Day’s YA: NOBODY IN PARTICULAR

NOBODY IN PARTICULAR by Sophie Gonzales
9781250352491
6/3/2025
Wednesday Books
Ages 13-18

E-galley available on Edelweiss and NetGalley

Danni Blythe is the newest student at the prestigious Bramppath College–she’s just moved to Henland from Boulder, Colorado for her mom’s relationship. Accepted on a music scholarship for piano, she’s prepared to be an outcast among the wealthy, privileged students, a terrifying thought following the bullying she experienced at her school back home. But when she’s quickly taken in by a girl named Molly, she gets wrapped into a friend group she never expected–one that includes Princess Rosemary of Henland. Rose, on the other hand, has been struggling to repair her image and regain the trust of her best friend, Molly, after a devastating incident. But when Danni and Rose meet, something blossoms between them. And when rumors start circulating about their friendship–one that seems almost too close–they must try to deflect the whispers before they get pulled away from each other forever. 

This book, told in a dual POV, was beautifully written in every way. My favorite part of this story was how it was so much more than just a romance. It dealt with heavier topics, including grief over the loss of a friend, being queer in a Catholic country, and being forced to come out when you aren’t ready. It perfectly encapsulated what it means and how it feels to be a teenager. The friendships were just as important as the blossoming relationship between Rose and Danni. All of the characters, including each and every side character, felt incredibly developed, and I could imagine all of them as if they were my own friends. They each had their own vices, battles, and quirks. And as friendships were mended and relationship difficulties were overcome, the trauma each character felt was understandable, the discussions were open and realistic, and above all else, the relationships were handled in a healthy way, helping each character to grow and develop throughout the book.

Filled with stolen glances and secret meetings, the romance created the perfect forbidden love trope. Rose is a strong personality–she’s determined, sarcastic, and a bit impulsive. She’s fearful of her future, and of letting down her family and her friends, but also desperately wants to be accepted for who she truly is. Danni, on the other hand, is more reserved, is fearful of being perceived by others, and cares about those around her before herself. Her life has been uprooted and pushed into the spotlight, somewhere she has always struggled to be. As their friendship grew into more, it was apparent just how much they cared for each other, how much they would protect each other, and how open and honest they were with each other at all times, all while retaining that hilarious banter that is a necessary part of a perfect young adult romance. Throughout the story you watch as they help each other grow and discover what’s important to them–from Rose coming to terms with her identity and realizing what she truly wants from her future, to Danni becoming comfortable with being center stage and chasing after her goals. 

This book was heartwarming and heartwrenching, made me laugh and then cry, and had me wishing for more when I turned the last page. NOBODY IN PARTICULAR is the perfect mix of Young Royals, RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE, and The Prince and Me. If you love royalty romances or boarding school settings, this is an absolute must read.

Happy reading!
<3 Margo

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