The Awkward Agenda

By: Beth Morton

Narrated by: 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

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!