A review by tyler_zakiyareadsbooks_
Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl by Joya Goffney

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 
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