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.

It’s giving sapphic, royal goodness and I ate up every second of it. This was a super realistic YA romance. I really enjoyed our FMCs and the way the author built tension between the FMCs and their romance but also the overall plot of one of them being a royal and the tension that comes on carrying that.

I thought the characters in this were extremely well developed and thought out and i loved seeing them come into their own and stand up for themselves and what they wanted as the story progressed.

You see a lot in this book on being comfortable in being who you are completely out in the open from the perspective of a “regular” person and a royal and i enjoyed watching those stories flourish.

I dual read this with my ears and eyes, and i really loved the audiobook! I felt like the voices deeply matched the characters and i loved that it brought my vision of the characters to life! The audiobook absolutely added to my overall enjoyment of the book!

The Vibes:
-Royals
-YA queer romance
-Secret Dating
-Dual POV
-Coming of Age

Overall it was a great time. I would absolutely recommend it to my audience and the cover is just sooooooo good.

This book was everything that I want in a romance.I kept looking forward to when I could listen again. A boarding school, and royal family, a clash of cultures.

An event has occurred over the summer that is tearing the friend group apart as they each deal with their grief in different ways. In comes Danny the new girl on scholarship at this elite boarding school who has absolutely no idea what has happened, but get's absorbed by the most popular group at school. She will need to decide where her loyalties lie and how much of herself she wants to share.

I enjoyed the friend group in this book as well. There were a variety of personalities and each character was fairly well developed.

The narration was clear to follow and I enjoyed the distinct different voices.

Genre: Romance
Age: Teen to Adult (main characters in high school)
Tropes: Royal and Average person, bully(ish) to lover
Themes: Dealing with other's expectations, wealth, social media, coming out, grief, friendship groups
Trigger Warnings: Being outed
Read For: Netgalley
Obtained From: Thanks to Harper Audio and Netgalley for the Advanced Listening Copy!

I always enjoy a royal and regular person trope.

What I liked:

I really enjoy Sophie Gonzales’ writing. This was fun and an easy listen.

I like Rose & Danni. I think I liked their personal stories more than the romance between them. Danni’s struggles with performing and being perceived, and Rose’s struggles with her royal duties and how that really directs everything she can and cannot do.

The supporting characters were fun. I liked the little friend group and how those relationships were different between the girls.

What didn’t work for me:

It seemed like there was a lack of chemistry between Rose & Danni.

The characters all felt a lot younger than they were.

There absolutely is an audience for queer Royal romance and I am a part of it. I think bc I didn’t “come out” until college, I like reading sapphic stories set in high school and think about what may have happened to me if I had come out in high school. Anyways, this book was really enjoyable. Ngl I don’t LOVE the characters, they’re a little annoying to me, but I still felt deeply for them.

Nobody in particular by Sophie Gonzalez
arc from macmillan audio
release date: June 3rd 2025
-Omg Princess Rosemary’s voice is spot on I truly felt like I was listening to a British princess with more to her that meets the eye.
-Danni with her American accent is exceptionally done.
-Omg I love the drama and learning about everyone at the school. I feel like a new girl at the school like Danni trying to learn the ropes. -This is giving Young Royals but make it sapphic and IM HERE FOR IT.
-Also can we talk about this cover cause WOW 😍
-I love how they both are curious about each other and can’t stop looking at each other I can feel the tension
-Danni’s love for piano is beautiful
-omg Rosemary has been through so much
-ahh i love their back and forth they making me giddy
-there were so many scenes that felt like a movie
-omg i love molly everyone needs a support system
-the DRAMA is hot
this book was a beautiful coming of age romance I felt so invested
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nobody in Particular is my first novel by Eliza Gonzales—and certainly won’t be my last. Interestingly, while it was the first manuscript she ever wrote, it’s actually her seventh published book. The story has a sense of depth and heart that makes it clear why it was finally brought to readers. I’m glad the tides have changed and the market can bear the story.

The story follows Danni, a new American student who moves to Henland and enrolls at an all-girls boarding school. There, she crosses paths with Rose, the future queen, setting the stage for a compelling and emotionally layered narrative.
Gonzales excels at crafting distinct and authentic inner voices for the dual narrators. The audiobook narration further enhances this, with both voice actors adding nuance and emotion that elevate the story even more.

The real strength of the novel lies in its portrayal of friendship—particularly the fractured relationships among the girls in the aftermath of a tumultuous year, and their attempts to rebuild trust. These intimate, character-driven moments stood out far more than the overarching mystery subplot. It’s in these quieter scenes that Gonzales’s writing truly shines.

Overall, the narration and writing work in harmony to bring the story to life, adding emotional depth to already tense and heartfelt moments. A strong book with real emotional resonance.

"Nobody in Particular" by Sophie Gonzale is a vibrant, engaging YA novel that masterfully explores themes of forbidden love, identity, and acceptance within a royal vs. commoner dynamic. With a dual narrative that highlights the distinct voices of Princess Rosemary and newcomer Danni, the story dances effortlessly between witty banter, heartfelt moments, and compelling conflicts.
The characters are richly developed—Danni, navigating her status as an immigrant and aspiring pianist, quickly becomes a favorite with her maturity and resilience. Rose, initially seeming cold and detached, reveals layers of trauma and vulnerability that make her journey of self-acceptance all the more impactful. Gonzale excels at portraying their evolving relationship with authenticity, emphasizing communication and mutual respect over miscommunication-driven drama.
The romance, while sweet and full of playful chemistry, felt a bit rushed for some readers. The "love at first sight" moments and quick confessions may not resonate with everyone, but the emotional stakes—especially surrounding Rose’s secret and her battle with grief—add depth to their connection. The story's resolution, particularly regarding the third act conflicts, is handled realistically, avoiding cliché misunderstandings and making their victories feel earned.
The audiobook version is a highlight—well performed and engaging, significantly enhancing the experience and bringing characters vividly to life. Gonzale's writing flows smoothly, with moments of cleverness that keep the reader hooked, though a few minor editing hiccups and a dated epilogue slightly detract from the overall polish.
Overall, "Nobody in Particular" is a captivating, thoughtfully written story that's lively, heartfelt, and packed with important themes of love, identity, and friendship. Recommended for those looking for a fun yet meaningful sapphic YA romance that celebrates finding oneself amidst societal expectations.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7020595320?book_show_action=falNobody in Particular is a great American meets royal princess and falls in love story. Secret rendezvous, boarding school, tight friendships, hiding from the press, and sweet romance, this book has it all.

Danni starts attending Bramppath College, a boarding school in Henland, a small country in Europe. There she meets Princess Rosemary, whose cool exterior slowly melts as Danni gets to know her better. But in a majorly religious country, Danni and Rose have to be careful thier blossoming relationship is kept secret.

This story was so sweet with vibes of The Prince and Me and other hallmark movies involving royalty/commoner romances. The girls are both well written and fleshed out and this was such a fun read. The narrators both did an excellent job bringing the story to life.

Tropes
* Forbidden Romance
* Boarding School Setting
* Royal/commoner
* Hiding from the press
* YA romance

4 stars