was not able to get into this book at the time it was needed for me to read it and was not able to finish reading. i am grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this book early and have heard nothing but good things about this author.

3.5 stars

I really wanted to like this one but I didn't love it as much as I had hoped. It was an interesting concept but didn't hit all the marks. Maybe it's because I don't read a lot of fanfiction so all the fanfiction tropes that were used just felt super cringy to me or maybe they just were written as well as they should have been. But I don't know. But it might be great for someone who loves reading a lot of fanfiction. I will also say that the true love interest just wasn't hitting for me either because it took so long to build up to it and when it did, it still wasn't fully there. I did really like the best friend though. He was fun. I also liked seeing the past to see how the one friendship imploded, but didn't like how it imploded because it used a trope I'm not fond of. So overall this book had a lot of potential but just didn't execute it as well as I had hoped.



Content warning: toxic relationship, gaslighting

I have mad respect for Sophie since If This Gets Out, which was the book I've always wanted to read and will continue to recommend and prop up conspicuously at bookstores.

The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist is a YA book and I would in no way call it a romance, but I would call it a fun romp perfect for fans of Ashley Poston, Rainbow Rowell, and anyonewho can enjoy fanfic.

Overall it's a super charming story with loads of heart and varied rep- Ivy is bisexual, Mack is a lesbian, and Henry is the wildly unrepresented aro/ace.
I gave it 4/5 stars [and a massive apology for taking so long to post]. Grab your copies while you can- and as you can see, it's on sale at Barnes & Noble but definitely shop small Indie stores if you can!

Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the advanced copy of this novel!
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I’ve read other books by Gonzales that I’ve really enjoyed, and while this one won’t oust my favorite, it was still a fun read. I’m not usually a fan of fantasy, but this sits more in the magical realism world. The characters don’t understand where the magic came from or how it works, when a character from Ivy’s fanfictions suddenly comes to life. It was easy to see where the romance was headed, but I truly didn’t have any clue how they were going to resolve Weston’s appearance.
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It was fun watching common fanfic tropes play out in reality, and perhaps they don’t work quite so well in real life. I would have liked a resolution to how the circumstances came to be in the book, but it ultimately didn’t take away any enjoyment. I’d recommend this read to any YA readers looking for something silly and light.

I have loved Sophie Gonzales' previous books and while I enjoyed this one, it wasn’t my favorite of hers. While I thought the plot was super interesting and unique, I struggled to really connect with it. As an avid fanfiction writer I did like seeing it represented so much in a story. Sophie’s writing was still good but I still struggled with parts of the book. I still enjoyed it though as I always do and am looking forward to her next book.

The Perfect Guy Doesn’t Exist by Sophie Gonzales is a fun enemies-to-lovers romcom with magical realism. Ivy’s fanfic brings her fictional crush to life, leading to chaos and heartwarming moments. A light, cute, and enjoyable YA read with humor, romance, and a touch of fantasy.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC.

It pains me to say that this is my least favorite Sophie Gonzales title so far. I've really enjoyed her previous work, but the overall concept and vibe of this just didn't work for me, and in fact brought me back to some cringier moments of my youth. The basic premise is that our MC, Ivy, writes y/n and self insert fanfic, about her favorite fictional character and magically brings him to life. This is interspersed with the flashbacks to her best friendship with her neighbor, Mack. Unfortunately, you lost me at y/n. And that's okay! This isn't for adult readers. But still, I know there are teens that do find this cringey. And worse than that is the fact that I found both Ivy and Mack to be insufferable. Ivy in particular is a tough character to root for. She doesn't ever take accountability and has horrible problem-solving skills. Mack is just a straight up bad friend at times. The only character I enjoyed was Henry a side character who needed more page time. The character that was brought to live did add some humor, and Mack and Ivy both grew quite a bit but I wasn't totally satisfied by the end. This was disappointing and probably not a fit for our library, but I'm absolutely note done reading Sophie Gonzales!

The Perfect Guy Doesn’t Exist is a lighthearted and funny read that pokes fun at rom-com tropes while delivering a surprisingly heartfelt story. The characters are messy but endearing, and the witty dialogue keeps things moving. While some parts feel a little over-the-top, the humor and charm make up for it. It’s not perfect, but that’s kind of the point. A fun, easy read for fans of romantic comedies—4 stars!

I love how much this books loves and understands fandom. How the things you love can become a part of you, and can become a way for people to understand you. I loved how this leaned into absurdity and made fun of itself in a way you only can when you love what you are making fun of. I wasn't sure about the premise, but I'm so glad I gave this a chance.

I wish that ivy and Mac hadn’t ended up getting together. There didn’t really seem to be romantic chemistry there but they made great friends and partners in crime. Overall a very cute book about a fanfic come to life.

THIS BOOK IS SO FUNNY
Sophie Gonzales gave such a nuanced story of young love and friendship in Perfect on Paper and this story had all that PLUS it was pee your pants funny.
What a crazy plot that somehow just worked.
Everything about this was 5 stars.

Thanks to netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I think I’m at the age where a romance staring a 16 year old is not for me. Only one chapter in and the parents have no real faith in their daughter and she has no confidence in herself and I knew I’d personally need to DNF. However; I’ve always enjoyed Sophie’s examples of bisexuality in writing so if you are into YA romance, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this.

I love Sophie Gonzales, and this book was not at all what I expected. But, it was fun.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

The Perfect Guy Doesn’t Exist by Sophie Gonzales is a hilarious and super relatable rom-com that totally surprised me in the best way! It follows Daisy, a girl who’s trying to prove that perfect guys don’t really exist by creating a list of qualities she wants in a boyfriend, basically, her dream guy. But things get complicated when she starts falling for someone who doesn’t quite check all the boxes.

What I loved about this book is how funny and real it feels. Daisy is super sarcastic and self-aware, and the way she navigates her feelings is super relatable, especially if you’ve ever been caught up in the idea of perfect relationships. The romance is cute but also messy in the best way. It’s not all insta-love, and the way Daisy has to figure out what really matters when it comes to love was super refreshing.

There’s a great balance of humor and heart, and the pacing is spot on, fun, light-hearted moments mixed with a few deeper themes about what makes someone “perfect” for you. The characters are all pretty well-developed, and even though Daisy starts off with a very clear idea of what she wants, she learns a lot about herself and what she really needs.

Sophie Gonzales' The Perfect Guy Doesn’t Exist is a witty and heartwarming exploration of identity, relationships, and the search for love in the digital age. The novel follows a young woman as she navigates the complexities of dating apps, self-discovery, and the idea of “the perfect match.” Gonzales cleverly blends humor with emotional depth, creating a relatable and engaging story that feels both contemporary and timeless. With sharp dialogue, authentic characters, and a thoughtful message about expectations versus reality in relationships, this book is a fun yet meaningful read for anyone who's ever wondered about the nature of love and connection.

This was cute. Some really funny moments but the concept was really really out there and kinda cringey.

Interesting premise but the book didn't hold my interest. I didn't love the characters. The execution and pacing felt off for me. I've read other books by this author and liked them but this one felt flat to me. I didn't engage with the characters, I found them overdone and honestly annoying. I couldn't get engrossed in their story as I didn't 't find them all that interesting. I'm sorry to say I DNF at 50%.

Fun, cute, quick read!

Enemies to lovers and the perfect amount of sarcasm.

I loved it.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

This was super cute and a delightful story! I appreciated the plot and felt like the characters were very dynamic!

4-Star Book Review: The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist by Sophie Gonzales
Sophie Gonzales delivers another heartfelt and engaging romance with The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist. This delightful story about navigating love, self-discovery, and the messiness of human connection is perfect for fans of modern romantic comedies. Here are my top five reasons to pick up this book!


Top 5 Reasons to Read The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist:
Authentic and Relatable Characters - The characters in The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist are not just words on a page; they are people you can relate to. Each is fully fleshed out, with flaws, quirks, and insecurities. You'll find yourself rooting for them, even when they make mistakes because they feel like friends you've known for years.
Sharp and Witty Banter - Gonzales is a master of dialogue, and this book is packed with laugh-out-loud moments that feel like they could be happening in your living room. The humor is not forced; it's natural, and the characters' conversations are snappy and meaningful, keeping you entertained from start to finish.
A Unique Spin on the Romance Trope - This book takes the classic 'opposites attract trope, where two people with contrasting personalities or backgrounds are drawn to each other. It adds complexity, creating a love story that's as much about personal growth as it is about romance. It's refreshing and keeps you guessing.
Themes of Self-Acceptance and Growth - Beyond the romance, The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist is a beacon of hope. It explores deeper themes like accepting imperfections in yourself and others, leaving you with a sense of uplift and inspiration. It's a thought-provoking read that lingers long after you close the final page, reminding you that growth is always possible.
Compelling LGBTQ+ Representation - Gonzales continues creating LGBTQ+ characters and relationships that are not just token representations but fully fleshed out and integral to the story. The representation feels authentic, and the story highlights the joys and struggles of navigating identity and love.


Why Not 5 Stars?


While The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist is an absolute joy to read, there are a few areas where it falls just short of perfection. While executed fantastically, the plot can feel slightly predictable, especially towards the end, which might seem formulaic to seasoned romance readers. A few more twists or surprises would have elevated the story. The main characters shine, but some of the supporting cast feels one-dimensional. Spending more time fleshing out their backstories or arcs would have added more depth to the story. Lastly, the pacing in the middle section drags slightly with repetitive scenes that don't move the plot forward. Tightening this section could have made the story feel more cohesive.


Final Thoughts:
The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist is a must-read if you're looking for a heartwarming, funny, and swoon-worthy romance with meaningful themes. Despite its minor flaws, it's a beautifully written story that reminds us that love—whether for ourselves or others—is never perfect, making it unique.
I would recommend it to Fans of Casey McQuiston and Talia Hibbert and anyone who loves witty, LGBTQ+ romances with plenty of heart.


Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5