Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl, Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone (Review by Sara D’Onofrio)

Rating: 3.0/5 Stars

I have read so many Sierra Simone books and I typically fly through them, and I really thought this would be similar. Unfortunately, this one was slower for me. Obviously, reviews are completely subjective, so I understand that my opinions might be opposite from others and may be things that they actually give higher points for in their own reviews. I did not enjoy the footnotes component of the story. I think they were often meant to be funny, but mostly, it seemed like they were unnecessary pieces of information that took me out of the story. I’m fully aware that Bram loves all things plants, but the metaphors were not sweet to me, they were super corny. I actually felt myself cringe during the end when he was saying things. I wish there were more pieces of the story that helped us feel connected to the characters beyond their sexual intimacy. Clearly their chemistry was off the charts, but I would have loved to see more of Maddie’s relationship with Bram’s children, and more of her meshing in with his friends. I love a good smut story just as much as the next person, but I also enjoy depth in the storyline. It allows me to feel connected to the characters in a way that makes me not want the book to be done because I’m so invested in what’s going to happen to them. It’s that connection that gives me a horrible book hangover and allows me to spend days missing the characters! I did genuinely enjoy Bram’s character though. He was made up of all the things that make for a good male main lead. He was kind, sensitive, strong, bossy (in a good way), confident, and ridiculously supportive.  Even though Maddie was lacking confidence professionally and because of that dingbat Gentry, I always love to see a female main character be confident in her sexuality and take charge in what she wants. I’m sad this book wasn’t my favorite, but it definitely won’t deter me from reading more from these authors in the future!