Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It

by Brooke Averick

Meet Phoebe Berman: despite being a hopeless romantic, she’s about to be a thirty-year-old virgin. With one month before her milestone birthday, she's determined to finally lose it...if her own anxiety doesn’t slow her down. The can’t miss debut novel from podcaster and comedian Brooke Averick.

Because is it possible to find true love when going on a date makes you want to throw up?

Phoebe Berman fears the one thing she wants the most: love. Thanks to an extremely unfortunate first kiss attempt, crippling intimacy anxiety has plagued her since she was a teen.

Phoebe has so much going for her: a dream teaching job, a supportive and hilarious group of best friends, and all the romance novels a girl could want at her fingertips—but she can’t help but beat herself up over the one thing she can’t quite seem to figure out. Determined to change this, she drafts up the ultimate "Guide to Losing My Virginity" checklist with the hope of finally getting laid.

Suddenly, she goes from a relatively boring (basically non-existent) dating life to juggling three romantic prospects at once. There's the gorgeous new fourth grade teacher at her school, a former high school classmate that resurfaces through Words with Friends, and there will always be her roommate, who might just be the best friends-to-lovers situation of her dreams.

Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It is a brutally honest and completely relatable story for anyone who’s ever felt stuck between coming of age and coming apart.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Rom Com, Adult Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication May 26, 2026

About the author

My debut novel, Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose it, comes out May 26th! Pre-order now :)

Reviews

[Brooke Averick · Rating 5 out of 5]

8/22/25 It’s fine to rate your own book five stars if you worked really hard on it. Looking forward to discussing chapter 26.

3/12/26 Popping in here again to say that I just finished what will be my final read before pub day. I really did the damn thing didn't I. I still love chapter 26 the most but chapter 20 is up there.

[Rachel Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m seated. the booksellers are scared and asking me to leave because it’s ‘not may 2026 yet’ but i’m simply too seated.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

i don’t even have the words to describe how wonderful this book is & how proud i am of brooke!!!!!

[emma]

one time brooke averick mentioned my goodreads on a podcast and that was very cool, if only because it set me on the path to reading this book

(thank you to the author for the arc!)

[mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

suck it nakit (positive connotation)

[Holly Dannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW Phoebe is one of my new favorite fictional characters like she deserved the world and more…. I love this book because it’s so unique to any other romance book I’ve read but I’m also devastated because I am craving so much more content exactly like this and where am I supposed to find it???? also I’m inspired by phoebe’s list making and I’m gonna start making more lists to reach goals in my personal life starting now

[Sody Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite book ever. Perfect story involving family, chosen family, and love. I’ll never forget where I was when I read the big key piece feature plot twist.

For ONCE I can relate to the main character of a romance novel. I am Phoebe, you are Phoebe, we are all a little bit of Phoebe. Through phoebes story I have learned to love myself again. I found myself smiling ear to ear giggling on one page and then wiping tears from my cheeks on the next. I recommend for everyone between the ages of 16 to 96.

Because I have read PBGLI, I have been changed for good.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read this book yet because it hasn’t come out yet, but my god this is my favorite book of all freaking time yall

[Keyle Hawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

So like no I haven’t read it yet, but I feel in my heart, like in a pretty big way, it’s gonna be a 5. like need this on my desk asap

[Demi Raptis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe is already my best friend and no one can change my mind. I fear the world won’t be the same and time should probably be labelled as BPB and APB (before phoebe berman & after phoebe berman) from here on out, thanks guys

[Rachel Misero · Rating 5 out of 5]

already addicted to this young woman

[jo 🏹 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS IVE EVER READ. 😭🩷👏🏼 I NEED A MOMENT TO PROCESS!!!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Phoebe. The whole story was heart-warming, fun, witty, funny, and I found it difficult to put down once I picked it up. As always, I was surprised by the turns the plot makes, which made me so excited to figure out what happens to Phoebe (and her friends!) in the end. The ending shows such growth in Phoebe's character, and I think the moral/lesson could be relatable to many people in their late 20s (me :o). Really refreshing that this was a book about love/relationships that featured real, genuine friendships and characters, and wasn't just completely about sex/intimacy (though obviously it was in part!).

Averick's star debut novel makes me so excited to read her next. I'm just sad I'll have to wait!

[will · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Received as an ARC for review. This review will not follow my usual review format until it is published on release day!***

I am in awe. Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It is a witty, charming and heartfelt debut from comedian and podcaster Brooke Averick. I was so utterly impressed with this book and how Averick was able to use genuine humor, vulnerability and relatability to articulate anxiety (in all its forms), intimacy intimidation and societal pressures on love. I was glued to the page, was kicking my feet, laughed out loud and sat in anticipation wondering what was to come next.

On its surface, this is a romance novel, but it is SO MUCH deeper than that. I do not typically gravitate toward or seek out romance novels, so I went in with an open mind with this. As I traversed through the story, this became more of a coming-of-age tale following Phoebe and her journey of self-discovery utilizing romance as a backdrop through it all.

I absolutely fell in love with Averick’s voice, the prose was addicting. I never wanted to put this book down and absolutely devoured it in such a short amount of time. She curated this story and the character of Phoebe to be someone you care for and want to know how she handles what’s in front of her. This story consumed my every waking thought while reading.

This story takes a turn that I absolutely adored. My jaw was on the FLOOR at certain reveals, truly showcasing Averick’s ability to meticulously weave the narrative into a final crescendo that consumes you.

There were moments in this where I felt validated in my own anxieties, mere experiences and thoughts I’ve had before being conveyed directly on the page. You can clearly see Averick understands the human experience, especially how mental health plays a role in day to day living. Her vulnerability is what makes this book so special and will be the core reason why this book will be such a success.

Overall, this story surprised the hell out of me and is one I highly recommend you pick up. This felt like a warm hug and will bring such comfort to so many. I feel so lucky and honored to be able to experience Phoebe so early, and it’s only right to convey how much I loved this book to all of you.

Please, please, PLEASE pick this book up at your earliest convenience, you will be wrapped up in its charm and will want to reread it all over again after its final pages.

[Bridgit M · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think I'M gonna lose it if i don't get my hands on this book asap if not sooner! (i cried reading the blurb because i'm so happy for brooke, so maybe i already have lose it. no worries thanks)

[Natalie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honored to have early access to this book and unbelievably proud of debut novelist Brooke Averick. Quick, easy, fun, heartwarming read. No notes. 🍒

P.S. I think I’m less scared of turning 30 now

[Jenna Clahane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy do I love me some Brooke Averick!!

The Glee and Hamilton references have me wondering if I wrote this book.

Jonathan Groff and Matthew Gray Gubler would love this, probably not as much as I did because I REALLY loved it.

I still can’t believe I got the ARC I could throw up thinking about it

[Libby]

These characters were lovely, Phoebe is a treat. Enjoyed reading a story about mental health in relationships. Excited to see what is next for Brooke!

[Lyndsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It is a stellar debut, full of raw emotion, friendship, discovering oneself in adulthood, and plenty of humor — Phoebe will make you feel right at home no matter where in the world you are. Cozy up with her next to a warm fire, or set her up on your favorites shelf next to Emily Henry & BK Borison.

This story follows Phoebe, a virgin with crippling intimacy anxiety, 30 days away from her 30th birthday — and she is determined to lose it by the end of the 30 days. Phoebe’s story is fresh and unique, yet feels like home at the same time. Her vulnerability in sharing her anxieties will make you feel seen in a way no other book has.

As a girlie with OCD and anxiety myself (as well as nervous vomiting), I felt so connected to Phoebe and felt for her in so many ways. Watching Phoebe discover new parts of herself and fall in love with herself in those 30 days, above all else, was beautiful. Pheebs had such a community, regardless of her romantic life — what a testament to love being not just romantic, but that there are SO many other types of love too. Perfect storytelling, unique plot, and MAJOR 90’s sitcom vibes. Not only will you fall in love with Phoebe, but you will also fall in love with her whole inner circle.

I could write essays about Phoebe, name children after Phoebe, write my own novels about Phoebe!!!! Brooke, you and Phoebe make the world a better place ❤️‍🩹 I am SO proud of you and cannot wait to gush with you about this amazing book on tour in Seattle😭❣️

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so different than I expected it to be (in the best way). At its heart, this is a story about friendship, love, family, and accepting yourself. As someone who deals with anxiety and ocd on a daily basis, this hit very close to home for me.

One of the reasons I’m such a big fan of Brooke is because she has always been transparent about mental health; a lot of her struggles are also my struggles. I know she put so much of her heart and lived experience into Phoebe and I’m eternally grateful.

Never before has a book resonated with me in the exact way this one does. Dating and intimacy anxiety is real and this is the first time I’ve ever felt like someone truly understands what goes on in my brain.

I strongly urge all my nervous pukers and non-nervous pukers alike to read this wonderful debut novel. The writing is incredible and honest, the story is beautiful, and I came away understanding and loving myself a smidge more.

I cannot wait to support Brooke in all of her future endeavors🍒🫶🏼

Thank you so, so much to Crown Publishing for the ARC (my newest prized possession) in exchange for my honest review!!!!!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect no notes

[Isabella Diez · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD.

This is the rom com we needed. I love Brooke and this was such a great story and I definitely saw parts of myself in Phoebe. This will be one of my favourite books of 2026.

Thanks netgalley for the arc!

[naz;༘⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

My short pitch:

Phoebe Bermans Gonna Loose it is a brilliant debut. Its a story about the expectations of the world and ones willingness to conform to those expectations. It’s about the anxiety of intimacy,and friendships. Averick’s writing, is witty, humorous , and full of life. You are guaranteed to fall for every character, and story. Just like Phoebe Berman, you are gonna loose it. When you get your hands on this book.

Full Review:


This is a perfect book. You absolutely need this on your tbr for 2026.

Phoebe Bermans Gonna Loose it is a great pun , and also a brilliant story. Phoebe as a character is ultra relatable for all the anxious list girlies out there. I understood many of her issues deeply, her fears were mine , her wins were too!
She is surrounded by a cast of characters/ Friends that are wonderfully written. The friends are fully fleshed out, and believable. The friendships are true to real life , and they are actually GOOD friends to each other. They are not just plot devices for phoebes story. And their support for her is unwavering, it was great to read about good friends. Definitely sitcom vibes!
The love interests are all great, you believe each of them has an equal chance and I rooted for each of them at different points in the story! The way this storyline resolves itself was absolutely brilliant, and something completely unsuspected by me.
The classic trope of a list is partnered with that pf the birthday countdown. Both of which are not just there for trope sake but greatly used plot devices. The book however is not filled to the brim with trope-y madness. It felt to me whole original, whilst still being inspired by classic romances, and romcom movies. Not to mention completely informed by contemporary references, that dont bog down the story. Or feel misplaced. The references feel true to the characters and the author.
This is sure to be one of the best of 2026, you do not want to miss this friends!!

[Kathryn Wellington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so special and relatable to truly anyone. It felt extra special to read in my late twenties and was such a hilarious breath of fresh air from other romance novels. I pray to god this is Brooke’s first book of thousands and thousands because I can’t wait to read more.

I fell in love with Phoebe the moment I met her, and then I quickly fell in love with the whole universe surrounding her. It’s heartbreaking to see Phoebe struggle and feel different when as the reader you know her as funny, smart, a good friend, a good sister, an amazing and patient teacher, and overall completely lovable. We’re all Phoebe in some way and her commentary made me feel so safe. I felt so invested in every single minor character. I cried and I laughed a ton and felt an immense amount of joy. I didn’t know what was coming next even when I thought I did. Everything is pieced together in a way that slowly reveals that everyone is feeling behind in some way. This book was a perfect reminder that everyone is doing life on completely different timelines and whatever your timeline is will be exactly right. Phoebe’s growth is so inspiring and I was cheering her on for every single second.

There wasn’t a single thing I felt like the ending was missing. I feel lighter after reading it. And also completely giddy giddy by the way. The love story made me feel like I was falling in love. I felt like I was watching a tv show and I have trouble visualizing books. Smiling ear to ear blushing.

I could not be more proud of Brooklyn

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and humor-filled, Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It is a reminder that life has no set schedule. Through faultless friend groups, endless word games, and failed flirtations, this novel is a romance worth giggling and kicking your feet over. (Said with experience. Until 2 a.m. Two nights in a row.) Perfect for lovers of to-do lists and readers of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez. This is a debut you won't want to miss!

[Marcus Pena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean I just already freaking LOVE it

[Kinley Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh brooklinen i just adore you (haven’t read it) (yet) (brooke can i have early access)

[Stacy40pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick. Thanks to @crownbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Phoebe Berman is quick to become a thirty year old virgin. She relies on her list making skills to ensure that this doesn’t happen. Is it possible to find true love when the mere thought of a date makes her throw up?

This was a fast, quick, and fun read that had a lot more to it than romance. It is meaningful and shows how hard it is to deal with anxiety; especially anxiety around dating! Phoebe has a lot of support in her life and her friendships are a large part of the story. A lot of us readers can relate to Phoebe’s love of lists. I do like to make lists and loved that it was a huge part of the plot.

“Swan diving headfirst into the Bermuda Triangle seems more appealing than floundering about in a situation with no clear direction.”

Read if you like:
-Mental health tropes
-Friendship stories
-Characters dealing with anxiety

Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It comes out 5/26.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh phoebe 😭😭🩷🩷. such a fantastic debut.

[Alayna Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously haven’t read this yet but I already know my vfa is gonna be veryyyy addicted to Miss Phoebe. I genuinely have never pre-ordered a book so fast (and ofc I ordered the signed copy). So proud of my dearest closest bestest most personal friend Brooke (who I have never met but have been loyally following since the early ages of tik tok so it feels as though we are pals)

Ok enough parasocial ranting from me I am veryyyy much excited to read this book in May