Gemma is a 32 year old infertile divorcee. She is tired of being set up with "older guys who don't want kids", when what she wants most is to have a baby. She decides that if traditional methods aren't an option that she will find another way to have a baby. She starts the process to have IVF, but the idea of picking a stranger out of a catalog to make up half of her baby is not appealing. She wants a smart, healthy, easy on the eyes guy, who is a decent human being. That leads her to Josh, her brother's best friend.

At first when she asks him to be her donor he seems put off, but he changes his mind and agrees before her next doctor appointment.

Gemma makes friends with 3 ladies at an IVF support group who challenge her beliefs. Meanwhile, her boss takes a romantic interest in her, despite 6 years of overlooking her. And Gemma starts feeling things for Josh.

She has a day where everything is right in the world, closely followed by a day when everything that can go wrong does.

Will Gemma wind up with her boss or Josh? Will she get pregnant? Will she finally open herself up to love at all?

This is a great book that pulls you in from the get-go. The narrator does a wonderful job distinguishing characters and setting the mood.

My only complaint is the excessive amount of "feel good the universe loves you" quotes.

This was a super cute, funny, feel good romance.

Gemma is divorced, in her early 30’s, and works for a self-help guru known for his pithy inspirational quotes. Those quotes got her through the pain of her divorce and the realization that she was likely infertile from severe endometriosis. That’s the one serious part of this book that could be a trigger- it does deal with infertility. Josh is her brother’s best friend, has been a fixture at family gatherings… and the first guy Gemma had sex with years ago. Despite that, they aren’t particularly close, not even friends. Josh was a player when they were teenagers and Gemma decided long ago he wasn’t boyfriend material.

Gemma makes her mind up that she wants to have a baby. She is going to do this on her own, go through IVF and just use a donor. Instead of going the anonymous route, she wants Josh’s sperm. Gemma trusts him, he’s healthy, good looking and has always been around her family. In her words, he’s like a houseplant.

Josh agrees to the arrangement and off they go to figure it out together.

I don’t know much about IVF, but I liked what appeared to be a pretty honest take on the process and challenges. I could feel Gemma’s hope swelling and Josh’s care with her dream of becoming a mom. Throughout it all, there were real laughs, fun side characters, a unique loving friend group who wouldn’t be friends if not for this thing in common. Gemma grows independent, confident and starts to see Josh in a new light. Josh is wonderful. He has a sunny, lovely, contagious attitude about life.

And the self-help guru? What a piece of work!! He’s hilariously inauthentic in every way. Like a TV evangelist down to his slick suits and sound bites.

**Many thanks to Netgalley, Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC and Sarah Ready for the advanced audio-book copy in exchange for my honest review**

I do love me a rom-com and this one was a delightfully heartwarming slow burn. So cute!

Gemma really wants a baby to raise on her own. She decides to do IVF and asks her brothers best friend, Josh, to be her sperm donor. He agrees and although they have known each other for years and actually lost their virginity together, how well do they really know each other? Many assumptions are made and we all know what happens when you assume...

Josh has book boyfriend potential with his easy going, charming, sweet and jokester demeanor. I do kinda wish it was written in dual point of view, so we would've known how he was feeling through the whole process and just his feelings in general.

The narration was perfect and I can tell why Erin is an award winner!
This is my first time with this author, but it will not be my last.

Trigger warnings: infertility, IVF and miscarriages

I received a free ARC of the audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Unrelated to the book itself, the narrator for this audiobook was amazing. A relaxing voice that was expressive throughout the story. The voices of different character's was well differentiated to know who's speaking (even though the story says it).

There were some unrealistic pieces to the story such as how quickly the process of deciding to have a baby, getting an appointment for IVF, and the fact that her insurance covers the entire process was unrealistic. Then Gemma having done no research about the process was also unrealistic. Even said, I can understand the process moving fast for dramatic and entertainment purposes.

I liked the story and felt the connection between Josh and Gemma to be authentic. It felt realistic that two people that grew up near each other both never admitted their feelings. What was unrealistic was Gemma having no idea that Josh was a famous comic book writer and felt that he was a starving artist.

Overall, I felt that the story was enjoyable and it's something I would recommend to friends. Although I think if someone is going through fertility trouble this might be a little too much of an emotional rollercoaster for them.

Oh man! I absolutely loved this!! It gave me all the feels. I could personally relate to Gemma and her battles with infertility, which probably made me enjoy this even more. Josh was absolutely the sweetest guy right in front of Gemma the whole time. I knew he had loved her forever, but the fact his comic was about her was the icing on the cake. I had goofy smiles throughout! I listened to the audiobook and followed along with the egalley. The audiobook was so good! The narrator was absolutely perfect!! Highly recommend!!

*Thank you Swift & Lewis Publishing and @netgalley for the audiobook and egalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Josh and Gemma make a Baby
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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Synopsis:

Gemma is done being told how her life is supposed to go. For years her mother has been trying to set her up with old guys from her neighborhood. But she is determined, she doesn’t need a man to make her happy, all she needs is Josh, a fertility clinic and a little bit of patients and her baby is as good as here.

But for that to work she’d have to ask Josh first.

— — — — — — — — — —

This book made my insides bubble with joy. The characters were all written with so much love and care. They each have their own little quirks and corners that make them feel so realistic and lovable.

Gemma is a person that seems to know exactly what she wants but in reality, she has no clue what she really desires. Her personality and thought process made me love her almost immediately.

The relationships in this book were so well written. I especially enjoyed Gemma’s little group of supportive friends. The whole friendship group dynamic wass so well thought out.

I enjoyed this book so much that I immediately preordered the hardback edition after reading the ARC.

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Ratings:
Smut: 🌶🌶🌶/5
Story: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Writing style: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This was just perfection! While this book had be laughing out loud and grinning like an idiot, it also tackles some hard stuff. Trigger warning, this book deals with pregnancy, IVF and miscarriages.

Other than that, this book has everything you want in a romcom. Fans of The Unhoneymooners, The Hating Game and You Deserve Each Other will love this book. To sum it up, it gave me “OMG-this-book-is-just-so-cute-I-want-to-live-in-their-happy-bubble-forever!!!” feels.

TW: Infertility, Miscarriage, Death, Loss of a parent

#review
This one's my first book by Sarah Ready. And, I should agree I’m impressed. I loved the author’s writing style. She has beautifully presented Josh and Gemma’s story in a hilarious yet poignant way. I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Erin Mallon, the six-time Earphones Award Winner and a five-time Audie Award Nominee. The experience is exemplary!
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While the plot is simple and predictable, it’s the writing style and narration that makes it an adorable read. I liked the character build-up, the way the author sets up the context slowly. All the characters are likeable. I loved Josh’s characterization and Gemma’s family, especially the scenes with her nieces and nephew (they were so adorable). The IVF support group also had some amazing characters who added a completely new flavour to the story. In my opinion, Gemma’s character was a little cliched - optimistic on the outside and judgemental on the inside for me.
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The author also touches upon multiple social stigmas and complex emotions w.r.t pregnancy, heartbreaks, miscarriage etc. at ease. I adored her writing style, especially those funny/nervous conversations between Josh and Gemma during the hospital visits.
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One thing that was a little put off for me was the way it all starts. I felt the first chapter was a little too abrupt and it took me a while to settle down. Also, I felt the self-help quotes were being referenced too often that it becomes repetitive by the end.
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Overall, Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready is a roller coaster ride that’s fun and emotional in equal parts. It’s engaging and entertaining to every bit that you can finish in one or two sittings. I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for something quirky and entertaining.

If you want a love story that is equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, look no further than Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready.
Gemma is a newly single 32-year-old who is determined to accomplish her goal to become a mother. Since she has been diagnosed with endometriosis, she knows she must use IVF. As far as the donor goes, she looks no further than Josh, her brother’s best friend and the furthest guys from “marriage material” she knows. When Josh agrees to the plan, readers set out on an emotional journey of hope, loss, and love that will make you wonder who is chopping onions around you.
This story handled serious topics like infertility so well. I’ve never gone from crying to laughing so quickly. The dynamics between our MCs was so dynamic. I felt the tension between their banter and humor.
There was also a great “found family” trope in Gemma’s infertility support group. absolutely tore through this book because I was so invested in these characters.

Recommended if you enjoy:
Brother’s best friend trope
Friends-to-lovers (done right)
Slow burn
Love after divorce
A new book boyfriend
Comic books

Audiobook notes: Unpopular opinion, but I felt the narrator was a bit monotone. I also didn’t care for her “Josh voice.” I warmed up to her after a while, but it turned me off at first.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ALC copy. Josh and Gemma Make a Baby is out January 25th.

CW: IVF treatment, infertility, endometriosis, miscarriage, death of parent, mentions of divorce/cheating spouse

“You should always believe the universe is going to give you good things, because sooner or later, it will.”

Gemma is 32, divorced and trying to have a baby through IVF but instead of sperm donors, she wants to have it with her brother's best friend Josh. Because Josh has always been around, she's known him for twenty-four years, he's like a house plant, always in the periphery of her life.

Josh agrees, and the whole process kicks off just as Gemma's boss and guru Ian begins showing a romantic interest in Gemma.

It was fun, heartbreaking, warm, lovely story. The only thing I didn't like in this book is Gemma's judgmental nature.

I LOVED it and enjoyed listening to the audiobook so much. It has unexpected story line. Both the main characters are likeable and the blooming of their love was so sweet.

My first book by Sarah Ready was a resounding hit! So many stars should be given to this book! She has told a lovely story of two friends who are attempting to beat infertility and have a baby together, but not the old fashioned way. The heartbreak of infertility and the loss of pregnancy was addressed in a manner that managed to make me both cry and laugh at alternate times.

This is a slow burn friends to lovers trope. I wanted to hit them over the head sometimes, but the ending was sooo worth the wait. If you want to read this, you really should consider the audio version, because Erin Mallon is so incredible and the sincerity, warmth and humor of her narration adds so much to the story.

I was gifted a copy of this audiobook via Swift and Lewis Publishing, LLC and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

4.75 Stars!

This book is a darn near perfect romcom. As I was listening, I could envision it as a 90’s feel good romcom movie. There were times you are disappointed in the characters, Gemma and Josh, to loving them, to wanting to give a hug, to their biggest fans. Ian is a perfect "villain" in the end that you hope got what he deserves. Everything neatly tied up in the end. I could envision the people as is this was already a movie.

My favorite line was "Each of us, all the people in our lives, are like icebergs floating near each other. We only see the top of the icebergs, the faces we show the world, and the rest, all our inner lives and secret fears remain hidden underneath the surface."

I do not know how I have not read a Sarah Ready book prior, but she gives me the Emily Giffin/Abby Jimenez feels. A great light, easy read to escape the world. I added her others to my TBR pile. I can’t wait to start another!

I did the audiobook, and have listened to Erin Mallon books before. It takes me a couple minutes to get used her voice again. I always enjoy books she narrates. She does a great job of reading the tone, emotion, and different character's parts.

The underlying theme of the book is IFV. It does mention miscarriage and loss. The author really does a great job of hitting the emotion in the moments, but not too much that it’s too hard to read about.

This is a delightful romantic comedy of errors, with a heroine that is an American Bridget Jones and her antics leave you literally laughing out loud. But fasten your emotional seatbelts as you get a healthy dose of all the other feels right along with Gemma and her fellow infertility clinic patients. Her story is all the more charming for having Josh beside her in this crazy journey, who is a wonderful mix of Emma's Mr. Knightley and Buttercup's Westley. This is a thoroughly enjoyable adventure!

I enjoyed going through the trials and emotions of ivf with Gemma and Josh. I struggled a bit with the cheesy, over the top situations and dialog. Gemma is a bit clumsy and suffers from word vomit occasionally. She's not the best at reading what people are really thinking about her when it comes to the men in her life. Still, I enjoyed this book and really liked Josh's character. There were plenty of laugh out loud and second hand embarrassment situations. All around a fun read.

***Trigger Warning ****



She gets cheated on and left behind for being infertile. Years go by and She's finally ready to move on with her life and take this road alone?
This is a modern and yet very hilarious Rom-com. It shares the trials and tribulations of going through the many stages of IVF and how much more complicated it can get when you know your donor. With a 20+ year pining, this classic brothers bestfriend falls for the younger sister but she has no clue except for that 1 time in the garage that happens years ago!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me access to an ARC of this book.
Gemma is 32 years old single woman, who discovered back in her 20s that she is infertile and found a while later her husband cheating on her in the middle of her house! Years later Gemma tired of dating and people's talking behind her back that she is divorced, in her 30s, and no one will like her. This leads her to give up on love and finding the right man so she decides that she is capable and wants to fulfil her dream of becoming a mom even if she is single and so her journey begins with her trying IVF. This is where we meet our beloved Josh, he is her brother's best friend and has been in Gemma's life since she was in high school and this is where it hit her, why not Josh? Can he be the father? Can he be the sperm donor and help make this dream come true? Will Josh and Gemma be able to go through this without developing feelings? How this journey be for the two of them? The answers to these questions are in this amazing book. I loved this book so much it was my first experience listening to an audiobook and I liked it a lot. The narrator was very good and I felt as if I'm watching a movie. They were moments through the novel where I laughed out loud and moments where I cried, it had bits of everything and it took me through the process of IVF without boring me with tiny medical details just the right amount that we can all understand. It demonstrated how this process can be very tough for us women and the importance of support groups in this case. Finally, it showed that positivity, hope, love, faith, and belief matter a lot and that a person should always take chances and never be afraid coz we only live once.

*CW: infertility, IVF, miscarriage, death of a parent


The fact that I willingly read and actually enjoyed a friends to lovers romance, I—


Not gonna lie, I was mostly attracted to this one because a lot of reviews mentioned that this book made them cry and so I was sold. Did I cry? WELL.


I didn’t know what to expect with this book, but I’m so pleased to have enjoyed it as much as I did! I will say that some parts were a bit silly(?), the kind I didn’t necessarily think were funny but pushed through (lol) and I also don’t know much about IVF and the entire process myself, so definitely don’t take my word on that experience and how well (or not well?) the author wrote it.

Gemma and Josh, however, completely stole my heart and excuse me for being giddy as HECK near the end as I am a huge “comic book nerd” and my heart was a mess!!! Agh, I wish I knew more about these two and where they are now, and I think that just speaks to how much I enjoyed them and this story!


And ok yes, yes I did cry.

CW: infertility

Gemma is tired of waiting around, only to be set up with older men who don’t want kids. She wants a baby, and she’s going to have one. She just needs some sperm, and her brother’s best friend, Josh, might have the perfect specimen.

This surprised me with how delightful it was! I loved that it was sweet and light, but also mixed in some more serious topics. The camaraderie between the fertility treatment support group was great (though I don’t know why anyone would want to meet where they do) and I loved Josh and Gemma’s chemistry.

I thought Gemma was a bit dense for never once looking at Josh’s online presence and realizing that web comic artists can be successful. Her job is to run a social media presence, so you’d think she’d know it can be profitable?

The scenes before the ending were really difficult and emotional, and if you struggle with infertility, this could be a very hard section to read. The final chapter wrapped everything up neatly(a bit too neatly honestly) and I had a pretty good time listening to this.

Erin Mallon was perfect for Gemma, and brought a bright and cheerful presence that fit our inspirational quote lover really well. I look forward to more of her narrations!

Overall. This was pretty fun, and I’d recommend it!

This is a sweet, funny, honest, heartfelt romcom which gave me all the feels. I love how incredibly well the author developed all of her characters; easy, relatable, and flawed individuals with real life problems and dreams just like the rest of us. Gemma and Josh are absolute perfection. The IVF support group was comprised of the most outstanding cast of supporting characters. And BRAVO to the audiobook narrator, Erin Mallon, who did a spectacular job narrating this story and bringing all of these amazing characters to life. I look forward to reading a lot more from this author!

A huge thanks to NetGalley, Swift & Lewis Publishing, and Sarah Ready for the ALC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.