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The Phallus in Nature
From the author of Amazon bestselling comedy Words on Candy Hearts
Welcome to Moab, Utah. Home to two national parks, nine varieties of scorpions, and over three hundred search and rescue missions a year, Moab is more than just a great place to die of exposure – it's the perfect setting for the tragicomedy that is Matthew Gorman’s life.
Matthew thought his plan was foolproof: use his meager inheritance to build a 'tiny' duplex in Moab's desert outskirts, live and study on one side, rent out the other to tourists, then sit back and watch the money roll in. But when Moab's oppressive summer heat kicks in, his lodgers – and his fiancé – abandon him for cooler climes. Broke and friendless, he rents out the right half of the duplex to Piper Lawless, the happy-go-lucky author of the bestselling photo collection of all time, The Phallus in Nature. With the pathologically friendly penis aficionada now an inextricable part of his existence, Matthew's life becomes entangled with those of his eccentric Tinytown neighbors, including Mormon-turned-hippie, Mahatma Randy, and seven-foot-tall Bruno Axworthy, the reptile dealer who falls madly in love with Piper and imagines Matthew to be his romantic rival. Meanwhile, across the country, Piper’s conservative parents and pretentious brother are having problems of their own – problems that can only be solved by dipping into Piper’s deep pockets. Unbeknownst to Piper – and each other – they are all headed to Moab for a disastrous family reunion. Will Piper and Matthew ever find a way to escape the never-ending sideshow of neighbors and family that is taking over their lives?
Welcome to Moab, Utah. Home to two national parks, nine varieties of scorpions, and over three hundred search and rescue missions a year, Moab is more than just a great place to die of exposure – it's the perfect setting for the tragicomedy that is Matthew Gorman’s life.
Matthew thought his plan was foolproof: use his meager inheritance to build a 'tiny' duplex in Moab's desert outskirts, live and study on one side, rent out the other to tourists, then sit back and watch the money roll in. But when Moab's oppressive summer heat kicks in, his lodgers – and his fiancé – abandon him for cooler climes. Broke and friendless, he rents out the right half of the duplex to Piper Lawless, the happy-go-lucky author of the bestselling photo collection of all time, The Phallus in Nature. With the pathologically friendly penis aficionada now an inextricable part of his existence, Matthew's life becomes entangled with those of his eccentric Tinytown neighbors, including Mormon-turned-hippie, Mahatma Randy, and seven-foot-tall Bruno Axworthy, the reptile dealer who falls madly in love with Piper and imagines Matthew to be his romantic rival. Meanwhile, across the country, Piper’s conservative parents and pretentious brother are having problems of their own – problems that can only be solved by dipping into Piper’s deep pockets. Unbeknownst to Piper – and each other – they are all headed to Moab for a disastrous family reunion. Will Piper and Matthew ever find a way to escape the never-ending sideshow of neighbors and family that is taking over their lives?
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2025
About the author
Augusta Reilly
3 books66 followersBestselling comedy writer Augusta Reilly is a former stand-up comic whose work has been covered by the New York Daily News, The Village Voice, NY1 News, Time Out, The Comedy Bible, and many others. As a comedian, she has performed at multiple venues including The Comic Strip, Gotham Comedy Club, and The New York Comedy Club. Her bestselling comedy, Words on Candy Hearts, reached #1 in Comedy on Amazon UK, #1 in Comedy and Absurdist Fiction in Australia, and #2 in Comedy behind Trevor Noah in the US.
In alternate incarnations, she has been an accountant, a translator, and a prolifically (if not proudly) published pulp fiction author. She is a graduate of McGill University and divides her time between El Paso County, Colorado and Montreal, Quebec.
In alternate incarnations, she has been an accountant, a translator, and a prolifically (if not proudly) published pulp fiction author. She is a graduate of McGill University and divides her time between El Paso County, Colorado and Montreal, Quebec.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 27, 2025
The Phallus in Nature wasn't my usual read--I picked it out as a digital ARC because of its eye-catching title and humorous reviews. It's fluff, but very funny fluff. It's even laugh-out-loud fluff. If you're looking for mayhem and mishaps, friendships and bizarre happenstance, this is the fluff for you.
June 8, 2025
✨️Thank you, NetGalley , Rhapsodic Press, and Augusta Reilly , for the digital advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review✨️
4.5⭐️
TLDR; Hilarious. Lighthearted, fluffy but still emotional sometimes. Character depth. Reflective. Did I mention HI-LA-RI-OUS? Last but not least, Phallus! 🍄🟫
Are you in search of a light read but still filled with some emotional/serious moments?
Are you in search of a book that will make you laugh out loud?
If you said yes to both questions, you have to read this book.
I flew through this book, I laughed out loud and felt deeply for Piper at some point. Even Matthew got some of my sympathy.
The author is a former stand-up comic, and it shows in the writing. The jokes are well done, and the delivery is always on point. Not only can she deliver jokes and make you laugh, but she can also make you think and reconsider some stuff in life, mostly on how you treat others. It's easy to judge people when you don't know them or even when you know them.
I also wondered if the author herself was treated like that by family members or friends, maybe... the way she describes how Andrew perceives his sister is pretty realistic. I've seen artists be judged and considered "less than" because of what they do for a living. But people don't always take the time to reflect on the fact that artists are important in our everyday lives.
I felt this book gave a clear message while making you laugh out loud on multiple occasions. Highly recommend!
I also bought myself a physical copy just because I like the book that much and will for sure re-read it at some point in my life.
4.5⭐️
TLDR; Hilarious. Lighthearted, fluffy but still emotional sometimes. Character depth. Reflective. Did I mention HI-LA-RI-OUS? Last but not least, Phallus! 🍄🟫
Are you in search of a light read but still filled with some emotional/serious moments?
Are you in search of a book that will make you laugh out loud?
If you said yes to both questions, you have to read this book.
I flew through this book, I laughed out loud and felt deeply for Piper at some point. Even Matthew got some of my sympathy.
The author is a former stand-up comic, and it shows in the writing. The jokes are well done, and the delivery is always on point. Not only can she deliver jokes and make you laugh, but she can also make you think and reconsider some stuff in life, mostly on how you treat others. It's easy to judge people when you don't know them or even when you know them.
I also wondered if the author herself was treated like that by family members or friends, maybe... the way she describes how Andrew perceives his sister is pretty realistic. I've seen artists be judged and considered "less than" because of what they do for a living. But people don't always take the time to reflect on the fact that artists are important in our everyday lives.
I felt this book gave a clear message while making you laugh out loud on multiple occasions. Highly recommend!
I also bought myself a physical copy just because I like the book that much and will for sure re-read it at some point in my life.
June 2, 2025
this was most certainly a page turner that got a lot of chuckles and giggles out of me! there was no POV that i dreaded reading. the author really knows how to balance the clever and witty humor with the more serious moments without sacrificing one for the other.
all the characters were memorable in their own ways and had distinctive personalities. nearly everyone was lovable, and even those that weren’t were still very entertaining. Piper, while initially being off putting due to her childlike personality, ended up being the loml because of her outlook in life.
absolutely loved the friendship between Matthew and Piper— its was really nice seeing them grow together while also supporting each other. these two and the side characters make up a wholesome friend group that makes you wish you were apart of their ridiculous adventures.
would most definitely recommend this book to those who are looking for a good laugh yet a great message about finding contentment in the simplicities of life and the company of friends. it’s entertaining and keeps you wanting for more!
much thanks to NetGalley, Augusta Reilly, and Rhapsodic Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
all the characters were memorable in their own ways and had distinctive personalities. nearly everyone was lovable, and even those that weren’t were still very entertaining. Piper, while initially being off putting due to her childlike personality, ended up being the loml because of her outlook in life.
absolutely loved the friendship between Matthew and Piper— its was really nice seeing them grow together while also supporting each other. these two and the side characters make up a wholesome friend group that makes you wish you were apart of their ridiculous adventures.
would most definitely recommend this book to those who are looking for a good laugh yet a great message about finding contentment in the simplicities of life and the company of friends. it’s entertaining and keeps you wanting for more!
much thanks to NetGalley, Augusta Reilly, and Rhapsodic Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
July 27, 2026
I want to be in their gang
This was one of the most enjoyable, unusual books that I have read in a long time. I think it is fabulous And all you have to do is leave your puritanical values behind and dig right in ..really really enjoyable book That had me laughing out loud. Thank you for writing it.
This was one of the most enjoyable, unusual books that I have read in a long time. I think it is fabulous And all you have to do is leave your puritanical values behind and dig right in ..really really enjoyable book That had me laughing out loud. Thank you for writing it.
April 5, 2025
Phallus in Nature is easily the most hilarious reading experience I have ever embarked on. Seriously, this story is salaciously funny - don’t read with a full bladder!
Matthew’s life has been marked by a series of unfortunate events. The most recent leaving him as the owner of a tiny home duplex in Moab, Utah…. and broke as a joke. Enter Piper Lawless. Piper is mega famous as a result of publishing a book of peens. Well, a book of photos portraying things that LOOK like peens (cactus, clouds, mushrooms… you get the drift). Piper rents out half of Matthew’s duplex for an extended stay while she works on the second volume of her book (turns out, there’s lots of things that resemble peens in Moab, Utah).
What ensues is a side-stitching story about found family, simple living, and the pursuit of happiness. If we could all live like Piper, unashamedly happy and trusting, the world could actually be a better place!
The characters remind me of Trailer Park Boys in the best way! They are quirky, chaotic, flawed and have a proclivity for substances. Tinytown is now on my list of fictional places I want to visit. The story felt a little longer than necessary but I was having such a good time it didn’t overly bother me.
Fans of dark humor will have a great time with Phallus in Nature. Augusta Reilly is a comic mastermind and I found myself highlighting something that made me LOL on every other page. It takes a talented writer to make so many dark and twisted jokes but still allow the reader to feel like they read a sweet and heartfelt story at the end (which it is)!
I would recommend Phallus in Nature to anyone with a dark sense of humor or in need of a fun read. Thank you to NetGalley and Rhapsodic Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Matthew’s life has been marked by a series of unfortunate events. The most recent leaving him as the owner of a tiny home duplex in Moab, Utah…. and broke as a joke. Enter Piper Lawless. Piper is mega famous as a result of publishing a book of peens. Well, a book of photos portraying things that LOOK like peens (cactus, clouds, mushrooms… you get the drift). Piper rents out half of Matthew’s duplex for an extended stay while she works on the second volume of her book (turns out, there’s lots of things that resemble peens in Moab, Utah).
What ensues is a side-stitching story about found family, simple living, and the pursuit of happiness. If we could all live like Piper, unashamedly happy and trusting, the world could actually be a better place!
The characters remind me of Trailer Park Boys in the best way! They are quirky, chaotic, flawed and have a proclivity for substances. Tinytown is now on my list of fictional places I want to visit. The story felt a little longer than necessary but I was having such a good time it didn’t overly bother me.
Fans of dark humor will have a great time with Phallus in Nature. Augusta Reilly is a comic mastermind and I found myself highlighting something that made me LOL on every other page. It takes a talented writer to make so many dark and twisted jokes but still allow the reader to feel like they read a sweet and heartfelt story at the end (which it is)!
I would recommend Phallus in Nature to anyone with a dark sense of humor or in need of a fun read. Thank you to NetGalley and Rhapsodic Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2025
4.5⭐ | 0 🌶️ | ARC
I can confidently say this is the hardest I’ve laughed while reading a book. From the very first page, it's absurdly funny, and the dialogue is so natural and vivid that I almost forgot I was reading—it felt like watching a movie. I was hooked instantly.
Told from multiple POVs, the book follows Matthew, the owner of a tiny house rental, and Piper, who rents it for her ongoing photography project: The Phallus in Nature. It’s a satirical comedy that takes a jab at society’s rigid intellectual hierarchy and obsession with defining success—all wrapped up in a lighthearted, unpredictable story full of twists.
Throughout the book, Piper is treated like a child, as if her choices don’t carry weight. Despite being 25 and financially independent, her family dismisses her, convinced they know what’s best. But in Utah, in an unconventional tiny-home neighborhood, she finally finds a place where she’s seen for who she truly is. I admit, even I misjudged her at first.
This is the only book I’ve read in a long time that isn’t centered on romance but on friendship. It’s also the only book that repeatedly brings up phalluses in a completely non-sexual way—and it’s absolutely hilarious.
The author had done stand-up, and it shows in her writing. Every joke flows effortlessly and lands perfectly. It was an absolute delight to discover such a talented and hilarious author.
I can confidently say this is the hardest I’ve laughed while reading a book. From the very first page, it's absurdly funny, and the dialogue is so natural and vivid that I almost forgot I was reading—it felt like watching a movie. I was hooked instantly.
Told from multiple POVs, the book follows Matthew, the owner of a tiny house rental, and Piper, who rents it for her ongoing photography project: The Phallus in Nature. It’s a satirical comedy that takes a jab at society’s rigid intellectual hierarchy and obsession with defining success—all wrapped up in a lighthearted, unpredictable story full of twists.
Throughout the book, Piper is treated like a child, as if her choices don’t carry weight. Despite being 25 and financially independent, her family dismisses her, convinced they know what’s best. But in Utah, in an unconventional tiny-home neighborhood, she finally finds a place where she’s seen for who she truly is. I admit, even I misjudged her at first.
This is the only book I’ve read in a long time that isn’t centered on romance but on friendship. It’s also the only book that repeatedly brings up phalluses in a completely non-sexual way—and it’s absolutely hilarious.
The author had done stand-up, and it shows in her writing. Every joke flows effortlessly and lands perfectly. It was an absolute delight to discover such a talented and hilarious author.
May 29, 2025
Thank you #netgalley and Rhapsodic Press for a copy of #ThePhallusInNature.
Do you ever come across a book on NetGalley and think, yeah, why not. I read this blurb and it just sounded funny and fluffy, and I decided I needed that in my life.
This is general fiction labeled as humor and satire and I basically laughed through the whole thing. It has a bit of a cozy feel to it. I really enjoyed the author’s writing and pretty much flew through it.
Matthew gets an inheritance and decides to invest in a tiny house duplex in Moab, Utah. He’s only been to Utah once and didn’t fully grasp the scope of the desert heat in the summer. This is a major issue because he relies on the money he receives renting out the other side of the duplex. A duplex with no central a/c. With no rental money he is super broke. Enter Piper, a photographer with a best selling photo collection who has earned millions taking photos of objects that well, are, they look like, they’re phallic. Millions. She decides to rent out the other side of the tiny duplex. Hilarity ensues.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend it especially for a fun break from reality.
Do you ever come across a book on NetGalley and think, yeah, why not. I read this blurb and it just sounded funny and fluffy, and I decided I needed that in my life.
This is general fiction labeled as humor and satire and I basically laughed through the whole thing. It has a bit of a cozy feel to it. I really enjoyed the author’s writing and pretty much flew through it.
Matthew gets an inheritance and decides to invest in a tiny house duplex in Moab, Utah. He’s only been to Utah once and didn’t fully grasp the scope of the desert heat in the summer. This is a major issue because he relies on the money he receives renting out the other side of the duplex. A duplex with no central a/c. With no rental money he is super broke. Enter Piper, a photographer with a best selling photo collection who has earned millions taking photos of objects that well, are, they look like, they’re phallic. Millions. She decides to rent out the other side of the tiny duplex. Hilarity ensues.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend it especially for a fun break from reality.
June 1, 2025
This is an author who I’ve enjoyed immensely, so I bought this book as soon as I found out she had written a new book. I loved this wacky story. Things that are absurd make me laugh the hardest and this book delivered them in abundance.
The crazy characters, random events and misunderstandings had me laughing as I blazed through reading this one. I really didn’t want to put it down.
The crazy characters, random events and misunderstandings had me laughing as I blazed through reading this one. I really didn’t want to put it down.
March 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Rhapsodic Press, and Augusta Reilly for the eARC of The Phallus in Nature.
The. book is a fun ride that'll leave your sides aching and your pets questioning your sanity you'll be laughing out loud so forcefully and so often. If you have even a hint of a funny bone that needs tickling and love the absurd, give this a read.
The. book is a fun ride that'll leave your sides aching and your pets questioning your sanity you'll be laughing out loud so forcefully and so often. If you have even a hint of a funny bone that needs tickling and love the absurd, give this a read.
May 25, 2025
A charmingly funny story about life, family and friendship with a hearty sprinkle of phallus talk to make things even more interesting. I loved this book. thank you to @netgally for the ARC
August 3, 2025
This was a fun and hilarious change of pace compared to the books I normally read.
Matthew Gorman is down on his luck. After taking terrible advice from his father on his deathbed, Matthew makes a bad investment in a tiny home in the middle of the Utah desert.
Luckily for him, Piper Lawless (a famous photographer and author of the award winning photo collection and book called The Phallus in Nature) books the vacancy he posted online for the summer.
However, what Matthew didn't anticipate was the chaos that would ensue with the arrival of his new tenant. But despite appearances, Matthew and Piper find that they might have a lot more in common than they think.
The Phallus in Nature was such a hilarious experience. Somehow, in about 250 pages, Augusta Reilly was able to take me on the journey of my life. The writing was incredible. I honestly felt like I was smack-dab in the middle of Moab, UT myself.
The characters, however, are definitely what stood out the most. Each one had their own distinctive quirks and personalities. It was so refreshing.
Sometimes, in fantasies, the characters can often bleed into each other. So it was great to see something very different when it came to characterization. They felt like REAL people I could actually meet and have met throughout my life.
This one is perfect for readers who love a good laugh and heartwarming stories. 4⭐️ Thank you to Augusta Reilly, Rhapsodic Press, and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Matthew Gorman is down on his luck. After taking terrible advice from his father on his deathbed, Matthew makes a bad investment in a tiny home in the middle of the Utah desert.
Luckily for him, Piper Lawless (a famous photographer and author of the award winning photo collection and book called The Phallus in Nature) books the vacancy he posted online for the summer.
However, what Matthew didn't anticipate was the chaos that would ensue with the arrival of his new tenant. But despite appearances, Matthew and Piper find that they might have a lot more in common than they think.
The Phallus in Nature was such a hilarious experience. Somehow, in about 250 pages, Augusta Reilly was able to take me on the journey of my life. The writing was incredible. I honestly felt like I was smack-dab in the middle of Moab, UT myself.
The characters, however, are definitely what stood out the most. Each one had their own distinctive quirks and personalities. It was so refreshing.
Sometimes, in fantasies, the characters can often bleed into each other. So it was great to see something very different when it came to characterization. They felt like REAL people I could actually meet and have met throughout my life.
This one is perfect for readers who love a good laugh and heartwarming stories. 4⭐️ Thank you to Augusta Reilly, Rhapsodic Press, and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 16, 2025
This had me laughing out loud, marveling at the incisive skewering of different cultural groups, and really invested in the outcome for the characters. Who dreamed Moab Utah in summer could muster such excitement? I'd compare this to The Wedding People in terms of so many disparate characters, all at crucial turning points in their lives, being thrust together and learning from each other in uproariously funny and heartwarming ways.
November 3, 2025
Are you in a bad mood?Things are not getting right? So this is te book to read, funny and silly,but an excellent book for a difficult day, and I know what I'm taking about. Forget about the plot, the characters or the ending, just keep on reading.
December 30, 2025
Surprisingly good. I bought this on a whim and am not disappointed. If you like the absurdities of Christopher Moore, you should give this one a try. A fun and light-hearted read - a great final book of the year for me.
April 30, 2026
Hysterical, laugh out loud funny.
Agree with all the reviews. Hysterically, laugh out load funny. Matthew, Piper, Randy and Bruno all very different comedic characters who just blend together so well.
Explain the storyline? I don’t think anybody could.
Agree with all the reviews. Hysterically, laugh out load funny. Matthew, Piper, Randy and Bruno all very different comedic characters who just blend together so well.
Explain the storyline? I don’t think anybody could.
June 30, 2026
This one is a keeper!
There are three authors that never fail to make me laugh out loud, David Sedaris, Carl Hiaasen and the late Tim Dorsey. Now there are four. Ms. Reilly knows her stuff. I can't wait to read more of her smartass, sarcastic brilliance.
There are three authors that never fail to make me laugh out loud, David Sedaris, Carl Hiaasen and the late Tim Dorsey. Now there are four. Ms. Reilly knows her stuff. I can't wait to read more of her smartass, sarcastic brilliance.
August 3, 2025
One of the funniest and one of the most enjoyable books I’ve ever read. Take a chance on it. You won’t regret it.
September 1, 2025
I loved this story! It was hilarious!! Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Read
November 10, 2025DNF
April 28, 2026
Hilarious! Fun short read for travel days or beach days.
May 27, 2026
This book was both absurd and hysterical.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews