Estelle Laure

Trigger warnings: Misogyny, bullying
Read this review for context: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5223480183

6/10 I was hoping that after I read another not so good realistic book I would enjoy this one however I did not enjoy this one that much since I found issues with this and I would not pick this one up again, where do I even begin. It started off with the main character known as Josephine Beckett otherwise known as Jo who's a wrestler who wants to overcome the label of "practice girl" but then it dragged and turned into a friendship and love story. I liked how at the beginning there was a definition of the titular word which is something mature. There was a random scene where Jo partied, and danced in the town hall and I'm not sure this is necessary to the plot especially considering how it changed halfway through. By the way the main character was such a narcissist since she insulted her friends and claimed to be better than she was (that she wouldn't be used as a practice girl anymore), but she was still the same person when she hooked up with Dax, at least she developed her character in the end ending this in a high note.… (plus d'informations)

I was to have received this book from Bookish First with my points, but the book never arrived. I was refunded my points, and waited until I found a copy of the book at a much later date to read it.

Jo has loved wrestling her whole life. After losing her father who shared this love, she also finds out when accidentally overhearing the guys talk about her, that she is considered a "practice girl". A girl who is good enough to practice sex with, but not good enough to date or have a real relationship with. Following this revelation, we follow Jo through a journey of learning to love herself, trust her feelings, find true friendship, and learn what a real relationship is like. She doesn't roll over and quit, instead she faces some tough feelings head on. She gains the respect of her peers and learns to appreciate having a supportive friend group. Her growth was inspiring, and I feel this book would have a lot of great discussion points when read in a teen book club.

I enjoyed this book very much and have recommended it to others.… (plus d'informations)