The Awkward Agenda

De: Beth Morton

Narrado por: Leanne Woodward

“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, so 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Beth Morton (P)2026 Beth Morton

Hallmark Lovestory brought to a new generation

This story has such a good Hallmark vibe! 

This is a feel-good book with a lot of key areas that were brought to attention, but possibly not explored as in-depth as they could have been. Mental health and bullying and harassment were areas that were brought up and happened a few different times throughout the story.

I loved watching the tentative friendship evolve into a relationship between the two main characters. It was nice to see a storyline build that up instead of just having them fall for each other and jump into bed. I also appreciated that when they had an issue, the author walked us through resolution and the characters thoughts instead of just reconnecting. That’s a huge positive in my mind!

I do think though that the work harassment and bullying of Cali was skimmed over a little and that was a gap that could have expanded. It’s not something that needed to consume the book but the topic comes up a lot in real life and seemed downplayed.

I really enjoyed the audio version, I was able to laugh and visualize a lot of the interactions so much more than when I typically read a book.

Beautifully Awkward

Thank you to the Author Beth Morton for allowing me to listen to this book early.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Audiobook Review 🎧

This audiobook was an absolute five-star listen for me. I loved everything about it the story, the characters, and especially the narrator, who brought so much warmth and personality to the experience. The performance made all the awkward, sweet, and emotional moments land perfectly.

Cali (“California”) and Simon completely stole my heart. Their relationship was so beautifully done. They’re both awkward in their own ways, both carrying things they see as weaknesses, but what I loved most was how those very things became the reason they worked so well together. Instead of trying to “fix” each other, they supported each other and turned those insecurities into strengths. Watching them grow individually and as a couple felt natural, tender, and incredibly real.

Their dynamic just made me smile the whole time. They were such an unconventional pair, but together they were absolutely perfect. There’s something so comforting about a love story where two slightly messy, unsure people find safety and confidence with each other.

This is a genuinely beautiful, heartfelt, uplifting, and full of charm story. If you love character driven romance with emotional growth, awkwardly adorable moments, and a narrator who truly brings it all to life, this one is a must-listen.

I can’t wait to read more from Beth Morton!

Oh this one? DELIGHTFUL chaos with a side of secondhand embarrassment and I…ATE IT UP.

The Awkward Agenda is what happens when good intentions, social anxiety, and absolutely unhinged situations collide in the most entertaining way possible.

Our girl means well. She really does. But every time she tries to take control of her life, the universe basically says, “lol no,” and hands her another awkward disaster. Watching her attempt to follow her carefully crafted “agenda” while everything spirals? Painful. Hilarious. Deeply relatable. I felt seen… and mildly attacked.

Beth Morton, absolutely nails that brand of humor where you’re cringing so hard you have to pause… but you’re also grinning because it’s just SO GOOD. The awkwardness isn’t cheap — it’s character-driven, heartfelt, and wrapped up in genuine emotional growth. You laugh, you wince, and then suddenly you’re like, “Wait… why am I emotional right now???”

And can we talk about the romance? Because, YES PLEASE!!! It’s sweet, messy, and built on real connection instead of insta-love nonsense. The chemistry sneaks up on you while you’re busy recovering from the latest social catastrophe.

Now let’s discuss the audiobook 🎧✨
OBSESSED. The narration made the humor hit even harder. The timing, the delivery, the way the awkward moments were performed? Chef’s kiss. 👩‍🍳💋😘

It felt like listening to your funniest friend tell you the most chaotic story of her life — dramatic pauses, mortified inner spirals and all. This audiobook absolutely elevated an already great story.

Overall vibes:
✔️ Awkward queen energy👑
✔️ Laugh-out-loud moments🤣
✔️ Soft, swoony romance💕
✔️ Emotional depth hiding under the chaos😮‍💨

If you’ve ever replayed a conversation from 7 years ago at 2 a.m. and physically cringed… this book is for you. And you’re going to love every uncomfortable, adorable second of it.