Powerful, boundary pushing, and charmingly funny. * Camryn Garrett, author of Full Disclosure and Off the Record *
Deeply empowering, sweet yet candid. A fearless story about the path to self acceptance. * Jenni Hendricks and Ted Caplan, authors of Unpregnant and Save Steve *
I absolutely loved Joya Goffney's debut novel and it was one of my favourite reads of this year however this novel is very close behind. I absolutely adored this story. Joya writes really good YA teen rom coms that feel reminiscent of the books I was reading 10 years ago but they are just more modern. The diversity as well as the important conversations around sex and taking back control make this an unmissable 2022 YA read. She truly is one of the greatest YA contemporary writers around at the moment and I hope she gets more recognition. -- Sofia Saghir * NetGalley *
I loved everything about this book from the three dimensional characters to the super important and relevant topics of sex and religion and how those two things intersect. This is my first time reading from Joya Goffney but it won't be my last. -- Elli Freeman * NetGalley *
After quite a slow start to the year in terms of reading, this book was a breathe of fresh air. I speed through it in under a day and was absolutely obsessed. I didn't think it would be possible for me to like this one as much as Joya Goffney's debut (which I LOVED) but I think I actually have a new favourite. It was full of heart, hope and love and I hope everyone picks it up this year! -- Laura Lawrence * NetGalley *
I loved Joya's debut novel so I had high expectations for this. And it didn't disappoint! I loved this book to pieces and it felt so personal and beautifully raw. Thank you Joya for this book. It was a beauty. -- Michaela Williams * NetGalley *
I literally adore this author. This first book was just wow and I have been highly waiting for the next book and let's just say it doesn't disappoint. It's a wonderful feel good book, that is sooo easy to relate to. We have all been there (if your an adult reading this that is) or could well be going through the same things (if you are a teen) either way. It's really easy to relate to and really easy to read. It's feel good and comforting and like a hug in book form. Loved it. -- Just Keep Reading * NetGalley *
I love this author. I enjoyed their first book and i love how i get the exact same feelings whilst reading this one!!!! All those intimate scenes and the SLOW BURN OMG KILL ME NOW. Loved it. The characters were written so well, the plot sounds ridiculous but on paper it reads so well and it was quite eye opening as well. I related to it a lot, i come from a very strict background, so it was interesting to see how everything played out. One thing i realised whilst reading this, is that even though one of the characters is a horrible person and treats Mo the wrong way, i still felt bad for them... and that annoys me because im like that in real life as well!!! I always give chances to people who don't deserve it and reading Mo go through it made me stop and think about my own life. Amazing, amazing, AMAZING. Cannot wait to purchase a physical copy and this author is on my auto buy list!!!! -- Reema Sabeen-Saunders * NetGalley *
Goffney has done it again! I must admit, the first chapter had me feeling a bit uneasy with the way Mo was presented but reading more, I was hooked and finished it in one day! The story is so important for girls that are reaching this stage in their life when it comes to sex, relationships and knowing their own bodies. I appreciate Goffney so much for writing this story that will go on to impact girls around the world who may not know what's happening to them if they're going through the same thing. REGGIE! My heart loves him. I liked him from the very first scene and he is such a well written character. Every girl and woman deserves a Reggie! Such a sweetheart. And Goffney, championing female friendships with Sasha and Mo. Yes. Please. This was such a feel good story tackling a not-well known medical condition and I eagerly await for what Goffney will write next! -- Nelita Adejuyigbe * NetGalley *
I am so glad this book exists. As someone who has struggled with Vaginismus for the past year or so, I really felt myself reflected in the pages of this book. I honestly wish I could have read this years ago! I think its so important to bring awareness to this topic as it is something so many women struggle with, and many of us don't understand what is going on with our bodies. I felt that this book handled the topic with sensitivity and I loved how positive Monique's journey was. It was so wonderful to see the characters around her support her. I absolutely loved Reggie and Sasha. Their friendship group is the best. I also loved watching Monique's relationship with her family develop. Once again, I am so glad this book exists. I think every teenage girl should read this because its such an important topic. Similarly to Monique, I've had a really unhealthy relationship with sex for most of my life and this book made me feel so safe and seen. Joya Goffney is now definitely one of my favourite authors. Both her books have been fantastic and important. This review is quite incoherent because i'm feeling alot after finishing this book. Just please please please read this when it is released in May 2022. You will not regret it. -- Hannah Adamson * NetGalley *
