Member Reviews

This is my first book from Kris Bryant and right in the beginning it felt a little bit like i miss something, something about Alix. I did find out they were already in another book from the author and therefore i wished i would have had read that book called „Forever“ before. It was mentioned in the Acknowledgement, but since this is a stand alone book i didnt read it. Personally now that i read this book, i would go back and read „Forever“ first, just to have more background on Alix as a person and where they came from.

Alix is non binary, i liked to read about it because i personally have rarly any contact with non binary person so it was really interesting to get a glips into their thoughts. I feel like it could have been a bit deeper, but i liked it anyways.

Alix didnt end with a happy end in a dating show a few years back and not they brought them back as a host for a new season. Alix is on the rising when she meets Marianna, who seams tob e a perfect match, but also a match thats not interessted in dating another hollywood wanna bet.

I really loved the idea and the storyline, the story was very well written for me, at times i wished there would have been a bit more chemistry between the lines of these 2 main characters.


I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Bold Strokes Books, Kris Bryant, and NetGalley for the opportunity to receive an eArc in exchange for an honest review.


Do you ever start reading a book and get an immediate sense of familiarity? In a way of just knowing that the story is going to be good, and the characters will have your eyes glued to the page? That’s how I feel about Kris Bryant! I appreciate her work and I always find myself drawn into her stories!

Perfect is no exception! We meet Alix who after having a failed season on a reality dating show is now hosting the show themselves. A nonbinary main character at their finest! Alix had a blow up of a season where they were left hanging after their finale didn’t go in their favor.

So now Alix has all of the eyes on them as they navigate the reality dating show from the other side, guiding contestants through dates, trials, and tribulations, all while in front of a national viewership.

Marianna is a teacher and does some side gigs, too! Marianna has sworn off Hollywood and doesn’t want anything to do with it after her last girlfriend dropped her the minute she got a whiff of fame.

While Marianna is working an event as a caterer she quite literally runs into Alix!

Their paths continue to cross as they forge ahead building a relationship all the while Marianna doesn’t realize yet what Alix does for work.

Eventually she learns of Alix’s work and at first is hesitant but they’ve begun a relationship enough that Marianna is willing to risk navigating holywood alongside Alix.

What I so appreciate about this book and Alix and Marianna’s story is that first off Alix is nonbinary and Kris Bryant does an incredible job in navigating having a main character that is outside of the gender norms. I also appreciate how Alix and Marianna give space for each other to grow as people as their relationship grows, too!

4 gooses

Was this review helpful?

This read looks at the impact of Hollywood on friendship and relationships. There are several wannabes and one who has sworn off of that world completely or so she thinks. Alix Sommers, the new face of the queer scene. There are parts they enjoy and others that they is not happy with. Marianna Smith, does not like Hollywood at all. The only thing she sees is fake people and wannabes. When the two meet organically it is a make you smile meet cute but things are messy from the beginning. Both characters are likable with nice personalities with supportive people around them. In general, there is low angst and a need for feeling good and comfortable about who are and what is important to you. I appreciated the inclusion of a trans non-binary character and a so called wall flower. The read provided educational information and in my opinion, that is a good thing. Well done!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

I really enjoyed this book. More than I thought I would. I liked the slow burn and the characters towers are great! Great writing style and I liked the storyline.

Was this review helpful?

This book just did not connect with me. This in no way a reflection of the story or the author's ability to put together a story. I just felt no chemistry. I'm surprised to just now find out that this is the second in a series because reading the first book is not necessary.

Was this review helpful?

A delightful slow burn romance with loveable characters who are also relatable. I thought Kris handle the non-binary aspect of Alix beautifully. I recommend.

Thank You Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

I’m usually a huge fan of Kris Bryant but I just didn’t feel the connection to the characters in the book like I normally do. That being said I still like the concept and I really like Alix. They were definitely the type of character that I would like to see more of.

Was this review helpful?

The main characters of this book are Alix and Marianna.
Alix is the new host of a lesbian dating show. It is the same show that Alix was on last season, but did not get chosen. Alix identifies as a nonbinary person and is trying to learn the ropes so they can be a successful host.
Alix meets Marianna who is helping her aunt with the catering of the show. The two are drawn to each other, but Marianna is very wary of those in the public eye. Her ex dumped her for the spotlight and she has no desire to go through that again.
Alix will not let that stop them from exploring a relationship. Things are going well until both find out that Marianna's ex is a contestant on the show.
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Return to the set of the epic queer datingshow When Sparks Fly. Will brand new host Alix find their own love this time around?

I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Alix Sommers is starting their new gig as the host of the popular queer datingshow When Sparks Fly. As a contestant on the last season, their heart got broken when the bachelorette Savannah fell for the host of that series Lauren instead of for them. Alix is determined to make this the best season the show has ever seen. Being new to the Hollywood scene is intense. Their world is on the brink of changing forever, but their own love life isn’t on the line this time around. That is until a sweet and gorgeous woman literally falls into their arms at one of the many Hollywood parties they have to attend. The woman is illusive though and refuses to give Alix her name. Luckily their story is far from over when a short while later it’s the woman’s turn to rescue Alix. Marianna is everything Alix is looking for: kindhearted, authentic and beautiful. If only she didn’t detest the Hollywood lifestyle as much as she says she does.

Marianna is done with Hollywood types. Her last girlfriend Vee dumped her unceremoniously when she got her chance at fame. Marianne swears she will never fall for one of those types again. Having lived in L.A. all her life, she is unfortunately surrounded by them. Marianne is happy being a third grade teacher and working at her aunts catering business on the side. When she literally falls into the arms of a beautiful stranger at one of her catering jobs, Marianna can’t seem to get Alix out of her mind. They are charming, gorgeous and seem far from Hollywood fake. Why Alix is at the party, she doesn’t know. Marianna doesn’t watch popular tv and has never heard of When Sparks Fly. Still, Marianna isn’t ready to invest her heart again. That is until she gets to return the favor by rescuing Alix from a runaway dog at the park. So they meet again. Marianna is cautious but can’t help being utterly charmed by this person that seems to get thrown into her path repeatedly.

I loved returning to When Sparks Fly! After meeting Alix in Forever a lot of readers wanted them to get their own happy ending. I’m so glad Kris Bryant decided to return to Hollywood and make them the star of this new story.

It’s refreshing to read about a relationship where the most challenging problems come from the outside world. It’s pretty obvious from the start that Alix and Marianna are perfect for each other. The only hesitations seem to come from Marianna’s dislike of Hollywood and its typical characters, but Alix quickly shows her they are a trustworthy and authentic person. The scene at the party where Alix stands up for Marianna publicly is everything. They show exactly who they are in that moment.

The fact that Alix identifies as non-binary is handled with care throughout the book. It is obvious that Bryant made good use of her sensitivity reader(s). For Marianna to be so open and accepting of Alix as exactly the person that they are is heartwarming and makes you wish every human could be so open to understanding of another human.

Perfect is another good example of Kris Bryant’s talents. And who could say no to such a charming Hollywood romance?

Was this review helpful?

In my review of “Forever” (May 2022) I specifically mentioned Alix, as a stand out side-character. In this stand alone sequel, (you don’t need to read the previous book), Alix gets a romance of their own. Alix Somers is the new host of a primetime dating show. In the previous book they were a contestant but not the love match. The new season hasn’t aired yet and Alix is still adjusting to Hollywood life when they run into Marianna Smith. Marianna was born and raised in Southern California and is a third grade school teacher. She doesn’t watch much tv and doesn’t like those wanting Hollywood attention as her ex left her to seek fame.

Unlike the previous book this is not focused on the show but on the romance. It is a gentle romance with a great non first date and taking things slow. I like how Alix is written being a masc presenting nonbinary character. There is potential for big conflict but angst and last minute breakups are not part of this story. Marianna has family that want to meddle and a best friend cousin by the couple really carry the bulk of the story. This is a sensitively written story with a lot of heart.

Was this review helpful?

*Perfect* by Kris Bryant is an inclusive, slow-burn romance that balances lighthearted charm with authentic emotional depth. The story follows Alix Sommers, a rising star in Hollywood, and Marianna Raines, a teacher with no interest in fame, creating a dynamic contrast that drives their unlikely romance. Bryant skillfully develops the characters, giving them relatable, human struggles that feel genuine and not just plot devices. The chemistry between Alix and Marianna is both hot and adorable, making their journey from strangers to lovers a compelling and enjoyable read.

For fans of Bryant’s previous novel *Forever*, there’s a familiar treat in *Perfect*, as Alix was first introduced on the dating show from that book. However, readers don’t need to have read *Forever* to fully enjoy *Perfect*—both stories stand alone with satisfying HEA conclusions. Bryant continues to deliver interesting contemporary romances, with this one offering a fresh take on opposites-attract, set against the glitz of Hollywood.

Overall, *Perfect* is a delightful blend of slow-burn romance, authentic character development, and lighthearted moments. Readers who love a well-rounded love story will find plenty to enjoy, while fans of *Forever* will be excited to see Alix get the story they deserve.

Was this review helpful?

Alix Somers (they/them) has hit it big, hosting a dating show in Hollywood. But the new fame and fortune isn't making them happy.

Marianna Smith (she/her) hates the Hollywood lifestyle, so is very dubious about Alix.

Despite that Alix starts winning her over, but Marianne is content with her non-hollywood life...

This is a semi sequel to her book Forever, but works fine as a stand alone. The characters are interesting, the plot works and the story moves along at a good pace.

Was this review helpful?

Having been a contestant on the prime-time dating show 'When Sparks Fly', nonbinary Alix is brought back to be the first trans host of the show for the following season.

Marianna has been burnt by Hollywood and dislikes the vapidness of tinseltown. Can she get past Alix's job to the loving, amazing, and genuine person they are?

This is an inclusive slow-burn tale that's both hot and adorable. The main characters are rounded out with very human issues that feel like authentic parts of them, and not just something tacked on for book sales.

This is a light read with the added bonus that if you've read 'Forever' by Kris Bryant, you will already know some of the backstory behind this very dating show... and you will probably have wanted Alix to get their own story. Here it is!

(Please note that you don't need to read 'Forever' to enjoy 'Perfect'. They're both fully formed with HEA conclusions.)

*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.*

Was this review helpful?

Alix Sommers was my favorite character from Kris Bryant's book, Forever, and I am so glad they got their own story. Alix did not fare well on the dating show featured in that book, but is now taking over hosting duties of When Sparks Fly. They are in a whole new world filled with glamour and it's an adjustment for the down to earth Alix.
Marianna literally falls into Alix's arm after working a catering job at a big Hollywood party. She is immediately attracted to Alix but has vowed to stay away from that life. The two keep running into each other and despite their best efforts, a connection forms.
Having a non-binary lead character is a rarity and I appreciate Bryant's care and love shown to Alix. They are such a beautiful, kind person and I really felt protective of them and wanted them to find happiness. Marianna is a wonderful match for Alix and this was a very sweet romance, exactly what I have come to expect from Kris Bryant.

An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I love Bryant's books and this one met the mark. Getting a book on Alix from Forever turned out to be pretty good.

Alix, who identifies as trans and non-binary, and has it all. The glitz, the fame, the money. She has been chosen as the host of a queer dating show (like The Bachelorette) after having had their heart broken as a contestant on the show's last season.

Marianna is bitter against fame after her ex dumps her the moment she achieves it and leaves her high and dry. She wants nothing to do with that scene, but then she meets Alix.

One night, while they are taking a break from a Hollywood party, Marianna, who's just finished her shift working for her aunt's catering company falls right into Alix's arms. It's a Hollywood romance, and both MCS were almost perfect but don't want a relationship, yet they don't stay away from one another. This was written well in regards to the non binary aspect and Marianna is known as a wallflower, but she didn't always act like it.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, just not as much as some of Bryant's other works. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This story is a wonderful slowburn love story. Don't be fooled by the slowburn categorization, though, as it is still very spicy. "Perfect" features a nonbinary main character and is a lovely read!

Was this review helpful?

This author usually makes her protagonists a bit cliché, pairing a butch with a femme, with the butch being a bit insecure about how to act around the femme. It's all very politically correct and lacks spontaneity. I don't dislike this premise in general, as long as all the clichés and carefulness to try not to offend or upset aren't excessive. And I think in this case, it's been a bit too much.

Alix was a contestant on a queer dating show, but there was a wild twist when the bachelorette ran off with the host! Now, in a shocking turn of events, Alix is the new host, even though she's not exactly a camera pro. But hey, being on the show has definitely boosted her fame.

Marianna is totally burned out on the whole fame and stardom thing after a few relationships with wannabe stars who dumped her as soon as they got a whiff of fame. She's sworn off ever getting involved with anyone from that world again, but fate throws Alix into her path and, like it or not, their paths are intertwined from that moment on.

Alix, even though she wants to take advantage of the opportunity that's presented to her, isn't used to fame and doesn't have any expectations, but Marianna's appearance is going to bring her some complications both personally and professionally. Even though she's willing to take risks. But Marianna is more reluctant, and Alix will have to put in a lot more effort than Marianna does. That's what disappoints me, this lack of balance between them. Although once Alix manages to win Marianna over, things even out, but it's already very late in the story.

Was this review helpful?

Hollywood fun!

Alix has just landed a dream job hosting a new queer dating show, but fans being everywhere they go is a bit much. When Marianna crosses their path, with not a clue to who they are, and has been dumped by an ex who has been on the Hollywood scene, Alix worries about how Marianna might react when she learns who they really are.

But the drama doesn’t stop there…this is the Hollywood romance that just keeps delivering. Alex was great, I loved how they had a laidback nature despite their position, and just wanted peace from the fans and contestants that just didn’t seem to know when enough was enough. I did worry that perhaps Marianna would freak out when Alix revealed who they were, but her reaction actually really surprised me and I was glad she’d gotten the chance to get to know Alix, so no snap judgements had been made because of her heartbreak.

They shared such cute and wonderful moments, then both played a massive part in some of the dramas that accurately depicted just how shallow and difficult the Hollywood scene is to be a part of. I love how Alix was also happy that Marianna was far removed from the Hollywood types, and was just proud with Marianna being who she was. Something they made known in ways that just made me admire them more.

This was really such a dreamy and wonderful romance, with a glamourous backdrop but just real people who wanted life, love, and happiness, above anything else in the world, and deserved to get just that.

Was this review helpful?

Good story, with great main characters that were a joy to get to know. I haven't read alot of books with non-binary characters in them, but this book made me want to read some more.I Hope there's more stories to choose from as good as this one. Alix and Marianna were just adorable to follow and I felt invested in their growing relationship. Alix is a character from a previous book in this series and after what happened with Alix in Forever, I was rooting for her to find her own love match Marianna seems like her perfect match. There's some really funny parts to this story and a few high jinx. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author..

Was this review helpful?

I was given the opportunity to read this as part of an ARC via NetGalley. Perfect tells of a slow burn meeting of Alix and Marianna. Marianna is a shy, down to earth woman who has had poor relationships with previous Hollywood wannabes that has left her with no passion to date. Alix who readers maybe familiar with, is the new host of a reality tv queer dating show. The story delves into their chance meeting and the small amount of drama that brings to their lives and future together. I enjoyed the book but did feel like it was missing more depth and character development for me plus the slow burn did become fairly predictable with very little made of the drama with no tension and then it was all resolved and wrapped up the story. If you enjoy other titles by Kris Bryant you will enjoy this but for me unfortunately it just missed the mark.

Was this review helpful?