I loved this book so much. It’s one of my favorites of the year. I loved how supportive the MMC was to her and how he was always there when the FMC needed him. I was a little skeptical going in to this because it’s an accidental pregnancy, but I loved how it was handled in this story.

I wanted to really love this one and it didn't hit for me. There were sweet moments, but overall it was a little more idyllic than this situation would be in real life.

While I am not always the biggest fan of the "surprise pregnancy" storyline, Cara Bastone navigates the plot construct well in Ready or Not. It's a tender and charming read for those who enjoy the genre.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

Great book from start to finish. Not your typical romance story, there was substance. Thank you for a copy In exchange for a fair review.

This is one of the most wholesome book I’ve read recently. Our main character Eve was such a great narrator, full of warmth and humor. She’s not perfect, but she felt so real and you can’t help but rooting for her as she took us on this unprecedented journey. This book is so full of heart, a study on people and relationships. Being a single pregnant mother is hard and this book really get to it. It tries to make light of the stigma associated with it, but it’s still there and Eve handled it swimmingly. There’s also the issue of how people react to the news and what the pregnancy meant for them. There’s this conversation in the book about how for most people, their lives changes when the baby arrives but for the women, it happen the moment the pregnancy happened and it’s so spot on. We see the way Eve had to accommodate her changes to her schedule, wardrobe, apartment, and relationships to her support system. Everyone went through their own thing and while it’s complicated, at the end of the day I’m so so SO happy Eve was surrounded by so many amazing people. Obviously Shep, but also Willa and Ethan, despite their complicated views, and even her 3 brothers that stepped up and helped her. I think the romance between Eve and Shep was adorable, but tbh I’m more invested in Eve’s relationship with everyone and how they changed and survived through the pregnancy. It made me happy that she’s happy and she’s surrounded with sooo much love and support!

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone is a super cute and feel-good romance that’s perfect for anyone who loves a good, slow-burn love story! It follows Scarlett, a woman who’s been hurt by love before, and Ethan, a guy who’s a little too serious for his own good. They meet when Scarlett’s life gets turned upside down, and they end up working together on a project that brings them closer than either of them expected.

What I really liked about this book is how real the characters feel. Scarlett is so relatable, she’s been through some tough stuff, but she’s strong and determined to make things work. Ethan is a bit of a grump, but in the best way, and watching their chemistry build is super satisfying. There’s a lot of cute banter between them, and you can totally feel the tension building up as they get to know each other better.

The pacing is great, with just the right balance of sweet moments and emotional growth. The romance doesn’t feel rushed, which I loved, it’s all about them taking their time and learning to trust each other. Plus, the secondary characters are really fun and add some extra warmth to the story.

4.25 ⭐️

So sweet 🥺 this book was wonderful and honestly felt more like women’s fiction than romance because the main focus wasn’t really the romance. It was great to go through the feelings of our main character and see how she grows and learns. Definitely recommend 💖

I loved this book. It is a bit of a longer read and truly goes into the stages of pregnancy. If you want a raw, funny, tender read, this is the book for you.

I kept hearing great things about this book and Cara Bastone in general, and am so glad I read it. The pregnancy trope gets so much hate amongst the romance community, but I think Bastone expertly navigates around all of the trappings that cause readers to feel animosity to it. From the get-go, we know that Eve is pregnant from a one-night stand (something she rarely has) and that she is super unsure of how to feel about it. She hasn’t thought much about being a mother and has lead life pretty simply in Brooklyn as a single girl getting trying to get her footing in the conservation world. The way Bastone writes Eve is so relatable to many females and she is such a believable narrator that all of the choices she makes along her pregnancy journey seem completely right for her and her baby.

Of course this is a romance and solid, reliable, other-centered Shep is exactly what Eve needs (and falls for) as the romantic hero. As her best friend’s brother, he is always there, the easy to love guy that is caring without being a complete doormat. I would take a Shep in my life any day and Bastone really knows how to make a cinnamon roll hero look like the best type of book boyfriend.

Plot-wise, nothing much happens; Eve is pregnant, has nine months of pregnancy and gives birth, but the emotional journey and changes from surprise to acceptance to love are what make this book so special. Please be aware of triggers for a character experiencing infertility and miscarriage, single-parenting, and all the hormones and symptoms during pregnancy. I would say this is an “all women” book in that not only mothers will enjoy it (triggers aside), but Eve and Shep and Ethan are flawed characters many will connect with. Perhaps the happy ending is a bit too perfect for my slightly cynical mind, but isn’t that what we’re all here for? The HEA? I look forward to reading more books by Bastone in the future.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭.5 (open door 1-2 scenes)
Swoons: 🎟️🎟️🎟️🎟️
Tears: 🥹🥹

Love me a hot mess Heroine and a surprise pregnancy. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review. Thanks to net galley I have another to favorite author.

This was a cute easy read. Would I recommend it? Ehh, maybe. If you’re looking for a mindless read, then this is the one. With so many books on my TBR, I want to enjoy my books. This was just not for me, but that’s okay!

I absolutely loved this book. The way the character development continued to evolve throughout the story was perfect! Once I started reading this book I literally could not put it down (I tried i really did). I can't wait till I can read more from this author

I usually don't like romance novels that use the pregnancy trope but this one is the exception! Such a cute and well written book and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more books by Cara Bastone!

This was my first book by Cara and it was perfect! I loved the storyline and character development. I enjoyed that the plot was not a typical subject and it was fun to watch Eves story unfold. Shep was a perfect love interest. I would certainly recommend this book to friends.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

Thank you cara for giving me the privilege to reviewing this book, I have never been a fan of the pregnancy trop HOWEVER this book did it for me and will probably be the only book i will read that contains pregnancy. SHEP>> shep was probably the best character in this novel and holds a special place in my heart.
Tropes:
Accidental pregnancy
Best friends brother
Slow burn
Friends to lover

This book was PURE magic for me!! I loved the setting. I loved the uniqueness of the situation these characters found themselves in. I loved the characters- even Ethan- he redeemed himself in my opinion. In most of the best friend sibling romances I have read- the girl has had the unrequited crush on the boy for forever. I LOVED how this one spun that on its top. SHEP!! I truly adored him. I loved his patience, the way he treated Eve like a queen. I almost started crying when he pulled out his bike with the baby seat!!! Cara did such an amazing job weaving their feelings for each other. It was truly wonderful to watch Eve slowly realize that her feelings were what they were. And then realizing that most people knew how Shep had felt for her- that was epic. I also liked the added element of Ethan- the baby daddy. I think that is what made this accidental pregnancy storyline so different. Normally the FMC falls for the MMC who got her pregnant, but Cara changed it up yet again. Ethan though had a big shift himself- I loved how Eve helped him see how his relationship with Eleni may not be what he needed. And how after ghosting Eve for a minute he REALLY stepped up.

Eve is pregnant. She had a one night stand a month ago and this is the result. What is she going to do? I mean she obviously liked Ethan, but can a relationship be started on something like this? She finds out that avenue is closed when Ethan tells her that he is back with his ex. Now Eve has her BF Willa in her corner though Willa is on the struggle bus with this because her and her hubby have been trying for a baby for a while with no results. So who starts to help the most is Willa's brother Shep. The same Shep that Eve grew up with. The same one that Eve is starting to realize is more handsome than she remembered. He just seems to be there. He sends her silly texts. He sends her encouraging texts. He reminds her to eat. He is just there and she is realizing that she might have feelings for him she shouldn't have. I mean this is her best friend's brother! But then she starts to see he may like her too. Then the NIGHT happens- the baby kicks for the first time around Shep and things completely spin on their axis. Because now Eve knows there is some charged energy happening between them. Before she makes it clear that she wants to explore this Eve has to decide if this is what she really wants? She has observed that Shep is a lifer. Once he is committed, he is committed. But the more he shows up it seems that the answer is crystal clear. She wants Shep in her life and not just as a friend anymore.

Cara did a WONDERFUL job describing all of these different relationship dynamics. Willa and Eve- best friends who have been through it all except Eve getting pregnant though WIlla has been trying for forever. Eve and Shep who have known each other for 25 years but now are both single and in the same city. Eve and Ethan who slept together and are having a baby together but Ethan has to figure out if the baby being in his life is more important than his toxic girlfriend. Like I said this book was WONDERFUL to me!! I can't recommend it enough. It is an extremely SLOW burn though yall- hold out though because it's worth the wait.

Thank you to Netgalley and Cara for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone is a heartwarming novel that follows Eve Hatch, a young woman whose life takes an unexpected turn after a one-night stand leads to an unplanned pregnancy. As she navigates this new reality, Eve finds support in her best friend Willa's older brother, Shep, who becomes a steadfast presence in her life. The story beautifully explores themes of found family, personal growth, and the complexities of unexpected love.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, finding it both heartwarming and beautifully written. I alternated between reading and listening to the audiobook, and the narration by Alex Finke was exceptional, especially in capturing Eve's sense of humor. The dynamic between Eve and Shep was compelling, and I appreciated that the romance, while significant, wasn't the sole focus of the story. The realistic portrayal of a young woman figuring out her life resonated with me. I highly recommend this novel to anyone seeking a heartfelt and authentic read.

4.5🌟

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Team for this Advanced Digital Readers Copy, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone is an utterly charming rom-com that had me hooked from the very first page. The chemistry between the two main characters, Nora and Luke, is undeniable, and their journey from strangers to something more is filled with both heart and humor. Bastone has a knack for creating relatable, well-rounded characters, and their witty banter and sweet moments together make for a truly enjoyable read.

What I especially appreciate about Ready or Not is how it balances lighthearted fun with deeper themes of vulnerability and personal growth. Nora and Luke’s emotional arcs are just as engaging as their romantic sparks, making the story feel both satisfying and meaningful. The pacing is spot-on, and the dialogue flows naturally, keeping me turning pages until the very end.

If you’re in the mood for a heartfelt romance with just the right amount of tension, humor, and warmth, Ready or Not is definitely a book you won’t want to miss. It’s the perfect blend of sweetness and depth that leaves you with a smile and a warm, fuzzy feeling.

I liked this book! Almost at no point did I expect what was going to happen next, but I believe that was the point :-)