The Awkward Agenda

by Beth Morton

“I guess it’s too late for me to have my awkward phase. It would be funny, but not exactly professional, if my pants split open during a customer meeting.”

“I mean—that’s only one example. We could recreate a few awkward experiences—if you wanted to.”



Cali Barton is sick of playing a background character in her own life. Her plan to rock the world at her new job falls flat after she overhears her co-workers gossiping about her for being standoffish and her boss decides to coach her on her “approachability.”

Enter Simon Goldberg, her upstairs neighbor. While Cali spent her childhood flying under the radar, Simon’s Tourette syndrome taught him to roll with the punches. Simon believed he had made peace with his diagnosis. But when the company publishing his graphic novel wants him to go on tour to promote his work, Simon is panicked at the prospect. Television appearances? He'll either make a fool of himself or become, ewww, an “inspiring story.”

When Simon comes across Cali, he offers to help her break out of her comfort zone by taking her on a tour of the kind of awkward experiences she’s avoided. Helping her makes him realize just how closed off his own life has become, and having someone to laugh with makes opening up far easier.

In the whirl of their adventures, they learn to see themselves, and each other, for who they really are. But trusting themselves doesn’t come easy, and letting go is the hardest trick of all.




The Awkward Agenda is an open-door romance featuring friends-to-lovers, pirate cosplay, and found family.

TRIGGER WARNINGS

Mental health issues (anxiety, bipolar disorder)
Internalized ableism
Character suicide (referenced)
Parent death (referenced)

Genres: Romance, Fiction

300 pages, Unknown Binding

First published March 1, 2026

About the author

I grew up on Long Island, New York and received my bachelors in Dramatic Literature and Creative Writing and MBA in Marketing and Sales at NYU. Currently I live in Northern New Jersey with my husband and two children.

Follow me @Beth_Morton_Writer on Instagram!

Reviews

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cali + Simon

I'm not sure what to say about the book.
I liked it. But I also didn't care for many parts of it.
There were cute and funny moments and some more serious and harder moments. But I never really connected with much of it. I liked the food and the friends and the funny moments, but I didn't like the conversations. They often (always) end in arguments/fights that I didn't get. They apologize for weird stuff and ugh. I don't even know what I mean. I think that this just wasn't my book. It might have been too psychological for my brain to understand. I loved the Tourette part and I loved the prologue - Cali's childhood - it started very promising. But the story wasn't really my thing and the writing was weird too. It wasn't a bad book at all - but it could've been much better.
I still rate it 3.9 stars - I liked it. But I wanted ... more and... different things .. ugh. Don't mind me. Lots of people will love this story! READ IT!

click ► HERE! to buy the book!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
A really engaging story featuring a hero with Tourette syndrome and a heroine with her own struggles, “The Awkward Agenda”, by Beth Morton, is a sweet romance where they help each other, grow and change together and become stronger because of the relationship.
I loved how the romance begins, with just enjoying each other’s company, then building the affection, with lots of talking, confiding, cuddling, kissing.
Simon’s initial supposed aversion is written so well, and Cali is oblivious.
It’s wonderful to watch how Cali has a soothing effect in Simon’s tics, without really paying much attention to it or being condescending, just understanding and empathizing.
Although I’m not an expert, I was totally convinced with Simon’s condition representation, it was moving and powerful. The various effects and impact of Tourette syndrome are really depicted well through the hero.
I also loved the desire, the crushing and yearning, the eroticism.
Cali’s issues are serious and I admire her strength.
The secondary characters are also interesting.

[i_want_ all_the_spoilers · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you know you love a book?

ARC review for The Awkward Agenda by Beth Morton 5 stars
Beware - Some spoilers ahead
Had to read this with my own 2 eyes (3 stars to my inner voices)

Cali Barton - FMC
Simon Goldberg - MMC

How do you know you love a book?
Your eyes are drooping closed but you can read JUST one more chapter. Even if tomorrow you need to wake up early for work
You read the book the same day you started it.
You refuse your favorite TV show with boyfriend "because I really like this book. Let me read."
Why I loved it.
The perfect characters! How are they perfect? By being utterly imperfect. Both MCs struggle with trauma from their childhood, but we see two adults that coped in different ways, and learn to grow and move forward together.

Simon has Tourette Syndrome, and he was bullied for it his whole life.
Cali is the survivor of a mother with bipolar disease. I am not versed in what bipolar really means IRL, but survivor, I think, is the best description for this situation.

The book is way too smart for a romance. I think it's the first time in 20 years of reading literary fiction that I stopped several times to look up words in the dictionary. (Please keep in mind I am not native English speaker).

The growth of the characters, separately and their relationship felt natural, there was some angst due to miscommunication, but easily digestible because both MC's had sane people in their lives that called them on their bulshit. Oh, yes, extra stars for very nice side characters that embrace new people and want the best for their loved ones. We have some group chat that prove it.

The romance part was quite lovely, and sometimes the intimacy was... well, very intimate (I am not referring to penetration) but the way they held each other, how they read the nonverbal communication from each other.
The spice I would give is 3 /5 peppers, because it was a medium to slow burn.
I must admit up until the end, I did not understand her job.... However Simon is healing from his former and current bullies with his art. He is a comic book writer and I love the inserts from his comic in the pages.

I loved the dictionary words in each chapter, will go back to those.
This was an ARC read. I want to thank the author for the opportunity to read this book. Books like this one are the cornerstone for us, the people that need to.escape reality for a few hours. This was a beautiful example!
4.5 stars. Will round up because I read it in one sitting and am considering rereading it.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

California Barton grew up with a bipolar mom who gets into ‘funks’ and Cali has to care for her, and after getting out of her funks her mom says things like “LETS GO TO DISNEYLAND!” at 5pm with nothing but the clothes on their backs, plus of course California is an odd name, it’s VERY The Illustrated Mum by Jaqueline Wilson with Dolphin and her mum Marigold, both well written stories of kids with bipolar single mothers, sad but true to life 😢 When Cali’s mom is hospitalised she’s taken in by her dad and stepmom Grace, and it’s nice to see a positive portrayal of stepmoms in Grace who helps Cali learn to look after herself properly - but fast forward to the future, Cali is working for a company and it’s sad that her
colleges think she has ‘hot girl syndrome’ and a resting bitch face when really she’s a sweet girl, and gets awful stomach cramps when she’s stressed which sucks, I grew up with something similar 😕 Anyway, in comes Simon Goldberg, her upstairs neighbour who draws comics for a living and has Tourette’s which causes ‘tics’ that include making odd facial expressions and jerks, I didn’t realise that yelling obscenities only happens to 10% to 15% of people with Tourette’s? Interesting, I didn’t know that and it’s nice to have representation of the other 85% of people with Tourette’s! I liked the scene of Simon and Cali getting closer with him agreeing to help her with approachability when her flowers are sent to him by mistake, it gets things going without feeling rushed and it’s a promising start, with nice pics from Simon’s comic throughout, which include him adding a character that looks like Cali as a romantic interest for the hero 🤭 Of course being as lovely as she is Cali doesn’t mind Simon’s tics, and I like how Simon plays with Cali’s hands to help them, it’s cute ❤️ They start off as friends but eventually admit that they have crushes on each other, the Harry Met Sally scene is such a TEASE! I mean Simon says he wants to at least have a proper date before they do anything, understandable but still 😅 Though they DO do the do once they become an official couple, and it’s a nice bit of SPICE! 🌶️👀 With some more spice peppered throughout, very nice 😉 It’s a great romance, though as with most romances there’s the occasional argument, and I felt that during some of the arguments Simon was a bit unfair to Cali, though he apologises and redeems himself so it’s all good - yeah I really enjoyed it, thanks to Beth for giving me the ARC! ❤️

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

The story had a lighthearted, feel-good vibe that reminded me of a Hallmark movie, with definitely not Hallmark spice, though I felt it could have had a bit more depth to really draw me in. Also, what a fun idea to put Simon’s comics in the book! Those were absolutely my favorite part.

While the writing was mostly engaging (although at times, ironically, awkward), I found it difficult to connect with both Cali and Simon. The story raised important mental health themes, but I felt the portrayal didn’t fully capture the complexity of the issues. That said, the story had heart and creativity, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the author grows in future books.

Thanks so much to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[JJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

California “cali” Barton feels as though she plays as a background character to her own life. Her plan to rock the world at her new job doesn’t go as planned as she over hears her co-workers gossiping about her.

That is until Simon Goldberg enters the picture. Simon is her upstairs neighbour. While her first encounter with him wasn’t one for the books, he takes her under his wing.

While cali has tried to stay under the radar her whole life, Simon wasn’t afforded that opportunity due to his Tourette’s syndrome making him roll with the punches as life goes on.

—

I want to make a massive thank you to @beth_morton_writer for letting me be one of her lucky ARC readers. From the start of the book I realised that both of these characters were beautifully written. Cali felt realistic and also intriguing in so many aspects, as you go through the book you see her grow into her own story. On Simon’s side you get to feel like you understand what living with Tourette’s is truely like, and you also get to see how his struggles didn’t bring him down they just made him stronger. Whilst listening to this book it made me smile, laugh and also feel for both characters as it unravels their flaws and also their history. The Awkward Agenda is now out and I’d recommend this if you want a fun little read.

[Abbie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome!

The representation was accurate, and I connected it to my personal experience a lot. It’s important that books that tackle disability remain as accurate as possible without leaning into stereotypes. This book achieved that fairly well!

The progression of both main characters was beautiful to see, I felt like i was watching both Cali and Simon grow in real life. Not to mention how interesting this entire book is, from the start to the end. The realism of the characters was welcome, and I truly appreciate that none of the characters are perfect or fully polished, but more real. It kept me on the edge of my seat!

I loved it so much! I recommend reading.

[Catherine Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5*

After reading Beth Mortons's (IMO 5 star!) debut novel last winter, I was highly anticipating her sophomore book, The Awkward Agenda! I was very grateful to have an advanced copy of the book, so I could get a head start on one of my anticipated reads of this year!

The Awkward Agenda is a contemporary open door romance involving Cali (California) and Simon. Cali is a 20 something who just got her masters degree and is working her way up the career ladder with a great job opportunity that brings her to the New York area. She grew up in the first part of her childhood with her mother, who suffered from un treated bipolar disorder. Cali was often made fun of and called a "freak" because she often went to school unkempt and had to parent herself and help her mom as well. Eventually, her mom decides that Cali would be better living with her dad and step mom , so she moves in with them and does a 180-to avoid being seen as a freak she learns how to fit in and strives to not be seen as the "freak" she was known as before. As she starts her new job however, she realizes that people are finding her as not relatable and she is seen as stuck up person who is pretty but never had to struggle or had hardship due to her good looks and intellect. She realizes that her mask she put on all these years is interfering with her ability to relate to others and be herself....and with this enters Simon. Simon is a comic book author/illustrator who lives in the same building as Cali. Simon's comics have been gaining popularity, and he is on the break of a big publishing deal. As a child he was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, which often led to him being bullied and treated as different, despite him growing up in a very well off family. He later found a group of friends that became like family, and through their support, he grew to embrace his differences, and accepted himself.

When Simon sees Cali upset because her co workers see her as not a relatable person, he challenges her to go through awkward experiences that she never had as a teenager to be able to relate to people more, and to open up. She agrees, and they embark on several adventures, including a Renn Faire dressed as pirates, a drunken spelling bee (which Cali has a secret talent for), and dressing up with a bad hairdo and going out with some of Simons friends. Throughout these experiences, Simon and Cali learn more about each other. At first, Simon gets frustrated with Cali when she seems a bit reluctant to post their adventures on social media, but eventually they reconcile, and Simon understands more about why she is hesitant after he learned about her childhood and about her life with her mom. Cali also encourages Simon to open up as well, and encourages him to go on a tour for his comic book despite him being anxious about how others would perceive him due to his Tourette Syndrome.

I really enjoyed this book! I can tell Beth did a lot of research on Tourette Syndrome, and did a good job of depicting Simon's symptoms and how he manages it. She also did a lot of research on words for this book, as Cali loves words and learning about different words and their meanings and spellings. Each chapter has a new word that is defined at the start, which is a fun addition to the book!

Beth also did a good job of developing the characters-they definitely both were not static. Both Cali and Simon grew throughout the book, and had to grow individually in order to grow together. At first, I wasn't the biggest fan of how Simon judged Cali's behavior, especially since as the reader I knew what Cali went through. Simon also discussed how he was well adjusted to his diagnosis, yet often did not go outside of his bubble of friends and experiences. Throughout the book Simon begins to realize this (with Calis help) and he begins to work on himself with the help of a therapist, Cali, his agent, and family and friends. Beth called out Simon's own hypocrisy on judging Cali, and this character development and realization was great to see! Cali also grew as an individual, realizing she had a lot to unpack from her childhood with her mom, and truly finding herself and being comfortable with showing everyone who she is, not who she thinks people wanted to see. I also liked seeing their relationship develop from neighbors to friends to lovers. I enjoyed seeing them opening up to each other and being there for one another.

Something that Beth did in this book which I really liked was not having villains in the characters story. There was not an evil stepmom (her step mom is actually very supportive and treats Cali like her own), and even the main bully from Simons childhood/teen years is seen with a redemption arc during this book (we find out he is very guilty about his actions, and suffered with abuse growing up).
It is refreshing seeing characters that are stereotypically written about poorly (such as the childhood bully and stepmoms) being (or who have become) supportive people. There IS one nasty character in this book, but he is not a main influence over the characters upbringing. I also really enjoyed both characters friends and family-they all had a lot of influence over Cali and Simon, and It was wonderful seeing them all-they were all very well written secondary characters!

This was another heartwarming, funny, and captivating read from Beth! I highly recommend it to any romance fan who wants to read a feel good, fun, and spicy read!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚The Awkward Agenda
✍🏻Beth Morton
Blurb:
“I guess it’s too late for me to have my awkward phase. It would be funny, but not exactly professional, if my pants split open during a customer meeting.”

“I mean—that’s only one example. We could recreate a few awkward experiences—if you wanted to.”



Cali Barton is sick of playing a background character in her own life. Her plan to rock the world at her new job falls flat after she overhears her co-workers gossiping about her for being standoffish and her boss decides to coach her on her “approachability.”

Enter Simon Goldberg, her upstairs neighbor. While Cali spent her childhood flying under the radar, Simon’s Tourette syndrome taught him to roll with the punches. Simon believed he had made peace with his diagnosis. But when the company publishing his graphic novel wants him to go on tour to promote his work, Simon is panicked at the prospect. Television appearances? He'll either make a fool of himself or become, ewww, an “inspiring story.”

When Simon comes across Cali, he offers to help her break out of her comfort zone by taking her on a tour of the kind of awkward experiences she’s avoided. Helping her makes him realize just how closed off his own life has become, and having someone to laugh with makes opening up far easier.

In the whirl of their adventures, they learn to see themselves, and each other, for who they really are. But trusting themselves doesn’t come easy, and letting go is the hardest trick of all.




The Awkward Agenda is an open-door romance featuring friends-to-lovers, pirate cosplay, and found family.

TRIGGER WARNINGS

Mental health issues (anxiety, bipolar disorder)
Internalized ableism
Character suicide (referenced)
Parent death (referenced)
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t know anyone with Tourette syndrome but it appeared to be handled respectfully. It tackles heavy topics like mental health, bullying, and inclusion with so much compassion. Nothing felt forced or preachy, it just feels human with real people and emotions many of us have felt and can relate to. The main characters are so lovable. Cali grew up with a bipolar mother who wasn’t able to take care of her or herself properly; for that reason, she was labeled a freak by her peers. Growing up, she managed to blend into the background, but some people saw that as her being standoffish. Simon’s Tourette syndrome prevented him from hiding, no matter how much he tried to be invisible. Now, as an adult, he has learned to ignore those people and surround himself with those who see him for who he is. Although he seems to have a thicker skin now in his adult life, he still has moments of vulnerability he finds hard to shake off. His story was real and raw. I was able to imagine myself in his shoes and feel his frustrations. When Cali tells him about her problems at work, Simon comes up with challenges to get her out of her comfort zone.Cali now lives in New Jersey where she is struggling to connect with people at her job. I could sympathize with Cali’s stomach issues as a result of stress. Her anxiety ruled her, even when she forced it down and tried to keep a lid on it. We then meet Cali’s upstairs neighbor, Simon, who happens to have Tourette’s. I don’t personally know anyone with Tourette’s but it seems like the author did her research, and it’s explained well. They are both attracted to each other, and embark on a mission to help Cali become more approachable.
Thanks NetGalley, C.M. Publishing and Author Beth Morton for the complimentary copy of "The Awkward Agenda" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#C.MPublishing
#BethMorton
#TheAwardAgenda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Ableism, Bullying, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicide, Vomit, Death of parent, Alcohol Domestic abuse, Blood

[Kelly (aka jsybookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only my second book by Beth Morton and another smashing 5 star read.
It was a brilliant storyline and kept me so invested in Cali and Simon. This book made me laugh out loud, cry and swoon- I felt all the feels and loved it so much for this!

Cali is new in town and decides to try and make friends with her neighbour Simon by making him some pastries, unfortunately when she delivers them, Simon seems rude and so Cali retreats to lick her wounds. Cali doesn’t know but Simon has Tourette syndrome and his perceived rude behaviour was a tic. Their next meeting is when some flowers are delivered to Simon instead of Cali and so he does the neighbourly thing of taking them to her, but things go a little awry and they end up confiding in each other. Simon talks about his Tourette’s and Cali talks about the fact she has zero interpersonal skills which is a big issue in her new job. Cali is used to flying under the radar, using her appearance and a mask to never really connect with people. Whilst Simon, due to his Tourette’s, has always been the centre of attention, and although it has taken him a while, he has now made peace with the fact that he will never fit in but is okay with it. Simon makes a sudden decision to try and help Cali by taking her out of her comfort zone and Cali is keen to try anything to be better around people and thus her career can flourish. But as Simon and Cali spend more time together, Simon realises that there is way more to Cali than just a pretty face and Cali realises that Simon is much more than a handsome face and a medical condition. But are they both ready to take the ultimate jump and make themselves both very vulnerable by admitting their feelings for each other and pursuing a relationship or is that just too much of a reach for both of them?!

Well, what can I say, this book was amazing… AMAZING!! I smiled, I cried, I swooned, I giggled, my heart broke and I snorted with laughter as I made my way through this story. I absolutely loved both Cali and Simon so much and was rooting for them all the way through the book. My heart broke and hurt for Cali twice in quick succession at the beginning of the book and could definitely understand why she was the way she was at the start of the story, I adored her character development. I learned so much about Tourette syndrome from Simon’s character and what Simon had been through in his younger years really hurt my heart. However, I loved how much he had found his strength and also his tribe by the time he meets Cali. I really liked the comic parts of the book, and I can’t possibly put into words how much I loved the words I learnt at the start of each chapter and in addition, the ones sprinkled throughout the entire book. I have wanted to build my Bookly App “word of the day” for a very long time and this book really has helped me achieve that, so big thank you Beth Morton- such a fabulous idea! I don’t put spoilers in my reviews so all I will say is; chapter 12 “mating call” had me snorting with laughter, so much so I am surprised I didn’t wake my sleeping husband next to me, chapter 16- wowsers 😉, chapter 20 broke my heart (again) and chapter 23 brought tears to my eyes! I ended up slowing my reading during the last quarter of the book as I just didn’t want to finish it!!

Overall, this was a fantastic read and I can’t rate it highly enough. I never thought I was a fan of the “friends to lovers” trope but this book totally changed my opinion, and I can firmly say I sure am now! I absolutely recommend this book for any fans of the rom-com genre- I promise you will not be disappointed with this one. Totally and utterly deserved 5 star read and a must read for any rom-com fans. I can not wait for the next book Beth Morton writes; she smashes it every single time!!

Thank you to Beth Morton for my advanced reading copy. Out 1st March 2026.

[Annie Mae · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Awkward Agenda - 2.75 stars out of 5 ⭐️

What first drew me to this book were the strong levels representation mentioned in the synopsis, and the concept of two main characters, each dealing with their own complex struggles, coming together to work through them and inspire one another to step outside their comfort zones,

The introductions of Cali and Simon were strong and effectively highlighted the impact of their personal struggles. The FMC Cali, who feels like a background character in her own life and is struggling with coming across cold/closed off to her coworkers, and the MMC Simon, who is beginning to feel self-doubt about his personal acceptance of his Tourette’s syndrome,

This provided a strong set up for the premise of the story which peaked my personal interest and allowed the chance for readers to form a connection to the characters from the very start,

Unfortunately, that strong personal interest didn’t last once I finished reading the first few chapters which was disappointing after a promising start,

Once the story began to introduce more complex themes such as bullying, work place harassment, internalised ableism, mental health disorders, suicide, parental death and childhood trauma, the lack of dimension and repetitive nature took control of the story,

The dialogue between the main characters became repetitive and I felt like I was reading the same conversation that had been reworded for each chapter. In particular, Cali’s experience with “hot girl syndrome” was mentioned so often that it felt like it was in every conversation and ended up overshadowing other elements of each interaction. This took away from the multiple opportunities to discuss the complex nature of the ‘heavier’ topics and fully explore how they impacted each character.

As the story further progressed, the focus on Cali and Simon pushing each other out of their comfort zones began to fade and feel lost. The focus switched to their developing romance, which makes sense for a romance novel, yet the original premise started to feel like an afterthought rather than potential supporting theme for the romance.

However, there were cute moments between Cali and Simon. Their romance showcased the sweet and tender moments of a developing crush and captured the slow yet exciting transition from getting to know someone as a friend then once again as a lover,

Overall, this romance mentions important themes and provides strong representation for both main characters, but lacks the depth to fully explore these elements and at times feels dragged out. Whilst it’s not a book I would choose to read again, I can see why it might appeal to others,

If you’re a fan of Hallmark-style romance and the tropes listed below, this might be a good read for you!

Tropes:
- Dual POV
- Romance
- Living in the same apartment building
- Frenemies to friends to lovers
- Open-door romance
- Found family
- Mental health and disability representation (as always, check trigger warnings prior to reading)

*Thank you to NetGalley and Beth Morton for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the heels of a well-deserved promotion, Cali Barton’s mood plummets after overhearing coworkers call her snotty and unapproachable. How Cali always manages to alienate people is beyond her. After being implored by her supervisor to strengthen her communication skills to connect with her peers, she is even more lost. How can she improve if no one gives her the chance?

That’s when she meets Simon Goldberg, the upstairs neighbor who knows relatability happens when you’re put in uncomfortable situations. No one knows awkward better than Simon, who suffers from Tourette’s syndrome. Struggling with tics all his life, Simon has had his share of character-building moments. He offers to help Cali through exposure therapy (aka, forcing Cali out of her comfort zone).

The unlikely friends bond over their experiment, overcome challenges, and confront burgeoning romantic feelings.

The Awkward Agenda by Beth Morton is an endearing contemporary love story that will envelop readers like a warm blanket. It’s charming, inclusive, and highlights the beauty of starting as friends and letting things bloom organically. Through alternating perspectives, the novel follows Cali and Simon as they support one another while navigating personal struggles. Teeming with emotion, hilarity, and spice, Morton’s novel is all-encompassing.

Healing is often a one-person job; no one else can do that internal work. But in Cali and Simon’s cases, it occasionally takes an outside perspective to provide clarity. Morton has done an excellent job of creating two characters who are exactly what the other person needs to overcome challenges. Simon’s laid-back approach to awkward situations forces Cali to embrace discomfort and laugh at herself (beautiful Cali donning a hideous wig on a girl’s night out was one of my favorites!) I can totally resonate with this, as my now-husband has helped me overcome my crippling social anxiety through similar situations. (I’m still not comfortable in big crowds, but I’m getting there!) Moreover, Cali encouraged Simon to embrace his tics rather than see them as a strike against him. Representation is so important in destigmatization.

There is so much to love about this quirky, heartwarming romance. The Awkward Agenda will appeal to readers who love novels about characters who experience immense personal growth. Despite the romantic charm, Morton doesn’t shy away from heavier topics such as mental illness, suicide, and disability, which provide relatability and complexity. Readers will experience a wide array of emotions as they’re drawn into Cali and Simon’s story, and they’ll finish this book feeling assured that the right person is out there waiting for them, despite their self-proclaimed imperfections. Happy reading, romantic enthusiasts!

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Awkward Agenda by Beth Morton
Release Date: March 1, 2026


Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read and review this title.

The Awkward Agenda was a genuinely lovely surprise. One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the thoughtful and compassionate way Tourette syndrome is represented. Rather than feeling instructional, it is seamlessly integrated into the story as part of the character’s lived experience, handled with empathy, respect, and authenticity. As a reader with limited prior knowledge, I found this both informative and deeply human.♥️

Cali and Simon are endearing, well-developed characters whose insecurities feel honest and relatable. Both are intelligent, capable, and kind, yet so focused on their perceived shortcomings that they struggle to recognize their own worth. Their dynamic is tender and well-balanced, and watching them navigate vulnerability, self-doubt, and connection felt sincere and emotionally grounded.

The novel is enriched by small, thoughtful details, particularly the vocabulary featured at the beginning of each chapter. This charming and intentional touch added depth to the reading experience and will especially appeal to readers who enjoy language.

The inclusion of a comic/graphic novel snippet was a standout feature and felt perfectly aligned with Simon’s character. This creative element would shine even more in the physical edition. Simon’s quietly humorous inner monologue and his not-so-secret admiration for Cali added warmth and charm throughout the story.🌷

Simon’s friends were another highlight. Their unwavering support and sense of camaraderie brought a comforting sense of belonging to the narrative and emphasized the importance of chosen family.♥️

While the story presents itself as gentle and sweet, it also includes moments of surprising spice, adding an enjoyable layer to the romance.

Overall, The Awkward Agenda is a heartfelt, character-driven love story about awkwardness, kindness, and learning to see yourself the way others already do.🌷

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.♥️

[☾arina⭐︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Cali grew up with a bipolar mother who wasn’t able to take care of her or herself properly; for that reason, she was labeled a freak by her peers. Growing up, she managed to blend into the background, but some people saw that as her being standoffish. Simon’s Tourette syndrome prevented him from hiding, no matter how much he tried to be invisible. Now, as an adult, he has learned to ignore those people and surround himself with those who see him for who he is. Although he seems to have a thicker skin now in his adult life, he still has moments of vulnerability he finds hard to shake off. His story was real and raw. I was able to imagine myself in his shoes and feel his frustrations. When Cali tells him about her problems at work, Simon comes up with challenges to get her out of her comfort zone.

I loved their tentative friendship turning into a romantic relationship. These two are different in how they were raised and how people interact with them, but they are similar in that their insecurities and anxiety manifest as severe stomach aches for Cali and violent tics for Simon. In each other, they find someone who challenges them and is willing to call them out when they’re being stubborn, with humor and banter, but also care and understanding. I loved seeing Cali get out of her comfort zone with the help of Simon and his friends, whom I adore. She’s able to find a safe space with them to let her geeky side out without feeling judged. There was a communication conflict that frustrated me with both characters, but I also saw where they were coming from. When someone is scared of history repeating itself or thinks they’re not good enough, you say things you don’t mean. It’s clear they still have inner struggles they need to work on, but eventually a voice of reason will prevail.

Because of Cali’s love for words and spelling bees, the chapters starting with a word and definition were a nice touch. Now I feel 5% smarter, expanding my vocabulary lol. (Will I retain these words? Probably not, but it was fun learning them.) In some chapters, Simon’s comic strip was displayed, and I really loved seeing the illustrations. It felt like I was really reading a part of Simon’s work. We all love a redemption story, and I like the way Simon’s next venture focuses on that.

There was so much I liked in this book, from the characters and plot to the romance. There were also some life lessons learned that can be applied in real-life situations. Would definitely recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Lisi Bee (Beth) · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a rough childhood, adult Cali is aloof and prefers to preserve her emotions and stay in the background of most social encounters. When her inability to connect with others starts to affect her job, she turns to her upstairs neighbor Simon, a graphic novelist who has spent all his life managing his Tourette Syndrome. Simon agrees to help her to lower her social inhibitions by placing herself in awkward situations, in the hopes of becoming more socially open. In the process, sparks start to fly and both Cali and Simon learn more about being brave with themselves and with others. I liked it but I didn't love it. It's an interesting premise even if it's a bit of a stretch. Cali's history of social entitlement based on her appearance is a little off-putting as a theme, but I think that's the point. The overall pacing of the story was uneven, and my attention wandered at times. There's a pleasing and gentle buddy feel at first even if they're both prickly and judgmental with each other. Even though I found Cali to be stiff and off-putting at times, there's a sweetness to her slowly feeling more comfortable in showing others her true self and learning to be brave again. The dialogue is a little stilted, especially Cali's, but in her case I assume the author is trying to emphasize her reserve and disconnect. This was a quick read with a focus on both characters needing to learn to be more brave in deciding what they want and what they deserve to make them happy. The journey of both of them learning to be open with one another gave the story added depth. Bonus of the added panels from Simon's comic interspersed throughout the book, I loved those! I think if you're looking for an open-door romance that focuses on the emotional growth of both characters, with a healthy dose of relationship angst and personal self-acceptance mixed in, then this is the book for you! 3.5 stars. Publishes March 1, 2026. This review was based on a complimentary eARC of the book, all opinions are my own.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good and easy to read that I had a hard time putting it down and ended up reading it in one day. I know the stars go to 5, but for me this was a 6/5 read.

The prologue which gave us insight into young Cali hooked me instantly. She was a character that I related to because she did what she had to in order to survive her inner thoughts. It takes overhearing some not so nice comments from others for her to begin the process of realizing that no matter how perfect you are, there will always be people who aren’t nice.

She and Simon get off on the wrong foot initially and both make assumptions about the other. Once they get to know each other, they realize that they just fit. I thought the way their relationship and emotional intimacy progressed was beautifully written. I also like the way the author seemed to take great care in explaining Tourettes as more than just what many of us see portrayed in movies and TV shows.

Simon helping Cali have her “awkward phase” as an adult was really cute. He started out high with their experience as pirates at a Ren Fair, and the quest for awkwardness really did help her relate more to her co-workers because Simon showed her it was ok to be vulnerable.

The supporting characters were also written really well. While they were supportive of the main characters, they also were not afraid to deal out some harsh truths when needed. I especially liked the scene where Simon and Grace, Cali’s stepmother, got to speak alone at Thanksgiving, proving Simon’s (and mine to be honest) preconceived notions about Grace to be incorrect.

It was clever that with Cali’s love of words, each chapter had a word and the dictionary definition to lead it off. If you need a read that will have you smiling with satisfaction as you watch two adorable awkward people get their happy ending, this is definitely the book for you. This one has me wanting to read more from Beth Morton ASAP.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heidi Lengenfelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something incredibly tender about watching two people decide—sometimes clumsily, sometimes bravely—to take up space in their own lives.

The Awkward Agenda follows Cali Barton, who is exhausted from shrinking herself into something more “digestible.” When her new job labels her as unapproachable, it confirms her worst fear: that being quiet, thoughtful, and reserved somehow translates to “wrong.” Meanwhile, her upstairs neighbor Simon Goldberg has spent his entire life being perceived first and understood second because of his Tourette syndrome. When his graphic novel lands him a publicity tour, he faces the possibility of being reduced to a headline instead of being seen as an artist.

What unfolds between them isn’t flashy or over-the-top—it’s intimate, awkward, and deeply human.

Simon’s idea of an “awkward agenda” — intentionally pushing Cali into situations she’d normally avoid — becomes the heartbeat of the story. But what makes this romance shine is that it’s never about fixing one another. It’s about witnessing. Cali learns that confidence doesn’t mean becoming louder; it means becoming honest. Simon learns that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s connection.

Their chemistry feels organic and lived-in. Their banter has warmth without forced quirkiness. And the representation of Tourette syndrome is handled with nuance—Simon is never framed as inspirational or tragic. He’s funny, complicated, talented, sometimes scared, and entirely real.

The emotional core of the book rests in the small moments: shared laughter after something mortifying, quiet late-night conversations, the realization that someone is choosing you—not because you’re polished, but because you’re you.

This is a romance about reclaiming your narrative. About realizing you were never a background character. And about how love can be the safest place to practice being seen.

It’s soft, hopeful, and quietly empowering.

Thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy; all opinions are my own.

[Lisa Conant · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶 1/2

This was overall cute, reminiscent of a Hallmark movie and definitely my favorite part of the book was the look into Tourette's. Simon is very likeable and I loved seeing how he appeared quite at ease most of the time with his tics but then would secretly have insecurities about it (liked more of that).

He was so sweet and very insightful when it came to his own condition and Cali's anxieties as well. She was a little snippy towards him though. The way in which they come together (him recreating scenarios for her to have an awkward stage she missed in her youth) felt a bit far fetched maybe? Some of their interactions were really nice and I loved how Cali was so understanding of him.

Midway, we then have a reversal where Cali helps him to overcome a kind of stage fright. But knowing how outgoing he is and how he put himself out there for Cali's benefit so easily, it seemed a bit off character that he'd need help in this respect. Felt a bit inconsistent with the public anxieties (too many of them, with side characters having them...nearly every character had a mental health rep...felt a bit too "on the nose" ).

This had enjoyable moments (a bit repetitive). A sequence in the third act involving Simon and a tic attack was my favorite moment. It puts reps of many kinds front and center. Overall, all the rep and dialog about it sometimes felt less organically said and it overshadowed the two mc's relationship for me, so i didn't connect with them as strongly as a couple. Focus felt oddly away from them and it was all about anxiety rep talk.

I can tell Beth did her research on the Tourette's which was lovely. Side note, I still wholeheartedly reccomend reading her first book, Phantoms, Ghosts and other Heartbreaks!

[Desi Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks for this arc from Beth Morton and Hidden Gems Books.

Starting this book I was immediately grabbed by the characters of California “Cali” and Simon. The initial plot presents a pretty girl who struggles to connect with others because her perceived personality is cold or aloof, who needs to be easy to approach and sociable for her new job. She seeks help from her friendly neighbor who proposes putting her through uncomfortable experiences that are designed to help her let personality show through. We see how Simon and Cali learn not to judge one another by their perceived images.

This book tricks you into thinking “ok, another cute romance book,” but quickly dives deeper into the emotions of loss, abandonment of a loved one, suicide, mental health, struggles of having a neurological disorder and childhood bullying.

With such serious topics it could be easy to be scared away from this title, but you WILL MISS OUT if you don’t read this story. Beth balances her depth of character development/ growth with humorous interactions, found tribe, banter between characters, and of course comic strips from Zap, Simon’s comic book hero. The word nerd definitions at the start of each chapter are like icing on the cake.

There are many moments throughout the book I found myself reflecting along with the characters. While I don’t know if it is strictly allowed to quote on an arc review, here is one book quote that will stick with me for a while (and hopefully not give any spoilers away).

“Everything I’ve done to keep myself from being miserable has done nothing to make me happy.”

So glad I got the chance to read this book, and I will be looking for more from this author.

[Sixella MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

February 2026 Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews (BookTome Edition): “The Awkward Agenda” by Beth Norton

Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.

Overcoming fears starts with facing the Awkward Together!

When a businesswoman and comic creator find themselves in a conundrum where they need to face their fears of social situations, the two make a pact to face every awkward situation thrown at them together in order to come out of their shells. What they didn’t count on? Their adventures gradually igniting the burning chemistry between them!

From the author of “Phantoms, Ghosts, and Other Heartbreaks" comes a brand new Contemporary Romance novel by Beth Morton! You will fall in love with the chemistry between Cali and Simon as they help each other manage stressful social situations while also navigating a growing, heart-warming romance. I also found the Disability Representation to be seemingly handled with care as the book educated me on Tourette’s, facts vs. fiction regarding the disability in question, and the importance of differentiating “Inspiration” from “Acceptance” when discussing Disability in the media. Wanna read a narrative about what it means to brave the awkward and be authentically you? Then don’t miss out on this book when it hits online and in-store shelves on March 1, 2026!

Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Meter: 4/5🌶🌶🌶🌶

- Tropes: Contemporary Romance, Disability Representation, Businesswoman FMC x Comic Creator MMC, Comic Book Inserts, Found Family, Neighbors-to-Friends-to-Lovers, Open Door Romance, Found Family, Pirate Cosplay, and Meddling Friends!

- Trigger Warnings: Discussions of Mental Health, Discussions of Bullying and Harassment, Depictions and Discussions of Ableism, Discussions of Bipolar Disorder and Tourette’s, Death of a Family Member (Historical, Off-Page), Discussions of Social Anxiety, and Relationship Anxiety/Miscommunication.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book! We first meet Cali who had a rough childhood including a mother with bipolar disorder. Cali’s mom was unable to care for her so she went to live with her father and his family. It broke my heart when Cali learned she was moving away and how she was so worried for her mother. Cali had been taking care of her at only 9 years old.

Cali now lives in New Jersey where she is struggling to connect with people at her job. I could sympathize with Cali’s stomach issues as a result of stress. Her anxiety ruled her, even when she forced it down and tried to keep a lid on it. We then meet Cali’s upstairs neighbor, Simon, who happens to have Tourette’s. I don’t personally know anyone with Tourette’s but it seems like the author did her research, and it’s explained well.

They are both attracted to each other, and embark on a mission to help Cali become more approachable. I found it interesting that they had bumps right from the start, and both said insulting things to one another. I really liked that Cali was unbothered by Simon’s tics and wasn’t embarrassed by him.

This book really focused on their struggles, but also was super sweet with Cali and Simon’s relationship. I loved that Cali was able to help Simon when his tics got too bad. There is a third act conflict where both of them did and said some things that hurt. I wouldn’t call it a full break up, but they both needed some time to assess what had happened. Their happily ever after was so sweet, and I would definitely recommend this book.

I want to thank Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

4/5 on the Spicy Scale

M/F

Tourette’s Syndrome

Anxiety

Talk of past bullying

Contemporary Romance

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will stay with you for a long while and make you understand that representation matters, especially when there are people who just want to be seen as they are!

Cali is having a difficult time fitting in this world. She is the child of a bipolar mom, and it was her who had to take care of her. Think of her damage as PTSD, she is unable to relate to people, be normal, as she has never had such. Your heart will break for her, as you read her story, the episodes, and all the reactions she gets from people now.

Simon is a graphic novelist who suffers from TOurette's. He also struggles with his tics., controlling reactions, leaving a normal life. He at times has not control of his language, and it causes for uncomfortable times which have caused him to retrieve into his apartment and his life.

ANd here is where the story starts. They are neighbors! When a flower delivery mistake leads them to a meet cute of sorts, they establish a sort of relationship and agree to help each other. They both need each other, for him it is a way to calm his tics, for her is a chance to experience situations. This starts a friendship, that leads to attraction (check Simon's love interest in his comics).

There is so much to read in this book, the attraction, their interactions, the communication, the understanding. It all leads to a more profound relationship beyond their sexual escapades.

A must read that will make you open your eyes to the reality of love and life itself!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ela Quin · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, huge thanks to Net Galley for sending me an ARC of this title. ✨

Cali Barton, a perfect-girl but with no personality, and Simon Goldberg, an artist with Tourette syndrome, are neighbors in the same apartment building. A friendly deal between the two brings them to a slow journey of self-discovery, learning how to break walls and barriers, and living life as authentically as you can be.

~

The plot itself seemed fun and intriguing, but there is so much more to it than meets the eye. 👀

It’s a story about two people learning how to face each of their own deeply-rooted issues, all while they’re learning to grow together. ❤️‍🩹

To my surprise, there were many moments when I felt a little too seen by this book. I highlighted so many lines that I had to pause to wonder "How the heck did the author capture EXACTLY what I’ve felt at least once in my life?" 😳

I really love reading romance stories that are actually realistic– where characters each have their own personalities and are allowed to be humanly flawed.

One thing that I didn’t particularly enjoy though was reading it in the third person perspective, although this is more of a personal preference. I’ve never been a fan of this narration style and would’ve liked it more if it was in a dual, first-person POV.

Also a few disclaimers–
- 🌶️ Spice Rating: 5/5 I’m sure there are a lot more spicier books out there but I'm rating it high because it's so much spicier than other romance books I've read. Especially that I frequently had to skip A LOOOT of pages. 😅
- Miscommunication somewhere near the end. To each their own ofc, but I think it was fitting in this case.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

[Bethany Nalley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This story was so cute, and definitely should be talked about. I got the amazing privilege of receiving an ALC. The story kept me on my toes. It was quirky and silly, but oh so sweet.

There was absolutely INCREDIBLE representation throughout this book. Not only with Tourette's, but also Mental health representation. The MMC was diagnosed as a young boy, it took him a long time to grow into himself and feel a semblance of comfortability, but still struggled. He started a comic that had a superhero with Tourette's. It had become very popular, and he learned a big lesson as to why he chose that. Simon faced many challenges, but always Rose to the occasion.

Cali had a tough childhood with a mother struggling from mental health, so she couldn't always take care of her the way she needed, so the kids constantly bullied her. Eventually her mom reaches out to her father for help and Cali moves to Arizona with her dad, step mom and brother. Cali learned to keep herself hidden from the world.

Cali and Simon are neighbors and do not start off on the right foot, however, they quickly become friends. Simon helps Cali experience her "awkward" phase and she helps him step out of his comfort zone. The chemistry between the two is so beautiful.

There is a 3rd act breakup that causes both characters to reflect on themselves before coming back together, but it was necessary for their individual growth!

I just want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to ARC and ALC read this book!

[Cool · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for an unbiased review.

2.5 stars, rounded up.

Disclaimer: I am not a rom-com fan. However, I selected this book because the premise sounded more interesting than your trope-y rom-com (it wasn't).

Unfortunately, there are SO many problems with this book.
1. It's boring. It took me nearly a week to read it, and my mind kept wandering during the dull plot: Hot, awkward girl meets awkward Tourette's guy. They do random things to get out of their comfort zones, while having Deep Conversations. Yawn. Essentially it's a rom-com presented through a Disease of the Week lens.

2. The characters are thinly written at best. The FMC (Cali) and MMC (Simon) are flat, and I have zero sense for who they are beyond a "hot awkward girl" and a "nice guy with Tourette's Syndrome." The assorted friends (Anton, Sheila, Kat, etc) are completely one-dimensional and indistinguishable from each other.

3. The book is a weird mash-up of Afterschool Special: How To Love Yourself! and *erotica*. Out of nowhere, this fluffy book will suddenly snap into "cliterotica" mode, and it's whiplash-inducing. There's a reason why p0rn was never included in Afterschool Specials!! It is JARRING.

4. The dialogue is stilted and awkward, and doesn't read as believeable; and the prose is repetitive and in desperate need of an editor. I agree with other reviewers who note that this author spends a LOT of time Telling and not Showing. It makes the narration come off as extremely amateurish.

I did not enjoy this book, and I can't recommend it.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Awkward Agenda is a refreshingly human and heartfelt contemporary romance that blends laugh-out-loud awkwardness with genuine human depth. The story follows Cali Barton, a career-driven woman who is tired of playing a background role in her life. After a clumsy attempt to improve her "approachability" at work, she finds herself on an unexpectedly transformative journey with her upstairs neighbor, Simon Goldberg - a graphic novelist living with Tourette's syndrome.

Morton does a great job of showing two imperfect but compelling protagonists. Cali's struggles with social interaction and Simon's nuanced experience with neurodivergence are handled with warmth and respect rather than trope-filled caricature. Simon is not defined solely by his diagnosis, and the story uses his perspective to gently explore themes of identity, self-acceptance, and vulnerability.

Their friends-to-lovers arc develops organically, grounded in mutual growth and hard-won understanding. The "awkward experiences" that Simon creates provide plenty of humor, but also serve a deeper purpose: challenging both Cali and Simon to step out of their comfort zones and inviting the reader to laugh while also reflecting on how uncomfortable personal growth can be at times.

Some plot points felt lacking or could have used a bit more exploration, but the overall effect is a wonderful blend of humor, heart, and genuine warmth. This novel proves that awkwardness, as well as vulnerability, can be transformative.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, one of my favorite reads of the year so far. Such an incredibly charming book — sweet but not saccharine, witty, and poignant.

Seriously, every single thing about this book just works. Simon and Cali are both well-rounded protagonists and incredibly well suited to one another. The subtle complexity of their characters — and the way their struggles (Tourette’s and attachment disorder, respectively) are handled — is done with such sensitivity. It reminded me a bit of Hannah Bonam-Young, which is high praise in my book.

At its heart, this story is about how there’s so much more to people than what meets the eye — that we’re all fighting our own battles. Some battles are simply more visible than others.

The writing is on point, the graphic novel panels between chapters are adorable, and the side characters are just as enjoyable as the main ones. Sensitive issues are handled thoughtfully. And oh, the vocabulary! I’m a word nerd at heart, and there were so many delicious words in this one.

I wish I had a bigger audience so I could tell more people about this book. It feels criminally under-reviewed. I’m really hoping it gets the attention it deserves, because it truly is fantastic.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the advanced copy of this book, provided in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinio

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

California (Cali) Barton was 9-1/2 when her mother was finally hospitalized with bi-polar disorder. Cali loved her mother and when she was taken from her she was devastated. She then went to live with her father and stepmother. There she received encouragement and was well cared for. Now, Cali has her MBA and has attended a management training course for her new employer. She overhears people talking about her saying she is standoffish. This worries her.

At her new apartment, she meets Simon Goldberg who is a graphic artist working from home. He also has Tourette Syndrome. He is open to Cali about it and she confesses her wanting to be more outgoing for her life and her job. Together, they start to work together to help both of them.

I found a lot of this book to be not only repetitive but also silly. Two intelligent people overly concerned about how they will be accepted in life. The “tasks” that Simon set out for Cali were immature and I could think how she would be accepted by her work peers if found she was acting so goofy. Simon’s openness with Cali about his his Tourette’s was nice and her understanding of it was good as well. In general, some of all of the problems that these people had became a bit boring. So, sorry. This book is not for me.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Ne’Cole Vidro · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
May contain some spoilers!!
Thank you to the author for this ALC.

The Awkward Agenda completely surprised me in the best way. The characters are layered, messy, and incredibly real—no one feels flat or predictable. I loved how much depth the author gave them, especially watching their growth unfold instead of handing it to us easily.

One of my favorite parts of this book was learning more about Tourette’s. It was handled with care, honesty, and respect, and it added so much authenticity to the story. It didn’t feel like a lesson—it felt like lived experience woven naturally into the characters’ lives. I love that both the FMC and MMC both have issues they are dealing with and don’t always make the right choices bc they are scared or anxious.

The flip of the ugly duckling/bully trope was chef’s kiss. I loved seeing expectations challenged and power dynamics turned on their head. It made the story feel fresh and emotionally satisfying instead of relying on tired clichés. There was just enough spice and drama to keep me wanting more.

This book made me feel things, think things, and root hard for characters who felt real. Funny, uncomfortable, emotional, and meaningful—The Awkward Agenda absolutely earned its 5 stars for me.

[Susan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has such a good Hallmark vibe! 

This is a feel-good book with a lot of key areas that were brought to attention, but possibly not explored as in-depth as they could have been. Mental health and bullying and harassment were areas that were brought up and happened a few different times throughout the story.

I loved watching the tentative friendship evolve into a relationship between the two main characters. It was nice to see a storyline build that up instead of just having them fall for each other and jump into bed. I also appreciated that when they had an issue, the author walked us through resolution and the characters thoughts instead of just reconnecting. That’s a huge positive in my mind!

I do think though that the work harassment and bullying of Cali was skimmed over a little and that was a gap that could have expanded. It’s not something that needed to consume the book but the topic comes up a lot in real life and seemed downplayed.

I really enjoyed the audio version, I was able to laugh and visualize a lot of the interactions so much more than when I typically read a book.

Disclaimer: I received the audio from the author for my honest opinion.