This is such an impactful romance novel and truly highlights how adaptable this genre is. The representation in this novel is beautiful, and the writer's ability to balance such a heavy theme with lightheartedness while not taking away from the gravity of the content is to be admired.

This was a really fun read with an entertaining premise. I loved the game shop settings and the characters. The writing was witty and funny, a lot of relatable stuff included. The romance was light and flirty, consuming you to continue reading.

I really loved the whole setting of this book and the characters. I also loved the game shop setting and the focus on RPGs. It was totally fun to read.

This book is a 4.5 for me leaning towards 5 stars. I thought it was funny and real my only “switch off” times were the C&C sessions, but I understood them for making the story work. As someone with female reproductive health problems (psos) and friends who have endometriosis this book really resonated with me and what my group of buddies go through. All the characters felt so real and not perfect but I did love how Devin was the most perfect gentleman making avies wait entirely worth it.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for letting me read and review this book.

This is not normally a genre I read right now but I am so glad that this one captured my interest. I loved reading it so much, with the light and flirty side that is something else to the romance I just wanted to keep on reading. Well done to the auhor and keep this level of writing going I am a convert.

💚 M/F romance
🖤 Friends to Lovers
💚 Gamer Girl & Gamer/Goth Boy
🖤 Age Gap (10 years)
💚 Dungeons and Dragons vibes
🖤 Online Dating
💚 Banter
🖤 Creatures & Crypts
💚 He Fell First
🖤 MMC is a patient gentleman
💚 FMC is a virgin
🖤 Religious backgrounds

Avery is 26 years old and still a virgin. Avery had a hard time when it came to actually losing her virginity. Avery never really talked to anyone about her condition until her symptoms were getting severe. She didn't research her symptoms until she went to the clinic. I feel like Avery should have talked to someone about her condition. I'm a little surprised she didn't tell her best friend about her past. Avery didn't seem to know her best friend or Devin too well even though they had known each other for a while. Avery and Devin have been friends since Avery moved there. I really liked Devin's character when he was patient and understanding towards Avery. Devin was such a sweet and caring partner to Avery. It was good that Avery and her friends opened up more with each other about their pasts. It was interesting reading about Avery's process through her journey throughout the book.

When I first looked at the cover & title of this book, it felt like a rom-com but it has some topics which I have hardly seen being a part of any story.
Our FMC deals with endometriosis which makes everything hard for her. The author has discussed these topics in a very good manner which makes us aware about this. Also if you are a gamer, you are going to love this book.
The perspective of first time being intimate with someone scares the hell out of everyone and the author did a great job dealing with topics. I loved and enjoyed this book

3.5⭐️

After getting kicked out of her religious college for trying to have sex, Avery Murphy makes a move to Orlando, Florida to start a new life. Dealing with pain and religious guilt, she can’t physically have sex. A big gamer, she becomes close with her local game shop and finds friendship and even new love. Devin Lancaster, owner of the game shop, provides a safe space and comfort for Avery as she navigates dating, horrible periods and painful sex. Finding out she actually has an undiagnosed medical issues, she has to work through her physical and mental challenges to open herself up to someone she never realized would change her life in the best way possible.

This book has very important topics being discussed that typically aren’t brought up and tough to talk about. For that alone, this book is great. For those that are dealing with endometriosis or religious guilt or trauma, this book is a great representation.

I truly enjoyed the progression from friendship to lovers between Avery and Devin. He was so patient and understanding with her, it warmed my heart that she had someone who stood by her through it all.

I struggled a bit with the writing itself. At times, the writing felt slow and worded weirdly. Other times, it was easy and quick. Sometimes it felt like there was a lot of telling instead of showing, especially in the beginning. I felt that the writing definitely got better as the book progressed, but there were quite a bit of editing mistakes that took me out of the story at times.

Overall, it was a quick read that was great representation on many levels! There were a lot of hard topics you don’t typically read about in romance books and it was great to see the work in dealing with them. At times, the writing didn’t feel fully flushed out, with weird dialogue or descriptions. After everything, it was a heartwarming read!

This was such a fun, heartwarming read! The story was intriguing, and I loved the characters and their arcs. It was a great balance between fun rom-com vibes and more serious topics - the way the novel tackled endometriosis was so well done. While the gaming scenes were sometimes a little long, I swept through this novel very quickly and it really held me captive.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

Based off the cover you would think this is a romcom, however it touches on a very huge issue that many females deal with Endometriosis. Avery tried but it was too painful, but she wants to be loved so at the age of 27 she starts to try the online dating app and she slowly starts to realize that you can find love when you least expect it and sometimes things may be hard in life but its best to communicate the things you are going through with the person you are dealing with (seriously) and they should be supportive of everything that you are going through.

I chose this book because oh my goodness, this perspective if needed- so many women silently suffer from endometriosis, or blame themselves for not instantly enjoying sex. This book was such a gentle, sex-positive love story - the pacing was slow, but I was GLAD it was slow because we got to watch the FMC unlearn a lot of things that were ingrained in her from her toxic religious upbringing/ex-boyfriend/religious college. It was wonderful watching her find her voice, and I loved that the book didn't judge any of its characters. The lesson seemed to be that you don't have to be limited by your past- you can find your person and live a full life regardless. There were pockets of moments when the writing was a little more "tell" an less "show", but I honestly didn't mind - the intentions behind this book, and overall messaging, were wonderful.

The FMC suffers from endometriosis so having that rep was amazing!! I enjoyed this book quite a bit but I think it was a little slow at some parts. Overall I think this author is on my radar and I will be continuing to read other books she puts out! It was a solid and enjoyable read that I think anyone who wants a nice little romance book to read would enjoy.

-thank you netgalley for e-arc!

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

I’ll admit that I started crying during the epilogue. I don’t quite have the same diagnosis, but I felt incredibly seen throughout this entire book. It’s rare when I adore both main love interests and even rarer to see a relationship develop with hardly any miscommunication or withheld information. The only thing I didn’t love about this book was the intensely detailed gaming descriptions. My husband and I are both nerds, and I’ve certainly been to my share of game nights with his friends, but I zone out after a while at those too. It was just a little excessive. I rooted for Avery for the entire book. I was thrilled to see some of the body relaxation methods that were used. And I loved her man. Such a keeper, oh my goodness.

This book just made me so happy, and I read it in less than a day. Even if you haven’t experienced this level of physical and emotional sexual issues, it’s very important to read about how endometriosis and/or religious trauma consumes people for so many years until they’re actually able to get proper help by professionals that will listen and a partner that works with their needs with patience, love, and absolutely no shame. Highly, highly recommend for all.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Maybe don't turn to dating apps...

As a self help cure? Just sayin'....Avery perhaps should have tried therapy first? But nope, at 27, she has a good life, but she wants to get it on (as she should!). She tries dating apps, which goes as well as you can expect it. Part of her gamer group is Derek...
Part cute dating, part serious health issue/dysfunction.
Recommend.

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

A Refreshingly Real, Hilarious, and Heartfelt Journey of Self-Discovery!

Confessions of a Virgin on a Dating App by Sydney Wilder is a funny, raw, and surprisingly deep exploration of love, sex, and self-acceptance. If you’ve ever struggled with dating mishaps or felt like your life wasn’t following the "normal" trajectory, this book will make you laugh, cry, and feel totally seen.

Avery Murphy is the kind of FMC you can’t help but root for. After getting kicked out of bible college and shunned by her ultra-religious family, she’s rebuilt her life in Orlando, complete with a job she loves, a cozy townhouse, and a crew of fellow geeks she games with at her favourite tabletop shop. But despite all her wins, Avery is still grappling with a problem that’s been haunting her since college: she can’t have sex. And with her 27th birthday looming, she’s determined to find love and intimacy, even if it means swiping through a minefield of dating apps.

Avery’s journey through online dating is an absolute riot. From hilariously awkward first dates to misguided attempts at love, you’ll be laughing out loud as she navigates the wild world of modern romance.

But beneath the humour, there’s a real, heartfelt struggle as Avery confronts her inability to have sex, something that’s not just physical but tied up with years of shame, rejection, and confusion. Sydney Wilder tackles the subject of sexual dysfunction with sensitivity, turning it into an empowering and eye-opening narrative.

And then there’s Devin Lancaster, the snarky, charming owner of her favourite gaming shop. Devin is the perfect mix of witty banter and unexpected sweetness, and watching his relationship with Avery develop is one of the most enjoyable parts of the book. Their chemistry is as heartwarming as it is slow-burning, and you’ll find yourself cheering for them as their friendship evolves into something more.

What makes Confessions of a Virgin on a Dating App stand out is how it blends laugh-out-loud humour with serious topics like sexual health, self-worth, and finding acceptance. Avery’s journey is not just about dating, it's about learning to love herself, tackle her fears, and embrace her own worth, even when life feels messy and complicated. When Avery uncovers the deeper reasons behind her physical pain, the story takes a powerful turn, reminding readers that sometimes the biggest obstacles to love are the ones we carry within ourselves.

If you’re looking for a refreshingly honest rom com with depth, heart, and plenty of laughs, Confessions of a Virgin on a Dating App delivers.

Confessions of a Virgin on a Dating App by Sydney Wilder was a fun read.
It was a light read with heartwarming characters.
I just adored it. The writing was great and the story was unique.

A solid friends to lovers/fake dating that includes health issues you normally don’t see in this genre and a really deft handling of purity culture and religious trauma.

I absolutely ADORED this book. I feel like the title doesn't do justice to all of the important topics and beautiful themes covered in this book. BUT I do feel like it fits with a big theme of the book which is not judging a book by it's cover. I loved how completely nerdy this book was. It also healed something within me as someone who grew up in an extremely Christian household. The main character resonated with me so much. I'm going to recommend this book to so many people!