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Awkwardly Ever After
"Lindsay Maple delivers... tenderly sketched characters and scorching heat." —Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone, USA TODAY bestselling authors of A Merry Little Meet Cute
You know what they say about hex appeal…
Aubrey is cursed. Literally. One spell gone awry in high school landed her with the most embarrassing love life ever, and now any time Aubrey is in a romantic situation everything ends up being terribly awkward. Sometimes the dates go so badly her would-be partners end up in the emergency room with... intimate injuries.
Aubrey had accepted her lonely lot in life until she meets skeptical data analyst Lex. The unlikely friends team up on a series of data-collecting dates to figure out what makes the curse tick, and what they can do to stop it… but what if that means facing the most awkward situation possible?
To break the curse, Aubrey is forced into her toughest decision date the safe, data-proven perfect candidate, or follow her heart into the unknown with the growing feelings she has for the one person she never imagined being with.
Will she ever get a shot at true love, or is she cursed beyond curing?
"[Holly Jolly July] had me flipping the pages late into the cozy night." —Ashely Herring Blake, USA TODAY bestselling author of Delilah Green Doesn't Care
FOR FANS to loversPansexual x later in life LesbianMagical cursesOpen-door spiceMisadventures in dating
You know what they say about hex appeal…
Aubrey is cursed. Literally. One spell gone awry in high school landed her with the most embarrassing love life ever, and now any time Aubrey is in a romantic situation everything ends up being terribly awkward. Sometimes the dates go so badly her would-be partners end up in the emergency room with... intimate injuries.
Aubrey had accepted her lonely lot in life until she meets skeptical data analyst Lex. The unlikely friends team up on a series of data-collecting dates to figure out what makes the curse tick, and what they can do to stop it… but what if that means facing the most awkward situation possible?
To break the curse, Aubrey is forced into her toughest decision date the safe, data-proven perfect candidate, or follow her heart into the unknown with the growing feelings she has for the one person she never imagined being with.
Will she ever get a shot at true love, or is she cursed beyond curing?
"[Holly Jolly July] had me flipping the pages late into the cozy night." —Ashely Herring Blake, USA TODAY bestselling author of Delilah Green Doesn't Care
FOR FANS to loversPansexual x later in life LesbianMagical cursesOpen-door spiceMisadventures in dating
Audible Audio
Published July 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Did Not Finish
July 23, 2026The title of this book immediately caught my attention, and I was quite excited to pick it up, but sadly it just wasn't for me. Comedy is already a genre I tend to struggle with, though I was really hoping this one would change my mind. Instead, I found myself unable to connect with the humor. Most of the situations felt incredibly random and didn't really make sense. I know that's part of the whole "curse" premise, but the jokes came across as more absurd than funny to me.
I also never really bought the chemistry between Aubrey and Lex. Even the start of their friendship felt more convenient than natural. On top of that, I wasn't expecting so much of the story to focus on Aubrey dating men. Since I usually gravitate toward books that are more f/f-centered, that ended up being another aspect that didn't work for me.
I can absolutely see why this book will click with other readers, but in the end, it just wasn't my kind of story, and I couldn't connect with it enough to finish it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC—this review is voluntary and honest.
I also never really bought the chemistry between Aubrey and Lex. Even the start of their friendship felt more convenient than natural. On top of that, I wasn't expecting so much of the story to focus on Aubrey dating men. Since I usually gravitate toward books that are more f/f-centered, that ended up being another aspect that didn't work for me.
I can absolutely see why this book will click with other readers, but in the end, it just wasn't my kind of story, and I couldn't connect with it enough to finish it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC—this review is voluntary and honest.
May 16, 2026
This book was absolutely hilarious and gave me all the early 2000s rom-com vibes in the best way possible. Aubrey and Lex’s chemistry was unreal from start to finish, Having to watch Aubrey’s awkward and completely insane encounters with men throughout the story had me screaming at my book for those 2 to finally realize they were perfect for each other! The last few chapters I was cackling at the awkward moments Aubrey and Lex got to experience!! Such a fun, charming, and addictive read!
July 21, 2026
I’m sort of flabbergasted because I made the mistake of reading some reviews before writing my own—which I rarely do.
When a book has so many 5⭐️ reviews and then you spot a few 2⭐️ reviews, something feels off.
Consider this a warning of sorts: the author does an incredible job of telling readers exactly what this book is and isn’t. From the opening pages, she makes it very clear that, while the story is based on her pansexual experience, the first 50% of the book is male-focused. There are also plenty of trigger warnings provided.
Please read those warnings so you can avoid picking up a book that was never going to be the right fit for you and then giving it a terrible rating because of your own choice to continue reading it.
Phew… that being said, this was a wonderful time! Part of me wants to give it 5⭐️ simply to counteract some of the foolish lower ratings, but that would be disingenuous. It was a fun read from cover to cover. Did I experience some secondhand embarrassment at times? Sure. But that’s okay. The book is spicy, awkward, and filled with a culture that I’m not a part of—and I loved it.
I read the audiobook which made for such an immersive experience even without the visual to follow along with. It was expertly narrated by Allie Shae who was perfect for the role. While I listened ultimately at 2x, she had great natural pacing . The production was crisp and clean and most importantly when you sped it up, the pitch of Shae’s voice did not get too affected.
So, if you’re looking for a steamy queer read that is very early-2000s coded, this one is for you—as long as you’re comfortable with the triggers and warnings.
Thank you to the Hive for access to this book via NetGalley. It was exactly what I needed to read!
When a book has so many 5⭐️ reviews and then you spot a few 2⭐️ reviews, something feels off.
Consider this a warning of sorts: the author does an incredible job of telling readers exactly what this book is and isn’t. From the opening pages, she makes it very clear that, while the story is based on her pansexual experience, the first 50% of the book is male-focused. There are also plenty of trigger warnings provided.
Please read those warnings so you can avoid picking up a book that was never going to be the right fit for you and then giving it a terrible rating because of your own choice to continue reading it.
Phew… that being said, this was a wonderful time! Part of me wants to give it 5⭐️ simply to counteract some of the foolish lower ratings, but that would be disingenuous. It was a fun read from cover to cover. Did I experience some secondhand embarrassment at times? Sure. But that’s okay. The book is spicy, awkward, and filled with a culture that I’m not a part of—and I loved it.
I read the audiobook which made for such an immersive experience even without the visual to follow along with. It was expertly narrated by Allie Shae who was perfect for the role. While I listened ultimately at 2x, she had great natural pacing . The production was crisp and clean and most importantly when you sped it up, the pitch of Shae’s voice did not get too affected.
So, if you’re looking for a steamy queer read that is very early-2000s coded, this one is for you—as long as you’re comfortable with the triggers and warnings.
Thank you to the Hive for access to this book via NetGalley. It was exactly what I needed to read!
June 26, 2026
Awkwardly Ever After is a hilarious rom-com
I absolutely loved FMC Aubrey from the start! I mean, talk about a horribly awkward date with Perfect Guy, where they both end up in the ER, along with his sister Lex...could not have seen that coming! After this encounter with awkward, we learn that Aubrey has been dealing with a horrible "curse" since high school, where anytime she is on a date, or in the bedroom, the most awkward things happen. Somehow she makes an extremely unlikely friend with Lex, after having 3 awkward meets, and they decide together to gather data on this "curse" and try to find out how to break it.
Aubrey is the definition of a hot mess, with every new date setting her up for yet another awkward encounter or incident. Not only are these moments amusing, but also Aubrey's complete expectation that they will indeed be awkward, and her inner thoughts that go with all that. While Aubrey has the greatest job, she also kinda sucks at it, yet another awkward aspect of her life. I love how Lex just accepts Aubrey, and is willing to try and help her through. Lex is really not convinced that there is such thing as a "curse" even after witnessing so many unlikely events, but is still determined to use the data to find a way past the first date nightmare.
I love Aubrey's little senior rescue dog Winston! And Lex's son Gabe is just adorable, and Aubrey is able to charm him with her make-up tutorials, without any awkwardness. Aubrey goes through so much growth in this story, and is able to finally face her past. Aubrey also realizes the person who she is actually falling for, and hopefully it won't be too late!
Such a laugh out loud story, with the cutest ending ever, I just love the work that Aubrey ends the story doing!
Thank you so much to Harlequinn, Mira, Netgalley and the author for a copy of this book!
Some fav quotes:
"I came here for one reason and one reason only: to feel the comfort of another human body and give my vibrator a break."
"“I’m cursed,” I repeat with a shrug. “All of my romantic endeavours end up being super awkward. Always have been, and probably always will be. I’m just sorry you got caught up in the chaos that is my sex life.”"
"He’s not my type at all, but he does have a pulse and a penis. Two points for him."
"My whole life is one long catastrophe of cringe humour.” I take a big gulp of wine."
"Before I know it, I’m climbing billions of stairs in the heat of summer to get to the top of a tower where I will load myself into a water cannon and, quite possibly, die."
"What if I choke on my food and he has to give me an abdominal thrust and I accidentally shit myself?"
I absolutely loved FMC Aubrey from the start! I mean, talk about a horribly awkward date with Perfect Guy, where they both end up in the ER, along with his sister Lex...could not have seen that coming! After this encounter with awkward, we learn that Aubrey has been dealing with a horrible "curse" since high school, where anytime she is on a date, or in the bedroom, the most awkward things happen. Somehow she makes an extremely unlikely friend with Lex, after having 3 awkward meets, and they decide together to gather data on this "curse" and try to find out how to break it.
Aubrey is the definition of a hot mess, with every new date setting her up for yet another awkward encounter or incident. Not only are these moments amusing, but also Aubrey's complete expectation that they will indeed be awkward, and her inner thoughts that go with all that. While Aubrey has the greatest job, she also kinda sucks at it, yet another awkward aspect of her life. I love how Lex just accepts Aubrey, and is willing to try and help her through. Lex is really not convinced that there is such thing as a "curse" even after witnessing so many unlikely events, but is still determined to use the data to find a way past the first date nightmare.
I love Aubrey's little senior rescue dog Winston! And Lex's son Gabe is just adorable, and Aubrey is able to charm him with her make-up tutorials, without any awkwardness. Aubrey goes through so much growth in this story, and is able to finally face her past. Aubrey also realizes the person who she is actually falling for, and hopefully it won't be too late!
Such a laugh out loud story, with the cutest ending ever, I just love the work that Aubrey ends the story doing!
Thank you so much to Harlequinn, Mira, Netgalley and the author for a copy of this book!
Some fav quotes:
"I came here for one reason and one reason only: to feel the comfort of another human body and give my vibrator a break."
"“I’m cursed,” I repeat with a shrug. “All of my romantic endeavours end up being super awkward. Always have been, and probably always will be. I’m just sorry you got caught up in the chaos that is my sex life.”"
"He’s not my type at all, but he does have a pulse and a penis. Two points for him."
"My whole life is one long catastrophe of cringe humour.” I take a big gulp of wine."
"Before I know it, I’m climbing billions of stairs in the heat of summer to get to the top of a tower where I will load myself into a water cannon and, quite possibly, die."
"What if I choke on my food and he has to give me an abdominal thrust and I accidentally shit myself?"
July 5, 2026
So I won a giveaway for an early copy of this book and thought that was the best part. Then I actually read it.
Y’ALL. This book is absolutely hilarious! I flew through this in a day and was genuinely cackling the entire time. The secondhand embarrassment I felt for Aubrey as she suffered throughout this book was real. This poor woman truly was cursed! Every awkward disaster somehow topped the last! And somehow, underneath all the chaos, there’s the sweetest friends-to-lovers romance. Aubrey and Lex were truly so easy to root for, and I loved watching them both grow into themselves and to each other along the way. Needless to say, I had an absolute blast with this one!
Y’ALL. This book is absolutely hilarious! I flew through this in a day and was genuinely cackling the entire time. The secondhand embarrassment I felt for Aubrey as she suffered throughout this book was real. This poor woman truly was cursed! Every awkward disaster somehow topped the last! And somehow, underneath all the chaos, there’s the sweetest friends-to-lovers romance. Aubrey and Lex were truly so easy to root for, and I loved watching them both grow into themselves and to each other along the way. Needless to say, I had an absolute blast with this one!
July 1, 2026
Perfectly and adorably awkward! Great romantic comedy that will have you giggling, tearing up, and cringing at different points throughout the book.
Aubrey and Lex were great foils for each other, one chaotic and the other seemingly down to earth. All of the side characters were equally as unique as the 2 leads, and I loved how certain characters grew on you as the book went on.
Thank you to Lindsay for letting me part of your content team and letting me read this book as an ARC (thank you RandomHouse & NetGalley too!)
Aubrey and Lex were great foils for each other, one chaotic and the other seemingly down to earth. All of the side characters were equally as unique as the 2 leads, and I loved how certain characters grew on you as the book went on.
Thank you to Lindsay for letting me part of your content team and letting me read this book as an ARC (thank you RandomHouse & NetGalley too!)
August 3, 2026
Such a fun read! Lindsey always does such a great job of weaving the humor with heart in her books. I love how she leans into teh awkward moments to highlight how scary/vulnerable love can be. It was a super enjoyable read!
July 29, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)
Review: If you are looking for a romance that serves up early 2000s romcom energy with a heavy dose of heart, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a touch of magical chaos, this is it!
My whole life is one long catastrophe of cringe humor. I take a big gulp of wine. - so real
Awkwardly Ever After had me cringing and giggling right along with the characters. Aubrey’s life is "one long catastrophe of cringe humor" thanks to a high school curse that causes the absolute most disastrous things to happen whenever she's on a date or in the bedroom. I fell in love with Aubrey instantly. Her date with "Perfect Guy"—which spectacularly lands them both in the ER along with his sister, Lex—was something I could never have anticipated! What follows is a wonderful friends-to-lovers story. I loved watching the genuine, supportive friendship build between Aubrey and Lex before it shifted into something deeper. Seeing Aubrey go through her journey of self-discovery in real-time was incredibly rewarding. It’s lighthearted, incredibly fun, and shows us that even our worst dating disasters can lead to a beautiful happy ending. Highly recommend!
Special shoutout to Allie Shae, whose incredible narration made the ALC an absolute 5-star/5-microphone experience
Review: If you are looking for a romance that serves up early 2000s romcom energy with a heavy dose of heart, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a touch of magical chaos, this is it!
My whole life is one long catastrophe of cringe humor. I take a big gulp of wine. - so real
Awkwardly Ever After had me cringing and giggling right along with the characters. Aubrey’s life is "one long catastrophe of cringe humor" thanks to a high school curse that causes the absolute most disastrous things to happen whenever she's on a date or in the bedroom. I fell in love with Aubrey instantly. Her date with "Perfect Guy"—which spectacularly lands them both in the ER along with his sister, Lex—was something I could never have anticipated! What follows is a wonderful friends-to-lovers story. I loved watching the genuine, supportive friendship build between Aubrey and Lex before it shifted into something deeper. Seeing Aubrey go through her journey of self-discovery in real-time was incredibly rewarding. It’s lighthearted, incredibly fun, and shows us that even our worst dating disasters can lead to a beautiful happy ending. Highly recommend!
Special shoutout to Allie Shae, whose incredible narration made the ALC an absolute 5-star/5-microphone experience
May 26, 2026
Peak early 2000s rom-com chaos, but make it painfully, viscerally awkward. 😅
This absolutely nailed the tone it was going for. There were moments that had me laughing out loud, moments that were genuinely sweet, and moments where I had to physically pause because the secondhand embarrassment was that intense.
Aubrey was awkwardly frustrating in that she wasn’t really able to move forward from this “curse” she had put on herself, and it did make her feel immature at times. The whole love triangle situation also added to the chaotic, very uncomfortable energy. Lex, on the other hand, was such a bright spot, her self-acceptance and openness balanced things out, and I really appreciated the way the story explored identity and attraction in a way that felt natural and grounded. 🌈
Overall, this did exactly what it set out to do: messy, cringey, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. Not always an easy read, but definitely an entertaining one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This absolutely nailed the tone it was going for. There were moments that had me laughing out loud, moments that were genuinely sweet, and moments where I had to physically pause because the secondhand embarrassment was that intense.
Aubrey was awkwardly frustrating in that she wasn’t really able to move forward from this “curse” she had put on herself, and it did make her feel immature at times. The whole love triangle situation also added to the chaotic, very uncomfortable energy. Lex, on the other hand, was such a bright spot, her self-acceptance and openness balanced things out, and I really appreciated the way the story explored identity and attraction in a way that felt natural and grounded. 🌈
Overall, this did exactly what it set out to do: messy, cringey, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. Not always an easy read, but definitely an entertaining one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2026
ARC review: Thank you so much Lindsay for the opportunity to read this book I am eternally grateful!
~
I have to respect the disclaimer at the beginning of the book and know that I still powered through despite not being the target audience for this. As a man-hating lesbian and longtime hater, I found the awkward book to be a bit too awkward for my liking, but I’ve always said I can’t yuck someone’s yum. I knew exactly what this book was going to be going into it, and I truly was hoping for just a cheesy romcom, but I fear it was just too much for me. When I think awkward, I was thinking spilled tea and such, not showing up to a date only to be invited for a three way with the main character’s mother. It’s also just hard for me to have sapphic books be so male-centered, even if there was a disclaimer at the beginning. I understand a late in life lesbian but it’s still difficult. It was a fun read, but just not my cup of tea.
~
I have to respect the disclaimer at the beginning of the book and know that I still powered through despite not being the target audience for this. As a man-hating lesbian and longtime hater, I found the awkward book to be a bit too awkward for my liking, but I’ve always said I can’t yuck someone’s yum. I knew exactly what this book was going to be going into it, and I truly was hoping for just a cheesy romcom, but I fear it was just too much for me. When I think awkward, I was thinking spilled tea and such, not showing up to a date only to be invited for a three way with the main character’s mother. It’s also just hard for me to have sapphic books be so male-centered, even if there was a disclaimer at the beginning. I understand a late in life lesbian but it’s still difficult. It was a fun read, but just not my cup of tea.
August 5, 2026
Awkwardly Ever After was marketed as 2000s rom-com, cringey and magical curses... means my elder millennial heart said hell YES! Anything and everything that could go wrong on a date for Aubrey, it did. Lex stuck by her new found friendship with Aubrey to try and find a way to break the curse which was so sweet. They both didn't expect to fall in love with each other. Each of the FMCs had their past to deal with and work through, and it was depicted so honestly. Please read the trigger warnings.
I enjoyed this book so much and Lindsay is a fabulous writer, looking forward to another book from her.
I enjoyed this book so much and Lindsay is a fabulous writer, looking forward to another book from her.
August 15, 2026
Lindsay Maple reminds us that we need to make peace with ourselves before we can have the life we always wanted. The life we find may not be expected but life can e beautiful and happy. Thank you for a wonderful reading experience.
July 31, 2026
Why add the extra layer of a curse? Really not needed!
The 4 stars purely to the great narrator of the audiobook, Allie Shae. Only reason I didn’t stop listening.
The 4 stars purely to the great narrator of the audiobook, Allie Shae. Only reason I didn’t stop listening.
August 3, 2026
Super Cringey but Super Entertaining
Lindsay Maple was right—this is a super weird book! But in a good way. Though I had trouble connecting with the main character, Aubrey (mainly because her personality directly contradicts a lot of my own traits), I still enjoyed following along on her journey for true love. The entire cast of characters was diverse and interesting, and the dates were hilarious train wrecks that you just couldn’t look away from.
Awkwardly Ever After is written in first-person present tense from Aubrey’s perspective, so the reader’s understanding entirely relies on her view and insights of others.
Aubrey is a twenty-eight-year-old woman in search of love. She works at a non-profit, fosters senior dogs, and takes public transit since it’s better for the environment, but she’s desperate for romance (or even just human contact) without disaster striking. Deep down, she’s insecure about being a good person, and this manifests in jealousy of others (especially beautiful women), which she struggles with and which creates an interesting thread within the story. Lex, on the other hand, comes across as confident of who she is, which is because she’s overcome the first step of breaking away from the mask she’s put up all her life. She’s stubborn and scientific but also emotionally available and honest, the exact contrast Aubrey needs to balance her out. I enjoyed the humour of the many dates Aubrey goes on, and Olsen, Lex’s brother, is such an honest, open, and genuine person—Aubrey’s mixed feelings about him are incredibly relatable.
The growing friendship in this book is top notch. It’s so natural and fluid, though Aubrey’s emotional blinders are frustrating (in a good way) for the first half of the book. Her growing relationship with Olsen is full of ups and downs, and her relations to the others in the book are dynamic. I love her love with Winston (her dog), and the way she is with Gabe is so sweet and pure!
At the book launch, Maple mentioned that she first tried to write YA and that her editor or agent said “You don’t have the voice for YA”. I totally agree; she’s found her true voice in writing Adult Romance, where she has so much more freedom to express herself in her writing. I didn’t understand all the references she uses in this book, but that’s because I mostly live under a rock and I was never in “that crowd” in high school or beyond. That said, I can see this book resonating with many readers.
When the main couple got together and there was still a third of the book remaining, I got a little worried, but as I kept reading, it made sense. There were things that were left unresolved. At the same time, there was one moment when the pacing felt too fast, and that was after the love confession. I thought the next scene was a dream for like half the chapter—it felt unreal. Was that intended? Probably. It was the kind of thing only to happen in fiction. That was the only time, though, where the story didn’t feel entirely grounded in real people and real scenarios.
If you love RomComs, sapphic romance, and a mixed bag of cringe humour and sweet moments of true love, this is definitely the book for you. Highly recommended!
Lindsay Maple was right—this is a super weird book! But in a good way. Though I had trouble connecting with the main character, Aubrey (mainly because her personality directly contradicts a lot of my own traits), I still enjoyed following along on her journey for true love. The entire cast of characters was diverse and interesting, and the dates were hilarious train wrecks that you just couldn’t look away from.
Awkwardly Ever After is written in first-person present tense from Aubrey’s perspective, so the reader’s understanding entirely relies on her view and insights of others.
Aubrey is a twenty-eight-year-old woman in search of love. She works at a non-profit, fosters senior dogs, and takes public transit since it’s better for the environment, but she’s desperate for romance (or even just human contact) without disaster striking. Deep down, she’s insecure about being a good person, and this manifests in jealousy of others (especially beautiful women), which she struggles with and which creates an interesting thread within the story. Lex, on the other hand, comes across as confident of who she is, which is because she’s overcome the first step of breaking away from the mask she’s put up all her life. She’s stubborn and scientific but also emotionally available and honest, the exact contrast Aubrey needs to balance her out. I enjoyed the humour of the many dates Aubrey goes on, and Olsen, Lex’s brother, is such an honest, open, and genuine person—Aubrey’s mixed feelings about him are incredibly relatable.
The growing friendship in this book is top notch. It’s so natural and fluid, though Aubrey’s emotional blinders are frustrating (in a good way) for the first half of the book. Her growing relationship with Olsen is full of ups and downs, and her relations to the others in the book are dynamic. I love her love with Winston (her dog), and the way she is with Gabe is so sweet and pure!
At the book launch, Maple mentioned that she first tried to write YA and that her editor or agent said “You don’t have the voice for YA”. I totally agree; she’s found her true voice in writing Adult Romance, where she has so much more freedom to express herself in her writing. I didn’t understand all the references she uses in this book, but that’s because I mostly live under a rock and I was never in “that crowd” in high school or beyond. That said, I can see this book resonating with many readers.
When the main couple got together and there was still a third of the book remaining, I got a little worried, but as I kept reading, it made sense. There were things that were left unresolved. At the same time, there was one moment when the pacing felt too fast, and that was after the love confession. I thought the next scene was a dream for like half the chapter—it felt unreal. Was that intended? Probably. It was the kind of thing only to happen in fiction. That was the only time, though, where the story didn’t feel entirely grounded in real people and real scenarios.
If you love RomComs, sapphic romance, and a mixed bag of cringe humour and sweet moments of true love, this is definitely the book for you. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Awkwardly Ever After by Lindsay Maple is categorized as a sapphic romcom. I am always skeptical of books with that claim because sometimes they just aren't funny.
From the author:
"Aubrey has been unlucky in love ever since a spell went wrong when she was in high school, cursing her with awkward romantic moments forever. Now with the help of her new friend Lex, a data analyst, Aubrey embarks on a series of dates [with men] to figure out how she can unravel the curse and break it with love. But what if finding true love means facing the most awkward situation possible…will Aubrey ever get a shot at true love, or is she cursed beyond curing?"
The author accomplishes a challenging feat with this book. It is well-balanced with genuine laugh-out-loud moments, cringy scenes, heartfelt connections, and palpable chemistry. There is a cool neurodivergent kid, a cute senior dog, a found family, wrongs being righted, a little bit of magic, and a slow-burn romance with a sensual, spicy payoff.
Awkwardly Ever After made me laugh and also had me giddy for the MCs. The author notes that it is in some ways over the top, and that is intentional, and I think it works because it is in harmony with all the other elements. For me, it was an engaging page-turner—good romantic fun, reminiscent of romcom films, with a satisfying ending and epilogue.
For those who read only sapphic fiction, here's a note from the content warnings:
"The main character is a pansexual woman who, due to compulsory heterosexuality, does not consider dating women until approximately the mid-point of this novel. The novel begins with a spicy scene with a man, she goes on dates with men, and there’s references to sex with men."
There are other content warnings to note as well, such as bullying, a toxic parent, etc.
Quoteworthy:
“Men are women’s only natural predator.”
My whole life is one long catastrophe of cringe humour.”
"...I think society’s definition of love is more about ownership rather than really understanding or caring for someone else. Real love, I think, is truly accepting someone for who they are—all their imperfections and flaws and weirdness and awkwardness.”
“It was going to be awkward regardless.”
#Canada #dataanalyst #nonprofit #bullying #toxicparent #friendstolovers #funny #romcom #cringe #pansexualrep #cutekid #cutedog #mascfemme #divorced #startingover #chemistry #firsttimewithawoman #comingoutlaterinlife #spicy #HEA #epilogue
I received a review copy from the author through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
From the author:
"Aubrey has been unlucky in love ever since a spell went wrong when she was in high school, cursing her with awkward romantic moments forever. Now with the help of her new friend Lex, a data analyst, Aubrey embarks on a series of dates [with men] to figure out how she can unravel the curse and break it with love. But what if finding true love means facing the most awkward situation possible…will Aubrey ever get a shot at true love, or is she cursed beyond curing?"
The author accomplishes a challenging feat with this book. It is well-balanced with genuine laugh-out-loud moments, cringy scenes, heartfelt connections, and palpable chemistry. There is a cool neurodivergent kid, a cute senior dog, a found family, wrongs being righted, a little bit of magic, and a slow-burn romance with a sensual, spicy payoff.
Awkwardly Ever After made me laugh and also had me giddy for the MCs. The author notes that it is in some ways over the top, and that is intentional, and I think it works because it is in harmony with all the other elements. For me, it was an engaging page-turner—good romantic fun, reminiscent of romcom films, with a satisfying ending and epilogue.
For those who read only sapphic fiction, here's a note from the content warnings:
"The main character is a pansexual woman who, due to compulsory heterosexuality, does not consider dating women until approximately the mid-point of this novel. The novel begins with a spicy scene with a man, she goes on dates with men, and there’s references to sex with men."
There are other content warnings to note as well, such as bullying, a toxic parent, etc.
Quoteworthy:
“Men are women’s only natural predator.”
My whole life is one long catastrophe of cringe humour.”
"...I think society’s definition of love is more about ownership rather than really understanding or caring for someone else. Real love, I think, is truly accepting someone for who they are—all their imperfections and flaws and weirdness and awkwardness.”
“It was going to be awkward regardless.”
#Canada #dataanalyst #nonprofit #bullying #toxicparent #friendstolovers #funny #romcom #cringe #pansexualrep #cutekid #cutedog #mascfemme #divorced #startingover #chemistry #firsttimewithawoman #comingoutlaterinlife #spicy #HEA #epilogue
I received a review copy from the author through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Awkwardly Ever After immediately gave me The Craft vibes.
The story opens with a group of girls at a sleepover, trying out a spell for what feels like harmless fun. Fast forward years later, and one of them may still be paying the price for it.
Aubrey has been on what feels like a million first dates, and somehow every single one ends in complete disaster. After another failed attempt at finding love, she ends up confiding in Lex, the sister of one of her dates, convinced she's been cursed ever since that night years ago.
Lex, however, isn't buying it.
Determined to prove there's no such thing as a curse, Lex begins tagging along on Aubrey's dates. What follows is one hilarious disaster after another. I genuinely felt for Aubrey because no one should have that much bad luck... and I'll admit, there were moments where even I started wondering if maybe the curse was real.
What I loved most is that this story isn't really about whether a curse exists. It's about the stories we tell ourselves, the beliefs we hold onto, and how those beliefs can shape the way we see our lives.
By the end, I was left with my own interpretation of what had really been happening all along, and I love that the author leaves just enough room for readers to come to their own conclusions.
Overall, this was a funny, charming rom-com that had me laughing from beginning to end while still delivering a surprisingly heartfelt message underneath all the chaos.
4.5⭐️
Thank you, Harlequin Audio, NetGalley, & Lindsay Maple for providing this alc in exchange for my honest review
The story opens with a group of girls at a sleepover, trying out a spell for what feels like harmless fun. Fast forward years later, and one of them may still be paying the price for it.
Aubrey has been on what feels like a million first dates, and somehow every single one ends in complete disaster. After another failed attempt at finding love, she ends up confiding in Lex, the sister of one of her dates, convinced she's been cursed ever since that night years ago.
Lex, however, isn't buying it.
Determined to prove there's no such thing as a curse, Lex begins tagging along on Aubrey's dates. What follows is one hilarious disaster after another. I genuinely felt for Aubrey because no one should have that much bad luck... and I'll admit, there were moments where even I started wondering if maybe the curse was real.
What I loved most is that this story isn't really about whether a curse exists. It's about the stories we tell ourselves, the beliefs we hold onto, and how those beliefs can shape the way we see our lives.
By the end, I was left with my own interpretation of what had really been happening all along, and I love that the author leaves just enough room for readers to come to their own conclusions.
Overall, this was a funny, charming rom-com that had me laughing from beginning to end while still delivering a surprisingly heartfelt message underneath all the chaos.
4.5⭐️
Thank you, Harlequin Audio, NetGalley, & Lindsay Maple for providing this alc in exchange for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Aubrey has been cursed since high school to be forever awkward in any romantic encounter. She’s starting to worry that she’s going to die alone!
…But her latest awkward encounter has an upside when she meets her potential partners sister, Lex, and they spark an immediate friendship.
Not only is Aubrey awkward in love, friendship has been elusive to her as well, since she made some poor choices in high school… But with Lex, everything so seems easy! Together with Lex’s analytical skills, they plan on investigating the cause of this curse and breaking it together!
Spending all this time together create different sparks and Aubrey and Lex decide that they’re perfect together and perhaps that is the cure… Except awkward things keep happening to Aubrey… Maybe she’s just not made for romance and love?
I absolutely love Lindsay Maple’s writing, it’s so fun and spirited. Both Aubrey and Lex’s characters are well rounded and easy to fall in love and root for. Aubrey’s curse is highly entertaining and a unique obstacle for these two to overcome. I really enjoyed watching their friendship bloom and seeing them put in the work in order to bring their friendship to the next level.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Allie Shea and found myself very impressed with her voice work, especially dealing with the two FMC‘s. Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish when the main characters are of the same gender, but she did an excellent job differentiating her reading and creating a voice character for both Lex and Aubrey. I really enjoyed her narration style and found that she had the perfect vibe for Aubrey and her spunk and quirks shone through in her reading.
…But her latest awkward encounter has an upside when she meets her potential partners sister, Lex, and they spark an immediate friendship.
Not only is Aubrey awkward in love, friendship has been elusive to her as well, since she made some poor choices in high school… But with Lex, everything so seems easy! Together with Lex’s analytical skills, they plan on investigating the cause of this curse and breaking it together!
Spending all this time together create different sparks and Aubrey and Lex decide that they’re perfect together and perhaps that is the cure… Except awkward things keep happening to Aubrey… Maybe she’s just not made for romance and love?
I absolutely love Lindsay Maple’s writing, it’s so fun and spirited. Both Aubrey and Lex’s characters are well rounded and easy to fall in love and root for. Aubrey’s curse is highly entertaining and a unique obstacle for these two to overcome. I really enjoyed watching their friendship bloom and seeing them put in the work in order to bring their friendship to the next level.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Allie Shea and found myself very impressed with her voice work, especially dealing with the two FMC‘s. Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish when the main characters are of the same gender, but she did an excellent job differentiating her reading and creating a voice character for both Lex and Aubrey. I really enjoyed her narration style and found that she had the perfect vibe for Aubrey and her spunk and quirks shone through in her reading.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Rounded up from 3.5 stars
Oh, the awkwardness! Aubrey is cursed to never have a date go anything but awkward. And we're not talking spilling slightly awkward, this is a whole next level cringe of awkward. Like you wouldn't wish this on your worst enemy. It did make the story amusing wondering what could possibly happen on the next date to make it worse than the one before.
I was interested in this book because of the falling in love with your best friend sapphic romance aspect. It did take a long time to get to that point, with several men featured in the plotline until Aubrey figured out she was actually in love with Lex.
My feelings for Aubrey changed throughout the book. I felt sorry for her at the beginning, but as we learned more about her, about how she became cursed, and how she interacted with people - I found her harder to like. She does have a redemption arc, but by that time I was no longer her biggest fan.
I liked to see the pansexual and late in life lesbian representation on the pages, fir me though it took too long to get to that point. It wasn't until the last 20-25% of the book that there was a realization for Aubrey that there was another option she hadn't considered previously.
All in all, a book that makes me laugh, even while cringing, is always positive.
Thank you to Mira and Harper Collins for an advanced digital copy via Edelweiss for me to read and review.
Oh, the awkwardness! Aubrey is cursed to never have a date go anything but awkward. And we're not talking spilling slightly awkward, this is a whole next level cringe of awkward. Like you wouldn't wish this on your worst enemy. It did make the story amusing wondering what could possibly happen on the next date to make it worse than the one before.
I was interested in this book because of the falling in love with your best friend sapphic romance aspect. It did take a long time to get to that point, with several men featured in the plotline until Aubrey figured out she was actually in love with Lex.
My feelings for Aubrey changed throughout the book. I felt sorry for her at the beginning, but as we learned more about her, about how she became cursed, and how she interacted with people - I found her harder to like. She does have a redemption arc, but by that time I was no longer her biggest fan.
I liked to see the pansexual and late in life lesbian representation on the pages, fir me though it took too long to get to that point. It wasn't until the last 20-25% of the book that there was a realization for Aubrey that there was another option she hadn't considered previously.
All in all, a book that makes me laugh, even while cringing, is always positive.
Thank you to Mira and Harper Collins for an advanced digital copy via Edelweiss for me to read and review.
Read
May 12, 2026ARC Review - thank you Lindsay for the opportunity to get my hands on this early!
Get your copy on July 28, 2028
If you are looking for a "laugh-out-loud, hide-behind-your-hands" kind of read, Awkwardly Ever After is it! I absolutely devoured this in two days. Lindsay Maple has a gift for crafting chemistry that jumps off the page; Aubrey and Lex are everything! Their chemistry is so palpable that you’ll find yourself rooting for them through every single awkward, "did that really just happen?", delightfully cringy moment. It’s a classic rom-com at heart, but with a refreshing, modern edge.
While the humor kept me giggling until the very last page, I was pleasantly surprised by the emotional depth. Maple skillfully tackles the heavy reality of bullying and the long-term consequences of our actions without losing the story’s lighthearted charm. It’s rare to find a book that can make you wheeze with laughter one moment and reflect on life the next.
This is the perfect girly book club selection. It is practically guaranteed to open the floodgates for everyone to share their own most awkward dating disasters! 10/10 would recommend for anyone needing a smile, a swoon, and a little bit of heart.
Get your copy on July 28, 2028
If you are looking for a "laugh-out-loud, hide-behind-your-hands" kind of read, Awkwardly Ever After is it! I absolutely devoured this in two days. Lindsay Maple has a gift for crafting chemistry that jumps off the page; Aubrey and Lex are everything! Their chemistry is so palpable that you’ll find yourself rooting for them through every single awkward, "did that really just happen?", delightfully cringy moment. It’s a classic rom-com at heart, but with a refreshing, modern edge.
While the humor kept me giggling until the very last page, I was pleasantly surprised by the emotional depth. Maple skillfully tackles the heavy reality of bullying and the long-term consequences of our actions without losing the story’s lighthearted charm. It’s rare to find a book that can make you wheeze with laughter one moment and reflect on life the next.
This is the perfect girly book club selection. It is practically guaranteed to open the floodgates for everyone to share their own most awkward dating disasters! 10/10 would recommend for anyone needing a smile, a swoon, and a little bit of heart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So I'm quite torn about this book. First off, I wish I could have been warned before I requested this that I was going to have to read a man and woman having sex (eww...so not my thing). Getting a content warning at the beginning of the story does me no good considering I already have the thing. This, unfortunately, immediately made me dread reading it.
Despite that, I did begin to enjoy the book once Lex came into the picture again. I really liked Aubrey and Lex's friendship and Lex as a character. The two had good chemistry even as friends, and I was internally screaming at them to realize they're in love with each other because obviously.
Unfortunately, the last quarter of the book was a bit of a letdown. Aubrey just kept doing the dumbest and crappiest things and it was honestly hard to like her at a certain point. Actually, I began to flat out hate her. She just kept making the worst decisions and was a terrible person. It was all just too much and it made me not even care if she got her happily ever after. I didn’t hate the book, but I was definitely disappointed by certain things. It’s a shame because I was enjoying the book a lot more up until that point.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Despite that, I did begin to enjoy the book once Lex came into the picture again. I really liked Aubrey and Lex's friendship and Lex as a character. The two had good chemistry even as friends, and I was internally screaming at them to realize they're in love with each other because obviously.
Unfortunately, the last quarter of the book was a bit of a letdown. Aubrey just kept doing the dumbest and crappiest things and it was honestly hard to like her at a certain point. Actually, I began to flat out hate her. She just kept making the worst decisions and was a terrible person. It was all just too much and it made me not even care if she got her happily ever after. I didn’t hate the book, but I was definitely disappointed by certain things. It’s a shame because I was enjoying the book a lot more up until that point.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lindsay Maple does it again! In this hilarious, awkward, love story that delves into self acceptance and self reflection. I literally laughed out loud multiple times, especially in the first half of this book! Will I be asking people what breed their car is moving forward instead of make/model? Absolutely.
I found myself cringing and feeling secondhand stress as Aubrey came to terms with the consequences of the choices made by younger Aubrey. Dare I admit that perhaps I even shed a tear or two?
While I don't always love a third act break-up, this one felt authentic to the characters and actually earned. The dash of spice was a lovely sweet heat that left the reader craving more.
I really appreciate that while there was a nod to the fact that we were dealing with later in life sapphics, it wasnt a huge plot point and major focus of the story.
Aubrey is flawed and chaotic and still loveable. Lex is charming and sweet and the balance Aubrey needs.
If you want a romp that makes you belly laugh, reflect on your own flaws, and makes you fall in love with its characters, this book is for you.
If you dont want those things, I dont need your negativity in my life.
I found myself cringing and feeling secondhand stress as Aubrey came to terms with the consequences of the choices made by younger Aubrey. Dare I admit that perhaps I even shed a tear or two?
While I don't always love a third act break-up, this one felt authentic to the characters and actually earned. The dash of spice was a lovely sweet heat that left the reader craving more.
I really appreciate that while there was a nod to the fact that we were dealing with later in life sapphics, it wasnt a huge plot point and major focus of the story.
Aubrey is flawed and chaotic and still loveable. Lex is charming and sweet and the balance Aubrey needs.
If you want a romp that makes you belly laugh, reflect on your own flaws, and makes you fall in love with its characters, this book is for you.
If you dont want those things, I dont need your negativity in my life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This started out so fun and silly, I was cackling at the awkward shenanigans that poor Aubrey went through every time she tried to date. And the meet cute was so OTT, it belonged in a movie and I loved that about it.
Unfortunately the MCs dating others carried on far too long into the book, which is not why I pick up Romance. And then the bulk of the action happens in the last 30%, including some really questionable decisions on Aubrey's part that made it a struggle to cheer her on. I would have loved either more even pacing, or more yearning packed into the front half of the book. This is single POV and while it was fairly clear what Lex was feeling, Aubrey was a tough read and many important conversations just felt glossed over.
Thank you to the author and MIRA for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Unfortunately the MCs dating others carried on far too long into the book, which is not why I pick up Romance. And then the bulk of the action happens in the last 30%, including some really questionable decisions on Aubrey's part that made it a struggle to cheer her on. I would have loved either more even pacing, or more yearning packed into the front half of the book. This is single POV and while it was fairly clear what Lex was feeling, Aubrey was a tough read and many important conversations just felt glossed over.
Thank you to the author and MIRA for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Awkwardly Ever After by Lindsay Maple audiobook
If Charlie and Cam from good luck, Chuck had a child that would be our FMC clumsy as hell with a curse on her love life Aubrey is cursed. If you love 2000s cringe humor romcoms literally add this to your TBR. I was cackling. Aubrey gets her herself into the most ridiculous, awkward hilarious situations I was on the edge of my seat. I literally listen to this book from beginning to end in one sitting because it was that good.
We follow Aubrey as she goes on a journey to date as many men as possible to try and break this curse of awkwardness with her new friend Lex recording the data the entire time only for Aubrey to have a sapphic awakening along the way and face some demons she’s been running from for as long as she can remember. This was a hilarious and cute story. Highly recommend!
If Charlie and Cam from good luck, Chuck had a child that would be our FMC clumsy as hell with a curse on her love life Aubrey is cursed. If you love 2000s cringe humor romcoms literally add this to your TBR. I was cackling. Aubrey gets her herself into the most ridiculous, awkward hilarious situations I was on the edge of my seat. I literally listen to this book from beginning to end in one sitting because it was that good.
We follow Aubrey as she goes on a journey to date as many men as possible to try and break this curse of awkwardness with her new friend Lex recording the data the entire time only for Aubrey to have a sapphic awakening along the way and face some demons she’s been running from for as long as she can remember. This was a hilarious and cute story. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Awkwardly Ever After by Lindsay Maple audiobook
If Charlie and Cam from Good Luck, Chuck had a child, that would be our FMC, clumsy as hell, with a curse on her love life. Aubrey is cursed. If you love 2000s cringe-humor rom-coms, literally add this to your TBR. I was cackling.
Aubrey gets herself into the most ridiculous, spicy, awkward, hilarious situations. I was on the edge of my seat. I literally listened to this book from beginning to end in one sitting because it was that good.
We follow Aubrey as she goes on a journey to date as many men as possible to try to break this curse of awkwardness, with her new friend Lex recording the data the entire time, only for Aubrey to have a sapphic awakening along the way and face some demons she’s been running from for as long as she can remember. This was a hilariously cute story.
Highly recommend!
If Charlie and Cam from Good Luck, Chuck had a child, that would be our FMC, clumsy as hell, with a curse on her love life. Aubrey is cursed. If you love 2000s cringe-humor rom-coms, literally add this to your TBR. I was cackling.
Aubrey gets herself into the most ridiculous, spicy, awkward, hilarious situations. I was on the edge of my seat. I literally listened to this book from beginning to end in one sitting because it was that good.
We follow Aubrey as she goes on a journey to date as many men as possible to try to break this curse of awkwardness, with her new friend Lex recording the data the entire time, only for Aubrey to have a sapphic awakening along the way and face some demons she’s been running from for as long as she can remember. This was a hilariously cute story.
Highly recommend!
August 12, 2026
I was more than willing to suspend my disbelief and go along with this over-the-top romantic comedy. The magical curse is ridiculous, the dates are all disasters, and I still settled in for the inevitable trajectory of the story. Then Aubrey made a choice at work, one that had been foreshadowed, and my enjoyment of the novel came to a screeching halt.
Last week I attended a literary conference where one of the discussions centered on whether flawed characters need redemption arcs. I firmly fall into the "no" camp. Characters are allowed to be messy, selfish, and deeply imperfect. My issue here wasn't that Aubrey made a bad decision; it was that I never bought into how neatly everything was resolved afterward. I was willing to forgive the book's wildly farcical shenanigans, but I couldn't overlook the emotional shortcuts taken to deliver the happy ending.
Last week I attended a literary conference where one of the discussions centered on whether flawed characters need redemption arcs. I firmly fall into the "no" camp. Characters are allowed to be messy, selfish, and deeply imperfect. My issue here wasn't that Aubrey made a bad decision; it was that I never bought into how neatly everything was resolved afterward. I was willing to forgive the book's wildly farcical shenanigans, but I couldn't overlook the emotional shortcuts taken to deliver the happy ending.
July 21, 2026
ARC Review: Awkwardly Ever After by Lindsay Maple
My rating: 5 Stars!
Aubrey is clumsy, cursed, and destined to remain single or else send any of her potential partners to the hospital time and time again. Just when's she given up on love, Lex (not Lex Luthor) offers to help her break down the science of the "curse" so they can help Aubrey find love without the most awkward situations you can think of happening (ironically, by facing the awkward head-on, which feels like a good metaphor for life). But along the way, Aubrey starts to realize the highlight of her scientific dating experiment isn't the men she's meeting...
This was EVERYTHING to me! I could not put this down. The character growth is unmatched, and I absolutely loved the ending. There were a couple twists I wasn't expecting but LOVED. If you're a fan of slow burn, friends to lovers, 2000s vibes, and senior Shih-Tzus, please check this one out!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!
My rating: 5 Stars!
Aubrey is clumsy, cursed, and destined to remain single or else send any of her potential partners to the hospital time and time again. Just when's she given up on love, Lex (not Lex Luthor) offers to help her break down the science of the "curse" so they can help Aubrey find love without the most awkward situations you can think of happening (ironically, by facing the awkward head-on, which feels like a good metaphor for life). But along the way, Aubrey starts to realize the highlight of her scientific dating experiment isn't the men she's meeting...
This was EVERYTHING to me! I could not put this down. The character growth is unmatched, and I absolutely loved the ending. There were a couple twists I wasn't expecting but LOVED. If you're a fan of slow burn, friends to lovers, 2000s vibes, and senior Shih-Tzus, please check this one out!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pat yourself on the back girl!! Lindsay Maple killed it with this one. It's insanely funny and just so awkwardly cute. Pun intended. I laughed out loud so many times, the humor is chefs kiss. I also loved how much pop culture references there were in the book. It felt so nostalgic and relatable. My family and I defiantly reference movies and shows in casual conversation all the time . I will say this book has a very slow burn, but in the best way. When the romance starts heating up it well worth the wait. the spice is hot! trust me lol. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a laugh, friends to lovers, and adorable geriatric dogs. 3 peppers for spice.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lindsay Maple's newest contemporary romcom is a fun, laugh out loud, cringey in the best kind of way queer Sapphic love story that has a cursed woman teaming up with her last almost hookup's sister to try to see if she can break her bad luck in love.
Full of the crass kind of humor found in 90s and early 2000s romcoms, this book will make you nostalgic for movies like The craft and There's something about Mary. I loved how awkward in love Aubrey is and how hard Lex falls for her, keeping her feeling secret until near the end of the book. Aubrey has an important redemption arc that I enjoyed and I also loved that Lex is a single mom to an autistic son and is also questioning her own neurodiversity.
Excellent on audio narrated by Allie Shae who carries the full cast of characters in distinctive voices and perfect for fans of authors like Ashley Herring Blake or Alexandria Bellefleur. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
Full of the crass kind of humor found in 90s and early 2000s romcoms, this book will make you nostalgic for movies like The craft and There's something about Mary. I loved how awkward in love Aubrey is and how hard Lex falls for her, keeping her feeling secret until near the end of the book. Aubrey has an important redemption arc that I enjoyed and I also loved that Lex is a single mom to an autistic son and is also questioning her own neurodiversity.
Excellent on audio narrated by Allie Shae who carries the full cast of characters in distinctive voices and perfect for fans of authors like Ashley Herring Blake or Alexandria Bellefleur. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 1, 2026
I loved this quirky and awkward sapphic romance that also served as an ode to cringe humour 2000s romcoms. After hearing from Lindsay that some of the dating horror stories were based in reality (thanks to Lindsay’s friends for providing book content by sharing your real life dating horror stories with her) I definitely laughed out loud a lot as I read through this one. The back end of the book takes on a more serious tone, as our main characters sort out their feelings, and Aubrey deals with the fallout from some of her actions, but overall, a delightful read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of Awkwardly Ever After and leave this review voluntarily.
I feel so seen by this main character. Every that can go wrong, does go wrong, even things that you could literally never guess goes wrong, when it comes to romantic relationships. It made me laugh and shake my head numerous times while also crossing my fingers that something positive will happen for this poor awkward cursed soul. If you're up for a Murphy's law romcom, this is the one to pick up!
I feel so seen by this main character. Every that can go wrong, does go wrong, even things that you could literally never guess goes wrong, when it comes to romantic relationships. It made me laugh and shake my head numerous times while also crossing my fingers that something positive will happen for this poor awkward cursed soul. If you're up for a Murphy's law romcom, this is the one to pick up!
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