Actual rating: 4.25 stars

There are not many additions to the world of sapphic royal romance in a society where everyone wants the prince to bang the new boy in town. I am very familiar with queer royal romance and have consumed a fair bit of it, but never a lesbian centered story. Sophie Gonzales’ has filled her bibliography with queer romances that touch on many identities with a strong focus on bisexuality. While I have never read one of Gonzales’ novels until I stumbled upon Nobody in Particular, I had never been interested in branching into her works, they didn’t have the focus I want to see in queer romance typically. However, her style of writing is so beautiful, and the way she constructed the plot of Nobody in Particular was like nothing I have ever read. I might just have to dip my toes into an achillean romance to see what Gonzales does with her masculine characters.

One thing that I absolutely adored about this book was the pacing. Almost every major plot point felt right for where the characters were at in their lives, nothing felt too rushed. I was easily able to follow the story and keep up with the conflict that was introduced without feeling overwhelmed. Without getting into spoilers, I was also incredibly glad when a certain trope that almost every romance novel has now did not appear, and the part where that trope usually happens was focused on a bigger conflict for the characters. Thank you, Sophie, for your hard work, Jesus Christ.

Alternatively, though, I was a little underwhelmed by the characterizations of the characters and the main resolution of each of their flaws. Yes, I am fully aware that this is a YA novel so of course the conflict between a queer YA romance will be very childish. That is not my problem. I have an issue with the backgrounds of the characters. Danni’s past isn’t described all that much, so when names start appearing, I feel a disconnect from her. The main conflict that Rose faces is very serious, but it is not given the serious attention that I think it should be given. If there had been a bit more time spent with the conflicts of the main characters, I might have enjoyed this novel better. I also think that the friendship between Danni and Elanor is told rather than shown, and I could not buy that relationship at all.

The good highly outweighs the bad, though, and Gonzales has created a sapphic royal romance that will leave you wanting more of Danni and Rose long after you turn the last page.

i don’t normally read YA romances, however, this sapphic, coming-of-age story hit all the right chords (get it?? cause danni is a pianist? … i’ll see myself out).

Nobody in Particular follows our FMCs, danni & rose, as they navigate first loves, secrets, grief, royal drama, & boarding school. i went into this expecting a cute little palate cleanser, and while it definitely delivered on that, the story was also delightfully more complex than i originally anticipated. the second half of the book had me on the edge of my seat! and that plot twist!!!

i adored these characters - danni & rose seemed so authentic in their feelings for each other. the yearning!!! danni’s piano scene made my heart swell and i may have shed a few happy tears. rose’s character development was probably one of my favorite parts of the book. she changes so much throughout the story and i loved seeing that unfold. my only complaint is that i wish we could have seen her cope/heal more from past trauma.

the side characters in this story were just as well written as the main characters, especially molly. i liked that they each had their own solid personalities/emotions, actually played important roles in the plot, and didn’t feel like an afterthought.

i thoroughly enjoyed this novel! all of the royal drama & secrets kept me on my toes, while the sweet love story kept my heart melting!

thank you to netgalley and st. martin’s press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I couldn’t put this book down. I loved the pining, the secret romance, the boarding school aspect and all the side characters were great. It reminded me of books I used to read back in the day but with a modern twist. I didn’t see THAT ending coming with a particular character but it was satisfying seeing everything come together. My only “critique” and barely because I didn’t even realize until after I finished, I wish we saw more of Danni’s life. Something like going home for a weekend or a phone call here and there with her mom or Rachel would’ve been nice.

Princess Rose of Henland was involved in a scandal that affected her public image and relationship with her best friend. In an effort to repair her image, she avoids any distractions. Everything seems to be going according to plan until she meets the cute new girl, Danni.

Danni moves to Henland to attend Bramppath College on a music scholarship. As the new student, she’s concerned about being bullied by the wealthy students, but she befriends Molly, the ex-best friend of Princess Rose. 

The book description pulled me in, and it was an okay ready for me. It has all the angst and uncertainty that comes with the teen years, but I feel like the flow could’ve been better. The sarcasm was executed well and it had some funny moments. All in all, it was a cute and forbidden romance. 


I’d like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for giving me an ARC.

I love this love story, and it was everything that I needed right now.

The dual POV (thank you!) and the light writing style kept me coming back to the book again and again. I loved Danni immediately but also quickly understood Rose and loved her as well.

I did not feel that this story was "too YA" at all, considering that I rarely read the age range anymore, I loved that. But understand that this book is perfect for that age range as well. The coming out story took me back to my own days in high school, how unsure of everything but also so over hiding everything at the same time.

The novel touches on several things beyond sexuality, including trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression; mostly without labeling anything at all so it was more seamless in my mind as to how it would be in reality.

The touch of parasocial relationships to not only Rose but also Molly, who is an influencer are quite timely.

This novel is quite sweet without being obnoxious. It will appeal to a wide range of people (teens and adults, alike).

I really enjoyed this novel very much. Thank you so much NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read and review this book ahead of publication.

One thing about Sophie Gonzalez is I'm going to love her books. 'Nobody in Particular' explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the pressures of public life. The characters are richly developed; Rose's journey from a guarded royal to a young woman embracing her truth is particularly compelling. Danni's perspective offers a grounding contrast, highlighting issues of class and belonging. Their romance is tender and authentic, resonating with the intensity of first love.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an eARC of this book!

4.5⭐️
Wow, just wow.

I’ve always loved Sophie Gonzalez’s books and how well they represent bisexuality (I LOVED Never Ever Getting Back Together and Perfect on Paper), and this book was no exception!

I connected very closely with Danni, and Rose’s character development was just amazing. The story was a little far-fetched at points, but still overall believable.

Overall, I’m so glad I picked up this book, and you should read it too!!

3 stars. This author just isn’t for me. This is the second book I’ve read by her and the writing style doesn’t work for me at all. It feels so stilted. While I can acknowledge that there were some heavy things in this book I didn’t care because I was never emotionally invested in any of the characters or their story. The romance between Rose and Danni was fine. I did think that they had good chemistry but some of the drama felt a bit forced. Overall, I could see this being a hit with younger audiences or people who are already big fans of this author but for me it left me feeling pretty numb about it unfortunately.

This book has so many of my favorite tropes I knew I was going to love it as soon as I heard about it. The cover is also stunning. Nobody in Particular is such a beautiful story of self discovery, growth, and love all set in a boarding school. Danni and Rose were so sweet together and really complimented each other so well I loved their relationship and dedication to protecting each other. I also really appreciated that there was no third act breakup. Overall I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to recommend it to all my friends and look forward to reading more of Sophie Gonzales’ works.

(Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!)

4.5 stars and honestly, I'm surprised by this too.

I didn't expect to love this as much as I did! This is one of my favorite reads from this year so far. One of my favorite parts of this is it doesn't fall into the trope where everyone at this elite/rich people school is mean to the poor/normal kid for the sake of being so. Aside from a few comments here and there, it's largely unimportant that Danni is a scholarship student, which makes it easier to love the ensemble we are presented with. Further, I really like Rose and Danni as individuals and as a couple. They genuinely help each other in an organic way that doesn't feel forced by the author, and don't have the same voice. I tend to dislike dual narrative, but I found that it really helped with their romance and the suspense of it all.

The only critique I have is that the story starts a bit juvenile for what eventually settles into its own tone. Very, "here's my whole life story in a couple pages reader I'm definitely not speaking to". It threw me off and if it weren't for my "give it until 100 pages at least" rule I can see myself missing out on a good story because of it.

Overall, very, very good. I'm glad I gave it the chance to wow me!

Sophie Gonzalez's Nobody in Particular tells the story of Princess Rosemary of Henland, whose reputation is fragile after a recent scandal. Seeking to rebuild her image, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Danni, a talented pianist on a music scholarship at her all-girls boarding school. Danni, initially expecting to be an outsider, is welcomed by Rose's former best friend and becomes increasingly fascinated by the princess. As their connection deepens, they must navigate the complexities of a forbidden romance within the confines of royalty and societal expectations. When their secret is threatened by circulating rumors, Rose and Danni face a difficult choice: find a way to conceal their relationship or end it, as the palace will stop at nothing to protect Rose's reputation and separate them permanently.

I wish I had this book as a young queer girl growing up in a area that would never accept me. It tells many feelings that are common among queer youth.
I think this book was adorable but also becoming. Rose and Danni's relationship was heartwrenching and beautiful. Watching them grow and change throughout the story was something I really loved reading. I also loved the side characters and the views they added.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the eARC.

I DNF’d this book. It was nothing necessarily personal about the story or writing style, I just struggle to enjoy contemporary YA.

I've started to hit a point where YA books aren't for me anymore, but this was a fun Sapphic novel. Like most LGBTQ+ YA books, it focused a lot on the connections & friendship, less on the physical side of things, but I appreciated this story.

This is my first time reading a novel by Sophie Gonzales! And overall I really enjoyed the writing and story in Nobody in Particular.

The LGBTQIA+ representation was amazing, and I think we need more of this in YA. This is such a great coming of age story that really encompasses love, loss, growth, and found family.

I immediately connected with Danni and her feelings of being out of place, and just self conscious of everything you do after being bullied. I did have to let Rose grow on me, which I do think was the authors intention. The conflict between Rose and Molly over what happened in Amsterdam was expertly written and just heart wrenching. Knowing what they went through and how both decided to deal with/or not deal with what happened was written so well.

The romance was well written, but I wish it was a little more slow burn, but that is just personal preference. Also the banter between Rose and Danni was *chef’s kiss*. Had me giggling throughout; especially via their text messages.

Overall I thought the story was well written, though a bit slow at times in the beginning. For me it was a 4/5 star read for me. I will have to check out other books written by this author!


Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it!

Rose is the Princess and heir to the throne of Henland, a tiny Catholic kingdom. Danni is a scholarship student at the fancy boarding school Rose attends….Nobody in Particular, right?

In many ways, this is a typical YA sapphic romance. Like most LGBT YA romances, it’s a slow burn with lots of development and little actual physical contact, which is nice compared to many YA het romances, There is a strong focus on the friendships and pasts of the girls, and they’re well developed characters.

There is minor drinking and drug use, including a backstory involving a peer dying due to a drug OD. I would consider this book appropriate for teens, but not for younger children for that reason.

Nobody in Particular does a lovely job with exactly what it sets out to be– a fun, royal romcom. I think that Gonzales continues to write relationships that I root for and adore, and every time I pick up one of her books, I am the better for it. I don't know if this is my personal favorite from Gonzales, but I could see how for many, it will absolutely be. I value this look at royalty, fame, and boarding school culture. It'll be a hit for all the girl, gays, and theys who love the aesthetic of dark academia but want something much more cozy and romantic.

Nobody in Particular is a YA romance that brings Young Royals meets The Prince and Me vibes. Princess Rosemary of Henland is determined to repair her reputation after a scandal cost her the trust of her country and her best friend. She can’t afford distractions—but then Danni, a talented pianist on a scholarship, arrives at her elite boarding school. As their connection deepens, so does the risk, because if anyone discovers their forbidden romance, the palace will do whatever it takes to keep them apart.

This book gave me everything I love in a YA romance—sharp banter, teenage angst, and all the yearning. I loved how Rose and Danni navigated their relationship while dealing with intense pressure and expectations, and I especially appreciated how they set boundaries, not just with each other but with those around them. The story also tackles real world issues some teens face, making it feel authentic and impactful. Coming out is such a personal, unique experience, and this book handled it with care. I wish I had read something like this in high school—it’s the kind of story that would have meant so much to younger me.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press /Wednesday Books for an ARC copy of Nobody in Particular in exchange for my honest opinion.

I think this was exactly as it was described. I loved Rose and Danni's romance and slow burning love for each other and the similarities to Young Royal but I also saw similarities to Red White and Royal Blue. It was wonderful and sweet and caring because of all the side plots and drama that occurred around them falling in love. I was moved by all the storylines but especially their relationship bloom. I feel communication is key in any relationship, friends and family, and I felt this book and these characters conveyed that. Sophie Gonzales wrote a wonderful book and I look forward to continuing to read more of her books. Overall, this was a good book to sit down and read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sophie Gonzales, and St. Martin's Press for this ARC!

I really liked this book. The royalist sympathies were sometimes frustrating, but Gonzales does a good job balancing viewpoints (the ending leans a bit pro-monarchy, but at least in a progressive way).

I would probably call the writing style stream of consciousness, especially as the book wears on and we see more of Rose's internal monologue in addition to Danni's.

Danni is well set up as a relatable character, though she also tends to be a slightly unreliable narrator (to be clear, this was a good choice - the mind of a teenager is a tough place to be).

The relationships between the characters evolve continuously. The portrayal of what high school is like is honest and a bit raw. The characters go through so much both before the events of the novel and throughout it, and Gonzales writes a broad spectrum of reactions and responses to that trauma. The different ways that the characters react reflect their internal state of mind and personalities in a very well-crafted way, and it's not static either. As they gain experience, knowledge, and perspective, their responses evolve as well. These are very well rounded characters!

There is a lot going on in this one, but it never felt confusing or overcomplicated. It was deftly handled - bringing in tension and suspense while keeping the progression of events clear and easy to follow along with.

There is also something to be seriously considered: this book deals with a lot of heavy hitters. A non-comprehensive list of triggers includes: drug and alcohol use, overdose, grief, sexual assault, forcible outing, & homophobia. Some topics are much more in depth than others, but beware of your own triggers and make sure to consider if you are in a place to handle these discussions.

Overall, this should be considered a standout contender in the sapphic literary scene. I definitely recommend giving it a chance; I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley, ‎Wednesday Books, and Sophie Gonzales for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.