What do you think?
Rate this book
Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26Meet Phoebe Berman: despite being a hopeless romantic, she’s about to be a thirty-year-old virgin. With one month before her milestone birthday, she's determined to finally lose it...if her own anxiety doesn’t slow her down. The can’t miss debut novel from podcaster and comedian Brooke Averick.
Because is it possible to find true love when going on a date makes you want to throw up?
Phoebe Berman fears the one thing she wants the most: love. Thanks to an extremely unfortunate first kiss attempt, crippling intimacy anxiety has plagued her since she was a teen.
Phoebe has so much going for her: a dream teaching job, a supportive and hilarious group of best friends, and all the romance novels a girl could want at her fingertips—but she can’t help but beat herself up over the one thing she can’t quite seem to figure out. Determined to change this, she drafts up the ultimate "Guide to Losing My Virginity" checklist with the hope of finally getting laid.
Suddenly, she goes from a relatively boring (basically non-existent) dating life to juggling three romantic prospects at once. There's the gorgeous new fourth grade teacher at her school, a former high school classmate that resurfaces through Words with Friends, and there will always be her roommate, who might just be the best friends-to-lovers situation of her dreams.
Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It is a brutally honest and completely relatable story for anyone who’s ever felt stuck between coming of age and coming apart.
Because is it possible to find true love when going on a date makes you want to throw up?
Phoebe Berman fears the one thing she wants the most: love. Thanks to an extremely unfortunate first kiss attempt, crippling intimacy anxiety has plagued her since she was a teen.
Phoebe has so much going for her: a dream teaching job, a supportive and hilarious group of best friends, and all the romance novels a girl could want at her fingertips—but she can’t help but beat herself up over the one thing she can’t quite seem to figure out. Determined to change this, she drafts up the ultimate "Guide to Losing My Virginity" checklist with the hope of finally getting laid.
Suddenly, she goes from a relatively boring (basically non-existent) dating life to juggling three romantic prospects at once. There's the gorgeous new fourth grade teacher at her school, a former high school classmate that resurfaces through Words with Friends, and there will always be her roommate, who might just be the best friends-to-lovers situation of her dreams.
Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It is a brutally honest and completely relatable story for anyone who’s ever felt stuck between coming of age and coming apart.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 26, 2026
74 people are currently reading
74445 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Averick
1 book45.1k followersMy debut novel, Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose it, comes out May 26th! Pre-order now :)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
8/22/25 It’s fine to rate your own book five stars if you worked really hard on it. Looking forward to discussing chapter 26.
3/12/26 Popping in here again to say that I just finished what will be my final read before pub day. I really did the damn thing didn't I. I still love chapter 26 the most but chapter 20 is up there.
3/12/26 Popping in here again to say that I just finished what will be my final read before pub day. I really did the damn thing didn't I. I still love chapter 26 the most but chapter 20 is up there.
Review of advance copy received from Author
one time brooke averick mentioned my goodreads on a podcast and that was very cool, if only because it set me on the path to reading this book.
and thank god it did!
(review to come)
(thank you to the author for the arc!)
and thank god it did!
(review to come)
(thank you to the author for the arc!)
April 14, 2026
second read: at the risk of repeating myself—there are no words to describe the pride radiating off of me as i flipped through the pages of this book. and i do mean flip bc i stayed up all night on a school night to finish. as someone who is not a fiction reader this book gripped me from the very beginning. in the words of gwyenth paltrow: i laughed, i cried a number of times, i sweat, i danced, i got a shot, i ate, and i had many epiphanies—the greatest of all was witnessing phoebe berman’s never ending stream of love stories.
first read: i don’t even have the words to describe how wonderful this book is & how proud i am of brooke!!!!!
first read: i don’t even have the words to describe how wonderful this book is & how proud i am of brooke!!!!!
April 20, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ for PHOEBE! 🩷🍒 i went into this one thinking it would be fun & funny (which it is), but i did not expect to feel so SEEN by it!
phoebe felt like a real person to me. her anxiety, especially around intimacy, was written in such an warm and relatable way. this is a book with therapy DONE RIGHT! i absolutely loved that aspect. phoebe’s sessions with sandy felt so honest and actually helpful to read. and they made it really easy to connect with phoebe from the start!
she really deals with the kind of anxiety where you know something isn’t actually dangerous, but your body reacts like it is anyway! it’s literally the worst! and it’s such an exhausting mental battle! as someone who deals with avoidance anxiety in a totally different area of life, this book made me feel much less alone in it. like maybe it’s not that something is wrong with you, we just all have own hangups we have to work through.
the romance aspect is quite fun, but what i appreciated most is that it’s really about phoebe learning how to show up for herself! do hard things! and challenge the stories she’s been telling herself for years! but i did really like how all three love interests played different roles in phoebe’s life too (instead of just being there for drama). they all felt distinct and well developed!
on top of all the emotional stuff, phoebe is genuinely funny. she made me laugh out loud so many times, which was very needed throughout the story 😌 i think a lot of people will see themselves in her! and all the musical theater references? just the cherry on top!!! 🍒
overall i just loved the mental health rep in this and how it also didn’t define phoebe at all! such a witty, warm, relatable book and it’s definitely a new favorite of mine. super bingeable & i think it’s gonna be an absolute HIT this year! (p.s. thank you so much to crown publishing for the ARC!)
💌 p.s. this has late summer / early fall energy (think labor day, september vibes), so honestly this would be such a good end-of-summer read if you need one!
phoebe felt like a real person to me. her anxiety, especially around intimacy, was written in such an warm and relatable way. this is a book with therapy DONE RIGHT! i absolutely loved that aspect. phoebe’s sessions with sandy felt so honest and actually helpful to read. and they made it really easy to connect with phoebe from the start!
she really deals with the kind of anxiety where you know something isn’t actually dangerous, but your body reacts like it is anyway! it’s literally the worst! and it’s such an exhausting mental battle! as someone who deals with avoidance anxiety in a totally different area of life, this book made me feel much less alone in it. like maybe it’s not that something is wrong with you, we just all have own hangups we have to work through.
the romance aspect is quite fun, but what i appreciated most is that it’s really about phoebe learning how to show up for herself! do hard things! and challenge the stories she’s been telling herself for years! but i did really like how all three love interests played different roles in phoebe’s life too (instead of just being there for drama). they all felt distinct and well developed!
on top of all the emotional stuff, phoebe is genuinely funny. she made me laugh out loud so many times, which was very needed throughout the story 😌 i think a lot of people will see themselves in her! and all the musical theater references? just the cherry on top!!! 🍒
overall i just loved the mental health rep in this and how it also didn’t define phoebe at all! such a witty, warm, relatable book and it’s definitely a new favorite of mine. super bingeable & i think it’s gonna be an absolute HIT this year! (p.s. thank you so much to crown publishing for the ARC!)
💌 p.s. this has late summer / early fall energy (think labor day, september vibes), so honestly this would be such a good end-of-summer read if you need one!
September 12, 2025
suck it nakit (positive connotation)
September 2, 2025
WOW Phoebe is one of my new favorite fictional characters like she deserved the world and more…. I love this book because it’s so unique to any other romance book I’ve read but I’m also devastated because I am craving so much more content exactly like this and where am I supposed to find it???? also I’m inspired by phoebe’s list making and I’m gonna start making more lists to reach goals in my personal life starting now
October 7, 2025
This is my new favorite book ever. Perfect story involving family, chosen family, and love. I’ll never forget where I was when I read the big key piece feature plot twist.
For ONCE I can relate to the main character of a romance novel. I am Phoebe, you are Phoebe, we are all a little bit of Phoebe. Through phoebes story I have learned to love myself again. I found myself smiling ear to ear giggling on one page and then wiping tears from my cheeks on the next. I recommend for everyone between the ages of 16 to 96.
Because I have read PBGLI, I have been changed for good.
For ONCE I can relate to the main character of a romance novel. I am Phoebe, you are Phoebe, we are all a little bit of Phoebe. Through phoebes story I have learned to love myself again. I found myself smiling ear to ear giggling on one page and then wiping tears from my cheeks on the next. I recommend for everyone between the ages of 16 to 96.
Because I have read PBGLI, I have been changed for good.
September 3, 2025
Phoebe is already my best friend and no one can change my mind. I fear the world won’t be the same and time should probably be labelled as BPB and APB (before phoebe berman & after phoebe berman) from here on out, thanks guys
September 9, 2025
already addicted to this young woman
February 16, 2026
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS IVE EVER READ. 😭🩷👏🏼 I NEED A MOMENT TO PROCESS!!!!
September 16, 2025
I love Phoebe. The whole story was heart-warming, fun, witty, funny, and I found it difficult to put down once I picked it up. As always, I was surprised by the turns the plot makes, which made me so excited to figure out what happens to Phoebe (and her friends!) in the end. The ending shows such growth in Phoebe's character, and I think the moral/lesson could be relatable to many people in their late 20s (me :o). Really refreshing that this was a book about love/relationships that featured real, genuine friendships and characters, and wasn't just completely about sex/intimacy (though obviously it was in part!).
Averick's star debut novel makes me so excited to read her next. I'm just sad I'll have to wait!
Averick's star debut novel makes me so excited to read her next. I'm just sad I'll have to wait!
January 11, 2026
***Received as an ARC for review. This review will not follow my usual review format until it is published on release day!***
I am in awe. Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It is a witty, charming and heartfelt debut from comedian and podcaster Brooke Averick. I was so utterly impressed with this book and how Averick was able to use genuine humor, vulnerability and relatability to articulate anxiety (in all its forms), intimacy intimidation and societal pressures on love. I was glued to the page, was kicking my feet, laughed out loud and sat in anticipation wondering what was to come next.
On its surface, this is a romance novel, but it is SO MUCH deeper than that. I do not typically gravitate toward or seek out romance novels, so I went in with an open mind with this. As I traversed through the story, this became more of a coming-of-age tale following Phoebe and her journey of self-discovery utilizing romance as a backdrop through it all.
I absolutely fell in love with Averick’s voice, the prose was addicting. I never wanted to put this book down and absolutely devoured it in such a short amount of time. She curated this story and the character of Phoebe to be someone you care for and want to know how she handles what’s in front of her. This story consumed my every waking thought while reading.
This story takes a turn that I absolutely adored. My jaw was on the FLOOR at certain reveals, truly showcasing Averick’s ability to meticulously weave the narrative into a final crescendo that consumes you.
There were moments in this where I felt validated in my own anxieties, mere experiences and thoughts I’ve had before being conveyed directly on the page. You can clearly see Averick understands the human experience, especially how mental health plays a role in day to day living. Her vulnerability is what makes this book so special and will be the core reason why this book will be such a success.
Overall, this story surprised the hell out of me and is one I highly recommend you pick up. This felt like a warm hug and will bring such comfort to so many. I feel so lucky and honored to be able to experience Phoebe so early, and it’s only right to convey how much I loved this book to all of you.
Please, please, PLEASE pick this book up at your earliest convenience, you will be wrapped up in its charm and will want to reread it all over again after its final pages.
I am in awe. Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It is a witty, charming and heartfelt debut from comedian and podcaster Brooke Averick. I was so utterly impressed with this book and how Averick was able to use genuine humor, vulnerability and relatability to articulate anxiety (in all its forms), intimacy intimidation and societal pressures on love. I was glued to the page, was kicking my feet, laughed out loud and sat in anticipation wondering what was to come next.
On its surface, this is a romance novel, but it is SO MUCH deeper than that. I do not typically gravitate toward or seek out romance novels, so I went in with an open mind with this. As I traversed through the story, this became more of a coming-of-age tale following Phoebe and her journey of self-discovery utilizing romance as a backdrop through it all.
I absolutely fell in love with Averick’s voice, the prose was addicting. I never wanted to put this book down and absolutely devoured it in such a short amount of time. She curated this story and the character of Phoebe to be someone you care for and want to know how she handles what’s in front of her. This story consumed my every waking thought while reading.
This story takes a turn that I absolutely adored. My jaw was on the FLOOR at certain reveals, truly showcasing Averick’s ability to meticulously weave the narrative into a final crescendo that consumes you.
There were moments in this where I felt validated in my own anxieties, mere experiences and thoughts I’ve had before being conveyed directly on the page. You can clearly see Averick understands the human experience, especially how mental health plays a role in day to day living. Her vulnerability is what makes this book so special and will be the core reason why this book will be such a success.
Overall, this story surprised the hell out of me and is one I highly recommend you pick up. This felt like a warm hug and will bring such comfort to so many. I feel so lucky and honored to be able to experience Phoebe so early, and it’s only right to convey how much I loved this book to all of you.
Please, please, PLEASE pick this book up at your earliest convenience, you will be wrapped up in its charm and will want to reread it all over again after its final pages.
April 7, 2026
5 stars isn’t enough!! I don’t even know where to begin writing a review for this book!! A top read of the year so far for me, easily. Right from the first chapter I was hooked on Brooke’s witty and engaging writing. She made Phoebe feel like a real person and it felt like I knew her. Like that’s my best friend actually??
I quite literally loved everything about this book. The characters, the writing, the pacing, the plot, everything. I love how this read as a women’s fiction with a bit of romance. The plot was super unique and made for such a fun story. I think the side characters added so much to this story; it made me so happy to see the love and support Phoebe had in her life. Mental health struggles are no joke and I think her support system was written beautifully. Her family, best friends, and coworkers were such a joy to read about and to get to know better. They all brought something so special to this story and Phoebe’s life.
This book was emotional and heartfelt with the themes of doing things at your own pace, understanding that if you do things differently than others that doesn’t mean there’s ANYTHING wrong with you, accepting yourself and your timeline, and that your mental health doesn’t define you. The OCD and anxiety representation was literally perfect and I felt so understood and validated by Phoebe’s character. A lot of her thoughts and actions are things I could relate completely to and it was so comforting to read as someone with these diagnosed disorders. And the intimacy anxiety rep!! I could cry just thinking about it. This is something that isn’t very common in the romance/women’s fiction novels that I read, so I was so grateful to read about an FMC that struggles with this. I think it was done so well.
While this book had me so emotional, it also made me laugh out loud so many times. Phoebe is genuinely such a funny and likable main character that I know so many will fall in love with and find so much comfort in.
I truly didn’t know where the plot was going to go with the romance and I’m so happy with how it ended up for everyone!! I was literally grinning at my book like a goof reading how things wrapped up. I won’t say anymore about the romance(s) because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I had no clue how things would turn out and I hope all readers have that experience!! It made the ending so emotional 🥹
I fear I could go on and on about this book!! I truly believe this book brings something so special and unique to the romance genre that so many readers will appreciate and connect with. This will be in my top 3 of 2026, easily. I’m calling it now! Forever so grateful for these types of books that make you feel so seen and understood 💗
I quite literally loved everything about this book. The characters, the writing, the pacing, the plot, everything. I love how this read as a women’s fiction with a bit of romance. The plot was super unique and made for such a fun story. I think the side characters added so much to this story; it made me so happy to see the love and support Phoebe had in her life. Mental health struggles are no joke and I think her support system was written beautifully. Her family, best friends, and coworkers were such a joy to read about and to get to know better. They all brought something so special to this story and Phoebe’s life.
This book was emotional and heartfelt with the themes of doing things at your own pace, understanding that if you do things differently than others that doesn’t mean there’s ANYTHING wrong with you, accepting yourself and your timeline, and that your mental health doesn’t define you. The OCD and anxiety representation was literally perfect and I felt so understood and validated by Phoebe’s character. A lot of her thoughts and actions are things I could relate completely to and it was so comforting to read as someone with these diagnosed disorders. And the intimacy anxiety rep!! I could cry just thinking about it. This is something that isn’t very common in the romance/women’s fiction novels that I read, so I was so grateful to read about an FMC that struggles with this. I think it was done so well.
While this book had me so emotional, it also made me laugh out loud so many times. Phoebe is genuinely such a funny and likable main character that I know so many will fall in love with and find so much comfort in.
I truly didn’t know where the plot was going to go with the romance and I’m so happy with how it ended up for everyone!! I was literally grinning at my book like a goof reading how things wrapped up. I won’t say anymore about the romance(s) because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I had no clue how things would turn out and I hope all readers have that experience!! It made the ending so emotional 🥹
I fear I could go on and on about this book!! I truly believe this book brings something so special and unique to the romance genre that so many readers will appreciate and connect with. This will be in my top 3 of 2026, easily. I’m calling it now! Forever so grateful for these types of books that make you feel so seen and understood 💗
April 26, 2026
6 stars. Perfection.
I feel there’s so much I could say about this book, but I’ll say this: Phoebe Berman might be one of the most real characters. She felt so alive to me while I was reading that I genuinely wanted to shake her at some points for her choices but I have also never wanted to tell someone more that they deserve the best in life.
Phoebe has always felt something is wrong with her, that something in her was broken, and don’t we all relate to that in some ways? She beats herself up so much over minor interactions or mistakes but gives everyone else in her life so much grace. Her character development truly just brought me so much joy even though it really was a battle for her to get to where she ends up, but it made the end that much more lovely.
I’m still crying from just how sweet this book was and don’t think I’ll stop for a while. Might have to read it again once it’s out next month!! I can’t recommend this book more! If you’re looking to cry and laugh a lot and maybe cringe a little from second hand embarrassment? Pick up this book when it comes out on 5/26!!
I feel there’s so much I could say about this book, but I’ll say this: Phoebe Berman might be one of the most real characters. She felt so alive to me while I was reading that I genuinely wanted to shake her at some points for her choices but I have also never wanted to tell someone more that they deserve the best in life.
Phoebe has always felt something is wrong with her, that something in her was broken, and don’t we all relate to that in some ways? She beats herself up so much over minor interactions or mistakes but gives everyone else in her life so much grace. Her character development truly just brought me so much joy even though it really was a battle for her to get to where she ends up, but it made the end that much more lovely.
I’m still crying from just how sweet this book was and don’t think I’ll stop for a while. Might have to read it again once it’s out next month!! I can’t recommend this book more! If you’re looking to cry and laugh a lot and maybe cringe a little from second hand embarrassment? Pick up this book when it comes out on 5/26!!
April 8, 2026
I LOVE YOU PHOEBE BERMAN!!! this is such a unique way to write a romance book, I was glued to the pages, aching to see how everything would come together! the mental health rep in this was incredible and I just know so many people will relate to Phoebe! the side characters added so much depth to the story, I am obsessed with this friend group!!!
this feels like a HUGE book for the romance community! I’ve read nothing like this before and dare I say, it’s an instant rom-com classic?? I would see this in theaters in a heartbeat!
I cannot wait to see more from Brooke 🥹
this feels like a HUGE book for the romance community! I’ve read nothing like this before and dare I say, it’s an instant rom-com classic?? I would see this in theaters in a heartbeat!
I cannot wait to see more from Brooke 🥹
November 5, 2025
Honored to have early access to this book and unbelievably proud of debut novelist Brooke Averick. Quick, easy, fun, heartwarming read. No notes. 🍒
P.S. I think I’m less scared of turning 30 now
P.S. I think I’m less scared of turning 30 now
March 11, 2026
Boy do I love me some Brooke Averick!!
The Glee and Hamilton references have me wondering if I wrote this book.
Jonathan Groff and Matthew Gray Gubler would love this, probably not as much as I did because I REALLY loved it.
I still can’t believe I got the ARC I could throw up thinking about it
The Glee and Hamilton references have me wondering if I wrote this book.
Jonathan Groff and Matthew Gray Gubler would love this, probably not as much as I did because I REALLY loved it.
I still can’t believe I got the ARC I could throw up thinking about it
May 6, 2026
this was such a sweet story!! oh i loved it soooo much!!! the last page made me FEEL! so intensely that i felt a little sick to my stomach!!!! so much of phoebe’s internal struggles are things i personally found to be really relatable (and i’m sure a ton of other people will as well!) and it was very validating! and touching! definitely made me want to be gentler and kinder toward myself :( i love you phoebe berman <3
thank you prh audio for the early audio!!! this was such a delightful reading/listening experience! i was a little nervous since brooke herself is the narrator and i sometimes find it difficult to separate the author from the character/narration (if that makes any sense??) but this was done so well! loved it!
thank you prh audio for the early audio!!! this was such a delightful reading/listening experience! i was a little nervous since brooke herself is the narrator and i sometimes find it difficult to separate the author from the character/narration (if that makes any sense??) but this was done so well! loved it!
April 6, 2026
I was originally going to come on here and discuss how majority of this book was cringey but I’m gonna withhold those thoughts. The end of this truly made me tear up and saved it. Everyone is Phoebe in some way even if she’s a little tooooo much at times. But aren’t we all? Also the friends to lovers was literally RIGHT there. But Brooke, it’s fine. I trust you and I’m thankful I did.
Read
January 19, 2026These characters were lovely, Phoebe is a treat. Enjoyed reading a story about mental health in relationships. Excited to see what is next for Brooke!
February 16, 2026
Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It is a stellar debut, full of raw emotion, friendship, discovering oneself in adulthood, and plenty of humor — Phoebe will make you feel right at home no matter where in the world you are. Cozy up with her next to a warm fire, or set her up on your favorites shelf next to Emily Henry & BK Borison.
This story follows Phoebe, a virgin with crippling intimacy anxiety, 30 days away from her 30th birthday — and she is determined to lose it by the end of the 30 days. Phoebe’s story is fresh and unique, yet feels like home at the same time. Her vulnerability in sharing her anxieties will make you feel seen in a way no other book has.
As a girlie with OCD and anxiety myself (as well as nervous vomiting), I felt so connected to Phoebe and felt for her in so many ways. Watching Phoebe discover new parts of herself and fall in love with herself in those 30 days, above all else, was beautiful. Pheebs had such a community, regardless of her romantic life — what a testament to love being not just romantic, but that there are SO many other types of love too. Perfect storytelling, unique plot, and MAJOR 90’s sitcom vibes. Not only will you fall in love with Phoebe, but you will also fall in love with her whole inner circle.
I could write essays about Phoebe, name children after Phoebe, write my own novels about Phoebe!!!! Brooke, you and Phoebe make the world a better place ❤️🩹 I am SO proud of you and cannot wait to gush with you about this amazing book on tour in Seattle😭❣️
This story follows Phoebe, a virgin with crippling intimacy anxiety, 30 days away from her 30th birthday — and she is determined to lose it by the end of the 30 days. Phoebe’s story is fresh and unique, yet feels like home at the same time. Her vulnerability in sharing her anxieties will make you feel seen in a way no other book has.
As a girlie with OCD and anxiety myself (as well as nervous vomiting), I felt so connected to Phoebe and felt for her in so many ways. Watching Phoebe discover new parts of herself and fall in love with herself in those 30 days, above all else, was beautiful. Pheebs had such a community, regardless of her romantic life — what a testament to love being not just romantic, but that there are SO many other types of love too. Perfect storytelling, unique plot, and MAJOR 90’s sitcom vibes. Not only will you fall in love with Phoebe, but you will also fall in love with her whole inner circle.
I could write essays about Phoebe, name children after Phoebe, write my own novels about Phoebe!!!! Brooke, you and Phoebe make the world a better place ❤️🩹 I am SO proud of you and cannot wait to gush with you about this amazing book on tour in Seattle😭❣️
January 31, 2026
This was so different than I expected it to be (in the best way). At its heart, this is a story about friendship, love, family, and accepting yourself. As someone who deals with anxiety and ocd on a daily basis, this hit very close to home for me.
One of the reasons I’m such a big fan of Brooke is because she has always been transparent about mental health; a lot of her struggles are also my struggles. I know she put so much of her heart and lived experience into Phoebe and I’m eternally grateful.
Never before has a book resonated with me in the exact way this one does. Dating and intimacy anxiety is real and this is the first time I’ve ever felt like someone truly understands what goes on in my brain.
I strongly urge all my nervous pukers and non-nervous pukers alike to read this wonderful debut novel. The writing is incredible and honest, the story is beautiful, and I came away understanding and loving myself a smidge more.
I cannot wait to support Brooke in all of her future endeavors🍒🫶🏼
Thank you so, so much to Crown Publishing for the ARC (my newest prized possession) in exchange for my honest review!!!!!
One of the reasons I’m such a big fan of Brooke is because she has always been transparent about mental health; a lot of her struggles are also my struggles. I know she put so much of her heart and lived experience into Phoebe and I’m eternally grateful.
Never before has a book resonated with me in the exact way this one does. Dating and intimacy anxiety is real and this is the first time I’ve ever felt like someone truly understands what goes on in my brain.
I strongly urge all my nervous pukers and non-nervous pukers alike to read this wonderful debut novel. The writing is incredible and honest, the story is beautiful, and I came away understanding and loving myself a smidge more.
I cannot wait to support Brooke in all of her future endeavors🍒🫶🏼
Thank you so, so much to Crown Publishing for the ARC (my newest prized possession) in exchange for my honest review!!!!!
April 2, 2026
I never knew I needed a book like this and now that I have read it I can’t remember what life was like before it. Brooke thank you for writing this and having the brain that you have🫶
Will update this review as I have more time to process because wowowowowowowowowow
Will update this review as I have more time to process because wowowowowowowowowow
February 11, 2026
Absolutely perfect no notes
March 4, 2026
SO GOOD.
This is the rom com we needed. I love Brooke and this was such a great story and I definitely saw parts of myself in Phoebe. This will be one of my favourite books of 2026.
Thanks netgalley for the arc!
This is the rom com we needed. I love Brooke and this was such a great story and I definitely saw parts of myself in Phoebe. This will be one of my favourite books of 2026.
Thanks netgalley for the arc!
September 14, 2025
My short pitch:
Phoebe Bermans Gonna Loose it is a brilliant debut. Its a story about the expectations of the world and ones willingness to conform to those expectations. It’s about the anxiety of intimacy,and friendships. Averick’s writing, is witty, humorous , and full of life. You are guaranteed to fall for every character, and story. Just like Phoebe Berman, you are gonna loose it. When you get your hands on this book.
Full Review:
This is a perfect book. You absolutely need this on your tbr for 2026.
Phoebe Bermans Gonna Loose it is a great pun , and also a brilliant story. Phoebe as a character is ultra relatable for all the anxious list girlies out there. I understood many of her issues deeply, her fears were mine , her wins were too!
She is surrounded by a cast of characters/ Friends that are wonderfully written. The friends are fully fleshed out, and believable. The friendships are true to real life , and they are actually GOOD friends to each other. They are not just plot devices for phoebes story. And their support for her is unwavering, it was great to read about good friends. Definitely sitcom vibes!
The love interests are all great, you believe each of them has an equal chance and I rooted for each of them at different points in the story! The way this storyline resolves itself was absolutely brilliant, and something completely unsuspected by me.
The classic trope of a list is partnered with that pf the birthday countdown. Both of which are not just there for trope sake but greatly used plot devices. The book however is not filled to the brim with trope-y madness. It felt to me whole original, whilst still being inspired by classic romances, and romcom movies. Not to mention completely informed by contemporary references, that dont bog down the story. Or feel misplaced. The references feel true to the characters and the author.
This is sure to be one of the best of 2026, you do not want to miss this friends!!
Phoebe Bermans Gonna Loose it is a brilliant debut. Its a story about the expectations of the world and ones willingness to conform to those expectations. It’s about the anxiety of intimacy,and friendships. Averick’s writing, is witty, humorous , and full of life. You are guaranteed to fall for every character, and story. Just like Phoebe Berman, you are gonna loose it. When you get your hands on this book.
Full Review:
This is a perfect book. You absolutely need this on your tbr for 2026.
Phoebe Bermans Gonna Loose it is a great pun , and also a brilliant story. Phoebe as a character is ultra relatable for all the anxious list girlies out there. I understood many of her issues deeply, her fears were mine , her wins were too!
She is surrounded by a cast of characters/ Friends that are wonderfully written. The friends are fully fleshed out, and believable. The friendships are true to real life , and they are actually GOOD friends to each other. They are not just plot devices for phoebes story. And their support for her is unwavering, it was great to read about good friends. Definitely sitcom vibes!
The love interests are all great, you believe each of them has an equal chance and I rooted for each of them at different points in the story! The way this storyline resolves itself was absolutely brilliant, and something completely unsuspected by me.
The classic trope of a list is partnered with that pf the birthday countdown. Both of which are not just there for trope sake but greatly used plot devices. The book however is not filled to the brim with trope-y madness. It felt to me whole original, whilst still being inspired by classic romances, and romcom movies. Not to mention completely informed by contemporary references, that dont bog down the story. Or feel misplaced. The references feel true to the characters and the author.
This is sure to be one of the best of 2026, you do not want to miss this friends!!
November 13, 2025
This book is so special and relatable to truly anyone. It felt extra special to read in my late twenties and was such a hilarious breath of fresh air from other romance novels. I pray to god this is Brooke’s first book of thousands and thousands because I can’t wait to read more.
I fell in love with Phoebe the moment I met her, and then I quickly fell in love with the whole universe surrounding her. It’s heartbreaking to see Phoebe struggle and feel different when as the reader you know her as funny, smart, a good friend, a good sister, an amazing and patient teacher, and overall completely lovable. We’re all Phoebe in some way and her commentary made me feel so safe. I felt so invested in every single minor character. I cried and I laughed a ton and felt an immense amount of joy. I didn’t know what was coming next even when I thought I did. Everything is pieced together in a way that slowly reveals that everyone is feeling behind in some way. This book was a perfect reminder that everyone is doing life on completely different timelines and whatever your timeline is will be exactly right. Phoebe’s growth is so inspiring and I was cheering her on for every single second.
There wasn’t a single thing I felt like the ending was missing. I feel lighter after reading it. And also completely giddy giddy by the way. The love story made me feel like I was falling in love. I felt like I was watching a tv show and I have trouble visualizing books. Smiling ear to ear blushing.
I could not be more proud of Brooklyn
I fell in love with Phoebe the moment I met her, and then I quickly fell in love with the whole universe surrounding her. It’s heartbreaking to see Phoebe struggle and feel different when as the reader you know her as funny, smart, a good friend, a good sister, an amazing and patient teacher, and overall completely lovable. We’re all Phoebe in some way and her commentary made me feel so safe. I felt so invested in every single minor character. I cried and I laughed a ton and felt an immense amount of joy. I didn’t know what was coming next even when I thought I did. Everything is pieced together in a way that slowly reveals that everyone is feeling behind in some way. This book was a perfect reminder that everyone is doing life on completely different timelines and whatever your timeline is will be exactly right. Phoebe’s growth is so inspiring and I was cheering her on for every single second.
There wasn’t a single thing I felt like the ending was missing. I feel lighter after reading it. And also completely giddy giddy by the way. The love story made me feel like I was falling in love. I felt like I was watching a tv show and I have trouble visualizing books. Smiling ear to ear blushing.
I could not be more proud of Brooklyn
September 12, 2025
Heartwarming and humor-filled, Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It is a reminder that life has no set schedule. Through faultless friend groups, endless word games, and failed flirtations, this novel is a romance worth giggling and kicking your feet over. (Said with experience. Until 2 a.m. Two nights in a row.) Perfect for lovers of to-do lists and readers of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez. This is a debut you won't want to miss!
February 5, 2026
Yes, this is a book about a woman overcoming debilitating anxiety and finally becoming intimate with a man, but it's also about a gorgeous woman who is burdened with choosing between three perfect and equally attractive men to be her partner. Aside from having weak stomachs, the majority of these people are a little too flawless for my liking.
September 5, 2025
I mean I just already freaking LOVE it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews