I enjoyed this book! It did feel like it was missing something, and I am not even sure exactly what it was, but it was just lacking. It was a good attempt and it had a goo storyline, but it felt a bit empty

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

This is a slow burner to get started but don't let that put you off because this book is amazing, honestly I read it in one sitting. I am not going to say much about the book because I don't want to give anything away and I went in blind and I am so glad I did. However I think it is important that this book comes with trigger warnings for SA and that is for very good reason so definitely check trigger warnings.

I don't even know where to start with this one, but maybe I'll start by saying I finished this in one sitting. This is a very powerful and important read about identity, relationships, and how trauma can impact not only the one going through it but their connections with others around them.

I absolutely loved Avery and saw a bit of myself in her in a lot of ways. She's young and successful but also confused and traumatized with a lot of growing to do. While I understood the reasonings behind her actions, I wanted to both shake and hug her at the same time! While a longer, slow-burn in terms of pacing, I think it was necessary to tell this story with the depth and fidelity it deserved. I especially loved how it focused on Avery's growth and finding her strength rather than on her attacker and romantic relationships. This one is going to spark a lot of conversations and hopefully encourage others to share their stories. Thanks so much for this ARC!

It is no secret that this book definitely comes with a trigger warning for SA. This page turner will keep you hooked on a roller coaster of a journey! I found myself wanting to scream both at Avery, and FOR Avery. No matter which part of Avery's story I was sucked into, I was always rooting for her to see her self worth. The writer's style is vivid and comprehensive, allowing you to visualize and feel engaged in emotion. I found myself pining to grab my e-reader at every chance I could - even if I was only pressing through a page at a time. For three years, I have struggled to finish a book - very unlike me. This book successfully pulled me back into my love of reading; finishing in just 5 days!

A very hard book to read, but such a great book for the author to write. This was so good and the writing made me mad and so emotional for the main character and women who have been through sexual assault and have to deal with the aftermath and trauma. This was powerful and I love that see stood up for herself. All women should read this.

Do you enjoy books about strong women standing up for themselves? Pick up She Used to Be Nice by Alexia LaFata.

Searing. A brutal take on a woman one year after her sexual assault forced to interact with her assailant. It’s hard to say you like this book but only because the author so vividly puts you into the head of the main character which is a an angry, self loathing broken place.
I wanted to give this woman a hug and tell her it’s not her fault. I also stayed up until three am reading this book. Deeply
Engrossing.

This book was an emotionally difficult read, but I really liked it. The description of the lasting effects of sexual assault was spot on. Highly recommended for readers of literary fiction.

This book is so beautifully emotional. It was brave and authentic and so relatable as a young woman.
I love the message that although we may feel shame, we have no reason to and we can set that feeling free. LaFata brilliantly writes about this through the main character's actions and dialogue- the writing is sensitive and touches on really important themes. I thought this was fantastic. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was brave and authentic and reminded me of stories going around during my college years long ago. Our shame stays with us but there is hope of setting the truth free. LaFata brilliantly writes about this through the main character's actions and dialogue. I thought this was fantastic. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.