Perfect on Paper: A Novel

4.5 stars Perfect on Paper was smart, thoughtful, funny, and everything I love about YA and more. This is my first book by Sophie Gonzales and I loved the writing style and humor. I thought the author also did a fantastic job with representation and diversity. The relationship advice and love tutor/coach premise has been attempted in books before, but Gonzales put such a fresh spin on it that it felt very new and exciting. The characters and situations were layered and complex, and were laid out in such an honest and relatable way. The evolution from frenemies to lovers between Darcy and Brougham really worked and I appreciated how the author showcased those tender moments as things started to shift, but also didn't rush them along. That uncertainty and vulnerability is one of the things I love most about the YA genre. The cast of secondary characters was delightful (Finn! LOL) and I also liked the focus on familial relationships (and how positive and negative they can be). The typical YA angst and drama do pop up in their own unique ways, but I thought it was handled and presented really well. Darcy and Brougham's character arcs were done so well and I was rooting for these two to find themselves (and each other) along the way. One thing I really loved about the book is that it made me pause and reflect on my own relationships and also the relationships I want to have. It made me think about and recognize the power and consequences of my own behavior and choice of words. I can't wait to read more from this author and Perfect on Paper is definitely a book not to be missed! CW: divorce, toxic parents, biphobia, internalized biphobia, drugs, alcohol *I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

This was a book that I just kind of stumbled across and after reading the blurb my attention was fixed and I knew I had to give this new to me author and this intriguing book a try. And I am so incredible happy that I did! This book was clever, fresh, fun, genuine and honest. A smart read that is 100% pure enjoyment but delivered with a sharp edge that will hit you with moments to pause and ponder. While this book is marketed to teens and the YA market, I firmly believe the more mature audience (of which I'm one of) will also fall in love with these wonderful characters and the story being told. No cookie cutter characters need to apply for this book and that my friends was a good thing! I adored the level of originality that made this book so unique. While overall this book is lighthearted and effervescent, I don't feel that I am wrong in saying that it also brilliantly shines a light on the important subject of sexuality. This heart stealing rom-com easily won a place on my keeper shelf. This is my impartial, independent review.