I unfortunately had to DNF this at ~27%. I wanted to like this so much, but I just was too bored and not connecting with any of the characters. I’m not sure if it was because this was an audiobook or not. The narrators didn’t do anything off putting, but so I wouldn’t say it was them, but maybe because there wasn’t anything going on plot wise I needed more from the characters? Was it just that the characters weren’t giving me anything, or was it that the narrators weren’t inflecting enough or putting enough personality in? I genuinely don’t know. But if I’m going to get this far into a book and nothing is really going on for me plot wise, I at least need the characters to have something for me to root for. Either in their dialogue, or their inner narration, or their actions. I didn’t really feel like this had anything going on. Maybe I’m just too old for these characters?

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I feel like the only queer to not have watched Young Royals. I know it’s 💅🏻 and it takes place at a boarding school, but beyond that… nothing. So when someone say that something is very YR, I’m lost. I go with what I know… y’know?

What I do know is that I love a Sophie Gonzales book. She writes queer kids that are going through it so well. It’s almost like she’s dealt with the trauma and pain of growing up in a world that is out to get you. There really is nothing like queer trauma and “straight” hate.

In Nobody in Particular, we find ourselves in the small fictional country of Henland where our MC Danni has just moved. When her mother gets married, they gain citizenship through her new stepfather and she applies for a music scholarship to a very exclusive and prestigious all girls boarding school. While it was just a long-shot application, she obviously gets in. There would be no story if she didn’t.

This is where she meets the ex-best friend of Princess Rosemary of Henland (Rose for short) and in turn the princess herself. Their circle of friends is tight knit and where she was an outcast back in the US, she makes friends quickly. But with the notoriety of spending time with royals also comes with everyone being in your business.

Rose and Danni start crushing on eachother, but neither knows the other’s sexuality. Danni is bisexual, but not out to anyone and Rose is a lesbian, but the royal family does not allow for her to be anything but the proper princess and successor they expect her to be. So they have to balance a budding relationship with being very secretive. That is until someone sees something they shouldn’t have.

I honestly hate stories where kids get outed. It hurts knowing that there is a situation where anyone has to deal with doing something they aren’t ready for. That being said, the author definitely makes it feel like everyone was fine in the end. I just know how detrimental it could be for some people that are put in the same situation, so I will always raise my hackles when it happens… even on page.

This definitely made me want to read more royalty x commoner books and maybe to finally start young royals. But while I say that now, I know my TBW is so long and always growing, so it probably won’t happen for a while.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my gifted eALC

Thank you to Sophie Gonzales, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. ♡

₊˚⊹⋆ first thoughts: this seems like its going to be such a cute and angsty story and i cannot wait to dive in!

₊˚⊹⋆ final thoughts: i was so right. this is such a beautiful coming-of-age love story and honestly made me realize i need more royalty love stories in my tbr asap! i believe all the characters were pretty complex, even the side characters had some substance to them. i would love to see this story brought to life at some point, because it definitely has the potential. i really ate this up even though it may fall on the younger end of the young adult spectrum. super cute read and i definitely wanna look at more of sophia's work!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing me an early copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

I really loved this coming of age YA romance with a royal twist. Danni is new to Henland, and new to Bramppath College, but she has caught the eye of her new country’s princess (and future Queen) Rose.

There are themes of trying to fit in, coming out, teenage shenanigans, and friendship, all with the backdrop of keeping a *gay* relationship secret from the public eye, as Rose has a very public position.

I loved the absolute cuteness of the friendship that develops between these two, and then the feelings that develop there.

There’s also drama with the press and secrets that keep the story very engaging.

As far as age range for this one, I think it would be appropriate enough my 12 year old daughter, and that she would enjoy it. (But do be aware that there are mentions of drug use/overdose, as well as inferences to *sex*.)

Audiobook notes: Both narrators were just so great, and they both worked very well together. It was dual POV, but at times it sounded almost like it was duet because their voices worked so well together. Definitely recommend the audio.

What this book is giving:
✅ YA Sapphic Royal Romance
✅ Dual POV
✅ Fictional Country
✅ Princess
✅ Newcomer to the country
✅ Boarding School
✅ Coming of age

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ / 5
🌶️ / 5

I enjoyed this. I love the royal romance trope and I'm glad we finally got a good Sapphic version of that. I really liked the main characters and how they both dealt with their past traumas and how it brought them closer. This is definitely a solid addition to the ya romance genre.

Danni moves from America to an elite boarding school on a music scholarship, soon she befriends and falls for the future queen of Henland. Princess Rosemary is juggling a lot; her duties to the country, her media image, and her failing friendship.

The audiobook is well produced and the 2 POVS are well done. The narrators have a slightly different speed so I had to switch the speed back and forth.

With positive messaging about identity, consent, and family, this book makes a lovely addition to the young adult literary canon.

3.75/5

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for access to an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

a fun twist on a popular story! a must read if youre a lover of royalty romaces! the characters and their strugles were beautifuly written so that their journeys felt so real and had me wanting to know more from the very beginning.

*Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan audio for early copy for review*

I love a Sapphic princess love story. Both of the girls had past struggles they had to overcome and I loved the journey they took to do that. This book also dealt with being a secret couple and how that would effect both sides. Also the stumbling around of figuring out if the person you like not only likes you, but is also so queer. Wonderful job!

What happens when a poor foreigner wins a scholarship to an elite boarding school—one that just so happens to be attended by the country’s princess? What happens when that same scholarship student finds herself welcomed into the princess’s inner circle… and feelings start to bloom that are more than just friendly?

Nobody Inparticular is a charming, sapphic YA romcom that’s as heartfelt as it is fun. Think The Princess Diaries meets queer coming-of-age—it’s a story about identity, courage, and embracing who you are without apology. While it’s packed with cute, lighthearted moments and swoon-worthy chemistry, it also digs deep into themes of belonging and self-acceptance.

This book isn’t just entertaining—it’s important. It’s a story that lets girls see themselves on the page, especially those who may feel out of place or unsure of their identity. Highly recommend for fans of queer romance, feel-good coming-of-age stories, or anyone with a younger person in their life who might need a reminder that they’re not alone.

What happens when a poor foreigner wins a scholarship to an elite boarding school—one that just so happens to be attended by the country’s princess? What happens when that same scholarship student finds herself welcomed into the princess’s inner circle… and feelings start to bloom that are more than just friendly?

Nobody Inparticular is a charming, sapphic YA romcom that’s as heartfelt as it is fun. Think The Princess Diaries meets queer coming-of-age—it’s a story about identity, courage, and embracing who you are without apology. While it’s packed with cute, lighthearted moments and swoon-worthy chemistry, it also digs deep into themes of belonging and self-acceptance.

This book isn’t just entertaining—it’s important. It’s a story that lets girls see themselves on the page, especially those who may feel out of place or unsure of their identity. Highly recommend for fans of queer romance, feel-good coming-of-age stories, or anyone with a younger person in their life who might need a reminder that they’re not alone.

Nobody in Particular was more than a royal queer romance. Danni and Rose's story navigates young romance, new friendships, old friendship, grief, family expectations and obligations, class differences, and the fear of showing your true self even to your favorite people. I loved the banter and the honesty between Danni and Rose that had me smiling and laughing.

Their story comes with automatic support from some characters, and gas lighting an homophobia from others. Meaning sometimes I wanted to fist pump with joy, and other times it felt like my heart had fled my body and left a gaping hole of frustration and grief.

It's hard enough dealing with the complexities of first love, but as readers of "Nobody in Particular" will soon find out...it can get a whole lot messier!

Princess Rosemary is still in the middle of patching up her recently soiled reputation when new girl Danni arrives at school. Both girls are healing from past traumas, but in each other they find a friendship deeper than they thought possible. What happens when it starts to feel like more than friendship? And what's a future queen to do when faced with the choice of love vs duty?

These characters are so fleshed out and real, and their backstories make complete sense for who they are in the novel. The cast of characters feels very much distinct from each other, and the setting is super fun!
I do wish we were able to explore their world slightly more- many scenes took place in the same few places/scenarios- and I think it would have been interesting to see more of the school classes, activities, and overall dorm life.

This novel raises important questions about identity vs societal and familial expectations. These are questions that many people have to face everyday. There is a lot of build up to what answers Rose might receive when it comes to her future, and in the end I think it was tied up too nicely. Was it a good ending? Yes. Was it perhaps an overly hopeful one? Also yes.

Overall a lovely romance novel that I can definitely see myself picking up again. Now off to read her other books!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Nobody in Particular is a fantastic YA royal romance. While it took me a little while to get invested in the characters I think teens will love this title. Recommended for all YA collections.

This took quite a while to get into, and I had to take a few breaks. For the first 30% or so I was forcing myself to pay attention, as the leads were likable but it was just dull and slow-paced. However, as the angst ticked up, and eventually scandal and drama, it grew on me. By about half way in, I was invested. F/F. Incredibly sweet. Full of angst. Royals. Scandal. Secrets. Academy setting. Underage drinking, etc. Secrets. LBGTQIA representation. Young love. Overall: Very sweet, once I got into it, it was fun to see it through. 3.5 stars. 🎧 Audio: Fantastic audio production! Professional and smooth, all-around. 4.5 stars.

#netgalley

Nobody in Particular is the sapphic YA coming-of-age story that I just know my teenage self would've been smitten with.

There's so much heart in Gonzales' story—not only between Danni and Rose as they fall in love, but also within their friend group. It's actually the way the book describes female friendships when there's a fracture in the group that really stood out to me. Each girl responds in a different way, and seeing the way they grapple with it was really satisfying to read.

Sure, I thought the twist was rather obvious, and the way things wrapped up so neatly was a bit corny, but that's just the cynical adult in me chiming in. All in all, I can't be too mad about the way Danni and Rose got their happy ending.

Overall, I had a great time, and I highly recommend the audiobook, as both narrators did an incredible job bringing the characters to life!

I love Sophie Gonzales’ books so much! I think Perfect on Paper and Only Mostly Devastated remain my favourite, even after finishing this book.

I really like the premise of this book, but the drama became a bit too much for me, especially for it to all simply work out in the end. (I’m happy it did, but it kind of took away from the angst of all the back and forth throughout)

Nobody in Particular features:
🎹 Pianist scholarship student
👸🏻 Princess
✏️ Boarding school
👯‍♀️ Navigating teenage friendship
💕 LGBTQIA+ rep

I thought the audio was really well done!

Danni receives a music scholarship to a prestigious boarding school where she expects to be an outcast. However, on her first day, she befriends Molly who just so happens to be part of the in crowd. Molly’s ex best friend? Princess Rosemary, who basically catches Danni’s eye from the start. The only problem? Danni is only out to her best friend Rachel and Rose is only out to her parents who have stressed the importance of managing her image and maintaining the royal status quo. After all, the country of Henland is deeply rooted in Catholicism and she is expected to produce an heir to maintain the royal lineage.

I am a sucker for a boarding school setting and any story dealing with Catholicism (or Catholic/religious guilt in general). I was completely obsessed with this story and the yearning between Danni and Rosemary, neither of which knew the other was queer. It was beautiful and had me smiling throughout.

The audiobook production itself was fantastic and the narrators really captured each character’s personality. I normally only listen to my audiobooks while working or during my commutes but found myself grabbing my headphones and downloading a game on my phone just so I could continue (and finish) the story.

👑 royal romance
👑 sapphic love
👑 dual POV
👑 secret relationship
👑 boarding school
👑 unresolved grief

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advance copy of the audiobook!

Thank you Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for the ARC.

I am not a romance girly at all, BUT THIS ONE WAS SO CUTE. Them learning to love each other but being so incredibly awkward, the political intrigue and structures impacting their behavior, the whole forced marriage plot. I loved it all! I also loved how the author refrained from being Gen Z cringe, as so often is common within YA contemporary books. As a non romance person, I am saying you should check this one out!

I loved this story.

The dual pov was such an excellent choice by the author since each mx had their own journey to go through along with the romance part for them. It's so hard to write a believable YA romance but these two girls really loved and supported each other.

That being said-while I am an adult knowingly reading a book where I am not the target audience- the on page intimate scenes were a bit much. While it wasn't SMUT by any means, there was still on page actions and feelings described that made me uncomfortable knowing they were 16 year olds.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Young Listeners for this ARC Audio Copy!

This is my first time reading Sophie Gonzales and I have been wanting to read one of her books for a while so was really excited to get my hands on this ARC copy and the cover is so stinking cute. I really enjoyed the story, though at times it was a but younger of a YA than I am used to, but that did not really take away from my enjoyment of the book. I really enjoyed the Dual POV and each character had a distinct enough that I was never confused about which POV we were in at any time.