This novel was an emotional gem, and a bit like its title I simultaneously loved and hated it (I’m being hyperbolic). It wasn’t the story’s fault, but the author’s spot-on depiction of people and their relationships and struggles.

Have you ever had that person that you laugh about nothing and everything with, but they’re with someone, or you’re already with someone and the timing is just wrong? Imagine being able to go back at a new place in your life and still have that zing. Oh, you’re not the same people now, and you have different problems, but it doesn’t matter. This is figures heavily into this book, and the main character’s lives and motivations. The fertility struggle was moving, and the relationships were intense. Really, the unfolding of the entire story was done extremely well, and it had cohesive flashbacks that only contributed to the characters.

Speaking of characters, there were times I laid on my back, kicking my feet in excitement for Nicole, scowling at the audacity of Gabe, and then soaking up every moment of pure perfection that was Logan. I don’t know if there’s anything I would change about them.

There was some awkward phrasing and “bumpy” lines, but I could overlook that because the story was that good. It’s one I would by recommend and buy for a friend without hesitation.

I first came across ‘The Best Worst Thing’ thankfully because of the cover reveal. Then I read the description, and I immediately knew I needed to read this book. Fertility and infertility are part of womanhood and everyone has a different relationship with it. It maybe an afterthought, tinged with fear, or you may have a healthy relationship with it. However, I think for many it’s something vulnerable and it lingers in the back of your mind (right beside that ticking biological clock). The range is vast but every woman approaches it differently and it’s all carefully handled in ‘The Best Worst Thing’.

This is a heartwarming (but also spicy) romance novel of Nicole and Logan finding trust in one another (especially after a traumatic time for Nicole, our lead has done multiple rounds of IVF and faces a shock of a lifetime). It’s about learning to love your body again after poking and prodding, it’s leaning into the arms of someone you trust to be there for you, and it’s absolutely vulnerable. There are multiple instances of self sabotage and ‘being the victim’ situations that were not fun but they add to the story.

My, my, my Lauren. What a debut. You’ve got my attention and I’m definitely getting a physical copy on pub day. Thank you so much to Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!

I love when books have relatable struggles/themes. I also love a good second chance story. Definitely worth the read, but be prepared to feel all the emotions.

What a heartbreaking, beautiful, brilliant book. I was alternating between wanting to cry and kicking my feet, giggling and giddy over the love story unfolding. Such treat to get to read this debut novel.

Do you like second chance romances? Pick up The Best Worst Thing by Lauren Okie this fall. It was amazing.

This debut novel was beautifully written. It shattered my heart and somehow put it back together at the same time.

Content Warning: This book deals with infertility and miscarriage.
The story follows Nicole, who has spent years trying to have a baby with her husband, Gabe. Just when she takes a final chance on an embryo transplant with her surrogate, she discovers Gabe has been cheating. Heartbroken and lost, she turns to Logan, a former colleague, and as they reconnect, she receives the news she’s been longing for — her surrogate is finally pregnant. Now, Nicole must learn to forgive her body, embrace the unexpected path her life is taking, and decide if she’s open to love, even if it doesn’t fit the plan she once envisioned.

I truly can’t recommend this book enough. The emotions I went through while reading this were overwhelming in the best way. I cried within the first ten pages. But the witty banter had me giggling and kicking my feet. Logan? Absolutely loved him. Gabe? We hate him. Moral of the story: never trust a guy who drives a Tesla.

Lauren’s writing blew me away. Every scene played out so vividly in my mind, like a movie. (And I pictured Logan as Miles Teller the entire time, so do with that what you will.) RUN to grab this when it releases!

I could not put this book down. The author made realistic, flawed, beautiful characters and I laughed and cried while reading this. My heart aches for any woman who has felt the pain of infertility. I will be recommending this book to anyone who will listen!