3.5 stars

“Ready or Not” is a 1st person, single POV novel about Eve who becomes unexpectedly pregnant. It follows the course of her pregnancy and her relationships (platonic, familial, romantic) during that time. While there were some great Romance moments throughout, the overall feeling of the book to me was more Women’s Fiction.

I wanted to read this book because Cara Bastone has written two of my favorite contemporary romances in the world! This is not one of them. It was on the better side of fine, and I can see some people absolutely loving it, but I probably wouldn’t have read it if I knew what I was getting into. I laughed and I teared up, but ultimately was disappointed.

In her post-story comments, Bastone shares that she wrote his book during/between pregnancies and that comes through in the story. It’s very “pregnancy/motherhood changes your whole world and makes you a more empathetic person.” Which can be true, but isn’t what I look for in a romance novel — what I thought I was getting into.

To start, I wasn’t satisfied with her reasons for keeping the pregnancy. Did we even get any? I’m glad they acknowledge the option of abortion, but it felt perfunctory rather than serious. It was like “for plot reasons I am keeping this pregnancy and not having an abortion, no I will not elaborate or even innumerate the huge changes to my life this could bring.” We see the changes later, of course, but an early convo felt omitted.

There were some sweet, tender moments with her friend Willa. I liked the story’s openness to a non traditional family set up and the (sometimes tough) scenes involving the baby’s father, Ethan. Nice that he wasn’t villianized and eliminated for the romance element with Shep to (sort of) work. I did not care at all about her job or career interests. The “I love conservation and animals” felt like the least interesting part.

The friends-to-lovers was sweet in parts, but it would have been stronger and more satisfying with Shep’s perspective. We don’t get that because the book is about Eve, which is fair, but limited the romance. Shep is very kind and helpful but didn’t feel fully knowable/interesting to me? I never thought I’d ask for a third act breakup, but there’s no conflict between them and the book ends pretty soon after they truly get together. It didn’t leave time for relationship ups and downs. And the whole time Shep is literally just “how can I help Eve” which sounds nice but? Made him feel very two dimensional.

This one didn’t hit for me but I can understand why it may work for someone else! It has that spunky-contemporary-heroine narration (not for me) with lots of little jokes, sarcastic lines, and some fourth wall breaking (if that’s what it’s called?). It balances heavier topics (familial death, fertility issues, unexpected pregnancy obvs, etc.) well with lighter ones. If Bastone goes back to writing straight up Romance I will give her another try.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and honestly review this ARC.

Ohkkk this is not my typical read - not a fan of accidental pregnancy at all & considering this is basically the entire plot, I was nervous, BUT I adored this book! Eve finds out she's pregnant & what comes is months of growing a baby & self discovery & of course, falling in love with the sweetest man. Put this one on your radar because if you're anything like me, it will surprise you in all the best ways.

cw/tw: hard time TTC/infertility, death of loved ones (past, mentioned)

2 open door intimacy scenes - first one is somewhat short, second one is longer

✨He got my heart pregnant✨

What a sleeper of a book. I mean I knew that I loved pregnancy in books, but I didn’t know I’d end up loving the romance as much as I did. My favorite part was how the hero was written.

I’m not sure what constitutes a spoiler since the summary kind of posits a love triangle? The book isn’t really, but maybe you want to be surprised? Idk your heart and soul so proceed cautiously…

✨

The summary states that this is a best friend’s brother situation, so this isn’t a spoiler, but honestly it feels like a spoiler. Shep was just so unassuming for the first half of the book, like a giant puppy dog. He was cute but neither Eve nor I clocked his swooniness. It wasn’t until about more than halfway through the book when I realized that I was actually fully in love with him???

Shep’s voice at the beginning felt and sounded so different than at the end. I guess it could’ve just been the love goggles, but even then I think the book illustrates perfectly just how much perception changes with love. Suddenly I was attracted to everything about that man!!!

Like it caught me so off guard. The author even let me know this was intentional—and it felt very intentional!!!—and that just makes me so happy on a craft level. It may be too slow burn for some, and I’ve seen others not even classify this as a romance, but I dunno I really appreciated the sneak attack of emotions. It hit all the beats a romance needs to hit for me.

By the time Eve and Shep got together, it was late in the book and super slow burn but I loved it. There were still little flashes of his interest throughout the first half of the book, which kept me engaged on the romance front. And for the rest of the book I was just so invested in Eve’s journey through pregnancy, her friendship with Shep, and her relationship with the baby daddy.

Again, I don’t classify this as a love triangle, but I liked the dynamic between having the baby daddy around (and sometimes not around) and having Shep always be there. Eve has a one-night stand weeks before the book even begins and she’s never really romantically interested in the guy for more than a few chapters at the beginning. I even ended up liking him a lot.

✨

The heroine was definitely a particular brand of quirky which I enjoyed, but probably isn’t for everyone. There were a few times I was like girl, we need to just sit down for a second, but I got used to being in her head pretty quickly. It’s single POV, so you definitely spend a lot of time on her pregnancy—the book spans the full nine months. I also appreciated that abortion was always an option and wasn’t villainized.

Once I reached the end of the book, I was so sad to realize that I was done spending time with these characters. I need more!!! Once Shep and Eve got together, there wasn’t a breakup so we did get to see them be happy together a little before the end. But I need their day-to-day itinerary. I hope there’s another book set in this same world because I just can’t let them go.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️*/5

*I wasn’t quite sure what we were going to get in the bedroom, so I was pleasantly surprised! We got a scene and some change, and I absolutely adored it. It was hot and he was very reverent 😮‍💨


CWs: death of parents (cancer, car accident I think), infertility (not MC), miscarriage (not MC)

a best friend’s brother contemporary where the heroine is pregnant with someone else’s baby

Thanks to publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary eARC and the publisher for the complimentary hardcopy. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 what’s your current read?

Ahhh this book. I am swimming in feelings about READY OR NOT by Cara Bastone. My heart is mush; MUSH I TELL YOU.

I am such a fan of best friend’s sibling romance & this book delivers in a major way.

At the beginning of the book, Eve Hatch learns that a one night stand she had weeks ago has resulted in pregnancy.

She wants to keep the baby & as her best friend Willa initially struggles with the pain of her own fertility struggles & how that relates to Eve’s surprise pregnancy, their other bestie, Shep, Willa’s brother, becomes even closer to Eve.

Bastone deals with emotions so beautifully here, showing the various ways people can act to surprising events & how those behaviors & feelings can change over time. The friendships are wonderfully explored, including Eve & Shep’s, which gave me all the freaking feelings.

I mean, this man. He has broad shoulders & a “bony sternum,” & he’s sweetly clumsy, & so smart, & so kind. I love him. The things he does for Eve & her baby in this book! I can’t say more bc of spoilers but oh my goodness.

Eve is such a fantastic heroine, blazing a path while dealing with surprise, & her thoughtfulness & assertiveness (& struggles sometimes to decide things) feel so real & also cheer-worthy.

Not only is this book romantic & 🔥, it’s also poignant. FYI, this book includes a labor scene, & it exacerbated those heart feelings.

This book is so wonderful & I will be dreaming about Shep forevermore.

5 ⭐️. Out 02/13.

CWs: Friend is struggling with fertility. Previous loss of parents & bff’s mom. Labor. The man that Eve conceived with doesn’t 💯 commit to everything at first, because he’s dealing with relationship struggles of his own.

[ID: Jess, a white woman wearing a coral coat, holds the book while standing outside on a snowy day.]

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Dial Press Trade Paperback for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this book knowing virtually nothing about it other than the cover was absolutely stunning and I needed to read it. I’m so glad I did because this turned out to be one of the best romances I have read in such a long time. The candid, raw view of pregnancy and motherhood was beautiful. Especially knowing that the author was going through these stages of life while writing it! So special! (Granted I’m not a mother or even close to one, but I stand by my assessment.) It captured the nuances of friendship and how life just LIFES sometimes and makes things complicated. Bastone captured the complexities of each person in this story, good and bad, in a way I haven’t seen done before. It was hard for me to be angry at someone because she allowed you to understand the motivations and feelings behind every character. And the romance? Show stopping. The slow burn is everything I ever needed and more. (You will cry. You will laugh. You will swoon.)

So if that review isn’t clear enough, I think ueveryone should read this book. You’ll be doing yourself a favor.

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone was such a breath of fresh air. I read this in one sitting and enjoyed my time while reading it. I've listened to a Bastone audiobook before and enjoyed it so I was very excited to get approved for this e-ARC of her new book. It didn't disappoint. It's a unique story of Eve who ends up pregnant after a one-night stand and her journey throughout that pregnancy and falling in love (or realizing she's in love) with her best friend's brother. The whole cast of characters felt flushed out and there was a level of complexity to them all. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read.

A heartfelt and heartwarming story. I loved the chemistry between Shep and Eve and how Shep steps up to be her strength and someone to lean on.
Many thanks to Random House and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Unfortunately I dnf’ed this book. I read like 40% and really pushed myself to continue. I loved the idea of the story that was being told, I think the main character was very charismatic and easy to like and so were the supporting characters however something was missing for me. I am more of a romance reader, which I thought that’s what the focusing points on this book was but it felt more like a personal journey with a hint of romance, which is completely fine! It’s just not what I was in the headspace to read. I will definitely keep the book and maybe finish it at some point this year but for the meantime, I just couldn’t force myself to continue to read it if I wasn’t generally enjoying it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance
-friends to lovers
-accidental pregnancy
-best friend's older brother
-pining
-it's always been you
-childhood crush
-golden retreiver
-slloooooow burn

I had heard so many rave reviews about this book and gosh were they spot on. After a one night stand Eve learns she's pregnant, but instead of turning her life into a tailspin, somehow it brings her clairty of what she wants most. From her job, her dreams, her future, and her love life. She was such a great heroine, messy, honest, and just didn't have it all together which I found so incredibly relatable.

But gosh Shep. if you know me, you know I am trash for a best friend's older brother, and also a childhood crush. This book was one of my favorite executions of that dynamic, weaving these tropes expertly. Shep was just the golden retreiver hero we all deserve. All he wants is to be there for Eve in whatever way she'll allow because he adores her and wants her to be happy. I love how this book just softly reveals Shep to the reader as Eve sees him in a new light. The dynamics in this book, the secondary characters, how family is what you make of it, blood and found, and ooof. This book has so many layers and I'm so glad to have read it. While my first Cara Bastone book it certainly won't be my last.

Stop right now because this is going to be a perfect Valentine’s Day read.

This is my first book by Cara Bastone and I really wasn’t prepared for the wit and heart in this story. Ready or Not is the story of an unexpected pregnancy being the catalyst of change in our MC’s life.

There’s an amazing cast of characters, a ton of heartwarming moments, and self-realization that made this story so relatable and real. Also, who doesn’t love a good rom-com set in NYC. It’s a classic.

Read this if if you love slow burn, friends to lovers romances with a solid heaping of found family. Honestly, Ready of Not was wonderful and I am so pleasantly surprised!

Ready or Not might end up being my favorite book of 2024. Honestly, I almost passed this one up because the accidental pregnancy trope isn’t one I enjoy reading about. I’d read and loved other books by the author though and decided to give it a try. Holy moly I’m so glad I did!

This book was heartfelt, touching, emotional, and at times heartbreaking. I felt so many emotions while reading this and had a goofy smile on my face for so much of the book. Every character was relatable and so real to me. I could understand their fears, hopes, motivations, and complicated reactions.

Quick thoughts on (some of) the Characters:

Eve was such a wonderful heroine. Yes, she was kind of clueless at times, but her character arc was very satisfying and I loved how she grew and changed through the novel. Her inner monologue had me laughing out loud so many times!

Willa was also fantastic and I found her especially relatable. Her fertility struggles were so honest and raw and my heart broke for her as she struggled with her conflicted feelings about Eve and her pregnancy.

Ethan was another character that I felt had such genuine and honest reactions (for better and for worse). He was a complicated character, but I can imagine stumbling and struggling the way he did. At his core, he’s a lovable good guy.

Speaking of good guys, I don’t think I have ever fallen head over heels for a hero as quickly as I did with Shep. He’s one million percent in my book boyfriend hall of fame. He checked every single box I had and tons more that I didn’t even know about. He was so incredibly sweet, thoughtful, and steadfast. His actions (THE BIKE!!!) and declarations made my heart burst with happiness. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of steam. It’s not overly descriptive, but was written so intimately. Cara Bastone writes THE BEST heroes.

I wish there had been an epilogue (I want to be with these characters forever!), but I also think it ended exactly as it should have. It’s hopeful and doesn’t have a clear path forward or all the answers, but it does have love and I think that’s the point.

I read a majority of the book via audiobook and I absolutely loved the narration by Alex Finke. Her performance was so enthusiastic and she captured Eve so well. I need to now listen to other titles that she narrates.

Audiobook Review
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5+++ stars
Story 5 stars

Please Note: The discussions about motherhood, pregnancy, and parenthood might feel aggressive to some readers and may possibly come across as preachy. Some parts of the story may also be difficult for those who are on their own fertility journey.

CW: one night stand resulting in accidental pregnancy, death of parents (past), discussions about miscarriage and pregnancy, toxic/manipulative romantic relationship, grief, on page descriptions of childbirth and labor, mentions of abortion

*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*

Thank you Cara Bastone for writing a book about an accidental pregnancy that feels realistic. This is, like most romance readers, not my favorite trope - but Bastone wrote it in a way that was real, and raw, and relatable and I couldn't put it down. My husband and I are currently in talks about having another baby, and this whole story just really highlighted how beautiful that journey is - I think all mothers will get a kick out of this one.

It's funny, it's heartfelt, and it really showcases the journey you go through as a mother from conception to birth.

rating: 4.5 STARS
genre: romance
format: ebook
release date: 2/13/2024

Other things I liked:
- This book reads like you're talking to a friend rather than reading a novel Which is always one of my favorite tones/voices in romance books.
- The banter between the FMC and the MMC is just delightful. You can feel their chemistry even in the smallest of text messages or gestures.
- I cannot say enough how much I loved this portrayal of pregnancy. You really see Eve's growth and changes through the trimesters, and it's so relatable (I feel).
- There's no. third. act. breakup. I mean, COME ON. The best.

If you're usually hesitant to read the accidental pregnancy trope, I highly suggest giving this one a try. I think you'll appreciate the way it all shakes out. Highly recommend.

3.5 Stars (rounded up for the author’s note)
One Liner: An entertaining read but slow

Eve Hatch has a cozy life in Brooklyn with her steady job and best friend Willa (and her brother Shep). An unexpected one-night stand leads to a surprise pregnancy, and Eve doesn’t know what to do. The baby’s father is conflicted and not sure what to do. Willa is battling her own issues and isn’t that helpful when Eve needs her the most.
However, Shep turns out to be a blessing. He is there by her side, helping her throughout. It doesn’t take long for Eve to see him as something more than a friend. But things are complicated, and she needs time to figure it out. Maybe her family can grow in unexpected ways!
The story comes in Eve’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:
I admit I requested it mainly for the cover. The story is lighthearted enough yet deals with some serious themes.
Eve’s first-person narration borders on talking to the readers. It doesn’t break the fourth wall but comes close to it. This aspect is okay, but it took me a while to get used to her POV. She initially seems all over the place. Luckily, things get better as other characters support from the sides. She does grow through the book.
The pregnancy parts seem quite realistic without making it all goody and easy. The delivery part is frantic and vaguely detailed, just as how someone in that position might share her experience.
There are funny moments, so the ‘com’ of romcom is justified. The romance is a slow burn, which makes 100% sense considering the situation (even if I don’t get the vibes much).
I rather like Willa. She is a force and super confident but has her vulnerabilities. She balances Eve well (no wonder they are besties from childhood). Her conversation with Eve in the last quarter is a highlight.
Shep (I hate that name, and how do you pronounce it?) is this adorable gangly guy who is happy to see others (Eve) happy. I’d have loved his POV. Even otherwise, his emotions are easy to interpret. Ethan is much like Eve (possibly why they got attracted to each other). His character grows, too, which is good to see. I like how all of them managed to find common ground and appreciate the importance of their changing relationships.
The bond between Willa and her brother Shep is so good. They don’t have many conversations on-page, but we see how they are always there for each other and will do what it takes to protect their sibling.
The family relationships are done well without getting overly dramatic. Eve is dramatic, but it suits her personality. However, I don’t know why the book has to be 400 pages long and slow. That’s 50 pages extra. Maybe if we cut down some of Eve’s ramblings…?
Moreover, we get an HFN-ish ending with no epilogue. Come on, you can’t make me read a longer rom-com only to not give a proper, rounded ending (the fam is mentioned but doesn’t meet the baby).
The author’s note is lovely and feels straight from the heart. I’ve decided to round up the rating as it made me smile.

To summarize, Ready or Not is a decent read with some great moments, even if it is slow and drags in the middle. There’s an open-door scene in the last quarter. You may want to skim that part if it’s not your thing.
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group (Dial Press Trade Paperback), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

I liked this but didn’t love. It’s got a surprise pregnancy, friends to lovers, a good friendship story too.

I am a complete mess over this book…in the best way! I am one big heart-eye emoji for it really. Eve’s inner monologue and observations were just so relatable, I found myself thinking “that’s exactly how that feels” so many times. It wasn’t like a traditional romance (because it was SO MUCH MORE than that) - it just felt very real. Real emotions, real reactions, real outcomes. And don’t even get me started on Eve’s circle of support - they had their ups and downs, but man, we should all wish for people like them in our own lives. This one is going to stick with me for a while !

RATING: 4.5 STARS

I LOVE finding new authors that blow me away, and with READY OR NOT, Cara Bastone has officially been added to my top romance author list. Honestly, starting this book I wasn't sure if I wanted to read a pregnancy story, but the main character Eve quickly won me over. Then, when Shep was introduced I was absolutely hooked. I can't think of a single negative thing to say about Shep and his relationship with Eve. Their friends-to-lovers arc was tender and caring, just so healing and a joy to read. I think the true star of this novel though is Eve's experience with pregnancy, and how her outlook on life and love changed over the course of the nine months. I connected with her inner thoughts and journey, and felt her tumultuous emotions deeply, which is a testament to Cara Bastone's writing. An overall really beautiful and moving novel.

READY OR NOT is on sale February 13, 2024

READY OR NOT by Cara Bastone

Eve and her best friend, Willa, are celebrating the fact Willa’s older brother is moving close to them in Brooklyn. They decide to celebrate at a new bar and Eve, who hasn’t been with anyone for over a year, has her sights on the bartender…. Fast forward a couple months later and Eve, who definitely had sex with the cute bartender, is pregnant! They even used a condom…

Now comes all the confusing stuff, her best friend has to be told, that’s the best friend who has been trying to have a baby with her husband. Then the bartender ( baby daddy) has to be told…. In the middle of all this, her boss wants her to take on a new position at work, she has to tell her family and Shep, Willa’s brother is constantly in her new world looking after her…

Okay- this book was a winner. When I started it I was convinced that it was going to be just like every other rom-com I've read lately but this author turned it around. I LOVED the main characters. I felt like their interactions were very similar to those between my best friend and I. The situation seemed so real and the reactions so valid; this one was a winner!

Ok I actually ADORED this book. It's every bit as beautiful and charming as the cover, which was what initially drew me in. It starts off with Eve discovering she is pregnant after a one-night stand. Understandably, this news totally upends her life, and we follow her on the journey of her unexpected pregnancy AND an unexpected romance.

This is my first time reading a surprise pregnancy trope and I'll admit, during the first few chapters I was unsure if I was going to be able to get into it. It's very heavy on the pregnancy storyline (obviously) but it's handled in such a funny, realistic, and heartfelt way that totally won me over. I absolutely fell in love with the cast of characters- Eve, Shep, Willa, hell even Ethan. There was so much depth to them, even the secondary characters, and I was SOO invested in their story. The writing was excellent, and the dialogue was both funny and touching at times. The romance was slowww burn (which I love) and the MMC is hands down one of the sweetest love interests I've read in ages.

This is the definition of a heartwarming story- the type of book that just instantly puts you in a good mood. It made me reflect on my own pregnancies, and what a crazy, confusing, wonderful, scary, exciting time it can be. Also, I want to go have drinks at Good Boy XD. I would highly recommend checking this one out!

Read if you love:
• Friends to lovers
• Slow burn romance
• Found family
• Golden retriever love interests
• Witty banter and laugh out loud moments
• NYC settings

The story is as beautiful as the cover! The surprise pregnancy trope is typically one I avoid so I was a little apprehensive to start this book but this is a phenomenal twist on the trope. This book explores pregnancy, infertility, friendship, and love in such a deep, honest way. It’s a beautiful example of family being who we’re given and who we choose. I adored the characters, Eve’s character growth, and the chemistry that builds throughout. This is definitely not one to sleep on!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this stellar ARC!