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Theoretically Straight #2
Theoretically Perfect
Theo Briggs just wants to be perfect. The perfect son. The perfect friend. The perfect boyfriend. But the harder he tries to keep up appearances, the more difficult juggling all of those expectations becomes. Where Theo usually turns to his faith for comfort, he now finds confusion and apathy.
Caleb Raynard finally has the boyfriend of his dreams. His and Theo’s relationship may have gotten off to a rocky start, but now that they’re settling into the realities of dating, surely things must be looking up? But something haunts Theo, driving an invisible wedge between them, and Caleb is desperate to figure out what it is.
When tensions flare during a tour of a haunted hotel, Theo must decide if he’s ready to let down the walls he’s constructed his entire life and allow Caleb to view the imperfection behind. And if he does peel away those layers, will Caleb still be able to love the boy underneath it all?
Theo and Caleb steer their relationship through doubts of faith, tested friendships, and self-discovery in this continuation of THEORETICALLY STRAIGHT.
Caleb Raynard finally has the boyfriend of his dreams. His and Theo’s relationship may have gotten off to a rocky start, but now that they’re settling into the realities of dating, surely things must be looking up? But something haunts Theo, driving an invisible wedge between them, and Caleb is desperate to figure out what it is.
When tensions flare during a tour of a haunted hotel, Theo must decide if he’s ready to let down the walls he’s constructed his entire life and allow Caleb to view the imperfection behind. And if he does peel away those layers, will Caleb still be able to love the boy underneath it all?
Theo and Caleb steer their relationship through doubts of faith, tested friendships, and self-discovery in this continuation of THEORETICALLY STRAIGHT.
350 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2024
162 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 27, 2025
This was such a bittersweet read. I was glad that Theo had a great support system and that the majority of his family was good to him, but it still sucked with all the religious bigotry.
The drama within the friend group was all over the place, but also super believable amongst a group of hormonal teenagers. I was also a bit annoyed with Caleb for a while there, because again, so much drama! But still, I was glad all their insecurities were addressed and that they had their nice ending. I would say it’s more of an HFN than a HEA, but only because they are 17 when the book ends.
The drama within the friend group was all over the place, but also super believable amongst a group of hormonal teenagers. I was also a bit annoyed with Caleb for a while there, because again, so much drama! But still, I was glad all their insecurities were addressed and that they had their nice ending. I would say it’s more of an HFN than a HEA, but only because they are 17 when the book ends.
March 12, 2025
Theoretically Perfect is the ideal sequel to Theoretically Straight. This book is honestly difficult for me to review objectively, I’m sure it has flaws because no book is perfect, but I genuinely can’t find any.
Theo and Caleb return in this installment, and their relationship is just as sweet as in the first book, now with even deeper and more mature themes. Theo’s struggle with perfectionism is painfully relatable, especially given his background, and his character growth is incredibly rewarding to witness.
The novel also puts Theo’s relationship with his family in the spotlight, and I can’t remember the last time I despised a character as much as I did Theo’s father. For those of us who grew up queer under the shadow of the church, that’s the point, and it’s executed flawlessly.
Even the side characters, including Wren, Freddie, and newcomer Jake, are well-developed and have compelling arcs of their own. I don’t know if we’ll get more of these characters in future books, but I really hope so. I hope every queer teenager gets to read this book, its message is exactly what someone growing up queer in a religious bubble needs to hear “you’re perfect just the way you are”
Theo and Caleb return in this installment, and their relationship is just as sweet as in the first book, now with even deeper and more mature themes. Theo’s struggle with perfectionism is painfully relatable, especially given his background, and his character growth is incredibly rewarding to witness.
The novel also puts Theo’s relationship with his family in the spotlight, and I can’t remember the last time I despised a character as much as I did Theo’s father. For those of us who grew up queer under the shadow of the church, that’s the point, and it’s executed flawlessly.
Even the side characters, including Wren, Freddie, and newcomer Jake, are well-developed and have compelling arcs of their own. I don’t know if we’ll get more of these characters in future books, but I really hope so. I hope every queer teenager gets to read this book, its message is exactly what someone growing up queer in a religious bubble needs to hear “you’re perfect just the way you are”
November 26, 2024
Church Meets.Gay
Being a Christian, and also being gay, this book and it's prequel gives an amazing insight into how wrong the church can be. For anyone thinking of reading this, Caleb is right. God made you who you are, and He doesn't make mistakes - churches do.
Being a Christian, and also being gay, this book and it's prequel gives an amazing insight into how wrong the church can be. For anyone thinking of reading this, Caleb is right. God made you who you are, and He doesn't make mistakes - churches do.
December 12, 2024
Ugh where to start… I hope these books get to the right people. There are so many kids out there going through stuff like this and feeling so alone, I just hope they find these books. I felt like these people were my best friends, I loved reading about them and their stories. I love that the books follow one after the other in the timeline so we never have huge gaps of time. I also LOVED Caleb and Theo, I mean wow their character development was incredible. Just wow. I would recommend these books to anyone!!
June 29, 2025
I nearly finished this because I really liked the first one but this one had like no plot. It was soooooo boring and I wasn't interested because random things just kept happening. IM SOOO SAD because I loved them in theoretically straight. But all the characters felt the same and they were all so therapist like and idk it just pmo. It was okkkk, but I wish it was better
April 9, 2025
I had fun with this book and my time with it! It’s hard to explain but it's deep and not deep at the same time. Theo is struggling to reconcile his upbringing and his identities. Caleb wants to support Theo and that’s really it. So much of the book is their internal monologues and their anxieties. I think if I had read these books in high school they would have meant so much to me to see a queer character making sense of being queer in a community that doesn’t accept you and seeing Theo’s support system grow was amazing. At the same time, it feels just a little too preachy and not fully in touch with high schoolers. Like at some points their dialogue is like grown folks talking. But then again there were so many points in the book where I wanted to hit my head on my desk because they were truly just being little high school kids trying to find their way in the world. I liked all the support characters’ side plots but at times it felt a little forced like we’re setting up for more books in this series or a spin off series. Overall, a decent read that i did at times super enjoy because of Theo’s character specifically
November 23, 2024
A very good sequel to Theoretically Straight.
This is a very good book, again Alexander and Amy has created a very likable world. The polarity between Caleb’s and Theo’s families is even if a familiar one, still interesting through the book. If you liked the 1st book I know you’re going to like this one too. If I could have one thing to remark on, it would be the very asexual way two 16-17 year old guys have a relationship for more than a year. I’m sure it might happen but not for 99% of teenage couples of that age. I guess it’s a concession to not having the book banned by schools and libraries in some states. But still, every time they make out and stop at kissing and touching I cannot but roll my eyes.
This is a very good book, again Alexander and Amy has created a very likable world. The polarity between Caleb’s and Theo’s families is even if a familiar one, still interesting through the book. If you liked the 1st book I know you’re going to like this one too. If I could have one thing to remark on, it would be the very asexual way two 16-17 year old guys have a relationship for more than a year. I’m sure it might happen but not for 99% of teenage couples of that age. I guess it’s a concession to not having the book banned by schools and libraries in some states. But still, every time they make out and stop at kissing and touching I cannot but roll my eyes.
August 24, 2025
I finished this incredible book this weekend and I loved it SO MUCH. Young adult book supremacy!!!!!
First of all - @amy_d_bailey and @alexanderceberhart do religious trauma SO WELL that the beginning of this book could have been a church Christmas pageant I attended. It was SO REAL to me. Second, @itsmarksanderlin and Jacob Bell once again did an incredible job with the annotation for Caleb and Theo.
One thing I really loved about this book was how much the relationships between all of our characters evolved, not just Caleb and Theo. The friendships were different, the romantic relationships were tested, the familial relationships and dynamics came more into play.
I don’t want to spoil anything that happens but Theo’s dad is on my sh!t list. I absolutely adore his mom and siblings. Caleb’s parents and sibling are amazing. I was not surprised by the story’s path, but I was so frustrated and upset on behalf of Theo. My poor lil chicken nugget.
I loved that our main characters grew, learned to communicate, and they blushed SOOOO MUCH I WAS DYING. They’re sooooooo cute I wanted to cry. I rooted so hard for them. And I’m also rooting to Oliver and Wren, can we get that book next??
This is a fantastic series and I truly loved every minute. Do the audio or read it digitally/physically. You can’t really go wrong.
First of all - @amy_d_bailey and @alexanderceberhart do religious trauma SO WELL that the beginning of this book could have been a church Christmas pageant I attended. It was SO REAL to me. Second, @itsmarksanderlin and Jacob Bell once again did an incredible job with the annotation for Caleb and Theo.
One thing I really loved about this book was how much the relationships between all of our characters evolved, not just Caleb and Theo. The friendships were different, the romantic relationships were tested, the familial relationships and dynamics came more into play.
I don’t want to spoil anything that happens but Theo’s dad is on my sh!t list. I absolutely adore his mom and siblings. Caleb’s parents and sibling are amazing. I was not surprised by the story’s path, but I was so frustrated and upset on behalf of Theo. My poor lil chicken nugget.
I loved that our main characters grew, learned to communicate, and they blushed SOOOO MUCH I WAS DYING. They’re sooooooo cute I wanted to cry. I rooted so hard for them. And I’m also rooting to Oliver and Wren, can we get that book next??
This is a fantastic series and I truly loved every minute. Do the audio or read it digitally/physically. You can’t really go wrong.
November 29, 2025
I loveddd the first book but this one didn’t hit the same, not to say I didn’t enjoy it, it’s great to get a bigger peek into Theo and Caleb’s lives/relationship but at the same time nothing really changed. As lovely as this book was besides the ending with Theo’s father apologizing and his mother standing up for him nothing really changed. I still did enjoy this sequel and plan on reading more from this author <3 along with hearing about a ‘possible’ spin off with Oliver which would be nice, more of the THEORETICAL universe is 100% a positive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
Dual perspective, his and his. The lovable characters are back. I do wish they would have learned to communicate, it could have saved so much drama. This book was much heavier in all aspects. Struggles with faith, struggles with family, struggles with friends. I do like the closure you get from this book and series. I do wish there were more, I really want to know where everyone goes. It is a feel good story that leaves you with deeper thoughts, at least it did for me.
June 8, 2025
an extra star for kora briggs. every christian mom should aspire to be like her
April 23, 2025
It was a cute follow up that wrapped up some loose ends from the first one. But it was lacking just a little bit in fresh material. There were a couple of new plot points, and it was very nice to see some character growth from Kora and Sienna, but it felt like one of those 1.5 books where it takes place in between the real stories.
January 7, 2026
OH MY GOD THE PERFECT SEQUEL
the ships were SO CUTE OMG OLIVER AND WREN AGHHHH
also I hate Theos dad with a PASSION
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : SƐ√ƐИ MĪИƱŦƐS ĪИ ĤƐΛ√ƐИ - MĪИDĿƐSS SƐĿF ĪИDƱĿƓƐИƇƐ
1:35 ───ㅇ───── 3:47
the ships were SO CUTE OMG OLIVER AND WREN AGHHHH
also I hate Theos dad with a PASSION
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : SƐ√ƐИ MĪИƱŦƐS ĪИ ĤƐΛ√ƐИ - MĪИDĿƐSS SƐĿF ĪИDƱĿƓƐИƇƐ
1:35 ───ㅇ───── 3:47
February 8, 2025
Much like the first book, I loved this.
First up, this story is really important for queer young people. Too many grow up thinking being queer is wrong, just like Theo who had to contend with parental and community pressure, and it’s important to show positive queer love.
Caleb and Theo are adorable and adorable together. They have so many cute moments and they’re so supportive of each other. There were some dark themes throughout and a lot for such young people to manage, but they stuck by each other in the best way.
I also loved the supporting cast, Freddie is so sassy, Wren is so wise, Oliver always knows when to crack a joke, and Jake was a great addition, as someone who needed to find his ’family’. I wish this was a whole book series, giving us the opportunity to explore each of these character’s stories!
Despite the darker theme of this book, with family challenges, I thought it was a real feel good story, focused on finding love and acceptance, and cutting out those who don’t love you.
I loved the first book, I love this second book, and I wish there was more!
📸🚗👻
First up, this story is really important for queer young people. Too many grow up thinking being queer is wrong, just like Theo who had to contend with parental and community pressure, and it’s important to show positive queer love.
Caleb and Theo are adorable and adorable together. They have so many cute moments and they’re so supportive of each other. There were some dark themes throughout and a lot for such young people to manage, but they stuck by each other in the best way.
I also loved the supporting cast, Freddie is so sassy, Wren is so wise, Oliver always knows when to crack a joke, and Jake was a great addition, as someone who needed to find his ’family’. I wish this was a whole book series, giving us the opportunity to explore each of these character’s stories!
Despite the darker theme of this book, with family challenges, I thought it was a real feel good story, focused on finding love and acceptance, and cutting out those who don’t love you.
I loved the first book, I love this second book, and I wish there was more!
📸🚗👻
July 4, 2025
"I want you to fill it," he says, pushing the notebook closer. "Every page. And not just songs about me. I want all of it. All of your experiences, all of your troubles, every bit that makes you the boy that I love more than anything, Theo. I want you."
I take the notebook with a trembling hand. It may take a while."
Caleb grins. "We've got time."
My heart swells, my breath catching in my throat. I can't believe that he's here. That he's real. My boyfriend. My Caleb.
♡
"It's not perfect. But it's perfectly us."
♡
Oh this sequel was everything I could have ever hoped for! 🥹 I'm still smiling and emotional from that beautiful ending.
Theoretically Perfect is the magical second book in this series and takes place directly after Theoretically Straight. It has it all - a beautiful, queer romance, fluff, true love and highlights so many important elements of what it means to be gay and Christian, let alone facing religion-based homophobia.
First of all, I want to acknowledge how beautifully this sequel handled Caleb's and Theo's relationship. They grew so much together and whatever was happening between or around them never felt like it was "angst just to be angst" or somehow tore them apart. It served a purpose, and it was always resolved with so much love and care and understanding between the two of them, navigating important questions and scenarios that a lot of couples face at some point, especially in their situation. It wasn't excessive either, balancing it out and brought them closer together and helped them grow. It shows exactly what a healthy, queer love should be!
Caleb was an absolute sweetheart and I saw myself a lot in him. It was fun following his self-expressive journey in terms of trying different nailpolish and hairdye, and he was so sweet and understanding regarding Theo's situation. I love that Theo helped him unlearn the fact that he's not the problem, and took care of his heart when he felt hurt.
Equally, Theo was the sweetest, too. He truly learns to accept who he is in this book. It begins with guilt but soon morphs into the type of self confidence he deserves to feel, to the point of even standing up to his dad and choosing to cut him out of his life. It was also fun seeing his introvertedness explored and overall seeing Theo become more himself than ever before.
Him and Caleb are just perfect together and they truly show that real love knows no bounds.
A lovely addition to this was Andrew and Freddy's relationship, too, as well as the other side characters having their own things happening. I'm glad things worked out for Elise and Harrisson, and it seems Sienna had a lot of growth too. And Wren, Bert, Grace, Lola, Oliver and Nana were an absolute treat as well!
Theo's mom coming around was absolutely heartwarming and I'm so happy she chose to divorce Theo's dad. He was so abusive and the while family deserved a happy ending. I feared for Theo so much but I'm so glad they protected him.
I wasn't sure how I felt with Jake at first because of how he acted when Caleb came around but I really liked him by the end of it and it was nice seeing Theo make a friend with a similar journey to his own (and that Jake managed to avoid conversion therapy, that was such a scary scenario!)
Overall, this book was so, so heartwarming. Caleb and Theo are so cute together and I love how they are so gentle with one another too, especially with each other's boundaries.
It made me both smile and cry and I want to give it a billion stars! Dang you, Good reads, for limiting us to 5! 🥲
What a beautiful book and story. I truly hope it finds the right people. It's a story I think every person and especially parents need to read. ♡
I take the notebook with a trembling hand. It may take a while."
Caleb grins. "We've got time."
My heart swells, my breath catching in my throat. I can't believe that he's here. That he's real. My boyfriend. My Caleb.
♡
"It's not perfect. But it's perfectly us."
♡
Oh this sequel was everything I could have ever hoped for! 🥹 I'm still smiling and emotional from that beautiful ending.
Theoretically Perfect is the magical second book in this series and takes place directly after Theoretically Straight. It has it all - a beautiful, queer romance, fluff, true love and highlights so many important elements of what it means to be gay and Christian, let alone facing religion-based homophobia.
First of all, I want to acknowledge how beautifully this sequel handled Caleb's and Theo's relationship. They grew so much together and whatever was happening between or around them never felt like it was "angst just to be angst" or somehow tore them apart. It served a purpose, and it was always resolved with so much love and care and understanding between the two of them, navigating important questions and scenarios that a lot of couples face at some point, especially in their situation. It wasn't excessive either, balancing it out and brought them closer together and helped them grow. It shows exactly what a healthy, queer love should be!
Caleb was an absolute sweetheart and I saw myself a lot in him. It was fun following his self-expressive journey in terms of trying different nailpolish and hairdye, and he was so sweet and understanding regarding Theo's situation. I love that Theo helped him unlearn the fact that he's not the problem, and took care of his heart when he felt hurt.
Equally, Theo was the sweetest, too. He truly learns to accept who he is in this book. It begins with guilt but soon morphs into the type of self confidence he deserves to feel, to the point of even standing up to his dad and choosing to cut him out of his life. It was also fun seeing his introvertedness explored and overall seeing Theo become more himself than ever before.
Him and Caleb are just perfect together and they truly show that real love knows no bounds.
A lovely addition to this was Andrew and Freddy's relationship, too, as well as the other side characters having their own things happening. I'm glad things worked out for Elise and Harrisson, and it seems Sienna had a lot of growth too. And Wren, Bert, Grace, Lola, Oliver and Nana were an absolute treat as well!
Theo's mom coming around was absolutely heartwarming and I'm so happy she chose to divorce Theo's dad. He was so abusive and the while family deserved a happy ending. I feared for Theo so much but I'm so glad they protected him.
I wasn't sure how I felt with Jake at first because of how he acted when Caleb came around but I really liked him by the end of it and it was nice seeing Theo make a friend with a similar journey to his own (and that Jake managed to avoid conversion therapy, that was such a scary scenario!)
Overall, this book was so, so heartwarming. Caleb and Theo are so cute together and I love how they are so gentle with one another too, especially with each other's boundaries.
It made me both smile and cry and I want to give it a billion stars! Dang you, Good reads, for limiting us to 5! 🥲
What a beautiful book and story. I truly hope it finds the right people. It's a story I think every person and especially parents need to read. ♡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2025
A religious father attempts to stop a high school love story and splits his family.
In this second book of the series, Amy Bailey and Alexander C. Eberhart provide more time with the crew that made ghost hunting a viral sensation in the first book. In that video, Caleb and Theo profess their connection, forming this story's basis. It also continues the ghost-hunting introduced in the first novel.
Caleb loves and treasures his boyfriend, Theo. However, Theo's assertions of being bisexual disrupt his father's standing in the church they attend. With his father being a church deacon, there's a contrast between his leadership role of following the straight and narrow and Theo's love for Caleb.
Caleb comes from a loving and accepting family. While the boys have not progressed to the 'next base,' Caleb's parents support their dating and are open and welcoming to Theo. In stark contrast, Theo's father continuously demeans their relationship. It appears that this relationship diminishes his father's status in the church.
There are several scenes where Theo's father demands an end to the relationship, confiscates Theo's car, and forbids them from being together. Theo's mother, on the other hand, is more accepting; she expresses her love for her son and protects him from some of his father's antics.
This narrative resonates with many young gay men and women, and the authors have skillfully crafted a conflict that divides a family, fosters appreciation for one another, and sets in motion a split family dynamic.
A couple of nuanced scenes capture the essence of first love, depicting moments in a church where judgment is harsh, and showcasing the support from a great group of friends and colleagues who stand by our two lovers. High school is a pivotal time, and the authors have transformed school lunches into counseling sessions and celebrations of good moments while illustrating the conflicts within Theo's family. The ending leads to several inevitable actions that both encourage the young lovers and suggest challenges ahead for one of the two families. It is a compelling read, well constructed, that builds on the powerful foundation laid in the prequel.
I hope there's another book of their senior year and more about their plans for after high school.
In this second book of the series, Amy Bailey and Alexander C. Eberhart provide more time with the crew that made ghost hunting a viral sensation in the first book. In that video, Caleb and Theo profess their connection, forming this story's basis. It also continues the ghost-hunting introduced in the first novel.
Caleb loves and treasures his boyfriend, Theo. However, Theo's assertions of being bisexual disrupt his father's standing in the church they attend. With his father being a church deacon, there's a contrast between his leadership role of following the straight and narrow and Theo's love for Caleb.
Caleb comes from a loving and accepting family. While the boys have not progressed to the 'next base,' Caleb's parents support their dating and are open and welcoming to Theo. In stark contrast, Theo's father continuously demeans their relationship. It appears that this relationship diminishes his father's status in the church.
There are several scenes where Theo's father demands an end to the relationship, confiscates Theo's car, and forbids them from being together. Theo's mother, on the other hand, is more accepting; she expresses her love for her son and protects him from some of his father's antics.
This narrative resonates with many young gay men and women, and the authors have skillfully crafted a conflict that divides a family, fosters appreciation for one another, and sets in motion a split family dynamic.
A couple of nuanced scenes capture the essence of first love, depicting moments in a church where judgment is harsh, and showcasing the support from a great group of friends and colleagues who stand by our two lovers. High school is a pivotal time, and the authors have transformed school lunches into counseling sessions and celebrations of good moments while illustrating the conflicts within Theo's family. The ending leads to several inevitable actions that both encourage the young lovers and suggest challenges ahead for one of the two families. It is a compelling read, well constructed, that builds on the powerful foundation laid in the prequel.
I hope there's another book of their senior year and more about their plans for after high school.
November 22, 2024
Theo and Caleb are BACK!! I wasn’t sure if Theoretically Straight was going to get a sequel, so i was over the moon when this popped up on my Kindle Unlimited recommendation.
These boys have the trials and tribulations of any normal relationship, and the extra struggles that come with being in a queer relationship while you and your family are in a faith that typically discourages it. These issues are navigated in a very real, raw, and emotional way, and as a queer person a lot of these conflicts hit very close to home. Theo has such a great support system of friends (characters that feel so alive) and his Mom and big sister Grace. I loved seeing the bond he formed with Caleb’s friend group in the last book only grow stronger, and add to Theo’s confidence in his identity, rather than keeping it hidden.
To add on a bit, I loved the side stories with Harrison and Elise and Freddy and Andrew, really made the cast feel more real as their friend group dynamics changing is affecting Theo and Caleb in real time too. I also just adore Wren, seeing a character use they/them pronouns makes me so so happy. I would even love to see a spinoff novella focusing more on them, or the other characters in the friend group.
Overall such a heartwarming and sweet story! 💖
These boys have the trials and tribulations of any normal relationship, and the extra struggles that come with being in a queer relationship while you and your family are in a faith that typically discourages it. These issues are navigated in a very real, raw, and emotional way, and as a queer person a lot of these conflicts hit very close to home. Theo has such a great support system of friends (characters that feel so alive) and his Mom and big sister Grace. I loved seeing the bond he formed with Caleb’s friend group in the last book only grow stronger, and add to Theo’s confidence in his identity, rather than keeping it hidden.
To add on a bit, I loved the side stories with Harrison and Elise and Freddy and Andrew, really made the cast feel more real as their friend group dynamics changing is affecting Theo and Caleb in real time too. I also just adore Wren, seeing a character use they/them pronouns makes me so so happy. I would even love to see a spinoff novella focusing more on them, or the other characters in the friend group.
Overall such a heartwarming and sweet story! 💖
May 1, 2025
I don’t read sequels. :)
I avoid sequels...
In fact, I could write an essay on why most of them shouldn’t exist!
But this one? I was counting down the days. The moment the audiobook dropped, I grabbed it, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
Theoretically Perfect is everything a sequel should be.
It deepens the characters, raises the emotional stakes, and doesn’t shy away from growing up.
While the first book felt geared toward a younger teen crowd, this one matures right alongside its characters. The tone is more grounded, the themes are heavier. Alexander, you really hit the nail on the head.
What really struck me was how genuine it all felt, nothing forced, nothing overly polished or sugar-coated.
Just messy, beautiful humanity.
It talks about perfection, pressure, faith, and self-worth in a way that sneaks up on you and sits with you long after the final page.
I really enjoyed the forgiveness aspect. it takes a lot to forgive someone, and that part meant the most to me.
in summary: I didn’t think I’d love a sequel. I definitely didn’t expect it to move me. But here we are.
I avoid sequels...
In fact, I could write an essay on why most of them shouldn’t exist!
But this one? I was counting down the days. The moment the audiobook dropped, I grabbed it, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
Theoretically Perfect is everything a sequel should be.
It deepens the characters, raises the emotional stakes, and doesn’t shy away from growing up.
While the first book felt geared toward a younger teen crowd, this one matures right alongside its characters. The tone is more grounded, the themes are heavier. Alexander, you really hit the nail on the head.
What really struck me was how genuine it all felt, nothing forced, nothing overly polished or sugar-coated.
Just messy, beautiful humanity.
It talks about perfection, pressure, faith, and self-worth in a way that sneaks up on you and sits with you long after the final page.
I really enjoyed the forgiveness aspect. it takes a lot to forgive someone, and that part meant the most to me.
in summary: I didn’t think I’d love a sequel. I definitely didn’t expect it to move me. But here we are.
August 7, 2025
5. Yep, this book made me so sappy, in a good way. This second book gave it to me, the pain, the feeling of a sinner, the shame, the TAKE ME TO CHURCH feeling. Theo, i love you so much, and im goin to say it a second time, YOU GUYS KNOW HOW TO WRITE, because the flow of the story, its so perfect so organized, i love how you guys show interaction through actual conversations, that made felt the relationship between every character so real, so deep. Also i loved how you two take the feedback on the previous book, because it felt here.
This book also stays real, they dont sell a fairy ending, it felt very realistic, and feel very grateful with this because, this also shows how even after that, you still find good, love and happiness.
I want to leave a message, even if a parent loves the bible more than their own child, you are worthy of love, you can find love in any place, i know we have a place, like Theo Found.
Oh and i loved freddy and Andrew. Los amo charlies, son magníficos
This book also stays real, they dont sell a fairy ending, it felt very realistic, and feel very grateful with this because, this also shows how even after that, you still find good, love and happiness.
I want to leave a message, even if a parent loves the bible more than their own child, you are worthy of love, you can find love in any place, i know we have a place, like Theo Found.
Oh and i loved freddy and Andrew. Los amo charlies, son magníficos
January 1, 2026
an amazing representation of the struggles of being queer in an conservative Christian household and how it can affect your mental health and how this environment can make people; especially children develop a sense that they have to be perfect and a fear of being anything but perfect. I related to Theo so much in this book. I related to him already in "Theoretically straight" as someone who's Bi-romantic and grew up in a small town in Georgia who's experienced panic and anxiety attacks from a young age, but seeing Theo struggles with perfection and being a queer teen in a Christian household really struck close to home for me. seeing him struggle with masking and accepting his flaws or that he can be loved even with his flaws really made me feel seen. it felt like someone looked at my life struggles and understood them enough to put them so accurately in a fictional book. an amazing book and I'll definitely be reading it again because it's 1 of my favorite book series!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2025
Absolutely loved the characters and their growth. Theo and Caleb are the cutest, and while the challenges they face in this book are heart wrenching, the love they have for each other is astounding. I was weeping so much in the second half of the book. The cast and ensemble were amazing, Freddy and Andrew's relationship made me bawl. Jake's own journey and his interaction with Caleb was so beautiful to witness during the game they played. Every time Theo's Dad appeared in the story I felt so much anger but to see Theo stand up for himself was astounding to witness. Theo's interaction with his mom was so so beautiful and heartwrenching. I loved how the story tied up with the photo collage for the two boys and i only want nothing but the best for them. I love this story and the whole cast feels like family to me now.
October 18, 2025
Theoretically Perfect, relies on the aftermath of what happens when a person comes out to a religious conservative family, the family bonds being torn be posing views on faith, relationships, morals. It also shows the struggles of the partner that has to face these challenges and the mental strain of staying that support system for each other, the amount of world building was good, and I slightly wish that the side characters had more personality but it’s still good. The second book has a lot more real life experience, panic attacks, heart to heart conversations with a parent that’s trying and learning to love unconditionally, while also showing the heartbreak of cutting a parent or family member out your life for the sake of your own peace. These two books are in my opinion so far the best representation of the not so pleasant side of the queer experience.
May 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 stars
🌶 peppers - fade to black
Just as cute as the last one. Biggest issue is that it feels kinda uncomplete. I really like Theo's growth throughout both books and his getting more conformable with himself. However, I wish ending had him finding a church he could attend. It kind of felt like religion was an issue throughout both books and I want to see a ending where Theo could be queer and also a Christian. I would have rather had more of that then dealing with the silly miscommunication that while realistic, isn't my favorite thing.
The series as a whole is great. Perfect for when I needed something light and easy to follow.
🌶 peppers - fade to black
Just as cute as the last one. Biggest issue is that it feels kinda uncomplete. I really like Theo's growth throughout both books and his getting more conformable with himself. However, I wish ending had him finding a church he could attend. It kind of felt like religion was an issue throughout both books and I want to see a ending where Theo could be queer and also a Christian. I would have rather had more of that then dealing with the silly miscommunication that while realistic, isn't my favorite thing.
The series as a whole is great. Perfect for when I needed something light and easy to follow.
March 16, 2025
#2 Will there please be a #3 and #4
If you haven’t read book one, you can get away with reading this as a stand alone, but I guarantee you that you will go read 1 so just do it now and then come back. You will have hours of very enjoyable reading. I like stories that seem possible. This story is so real, it could have come out of a diary. The characters are real and alive. It is likely you have someone you can think of when reading about the people in this book. Read and enjoy.
If you haven’t read book one, you can get away with reading this as a stand alone, but I guarantee you that you will go read 1 so just do it now and then come back. You will have hours of very enjoyable reading. I like stories that seem possible. This story is so real, it could have come out of a diary. The characters are real and alive. It is likely you have someone you can think of when reading about the people in this book. Read and enjoy.
June 4, 2025
A fantastic sequel to Theoretically Straight.
This was a bit darker and focused on the religious trauma the first book didn’t fully deal with. I liked that aspect of it a lot. Overall I found it as adorable as the first book. I listened to it on audiobook - both of the books in a week. Both books were sorta predictable but in a sweet way. I LOVED all the characters and character development was ON POINT.
Probably not the first person to want this: The two books would make a great tv series! Like a beefed up, edgier and less twee Heartstopper maybe? Anyway, really enjoyed it!
This was a bit darker and focused on the religious trauma the first book didn’t fully deal with. I liked that aspect of it a lot. Overall I found it as adorable as the first book. I listened to it on audiobook - both of the books in a week. Both books were sorta predictable but in a sweet way. I LOVED all the characters and character development was ON POINT.
Probably not the first person to want this: The two books would make a great tv series! Like a beefed up, edgier and less twee Heartstopper maybe? Anyway, really enjoyed it!
November 19, 2025
The book is amazing!! But honestly… this was too spot on to my high school experience that I had to put it down at times. The thinking your partners cheating (which mine actually was), the hiding from parents, the parents thinking it a phase and having to constantly reexplain yourself to your religious parents. It all was so spot on it was scary. I found myself crying for both characters at different points, just feeling so pulled by their emotions and struggles. You know that means it’s written well if your emotions become synched with the characters. 10/10 would recommend!!
January 5, 2026
Just like the first one I fell for it. The relationship between Theo and Caleb reminds me of mine with my husband in the early years of our marriage. Always wanting to be perfect for the other until we realized that how we were together is what made us perfect for each other. The friend group in this has an amazing dynamic it’s one I feel like everyone wants. I really appreciate that they had them also grow as characters in this book. This one made me fall even more in love with Grace and her attitude as the older sibling who was a ferocious fighter throughout the series for Theo.
December 20, 2024
3/5
Sequel to Theoretically Straight (2024 #17, 4/5). Caleb and Theo continue their relationship, trying to work around Theo's dad's religious objections.
Needs a reminder of the first book to reduce confusion. Too many "I'm fine" excuses for me, and I remain extremely over the religious parents trope. Things happen with minor characters that don't seem to have reasons or consequences: setup for a third book? Felt unsatisfying.
Sequel to Theoretically Straight (2024 #17, 4/5). Caleb and Theo continue their relationship, trying to work around Theo's dad's religious objections.
Needs a reminder of the first book to reduce confusion. Too many "I'm fine" excuses for me, and I remain extremely over the religious parents trope. Things happen with minor characters that don't seem to have reasons or consequences: setup for a third book? Felt unsatisfying.
December 17, 2025
The story of Theo and Caleb goes on. The struggle with faith continues and Theo has to understand that who he is is not wrong. His slowly growing confidence deepens the abyss between him and his father though. Caleb and his family are very helpful, but will it all be enough?
It's a beautiful story many can relate to, but an eye opener as well. We should appreciate what we have and when it comes to that, every end is a new beginning.
Thank you for this book.
It's a beautiful story many can relate to, but an eye opener as well. We should appreciate what we have and when it comes to that, every end is a new beginning.
Thank you for this book.
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