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betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is only Goffney's second book, but I think she's already cemented her place as a pro at writing teen romance. From beginning to end, I was impressed with the way she handles difficult topics with a great set of characters you're going to love from the beginning. Well, maybe with the exception of one. If you've read it, you probably know exactly who I'm talking about.
At its core, this is a book about accepting yourself and advocating for yourself. Monique especially realizes her worth and I love the relationships she makes throughout the story, both romantic and otherwise. And the characters! They were so well rounded and each had their own motives and purpose.
My only complaint is that it felt a little on the long side. Mostly because I think maybe the climax came a little too early? But everything else was perfect, and I will definitely keep reading Goffney when she publishes new books.
At its core, this is a book about accepting yourself and advocating for yourself. Monique especially realizes her worth and I love the relationships she makes throughout the story, both romantic and otherwise. And the characters! They were so well rounded and each had their own motives and purpose.
My only complaint is that it felt a little on the long side. Mostly because I think maybe the climax came a little too early? But everything else was perfect, and I will definitely keep reading Goffney when she publishes new books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Sexual content, and Medical trauma
Minor: Alcohol and Medical content
rosiebethreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Sexual harassment
tyler_zakiyareadsbooks_'s review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I must admit that I don’t read YA much nowadays, but really wanted to give this arc a try when I saw it advertised on Netgallery and boy am I glad I did! I think one of my biggest gripes when reading YA books is that I don’t see or believe in the growth of the characters, but I loved how Monique grows during this story- it wasn’t just a drastic change either, I could see how Monique grew within herself where she went from defining herself solely as Dom’s girlfriend whose worth was defined as her purity and virginity to seeing herself as capable, strong and courageous.
Before coming into this book, I did know about vaginismus, but I will admit that I didn’t know the full extent of the condition. Joya Goffney exploration of such a sensitive subject was raw and brave, especially considering this was something the author also experienced. I am grateful Joya wrote this book because this is something that needs to be discussed and while Monique started out dealing with her vaginismus for admittedly the wrong reasons, I could understand them. Monique’s conflicting emotions (anxiety, shame, fear, guilt) surrounding her body and sex will resonate with readers currently facing similar experiences, and hopefully encourage them to seek help.
I feel this book deals well with the idea of perception- people are not always who they appear to be. Dom the Dick, as I will forever remember him as (was it intentional that I could name him as such!)- I haven’t disliked a character in such a long time but I hated his guts! The lies this boy told, the lies! Please let me join the lengthy punch Dom in the face line!
I liked how the relationships were dealt in this book, at first, I was very apprehensive about the parents and how they were first shown and you’re thinking that they're “those types of parents" but as the book goes on you see that they're also not who they seem. This is also true for Sasha, who despite Monique’s initial distrust, turned out to be pretty awesome. See perceptions are very important!
I loved how supportive Reggie was as a character- where can I find my own Reggie!! He started off as a bit of a troublemaker, but he was also goofy and lovable- he knew when situations called for him to be serious, but I generally loved his carefree nature it was refreshing.
The unlikely friendship formed between Sasha, Monique and Reggie was wonderfully done, I enjoyed all their scenes together!
There was not one but two LGBTQ+ representation in this book and the inclusion of it felt very naturally which I truly appreciate as sometimes I feel like its seen as a checklist authors feel that they must include to be inclusive, but it didn’t feel like that this was the case for this book.
Overall, I found this book refreshing and heartfelt, I can’t wait until I can add a physical copy of this book to my collection and read Joya’s backlog.
Thanks to Netgallery, Bonnier books UK and Joya Goffney for this ARC to review.
Check out my visual review of this on my insta: zakiyareadsbooks
Check out my visual review of this on my insta: zakiyareadsbooks
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship
anna_23's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Minor: Medical content
tigerlilliereads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Wow! I flew through this book and I am so loving how Ya and teen books are now being written!
This book focuses on a girl who is a pastors daughter who has always been told sex is bad, has a boyfriend and is seen as a ‘good Christian’. However, there is so much more than that. This book is about self growth, female empowerment, being the master of your own body, sex education, sex positivity, positive and healthy relationships with partners and family alike. It’s about trust, and being no one but yourself and be I afraid to say what you need and do what you want.
This book is a book that I wish was around years before. It is so refreshing to read and so positive. Honestly, I am in awe. All girls and boys should read this, even grown adults who may never think of picking this book up. It has so much value for all women (and men). These things need to be spoke about more and gosh that ending! Honestly trying not to spoil the book but women looking out for each other and ahhhh I love it!
This book focuses on a girl who is a pastors daughter who has always been told sex is bad, has a boyfriend and is seen as a ‘good Christian’. However, there is so much more than that. This book is about self growth, female empowerment, being the master of your own body, sex education, sex positivity, positive and healthy relationships with partners and family alike. It’s about trust, and being no one but yourself and be I afraid to say what you need and do what you want.
This book is a book that I wish was around years before. It is so refreshing to read and so positive. Honestly, I am in awe. All girls and boys should read this, even grown adults who may never think of picking this book up. It has so much value for all women (and men). These things need to be spoke about more and gosh that ending! Honestly trying not to spoil the book but women looking out for each other and ahhhh I love it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Toxic relationship
halfbloodprincess_hogwarts's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Goffney once again wrote a 5⭐ novel. It was full of laughter, romance, unexpected friendships, internal freedom, self discovery, heartache, and utter perfection. I was here for it, completely captivated by this page turner. Thank you, thank you Netgalley and Hot Key Books for an advanced ebook of one of my anticipated books for 2022 🥰🥰🥰
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Religious bigotry, and Toxic relationship
dionnesims's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I finished this book very quickly because I loved the characters and story so much! I grew up in a very restrictive, Christian setting as well, so I really related to Monique's experiences with guilt, shame, and low self-esteem. I could have used a book like this as a teen!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Toxic relationship, and Medical content
Minor: Alcohol
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Confessions of An Alleged Good Girl is an utterly incredible, coming of age YA that brilliantly explores body and sex positivity, the toxic views on sex and sex education and through Monique and her experiences, raise awareness of of vaginismus. This is a beautifully crafted and compelling story that I know will be invaluable to many readers who might—like Monique—might not have access to sexual health services or information.
Monique, a Preacher’s daughter and girlfriend to the town’s golden boy seems to have the perfect life. But, with her parents thoughts on sex before marriage ever present and her boyfriends pressure to get intimate, Monique is torn.
Tired of waiting her boyfriend breaks up with her, spurring Monique into discovering her inability to have sex is caused by a medical condition. To win him back Monique plans to resolve the “issue” with help from the only people she can turn to—frenemy (and fellow church girl) Sasha and the town’s resident bad boy Reggie.
But I’m doing so, she must face some home truths: maybe she shouldn’t be fixing her body to please a boy, maybe Sasha was the friend she’s need all along and maybe Reggie isn’t so bad after all.
I found it utterly riveting and thoroughly entertaining and though Joya Goffney’s own experiences with vaginismus allow her to expertly and sensitively delve into such sensitive subject matter with gusto, she still manages to keep the plot lighthearted whilst bringing awareness to a condition that isn’t widely known about.
Monique’s depth and dimension as a character was superb and her conflicting emotions (fear, guilt, shame, anxiety) surrounding her body and sex will definitely resonate with readers currently facing similar experiences or situations, and hopefully encourage them to seek help or a safe space to talk about it.
I honestly loved both Sasha and Reggie-who were two of Monique’s biggest supporters throughout and I’m soo glad she had them both, cheering her up and being there to confide in when she needed it the most. One of the characters I didn’t particularly like in the beginning does get a redemption arc that I enjoyed (don’t worry it’s not who you think) and I really appreciated that they owned up to their mistakes in the end and sought to actively help.
The love triangle aspect was interesting but I have to say, the contrast between Monique’s ex-boyfriend Dom and Reggie was a really interesting one and proves that people’s perceptions of others aren’t always accurate. This is also the case for Sasha as well, who despite Monique’s initial judgement is actually pretty amazing.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, inspiring and thoroughly insatiable story of self love, body positivity and reclaiming your sexual identity that YA romance lovers simply must read!
Also, thanks to Hot Key books and Netgalley for the e-arc.
Monique, a Preacher’s daughter and girlfriend to the town’s golden boy seems to have the perfect life. But, with her parents thoughts on sex before marriage ever present and her boyfriends pressure to get intimate, Monique is torn.
Tired of waiting her boyfriend breaks up with her, spurring Monique into discovering her inability to have sex is caused by a medical condition. To win him back Monique plans to resolve the “issue” with help from the only people she can turn to—frenemy (and fellow church girl) Sasha and the town’s resident bad boy Reggie.
But I’m doing so, she must face some home truths: maybe she shouldn’t be fixing her body to please a boy, maybe Sasha was the friend she’s need all along and maybe Reggie isn’t so bad after all.
I found it utterly riveting and thoroughly entertaining and though Joya Goffney’s own experiences with vaginismus allow her to expertly and sensitively delve into such sensitive subject matter with gusto, she still manages to keep the plot lighthearted whilst bringing awareness to a condition that isn’t widely known about.
Monique’s depth and dimension as a character was superb and her conflicting emotions (fear, guilt, shame, anxiety) surrounding her body and sex will definitely resonate with readers currently facing similar experiences or situations, and hopefully encourage them to seek help or a safe space to talk about it.
I honestly loved both Sasha and Reggie-who were two of Monique’s biggest supporters throughout and I’m soo glad she had them both, cheering her up and being there to confide in when she needed it the most. One of the characters I didn’t particularly like in the beginning does get a redemption arc that I enjoyed (don’t worry it’s not who you think) and I really appreciated that they owned up to their mistakes in the end and sought to actively help.
The love triangle aspect was interesting but I have to say, the contrast between Monique’s ex-boyfriend Dom and Reggie was a really interesting one and proves that people’s perceptions of others aren’t always accurate. This is also the case for Sasha as well, who despite Monique’s initial judgement is actually pretty amazing.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, inspiring and thoroughly insatiable story of self love, body positivity and reclaiming your sexual identity that YA romance lovers simply must read!
Also, thanks to Hot Key books and Netgalley for the e-arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Misogyny, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Medical trauma, Sexual content, and Religious bigotry
hayleygray's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
[Huge thank you to Bonnier Books UK for sending me an uncorrected final proof of this books before its publication date!]
This book was a breath of fresh air and a nostalgic experience, all at once.
Joya Goffney is a literary genius as she knows exactly how YA teen rom-coms should be written and read: a combination of reminiscence and modernism. Throughout reading this book, I was transported back to my teenage years and remembering what it was like to go through the majority of the things that Mo was going through–strict parents, boys, sex, and understanding your own body and boundaries–whilst also learning so many new things. This book was romantic, funny, emotional, and educational–I learned so much about the female experience and body... and I am a woman! It made me question why these topics are so taboo and why this book is so needed in literary discourse!
The diversity and female empowerment inherent in this book was also incredible and I can't wait for the world to enjoy all that it has to offer (I was sent a final proof from Bonnier Books UK before the publication date in May 2022). Goffney truly shows the power of taking control of your body, mind, and life through various characters and mediums–there is something that everyone will relate to in this novel.
This book was a breath of fresh air and a nostalgic experience, all at once.
Joya Goffney is a literary genius as she knows exactly how YA teen rom-coms should be written and read: a combination of reminiscence and modernism. Throughout reading this book, I was transported back to my teenage years and remembering what it was like to go through the majority of the things that Mo was going through–strict parents, boys, sex, and understanding your own body and boundaries–whilst also learning so many new things. This book was romantic, funny, emotional, and educational–I learned so much about the female experience and body... and I am a woman! It made me question why these topics are so taboo and why this book is so needed in literary discourse!
The diversity and female empowerment inherent in this book was also incredible and I can't wait for the world to enjoy all that it has to offer (I was sent a final proof from Bonnier Books UK before the publication date in May 2022). Goffney truly shows the power of taking control of your body, mind, and life through various characters and mediums–there is something that everyone will relate to in this novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Sexual content, and Medical trauma
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