These conversations are so important, and the fact that this one happens in a book written for teens is just so amazing. It touched on biphobia in the queer community, and also internalised biphobia regarding whether or not you can belong in a queer space if you’re a girl in relationship with a guy (or vice versa). The conversation in this book regarding that problematic way of thinking was absolutely on point. But I also feel there is a dearth of bi stories where the character ends up with someone who doesn’t share their gender, especially if that gender means that biphobic folks think they’re in a “straight” relationship. This isn’t to say that I don’t love bi books where the character ends up with someone who shares their gender because I do. One of the things I loved best about Perfect on Paper was the fact that the main relationship is f/m. She’s actually pretty great at it, which is why Australian transfer Alexander Brougham asks for her help in winning back his ex-girlfriend. Basically, other school students send in letters asking for relationship advice (with a tip), and Darcy replies. Maybe it’s because I know the author is Australian but it also just had this certain vibe.Īnyway! Perfect on Paper follows sixteen year old Darcy who runs an advice business out of locker number 89 at her school. I feel like even though this book is set in America with an American main character it still felt very Australian. I loved the story, I loved the humour, I loved the main character, and I loved the romance. Perfect on Paper was an absolute delight.

Brooke, who Darcy’s been in love with for a year now. Not too long ago, she abused locker 89 to sabotage the budding romance of her best friend, Brooke.

The deal Brougham offers is tempting: in exchange for his silence–and a generous coach’s fee to sweeten the deal–Darcy can become Brougham’s personal dating coach to help him get his ex-girlfriend back.Īnd as for Darcy, well, she has a fairly good reason to want to keep her anonymity.

If you slip a letter in outlining your relationship woes, along with a fiver, an anonymous source will email you with the best advice you’ve ever gotten.ĭarcy Phillips, a quiet, sweet junior, is safe in the knowledge no one knows she’s the genius behind locker 89. Everyone in school knows about Locker 89.

Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales