Review of Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales
From the moment I heard Nobody in Particular was a sapphic romance featuring a fairy-tale setting where royalty belongs to the gays, I was hooked! Sophie Gonzales has a knack for crafting vibrant characters, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the lives of Rose, a crown princess, and Danni, an immigrant navigating the labyrinthine corridors of a prestigious boarding school. Their story felt like a warm invitation to a world where love conquers all—even royal duties.
At the heart of this novel lies an exploration of identity, friendship, and the struggles that come with being true to oneself against societal expectations. Danni’s journey as a fish out of water is both relatable and compelling. You can practically feel her stage fright and the weight of bullying creep back into her life as she grapples with being the ‘new girl’ among elites. I admired her maturity; she evolved beautifully throughout the story, handling challenges with grace. Her awkward yet heartfelt attempts at fitting in had me rooting for her from page one.
Rose, on the other hand, embodies a delightful mix of sarcasm and depth. In a world where she’s expected to marry a man and maintain her royal facade, her struggle to embrace her identity is painted with nuance. The tension surrounding her past friendship with Molly added layers to her character. The slow reveal of their history kept me gripped; it was a poignant reminder that sometimes, the heaviest baggage we carry is emotional, not material.
Their romance? Oh, what a delightful dance! The banter between Rose and Danni sparkles with life, and their text conversations are pure joy. I was thrilled that their chemistry didn’t lean one-sided. Both characters held their own, which made their exchanges feel genuine. However, I couldn’t help but wish for a bit more slow burn in their relationship. While their connection was endearing, the rapid pace at which feelings escalated left me wanting to feel that swoon-worthy moment a little deeper.
There were some bumps along the way. Danni’s reasoning for rekindling the romance felt rushed and somewhat out of character, leading to moments where I found myself questioning the logic. And Harriet’s storyline surrounding consent raised eyebrows—while I appreciate the focus on accountability, the double standards in character reactions felt uneven.
Nonetheless, the narrative flowed well, peppered with Gonzales’s signature humor and relatable teen dilemmas. The writing style is accessible, with some minor typos likely to be remedied in the final version. I particularly enjoyed lines that resonated like: “Your life is bigger than Danni, and hers is bigger than you.” This encapsulates the essence of prioritizing self-worth alongside love—a theme that struck me profoundly.
Nobody in Particular is a heartwarming read for anyone who adores queer love stories sprinkled with friendship, self-discovery, and a dash of royal drama. It’s particularly perfect for fans of Young Royals or Her Royal Highness, who crave a slice of life filled with belonging and courageous hearts.
Gonzales has once again delivered a gem that tugged at my heartstrings while making me cheer for the characters. Honestly, if you’re looking for a book that captures the essence of youth, the importance of communication, and the courage to be oneself, grab this one. I promise you won’t regret it!
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