Eve gets pregnant from a one night stand. Not exactly the typical beginning of a romcom! Cara Bastone has crafted a wholy unique premise that had me quite intrigued and eager to pick up this book. As a young professional in NYC, Eve is shocked to find out that a one-time hookup with local bar owner Ethan has resulted in two positive lines on a pregnancy test. She is quickly surrounded by a caring and supportive network of friends and family. Shep, her childhood friend, is eager to accompany her through this transition. While grateful for his encouragement, she is struggling with Ethan's inconsistent commitment to their child. Throughout her pregnancy, Eve begins to dream of her new life as a mother all while wondering if maybe Shep could be more than a friend.

I really loved the boldness of the plot: it was refreshing to read about a surprise pregnancy that does not result in conflict, utter poverty and despair, familial rejection. "Ready or Not" shows that being a single mom doesn't always mean forfeiting love or joy. The main issues for me were: the quality of the writing and the literal romanticization of a surprise pregnancy. I've never read anything by the author before and... I was not impressed. For reference, it's very similar to Colleen Hoover. I think this contributed to my frustration with the characters that mostly read like teenagers, not young adults. The dialogue was fairly cringy. There's also a fair amount of acknowledgement of the challenges of motherhood (paying for daycare, budgeting, work schedules, etc). but no real solutions provided. I guess we are meant to assume she "just figures it out." I think it's ok for a lighthearted book to be escapist and not dwell on the difficulties of real life, but this seemed really far fetched. Also, to be fair, this is an extremely difficult story to pull off within a post- Roe vs. Wade society where anxieties about motherhood are very high. As a love story, it's cute. But it's hard to ignore the extremely politicized backdrop of this romance even if it's barely mentioned by the author. I'm glad this book is out there and it will certainly connect with some readers even if Eve's almost cavalier attitude towards her own circumstances was too perplexing for me.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was AMAZING - full stop! I didn't expect to love this book so much but after a certain point I couldn't put it down. Maybe it's because I just had my first baby last year and the pregnancy memories are all still so fresh, maybe it's because I love a good romcom - who knows? But I can say that this book was so well written and so lovely and I was sad to see it end.

The way that Bastone handled the conflict between the characters was so mature and not exactly what you expect. An unplanned pregnancy isn't an easy storyline in our current political climate, so I appreciate that it was handled with care and respect.

Thank you again for the ARC. Cara Bastone just acquired a new fan!

(A note: for those struggling with infertility, TTC or loss, this may be a book that isn't for you right now. Be gentle with yourself!)

Eve unexpectedly finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand and has to figure out what this means for her future. She knows pretty quickly that she wants to keep the baby, but avoids many of the realities that come with that decision. The baby's father is just as confused as she is, but luckily Eve has a great support system from childhood friend Shep, who is always there when she needs him. I loved that this book had no villains and both male leads want what's best for Eve and her child. This was a sweet, quick read and I'll be on the lookout for more by Bastone.

A totally delightful read! Unplanned pregnancy romances don’t usually work for me (too terrifying a concept), but this one really, really did. I couldn’t put it down.

I didn’t actually know the premise when I picked this up, just that I’ve enjoyed Cara Bastone’s writing in the past and that Ready or Not has a GORGEOUS cover. I’m not sure I would have gravitated towards it if I’d known the plot going in, so I’m actually really glad I judged this book by its cover.

Cara Bastone did so many of my favorite things so, so well here. Great voice, three dimensional friendships, a page turning slow burn, and an “I’ve secretly loved you for my whole life” hero. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This was a good story. I liked how it was divided in sections based on trimester of pregnancy. Eve gets pregnant after a one night stand and her best friend's brother steps in to help. It's a realistic feeling friends to lovers story.

I’d like to start by giving a big thank you to Penguin Random House for sending me an ARC of this novel! I had never read any works by Cara Bastone, but when I saw that unplanned pregnancy was the main trope, I started reading immediately and I was delighted by this book <3 I give it 4.5 stars overall!!

I loved Cara Bastone’s ability to craft such a relatable and real FMC. Eve is so funny and a mess, and I felt like i was watching one of my friends navigate this journey because she is so 20-something year old woman coded.

Eve is such a genuine and likeable character, and I really truly did feel like I was there with her to experience every high and low during her pregnancy. She is such a refreshing main character and I really hope everyone loves her as much as I do!

The plot of this book was so fun and anxiety-inducing because….pregnancy. Bastone’s writing style and ability to create such a cohesive story and characters that just work is so effortless! All of the characters were unique in their own way and their character arc never felt forced, or clashed with the plot, and I was FLOORED by how wholesome and genuine the MMC’s were.

Shep is literally the most golden retriever male character to exist and I was continuously amazed by how GOOD he is. That man does not have a single bit of stereotypical man in him and I adored him.

I wanted to hate Ethan so much but the more I learned about his background, the more I realized he was just a man trying to figure out what was best for his child and I couldn’t find it in me to dislike him. Cara Bastone literally invented genuine men –– like I firmly believe the saying “he was written by a woman” was created for Cara Bastone’s male characters.

Who doesn’t want 2 hot men taking care of them and their baby post labor??? Eve won at life!!!

If you have lost faith in men as a 20-something year old woman in today’s dating scene, read Ready or Not to have that faith restored <3

What I liked:
- All of Eve's growth in her relationships, career, etc.)
- SHEP! He was so supportive and patient with Eve. Also his acts of service love language is so cute!
- the labor scenes where everyone came together for Eve!

TW/CW: miscarriage (side-character), parental loss (side and main character),

What a lovely surprise of a book! Eve Hatch is pretty content with her life, she thinks. Her job is okay (not the dream but close enough), she has great friends and a beautifully curated apartment. When Eve unexpectedly becomes pregnant after a one night stand she has to start reevaluating things.

This book had some unexpected depth that I appreciated. Her relationships with Willa, Shep and Ethan were all well developed and thought through. If you’re looking for a cozy, feel good, warm hug of a book this is it. Perfect for Valentine’s Day. If only life could turn out this well. 😆

Thank you Netgalley and dial press for the e-Arc in exchange for my honest review. I was instantly drawn to the super gorgeous cover and was excited to start reading it. The cover also drew Mr in as a big town Gilmore girls type book. Surprise pregnancy isn't always my favorite unless done well, and this was handles in the best way. I love a best friends older brother but for me the slow burn was just too slow and felt a tad bit Long as a result.

Ready or Not is a lot of sweet and a bit of spice romance novel with lovable characters and relatable storylines. The reader can't help but root for Eve, shocked by an unplanned pregnancy, as she navigates awkward conversations and an uncertain future. Bolstered by childhood best friends Willa and kindhearted Shep, Eve begins to come to grips with her life changing unexpectedly. Add a bewildered baby daddy and big career decisions and Eve is too overwhelmed and confused to see what's clear to those around her. Sometimes the ones who've loved you the longest, love you the best.

Life comes at you fast in Cara Bastone's "Ready or Not." After a one night stand Eve Hatch's universe is rocked when she finds out she is pregnant.

Eve works as an admin at a wildlife conservatory and is biding her time until a more influential role in conservatorship for saving the animals opens up at the company. She's very into the status-quo of how life is and isn't searching for more, when she finds herself plus-one. When she goes to the bar to tell the bartender she hooked up with, she finds out he's not just the bartender, but also the owner- yay! and also back with his ex-girlfriend- not so yay. At work she's approached to join the finance team- a step up but not in the direction she had dreamed of, and now with child Eve has all sorts of decisions to make. She leans on her bestie Willa, and Willa's brother Shep for guidance as she starts planning for this new direction of her life. Ethan - Eve's baby daddy, kinda wants to be involved, but his gf does not want him to be, more complications. Eve's hormones test her boundaries with Shep making her wonder if there is more there than friendship. Chaos all around, this book was a great vacation read and wonderful story. Enforced the thought that though things don't always go according to plan and life throws you curveballs, if you have faith in yourself it will all work out.

Thank you to @netgalley @penguinrandomhouse @carabastone #dialpress #readyornot.

I was hesitant to read this because I don't love the surprise pregnancy trope. But this was a surprisingly cozy, rom-com read. I enjoyed the New York ambience which made this a warm fall read. I will say this skews more toward women's fiction so if you're looking for that this is a great read!

What a beautiful little romance novel!

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone just enchanted me. In it we meet Eve, who has just found out she’s pregnant after a one night stand with Ethan. Eve’s pregnancy cracks open the relationships in her life, from Willa, her best friend who has been struggling to get pregnant herself, to Willa’s brother Shep, who may or may not have a crush on Eve, to Ethan, who’s not sure how involved in the baby’s life he wants to be. As the months go by, Eve comes to term with impending motherhood while finding who she is in her career and her personal life.

This novel is a sweet slow burn that completely warmed my heart. I felt for Eve when I needed to and found myself falling for the people in her life. Life can be messy and this book definitely showcases that. I definitely felt swept up in this book and was sad when it ended.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5

ugh the baby fever is so real rn...

this book was the absolute best surprise ever!! i had no idea what to expect because it's not really a romance and not really a women's fiction book, it's a beautiful mix of the two. from the very beginning i was hooked on eve's story and couldn't put this book down until i got to read her happy ending. i am in the minority with my opinion that surprise/accidental pregnancy books are good. if anyone needs convincing read this book, or out on a limb, or reckless.. defiantly my top three!

as a romance i was slightly skeptical because i really hate love triangle's and i just loved shep so much. the anxiety i had over what would happen with ethan was so real. shep is literally one of the sweetest book men ever, we love men that pine for DECADES over one women!!! this couple deserves all the happiness in the world, ethan does as well. a book where he gets his happy ending and shep and eve are cheering him on the whole time and giving him dating tips is a necessity!

so yes this was amazingly cute and i definitely recommend picking this up when it gets released in febuary! all i wish is that there was more of an epilogue because i just wanted so much more moments with everyone and the baby!

*Thank you NetGalley for the arc*

This isn’t typically a trope that I read, but something about this book really drew me in. I am so glad I had the opportunity to receive this arc, because I really enjoyed this book. As soon as i started reading it I knew it was going to be a book I would have to make myself put down.

I loved seeing the different dynamics of Eve’s relationships and how she dealt with an unexpected pregnancy. Also I mean who wouldn’t love Shep? The first scene he was in I just knew I would love him. Ready or Not was a great read and I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy or want to check out this trope.

Cara Bastone’s writing is so lovely and was so easy to read. I flew right through this book and I definitely will be checking out more of Cara’s books!

Oh my heart - Shep. Excellent characters and one of the best books I’ve reviewed. I really enjoyed Ready or Not and will be purchasing the paperback!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House / Dial Press.

This was a heartwarming read with a lot of interesting dynamics between the various characters. If you have hopes for a sweeping romantic tale here, go into the book knowing it’s more women’s fiction than romance until about the last 20% to manage expectations, but know the romance does come and it is lovely.

Eve ends up pregnant after a one-night stand and finds unwavering support from her friend and best friend’s brother, Shep. She has to navigate the idea of bringing a new life into the world, figure out how involved the baby’s father wants to and is willing to be and the dynamic of their relationship, and decide on a path at work all while feelings unexpected emotions toward Shep.

I have never been pregnant and don’t care to be, so while I have no personal experience with Eve’s situation, all her various emotions felt as authentic as I could imagine. I felt for her trying to balance needing Willa’s support while also being an understanding friend knowing it would be hard for Willa in the face of her own struggles. I liked seeing Eve’s growth as she worked through things with Ethan and coming to terms with the fact that, if needed, she could figure out how to do it on her own. She gave him a lot of grace in the situation, and I had a lot of respect for her.

And now Shep. Sweet Prince Shep. I loved him. I wanted more with him and Eve — this is where the above disclaimer about the romance stemmed from. A lot of the book is spent in Eve’s head as she figures out her situation for herself with tender and sweet moments and interactions sprinkled in with Shep. As a reader, Shep’s feelings were very clear and I was ready for their friendship to evolve much sooner. However, the way it plays out is very endearing and probably much more realistic given the situation. I just loved him and his steadfastness, maturity, and deeply caring nature. He was a great partner, both as a friend and romantically.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I don’t often seek out pregnancy storylines in the books I’m choosing to read, so I’m glad I took a chance on this one.

I was NOT ready for how much I was going to enjoy this book! Such a rollercoaster of emotions with the funniest leading lady I have read in a while.

Recap: Eve lives a very simple life - her apartment is perfectly curated, her job is comfortable, her life is predictable. Until she has a one night stand and, unpredictably, gets pregnant. To her surprise, her biggest support is Shep, her longtime friend and brother of her childhood bestie, Willa. Through a journey of ups, down, nausea, cravings, and dealing with the unexpected, Eve learns a lot about her family, her life, her relationships, and love - where she least expected to find it.

Review:
It is the best thing I have read in several months. This is my first Cara Bastone book, and it will NOT be the last!
Each character was so carefully crafted, from the very beginning. Eve is clever, funny without knowing how funny she is, and loves those around her. I enjoyed her journey through pregnancy, and how she handled the complex relationships in her life, from Willa to Ethan to her brothers to Nurse Louise.
One of the things I enjoyed the most was how the author portrayed how sometimes we don't know what is going on with those around us, mostly because we only know the side of them we are used to. When she knew more about her brother and about Willa's feelings, she became closer to them and was able to find the support she needed through her pregnancy.
Throughout, Cara kept me engaged with the characters, laughing at Eve's inner monologue, swooning over Shep and his caring actions, and crying alongside Eve when she saw how great her circle of support is. Truly a great read and I cannot wait for this book to come out and share with everyone.

Read if you like:
Friends to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Secret Crushes
Best friend's brother

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for an advanced copy of this book.

Can “Ready or Not” be described as “unexpected pregnancy” when that is the whole synopsis of the story? I mean, it's unexpected for Eve, sure, but we don't know her, we know nothing about her if not that she randomly got pregnant.

I sound like a hater, but it wasn't my intent, at first. I was well aware of what the story was about since the beginning; in fact, I asked for an ARC specifically for the OMG-I'm-pregnant-what-do-I-do-now trope.
And since lots of people liked it, my question is still there: do I dislike pregnant women in books or do I dislike Cara Bastone’s vision of it?

Something tells me it's the latter because, if you really think about it, the story is kind of… questionable.
Eve basically grew up with no family, has a job she hates - and is not very remunerative -, is single and never gave a thought about having kids. Which is completely normal for a woman still in her 20s who's figuring out what to do in her life.
And then she finds out she's pregnant and she's simply fine with that. She doesn't panic, she doesn't think for a moment about how her life is gonna change, and she isn't anxious about pushing out of her body a literal human being. She's like: “<i>I’m pregnant, so I'll have a baby</i>”.
And I know some of you could say that I'm pissed because she didn't consider getting an abortion not even for a second - because she didn't consider that at all -, but I'm not. I imagine what a woman in her situation would think or do - what I’d think or do -, and there are two options: or she's very delusional because she actually believes everything is gonna be okay and the world is an amazing place and nobody will ever try to kidnap her kid, or she's completely detached as a person in general.

While Shep is without a doubt the best part of this story - he's so kind, generous and cute, not to mention his functioning brain; and Willa could have been harsher, given her situation; and Ethan is not perfect, but way less awful than I expected.
And while the lack of toxicity was both so good to witness and irrealistic.
Eve’s first reaction drove me off significantly, too much to enjoy the rest of her journey.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Random House and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

I didn’t really go in expecting a big connection with this book. It was recommended to me and I figured eh, why not. I needed a little break from fantasy books.

But as someone who is only 25 and still not even thinking about pregnancy and whatnot at this time, I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The surprise pregnancy is never my favorite trope, but this book took a surprise pregnancy and completely rewrote the rule book in a way that I found very honest and emotional.

I definitely had tears at some points. I truly enjoyed the journey of Eve’s pregnancy and how she grew through the stages. Overall, this really was a very good story.