The Awkward Agenda - by Beth Morton (Hardcover)

About the Book

The Awkward Agenda is a 300-page, open-door romance featuring a hero with Tourette syndrome and a heroine with anxiety. The hero is a graphic novelist and his artwork is featured throughout the novel.

Book Synopsis

"I guess it's too late for me to have my awkward phase. It would be funny, but not exactly professional, if my pants split open during a customer meeting."

"I mean-that's only one example. We could recreate a few awkward experiences-if you wanted to."

Cali Barton is sick of playing a background character in her own life. Her plan to rock the world at her new job falls flat after she overhears her co-workers gossiping about her for being standoffish and her boss decides to coach her on her "approachability."

Enter Simon Goldberg, her upstairs neighbor. While Cali spent her childhood flying under the radar, Simon's Tourette syndrome taught him to roll with the punches. Simon believed he had made peace with his diagnosis. But when the company publishing his graphic novel wants him to go on tour to promote his work, Simon is panicked at the prospect. Television appearances? He'll either make a fool of himself or become, ewww, an "inspiring story."

When Simon comes across Cali, he offers to help her break out of her comfort zone by taking her on a tour of the kind of awkward experiences she's avoided. Helping her makes him realize just how closed off his own life has become, and having someone to laugh with makes opening up far easier.

In the whirl of their adventures, they learn to see themselves, and each other, for who they really are. But trusting themselves doesn't come easy, and letting go is the hardest trick of all.

The Awkward Agenda is an open-door romance featuring friends-to-lovers, pirate cosplay, and found family.

TRIGGER WARNINGS

Mental health issues (anxiety, bipolar disorder)

Internalized ableism

Character suicide (referenced)

Parent death (referenced)

Review Quotes

Good Reads Reviews

"How do you know you love a book? Your eyes are drooping closed but you can read JUST one more chapter. Even if tomorrow you need to wake up early for work. You read the book the same day you started it. You refuse your favorite TV show with your boyfriend "because I really like this book. Let me read" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"One of my favorite books of the year. I loved the characters; they made me love them." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"The Awkward Agenda is a refreshingly original romance. We meet Cali Barton, who's tired of staying in the background, and Simon Goldberg, whose Tourette syndrome has shaped his identity - together they embark on a journey of vulnerability and self-acceptance. The "awkward experiences" they walk through feel fun and genuine, and the friends-to-lovers arc gives the story a warm, gradual build. What really stands out is the way the novel handles neurodivergence and anxiety with compassion rather than trope; Simon isn't defined solely by his diagnosis. With its mix of pirate cosplay, workplace hijinks and found family moments, the book entertains while delivering emotional resonance. This is a story that proves awkward can also be beautiful." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐