The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist

I LOVE Sophie Gonzales' writing and stories. She always has a fun, unique take on something, and delivers on the characters and plot.

The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist takes on fanfiction and it's tropes and shoves them into reality and it's hilarious.
The chapters are split into past and present as we explore the history of Ivy and her love interest Mack, how they became ex-friends, and how they come back together.

The way the fanfic character, Weston, is explained requires a bit of magical believability, (and oh my goodness that last day!), but it was so spot on for how fanfics would actually play out. I was dying at the one bed scenario and Ivy's response, as well as the other tropes she explored. I'm trying not to give spoilers, but I just loved how this was all handled.

This book also explores friendships well, and how you have friends for different things that interest you, and you have to work to maintain deep friendships that might not have as much in common anymore, and how adding friends to a friend group could be difficult.

This was such a fun read as a fandom lover and I can't recommend it enough if you love fandoms, fanfic, queer young adult contemporary romance books, Sophie Gonzales, books with heart, etc. Just read it.

This book was so fun! After reading the synopsis I wasn’t really sure about the concept of bringing fan fiction characters to life without it being awkward and unrealistic. But I shouldn’t have been worried because Sophie Gonzales never disappoints! In less than 300 pages, she managed to create an entire fictional universe, and fan fiction for the universe, along with complex characters and backstories, in a way that did not feel rushed. I usually am not a fan of switching between past and present in a book, but it flowed so naturally that I never once felt ripped away from the story, and I think it helped make it feel as if I had known Ivy forever. As unrealistic as it is for your fan fiction to come to life, by the end of the book I was pretty on board with the concept, because the whole idea was approached with a humor and affection that made this such a original and exciting book to read.

Sophie Gonzales shines in this queer romance. As someone in a fan fiction community,this book from start was hit to me. Romance is adorable with such great LGBTQ+ rep - I loved the characters and story so much. The blend of realistic teen relationship issues with sweet romance tropes is perfect. Highly recommend!

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. (less)

TALENTED, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before--

I think I've made my point. I absolutely love love loved the newest romcom from Sophie Gonzales, who never misses! It warmed my heart, it made me laugh (constantly), I was invested in all of the characters, I adored all the fanfic references. I loved the super sweet (achingly sweet) romance between Mack and Ivy, and there truly wasn't a dull moment in this entire story. I just didn't want it to end.

I'm so thrilled there's so many more sapphic books on the market, and I'm SO happy and honoured to have the opportunity to support books like this. We need sapphic books that are serious and tragic and that explore important topics, but we need silly, over-the-top, sugary sweet romances just as much.

I have a very specific sort of humor, and this book is right up my alley. If you liked the barbie movie-that really over-the-top, self-aware, satirical sort of humor and plot, you'll LOVE this.

I don't want to say too much and spoil it this early, but I will say the intricate ways in which romance and fanfic tropes are woven into this story (which is written half in the past, in a serious tone, and half in the "present" in a tone so over the top and fanficcy in itself that the reader is left wondering if they are actively reading Ivy's fanfic..... given how often we're told Ivy likes to insert herself into fanfics and uses her writing to work through and solve the problems she's currently dealing with..... this is my headcanon now whether this was intended or not). I lost count of the references, the spoofs, the call-backs. This was, straight up, one of the most entertaining books I've read all year.

The romance was amazing, the laughs and ridiculousness even better! At no point could I guess where the story was going next, which is my favorite thing in a book.

I finished this book in one sitting. I could not put it down and it had me literally laughing out loud at points in the story. Weston is hilarious. I loved the way the story flashed from past to present and how each flashback gave you more insight to the characters. This is my second Sophie Gonzales book, and I am now sold on reading everything she puts out.

Sophie Gonzales is such a FUN writer, and this story does not disappoint! A super nerdy main character home alone for a week? Love it. Unresolved romantic tension between the MC and her bestie-turned-enemy? Yes please! Honestly, I'm not even that into fan fiction or speculative romance so I picked this up SOLELY because I loved other Gonzales books. The speculative element is not distracting. The rest is perfection. Definitely recommend for a fun read.

At this point I'm willing to read anything Sophie Gonzales writes. It doesn't even matter what it's about, this is the fourth book of hers that I've read and I've loved every single one of them. The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist is a love letter to fanfiction and it's so, so much fun. Not only is the story filled with fanfic tropes in the best way (and subverting them!), but it's also funny, emotional and has such cute best friends to rivals to lovers arc! Honestly I don't want to say much more than what's already in the blurb because I think it's more entertaining to go into it not knowing, but if you or someone you know loves fanfic, fandoms or just cute sapphic romances, get a copy of this book!

Each page of this book left me turning and turning to get to the next.

I seriously couldn’t wait to get to more of the story. The author made me engage and relate in a way that I swear I haven’t felt in far too long.

So funny, so smart, so fun and unique. I haven't read a ya book with this tone before and it wasn't something I knew I needed until now. It was so lighthearted and zany and focused entirely on having fun and not taking itself too seriously. I read it in a night because I just needed something hilarious and not-too-deep to escape from the world and this is exactly what I needed.

One of the best books of the year for me! Hilarious, heartfelt, fast-paced, smart, amazing characters. The relationships were the standout for me here with beautiful commentary about the value of platonic love between Ivy and Henry (the scene where Henry discusses being ace and Ivy is scrambling to make his coming out experience as special as it was for her made my eyes wet) and an excellent development arc between Mack and Ivy, who very believably go from close friends who don’t have the tools needed to navigate their changing friendship, to ex best friends, to lovers who finally understand where they went wrong. The sarcastic humor in here was also right up my alley and the fanfic references were 10/10.

This story was off the wall bonkers in the best way! As a fanfic lover and closet-writer, I thought the references to fanfic tropes and lines (soulmates, coffeeshop AU, ABO, hurt/comfort, y/n, hate to love, only one bed) were genius level lampooning. Down to blink and you'll miss it asides / references such as:

I go to leave, but Weston grabs my arm to stop them. “Just tell me one thing,” he says gravely. “Have either of them even once told you they see the way I look at you?”
“What?”
“You know, like . . . ‘I see the way he looks at you, Ivy. He doesn’t hate you. Not at all.’ ”

Had me dying. I loved the bonkers tone, the way the story didn't take itself too seriously, the characters, the representation (bi, lesbian and ace as well as BIPOC characters), the friendship, the sweet sapphic love story, As always in sophie gonzales books, I especially appreciated how the arguments that took place weren't a matter of anyone being in the wrong as much as they are an exploration of how different perspectives can view the same situation differently, and also how distance and maturity can help you rebuild broken friendships once the negative emotions have chilled and you get some perspective on things. It's a fantastic lesson for young readers. Recommended for ages 13+ (some swearing, no sexual content, minor references to attempted violence. Characters are 15 and 16 years old).

This book is the perfect young adult romcom with elements of magic, multiple timelines, and an amazing sapphic romance story.

Ivy and Mack were best friends up until an argument ended their friendship. One year later, Ivy has a new best friend Henry. He shares her love for H-MAD, a fantasy TV show. Ivy’s parents leave her alone for a few days while they are out of town and in her panic of being alone she wishes the main character Weston to life. She needs the help of both Henry and Mack to help figure out what happened and what to do with the magical boy that now lives with her.

As the story goes on Ivy starts to realize that her “perfect guy” (originally thought to be Weston) isn't really the perfect guy but the perfect person for her might be closer than she thinks.

The author creates a narrative that has great pacing while she also weaves the timeline of Ivy and Macks friendship breakup with the present. This story is a beautiful look at Ivy’s wants to escape her reality and the loneliness she faces along with the negative consequences of denying our pain. Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for an E arc of this book!

As a fanfic writer, I was addicted to this book. Every little detail is thought out so well!! From Ivy's idea to her full drafts to her last story. This book brought me back to the early 2000s movies. It reminds me of "Read It or Weep It" and "Diary of a Wimpy Kid." "16 Candles" and so many more movies I loved as a child.

Additionally, I appreciated the modern twist that Gonzales had with the lgbtq characters. I think it's important to tell queer stories and advocate for accepting that they are out in the world. I'm personally asexual and can relate to one of the characters a lot.

Even if you don't enjoy writing or reading fanfiction, I encourage you to pick up this creative book March 26, 2024. Sophia Gonzales doesn't disappoint.

Thank you, NetGalley and the Publisher, for the opportunity to read this lovely book in exchange for an honest review.

To start with, I am GUSHING! I gobbled this story UP! All the warm, fuzzy, and squishy feelings? They’re mine now. I have them.

The characters are a breath of fresh air. Ivy? Hilarious and relatable. Henry? I want to squeeze him. Mack? Moody and brilliant. Weston?! Don’t get me started.

I laughed out loud at so many parts that I had to stop reading this in bed because I was waking my husband up. As a fan-fiction reader and writer, this hit me hard in a good way; the best way. The story is original, and how it flipped common tropes on its head was brilliant. Ivy’s voice was also so well-done and a pleasure to follow along with as she navigated conflict, both internally and externally, and the mystery of Weston’s appearance. I need more!

Well done, Sophie Gonzales! Well done.

This was so fun! What a good bit of magical realism, and I loved the romance that ended it all! I also really enjoyed reading a story about a fanfic writer, as I have dabbled in that myself. :) I will add this to the list of recommendations.

I really loved this book! I loved the fanfic aspect of the story and the way that Ivy gets to learn who she is through her best friends. It's a really sweet book and I enjoyed it a lot.

What do you do when all of a sudden the fan fiction you've written suddenly becomes reality? This is told in dual timelines both past and present. Ivy and mack have been on the outs ever since their big fight. Then one night when ivys home alone she wishes she had someone there with her. And when she wakes up she's surprised to find weston razorbrooke in her bed. This was an incredible YA book full of angst and so much diversity in characters. I absolutely devoured this book. There's a bisexual mc, lesbian mc and aro ace mc. There's also poc characters and mental health representation. Overall this is a fantastic read for those that love YA romance with plenty of angst and falling in love for the first time.

This was another really fun romance from Gonzales! It sang with her signature humor, and was a really interesting exploration of fandom.

This book was adorable. A queer romance with friends-to-enemies-to-lovers YA novel with elements of magic and fanfic - what's not to love. I enjoyed how the book did not take itself too seriously and poked fun at the tropes in these kinds of books. The enjoyed the dual timeline with a diverse cast of characters. It was really adorable and I am thankful for the arc.

I think Sophie Gonzales is just a delight. Her books are so sweet and hopeful and lovely. This one is just so much fun. I think Sophie was made to write YA romance/contemporary because it's always so good. It just fills me with such happy vibes. This book is like a love letter to fan-fiction and also a statement about how important it is to live in the real world just as much as you live in fantasy ones. I think it perfectly toed this line and never ended up feeling like something that was against fan fiction and fan culture. Overall it was an adorable and fun romp through fandom and romance.

Captivating, suspenseful, entertaining novel! This beautiful story kept me on the edge of my seat while I was reading it! Would highly recommend to those who enjoy this genre.

I am a HUGE Sophie Gonzales fan - I've read all of her books, and own multiple editions - so I had high expectations going into this. And - no surprise - she blew me away completely. Another incredible book by one of my favourite LGBTQ authors.

I don't know what else to say because I have nothing but glowing praise to offer. So many authors have tried to incorporate fanfiction into their traditionally published novels, but Sophie's take is so fresh, and so different. You can tell that she has actually spent time in online fan spaces, and that she respects readers who engage there, which is SO special. Speculative fanfiction world aside, the romance between Mack and Ivy was absolutely the star. They are adorable and tender and perfect. I was giggling and kicking my feet while reading because they were just that cute. I love them, I love them, I love them.

Lastly, in typical (but amazing) Sophie Gonzalez fashion, this book touches on difficult and beautiful moments in friendship, remdinding you of why platonic love is just as important to fight for as romantic love.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for this eArc. And thank you to Sophie Gonzales for writing yet another BANGER. I can't wait to buy every copy and every edition imaginable.