and Blackberry Winter

"In A Not So Perfect World is that fantastic mix of smart writing, fun twists, and fate. Neely's voice is just perfect -- reading anything she writes feels like listening to a fantastic story from a best friend. She perfectly portrays the plot twists of life: career shifts, discovering who we really are, and realizing who we need beside us to be our best selves. A truly fun, thought-provoking, coming-of-age read with nods to feminism, In A Not So Perfect World may be the perfect thing to read while inhabiting our own imperfect worlds." -- Zibby Owens, author of Blank and Bookends and host of the podcast Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books

Praise for Love Buzz "For anyone who has ever gritted their teeth through a bachelorette weekend, Love Buzz is the perfect escapist read. . . . A journey into identity, love, fate, and determination, Love Buzz is absolutely delightful." -- Good Morning America on Love Buzz

"An exciting debut novel." -- Pure Wow, "Best Beach Reads of Summer"

"Love Buzz offers readers a delightful story sure to spark moments of thoughtfulness and joy as Serena seeks a life crafted for--and by--herself, which just might include the very charming man she must find again." -- Shelf Awareness

"[An] outstanding debut. . . . Readers will be swept away. . . . Alexander's inclusive representation of diverse backgrounds and sexual identities in lovingly crafted characters with rich and unique personalities is truly impressive. Readers will hope for more from this exciting new romance writer." -- Booklist (starred review)

"A charming debut. . . . Endearing side characters that readers won't get enough of round out this moving tale of embracing life's imperfections. Tubati-Alexander will win plenty of fans with this." -- Publishers Weekly

"Growth, change, and a little bit of luck are at the center of Alexander's romantic debut... well-written... emotionally satisfying... Will appeal to romance readers who like their books with a hefty dose of personal growth and women's fiction aficionados seeking a happily-ever-after." -- Library Journal

"A sparkling debut about grief, love, family, and the road not taken. Neely Alexander asks readers to consider what happens when you open closed doors and step through to the adventure on the other side. I can't wait to read whatever she writes next." -- Allison Winn Scotch, New York Times bestselling author of The Rewind and Cleo McDougal Regrets Nothing

"Love Buzz is a delightful love potion you'll want to drink in one gulp. Warm, tender, and life-affirming, a reminder that chasing love is the most worthwhile pursuit." -- Taylor Hahn, author of The Lifestyle