There’s something undeniably powerful about stories that speak to the heart of what it means to grow up—especially when they’re told with emotional honesty and a touch of magic. That’s exactly what debut author Nicole Carlotti delivers in My Not So Perfect Crush, a fresh and heartfelt YA novel that’s already topping charts as Amazon’s #1 Most Wished For in Teen & Young Adult LGBTQ+ Fiction.
A Brooklyn-based writer, Carlotti has been a book lover for as long as she can remember. A self-proclaimed Cancer who writes to make readers feel something, she brings a soulful, sensitive perspective to her storytelling. When she’s not penning YA fiction, she’s dancing, giving back through philanthropic work, and enjoying life with her wife, daughter, and cat in New York City. My Not So Perfect Crush is her literary debut—and it’s already making waves for all the right reasons.
Meet Dani: Smart, Spirited, and Stuck
Dani is your typical high school freshman (equal parts ambitious and awkward). She’s determined to start the school year strong and even checks off a bucket list item early when a locker mishap leads to an unexpected kiss with one of the school’s most popular football players. But instead of soaring into social bliss, Dani finds herself increasingly distracted by someone else: Jaz, a fellow cheerleader whose presence sparks a different kind of curiosity.
As Dani begins to question her feelings and identity, she’s also navigating strained friendships, academic pressure, and the high-stakes world of competitive cheerleading. After a major fallout with her best friend, she finds unexpected comfort in the GSA (Genders and Sexualities Alliance) at school—a space where she’s finally able to exhale. But when tragedy strikes, Dani’s world flips again. Faced with a crush that no longer fits and a heart full of questions, she must decide whether to follow her fear or trust what’s been inside her all along.
A Story That Honors the Chaos and Beauty of Growing Up
With insight and sensitivity, My Not So Perfect Crush captures the beautiful messiness of adolescence. It’s a book that’s relatable and refreshing, full of tender moments, quick wit, and a sincere celebration of self-discovery. What sets Carlotti’s writing apart is her ability to balance the real with the hopeful—acknowledging how tough growing up can be, while reminding readers that they’re not alone in the journey. This is not just a story about first love. It’s about navigating change, healing friendships, standing in your truth, and figuring out who you are without apology. It’s simply perfect for ages 13–18 and any adult who remembers the rollercoaster of high school emotions. Carlotti’s debut offers a timely reminder that being yourself is the boldest move of all.
Genre: Young Adult, LGBTQ+
Intended Audience: Teens 13–18, and anyone who enjoys a heartfelt, coming-of-age story.
📘 Available wherever books are sold.
My Not So Perfect Crush – available now on Amazon!
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