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.

Thanks to NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC, for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed Josh and Gemma Make a Baby. This touches on the topic of infertility that I dont think is talked about often in books and I was glad this one did. The Characters are very likeable and times and at other times unlikeable and that's how a good book should be. I recommend this book if you are looking for a good RomCom.

I really enjoyed this book and was pleasantly surprised. At first I thought it was a bit too predictable BUT there were many surprises towards the end of the book. Overall, would recommend it to a friend.

I received a free copy of this book, but that does not influence my review.

I actually read this book and listened to the audiobook version. I enjoyed both of them a great deal. At first, I wasn't certain that I was going to love the narrator for the audiobook, but I quickly realized that my dislike of the narrator was only coming from the fact that I've been listening to the same narrator for a while and, therefore, I needed to give myself time to adjust to the fact that they were different. Once I became accustomed to the narrator, I realized that I really enjoyed listening to her read the book.

As for the story itself, I loved it. It's been a while since I read a romance that wasn't cheesy. This one was perfect. There was just enough tension there to make me want to keep listening, and it was very sweet while not being overly saccharine. There were so many little storylines and pieces that tied together in this story, that it was never boring. I genuinely enjoyed this story a great deal, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes rom coms and romances.

This was an awesome chic lit book. Josh is Gemmas' brothers best friend and has hung out with her family forever. Gemma has been unlucky in love and even though she is unlikely to conceive a child naturally, she has decided that she will have a baby via IVF. She just needs to find a suitable donor and so she turns to Josh.

I had so many laugh out loud moments. I really enjoyed this romance - it was not too cheesy - nice and light.

📚 Things you never want to be called ”…Frumpy quote girl…” 👩‍💻

📚 I now see Lime jello molds in a whole new light and have a deeper appreciation for all things lime 😂

📚 A perfectly scripted slapstick “boy toy” moment that literally made me lol esp the 2nd scene with dirty talk.

📚 TW death, infertility, miscarriage, loss of a parent

The audio narrator, Erin Mallon was fantastic. I'd love to listen to other books read by her. I would also read another book by Sarah Ready.

Also, this needs to be a movie…if nothing else I at least need an SNL skit or something with the antics with the whole “boy toy” saga with the other couple at the center. It was hilarious.

This story will frustrate you, give you hope, break your heart, make you laugh, make you feel awkward and make you smile. If you need to FEEL something…then I highly recommend this book because it will make you feel all of the things.

This was so well written and just a really good time.

I highly recommend this one and want to thank @netgalley, Swift & Lewis Publishing and @sarahready for the opportunity to review m this gifted copy before it is released.

I’m looking forward to reading other books by this author.

This is a 4.5 star which I’m rounding up to 5 stars.

This book was adorable. I was looking for a light, fun read and this was exactly what I wanted. Gemma is tired of waiting for Mr. Right to come along. She wants to start a family now so she begins the process the have a baby on her own. Instead of choosing an anonymous donor, she asks a family friend and her brother's best friend if he would be willing to father her child. This book had me laughing and also brought occasional tears (happy and sad). Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I will be on the lookout for more Sarah Ready books to read.

This review was also posted to Goodreads and on my IG account @cherrypurlsmerry.

Story-wise I liked Josh and Gemma Make a Baby. It deals with a subject that I almost had to go through...infertility. I ended up being one of the lucky ones, who got pregnant naturally with my son. However, before getting pregnant, I was mentally getting myself ready to have to go through this journey, and honestly even considering not going through it, because I was afraid it would have a negative outcome. I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2018, and was told by multiple doctors that it would be extremely difficult for me to get pregnant, even going through IVF would be a struggle, because PCOS women have a hard time sometimes producing viable eggs. In America, unfortunately, IVF is not usually covered by insurance, so it's VERY expensive. It's also an absolute mental struggle to go through something like this, which is something this book addresses. Gemma's was a very strong character for going through this pretty much all on her own. Yes, she had Josh, but Josh wasn't honestly that hands on at first, because he was supposed to just be a side thing to help her get the deed done, so to say.

Now, something that did bother me was how judgmental Gemma was. She made awful assumptions about a lot of people around her, which was kind of the opposite of what she represents herself to be, working for a self-help guru; who encourages people to live their best life possible. Her assumptions about Josh were very presumptuous, and honestly it bothered me how often she made them with no real background proof on why she thought this.

Josh was a fine character, with a good background story. And then you have Gemma's boss/love interest Ian, who...can go live in a dumpster for all I care...let's just leave it at that.

Where my absolute dislike came for this book, was the narrator of the audiobook. I did not like the narrator's voice at all. Her voice was like a roller coaster, up and down on the pitch, like every sentence was a question. I personally found it annoying.

The book was pretty good, I didn't absolutely love it, and the main character had her moments where I couldn't stand her. And then when it comes to the audiobook I would honestly give it a lower rating. Just not my favorite voice for reading a book.
I wouldn't recommend the audiobook, but I do think if the subject is something you're interested in then check it out. There is a lot of great information that gives information on the process of IVF, support needed during the process, and lessons learned.

A cute and authentically written romance novel that’s predestined for being devoured in one sitting.

Josh and Gemma's story is so much fun to follow along and both characters are very lovable while being imperfect.
I love that the book brought awareness to infertility and IVF. Especially in romance novels when the couple is having a baby that is often part of the HEA and rarely problematic.
The author perfectly balanced the tone between more serious topics and light hearted banter.

Wooooow! This book was amazing! This is my first Sarah Ready book and I must say, I am a HUGE fan.

Josh and Gemma Make a Baby was such a cute book. Friends to Lovers is my absolute favorite.

Gemma has gone through A LOT and as a New Years Resolution decides she's having a baby through IVF. Josh is her brothers best friend and the person she decides would be the best person to help her make a baby. I loved going through the journey of Gemma finding out who she truly was. She did frustrate me at some points, but I love the growth of her character.

I would suggest looking up Trigger Warnings for this book since there are some topics that may trigger some.
If you are looking for a cute romance book, this is a great option.

This was an enjoyable and entertaining read for me. I found Gemma to be an extremely frustrating character at first, but one that ultimately wanted to root for by the end. I liked her little group of random characters in the infertility group. I liked that it was a romance but had a bit of depth to the storyline with the infertility representation. I loved Josh and wanted him to find his happily ever after.

The green Jell-O did get to be a bit much for me but it was like a comic reprieve after a bit each time it showed up.

Overall I recommend this one to friends to lovers or brother's best friend romance lovers. I do put in a word of caution that it is not all sunshine and rainbows throughout though so those who need to avoid infertility topics in books should steer clear.

✨Book Review✨
Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready
Pub Date: 25/01/2022 💗💗

I think I may have just read one of my favourite books of the year and i’m so happy about it!! EVERYTHING about this book gave me ALL the feels in every way possible and it even made me cry 😭😭 i couldn’t get enough of this book i was wanting more of josh and if gemma (defs not ian though iykyk 😂)

the plot of this book was so simple yet i have never read anything like it and the interactions between gemma and josh throughout the book were just phenomenal. i was laughing, crying and just LOVING them together and individually the whole time. the dynamics of all the relationships in the novel worked so well and were so entertaining. i was never once bored and due to it being a slow burn it had me begging for something to happen between them but that’s the kinda pain i love being in 😅😂

The friends to lovers & brothers best friend tropes got me good in this one! I feel like i’m a sucker for all romance tropes at this point and this book only proved that more. 💕🤩

I listened to both the audiobook and read the ebook and i loved both! Erin Mallon was a great narrator and I will definitely be looking for her name in the future.

Major TW for infertility & miscarriage as this was the basis of the entire book. There was infertility shaming and although this was hard to read I feel like it was done in a way that was realistic and made a clear statement on how shitty and insensitive people can be. The fat shaming was also dealt with in a similar way that made a firm statement on how much people can suck. I am curious to see what others think about how this was done so let me know if you have read it!!

I devoured this book and I really enjoyed it and think a lot of you would too!

✨ Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review ✨