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Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It: A modern-day Bridget Jones love story from BookTok's favourite romance fan!
From podcaster - and TikTok's favourite romance reader - Brooke Averick, an honest, imperfect, laugh-out-loud funny love story about coming of age and coming apart - perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Curtis Sittenfeld and Emily Henry.
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Phoebe Berman's Guide to Losing Her Virginity In 30 A Checklist
⭐ Redownload Hinge
⭐ Pet a dog with a cute owner
⭐ Find the cutest guy on the plane to help with my luggage
⭐ Identify a suitable target behind the wheel of a car, rear end him, and get his number
⭐ Advertise myself on Craigslist
All Phoebe Berman has ever wanted is a whirlwind romance. And yet, she keeps getting in her own way. She has no idea what has caused her long and messy history of failed dating attempts - the panic attacks, cold sweats and projectile vomiting.
But she does know two
1. She's going to be thirty in a month.
2. She's still a virgin. This, though, she's determined to change.
Armed with a romance-novel-inspired to-do list, Phoebe's giving herself thirty days to lose her virginity. No backing out this time.
She's even got some promising options lined there's charming new fellow teacher Finn; long-distance texting pen pal Matthew; and, of course, dreamy Jonathan, her long-time best friend and roommate.
With the clock ticking and a checklist as chaotic as her inner monologue, if Phoebe Berman wants to lose it, she might just have to find herself first.
*
Phoebe Berman's Guide to Losing Her Virginity In 30 A Checklist
⭐ Redownload Hinge
⭐ Pet a dog with a cute owner
⭐ Find the cutest guy on the plane to help with my luggage
⭐ Identify a suitable target behind the wheel of a car, rear end him, and get his number
⭐ Advertise myself on Craigslist
All Phoebe Berman has ever wanted is a whirlwind romance. And yet, she keeps getting in her own way. She has no idea what has caused her long and messy history of failed dating attempts - the panic attacks, cold sweats and projectile vomiting.
But she does know two
1. She's going to be thirty in a month.
2. She's still a virgin. This, though, she's determined to change.
Armed with a romance-novel-inspired to-do list, Phoebe's giving herself thirty days to lose her virginity. No backing out this time.
She's even got some promising options lined there's charming new fellow teacher Finn; long-distance texting pen pal Matthew; and, of course, dreamy Jonathan, her long-time best friend and roommate.
With the clock ticking and a checklist as chaotic as her inner monologue, if Phoebe Berman wants to lose it, she might just have to find herself first.
Audible Audio
First published May 26, 2026
About the author
Brooke Averick
1 book47.2k followersMy debut novel, Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose it, comes out May 26th! Pre-order now :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,049 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!
in all the romance novels i've read, some good and some bad and some very good and some crimes against humanity, none has conveyed the anxiety that dating and sex can bring like this one.
what a sweet, genuine, truly funny book this is. brooke averick manages to capture the voice and humor that makes everyone love her so exactly on the page, and build such a wonderful cast of characters to go with it.
i enjoyed this whole book of friendships and finding yourself, but the last few chapters blew me away.
bottom line: lovely.
(thank you to the author for the arc!)
and thank god it did!
in all the romance novels i've read, some good and some bad and some very good and some crimes against humanity, none has conveyed the anxiety that dating and sex can bring like this one.
what a sweet, genuine, truly funny book this is. brooke averick manages to capture the voice and humor that makes everyone love her so exactly on the page, and build such a wonderful cast of characters to go with it.
i enjoyed this whole book of friendships and finding yourself, but the last few chapters blew me away.
bottom line: lovely.
(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!!!!!
May 26, 2026
4.5 🌟 I loved this book!!! Such a unique, funny, and relatable romance novel…And it didn’t turn out like I thought it would! I think you’ll love this one too if you’re looking for a little something different this summer :)
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)
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 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
June 6, 2026
Oh my gosh this was so good. I had so much fun during every second of this, and ahh how I loved the friend group in this book!!!
We follow Phoebe who is about to turn 30 soon. She loves love but is still a virgin and unable to go on dates and stuff because of her anxiety. If vomitting is something you can’t handle I’d steer clear from this because there is a lot of anxious puke in this story!! She receives a letter from her younger self about how she hopes she’s had sex by now…but that’s not the case. Thus, she creates a checklist in order to lose her virginity before she turns 30.
We follow 3 potential prospects of Phoebe’s who there may be some sort of connection with:
1) Finn — he’s a new coworker of hers (he’s a fourth grade teacher while she teaches kindergarten at the same school)
2) Matthew — a guy she went to high school with but reconnected with years later on Hinge (they have more of a long-distance virtual relationship where they send each other wordles and crossword scores)
3) Johnathan — Phoebe’s best friend and roomate who knows her better than anyone else.
Romantic prospects aside, this story really was about Phoebe. Her anxiety and how hard she is on herself was really lovely to read about and done with lots of care. Although it can be frustrating to feel the way she does, this book itself wasn’t heavy or overly emotional which I appreciated. I found myself laughing out loud many times, CRINGING SO HARD AT THE SECOND HAND EMBARRASSMENT (tickling Teacher Rob?!??! Papercut on her butt?!?!?!?), and having the absoloute time of my life reading this. Additionally, her friend group felt so real and I loved all of them so much!
Also chapter 20… i was flabbergasted. Maybe I’m just dumb but i did NOT see that coming. Definitely an extra star for that because I love when a book you think is gonna be predictable actually surprises the heck out of you.
When I heard this was a debut novel I was so surprised!!! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for any other book later written by this author :)
We follow Phoebe who is about to turn 30 soon. She loves love but is still a virgin and unable to go on dates and stuff because of her anxiety. If vomitting is something you can’t handle I’d steer clear from this because there is a lot of anxious puke in this story!! She receives a letter from her younger self about how she hopes she’s had sex by now…but that’s not the case. Thus, she creates a checklist in order to lose her virginity before she turns 30.
We follow 3 potential prospects of Phoebe’s who there may be some sort of connection with:
1) Finn — he’s a new coworker of hers (he’s a fourth grade teacher while she teaches kindergarten at the same school)
2) Matthew — a guy she went to high school with but reconnected with years later on Hinge (they have more of a long-distance virtual relationship where they send each other wordles and crossword scores)
3) Johnathan — Phoebe’s best friend and roomate who knows her better than anyone else.
Romantic prospects aside, this story really was about Phoebe. Her anxiety and how hard she is on herself was really lovely to read about and done with lots of care. Although it can be frustrating to feel the way she does, this book itself wasn’t heavy or overly emotional which I appreciated. I found myself laughing out loud many times, CRINGING SO HARD AT THE SECOND HAND EMBARRASSMENT (tickling Teacher Rob?!??! Papercut on her butt?!?!?!?), and having the absoloute time of my life reading this. Additionally, her friend group felt so real and I loved all of them so much!
Also chapter 20… i was flabbergasted. Maybe I’m just dumb but i did NOT see that coming. Definitely an extra star for that because I love when a book you think is gonna be predictable actually surprises the heck out of you.
When I heard this was a debut novel I was so surprised!!! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for any other book later written by this author :)
May 13, 2026
5/5 - “Maybe it’s not such a terrible thing to go through life at your own pace.”
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.
May 6, 2026
2.5
Thank you, PRH Audio Publishing Group for my ALC.
I want to start by saying, don't know anything about Brooke. It feels like she may have a bit of a following, but I don't know who she is or what she is (part of/in/etc). So don't hate me!
I did not enjoy this story. The writing isn't terrible -- she does a good contrast between show and tell, but the writing also felt quite juvenile at times.
I did not like Phoebe. At. All. I do empathize with the anxiety aspect, but overall this character was two-dimensional, annoying, childish, and not a fun POV I liked being in. Her whole friend group felt very immature overall. The most annoying group of (nearly) 30 year olds! Who on Earth adds "rear-end a random guy" as a goal for meeting someone. Accidents are not romantic. That's borderline crazy. And they all spoke the same. No one really had any of their own personality.
(Potential Spoiler Ahead)
Out of the "men" she could have chosen for her love interest, I feel like Brooke had friends to lovers RIGHT there and then created a random-ass twist for that storyline. Didn't like this. Did not feel natural in this storyline. While there was constant lacking in tension between almost everyone, this relationship with her friend was the only potential in the pages. And the guy she did end up with, they had absolutely zero chemistry the entire novel! How? How? Seriously, how?
The idea of the story is okay. I just don't think Phoebe should have been the main character for it.
This was just not for me. I hate giving debut novels low ratings -- and again, I think the writing wasn't as distracting as other debut novels, so I do think Brooke could end up writing something really good (for some, this is that book). I hope to read another novel from her at some point.
Thank you, PRH Audio Publishing Group for my ALC.
I want to start by saying, don't know anything about Brooke. It feels like she may have a bit of a following, but I don't know who she is or what she is (part of/in/etc). So don't hate me!
I did not enjoy this story. The writing isn't terrible -- she does a good contrast between show and tell, but the writing also felt quite juvenile at times.
I did not like Phoebe. At. All. I do empathize with the anxiety aspect, but overall this character was two-dimensional, annoying, childish, and not a fun POV I liked being in. Her whole friend group felt very immature overall. The most annoying group of (nearly) 30 year olds! Who on Earth adds "rear-end a random guy" as a goal for meeting someone. Accidents are not romantic. That's borderline crazy. And they all spoke the same. No one really had any of their own personality.
(Potential Spoiler Ahead)
Out of the "men" she could have chosen for her love interest, I feel like Brooke had friends to lovers RIGHT there and then created a random-ass twist for that storyline. Didn't like this. Did not feel natural in this storyline. While there was constant lacking in tension between almost everyone, this relationship with her friend was the only potential in the pages. And the guy she did end up with, they had absolutely zero chemistry the entire novel! How? How? Seriously, how?
The idea of the story is okay. I just don't think Phoebe should have been the main character for it.
This was just not for me. I hate giving debut novels low ratings -- and again, I think the writing wasn't as distracting as other debut novels, so I do think Brooke could end up writing something really good (for some, this is that book). I hope to read another novel from her at some point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2026
”i used to hate the way my brain worked. sometimes i still do. but i’ve learned to stop beating myself up over it. if the past few months have taught me anything, it’s that everyone has their own hang-ups — their own virginities to lose, so to speak. there’s nothing wrong with that. and there’s nothing wrong with me. there never was.”
this book is very important to a girl like me!!!!
a romance novel unlike any i’ve ever read but one that should have been written 1000 times before because girls like us DO exist. and why shouldn’t we see ourselves in a love story every once in a while?
i truly have so much gratitude for this book - it’s as if i have so much to say that im at a loss for where to start. so gratitude is where i’ll leave it.
for the nervous pukers… we’re gonna be alright!
this book is very important to a girl like me!!!!
a romance novel unlike any i’ve ever read but one that should have been written 1000 times before because girls like us DO exist. and why shouldn’t we see ourselves in a love story every once in a while?
i truly have so much gratitude for this book - it’s as if i have so much to say that im at a loss for where to start. so gratitude is where i’ll leave it.
for the nervous pukers… we’re gonna be alright!
May 26, 2026
Never have I ever read a romcom book like this!!! A unique perspective for those of us who feel any sort of anxiety around love and even friendships. I feel like i was seeing myself in so many of the characters. What a refreshing read and they way i was crying happy tears by the end!! Highly recommend this book, you will love phoebe for exactly who she is, nobody in this book is perfect yet you fall in love with each character - flaws and all! 10/10
September 9, 2025
already addicted to this young woman
May 22, 2026
so like…I think I need this book imprinted on my soul. This book is so important for the romance industry and genuinely a book that I have been looking for YEARS!!
Oh the absolute STAR that Brooke is!! One of my MOST anticipated books of the year and I am thrilled to say that PBGLI met every high expectation I had. Thank you so much to Crown Publishing for the free early copy. Phoebe is MY GIRL and this book means soooo much to me 🥺🫶🏻
This is the debut from Brooke Averick aka Lady Efron. It is unlike any romance book I’ve read, because it is for us girls with anxiety and specifically, intimacy anxiety and anxiety over dating! Phoebe is about to turn 30 and still a virgin because of her constant anxiety over being intimate with a guy and opening herself up to someone. She is determined to lose her virginity before she turns 30, and so she makes herself a list of all the things she needs to do to open herself up to the dating world. Soon, she finds herself in the middle of a love square (?) and facing the attention of more men than she ever dreamed.
I have very rarely read a book where I felt SO SEEN by the female main character. Phoebe’s character and the way Brooke wrote this romance book is so important for those of us who struggle with dating, intimacy, and relationships, mainly because of our anxiety and trusting others. This is THE romance book we needed!!
On top of that, I just loved Phoebe’s character so much. She is quirky, creative, passionate, and so so funny. She loves her friends and her people so hard but also makes mistakes and hurts others like the rest of us! But she is always willing to try to do better and push herself to do new things.
Another thing - if you are an audiobook person, Brooke narrates the audiobook and did a FANTASTIC job with Phoebe’s narration and the rest of the characters. I absolutely fell in love with Phoebe’s character and this group of friends. The audiobook was SO FUN!!
This book releases May 26th and you don’t want to miss it!! Book of the year and book of the summer!!
Oh the absolute STAR that Brooke is!! One of my MOST anticipated books of the year and I am thrilled to say that PBGLI met every high expectation I had. Thank you so much to Crown Publishing for the free early copy. Phoebe is MY GIRL and this book means soooo much to me 🥺🫶🏻
This is the debut from Brooke Averick aka Lady Efron. It is unlike any romance book I’ve read, because it is for us girls with anxiety and specifically, intimacy anxiety and anxiety over dating! Phoebe is about to turn 30 and still a virgin because of her constant anxiety over being intimate with a guy and opening herself up to someone. She is determined to lose her virginity before she turns 30, and so she makes herself a list of all the things she needs to do to open herself up to the dating world. Soon, she finds herself in the middle of a love square (?) and facing the attention of more men than she ever dreamed.
I have very rarely read a book where I felt SO SEEN by the female main character. Phoebe’s character and the way Brooke wrote this romance book is so important for those of us who struggle with dating, intimacy, and relationships, mainly because of our anxiety and trusting others. This is THE romance book we needed!!
On top of that, I just loved Phoebe’s character so much. She is quirky, creative, passionate, and so so funny. She loves her friends and her people so hard but also makes mistakes and hurts others like the rest of us! But she is always willing to try to do better and push herself to do new things.
Another thing - if you are an audiobook person, Brooke narrates the audiobook and did a FANTASTIC job with Phoebe’s narration and the rest of the characters. I absolutely fell in love with Phoebe’s character and this group of friends. The audiobook was SO FUN!!
This book releases May 26th and you don’t want to miss it!! Book of the year and book of the summer!!
June 1, 2026
“I used to hate the way my brain worked. Sometimes I still do. But I’ve learned to stop beating myself up over it. If the past few months have taught me anything, it’s that everyone has their own hang-ups....”
There’s nothing wrong with that. And there’s nothing wrong with me.
There never was.”
right. so. i devoured this in approximately 3-4 hours 😭😭😭 and this is what i can only describe as such an incredibly heartwarming book, oh my god 🥹
it's for the socially anxious people who lie awake at night dissecting conversations from ages past, because well, that is painfully relatable. the texting back late because anxiety got the better of you, overthinking every conceivable social interaction ever, yes, all of it. i knew i was going to relate the moment she couldn't bring herself to use her nice pens until there was a sufficiently worthy reason. tell me about it.
it was genuinely funny at times and, yes, occasionally a touch formulaic, but i overlooked that for the most part. the whole thing felt like one of those beloved 2000s rom-coms, all charm and earnestness, and i would loved to watch it if it were to be adapted for the screen.
and also, the friends-to-lovers was right there. right there. but i forgive you, ma'am, because the route you took did make sense. still. it's fine. i forgive you.
anyway.
my one gripe: the middle sags. there's a stretch where Phoebe juggles her romantic options and it starts to feel repetitive.
“Maybe it’s not such a terrible thing to go through life at your own pace.”
now. matthew. [and here is where i must lodge a formal complaint.]
i do wish we'd gotten a little more of matthew's past (a photographer, and they met in high school? hello, 13 Going on 30). honestly, i would've loved more of both matthew and phoebe altogether tbh, their history, their dynamic, a few more glimpses into the years that shaped them, just a little more room for their relationship to unfurl and develop a bit more. the found family (and the family family), for that matter was wonderfully endearing: kind, understanding, steadfast, oh it was all very lovely to read about. i'd love to read a bit more about the side-characters honestly.
This list has no end date and no timeline. It’s a work in progress.
“So, am I just going to come down with a different mental illness for
every stage of my life?” I had asked Sandy.
“It’s all pretty much the same one.” Sandy smiled. “It just changes as
you do.”
“Oh,” I said, flatly. “Great.”
Sandy smiled at that. And then I did, too.
this is so real which is - you know - a bit funny, a little bleak, oddly comforting too, much like the book itself.
tl;dr we need more books like these 🥹
pre-read
very hopeful about this 🤭
May 12, 2026
YEAHHHH simply unputdownable!!! One of my fav reads this year!!
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
Currently Reading
June 2, 2026I don’t usually read chick lit but I looove Brooke’s humour and am a huge fan. I’m actually so excited to get into this!
May 30, 2026
this was a cute and fine book. i could take or leave the romance in it- i don’t think it was developed enough. my biggest problem is the writing. i think if Averick changed the plot around a little and wrote this as a YA book it would be so so so much better. the voice feels too juvenile for the FMC to be 30- it threw me off so bad because she sounded more like an 18 year old. if Averick gave YA a go i think she would kill it. i just don’t think this book felt particularly adult and the voice took me out of it a lot.
June 5, 2026
dnf • 25%
I was curious to see where it goes but not enough to put up with the writing.
I was curious to see where it goes but not enough to put up with the writing.
May 31, 2026
🍒 2nd read (audio): ♾️♾️♾️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨ MY FAVORITE BOOK!!!!! God I love Phoebe so much that’s literally my best friend. Brooke’s writing is SO GOOD this book makes me feel everything
🍒 1st read (arc): 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 💗
🍒 1st read (arc): 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 💗
May 28, 2026
this is the most imperfectly, perfect romance book I’ve ever read 🥹 this is for the socially anxious girlies who lay awake at night thinking about the one thing they said "wrong" in a conversation 5 years ago.
I see myself in this main character so much. the OCD representation, the texting back slow after getting anxiety about a situation, the not wanting to meet up with someone from a dating app asap, overthinking every encounter EVER. I have never felt so seen and also attacked at the same time? 😂
the found family in this was INCREDIBLE. I love every single character in their own way. I was crying and squealing over the friendships in this more than the romance at some points. I don’t know how the author wrote such a relatable, realistic and heartwarming romance when it’s her FIRST book but this is how you debut!!
the early 2000’s vibes, indie music, etc. >>>> ugh I need to re-read it already
also bonus points for the mmc giving the fmc the best gift I’ve ever encountered in a romance book 🥲
I see myself in this main character so much. the OCD representation, the texting back slow after getting anxiety about a situation, the not wanting to meet up with someone from a dating app asap, overthinking every encounter EVER. I have never felt so seen and also attacked at the same time? 😂
the found family in this was INCREDIBLE. I love every single character in their own way. I was crying and squealing over the friendships in this more than the romance at some points. I don’t know how the author wrote such a relatable, realistic and heartwarming romance when it’s her FIRST book but this is how you debut!!
the early 2000’s vibes, indie music, etc. >>>> ugh I need to re-read it already
also bonus points for the mmc giving the fmc the best gift I’ve ever encountered in a romance book 🥲
June 6, 2026
The way i binged this in two sittings, i couldn’t put it down. Yes, it’s less than 300 pages, but the way it’s written and Pheobes inner monologue and interactions just had me chomping at the bit for more.
I found this book extremely easy to get into and digest. Pheobe is a character who I see so many parts of myself in. It’s actually kinda terrifying. She had anxiety, depression, and OCD and wow so many of her mannerisms and traits were spot on to things i feel and do. Her need for lists and organization to quell her anxiety made me feel so so seen.Seeing Pheobes interactions with her therapist also made her feel even more real and raw.
I adore the friend group in this and I love the other discussions in this book as well surrounding lgbtqia+ with side characters.
Overall, I just felt so seen by this story, I ate it UP, and I will protect Pheobe with my whole being. The last paragraph of this book? OW.
I found this book extremely easy to get into and digest. Pheobe is a character who I see so many parts of myself in. It’s actually kinda terrifying. She had anxiety, depression, and OCD and wow so many of her mannerisms and traits were spot on to things i feel and do. Her need for lists and organization to quell her anxiety made me feel so so seen.Seeing Pheobes interactions with her therapist also made her feel even more real and raw.
I adore the friend group in this and I love the other discussions in this book as well surrounding lgbtqia+ with side characters.
Overall, I just felt so seen by this story, I ate it UP, and I will protect Pheobe with my whole being. The last paragraph of this book? OW.
May 27, 2026
I was looking forward to this fun premise (even proposed it for book club), but ended up DNFing at 25%, where Phoebe still hadn’t actually connected with anyone.
Her increasingly desperate hookup strategies — including rear-ending someone and advertising herself on Craigslist — felt more juvenile than funny to me. I’d imagined her anxiety would make her more introverted, but instead she came across as extremely chatty and immature — and honestly, more in need of therapy than a hookup plan.
Overall, it felt a bit like an “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” sequel for adults. The debut author may be better suited for YA.
Her increasingly desperate hookup strategies — including rear-ending someone and advertising herself on Craigslist — felt more juvenile than funny to me. I’d imagined her anxiety would make her more introverted, but instead she came across as extremely chatty and immature — and honestly, more in need of therapy than a hookup plan.
Overall, it felt a bit like an “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” sequel for adults. The debut author may be better suited for YA.
June 1, 2026
3.5 🌟
Loved the theme and the message, hated the FMC personally
Loved the theme and the message, hated the FMC personally
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.
February 16, 2026
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS IVE EVER READ. 😭🩷👏🏼 I NEED A MOMENT TO PROCESS!!!!
June 7, 2026
take off the rose tinted glasses everyone!! objectively a bad book and would not have been published/popular if she was not a famous influencer.
and before yall think i’m a troll— im a 20 y/o wannabe-author/college student. I’ve been a huge fan of BNCMAP and Brooke as an individual creator for years now.
without further ado,
this book was objectively bad. the writing didn’t hit at all, and phoebe was a juvenile character. from the content warnings (and lack of such content), this book could really be marketed to YA, since the writing style more accurately would cater to younger readers.
i’m glad brooke got this opportunity, but it’s sad (reverse poetic justice, maybe) to see influencers get big book deals and lead-ins to writing careers when others have to work harder to get their work out there, honing their craft rather than their followings.
in terms of writing and plot: the parentheses felt weird and juvenile (maybe this is where i’m thinking it leans YA), and there is a continuity issue with her classroom and the students in it—definitely something that should have been caught.
also, the plot started out good!! what happened!!! cringy, but had that cliche commercial appeal that middle aged women go wild for. however, it all fell apart within the second 2/3 of the book.
it’s obvious (like she has discussed) that due to being an influencer, she sold the book only with a partial manuscript. i feel like a lot of the higher starred reviews were paid promotions by PRH or fans of brooke who are reading the book who are unable or unwilling to separate brooke as a beloved internet personality and brooke as a silver-spooned/hand-fed (but unfortunately unearned) author.
i understand why she made certain plot decisions—phoebe being anxious about choosing one out of the three guys—and poof! suddenly two options can’t be used, and the third is justified easily and made to seem like he was the best choice all along (spoiler alert: he was not). the writing and plotting felt lazy to me in terms of this choice, which was essentially the plot of the whole book lmao. phoebes friend group was unrealistic as well, arguments got resolved immediately and forgotten about, when the issues were real and would linger/hurt more in normal situations.
overall, i would not read this book again, i wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, but if some sort of movie or anything came out, i would probably watch it (just like phoebe, i am addicted to screens). maybe things will come across better on screen. the book may be a perfect fit for other people!
i get publishing an influencer from a marketing perspective (sales are sales!) but as an author who has to go through the querying process, it makes my heart sad (and maybe a bit jealous, scorned, whatever the word) to see maybe-not-deserved opportunities get handed to people who haven’t truly done (or understand) the work.
please keep in mind that as i’m writing this review, i am a huge fan of brooke and everything she does, and i hope she learns from this novel and is able to grow and improve in book two!
and before yall think i’m a troll— im a 20 y/o wannabe-author/college student. I’ve been a huge fan of BNCMAP and Brooke as an individual creator for years now.
without further ado,
this book was objectively bad. the writing didn’t hit at all, and phoebe was a juvenile character. from the content warnings (and lack of such content), this book could really be marketed to YA, since the writing style more accurately would cater to younger readers.
i’m glad brooke got this opportunity, but it’s sad (reverse poetic justice, maybe) to see influencers get big book deals and lead-ins to writing careers when others have to work harder to get their work out there, honing their craft rather than their followings.
in terms of writing and plot: the parentheses felt weird and juvenile (maybe this is where i’m thinking it leans YA), and there is a continuity issue with her classroom and the students in it—definitely something that should have been caught.
also, the plot started out good!! what happened!!! cringy, but had that cliche commercial appeal that middle aged women go wild for. however, it all fell apart within the second 2/3 of the book.
it’s obvious (like she has discussed) that due to being an influencer, she sold the book only with a partial manuscript. i feel like a lot of the higher starred reviews were paid promotions by PRH or fans of brooke who are reading the book who are unable or unwilling to separate brooke as a beloved internet personality and brooke as a silver-spooned/hand-fed (but unfortunately unearned) author.
i understand why she made certain plot decisions—phoebe being anxious about choosing one out of the three guys—and poof! suddenly two options can’t be used, and the third is justified easily and made to seem like he was the best choice all along (spoiler alert: he was not). the writing and plotting felt lazy to me in terms of this choice, which was essentially the plot of the whole book lmao. phoebes friend group was unrealistic as well, arguments got resolved immediately and forgotten about, when the issues were real and would linger/hurt more in normal situations.
overall, i would not read this book again, i wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, but if some sort of movie or anything came out, i would probably watch it (just like phoebe, i am addicted to screens). maybe things will come across better on screen. the book may be a perfect fit for other people!
i get publishing an influencer from a marketing perspective (sales are sales!) but as an author who has to go through the querying process, it makes my heart sad (and maybe a bit jealous, scorned, whatever the word) to see maybe-not-deserved opportunities get handed to people who haven’t truly done (or understand) the work.
please keep in mind that as i’m writing this review, i am a huge fan of brooke and everything she does, and i hope she learns from this novel and is able to grow and improve in book two!
May 27, 2026
I knew I would relate the second she couldn’t use her nice pens until she had a good enough reason to (and also because I was single for 5 years because dating caused me crippling anxiety🤪)
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