This was a cute workplace romance between teachers with a case of mistaken identity. I felt like the struggles of each character were well done and relatable. And I liked the diversity of the MC Lucy. I liked the characters, both within the two MC’s families and at the school, and felt like they were fleshed out well.

My main issue was it felt very insta love, even if they knew each other for a while they didn’t really know each other. But beyond that, this was very cute and sweet and I recommend it.

This book is a perfect fun romance while also tackling some serious issues in responsible ways.

A guidance counselor and a new history have a meet cute (of sorts) and end up falling for each other--- only to realized they're in a deep online (anonymous) friendship. What follows is rom com 101-- but with some added cultural aspects (I really appreciated this aspect of the main character's life) and dealing with depression and divorce and dysfunctional families.

It's a fun read for anyone that loves a good romance!

In "Flirty Little Secret," the reader is taken on a nostalgic journey through the realms of classic Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOM), reminiscent of titles like Radio Rebel, Zapped, and Princess Protection Program. However, this novel takes a bold turn into the adult world with an M-rated storyline devoid of the usual DCOM charm.

The narrative seems to mimic Radio Rebel, with a twist that transforms it into a Teacher x Teach dating scenario. Unfortunately, this attempt at a mature adaptation falls short. The book is plagued by unnecessary filler chapters, lacking creativity in both plot and character development. The class names and examples presented are cringe-worthy and inappropriate, contributing to the overall feeling of mediocrity.

The only redeeming quality lies in addressing the characters' struggles with mental health issues arising from dysfunctional families. This relatable aspect adds a layer of depth to an otherwise lackluster storyline. However, even this positive element cannot overshadow the feeling that the book lacks originality.

This book comes across as a copied narrative, borrowing heavily from existing DCOMs, and attempting to compensate for its shortcomings with explicit adult content. Unfortunately, this strategy fails to elevate the book beyond its unimpressive foundation. Overall, it leaves readers questioning the need for such an uninspired and derivative creation.

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I don’t know exactly what it was, but I had a difficult time relating to Lucy and Fletcher. They’re lovable for sure, but neither one made me feel invested in their journeys. Too much self doubt. Too much bumbling. I love adorkable characters, but these two were a miss for me.

I really enjoyed this book. It has great flow and great character development! I wish it didn't have to end. I will definitely recommend this my patrons at the library.

A story that deals with finding self-acceptance while dealing with mental health, all while juggling a secret identity and work-related romance.

Jessica Lepe, in my opinion, knocked it out of the park for me with her debut novel, and I love, love, love this book. I related so much to Lucy and her thoughts of self-loathing and anxiety about never being good enough to find love. I love her relationship with her family, especially with her sisters.

This book had me giggling in fits and kicking my feet with every cute exchange between Lucy and Fletcher, and Fletcher has made his way onto my list of favorite book men ever!

I do feel as if the ending wrapped up a bit too nicely and too quickly, considering everything that goes on between Fletcher and his father. I do also think the timeline between meeting, dating, and falling in love happens quickly, especially for the happy ending we get, but they don't perturb me enough to not love this story and still give it a fantastic rating because I love the way this book made me feel.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺.

Flirty LIttle Secret - this was cute, light reading and pretty perfect for a Valentines/Galentines read. I enjoyed it and found it to be sweet with a simple storyline.

So, I recently dove into "Flirty Little Secret" by Jessica Lepe, and let me tell you, it's a bit of a rollercoaster.

First off, the main character's online and real-life personas are like night and day. I mean, she's a school guidance counselor, but her inner monologue sometimes sounds more like a teen than someone giving advice.

Then there's this whole thing about seeking help. The book kind of makes it seem like it's a game to hide how you really feel when talking to therapists and psychiatrists. I don't know about you, but that struck me as a bit off.

Character growth? Not so much. The main character felt a bit stagnant, which was a bummer. And the pacing? Started slow, picked up fast – meeting families within the first two dates? Talk about moving at warp speed.

"Flirty Little Secret" has its moments, but the inconsistencies and pacing left me hanging in the middle. If you're into quick-paced romance, it might hit the spot, but don't expect too much depth.

You've Got Mail plus Abbott Elementary? Sold!

After reading the blurb for this book, it immediately picked my interest. Part of it is because I work in education, and I haven't read many romance books with that setting-those who work in education deserves love stories, too! There were some tough topics in this book which may trigger some readers (no worries, there's a warning page), but for me, they were relatable. I found myself relating to Lucy and what she's goes through. She can be her worst enemy, but slowly grew and found her confidence. As for Fletcher, well, he's honestly probably one of the best book boyfriends out there. The way he is with Lucy-patient, understanding, and supportive.

Other thoughts:
> Appreciate showing what it's like to work in education
> Sister love/supportive friend
> Depiction of different family dynamics

I'd also be interested in a story centered around other supportive characters in this book.

I really liked this book. I thought it had great character development especially in Lucy. The author did an excellent job of capturing the struggles of having anxiety and depression and coveted it so well to the readers. I also like the fast that Fletcher and Lucy had been talking for a long time even though they didn’t know it. It made it more believable to me when Fletcher professed his love for her. Overall I highly recommend this book!

This was a fun romance. I wasn't expecting much but I had fun. I would recommend as a good beach read.

This was sweet and funny and clever, and had a great amount of depth and diversity and family complexity woven into the main plot.

I loved that Lucy and Fletcher hit it off immediately, but the “I feel like I already know them” felt a bit forced because their initial IRL interactions were nothing like their online ones. I feel like it would have felt a little less contrived if more of their online relationship had been woven into their face-to-face one (especially given how long it had been).

Also if one of my parents had an affair and blew up their marriage I would NOT be won over by like 2 conversations about it, nor would I expect my children to easily reconcile with my husband if he did that to us?? But that seems to be common in books so I will let it slide 😂

Overall this was adorable, with a lot of mental health rep and genuine friendships and solid character growth, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Read the whole thing in one sitting and wanted more right away!

This book is clearly very personal to the author but I think it misses its mark... I get the point of it - no matter our challenges we want to be seen and loved, but it felt a bit too on the nose. I also didn't find the main characters chemistry that compelling. And some of the sections were so cringe and awkward, not realistic and not very sexy. Overall, an okay book but nothing super memorable or swoony.

I recently delved into "Flirty Little Secret" by Jessica Lepe, and I must say, it was a captivating experience from start to finish. Lepe has a way of weaving a story that keeps you hooked, making it hard to put the book down.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique charm and flaws. The protagonist's journey is both compelling and relatable, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the narrative. Lepe skillfully explores various emotions, adding depth to the overall storytelling.

What sets "Flirty Little Secret" apart is its intriguing twist. Just when you think you've got the story figured out, Lepe throws in unexpected turns that keep the plot fresh and engaging. It's a testament to the author's ability to keep readers on their toes.

The writing style is fluid and easy to follow, making it an enjoyable read. Lepe has a knack for descriptive prose, painting vivid pictures of the settings and creating a rich atmosphere that pulls you into the story. The pacing is well-executed, with a good balance of suspense and moments of reflection.

While the book is undoubtedly a page-turner, I did find a few moments where the plot felt a bit predictable. Nevertheless, the overall experience was thoroughly enjoyable, earning "Flirty Little Secret" a solid 4-star rating. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted romance with unexpected twists and turns.

I really loved this sweet story!!! Lucy & Fletcher are so freaking adorable together; right from the start they are so cute & awkward & adorkable together. I loved all the representation in this story & how it everyone is portrayed so openly in honestly. Lucy especially has my whole heart as she struggles with self-deprecating mental illness that stands in the way of her forming long-lasting relationships. I love how she’s able to see how her own insecurities blinded her to the reality that life is hard for other people, even if they don’t have the same insecurities or issue she does. Lucy has such character development, and it just let me love her more and more as I read (and I loved her a lot from the start so that says a lot). And Fletcher has his own personal issues he’s dealing with, and I loved seeing him be so self aware of the ways he’s made life harder for himself in trying to avoid uncomfortable but necessary conversations. and the beautifully open & honest way they come together in the end had me in laughs & tears. just beautiful.

overall, there is so much love & growth & acceptance & kindness in this story. I absolutely loved every part of it & I’m so honored to have been given an arc. thank you sooo much!!! this is now one my favorite books :))))

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! It tells the story of school counselor Lucy Galindo, who has a secret double life as an online advice guru known as @TheMissGuidedCounselor. She uses this online persona to be bold and confident, something she struggles with in her everyday life due to her anxiety and depression.
The story takes an interesting turn when history teacher Aldrich Fletcher starts working at the same school as Lucy. He becomes her new co-worker and also her online confidant, as he seeks advice from @TheMissGuidedCounselor. However, things get complicated when Fletcher discovers that Lucy is the one behind the online persona. Both of them have secrets and trust issues, and the question becomes whether they can find the courage to share the truth and take their relationship out from behind their screens.
I found the characters in this book to be well-developed and relatable. Lucy’s struggles with anxiety and depression were portrayed realistically, and it was refreshing to see a main character in a romance novel deal with these issues. Fletcher was also a complex and interesting character, with his own family drama and insecurities. Their chemistry was palpable and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop throughout the book.
One of the things I loved about this book was the use of social media as a way for the characters to connect and communicate. It felt very modern and relevant, and added an interesting dynamic to the story. The book also tackled important themes such as self-discovery, acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. I definitely would recommend to anyone who is looking for a heartwarming and thought-provoking romance novel.

Flirty Little Secret is an adorable dual POV about learning to be confident in your true self, and how important it is to find someone who sees the real you. The You've Got Mail vibes are strong with this one, (in the best way possible, because there is no evil empire attempting to take over the tiny shop.) Lucy and Fletcher have such great chemistry from the beginning, and the supporting cast is just as fun. Jessica Lepe does a wonderful and sensitive job of touching on mental health in a realistic way, and as someone who struggles with ADHD and anxiety, it was nice to see it represented in such a real and honest fashion. Definitely recommend :)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Unfortunately, I had to DNF this. I was initially intrigued by the premise of a school guidance counselor and teacher, as well as the social media alter ego bit. It seemed cute. However, I struggled with the pacing and the circumstances of the novel. Things seemed to start off really slow for me and I just didn't feel hooked in by the characters or any kind of conflict. I found it hard to believe that the main characters acted the way they did. While it's reasonable that the FMC used her social media page to encourage her personal growth, the difference between that persona and her real-life identity were too stark for me. I was very surprised by her immaturity, especially for a guidance counselor, who needs to be a stable and trustworthy person. The "anonymous friends on social media find each other in real life" trope is definitely not one of my favorites as I find that it's often a huge stretch of the imagination. However, I feel that it can be done well (ie: Love On The Brain by Ali Hazelwood) when the main characters' personalities align better with the online identity. Overall this was just falling too short for me and couldn't keep my interest. Where others found humor and quirkiness, I was just seeing cringeworthiness and immaturity. I'm sure this would make for a good fluffy rom-com for someone else but it wasn't the right fit for me.

"Flirty Little Secret" is Jessica Lepe's debut novel and was an easy read. Lucy is a school guidance counselor by day, but runs a popular anonymous Instagram advice account by night. After a meet cute with new teacher Fletcher (by accidentally spilling her drink on him), they slowly become friends and even start to develop feelings for each other. Fletcher has been a longtime follower of her Instagram account, and they've been messaging back and forth for a long time without knowing who the other is. But things start to get tricky when Lucy and Fletcher can't untangle themselves from their Instagram personas.

I appreciated the attention this book placed on anxiety and panic disorders, as well as dealing with family complications. However, I felt the plot needed to be refined a bit, and many sections felt way too wordy for me. While I really liked the thought behind the storyline, I had a hard time actually rooting for Lucy and Fletcher. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Chapter 1 (5%) was amusing, albeit slow. The writing is easy to follow. Guessing three to four stars for the target audience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC.