Intelligent, original young adult contemporary novel that was heartfelt and real. I was interested in reading more young adult fiction by black woman authors, and the difficulties of growth and identity-searching when faced with pressures of a romantic relationship, religion, and secrecy appealed to me. Though Monique's situation is refreshingly individual, reading about her experience as a teenager brought up in a Black baptist church with religious parents reminded me of flawed ideas I had about sex and relationships at her age. I enjoyed seeing Mo come into her sexuality on her own terms, with better understanding of her body and its relationship to her thoughts and feelings, that allowed her to undo some of the shame and confusion that I think Christianity instills in a lot of us (honestly, loved seeing the undoing of a lot of virginity signalling in a modern setting, ones that I think other fictions like Jane the Virgin uncritically recycles. 

There's an openness to this book that felt as though Goffney is parenting the reader. I think this novel is really for anyone who has current or past religious trauma that is sexual in nature, as it's so patient while also been so fun and bright. One thing I wasn't certain of was how great the shifts in personality are with a few characters; I felt at the beginning that Goffney was laying it on thick, and though the transition was smoother than I expected, I almost wanted a bit more tension at the end to show that morals and values are difficult to change, and it's a harder process than we hope. That said, she stuck the landing, finding balance between the friendship, romance, family, and personal aspects with a sweetness and wisdom that I really loved. 

I loved this!! Probably the best or one of the best books of the year. I hope every teenager, especially girls, reads this because its message is so important and it’s told so well. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

This book brilliantly explored societies relationship with sex, teenagers expectations and the importance of knowing your own body and having strong friends and family to be able to talk to.

Add in religious communities more extreme views and the conflict of what you want vs everyone else can feel very traumatic. 

The book shines a light on largely unknown and discussed medical condition that is very important to feature in a YA book.

But themes aside, this story was gripping! I had so much fun hanging out with these catalysts and read this so quickly! 

Monique was a protagonist I easily sympathised with and was rooting for and her unlikely friendships was a joy to read about develop.

I loved the family dynamic as slowly we looked under the surface of Mo's family and Reggie's exploring prejudice and judging people.

Forgiveness, listening, talking and standing up for yourself were all shown beautifully here. The family and friendship dynamic shone. An unhealthy relationship and a blossoming healthy relationship were interwoven so well as we share Mo's journey as she starts to see things differently. I love the healthy relationship and rooted for it very early on, but the friendship is the star of this book as is the very healthy sex talks. Highly recommend!

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.

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! 

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.