⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5/5
In their romantic comedy, Group Therapy Gone Wrong, P.M. Mahoney delivers a delightfully chaotic and laugh-out-loud narrative that redefines the "meet-cute" through the lens of pure absurdity. The story follows Anna, a woman whose life is being systematically sabotaged by her own hand—literally—as she battles the rare and disruptive Alien Hand Syndrome. Seeking a cure from the aptly named Dr. Nutter, Anna finds herself thrust into a support group of eccentric personalities. It is here she meets Bobby, whose peculiar way of speaking is "music to her ears," sparking an unexpected romance that anchors the surrounding mayhem.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its relentless energy and an almost unhinged commitment to humor. Mahoney utilizes short, punchy chapters and an overwhelming abundance of creative similes to maintain a breakneck pace, making it an ideal candidate for a one-sitting read. The interactions between the unique ensemble cast are brilliantly irreverent, often prompting the kind of reflexive laughter that makes the reader look just as mad as the characters on the page. However, beneath the layer of comedic anarchy, the story takes a surprising turn. Both Anna and Bobby carry tragic histories that have contributed to their conditions, and Mahoney approaches their underlying trauma with a unique, albeit jarring, perspective.
Earning a 3.5 out of 5 stars, the novel is a refreshingly original take on the genre, though the tonal shift from chaotic slapstick to serious subject matter may catch some readers off guard. While the transition between high-energy laughs and heavy emotional themes is stark, the investment in the characters’ well-being makes the eventual happy ending feel incredibly earned. It is a fast, funny, and deeply strange journey that succeeds because it refuses to play by the traditional rules of contemporary romance.