This romcom was so much fun to read! I loved Gemma and her family so much. I laughed so hard at certain parts and found myself smiling all throughout the book!

The plot was very well written and I loved the concept and idea. My favorite part was the support group ladies. They all had different stories and were different but had the same goal.

The romance between Josh and Gemma was so sweet and Authentic. Overall I loved this book so much and look forward to reading more by this author!!

This one was a sweet and funny rom-com story that I borrowed from NetGalley because a) The title seemed to intrigue me b)it was an audiobook and I have kind of an obsession with audiobooks these days.

Gemma's new year resolution is to have a baby but there is one hurdle in her path to motherhood. She doesn't have a boyfriend or a partner. After being diagnosed with endometriosis and infertility a few years back, Gemma catches her husband cheating on her which is followed by a divorce. Now her husband is remarried and has a seemingly picture perfect family with three children. Gemma has a good job and a loving, caring family but she yearns for someone whom she can love unconditionally and who will return her love equally. So she decides to become pregnant through IVF but she doesn't want to opt for donor sperms. Instead she asks her brother's best friend and the guy she had a crush on during her adolescents years, Josh, to help her out. While Gemma goes through the IVF process, she also joins a fertility group who meet regularly in a basement of a book shop and share their experiences and advices with each other.

I loved Josh's character and his silent yet unyielding support towards Gemma, even when she behaves like a prick. There were quite a few humorous and laugh-out-loud situations between Gemma and Josh. I also liked the whole equation with the fertility group women and how each of the members had a total different personality but yet they were all on a similar journey. The audiobook narrator Erin Mallon was really good and I don't think I'd have enjoyed the book to the extent I did, if I had read in any other format.

Overall the book was enjoyable to listen to and a good fun, breezy read.

I loved this book more than I thought I would! Cute and a little steamy but mostly a great rom-com.

Gemma is divorced and feels she is only getting older. She wants a baby more than anything so she decides to ask her brother’s best friend/family friend to become the sperm donor. He finally agrees and so begins the cute banter and relationship. While predictable, I didn’t want to put this book down. Laugh out loud funny and charming moments.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this early audio galley!

How did I get so lucky to read two amazing five star books in one day?? Both of which I need to gratefully thank Net Galley for the ARCs of! I didn’t have any expectations for this romantic comedy going into it today… and it completely blew me away! The author was sooooo hilarious and had me laughing from the first chapter! Gemma is a woman that is trying to take control of her life and her own happiness so regardless of not having a partner she decides she’s going to have the baby she’s always wanted. We follow Gemma as she reaches out to a family friend to give her a little help. Every chapter had me laughing out loud! But it wasn’t all laughs this book also deals with serious conversations around infertility and how 1 in 8 women struggle with infertility. I shed quite a few tears as I was reading as this topic was so sensitively and well addressed along with the grief that follows unfortunate miscarriages. I highly recommend this book for those that love romantic comedies that are heart felt and still bring on the tears! Keep an eye out for release January 25th, 2022!

The rhythm of love gets brasher, louder and sweeter in the hands of Sarah Ready. Josh and Gemma are a bundle of delight that drowns in humor and seduces with heart. From awkward situations to irresistible life lessons and unpredictable romance, Josh and Gemma Make a Baby is the most fun I've ever had while losing my heart.

It's a fun read. Light-hearted. Gemma is 35, a divorcee, moving on to enter the next phase of life, having a child, irrespective of her relationship status. Good for her. She goes about the process by the asking the help of her brother's best friend. He has his own problems, going through life, making the best of situations. When opportunity presents for something good to happen in his life, he takes his time, agrees.
There's good understanding, camaraderie, trust, etc, all the characteristics you'd expect in decent relationships between the MCs. The heroine has makes a group of friends from the IVF support group. The have their fights and reconciliation too. That was very sweet.
Throw in a love triangle, with the hero's enemy and some misunderstanding, which later get's resolved. (That portion was a little predictable). Then comes heroine's relealisation of what's what, seeing people's true color and the MCs officially becoming a couple. Very, very sweet.
The book is well written. I chose to listen to the audiobook. The narrator did a good job. Solid 4 stars. Surely would recommend.

**4.5 stars**

This was my first book by the author and definitely enjoyed the relationship building and the little moments of complicity.

Josh and Gemma have been knowing each other for many years, he is her brother’s best friend and has been a constant in her family (although they have not been really close). When she decides to have a baby following her struggles with infertility, he is the person that she thinks about. At the same time, her boss (with which she has been dreaming for some time), asks her on a date. The rest, as they say, is (part of this) history.

The book felt in a way like a slow burn. It showed the experience of someone going through an IVF process while trying to juggle the rest of activities. I loved the character’s journey and the self-discovery, and even if certain aspects felt predictable, I enjoyed how thoughtful and funny it could be.

I alternated between listening and reading. The narrator of the audiobook (which I have heard before) was very good and made me enjoy even more certain parts of the book.


Of note: I voluntarily read a free copy of this book (and respective audiobook) in exchange of an honest review.

I liked the romance. I liked Josh. Gemma is a work in progress.

Overall, cute, but it has its issues.

TW: infertility, IVF, miscarriage, endometriosis, fat shaming, infertility shaming

Guess the TW sums up my issues with the book.

Do I love audiobooks now?
I have to confess I’m a bit of a book snob. In a pinch, I’ll read on my phone but I prefer to have the book in hand. However, lately, I’ve been looking for something to keep my mind occupied while training for a half marathon (I swear the miles go by more slowly when I’m on the treadmill), and Josh and Gemma Make a Baby delivered. Erin Mallon’s narration brings to mind your funniest friend telling a story over drinks. Every character has a voice and little mannerisms that make them distinct. I’m listening to another book where the narrator doesn’t have the same ability. It makes listening a little more complicated, especially when there is a lot of dialogue.

But you are probably reading this review because you want to know about the novel. You’re going to like it. The plot is simple—Gemma is tired of waiting for Mr. Right and is going to have a baby on her own. She enlists the help of her brother’s best friend, Josh, to make this dream a reality. The younger sister/older brother’s friend trope isn’t used to keep the main characters apart, which is a relief to me because I find brothers who are obsessed with their sisters’ sex lives weird.

The general tone of the book is light and fun. Still, it includes many complex topics—infidelity (on the part of Gemma’s ex), divorce, infertility, miscarriage, and the aging of parents. There is also some physical violence and talk about bodily functions, which might put some people off. If you’re on the fence, I will urge you to at least try this book. It does a great job of normalizing the struggles many people have getting pregnant. And it also avoids the desexualization of mothers. When Gemma is trying to get pregnant, men want to date her, and she has (very hot) sex. I appreciated that her desire to be a mother didn’t make the author neuter her.

The book isn’t just about sexual relationships—family and friends play a role too. Gemma joins an infertility support group, and the women immediately welcome her into the fold. One of Gemma’s coworkers, who seems to hate her, also comes through for her in a very important way. I loved that even though the coworker didn’t like Gemma, she supported Gemma. I prefer books where women mostly get along, and if you do too, you’ll like this one.

It is, however, kind of amazing that Gemma has friends because she tends to spout self-help slogans while judging people pretty harshly. She’s a flawed person, but Sarah Ready manages to make her likable, even though she can be self-centered and judgmental.

There are some less successful elements of the book, as a subplot about the two men in Gemma’s life that doesn’t add anything to the plot. But overall, this book would pair well with a glass of wine and a comfy blanket or a canned mixed drink and a beach towel. It’s easy to read (or listen to!), fun, and sexy when it’s time.

This was such a cute and heartfelt story. I originally started the book because I love the cover and Erin Mallon was solo narrating, all told from Gemma's POV.

Gemma wants a baby. After finding she needs medical help, she turns to IVF. Instead of using an anonymous doner, she asks her childhood next door neighbor, Josh. Josh agrees and the two start the process together.

This was such a different kind of friends to lovers and pregnancy trope. It wasn't an accidental pregnancy and the two hadn't been longing after each for years and years. I loved how it was a modern approach to how a lot of families are now started. It's a fun and sweet story that certainly bring out all kinds of emotions. Josh is so dreamy and the perfect baby daddy for Gemma. Josh and Gemma are so sweet together and I loved this story so much.

Josh & Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready
(audioARC) 1/21/22-1/22/22

🅾🆅🅴🆁🅰🅻🅻 🆁🅰🆃🅸🅽🅶 = ⭐⭐⭐⭐
👩🏻👨🏼‍🦰Characters = 7/10
🗺🎪Setting/Atmosphere = 8/10
✍🏼🧬Style/Structure = 8/10
🎞🔮Plot = 8/10
💡💌Themes = 7/10
🎯🔎Purpose/Focus = 7/10
🧠🫀Internal Response = 7/10
👍🏻👎🏻Enjoyment/Satisfaction = 8/10
🗣💬Recommend to Others = 8/10
👄🎧Narration = 8/10

Thank you to Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audioARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions shared are my own.

Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready was the perfect blend of fun, charm, wit and romance. The main characters are likable and mostly realistic. Gemma, a quirky, young, now single woman decides that she wants a baby. The problem is that she needs a donor. Should she go with an anonymous one or ask Josh, her brother’s best friend? She decides to ask Josh. I enjoyed going on their rollercoaster of a journey with them. Watching their relationship bloom over time was heartwarming. I must admit that I laughed out loud at the boy-toy parts.

One part of the book that seemed off to me was the accuracy of the IVF info. Their experience was rather quick and not as emotional as I would think it would be. I wish that it was portrayed more accurately. In addition, the abrupt ending left me unsatisfied.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to listening to another book by Sarah Ready. I am hoping that there will be a sequel to their story. Erin Mallon, the narrator, did a wonderful job with the voices and making the story come alive.

I think it’s important to note that there are several topics that may be triggers for some readers: infertility, miscarriage, toxic family members, and fat shaming.

osh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready is a cute, modern twist on the friends-to-lovers trope. When Gemma, a divorced career woman decides that despite the obstacles (endometriosis, infertility, and no significant other) she wants to become a mother, she embarks on the journey to parenthood with determination. Josh, her brother's best friend and the young man to whom she lost her virginity years ago, agrees to be her sperm donor. From there, through a wide range of challenges and hilarious circumstances, Josh and Gemma learn about each other and their feelings about love, friendship and parenthood. The minor characters, especially Gemma's infertility support group friends, are lovable (mostly) and easy to care and root for, as are Gemma and Josh. At times heartwarming and also heartbreaking, Josh and Gemma Make a Baby is at its heart a funny and hopeful story. I found myself laughing, crying, and even blushing while listening to Erin Malley's wonderful narration in the audio version.

Thank you to Netgalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this audiobook. The opinions in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed this super cute rom com and thought it was very charming! However, if you are going through infertility or have struggled with infertility I would be cautious going into this book because it does discuss a lot of heavy topics. But overall it was a delightful book that romance lovers will enjoy! Thank you NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC for a free copy of this book via Kindle in return for an honest review.

Gemma Jacobs is 32 years old, a divorcee, and ready to turn over a new leaf! Her New Year’s resolution: have a baby! All she needs to do is invest in IVF treatments and the sperm of her brother’s best friend, Josh Lewenthal.

Sarah Ready does an excellent job painting the scene for readers through descriptive language. The narrator really hammers it home with her enthusiasm and was perfect! So much so I ugly cackled out loud multiple times. Possible triggers in this story include IVF, miscarriages, and the death/loss of a loved one. I’ll admit the story may be a little predictable and dragged towards the middle, but I couldn’t help rooting for Gemma to grow through her insecurities, even when she was downright infuriating.

I enjoyed this lighthearted romance and how it depicts real-life struggles people go through, as you get to see Gemma at her best and at her worst. This story could have improved with more flashbacks. Gemma’s divorce was a life-changing moment, and I’d love more insight into how she got to this point. Another opportunity would have been dual perspectives. Josh Lewenthal seems like the perfect book boyfriend, and getting inside his head would have made this a 5-star read for me.

Thank you to Net Galley and Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC for the ARC!

⚠️ CW: infertility, loss

💭 OVERALL
This upcoming rom-com could be a fun, breezy read for those who enjoy a little cheesiness and are able to suspend disbelief about fertility treatment. I enjoyed it on the whole, and might recommend it to the right readers. A couple of concerns related to the content warnings above would prevent me from recommending it broadly.

⭐ x 3
🌶️ x 2

I found the overall romance arc of Josh and Gemma Make a Baby to be quite charming. This is a story of two thirty-somethings who have known each other since childhood and have lived totally separate lives while still in each other’s periphery (à la brother’s friend, friends to lovers, second chances). What draws them closer is Gemma’s decision to pursue parenthood sans partnerhood through IVF, preferably with Josh as sperm donor.

👥 CHARACTERS
Josh is a beautiful cinnamon roll of a love interest, and I enjoyed discovering what he had been up to in the past decade-and-a-half.

Gemma, through whose POV we experience the story, is… a work-in-progress. While I found her voice clear and approachable, I was often confused by her total lack of curiosity about the lives of those around her. (Remember when I mentioned learning about Josh’s life? It is a little unbelievable that Gemma was wholly unaware of even the biggest highlights.) Despite her flaws (primarily her quickness to judge), I found Gemma to be likable enough that I could root for her in her personal growth.

The side characters tended to feel like caricatures built around a single defining trait or interest, but this felt oddly appropriate given the comedic tone of the book.

🤣 HUMOR
The book's funny moments are largely slapstick. I get a kick out of wacky humor, so I took no issue with the improbable and highly convenient circumstances that made these laughs possible.

🎧 NARRATION
The narrator did a great job with this one. Character voices were easily distinguishable. Transitions between scenes and chapters were clear. The tone was emotive and immersive.

A funny aside: there was one oddly noticeable error in the narration ("cervical music" instead of "cervical mucus"), but this was a minor one-off.

😔 CONCERNS
At times, the treatment of infertility in this book is unrealistic to the point of being insensitive. The novel spans one calendar year. Once she decides to pursue IVF, Gemma is able to begin and progress through fertility treatment with seemingly no delay or difficulty. This is counter to the experiences of many, and I can imagine it being difficult for some to read.

The way Gemma is treated by others is frankly inappropriate and goes largely unchallenged. It seems the majority of her hometown knows of her infertility diagnosis, and views her as pitiable and/or undesirable as a result. She is also shamed for her size.

📅 Josh and Gemma Make a Baby will be available on January 25th of this year! The publisher kindly provided an advance copy of this audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Josh & Gemma feel so real to me after listening to this story, and even more relatable! Gemma is a go-getter that has handled the cards she has been given with grace. Josh is the family friend that has always been within the background of Gemma’s life. Together they can make an unstoppable team.

The novel is a romance at its core (good ole FWB trope), but dives into many other themes and topics as well that kept me interesting and invested in the plot. There is combination of humor and heartfelt moments as well.

The ending comes around as any reader would hope, and I quite literally gasped in excitement during the last chapter!

This one was really cute but not very steamy. It’s got a cinnamon roll, friends to lovers, man falls first, and a little bit of second chance romance. It’s got more substance than a typical romcom but I’d still consider it a light hearted read. I think it covers a lot of topics that are real issues such as illness, infertility, looking down on divorced/single older women, and making incorrect assumptions about people but the issues are addressed and worked out by the end. Would recommend for any romance reader.

So I came into this expecting a romance and it really wasn’t, at least not by my definition of romance. The main female character spent most of the book dating a guy who wasn’t the male main character, and even when she started to realize her feelings for the main male character, she was terrible to him.

Gemma was an extremely judgemental person and it was extremely frustrating. She literally destroyed every relationship she has but was able to fix them all with a simple apology. It didn’t feel like enough.

I really liked the concept of this book, but Gemma sort of ruined it. Josh was a wonderful character and, honestly, he deserved better.

Until around the middle of the book, it was a 3 stars read for me, but then it had my favourtite romance trope i.e. when the guy has been pining for the girl for a while and she has no idea.

I usually don't like characters who keep saying inspirational quotes and mantras, and for a while, I was annoyed at Gemma for saying them almost all the time but they did help her through a rough time, so that's good about them, I guess. I think that's because I thought that Ian guy was a fake jerk from the beginning.

The character development in this book was really good. Also, I really liked the support group part.

CW: Death of a parent, infidelity, and infertility.

A cute little rom-com with an interesting cast of characters. Predictable, but still entertaining. The support group friends were a fun addition.