Better than the Real Thing: Notting Hill meets Bridget Jones Baby in this whip-smart, funny, emotionally charged contemporary fiction about messy p

by Brooke Crawford

Notting Hill meets Bridget Jones Baby in this whip-smart, funny, emotionally charged contemporary fiction about messy pasts, second chances and future families from a sparkling new voice.


Melbourne teacher Netta Phillips is staring down the barrel of her fortieth birthday with months' worth of negative pregnancy tests behind her, her relationship in the bin and a mortgage she can't afford. Things really aren't going to plan.

When she unexpectedly finds the childhood diary of notoriously private celebrity musician Morrison 'Mo' Maplestone, things get even messier. Mo's desperate to keep the diary's dark contents hidden from the tabloids and well away from his beloved younger brother, and he's willing to pay Netta handsomely to personally return it to him in London. The financial reward he offers would mean Netta could keep her apartment and try assisted conception treatments; after all, the clock's ticking. Loudly. But she can't go. After what happened there twenty years ago, she vowed never to return to the UK.

Not for anything.

When necessity bites, Netta reluctantly accepts Mo's offer and life quickly becomes even more complicated. There's paparazzi to contend with, a fake date that feels all too real and a Christmas Day confession that changes everything.

Amongst the chaos, Netta and Mo forge a rare connection, and discover that facing up to the past might be the only way to find the real thing. Or maybe something even better.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2025

About the author

Brooke Crawford is an emerging author of feel-good contemporary fiction, whose work has been recognised in writing competitions in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Brooke won the Romance Writers of Australia's Opal Award in 2024, has post-graduate qualifications in professional writing from Deakin University, and studied novel writing under the guidance of Australian author Josephine Moon. Having previously worked in public relations, creative account management, advertising and education, she now runs a successful copywriting business from her home in Melbourne, where she lives with her partner and their three children. Better than the Real Thing is her first novel.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melbourne, Australia. Netta Phillips is a teacher, her fortieth birthday is approaching quickly, she desperately wants to have a baby and her current relationship is flat, and nothing seems to be going right.

London, England. Morrison 'Mo' Maplestone record company is putting pressure on him to write a new album, he can't stick his head out of a door without the paparazzi taking taking a photo, his life is splashed all over the tabloids and the last thing he needs is anymore bad publicity.

Netta finds his secret childhood diary under some floorboards, she’s reaches out to his manager, and Mo wants it back and offers to pay her to deliver it safely to London. This would solve Netta’s financial woes, with her biological clock’s alarm going off, she could afford assisted IVF and hopefully fulfill her dream of being a mother.

Netta’s bestie Freya convinces her to go and she arrives in the UK just before Christmas, she’s forgotten how much she loves the atmosphere, lights, markets and strolling the streets. Mo turns out to be very different to what she was expecting, he has to perform at Christmas Gala and he needs a date, a respectable plus one and Netta fits the brief.

I received a copy of Better than the Real Thing by Brooke Crawford from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review.

Who doesn’t like a story about a bad boy tattooed rock star, who loves his younger brother and helping disadvantage kids and he meets a lovely teacher who’s had a bad experience in the UK decades ago and kissed her fair share of toads, and gets to be Cinderella for a magical night.

Ms Crawford won the Romance Writers of Australia’s Opal Award in 2024, and I can understand why, I adored this book, it ticked all my boxes, full of great characters, I wanted to be friends with Netta, Freya, Rhona and Audrey, sing Christmas carols, ride in a limo and walk the red carpet. In my mind I'm thinking Mo's an Aussie version of Robbie Williams and he can entertain me anytime!!

Hilarious and witty, emotional and moving, have box of tissues ready and you will need them, I highly recommend and five stars from me.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netta Phillips had just broken up with Pete, her partner of two years, after discovering he'd been unfaithful. She'd been trying to get pregnant for months - her fortieth birthday was looming, and now she had to return to her apartment, unsure on how she would pay the mortgage. Her school teacher's wages would barely stretch to cover everything. Before she'd left Pete's, she'd discovered an old diary which had been hidden under the floorboards. She was gobsmacked at who it belonged to, but she emailed someone who she hoped could help.

Morrison 'Mo' Maplestone was a celebrity musician, extremely well known and highly popular, who'd lived in Australia then moved to England with his younger brother. When Mo wanted Netta to return the diary in person, she said she'd post it. But before she knew it, she was on her way to London, a place she had never wanted to return to. When Netta met Mo they found an instant connection. But she wasn't going there; no way in the world. She would stay the few days over Christmas and return home, preparing for her return to the school after the summer holidays. But the best made plans...

Better than the Real Thing is the debut novel by Aussie author Brooke Crawford and it's outstanding! And a debut! Wow! Wonderful characters, a fabulous plot line, friendship - Freya and Netta's especially - and kind, caring people on both sides of the continent. I loved every minute of reading this book, and will definitely keep my eyes open for her next title. Congrats Ms Crawford, on an excellent debut! Highly recommended.

With thanks to HQ Fiction for my uncorrected proof ARC to read and review.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5 Stars⭐️
⚠️Warning - Don’t let this one sit on your shelf unread!

An unforgettable, compulsively readable and engaging read, I loved it so much! Better than the Real Thing by Brooke Crawford is perfectly witty and adorable, beautifully written and a brilliant debut. I fell in love with Netta and Mo the main characters and also the supporting characters Freya and Rhona.

I was sensing ‘Love Actually’ vibes throughout (one of my favourite movies) although it’s nothing alike but it does has the Christmassy feels, a charismatic musician, heartbreak and romance.

Netta is almost forty, she’s a Melbourne school teacher and has just gone through a relationship split and is worried she’s never going to get pregnant after trying for months. Her eggs are dwindling away and she’s running out of time to become a mother, she also has a mortgage she can’t afford.

Just before her break up she discovers a secret diary under the floorboards in the house she’s living in and organises to return it to the notorious owner who llves in London and who’s willing to pay her to travel overseas to personally return it to him.

Mo is an inked, bad boy rock star, trying to resurrect his career and he’s always chased by the trash rags paparazzi.

When Mo and Netta connect up things get heated……

Congratulations to Brooke Crawford, what an impressive first book, definitely an author to watch out for! A must read for everyone and why not add to your Xmas reading it will put a smile on your dial.

Publication Date 25 November 2025
Publisher HQ Fiction

Thank you so much to Harlequin Australia for a a copy of this beautiful book.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immediately liked the main character Netta as she struggles with infertility and always thinking she’s not enough for the men she dated.

Better Than the Real Thing is filled with so many wonderful ‘real’ characters. People that supported each other and welcomed strangers as if they were old friends. I loved them all which made reading Netta and Mo’s story so rewarding.

Brooke Crawford includes moments of light-hearted banter, emotional confessions, true friendships and a touch of spice to deliver a story that is emotional and heart wrenching, witty and heartwarming.

If you love romance stories with all the ups and downs, and will they won’t they, that will keep you eagerly turning the pages Better Than the Real Thing should be on your must buy list.

Better Than the Real Thing delivers all the feels.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Harlequin and Brooke for gifting us a copy to read and review.
Brooke Crawford….. remember that name!
Because her debut book, Better Than The Real Thing is not only the real thing but the next big thing.
This novel is fresh, authentic, funny, mesmerising, delightful and totally obsessive.
Teacher Netta Phillips is about to turn forty.
With a mortgage she can’t pay, her relationship a catastrophe and an unsuccessful attempt at getting pregnant, things are going downhill for her.
When an old childhood diary of a celebrity is found under the floorboards, things begin to change for Netta.
After contacting Mo Maplestone, world famous singer through his manager, a suggestion of coming to the UK to deliver the diary in person is explored.
Netta is hesitant as she once lived there until a devastating incident took place when she was younger.
Mo is hoping the secret the diary contents stays hidden, he offers her money to personally deliver.
So off she goes and when they meet sparks ignite.
Netta is hoping not to be recognised and between the hustle and bustle of London Town and her feelings, can they overcome their past fears and discover the real thing……
I plowed through this book with gusto and pure pleasure.
Brooke has captured something special and new, its original, modern and unique.
I loved everything about this story, the delectable characters, the inviting plot, the real life scenarios and the setting between Melbourne (landmarks I recognised) and London.
This is released on 25th November so mark the calendar cause you don’t want to miss this spectacular new voice in contemporary fiction.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Damn, that was some kind of debut! I started it 3 days ago and smashed through it every second my demanding work schedule would allow.

This book is like a well stoked fire on a chilly London night, warming your heart and soul. Better Than the Real Thing tells the story of two people looking for happiness in all the wrong places and through a moment of chance find their lives unexpectedly intertwined.

What makes Brooke’s debut so strong;
Mo - tall, dark, brooding and covered in more body art than is considered medically safe for ovaries world wide.
Netta - the quintessential primary school teacher with a heart of gold and a relationship success rate equivalent to the Titanic’s maiden voyage.
Phenomenal side characters - Written to have true substance and give additional resonance to the story. My favourites were Audrey and Fletcher, Rhonda and her clan and of course Freya, Netta’s true soulmate.
Glorious settings - This story is a love letter to the streets of St Kilda and London alike. We want lounge on the sun-drenched couch in Netta’s apartment or see suit fittings in Mayfair. Crawford writes her settings like they are characters in their own right, vibrant and brimming with life.

This book made me laugh, it made me cry and sometimes it made me mad (in the best kind of way).

I personally can’t wait to read what Brooke writes next!

Thank you HQ Fiction and Brooke Crawford for allowing me the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the Real Thing is a lovely book to read. You begin with Netta who is a primary school teacher who lives with Pete who has children from a previous relationship. Netta is desperate to have a baby of her own as at the age of 40 her biological clock is ticking quickly. Pete doesn't seem so keen. One day when cleaning out the wardrobe she comes across a diary hidden under a floorboard and finds that it's a childhood diary written by a now famous rock star who is now an adult. It very clearly says do not read, which she doesn't. She has two choices either throw it out or contact said famous singer and see whether they want it back.
Then we have Mo (Morrison) who is struggling to keep up the pace of producing Grammy winning records as well as supporting a charity he started with his brother. He is also struggling with secrets of his childhood. When he hears about the diary he is desperate to get it back and offers Netta a lot of money to deliver it in person. She needs the money to pay her mortgage and give her a chance to have that long awaited baby.
I can't believe this was a debut novel by Australian author Brooke Crawford, the writing was excellent and I read this one in a couple of days. Great storyline, characters and pace. Perfect book to take away on holidays - real feel good fiction.
Thanks go to HQ Insiders for the copy of this book for review purposes. 5 well deserved stars!

[Naomi (aplace_inthesun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Australian primary school teacher Netta finds a diary nestled under the floorboards of her ex-partner’s house, she’s surprised it belongs to a world famous Australian rock star Morrison (Mo). Mo was 11 at the time the diary was written. When Mo requests Netta return the diary in person to him in London she baulks initially but a chain of events prompt her to throw caution to the wind and hop on a plane to Heathrow.

What follows is a busy, eye opening couple of weeks for Netta, with brushes with paparazzi, and all the glitz and glamour associated with close proximity to rock royalty.

This was a bit of a Cinderella story, though Netta is more an independent thinking woman. She’s grounded and future focused about what she wants, despite having been unlucky in love in the past. There’s a throw back to Netta’s distant past which provided a strange link to her here and now and discussion of Mo’s childhood from the time when he wrote the diary which pulls at the heartstrings.

Despite the glitz and glamour, BETTER THAN THE REAL THING is a book featuring mature adult characters with worldly experiences, acknowledgement of time and place, healing, loss, grief, and giving one another space. There’s a strong theme of friendship and loyalty, when times get tough or a bit crazy. It’s fun and quite bittersweet, despite the rock star bent.

Thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy as part of their influencer program.

4.5 ⭐️

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t my usual preferred genre, but I quite enjoyed it and read it very quickly.
The characters were interesting and the storyline easy to follow.

Netta has had a bad break up and going to England to return a diary to a celebrity isn’t the thing she wants to be doing right now! But the celebrity has offered to pay her for her time. What follows isn’t quite a cliche romance movie story…or is it?

Thanks to HQ for this advance reading copy (which was actually missing pages 5-8! )

[Emma Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the real Thing by first time published author Brooke Crawford is bound to be a crowd pleaser, coming out in December it's the perfect summer read!
Netta Philips - Melbourne Australia, a teacher, another failed relationship, nearly 40 and still without the family she longs for.
When she finds the childhood diary of celebrity Mo Maplestone her life turns on its head, Mo now living in London is desperate for the diary to be returned, personally by Netta to avoid ut gettung in the wrong hands.
After much deliberation Netta takes up Mo's offer.
Sparks fly from the moment they meet, the paparazzi, a fake date and a secluded Christmas Day getaway push them closer together.
A really enjoyable book with likable characters, I especially loved Rhona!
The storyline was interesting and didn't shy away from some tough topics.
The ending was a bit different to how I thought it was going to end as well!
I look forward to reading more books from Brooke.
Thank you Harlequin for the copy to read and review.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke Crawford’s debut novel Better Than the Real Thing was an absolute gem that I could not put down. It was a feel-good, yet emotional read and I found it incredibly honest and relatable.

Netta Phillips is nearing her fortieth birthday and desperate to be a mother. With a slew of negative pregnancy tests, her relationship over and a mortgage she can’t afford, her plans are out the window. With the surprising discovery of a notorious musician’s childhood diary under her floorboards, things get even messier. Morrison ‘Mo’ Maplestone will do just about anything to keep the diary’s contents out of the tabloids and offers to pay Netta to personally return it to him in London. The money would mean she could keep her apartment and try assisted conception treatments, but she cannot bring herself to return to the UK after what happened there twenty years ago.

I absolutely adored both Netta and Mo. They faced real world problems with maturity and made believable choices along the way. The story was full of depth and there were some incredibly heartbreaking scenes. However, the sadness and grief were balanced out by the wonderfully warm relationships between Netta and her bestie Freya, the motherly Rhona and the wise and witty Audrey.

I also loved the London setting which brought back fantastic memories of my own years in the city. The story highlighted the shallowness of show business and the way the media reports on celebrities too.

The obvious chemistry between Mo and Netta was wonderful to read. It was both romantic and honest and so refreshing to read about characters of a similar age to me navigating life challenges in a relationship.

Better Than the Real Thing was absolutely the real thing. It was complex and emotional and an absolute joy to read. I really did not want to say goodbye to these characters and could gladly have continued reading about their story well past the last page.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Harlequin Australia for my early review copy of Brooke Crawford’s debut novel Better than the Real Thing. I really enjoyed this and would recommend it for those who enjoy contemporary fiction and romance.

Netta finds a diary under the floorboards of her house which turns out to belong to a famous Aussie rock star who now lives in London. He’s keen to reclaim his childhood diary and keep his secrets out of the hands of the press so offers to fly Netta to London to hand deliver it. When things start going wrong for Netta she takes Mo Morrison up on his offer as a means of earning some money and getting away. The two soon develop chemistry and open up to each other about their darkest secrets. This doesn’t work out so well for either of them and they must separate if they have a chance to work through their past trauma and achieve their dreams.

Fans of Emily Henry will love this. I’m looking forward to seeing what is next for Brooke Crawford. A fabulous debut!

[Juanita Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an outstanding debut novel by Brooke Crawford. Better Than The Real Thing is pure escapism and the perfect summer read, although it would be just as enjoyable cuddled up on the couch in winter! I had the absolute pleasure of reading an ARC of this book thanks to Harlequinaus and I highly recommend it.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received thanks to Harlequin and Brooke. Better Than The Real Thing is Brooke's wonderful debut novel and was the book I didn't know I needed to read in 2025. Hooked from the beginning, it had all the things! Drama, romance, love, loss, friendship, while being relative, validating, and somewhat triggering. Brooke navigates the plot perfectly, with solid characters and storyline. This is THE perfect summer/holiday read. I am definitely keeping my eye out for more Brooke Crawford.

[Celina Marscham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankyou to HQ Insiders Harlequin Australia for an advanced copy of this book.
Better Than The Real Thing by Brooke Crawford is a romantic contemporary read full of late life romance,IVF,fertility,grief,financial insecurity and taking control of life.
Netta an aussie teacher finds a hidden diary from a now famous celebrity in her house and goes to great lengths to return it.After a failed romance Netta jets off to London to return the diary only to relive a tramatic past from 20 years ago along the way she finds great friends and learns alot about herself.
A great read full of emotions and I loved hearing about London and Melbourne and felt like I was there,the scenes are bang on and makes me want to go back.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book ..... it turned up Friday and come Saturday, it was finished! I just couldn't put it down. Netta and Mo are two characters genuinely broken by their pasts, brought together in a turn of events that makes you believe that love conquers all. There is joy, and sadness, and even a few tears (that was me .... the tears were mine 😂) and beautiful examples of friendship at all costs. My favourite character is Rhona, who is awesomely weird and wacky but who proves her loyalty over and over again.

[Shelley Amar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flew through Better Than The Real Thing by Brooke Crawford. She first popped up on my radar through one of my son’s teachers, who mentioned she used to work at our school and knew I was a big reader. I preordered it, then realised I could also request it on NetGalley, so I did, and got approved.
The book itself was exactly the kind of read I wanted for the weekend: romantic without the cheesiness, light but not shallow, and written with substance to keep me properly invested. As someone who lives in St Kilda, I got a kick out of recognising the streets and parks in the story, there’s something so satisfying about reading a book set in places you know.
It’s a romance with solid friendships, a capable and mature female lead, and writing keeps you turning the page well past your bedtime. I genuinely had a great time with it.
Thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin Australia for the chance to read and review this early!

[Amanda Cruickshanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an uncorrected proof copy of this book to read from the Publishers and honestly, this is such a good read that it is destined to be a best seller.

From the first page to the last, the storyline totally captures your attention in that you don't want to stop reading. I find when I read books that I become part of the book as I can visualise what the characters all look like and can imagine the scenes of places they go to, which start in the state of Melbourne.

The character of Netta Phillips starts off first and it's not hard to absolutely love her. She is in a relationship with Pete, and her one desire is to have a baby as she is nearing her 40th birthday. She had me giggling of her descriptions of things that were happening.

The cover is totally different, but I love it because once you read the book, you can sense why the cover is what it is. It's striking.

As in relationships, there are things that happen beyond our control and in this storyline, Netta finds a diary that says please do not read. She tracks down the owner of the diary who is Morrison Mapleton or Mo for short, and he is a celebrity musical in London. The diary holds secrets of his past that he wouldn't want anyone to find out, especially is younger brother who is protects.

With the offer of all expenses paid to travel to London and also payment for the return of the diary came at the right time for Netta to accept.

Along the course of reading, we will fall in love with Netta's best friend Freya and her family, an elderly lady called Audrey who lives in London and so many others.

The storyline is captivating as it has friendships, secrets, heartaches, second chances and romance and of course a few twists and turns along the way.

I found the storyline also compelling and emotional at times. There is a part whereby a miscarriage is mentioned, and it brought me to tears as my first pregnancy ended that way and the emotions I felt back then were there in reading.

Both Netta and Mo have past secrets from each other, and they need to get past them as a romance is certainly brewing for them both. Absolutely loved the banter that Netta and Mo had between them, had me giggling a few times there.

This is Brooke's debut book, and I would say if you enjoy an engaging storyline, you won't be disappointed in this book. This storyline is absolutely fantabulous. One that I will treasure for a long time.

[Malvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a terrific book this is to read, especially if you're in the mood for a broody rock star hero (Mo), and a schoolteacher heroine (Netta) with her biological clock ticking.

Netta discovers a secret diary under a loose floorboard in her house; the childhood diary of rock star Mo Morrison, now living in London. Netta has integrity and doesn't want to violate the privacy of the young Mo. She knows what it's like to have her privacy violated, and hates it. So she doesn't read the diary but gets in touch with Mo's agent to ask if Mo would like it returned.

Mo would, thankyou, but the thought makes him feel sick and panicked. The diary has an entry that kicked off the worst time of his childhood. It's left him with a guilt he can't get past, a worthless feeling that dogs him relentlessly despite all his fame and fortune.

Mo and his agent Rhona fly a very nervous Netta to London. Not only is she starstruck at the thought of meeting Mo, she's also extremely anxious about an old scandal she fled from twenty years ago. If any of the London paparazzi get wind of it she doesn't think she'll survive emotionally - and being seen with Mo could possibly open that can of worms again.

The fact she's just broken up with her loser boyfriend is also a bit complicated. She truly wants a baby, and the money Mo's offered her to return the diary means she's going to be able to hold onto her little Melbourne flat and maybe pay for something like IVF before it's too late. So, juggling fear of exposure with all of the above is a tricky thing.

Watching Mo and Netta meet was fabulous. They each have huge emotional baggage. But suddenly, against all odds, they fall for each other. The outfall is complicated and very messy, but watching them work through all their stuff is great (even if it does take some time). (And there might be music involved.)

This is a funny, emotional, impressive rom-com(ish) debut from Brooke Crawford, which has a warmth and genuine-ness to it that makes you cheer for this mismatched duo - who maybe aren't so mis-matched after all. Plus everyone needs a best friend like Freya and an agent like Rhona: girls, you are the best. The settings in Melbourne and London are also gorgeous, especially London at Christmas. Everything to enjoy.

Thanks so much to HQ Fiction for the review copy, I loved this book.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a nutshell - A school teacher and a rockstar world's collide when brought together by a childhood diary found hidden beneath closet floorboards in a suburban Melbourne home.
School teacher, Netta, is on the cusp of turning 40 and her baby clock is ticking - loudly. Months of trying with disappointing result are breaking her heart.
By chance she discovers a diary beneath the floorboards in the closet of the room destined to be the nursery of her 'one day' baby. She opens it, only to discover the name insde is of world reknowned muscian/rockstar Morrison 'Mo' Maplestone, who now resides in London. Sharing this discovery with her best friend Freya, they come to the conclusion that it should be returned to him. She sends an email stating what she has found and that she wants to mail it back to Mo.
Meanwhile - her so-called 'rock' of a partner, Pete, turns out to be a pebble, after having his textfest with a female co-worker discovered, as well as learning that he, in fact, does not want to have a baby. Needless to say the relationship ends up in the toilet.
Netta decides that to make her motherhood dream a reality, she will go it alone. But how she is going to do so financially is another thing.
The answer lies with Mo's diary, he wants her to personally return the diary to him in London. He will pay all the expenses, as well as paying her for its return.
But Netta does not want to fly to London, a scandal twenty years earlier saw her depart London in haste, amidst flashing bulbs of paparazzi cameras. The shame and embarrassment, have her panicking. Will she be noticed after all this time? The baby clock ticks a little louder, and she knows what she has to do.
She boards the plane and jets off to London ...

This kind of book just makes you want to escape from the real world and read all day. I was engaged all the way through, and I enjoyed how the story moved between Netta and Mo. It gave more insight into their thoughts and feelings, as well as getting to know their inner circle people. The description of Christmas in London sounds just magical, and festive! Lots of feelings felt throughout this book. A few laugh outloud moments, warm fuzzies and some tears as well. Wonderfully written!

I truly look forward to reading more from Brooke Crawford :)

Thank you to HQ Insiders for this ARC in return for my honest review.

[Mara (readwithmaramiloandmaple) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb and the title immediately won me over (U2 fan here 👋). Then came the tattooed rock star, who has houseplants and is a former barista. Mo has all kinds of dream guy qualities. I got definite Michael Hutchence–Robbie Williams hybrid vibes, that mix of charisma, vulnerability, and cheeky charm just jumped off the page.

I adored that both main characters are in their late 30s/early 40s. It’s refreshing to see mature protagonists with life experience and emotional baggage, rather than the usual twenty-something leads. As a Gen X reader, I found so many little Easter eggs to connect with.

Both Netta and Mo carry trauma and avoid facing it — until they don’t. Their chemistry is tender and believable, and the emotional payoff feels earned.

I also loved:

sassy, wise banter from BFF Freya
delightful cameo of octogenarian, Audrey
stuck zipper scene (always a winner)
delicious slow burn
escaping into the glamour of Mo’s world

Themes & Tone

A story of complex trauma, infertility, grief, and the hope that love and healing can still find you in your forties. Despite the heavier themes, it sparkles with humour, warmth and Christmas spirit

Favourite lines

“His unholy sex appeal, because who doesn’t love a mysterious, tattooed singer who’s also a devoted big brother and writes lyrics that simultaneously tear your heart out and rip your knickers off?”

“…was potent, and a guaranteed entrée to a stonking great main course of regret.”

“Relationships are never right until you get the one that is. Otherwise, we’d all be with the spotty little hornbags we pashed in high school.”

In summary

Better Than the Real Thing is an evocative, witty and heartfelt debut perfect for readers who love their romcom with a bit more emotional depth, relatable protagonists and a dash of festive charm.

Would make a perfect beach read or stocking filler (Secret Santa alert!).

Also, fun fact: the author received writing advice from Amanda Ashby (The Widow’s Guide to Murder), which totally tracks cos I loved that book too.

Thank you to HQ Fiction and Brooke Crawford for the opportunity to read this early. 4.5 stars

This is due out Nov 25, go ahead and pop it on your wish list!

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the real thing introduces us to Netta, a school teacher who is desperate to have a baby as her fortieth birthday approaches. Her partner Pete isn’t as focused or interested in the idea of a new baby, already having two children from a previous marriage. Just as their relationship is breaking apart Netta finds an old diary under the floorboards belonging to rockstar Morrison Maplestone. Netta’s integrity is shown as she doesn’t read any of the diary past the page with the name of the owner and contacts his manager with an offer to post it to him in London.
Mo is a broody, tattooed rockstar under pressure from his record label and hounded by the press due to his perceived bad boy ways. Establishing a charity and supporting his younger brother , Mo wants the secrets of his preteen diary to stay hidden, so he offers Netta a large amount of money to fly to London and deliver the diary to him. At first Netta is apprehensive to return to London after what happened in her past, twenty years ago, but she quickly realises the money will help with her mortgage and her dreams of becoming a mother and is on a plane to meet Mo and deliver the diary.
I love how real the characters felt in this novel, even the supporting characters had depth and charm, especially Mo’s manager Rhona who is more his best friend than manager. This story comes packed with fun banter, emotional confessions and true meaningful friendships, while managing to avoid the typical cliche romance plot devices. I was glad that as I read this book and thought I knew what will happen with the characters in that moment -a predictable cliche moment from any rom-com, the author turned away from that choice, making the characters more relatable and the storyline more enjoyable. This book is well written with good pacing and strong characters, I was surprised to learn it is her debut novel, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this author.
I received an uncorrected proof copy of this book from HQ Australia in exchange for my honest review.

[Mary Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netta Phillips, a school teacher who lives in Melbourne is fast approaching her fourth birthday and she desperately wants one thing before turning forty. She wants to be a mother but in her current relationship with pete the parenthood situation seems to be in a standstill as pete turns out to be unfaithful.

Morrison Maplestone, a world famous singer is trying to make a comeback after having issues with his career and wants to expand something his really keen on supporting. As something from the past is brought up, Morrison wants to make sure it stays hidden and not shown in the light of day.


When Netta finds a child's diary hidden underneath the floorboards of pete's home, she finds out that it belongs to Morrison Maplestone as she contacts his agent her world soon turns upside down as Morrison wants it back but lives in London a place that Netta doesn't want to return to as something horrible happened there when she was younger but with a bit of encouragement from her friend Freya and a deal breaker she might just do it..


The topics in this book that brooke brings up are deep, raw and emotional things that people go through in everyday life. I loved how it was discussed in a light way that makes your heart strings pull and feel sympathy for the characters in the book.

I truly loved this as the characters had great chemistry/banter, supporting friends/family in their time of need and the storyline in this had me wanting more as it truly made me feel the Christmas magic of a romcom book.


Thank you so much Harlee Quinn Aus and Brooke Crawford for a gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.


If you truly want a good Christmas romance book for Christmas then definitely grab this book when it comes out on the 25th of November.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Than The Real Thing
Brooke Crawford

‘Oh, come on, Mo, she said. 'You're a world-famous, rich-as-God celebrity who looks like—' she waved her hands at his face, - ‘that. And I'm just me.'

This is a debut contemporary fiction book about messy pasts, second chances, fame, connection and future families. And has the most stunning cover going!

'Hold fast to your dreams, Netta. Nobody else will.'

Melbourne teacher Netta Phillips is obsessed with getting pregnant and the clock is ticking. She’s got another failed relationship and a mortgage she can’t afford. Things aren’t going to plan; then she unexpectedly finds the childhood diary of a notoriously private celebrity musician Morrison ‘Mo’ Maplestone. Things are about to get even more messy as Mo pays Netta handsomely to fly the diary directly to him in London UK. Netta has bad blood with London and a scandal that rocked her world twenty years ago. But going is the only way to pay the mortgage…

“We've both got our shit, remember. Everyone does. We've lived lives by our age. lt’s impossible not to have a bit of luggage, right?'

There’s paparazzi to contend with, a fake date that feels too real and a Christmas Day confession that changes everything. Amongst the chaos, Mo and Netta discover that facing up to the past might be the only way to find the real thing, or maybe something even better.

'It's not ludicrous.' Freya's voice was gentle. 'Falling in love isnt meant to be a rational decision. It's not meant to be a decision at all. You can decide whether you follow the feeling, but you cant control when it turns up?’

This was extremely easy to get into and pacing was great, you could definitely speed thur this one. The characters were well defined and you were delivered a heartwarming story.
If you are a stickler for the ‘show don’t tell’ technique, this could test you. They was plenty of repetition and all the ‘telling’ but I could overlook this.

‘It was the combination of flavours. Like how chocolate and beer are fine separately but not together, whereas you pair that chocolate with a nice glass of red wine and-BOOM!
Match made in heaven. And then you find out the beer has hooked up with a packet of chips and the world makes sense? She stopped for breath. 'You, are a fine wine, my love. You just have to find your chocolate.’

[Tara Nikelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better Than the Real Thing is the story of Netta Phillips who is a teacher, approaching forty, in a relationship and trying for a baby. She lives in Melbourne and likes her life well enough especially her best friend Freya. Then she finds the childhood diary of Morrison (Mo) Maplestone who is a good guy who doesn't always do what's best for his career, and her life gets even more complicated. He really needs the diary safely back with him and convinces Netta to hand deliver it to the UK. He wants to make sure his little brother Mav and the paparazzi don't see the diary - he did something he's not proud of and it's in there. Netta is reluctant to go after a big drama of her own in the UK twenty years ago. In the end she is convinced by the financial reward and her strong want for a baby which might have to be by assisted means.
Then basically chaos ensues - Mo invites Netta to a big event as his respectable plus one and everything changes. Can they find happiness themselves and with each other? It's a very real story in an unreal situation. I love the side characters such as Mo's manager Rhona and Audrey who is twice as old as Netta but they become good friends. Then there's Freya who we'd all want as a best friend.
This is an incredible first novel by Brooke Crawford and I can't wait for more. I wanted everything to work out for Netta and Mo even though their paths are so different. It has many lights moments and some quite dark themes but it all seems fairly true to life. Thank you HQ for my copy to review - you've found me a new author.

[GrowingInTheValley (Rhiannon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Than the Real Thing is one of those stories that sneaks up on you — light on its feet, funny in all the right moments, but still rooted in something tender and real. What pulled me in right away was how human this book felt. Netta’s voice has this mix of humour, raw honesty, and weary hope that made me want to follow her through every wrong turn and almost-moment. She feels like someone you could sit with over coffee and actually talk to.

The romance has an easy charm to it — warm, a little chaotic, and threaded with the kind of emotional truth that comes from two people who’ve both lived a little. The supporting cast adds texture without stealing the focus, and the story’s balance between laugh-out-loud banter and real vulnerability gives it a sweetness that feels earned rather than forced.

My only real frustration is that there are moments in this book that beg for more room — scenes with the potential to be deeply dramatic or emotionally rich that get skipped over or summarized too quickly. I found myself wanting the story to breathe a little more, to sit in certain feelings rather than glance past them. Those beats could have elevated the emotional arc into something unforgettable.

But even with that, I genuinely enjoyed my time with this book. It’s heartfelt, engaging, and grounded in the kind of flawed, hopeful humanity that makes contemporary romance feel comforting and true. A solid four-star read — cozy, clever, and very easy to recommend to anyone who loves a romance with warmth, humour, and an authentic emotional core.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rom com all grown up: it works the tropes of the genre with enthusiasm, but adds a solid dose of reality. The result is a novel that’s entertaining, moving, and at times amusing. It feels very genuine and very believable.

Both Netta and Mo are facing problems that feel genuine, not contrived. Some novels require you to work a fair bit to suspend your disbelief – I didn’t find that at all here. The situations were immediately credible. Netta’s was particularly emotionally believable.

I also found the way they interacted credible and like real adults. It drives me nuts, for example, when I read 200 pages of problems that could have been solved or avoided altogether with a five minute honest conversation. Netta and Mo have those conversations; their conflicts and reservations feel real, and they address them like adults.

Well, mostly. But when Mo retreats into silence, that feels real too, given his past. And I found the way Netta dealt with it something I wanted to cheer: real distress and real courage.

This is a highly satisfying novel. It has the light touch of a rom com, but the emotional depth and honesty you’d more likely expect in other genres. The characters are believable and empathetic, and their behaviour realistic and adult. I loved this novel from first page to last.

If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snuggled up on the couch when it’s a rainy day with the Christmas tree lights on or having a read before bed, this is the book you’ll want to read, it is the ultimate comfort book and I really struggled to put it down.

The book switches between main characters Netta and Mo, who both have secrets they don’t want exposed. Netta lives in Australia, is almost 40 and her biological clock is ticking, she isn’t having much luck in the relationship department so she needs to take things into her own hands. When she finds Mo’s journal an opportunity opens up to her that’s too hard to resist but it means bringing up old wounds from her past.
Mo an older musician who lives in London is facing a downward spiral with his music and status and he doesn’t want his past secrets from his journal coming out, so he organises for Netta to fly to London to hand the journal over. From there you will just need to read the book to know what happens next and I promise you it’s exciting!

I loved how each chapter would switch between Netta and Mo, it gave us readers the chance to view both sides, how they were both feeling and what they were thinking. I was truely emotionally invested in this novel, it made me laugh, and at some points my heart would ache for the characters. It was beautifully written and even all of the side characters close to Netta and Mo were loveable. Overall I highly recommend this book if you’re wanting a romance with a bit of mystery tied in. I highly recommend the read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Than The Real Thing is a debut novel for Brooke Crawford, and I thought that this was a very good read.

Netta Phillips is a primary school teacher residing in Melbourne, whose dream of becoming a mother gets out on the back burner when she finds out her partner has been cheating on her.
As she makes plans to sell their place and shift back into an investment apartment of hers, she discovers a childhood diary of none other than celebrity musician Morrison ‘Mo’ Maplestone, who lives in London.
When she contacts Mo’s agent to return the diary, Mo insists that the diary is returned to him in person, offering an all expenses paid trip in exchange for its return. Something in that diary needs to be kept hidden from the public and he wants to make sure nobody else gets their hands on it.
Netta reluctantly (for her own personal reasons) takes him us on his offer, and when the two meet, there is a connection.
But it isn’t all smooth sailing! I won’t say much else so I don’t spoil the story, but this was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
The two main characters are very likeable and I really enjoyed the supporting characters too, particularly Netta’s best friend Freya and Audrey, an elderly woman Netta befriends in London.
This story touches on topics such as fertility, relationships and more in a sensitive way.

With thanks to HQ Fiction for my advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Isabeau Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was engrossed by page 20
I was in the story..
I was enraged and indignant for Netta!
I was curious and starting to decipher Mo’s secret past..

This story is filled with profound, vibrant, layered characters; each one complex, flawed, and deeply human. I especially loved Audrey and Rhona, two intellectual and strong female guides who carry and share so much wisdom and strength throughout the book.

Netta was a wonderful portrayal of a young, naïve woman growing into someone who knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to claim it without bending to anyone else’s expectations. Her character arc felt genuine; whilst it was a little juvenile at times, but that’s what made it real. We’re rarely our best selves when navigating love and pain and the general issues of life, and Netta’s journey captured that perfectly.

Mo’s backstory was both intriguing and frustrating in the best way. Watching a grown man with the means to heal still spiral under the weight of trauma and guilt felt so true to life; raw, messy, and painfully human. That said, I did find myself wishing we’d spent more time on his journey through that darkness rather than skipping two years ahead. Seeing his process of growth and redemption unfold would’ve deepened both the emotional impact and the love story that followed.