COMING MARCH 1, 2026!
The Awkward Agenda
by Beth Morton
“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.
The Book Trailer is Here!
Thank you, Bayard Russell for composing the song and to Jess Mcavoy for the vocals!
What Readers Are Saying!
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 boyfriend "because I really like this book. Let me read."
- @i_want_all_the_spoilers
“The progression of both main characters was beautiful to see, I felt like i was watching both Cali and Simon grow in real life. Not to mention how interesting this entire book is, from the start to the end. The realism of the characters was welcome, and I truly appreciate that none of the characters are perfect or fully polished, but more real. It kept me on the edge of my seat!
I loved it so much! I recommend reading.”
- Abbie B.
“This book tricks you into thinking “ok, another cute romance book,” but quickly dives deeper into the emotions of loss, abandonment of a loved one, suicide, mental health, struggles of having a neurological disorder and childhood bullying.
With such serious topics it could be easy to be scared away from this title, but you WILL MISS OUT if you don’t read this story. Beth balances her depth of character development/ growth with humorous interactions, found tribe, banter between characters, and of course comic strips from Zap, Simon’s comic book hero. The word nerd definitions at the start of each chapter are like icing on the cake.”
- Desi
“I finished this book in almost one day and it stayed with me long after. I went in wanting to learn more about Tourette’s and ended up with something far more expansive and freeing. I loved how the book makes it clear that Tourette’s is only one part of a person, not their entire identity, and how Simon refuses to be framed as inspiration porn. He does not want praise for surviving. He just wants to be an artist presenting his work. That perspective felt honest and deeply respectful.”
- @Booktrovert
“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.”
- Melissa
“The Awkward Agenda completely surprised me in the best way. The characters are layered, messy, and incredibly real—no one feels flat or predictable. I loved how much depth the author gave them, especially watching their growth unfold instead of handing it to us easily.”
- Ne’Cole
Phantoms, Ghosts &
Other Heartbreaks
by Beth Morton
What happens when masks are pulled away?
Christine Derring is thrilled when she lands an entry level gig at the nonprofit Gardner Opera house, hoping to network it into a strategy job at the elite Gardner Industries once she finishes her MBA. Her manager is a nightmare, but she’s been through worse growing up in the foster system. It’s taught her to be practical. Her schooling and career come first. The only thing holding her back is a big presentation in front of the entire department. The idea of standing in front of all those experts as they rip her work apart sounds like her worst nightmare.
On the evening of the annual masquerade gala fundraiser, a blackout hits New York City. Christine is stuck in an elevator with Erik Gardner, the man who can determine her professional future with his company. No pressure.
Reclusive Erik opens up to her over their hours in the dark. When the lights come on and his scars and injuries are put on full display, he lashes out. As an apology, he offers to help her overcome her fears of public speaking. He tries to keep things professional, but as they work together, the sparks he felt in the darkness turn into a consuming flame.
When Christine’s first attempt at public speaking under his tutelage goes viral, the spotlight exposes long hidden secrets and fears neither is ready to face. With their feelings growing, and her presentation date closing in, they have to find a way to work it out. But some hurts run deeper, and the secrets may destroy everything they’re trying to build.
“I need to talk about how this book completely swept me off my feet, and I'm still a little dizzy from the emotional ride it took me on. From the very first page to the last, I was utterly captivated. This isn’t just another romance; it’s an experience.”
“This book delivered exactly what I was looking for. Morton did such a great job retelling the story.”
“Looking for great characters, believable and not overly dramatic plot lines, laughs and steamy scenes?! Congrats you’ve found your next read!!”
“Give this author a read because she's beautifully in tune with emotionally gripping characters!”
About Beth
Born and raised in New York, Beth received her BA in dramatic literature and creative writing and MBA in sales and marketing at New York University. When not burying herself in a manuscript, Beth works in medical sales and spends time with her husband and two children at their home in Northern New Jersey.
Book Trailer featuring the original song “Weirdo” Composed by Bayard Russell of Social Robot with lyrics by Bayard Russell and Beth Morton!
Download the song on SoundCloud today!
Book Trailer
Beth Morton on Good Day NY
I was honored to be interviewed on Good Day NY on April 11!
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Love In An Elevator by @RoyalCalavera
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Halloween at Fedora by @Rose.Margaritas
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Erik & Christine by Becky Laff
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An Angry Dance by Anna Ryan
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Happily Ever After by Anna Ryan
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![Merry Little Christmas]()
Merry Christmas by Becky Laff
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A Quiet Night by @Rose.Margaritas
