I should begin by commending the audiobook narrator Erin Mallon for a great performance! I was engaged and entertained by her work!

I am a big fan of babies, I love 'em to death. I also love pregnancy books. This one...wasn't much of a pregnancy book as much as it was a "getting pregnant" trope. I didn't dislike or mind it much, but it didn't give what it was supposed to give, which was a bummer. Maybe a sequel where we have Gemma be pregnant and insane and Josh be perfect and the coolest husband? It's what they deserve. Anyway, that's a taste of what I wanted.

The book's overall voice was very humorous and a bit on the implausible side of storytelling. I definitely raised my eyebrows at a lot of scenes (esp the part where she sends him pictures of her shoulders-- but hey! Whatever bakes your cookie. or the bit about that insane couple who were convinced Josh was the 'lover')

I had one issue with the book: Gemma felt...a bit...mean. Like, I don't hate it: yay! imperfect heroines and all of that. But the dropped bomb of how low she thought of Josh, and how he'd heard it...it cracked my enjoyment in two. And the bit where she viscerally attacked the other ladies at the IVF support group? It was so cruel and unnecessary, in my opinion. I love my female friendships strong and unshakable. And if a woman who didn't even know me that well said what Gemma said to those ladies, I'd not forgive her. At all.

Also, the fatphobic remarks her mother makes were so harrowing at some parts because as a fat individual, I just wasn't ready for them, yano? So, consider it my content warning.

Overall, delightful in bits, bummer in others.

This has been one of the toughest review to write, because I really liked the book yet also had a lot of issues with it?

Why Gemma wants to keep visiting a hometown where even the old, bald, skeevy men her own mom keeps trying to set Gemma up with consider her damaged goods because she's a curvy 32-year old divorcee? And her family kinda agrees? I'm sorry, what???

And for someone that much a part of your childhood, to not know anything about Josh's career--dude's been at pretty much every family gathering and apparently she never chatted him up. Even the reader doesn't learn much, beyond it turns out he wrote a very successful web comic that has been optioned, and has enough cash for swanky digs in Brooklyn.

And the IVF clinic--I've never dealt with one or had family/friends deal with them, but I'm pretty sure there hasn't been any that kooky; if so I can't imagine them staying open for long. Nobody overbooks a time slot 15x over. Crazy-ass patients--there's one couple at the clinic in a pretty hilarious scene--are usually banned and not allowed to come back.

And yet I couldn't listen fast enough, even though I usually don't listen to Erin Mallon. Her narrations are hit or miss, and I hate her male voices.

So yeah, like I said, conflicting feelings about this book. But I think I'll check out Sarah's other books now.

Y’all, this book is so cute. I have loved it. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting at first but I loved it. Great job!

I rarely give romcoms 5 stars because they’re usually too predictable and cheesy for me. However, Josh and Gemma Make a Baby deserves 5 stars! I loved this story immensely! I haven’t laughed out loud this much while reading in a long time! This was such a sweet, heartfelt story. I loved the infertility awareness. I loved Josh’s comic books. I loved Gemma being curvy. This was just a perfect romcom! Thanks to Netgalley for the arc - I will be buying a physical copy of this book when it releases!

Josh and Gemma Make a Baby

I didn’t start out on the best foot with Josh and Gemma Make a Baby. In fact, I wasn’t sure from the get-go if I even wanted to read it. But I succumbed to the chance to listen to a brand new audiobook, and almost regretted it.

At first listen, I didn’t really enjoy the narrator, but I eventually found her to be more enjoyable. What really irked me was the fat-shaming throughout the book. Gemma is often called chubby, which is always on a list of things that make her undesirable. She’s told over and over again that she’s not good enough, and of course she believes those things. But she also talks about being curvy and other characters call her thin, and it feels not good to be a fat person reading this book. Because she’s not a fat character. She’s not chubby. Just look at the cover of the book. I love a good romance book with fat MCs, but this isn’t one of those.

The thing is, I liked this story. It’s not quite friends-to-lovers, and not exactly enemies-to-lovers, but it’s a similar type of trope, and I enjoyed it. I liked the progression of the plot, and I liked the development in the story, but more than anything, the fat shaming was hurtful.

On a steaminess level - this book isn’t super steamy. There are a few mentions of steamy moments, and there’s a unique scene that wasn’t similar to anything else I’ve read in a romance novel and that was a fun scene. But on the steamy scale, this probably tops out at a 6.

So go into this one for the plot and the character development, but don’t expect the sex scenes to blow your mind.

„Josh and Gemma Make a Baby“ is a cute, entertaining and wholesome read about a woman who is determined to start a family of her own.

Gemma has almost everything one could wish for – a great family, a nice appartment and a job she’s passionate about. The only thing missing from her life is a kid of her own. So, not having much going on in the romance department, she decides to find a sperm donor to help her out. Who would be more perfect for the job than her brother’s best friend? Josh is smart, handsome, funny and – as far as she can tell – not a serial killer. To her surprise, he agrees to help her out. But can their arrangement stay as businesslike as they intend it to be?

I really enjoyed reading „Josh and Gemma Make a Baby“. The story isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but it‘s still an overall wholesome and fun read.
Gemma is a very lovable heroine and one can’t help rooting for her New Year’s Resolution to become a reality. I don’t know how accurate her medical journey is, but I think it’s very interesting to follow a protagonist whose challenge isn’t only her relationship status, but also the very heart-breaking diagnosis of infertility.
Josh, too, is a great character and I love how supportive he is of Gemma, even though, her request came totally out of the blue. Their interactions are great and I really enjoyed their dynamic.
Also, Gemma’s support group is amazing. There are some heart-to-hearts as well scenes that made me laugh out loud, so everything is perfectly balanced.

I recommend „Josh and Gemma Make a Baby“ to fans of slow-burn romance novels. If you enjoy rom-coms that are fun and fluffy, but also have a serious topic lying underneath, this is the book for you.

Sweet read. I adore Josh, anh how is he so sweet to Gemma.
Well, there are some parts in the book that I didn't like, like how many times Gemma said that Ian is a guru... Really who cares?!
And Ian character, lets say he and Josh give me a little bit a Bridget Jones vibe... And pride and prejudice...
But all in all, I laughed and smiled. So romantic 4 stars.

The title of this made me skim past this a couple of times as I didn’t realise what this book was about, but after reading the blurb I was definitely intrigued. Why wouldn’t I want to catch a funny, out-of-the-box romance, right? Those are right up my street.

It took me a while to warm up to the book and especially Gemma’s character. I admit the audiobook I had did sound a bit robotic and tinny at first, so that was putting me off - I think that was more a technical issue than anything. However, it was a bit slow off the mark and Gemma did seem to summarise things that had already happened more than I liked. Buuuuut I did like Josh’s character and the hints he was dropping about his feelings and it was a little swoony. I like swoon. It was fun to see their dynamic and how easily they got on and built up a tentative friendship through unconventional circumstances.

The newfound friendships Gemma made at the fertility group were warm and the characters had their own personalities and voices - they weren’t skimped on as sideline characters which was great to see, and Brooke might be my favourite character as she startled me into laughter a few times! Sarah Ready managed to weave in so many different characters and dynamics that made this story even more beautiful, alongside being informative about the IVF process through Gemma’s experience, which I found really interesting and added to the story well.

This was a fun, playful romance with a cast of charming characters and I’m definitely glad I picked it up!

This book is everything. Funny, heartbreaking, a little ridiculous and far fetched, but also terribly accurate with all the emotional gut punches. I love it so, so much. Thank you for the ARC!

Is this the same book that all of the other reviewers read?

Gemma is a divorcee in her early 30's who is unable to have children. She has an apartment in Manhattan and works for Ian Fortune, a self-help guru who Gemma worships.

The first issue that I had with this book was at the annual New Years Party that Gemma's parents throw. Gemma's mother casually fat shaming her daughter and then ordering Gemma up to her childhood bedroom where she had laid out an outfit for her. . . I mean. . really? Nobody else raises an eyebrow at this?
I very nearly gave up right there.

Anyway, at the party, everyone writes out their resolution for the coming year and Gemma's is to have a baby. The fact that she's single doesn't bother her. She doesn't want a relationship - just a donor and she knows exactly who to ask.
Josh Lewenthal has been her brothers best friend forever. He's always been around and his laid back, relaxed demeanour has Gemma deciding that he is perfect.

The women that Gemma meet at the support group aren't at first glance the most supportive women but I ended up warming to them.

There were no twists, turns or surprises in this book. Everything worked out in the exact way that you would expect.

I listened to the audiobook version of this which was narrated by Erin Mallon. She was easy to understand and had clearly defined voices for all of the characters.
The only problem that I had with the narrator is the British accents. She cannot do these and I say this as an English woman. All English accents are nasal and had an Australian twang - including the security guard at the convention and the Scot? No, just no. Please do not do a Scottish accent ever again.

Here to the book that got me over my long reading slump!

It was funny, romantic, deep at times and full of love 💕 what more can i ask for!

When the digital marker teamed up the comic goro next door to make a baby, what are the chances of them twisting up their lives, going to pent houses with models and yes.. cops aaaand one of them accused of being a toy boy at his mid thirties?

I love everything about JaGMAB.. from how independent Gemma is to how even when she's drowning with her feelings toward something.. ahem or someone.. she won't make her feelings decide for her, and won't keep a blind eye for their BS.. goooo Gemma gooo!

Josh is like the cutest man size puppy that all you want to give him is love hugs, and all the positive vibes in the life.

The topic of this novel is kind of hard with it talking about infertility, trying for a baby when the chances aren't in your side and how your beloved ones in their act to show love may hurt you.. like deeeply, but the author managed to convey a very good message in a fun way *bravoo Sarah* .. can't wait for your upcoming works 💝


Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review.

If you’re a lover of romance novels, this one is just oh so cute. I laughed out loud and even shed a tear of happiness. I truly enjoyed all of the friendships and relationships in this story and feel that everything wrapped up very nicely.

I happily predicted the ending based on the New Years resolutions placed at the beginning of the book, and I screamed when it actually happened 🥰

Run, don’t walk! Go get yourself a copy of this book.
I listened to the audio and still had all these feelings of happiness, which is unusual for me 😊

Thank you netgalley for this ARC!

TW: infertility/going through IVF

A wonderful story with remarkable Main Characters and supporting characters. There were lots of moments that had me chuckling and staying up later to read extra. I began this novel as I entered the hospital to deliver my baby. I read the ebook as long as I could before switching to the audiobook when baby arrived. I’ve continued the audiobook during late night feedings and have loved the storyline. I loved the support group and those characters. Enjoyed the storyline, enjoyed the narration.

This is my first book of this author.
Don't get you fool with the cover , it is a romantic book, with a comedy behind but with this important subject in the plot. Infertility.
So if you are sensitive with this topic, maybe you should skip this one.
Gemma is this woman, in her thirties, who wants to have a baby alone. She is divorced , not lucky in the love department, and working full time in this famed self help company with the guru of the moment: Ian Fortune.
Josh is her best friend brother and childhood friend since forever.They went to school together and he was a constant in Gemma's life.
She has the audacity to asked him to be the donor so she can make her dream come true.
This story has to many things going on:
-support infertility group with three fabulous woman
- the attraction to her boss
- the beginning of a friendship and close proximity with Josh
- Gemma's family with all the crazy stuff that a fun family has
- the infertility clinic and all the hard topics that are attached to it.

All of this made this read so good, I laugh I cried I fell in love with Josh, his manners, his dedication with his dad, his love for Gemma's family, and the way he support her all the way.
Gemma was a strong woman, with flaws and insecurities but with a strong character and true with herself.
I was waiting for the moment Josh and Gemma finally collide, and man! it was so good to read.
I finished this story with a smile on my face.
Thank you netgalley and the author for this arc in exchange for my thoughts

Thought this was a really cute story!

Gemma has decided she wants to start IVF but doesn't have a partner. For this, she goes to her brother's best friend since childhood, Josh. While entirely surprised, Josh agrees and they decide to make a baby.

Josh and Gemma Make a Baby was a sweet read about love, grief, not making assumptions of others, and character growth.

I really loved these characters and was rooting for them by the end! I loved Gemma's quirks and they definitely enhanced her personality. I had been thrown off when I started this book by the motivational quotes aspect but in the end, felt like it really ended up tying this story together so well!

This story contains tw for childloss / infant loss / ivf / fertility struggles / loss of a family member , so please keep that in mind before starting.

I think there were a fews sections where I was like, yeah, we get it! which is the only reason this one didn't get 5 stars from me. It was repeated over that Josh is poor, must be practically homeless, living in dad's basement, etc. like 4 times. subtly noting details like this make the story seem better done when the reader feels like they "discovered" this detail, rather than feeling like the author spoon feeds these details.

Another note, the audiobook quality was not up to par for me. The narrator was great so it wasn't that. It could have been how it was downloaded, but I have listened to hundred of audiobooks but not on the NetGalley app, so maybe that was it? But it did interfere with the quality of the book for me. (At no fault of the author or narrator). At 1x speed it sounded normal, but anything faster it just sounded strange.

Thank you for the opportunity to rate this book! Solid 4 Star read

If Bridget Jones had a baby with Pride and Prejudice and The Backup Plan, this book would be it. JAGMAB reads like the quintessential rom-com with the banter, cuteness, drama, smiles and heartbreak. It was easy to see the book play out in my mind as I read it, picturing Renee Zellweger as Gemma and Hugh Grant as Ian Fortune (if you’ve seen Bridget Jones, you’ll know why). Writing a rom-com book is tough because there is a sense of predictability that is difficult to evade. This book is predictable, however, I absolutely did not mind it and still found it enjoyable.

Gemma’s character is flawed, which can be irritating at times and hilarious at others. Her infatuation with lime jelly salad, I will never understand and do not wish to. There were also some scenes in the book that I could see playing out well in a movie but they didn’t translate well in the book. If I hear the term “Boy Toy” one more time, my brain may explode.

Josh and Gemma Make a Baby is a light, cute and sometimes saucy romance book that makes it a perfect palette cleanser for all you rom-com lovers out there!

Thank you netgalley for the audiobook ARC and for the narrator for making Gemma’s mom sound like Moira Rose 🙏🏻

There are potential spoilers in this review.

If it was marketed as a retelling of Bridget Jones's Diary I would have rated this higher. I was so distracted by the similarities of this book and the movie Bridget Jones's Diary that I forgot about the whole making a baby plot.

Side Note: I love Bridget Jones's Diary. It's a movie that I have watched so many times I can quote it.

Similarities:
- Main character who calls herself chunky.
- A mom who keeps trying to change the main character. Dresses her in a terrible dress that is the equivalent of a tacky Christmas sweater.
- Parents throw a "wine and wieners" party (reminds me of Tarts and Vicars party)
- Main character falls for her boss, who seems great but is actually an ass.
- Main character also has a male family friend who she thinks is not great, but he is just misunderstood.
- Boss has history with male family friend, and lies about what happened.
- There is even a part of the book where they say they like each other just as they are. Copy and paste from Bridget Jones's Diary movie.

So basically, take Bridget Jones's Diary change the names, have it set in New York add in a little bit about a girl struggling to conceive and starting IVF and asking her brother's best friend to be the sperm donor and you have this book.

Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Laughing, crying and totally in love!

Josh and Gemma Make a Baby on the outside may look like a typical contemporary romance but it is so much deeper. The characters go through a journey and by the end you are as in love as they are. This is a couple you want to cheer for.

Gemma is a 32 year old divorcee, social media specialist with fertility issues and she wants a family to call her own. In comes Josh, she has known him all her life and is her brothers best friend. They had history in the past but after not seeing each other for 6 years Gemma decided she will ask him to be her sperm donor and surprising her he says yes.

I listened to the audio book and Erin Mallon does a great job, she really brings the characters to life and makes what they are saying and feeling believable. I even started crying in the car because of the emotion she was able to bring to the scene.

The book was a wonderful way to spend the time and will be looking out for more of Sarah Ready’s writing in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

TW: Infertility, miscarriage, loss.

4.5/5 Rounded Up! I love a good romcom, and this story gave me everything I love about romcoms. I'm going to try to keep this spoiler free.

Gemma is a quirky and adorkable protagonist with a penchant for inspirational quotes who set out of a journey, nay a MISSION to have a baby using IVF. She's recently divorced and suffered from late-stage endometriosis, is basically the butt of a lot of jokes and pity in the small town she grew up in.

But man, if she isn't a go-getter. I love a character who is like: I want to do this thing and I'm going to do it. Gemma start the process of IVF and chooses Josh--her brother's best friend and a genius heart throb--to be her sperm donor (in a no strings attached sort of way. Hilarity, heartbreak and sadness ensues. There are fertility meetings, a bit of a love triangle, characters learning and growing and becoming better people, and a bit of lime jello.

The audiobook quality is phenomenal. The narrator did such a fantastic job.bringing the characters an narrative to life. Like I said, this book delivers everything you want in a romcom. Goofy, funny moments, likeable characters, a narrative full of charm and a beautiful message. There's a lot to like here.

Review on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4470013640

Gemma Jacobs lives the perfect life. She has a great job, lives in a cute studio apartment, and has a loving and supportive family. Well… except for one thing. Gemma really wants a baby, and decides to make that her New Year’s resolution.
After a diagnosis of infertility and deciding that she doesn’t need a Mr. Right, all Gemma really needs is an egg, a sperm donor, and IVF.
That’s where Josh Lewenthal comes in. He is her brother’s best friend. Gemma knows everything about him. He is just the perfect sperm donor.
Gemma and Josh strike a deal and decide to keep everything businesslike, no emotional attachments, just a baby. But how often does baby-making really stays unemotional and businesslike?

When I picked up the audiobook for “Josh and Gemma Make a Baby”, I was looking for a lighthearted, fun read. And I did get that, but I also got a very emotional and complex story. I really didn’t expect to get so invested in it!

Gemma and Josh are really interesting characters. They have so many aspects about them that the reader (and even the characters themselves) can only discover as the story progresses, and that not only affect how the reader sees them, but also how they see each other.

Now, let me talk a little bit about the narration. I think @mallonerin did an amazing job in this narration, and was really able to bring the story to life, by giving each of the characters unique voices that really help to emphasize their emotions.

Thank you to @netgalley, Swift & Lewis Publishing, and @sarahreadyauthor for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!