I recently dove into Brooke Averick’s debut novel, Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It, and I was immediately drawn in by the premise—a nearly thirty-year-old virgin determined to lose her status before her milestone birthday. As someone who enjoys contemporary romance with a sprinkle of humor and relatable struggles, this book felt like a perfect fit for me.
Phoebe Berman is a hopeless romantic, grappling with crippling intimacy anxiety stemming from a hilariously unfortunate first kiss attempt in her teens. She’s relatable, likable, and her journey toward love—and self-acceptance—is beautifully rendered. I loved how Averick crafted Phoebe’s character as someone who, despite her fear of intimacy, has so much going for her: a fulfilling teaching job, a supportive group of friends, and a stash of romance novels. The “Guide to Losing My Virginity” checklist was a clever and amusing angle that showcased Phoebe’s determination while also highlighting her struggles.
One of the notable strengths of this novel is Phoebe’s group of friends. They provided comic relief, support, and sage advice that resonated with me. Their humorous banter and dynamics reminded me of my own friendships, adding authenticity to the narrative. Moreover, Averick’s writing style is engaging; she blends wit with poignant observations about love and anxiety, making for a delightful reading experience.
However, I did find some parts of the story a bit stretched. While juggling three romantic prospects—her handsome coworker, a resurfacing classmate on Words with Friends, and her roommate who could be the ultimate friends-to-lovers scenario—felt dynamic, it occasionally bordered on overwhelming. As another reader pointed out, it might have benefitted from a stronger focus on a single storyline rather than spreading the romantic plotlines too thin. I found myself wishing for deeper exploration of Phoebe’s interactions with each love interest.
Another area that fell a bit flat for me was Phoebe’s anxiety. While I appreciated the realistic portrayal of her struggles, there were instances where her moments of growth felt rushed. At times, I wanted more depth to her psychological journey. Several readers have echoed similar sentiments about the pacing when it came to Phoebe’s personal development, wishing for a slower reveal of her evolving relationship with intimacy.
That said, the humor and warmth of the narrative largely overshadowed these drawbacks, allowing me to enjoy the book as a whole. Phoebe’s honesty about her fears and her aspirations made her journey not only relatable but also inspiring. I found myself rooting for her as she navigated through dates that made her nauseous, blunders in her love life, and the moments of bravery that caused her to confront her fears head-on.
In conclusion, Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It is a heartfelt, funny debut that captures the complexities of desire, anxiety, and friendship. While it has its narrative flaws, the overall experience was genuine and enjoyable. If you’re looking for a romantic comedy that balances humor with a deeper exploration of anxiety and love, I highly recommend giving this book a try. I’m curious to see how Averick’s writing evolves in future works, and I would certainly pick up her next novel!
“Explore the journey of self-discovery in Phoebe Berman’s captivating novel, Gonna Lose It.” >>