This book had me hooked from the word go. Monique is the daughter of a pastor and as such, she’s expected to be a model of good virtues. The pressure from her parents to live the life they expect of her is becoming too much and while she wants to rebel against their strict rules, she’s also terrified of being cut out of the family the way her older sister was. Her boyfriend is pressuring her to have sex but her fear of breaking the rules is too great to overcome.

Monique’s journey of self discovery is heartwarming and tragic in equal measure. I loved her realisation that she needed to live her life for herself and make her own decisions, not be pressured into doing things to make other people happy.

As an adult, and not the target audience, I want to defend the parents in the story, who are simply trying their best to help their daughter navigate the complexities of growing up. The story is as much about their self discovery as the parents of a teenager as it is about Monique herself.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is about a teenaged girl called Monique, whose father is a preacher. Over the course of the novel, she explores her body and learns to accept herself, with the help of two friends- this happens after Monique discovers that she physically cannot have sex, and feels unable to talk to her parents about it due to the fact they expect her to wait until marriage.
This is a really unique book because it openly talks about vaginismus, which I have never found in a book before.. This is really important as lots of people haven't heard of this condition, and could even have it and worry about it for years, without knowing they can receive treatment for it. The plot is still fairly light-hearted though, so I felt there was a good balance between funny and serious moments in the novel. It wasn't my favourite book I've read this year, due to the fact I wasn't entirely gripped, but that's just my personal preference- I'm still glad I read it just because I learnt something and I think if you're a fan of YA romance, you'll love this one!

Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl is a captivating story about a girl discovering who she wants to be and reclaiming her body and her desires for herself, whilst learning what it truly means to have someone accept you for who you are.

Monique is the daughter of a pastor in a small town in Texas. She is expected to be the perfect virgin daughter, who is not allowed to have sex until marriage. So when she discovers she physically cannot have sex and her boyfriend of 2 years breaks up with her, she has no one she can turn to for support. Enter the conservative church girl Sasha and bad boy Reggie and their top secret quest to cure Mo so she can win her boyfriend back. Mo embarks on a journey of self discovery and learns maybe she doesn’t need sex to be worthy of love, maybe Sasha is the friend she needed all along and maybe, just maybe, Reggie isn’t so bad after all.

Wow. This book is not what I was expecting at all. I thought it would be a typical YA rom-com, focused mainly on the love interest, with other storylines taking a back seat. However, Goffney has produced an incredible, sex and body-positive story full of family, love and fun. I loved that Mo was responsible for her own self growth and it was not attributed to a boy. Her struggle to overcome the shame and worthlessness she feels was truly inspiring.

The pacing was excellent and it was very easy to read, I finished it in one day. The climax of the book was so well written and emotional, my heart had so much sympathy for Mo. I think it is a testament to Goffney’s writing that I growled with frustration several times at the pure ignorance and arrogance of some of the male characters (if you know you know). I loved the focus on the strong women in Mo’s life and the chapter in the kitchen towards the end was so satisfying.

Overall this is a heartfelt, emotional and educational read. I am grateful this story highlights the struggles women face with societal and familial expectations around their body, health and sex. I recommend this for all YA fans, teens and adults alike, and I will definitely be adding Goffney to my auto-buy author list.

I loved it!! This is not your average book and it covers a topic you never hear about. I remember being Monique's age and all those worries and concerns and can only imagine how much more worry would come from being known as and having to be the "good girl".
Now as a parent I can relate to wanting to protect my child and everything about her, so that I can understand why Jesse and Bianca did what they did.
What really got me with this book is you get to see it from all angles, you get to see how opinions and perspectives can change. How support can come from the people you least expect and how the people you expect it from can let you down. I really don't want to give any spoilers away, as I think everyone should get to experience this book in their way so all I will say is GO READ IT!!

This is a powerful journey towards loving yourself, about body and sex positivity, with heart, humour, family intrigue and a dynamic and delicious love triangle. The kind of book you will find yourself saying urgently, over and over, to friends: 'Have you read it?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Hilarious coming of age YA novel

This book follows Monique who is the daughter of a pastor and a teacher. Her parents are very strict and she is very much innocent/ sheltered. Mo’s boyfriend of 2 years (Dom) breaks up with her because she is unable to have sex. From this we see Mo developing new friendships and learning about her disorder with the help of her frenemy? Sasha.

I loved the character of Reggie, I found him really refreshing as he was goofy and didn’t feel tied to religion. I loved the humour and friendships which were formed between Mo, Reggie and Sasha. I also loved the amount of diversity as well as the book being sex positive and an exploration of how a teen feels with no exposure to sex because of her upbringing and parents beliefs.

Tropes -
- bad boy/ good girl
- Found family
- Small town

Pacing felt slightly random at times and I wish it was maybe a bit more fleshed out - however, it was such an enjoyable and heartwarming read. I love all of the women in this book and I want spinoffs about Sasha, Jackie, Myracle, and Dee. Even the mum!! all of them!!!!

This is a coming-of-age lovers dream. Goffney yet again hits a trifecta of a beautifully written story that illustrates itself so wonderfully, while also having dynamic characters and genuinely interesting topics. This genre is not new yet the appraoch they take has created a gorgeous book filled with beautiful characters that leaves you instantly wanting to read more. Covering topics that I've never seen so openly discussed, like vaginismus and caressing an important story laced with religion, identity, sexuality and body image the character of Monique spoke to so many levels of my soul, while also being charming and funny and interesting.

Confessions of an alleged good girl by Joya Goffney

Rating: 4.4 ⭐️

I just want to say, I restarted and finished Excuse me while I ugly cry yesterday, proceeded to read this book and finished this morning. If that isn’t a testimony of how much I love and enjoy Joya Goffney and will probably devour anything she writes I don’t know what is.

This was a funny (I genuinely laughed out loud) , fun but educational book that literally hooked me from the first paragraph. The plot was unique and I loved our MCs. Monique was your good girl who discovered herself through a lot of ups and downs and Reggie was your charming, not-so-good, extremely funny love interest, who I instantly fell in love with. Joya Goffney’s writing was as witty as her debut book and the pace of the book was balanced with the plot and characters.

OK now here’s my favourite part of the whole book: the lessons it teaches. Joya Goffney literally could not have written a more exemplary book tackling both known and unknown issues. Through the topics covered in the book, she managed to highlight character development , plot points and educate you. To list a few, and I don’t apologise for any rant that may precede now or in the future because this book deserves all the hype:

- The balance of religious views, strong family expectations and your own values. Reading Monique’s growth was amazing. Reading about her realising the importance of self-worth and staying true to yourself is what made this book amazing to me. Joya Goffney makes it known that you need to appreciate yourself and know what you want instead of pleasing others. That doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help. It’s a matter of finding yourself and having the courage to say and explain what you want
- Vaginismus. I never knew what vaginismus was but it’s so vital to be educated about it because it’s a disorder people actually face. Joya Goffney did such a great job in explaining not only what it was but methods to deal with it.
- The value and different dynamics of relationships whether that be with your family, friends, significant other etc. So many different relationships occurred throughout this book and it added that extra realism when you see characters that may be portrayed one way, are not so simple on the inside. I loved seeing all the side characters grow and they added so much more to the story.
- Other issues the book tackles which I would love to write paragraphs for but I will spare you the very long review: Female empowerment, consent, the stigma women face,

I cannot emphasise enough to read it and I know so many people will appreciate this because it shed light to so many (as aforementioned) important issues. It’s a quick, easy YA book that anyone can read and benefit from!


Word to describe the book: Learning

Thank you so much Joya Goffney and the amazing publishers for allowing me to read this book. I will be now waiting (impatiently) for Joya Goffney’s next book.

After absolutely loving Goffney’s first novel - Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry - I was delighted to have this book approved on Netgalley.
This book follows Monique the “alleged good girl” who struggles to navigate her teenage relationship under the watchful eye of her father, a preacher at the local church.
Goffney also writes about a medical condition in a sensitive way that I’m sure will resonate with many people and hopefully offer reassurance and comfort for any readers experiencing this and feeling unsure.
The development of the relationship between Monique and her mother was so emotional and I loved the way it changed throughout the novel Not only did I love the characters but the overarching themes concerning female empowerment and the notion that your body is your own are both incredibly powerful and important messages for young readers and I think this would be a great book to accompany any sex education curriculum in schools.
If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would!

This book was an absolute delight to read. I wasn’t too sure about this book at the start but by 8% I was hooked!
I absolutely loved Monique and how much she grew as a character. I loved the friendship story and it felt so authentic.
The amount of strong female representation in this book made me just so happy!
This book covered some very serious topics and raised awareness of a condition that affects many people who don’t even realise that it is a thing. I genuinely think that this book could change lives. This is a book that I would definitely encourage my step kids to read when they’re a little older as it was a really good story about attitude towards sex and knowing your own body.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Monique’s Father is the local Pastor and they live and breathe the Church and the Bible. Dom, the same age as Monique has impressed the Pastor and he is very happy to accept Monique and Dom as a couple, completely believing Dom’s intentions are honourable. Sex is never discussed in Monique’s home, considered ‘dirty’ and not for young people to think about. Even at school, students learned very little as the Pastor has a say in what is taught.
In his role overseeing the welfare of young people, the Pastor is trying to exert a good influence on Reggie especially whose reputation has travelled before him to the town.
Her parents’ control of her life also happened to Myracle, Monique’s elder sister who left home, wanting to lead her own life with a different path than one their parents wanted. At the time Monique could not understand why Myracle couldn’t just do as required, but now she is her age she resents the tight restrictions. She feels she is rebelling by listening to Dom in taking their relationship further.
Only when Dom issues an ultimatum and she has the freedom to talk to Reggie and Sasha, two previously unlikely candidates for friendship, does Monique start to appreciate she was being controlled by parents on one side and Dom on the other.
This book has so many truths in it. Many young people experience expectations from others they feel they should meet, knowing they are not being true to themselves.
The friendships reflect reality and Monique’s new friendships are much more important to her than longstanding ones where her voice was not recognised.
Although great harm was done to Monique by her parents’ attitudes, ultimately this is a positive book with a lot of humour.

Off the back of her sparkling debut, Joya Goffney spins another story - this one far closer to home - about good girl Monique who is adamant about doing everything right, even when it goes against her secret desires.

At the heart of the novel is a deep exploration of the self - not just of Monique's future and her desires, but also about the timely (sadly) debate around bodily autonomy as Monique battles with ownership of her body. Goffney pulls this off with aplomb and Monique and her growing group of allies (from spiritual but sensual Sasha, to the effervescent Reggie) resonate strongly with any reader who has had to break out of the mold and forge their own path.

There are a couple of quibbles to be found (one major character gets a 180-degree redemption startlingly quickly), but those looking for a book that explores sexuality, autonomy, and faith while also being a charming romance, would be hard placed to find a better example.

Ya know what, shout-out to the doorman at work who called in sick which meant i had to go on door duty for a couple hours because the boredom of sitting in the cold is what made me start this book.
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.

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.

When Monique is dumped by Dominic, her boyfriend of two years, because of her inability to have sex with him, she sets out to resolve the problem in order to win Dom back. Unwittingly recruiting the help of the Church loving girl-nextdoor-type and the local bad boy, Monique tackles the conceptions her parents and society have projected of what makes a “good girl” versus what she wants for herself.

Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl tells the beautiful coming-of-age story of a young girl taking back control of her sense of self whilst making better friends and having a great time doing so. It was such good fun yet handled very sensitive subject matter; I couldn’t put the book down - I read it in one sitting!

Notably, most importantly, not only is Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl an entertaining read, it raises awareness of a medical condition, which Goffney writes in the acknowledgements as well, hopefully aids people in their understanding of vaginismus. Personally I hadn’t ever heard of this before and *wish* so desperately that I had known what this was as a young teenager. The awareness being brought to vaginismus is nothing short of phenomenal. I am certain it will help with people’s education, the provision of a safe place for people to not feel so alone and further yet, for some, support their understanding of themselves.

The characters were all likeable, and those who weren’t (lets all take a guess who, harhar!) served their purpose. Monique embodied the fear and confusion many kids experience when growing and changing, whilst her friends, Sasha and Reggie, supported her with emotional support or comedy where appropriate. It was very satisfying to see her explore and embrace parts of herself which she felt pressured to correct or avoid as a result of peer and parental pressure. Furthermore, I really, really enjoyed the “don’t judge a book by its cover” contrast between Dom and Reggie. And, if Goffney has any notion to write a follow-up exploring Sasha’s story… I would be cheerleading for it, that’s all I’m saying!

Goffney’s writing was impassioned throughout; easily readable with so much love, humour and sensitivity from beginning to end. The climax of the book was very emotional and unflinchingly captured the deep rooted worry most young adults have in navigating adult waters; from prejudices to difficult conversations… my heart was in my throat. Also, Goffney, my eternal thanks for the closing scenes… It was as powerful as the female Avengers coming together on screen.

Joyously tender, humorous and a true triumph of YA contemporary fiction. Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl is a terrific read for teens and fans of YA alike. Goffney is definitely an author to follow!

Thank you kindly to the publishers for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for this honest review.

This book is something I think every young person (14+) needs to read. I appreciate that some of the topics in this book can be deemed as too young; especially with the age of consent being different; but I think it’s extremely important that young people learn the message that their body is theirs. Not anyone else’s! The fact Mo had to learn that through being hurt and betrayed is heartbreaking. But to see her personal journey through this book was just beautiful.

The positive messages in this book are something every young person needs to read; stand for what you believe in, don’t let other peoples views change yours, be true to who you are and do things when you are ready not anyone else!

I think this is a very important subject that a lot of young people will not have any idea about. I have never heard of it before this book. It normalises the stigmas that can sometimes come with being a teenager in a very difficult time for young people.

Well done indeed!

I loved this book. I think it’s an essential for teenagers and adults alike. I loved reading about Monique and her friends & family. Her coming of self and self reflection with her new friends.

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 be able to enjoy all that it has to offer. 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 was one of the best books that I have read, so far, this year.

If you've read any of my other recent book reviews, you'll already know that I start off each one the same way - by saying that each book starts off with the full 5 stars and I'm always hopeful that they will all still firmly in place too when I finish reading the book.

I got an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for this, totally honest review.

Lets get down to the actual review shall we?

It seems, from the very first sentence of this book, that it's written in first person and that the main character calls her father "Daddy" which I'm not sure a teen would actually do IRL... other than when they wanted to sweet talk him into getting something for her of course ;-)

There have been a few mis-placed full stops and spaces after the first letter of some words which is annoying, but it seems to be set in America and those errors might have been sorted out by the time it hits the shelves, so the five stars are still all in place at the end of the first chapter.

OMG... I'm up to chapter 7 now and writing this review has totally gone by the wayside!

Judging by the age of Monique (the main character) and the theme running through the last several chapters, the age of Monique says that this book is aimed at younger teens but the theme is for much older teens so that they aren't tempted to break the law. The voice running through is kinda middly teen, so I would recommend a parent or carer reads the book before letting their teen read it, unless they are over the age of consent but then they may not want to read it 'cos of Monique's age (17)... it's a good book, but the author hasn't thought about how old the reader will be and if it's legal for them to read it. It's not erotica or anything but it *does* talk about s*x openly, so the first star is coming off unfortunately.

Thankfully chapter 9 was more supportive and less s*xual... not sure I'd be wanting a 14-15 year old reading books like this though.

So proud of you in chapter 10, Monique... the first few steps are always the hardest!

Chapter 11 reads that Monique is starting to rebel... such a huge difference to the first few chapters and it's building up to a huuuuge climax - I can feel it already lol

Another awesome chapter... I'm enjoying the freedom that Monique is quickly gaining and I'm only 32% of the way through lol

Unfortunately another star is coming off 'cos of my sense of fair play - I've removed stars from other books for using brand names, potentially without permission, and that's what this author is doing, so this awesome book is unfortunately down to 3 stars now :-(

And now it's talking about watching p*rn... not sure I'd want a 14-15 year old to know about that while they are still a child, so unfortunately there's only one more star left to lose before I give up on it, which is a huge shame 'cos it's a great book... just written for more mature readers is all.

Wow. Chapter 23 was incredible. My hubby has just asked if it reclaims a star if it has enough of a wow factor, but unfortunately not... once a star's gone, it's gone unfortunately. Chapter 23 has been the best chapter so far though.

Just finished reading and while didn't go downhill so much, after reading chapter 23, it was a touch disappointing. If it had finished at the end of chapter 23 then it would have been an awesome end to the book, but I'm left feeling disappointed unfortunately.