This was a sweet opposites attract romance between Alix and Marianna. Alix hosts a reality dating show. They unexpectedly have a run-in with Marianna who’s a teacher. Kris Bryant does a great job with developing the characters and plot.

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.

We 1st meet Alix on dating show in the book Forever where they got their heart broken by the Bachelorette. They were such a great hit they were asked to host the next show, Sweet sensitive trans nonbinary Alix comes to the aid of Marianne who just about fell on her face in high heels., Sparks flew though they both weren’t interested in anything more than a friendship. I absolutely loved this book, and you will too! It’s a feel good book and we all can use some of that right now.

Very much a slow burn romance relationship that starts with building a friendship first, which I totally enjoyed. We also get to see more of Alix who featured in an earlier book, the author says she wanted to explore this character more, I wish she had done more of that in this book. It all feels very surface, we understand more about their struggles with their job, without finding out more about them. I would have enjoyed this book more had we gone more in depth with both main characters. Having said this book is perfect, if you want a gentle read that takes you behind the scenes of a reality dating show.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Perfect by Kris Bryant follows Alix, a new reality TV host, and Marianna, a shy, down-to-earth woman with a history of disappointing relationships. Their chemistry is a slow burn, but it doesn’t fully land, lacking the spark found in Bryant’s other novels. While the story presents an intriguing setup, with Alix’s TV role adding a layer of drama, it felt a bit too safe. I missed a deeper dive into their backgrounds, which would have made the romance feel more authentic. This book might still appeal to loyal fans of Bryant's writing, but it left me wanting more.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

I ended up not loving this book. I never felt invested in the characters or their relationship. The plot also didn’t feel exciting. Marianna is hesitant about dating someone in Hollywood after a previous relationship ended badly. This is the main barrier to the relationship between Marianna and Alix (who is the host of a queer reality dating show), but I didn’t feel invested in seeing the characters overcome that barrier.

My favorite part of the book was its depiction of Alix’s non-binary identity and how their role as a TV host led them to becoming a role model for younger people. Non-binary identity is something I still don’t see often in romance and I’m glad to read more books including it!

Highlights:
- non-binary main character
- reality tv host x schoolteacher
- strangers to lovers
- low angst
- celebrity romance

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC!

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review this book,

I unfortunately think I’m just not into fame books and even less into sapphic romances. Thanks to NetGalley I am learning these preferences. I did like Kris Bryant’s writing and would consider reading more in the future

Alix is a trans who is hosting a Lesbian Love show in California. They accidently save a beautiful girl from falling and they become interested in her. Marriann is not tyhe same status as Alix and has trouble thinking that they arte interested in her. I liked the plot where two different people getm together dispite their differences. I recommend this romance astory fir all readers.

3/5 Stars

I am a big fan of Kris Bryant’s books, although this one might not be my favourite. I absolutely loved the beginning, we had a very cute meeting and immediate chemistry. The characters were so charming and the romance felt so authentic and natural, while still being super fun and engaging.

I am also a big fan of celebrity romances so I have read quite a few, but I loved that this one felt a bit different. Instead of Alix being traditionally very famous at the beginning of the book, they were still in the early stages of their career. The fact that they were an emerging Queer star also had its own unique implications. I loved that they weren’t always polished and charming, instead they were learning to adjust to this new life.

It was towards the middle and end of the book that I felt a bit more lost. Again, I think the romance between Alix and Marianna was fantastic but I felt disconnected from the story. I didn’t find some aspects of celebrity fall out realistic, there was also little reference to social media, which is shocking in this age of celebrity. I don’t know what it was, I felt like the middle of the book wasn’t super memorable which contrasts the really vibrant and engaging start of the book.

Kris Bryant has written some of my favorite romances, so I was overjoyed when I found out she was writing a celeb/normie story for Alix in her new book. The added drama of the reality show is always a treat. Bryant also lends a deft touch to Alix as NB. Overall, another hit for Bryant.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books, Inc. | BSB genre and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it has since come out. Just a nice and lovely book about a bunch of u haul lesbians pretending they're anything but.

This is my first book from Kris Bryant and right in the beginning it felt a little bit like i miss something, something about Alix. I did find out they were already in another book from the author and therefore i wished i would have had read that book called „Forever“ before. It was mentioned in the Acknowledgement, but since this is a stand alone book i didnt read it. Personally now that i read this book, i would go back and read „Forever“ first, just to have more background on Alix as a person and where they came from.

Alix is non binary, i liked to read about it because i personally have rarly any contact with non binary person so it was really interesting to get a glips into their thoughts. I feel like it could have been a bit deeper, but i liked it anyways.

Alix didnt end with a happy end in a dating show a few years back and not they brought them back as a host for a new season. Alix is on the rising when she meets Marianna, who seams tob e a perfect match, but also a match thats not interessted in dating another hollywood wanna bet.

I really loved the idea and the storyline, the story was very well written for me, at times i wished there would have been a bit more chemistry between the lines of these 2 main characters.


I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Thank you Bold Strokes Books, Kris Bryant, and NetGalley for the opportunity to receive an eArc in exchange for an honest review.


Do you ever start reading a book and get an immediate sense of familiarity? In a way of just knowing that the story is going to be good, and the characters will have your eyes glued to the page? That’s how I feel about Kris Bryant! I appreciate her work and I always find myself drawn into her stories!

Perfect is no exception! We meet Alix who after having a failed season on a reality dating show is now hosting the show themselves. A nonbinary main character at their finest! Alix had a blow up of a season where they were left hanging after their finale didn’t go in their favor.

So now Alix has all of the eyes on them as they navigate the reality dating show from the other side, guiding contestants through dates, trials, and tribulations, all while in front of a national viewership.

Marianna is a teacher and does some side gigs, too! Marianna has sworn off Hollywood and doesn’t want anything to do with it after her last girlfriend dropped her the minute she got a whiff of fame.

While Marianna is working an event as a caterer she quite literally runs into Alix!

Their paths continue to cross as they forge ahead building a relationship all the while Marianna doesn’t realize yet what Alix does for work.

Eventually she learns of Alix’s work and at first is hesitant but they’ve begun a relationship enough that Marianna is willing to risk navigating holywood alongside Alix.

What I so appreciate about this book and Alix and Marianna’s story is that first off Alix is nonbinary and Kris Bryant does an incredible job in navigating having a main character that is outside of the gender norms. I also appreciate how Alix and Marianna give space for each other to grow as people as their relationship grows, too!

4 gooses

This read looks at the impact of Hollywood on friendship and relationships. There are several wannabes and one who has sworn off of that world completely or so she thinks. Alix Sommers, the new face of the queer scene. There are parts they enjoy and others that they is not happy with. Marianna Smith, does not like Hollywood at all. The only thing she sees is fake people and wannabes. When the two meet organically it is a make you smile meet cute but things are messy from the beginning. Both characters are likable with nice personalities with supportive people around them. In general, there is low angst and a need for feeling good and comfortable about who are and what is important to you. I appreciated the inclusion of a trans non-binary character and a so called wall flower. The read provided educational information and in my opinion, that is a good thing. Well done!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

I really enjoyed this book. More than I thought I would. I liked the slow burn and the characters towers are great! Great writing style and I liked the storyline.

This book just did not connect with me. This in no way a reflection of the story or the author's ability to put together a story. I just felt no chemistry. I'm surprised to just now find out that this is the second in a series because reading the first book is not necessary.

A delightful slow burn romance with loveable characters who are also relatable. I thought Kris handle the non-binary aspect of Alix beautifully. I recommend.

Thank You Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

I’m usually a huge fan of Kris Bryant but I just didn’t feel the connection to the characters in the book like I normally do. That being said I still like the concept and I really like Alix. They were definitely the type of character that I would like to see more of.

The main characters of this book are Alix and Marianna.
Alix is the new host of a lesbian dating show. It is the same show that Alix was on last season, but did not get chosen. Alix identifies as a nonbinary person and is trying to learn the ropes so they can be a successful host.
Alix meets Marianna who is helping her aunt with the catering of the show. The two are drawn to each other, but Marianna is very wary of those in the public eye. Her ex dumped her for the spotlight and she has no desire to go through that again.
Alix will not let that stop them from exploring a relationship. Things are going well until both find out that Marianna's ex is a contestant on the show.
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Return to the set of the epic queer datingshow When Sparks Fly. Will brand new host Alix find their own love this time around?

I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Alix Sommers is starting their new gig as the host of the popular queer datingshow When Sparks Fly. As a contestant on the last season, their heart got broken when the bachelorette Savannah fell for the host of that series Lauren instead of for them. Alix is determined to make this the best season the show has ever seen. Being new to the Hollywood scene is intense. Their world is on the brink of changing forever, but their own love life isn’t on the line this time around. That is until a sweet and gorgeous woman literally falls into their arms at one of the many Hollywood parties they have to attend. The woman is illusive though and refuses to give Alix her name. Luckily their story is far from over when a short while later it’s the woman’s turn to rescue Alix. Marianna is everything Alix is looking for: kindhearted, authentic and beautiful. If only she didn’t detest the Hollywood lifestyle as much as she says she does.

Marianna is done with Hollywood types. Her last girlfriend Vee dumped her unceremoniously when she got her chance at fame. Marianne swears she will never fall for one of those types again. Having lived in L.A. all her life, she is unfortunately surrounded by them. Marianne is happy being a third grade teacher and working at her aunts catering business on the side. When she literally falls into the arms of a beautiful stranger at one of her catering jobs, Marianna can’t seem to get Alix out of her mind. They are charming, gorgeous and seem far from Hollywood fake. Why Alix is at the party, she doesn’t know. Marianna doesn’t watch popular tv and has never heard of When Sparks Fly. Still, Marianna isn’t ready to invest her heart again. That is until she gets to return the favor by rescuing Alix from a runaway dog at the park. So they meet again. Marianna is cautious but can’t help being utterly charmed by this person that seems to get thrown into her path repeatedly.

I loved returning to When Sparks Fly! After meeting Alix in Forever a lot of readers wanted them to get their own happy ending. I’m so glad Kris Bryant decided to return to Hollywood and make them the star of this new story.

It’s refreshing to read about a relationship where the most challenging problems come from the outside world. It’s pretty obvious from the start that Alix and Marianna are perfect for each other. The only hesitations seem to come from Marianna’s dislike of Hollywood and its typical characters, but Alix quickly shows her they are a trustworthy and authentic person. The scene at the party where Alix stands up for Marianna publicly is everything. They show exactly who they are in that moment.

The fact that Alix identifies as non-binary is handled with care throughout the book. It is obvious that Bryant made good use of her sensitivity reader(s). For Marianna to be so open and accepting of Alix as exactly the person that they are is heartwarming and makes you wish every human could be so open to understanding of another human.

Perfect is another good example of Kris Bryant’s talents. And who could say no to such a charming Hollywood romance?

In my review of “Forever” (May 2022) I specifically mentioned Alix, as a stand out side-character. In this stand alone sequel, (you don’t need to read the previous book), Alix gets a romance of their own. Alix Somers is the new host of a primetime dating show. In the previous book they were a contestant but not the love match. The new season hasn’t aired yet and Alix is still adjusting to Hollywood life when they run into Marianna Smith. Marianna was born and raised in Southern California and is a third grade school teacher. She doesn’t watch much tv and doesn’t like those wanting Hollywood attention as her ex left her to seek fame.

Unlike the previous book this is not focused on the show but on the romance. It is a gentle romance with a great non first date and taking things slow. I like how Alix is written being a masc presenting nonbinary character. There is potential for big conflict but angst and last minute breakups are not part of this story. Marianna has family that want to meddle and a best friend cousin by the couple really carry the bulk of the story. This is a sensitively written story with a lot of heart.