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Vincible: A New Adult Comedy

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Breakups are hard, but going viral during your meltdown is alarmingly easy.

Jake Durham just got dumped, humiliated online, and shoved back into the dating pool with absolutely no idea what he’s doing. Meanwhile, his ex racks up likes and glow-up photos across social media.

Desperate for closure, or at least a distraction, Jake plunges headfirst into dating apps, ill-advised hookups, and a series of HR “misunderstandings” that spiral wildly out of control. Each swipe, text, and morning-after pushes him deeper into post-breakup purgatory and closer to torching his job, his reputation, and what little self-respect he has left.

As public embarrassments pile up, Jake stumbles into a dangerously intoxicating situationship that offers nothing but sparks and zero emotional safety. He soon finds himself on a collision course with a very public reckoning and a very private realization about who he is when no one’s watching.

Shortlisted for the 2025 Hawthorne Prize • Finalist, American Writing Awards (Humor/Comedy/Satire)

Can Jake find closure, or even his dignity?
Or is he destined for a lifetime of people rightfully swiping left?

If you love cringe comedy with heart, Vincible is a laugh-out-loud novel about heartbreak, modern dating, and the messy middle of growing up while pretending you’re "fine."

Perfect for fans of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, High Fidelity, Fleabag, and anyone who has ever swiped right on disaster and called it personal growth.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2025

74 people are currently reading
46 people want to read

About the author

Jay Jameston

1 book3 followers

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Hannah Lindley.
154 reviews11 followers
April 14, 2025
This book opens with a beautiful woman named Gwen abruptly ending her years-long relationship with the main character, Jake. As Jake struggles to come to terms with the sudden loss of his partner, he simultaneously grapples with the ups and downs of modern dating, a budding career in the corporate world, and the careful balance required to maintain a successful online presence. He initially believes he has found Gwen’s ideal replacement in the fun and seductive Zoe, but something seems off.
After finishing this book, I may be in what the reading community calls a “slump” for a while. The story is both relatable and delightfully quirky, and I found its subtitular label of “new adult comedy” succinctly accurate. The characters — even the less likable of the cast — are richly developed, and the writing style is witty and unassuming. I wholeheartedly recommend this modern and comedic work of literature to all readers.
383 reviews13 followers
September 11, 2025
I picked out this book because it sounded funny. And it delivered. It tells the story of Jacob and his mishaps in love. The book is highly relatable for all males who have gone through this stage of life. Some of the mishaps seem obviously fiction, but a lot of it makes me think of stories that most men have. They made me think of scenes in shows like Friends or Seinfeld, except Jake’s problems have a more real feel to them. A lot of the scenes have that cringeworthy feel to them, where they make you uncomfortable but amused at the same time. The narrator tone is one of sarcastic humor. It worked for me. I found myself laughing many times. I really enjoyed the honest tone of the humor. I think that could turn a lot of people off. But the author is definitely true to his character, which I admire. Overall, I loved this book. If you like a sort of real, sarcastic humor, you will probably enjoy it too, and I highly recommend it.
169 reviews5 followers
October 13, 2025
Jay Jameston’s well-crafted debut novel "Vincible" is a breezy and engaging story about Jake Durham, a twentysomething trying to find his postcollegiate footing in the urban wilds of corporate Philadelphia. Stuck in a demoralizing entry-level job at an investment firm, Jake struggles to impress his boss, Tony, while navigating the awkward terrain of early adulthood.

The book is a genuine pleasure to read—Jameston’s writing flows smoothly, making it easy to stay immersed in Jake’s world, and the tone is conversational and honest. Jake’s voice feels authentic, often laced with dry humor and self-awareness.

His experiences with women form the heart of the narrative, and while many of these encounters are brief or troubled, they’re portrayed with a realism that’s both relatable and compelling. Jake’s difficulty in forming lasting relationships adds emotional depth to what might otherwise be a light read.

There’s a clear echo here of Jay McInerney's "Bright Lights, Big City" in the way Jameston captures the disillusionment and energy of urban life through a young man’s perspective. Like McInerney’s protagonist, Jake is flawed but sympathetic, and his journey feels grounded in real-life frustrations and small victories.

Overall, Vincible is a strong first novel—consistently funny and thoughtful and easy to get lost in. Jameston shows a knack for character and pacing, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he writes next. This is one of the most enjoyable novels I've read in quite a while -- thanks for the ride, Jay!
Profile Image for Matt McAvoy.
Author 8 books97 followers
April 12, 2025
Hear the words “dating comedy”, and you might think, Meh… Put a man in the role of primary protagonist and that Meh might become, Okay… Now also consider the fact that this isn’t a romcom, or what some ill-advised old timers might call “chick-lit”, but rather a simple, relatively decent, old-fashioned comedy of errors – almost like those British Confessions… and It Shouldn’t Happen To… movies of the 1970s, with a more contemporary cultural twist. It’s pretty good, too.

I don’t know how closely Jay Jameston relates to the hapless and uninspired Jake, but he has no qualms about discouraging his ill-fated and not particularly dynamic anti-hero. Jake is a guy who, at face value, appears hard done by, by the people around him – dumped by his ex; grilled by his employers – but it’s also not too difficult to conclude that he has really brought much of this on himself. As the book goes on, I did find myself starting to think, I don’t really blame her. Not that Jake is particularly dislikeable; he’s just a bit ill-advised and thoughtless. There are some interesting characters, including Jake himself, Zoe, Travis, some of his friends and employers, but I don’t think Jameston really throws caution to the wind and goes all-in on any of them, including the lead. There are some promising comical setpieces, such as getting razzed on his boss’s credit card before really thinking it through, or starting a homophobic punch-up in a gay bar, and I think the author would like to go a little bit slapstick or puerile; there is a fair amount of puking, for example (not really my cup of tea), and some silliness when saucy photos get sent to the wrong people. But by Jay notably holding back, it doesn’t become pure slapstick or pure bawdiness, or pure loser-comedy; it becomes rather more a humorous slice of life.

That said, it is a fun read, and it does make a nice change to see a book of such nature where there isn’t a love interest or a revelation of deep feelings for an unexpected supporting character. This is just a twenty-something guy who can’t get his act together, and watches everything going down the plughole as a result, who meets some interesting characters along the way – never really noticing that the “bad luck” which continually befalls him doesn’t seem to happen to any of them. Still, I don’t want to judge Jake, and he does ultimately find himself somewhere in a place of inner peace, with a few lessons learned.

If you want an entertaining, light-hearted and genuinely quite funny read, which doesn’t promise to go anywhere profound or thought-provoking, this will be ideal for you. You might consider Jake more kindly than me; I feel with this particular book everyone will have their own thoughts on him and his story. As far as the author goes, though, there is no such ambiguity; Jay is quality, and I would very much like to read more from him. And, if the tone of this review has been a little misconstrued, I do apologize; I genuinely do recommend Vincible, for a cosy read at any time of the day.
Profile Image for Blue3bellreads.
38 reviews
January 26, 2025
4 Stars (Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this read in exchange for a review)

An hilarious, witty and relatable adult comedy that highlights the highs and lows of real-life dilemmas young adults could face post college and in the adult world of working and relationships. Jake has recently been dumped and can’t seem to understand why and how this has all gone so wrong. We follow him as he attempts to navigate the impact his failed relationship has on other aspects of his life.

Overall thoughts:

• This was genuinely funny, light-hearted and witty. I loved the authors blasé way of saying certain things and then using humour to juxtapose the sadder or more important conversations throughout the book.

• I appreciated the author tackling issues quite head on throughout this. At the start of each chapter there’s relatable conversations about how we think, feel or view things and it does make you somewhat reflective.

• I loved that this was from a male’s perspective. A lot of books focusing on heartbreak and relationship issues are often written from a female perspective so to read about a male was enlightening. Especially, considering the conversations around relationship breakdowns and how the main characters ex viewed their problems and how our main character viewed them.

• I appreciated that whilst this did focus on sex, it also was about more than just sex. This tackles the issues surrounding relationships, the security that comes with intimacy and how when those things are removed it can expose other aspects of your life that you are insecure about or struggle with.

• This book also tackles the ever-growing problem of the sharing of private and intimate images without consent. It highlights some of the consequences of this and shows how something in your private life can impact on your public life quite drastically even when it isn’t within your control. It’s an important conversation and one that’s becoming increasingly current within a modern social media age.
Profile Image for Caitlyn.
66 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2025
4 stars!

This book was amazing for what it was. It is about a twenty-something year old man, Jake, as he explores his love and work life after dealing with a break up. This book was funny, witty, but also felt very raw. There were things that were talked about in this book that felt so real. As Jake tries to get back out there after his breakup, he deals with dating apps while also navigating his tense work environment. It read like a sitcom, where all of the disasters kept coming. It kept me very entertained, so much so that I read the whole thing in one sitting! The only thing that is missing is a solid ending. It was life kind of open ended, and I was hoping for more closure after all Jake had been through.

I am adding a quote to highlight the insightfulness of the author's writing: "I fearing being someone else's emotional beast of burden, and I was sick of my feelings. Instead, I wanted to move forward, put the past out of my mind, and find new joy in my life."

There were hard hitting lines spread throughout the book that just added to the deepness of the story. Jake felt like a real guy going through real troubles everyone faces: a tough boss, trying to get back into the dating scene, and navigating friendships and family relationships.

If you are looking for a funny, quick read, give this book a shot!

Fair warning, this book talks heavily about sex and sexual topics. If that does not interest you, this book may not be for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Dirty Kermit Press for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for John Eriksen.
Author 4 books3 followers
November 11, 2025
Jake Durham makes terrible decisions. He drunk-texts his ex, creates awkward situations at work, and generally behaves like someone who should know better but doesn't. The brilliant part? Jameston never stops the story to wag his finger at you. There's no narrator telling you Jake screwed up, no wise mentor appearing to dispense life lessons. You just watch it unfold and think, "Yeah, I probably would've done the same thing."

That scene where Jake has to see his ex again—you know it's going to be a disaster from the first sentence. And it is. But you're right there with him, understanding exactly why he can't help himself. Same with the office scenes. Sure, there's too much drinking and partying for anyone's good, but that's what your twenties feel like when you're in them. Jameston gets that without trying to explain it.

The writing itself is deceptively good. Clean, efficient, and sharp enough that you keep turning pages without quite realizing why. Jake behaves absurdly, sometimes borderline insane, but you don't need the author pointing it out. You see it. You wince. You keep reading.

This is bold storytelling—giving us a flawed protagonist and trusting readers to have their own reactions without providing a moral compass. That kind of confidence is rare, and it pays off. Five stars for taking a risk and executing it well.
1 review
February 21, 2025
“Vincible” Finally, a Fun Read After So Many Years!
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2025
Finally, a book that brings something fresh and exciting to the rom-com genre! Vincible is a witty, hilarious, and incredibly relatable read that pulls you in from the very first page. The protagonist’s journey—balancing career struggles, personal aspirations, and the chaos of modern dating—feels both authentic and entertaining. Anyone who has ever faced the pressure of meeting family expectations while trying to carve out their own path will instantly connect with this story.

What truly makes Vincible stand out is its sharp, engaging dialogue and the way it turns everyday awkward moments into laugh-out-loud comedy gold. The romance feels genuine, the mishaps are painfully funny, and the generational insights on love and relationships are spot on. It’s rare to find a book that blends humor and heart so effortlessly, but this one does it with style.

If you enjoy smart, comedic takes on dating in the digital age Vincible is a must-read. It’s funny, fresh, and refreshingly real. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Natasha.
66 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2025
Vinicible was a strangely relatable story for me, despite being nothing like the protagonist. Jake is a twenty-something man whose girlfriend of two years breaks up with him seemingly out of the blue. He tries to blow past the hurt and move on, only to find himself confused by dating apps, situationships, and toxic relationships. Before long, both his dating and work life become a comedy of errors, forcing him to face his heartbreak. The book avoids the cliche ending I thought it was going for and finished instead on a healthier and more realistic note.

Human instinct is to replace what you have lost, even when it's not what you really need, and the reality is most of us never get the clear answers or closure we're searching for. As a middle-aged woman navigating some of the same experiences (although thankfully not all of them!), it was interesting and refreshing to read this journey from a male perspective.
Profile Image for Kelly Miller.
Author 14 books432 followers
September 26, 2025
“Vincible,” by Jay Jameston, follow the antics of Jake, a twenty-something, feckless, somewhat irresponsible man, who is shaken when his live-in girlfriend unexpectedly breaks up with him. While out with his friends, he meets the attractive and relationship-shy Zoe, and a friends-with-benefits situation ensues. Meanwhile, Jake’s mediocre performance at work puts his future employment in danger, so he resolves to do a better job in the future. A small amount of effort bears fruit and Jake’s boss is impressed but expects the improved performance to continue. The author’s clever prose elevates this story, in which the plot drags in places and depicts Jake making a terribly reckless mistake, despite the fact that he had received a warning (albeit a vague one from an unreliable source). I did not find this story funny at all. I see this more as a cautionary tale of what not to do in this age of smart phones and viral videos.
Profile Image for Kevin Joseph.
Author 1 book3 followers
September 21, 2025
Vincible is one of those books that draws you in right away with its brutal honesty and authentic voice. Jake Durham is a twentysomething everyman for a generation of young adults who struggle to find meaning in unfulfilling desk jobs, navigate the treacherous world of social media, and make love connections through dating apps. Fresh off a break-up with longtime girlfriend Gwen and under the scrutiny of his manager for failing to fulfill his potential at work, Jake's life veers out of control as he lurches from hookup to hookup in an alcohol-fueled haze. Despite his many flaws and propensity for self-defeating behavior, Jake has a self-awareness, sense of humor, and irreverence that will keep you rooting for him to find his way. If you appreciate dark comedies and top-notch writing, this short novel is one to check out.
Profile Image for Wendy Anderson.
Author 16 books32 followers
November 15, 2025
Vincible was a very interesting, very adult comedy. Additionally, it is a humorous what-not-to-do-in-dating instruction manual for having relationships in modern society. The story of Jake’s dating history is very believable, especially with the social media part, and he is cringey and funny through humor and his self-doubt. I just kept thinking he was his own worst enemy and I got the impression he knew it but wasn’t willing to change. There are some situations where I was hoping Jake would catch a clue but the women he chose were just as bad. This is a story where actions have consequences and he for sure learned that. It was a bit of a struggle for me to get through this because I just felt he should have known better. At the same time, it was a fun read, full of satire and perfect for the genre.
132 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2025
Funny & Relatable

Vincible is a refreshing read. Jay Jameston’s sharp humor shines through in quirky characters and the chaos of modern dating life. At the same time, the book has heart, with themes about breakups, mistakes, and figuring out adulthood. Following Jake Durham’s wild post-breakup adventures complete with dating apps, social media disasters, and terrible advice from friends, this story is both funny and painfully relatable. The humor in this book may not be every person’s cup of tea, but it’s perfect for me. I loved the quirky characters, the funny situations, and the mix of comedy with real-life struggles.A light and entertaining read.
29 reviews
November 7, 2025
I really liked this one. It feels like the relationship navigation of High Fidelity, the character depth of Meg Wolitzer, and the realism and self destructive humor of Bukowski, but with all of it taking place in a modern day setting filled with Tinder dates, social media missteps, and situationships that feel a little too familiar. Honest, funny, and uncomfortably relatable, the kind of book that keeps you saying, “yup, been there.” The only critique I have is that there were several times when the author had a multitude of directions to go in and chose the crudest, which occasionally undercut how sharp the writing could be otherwise.
Profile Image for Bree.
105 reviews8 followers
February 1, 2025
A quick read which did have some genuinely good bits to it. I enjoyed the exploration of Jake’s dating ups and downs & appreciated the male perspective from which this was written.
It had moments of humour but I didn’t think that persisted throughout and the scenes written whilst Jake was at work were just boring.
I enjoyed it but I can’t see who I would recommend it to.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book
Profile Image for Robert Collin.
Author 9 books63 followers
September 23, 2025
life as a young adult

This book is about the conundrums and quandaries of a young man with his first real professional job. And his awkward forays into relationships with young women. His shallowness and lazy work attitude eventually catches up him. He isn’t mean, and there is humor in his fumbling attempts at work and at relationships. It does also offer some insight into the modern world of young adults. Recommended for a quick, conversational read.
Profile Image for C. Pages.
84 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2025
Love this perspective

This was a clever, well-written and, yes, sometimes cringe-worthy novel exploring modern dating . I appreciate the raw male perspective and the contemporary take. Did I taste a pinch of Bukowski here? I finished this story, eternally grateful that I don’t have to date in the modern world. Sounds miserable. Well done Jay Jameston. Can’t wait to see what you do next.
Profile Image for Karl.
15 reviews
June 28, 2025
Struggle to put it down it was so good, found it laugh out loud funny and genuinely devastating in others. Found myself constantly wishing for Jake to just make certain choices for him to make those choices and it exasperate things further. Fair play, great ending as well
Profile Image for Karen Williams.
10 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2025
Where do I begin. I read this is one sitting, it’s a quick read with a lot of laughs. Some more childish than I’d prefer, but also a lot of laughs I didn’t expect. It felt like reading a Judd Apatow movie. Would highly recommend to anyone going through a breakup.
Profile Image for KiKi.
152 reviews14 followers
February 11, 2025
3.8-Equal parts funny and depressing lol I loved this story. Reading about the relationship woes from a differing MALE perspective was a nice and humorous change for once.
Profile Image for Chris Saver.
4 reviews
March 9, 2025
Legitimately funny. A realistic portrayal of a young twenty something man going through a break up. Would recommend to anyone going through something similar.
Profile Image for Mary Beth.
60 reviews
May 27, 2025
l personally thought this book was sad. I did not care for any of the characters but did feel this book sums up dating, in general.
Profile Image for A. Hyeig.
2 reviews
July 6, 2025
Really enjoyed this face paced read. Funny and relatable.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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