That's What She Said: A Novel

Eleanor Pilcher is electric in her witty, funny, and heartfelt romantic comedy debut, a fresh take on friendship fiction following polar opposite best friends Beth and Serena. When demisexual Beth decides she’s done with being a virgin and enlists Serena’s help, her new journey of sexual discovery just might be the thing to end their friendship for good.

Serena and Beth are best friends who couldn’t be more different—Beth is an avowed demisexual, who lacks confidence in her career and in her chances at a happy relationship due to her sexual orientation. Serena is a free spirit who oozes with confidence, both in her job and her sexual proclivities. And yet, since the moment they met, they knew they were platonic soulmates.

So, when Beth decides that she officially wants to take charge of her sex life and explore the things that scare her the most, Serena is more than happy to help. Speed-dating, sex therapy, tantra, a perplexed but ultimately very nice escort—it’s all on Beth’s Sexual Odyssey List.

But when Beth’s crush from her old job comes back and Serena’s favorite friend-with-benefits pushes for more than just sex, it throws their whole world into a tailspin. And suddenly, this sexual odyssey is more than a fun gag. It’ll set them down a course that’ll make them so much closer—or end their friendship for good.

"Pilcher writes on modern femininity, female friendship, and queer sexuality with brilliant warmth and wit." - Kirsty Capes, author of the Women’s Prize 2022 longlisted novel Careless

That's What She Said is an irreverent, queer rom-com exploring female friendship, LGBTQ+ perspectives, and the importance of sex positivity and self-love. It’s perfect for readers seeking laughter, heart, and self-discovery.

...A charming spin on the coming-of-age novel that examines the nuances of sexuality, modern dating, and, perhaps most importantly, female friendship. - Kirkus Reviews