No Worries If Not!: A relatable funny new feminist read

by Lucy Nichol

One little word. One bad habit. One year to stop saying sorry.


What happens when one woman resolves to ‘break up’ with saying sorry?



Charlotte Thomas is polite. Manners cost nothing, her mother always said … yet there’s a fine line between diplomat and doormat.


But every woman has their breaking point and Charlotte has just found hers. It wasn’t because she said sorry to her boss for challenging his terrible idea for a staff social, or because she apologised to the drunk girl who spilled espresso martini all over her favourite top. And it wasn’t because she agreed to go on a second date with the world’s most boring man to avoid hurting his feelings. Maybe it was all of these, or maybe it was when she realised she ended every email with the fateful words: No Worries If Not.


With the help of her best friend and housemate Mush, Charlotte declares she’s apologising no more. No more saying sorry for just doing her job, or speaking her mind or simply taking up space.


So when she finds her space being invaded by a manspreader on the Metro, Charlotte lets rip. When she’s finished shouting about why he’s the rudest man she’s ever met, she realises, annoyingly, that not only is he the best looking man she’s ever had the misfortune to sit next to … he’s actually really nice about it all too.


With her unapologetic pledge off to a tricky start, will Charlotte be, dare she say it … sorry she even started this?

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

352 pages, Paperback

Published August 3, 2023

About the author

Lucy, whose author names are Lucy Nichol and Lucy Roth, writes fiction and non fiction with a love of comedy, nostalgia, music and busting mental health myths.

She is also a freelance writer, mental health advocate and PR consultant whose work has appeared in The Independent, The I Paper, NME, Red Magazine, Den of Geek, Huff Post and many more. She is passionate about challenging mental health and particularly addiction stigma, has worked with the media in PR and marketing for over 18 years and has experienced anxiety for even longer.

Reviews

[Colette Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, perfectly balanced

Perfect balance of feminism, that didn’t take over the whole plot. Thoroughly enjoyed this! Love books set in the north east and this did not dissapoint!

[Beth Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I flew through this one and (mostly) enjoyed, set in the North East, narrated by a Geordie and with a great message.

“Never ever apologise for being a woman”

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this fun read!

Loads of little bits sprinkled in here that made me think about how much I apologise for nothing and I think after reading this I’ll start cutting down!!!

[Hayley Groom · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Never apologise for being a woman’.

Charlotte embodies a lot of women who have been conditioned to feel like they should apologise for every little thing and for basically just..existing.
Until she decides no more and puts herself on an apologising ban.

I really enjoyed the chaotic journey this took me on, even making me laugh out loud at times.
While being witty and a nice easy read, it still circles back to the overall important message - stop being so bloody apologetic.

Pacing at the beginning is slightly slow, but once the plot gets into its groove, it’s great.
Overall a good read, I think most people can relate to incidents that happen throughout and definitely made me think about being a lot less sorry in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperNorth for the ARC.

[Bětka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sympaticky empowering rom-com, ve které funguje přátelství mezi mužem a ženou a žena (tak úplně) nepotřebuje muže, aby se vypořádala se spoustou problémů. Stačí se přestat omlouvat úplně za všechno. V tom jsem se hodně viděla, protože jsem stejně submisivní a neasertivní kráva, která radši řekne "promiň" preventivně, než aby někoho zklamala. Taky mi přišlo dobrý, že romantická složka byla spíš na druhé koleji a v první řadě šlo o ten osobnostní posun hlavní hrdinky.

Co mi ale vadilo - v první řadě mi přišly docela navíc občasné deníkové záznamy z minulosti. Taky mě tolik nebavilo dění na pracovišti, občas to prostě bylo až moc pracovní. Nejvíc mi ale vadily trapasy. Bylo jich moc, byly fakt trapný - a já mám na tohle prostě asi posunutou hranici snesitelnosti.

Ale jinak to bylo fajn a pro mě vlastně asi i celkem přínosný.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half felt a bit slow, but the second half rocketed after a specific event and then I felt really invested in this read.
Some topical issues dealt with superbly and a good mix of characters, including ones I loved to hate.

Fun, surprising and entertaining.

[Jess Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my usual read, was a slow start for me. Got better near the end.

[Katie Garratt · Rating 3 out of 5]

a nice read, bit millennial and white feminist esc but a few nice lessons in there about people pleasing. and as someone who is forever saying ‘no worries if not’ definitely a bit of food for thought! the romance was perhaps not totally needed/relevant

[what.heather.loves · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I walked into the office feeling like something monumental had gifted. I'd destroyed the kryptonite that threatened to ruin me. I was Supergirl. No, I was an Avenger. I was Jessica Jones. I was smart and unapologetic. And I was not afraid to show it."


In present day Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and, in get early thirties, Charlotte Thomas is navigating life working for an advertising agency with a sexist, tool of a boss, a lovely mam and best friend and flatmate, Mustaq, AKA Mush. People-pleaser Charlotte is issued a challenge by Mush to cease her overuse of the word 'sorry' and to cease excusing others for their poor behaviour towards her. Can she do it?! 


The present day narrative is interspersed with Charlotte's childhood diary excerpts, providing context about how and why she became a people-pleaser. There's a love interest, in the form of 'fit-manspeader', who's unfortunately the first to encounter her since she took up her 'no apologies' challenge and there are social media opportunities along with the potential for promotion at work, which all arise from her new approach to life.


It's a feminist, rom-com with heart and soul that's also a love letter to the city of Newcastle and its Geordie population. As a self-aware people-pleaser myself, I enjoyed following Charlotte's journey to finding a better balance, with lots of laughs along the way.


"I really was an epidemic. It was bad for our health. And if certainly did nothing to level the playing field. I mean, as much as we all say it, I swear it's some kind og inbuilt female thing. I think the apology virus was always more prevalent amongst women of the world."


I read this for Collected Durham book club.

[Sohxpie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm going to try and not judge this book too harshly because it's a genre that I don't particularly enjoy. Honestly, I only bought it because the concept of the story seemed interesting. However, the whole idea of not apologising didn't actually last very long as an idea in the story, it felt like this part of the story was more of an afterthought to the romance. I do think there were some very interesting ideas that I wished were looked at in more detail: the idea of women not apologising for taking up space and existing, the idea of reporting unwanted and unwelcome advances from co-workers, especially senior co-workers using said advances to manipulate women and control their careers. So many interesting ideas that were only briefly discussed. I know the idea of the novel is to have a happy ending with everything resolved as it's supposed to be a romantic comedy novel but I would have enjoyed a more serious novel looking into these things, maybe a murder or two as revenge (Okay, not necessarily murder but I do prefer more jeopardy and suspense in my novels)! I didn't understand the point of the flashbacks to the narrators' youth, if you take them out of the book, the story remains the same, I didn't find them all that relevant. And one last thing, I found it incredibly irritating/ cringey every time the narrator referred to her vagina as her 'fairy', if it was once or twice, I could maybe have dealt with it but it was constant. It felt incredibly childish and kind of against the message the story was trying to convey. Overall, I'm not surprised I didn't enjoy the novel and was disappointed because I stupidly expected more.

[Karen Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two lines that really stuck out to me from 'No Worries if Not!' By Lucy Nichol.
Never apologise for being a woman and, why do we apologise for being bold?
'No Worries if Not!' is an unapologetically bold book and, if you are a people pleaser, it will make you question everything you have ever said. From one calamity and escapade to another, there is a happy ending for Charlotte despite her going viral for talking 'about her fanny on the metro'. A hilarious and cringey read but, one with several important messages. There is nothing to apologise for as a woman. Say what we mean and don't feel the need to apologise after everything. Don't sign an email off with no worries if not because that devalues what it is you're trying to say. Most importantly, there is a reminder about sticking up for other women or colleagues and, calling out sexual harassment at work.

Charlotte sky rockets to social media fame after erupting to a man on the metro who is manspreading wider than her legs at her smear test, and, she has a tilted cervix don't you know?! Whilst Charlotte is being filmed for shouting at a man to move (who has headphones in so hears none of the rant), Charlotte goes viral and becomes an ambassador of a moon cup.
'No worries if not!'has similar themes to 'Not safe for work' and 'Jaded' except none of these ladies were caught on camera screaming about their 'lady garden' or 'fairy'. A hilarious book that had me cringe-crying with laughter and, it's possibly made even worse that Charlotte is a Geordie and not an all too uncommon sight in Newcastle.

Themes: sexual harassment, women fiction, women.

[B.S. Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Difficult women are a necessity."

Women, how many times a day do you find yourself apologising for simply existing? Making yourself seem less assertive with an “if that makes sense”? Minimising your own needs with a “no worries if not!” — this book beautifully explores the more subtle parts of being a woman conditioned to live in a misogynistic world and does it with grace, flair and a lot of heart!

Charlotte was everything — she gave me so much catharsis and also gave us a brilliant chance to indulge in a sweet little romance with a streak of feminist fury and personal growth. She was witty, funny and painfully aware of her own compliance in keeping her stuck in a misogynistic world that makes her feel guilty for taking space — leading to her snapping in the most fantastic ways and going on a heartfelt and slightly chaotic journey of self love and reflection. She made me laugh, cringe, wince and fall totally in love with her as she went on this absurd adventure and that is what entirely dominated this brilliantly entertaining story.

The narration was personal and easy, with a steady pace and some deeply insightful diarised sections that go back to show us seemingly normal snapshot moments of the past, but fit together to show all these little moments that affect and change a person.

Witty, warm and wonderful. Everyone needs to read this book — and I will not be apologising for that statement.

[Adrika_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Príjemný empowering román pre ženy, v ktorom sa nejedna z nás nájde. Hlboké myšlienky plynúce z deja, ktoré by si každá s nás mala zobrať za svoje. Nehanbi sa za svoje silné stránky a hovor o pracovných úspechoch so zdvihnutou hlavou. Silná nezávislá žena na vrchu korporátu alebo žienka v ružovej tutu sukničke - nemusíš byť ani jedno, môžeš byť oboje. Neospravedlňuj sa za všetko len tak do vzduchu; použi slovo prepáč, len keď je mienené a opodstatnené. A hlavne sa neospravedlňuj za to, že si žena. <3

Mierne stagnujúci a predvídavý dej vyvážila perfektne ľudská hlavná hrdinka, ktorú som si veľmi obľúbila. Vtelila som sa do jej životných situácií a odniesla si autorkine posolstvo. Nebol to prevratný román, ktorý by som nevedela pustiť z rúk a nikdy naň nezabudnem, ale páčilo sa mi to. Myšlienky feminizmu pretavené v praxi. Toto môžem s čistým srdcom odporúčať všetkým ženám, lebo viem, že keby nad tým aj ohrnuli nosom, nejaké malé semienko sa vnútri zaklíči a možno budeme hovoriť trochu menej bezduchých prepáč, možno naše pracovné úspechy už nespomenieme pošepky medzi rečou, možno už s ním nebudeme tráviť čas len preto že nám ho je ľúto alebo že je to náš nadriadený.

[Pauline Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is about Charlotte who is constantly saying sorry for everything that happens, even if it’s not her fault. One day something happens to make her explode and she decides to stop apologising for everything.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I expected to, in fact I gave up on it a couple of times. The author portrays Charlotte as a modern day Bridget Jones and silly, stupid ridiculous things that happen to her which always seem to go wrong. Some of the book is funny and some of it is thought provoking but in my opinion is spoilt by the constant swearing ( of which there is no need) and the unrealistic storylines. It is also quite predictable in places.
There are a couple of chapters ie the bikini waxing episode, which simply have no real reason to be there but I think they are there to raise a laugh.
All in all, not my cup of tea, if the author concentrated more on the story and less time ‘trying’ to be funny, I would probably enjoyed it. If you enjoyed Bridget Jones, you might like this.

[Miss Claire J Dyevre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just finished listening to the Audible version. I found the main character endearing and relatable. I loved how the author used humour to cleverly get across many messages about the shit that women put up with.

Having worked in an advertising agency, I totally recognised the set-up but I am sure that people who haven't worked in that environment will still have come across many of the office politics. And unfortunately, most women will have had to deal with someone like the nemesis, Jamie, in their professional life.

The "sorry" thing is a real epidemic and by apologising all the time, to each other and to men, women really do give away so much of their power.

The takeaway message “never apologise for being a woman” is something we all need to take in.

The pace of the book was mainly just right, however I found the flashback chapters interrupted the story unnecessarily. The narration was excellent.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exceptional good fiction. If you like fiction that makes you laugh so much, but also makes you think about yourself and others. then this is for you. I think all teenagers and adults will enjoy this fictional story and be better for reading it. (As I said as a piece of fiction it’s brilliant but with Teacher hat on - it would also make an excellent route for a school English/Guidance/Biology collaboration to open up positive discussion about the topics dealt with in the story. Also could be used in so many other situations for that purpose too ‘#Book club for personal relationships and office HR’.) Thank you to Harper North and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte is polite, that was the way she was brought up, as her mam told her “manners cost nothing”
But there’s a fine line and you should never be a doormat.
She had to stop ending every email with ‘no worries if not’, with the help of her friend Mush, Charlotte is apologising no more.
I could relate to Charlotte, every woman has their breaking point.
I loved reading about her pledge, you saw her grow in confidence and she found the true value of the word SORRY.
It’s filled with humour and relatable situations and it will have you laughing out loud.
And with the added bonus of being set in my nearest big city, Newcastle, it was a win, win for me.
Thanks @lucynichol, @harpernorth & @netgalley for the eARC

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most brilliant depictions of misogyny in fiction.

Charlotte the MC through a clever and humorous narrative navigates how it feels to live in a patriarchal society as a woman. The book is written in a way that takes the reader through an emotional rollercoaster - I found myself enraged, laughing, feeling such sadness - all because of this book.

Ultimately this is an easy to read book that works really well for anyone wanting to read something that captures a serious topic (misogyny) in simple language that makes the book impossible to put down.


A great read perfect for reading slump cures and I'd definitely recommend.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who apologies for breathing too loud, I felt this book in my soul.

Charlotte apologies for everything, caveats every request with a ‘no worries if not’ and finds herself in situations she really doesn’t want to be in because she’s too busy putting other people’s feelings before her own.

Whilst you may think that lends itself to a boring main character, you couldn’t be more wrong.

There’s witty dialogue, moments that make you laugh out loud and overall you’re left with the reminder to never apologise for being yourself.

Also, it was refreshing reading a book like this set outside of London.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperNorth for the ARC.

[Jen Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book on the whole. With frequent chuckles throughout it did keep me reading but I was increasingly frustrated with Charlotte, possibly unfairly, as I’m sure there are plenty of women around sadly who feel this way. Once she had made her decision I thought things would progress in a different way and it became very repetitive and annoying that she took things so far the other way. Having said that, It’s a great way to highlight the inequalities and onesided expectations that we live with as women every day in life and work settings. I’m somewhat guilty of behaving as she does sometimes and have vowed not to from now on. So for that I’m grateful.

[Victoria Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a millennial Geordie Bridget Jones, look no further!

'No Worries If Not!' would work great as a TV show. It's full of bright, fizzy characters that give an air of levity to some pretty serious issues. Themes include misogyny, privacy and what it is to be a female in the workplace. It's chaotic, it's relatable and it's great fun.

This is a really easy read, it's lively and pacy and made me laugh out loud several times. I enjoyed being able to place the locations mentioned in the novel.

Lucy Nichol has achieved something really special here - balancing comedy with timely issues.

[Tasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book way faster than I thought it would! It's not the type of book I usually reach for but as a people pleaser at heart, I couldn't help but pick up a book titled with a phrase I catch myself saying far too often.

It was a lighthearted, fun read that had me invested in the main characters story. Now that it's over, it's got me noticing just how much I use 'sorry' in my own everyday language

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Charlotte realises that she apologises for everything from saying no to her creepy boss to the position of her cervix, she goes on a mission to not say sorry for an entire year. However, when she shouts at a manspreader on the metro and goes viral yelling about her smear test, life takes an unexpected turn.

Feminist, fierce and funny as fuck. I will definitely be reading more by Lucy Nichol.

[Henry S Weinreich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put “No Worries If Not” Down.

The twists and turns of main character Charlotte and the way she navigates her personal and work life is interwoven with hilarity and epiphanies.

The “sorry” theme examines the way we all project ourselves without really thinking about the consequences and what it may look like if we turn our world around.

The story line is provocative and refreshingly real.

Highly recommended.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flew through this after a bit of a slow start (don’t mind me I get impatient when I have to wait for the real action to begin i.e when Charlotte stops apologising). This book is perfect wish fulfilment to find out what it would be like if you stopped apologising and started being less of a people pleaser in order to take up less space. I liked that it also shows how you can also go overboard when you’re trying to correct yourself. Ot was also lovely to read a book set in Newcastle (I’m intrigued to go next UK trip). Thoroughly enjoyable and relatable.

[Kirsty Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cutesie easy read that occasionally made me cringe but mostly just made me laugh

Also spoilerrrrrs ✨

- I felt like there was something there between Charlotte & mush, was I the only one disappointed that didn’t go anywhere?
- She says Mush seems off at one point and I was excited thinking he was gonna be head over heels for her and just sad she was publicly pining over someone else
- So despite enjoying, I am actually grieving for the plot I really wanted x

[Jen King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The title of this book made me laugh. It’s an enjoyable read following strong themes of femininity, stopping apologising for nothing, and standing up for yourself as a woman!

Some of the characters could have been better developed. And the romance felt a bit rushed.

[Joannewelsh76 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny book with a really good message. Definitely empowering for women, the fact that the main focus of the book is about Charlotte's journey in accepting herself and finding her voice is really refreshing. Discovering it's okay to be unapologetic about who we are, not having to accept things that aren't right but also that accountability is important too. I really enjoyed this.

[gem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found the main character quite infuriating. I’m not sure if it’s the narrator or the actual character…
It felt a bit like she’d tried to ram every bit of feminism possible in to the book but not quite pulled it off in the way that Holly Bourne or similar would’ve done.
Hmm. I’m going to listen to another book narrated by the same person to see if it’s her that’s throwing me off!

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. 'No Worries if Not' was a really enjoyable read - I really related to Charlotte's tendency to apologise for everything, and this novel helped challenge that mindset. This was a funny, relatable, and original story.