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My Not So Perfect Crush
**#1 Best Seller in Teen & YA LGBTQ+ Romance**
"An authentic LGBTQ+ journey...an absolute must-read!"— Kayla Parent, author of Lovesick
"A heartwarming coming of age - and coming out - story...This book is hard to put down!" —Bryana Kappadakunnel, founder of Conscious Mommy and author of Parent Yourself First
"A tender exploration of identity and first love."—Caitlin Myers, Reedsy Discovery
How could a first kiss with the hottest guy in school feel so . . . meh?
Dani starts high school off with a bang—literally—when her locker door slams into the most popular football player on the team. So when she checks off her kiss goal with the sizzling upperclassman, she should be well on her way to crushing the year.
Instead? Crossing homework assignments off her to-do list gives Dani more butterflies than her first kiss with sweet, handsome Patrick. The real sparks ignite every time she brushes against fellow cheerleader Jaz. Gorgeous Jaz—effortlessly cool, like a high school version of Zendaya with green eyes…but why would she even care about Jaz’s green eyes?!
Struggling to figure out what she’s secretly been feeling, Dani alienates herself from her best friend, Adriana. To make matters worse, Adriana has a catty new friend who seizes the opportunity to drive them apart.
Tensions reach their boiling point when Dani and Adriana get into a huge fight before their cheerleading competition, putting the entire squad’s success at risk. Shattered and confused, Dani sneaks into a few of the GSA (Genders and Sexualities Alliance) meetings at school, finding a warm welcome and a safe space.
Just when life can’t get any more complicated, the unthinkable happens, and Dani is forced to confront her secrets publicly. Everything crumbles around her, and she feels as if she’s lost a lifelong friend, pushed away her first boyfriend, and can’t get her mind off her cheer squad friend—all in her freshman year. But life isn’t done with her yet. Tragedy strikes again—too close to home.
Will she find the courage to act on her real crush—or be crushed by the pressure of it all?
A charming and big-hearted queer coming-of-age novel about friendship, family, first love, and standing in your truth…and realizing that’s all you ever needed to feel like you belong.
"An authentic LGBTQ+ journey...an absolute must-read!"— Kayla Parent, author of Lovesick
"A heartwarming coming of age - and coming out - story...This book is hard to put down!" —Bryana Kappadakunnel, founder of Conscious Mommy and author of Parent Yourself First
"A tender exploration of identity and first love."—Caitlin Myers, Reedsy Discovery
How could a first kiss with the hottest guy in school feel so . . . meh?
Dani starts high school off with a bang—literally—when her locker door slams into the most popular football player on the team. So when she checks off her kiss goal with the sizzling upperclassman, she should be well on her way to crushing the year.
Instead? Crossing homework assignments off her to-do list gives Dani more butterflies than her first kiss with sweet, handsome Patrick. The real sparks ignite every time she brushes against fellow cheerleader Jaz. Gorgeous Jaz—effortlessly cool, like a high school version of Zendaya with green eyes…but why would she even care about Jaz’s green eyes?!
Struggling to figure out what she’s secretly been feeling, Dani alienates herself from her best friend, Adriana. To make matters worse, Adriana has a catty new friend who seizes the opportunity to drive them apart.
Tensions reach their boiling point when Dani and Adriana get into a huge fight before their cheerleading competition, putting the entire squad’s success at risk. Shattered and confused, Dani sneaks into a few of the GSA (Genders and Sexualities Alliance) meetings at school, finding a warm welcome and a safe space.
Just when life can’t get any more complicated, the unthinkable happens, and Dani is forced to confront her secrets publicly. Everything crumbles around her, and she feels as if she’s lost a lifelong friend, pushed away her first boyfriend, and can’t get her mind off her cheer squad friend—all in her freshman year. But life isn’t done with her yet. Tragedy strikes again—too close to home.
Will she find the courage to act on her real crush—or be crushed by the pressure of it all?
A charming and big-hearted queer coming-of-age novel about friendship, family, first love, and standing in your truth…and realizing that’s all you ever needed to feel like you belong.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2025
38 people are currently reading
3646 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Carlotti
1 book14 followersNicole has been an avid reader for as long as she can remember. Like the Cancer she is, her goal is to make her readers feel something. When she’s not reading or writing, Nicole enjoys dancing, philanthropic work, as well as tarot and other spiritual practices. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her wife, daughter, and cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 10, 2025
This was terrific, an excellent coming of age novel. It's hard to believe that this is Ms Carlotti's first and only book as it was so well written and presented. Great storyline, believable and smoothly presented. Great, well developed characters. Lots of heart, some drama and challenges for our MC, but all dealt with in the end.
Really loved this one, five stars.
Really loved this one, five stars.
June 12, 2025
“My (Not So) Perfect Crush” by Nicole Carlotti is a v cute & cozy debut young adult romance novel. Think “Sex Ed” meets “Never Have I Ever” meets “All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” (so much so that our heroine watches two of those during the plot).
Given the seasonailty and proximity to New York, I’m picturing a Stars Hollow esque small town and Dani’s powerhouse of a single mom fits right with that. The love story with Jaz itself is so sweet, and I really liked that the friendship plot with Adriana was of equal importance. We also have some family drama, a high school cheerleading competition and some excellent diner food.
Many thanks to the author for the free copy. I’m so happy we connected at the Jasmine Guillory reading.
Read this if you like sapphic romance, coming of age, and warm stories about high school. Grab a copy at Ripped Bodice if you’re in Brooklyn or get one online.
CW: death of a family member, estranged parent, forced outing
Given the seasonailty and proximity to New York, I’m picturing a Stars Hollow esque small town and Dani’s powerhouse of a single mom fits right with that. The love story with Jaz itself is so sweet, and I really liked that the friendship plot with Adriana was of equal importance. We also have some family drama, a high school cheerleading competition and some excellent diner food.
Many thanks to the author for the free copy. I’m so happy we connected at the Jasmine Guillory reading.
Read this if you like sapphic romance, coming of age, and warm stories about high school. Grab a copy at Ripped Bodice if you’re in Brooklyn or get one online.
CW: death of a family member, estranged parent, forced outing
July 8, 2025
4.5⭐ My Not So Perfect Crush is an authentic and light-hearted read that beautifully captures the messiness and magic of navigating a first crush while discovering who you are in high school.
I read this in a single day—I was constantly intrigued to see where Dani was headed next, and I loved the refreshing twist of her crushing on a fellow cheerleader instead of the football player. Dani was likable from the start, but she also felt like a real, confused teen. This made it easy to root for her the whole way. The author did a beautiful job of diving deep into Dani’s feelings. Her crush felt like more than just a spark or attraction—she is filled with so much curiosity to know all she can about this person and in turn, finding out more about who she is.
There were some emotional scenes that brought me to tears, which highlighted the meaningful relationships Dani has with her family and friends. These moments gave the story so much more depth and maturity. I also appreciated how much love Dani received from her support system during a vulnerable time in her self-discovery journey.
The title’s meaning was a sweet and clever touch. Highly recommend this for YA readers or anyone who is looking for an honest, relatable, queer teen romance!
I read this in a single day—I was constantly intrigued to see where Dani was headed next, and I loved the refreshing twist of her crushing on a fellow cheerleader instead of the football player. Dani was likable from the start, but she also felt like a real, confused teen. This made it easy to root for her the whole way. The author did a beautiful job of diving deep into Dani’s feelings. Her crush felt like more than just a spark or attraction—she is filled with so much curiosity to know all she can about this person and in turn, finding out more about who she is.
There were some emotional scenes that brought me to tears, which highlighted the meaningful relationships Dani has with her family and friends. These moments gave the story so much more depth and maturity. I also appreciated how much love Dani received from her support system during a vulnerable time in her self-discovery journey.
The title’s meaning was a sweet and clever touch. Highly recommend this for YA readers or anyone who is looking for an honest, relatable, queer teen romance!
June 4, 2025
MUST READ! Very well written and strong story that will keep you hooked. Such a fun read! Nicole Carlotti really nails what it feels like to have a high school crush.
March 29, 2025
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy YA or even if you are not normally a YA reader and are looking for something engaging and easy to read. Great characters and a captivating story. I could see this becoming a series!
April 25, 2025
I loved this YA novel! It was sweet and funny, and will bring you back to your high school years. The teenage queer representation is so important for adolescents and parents of LGBTQ youth!
April 23, 2025
I was so excited to read My Not So Perfect Crush because I've been getting back into YA and was looking forward to see how the Dani's (the main character) story unfolded. Nicole did such a great job of developing the characters and setting in a way that made me feel like I was right back in high school. Once I started, I could not put it down because I just had to know how Dani's crush would evolve as well as how her relationships with her best friend, mom, dad, and grandmother would end up. I would love to follow Dani's journey through high school and into college/young adulthood. Begging Nicole for a series!
April 1, 2025
I could not wait to purchase a copy of My Not So Perfect Crush, by Nicole Carlotti. As a middle school teacher,
I have read hundreds of YA books and taught the elements of writing for years.
Nicole created characters who were relatable and a plot line that was engaging. I did not want to put the book down and savored the few chapters.
The book was amazing! BRAVO!
I have read hundreds of YA books and taught the elements of writing for years.
Nicole created characters who were relatable and a plot line that was engaging. I did not want to put the book down and savored the few chapters.
The book was amazing! BRAVO!
April 23, 2025
I found myself unable to put this book down! This is a perfect YA read and so important for YA to be able to read, especially in this climate. It brought be right back to high school crushes and battling with my own feelings about my sexuality at a time when I felt I couldn’t be honest about my feelings. Nicole is an incredible writer and I cannot wait to see what she writes next! 10/10 perfect read!
April 23, 2025
This book is an absolute gem—a sweet, authentic coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the highs and lows of high school, friendship, and the rollercoaster of first love.
Funny, heartfelt, and full of cheer (literally and figuratively), this book is a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite fit the mold.
We need more queer YA for young girls and boys everywhere!
Funny, heartfelt, and full of cheer (literally and figuratively), this book is a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite fit the mold.
We need more queer YA for young girls and boys everywhere!
July 5, 2025
Nicole Carlotti’s debut, My Not So Perfect Crush, is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about self-discovery and the beauty of imperfect love stories.
Dani has it all. She’s one of the only freshmen who made the cheer squad, she’s never been closer to her best friend, and a popular upperclassman football star wants to be her boyfriend. Everything’s perfect until her first kiss. There’s no spark. Not even a flicker when he presses his lips to hers. The real butterflies come every time she’s with her fellow cheerleader Jaz. Battling with her true feelings, Dani isolates herself from her best friend, her ‘boyfriend’, and her cheer squad, until she’s forced to confront what she’s been hiding.
What I adored about this book was how it portrayed love in every sense of the word: platonic love, romantic love, self-love, mother-daughter love, and so on. It wasn’t only about Dani’s major crush on her fellow cheerleader; it was about her relationships with her mother and father, her grandmother, and her best friend. Each relationship was messy and beautifully complicated, mirroring Dani’s journey of self-discovery as she learned to love who she was becoming.
The LGBTQ+ representation felt genuine, Dani’s panic and confusion is highly relatable to any queer teen experience. It’s definitely something I wish I could have read in middle school.
Why 3 stars: It was a very slow read for me (then again, I am used to reading a lot of fast-paced thrillers these days). I found that my interest in the story didn’t pick up until I was halfway through the book. It also felt a little young to sit in the YA group. The writing style resembled something more attuned to middle-grade fiction. There was a lot of the classic ‘telling instead of showing’ in both the character’s internal dialogue and the other character’s emotions.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this to young readers who are looking for a sweet coming-of-age story about first love.
Thank you, Nicole Carlotti, for the gifted book in exchange for a review!
Dani has it all. She’s one of the only freshmen who made the cheer squad, she’s never been closer to her best friend, and a popular upperclassman football star wants to be her boyfriend. Everything’s perfect until her first kiss. There’s no spark. Not even a flicker when he presses his lips to hers. The real butterflies come every time she’s with her fellow cheerleader Jaz. Battling with her true feelings, Dani isolates herself from her best friend, her ‘boyfriend’, and her cheer squad, until she’s forced to confront what she’s been hiding.
What I adored about this book was how it portrayed love in every sense of the word: platonic love, romantic love, self-love, mother-daughter love, and so on. It wasn’t only about Dani’s major crush on her fellow cheerleader; it was about her relationships with her mother and father, her grandmother, and her best friend. Each relationship was messy and beautifully complicated, mirroring Dani’s journey of self-discovery as she learned to love who she was becoming.
The LGBTQ+ representation felt genuine, Dani’s panic and confusion is highly relatable to any queer teen experience. It’s definitely something I wish I could have read in middle school.
Why 3 stars: It was a very slow read for me (then again, I am used to reading a lot of fast-paced thrillers these days). I found that my interest in the story didn’t pick up until I was halfway through the book. It also felt a little young to sit in the YA group. The writing style resembled something more attuned to middle-grade fiction. There was a lot of the classic ‘telling instead of showing’ in both the character’s internal dialogue and the other character’s emotions.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this to young readers who are looking for a sweet coming-of-age story about first love.
Thank you, Nicole Carlotti, for the gifted book in exchange for a review!
March 23, 2025
Super cute and wholesome! Congrats Nicole!
June 26, 2025
** I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. **
I actually really enjoyed this book! The characters were great and my only real issue with the story itself was that I definitely wanted more! The writing was maybe a bit stilted at times but I think this is an important book to have in today's times.
I actually really enjoyed this book! The characters were great and my only real issue with the story itself was that I definitely wanted more! The writing was maybe a bit stilted at times but I think this is an important book to have in today's times.
April 9, 2025
My Not So Perfect Crush includes many common high-school themes: growing awareness of sexuality, cheerleading, multiple crushes and a complicated web of friendships. This is a generally low-angst tale with the occasional moments of drama. There is a good cast of characters and story threads that are not all focused on the main couple. Overall, an enjoyable story.
March 20, 2025
I absolutely loved My Not So Perfect Crush! It’s the perfect mix of high school drama, self-discovery, and a sweet romance that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Dani’s story feels so real—her awkward first kiss, the confusing feelings for her cheer teammate Jaz, and the ups and downs of friendships make this book super relatable.
The author does an amazing job capturing what it’s like to navigate crushes and identity in high school. The friendships, the cheerleading drama, and the emotional moments all hit just right. Plus, Dani’s journey of figuring out who she really likes (and what that means for her) is told in such a refreshing and heartfelt way.
If you’re looking for a cute, engaging YA read with LGBTQ+ themes, this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s funny, emotional, and totally binge-worthy!
The author does an amazing job capturing what it’s like to navigate crushes and identity in high school. The friendships, the cheerleading drama, and the emotional moments all hit just right. Plus, Dani’s journey of figuring out who she really likes (and what that means for her) is told in such a refreshing and heartfelt way.
If you’re looking for a cute, engaging YA read with LGBTQ+ themes, this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s funny, emotional, and totally binge-worthy!
May 10, 2025
Carlotti perfectly captures the innocence and challenges of growing up, reminding readers that happy endings can exist—despite feeling like you’re bearing all the weight of the cheerleading pyramid at times. My Not So Perfect Crush is fiction, but the navigation of friendships and feelings rings refreshingly true. There’s a pureness to Dani’s crush and self-discovery that is heartfelt, easy, and relatable. And like Dani, the book contains multitudes—it’s an important queer YA love story, but also a delightful coming-of-age story that anyone can connect with. A true joy to read!
March 19, 2025
Nicole Carlotti's "My Not So Perfect Crush" is such a great story! It shows that crushes can be messy and a bit awkward, but also exciting. The characters feel so real, which makes them easy to like. This book is a fantastic read that reminds you it's okay if things aren't perfect, especially when it comes to love.
May 5, 2025
This book is well written and makes the reader root for her main character as the young woman makes her way through the angst, discoveries and self realization of who she really is.
March 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and being pulled into the world of Westfield High (can I get a chai from Faye's, please?) I wish this book had been around when I was growing up. This was a quick read - I read it in less than a week because I wanted to see how it would end. The ending did not disappoint! Would be perfect for a beach day or when traveling!
May 1, 2025
Page turning fun and romance from an exciting new YA author, with great characters and a sweet story. A lot of fun to read.
April 27, 2025
Wow, what a debut novel from Nicole Carlotti! My Not So Perfect Crush was such a great and easy to follow read, with such an incredible message — themes of friendship, self-respect, and personal growth are woven seamlessly into Dani’s journey, making this story about so much more than just romance. She really drives home learning that your value isn’t determined by someone else's attention, a message that feels both timely and timeless!
I love how author Nicole’s, My Not So Perfect Crush is a heartfelt and refreshingly honest take on young love, identity, and self-discovery. In a genre often filled with idealized romances and picture-perfect characters, Nicole delivers a story that feels real, imperfect, and wonderfully relatable.
The novel follows Dani, a witty and endearing teenager, as she navigates her first big crush — one that, like many real-life experiences, doesn’t go exactly as planned. What stands out most is Nicole’s authentic portrayal of emotions: the awkwardness, the excitement, the self-doubt, and ultimately, the resilience that comes from learning that sometimes, the fantasy we create around someone doesn’t always match reality.
Nicole’s writing is warm, lively, and poignant. She captures Dani’s voice with remarkable authenticity, never talking down to her readers. Instead, she builds a protagonist who is easy to root for, not because she’s flawless, but because she’s real — trying to understand herself, to figure out love, and to hold onto her self-worth even when things don’t go the way she hoped.
Not So Perfect Crush is the kind of book that stays with you, not because it presents a fairy-tale romance, but because it reminds readers that imperfection is beautiful and growth often comes from the most unexpected disappointments. Perfect for fans of heartfelt YA fiction, Nicole’s novel is a charming, uplifting reminder that sometimes, the best love story is the one we write for ourselves — and that is something everyone should always remember!
I love how author Nicole’s, My Not So Perfect Crush is a heartfelt and refreshingly honest take on young love, identity, and self-discovery. In a genre often filled with idealized romances and picture-perfect characters, Nicole delivers a story that feels real, imperfect, and wonderfully relatable.
The novel follows Dani, a witty and endearing teenager, as she navigates her first big crush — one that, like many real-life experiences, doesn’t go exactly as planned. What stands out most is Nicole’s authentic portrayal of emotions: the awkwardness, the excitement, the self-doubt, and ultimately, the resilience that comes from learning that sometimes, the fantasy we create around someone doesn’t always match reality.
Nicole’s writing is warm, lively, and poignant. She captures Dani’s voice with remarkable authenticity, never talking down to her readers. Instead, she builds a protagonist who is easy to root for, not because she’s flawless, but because she’s real — trying to understand herself, to figure out love, and to hold onto her self-worth even when things don’t go the way she hoped.
Not So Perfect Crush is the kind of book that stays with you, not because it presents a fairy-tale romance, but because it reminds readers that imperfection is beautiful and growth often comes from the most unexpected disappointments. Perfect for fans of heartfelt YA fiction, Nicole’s novel is a charming, uplifting reminder that sometimes, the best love story is the one we write for ourselves — and that is something everyone should always remember!
June 26, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of My Not So Perfect Crush! As always, all opinions are my own. ✨
4.5 stars rounded up
✨ Sapphic Young Adult Romance
✨ First Person POV
✨ 0.5/5 Spice Level
✨ Cheerleaders
✨ xoxo Gossip Girl
✨ Standalone
✨ Rep: Latino rep, Spanish speaking rep, lesbian rep, bisexual rep, nonbinary rep, gay rep, trans rep
> micro-tropes and content warnings after review
Despite no longer being a young adult, I really enjoy reading sapphic YA books at times. It’s not exactly “nostalgia” because sapphic YA books were not widely available , but it is a similar feeling in that they feel like the books I wanted and needed when I was that age. They tell the stories I wanted to read as a teenager, and My Not So Perfect Crush is a great example of this. It feels like the quintessential coming of age YA novel where the cheerleader has a crush on an upperclassman (possibly the quarterback of the football team?), but in this case it’s not the football player… it’s another cheerleader.
I really enjoyed all the characters in this book. I think this makes such a good book for teens because the characters feel real.
Even the “bad guy” characters have their own growth by the end. There are SO many supportive characters, and I think it sets a really good example. All the “bad” behaviors feel age appropriate and understandable. The main character is able to work through her problems and struggles. I was really impressed by how this book was written compared to some other YA books I’ve read. The plot, to some extent, was as expected, but the execution really set this one apart.
A fantastic debut and well worth the read. I highly recommend My Not So Perfect Crush to those who enjoy sapphic YA (perhaps you feel similarly to me in terms of “nostalgia”).
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes
✨ Coming out
✨ Most popular boy in school
✨ Gossip TikTok account
✨ Dear Diary
✨ Told by each season
Content Warnings
(may not be all inclusive)
alcohol (consumed by teenagers), dementia, parental abandonment, de*th (parent/grandparent), funeral
4.5 stars rounded up
✨ Sapphic Young Adult Romance
✨ First Person POV
✨ 0.5/5 Spice Level
✨ Cheerleaders
✨ xoxo Gossip Girl
✨ Standalone
✨ Rep: Latino rep, Spanish speaking rep, lesbian rep, bisexual rep, nonbinary rep, gay rep, trans rep
> micro-tropes and content warnings after review
Despite no longer being a young adult, I really enjoy reading sapphic YA books at times. It’s not exactly “nostalgia” because sapphic YA books were not widely available , but it is a similar feeling in that they feel like the books I wanted and needed when I was that age. They tell the stories I wanted to read as a teenager, and My Not So Perfect Crush is a great example of this. It feels like the quintessential coming of age YA novel where the cheerleader has a crush on an upperclassman (possibly the quarterback of the football team?), but in this case it’s not the football player… it’s another cheerleader.
I really enjoyed all the characters in this book. I think this makes such a good book for teens because the characters feel real.
Even the “bad guy” characters have their own growth by the end. There are SO many supportive characters, and I think it sets a really good example. All the “bad” behaviors feel age appropriate and understandable. The main character is able to work through her problems and struggles. I was really impressed by how this book was written compared to some other YA books I’ve read. The plot, to some extent, was as expected, but the execution really set this one apart.
A fantastic debut and well worth the read. I highly recommend My Not So Perfect Crush to those who enjoy sapphic YA (perhaps you feel similarly to me in terms of “nostalgia”).
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes
✨ Coming out
✨ Most popular boy in school
✨ Gossip TikTok account
✨ Dear Diary
✨ Told by each season
Content Warnings
(may not be all inclusive)
alcohol (consumed by teenagers), dementia, parental abandonment, de*th (parent/grandparent), funeral
June 30, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read This If You Enjoy: LGBTQIA+ Themes 🌈 Queer Love Stories 🌈 Self-Discovery 🌈 High School Drama 🌈 Cheerleading 🌈 Santana and Brittany from Glee 🌈
As Pride Month comes to an end, I’m thrilled to be sharing a review of My Not So Perfect Crush—an authentic and heartwarming queer coming-of-age and coming-out story that explores the intricacies of family, friendship, first love, and self-discovery. Stories like My Not So Perfect Crush are immensely important—offering representation, affirmation, and hope for LGBTQIA+ teens on journeys of self-exploration and acceptance. Books like this also help all readers build compassion and understanding, reminding us that representation isn’t only valuable but essential.
At A Glance: Dani Demarco is ready for her first year of high school. She has her best friend Adriana at her side, they are the only two freshmen on the varsity cheer squad, and she meets the cutest boy at school, Patrick, on day one. Things are going great—until Dani and Patrick have their first kiss, and Dani finds that there’s no spark between them. Instead, she finds herself having butterflies for someone else—Jaz, another member of the cheer team. Confused by her feelings, Dani is forced to confront questions about who she is and what her heart is trying to tell her.
Thoughts: This read was equal parts engaging , earnest, and emotional. Throughout the book, I felt transported right back to the chaotic whirlwind of emotions that is high school—and despite having more distance and perspective now, I was surprised by how much of Dani’s story still resonated. Nicole Carlotti elicits feelings in such a thoughtful way, and she truly created a character so authentic that you can’t help but root for her with every turn of the page. I enjoyed it so much and think it’s such a touching, easy read to enjoy and learn from.
A massive thank-you to the author for the complimentary copy—all thoughts and opinions are my own. Please take care to review potential trigger warnings before diving in. 💜
Read This If You Enjoy: LGBTQIA+ Themes 🌈 Queer Love Stories 🌈 Self-Discovery 🌈 High School Drama 🌈 Cheerleading 🌈 Santana and Brittany from Glee 🌈
As Pride Month comes to an end, I’m thrilled to be sharing a review of My Not So Perfect Crush—an authentic and heartwarming queer coming-of-age and coming-out story that explores the intricacies of family, friendship, first love, and self-discovery. Stories like My Not So Perfect Crush are immensely important—offering representation, affirmation, and hope for LGBTQIA+ teens on journeys of self-exploration and acceptance. Books like this also help all readers build compassion and understanding, reminding us that representation isn’t only valuable but essential.
At A Glance: Dani Demarco is ready for her first year of high school. She has her best friend Adriana at her side, they are the only two freshmen on the varsity cheer squad, and she meets the cutest boy at school, Patrick, on day one. Things are going great—until Dani and Patrick have their first kiss, and Dani finds that there’s no spark between them. Instead, she finds herself having butterflies for someone else—Jaz, another member of the cheer team. Confused by her feelings, Dani is forced to confront questions about who she is and what her heart is trying to tell her.
Thoughts: This read was equal parts engaging , earnest, and emotional. Throughout the book, I felt transported right back to the chaotic whirlwind of emotions that is high school—and despite having more distance and perspective now, I was surprised by how much of Dani’s story still resonated. Nicole Carlotti elicits feelings in such a thoughtful way, and she truly created a character so authentic that you can’t help but root for her with every turn of the page. I enjoyed it so much and think it’s such a touching, easy read to enjoy and learn from.
A massive thank-you to the author for the complimentary copy—all thoughts and opinions are my own. Please take care to review potential trigger warnings before diving in. 💜
March 13, 2025
A heartfelt coming-of-age love story!
This debut novel by Nicole Carlotti was such an incredible read! A coming-of-age story that feels so real and heartfelt, you can tell she poured everything into it.
The book follows Dani, who seems to have it all when she starts high school—a best friend, a spot on the cheer team, and the attention of the hottest football player at school. Just what every girl wants… right? Right?! But there’s just one problem. For Dani, there’s no spark. No butterflies. It doesn't exactly feel like it's supposed to. And as she starts paying attention to the voice inside her rather than the expectations around her, she realizes she might be drawn to someone else. entirely. Another girl on the cheerleading team.
I absolutely loved this story. It’s such an authentic LGBTQ+ journey, and watching Dani navigate her feelings, doubts, and fears while slowly stepping into her truth was both fun and deeply emotional. There were moments that made me smile, moments that made my heart ache, and moments that made me want to cheer for Dani as she found her courage. Nicole Carlotti did an incredible job making these characters feel real. Their friendships, struggles, and quiet victories all felt so genuine. The writing was beautiful and effortless, pulling me in from the very first page.
Highly recommend if you love stories about self-discovery, first love, and all the messy, beautiful, complicated moments that come with figuring out who you really are. This book is an absolute must-read!
This debut novel by Nicole Carlotti was such an incredible read! A coming-of-age story that feels so real and heartfelt, you can tell she poured everything into it.
The book follows Dani, who seems to have it all when she starts high school—a best friend, a spot on the cheer team, and the attention of the hottest football player at school. Just what every girl wants… right? Right?! But there’s just one problem. For Dani, there’s no spark. No butterflies. It doesn't exactly feel like it's supposed to. And as she starts paying attention to the voice inside her rather than the expectations around her, she realizes she might be drawn to someone else. entirely. Another girl on the cheerleading team.
I absolutely loved this story. It’s such an authentic LGBTQ+ journey, and watching Dani navigate her feelings, doubts, and fears while slowly stepping into her truth was both fun and deeply emotional. There were moments that made me smile, moments that made my heart ache, and moments that made me want to cheer for Dani as she found her courage. Nicole Carlotti did an incredible job making these characters feel real. Their friendships, struggles, and quiet victories all felt so genuine. The writing was beautiful and effortless, pulling me in from the very first page.
Highly recommend if you love stories about self-discovery, first love, and all the messy, beautiful, complicated moments that come with figuring out who you really are. This book is an absolute must-read!
August 22, 2025
A compelling coming-of-age coming out story
Danielle “Dani” Demarco is starting off her high school experience strong—she’s one of two freshmen to make the varsity cheerleading team, AND she enters a relationship with a great guy, football superstar junior Patrick! However, as much as she likes Patrick, she later realizes she like LIKES Jaz, a junior on her cheerleading team & stunt squad. Can Dani find a way to sort through her feelings all while forging a path of success for herself?
As someone who didn’t figure out my sexuality & gender identity until relatively recently, I really felt for Dani throughout this book. Much like her, I had to go through my own journey of questioning & exploration by myself, but it’s hard enough as an adult, I can’t imagine doing that at Dani’s age (I had to keep reminding myself she’s only 14!). This book left me with a deeper appreciation for Dani & all the other brave souls her age & even younger who go through this journey & learn to embrace their truths, particularly in a time when the world or country of residence doesn’t seem friendly toward people like us. I would actually rate this book 4.5/5 stars, but Goodreads & Amazon don’t allow half-stars; this was a great book I’d highly recommend, but I think it’s truly meant for a particular audience, people like me in all stages of their journey who can relate to Dani’s story & get much more out of it.
Danielle “Dani” Demarco is starting off her high school experience strong—she’s one of two freshmen to make the varsity cheerleading team, AND she enters a relationship with a great guy, football superstar junior Patrick! However, as much as she likes Patrick, she later realizes she like LIKES Jaz, a junior on her cheerleading team & stunt squad. Can Dani find a way to sort through her feelings all while forging a path of success for herself?
As someone who didn’t figure out my sexuality & gender identity until relatively recently, I really felt for Dani throughout this book. Much like her, I had to go through my own journey of questioning & exploration by myself, but it’s hard enough as an adult, I can’t imagine doing that at Dani’s age (I had to keep reminding myself she’s only 14!). This book left me with a deeper appreciation for Dani & all the other brave souls her age & even younger who go through this journey & learn to embrace their truths, particularly in a time when the world or country of residence doesn’t seem friendly toward people like us. I would actually rate this book 4.5/5 stars, but Goodreads & Amazon don’t allow half-stars; this was a great book I’d highly recommend, but I think it’s truly meant for a particular audience, people like me in all stages of their journey who can relate to Dani’s story & get much more out of it.
March 15, 2025
Nicole Carlotti’s My Not So Perfect Crush is an absolute gem of a read! From the very first page, I was hooked on the charming, heartfelt, and completely relatable story of navigating young love, friendships, and the unexpected twists of high school life.
This book truly gives you all the feels—there were moments I laughed, swooned, and even got teary-eyed. At the heart of it all is Dani, a lovable and complex main character who is on a journey of self-discovery, including exploring her identity and what it means to embrace her true self. The LGBTQ+ representation in this book is authentic and meaningful, making Dani’s story even more powerful and relatable. The romance? Absolutely adorable. The friendships? So authentic and heartwarming. And the writing? Light, engaging, and impossible to put down.
If you’re looking for a story that will make you smile, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you with a satisfied, happy feeling, My Not So Perfect Crush is a must-read. Whether you’re a fan of sweet contemporary romance or just need a feel-good book to get lost in, this one is for you! Packed with romance, friendship, and self-discovery, it’s a book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
This book truly gives you all the feels—there were moments I laughed, swooned, and even got teary-eyed. At the heart of it all is Dani, a lovable and complex main character who is on a journey of self-discovery, including exploring her identity and what it means to embrace her true self. The LGBTQ+ representation in this book is authentic and meaningful, making Dani’s story even more powerful and relatable. The romance? Absolutely adorable. The friendships? So authentic and heartwarming. And the writing? Light, engaging, and impossible to put down.
If you’re looking for a story that will make you smile, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you with a satisfied, happy feeling, My Not So Perfect Crush is a must-read. Whether you’re a fan of sweet contemporary romance or just need a feel-good book to get lost in, this one is for you! Packed with romance, friendship, and self-discovery, it’s a book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
March 16, 2025
My Not So Perfect Crush, Nicole Carlotti’s first young adult novel, is a joyful and honest “coming of age story” told in the voice of fourteen year old freshman cheerleader Dani DeMarco. We get to know Dani ‘s oldest and best friend Adriana and watch the different ways the two cope with the many changes that are part of early adolescence – things like new friends, first dates, ups and downs of social media and dance parties. It’s through Dani’s journaling and creative writing assignments that we get to know some of her innermost thoughts as she begins to find her place in the world and, in particular, as she begins to accept and understand her newfound sexuality. The story moves along at a good pace as we get to know Dani’s favorite hangouts and her homelife with her mom and Grandma. I especially enjoyed the final chapters that coincided with the end of freshman year.
Book reviewed by:
Ann H.
Retired Middle School Teacher & School Librarian
Book reviewed by:
Ann H.
Retired Middle School Teacher & School Librarian
June 15, 2025
I like a bit of YA coming out fiction now and again and this was only 99p when I picked it up. It’s a perfectly nice sexuality awakening story as cheerleader Dani tries a relationship with one of the best looking boys in school but pretty quickly realises that kissing him doesn’t produce any butterflies. When she thinks about a fellow cheerleader, Jaz, however, it’s a butterfly farm in her stomach…
There’s a few kisses, some coming out drama and some bullying in this but overall it’s all very gentle and ultimately sweet. It wasn’t a patch on my favourite in this genre (‘Suddenly’ by ME Tudor) but it’s nice enough I guess…
There’s a few kisses, some coming out drama and some bullying in this but overall it’s all very gentle and ultimately sweet. It wasn’t a patch on my favourite in this genre (‘Suddenly’ by ME Tudor) but it’s nice enough I guess…
November 17, 2025
4.5 stars
Refreshing high school novel that’s different from the rest! Honestly, I’ve been waiting to read it for months. A sapphic cheerleader romance in high school with a girl just discovering her sexuality? Since Glee it’s been all I’ve dreamed about. And the fact that Glee was mentioned in the book made it so incredible. Dani’s realization as she watched Santana and Brittany was something I could identify with, as Glee has so shaped my own identity and journey.
I didn’t love all the writing (the ending felt like it was written a little cliche?) or every part of the book but I liked how the character overcomes many different challenges and there are multiple interesting themes.
Refreshing high school novel that’s different from the rest! Honestly, I’ve been waiting to read it for months. A sapphic cheerleader romance in high school with a girl just discovering her sexuality? Since Glee it’s been all I’ve dreamed about. And the fact that Glee was mentioned in the book made it so incredible. Dani’s realization as she watched Santana and Brittany was something I could identify with, as Glee has so shaped my own identity and journey.
I didn’t love all the writing (the ending felt like it was written a little cliche?) or every part of the book but I liked how the character overcomes many different challenges and there are multiple interesting themes.
March 20, 2025
Once I started reading, I could not put this novel down! “My Not So Perfect Crush” is one of those stories that will transport you back to a time that was both agonizing, awkward, exciting and new. Whether your high school experience was similar to the characters in this novel or not, you’ll find yourself hooked to Dani’s experience and anxiously wanting to know what comes on the next page. Nicole Carlotti does an excellent job portraying the queer, adolescent experience which is a gift to all young readers.
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