Ever since reading my first Sophie Gonzales I knew I was in for a treat with The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist. The main character brings one of her fanfic characters to life only to find out perhaps what she thought she wanted wasn't the case. I love the use of fanfiction throughout this. I also found much love and joy in fanfic in my youth and wouldn't be who I am without it. This is a wonderful love story I cannot wait to recommend to friends.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to review the advanced copy of The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist. First, I am pretty far out of the target age group in some ways - however in other ways I was the queer teenage girl obsessed with a tv show writing fanfiction and doing everything fannish when those around me couldn't care less. In some ways I felt this book was written for a younger me!

It was super cute. Again, as I'm not the target, I found a lot of it a bit too simple and silly - but in ways that were quite sweet and told a fun story. Awesome representation. Great discussions of being ace, bi, queer! POC characters! Teens that act and sound like teens! I'd buy this for my teenage niece and hope that she'd read it so we could talk about it.

Ahhh this concept was so unique and fun and I was super into it! If you are a fandom lover then this book is for you!! I could relatable to the fandom love for sure and overall this book was just so dang cuteee!

I was so excited for this book after loving Never Ever Getting Back Together and loved the premise of a teen’s fanfic character coming to, and subsequently upending her life. This started off cute and I liked the build up to the moment when Weston appeared in Ivy’s reality… but it quickly fell apart.

Ivy and Mack were not likable - and I will champion an unlikable character, so when I say unlikable, there was no redeeming or making them endearing in the end. This lack of self awareness and cringy behaviour was highlighted even more by the dual timeline, which explained Ivy and Mack’s falling out as friends. The structure of these two timelines was very choppy and quite chaotic. The mystery of Weston’s existence might have been more intriguing, but the writing lacked focus made me unable to connect with the characters and the story.

I think YA readers may enjoy the drama of the story, but I don’t think they’ll connect with or find the characters particularly endearing. Ultimately, with the overall chaos of the story and lack of structure and humanity within the characters, this was, sadly, a miss for me.

5 Stars!!!

With her overbearing parents leaving her home alone for the first time, Ivy is looking forward to relaxing, watching her favorite TV show H-MAD with her bestie Henry, and writing fanfic of said show about the protagonist Weston. Her neighbors are helping her with rides to school and checking in periodically to make sure she’s safe, but unfortunately her neighbor includes her ex-best friend (and ex-crush), Mack. After an especially aggravating check-in with Mack, Ivy goes to sleep wishing for Weston to be real. When she wakes up, not only is Weston real, but he’s convinced he’s Ivy’s soulmate. Ivy needs to figure out what to do with him before her parents come home, and she enlists the help of Henry and (reluctantly) Mack to help her figure it out.

I’m not sure if I’m doing the plot summary justice here. I’m just wanting to avoid too many spoilers, but I highly recommend just checking this book out for yourself if even an inkling of you is intrigued. Sophie Gonzales is an amazing author. This is the second book of hers I read, and both sucked me in completely and made me laugh with nearly every single page. Seriously, the friend group in this book is hilarious!

The romance aspect and the magic realism aspect of this book work together perfectly. Weston was so amazing one minute and then extremely creepy the next. At times I was getting some Black Mirror vibes, which is just so cool to see in a YA Romance and made this book stand out. It makes sense how Ivy would want to initially keep him around before realizing that not all that glitters is gold.

Which goes into the character development. Our main cast of characters were very multi-faceted and all had gone through some sort of change by the end, not just Ivy. It’s what also made them so fun to read about.

This book was also split into the past, where we would see how Ivy and Mack’s friendship crumbled, and the present where, obviously, we’re dealing with this Weston stuff. I appreciated how short the past chapters were. They gave us enough information to proceed with the story without distracting from the present day problems. The conflict was realistic, and both girls contributed to the downfall of the friendship in little ways until it completely shattered, but also are realizing what they could’ve done better as they begin to work together in the present.

Basically, this book is utter perfection and I cannot praise it enough.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Like, seriously, thank you!!!

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.

This books follows Ivy, a fanfic writing fangirl. Things changed after her friendship ended with Mack but she never imagined that somehow the subject of her writing/ her favorite tv show character would come to life and become utterly infatuated with her overnight.
Now along with her friend Henry; and her ex friend Mack, Ivy must find a way to get rid of her dream guy before her parents get home from their trip.
As a fanfic writing fangirl myself I loved this book and enjoyed reading about Ivys panic over Weston and her conflict with needing to get rid of him but also being amazed that her favorite character has come to life. The flashbacks to explain Mack and Ivy's fight and what led to it, while reading about them talking again and working together in current time is just *chefs kiss*. Such a cute, fun read that ends in the most perfect way!!

A cute romcom that kept me reading. I enjoyed the playfulness of the story and how every piece came together in the end.

#theperfectguydoesntexist #netgalley
This book was a DNF. I got 12 percent done and just gave up. I wasn’t pulled in. Maybe if I kept reading it would pull me in but I just couldn’t get into it.

#speakupSPM! I'm only posting this review because I didn't realize this was a Saint Martin's Press book before requesting. Not requesting any more of their books until they address their silence on the pro-genocide actions of their employees. Go to r4a.carrd.co to learn more!


This book follows Ivy, a fangirl who literally wishes her favourite fictional character (Weston) into existence, and ends up having to deal with all of the problems that arise from that. The story is just so much fun! I really enjoyed seeing Ivy, her best friend Henry, and her ex-best-friend/crush Mack trying to figure out what happened, and how to keep Weston hidden. It was silly, but so charming and fun!

Additionally, this book is very meta and self-aware. Sophie Gonzales has clearly been in the fandom world for a long time, so this book is filled with nods to fan culture, little quips at cheesy fanfic scenarios, and jokes about ridiculous tropes. If you’ve been in a fandom or read fanfiction growing up you’ll definitely find the references amusing.

I really liked the characters! The MC, Ivy, is very anxious and stubborn, and deeply afraid of loneliness. But she is also very funny and caring and, deep down, she just wants to be loved. Ivy is such a realistic and well-balanced character, and her flaws never felt annoying; they felt real. The LI Mack was also very flawed, but very nice, too. It was so easy to see both Ivy and Mack’s sides, and the reason for their friendship to end was very understandable. I applaud Sophie Gonzales for writing a friendship-ending conflict that feels realistic, but also makes you sympathize with both sides!

I will say: unfortunately, I didn’t really care about their romance. 🫤 The basis for the whole romance was the fact that Ivy already liked Mack before the book started, but since WE never really got to see that crush develop, it was hard for me to fully care about the romance. That’s not to say it was bad! Not at all! I still enjoyed their tension and their moments together, but I just never fully fell in love with their love. However, the romance wasn’t really the main thing in this story, so it was all good! 🙂

Ivy’s bff Henry was just a delight (and also aroace!!!!!!! aroace rep LET’S GOOOOOOOO)!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Weston was mostly a plot device (his personality literally changed depending on what Ivy had written in her fanfics lol) BUT I think he was really well implemented into the story! I liked seeing his dynamic with the other characters, and I enjoyed how he inadvertently helped Ivy grow. And I think the message of this book is really well implemented, and very positive for the target audience.

Regarding the writing: I was scared that the dual timeline wouldn’t be a good choice, but Sophie Gonzales did a great job weaving them together. The chapters were just the right length and I was never bored; this story just flows really well! I’m also very thankful that the author didn’t leave the reveal of Ivy and Mack’s fight until the very end. I mean, we only SEE it at the end, but we find out what happened early on in the book. I think if she’d only revealed it in the end it would’ve built up too much anticipation and it would’ve fallen flat. But since it was all revealed early on, the “Past” chapters let us see Ivy and Mack’s tension growing, without being annoyed that the reasoning for their friendship ending wasn’t clear. 10/10 for not making us wait, Sophie!

Long story short: this is a really enjoyable book with a very fun plot, and realistic and relatable characters. If you’re looking specifically for romance, I’d recommend Sophie’s other books, as they focus a bit more on the romantic relationships, when compared to this one. But this was still a super fun story that I’d definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Honestly, I don't have that much to say about this one. I don't really think there is much to say. On one hand, there was a fairly realistic portrayal of high school relationships (friend and otherwise) which is nice to see. On the other hand, I got bored. Very, very bored. I ended up skimming most of the last third of the book. It was a fun premise, it's just a shame it couldn't have been more engaging. 2.5/5 rounded up.

I got an ARC of this book from Netgalley. This was a cute teen rom com. The premise seems a little silly and is confusing at the beginning but comes together nicely by the end. It is well written and fun to read. Teenage me would have loved this book! I would definitely recommend it to my 8th and 9th grade students.

I am withholding my review in solidarity with Readers for Accountability and the publicity boycott currently going on for St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday books. Speak up, SMP!

Honestly, I skimmed through this book because I found the first 30 pages kind of boring. I think a younger version of myself would have been all over this novel, but it was significantly more YA veered than I expected. However, I will say that the concept of fanfics coming to live is such an ingenious plot!! Also, I love the fav that the LGBTQIA+ was mentioned throughout the novel! We need more representation for that community, especially in YA novels.

Ivy's looking forward to a few things when her parents go out of town—eating all the junk food she wants, watching her favorite show with her best friend...and maybe writing a bit more fanfiction about that same show. What she *doesn't* expect, though, is to wake up with a lead character from that show in her bed. Not the actor—the character. And it's not quite what she imagined...

If you were ever big into fanfiction—or if you read the entirety of the Protectors of the Plot Continuum more than once—this one is for you. It's obvious throughout that Gonzales has a lot of love and respect for fanfiction, and I'm here for that, but my favorite thing about the book, hands down, is how unabashedly terrible Ivy's own fanfiction is:

"He was so hot! His windswept, ice-blue waves were messy, like they'd been styled by the wind. His beautiful glowing orbs were extraordinarily wide and soulful. His biceps were visible through the thin cotton of his shirt.

'Weston!' Ivy cried, her heart coming to a shuddering halt. 'Is it really you?'" (loc. 373*)

I've read so many novels about incredibly talented teenagers who are winning contests and scoring book deals and so on and so forth—and it is just deeply refreshing to read about someone who is doing something she loves, mostly getting comments to the tune of 'please work on your spelling and grammar', and carrying on anyway.

"Weston scooped her up into a hug, and it was easy for him, like she was a doll he could toss around. But of course, Weston wouldn't do that, because he knew she was a human who needed to be cherished. But he could toss her if he wanted to. But he didn't want to." (loc. 382)

The trouble, Ivy finds, is that what is so romantic and swoon-worthy in her head does not always, ah, translate to real life. I find it hilarious that there's still so much of her manifested Weston that she finds romantic throughout the book—with time and experience and so on, Ivy might turn into a more critical viewer and writer, but for the time being she's a teenager and enjoying herself and that's enough. It makes for an entertaining, tongue-in-cheek read, and I'm here for it.

Thanks to the author and publisher for inviting me to read a review copy through NetGalley.

*Quotes are from an ARC and may not be final.

Such a fun and different read! There is nothing quite like a unique story to totally hook you.

In ‘The Perfect Guy Doesn’t Exist’ we meet Ivy who is a huge fan of H-Mad and popular tv show. Ivy has a huge crush on the main character, Weston, and writes fan fictions about him falling for her. One morning, she wakes to find Weston in her bedroom in real life. She enlists the help of her friend and fellow H-mad enthusiast Henry but her arch nemesis, and true inspiration for her fanfics, Mack, gets roped in as well. Meeting her perfect guy in real life forces Ivy to consider if this is what she really wants, a perfect life? Or does she want a life in reality with challenges, real friendships, and a huge crush on her ex best friend?

The characters and prose throughout this book felt honest and well thought out. This is a true YA novel with teens who may not be the best at identifying feelings or communicating yet. I found myself really falling for these characters and their quirks. The plot was very different from my normal reads but I found it fun and interesting!

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.

The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist is really cute story of Ivy, a shy junior in high school who uses her free time to obsess over H-MAD (a fictional tv show) and write fanfiction (about H-MAD). She's a sweet, slightly over parented child who has an ace/aro bestie, and a lesbian ex-bestie neighbor, turned nemesis. Her life is perfectly imperfect, filled with drama and silliness until her parents leave her alone for 4 days to go on a work trip and she wakes up the next day with Weston from H-MAD in her bed.

This book does a lot of things right. I think the representation of LGBTQIA characters, especially teenagers, is really good, and the care and execution of the development of those characters is very well done. The coming of age reckonings for Ivy herself are inspiring and sweet. She does some real self reflection, and I grew very proud of her as a person, because we get to know her very well over the course of the story.

This book, unfortunately, dragged a lot in the middle. I got about halfway through before I really struggled everyday to finish it. I think the beginning and the end were very well done. The dialogue was funny, and the conflict was really silly. This book did a great job of not taking itself too seriously and being such an affectionate retelling of self-insert fanfictions written by millions of little girls on Wattpad back in early to mid 2010's. That being said, I did not enjoy the climax and or conflict resolution. I think that the story had a lot of whimsical and silly elements that it should have leaned in to a bit more, such as Ivy being an unreliable narrator, as well as Weston being magical, but not having magic. I think if the entire conflict had ended up just being a fever dream by Ivy, it would have been more believable, but for what it was, it was okay. The conflict was resolved, I just didn't feel satisfied by it. Just a little bit confusing. Is Ivy magic? Why was that never explained? I have more questions than answers at the resolution, which soured my experience a bit.

Regardless, I enjoyed the story. It felt like a warm hug of a read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for the E-ARC! Really enjoyed this one. The characters were fun & I loved the romance. Definitely will read more from this author!

This was a very sweet book. The characters are what really made it. Each of three main characters is so loveable right from the start. There is a lot of character growth in Ivy and Mack as they navigate friendship/a feud/dating and I loved reading it. Henry is a delight!
Fanfiction plays a big role in the story and I absolutely loved that. It was so fun to read about/see the different tropes play out.
While the main idea is sorta silly/fantastical (a fanfic character comes to life!), I’d say the actual theme is friendship and it was written so well in a very real way.
I enjoyed this book.