A fascinating insight into a little known or recognised medical and mental health issue for women, which while fascinating may restrict the audience of the book. Unfair, yes, but true. I found the portrayal of the relationships between the main character, her ex-boyfriend and new love interest to be really good examples of a toxic hurtful relationship versus a loving respectful partnership, although it did get fairly overwrought and "teen drama" at times. For me, I did find that there were elements of the story that I personally could not engage with, for example the emphasis placed on the character's religion, the small town America elements.

I did find the main character's relationship with her family to be almost over the top in places: mother issues, father issues, estranged sister, eccentric aunt... It felt like too much to me at times. Admittedly, a lot of the issues with the family stemmed in some fashion from the religious aspect of their lives, which as I've said, I just didn't get. However, I did like the way that the main character's relationship with her mother developed into a new level of respect for each other. I also enjoyed the whole female solidarity angle of the novel, although I did feel it went a bit overboard at the end with the scene in the kitchen when the ex-boyfriend showed up. That came across almost as bullying!

Overall, a not-bad YA read, although with limited audience appeal.

I absolutely loved this! What a fantastic plot, beautifully written, intertwining the relationships between the characters in such an ingenious and realistic way.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

With a great bunch of characters, a brave exploration of women's health and an increasingly self-aware protagonist who you can't help but root for, this book is one you won't want to put down if you're a fan of YA romance and coming-of-age novels.

It tells the story of Monique, or Mo, whose boyfriend breaks up with her when she is unable to have sex with him. Determined to 'fix' herself and win him back, she sets out on a quest to diagnose and treat her condition, with the help of some unlikely allies. Along the way she comes to realise her self worth, and appreciate those who love her without needing her to change or give up anything. Her journey is a slow but steady one, interspersed with hilarious, embarrassing and vulnerable moments, and I found myself laughing and cringing along with her as the story unfolded at a brilliant pace.

I loved the variety of relationships explored within the pages. From romantic attachments to friendships to parent-child and sibling relationships, the author does a great job of establishing Monique's place in her circle of influence, and charting how each person's view and acceptance of her changes as the tale goes on.

And finally, I appreciated the light this book shines on women's health, and how little we are often taught about our own bodies. I'm sure many people, for many reasons, will relate to aspects of Monique's experience, and feel less alone because of it.

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.

Ahh, I liked this. A great bunch of characters that you can sympathise with and one or two giggle/cringe moments too. Brilliant ensemble cast.
Tackles a tricky subject matter well and shines a much needed light to it.
Good balance of youth v experience and fun v serious.

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written with really relatable and likeable characters, even when they shouldnt be likeable. and an interesting storyline that dealt with intriguing themes. The pacing was slow and steady but that added another layer to this book and it worked really well overall.

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!!!!

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.

**Thank you so so much to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC of this book. This in no way affects my ability to give an honest review**