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Adult Virgins Anonymous
Are you still a virgin?
Want to talk about it in a safe space?
Meetings every other Tuesday.
You're not alone.
Kate Mundy's life is not going to plan. Nearing thirty, she's been made redundant from her job, her oldest friends have quietly left her behind, and she can barely admit her biggest secret: she's never even been on a date, let alone taken her underwear off with a member of the opposite sex.
Freddie Weir has spent most of his twenties struggling severe OCD and anxiety, and now his only social interactions consist of comic book signings and fending off intrusive questions from his weird flatmate Damian. There's no way Freddie could ever ask a girl out and now he's wondering if this is the way it might be forever.
When Freddie and Kate meet at a self-help group for adult virgins, they think they might just be able to help each other out so they can both get on with finding their real romantic destinies. But might these two have more in common than just their lack of experience?
Want to talk about it in a safe space?
Meetings every other Tuesday.
You're not alone.
Kate Mundy's life is not going to plan. Nearing thirty, she's been made redundant from her job, her oldest friends have quietly left her behind, and she can barely admit her biggest secret: she's never even been on a date, let alone taken her underwear off with a member of the opposite sex.
Freddie Weir has spent most of his twenties struggling severe OCD and anxiety, and now his only social interactions consist of comic book signings and fending off intrusive questions from his weird flatmate Damian. There's no way Freddie could ever ask a girl out and now he's wondering if this is the way it might be forever.
When Freddie and Kate meet at a self-help group for adult virgins, they think they might just be able to help each other out so they can both get on with finding their real romantic destinies. But might these two have more in common than just their lack of experience?
304 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2021
7 people are currently reading
995 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
August 1, 2020
If I said I wasn’t drawn to this based on the title alone I‘d be telling fibs, I absolutely was, and whilst we all know virgins in romance aren’t exactly a rarity, virgins like Freddie and Kate and their group of new found friends are, and they were a delight. A diverse, sweet, awkward delight.
People think there’s this magical spell thing when it comes to losing your virginity. Like that one experience is suddenly the most important experience you’ll ever have...”
Self-confidence and belonging is at the heart of this story, and whilst I did find it a little slow off the mark, once Kate and Freddie’s friendship kicks into gear around the 40% mark everything fell into place and I enjoyed them together. Their life experiences, past and present, could be ours and it’s impossible not to relate in some way and empathise to their personal struggles and hopes at finding the place they belong and the person who unconditionally accepts them for who they are.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Seeing these characters, particularly Freddie, grow in confidence is what stole this for me and although the ending was a bit speedy with more of a HFN rather than HEA, Adult Virgins Anonymous was an enjoyable and refreshing take on the virginity manacle.
Copy received courtesy of Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
People think there’s this magical spell thing when it comes to losing your virginity. Like that one experience is suddenly the most important experience you’ll ever have...”
Self-confidence and belonging is at the heart of this story, and whilst I did find it a little slow off the mark, once Kate and Freddie’s friendship kicks into gear around the 40% mark everything fell into place and I enjoyed them together. Their life experiences, past and present, could be ours and it’s impossible not to relate in some way and empathise to their personal struggles and hopes at finding the place they belong and the person who unconditionally accepts them for who they are.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Seeing these characters, particularly Freddie, grow in confidence is what stole this for me and although the ending was a bit speedy with more of a HFN rather than HEA, Adult Virgins Anonymous was an enjoyable and refreshing take on the virginity manacle.
Copy received courtesy of Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
July 25, 2020
..beautifully awkward..
This book has a storyline that drew me right in. So after my request was approved, I was overjoyed. It is a plotline that we don't see often or ever in books. The mixture of side characters that attend Virgin Annoynimus meetings is diverse from asexual, gender non-binary, to bisexual. Virginity is not a token or means to mock, but a way to tell a story of many people's life choices and different life journey.
Kate & Freddie are our lead protagonists, which story we follow here. We also got a great back story about how they got here. I loved how Freddie's OCD and anxiety were handled. He is my favorite character. The romance wasn't anything special but I wasn't bothered by it. I was just happy for them being content.
I loved the overall message of this book, finding your group of people where you belong. Being accepted and understood is a strong vibe I got from these wonderful characters.
This is another debut novel I have read this year and liked very much. Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton publishing for the copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2021
This really isn't my genre. I rarely ever pick up a romance book and tend to go for darker themes in books, but I can safely say I am so glad I got sent this book because it was so beautifully wholesome and had me smiling like a crazy person.
First of all, both Kate and Freddie as main characters were so enjoyable to read. I related so much to both of their fears and anxieties over feeling like you're not doing well enough in life, especially compared with your friends. Freddie had some really good representation for anxiety disorders which you don't see too much in literature. I think anyone in their 20s/30s would enjoy and benefit from reading this book because of these themes.
Secondly, the group members in the adult virgins anonymous group were absolutely brilliant. The diversity and representation were incredible; a middle-aged ex-nun lesbian woman starting to date for the first time, a non-binary person who was comfortable, confident, and lovely, an asexual person who knew who she was and what that meant for her? Brilliant. I loved their meetings and the healthy and open conversations that were taking place, it was an absolute joy to read!
I was absolutely rooting for Kate and Freddie, and when the book ended despite this not being my genre at all I literally couldn't think of anything I didn't like about it and had to give it a 5 star rating because of how ridiculously cute it was.
First of all, both Kate and Freddie as main characters were so enjoyable to read. I related so much to both of their fears and anxieties over feeling like you're not doing well enough in life, especially compared with your friends. Freddie had some really good representation for anxiety disorders which you don't see too much in literature. I think anyone in their 20s/30s would enjoy and benefit from reading this book because of these themes.
Secondly, the group members in the adult virgins anonymous group were absolutely brilliant. The diversity and representation were incredible; a middle-aged ex-nun lesbian woman starting to date for the first time, a non-binary person who was comfortable, confident, and lovely, an asexual person who knew who she was and what that meant for her? Brilliant. I loved their meetings and the healthy and open conversations that were taking place, it was an absolute joy to read!
I was absolutely rooting for Kate and Freddie, and when the book ended despite this not being my genre at all I literally couldn't think of anything I didn't like about it and had to give it a 5 star rating because of how ridiculously cute it was.
January 25, 2021
A brilliant, funny read. Light and easy, absolutely what I need at the moment, great characters, cute romance and lovely writing, perfect escapism
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
February 8, 2021
Freddie is always conscious of the fact that he’s a virgin in his twenties. Along with his anxiety and OCD, he finds it hard to connect with new people, and the thought of dating and sex makes him terrified. He’s constantly feeling like he’s falling behind in life.
Kate feels like she’s losing everything – her friends, her job, her flat – except her virginity. For Kate, the act of sex is wrapped up in feelings, emotions, romance, and dating. But if she’s so bothered about being a virgin, shouldn’t she try to dismantle those connections and just… do it? When they both see a flyer in a pub for an Adult Virgins Anonymous club, they are intrigued and excited to find people just like them. Can this group become their support bubble, and help them conquer their fears?
I loved this book so much. I think the concept is so fun, but I also think it deals with the societal pressures to have sex, especially for the first time, so well. This is never something that’s discussed in media – being above a certain age and not having had sex. It’s something that is portrayed as ALWAYS happening by a certain age, and if you read any book, watch any TV or film, you’ll get the impression that everyone is having sex and having it young.
But obviously, that doesn’t happen for everybody, and so we meet Kate and Freddie.
I cannot tell you how hard I relate to Kate. She feels so lost, so abandoned by her friends and left behind by those around her, getting married, moving to far away countries for swanky new jobs, while she sits in the flat she can’t afford since losing her big job, and dwells on how life is passing her by. That’s a big theme in this book – that life is passing you by, that everything is happening to everyone else, and if only it could happen to Kate too. If only something could happen for Kate.
Freddie is a lot like Kate in some ways, and so very different in others. Shy, anxious, and constantly feeling like he’s not good enough, not interesting enough, just not enough. I can’t speak for how Freddie’s OCD is portrayed in this book, as I don’t have OCD, but as an outsider it seemed accurate and sensitive. Freddie is a lovable character, one that as a reader I was wanting to comfort and cheer on and support, but also who I was rooting for. He cared, he gave good advice, he was a good friend, most of the time, but it was clear he was always trying his best.
I wasn’t only rooting for Freddie, but for him and Kate together. And not just romantically either, but the way that they reacted as friends, as cheerleaders of one another, was cute, and relatable, and full of humour and appreciate for one another. I was torn about the way I wanted the book to go – did I want these characters to have sex or not? Part of me wanted them not to – to show that not everything has to accumulate in sex, at least on the page. But part of me did – I was reading a romance novel after all, and I was excited for them to end up together. As it happened, I was very happy with the ending.
Disregarding the whole sex aspect of this book (which, I know, is the whole premise of the book), this book was so well written. On a personal and emotional level of each character, they were so well crafted, from their complicated feelings towards sex because of what they’ve been told about sex their whole lives, what they’ve been lead to believe about it, and all that side of things. But they are fully rounded people without that aspect. They have other hopes and dreams and worries and they aren’t just one dimensial characters wanting sex. The whole conversation around sex in this book is mostly inclusive, and inviting, and is a great read to people to identify with Freddie and Kate and those that don’t.
But on the other hand, I just felt so much about these characters that has nothing to do with their sex lives. Freddie and Kate are worried, they are scared, they are struggling with being ‘adults’ and the pressure of having your shit together. Probably because I was reading this while feeling like life was passing me by (thank you pandemic for side tracking my twenties) and it really got to me. I felt really quite emotional reading it, and had to take a little break in the middle (mainly because I wasn’t in a good place and it was hitting a little too close to home, not because it wasn’t a good book.)
I was a bit skeptical when nearing the end of this book, when I was considering rating it 5 stars. I normally save my 5 star reviews for… well, not romance books. But, I mean, why?? I loved this book, it made me feeeeeel things, it made me cry, why would I not rate it what it deserves, in my opinion, because of it’s genre. Just because I usually save my highest of ratings for… what? More hard hitting books? Genre books or literary fiction? Not a good enough excuse, Rebecca. And so, yes, I am fully giving this book 5 stars, because I adored it, the characters, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days.
Kate feels like she’s losing everything – her friends, her job, her flat – except her virginity. For Kate, the act of sex is wrapped up in feelings, emotions, romance, and dating. But if she’s so bothered about being a virgin, shouldn’t she try to dismantle those connections and just… do it? When they both see a flyer in a pub for an Adult Virgins Anonymous club, they are intrigued and excited to find people just like them. Can this group become their support bubble, and help them conquer their fears?
I loved this book so much. I think the concept is so fun, but I also think it deals with the societal pressures to have sex, especially for the first time, so well. This is never something that’s discussed in media – being above a certain age and not having had sex. It’s something that is portrayed as ALWAYS happening by a certain age, and if you read any book, watch any TV or film, you’ll get the impression that everyone is having sex and having it young.
But obviously, that doesn’t happen for everybody, and so we meet Kate and Freddie.
I cannot tell you how hard I relate to Kate. She feels so lost, so abandoned by her friends and left behind by those around her, getting married, moving to far away countries for swanky new jobs, while she sits in the flat she can’t afford since losing her big job, and dwells on how life is passing her by. That’s a big theme in this book – that life is passing you by, that everything is happening to everyone else, and if only it could happen to Kate too. If only something could happen for Kate.
Freddie is a lot like Kate in some ways, and so very different in others. Shy, anxious, and constantly feeling like he’s not good enough, not interesting enough, just not enough. I can’t speak for how Freddie’s OCD is portrayed in this book, as I don’t have OCD, but as an outsider it seemed accurate and sensitive. Freddie is a lovable character, one that as a reader I was wanting to comfort and cheer on and support, but also who I was rooting for. He cared, he gave good advice, he was a good friend, most of the time, but it was clear he was always trying his best.
I wasn’t only rooting for Freddie, but for him and Kate together. And not just romantically either, but the way that they reacted as friends, as cheerleaders of one another, was cute, and relatable, and full of humour and appreciate for one another. I was torn about the way I wanted the book to go – did I want these characters to have sex or not? Part of me wanted them not to – to show that not everything has to accumulate in sex, at least on the page. But part of me did – I was reading a romance novel after all, and I was excited for them to end up together. As it happened, I was very happy with the ending.
Disregarding the whole sex aspect of this book (which, I know, is the whole premise of the book), this book was so well written. On a personal and emotional level of each character, they were so well crafted, from their complicated feelings towards sex because of what they’ve been told about sex their whole lives, what they’ve been lead to believe about it, and all that side of things. But they are fully rounded people without that aspect. They have other hopes and dreams and worries and they aren’t just one dimensial characters wanting sex. The whole conversation around sex in this book is mostly inclusive, and inviting, and is a great read to people to identify with Freddie and Kate and those that don’t.
But on the other hand, I just felt so much about these characters that has nothing to do with their sex lives. Freddie and Kate are worried, they are scared, they are struggling with being ‘adults’ and the pressure of having your shit together. Probably because I was reading this while feeling like life was passing me by (thank you pandemic for side tracking my twenties) and it really got to me. I felt really quite emotional reading it, and had to take a little break in the middle (mainly because I wasn’t in a good place and it was hitting a little too close to home, not because it wasn’t a good book.)
I was a bit skeptical when nearing the end of this book, when I was considering rating it 5 stars. I normally save my 5 star reviews for… well, not romance books. But, I mean, why?? I loved this book, it made me feeeeeel things, it made me cry, why would I not rate it what it deserves, in my opinion, because of it’s genre. Just because I usually save my highest of ratings for… what? More hard hitting books? Genre books or literary fiction? Not a good enough excuse, Rebecca. And so, yes, I am fully giving this book 5 stars, because I adored it, the characters, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days.
February 2, 2021
Big thank you to Hodder Books for sending me a proof and asking to be a part of the blog tour.
This is such a loveable book. It’s light-hearted, genuine and has such a big heart to it.
Adult Virgins Anonymous tells the story of Freddie and Kate as they deal with adult life as virgins when they both find an advertisement for a local meeting of Adult Virgins Anonymous.
Freddie and Kate are excellent main characters, within the first few chapters you are fully connected to them and want to see how the story turns out. Kate is having job difficulties and is having to face the reality that her friends have moved on from her and she feels like her life is passing her by. Freddie is a comic obsessed young man who has issues with his OCD and anxiety, pressures from his family etc. When Freddie and Kate meet the story really starts rolling and what I found lovely was that their relationship felt very natural and realistic, the dialogue didn’t feel forced. Their relationship rolled along at a really nice pace. What I also loved was the ensemble cast of characters who all added such a nice extra layer to the story, that includes the other members of the diverse Virgins Anonymous Club, Kate’s co-workers and Freddie’s friends.
This is one of those books that is very light and humorous but not once does it poke fun at it’s subject matter, it’s full of empathy and understanding. It also tackles heavy issues like intrusive thoughts linked with OCD and anxiety really well but it could be triggering for people unaware of it before going in so be careful.
In current times where doom scrolling is now a hobby and the world feels like it’s on fire I found this book extremely comforting and a lovely welcomed distraction.
This is such a loveable book. It’s light-hearted, genuine and has such a big heart to it.
Adult Virgins Anonymous tells the story of Freddie and Kate as they deal with adult life as virgins when they both find an advertisement for a local meeting of Adult Virgins Anonymous.
Freddie and Kate are excellent main characters, within the first few chapters you are fully connected to them and want to see how the story turns out. Kate is having job difficulties and is having to face the reality that her friends have moved on from her and she feels like her life is passing her by. Freddie is a comic obsessed young man who has issues with his OCD and anxiety, pressures from his family etc. When Freddie and Kate meet the story really starts rolling and what I found lovely was that their relationship felt very natural and realistic, the dialogue didn’t feel forced. Their relationship rolled along at a really nice pace. What I also loved was the ensemble cast of characters who all added such a nice extra layer to the story, that includes the other members of the diverse Virgins Anonymous Club, Kate’s co-workers and Freddie’s friends.
This is one of those books that is very light and humorous but not once does it poke fun at it’s subject matter, it’s full of empathy and understanding. It also tackles heavy issues like intrusive thoughts linked with OCD and anxiety really well but it could be triggering for people unaware of it before going in so be careful.
In current times where doom scrolling is now a hobby and the world feels like it’s on fire I found this book extremely comforting and a lovely welcomed distraction.
March 11, 2021
This was just the most delightful, charming and comforting contemporary I have read in a REALLY long time. It isn’t often contemporaries are 5 stars for me, but this book played with the conventions of sex and virginity SO PERFECTLY, that this just deserves those five beautiful, beaming, glistening gold stars.
The story follows Freddie and Kate - both strangers on a similar path of life. They feel lost and behind in their respective worlds, and to add to that, they are also virgins (dun dun dunnnnnn queue jurassic park music or something mega like that). They both come across a flier for a support group called Adult Virgins Anonymous which, you guessed it, is full of other Adult Virgins! This is where Katie and Freddie cross paths and our story takes off.
I loves the way the author played with these ideas and discourse of social constructs and ideals surrounding sex and the idea of virginity. Each character had a different meaning as to what it was to them, and I found it so fascinating. In a digital age, from so young, many of us have sex pushed in our faces constantly and we are told it has to be this big, amazing, earth-shattering thing that becomes the most important part of us. But I enjoyed reading from the alternate point of view, from characters who believe sex just isn’t that big of a deal and are content in knowing that it’s okay NOT to love sex. It’s always so refreshing to be able to gain sense of different characters from their different views. It really made the story so multi-faceted and is what seperates it from just being this cute-romance story.
I also really appreciated that the author didn’t just make our main characters just stereotypical nerds like the ‘virgins’ that are portrayed in movies. Just regular, degular people.
I really related to Kate and Freddie in multiple ways throughout the book, and I was obsessed with their relationship. I enjoyed watching them both develop and gain more self confidence through the love and support they were able to provide one another. The side characters were also brilliant.
If you go into this story with an open mind, you are bound to love it. I am really excited to read more from his author!
The story follows Freddie and Kate - both strangers on a similar path of life. They feel lost and behind in their respective worlds, and to add to that, they are also virgins (dun dun dunnnnnn queue jurassic park music or something mega like that). They both come across a flier for a support group called Adult Virgins Anonymous which, you guessed it, is full of other Adult Virgins! This is where Katie and Freddie cross paths and our story takes off.
I loves the way the author played with these ideas and discourse of social constructs and ideals surrounding sex and the idea of virginity. Each character had a different meaning as to what it was to them, and I found it so fascinating. In a digital age, from so young, many of us have sex pushed in our faces constantly and we are told it has to be this big, amazing, earth-shattering thing that becomes the most important part of us. But I enjoyed reading from the alternate point of view, from characters who believe sex just isn’t that big of a deal and are content in knowing that it’s okay NOT to love sex. It’s always so refreshing to be able to gain sense of different characters from their different views. It really made the story so multi-faceted and is what seperates it from just being this cute-romance story.
I also really appreciated that the author didn’t just make our main characters just stereotypical nerds like the ‘virgins’ that are portrayed in movies. Just regular, degular people.
I really related to Kate and Freddie in multiple ways throughout the book, and I was obsessed with their relationship. I enjoyed watching them both develop and gain more self confidence through the love and support they were able to provide one another. The side characters were also brilliant.
If you go into this story with an open mind, you are bound to love it. I am really excited to read more from his author!
February 19, 2021
Adult Virgins Anonymous by Amber Crew follows two people who’ve never had sex, who meet at a self help group for adult virgins. Kate's life isn’t going to plan, and Freddie spent so much of his 20s struggling with OCD and anxiety that he's not sure where to go next. As they get to know each other better, they both begin to realise that perhaps they can help each other out so they can get on with their romantic destinies.
While not on the page, Freddie especially reads as autistic, though I personally think Kate does too. I think so many of my autistic or OCD pals will find so much comfort in this warm hearted, honest and wonderful novel.
Kate and Freddie's chemistry feels natural, real, never forced. I really rooted for both of them to get the happy end they both deserved. While the book touches on tough topics, it is fun, whole-hearted and thoughtful novel. This is a. brilliant autistic novel about intimacy, love and openness, and I'm eagerly looking forward to the next offerings from Amber Crewe.
While not on the page, Freddie especially reads as autistic, though I personally think Kate does too. I think so many of my autistic or OCD pals will find so much comfort in this warm hearted, honest and wonderful novel.
Kate and Freddie's chemistry feels natural, real, never forced. I really rooted for both of them to get the happy end they both deserved. While the book touches on tough topics, it is fun, whole-hearted and thoughtful novel. This is a. brilliant autistic novel about intimacy, love and openness, and I'm eagerly looking forward to the next offerings from Amber Crewe.
January 27, 2021
In looking for a light read for the month of January, Adult Virgins Anonymous by Amber Crewe garnered my attention because of its eye catching title and unusual premise. Billed as a romantic comedy, Kate and Freddie, both in their late twenties, meet at a support group for adult virgins.
This wasn’t quite the light hearted romp I was expecting though. When the book opens, Kate is on the verge of a depressive episode. Her career has stalled, her friends seem to have moved on and left her behind, and she has no choice other than to move back in with her parents. Meanwhile Freddie, who has a clinical history of anxiety and OCD, is tired of feeling misunderstood and alone. Both are virgins not through choice per se, but because of a lack of opportunity, and both feel it is a burden that contributes to their single status.
Cue the fortuitous discovery of a support group, where they learn they aren’t the only adult virgins in London. Hosted by a person who identifies as nonbinary, the group includes a diverse range of members who for varying reasons are also virgins. They are an appealing bunch, and Crewe takes care to flesh these characters out, even though they play a reasonably minor role in the story as individuals. The group though is the stage that allows for thoughtful discussion about the nature of desire, sex, sexuality, love, insecurity, loneliness and personal happiness.
Inevitably Kate and Freddie decide that having sex with each other is a good idea, an opportunity to get ‘it’ over with, with no strings, but predictably the pair catch feelings for each other they are too afraid to admit to. It’s a cute take on the friends to lovers trope though the repetitive cycle of angst before they confess does get a little tiring.
Crewe’s characterisation is impressive, and I thought she wrote sensitively in regards to the various issues explored in the novel, including on the subjects of adult virginity, OCD and self esteem. What I thought was uneven with regards to the story was the balance between the comic and serious elements, and the pacing.
While Adult Virgins Anonymous wasn’t quite the romantic comedy I was anticipating I thought it offered some unique detail, and enjoyed reading it.
This wasn’t quite the light hearted romp I was expecting though. When the book opens, Kate is on the verge of a depressive episode. Her career has stalled, her friends seem to have moved on and left her behind, and she has no choice other than to move back in with her parents. Meanwhile Freddie, who has a clinical history of anxiety and OCD, is tired of feeling misunderstood and alone. Both are virgins not through choice per se, but because of a lack of opportunity, and both feel it is a burden that contributes to their single status.
Cue the fortuitous discovery of a support group, where they learn they aren’t the only adult virgins in London. Hosted by a person who identifies as nonbinary, the group includes a diverse range of members who for varying reasons are also virgins. They are an appealing bunch, and Crewe takes care to flesh these characters out, even though they play a reasonably minor role in the story as individuals. The group though is the stage that allows for thoughtful discussion about the nature of desire, sex, sexuality, love, insecurity, loneliness and personal happiness.
Inevitably Kate and Freddie decide that having sex with each other is a good idea, an opportunity to get ‘it’ over with, with no strings, but predictably the pair catch feelings for each other they are too afraid to admit to. It’s a cute take on the friends to lovers trope though the repetitive cycle of angst before they confess does get a little tiring.
Crewe’s characterisation is impressive, and I thought she wrote sensitively in regards to the various issues explored in the novel, including on the subjects of adult virginity, OCD and self esteem. What I thought was uneven with regards to the story was the balance between the comic and serious elements, and the pacing.
While Adult Virgins Anonymous wasn’t quite the romantic comedy I was anticipating I thought it offered some unique detail, and enjoyed reading it.
July 3, 2021
I'm not ashamed to admit I bought this book only because of the title. As soon as I saw it, I knew I didn't need to read the synopsis.
So, I started it expecting a light romance about adult virgins and here I got an awesome book with wonderful secondary characters. We have a non binary character, an assexual character, a gay character and a main character struggling with mental healthy issues (anxiety and OCD) and I felt they were all introduce in such a natural and respectful way - I loved them all. The group made sense, personality wise, we don't get the idea that the author used these characters just because. They have amazing chemistry and fit so well with each other. Their ideas bring very interesting discussions to the table, they have different views on life and love and it was so refreshing to read them. Here we have a group talking about love and marriage - do we really aspire to get married or is it something we feel we need to do because of society's impositions? Do we need a partner to feel happy or can we be fully happy with the love from family and friends?
The romance between the main characters is really cute and sweet, as they try to figure life (and themselves) out. The only thing preventing me from give the 5 starts was the second half of the book, where our secondary characters are mainly absent. I loved them in the first half and really missed them in the second half. I would have loved to see more group interactions between the characters. Other than that, I highly recommend this one.
So, I started it expecting a light romance about adult virgins and here I got an awesome book with wonderful secondary characters. We have a non binary character, an assexual character, a gay character and a main character struggling with mental healthy issues (anxiety and OCD) and I felt they were all introduce in such a natural and respectful way - I loved them all. The group made sense, personality wise, we don't get the idea that the author used these characters just because. They have amazing chemistry and fit so well with each other. Their ideas bring very interesting discussions to the table, they have different views on life and love and it was so refreshing to read them. Here we have a group talking about love and marriage - do we really aspire to get married or is it something we feel we need to do because of society's impositions? Do we need a partner to feel happy or can we be fully happy with the love from family and friends?
The romance between the main characters is really cute and sweet, as they try to figure life (and themselves) out. The only thing preventing me from give the 5 starts was the second half of the book, where our secondary characters are mainly absent. I loved them in the first half and really missed them in the second half. I would have loved to see more group interactions between the characters. Other than that, I highly recommend this one.
January 20, 2021
*ARC received from NetGalley*
Adult Virgins Anonymous has an interesting premise. A support group for adults who have found themselves still virgins or just rather very inexperienced in love and sex after a certain age.
I really like how this book deals with anxiety. It describes certain feelings and concerns really well and I found that I could really relate to many of these things. Plus, I also love how it depicts and deals with different types of friendships.
However, that's about it for the feelings that this book roused in me. I didn't feel particularly happy or sad, or frustrated for the characters. I just didn't find anything about them to love or care for. I wasn't particularly rooting for them, but I also had no doubts it would work out well for them either. And the story moved at a slow pace, with too much exposition... It was a bit boring.
Overall, it was an interesting idea, but it didn't deliver on the funny, cutesy romance it appeared to be. It had some funny and adorable scenes, but in general, it was too slow and dull for me. I didn't enjoy this book very much.
Adult Virgins Anonymous has an interesting premise. A support group for adults who have found themselves still virgins or just rather very inexperienced in love and sex after a certain age.
I really like how this book deals with anxiety. It describes certain feelings and concerns really well and I found that I could really relate to many of these things. Plus, I also love how it depicts and deals with different types of friendships.
However, that's about it for the feelings that this book roused in me. I didn't feel particularly happy or sad, or frustrated for the characters. I just didn't find anything about them to love or care for. I wasn't particularly rooting for them, but I also had no doubts it would work out well for them either. And the story moved at a slow pace, with too much exposition... It was a bit boring.
Overall, it was an interesting idea, but it didn't deliver on the funny, cutesy romance it appeared to be. It had some funny and adorable scenes, but in general, it was too slow and dull for me. I didn't enjoy this book very much.
July 1, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this arc. Recently I've been reading some rom-coms, like Our Stop by Laura Jane Williams and Pretending by Holly Bourne, which I quite enjoyed and found them emotionally moving too, so I've been looking for some more uplifting reads during this pandemic that also touch on emotionally resonating themes. When I saw the title for this I was immediately hooked! Exploring the experience of adults in their late 20s and early 30s who are virgins is a something rarely seen in popular culture, and when it is represented often their lack of sexual experience is put down to mental health reasons such as autism, so it was exciting to see that this book has a protagonist who is normal but just hasn't had sex because her romantic prospects just didn't evolve and came to a dead end, which does happen in real life.
This follows two protagonists:
* Kate is her late 20s and works in an art gallery, where her salary is paid hourly. This is a massive step down for her as for approx six years she worked in PR for retail companies where she was a high flyer. However with the decline of retail and more online shopping her company had to make cuts and she was made redundant. Due to the fact that most of her experience revolved around retail companies, she's finding it difficult to transfer her experience in PR towards other fields and is stuck in a rut. Her redundancy pay is thinning out, and it's been two years she's been in the art gallery. She can't afford the rent on her central London flat anymore and will have to move back home. On top of that her self-esteem is at a low, she's doesn't feel attractive anymore and her love life is in a rut. Then one evening she comes across an ad in pub for an adult virgins anonymous group. Maybe that that will help her...
* Freddie is also in his late 20s and is working as an IT technician which pays okay. He shares a flat with the obnoxious Darren. In university he fell for a girl, but his love remained unrequited. Then in his early 20s he suffered a breakdown and was hospitalised. He struggles with OCD, and due to his lack of romantic and sexual experience he's anxious and shy around women. One day he loses his signed comic books and goes to the pub where he might've left them and spots an advert for an adult virgins anonymous group. First he thinks it's a cosmic joke, until he realises that he's too embarrassed to confide in his family and friends about his virginity and anxieties, and that maybe an anonymous group will be the perfect support to help him move forward in his life...
At the anonymous meeting which is run by a gender studies phd student at UCL, we meet a bunch of characters including a woman in her 50s who is a relapsed nun and ready to confront her queer desires now that it is less taboo; a woman in her 40s, unable to let her first love go; a man in his 20s who is an incel (involuntary celibate even though they desire sex and somewhat angry because of that); and a woman who is asexual. The scenes at this meeting was my favourite ones of the whole novel because I loved the discussion, the dialogues, and the exploration of sex, intimacy and romantic relationship and the many forms love and sex has, which was fascinating to read about.
The first half of the book was setting up the characters and the group, but towards the second half we see plot emerge when one of the members in the group explains to Kate that sex can be transactional and too much romantic emphasis is placed on the first time. Kate then makes a proposal to Freddie: friends with benefits. Losing their virginities to each other, as neither of them are romantically interested in the other so there's no big pressure; just get it over and done with and then the anxiety of still being a virgin will be gone and they can move on with their life and find someone their genuinely like. Predictably, that's not how things goes and the situation becomes complicated. Although the second half was predictable it was still fun, and the dialogues weren't cliched and felt plausible and the tropes were handled well without becoming cliched, so I remained invested in the story.
The character of Freddie was done well. I liked his hangups about his past crushes and unrequited love, and how confused he was. Also his anxiety and mental health problems was interesting to read about especially since a lot of men have mental health problems but don't talk about their problems much. His backstory was heart touching and overall he was such a sweet character.
My only gripe was Kate's backstory regarding her situation. Kate is supposed to be quite tall, she's white, able bodied and blonde. Also it says in her old job as a high flyer she wore expensive clothes, and had regular haircuts and manicures. So it didn't make sense to me that living in London she NEVER got approached or was looked at by men. I just couldn't believe it, especially as I am a WOC and in our society we're been conditioned to believe that white and blonde is at the top of the hierarchy of race and colour. Also in the prologue there was a scene where she approaches a boy in her end of year ball and snogs him, determined to have sex, even though he turns her down because he has a girlfriend, embarrassing as it was nonetheless this show lots of confidence, so I just didn't believe after this is incident she was so scared to approach men again and that men always looked past her. I wished her character had been fleshed out more and that she had a more plausible motivation.
In conclusion this was a different and engaging read about relationships. 4/5
This follows two protagonists:
* Kate is her late 20s and works in an art gallery, where her salary is paid hourly. This is a massive step down for her as for approx six years she worked in PR for retail companies where she was a high flyer. However with the decline of retail and more online shopping her company had to make cuts and she was made redundant. Due to the fact that most of her experience revolved around retail companies, she's finding it difficult to transfer her experience in PR towards other fields and is stuck in a rut. Her redundancy pay is thinning out, and it's been two years she's been in the art gallery. She can't afford the rent on her central London flat anymore and will have to move back home. On top of that her self-esteem is at a low, she's doesn't feel attractive anymore and her love life is in a rut. Then one evening she comes across an ad in pub for an adult virgins anonymous group. Maybe that that will help her...
* Freddie is also in his late 20s and is working as an IT technician which pays okay. He shares a flat with the obnoxious Darren. In university he fell for a girl, but his love remained unrequited. Then in his early 20s he suffered a breakdown and was hospitalised. He struggles with OCD, and due to his lack of romantic and sexual experience he's anxious and shy around women. One day he loses his signed comic books and goes to the pub where he might've left them and spots an advert for an adult virgins anonymous group. First he thinks it's a cosmic joke, until he realises that he's too embarrassed to confide in his family and friends about his virginity and anxieties, and that maybe an anonymous group will be the perfect support to help him move forward in his life...
At the anonymous meeting which is run by a gender studies phd student at UCL, we meet a bunch of characters including a woman in her 50s who is a relapsed nun and ready to confront her queer desires now that it is less taboo; a woman in her 40s, unable to let her first love go; a man in his 20s who is an incel (involuntary celibate even though they desire sex and somewhat angry because of that); and a woman who is asexual. The scenes at this meeting was my favourite ones of the whole novel because I loved the discussion, the dialogues, and the exploration of sex, intimacy and romantic relationship and the many forms love and sex has, which was fascinating to read about.
The first half of the book was setting up the characters and the group, but towards the second half we see plot emerge when one of the members in the group explains to Kate that sex can be transactional and too much romantic emphasis is placed on the first time. Kate then makes a proposal to Freddie: friends with benefits. Losing their virginities to each other, as neither of them are romantically interested in the other so there's no big pressure; just get it over and done with and then the anxiety of still being a virgin will be gone and they can move on with their life and find someone their genuinely like. Predictably, that's not how things goes and the situation becomes complicated. Although the second half was predictable it was still fun, and the dialogues weren't cliched and felt plausible and the tropes were handled well without becoming cliched, so I remained invested in the story.
The character of Freddie was done well. I liked his hangups about his past crushes and unrequited love, and how confused he was. Also his anxiety and mental health problems was interesting to read about especially since a lot of men have mental health problems but don't talk about their problems much. His backstory was heart touching and overall he was such a sweet character.
My only gripe was Kate's backstory regarding her situation. Kate is supposed to be quite tall, she's white, able bodied and blonde. Also it says in her old job as a high flyer she wore expensive clothes, and had regular haircuts and manicures. So it didn't make sense to me that living in London she NEVER got approached or was looked at by men. I just couldn't believe it, especially as I am a WOC and in our society we're been conditioned to believe that white and blonde is at the top of the hierarchy of race and colour. Also in the prologue there was a scene where she approaches a boy in her end of year ball and snogs him, determined to have sex, even though he turns her down because he has a girlfriend, embarrassing as it was nonetheless this show lots of confidence, so I just didn't believe after this is incident she was so scared to approach men again and that men always looked past her. I wished her character had been fleshed out more and that she had a more plausible motivation.
In conclusion this was a different and engaging read about relationships. 4/5
August 18, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for an ARC of this book.
Adult Virgins Anonymous was fantastic! I had the very best time reading it.
It is a well rounded, wonderfully written love story that has a very powerful message: Life is not a race.
Both main characters are not exactly where they should be according to society's standards and while it irks them, it is very clear that it irks them more because other people think they're weird .
The way this book is written and the way it deals with ideals and "normality" is absolutely great. Both Kate and Freddy are highly lovable characters, who just struggle a bit... generally. And that's okay. It's not me saying it's okay, it's the book saying it's okay.
Besides that, the book has amazing LGBTQ rep including asexuality, which is also discussed at the "Adult Virgins Anonymous" meetings. The general idea of this story is that it's okay to be a little different and to have different experiences to other people and having that sentiment in a book is like a whiff of fresh air that this society desperately needs.
I love this book with all my heart and can only recommend it to everyone.
Adult Virgins Anonymous was fantastic! I had the very best time reading it.
It is a well rounded, wonderfully written love story that has a very powerful message: Life is not a race.
Both main characters are not exactly where they should be according to society's standards and while it irks them, it is very clear that it irks them more because other people think they're weird .
The way this book is written and the way it deals with ideals and "normality" is absolutely great. Both Kate and Freddy are highly lovable characters, who just struggle a bit... generally. And that's okay. It's not me saying it's okay, it's the book saying it's okay.
Besides that, the book has amazing LGBTQ rep including asexuality, which is also discussed at the "Adult Virgins Anonymous" meetings. The general idea of this story is that it's okay to be a little different and to have different experiences to other people and having that sentiment in a book is like a whiff of fresh air that this society desperately needs.
I love this book with all my heart and can only recommend it to everyone.
January 24, 2021
Straight away I loved Kate and Freddie. Both their stories in the beginning drew me in and I felt connected to them and very invested in them finding their happiness.
By chapter 5 I was completely hooked and needed to know what happens to them both.
The writing style throughout is easy to follow with realistic situations and dialogue. The story touched on mental Heath struggles in particular and I felt it was handled very well!
I loved how the story grew and in particular the ending, I found the story to be very realistic and believable.
By chapter 5 I was completely hooked and needed to know what happens to them both.
The writing style throughout is easy to follow with realistic situations and dialogue. The story touched on mental Heath struggles in particular and I felt it was handled very well!
I loved how the story grew and in particular the ending, I found the story to be very realistic and believable.
February 5, 2021
This was a really cute romance, and I fell head over heels for Freddie. However, it wasn't really anything special. I found the romance lacking a little, and the plot wasn't really that enjoyable either. I didn't really like Kate. I felt a little more in-depth would have been better.
May 30, 2021
WHOLESOME, CUTE, filled my heart with all the HAPPY EMOTIONS. We love a light and easy romance with two lovely main characters who it's impossible not to root for.
August 13, 2022
I am a self confessed sucker for a good romance novel. The ones I enjoy the most are the intelligent type ones with science etc in the storyline or ones like this that portrays that romance isn't a Hollywood love story, it can be awkward as hell and the characters are someone you could come across in real life. Great read.
January 31, 2021
4.5 stars!
Review originally posted on my bookstagram. See it HERE
Thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton for inviting me on the blogtour and sending a review copy my way. This has in no shape or form impacted my review.
Kate's life is taking a turn for the worse. She has no luck with her job search and is still stuck in the entry level job that was supposed to be "just for a little while". At the same time, her best friend and roommate moves across the world, her old friends have clearly dumped her and she's desperate to change the fact that she's a virgin. Freddie is dealing with a family that clearly wants him to change, feeling left out as he's not the same place as his friends even tho' he's very comfortable where he is. And while he struggles with anxiety and OCD it's been much worse so he must be doing better, right? When Freddie and Kate meet at Adult Virgins Anonymous they finally meet people who understand what it's like to be them.
This book is a pure joy. It's awkward in all the right places, and meaningful in all the right ways without becoming too heavy. It tackles the feelings of wrongness when you're not at the place society tells you to be. It handles feeling lost and being dumped by friends who's been a big part of your life. But it also shows that life can turn around. That you can make new relationships - both plantonical and romantic (if you want). Our main characters meets a host of new people when they both decide to attend Adult Virgins Anonymous - a support group for adult virgins. I loved how many diffrent views there was on virginity in the group: some were asexual and needed a safe space to vent about the fact that so much in society had to be about s*x. Some considered themselves too awkward or too old to be attractive to other people. Some were gay, some were straight. And they all needed people to be kind to them and have a safe space where they could air their thoughts and feel understood.
I think Amber Crewe did such an amazing job with this book. Not only is it inclusive for all readers, it's also respectful and just a pure delight. I couldn't help but feel hopeful as I turned the last page. I'm not quite sure of what? Maybe just hopeful that there's kind people out in the world and new friendships to be made at every corner.
The only thing I mildly dislike about this book is how much time we spend in the characters heads. I do wished we were shown some stuff instead of having most things explained, but at the same time the lovely main characters are big overthinkers so it does make sense.
Overall this book was an amazing read (very quick but so good!) and the perfect book for when you're feeling a bit down. I cannot recommend this book enough! This is both for the romance fanatic, the rom com lover and the person who wants to feel better. If I'd ever describe a book as a hug, this would be the first book that came to mind. :)
Once again thanks to Hodder for the review copy. I have no doubt that I will be recommending the book to others for a long time to come and picking it off my shelf for a reread on a particularly glum day.
Review originally posted on my bookstagram. See it HERE
Thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton for inviting me on the blogtour and sending a review copy my way. This has in no shape or form impacted my review.
Kate's life is taking a turn for the worse. She has no luck with her job search and is still stuck in the entry level job that was supposed to be "just for a little while". At the same time, her best friend and roommate moves across the world, her old friends have clearly dumped her and she's desperate to change the fact that she's a virgin. Freddie is dealing with a family that clearly wants him to change, feeling left out as he's not the same place as his friends even tho' he's very comfortable where he is. And while he struggles with anxiety and OCD it's been much worse so he must be doing better, right? When Freddie and Kate meet at Adult Virgins Anonymous they finally meet people who understand what it's like to be them.
This book is a pure joy. It's awkward in all the right places, and meaningful in all the right ways without becoming too heavy. It tackles the feelings of wrongness when you're not at the place society tells you to be. It handles feeling lost and being dumped by friends who's been a big part of your life. But it also shows that life can turn around. That you can make new relationships - both plantonical and romantic (if you want). Our main characters meets a host of new people when they both decide to attend Adult Virgins Anonymous - a support group for adult virgins. I loved how many diffrent views there was on virginity in the group: some were asexual and needed a safe space to vent about the fact that so much in society had to be about s*x. Some considered themselves too awkward or too old to be attractive to other people. Some were gay, some were straight. And they all needed people to be kind to them and have a safe space where they could air their thoughts and feel understood.
I think Amber Crewe did such an amazing job with this book. Not only is it inclusive for all readers, it's also respectful and just a pure delight. I couldn't help but feel hopeful as I turned the last page. I'm not quite sure of what? Maybe just hopeful that there's kind people out in the world and new friendships to be made at every corner.
The only thing I mildly dislike about this book is how much time we spend in the characters heads. I do wished we were shown some stuff instead of having most things explained, but at the same time the lovely main characters are big overthinkers so it does make sense.
Overall this book was an amazing read (very quick but so good!) and the perfect book for when you're feeling a bit down. I cannot recommend this book enough! This is both for the romance fanatic, the rom com lover and the person who wants to feel better. If I'd ever describe a book as a hug, this would be the first book that came to mind. :)
Once again thanks to Hodder for the review copy. I have no doubt that I will be recommending the book to others for a long time to come and picking it off my shelf for a reread on a particularly glum day.
October 20, 2020
When I started this story, I expected to read a light, humorous, and no-brainer story. With a nice romance.
Sure enough, romance is super cute to read.
However, I realized that even though the characters are approaching their 30s, their inexperience with the opposite sex makes them as mature as teenagers. It's fun to read at first but then it gets annoying because they're so busy overthinking and over-analyzing things that they get locked in their heads. In reality, they withdraw into themselves, do not communicate and this leads to misunderstandings which last a little too long for my taste.
Without knowing it, Kate and Freddie met at university. They even crossed paths and noticed each other briefly during the last party given by college, a party they both had high hopes for. Then it was a total fiasco and they moved forward, each on their own. Life went on.
Almost ten years later, they are united again by a secret they are ashamed of and do not share with anyone. Loneliness weighs on them and they feel like less than nothing. It is in these circumstances that they will help each other, unwittingly, to put their minds in order, even if this results in the end of their secret.
They don't know they are falling in love. Indeed, how would they know when they have no point of comparison? How to differentiate the true affection from what is engendered by lust? How do you know when to take the plunge and bare your heart?
By groping through these questions, the heroes show us that sex is ultimately only a factor in any romantic relationship. Of course, it's a very pleasant moment to share but what makes our heart beat is what we feel and make others feel. It is the gaze on ourselves that the other returns to us. It is this feeling of power that we get when we see the other's confidence in us.
From a theme that is not necessarily easy to deal with, Amber Crewe shows us that sometimes you have to take a step back on your life to better appreciate the bigger picture. We can have embarrassing secrets and feel like it rots our lives, but ultimately we ruin our lives on our own by focusing on them.
I did not necessarily laugh and sometimes, I was annoyed by the childishness of the heroes because of their behavior, then finding the story long. However, I appreciated the message conveyed by the story and had a great time. Adult virgins anonymous happens to be a perfect winter tale to read and might be a nice afternoon movie to watch before Christmas.
Sure enough, romance is super cute to read.
However, I realized that even though the characters are approaching their 30s, their inexperience with the opposite sex makes them as mature as teenagers. It's fun to read at first but then it gets annoying because they're so busy overthinking and over-analyzing things that they get locked in their heads. In reality, they withdraw into themselves, do not communicate and this leads to misunderstandings which last a little too long for my taste.
Without knowing it, Kate and Freddie met at university. They even crossed paths and noticed each other briefly during the last party given by college, a party they both had high hopes for. Then it was a total fiasco and they moved forward, each on their own. Life went on.
Almost ten years later, they are united again by a secret they are ashamed of and do not share with anyone. Loneliness weighs on them and they feel like less than nothing. It is in these circumstances that they will help each other, unwittingly, to put their minds in order, even if this results in the end of their secret.
They don't know they are falling in love. Indeed, how would they know when they have no point of comparison? How to differentiate the true affection from what is engendered by lust? How do you know when to take the plunge and bare your heart?
By groping through these questions, the heroes show us that sex is ultimately only a factor in any romantic relationship. Of course, it's a very pleasant moment to share but what makes our heart beat is what we feel and make others feel. It is the gaze on ourselves that the other returns to us. It is this feeling of power that we get when we see the other's confidence in us.
From a theme that is not necessarily easy to deal with, Amber Crewe shows us that sometimes you have to take a step back on your life to better appreciate the bigger picture. We can have embarrassing secrets and feel like it rots our lives, but ultimately we ruin our lives on our own by focusing on them.
I did not necessarily laugh and sometimes, I was annoyed by the childishness of the heroes because of their behavior, then finding the story long. However, I appreciated the message conveyed by the story and had a great time. Adult virgins anonymous happens to be a perfect winter tale to read and might be a nice afternoon movie to watch before Christmas.
Read
January 18, 2021ARC provided in exchange of an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher.
I am going to be honest: I did not even finish reading the synopsis because I did not care to know everything it says, I knew I wanted to read it, so I had no idea whether the two leads were supposed to become a couple, help each other find someone or just be friends, or even less. I thought the idea was great and offered a lot of possibilities, so I just wanted to see where it would go. Not sure if it was a good or a bad thing for me to do, but it worked out well.
There's something about this book. I do not know if it's Kate and Freddie, the writing style and narration or how natural everything feels but I connected to Kate and Freddie a lot. I did not agree with everything they said but I understood how they felt throughout and I related to them a lot. I appreciated the different topics the book talks about, and I am glad it had more than I originally thought.
However, I have to say that I would have liked to see more of the secondary characters, those people in the group, and have both leads interact more with them. I liked their first meeting and how much they listened to everyone but I thought both the meetings and the people in them would play a bigger part. And they do but they also don't. They appear mostly at the start, to push both characters and their stories along, but then the focus shifts to our leads, which I understand, but I wanted more from their friends.
I appreciate how we got different perspectives and ideas, not only in the book, but in the people that attended the meetings, and I guess that's why I wanted to know more about them and have Kate and Freddie be a bigger part in that. I am happy that Kate had Lindsey, and happy she and Freddie got to understand more about each other and who they could rely on.
Another surprise was how easy the book was to read. There are a lot of parts that given our leads personalities, are narrated by them, or do not have as much dialogue as I would have liked, but those sections do not drag or feel boring, on the contrary, it helps you understand them better and I think it works very well, because this book is about Kate and Freddie, so we follow them along, it is not an ation-packed romance, it's more character-based.
I am going to be honest: I did not even finish reading the synopsis because I did not care to know everything it says, I knew I wanted to read it, so I had no idea whether the two leads were supposed to become a couple, help each other find someone or just be friends, or even less. I thought the idea was great and offered a lot of possibilities, so I just wanted to see where it would go. Not sure if it was a good or a bad thing for me to do, but it worked out well.
There's something about this book. I do not know if it's Kate and Freddie, the writing style and narration or how natural everything feels but I connected to Kate and Freddie a lot. I did not agree with everything they said but I understood how they felt throughout and I related to them a lot. I appreciated the different topics the book talks about, and I am glad it had more than I originally thought.
However, I have to say that I would have liked to see more of the secondary characters, those people in the group, and have both leads interact more with them. I liked their first meeting and how much they listened to everyone but I thought both the meetings and the people in them would play a bigger part. And they do but they also don't. They appear mostly at the start, to push both characters and their stories along, but then the focus shifts to our leads, which I understand, but I wanted more from their friends.
I appreciate how we got different perspectives and ideas, not only in the book, but in the people that attended the meetings, and I guess that's why I wanted to know more about them and have Kate and Freddie be a bigger part in that. I am happy that Kate had Lindsey, and happy she and Freddie got to understand more about each other and who they could rely on.
Another surprise was how easy the book was to read. There are a lot of parts that given our leads personalities, are narrated by them, or do not have as much dialogue as I would have liked, but those sections do not drag or feel boring, on the contrary, it helps you understand them better and I think it works very well, because this book is about Kate and Freddie, so we follow them along, it is not an ation-packed romance, it's more character-based.
September 6, 2020
August Read
Adult Virgins Anonymous - Amber Crewe
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ( EBook kindly provided by @netgalley & @hodderbooks)
So when I saw this book on NetGalley the title screamed to me. I knew it was going to be a fun light read and that was just what I wanted. However there was also some pretty serious mental health issues covered too; Freddie one of the main characters has OCD and the topics of loneliness and self image are also in there.
The story is split between two characters; Freddie and Kate, who are virgins in their twenties. Freddie has struggled with mental health issues since he was young and that has left him feeling like a pariah, even amongst his family. Kate meanwhile has struggled with “Mean Girl” friendship groups and her self worth has taken a battering since she lost her high flying job. When both of them meet at a Adult Virgins Anonymous group there is an immediate attraction and from there you can guess where the story goes.
Whilst it was a predictable boy meets girl story at heart, I think it had many layers, that made it so much more interesting that your average rom com. There’s heartache interlace with hilarity - the comedy factor when Freddie and Kate try to have sex made me LOL and there are plenty more giggles throughout the book.
I really enjoyed this book and I think I might have given it 5 stars however I was a little confused about a flashback Kate has in the rainbow alley - does this mean Freddie was the boy she kissed at university (maybe I’m just been a little blonde?!) there doesn’t seem to be anything mentioned about this afterwards? Also I thought the ending was a little rushed. The story seems to be wrapped up in the last few pages - I would have liked a little more.
Thanks for this great read!
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #ukbookstagram #ukreader #reading #bookreview #review #goodreads #goodreadschallenge2020 #readingtime #lovetoread #lovereading #bookworm #bookaddict #bookpost #booksbooksbooks #booklover #bookcommunity #readingmumsofinstagram #fiction #nonfiction #whatireadtoday #favouritereads #adultvirginsanonymous #hodderbooks
Adult Virgins Anonymous - Amber Crewe
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ( EBook kindly provided by @netgalley & @hodderbooks)
So when I saw this book on NetGalley the title screamed to me. I knew it was going to be a fun light read and that was just what I wanted. However there was also some pretty serious mental health issues covered too; Freddie one of the main characters has OCD and the topics of loneliness and self image are also in there.
The story is split between two characters; Freddie and Kate, who are virgins in their twenties. Freddie has struggled with mental health issues since he was young and that has left him feeling like a pariah, even amongst his family. Kate meanwhile has struggled with “Mean Girl” friendship groups and her self worth has taken a battering since she lost her high flying job. When both of them meet at a Adult Virgins Anonymous group there is an immediate attraction and from there you can guess where the story goes.
Whilst it was a predictable boy meets girl story at heart, I think it had many layers, that made it so much more interesting that your average rom com. There’s heartache interlace with hilarity - the comedy factor when Freddie and Kate try to have sex made me LOL and there are plenty more giggles throughout the book.
I really enjoyed this book and I think I might have given it 5 stars however I was a little confused about a flashback Kate has in the rainbow alley - does this mean Freddie was the boy she kissed at university (maybe I’m just been a little blonde?!) there doesn’t seem to be anything mentioned about this afterwards? Also I thought the ending was a little rushed. The story seems to be wrapped up in the last few pages - I would have liked a little more.
Thanks for this great read!
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #ukbookstagram #ukreader #reading #bookreview #review #goodreads #goodreadschallenge2020 #readingtime #lovetoread #lovereading #bookworm #bookaddict #bookpost #booksbooksbooks #booklover #bookcommunity #readingmumsofinstagram #fiction #nonfiction #whatireadtoday #favouritereads #adultvirginsanonymous #hodderbooks
September 19, 2021
This book feels just completely honest, filled with vulnerability and the insecurities that make us overthink and even resent ourselves.
“Adult Virgins Anonymous“ is a novel about Kate and Freddie - two people in their late twenties who never had sex before, but would really like to. Both of them feel like life is just passing them by and that the future is looking increasingly bleak. But when both of them stumble upon an ad for a support group for adult virgins, they take a leap, gather up all their courage and show up. As they begin talking with the other members, they realize they are not so alone after all in their virginity and as they begin to notice each other more and more, Kate and Freddie form an agreement that will finally eradicate their virgin status forever.
I did not have such a comfortable read in a long time. I found the way the book dealt with the mental health issues discussed within its pages and the way it handled the whole virginity debate very accepting, open-minded and respectful. There was no judgement within those pages and I was loving every second. In a world where everyone and everything is evaluated and cancelled and liked and blocked constantly every second of every day, I felt like this book was offering its reader a hot chocolate, wrapped them up in a warm blanket and told them that they were fine, that every part of them was completely fine.
The story is heavily character-driven which I didn‘t mind since I found it very easy to relate to both Freddie and Kate. It is very easy to sympathize with both of them as they are genuinely good people.
This book handles the subject of sex-positivity and consent very responsibly without beating you over the head with it. We are met with a variety of different sexual orientations and even a trans character that feel like part of the story and not just a way for the author to check of the boxes for being woke.
Another big plus is that the story does not vilify people.
I recommend this book to everyone. It made me feel so much better about myself. I could seamlessly immerse myself into the story and I am so glad I read this. Huge thank you to the author.
“Adult Virgins Anonymous“ is a novel about Kate and Freddie - two people in their late twenties who never had sex before, but would really like to. Both of them feel like life is just passing them by and that the future is looking increasingly bleak. But when both of them stumble upon an ad for a support group for adult virgins, they take a leap, gather up all their courage and show up. As they begin talking with the other members, they realize they are not so alone after all in their virginity and as they begin to notice each other more and more, Kate and Freddie form an agreement that will finally eradicate their virgin status forever.
I did not have such a comfortable read in a long time. I found the way the book dealt with the mental health issues discussed within its pages and the way it handled the whole virginity debate very accepting, open-minded and respectful. There was no judgement within those pages and I was loving every second. In a world where everyone and everything is evaluated and cancelled and liked and blocked constantly every second of every day, I felt like this book was offering its reader a hot chocolate, wrapped them up in a warm blanket and told them that they were fine, that every part of them was completely fine.
The story is heavily character-driven which I didn‘t mind since I found it very easy to relate to both Freddie and Kate. It is very easy to sympathize with both of them as they are genuinely good people.
This book handles the subject of sex-positivity and consent very responsibly without beating you over the head with it. We are met with a variety of different sexual orientations and even a trans character that feel like part of the story and not just a way for the author to check of the boxes for being woke.
Another big plus is that the story does not vilify people.
I recommend this book to everyone. It made me feel so much better about myself. I could seamlessly immerse myself into the story and I am so glad I read this. Huge thank you to the author.
September 21, 2020
The second I saw the title of this book, I had to read it. No book I've ever read has matched a title more than this one.
Adult Virgins Anonymous by Amber Crewe is one of my favorite books I've read this year. A story of adult emotion resonates with Kate Mundy and Freddie Weir.
These characters whom I won't likely forget had comical energy about them that snagged my attention immediately since the first chapter. I wanted to get to know them. And by getting to know them, we note the petty cruelty of society, the awkward yet fleeting desire, sexual competitiveness, and the way they handled the overwhelming loneliness and not belonging.
For the hope of it all, both Kate and Freddie met at a self-help group called Adult Virgins Anonymous, where they encountered different and diverse types of individuals, in a group, they felt more in common with what they were going through.
These two protagonists had so many layers to discover, from Freddie struggling with severe OCD and anxiety and judgemental members of his family, where Kate was struggling with body image and left out by mean girls in her group of friends and struggling financially because of the set back of her high flying job.
In a tangle of destiny, Freddie finds himself where Kate works as an attendant at the Natural History Museum, and their story beyond the group started from there.
I've been raving about this book since I finished it, I could not put it down! It was raw, loving, and straight to the point. Full of hope, so relatable and so thoughtful.
It is hard to not feel good after reading this book, I loved the back and forth conversations of the group, the family dynamic of both characters, the wonderful friendships, and the beautiful awkward moments that got me to roll into intense giggles.
Love, love this book and I'm so happy that I got the chance to read it.
Adult Virgins Anonymous by Amber Crewe is one of my favorite books I've read this year. A story of adult emotion resonates with Kate Mundy and Freddie Weir.
These characters whom I won't likely forget had comical energy about them that snagged my attention immediately since the first chapter. I wanted to get to know them. And by getting to know them, we note the petty cruelty of society, the awkward yet fleeting desire, sexual competitiveness, and the way they handled the overwhelming loneliness and not belonging.
For the hope of it all, both Kate and Freddie met at a self-help group called Adult Virgins Anonymous, where they encountered different and diverse types of individuals, in a group, they felt more in common with what they were going through.
These two protagonists had so many layers to discover, from Freddie struggling with severe OCD and anxiety and judgemental members of his family, where Kate was struggling with body image and left out by mean girls in her group of friends and struggling financially because of the set back of her high flying job.
In a tangle of destiny, Freddie finds himself where Kate works as an attendant at the Natural History Museum, and their story beyond the group started from there.
I've been raving about this book since I finished it, I could not put it down! It was raw, loving, and straight to the point. Full of hope, so relatable and so thoughtful.
It is hard to not feel good after reading this book, I loved the back and forth conversations of the group, the family dynamic of both characters, the wonderful friendships, and the beautiful awkward moments that got me to roll into intense giggles.
Love, love this book and I'm so happy that I got the chance to read it.
January 14, 2021
This is quite possibly both the best book I have ever read, and THE book of 2021. Already.
Book Review for Adult Virgins Anonymous by Amber Crewe on the tour with @hodderbooks
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a book that has left me complete, just two weeks into a new year. If I didn't have hundreds of books TBR, I would be quite happy to never read another book again, nothing can top this. Adult Virgins Anonymous covers the fragile topics of anxiety and OCD, the true intricacies of sex and love & gender/sex pronouns, superbly. I have had OCD since I was a very small child, and I am all too familiar with the term being brandished as a cleaning addiction, especially in books where authors clearly have researched so little. Amber either knows the heartache personally, or gave it the research it deserves, either way I am in absolute awe.
The story follows Kate & Freddie, living in the shadow of their virginity. They both attend a support group for those in the same awkward position, learning that friendship is just, if not more important than the deed itself. Freddie battles intrusive thoughts and actions, family complexes and jumped to conclusions, while Kate faces broken friendships, trust issues and body insecurity. What starts with a common lack of experience soon builds to a heart wrenching display of humanity.
I am not sure how I can sell this book to you without quite literally shouting its title from the rooftops. This had me absolutely hooked from the first word, completely invested in the lives of Kate & Freddie, and had me changing my thoughts and opinions on sex, friendship and love for the better. These two had the choice to hold onto their fragility, and I adore the pants and knickers off of them for it.
To end with the quote that melted me from the inside out;
"I think this might be what falling in love feels like" ♡
Book Review for Adult Virgins Anonymous by Amber Crewe on the tour with @hodderbooks
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a book that has left me complete, just two weeks into a new year. If I didn't have hundreds of books TBR, I would be quite happy to never read another book again, nothing can top this. Adult Virgins Anonymous covers the fragile topics of anxiety and OCD, the true intricacies of sex and love & gender/sex pronouns, superbly. I have had OCD since I was a very small child, and I am all too familiar with the term being brandished as a cleaning addiction, especially in books where authors clearly have researched so little. Amber either knows the heartache personally, or gave it the research it deserves, either way I am in absolute awe.
The story follows Kate & Freddie, living in the shadow of their virginity. They both attend a support group for those in the same awkward position, learning that friendship is just, if not more important than the deed itself. Freddie battles intrusive thoughts and actions, family complexes and jumped to conclusions, while Kate faces broken friendships, trust issues and body insecurity. What starts with a common lack of experience soon builds to a heart wrenching display of humanity.
I am not sure how I can sell this book to you without quite literally shouting its title from the rooftops. This had me absolutely hooked from the first word, completely invested in the lives of Kate & Freddie, and had me changing my thoughts and opinions on sex, friendship and love for the better. These two had the choice to hold onto their fragility, and I adore the pants and knickers off of them for it.
To end with the quote that melted me from the inside out;
"I think this might be what falling in love feels like" ♡
July 22, 2021
CW: fatphobia & OCD discussions and behaviors around cleanliness and germs
I picked this book up because I like romance novels that play with the genre and give us protagonists who aren’t boring run of the mill hets where she thinks she’s ugly when she’s hot and he thinks he’s hot when he’s a misogynist.
What I liked:
- Having a main character battling mental illness was very powerful, and a love interest who was eager to support them with whatever they needed in a way that wasn’t laborious or overdone
- The supporting characters. Andy - non-binary icon with great opinions and a good sense of community. Hattie - an asexual legend who tells it like it is who obviously wants the best for the people around her. Cathryn - a 40-something lesbian ex-nun who is dating for the first time in her life, 👏🏻give👏🏻me👏🏻that👏🏻book👏🏻
Some tropes/problematic things I really disliked:
- I had hoped for some more nuance around concepts like “virginity” but mostly it’s what you’d expect, very mainstream, not much depth. Except for Andy and Hattie, but unfortunately their good perspectives fail to rub off on the main characters
- The anti-fatness - oh it was RIFE in this one. In the first half Kate can’t have a thought without it including that she’s not happy with her body, and she does so in those gross euphemistic ways that make it clear she’s maybe a size 12 and just hates fat people. Of course it’s fine and good to delve into characters self perceptions and society’s issue with weight, but if you aren’t going to delve into it, it shouldn’t be mentioned at all.
- the characters laughing about someone who cried after sex - crying after sex is normal and laughing about it or making out that it’s a “deal breaker” is gross
- The man interrupting the woman to kiss her - WHY DO WRITERS DO THIS???? Women are silenced enough without it happening in a genre that we dominate.
I picked this book up because I like romance novels that play with the genre and give us protagonists who aren’t boring run of the mill hets where she thinks she’s ugly when she’s hot and he thinks he’s hot when he’s a misogynist.
What I liked:
- Having a main character battling mental illness was very powerful, and a love interest who was eager to support them with whatever they needed in a way that wasn’t laborious or overdone
- The supporting characters. Andy - non-binary icon with great opinions and a good sense of community. Hattie - an asexual legend who tells it like it is who obviously wants the best for the people around her. Cathryn - a 40-something lesbian ex-nun who is dating for the first time in her life, 👏🏻give👏🏻me👏🏻that👏🏻book👏🏻
Some tropes/problematic things I really disliked:
- I had hoped for some more nuance around concepts like “virginity” but mostly it’s what you’d expect, very mainstream, not much depth. Except for Andy and Hattie, but unfortunately their good perspectives fail to rub off on the main characters
- The anti-fatness - oh it was RIFE in this one. In the first half Kate can’t have a thought without it including that she’s not happy with her body, and she does so in those gross euphemistic ways that make it clear she’s maybe a size 12 and just hates fat people. Of course it’s fine and good to delve into characters self perceptions and society’s issue with weight, but if you aren’t going to delve into it, it shouldn’t be mentioned at all.
- the characters laughing about someone who cried after sex - crying after sex is normal and laughing about it or making out that it’s a “deal breaker” is gross
- The man interrupting the woman to kiss her - WHY DO WRITERS DO THIS???? Women are silenced enough without it happening in a genre that we dominate.
September 24, 2020
Two virgins. Freddie and Kate. They feel like the only virgins in the world, like they're the odd ones out. That is until they join the Adult Virgins Anonymous where they meet more people like them. They feel more at ease. They decide to lose their virginities to each other. But does their experiment lead to more?
Enjoyable read. The title definitely drew me in and I was pleasantly surprised with the storyline. The book handles Freddie and Kate's desire to have sex really well. But when we look deeper they really desired companionship. We learn that Freddie has OCD and Kate is anxious, but these two decide to become friends and I was content with their relationship.
Theres moments where I was absolutely frustrated at Kate and Freddie because they know how they feel about each other but absolutely refuse to tell the other. This tension builds immensely during the course of the story. There were times I actually wanted to scream, but this tension Crewe plays with makes the story so much more real to me and showed how I connected with the characters.
My favourite character was definitely Freddie. Seeing him go from anxious, very OCD and quiet to knowing what he wants and being brave is the kind of character development I love! I was very drawn to him as a character. Crewe does an excellent job with Freddie, whereas I didnt feel Kate made as much progress.
One thing I am disappointed with was the description of a Black character as having 'deep black skin'. Being Black myself, I have never been so shocked at such an inaccurate description of our skin tone. I had to google what that even meant. I hope the author revises this and uses a better description for Black skin.
3/5
Enjoyable read. The title definitely drew me in and I was pleasantly surprised with the storyline. The book handles Freddie and Kate's desire to have sex really well. But when we look deeper they really desired companionship. We learn that Freddie has OCD and Kate is anxious, but these two decide to become friends and I was content with their relationship.
Theres moments where I was absolutely frustrated at Kate and Freddie because they know how they feel about each other but absolutely refuse to tell the other. This tension builds immensely during the course of the story. There were times I actually wanted to scream, but this tension Crewe plays with makes the story so much more real to me and showed how I connected with the characters.
My favourite character was definitely Freddie. Seeing him go from anxious, very OCD and quiet to knowing what he wants and being brave is the kind of character development I love! I was very drawn to him as a character. Crewe does an excellent job with Freddie, whereas I didnt feel Kate made as much progress.
One thing I am disappointed with was the description of a Black character as having 'deep black skin'. Being Black myself, I have never been so shocked at such an inaccurate description of our skin tone. I had to google what that even meant. I hope the author revises this and uses a better description for Black skin.
3/5
August 6, 2020
Are you still a virgin? Want to talk about it in a safe space?
Meetings every other Tuesday.
You're not alone.
Kate Mundy's life is not going to plan. Nearing thirty, she's been made redundant from her job, her oldest friends have quietly left her behind, and she can barely admit her biggest secret: she's never even been on a date, let alone taken her underwear off with a member of the opposite sex.
Freddie Weir has spent most of his twenties struggling severe OCD and anxiety, and now his only social interactions consist of comic book signings and fending off intrusive questions from his weird flatmate Damian. There's no way Freddie could ever ask a girl out and now he's wondering if this is the way it might be forever.
When Freddie and Kate meet at a self-help group for adult virgins, they think they might just be able to help each other out so they can both get on with finding their real romantic destinies.
But might these two have more in common than just their lack of experience?
Thanks to Netgalley for an early copy of this book.
To be honest the cover and title didn't entice me to the book, maybe a bit plain? They definitely don't do justice to the book, it is funny, sweet, romantic, I really enjoyed it.
The main characters are ones that you instantly love, Admittedly it's fairly obvious how it is going to end but I like books like this!
The idea of adult virginity is one that is rarely looked at without ridicule so this was a nice change. People were treated kindly and not as oddballs as is commonly the way.
It was also nice to read a book where the main female character isn't in a dead end office job. Overall an entertaining read.
Meetings every other Tuesday.
You're not alone.
Kate Mundy's life is not going to plan. Nearing thirty, she's been made redundant from her job, her oldest friends have quietly left her behind, and she can barely admit her biggest secret: she's never even been on a date, let alone taken her underwear off with a member of the opposite sex.
Freddie Weir has spent most of his twenties struggling severe OCD and anxiety, and now his only social interactions consist of comic book signings and fending off intrusive questions from his weird flatmate Damian. There's no way Freddie could ever ask a girl out and now he's wondering if this is the way it might be forever.
When Freddie and Kate meet at a self-help group for adult virgins, they think they might just be able to help each other out so they can both get on with finding their real romantic destinies.
But might these two have more in common than just their lack of experience?
Thanks to Netgalley for an early copy of this book.
To be honest the cover and title didn't entice me to the book, maybe a bit plain? They definitely don't do justice to the book, it is funny, sweet, romantic, I really enjoyed it.
The main characters are ones that you instantly love, Admittedly it's fairly obvious how it is going to end but I like books like this!
The idea of adult virginity is one that is rarely looked at without ridicule so this was a nice change. People were treated kindly and not as oddballs as is commonly the way.
It was also nice to read a book where the main female character isn't in a dead end office job. Overall an entertaining read.
August 29, 2020
I really loved this story! I have never read anything like this before! In this book we follow our two main characters who are in their 30s and happen to also be virgins. The story basically starts from there. We follow them while they try to discover their main struggles in life since they mostly blame their struggles on the fact that they are still virgins. I found them to be very relatable. They both suffer from anxiety and, even though they have different types of anxiety, they both came out really well on page. While reading this book, I felt the characters slowly become my very own friends. I also loved how sex positive this book was since it talks about it in a very healthy way. Moreover, I really liked the way it talks about feelings, love, relationships, friendships, the feeling of ''belonging'' as well as the feeling of being left out of things and feeling ''behind in life''. It also talks brilliantly about body image. The way Kate views her body reminded me a lot of how women nowadays look at their own bodies. It was also very diverse since there were characters in this book who were gay and asexual. And finally I really love the overall message this book sends to its readers. To be hopeful, to be open about our feelings as well as to new adventures in life and to never give up since it's never too late to find love. And that finding your tribe is the most important part in life since those are the people who will understand you the most. So if you're looking for a lighthearted, fun, romantic and very inclusive read which happens to have two very awkward and relatable main characters, then this is perfect for you!
September 22, 2020
What a great read! Based on feelings of awkwardness but still managing to be funny and entertaining.
Kate's life hasn't quite followed the path she thought it would; approaching thirty, her career plan has imploded, her long term friends are no more and her hopes of marriage and motherhood are just distant memories. After all, if you've never had sex then the rest can't follow on! Freddie is a sensitive soul who has suffered a lot during his twenties and his confidence has taken a real battering because of it. He has become almost reclusive and a relationship with a woman is further away than ever it was. When Kate and Freddie meet up at a group for virgins, they realise that they may just be able to help build each other's confidence enough to introduce them to the world of dating.
Reading this novel reminded me of the teenage years when confidence wasn't my greatest thing (but I did fare better than those two). It's very easy to empathise with both characters; in a world where everyone at least appears to be outgoing, it's hard for those who are shy or have stuff going on in their lives which eats away at what little confidence they have, but this author has her finger on the pulse of these emotions and gets them across clearly. Not only that, she brings in a lightness of tone and a bit of humour making this a really enjoyable read. It's a well-written novel, carefully describing what could be a difficult subject in an easy way. Definitely different and well worth reading, and one I'm happy to give 4.5 stars.
Kate's life hasn't quite followed the path she thought it would; approaching thirty, her career plan has imploded, her long term friends are no more and her hopes of marriage and motherhood are just distant memories. After all, if you've never had sex then the rest can't follow on! Freddie is a sensitive soul who has suffered a lot during his twenties and his confidence has taken a real battering because of it. He has become almost reclusive and a relationship with a woman is further away than ever it was. When Kate and Freddie meet up at a group for virgins, they realise that they may just be able to help build each other's confidence enough to introduce them to the world of dating.
Reading this novel reminded me of the teenage years when confidence wasn't my greatest thing (but I did fare better than those two). It's very easy to empathise with both characters; in a world where everyone at least appears to be outgoing, it's hard for those who are shy or have stuff going on in their lives which eats away at what little confidence they have, but this author has her finger on the pulse of these emotions and gets them across clearly. Not only that, she brings in a lightness of tone and a bit of humour making this a really enjoyable read. It's a well-written novel, carefully describing what could be a difficult subject in an easy way. Definitely different and well worth reading, and one I'm happy to give 4.5 stars.
October 16, 2020
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review
elevator pitch: Kate and Freddie are both adult virgins, and embarrassed about it. Wanting to make changes in their lives they both find themselves at a group for people like them, and finding a connection with each other.
review: This was a sweet, heartwarming tale. It felt very slice of life, it wasn't about grand gestures and declarations but two sensitive people finding a connection. I do wish there was some more pushback against the concept though. At one point I thought a character was going to go more into the concept of virginity (and how dumb it is, but let me rant about the patriarchy and it's insistence on the importance of the penis another time) but they don't, which was a little disappointing. Kate and Freddie are embarrassed by their virginity, and although other characters tell them not to be the embarrassment doesn't ever seem to be questioned by them, which I thought was a missed opportunity. Being sex positive also means realising not everyone wants to be having it, or has found someone they want to have sex with, and I wish the author had dug a little deeper on that front. It's an easy, breezy read with some good anxiety and OCD rep, as well as a lot of touching moments for people who experience or have experienced loneliness and feeling isolated.
elevator pitch: Kate and Freddie are both adult virgins, and embarrassed about it. Wanting to make changes in their lives they both find themselves at a group for people like them, and finding a connection with each other.
review: This was a sweet, heartwarming tale. It felt very slice of life, it wasn't about grand gestures and declarations but two sensitive people finding a connection. I do wish there was some more pushback against the concept though. At one point I thought a character was going to go more into the concept of virginity (and how dumb it is, but let me rant about the patriarchy and it's insistence on the importance of the penis another time) but they don't, which was a little disappointing. Kate and Freddie are embarrassed by their virginity, and although other characters tell them not to be the embarrassment doesn't ever seem to be questioned by them, which I thought was a missed opportunity. Being sex positive also means realising not everyone wants to be having it, or has found someone they want to have sex with, and I wish the author had dug a little deeper on that front. It's an easy, breezy read with some good anxiety and OCD rep, as well as a lot of touching moments for people who experience or have experienced loneliness and feeling isolated.
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