A review by anika222
Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Perfect on Paper gave me 10 Things I Hate about You and Chasing Amy vibes, but it presents a much more updated bisexual experience and is set in an overall more diverse setting!

Darcy's relationship advice is threaded throughout the story and it both hit home for me personally and shed light on the characters and plot. I especially appreciated the lens that relationship advice can only fully be applied by the person inside the relationship - every situation is complex even if there are themes and tools to help us better understand ourselves and others.

The bisexual experience is really well written. Sophie Gonzales uses the trans inclusive definition of bisexual (someone attracted to two or more genders), which as a bisexual and pansexual I really appreciated. The affirmation for bi folks is truly healing and brought me to tears more than once.

And last but certainly not least I loved the story and the romance! A great enemies-to-lovers (really more annoying strangers to friends to lovers, but similar vibes), I loved their dynamic of riling each other up but also just fully appreciating each other for who they are. The story was really interesting and held my attention as Gonzales threaded multiple stories together and made them all fit. Overall a really delightful read.

Representation: bi main character, Asian best friend/love interest, lesbian best friend/love interest, trans woman sister,  various racially diverse side characters, various LGBTQIA+ side characters
Expand filter menu Content Warnings