The Best Worst Thing Summary – A Stirring Tale of Second Chances

Introduction

In this The Best Worst Thing Summary, we’ll explore the themes, characters, emotional arc, and what makes Lauren Okie’s novel a stand-out romance read. The Best Worst Thing Summary & review is designed for readers searching for an insightful breakdown, a heartfelt analysis, or simply wondering if this might be their next favorite book.

In a world saturated with love stories that follow predictable formulas, The Best Worst Thing by Lauren Okie shatters expectations and rebuilds them into something extraordinary. This emotionally layered debut dives deep into the raw reality of heartbreak, infertility, betrayal, and the quiet power of starting over.

At the center of it all is Nicole Speyer—successful podcaster, suburban wife, and aspiring mother—whose life spirals after a devastating betrayal. Just hours after placing her final hopes in a surrogate pregnancy, Nicole uncovers her husband’s affair. What follows is a beautifully messy journey of rediscovery as she reconnects with a man from her past and attempts to untangle her dreams from the narrative she thought she had to live.

The Best Worst Thing Summary: What Is The Best Worst Thing About?

The Best Worst Thing is a contemporary romance that deals with the complications of love, the trauma of infertility, and the tender chaos of finding joy again after loss.

Nicole Speyer seems to have it all:

• A picturesque marriage

• A thriving podcast

• A lovely home

But underneath the surface is a woman silently battling years of infertility, watching her marriage with Gabe slip away. Her hope hinges on one final embryo transfer with a surrogate.

Then comes the ultimate betrayal: she finds out Gabe has been sleeping with their dog walker. Nicole’s perfect world shatters. With no job, no baby, and no partner, she seeks refuge at the doorstep of her former coworker—Logan Milgram.

Logan, the nerdy, kind, golden-retriever-energy guy who once harbored feelings for her, welcomes her back into his life. As they reconnect, Nicole begins to heal. But just as she’s finding her rhythm again, life throws another curveball: the surrogate is pregnant.

Who Is Lauren Okie?

Lauren Okie is a breakout author making her mark in contemporary romance. Though The Best Worst Thing is her debut novel, it showcases the nuance and emotional maturity of a seasoned writer.

Her writing is:

• Emotionally intelligent

• Witty and grounded

• Focused on authentic human experience

Fans of Emily Henry, Katherine Center, and Taylor Jenkins Reid will find a refreshing new voice in Okie.

Why The Best Worst Thing Resonates: Themes That Matter

❤️ Second Chances & Emotional Rebirth

Nicole’s journey is one of personal transformation. The novel doesn’t sugarcoat pain—it embraces it, showing how even the most painful experiences can open doors to unexpected happiness.

Key takeaways:

• Healing isn’t linear

• The path to joy often begins with letting go

• Love can bloom in the aftermath of loss

Infertility and Womanhood

Infertility is rarely explored with such honesty in romance. Nicole’s pain is not background noise—it’s central. Readers who’ve faced similar challenges will find comfort in her vulnerability.

Emotional layers explored:

• Resentment toward her body

• Distance in her marriage

• Society’s pressure on motherhood

Feminine Identity and Career

Despite the romantic core, the book emphasizes self-worth beyond romantic or maternal roles. Nicole’s career break, podcasting journey, and reflection on her professional identity are deeply relevant to modern women.

Realistic Romance, Not Just Fluff

Logan isn’t just a romantic trope—he’s emotionally available, awkward in the best way, and genuinely invested in Nicole’s happiness. Their relationship is messy, raw, and refreshingly realistic.

“Will they or won’t they?” is not just for tension—it’s about timing, trauma, and trust.

Nicole & Logan: Chemistry That Feels Real

The heart of this novel is Nicole and Logan’s evolving relationship.

Why it works:

• They have history, but not baggage

• Logan respects Nicole’s boundaries

• Their dialogue sparkles with humor and heart

• There’s mutual growth

The novel doesn’t rush their reunion. Instead, it allows the tension to build, offering a slow-burn romance that pays off emotionally.

Atypical Plot Structure: Why It Works

Unlike traditional romances, this novel doesn’t build toward a single climactic reunion. Instead, the plot twists come from within Nicole’s life:

• The pregnancy—finally, after years of failure

• The divorce aftermath—how do you co-exist post-betrayal?

• Logan’s potential move—love with logistical limits

There’s no neat “happily ever after” handed on a silver platter. Instead, the characters earn their peace—through hard conversations, setbacks, and introspection.

Who Should Read The Best Worst Thing?

If you’re into any of the following, this book is for you:

✅ Stories with emotional depth and romantic payoff
✅ Characters who feel like real people
✅ Plots that mix heartbreak, hope, and humor
✅ Books like Maybe Once, Maybe Twice or Evvie Drake Starts Over
✅ Messy women reclaiming their lives

It’s also a must-read for fans of The Office’s Jim & Pam dynamic—a little awkward, a lot of heart.

Critical Reception: What Early Readers Are Saying

Readers and reviewers are raving about Lauren Okie’s ability to blend emotional resonance with binge-worthy storytelling.

Highlights from early feedback:

• “A beautiful, messy story of resilience.”

• “Totally neglected my chores just to keep reading!”

• “Chemistry between Nicole and Logan? Off. The. Charts.”

• “Fertility struggles shown with truth and sensitivity.”

What Makes This Debut Stand Out?

Lauren Okie’s writing is a breath of fresh air in the contemporary romance space.

Key strengths:

• Realistic, flawed characters

• Deep emotional arcs

• Balanced humor and heartbreak

• Plot that doesn’t follow the formula

• Authentic female perspective

Conclusion: A Must-Read for Romance Fans

The Best Worst Thing is not just another love story—it’s a novel about the cost of dreams, the fragility of love, and the power of rediscovery. Through Nicole’s pain, we see healing. Through her broken plans, we see new beginnings.

Whether you’ve faced your own best worst thing or just love a story that feels real, this book belongs on your shelf.

Try this novel today—you might just find a piece of yourself in Nicole’s story.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is The Best Worst Thing by Lauren Okie about?

It’s a romance about Nicole, who faces infertility, betrayal, and the end of her marriage—only to find new love and self-worth through reconnecting with a former colleague.

2. Is this book just a romance?

No—it blends romance with themes of emotional healing, infertility, and identity. It’s heartfelt and complex.

3. Who is the author Lauren Okie?

Lauren Okie is a debut author in the romance genre. Her writing focuses on real emotions, complicated love, and second chances.

4. Will I enjoy this if I like Emily Henry books?

Absolutely. If you like slow-burn, emotionally intelligent romance with humor and realism, you’ll love this.

5. Is The Best Worst Thing being adapted into a movie?

There’s no official news yet, but readers are already calling it “movie material.”

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Attachments & References

• Amazon’s book page
• Goodreaders’s book page
• Author’s image source: rileygroupinc.com
• Book Cover: Amazon.com
• Quote sources: Goodreads