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thebookishnarwhal 's review for:
The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist
by Sophie Gonzales
Readers are invited to experience a delightful queer romance, blending the magic of fandom with the complexities of teenage relationships. In ”The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist" by Sophie Gonzales, a dash of whimsy and a sprinkle of heart create a story that will resonate with fans of love, friendship, and the unexpected.
Meet Ivy. She’s an ardent fan of the television show Hot, Magical, and Deadly (H-MAD). Her obsession with the show borders on the fanatical, and her crush on Mackenzie, her ex–best friend, only adds to the drama. When Ivy accidentally manifests Weston Razorbrook, the dreamy main character from H-MAD, into her bedroom during a thunderstorm, her life takes an unexpected turn. But here's the twist: Weston is straight out of Ivy's romantic fan-fiction, complete with all the tropes she adores. Unfortunately, real life doesn't always follow the script, and Ivy soon discovers that the turbulent man from her stories isn't as dreamy as she imagined.
Meet Mackenzie. She’s the former best friend of Ivy, who turned reluctant partner in managing the magical mess. As they navigate the chaos of Weston's presence, Ivy grapples with her feelings for him, despite Mack's insistence that Weston should vanish back into the fictional world. The tension between Ivy and Mack is palpable, and their dynamic shifts from friends to enemies and, perhaps, to something more.
Gonzales's portrayal of queer protagonists is refreshing. Ivy's white identity and Mack's Black identity add depth to their interactions, highlighting the complexities of friendship, attraction, and self-discovery. While the romance blooms against the backdrop of fandom magic, the story occasionally feels superficial. The plot-driven narrative could have benefited from deeper character development and a more vivid setting. Ivy's reactions to Weston's sudden appearance sometimes strain believability, but the charm of the premise keeps readers engaged.
At its core, The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist celebrates the messiness of love. You know: the imperfect, the unexpected, and the magical. Gonzales weaves humour, heart, and a touch of whimsy into a tale reminding us that even when our fantasies collide with reality, there's beauty in the chaos.
The novel's LGBTQ+ representation is commendable, and Gonzales deftly explores themes of identity, friendship, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. Whether you're a seasoned fanfic writer or simply someone who believes in the magic of unexpected connections, this book will leave you with a smile.
This is a cute, if lightly developed, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance offering a delightful climb through fandom, friendship, and the messy magic of love.
Thank you to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Meet Ivy. She’s an ardent fan of the television show Hot, Magical, and Deadly (H-MAD). Her obsession with the show borders on the fanatical, and her crush on Mackenzie, her ex–best friend, only adds to the drama. When Ivy accidentally manifests Weston Razorbrook, the dreamy main character from H-MAD, into her bedroom during a thunderstorm, her life takes an unexpected turn. But here's the twist: Weston is straight out of Ivy's romantic fan-fiction, complete with all the tropes she adores. Unfortunately, real life doesn't always follow the script, and Ivy soon discovers that the turbulent man from her stories isn't as dreamy as she imagined.
Meet Mackenzie. She’s the former best friend of Ivy, who turned reluctant partner in managing the magical mess. As they navigate the chaos of Weston's presence, Ivy grapples with her feelings for him, despite Mack's insistence that Weston should vanish back into the fictional world. The tension between Ivy and Mack is palpable, and their dynamic shifts from friends to enemies and, perhaps, to something more.
Gonzales's portrayal of queer protagonists is refreshing. Ivy's white identity and Mack's Black identity add depth to their interactions, highlighting the complexities of friendship, attraction, and self-discovery. While the romance blooms against the backdrop of fandom magic, the story occasionally feels superficial. The plot-driven narrative could have benefited from deeper character development and a more vivid setting. Ivy's reactions to Weston's sudden appearance sometimes strain believability, but the charm of the premise keeps readers engaged.
At its core, The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist celebrates the messiness of love. You know: the imperfect, the unexpected, and the magical. Gonzales weaves humour, heart, and a touch of whimsy into a tale reminding us that even when our fantasies collide with reality, there's beauty in the chaos.
The novel's LGBTQ+ representation is commendable, and Gonzales deftly explores themes of identity, friendship, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. Whether you're a seasoned fanfic writer or simply someone who believes in the magic of unexpected connections, this book will leave you with a smile.
This is a cute, if lightly developed, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance offering a delightful climb through fandom, friendship, and the messy magic of love.
Thank you to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.