This was a phenomenal debut. The story was complex, heart wrenching, sexy, painful, and completely wonderful. The prose was delicious, and I kept rereading lines because I wanted to savor them. The romance was so painfully real, that by the end I was cheering them on and also maybe wanting to bonk their heads together a little bit (lovingly). This story was like watching your two best friends fall in love.

I loved the way Nicole slowly found herself amidst the chaos and how she and Logan chose to love each other over and over. I loved the things Nicole grappled with, and how real her struggles felt. I loved that every single character felt fleshed out and whole. There was no single two dimensional villain or hero. Everyone was complicated and interesting and human. This is a story I will keep thinking about for a long time.

Please be aware that this story deals heavily with topics of infertility and pregnancy loss (and all the emotions surrounding it). This is not a light read, but it is worth the heavy emotions in my honest opinion. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC. I can’t wait to get my physical copy!

I was hearing early buzz for this book, and as a romance lover I was eager to dive in. I'm always a little nervous going in to a romance that is over 400 pages, and I really need it to grip me from the beginning. With this one, I was immediately sucked in because it starts out in a very dramatic way. However, it felt too simple. There wasn't a lot of depth behind the conflict. While they were struggling due to her infertility issues, there didn't seem to be much lead up to her husband possibly having an affair (other than just telling us that things weren't great) and then the way she found out seemed too easy. It's really hard to put into words, but because we hadn't had much character development up until that point, I wasn't very invested in that initial relationship. That could have been intentional so that we would focus more on the MMC, but it all felt so rushed.

The story continues to be pretty dramatic, and her showing up at the MMCs house mid crash out (after not really having too much of a history with him to begin with) really gave me secondhand embarrassment. I would never be able to come back from that. It just felt so messy. I still wasn't emotionally invested at this point and ended up putting the book down for a few weeks. I finally decided to just continue on, and unfortunately, I didn't love it. The pacing felt all over the place and there were parts that dragged on. I think it would have helped if I had more emotional investment in the story, but I just never felt connected to the characters. I would give this 2.5 stars since it kept me intrigued enough to want to know how it ended.

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I don’t know where to start 😭

To say I loved this is the understatement of the decade. I’m so grateful to have received this ARC from netgalley/avon because I can’t imagine waiting until 10/2025 to read this.

We all know and love these characters: Nicole, the witty, sassy, smart girl with a smile and “I’m fine” plastered on her face but, so much trauma that she’s got hiding just below the surface; Logan, the most perfect, golden retriever of a guy, who somehow just hasn’t found the right person for him, and seems almost too good to be true; and Gabe, the rich douchy guy who thinks the world revolves around him and even though, deep down it’s his own issues bringing him down.

This story felt so real, and heart felt, and honest, and raw. And somehow was able to tie in some incredible romance that has the perfect amount of spice and authenticity.

Well done, Lauren! This story is so perfect and memorable, I feel so lucky to have been able to experience it.

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING and sho chaotic and funny and romantic and HOT and unhinged and I loved every second of it!!!!!! It felt so raw and real, in a way that I haven't come across in any romance book I've read recently, and I really, really enjoyed myself. It was definitely Jim and Pam coded, but the relationship between Nicole and Logan develops in such a unique way that this book still stands on its own! I can't believe it happened, but Lauren, you got me to not only root for the blonde haired male love interest, but you also redeemed those with a Logan name (usually it's guys with a J or a K, sometimes even an R, but mine is that knucklehead L) -- this is a Logan I would happily sub in for the one in my past; he's such a supportive and wholesome man and I love that he and Nicole reconnected and fought to be together <3 because again, the most chaotic of reads but so totally worth it!! I am SO excited for others to read this and I plan to tell everyone who is looking for this type of book, with all of its realness and unhinged-ness, to pick up THE BEST WORST THING <3

4.5

This took me by complete surprise. Finished in 24 hours, couldn’t put it down. A masterpiece debut and I cannot wait to see what’s ahead for this author!

What an amazing debut book from Lauren! Officially shelving this under my favorite category: romance but more.

From the outside, Nicole’s life seems picture-perfect! She has a handsome husband, a popular podcast where she openly shares her fertility journey, and the resources to invest in IVF and surrogacy. But everything unravels when she comes home one afternoon, and her entire world crumbles.

Even though I have no personal experience with the themes of infertility and surrogacy, I felt gutted reading Nicole’s story. She’s messy and insecure, yet so brave and endearing—and everything she feels is completely justified given the cards she’s been dealt.

At its heart, this is more so a second-chance romance brewing for years as a result of right person, wrong time. I loved every moment Nicole and Logan were together. Their banter was light with instant sparks, me as a reader knowing they deserve to be end game. But I also dreaded Nicole’s lack of communication with Logan that led to a few different unnecessary moments. No notes on Logan. He’s perfect and so was how the epilogue ended!!! IYKYK.

While I understand this is ultimately Nicole and Logan’s love story, I wish there had been more exploration of her relationship with Valerie, her pregnancy experience, and the emotional fallout with Gabe (even though I wanted him off the page every time he opened his mouth 😤).

An impressive debut from an author who pours her heart—and her own infertility journey—into a story that’s both deeply personal and profoundly moving.

TW: pregnancy, infertility, infidelity

will I ever stop crying about this book??? only time will tell

TW: infertility, miscarriages

first off: the banter in this book was SO GOOD, made me laugh out loud, made my cheeks hurt from smiling good. I loved this entire book, and the journey and growth of our main character but wow, what a MESS (affectionate) (i love mess). the romance was so good, and i loved the flashbacks to see how it developed.

also??? Logan??? the man that you are. this is one of my favorite book love interests EVER.

another big thing that really made me love this book is it's frank discussion of parenthood, infertility, miscarriages, and IVF. I have personal experience with all of these things, I had 5 miscarriages before doing IVF which resulted in my daughter. these experiences fundamentally changed me as a person and the way it's portrayed in this book felt so spot on. it felt cathartic and validating to read.

the one thing that gave me pause multiple times in the book was how borderline mean Nicole was to Logan a lot of the time. sometimes it felt like too far for teasing someone you're in a relationship-- she called things he enjoyed dumb or stupid, and maybe it's just my personal baggage but this triggered me a little.

The story is heartbreaking, but beautiful. It is full of sadness and laughter. There is MAJOR drama and if you love messy relationships then this book is for you.
Some of the things I truly loved about this book were the jokes, the laughter, the D&D references. I really enjoyed the way that through all the mess, drama, and heartache the ending was perfect.

I think that overall for me personally, it was too much drama and I started to dislike the characters the more time went on because of the messiness of it all.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Lauren Okie for this Advanced reader copy e-book in exchange for my honest review.

I would give this book 6 stars if I could. I absolutely loved everything about it. The banter, the love story, the growth, fucking Logan. More Logan please!! I absolutely did not want this book to end because I wanted to live in Nicole and Logan's story forever. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I felt it all, and I still wanted more. Lauren, you killed it with your debut novel! I will absolutely be following everything you do and write. I'll be buying this book when I comes out so I can look at it on my shelf and remember how it made me feel and re-read it one day (probably soon).

An absolute triumph of a debut. The writing was lived in. The story was raw and honest. The sex was hot. And the love between Logan and Nicole was palpable. I'll read anything she writes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for a digital ARC of The Best Worst Thing.

I hate to say it, but this was an early DNF for me. I couldn't get into the writing style and it didn't flow well. Felt more like telling than showing, and the conversations weren't natural. I'll give two stars for the work the author put into it.

WOW. This novel was a fantastic read and is on course to be the next big thing. Far as popularity and resonance go, I have no doubt that Lauren Okie will join the ranks of Taylor Jenkins Reid, Emily Henry, and many more. The Best Worst Thing delivers on a charged, emotional romance/womens fiction novel that dives into deep and messy emotion in a charming and intricate voice. I have no doubt readers will fall in love with protagonist Nicole and the resonant reality of her story. It would be a great book club read. I will be sure to recommend this to many readers - whether you prefer romance or literary fiction, Hoover or Picoult, I believe this novel will have something for almost every voracious reader.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in advance!

I love these kinds of novels that aren't romances, but have a romantic element that isn't schmaltzy and doesn't make you feel dirty after reading some of the more "spicy" scenes. It felt real, and it awakened that new, exciting part of romantic relationships that I think people who have been married for a while will really appreciate and want to foster.

Nicole and Logan's banter was great - I think fans of shows like Dawson's Creek or Gilmore Girls will appreciate it. It also highlighted how different Nicole's relationship was with her husband, which was helpful to see her change and look a little more deeply at what she wanted from life.

I did get frustrated with Nicole's lack of communication, and it felt like the author held back so that she could have a full book, which I understand but it felt a little pandering at times.

All in all, a sweet and lovely book and I won't forget the characters too soon!

The Best Worst Thing is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you — soft and slow-burn at first, then suddenly gut-punchingly real in all the best ways. Lauren Okie has created something rare: a story that’s equal parts swoon, soul, and self-discovery.

The chemistry between the Logan and Nicole is magnetic. It’s full of effortless banter and slow, simmering tension. Logan is every inch the emotionally intelligent, nerdy dreamboat — and the way he listens, waits, and loves Nicole is a lesson in quiet devotion. (Men, take note). Through flashbacks, raw emotional moments, and a romance that never feels rushed, Okie explores grief, healing, and finding joy again after unimaginable heartbreak.

Open-door scenes are sensual without ever being crude — poetic and tender, they speak volumes without saying too much. And while the story is full of rom-com charm, it doesn’t shy away from heavier themes like infertility, loss, and surrogacy — all written with authenticity, warmth, and grace.

Fans of layered love stories that walk the line between real and romantic will devour this one as quickly as I did.

Get out of here right now. This book is everything to me. I want to stand on a rooftop and sing my praise for it. While this book covers some heavy topics (infertility and marital infidelity) it's nicely counterbalanced by Nicole and Logan's developing relationship. The banter and the flirting sent me into orbit. I squealed, I kicked my feet, I had the best time. Beyond the feel-good and butterflies, though, I think this novel nicely showcases the burden of unprocessed trauma and how that can sometimes lead us to get in our own way when life changes in ways we can't predict or struggle to adapt to. It was real. It was relatable. Lauren Okie, I see you girl. 5 stars, no notes.

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In a long struggle to conceive, Nicole experiences a multitude of heartbreak including finding out her husband is cheating on her. Gabe is truly just the worst. She finds herself on the doorstep of an old work friend, Logan. Coffee turns into dinners that turn into a love story that leaves you aching. Through the worst situations, you find yourself in a position to find the best things if you only allow yourself.

I found myself just yelling at Nicole to get it together because LOGAN! I didn’t think I could love a man named Logan after Gilmore Girls. Sorry, I am Team Jess. But boy was I wrong! This man is IT.

Triggers for miscarriage, infertility, and adultery.

📚The Best Worst Thing by @laurensybilokie
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You know how some books just grab you by the heartstrings from the start? This is one of those. I instantly wanted to be friends with Nicole and loved her story!

Nicole and her husband Gabe (🤮) have been through the wringer with infertility and are on their last hope of having a baby via surrogate when Nicole discovers that Gabe is cheating on her. (Cue the rage) Understandably distraught, her bestie encourages her to drunkenly go see her ex-coworker/possible ex-crush?? Logan. They renew their friendship and begin a summer romance that develops into something deeper. But while her love life is blossoming with Logan, she has to face the reality of her future: finally getting the baby she’s always wanted, now with her cheating loser husband. Can she learn to love herself enough and let go of the idea of the life she thought she’d have for this beautiful one unfolding before her? You’re gonna have to read to it find out 😉

I loved Nicole so much. I loved how strong she was while being dealt some really shitty cards. I loved seeing her discover herself again and take back control of her story, while allowing herself to be vulnerable and accept the love she so deserved.

And Logan 🥹 Oh sweet baby Logan. Want to talk about yearning? This man YEARNED for her. I loved the ADHD representation with his character and how generous and forgiving and patient he was with Nicole.

This book was so good and full of heart, and I can’t recommend it enough. Check TW because this one deals with some heavy topics. It comes out October 14, so go on and preorder it now!

#bookstagram #ARCreview #netgalley #romancebook #secondchanceromance #contemporaryromance #booksta #tbr

Thank you to Netgalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thought picking up this book, reading the synopsis, and starting the book that I would love it. The story sounded great. I even thought I might cry, laugh, and get to know the characters. The problem was that nothing great happened. It fell flat. I didn't get to know the characters the way I wanted, except for a Podcast near the end where Nicole told us all about Logan. I wanted to fall in love. I wanted to see it through her eyes. It didn't draw me in.

The story itself could have been better. It could have given more. I think if I had been emotionally attached, I would have loved it even more.

I adored this!

Lauren Okie’s debut novel The Best Worst Thing is something I requested at random and I am so glad I did!

I love when love is complicated and mature and still silly and romantic. These characters felt like real people to me, especially Nicole. Her journey of infertility and IVF, though not things I’ve experienced personally, felt handled with grace and care and not overblown.

Logan is a silly, goofy dreamboat that I loved.

This stuck the landing for me!

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for eARC!