Good For You: A relatable, funny rage romance from the bestselling author of Book Boyfriend!

by Lucy Vine

'Lucy Vine's writing is so warm and funny – her books are the literary equivalent of an amazing girls' night out' BETH O'LEARY

Sometimes the people who give the best advice are the worst at taking it.

Liv's furious – but you'd never know. Morning telly's favourite relationship therapist has to stay cheery and composed. She's worked hard to build a non-nonsense, easy-breezy reputation.

But when she's caught on video having a meltdown over tiramisu after her long-term boyfriend fails to propose, Liv goes viral for all the wrong reasons. Suddenly everyone knows the woman whose mantra is 'keep calm and carry a condom' can't keep her cool.

Her boss gives her an anger management or unemployment. It should be easy enough. Except her therapist, Edward, is insufferable. Understanding, infuriatingly perceptive, and, worse, devastatingly attractive. Six sessions stand between Liv and returning to the life she’d built . . . she only has to resist Edward’s annoyingly hot, knowing stare. 

Praise for Lucy Vine

'By turns proper laugh-out-loud funny and heart in the mouth moving' MIKE GAYLE

'Her books are unapologetically fun and unabashed escapism' KIRSTY GREENWOOD

‘Opening a Lucy Vine book is the literary equivalent to cocktails with your girlfriends’ LINDSEY KELK

Genres: Romance

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2026

About the author

Lucy Vine is a writer, editor and the bestselling author of Hot Mess, What Fresh Hell, Are We Nearly There Yet? and Bad Choices. Her books have been translated into sixteen languages around the world, with Hot Mess optioned for a TV series. She has been nominated twice for the Comedy Women In Print Award and hosts the podcast and live event series Hot Mess Clubhouse, celebrating funny women. Her journalism has appeared in international publications, including Grazia, Stylist, heat, Fabulous, New, Now, Marie Claire, Glamour Online, Cosmopolitan, The Daily Telegraph, The Sun, and The Mirror. She lives in Cambridgeshire.

Reviews

[Ελένη Καραχανίδη · Rating 4 out of 5]

➕ Η πρωταγωνιστρια
➕ Το όλο με την ψυχανάλυση κ την ουσία
➕ Εκείνος οφ κορς
➕ Η σχέση της με τη Σαμ..κ η επίλυσή της
➕ Η διαντιδραση νυν κ πρώην αν κ ίσως κάπως μη ρεαλιστική

➖ Δεν έχω κπ ιδιαίτερη ένσταση ωστόσο θα ήθελα το θέμα με το 3ο βίντεο κ τη διάστασή του κάπως πιο αναλυτικό

Overall ευχάριστο, ωραία γραμμένο, γρήγορη ροή, ενδιαφέρουσα ιστορία

[Raquel Bonelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3,5

[Hayley Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start by saying Lucy Vine is a go to author of mine. Good For You is a classic mix of her humour added with a relatable dose of real-life issues.

Lucy really does have a way with words and I know that sounds cliche but it’s totally true. Liv is a character that won my heart almost instantly. We meet her at her worst and her most vulnerable, thinking her boyfriend is going to propose when in actual fact she’s being dumped. There is a lot more to this situation and how it affects Liv’s story and ultimately her life. I won’t be spoiling that but I’m saying what was her most vulnerable changes the rest of her story. If you want to truly understand what I’m saying you’ll have to pick up the book.

Liv has a strong friend and confidant in Samira otherwise known as Sam. I love how Sam is a free spirit in so many ways and they are very much a ying and Yang friendship. There are many a chapter of these two where I was laughing out loud.

Lucy has visited many tropes in this novel but the one I’m going to mention is the I guess enemies to lovers one. It’s funny how those around Liv can see it but she can’t until it’s truly upon her. This element was a slow-burn that I loved and I loved how Lucy weaved so much into it. The Twilight reference really did make me smile, it also made me a little wistful to the story that made me love vampires and that of a book series.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, not only strong friendships but strong female friendships are something I’m loving seeing represented in books. As a forty something it’s something I not only need but I also wholeheartedly appreciate in spades.

The moment Liv truly started to connect with the therapy and that of Edward truly changed her demeanour. It also showed a true enlightenment seeing her connect with Justin in a healthy way following their breakup this not only made me smile but it made me realise how truly powerful books are.

As ever a healthy mix of humour alongside real and relatable issues. Good For You will take you away from the day to day and have you thinking of Liv long after the last page. I would love to see these characters again. There are many that I haven’t mentioned that probably do deserve a mention of their own. She’s done it again, it’s always a pleasure to read or listen to a Lucy Vine novel. That reminds me I still need to finish penning my thoughts on her offering as Elly Vine. Watch this space and do let me know if you pick up Good For You thanks to me.

[mel❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for you was a five star!! I flew through this and read it in a day as it was that addicting!
Liv a tv go to relationship therapist goes viral online for all the wrong reasons and chaos ensues.
Liv was such a great character seeing her be inexplicably herself was so refreshing she just felt so real and I loved seeing her grow and develop her relationships with her friends and colleagues. Liv and Sam’s relationship was really interesting as you seen them work through the highs and lows of friendship. The feminine rage element that was explored in this book was excellent i enjoyed seeing the way that social media has also effected the way we behave and the pressure to always appear positive. This plot just made the hot chocolate scene all the more satisfying (if you know you know) showcasing that we too can unlearn what society has drilled into women. Definitely one of my favourite parts of the book!
I love vines writing I’ve said before it’s like a movie as it is just so natural, this novel was the same! from the first page I could vividly picture the scenes and was fully absorbed in the story. I would say the romance felt like a sub plot to the story but definitely not complaining about that Edward added a depth to livs character which was really needed for her development. The relationship is great they are just so sweet together and what we seen of Edward’s life was really interesting as it shifts the narrative of how people who look all out together are still human and have their own struggles.
Overall this book was such a great read highly entertaining and enjoyable but also makes the reader think about their mental health and how to love yourself! I am so glad I read this and cannot wait to read more of Lucy vines work.

[ReadingInPyjamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
This was such a fun, sharp, and surprisingly thoughtful read. While there's romance, the real story is Liv's journey as she navigates public humiliation, therapy, friendship, and the uncomfortable emotions women are often expected to keep hidden. I loved that Liv wasn't always easy to root for. She felt real, messy, and human. The female friendship was a standout for me, and the book had plenty to say about social media, curated lives, and the pressure to always appear "fine". There were a few moments that felt a little too tied to current trends, and the pacing dipped occasionally, but overall I flew through it.

[Quinty · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Becca ♡ PrettyLittleMemoirs · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5*

I couldn't believe I hadn't picked up a Lucy Vine book before (I have several, too!) so when the chance came up to read Good For You early, I was really excited to actually sit down and have some time with one of her stories. We meet Liv, our main character, who is a relationship therapist on morning television, completely popular with viewers (and clients in her own office) for her cool, modern approach to relationships. So when her boyfriend looks like he's going to propose and doesn't—ending things with her instead—she has a full-on, public meltdown at the restaurant. It's one thing to be dumped when you think things are fine in your relationship, but another for that very meltdown to have been uploaded on social media and spread like wildfire.

Things go from bad to worse when Liv's job is on the line. How can the public trust their relationships in her hands when hers has gone viral for all the wrong reasons? Liv has always tried to remain this cool and calm woman who knows what she wants and can help anyone. But faced with needing her own therapy—mandated, to keep her job—she's thrown into sessions with old acquaintance, Ed. Accepting help and guidance is the last thing she wants to do. But with flatmate Sam walking beside her, and new visions of her future on the horizon, things seem like they could be heading up. Still, the sessions with Ed grow from insufferable to something she finds tolerable, unable to concentrate on herself when looking at him. Only, life as she knew it looks to be coming back around—but does she want it? Or does she want to divert to something else her heart desires and needs more?

I had been in a little bit of a reading funk when I started Good For You, but it seriously pulled me out from beneath my cloud of thoughts and back into reading. I really did like Liv, especially at the start. I think she was relatable, and Lucy does an amazing job of portraying dating in the modern world and what red, orange and green flags to look out for in your partner, as well as dealing with rage and quick-temper issues. I loved Liv and Sam's relationship—that for me was the highlight of the book. I didn't really feel as if this leant properly into the romance genre, though, even though being marketed as such. I didn't believe in the connection between Liv and Ed, and felt their build-up wasn't something I could root for as it happened as the book was approaching an ending and felt like a thought several things down the list. That being said, it was seriously amusing, heartwarming and reminded me a bit of Bridget Jones. If you prefer your contemporary romance reads leaning more contemporary, or are looking for a book to make you laugh and connect with, this is definitely one to look out for this year.

[Bee Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Babe can you pick the spoon down? …

… No, because I ordered the tiramisu and I'm going to eat it. You can dump me but you can't stop me eating my pudding."

In the past, I’ve described Lucy Vines writing as a literary version of nightclub bathroom conversation with new girlfriends but with added sparkle and I stand by my statement.

Liv just had a very public, viral breakup — she thought she was getting engaged, but instead, her boyfriend dumps her, she spirals and the waiter isn’t bringing her the tiramisu she ordered. Not so graceful for a relationship expert whose motto is “keep calm and carry condoms” this scene set the tone for the entire novel; almost too much, an absolute hot mess and unflinchingly, annoyingly relatable. Liv is a larger than life manifestation of the chaos that is being a woman today, from the desire to just fucking RAGE sometimes, the unseen mental load we take in relationships, the constant comparison, the early maturity — and also how gross daddy long legs are.

Her narration is like butter - it really does just feel like a conversation, flowing effortlessly, every thought she has bared on the page leading us through the post-breakup, the realisation of her newfound infamy, her job as a therapist, her anger management with colleague Edward to attempt to save her book deal and tv therapy career — it’s all a maddening my flurry of learning to love herself, recover from the breakup, and maybe even realise that she can definitely have romance again with someone who doesn’t treat her like shit.

Every character was perfectly described, but Vine never wastes a single world. In just a sentence or two, I know everything I have to (screw you, Spencer. You’re gross) I adored her friends, her roommate Samira was an absolute babe, her colleagues were a delight especially one particularly handsome fellow. I loved the healing journey, the learning moments for Liv as she found not only her own worth, but as she found unlearned how she should act as a girl, as a woman. (Read and you’ll understand, but one scene with hot chocolate and another involving two insects were easily my favourite moments)

This book just embodied the need for your girls when everything is a bit shit. A maddening journey of self discovery, self love and delicious boozy desert with a lot of love and a feminist streak that was just perfect.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you kick off a book with a viral video that is absolutely hilarious as a reader, but potentially career destroying for Liv (who is starring in the video, without her realising), you know you are in for a fun time between the pages of this one.

And on the whole this book is a great deal of fun, there is Liv and Sam her bestie who are determined to do many not overly smart things while Liv is recovering from the viral break up video.

But at the same time, there is a lot of very important things said in this novel, from Liv and other prominent female characters that really resonate, and are oh so true. There are rants about men, there is plenty of rage (and some therapy about anger), but there is also the overall idea that women are just treated like rubbish from men still, and this is a quarter of the way into the 21st Century.

This is a book full to the brim of trying to bolster women, but at the same time there is a lot on mental health too. Well Liv is a therapist, and she is told she has to have some therapy if she wants to hold onto her TV job as a result of the viral video.

I hadn't read the blurb, I was reading this purely because I know I tend to love a Lucy Vine book, so it took a while for me to realise who the most likely new love interest for Liv would be, and even then, I was thinking, no that can't happen.... you will need to read it yourself to find out who I'm talking about and if they do get together - something I was not convinced would happen.

I loved every word of this book and I am loving Lucy Vine more and more and more with every book of hers that I read. Bring on the next one!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Agi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brilliant synopsis and catching cover. And Lucy Vine... A perfect mix, I was so curious about this book. And then...
It felt like reading a Portia MacIntosh book and I don't mean it in a positive way, sadly. The main character was insufferable and maybe it's me, but I'm not sure if she would be my choice of a therapist. I am more team Edward here, but maybe those are just the stereotypes and I should be more open. Whatever. Yes, Liv goes on a real journey in this story, she re-discovers herself and in the end she redeems herself in the end, working through her issues, but I'm not sure if I could be friends with her. And about the issues - there is a lot of therapy in this book. A lot.
Although it's billed as romance, I think romance is secondary to the real message in this story and appreciate this fact, even if the final result was not my favourite read. The topics covered in this book are important and very up - to - date, but they were just there, bringing nothing to the story itself. There are some more emotional moments and the author has tried to add depth to it but in the end I am not sure if she was sure what she wants to write - a feminist rant (appreciated!) or a rom - com.

Nevertheless, altogether, it is not a bad read, of course not, it's again the case of "it's not you, it's me" probably. Lucy Vine gives her best to create a quirky heroine that overcomes her issues. She's sending important signals, touching upon internet culture, feminism and reality versus social media.

[Beth England · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liv has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. Caught on video ranting about tiramisu after her boyfriend breaks up with her instead of proposing to her, her career and everything she has built up is suddenly on the line. She is forced to attend therapy sessions with her colleague Edward in order to save her spot on Morning Tea and win back her disappearing clients and book deal.

Really this is a story of self-discovery, self-love and a (pretty big) splash of feminine rage. It’s the first Lucy Vine book I’ve read and I have to say I really enjoyed the writing style. It was written in such a fun and candid way, that felt like I was sitting on the sofa chatting away with a friend. It was also very funny - I did giggle a fair few times throughout!

Liv is flawed but relatable and I liked her as a main character. I think most of us can relate to her at certain moments, and I did find myself wanting her to succeed and for everything to resolve. She’s not perfect, but that makes her all the more relatable. I loooved Sam and loved the dynamic between Liv and Sam. Such a close bond provides some really entertaining moments. I’d have liked to have gotten to know Edward more. I felt we didn’t get the depth from him that I would have expected, and he seemed like such a kind guy!

All in all, this was a fun and easy read. It was one big healing journey, about understanding yourself and loving yourself. Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the proof, I’m forever grateful.

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Good For You by Lucy Vine, morning TV’s go-to relationship therapist, Liv, has built a flawless reputation for being completely easy-breezy. But when an unexpected breakup leads to a viral, tiramisu-fuelled meltdown, her cool exterior completely shatters. Facing an ultimatum from her boss, she is forced into anger management to save her career. The only problem? Her therapist, Edward, is insufferably perceptive and devastatingly hot.

I absolutely loved this book from start to end! It was funny, relatable, and deeply authentic. Beyond the brilliant humour, the story explores important, serious subjects like how women are allowed to express anger, the benefits of therapy, the impact of childhood trauma and the toxicity of social media. Dealing with an unexpected, embarrassing breakup is something so many people can relate to, and I loved following Liv as she navigated her relationships with Justin, Edward and her friends.

Overall, this was an incredibly enjoyable, entertaining and quick read featuring a cute romance that I was genuinely rooting for. A particularly wonderful aspect of the book was how interactive it felt; while Liv went through her sessions, I found myself questioning my own feelings and thinking about how to journal and express them myself. It is a fantastic contemporary story and I cannot wait to read more from Lucy Vine.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Lucy’s Vine’s books over the years so when I discovered that another was on the way I was excited and moved this to the top of my TBR when it arrive and it was the book I needed to get through the 3rd British heatwave this year!

Liv, Is a relationship therapist on morning television, completely popular with viewers (and clients in her own office) for her cool, modern approach to relationships. So, when her boyfriend looks like he's going to propose and doesn't—ending things with her instead—she has a full-on, public meltdown at the restaurant. But things go from bad to worse when her meltdown has been uploaded to social media and then spreads like wildfire. Liv is forced to needing to help herself with needing therapy for herself. she's thrown into sessions with old acquaintance, Ed. Accepting help and guidance is the last thing she wants to do. But with flatmate Sam walking beside her, and new visions of her future on the horizon, things seem like they could be heading up.

Although it's billed as romance, I think romance is secondary to the real message in this story and appreciate this fact, even if the result was not my favourite read. The topics covered in this book are important and very up to date, but they were just there, bringing nothing to the story itself.

[Emma F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liv, morning television agony aunt, is expecting a proposal from her boyfriend of more than a year. So is utterly blindsided when rather than an engagement ring he dumps her. She handles it badly, which would be fine but someone filmed it and shared it on social media. Now her job is at risk and she’s an internet joke. Her boss demands she has therapy, which she grudgingly agrees to.

It’s a romance novel, but the romance is secondary to the character working through her issues. There’s minimal romance. It’s quite a chaste book. I did like the characters, Liv is flawed and realistic. Her relationship with best pal Sam is nicely written. I don’t feel I know Edward, the romantic interest, as well. There are quite a few strong female characters in it. Along with Justin and his weaponised incompetence.

It’s a bit zeitgeist-y, shoehorning trends into it. Personally I’m not a fan of mentioning very recent media, it takes me out of the story. It was enjoyable and an easy read but I just wanted a little more from it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Lucy Vine, and I loved it. It gave me such positive energy. Liv is fun and a little chaotic, especially at the start, but you see how much she learns about herself and others along the way. Having the main character as a therapist gave an interesting perspective—you get to see different insights than you would with a regular person. I will say the romance part was quite minimal, with a lot more of the book focusing on Liv's personal growth and improving her relationships with the people around her.

There were a few pop culture references which took me out of the story the author was building for a second, and I fear they date the book quite quickly.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

[Jessica Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read.

Lucy Vine has such an easy, funny writing style, and this book pulled me in right away. Liv felt very real to me — messy in a believable way, frustrating at times, but also someone I could genuinely root for. I liked that the story had humor, but it also had a bit of emotional weight underneath it, so it never felt shallow.

The dialogue is sharp, the pace moves well, and the whole thing just has that addictive rom-com energy that makes you keep reading “just one more chapter.” I also liked that it felt fresh without trying too hard.

A really enjoyable read overall, and one I’d happily recommend to anyone who likes contemporary romance with personality, wit, and heart.

[Amanda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always look forward to a Lucy Vine book, the writing style is gossipy and fun, and the characters are always warm and interesting to read about.

I liked the premise for this one and had a lot of fun following Liv in the aftermath of her tiramisu-focused rant. Sam and Edward were great characters, and I was really rooting for Liv to get a happy ending.

The only downside for me was that there were a couple of chapters which felt like one long feminist rant. I appreciate that the author was trying to cover important topics, but it felt a bit preachy and took away from the fun vibes of the rest of the book.

Overall I did really enjoy reading this and would recommend it.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hit from this author!
Liv is chaotic and her life seemed to become defined with 1 viral moment shattering her world.
At times I did find this a tad too waffly and frantic and felt it needed more structure. The flashbacks to her advice also felt unnecessary. However, when the story focused on current Liv issues, and her encounters with Edward, I was fully on board, invested and swept away with the female empowerment, channelling rage and going along with things for the ride.
A fun sweet read.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

i listened to this on audiobook and it's quite a fun, well done audiobook but it also wasn't very memorable as a book. i remember everything that happens in it now, nearly 3 weeks later, but i don't recall that it moved me in any way. i think this is grand to pass some time with but i ended up not feeling much closer to the characters at the end of the book than i was at the beginning. AND the 'romance' felt like it didn't matter to this story, which meant that the character's emotional arc would need to be much stronger, and it just wasn't really! like this is fine.

[✨️ Courtney ✨️ (courtneyreads_x) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ feminine rage as it's finest, and I feel validated as a woman with absolutely rage. This book is a love letter to women of the 21st century.

The romance is more a subplot with no spice and you know what, this book doesnt need spice. Cute, romantic moments, sure. But this book ie one that everyone woman needs to read.💕

I hope Sam has her own book one day because she was utterly fabulous and ngl...my fave character.🤭

[Becky Jerams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely freaking HILARIOUS - whilst also being full of heart, warmth, and really insightful observations on life, love, friendship and feminism. (Oh, and breakfast TV.)

The running gag about a Daddy Long Legs made me laugh so much. Lucy Vine, you're a genius!! I must now go back and read your entire back catalogue! 5 stars * * * * *

[Madeline Hockey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There were a lot of topics about women and reasons for women to be angry. It was a good feminine rage book with a lot of humour. It also gave me a lot of insight into life and past relationships.

[Paige Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super original premise and main character. Vine has a wonderful sense of humour and creates warm characters so well. My only issue is that sometimes it lacked a bit of drive, with moments of conflict seemingly coming out of nowhere to move the plot along.

[Charlotte Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

This is Lucy’s best book yet.

Beautiful female rage and friendship. Full of humour and also heart. The romance element was sweet.

This truly had me cackling, raging and tearing up.

I will be recommending to everyone!

[Clara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cracker of a book from Lucy Vine, not only is it actually quite hilarious but i found that there were some parts that a lot of women can relate to and I'm so glad i had the opportunity to read it!

Give it a go, you won't be disapointed!

[Coolchool H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely fun and light read. Clever banter and likeable MMC and FMC. There were certain parts that went on a bit longer that I would have liked but this is a personal preference and I really think some others would find the exact same sections really entertaining.

[Sanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The character development sort of came out of nowhere. I didn’t really like the pop culture references, as there were so many. I did like the characters. It was a cute read, albeit a little on the nose at times. Would’ve preferred a more subtle writing style.

[Zac Hammett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her best yet! I love an author with a mission statement. The plot perfectly articulates the theme of female rage, plus we love a Come Dine With Me reference. Rom com perfection.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Elin Pettersson]

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