It’s been awhile since I read a rom-com that I actually enjoyed. I’m happy to say that Looks Perfect by Jessica Siskin has broken my string of disappointing romance reads. I really enjoyed this sweet, heartfelt, and satirical novel about a fashion influencer whose life goes a little off the rails while trying to make everything “look perfect.”
What’s Looks Perfect about?
Meet Stella Lerner, a fashion designer with grass roots who leveraged social media to become one of fashion’s biggest social media influencers. Her brand’s going global, and she’s about to achieve more than she ever dreamed of in her career. So, the pressure is ON to keep up appearances for her followers.
Behind the scenes is another story. Stella’s relationship with her longtime partner, Alex, is falling apart. She’s also starting to doubt she still loves the flashy, fast-paced lifestyle she’s been part of for the past few years.
When a collab opportunity with an anonymous dating app falls in Stella’s lap, she takes it – and strikes up a conversation with another app member that changes everything.
What I loved about Looks Perfect
Fans of You’ve Got Mail, this book is for you. Looks Perfect is a fun, contemporary twist on the pen pal romance story we all know and love.
Stella is a loveable character, despite her decision to kinda-sorta cheat on her boyfriend. I told you in Broken Country that I don’t love cheating storylines, but Looks Perfect gets a pass from me. (On the story. Not on cheating. Cheating is still bad.) You really feel Stella’s angst and struggle, in both her personal and professional life.
Granted, the romance in Looks Perfect is a little predictable. Especially if you’re a fan of the song “Escape.” (There are nods to it everywhere in the story. Love that!) But, we’re not reading Looks Perfect because we want a mystery. We’re here for women’s fiction and romance, and it delivers both of those this with aplomb.
Influencer lifestyle, unlocked!
More than the romance, I was sucked in by all the behind-the-scenes details of Stella’s influencer lifestyle. Although I’m a blogger and have a social media presence, it is nothing like Stella’s. When I read a book like Looks Perfect, I’m so glad I never blew up in the way that some influencers do.
It is exhausting work, and I don’t blame Stella for feeling burnt out and questioning her life choices. I find BTS influencer culture fascinating, and that was a huge draw for me with Looks Perfect. Author Siskin does a great job of bringing us into that world. She’s clearly writing from first-hand experience!
Should you read Looks Perfect?
Pick up Looks Perfect if you want a a cute, energetic, fun, and sweet romance that will keep you turning the pages. Again, if you’re a fan of You’ve Got Mail, you’re going to love this one.
What’s the book-inspired recipe?
Check back in for the book-inspired recipe: Pina Colada Mocktails.
Looks Perfect releases on October 6, 2026 from Little A. Although I received a complimentary advance copy of Looks Perfect from Over the River Public Relations, all opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I was not compensated in any way for this review or for any other promotion/publicity I’ve done related to this book.
