I'm not usually a fan of the surprise pregnancy trope, but I actually rather enjoyed Ready or Not! It did take me a minute to connect to the story and the characters, but overall I really enjoyed this!

This was definitely 4.5 stars for me. It was funny and heartwarming and made me laugh and cry. I loved that it wasn’t just a love story, but that Eve really grew to stand up for herself and what she wanted out of her life, even though it wasn’t turning out how she’d always imagined it. This was a great way to start the year!

When I saw the cover of this book, I was immediately drawn it. I’m such a sucker for pretty artwork on books (yes, I know it has nothing to do with the quality of the book, but I can’t help I’m attracted to pretty things 🤷🏼‍♀️). When I read the description I was fully on board with a friends to lovers pregnancy story with the twist that the father isn’t the love interest. Honestly, I loved it. It has just the right amount of conflict to keep the story engaging and pull at my emotions.

Shep is the perfect dorky, but insanely sweet guy I could not get enough of. I loved their silly conversations and his clear adoration of Eve and how he showed he could be there for her when she needed him most. He was such a perfect character (maybe too perfect, but I don’t care). I liked that the romance wasn’t just about lust, but about the emotional connection between Eve and Shep.

I also really appreciated how realistic this story felt. I felt like it captured all of the hard parts of being pregnant, especially with the confusion of the baby being the product of a one night stand and not knowing how to feel about anything. This story just felt very believable to me, which is always something I’m looking for in a romcom.

I’m so happy I picked this book up because I really enjoyed it, it was a perfect first read for 2024! My only complaint was no epilogue - I wanted more!

Thank you NetGalley and Dial Trade Press for proving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Crying all the tears because this book was so good! Beautifully written and heart-warming, this was a perfect romance. I didn’t think I’d love it as much as I do but I’m about to rave to all my friends who read. Highly recommend this book!

Cara Bastone is the QUEEN of heated glances, subtle touches, and sizzling tension in a swoony slow burn! Her writing is always so smart and engaging and this book was just that. The way she wrote about Eve adjusting to pregnancy and learning to connect with this growing human was so beautiful. I adored Shep and the way he was so stable and constantly subtly flirting with Eve. The progression of their relationship was so sweet and satisfying and if you think a romance happening over the course of a pregnancy can’t be sexy wellllll THINK AGAIN😮‍💨

Thank you NetGalley for an arc


I’m not usually one who reads the surprise, pregnancy trope but I adored this. It took me a little bit to get into it but it’s a perfect mix of heartwarming, funny and emotional.

For an accidental pregnancy book, this one slapped. There are so many things to love about this book. Besides having one of the worst tropes, it also had some of the best:
- childhood friends to lovers
- slow burn
- best friend’s brother
Even better was the community that came up around Eve when she got pregnant. It was a slow start with her feeling very alone, but overtime things changed, more people supported her, and she also developed the courage to pursue what she actually wanted. It was really heartwarming.

Shep was the perfect book boyfriend who did no wrong. If I met a guy like him in person, I’d be very suspicious of why he was so perfect, but it really did work for this story. The way he was so patient and caring had me a little weepy inside at times.

Ready or Not is a slow burn friends to lovers romance that follows Eve after her entire life is impacted by a surprise pregnancy. It strains everything in her life from her job to her relationship with her best friend Willa. Willa's brother, someone Eve has known her whole life along with Willa, is the slow burn romance in the book. I don't think it's that big of a spoiler. While it is a slow burn, yes, it is quite obvious that they've both caught feelings. I thought the arc of the relationship was great. In a lot of romance books, it happens too fast. When it doesn't, it makes the big moments that much more impactful. I also think the pregnancy itself was very well portrayed.

The one thing that got me about this book was that Eve behaved so much like a hot mess teenager that I often forgot I wasn't reading a YA contemporary romance instead. It does feel like that a lot of the time.

I would recommend it if you like romance!

Oh I adored this book, it was unexpected in the best kind of way. Heartwarming, funny, emotional.

Cara Bastone writes the best banter, her female characters always have the best sense of humour and the men are beyond loveable, and this one served up my new favourite book boyfriend.

When a romance is centred around pregnancy I am a bit weary but this one, I’m telling you, works and beyond the seamless way Bastone plots this it is also full of insights about becoming a first time mother and is told with reverence and charm. I loved the characters in this book, they grew so much and were as likeable as Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks and it gave major rom com vibes, I’d love to see this made into a movie.

This is a swoony, delightful love story, that I highly recommend, look for it February 13.

The cover of this really drew me in and piqued my interest! Overall, this was a great read and really focused on the development of the main character.

I think this trope can be difficult, but I liked the way in which it was portrayed. The romance was sweet, but was not the main focus for me. The writing was beautiful and I will definitely be checking out more by Bastone!

For the most part, I really liked this book. The story of a surprise pregnancy that results in a friendship turning into love was endearing and humorous. I really enjoyed the story's found family element, and the characters were likeable and authentic. The hero, Shep, was compassionate and encouraging, while the heroine, Eve, was realistic and quirky. Their relationship developed slowly but in a nice way. My one complaint is that I would have liked more development and depth in the relationship between Eve and Shep, and more exploration of their personal growth and challenges. Other than that I absolutely enjoyed this book.

The story is fine but the writing can be annoying, especially if you’re not in the mood for this type of writing. It’s like reading the inner thoughts of someone on cotton candy crack. I think if I had been in a lighter mood, I wouldn’t have minded as much. Pick this one up if you’re happy and want to stay happy! (Also this was my first pregnancy trope, and ehhh)

I received an advanced copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

I liked the premise of Ready or Not, that a young woman becomes pregnant from a one-night stand, decides to keep the baby and handles it in a relatively level-headed way. I haven't read a story from this perspective and was interested in hearing her story. What I liked about the book is that it really focused on the time of her pregnancy - how she goes through physical and emotional changes as it progresses, how people around her react and support her and her relationship with the father of the child (SPOILER: non-romantic). What I didn't like was her romance with her best friend's brother. I never felt the chemistry between the two of them. And I kept thinking that it was a colossally bad time in her life to get involved in a serious new relationship. Overall, I didn't love the book but didn't hate it. 3/5 stars.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this one! I liked that Shep was so patient and loyal!

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read an advanced copy of Ready or Not by Cara Bastone, it was a real treat.

I have never read a book like this one before, it was truly out of the box for me and was very refreshing. I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. I never once felt like something was overdone or cliche. It may have to do with the fact that not many people write about pregnancy in fiction, but I personally think that Bastone is just a wonderful writer.

In this story, Eve finds herself accidentally pregnant and must come to terms with it. It isn't as straightforward as she would hope though. The baby daddy is dealing with drama of his own, her best friend is dealing with infertility, and her best friend's brother is being, well himself. Shep, the best friend's brother, is a golden retriever type. Everyone needs a Shep in their life. He was supportive every step of the way, even stepping out of the way when that's what Eve needed. I loved him so much! Their romance was healthy and swoon-worthy.

I'm not one for smut. I usually just skim through it, to make sure I'm not missing any important plot points. What I caught of the smut in this book was kind of awkward and cringy. It wasn't bad by any means, it just wasn't the best. Which worked out perfectly for me since I don't care for it anyway. I wouldn't turn away from this book based on that one scene, I would just be prepared for it.

This book is a cute and refreshing read. If you are looking for a new take on the best friend's brother trope this book is one you should definitely try.

Ready or Not Cara Bastone
Publication Date- February 13th
Publisher- Random House Publishing
Overall Rating- 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I read this in December of 2023. Because of the way I do my wrap up’s this will count for any favorite or least favorite books of 2024. This I believe will end up making it onto my favorites of 2024. I was so impressed by this book. I already want to read it again. The author somehow manages to include hilarious comedy, good banter, tough subjects, mature conversations, realistic communication and reactions to stress, authentic characters and some slightly open door scenes. This book packs a huge punch with heavy topics around pregnancy, grief, infertility, friendship, accidental pregnancy, and so much more. I cannot say enough good things about Ready or Not. Even though I got an ebook copy for review, I will be keeping my preorder and buying one for my shelves.

Usually when I do reviews, I tell you things that I would have liked to have been different or better. I don’t have anything to say for Ready or Not. I loved every second of this book and often forgot I was reading. I blew through it in one day.

I ended up DNF'ng this book. I was pulled in by the cover but the writing just isn't for me, and I can't force myself to pick this up again. I will not be publishing a review as I didn't read enough of the book to give a fair assessment.

Although I thought the relationship between two secondary characters was too neat, I enjoyed this book. Eve finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand and decides to keep the baby. The father is a nice guy who Eve genuinely likes, but they are not together. He has an on-and-off girlfriend. In the meantime, Shep, an old childhood friend and the brother of Eve's best friend is supportive and helpful. I appreciated that the relationship between Even and her best friend, Willa, becomes somewhat strained when Eve announces her pregnancy. Willa and her husband have been trying for a baby.

"Ready or Not" by Cara Bastone is a refreshingly authentic novel that navigates the complexities of unexpected pregnancies and evolving relationships. Centered on Eve, who finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand, the story explores the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy and its impact on various relationships in her life.
The narrative delves into the nuanced dynamics between Eve, her best friend Willa, and Willa's brother Shep, who unexpectedly becomes a pillar of support. Bastone's portrayal of pregnancy details and emotions feels genuine, offering a unique perspective on family, love, and personal growth. The book's emotional impact and exploration of interconnected lives make it a rewarding read, providing insights into the transformative journey of impending parenthood.

Ready or Not is such a sweet read! It follows the adventures of Eve as she navigates life after finding out she's pregnant. Everything as she knows it changes, but is she ready to change with it? And how will all of her friends fit into these changes? If you enjoy Rom-Coms, Contemporary Romance, Slow Burn, or complicated relationships, Ready or Not is the perfect book to add to your TBR! 4 Stars!