Reviews

Flirty Little Secret by Jessica Lepe

kelliejohnson19's review

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funny reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

marinas_world's review

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5.0

I absolutely love this story! I related so much to Lucy and it actually was helpful to read this, especially since I just got my own diagnosis with ADHD, and I suffer with anxiety and depression. So seeing Lucy push through throughout the story was absolutely inspiring and beautiful. I would 100% read another book about Lucy and fletcher!

tiffysbookadventures's review

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

This was a quick and cute read. There were lots of cute and slightly quirky moments with both the FMC and their romantic relationship. I enjoyed how the rep for more heavier topics (anxiety, depression, ADHD) was handled, as it was realistic and respectful. So if you are in the mood for a cute, slightly spicy, friends to lovers read- this may be the book for you.

livaausma's review

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fast-paced
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Good prompt, loveable caracters and good vibes.
But I feel as if it but could've been executed better.
Many conflicts were due to miscommunication which is undoubtedly the worst reason, and it felt like, the conflict wasn't even that big to begin with. Some characters were too stereotypical and there seemed to be too much introduction to characters that never really showed up again
(the gym teacher)
and some where I felt like I needed more from than a stereotypical cardboard cut-out
(such as Fletcher's mom)
. On the other hand, I loved the character development of some characters
(Georgia, somewhat also Lucy, and Fletcher's dad).

The flow of the storyline and development was too fast at times - them being
in love after knowing one another for a week, then stopping to tlak because of Georgia, then being in love and then the 3rd stage breakup
; all of this felt too rushed. Similar with
the student and the DJ. While these things do happen IRL, I feel like the student then joining the confidence group and making Lucy aware she should maybe forgive Fletcher seemed very OOC for me
.
Lastly, I want to mention the mental health struggles. I liked that it was said and shown that it is okay to struggle and that everyone is worth being loved, cared for, and deserves happiness. With that being said, it felt a bit too much/fast/...? :
Lucy's breakdown in the closet in school and her admitting to all of her struggles was somewhat OOC for me, as she seemed like someone not showing others her cards. Fletcher's subsequent love confessions is another problem: while it is great that he wants to support her, I feel like the conversation is only focused on whether he would be ok dating someone with mental health struggles and neurodivergance - not the other way around: does he know how to help her when she is feeling very depressed, would he know how to calm her down (because in this situation where she has a meltdown, he confesses his love to her... which is not helping her inner racing thoughts and anxiety.) is he ok putting her first in situations when she needs him? All of this is not talked about. It's like: oh, he really likes her, so he does't see her anxiety&depression&ADHD as a problem, YAY. while simultaneously ignoring the reality of the situation and putting her through even more hardships by lying and not being forthright with the whole IG DMs miscommunication.

And lastly, Lucy has terrible self-worth complexes and does not trust anyone to have her best interests at heart. This was really glossed over and also did not seem to get better throughout the novel. And while it was a happy ending, for anyone reading, I feel like it is really important to know how much you are worth and to love yourself and have respect for yourself before starting a relationship. Because if you don't, you could be taken advantage off (mentally, physically, financially and in any other way). While Lucy was had a HEA with someone kindhearted and giving, someone with a similar situation and low self-esteem would not be so lucky. With that being said, take care of you and know your worth <3


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angel_tarsatana's review

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5.0

I want to thank Net galley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. This book is an automatic 5 stars for me. The humor, mental health, life of an educator, and rom com nature of this book was so well done! I will be reading more from this author!

vickie0326's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75


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theoppositebookshelf's review against another edition

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inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

anpanmandy's review

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3.0

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I read the premise of this book I thought it was a really cute idea so I was excited to start reading it. Overall I thought this book was cute, with good mental health representation. However, I did not like the third act break up!!!!! I already dislike third act break ups but when you put in miscommunication too????? It really ruins the whole experience for me :(

Flirty Little Secret: ★★★☆☆ (3)

Pub date: March 19, 2024!!! - preorder now!

ayts's review

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funny hopeful

5.0

cozygreylibrary's review

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you forever for both the eARC and the physical book! Lucy's got a double life: by day, she's the quiet, anxious teacher trying to keep it together, but by night, she's the confident, savvy advice-giver on Instagram. When her secret online persona catches the eye of her new coworker, Aldrich, things start to get interesting. What Lucy didn't expect was for Aldrich to be her online confidant all along. With their identities revealed, they've got to figure out if there's something real between them or if it's all just online chemistry.


I breezed through this one while lounging in a hammock, only pausing when the sun disappeared. Lucy's journey of balancing her two personas and navigating a budding romance with Aldrich was such a fun and sweet ride. It's a quick read that'll leave you with a smile on your face.