Reviews tagging 'Body shaming'

Flirty Little Secret by Jessica Lepe

1 review

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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