Review: Better Than the Real Thing by Brooke Crawford

Have you ever read a book that has you racing through the pages to find out what happens next, then when you near the end you suddenly slow down because you actually don't want to say goodbye to the characters? Well, Better Than the Real Thing is that kind of book!

Netta is struggling with infertility. Whilst falling pregnant is her top priority she feels her partner, Pete, doesn't seem as invested and is becoming distant.

When finding the hidden diary of famous musician, Mo Mapleston, coincides with Netta breaking up with Pete, the $10,000 payment to return the diary, in person, is too good to refuse. However Mo lives in London and Netta left London behind with the demons that hounded her. Surely no one will remember her?

I immediately liked Netta and her struggle felt real. Better Than the Real Thing is filled with so many wonderful 'real'  characters. People that supported each other and welcomed strangers as if they were old friends. I loved them all which made Netta and Mo's story so rewarding.

Even though Mo is a mega star he is riddled with anxiety attacks and often self-deprecating. He is trying his best to change his life - but failing.

Brooke Crawford includes moments of light-hearted banter, emotional confessions, true friendships and a touch of spice to deliver a story that is emotional and heart wrenching, witty and heartwarming.

Netta's friendship with Freya is what struck me the most, it was pure and sincere. I'm getting teary just thinking about how much they supported each other.

The thing I love about romance is after all the heartache and bumps in the road there is always that HEA to look forward to.

Better Than the Real Thing delivers all the feels. I'm excited for its release to see how much everyone loves it!

Content: fertility struggles

               death of a parent

               drugs / overdose

               miscarriage

               spice factor 2/5

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: HQ Fiction

Publication date: 25th November 2025

Genre: Contemporary romance

Pages: 368

RRP: AU$32.99 (trade paperback)

Source: uncorrected proof courtesy of the publisher

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