Thank you to NetGalley and Lauren Okie for the eARC of The Best Worst Thing. I have never read a book from this author before and was excited to read something new. I loved this story. It kept my attention throughout the entire story, and I couldn’t put it down until I knew the ending. The real-life situation of infertility and the struggles couple go through is not understood by those who don’t experience it for themselves. The unfaithful husband, the infertility struggles and the long-lost love that got away. Nicole had to learn how to be loved again and Logan showed her and guided her every step of the way. I love how he had her in mind for all decisions made and waited until she was ready and found herself again. Loved this story and would read it again!

My ⭐ Rating: ★★★.5 out of 5
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the eARC. All opinions are my own. Coming October 14, 2025!
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○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: Nicole and her husband, Gabe, have been together for 10 years. In that time, they’ve moved across country, started and ended jobs, and had seemingly every infertility issue go wrong. On the same day as their last-ditch effort, an embryo transplant with a surrogate, Nicole finds out that Gabe’s been cheating on her. Now, set on starting over, Nicole reconnects with an old coworker, Logan, who is hell-bent on helping her heal. But what they find along the way could make an already complicated situation even stickier. Especially since Nicole learns that the embryo transfer was successful. What will become of Nicole’s future? Who will stick by her through thick and thin?
– FMC: Nicole. Starts a podcast with her husband about their infertility struggles. She’s an “act first, think later” type of gal… which leads her on a journey of self-discovery and “Logan” discovery.
– MMC: Logan. Truly either a saint of a man or a masochist. He’s emotionally stable, PATIENT, kind, and willing to make sacrifices.
– Location: Manhattan Beach, California
– POV: Single third-person with flashback timelines
– Spice: 4-5 open-door spicy scenes but also a few closed-door spicy mentions
– Tropes: marriage in crisis, slow burn, he falls first and harder, second chance, banter, age gap (7 years; he’s 39; she’s 32), workplace pining/yearning, golden retriever MMC
– Triggers: infertility, IVF, miscarriages (somewhat explicit), cheating, divorce, grief, uncool mother-in-law
– Representation: gestational carrier/surrogacy, healing after miscarriage, nerdy MMC (D&D player), Jewish FMC (but not explored greatly)
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🎯 My Thoughts:
I am always blown away by debut novels. Just the fact that someone had this idea, painstakingly created it over hours of typing, reading, re-reading, editor’s notes, proofers notes, beta reads, etc. and then they just put it out into the world and hope that it finds the right people to resonate with (and hopefully that’s ALL people).

What I Loved:
»The Raw Depiction of Infertility: I cannot even begin to fathom the devastation that comes with miscarriages and infertility. And then what happens to a woman’s body, mind, and spirit to endure that and jump into IVF and surrogacy: I am in awe how resilient women are. And while the focus of this book isn’t how it effects the men, I also can’t imagine how awful this can be for marriages, intimacy, and self-esteem. This book does a beautiful job of showing Nicole’s want, hope, despair, and utter turmoil.
»The Banter: I laughed out loud so many times in this book. And not just the banter between Nicole and Logan, but even with Nicole and her friends. It helped bring levity to a heavy book.

What I Didn’t Love:
»The Flashbacks: This story has a dual timeline or flashbacks. At first, I liked these moments between Nicole and Logan from the past, but over time I felt that it distracted from the overall story. I believe it was meant to set up their love story, but to me it actually detracted. I wish that instead of so many flashbacks…we’d had more about Nicole’s journey preparing to change her life to accommodate a child. This story had such beautiful heartbreak around her miscarriages, but then quickly diverted to make romance be the focus. I feel like the two plotlines competed at times.
»Nicole’s Choices: I overall liked Nicole. I can’t say that I can relate to her, but as a character, she was mostly ok. But the amount of times I wanted to scream at her in the last half of the book really took me out of it. I mean. The choices she makes in this book toe the line with toxic behavior, but we’re all human, right? If I were Logan, I'd be like "fool me once..." but he like, really liked her, so who am I to judge?

Would I recommend?: Yes. I think this is going to especially be impactful for readers that have gone through infertility issues or love someone that has. There is one writing quirk that I found annoying and repetitive for those that care about those things, but that doesn’t take away from the heart and soul of this book.

This story was deep, heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time. The author did a fantastic job of telling the story of each character and engulfing the reader in what pure, passionate, honest, true love looks like. I loved Nicole and Logan’s love story and while painful to experience while Nicole grew and healed, it was a beautifully told relationship.

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for the early copy. 3.5 stars rounded up. I was very excited for this book when I first came across it on NetGalley. The storyline seemed beautiful and enticing. And it definitely was. However, there were some points that I felt didn’t hit for me. I’m almost not a fan of 3rd POV

This book was complicated and lovely, a little devastating, and a lot hopeful. I loved every second of this one. And the banter was unmatched. I can't wait to read it again.

4.5⭐️ I want to first off say that this book was one of the most well written and raw works I’ve read. It was one of those books that felt REAL as you read it. The emotions were real, the story was real, the trauma was real (forever wishing Logan was real!). it didn’t feel overly romancy to the point that it was unbelievable, it was perfectly authentic.

The challenges that nicole was constantly facing were so intense and I literally just want to reach into the pages to give her a hug😭😭 her and Logan’s relationship was so precious and he truly was the perfect partner. He waited for her, and loved her loudly and quietly. HE READ ALL HER BOOKS!!!!

The back and forth of nicole’s feelings and the way she handled her relationship with Logan was my only drawback from giving this 5 stars. But the last few chapters and epilogue truly wrapped this book up perfectly.

As alwayyyyys thank you so much Avon/NetGalley for the arc💌

Honestly I accidentally requested this one because the cover was so gorgeous. But a few of the trigger warnings are big for me so I won't be reading it. I have heard a lot of good things about this one however & the writing seems decent. I'm not the biggest fan of 3rd person but it seems to work here. Ive heard this one is beautifully heartbreaking but make sure to check the tw/cw.

ARC Review
The Best Worst Thing
By Lauren Okie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book was so good that my thoughts and feelings might seem a little jumbled but here goes…

What if you are living your life, and you think it’s good, but there is this other thing out there that’s better, and you’ve seen it, but you are committed to where you are now. What do you do? Nothing? Do you just live and appreciate the life you have? What if the life you have turns out to not be what you thought. What if your life is a betrayal, a farce? Can you, should you go looking for that other thing you know is out there where you felt a flicker of something better. Are you selfish for doing that?

This book was something else. Nicole and Logan. Holy crap. So hot. The yearning, emotions, banter, Nicole’s journey thru infertility, all of it. Logan’s support and yearning-my god. Is there anyone better than Logan? I’m not sure there is!!! And not only is there all of the emotions and heartfelt conversations, but it’s funny! I laughed so much! I cannot wait to read more from Lauren Okie. This novel is stunning - it’s seriously might be my favorite book of 2025. I’ve already ordered my physical copy. Run don’t walk to get this one when it comes out on 10/14. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

🌟thirty somethings
🌟sliding doors and second chances
🌟workplace yearning
🌟IVF and surrogacy
🌟Jim and Pam coded

I was super excited and intrigued to read this! I loved the way it was advertised and marketed, and the comparisons really had me begging to read this. I also love stories that don’t shy away from the raw and sometimes ugly parts of the human experience so when it was shared that there’s challenges with infertility & infidelity I knew this would be a very vulnerable humanizing read. The niche references made me laugh!! I did however have a tough time with the undertone of their relationship the physical and emotional cheating that is approached in a very nuanced way where as for me it’s a black and white issue. So that tainted the book for me a bit. I liked the accountability and awareness that happened at the end. However I wish there was more showing vs telling. A lot of things were handled or worked through very quickly when there could have been more time spent. I liked the maturity about reading stories with people aged 30+ it made the decisions that much more intentional. At times I did feel like Nicole took the “black cat” personality a bit far and crossed the line from flirty banter and teasing to just being mean. But hey it worked for them!! Overall it was an emotional and challenging read. I had to look passed the Jim & Pam vibes and the nuanced cheating trope but beyond that the story was well written and at times poetic!

Gorgeous writing, with some of the strongest narrative/character voice I've read in awhile, and an incredibly realistic flow to the banter and dialogue especially. Logan is absolutely top-tier book boyfriend material, the perfect golden retriever of a man. Nicole's character is complicated, complex, and completely empathetic as she navigates her journey of infertility and self-worth, and knowing that so much of Nicole's struggles were based on the author's own experiences with motherhood and fertility really deepened the emotion behind the story. The Best Worst Thing is a heavy book about heavy topics with a LOT of ups and downs, and therefore has zero right to be as laugh-out-loud funny as it is. I'm looking forward to revisiting this book once it comes out and I can get my hands on a physical copy.

LAUREN WAS MADE FOR STORYTELLING!! I rarely give romances 5 stars okay? But this one is SO WORTHY OF ALL THE STARS!!!

First off, I had no idea it was inspired by Lauren’s own struggles with fertility. Reading the authors note made me cry and I’m so happy Lauren and Nicole are able to share similar happy endings!🫂

I love Nicole and Logan like I love diet coke. This was such a messy but pure, frustrating but wholesome, heartbreaking but hopeful story!😭 Nicole is so real. She feels broken and damaged. Logan not only embraces her wholeheartedly, but helps her realize she is more than what her body can or cannot do and it is BEAUTIFUL!!

Their entire dynamic was just so fun to read. The banter, inside jokes, and familiarity they have with one another made it feel like you were hanging out with them in person! Also bonus points for multiple Jane Austen references!!

I think sad romance books are my jam. I love when it’s 50% fluff and 50% tears. Lauren has written a real and raw story with “meant to be” characters that are just trying to figure it all out.

ALL THE STARS! ALL THE LOVE!! 10/10 RECOMMEND!

Perfect for readers who love:
💛Invisible string theory love
💛Golden retriever MMC
💛Yelling “JUST KISS ALREADY” at their book
💛Themes of parenthood, fertility, and family
💛Emotional love stories

TW: infidelity, infertility, miscarriage, descriptions of miscarriages

Oooof! i have so many feelings about this book.

Going in, the only thing I knew about this book is that it deals with infertility struggles and a woman getting a second chance at love. but this book is so much more than that.

TW for cheating/infedilty.

i am honestly one of those people who stay five feet away from a cheating Trope - even when ( especially when -) they cheat with each other. it's just not for me. but this book? it's something of a mirror to human feelings. the husband cheats on the FMC. she kicks him out. then she develops feelings for her old work colleague in the months that follow but the trick is she cannot divorce her husband until her surrogate delivers and the birth certificate is amended or she loses her child. talk about messy.

and yet, I think I understood these characters and where they were coming from. i did not detest the book the way I hate glorified 'cheating for passion' books. this book - it talks about how people can fall out of love, how forever isn't a blanket statement of security or sure-ness and how sometimes you can be with someone and happy ( for a little while atleast) and your soulmate might be some one entirely else. how we are all sums of our life before we meet a person. how our parents impact our sense of relationships and individuality and how none of it is an excuse to be a shitty person anyway.

In ways, I think nicole was emotionally cheating on Gabe even when she didn't know Gabe wasn't faithful to her after their first year of marriage. Gabe's excuses do not take away his love for nicole but you can also argue what is love without fidelity in the first place. i think a lot about the statement he said - "that he thought men just get what they want and I would too”. and then there is sweet, simple logan who wasted years because he was in love with a married woman.

in psychology there is this concept of repeating the cycle and the parallels of nicole with her mom and Gabe with his parents were very starkly drawn. i loved mari and Paige Calling out nicole for being a coward and perpetually being the victim of her story unless she changes it.

like I said, a lot of feelings and a lot of flaws make this book worth a read. it's a story of finding love and keeping it. finding joy and surviving it. believing you deserve it in the first place.

a debut I would remember forever, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more from the author.

thank you Netgalley for the arc.

I've only recently reconnected with my love for reading, and the biggest challenge for me as of late is finding books and stories that resonate with me or at least explore those deep fears, worries, you name it, as a woman. This book really hit on everything for me -- the fears of infertility or the fears of infidelity, the constant asking of those what-ifs, not wanting others to sacrifice for you even if they say they want to... and it was approached with realism and humor that only very few authors I've read have successfully been able to execute without it seeming forced. I hope that this book becomes a big part of a lot of readers' TBRs soon, as it was a story I simply took my time to read, not because I'm a slow reader, but because I didn't want it to end.

DNF @ 33%

I was very excited to read this book. It has all the elements I could want and while I know some people may shy away from the messiness, I live for it.

I think when it started going downhill for me was how quickly she showed up (randomly at that) at her old coworkers door drunk after finding out that her husband has been cheating on her. They haven’t kept in touch and she just shows up as his house? I felt given how the story started and the topics of infertility and cheating, it felt a bit weird to be so indifferent to her marriage ending? Hmm, maybe that’s just me 🤷🏻‍♀️

I was hooked once I got past the first few chapters. the MMC was amazing and so sweet, I loved their banter and development. I really felt their love and was rooting for them

This book—A total emotional roller coaster! I only screamed at it a few times out of frustration toward Nicole, but I loved the story and Logan and Nicole’s chemistry. The banter between them was top notch. I laughed out loud and cried. I really connected with the story and the characters, and will definitely be recommending. Thank you for the chance to read!

Quick immediately after finishing review: one of the easiest five stars I’ve ever given in my life. Holy hell, this book was so damn good

Actual review: Oh my goodness. I absolutely adored this book. The interactions between Nicole and Logan made my heart melt. Gabe? Meh. But Nicole's strength? Her tenacity? Her "I'm not going to let this break me"ness? I absolutely adored her. Logan? Logan. The man that you are. Before reading this, I texted me friends and said "I'm going to need a physical copy because I can just tell this is going to be a book I'm going to want to read again and again." And I was 100%. This book made me laugh, made me cry, made me feel hope and heartbreak. I read 75% in a single sitting and then had to force myself to go to sleep and finished it while being a passenger princess running errands the next day (FYI I almost never let other people drive, that should tell you how good this book was and how desperate I was to not put it down).

Synopsis: The Best Worst Thing is an intimate story about starting over, second chances, and two people who cannot help falling into each other’s orbit once again.

I genuinely don’t think I ever read a book and kicked my feet and smiled 😂 but this one I did. Watching (er reading) Nicole and Logan fall in love 😭🙌🏼 they were both so so funny together. I really felt every emotion when reading this book. The definition of slow burn. Just a very deserved 5 star read for me.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

Nicole and Gabe have struggled with infertility for YEARS. After multiple IVF attempts they decide to go the route of surrogacy via a surrogate with their last remaining 2 embryos. Right after the transfer Nicole discovers that Gabe has been cheating- Nicole breaks away from Gabe and this is when she rediscovers Logan. The man that had always been in love with her. With a new baby on the way can she navigate a new life without Gabe while becoming a mother and getting the man she always deserved? This is raw and emotional and I loved the banter and connection Nicole and Logan have. everyone deserves a Logan in their life.

This was a solid read with some really heartfelt moments. I appreciated the themes of grief and family, and the writing had a gentle, honest tone. That said, it didn’t fully hook me emotionally, and the pacing felt a little slow in parts. I liked it, but didn’t quite love it. Worth a read if you enjoy quiet, character-driven stories. 3/5

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.