Thank you Macmillan audio for the gifted ALC!

4.5⭐️

Wow, I’m absolutely obsessed with this! Such a perfect read to kick off Pride month 🌈

Rose and Danni were such lovable MCs! As the crown princess of Henland, rose lives under the spotlight and must always work towards having a perfect image. She has so much growth as she learns to accept her emotions! Danni struggles with her self image and wants to be accepted at her new school, but slowly blossoms and becomes confident in herself!

Watching these two fall in love was so sweet and beautiful. They learn so much about each other and themselves while they are on this journey. There are so many secrets, betrayals, and rumors that come with rose being a princess, but the outcome was perfect!

The narration was also stunning! I could’ve sworn it was duet narration at times bc of how perfectly they embodied the characters!

THIS BOOK DESTROYED ME IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY - this gave me an insane amount of feelings - I was crying so much and loved every second of it - It gave sapphic Red White and Royal Blue vibes in the best way - I'll read anything Sophie Gonzales but this has to be her best yet

👑 Nobody In Particular by Sophie Gonzales 👑

MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Princess Rosemary of Henland is focused on repairing her tarnished image after a scandal. But when talented pianist Danni joins her boarding school, Rose finds herself distracted. Danni, on a music scholarship, is surprised to be accepted by Rose’s former best friend, who is currently not super fond of Rose As Rose and Danni grow closer, rumors about their relationship spread, forcing them to choose between hiding their bond or risking Rose’s fragile reputation, knowing the palace will do anything to tear them apart.

Ugh this book was so cute! The writing and characters were super loveable, funny, and cute, and at times I could feel the awkwardness and tension between the characters. While this book was cute, it also dealt with really intense topics. I felt that this helped the characters experience a lot of growth and development, which made this story very dimensional.
I listened to the audiobook, and felt that the narrators really benefitted the story. Their intonation and emotion helped push the storyline and really fit.
Overall - I highly recommend this and enjoyed this book!

Read this if you like:
- boarding school vibes
- dual POV / duet narration
- queer YA romance

Vibes: 👑📚📓🎤🏫🌳

Song that matches the vibe: Till Forever Falls Apart by Ashe and FINNEAS

Full review including content warnings on my StoryGraph.

👑 Nobody In Particular came out on June 3, 2025! Thank you NetGalley, Sophie Gonzales, and MacMillan Audio for the ALC. This ALC was provided in exchange for an honest review. 👑

It's Pride Month and everyone should read this sapphic romance by Sophie Gonzales! I had such a wonderful time listening to this audiobook, the two narrators were fabulous and they really brought the story to life. The story itself is YA, but as an adult reading it, I really enjoyed spending time in that world and the entire cast of characters was engaging and captivating. I liked the pacing and I liked how the characters evolved throughout the story and there were twists I didn't see coming which was great and kept me on the edge of my seat. I pretty much read this in one sitting because I was so enraptured.

I may have read this in the wrong format. I found the writing to be a bit melodramatic and cringey, and this was only intensified by the audiobook performance.

There is lots to love about this book, and I think it will find its audience. For my preferences, the pacing was inconsistent and the characters were all over the place. There are certainly charming moments but they are overshadowed by chapters that feel like our MCs are literally shouting the entire time. I think if anything this may have come off a bit better in the new adult genre, more of a Princess Diaries 2 kinda vibe.

I was very much anticipating this, so I hate to admit that I'm disappointed.

Mini synopsis: Danni, the new girl, finds herself thrown into an elite boarding school, in a new country, with new friends, ready to start over. Little did she know she’d make a friends right away & one of them happens to be a princess 🤷🏻‍♀️

I just love Sophie Gonzales & her books! While this isn’t my favorite, I love the royals behaving badly vibes & the core friendship group! There’s a lot of heart but into this book that really shines thru! I think my issue was with the relationship, it felt very dramatic very quickly. I get it hassssss to, but I don’t always love that! However, a strong friend group always sucks me in & this had plenty of friendship moments that I just loved! If you’re a fan of Red White & Royal Blue you need to check this out too!

Pick this book up if you like:
❤️elite boarding schools
🧡strong friend groups
💛royal romances - specifically f/f
💚dual POVs
💙slow burn romance & messy relationships
💜friends to lovers/forbidden romance

A disgraced princess falls for the new girl at her boarding school - and while I wasn’t totally vibing with it at first, the second half pulled me all the way in. I’ve been kinda meh on YA romance lately, so I thought this might be another miss, but once things got emotional, messy, and intense, I was hooked. Also... love me a sapphic romance, and the audiobook was so well done.

Thank you NetGalley for the ALC 🎧👑💖

I love this author so much. This was one of my most anticipated of the year. I don’t know what it was that didn’t thrill me but I think both the main characters were not the energy I look for. One wasn’t likeable and the other was meek.

Due to her mother's recent remarriage and her musical talents, teenage Danni has found herself as the newest student at Bramppath College (aka high school) in the fictional European country Henland. While navigating this new world is hard enough, she seems to have met her match in notorious party-girl Rose, who just so happens to also be the country's royal princess. It's a classic set-up for an opposites attract romance, and I only wish the author had chosen to focus more on this central storyline. Unfortunately, far too much of this book spends time on a strange whodunit mystery and societal expectations that are completely unreasonable for those under the age of 18.

The audiobook production, however, is excellent. Both narrators, Gail Shalan and Imani Jade Powers, are able to bring their characters to life and are the main reason that I stuck around until the end. While this had a lot of promise, I think it ultimately suffered from trying to fit a much more mature story into the world of YA.

This is a fun, romantic, and very teen-friendly story of a regular girl and a royal girl who fall in love, and all the complications and maturing that comes with that. It has just the right amount of heart, suspense, and teen drama to appeal to young readers

I am offering my honest opinion voluntarily.

This was a cute read and an amazing listen. I had the pleasure of reading the book first and then doubling back to tandem read with the audio version, BEST DECISION EVER! Gail Shalan and Imani Jade Powers did an outstanding job of bringing this cast to life and conveying every emotion written. The confusion, heartache, and betrayal were all palpable when these two talented narrators read, making this book even better.

New stepfather, new school, new country. Dani is navigating quite a bit in this book, trying to fit in and stay out of her head so that she can make the move work for herself. She attends a school for the elite and happens to be in school with a "BAD GIRL" princess, Rose, who is next in line for the crown and harbors a secret that could put her future and the future of the monarchy in jeopardy.

THIS WAS A BEAUTIFUL STORY.

Thank you, Netgalley, Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners, and Sophie Gonzales for the ALC of this heartwarming book!

Such a cute sapphic YA romance! It broke my heart to listen to the author’s note and learn that this concept was originally shot down several times while being pitched to publishers. I am so happy that it finally found its home! I would definitely say the demographic is an older, 17+ YA, but was not super explicit. It did cover many deep themes such as homophobia, drug and alcohol use/abuse, bullying, and sexual exploration. I loved that the story addressed the homophobia and other classist issues that monarchies perpetuate in common times. I would absolutely LOVE to explore more titles by this author, but also more adult novels with this theme!

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of Sophie Gonzales’ newest release.

Sophie, you got me again. There isn’t one single thing I will not read by Sophie Gonzales and a sapphic royal romance is at the TOP of the mf-ING list. When I tell you I dropped everything to devour this book, THE HOLD THIS WOMAN HAS ON ME.
Here we go, guys, gals and non-binary pals.
Our main character, Dani, recently arrived to a boarding school, is hiding her own trauma and secrets when she comes upon Her Royal Highness, Rose and her friends. Something horrible has happened in Amsterdam the year prior and no one is willing to talk about it, except for Molly, Rose’s ex-best friend, who has taken the incident very hard, icing out Rose and so naturally, Dani latches onto her first. Shenanigans ensue, making sure our two queer leads bond over their mutual love and care for Molly, developing the feelings©️along the way.
This being a YA novel, it made sense for the relationship to develop very quickly. There’s a lot of drama and sweet conversations; 100% perfect for a high school setting. Even in my Advanced Age (✨Thirty-Four Year Old Lady✨✨✨), I still found myself relating to their fears and hopes, kicking my feet along the way.
This was a great way to kick off Pride Month.
4.5 stars.

You know how we are all clamoring for the feel of those 2000s teen movies we loved so much? Satiate your craving with this book right here! It made me so happy! The romance, the friendships, the drama! It’s all so good! Truthfully, when I received the book, I wasn’t sure I would be able to finish it before pub day, but, oh my god, I couldn’t put it down!
Also, we love when girls love girls, so bonus points, always.
If you are looking for the sweet, fun, sapphic love story of your dreams, look no further!

ALERT: FAVORITE AUTHOR NEW BOOK ABOUT TO DROP

Sophie prefaces Nobody in Particular by saying she wrote this book about a decade ago and that, at the time, no one was interested in royal queer romances. Well, guess tf what??? The girlies have arrived and they are now thriving. (everyone say thank you Red, White, and Royal Blue and Young Royals) I hate that Sophie had to backburn this book but I'm also kind of glad because now it has a better chance of doing numbers. (As if I wouldn't read a Sophie book at anytime...)

Forbidden Love. Betrayal. Found Family. Yearning. Commoner/Royalty. Did I mention the yearning? Nobody in Particular is the story of a disgraced princess a new student from America at an all-girls boarding school. Danni and Princess Rosemary of Henland start up a quick and witty friendship that quickly turns into something more. but Rose can’t afford distractions as she works to repair her image after a tragic scandal. And Danni, who is attending Bramppath College on a music scholarship, doesn't need anything to happen to get her kicked out of the elite school. But soon rumors of their forbidden relationship start circulating. No one knows who might betray who. And Rose and Danni have to decide what really matters in the end.

Sophie always tells such fun stories but yet there's still depth to her characters. There's still a plot to the chaotic chaos. Nobody in Particular has very distinct voices. Gail Shalan and Imani Jade Powers give extra life and layers to these characters in the audiobook. I could listen to both of them narrate forever. Nobody in Particular is one of my top favorite Sophie books. And I would never say no to a sequel.

If you have made it this far, please, for the love of everything book holy, go read Sophie's debut The Law of Inertia and hype it up so she will write me a freakin sequel ok thank you.

And if you are looking for a similar story written ahead of it's time, Rachel Hawkins wrote Her Royal Highness. Which is also fabulous.


***Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and Macmillan Audio for always giving me the privilege of checking out Sophie's books early.***

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio (Young Listeners) for the Advance Listeners Copy of Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales, narrated by Gail Shalan & Imani Jade Powers.

Releasing just in time for Pride month, this sapphic, coming of age, discovery of love story is perfect. An american nobody meets and falls for Princess Rosemary while attending a prestigious boarding school. Navigating high school, new friends, a new country, new customs, and new love is never easy and these characters truly go through it.

The narrator of Rose's character had a strong accent making it difficult to understand her in some parts of the book, but for the most part the narration did an excellent job of portraying the emotions and struggles faced by these characters. The pacing of the book was also well done, but the book did run on the very young adult side, which is important for listeners/readers to be away of. Overall, the book was well written and I can strongly recommend to enjoyers of young adult, lowborn love stories.

I can’t get enough of the royal x commoner trope, so naturally I was excited to pick up Nobody in Particular. This is a sapphic love story set at a posh all-girls boarding school between the future queen of Henland and an American scholarship student.

I enjoyed having two designated narrators for Danni and Rose’s respective chapters. Gail Shalan and Imani Jade Powers really embodied both of these young women and helped bring their characters to life. Their accents were believable and they both imbued their performances with the perfect notes of yearning and emotion. This novel covers some heavier topics (such as grief and unresolved trauma) and you could hear the tears welling up in their voices during the more somber moments.

Nobody in Particular is the type of heart-affirming, young adult romance I adore. The inclusive, positive tone made me yearn for a brighter future where queer youth feel affirmed and comfortable in every setting. The cover is also too cute for words and I LOVE the little tiara on Rose’s head!

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC!

As someone who has been a longtime fan of the ‘royal falls in love with a commoner’ story, I could not wait for this book! I have loved Gonzales’ previous work and was ecstatic for this sapphic royal love story. I absolutely adored this book! It’s wonderfully YA - I would say upper YA - and the characters are perfectly imperfect as they are trying to navigate typical teenage challenges - academics, extracurriculars, familial expectations - all while living as their true selves and discovering first loves, healing from heartbreak and grief, and forging new paths.

My heart ached for Rose as she not only was trying to juggle the demands of high school but also as a princess, being in the spotlight and having to deal with archaic and homophobia within her family. I wanted to scream at her parents for not providing her with the support she deserved, but I was grateful for some steps towards healing and them honoring Rose’s decision and bravery in the end.

Danni was a darling and gosh, her anxieties were incredibly relatable. She has such a big heart and I admired her loyal and determination, but I hated that she was treated so abominably by some of the characters. Everyone deserves the right and respect to come out at the time of their choosing, when they feel comfortable and safe to do so.

I loved the dual narration! These narrators so perfectly captured the spirit of Rose and Danni and the emotion that carried through in their performances had me in tears. Highly recommend the audiobook!

5/5 no notes
Genre: YA romance (mystery elements)
Would reread? YES.
Would recommend? YES.
Did I cry? YEP. that audiobook performance??
Vibes: 👑 🎹 🎶 🏫 🥂 🏰

For fans of The Prince and Me, or Red White and Royal Blue

Themes & Tropes
- LGBTQ+ rep (lesbian and bisexual)
- Private fancy boarding school
- Royal vs American commoner
- Duty vs independent want/need
- Forbidden love
- Forced proximity

The intimate touches!! Many little moments that build.

Chapter 28?! OMG those speeches. That pining 😮‍💨

Memorable quote:
“How enchantingly, delightfully normal”

I've been thinking about this book a lot since I finished it, which I suppose is a good thing. :)

This was a really good, very unique sapphic book. Danni and Rose's relationship was really sweet and I love how much they fought for their love once they made the decision to do so. That said, for me it felt a bit dark and as such a bit long for a YA book. I wish she could have made this work without the really sad friend back story.

🎧 The audiobook was lovely! Gail Shalan and Imani Jade Powers were both FANTASTIC and I loved their accents. They brought this story to life in a really beautiful, believable way.

Read if you like:
-YA Sapphic Stories
-Royalty
-Boarding schools
-Grief journeys

Overall, I did enjoy it and would recommend for those looking for a royal sapphic story. That said, go in knowing it's not as lighthearted as some of the other YA LGBTQ books we've read before.

Thank you so much to Wednesday Books for the ARC and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!