YA Book Review

Today I wanted to share with you a YA book I read this year that really resonated with me. I've been writing about those little red flag moments in my own work--in particular in Can Dreams Come True and Dating the It Guy, and I have been hearing from readers who tell me how they saw those signs/red flags in their own relationships and and ignored them. So right now I am on the lookout for other YA books like this to recommend to my readers and this was one I thought got it right.

It's called, The Fruit of My Lipstick: Glory Prep Book 2 by Shelley Adina and it's a YA book that handled abusive relationships sooo well. It was so subtle in the beginning that I almost questioned  what the character was looking past in her boyfriend. The author set it up so well you missed some of the subtle signs and weren't sure if the boyfriend had done some things intentionally. Then at the end, when things escalated with him, her friends pointed out flags she missed. The author completely hit on how it doesn't start with pushing or hitting, but it's far more subtle than that. You're so far into the relationship and your self-esteem is slipping before you even pick up on what is happening. Honestly it was perfect because it showed why you don't just get up and walk away when it happens, because you're so mentally confused by little things.

This is wonderful read for young girls who will learn to recognize the early signs of controlling behavior.

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